For fans of Clancy, MacLean and Ludlum, a page-turning short story from the author of Rotten Gods. Paradise turns to terror when half-starved, AK47 toting gunmen, led by a soldier of fortune called Drake, board Peter and Victoria Holt-Bennett's luxury catamaran off the coast of Guinea. Terrorised and violated, the hostages must attempt to raise five million dollars to save themselves, and their four year old child. While their lives hang in the balance, a team of crack 2CG operatives, led by Marika Hartmann, launch a do or die mission to save them. But Drake is more than he seems, and the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. Battling against modern weapons coupled with malicious stone-age beliefs, Marika will match wits with a man who appears to anticipate her every step. Greg Barron is a world traveller who has studied International Terrorism at the prestigious St Andrew's University. His critically acclaimed thrillers reflect his fascination with political, social and environmental change. Includes bonus chapter of Rotten Gods! Praise for Greg Barron's novels: 'Barron is not one to pull his punches' Courier-Mail 'Barron echoes the work of authors such as MacLean, Clancy and Ludlum' Canberra Times 'A high-octane thriller ... the pace is excellent, the writing is sharp and Barron has a real talent for the evocation of place ... sufficiently gripping to keep you up at night' The Australian 'Combines the very best of a thriller by Tom Clancy with the Boys' Own action blockbuster of someone like Chris Ryan. the speed of the action is matched only by the sophistication of the prose and the originality of the plot. Greg Barron has proved he is a political thriller writer at the very top of his game.' ABC Weekend Bookworm