Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Summoner by Layton Green


A country in corrupt decay sets the scene for a morally reprehensible Yoruba priest’s deprivations.   This blackest of villains is on a quest for spiritual and political power.  Dominic Grey, a security agent of questionable pedigree, is his only stumbling block.

Dominic Grey is certainly not the white knight but a more believable, emotionally conflicted hero.   He appears to be a man with a moral compass that is undeterred by legal and illegal restraints.  While he is not exactly likeable he is admirable.  

Viktor is a mysterious, international, professorial enigma.   His character was shrouded in mystery.    Nya was well painted as a woman on a quest for revenge.  

The book illustrated a wealth of mistrust between allies and opponents.   The background of Zimbabwe was thoroughly depressing.   A smidgen of research leads me to believe the author portrayed the country accurately.  

I happen to discuss the book with friends who had visited Rhodesia and then later visited when it was Zimbabwe and they confirmed the negative changes.   Another acquaintance who was a policeman in Rhodesia also lamented over the condition of the people and the rampant corruption.  

This is not a book for the light of heart, it is frightening and gruesome.  It also points out the power of psychosomatic reactions to belief systems.   It is not a fun read but it is engrossing.

BTW I read this book on my Droid X using the FBReader from Geometer Plus free application. 

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Layton Green

Web Site:   http://laytongreen.com/

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