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One Kingdom Under Heaven
In the year 2029, China attacks the United States. Retired Navy SEAL Malcolm Kwong survives the attack. His family does not. Vowing revenge, Kwong puts together a team to help him kill the President of China and leads them into China's Taklamakan Desert - the Desert of Death - in search of Ismail Khoja, a Uighur who nearly assassinated the Chinese President five years earlier. Together, they will either prevent a world war, or start one.
318 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 24, 2021
The massive shifting sand dunes of the Taklamakan, set a backdrop for a dystopian future where a desperate battle occurs between a fading superpower and an emergent makes for a gripping yarn.
The spareness of emotion between the characters and the fast moving action create a thriller that is hard to put down. It’s a fascinating novel set in 2029 entirely fictional but maybe a too accurate projection of possible futures for us. What a great read!
The spareness of emotion between the characters and the fast moving action create a thriller that is hard to put down. It’s a fascinating novel set in 2029 entirely fictional but maybe a too accurate projection of possible futures for us. What a great read!
June 9, 2021
One Kingdom Under Heaven could have been taken right out of today’s newspapers. What would happen if China attacked our power grid causing thousands to die due to lack of power during the winter? What would the United States (and allies?) do to strike back and prevent China from gaining the upper hand for the long run?
One Kingdom takes place in the near future of 2029. Malcolm, an ex-Navy Seal, who resigned after learning that his wife was expecting, has been requested to take a group into China that would, hopefully, prevent China from gaining an more of a strangle hold it has achieved over the United States after China attacked the power grid.
Malcolm, along with a few others, take the long way, around to Beijing to undertake their mission. Along the way they stop to enlist the aid of a Chinese national who once fought the leadership of China, but stopped before completing his mission. Will their plan work?
The story unfolds from three different viewpoints, which one is the correct one. Each one is close to the next one, except for some slight, but major, differences.
This was an enjoyable book. I wanted to keep reading it at night, it was usually past my normal bedtime before I stopped reading. The characters are believable and each one will want you to know what drives them to undertake such a mission. While this is my first book by Alastair Luft that I have read, it will not be the last one of his that I read.
One Kingdom takes place in the near future of 2029. Malcolm, an ex-Navy Seal, who resigned after learning that his wife was expecting, has been requested to take a group into China that would, hopefully, prevent China from gaining an more of a strangle hold it has achieved over the United States after China attacked the power grid.
Malcolm, along with a few others, take the long way, around to Beijing to undertake their mission. Along the way they stop to enlist the aid of a Chinese national who once fought the leadership of China, but stopped before completing his mission. Will their plan work?
The story unfolds from three different viewpoints, which one is the correct one. Each one is close to the next one, except for some slight, but major, differences.
This was an enjoyable book. I wanted to keep reading it at night, it was usually past my normal bedtime before I stopped reading. The characters are believable and each one will want you to know what drives them to undertake such a mission. While this is my first book by Alastair Luft that I have read, it will not be the last one of his that I read.
June 1, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After an attack by China and the loss of his family, Malcolm Kwong determines to assassinate Zaho Guozing - the President of China. He needs the help of Ismail Khoja, the man who failed in this task previously. A long trek through the Taklamakan desert leads them to the borders of China. Will Malcolm completes his mission and escapes with his life?
The author uses a unique structure for his narrative. The book consists of nine chapters, alternating between 18 December 2029 and 29 April 2029. The first six chapters have a considerable difference in length. The shorter chapters one, three, and five picture the interrogation of Malcolm Kwong by President Zhao. The longer chapters two, four, six, and eight tells Malcolm’s story, but each is a different version. Chapter two starts his story and continues in chapter four. In chapter six, we hear Zao’s version of Malcolm’s story, and in chapter 8, the author adds details omitted in Malcolm’s original version. From chapter seven, all the chapters are longer, leading up to the climax - a finale hinted at through the narrative but still unexpected.
Even though the author breaks longer chapters into parts using asterisks, I’ve found these chapters tiring to read. The short chapters contain most of the action, while the longer chapters feature more background information (Malcolm’s story and the trek through the desert). Although the author provides interesting information about the desert, I would have expected more action in a thriller.
Trigger Warnings: Violence | Death | Profanity | Deity Swears
After an attack by China and the loss of his family, Malcolm Kwong determines to assassinate Zaho Guozing - the President of China. He needs the help of Ismail Khoja, the man who failed in this task previously. A long trek through the Taklamakan desert leads them to the borders of China. Will Malcolm completes his mission and escapes with his life?
The author uses a unique structure for his narrative. The book consists of nine chapters, alternating between 18 December 2029 and 29 April 2029. The first six chapters have a considerable difference in length. The shorter chapters one, three, and five picture the interrogation of Malcolm Kwong by President Zhao. The longer chapters two, four, six, and eight tells Malcolm’s story, but each is a different version. Chapter two starts his story and continues in chapter four. In chapter six, we hear Zao’s version of Malcolm’s story, and in chapter 8, the author adds details omitted in Malcolm’s original version. From chapter seven, all the chapters are longer, leading up to the climax - a finale hinted at through the narrative but still unexpected.
Even though the author breaks longer chapters into parts using asterisks, I’ve found these chapters tiring to read. The short chapters contain most of the action, while the longer chapters feature more background information (Malcolm’s story and the trek through the desert). Although the author provides interesting information about the desert, I would have expected more action in a thriller.
Trigger Warnings: Violence | Death | Profanity | Deity Swears
June 7, 2021
Although One Kingdom Under Heaven was way outside my wheelhouse I was happy to try a new genre. First and foremost let’s talk about the two distinctly unique items in this book. First is the fact that this novel is only a few years into the future which really makes the reader think hard. Could this really happen ? It’s not that far into the future . Maybe! Secondly let’s not just give the reader a direct path to the end of the book but let’s give them ....not one, not two, but three distinct paths.
I found both of these items In Alastair’s book, made for a unique story different from any other I’ve read.
Add this to his attention to detail (which must have been difficult when basing a book into a future we cannot fathom ) and it made for great reading . I’m still looking for sand between my toes after each chapter.
I found both of these items In Alastair’s book, made for a unique story different from any other I’ve read.
Add this to his attention to detail (which must have been difficult when basing a book into a future we cannot fathom ) and it made for great reading . I’m still looking for sand between my toes after each chapter.
June 10, 2021
This is a well written story that is very timely, relevant and believable.
The authors character development and their interactions is both organic and patient.
A good yarn for todays world focussed readers
The authors character development and their interactions is both organic and patient.
A good yarn for todays world focussed readers
June 3, 2021
This is not in my regular genre but I actually did kinda like it. I recommend this book especially if this IS your genre. The author really thought out this plot and it flows well.
May 20, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book. One Kingdom under Heaven is the type of read I enjoy and if the book is good, I have a hard time putting it down. I can say, Alastair's book was hard to put down. Having the three versions of what happen was a great surprise and wasn't expecting that and reminded me of the old saying, your version, my version and the truth is somewhere in the middle.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a action style book and I'm very confident you will enjoy it. Job well done ALastair.
Mark D
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a action style book and I'm very confident you will enjoy it. Job well done ALastair.
Mark D
June 2, 2021
One Kingdom Under Heaven is an unusual thriller. The bulk of this book deals with a tension-filled, well-written story of a trek across a vast desert to enter Beijing to assassinate the President of China. The truly innovative aspect of this book is that the same trek is written from several different and contradicting perspectives, so the reader is left wondering which one is the truth. At first, I did not care for this approach, but I grew to like the surprising intellectual challenge of it all.
The plot is realistic, and hinges on today's headlines even though it is set about ten years into the future, after our pandemic. The author presents a convincing and authoritative view of modern China and the Uighur minority, and clearly knows his way around that part of the world.
The main character is interesting, but a little bit mysterious and hard for a reader to identify with. The supporting characters are even more mysterious, particularly Khoja and his two female compatriots. Their dialog is crisp and economical, but I felt it too crisp to get a true understanding of their motives. Their tendency to answer a question with another question or some mysterious statement grew tiresome to this reader.
The conclusion to the book is action-filled, mayhem-packed, and truly surprising. I found the action well-written, and pulse-pounding, and it kept me on edge to the very end. My only critique of the final action scene was that the protagonist may have been too good of a fighter. His ability to recover from a series of difficult encounters was challenging to believe. The intellectual puzzle of trying to figure out what was going to happen at the end of this unusual novel was rewarding, and reason enough to read this innovative story.
Thanks to BookSirens and Black Rose Publishing for providing a copy of the entertaining story.
The plot is realistic, and hinges on today's headlines even though it is set about ten years into the future, after our pandemic. The author presents a convincing and authoritative view of modern China and the Uighur minority, and clearly knows his way around that part of the world.
The main character is interesting, but a little bit mysterious and hard for a reader to identify with. The supporting characters are even more mysterious, particularly Khoja and his two female compatriots. Their dialog is crisp and economical, but I felt it too crisp to get a true understanding of their motives. Their tendency to answer a question with another question or some mysterious statement grew tiresome to this reader.
The conclusion to the book is action-filled, mayhem-packed, and truly surprising. I found the action well-written, and pulse-pounding, and it kept me on edge to the very end. My only critique of the final action scene was that the protagonist may have been too good of a fighter. His ability to recover from a series of difficult encounters was challenging to believe. The intellectual puzzle of trying to figure out what was going to happen at the end of this unusual novel was rewarding, and reason enough to read this innovative story.
Thanks to BookSirens and Black Rose Publishing for providing a copy of the entertaining story.
May 4, 2021
Interesting story. I will admit that about 2/3 of the way through, I got mad. I like one story. At the 2/3 mark I decided the author couldn't figure out which story he wanted to write so we got three versions. But, by the time I finished the third version, I was back into it. I can see the value of the three versions and they were presented seamlessly. I admit, I would not have read it, if I had been forwarned. But I say it is worth the read. Our protagonist is someone we like, no matter which version we are hearing. The antagonist is worth getting to know no matter which one you choose to call the antagonist.
The story is believable, political, satirical and complex.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is believable, political, satirical and complex.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2021
Overall Rating = 4.5
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 4
Alastair Luft’s One Kingdom Under Heaven, set in 2029, relates the story of an act of retaliation for an attack by China against the United States. A retired Navy SEAL, Malcolm Kwong, who lost his family in the attack, assembles a team to cross China’s Taklamakan Desert, recruit an exiled Uighur, and carry out an assassination.
This story starts off as a compelling read when Kwong is interrogated about his actions, but the recounting of what preceded that point is what sets this novel apart. It’s told from different contradictory perspectives and makes it impossible to put down as the reader tries to decide which version to believe, each one as conceivable as the next. This is a brilliant concept and is achieved with the author’s intricate character development that allows us to accept the alternatives presented. The quality and quantity of the research involved in constructing the complex plot and settings are also points to be noted. Luft delivers the story with lots of action and, although gruesome at times, it adds an element of realism to a story set in the not-so-distant future that is easy to envisage.
Sublime Line: “One Kingdom Under Heaven is a riveting adventure story, written with a unique and captivating concept that makes it impossible to put down; highly recommended.”
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 4
Alastair Luft’s One Kingdom Under Heaven, set in 2029, relates the story of an act of retaliation for an attack by China against the United States. A retired Navy SEAL, Malcolm Kwong, who lost his family in the attack, assembles a team to cross China’s Taklamakan Desert, recruit an exiled Uighur, and carry out an assassination.
This story starts off as a compelling read when Kwong is interrogated about his actions, but the recounting of what preceded that point is what sets this novel apart. It’s told from different contradictory perspectives and makes it impossible to put down as the reader tries to decide which version to believe, each one as conceivable as the next. This is a brilliant concept and is achieved with the author’s intricate character development that allows us to accept the alternatives presented. The quality and quantity of the research involved in constructing the complex plot and settings are also points to be noted. Luft delivers the story with lots of action and, although gruesome at times, it adds an element of realism to a story set in the not-so-distant future that is easy to envisage.
Sublime Line: “One Kingdom Under Heaven is a riveting adventure story, written with a unique and captivating concept that makes it impossible to put down; highly recommended.”
April 4, 2021
I planned to read this novel over a period of a week, but I finished it in two days, hating to put it down. This is a political thriller filled with twists and surprises, mainly because the same story is told in three versions, each of them riveting, believable, and action-packed. Not only does the novel have an original and captivating plot, but the character development is exceptional, and the settings and action are expertly described. This is on my list of top recommendations if you’re looking for a high-octane thriller.
April 23, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much............it was action packed and suspenseful, I could hardly put it down. At times I found it a little difficult to keep track of all of the characters and who was who in each of the versions of the plot (this could have been alleviated with a paper copy as I could have easily flipped back) but that little bit of confusion didn't deter me as One Kingdom Under Heaven was an exciting and thought provoking read.
April 29, 2021
Love the different scenarios and the twists and turns!
April 12, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest thriller from Alastair Luft. It was hard to put this book down. The story is well crafted with a variety of twists and plenty of action. Alastair continues to hone his craft as a writer and I can’t wait for his next book already. I highly recommend One Kingdom Under Heaven for anyone who enjoys a suspenseful action thriller. Well done Alastair!
March 30, 2021
This very well researched and written book features a different concept, making the reader choose which version to believe. It is fast moving and descriptive and hard to put down!
May 27, 2021
“Ex Navy SEAL Vows Revenge After China Attack.”
This could be a major news headline in today's front page of major news tabloids and on the TV screens in the US and the world. Implausible, perhaps, but anything is possible in the fertile mind of a novelist.
Alastair Luft presents such a plausible scenario in One Kingdom Under Heaven, a futuristic terrorist-themed thriller set in 2029. An attack by China against the United States has resulted in damage to US infrastructure and deaths. Navy SEAL Malcolm Kwong survives the attack of 2029 but his family perishes. He retires in order to come to terms with his loss. But his retirement is short-lived as his ex-boss calls him back to active duty. The mission: to assemble a crack team to go to China to assassinate President Zhao Guoqiang. Malcolm agrees, seeing this as a golden opportunity to avenge the deaths of his wife and son.
To Malcolm, only one man can make a huge difference to the success of the mission: Ismail Khoja, an exiled Chinese-Uigher political activist who nearly killed Zhao five years earlier. Malcolm and his team have to look for him in the expansive Taklamakan Desert in China’s Xinjiang Province.
The story recounts the arduous journey of Malcolm and his team across the vast arid desert covered with sand dunes, battling with sand storms and thirst. Once Khoja is found, the team soon finds that he isn’t the only one joining the team. Khoja’s wife and daughter want to be in as well. This changes the dynamics of how well the enlarged team works together. Unpleasant confrontations between the members happen. As soon as they reach the desert highway, they abandon their camels for vans, which take them to the heart of Beijing, where the kill mission will be carried out. And just in time too, as China’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee is about to meet.
The storyline is punchy, action-packed and suspenseful, with many twists and turns. There are many parts that have left me breathless with anticipation. But what may come as a surprise to readers is that Malcolm's account of the mission isn’t the only one. It’s countered by Zhao's version of events, and then by Malcolm's own redux version. Each version carries a different perspective, with variation in details. This approach in writing is confusing as it leaves me wondering which version is correct. But I must say that it ingeniously lends more intrigue and suspense to the outcome of the mission.
Kudos to Alastair Luft for a job well done in crafting a compelling and twisty thriller with exotic desert settings. It’s quite obvious that a lot of research has gone into giving credible authenticity to the story.
My thanks to the people at Booksirens and the publisher for letting me read this book in advance. My review is given voluntarily.
This could be a major news headline in today's front page of major news tabloids and on the TV screens in the US and the world. Implausible, perhaps, but anything is possible in the fertile mind of a novelist.
Alastair Luft presents such a plausible scenario in One Kingdom Under Heaven, a futuristic terrorist-themed thriller set in 2029. An attack by China against the United States has resulted in damage to US infrastructure and deaths. Navy SEAL Malcolm Kwong survives the attack of 2029 but his family perishes. He retires in order to come to terms with his loss. But his retirement is short-lived as his ex-boss calls him back to active duty. The mission: to assemble a crack team to go to China to assassinate President Zhao Guoqiang. Malcolm agrees, seeing this as a golden opportunity to avenge the deaths of his wife and son.
To Malcolm, only one man can make a huge difference to the success of the mission: Ismail Khoja, an exiled Chinese-Uigher political activist who nearly killed Zhao five years earlier. Malcolm and his team have to look for him in the expansive Taklamakan Desert in China’s Xinjiang Province.
The story recounts the arduous journey of Malcolm and his team across the vast arid desert covered with sand dunes, battling with sand storms and thirst. Once Khoja is found, the team soon finds that he isn’t the only one joining the team. Khoja’s wife and daughter want to be in as well. This changes the dynamics of how well the enlarged team works together. Unpleasant confrontations between the members happen. As soon as they reach the desert highway, they abandon their camels for vans, which take them to the heart of Beijing, where the kill mission will be carried out. And just in time too, as China’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee is about to meet.
The storyline is punchy, action-packed and suspenseful, with many twists and turns. There are many parts that have left me breathless with anticipation. But what may come as a surprise to readers is that Malcolm's account of the mission isn’t the only one. It’s countered by Zhao's version of events, and then by Malcolm's own redux version. Each version carries a different perspective, with variation in details. This approach in writing is confusing as it leaves me wondering which version is correct. But I must say that it ingeniously lends more intrigue and suspense to the outcome of the mission.
Kudos to Alastair Luft for a job well done in crafting a compelling and twisty thriller with exotic desert settings. It’s quite obvious that a lot of research has gone into giving credible authenticity to the story.
My thanks to the people at Booksirens and the publisher for letting me read this book in advance. My review is given voluntarily.
June 10, 2021
Definitely a different writing style.
When I started reading One Kingdom Under Heaven, I thought "What is going on here?" One sentence made into three sentences? Short, chopped sentences. I was itching to get my 'virtual' red pen and wield it mercilessly. But you know what? This story actually lends itself to that style of writing.
Whilst America is still reeling from a pandemic, China sends a few bombs their way which knocks out the electricity grid and the telecommunication services. Those folks who weren't killed by the bombs, found themselves struggling to stay warm during one of America's coldest winters.
America puts together an elite team to go to China with one directive - kill the ruling Chairman and his standing committee to give America time to rebuild. One Kingdom Under Heaven is about this mission but retold with three different scenarios, leaving you guessing as to which was the reality. To add to the confusion, Wolf is supposed to be Brit, yet his speech and mannerisms are that of an Australian.
Despite all of this - or maybe because of it? - I found One Kingdom Under Heaven to be an excellent read and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to learn what happened next. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received an Advance Reader Copy of One Kingdom Under Heaven from BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
When I started reading One Kingdom Under Heaven, I thought "What is going on here?" One sentence made into three sentences? Short, chopped sentences. I was itching to get my 'virtual' red pen and wield it mercilessly. But you know what? This story actually lends itself to that style of writing.
Whilst America is still reeling from a pandemic, China sends a few bombs their way which knocks out the electricity grid and the telecommunication services. Those folks who weren't killed by the bombs, found themselves struggling to stay warm during one of America's coldest winters.
America puts together an elite team to go to China with one directive - kill the ruling Chairman and his standing committee to give America time to rebuild. One Kingdom Under Heaven is about this mission but retold with three different scenarios, leaving you guessing as to which was the reality. To add to the confusion, Wolf is supposed to be Brit, yet his speech and mannerisms are that of an Australian.
Despite all of this - or maybe because of it? - I found One Kingdom Under Heaven to be an excellent read and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to learn what happened next. Happy reading. Annemarie
I received an Advance Reader Copy of One Kingdom Under Heaven from BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
April 27, 2021
I believe that I had received this book free of charge from the author and the fine folks at Bookfunnel.com in return for an honest review.
This novel is a colorful and imaginative description of an American attempt to assassinate the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, after the detonation of an EMP weapon (which has wiped out the electronic capabilities of the United States).
I found this book to be very descriptive and exciting and because of that I feel that this book is worthy of a four star rating out of five. The only drawback that I found with this book was it seemed as though there were two chapters that retold the same tale (Malcolm's tale).
As with all book reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
This novel is a colorful and imaginative description of an American attempt to assassinate the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, after the detonation of an EMP weapon (which has wiped out the electronic capabilities of the United States).
I found this book to be very descriptive and exciting and because of that I feel that this book is worthy of a four star rating out of five. The only drawback that I found with this book was it seemed as though there were two chapters that retold the same tale (Malcolm's tale).
As with all book reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
April 16, 2021
One Kingdom Under Heaven is a military thriller set in 2029. Alastair Luft has written about a war where China attacks the USA. Retired SEAL, Malcolm Kwong survives the attack, his family does not survive. The story revolves around the revenge Malcolm wants on China. One Kingdom Under Heaven is a good thriller. Malcolm gets a team together to assistant the President of China. Alastair Luft kept me guessing until the end. I received an arc for free, and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 29, 2021
Malcolm is a retired Navy Seal who loses his wife and son in an attack on the United States by China. The attack leaves the US in shambles, struggling to pick up the pieces. A former superior persuades Malcolm to head up an operation to attack China's leadership and get revenge. The plan is a longshot, with many thinking it can't be done.
I loved Luft's last book and was really excited about the premise of this book. However I got frustrated with how the story kept looping back and changing details with new perspectives. I feel the story could have been so much better if it kept to one perspective throughout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Luft's last book and was really excited about the premise of this book. However I got frustrated with how the story kept looping back and changing details with new perspectives. I feel the story could have been so much better if it kept to one perspective throughout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
Alastair Luft has managed to spin a gripping tale about a future conflict between the U.S. and China. Extraordinarily well researched, the reader is drawn into a region of the world that is largely unknown to westerners. The intriguing plot is twisted by differing vantage points, reminding the reader that reality is largely influenced by one's own perception of events. Alastair continues to impress as an author, delivering another great story with dynamic characters, unique setting and page turning ending.
July 4, 2021
For those out there like myself, who consistently yearn for the “next great hero” to appear on the bookshelves of libraries, Alastair Luft is one author who provides that tenfold. And when it comes to this latest novel, “One Kingdom Under Heaven,” he not only offers up a cool spy/military hero with a determined mission, but also throws in a top-notch political and military thriller plot at the same time.
The story takes place in the year 2029. Unfortunately, nothing has really changed. The U.S. is still battling enemies across the ocean, and this time the focus is on China. China, who has never really liked us all that much anyway, launches a vicious attack on America that kills many. Unlucky for them, the family of Retired Navy SEAL Malcolm Kwong are among the lives lost, giving Malcolm a will and determination to take out some pretty high-ranking officials in the Chinese government who gave the green light to this horrific attack.
The writer begins the book with Malcolm being interrogated about his actions, allowing the reader to go back in time, learn the backstories of the characters, and see exactly what Malcolm set out to do, and whether or not he achieved his goal. On the verge of war, Malcolm begins by bringing together people with skills, talents, and perhaps even their own anger at the political universe, in order to make an exemplary squad that will be hard to beat. This is also a team that will have no problem taking someone out, including the President of China, Zaho Guozing.
Setting out, he leads his crew through the Desert of Death (China’s Taklamakan Desert), in search of one thing – a rebel by the name of Ismail Khoja, who just happened to be the Uighur who attempted to assassinate the Chinese President just five years before. Being that they have the same thoughts in mind, Malcolm and Ismail end up bearing arms against a shared enemy; of course, they also must deal with the fact that their actions could very well start yet another World War.
The intensity and depth of these characters is amazing. This is the first time I have read a novel that uses such a unique structure when presenting the information. There are not many chapters offered, yet they do fluctuate between different months, with three chapters focusing on the interrogation itself, and presenting various points of view. The author has put together a mesmerizing tale that is both thrilling and extremely interesting at the same time, allowing readers a chance to feel truly raw emotions that come from losing those we love, to taking pride in being a hero for those who cannot fight for themselves. “One Kingdom Under Heaven” by Alastair Luft is most definitely a “must-read” book!
The story takes place in the year 2029. Unfortunately, nothing has really changed. The U.S. is still battling enemies across the ocean, and this time the focus is on China. China, who has never really liked us all that much anyway, launches a vicious attack on America that kills many. Unlucky for them, the family of Retired Navy SEAL Malcolm Kwong are among the lives lost, giving Malcolm a will and determination to take out some pretty high-ranking officials in the Chinese government who gave the green light to this horrific attack.
The writer begins the book with Malcolm being interrogated about his actions, allowing the reader to go back in time, learn the backstories of the characters, and see exactly what Malcolm set out to do, and whether or not he achieved his goal. On the verge of war, Malcolm begins by bringing together people with skills, talents, and perhaps even their own anger at the political universe, in order to make an exemplary squad that will be hard to beat. This is also a team that will have no problem taking someone out, including the President of China, Zaho Guozing.
Setting out, he leads his crew through the Desert of Death (China’s Taklamakan Desert), in search of one thing – a rebel by the name of Ismail Khoja, who just happened to be the Uighur who attempted to assassinate the Chinese President just five years before. Being that they have the same thoughts in mind, Malcolm and Ismail end up bearing arms against a shared enemy; of course, they also must deal with the fact that their actions could very well start yet another World War.
The intensity and depth of these characters is amazing. This is the first time I have read a novel that uses such a unique structure when presenting the information. There are not many chapters offered, yet they do fluctuate between different months, with three chapters focusing on the interrogation itself, and presenting various points of view. The author has put together a mesmerizing tale that is both thrilling and extremely interesting at the same time, allowing readers a chance to feel truly raw emotions that come from losing those we love, to taking pride in being a hero for those who cannot fight for themselves. “One Kingdom Under Heaven” by Alastair Luft is most definitely a “must-read” book!
July 24, 2021
The spare and descriptive writing is what drew me into this book, though the not-so-futuristic setting and unusual device of offering up various versions of the same tale as told through the eyes of different characters –– that's what kept me turning the pages.
Luft’s ability to capture the feel of an exotic desert location and his dialog skills makes this a clever followup to another of the author’s political action thrillers, “Jihadi Bride,” which I also enjoyed.
The novel’s perfectly plausible plot, which could easily be plucked from a newspaper headline today, is set into motion immediately: a vengeful former SEAL, whose considerable battle skills are not to be trifled with, loses his family following a sinister attack on the U.S. by China. Add a colorfully violent Uighur insurrectionist who also seeks a personal payback against the Chinese government, specifically its leader, and you have the stuff fictional roller coasters are supposed to be made of. The choreographed military action in the final chapters of this novel is unrelenting and artfully gruesome.
"One Kingdom Under Heaven" is a unique genre-twisting accomplishment with believable, fully-fleshed characters conjured up by a talented writer who knows how to pen a high-octane yarn. I highly recommend a careful read of this carefully written and gripping action novel.
Luft’s ability to capture the feel of an exotic desert location and his dialog skills makes this a clever followup to another of the author’s political action thrillers, “Jihadi Bride,” which I also enjoyed.
The novel’s perfectly plausible plot, which could easily be plucked from a newspaper headline today, is set into motion immediately: a vengeful former SEAL, whose considerable battle skills are not to be trifled with, loses his family following a sinister attack on the U.S. by China. Add a colorfully violent Uighur insurrectionist who also seeks a personal payback against the Chinese government, specifically its leader, and you have the stuff fictional roller coasters are supposed to be made of. The choreographed military action in the final chapters of this novel is unrelenting and artfully gruesome.
"One Kingdom Under Heaven" is a unique genre-twisting accomplishment with believable, fully-fleshed characters conjured up by a talented writer who knows how to pen a high-octane yarn. I highly recommend a careful read of this carefully written and gripping action novel.
June 17, 2021
An impressively written, engaging thriller. A massive portion of the story deals with trekking across an insanely huge desert known as Talimakan. This desert is one where it is not easy to navigate, and then there are the known struggles of crossing one. This part is written from multiple perspectives which helped me as a reader get a lot more invested in the story. This entire part of the story is riddled with massive twists and turns.
The plot of the story is well paced, and one that will keep you flipping pages to know the next set of events. The character development is on point. Even though I found that there is not too much backstory to the characters, which makes them a lot more mysterious but they are still interesting set of characters. The story is full of action and mayhem. One of the aspects of the story that truely impressed me was the author’s geographical understanding.
In short, the story kept me hooked till the end, and I found it to be a super interesting read. I will recommend this book to all readers who love themselves a good thriller.
The plot of the story is well paced, and one that will keep you flipping pages to know the next set of events. The character development is on point. Even though I found that there is not too much backstory to the characters, which makes them a lot more mysterious but they are still interesting set of characters. The story is full of action and mayhem. One of the aspects of the story that truely impressed me was the author’s geographical understanding.
In short, the story kept me hooked till the end, and I found it to be a super interesting read. I will recommend this book to all readers who love themselves a good thriller.
June 24, 2021
Im a newer reader of military thrillers and I don't have personal military experience, but I found the plot interesting for many reasons. I enjoyed the philosophical perspective sprinkled into the actions of several characters and the travel into China was unique. This plot seemed like it could easily be in our future depending on what choices the countries and the world, in general, make going further.
I had a little bit of trouble with the perspective shifts and changing the story based on the perspective and how much was being revealed. It made it harder to know what really happened and what was being told and omitted/embellished. I was also distracted a bit with some of the sentences that seemed fragmented on their own versus being attached by a comma or semicolon for a longer sentence. But this didn't diminish my enjoyment of the storytelling.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I had a little bit of trouble with the perspective shifts and changing the story based on the perspective and how much was being revealed. It made it harder to know what really happened and what was being told and omitted/embellished. I was also distracted a bit with some of the sentences that seemed fragmented on their own versus being attached by a comma or semicolon for a longer sentence. But this didn't diminish my enjoyment of the storytelling.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 27, 2021
Alastair Luft has produced an original that grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. For anyone interested in a modern thriller in the tradition of Ludlum or Clancy will be be very interested in this book. Given the emergent relationship between the west and China Alastair takes you into a world that could be present in tomorrow's headlines. It is obvious that Luft has taken the time to conduct exhaustive research. The level of detail is readable and enhances the action. The characters are well developed and draw the reader into their story. The lead character is believable, flawed and sympathetic. The original format was a pleasant surprise and without spoiling the read, really worth the investment by the reader. One Kingdom Under Heaven starts fast and does not let up. Anyone who enjoys political action thrillers will enjoy this read.
June 16, 2021
I have read Alastair's first two books and this one by far is the best to date. The author has honed his skills as a seasoned story-teller and great action writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the depth of the story and plot twists; the descriptive and clear geographic depictions of distant lands; a plausible future geo-political intrigue novel; and fantastic character development.
This is an action-packed read from start to finish... and I could truly see a movie script being based on Alastair's novel "One Kingdom Under Heaven".
I'm already looking forward to Alastair's next novel.
Highly recommended and a great summer read!!
This is an action-packed read from start to finish... and I could truly see a movie script being based on Alastair's novel "One Kingdom Under Heaven".
I'm already looking forward to Alastair's next novel.
Highly recommended and a great summer read!!
June 16, 2021
The setting is the year 2029...the not so distant future and gives us a glimpse of a possible future after the Covid pandemic. While thrillers are not my usual genre, this read kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Luft's unusual style of telling the story from 3 different viewpoints, leaves the reader wondering what the truth is until the surprising end. The author has done a super job in fleshing out his characters, making them believable. The setting appears to have been well researched. I have read both of his previous books, The Battle Within and Jihadi Bride, and note that he is continuing to hone his skill as a story teller. Can't wait to see what he writes next!
June 16, 2021
The research done by the author in support of this book was obvious and extensive. I found the characters both interesting and complex and the way that the story weaves through time and perspective was unique for sure. I enjoyed the book overall but I will say that the writing style at times, where the subject is left out of the sentence, was distracting. I'm not sure if this is some type of "new" writing style but in the end it did not detract from the story line and I do say that it was a riveting story worth a read.
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June 17, 2021Amazingly, the underlying setting of the book seems ripped from last week's headlines... no small feat when considering the years it takes to craft such a well-researched and descriptive tale. As has always been the case with this author, the humanity of all characters shine, with complex motivations that allow the reader to identify with characters on all sides of the key issues. Clever storytelling frame that mirrors the way issues can be seen differently from different angles. This one will entertain and make you think. Loved it.
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