Avenging Storm

by Maurice Mayben

Warning - you will NOT be able to put this book down! Fast paced, lots of twists, and a great ending - I loved it! Diann TonnesenA wounded American soldier in Desert Storm discovers ancient Chinese artifacts in the Iraqi desert that imply a potential cure for cancer, but learns he must return to Iraq, again on the verge of war, to find additional artifacts that complete the formula. Unfortunately, ruthless mercenaries murder his uncle and corrupt government officials conspire to suppress the cure, even if thousands have to die. Derek Storm must summon all of his cunning and martial skills to recover the artifacts and bring the culprits to harsh justice, dispensed by an avenging Storm.

504 pages, perfect-bound paperback

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

US Army veteran
US Air Force veteran
Kung Fu San Soo black sash
retired airline Captain
author"

Reviews

[Rickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Derek Storm as a wounded, stranded American soldier awaiting rescue in an Iraqi desert. As he digs into a sandy bomb crater for protection, he discovers some artifacts that appear to be of Chinese origin. He is finally extracted by a U.S. helicopter, then takes these artifacts with him to the United States.

Back in the states, Derek’s uncles are verge of discovering a cure for cancer. Storm is shocked when one of his uncles is brutally murdered and their research lab ransacked. Why would someone murder a research doctor and destroy their lab? Does it have something to do with their cancer research? Why would someone want to suppress a cure for cancer, a cure that could only benefit the world and possibly save millions of lives?

As Derek investigates the mysterious inscriptions on his Chinese artifacts, he discovers that they seem to tell of an ancient cure for cancer. Unfortunately, they are incomplete, and Derek must find a way to go back into Iraq, which now seems to be on the brink of another war.

A timely novel, Avenging Storm takes place around the time of both Gulf Wars and involves a possible cure for cancer. It tells a tale of greed by corrupt government officials and medical groups who employ ruthless thugs to achieve their selfish goals, using whatever means necessary. There is no doubt that Mr. Mayben is very knowledgeable about weapons, aircraft, the martial arts, and military/covert operations and tactics. The characters are well developed, and the main character, Derek Storm, seems to be a larger-than-life hero who is more than capable of administering justice to those who wrong him.

Avenging Storm has fast-paced action, which is divided into short sub-chapters that will keep you turning the pages. I found the author’s reference to California to be quite humorous - apparently a state with more than its share of regulations. It was interesting how the author wove historical details, specifically about the Marco Polo expeditions, into the book. Why would Chinese artifacts be found in an Iraqi desert? Have Chinese artifacts actually been found in Iraq? These were questions that popped into my mind as I was reading.

From the title, you probably deduce that Derek Storm has a way of dispensing his own form of justice quickly to those who wrong him or those close to him. Avenging Storm would make a great movie. If I were the author, I would convert it to a screenplay adaptation; it has everything that would make an exciting movie. I recommend it for those who enjoy fast-paced adventures, especially recommended for those who like military and martial arts action.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Fast read, full of action, great story line, nail-biting, and
all the good things about a thriller story! Would love to see this made into a movie!!!! This could have a sequel, too!!!
Thanks Mr Mayben for the book!

[Lyle Edelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT book, fast paced and definately a must read. I lost sleep several nights in a row because I couldn't stop reading it!
I can't wait for the sequel to come out.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Mr. Mayben for giving me the opportunity to be a first reads winner. Just finished reading this book. It took me almost three weeks to finish it, which is not good. It was a good concept, but I think when I read at least, I subconsiously look for inconsistancies. I found some in this book. For instance, when Lisa Chen told Peter that she's never even held a gun, but a few pages before Storm actually had to take the gun from her. And if you were being chased through Death Valley by the bad guys, would making love be on your high list of things to do?? That just didn't seem plausible to me. But still, I agree with Kassie's comments that this would make a great movie.

[Maurice Mayben · Rating 5 out of 5]

from Richard Blake- Midwest Book Review: A "craft(ed)...masterpiece of suspense, international intrigue, and peril."

5-star reviews on Barnes&Noble, Borders, Amazon.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will add my review later......