Review: The Blasphemer by John Ling

Title: The blasphemer by John  Ling
Genre:thriller
Length: novel
Reviewer: Mark

When influential Muslim writer, Abraham Khan, is attacked in his home by a member of his own faith, angry at the things he has to say, he is promptly moved into Protective Custody by the New Zealand Government. Maya is the Security Operative assigned to protect him, returning to work after a leave of absence. As violence all across the country begins to escalate she is forced to ask herself just what exactly IS the price of freedom of speech? Can she
keep Khan safe before a member of his community attempts to strike again?
 
When this book first crossed my path, I was a little unsure whether or not I would enjoy it but wanted to give it a go because it was something very different from anything else I was reading at the moment. I am glad I did!
 
The Blasphemer is an excellent novel that takes a good, hard look at the Muslim faith and the reasons behind some of the conflicts associated with it. More than that, it is also a cracking thriller that attempts to look at the political situation surrounding these conflicts. 
 
This is a fast-paced story with an intense and involving plot that quickly sweeps you up and refuses to let you go. For me, it was also interesting that this book was set entirely in New Zealand, as this was a country that before now I was not overly familiar with. One question I always ask myself when reviewing is “would I read more by this author?” and judging from this first novel, the answer is definitely yes! John Ling looks like an author with a lot of promise
and if this first novel is an example of what he has to offer then I look forward to seeing more.

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