Synopsis (
Publisher)
A new wave of terror threatens a world torn by inequality, conflict, economic disaster and environmental chaos.
Heads of state gather in Dubai in an attempt to bring society back
from the brink of global catastrophe. But when extremists hijack the
conference centre, the clock starts ticking: seven days until certain
death for presidents and prime ministers alike, unless the terrorists′
radical demands are met.
A treasonous British diplomat, an Australian intelligence officer,
an airline pilot searching for his missing daughters, a mysterious
Somali agent, and a disillusioned UN official are all forced to examine
their motives, faith and beliefs as they attempt to stave off disaster,
hurtling towards the deadline and a shattering climax.
Rotten Gods is both an imaginative tour de force and a dire warning,
holding the reader spellbound until the last breathtaking page.
Blurb from Amazon Kindle
It took seven days to create the world ... now they have seven days to save it.
Extremists hijack the conference centre where heads of state have
gathered in an attempt to bring society back from the brink of global
environmental catastrophe, and the clock starts ticking: seven days
until certain death for presidents and prime ministers alike, unless the
terrorists′ radical demands are met.
Marika, an Australian
intelligence officer, Isabella, a treasonous British diplomat, Simon, an
airline pilot searching for his missing daughters, and Madoowbe, a
mysterious Somali agent, are all forced to examine their motives, faith
and beliefs as they attempt to stave off disaster, hurtling towards the
deadline and a shattering climax.
My Take
ROTTEN GODS is not a quick read, but don't let that put you off - it is well worth your attention and signals the arrival another Australian author to put on your "look for" list. There is nothing about this book to indicate it is a debut title. The plotting is well executed and the writing is tight, with plenty of detail and plenty of depth.
The fact that the action is on a 7 day deadline heightens the tension. There are four main plot arenas and the story moves easily from one to the other. What doesn't sit so easily for the Western reader is the account of the damage their lifestyle has done, and continues to do, to the global environment. So this becomes a book with a message as well. It also highlights the attractiveness of extremist action for those who feel that the world, or at least those responsible for environmental policy, is not listening.
My rating: 4.8
I was reminded of the plot of
THE LORDS' DAY by Michael Dobbs in which the Queen is taken hostage by terrorists at the opening of Parliament in the House of Lords. ROTTEN GODS however is far more global in its theme.
Other reviews to consider
About the author
Greg Barron has lived in both North America and Australia, and studied
International Terrorism at Scotland’s prestigious St Andrew’s
University. He has visited five of the world’s seven continents, once
canoed down a flooded tropical river, and crossed Arnhem Land on foot.
Greg’s writing reflects his interests in political, social and
environmental change. He lives on a small farm in Eastern Australia’s
coastal hinterland with his wife and two sons.
His website.
A second title,
SAVAGE TIDE, is already available.
See my review
