This book has constant surprises through out it and starts off with a bang. The plot is one that takes the reader for a ride they will never forget.

The majority of the book takes place within the UK with the bombing of St Paul’s Cathedral and a death count higher in one book than any book I have ever read. The plot and characters are flawless and you really feel like you are standing there watching the events happen in front of your eyes. I felt raw emotion throughout this book and it confronts issues that have happen in real life.

However this book isn’t about death, it is about people coming together no matter what religion or race to overcome the hatred that has been brought into the world by certain individuals.

This book should be a must read for every adult.

This book was received for free by the author and all opinions expressed are my own.

This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com ( )

Although the media would never allow us to forget that our military is fighting the war in the Middle East, we sometimes grow complacent with the events taking place as we continue on with our comfortable lives thousands of miles away. In 1/1: Jihad-Britain, that peaceful complacency is shattered when Muslim jihadists bring the fight to the heart of Britain. Years in the making, Fahkri’s plan is executed almost flawlessly, resulting in devastation that sends Britain to the brink of civil war.

As the “Dark Knights” lay claim to the destruction, thousands of individuals of various races and ethnicities seize the opportunity to participate in the feud against the ‘kafirs’. Thousands of people are chased from their communities as entire towns form ethnic ghettos, and immigrant families evacuate England to find safety in their home countries. Initially, the government, which was detrimentally struck by the terrorist attacks, is unwilling to take major action. Stepping up to the plate, Francis Raike calls for the formation of a new political party and an election.

Upholding some imposingly conservative ideals regarding immigration and British citizenship, the new Independents look to rebuild Britain as a “country to be proud of.” They will take a number of drastic (and ethically questionable) measures. Not only do they have significant rebuilding ahead, but also Fahkri and the Dark Knights are still out there planning their next move.

The authors contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to review their book, and although I don’t normally read this genre, I’m glad I did! Jack Everett and David Coles bring the war home in an original and shocking turn of events in the war on terrorism. This book was exciting from start to finish! The reader enters the story at the start of the first attack, which immediately grips the attention and the writing style is quick and concise during the more action-packed events, helping to develop a sense of urgency during the mayhem of the attacks.

One thing I really like is this book has excellent character development- the authors develop various details of the character’s lives without delving into detail in areas that aren’t pertinent to the story. I especially liked how they not only developed the “good guys” but also gave the back-story on the “bad guys”. The reader doesn’t see Fahkri as just a random, ambitious terrorist, but as a boy who suffers tragedies that cause him to become the man he is. The characters have their flaws, and learn to grow from their experiences throughout the book.

The plot of this book is enthralling. The terrorist attacks are intense and exciting, the tension following the attacks is high, and the suspense of what’s going to happen next keeps the reader hooked. The story flows perfectly, never boring but also not over-the-top with action and excitement. Even for someone who is totally unfamiliar with the way the British government is run, I had no trouble following the events taking place in this book. Many of the problems occurring in this book are troubles seen in other major countries throughout the world (e.g. illegal immigration), so even if you aren’t British, you can appreciate the troubles that Raike and his party face.

The only critique I have for this book is that the timeline can become a bit confusing. What begins as a day by day, and at times minute by minute, account of what’s happening, eventually changes to significant leaps in time. Over the duration of the book, years pass. When events are taking place, perspective often switches between the terrorists and the British government. Although it didn’t detract from the book overall, there were instances when I wasn’t certain when things were occurring in the timeline of events (Were they happening simultaneously? Or one after the other?). As I said though, this doesn’t detract from the book, and is an issue easily rectified by putting in some sort of header such as “Jan 24, 2012; 11:30 AM; London.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller (especially if you enjoy shows like Spooks)! 1/1: Jihad-Britain taps into issues commonly seen in society today such as immigration, racism, and terrorism. With the world’s current political situation, many people harbor paranoia and fear towards other ethnical groups, and this book shows one possible outcome when all Hell breaks loose following a major attack on a world power. I look forward to any future works from these authors! ( )

Even though I'm not a huge fan of terrorist plots, I decided to give this book a go to expand my literary library. While I'm not going to gush over this novel, there were a few things I did like and enjoy:

The first being that this novel was set in Britain and not America. Being an American all I ever hear about is terrorism and conspiracy theories. It was refreshing to read a terrorist plot that had absolutely nothing to do with America (except for a small portion, but I'm not going to spoil that for you).

Although, even while it was based in Britain, the terrorist were, expectedly, Muslims. I understand that everyone is focused on Muslims due to 9/11 and so forth, but are Muslims the only ones who terrorize and detonate bombs? That was a rhetorical question, by the way ... something to ponder ...

Another thing I enjoyed was the depiction of the Prime Minister. He was a take charge, brutally honest, make-no-apologies type of leader. I loved that. I believe that many citizens wish their leaders were like that. There's bound to be some decisions a leader like that will make in which the citizens do not agree, but at least that type of leader will stick to his guns and follow through with what he intends. There was no guile, no deceit, no hidden agenda to this novel's Prime Minister. Oh, that leaders would arise with these types of characteristics!

While upsetting at first, I came to enjoy how this novel ended. It didn't answer all of the reader's questions in black-and-white. Rather, it gave you just enough information and then ended. Instead of being told how the story ends, you get to decide the fate of those involved at the end. Normally, I like my endings to be clear and concise with all questions answered and all situations tied up in a neat package with a pretty bow ... so to speak. I don't usually like it to be left open like this, but the more I think about it ... I'm glad this novel did end the way it did. I'm warming to the idea of drawing my own conclusions to the lives of those involved.

This would be an ideal novel for those that enjoy government plots with a dash of terrorism and a strong leader who knows how to take the bull by the horns. =) ( )

Article first published as Book Review: Jihad-Britain by Jack Everett and David Coles on Blogcritics.

In a number of incidents sure to shock the world, a group known as the Black Knights, who have declared Jihad, attack Britain in a well-planned and set up maneuver. On a chill morning just before noon, at landmarks throughout the area, a series of bombings break the silence of January 1, 2012. These include a newly commissioned Cruise ship, Majesty, carrying 5000 passengers and being observed by a large crowd at Mayflower Park; Ibrox Stadium; an underground station, carrying 80000, for singing and fireworks; St Paul’s Cathedral, holding Thanksgiving services; a similar event in Trafalgar Square; and Millennium stadium for the Welsh National Choir slated for 74,000 attendees. These atrocities result in 15,000 deaths and 20,000 more injuries.

The Prime Minister calls a meeting of the COBRA committee, to assess the situation and to set a plan to find those who were guilty of such heinous acts. He also chooses to set a General Election against the advice of his party. The P.M. wants action and needs the backing of the public.

Another group of members have broken away from the old parties and decided to form a new different party. It is felt that this would be what it would take to protect British citizens from further attack and to find those who had accomplished these horrible deeds. Francis Raike, considered to be one of the brightest sparks in government, is elected to be the head of the party by the other constituents.

They call themselves the Independents and have a radical platform, ready for change for Britain, and their place in the world. Some of those ideas consist of the repeal of the Human Rights Act, secession from the EU, continued UN membership, immigration policies and conscription to name a few. Many of these are very controversial — and yet because the public is looking for safety, the Independents win the election by a landslide. The new government is then assigned the brightest stars in each field and made ready to find those responsible.

As every lead is followed and the culprits found and arrested, two remain invisible. They are the most ruthless of killers with plans that make even the madness of 2012 look like child’s play. In addition, as the new Prime Minister, Francis Raike digs deeper into the quagmire, he puts himself and those he holds dearest in danger from this group killing in the name of Allah. Will he succeed in his plan or will he lose all he holds dear?
Jack Everett and David Coles have put together a story of nightmarish proportions. In a post 9/11 world where terror once again raises its head, they have written a story of Jihad, a war against the British by those most extreme. In Jihad-Britain, they have taken the extremism to an ultimate place. However, they have also found a hero, or a group of heroes, willing to challenge the status quo, willing to make changes unpopular with many to rebuild a stronger county.

They have shown a bleak and challenging situation and founded a group of characters, capable of bringing it home. Each of the different characters, including the Prime Minister, Francis Raike, have a boldness and strength needed in this time, and yet they have their human side, which shows up, often in awkward times and places. They are human and very likable, but also give you a solid comfort that they are there on the scene.
At the same time, they have a formidable foe, two men with their own twisted beliefs, but with the charisma to build an army of thugs, those who enjoyed murder for the act itself as well as those fanatics just following their belief.

I had difficulty at the beginning of the book. It started slow, but within the first few chapters, an understanding of the story emerged, building a pace that was then both quick and interesting. I would recommend this book for those interested in this genre, and while it is a novel of war, it is also a novel of people. I found it quite fascinating. This would be a very interesting book for a reading group or book club.

This book was received as a free e-copy from the authors. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the information ( )