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Omar: A Novel
GRAND PRIZE
BEST MYSTERY / THRILLER CATEGORY
THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW 2012 BEST INDIE BOOKS COMPETITION
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDS TM
SILVER AWARD for "BEST NEW VOICE--FICTION" CURRENTLY IN ADAPTATION FOR A MAJOR HOLLYWOOD SCREENPLAY! A FRIGHTENINGLY CREDIBLE, RIVETING, ACTION-ADVENTURE NOVEL! Craig O. Thompson's novel is an action-filled, suspense-thriller--intertwined with a blend of historical fiction--set in 1995... and 1910. Based on fact, OMAR is a literary novel of suspense and intrigue, where truth and myth come together to chronicle a triadic underwater race of epic proportions. Excessive greed, pride, world politics--and the sacrificing of values to accomplish greater ends--compete with the very real possibility of nuclear, biological or chemical terrorism's arrival on democratic shores.
London, England, 1910 to 1912. Two men--an antiquarian book dealer and the acclaimed official bookbinder and "illuminator" to His Majesty the King--commissioned and created "the most magnificent book binding in the world." While en route to its new owner, the RMS Titanic --carrying the binding and its courier--sank in the North Atlantic. And the gold-and-jewel-bound book was lost at sea. FACT OR FICTION?
Eighty-three years later, in 1995, the priceless book lay buried hundreds of miles out from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, at 2077 fathoms from the surface of the North Atlantic Ice Barrier. Terrorists, mercenary divers, and government agents rush to the site of the "illuminated" binding and other lost treasure... worth well over $30 million, if found. And the book becomes the primary object of an underwater race that could change the face of world politics... and strike fear in the heart of any democratic nation Circumstances set off a web of international intrigue, so frightening, that CIA's Colonel Bramson and FBI's decorated agent, Jennifer Nakamura, were jointly assigned to the project. Dr. Cary Parker, Woods Hole oceanographer and scientist--unwillingly drafted, by CIA, to beat both teams to the ship's location--had to choose between his belief that such "gravesite" treasures should be left untouched... versus mercenary beliefs of unscrupulous divers who would sell their souls to recover them. Having already faced death straight-on, at two and a half miles below sea-level, Parker was forced to decide whether the cause was just another CIA and FBI misadventure--or a truly dangerous time for democratic nations
BEST MYSTERY / THRILLER CATEGORY
THE KINDLE BOOK REVIEW 2012 BEST INDIE BOOKS COMPETITION
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARDS TM
SILVER AWARD for "BEST NEW VOICE--FICTION" CURRENTLY IN ADAPTATION FOR A MAJOR HOLLYWOOD SCREENPLAY! A FRIGHTENINGLY CREDIBLE, RIVETING, ACTION-ADVENTURE NOVEL! Craig O. Thompson's novel is an action-filled, suspense-thriller--intertwined with a blend of historical fiction--set in 1995... and 1910. Based on fact, OMAR is a literary novel of suspense and intrigue, where truth and myth come together to chronicle a triadic underwater race of epic proportions. Excessive greed, pride, world politics--and the sacrificing of values to accomplish greater ends--compete with the very real possibility of nuclear, biological or chemical terrorism's arrival on democratic shores.
London, England, 1910 to 1912. Two men--an antiquarian book dealer and the acclaimed official bookbinder and "illuminator" to His Majesty the King--commissioned and created "the most magnificent book binding in the world." While en route to its new owner, the RMS Titanic --carrying the binding and its courier--sank in the North Atlantic. And the gold-and-jewel-bound book was lost at sea. FACT OR FICTION?
Eighty-three years later, in 1995, the priceless book lay buried hundreds of miles out from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, at 2077 fathoms from the surface of the North Atlantic Ice Barrier. Terrorists, mercenary divers, and government agents rush to the site of the "illuminated" binding and other lost treasure... worth well over $30 million, if found. And the book becomes the primary object of an underwater race that could change the face of world politics... and strike fear in the heart of any democratic nation Circumstances set off a web of international intrigue, so frightening, that CIA's Colonel Bramson and FBI's decorated agent, Jennifer Nakamura, were jointly assigned to the project. Dr. Cary Parker, Woods Hole oceanographer and scientist--unwillingly drafted, by CIA, to beat both teams to the ship's location--had to choose between his belief that such "gravesite" treasures should be left untouched... versus mercenary beliefs of unscrupulous divers who would sell their souls to recover them. Having already faced death straight-on, at two and a half miles below sea-level, Parker was forced to decide whether the cause was just another CIA and FBI misadventure--or a truly dangerous time for democratic nations
624 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 30, 2012
Craig O. Thompson has magnificently written a story based on historical fact overflowing with suspense and intrigue. It is apparent after reading “Omar” why the author is the International Benjamin Franklin award-winner of the Silver Award for Best New Voice - Fiction.
Worldwide terrorism with a magnitude of deadly consequences was set into motion in 1995 aboard the remains of RMS Titanic. Dr. Cary Parker an oceanographer and specialist at the Smithsonian Institute is called upon to challenge the terrorists and beat them at their own game. A terrorist organization is after a priceless treasure called The Great Omar buried amongst the ruins of the Titanic. The FBI and CIA join forces to rescue this priceless treasure before the terrorists get their hands on it. What follows is a complex and indescribable journey filled with suspense and drama that held me firmly in its grasp.
Dr. Cary Parker is a character that has vowed to protect the sanctity of the Titanic wreckage and wrestles with his involvement in this operation. He is a devoted family man and a trusted, loyal and well respected friend and colleague. He is a remarkable character that is very realistic and I could relate to him on a human level.
Jennifer Nakamura a decorated FBI agent is assigned to the project to aid Dr. Parker. She is an extremely confident, strong, loyal and well placed character that plays an essential part in this story. The remaining casts of characters are extremely well thought-out and presented in a way that is truly believable and frightening.
This story places the spotlight on world politics and the sacrifice of a person’s personal values all in the name of greed. The dialogue in this book is intelligently written and very thought provoking. The wealth of information provided by the author is interesting, informative and definitely kept me wanting to read more.
It is absolutely apparent that a great deal of knowledge, research and time went into the writing of this book. I learned a great deal reading this book and at the same time was totally taken in with the story and the characters. Especially poignant to me were the recollections and facts about the Titanic.
“Omar” is truly a journey of suspense, intrigue and mystery that is a MUST READ for all readers. I highly recommend it for the extraordinary and descriptive writing, excellent characters and circumstances and a tremendous story-line that delivers a wealth of knowledge and held me hostage throughout.
Worldwide terrorism with a magnitude of deadly consequences was set into motion in 1995 aboard the remains of RMS Titanic. Dr. Cary Parker an oceanographer and specialist at the Smithsonian Institute is called upon to challenge the terrorists and beat them at their own game. A terrorist organization is after a priceless treasure called The Great Omar buried amongst the ruins of the Titanic. The FBI and CIA join forces to rescue this priceless treasure before the terrorists get their hands on it. What follows is a complex and indescribable journey filled with suspense and drama that held me firmly in its grasp.
Dr. Cary Parker is a character that has vowed to protect the sanctity of the Titanic wreckage and wrestles with his involvement in this operation. He is a devoted family man and a trusted, loyal and well respected friend and colleague. He is a remarkable character that is very realistic and I could relate to him on a human level.
Jennifer Nakamura a decorated FBI agent is assigned to the project to aid Dr. Parker. She is an extremely confident, strong, loyal and well placed character that plays an essential part in this story. The remaining casts of characters are extremely well thought-out and presented in a way that is truly believable and frightening.
This story places the spotlight on world politics and the sacrifice of a person’s personal values all in the name of greed. The dialogue in this book is intelligently written and very thought provoking. The wealth of information provided by the author is interesting, informative and definitely kept me wanting to read more.
It is absolutely apparent that a great deal of knowledge, research and time went into the writing of this book. I learned a great deal reading this book and at the same time was totally taken in with the story and the characters. Especially poignant to me were the recollections and facts about the Titanic.
“Omar” is truly a journey of suspense, intrigue and mystery that is a MUST READ for all readers. I highly recommend it for the extraordinary and descriptive writing, excellent characters and circumstances and a tremendous story-line that delivers a wealth of knowledge and held me hostage throughout.
July 22, 2012
OMAR is a Thriller with a capital T
I love reading exciting books that keep me on the edge of my seat. This one has it all: a treasure hunt, crazed terrorists, car chases, kidnapping, deep sea diving, and the Titanic! Craig O. Thompson didn’t miss any bases when writing this thriller and his description of a terrorist attack was almost too real. The paperback version of the book was originally published a month before the events of 9/11! In Thompson’s book the terrorists are scary—determined to kill with insane hatred and cruelty. I frankly had to skip a few of the more grisly scenes but braver souls will appreciate the imagination and research of a talented author.
The novel’s main hero, Cary Parker was a member of the team of scientists who discovered the Titanic and explored the wreck. Although he pledged never to bring up relics from the Titanic gravesite, the government gets intelligence that terrorists plan to retrieve treasure to finance future attacks. The Great Omar is a valuable rare book with jewels embedded in the leather binding. If the book is still intact, the masterpiece could finance heinous terrorist attacks. Parker reluctantly agrees to retrieve the treasure—and then the terrorists target him!
Readers of this very well-written novel learn about the intricate process of book binding and go back in time to meet the artist who created the masterpiece as well as the passengers who died protecting the book. Back to modern times, Thompson describes the technical aspects of diving inside a high-tech submersible as Parker dives to the wreck, resting in the black depths of freezing cold water. Several times I wondered how he knew all these things—the answer is comprehensive research.
If you enjoy reading adventures by Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Jack Higgins or Wilbur Smith, you need to buy this thriller! Thompson’s insight into terrorism is more relevant in today’s dangerous world, and we’d be lucky to have a man like Cary Parker on our side.
I love reading exciting books that keep me on the edge of my seat. This one has it all: a treasure hunt, crazed terrorists, car chases, kidnapping, deep sea diving, and the Titanic! Craig O. Thompson didn’t miss any bases when writing this thriller and his description of a terrorist attack was almost too real. The paperback version of the book was originally published a month before the events of 9/11! In Thompson’s book the terrorists are scary—determined to kill with insane hatred and cruelty. I frankly had to skip a few of the more grisly scenes but braver souls will appreciate the imagination and research of a talented author.
The novel’s main hero, Cary Parker was a member of the team of scientists who discovered the Titanic and explored the wreck. Although he pledged never to bring up relics from the Titanic gravesite, the government gets intelligence that terrorists plan to retrieve treasure to finance future attacks. The Great Omar is a valuable rare book with jewels embedded in the leather binding. If the book is still intact, the masterpiece could finance heinous terrorist attacks. Parker reluctantly agrees to retrieve the treasure—and then the terrorists target him!
Readers of this very well-written novel learn about the intricate process of book binding and go back in time to meet the artist who created the masterpiece as well as the passengers who died protecting the book. Back to modern times, Thompson describes the technical aspects of diving inside a high-tech submersible as Parker dives to the wreck, resting in the black depths of freezing cold water. Several times I wondered how he knew all these things—the answer is comprehensive research.
If you enjoy reading adventures by Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Jack Higgins or Wilbur Smith, you need to buy this thriller! Thompson’s insight into terrorism is more relevant in today’s dangerous world, and we’d be lucky to have a man like Cary Parker on our side.
September 6, 2012
SHARON'S REVIEW
This amazing thriller is set in 1995, and depicts the scary underbelly of our modern society. Although a work of fiction, there are many elements that mirror the turbulent times we now live in, where life is cheap, and terrorism runs rampant under the radar. Craig O Thompson exposes this frighteningly realistic underbelly in the bright lights of intelligent storytelling and deep research. An expert on terrorism, the author gives the reader insight into the minds of men from the Middle East who are willing to murder innocent Western non Islamic people, all in the name of Allah.
This tale follows the exploits of Cari Parker, an experienced oceanographer who is charged with the task of retrieving a priceless jewel encrusted book from the abyss that swallowed the Titanic, eighty three years earlier.
Suspense runs high as he tries to retrieve the precious artifact before an unexpected alliance of Middle Eastern terrorists, and the Japanese crime mob get to it first. Cari doesn't want to desecrate the watery grave of so many of the Titanic's passengers, but he can't let it get into the hands of those who would use it to fund a war against the Western world.
Mr. Thompson's style is so visual and exciting that this heart pumping drama will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last word. There is a detailed depiction of the Titanic's sinking that left this reader weeping for the needless loss of humanity. There is a high speed gun battle going the wrong way on a British freeway that results in a spectacular multi vehicle pile-up. There is a high tech battle on the high seas between two ships and four mini subs for possession of the book. It's been cursed since its publication – disaster follows wherever it goes. The ending will amaze you."
This novel is an absolute must read for Tom Clancy fans. Omar is every bit as exciting, full of suspense, and high tech toys as The Hunt for Red October. There are some unexpected plot twists that had me open mouthed in awe of the author's expertise with character analysis, setting and sheer story telling ability. I loved this novel. I absolutely intend to read it again in time, as I do with all my favourites. It would make an Oscar grade blockbuster movie. I would recommend this book to anyone old enough to follow the intricate twists and turns of the plot line.
The Masquerade Crew (http://s.tt/1lH8t)
This amazing thriller is set in 1995, and depicts the scary underbelly of our modern society. Although a work of fiction, there are many elements that mirror the turbulent times we now live in, where life is cheap, and terrorism runs rampant under the radar. Craig O Thompson exposes this frighteningly realistic underbelly in the bright lights of intelligent storytelling and deep research. An expert on terrorism, the author gives the reader insight into the minds of men from the Middle East who are willing to murder innocent Western non Islamic people, all in the name of Allah.
This tale follows the exploits of Cari Parker, an experienced oceanographer who is charged with the task of retrieving a priceless jewel encrusted book from the abyss that swallowed the Titanic, eighty three years earlier.
Suspense runs high as he tries to retrieve the precious artifact before an unexpected alliance of Middle Eastern terrorists, and the Japanese crime mob get to it first. Cari doesn't want to desecrate the watery grave of so many of the Titanic's passengers, but he can't let it get into the hands of those who would use it to fund a war against the Western world.
Mr. Thompson's style is so visual and exciting that this heart pumping drama will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last word. There is a detailed depiction of the Titanic's sinking that left this reader weeping for the needless loss of humanity. There is a high speed gun battle going the wrong way on a British freeway that results in a spectacular multi vehicle pile-up. There is a high tech battle on the high seas between two ships and four mini subs for possession of the book. It's been cursed since its publication – disaster follows wherever it goes. The ending will amaze you."
This novel is an absolute must read for Tom Clancy fans. Omar is every bit as exciting, full of suspense, and high tech toys as The Hunt for Red October. There are some unexpected plot twists that had me open mouthed in awe of the author's expertise with character analysis, setting and sheer story telling ability. I loved this novel. I absolutely intend to read it again in time, as I do with all my favourites. It would make an Oscar grade blockbuster movie. I would recommend this book to anyone old enough to follow the intricate twists and turns of the plot line.
The Masquerade Crew (http://s.tt/1lH8t)
November 24, 2013
“Omar: A Novel” by Craig O. Thompson is a story of intrigue, deceit, sunken treasure and history. Centered around the RMS Titanic and a book – “Rubyiat of Omar Khayyam”. The Great Omar is known worldwide as “the most magnificent book binding in the world”. This book was bound with a cover made with various leathers, rubies, pearls, ebony, silver, satinwood, gold and many other additional precious stones and metals. It was being transported from England to America on the Titanic. In the gravesite of rusted metal and forgotten souls at the bottom of the ocean lies a book now worth over $30 million.
Craig O. Thompson is an intellectual, a wordsmith, a researcher and a student of the craft of writing. “Omar: A Novel” is an intense mixture of these aspects of an author. Complex issues are explained in a way is viscerally entertaining. Yet subconsciously, the reader works through an intricate maze of interlocking facts and histories that seamlessly mesh with the fiction.
If you are looking for a read that will make you think, this is the perfect book for you. The characters are realistic, the scenes are rich, the word choice is adequately descriptive and the action is intense. You will learn as much about the illustrious world of high-end bookbinding as you will learn about the ease at which terrorism is a reality of our society. “Omar: A Novel” by Craig O. Thompson is a great read.
Read the whole JoeyPinkney.com Book Review http://h1t.it/1aR462F
Craig O. Thompson is an intellectual, a wordsmith, a researcher and a student of the craft of writing. “Omar: A Novel” is an intense mixture of these aspects of an author. Complex issues are explained in a way is viscerally entertaining. Yet subconsciously, the reader works through an intricate maze of interlocking facts and histories that seamlessly mesh with the fiction.
If you are looking for a read that will make you think, this is the perfect book for you. The characters are realistic, the scenes are rich, the word choice is adequately descriptive and the action is intense. You will learn as much about the illustrious world of high-end bookbinding as you will learn about the ease at which terrorism is a reality of our society. “Omar: A Novel” by Craig O. Thompson is a great read.
Read the whole JoeyPinkney.com Book Review http://h1t.it/1aR462F
April 23, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a VERY long book - perhaps a tad longer than it needed to be. The writing, the character development and story lines were all very good. The fact that the book was over-long and the basic premise of the book was highly improbable served to dampen my enthusiasm just a bit. Still, it was a fun read and I do recommend it.
December 22, 2015
Thought provoking, full of detail, and very current...the topic of terrorism is spot on.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews