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1/1 Jihad Britain
New Year's the world parties on unaware as a toll of death far beyond 9/11 and 7/7 spreads across Britain. The UK makes its own rules as 1/1 dawns and they don't include fair play.
326 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2010
17 people want to read
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December 27, 2010
Article first published as Book Review: Jihad-Britain by Jack Everett and David Coles on Blogcritics.
In a number of incidents sure to shock the world, a group known as the Black Knights, who have declared Jihad, attack Britain in a well-planned and set up maneuver. On a chill morning just before noon, at landmarks throughout the area, a series of bombings break the silence of January 1, 2012. These include a newly commissioned Cruise ship, Majesty, carrying 5000 passengers and being observed by a large crowd at Mayflower Park; Ibrox Stadium; an underground station, carrying 80000, for singing and fireworks; St Paul’s Cathedral, holding Thanksgiving services; a similar event in Trafalgar Square; and Millennium stadium for the Welsh National Choir slated for 74,000 attendees. These atrocities result in 15,000 deaths and 20,000 more injuries.
The Prime Minister calls a meeting of the COBRA committee, to assess the situation and to set a plan to find those who were guilty of such heinous acts. He also chooses to set a General Election against the advice of his party. The P.M. wants action and needs the backing of the public.
Another group of members have broken away from the old parties and decided to form a new different party. It is felt that this would be what it would take to protect British citizens from further attack and to find those who had accomplished these horrible deeds. Francis Raike, considered to be one of the brightest sparks in government, is elected to be the head of the party by the other constituents.
They call themselves the Independents and have a radical platform, ready for change for Britain, and their place in the world. Some of those ideas consist of the repeal of the Human Rights Act, secession from the EU, continued UN membership, immigration policies and conscription to name a few. Many of these are very controversial — and yet because the public is looking for safety, the Independents win the election by a landslide. The new government is then assigned the brightest stars in each field and made ready to find those responsible.
As every lead is followed and the culprits found and arrested, two remain invisible. They are the most ruthless of killers with plans that make even the madness of 2012 look like child’s play. In addition, as the new Prime Minister, Francis Raike digs deeper into the quagmire, he puts himself and those he holds dearest in danger from this group killing in the name of Allah. Will he succeed in his plan or will he lose all he holds dear?
Jack Everett and David Coles have put together a story of nightmarish proportions. In a post 9/11 world where terror once again raises its head, they have written a story of Jihad, a war against the British by those most extreme. In Jihad-Britain, they have taken the extremism to an ultimate place. However, they have also found a hero, or a group of heroes, willing to challenge the status quo, willing to make changes unpopular with many to rebuild a stronger county.
They have shown a bleak and challenging situation and founded a group of characters, capable of bringing it home. Each of the different characters, including the Prime Minister, Francis Raike, have a boldness and strength needed in this time, and yet they have their human side, which shows up, often in awkward times and places. They are human and very likable, but also give you a solid comfort that they are there on the scene.
At the same time, they have a formidable foe, two men with their own twisted beliefs, but with the charisma to build an army of thugs, those who enjoyed murder for the act itself as well as those fanatics just following their belief.
I had difficulty at the beginning of the book. It started slow, but within the first few chapters, an understanding of the story emerged, building a pace that was then both quick and interesting. I would recommend this book for those interested in this genre, and while it is a novel of war, it is also a novel of people. I found it quite fascinating. This would be a very interesting book for a reading group or book club.
This book was received as a free e-copy from the authors. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the information
In a number of incidents sure to shock the world, a group known as the Black Knights, who have declared Jihad, attack Britain in a well-planned and set up maneuver. On a chill morning just before noon, at landmarks throughout the area, a series of bombings break the silence of January 1, 2012. These include a newly commissioned Cruise ship, Majesty, carrying 5000 passengers and being observed by a large crowd at Mayflower Park; Ibrox Stadium; an underground station, carrying 80000, for singing and fireworks; St Paul’s Cathedral, holding Thanksgiving services; a similar event in Trafalgar Square; and Millennium stadium for the Welsh National Choir slated for 74,000 attendees. These atrocities result in 15,000 deaths and 20,000 more injuries.
The Prime Minister calls a meeting of the COBRA committee, to assess the situation and to set a plan to find those who were guilty of such heinous acts. He also chooses to set a General Election against the advice of his party. The P.M. wants action and needs the backing of the public.
Another group of members have broken away from the old parties and decided to form a new different party. It is felt that this would be what it would take to protect British citizens from further attack and to find those who had accomplished these horrible deeds. Francis Raike, considered to be one of the brightest sparks in government, is elected to be the head of the party by the other constituents.
They call themselves the Independents and have a radical platform, ready for change for Britain, and their place in the world. Some of those ideas consist of the repeal of the Human Rights Act, secession from the EU, continued UN membership, immigration policies and conscription to name a few. Many of these are very controversial — and yet because the public is looking for safety, the Independents win the election by a landslide. The new government is then assigned the brightest stars in each field and made ready to find those responsible.
As every lead is followed and the culprits found and arrested, two remain invisible. They are the most ruthless of killers with plans that make even the madness of 2012 look like child’s play. In addition, as the new Prime Minister, Francis Raike digs deeper into the quagmire, he puts himself and those he holds dearest in danger from this group killing in the name of Allah. Will he succeed in his plan or will he lose all he holds dear?
Jack Everett and David Coles have put together a story of nightmarish proportions. In a post 9/11 world where terror once again raises its head, they have written a story of Jihad, a war against the British by those most extreme. In Jihad-Britain, they have taken the extremism to an ultimate place. However, they have also found a hero, or a group of heroes, willing to challenge the status quo, willing to make changes unpopular with many to rebuild a stronger county.
They have shown a bleak and challenging situation and founded a group of characters, capable of bringing it home. Each of the different characters, including the Prime Minister, Francis Raike, have a boldness and strength needed in this time, and yet they have their human side, which shows up, often in awkward times and places. They are human and very likable, but also give you a solid comfort that they are there on the scene.
At the same time, they have a formidable foe, two men with their own twisted beliefs, but with the charisma to build an army of thugs, those who enjoyed murder for the act itself as well as those fanatics just following their belief.
I had difficulty at the beginning of the book. It started slow, but within the first few chapters, an understanding of the story emerged, building a pace that was then both quick and interesting. I would recommend this book for those interested in this genre, and while it is a novel of war, it is also a novel of people. I found it quite fascinating. This would be a very interesting book for a reading group or book club.
This book was received as a free e-copy from the authors. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the information
December 30, 2010
REVIEW 1/1: JIHAD – BRITAIN BY DAVID COLES AND JACK EVERETT
REVIEW BY GERALDINE EVANS
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it impossible to put down and really wanted to know what happened next. The action moves from country to country in the build-up to the 1/1 New Year terrorist tragedies. With thousands dead at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists, the UK government has no answers. We watch as the Islamic fanatics plot more terror. It is time for a new party, a radical party, the Independents, led by Francis Raike, who promises Draconian laws to deal with those bringing terror to the land.
With its new laws, from the annulment of the Human Rights Act, the split from the EU, the reintroduction of the death penalty and the repatriation of disaffected immigrants, Francis Raike and his team are gradually getting to grips with a country in turmoil.
But then the terrorists pose a new and more terrible threat that will devastate a large part of the country. Can the government catch the perpetrators before it’s too late?
I found this a fast-moving, up-to-the-minute, thriller that posed questions asked by many of us. This is a novel that deals realistically – if frighteningly – with an all-too-modern problem. I enjoyed it very much and heartily recommend it.
REVIEW BY GERALDINE EVANS
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it impossible to put down and really wanted to know what happened next. The action moves from country to country in the build-up to the 1/1 New Year terrorist tragedies. With thousands dead at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists, the UK government has no answers. We watch as the Islamic fanatics plot more terror. It is time for a new party, a radical party, the Independents, led by Francis Raike, who promises Draconian laws to deal with those bringing terror to the land.
With its new laws, from the annulment of the Human Rights Act, the split from the EU, the reintroduction of the death penalty and the repatriation of disaffected immigrants, Francis Raike and his team are gradually getting to grips with a country in turmoil.
But then the terrorists pose a new and more terrible threat that will devastate a large part of the country. Can the government catch the perpetrators before it’s too late?
I found this a fast-moving, up-to-the-minute, thriller that posed questions asked by many of us. This is a novel that deals realistically – if frighteningly – with an all-too-modern problem. I enjoyed it very much and heartily recommend it.
January 17, 2011
This novel is a disturbing addition to the many stories being woven around terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11. It follows the paths of two men who represent opposing viewpoints – Imran Assail, an extremist Muslim bound for Paradise via jihad, a holy war with Britain as its target, and Francis Raike, a new Prime Minister carried to office by his desire to recreate a better Britain in the wake of the terrorist-created destruction described in clinical detail at the beginning of the story.
The writing is clean and crisp, details spilling out across the pages without confusion; the plots and sub plots ebbing and playing out around each-other. Background to the terrorism which opens the story is related with precision and reveals an unnerving attention to detail in the planning and execution of devastation and murder on a grand scale. The reader observes first the fanaticism of Assail and his partner Fahkri and then the equally driven passion of Francis Raike as he drives the political reforms necessary to replace complacency with national pride and rebuild Britain.
The book begins on New Years Eve 2011, regresses briefly to 2006, then continues through to 2016. There is a love story glimpsed here and there as the PM endeavours to maintain a private life in the face of his enormous responsibilities. There are insights into ways the world could be re-imagined in a manner which recognises diversity while celebrating the common man and his lifestyle. The authors touch on conscription, economic refugees, a new version of transportation of convicts, bomb making, CCTV piracy and even climate change. The pace is swift, the targets of terrorism are frighteningly real, most of the good people survive. The scariest thing about the book is how easy it is to imagine everything being true.
Find this book and read it yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
December 24, 2010
Should be on every British persons to read list. What happens in the UK after a 9/11 style incident happens one New Years Eve, this novel is multistrandes, gripping and a real page turner it is so current it could be happening today.
By S.Duncan - See all my reviews This review is from: 1/1:Jihad Britain (Paperback)
This book has constant surprises throughout and starts off with a bang. The plot is one that takes the reader for a ride they will never forget.
The majority of the book takes place within the UK with the bombing of St Paul's Cathedral and a death count higher in one book than any book I have ever read. The plot and characters are flawless and you really feel like you are standing there watching the events happen in front of your eyes. I felt raw emotion throughout this book and it confronts issues that have happen in real life.
However this book isn't about death, it is about people coming together no matter what religion or race to overcome the hatred that has been brought into the world by certain individuals.
This book should be a must read for every adult.
This book was received for free from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.
By S.Duncan - See all my reviews This review is from: 1/1:Jihad Britain (Paperback)
This book has constant surprises throughout and starts off with a bang. The plot is one that takes the reader for a ride they will never forget.
The majority of the book takes place within the UK with the bombing of St Paul's Cathedral and a death count higher in one book than any book I have ever read. The plot and characters are flawless and you really feel like you are standing there watching the events happen in front of your eyes. I felt raw emotion throughout this book and it confronts issues that have happen in real life.
However this book isn't about death, it is about people coming together no matter what religion or race to overcome the hatred that has been brought into the world by certain individuals.
This book should be a must read for every adult.
This book was received for free from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 10, 2011
I knew when I started reading 1/1: Jihad Britain that it would not be bedtime reading. The story teeters on the edge of reality and imagination, and of what could be our worst nightmares.
The story is set in Britain in the very near future, and the specters of global warming and terrorist plots at their worst. After a New Year’s terrorist attack on Britain that surpasses anything the world has seen so far, the country is thrown into political and civil upheaval. A new political party is created with radical solutions to the problems of immigration and the divisiveness created by clashing cultures and religious views.
In spite of the fanaticism of the terrorists, and the extreme reactions of the British “powers that be,” I was struck by the way the authors created characters who exhibited a true sense of humanity. They showed that even in the worst of circumstances, peoples can act for the greater good.
And it left me with the question I always have when reading a good book: What could happen next?
The story is set in Britain in the very near future, and the specters of global warming and terrorist plots at their worst. After a New Year’s terrorist attack on Britain that surpasses anything the world has seen so far, the country is thrown into political and civil upheaval. A new political party is created with radical solutions to the problems of immigration and the divisiveness created by clashing cultures and religious views.
In spite of the fanaticism of the terrorists, and the extreme reactions of the British “powers that be,” I was struck by the way the authors created characters who exhibited a true sense of humanity. They showed that even in the worst of circumstances, peoples can act for the greater good.
And it left me with the question I always have when reading a good book: What could happen next?
August 8, 2011
Well, I'm hooked. The opening gambit is so plausible, so credible that you just have to keep reading, mounting hope upon hope that someone somewhere is taking this seriously and that they can stop the threat to mankind before it is too late.
Chilling.
Chilling.
April 11, 2011
Although the media would never allow us to forget that our military is fighting the war in the Middle East, we sometimes grow complacent with the events taking place as we continue on with our comfortable lives thousands of miles away. In 1/1: Jihad-Britain, that peaceful complacency is shattered when Muslim jihadists bring the fight to the heart of Britain. Years in the making, Fahkri’s plan is executed almost flawlessly, resulting in devastation that sends Britain to the brink of civil war.
As the “Dark Knights” lay claim to the destruction, thousands of individuals of various races and ethnicities seize the opportunity to participate in the feud against the ‘kafirs’. Thousands of people are chased from their communities as entire towns form ethnic ghettos, and immigrant families evacuate England to find safety in their home countries. Initially, the government, which was detrimentally struck by the terrorist attacks, is unwilling to take major action. Stepping up to the plate, Francis Raike calls for the formation of a new political party and an election.
Upholding some imposingly conservative ideals regarding immigration and British citizenship, the new Independents look to rebuild Britain as a “country to be proud of.” They will take a number of drastic (and ethically questionable) measures. Not only do they have significant rebuilding ahead, but also Fahkri and the Dark Knights are still out there planning their next move.
The authors contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to review their book, and although I don’t normally read this genre, I’m glad I did! Jack Everett and David Coles bring the war home in an original and shocking turn of events in the war on terrorism. This book was exciting from start to finish! The reader enters the story at the start of the first attack, which immediately grips the attention and the writing style is quick and concise during the more action-packed events, helping to develop a sense of urgency during the mayhem of the attacks.
One thing I really like is this book has excellent character development- the authors develop various details of the character’s lives without delving into detail in areas that aren’t pertinent to the story. I especially liked how they not only developed the “good guys” but also gave the back-story on the “bad guys”. The reader doesn’t see Fahkri as just a random, ambitious terrorist, but as a boy who suffers tragedies that cause him to become the man he is. The characters have their flaws, and learn to grow from their experiences throughout the book.
The plot of this book is enthralling. The terrorist attacks are intense and exciting, the tension following the attacks is high, and the suspense of what’s going to happen next keeps the reader hooked. The story flows perfectly, never boring but also not over-the-top with action and excitement. Even for someone who is totally unfamiliar with the way the British government is run, I had no trouble following the events taking place in this book. Many of the problems occurring in this book are troubles seen in other major countries throughout the world (e.g. illegal immigration), so even if you aren’t British, you can appreciate the troubles that Raike and his party face.
The only critique I have for this book is that the timeline can become a bit confusing. What begins as a day by day, and at times minute by minute, account of what’s happening, eventually changes to significant leaps in time. Over the duration of the book, years pass. When events are taking place, perspective often switches between the terrorists and the British government. Although it didn’t detract from the book overall, there were instances when I wasn’t certain when things were occurring in the timeline of events (Were they happening simultaneously? Or one after the other?). As I said though, this doesn’t detract from the book, and is an issue easily rectified by putting in some sort of header such as “Jan 24, 2012; 11:30 AM; London.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller (especially if you enjoy shows like Spooks)! 1/1: Jihad-Britain taps into issues commonly seen in society today such as immigration, racism, and terrorism. With the world’s current political situation, many people harbor paranoia and fear towards other ethnic groups, and this book shows one possible outcome when all Hell breaks loose following a major attack on a world power. I look forward to any future works from these authors!
As the “Dark Knights” lay claim to the destruction, thousands of individuals of various races and ethnicities seize the opportunity to participate in the feud against the ‘kafirs’. Thousands of people are chased from their communities as entire towns form ethnic ghettos, and immigrant families evacuate England to find safety in their home countries. Initially, the government, which was detrimentally struck by the terrorist attacks, is unwilling to take major action. Stepping up to the plate, Francis Raike calls for the formation of a new political party and an election.
Upholding some imposingly conservative ideals regarding immigration and British citizenship, the new Independents look to rebuild Britain as a “country to be proud of.” They will take a number of drastic (and ethically questionable) measures. Not only do they have significant rebuilding ahead, but also Fahkri and the Dark Knights are still out there planning their next move.
The authors contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to review their book, and although I don’t normally read this genre, I’m glad I did! Jack Everett and David Coles bring the war home in an original and shocking turn of events in the war on terrorism. This book was exciting from start to finish! The reader enters the story at the start of the first attack, which immediately grips the attention and the writing style is quick and concise during the more action-packed events, helping to develop a sense of urgency during the mayhem of the attacks.
One thing I really like is this book has excellent character development- the authors develop various details of the character’s lives without delving into detail in areas that aren’t pertinent to the story. I especially liked how they not only developed the “good guys” but also gave the back-story on the “bad guys”. The reader doesn’t see Fahkri as just a random, ambitious terrorist, but as a boy who suffers tragedies that cause him to become the man he is. The characters have their flaws, and learn to grow from their experiences throughout the book.
The plot of this book is enthralling. The terrorist attacks are intense and exciting, the tension following the attacks is high, and the suspense of what’s going to happen next keeps the reader hooked. The story flows perfectly, never boring but also not over-the-top with action and excitement. Even for someone who is totally unfamiliar with the way the British government is run, I had no trouble following the events taking place in this book. Many of the problems occurring in this book are troubles seen in other major countries throughout the world (e.g. illegal immigration), so even if you aren’t British, you can appreciate the troubles that Raike and his party face.
The only critique I have for this book is that the timeline can become a bit confusing. What begins as a day by day, and at times minute by minute, account of what’s happening, eventually changes to significant leaps in time. Over the duration of the book, years pass. When events are taking place, perspective often switches between the terrorists and the British government. Although it didn’t detract from the book overall, there were instances when I wasn’t certain when things were occurring in the timeline of events (Were they happening simultaneously? Or one after the other?). As I said though, this doesn’t detract from the book, and is an issue easily rectified by putting in some sort of header such as “Jan 24, 2012; 11:30 AM; London.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller (especially if you enjoy shows like Spooks)! 1/1: Jihad-Britain taps into issues commonly seen in society today such as immigration, racism, and terrorism. With the world’s current political situation, many people harbor paranoia and fear towards other ethnic groups, and this book shows one possible outcome when all Hell breaks loose following a major attack on a world power. I look forward to any future works from these authors!
June 5, 2011
from Murphy's Library — http://www.murphyslibrary.com/ — rated 3 and a half there
1/1 is the date. What for?
In a world post 9/11, everyone celebrate the New Year in Britain without thinking that a big danger is coming. A group known as Black Knights, however, plans a big attack as a celebration for the year that arrives. The attack is well planned, taking more than one place at once and turning the government crazy having to decide where to attend first.
Needing to take immediate action, the Prime Minister has to setup a group to fight against the terrorism. It is, however, difficult to control a country when everyone claims the need to take the revenge. The government needs to go after the responsibles, the ones that are killing in name of Allah.
The book shows us the ugly face of the war between a country and a group os extremists. We learn with it how sometimes what is needed isn’t what the people in the country want. Big changes affect lives in a big way, and once we get in the dephts of the government in the plot, we read a lot about it. The book makes us think about the lenghts we have to go to face the terrorism, and puts some good discussions on the table.
I truly liked this book, but I thought the start was very slow, so I had a bad time getting the idea of the plot. Once I got it, the narrative started to go fast for me. Overall, it’s a really good book for those who would like to read about 9/11 and the actions against terrorism.
1/1 is the date. What for?
In a world post 9/11, everyone celebrate the New Year in Britain without thinking that a big danger is coming. A group known as Black Knights, however, plans a big attack as a celebration for the year that arrives. The attack is well planned, taking more than one place at once and turning the government crazy having to decide where to attend first.
Needing to take immediate action, the Prime Minister has to setup a group to fight against the terrorism. It is, however, difficult to control a country when everyone claims the need to take the revenge. The government needs to go after the responsibles, the ones that are killing in name of Allah.
The book shows us the ugly face of the war between a country and a group os extremists. We learn with it how sometimes what is needed isn’t what the people in the country want. Big changes affect lives in a big way, and once we get in the dephts of the government in the plot, we read a lot about it. The book makes us think about the lenghts we have to go to face the terrorism, and puts some good discussions on the table.
I truly liked this book, but I thought the start was very slow, so I had a bad time getting the idea of the plot. Once I got it, the narrative started to go fast for me. Overall, it’s a really good book for those who would like to read about 9/11 and the actions against terrorism.
September 22, 2011
First off I should come clean and mention back when I was co-running a publishing company we published a few of Jack Everett and David Coles novels. Jack also specifically asked me to review this novel, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.
That out of the way this is a timely terrorist thriller set in Britain. Had recent events escalated it is not too far a jump to see events such as those mentioned within this book happening. The story tells of an extremely dramatic terrorist attack and the consequences thereafter. It gives you a very definitive prospective of the authors' view of the reasons behind this action as well as proposing a solution. While you may or may not agree with either it does give you pause to think about. It is an enjoyable read, if you are into these types of stories.
That out of the way this is a timely terrorist thriller set in Britain. Had recent events escalated it is not too far a jump to see events such as those mentioned within this book happening. The story tells of an extremely dramatic terrorist attack and the consequences thereafter. It gives you a very definitive prospective of the authors' view of the reasons behind this action as well as proposing a solution. While you may or may not agree with either it does give you pause to think about. It is an enjoyable read, if you are into these types of stories.
February 28, 2014
When reading this thriller I was impressed by the story’s evolution. The readers not only learn what happens at New Year; they also learn why some of the terrorists started to be trained and to put their evil deeds into action. We also learn what the new Prime Minister, Francis D. Raike is up to – regarding the national safety. The characters are realistic and believable with all their flaws. The story is is best read at a slow pace, which is good, given the alternating locales and protagonists. The story drew me in, making it difficult to put the book away between chapters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews