Title: Emerald Greed
Author: Brian Ray Brewer
Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1955347112
Pages: 222
Genre: Fiction / Adventure
Reviewed by: Philip Zozzaro
Hollywood Book Reviews
Chico Borba is a conquistador who is intent on plundering the riches of foreign lands for love of country and his own fulfillment. When he and his roving band of thieves reach the Pentanals of Brazil, they set upon a native tribe. Chico snares the tribal chief and comes upon a beautiful emerald. When the Chief refuses to divulge where Chico can find more, Chico has him burned alive. The chief’s final words cast a curse upon the emerald mine. Fast forward a few centuries, and the entrance of Jack Tate.
Jack Tate is a hard-luck Gemologist who specializes in the trade of rare & precious stones. The streets of Brazil are a godsend as he was recently a resident in Africa, where he was imprisoned and barely escaped with his life intact. The civil wars and the cutthroat business of the diamond trade in Africa has worn down Jack’s outlook on life. He is hanging on by a thread, and is seeking a lifeline. The author portrays Jack’s downtrodden state convincingly without belaboring it. Jack visits dealer Itzhak and relates his troubles. Itzhak has a possible solution for Jack’s misfortunes but there is a caveat.
Itzhak has sent a fellow gemologist and sometime friend of Jack in pursuit of a man who knows where a treasure trove of Emeralds is located. The professor and gemologist haven’t been heard from in some time. Itzhak gives Jack some pertinent information in order to follow the trail of the missing duo. Desperation and the possibility of instant wealth spur Jack to search out the professor’s family. Jack makes the acquaintance of the professor’s daughter Marisa. Jack is instantly smitten, as Marisa’s beauty is enchanting. She is also worried about her father and knows the mines that Jack seeks. Marisa has the resources and means to keep Jack from harm. However, the curse of the mine and its contents pose far greater danger than the duo may be able to handle.
Emerald Greed is an action-adventure story which spikes the adrenaline of the readers with its gory beginning. The character of Jack is well written as clumsy, but well-meaning man; brave, but not reckless. Marisa is compelling, as her resourcefulness and bravery eclipse Jack in many instances. Her concern in reaching the mine is mainly her father’s wellbeing, while Jack’s concern is mostly the emeralds. The antagonists they are up against are diabolical and cruel, willing to inflict grievous harm to retain their wealth.
Emerald Greed by author Brian Ray Brewer is a story which keeps readers on an even keel throughout the pages, coupled with a more than satisfying conclusion. It is a fine read to enjoy at your leisure from your armchair, instead of venturing into the far-reaching corners of a distant jungle.