Primitive
Product Description
A neo-primitive cult, possessing secret government documents filled with terrifying information about global warming, kidnaps a famous fashion model and holds her hostage, forcing her to act as their spokesperson. As time runs out, her estranged daughter allies with a dangerous activist group to rescue her, while battling dark agendas from the government and Big Oil.
From the International Thriller Writers’ Interview With Author Mark Nykanen
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Primitive
Tags: Primitive
March 14th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
“Primitive,” by Mark Nykanen, is a fast-paced, action-packed political thriller. Themes are global warming, terrorism, military `contractors’, and government cover-ups. Sonya Adams, a forty something model, is abducted while going to a photo shoot. The group responsible has a secret CIA document about how the frozen methane now warming up would destroy modern civilization and multi-nationals companies who are behind this. The group is using pod-casts showing Sonya and promoting their points from Aboland, somewhere in the frozen north.
Nykanen writes a good story and weaves Al Gore, fringe groups, modern technology and primitive lifestyle all together is his story. The Aboland group has a compelling narrative since it is experiencing effects of global warming, and knowingly sacrifices itself to make their message known. Some of radical groups are well-known; others are just small and secret. It is also a modern with the military troops just back from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the “tech” toys used.
“Primitive” has a political and environmental message. However, this message in so interwoven in the other themes, it fits really well. I read this all in one sitting it was that fast paced and easy-to-read. Both sides of the political divide can find something to agree with or argue about in this story, however they call all agree, it’s one exciting thriller.
Rating: 5 / 5
March 14th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
This book was less thriller, and more a brochure for a variety of causes (global warming, animal rights, the list goes on). It read like a cross between a primer on global warming and a Michael Moore rough draft for a slanted film. The plot was lost in the preaching, and the characters could not be developed for the corny nature of the story. The only thrilling scene involved a tight tunnel escape. I’m not sure what book the other reviewers read, if they read it at all. Quality of writing, storyline, and most of all the overt preaching were highly amateur.
Rating: 1 / 5
March 14th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
If you’re looking for something that compares to Tom Clancy, keep looking. This was a lightweight read that was interesting as long as it was free, but suffered from predictability, a weak plot, a completely unbelievable premise, and too much deux ex machina. I mean, for a book to be believable, you have to be able to buy in to the protagonist and their motivations, the general plot, and the capabilities of the antagonists. Only a fringe left environmental anarchist could find this plot believable. It was almost funny. If they ever make a movie out of this, it will end up a cult classic alongside ‘Soilent Green’ and ‘The Omega Man. ‘
But, what the hey? It was just about worth what I paid for it (nothing). If it’s still free and you’re waiting for them to close the airplane cabin door before you have to shut down your Kindle, then consider it.
Rating: 2 / 5
March 14th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I read this because it was free and because I had the idea from the reviews that it would be a thought-provoking thriller with themes of the environment and government. It was indeed free, but it was not in the least thought provoking. Yawn. It was, as some have mentioned, one-sided and flat propaganda. If you believe that the US government, law enforcement, and military are brutal forces aligned with the oil companies, with Canada as an enlightened foil, and that it is simply a given that civilization is about to be destroyed by catastrophic climate change, then you’ll probably appreciate the perspective. If you are not yet sure about all these viewpoints, then there is nothing in the book to enlighten you. Two stars since the story line did keep me reading to the end. Save your time. Move on, nothing here to see, keep moving . . .
Rating: 2 / 5
March 14th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Sonya Adams thinks she’s heading to just another modeling shoot in her fast fading career when the unspeakable happens. She is kidnapped by environmental extremists (calling themselves Abolanders) who want nothing more than to use her to spread their message of the dangers of “climate chaos” to the world. The only family Sonya has is an estranged daughter, Darcy. Darcy is determined to rescue her mother but she soon finds herself caught in the middle between her own government and the environmental underground.
PRIMITIVE is a fast paced book in which the tension never lets up. The sense of urgency permeates every page as Mark Nykanen does a marvelous job at ramping up the frenetic pace without sacrificing plot or character development. Some of the scenes are brutal in their intensity and the more squeamish readers may find themselves horrified by some of the torture scenes.
PRIMITIVE reminds me a bit of a Michael Crichton tale in that Mark Nykanen seeks to educate while telling a very powerful story. The core of the story centers on a clash between extremists. On one hand, you have the radical environmentalists who are willing to kidnap an innocent civilian and set off bombs in order to save the world, while on the other hand you have the government sponsored military who are willing to torture or kill anyone in order to stop the extremists and keep their secrets safe. Both sides are willing to sacrifice smaller groups of people for what each considers the greater good. The story is chilling, particularly in light of animosity often seen between clashing political agendas over the last few years.
The characters in PRIMITIVE are far from likable and yet Mark Nykanen creates sympathy for some of them regardless. Sonya, despite representing consumerism in its worst form to the Abolanders, is perhaps the most balanced character as she sees the goal of both sides but wants to maintain her own individual freedom and right to choose. Darcy is a very compelling character as she has to look deep within her own convictions and beliefs, particularly when it’s her own mother whose life is at stake in this deadly chess match.
PRIMITIVE shows what happens when black and white thinking on either side dominates as the story offers a powerful message about the dangers of extremism in any form. What could have been an even more powerful message about fanaticism in any form is diluted somewhat by the sympathy displayed towards one side of the issue while portraying the other side in its vilest form. As such, PRIMITIVE will probably appeal more to readers who are more politically aligned with the Abolanders rather than enticing the audience as a whole and showing the evils of extremism in every form. Regardless, PRIMITIVE is a powerfully intense story that provokes a wealth of emotions and encourages the reader to look deeply within one’s one belief systems.
COURTESY OF BOOK ILLUMINATIONS
Rating: 5 / 5