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The Migrant
Fascist populists, callous sex-traffickers and violent anti-austerity riots – these were not what Pastor Jude Kilburn had expected to face when he moved to Albania.
But when vulnerable 19-year-old Alban disappears from his poverty-stricken village to seek work in Greece, Jude has to undertake a perilous journey to try to rescue him from the Athenian underworld.
Accompanied by a volatile secret-service agent and a reformed gangster, Jude soon finds himself struggling to keep everyone together as personal tensions within and brutal dangers without threaten to tear them apart.
Caught between cynical secret police and a ruthless crime syndicate, the fate of them all will be unexpectedly changed by a trafficked girl – but not everyone will make it home.
The Migrant is a tense and evocative thriller with a powerful redemptive twist.
But when vulnerable 19-year-old Alban disappears from his poverty-stricken village to seek work in Greece, Jude has to undertake a perilous journey to try to rescue him from the Athenian underworld.
Accompanied by a volatile secret-service agent and a reformed gangster, Jude soon finds himself struggling to keep everyone together as personal tensions within and brutal dangers without threaten to tear them apart.
Caught between cynical secret police and a ruthless crime syndicate, the fate of them all will be unexpectedly changed by a trafficked girl – but not everyone will make it home.
The Migrant is a tense and evocative thriller with a powerful redemptive twist.
- GenresThriller
196 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2019
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Paul Alkazraji
5 books225 followersPaul Alkazraji (first name Muthena) worked as a freelance journalist in the UK from the mid-nineties. His articles were published in Christianity Magazine, The Christian Herald, The Church Times, The Baptist Times and other publications. His travel articles were also published in The Independent. His first book Love Changes Everything, a collection of seven testimonies, was published by Scripture Union in 2001. His second book Heart of a Hooligan, a biography of ex-football hooligan Dave Jeal, was published by Highland Books in 2000. His third book Christ and the Kalashnikov, a biography of missionaries Ian and Caralee Loring, was published by Zondervan in 2001 (all on goodreads).
From 2004 to 2010 he was editor and publisher of Ujëvarë magazine in Albania. His thriller 'The Silencer', set in Albania, Greece and Turkey, was published by Highland Books in 2012. His new novel, ‘The Migrant’, set in Albania and Athens during the austerity troubles, was published by Instant Apostle in February 2019. He likes listening to music, being by the Aegean Sea or Ohrid Lake, and skiing when the snow comes.
From 2004 to 2010 he was editor and publisher of Ujëvarë magazine in Albania. His thriller 'The Silencer', set in Albania, Greece and Turkey, was published by Highland Books in 2012. His new novel, ‘The Migrant’, set in Albania and Athens during the austerity troubles, was published by Instant Apostle in February 2019. He likes listening to music, being by the Aegean Sea or Ohrid Lake, and skiing when the snow comes.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 26, 2023
Readers’ comments for ‘The Migrant’ from the Love Books tour.
‘It’s a tense, gripping read and one that I found myself really invested in from the beginning.’ Daisy.
‘A fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists and turns. It’s a story in which I found myself completely. The characters and the situation are so amazing that it keeps you on the edge.’ Dan.
‘For a short book (under 200 pages) it packs a punch, and it is not short on action and drama. I actually could imagine it as a Sunday evening TV drama, to be honest, the kind of 'water cooler series' that everyone would be discussing the next day.’ Em J.
‘packed with emotion and imagination’ Prerana.
‘The way the author wrote this story made it feel real, especially the car journey from Albania to Greece. I felt like I was sitting in the car with them talking to Mehmed, along with the sounds, smells…’ Paula.
‘It's so detailed and the world building is incredible and helps put images into your head as you read. Incredible! Would definitely recommend.’ Jess.
‘It really made me look into myself at the things it was discussing, things that are so prominent in this day and age… I loved it.’ Kirsty.
‘This was a very thought provoking story… A very, very good thriller that I would definitely recommend!’ Autumnal Reading.
‘It’s definitely a book that even when you’re done reading, it sticks with you.’ Afelton6212.
On Goodreads:
They said:
Adrian Snell.
‘You could not evoke the landscapes, soundscapes, struggles, conflicts and human stories of a country with such attention to detail, and as powerfully, as Paul Alkazraji does in The Migrant unless you knew your subject intimately. And Paul does. He has lived and worked in Albania, travelling frequently to Greece, over a period of more than twenty years – and has made his home there! Paul’s skill lies in blending immersive text with totally believable characters and contemporary storylines, drawing on both real and imagined scenarios, political, social, religious and much more! And he’s not afraid of depicting the consequences of life in the midst of conflict, without the presence of God, which naturally brings the reader to a truly beautiful place when his characters do “find” God and enter into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, the effects of which feed into every aspect of daily life and relationships.’ Adrian Snell, composer, music therapist and arts therapy consultant
Sheila Jacobs.
‘Fast-paced action adventure that kept me hooked right to the end with its unexpected twists and turns. Edgy, complex, with a relevant theme and great characters. This is a fascinating insight into a political situation I knew little about, and the vivid backdrop makes the action all the more believable. Masterfully written. A must-read.’ Sheila Jacobs, award-winning author and editor
Ian Loring.
‘Wow! What a great read. A book that evokes the feelings and passions of the Balkans, sucking you into an adventure, as if you’re really there. You can almost see and smell the environment. A story so based on facts that you can taste the reality of it every day in this area of the world.’ Ian Loring, European Director, Open Air Campaigners; President, Kennedy Foundation Albania.
Martin Gillmore.
‘The opening lines of The Migrant’s first chapter will make you, the reader, feel that the story has already been rollicking along like a bolting horse, and it is a pace that the storyteller never eases up on. If you like a story with picture language, colouring in with words, then you will enjoy this book. If you have an interest in the Balkans, its nation-states, history, culture and current affairs, this book will serve you well with flashes of the past, and what is happening there now. But that is the broader canvas for the challenges, and trauma, experienced by many modern-day Albanians. ‘My own work brings me into close contact with a virtual sub-class of humanity, the migrant, in particular the vulnerabilities that are unique to migrant-living. A migrant is a ready-made victim for exploitation by criminals and criminal organisations. Although a work of fiction, it is an accurate description of what really does happen.’ Martin Gillmore, Bath and Wells Diocesan Chaplain among Nomads
Grace Turner.
‘This book is far more than just a gripping page-turner of action and adventure, though it certainly is that. The sounds, sights and smells of Albania and Greece fill the pages and draw you deep into the plot. Paul Alkazraji skilfully weaves the politically seething atmosphere of modern Greece and the grinding poverty of both countries together with the dark underworld of human trafficking, and contrasts them with one man’s faith that rescue at its deepest level can be achieved. A must-read, moving and redemptive novel that engages you from cover to cover.’ Grace Turner, Director of Firelighters; Pastor of RiverLife Church, Bern, Switzerland; author of The Kings Gold
Amazon links to 'The Migrant':
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Migrant-Paul...
US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
March 15, 2023
Set in 2012, this novel deals with migrants from Albania, entering Greece full of hope - and finding even more problems than they ran from. Well then, my friend, shall we cross the border?
Thrillers are defined through a number of things. Plot twists and action, of course, but the characters are also really important. And I'm not only talking heroes here - any thriller worth his salt needs a good villain.
A villain, you say?
That's actually a point of critique I have here. There's a villainy Greek henchmen in this story (named after a god), and he turns out not only to be a racist (which was expected, it's kind of his qualification for this job), but also to be a stereotypical sadist. Which is a kind of villain that can be easily written, but it's also very cliche.
Another important thing for a good thriller is pace, and I'm happy to report that The Migrant hits it just right in my opinion. The story continuously moves forward, although I felt left out at a very few moments. That's due to the fact that this book has a precessor I haven't read, but don't worry - you're not missing much, you just don't recognize some people. It doesn't break the story for you if you haven't read the first book.
The clash of cultures - Albanian and Greek, all seen through the eyes of an Englishman - makes for a very interesting backdrop to the story. It builds a colorful tapestry and adds depth to the characters. It also means there's a lot of hate going around.
The Greek hate all Albanians, while the south Albanians only hate the north Albanians. Must be a cultural thing.
When all is said and done, this is a good thriller with an unusual setting that's rather heavy on contemporary politics, even though it takes place a few years in the past. After all, those themes are - in the worst possibly way - timeless.
*****
4 stars for me.
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Read this review on the blog - the layout is better 😃.
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Thrillers are defined through a number of things. Plot twists and action, of course, but the characters are also really important. And I'm not only talking heroes here - any thriller worth his salt needs a good villain.
A villain, you say?
That's actually a point of critique I have here. There's a villainy Greek henchmen in this story (named after a god), and he turns out not only to be a racist (which was expected, it's kind of his qualification for this job), but also to be a stereotypical sadist. Which is a kind of villain that can be easily written, but it's also very cliche.
Another important thing for a good thriller is pace, and I'm happy to report that The Migrant hits it just right in my opinion. The story continuously moves forward, although I felt left out at a very few moments. That's due to the fact that this book has a precessor I haven't read, but don't worry - you're not missing much, you just don't recognize some people. It doesn't break the story for you if you haven't read the first book.
The clash of cultures - Albanian and Greek, all seen through the eyes of an Englishman - makes for a very interesting backdrop to the story. It builds a colorful tapestry and adds depth to the characters. It also means there's a lot of hate going around.
The Greek hate all Albanians, while the south Albanians only hate the north Albanians. Must be a cultural thing.
When all is said and done, this is a good thriller with an unusual setting that's rather heavy on contemporary politics, even though it takes place a few years in the past. After all, those themes are - in the worst possibly way - timeless.
*****
4 stars for me.
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Read this review on the blog - the layout is better 😃.
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April 3, 2019
Jude and Alex are now living in Albania. Jude feels compelled to find his "lost sheep" Alban; who has crossed the border into Greece to try to make money. Through riots, prostitution and a burning building the hand of God leads them to Alban. I liked this book. It wasn't too preachy or too political.
May 9, 2019
The Migrant is a compelling read that takes the reader on a road journey from rural Albania to Athens, Greece and back again. A British man, Jude Kilburn, is the pastor of a small church in Albania, who goes in search of a young man from his community to bring him back home. Alban has run away from home in search of an apparently better life for himself in Greece but discovers unscrupulous people along the way, who are worse than the life he left behind.
The Migrant manages to be both a pacey adventure story filled with the machinations of right-wing fascists, traffickers and migrants of various kinds, and a homage to the people and land of Albania. At times I was bowled over by the beauty and originality of Alkazraji’s turns of phrase or similes, such as: “the stars of the Plough rising up like a sweet spoon to the Maker’s lips.”
His characterization was superb, from the hard-bitten yet redeemed Mehmed with his gangster background through to Jude’s wife, Alex, with her love of Jane Eyre and her spiritual sensitivity. Every character went on their own personal journey of discovery including the right-wing Donis, who we are clearly meant to dislike given his role as antagonist, yet Alkazraij’s skilful depiction of his inner life manages to gain our empathy.
Despite not often reading thrillers, this was one that drew me in with its themes, narrative scope and sheer quality of writing. A highly recommended read.
The Migrant manages to be both a pacey adventure story filled with the machinations of right-wing fascists, traffickers and migrants of various kinds, and a homage to the people and land of Albania. At times I was bowled over by the beauty and originality of Alkazraji’s turns of phrase or similes, such as: “the stars of the Plough rising up like a sweet spoon to the Maker’s lips.”
His characterization was superb, from the hard-bitten yet redeemed Mehmed with his gangster background through to Jude’s wife, Alex, with her love of Jane Eyre and her spiritual sensitivity. Every character went on their own personal journey of discovery including the right-wing Donis, who we are clearly meant to dislike given his role as antagonist, yet Alkazraij’s skilful depiction of his inner life manages to gain our empathy.
Despite not often reading thrillers, this was one that drew me in with its themes, narrative scope and sheer quality of writing. A highly recommended read.
July 2, 2020
Good book, the best book I've read by (I presume) an Albanian since reading The Wedding by Albania's most well known author, Ishmael Kadare. Here is why I bought and read the e-book--because it concerns Albanians, Albanian culture including the Code of Lek which includes "blood fued" (Kadare's The Wedding is chock-full of this) and the (maybe) well-known desire of Albanians seeking work to migrate to Greece...and the desire of most ordinary Greeks to see them go back where they came from! The discord between two of the characters that Jude has to constantly mitigate, one apparently a lowlander and the other a "Gheg" or highlander is also interesting. Plus the fact that one of the characters fought in Kosovo is interesting. I have read this book over the last few months (I am a writer, not necessarily a reader) and just finished it a few days ago. Another interesting part is somewhere in the middle of the book former dictator for about 40 years, Enver Hoxha, is discussed. Folks, if you are at all interested in Albania and Albanian culture and its dealing in Greece, this is a must read.
March 11, 2019
A very real, very current thriller which kept me glued to almost every page.
Not before time we have a hero who makes no attempt to be a Bond clone. Jude is proudly and definitely unashamedly pacifist and trusts in the Lord in all things (although the fact that the Lord gave him some pretty tough friends comes in handy on more than one occasion) .
I admire that this book confronts the real crimes of today, drawing attention to the plight of those who are weak or disinherited and questioning the response of governments, society and individuals.
Not before time we have a hero who makes no attempt to be a Bond clone. Jude is proudly and definitely unashamedly pacifist and trusts in the Lord in all things (although the fact that the Lord gave him some pretty tough friends comes in handy on more than one occasion) .
I admire that this book confronts the real crimes of today, drawing attention to the plight of those who are weak or disinherited and questioning the response of governments, society and individuals.
February 18, 2019
I was looking for a great escapist novel, and along came Paul's request for a fair and honest review! Admittedly, I hesitated to say yes, as I was afraid I'd not be able to read and respond in a timely manner during this busy period, but I've not forgotten how gripping 'The Silencer' was for me, so YES! 'The Migrant' really took me on a thrilling journey. It's such a page-turner that it didn't take any time at all to read it ;0)
It wasn't comfortable; the European migrant crisis continues, along with the economic challenges of the union's political struggles, and the rise of fascism. My little world feels far enough away from the desperation that causes people to uproot their lives, and I feel quite useless to make anyone's life better, so maybe this isn't so "escapist," after all. Reading this was a reminder that people are staking lives and taking lives...which is what an excellent author does—showing us worlds we've not yet seen—and why I really appreciate Alkazraji's writing: His characters are realistic, and he's clearly writing from the experience of truly living in an Albanian village and traveling to Athens on occasion. I also thoroughly appreciate that our main character is not only a pastor, but he puts his living faith, hope and trust in a God of love and redemption. This is more than a battle between good versus evil; it's a study in lives struggling with integrity—making choices from the heart, and connecting with others as if your life depends on it.
It wasn't comfortable; the European migrant crisis continues, along with the economic challenges of the union's political struggles, and the rise of fascism. My little world feels far enough away from the desperation that causes people to uproot their lives, and I feel quite useless to make anyone's life better, so maybe this isn't so "escapist," after all. Reading this was a reminder that people are staking lives and taking lives...which is what an excellent author does—showing us worlds we've not yet seen—and why I really appreciate Alkazraji's writing: His characters are realistic, and he's clearly writing from the experience of truly living in an Albanian village and traveling to Athens on occasion. I also thoroughly appreciate that our main character is not only a pastor, but he puts his living faith, hope and trust in a God of love and redemption. This is more than a battle between good versus evil; it's a study in lives struggling with integrity—making choices from the heart, and connecting with others as if your life depends on it.
April 2, 2019
Fascist populists, callous sex-traffickers and murderous mafia gangs - these were not what Pastor Jude Kilburn had expected to face when he moved to Albania. But when vulnerable 19-year-old Alban disappears from his poverty-stricken village to seek work in Greece, Jude has to undertake the perilous journey across the mountains to try and rescue him from the ruthless Athenian underworld. Accompanied by a volatile secret-service agent and a reformed gangster, Jude soon finds himself struggling to keep everyone together as personal tensions rise and violent anti-austerity riots threaten to tear them apart and undermine the mission. Caught between cynical secret police and a brutal crime syndicate, the fate of them all will be determined by a trafficked girl - but not everyone will make it home. The Migrant is a tense and evocative thriller with a powerful redemptive twist. From the back cover of “The Migrant” by Paul Alkazraji
Paul Alkazraji has lived and worked with the church in Albania for 15 years. He has shown in his book what the people of Albania face. Though out the book I thought about Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep and how the shepherd went out to find it. Jude went to find Alban and wasn’t going to return to the village in Albania until he was found. He wasn’t going to let anything stop him.
I learned about the different cultures in The Migrant. The book was realistic in its story and the characters portrayed came to life as I kept reading.
Paul Alkazraji has lived and worked with the church in Albania for 15 years. He has shown in his book what the people of Albania face. Though out the book I thought about Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep and how the shepherd went out to find it. Jude went to find Alban and wasn’t going to return to the village in Albania until he was found. He wasn’t going to let anything stop him.
I learned about the different cultures in The Migrant. The book was realistic in its story and the characters portrayed came to life as I kept reading.
September 14, 2021
Tense, thought-provoking thriller
The cover image put me in mind of a cowboy, and in fact, this story is a little like those cowboy sagas of old, where the hero undertakes a perilous journey into the wilderness. This is a tense, thought-provoking and at times, difficult read, confronting real world issues of deep human need that are right now very much at the forefront of discussion by politicians, aid workers and humanitarian organisations around the world. The story takes the reader on a journey: a quest to find a missing man, and no matter the personal cost they must be prepared to make a great sacrifice. Hold on tight for a bumpy ride!
The cover image put me in mind of a cowboy, and in fact, this story is a little like those cowboy sagas of old, where the hero undertakes a perilous journey into the wilderness. This is a tense, thought-provoking and at times, difficult read, confronting real world issues of deep human need that are right now very much at the forefront of discussion by politicians, aid workers and humanitarian organisations around the world. The story takes the reader on a journey: a quest to find a missing man, and no matter the personal cost they must be prepared to make a great sacrifice. Hold on tight for a bumpy ride!
September 10, 2020
Very real stories described in an exceptional way. The book takes you within and you can not drop it wanting to know what is coming next. I loved it
November 22, 2020
Loved it! Gives you a brilliant insight into Albanian culture. Loved the characters, enjoyed some very tense moments! Sat open mouthed in shock at the plot twist at the end...
February 13, 2019
The author provided me with a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
This book has many of the same characters in it as The Silencer. Jude, Alex, Mehmed and others make their appearances. This is a stand alone book but there are references to what took place previously in The Silencer.
I always learn so much about Albania when I read one of Alkazraji's books. This book is the story of Jude, Luan and Mehmed heading into Greece from Albania to find Alban who has left his family in search of work in Greece. The book really hits home to what is going on in the US with illegal migrants coming into the US for jobs from Mexico. Really shows the side of the migrants and what they often go through.
Lots of God and His Word scattered throughout the story which is always a good thing. I enjoyed the story and this book flowed better then Alkazraji's previous book. I would recommend this book for those who wonder why people illegally come to another country. It also shows the hatred from some towards them.
This book has many of the same characters in it as The Silencer. Jude, Alex, Mehmed and others make their appearances. This is a stand alone book but there are references to what took place previously in The Silencer.
I always learn so much about Albania when I read one of Alkazraji's books. This book is the story of Jude, Luan and Mehmed heading into Greece from Albania to find Alban who has left his family in search of work in Greece. The book really hits home to what is going on in the US with illegal migrants coming into the US for jobs from Mexico. Really shows the side of the migrants and what they often go through.
Lots of God and His Word scattered throughout the story which is always a good thing. I enjoyed the story and this book flowed better then Alkazraji's previous book. I would recommend this book for those who wonder why people illegally come to another country. It also shows the hatred from some towards them.
March 19, 2019
This book was a page turner, giving a look (for me) into other cultures. The reader will find well developed characters in diffiult, real life situations, enough so, that I found myself wishing to give characters messages along the way. It is well-written and very realistic. References to one's faith and being directed one way or another on the journey to retrieve a loved one across a neighborning country's borders were welcome as you get inside of several of the characters' thoughts, concerns, fears and joys.
There are some grammatical and spelling differences, but I believe they are as a result of translation.
I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book to provide my honest opinion of it.
There are some grammatical and spelling differences, but I believe they are as a result of translation.
I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book to provide my honest opinion of it.
May 21, 2019
This is a very unusual novel for me to read, in that it deals with contemporary political issues which are very much alive in the world today. For an English reader, that unfamiliarity may be compounded because the author takes his story from the viewpoint of Greeks and Albanians.
We follow Pastor Jude, an Englishman who has been working in the Albanian church, as he sets off on a rescue mission to Greece with two unlikely and rather tough companions - Mehmed, a reformed gangster and Luan, a secret-service agent. The tensions between Mehmed and Luan are sharply conveyed, as Jude - whom I found a very attractive character - acts as a bridge between them.
They are searching for Alban, Luan's nineteen year old nephew, young and vulnerable, who has dodged border police to cross into Greece in the vain hope of finding work there in a country hit by anti-austerity riots.
I have spent some time in Greece in the past, and I was captivated by the author's evocation of various locations in Athens. His description of the car journey from Albania to Greece, too, is rich and detailed. I could sense the atmosphere strongly and especially his lovely descriptions of the sights and sounds and scents, and particularly the taste of the national dishes and the food and drink they order in the cafes and the tavernas.
And their fears for Alban are fully realised, because his most likely fate was always either to fall into the hands of callous sex-traffickers, or to be drawn into the turbulence of violent anti-austerity riots.
This novel held my attention throughout and I was fully engaged in the search for Alban. And on the way, I found very different lives being opened up for me in a fresh and compelling way. Highly recommended.
We follow Pastor Jude, an Englishman who has been working in the Albanian church, as he sets off on a rescue mission to Greece with two unlikely and rather tough companions - Mehmed, a reformed gangster and Luan, a secret-service agent. The tensions between Mehmed and Luan are sharply conveyed, as Jude - whom I found a very attractive character - acts as a bridge between them.
They are searching for Alban, Luan's nineteen year old nephew, young and vulnerable, who has dodged border police to cross into Greece in the vain hope of finding work there in a country hit by anti-austerity riots.
I have spent some time in Greece in the past, and I was captivated by the author's evocation of various locations in Athens. His description of the car journey from Albania to Greece, too, is rich and detailed. I could sense the atmosphere strongly and especially his lovely descriptions of the sights and sounds and scents, and particularly the taste of the national dishes and the food and drink they order in the cafes and the tavernas.
And their fears for Alban are fully realised, because his most likely fate was always either to fall into the hands of callous sex-traffickers, or to be drawn into the turbulence of violent anti-austerity riots.
This novel held my attention throughout and I was fully engaged in the search for Alban. And on the way, I found very different lives being opened up for me in a fresh and compelling way. Highly recommended.
March 13, 2023
I didn't really know what to expect from this book but what I got I really liked.
It is well written with a tense and thought provoking storyline and well developed characters. This book was brutal and raw and took me out of my comfort zone at times with its descriptions that were so visceral and real.
It really made me look into myself at the things it was discussing, things that are so prominent in this day and age.
I found the journey the men take to look for Alban to be such an interesting one, not only was it fascinating but it was almost a coming of age and redemption story rolled into one as part of a thriller.
It is well written with a tense and thought provoking storyline and well developed characters. This book was brutal and raw and took me out of my comfort zone at times with its descriptions that were so visceral and real.
It really made me look into myself at the things it was discussing, things that are so prominent in this day and age.
I found the journey the men take to look for Alban to be such an interesting one, not only was it fascinating but it was almost a coming of age and redemption story rolled into one as part of a thriller.
February 15, 2020
A really thrilling story, and I loved every bit of it. It wraps you in adventure and risk and sometimes even fear, but that makes it all the more rewarding. Excited to see what comes next!
April 4, 2023
The book is short but packed with emotion and imagination. The scenes are set in Greece and Albania so did learn a lot about both cultures. It starts slow with the introduction of the migrant and his experience and then comes the climax. It’s paced easy with not too strong characters.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about people from different parts of the world
It was gifted to me.
March 13, 2023
My first thought when I saw the cover was old western movies with John Wayne, Clint Eastwood. Paster Jude an Englishman Christian, a quite and peaceful man and a husband to his pregnant wife Alex, has been working in the Albanian church. He decide to illegally enter Greece with two other men to rescue Alban, Alban once belong to the church. Luan a secret service agent, as well as being Alban's uncle and Mehmed a once gangster and trafficker are the men that will help Paster Jude. Alban had went to Greece to try and make some money but it wasn't what he expected and that easy. The way the author has wrote this story it made it feel real, especially the car journey from Albania to Greece, I felt like I was sitting in the car with them talking to Mehmed, along with the sounds, smells, it seem so real. It might of been hard crossing the boarder on the way to find Alban, but finding him was even harder. Who can trust and who not to trust. Are you speaking to the right people or are you going to need rescued as well. With the author having lived and worked in the countries we get a picture view of how life is from day to day, both good and bad. You can just imagine what the big cities must of been like with the riots, the politics and the religious side as well
March 21, 2023
On the surface I must admit this wouldn't be a book I'd be instantly drawn to, but when offered a slot on the blog tour I gave it a go. What I will say is for a short book (under 200 pages) it packs a punch, and it is not short on action and drama.
This book covers trafficking, gangsters, violent riots to name a few, and these were really well incorporated into the story. The characters are really well formed and developed, and although not always likeable they are presented exactly as you would expect with content such as this.
Overall - this was a fast-paced and exciting read, and I'm certain this will stay in my mind for a little while longer. I actually could imagine it as a Sunday evening TV drama tbh, the kind of 'water cooler series' that everyone would be discussing the next day.
This book covers trafficking, gangsters, violent riots to name a few, and these were really well incorporated into the story. The characters are really well formed and developed, and although not always likeable they are presented exactly as you would expect with content such as this.
Overall - this was a fast-paced and exciting read, and I'm certain this will stay in my mind for a little while longer. I actually could imagine it as a Sunday evening TV drama tbh, the kind of 'water cooler series' that everyone would be discussing the next day.
March 17, 2023
This book is something I don't usually go for or a genre I go for but the blurb had me intrigued and I decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did. The first chapter really does draw you in and hooks it's self to you and makes you want to carry on. It's so detailed and the world building is incredible and helps put images into your head as you read. Incredible ! Would definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews