A Holy War

72 Virgins
by Avi Perry

Genre; Fiction/Terrorism
Publisher; Gradient Publishing/USA/2009
Pages; 385

"The FBI, the Israeli Mossad, the US-based Iranian clandestine terror network, and the Islamic Jihad fraternity are engaged in a timeless conflict, playing out to a crescendo that comes to a head before the dramatic conclusion." (Avi Perry, 72 Virgins)

Plot; Arik has just finished his service with the Israeli Defence and is enjoying travelling when he and his girlfriend Rachel are grabbed from an Indonesian street and forced into a car. Arik is able to escape, but he is unable to help Rachel who is taken to places unknown.

In the search for Rachel, and any information regarding her abduction, Arik finds himself undercover in a Muslim extremist terror cell based in New York. Arik must rely on his training to find his kidnapped lover while trying to undermine the plans of the callus and dangerously unstable Jihadists.

With the help of the Israeli Mossad and the FBI, will Arik be able to save the life of the woman he loves while putting a stop to a devastating attack on U.S. soil?

My Thoughts; Avi Perry's latest novel is a fast-paced thriller which is not only captivating but masterfully constructed.

When I read a book for review I take a "time out" every few pages to make notes. This story was so enthralling and so engrossing that I could not tare my gaze away long enough to put pen to paper.

I think it is important to note that Perry has a background in Israeli intelligence, which is evident in the quality of the knowledge on the subject matter, but Perry has also put alot of research into this work. This knowledge and research comes together to form a well constructed and well plotted storyline, with believable characters who stir up the emotions, believable actions which quicken the breath and believable moments which make this book unforgetable.

Perry has a very readable writing style. At no time did I struggle with material which is, ordinarily, unfamiliar to me. I found 72 Virgins to be an easy-to-follow story, even thought there are ongoing plots and sub-plots, there are no moments of confusion.

The intense mix of characters and their personalities is gripping. I found Arik, the male protagonist, to be a very likable hero. He never questions himself. Arik is confident and intelligent and he is just the type of man I would want hunting out my abductors.

Abu Musa, Arik's main adversary, may not be a likable character but he is a great "baddie". I do, however, have one issue with this character and that is his relationship with Hilga. Abu Musa is an extremist Muslim who refused to trust Naguib at the beginning of the book purely because of his green eyes and yet he forms a realtionship, a sexual relationship, with Hilga, a honey-blonde German. I do not understand this realtionship.

This book has a bit of everything, and in my opinion, it will appeal to a wide audience. It is eye-opening and informative while it also tells a great story with great characters.

I recommend this book to anyone who can get their hands on it!

Check out the authors website to buy a copy.

Happy Reading!