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Clarke and Fairchild #1
Reborn
A smart, lively political thriller spanning Hong Kong, China, Tibet and Nepal.
Introducing Rose Clarke and John Fairchild, rival outcasts of the British secret service, their different motivations bringing them together, often in conflict, across the globe.
A Tibetan monk’s secret identity as the reincarnation of an important mystical figure threatens the might of the Chinese political establishment. His perilous attempt to flee over the Himalayas embroils Clarke and Fairchild in a desperate struggle to survive the extreme conditions and the powerful Chinese forces determined to stop them.
Recently disgraced secret service officer Rose Clarke is given an opportunity to redeem herself by tracking down John Fairchild, a notorious mercenary of the clandestine world who has developed a global network of informants and is suspected of trading British intelligence. Her mission takes her to China where Fairchild has links with Jinpa, a Tibetan monk whose reincarnated identity is of huge political significance. Jinpa has to flee from the Chinese authorities when they discover his secret, and Fairchild follows to try and discover the secrets of his own past. Rose risks everything to pursue them over the Himalayas, a journey which profoundly changes all of their lives.
The story is a hypothesis featuring a real-life figure, the Panchen Lama, considered by Amnesty International to be the world's youngest political prisoner.
Introducing Rose Clarke and John Fairchild, rival outcasts of the British secret service, their different motivations bringing them together, often in conflict, across the globe.
A Tibetan monk’s secret identity as the reincarnation of an important mystical figure threatens the might of the Chinese political establishment. His perilous attempt to flee over the Himalayas embroils Clarke and Fairchild in a desperate struggle to survive the extreme conditions and the powerful Chinese forces determined to stop them.
Recently disgraced secret service officer Rose Clarke is given an opportunity to redeem herself by tracking down John Fairchild, a notorious mercenary of the clandestine world who has developed a global network of informants and is suspected of trading British intelligence. Her mission takes her to China where Fairchild has links with Jinpa, a Tibetan monk whose reincarnated identity is of huge political significance. Jinpa has to flee from the Chinese authorities when they discover his secret, and Fairchild follows to try and discover the secrets of his own past. Rose risks everything to pursue them over the Himalayas, a journey which profoundly changes all of their lives.
The story is a hypothesis featuring a real-life figure, the Panchen Lama, considered by Amnesty International to be the world's youngest political prisoner.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2020
327 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Parris
8 books14 followersMy name’s Tracey Parris and I live in Belper, a lively market town near the Peak District National Park in the middle of the UK. I’ve been a market researcher and data geek, an English language teacher, a player of the flute, trumpet and Irish whistle (not at the same time), a marathon runner, a baker of fine cakes and a local councillor. I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled a lot, particularly in Asia and Europe, but I’m not done yet!
I’ve been writing since 2011. The Clarke and Fairchild series, my first self-publishing venture, is a result of my fascination with international travel and the moral ambiguities of the world of politics. I've been lucky enough to travel to many of the places featured in my stories. I had the idea for the character of John Fairchild in a moment of homesickness wandering the streets of Beijing, when I really, really wished someone was around who spoke the language!
I’ve been writing since 2011. The Clarke and Fairchild series, my first self-publishing venture, is a result of my fascination with international travel and the moral ambiguities of the world of politics. I've been lucky enough to travel to many of the places featured in my stories. I had the idea for the character of John Fairchild in a moment of homesickness wandering the streets of Beijing, when I really, really wished someone was around who spoke the language!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 28, 2020
DNF
I normally don't read spy thrillers but my book group recently read one and i enjoyed it. Also, this one featured a Tibetan monk which i thought was interesting. and it was supposed to have a bit of mystery.
The POV chapters switch between Rose, a former MI-6 agent and Jinpa, a Buddhist Monk.
I didn't like the Rose character. I preferred the Jinpa one. I also liked Zack, an ex-military American.
It was boring. Also, i couldn't figure out what was going on.
Unfortunately this was a didn't finish for me. I got to about 50 pgs/Chapter 6 and said, "Yeah, i'm done. i can't read anymore of this." Also, b/c i knew it was very long and I just didn't want to continue to the middle where perhaps it gets better.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review. (I think I'll stick to the romance selections.)
I normally don't read spy thrillers but my book group recently read one and i enjoyed it. Also, this one featured a Tibetan monk which i thought was interesting. and it was supposed to have a bit of mystery.
The POV chapters switch between Rose, a former MI-6 agent and Jinpa, a Buddhist Monk.
I didn't like the Rose character. I preferred the Jinpa one. I also liked Zack, an ex-military American.
It was boring. Also, i couldn't figure out what was going on.
Unfortunately this was a didn't finish for me. I got to about 50 pgs/Chapter 6 and said, "Yeah, i'm done. i can't read anymore of this." Also, b/c i knew it was very long and I just didn't want to continue to the middle where perhaps it gets better.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review. (I think I'll stick to the romance selections.)
September 6, 2020
You can just feel the intrigue.
From page one you fall into the intrigue and action in this book. Follow on intrepid dots all over the Far East. This is an extremely exciting read. I would say it's much like Tom Clancy in some respects.
From page one you fall into the intrigue and action in this book. Follow on intrepid dots all over the Far East. This is an extremely exciting read. I would say it's much like Tom Clancy in some respects.
Read
September 13, 2021T.M. Parris’s Reborn definitely hits the ground running. From its first scene – a shootout in a Hong Kong restaurant – to its suspenseful closing pages, there is not a slack moment, and there are enough fight scenes, escapades, thrills and suspense to keep your typical thriller reader turning the pages. This is all very nicely done, and the frequent action scenes are both believable and well put together.
However, the book is more than just a thrill ride, and the action is backgrounded by the cultural colour of a string of far-flung locations (far flung to me, anyway!): Hong Kong, China, Nepal and Tibet. All of these feel well researched, and anyone with an interest in in the East – and in travel in general – will find these places painted with a confident and no doubt well-informed hand (judging by the author’s declared love of travel and familiarity with these areas). These provide background to an intriguing and cleverly constructed plot which eventually draws our two protagonists into the struggle of a group of dissident Buddhist monks in Chinese-occupied Tibet. Here, there is some careful and knowledgeable handling of Buddhism, together with a nuanced view of the political situation (with understandable sympathies for the Tibetans), all of which helps elevate the story above your run of the mill thriller.
The characters are well drawn with relatively good psychological depth and enough shades of grey to make them interestingly unpredictable, though personally I would have liked more of this. There are a few elements of both protagonists’ backstory that provide some relevant impetus to the plot, but which I felt could have been introduced or hinted at earlier on. The dialogue and description are good and unfussily workmanlike (without being sparkling), and the spy talk and “tradecraft” of the world of espionage seem believable without rivalling Bond levels of ingenuity.
Overall, a great first instalment to a promising series, of which I look forward to reading more.
NOTE: This review was based on a complimentary copy supplied by the author through the review site Big Al's Books & Pals.
However, the book is more than just a thrill ride, and the action is backgrounded by the cultural colour of a string of far-flung locations (far flung to me, anyway!): Hong Kong, China, Nepal and Tibet. All of these feel well researched, and anyone with an interest in in the East – and in travel in general – will find these places painted with a confident and no doubt well-informed hand (judging by the author’s declared love of travel and familiarity with these areas). These provide background to an intriguing and cleverly constructed plot which eventually draws our two protagonists into the struggle of a group of dissident Buddhist monks in Chinese-occupied Tibet. Here, there is some careful and knowledgeable handling of Buddhism, together with a nuanced view of the political situation (with understandable sympathies for the Tibetans), all of which helps elevate the story above your run of the mill thriller.
The characters are well drawn with relatively good psychological depth and enough shades of grey to make them interestingly unpredictable, though personally I would have liked more of this. There are a few elements of both protagonists’ backstory that provide some relevant impetus to the plot, but which I felt could have been introduced or hinted at earlier on. The dialogue and description are good and unfussily workmanlike (without being sparkling), and the spy talk and “tradecraft” of the world of espionage seem believable without rivalling Bond levels of ingenuity.
Overall, a great first instalment to a promising series, of which I look forward to reading more.
NOTE: This review was based on a complimentary copy supplied by the author through the review site Big Al's Books & Pals.
February 3, 2021
Reborn is a political/espionage thriller story set in Hong Kong, China. The story introduces Rose Clarke as a disgraced secret service officer who has been given a task to track John Fairchild, a mercenary down. John has created a network that appears to be trading British intelligence.
The story then takes us to beautiful China, and the characters begin to shine in a well-written story. The tale heavily relies on the Chinese atrocities against the monks of Tibet. I found that interesting to read.
You also get to learn a few things in this book. The writing is articulate, and the cleverly embedded side stories really paid off, creating a beautiful final.
The characters were well written, and their personalities perfectly bounced off one another. The tale’s backstory and foundation made it rich, and the contrast between right and wrong was thought-provoking.
Book cover designs are really important these days, and this one did a good job. The color combination, images and illustration were spot on.
I recommend this story to anyone who wants to read thriller stories and enjoys stories with strong characters.
The story then takes us to beautiful China, and the characters begin to shine in a well-written story. The tale heavily relies on the Chinese atrocities against the monks of Tibet. I found that interesting to read.
You also get to learn a few things in this book. The writing is articulate, and the cleverly embedded side stories really paid off, creating a beautiful final.
The characters were well written, and their personalities perfectly bounced off one another. The tale’s backstory and foundation made it rich, and the contrast between right and wrong was thought-provoking.
Book cover designs are really important these days, and this one did a good job. The color combination, images and illustration were spot on.
I recommend this story to anyone who wants to read thriller stories and enjoys stories with strong characters.
February 18, 2022
It started well. Fast paced, the game of cloak and dagger was nicely set up. MI6 agent Rose Clarke got a second chance to get the information mercenary Fairchild back to her boss as Fairchild is suspected to be selling British intelligence to the Chinese. The game of cat and mouse was exciting in the beginning but annoyingly became repetitive later on. Every time Clarke gets Fairchild, the man slips out. It keeps on happening throughout the book so much so that it starts irritating you. Then there's a third character Monk Jinpa whom Fairchild is searching as the monk might have information on Fairchild's dead parents. Jinpa's story is connected with the Chinese and Dalai Lama politics. The book could've worked for me if the author has worked more on the story. I doubt if I pick the next book in the series.
July 5, 2020
If you like good mild suspense, in any genre, I suggest taking a look at this gripping tale of international espionage, as an ambitious young MI6 spook tracks a former British agent across Hong Kong, China and Tibet for reasons she is not privy to. As well as being an engaging political thriller which draws heavily from the reality of Chinese atrocities against the monks of Tibet, there is ample mystery in the tale and enough moral ambiguity in the behaviour and respective backstories of the two main characters to infuse a genuine sense of menace. Characters are well developed, with a well-crafted contrast between their machine-like duty and genuinely endearing humanity; quite frankly, they are ruthlessly efficient and likeable in equal measure – a definite strength in the author’s style.
This is a tremendously well-written book by Parris; I really like the author’s easy-going style and timing. Articulate and well educated, she clearly knows the subject of Chinese-Tibetan politics and Buddhist culture, and she has seamlessly interwoven this knowledge with a cat and mouse tale of British intelligence agents pitting their wits against each other and their collective foes. Add to this an intriguing family backstory, which is not incidental but directly driving events, and you have the grand sum of a well-considered and superbly accomplished book. Whilst entertaining, this isn’t an action thriller, despite its exotic locations and grand scale settings; it is a comfortably paced and simply constructed story-based tale, which I recommend highly for a relaxing couple of evenings or a Sunday afternoon.
I must admit that I was of the belief that the book was going to go in a particular direction, and I was thankfully relieved that it didn’t. This reinforced to me that Parris is a genuinely professional author, and this book modestly displays its own definitive quality without the need for attention, fanfare or showboating. It is also ultimately satisfying, in a way which stands alone yet leaves enough dangling to promise a superior, decent series; I do hope to read more from Parris soon.
This is a tremendously well-written book by Parris; I really like the author’s easy-going style and timing. Articulate and well educated, she clearly knows the subject of Chinese-Tibetan politics and Buddhist culture, and she has seamlessly interwoven this knowledge with a cat and mouse tale of British intelligence agents pitting their wits against each other and their collective foes. Add to this an intriguing family backstory, which is not incidental but directly driving events, and you have the grand sum of a well-considered and superbly accomplished book. Whilst entertaining, this isn’t an action thriller, despite its exotic locations and grand scale settings; it is a comfortably paced and simply constructed story-based tale, which I recommend highly for a relaxing couple of evenings or a Sunday afternoon.
I must admit that I was of the belief that the book was going to go in a particular direction, and I was thankfully relieved that it didn’t. This reinforced to me that Parris is a genuinely professional author, and this book modestly displays its own definitive quality without the need for attention, fanfare or showboating. It is also ultimately satisfying, in a way which stands alone yet leaves enough dangling to promise a superior, decent series; I do hope to read more from Parris soon.
October 25, 2020
This first book in the Clarke and Fairchild Series by T.M. Parris was definitely an intense and suspense-filled saga about the mental, physical and spiritual journey taken by the two main characters, Clarke and Fairchild, to see their individual mission through. The author made the action sequences intense but not grisly, while maintaining the ongoing character development. It was actually difficult at times to see how these two were ever going to get along well enough to work together on staying alive, let alone becoming partners in a series of stories. I look forward to other books in this series to add to my TBR file. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
March 1, 2021
I was pleased this complex spy thriller about former MI6 agent, Rose Clarke, and linguistic information mercenary, John Fairchild, started somewhere I had lived and worked. Mention of Lan Kwai Fong, took me back 40 years to Hong Kong! The visits to Tibet and Nepal also drew me in.
Although not essential, I was glad I’d joined the Clarke and Fairchild Readers’ Club so had already met John and Rose, in Tradewinds and Crusaders respectively, before starting this gripping series about them. I enjoyed learning more about their background & characters, blackmailer versus victim, and watching their relationship develop, as well as seeing the addictive nature of their roles.
Although not essential, I was glad I’d joined the Clarke and Fairchild Readers’ Club so had already met John and Rose, in Tradewinds and Crusaders respectively, before starting this gripping series about them. I enjoyed learning more about their background & characters, blackmailer versus victim, and watching their relationship develop, as well as seeing the addictive nature of their roles.
January 29, 2021
This is a well-written spy thriller, full of action and suspense, taking the reader from Hong Kong, to China, Tibet and the Himalayas, and finally Nepal. I loved the language, the settings - both in the physical and the political sense - and the kick-ass heroine in the story. A very enjoyable read.
September 29, 2020
This book contains many bits of excitement as the action travels over the far east. The characters are interesting, but a little unfathomable. The writing is clear and easy to read. The action events are exciting and tense. The story gives rise to many questions. None of them get answered.
December 1, 2022
Reborn
A writer who feels that occasional use of that which is sacred to many as profanity is acceptable to give the story spice. In addition, the dropping of f-bombs does not enhance the story either. Better writings elsewhere.
A writer who feels that occasional use of that which is sacred to many as profanity is acceptable to give the story spice. In addition, the dropping of f-bombs does not enhance the story either. Better writings elsewhere.
February 22, 2022
Great start to a thrilling spy series. Fairchild and Clarke prove to be enigmatic leads. Worth reading the series, which takes you across Europe and Asia
April 7, 2021
Rose Clarke has left MI6 under a cloud and she wants back in... Her assignment to succeed, track down the elusive John Fairchild, a recknowed mercenary suspected of trading British intelligence. Fairchild does a good job at eluding a determined Rose until a friend, the young Tibetan monk Jinpa contacts him.
The plot unfolds at a breathtaking pace, taking the reader from Hong Kong, to Beijing...to Tibet and the Himalayas. The tension between the main characters is strong and Jinpa's inner dialogue beautifully crafted.
This thriller will keep you guessing 'til the end...
The plot unfolds at a breathtaking pace, taking the reader from Hong Kong, to Beijing...to Tibet and the Himalayas. The tension between the main characters is strong and Jinpa's inner dialogue beautifully crafted.
This thriller will keep you guessing 'til the end...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews