Rotten Gods (Marika Hartmann, #1) in Aussie Readers

Jun 08, 2012 Mish rated it really liked it

Shelves: australian-authors

I had Rotten Gods sitting on my shelf for a very long time. I jumped at the chance to request it through Goodreads giveaway program because I like to support Australian novelist. But when I received it, I’ll be honest I was very intimidated by sheer size of it. Also going into a country that I’m not familiar with, such as Dubai and the Middle East, and the subject matter of global warming, terrorist and politics, delved into areas way beyond my comprehension.

It’s only when I started following G I had Rotten Gods sitting on my shelf for a very long time. I jumped at the chance to request it through Goodreads giveaway program because I like to support Australian novelist. But when I received it, I’ll be honest I was very intimidated by sheer size of it. Also going into a country that I’m not familiar with, such as Dubai and the Middle East, and the subject matter of global warming, terrorist and politics, delved into areas way beyond my comprehension.

It’s only when I started following Greg Barron on twitter, hearing praise for his latest book, Lethal Sky, that I became increasingly curious.

I knew Rotten Gods was going to be full on action but it gave me so much more then I anticipated. It made me ponder about our changing world, and what’s to become of it, and our lives, in the near future.

The book is divided in 7 parts representing 7-days of the world creation and the terrorists deadline. Rotten God opens up each chapter with a biblical quote of Gods creation and it then shifts to the present; detailing the slow destruction of our planet caused by human greed, carelessness and neglect. I thought this was cleverly carried off, as it sets off a foundation/core reason for the events that follows. And the terrifying fact is, it feels awfully realistic and thought provoking.

Dr Ali Khalid Abukar, a respectable man and a humanitarian, has seen too much destruction and poverty in his lifetime, and no one will listen. Dr Abukar loses his mind when he forms an alliance with savage terrorist to hijack a conference centre in Dubai, where UN officials and president across the globe are gathered to discussed global warming issues. And the same time, 2 innocent children and their nanny of a British foreign affairs secretary, Isabella Thompson, are kidnapped; blackmailing her to assist in their cause. They have 7 days for the world leaders to agree to their demands; otherwise everyone in the conference centre will die.

Greg’s knowledge of the Middle East, terrorist organisations, and their religious beliefs is astounding. I can see that Greg’s poured everything he had into this book and I appreciate that he wanted us to get to know these people better, but I felt that the background information slightly overwhelming.

The second half of the book is where it picked up for me, it was more plot driven and less detailed. And at this point, I couldn’t read fast enough. It was insanely intense and literary a race against time. Greg puts his people through hell and back. The terrorists they’re dealing with are vicious human beings with unstable mind. Anything will set them off and they will not think twice about putting their own life in the firing line for the sake of their cause. Greg is remarkably in tune when it comes to terrorist; reading their train of thoughts, their manner and actions, which make them and situation frightening, but at the same time authentic.

Rotten Gods is definitely a riveting book as it progressed and I wouldn’t hesitate to read the next book in the series.
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Jul 28, 2012 Helene Young rated it really liked it

This is a thought provoking action-packed thriller that roams across the international landscape. While its subject matter meant it wasn't always a comfortable read it was a compelling read that kept me glued to the pages long into the night - and it's a big book so that made for several late nights!

Greg Barron tackles the topics of poverty, climate change and cultural friction without backing away from difficult issues. Written in first person, present tense, the story sucks the readers into th ...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, 2012-release, thriller, own-read

At the Rabi al-Salah Conference Centre in Dubai heads of State from countries all over the world gathered. Main speaker was Dr Ali Khalid Abukar, a popular and well-known identity. Security detail, Australian Marika Hartmann was to escort him to the conference room, so with gun belt secured discreetly, she arrived at his hotel room and they commenced their walk. Dr Abukar appeared nervous; Marika put it down to speaking before thousands – world leaders plus the people viewing his speech across t At the Rabi al-Salah Conference Centre in Dubai heads of State from countries all over the world gathered. Main speaker was Dr Ali Khalid Abukar, a popular and well-known identity. Security detail, Australian Marika Hartmann was to escort him to the conference room, so with gun belt secured discreetly, she arrived at his hotel room and they commenced their walk. Dr Abukar appeared nervous; Marika put it down to speaking before thousands – world leaders plus the people viewing his speech across the countries hooked up by satellite. Meeting up with Isabella Thompson, Under-Secretary to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Marika handed her charge across. But once again, Marika felt uneasy; something didn’t seem quite right, and again she put it down to the size of the conference and what was to occur.

When Marika’s fears were confirmed, all hell broke loose. Suddenly the conference centre was in lock-down with terrorists, led by extremist Zhyogal in complete control. Seven days was all the countries were given to obey their commands; leaders of their countries, prime ministers, presidents, all would die. With the clock ticking, security forces in various countries swung into action; racing against time, would they be able to overcome Zhyogal and his fanatical followers?

Simon, Isabella’s ex-husband was an airline pilot, and when he heard of the disaster, his worst nightmare seemed to be facing him head-on. His frantic race across countries and oceans had him searching, searching…..

Madoowbe, the Somali agent who accompanied Marika into Somalia in search of Dr Abukar’s elusive wife, was an enigma. Strong, forceful yet gentle of nature, Marika wasn’t sure what to make of him. And when they found themselves facing a danger more terrible than one could imagine, Marika’s faith in human nature was tested to its limits.

With the seven day deadline rapidly approaching, the disaster was sure to be monumental. Could they overcome their fears, overcome the evil which stretched its tentacles in ever expanding lengths? Would they be able to save the world?

This was an excellent thriller by Aussie author Greg Barron. The plot was intricate, the pace electric and the characters exceptional. My only criticisms were the amount of background detail which held little interest to me meaning I skimmed a lot, and the way the story jumped around from character/place without any indication. So with the story flowing, suddenly a new paragraph took me to another country with other characters playing their part – it threw me a bit and caused me to lose momentum. But all in all, a great read, one I would definitely recommend.
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Jun 11, 2013 Jenny rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime-thriller

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author has presented an in depth and provocative look into what drives extremist Muslims to be involved in terrorist activity. A well written debut novel from an Australian author. Greg Barron provides an interesting insight about consumerism, climate change and religion. Can't wait to read his next novel out July 1. ...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Tango rated it it was amazing

This is an action-packed thriller. Whilst it is possible to read this quite quickly I preferred to take my time and savour the action, themes and characters because this is a thriller that will really make you think. Barron's story is set in the near future, however the issues dealt with are scarily close to the real world. Fortunately his cast of good guys, including a young Aussie woman from Bondi, reassure the reader all is not as bleak as it might appear. As a debut novel Greg Barron has don ...more

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