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librarianna81's review
3.0
Interesting, quick read, didn't love the ending but was engaged throughout. Liked learning so much about the Ukraine!
iampotassium's review
3.0
This is the story of Nadia Tesla as she struggles to understand a dying man's wish to find Damian because the result could affect the "fate of the free world." Little does she know what a crazy journey it will take her on to find her cousin, a boy she's never met.
This is not usually my kind of story but I actually quite liked the fast paced, mob-involved, dark thriller/suspense/mystery novel that this story was. The setting was particularly intriguing as it involves a fast paced chase through... Chernobyl? Towards the end the chase started to get a bit old and I was kind of annoyed by the the ending but overall I found this little book delightful. Thanks Amazon Prime Lender's Library!
This is not usually my kind of story but I actually quite liked the fast paced, mob-involved, dark thriller/suspense/mystery novel that this story was. The setting was particularly intriguing as it involves a fast paced chase through... Chernobyl? Towards the end the chase started to get a bit old and I was kind of annoyed by the the ending but overall I found this little book delightful. Thanks Amazon Prime Lender's Library!
andyber's review against another edition
3.0
I was doubtful at first, but this one found its legs quickly and delivered an exciting story.
mimi_me's review against another edition
3.0
Fast-paced, fascinating premise. Nadia is an unemployed Ukrainian American woman who is pulled into an international "find the secret that will save the world" caper. That of course, isn't unique or fascinating--that the secret is tied to Chernobyl and Nadia must enter the Zone is.
The descriptions of life in the Ukraine and in the Chernobyl zone are fascinating and compelling as is the pacing, characters and story telling.
The descriptions of life in the Ukraine and in the Chernobyl zone are fascinating and compelling as is the pacing, characters and story telling.
andrewbeverert's review against another edition
4.0
Good, fun thriller from a first-time author ill be looking for more from.
stricker's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
A chase book. Chasing Nadia and her cousin across Ukraine and Russia in an effort to stop them from getting to the United States
thepeachmartini's review
3.0
Initially I purchased this because a portion of the proceeds went towards the Chernobyl Children's Project International organization. After reading the synopsis, I wasn’t sure what to expect – hockey, Ukrainian and Russian mafia members, Chernobyl references – how on Earth can you fit all that into one plot?!
The chapters in this book are VERY short – like two pages and then you’re on to the next chapter; this makes it very tricky to keep up with the different vantage points in the book – you’re never quite sure who the narrator is.
Back to the story line – some parts are easy to predict what happens, and the prologue of the book already gives away the ending, which is a little disappointing. I really enjoyed, though, how the author explained a lot of the cultural references, or the historical significance of many of the locations or events. If anything, perhaps it will give readers a renewed interest in the Chernobyl accident and the aftermath which still plagues the country today. There is an interesting depiction of Ukrainian culture - corruption and greed, which seems to plague the government even today.
The characters of “the good guys” (Nadia, Adam, Damian, and the array of folks who help them along the way) are likeable enough, but you still question their motives. No one helps for the sake of helping or out of care – there are always ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Of course, those characters portraying the Ukrainian and Russian mafia are not to be liked – they are ruthless, cold-blooded, and money-hungry. There is definitely some foul language to deal with – so be warned of that. There are some violent scenes as well, though nothing that would traumatize you after reading them.
Overall, it was a decent read…Would I pick it up again? I’m not sure. Would I recommend it to others? Maybe, depending on their interests.
The chapters in this book are VERY short – like two pages and then you’re on to the next chapter; this makes it very tricky to keep up with the different vantage points in the book – you’re never quite sure who the narrator is.
Back to the story line – some parts are easy to predict what happens, and the prologue of the book already gives away the ending, which is a little disappointing. I really enjoyed, though, how the author explained a lot of the cultural references, or the historical significance of many of the locations or events. If anything, perhaps it will give readers a renewed interest in the Chernobyl accident and the aftermath which still plagues the country today. There is an interesting depiction of Ukrainian culture - corruption and greed, which seems to plague the government even today.
The characters of “the good guys” (Nadia, Adam, Damian, and the array of folks who help them along the way) are likeable enough, but you still question their motives. No one helps for the sake of helping or out of care – there are always ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Of course, those characters portraying the Ukrainian and Russian mafia are not to be liked – they are ruthless, cold-blooded, and money-hungry. There is definitely some foul language to deal with – so be warned of that. There are some violent scenes as well, though nothing that would traumatize you after reading them.
Overall, it was a decent read…Would I pick it up again? I’m not sure. Would I recommend it to others? Maybe, depending on their interests.
muretski's review against another edition
5.0
Suspense, action, mystery all in one book
This keeps me up all night and in my toes
This keeps me up all night and in my toes