30 Red Dresses

by Johan Twiss

While on a book tour in Cambodia, author James Moore unwittingly seeks refuge in a brothel to escape a devastating flash flood. He and his translator witness the atrocities of girls forced into prostitution, including a young child with a special gift. Together, they fight to not only save the girls from the rising flood waters, but from the menacing brothel owner and his men.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Novella, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2017

About the author

Dear Brilliant Reader,

Thank you for your interest in my books. I am passionate about writing clean science fiction and fantasy stories that are not only exciting, but suitable for tweens, teens and adults alike.

Have a question? Complaint? Want to send me a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory? Simply reach out to me at my website at www.johantwiss.com/contact

(I can also tell your future at no extra cost, although gift cards to Cheesecake Factory tend to make the predictions more accurate.)

And if you really want to make my day, please leave a review for my books on Amazon and Goodreads. Your reviews help new readers discover my books, for which I am very thankful.

All the best and happy reading,
Johan

Reviews

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would be virtually impossible for me to give this book anything under a four or five.

At the same time, it is an incredibly painful story to read, as the subject matter is human trafficking.

It takes place in Cambodia. There are two storylines going on, from the beginning, which, as you might suspect, come together, somewhere in the middle, to form a beautifully written, yet harrowing tale of human trafficking, strength, resilience and survival.

There is talk about the Khmer Rouge.


I admit, I don’t know as much as I’d like about this savage and evil group . Many years ago, however, I read a book about what they did, and it was a lyrically beautiful book but like this one quite harrowing. If any of you reading this are interested in reading this book, it’s called “In the shadow of the Banyan.” It was excellent just like this book.


Anyway, I should warn you about some trigger warnings. The girl sold into sexual slavery is eight years old. It is a brothel with many other young girls. There is physical and verbal abuse but no actual sex. if there had been, I don’t think I’d have been able to continue on.


Our protagonist is a gentle and sensitive and uniquely special girl, who sees life in colors, a subject I can relate to because I myself, am a very visual reader. There is also an author, who inadvertently get swept up into the saga of the girls in the red dresses.

This was a very good novella that starts off, searing and brutal, though, like I said, even though it may seem like you will, you will not witness any rape in the book.

The book reminded me of a colorful, tropical bird. It was so visual, and had such a beautiful melody to it. It’s a short book, more than a short story, but less than a full book. I would call it a novella.


I would definitely recommend it if you can handle the subject matter.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story about the horrors of human trafficking. James is an author who, while in Cambodia, finds himself rescuing a group of young girls from a brothel. Veata is an 8 year old sold into sexual slavery by her uncle. This is a story of their attempt to escape and journey to find refuge.

The evil practice of human trafficking is explained in this book. The author also provides links to organizations you can donate to which fight human trafficking.

I would recommend this book to everyone because we all need to know that human trafficking still exists in the present day.

I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, I love this book.

Second, I do recognize it might be hard to read, for many. It's a tough subject. Sometimes we want to ignore and put it in the closet. But, people, this stuff happens and it's heartbreaking. Veata's story is just a snapshot of what so many children are experiencing, horrible as the truth may be to accept.

The author wrote this story in a way that lets you know the details without going into detail. You get the picture and he moves away. Tasteful. So, if you're on the fence about reading it because of the subject, know that you're not getting an eyeful of graphic details.

Veata's story brings you through heartbreak and fear and leads you to hope for the future. And I'm also a huge fan of James. Just your average guy put in an impossibly crazy situation. I'm average: what would I do?

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written story about human trafficking done in such a wonderful way to bring more awareness. The story itself had characters that were well described and very likeable. Veata was a real sweetheart who was sold at such a young age that I was half afraid to continue reading, but let me assure you that this book is well worth the read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I'm blown away by this author with this novella which addresses a very difficult topic--child trafficking. In this case, he addresses child sex trafficking in Cambodia, but the author uses the author's note at the end to say that child trafficking is found in many forms. The main characters are Veata, an 8-year-old orphan girl sold by her abusive uncle to a vicious sex slaver who specializes in underage girls, and James, a fairly well-known author on a book tour in Cambodia, as well as his translator Munny. While this story might be difficult to read for some, it was written as a novella so that it would be hard-hitting and fast, with just enough pain and suffering for you to have a glimpse of what these girls go through, but without bringing you completely down. If you can bring yourself to do it, I think it's a very important story to read and once again, the author includes questions at the end that would be great for a group discussion, as well as offers resources for you to find out more about child trafficking and ways you can help. One thing I really appreciated was the book emphasizing that James could not come in as the "white savior" and make everything better his way. Rather, he needed to take time to learn about what the people needed and work WITH the people to help make systemic and fundamental changes that would allow these girls to have the tools to survive and fight back on their won. I highly recommend this story, but suggest that sensitive readers might have trouble with some of the passages. Still, I suspect that many older teens would be able to read this story.

Special thanks to the author and publisher, and also to BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a phenomenal book. The main character is an author. His books don’t sell well in the United States. However, Cambodia can’t seem to get enough of him. While on a book signing tour in Cambodia a natural disaster occurs. He and his translator Munny trying to survive find themselves in an area they really should not have ventured into. However, this turns out to be a most fortunate occasion for the other main character, eight year old Veata. She calls him her giant. When their paths cross, lives will be changed forever. This book takes you into one side of human trafficking. The writing was so smooth that I had to keep reading from beginning to end. I was right there fearing for the characters in this book. I found myself reading faster to find a resolution. There were so many things I hoped for. The ending was very satisfying. I found myself talking to my students about this book since we have been discussing “causes” and how horrible people can be to each other. I think this would make a wonderful book for high school. I will not only recommend this book to everyone I meet, I will remember it and its message for a long time. This is one of those stories that just sticks with you. I absolutely loved it.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please, please do not let the fact that so many of us who gave it a 5 received an ARC and volunteered to review. This is an exceptionally well written story about human trafficking. In this instance young girls. Yes its a hard subject, but even the faint of heart can read this, its done so well.
And the cherry on top? Many different ways you can help, from little to big. Do yourself a favor, read this book, do the world a favor, share. Together we can make a difference.

I volunteered to review this book and received an ARC.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking at the cover, I never expected what was coming. I’m sure I read the blurb before I picked it up in 2017, but not before I started reading it this week and WOW!

30 Red Dresses by Johan Twiss was such a surprise to me. I have a file of short stories and novellas, and chose 30 Red Dresses as a One Sentence Review to wipe it off my TBR, but after reading it, I changed my mind. It hit me so hard, I had to share more.

It was so sad from the very beginning. Venta is eight years old. It’s her birthday and her uncle is taking her to town. She’s excited, but…my heart fell to my gut. Her uncle is a disgusting human being, so I knew she was in for a rude awakening.

Sex trafficking is all too real. I cannot imagine how a young girl of eight could in any way comprehend what is happening to her. I was so far past mad, angry, seeing red, disgusted…

What does a white giant, a Cambodian and and 30 red dresses have in common?

An incredibly powerful story where the characters lives are changed forever and I teared up a time or two because the story went so far in such a few words. Strong. Powerful. Thought provoking. Sickening, yet hopeful.

The author’s note at the end of the book is just as powerful as the story.

See more at fundinmental

The author’s note at the end of the book is just as powerful as the story.

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opener

Fantastic!! This book is truly a great read. Although it is fiction, you feel like it could be a true story. I was sucked in and couldn't put it down.

[Bob Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not a book I would have picked up on my own. The title suggest a book that might appeal to female readers. The description indicated a subject of human trafficking. But a strange thing happened. I offered to advance read a different book for the author and I got sent a copy of this book with that cover. It was an honest mistake, but I realized it as soon as I started it. The writing style drew me in.
An 8 year old orphan in the care of her abusive uncle is sold into a brothel. A man on a book tour to Cambodia has to take refuge in the same during a flood. Their paths cross.
This book grabs you and will not let you go. Writing is clear and concise and no word is wasted. You start to feel something for each person in the story. You either love them or hate them, there is no in between.
I recommend this to everyone. Considering the subject, though we are talking about sex trafficking, there is not real sex that takes place in the book, There is more violence in the book than sex. It is safe for all to read. Grab a copy and have your life changed.

[D.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

James is seemingly riding the wave of fame in a foreign country - without a care, until fate steps in and shows him a different side of life that he didn't know existed. Through the turbulent ride of fate and mother nature, he learns that life isn't the rose-colored vision of perfection - not only the lives of those he intertwines with but also reflecting on his own life. Through this journey, he not only saves the lives of many young girls/women but in turn, his life is saved as well as he sees the torturous & sacrificial ways that many of the girls in Cambodia are forced to live to provide for their families.

In the process of this story, Mr. Twiss opens the readers eyes to the hard truth of Human Trafficking in Cambodia and many other locations. He doesn't focus on the dreary capital, however, but shows a quick snippet of a forced lifestyle that everyone should be aware of.

I received this as an ARC.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and compelling story that reminds us that not everyone leads a privileged and protected life. More than that, it opens up to ponder deeper, underlying evils in the world, and prompts us to consider that often the solution is not a simple or easy one. To solve problems, we must change human behaviour and shift expectations. I read this in one sitting, too engrossed to move. A wonderful novella that, despite the seriousness of the topic (and my earlier comment), is really about love, compassion, and human connection.

[Elizabeth Estey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it. Beautifully written!! So sad, it is amazing how the girls, some not, all rise above it. Sadly, it still goes on in today's world. There are tons of ways to help though.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking story about human trafficking and children being sold into prostitution. James was an author touring Cambodia when he got trapped by a flood. He takes refuge in a building that turns out to be a brothel and he is horrified by what he sees there. He and his translator help rescue the girls. The horrible story of bad happenings that are a real problem in our world. Told in a tasteful way. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. This book brings awareness to a very serious problem that is often 'overlooked' or 'ignored'

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, relevant, sad yet hopeful

This is a story about an author finding out about child trafficking and working to stop it, written by an author working against child trafficking. It's concise, well written and action packed without being too graphic in descriptions of what happens to abused children. Despite the dark central theme, it ends with honest hope for the future.

The main female character has a fascinating ability to see moods and health as colors, which adds a slight paranormal element to the tale. It also helps her empathize with and care for other characters. The main male character is on a book tour, thrown into dire circumstances, and comes out of the experience with eyes wide open, wanting to make a positive difference. The secondary characters are all well written and merge well.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review, which I am grateful for. I appreciate his writing style and broad range of work that I've read thus far.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When James' book agent told him he should take a book signing tour of Asia, he could not imagine the adventures ahead of him in Cambodia. So what was he doing, trudging down a road trailing a troupe of 30 girls in red dresses?

Veata lived with her uncle until her eighth birthday. But on that fatal day, his greed overcame any feelings of filial love, and he sold her into sex slavery. The only time she had ever seen her uncle smile was when he was clutching the roll of bills as we walked away from her.

In a flurry of accidental happenings, a strong storm, James, his translator and Veata along with 29 other girls in a brothel cross paths. All their lives changed. This is a fast paced story, wringing out all our emotions as this rag tag group struggles to gain their freedom and escape alive.

My heart aches for all the girls and boys in this trade. I was so touched by the personal story of little Veata and her "giant". Johan Twiss has created a credible story that touched me deeply, without going into gory details.

That is the purpose of this short story. It should help open our eyes to the frailty of life, the privileges of freedom of choice and what it might be like if our ability to live free from danger was forcefully taken away from us. And this human trafficking is not a blemish in foreign countries alone. Even your own town may be affected. I pray we all open our eyes and fight this horrible industry on all fronts.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this ebook through AXP Books Elite and the author. I reviewed this book voluntarily. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Herman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good little story reads more like a YA version of human sex trafficking implying but not exploiting the sex and violence if anything being rather positive and upbeat I liked it, I just didn’t feel the writing style was deserving of four stars not yet I enjoyed the story but wasn’t overly impressed or emotional engaged by it. Good effort for anyone interested in knowing more about modern slavery but is kind of turned off by the depressing nature or becoming too emotional inflamed by the nature of the crime then this book might be just up your alley it’s dealing with a very serious topic using a very light and spiritual touch and it’s short and not too cliche but not yet a four star read

[Marija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one short read that brings us story about the author who seeks refugee from the flood in a house that turn out to be a brothel. This is a heartbreaking story that tells us about human trafficking and selling children for prostitution...the problems that are a bit overlooked... Even this is not a pleasant theme it is written in tasteful way and it is nice that even in this case there is a happy ending.

[Deana Anderberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human trafficking is a sickening reality. This story was told wonderfully; informative enough to disgust humanity with the harsh truth these girls live and yet the end left you feeling moved to hope and action. Beautifully done.

[Lucy Roderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

I give this dramatic tale five stars. An endearing tale of tragedy, featr, bravery and caring. I enjoyed reading the story of Veata and her giant!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting novella on human trafficking
story that does give hope on this horrible topic!

[Lilith Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I have to say I am both impressed and saddened by this book.

This book is about a young girl who is sold by her birthday. All she wants is a gift from her uncle, but ends up in a place no women, let alone an 8-year-old should be. Luckily for her, before she has any time to be hurt, a flood brings her rescuer to help her and her friends out.

I loved this book because I felt the Twiss did an amazing job. The topic at hand was a very delicate topic and it was handled well. It went into just enough details to give the reader information, but did not overwhelm the reader with excessive details. I loved this because even teens can read this book and learn a lesson about life.

The one thing I have mixed feelings about is the ending. On the one side, I am happy with the ending, but on the other hand, I know there are many more stories that end in tragedy.

Overall, I am happy to see that Mr. Twiss has written a novella to try to bring an important issue to the lives of many people who might not be aware of it. I think this book is dealt with in a sensitive way. Short enough to make an impact, yet long enough to have a nice meaning.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating and hopeful

Wow. At first I was put off by the "ability" of one of the main characters, but after reading why Mr. Twiss added it, I understand it. The story itself is an incredibly important one that opens up a new world for me. Most children sold into slavery don't end like Veata, but I'm glad this one has a happy ending. I realize there is much to do on this front.

[Julie Failla Earhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Today is Veata’s eighth birthday. She hopes that her uncle remembers. Instead he sells her.

Across town, American author James Moore is on a book tour in Cambodia. He’s wildly famous there and has just finished a five-hour book signing appearance. After the event, he just wants to go to bed. Instead of taking him back to his hotel, his translator, Munny, takes him on an insider’s tour of Phnom Penh. A sudden downpour drenches him and Munny.

As hail begins to pummel the two men, who are on foot, they try to open any door along the alley they are in. When they finally find one that opens, they are some rather dangerous looking dudes inside. They want money for the two men to enter.

While they are making their way through the building, a loud roar begins to shake the walls and the floor. It’s not an earthquake. Then James realizes what it is; the new dam has burst and a wall of water is heading their way.

The water soon starts to rise rapidly. They head up the stairs, trying to race the rapidly rising waters, while trying to stay out of the way of the snake and rats that are also desperate to escape.
Saving others trapped in the building, the two men finally make it to the roof, where they find thirty women in identical red dresses, cowering near the ledge. Veata is one of those irls and one of the youngest.

James knows he must save them---from the flood and from the life they have been forced to live.

The first five chapters are harrowing. After that, the pacing slows down and the plot becomes stale and expected. Still, I was interested in what fate would be allotted to the girls, James, and Munny.

The story ends on a happy note, which was rather disappointing. I was hoping for a more realistic ending. After the end of the story, there is a short story that takes place eight years later when Venata turns sixteen. I found that confusing and awkward. Why not call it an Epilogue?

30 Red Dresses gets 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

[Elsa Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very hopeful book about a haunting subject - child sex slaves. Veata is sold to a brothel owner by her uncle, who hates the fact that he is stuck with her after her parents died. She is very small when she is thrown into this adult world of lust and depravery.
Then a flood hits after heavy monsoon rains and 30 girls are saved by four people, from different walks of life, an author, a translator and two policemen. Veata sees auras and this helps her to distinguish between the bad and the not so bad and a few good people.

What I love most about this book is that, if you have money and this story touches you, there is a list of places where you can donate to help stop child abuse - especially slavery. It's a very apt topic and still very relevant and too real for us to sit back.

I received a copy of this book from the author and review every fiction book I read.

[Candy Robosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

30 Red Dresses - touching and colorful
ByCandyon August 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
This novella exposes an atrocity that many could never imagine. Johan gives the hideous crime of human trafficking and sex slaves a face and story to rally behind. He does a great job also helping the reader know that solutions are out there but are not what we might think.
Vaeta and "her Giant" are two colorful souls that meet on a fateful night and change each others' lives forever. So many people think money and violence can solve everything and Vaeta's story explains why this is simply not like that and you can make a change in so many other ways. Johan reminds us it is never too late to change and no matter the differences everyone influences each other.

[Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read

Leaving you with hope of good people in this world, 30 Red Dresses delves into the dark world of human trafficking. I enjoy reading and don’t have a lot of time so I loved that it is a short novella.

[Nuha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Well written, it captures the horrors of child sex trafficking in a way that is unflinching but not voyeuristic.
Compelling plot line has the pages flying.
I won’t put in any spoilers but the ending is not formulaic but still very gratifying.
Highly recommend!

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: 30 Red Dresses
Author: Johan Twiss
Format: Kindle

My Thoughts:
Some stories awaken the sleeping conscience. This is one such novella that pricked my brain. This is the story of little Veata, an eight-year-old girl, looked after her Uncle in the most terrible manner, undergoes a lifetime experience of being trapped in the sex trade. The story is about hope and escape. It is difficult to imagine an eight-year-old going through the most heinous act by the fellow humans who co-exist with her.

This happens to be one of the heart-wrenching stories I ever read.

What to expect from the story?
Expect a gritty adventure of a little girl Veata, a victim of un-parenting and domestic abuse by her Uncle. She is sent into the dirty business, and the story happens to take a twist when author James Moore visits Cambodia. The story is set up in Cambodia, and it talks about the less talked human trafficking that exists. The story, however, ends on a good note with many hurdles that the characters face.

Who can read?
As this story is about human trafficking and girl child abuse, I recommend this book to be read-only by adults. The book can be skipped by Young teenagers too. But, under the guidance of elders, this book happens to be an eye-opener.

How good are the characters?
This story has many central characters. Every character has its own story and importance in the engagement of the story. Be it the character of James Moore, an author or the little girl Veata through whom a large human trafficking case unearths or Munny, the translator and many more; each contribute to the heightened emotion in the story.

How good is the narration?
An engaging and thoughtful narration is observed in this story, 30 Red Dresses by Johan Twiss. Every paragraph in the story is written with honesty, and the usage of simple language amplifies the emotion. A human with general common sense will surely feel the pain of those little girls trapped for all the wrongdoings. This is where author Johan's acting skills shine. The description and intrinsic explanation of the place, scene and emotion stand high.

How good are the language and grammar?
Easy language with adequate vocabulary is used in the story.

How good is the Author's writing style?
This is my first book by the Author Johan Twiss. His writing, I felt, is a slow poison. It starts seeping into the mind as and when a chapter is completed. His simple and engaging writing with a fair amount of drama, including humour, is a good work with the words.

How entertaining is the book?
The book is written about human trafficking. The most disturbing part of the story is little girls from eight years are used in running the flesh trade. There is drug usage, abuse and crime against women that is mentioned in the book. Though it is disturbing, the story is realistic and thought-provoking.

Final Verdict
A heartbreaking story!

Rating:
4/5

[Bekah B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having volunteered at an orphanage in Cambodia years ago I was really hoping to be transported back there with this book. Unfortunately it just didn't happen. There was a great opportunity to use this book to show people the unique and often difficult challenges that people can face in Cambodia during times when they need help and it just wasn't done. The setting felt quite generic at times.
The overall storyline was a great idea but I don't feel like it was executed in the best way. I really didn't understand why the main young girl, Veata, was written with the powers to 'see peoples' colours' (their energy and mood). It didn't add anything to the story and made things more fantastical and less hard hitting than they should be for a book about child kidnapping and sexual slavery.
I was sort of ok with the book up until around 45% and then the main characters became much less believable and I found myself rolling my eyes several times. For example, a 60 year old man who had arthritis and had just been struggling to climb 1 flight of stairs suddenly was able to have a full on fight with a gangster bouncer! He also conveniently had skills as a mechanic later in the book when they desperately needed a mechanic. And more conveniently, his guide/translator was a master at martial arts during the fight scene.
Overall, I just felt disappointed with 30 Red Dresses. I was hoping for a hard hitting, awareness raising book about child sexual exploitation and the difficulties faced in Cambodia in helping these children but unfortunately the book just didn't meet these expectations.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.