Title: The Snow Leopard and the Ibex
Author: Douglas W. Farnell
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1733132848
Pages: 262
Genre: Fiction / Thriller
Reviewed by: Jake Bishop
Pacific Book Review
Adventure with a capital “A” is the hallmark of this novel that explores both psychological and physical extremes. What will happen when an average American is brought face to face with not only his impending death, but also the potential death of one hundred and eighty-six innocent human beings who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time? Author Douglas W. Farnell attempts to answer than question by plunging readers headlong into an absolutely harrowing situation, which it turns out, is not even the last of the tale’s cliffhangers.
It’s 2008 and a financial crisis in the United States is playing havoc with small businesses across America. Daniel runs a software company whose customers want more time to pay their bills while Daniel’s bank, like others around the country, are putting the brakes on business loans. In an effort to find money elsewhere, Daniel makes a connection with a business associate (and hiking buddy) in Istanbul. To secure the loan they’re looking for, they hop a flight to Russia, and that’s where all hell breaks loose.
Anti-Russian terrorists hijack the plane and plan to fly it into a refinery, potentially dealing a crippling blow to the Russian’s energy supply. Daniel, realizing that doing nothing will not only lead to his death, but also to the death of all the passengers, searches the inner recesses of his mind for military strategies and tactics that were drilled into him by his father. What follows is an incredibly tension-filled attempted takedown of armed terrorists in mid-flight. Author Farnell plays this action for all it’s worth. Shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, brave passengers taking up the fight; they all combine into a mosaic of mayhem as the wounded increase, the body count piles up, and the suspense becomes even more unbearable when they all discover that no one is left alive who knows how to fly the plane.
Just when you think that the skirmishes have slowed down and loose ends have all been effectively tied, Farnell’s protagonist winds up on the Matterhorn in a desperate struggle to save the woman who’s come to the realization that Daniel is the man for her.
In addition to penning an involving plot with high-octane action throughout, Farnell manages to keep things relatively credible. He displays a seeming technical mastery of financial machinations, flight operations, weapons capabilities, and mountain climbing. If you like your adventure intelligent and energetic, as well as entertaining, keep your eyes peeled for The Snow Leopard and the Ibex.
