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CASCADE: Young Adult Thriller Book 1 of 3
On hearing the news her adopted father has suffered a second heart attack, Shani Bălcescu dashes from St Aquinas College in Oxford to be at his bedside in Prague. Her father asks her forgiveness, but Shani takes his words to be little more than the ramblings of a dying man - until the following day, when she discovers the name Tuma Dangbo, a former Séroulése president gunned down in a devastating coup in the West African state thirty-six years ago.
French journalist, Nicolas Dubois, helps Shani make sense of her ancestry, before introducing her to the leader of the Séroulése rebels at a safe house in London. Just as Shani starts to trust and have feelings for the journalist, he sends her a bizarre text and breaks contact. Nicolas’s disappearance threatens to derail her already fragile state of mind, and with an attempted coup in Séroulé virtually underway, ‘friend or foe’ takes on a new meaning for Shani as she questions whether she is being manipulated by the rebels, and that the present despotic regime is about to be replaced by another, only with much greater and far-reaching repercussions.
French journalist, Nicolas Dubois, helps Shani make sense of her ancestry, before introducing her to the leader of the Séroulése rebels at a safe house in London. Just as Shani starts to trust and have feelings for the journalist, he sends her a bizarre text and breaks contact. Nicolas’s disappearance threatens to derail her already fragile state of mind, and with an attempted coup in Séroulé virtually underway, ‘friend or foe’ takes on a new meaning for Shani as she questions whether she is being manipulated by the rebels, and that the present despotic regime is about to be replaced by another, only with much greater and far-reaching repercussions.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2016
38 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Peter Harper
3 books4 followersPeter Harper worked for Oxford University in a non-academic role. He is now retired. His novels are generally character-driven topical dramas that criss-cross continents. Aside from writing, he tends to an allotment and travels abroad whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 14, 2016
This is a fabulous story that had me hooked from the beginning. Peter Harper has done a fabulous job in writing an intriguing story that takes us to different countries, with a very well thought out plot. I enjoyed that there is a certain complexity to it, and at times dark and sinister with the corruption of powerful men. Zinsa had almost made it home when she witnessed the butchery and horror unleashed on her family by the invading soldiers. They were intent on executing everyone they could find, and it didn’t seem to matter that her father was the President of Seroule’s in West Africa. He was gunned down in front of her, along with the rest of her family, and somehow she managed to escape. Shani always believed that her parents died in a car accident in Prague when she was very young. She was lucky enough to have an adoptive grandfather Andrei that took her in after her parents died. Shani wins a scholarship to a prestigious college in Oxford, and she no sooner gets settled in when she hears that Andrei has had a second heart attack, and he’s not in a good way. She rushes off to Prague to see him, and it’s here that she decides that she wants to look into what happened to her family all those years ago. It’s in the hospital that she finds Radu, who was there when her mother came in and was operated on. He also witnessed Shani being delivered into the world. Some say that her actual grandfather was corrupt, and then there are those that said he had Africa’s best interest at hand by trying to stop the Western Nations taking Africa’s resources. Shani just doesn’t realise how dangerous it is for her coming back. Luckily she has people looking out for her like the journalist Nicolas Dubois. The freedom fighters are keen for Shani to help with the coup against the Kuetey Regime, and they are promising her that they will keep her safe. The big question though is can they? There are those in power that would do anything to stay in power, and keep their secrets hidden. This is a very well written book, which has an edge to it that I certainly enjoyed. I really look forward to more from this Author in the future. Do yourself a favour and read this book, you won’t be disappointed.
December 8, 2016
I would like to thank Peter Harper for sending me Cacade in paperback. Part 1 of the story is Identity Trauma. Part 2 is And Then Came Revenge. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations , places, events and incidents either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
May 31, 2017
Cascade by Peter Harper is an action packed adventure which successfully enthralls the reader. It has guns, fights, political strategies, and one of the most exciting component - chase! So without any further ado, let's get to the review.
Shani Balcescu, an Oxford student, receives a message that her adopted father has had a heart attack for the second time. Before dying, he apologizes to her and mentions Seroule ( a west African region), but she doesn't think much of it. As she is recovering from her loss, she finds shocking revelations about her origin and about how her real parents got gunned down in Africa amidst a political coup. Along with a French Journalist, Nicholas Dubois, she meets a Seroulese rebel, who tries to convince her of his help, but Shani has her doubts. Together, they help Shani uncover more information when suddenly Nicholas is kidnapped. As Shani sets about to rescue him, she realizes she is being chased by the very people who killed her parents. Shani knows she has to fight. But how? And can she trust Khamadi, the rebel, who claims to be helping her?
There is much more action that goes on after this point where I stopped the summary but sorry, no spoilers here. The story paces smoothly with its catchy narrative. It is a complete action book, I might say, giving you the feeling of watching a movie. The writing is commendable, I found it totally concentrated on the story at hand with some bits of romance going on. The title, however, just resonates once in the entirety of the book which didn't quite leave a bold impression, in my opinion.
The book is great, it is a fast paced action packed story. So why is my rating 3.5? Well, I found the story to be a little slow in the beginning. It picks up pace only after a quarter of the story is down, hence the rating. But I would like to point out that the rest of the story is absolutely exciting, I couldn't put it down, all the way till the end. All in all, a great story with powerful ingredients all thrown in to make one thrilling read!
Definitely recommended to all action lovers.
*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
Shani Balcescu, an Oxford student, receives a message that her adopted father has had a heart attack for the second time. Before dying, he apologizes to her and mentions Seroule ( a west African region), but she doesn't think much of it. As she is recovering from her loss, she finds shocking revelations about her origin and about how her real parents got gunned down in Africa amidst a political coup. Along with a French Journalist, Nicholas Dubois, she meets a Seroulese rebel, who tries to convince her of his help, but Shani has her doubts. Together, they help Shani uncover more information when suddenly Nicholas is kidnapped. As Shani sets about to rescue him, she realizes she is being chased by the very people who killed her parents. Shani knows she has to fight. But how? And can she trust Khamadi, the rebel, who claims to be helping her?
There is much more action that goes on after this point where I stopped the summary but sorry, no spoilers here. The story paces smoothly with its catchy narrative. It is a complete action book, I might say, giving you the feeling of watching a movie. The writing is commendable, I found it totally concentrated on the story at hand with some bits of romance going on. The title, however, just resonates once in the entirety of the book which didn't quite leave a bold impression, in my opinion.
The book is great, it is a fast paced action packed story. So why is my rating 3.5? Well, I found the story to be a little slow in the beginning. It picks up pace only after a quarter of the story is down, hence the rating. But I would like to point out that the rest of the story is absolutely exciting, I couldn't put it down, all the way till the end. All in all, a great story with powerful ingredients all thrown in to make one thrilling read!
Definitely recommended to all action lovers.
*** This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
August 9, 2017
Shani Bălcescu’s whole world turns upside down when she finds out about her Séroulése ancestry, she has no idea of the dangers she is about to encounter
| Introduction |
Shani Bălcescu is a fragile young woman struggling with depression issues, who has just been accepted as a Fellow of St. Aquinas Collge, Oxford. As excited as she is to start working on her PhD, she is afraid to leave the house she lived in with her friends and fellow students. Before she has even a chance to settle down in St. Aquinas, a phone call turns her world upside down: her adopted father (or “grandfather” considering their age difference), Andrei, has had a heart attack and she needs to go to him, to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, right away. With his last breath, he whispers “Child, you must forgive me. Zinsa … Séroulé. All gone.” What she needs to forgive him for will not be said by him anymore.
| Storyline |
Soon after hearing those intriguing words, Andrei is gone too and Shani is devastated. The only family she had, has died, leaving her with such puzzling words, implying a hidden truth about her family heritage. All her life, she has felt lonely without her parents of whom she only knows that they died due to a car accident. Being bereft of her parents and without a single memory of them to cherish, has added to the depression Shani has been struggling with for all her life. Now Andrei’s death and his mentioning of Séroulé make her want to investigate as she only knows that Andrei had worked as an anthropologist in Africa and brought her mother as a child, a victim of war, home with him. When Shani finds a shocking video of her parent’s violent death in the streets of the Romanian city of Timișoara she knows she has to go there to find whether there is a grave – a place her parents’ bodies are buried, “something tangible after all these years.”
In Timișoara, Shani finds her parents’ burial place and for the first time in her life, she feels a connection to her family. Her parents are Luca and Zinsa Bălcescu and, slowly, Andrei’s words begin to make sense. Zinsa is the little girl Andrei saved, the only surviving member of the Dangbo family, the presidential family of Séroulé. The coup leader who murdered the Dangbos years ago, is the current president (dictator) of Séroulé, General Odeion Kuetey. Before she knows it, Shani is in Paris visiting Nicholas, a journalist who had written an insightful article about the coup and her Séroulése family. Her contact with Nicolas opens up a whole new world for Shani where exist rebels and freedom fighters, as well as a murderous and sadistic General who is now aware of her existence .. her life will never be the same. Nicholas tells Shani just why the General is out to get her – and why that makes her a legend in the eyes of the rebels, fighting against the dictatorial regime.
Now she knows more about her family, her parents and her Séroulése ancestry, Shani feels very close to her African family and roots which make it impossible, in her eyes, to walk away. If Shani had known from the start how dangerous the search into her own background would be, would she have backed off? Then again, the suffering of the Séroulese population at the hands of the sadistic General Kuety and his regime: if anyone could help that cause, would they not take that chance? When lives are threatened and everyone around Shani wants something from her, who can she trust? Shani feels lost but then, something terrible happens, and she has no choice, she is drawn in. Forced to act, Shani feels her life rapidly spinning out of control. With many lives at risk, she has to make a decision that will have unimaginable consequences….
| My Thoughts |
Wow! Peter Harper has woven an intricate plot, taking us from the sophisticated environment of Oxford to Eastern Europe and the dangerous surroundings of Western Africa. Shani is a lovely protagonist who always has been insecure about herself due to not knowing where she belongs. Is that why she has anxiety issues? Finding her parents’ resting place gives her a strength she never knew she possessed. Although this change in character was a bit sudden, I did like how the author changed his protagonist and loved her commitment and dedication. To what or who? We will leave that for now! I totally fell in love with Nicholas, by the way. Cascade is a fast-paced action-packed thriller. If anything, it makes us aware how thin the layer of civilization is, how power is sought by everyone and how that same power wields corruption. It is a devastating story of brutality and loss, of finding your place in the world and wanting to belong somewhere and, ultimately, of the struggle for freedom and liberty.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/cascad...
| Introduction |
Shani Bălcescu is a fragile young woman struggling with depression issues, who has just been accepted as a Fellow of St. Aquinas Collge, Oxford. As excited as she is to start working on her PhD, she is afraid to leave the house she lived in with her friends and fellow students. Before she has even a chance to settle down in St. Aquinas, a phone call turns her world upside down: her adopted father (or “grandfather” considering their age difference), Andrei, has had a heart attack and she needs to go to him, to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, right away. With his last breath, he whispers “Child, you must forgive me. Zinsa … Séroulé. All gone.” What she needs to forgive him for will not be said by him anymore.
| Storyline |
Soon after hearing those intriguing words, Andrei is gone too and Shani is devastated. The only family she had, has died, leaving her with such puzzling words, implying a hidden truth about her family heritage. All her life, she has felt lonely without her parents of whom she only knows that they died due to a car accident. Being bereft of her parents and without a single memory of them to cherish, has added to the depression Shani has been struggling with for all her life. Now Andrei’s death and his mentioning of Séroulé make her want to investigate as she only knows that Andrei had worked as an anthropologist in Africa and brought her mother as a child, a victim of war, home with him. When Shani finds a shocking video of her parent’s violent death in the streets of the Romanian city of Timișoara she knows she has to go there to find whether there is a grave – a place her parents’ bodies are buried, “something tangible after all these years.”
In Timișoara, Shani finds her parents’ burial place and for the first time in her life, she feels a connection to her family. Her parents are Luca and Zinsa Bălcescu and, slowly, Andrei’s words begin to make sense. Zinsa is the little girl Andrei saved, the only surviving member of the Dangbo family, the presidential family of Séroulé. The coup leader who murdered the Dangbos years ago, is the current president (dictator) of Séroulé, General Odeion Kuetey. Before she knows it, Shani is in Paris visiting Nicholas, a journalist who had written an insightful article about the coup and her Séroulése family. Her contact with Nicolas opens up a whole new world for Shani where exist rebels and freedom fighters, as well as a murderous and sadistic General who is now aware of her existence .. her life will never be the same. Nicholas tells Shani just why the General is out to get her – and why that makes her a legend in the eyes of the rebels, fighting against the dictatorial regime.
Now she knows more about her family, her parents and her Séroulése ancestry, Shani feels very close to her African family and roots which make it impossible, in her eyes, to walk away. If Shani had known from the start how dangerous the search into her own background would be, would she have backed off? Then again, the suffering of the Séroulese population at the hands of the sadistic General Kuety and his regime: if anyone could help that cause, would they not take that chance? When lives are threatened and everyone around Shani wants something from her, who can she trust? Shani feels lost but then, something terrible happens, and she has no choice, she is drawn in. Forced to act, Shani feels her life rapidly spinning out of control. With many lives at risk, she has to make a decision that will have unimaginable consequences….
| My Thoughts |
Wow! Peter Harper has woven an intricate plot, taking us from the sophisticated environment of Oxford to Eastern Europe and the dangerous surroundings of Western Africa. Shani is a lovely protagonist who always has been insecure about herself due to not knowing where she belongs. Is that why she has anxiety issues? Finding her parents’ resting place gives her a strength she never knew she possessed. Although this change in character was a bit sudden, I did like how the author changed his protagonist and loved her commitment and dedication. To what or who? We will leave that for now! I totally fell in love with Nicholas, by the way. Cascade is a fast-paced action-packed thriller. If anything, it makes us aware how thin the layer of civilization is, how power is sought by everyone and how that same power wields corruption. It is a devastating story of brutality and loss, of finding your place in the world and wanting to belong somewhere and, ultimately, of the struggle for freedom and liberty.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/cascad...
March 19, 2017
Goes down as another off my 2017 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book by a male author. Action, suspense and political drama all rolled into one well written riveting read.
Séroulé, West Africa is where we start our journey to the past to help figure out the present and the family Shani never knew she belonged to. It seems that thirty-six years ago a military/political coup occurred to get rid of Tuma Dangbo, the President of Séroulé, and his family. Against all odds his youngest daughter Zinsa managed to evade capture and escape. Something that Kuetey, the man who orchestrated the coup so he could take over as the new President, can’t seem to let go.
This is where we come to present day to Shani Balcescu. She has just started a fellowship at St Thomas Aquinas and even though is scared knows she needs to move on to grow. She has suffered from insecurities and anxiety for a while now and after her current break up ended badly, when you find out you may want to punch him, is starting to panic a bit by being alone in a new place. After only being there for a day or so though she gets a call that changes everything. Her adopted father/grandfather Andrei has suffered from another heart attack and she is needed at his side back in Prague ASAP. Dusasna, a close family friend, keeps saying that he was asking for forgiveness from her and mentioning the name Zinsa. This means nothing to Shani and even after she gets there he keeps mentioning it. Something about a small girl and the name Zinsa. She doesn’t know at the time what it means or why he would be asking for forgiveness. It’s not until later while taking a look at his safe after a vivid dream that things start to come to the surface. It brings more questions than answers though about who her family really was, how she’s related to Zinsa and what happened to her to loose her foot. What she finds first leads her to Romania and then Paris. A reporter in Paris, Nicolas Dubois, has some information for her she might find useful. She found an article written by him about her grandfather dismissing the corruption claims. He has insight on what happened with the coup and how Zinsa got away. He also knows of a freedom fighter movement where plans are in place for another coup to get rid of Kuetey and his evil corruption. Khamadi Soglo is the man in charge and Nicolas knows how much he would want Shani to be apart of their movement. Cloak and dagger meetings are one thing but they tend to lead to danger the more you get involved.
President Kuetey is very much a twisted man with far to much power. You are longing for his downfall and just trying to figure out how and when it might happen. He’s obsessed with the blood of Tuma still being out there so as long as he’s around Shani will always be in danger. Well her and anyone she is close to, Nicolas soon gets put in the thick of it. From the moment Shani started on this mission to figure out the past, it’s the same past that’s been on its way to get her. Its lucky when Osakwe comes along in a time of need, he certainly appears good at getting you out of tricky situations – though Shani has her moments too. The wheels are turning and there’s no turning back.
Gripping story that will have you second-guessing yourself about what people’s real motives are. Secrets throughout to keep the reader hooked trying to figure them out. Shani and Nicolas have chemistry and intrigue right from the start and are clearly like-minded people to blend together so quickly. Hold on to your hats people this is going to be a wild ride exploring the greed of powerful men.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
Séroulé, West Africa is where we start our journey to the past to help figure out the present and the family Shani never knew she belonged to. It seems that thirty-six years ago a military/political coup occurred to get rid of Tuma Dangbo, the President of Séroulé, and his family. Against all odds his youngest daughter Zinsa managed to evade capture and escape. Something that Kuetey, the man who orchestrated the coup so he could take over as the new President, can’t seem to let go.
This is where we come to present day to Shani Balcescu. She has just started a fellowship at St Thomas Aquinas and even though is scared knows she needs to move on to grow. She has suffered from insecurities and anxiety for a while now and after her current break up ended badly, when you find out you may want to punch him, is starting to panic a bit by being alone in a new place. After only being there for a day or so though she gets a call that changes everything. Her adopted father/grandfather Andrei has suffered from another heart attack and she is needed at his side back in Prague ASAP. Dusasna, a close family friend, keeps saying that he was asking for forgiveness from her and mentioning the name Zinsa. This means nothing to Shani and even after she gets there he keeps mentioning it. Something about a small girl and the name Zinsa. She doesn’t know at the time what it means or why he would be asking for forgiveness. It’s not until later while taking a look at his safe after a vivid dream that things start to come to the surface. It brings more questions than answers though about who her family really was, how she’s related to Zinsa and what happened to her to loose her foot. What she finds first leads her to Romania and then Paris. A reporter in Paris, Nicolas Dubois, has some information for her she might find useful. She found an article written by him about her grandfather dismissing the corruption claims. He has insight on what happened with the coup and how Zinsa got away. He also knows of a freedom fighter movement where plans are in place for another coup to get rid of Kuetey and his evil corruption. Khamadi Soglo is the man in charge and Nicolas knows how much he would want Shani to be apart of their movement. Cloak and dagger meetings are one thing but they tend to lead to danger the more you get involved.
President Kuetey is very much a twisted man with far to much power. You are longing for his downfall and just trying to figure out how and when it might happen. He’s obsessed with the blood of Tuma still being out there so as long as he’s around Shani will always be in danger. Well her and anyone she is close to, Nicolas soon gets put in the thick of it. From the moment Shani started on this mission to figure out the past, it’s the same past that’s been on its way to get her. Its lucky when Osakwe comes along in a time of need, he certainly appears good at getting you out of tricky situations – though Shani has her moments too. The wheels are turning and there’s no turning back.
Gripping story that will have you second-guessing yourself about what people’s real motives are. Secrets throughout to keep the reader hooked trying to figure them out. Shani and Nicolas have chemistry and intrigue right from the start and are clearly like-minded people to blend together so quickly. Hold on to your hats people this is going to be a wild ride exploring the greed of powerful men.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
October 24, 2017
When her adopted father suffers a heart attack, Shani Bălcescu hurries to Prague to be at his bedside. However, his dying words leave Shani puzzling over a mystery – one that will lead her into a maze of corruption and secrets, not to mention rebel freedom fighters and military coups. With the help of a journalist, Shani discovers where she fits into the mystery and begins to uncover the hidden history of her own family.
Initially, I struggled to get into this book, but by the third chapter, I was hooked on the story and couldn’t put it down. The author weaves a truly global plot packed with intrigue, devilish villains and even a spoonful of romance. The main characters are well-drawn and believable, and while one or two of the characters are at times a little ‘preachy’, the denouement is worth waiting for.
A clever and insightful story that reflects our troubled times.
Initially, I struggled to get into this book, but by the third chapter, I was hooked on the story and couldn’t put it down. The author weaves a truly global plot packed with intrigue, devilish villains and even a spoonful of romance. The main characters are well-drawn and believable, and while one or two of the characters are at times a little ‘preachy’, the denouement is worth waiting for.
A clever and insightful story that reflects our troubled times.
March 24, 2017
From the moment I started reading this I knew I would get nothing done until I got to the end.
Shani has won a scholarship to a prestigious Oxford college and is just beginning to settle in when she gets a message that her adoptive grandfather Andrei, has had a second heart attack. As he is dying he said he was sorry he should have told her, then whispered 'Zinsa.......Seroule'.
Andrei had told Shani her parents had died in a car accident, but she now discovers this was untrue. She then embarks on researching her family history and discovers a shocking secret. She meets a journalist who joins her in her quest for the truth. This is a perilous and dangerous journey which puts both of their lives on the line.
This is compulsive reading, I really didn't want to put it down and strongly recommend it.
This review was based on ARC provided by the author.
Shani has won a scholarship to a prestigious Oxford college and is just beginning to settle in when she gets a message that her adoptive grandfather Andrei, has had a second heart attack. As he is dying he said he was sorry he should have told her, then whispered 'Zinsa.......Seroule'.
Andrei had told Shani her parents had died in a car accident, but she now discovers this was untrue. She then embarks on researching her family history and discovers a shocking secret. She meets a journalist who joins her in her quest for the truth. This is a perilous and dangerous journey which puts both of their lives on the line.
This is compulsive reading, I really didn't want to put it down and strongly recommend it.
This review was based on ARC provided by the author.
March 15, 2020
Although fictitious, this book conjures thoughts of Idi Amin, the butcher president of Uganda in the 1970's and the genocide in Rwanda in 1994. A compelling story of Shani and her battle, with the help of journalist Nicholas against oppression in West Africa. Well worth the read.
May 15, 2020
Entertaining
Very entertaining and hard to put down especially just before work at six am. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Very entertaining and hard to put down especially just before work at six am. I’m looking forward to the next book.
May 7, 2022
Excellent
Not usually my type of book but what a real treat, very well written, superb characters and plot plus lots of nice locations. 5 stars all the way
Not usually my type of book but what a real treat, very well written, superb characters and plot plus lots of nice locations. 5 stars all the way
March 3, 2017
Such a great read, my 1st book of Peter Harper, and heck no it will not be the last, I am so sold on his writing style. I was asked by the author to read this book for a honest review, it is not my normal kind of read, but I can & do enjoy books like this once in a blue moon, to get me out of my normal realm of silly girlie steamy hotness romances ... this is an edge of your seat kind of read, couldn't put it down, had to the know the ending, I was doing some research trying to find out more about Peter's book and all that jazz ... but sadly Amazon, was no help, apparently the are tons of Peter Harper's out there, who knew ... I guess it is a popular author name? When I can figure it out I will be adding more of Peter's book to my TBR list. I wish him all the best and I hope you too will take the time to love and enjoy his work. His descriptive characters and the storyline here.... it just so imaginative to read or fall into ... so to speak. Well done!! Must read if you love mysteries, thriller, suspense, crime related.
March 2, 2017
After the death of her adopted father Andrei, Shani Balcescu learns of her biological family.
Her grandfather, Tuma Dangbo, a former Seroulese president was gunned down in a coup 36 years earlier. Her mother, Zinsa, 7 years old at the time, was the only family to escape alive. President Kuetey became President, is very corrupt and will do anything to stay in power. He has killed all Tumas relatives and will do the same to Shani. She meets journalist Nicolas Dubois, and together they help the freedom fighters with a coup against the Kuetey Regime. It was well written with a lot of action, suspense and a fair bit of emotion as well. The main characters were realistically developed with strong personalities that came through quite clearly. The story moved at a good pace with just a couple of places I found had dialogue a bit to detailed.
It was a good story and I suggest others give it a read.
Her grandfather, Tuma Dangbo, a former Seroulese president was gunned down in a coup 36 years earlier. Her mother, Zinsa, 7 years old at the time, was the only family to escape alive. President Kuetey became President, is very corrupt and will do anything to stay in power. He has killed all Tumas relatives and will do the same to Shani. She meets journalist Nicolas Dubois, and together they help the freedom fighters with a coup against the Kuetey Regime. It was well written with a lot of action, suspense and a fair bit of emotion as well. The main characters were realistically developed with strong personalities that came through quite clearly. The story moved at a good pace with just a couple of places I found had dialogue a bit to detailed.
It was a good story and I suggest others give it a read.
March 29, 2017
Shani Belcescu’s life is changing. She has won a fellowship to St Thomas Anquinas college and is leaving her cosy situation surrounded by friends to start her new life. Little does she know that her life is about to change radically but not in any direction she could possibly imagine.
Her adoptive father falls seriously ill at his home in Prague so Shani hurtles to his bedside. The news she receives from him, just before he dies, immediately takes her on to Romania to investigate her family history. The more she investigates, the deeper the mystery becomes and the deeper she is drawn into a world which is alien to her – and it’s a very dangerous world.
Life for her is turned upside down. Nothing is as she imagined and she puts her studies on hold for a while and follows the leads to Paris, where she meets an attractive, investigative journalist who seems to know more about the past of her mother and grandfather than she does. Ultimately investigations lead them both to Séroulé in Africa where the story started.
The plot is very well fashioned and takes the reader on an exhilarating journey. Shani and Nicolas are well developed as the main characters but the star for this reader was the evil President Kuetey of Séroulé who is evil personified. What a great villain. It’s a rip-roaring tale which rattles along at a great pace.
Despite being a very good read there were instances where I felt the manuscript could have been improved and this is where it lost a star. Some of the dialogue was a little “clunky” and the stupidity of Shani on occasions had me groaning in disbelief. How she gets away with her life intact at several points during the story was beyond me. These are, howver, minor points in a thriller which is well worth the read and is thoroughly recommended.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Her adoptive father falls seriously ill at his home in Prague so Shani hurtles to his bedside. The news she receives from him, just before he dies, immediately takes her on to Romania to investigate her family history. The more she investigates, the deeper the mystery becomes and the deeper she is drawn into a world which is alien to her – and it’s a very dangerous world.
Life for her is turned upside down. Nothing is as she imagined and she puts her studies on hold for a while and follows the leads to Paris, where she meets an attractive, investigative journalist who seems to know more about the past of her mother and grandfather than she does. Ultimately investigations lead them both to Séroulé in Africa where the story started.
The plot is very well fashioned and takes the reader on an exhilarating journey. Shani and Nicolas are well developed as the main characters but the star for this reader was the evil President Kuetey of Séroulé who is evil personified. What a great villain. It’s a rip-roaring tale which rattles along at a great pace.
Despite being a very good read there were instances where I felt the manuscript could have been improved and this is where it lost a star. Some of the dialogue was a little “clunky” and the stupidity of Shani on occasions had me groaning in disbelief. How she gets away with her life intact at several points during the story was beyond me. These are, howver, minor points in a thriller which is well worth the read and is thoroughly recommended.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
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