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On the Edge of the World #2
Priceless
Photojournalist Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered his faith while helping a young African orphan. Now his photo work carries a greater mission: To educate people about social injustice happening around the world.
Daniels next assignment carries him back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage, and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of places.
Daniels next assignment carries him back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage, and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of places.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
18 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Tom Davis
7 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Tom Davis is an author, consultant, and the president of Children's HopeChest ( www.hopechest.org) a Christian-based child advocacy organization helping orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa. Tom holds a Business and Pastoral Ministry degree from Dallas Baptist University and a master's degree in Theology from The Criswell College.
Tom Davis is an author, consultant, and the president of Children's HopeChest ( www.hopechest.org) a Christian-based child advocacy organization helping orphans in Eastern Europe and Africa. Tom holds a Business and Pastoral Ministry degree from Dallas Baptist University and a master's degree in Theology from The Criswell College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 21, 2010
I loved this book as much, if not more than Scared, Davis's first novel. Not trying to sound corny here, but I have to say that Davis's latest book is truly Priceless. The author's compassion for orphans resounds from every page. Anyone who reads Priceless will be stirred to hopefully rethink their priorities. It seems that the average person in a wealthy country such as the United States has no idea what really happens to many of the orphaned children in other countries, such as Russia. If understood, more people would be involved in eradicating the sex trade and pursuing the criminals who traffic children to provide a carnal service to the basest of people.
For me, Priceless was an eye opening story that rang true-to-life. While unsavory at times, I found the content to be absolutely necessary to show what really happens to these girls and to develop compassion in the reader. None of the details seemed over-the-top to me. The main character, Stuart, was understandably conflicted between his desire to help free these children, and what he might have to do to facilitate their rescue, because he found posing as a buyer revolting. I empathized with Stuart and wanted to cheer him on for trying to do the right thing.
Before reading Priceless I hadn't thought much about the horrors of sex trafficking and what it would be like to be raped multiple times a day every day of your life. It's frightening to think about. Because this novel is so full of rich details like culture and language, it's obvious that the author has an authentic understanding of Russian orphans and the devastating histories many of these children have. A reader would have to be heartless not to be moved to tears while reading this book. The Lord is going to use this novel to reach people in a profound and mighty way.
For me, Priceless was an eye opening story that rang true-to-life. While unsavory at times, I found the content to be absolutely necessary to show what really happens to these girls and to develop compassion in the reader. None of the details seemed over-the-top to me. The main character, Stuart, was understandably conflicted between his desire to help free these children, and what he might have to do to facilitate their rescue, because he found posing as a buyer revolting. I empathized with Stuart and wanted to cheer him on for trying to do the right thing.
Before reading Priceless I hadn't thought much about the horrors of sex trafficking and what it would be like to be raped multiple times a day every day of your life. It's frightening to think about. Because this novel is so full of rich details like culture and language, it's obvious that the author has an authentic understanding of Russian orphans and the devastating histories many of these children have. A reader would have to be heartless not to be moved to tears while reading this book. The Lord is going to use this novel to reach people in a profound and mighty way.
June 17, 2013
Great novel. Captures the true horror of the sex-trafficking industry in Russia in a way that is compelling though not lewd. It helps me understand the danger and the challenge of getting these girls to safety, and the tiny window that often exists to rescue them. It is a well-written story from beginning to end.
I liked that it highlights people who justify their participation before God (this perversion of truth is a side we fail to understand); I like that it captures the spiritual (and the spiritual warfare) aspect of this evil. It helped me understand the issue in a broader, more well-rounded way than speakers and statistics I've so often heard because I live it with characters through the length of the novel.
I liked that it highlights people who justify their participation before God (this perversion of truth is a side we fail to understand); I like that it captures the spiritual (and the spiritual warfare) aspect of this evil. It helped me understand the issue in a broader, more well-rounded way than speakers and statistics I've so often heard because I live it with characters through the length of the novel.
January 30, 2013
A friend gave me this book for Christmas...and it wrecked me. I knew a bit about human trafficking before reading this book, but had always thought, "I'm glad someone else is doing something about this. It's really important and needs to be addressed." But after reading this book, I now want to be one of those someones who does something about it. Be warned, this book will wreck you, in a forever good way.
It is also well written. Although you know the author is trying to convey a dark reality to you, it doesn't feel like a propaganda piece at all. It's creatively constructed, well crafted, with believable and likable characters. A definite page turner.
Go ahead, wreck your life a little ;) it probably needs it.
Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World
It is also well written. Although you know the author is trying to convey a dark reality to you, it doesn't feel like a propaganda piece at all. It's creatively constructed, well crafted, with believable and likable characters. A definite page turner.
Go ahead, wreck your life a little ;) it probably needs it.
Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World
December 29, 2010
Hmmm...what to say. First of all I didn't realize that this book was a sequel to Scared. I'll have to read that one too, though. Also, when I picked out the book from the library, somehow I missed the sentence on the back that the book was about the sex trade in Russia. I was hesitant to read it because I was afraid of the vivid details it might convey. As I started reading I was drawn in. I was captivated right from the start. It was very eye opening and tough to read given the subject matter. It is very disheartening to know that those things go on in the world. There's got to be something we can do about it.
December 24, 2010
The sequel to Scared, it follows the main character to Russia where he tries to help his friends save some girls trapped in the sex slave industry. What it lacks in literary quality is made up by the spotlight it shines on the tortuous life led by girls enslaved by the sin of others. May stories like these spur us on to follow Christ wherever He leads us to help others in need.
June 21, 2010
Wow, just don't know how to express how this book moved me. Tears, Truth, Justice, Love, Compassion, Desire to do more for those caught in this evil trade. I love this book and Tom's other book Scared!
January 27, 2015
A hauntingly disturbing novel that will open your eyes. Parachutes you into Russia and the realities of the sex slave industry for thousands of orphaned girls. It's hard to read it and not be impacted. Kudos to Mr. Davis for daring to write something like this.
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June 25, 2022Photojournalist Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered his faith while helping a young African orphan. Now his photo work carries a greater mission: To educate people about social injustice happening around the world. Daniels next assignment carries him back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage, and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of places.
January 23, 2022
This is a raw read. I find the second of Tom Davis' books good, but the three Star rating because the plot moves too fast without definitive details. (Like who did the strategizing and how did they effect it?) Maybe I'm too inquisitive. And it might make for too long a book. Anyway, Mr. Davis does get the point across: human trafficking is vile, evil, and a worldwide issue.
September 29, 2023
I hardly have words after reading this powerful book. It was one of those that you just can’t lay down. It made me realize again that human trafficking is found in every place in the world. And somehow a story that is based on true facts gives you new perspective. Absolutely recommend. Note: this book is not for younger readers.
February 14, 2017
Priceless is the second in the On the Edge of the World series. This one deals with sex trafficking in Russia. Although I had some issues with the theology that was present in the book, I still found it to be an enthralling and an important read.
December 4, 2019
This is definitely not your average Christian fiction! A gut wrenching look at the very real issue of modern day slavery, but instead of leaving you feeling like the problem is too big to tackle, the author is able to weave a message of hope throughout. Highly recommend!
January 5, 2018
Dad but Needed
The story is heart-rending. We in the USA are shielded from some of this horror. We need our eyes opened so we can at least pray.
The story is heart-rending. We in the USA are shielded from some of this horror. We need our eyes opened so we can at least pray.
January 10, 2018
If you have never read about the world of sex trafficking, this book will push you right into it. You cannot read it and come away unaffected or unmoved.
July 27, 2019
Love this book.
October 31, 2017
I feel like this book could have been so much more. It’s a quick read and an intriguing story, but there were several parts that had me rolling my eyes a bit as things became just a bit too Hollywood and convenient (you know, like when a character is like, if I only had a horseshoe and there just happens to be one hanging in the wall (not an actual part of the story just as an example)). Still, I think the message of the book is clear, to educate on the horrors of sex trafficking and the susceptibility of young orphans aging out of orphanages with no place to go.
July 8, 2015
I’m thankful to have received a review copy of this captivating, surreal, suspenseful book that could have been ripped out of today’s headlines. It was horrific to think the topic of this book is real and happening in current time. Although the story concentrates on the sex-trafficking business in Russia, this unthinkable industry is thriving world wide. Tom Davis states in his book Russian girls are taken and sent out of their country with promises of going to America, to enjoy the good life. Only one catch, they do go to American but end up in some of the booming sex-trafficking places such as Atlanta, Dallas and Seattle.
You might be tempted not to read this book because of the subject matter and the fact that it might make you feel uncomfortable. It’s not easy to read about little girls being promised one thing and forced into another. My heart ached for these dear ones as these evil doers promised them the moon, only to get sold into a lifestyle of no return. The only way out was death.
Stuart Daniels returns in this book and is sent on another job. Stuart agrees to go to Russia because he feels this assignment is not as life threatening as the one he went to in Africa (in the last book Scared). After meeting his contacts in Russia, he’s whisked into an unthinkable mission - one he can’t turn down - not after having his world turned upside down in Africa, after meeting Adanna.
“Adanna may not have meant much to many in this world. But meeting her was the beginning of life for me. It changed the way I saw God. It changed the direction of my life. She taught me that the small things I do matter. My decisions today can save a life tomorrow.”
I believe I’ve been disturbed to the core of my being while reading this book and I hope that you are gloriously disturbed too. Just as bothered as Stuart was when he met Adanna. Troubled in such a way it moves you into action and keeps you from turning your eyes and pretending this isn’t happening to innocent children every day. Stuart Daniel’s describes Adanna (above), a child he met in Africa who rocked his world, I pray your world is rocked as mine was and you begin to tell others about this novel and its message in hopes of bringing awareness to this global disturbance - a disturbance of epic proportions. Author Tom Davis lists ways we can get involved here in the states and overseas in the back of Priceless. He gives practical ways for us to love our neighbor as ourselves and shine the hope these children desperately need. Be Jesus' hands and feet! I believe Priceless is a must read novel for everyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
You might be tempted not to read this book because of the subject matter and the fact that it might make you feel uncomfortable. It’s not easy to read about little girls being promised one thing and forced into another. My heart ached for these dear ones as these evil doers promised them the moon, only to get sold into a lifestyle of no return. The only way out was death.
Stuart Daniels returns in this book and is sent on another job. Stuart agrees to go to Russia because he feels this assignment is not as life threatening as the one he went to in Africa (in the last book Scared). After meeting his contacts in Russia, he’s whisked into an unthinkable mission - one he can’t turn down - not after having his world turned upside down in Africa, after meeting Adanna.
“Adanna may not have meant much to many in this world. But meeting her was the beginning of life for me. It changed the way I saw God. It changed the direction of my life. She taught me that the small things I do matter. My decisions today can save a life tomorrow.”
I believe I’ve been disturbed to the core of my being while reading this book and I hope that you are gloriously disturbed too. Just as bothered as Stuart was when he met Adanna. Troubled in such a way it moves you into action and keeps you from turning your eyes and pretending this isn’t happening to innocent children every day. Stuart Daniel’s describes Adanna (above), a child he met in Africa who rocked his world, I pray your world is rocked as mine was and you begin to tell others about this novel and its message in hopes of bringing awareness to this global disturbance - a disturbance of epic proportions. Author Tom Davis lists ways we can get involved here in the states and overseas in the back of Priceless. He gives practical ways for us to love our neighbor as ourselves and shine the hope these children desperately need. Be Jesus' hands and feet! I believe Priceless is a must read novel for everyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 27, 2014
This is the second book from the "Edge of the World" books by Tom Davis. I had really loved the first one, entitled Scared. Priceless was actually the first one I had wanted to read because of all the human trafficking books and research I've done over the years. This certainly depicted truly what happens around the world, including in Russia, with the many young trafficked women who are sent out of their country to many others around the world, and even nearby. Many young women from European countries are also sent to Russia (such as those from Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova, but this book didn't really highlight much on that at all).
We have Stuart Daniels, who seems to be making a documentary or movie about girls trafficked in Russia. He goes there on a trip to learn more about it. He is known for his photo-journalism and was truly transformed by God when he was in Swaziland a year earlier.
He is asked by an old friend/colleague/girlfriend of his to do a secret mission of sorts to help out a few trafficked girls and in hopes of finding one girl he met when she was a child in an orphanage that he had kept in touch with named Marina. Marina had gone missing after she was let out of the orphanage, and had been lured by traffickers who constantly are watching out for young women let out so they can offer them jobs in places in other countries that seem legit.
My problem with this book is that it didn't really seem to fit together enough with the character of Stuart in the first book, though at other times it totally was him. This one was definitely more raw, but that beautiful Spirit that shone through the first book was missing a lot in this one. There are some graphic instances that definitely would have occurred that would probably anger many people who read this, but considering I've read a few books by men who have had to do operations of saving girls and sometimes have to act like the men they hate who end up hurting these girls just to find out information, this definitely held true to that.
I did not enjoy the violence that seemed to be acceptable. Justice is not served by killing others or threatening anyone and I don't think it is what Christ would glorify even if it does mean you are saving the oppressed. I think at times it was applauded though in this book.
There is definitely a Catholic perspective in this, though I don't know if Tom Davis is Catholic or not. Definitely you can see much love for Jesus in this book, and I loved it, but I have a hard time with prayers to saints and Mary which seem like idolatry to me, so that is mentioned and I tried to shrug it off because I know there are many in Russia that are predominantly Catholic but still love Jesus.
There were holes throughout this story that didn't seem to go too well, and even some questions I was left with such as, "So who was this Mr. M and what happened to Dasha mentioned in this story?" and many other things that I would mention here but I don't want to give away spoilers.
We have Stuart Daniels, who seems to be making a documentary or movie about girls trafficked in Russia. He goes there on a trip to learn more about it. He is known for his photo-journalism and was truly transformed by God when he was in Swaziland a year earlier.
He is asked by an old friend/colleague/girlfriend of his to do a secret mission of sorts to help out a few trafficked girls and in hopes of finding one girl he met when she was a child in an orphanage that he had kept in touch with named Marina. Marina had gone missing after she was let out of the orphanage, and had been lured by traffickers who constantly are watching out for young women let out so they can offer them jobs in places in other countries that seem legit.
My problem with this book is that it didn't really seem to fit together enough with the character of Stuart in the first book, though at other times it totally was him. This one was definitely more raw, but that beautiful Spirit that shone through the first book was missing a lot in this one. There are some graphic instances that definitely would have occurred that would probably anger many people who read this, but considering I've read a few books by men who have had to do operations of saving girls and sometimes have to act like the men they hate who end up hurting these girls just to find out information, this definitely held true to that.
I did not enjoy the violence that seemed to be acceptable. Justice is not served by killing others or threatening anyone and I don't think it is what Christ would glorify even if it does mean you are saving the oppressed. I think at times it was applauded though in this book.
There is definitely a Catholic perspective in this, though I don't know if Tom Davis is Catholic or not. Definitely you can see much love for Jesus in this book, and I loved it, but I have a hard time with prayers to saints and Mary which seem like idolatry to me, so that is mentioned and I tried to shrug it off because I know there are many in Russia that are predominantly Catholic but still love Jesus.
There were holes throughout this story that didn't seem to go too well, and even some questions I was left with such as, "So who was this Mr. M and what happened to Dasha mentioned in this story?" and many other things that I would mention here but I don't want to give away spoilers.
August 2, 2010
The plot: Stuart Daniels is a photojournalist who is visiting Russia on assignment for his job. While there, he is persuaded by a friend to help two young girls who are caught up in the sex slave industry. From there things snowball until he finds himself right in the middle of it all, helping a group who is working to free as many girls as possible from the nightmare they are living in.
Characters: I liked Stuart. He seemed not to be the "perfect" Christian man, as is sometimes portrayed in Christian fiction. He was flawed, he had doubts, he wanted to go home and get out of the mess he found himself in (who wouldn't?), but he was also admirable. He knew that someone had to help these girls, and it might as well be him. Stuart is really the only character we get to know, besides Marina, whose story we get in bits and pieces throughout the book. Marina's story is heartbreaking, and it really makes you want to take action against the sex slave industry.
Setting: I've never been to Russia, but I know Tom Davis has been there many times, so there's no reason for me to believe his portrayal isn't authentic. I could really feel Russia come alive through the writing. I could feel the cold in the air, see the buildings and the people--it was very well done.
Notable quotes:
"My name is Marina, and this is my story. And it is also the story of my sisters, and many other girls in this world who are bound in slavery. This is for them."
Read this if you're in the mood for: something that will break your heart and make you want to do something (which I think is the whole point of the book). The good thing is that there are resources in the back of the book if you (like me) are compelled to take action and get involved.
Continue or part ways? I know this is the second "novel on the edge of the world" book, and unfortunately I haven't had an opportunity to read the first (Scared) yet. I've read a couple of other non-fiction books by Tom Davis, and I will continue to read his books as long as he is writing them.
Characters: I liked Stuart. He seemed not to be the "perfect" Christian man, as is sometimes portrayed in Christian fiction. He was flawed, he had doubts, he wanted to go home and get out of the mess he found himself in (who wouldn't?), but he was also admirable. He knew that someone had to help these girls, and it might as well be him. Stuart is really the only character we get to know, besides Marina, whose story we get in bits and pieces throughout the book. Marina's story is heartbreaking, and it really makes you want to take action against the sex slave industry.
Setting: I've never been to Russia, but I know Tom Davis has been there many times, so there's no reason for me to believe his portrayal isn't authentic. I could really feel Russia come alive through the writing. I could feel the cold in the air, see the buildings and the people--it was very well done.
Notable quotes:
"My name is Marina, and this is my story. And it is also the story of my sisters, and many other girls in this world who are bound in slavery. This is for them."
Read this if you're in the mood for: something that will break your heart and make you want to do something (which I think is the whole point of the book). The good thing is that there are resources in the back of the book if you (like me) are compelled to take action and get involved.
Continue or part ways? I know this is the second "novel on the edge of the world" book, and unfortunately I haven't had an opportunity to read the first (Scared) yet. I've read a couple of other non-fiction books by Tom Davis, and I will continue to read his books as long as he is writing them.
November 27, 2013
CAUTION: Not for readers under 18
Wow. Easily one of the hardest books I've ever read. Maybe even number one hardest. It's also easily one of the most powerful.
After his life changing experiences in Africa in Scared Stuart has turned into a family man. He loves his wife, dotes on his baby daughter, and works to spread awareness about the needs of orphans. When he accepts an assignment to Russia, he expects it to be easy. All that quickly changes when he signs into a hotel and is promptly asked if he would like a girl to keep him company. Faster than he can process twin girls, still children, are delivered to his room and he finds himself caught up in a frantic effort to save them.
It's hard to say you "liked" a book like this. Instead I'll say that I preferred this book over Scared. The writing definitely improved from the first book. Both stories were hard. In some ways this one was a little more graphic, a little more heart-wrenching. Both are painfully real.
I was slightly uncomfortable with the persistently positive way Catholicism was portrayed. And even that's not entirely true. It was more the way catholic elements like praying to Mary were included in a positive way. I'm sure most of you won't have an issue with that, but for the few who might, just be aware of that.
Beware reading this book. It might break your heart and change your life.
Wow. Easily one of the hardest books I've ever read. Maybe even number one hardest. It's also easily one of the most powerful.
After his life changing experiences in Africa in Scared Stuart has turned into a family man. He loves his wife, dotes on his baby daughter, and works to spread awareness about the needs of orphans. When he accepts an assignment to Russia, he expects it to be easy. All that quickly changes when he signs into a hotel and is promptly asked if he would like a girl to keep him company. Faster than he can process twin girls, still children, are delivered to his room and he finds himself caught up in a frantic effort to save them.
It's hard to say you "liked" a book like this. Instead I'll say that I preferred this book over Scared. The writing definitely improved from the first book. Both stories were hard. In some ways this one was a little more graphic, a little more heart-wrenching. Both are painfully real.
I was slightly uncomfortable with the persistently positive way Catholicism was portrayed. And even that's not entirely true. It was more the way catholic elements like praying to Mary were included in a positive way. I'm sure most of you won't have an issue with that, but for the few who might, just be aware of that.
Beware reading this book. It might break your heart and change your life.
August 7, 2010
This book is probably closer to 3.5 for just writing. He is not bad, but I don't think his talent is anything special. That being said, the story he tells I think is incredibly important.
Hundreds of thousands of children and women are kidnapped or tricked into the sex slave trafficking every year. These women and children create the greatest revenue of any business in the world, more than drugs, oil, weapons, food, ANYTHING.
This novel sheds light on the subject. It sheds light on how one might find themselves tricked or kidnapped. It sheds light on how some people are fighting to get the girls free, and the challenges they face.
The book is written by a Christian author, and a theme in the book is the main character's conversion to Christianity and how his newfound relationship with God has affected his role as a father and how he handles a situation he's faced in the opportunity to play a role in freeing a few girls.
The book isn't preachy by any means, but the perspective is very religious. I didn't mind it, but I could see how it might turn a non-Christian person off a little bit.
I enjoyed the story and read it quickly (I wasn't bored, I didn't start and stop) I could have used more character development, a little more suspense, a little longer plot line, a little more depth about the scope of the problem in the world.
Basically, I wanted more, and would consider this a great read for young adults because it addresses a heavy subject manner without being incredibly graphic.
Hundreds of thousands of children and women are kidnapped or tricked into the sex slave trafficking every year. These women and children create the greatest revenue of any business in the world, more than drugs, oil, weapons, food, ANYTHING.
This novel sheds light on the subject. It sheds light on how one might find themselves tricked or kidnapped. It sheds light on how some people are fighting to get the girls free, and the challenges they face.
The book is written by a Christian author, and a theme in the book is the main character's conversion to Christianity and how his newfound relationship with God has affected his role as a father and how he handles a situation he's faced in the opportunity to play a role in freeing a few girls.
The book isn't preachy by any means, but the perspective is very religious. I didn't mind it, but I could see how it might turn a non-Christian person off a little bit.
I enjoyed the story and read it quickly (I wasn't bored, I didn't start and stop) I could have used more character development, a little more suspense, a little longer plot line, a little more depth about the scope of the problem in the world.
Basically, I wanted more, and would consider this a great read for young adults because it addresses a heavy subject manner without being incredibly graphic.
May 7, 2012
Priceless is another book that took me into the heartrending world of human trafficking, this time into the cold streets and corners of Russia. Here the reader meets Marina a young girl who was left in a Russian orphanage by her Mother, and who by trickery has landed in the inhumane world of human trafficking, she is dragged from one place to another and used as a piece of human "merchandise" by men, even "men of God" and is drugged, beaten, and starved, the storyline follow's a photojournalist Stuart, who is in Russia on assignment, to document the Aids epidemic, but instead becomes involved in the underground world of human trafficking to try to save Marina and girls like her.
This book was not one that i wanted to put down, it was very heart rending, and really took you deeper into the world of human trafficking which is a subject I have been trying to learn more about; my only dilemma was that I would have liked to have heard more of Marina's side of the story, but overall, it is a wonderful book.
This book was not one that i wanted to put down, it was very heart rending, and really took you deeper into the world of human trafficking which is a subject I have been trying to learn more about; my only dilemma was that I would have liked to have heard more of Marina's side of the story, but overall, it is a wonderful book.
April 16, 2013
Plot: A+
Writing: A
Vocabulary: B
Level: Intermediate
Rating: R (sex trafficking, kidnapping, abuse, demonic attacks, torture, rape, extortion, brothels, shoot-outs)
Worldview: Christianity vs. sinful people and spirits
This was an extremely difficult book to read, but well worth it; I recommend every adult read this book!! In novelized form the author takes us past the facts and statistics to the heart of the matter: the suffering of the innocent and the shame, lies, power, money, and greed that keep them chained. We follow American photojournalist Stewart as he meets up with a friend in Moscow for an assignment about orphans. But he is shockinginly drawn into a compromising situation as two teenage girls are thrust upon him with the expectation that he will use them to fulfill his needs and desires. From there things just get crazier as he is drawn into the underground of sex trafficking and the valient efforts of those dedicated to rescuing these women and children from the horror.
Writing: A
Vocabulary: B
Level: Intermediate
Rating: R (sex trafficking, kidnapping, abuse, demonic attacks, torture, rape, extortion, brothels, shoot-outs)
Worldview: Christianity vs. sinful people and spirits
This was an extremely difficult book to read, but well worth it; I recommend every adult read this book!! In novelized form the author takes us past the facts and statistics to the heart of the matter: the suffering of the innocent and the shame, lies, power, money, and greed that keep them chained. We follow American photojournalist Stewart as he meets up with a friend in Moscow for an assignment about orphans. But he is shockinginly drawn into a compromising situation as two teenage girls are thrust upon him with the expectation that he will use them to fulfill his needs and desires. From there things just get crazier as he is drawn into the underground of sex trafficking and the valient efforts of those dedicated to rescuing these women and children from the horror.
May 17, 2016
I could not have chosen a better time to read this book. Sex trafficking is something that has been covered in class and at my internship, and I have been finding that I am increasingly drawn to the efforts to stop sex trafficking as well as helping the girls who's lives are torn apart by this horrible practice.
I've read one other book by Tom Davis, and I actually thought this one was better. I connected to the story and felt myself drawn in by the plot as well as the overall theme of the book. I wanted to get up and go help some children RIGHT NOW.
The ending was a little...rushed, and a bit too fairy-tale ending for me. The ending just didn't flow with the rest of the story and that bothered me. It's almost like this book could have used a few more chapters just to wrap things up in a more believable way.
That being said, I really did like this book and I highly recommend it.
I've read one other book by Tom Davis, and I actually thought this one was better. I connected to the story and felt myself drawn in by the plot as well as the overall theme of the book. I wanted to get up and go help some children RIGHT NOW.
The ending was a little...rushed, and a bit too fairy-tale ending for me. The ending just didn't flow with the rest of the story and that bothered me. It's almost like this book could have used a few more chapters just to wrap things up in a more believable way.
That being said, I really did like this book and I highly recommend it.
May 16, 2019
Davis's second Edge of the World novel transports the reader to Russia. The plot is convicting and thoroughly captivating. It is difficult not to want to get involved after reading about the plight of children around the world.
SUMMARY: Photojournalist Stuart Daniels travels to Russia to document a health issue, but ends up deeply involved in a dangerous situation. Katya, an old friend, convinces him to help her remove two young girls from the sex slave industry. Stuart then realizes that an orphan girl he met during an earlier trip to Russia is missing and likely caught up in the industry. Relying on his faith, as well as a strongly committed group of determined Russians, Stuart plunges himself into the middle of the high stakes situation with harrowing results.
SUMMARY: Photojournalist Stuart Daniels travels to Russia to document a health issue, but ends up deeply involved in a dangerous situation. Katya, an old friend, convinces him to help her remove two young girls from the sex slave industry. Stuart then realizes that an orphan girl he met during an earlier trip to Russia is missing and likely caught up in the industry. Relying on his faith, as well as a strongly committed group of determined Russians, Stuart plunges himself into the middle of the high stakes situation with harrowing results.
April 1, 2013
Anger! It's the emotion that welled up inside of me on nearly every page. I temper it with Galatians 4:26-27. The injustice is staggering. This is fiction, but the disturbing fact is that the story of this book, sex trafficking and the exploitation of children including orphans, is truly happening everyday throughout the world. This book really consumed me. I have stayed at the Ismailovo Hotel and been offered the very services the author mentions in the book. I have taken the Metro to Red Square and stepped into the Church of our Lady Kazan so the vivid image painted for me as I read seemed very real. This will/should drive you to care…and act.
September 12, 2010
Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World is a powerful story about a man whose life is changed when he becomes embroiled in a plan to rescue young orphan girls from forced prostitution in Russia. The author, Tom Davis, brings to light an enormous and growing problem in the world: human trafficking. While the story is a novel, much of the story is accurate in its depiction of this sordid underworld.
...read more at:
http://books.mydevnotes.com/archive/2...
...read more at:
http://books.mydevnotes.com/archive/2...
October 2, 2010
I purchased this book on my Kindle and had it read to me on a 7 hour drive. The time just flew by as I was wrapped up in this story. I just love how the story put ME into these tense situations and made me wonder just how to act. This story provides an excellent gut check to consider what I would really do in these situations. It moved me to grow even closer to God, that I might act to valiantly to save lives.
February 1, 2011
Set in modern-day Russia, this novel shows a brief glimpse of the underbelly of the sex slave industry and the people fighting to free girls who have been given no choice in their life circumstances. It was more moving than I thought it would be, and so frightening to know this still happens while we sit in our comfortable living rooms and churches. While the writing wasn't phenomenal, it told a raw story of a sick industry.
May 7, 2011
I have to agree with the last line of the book (from the publisher) "This novel is a timely reminder of the incredible worth of a person's life." I began reading this book based on my SIL's recommendation (as she is involved in the ministry of orphaned Russian children). WOW - a real eye opener, and opens a whole new realm of respect for my Brother and Sister-in-Law! Highly recommended reading to all compassionate adults! (pssst - grab your tissues)
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