What do you think?
Rate this book
Foreign Hostage
BLOOD A ruthless syndicate of ivory smugglers. A mercenary with a blood vendetta. How many elephants can one man save?
Counter-terrorism officer Simon Ashcroft thought he’d seen it all until he witnesses the massacre of elephants, compelling him to find those responsible and bring them swift justice.
THE ASSYRIAN A radical terrorist. A remote island. One man risks it all to save two sisters from the worst kind of death…
When a young woman disappears, clues leads Ashcroft to a remote tropical island and an army of murderous thugs. The rescue mission is anything but straightforward, and Ashcroft soon realizes there is more to this mystery than a simple kidnapping.
PRAISE FOR AIDEN L BAILEY
“Never fails to thrill.” — Rob Sinclair , USA TODAY Bestselling Author
“Mr. Bailey’s plots are layered and complex, but like all great writers, he makes it seem effortless.” — Andrew Warren, International Bestselling Author
“A bold and original voice in modern thriller writing.” — Mick Bose, International Bestselling Author
“Gripping entertaining read with unique hot spot settings and tightly woven plot twists.” — JT Patten
“Be excited about Bailey.” — Brian’s Book Blog
FOREIGN HOSTAGE features two action-packed espionage BLOOD IVORY and THE ASSYRIAN CONTRABAND . Brace yourself for adventure… Read Foreign Hostage today.
Counter-terrorism officer Simon Ashcroft thought he’d seen it all until he witnesses the massacre of elephants, compelling him to find those responsible and bring them swift justice.
THE ASSYRIAN A radical terrorist. A remote island. One man risks it all to save two sisters from the worst kind of death…
When a young woman disappears, clues leads Ashcroft to a remote tropical island and an army of murderous thugs. The rescue mission is anything but straightforward, and Ashcroft soon realizes there is more to this mystery than a simple kidnapping.
PRAISE FOR AIDEN L BAILEY
“Never fails to thrill.” — Rob Sinclair , USA TODAY Bestselling Author
“Mr. Bailey’s plots are layered and complex, but like all great writers, he makes it seem effortless.” — Andrew Warren, International Bestselling Author
“A bold and original voice in modern thriller writing.” — Mick Bose, International Bestselling Author
“Gripping entertaining read with unique hot spot settings and tightly woven plot twists.” — JT Patten
“Be excited about Bailey.” — Brian’s Book Blog
FOREIGN HOSTAGE features two action-packed espionage BLOOD IVORY and THE ASSYRIAN CONTRABAND . Brace yourself for adventure… Read Foreign Hostage today.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2018
13 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Aiden Bailey
19 books89 followersAiden Bailey is an international bestselling thriller author from Australia. Formerly an engineer, he built a career marketing multi-national technology, engineering, and construction companies. His various roles have included corporate communications with the Australian Submarine Corporation, technical writing for several defence contractors, engineering on an outback petroleum pipeline, a magazine editor and art director, and engineering proposal writer for the Royal Australian Air Force’s surveillance and intelligence gathering aircraft and drone enabling works. Aiden has travelled widely in six continents and his experiences are the basis of many of his stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 27, 2018
“What makes us human is that, We are the most compassionate, most violent, most creative and most destructive animal that has ever been on this planet."
A poignant and compelling story, a great character in-depth, an objective point of view from the author let’s you to decide the moral and ethical issues concerning the poachers, wildlife defenders, the trophy hunting... a plasma of today’s reality. As always, Ashcroft at his best, lots of action, fast paced, emotional and empathetic! I suffered a lot!
A graciously offered ARC and a voluntary review from me.
A poignant and compelling story, a great character in-depth, an objective point of view from the author let’s you to decide the moral and ethical issues concerning the poachers, wildlife defenders, the trophy hunting... a plasma of today’s reality. As always, Ashcroft at his best, lots of action, fast paced, emotional and empathetic! I suffered a lot!
A graciously offered ARC and a voluntary review from me.
May 8, 2018
Simon Ashcroft is a counter-terrorism expert assigned in Africa to a group trying to save elephants from poachers. According to Simon's superiors, there is one man being a 'vigilante', killing any poachers he finds without any thought at all. Simon is there to see the loss after a group of poachers kill a herd of elephants, then cut up their bodies, taking their tusks and anything else they want. It is so sad to see how the animals tried to get away, you can see the fear in their eyes.Simon is traveling with a man who cares deeply for the elephants,Orszak and a woman who leads them.
The elephants are so much like humans, with their emotions and thinking, it is very hard to see so many killed for Ivory. This is an exciting story with plenty of action and suspense! The characters are wonderful and there are amazing locations, described so well you feel you are there.
You cannot help but feel for the plight of elephants, as there are not many still alive today.
I hope this story awakens people to the loss of these beautiful animals. I enjoyed reading and going on this adventure with our characters, and have definitely learned more about poachers .
I received an ARC of this story from author Aiden Bailey, who I thank for this opportunity and through which I can share my thoughts with you.
A five star novella from which you are entertained but also observe the chaos of poachers as they take down this magnificent animal.
The elephants are so much like humans, with their emotions and thinking, it is very hard to see so many killed for Ivory. This is an exciting story with plenty of action and suspense! The characters are wonderful and there are amazing locations, described so well you feel you are there.
You cannot help but feel for the plight of elephants, as there are not many still alive today.
I hope this story awakens people to the loss of these beautiful animals. I enjoyed reading and going on this adventure with our characters, and have definitely learned more about poachers .
I received an ARC of this story from author Aiden Bailey, who I thank for this opportunity and through which I can share my thoughts with you.
A five star novella from which you are entertained but also observe the chaos of poachers as they take down this magnificent animal.
May 9, 2018
This is an exceptional read. I’ve really enjoyed Aiden L Bailey’s two other books in this series (The Assyrian Contraband & The Benevolent Deception), which are both fantastic stories. ‘Blood Ivory’ has been very well written, and certainly hits you between the eyes. I certainly went through all sorts of emotions in reading it, and I’m glad I did, as I think there is nothing better than reading a novel that really makes you stop and think. I quite liked the three main characters, as they are all very different from each other, and one of the many things that make this a fabulous story.
There was no doubt that Simon Bancroft was a hardened warrior. He had seen some nasty things around the world, especially in places like Afghanistan and Africa. Seeing the slaughter of elephants in Tanzania would have to be right up there with the worst things he had witnessed. It’s not as though it was only one or two elephants being killed, it was a whole herd of them. If the elephants didn’t have the ivory tusks, then the poachers would have left the gentle giants alone. Simon had been given the task by Australian Government to see who was supplying the Ivory into the Philippines, that in turn was helping to fund Abu Sayyaf and his Islamic terrorist organisation. If you enjoy Action Thrillers, then this is a must read.
There was no doubt that Simon Bancroft was a hardened warrior. He had seen some nasty things around the world, especially in places like Afghanistan and Africa. Seeing the slaughter of elephants in Tanzania would have to be right up there with the worst things he had witnessed. It’s not as though it was only one or two elephants being killed, it was a whole herd of them. If the elephants didn’t have the ivory tusks, then the poachers would have left the gentle giants alone. Simon had been given the task by Australian Government to see who was supplying the Ivory into the Philippines, that in turn was helping to fund Abu Sayyaf and his Islamic terrorist organisation. If you enjoy Action Thrillers, then this is a must read.
November 3, 2018
4.5* rounded up.
The start of the book, about the first 20% was hard going but as I got further on I felt more invigorated in the storyline and how it turned out. The author managed to pull me in from the peripheral edges right into the here and now of how the storyline moved on. Definitely a good read.
The start of the book, about the first 20% was hard going but as I got further on I felt more invigorated in the storyline and how it turned out. The author managed to pull me in from the peripheral edges right into the here and now of how the storyline moved on. Definitely a good read.
May 20, 2018
A thought-provoking, engaging and action-packed read!
Aiden L. Bailey is a fantastic and still relatively new voice in the thriller genre. His stories are full of action and intrigue but don’t follow the genre’s well-trodden paths. Blood Ivory is no exception. It has great characters, a unique premise and a strong message about the plights of elephants.
His protagonist Simon Ashcroft is very charismatic and one can easily relate to him.
Bailey really knows how to craft a story that emotionally connects with his readers and it makes for a fantastic read from beginning to end. Check this one out, you won't be disappointed!
Aiden L. Bailey is a fantastic and still relatively new voice in the thriller genre. His stories are full of action and intrigue but don’t follow the genre’s well-trodden paths. Blood Ivory is no exception. It has great characters, a unique premise and a strong message about the plights of elephants.
His protagonist Simon Ashcroft is very charismatic and one can easily relate to him.
Bailey really knows how to craft a story that emotionally connects with his readers and it makes for a fantastic read from beginning to end. Check this one out, you won't be disappointed!
May 3, 2019
Very interesting novella with characters that will grab your attention!
January 27, 2019
Good reading with a realistic outlook at proachers in Africa. Simon Ashcroft is attached to a unit in Tanzania whose Task it is to try to protect the elephants. The People he has to work with are an American -African and another female African. Simon is trying to find the assassin who is behind killing many of the prochers. The killing of the elephants also gets to Simon and he wants to get ahold of the prochers also but he is too professional to let his emotions overcome him. Will he find the assassin and capture him? Only be reading will you ever find out.
June 3, 2018
Every year poachers slaughter 30,000 elephants. The illegal Ivory trade crosses over with International Terrorism as another funding source.
This brings Australian Intelligence Officer Simon Croft to Africa searching for actionable intelligence.
But there a problem, someone in the local law enforcement group he's assigned to is working with the poachers.
This is the situation Simon Croft has to navigate.
The story telling is tight and fast paced. Highly recommend.
This brings Australian Intelligence Officer Simon Croft to Africa searching for actionable intelligence.
But there a problem, someone in the local law enforcement group he's assigned to is working with the poachers.
This is the situation Simon Croft has to navigate.
The story telling is tight and fast paced. Highly recommend.
June 9, 2018
Blood Ivory
This novel was well written and different from most of those I’ve read. It was ,however,too short. I felt it needed more detail about those involved in protecting the elephants and the characters. Otherwise, I enjoyed it. Dr. C
This novel was well written and different from most of those I’ve read. It was ,however,too short. I felt it needed more detail about those involved in protecting the elephants and the characters. Otherwise, I enjoyed it. Dr. C
June 3, 2018
Great read! Love Simon Ashcroft.
April 6, 2021
Too short
Yes they're too short because they're novellas, I get that. I mean they're too short because they're over too soon. You'll learn about Simon's fascination/protection with the elephants hinted at in the Shatterhand series and get a little taste of Bond as well. Plenty of action as usual with Aiden. Recommended.
Yes they're too short because they're novellas, I get that. I mean they're too short because they're over too soon. You'll learn about Simon's fascination/protection with the elephants hinted at in the Shatterhand series and get a little taste of Bond as well. Plenty of action as usual with Aiden. Recommended.
December 13, 2025
An excellent read, fast paced and emotional. Will read more from this author!
June 4, 2018
Simon Ashcroft battles elephant poachers while torn between a conflict with his official objective and his emotions. This prequel novella is set a few years before the cyber storm of events that occur in Bailey's first book - The Benevolent Conflict.
Blood Ivory explores the dark world of ivory trade that goes up to financing terrorism. The aftermath of the wholesale bloody slaughter of elephants by poachers that is described in stark detail brings out a few tears. Elephants are shown with all their grandeur and might as intelligent, emotional and cultured beings.
This book follows an operation Ashcroft did during his time with the ASIS - Australian Secret Intelligence Service. He has to work with a unit of Tanzanian secret police who protect elephants. Ashcroft is there to find a link between ivory traders and a terror network in Africa. But witnessing thirty-plus behemoths gunned down for their tusks sends his rage spiking.
The very mission Ashcroft is on clashes with his aim to kill ivory traders and he nicely controls this conflict. A vigilante who is killing those who harm elephants drives Ashcroft into chaos.
"An intelligent enemy is better than a stupid friend." This dialogue from the book's anti-hero has become my favorite Aiden L. Bailey quote.
From gunfights, explosions to a man being killed by a hippopotamus, this short read has a variety of fun scenes. The twisted bulk of the story leaves you questioning the purpose of certain elements and details in the plot. However, the ending wraps up the chaos with a serious emotional note and satisfies everyone.
This is the type of story that cannot be compared with other books. It has the least number of similarities in plot structure in relation to most books in this genre. Being a thriller that keeps you excited for more than a couple of hours, there is nothing that disappoints in it.
Blood Ivory explores the dark world of ivory trade that goes up to financing terrorism. The aftermath of the wholesale bloody slaughter of elephants by poachers that is described in stark detail brings out a few tears. Elephants are shown with all their grandeur and might as intelligent, emotional and cultured beings.
This book follows an operation Ashcroft did during his time with the ASIS - Australian Secret Intelligence Service. He has to work with a unit of Tanzanian secret police who protect elephants. Ashcroft is there to find a link between ivory traders and a terror network in Africa. But witnessing thirty-plus behemoths gunned down for their tusks sends his rage spiking.
The very mission Ashcroft is on clashes with his aim to kill ivory traders and he nicely controls this conflict. A vigilante who is killing those who harm elephants drives Ashcroft into chaos.
"An intelligent enemy is better than a stupid friend." This dialogue from the book's anti-hero has become my favorite Aiden L. Bailey quote.
From gunfights, explosions to a man being killed by a hippopotamus, this short read has a variety of fun scenes. The twisted bulk of the story leaves you questioning the purpose of certain elements and details in the plot. However, the ending wraps up the chaos with a serious emotional note and satisfies everyone.
This is the type of story that cannot be compared with other books. It has the least number of similarities in plot structure in relation to most books in this genre. Being a thriller that keeps you excited for more than a couple of hours, there is nothing that disappoints in it.
June 6, 2018
I was really drawn to this book from page one and the emotion these hardened people felt as the slaughter of these great animals and the way they died !!they thought they'd seen it all .Elephants are pack animals and live and protect each other all killed by greed of the poachers who get there karma by an mystery man who turns out to be one of the team to protect the elephants .
The characters were very much alive and interesting .
Jack and Simon came to a understanding in the fight to save the Elephants and for Simon to find the link of drug routes .
good interesting short story but full of action and compassion great read
The characters were very much alive and interesting .
Jack and Simon came to a understanding in the fight to save the Elephants and for Simon to find the link of drug routes .
good interesting short story but full of action and compassion great read
February 10, 2019
As a novella you could assume there's not much to this book. You'd be wrong. There's all sorts of things going on. Simon Ashcroft is back in this one but what surprised me so much about it was the 'feel' of the other characters. There very real and alive. There's twists and turns, very bad guys, action, quips and a little mystery to be had here. It brilliant, just brilliant. HIGHLY recommended.
June 10, 2018
Blood Ivory. Aiden L Bailey
Simon Ashcroft, intelligence officer for the ASIS. Ex, Australian military now he works in a covert capacity. He can be lethal if the task requires it. Elephants in Africa are being slaughtered by the hundreds, nearing extinction. Theirs a tremendous black market in ivory. This is a gripping novella filled with dark secrets. Enjoyed immensely!
Simon Ashcroft, intelligence officer for the ASIS. Ex, Australian military now he works in a covert capacity. He can be lethal if the task requires it. Elephants in Africa are being slaughtered by the hundreds, nearing extinction. Theirs a tremendous black market in ivory. This is a gripping novella filled with dark secrets. Enjoyed immensely!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews