The Printed Page

Title: The Breath of Allah Author/website(s): Tempest O’Rouke 251 pages Publisher: Synergy Books Publication date: September ’09 Genre: Political thriller Review book or pleasure reading: Review book New-to-me author: Yes Would I recommend this book: Probably Would I read more from this author: I would Journal notes: The Breath of Allah is a solid debut political thriller. It could have benefited from some sharper editing as there are facts you’ll know by heart before turning the last past page and, at times, a bit of story line repetition simply re-worded. The premise of the story is current connecting with today’s hot button political issue(s). If you let your imagination have free rein this story could be downright scary and is sure to touch a few nerves. There were moments my imagination was galloping full speed ahead. I caution others to read The Breath of Allah as the fictional political thriller it is meant be and not wonder if the author has a hidden agenda deep within the story. There’s plenty of action and intrigue to keep one turning pages. I was hooked from the start and interested until the very end.

The appearance of an ancient Koran—one of the original twelve transcribed after Mohammed’s death—sparks questions about the authenticity of current Islamic practices and teachings. A deadly race begins as the American who inherited the historic text works to keep it safe while being hunted by the CIA, Islamic terrorists, and Jewish Secret Police. As the death toll rises, a mysterious Muslim prophet appears—a prophet who might be the leader Islam needs to restore peace among its followers. Together, the American and the prophet endeavor to reveal the true meaning of Mohammed’s Breath of Allah, but to do so they must overcome the deadly agendas of extremist clerics and terrorists, who are willing to silence the true Koran at any cost.

(The Breath of Allah was provided to me by Brittany at Phenix Publicity. I was not paid and this book is being donated to my local library )

Title: The Calligrapher’s Daughter: A Novel Author/website(s): The Calligrapher’s Daughter 406 pages Publisher: Henry Holt and Co Publication date: August ’09 Genre: Historical fiction Review book or pleasure reading: Pleasure reading New-to-me author: Yes Would I recommend this book: Yes Would I read more from this author: Probably; depends on the subject matter Notes to myself: I found this story very slow going to start and it stayed that way until about mid-way through the book. The chapter that consists of letters from mother to daughter is where the author started to catch my interest. From then on I thought the story got better and much more interesting. I was very surprised by the strong Christian religious influences in this story. The Calligrapher’s Daughter is a work of fiction based on the author’s parents history. What I’d like to know and isn’t clear from her website is how much of lives of the characters portrayed here is in deed fact from her parents lives.

In early-twentieth-century Korea, Najin Han, the privileged daughter of a calligrapher, longs to choose her own destiny. Smart and headstrong, she is encouraged by her mother—but her stern father is determined to maintain tradition, especially as the Japanese steadily gain control of his beloved country. When he seeks to marry Najin into an aristocratic family, her mother defies generations of obedient wives and instead sends her to serve in the king’s court as a companion to a young princess. But the king is soon assassinated, and the centuries-old dynastic culture comes to its end.

In the shadow of the dying monarchy, Najin begins a journey through increasing oppression that will forever change her world. As she desperately seeks to continue her education, will the unexpected love she finds along the way be enough to sustain her through the violence and subjugation her country continues to face? Spanning thirty years, The Calligrapher’s Daughter is a richly drawn novel in the tradition of Lisa See and Amy Tan about a country torn between ancient customs and modern possibilities, a family ultimately united by love, and a woman who never gives up her search for freedom.