Book Review: TABA CONVENTION

Courtesy from Author

Taba Convention, the first of Stephen W Ayers‘s Jordan Kline series set in the Middle East was a fantastic read, from start to finish. I’m glad that I started it on the first day of my holiday when I knew I had plenty of time for reading and not being distracted by other demands in everyday life.

As I sat under the palm trees facing the mighty Atlantic, I indulged in two days of uninterrupted reading, going on an exciting adventure taking in the Red Sea, Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, the Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, in a part of the world which sounded familiar but to which I’ve never been before, with only some vague idea about the huge problems which have been created throughout history, the non-stop conflicts of different cultures and religions, the struggles of different world organisations to bring peace to that region, and the seeming futility of it all.

I was hooked from the very beginning, as the author began with a number of killings in different locations but somehow intrinsically related.  Packed with action, Mr Ayers tells the story with great characters, convincing plots and at a wonderful pace. It has everything I like in a good book, and it is very well written.

The author delivers a great thriller on different levels. I was highly  impressed with his  understanding of the background, geography and history of the Middle East and his insider knowledge of the hotel businesses, which made sure that his characters and their actions are believable, and the plot plausible. There is a great combination of necessary information and the progress of plot which is pivotal in a fast-paced action thriller. As a reader, I willingly followed the protagonists and enjoyed the ride as Jordan Kline dove into intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, showing sheer determination to find out the truth and stop the disaster brewing.

I would not hesitate recommending this book. It’s a wonderful read beautifully executed. I would love to follow more of Jordan Kline’s other adventures. Excellent job, Stephen Ayers!

Author Stephen W Ayers

About Stephen

Stephen was born to expatriate parents in Calcutta India. From the age of eight he was educated in English private schools. He attended St. Andrews Preparatory school in Pangbourne Berkshire and Shrewsbury School in Shrewsbury Shropshire.

Pursuing a career in hospitality, Stephen graduated cum laude from the prestigious Lausanne Hotel School, Switzerland. He has worked in and managed hotels in England, Israel, South Africa, Canada and most recently in Cyprus. In 1975, while working at the Ramada Tel Aviv he met his wife Mali. They were married a year later in South Africa.

Stephen returned to Israel from Canada in 1984 to take up the position of Executive Assistant Manager at the opening of the famous King Solomon’s Palace Hotel in the Red Sea Resort town of Eilat. The family lived there for the following eight years.

The idea to write a thriller on the Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and the Palestinians was born during the latter part of 1991 after experiencing Israel’s return of Taba to Egypt following International Arbitration. The following years living in Israel through the Palestinian Intifadas and the numerous suicide attacks have added to the extensive experience that Stephen was able to draw on. He also enjoyed being able to add anecdotes from his long and colorful international hotel career.

In his first book, he introduces the reader to Jordan Kline, the star of the series. Kline is an ex Mossad operative and now successful hotel manager.

Stephen began writing with Mali’s encouragement as a test to explore his own creativity and writing capabilities. Finally completed, Stephen requested that a few close friends read the draft manuscript. The amazing response has pushed Stephen to pursue publication of The Taba Convention, and to continue writing novels in the Jordan Kline series.

Serving as General Manager of the David’s Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem Stephen hosted many foreign Presidents, dignitaries and their delegations. These included President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, President Sakaashvili of Georgia, frequent visits by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, as well as Israeli Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians. His experience has afforded Stephen invaluable insight into security procedures among various government organizations.

Stephen and his family currently reside in Toronto, Canada.

For further info about Stephen and his books, go to: stephenwayers.