Robin Fox, peace-loving professor of world religions, wants only to leave his dark past as a military interrogator behind him. But when an unknown suspect tries to disperse a deadly virus in downtown Washington, Fox is unwillingly drawn back into the shadowy world of intelligence.
The FBI and CIA automatically suspect Islamic terrorists, but Fox digs deeper to discover the far more frightening truth: a global conspiracy to eradicate all religion from the face of the earth.
From Washington to Jerusalem, from Rome to London, Fox must use all his skills to stop devastating attacks on the world's holiest sites on their holiest days.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first I thought this was a bit of a Zombie-book (by just looking at the cover), but it's nothing like that! This book is about terrorism and religion. I just dove right in and this was a pretty easy read, a quick read! The book is written very well, one of the biggest aspects I liked. I rushed through and was very pleased about this book. It's mainly an adult thriller, but I do believe that young adults would be able to learn a lot from it as well.
I think this is a great book for young adults and all ages up. It's a book that's very respectful towards different religions and also towards people that don't believe. It's also a book that makes you think, makes you wonder and it's actually a quick read! I do recommend this book to y'all.
A young man attends a religious gathering in Washington DC and sets off a device. Then we meet Professor Robin Fox, a man specializing in world religions. He has his own past that he has tried to step away from but finds himself draw back in with several terrorist attacks. But these are not normal terrorist attacks; someone is planning on removing religion from the world. It is up to Robin to stop the group by following clues across the world. But when his friend Emily Paxton is abducted the fight becomes personal.
This is one heck of a thrill ride with a break neck pace. Robin Fox has spent his time in the Army and is against it. But he finds himself back in it trying to stop the attacks. He has to face tough challenges but seems to find the answers quickly and arrives in time just to be lead to another location. It is a race against time and Robin is the only one for the job.
If you like thrillers look no further. This book will suck you in and leave you breathless. This is an amazing debut and I cannot wait for the next book from Charles Kowalski.
I received Mind Virus from Sami at Roger Charlie for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Mind Virus by Charles Kowalski is an award winning debut novel and a total adrenaline rush. As scary as the thought is, the events depicted could easily have been real. Given all the attention the media focuses on terrorism and religious extremism it is no wonder that the story will resonate with readers.
Robin Fox is a professor of world religions, ex-Army and conscientious objector. Since he is one of the few people in the world that has had dealings with a new deadly virus he is drawn back into the world of intelligence. As he works to uncover the mastermind behind the plot to kill people of faith, he is led on a chase which leads to various religious celebrations around the world. Robin must race against the clock to stop the planned attacks before this deadly virus is released into the populous. Then it becomes personal to him when his very dear friend Emily Paxton is kidnapped. I do not want to spoil a great story; therefore, I am intentionally being vague and stopping here.
Wow! What a great story and very relevant to what is occurring in the world today. Mr. Kowalski has taken the current political climate and events, and effectively intertwined them with fiction, to create a fabulous thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are lots of twists in the plot and thoughtful characters that keep the reader engaged throughout.
My only qualm, though slight, is with the main character, Robin Fox, he is almost too clever. He is always able to figure things out much too quickly. It is such a minor thing and the story was just so engaging I had no trouble overlooking this one very minor item. If you love thrillers, you have to read Mind Virus.
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
See my other reviews, and author interviews, on my blog at www.thespineview.com.
A good book on an interesting twist to the theme of a global conspiracy about to wreak havoc on the world. Robin Fox, a professor of religion trying to put his dark past as a military interrogator to rest, is brought back to investigate the threat. And Fox's journey, as he digs deeper, becomes a race to save the world. I would not normally read this find of fiction, but in Kowalski's writing, it becomes an exciting journey. I'm glad I read it.
Not what i expected. Wasn’t sure what I was expecting to be honest. This one was beyond what I have been reading so went in wary but open minded.
what did I get? I got a book that was complex and diverse. One that taught me religion, the dangers of thought and viruses. The danger of beliefs and prejudice. Of letting something from the past truly affect the present and future. The power of influence over others and the belief of tolerance as well.
I saw complex story lines that melded well and brought you a tale of intrigue, philosophy, mystery and kept you on the edge of your seat. I got characters that were multidimensional and fighting many fronts. For our main character, he was fighting his past and who he was. Robin was also fighting becoming what he was before and fighting the feelings inside him for Emily. He was fighting the virus itself and what it was doing to those around him. He was also fighting time and prejudice. I love how his mind worked and how he was able to figure things out. the clues were fascinating as was Robin fox and how he solves things. Seeing him as a person and not just a mind was at first difficult because when you begin this story it is his mind that captures you. His way of figuring things out and his past. His thought process and how how he figures things out and interacts with others is what is forefront for you and him as a person comes secondary. It is a paradox in differences when it comes to Robin. What he was blending into who he is and what he believes. How he struggles with them both and wanting to do what is right but also being stuck in the emotions that take hold of you and have you do what you don’t always want.
seeing him watch those around him in danger and yet have to keep a cool exterior and figure things out but also keep others from harm was mind blowing and well written. The story brings you through so many aspects of religion, beliefs, cults, influence of others over people, the power of words and actions, and your faith in others as well gets tested. Robin has his faith and belief tested alot in this complex book. A book full of danger and intrigue. Of complex characters and a plot that has you on your toes. The book reminds me of Dan Brown’s books in symbolism and history. In beliefs and radical views. In the power of influence and people and finding your way not only to figure out the mystery and keep others safe but also in finding your way for yourself and seeing where you are and stand. It has the main character test his strength, moxy, beliefs and find himself and who he is. Has him mettle in where he stands on things and how he will make it through to keep not only himself but others safe as well.
the virus goes beyond science but in our beliefs and this is what we see as the most dangerous of all. Charles Kowalski shows us this in his intricate webbing of a story that ensnares your mind and keeps you in the moment as you follow his characters around the world trying to solve a mystery of where will be next while trying to show others the other side of things and get world views out there. A wonderfully written complex and multidimensional story of intrigue, belief, the power of who you are and thought and also the power of the past and people’s exploitation of you and your inner most thoughts to get their desired result no matter what the consequences and one’s determination to change all that while finding justice for friends, peace for others and himself.
All in all, Mind Virus was very good! Usually, thrillers don't really interest me, but I definitely don't regret picking this one up! Fans of religious debates and biological warfare should absolutely check this one out (as well as anyone majoring in biochemistry!) because of the main themes in the novel. Mr. Kowalski, I appreciate the hard work that you put into this novel, and I hope to see more from you in the future!
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways and have chosen to give my honest opinion about it. An incredibly well-written adventure, this action-packed book had me hooked for days! It's careful with its use of religion, and still provides decent context to thoroughly enjoy the book! The plot was compelling and it was exciting following the characters, with twists that I definitely did not expect! I would totally recommend this book.
Just read it over three days - hard to put down! Kowalski did an excellent job researching all the details to make it realistic, while keeping it fast paced and exciting. It really reminded me of a combination of Patriot Games and The Da Vinci Code. I would definitely recommend it to other readers!
A fast-paced thriller, featuring an entertainingly Holmesian lead (prenaturally aware and given to making leaps of logic that ultimately prove correct) navigating a globe in which religious faith - in its many guises - brings people together and makes them vulnerable to terrorist attack.
With the world that we live in now and religious zealots doing all sorts of things, this book fits in right here and right now. Robin Fox is the head of an institute that strives each day to move the world to a more peaceful state, no matter what religion you adhere to or even if you don't, Fox wants peace for everyone. With an attack in the states trying to discredit religion, Fox is brought in to try to get to the bottom of it.
A fast-paced and well-written globe-trotting thriller that reads like Jack Bauer found God. Gripping from the first page, Kowalski's prose is straightforward but never dull, with action scenes judiciously balanced with meditations on the nature of belief and disbelief. Arguments for theism are as compellingly made as those against, but neither distract from a cracking story, which is always kept front and centre. Great stuff, and right up my street!
*Be sure to check out this review on my blog here!
The next Dan Brown?
To some, the idea of being related to Dan Brown would be a compliment, while others would be insulted. Either way, my initial impression of the story and writing style reminded me of the famous author, and it stuck throughout the story. Mixing well-known political and economic tensions with fictional suspense and danger often makes for thrilling stories, and deserve a genre of their own.
The writing was quick and clear, painting endless pictures of each new scene with marvelous clarity. Diving into this alternate reality was easy, and with the state of our current world, I found myself wondering how realistic this story could truly be. While I had minor complaints here and there, the overall story was entertaining. For a debut novel, it could easily make a big name for itself in fictional thrillers.
My reasons for removing a rose can't be explained without spoilers. Those reasons, however, are all personal, and not ones I think would specifically sway other readers, and aren't gravely important. It was a good story, and a thrilling mix of situations and twists. I would recommend this book to others.
*I received a complimentary eCopy of this novel, from the author via Roger Charlie, to read in exchange for an honest review.