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Tiara
The Princess of Edinburgh has been kidnapped, and peace talks in Northern Ireland are in danger of falling apart. Princess Jennifer's fate attracts the attention of several international organizations, including the IRA, MI6, and the CIA.
While Jennifer finds herself the mistreated prize in an age-old war, no one can expect what happens when the Irish assassin, only known as the Golden Terror, takes an interest in her.
With the future of a nation hanging in the balance, the two cross paths and enter a deadly race against time, and some of the most dangerous men in the world.
★★★★★ - "Sons Of Anarchy meets Mission Impossible."
★★★★★ - "A tale full of action and intrigue, and an intimate look at the different factions of Northern Ireland."
★★★★★ - "Intrigue, suspense, excitement. You've got all three in this political thriller."
While Jennifer finds herself the mistreated prize in an age-old war, no one can expect what happens when the Irish assassin, only known as the Golden Terror, takes an interest in her.
With the future of a nation hanging in the balance, the two cross paths and enter a deadly race against time, and some of the most dangerous men in the world.
★★★★★ - "Sons Of Anarchy meets Mission Impossible."
★★★★★ - "A tale full of action and intrigue, and an intimate look at the different factions of Northern Ireland."
★★★★★ - "Intrigue, suspense, excitement. You've got all three in this political thriller."
- GenresMystery Thriller
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2004
31 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
John Reinhard Dizon
84 books62 followersJohn Reinhard Dizon was born and raised in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, NY. He participated in local and high school sports at Bishop Loughlin MHS, excelling in wrestling, hockey and football. The lead vocalist of the Spoiler and the Ducky Boys, he was a key figure on the Brooklyn rock scene during the Punk Revolution of the 70's. Relocating to San Antonio TX in the 80's, he moonlighted as a pro wrestler while working as a legal assistant. He successfully pursued a BA at UTSA and degrees in Korean martial arts during the 90's. He currently lives in KC MO where he is studying for his MA in English at UMKC. Mr. Dizon has been studying and writing about Irish history for over twenty-five years.
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January 10, 2014
Loved it!
Well,
First off, I don't give stars away easily. Secondly, this is usually not the type of books I read.
Finally (indulge me), it is a standalone book that is complete but at the same time, I really really hope that a sequel follows that continues into the intrigue, political betrayals and most of all love conflicts that this book has ignited, finding a way to overcome the obstacles between the main characters.
*Spoiler Alert*
Having said that, when I began the book, I had to adjust myself to give it a fair and unbiased shot and I'm sooooo glad I did. It begins with the story of Princess Jennifer, a noble, kind soul who becomes a widow (frankly, considering the man her husband was, she's so much better off) whose gentle but firm spirit and honest intentions lead her into making decisions that all others fear to make for the sake of her country. However, these bring about enemies who are just fine with the underlying chaos that the country faces, and opts (recklessly) to abduct the princess.
When Berlin Mansfield's character is introduced, (who's strength, character, hard heart but soft tone for the Princess he has never met), one's interest is kicked up several notches and your interest is permanently captured.
It is a story mainly packed with action, thrills and well developed characters that draw you in (assassins, MI6, CIA etc), and the main story is laced with forbidden love between the princess and the second most wanted man after Osama Bin Laden,(in literal terms, good and evil fall in love). It is well integrated to provide an enjoyable reading experience for sexes, without it being all action or all romance but a perfect mixture of the two.
I'm not going to reveal any more but its definitely a refreshing read from the various books out there whose plots have become so monotonous and similar.
You know there are some books you read and at the end, you feel like it was a waste of time?
This is DEFINITELY not one of them. Enjoy!
Well,
First off, I don't give stars away easily. Secondly, this is usually not the type of books I read.
Finally (indulge me), it is a standalone book that is complete but at the same time, I really really hope that a sequel follows that continues into the intrigue, political betrayals and most of all love conflicts that this book has ignited, finding a way to overcome the obstacles between the main characters.
*Spoiler Alert*
Having said that, when I began the book, I had to adjust myself to give it a fair and unbiased shot and I'm sooooo glad I did. It begins with the story of Princess Jennifer, a noble, kind soul who becomes a widow (frankly, considering the man her husband was, she's so much better off) whose gentle but firm spirit and honest intentions lead her into making decisions that all others fear to make for the sake of her country. However, these bring about enemies who are just fine with the underlying chaos that the country faces, and opts (recklessly) to abduct the princess.
When Berlin Mansfield's character is introduced, (who's strength, character, hard heart but soft tone for the Princess he has never met), one's interest is kicked up several notches and your interest is permanently captured.
It is a story mainly packed with action, thrills and well developed characters that draw you in (assassins, MI6, CIA etc), and the main story is laced with forbidden love between the princess and the second most wanted man after Osama Bin Laden,(in literal terms, good and evil fall in love). It is well integrated to provide an enjoyable reading experience for sexes, without it being all action or all romance but a perfect mixture of the two.
I'm not going to reveal any more but its definitely a refreshing read from the various books out there whose plots have become so monotonous and similar.
You know there are some books you read and at the end, you feel like it was a waste of time?
This is DEFINITELY not one of them. Enjoy!
April 25, 2014
Dizon uses his intimate knowledge of the IRA an attendant organizations to spin a thriller.
The widowed, but beautiful British Princess Jennifer has captured the hearts and minds of the United Kingdom, including those of Ireland, both Protestant and Catholic. She uses her influence to organize a peace conference of the warring factions in Northern Ireland.
The meeting begins successfully with a gala ball. All goes smoothly until a rogue splinter of the militant Ulster Defense Association decides to sabotage the meeting by kidnapping the Princess.
What follows is a massive search for Jennifer by the British MI6, Army, the IRA, Sinn Fein, even the American CIA. Complicating matters is the infamous international soldier of fortune, Berlin Mansfield who has held a secret infatuation with the Princess. He is bound and determined to find and return her to Buckingham Palace. All these groups work at cross purposes before Dizon brings the tale to a chaotic conclusion.
For the reader who craves the inside story about the political workings of Northern Ireland and British espionage told in detail, this book is for you. Dizon is an intelligent writer who obviously has researched his subject.
For more simple tastes, Tiara might offer more than one can digest in its two hundred fifty-eight pages.
The widowed, but beautiful British Princess Jennifer has captured the hearts and minds of the United Kingdom, including those of Ireland, both Protestant and Catholic. She uses her influence to organize a peace conference of the warring factions in Northern Ireland.
The meeting begins successfully with a gala ball. All goes smoothly until a rogue splinter of the militant Ulster Defense Association decides to sabotage the meeting by kidnapping the Princess.
What follows is a massive search for Jennifer by the British MI6, Army, the IRA, Sinn Fein, even the American CIA. Complicating matters is the infamous international soldier of fortune, Berlin Mansfield who has held a secret infatuation with the Princess. He is bound and determined to find and return her to Buckingham Palace. All these groups work at cross purposes before Dizon brings the tale to a chaotic conclusion.
For the reader who craves the inside story about the political workings of Northern Ireland and British espionage told in detail, this book is for you. Dizon is an intelligent writer who obviously has researched his subject.
For more simple tastes, Tiara might offer more than one can digest in its two hundred fifty-eight pages.
April 16, 2014
Being a fan of political thrillers and after reading Philip Kerr's books, I was looking for something new in this genre. When Tiara was recommended to me, I didn't think twice and read it in almost one go. It is the combination of contemporary, fast pace thriller and a bit of the Royal love story which intrigued me. Of course, I found a great similarity to Princess Diana's life which has ended so tragically. Maybe this was the reason for me to like the "what if the Princess had survived" of the story so much and the thought of a chivalric rescuer saving her is somehow soothing. The political background was well researched and accurate. The characters and political organizations of the time before the Good Friday agreement are well analysed - by now we all know how the game of terrorism is played in politics - . I enjoyed reading Dizon's book Tiara very much and would recommend it to all lovers of political thrillers - especially to those who like to take a breath and smile after a lot of action of which this book is a good combination.
August 6, 2016
"Tiara" by John Reinhard Dizon is a gripping political thriller set in more recent parts of British history. Starting with a great premise it chronicles the life of Princess Jennifer, a widowed Royal who gets involved in the solution to the Irish Terrorist Conflict.
I have moved to the UK just around the time of the setting and remember the stories and people that the book seems to be based on very well, which probably helped to find myself so impressed with the authentic feel and accuracy of the historic details.
The action events of the story are well written and keep a nice level of suspense and intrigue throughout. The Good Friday agreement and IRA terrorism are still fresh in my memory and of course terrorism is still a global problem, which made this a very powerful read to this reader.
Of course the book is fiction and as such a fast paced and thrilling action read, but it seems in parts inspired by Lady Di and it did make me wonder how much good that woman could have done had she survived.
Very recommendable.
I have moved to the UK just around the time of the setting and remember the stories and people that the book seems to be based on very well, which probably helped to find myself so impressed with the authentic feel and accuracy of the historic details.
The action events of the story are well written and keep a nice level of suspense and intrigue throughout. The Good Friday agreement and IRA terrorism are still fresh in my memory and of course terrorism is still a global problem, which made this a very powerful read to this reader.
Of course the book is fiction and as such a fast paced and thrilling action read, but it seems in parts inspired by Lady Di and it did make me wonder how much good that woman could have done had she survived.
Very recommendable.
March 20, 2014
NORTHERN IRELAND, THE IRA AND A ROYAL LOVE STORY - Who would have thought! But the combination in this political thriller adds to its excitement. This is a well-developed tale set in blood in Northern Ireland. When Princess Jennifer is kidnapped, political and terrorist groups take aim at each other as they vie for international publicity. John Dizon is an exceptional writer who makes this unusual story totally believable.
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December 6, 2013
Tiara is one of the most original novels on Northern Ireland written in quite some time. Based on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, it borrows from the Princess Diana tragedy in a what-if scenario, then takes a dark turn into the shadowy world of terrorism that brings us right alongside modern day headlines. Its politics, its characters and its storyline are controversial and intriguing, turning this into a first-rate page-turner.
The fact that the author is able to pack so much action and detail into a 107-page novella is no mean feat in itself. The downside is that it doesn't allow for quick reading, forcing the reader to spend time digesting both the multi-layered subplots and dialogue. The cast of characters and the different organizations may also require a certain amount of flipping back pages, but all in all, it is like a carefully textured rug that is well worth the time spent. It's definitely one you will want to read over again just to relive the moments and also to come across a different perspective on the message and meaning.
Princess Jennifer is a widowed member of British royalty who pursues a vision quest in attending the negotiations at Stormont leading to the GFA in NI of 1998. She becomes a fantasy object to Berlin Mansfield, a terrorist who finagles his way into the peace talks to meet the Princess. Unknown to both of them, she is also the target of the Ulster Defense Association, a loyalist gang intent on holding her hostage to stop the negotiations. She is kidnapped by the UDA, and Mansfield offers his services to the rival IRA to try and rescue the Princess. CIA agents Jon Stevens and Slash Scimitar are in NI on a mission and end up helping the British track down both Mansfield and the kidnappers. Eventually the 'black knight' rescues the Princess, and we end up on a different track on this rollercoaster that eventually hurtles us home safely into the Good Friday Agreement.
Tiara's Jennifer is a knock-off of Princess Di, reminiscent of the guess-who characterizations employed by Mario Puzo in The Godfather. She's a statuesque, emerald-eyed blonde whose philandering husband buys the farm in a boating accident, leaving her with her own unique title (the Princess of Edinburgh) and position as heiress to the throne of England. She buries her grief in British philanthropy, drawing her into the centuries-old debate over the Troubles in Ulster. She becomes a crusader for the quest for self-governance, and in doing so becomes a target for the Ulster Defense Association, a loyalist terror gang. They kidnap the Princess in a last-ditch effort to derail the talks, and we see a reenactment of Lady Di's car accident become a segue into her capture. Her celebrity catapults the incident into international headlines, and at this point the story escalates into a tale of romance, intrigue, revenge and murder between the UDA and the rival IRA.
The antihero is Berlin Mansfield, the bastard son of an Irish prizefighter and a German noblewoman. As a chemical engineer and hacker in his University days, he joins the Baader-Meinhof terror gang to avenge the murder of his father. After the reunification of Germany, he flees to Syria to complete his terrorist training before going on to infamy and fortune in Rwanda. We are introduced to him after he double-crosses a gang of anarchists in an attempted bombing near Buckingham Palace. Here he develops a fixation on Jennifer and begins negotiating with an IRA chieftain to join their Sinn Fein entourage at the peace talks in Belfast. The Princess' kidnap results in the IRA, while handcuffed by the ceasefire, sponsoring Mansfield as he musters a gang to rescue the Princess. Meanwhile, SAS Major Mark O'Shaughnessy develops his own fixation on Mansfield (reminiscent of Les Miserables), and is determined to destroy the Golden Terror regardless of the cost. Mansfield eventually recovers Jennifer, and it leads into a Patty Hearst scenario as she falls in love with her rogue. Jennifer remains with the Mansfield Gang, getting a first-hand view of the liberties and excesses of the government against its Republican citizens before being re-rescued by their pursuers.
CIA agents Jon Stevens and Slash Scimitar are the heroes of the tale, originally sent to Ulster to establish a connection between Muslim terrorists and the IRA. They are sent to the Europa Hotel in Belfast on recon and wind up in the thick of the kidnapping incident. Having opened up a motorcycle shop on the West Side, they become objects of interest to both the UDA and the IRA, allowing us a bird's eye view of the community as a result. They are enlisted by Major O'Shaughnessy to help rescue the Princess, and become tangled in the skirmishes between the UDA kidnappers and the Mansfield Gang. These guys are James Bond gone bad, hard-drinking gun-runners from the CIA's Paramilitary Division in Bosnia trying to redeem their careers in an improbable scenario as the tabloids' mysterious American Mercenaries. Jon and Slash will earn their place among the memorable figures in spy fiction with their hip dialogue, street-wise approach and gangbuster tactics in saving the Princess for a not-so-storybook ending. This dynamic duo certainly does more than its share in bringing this tale to a level well above the droll fiction we've seen in the Irish genre over the decades.
Although the IRA and their counterparts, Sinn Fein and MADD (Mothers Against Drug Dealers, or Evil Mothers), remain shadowy figures in the novel, the conflicts within the UDA are most noteworthy. Elderly bosses Jimmy "the Bull" Doherty and Delmore Merrick struggle to maintain control of their politically-savvy kidnap team under street tough Baxter Cody. Along with fraying political connections, they eventually lose their most deadly assassin, Shannon Blackburn (my vote as the scariest villain of all time), as well as their control of East Belfast in the changing times ahead. The subplot provides us with an insightful look at NI in its arrival into a new century amidst its traditional values and mores.
The fact that the author is able to pack so much action and detail into a 107-page novella is no mean feat in itself. The downside is that it doesn't allow for quick reading, forcing the reader to spend time digesting both the multi-layered subplots and dialogue. The cast of characters and the different organizations may also require a certain amount of flipping back pages, but all in all, it is like a carefully textured rug that is well worth the time spent. It's definitely one you will want to read over again just to relive the moments and also to come across a different perspective on the message and meaning.
Princess Jennifer is a widowed member of British royalty who pursues a vision quest in attending the negotiations at Stormont leading to the GFA in NI of 1998. She becomes a fantasy object to Berlin Mansfield, a terrorist who finagles his way into the peace talks to meet the Princess. Unknown to both of them, she is also the target of the Ulster Defense Association, a loyalist gang intent on holding her hostage to stop the negotiations. She is kidnapped by the UDA, and Mansfield offers his services to the rival IRA to try and rescue the Princess. CIA agents Jon Stevens and Slash Scimitar are in NI on a mission and end up helping the British track down both Mansfield and the kidnappers. Eventually the 'black knight' rescues the Princess, and we end up on a different track on this rollercoaster that eventually hurtles us home safely into the Good Friday Agreement.
Tiara's Jennifer is a knock-off of Princess Di, reminiscent of the guess-who characterizations employed by Mario Puzo in The Godfather. She's a statuesque, emerald-eyed blonde whose philandering husband buys the farm in a boating accident, leaving her with her own unique title (the Princess of Edinburgh) and position as heiress to the throne of England. She buries her grief in British philanthropy, drawing her into the centuries-old debate over the Troubles in Ulster. She becomes a crusader for the quest for self-governance, and in doing so becomes a target for the Ulster Defense Association, a loyalist terror gang. They kidnap the Princess in a last-ditch effort to derail the talks, and we see a reenactment of Lady Di's car accident become a segue into her capture. Her celebrity catapults the incident into international headlines, and at this point the story escalates into a tale of romance, intrigue, revenge and murder between the UDA and the rival IRA.
The antihero is Berlin Mansfield, the bastard son of an Irish prizefighter and a German noblewoman. As a chemical engineer and hacker in his University days, he joins the Baader-Meinhof terror gang to avenge the murder of his father. After the reunification of Germany, he flees to Syria to complete his terrorist training before going on to infamy and fortune in Rwanda. We are introduced to him after he double-crosses a gang of anarchists in an attempted bombing near Buckingham Palace. Here he develops a fixation on Jennifer and begins negotiating with an IRA chieftain to join their Sinn Fein entourage at the peace talks in Belfast. The Princess' kidnap results in the IRA, while handcuffed by the ceasefire, sponsoring Mansfield as he musters a gang to rescue the Princess. Meanwhile, SAS Major Mark O'Shaughnessy develops his own fixation on Mansfield (reminiscent of Les Miserables), and is determined to destroy the Golden Terror regardless of the cost. Mansfield eventually recovers Jennifer, and it leads into a Patty Hearst scenario as she falls in love with her rogue. Jennifer remains with the Mansfield Gang, getting a first-hand view of the liberties and excesses of the government against its Republican citizens before being re-rescued by their pursuers.
CIA agents Jon Stevens and Slash Scimitar are the heroes of the tale, originally sent to Ulster to establish a connection between Muslim terrorists and the IRA. They are sent to the Europa Hotel in Belfast on recon and wind up in the thick of the kidnapping incident. Having opened up a motorcycle shop on the West Side, they become objects of interest to both the UDA and the IRA, allowing us a bird's eye view of the community as a result. They are enlisted by Major O'Shaughnessy to help rescue the Princess, and become tangled in the skirmishes between the UDA kidnappers and the Mansfield Gang. These guys are James Bond gone bad, hard-drinking gun-runners from the CIA's Paramilitary Division in Bosnia trying to redeem their careers in an improbable scenario as the tabloids' mysterious American Mercenaries. Jon and Slash will earn their place among the memorable figures in spy fiction with their hip dialogue, street-wise approach and gangbuster tactics in saving the Princess for a not-so-storybook ending. This dynamic duo certainly does more than its share in bringing this tale to a level well above the droll fiction we've seen in the Irish genre over the decades.
Although the IRA and their counterparts, Sinn Fein and MADD (Mothers Against Drug Dealers, or Evil Mothers), remain shadowy figures in the novel, the conflicts within the UDA are most noteworthy. Elderly bosses Jimmy "the Bull" Doherty and Delmore Merrick struggle to maintain control of their politically-savvy kidnap team under street tough Baxter Cody. Along with fraying political connections, they eventually lose their most deadly assassin, Shannon Blackburn (my vote as the scariest villain of all time), as well as their control of East Belfast in the changing times ahead. The subplot provides us with an insightful look at NI in its arrival into a new century amidst its traditional values and mores.
October 4, 2021
The Princess of Edenborough has called together all the forces wrecking the peace and lives of the people of Ireland and Northern Ireland. All are attending a royal dinner before the talks actually begin. When a handsome, athletic male asks her for a dance. The powers that be suspect he is a terrorist, but can find no match. She and the handsome stranger feels a strong attachment. As people begin to leave the princess is snatched by one of IRA members. The CIA men almost rescue her and Berlin Mansfield, the mercenary she danced with is determined to find her and rescue her. This quick read is filled with men blowing each other’s heads off or trying to while rescuing the poor, frightened princess who just wanted to bring peace to the land. The CIA agents keep getting captured by the English security forces and Mansfield finals pulls off his recue. The next thing he knows the Brits are after him and the princess is rescued once again. The entire book is a romp of good reading. Enjoy!
October 30, 2017
New author
This author is new to me. The story was full of action and I ended most of it The end could been better.
This author is new to me. The story was full of action and I ended most of it The end could been better.
November 3, 2018
Excellent
Very well done. Enjoyed the story from start to finish. I enjoyed how the plot and characters were developed this would make terrific movie.
Very well done. Enjoyed the story from start to finish. I enjoyed how the plot and characters were developed this would make terrific movie.
June 16, 2014
The great pulp fiction authors, who wrote their serialized stories for magazines, have long disappeared. Cheap paperback novels nudged the serials into nonexistence, and everyone could read the whole story in their hands rather than wait for the next installment. However, those magazines launched many a writer's career into the spotlight of fame, and some authors went on to write literary classics, novels that are read and discussed in the hallowed halls of universities, and required reading for the young. Readers could expect everything from a horror story to buxom damsels in distress rescued from villains by the square-jawed, rippling muscled heroes, and villains dispatched with extreme prejudice. The stories were fast paced, based in exotic climes, or set in romantic surroundings like a ship at sea or out on the range. Every chapter ended in a cliff-hanger leaving the reader salivating for the next installment. John Reinhard Dizon brings us back to those good old days of a fun read, where you can get lost in the action, and expect the beautiful girl to be pulled from the jaws of death just in the nick of time.
His latest escapade, Tiara, takes us to the conflict within the five provinces of British occupied Northern Ireland, where the beautiful princess of Edinburgh is about to open peace talks between the two warring factions: The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Defense Army (UDA). The action packed story begins with an explosion, then you are neck deep in secret meetings and covert deals and cabals of mercenaries.
On the eve of the talks arranged by the British government, a ball is given, and the Princess is snatched by an Ulster faction in order to prevent the talks from moving forward. Everyone takes advantage of the confusion, and some look to further their own careers or hide their criminal enterprises from the light being shed on the region by the media and the British government. Enter a dashing mercenary who wants to rescue the princess because of his own agenda both political and personal, and you have the makings of a classic pulp fiction story with characters right out of those magazines of yesteryear with a touch of Paddy Chayefsky thrown in.
Dizon paints a woeful picture of each faction, but an accurate one. He does his homework, and understands the motivations behind all the players. Bearing in mind that the thorny mess in the north is rife with factions within factions, and motives are legion, everywhere from suspect to criminal, he brings a clarity to who these people are in reality. In the story, all the players have their own agenda, just as they do in fact, and if the peace talks succeed there will be millions of pounds lost for some of those factions. One has to wonder if the reason the Ulster factions in reality don't want to negotiate a peace is because they have too much to lose if there isn't a war. As long as their power is consolidated, sanctioned, and codified by the British government, peace is a too distant prospect. Dizon doesn't hit you over the head with the idea, he just lays it out on the table, making it available for those who want to see it outside the story.
The best part is that he never forgets the Irish people who are caught in the middle; the moms and dads and children both Catholic and Protestant. They are the ones who suffer the most, and that is where he places his hope for a future of peace.
Tiara is available on Amazon, as are Dizon's other books.
Cheri Vause is the author of the new release, The Truth and Nothing but Lies, a mystery thriller with a touch of romance, published by GWL Publishing, LLP.
It is also available at Amazon https://plus.google.com/1103567736554...
His latest escapade, Tiara, takes us to the conflict within the five provinces of British occupied Northern Ireland, where the beautiful princess of Edinburgh is about to open peace talks between the two warring factions: The Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Defense Army (UDA). The action packed story begins with an explosion, then you are neck deep in secret meetings and covert deals and cabals of mercenaries.
On the eve of the talks arranged by the British government, a ball is given, and the Princess is snatched by an Ulster faction in order to prevent the talks from moving forward. Everyone takes advantage of the confusion, and some look to further their own careers or hide their criminal enterprises from the light being shed on the region by the media and the British government. Enter a dashing mercenary who wants to rescue the princess because of his own agenda both political and personal, and you have the makings of a classic pulp fiction story with characters right out of those magazines of yesteryear with a touch of Paddy Chayefsky thrown in.
Dizon paints a woeful picture of each faction, but an accurate one. He does his homework, and understands the motivations behind all the players. Bearing in mind that the thorny mess in the north is rife with factions within factions, and motives are legion, everywhere from suspect to criminal, he brings a clarity to who these people are in reality. In the story, all the players have their own agenda, just as they do in fact, and if the peace talks succeed there will be millions of pounds lost for some of those factions. One has to wonder if the reason the Ulster factions in reality don't want to negotiate a peace is because they have too much to lose if there isn't a war. As long as their power is consolidated, sanctioned, and codified by the British government, peace is a too distant prospect. Dizon doesn't hit you over the head with the idea, he just lays it out on the table, making it available for those who want to see it outside the story.
The best part is that he never forgets the Irish people who are caught in the middle; the moms and dads and children both Catholic and Protestant. They are the ones who suffer the most, and that is where he places his hope for a future of peace.
Tiara is available on Amazon, as are Dizon's other books.
Cheri Vause is the author of the new release, The Truth and Nothing but Lies, a mystery thriller with a touch of romance, published by GWL Publishing, LLP.
It is also available at Amazon https://plus.google.com/1103567736554...
March 21, 2015
I would probably give this book more stars if it wasn't for the writing style. Americans may well like it better.
Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh has had a life resembling that of Princess Diana, the difference being that Prince Conrad, her husband, has been killed in a speedboat accident. Wishing to help end the ongoing conflict in the North of Ireland, Jennifer gets involved in negotiations, becoming accepted as a mediator. The year is 1998.
A peace conference gets under way, Jennifer's advisors warning her that it may be targeted by terrorists. The Republican people are tired of being treated like second-class citizens, while the Unionists would start civil war rather than be abandoned in the high-maintenance province. In London however, an assassin is being employed by Al Qaeda to kill Jennifer, as peace would stop their profitable trade with the IRA. This Berlin Mansfield is one of the global security agencies' most wanted men. CIA operatives are ordered to Belfast. Mansfield, refusing the contract, is secretly half in love with the popular princess and, with Irish roots, he longs for a solution to the chaos.
An underprepared security team can't prevent the princess's driver from crashing her car, again based on the Diana tale. The lady is alive but kidnapped... by whom? Potentially by anyone who doesn't want peace. A sociopathic female serial killer is also on the loose, which seems unnecessary, and SAS commandoes, bikers and lay preachers appear, while terrorists fall out and murder their own on a whim.
This thriller is as much an alternate reality tale, with Britain still running an Empire rather than being part of a Commonwealth and Scotland somehow having its own monarchy. Names such as Skull Murphy, Fritz Hammer and Slash Sabre are amusing and the characters are larger than life. No parliamentarians or prominent churchmen are presented. Princess Jennifer is idealistic to a fault but resourceful. Nobody else comes out well - the author describes all partisan groups as mass murderers and serial killers, profiting hugely from illegal drug deals which would end if the police were free to get on with policing. The CIA operatives are also linked to heroin and oddly they own mansions. There is one funny aside where a woman is accused of being a Fenian, and retorts that she's a Wiccan.
The writing style is American, with narration references to sheetrock, a panel truck and block party, none of which are terms used in the UK or Ireland. People regularly grin or gesture words instead of speaking them, which left me unimpressed. ("All good things come to those who wait," Berlin Mansfield smiled. "All the more reason to hang around," John switched off the engine. "Smart arse," he shook his head.) This occurs on almost every page and it's unpleasant to read. We also get lengthy narration of backstory and character throughout, when the author should let us see for ourselves. This is called show don't tell, a writing standard.
Being Irish I can look back and be glad that the troubles are largely over, but the period does lend itself to endlessly complex plotting. TIARA is reminiscent of early Terence Strong books although John Reinhard Dizon is less realistic. He also needs to be careful that his American readers don't get confused with the constant string of organisation initials, even the PLO getting onto several pages. As an action story it's reasonable, if peopled largely by men and one-sided characters. I wouldn't mind seeing Princess Jennifer in another adventure, maybe saving Mrs Ghandi's life.
Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh has had a life resembling that of Princess Diana, the difference being that Prince Conrad, her husband, has been killed in a speedboat accident. Wishing to help end the ongoing conflict in the North of Ireland, Jennifer gets involved in negotiations, becoming accepted as a mediator. The year is 1998.
A peace conference gets under way, Jennifer's advisors warning her that it may be targeted by terrorists. The Republican people are tired of being treated like second-class citizens, while the Unionists would start civil war rather than be abandoned in the high-maintenance province. In London however, an assassin is being employed by Al Qaeda to kill Jennifer, as peace would stop their profitable trade with the IRA. This Berlin Mansfield is one of the global security agencies' most wanted men. CIA operatives are ordered to Belfast. Mansfield, refusing the contract, is secretly half in love with the popular princess and, with Irish roots, he longs for a solution to the chaos.
An underprepared security team can't prevent the princess's driver from crashing her car, again based on the Diana tale. The lady is alive but kidnapped... by whom? Potentially by anyone who doesn't want peace. A sociopathic female serial killer is also on the loose, which seems unnecessary, and SAS commandoes, bikers and lay preachers appear, while terrorists fall out and murder their own on a whim.
This thriller is as much an alternate reality tale, with Britain still running an Empire rather than being part of a Commonwealth and Scotland somehow having its own monarchy. Names such as Skull Murphy, Fritz Hammer and Slash Sabre are amusing and the characters are larger than life. No parliamentarians or prominent churchmen are presented. Princess Jennifer is idealistic to a fault but resourceful. Nobody else comes out well - the author describes all partisan groups as mass murderers and serial killers, profiting hugely from illegal drug deals which would end if the police were free to get on with policing. The CIA operatives are also linked to heroin and oddly they own mansions. There is one funny aside where a woman is accused of being a Fenian, and retorts that she's a Wiccan.
The writing style is American, with narration references to sheetrock, a panel truck and block party, none of which are terms used in the UK or Ireland. People regularly grin or gesture words instead of speaking them, which left me unimpressed. ("All good things come to those who wait," Berlin Mansfield smiled. "All the more reason to hang around," John switched off the engine. "Smart arse," he shook his head.) This occurs on almost every page and it's unpleasant to read. We also get lengthy narration of backstory and character throughout, when the author should let us see for ourselves. This is called show don't tell, a writing standard.
Being Irish I can look back and be glad that the troubles are largely over, but the period does lend itself to endlessly complex plotting. TIARA is reminiscent of early Terence Strong books although John Reinhard Dizon is less realistic. He also needs to be careful that his American readers don't get confused with the constant string of organisation initials, even the PLO getting onto several pages. As an action story it's reasonable, if peopled largely by men and one-sided characters. I wouldn't mind seeing Princess Jennifer in another adventure, maybe saving Mrs Ghandi's life.
March 30, 2014
Love conquers all—even Ireland’s Troubles?
In John Reinhard Dizon’s thriller, Tiara, the coronet worn by Jennifer Mac Manus, Princess of Edinburgh, far from separating her from her subjects, drives her sense of duty to support the Irish Peace Process. Although scandalized by her husband’s pursuit of beautiful women and thrill-seeking sports, and despite the London assassination of his uncle, Lord Layton, by a faction of the Irish Republican Army, she believes in reconciliation. After the playboy prince is killed in speedboat accident that shocks the British nation, Jennifer devotes herself to mending relations with the Irish People and putting a stop to the senseless violence between these Catholic republicans and the loyalist Protestants of Ulster. She agrees to speak at a Belfast summit meeting of the warring parties, including Sinn Fein, the political arm of the outlawed IRA, and various factions of the Ulster Defense Association.
These include a soldier of fortune, Berlin Mansfield, Man of a Thousand Faces, whose exploits at trouble spots across Europe and North Africa have attracted the notice of an Arab sheik allied with Al Qaeda. He is interested in continuing the disruption and fomenting further violence to facilitate his lucrative drug and financial rackets. When Mansfield refuses the sheik’s offer of millions to kill the princess, he foils the plot to murder her and offers his services to protect the princess to a godfather of the IRA free of charge. His reason, he explains to the IRA kingpin, is that the wants to meet her, because she fascinates him for her beauty, wisdom and desire to do the right thing in seeking peace.
Into this explosive mix comes Baxter Cody, a literate UDA underling who has studied the political situation and believes his plot to kidnap the Princess of Edinburgh and use her as a pawn will settle the conflict on Ulster’s terms. His boss, UDA leader Eddie Doherty, a functional illiterate, files Cody’s written plans in his desk drawer and the trash and tells his subordinate to proceed with this little plan, whatever that may be, just so he gets his other assignments done, including a major drug delivery.
Aside from the plot’s complexity and the numerous characters, which thriller fans will take in stride, this heart-pounding cat and mouse game is worthy of a James Patterson thriller in its complexity and daring. The facts that links to drug and corruption plots on both sides of this civil war may have underlain and prolonged Ireland’s Troubles, that Lord Mountbatten’s murder was traced to the IRA and that Princess Diana and Prince Charles were reported in 1983 to have been spared from an IRA assassination plot by an imprisoned criminal’s tipoff—one who had nothing to gain, not even his release—from his assistance, add real life plausibility to this riveting tale. Dizon is a rising author to watch—and to read! —Peter H. Green, Author of Ben’s War with the U.S. Marines
In John Reinhard Dizon’s thriller, Tiara, the coronet worn by Jennifer Mac Manus, Princess of Edinburgh, far from separating her from her subjects, drives her sense of duty to support the Irish Peace Process. Although scandalized by her husband’s pursuit of beautiful women and thrill-seeking sports, and despite the London assassination of his uncle, Lord Layton, by a faction of the Irish Republican Army, she believes in reconciliation. After the playboy prince is killed in speedboat accident that shocks the British nation, Jennifer devotes herself to mending relations with the Irish People and putting a stop to the senseless violence between these Catholic republicans and the loyalist Protestants of Ulster. She agrees to speak at a Belfast summit meeting of the warring parties, including Sinn Fein, the political arm of the outlawed IRA, and various factions of the Ulster Defense Association.
These include a soldier of fortune, Berlin Mansfield, Man of a Thousand Faces, whose exploits at trouble spots across Europe and North Africa have attracted the notice of an Arab sheik allied with Al Qaeda. He is interested in continuing the disruption and fomenting further violence to facilitate his lucrative drug and financial rackets. When Mansfield refuses the sheik’s offer of millions to kill the princess, he foils the plot to murder her and offers his services to protect the princess to a godfather of the IRA free of charge. His reason, he explains to the IRA kingpin, is that the wants to meet her, because she fascinates him for her beauty, wisdom and desire to do the right thing in seeking peace.
Into this explosive mix comes Baxter Cody, a literate UDA underling who has studied the political situation and believes his plot to kidnap the Princess of Edinburgh and use her as a pawn will settle the conflict on Ulster’s terms. His boss, UDA leader Eddie Doherty, a functional illiterate, files Cody’s written plans in his desk drawer and the trash and tells his subordinate to proceed with this little plan, whatever that may be, just so he gets his other assignments done, including a major drug delivery.
Aside from the plot’s complexity and the numerous characters, which thriller fans will take in stride, this heart-pounding cat and mouse game is worthy of a James Patterson thriller in its complexity and daring. The facts that links to drug and corruption plots on both sides of this civil war may have underlain and prolonged Ireland’s Troubles, that Lord Mountbatten’s murder was traced to the IRA and that Princess Diana and Prince Charles were reported in 1983 to have been spared from an IRA assassination plot by an imprisoned criminal’s tipoff—one who had nothing to gain, not even his release—from his assistance, add real life plausibility to this riveting tale. Dizon is a rising author to watch—and to read! —Peter H. Green, Author of Ben’s War with the U.S. Marines
December 27, 2013
I have just finished reading two gripping crime thrillers by John Reinhard Dizon, WOLFMAN and TIARA. Having read the two of them in quick succession, I really feel that I have begun to come to grips with the 'war-spy-crime-thriller' genre and the character of an author whose background as a musician, pro-wrestler and writer must be a "front" for a past career as a spy, soldier of fortune or undercover police operative - though we'll never know this for sure. Everything he writes testifies to an intimate knowledge of Uzis, AK-47s, rocket grenades and the dirty sides of the two of the most vicious and enduring conflicts in recent history: the relatively brief but genocidal war in the Balkans and the decades-long murderous struggle in Northern Ireland.
WOLFMAN is reviewed elsewhere.
In TIARA, Dizon takes on the impossibly bitter and uncompromising conflict in Northern Ireland at the time of the Stormont peace talks. This is another fast-moving, action-packed crime-thriller centring around the abduction of an imaginary member of the British Royal Family. The anti-hero, main male protagonist, Berlin Mansfield, is an enigmatic soldier of fortune who becomes embroiled in the kidnapping as a result of his fascination with the kidnapped Princess of Edinburgh. The necessarily invented names and titles of some of the characters nonetheless resonate with aspects of real-life members of British and European Royalty and their privileged lives are juxtaposed against the unrivalled realism of one of the worst civil conflicts in the twentieth century. In a work such as this the old adage that fiction necessarily involves the temporary suspension of disbelief comes to mind. But the level of detailed knowledge of the political and criminal activities of gangsters, clandestine law enforcement operatives and international terrorists and mercenaries in an around the Northern ireland conflict makes a vivid background to a story of political intrique, cruelty, impossible love and thunderous gun battles. Rizon seems completely at home in this world and the few proofreading lapses can be forgiven as despite twists and turns, the plot moves quickly and fluidly towards its inevitable conclusion. Though it may raise some eyebrows in Britain and Northern Ireland, TIARA is a very enjoyable read and certainly recommended.
WOLFMAN is reviewed elsewhere.
In TIARA, Dizon takes on the impossibly bitter and uncompromising conflict in Northern Ireland at the time of the Stormont peace talks. This is another fast-moving, action-packed crime-thriller centring around the abduction of an imaginary member of the British Royal Family. The anti-hero, main male protagonist, Berlin Mansfield, is an enigmatic soldier of fortune who becomes embroiled in the kidnapping as a result of his fascination with the kidnapped Princess of Edinburgh. The necessarily invented names and titles of some of the characters nonetheless resonate with aspects of real-life members of British and European Royalty and their privileged lives are juxtaposed against the unrivalled realism of one of the worst civil conflicts in the twentieth century. In a work such as this the old adage that fiction necessarily involves the temporary suspension of disbelief comes to mind. But the level of detailed knowledge of the political and criminal activities of gangsters, clandestine law enforcement operatives and international terrorists and mercenaries in an around the Northern ireland conflict makes a vivid background to a story of political intrique, cruelty, impossible love and thunderous gun battles. Rizon seems completely at home in this world and the few proofreading lapses can be forgiven as despite twists and turns, the plot moves quickly and fluidly towards its inevitable conclusion. Though it may raise some eyebrows in Britain and Northern Ireland, TIARA is a very enjoyable read and certainly recommended.
July 21, 2014
Troubles: The name given to the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between opposing paramilitary factions; one, the Provisional IRA, fighting for the Catholic minority cause of a united Ireland and the other, the UDA Ulster Unionists, fighting for the Protestant majority cause of staying loyal to the British government. This is the backdrop of John Reinhard Dizon’s action-packed novel as peacemaker, Princess Jennifer Mac Manus, Princess of Edinburgh, member of the British Royal family, and representative of the British government, organizes preliminary peace talks in Belfast prior to the formal Belfast Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Fearing that the British government is abandoning support for their loyalist cause, UDA terrorists kidnap the Princess at the negotiations right under the watchful eyes MI6 British Secret Intelligence Service, the Royal Ulster Constabulary police force, and the CIA. The search is on. Unbeknownst to all, the Golden Terror, Berlin Mansfield, the world’s most notorious and ruthless soldier of fortune has fallen for the Princess and recruits his old team of mercenaries to join in the fray and free her from her captors …and steal her heart in the process.
“The fickle finger of fate decides the fortunes of men”, states the author, which effectively summarizes the ensuing chaos and action between the opposing forces, even mixing in a multimillion dollar drug racket and a church/community peace movement. Throughout the adventure, the romantic Princess experiences the realities of strife and warfare and comes out of it a much wiser leader. John Reinhard Dizon pulls the reader into the story flawlessly and keeps you there with a well-researched and creative plot. I couldn’t put the book down and I highly recommend adding this to your shopping cart. You will not be disappointed.
“The fickle finger of fate decides the fortunes of men”, states the author, which effectively summarizes the ensuing chaos and action between the opposing forces, even mixing in a multimillion dollar drug racket and a church/community peace movement. Throughout the adventure, the romantic Princess experiences the realities of strife and warfare and comes out of it a much wiser leader. John Reinhard Dizon pulls the reader into the story flawlessly and keeps you there with a well-researched and creative plot. I couldn’t put the book down and I highly recommend adding this to your shopping cart. You will not be disappointed.
February 19, 2017
super cool
I knew the irish situation was bad but not that bad. is there to be a sequel? the book was almost a travelogue through out ireland. but full of action and some romance. my heritage is irish. good read though mp
I knew the irish situation was bad but not that bad. is there to be a sequel? the book was almost a travelogue through out ireland. but full of action and some romance. my heritage is irish. good read though mp
August 13, 2016
I’ve always been fascinated by the way the course of history can so often be set by the smallest of details. A freak storm, a driver taking a wrong route, an international terrorist who has a thing for a kidnapped princess.
The last one is the set up for John Reinhard Dizon’s political thriller, Tiara. Set in the waning days of the Troubles, a fictional Princess Diana-esque British royal is the prime mover behind the Good Friday peace talks in Northern Ireland. While the main beneficiaries of the Good Friday Agreement would be the people of the region, the leaders of all the entrenched political factions have something to lose. One splinter group sets out to wreck the peace talks by kidnapping the most public figure in the peace process: Princess Jennifer.
Pretty soon, everyone is involved, even the CIA, each with their own spin on the outcome. Dizon navigates the alphabet soup of the parties to the conflict with a “been there, done that” aplomb and is obviously familiar with the locale, adding a sense of realism to the story.
The hero is an unlikely one: Berlin Mansfield, the Man of a Thousand Faces, as he is known for his many disguises. But our man Berlin has a weakness and it comes in the form of the lovely Jennifer. Berlin manages to snake his way into the dinner that precedes the peace talks and dances with Jennifer. That’s all it takes. When Jennifer is kidnapped, Berlin, the mercenary, becomes Berlin, the man with a mission: to rescue his Jennifer.
Tiara takes you on a wild ride across the landscape of Northern Ireland, deep into the dark underbelly of the Troubles.
The last one is the set up for John Reinhard Dizon’s political thriller, Tiara. Set in the waning days of the Troubles, a fictional Princess Diana-esque British royal is the prime mover behind the Good Friday peace talks in Northern Ireland. While the main beneficiaries of the Good Friday Agreement would be the people of the region, the leaders of all the entrenched political factions have something to lose. One splinter group sets out to wreck the peace talks by kidnapping the most public figure in the peace process: Princess Jennifer.
Pretty soon, everyone is involved, even the CIA, each with their own spin on the outcome. Dizon navigates the alphabet soup of the parties to the conflict with a “been there, done that” aplomb and is obviously familiar with the locale, adding a sense of realism to the story.
The hero is an unlikely one: Berlin Mansfield, the Man of a Thousand Faces, as he is known for his many disguises. But our man Berlin has a weakness and it comes in the form of the lovely Jennifer. Berlin manages to snake his way into the dinner that precedes the peace talks and dances with Jennifer. That’s all it takes. When Jennifer is kidnapped, Berlin, the mercenary, becomes Berlin, the man with a mission: to rescue his Jennifer.
Tiara takes you on a wild ride across the landscape of Northern Ireland, deep into the dark underbelly of the Troubles.
August 4, 2014
I picked "Tiara" barely yesterday and here I am, finished with this novel, with my head still spinning.
What a ride it was! IRA, UDI, CIA, MI6, British Army and many, many more political bodies and organizations, Catholic and Protestants, and just the regular people of Ulster, swept me along, as everyone was chasing everyone, crossing and fighting, cooperating or forcing cooperation from each other, falling under beautiful woman's charm sometimes, even the hardened revolutionaries or terrorists, struggling to achieve political or personal goals.
What can I say?
This novel was truly difficult to put down. From lovely Jennifer Mac Manus, the Princess of Edinburgh, the long-term activist and peace-seeker, through explosive and charming Berlin Mansfield, the second most wanted man in the world, to Jon and Slash, two CIA agents, to Cody, the idealist fighting for his beloved Ulster, afraid of its secession to Ireland, to beautiful Shannon, the most dangerous assassin working for the local UDI and it's boss Eddy, they all had my undivided attention, my emotions, my sympathy, my cheering on. Nothing is black and white in this novel, nothing simplistic. They are all very much alive, with their strengths and their weaknesses, their passions and their goals, some more dedicated to the case, some less, some corrupted by the 'easy' money of drugs as in the case of some bosses. Everyone has a past, and a future. Everyone REAL. Which is what I mostly admire in a novel, historical or not, the realness of the characters, the logical progress of the events.
Tiara is a great read that I would recommend warmly, to lovers of every genre!
What a ride it was! IRA, UDI, CIA, MI6, British Army and many, many more political bodies and organizations, Catholic and Protestants, and just the regular people of Ulster, swept me along, as everyone was chasing everyone, crossing and fighting, cooperating or forcing cooperation from each other, falling under beautiful woman's charm sometimes, even the hardened revolutionaries or terrorists, struggling to achieve political or personal goals.
What can I say?
This novel was truly difficult to put down. From lovely Jennifer Mac Manus, the Princess of Edinburgh, the long-term activist and peace-seeker, through explosive and charming Berlin Mansfield, the second most wanted man in the world, to Jon and Slash, two CIA agents, to Cody, the idealist fighting for his beloved Ulster, afraid of its secession to Ireland, to beautiful Shannon, the most dangerous assassin working for the local UDI and it's boss Eddy, they all had my undivided attention, my emotions, my sympathy, my cheering on. Nothing is black and white in this novel, nothing simplistic. They are all very much alive, with their strengths and their weaknesses, their passions and their goals, some more dedicated to the case, some less, some corrupted by the 'easy' money of drugs as in the case of some bosses. Everyone has a past, and a future. Everyone REAL. Which is what I mostly admire in a novel, historical or not, the realness of the characters, the logical progress of the events.
Tiara is a great read that I would recommend warmly, to lovers of every genre!
June 18, 2014
‘Tiara’ revolves around the fictional abduction of Princess Jennifer Mac Manus, an unlikely, but highly effective, peace broker between the Sinn Fein and the British Government. Over a span of 3 weeks, Princess Jennifer and her kidnappers are chased across the Northern Ireland landscape by the British SS, the IRA, the CIA and the charismatic Berlin Mansfield. But nothing is as it seems in this novel. A vicious killer turns out to be a harbinger of peace, an international terrorist wears a white hat, and the government agencies tasked to bring the Princess back safely are playing their own double game at every turn.
With a bittersweet ending and some very engaging protagonists, ‘Tiara’ is an action-packed adventure (complete with RPGs and secret satellites) that, it seems to me, actually takes the time to examine the motives for violence. Dizon is not partisan when it comes to describing the players—they each have their faults and they each have their reasons for being who they are. You may even end up sympathizing with some of them (I know I did), regardless of how brutal they may first appear. I can’t attest to the accuracy of historical fact in the novel, I know very little about the conflict except what I’ve seen in movies (and I’m assuming most of that is exaggerated for effect), but from some of the reviews I’ve read, Dizon has recreated an authentic backdrop for what is essentially a taut rollercoaster of a ride.
If you’re a fan of political thrillers, I would highly recommend ‘Tiara’.
With a bittersweet ending and some very engaging protagonists, ‘Tiara’ is an action-packed adventure (complete with RPGs and secret satellites) that, it seems to me, actually takes the time to examine the motives for violence. Dizon is not partisan when it comes to describing the players—they each have their faults and they each have their reasons for being who they are. You may even end up sympathizing with some of them (I know I did), regardless of how brutal they may first appear. I can’t attest to the accuracy of historical fact in the novel, I know very little about the conflict except what I’ve seen in movies (and I’m assuming most of that is exaggerated for effect), but from some of the reviews I’ve read, Dizon has recreated an authentic backdrop for what is essentially a taut rollercoaster of a ride.
If you’re a fan of political thrillers, I would highly recommend ‘Tiara’.
June 27, 2014
I love reading books based on actual fact, and Tiara is probably the best I’ve read so far. Based loosely on the “Troubles” and the political storm between Northern Ireland and Britain, though still fiction, this story is so near the knuckle, it is impossible not to do the occasional double take.
Names have been changed, but there’s no doubting the main players, Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh especially. It takes some guts to be so accurate when relaying the setting and intrigue, and I wondered more than once where did the author manage to find all the details. Whatever the answer, it is a brilliant account of those events and the many players involved in the power games, even those who didn’t become clear until months or years later.
While crafted as a thriller, John R Dizon tempered the fast pace and tension with genuine Irish humor and a quirky dry wit, making the whole package a much more enjoyable read than it could have been. Beautifully written, this is prose at its best, and you can be assured of not one dull or tedious moment. The characters feel real, because they have been based on real people. The storyline is flowing, because it is well thought-out, and the plot is suspenseful and brilliantly paced. For a historical-political thriller, it doesn’t get any better. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Five shiny stars from me.
Names have been changed, but there’s no doubting the main players, Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh especially. It takes some guts to be so accurate when relaying the setting and intrigue, and I wondered more than once where did the author manage to find all the details. Whatever the answer, it is a brilliant account of those events and the many players involved in the power games, even those who didn’t become clear until months or years later.
While crafted as a thriller, John R Dizon tempered the fast pace and tension with genuine Irish humor and a quirky dry wit, making the whole package a much more enjoyable read than it could have been. Beautifully written, this is prose at its best, and you can be assured of not one dull or tedious moment. The characters feel real, because they have been based on real people. The storyline is flowing, because it is well thought-out, and the plot is suspenseful and brilliantly paced. For a historical-political thriller, it doesn’t get any better. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Five shiny stars from me.
July 16, 2014
I didn't get any writing done today and I blame writer John Reinhard Dizon.
Yesterday he sent me a copy of this novel, Tiara, in exchange for an honest review. I started it this morning and could not put it down. That is not a figure of speech; I just finished it. Tiara is, as the title suggests, the tale of a princess (in this case, Jennifer Mac Manus, Princess of Edinburgh) but it is NOT a bedtime story. I couldn't quit reading and you won't either.
Kidnapped on the eve of the start of peace talks in her attempt to end the violence in Northern Ireland, Princess Jennifer finds herself the mistreated prize in a war between the military and her terrorist captors, between the police and the gangsters who provide her captors support, and the American CIA, and mercenaries, and assassins, and the churches on both sides of an age old struggle, and the communities torn apart by the entire breakneck carnival of chaos.
Set in 1998, Tiara features several modern knights, many knaves, a lot of ferocious fire breathing dragons, and an iron-willed princess who, nevertheless, finds herself in need of rescuing. It is not a morality play, black and white, good and evil, are often blurred by emotion, politics, and mania, but it is a modern fairy tale. And it is entirely deserving of your attention.
Yesterday he sent me a copy of this novel, Tiara, in exchange for an honest review. I started it this morning and could not put it down. That is not a figure of speech; I just finished it. Tiara is, as the title suggests, the tale of a princess (in this case, Jennifer Mac Manus, Princess of Edinburgh) but it is NOT a bedtime story. I couldn't quit reading and you won't either.
Kidnapped on the eve of the start of peace talks in her attempt to end the violence in Northern Ireland, Princess Jennifer finds herself the mistreated prize in a war between the military and her terrorist captors, between the police and the gangsters who provide her captors support, and the American CIA, and mercenaries, and assassins, and the churches on both sides of an age old struggle, and the communities torn apart by the entire breakneck carnival of chaos.
Set in 1998, Tiara features several modern knights, many knaves, a lot of ferocious fire breathing dragons, and an iron-willed princess who, nevertheless, finds herself in need of rescuing. It is not a morality play, black and white, good and evil, are often blurred by emotion, politics, and mania, but it is a modern fairy tale. And it is entirely deserving of your attention.
December 21, 2013
Tiara by John R. Dizon packs an explosive punch that ensues from beginning to end. The plot centers around peace talks in Northern Ireland as the beautiful princess Jennifer is negotiating at the forefront. It is Jennifer's pressure for peace that has her kidnapped by a group of surly men who are in far above their heads, every agency has a hand in the pot and wants her either rescued or dead.
A fantastic action story also has a vested yet elusive love interest, and for Jennifer it is a ruggedly handsome, Bruce Willis or Matt Damon, whom she falls for hook, line, and sinker. The feelings between them are mutual and a couple sweltering love scenes heat up the pages of this exciting novel.
The Author's use of character depictions and dialogue brings every personality to life giving them depth. One may find themselves loving, hating and even feeling sorry for some of the dimmer witted fellows as they fight for their misguided beliefs. His illustrations portrayed give it a three dimensional quality and place the reader inside the action as bullets are fired, helicopters are downed, and bombs explode.
Reader's beware this cliffhanger flows unhinged from the first moment to last making this book a must read.
A fantastic action story also has a vested yet elusive love interest, and for Jennifer it is a ruggedly handsome, Bruce Willis or Matt Damon, whom she falls for hook, line, and sinker. The feelings between them are mutual and a couple sweltering love scenes heat up the pages of this exciting novel.
The Author's use of character depictions and dialogue brings every personality to life giving them depth. One may find themselves loving, hating and even feeling sorry for some of the dimmer witted fellows as they fight for their misguided beliefs. His illustrations portrayed give it a three dimensional quality and place the reader inside the action as bullets are fired, helicopters are downed, and bombs explode.
Reader's beware this cliffhanger flows unhinged from the first moment to last making this book a must read.
August 12, 2014
The Princess of Edinburgh, who is a civil rights activist involved in the negotiations between the British government and the coalition groups in Ulster, is taken by radicals. Princess Jennifer is a kind-hearted, compassionate and empathic soul who only wants the strife and unrest in the country to be resolved. Her kidnappers hope to push the government in their direction. Different factions get involved and cause havoc all with their own agendas until one wanted man gets into the mix, Berlin Mansfield, an international terrorist of Irish descent. Berlin is smitten by the beautiful princess and vies to rescue her with the help of a few of his unsavory radical friends. Berlin is a tough guy with a soft side for the woman he loves.
This story starts off slowly and builds as a roller coaster going up the first hill before the drop. The ride gets rougher and faster as it goes along each curve and as the suspense builds more action comes into play.
The author is a talented storyteller who knows how to grip his readers and hook them in. This is the first book I have read by this author. I was given this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I look forward to more fascinating stories to come.
This story starts off slowly and builds as a roller coaster going up the first hill before the drop. The ride gets rougher and faster as it goes along each curve and as the suspense builds more action comes into play.
The author is a talented storyteller who knows how to grip his readers and hook them in. This is the first book I have read by this author. I was given this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I look forward to more fascinating stories to come.
September 10, 2014
Action-packed and thrilling modern historical fiction story!
TIARA is thrilling! It has something for everyone: crime, romance, violence, emotion, drama... It tells a riveting tale of the struggles in the UK, primarily focusing on a story-line centered around the conflicts with the IRA and UDA in Ireland. It paints a realistic picture of the human issues beyond the mafia-style infrastructure of the controlling crime syndicates.
Princess Jennifer is a delightful character! She made me envision a combination of Catherine The Great, Princess Diana, & Duchess Kate. She is charming and believable! Her attempts to forge peace between the power factions leads to her kidnapping, which is a catalyst to a fascinating series of events that leads you on a journey that's action packed!
I totally saw the story play out vividly in my mind! I could easily see this novel being adapted for film, with Berlin Mansfield being played by Liam Neeson and Jon Stevens being portrayed by Daniel Craig! You need action stars for such a power-packed tale!
TIARA is a great book! It surprised me and entertained me. It's a wonderfully modern historical fiction piece that makes a strong statement about politics and humanity while thrilling the reader from start to finish!
TIARA is thrilling! It has something for everyone: crime, romance, violence, emotion, drama... It tells a riveting tale of the struggles in the UK, primarily focusing on a story-line centered around the conflicts with the IRA and UDA in Ireland. It paints a realistic picture of the human issues beyond the mafia-style infrastructure of the controlling crime syndicates.
Princess Jennifer is a delightful character! She made me envision a combination of Catherine The Great, Princess Diana, & Duchess Kate. She is charming and believable! Her attempts to forge peace between the power factions leads to her kidnapping, which is a catalyst to a fascinating series of events that leads you on a journey that's action packed!
I totally saw the story play out vividly in my mind! I could easily see this novel being adapted for film, with Berlin Mansfield being played by Liam Neeson and Jon Stevens being portrayed by Daniel Craig! You need action stars for such a power-packed tale!
TIARA is a great book! It surprised me and entertained me. It's a wonderfully modern historical fiction piece that makes a strong statement about politics and humanity while thrilling the reader from start to finish!
September 8, 2014
Wow, what a rollercoaster! I started Tiara intrigued as to where it would lead and who I'd meet within its pages. I was taken on a journey I hadn't expected and was sad to leave some of the characters behind when the journey ended. I devoured the pages, hungrily searching out news of the characters' fates. I was interested, warmed, shocked, pleased, saddened, surprised and left needing more news of the two main characters; Princess Jennifer and Berlin Mansfield.
The story, in just two sentences to avoid any spoilers, is of Princess Jennifer; intelligent, beautiful and devoted to mending relations with Ireland. Her kidnap lights a fire under a number of people and there are many parties, political and otherwise, involved in the aftermath of her violent abduction.
John Reinhard Dizon expertly weaves in new characters (along with history and stories) whilst still keeping your focus firmly on Jennifer as you ponder how these people will affect her plight. Places, plots and people are subtly pulled in adding depth, variety and interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tiara, feeling almost breathless at the end! I look forward to leaping in to more of John Reinhard Dizon's work.
The story, in just two sentences to avoid any spoilers, is of Princess Jennifer; intelligent, beautiful and devoted to mending relations with Ireland. Her kidnap lights a fire under a number of people and there are many parties, political and otherwise, involved in the aftermath of her violent abduction.
John Reinhard Dizon expertly weaves in new characters (along with history and stories) whilst still keeping your focus firmly on Jennifer as you ponder how these people will affect her plight. Places, plots and people are subtly pulled in adding depth, variety and interest.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tiara, feeling almost breathless at the end! I look forward to leaping in to more of John Reinhard Dizon's work.
September 6, 2014
Tiara
by John Reinhard Dizon
The breathtaking hewed as a heroic tale, John R Dizon has tempered the hurried pace and tension with real Irish humor and a rare dry wit, generating the full package a far a lot of pleasurable voyage. Tiara is foremost unique novel, I have read in a long time. This story takes you into an obscure mysterious realm of coercion that brings you right aboard modern-day headlines. It is a debatable and captivating, page-turner. There is action and scheming that is built in this book arduous to induce off. The story takes you on a desolate ride as a Scottish Princess is seized as she tries to negotiator a peace in Ireland. Although not a sanctioned capture, she is unbroken until the leaders will decide the most effective course of action. The more I read, the story and the characters just come alive, putting you in the middle of story as if you are there. Superbly written, I have to admit I am not a big fan of politics but this story was better than any politic story I have read. For a historical-political heroic tale, it got my attention. In the end, I want to more.
December 31, 2013
Berlin Mansfield.
Right from the starting line, this character had me hooked to this novel. A princess is kidnapped, and Mansfield takes it upon himself to put together a team to rescue her. Princess Jennifer Manus is special to him. He can’t let the kidnappers get away, and now her life is in his hands.
This was a very compelling and heavily detailed novel. Author John Dizon really shows his knowledge and skill when describing the intricate world in this tale. It reads like a cross between Tom Clancy novels and the Bourne series.
His dialogue is also strong in this novel, flowing naturally from line to line. There are a multitude of characters to follow, but the author manages to keep it all in order. Each character breathes with his or her own personality, making them real.
It’s a very good book, from a very talented author. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Its conclusion had me entranced. It’s rare for me to finish a book in a couple sittings, but that’s what happened to me with this.
Right from the starting line, this character had me hooked to this novel. A princess is kidnapped, and Mansfield takes it upon himself to put together a team to rescue her. Princess Jennifer Manus is special to him. He can’t let the kidnappers get away, and now her life is in his hands.
This was a very compelling and heavily detailed novel. Author John Dizon really shows his knowledge and skill when describing the intricate world in this tale. It reads like a cross between Tom Clancy novels and the Bourne series.
His dialogue is also strong in this novel, flowing naturally from line to line. There are a multitude of characters to follow, but the author manages to keep it all in order. Each character breathes with his or her own personality, making them real.
It’s a very good book, from a very talented author. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
Its conclusion had me entranced. It’s rare for me to finish a book in a couple sittings, but that’s what happened to me with this.
January 8, 2014
Tiara, by John Reinhard Dizon, is a gripping well written, Alistair Maclean type thriller; a book that you won’t want to put down. Dizon’s thorough research demonstrates an excellent understanding of the British monarchy and Irish situation at the time. His scene is set in the UK during the 1990s where an embattled monarchy is struggling for popularity; a problem compounded by an explosive Northern Ireland situation of psychopathic proportions.
To the rescue comes Princess Jennifer who, similarly to Princess Diana at that time, regains this lost popularity. Her attempts to bring peace in Ireland are however disruptive- given conflicting political agendas, and attempts are made to thwart her efforts. She survives the crashed Mercedes Benz, and Mansfield the unlikeliest of heroes comes to her rescue. The story then takes on a romantic twist.
This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and can well recommend. It is more than worthy of a 5 star rating.
To the rescue comes Princess Jennifer who, similarly to Princess Diana at that time, regains this lost popularity. Her attempts to bring peace in Ireland are however disruptive- given conflicting political agendas, and attempts are made to thwart her efforts. She survives the crashed Mercedes Benz, and Mansfield the unlikeliest of heroes comes to her rescue. The story then takes on a romantic twist.
This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and can well recommend. It is more than worthy of a 5 star rating.
March 14, 2014
Who said chivalry is dead?
Readers would expect a tale of courtly love and chivalry to be set in medieval Europe. John Reinhard Dizon has set “Tiara” in Northern Ireland in 1998.
Berlin Mansfield, a knave turned knight errant embarks on an adventure to rescue his lady, Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh, a high profile pacifist from terrorists who are determined to keep Ireland a divided nation.
The story gave me a much better understanding of the Irish question but it was the heroic love story that enthralled me. Although Jennifer and Berlin do not end up living together, the reader knows he will always be faithful to his lady and that she has a champion for life. Interestingly, Jennifer is a modern version of the name Guinevere, for ever linked to Sir Lancelot, her own true.
The romantic in me fell in love with the hero, and the escapist revelled in the adventure. I loved it.
Readers would expect a tale of courtly love and chivalry to be set in medieval Europe. John Reinhard Dizon has set “Tiara” in Northern Ireland in 1998.
Berlin Mansfield, a knave turned knight errant embarks on an adventure to rescue his lady, Princess Jennifer of Edinburgh, a high profile pacifist from terrorists who are determined to keep Ireland a divided nation.
The story gave me a much better understanding of the Irish question but it was the heroic love story that enthralled me. Although Jennifer and Berlin do not end up living together, the reader knows he will always be faithful to his lady and that she has a champion for life. Interestingly, Jennifer is a modern version of the name Guinevere, for ever linked to Sir Lancelot, her own true.
The romantic in me fell in love with the hero, and the escapist revelled in the adventure. I loved it.
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