Book Review: The Blasphemer by John Ling

"When Abraham Khan releases an e-book condemning radical Islam, the consequences hit him fast and hard - an armed fanatic smashes into his home one evening, trying to kill him. He survives the harrowing attempt. Just barely. But will he survive the next one?

Maya Raines is the security operator brought in to protect Abraham. She is tough and committed. The very best at what she does. Always one step ahead of the threat.

But Abraham is no ordinary principal - he will not hide, and he will not stay silent. And as rage explodes on the streets and the nation is propelled to the brink, Maya will have to ask herself the hardest question of all: how far would you go to protect one man’s right to speak?"

BOOK SPECS:

Number of pages: 276

Format: E-book

Genre: Action Thriller

Tropes: Terrorism Threat, Female Operative, Conspiracy

SHORT REVIEW:

I have to admit I was a little weary of this book before reading it. Anything involving the words 'Muslim' and 'bombing' in the same sentence makes me a little suspicious. I wondered if Ling would play the stereotype card to its heaviest. Granted, he has used a touchy and polemic issue, but he has also done it well. The Blasphemer is not just intriguing and entertaining, it's also informative. Something I don’t say about fiction books very often. 

HEART RATE:

SMUT SCORE:

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FULL REVIEW:

Plot

A plotted assassination, an elite team trying to protect its target and, in the center of it all, a writer preaching freedom and understanding in a culture full of violence. The Blasphemer is action packed from cover to cover and the action is very well delivered. As a matter of fact, so well delivered it made me wonder if Ling had not been a secret agent in his past life.

I’m not the most knowledgeable cookie when it comes to Islamic culture, and so this book has done something important – it taught me a lot about it. It's clear that some serious research has gone into writing this novel, and John gives the reader a lot of perspective and insight into all the issues he has researched without spoiling the plot. You can read a couple of Ling’s essays on this matter at the end of the eBook.

This novel didn't just feel informative, but it was so without showing prejudice or being judgmental. These days it’s not uncommon to find books portraying Muslims as extremists with a tendency to terrorism. While John Ling admits that there is a group that fits that criteria and mentions them in his book, he also throws into the pan the people who use tender issues like religion to manipulate situations and trigger conflicts that will benefit a group not at all connected to the issue itself. He also highlights that there are Muslims out there that are not extremists and do not have a tendency to violence.

Characters

The plot is believable and the characters very easy to follow, even though there are many of them and some are only in the story for a very short period of time. Yet, not one of them is dismissible or dispensable.

Romance & Smut Score

There is no romance storyline in this novel, even though there are couples clearly involved. This is 100% thrilling action and suspense.

Writing

The writing is smooth and easy, even though the subject can sometimes be very specific. All-in-one, it’s a great action thriller. One anyone into action novels or films will enjoy, especially fans of Jack Reacher, James Bond and Jason Bourne. 

OUT OF CURIOSITY: 

For more information on John Ling and his novels, visit his website. 

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