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Navy Justice #5
The Malacca Conspiracy
From beloved author Don Brown comes a bone-chilling tale of terrorism on the high seas.
A daring plot is hatched to finance a nuclear attach against American cities, and Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian are thrust into the midst of a sizzling race against the clock to foil the conspiracy before disaster strikes.
The President of the United States orders ships of the US Seventh Fleet towards the Malacca Straits to reassert control over the sea lanes, but with time quickly ticking away, will they arrive in time for Zack and Diane to survive this dangerous and high-stakes drama of life and death?
In a lightning-paced thriller of political assassination and terrorism on the high seas, The Malacca Conspiracy will whisk you from Singapore to Indonesia, from Malaysia to Washington. A whirlwind mix of love, war, and high-stakes geopolitical roulette, for Zack and Diane—your favorite JAG characters from Don Brown’s bestselling Navy Justice Series—it’s the last chance for a longstanding romance that is now or never.
Christian fiction with political and military suspense elements.Full-length standalone novel featuring characters from Don Brown’s Navy Justice series.
A daring plot is hatched to finance a nuclear attach against American cities, and Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian are thrust into the midst of a sizzling race against the clock to foil the conspiracy before disaster strikes.
The President of the United States orders ships of the US Seventh Fleet towards the Malacca Straits to reassert control over the sea lanes, but with time quickly ticking away, will they arrive in time for Zack and Diane to survive this dangerous and high-stakes drama of life and death?
In a lightning-paced thriller of political assassination and terrorism on the high seas, The Malacca Conspiracy will whisk you from Singapore to Indonesia, from Malaysia to Washington. A whirlwind mix of love, war, and high-stakes geopolitical roulette, for Zack and Diane—your favorite JAG characters from Don Brown’s bestselling Navy Justice Series—it’s the last chance for a longstanding romance that is now or never.
Christian fiction with political and military suspense elements.Full-length standalone novel featuring characters from Don Brown’s Navy Justice series.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
385 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Don Brown
23 books114 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. After TREASON was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, DON BROWN was named as co-chairman of national I Love To Write Day, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools. HOSTAGE and DEFIANCE, the second and third novels in the series, were published in 2006 and 2007. BLACK SEA AFFAIR, was released in June of 2008, and with a bonechilling plot and precipient accuracy of international events, has been called the “Novel that Predicted the Russian-Georgian War,” which broke out just two months later, in August of 2008! Don is now penning his fifth novel, entitled THE MALACCAN CONSPIRACY, to be released in June of 2010. Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radicalIslamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century. The Charlotte World Newspaper described TREASON as “A DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH STORY FULL OF ACTION, INTRIGUE, AND THE KIND OF CALCULATED TYRANNY THAT YOU COULD FIND IN THE HEADLINES OF ANY MAJOR DAILY AT ANY MOMENT.” The Romance Reader’s Connection described Don’s novels as “fascinating and fresh.” In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction! DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law. During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
December 26, 2015
A Quickie Review
Another exciting adventure featuring Don Brown's familiar characters! This one was a blast!
Score: 4/5
Another exciting adventure featuring Don Brown's familiar characters! This one was a blast!
Score: 4/5
July 25, 2010
I thought I'd pick it up for the Kindle because it was free. I'm not generally a fan of Don Brown (his political intrigue isn't always so intriguing), but we'll see how it goes.
UPDATE (7/25): Here's my review from Amazon.com.
I downloaded this book because it was free. I figured that at most it would cost me the time that I spent reading it. After getting about 2/3 of the way through, I couldn't take it anymore and I realized my time was more valuable than this book. This book is awful, and I felt like I was reading the script to a made for TV movie. The premise of the book is excellent (a secret cabal wants to control the shipping lanes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans by taking over the government of Indonesia). However, the execution is lacking.
First of all, this is an extremely black and white, good Christian guys vs. bad Muslim guys book (and I do mean guys - more on that later). There are no subtle nuances. If a character prefers the crescent to the cross, he's a bad guy. All of the good guys quote Bible verses at some point, but the bad guys never reference the Qur'an nor do they ever actually practice their religion. In fact, they only ever mention their religion when they talk about destroying the good guys (the typical "praise Allah" stuff). It's almost as if the author thinks Islam is a cult or secret society, as opposed to the 2nd largest religion in the world. I could live with that if it wasn't for...
The contrived and utterly ridiculous subplots. For example, the main character, who is a middle-aged lawyer in the Navy, wants to go on a mission with a Navy SEAL team because he's worried about his girlfriend. Wow, really? I think I saw that on an episode of JAG 15 years ago. Then there's the good girl who saw the bad guys' plans and spends the rest of the book worried for her life. Like I said, made for TV movie. I might be able to live with *this* if it wasn't for the fact that...
The characters are all pretty flat. The good guys are all macho and Christian and the ladies are all damsels in distress, including the one (and only) female military officer. As for the bad guys, there's no subtlety involved. Having the bad guys club baby seals while making fun of the Special Olympics would be more subtle than the lengths this author goes to in making sure that you know the bad guys are bad. On top of that, the author seems to introduce certain characters just so that he can kill them a few pages after they're introduced. For example, there's this character who hasn't seen his wife in over a year, yet somehow has a three week old son, the extra-marital implications of which are not examined. The reader is just supposed to feel bad that this guy hasn't seen his wife or met "his" son. I don't think the author was implying anything, though, because the strange timing doesn't even come up, and his superior officer actually congratulates him on his new son. But it doesn't matter because he dies at the end of the chapter anyway (don't worry, I didn't spoil anything ;). There are a bunch of these characters who show up in the book that only serve as martyrs to make the bad guys appear truly evil, and don't actually advance the plot.
Finally, there are parts that are just incredibly inaccurate, and it's obvious that the author is using most readers' ignorance to help the plot. For example, there's an argument between the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense (of course), one of whom is actually worried about Iran and North Korea launching military strikes from their embassies in Washington, D.C. That's interesting considering neither country has formal diplomatic relations with the U.S. and therefore no embassies in the U.S. Also, there's a part where a bad guy proclaims his country as the first Muslim nuclear power (and of course promises to wipeout a certain Middle Eastern country) even though he had just visited Pakistan a chapter earlier! This book is littered with these inaccuracies, and this is the main reason why I put the book down.
I really wanted to like this book because I love political thrillers, but this book was so predictable I found myself reading on just to see if I was guessing the next plot twist correctly. There was really nothing thrilling about it. If you enjoy reading books that are full of sound bites and buzzwords, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, save your money and your time and stay away from this steaming pile.
UPDATE (7/25): Here's my review from Amazon.com.
I downloaded this book because it was free. I figured that at most it would cost me the time that I spent reading it. After getting about 2/3 of the way through, I couldn't take it anymore and I realized my time was more valuable than this book. This book is awful, and I felt like I was reading the script to a made for TV movie. The premise of the book is excellent (a secret cabal wants to control the shipping lanes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans by taking over the government of Indonesia). However, the execution is lacking.
First of all, this is an extremely black and white, good Christian guys vs. bad Muslim guys book (and I do mean guys - more on that later). There are no subtle nuances. If a character prefers the crescent to the cross, he's a bad guy. All of the good guys quote Bible verses at some point, but the bad guys never reference the Qur'an nor do they ever actually practice their religion. In fact, they only ever mention their religion when they talk about destroying the good guys (the typical "praise Allah" stuff). It's almost as if the author thinks Islam is a cult or secret society, as opposed to the 2nd largest religion in the world. I could live with that if it wasn't for...
The contrived and utterly ridiculous subplots. For example, the main character, who is a middle-aged lawyer in the Navy, wants to go on a mission with a Navy SEAL team because he's worried about his girlfriend. Wow, really? I think I saw that on an episode of JAG 15 years ago. Then there's the good girl who saw the bad guys' plans and spends the rest of the book worried for her life. Like I said, made for TV movie. I might be able to live with *this* if it wasn't for the fact that...
The characters are all pretty flat. The good guys are all macho and Christian and the ladies are all damsels in distress, including the one (and only) female military officer. As for the bad guys, there's no subtlety involved. Having the bad guys club baby seals while making fun of the Special Olympics would be more subtle than the lengths this author goes to in making sure that you know the bad guys are bad. On top of that, the author seems to introduce certain characters just so that he can kill them a few pages after they're introduced. For example, there's this character who hasn't seen his wife in over a year, yet somehow has a three week old son, the extra-marital implications of which are not examined. The reader is just supposed to feel bad that this guy hasn't seen his wife or met "his" son. I don't think the author was implying anything, though, because the strange timing doesn't even come up, and his superior officer actually congratulates him on his new son. But it doesn't matter because he dies at the end of the chapter anyway (don't worry, I didn't spoil anything ;). There are a bunch of these characters who show up in the book that only serve as martyrs to make the bad guys appear truly evil, and don't actually advance the plot.
Finally, there are parts that are just incredibly inaccurate, and it's obvious that the author is using most readers' ignorance to help the plot. For example, there's an argument between the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense (of course), one of whom is actually worried about Iran and North Korea launching military strikes from their embassies in Washington, D.C. That's interesting considering neither country has formal diplomatic relations with the U.S. and therefore no embassies in the U.S. Also, there's a part where a bad guy proclaims his country as the first Muslim nuclear power (and of course promises to wipeout a certain Middle Eastern country) even though he had just visited Pakistan a chapter earlier! This book is littered with these inaccuracies, and this is the main reason why I put the book down.
I really wanted to like this book because I love political thrillers, but this book was so predictable I found myself reading on just to see if I was guessing the next plot twist correctly. There was really nothing thrilling about it. If you enjoy reading books that are full of sound bites and buzzwords, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, save your money and your time and stay away from this steaming pile.
September 5, 2010
First thing first, I am a muslimah from Malaysia. Generally I don't really care about this genre of Islam-bashing (usually they are being written by someone who never bother to read about the topic) but I give it a go since I was bored and I've heard it’s quite a thrill.
But I was dead wrong... this book is factually ridiculous for a fiction...
If you've been in any of the South-East Asia country that is mention in this book, ALL of portrayals are fiction except the history part. Which I guess the writer came up with from reading newspaper and books. And he didn't even read up on anything with Islam and have a brainless idea for an extremist Islam terrorist that is not portraying Islam at all. (Islamic extremist are usually holy people) He should changed it into Ku Klux Klan since there's nothing much different after all.
But then after I read through Indonesians terrorist parts and fillers and then "Bang…bang…bang…bang… BOOM" and it became more ridiculous that I had to skim most parts through.
ALL the female characters in this book acts as unnecessary filler which should make sense since its a macho-men-christian-military-heavy themed action book but there's a limit to how ridiculous it can be in this book.
Plus, people don't say, he look "Malaysian", Malaysia is a multi-racial country. There's Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian (some Malaccan people are from Portuguese-descent with Christian names), Sabahan, Sarawakian and others. It’s usually Malay-Malaysian or Chinese-Malaysian. Names for Malaysian are virtually endless and all Don come up with was Indonesian-like names. Shame.
If anyone has been in Malaysia should know, to find a real native of Malaccan Malaysian with Indonesian name is rare unless they came from Kampung Jawa in Malacca. Most of Malay in Malaysia uses Arabic names because by law, ALL of them are Islam.
And I had to Google the word "Un hum del Allah" just to know what the word mean and found it mean nothing but gibberish with the word Allah and defined as "Praise to God" in Arabic which obviously made the writer didn't even read or wiki-ed anything about Islam.
Real Islamic extremist is scary. Their motives are usually selfish even when they think they are not, their followers are usually gullible and brainwashed and most are unafraid on harming everyone even their own woman and children. They adored anything from middle east and always cite a twisted version Al-Quran verses as their motives since islam extremist are generally religion-obsessed like any other psycho and hated anything and EVERYTHING related to the west and most importantly, they won’t ever drink wine. Wine is ridiculously expensive in SEA and rare and even putting the scenes of terrorist drinking wine is already ridiculous.
This book is very predictable and for a fiction it lack imagination in some areas like characterization, prose, and wordings but totally imaginative in geographical and factual areas. It’s like Twilight. Only it’s not about vampire.
But I was dead wrong... this book is factually ridiculous for a fiction...
If you've been in any of the South-East Asia country that is mention in this book, ALL of portrayals are fiction except the history part. Which I guess the writer came up with from reading newspaper and books. And he didn't even read up on anything with Islam and have a brainless idea for an extremist Islam terrorist that is not portraying Islam at all. (Islamic extremist are usually holy people) He should changed it into Ku Klux Klan since there's nothing much different after all.
But then after I read through Indonesians terrorist parts and fillers and then "Bang…bang…bang…bang… BOOM" and it became more ridiculous that I had to skim most parts through.
ALL the female characters in this book acts as unnecessary filler which should make sense since its a macho-men-christian-military-heavy themed action book but there's a limit to how ridiculous it can be in this book.
Plus, people don't say, he look "Malaysian", Malaysia is a multi-racial country. There's Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian (some Malaccan people are from Portuguese-descent with Christian names), Sabahan, Sarawakian and others. It’s usually Malay-Malaysian or Chinese-Malaysian. Names for Malaysian are virtually endless and all Don come up with was Indonesian-like names. Shame.
If anyone has been in Malaysia should know, to find a real native of Malaccan Malaysian with Indonesian name is rare unless they came from Kampung Jawa in Malacca. Most of Malay in Malaysia uses Arabic names because by law, ALL of them are Islam.
And I had to Google the word "Un hum del Allah" just to know what the word mean and found it mean nothing but gibberish with the word Allah and defined as "Praise to God" in Arabic which obviously made the writer didn't even read or wiki-ed anything about Islam.
Real Islamic extremist is scary. Their motives are usually selfish even when they think they are not, their followers are usually gullible and brainwashed and most are unafraid on harming everyone even their own woman and children. They adored anything from middle east and always cite a twisted version Al-Quran verses as their motives since islam extremist are generally religion-obsessed like any other psycho and hated anything and EVERYTHING related to the west and most importantly, they won’t ever drink wine. Wine is ridiculously expensive in SEA and rare and even putting the scenes of terrorist drinking wine is already ridiculous.
This book is very predictable and for a fiction it lack imagination in some areas like characterization, prose, and wordings but totally imaginative in geographical and factual areas. It’s like Twilight. Only it’s not about vampire.
June 29, 2019
Although I am heavily displeased with the religion bashing, I love the fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that I am so used to reading.
March 18, 2011
At 7% into the eBook version, I find myself scratching my head wondering which of the 10+ characters (and almost as many view points) is the main character(s). I haven't connected with any of them and nothing in the story gripped my attention enough to propel me forward. I strongly dislike books that are scattered and jump around too much in the beginning. After a Prologue, Chapter 1, and part way through Chapter 2, I should be connecting with some character and it should be more than clear who is the main character.
So, besides being character confused, I also found the writing style to be a bit redundant at times. For example, in the Prologue, one character says "whose common mindset is the same as ours." If someone is of a "common mindset" doesn't that mean they think like the speaker?
In Chapter 1, there is a scene with a hotel clerk and a doctor. I was completely confused to what that scene had to do with the story. It introduced two new characters and didn't seem to have anything to do with the events, people, or places previously introduced. I'm sure there was some purpose, but it seemed disconnected from the other scenes and didn't give me the element of suspense that I was looking for. Perhaps it would have served better as a flashback or reflection elsewhere? Or perhaps relayed through dialog with the main character?
Unfortunately, I won't be reading further, as I'm not captured by the hook.
So, besides being character confused, I also found the writing style to be a bit redundant at times. For example, in the Prologue, one character says "whose common mindset is the same as ours." If someone is of a "common mindset" doesn't that mean they think like the speaker?
In Chapter 1, there is a scene with a hotel clerk and a doctor. I was completely confused to what that scene had to do with the story. It introduced two new characters and didn't seem to have anything to do with the events, people, or places previously introduced. I'm sure there was some purpose, but it seemed disconnected from the other scenes and didn't give me the element of suspense that I was looking for. Perhaps it would have served better as a flashback or reflection elsewhere? Or perhaps relayed through dialog with the main character?
Unfortunately, I won't be reading further, as I'm not captured by the hook.
February 29, 2012
couldn't Finish this book, too religiously motivated. and as a previous poster has said - a lot of it is just plopped in there (was there a quota to be met as to how often characters found strength in Jesus?)
and although the Christian aspect doesn't go as far as propaganda, the blatant anti-Islam/Muslim was absolutely not palatable. obviously, with terrorism ostensibly the Muslim community's manifesto (each and every one of them, evidently) the Muslims are perfect villains, and perfect foils to the god lovin' amuricans. but each and every generalization was used liberally to the point of being ridiculous.
I gave it two stars even without finishing the book, because it COULD have been a great yarn, had the racism not put me completely off.
wish the Christian element had been mentioned in the overview of the book. even though it was free, had I known that I wouldn't have bothered. I like my political intrigue with violence, clever dialogue, sex and nifty weapons. not lots of prayer.
moreover, there were lots of "gimme a break!" moments in this. don't want to spoil, but having read the tall dark and dangerous series (ahem) I know enough about navy seals to know they don't let middle aged lawyers participate in missions just so they can keep an eye on their woman.
eta: changed to one star. wish it could reflect negative star.
and although the Christian aspect doesn't go as far as propaganda, the blatant anti-Islam/Muslim was absolutely not palatable. obviously, with terrorism ostensibly the Muslim community's manifesto (each and every one of them, evidently) the Muslims are perfect villains, and perfect foils to the god lovin' amuricans. but each and every generalization was used liberally to the point of being ridiculous.
I gave it two stars even without finishing the book, because it COULD have been a great yarn, had the racism not put me completely off.
wish the Christian element had been mentioned in the overview of the book. even though it was free, had I known that I wouldn't have bothered. I like my political intrigue with violence, clever dialogue, sex and nifty weapons. not lots of prayer.
moreover, there were lots of "gimme a break!" moments in this. don't want to spoil, but having read the tall dark and dangerous series (ahem) I know enough about navy seals to know they don't let middle aged lawyers participate in missions just so they can keep an eye on their woman.
eta: changed to one star. wish it could reflect negative star.
December 19, 2017
I feel a bit bad saying this, because this book was given to me as a gift, but it should be taken out of print. Not only is the writing poor, but the story is stereotypical and racist. It's the white American Christians saving the world from the brown Malaysian Muslims... and the author obviously did no research into what actual Muslims believe. His 'devout' Muslim characters are all drinking alcohol and associating with unrelated people of the opposite gender in private situations - two examples that are both against core Muslim beliefs. Beyond his atrocious treatment of Muslim culture, religion and characters, his romance is cheesy, his plot is slow and boring, and he throws God into the mix at the weirdest times. I'm not against literature that incorporates spirituality (believe me, I write and include spirituality in my own plots and characters), but it still needs to be well done. This book is a prime example of why religious publishers and authors need to reach outside of their churches and their ethnocentric worldviews for feedback - literally anyone with a drop of education could have told them how terrible this book is.
December 25, 2015
I enjoyed the book especially because it deals with real life terrorism. It did become predictable about half way through. A twist in the story would have been good so it wouldn't have been such an obvious ending
June 4, 2020
I enjoyed the book a lot and learned a lot about that part of our world. I loved the fact that I could read this book and not have the foul language typical of so many. I liked that Christianity could be part of the book - possibly played up a little too much. The romantic parts between Zach and Chris seemed to be thrown in at the oddest places - for example in the helicopter on a Navy Seal mission, and she's thinking how good looking he is?? SPOILER ALERT - And the wedding proposal at the end in front of the President was just too much for me - too over the top!
March 13, 2019
I really wish Don Brown would write novels more often as I believe I have now read all of them. The Malacca Conspiracy was yet another edge-of-your-seat military thriller, with Zach Brown and Diane Colcernian playing smaller, yet still important roles. It involved threats of nuclear war, Indonesia, the United States, as well as a few other countries in scenarios that really weren't farfetched at all. An excellent, gripping read!
February 8, 2024
The Malacca Conspiracy is the well written fifth book in the Navy Justice Collection. Power hungry forces in Indonesia use religion to forward their evil agenda and the result is horrific with chaos and international tensions. Meanwhile the story of Zack and Diane continues in a mix of love and war. The storyline and characters are well developed with a lot of suspense and courtroom drama. This is an excellent five star sequel.
May 14, 2018
3.5 Stars - This is another book that started slow, but picked up the pace towards the end. I feel that you need to plod through the first half of the book only find the ride in the second half is fantastic, couldn't put the story down...
January 25, 2022
Star spangled garbage.
Thought I bought a book by DAN Brown. Decided to read it and wished I hadn't. If I hadn't already paid for it I wouldn't have made it past the 1st chapter. Don't waste your money .
Thought I bought a book by DAN Brown. Decided to read it and wished I hadn't. If I hadn't already paid for it I wouldn't have made it past the 1st chapter. Don't waste your money .
June 24, 2024
a gripping thriller
Don Brown has written a very good thriller. Each twist and turn makes you anticipate the next move in the complex geo political war between a despot and the US president and military. It is a page turner.
Don Brown has written a very good thriller. Each twist and turn makes you anticipate the next move in the complex geo political war between a despot and the US president and military. It is a page turner.
January 21, 2018
Thrilling
Story was thrilling but predictable. The names for the Malaysian characters have to researched more. Nevertheless it was still an exciting read.
Story was thrilling but predictable. The names for the Malaysian characters have to researched more. Nevertheless it was still an exciting read.
February 13, 2018
American Hero
The story of pending US disaster broken up by quick thinking military heroes. Fast paced and easy read. Enjoyable for those who like military espionage.
The story of pending US disaster broken up by quick thinking military heroes. Fast paced and easy read. Enjoyable for those who like military espionage.
May 30, 2018
Great read.
I would read it again . The end was most unusual. I had a hard time putting it down That says enough.
GOD Bless America
I would read it again . The end was most unusual. I had a hard time putting it down That says enough.
GOD Bless America
March 25, 2019
Great book !!!
April 3, 2019
A big fan. Enjoyed it immensely.
August 14, 2019
Very good
Great plot and characters . Looking forward to more stories by this author. Think this was one of the best..
Great plot and characters . Looking forward to more stories by this author. Think this was one of the best..
October 8, 2019
It is a nice storey of terrorism and all other tales, Sets in Aian and other American countries. It goes on exploring some of the hidden facts about this world.
February 28, 2021
This was my second time reading the book. It was as good a read as the first time.
December 18, 2025
Greatly riveting!!
Great setting at beginning of chapters. It is so easy to follow when there are so many different happenings. One of my favorite!!
Great setting at beginning of chapters. It is so easy to follow when there are so many different happenings. One of my favorite!!
July 8, 2015
On the back cover it says, “Hang on...and hold your breath!" - they weren’t kidding!! Action happens from the very first chapter and doesn’t stop until the end. I’m grateful to have received a review copy of a book that shows evil losing and the people fighting back the darkness, for the sake of freedom and safety for all.
It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of this author's writing technique. Don Brown’s style keeps the reader engaged and keeps them on track by noting the location a scene taking place. For example, it might say 'Rasa Sentosa Resort, Sentosa Island, Singapore 11:16a.m.', which helps ensure the reader’s mind is set for the situation ahead.
This author masterfully weaves together a chilling, action adventure story told from a panorama of different points of view. I was astounded at how Don Brown wrote all these scenes from different parts of the world and kept it all on track. It was like watching a movie and having it smoothly pan from one event to the next, connecting them all seamlessly. I loved it!
This author shows evil being unleashed on this planet by people who would do unimaginable things to themselves, and others who achieved their goal! Most of these deeds are unbelievable to our way of thinking and were quite chilling to read. Don Brown served five years in the U.S. Navy and “gained an exceptional vantage point of both Navy and the inner workings of 'inside-the-beltway' political operations as an action officer assigned to the Pentagon.” This explains his insider point of view and how he took the reader behind closed doors in meetings with the President and the Security Council, while planning the next military action.
Don lays out a terrorist attack, a surprise to many, and a global nightmare for all. What does it look like when a mad man takes power and has several nuclear war heads at his disposal, then starts making demands?
Don Brown brings back two of his favorite characters from The Navy Justice series, Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian, to help catch the person masterminding these attacks at sea. Zack and Diane are sent to the front lines to gather clues in helping catch the evil doer and uncover where the next attack would take place.
Robert Molster – N.Y. Merchantile exchange, is contacted to advise of any unusual activity at the stock exchange market that might shed light on the group behind these brutal attacks. Robert documents how one sect made $40 billion overnight. “They could buy a ton of nuclear weapons for forty billion…if somebody was willing to sell...my guess is for that kind of money, they could find a seller!” It was scary and fascinating how the stock market could be manipulated and used to fund terrorist attacks.
Also, it was intriguing, and a little scary, to read how information is gathered and told to the president and his counsel, so they can come up with a counter-attack. This author was a believer in the White House.
Mark Williams is president and the bible verse he is standing on is in Philippians, “anxious about nothing, but in all things bring your petitions and requests to God. And the peace of God, that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
He addresses the nation and says, “Islamo-fascists may have temporarily bruised us, evil cannot, and shall not, ever quench the heart and the spirit of America. We are grateful to God almighty that we still live as a nation.”
Don Brown has a gift for getting into the skin of whoever’s point of view he’s writing from. I was drawn into all the scenes he wrote about, even he minor ones. It’s amazing how our military has to be on alert 24/7, looking at things differently than you and I do. I also understood why things are kept top secret and current info isn’t broadcast on the nightly news. There would be so much panic and people would be paranoid of everyone around them, it would create such havoc. It was unnerving how many years the evil ones planned their attacks. And, sleepers are activated by a phone call to perform the evil task at hand.
This novel was one thrill ride full of action, suspense, drama and some romance. It was definitely entertaining and scary to think how many of these things could happen in current time. It also reminded me to pray more for our military, the people that run our country and for our President. This was a book that made you think and appreciate our government and our military, and to get on our knees to pray for our nation. I can’t wait to read another book by this master storyteller.
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 blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
It took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm of this author's writing technique. Don Brown’s style keeps the reader engaged and keeps them on track by noting the location a scene taking place. For example, it might say 'Rasa Sentosa Resort, Sentosa Island, Singapore 11:16a.m.', which helps ensure the reader’s mind is set for the situation ahead.
This author masterfully weaves together a chilling, action adventure story told from a panorama of different points of view. I was astounded at how Don Brown wrote all these scenes from different parts of the world and kept it all on track. It was like watching a movie and having it smoothly pan from one event to the next, connecting them all seamlessly. I loved it!
This author shows evil being unleashed on this planet by people who would do unimaginable things to themselves, and others who achieved their goal! Most of these deeds are unbelievable to our way of thinking and were quite chilling to read. Don Brown served five years in the U.S. Navy and “gained an exceptional vantage point of both Navy and the inner workings of 'inside-the-beltway' political operations as an action officer assigned to the Pentagon.” This explains his insider point of view and how he took the reader behind closed doors in meetings with the President and the Security Council, while planning the next military action.
Don lays out a terrorist attack, a surprise to many, and a global nightmare for all. What does it look like when a mad man takes power and has several nuclear war heads at his disposal, then starts making demands?
Don Brown brings back two of his favorite characters from The Navy Justice series, Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian, to help catch the person masterminding these attacks at sea. Zack and Diane are sent to the front lines to gather clues in helping catch the evil doer and uncover where the next attack would take place.
Robert Molster – N.Y. Merchantile exchange, is contacted to advise of any unusual activity at the stock exchange market that might shed light on the group behind these brutal attacks. Robert documents how one sect made $40 billion overnight. “They could buy a ton of nuclear weapons for forty billion…if somebody was willing to sell...my guess is for that kind of money, they could find a seller!” It was scary and fascinating how the stock market could be manipulated and used to fund terrorist attacks.
Also, it was intriguing, and a little scary, to read how information is gathered and told to the president and his counsel, so they can come up with a counter-attack. This author was a believer in the White House.
Mark Williams is president and the bible verse he is standing on is in Philippians, “anxious about nothing, but in all things bring your petitions and requests to God. And the peace of God, that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
He addresses the nation and says, “Islamo-fascists may have temporarily bruised us, evil cannot, and shall not, ever quench the heart and the spirit of America. We are grateful to God almighty that we still live as a nation.”
Don Brown has a gift for getting into the skin of whoever’s point of view he’s writing from. I was drawn into all the scenes he wrote about, even he minor ones. It’s amazing how our military has to be on alert 24/7, looking at things differently than you and I do. I also understood why things are kept top secret and current info isn’t broadcast on the nightly news. There would be so much panic and people would be paranoid of everyone around them, it would create such havoc. It was unnerving how many years the evil ones planned their attacks. And, sleepers are activated by a phone call to perform the evil task at hand.
This novel was one thrill ride full of action, suspense, drama and some romance. It was definitely entertaining and scary to think how many of these things could happen in current time. It also reminded me to pray more for our military, the people that run our country and for our President. This was a book that made you think and appreciate our government and our military, and to get on our knees to pray for our nation. I can’t wait to read another book by this master storyteller.
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 blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
June 29, 2015
I had the privilege of interviewing Don Brown, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for his new book, "The Malacca Conspiracy" published by Zondervan.
From The Back Cover: A bone-chilling tale of terrorism on the high seas
In a lightning-paced thriller of political assassination and terrorism on the high seas. "The Malacca Conspiracy" will whisk you from Singapore to Indonesia, from Malaysia to Washington. A whirlwind mix of love, war, and high-stakes geopolitical roulette, for Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian-- your favorite JAG characters from Don Brown's bestselling Navy Justice Series--it's the last chance for a longstanding romance that is now or never.
Against the exotic background of the Straits of Malacca, a daring plot is hatched to finance a nuclear attack against American cities, and Zack and Diane are thrust into the midst of a sizzling race against the clock to foil the conspiracy before disaster strikes.
The President of the United States orders ships of the U.S. Seventh Fleet towards the Malacca Straights to reassert control over the sea lanes, but with time quickly ticking away, will they arrive in time for Zack and Diane to survive this dangerous and final high-stakes drama of life and death?
Hang on...and hold your breath!
In between Indonesia and Malaysia there is the Strait of Malacca with the idea being that this very important shipping lane is a choke point and if it is bottled up then the repercussions would be disastrous. Don Brown works from the idea that, in the future, there is a general in Indonesia, which is a Muslim country, that feels that the then president of Indonesia is dealing too much with The United States and needs to be removed. The only way, of course, is by assassination and this general also feels that the U.S. needs to be taught a lesson so he goes and gets a few nuclear suitcase bombs to explode in certain cities in America.
While this book is not a part of the Naval Justice series that introduced Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian this book does have them playing a large role in the development and outcome of the story. Don Brown has written a perfect thriller, all the characters are in deadly danger from the first word and continue to be so until the last few pages.
"The Malacca Conspiracy" is a work of fiction set in the near future yet it also has the potential of becoming true as terrorism will increase across the planet with those that aid Israel the target of their anger. The Bible clearly states that nations will rise against nations so the events depicted here could become future headlines. We need to read this book for enjoyment purposes, and it is enjoyable, but we also need to have a Biblical mindset and pray for our nations to keep disaster to a minimum. I never had the chance to read the other four books written by Don Brown I will make up for this oversight very quickly, and I look forward to the next book with enthusiasm. I recommend it highly.
If you missed the interview for "The Malacca Conspiracy" and would like to listen to it and/or listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. 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.”
From The Back Cover: A bone-chilling tale of terrorism on the high seas
In a lightning-paced thriller of political assassination and terrorism on the high seas. "The Malacca Conspiracy" will whisk you from Singapore to Indonesia, from Malaysia to Washington. A whirlwind mix of love, war, and high-stakes geopolitical roulette, for Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian-- your favorite JAG characters from Don Brown's bestselling Navy Justice Series--it's the last chance for a longstanding romance that is now or never.
Against the exotic background of the Straits of Malacca, a daring plot is hatched to finance a nuclear attack against American cities, and Zack and Diane are thrust into the midst of a sizzling race against the clock to foil the conspiracy before disaster strikes.
The President of the United States orders ships of the U.S. Seventh Fleet towards the Malacca Straights to reassert control over the sea lanes, but with time quickly ticking away, will they arrive in time for Zack and Diane to survive this dangerous and final high-stakes drama of life and death?
Hang on...and hold your breath!
In between Indonesia and Malaysia there is the Strait of Malacca with the idea being that this very important shipping lane is a choke point and if it is bottled up then the repercussions would be disastrous. Don Brown works from the idea that, in the future, there is a general in Indonesia, which is a Muslim country, that feels that the then president of Indonesia is dealing too much with The United States and needs to be removed. The only way, of course, is by assassination and this general also feels that the U.S. needs to be taught a lesson so he goes and gets a few nuclear suitcase bombs to explode in certain cities in America.
While this book is not a part of the Naval Justice series that introduced Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian this book does have them playing a large role in the development and outcome of the story. Don Brown has written a perfect thriller, all the characters are in deadly danger from the first word and continue to be so until the last few pages.
"The Malacca Conspiracy" is a work of fiction set in the near future yet it also has the potential of becoming true as terrorism will increase across the planet with those that aid Israel the target of their anger. The Bible clearly states that nations will rise against nations so the events depicted here could become future headlines. We need to read this book for enjoyment purposes, and it is enjoyable, but we also need to have a Biblical mindset and pray for our nations to keep disaster to a minimum. I never had the chance to read the other four books written by Don Brown I will make up for this oversight very quickly, and I look forward to the next book with enthusiasm. I recommend it highly.
If you missed the interview for "The Malacca Conspiracy" and would like to listen to it and/or listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan. 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.”
August 26, 2010
The back flap of the book misleads you to think the story will focus on Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian—two JAG officers from Don Browns’ Previous Navy Justice Series. I almost believed this book would come from two points of view, possibly three if you count the enemy, but the book is unique in that it focuses almost totally on The Malacca Conspiracy and less on the personal lives of Zack and Diane. It does not follow along the lines of some formula type stories and the book is well researched.
Don Brown served five years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. He served as an action officer to the Pentagon and left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice. He remained on inactive status through 1999 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He wrote The Navy Justice Series (Treason, Hostage, Defiance, and Black Sea Affair; the last book apparently predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia).
The book is broken up by chapter and written in a time line. Several points of view might confuse some, but the time line makes it easy to transition from one point of view to another character’s point of view without causing a pause in the action. This book keeps your heart pumping and at times you hold your breath in anticipation or fear. It is believable and possibly conceivable. You fear you might actually see this happen in our time. There are maps, and the conspiracy itself is well thought out. Zack and Diane’s story is peppered in between as a subplot. You don’t mind that their story is only a subplot because the action does not disappoint. I sat back after reading the last page and could only mutter, “Wow.”
Book provided by Zondervan Publishing for review purposes and by BlogTourSpot.com.
The Malacca Conspiracy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
Don Brown served five years in the U.S. Navy as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. He served as an action officer to the Pentagon and left active duty in 1992 to pursue private practice. He remained on inactive status through 1999 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He wrote The Navy Justice Series (Treason, Hostage, Defiance, and Black Sea Affair; the last book apparently predicted the 2008 shooting war between Russia and Georgia).
The book is broken up by chapter and written in a time line. Several points of view might confuse some, but the time line makes it easy to transition from one point of view to another character’s point of view without causing a pause in the action. This book keeps your heart pumping and at times you hold your breath in anticipation or fear. It is believable and possibly conceivable. You fear you might actually see this happen in our time. There are maps, and the conspiracy itself is well thought out. Zack and Diane’s story is peppered in between as a subplot. You don’t mind that their story is only a subplot because the action does not disappoint. I sat back after reading the last page and could only mutter, “Wow.”
Book provided by Zondervan Publishing for review purposes and by BlogTourSpot.com.
The Malacca Conspiracy on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
April 23, 2011
A pair of oil tankers in the Malacca Strait in Indonesia is targeted by terrorists aiming at destroying America’s economy through control of this crucial waterway and subsequent oil pricing. One tanker explodes, resulting in not only the destruction of fire but also the ecological horror of millions of gallons of crude oil spilled around these islands. Navy JAG officer Zack Brewer, recently assigned to the area as Naval attaché to the American Ambassador in Indonesia is tasked with finding the perpetrators before they can unleash even greater devastation on the area as well as on America. Naval attaché to the ambassador in Singapore, Diane Colcernian, is named as his partner.
Between the two of them they survive a bombing of a resort, getting shot down in a Navy helicopter, the fire of a suicide-bomber-doctor who takes out the Indonesian president, and a nuclear bomb exploded as a test on a nearby island. Then they must rush to find the perpetrators before they can unleash nuclear holocaust in American cities, including Washington DC. Through it all they rediscover a love they thought was lost and is culminated in a wedding most people can only dream of.
The Malacca Conspiracy is the fifth in Brown’s Navy Justice series. This former JAG officer knows the business and writes an excellent story that holds the reader spellbound from Prolog to Epilog. His Christian views are never preachy, they‘re just a normal part of the characters’ thinking and behavioral processes, making the message as natural as real life.
I read this book of the series first, but I’m buying the rest and reading them in order.
Between the two of them they survive a bombing of a resort, getting shot down in a Navy helicopter, the fire of a suicide-bomber-doctor who takes out the Indonesian president, and a nuclear bomb exploded as a test on a nearby island. Then they must rush to find the perpetrators before they can unleash nuclear holocaust in American cities, including Washington DC. Through it all they rediscover a love they thought was lost and is culminated in a wedding most people can only dream of.
The Malacca Conspiracy is the fifth in Brown’s Navy Justice series. This former JAG officer knows the business and writes an excellent story that holds the reader spellbound from Prolog to Epilog. His Christian views are never preachy, they‘re just a normal part of the characters’ thinking and behavioral processes, making the message as natural as real life.
I read this book of the series first, but I’m buying the rest and reading them in order.
Read
October 3, 2019Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian, Navy JAGS, meet up again in The Malacca Conspiracy, a timely novel of terrorist thriller action. Moving from Indonesia to the United States, a conspiracy unveils itself at a swift and deadly pace once oil tankers are rammed in the sea traffic lanes. However, this is only the beginning as bombings, political assassinations, espionage, and murders coincide as a group of zealots emerges from an unexpected coup. Zack and Diane are trying to reconcile their relationship begun in the Navy Justice Series, yet staying alive amid the chaos overrules any romance they hope to find in usually friendly and beautiful Indonesia.
Previous to penning novels, Don Brown served in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the Navy, and brings his experience and knowledge to his novel. The writing rings with authenticity, with its references to technical and insider information. On the other hand, the complicated plot and the continual breakaway style begins to wear thin quickly and the promising storyline dwindles to that of a movie script style read. The resolution is predicable, if not over-dramatic. For those who are looking for Tom Clancy style storylines and don’t mind multiple sub-plots, then this could be a book to audition for the read stack. Although a stand alone read, it might be helpful to read the Navy Justice Series to fully comprehend the dynamics between Zack and Diane.
Previous to penning novels, Don Brown served in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the Navy, and brings his experience and knowledge to his novel. The writing rings with authenticity, with its references to technical and insider information. On the other hand, the complicated plot and the continual breakaway style begins to wear thin quickly and the promising storyline dwindles to that of a movie script style read. The resolution is predicable, if not over-dramatic. For those who are looking for Tom Clancy style storylines and don’t mind multiple sub-plots, then this could be a book to audition for the read stack. Although a stand alone read, it might be helpful to read the Navy Justice Series to fully comprehend the dynamics between Zack and Diane.
April 10, 2012
I absolutely liked this read. Like many other reviewers, I didn't care for the fact there are just way too many characters to follow... but outside of that I found the story, given the times and worldly sentiment, quite plausible.
I have many Muslim friends from the beautiful nations involved in this book, and could never see the fine folks in the countries surrounding the Malacca straight to ever do such a thing... but the plausibility comes in that they are indeed followers of Islam, as within all nations and religions (the US and Christianity alike) there are radicals who wish to greatly turn the world upon itself in the name of whichever god the choose to pray to that day.
It's a work of fiction, and I don't subscribe to all the pro-this or anti-that rhetoric that many reviewers call foul. It's an entertaining story that came about in a time where unfortunately, to a degree of folks in the west, demonize all those who follow Islam. It's a story that is right with the times for it's intended audience, and I'm sure that's all the author and publisher could ask for.
It's an easy equation... US Politics + Islamic extremists + Navy SEALs + Nukes + backdrop of amazing South Eastern countries (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) = awesome story.
If you liked this book, Allah's Scorpion by David Hagberg would be a great compliment.
I have many Muslim friends from the beautiful nations involved in this book, and could never see the fine folks in the countries surrounding the Malacca straight to ever do such a thing... but the plausibility comes in that they are indeed followers of Islam, as within all nations and religions (the US and Christianity alike) there are radicals who wish to greatly turn the world upon itself in the name of whichever god the choose to pray to that day.
It's a work of fiction, and I don't subscribe to all the pro-this or anti-that rhetoric that many reviewers call foul. It's an entertaining story that came about in a time where unfortunately, to a degree of folks in the west, demonize all those who follow Islam. It's a story that is right with the times for it's intended audience, and I'm sure that's all the author and publisher could ask for.
It's an easy equation... US Politics + Islamic extremists + Navy SEALs + Nukes + backdrop of amazing South Eastern countries (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) = awesome story.
If you liked this book, Allah's Scorpion by David Hagberg would be a great compliment.
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