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Frost of Heaven
An investigative journalist sets out to unravel the mystery of his father's disappearance three decades before and meets a woman as dangerous as she is beautiful. Together they share an exotic journey in search of a secret older than time.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1998
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October 2, 2017This slipcased hardcover edition is numbered 15 of 350 copies and is signed by Junius Podrug.
August 25, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this first novel by Junius Podrug. The premise of this uneven novel is about a man, Peter Novak, an American reporter seeking to solve the mysterious disappearance of his father, Duncan MacKinzie. MacKinzie is is his biological father who disappeared over the Himalayas during WW II. Since his father was an RAF pilot on an official mission, the British government (MI5) takes an interest in Novak's search. Early in his search, he crosses paths with a Tashi, a mysterious Indian female mystic with whom he shares a cab in London. After their brief encounter the two are strangely drawn to each other because of a soul 'connection.' This woman who is fleeing from someone is the key to the novel.
*SPOILERS*
The author mixes fantasy with intrigue and adds a dash of human drama. A human skull left by Tashi is the beginning of Peter's trouble. The woman is sought by Zhdanov (the Merchant of Death), a Russian paleontologist who has a connection with Peter's past. After the murder of an innocent man is committed, Peter is suspected of the crime by the police. He also finds himself drawn into a mystery regarding the skull which has religious importance to Tibetans and others. A 'casual' meeting with a priest, Father Decimus (an alcoholic) provides valuable information to Peter. Fr. Decimus reveals his past interaction with Peter's father and Shambala (Shangri-La), the birthplace of man and where the essence of God resides. The priest questions tenets of faith yet believes in God. In re-counting the perilous expedition into the Himalayas of the trio of Fr. Decimus; professor Zhdanov, a 'white' Russian scientist; and Dr. Poc, a Chinese alchemist met Duncan 30 years before, he reveals the myths of Shambala. He also relays the Tibetan beliefs and tale of Tashivaana. The priest tells Peter of the location of a map to Shambala kept in Calcutta.
Tashi is revealed to be a Tibetan queen and the revered Tashivaana. Her request for Peter's assistance in returning "the bones of God" (the skull), the ancient secret of Shambala, where all life began, and where the essence of God still dwells draws him further into the maze of mystery. Tashi is set up as a timeless woman of mystery who haunts Peter's heart and soul. In an effort to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance and the woman, Tashi, Peter travels to Calcutta in pursuit of her. But the tantalizing Tashi is less than willing to part with her secrets. The sojourn begins with a trip to Calcutta. There, Dr. Poc directs Peter to go to the Marble Palace museum in Calcutta to steal a golden 'Box of the Dead" with a map of an ancient Himalayan tomb on piece of skull. In doing that, Peter follows in his father's footsteps by defying pagan gods. Incredibly, Peter has no spiritual misgivings about defying the Hindu gods of Kali, Brahma, Vishnu, and Ganesha or fearing the law in his theft. His tireless journey becomes an obsession for the young man. He is driven to find the answers to his father’s disappearance and the dark secret of Shambala. There is strong resemblance to H. Rider Haggard's classic novel, 'She' that is evident in Peter's search and journey. The author (Podrug) does include quite a bit of Eastern mysticism by expounding the belief that the "bones of God" evinces a phenomenon of sunlight and mist called ``the frost of Heaven." The hidden powers of the mythical place is the treasure of Shambala. The author also shares the legend that the Tibetans are the children of The Monkey King and the She-Demon. Tashi is the one designated to fight the 'modern' demons of this world. She is protected by the High Lama and the other Buddhist priests of Shambala. Myth and legend are key to this fantasy tale which puts forward its own spin on history. Among those is the battle of good versus evil. Part of this is alternate versions of the 'three wisemen" and other historical religious events. Peter's drive to find answers to his father's disappearance 30 years earlier is complicated further because he must dodge Communist Chinese agents led by an assassin, Bagora who also seek the treasure and wisdom connected with it. One feels some concern but truthfully Peter is not someone the reader actually cares about. The secondary characters are two-dimensional, although Lo Fat, Peter's guide is a paradox of mixed loyalties. The best secondary characters were Dr. Poc and Father Decimus. Professor Zhdanov was too stereotypical and predictable while all the others were one dimensional characters.
It turns out that Duncan's mission over the unchartered Himalayas was sanctioned. The introduction of Nazi pursuers seemed odd but we are told that Duncan eluded and thwarted them in their quest for "the bones of god." His subsequent airplane crash resulted in Duncan suffering serious injuries. It was Tashi who found and the monks who nursed him back to health. His return to health and closeness to Tashi resulted in the two falling in love with Tashi. The forbidden love affair between Tashi and Duncan was halted by the monks who sought to protect her. Unfortunately, Tashi (the 32nd) is attacked by another who is punished by the lamas.
The jump back to the present time of Peter is uneven. Tashi is accused of evil behavior and reports of demons in the area added to doubts about Tashi who is later assaulted. A lurid and dark tale of an exorcism by Tibetan priests adds a preternatural bent to the novel but seems oddly inserted. Also, some characters are suddenly introduced of questionable nature and origin. Tashi's inter-action with with three women of different ideologies (Christian, Communist atheism, and Islam) seems odd given Tashi's deity status. Each stands firm in their beliefs but Tashi seems welcoming of the diversity of views. This injection of different faiths adds a New Age mix to this uneven tale. Tashi is presented as a woman confused about their faith base which seems impossible given she is represented as the re-incarnation of a Tibetan goddess.
The climatic end to this novel was confusing. In spite of obstacles and bandits, Peter and Father Decimus make it to Shambala. Peter is driven by a strong love for Tashi in his heart. Two events do cloud this impending reunion, the first is Lo Fat's erratic behavior and fate, and the second is the actions of Zhdanov's henchmen. Tashi (now fully Tashivaana) escapes peril and goes to Peter with a new revelation about her parentage. A hoped for reunion of the lovers (Pater and Tashi) faces one last threat from Bagora and Zhdanov who confronts Peter with a dark secret. The fate of Shambala is decided by Peter who learns of his 'father's' fate and character. Through a natural event and betrayal, the enemies and usurpers of 'the bones of god" in the sacred temple of Shambala are thwarted. A 'reunion' with his father but provides closure for Peter. The expected ending leaves one to think that Peter and Tashi has ended but . . .
The novel's set-up is engrossing and the author builds it up well with a dash of mystery and conspiracy. His narrative and reporter's eye propels his fantasy and adventure novel. Podrug's captivating and energetic writing style serves him well. There is a strong feeling of gloominess created by the author. His dialogue is crisp but his storyline heavily borrows from James Hilton's classic early-20th century novel, "The Lost Horizon." The author also has Peter allude to the Rudyard Kipling tale, "The Man Who Would Be King" to explain the avarice and contempt of western man over Asian mountain people. The supporting characters were too trite and superficial. The injection of different faith beliefs felt convoluted. Given that Buddhism was presented was unexpected. As a Christian, I do not believe in re-incarnation and while this is a fantasy novel, that pagan concept is prominent in this novel. It seems preposterous that a god would let people repeat a life multiple times in order to 'conquer one's short-comings. Nothing in this novel convinced me to believe or accept this flawed belief. The other point of contention / confusion for me was this uneven switch from past to present and back again. This was annoying and often broke the flow of the narrative. What I did like about Podrug's writing is his innate ability to describe other-worldly locales, exotic and legendary places, and the urban squalor. The author also wrote moving and sentimental scenes. Overall, this was an interesting read of a book that I have delayed reading for years. Having read it, I will likely never read this book, again.
*SPOILERS*
The author mixes fantasy with intrigue and adds a dash of human drama. A human skull left by Tashi is the beginning of Peter's trouble. The woman is sought by Zhdanov (the Merchant of Death), a Russian paleontologist who has a connection with Peter's past. After the murder of an innocent man is committed, Peter is suspected of the crime by the police. He also finds himself drawn into a mystery regarding the skull which has religious importance to Tibetans and others. A 'casual' meeting with a priest, Father Decimus (an alcoholic) provides valuable information to Peter. Fr. Decimus reveals his past interaction with Peter's father and Shambala (Shangri-La), the birthplace of man and where the essence of God resides. The priest questions tenets of faith yet believes in God. In re-counting the perilous expedition into the Himalayas of the trio of Fr. Decimus; professor Zhdanov, a 'white' Russian scientist; and Dr. Poc, a Chinese alchemist met Duncan 30 years before, he reveals the myths of Shambala. He also relays the Tibetan beliefs and tale of Tashivaana. The priest tells Peter of the location of a map to Shambala kept in Calcutta.
Tashi is revealed to be a Tibetan queen and the revered Tashivaana. Her request for Peter's assistance in returning "the bones of God" (the skull), the ancient secret of Shambala, where all life began, and where the essence of God still dwells draws him further into the maze of mystery. Tashi is set up as a timeless woman of mystery who haunts Peter's heart and soul. In an effort to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance and the woman, Tashi, Peter travels to Calcutta in pursuit of her. But the tantalizing Tashi is less than willing to part with her secrets. The sojourn begins with a trip to Calcutta. There, Dr. Poc directs Peter to go to the Marble Palace museum in Calcutta to steal a golden 'Box of the Dead" with a map of an ancient Himalayan tomb on piece of skull. In doing that, Peter follows in his father's footsteps by defying pagan gods. Incredibly, Peter has no spiritual misgivings about defying the Hindu gods of Kali, Brahma, Vishnu, and Ganesha or fearing the law in his theft. His tireless journey becomes an obsession for the young man. He is driven to find the answers to his father’s disappearance and the dark secret of Shambala. There is strong resemblance to H. Rider Haggard's classic novel, 'She' that is evident in Peter's search and journey. The author (Podrug) does include quite a bit of Eastern mysticism by expounding the belief that the "bones of God" evinces a phenomenon of sunlight and mist called ``the frost of Heaven." The hidden powers of the mythical place is the treasure of Shambala. The author also shares the legend that the Tibetans are the children of The Monkey King and the She-Demon. Tashi is the one designated to fight the 'modern' demons of this world. She is protected by the High Lama and the other Buddhist priests of Shambala. Myth and legend are key to this fantasy tale which puts forward its own spin on history. Among those is the battle of good versus evil. Part of this is alternate versions of the 'three wisemen" and other historical religious events. Peter's drive to find answers to his father's disappearance 30 years earlier is complicated further because he must dodge Communist Chinese agents led by an assassin, Bagora who also seek the treasure and wisdom connected with it. One feels some concern but truthfully Peter is not someone the reader actually cares about. The secondary characters are two-dimensional, although Lo Fat, Peter's guide is a paradox of mixed loyalties. The best secondary characters were Dr. Poc and Father Decimus. Professor Zhdanov was too stereotypical and predictable while all the others were one dimensional characters.
It turns out that Duncan's mission over the unchartered Himalayas was sanctioned. The introduction of Nazi pursuers seemed odd but we are told that Duncan eluded and thwarted them in their quest for "the bones of god." His subsequent airplane crash resulted in Duncan suffering serious injuries. It was Tashi who found and the monks who nursed him back to health. His return to health and closeness to Tashi resulted in the two falling in love with Tashi. The forbidden love affair between Tashi and Duncan was halted by the monks who sought to protect her. Unfortunately, Tashi (the 32nd) is attacked by another who is punished by the lamas.
The jump back to the present time of Peter is uneven. Tashi is accused of evil behavior and reports of demons in the area added to doubts about Tashi who is later assaulted. A lurid and dark tale of an exorcism by Tibetan priests adds a preternatural bent to the novel but seems oddly inserted. Also, some characters are suddenly introduced of questionable nature and origin. Tashi's inter-action with with three women of different ideologies (Christian, Communist atheism, and Islam) seems odd given Tashi's deity status. Each stands firm in their beliefs but Tashi seems welcoming of the diversity of views. This injection of different faiths adds a New Age mix to this uneven tale. Tashi is presented as a woman confused about their faith base which seems impossible given she is represented as the re-incarnation of a Tibetan goddess.
The climatic end to this novel was confusing. In spite of obstacles and bandits, Peter and Father Decimus make it to Shambala. Peter is driven by a strong love for Tashi in his heart. Two events do cloud this impending reunion, the first is Lo Fat's erratic behavior and fate, and the second is the actions of Zhdanov's henchmen. Tashi (now fully Tashivaana) escapes peril and goes to Peter with a new revelation about her parentage. A hoped for reunion of the lovers (Pater and Tashi) faces one last threat from Bagora and Zhdanov who confronts Peter with a dark secret. The fate of Shambala is decided by Peter who learns of his 'father's' fate and character. Through a natural event and betrayal, the enemies and usurpers of 'the bones of god" in the sacred temple of Shambala are thwarted. A 'reunion' with his father but provides closure for Peter. The expected ending leaves one to think that Peter and Tashi has ended but . . .
The novel's set-up is engrossing and the author builds it up well with a dash of mystery and conspiracy. His narrative and reporter's eye propels his fantasy and adventure novel. Podrug's captivating and energetic writing style serves him well. There is a strong feeling of gloominess created by the author. His dialogue is crisp but his storyline heavily borrows from James Hilton's classic early-20th century novel, "The Lost Horizon." The author also has Peter allude to the Rudyard Kipling tale, "The Man Who Would Be King" to explain the avarice and contempt of western man over Asian mountain people. The supporting characters were too trite and superficial. The injection of different faith beliefs felt convoluted. Given that Buddhism was presented was unexpected. As a Christian, I do not believe in re-incarnation and while this is a fantasy novel, that pagan concept is prominent in this novel. It seems preposterous that a god would let people repeat a life multiple times in order to 'conquer one's short-comings. Nothing in this novel convinced me to believe or accept this flawed belief. The other point of contention / confusion for me was this uneven switch from past to present and back again. This was annoying and often broke the flow of the narrative. What I did like about Podrug's writing is his innate ability to describe other-worldly locales, exotic and legendary places, and the urban squalor. The author also wrote moving and sentimental scenes. Overall, this was an interesting read of a book that I have delayed reading for years. Having read it, I will likely never read this book, again.
May 24, 2007
A story unlike any other I've read
September 22, 2024
Meh. Well, I did finish it, but the last 1/3 I did start skimming. There were so many metaphors and similes, and it was actually distracting because many of them weren't that good. Also, at times the plot felt like a bad Mission Impossible movie. I'm glad many of you liked it, but I was just not that impressed in the end.
January 24, 2025
Too long for me with too much drug out details. Story idea was good however so if you want a long involved book you might like it.
June 13, 2009
Complete crap. Writiing so bad it took me 5 pages to give up...
July 24, 2015
This book and I just did not click.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews