Official Review: A Long Night of Chaos by Paul Clark

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 24 Feb 2021, 13:05

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Long Night of Chaos" by Paul Clark.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A lot has changed since Ruslan and his wife, Tamara, moved to England. Home, as they know it, is on the brink of collapse after the annulment of communism. The Ksords and Akhtarians are at each other's throats in a quest to establish dominance. Ruslan, one of the unifying factors between both tribes, is tasked with mending the rift. Caught between self-serving politicians and a duplicitous teammate, he has to choose between his duty to his people and self-preservation.

A Long Night of Chaos by Paul Clark is the second book in the Ruslan Shanidza series. But it also works as a standalone read. Set in post- Soviet Union Ksordia-Akhtaria, Paul melds themes of conflict, loss, and love in this politically charged thriller that arrests the reader's attention from the first page. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it ties up the plot nicely with just the right amount of suspense to whet the reader's appetite for the next book.

Coming from a multi-tribal country with the major ethnic groups lording over the minor tribes, I could relate to the book's plot. Paul did a superb job of conveying the undercurrent of resentment and distrust that lay in the associations of the Ksords and Akhtarians.

There are several solid characters in the book, but Ruslan and Leila stood out for me. I enjoyed their characters tremendously. Ruslan's persistence and Leila's gumption made them a formidable team. But the most endearing and relatable thing about them is their humanity. Beyond the facade of bravery and endurance, they are just as human as the rest of us. Like most people, they had fears and doubts. They made mistakes and faced temptations. But whatever happened, they still picked themselves up and continued to fight for what they believe in.

That being said, I wish the book didn't feature so many characters. I eventually got acquainted with the key players, but it was hard trying to keep up with the unfamiliar names popping up in every chapter.

Other than the quibble mentioned above, the book was an exhilarating read and I enthusiastically look forward to reading more books from the author. His writing style is concise, engaging, and interspersed with drizzles of humour. Unreservedly, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Moreover, I encountered no errors throughout the book.

The book will appeal to fans of action, war, and political literature. It contains minimal profanity but plenty of lurid accounts of violence. I wouldn't recommend it to children or sensitive readers.

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A Long Night of Chaos
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Suzer6440 xyz · Post by **Suzer6440 xyz** » 07 Mar 2021, 10:26

Sounds like a book fillled with many interesting parts. Not sure I will enjoy but I appreciate the detailed review

Kennedy NC · Post by **Kennedy NC** » 07 Mar 2021, 15:05

Most times when we have to choose between personal good and the good of the greater number we normally find ourselves tilting towards the former. Great review.

Jennifer Aldo · Post by **Jennifer Aldo** » 08 Mar 2021, 00:01

Seems like the author did a great job in the characterization and plot delivery. Nice review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 08 Mar 2021, 11:04

Tribalism is a problem that's still crippling humanity causing so much terrible death and destruction. In this novel, the author seems to compensate for that kind of tragic theme with a lot of humor. Thank you for your great review!

Amanda Dobson · Post by **Amanda Dobson** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:06

It sounds like an action-filled book. You did a great job in the review!

Post by **Wayne Njoroge** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:17

A book that is mainly based on politics. I am not fond of such but considering this book, I might overlook and read today's Book of the Day.

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:19

I won't be reading the book as it seems to have a lot of political conflict, but from your review I can conclude that it is well-written and action packed. Great review!

Miriam Kenneth · Post by **Miriam Kenneth** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:26

Thanks for a good review. I like that the hero and heroine weren't portrayed as too perfect, they made mistakes like humans.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:28

This sounds like an intense book! Those who enjoy political thrillers should love this one. However, I am not open to reading anything political at this time. I am going to pass on this one but thank you for the wonderful review!

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:29

Although today's BOTD isn't the one for me, readers of political thrillers and books that contain stories of war filled with action (and violence) will enjoy this one. It is well-written and professionally edited, making for a smooth read without disruption on the reader's part. Thank you for your helpful review!!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:34

Humor greatly helps in any situation, war included. Sometimes it's the only thing that will hold us together.

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:36

Sounds full of action, but this book has a cliffhanger for an ending. Thanks for your review.

Veleno · Post by **Veleno** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:37

This sounds like a good depiction of tension in every multi-ethnic country where the majority decides they have the right to lord over the minority just because there is more of them. I love reading about political intrigues and ploys, even though the injustice of it all infuriates me. I may not be looking forward to the cliffhanger ending, but at least it will make me want to read the next book.
Thank you for this insightful review!

63tty · Post by **63tty** » 17 Jul 2021, 10:39

A book about persistence, duty, or self-preservation. This just calls me. I wonder what Ruslan chose. I love the setting also. It is educational in post-Soviet times. Great review.