The Abrupt Physics of Dying by Paul E. Hardisty

The Abrupt Physics of Dying
By Paul E. Hardisty
Published by Orenda Books (Kindle Edition - 15 December 2014; Paperback - 8 March 2015)
ISBN: 978-1910663052

Publisher's description
Claymore Straker is trying to forget a violent past. Working as an oil company engineer in the wilds of Yemen, he is hijacked at gunpoint by Islamic terrorists. Clay has a choice: help uncover the cause of a mysterious sickness afflicting the village of Al Urush, close to the company's oil-processing facility, or watch Abdulkader, his driver and close friend, die.

As the country descends into civil war and village children start dying, Clay finds himself caught up in a ruthless struggle between opposing armies, controllers of the country's oil wealth, Yemen's shadowy secret service, and rival terrorist factions.

As Clay scrambles to keep his friend alive, he meets Rania, a troubled journalist. Together, they try to uncover the truth about Al Urush. But nothing in this ancient, unforgiving place is what it seems. Accused of a murder he did not commit, put on the CIA's most-wanted list, Clay must come to terms with his past and confront the powerful forces that want him dead.

Gritty, gripping and shocking, The Abrupt Physics of Dying will not only open your eyes, but keep them glued to the page until the final, stunning denouement is reached.

My verdict
The Abrupt Physics of Dying is an eco-thriller with immense detail and a fascinating background story.  The well-written almost-poetic vivid descriptions are unusual in a book of this genre, showing how the author Paul E. Hardisty has a gift for detailed but fast-paced writing.

The book was a pleasure to read. There's a bit of everything in here - conspiracy theories, history, politics, a love interest and, of course, a strong action hero. You can tell the author cares deeply for his subject, with the historical and political detail weaved within the thrilling plot.

When you read the author's bio, you realise that the subject matter is one of his many passions. Paul E. Hardisty has worked as an engineer, hydrologist and environmental scientist and survived a bomb blast in a cafe in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, in 1993. He's also an action man himself - sailor, private pilot, keen outdoorsman and conservation volunteer.

This is an excellent debut novel for both the author and the publisher and I am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Evolution of Fear, which is being published next year.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.