What do you think?
Rate this book
African Jinn: A William Brody Thriller
Brody has found paradise; he dives in crystal clear water for rock cod on the pristine coral reefs of the African Coast. His life is sun, sea, sand, and freedom, then wash and repeat. His shoes and his past life have been thrown in a corner—lost and forgotten.
All he needs these days is a pair of swimming shorts and a face mask. This is the life he dreamed of since he came to the coast of Africa—carefree and peaceful.
It's time to wash the memories of war from his mind.
Hassan is at the tiller, ever vigilant, his eyes flicking from the tranquil ocean to the cloudless blue sky. His life has never been this good: plenty of food for his crew and the warm planks of his beloved Shukran under his feet. A man could not ask for more.
But life comes a knocking when Hassan visits his uncle and has an encounter with a strange old woman.
Hassan drags his crew south to Pemba Island, his home. Suddenly, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is burdened with family responsibilities and guilt. Who has taken his sister?
Brody and the crew get embroiled in a world they do not understand. The darker sides of African culture and religion take them on a wild ride, leaping from island to island, chasing lost leads, but always one step behind.
Wealth, greed, and faith converge where evil lurks in the shadows. Brody comes up against his deepest fears. His fundamental ideologies are questioned.
Spearing dog-tooth tuna in shark-infested waters and fighting with his last breath of air, he is challenged to the core.
An ancient medicine man is the only one who can show them the way. Brody has to face truths that are too close to home.
Hassan is tested beyond his limits; he must save his sister from certain death at the hands of the Jinn, but is his faith strong enough to defeat the onslaught of evil? or has he become weak from living with the infidels?
In this fast-paced action thriller full of twists and turns. You will be whisked to Stone Town; Zanzibar, and through the spice islands of Songa Songa. You will be caught up in the dark whirlwind that is Brody’s latest adventure: African Jinn.
Get it now and don’t miss out; you will thank me later!
Free on Kindle Unlimited
All he needs these days is a pair of swimming shorts and a face mask. This is the life he dreamed of since he came to the coast of Africa—carefree and peaceful.
It's time to wash the memories of war from his mind.
Hassan is at the tiller, ever vigilant, his eyes flicking from the tranquil ocean to the cloudless blue sky. His life has never been this good: plenty of food for his crew and the warm planks of his beloved Shukran under his feet. A man could not ask for more.
But life comes a knocking when Hassan visits his uncle and has an encounter with a strange old woman.
Hassan drags his crew south to Pemba Island, his home. Suddenly, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is burdened with family responsibilities and guilt. Who has taken his sister?
Brody and the crew get embroiled in a world they do not understand. The darker sides of African culture and religion take them on a wild ride, leaping from island to island, chasing lost leads, but always one step behind.
Wealth, greed, and faith converge where evil lurks in the shadows. Brody comes up against his deepest fears. His fundamental ideologies are questioned.
Spearing dog-tooth tuna in shark-infested waters and fighting with his last breath of air, he is challenged to the core.
An ancient medicine man is the only one who can show them the way. Brody has to face truths that are too close to home.
Hassan is tested beyond his limits; he must save his sister from certain death at the hands of the Jinn, but is his faith strong enough to defeat the onslaught of evil? or has he become weak from living with the infidels?
In this fast-paced action thriller full of twists and turns. You will be whisked to Stone Town; Zanzibar, and through the spice islands of Songa Songa. You will be caught up in the dark whirlwind that is Brody’s latest adventure: African Jinn.
Get it now and don’t miss out; you will thank me later!
Free on Kindle Unlimited
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Steve Braker
14 books3 followersBorn and raised in the UK, Steve Braker grew up living on the coast. Naturally an outdoorsman, one could always find him anywhere near the water - on the beach, surfing and fishing or sailing and rock
climbing.
Soon the illustrious traveling bug bit him and he spent a few years venturing throughout Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, The Gambia and India. Once done with his whirlwind tour, he returned to work in London and eventually became the owner of an English Language School for foreign students, in the heart of the West End. During the next decade his passion for teaching grew, this is where his love of writing and the English Language began. After his time in London, Steve moved to East Africa, settling on the coast of Kenya, in a beach town called Mombasa, with his wife and four kids - now all grown up and successful on their own.
As an experienced PADI Open Water Dive Instructor, Steve has taught new divers the skills of Scuba Diving. His other maritime passions include, swimming, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing and water-skiing. With well over a thousand dives under his belt, Steve has explored the coast of East Africa from the tip of Mozambique to the border of Somalia. He has sailed the length of Kenya and Tanzania in a 32 foot wooden Dhow having had many adventures on the way. With teaching in his blood - whether the
classroom be on land or in the water - and the love of storytelling in his heart, Steve continued to write. Drawing from his real-life experiences creating exciting stories for his characters, he crafts tales with
depth, intrigue, real-world applications and locations.
When he's not writing or spending time with family, Steve can be found on his boat enjoying many of the same hobbies that his characters do: fishing, diving, exploring and everything the ocean has to offer.
climbing.
Soon the illustrious traveling bug bit him and he spent a few years venturing throughout Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Borneo, The Gambia and India. Once done with his whirlwind tour, he returned to work in London and eventually became the owner of an English Language School for foreign students, in the heart of the West End. During the next decade his passion for teaching grew, this is where his love of writing and the English Language began. After his time in London, Steve moved to East Africa, settling on the coast of Kenya, in a beach town called Mombasa, with his wife and four kids - now all grown up and successful on their own.
As an experienced PADI Open Water Dive Instructor, Steve has taught new divers the skills of Scuba Diving. His other maritime passions include, swimming, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing and water-skiing. With well over a thousand dives under his belt, Steve has explored the coast of East Africa from the tip of Mozambique to the border of Somalia. He has sailed the length of Kenya and Tanzania in a 32 foot wooden Dhow having had many adventures on the way. With teaching in his blood - whether the
classroom be on land or in the water - and the love of storytelling in his heart, Steve continued to write. Drawing from his real-life experiences creating exciting stories for his characters, he crafts tales with
depth, intrigue, real-world applications and locations.
When he's not writing or spending time with family, Steve can be found on his boat enjoying many of the same hobbies that his characters do: fishing, diving, exploring and everything the ocean has to offer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 14, 2023
Steve Braker is the author of African Jinn: A William Brody Thriller. The themes explored in this book were those of cultural identity, loyalty, friendship, survival, resilience, mystery, and quest. Steve introduces readers to Brody, a former Special Boat Service member who now lives aboard the Shukran, an old dhow sailing boat.
The camaraderie between Brody, his crew mates Hassan and Gumbao, and their playful banter showcase their deep bond. As the wind picks up, they raise the sail, setting the stage for their journey into the unknown. Brody finds himself in a dangerous encounter when mysterious assailants attack him. Despite his best efforts to defend himself, he realizes that the attackers have vanished without a trace. Feeling unsettled and aware that someone is after him, Brody returns to the safety of his boat, Shukran. Back on Shukran, Brody shares the incident with Gumbao and Hassan, and they discuss their next move. The suspense and tension continue to mount as Brody and his companions inch closer to uncovering the truth about Zainab and the dangerous forces at play in Stone Town.
This book was indeed a great read for me. One aspect of the text that stands out is the author's ability to paint vivid pictures with words. The dialogue between the characters feels authentic and helps to develop their personalities. The Ulama's wise and calm demeanor contrasts with Brody's initial defensive reaction, creating an interesting dynamic. The author successfully conveys the sense of trust and respect that gradually builds between the characters as they navigate the challenging situation they find themselves in.
The only aspect I observed that some readers might not really like is that while the chapter effectively sets the stage and establishes the characters, it may feel slightly slow-paced for readers seeking immediate action or intense plot development. Some readers might prefer a quicker introduction to the main conflict. However, I wasn't affected by this, as it is a subjective preference. I appreciated the gradual build-up and focus on establishing the characters' everyday lives, as it immersed me more into the narrative.
Steve Braker's attention to detail and skillful storytelling make it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world he has created through his writing. My encounter with this book was a great one. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I did not see any reason to deduct any stars from this book, as the plot was executed perfectly. I recommend this book to lovers of thrillers and books with a substantial level of suspense and action.
The camaraderie between Brody, his crew mates Hassan and Gumbao, and their playful banter showcase their deep bond. As the wind picks up, they raise the sail, setting the stage for their journey into the unknown. Brody finds himself in a dangerous encounter when mysterious assailants attack him. Despite his best efforts to defend himself, he realizes that the attackers have vanished without a trace. Feeling unsettled and aware that someone is after him, Brody returns to the safety of his boat, Shukran. Back on Shukran, Brody shares the incident with Gumbao and Hassan, and they discuss their next move. The suspense and tension continue to mount as Brody and his companions inch closer to uncovering the truth about Zainab and the dangerous forces at play in Stone Town.
This book was indeed a great read for me. One aspect of the text that stands out is the author's ability to paint vivid pictures with words. The dialogue between the characters feels authentic and helps to develop their personalities. The Ulama's wise and calm demeanor contrasts with Brody's initial defensive reaction, creating an interesting dynamic. The author successfully conveys the sense of trust and respect that gradually builds between the characters as they navigate the challenging situation they find themselves in.
The only aspect I observed that some readers might not really like is that while the chapter effectively sets the stage and establishes the characters, it may feel slightly slow-paced for readers seeking immediate action or intense plot development. Some readers might prefer a quicker introduction to the main conflict. However, I wasn't affected by this, as it is a subjective preference. I appreciated the gradual build-up and focus on establishing the characters' everyday lives, as it immersed me more into the narrative.
Steve Braker's attention to detail and skillful storytelling make it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world he has created through his writing. My encounter with this book was a great one. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I did not see any reason to deduct any stars from this book, as the plot was executed perfectly. I recommend this book to lovers of thrillers and books with a substantial level of suspense and action.
July 16, 2023
Action-thriller writer Steve Braker is back with another installment to the William Brody series. Former Special Forces Major William Brody plays the main character and epic hero. Brody is familiar with villains that carry weapons and ammunition. He had dealt with many of them as a service member. With them, you shoot and avoid getting shot. But what happens when Brody faces powers that defy human logic and trump his years of military experience? Braker expertly captures for readers an action-packed adventure embellished with an interesting blend of religious mythology and age-old African fables, taking us on a heart-thumping adventure along the African coast.
William Brody could not be more content. He had found home in the ocean, sailing across the coasts of East Africa on board his beloved Shukran, an old, pot-bellied dhow alongside the only family he now knew, Hassan, a devout Muslim who lived strictly by the Quran and Gumbao, an older man who smiled easily and lived without a care in the world. They sold fish to make money and drank straight from coconuts to satisfy their thirst. Life was carefree for the three men. The trajectory of this story shifts after Hassan learns from a bizarre old woman that his only sister, Zainab, has been taken away by tigiri men. The tigiri are powerful and untouchable. They own big, shiny boats and are rich in ways nobody dares to question. Hassan knows they're up against something bigger than them but is fueled by the desperation to find his only sister. On the other hand, Brody is determined to help his friend and prove to him that there's a rational explanation behind Zainab's disappearance. But as the three men set sail in search of answers, events occur that cannot be easily explained away. Their rat chase leads them deeper into webs of ancient evil, a darkness unknown and unseen. Brody's ideologies are questioned to the core, Hassan's faith is tested like never before, and carefree Gumbao must, for once, take the lead. Can these men, together, defeat the evil that lies in wait?
Evident in his rich and vivid narration is Braker's desire to uncover the realities of living on the African coast and the varied culture of the people. Expert descriptions leave nothing to the reader's imagination as they are instantly transported to another world. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this experience while reading African Jinn. The characters take us on a rousing adventure, jumping from island to island, diving into bottomless oceans and weathering deadly storms. I was completely immersed in this reality that the author had captured. The action in this book also is palpable and will leave you scanning the content of its pages with bated breath. Brody and his crew snoop around gated houses and heavily guarded boats. They ambush and are ambushed, and for each scene, you're sure to feel every minute of it. The diverse African culture with more insight into the darker sides of its religion and people is aptly expressed. The prose is stellar, and Braker's word building is truly impressive. Even though this book starts slow-paced and is littered with sailing jargon that may be difficult to keep up with, stay put. The action's coming, and it'll certainly be worth your time. A five out of five stars read. I highly recommend it!
William Brody could not be more content. He had found home in the ocean, sailing across the coasts of East Africa on board his beloved Shukran, an old, pot-bellied dhow alongside the only family he now knew, Hassan, a devout Muslim who lived strictly by the Quran and Gumbao, an older man who smiled easily and lived without a care in the world. They sold fish to make money and drank straight from coconuts to satisfy their thirst. Life was carefree for the three men. The trajectory of this story shifts after Hassan learns from a bizarre old woman that his only sister, Zainab, has been taken away by tigiri men. The tigiri are powerful and untouchable. They own big, shiny boats and are rich in ways nobody dares to question. Hassan knows they're up against something bigger than them but is fueled by the desperation to find his only sister. On the other hand, Brody is determined to help his friend and prove to him that there's a rational explanation behind Zainab's disappearance. But as the three men set sail in search of answers, events occur that cannot be easily explained away. Their rat chase leads them deeper into webs of ancient evil, a darkness unknown and unseen. Brody's ideologies are questioned to the core, Hassan's faith is tested like never before, and carefree Gumbao must, for once, take the lead. Can these men, together, defeat the evil that lies in wait?
Evident in his rich and vivid narration is Braker's desire to uncover the realities of living on the African coast and the varied culture of the people. Expert descriptions leave nothing to the reader's imagination as they are instantly transported to another world. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this experience while reading African Jinn. The characters take us on a rousing adventure, jumping from island to island, diving into bottomless oceans and weathering deadly storms. I was completely immersed in this reality that the author had captured. The action in this book also is palpable and will leave you scanning the content of its pages with bated breath. Brody and his crew snoop around gated houses and heavily guarded boats. They ambush and are ambushed, and for each scene, you're sure to feel every minute of it. The diverse African culture with more insight into the darker sides of its religion and people is aptly expressed. The prose is stellar, and Braker's word building is truly impressive. Even though this book starts slow-paced and is littered with sailing jargon that may be difficult to keep up with, stay put. The action's coming, and it'll certainly be worth your time. A five out of five stars read. I highly recommend it!
January 4, 2025
The latest ( and sixth) installment of the ocean adventure series that follow the life of William Brody, ex SBS sergeant, who stranded on the East African Coast upon his military service seeking to forget the trauma’s that war brought him.
The author is Steve Braker and is self publishing which is an achievement in itself. I have read over time the whole series and have allways enjoyed the various story lines. His writing style might do with some more editing but his stories stand out and are rooted in his own experiences roaming that same coast line for so many years to fish, sail or dive.
African Jinn stands out from the series as it adds a non action part to its usual mix : the dark magic that is part of the African culture and religion. That black undercurrent is woven into the usual fast paced action typical for this series all set once again on the coasts of Kenia and its neighbouring countries. The fact that the story lines is evolving will hopefully allow the author to build in more dimensions into his main characters after this episode. Brody might end up with some new found beliefs, Hassan a backbone of his own when not holding the tiller of their dhow and Gumbao to accept he can do more then save his own life. This ragtag crew is well chosen and have interesting backgrounds that are unravelled in earlier episodes but this book can easily be read as a stand alone.
The main story line touches upon organ trafficking, old fashioned religions still impacting today’s African culture and daily life on the east Africa coasts far away from the spotlights. Zainab, the bright and beautiful sister of Hassan, has been taken away and the crew of the Shukra dhow are all over the coast following the trail of the culpritts. Throw in the usual snippets of scuba and free diving adventures, sailing, combat episodes & couleur locale and you have the main ingredients of African Jinn summed up. The pace is fast and the story line pulls off the more mystical voodoo parts.
A series worth a try ! And for the future I wish the Shukra crew some love interests and possibly a link up to the many ecological threats this part of the world is facing ?
The author is Steve Braker and is self publishing which is an achievement in itself. I have read over time the whole series and have allways enjoyed the various story lines. His writing style might do with some more editing but his stories stand out and are rooted in his own experiences roaming that same coast line for so many years to fish, sail or dive.
African Jinn stands out from the series as it adds a non action part to its usual mix : the dark magic that is part of the African culture and religion. That black undercurrent is woven into the usual fast paced action typical for this series all set once again on the coasts of Kenia and its neighbouring countries. The fact that the story lines is evolving will hopefully allow the author to build in more dimensions into his main characters after this episode. Brody might end up with some new found beliefs, Hassan a backbone of his own when not holding the tiller of their dhow and Gumbao to accept he can do more then save his own life. This ragtag crew is well chosen and have interesting backgrounds that are unravelled in earlier episodes but this book can easily be read as a stand alone.
The main story line touches upon organ trafficking, old fashioned religions still impacting today’s African culture and daily life on the east Africa coasts far away from the spotlights. Zainab, the bright and beautiful sister of Hassan, has been taken away and the crew of the Shukra dhow are all over the coast following the trail of the culpritts. Throw in the usual snippets of scuba and free diving adventures, sailing, combat episodes & couleur locale and you have the main ingredients of African Jinn summed up. The pace is fast and the story line pulls off the more mystical voodoo parts.
A series worth a try ! And for the future I wish the Shukra crew some love interests and possibly a link up to the many ecological threats this part of the world is facing ?
July 14, 2023
In this novel we once again join Brody on an unbelievable adventure in the beautiful land of Zanzibar. He can finally leave his past life of war behind. All he needs is his swimming shorts and his face mask. He has finally found his paradise. The land he has dreamed of since he came to Africa.
But life takes a turn and Brody needs to gather his crew to help a friend Hassan whose sister has been abducted. Brody is thrown into the darker sides of African culture and religions it is a world he does not understand. Evil is everywhere, and he has no idea how to fight it. Will he survive the evils he does not understand. This novel entices you from the very first page until the very last word of the very last page. I have always loved the word of Steve Braker but he has truly out down himself with this novel. I could not put it down I had to do an all nighter. I can not recommend this novel more highly. I received this novel as an advanced review copy. This is my ture and honest opinion.
But life takes a turn and Brody needs to gather his crew to help a friend Hassan whose sister has been abducted. Brody is thrown into the darker sides of African culture and religions it is a world he does not understand. Evil is everywhere, and he has no idea how to fight it. Will he survive the evils he does not understand. This novel entices you from the very first page until the very last word of the very last page. I have always loved the word of Steve Braker but he has truly out down himself with this novel. I could not put it down I had to do an all nighter. I can not recommend this novel more highly. I received this novel as an advanced review copy. This is my ture and honest opinion.
July 17, 2023
Brody, an ex-special forces soldier, his friend Hassan, a devout Muslim, and their care-free friend Gumbao crew the dhow Shukran as they live a carefree life of adventure off the coast of East Africa. Things suddenly change when a fishing trip to Somalia goes sideways. Soon after, Hassan's only sister is kidnapped and the crew is sucked into an intense adventure trying to deal with the darker aspects of African culture and religion. Will they manage to overcome the evil around them? Read on! The author does a great job of writing in detail and creating a very vivid world that draws you in and carries you along as if you were really there.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
July 15, 2023
African Jinn is the latest example of the stellar writing abilities of Steve Braker. He is able to capture the vivid and true beauty of Africa. The reader easily gets tangled up in the events and characters of the story. To the extent that the reader feels like she/he is living the trials, the pain and challenges. Brody as the main character has true friends who will risk their lives to be loyal. They lead Brody through challenges and obstacles that appear unattainable.
African Jinn leads the series in excellence and is very highly recommended.
There is nothing negative in this book and Steve Braker must be thrilled with such a high level of reading.
Congratulations Steve.
African Jinn leads the series in excellence and is very highly recommended.
There is nothing negative in this book and Steve Braker must be thrilled with such a high level of reading.
Congratulations Steve.
July 21, 2023
This series combines two of my favourite things - adventure novels and East Africa.
I love the characters in this series - the relationships between each are so interesting.
The story in this book was great. I found the jinn side of it really interesting and very different to books I usually read.
The way the author writes took me back to the streets and alleys of Stone Town, but thankfully my own visits have never included men with swords.
The writing is so descriptive that I felt like I was diving alongside Brody and running through the tunnels with Hassan and Gumbao.
I need to go back and read the books I have missed as I enjoy the writing very much.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
I love the characters in this series - the relationships between each are so interesting.
The story in this book was great. I found the jinn side of it really interesting and very different to books I usually read.
The way the author writes took me back to the streets and alleys of Stone Town, but thankfully my own visits have never included men with swords.
The writing is so descriptive that I felt like I was diving alongside Brody and running through the tunnels with Hassan and Gumbao.
I need to go back and read the books I have missed as I enjoy the writing very much.
I received an ARC of the book and this is my honest review.
August 1, 2023
Another great read. I have read all of these books in order and I have never been disappointed. Lots of action and suspense. I have seen the three main characters develop with each book. I am really looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series - 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews