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L. H. Draken

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The Year of the Rabid Dragon: A Beijing, China Thriller (Nathan Troy Mystery) Paperback – November 12, 2018

by L. H. Draken (Author)

4.3 63 ratings

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He was chasing a career-making story. But this disturbing mystery has already gone viral...

Freelance journalist Nathan Troy is a global citizen looking for eye-opening news. Living in Beijing, he stumbles upon a ward full of patients afflicted with an unknown deadly disease. Facing closed doors and open hostility, he won't rest until he exposes the dark conspiracy.

But as he digs deeper for answers, mysterious figures try to scare him off the trail with tortuous violence. To his horror, it looks as though there's no stopping a shadowy cabal of mad scientists from wielding an weapon designed for ethnic cleansing.
Can Nathan uncover the truth, or will his shocking scoop land him in the morgue?
The Year of the Rabid Dragon is the first book in the Nathan Troy Mystery series.
If you're curious about nefarious uses for CRISPR technology, boots-on-the-ground reporters, and vibrant Chinese culture, then you'll love L. H. Draken's thought-provoking novel.

Buy The Year of the Rabid Dragon to unmask a modern-day scandal today!

**News Update**
In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the birth of twin girls, Nana and Lulu, whose DNA he had successfully edited with CRISPR technology. Chinese scientists are forging ahead on human testing making the questions in this book even more relevant to the fast-evolving capacity for humans to change how the human race evolves.

Review

"The book carries its weight and transports the reader straight into the megacity of Beijing to give them a glimpse at some of the mind-bending aspects of the life in the third largest city in the world." - Amazon.de Review
"Draken evidently knows her way around Beijing and seemingly has a sound understanding of the science of genetics as well as the Chinese psyche." Amazon.de Review
"[Draken] brings up all sorts of questions (and horrific scenarios) about where China (and all countries doing similar genetic/bio weapons engineering testing and research) could be heading. Suspenseful and wholly interesting ideas that felt like a wake-up call of sorts. A very intriguing debut crime novel!" Amazon.de Review

From the Author

In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the birth of twin girls, Nana and Lulu, whose DNA he had successfully edited with CRISPR technology.The international community immediately blew into a frenzied uproar over the ethics of experimenting on viable embryos, not to mention how the concent of two humans who weren't even yet born could possibly give consent. The bigger question, how the West should move forward with human testing for a technology that will change the face of humanity, remained as cloudy as ever. Will China lead the world with the application of this technology? What happens when nefarious forces see the potential for political gain? Designer babies aside, what about biowarfare and ethnic cleansing?
CRISPR technology is a groundbreaking tool, and will dramatically change the way the human species interacts with its descendants. Heralded as an unequalled force for good, guided by altruistic scientists, the invention promises to eradicate inherited diseases and genetic defects. But in nefarious hands, its power will threaten the safety of our biological future.

From the Back Cover

When the government will do anything to achieve their secret schemes, it takes a special courage to expose the truth. Beijing, China - May 2012An unusual outbreak of rabies floods Beijing and Nathan Troy, an American freelance Journalist, finds himself to be the last person willing to track down answers. What he unravels is a story of mad scientists, a plot to deal with China's 'problem minorities', and a diabolical scheme that will change the face of humanity.

About the Author

Draken wrote The Year of the Rabid Dragon while living in Beijing for five years. She found that the quirky daily experience that made life in Chian so exciting, along with the politics she saw from inside the country, worked well to create what she calls Chinese-Noir. Rabid Dragon explores mans potential for evil amidst the daily drama of the people who make up a complicated country. She hopes her book will help unravel the complexity of China for curious readers who see this eastern giant from the outside.

Print length

620 pages
Language

English
Publication date

November 12, 2018
Dimensions

5 x 1.55 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

0999745107
ISBN-13

978-0999745106
See all details

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Graubar Press (November 12, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 620 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0999745107
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0999745106
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.47 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.55 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,326,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,247 in General China Travel Guides
- #4,278 in Medical Thrillers (Books)
- #16,102 in International Mystery & Crime (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.3 63 ratings

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About the author

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L. H. Draken

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L. H. Draken grew up galavanting about the US. Her childhood taught her to crave the learning curve that comes with starting life over in a new place. She loves the excitement of exploring new places and meeting quirky new characters and is sometimes most comfortable as an outsider. This could be why the last place she truly felt at home was in Beijing, where she was as much an outsider as one can be.

Draken’s background is in High Energy Physics, which is how she ended up doing research in south-west Beijing, but once in Beijing, she decided to leave physics and got a job in the Chinese capital to stay.

While learning the little insider tricks to life in China, Draken realized how much her daily experiences went to explaining a complicated country. One heavily polluted evening, while pushing her son's pram through the heavy coal-doped smog of winter and trying to avoid frozen wads of spit on the sidewalk, the plot for a medical thriller came to her. She hurried home and started writing her first book.

Draken folded in her quirky daily-life experiences that made life in Beijing so exciting, along with the politics she saw from inside the country, to create what she calls Chinese-Noir. She wanted to unravel the complexity of China for curious readers who see this eastern giant from the outside. Her first book is The Year of the Rabid Dragon.

L.H. Draken spent nearly five years in China. Draken's first son was born in Beijing, and he still says he’s from China. She has since moved to Munich, Germany.

Lawrence adores a well-pulled espresso, mountaineering, and walking through cities after dark.

Follow her on social media @ lhdraken, or on www.lhdraken.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

63 global ratings

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L. Mitchell

Great mystery, as long as you're interested in Chinese culture

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2018

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This is one of those "learn while being entertained" sort of books. The mystery aspect of the book is certainly interesting, but the book meanders back and forth between the central conflict and discussion about Chinese culture, history, etc. It's certainly not a focused, edge-of-your-seat sort of mystery-thriller, but I find the oscillation between the two subjects reasonably well-balanced such that you are exposed to a lot of ideas and general information without feeling like you're reading a textbook or something like that. This would also be good for people who like mysteries, but don't like the constant tension/stress of a thriller.

Overall, it's a fun read as long as you're interested in hearing about Chinese culture from an outsider's perspective.

3 people found this helpful

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Citizens

Recent current events out of China this was a perfect backup

Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2018

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Two weeks ago Chinese scientists announced they had successfully done genetic engineering on human embryos that had now been born. A little scary in and of itself. This fictional book illuminates that clash of ethics and culture between the east and west that will continue to erupt in the coming years in a great story , well written, intriguing, fast paced., great plot, excellent character descriptions. At times it may seem like more info than you want but stay with it for the amazing plot twist that bring you to the finish. Can’t wait for the next book!

2 people found this helpful

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S Ward

Fascinating read in light of recent CRISPR technology release from China

Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2019

This is a vivid and gripping portrayal of a place most Americans are very unfamiliar with. Draken takes us not only on a journey through Beijing but also depicts the deep underbelly of communism. After reading this the recent news articles about the Chinese involvement with CRISPR technology and gene editing - it all seems even more horrifying - especially since they claimed to have had no knowledge or part of it. Draken's characters are life like and it was often hard to remember that this is a novel it felt so real. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the Chinese mindset in several of her characters. Draken has clearly spent time and energy getting to know China and its people. My 4 stars is for the length. This is a long book, and very detailed. This won't be a drawback for all, but probably something you should know. Thankfully the chapters are short, easily digested so it's easy to read - often had a hard time putting it down.

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ZmodP

Engrossing and Well-paced

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2019

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The Year of the Rabid Dragon is an intelligent, well-paced story that transports you to Beijing, full of sights, smells, sounds and nuanced culture. I don’t consider myself an avid reader of fiction but this book has made a great addition to my nightstand cycle of bedtime reading. Short chapters make it easy to pick up and set down. I highly recommend this book!

One person found this helpful

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M.Evans

Complex, thoughtful, and uncomfortable. A great read!!

Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2018

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Just wow. For those bored with superficial Dan Brown style thrillers, those who prefer detail rich thrillers with depth and cultural detail more similar to authors such as James Clavell, this is your book. It’s complex, thoughtful, and uncomfortable. Highly recommend!

6 people found this helpful

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Mm

Sadly disappointing Mystery

Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

I've read some excellent mysteries taking place in China so was excited to find a new author in this niche. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectation. A rather lackluster protagonist, flimsy love interest and very poor pacing. It was the pacing that particularly bothered me as the book really dragged on. Every time the author worked up a little tension he diverted in to a treatise on life in China completely deflating my anticipation. I love facts but I think the author needs to approach their integration in a different way making them grow out of his plot in a more organic way. Plus, his protagonist was just a dull guy that I was unable to become invested in. I may try another book by the author just to see if my critique translates to all his novels.

One person found this helpful

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sharon spring

Chinese History

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2019

This book is extremely heavily weighted into Chinese history and customs. There is a mystery involved but if you have no interest in Chinese history this may be a little hard to read through the entire book. I was given a free copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily.

Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2019

Verified Purchase

Enjoyed the book thoroughly I particularly enjoyed the areas culture and descriptions of China and it's different classes. of people and the analogy of the story

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Top reviews from other countries

Ed Monteray

A viral insight into Chinese culture

Reviewed in Germany on November 20, 2018

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I have a weakness for viral outbreak stories. Throw in elements of corruption and runaway science and you have me hooked.

Though not without its problems, the book kept me up at night, reading well into my bedtime. This doesn't happen with most books, so this book has earned its 5-star rating.

I found the main character believable, though would have liked a bit more background, as I'm still not quite sure who he is or his motivation. I found Sugar to be lacking in depth and didn't understand her at all. Of course, a lot of the aspects of Chinese culture were foreign to me. I find the insight into the people, and their manners, an interesting aspect of the book. It felt as though the story occurs in a real place, not a fictional one. (Though I find in the later chapters, there's a tad bit much direct exposition of culture, especially compared to America, rather than smooth integration.)

The Year of the Rabid Dragon has a good pace and kept me interested throughout. I'm not completely satisfied with the major reveal, but it works.

Drmikon

Worththeread

Reviewed in Australia on September 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

I just keptfeqding it as it had a good storyline I hvent come across before, will be looking for another book from this author

Kindle Customer

A good first book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2021

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book and the concept put forward. It is all possible either now or in the near future. I enjoyed the bits of Chinese and it's meanings and also the view on Chinese life. The main character, Nathan was well set as a novice journalist\english teacher branching into investigation. It's a good job he had his friend Hans, to brainstorm with. The science bits were also very interesting.

Lesley Graham

A great insight into modern China

Reviewed in Australia on July 14, 2020

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this book very much, Particularly in the light of current world events. I don’t want to spoil this however have taken half a star off for Han’s long monologues (they could have been a bit shorter) and half for a particularly gruesome scene (I would have preferred a little less detail and a bit more innuendo).

Amazon Kunde

Brilliant insights and a gripping story

Reviewed in Germany on February 2, 2019

Verified Purchase

I was a bit skeptical when I started reading since I am not into thrillers or mystery genre, but very soon into the book I have changed my mind and almost missed my stop a couple of times loosing myself in the story. There is a lot more to this book than conspiracy, science and gene-modification.
I fell in love with authors's Beijing and enjoyed her cultural mini-essays a lot. The descriptions of summer in Beijing are so vivid I almost wanted to turn down the heating in my apartment - happy the story wasn't happening in winter, that would've made it more difficult since the winters are rather harsh there. The Year of the rabid Dragon was "something else", something different and unexpectedly good.

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The Year of the Rabid Dragon: A Beijing, China Thriller (Nathan Troy Mystery) Paperback – November 12, 2018

Purchase options and add-ons

He was chasing a career-making story. But this disturbing mystery has already gone viral...

Freelance journalist Nathan Troy is a global citizen looking for eye-opening news. Living in Beijing, he stumbles upon a ward full of patients afflicted with an unknown deadly disease. Facing closed doors and open hostility, he won't rest until he exposes the dark conspiracy.

Review

From the Author

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Important information

About the author

L. H. Draken

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

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