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Stern des Nordens
Undercover im Land der Lügen. Eine tödliche Mission in Nordkorea, eine junge CIA-Agentin auf der Suche nach ihrer verschwundenen Schwester.
Washington DC, 2010: Zwölf Jahre ist es her, dass Jenna Williams' Zwillingsschwester an einem Strand in Südkorea spurlos verschwand. Als die CIA die frischgebackene Agentin auf eine geheime Mission nach Nordkorea schickt, ist sie fest entschlossen, die Wahrheit über ihre Schwester herauszufinden.
Ein Dorf in der nordkoreanischen Provinz: Bäuerin Moon kämpft ums Überleben. Als sie ein Hilfs-Paket mit Lebensmitteln aus dem Ausland findet, macht sie den Inhalt auf dem Markt zu Geld. Für ihre Furchtlosigkeit wird sie von den anderen Frauen bewundert, von der Polizei argwöhnisch beobachtet. Als eine der Marktfrauen verhaftet wird, entwickelt sich Moon zur Stimme des Widerstands.
Pjöngjang: Anlässlich einer Beförderung wird die Familiengeschichte des Parteifunktionärs Cho durchleuchtet. Denn Karriere machen darf nur, wer über drei Generationen einen tadellosen Hintergrund nachweisen kann. Was dabei ans Licht kommt, lässt den linientreuen Anhänger Kim Jong-Ils alles in Frage stellen, woran er jemals geglaubt hat. Als Cho die Amerikanerin Jenna Williams kennenlernt, ahnt er nicht, dass sie undercover für die CIA in Einsatz ist. Und welche Ereignisse ihre Begegnung in Gang setzen wird ...
Washington DC, 2010: Zwölf Jahre ist es her, dass Jenna Williams' Zwillingsschwester an einem Strand in Südkorea spurlos verschwand. Als die CIA die frischgebackene Agentin auf eine geheime Mission nach Nordkorea schickt, ist sie fest entschlossen, die Wahrheit über ihre Schwester herauszufinden.
Ein Dorf in der nordkoreanischen Provinz: Bäuerin Moon kämpft ums Überleben. Als sie ein Hilfs-Paket mit Lebensmitteln aus dem Ausland findet, macht sie den Inhalt auf dem Markt zu Geld. Für ihre Furchtlosigkeit wird sie von den anderen Frauen bewundert, von der Polizei argwöhnisch beobachtet. Als eine der Marktfrauen verhaftet wird, entwickelt sich Moon zur Stimme des Widerstands.
Pjöngjang: Anlässlich einer Beförderung wird die Familiengeschichte des Parteifunktionärs Cho durchleuchtet. Denn Karriere machen darf nur, wer über drei Generationen einen tadellosen Hintergrund nachweisen kann. Was dabei ans Licht kommt, lässt den linientreuen Anhänger Kim Jong-Ils alles in Frage stellen, woran er jemals geglaubt hat. Als Cho die Amerikanerin Jenna Williams kennenlernt, ahnt er nicht, dass sie undercover für die CIA in Einsatz ist. Und welche Ereignisse ihre Begegnung in Gang setzen wird ...
544 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2018
798 people are currently reading
8610 people want to read
About the author
D.B. John
4 books198 followersD. B. JOHN was born in Wales. He began training as a lawyer but switched to a career in publishing, editing popular children's books on history and science. In 2009 he moved to Berlin, Germany, to write his first novel, Flight from Berlin. A visit to North Korea in 2012 inspired Star of the North. In 2015 he co-authored the New York Times bestselling memoir The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee. He lives in Angel, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,116 reviews
May 26, 2018
*I was invited to read ‘Star of the North’ by the publisher, and have given an honest review in exchange*
For a leader of any dictatorship to be successful, I believe he must ensure that his people are isolated from any outside influences - which happens to describe the State of North Korea perfectly.
The storyline follows three threads, the first being American, Jenna, who's twin sister was abducted from a South Korean beach in 1998- years later she is still missing. Some believe that North Korea could have had a hand in this, as well as other abductions at the time. Jenna has never given up hope that she will discover what happened to her sister, and when she comes to the notice of CIA operatives and is recruited and sent into North Korea, she sees this as a chance to find out the truth.
The second thread follows Mrs Moon, and oh how I loved this lady's story. Mrs Moon lives and works on a penal farm high up in the mountains of North Korea. Whilst out working in the corn fields, she discovers an international aid balloon filled with goodies (warm woollen socks and Choco pies amongst them) and she decides to use these treasures to her advantage - something which (in North Korea) could lead to the death penalty.
The third thread follows high ranking North Korean official Cho, who (compared to the peasants of this State) appears to lead a charmed life, but events are about to take a very nasty turn, as the sins of the father are definitely visited upon the son!
For obvious reasons, I won't say how the three threads line up so seamlessly, but it makes for the most powerful, gripping, and soul searching read that will have you thanking your lucky stars that you don't live in North Korea!
This book has such impact, but the one paragraph that will most explain why it affected both my mental and emotional composure is this - "The famine deepened, and her foraging was not enough. On the day she saw children in the village picking through ox shit in search of undigested seeds to eat, something inside her changed permanently"
If you read just one book this year, make it this one! Quite simply - Epic!
For a leader of any dictatorship to be successful, I believe he must ensure that his people are isolated from any outside influences - which happens to describe the State of North Korea perfectly.
The storyline follows three threads, the first being American, Jenna, who's twin sister was abducted from a South Korean beach in 1998- years later she is still missing. Some believe that North Korea could have had a hand in this, as well as other abductions at the time. Jenna has never given up hope that she will discover what happened to her sister, and when she comes to the notice of CIA operatives and is recruited and sent into North Korea, she sees this as a chance to find out the truth.
The second thread follows Mrs Moon, and oh how I loved this lady's story. Mrs Moon lives and works on a penal farm high up in the mountains of North Korea. Whilst out working in the corn fields, she discovers an international aid balloon filled with goodies (warm woollen socks and Choco pies amongst them) and she decides to use these treasures to her advantage - something which (in North Korea) could lead to the death penalty.
The third thread follows high ranking North Korean official Cho, who (compared to the peasants of this State) appears to lead a charmed life, but events are about to take a very nasty turn, as the sins of the father are definitely visited upon the son!
For obvious reasons, I won't say how the three threads line up so seamlessly, but it makes for the most powerful, gripping, and soul searching read that will have you thanking your lucky stars that you don't live in North Korea!
This book has such impact, but the one paragraph that will most explain why it affected both my mental and emotional composure is this - "The famine deepened, and her foraging was not enough. On the day she saw children in the village picking through ox shit in search of undigested seeds to eat, something inside her changed permanently"
If you read just one book this year, make it this one! Quite simply - Epic!
May 21, 2018
5 big stars to Star of the North! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Where do I even start with this one. Yowza. So stinkin’ good. Thanks to my friend, Fran, for another stellar recommendation.
A thriller set in North and South Korea- talk about original! And timely! It is 1999 when a Korean American teenager is kidnapped from a beach in South Korea and taken to North Korea. Twelve years later, her twin, Jenna, is certain her sister is still alive and wants desperately to find answers.
There are other stories within this stories, and I know some are hesitant about that. Here, it is brilliantly done because it sheds light on all aspects of the story at a deeper level. One of the additional stories is about a peasant woman living and working in North Korea. I felt like I had my eyes literally on the ground in North Korea, that forbidden place we never get to truly see. The second story is about a high ranking North Korean official who finds out he may be related to a traitor of the state, which is punishable by death.
I was literally spellbound by this book. It was steeped in culture, one I know little about, while also being one of most edge-of-your-seat, gripping and original thrillers I’ve read in a while. Smart, explosive, revealing, and masterful, D.B. John’s Star of the North is an exceptional, phenomenal, and insert every single other adjective to gush about this wondrous thriller.
Thank you to D.B. John, Crown Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. Star of the North will be released on May 22, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Where do I even start with this one. Yowza. So stinkin’ good. Thanks to my friend, Fran, for another stellar recommendation.
A thriller set in North and South Korea- talk about original! And timely! It is 1999 when a Korean American teenager is kidnapped from a beach in South Korea and taken to North Korea. Twelve years later, her twin, Jenna, is certain her sister is still alive and wants desperately to find answers.
There are other stories within this stories, and I know some are hesitant about that. Here, it is brilliantly done because it sheds light on all aspects of the story at a deeper level. One of the additional stories is about a peasant woman living and working in North Korea. I felt like I had my eyes literally on the ground in North Korea, that forbidden place we never get to truly see. The second story is about a high ranking North Korean official who finds out he may be related to a traitor of the state, which is punishable by death.
I was literally spellbound by this book. It was steeped in culture, one I know little about, while also being one of most edge-of-your-seat, gripping and original thrillers I’ve read in a while. Smart, explosive, revealing, and masterful, D.B. John’s Star of the North is an exceptional, phenomenal, and insert every single other adjective to gush about this wondrous thriller.
Thank you to D.B. John, Crown Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC. Star of the North will be released on May 22, 2018.
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
May 23, 2018
Something about this thriller is like no other.
It’s fresh - intellectually stimulating - knowledge expanding- at times infuriating - with tense atmosphere.
Written sensationally!
It’s fresh - intellectually stimulating - knowledge expanding- at times infuriating - with tense atmosphere.
Written sensationally!
April 8, 2018
The 65th Anniversary of the founding of the Worker's Party in North Korea is at hand. The date: October 10, 2010. Colonel Cho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is overcome with emotion. People weep, cry, and cheer as Kim Jong-Il waves to the crowd. After all, Kim Jong-Il is their guiding light. North Korean news coverage shows the Dear Leader eating simple meals of potatoes in solidarity, and with understanding, of the people's plight. Author D.B. John, who visited North Korea in 2012, has written a thriller with three distinct voices and experiences navigating the underbelly of North Korea.
June 1998, Soo-min, a U.S. citizen studying music in South Korea, disappears from a beach along with boyfriend, Jae-hoo, a resident of Seoul. It was determined through video footage that the students did not leave Condol Beach by ferry or boat. All personal items were discovered on the beach suggesting drowning although no bodies were recovered. Jee-min (Jenna), Soo-min's identical twin sister could still "feel" her twin's presence even ten years later. Jenna Williams, now a Georgetown University professor, grew up in a dual culture with dual languages. Born to a Korean mother and African-American father, she learned and was fluent in North Korean dialect. She was recruited to work for the CIA.
Mrs. Moon was picked up daily, by open truck, to work in the cornfields. She could be seen washing her face in a ditch at the side of the road. She finds an enemy balloon with an attached plastic sack when it lands between the trees. She hides the contents including two pairs of warm woolen socks and twelve Choco Pies (made in South Korea). Mrs. Moon is determined not to starve or beg for food. She will use the cookies as a bargaining chip at the market.
Colonel Cho is happily married and adores his son nicknamed "Books". He fervently believes in the Dear Leader's message. Cho is being sent to New York to open negotiations with the Americans. If successful, a military promotion will follow. A vetting process for "elite" status includes an investigation to ascertain whether his gene pool carries any ancestral criminality. Cho's adoption at a young age is reason for concern.
The interplay and twists and turns of the story make for a gripping, eye-opening and heart wrenching look at life in North Korea. We experience the life of the upper echelon contrasted with poverty and suffering and the ever present looming shadow of the Bowibu, the state security force. "Star of the North" by D.B. John is a timely portrait of North Korea. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Crown Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Star of the North".
June 1998, Soo-min, a U.S. citizen studying music in South Korea, disappears from a beach along with boyfriend, Jae-hoo, a resident of Seoul. It was determined through video footage that the students did not leave Condol Beach by ferry or boat. All personal items were discovered on the beach suggesting drowning although no bodies were recovered. Jee-min (Jenna), Soo-min's identical twin sister could still "feel" her twin's presence even ten years later. Jenna Williams, now a Georgetown University professor, grew up in a dual culture with dual languages. Born to a Korean mother and African-American father, she learned and was fluent in North Korean dialect. She was recruited to work for the CIA.
Mrs. Moon was picked up daily, by open truck, to work in the cornfields. She could be seen washing her face in a ditch at the side of the road. She finds an enemy balloon with an attached plastic sack when it lands between the trees. She hides the contents including two pairs of warm woolen socks and twelve Choco Pies (made in South Korea). Mrs. Moon is determined not to starve or beg for food. She will use the cookies as a bargaining chip at the market.
Colonel Cho is happily married and adores his son nicknamed "Books". He fervently believes in the Dear Leader's message. Cho is being sent to New York to open negotiations with the Americans. If successful, a military promotion will follow. A vetting process for "elite" status includes an investigation to ascertain whether his gene pool carries any ancestral criminality. Cho's adoption at a young age is reason for concern.
The interplay and twists and turns of the story make for a gripping, eye-opening and heart wrenching look at life in North Korea. We experience the life of the upper echelon contrasted with poverty and suffering and the ever present looming shadow of the Bowibu, the state security force. "Star of the North" by D.B. John is a timely portrait of North Korea. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Crown Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Star of the North".
May 21, 2018
This is a complex, intelligent and intricate thriller that is unusual in its setting of North Korea, a state determined to remain isolated about which little is known, other than it is a dictatorship. DB John gives us three separate storylines that give us valuable insights into the workings of the country. In 1998, American Jenna's twin sister, Soo-min and her boyfriend were taken in South Korea. Years later, Jenna still desperately wants to know what happened to her, and enters North Korea as a CIA recruit. In a mountainous penal farm, a woman finds an International Aid Balloon with a range of desirable and wanted products. Despite the dangers it brings to her life, she sets out to a market intending to benefit from her good fortune. The rising star of North Korean official, Colonel Cho is to be sent to New York, an opportunity that promises military promotion, only to find his life derailed by the past. This is a twisted and compelling nail biting thriller, so well plotted and packed with suspense and tension.. A brilliant read that gives us a tantalising and desperate picture of a little known North Korea and its strange behaviours such as the nefarious plans behind its numerous abductions of young people from South Korea. Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
June 2, 2018
Star of the North started strong with the kidnapping of a Korean American teenager and her boyfriend from a South Korean Beach. The reader will know that they have been kidnapped, their families do not. The year was 1998 and their families have been led to believe that the pair has either drowned or run away. Either way, they never returned home (their bodies were never found), and their families were left heartbroken and with questions that could not be answered.
Jenna, the twin sister of the missing girl has always wanted answers concerning her sister's disappearance. Twelve years after her sister’s disappearance, she is recruited by the CIA and ultimately decides to take the opportunity to travel to North Korea on a mission. She has learned some disturbing news that North Korean has kidnapped individuals from beaches, could this have been the fate of her sister? Could her sister still be alive? Will she ever see her again? Will Jenna ever get answers?
Through the course of this book, two other interesting characters with their own story-lines come into play. Mrs. Moon quickly became my favorite character, lives in a penal colony and is quite the bad ass! She is smart, crafty, bold, and willing to take risks that others would not. One day she finds an international air balloon containing goods which she decides to hide and use to start her own business. Mrs. Moon is always thinking and always has something up her sleeve!
Lastly, there is Cho who is a North Korean high ranking official. There is some question about his family history which is not only concerning to him but to the North Korean government as well. He is a little stiff, cold and aloof in the beginning of the book. He has a job which he takes seriously and he seems to really believe in what he does for a living until.....
I loved how the story-lines of the three characters came together. The merging of story-lines occurred seamlessly. Although Mrs. Moon stole the show for me, I grew to admire and respect Cho for his inner strength and growth toward the end of the book. Each of the characters change and grow as the book progresses. Each one will have his/her tests and must cope with being in a country with rigid rules which could change on a dime and result in his/her death. All the characters in this book take risks which prove for some tense and suspenseful scenes.
This well written book shows oppression, suffering and a glimpse into the lives of those living in constant fear. I couldn't help but appreciate to live where I live while reading this book. I'm sure other readers will as well. Although there is suffering and oppression in this book, there is also strength, hope compassion and humanity. This is a perfect book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Jenna, the twin sister of the missing girl has always wanted answers concerning her sister's disappearance. Twelve years after her sister’s disappearance, she is recruited by the CIA and ultimately decides to take the opportunity to travel to North Korea on a mission. She has learned some disturbing news that North Korean has kidnapped individuals from beaches, could this have been the fate of her sister? Could her sister still be alive? Will she ever see her again? Will Jenna ever get answers?
Through the course of this book, two other interesting characters with their own story-lines come into play. Mrs. Moon quickly became my favorite character, lives in a penal colony and is quite the bad ass! She is smart, crafty, bold, and willing to take risks that others would not. One day she finds an international air balloon containing goods which she decides to hide and use to start her own business. Mrs. Moon is always thinking and always has something up her sleeve!
Lastly, there is Cho who is a North Korean high ranking official. There is some question about his family history which is not only concerning to him but to the North Korean government as well. He is a little stiff, cold and aloof in the beginning of the book. He has a job which he takes seriously and he seems to really believe in what he does for a living until.....
I loved how the story-lines of the three characters came together. The merging of story-lines occurred seamlessly. Although Mrs. Moon stole the show for me, I grew to admire and respect Cho for his inner strength and growth toward the end of the book. Each of the characters change and grow as the book progresses. Each one will have his/her tests and must cope with being in a country with rigid rules which could change on a dime and result in his/her death. All the characters in this book take risks which prove for some tense and suspenseful scenes.
This well written book shows oppression, suffering and a glimpse into the lives of those living in constant fear. I couldn't help but appreciate to live where I live while reading this book. I'm sure other readers will as well. Although there is suffering and oppression in this book, there is also strength, hope compassion and humanity. This is a perfect book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
December 15, 2018
Star of the North started strong with the kidnapping of a Korean American teenager and her boyfriend from a South Korean Beach. The reader will know that they have been kidnapped, their families do not. The year was 1998 and their families have been led to believe that the pair has either drowned or run away. Either way, they never returned home (their bodies were never found), and their families were left heartbroken and with questions that could not be answered.
Jenna, the twin sister of the missing girl has always wanted answers concerning her sister's disappearance. Twelve years after her sister’s disappearance, she is recruited by the CIA and ultimately decides to take the opportunity to travel to North Korea on a mission. She has learned some disturbing news that North Korean has kidnapped individuals from beaches, could this have been the fate of her sister? Could her sister still be alive? Will she ever see her again? Will Jenna ever get answers?
Through the course of this book, two other interesting characters with their own story-lines come into play. Mrs. Moon quickly became my favorite character, lives in a penal colony and is quite the rebel! She is smart, crafty, bold, and willing to take risks that others would not. One day she finds an international air balloon containing goods which she decides to hide and use to start her own business. Mrs. Moon is always thinking and always has something up her sleeve!
Lastly, there is Cho who is a North Korean high ranking official. There is some question about his family history which is not only concerning to him but to the North Korean government as well. He is a little stiff, cold and aloof in the beginning of the book. He has a job which he takes seriously and he seems to really believe in what he does for a living until.....
I loved how the story-lines of the three characters came together. The merging of story-lines occurred seamlessly. Although Mrs. Moon stole the show for me, I grew to admire and respect Cho for his inner strength and growth toward the end of the book. Each of the characters change and grow as the book progresses. Each one will have his/her tests and must cope with being in a country with rigid rules which could change on a dime and result in his/her death. All the characters in this book take risks which prove for some tense and suspenseful scenes.
This well written book shows oppression, suffering and a glimpse into the lives of those living in constant fear. I couldn't help but appreciate to live where I live while reading this book. I'm sure other readers will as well. Although there is suffering and oppression in this book, there is also strength, hope compassion and humanity. This is a perfect book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Jenna, the twin sister of the missing girl has always wanted answers concerning her sister's disappearance. Twelve years after her sister’s disappearance, she is recruited by the CIA and ultimately decides to take the opportunity to travel to North Korea on a mission. She has learned some disturbing news that North Korean has kidnapped individuals from beaches, could this have been the fate of her sister? Could her sister still be alive? Will she ever see her again? Will Jenna ever get answers?
Through the course of this book, two other interesting characters with their own story-lines come into play. Mrs. Moon quickly became my favorite character, lives in a penal colony and is quite the rebel! She is smart, crafty, bold, and willing to take risks that others would not. One day she finds an international air balloon containing goods which she decides to hide and use to start her own business. Mrs. Moon is always thinking and always has something up her sleeve!
Lastly, there is Cho who is a North Korean high ranking official. There is some question about his family history which is not only concerning to him but to the North Korean government as well. He is a little stiff, cold and aloof in the beginning of the book. He has a job which he takes seriously and he seems to really believe in what he does for a living until.....
I loved how the story-lines of the three characters came together. The merging of story-lines occurred seamlessly. Although Mrs. Moon stole the show for me, I grew to admire and respect Cho for his inner strength and growth toward the end of the book. Each of the characters change and grow as the book progresses. Each one will have his/her tests and must cope with being in a country with rigid rules which could change on a dime and result in his/her death. All the characters in this book take risks which prove for some tense and suspenseful scenes.
This well written book shows oppression, suffering and a glimpse into the lives of those living in constant fear. I couldn't help but appreciate to live where I live while reading this book. I'm sure other readers will as well. Although there is suffering and oppression in this book, there is also strength, hope compassion and humanity. This is a perfect book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2018
D.B. John, I salute you! This is a helluva read! North Korea is one of those countries I have always been fascinated by. Is it because it is such a closed-off country with a cray cray leader or another reason? I honestly have no clue. I would say, some of it must be due to what little information we have about what goes on there/what it is like to live there. "Star of the North", provides a little insight into the secretive state, within the fictional narrative.
The plot is a compelling one - North Korea and the USA are on the brink of war. A young American woman disappears without trace from a South Korean island. The CIA recruits her twin sister to uncover the truth. Now, she must go undercover in the world’s most deadly state. Only by infiltrating the dark heart of the terrifying regime will she be able to save her sister…and herself.
I found the writing smooth and easy to follow, the setting (as we've established) is unique and one I particularly enjoyed. This is such a timely novel and the story could've been ripped from the newspaper front pages. The story was composed during the author's visit to North Korea in 2012 inspired Star of the North.
Recently, since agreeing to meeting Trump at a summit in Singapore with the aim of de-nuclearising the Korean peninsula, more information than i've ever seen in my lifetime, about the activities of Kim Jong-un in North Korea has been broadcast around the world.
Because of this novel, I have decided to actively seek out some non-fiction books on North Korea in order to learn more from the past decades. This is the first thriller based in Korea that I have had the pleasure of reading. I look forward to John's future releases and hope that they, as here, will be set in a country just as interesting.
Thriller readers, don't miss this! It is fantastic! Five fabulous stars from moi. Highly recommended.
The plot is a compelling one - North Korea and the USA are on the brink of war. A young American woman disappears without trace from a South Korean island. The CIA recruits her twin sister to uncover the truth. Now, she must go undercover in the world’s most deadly state. Only by infiltrating the dark heart of the terrifying regime will she be able to save her sister…and herself.
I found the writing smooth and easy to follow, the setting (as we've established) is unique and one I particularly enjoyed. This is such a timely novel and the story could've been ripped from the newspaper front pages. The story was composed during the author's visit to North Korea in 2012 inspired Star of the North.
Recently, since agreeing to meeting Trump at a summit in Singapore with the aim of de-nuclearising the Korean peninsula, more information than i've ever seen in my lifetime, about the activities of Kim Jong-un in North Korea has been broadcast around the world.
Because of this novel, I have decided to actively seek out some non-fiction books on North Korea in order to learn more from the past decades. This is the first thriller based in Korea that I have had the pleasure of reading. I look forward to John's future releases and hope that they, as here, will be set in a country just as interesting.
Thriller readers, don't miss this! It is fantastic! Five fabulous stars from moi. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2018
“You only have power over people as long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed a man of everything, he's no longer in your power—he's free again.”
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
This is the story of journeys; a woman’s to find her sister and a man’s to find himself.
This is a story of endurance, heroism and love; of adversities and survivals; of forgiveness and compassion; of pure evil and darkness; of hope and slivers of light shining through, illuminating a harsh reality, but also revealing that humanity is still alive; that God is not dead after all.
Recommended for those who have everything but still whine and complain and want some more.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn
This is the story of journeys; a woman’s to find her sister and a man’s to find himself.
This is a story of endurance, heroism and love; of adversities and survivals; of forgiveness and compassion; of pure evil and darkness; of hope and slivers of light shining through, illuminating a harsh reality, but also revealing that humanity is still alive; that God is not dead after all.
Recommended for those who have everything but still whine and complain and want some more.
May 3, 2018
A Korean American teenager is kidnapped from a South Korean beach by North Korean operatives. Twenty two years later. Her twin sister, Jenna, is still searching for her., and ends up on the radar of of the CIA.
There are three threads to this storyline:- 1) Jenna's search for her twin sister who has been missing for over twenty years. 2) Mre Moon who lives and works on a penal farm. 3) The North Korean official Cho, who seems to have a charmed life (you will have to read the book to find out how the threads are finally joined up). This is a very well written insight into life in North Korea. I adored the character of Mrs Moon and the antics she gets up to. This is not usually my choice of book, but I loved it. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author D. B. John for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are three threads to this storyline:- 1) Jenna's search for her twin sister who has been missing for over twenty years. 2) Mre Moon who lives and works on a penal farm. 3) The North Korean official Cho, who seems to have a charmed life (you will have to read the book to find out how the threads are finally joined up). This is a very well written insight into life in North Korea. I adored the character of Mrs Moon and the antics she gets up to. This is not usually my choice of book, but I loved it. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and the author D. B. John for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2018
A beach-read thriller with its silly moments and flat writing - but it's undoubtedly topical and the author has actually visited North Korea.
Don't expect sophistication in either politics or writing style (' Her knees were killing her', 'Hyesan...looked like the ass-end of nowhere' a Korean peasant supposedly thinks) and you have to laugh at the way our heroine goes from Georgetown academic to kick-ass superfighter in the blink of an eye. She also immediately spots things than none of the CIA experts have noticed in years of analysis and is soon rubbing shoulders with the Secretary of State and sharing Kim Jong-il's special train. Despite her superpowers, she can't help widening her eyes every time she's surprised, and numerous men wink at her (does any man wink IRL?).
Despite all this, the author's afterword discusses the realities that fed into his plot - and it's worth reading for that alone. The rest of it, though - nah, just silly.
Don't expect sophistication in either politics or writing style (' Her knees were killing her', 'Hyesan...looked like the ass-end of nowhere' a Korean peasant supposedly thinks) and you have to laugh at the way our heroine goes from Georgetown academic to kick-ass superfighter in the blink of an eye. She also immediately spots things than none of the CIA experts have noticed in years of analysis and is soon rubbing shoulders with the Secretary of State and sharing Kim Jong-il's special train. Despite her superpowers, she can't help widening her eyes every time she's surprised, and numerous men wink at her (does any man wink IRL?).
Despite all this, the author's afterword discusses the realities that fed into his plot - and it's worth reading for that alone. The rest of it, though - nah, just silly.
February 6, 2019
Okay, das Ende war ein bisschen over the top 🙈😅 aber ansonsten ein ziemlich guter Nordkorearoman 👌🏻
August 20, 2019
At first blush I did not like it. I wasn't invested in the character. What so many authors do now days is start off with a dynamic scene where there is a great deal of conflict/action. Which is okay if we already know the character put in jeopardy. Readers read for emotion and emotion is conflict. I wasn't connected to the character in the opening because I did know that character enough to say, "Oh no, that's too bad...or Look out run." I think that's kind of what happened in this case. I really didn't know what was going on on that beach and who was involved. Second, once the main story started I wasn't endeared to the main character. I didn't like her as much as I should've. Sometimes authors take that the endearment for granted. So I put the book down. But since I am like any other reader and read for the emotion of the story I realize that I could be in an emotional state not conducive to this story. I always give a book two tries and I will with this one.
When I do pick it up a second time I still don't think it's going work for me because of the author's craft. This could just be me because I work hard at my own craft and I tend to see all the blemishes. I know this isn't fair but it is what it is. I prefer books with strong craft and that is character driven, like Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawely, and She Rides Shotgun, or November Road. If the book is truly character driven, a reader might say, "this is really a terrific book," and you ask them, "What happens in it?" That person thinks about it, shrugs and says, "I don't know." It's because the character carried the story, not the story carrying the character (and I think that's what's happening in this case). My favorite all time book is Lonesome Dove, the two main characters are the best I've ever seen, the craft is top notch and as it happens its not a bad story either.
This is just my humble opinion.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series
When I do pick it up a second time I still don't think it's going work for me because of the author's craft. This could just be me because I work hard at my own craft and I tend to see all the blemishes. I know this isn't fair but it is what it is. I prefer books with strong craft and that is character driven, like Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawely, and She Rides Shotgun, or November Road. If the book is truly character driven, a reader might say, "this is really a terrific book," and you ask them, "What happens in it?" That person thinks about it, shrugs and says, "I don't know." It's because the character carried the story, not the story carrying the character (and I think that's what's happening in this case). My favorite all time book is Lonesome Dove, the two main characters are the best I've ever seen, the craft is top notch and as it happens its not a bad story either.
This is just my humble opinion.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series
February 9, 2020
After almost literally stumbling upon D.B. John’s political and social thriller, I could not help but be pulled into the middle of this sensational tale. Full of insight and political spin, John depicts the struggle—both within and from the outside—to understand North Korea under its brutal dictatorship. In 1998, a young American, Soo-min Williams, is kidnapped from a beach in South Korea by operatives of the North. Twelve years later, the victim’s sister, Jenna, has not given up hope, even as the South Korean police are sure that Soo-min drowned. Jenna understands the region quite well and has risen the academic ranks, likely fuelled by what’s happened to her sister. When Jenna is approached by the CIA to help better understand North Korea during an attempt to negotiate peace, she agrees. During the first summit in Washington, Jenna meets a newly minted North Korean official, Colonel Cho, who is baffled at what he sees in America. Still, Cho returns home to speak of how well received the North Koreans were and how America is quaking in its boots, all part of the indoctrination of the people. In a parallel narrative, the reader learns of a North Korean peasant woman, Madam Moon, who is trying her best to survive under the Kim regime, limited in knowledge and freedoms, but forced to hear and believe how wonderful the Great Leader is at every breath. When Jenna arrives for a second peace summit in Pyongyang, she has her work cut out for her, particularly when she is sure her sister is being held in a secret prison as part of a conniving plan to create spies for the North. She vows not to leave without knowing her sister will be free, as Colonel Cho wrestles with new information that could end his career and see him killed. Madam Moon suffers from within the lowest class of the population, seeking to carve out what she feels is right, even if that means speaking out against the brutal dictatorship that put her there. All this, as Camp 22 becomes more likely for those who speak out against Kim. The drama intensifies as D.B. John weaves this fantastic tale that leaves little to the reader’s imagination. Recommended to those who love tales of political upheaval as well as the reader who finds stories of personal growth to their liking.
As I said above, I almost missed this wonderful book and allowed it to gather electronic dust on my iPod. Not able to access the next book I had in mind, I decided to take a chance on this long since forgotten book that I loaded soon after it was published. Soon, I was hooked on a story that took me behind the darkened borders and into North Korea, full of its propaganda and strict leader worship of all things Kim. The politics both within the country and reactions by America created a narrative that I could not help but love. Jenna Williams is a mixed-race woman who has never struggled with her situation in life, but has come to understand both her American roots and Korean ancestry. The kidnapping of her twin, Soo-min (Susie) a dozen years before has fuelled a passion within her to better understand what happened and how she might rectify the situation, even if it means trying to get inside North Korea. Her drafting by the CIA to help understand the North Koreans is the foothold she needs and she leaps at the opportunity. However, the most closed-off country in the world has its own secrets, ones that cannot be plotted on paper or through academic study. Jenna’s story, as well as those of the other two narratives, serve to shape the strength of this novel throughout and keep the reader informed of all angles that D.B. John wishes to present. His detailed development of backstory and character building has the reader wanting to know everything they can, as the narrative gains momentum. With a handful of perfectly placed characters, the story’s plot thickens with every chapter and the reader cannot help but want to know more. John develops a story that mixes politics with personal struggle and an insight into the world of true suppression, peppering the narrative with the type of propaganda that is used to spoon-feed the masses into blind hero worship. One can only wonder how close to the truth John’s writing is, though the reader can judge the realistic nature of what he presents. This is not a story of sunshine and rainbows, but rather hard truths and bleakness for many in a country most of the outside world will never hope to see for themselves.
Kudos, Mr. John, for shedding some light on an otherwise dank subject. I will be looking for more of your work soon (and those you recommend in the author’s note), to better understand the region.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
As I said above, I almost missed this wonderful book and allowed it to gather electronic dust on my iPod. Not able to access the next book I had in mind, I decided to take a chance on this long since forgotten book that I loaded soon after it was published. Soon, I was hooked on a story that took me behind the darkened borders and into North Korea, full of its propaganda and strict leader worship of all things Kim. The politics both within the country and reactions by America created a narrative that I could not help but love. Jenna Williams is a mixed-race woman who has never struggled with her situation in life, but has come to understand both her American roots and Korean ancestry. The kidnapping of her twin, Soo-min (Susie) a dozen years before has fuelled a passion within her to better understand what happened and how she might rectify the situation, even if it means trying to get inside North Korea. Her drafting by the CIA to help understand the North Koreans is the foothold she needs and she leaps at the opportunity. However, the most closed-off country in the world has its own secrets, ones that cannot be plotted on paper or through academic study. Jenna’s story, as well as those of the other two narratives, serve to shape the strength of this novel throughout and keep the reader informed of all angles that D.B. John wishes to present. His detailed development of backstory and character building has the reader wanting to know everything they can, as the narrative gains momentum. With a handful of perfectly placed characters, the story’s plot thickens with every chapter and the reader cannot help but want to know more. John develops a story that mixes politics with personal struggle and an insight into the world of true suppression, peppering the narrative with the type of propaganda that is used to spoon-feed the masses into blind hero worship. One can only wonder how close to the truth John’s writing is, though the reader can judge the realistic nature of what he presents. This is not a story of sunshine and rainbows, but rather hard truths and bleakness for many in a country most of the outside world will never hope to see for themselves.
Kudos, Mr. John, for shedding some light on an otherwise dank subject. I will be looking for more of your work soon (and those you recommend in the author’s note), to better understand the region.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
October 12, 2018
Star of the North is a fictionalized account of a land where the truth is stranger than fiction, a land which is more like George Orwell’s 1984 than he could have ever imagined. It is at once a spy thriller but more so a peek into the inner places of the Hermit kingdom. Particularly shocking are the kidnappings by North Korea over decades of primarily South Koreans and Japanese, often young people on picnics or tourists captured in submarines for nefarious schemes such as brainwashing them into becoming spies or later breeding them to raise spies.
The story is told through three narratives, two from inside the North Korean monolith. One narrative shows the poverty and desperation of the ordinary folks to whom a balloon 🎈 carrying Choco pies from the South is a treasure beyond dreams. Behind every rock lay an informer or spy. Rules are set arbitrarily and changed almost daily.
Another narrative is from a high-up in the Kingdom and shows the thought control and distrust and the punishment hanging over heads of thought crimes going back generations.
A third narrative is of a Korean-American whose twin sister disappeared decades earlier on the coast in South Korea and how that disappearance haunts her.
All three narratives intersect and on the way we are treated to a view of this hidden world 🌎 rarely discussed and a realization of how evil the regime there really is when we see how people are mistreated and sent to gulag camps and what the absolute loss of freedom really looks like. An epic work.
Many thanks to Penguin Publishing for providing a copy for review.
The story is told through three narratives, two from inside the North Korean monolith. One narrative shows the poverty and desperation of the ordinary folks to whom a balloon 🎈 carrying Choco pies from the South is a treasure beyond dreams. Behind every rock lay an informer or spy. Rules are set arbitrarily and changed almost daily.
Another narrative is from a high-up in the Kingdom and shows the thought control and distrust and the punishment hanging over heads of thought crimes going back generations.
A third narrative is of a Korean-American whose twin sister disappeared decades earlier on the coast in South Korea and how that disappearance haunts her.
All three narratives intersect and on the way we are treated to a view of this hidden world 🌎 rarely discussed and a realization of how evil the regime there really is when we see how people are mistreated and sent to gulag camps and what the absolute loss of freedom really looks like. An epic work.
Many thanks to Penguin Publishing for providing a copy for review.
October 11, 2018
A woman looking for her twin sister who seems to be abducted.
I'm very impressed with this book. There's so much information about North Korea. I was sure that a lot of the topics were made up by the author, but at the end of the book the author authenticates them. That's what shocked me most about the book, that it's all true.
It's also a great story to read.
I'm very impressed with this book. There's so much information about North Korea. I was sure that a lot of the topics were made up by the author, but at the end of the book the author authenticates them. That's what shocked me most about the book, that it's all true.
It's also a great story to read.
March 18, 2018
Extremely timely, authentic and really quite scary thriller with the unusual North Korean setting and some honest home truths about that regime that are utterly chilling, Star of the North is one of the best thrillers I've read in a long while.
I read open mouthed at some of the twists and turns in this one, only realising at the end (where the author handily tells us what is real and what is imagined in the scenario's playing out but don't read that until afterwards) just how truly strange North Korea is as a country in comparison to the rest of the world, not just the "West" or the United States but incomparable to anywhere...
We follow for the most part 3 characters, whose threads ultimately link together, this is a right old page turner make no mistake and you'll find yourself reading huge chunks of it at a time. Star of the North is a politically relevant, brilliantly written and incisive thriller that will make you want to learn a lot more...
Fuller review on publication day. But highly highly recommended.
I read open mouthed at some of the twists and turns in this one, only realising at the end (where the author handily tells us what is real and what is imagined in the scenario's playing out but don't read that until afterwards) just how truly strange North Korea is as a country in comparison to the rest of the world, not just the "West" or the United States but incomparable to anywhere...
We follow for the most part 3 characters, whose threads ultimately link together, this is a right old page turner make no mistake and you'll find yourself reading huge chunks of it at a time. Star of the North is a politically relevant, brilliantly written and incisive thriller that will make you want to learn a lot more...
Fuller review on publication day. But highly highly recommended.
March 28, 2018
Loved it. Brilliant.
May 16, 2025
Ein Nordkorea-Politthriller. Für das sehr ungewöhnliche Setting verdient dieser Roman schon mal eine besondere Aufmerksamkeit. Der Autor hat gewissenhaft recherchiert, was er in seinem ausführlichen Nachwort darlegt. Wenn manche Absurditäten des Kim-Regimes etwas überzogen wirkten, dann lehrt einem das Nachwort etwas Besseres. Demnach sind die Verhältnisse tatsächlich so schlimm wie beschrieben.
Für meinen Geschmack war das letzte Drittel des Buchs dann etwas zu aktionsreich. Die Agentenjagd wirkte fast schon wie eine Mission Impossible. Die Figuren waren schablonenhaft, aber die Komposition mit dem Zusammenführen aller Handlungsstränge für ein Debüt recht geschickt. Alles in allem eine anständige Unterhaltung mit reichlich Informationen über ein abgeschottetes Land. Wohlwollende vier Sterne.
Für meinen Geschmack war das letzte Drittel des Buchs dann etwas zu aktionsreich. Die Agentenjagd wirkte fast schon wie eine Mission Impossible. Die Figuren waren schablonenhaft, aber die Komposition mit dem Zusammenführen aller Handlungsstränge für ein Debüt recht geschickt. Alles in allem eine anständige Unterhaltung mit reichlich Informationen über ein abgeschottetes Land. Wohlwollende vier Sterne.
March 16, 2020
STAR OF THE NORTH
Good story. Star of the North is about mixed race Korean twins Jenna and Soo-min who were separated through the abduction of Soo-min while she was visiting South Korea as a teenager. The book focuses on Jenna's attempt to see if she is still alive and find her.
What I found extremely interesting about Star of the North was the information I learned about life in North Korea, including details of their social and political systems, the extreme forced devotion to their leader Kim Jung il, and the work camps and gulags. Programs for the development of intelligent operatives, including abducting Japanese and South Korean citizens, and the "Seed Bearing Program" were informative.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the humanity that was displayed by the characters, the citizens of North Korea, in how they supported each other in living within this repressive regime. Many times this was done surreptitiously and stealthily. It was fascinating.
I thought that the various story lines tied together nicely. As with a lot of action/adventure stories, suspension of disbelief is helpful if not essential. But this was very entertaining to read and the author's research was evident throughout the book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, D.B. John, and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Good story. Star of the North is about mixed race Korean twins Jenna and Soo-min who were separated through the abduction of Soo-min while she was visiting South Korea as a teenager. The book focuses on Jenna's attempt to see if she is still alive and find her.
What I found extremely interesting about Star of the North was the information I learned about life in North Korea, including details of their social and political systems, the extreme forced devotion to their leader Kim Jung il, and the work camps and gulags. Programs for the development of intelligent operatives, including abducting Japanese and South Korean citizens, and the "Seed Bearing Program" were informative.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the humanity that was displayed by the characters, the citizens of North Korea, in how they supported each other in living within this repressive regime. Many times this was done surreptitiously and stealthily. It was fascinating.
I thought that the various story lines tied together nicely. As with a lot of action/adventure stories, suspension of disbelief is helpful if not essential. But this was very entertaining to read and the author's research was evident throughout the book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, D.B. John, and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 11, 2021
Un thriller que transcurre entre Corea del Norte y Estados Unidos, soberbio, adictivo y perfectamente documentado en torno a tres historias paralelas que poco a poco se van ensamblando con un ritmo que va in crescendo. Había dejado de leer thrillers por lo estrambóticas que me resultaban algunas tramas, estiradas como un chicle, pero aquí lo realmente importante son los personajes, sobre todo el de la señora Moon, un personaje totalmente heroíco y maravilloso, sí.
Obviando ese final un poco al estilo James Bond pero igualmente enganchante, recomiendo esta novela totalmente. Todo lo que se cuenta sobre Corea del Norte aunque nos pueda parecer ciencia ficción esta perfectamente documentado y es cierto, y aquí la única ficción es la de la protagonista femenina, Jenna, buscando a su hermana gemela secuestrada por los norcoreanos años atrás. Este es el primero de una probable serie, a ver cúando tenemos la 2ª y a ver si a alguien se le ocurre la feliz idea de adaptarla al cine o en serie de televisión.
Obviando ese final un poco al estilo James Bond pero igualmente enganchante, recomiendo esta novela totalmente. Todo lo que se cuenta sobre Corea del Norte aunque nos pueda parecer ciencia ficción esta perfectamente documentado y es cierto, y aquí la única ficción es la de la protagonista femenina, Jenna, buscando a su hermana gemela secuestrada por los norcoreanos años atrás. Este es el primero de una probable serie, a ver cúando tenemos la 2ª y a ver si a alguien se le ocurre la feliz idea de adaptarla al cine o en serie de televisión.
January 13, 2022
1,5 Sterne
Die erste große Enttäuschung in diesem Jahr. Ich war ja sehr auf diesen Thriller gespannt - nordkoreanisches Setting, dazu noch, wie viele Rezensionen verkündeten, ein klug ausgearbeiteter Plot? Klingt doch perfekt! Nun ja. Fesselnd und schockierend ist natürlich der historische Rahmen, in den John besagten (in meinen Augen weniger klugen als platten) Plot einbettet, die erschreckenden politischen Tatsachen, die er erwähnt: die Währungsreform, die Straflager, die staatlich abgesegneten kriminellen Machenschaften zur Devisenbeschaffung.
Die Charaktere jedoch sind für mich leider ein großer Reinfall. Vor Klischees strotzend bleiben sie zweidimensional und nichtssagend, ihr Handeln ist oft nicht nachvollziehbar, ihre Entwicklung unglaubhaft.
Sehr schade!
Die erste große Enttäuschung in diesem Jahr. Ich war ja sehr auf diesen Thriller gespannt - nordkoreanisches Setting, dazu noch, wie viele Rezensionen verkündeten, ein klug ausgearbeiteter Plot? Klingt doch perfekt! Nun ja. Fesselnd und schockierend ist natürlich der historische Rahmen, in den John besagten (in meinen Augen weniger klugen als platten) Plot einbettet, die erschreckenden politischen Tatsachen, die er erwähnt: die Währungsreform, die Straflager, die staatlich abgesegneten kriminellen Machenschaften zur Devisenbeschaffung.
Die Charaktere jedoch sind für mich leider ein großer Reinfall. Vor Klischees strotzend bleiben sie zweidimensional und nichtssagend, ihr Handeln ist oft nicht nachvollziehbar, ihre Entwicklung unglaubhaft.
Sehr schade!
June 28, 2018
I so badly wanted to love this one! It was a really promising start, and I was genuinely hooked, but then I got to just over halfway and completely disengaged from the whole thing! Which is really annoying, because it was an intriguing premise. But it lost me somewhere around the middle, and I was done for by then! Still though, great plot and really topical, just lost my way with it!
April 4, 2018
For a totalitarian dictator to successfully run a country and make himself a godlike figure to one and all, he necessarily must isolate it from the rest of the world. North Korea was such an abstract concept to me, until Adam Johnson’s masterpiece novel and Pulitzer winner, The Orphan Master's Son, in 2012. It shook me to my knees, and gave the elusive, corrupt leader, Kim Jong-il, and his subjects—the people of the country--real substance. Like Johnson, author D.B. John has visited North Korea and spoken at length with defectors, and used his imagination to create a visceral portrait of truth through fiction. It was like stepping right into the shoes of its characters, especially the native ones. This nail-biting thriller doesn’t let up for a minute, even during its quietest moments.
There are three storylines that comprise the novel. Jenna Williams, a thirty-year-old American scholar of history who joins the CIA when recruited, in hopes of finding her twin sister, who was abducted 12 years ago from a South Korean beach when attending classes for a summer program. Jenna and her sister are children of a Korean mother and African American father. In the novel, she is sometimes more noble and heroic and just “more” than any one human contained, but it served a purpose to not only propel the story, but also to show the odds that were at stake.
The more granular and compelling characters are two North Koreans that fulfill the other two storylines. Lieutenant Colonel Cho of Pyongyang, doting father to child nicknamed Books and loving husband to his wife, was adopted years ago when he was too young to remember his biological parents. However, a background check is coming in order to allow his promotion and coming diplomatic mission to the US. If his natural parents were considered enemies of the state, it will pass on to him, with dire consequences. His story is utterly nail-biting as we follow him through truly dark waters.
The third thread of the story concerns an aging woman named Moon, who lives with her husband in what appears to be a more restricted area of North Korea, filled with poverty and hungry souls. They are at the mercy of guards and police who use intimidation and merciless punishment to keep them compliant. Over the course of an event, Moon is lured into a more or less black market place where trading is done for extra money or food, and she soon becomes a resourceful leader in this fringe community. Danger and fear keep them occupied, and a few of the traders are up to some behaviors that could bring everyone near death’s door—or at least to harsh work camps in caught.
As the different plot threads alternate, the propulsive action of the book keeps the reader—and the characters—on their toes. The corruption, menace, and peril in North Korea is almost like a character in itself. If the people don’t fully capitulate to the great Dear Leader, or show any kind of transgression on their faces, life will turn to a hellish nightmare. Even if you were never interested or knowledgeable about anything North Korean beyond the few sightings in media, at the end of the novel you will feel exuberant and breathless. The themes are universal—survival and a chance for a better future—as well as loyalty, betrayal, and family. The pages will fly from beginning to end.
4.5 stars rounded up
There are three storylines that comprise the novel. Jenna Williams, a thirty-year-old American scholar of history who joins the CIA when recruited, in hopes of finding her twin sister, who was abducted 12 years ago from a South Korean beach when attending classes for a summer program. Jenna and her sister are children of a Korean mother and African American father. In the novel, she is sometimes more noble and heroic and just “more” than any one human contained, but it served a purpose to not only propel the story, but also to show the odds that were at stake.
The more granular and compelling characters are two North Koreans that fulfill the other two storylines. Lieutenant Colonel Cho of Pyongyang, doting father to child nicknamed Books and loving husband to his wife, was adopted years ago when he was too young to remember his biological parents. However, a background check is coming in order to allow his promotion and coming diplomatic mission to the US. If his natural parents were considered enemies of the state, it will pass on to him, with dire consequences. His story is utterly nail-biting as we follow him through truly dark waters.
The third thread of the story concerns an aging woman named Moon, who lives with her husband in what appears to be a more restricted area of North Korea, filled with poverty and hungry souls. They are at the mercy of guards and police who use intimidation and merciless punishment to keep them compliant. Over the course of an event, Moon is lured into a more or less black market place where trading is done for extra money or food, and she soon becomes a resourceful leader in this fringe community. Danger and fear keep them occupied, and a few of the traders are up to some behaviors that could bring everyone near death’s door—or at least to harsh work camps in caught.
As the different plot threads alternate, the propulsive action of the book keeps the reader—and the characters—on their toes. The corruption, menace, and peril in North Korea is almost like a character in itself. If the people don’t fully capitulate to the great Dear Leader, or show any kind of transgression on their faces, life will turn to a hellish nightmare. Even if you were never interested or knowledgeable about anything North Korean beyond the few sightings in media, at the end of the novel you will feel exuberant and breathless. The themes are universal—survival and a chance for a better future—as well as loyalty, betrayal, and family. The pages will fly from beginning to end.
4.5 stars rounded up
Read
June 16, 2018I cannot rate this. I can say- DO NOT CHOOSE THE AUDIO VERSION !!!!!!!
The narrator UPTALKS throughout the entire book. This method of speaking destroyed any suspense, not to mention the disconnect of "They kicked him in the head(uptalk on head) and he fell unconscious? Yes, the listener is often treated to double "uptalks" in the same sentence! Some people? have no prob with uptalk?, but I am not one of them?
Larry David ? and many others? might do something creative? with this?, but it would prob be too annoying?
The narrator UPTALKS throughout the entire book. This method of speaking destroyed any suspense, not to mention the disconnect of "They kicked him in the head(uptalk on head) and he fell unconscious? Yes, the listener is often treated to double "uptalks" in the same sentence! Some people? have no prob with uptalk?, but I am not one of them?
Larry David ? and many others? might do something creative? with this?, but it would prob be too annoying?
April 3, 2018
Star of the North is not my typical story that I read but, if you don’t know much about what happens in North Korea, this is the book for you.
Jenna Williams is a Professor in Foreign affairs and also a Korean/American with her Twin Soo -min. But her twin disappeared in 1998 in South Korea and Jenna has always wondered what happened to her. Also the CIA have recruited her to go on a mission in North Korea.
Mrs Moon has been living on prison farm and tries to earn some money by cooking her favourite meals at the market to help the starving people. But the place is full of beggars, muggers and corruption.
Cho Is a high ranking official on the verge of promotion. Himself and his brother was adopted and he doesn’t know where he was originally from. The truth might hinder his promotion and they may think he is a traitor to his country.
This a great and shocking story of what goes on in North Korea. I thought it was very up to date, thoroughly researched. It actually amazed me what actually goes on there If you think that North Korea is only about nuclear war think again. This is about corruption, abduction, drugs, racism and the thought of women being abducted and used to bear children is shocking. The was very well written and an easy read with many twists and turns. Well done to the author.
Jenna Williams is a Professor in Foreign affairs and also a Korean/American with her Twin Soo -min. But her twin disappeared in 1998 in South Korea and Jenna has always wondered what happened to her. Also the CIA have recruited her to go on a mission in North Korea.
Mrs Moon has been living on prison farm and tries to earn some money by cooking her favourite meals at the market to help the starving people. But the place is full of beggars, muggers and corruption.
Cho Is a high ranking official on the verge of promotion. Himself and his brother was adopted and he doesn’t know where he was originally from. The truth might hinder his promotion and they may think he is a traitor to his country.
This a great and shocking story of what goes on in North Korea. I thought it was very up to date, thoroughly researched. It actually amazed me what actually goes on there If you think that North Korea is only about nuclear war think again. This is about corruption, abduction, drugs, racism and the thought of women being abducted and used to bear children is shocking. The was very well written and an easy read with many twists and turns. Well done to the author.
June 20, 2018
The North Korea angle in the book description caught my eye on this one. The author's talent and knowledge of NK make this thriller worth reading. I don't even like thrillers very much, but I'm glad I gave this a chance. Great story and insight into the hermit kingdom we will soon be bombing or doing business with.
June 22, 2019
Overall this was an ok read for me. I must add however, that I read this story as part of a book club and most readers really liked it so it may be just me being grumpy.
June 20, 2018
As well thought out and planned this novel was, I still couldn't get into it. The characters I felt were a little overly cliched. Especially Jenna when she goes through her CIA training. I like the 3 story plotthread, and I felt that worked really well. The writing I just felt wasnt as strong as the rest of the other elements. Interesting to see how much of this was based on facts. Such a relevant novel with whats happening in the world atm. Just one of those novels that didnt work for me.
May 13, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
Epic thriller. I’ve not been this excited and enthralled with a thriller for a while. Not as brilliantly fascinating as this one. The setting is the most secretive regime in the world and this author has been there and crafted a stranger than fiction story which is as thrilling to read as I imagine it was to write. The level of research mentioned at the end of the book is quite something – hats off to the author in many ways!
As well as an explosive plot, complex characters real and fictional, political intrigue is high and the entire package is outstanding.
The setting of course really captures the imagination as its’s a country,people and regime the world knows little about. What we do know might not be true – secrecy breeds all kind of rumours.
This is what I would call a unique reading experience – on many levels. Much of the plot has been gleaned from intelligence operations and it certainly reads realistically! I was sitting on the edge of my seat half the time. It’s a mesmerising reading experience. Ooh there’s so much I want to shout about but it’ll give the plot away. You have to discover this for yourself.
I’ll need time to recover before the next book but I will be at the front of the queue!
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