The Anvil of the Craftsman (Jon's Trilogy) [Kindle Edition]

Dale Amidei (Author)

Book Description

A doctoral candidate in Theological Studies accepts recruitment by a friend in the U.S. State Department for an initiative to the most troublesome province in 2006 Iraq. The many challenges of nation building expand the mission from diplomacy to a survival situation as local and international interests position themselves to oppose a State Department initiative: one vital to progress in an uncertain theater.

Terrorism and counter-terror operations threaten to keep the team from leaving the relative safety of Baghdad. Until, that is, a former USAF Special Tactics operative hunting the men who want to kill them draws duty as their protector. The simple questions posed during a tribal council threaten provincial and regional stability; the conclusions reached explode into a clash of faith, loyalty, schism and betrayal that will help shape the future of two nations.

The Anvil of the Craftsman, the debut novel by author Dale Amidei, will be appreciated by fans of a broad range of fiction; from aficionados of the haunting themes of Ernest Hemingway to readers of the tightly woven plots of Tom Clancy and popular titles of authors like Vince Flynn, David Baldacci, W.E.B. Griffin and Richard Marcinko.

The Anvil of the Craftsman is presented in its Kindle Edition with a fully functional Table of Contents and navigation controls (NCX). Approx. 93,000 words / 312pp. print length.

© 2011 Single Candle Press

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book that grabs me by the throat and doesn't let go is a very rare thing these days but Dale Amidei managed to do just that. It's thrilling read which actually made me cry." 

- CC MacKenzie, Fizz and Fangs

About the Author

Dale Amidei lives and writes in the beautiful Texas Hill Country near San Antonio. His fiction defines the inner spiritual processes that he believes occur naturally in all human beings. It features faith-based themes set in the real world, which can be violent. It contains real-world language, which varies between personalities. His characters are realistically portrayed as caught between heaven and earth, not always what they should be, nor what they used to be. In this way they are like all of us. As Dale says: "A novel begins with having something to say. Everything that comes next, developing the characters, the plot, the first draft, the editing, the polishing, all follow this. First have something to say, and then start writing."

Product Details

• File Size: 534 KB
• Print Length: 312 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Single Candle Press (December 9, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006K9Q4W8
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,612 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
  • #15 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Political
  • #20 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Christian > Suspense

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical action novel February 6, 2012

By HMC

Format:Paperback

Anvil of the Craftsman has been one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in some time. The characters are multi-dimensional and passionate in their beliefs, even when it ensures conflict with others. The basic theme of the story - choosing how we conduct our lives, is thought-provoking as we watch a young man struggling with those very issues in a very intense setting. We observe other older characters that show struggle does not end with age or experience, but involves a conscious choice on a regular basis.
The action is intense, and the storyline steadily builds to a very satisfying conclusion. But this is not just an action novel by any means. It delves into culture, culpability, personal growth, sacrifices and living with passion and commitment to a higher cause. I recommend it highly to anybody who enjoys delving into psychological, philosophic journeys. I look forward to Amidei's next installment.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyed! January 23, 2012

By Alice Hall

Format:Kindle Edition

I truly enjoyed reading this novel. It's not my typical genre, and to my surprise, I was very swept up in the suspense and characters. After the first few chapters, I could not put it down. I am happy that I went outside my "box" because it was well worth the ride! I am anxiously awaiting the sequel and see what Jon and Matt have in store for me! I am excited to add Mr. Amidei to my list of favorite authors. I have recommended AOTC to all my friends and family, and I hope anyone who reads this review would also take the time to read AOTC....you will not be disappointed.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great blend of action and philosophy January 21, 2012

By ChinaShopBull

Format:Paperback

Amidei is a thoughtful writer. Throughout Anvil, he provides excellent turns-of-phrase that cause the reader to forget this is his first book. His characters are likable and plausible. The plot moves forward at a pace that allows the reader to get to know them. The action sequences are well-choreographed and imaginative. Amidei has done his research. It is evident in his descriptions of technological devices, weapons, contrasting philosophies and current events. Because of this precision and the quality of the writing, Anvil moves into the nebulous realm where fact and fiction can overlap leaving the reader to iamgine that events described in The Anvil of the Craftsman could have come from the front pages of America's daily newspapers. Well worth a read and I will be looking for more by Dale Amidei.

More About the Author

I live and write in the beautiful Texas Hill Country near San Antonio. My fiction defines the inner spiritual processes that I believe occur naturally in all human beings. It features faith-based themes set in the real world, which can be violent. It features real-world language, which varies between personalities. Each character is realistically portrayed as caught between heaven and earth, not always what they should be, nor what they used to be. In this way they are like all of us.

I believe that a novel begins with having something to say. Everything that comes next, developing the characters, the plot, the first draft, the editing, the polishing, all follow this. First have something to say, and then start writing.