Afghanistan: Battlefield of Power - Graveyard of Reputations CIA ops officer Harry Brennan put months of careful planning into Operation TALISMAN, aimed at giving a knockout blow to al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Then CIA headquarters shuts it down with no explanation. As he investigates why, Harry, a rebel at heart, runs afoul of the CIA's leadership and the White House as he gets in the way of a huge oil deal, one that promises to ensure a President's re-election, troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and vast wealth to the oilmen who are behind the plot. Harry's life is in danger. Worse, so is that of his daughter, Laurie, who is kidnapped by Islamist terrorists in Yemen. Harry Brennan sets out to expose a conspiracy and in doing so, save his daughter's life. In Yemen to rescue Laurie, Harry becomes the target of Predator drone missiles--aimed by his CIA boss... Written by a former insider and censored by the U.S. government, TRIBE resonates with authenticity rarely seen in the political thriller genre.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Tribe will take you on a roller-coaster ride through the corridors of power and the mountains and deserts of America's war zones. . . You will not be disappointed.
~ Gloria Nagy, New York Times bestselling author of nine successful books.
TRIBE is basically an exceptional book. It's the kind of book that is so interesting you wish the author had given you more information, more insight, more detail to chew over while the battle rages on. . . a brilliant book that is well-paced and -plotted with many interesting layers. ~ Fiona Ingram for Readers Favorite
James Bruno deserves wider attention. In "Tribe"...he shows a deep knowledge of the politics in Washington DC, and of the intrigue within the CIA and intelligence community. This gives his story that much more impact. I predict Bruno will...climb his way onto some bestseller lists. ~ Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author.
Your reading will move along...at a breathless pace. A frightening description of a possible future and hence a warning. ~ Steve Moore for BookPleasures.
From the Author
Trust a snake before a harlot, and a harlot before a Pathan...Most true is it in the Great Game, for it is by means of women that all plans come to ruin and we lie out in the dawning with our throats cut. ~ Rudyard Kipling, Kim.
This pretty much sums up what my latest political thriller, Tribe, is all about. I'm banking that this very topical novel will join Permanent Interests and CHASM on the ebook bestseller lists.
Women feature prominently in Tribe, and not as mere appendages to the male protagonists. The female protagonist is Camilla "Cammy" Loomis. She came from nowhere to become a leading Washington socialite and power-broker -- but with a past to hide. Cammy, of course, is young and beautiful and flamboyant, but also lightning smart. Through her, we see how the Washington political power structure really works. Hers is an almost biblical morality tale in the lessons of hubris and humility. I based Camilla on strongwilled Washington socialites who often hold great political sway in the nation's capital.
The male protagonist is Harry Brennan, a scarred CIA officer whose moral conscience gets him into deep, deep trouble. Harry comes from an Irish-Catholic blue-collar background, which sets him apart from the Georgetown salon power groupies.
He also has a spirited 19-year old daughter who, trying to follow in her dad's footsteps, gets herself kidnapped by Islamist guerrillas in Yemen. To get her freed, Harry makes a forbidden and risky pact with Russian spy, Sergei Nemsky, who needs Harry's help in saving his own teenage daughter, who is afflicted with an incurable disease. So, Tribe is also about fathers and daughters and the lengths to which the fathers will go to save their children. It's all wrapped up in the wilderness of mirrors that is the world of espionage.
In writing Tribe, I drew on nearly five years of working on Afghanistan at the U.S. State Department. This included time in the field where I dealt with many of the mujahidin who now are Taliban leaders, the legacy of shortsighted Washington policy-making. I also draw from years of dealing with spies, hostile ones as well as our own. Sergei Nemsky is a composite character based on several KGB officers I've known. He is torn by loyalty to his country while trying desperately to save his daughter's life.
Tribe underwent a six-month-long security review by four U.S. national security agencies. Two of these agencies compelled text redactions and other modifications. The security review process is one of negotiation in which I always have the reader's enjoyment at heart. Likewise, you'll find my political thrillers very authentic, which makes them stand out from the pack.
This pretty much sums up what my latest political thriller, Tribe, is all about. I'm banking that this very topical novel will join Permanent Interests and CHASM on the ebook bestseller lists.
Women feature prominently in Tribe, and not as mere appendages to the male protagonists. The female protagonist is Camilla "Cammy" Loomis. She came from nowhere to become a leading Washington socialite and power-broker -- but with a past to hide. Cammy, of course, is young and beautiful and flamboyant, but also lightning smart. Through her, we see how the Washington political power structure really works. Hers is an almost biblical morality tale in the lessons of hubris and humility. I based Camilla on strongwilled Washington socialites who often hold great political sway in the nation's capital.
The male protagonist is Harry Brennan, a scarred CIA officer whose moral conscience gets him into deep, deep trouble. Harry comes from an Irish-Catholic blue-collar background, which sets him apart from the Georgetown salon power groupies.
He also has a spirited 19-year old daughter who, trying to follow in her dad's footsteps, gets herself kidnapped by Islamist guerrillas in Yemen. To get her freed, Harry makes a forbidden and risky pact with Russian spy, Sergei Nemsky, who needs Harry's help in saving his own teenage daughter, who is afflicted with an incurable disease. So, Tribe is also about fathers and daughters and the lengths to which the fathers will go to save their children. It's all wrapped up in the wilderness of mirrors that is the world of espionage.
In writing Tribe, I drew on nearly five years of working on Afghanistan at the U.S. State Department. This included time in the field where I dealt with many of the mujahidin who now are Taliban leaders, the legacy of shortsighted Washington policy-making. I also draw from years of dealing with spies, hostile ones as well as our own. Sergei Nemsky is a composite character based on several KGB officers I've known. He is torn by loyalty to his country while trying desperately to save his daughter's life.
Tribe underwent a six-month-long security review by four U.S. national security agencies. Two of these agencies compelled text redactions and other modifications. The security review process is one of negotiation in which I always have the reader's enjoyment at heart. Likewise, you'll find my political thrillers very authentic, which makes them stand out from the pack.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Fiona Ingram
Format:Paperback
Meet Harry Brennan, CIA officer and go-to guy on Afghanistan. When his mission in Afghanistan is aborted and he finds himself back in Washington, Harry starts digging until he finds out what everyone doesn't want him to know. And it comes as no surprise to Harry that it's all about money, or oil to be exact. As the Western world's need for oil increases, something must be done to break the stranglehold of the Arab world on oil supplies. A secret deal has been struck to get a U.S.-financed trans-Central Asian oil pipeline to the Arabian Sea built through Afghanistan and Pakistan. This scenario would bring Croesus-like wealth for the oil companies, back-channel cash to politicians and cement American political and economic supremacy in Central Asia at Russia's expense. It would also force the Afghan allies to share power with the Taliban so pipelines could be built and US troops finally withdrawn. Harry finds himself enmeshed in the double and triple cross of the relentless Washington political machine. In a surprise turn of events, Harry finds himself branded a traitor and fleeing for his life from jihadists in Afghanistan and Predator drones in Yemen, a target of his own CIA, while trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
This is a brilliant book that is well-paced and -plotted with many interesting layers. It is clear the author has first-hand experience of the novel's politics and his encyclopedic knowledge of the turmoil of the Middle East and Afghanistan is impressive. The author has created in Harry Brennan a likeable character, with a conscience that compels him to do the right thing in a political arena where most people are doing the wrong thing. The author is a former insider and the book has undergone US government censorship, which explains the occasional `vague' patch. However, nothing can detract from this riveting read. Harry Brennan's laid-back inner monologue adds to the appeal of the author's style. Readers will also enjoy Harry's pertinent, humorous references to the books, movies, and well-known personalities of popular culture that underscore his worn, somewhat cynical take on politics. The author has an eye for detail and a style of rich description that the eager reader can feast upon. The fund-raising scene is the ultimate description of US politics devouring itself - hilarious yet frightening. Written with an underlying dry, perceptive sense of humour, I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
First reviewed for Readers Favorite by Fiona Ingram
This is a brilliant book that is well-paced and -plotted with many interesting layers. It is clear the author has first-hand experience of the novel's politics and his encyclopedic knowledge of the turmoil of the Middle East and Afghanistan is impressive. The author has created in Harry Brennan a likeable character, with a conscience that compels him to do the right thing in a political arena where most people are doing the wrong thing. The author is a former insider and the book has undergone US government censorship, which explains the occasional `vague' patch. However, nothing can detract from this riveting read. Harry Brennan's laid-back inner monologue adds to the appeal of the author's style. Readers will also enjoy Harry's pertinent, humorous references to the books, movies, and well-known personalities of popular culture that underscore his worn, somewhat cynical take on politics. The author has an eye for detail and a style of rich description that the eager reader can feast upon. The fund-raising scene is the ultimate description of US politics devouring itself - hilarious yet frightening. Written with an underlying dry, perceptive sense of humour, I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
First reviewed for Readers Favorite by Fiona Ingram
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A thriller that includes morality, loyalty, and what's truly right or wrong
November 6, 2011
Format:Paperback
"Tribe" by James Bruno, author of "Permanent Interests" and "Chasm," starts and concludes with a bang, and in between delves into the the cutthroat politics that inhabit Washington D.C. and various organizations that go by their initials. If it were a movie, it would most likely be found in the drama/thriller category, rather than the action section. There's action all right, but it is not straight through with a high body count as with some in the thriller genre. It's more of a political intrigue novel, and one that reveals some of the underhanded, backroom, sleazy, and too often, politics and dealings that go on in our government and government organizations.
The main character, Harry Brennan, is a CIA officer that must wrestle with his career, love interests, the attraction of power and money, a deal he's made, right, wrong, and the truth. And not all of these issues are wrapped up tidy with a bow at the end, and that's because seldom do they get wrapped up that way in real life. There are moments of satisfaction, and there are moments that make you wish something else had happened, again, just like real life.
The story is written in a first person narrative by Brennan, and the author does a good job of keeping your attention, describing things, and making you care about what happens to Brennan next. He's not super-human, nor is he morally perfect. He wrestles with the choices he must make, but tries to do the right thing more than naught. And I really liked that he ponders if those choices made any difference. I did find that the book jumped around a bit in places and that I'd have liked to have read different transitions, or maybe have had a few gaps filled in a bit more completely. However, this is often the case, because a book can only be so long.
I guess one of the reasons I wanted a bit more in places is because the author, James Bruno, can provide it. Reading this novel, you recognize that that Bruno is more than familiar with the workings of the State Department and the dealings with Afghanistan, as well as Washington policy making. I also have to say, being from Montana, I also caught and appreciated the small Whitefish, Montana reference. It's always nice to see something from your own backyard included in something.
I enjoyed "Tribe" and like how Bruno included not only action, but something to make you think a little about morality, loyalty, and what's truly right or wrong.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., who is working at selling his first novel "Lost Conscience."
The main character, Harry Brennan, is a CIA officer that must wrestle with his career, love interests, the attraction of power and money, a deal he's made, right, wrong, and the truth. And not all of these issues are wrapped up tidy with a bow at the end, and that's because seldom do they get wrapped up that way in real life. There are moments of satisfaction, and there are moments that make you wish something else had happened, again, just like real life.
The story is written in a first person narrative by Brennan, and the author does a good job of keeping your attention, describing things, and making you care about what happens to Brennan next. He's not super-human, nor is he morally perfect. He wrestles with the choices he must make, but tries to do the right thing more than naught. And I really liked that he ponders if those choices made any difference. I did find that the book jumped around a bit in places and that I'd have liked to have read different transitions, or maybe have had a few gaps filled in a bit more completely. However, this is often the case, because a book can only be so long.
I guess one of the reasons I wanted a bit more in places is because the author, James Bruno, can provide it. Reading this novel, you recognize that that Bruno is more than familiar with the workings of the State Department and the dealings with Afghanistan, as well as Washington policy making. I also have to say, being from Montana, I also caught and appreciated the small Whitefish, Montana reference. It's always nice to see something from your own backyard included in something.
I enjoyed "Tribe" and like how Bruno included not only action, but something to make you think a little about morality, loyalty, and what's truly right or wrong.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., who is working at selling his first novel "Lost Conscience."
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I told someone once that there is a difference between a soldier in the front lines and a bureaucrat somewhere in the rear. If you tell the front line soldier to take a hill, he will charge forward to complete the mission. If you tell a bureaucrat to take a hill, he will form a committee, study the matter, accept proposals, and eventually may decide to take a different hill for reasons of his own. Harry Brennan is like the soldier in the front lines - he has a well planned mission to complete, and charges forward, even though someone in the bureaucracy has tried to scrub the mission because they have, for reasons unclear to Harry, decided to switch to a different objective. Therein lies the story.
Harry finds himself betrayed, wounded, and returned to Washington where he becomes enmeshed in the bureaucracy. People defend and try to expand their own rice bowls. A project cannot be good unless they are in charge. Some people will advance themselves over the broken bodies of others. Harry finds himself in the world of money and power, and power corrupts. There is a grand scheme involving oil and wealth, but there are many players in the game. The game requires a shift in alliances. Trusting a government is like trusting a medieval king - they will betray you if it suits their own purposes.
The story follows the intrigues of power, politics, personal ambitions, and shifting alliances. Harry ends up knowing too much, and that can be dangerous. He suddenly finds himself a target. When trouble starts, it flows downhill towards a fall guy, but when it hits the fan you had better duck for cover to avoid the splatter. Harry can take care of himself, and has some unusual allies. Nothing works out like anyone planned.
The author spent time on the ground with the State Department and is familiar with the situation in the Pakistan/Afghanistan region. The region has had warring tribes since before the days of Alexander the Great. Adding the Muslim religion simply added sectarian violence as fuel to the fire. People on the ground understood the situation. Bureaucrats in Washington were making the decisions. The author presents a well crafted novel, with some redaction after review by State, the CIA, the FBI, whomever.
People generally distrust politicians, so it is easy to believe that something like this story could happen. Some parts of it probably have.
Harry finds himself betrayed, wounded, and returned to Washington where he becomes enmeshed in the bureaucracy. People defend and try to expand their own rice bowls. A project cannot be good unless they are in charge. Some people will advance themselves over the broken bodies of others. Harry finds himself in the world of money and power, and power corrupts. There is a grand scheme involving oil and wealth, but there are many players in the game. The game requires a shift in alliances. Trusting a government is like trusting a medieval king - they will betray you if it suits their own purposes.
The story follows the intrigues of power, politics, personal ambitions, and shifting alliances. Harry ends up knowing too much, and that can be dangerous. He suddenly finds himself a target. When trouble starts, it flows downhill towards a fall guy, but when it hits the fan you had better duck for cover to avoid the splatter. Harry can take care of himself, and has some unusual allies. Nothing works out like anyone planned.
The author spent time on the ground with the State Department and is familiar with the situation in the Pakistan/Afghanistan region. The region has had warring tribes since before the days of Alexander the Great. Adding the Muslim religion simply added sectarian violence as fuel to the fire. People on the ground understood the situation. Bureaucrats in Washington were making the decisions. The author presents a well crafted novel, with some redaction after review by State, the CIA, the FBI, whomever.
People generally distrust politicians, so it is easy to believe that something like this story could happen. Some parts of it probably have.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining, sophisticated and well-researched; what else would you...
I was not a fan of first person international thrillers because, to me, it takes away from the element of surprise, and hinders "the hovering perspective". Read more
Published 5 months ago by Daniel Santos Jr.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not For Me
I usually love first person narratives, but I had a really hard time connecting with Harry, or even understanding much of what he was talking about, as I read this novel. Read more
Published 7 months ago by A Book Vacation
3.0 out of 5 stars
I wouldn't call this a thriller
I was really torn on this book, because there are moments that are really well-written, conveying an insider's perspective of the Beltway world with a keen eye for detail. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Jared Foster
5.0 out of 5 stars
I couldn't put it down
I finished this book in no time. It is a great read. The ins and outs of politics, relations and world intrigue was excellent
Tom
Tom
Published 14 months ago by TOB9595
2.0 out of 5 stars
disapointing and flawed
While there are moments of good writing and wry observation, this book is a dud. As others have noted, it needs major work. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Debra L. O'Rourke
3.0 out of 5 stars
A great story of international intrigue that could have been better...
Harry Brennan is a veteran CIA field agent, equally skilled in recruiting informants and in front-line combat, but he has little respect for his superiors in the agency and poor... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mal Warwick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reality Fiction at its Best
James Bruno is another Forsyth and no match for Clancy or Ludlum. (As Bruno's character Big Al Manandrino in "Permanent Interests" would put it "them chooches Clancy and Ludlum... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mark Carolla
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 Stars - A Thriller With Extensive D.C. Politics
A good plot, an interesting main character, a minor love story, and in depth background of D.C. politics and the CIA.
I would rate Tribe by James Bruno 4. Read more
I would rate Tribe by James Bruno 4. Read more
Published 17 months ago by The Kindle Book Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Taut, Fast-paced Eye-opener on Power, Greed and Espionage
James Bruno's political thrillers are smart, fast-paced and true-to-life, marked by riveting suspense and multi-faceted characters you either love or hate. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Paul Berg
5.0 out of 5 stars
An exciting blast of adventure and real-world insight
Bruno is a master of fast-paced story telling whose settings and characters are based on insider familiarity and deep understanding of international and intelligence realities that... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Donald E. Stader
More About the Author
James Bruno is the author of three bestselling political thrillers. He has been featured on NBC's Today Show, in The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, Huffington Post, regional NPR and other national and international media. His spy-mob thriller PERMANENT INTERESTS and CHASM, a thriller about war criminals, have landed simultaneously on three Amazon Kindle Bestseller lists, including #1 in Political Fiction and Spy Stories. They were joined by TRIBE, a political thriller centered on Afghanistan. HAVANA QUEEN, an espionage thriller set in Cuba, is due out in early 2013.
Mr. Bruno served as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State for twenty-three years. He previously worked as a military intelligence officer and as a journalist in New York. The author is currently a member of the Diplomatic Readiness Reserve, subject to worldwide duty on short notice. Mr. Bruno holds M.A. degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Columbia University, and a B.A. from George Washington University.
His assignments have included Cuba, Guantanamo Naval Base (as liaison with the Cuban military), Pakistan/Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Washington, DC. He has spent ample time at the White House and has worked in a presidential protection detail with the Secret Service overseas. He also knows the Pentagon, CIA and other foreign affairs agencies well. Mr. Bruno is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers.
Based on his experiences, James Bruno's stories possess an authenticity rarely matched in the political thriller genre. If you like taut, suspense-filled thrillers written by someone who has actually been at the center of the action, read James Bruno's books. You will not be disappointed!
Mr. Bruno served as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State for twenty-three years. He previously worked as a military intelligence officer and as a journalist in New York. The author is currently a member of the Diplomatic Readiness Reserve, subject to worldwide duty on short notice. Mr. Bruno holds M.A. degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Columbia University, and a B.A. from George Washington University.
His assignments have included Cuba, Guantanamo Naval Base (as liaison with the Cuban military), Pakistan/Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Washington, DC. He has spent ample time at the White House and has worked in a presidential protection detail with the Secret Service overseas. He also knows the Pentagon, CIA and other foreign affairs agencies well. Mr. Bruno is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers.
Based on his experiences, James Bruno's stories possess an authenticity rarely matched in the political thriller genre. If you like taut, suspense-filled thrillers written by someone who has actually been at the center of the action, read James Bruno's books. You will not be disappointed!
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