Tian Zhu

by Joseph Van Nydeck

A sudden spike in Chinese military activity on the western Tibetan Plateau has heightened tensions between the US and China. As a result, the CIA has deployed senior Special Operations Group officer and former Navy SEAL Johnny Dekker on Operation Yeti. His mission is to infiltrate the heavily guarded and remote Chinese construction site, assess the situation and leave no trace.Along the way, Johnny meets a mysterious nomadic monk, Rasi Rgyal, from an ancient Himalayan tribe. For reasons Johnny struggles to understand, Rasi is being pursued by China’s Ministry of State Security. The monk might just hold the key to a forgotten technology — one that could propel the nation that successfully harnesses it to the forefront of scientific development, changing the course of human history. But the more Johnny learns of the cryptic technology, the more dangerous his mission becomes.

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2014

About the author

Joseph Van Nydeck’s sophomore novel, IRIN, was released on November 29, 2021, featuring his complicated and enigmatic protagonist Johnny Dekker.

Joseph was born and raised in the Southwestern United States but spent time north of the border exploring various cultures in its bustling metropolis of Toronto.

Following a desire for a deeper understanding of new languages and cultures, he's spent the last thirty years in Asia navigating the corporate labyrinths of finance and technology.

The Johnny Dekker story began with his recruitment into the Central Intelligence Agency’s Special Activities Division. His Navy SEAL training fit the rising need of its paramilitary arm – the Special Operations Group, but his extended mission has returned him to a world of equal intrigue.

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting novel that is up to date on Chinese-American relations using the latest in technology. I didn't know the outcome 'til the very end of the book. Hope the next book is coming soon! This is current stuff!!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Was not thrilled with the style at first, omniscient narrative. But it served the story well. I can best compare the book to an orchestral presentation. Beginning slowly, building on one instrument after another from a simple theme to a full blown crescendo.

The author built a complex and informative story, skillfully moving from one section to another, filling in meaty information as it progressed. Yes. Very much like a grand orchestration and ending with a thrilling and triumphant exclamation.

I am not usually a fan of the 'spy genre' but then I have not read many books as complex and interesting as this one.

One of my daughters read / is reading it as well and was not excited so much as I by the style and story. I hesitate to glow so much, but I truly did love it and recommend it to any person interested in spy novels... or political commentary (the book delves into current event politics and situations) Give it a try. I am looking forward to a movie from it. (No I don't know that there is one planned, but I have seen many movies less worthy than this story to be filmed)

[Vykki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I won this book on Good reads. This was differently a thrill ride I was so in to the book that I put everything else to the side. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a really great thriller. Thank you very much.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Distracting, but in the end the book suffers from two key problems: 1) too many overlapping incredible conspiracies; and 2) too many unbelievable science fiction ideas. Combined, they take the book too far afield from believability.

[Kaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.