So I just got back from vacation from Africa and Egypt. At least, that's how I feel after reading Paul E. Hardisty's book Absolution. I'm very late to the game on his books but that will be immediately corrected.  I now own all his books and have four days set aside to read them.

There has to be a better way to describe his characters than just well drawn. They are so immediately 3D. In one page, you know a character's very soul. And this particularly applies to Raina. In this current political time, I like how we get to know a muslim woman and a little bit of muslim ways. It's always the unknown that scares people.

The storyline itself is violent and soft at the same time and I loved all of it. Lots of little explosions throughout with a big one at the end.

After reading Absolution, I must go back to the earlier books to know more about the characters. That said, the book does stand on its own. Highly recommend not just this book, but the author, too.

And I absolutely loved the Afrikaans glossary. Love learning while reading. Speaking of, read the historical notes at the end for more education on Egypt.