Moryak

by Lee Mandel
Published by (date): iUniverse (June 2009)
ISBN: 978-1-4401-4150-8
Price: $28.95
Tags: Fiction Adventure Thriller History WorldWar1

Synopsis:
 
President Theodore Roosevelt learns that it is the intention of Russian Tsar Nicholas II to sabotage the Portsmouth Peace Conference in 1905. In response, he sends Lieutenant Stephen Morrison on a top secret mission with British agent Sidney Reilly to kidnap the Tsar and remove him from Russia. Morrison, a complex man, who was born in Russia, is also fluent in the language and is knowledgeable in Russian political affairs.
The mission goes awry when Morrison is captured and later sentenced to death. Through a twist of fate, he assumes the identity of the leader of the infamous Potemkin mutiny and is sent to the Imperial Labor Camp on Solovetsky Island. Due to his fearless and violent nature, he catches the attention of the Bolshevik prisoners and becomes known as "Moryak" (Russian for Sailor). Upon his release from ten years in prison, Morrison is invited to join the Bolsheviks. Soon, he is able to infiltrate Lenin's inner circle working as a spy for the Allies during the Great War. Morrison's long and complex mission comes to a harrowing conclusion on the eve of the Russian civil war.
 

Other Reviews:
 
"Mandel, a physician with the U.S. Navy and a published historian, strengthens this tale with authoritative historic facts and research. He paints his protagonist as a true patriot and a pawn who never quite finds acceptance and peace."
 
"..the strong attention to history will keep readers turning pages. The book will be of special interest to readers who enjoy a flawed but heroic character or the era of the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Revolution, and World War I."
 ForeWord Clarion Review
Four Stars (out of Five)
  
Lee Mandel has the keen ability to keep the action and suspense moving page after page - a rare feat in historical fiction. Historically accurate and fascinating, Mandel's done his research well to make "Moryak" a compelling story. If you love history of the Tsars, Russia, WWI, Teddy Roosevelt and Naval history this is a must read. If you're a member of the Jewish community this book reveals important historical events/lifestyles in Russia and New York City - add it to your collection!
 
With such a well crafted storyline and depth "Moryak" should receive interest as a screenplay - ideal for a mini-series!
 
Like me, you'll find yourself turning page after page, unable to put it down and willing to lose sleep until you reach the unexpected ending of this wonderful novel!
CDR Patrick J. McLaughlin, CHC, USN
No Atheists In Foxholes: Reflections and Prayers From the Front Naval Officer and Author  5.0 out of 5 stars A PAGE TURNER!, December 3, 2009

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