"Yes he wanted a little adventure in his life, but this was not the adventure he was looking for."
When two nuclear physicists, Dr. Chance Taylor and Dr. Charles Brown, embark on a two month journey to experience a classic sports car race spanning from Moscow to Beijing, little do they know that they will become entangled with an international terrorist organization, al-Qaeda, that is intent on making their presence felt via a slew of planned bombings in the United States. Their experience working on nuclear weapons at Sandia National Library puts them in an unenviable position of crisis: Do they do as they are ordered and build the weapon for this group to save their own lives and the lives of their friends, or do they refuse and make the ultimate sacrifice to potentially save the lives of thousands?
At the onset of the narrative, the plotline seems destined to revolve around classic cars like Dr. Taylor’s ‘58 Corvette
and racing. Selby’s abrupt yet thoroughly engaging twist that sets up the sea encounter between terrorists and the group that includes the physicists is entirely unexpected and refreshing. When the crew carrying the racing party are shot execution style, the layer of innocence is lifted, and an “anything can happen” feeling consumes the novel.
Overall, the characters are quite established in their respective fields, hailing from prominent universities and esteemed backgrounds. For instance, Kerida, Dr. Brown’s mistress, is fluent in a multitude of languages, including Russian and Mandarin. Others, like Curtis La Salle and PJ Murphy, are joining the party as representatives of General Motors and are designated to film a documentary on the entire race. On the whole, character backgrounds are elaborate, but character development mostly takes a backseat to the breakneck pace of the plot. Whether it is the confrontation in the Black Sea or encounters with fortune-teller gypsies, there is hardly a dull moment in the novel.
While Dr. Abu al-Sadr is holding the physicists and company captive at the Mountain Top Lodge and with his ultimate dream of destruction within reach, CIA operative Hank Sollenberger, the ultimate conspiracy theorist, is up to it again. He simply leaves no stone unturned but often goes off script in the process, resulting in constant clashes with his immediate supervisor, Beverly Jenkins. After seeing in the Washington Post that there were no survivors in the sinking of the Panama Star in the Black Sea, his mind is churning with possibilities, all of which lead to al-Qaeda. Regarding the author’s penchant for building highly accomplished characters, Sollenberger trumps them all. A high school graduate at twelve, he is the proud owner of three doctorates from Harvard before the age of twenty. The accomplishments clearly seep into his personality as he is constantly pursuing a lead, confident he has unearthed a potential calamitous plot.
The action-packed roller coaster that ensues when the different parties clash is enjoyable, and the main characters are even able to find time for a little bit of romance in the midst of the chaos. Moreover, the targets selected by Abu al-Sadr — from the White House to the New York Stock Exchange— will send chills down the spines of readers, as even conjuring these acts harkens back to memories of 9/11. Though the classic cars race doesn’t ultimately happen, the race with time and danger that does happen is even more electrifying, particularly for fans of immense and never-ending action.
Good Reads Review
"If you love books that feel like they belong on the big screen, Dangerous Journey is the novel for you. Clark Selby crafts a story so visually rich and dynamically structured that you can easily imagine it as a cinematic blockbuster. The vivid descriptions evoke stunning imagery, from sweeping landscapes to thrilling high-stakes sequences. The dialogue is snappy and real, much like the lines you’d expect in a well-scripted film. Every chapter plays out like a scene, building tension and excitement that keep you riveted. Selby’s ability to create characters you root for, combined with a plot full of twists and suspense, makes this book a natural fit for the silver screen. Whether you’re imagining a high-energy car chase or an emotional confrontation, the story feels larger than life. For readers who appreciate books with a cinematic flair, Dangerous Journey delivers a truly captivating experience that will linger long after the credits would roll."
Good Reads Review
Clark Selby’s Dangerous Journey is a heart-pounding adventure that blends classic car racing with high-stakes peril. The story of Dr. Chance Taylor and his companions participating in a Moscow-to-Beijing race is a thrilling escapade that keeps readers glued to the pages. The stakes quickly escalate when the journey takes a deadly turn, plunging the characters into an intricate web of survival and conspiracy. Selby masterfully captures the essence of adventure through vivid descriptions of foreign landscapes, the tension of unpredictable challenges, and the unyielding spirit of his characters. Each twist in the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the detailed portrayal of classic sports cars adds a unique charm to the narrative. Readers who love a mix of high-speed excitement and pulse-racing tension will find this book an unputdownable delight. Beyond the thrills, the story underscores the importance of courage and ingenuity in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Dangerous Journey is more than just an action-packed tale—it’s a testament to human perseverance and the allure of chasing dreams. A perfect read for anyone seeking an escape into an electrifying world where every turn of the road could be the last.
Good Reads Review
Dangerous Journey is the perfect book for readers looking for an easy yet highly engaging read. Clark Selby’s writing style is accessible and fluid, making it a pleasure to dive into, whether you’re an avid reader or someone who picks up a book occasionally. The story draws you in with its intrigue and keeps you hooked with its fast-paced action and relatable characters. Without bogging the reader down with unnecessary complexity, Selby delivers a narrative that feels immersive and rewarding. This is a book you can enjoy in a single weekend, losing yourself in a world of suspense and adventure. For those who want a story that’s both entertaining and easy to follow, Dangerous Journey is an excellent choice. It’s a reminder that great stories don’t need to be complicated—they just need to be well-told.
Good Reads Review
Few books are as uplifting as Dangerous Journey. Beneath the pulse-pounding action and suspense lies a story of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. Clark Selby masterfully weaves themes of perseverance and belief into his narrative, reminding readers that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there is always a way forward. The characters’ determination and courage serve as a beacon of inspiration, making this book not only a thrilling read but also a profoundly uplifting one. It’s a story that encourages readers to face their own challenges with the same grit and optimism displayed by its protagonists. Selby’s writing is a celebration of human potential, leaving readers feeling empowered and ready to tackle whatever comes their way. For those who enjoy stories that combine excitement with an inspiring message, Dangerous Journey is a must-read.