Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating look into the politics of the Middle East's religious beliefs and oil wealth. An honest look at what has motivated the US and other countries, which is to say not always a flattering look, from insider Richard A. Clarke, who has worked in intelligence and counterterrorism for several US administrations. This is a fiction book, but one gets the sense that it is just barely fiction. Very timely.
Helpful Score: 1
Not a very good first fiction novel. It feels very rushed, like the publisher saw a market window and drove the process very, very quickly. The characters are cardboard cutouts and the plot isn't all that believable. Sadly, I'd give this one a pass.