Brooks Tenney - New Silk Road - A Novel of Central Asia
346331
Brooks Tenney is a very dear friend of mine that I have known for many years and have known his whole family.  He is a magnificent writer and a very unique man. He does intense research and travels all around the world to visit the third world countries that he writes about, so you will feel like you are travelling right beside him.  Once you read one of his intense novels, you will be addicted and will want to read all of them.
1718585
I started reading WILD EAST out of curiosity for a place I knew nothing about, intending to skip over the "dry" parts. I didn't skip a word. Even the history and politics moved at a rapid pace and kept me enthralled.
While engrossed in this book I remembered a similar feeling from long ago while reading the sci-fi novel DUNE. A dry desert world creates a totally alien landscape with politics shaped by the geography. Only this book is here, now and real.
I would like to read it again, but I can't get it back from my friends. Definitely a good read.
1371003
This is the only available book in English that details the history of Xinjiang. The author, James Millward, is a scholar of Central Asian Studies and the Silk Road, so this is a expertly crafted book. There is extensive notes, pictures, and maps throughout the book along with a concise timeline and a wonderful biblography for further reading. The book pays much more attention to modern Xinjiang which is very enlightening but I believe the chapters of pre-modern Xinjiang are more fascinating and informative as the medieval Eastern Steppes are lacking historical resources. This is a unique book that fills a desperate gap in Central Asian history and does a invaluable service to the history of Xinjiang.
830734
Miguel Vargas-Caba, a new author, has written a suspenseful and intriguing account of Cold War history.  This story of historical fiction concentrates on the crew of a Soviet TU-95 "Bear D" airplane, led by the heroic Captain--Mikhail Makarov. The plot weaves history with fiction into a thrilling story as the Captain desperately tries to convince his crew to escape with him. They finally decide to join him and the story develops as they try to reach their destination. The reader is taken on a literary journey that will not be forgotten.  I  recommend this book to anyone who is searching for a true action story. You will not be disappointed.
2360386
This is one of the best books I have ever read.  The first two chapters  are superb. It would be a challenge to find two chapters better written and  more stuffed with relevant detail than here in  Tournament of Shadows. I  was surprised by the number of topics ranging from religion and archeology  to art and politics covered in only a few hundred pages.  Almost every  chapter is a thrilling adventure story--all the more interesting because  the authors are recounting the travels and travails of real people.  This  history of Central Asia is written in a clear, literate manner.  Well  researched with a bibliography and footnotes, experience writing for the  New York Times shows through brightly. Again, this is one of the best  books--enjoyable and informative--that I have ever read.  For ideas, the  script writers for the next Indiana Jones movie  should read Tournament of  Shadows.
177378
Kite Runner is Khaled Hosseini's first book. Hosseini is a second-generation Afghani living in San Francisco. His storytelling style takes you to Afghanistan and enchants you with every moment. You feel his feelings toward the characters and you feel transported to another place and time. Awesome book!

Hosseni's second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is even better. You just won't put it down until you reach the last page.

I can't wait until his next book is available. The last author that I felt this way about was Grisham. I hope you enjoy Hosseni's stories as much as I do.
2368896
If you ever want to tour Afghanistan without leaving your own home, this is a great book to read. You get a chance to learn the history of the country and the world, understand the culture, feel the weather, and experience the life. Although, the novel sets in the background of 1946 and published in 1963,it amazingly predicts the Soviet invasions and the US invasions. This is a book that should be ready by anybody who is involved with the on going Afghan war in any manner. This is a true eye opener to Afghanistan and its heritage. Enjoy!
828865
I found the book very interesting and I really appreciate the deep knowledge of Uyghur-Chinese relations avoiding all stereotypes like "terrorism" and "separatism". The author presents a wide range of historical events with a thorough analysis of the recent clashes in Xinjiang. The Hungarians have very close relationship and common historical background with Uyghurs rooted in the past. We observe with great sympathy the developments in Uyghuristan. Moreover 1/3 of the Hungarians ie. 5 million people are living in 7 neighbouring countries after the Trianon treatry concluded after the First World War. It is very difficult to deny the similarities between the sitiuation of the Hungarian minorities and Uyghur nation. The only difference  fortunately enough the Hungarians have a state which can step up for the rights of Hungarian minorities which is not well received in Europe either. The practices which are exercised by the Chinese authorities in education, employment, religion are very similar to the unlawful acts which are imposed  for example by the Romanian authorities in Transylvania under the Ceausescu regime and survive until the present time. Thank you Mr. Holdstock for your understanding and care  which is almost an exception in our today's world.
758631
Author Rex Shuey has drawn upon his past experiences in the U.S.military and in international law enforcement activities, as well as his extensive familiarity with the geographic settings of this exciting novel, to create a suspenseful, credible, and coherent course of events.  His development of the historical background of the Bogomils makes a significant contribution not only to the development of his story, but also to those who are interested in connecting historical events effectively to the conventional scene.  It is a book sure to hold the interest of lovers of crime novels, spy novels, and historical novels, particularly those of international context.
4018150
According to his authors page, Kevin L. Brooks used much of his time sitting in deer stands and duck blinds, working out the details of this novel, The Lost Gospel of Barabbas: The Thirteenth Apostle.  This seems to have served him well in bringing a strong sense of realism to the early life and times of Barabbas.
  Based on little more than the title, I began reading this book expecting something like a Dan Brown or James Rollins novel.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this wonderful novel was nothing of the occult sort, but a very real and accurate description of life in 1st century Palestine.  I found this novel to be a very exciting and historically accurate portrayal of a biblical character, well known as the first man who was saved by the death of Jesus Christ, but who did not leave much of an actual historical record.  Barabbas is usually labeled as a murderous outlaw with little more said about his life.
  This is the first book of a trilogy, in which, Brooks plans to cover the entire life of Barabbas.  I will definitely be looking forward to reading the other two books.  The author uses the device of a modern-day Jewish scholar,  discovering and translating a long lost scroll similar to the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Which were discovered in a series of caves around Wadi Qumran near the Dead Sea on the banks of the Jordan River.  As the Scholar begins to read the scroll, he discovers it to be an autobiographical record of the life of Barabbas.  This first book covers his childhood growing to early manhood.
  The book contains many fictional characters, but the attention to detail made them come alive on the page.  I learned much about Jewish custom of those times.  Having read, what seemed like the tedious details in the description of the Temple in Jerusalem, as contained in the books of the Bible, the author brought to life the magnificence and awe that the Temple must have inspired in the visitors of that time.  Although this is a work of historical fiction, I would emphasise that I found the depiction accurate historically and the characters well rounded bringing the story to life.  Many of the characters I would love to meet.
  I very much enjoy a story of the underdog taking righteous revenge and this is what makes this novel such a page turner.  The occupying Roman Legions were brutal and there is much foreshadowing of what a terrible fate awaits Barabbas.  In this first book, I found Barabbas to be an honorable and devout Jew who was forced to take up arms against the Romans.  Barabbas is likable and a man of honor, but a victim of circumstances.  I cant wait to follow Barabbas life in the next two volumes.
  So, I would recommend this book without reservation. It brings history to life and tells a very plausible story of a real life person of whom, we unfortunately, know very little about.  There is some graphic description of bloodshed and violence, so it may not be appropriate reading for those bothered by this type of thing.  But I would call this violence necessary realism and far from gratuitous.  I find myself very lucky to be able to say that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
32438
There is a certain feel to a story where author has personal experience in the area they're writing, little details that only someone who has been there and done that could know.  This novel has that feel.  The author obviously knows China and has a good eye for the ironies and contrasts of an ancient culture, a modern police state, and a modern technological culture, complete with cell phones, Internet, and rabid gamers.  All of that background would be wasted without interesting characters and a plot big enough to do it justice.  The author provides both.  Excellent read, and only one of three books so far this year that I've devoured as quickly I can read them.
912519
Wonderful memoir of a fantastic and delicious trip on the Silk Road.
407006
I really liked this historical novel of espionage. It is an exciting exploration of how China may be working to take down America. It takes place in 2001.

This is the second novel featuring Jason Conrad. I have not read the first one yet I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Conrad is an Air Force captain who trains jet pilots. In this novel, he is assigned to Edwards Air Force Base to assist in testing a new generation of fighter jet.

We readers soon find out that all is not as it is supposed to be with the company contracted to design and manufacture the new jet. The simulations aren't working properly. The multistory building housing the company is a sham, with only the first floor completed and being used. And then people associated with the project start dying.

I was impressed with the new bent on China trying to take down America. China is behind the company creating the aircraft. One part of their deception is creating cost overruns of into the billions. And this is in 2001. The Chinese aim to drain the Department of Defense of operational funds, ultimately producing a useless aircraft. But as the novel progresses, that is just the tip of the iceberg with respect to what China has planned, using those they have embedded in the U.S. To add to the intrigue, there is a Russian agent, an assassin, seriously interest in the project too.

Jason is not a strong hero. He is a little slow on figuring things out. He's also captivated by a woman from the first novel who suddenly comes back into his life  right when he is going to work with the new jet. I was amazed that he wasn't more suspect of her appearance after being gone for six years. I would have preferred a more savvy male lead. My favorite character was Sherri, a reporter with the New York Times. She's a scrappy woman who is not afraid to be shot at to get an inside story.

Since the plot revolves around a new jet, there is much about flying, enduring Gs, finding turning points, and much more. There is experimental technology involved in this superior jet and that was interesting to read about. The author's expertise in this area shows. I really like his writing style. The novel flows well with continuous action.

I recommend this novel to readers who would like a novel about Chinese plans to severely weaken America. You'll enjoy a realistic plot with lots of action and an exciting end.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours with the purpose of an independent and honest review.
2478818
I have so many books about the Silk Road but this one is rich in details and that is what we want to know about the Silk Road.
3481379
The writer who worked for the UN has written a murder mystery based in Afganistan. The approach taken gives the reader an idea of what Afganistan is like in it's recent past through the eyes of someone in the international community and through the adventure of a whodunit. As a storey it could have been a bit tighter to make it more of a page turner but the unique setting makes  the book an interesting read and I would recommend it to someone who wants a book with a difference.
2308243
One adventure is in a modern setting and the other took place early in the previous century. Young Patrick Eaton's current yearning for  adventure is met with an amazing excursion to central Asia with his petroleum geologist father. He follows in the footsteps of his great-grandfather's trip along the Silk Road during a previous era. It appears that four successive generations of Eatons all have the hereditary genes of explorers. A number of surprises are wrapped in contemporary geopolitics. The book was thoroughly enjoyable, meticulously researched, and well written with great character development.  Donald E. Ranta, PhD, Professional Geological Engineer
33721
Well, Snow by Orhan Pamuk. What a big promise for us. I have been eagerly waiting to read his next book just after My name is Red. His excellent style has been getting further more than one step in each book. This is not a historical story, just pure reality! His trademark "the conflict about the difference between east and west" now shines in another city; Kars, situating on the far north-east of Turkey. His search for identity and reality leads to curiosity. This is about what it means to be western/eastern. The main character Ka, a middle-aged poet actually, returns to Istanbul to attend his mother's funeral and learns the strange events in eastern Turkey: Suicides is getting popular among girls forbidden to wear their head scarves at school and that makes him travel to Kars, a small city near the Russian border. The author describes Kars in a poetic way, after Ottoman and Russian glories, the city was totally abandoned by West. He finds Kars in poverty surrounding by political Islamists, Kurdish separatists idealist students, left-wing theater groups and of course their ideologies. Orhan Pamuk has a remarkable reputation all around the world. This book seems somehow so Turkish. You may find difficult to read and follow particulary some of the events, however the unique style of Pamuk makes the story awesome. One more tip for the non Turkish readers; there is a word game in this book. Ka (The name of main character), Kar(it means "Snow" in Turkish) and Kars (the name of the city). Breathtakingly intelligent.