Baroota: The Hunting Ground

by Zach Fortier

“Baroota” is a fictional tale of Nick Hudson a retired and aging cop attempting to get in one last mission to make a difference. He gets sucked in to an “off the books Black Ops mission” to rescue victims of Human Trafficking being sold into sexual slavery. He meets Nõnkos Zia or Nõn. A woman born in South Africa and herself a former victim of Muti-medicine, a type of medicine still practiced in South Africa that weaves the occult and human sacrifices into the locals belief system. She is also a victim of human trafficking, from which she barely escaped after taking revenge on her captors. They are outsiders in a dark twisted tale of deceit, lies and double crosses that take them to the “Darien Gap” of Panama, one of the most remote areas in the world to hunt human traffickers.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2016

About the author

2013 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2014 Readers Favorite Gold and Silver medal winner
Finalist in 2014 Chanticleer Book awards contest
2015 IPPY Bronze Medal winner
2015 semi finalist Kindle Book Awards (X2)
2015 Finalist in the IAN book awards (X2)
2015 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2015 Readers Favorite Finalist true crime/non fiction(x2)
2015 Finalist Kindle Book Awards
2015 Finalist USA Today book awards (x3)
2015 Finalist Chanticleer Clue book awards(x3)
2015 First place award in the Chanticleer Clue book awards contest in true crime.
2015 Winner of the Book Pipeline contest.
2016 Winner of the NIEA book awards in African American non fiction
2016 Finalist Kindle Book awards
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards winner in suspense genre.
2017 Finalist in the NIEA Book Awards in Suspense genre
Finalist in Biography General in the 2017 American Book Fest International book awards
Finalist 2017 Kindle Book awards
Short List 2017 Chanticleer Clue awards.
Bronze medal in the 2017 Readers Favorite Book contest in Suspense genre
Awarded Silver medal in the 2018 eLit Book Awards contest in the Mystery/thriller genre Finalist in Biography genre in the 2018 Book Excellence awards contest.
Bronze medal in the 2018 Readers Favorite Book contest in Thriller genre
Semi finalist for 2018 Chanticleer Clue awards
Solo medal winner of the 2018 New Apple Book awards contest in the Psychological Thriller category.
Solo medal winner in the 2019 Book Excellence book award contest in the suspense genre .
Bronze medal winner in the 2019 Readers Favorite international book awards contest in the fiction-suspense genre
Named as an Official Selection in the 2019 New Apple Summer E book awards contest in the Psychological Suspense genre
First Place winner in the 2019 Top Shelf book awards contest.
Winner of the 2020 Book Excellence book awards contest in Sci Fi Genre
Awarded 1st place in Chanticleer's 2020 Cygnus book awards contest for Science Fiction

Zach Fortier was a police officer for over thirty years specializing in K-9, SWAT, gangs, domestic violence, and sex crimes as an investigator. He has written several books about his life in police work. CurbChek won the bronze medal for True Crime in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Street Creds and Curbchek Reload won a gold and silver medal respectively for True Crime in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. His other works are Hero To Zero, which details the incredibly talented cops that he worked with that ended up going down in flames, some ended up in prison and one on the FBI’s ten most wanted list. Landed on Black described the toxic culture of the police department and streets, ultimately leading to the realization that Zach has been diagnosed with PTSD. I am Raymond Washington is the only authorized biography of the original founder of the Crips and has been awarded bronze medals in 2015 by both IPPY and Readers Favorite International book awards. Baroota: The Hunting Ground is Zach’s first fictional work, and is the start of this series, followed by Cachibache, Izadi and Chakana. All books in the Director's Series are award winning. If you are looking for gritty, true crime stories, be sure to check out all of Zach Fortier’s novels. Zach currently lives in the mountains of Colorado, with his wife Christina.



www.zachfortier.com
E mail: authorzachfortier@gmail.com

Reviews

[Tulay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Graphic

This book is more graphic than film Fargo. After reading the reviews decided to take a chance, I should have paid more attention to 1 or 2 star reviews. It's all about revenge, definitely not my type. One good thing about this book is I Googled and learned about Darien Gap.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everything Zach has put out (previously non-fiction) and loved them all. I wondered if his unique storytelling voice would be able to transfer over to fiction....oh, it does.

The first thought I had was that this was a pretty slim volume for a novel, but I was pleasantly surprised...(I'll never doubt you again, Z). What this story is blessedly devoid of is meaningless plot drivel to extend length, which was incredibly refreshing. The plot unfolds rapidly, but not hurriedly.

Additionally, the plot had enough twists and turns that I didn't figure it out, which also makes for pleasant reading.

Can I just say I love Nick, I want to be his friend, even though he'd say he doesn't have friends? And Non...thank you for writing a strong female character that wasn't a stereotype in any way, shape or form. Even the villains are painted so well that you just want to reach through the pages and throttle them.

All in all, a superbly written, fast-paced thriller. I now eagerly await book 2 in this new series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written thriller that kept me spell bound until the finish. Author understands people & what motivates others well. His work history in law enforcement only helps make the book a very enjoyable read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Baroota: The Hunting Ground (The Director Series Book 1) from the Author Zach Fortier. I have read all of Zach’s books. I was very happy that Zach Fortier was writing a fiction book, but when I received the book I was a little disappointed. Baroota: The Hunting Ground was only 172 pages of gripping fast paced demented excitement.

Baroota: The Hunting Ground (The Director Series Book 1) does NOT disappoint; it’s a page turner filled with developed characters. Zach’s writing style has always made me feel like I was right in the mix of his characters. Nick the intangible element who wants to be off the chain with no mercy for the ones that have stolen women and children and sold them for unthinkable means and Nõn who remembered safety is an illusion fight for their lives in this twisted story of lies and deceit filled with double crosses and villains that I could paddle through the pages. Nick a middle-aged ex-cop with swat and military training just wanted to make a difference and that he does with a demented sense of humor. Nõn a women character that I really liked with her knife as her talisman. Just when I would think, the Author could add something to his story I would turn the page; what I was wanting was in the next chapter.

Good thing that the cover says The Director Series Book 1... Author Zach Fortier don’t keep me waiting too long...

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just from the description, I was looking forward to reading this story. When I finally got to it, I couldn't put it down. I was not disappointed. In fact, I enjoyed everything about it except for the poor formatting. Manuscript submission guidelines call for double spacing, left justified, and a 5 point paragraph indent, not Kindle submissions. Someone should have proofed it on their Kindle reader and corrected the formatting before allowing it to go public. With that aside though, the hero and heroine were everything I enjoy in this type of a story. As an 'older' guy that keeps himself fit, I found myself relating to Nick. From the beginning, I suspected that he was being set up, but the author did a fine job of working it all together in a way that made it believable. Fast pace, great characters, and a conclusion that keeps the door open for more of Nick and Nõn in the future.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is extremely graphic, gory, violent and intense and certainly explores the darker side of humanity. It surprised me and wasn't what I expected.

However, it has an interesting story line with plot twists that are not expected and dysfunctional characters that make you think. The story started out as I expected from the synopsis, but then it took a quick turn. I could not stop reading it until I knew how it ended. It is full of thrills, chills and suspense, but it is certainly not for everyone.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book in April and was enjoying reading time away from housework, when we endured a tornado. I must say, I needed my escape into "The Hunting Ground" even more, as clean up stared me in the face. I found book reading in a running stationary car with the air on high is quiet refreshing, if Zach Fortier is the author of said book! I loved it and give it 5 stars.

[Mary K Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I could not put this book down, once I started reading it! I ended up reading all night! It was brutal in some parts but well worth the read!

[Edward Zulko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok Now this one

If you happen to pick this one up be sure you're ready to read all night. The story is excellent as well as the unexpected plot lines. Great novel for someone who needs a therapy session in human behavior.

[Elizabeth E. Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

Like that you didn’t know what was next or predictable. A real page turner. Could not put it down. Enjoyed

[Herb · Rating 4 out of 5]

fast moving interesting subject metter. Keeps you going

[michael eggleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good read.

the story line is very good . each page wants you to read more and its hard to put down.

[JOHN DIONNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic

Very imaginative unique story includes crudely graphic expressions and events appropriate for the people involved but also. Includes introspections which are not always readily understandable.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not what I expected. Quite graphic and gruesome in the second half of the novel. Quick read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good entertaining book.

Review without any spoilers.

While not an original plot line for a story, the details of the who and why are different enough to make this a really good well written story. It takes a few chapters for the story to get going, but when it does it's full of action and suspense. Even though this is a short book it did not feel like it. The story moves forward at an even pace giving it plenty of time for the story to unfold and all the action to take place without feeling rushed or like something is missing. A bonus for me with this story setting is that I had a clear picture in my mind of what the area and their surroundings looked like since I lived in Panama for a few years.

Is there violence - yes, it's a thriller. So if you don't like violence or crude language this might not be your cup of tea.

Nick was a great character, really liked his twisted sense of humor. Non was also great, it was nice to have a strong, intelligent female character.

Miles Taylor did a really good job with the narration. Different voices, accents, emotions, clear pronunciation and a smooth even pace.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of audiobookboom.com

[Holly Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: The author sent me this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read Barota: The Hunting Ground in one sitting, on a plane trip. It was exactly that riveting, and it has been forever since I have read a book cover to cover without stopping. What a goose-bump-causing treat! This is Zach Fortier's first try at fiction after a series of police autobiographicals, and it is well worth the read.

Nick Hudson, the lead character, is a jaded cop trying to find that edge again when he gets sucked into a mysterious adventure to rescue victims of human trafficking. Soon, he discovers, all is not as it seems, as he and his fellow team members go deeper into a web of twists, turns and surprises far from home. Nick must rely on his instincts, training and sheer guts to survive what lies in store deep in the jungles of South Africa.

To say more will spoil the plot, and I won't do that to Zach's readers. This book is too good. Nothing is as it seems. Trust no one. Expect the best.

[Shannon Gambino · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was no surprise Mr. Fortier's latest prose ended up in my hands, and he did not disappoint in his first endeavor into the world of thriller fiction. The characters in 'Baroota: The Hunting Ground' were slow to build; however once they gained their full potential and momentum, they pulled the reader into a wild game of cat-and-mouse. Unexpected twists mixed with comic-relief sarcasm thrust its dark hold until the last word.

Mr. Fortier has a demented sense of humor and a plethora of stories from his time in the military and as a civilian police officer. His way with words allowed the jungles of Baroota to act as a playground for those very antics. 'Baroota: The Hunting Ground' packs a punch with sex-trafficking, deception, and murder.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing book. That was an intense story that was impossible to put down. From the beginning it caught my attention with the stories of Nick and the african woman, Non. They are set to go on a mission to right some wrongs, and then things take a crazy twist. I won't say more and spoil it, but get ready to be on the edge of your seat, with some tense moments. I recommend this book--you will have to finish to find out what happens. Looking forward to more books by Zach Fortier. Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a somewhat predictable thriller, although the plot behind the "mission" might come as a surprise. The extreme graphic violence seems designed to
sensationalize the story. It does do that, but again, it feels rather contrived.

Miles Taylor's performance is satisfactory. He gives distinctive voices to the characters, although his accents aren't particularly realistic. His delivery
is a little stilted, but the story is still easily followed.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I saw the title of this book, but the premise sounded interesting. It did not disappoint! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The narration was good. I think the narrator was best as the character of Nick. I think the character was portrayed well in the narration.

[Jacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty international crime drama

I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. I was not expecting to like Nick and Non. I am looking forward to reading the next book. I want to know what happens in the hunt for the director.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns abound

Very well written. I enjoyed the main characters, as well as frequently being on my toes, trying to figure out what was coming next. I look forward to reading more.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this one down.

[Terry L Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book it will keep you thinking about it all the time and it will keep you posted by the best possible way it will end

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but could’ve been developed a bit more and used more editing

The storyline was great. I’m a huge fan of books that have to do with the darker side of humanity. My only critiques would be that (1) the story and characters be more developed and (2) more editing be done. It was a little weak and rushed in some spots and a bit wordy and repetitive in others, plus there were several punctuation and grammatical errors and spots where words were added but shouldn’t have been. Other than that, it was a fun, quick read to check out on a rainy day or a day at the beach.

[Saori · Rating 3 out of 5]

While waiting

This was an okay book while I was waiting for something and had extra time to spend. Definitely it is for adult reading materials. There're some questions about certain development, but I guess following series will explain more, maybe?

[Kerry-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this if you don't have a strong stomach, but if you like a good "justice is served, who will live, beat 'em up" then I highly recommend this. The story is fresh and the characters are well written, with good back stories and interesting relationships.

[Joselyn Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Impressions

I have to admit I don't even remeber how this got to me, I received an email one day with the code for the audible and I was like okay let's give it a shot and see what this is about, and after reading the blurb sounded pretty intriguing.

I did have a little hard time at the beginning since it was a slow burner but the way it was laid out kept me coming back and again to see what else was going on in this dizzing plot.

So just remember that good things are in store for patient people on this one.

Characters

We did have an array of complex ones with Baroota.

The most memorables obviously where Nick and Nonkos, believe that they will do the plot very entertaining because oh my god do they have a lot of motivation on this story.

You can even at points get confused because damn the bad guys on this are sly as foxes too, it's like putting scorpions in a box and see what happens.

Ihad a lot of intriguing moments with the things they were subjected to.

Themes

Violence, rape, murder, power abuse.

Final thougths

By the end I was so invested on this I wanted to hear more about the story and where it will lead from there, because it was that good reeling you in.

The characters will pull you on their quest for justice even if you don't notice it at first, but they do appeal to the moral nerve a lot.

An edgy read for the extreme seekers out there.

[Jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be fair, I didn't give this book much of a chance, but that's because I couldn't. The sentence structure was atrocious, and if you don't have military experience, you're going to struggle with some of the things written in the first few pages. Also, it jumped right into this thing going on between his wife(?) and another person without really saying what it was about. It strongly hinted at an affair. It was also annoying how the author said what the main character was thinking, and then in the very next sentence, had the character say his thoughts out loud. It was redundant and annoying. I stopped at the bar scene and removed the book from my Kindle. I read enough to know the book was going to be a chore to read. My apologies to anyone who liked the book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a freebie. Story was decent, character development was shallow. I doubt a hardened ex-cop like Nick would have ever "giggled", but the author had him giggling like a 7th grade girl at a sleepover several times in the story.

My biggest pet peeve in kindle freebies is the lack of editing Mis-spelled or forgotten words, poor sentence structure, etc. But ehh, what should I expect for free?

The story was enjoyable and it was a quick, exciting romp through the jungle to exact vengeance on despicable people.