Contains violence, threat and bad words

I have a small confession – ever since I picked up River God in my local bookstore while skipping school one rainy summer’s day, I’ve been a massive Wilbur Smith fan. Just thinking back to that time reading his ancient Egypt series, no other writer seemed to come close to the epic scale his words conveyed. Even now, there seems a limitless expanse his books can effortlessly conjure that no other author might hope to reach.

When I learned of his death at the age of eighty eight after a life well-lived, it felt like a door into the past had been closed forever. Yet his works remain, capturing countless imaginations for many, many years to come.

For a long time I’ve wanted to write an adventure novel that has even half the depth, character and page-turning intrigue that Wilbur Smith had in spades as a master storyteller. While my attempt may fall short of that lofty ambition, I’m no less elated at what will be the end result. Especially after completing the many hours of research it took to ensure that, while it belongs in the fiction section of any library, the knowledge underpinning its bold assertions are very much based in fact.

It’s called The Ninth Quran, and the ebook version will be made freely available (once I’ve finished all the damned editing). For now, I’ll introduce the story by beginning at the end – at the back cover, to be precise, and the book’s blurb;

Facing career suicide after publishing a controversial research paper in Islamic Studies, a dejected Dr Bijan Karimi considers turning his back on the profession he loves when his life is shattered by the arrival of brilliant archaeologist, Dr Zahra Gamil.

Having uncovered an ancient riddle buried in the desert sands, Zahra has an incredible story to tell, and a perilous opportunity for the quiet academic. Thrust into danger and chased by a deadly secret society, the pair uncover a trail that could rewrite history and rock the Islamic faith to its very core.

Based on the latest discoveries by fearless academics, Michael Averon brings his meticulously researched adventure thriller to a mainstream audience for the first time. From the scorching sands of Arabia to the rainswept streets of England, The Ninth Quran grips from the start and doesn’t let go through every revelatory page.

And if that’s not enough to pique your interest, I’m releasing Part One right here. Containing the prologue, chapter one and the first half of chapter two, it’s a huge preview of the final book, and I can’t wait for you to read it. So go on – get yourself a tea or coffee, take a break and lose yourself in a good ol’ adventure yarn for half an hour. Or download it to your phone and share it with your friends, family, or pet goldfish. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Just bear in mind, it does contain violence, threat and some rude words.

Whether you enjoy it or hate it, I’m ever-grateful to anyone who reads my work. I spend a lot of time on my writing trying to make it as entertaining as I can, and being able to create a bit of escapism in these difficult times many of us are enduring, is a privilege I never take for granted.

As always, until next time – stay safe!