I don't usually read spy-thriller books, but a friend of mine told me about this one. I thought it might be interesting because Farsheed, the author, lives in my hometown. I purchased the book for my Kindle on a Thursday and was finished with it on Sunday night. Farsheed grabs your attention from the very beginning and keeps it throughout the entire book. I found myself reading a chapter or two every spare moment I had because I couldn't wait to see how it was going to turn out. I really enjoyed it, I'm waiting for his next one.
On March 24, 2011 Photo Bug wrote:
I just finished this story, and could not have been more pleased with it as an espionage tale with well developed characters, a really great plot, and excellent writing. Like other reviewers I also look forward to more from Mr.Ferdowsi. I think he will have a remarkable career as a novelist if he can re-create the quality of this debut novel in later works. There are many twists and turns as the plot unfolds, keeping one's attention and making it hard to stop for some sleep. There are a couple of sub-plots which fit the main story very well and are reasonable under the circumstances, adding a lot of realism and an extra dimension to the story. There are a few surprises along the way, making it hard to comment on the details in a review for fear of giving away too much. Also, I was pleased to note that the story was NOT marred by poor editing, spelling and grammar errors, and non-existent proofreading which seems to be fairly common these days. I most definitely agree with all of the previous five star reviews. Thank you Mr.Ferdowsi for some very enjoyable hours with your debut, and my best wishes for more to come.
On March 2, 2011 "Reading and Thinking" wrote:
I enjoyed this book. I kept wanting to ask the author: Is this real? What is real and what is fiction? Very gripping! It evoked the terror that living with the potential of mass destruction - and with people who are trying intelligently and diligently to achieve it - causes in me. It looks head on at some of this commitment to evil. Reading it, as I couldn't distinguish fact from compelling fiction, I felt like I was learning - some of the time I'm sure I was - it grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Between the technology, the global politics, and the thriller story line, I couldn't put it down.
Most books that go into these issues roll around in the extreme self-indulgence of the evil-doer, glorifying it, really, leaving a dirty feeling. I had no dirty feeling at the end of this book. I stayed "level headed" but with a little more insight into my world.
In summary, for me, the author delves into defining issues without losing his sense of humanity. Quite an accomplishment! I look forward to his next book.
Most books that go into these issues roll around in the extreme self-indulgence of the evil-doer, glorifying it, really, leaving a dirty feeling. I had no dirty feeling at the end of this book. I stayed "level headed" but with a little more insight into my world.
In summary, for me, the author delves into defining issues without losing his sense of humanity. Quite an accomplishment! I look forward to his next book.
On February 10, 2011 William Geissler wrote:
Mushroom In The Sand is a rocking spy caper with more than enough derring-do to keep the pages turning till you get to the absolutely mind-blowing come-from-behind ending that has you on your feet cheering.
It's just what the doctor ordered--a riveting tale of exquisite spycraft, authoritarian meanness, white-knuckle chases, and perils-of-Pauline escapes--an impressive first sally from an American writer with a fresh perspective on the genre. There are good things to look forward to from Farsheed Ferdowsi.
Mushroom In The Sand has the requisite complement of good guys, bad guys and gray guys pushing and pulling at cross-purposes, but with a unique and chilling 21st century nuclear twist. The foreground cast is principally Iranians of varying persuasions in a literal and symbolic life-or-death struggle for the soul of their newly risen Middle Eastern homeland. In the balance, coincidentally, is all our fates.
The protagonist, Ross Shaheen, is a world-class Iranian-American nuclear physicist coerced to consult with bomb-making Iranian counterparts who kidnap his daughter in California. Big mistake.New hero--maybe the Robert Langdon of Middle Eastern intrigue.
In a flash the spymasters of great and grungy powers weigh in with shock and awe. But, lucky for all of us, statist arrogance is no match for the self-empowering initiative of morally engaged individuals. Phew!
Don't hesitate to read this satisfying book by a budding world-minded writer of consequence.
It's just what the doctor ordered--a riveting tale of exquisite spycraft, authoritarian meanness, white-knuckle chases, and perils-of-Pauline escapes--an impressive first sally from an American writer with a fresh perspective on the genre. There are good things to look forward to from Farsheed Ferdowsi.
Mushroom In The Sand has the requisite complement of good guys, bad guys and gray guys pushing and pulling at cross-purposes, but with a unique and chilling 21st century nuclear twist. The foreground cast is principally Iranians of varying persuasions in a literal and symbolic life-or-death struggle for the soul of their newly risen Middle Eastern homeland. In the balance, coincidentally, is all our fates.
The protagonist, Ross Shaheen, is a world-class Iranian-American nuclear physicist coerced to consult with bomb-making Iranian counterparts who kidnap his daughter in California. Big mistake.New hero--maybe the Robert Langdon of Middle Eastern intrigue.
In a flash the spymasters of great and grungy powers weigh in with shock and awe. But, lucky for all of us, statist arrogance is no match for the self-empowering initiative of morally engaged individuals. Phew!
Don't hesitate to read this satisfying book by a budding world-minded writer of consequence.
My sincere thanks to all the reviewers!
