Beastmomma

From TLC book tours: 

Yael Azoulay does the United Nations’ dirty work by cutting deals that most of us never hear about. Equally at home in the caves of Afghanistan, the slums of Gaza, or corporate boardrooms all across the world, Yael believes the ends justify the means…until she’s pushed way beyond her breaking point.

When Yael is assigned to eastern Congo to negotiate with Jean-Pierre Hakizimani, a Hutu warlord wanted for genocide, she offers him a generous plea bargain. Thanks to Congo’s abundance of a valuable mineral used in computer and cell phone production, her number one priority is maintaining regional stability. But when she discovers that Hakizimani is linked to the death of the person she loved the most—and that the UN is prepared to sanction mass murder—Yael soon realizes that salvation means not just saving others’ lives but confronting her own inner demons.

Spanning New York City, Africa, and Switzerland, The Geneva Option is the first in a series of gripping conspiracy thrillers, a tour de force of international espionage and intrigue.

Pages: 368 pages (Paperback)

Publisher:  Harper Paperbacks; Original edition (May 28, 2013)

Rating: 8 out of 10

Source: Received copy for participation in TLC Book Tour

Date Completed: June 3, 2013

I was looking for a change of reading pace, so I was very excited to pick up The Geneva Option by Adam LeBor. As promised from the description, the plot was fast paced and intriguing.  The power struggle, politics, and corruption in the UN was especially interesting.  I liked that the challenges of international development were illustrated.  In the midst of noble undertakings, such as bringing peace to a region, monetary interests can complicate things. Reading about the work of the reporters, Yael, and other characters was like getting a back stage pass into how things really work at the UN.

While I enjoyed the book overall, I was challenged with the pace and plot twists.  The abrupt changes in location and viewpoint were confusing. While I liked all the attention to detail, some of the small things got lost in the bigger picture. In spite of these issues, I am excited to read the next installments. 

More tour information can be found here. 

In addition to the book tour, I am counting this book for the 2013 Global Reading Challenge.