Operation Phoenix: The Mossad's Greatest Challenge

Hi Bob, I have just cleared all my books from Authonomy and posted a new work, Hellion 2. There are issues within this work that I am most anxious to get right. Would you please take a look and let me know if there is anything that you feel might cause offence, regarding the holocaust.

many thanks

Cyrus

Haven’t been here in about a year. Just stopped and read your invite.
The opening is good for a thriller—fast paced and plenty of tension.
Why would you call it Operation Phoenix? That was a Vietnam era op.
At the end of first chapter I’m still wondering why is he chased and shot at. Consider giving a little background (as internal dialogue).
CH 2 In real world, a news agency would never broadcast such info (especially not in Russia). When he calls the Institute and asks to speak to the Russian Desk, you jump right into the conversation—consider a one liner to distinguish the break. “One handed, he lit a cigarette, while waiting to be connected.”
Also, consider giving a physical description of Ari. In the opener, when you tell us that he’s 50 y.o you could also say that “at only eighty kilos, evenly distributed over his 1.8 meter frame, he could still run with the best.”
I’ like it. Needs some editing, but the voice is clear, the pace just right, and the tension present. Good job.
Dan

Dear Bob,

Thanks for your comments on my CLOAK & DAGGER: OPENING GAMBIT.

Your Chapter 1 was tense and exciting - the protagonist's thoughts on the skill or otherwise of the bullet. In Chapter 2 the rat's fate was particularly well done. You key in well to philosophical mindsets. I will definitely be reading more of OPERATION PHOENIX and will place it on my shelf.

Regards,

Robin Calvert

Dear Bob,

Thanks for your comments on my CLOAK & DAGGER: OPENING GAMBIT.

Your Chapter 1 was tense and exciting - the protagonist's thoughts on the skill or otherwise of the bullet. In Chapter 2 the rat's fate was particularly well done. You key in well to philosophical mindsets. I will definitely be reading more of OPERATION PHOENIX and will place it on my shelf.

Regards,

Robin Calvert

Bob, you've certainly got a spy thriller for our times here, yet it's so different from anything else out there. The mighty Mossad, only spoken of in whispered awe by any other spies in fiction or film, yet here it is in all its glory. We also have the spies and their master in flesh and blood - Ari, Elan and director Moshe. We also have that snake... and what a symbol he is. And we have wise Sarah, showing that wisdom with so few words.

It's such an interesting concept - on the one hand, the old suitcase bomb deal, but oh, a terrorist organization out to eclipse al Quaeda. Now there's a fresh take on the whole spy thriller market.

Yes, I do have some criticisms you might consider... although, far be it from me... I'll voice them.
The pitch - I think you could cut out *..the settings of later chapters take place in all of the locales listed above.* Also, the end line - more of a lit critic's review line. I'd stick with some kind of end line about there being a shocking twist.

Prologue - GREAT opening. Ari is well set-up for us. I don't think you need mention those designer shops by name. But, your phrasing of Ari's *counterintuitive* actions is clever - I hope! This all sets the story up very well.

Ch.2 - deep. I do think there are too many names in that opening. You could filter in where Moshe's home is, exactly, later. I love the proverbs at the start. How Moshe was trained is a bit much - info dumpy. I think all you need after *..............seemed unending.* is the last *All this and much more...........deception.*

Then... a rather big info dump and history lesson on Israel. Honestly, I don't think it's needed, all the Bible stories. BUT, then we have the motto of Mossad - GREAT.

Only other info dump, about the '72 Munich massacre. I think you need only the last three paras of this - the relevance for Moshe, and of course what Golda Meir said.

The rest stuns - the snake and the rat gruesome... but, what a point they make. The interaction between Moshe, Ari, Elan and lovely Sarah is so meaningfully written.

I shall read some more in time, but all this - the vast knowledge you obviously have, written with a heart rarely seen in this genre, must make this a stand-out winner here and in the world once it's unleashed in print. All I can give is six stars and a backing - but given with admiration.

Kay-Christina
(*Annacara*)

Hi Bob
Loved the intro, really sucked me in. Felt the old pulse racing as I read which is very rare in my case and I'm not just saying that. I'm not usually one for this type of action but done right I enjoy it. This reads like it has been done right.
I'll be back...

Just noticed this:
Paragraph 5, sentence 1:
until recently (one of?) the tallest buildings in world.

Prologue

Right away, Ari's attention to detail serves as great characterization. In the middle of action, we're given a clear idea of who he is and what he's like. The prologue serves as a good hook. It is short, sweet, and to-the-point. The spot you left off had me turning the page quickly to the first chapter.

Should be: "that would be considerably outweighed..."

My main advice is to consider show v. tell. Sure, telling is appropriate at times, but this is filled with telling. There were multiple times when I wanted to see, feel, hear, smell, etc what Ari was experiencing. Instead, you told us. While the details were good, I wanted more. I wanted to be part of the story.

Chapter 1

The opening of chapter one left me torn. On one hand, the writing is stellar and even stronger than the prologue, yet there is quite a bit of info-dumping. Despite the well-written pages, I found it a bit difficult to connect because I had no investment in the characters yet.

Midway through the chapter, I began to realize how well-developed this storyline is. You know your characters and plot well, and it's clear you've spent a lot of time developing them. There are definitely no holes in that regard.

The sentences are polished and tightly written. In many areas, this read like an already published novel.

All-in-all, you took a genre I have little interest in reading and grabbed my attention. I do think you could do more to hook your reader at the intro to chapter one, but that might just be a matter of preference. Solid work!

Classic spy writing.
Good pitch and start to a novel - well done.

I'm starring this now and will pop it on my shelf as soon as there's space.

Diana
Pascual's Birthday

A chase scene certainly is a great hook and I liked the writing that set up the Institute. But I found the descriptions of the other side somewhat less authentic. Consider the descriptions and characterizations in Blood Money or The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Still this is a good thriller with potential. Four Stars.

I have read the first two chapters of your MS and found your work to be plausible and intersting. It is the type of novel i woyld buy and enjoy. The amount of research you have completed supports the crediabillity of the text so important in a novel of this genre. I found myself becoming involved with the characters in the last paragraphs of the second chapter. Believeable and authentic, i will read more later.

Kerry Dennis Code Word parabellum

What a coincidence, I have a bombing in Spain in Hellion 3, at the Alhambra. An attack anywhere on the Iberian peninsula would be a piece of cake for a Al-Q. Great minds!
You paint with a colourful pallet Bob and i do believe that your writing actually gets better as the book progresses. Good stuff!
Have you read Moshe Dayan's autobiography?

regards

Cyrus

The first page of this story hooked me immediately - the action is fast paced and intense. Mr. Brown expertly applied his vast array of writing tools to the telling of his story. Great job!

Charles

Relevant for the times. His writing style captivates and kept me reading till the end. That is saying a lot. Mr Brown"s knowledge of locations was an added asset to this novel. I could actually picture the locations as I have traveled to many of them myself.

I'd even buy this if it was available.

Your pitch is superb and first chapter is gripping! Backed with six stars!

Aah! two nations separated by one language - 'Moshe Savir entered and mounted a table' this has a completely different connotation for a reader over here Bob, also I would have used 'Kidon' as the plural, it might be wrong but it kind of reads better, like sheep and sheeps. Other than that, hugely enjoyable, you are laying the table for a literary feast.

Cyrus

I really enjoyed this Bob! It's exciting and quick moving. You really grabbed me from the beginning. It felt vivid to me, like it almost could have been a movie. I love reading about this part of the world, especially Egypt. I think you've got something that would be marketable in today's time. It's modern but still feels classic. It's the chance to see the world from the eyes of a very unique and likable character!

I know some men in my life who'd like this.
Missy

Operation Phoenix: The Mossad's Greatest Challenge is a very timely and topical spy thriller. Starting off with a bang, we are also quickly brought into the inner-workings of the Mossad organization and this case in particular.

Author Bob Brown takes us on a journey around the world, to some fascinating places that are as brilliant and interesting as the plot itself. I’m not sure if the author has actually visited all these places or is just a good researcher, but they all seemed very realistic with plenty of small and interesting details. It was kind of like a travel guide, if you happen to see the world while running past it being chased by terrorists.

The characters are well-rounded and realistic. Ariel is particularly interesting. He’s got the skills of a James Bond-type, but is aging and has faults as well that make him seem more human. It was very easy to identify with him and what he was trying to accomplish.

Given the current climate in the world, I think a novel like Operation Phoenix could do very well when published. It’s a perfect summer vacation type read and should easily thrill hardcore action and spy readers alike.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Hi there, this is Cyrus,

I liked your book from the start. it has a crisp snappy pace that is ideal for the subject. I found your story clicking on the genre option and this is the type of book I would read and a subject of which I find great interest. Some of these themes are taken up in my book Hellion 3 which you may want to cast an eye on. For me though, your use of words such as 'modicum, existential and coalescing,' detract slightly from the story. I feel that your characters would most likely use brevity and be absolutely precise in their language - they would use words that could not be mis-understood. These are assassins and brutal killers, would they really use such words (maybe on Millbank) I would adjust the dialogue to reflect a sharper, dispassionate language. This would not detract from the quality of your writing and would enhances the tension and pace. Also, I'm not clear on Moshe's age you say he was young in 1972 and at the time of writing he has been married for fifty years - a small point but one that niggles.
However, please be encouraged by what I am writing this is a great read and I shall be be pleased to place it on my bookshelf.

Well done and good luck

regards

Cyrus

A very engrossing read so far. Bob Brown shows an excellent gift for portraying the inner workings of spycraft. Can't wait to read the rest of the novel.

Hello , a very taut and well-written story which really creates tension, but at the same time adds density and detail. I shall look forward to reading the rest of it. Watchlisted and starred. Would you have time to read the first chapter of my novel which is called 'A Buccaneer' and is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century, with best wishes, Strachan Gordon

[Operation Phoenix: The Mossad's Greatest Challenge]

Hi Bob. First of all thanks for reviewing my story. I prefer you do that in the appropriate comment section, because I rarely go through the messages send to me. But I always returns reads, so here you go.

The start of the prologue is a bit weird in the sense that I feel as if you wanted to make a slow-motion picture frame in a high-speed man hunt. This is immediately my first remark: you slow down the pace considerably with describing things and telling me stuff two or three times in a row.

E.g. The first bullet was close. It whizzed past Ariel's left ear. He could not be sure how close it was, ... Regardless, it was far too close.

Yes, I figured that out with the first sentence.

At the end of chapter 1 you suddenly jump into someone else's head. Don't do that. I'm in Ariel's and frankly, I want to stay there, too.

Also, you sometimes already are ahead of the story by feeding us data we don't really need to know. You want us to believe he does something stupid by cutting through the gardens leaving a muddy trail in the mall. I'm sure he will kill those poor guys hunting him down, because otherwise the story would end right there.

Chapter 1. You once more give us a lot of information about Moshe's carreer with the MOSSAD. Highly interesting - to you. But why do I have to know all that? I'm writing this as I read, so I probably will get kicked in the head on a later date when all this is important to the story. Right now, I don't think it is, though. I think you want to show us who Moshe is and why he is so good at what he does. Well, maybe you should show us, rather than tell. Do it in the way he interacts with others, in how he might be alarmed by little things ordinary people would not even notice.

The same goes for the background you give us on the valley of Jezreel. Is it important to the story? If no: delete it.

For me, the story really started when Moshe fed his python. There you have the splendid opportunity to show us who this man is. This is well done!

You change Point of View here as well. Stick with one main character and keep to it.

You have good writing skills and I feel potential for this story. But it will nevertheless need some rewriting. Good luck with it!

This is as well written as any thriller I've seen on a shelf at a bookstore (for me that would be a Steimatzky's or a Tzomet Sefarim ;) haha)

Honestly though, the writing is very good and pretty much clear from spelling and grammatical errors. The plotting is excellent, your description sound. I could picture everything you described very well. You know exactly how many details to include and what to exclude.

I enjoyed what I read of this very much and needless to say the subject matter interested me tremendously. :)

- Ren (Bunderful) author of Master of the Miracles and Blown to Smithereens

Bojack: Your first few chapters drew me into the plot. The exposition in chapter one i wasant sure about, but now i see that it ties into the plot. Characters are interesting, and the book seems well researched.

Vincent

Your 1st chapter will be commented on so many times that you’ll be fed up with the repetition – at least I was. So my comments only start from chapter two. I’ll confine all mention of typos, syntax etc to chap 2 alone. After that I’ll comment on broader issues.
Chap 2 –
- ‘His well-trained eye always noticed the numerous security sensors that protected the property.’ Why ‘always’?
Is there a difference between ‘a well-trained eye’ & a ‘trained eye’?
-‘He had pre-arranged to meet a friend…’ What’s the difference between ‘arranged’ & ‘pre-arranged’?
- ‘At Shimon’s house, he would take a short rest and have a much-needed cup of strong coffee before driving the final hour…’ Why the comma after ‘house’?
Equally: ‘much-needed’ & ‘strong coffee’ seems to be overdoing the adjectives a bit. How about: ‘At Shimon’s house he would take a short rest and a cup of strong coffee before driving the final hour…’?

- ‘The Germans have a few violin concertos that are transcendent. Perhaps the greatest, and the one that makes the fewest concessions, is Beethoven’s. The one by Brahms may equal Beethoven’s in its intensity and may surpass it in its richness. But Mendelssohn’s, though not as technically perfect, is the most heartfelt and mesmerizing.’
Why is this in italic? The way it is written it obviously has to be the narrator’s highly-educated OPINION of Mendelssohn’s concerto, not Ari’s THOUGHTS.
It reads like a cut&paste from a music critic. Is Ari highly-educated in music? If so you need to explain that to get away with this whole passage.
How about something along the lines of:

‘The piece always sent chills through him. Despite the Holocaust Ari was still able to admire German music. He did not condemn the whole race because of Hitler & his murderous philosophy. He found pleasure in both Brahms & Beethoven, but this piece by Mendelssohn, while not as technically perfect, touched something within him that was heartfelt, mesmerizing.’
Otherwise, if you want to stick to the passage as written, you have to make it clear whose opinion this is, and their qualification for expressing it.

I personally don’t like a character’s thoughts in ital – Le Carre & most of the pros I read don’t do it. To me it seems amateurish. I think the writing itself should make it clear to the reader when the character is thinking his own thoughts, or when the words are authorial asides. But I concede that’s only my preference.
[In chapter three you insert the same kind of authorial aside re ‘Since Israel is a tiny country, roughly the size of New Jersey,…’ but you don’t put it in italic, so either make Mendelssohn an authorial aside in the same way, or specify that it’s Ari’s thought. At the moment it is neither.

News report [The italics work here]:
‘According to the Russian news agency Tass, a nuclear scientist was arrested at his home in Moscow. He was questioned with regard to being in possession of classified information, and possibly proscribed components which could potentially be used in creating a nuclear device.’
WHEN was he arrested? – WHEN was he questioned? ‘WAS’ implies he could have been arrested months ago, in which case the context is required.
As an ex-journalist I suggest that this bulletin would have been broadcast as:
‘A prominent Russian nuclear scientist, suspected of being in possession of material to create a nuclear bomb, has been arrested at his home in Moscow. According to the Russian news agency Tass, he is being questioned in relation to the possession of highly classified documents, together with the actual components for the creation of a nuclear device.’
[As a nuclear scientist he would necessarily have possessed ‘classified information,’- in his head - like every other nuclear scientist in the world.]
‘Ari thought, smiling to himself, poor turn of phrase, [in italic] as he passed a signpost that read, Dimona, forty kilometers.
Perhaps: ‘Ari smiled, thinking it was a poor turn of phrase,…’ Ari’s in a car by himself, so obviously he smiled to himself, & no need for italics.
You enjoy Le Carre apparently, so when did he feel the need to use italics for thoughts?
Enough on grammar, style, syntax etc. I’ve registered enough points on these things by now to suggest you seek out an experienced editor as there is much here that needs a hard eye, backed by a logical mind. The basic material is very good but its expression requires a great deal of polish. There are too many adjectives, and too many words contributing nothing, & simply bogging down the clean flow of the story. By this I mean EXTRANEOUS words, not narrative description. They are two very different things.
[I apologise for my use of capital letters but my PC skills don’t allow me use italics, underline or strikethrough on this site. Caps are the only emphasis that I have here at present]

I like your research. There’s a lot of similarity in the way we both write & our affection for detail. For me it’s the detail that draws me into a book; the thought that I’m learning something about the real world behind the facile news headlines.
Enough for now. I’ll get into the meatier, structural, aspects after I get your comments on mine. Tit for tat?
Equally it’s better for me to break up my comment into segments or the Autho system will collapse under the longest review/crit ever delivered. I have several more thoughts but I wouldn’t bother harbouring them if I didn’t think your book was worth it.
Good stuff so far. I'll be interested to see if it has 'staying power,' when I read further.

Bob, I read the first part of your book based on the pitches. Also, I like the title. This is my favorite genre and I think the prologue was a great hook for the book's premise. Good pacing and left me wondering what happens next. I think the italics may not be necessary. It restates what was in the previous paragraph.

As for the bullet sound, supersonic (high powered rifle) rounds produce a whip-like crack and sub-sonics like a 9mm (like the handguns your villains are firing) produce a lower hiss. Here's a sound file of the 9mm - you'll hear the shot first then the bullet hissing by the microphone: http://www.firearmsid.com/Feature%20Articles/soundofbullets/media/9MMFMJRN1100YDST212400.WAV. I think many pistols would produce a similar effect.

Great opening! I'll be back to read more.

Ken Floyd
Waves of Regret

Hey Bob. Enjoyed your synopsis. Pulls one willingly into your journey.
Happily backed.

Jim

Hi Bob,
You and I seem like we have something in common: entrepreneur turned writer! I hope you’re enjoying the journey. I think book publishing is the toughest industry I’ve ever encountered. At least the most frustrating and slow moving. Anyway, I’m pleased to see another thriller on Authonomy. I’ve really enjoyed reading your story. Well researched, good dialogue, and clearly a serious thriller. My comments here are intended to be helpful from one writer to another, not in any way a criticism of your writing.
Title: Makes the book sound like non-fiction. Do you want this? The words “The Mossad’s Greatest Challenge” don’t sound “thrillerish” enough for me. Also, “Phoenix” suggests rising from the ashes, whereas I thought this was about stopping a bomber.
Short Pitch: This tells us what the book is about , which is fine. But it is not snappy enough. Don’t need to mention “across three continents” as readers of this genre will know it will have exotic multiple international settings. Needs a hook.
Long Pitch: The intention here is (I think) to present something like would be on the back cover of your book. What you have at the moment says what the book is but is not a back cover. It is too long and not intense enough. I’d suggest trying to keep out the clichés and concentrate on the key stakes and key protagonist/antagonist of the story, without giving too much away. Story sounds like a Daniel Silva novel, so I’m expecting some different twist or scenarios.
Characters: The name Ariel Aviad is a little jarring. Is there a reason for the similarity of the two names? I guess it doesn’t matter much if you only use Ari most of the time.
Prologue: A good start to the story, taking an action sequence from later on, keeping us in suspense.
I haven't been shot at, but I can’t ever recall thinking a bullet makes a “high-pitched screech” (like a bird would make). If he was being shot at near the Petronas Towers, wouldn’t the shooter have a silencer? Maybe he feels the shock-wave past his ear?
A fit man in his fifties could outrun two thirty something slobs. How would he know how old they were? And why would it matter?
Tallest buildings = should be building. What year are we in? Petronas hasn’t been the tallest since 2004. So is the story set in 2005?
Would you say about a fifty year old man “Ari’s training kicked in”? Maybe his “years of grinding, punishing physical regimen”
Don’t need “actually” for increased his speed. Modern practice is to not use adverbs, but where possible use strong verbs – “rocketed forward”, “hurtled” etc
Are we in Ari’s POV here? Or is the narrator meant to be omniscient? The chapter starts in Ari’s POV but then at the end you have Ari’s pursuers two hundred twenty five feet behind, running full pelt in a downpour, but Ari hears the taller man whisper? Physically impossible.
Chapter 1: Good detail, but possibly too much info dumping of backstory here. Would it be possible to feed it in slower over the first ten chapters? Less backstory would make it a shorter, more pacy chapter.
With some of your acronyms, it is probably better not to put explanations in brackets. Either assume the reader knows, make it obvious from the context, or somehow put it into conversation. Or spell it out. With foreign concepts, I usually put them in italics (ie fatwas).
These are just suggestions. Of course you can do whatever you want.
Best wishes with your writing
Ian

Still reading this excellent thriller.
I'm a Le Carre and Follet fan too. Operation Pheonix is very professional in every way. For me, this is a great find.
Will comment further after I've read more.

Best regards,
Carole Pitt

Operation phoenix is a beautifully written work about a subject I follow. The story draws you in from the start. I was hooked at the prologue. Great job, Bob

Mark

I've decided to Back your book.
The more I read (and learn!) the more I find myself captivated by your writing style.
Is this your first book?
Whatever - I am hooked.
Will complete reading all chapters soon - then I shall get back to you with any and all suggestions etc.
Regards,
EwfK.

Hi Bob,
Great story and wanted to add some comments to at least chapter one.
PHD should be written as Ph.D
Wondering if you should use the metric system throughout the book when you use distances and weights, etc. Forget about what the American reading audience thinks about that. As a U.S. expat living in Germany for many years I decided to write everything in metric - it's better to do for your international reading audience.
The chat between Moshe and his wife, Sarah is good, since he has to convince her to allow him to leave retirement and return to duty at the "Institute" for the duration of the mission with her blessing. So there's internal, personal tension - not just the mindless, non-stop, James Bond action scenes that we're all too familiar with.
Good explaination about the '72 Munich Olympic Massacre. Well done.
"Send in the boys." Cool.
Kirk

The prologue is so full of suspense and tension of the chase that I read it with bated breath and wanted more! I couldn't resist reading another chapter and made sure this is a real stunner! You have an amazing plot here, memorable characters in Moshe and Ari and I can't help mentioning that you have chosen the setting for your book really well. I have a weak spot for book of this genre and if I happened to come across it in a bookstore, I'd surely buy Operation Phoenix.

I also wanted to mention that your manner of writing is admirable. This is a six-star book that deserves being published, I'm sure. Well done, Bob!

Ivan Amberlake

Operation Phoenix is a masrepiece. The tension steadily rises. The plot is multilayered, and the characters are endearing. You must have done an amazing amount of research. Congratulations on a highly publishable book. Backed with pleasure - 6 stars.

Patrick

Hello Bob:

I love this spy thriller genre. I love how you highlight the spirit and the creative ingenuity of the Mossad. No moral ambiguity to have to wrestle with here. The good guys are really good and the bad guys are really bad.

Best of success in seeing this to publication.

James

Very exciting read, Bobby Brown !!! I can't wait to find out what happened at the kibbutz !!

Hi Bob,

What a timely piece of creative writing. With the Arab spring going on, I hope readers can glean some insight into what makes them tick...er wrong choice of words !!! I wish there were more writers/books in your genre, historical fiction thriller available in the marketplace today.

I have enjoyed the 1st 2 chapters & cannot wait to see what else you have that will keep me coming back for more...I would like to read a few more chapters before I rate you !!

What an amazing Prologue.
I'm hoping that the (many!) Chapters can keep up the pace.
You've got my attention.
Will get back to you with comments as I progress with my reading.
EwfK.

Nice chapter length, and your really nice descriptions kept me wanting to read more. Lines like, "His sneakers, now caked in mud, left almost perfectly formed footprints..." It paints a scene for the reader. I do think that this could be tightened up(I struggle with this myself). Also, your Long Pitch could be shortened just a little as well. You just want to give enough to make the reader need to read more. I felt like I was reading more of a synopisis than a pitch. Anyways, these are all just nit-picks, because you are at the level where it's time to have those things pointed out. Regardless of all of that, it is still an excellent story and I look forward to reading more. 6 stars from me!

Ashley

I can see how much research went into this. Loved the prologue and first 7 chapters. Characters are highly believable.
The plot builds very well and never gets boring. Your writng and command of the language is quite impressive. This is truly a great read.It has movie potential.

Operation Phoenix, at first blush (prologue and chapter 1) is well written and well paced. It is also a subject I follow. OP gives us a glimpse into a secret world--a glimpse that is both inspiring and horrifying. I love the dialogue--witty and taught. Highly rated and backed with pleasure.

Superb! A brilliantly devised and researched thriller, very plausibly staged and written with great panache. Instant masterpiece.

Backed without any hesitation, best of luck Bob.

Jack Hughes

Mr. Brown's book is extremely well written and researched. His knowledge of the subject matter is truly impressive. The characters are complex, sympathetic, and well developed. The story draws you in from the start. As the plot thickens, the drama increases. I can see subplots developing, as well. this could easily be turned into a great movie.It is highly intelligent and scholarly, yet still very exciting and filled with tension. I can't wait to see the outcomes. I do admit, it's a subject that I'm interested in, but I believe anyone who enjoys a good spy thriller should read this.

This is well done and quite professional. I like the action-packed prologue and then the introductions in chapter 1. The plot moves along nicely and the characters are compelling. Adding the historical context is a nice touch.

This is a great thriller. I'm happy to back it.

Brian Bandell
Mute

Hey Bob, though I've only been able to read your pitches, I think this would make a great movie. Who knows maybe a producer or director will happen to check out authonomy. I will have a look at it once it comes back up. If by chance you get time, I would like for you to check out my bk. Words God Gave Me. Though we have different writing tastes, maybe it will say something to you. It's true life mixed with poetry.
Monica Pride

Hey Bob, though I've only been able to read your pitches, I think this would make a great movie. Who knows maybe a producer or director will happen to check out authonomy. I will have a look at it once it comes back up. If by chance you get time, I would like for you to check out my bk. Words God Gave Me. Though we have different writing tastes, maybe it will say something to you. It's true life mixed with poetry.
Monica Pride

I love your book, and actually would really love to buy it in hardcover.You have a gift for story telling.The plot is timely and I got so interested and deep into the story today and can't wait to continue it later. I feel like I am actually there in those countries with those characters.not only is it a great read but your information is fascinatingly well communicated to us and I am learning about matters I had only an inkling about previously.Thanks very much for a great read.Agree with KDINNY it would be a super movie and, dare I say it, a great TV thriller series.Good luck..

The author of this work simply knows precisely how to garner your interest and grab your attention from the get-go. I found it to be a compelling (and unlike sadly, all too many of this genre) and totally believable experience.

This work would also form the basis of (IMHO) an excellent movie.

Cannot wait for the sequel - bravo Mr. Brown.

A gripping read. Grabs you from the very first word-- and doesn't let go. A fascinating thrill ride, bursting with international intrigue and insider intelligence. Bob Brown could well be a literary powerhouse in the making- a true Authonomian success story. Six stars.