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The File
“A taut globe-trotting thriller .. told with eloquence and ruthless efficiency.”
— George Nolfi, screenwriter, “The Bourne Ultimatum”
Sara West is a beautiful 28-year-old graduate student on a scientific expedition in Africa — who stumbles upon a cache of WWII Nazi files in the wreck of a German bomber hidden in the jungle. The files reveal the location of a multibillion-dollar war chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII. The story that follows is a nail-biting thriller, with a captivating heroine who is pursued across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe by relentless Russian and American hitmen.
With two dangerous men — and their teams of hit men — on her trail, will Sara be able to escape the jungle alive?
"This brutal jungle thriller pits a woman who’s discovered Nazi secrets against pro killers." — BookLife Reviews
“I think ‘The File’ is the best action thriller I’ve read since Robert Ludlum’s original Bourne series, and that’s no exaggeration. … This novel has it all.” — Crime Fiction Review
— George Nolfi, screenwriter, “The Bourne Ultimatum”
Sara West is a beautiful 28-year-old graduate student on a scientific expedition in Africa — who stumbles upon a cache of WWII Nazi files in the wreck of a German bomber hidden in the jungle. The files reveal the location of a multibillion-dollar war chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII. The story that follows is a nail-biting thriller, with a captivating heroine who is pursued across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe by relentless Russian and American hitmen.
With two dangerous men — and their teams of hit men — on her trail, will Sara be able to escape the jungle alive?
"This brutal jungle thriller pits a woman who’s discovered Nazi secrets against pro killers." — BookLife Reviews
“I think ‘The File’ is the best action thriller I’ve read since Robert Ludlum’s original Bourne series, and that’s no exaggeration. … This novel has it all.” — Crime Fiction Review
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
40 people are currently reading
3534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 15, 2022
While the genre, action thrillers, is something I selectively read, I rarely review novels like The File by Gary Born on my website, since it's devoted to crime fiction. But recently, a generous publicist offered me the book as part of a two-book deal, so I accepted it along with the offered traditional crime novel. Imagine my surprise when this novel blew me away. I think The File is the best action thriller I’ve read since Robert Ludlum’s original Bourne series, and that’s no exaggeration. The quality of this book compelled me to include a review both on my site and here, even though it doesn’t strictly fit with the theme of crime fiction. This novel has it all ― spies, exotic locales, fights, shootouts, car chases, foot chases, explosions, fast flying helicopters ― you name it.
Sara West, a twenty-eight-year-old graduate student, is on an expedition in Uganda with her renowned Harvard botanist father, her fiancé, and a team of scientists. One of the expedition’s local guides reports finding “a machine” in the jungle atop a ridge near the camp. Curious, Sara accompanies the guide to investigate and discovers a crashed unmarked WWII aircraft. After entering the plane, West finds six corpses dressed in German military uniforms and a steel cabinet filled with ancient documents. The documents, emblazoned with Nazi symbols, pertain to the Third Reich, and many bear the signature of Adolf Hitler. West collects some of the more interesting looking documents and returns to the camp where she tells her father what she discovered. In his routine evening status report email to the universities sponsoring the expedition, her father appends a note telling of his daughter’s discovery. And then, unbeknownst to the scientists in the wilds of the Ugandan jungle, all hell is about to break out.
Both Russian and American intelligence agencies intercept the email containing the disclosure of the discovery of the aircraft and documents, and two powerful men immediately understand what Sara West discovered. One man, former KGB and FSS member Ivan Petronov, wants the documents because he knows they are the key to accessing tens, perhaps hundreds of billions of dollar that Hitler and his Nazi minions stashed in Swiss bank accounts before the fall of the Third Reich. Greed motivates his interest in seizing the documents. CIA Deputy Director Franklin Kerrington III wants to lay his hands on the documents for another reason. He fears the documents may reveal his family’s collusion with the Nazis during World War II, which would destroy his family name and fortune. Both Petronov and Kerrington dispatch mercenaries to Africa to locate the scientists and to seize the priceless documents.
The Russians arrive first and massacre everyone in the camp except Sara West who had returned to the crash site. Watching through binoculars the horrific murders of her father, fiancé, and the other members of the expedition, Sara flees into the jungle with the documents and with the Russian mercenaries in hot pursuit. Because West had accompanied her father on many expeditions to Africa, she is at home in the jungle, which represents her only advantage and hope for survival. She makes her way to the nearest town across the border in the Congo before the Russians catch up. But moments before they capture her, Kerrington’s American mercenaries arrive in the town. Unfortunately for West, with the same mission ― to kill West and seize the documents. The Russians and Americans engage in a firefight and the Americans prevail. But when one of the Americans, former CIA officer turned soldier of fortune Jeb Fisher, grabs Sara and learns about the content of the file, he goes rogue and becomes her ally. After killing members of his own team, Fisher and West flee Africa for Europe. They plan to expose the existence of the Nazi treasure and a list of Nazi collaborators from the file, many of whom are still key Western political and intelligence figures. But Sara West feels conflicted. Is Jeb Fisher a man she can trust, or is he only after the Nazi treasure like the rest?
The file features a carousel of intriguing, fully rendered characters. The sheer number of people we must keep track of seems daunting, but the author helpfully titles each chapter with the name of the character most prominent in the chapters as the plot plays out. That makes it far easier to avoid getting lost in what is a very intricate and creative plot. Born’s prose is satisfyingly descriptive, and his writing is of literary caliber. He grips the reader’s attention with the first chapter and sustains the tension and suspense throughout. If you enjoyed Ludlum’s Bourne series, this is a book for you. Born veers slightly into the fantastique, particularly toward the novel’s end, but all in all, he offers a very plausible story line that makes for an action-packed, absorbing, and entertaining read. Without giving too much away, the demise of one character in the book felt slightly disappointing because I feel the character could have become a franchise making character in a series. But even as a standalone, this novel begs for a film adaptation. Due out in March 2023, I recommend preordering this one so you don’t forget to grab a copy.
Sara West, a twenty-eight-year-old graduate student, is on an expedition in Uganda with her renowned Harvard botanist father, her fiancé, and a team of scientists. One of the expedition’s local guides reports finding “a machine” in the jungle atop a ridge near the camp. Curious, Sara accompanies the guide to investigate and discovers a crashed unmarked WWII aircraft. After entering the plane, West finds six corpses dressed in German military uniforms and a steel cabinet filled with ancient documents. The documents, emblazoned with Nazi symbols, pertain to the Third Reich, and many bear the signature of Adolf Hitler. West collects some of the more interesting looking documents and returns to the camp where she tells her father what she discovered. In his routine evening status report email to the universities sponsoring the expedition, her father appends a note telling of his daughter’s discovery. And then, unbeknownst to the scientists in the wilds of the Ugandan jungle, all hell is about to break out.
Both Russian and American intelligence agencies intercept the email containing the disclosure of the discovery of the aircraft and documents, and two powerful men immediately understand what Sara West discovered. One man, former KGB and FSS member Ivan Petronov, wants the documents because he knows they are the key to accessing tens, perhaps hundreds of billions of dollar that Hitler and his Nazi minions stashed in Swiss bank accounts before the fall of the Third Reich. Greed motivates his interest in seizing the documents. CIA Deputy Director Franklin Kerrington III wants to lay his hands on the documents for another reason. He fears the documents may reveal his family’s collusion with the Nazis during World War II, which would destroy his family name and fortune. Both Petronov and Kerrington dispatch mercenaries to Africa to locate the scientists and to seize the priceless documents.
The Russians arrive first and massacre everyone in the camp except Sara West who had returned to the crash site. Watching through binoculars the horrific murders of her father, fiancé, and the other members of the expedition, Sara flees into the jungle with the documents and with the Russian mercenaries in hot pursuit. Because West had accompanied her father on many expeditions to Africa, she is at home in the jungle, which represents her only advantage and hope for survival. She makes her way to the nearest town across the border in the Congo before the Russians catch up. But moments before they capture her, Kerrington’s American mercenaries arrive in the town. Unfortunately for West, with the same mission ― to kill West and seize the documents. The Russians and Americans engage in a firefight and the Americans prevail. But when one of the Americans, former CIA officer turned soldier of fortune Jeb Fisher, grabs Sara and learns about the content of the file, he goes rogue and becomes her ally. After killing members of his own team, Fisher and West flee Africa for Europe. They plan to expose the existence of the Nazi treasure and a list of Nazi collaborators from the file, many of whom are still key Western political and intelligence figures. But Sara West feels conflicted. Is Jeb Fisher a man she can trust, or is he only after the Nazi treasure like the rest?
The file features a carousel of intriguing, fully rendered characters. The sheer number of people we must keep track of seems daunting, but the author helpfully titles each chapter with the name of the character most prominent in the chapters as the plot plays out. That makes it far easier to avoid getting lost in what is a very intricate and creative plot. Born’s prose is satisfyingly descriptive, and his writing is of literary caliber. He grips the reader’s attention with the first chapter and sustains the tension and suspense throughout. If you enjoyed Ludlum’s Bourne series, this is a book for you. Born veers slightly into the fantastique, particularly toward the novel’s end, but all in all, he offers a very plausible story line that makes for an action-packed, absorbing, and entertaining read. Without giving too much away, the demise of one character in the book felt slightly disappointing because I feel the character could have become a franchise making character in a series. But even as a standalone, this novel begs for a film adaptation. Due out in March 2023, I recommend preordering this one so you don’t forget to grab a copy.
June 29, 2023
Gary Born introduces readers to Sara West, a young, fiery woman, forced into an adventure that takes her from her fellow explorers in the forest of the eastern Congo, to the desert of Libya, onto Italy and finally, the last stop, Sweden, in his new release called The File. Having to mention Sara first, she is one of the strongest characters I have yet to meet in fiction, half her father's American genes and half Afghan, from her mother. And while she makes her way through these places, she is chased by Russians, Americans and finally, even a Swedish bank. But what would make this woman so wanted, that she has to run for her life, all over several different countries?
While in the Congo she is with her father, boyfriend, and other fellow participants in a botany expedition, Sara happens on a wreck during the last day, right before they were to leave. One that has been hidden in the jungle for a very long time. In it she discovers the bones of several men, their clothing, what is left of it, identifying them as high ranking Nazi officials. Along with the wreck Sarah discovers secret papers, some in poor shape, but almost all still legible. And because she can read German, she is able to make out some of what has been preserved on the papers, although she puts them away before she can discover exactly what she has. However that is no matter, when what little is known gets out into an email, all the wrong people find out and instantly, they are off to retrieve what Sara has found.
One of their members mentioned the wreck and the papers. Because of how important they are to a few, some hoping they were lost or hidden, gone forever, others who want to destroy the secret of what the papers tell, or, more importantly, names they might mention, while others want the papers as they contain the numbered bank accounts and their activation codes for the entire Nazi fortune- several people set out for Sara and the expedition crew. Two teams, in particular, are dispersed, both told to hunt Sara down and get the papers, no matter who they have to hurt. Even Sarah. And it would be better if she ended up dead. As a sea of bodies begin to pile up, beginning with the rest of Sara's party, she runs for her life, doing all she can to survive, grateful for the many expeditions she went on with her father as a girl and then, as a grown woman.
Out of the whole party Sarah survives and destroys quite a few, that is, until Jed Fisher comes along. Ex CIA when Jed is asked by the director to retire and join an agency controlled directly by the CIA director, though apart from the government, Jed believes himself to be the eyes and ears of the great man he works for in this organization. However, when Jed finds out what the director has really sent him to do, to hunt down an innocent woman who had the bad luck to discover Nazi records, that she lost her father, her entire expedition, along with fighting for her life in the wild, the director of the CIA didn't read Jed right, in choosing him to kill someone such as this. In fact, Jed wonders why the director of the CIA is so desperate to keep these papers to himself. Does he have a personal connection to them somehow?
While I must admit that even with all the action, the book took a bit for me to get into, once I did I was never more grateful that I had stuck it out, and went for the finish line FAST with this book- it was one of those that the action makes you anxious and excited to get to the end. Because the last couple chapters, I really couldn't flip the pages fast enough.
Gary Born didn’t give a happy ending for everyone in The File, no one really got what they wanted. I was left wanting revenge for Sara West, when the story finished. Also, that one of the villain’s in the book prevailed, in a sense, made me uncomfortable and angry. Because though they didn't get exactly what they wanted, they got what they needed to survive in the style they desired. And there had really been no need for the villian to go after Sarah West in the story, if only for the fact that maybe it was a little less work for them. Hopefully, the ending is leaving the book open for a second one, in which Sarah and the villian meet again, whether for revenge or the world is really that small that with the right circumstances, they could meet again.
I am left not knowing how to rate the book. While the beginning took awhile to draw me in, hook me, when I got to the middle and especially, the end, I got so excited to get to that last page, know what was going to happen- the action got so intense- other readers should have those moments when their heart beats a little faster as they want to know how the book will end, with that dichotomy of not wanting to know- just in case the right ending doesn't come along. But Born had the perfect close to the book, with the right amount of unexpected events, the reader did not see coming. Some may even feel a little bad for the villian, as their life has been so hard that you could forgive the selfishness they have for oneself and the protection they need in life after the one that they lived- After people experience enough bad in life they develop a hard shell. Not knowing bad as they experienced in life- how can another judge?
If you’re looking for an adventure that gets faster as pages turn, look no further than the recently released book by Gary Born, The File. Afterwards, you'll no doubt be a fan of him (and Sara West), as I am now. I only hope to see her again!
Happy Reading!
While in the Congo she is with her father, boyfriend, and other fellow participants in a botany expedition, Sara happens on a wreck during the last day, right before they were to leave. One that has been hidden in the jungle for a very long time. In it she discovers the bones of several men, their clothing, what is left of it, identifying them as high ranking Nazi officials. Along with the wreck Sarah discovers secret papers, some in poor shape, but almost all still legible. And because she can read German, she is able to make out some of what has been preserved on the papers, although she puts them away before she can discover exactly what she has. However that is no matter, when what little is known gets out into an email, all the wrong people find out and instantly, they are off to retrieve what Sara has found.
One of their members mentioned the wreck and the papers. Because of how important they are to a few, some hoping they were lost or hidden, gone forever, others who want to destroy the secret of what the papers tell, or, more importantly, names they might mention, while others want the papers as they contain the numbered bank accounts and their activation codes for the entire Nazi fortune- several people set out for Sara and the expedition crew. Two teams, in particular, are dispersed, both told to hunt Sara down and get the papers, no matter who they have to hurt. Even Sarah. And it would be better if she ended up dead. As a sea of bodies begin to pile up, beginning with the rest of Sara's party, she runs for her life, doing all she can to survive, grateful for the many expeditions she went on with her father as a girl and then, as a grown woman.
Out of the whole party Sarah survives and destroys quite a few, that is, until Jed Fisher comes along. Ex CIA when Jed is asked by the director to retire and join an agency controlled directly by the CIA director, though apart from the government, Jed believes himself to be the eyes and ears of the great man he works for in this organization. However, when Jed finds out what the director has really sent him to do, to hunt down an innocent woman who had the bad luck to discover Nazi records, that she lost her father, her entire expedition, along with fighting for her life in the wild, the director of the CIA didn't read Jed right, in choosing him to kill someone such as this. In fact, Jed wonders why the director of the CIA is so desperate to keep these papers to himself. Does he have a personal connection to them somehow?
While I must admit that even with all the action, the book took a bit for me to get into, once I did I was never more grateful that I had stuck it out, and went for the finish line FAST with this book- it was one of those that the action makes you anxious and excited to get to the end. Because the last couple chapters, I really couldn't flip the pages fast enough.
Gary Born didn’t give a happy ending for everyone in The File, no one really got what they wanted. I was left wanting revenge for Sara West, when the story finished. Also, that one of the villain’s in the book prevailed, in a sense, made me uncomfortable and angry. Because though they didn't get exactly what they wanted, they got what they needed to survive in the style they desired. And there had really been no need for the villian to go after Sarah West in the story, if only for the fact that maybe it was a little less work for them. Hopefully, the ending is leaving the book open for a second one, in which Sarah and the villian meet again, whether for revenge or the world is really that small that with the right circumstances, they could meet again.
I am left not knowing how to rate the book. While the beginning took awhile to draw me in, hook me, when I got to the middle and especially, the end, I got so excited to get to that last page, know what was going to happen- the action got so intense- other readers should have those moments when their heart beats a little faster as they want to know how the book will end, with that dichotomy of not wanting to know- just in case the right ending doesn't come along. But Born had the perfect close to the book, with the right amount of unexpected events, the reader did not see coming. Some may even feel a little bad for the villian, as their life has been so hard that you could forgive the selfishness they have for oneself and the protection they need in life after the one that they lived- After people experience enough bad in life they develop a hard shell. Not knowing bad as they experienced in life- how can another judge?
If you’re looking for an adventure that gets faster as pages turn, look no further than the recently released book by Gary Born, The File. Afterwards, you'll no doubt be a fan of him (and Sara West), as I am now. I only hope to see her again!
Happy Reading!
May 21, 2023
What a great read!
Gary Born weaves a complex story of Nazis, intrigue, love, loss, and hidden billions, as the reader is propelled from Africa to Europe and ultimately to a high intrigue, high tension, high drama finale. Twists and turns with every chapter. Kudos to Mr. Born. Highly recommended.
Gary Born weaves a complex story of Nazis, intrigue, love, loss, and hidden billions, as the reader is propelled from Africa to Europe and ultimately to a high intrigue, high tension, high drama finale. Twists and turns with every chapter. Kudos to Mr. Born. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2024
" [...] Evil spirits here. Bad things in this place. They will curse us. [...]”
It was a pleasure for me to spend a whole month with the book "The File" and answer the ten questions asked. Today is the day when it's time for a review. Here it is:
If you like adventure thrillers straight from Indian Johns, you've come to the right place. Gary Born will take you to a very dangerous and brutal world. There's a lot going on here. The action chases the action and never slows down.
The main character is Sara West. She's 28 years old. She has an American father and an Afghan mother. She's a botany student and a scientist at the same time. Thanks to her father, she feels at home in the jungle. For me, this heroine is a female reflection of a combination of Rambo and Indiana Jones. There are a lot of dangers waiting for her. Among other things, she will have to escape from people with machetes, and all because of a certain discovery.
Professor Michael West was one of the most outstanding botanists in the world. He had high positions at Oxford and Harvard. He is the father of Sarah, whom he always takes on his expeditions.
SS Oberkommandant Heinrich von Wolff we meet this character in 1945 in Berlin, during World War II. He escapes from Berlin in a fighter jet. Will he get where he wants to go? Who is he running away from?
Ivan Petronov worked for the KGB and FSB. He lives in a brick Victorian house. The house was his refuge. It was well secured, and Ivan was very careful. I wonder if you will like or hate this character?
Franklin Kerrington III lives in a rich mansion. He was the deputy director of the CIA. Unfortunately, I did not like this man.
Jeb Fisher is one of the best field agents of the CIA. How will he cope in the search for a certain blonde and the documents she has?
And now, in a nutshell, about the plot: A fighter plane full of secret Nazi files from World War II is found in the jungle. Who will get to them first? Will the lives of Sarah, her father Michael, and their friends be in danger? Who will survive and who will die? Why do some citizens from all over the world want these files never to see the light of day? You will find answers to these and many other questions in the book "The File". The author presented the topic of certain files from World War II in an ideal way. This is literary fiction, but what if such a situation really happened? Would foreign intelligence agencies then race to obtain them? Gary Born created the perfect story that I would love to see on the big screen. The main character stole my heart. I was rooting for her. I experienced her stay in the jungle with her. The author created a strong female character who is tougher than many men.
This thriller will stay in my memory for a long time.
It was a pleasure for me to spend a whole month with the book "The File" and answer the ten questions asked. Today is the day when it's time for a review. Here it is:
If you like adventure thrillers straight from Indian Johns, you've come to the right place. Gary Born will take you to a very dangerous and brutal world. There's a lot going on here. The action chases the action and never slows down.
The main character is Sara West. She's 28 years old. She has an American father and an Afghan mother. She's a botany student and a scientist at the same time. Thanks to her father, she feels at home in the jungle. For me, this heroine is a female reflection of a combination of Rambo and Indiana Jones. There are a lot of dangers waiting for her. Among other things, she will have to escape from people with machetes, and all because of a certain discovery.
Professor Michael West was one of the most outstanding botanists in the world. He had high positions at Oxford and Harvard. He is the father of Sarah, whom he always takes on his expeditions.
SS Oberkommandant Heinrich von Wolff we meet this character in 1945 in Berlin, during World War II. He escapes from Berlin in a fighter jet. Will he get where he wants to go? Who is he running away from?
Ivan Petronov worked for the KGB and FSB. He lives in a brick Victorian house. The house was his refuge. It was well secured, and Ivan was very careful. I wonder if you will like or hate this character?
Franklin Kerrington III lives in a rich mansion. He was the deputy director of the CIA. Unfortunately, I did not like this man.
Jeb Fisher is one of the best field agents of the CIA. How will he cope in the search for a certain blonde and the documents she has?
And now, in a nutshell, about the plot: A fighter plane full of secret Nazi files from World War II is found in the jungle. Who will get to them first? Will the lives of Sarah, her father Michael, and their friends be in danger? Who will survive and who will die? Why do some citizens from all over the world want these files never to see the light of day? You will find answers to these and many other questions in the book "The File". The author presented the topic of certain files from World War II in an ideal way. This is literary fiction, but what if such a situation really happened? Would foreign intelligence agencies then race to obtain them? Gary Born created the perfect story that I would love to see on the big screen. The main character stole my heart. I was rooting for her. I experienced her stay in the jungle with her. The author created a strong female character who is tougher than many men.
This thriller will stay in my memory for a long time.
October 10, 2024
The File by Gary Born is an exhilarating action thriller that captures the reader from the very first page and keeps them on the edge of their seat throughout. The story follows Sara West, a 28-year-old graduate student, who accidentally stumbles upon a cache of Nazi files while on an expedition in Africa. What begins as a simple discovery of a crashed WWII bomber soon turns into a deadly chase across continents as Sara is pursued by Russian and American agents. These files, holding the key to a vast Nazi treasure and dangerous secrets, make Sara a target, forcing her into a fight for survival.
Born's novel excels in creating intense action sequences that include everything from jungle chases to explosive shootouts. The way the author describes the various exotic locations—starting in the jungles of Uganda and moving across the deserts of Libya and into the heart of Europe—makes the reader feel as if they are right there alongside Sara. The sheer variety of set pieces and high-stakes confrontations keep the tension constantly simmering, with every page offering new surprises.
Sara West is a compelling heroine. She is not only intelligent and resourceful but also emotionally driven by the loss of her loved ones. Her evolution from a botanist focused on research to a determined survivor bent on uncovering the truth and seeking justice is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. Along the way, she forms a tenuous alliance with Jeb Fisher, a former CIA operative, who becomes a wild card in the story. Their relationship, built on mutual distrust and shared goals, adds depth to the narrative, as Sara questions whether Fisher is an ally or just another man seeking fortune.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, particularly in the second half, as Sara and Fisher move across countries while evading hitmen and uncovering dangerous secrets. The intrigue is heightened by the involvement of high-level political figures and intelligence agencies, with each party having their own hidden agenda. The novel also cleverly weaves in moral ambiguities, making the reader question who they can trust and what the true motivations behind each character's actions are.
While The File is packed with thrills and action, it also poses questions about greed, power, and the personal costs of war. The story's conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the door open for possible future adventures. For fans of espionage and high-stakes thrillers, Gary Born has crafted a masterful novel that not only delivers non-stop excitement but also resonates on an emotional level.
Born's novel excels in creating intense action sequences that include everything from jungle chases to explosive shootouts. The way the author describes the various exotic locations—starting in the jungles of Uganda and moving across the deserts of Libya and into the heart of Europe—makes the reader feel as if they are right there alongside Sara. The sheer variety of set pieces and high-stakes confrontations keep the tension constantly simmering, with every page offering new surprises.
Sara West is a compelling heroine. She is not only intelligent and resourceful but also emotionally driven by the loss of her loved ones. Her evolution from a botanist focused on research to a determined survivor bent on uncovering the truth and seeking justice is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. Along the way, she forms a tenuous alliance with Jeb Fisher, a former CIA operative, who becomes a wild card in the story. Their relationship, built on mutual distrust and shared goals, adds depth to the narrative, as Sara questions whether Fisher is an ally or just another man seeking fortune.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, particularly in the second half, as Sara and Fisher move across countries while evading hitmen and uncovering dangerous secrets. The intrigue is heightened by the involvement of high-level political figures and intelligence agencies, with each party having their own hidden agenda. The novel also cleverly weaves in moral ambiguities, making the reader question who they can trust and what the true motivations behind each character's actions are.
While The File is packed with thrills and action, it also poses questions about greed, power, and the personal costs of war. The story's conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the door open for possible future adventures. For fans of espionage and high-stakes thrillers, Gary Born has crafted a masterful novel that not only delivers non-stop excitement but also resonates on an emotional level.
October 11, 2024
The ineffable curse of a fallen vault
The File by Gary Born is a rapid-paced, action-filled thriller that introduces readers to Sara West, a 28-year-old graduate student who unwittingly uncovers a treasure trove of WWII Nazi documents in the heart of Africa. These documents, revealing the location of a hidden Nazi war chest, set off a deadly chase as Sara becomes the target of both American and Russian intelligence agencies. What follows is a suspenseful and gripping novel, with Born skillfully interweaving elements of conspiracy, greed, and espionage as Sara struggles to stay alive across multiple continents. Her initial discovery of the crashed plane in the jungle quickly spirals into a life-or-death ordeal, dragging her into the trickiness of political corruption and historical enigmas.
The novel thrives on its relentless pacing, with the protagonist constantly pursued by unscrupulous forces from both sides. Born’s use of alternating character perspectives adds tension to the plot, particularly through the portrayal of former CIA agent Jeb Fisher, whose ambiguous loyalty heightens the suspense. As the two embark on a treacherous journey across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Born crafts a world that feels both expansive and claustrophobic, with action scenes punctuated by moments of moral dilemma. The dialogue and descriptions are sharp, making the stakes even more palpable as the protagonists struggle to control their fate against all odds.
Thematically, The File explores not just the physical chase but also the hidden scars of history, with the Nazi war chest serving as a symbol of unresolved legacies and the costs of ambition. While the novel’s formulaic elements—shootouts, betrayals, and last-minute escapes—are familiar within the genre, Born executes them with flair. Readers and enthusiasts of espionage thrillers will find The File a satisfying, cinematic experience, albeit one that occasionally leans into convention. Nonetheless, its well-rounded characters and high-octane action make it a standout entry in contemporary spy fiction.
The File by Gary Born is a rapid-paced, action-filled thriller that introduces readers to Sara West, a 28-year-old graduate student who unwittingly uncovers a treasure trove of WWII Nazi documents in the heart of Africa. These documents, revealing the location of a hidden Nazi war chest, set off a deadly chase as Sara becomes the target of both American and Russian intelligence agencies. What follows is a suspenseful and gripping novel, with Born skillfully interweaving elements of conspiracy, greed, and espionage as Sara struggles to stay alive across multiple continents. Her initial discovery of the crashed plane in the jungle quickly spirals into a life-or-death ordeal, dragging her into the trickiness of political corruption and historical enigmas.
The novel thrives on its relentless pacing, with the protagonist constantly pursued by unscrupulous forces from both sides. Born’s use of alternating character perspectives adds tension to the plot, particularly through the portrayal of former CIA agent Jeb Fisher, whose ambiguous loyalty heightens the suspense. As the two embark on a treacherous journey across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Born crafts a world that feels both expansive and claustrophobic, with action scenes punctuated by moments of moral dilemma. The dialogue and descriptions are sharp, making the stakes even more palpable as the protagonists struggle to control their fate against all odds.
Thematically, The File explores not just the physical chase but also the hidden scars of history, with the Nazi war chest serving as a symbol of unresolved legacies and the costs of ambition. While the novel’s formulaic elements—shootouts, betrayals, and last-minute escapes—are familiar within the genre, Born executes them with flair. Readers and enthusiasts of espionage thrillers will find The File a satisfying, cinematic experience, albeit one that occasionally leans into convention. Nonetheless, its well-rounded characters and high-octane action make it a standout entry in contemporary spy fiction.
September 21, 2024
Here is my review for The File by Gary Born
After a few chapters I soon got into this thriller which is very soon highly charged and fast paced with a lot of fighting and killing. Sara West is a young lady who loses those close to her as they are on a scientific expedition in the African jungle when they are killed over these files and Sara manages to escape with them. She meets Jeb when he is sent to kill her and she convinces him that she is not the villain that she has been portrayed to be and he believes her, as he has researched her. She explains a little about the files but not a lot. He turns rogue and helps her to escape, together they flee Goma and the jungle and escape through Libya, the Middle East, Italy and eventually to Switzerland for the bank they are aiming for. All the time they are pursued by Russian and American hitmen trying to kill them both. A most exhilarating story to read with a great ending that is sad as well. The story is well written and has been plotted well. The story is told like a diary, each chapter is told by a different person, i.e. Sara, Jeb etc. I enjoyed reading this book. My favourite characters were Jeb and Sara, they worked well together considering they had only just met and didn’t trust each other. Both were strong people and Jeb had a wealth of experience at killing people and a lot of skills to call upon as he had been trained up to fly a plane for instance. Sara could read German but so did Jeb and he could speak a lot of other languages which also came in handy. Yes, a well matched couple. Well worth a read if you like fast paced thrillers.
Blurb :
Sara West is a beautiful 28 year old graduate student on a scientific expedition in Africa – who stumbles upon a cache of WWII Nazi files in the wreck of a German bomber hidden in the jungle. The files reveal the location of a multi-billion dollar war-chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII. The story that follows is a nail-biting thriller, with a captivating heroine who is pursued across Africa, the Middle East and Europe by relentless Russian and American hitmen.
After a few chapters I soon got into this thriller which is very soon highly charged and fast paced with a lot of fighting and killing. Sara West is a young lady who loses those close to her as they are on a scientific expedition in the African jungle when they are killed over these files and Sara manages to escape with them. She meets Jeb when he is sent to kill her and she convinces him that she is not the villain that she has been portrayed to be and he believes her, as he has researched her. She explains a little about the files but not a lot. He turns rogue and helps her to escape, together they flee Goma and the jungle and escape through Libya, the Middle East, Italy and eventually to Switzerland for the bank they are aiming for. All the time they are pursued by Russian and American hitmen trying to kill them both. A most exhilarating story to read with a great ending that is sad as well. The story is well written and has been plotted well. The story is told like a diary, each chapter is told by a different person, i.e. Sara, Jeb etc. I enjoyed reading this book. My favourite characters were Jeb and Sara, they worked well together considering they had only just met and didn’t trust each other. Both were strong people and Jeb had a wealth of experience at killing people and a lot of skills to call upon as he had been trained up to fly a plane for instance. Sara could read German but so did Jeb and he could speak a lot of other languages which also came in handy. Yes, a well matched couple. Well worth a read if you like fast paced thrillers.
Blurb :
Sara West is a beautiful 28 year old graduate student on a scientific expedition in Africa – who stumbles upon a cache of WWII Nazi files in the wreck of a German bomber hidden in the jungle. The files reveal the location of a multi-billion dollar war-chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII. The story that follows is a nail-biting thriller, with a captivating heroine who is pursued across Africa, the Middle East and Europe by relentless Russian and American hitmen.
May 19, 2023
A novel that will keep on the edge of their seats not only thriller aficionados but also those who love exploring the world and themselves.
Sara, the beautiful, brave, true-to-herself heroine, is pursued by two prima-facie opposing groups of hitmen because of her discovery of a cache of a Nazi file that includes the names of high-profile statesmen and a war chest hidden in secret bank accounts. She tries to survive in exotic jungles and the not less dangerous “jungles” of the so-called developed part of the world (where she admits she feels more lost). She loses the ones she loves more, she is close to losing herself, but she decides to hunt them instead of being hunted by them.
The descriptions are of exquisite clarity that makes the readers feel that the characters are real. The readers discover traits of themselves in the admittedly intriguing characters, qualities that they had in the past or they still have but they are afraid to admit them or they wish they had. The book eloquently paints the external and the internal journey of Sara and allows us to delve into it, start wandering and wondering until we reach the end that reminds the readers of the famous T. S. Eliot’s quote: “The end is where we start from.” or of the well-known scheme of the cycle in ancient tragedies via the repetition of the first analogy “…Like the waves washing against the shore.”.
This book is about exciting explorations, non-pretty (but lifesaving and, thus, pretty) wounds, the magic of nature, the power of intimacy, the constant dilemmas and changes of life that make the distinction between right and wrong, fair and unfair, free and unfree, happy and just content occasionally blurred and about the pivotal importance of human qualities discovered via the journeys of life.
Sara, the beautiful, brave, true-to-herself heroine, is pursued by two prima-facie opposing groups of hitmen because of her discovery of a cache of a Nazi file that includes the names of high-profile statesmen and a war chest hidden in secret bank accounts. She tries to survive in exotic jungles and the not less dangerous “jungles” of the so-called developed part of the world (where she admits she feels more lost). She loses the ones she loves more, she is close to losing herself, but she decides to hunt them instead of being hunted by them.
The descriptions are of exquisite clarity that makes the readers feel that the characters are real. The readers discover traits of themselves in the admittedly intriguing characters, qualities that they had in the past or they still have but they are afraid to admit them or they wish they had. The book eloquently paints the external and the internal journey of Sara and allows us to delve into it, start wandering and wondering until we reach the end that reminds the readers of the famous T. S. Eliot’s quote: “The end is where we start from.” or of the well-known scheme of the cycle in ancient tragedies via the repetition of the first analogy “…Like the waves washing against the shore.”.
This book is about exciting explorations, non-pretty (but lifesaving and, thus, pretty) wounds, the magic of nature, the power of intimacy, the constant dilemmas and changes of life that make the distinction between right and wrong, fair and unfair, free and unfree, happy and just content occasionally blurred and about the pivotal importance of human qualities discovered via the journeys of life.
October 4, 2024
This action-packed series is one you’re bound to enjoy. At its center is Sara West, a young woman who stirs up plenty of trouble. The adventure begins while she’s on holiday deep in the jungle, where she stumbles upon the wreckage of an aircraft. The uniforms and dead crew suggest it once belonged to Nazi Germans. Among the wreckage, Sara discovers documents that pique her curiosity, and from there, the real story takes off. The files contain explosive information, capable of bringing down powerful politicians and wealthy families if exposed.
Sara's determination to uncover the truth sets a high-stakes game into motion, as her words show the gravity of the situation: "Whether they were Russians or American or whoever. I don’t care who they are. I want every one of those people dead and destroyed." Both Russians and Americans launch a frantic manhunt to capture the person holding papers that could ruin their reputations. Sara flees, leading them on a relentless chase that pushes her pursuers to their limits.
Gary Born’s writing is cinematic, with each moment vividly described as if pulled straight from an action-thriller movie. From Soviet T-34 tanks to Boeing 727s, AK-47s, high-speed car chases, and knife fights, the intensity of war and espionage is brought to life in gripping detail. Throughout the chaos, you find yourself rooting for Sara to survive, building the suspense with every twist and turn.
The novel’s ups and downs keep the intrigue alive, and Born’s lush writing style helps you fully visualize the unfolding drama. Dive into this thrilling adventure and brace yourself as you wait to discover—will the file be recovered, will Sara prevail, or will she ultimately lose the fight?
Sara's determination to uncover the truth sets a high-stakes game into motion, as her words show the gravity of the situation: "Whether they were Russians or American or whoever. I don’t care who they are. I want every one of those people dead and destroyed." Both Russians and Americans launch a frantic manhunt to capture the person holding papers that could ruin their reputations. Sara flees, leading them on a relentless chase that pushes her pursuers to their limits.
Gary Born’s writing is cinematic, with each moment vividly described as if pulled straight from an action-thriller movie. From Soviet T-34 tanks to Boeing 727s, AK-47s, high-speed car chases, and knife fights, the intensity of war and espionage is brought to life in gripping detail. Throughout the chaos, you find yourself rooting for Sara to survive, building the suspense with every twist and turn.
The novel’s ups and downs keep the intrigue alive, and Born’s lush writing style helps you fully visualize the unfolding drama. Dive into this thrilling adventure and brace yourself as you wait to discover—will the file be recovered, will Sara prevail, or will she ultimately lose the fight?
October 8, 2024
Gary Born's suspenseful, action-packed thriller "The File" is filled with intrigue,greed and survival based on the protagonist Sara West.She is a young doctoral student on a botanical expedition in Uganda. The characters are well-developed, especially Sara, who evolves from a relatively unprepared researcher into a determined and resourceful fugitive. The story also introduces Jeb Fisher, a former CIA operative who becomes an unlikely ally, though his true motivations remain in question. Their dynamic adds layers of tension as Sara is never quite sure who she can trust. Through helicopter chases, shootouts, and tight escapes, there is never a break in the action, which keeps the tension level high throughout the entire book.Born’s writing style is vivid and cinematic, which makes the book feel like it’s unfolding on the big screen. His experience in international law adds credibility to the novel’s financial and historical elements, particularly the references to Nazi-era Swiss bank accounts. Although the book starts strong with Sara using her knowledge of the jungle to outwit her pursuers, the second half shifts focus toward Fisher and his skillset, which might leave some readers feeling like Sara is pushed to the background. Thus the plot keeps readers on toes especially fans of spy thrillers . The File is an exciting, fast-paced journey that will delight fans of mystery, adventure, and history alike. This novel is quite compelling and highly worth reading, even though the conclusion leaves some unanswered questions. With enough turns and turns to keep you interested from beginning to end, this is the kind of story that begs to be made into a movie.
March 11, 2023
Sarah West got her love of botany from her father the most renowned botanist in the world, she got her taste for revenge watching him and her friends being murdered in the rainforest. When one of their guide’s came to tell the group he found a machine in the forest most laughed at him but Sarah who is kind and respectful she asked him to show her where it was. When they find the “machine“ it starts a murderous attack on her dad and fellow botanist and cheese forced to flee into the rainforest a place she’s very familiar with. After days of being haunted she is so over it and decides to become the hunter. The files she is being hunted for could ruin a political family and the reputation of the head of the CIA but they’re not the only ones looking for her because she also has the key to millions of dollars in the Russian government wants it. Sarah will use her intellect and knowledge of the rainforest and its plants to get her revenge but in order to get her freedom she may have to turn to one of her hunters. This book was so good and although the summary doesn’t do it justice trust me when I say this girl is bad ass and the story is just as bad. I love a story where someone has to go above and beyond and Sarah does this and more and not only is it plausible but it’s entertaining fast paced and OMG so good! This is a book I honestly wish I could give 10 stars too because it is that awesome. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 25, 2024
For me, there are some words that make a book a must read. One of those is "Nazi" so as soon as I had the chance to read this I knew I had to apply. And I was not disappointed! It was an action packed whirlwind of a thriller which took us from the jungles of Africa, to the streets of Italy and Switzerland.
Sara was everything a female main character should be. She was brave and smart, although her plans didnt always work out. Yan wu was another fantastic female character. She was deadly! And smart. She really played the long game.
I spent most of the book not being entirely sure who I could trust. I was 99% certain that Sara was a "good guy" but there was that little bit of me that wasn't sure. And I really really wanted to like, and trust Jeb, but I just wasn't sure
I thought that the interactions between the characters felt organic, real and absolutely could believe that they were real people.
The File is a book that's packed with action from the first, to the very last page. I think I had every emotion possible throughout the course of the book. I was sad, angry, scared, worried, happy. Scared again.
I think this book is fantastic, even more so for being a debut novel. Some people are just meant to be authors, and it seems Gary is one of those people.
I don't know how likely it is that there is a Swiss bank account somewhere, full of Nazi billions, or a plane hiding the files about that bank account. If it wasn't for the fact I would be hangry and useless running around a jungle like Sara, I'd be tempted to go and explore.
Sara was everything a female main character should be. She was brave and smart, although her plans didnt always work out. Yan wu was another fantastic female character. She was deadly! And smart. She really played the long game.
I spent most of the book not being entirely sure who I could trust. I was 99% certain that Sara was a "good guy" but there was that little bit of me that wasn't sure. And I really really wanted to like, and trust Jeb, but I just wasn't sure
I thought that the interactions between the characters felt organic, real and absolutely could believe that they were real people.
The File is a book that's packed with action from the first, to the very last page. I think I had every emotion possible throughout the course of the book. I was sad, angry, scared, worried, happy. Scared again.
I think this book is fantastic, even more so for being a debut novel. Some people are just meant to be authors, and it seems Gary is one of those people.
I don't know how likely it is that there is a Swiss bank account somewhere, full of Nazi billions, or a plane hiding the files about that bank account. If it wasn't for the fact I would be hangry and useless running around a jungle like Sara, I'd be tempted to go and explore.
September 20, 2024
‘The File’ is an adventurous read that is packed full of action and intrigue that was reminiscent of Wilbur Smith. The premise of lost Nazi documents, chases around the world and the secretive world of Swiss banking made this an appealing read. Add in a bit of romance it was an interesting narrative!
Sara West is a postgraduate botanist, deep in the African jungle when one of their guides finds a crashed plane dating from WW2. In the plane, they find a cache of documents with Nazi insignia that shows where a huge war chest was hidden, along with a list of supporters around the world. Two rivals parties want their hands on those documents and Sara ends up fleeing into the jungle to escape her pursuers.
This was a book of two halves - the first being the jungle escape and then the resulting actions. I really enjoyed the two separate parts but I did feel that certain sections could have pulled on the heart strings a bit more. Also, the resolution could have been teased out as it felt a tad rushed. This was a book packed full of action from the get-go and I flew through it in a couple of sittings. It was a fun and easy read and I can see it will appeal to a lot of readers.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Sara West is a postgraduate botanist, deep in the African jungle when one of their guides finds a crashed plane dating from WW2. In the plane, they find a cache of documents with Nazi insignia that shows where a huge war chest was hidden, along with a list of supporters around the world. Two rivals parties want their hands on those documents and Sara ends up fleeing into the jungle to escape her pursuers.
This was a book of two halves - the first being the jungle escape and then the resulting actions. I really enjoyed the two separate parts but I did feel that certain sections could have pulled on the heart strings a bit more. Also, the resolution could have been teased out as it felt a tad rushed. This was a book packed full of action from the get-go and I flew through it in a couple of sittings. It was a fun and easy read and I can see it will appeal to a lot of readers.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
September 28, 2024
The File by Gary Born is an action thriller book. The story follows Sarah, a graduate student on an expedition in Africa who discovers files in a plane wreck. The files hold long lost secrets from WWII in relation to the Nazis and their sympathisers. Very quickly the files are flagged up to a number of people who could be hurt by the truth or want to gain from the hidden wealth which puts Sarah in danger. What follows is an action thriller ride spanning many countries.
From the opening chapter I knew this was going to be a great story and it never disappointed. The action starts very quickly and some of the scenes would not have been out of place in a Rambo movie. The novel is written from the point of view of varying characters which helps the reader really get into the story and how each of the main characters are impacted by the discovery of the files. As you progress through the story it becomes a question of who can Sarah trust, and can she get out of the situation safely. Sarah loses much early on in the story and to see how she develops and fights back made this an amazing story to read. It felt this could be turned into an action movie with ease. This is easily going to be a favourite of the action genre
From the opening chapter I knew this was going to be a great story and it never disappointed. The action starts very quickly and some of the scenes would not have been out of place in a Rambo movie. The novel is written from the point of view of varying characters which helps the reader really get into the story and how each of the main characters are impacted by the discovery of the files. As you progress through the story it becomes a question of who can Sarah trust, and can she get out of the situation safely. Sarah loses much early on in the story and to see how she develops and fights back made this an amazing story to read. It felt this could be turned into an action movie with ease. This is easily going to be a favourite of the action genre
April 3, 2023
Absorbing from start to finish!
Happy to have spent my weekend with this book that was just impossible to put down.
Gary Born's "The File" is a thrilling and action-packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story follows Sara West, a graduate student who discovers a cache of Nazi files in the African jungle, revealing the location of a multi-billion dollar war chest hidden in Swiss bank accounts.
What follows is a heart-pounding adventure as Sara is pursued by both Russian and American hitmen across multiple continents, all while trying to protect the secrets she has uncovered.
The tension is high throughout the book, with numerous plot twists and surprises that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Born's writing is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the various locations Sara travels to.
"The File" is an excellent thriller that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. It's a well-written and compelling story that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and action-packed read.
Happy to have spent my weekend with this book that was just impossible to put down.
Gary Born's "The File" is a thrilling and action-packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story follows Sara West, a graduate student who discovers a cache of Nazi files in the African jungle, revealing the location of a multi-billion dollar war chest hidden in Swiss bank accounts.
What follows is a heart-pounding adventure as Sara is pursued by both Russian and American hitmen across multiple continents, all while trying to protect the secrets she has uncovered.
The tension is high throughout the book, with numerous plot twists and surprises that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Born's writing is fast-paced and engaging, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the various locations Sara travels to.
"The File" is an excellent thriller that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. It's a well-written and compelling story that will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and action-packed read.
May 7, 2023
*Thank you to Books Forward for sending me a copy for review*
Plot:
While on expedition in Africa with her botanist father and his team, grad student Sara West discovers a decades-old crashed in the heart of the jungle. She discovers a batch of Nazi order documents, containing a multitude of secrets and quietly laid plans for surviving the aftermath of WWII. After her discovery is revealed, Sara becomes hunted by killing squadrons from across the globe, directed by those who would do anything to obtain these files. This chase takes her through Africa, Libya, Italy, Switzerland, determined to reveal the truth of these documents and keep them out of the wrong hands.
Review:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I like political / international thrillers, so this was right up my alley and a solid contribution to the genre. From page 1, be the book is action packed and does not let up until the very end. The action scenes are very well written and the pacing very deftly develops the the ever-increasing scope of Sara's journey. This is a multi-multi POV, which often doesn't get executed well, but in this case I think works very nicely and adds to the story.
The only negatives for me were the writing of the romance scenes / romantic conversations. They felt a bit rushed / forced, and didn't feel like authentic dialogue.
Especially taking into account that this is a debut novel from the author, I think it is definitely worth reading and hope there are more books to come. I could definitely see this becoming a TV show or movie as well!
Plot:
While on expedition in Africa with her botanist father and his team, grad student Sara West discovers a decades-old crashed in the heart of the jungle. She discovers a batch of Nazi order documents, containing a multitude of secrets and quietly laid plans for surviving the aftermath of WWII. After her discovery is revealed, Sara becomes hunted by killing squadrons from across the globe, directed by those who would do anything to obtain these files. This chase takes her through Africa, Libya, Italy, Switzerland, determined to reveal the truth of these documents and keep them out of the wrong hands.
Review:
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I like political / international thrillers, so this was right up my alley and a solid contribution to the genre. From page 1, be the book is action packed and does not let up until the very end. The action scenes are very well written and the pacing very deftly develops the the ever-increasing scope of Sara's journey. This is a multi-multi POV, which often doesn't get executed well, but in this case I think works very nicely and adds to the story.
The only negatives for me were the writing of the romance scenes / romantic conversations. They felt a bit rushed / forced, and didn't feel like authentic dialogue.
Especially taking into account that this is a debut novel from the author, I think it is definitely worth reading and hope there are more books to come. I could definitely see this becoming a TV show or movie as well!
October 4, 2024
In "The File", Gary Born delivers a fast-paced, globe-trotting thriller centered on Sara West, a 28-year-old graduate student whose life takes a perilous turn when she stumbles upon a treasure trove of World War II Nazi files. What begins as a scientific expedition in the African jungle quickly transforms into a high-stakes chase that sweeps across continents. Sara’s accidental discovery of a German bomber wreck and the long-lost Nazi documents inside sets her on a dangerous path, pursued by powerful Russian and American operatives, each vying for billions in hidden Nazi war funds locked away in Swiss bank accounts.
The book’s opening scene grips readers immediately, with vivid descriptions of the African wilderness and the tense moment of discovery. Sara’s character is compelling: a brilliant and determined scholar suddenly thrust into a world of international intrigue, forced to rely on her wits and resilience to survive. Born creates a captivating heroine in Sara—resourceful, intelligent, and relentless in her quest to stay ahead of her pursuers, offering a refreshing contrast to the typical male-dominated action hero archetype.
The book’s opening scene grips readers immediately, with vivid descriptions of the African wilderness and the tense moment of discovery. Sara’s character is compelling: a brilliant and determined scholar suddenly thrust into a world of international intrigue, forced to rely on her wits and resilience to survive. Born creates a captivating heroine in Sara—resourceful, intelligent, and relentless in her quest to stay ahead of her pursuers, offering a refreshing contrast to the typical male-dominated action hero archetype.
July 9, 2024
This is an action-packed thriller that never lets go of its fast pace.
We meet Sara and her research group in the middle of the jungle when she stumbles upon a secret that leaves them all in a very different place.
I felt like it took a while to warm up, I wasn't totally invested until Sara and Jeb met. Once they did, I got more interested in the characters and started to race through it.
We travel quite a lot in this book, from Africa, through Libya, Italy, to Switzerland. A lot of it feels far-fetched, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the read.
There's a lot of characters involved, and each chapter switches viewpoints. It did take me a while of getting used to who was who, but I thought all of the characters were interesting, I do wish we had a little more of Yan Wu's history, though.
Trigger warnings for violence, murder, rape, and abuse.
Overall, this was an interesting read, outside of my usual comfort zone, and I'd definitely read more by the author.
We meet Sara and her research group in the middle of the jungle when she stumbles upon a secret that leaves them all in a very different place.
I felt like it took a while to warm up, I wasn't totally invested until Sara and Jeb met. Once they did, I got more interested in the characters and started to race through it.
We travel quite a lot in this book, from Africa, through Libya, Italy, to Switzerland. A lot of it feels far-fetched, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the read.
There's a lot of characters involved, and each chapter switches viewpoints. It did take me a while of getting used to who was who, but I thought all of the characters were interesting, I do wish we had a little more of Yan Wu's history, though.
Trigger warnings for violence, murder, rape, and abuse.
Overall, this was an interesting read, outside of my usual comfort zone, and I'd definitely read more by the author.
September 27, 2024
I was initially really intrigued by this book as we take a look at another side of the effects and repercussions of the action taken in WW2.
Here we follow Sara West as she embarks on a scientific mission to the jungles of Africa. On discovering the wreck of a German bomber, she also finds files holding the details of where to find a secret war chest.
On a new mission to locate the deposits, Sara is persued along her journey and an exciting and thrilling chase ensues.
I was completely hooked into this storyline within the first few chapters.
This isn't normally a genre that I read very often - although I'm not sure why, as I do watch a lot of films like this - so I found this to be a refreshing read for me.
The scene was well set and the descriptive writing sucked me into the exciting atmosphere and I struggled to read only the allocated sections (through the readalong) - in fact, I have to admit to racing through this in half the sittings!
I loved that we travelled around a fair bit and got to experience lots of different settings. And although this was full on, it really worked well and fitted the storyline
The characters were well drawn and presented and I found Sara to be relatable - even though she was so different from myself - which had me rooting for a good outcome to the story.
With such an action-packed plot - I liked the inclusion of the romance. This was not overdone and so didn't detract from the mission at hand - it only added to the overall.
I don't know whether the author plans to continue with these characters and make this into a series, but I can definitely see the potential for future missions and the further development of the characters we've met so far!
An intriguing and refreshing read.
Here we follow Sara West as she embarks on a scientific mission to the jungles of Africa. On discovering the wreck of a German bomber, she also finds files holding the details of where to find a secret war chest.
On a new mission to locate the deposits, Sara is persued along her journey and an exciting and thrilling chase ensues.
I was completely hooked into this storyline within the first few chapters.
This isn't normally a genre that I read very often - although I'm not sure why, as I do watch a lot of films like this - so I found this to be a refreshing read for me.
The scene was well set and the descriptive writing sucked me into the exciting atmosphere and I struggled to read only the allocated sections (through the readalong) - in fact, I have to admit to racing through this in half the sittings!
I loved that we travelled around a fair bit and got to experience lots of different settings. And although this was full on, it really worked well and fitted the storyline
The characters were well drawn and presented and I found Sara to be relatable - even though she was so different from myself - which had me rooting for a good outcome to the story.
With such an action-packed plot - I liked the inclusion of the romance. This was not overdone and so didn't detract from the mission at hand - it only added to the overall.
I don't know whether the author plans to continue with these characters and make this into a series, but I can definitely see the potential for future missions and the further development of the characters we've met so far!
An intriguing and refreshing read.
September 25, 2024
This book was an action movie in the form of a book. Every chapter had something going on to keep my attention and keep me reading.It started with a discovery that multiple interests wanted to possess and this led to chases and massive battles and everything you would expect in an action movie. The historical aspect of the prize, a cache of Nazi records found in the wreckage of a plane, added to the appeal of this story. There was a large cast of characters and each chapter was told from the point of view of a different character. I liked the way that I was able to see what was happening through the eyes of the various characters. It deepened my understanding about what each was thinking and trying to accomplish. The main characters, Sara and Jeb were unlikely heroes and I enjoyed watching them develop and change as the story progressed. The ending was not what I expected but it worked. I recommend this book for readers that like action books and movies.
March 20, 2023
Intriguing and gripping from the first page.
Gary Born is a master at creating a vibrant and descriptive story. He has a way of transporting you through time that gets you lost, in a good way!
Sara West is our heroine, I love her. She is equal parts intelligent, brave and capable.
Sara is the first person we meet and it's apparent straight away that she is a strong independent woman.
I'm not going to head into too much detail as you seriously need to climb aboard for this cracking story and discover the twists for yourself.
I'd recommend savouring The File snuggled up on the sofa with snacks (you know this is my favourite thing by now). It would also be a great choice for a book club or just a casual thing with friends!
Gary Born is a master at creating a vibrant and descriptive story. He has a way of transporting you through time that gets you lost, in a good way!
Sara West is our heroine, I love her. She is equal parts intelligent, brave and capable.
Sara is the first person we meet and it's apparent straight away that she is a strong independent woman.
I'm not going to head into too much detail as you seriously need to climb aboard for this cracking story and discover the twists for yourself.
I'd recommend savouring The File snuggled up on the sofa with snacks (you know this is my favourite thing by now). It would also be a great choice for a book club or just a casual thing with friends!
May 6, 2023
The File by author Gary Born is an action fiction story, focused on the adventures of its main female character: Sara West. This young and beautiful graduate student is on a scientific expedition in Africa and finds files that reveal the location of a multi-billion-dollar war-chest, secretly deposited by the Nazis in numbered Swiss bank accounts at the end of WWII. The unpredictable adventures and journey that ensues then led the protagonist into a captivating plot. And the pacing of the story moved steadily fast in quick successions of action scenes.
The characterization here is also great and Sara displays courage in face of adversity and challenges which makes the book very endearing to read.
The characterization here is also great and Sara displays courage in face of adversity and challenges which makes the book very endearing to read.
May 8, 2023
The File, this adventurous book written by Gary Born, tells the story of Sarah West, a brave woman who discovers Nazi files in some plane wreckage while she is travelling through the African jungle. These documents contain confidential information about where a millionaire Nazi treasure is hidden. The story takes her to an exciting trip round Europe and North Africa, as she is being chased by Russian and American spies who are also interested in the treasure. The File is an excellent thriller, easy to read and the settings are marvellously described. The reader feels immerse in the book thanks to the detailed descriptions and also impressed by the heroine courage. It is a must read if you are looking for fun and action.
October 2, 2024
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/file-by-gar...
This feels like a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the first half, with Sara using all her knowledge, built on years of living in the jungle, to stay one step ahead of the opposition – or sneak up from behind on them. She rarely over-powers her enemies, relying more on stealth, wits and turning their own resources against them. It is still a bit of a stretch to imagine a young woman, untrained in combat, taking out a whole slew of Russian special forces. However, Born certainly sells the illusion well enough to work. The problems arise with the arrival of Jeb, not least the ease with which he disobeys orders to take Sara’s side.
This feels like a book of two halves. I really enjoyed the first half, with Sara using all her knowledge, built on years of living in the jungle, to stay one step ahead of the opposition – or sneak up from behind on them. She rarely over-powers her enemies, relying more on stealth, wits and turning their own resources against them. It is still a bit of a stretch to imagine a young woman, untrained in combat, taking out a whole slew of Russian special forces. However, Born certainly sells the illusion well enough to work. The problems arise with the arrival of Jeb, not least the ease with which he disobeys orders to take Sara’s side.
October 14, 2024
The File by Gary Born is a legal thriller that combines espionage, corporate intrigue, and courtroom drama. The plot revolves around Sara, who travels to Africa and stumbles upon a classified government file, leading her to discover that this file was filled with accounts deposited by the German Nazis in a Swiss Bank account that could change the course of history and life as we know it. While chased by hitmen, Sara travels the world, escaping with this priceless information. While the premise is intriguing, the novel's pacing is uneven, with long stretches of legal detail that can slow the story.
However, the book delivers suspenseful twists and has moments of suspense. It's a decent read, but it could have been more gripping. Three stars.
However, the book delivers suspenseful twists and has moments of suspense. It's a decent read, but it could have been more gripping. Three stars.
May 6, 2023
I absolutely loved reading this great story! The File by Gary Born is a well-written and exciting novel.
The story is full of thrilling chase scenes, unexpected twists and turns and high-stakes danger that kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
I believe that Sara West, the main character, is the highlight of the book. She is a strong and likable protagonist who is intelligent, resourceful and brave in the face of danger. Her character is well-developed and realistic, and I couldn’t help but root for her throughout the story.
This book has all the elements of a great adventure and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting novel!
The story is full of thrilling chase scenes, unexpected twists and turns and high-stakes danger that kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
I believe that Sara West, the main character, is the highlight of the book. She is a strong and likable protagonist who is intelligent, resourceful and brave in the face of danger. Her character is well-developed and realistic, and I couldn’t help but root for her throughout the story.
This book has all the elements of a great adventure and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting novel!
May 8, 2023
I really liked this fast-moving and imaginative story written by Gary Born. It’s absolutely unbelievable that this was the debut novel of this author due to the dexterity with which he handled the writing of it.
Let me say that he includes wholly improbable coincidences but credible enough to be compelling and fun. Contrary to what people may think, this made the book more interesting.
“The File” is NOT a book I couldn’t put down but one I never wanted to finish. The characters were developed in an easy-to-follow way; the descriptions are present in every single page, not to mention the action and suspense that accompany the exquisite storyline.
Let me say that he includes wholly improbable coincidences but credible enough to be compelling and fun. Contrary to what people may think, this made the book more interesting.
“The File” is NOT a book I couldn’t put down but one I never wanted to finish. The characters were developed in an easy-to-follow way; the descriptions are present in every single page, not to mention the action and suspense that accompany the exquisite storyline.
July 30, 2024
This book was a very excellent thriller and a fun adventure with great characters. I just had a few minor gripes about a few things in the story. I really wish the author would have highlighted each chapter with the location rather than the name of the character who was the narrator for the chapter. That just got me confused a few times when I was trying to figure out where the character was and how much time had passed. Also when the main relationship turned romantic and the characters started using pet names for each other it felt a little forced. Otherwise though it was a very good book and I would definitely read more from this author if he writes anything else.
August 18, 2024
This turned out to be something other than what I thought it was going to be. It took me ages to get into the story however once I hit page 100 and the action started I couldn't put it down. The author knows how to write dynamic characters and actions scenes which blend in the right way to the environment that they are in. I did not expect the explosive ending and the unexpected romance which appeared between two unsuspecting characters. This has made me want more from the author whether this be a follow up novel or even a back story prequel for the female main character and how she was in the location at the beginning of the book.
May 9, 2023
I am a fan of World War II, and when I read the prologue to this fiction, I couldn't stop reading it. Gary Born's "The File" is an engaging book where we meet Sara West, a student doing research work in Africa. Sara makes a shocking discovery, and is ready to follow through with the consequences.
One of the things I liked the most about this fiction is the protagonist herself. She is portrayed as a strong and brave woman, capable of facing anything to discover the truth. In turn, I loved the plot itself, I think it has a super interesting twist. I highly recommend it!
One of the things I liked the most about this fiction is the protagonist herself. She is portrayed as a strong and brave woman, capable of facing anything to discover the truth. In turn, I loved the plot itself, I think it has a super interesting twist. I highly recommend it!
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