• Books by Lada Ray
    • The Earth Shifter
    • Accidental Spy Series
    • Earth Keepers Chronicles
    • Author Events
      • Gold Train Blog Tour
      • Interviews
      • Giveaways
  • Feng Shui
    • Feng Shui Articles
    • Feng Shui Workshops
  • About
    • Blogs
    • Awards
    • YA Revolution
  • Contact & Support
  • Russia
    • Legendary Soviet Music Hits
    • Contemporary Russian Music
    • Russian Dance
    • Russian Resources and Articles
  • Consciousness
    • Cosmic Sound
  • Animals & Mother Earth

Lada Ray Blog

Lada Ray Blog

Tag Archives: suicide bomber

The Death of a Dream – Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel) by Lada Ray

08 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert, Reviews

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

5 star review, Abu Ghraib, Amazon Kindle, Baghdad, books by Lada Ray, Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel), Iraq, Iraqi war, Jade Snow, Mesopotamia, reviews by Sherry Fundin, Saddam Hussein, smart bomb, suicide bomber, US Occupation of Iraq

I thought this new review of GREEN DESERT was absolutely amazing and one of the best I’ve ever received. Says the author of the review, Sherry Fundin: “I love Lada Ray’s writing and her books really do seem to speak to me. I almost feel as if I am there and the characters are talking around me.”

Small book – big message! Green Desert is a novelette set in Baghdad, Iraq, circa 2007, when scandals surrounding the Abu Ghraib prison and the abuse of smart bombs shook the world. It’s only 12,000 words, or about 40 pages long, but in-between non-stop action and twists, the book packs a powerful and profound message. It’s about the devastation and injustice of war and it’s also about how interconnected we are in this small world. But most importantly, it is about the hope of peace.

In reading Green Desert you’ll notice that the main character’s name is Mohammed al-Tikriti. Such name is highly symbolic for those who are familiar with the whole Sunni vs. Shia religious division and hatred. The thing is, Mohammed is a name used primarily by the Shia Muslims, while al-Tikriti happens to be a typical Sunni last name, meaning “from Tikrit,” a quintessential Sunni stronghold. What’s also symbolic, Tikrit is the birth place of Saddam Hussein. Ironically, its name is derived from the name of the legendary river Tigris, the seat of the ancient Mesopotamia considered the cradle of Western civilization. I deliberately gave the main character such “loaded” name. Here’s my message: if this internal mutual disagreement and hatred are replaced with unity from within, Iraq would see a different future, and the desert would blossom into a garden…again. The same equally applies to us here, in the USA, or any other Western country for that matter. War is never the answer. It is by looking within that we find the answers we seek.

Seeing this kind of a review makes me jump for joy because the reader has understood my intent so completely. Thank you, Sherry!

From Sherry Fundin’s review of Green Desert:

One day, the Iraqi desert will be a garden…again.

Mohammed al-Tikriti, suicide bomber, former University of Baghdad student

Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel)

Add To Goodreads

“I want you to give this after the explosion to that pretty lady dressed as a man,” he told the boy as he handed him an envelope.  Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • Pocket
  • Tumblr
  • Telegram
  • Print
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

GREEN DESERT (Jade Snow Prequel): Book Review by Author J.J. Collins

16 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert, Reviews

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

action adventure, anti-war, Author Lada Ray, Baghdad, book review, culture, Green Zone, gripping story, investigative journalist, Iraq, Iraqi war, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, Middle East, Mohammed Al-Tikriti, mystery thriller, prequel, Saddam Hussein, Sergeant William O'Shea, smart bomb, suicide bomber, terrorism, United States, US Occupation of Iraq, war

REBLOGGED from BooksReview4U Blog:

FIVE STAR Review by J.J. Collins

Green Desert by Author – Lada Ray, is an enthralling, captivating read. The author’s ability to take a topical subject and combine it with talented descriptive writing and creativity, always thrusts the reader into the very heart of her books.

Green Desert introduces us to daring investigative journalist – Jade Snow, and is set against the backdrop of the American forces occupation of Iraq. The author uses exceptional imagery throughout her story, to capture sheer mayhem and volatility of Baghdad, post the Saddam Hussein era.

The book has two central characters – Mohammed, a bright and ambitious young Iraqi man, who at the outset, harbours hopes to study in the West. On the other hand, we have the Oklahoman American soldier, Bill O’Shea, on his second tour of the country and missing his wife and family back home in the United States.

Jade witnesses the devastation of an explosion and the tragic aftermath of this unfortunate event takes us on the very real and moving journey, one filled with harsh realities and the subsequent very personal and real repercussions of war.

This journey is made all the more remarkable, as it is only after reading an unexpected hand delivered letter from a young boy in the street, that Jade can discover the hidden truth of these two men.

The letter allows Jade to use her investigative instincts to follow its contents in uncovering the truth, revealing the heart-wrenching pain and sacrifices of a young man caught in the middle of a war zone, trying his best to keep his family alive and safe. Only by tracing Mohammed’s story through the contents of the letter can Jade learn the truth about Sergeant William O’Shea.

This story will have you questioning the morality and justification of war, and what are the long term consequences of decisions to go to war. Is it a case of a “Rich Man’s” War and a “Poor Man’s fight?” or is it more a matter of a Western failure to understand Middle Eastern culture and their interpretation of freedom and democracy?

A powerful story in which Jade uncovers how two very different men are intrinsically linked, despite their national and cultural differences.

A gripping and entrancing  story.

Check out the Author’s website: http://www.LadaRay.com/

Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Desert-International-Adventures-Prequel-ebook/dp/B005O0QJKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339603465&sr=8-1

This review has been reblogged from BooksReview4U Blog by author and reviewer, J.J. Collins (London, UK)

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • Pocket
  • Tumblr
  • Telegram
  • Print
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

GREEN DESERT, A Jade Snow Novella, FREE on Amazon 5/24-5/28!

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Lada Ray in BOOK: Green Desert, My Updates

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Amazon Kindle, Amazon.com, Baghdad, ebook, humor, Iraq, Jade Snow, Jade Snow International Adventure Series, Jade Snow Novella, Lada Ray, mystery thriller, Russia, smart bomb, suicide bomber, thriller, United States, US Army, US Military

5/31 quick update: STEPFORD USA and GREEN DESERT free promos are over. Over 3000 free copies of my books have been downloaded during the past few days and both books appeared on Kindle international bestseller lists. A million thanks to All for your interest and support! I wish all my readers a very happy reading and hope you enjoy my books! 🙂 Do remember to support your favorite authors by liking their books and contributing Amazon & Goodreads reviews!

This was the first time I’ve done the free promotion and I intend to share the results, my impressions (which are mixed at best), and thoughts on Kindle KDP Select program and the direction it’s taking, in a future post. For all the details/blurbs/book trailers/rankings see: STEPFORD USA post; GREEN DESERT post. I initially intended to include GOLD TRAIN in this free promo, but based on my impressions, I reconsidered it, at least for now. For more about that read my future post. For more about all my books see official author website: http://www.LadaRay.com

Read all about the FREE PROMO below:

Exciting news!

Memorial Day Promotion:

GREEN DESERT is FREE on Amazon Kindle 5/24-5/28. Download today!

Here are the links:

Amazon US FREE: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O0QJKQ

Amazon UK FREE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005O0QJKQ

Also FREE at Amazon: DE   FR   ES   IT 

Set in Iraq, this riveting short novella takes place prior to the start of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series.

 FIVE STARS:

“Riveting story with powerful message!” Meredith Carvin

FIVE STARS:

“This story will rock your world.”  Bill Tillman

International journalist Jade Snow travels to Iraq to shoot a documentary about the Iraqi insurgency. In Baghdad she, as usual, finds herself in the wrong place at just the right time. After witnessing a dramatic suicide bombing, and as two unlikely letters from the opposite sides of the conflict drop in her lap, Jade must trace the shocking connection between the suicide bomber, a young Iraqi girl and American sergeant killed in the attack.

A Jade Snow Prequel. Category: suspense, mystery/thriller

So far, GREEN DESERT has reached the following highest rankings on Kindle:

US: #1780 Free on Kindle; #26 in Mystery/thrillers/ women sleuths

UK: #760 Free on Kindle; #16 in Mystery/thrillers/ women sleuths

DE: #1283 on Kindle; #25 Krimis (Mystery); #31 Thriller

ES: #700 on Kindle; #9 Policiaca, negra y suspense (Mystery/thriller/suspense)

IT: #811 on Kindle; #11 Gialli e Thriller (Mystery & Thriller)

Also by Lada Ray:

GOLD TRAIN, rip roaring thrill-ride mystery thriller set in Russia and based on true historic events (Jade Snow #2, Russia Adventure)
STEPFORD USA, psychological mystery thriller (Jade Snow #1, US Adventure)
NOTE: While each book in the Jade Snow Series stands on its own, it is advisable to read them sequentially to fully appreciate the plot twists and character development.

For more about Lada Ray’s books visit LadaRay.com

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • Pocket
  • Tumblr
  • Telegram
  • Print
  • Email

Like this:

Like Loading...

EBOOK & Paperback on Amazon!

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

bio

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This blog and its content is Copyright of Lada Ray, Author. All rights reserved.

blog stats

  • 356,729 visits

Visit Official Site!

Visit Book Site!

Follow blog!

Become Patron, Get Exclusive Content!

Visit Author Amazon Page

Recent Posts

  • OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! MULTIDIMENSIONAL UNIVERSITY COURSE 1 ORIENTATION & WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW! + Why Period 9 Is so Special + Workshop Pages!
  • Great News! Lada Ray Patreon Now Offers Both Monthly & Annual Subscriptions!
  • Video Teaser – Course 1! HOW TO ADAPT & THRIVE DURING GREAT EARTH SHIFT
  • AWESOME NEWS – IT’S HERE!! MDU Course 1 “HOW TO ADAPT & THRIVE DURING THE GREAT EARTH SHIFT​!” ~ 1st details!
  • OVERDUE HEART TO HEART CONVERSATION & COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON HOW TO JOIN US! | + What to do if your Patreon account was blocked & YOU WANT TO REJOIN LADA RAY PATREON!
  • FREE TELEGRAM @ RealLadaRay! Saudi Arabia turns away from US & helps Russia; Why Russia Bombed Vinnitsa & Dnepr; Russian Anthem by UK mercenary condemned to death; Hungary’s Orban tells the truth; Referendums, and much more…
  • CHECK OUT!
  • UNVEILING COURSE 1! HOW TO ADAPT & THRIVE DURING THE GREAT EARTH SHIFT! | #MultidimensionalUniversity #LadaRay #EarthShift
  • JULY: TIME TO REFOCUS ON POSITIVE, UPLIFTING, BEAUTIFUL – AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL!
  • IMAGINE… AND WAKE UP! An Open Letter by LADA RAY to all English-speaking people
  • YOUTUBE PREMIERE! THE FUTURE OF THE DOLLAR & THE GREAT BALANCER (Full talk by Lada Ray)
  • POLL 2: Lada Ray Sites, Blogs & Social Media! Which do you follow?

Consultations

Earth Shift Webinars

Today’s Top

  • Tsars, Oligarchs and Imperial Treasure: ST.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
  • About
  • Books by Lada Ray
  • RUSSIAN TREASURES
  • I'll be Donating Profits From My Book Sales to No-Kill Animal Shelter in USA and Siberian Tiger Rescue in Russia
  • Feng Shui
  • Russia
  • OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! MULTIDIMENSIONAL UNIVERSITY COURSE 1 ORIENTATION & WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW! + Why Period 9 Is so Special + Workshop Pages!
  • Beautiful Russia: The Golden Ring of Russia 1
  • Beautiful Russia: The Golden Ring of Russia 2

Categories

Archives

Follow Lada Ray Channel!

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Top Rated

  • About
  • THE EARTH SHIFTER Launch & ARCHOS TABLET Super-Giveaway!
  • I'll be Donating Profits From My Book Sales to No-Kill Animal Shelter in USA and Siberian Tiger Rescue in Russia
  • What to Expect from the Chinese New Year of the Snake?
  • THE EARTH SHIFTER Epic Journey Begins!
  • How to Get Your Very Own Book Category on Amazon
  • THE EARTH SHIFTER Mystical Setting: Lake Baikal, Siberia
  • THE EARTH SHIFTER Release & Galactic Center Alignment on 12/21/12
  • THE EARTH SHIFTER and Blog of the Year 2012 Award
  • Happy New Year 2014 and How Russians Celebrate New Year

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 11,652 other followers

  • Follow Following
    • Lada Ray Blog
    • Join 11,652 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Lada Ray Blog
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d bloggers like this: