Crucible

The Crucible Part 1 is the first technothriller from Ruby Barnes.

The world is hungry for energy. Nuclear power, wind turbines and fossil fuels are struggling to deliver and costing the earth. Greg Marshall has developed a revolutionary new way to generate electricity and the hopes of a global corporation rest upon his shoulders. Figures move in the shadows, ready to seize opportunities. When the enigmatic Thomas steals his identity, Greg is lured into a web of global corruption, conspiracy and murder.

Thomas is a shadow, dispensing justice and righting wrongs on a grand scale. His task is to return the billions stolen from Africa by corrupt regimes. Thomas's organisation want Greg's invention to power the continent. Africa will unite and move from famine and relief agency support to superpower status under the leadership of a charismatic and evangelical statesman. But why are millions of Africans still being allowed to die from AIDS?

A collusion of terrifying proportions, this book will change forever your view of European and American intervention in Africa, the cradle of human life.

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Reviews for The Crucible Part 1 on Amazon and Goodreads

A Ripping Good Tale That Leaves You Hungry for More, November 7, 2012

By 

Richard Sutton "Indian Trader, Musician, Grandfather & Writer"

Ruby Barnes' latest novel is as revealing and surprising as his last. Expecting a military/covert thriller a la Tom Clancy, from my initial skim-over; I was struck by just how insidiously the author has led me into a deep, very moving and highly skeptical look at the effects of post-colonial "colonialism" in the name of aid in Africa. Mr. Barnes has suggested a collusion of terrifying proportion, acting completely outside the realm of governmental intervention. This is a book to make you think, then think again. But don't assume it's not a rousing journey. There are few storytellers as gifted as this author. His story carries you at high-speed. His subject and characters are gripping, fully fleshed and researched with a scholar's thoroughness. I would highly recommend it to readers of Clancy or Le Carre, political science fans, and all those whose views of European and American intervention in Africa, the cradle of human life, need revision.

Kris Plausky's review of Sep 12, 2012

At first when I read other reviews comparing the author's style to Tom Clancy I was skeptical. Its like those American Idols hopefuls claiming they sound like Beyonce, when they come out truly sounding like a dying cat. But, this is a really good book! It had me hooked from the first page to the last. I'm not a political buff, usually when someone starts in on politics my eyes cross and glaze over, but this was so much more. From seeing the heart-wrenching "solutions" of third world countries, to the international intrigue, the identity "theft", the sex...every part of this book kept me reading more and more. I just didn't want to put it down.I can't wait to read the next part!

5.0 out of 5 stars adventurous thriller/historical, cultural backstory-page-turner, August 31, 2012

By 

Mallory Anne-Marie Haws "Fair and authentic r... (Montezuma, GA)

Reviewed for Making Connections Goodreads Group, of an ebook copy received from the author on July 26 2012, in exchange for my provision of a fair and impartial review.

From the first novel I read by Ruby Barnes, which was "The Baptist," I have been a convert. No matter the subject matter, if Mr. Barnes wrote it, I'll read it. "The Crucible" is no exception. Jam-packed with historical, cultural, geographical, societal, and technological information, filled to the rafters to bursting with adventure, thrills, emotion, and deep backstory, "The Crucible" is nonetheless incredibly fast-paced and definitely a page-turner. Even though the engineering detail didn't penetrate (I'm sorry, I'm just not gifted in that respect <smile>) the story still carried me right on through. Yes, there's violence, yes, there's sensuality, yes, there's an untold number of deaths (the vast majority of which are probably unnecessary and unwanted), but the story! Mr. Barnes has an incredible grip on the process of making a novel work, and deftly demonstrates it here. From the heart-stopping reader's hook of Page 1 right on through to the riveting end, this is a roller-coaster ride and a fine example of the inimitable writing style of Ruby Barnes. I highly recommend it (and all his novels, as well).

4.0 out of 5 stars political thriller August 13, 2012 by Tanechka

A thought-provoking novel jammed packed with action, espionage and conspiracy. It took me awhile to get into the book, but once I did, I had trouble putting it down!

It paints a very disturbing picture of the potential "solutions" to third world problems. I was extremely surprised (and impressed) by the ending of "part one". I will definitely be keeping my eye out for part two of the novel!

4.0 out of 5 stars 4-star Political Thriller August 8, 2012 by THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK

In 1936, a mutated virus passed from monkey to human, and a deadly epidemic was born. Set in a near but undated future, the world is in what would be its last turmoil. While the United States is poised to begin an Armageddon-like battle in the Middle East, Europeans are emigrating en masse to Africa, believing they are returning to the birthplace of mankind. Both groups are fueled by a fundamentalist religious fervor, one believing they are bringing about the prophesied end of the world, and the other believing they are bringing about the rebirth of civilization. When Thomas steals Greg's identity, he brings him into a double life as a conspirator. Greg's parents have already traveled to Africa to begin their new life, and his wife wants to relocate there as well. But Greg knows too much.

Ruby Barnes has taken an entirely new direction with this new novel. A political thriller, the AIDS pandemic, conspiracy theories, and a bit of lust and romance all combine to make this impossible to put down. The only problem? It was only Part One. Now, I anxiously await Part Two.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [..] : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

5.0 out of 5 stars Accomplished and professional writing, 28 July 2012 by Ignite (East Yorkshire, UK)

(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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What a brilliantly written novel this is. In real life I am heartily indifferent to politics but this action filled thriller incorporates so much more. It is set in the near future and features Greg, a man who has invented a device for producing cheap power when dropped into a water course. He has his identity stolen by the mysterious but very powerful Thomas who is involved with restoring fortunes which have been acquired by self-serving African dictators. Meantime, the AIDS pandemic is increasing alarmingly and the Americans, fuelled by fundamentalist righteousness, are trying to wipe out Iran.

The characters are three dimensional - they have back-stories and family involvements that make them more than silhouettes. The writing is accomplished and professional and gave me a really satisfying reading experience. It is obvious that there will be more to come in this story and I will certainly follow up with reading Crucible #2. I can see that I have been missing out by not finding Ruby Barnes and his work until now. I intend to remedy that in short order! Highly recommended.



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