Never Leave Me (published in 1953) - A book by Harold Robbins, about a man on the make

Harold Robins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which were translated into 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made into successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.
Harold Robins chronicles the jet set life style of New York where all morals and values pales before the altar of your bank account. In the big apple your status is determined not by your family, love or position, it takes in to account the the bank balance and the power of plastic. Into this big bad world enters Brad with stars in his eyes to make it big. He has his pretty wife Marge to set house for him and to love and cherish. As he climbs diligently up the corporate ladder, his efforts are noticed by the Steel Tycoon Matt Brady.



Brady recruits him aggressively dangling dollops of carrots in terms of money, women and all luxuries. Brad, soon under the pay roll of the millionaire, falls in to the decadent life style. He meets the sexy seductress Elaine and embarks on a steamy affair which would make even Lady Chatterley blush. Robbins goes over board with his steamy revelations and graphic sex scenes.
Brad soon develops a conscience, as he gets to know Brady and this anomaly is a surprise development. As Brad quits, Brady becomes a jealous ex-employer who is all set to ruin him. Soon his business and along with it his mistress also departs with only handful of friends left to console him. So Brad returns to his wife, turns a new leaf to live again.
Never Leave me delivers nothing in terms of a story, climax or emotions. It is just a collection of graphically detailed sex orgies totally aimed at a hormonal teenage readership. There is no mature content and many surprise developments actually makes one wonder about the tautness of the plot. In-fact this is one of Robbin’s last book with his publisher Knoft who let him go inspite of his zooming popularity. It is another tale that Robbins made a killing with Simon & Schuster, but it was his banal sex descriptions which disgusted Knof. So Never Leave me can never be said a literary benchmark on which you should base your reading habits.

A Stone for Danny Fisher (published in 1952) - The story of a fighter during the Great Depression

Harold Robins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated into 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.
A Stone For Danny Fisher is the most accomplished book from the the Harold Robins stable. Many may not consider the Robins books as literary masterpieces, but the saga of the young boxer from the Brooklyn slums comes close to it. Even the critics consider this book as one of the best read stories of the time.



Through the pages one can glimpse the trials and tribulations of a Jewish Boy, Danny Fisher, living in post war America. Danny lives through the hate, race violence and the occasional skirmish, to become the lead boxer of the school. His relations with his father suffers progressively and the money issues compound it. Sam Goetlib his coach is the closest to a benefactor Danny has and he even pays the money for his coaching.
As Danny climbs the rungs of the boxing ladder, his bouts actually earn him the money and worse he gets offered absurd amounts to fix his matches. He holds on to his games till the time his father actually implores him to bail him out of bankruptcy. Danny pockets the five thousand dollars and tries hard to throw the match which he ends up winning. Thus on the run and disgraced, he returns to the fringes of the society. Shunned by all he loves he embraces brutality, first passively looking on, and later embracing it. With this new found brotherhood of pugnaciousness he gets the money, maidens and all his heart desires. But soon the castle of cards crumbles, and Danny is left naked to the harsh glares of life. His true friends, his childhood sweetheart and erstwhile coach bail him out and his son. This help Danny to start a new life.
A stone for Danny Fisher does pull your heart strings and unlike other Harold Robbins books, there is no graphic content to take you away from the story. This book was made in to a movie, King Creole starring Elvis Presley. This book is a great way to steal away some time for yourself.

The Inheritors (published in 1969) - Written by Harold Robbins, about the entertainment industry

Harold Robbins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus out came “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in 32 languages and estimated to sell over 750 million copies.
Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Harold Robbins presents the last book on Hollywood in his “Trilogy of Greed”. Starting with “Dream Merchants”, followed by “Carpetbaggers” and ending with “The Inheritors” the tale moves with the generations chronicling, their quest for fame, money and power. The book tells the tale spanning ten years from 1955 to 1965, about the two man who find their friendship tested as they build a television empire. In his true style Robbins chronicles the saga of two men and their conquests, money, women and friendship. Steve gaunt is a quintessential alpha male who revels in getting what he wants. He does not have to work hard as women swoon for his chiseled features and money. Its really fishy, how he gets things go on his way, and sometimes one suspect the trick of hypnosis. So he walks in to a TV company and lands up the cushiest jobs in HR which gets him the the money, and the choicest of women. It helps to fall in love with the chairman’s daughter, Barbara to get to the top and Steve steers the company to the numero uno position.
Sam Benjamin rising up the ranks of the movie business is the perfect mate for Steve as he matches him in conquests and ambition. Soon they become friends and partners who can make the industry flush with cash. Steve, meanwhile divorces his wife and seduces women all over the world. In fact he has a tough time in keeping up with their names that he just calls them some girl and women love him for that. But fate has other plans as their friendship sour and egos lead to clashes, and doom descends. With Harold Robbins one can be sure that nice guys finish last and the jerk wins.
The book staying true to Robbin's literature is overloaded with graphic sexual details and violence. But it also has the insider view of the movie industry and intelligent conversations on stocks and business parameters. The speed is break neck as the characters collide and move on. For a Harold Robbins officianados it is value for money. Again PG rated and look out for the alpha male.

The Adventurers (published in 1966) - By Harold Robbins, story of a remarkable man

Harold Robbins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus out came “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in 32 languages and estimated to sell over 750 million copies.
Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



The Adventurers, published in 1966 is the tale of a South American President who rises to the numero uno position in his country surviving a deprived childhood and other battles. All he has is, his amazing sex drive (no pun intended) and close friends. So, getting to the plot, in the continent of South America there is a country named “Courtuguay” which is an amalgamation of Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay etc. Diogenes Alejandro Xenos or DAX as he is popularly known as, is the son of the soil. So at the outset DAX is uprooted by the revolution and witnesses innumerable murders and rapes which Robbins describes to a sickening detail.
DAX moves to different capitals of the world making tonnes of money through lot of shady deals and exchanging arm candies for each country. He goes on to having unlimited sex with women with all races, although blondes are preferred. Harold as the inventor of blase sex has graphic descriptions thrown with every move and position explained. Actually the book is 700 pages long and can be said to be an ode to porn. Where you do not have orgies you have murders and rape.
The book is said to be inspired by Dominican diplomat Pirfirio Rubirosa, who was renowned as a ladies man and his life ended in a car crash. But you may be sure that DAX is too clever to end up in a ball of flame. The Adventurers is typical Harold Robbins, racy, and graphic. It was made into a movie starring Charles Aznavour and Candace Bergen. If one is a Robbins fan, used to his books, it definitely does not disappoint. But keep it away from young children.

Where Love Has Gone (published in 1962) - a book that resembles a murder story

Harold Robins is one of the most prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures, which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus out came “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated into 32 languages and are estimated to sell over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Where Love has Gone is a roman-a-clef about the real life Lana turner and her lover John Stompanato's killing. Stompanato was stabbed by Lana's daughter Cheryl Crane and the media had gone on a blitzkrieg, covering the unfortunate murder. The protagonist in this novel is Colonel Luke Carey who is living his humdrum life with wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth is expecting a baby and Luke is an insurance sales person. Out of the blue, Luke gets the call that his daughter Danii is being tried for murder. As he dashes to his baby girl whom he had not seen for years, Luke reminisces about his earlier life. The book is entirely based on the flashback which forms the bulwark of the book. Luke, fresh in to life meets the seductress Nora Hayden who is a sculptress and the heir to a wide fortune. Nora, a spoilt child of a wealthy single mother, who just cannot control her daughter, is a nymphomaniac. A stubborn nymphomaniac, Nora goes through men as she changes clothes and gets what she sets her mind on to. Luke with his military persona is soon on her list and after a whirlwind romance are married.
But marriage brings forth the real Nora who is cruel and wayward. Soon her sexual escapades are too much for Luke who tries to stay for his daughter Danii. But Nora bringing in more men, files for divorce and uses all her clout and money to get Danii's custody and phases out Luke out of her life. A heart broken Luke descends in to drunkenness and chaos until a lucky break brings in Elizabeth. But Danii with a rich spoilt mother whose boyfriends abuse her goes through hell. Her sessions with her psychiatrist throws light in to her deprived childhood. So Luke has to get her out from the clutches of a dysfunctional sexed up mother and her own demons.
Robbins for a change changes track to delve in to the issue of child psychology and is really successful. The are graphic sexual encounters but the story over powers you by its vulnerability. The reader actually feels for Dani and Luke and of course Nora is the devil incarnate who gets no sympathy. A good book, worth a look.

The Carpetbaggers (published in 1961) - Written by Harold Robbins

Harold Robins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which were translated into 32 languages and are estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Carpetbaggers is an homage to the roaring twenties and the terrifying thirties. The characters of Jonas Cord, Rina Marlow, Jeannie Denton, Charles Sandhurst etc depict that fearlessness of the twenties where possibilities abound at your every step and is soon turned to dust by the next decade by war and depression. Carpetbaggers is a roman a clef which chronicles the life of Howard Hughes through the protagonist Jonas Cord. Jonas Cord is the son of a wealthy industrialist who accumulates wealth with his interests branching in to aviation and Hollywood. The entire novel is divided in to chapters bearing the character's names where in Jonas Cord gets 3 chapters followed by chapters chronicling Rina's and others bumping on to him.
Cord lives by his own definitions, builds and pilots airplanes, makes costly movies and has umpteen orgies with Hollywood starlets. Carpetbaggers is a teenage boys fantasy come true and has graphic sexual details. Apart from oral and homosexual encounters, the novel describes rape, abuse and other sexual encounters in detail which almost put you off. But the saga of Cord and others is spell binding as Robins describes their rise and fall. Rina Marlow, said to be based on Jean Harlow is described as a bisexual having encounters with Jonas, his father, brother and even a girl friend. This book may not be raising an eyebrow today, but was said to be a bold attempt in the 60's. The most disturbing characterization is that of Jennie Denton who has every possible horror perpetrated on her, that it makes one sick. But then one has to remember that the book is Robbins at his best. If one can forget the graphic sex, then the saga of a rich man and his cronies and mistresses hold your breath. A splendid book and its no wonder that this book is still one of the best sought after paperbacks. Best of Robbins and worth a read.

The Betsy (published in 1971) - A book on the automobile industry, written by Harold Robbins

Harold Robbins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants, although he claimed to be of Jewish heritage. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures, which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which is translated in to 32 languages and estimatedly selling over 750 million copies.
Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



A fictional take on the dwindling Detroit Automobile Industry, this book chronicles the days when American car makers had only past laurels to rest on to. With profits plummeting and the public taste leaning to low cost small Japanese cars, many had shut shop during the 60's and 70's. An ode to Henry Ford, Harold Robbins presents “Loren Hardeman I”, the patriarch who was the pioneer car maker presiding over a company which was once the premier automobile maker. Now his grandson Loren III has diversified and to the senior Loren's distaste is now a major Auto spare parts maker. Loren I enlists the talents of a race car driver Angelo Perino to once again make a car that the world would love. He plans to name it after Betsy, his Great Grand daughter.
Angelo, is the narrator of the novel and the narrative swivels back and forth in time. Being a race car driver Angelo is blessed with looks and money and with his shrewd business acumen steers the company to make “The Betsy”. True to Harold Robbins style the protagonist enjoys wealth, women and wine in copious quantities. The affairs and sex drives are graphically described, but still the story of the car Betsy focuses on all the emotions. It tries to understand the apathy among the Lorens and the distaste of Loren III for his grand father for having an affair with his mother. Angelo also tries to juggle the affections for a British lady and the real Betsy who would inherit millions of dollops from her grand father, not to mention the car named in her honor.
Unlike Harold Robbins' gritty dark novels, this book is a tad more cheerful. The tone and the plot makes it a pleasant read, the most important aspect being that you actually believe it. The same is made in to a wonderful movie with young Tommy Lee Jones essaying the role of Angelo Perino. So watch the movie and read the book.

Slayride (published in 1973) - By Dick Francis, investigating a disappearing English Jockey in Norway

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded the CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
SlayRide is a racing novel amidst the Norwegian back drop. Dick Francis sets the whole cast in Norway where the racing community is very small and therefore invite British Jockeys to give a fillip for their fortunes. Bob Sherman is an English Jockey who disappears with a large sum of the earnings, like sixteen thousand kroner. Embarrassed by the turn of events, the British Jockey Clubs send in an investigator, David Cleveland who tries to understand the case. As he digs deeper he finds many clues where he finds the robbery and escape theory implausible. Bob Sherman leaves behind a pregnant wife and a good career which makes a case for his innocence.



As David goes through the case his life is also in peril. He survives a vicious boating accident and numerous attempts on his life. But slowly and steadily he keeps on the path of the killer and he is flushed out. This book is not one of the finest of Dick Francis books but still holds on its own. Sometimes you might feel a little unfulfilled as the thriller element takes a back seat as Francis rambles about the horse racing scenes in Norway. His prodigious knowledge about Jockeying and the racing scenes around the world with respect to the English racing is great, but its only for the racing fans. Well much of the English Gentlemen thing is also a tad over done especially in this day and age. David has lot of lady friends about whom he thinks polite amoral thoughts is a funny element.
I felt a little let down by this book when compared to his Smokescreen and Rat Race. This may not be a hard to put down kind of book but enjoyable all the same. It is a recommended read at-least a first time read.

Smokescreen (published in 1972) - A movie actor trying to break a mystery related to horses

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded the CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Smokescreen slightly deviates from the usual text of Dick Francis where the protagonist is a swash buckling movie star, happily married and much touted family man. Edward “linc” Lincoln is a handsome movie star happily married to Charlotte with three children. Though English, Francis shifts the action away from the English shores to Spain and South Africa. Linc happens to be the star of a Spanish film, “man in the Car” and which while shooting in Spain comes across a draining scene. He is handcuffed and left to die for the shoot which proves to be for real. After this nerve racking experience Linc craves for something akin to a vacation. His godmother, Nerissa asks him to visit her and Linc on meeting her is taken aback by her condition. Nerissa suffering from a kind of cancer has few days to live. She asks Linc to check out her ranch in South Africa where her prized stallions are going bust in all the races.



She wants to leave her stallions to her nephew upon her death and also to Linc. Nerissa in her simplicity feels that the inheritance she leaves should not be a burden to her nephew. Linc agrees to go to South Africa and sort out the issue.
Linc, apart from being a movie star, in his earlier days was actually a prized jockey, whose only fault was to grow very tall. So he knows quite a bit about the horses and meets Nerissa's nephew, Danillo. At first Danillo seems to be a innocent young man, but soon Linc's suspicion shifts to him. Danillo seems to lead a double life and intends to usurp Linc's inheritance as well. As soon as Linc lands in South Africa, continuous attempts on his life takes place and he is compelled to play a game of cat and mouse with a tough assailant. As all the Dick Francis stars, Edward Linc is left battered, but he doggedly pursues the case and helps to get the knots untied.
As usual Dick Francis has come up trumps with a great book of the day and I can assure you that you cannot keep it down even for a second. If you are planning to read through the night get the lights properly checked for you ain't gonna let this go half way. Linc as a hero is superbly sketched and each encounters with the villain brings in goosebumps. South African scenery is well exploited in this book and mind you these are the dark apartheid days. In-spite of little craziness Smokescreen works wonders and is one of the best thriller you can put your money on.

Bonecrack (published in 1971) - Father and son relationships in the world of horses

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded the CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Bonecrack is a delightful book which chronicles a father and son relationship. Neil Griffon has racing in his blood and as a son of a world class stable owner and trainer he is a natural. But his father does not have trust in his abilities, which forces him to move away and make a name for himself. Neil comes back when his father suffers an accident and is bed ridden. He takes up the upkeep of the stables intending to hand it over to a efficient trainer as soon as he has found one. But a night changes the equation – when Neil is kidnapped and threatened.



Just as Neil's father never gave anything, Enzo Riviera is ready give everything his son Alessandro asks him. Alessandro wants to become a champion jockey and ride Archangel, the race favorite. Enzo is ready to do anything to get his son's wish come true. Neil is threatened to give in to Enzo's demand. Enzo vows to burn the stables down unless and until Alessandro is allowed to supersede all the other experienced jockeys. Neil has no alternative but to accede to his wishes.
He takes Alessandro under his wing and tries to groom him in to a good jockey. Aless is a snooty and cocky guy with scant regard to authority. But fearful for the stable, Neil perseveres and Alessandro thaws and gets in to the training mode. In an heartwarming finish Neil gets Alessandro do the best things in the world. He also earns the respect of his father and defeats Enzo's evil plots.
I just love Neil Griffon's character who has no great personality except for his dogged determination to save his horses. Many horses do get killed and this might turn off the animal lover, but the pace of the book helps to forgive all. I just loved the story, its heartwarming and ingenious. Dick Francis is a great mystery writer and Bonecrack once again proves it.

Rat Race (published in 1970) - Famous jockey, bomb explosions, and insurance

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
For a change the main hero of Rat Race is not directly connected with racing, but Matt Shore is a pilot who pilots an air taxi service. But still it is a Dick Francis story and there will be a racing angle. So Matt Shore is a pilot, down on his luck and who flies a light aircraft ferrying horses and jockeys to different racing locations. This book is heavily drawn from Francis's experience as a pilot and when he and his wife did run an air taxi service.



Matt Shore is a pilot whose life has taken a beating with some incidents, and an acrimonious divorce. His successful career as an pilot ends, retreats into flying for an air taxi, and is forced to live in a trailer. He gets the job at an Air taxi Service, Derrydowns as their pilot when one of the regulars go abroad. Other pilots do look down upon him and the competition for customers are tough. On his first day he ferries a couple of passengers who do not get along and among them is Colin Ross, a moody but a prize winning jockey. During the flight due to faulty wiring Matt undertakes an emergency landing and the plane explodes as soon as the passengers disembark. Even though no one was injured Matt is reprimanded and left searching for answers.
During his investigations he finds that one of his passengers was an explosive expert and deduces that the scheme was to eliminate Colin Ross. Because of the lack of evidence, the investigation is a bit slow, and the police are not so sure of what Matt is finding out. Matt soon finds the girl of his dreams, Nancy who turns out to be Colin Ross's sister. Soon they are romantically involved and things move on the leisurely plane. But then Nancy's plane is hot wired while piloting her brother and Matt guides their plane to safety. Matt restarts his investigations and unearths the syndicate which eliminates jockeys. Soon the villains smell the rat and start pursuing Matt and in a tense standoff he outwits them all, in a thriller that goes to the right page. Matt gets the girl and also Colin Ross's gratitude.
Dick Francis never disappoints with his taut narration of a mystery. But thats the only saving grace, otherwise the idea is a much used one. The villains are also etched well and does not glorify the violence to survive. A good book if you have lot of time to kill.

Enquiry (published in 1969) - A jockey in search of justice, find out who framed him

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Jockey Kelly Hughes and trainer Dexter Cranfield are suspended for life by the Oxford Stewards for deliberately throwing racing matches. Dexter goes in to a depression and numbs his grief with the help of the bottle. But Hughes, made of sterner stuff channelizes his anger in finding out who framed him and planted the evidence. His journey takes him in to a murkier world of murder, deceit and blackmail.



This book is extremely interesting because Hughes is not a detective or even a snoopy curious guy. He is just a person in search of justice and so he does not even know where to begin. He just starts with the obvious, investigating all the people who gave evidence against him during the hearing. So the chipping away of the layers happens where shady characters who do away non conforming jockeys are unveiled.
Hughes gets his help from an unexpected quarter, Roberta - his employer's daughter helps him in his quest. Hughes and Roberta are poles apart with a yawning class divide between them. Roberta's dad treats jockeys as third class citizens and would be horrified to find his daughter consorting with such men. Hughes initially does not like this snooty, spoilt rich girl, but soon they become allies and then love blossoms. To my extreme relief Dick Francis let Hughes to get the girl which is pretty unusual. This is one of the characteristic of Dick Francis's novels, that the good guys never surely get the girl, the only thing he assures is that the good guy survives even romantic failures.
The book is amazing with a great pace. Each actions and even simple happenings are for some reason and Francis ties all the loose ends admirably. When Hughes clears his name I just said a hurrah for that man's indomitable spirit even though he was just a character. A real feel good book, but beware of being sucked into the vortex. You can never stop at anytime till you have reached the end.

Flying Finish (published in 1966) - By Dick Francis, a heir to an earldom becomes a horse groom

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Henry Grey in real life is a viscount and a very poor one too. A dwindling family fortune does not allow him any luxury to engage in his passions of racing and flying. Sleepwalking through his depressingly dreary desk job, he keeps his passions a secret. So just as any hero in the Dick Francis novels, Henry is sick of his life, struggling, but has great abilities with horses, mental toughness and determination. To compound his miseries, his family expect him to find a loaded wife who could bring in the money.



But Henry, tired of this life throws caution to the winds and takes up the job with a company which transports horses. He is the groom to the horses and this job albeit low in money and prestige takes care of his twin loves i.e flying and horse racing. But the company is not what it seems and Henry with his curiosity soon gets suspicious with the going-ons. As he goes on with his life he meets Gabriella in picturesque Milan with whom he feels a connection. But as he investigates the mysterious disappearances of colleagues and killing of horses he understands that, what he is transporting is more than equine cargo. This realization brings him face to face with a cold blooded ruthless killer. So Henry fights for his life, the horses and his love all while hanging precariously up in the air. After the fight sequences, the novel stops rather abruptly especially not resolving the romantic conflicts. These hanging loose threads may cause insomnia for a while.
On the whole the book is quite satisfactory with a great pace and action sequences. It also serves as a time machine which gives peek in to the past where the iron curtain ruled the political landscape. The villains are more blood thirsty and violence more graphic. The only disappointment is the ending, but many readers might wonder the fate of Gabriella. But a good book for all those who crave a mystery.

Blood Sport (published in 1967) - trying to find a kidnapped horse in America

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Blood Sport has Gene Hawkins as its leading man. Like all other heroes of Francis he has lots of issues with the world. Gene has had his heart torn apart by an ex-girlfriend and he becomes suicidal and depressed. Well it is the 70's where rehab was not much of a fashion and popping pills were considered habit forming. Maybe current technological advances would have saved Gene from sleeping with a Luger under his pillow and taking unwarranted risks just to loose his life. Gene Hawkin works as a screener which is to prevent spies from getting planted in British offices. His ability to spot a fake resume and listening techniques make him invaluable.



The suicidal and manic depression has such an effect on his life that his boss, worried, packs him off for a three week vacation. On aboard a ship he rescues an drowning man who is convinced that his “accident” is not for real and asks his help to locate an expensive thoroughbred. He also informs Gene that some expensive British horses have disappeared from American stables about which the police have no clue. Hawkins takes up the case to escape from the boredom the vacation was causing him.
So the trail of the missing horses takes Hawkins across America from Kentucky, to Wyoming dude ranches, to eerie Arizona desert and even Las Vegas. As he struts along making less of his depression, he gains lot of friends and attracts lot of women. Gene is the archetypal Dick Francis hero who looses his heart but is suave and macho to get the girls. He escorts his bosses daughter to California and also supports another depressed women as the action hots up.
The trail includes a grand blood line scam with a family of crooks trying hard to cover tracks which can include murder. So Hawkins who tried to get out of life, at the right point chooses to live and bring the crooks to the books. A great story where pace is build up never to lag behind. Francis does not describe much about the American livery and lifestyle and for modern readers all the mystery could have been solved by a DNA test, still Blood Sport packs a solid punch. It helps us to relive the days where men lived by their wits and hands not by technology. A good read always.

Odds against (published in 1965) - A mystery around horse racing by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Odds Against can easily be one of the great mysteries of Dick Francis. Sid Halley is one of those for whom leadership is thrust upon and find to their surprise that they wear it well. We find easy to relate to this simple down to earth guy who fights against injury, bad luck and divorce to find a way.



Maybe that is why Dick Francis conferred this unlikely honor of featuring Halley in three of his books, not a bad decision many would agree. Sid Halley is an impoverished teenager who drops out of school to train as a jockey. Soon he is a success in the racing circuit, has great investments and a lovely wife. When life seems to be going great, he has a fall and is forced out off his racing career, looses much of his money and faces the stark reality of a divorce. Sid continues life as a private investigator for Hunt Radnor Associates Detective Agency and is soon dubbed a failure. The moment of epiphany happens when he is shot in the arm during a skirmish with a petty thief and his life, success, failure's, love and divorce flash before his eyes, and Sid chooses to turn it around.
Sid's ex-Father-in-law, admiral Charles Rowland invites him over to his farm house to recuperate. Rowland introduces him to Howard Kraye who plans to take over Seabury Racecourse, Halley's old Racing haven. Rowland suspects Kraye sabotaging the races to induce a take over bid of the course. A series of bad accidents and death has many believing that Seabury is jinxed improving Kraye's chances. Halley has the unenviable task of investigating the ruthless Kraye and his wife Doria who treat the less fortunate as dirt and plans to build condo's at Seabury. Sid is fully recharges to save his old institution and it does not come easy, but he does it.
Dick Francis builds the suspense with each page and I have literally chewed all my nails in anticipation of the showdown. The villains do not get any of the sympathies which is very uncharacteristic of Francis. But as Sid slowly peels away each layer of deception we have nothing but to rejoice at the revival of the man who was a goner. Good book for all times.

For Kicks (published in 1965) - Doping and horse racing - a book by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
"For Kicks" is the quintessential Dick Francis book where the Hero tries to solve the mystery in the racing world, but this time it is doping. Daniel Roke, an Australian stud farmer is asked by Earl October to investigate a series of wins posted by unfancied horses at the all England Racing Circuit. Roke is happy in Australia but the money dangled by Mr. October is too juicy a carrot to refuse. It does not help to have dependent siblings and family, the need for money makes it more difficult to refuse the offer. So Roke reaches England to investigate and takes up a job as the stable hand in various stables.



The mystery baffling the officials are the fact that unfancied horses win the race and they appear stimulated. But tests done on them only show an increased adrenaline count with no trace of any drug. The fastest horses are also tested whether they are doped to lose, but these too come negative. Roke disguised as the stable hand at the Earls stable come in to contact with his daughters regularly. He rebuffs the elder one and a tender relationship builds with the younger Elinor.
As the investigations proceed, Roke notices that most of the winners were horses once owned by a Humber or Adams. He gets in to their stables as a stable hand and find the work conditions atrocious. Slowly but steadily he unearths the mystery which ultimately threatens his survival. This may come as a spoiler, but the real scorcher of the book is the method of doping. Using the Pavlovian principle, Francis gives a new doping mantra, fear. Fear incited by prolonged torture followed by a stimulant in this case a whistle makes the horses bolt in terror and win the race. As always Roke is found, tortured and survives to tell the tale and reap the rewards.
An amazing book, crisp and refreshing which only Francis can imagine. Dick Francis builds up the suspense gradually that the reader is completely drawn in to the plot. Unlike his many heroes, Roke is handsome and suave, but goes through the similar travesties in search of answers. One can sense the English society of the seventies, the racing fraternity and the ambience of the field through this amazing book. This one heck of a journey every reader can take.

Nerve (published in 1964) - Jockeys and horses, a book by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He droppd out of school to train as a Jockey and was fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall an d became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
Rob Finn is the black sheep of the family of talented musicians. Not only he cannot sing he cannot get the love of the woman he wants. Finn is head over heels in love with Joanna who finds his attentions unwarranted due to the fact that they are first cousins. Finn learns to ride at the outback and is hired as a trainey jockey when he reaches England.



He rides the tempestuous horses and his fearlessness helps him to overcome the most beastly ones. Slowly his fame spreads and he is catapulted in to the big league of horse racing. After basking in the glory of great wins he finds sinister going ons around him. Vicious rumors are spread about fellow jockeys and soon suicides and murders happen. Canards are spread about Finn who suddenly find his rides sluggish and his winning streak severely down in the dumps. Word goes around that he has lost his “Nerve”.
As Finn tries to find the answers about himself, he looks into the death of his colleagues and finds similar patterns and rumors surrounding their ends. As he investigates he is kidnapped and is tortured and given up as dead. But the resilient Finn manages to escape and gets the police and tries to piece the puzzle. Now the motivation is to find revenge for his torture and Finn goes against a powerful adversary whose motive is to destroy jockeys who do conform. This tale is the ultimate revenge drama of a determined but unassuming man against the power corridors in the racing land. The ending is superb and you feel for Rob Finn as he struggles to find his place in the competitive world of horse racing and love. He wins the former, but alas I feel cheated as Joanna who rescues him does not return his love.
Again a great racing story from Dick Francis in his typical crisp English. Readers can feel the yesteryears Britain through his writings, especially the English Gentleman's stiff upper-lip. Rob Finn is the typical hero who plods through torture, injury and bad luck to find a smile. Again a great mystery solved with out the high tech devices, just by pursuit and brains. A great book to take home.

Dead Cert (published in 1962) - a horse racing story by Dick Francis

Richard Stanley Francis or Dick Francis was born in Pembrokshire, Wales, England on October 20th 1920. His father was a renowned jockey and Francis was catapulted in to the world of Horses, Jockeys and racing. He dropped out of school to train as a Jockey and was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air-force during World War II. After the war Francis became a celebrity Champion Jockey winning over 350 races. He was the lead Jockey for the Queen Mother. But he had to drop out of Horse racing after a serious fall and became a racing correspondent for Sunday Express. Dick Francis churned out numerous best sellers and most of his books deal with the mysteries in the realm of Horse racing and Jockeys. He wrote more than 40 international best sellers and is the recipient of numerous awards. Being a three time recipient of Mystery writer of America's Edgar Award he was made the Grand master of MWA. He is also the recipient of Britain's Crime Writers Association's Gold Dagger Award for fiction in 1979 and the Cartier Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award. He also has the Gumshoe award to his credit. He was accorded in CBE in 2000. Dick Francis died in his Caribbean home on February 10, 2010 bringing down the curtains to an illustrious life.
The Dead Cert Hero, Alan York is an Amateur Jockey in the steeplechase races. During one of the races, he witnesses his friend Bill Davidson falling down from his horse and getting injured. Alan pulls up to help his friend to the hospital where he is declared dead. On his return his suspicions of foul play are confirmed when he finds the wires coiled near the fences and grooves on the posts. When he tries to bring it to the notice of the law enforcers, the wires disappear. Alan forms one of the credible witnesses for the police and soon is asking questions to the officers.



Soon he is kidnapped and beaten up severely with a warning to let go of the case. But the beatings harden his determination to find the truth about his friends death. He also meets the women of his heart, Kate and soon indulges in a cat and mouse game with the wily antagonist to protect Kate. As he digs deeper he finds a ring of power crazy aristocrats who rig races and are even willing to murder jockeys who do not agree to their demands to fix races. Bill Davidson's children secretly listening to their fathers telephonic conversation provide the vital clue to crack this mystery.
This mystery describes us the world of British race tracks before the advent of high tech. If you are interested how crime was solved without the aid of cell phones, DNA and the host of other innovations, you have come to the right place. Alan York is the upright British Gentleman, who keeps his English uptight demeanor in-spite of beatings and injuries and doggedly pursues his much connected adversary to pay for his friends death.
Francis weaves a great tale effortlessly and the amount of suspense is really high. The language is clear cut and crisp like a refreshing summer day. A great book to unwind.

Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (published in 2008) - A fantasy book, by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel as Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
The last book of the Mistborn series is equivalent to a amazing roller-coaster ride. The ups and the downs of the final battle where all the secrets are laid bare is the ultimate book. All through the 749 pages which seems to fly, not a single word is worthless and weighs its role in gold. Vin inadvertently releases a power imprisoned by Lord Ruler in the well of ascension called Ruin. Ruin is the power of destruction which was one of the foremost powers along with preservation in the universe. So with Ruin on the prowl the world is again a more dangerous place to live, mists swirl around this time making people severely ill, and ash continuously fall from the sky.
Vin tries to get through the mists swirling around to get to the bottom of the many secrets held by them. Vin's journey to unravel the metaphysical manifestations of the world takes her in direct confrontation with Ruin. She and Elend move through the normal politics of negotiations and realignment with neighboring counties often gatecrashing high profile parties.



But as Elend understands the nuances of politicking, Vin confronts the powers of the world. She understands the purpose of her chaotic childhood and becomes the essence of Preservation against Ruin.
Elend matures to a politically astute leader attracting followers and also finds time for being a proud husband. His allomantic powers also extends and slowly he becomes a natural Mistborn. But his understanding with Vin, and his trust in her powers along with love helps him to confront Ruin. Sazed, the Terris scholar, and chronicler of religions finds himself adrift after the death of his life. He is in search of the true god and a true religion. Both Elend and Sazed find their faith about the Hero of Ages is the only thing that keeps them going and ultimately this is the faith which helps them to the true word.
As the book moves along, old notions about Lord Ruler as a despicable despot are pushed away and we find reasons for his tyranny. Vin, Elend and Sazed confronts the demons of myth mongering, selfishness, superstitions and destruction of the the world. The lives and secrets of the Kandra, Koloss and the inquisitors are laid bare which helps Elend to find the ultimate metal of Attium. Ruin with his lust of destruction is checkmated by the power of love which lets Vin forget her pain and loss. She becomes the essence of preservation drubbing Ruin to help create a new world with flowers for the survivors.
This book is the ultimate fantasy saga with the most unconventional twist. Great language, greater plot and the greatest of all characterizations keeps this book a real page turner till the end. Alas these adventures are only for Allomancers and its sad indeed to be a simple mortal to watch the Mistborn's save the world.

Mistborn: The Well of Ascension (published in 2007) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris, well received, followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Well of Ascension is the second book among the Mistborn trilogy. The world has changed with the death and defeat of Lord Ruler and his evil empire and after the exhilaration of triumph, the realization of a rudderless entity is causing chaos. This confusion has many claimants for the spoils of the earlier ruler. The pure anarchy has even people cherish the earlier rule.
Vin, the protagonist and the pivotal spear against the Lord is now the girl friend of Elend the dreamy noble man. Elend is idealistic and plans to rule in a text book fashion, where constitutional rights govern all. He does not have real experience in realpolitik and is considered weak. He forms an assembly to govern the erstwhile capital of Luthadel, but these men who have no experience brings his ideals down. There are other set of Nobles, like his father Straff Venture who wants to keep their share of spoils. He amasses a large army to besiege Luthadel.



Vin on the other hand returns as the most powerful Mistborn of the region. With Keisher dead, she is emotionally very vulnerable and her only source of companionship is Keisher's Kandra, OreSeur. Kandras are magical companion's or servants whose contracts pass through inheritance. Vin also is very insecure with her relationship with the scholarly and blue blood Noble man, Elend who does not have any Allomancy powers. Will this unequal relationship survive?
Sazed pursues scholarly pursuits and stumbles upon the journal of the Lord Ruler whose ascension was the part of prophesies of Alendi. As he rushes to inform Vin he stumbles upon the most deadliest armies of all ready to savage Luthadel, the Koloss. Another noble man Lord Ashweather Cett also plans to invade Luthadel. As the petty squabbles reach the boiling point it is upon Elend's and Vin's courage to defeat the villains. Straff tries to depose Elend by manipulating the same laws that he wrote. Elend's half brother, a Mistborn himself seeks out to Vin, convinced that he can escape serving Straff if he could elope with her. The mutual fear of Elend and Vin threatens their relationship further. As the novel hurls in to one disaster after another the reader feels the pure chaos feeding Luthadel. How do people go on without a purpose? What happens after a revolution succeeds? These are the questions answered through this novel. Lofty ideals and good intentions are never enough to run a nation and satisfy the good and the bad alike.
Elend and Vin discover this bitter truth and the mist which swirls turns up another surprise for Elend. This helps Vin to reaffirm her relationship and see through the machinations of Zane. This second book takes from the real world where revolutions are planned and executed with no vision for the future. It exemplifies the great plans gone awry when greedy gather together for the spoils. This book as any middle book does hangs up over the ultimate fate and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one.