Darkness Under Heaven

by F.J. Chase

"Heroism is having to do something drastic to keep from getting killed." That's what security consultant Pete Avakian tells his dinner date, Dr. Judy Rose, on a night out in Beijing. Little does he... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0778326942
• ISBN13: 9780778326946
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Mira Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

This is a great read!

F.J. Chase is a pen name for former Marine officer turned author William Christie, who wrote The Warriors of God, Mercy Mission, Threat Level, The Enemy Inside and The Blood We Shed: A Novel of Marine Combat. If you haven't read any of Mr. Christie's other works, I highly recommend them. Part of what makes this author's work so enjoyable is the dialogue between his characters - the conversations are so true-to-life you can't help cracking up at some of the humorous aspects he injects into the storyline. Pete Avakian is a great hero character in this book, and as he and Dr. Judy Rose try to escape from China their relationship is sealed by survival instinct as well as a great deal of mutual attraction. This is one of those great "too good to put down" novels, and on a rainy day you can pretty much demolish it because the story flows so well. There's another Avakian novel scheduled for release sometime in 2010, and I'm already looking forward to it. I highly recommend this one.

Darkness under Heaven

Under another name the author has written books to do with Marines, war and other dangerious situations. The books seem directed to an all-male audience. However, in 'Darkness under Heaven' F.G. Chase has taken international politics, ex-Marine Lt. Colonel Peter Kavakian with a big nose, a sense of humor and accompanied by a doctor he acquired along the way, Judith Rose, and made a very thrilling book. The situation is that the Taiwan President is assassinated in Beijing and as a result the city goes into martial hysterics and Taiwan is about to declare war on China. Kavakian is forced to defend himself and the dr. against some Chinese soldiers which results in the soldiers' death and the two Americans fleeing madly to the north to get out of China and escape retribution from the Chinese military. Many interesting situations ensue as they make their way, bloody but unbowed, as it were, to escape China. I heartily recommend this book, and am very much looking forward to the next Kavakian book being published in 2010. Linda Sheean

More novels wanted by this author!

This book was definitely a surprise - a great read by a little known author- we need more of F.J. Chase's books out there!! Great storytelling! Great suspense and detail! I had a tough time putting it down and then couldn't wait to share the book with my neighbor - a retired Naval officer who will definitely enjoy the read.

exciting action-packed thriller

Concerned for the safety of foreign VIP visitors attending a conference in China, the government hires American security expert Peter Avakian to provide personal security to the international attendees. At the same time, the U.S. government hires Avakian and physician Dr. Judy Rose, who has become an espionage agent, to help obtain the release of an American gymnast incarnated in Beijing on the charge of shoplifting. However, the worst case scenario occurs when someone assassinates the Taiwanese president. Three Chinese soldiers attack Avakian, who kills them. Judy and Peter are in trouble as they know the Chinese government plans to arrest them if they are not killed. Forced to flee Beijing, their chances of getting out of the city let alone the country alive is slim to none. The key to this exciting action-packed thriller is China as seen through foreigners on the run. Avakian is a terrific hero who keeps the story line focused while he and Dr. Rose are called terrorists by the Communist government, which will have readers pondering over who defines a terrorist and what the parameters are. Fans will enjoy Avakian's tour of Beijing and beyond as escape seems almost impossible. Harriet Klausner

Hang onto your seat!!!

Do not begin this book until you have time to read the whole thing. Putting it down is NOT an option. The author played this one to the "max" filling the story with thrills, chills, and unbelievable suspense. Additional benefits include the details regarding Chinese culture which guide the story throughout. You will fall in love with Pete Avakian and Dr. Judith Rose who are two unlikely Americans caught in the middle of complete madness and who must survive to tell the story. Have fun! I did. Trudee Sharon