The Caliphate
by Jack Stewart
Published by Non Sequitur Press
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Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder
The author propels you into a story that can only be explained as a life-threatening, wild experience.
The main character is Trent Lambert, Wall Street currency trader and CEO of the multi-billion dollar Lambert Fund. There is no doubt that he is a wheeler dealer who is ruthless about making money, lots of money. His scheme is to devalue the Rupiah, and make him and his investors mega millions. His choice of pirates as his foreign allies, however leads him down a path in which he faces merciless adversaries–the Jemaah Islamiyah and their allies. Jemaah Islamiyah seeks to create an Islamic superpower, and their wealth and power needed to continue their vision is severely devastated by Trent’s success.
The Jemaah Islamiyah is out for brutal revenge. They kidnap Trent’s son, Eric, and demand that Trent appreciate the value of the Rupiah or his son will be killed. Unfortunately, in order to do comply with their demands, he must depreciate the American greenback which, in turn, will depreciate the American economy.
FBI agent Allister Pike is definitely interested in Trent and engages in the pursuit to prove his manipulations to the market. Even though the author weaves the FBI in and out of the story, there is a relevance to their inclusion. Trent puts the threat of incarceration by the FBI completely out of his focus and responds to the demands of the Jemaah Islamiyah. Trent’s ex-wife, Helen, plays a significant role in the book in a rather unique way; you will find her a compelling addition to the story.
Although Trent is the primary character and focus in the story, the author brings the same insight and depth to each of the key players. From the pirate, Hirmina Yasril; Hirmina’s son, Ando; Trent’s son, Eric; Prince al-Yazid; and cleric Abu Bashir, you’ll understand the overwhelming risks, extreme commitments and death-defying actions each take to achieve victory.
This is an intense read; be ready for the journey in this thriller.
Armchair Interviews agrees.