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High Ground #1
Speculator
Famed international man and #1 NY Times bestselling author Doug Casey—in collaboration with John Hunt—releases SPECULATOR, the first of the High Ground Novels.
Meet Charles Knight at age 23, a hero for the modern age... and for all time.
The greatest gold discovery in history draws Charles Knight to West Africa, where he unearths deception, violence, and romance. Xander Winn—a Dutchman on his own mission—mentors Charles on his voyage into the world of speculation and African politics. But a psychopathic rebel leader, the purveyors of a six-billion-dollar fraud, a team of mercenaries bent on early retirement, and the US government all get in his way. Everyone wants him dead. But Charles plans to strike it rich.
Meet Charles Knight at age 23, a hero for the modern age... and for all time.
The greatest gold discovery in history draws Charles Knight to West Africa, where he unearths deception, violence, and romance. Xander Winn—a Dutchman on his own mission—mentors Charles on his voyage into the world of speculation and African politics. But a psychopathic rebel leader, the purveyors of a six-billion-dollar fraud, a team of mercenaries bent on early retirement, and the US government all get in his way. Everyone wants him dead. But Charles plans to strike it rich.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2016
115 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 17, 2022
23 Oct. 2017 (minor update 8 May 2018)
Hard to put this one down. Riveting.
Huge excitement, "good-guys vs. bad-guys" in ways you may never have considered, love and lust interests, financial shenanigans, technology for good and evil, and ideas, lots and lots of ideas, that will challenge what you probably have been taught to think is wrong, but may have a suspicion is actually right and vice versa.
I recommend it for anyone who loves a great story and isn't afraid to deal with difficult moral, political and economic issues. So it is better to read this book >before< your Weltanschauung (view of the world) gets too set in stone.
I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this High [moral] Ground series, Drug Lord.
(I have: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And book 3: Assassin - wow! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I loved the huge number of little bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book.
On topics as wide ranging as:
- the Federal Reserve Board, money and business cycle creation, to investing and speculating
basics
- the powers of sex and drugs contrasting with the difficulty but benefits of rationally controlled abstinence,
- the dynamics of government bureaucratic career advancement to the fundamentals of basic government power,
- from the private frauds of scamsters to the power hungry goals and methods of the African rebellion leaders, and
- mining industry ins and outs, promises and pitfalls, geopolitics and grit.
There is so much to this book, you will be filled to the brim with thoughts worth thinking.
For those who want to know more, here are a few samples of specific topics:
1. A discussion about the difference between the "idea" of America vs. the reality of the US Government today - very, very different things, which too many people conflate.
2. The importance of thinking for one's self, but not disregarding the valued opinions of others you trust, vs. the politically correct standard "thinking" (non-thinking) of most. And hence also, the value of self-education vs. the accepted societal credentials of going to or graduating from "top" schools.
I could go on and on, but bet I have said enough.
So you can tell I am very jazzed about this book, but I also wanted to mention that there were at least a couple fairly minor parts of the book that were a bit difficult to swallow:
1. One of the semi-main characters, a close colleague of the hero, lets someone he knows is of dubious moral character have too much access to confidential information. Why would he slip up like that, when he does virtually everything else perfectly? Sure, he's human, but...
2. The main character, Charles, actually being willing to go to dinner with a person he knows to be a big problem - and putting himself in mortal danger thereby... then the danger occurs, but late enough for the hero to react appropriately, instead of being blindsided by the bad guy, as would be more probable in reality. Taking such a HUGE, life-threatening risk, for little potential gain, seemed a bit too much to accept.
But these seem totally minor enough to still enjoy and profit from the rest of the book.
What a thrilling, mind expanding and in many ways, very uplifting story.
Hard to put this one down. Riveting.
Huge excitement, "good-guys vs. bad-guys" in ways you may never have considered, love and lust interests, financial shenanigans, technology for good and evil, and ideas, lots and lots of ideas, that will challenge what you probably have been taught to think is wrong, but may have a suspicion is actually right and vice versa.
I recommend it for anyone who loves a great story and isn't afraid to deal with difficult moral, political and economic issues. So it is better to read this book >before< your Weltanschauung (view of the world) gets too set in stone.
I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this High [moral] Ground series, Drug Lord.
(I have: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And book 3: Assassin - wow! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I loved the huge number of little bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book.
On topics as wide ranging as:
- the Federal Reserve Board, money and business cycle creation, to investing and speculating
basics
- the powers of sex and drugs contrasting with the difficulty but benefits of rationally controlled abstinence,
- the dynamics of government bureaucratic career advancement to the fundamentals of basic government power,
- from the private frauds of scamsters to the power hungry goals and methods of the African rebellion leaders, and
- mining industry ins and outs, promises and pitfalls, geopolitics and grit.
There is so much to this book, you will be filled to the brim with thoughts worth thinking.
For those who want to know more, here are a few samples of specific topics:
1. A discussion about the difference between the "idea" of America vs. the reality of the US Government today - very, very different things, which too many people conflate.
2. The importance of thinking for one's self, but not disregarding the valued opinions of others you trust, vs. the politically correct standard "thinking" (non-thinking) of most. And hence also, the value of self-education vs. the accepted societal credentials of going to or graduating from "top" schools.
I could go on and on, but bet I have said enough.
So you can tell I am very jazzed about this book, but I also wanted to mention that there were at least a couple fairly minor parts of the book that were a bit difficult to swallow:
1. One of the semi-main characters, a close colleague of the hero, lets someone he knows is of dubious moral character have too much access to confidential information. Why would he slip up like that, when he does virtually everything else perfectly? Sure, he's human, but...
2. The main character, Charles, actually being willing to go to dinner with a person he knows to be a big problem - and putting himself in mortal danger thereby... then the danger occurs, but late enough for the hero to react appropriately, instead of being blindsided by the bad guy, as would be more probable in reality. Taking such a HUGE, life-threatening risk, for little potential gain, seemed a bit too much to accept.
But these seem totally minor enough to still enjoy and profit from the rest of the book.
What a thrilling, mind expanding and in many ways, very uplifting story.
November 19, 2016
Best book I've read in a long time. Think Ayn Rand. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Supposed to be 5.
March 3, 2018
A "thriller" novel with an incredibly thoroughly telegraphed plot, preachy 1-3 paragraph parenthetical preaching about various libertarian economic or philosophical points, and 2 dimensional characters. So, basically not thrilling at all. In theory I should like this (conflict, financial crimes, etc.), but in reality it's just not very good.
December 30, 2016
The best book I've read since Shantaram!!
If you're looking for a book that's written for common sense and adventure, you've found it in this authors work.
If you're looking for a book that's written for common sense and adventure, you've found it in this authors work.
September 10, 2025
Mostly captivating, some parts a little long. Thorough and detailed characters going on an interesting adventure. Great read
August 14, 2017
Oh, what a ride! First, if you like adventure, this is a great book to read. Good, bad, and gray areas are covered in this book. Now, if you know Doug Casey, or if you are a speculator yourself, this book has added meaning.
On a podcast a few years back, Casey implied, "The first novel is almost a biography." If you read this book, you'll see a lot of Doug Casey in Charles Knight's character. His philosophies, skill set, and way of thinking are clearly visible.
There is another benefit of this book, Casey has sprinkled his investment expertise throughout the book. Sometimes, the tips are given in plain sight. Sometimes, you need to reread the passage. If you've read Doug's writing before, you'll smirk. Then your eyes will get wide. He's supplied much of his expertise, brilliantly woven throughout the book.
This book is a masterclass on trading as well, but it does not overtake the book. It's part of the book.
Read this book a few times, it's entertaining and educational.
On a podcast a few years back, Casey implied, "The first novel is almost a biography." If you read this book, you'll see a lot of Doug Casey in Charles Knight's character. His philosophies, skill set, and way of thinking are clearly visible.
There is another benefit of this book, Casey has sprinkled his investment expertise throughout the book. Sometimes, the tips are given in plain sight. Sometimes, you need to reread the passage. If you've read Doug's writing before, you'll smirk. Then your eyes will get wide. He's supplied much of his expertise, brilliantly woven throughout the book.
This book is a masterclass on trading as well, but it does not overtake the book. It's part of the book.
Read this book a few times, it's entertaining and educational.
September 7, 2021
1.5 stars rounded up to 2
Charles Knight, a young adventurer and entrepreneur, goes to West Africa to get firsthand information on the mining company, B-F, he's invested in. Supposedly B-F has found a huge gold discovery. Stock prices are through the roof. Knight finds it a bit suspicious and soon learns the dangerous truth. With help from newfound friend, Xander Winn, they must navigate the dangers of exposing a billion dollar fraud. All while avoiding a rebel leader set on bloody revolution, mercenaries using the fraud scheme as a way to retire, and a snarky IRS agent trying to nail them for tax evasion.
Sounds exciting right? Wrong.
This book is heavy, and I mean heavy on the preaching. Every time a new character or concept is introduced we get blocks of text. I skimmed most of them and understood the plot fine. The issue I had was how preachy Casey got. Government taxes it's people is bad, the IRS and SEC are ruthless and out for power, the education system brainwashes people. And don't get me started on the IRS agent Sabina. Casey uses every negative stereotype imaginable here. She's young and sexy, every guy must want to sleep with her. If they don't it's something wrong with them not her. She uses sex to get want she wants and is completely ruthless in her ambitions. Ok, you want to have a villain, that's fine. The issue is Sabina is painted so over the top it's laughable. She's more a caricture than character.
The other characters are just as over the top. Charles' uncle Maurice is the eccentric uncle who assigns Charles at age ten the goal of determining "what makes a good life". Elliott, Charles boss, believes the current thinking about capitalism is a disease and wants to reform people into understanding how the world really works aka his version of how it works. The man behind the B-F fraud scheme is smart enough and devious enough to concoct it but forgets all sense when he sees Sabina and starts spilling secrets.
I had to read this for my book club, otherwise it definitely would've been a DNF. Instead I skimmed/sped-read my way through.
Charles Knight, a young adventurer and entrepreneur, goes to West Africa to get firsthand information on the mining company, B-F, he's invested in. Supposedly B-F has found a huge gold discovery. Stock prices are through the roof. Knight finds it a bit suspicious and soon learns the dangerous truth. With help from newfound friend, Xander Winn, they must navigate the dangers of exposing a billion dollar fraud. All while avoiding a rebel leader set on bloody revolution, mercenaries using the fraud scheme as a way to retire, and a snarky IRS agent trying to nail them for tax evasion.
Sounds exciting right? Wrong.
This book is heavy, and I mean heavy on the preaching. Every time a new character or concept is introduced we get blocks of text. I skimmed most of them and understood the plot fine. The issue I had was how preachy Casey got. Government taxes it's people is bad, the IRS and SEC are ruthless and out for power, the education system brainwashes people. And don't get me started on the IRS agent Sabina. Casey uses every negative stereotype imaginable here. She's young and sexy, every guy must want to sleep with her. If they don't it's something wrong with them not her. She uses sex to get want she wants and is completely ruthless in her ambitions. Ok, you want to have a villain, that's fine. The issue is Sabina is painted so over the top it's laughable. She's more a caricture than character.
The other characters are just as over the top. Charles' uncle Maurice is the eccentric uncle who assigns Charles at age ten the goal of determining "what makes a good life". Elliott, Charles boss, believes the current thinking about capitalism is a disease and wants to reform people into understanding how the world really works aka his version of how it works. The man behind the B-F fraud scheme is smart enough and devious enough to concoct it but forgets all sense when he sees Sabina and starts spilling secrets.
I had to read this for my book club, otherwise it definitely would've been a DNF. Instead I skimmed/sped-read my way through.
July 12, 2022
As literature, it's no good at all. The author may have a good story. However, he (they) are not literary talented. A pity, as it was a try at Anarcho capitalist fiction.
September 12, 2021
What a crock of rancid crap. Dumped into purgatory pile. Can't finish for 2 reasons:
1. It's a propaganda manifesto wrapped in a BS story. “If you've got a message, send a telegram.” ― Samuel Goldwyn. It's not that I'm objecting to the message--just the completely crap & boring masquerading pseudo-story.
2. It's an audiobook. My first audiobook novel. Discrimination ahead: Listening to an audiobook novel does not count as reading. It's just like saying join the dots is artwork, or flying in a video game makes you a pilot. Audiobooks should be for non-fiction only. Sue me, hate me, whatever. If there's no written words then you're not reading anything. Go to GoodListens instead if you're too lazy to properly absorb and enjoy the written word.
1. It's a propaganda manifesto wrapped in a BS story. “If you've got a message, send a telegram.” ― Samuel Goldwyn. It's not that I'm objecting to the message--just the completely crap & boring masquerading pseudo-story.
2. It's an audiobook. My first audiobook novel. Discrimination ahead: Listening to an audiobook novel does not count as reading. It's just like saying join the dots is artwork, or flying in a video game makes you a pilot. Audiobooks should be for non-fiction only. Sue me, hate me, whatever. If there's no written words then you're not reading anything. Go to GoodListens instead if you're too lazy to properly absorb and enjoy the written word.
December 29, 2017
Excellent fiction in the tradition somewhere between Ian Fleming and Ayn Rand. Casey is himself a Speculator, unapologetic Anarcho-Capitalist, one time Discordian and and devoted advocate of Aleister Crowley's law of Do What Thou wilt. The story is an exciting adventure in Africa with heroic Capitalists, compassionate Healthcare Providers, and wicked IRS agents. There's romance, intrigue, and eventually a revolution. It reads like a rollicking good time but along the way Casey also manages to impart some of his teachings about liberty, free markets, and this own system of crisis investing.
February 26, 2017
Great read - wonderful political commentary
Insightful perspective on expanding, encroaching government, and how characters have to navigate issues of privacy and corporate avoidance of ethics and rule of law.
Insightful perspective on expanding, encroaching government, and how characters have to navigate issues of privacy and corporate avoidance of ethics and rule of law.
February 21, 2019
Phenomenal book for anyone who’s ideals resonate with free markets, individual liberties, low government intervention, and entrepreneurship. I adored this book. Great storytelling mixed with action and adventure.
September 15, 2019
This is an excellent book. The characters, though a little exaggerated, are clear in their morality. The plot is interesting, educational, and moves right along. I know that my libertarian friends will like this book and I hope that my progressive friends will learn some things when they read it.
September 21, 2020
Good read
I don't usually read fiction but I read this book to begin getting into the mind of gold investors like Doug Casey. It was a decent read, the story essentially serves as a backdrop to allow the author to put forth his views that the government is a corrupt criminal organization with ultimate power, using that power to steal wealth from citizens working hard and taking on risk to produce it. I might give my personal opinion on this, and state whether I find the author's argument convincing, but I don't want to end up as a target myself. I guess just read the book and make up your own mind.
I don't usually read fiction but I read this book to begin getting into the mind of gold investors like Doug Casey. It was a decent read, the story essentially serves as a backdrop to allow the author to put forth his views that the government is a corrupt criminal organization with ultimate power, using that power to steal wealth from citizens working hard and taking on risk to produce it. I might give my personal opinion on this, and state whether I find the author's argument convincing, but I don't want to end up as a target myself. I guess just read the book and make up your own mind.
February 23, 2021
This was one rip-snorter of a story!
It included adventure in an unknown environment, intrigue with honourable and also unscruplous people, philosphy, and lessons in stock trading and its many pitfalls.
Doug Casey and John Hunt draw us into the world of mining and the perils of the stock market (and potential landmines in both filed). It was educational in so many ways.
The book is just over 400 pages long and as soon as I'd read the last sentence, I turned to the first page and began it a second time (this time taking notes!) That's one indicator for me just how much I enjoyed this book.
It included adventure in an unknown environment, intrigue with honourable and also unscruplous people, philosphy, and lessons in stock trading and its many pitfalls.
Doug Casey and John Hunt draw us into the world of mining and the perils of the stock market (and potential landmines in both filed). It was educational in so many ways.
The book is just over 400 pages long and as soon as I'd read the last sentence, I turned to the first page and began it a second time (this time taking notes!) That's one indicator for me just how much I enjoyed this book.
September 15, 2018
IN addition to being an extremely entertaining story, I thought that this "semi-autobiographical" book an insightful look into the mind and thinking of a brilliant, world-class investor who delivers his world-view in a compelling and well-thought-out fashion. I was surprised how this book grew on me as I proceeded through it. Highly recommended! Don't miss it. I can hardly wait to start the sequel.
May 5, 2021
Adventure and Education
Charles Knight was not the only one to find both of these during he speculations... I was carried along with the action too. And, the education in a field that I knew very little about was intense! Seeing the underpinnings and the Adventure taking place in this world of Gold Mining and Speculation as well as the insights into the darker side of Governments made it a valuable piece of Education.
Charles Knight was not the only one to find both of these during he speculations... I was carried along with the action too. And, the education in a field that I knew very little about was intense! Seeing the underpinnings and the Adventure taking place in this world of Gold Mining and Speculation as well as the insights into the darker side of Governments made it a valuable piece of Education.
December 17, 2020
The essence of an education...learning through entertainment
I love this book, it is very entertaining yet full of insightful if often pessimistic views on government and society. Unfortunately, that pessimistic view is also very insightful. Read this as real life fiction. Great story, fun and colorful characters, friendship, war, economics, politics, this book has it all!
I love this book, it is very entertaining yet full of insightful if often pessimistic views on government and society. Unfortunately, that pessimistic view is also very insightful. Read this as real life fiction. Great story, fun and colorful characters, friendship, war, economics, politics, this book has it all!
October 1, 2021
Thrilling tale of intrigue involving scrupulous men who plot only for profits. By intentionally defrauding investors, these men assume they can pull off a claim of finding a rich deposit of gold in a small town in Gondwanda, Africa. Our hero, Charles Knight, teams up with an older, wiser man to investigate the claims the company is making. Action packed.
January 17, 2024
A must-read for any libertarian and/or Doug Casey fan. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Great mix of African adventure, stockmarket speculation, and Dougs expression of libertarian values (and his clear hatred of the US Government!).
My previous career was as a Mining Geologist, so I thoroughly enjoyed the context of the book.
Great mix of African adventure, stockmarket speculation, and Dougs expression of libertarian values (and his clear hatred of the US Government!).
My previous career was as a Mining Geologist, so I thoroughly enjoyed the context of the book.
January 21, 2025
DNF 15%
Found the book not very interesting, while it reads away fairly easily I hated it was in a fictional African country with a fictional VP. Just use real countries etc.
The book read like it was written by a 16 y/o who thought this would be exciting. I guess this type of book is just not part of a genre I enjoy.
Found the book not very interesting, while it reads away fairly easily I hated it was in a fictional African country with a fictional VP. Just use real countries etc.
The book read like it was written by a 16 y/o who thought this would be exciting. I guess this type of book is just not part of a genre I enjoy.
May 6, 2022
This is an excellent book. If you're fancy yourself some sort of entrepreneur, or dream of becoming one, read it... twice! Doug's thinking is unique and thus, contrary to 99% of the crowd. My advice? Judge it for yourself!
August 8, 2022
Reasonable fast paced adventure book, interspersed with preachy sections on free enterprise. I agree but really... Also there are periodic uninformed poorly thought out digs on Christian principles that make it such that I will not read the rest of the series.
March 20, 2023
Wow, this was a fun read!! Educational, too. If you like Atlas Shrugged, definitely check this out. It's an adventure novel that incorporates a lot of libertarian philosophy. I'm glad it's the first in a series, and will definitely read the next one!
January 28, 2018
Brilliant Mr. Casey
It’s taken me awhile to get to the first book in Doug Casey’s series, but I’m excited to catch up ow. Excellent read.
It’s taken me awhile to get to the first book in Doug Casey’s series, but I’m excited to catch up ow. Excellent read.
May 17, 2020
Libertarian fan fiction. I really liked it
November 13, 2020
Fun adventure tale
A little heavy handed, especially with the Springer \Sabina stuff, but great action. I'm passing it on to my son, hopefully he'll get some ideas.
A little heavy handed, especially with the Springer \Sabina stuff, but great action. I'm passing it on to my son, hopefully he'll get some ideas.
February 3, 2021
Simply said, Doug Casey is The Goat.
June 1, 2022
Entertaining with a tightly written plot and a sufficient twist. Didactic with exaggerated personalities, every character with a name has a place and purpose.
September 4, 2023
This was an interesting adventure story infused with libertarian themes. I'm a fan of Doug Casey and I will read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews