Justine Hardy

Kate Black has decided to work in aid relief in Pakistan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks in the United States. Her parents are in constant worry with Kate so far from home in Suffolk. However, despite Kate's childhood panic attacks, she has found a purpose and second home in Gilgit. Kate has picked up the languages of the land swiftly and made fast friends in the desert landscape. Her confidence and proficiency in her job causes Kate to break rules meant to keep her safe and she is kidnapped. Her kidnapping sets off a domino effect of worry for those she worked with, her family and the military. To survive, Kate must go deep inside herself and use all of her knowledge from training.

Dust is a story of survival and hope amidst a bleak landscape. It did take me a while to get into the story as the first several chapters hopped back and forth between characters and took large hops back and forth in time. This style created a sense of chaos and confusion in the beginning that mirrored the feelings of Kate, her parents, coworkers and friends. As the timeline settles on bouncing back and forth between Kate's current role in Pakistan and her parents in Suffolk, I was fully immersed in the story. All of the characters are well developed, especially Kate and her mother. I had a good sense of Kate's passion and tenacity. The story picked up as Kate was kidnapped and a chain of events with her family, friends and coworkers were set off. It was really interesting to see Kate's training for emergency events kick in and her mental well-being while dealing with being kidnapped. Her parent's reaction was just as interesting to see how the unknown affected Kate's parents differently. The ending sort of fizzled, I'd love to know the after effects of the whole scenario for everyone involved.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Kate is an aid worker in Pakistan. She started there soon after graduating college and has spent most of her life in foreign countries. The story talks about how she is kidnapped and what her families go through to get her back safe. She has her family in Suffolk and the family she has created with other aid workers. While kidnapped we get what Kate is thinking about and what her family and friends have to go through to try to help her. I did not care for the ending because we do not know what actually happens to Kate or anyone else. It was a very abrupt ending. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.… (plus d'informations)

As a journalist, Kate chooses to work in Pakistan, although life there is tough. she creates close relationships with a few individuals. Shi=e is close to her parents, especially her father, and a few others in America. Although she truly loves her mother, the woman drives her crazy. Kate only occasionally visits her family and friends there. This Holiday Season, she chose not to go home... A decision she will soon regret.
This is a story of a woman kidnapped by the Taliban, enduring inhumane treatment and possibly death.
It is also a story about how people close to Kate in both countries pull together to try and find her and implement a rescue plan. It is interesting, yet annoying, the process they needed to go through because of the traditions, fears, corruptness, and laws of both countries.
The story was interesting and amazing in many ways, but far too much profanity was used for me to truly enjoy the book. There was obviously a fair amount of graphic violence.
I felt the ending was weak. I am not sure if other books are to follow as a series, or if this is a stand-alone. Either way, the ending felt incomplete and if it was intended as a "lead-in" to the next book, it was still weak.
Although the book kept one's curiosity up to keep reading to discover what was happening, the main message was unclear.
The characters were well developed and the scenes were vividly portrayed.
I offer a Three and a Half Stars literary rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.… (plus d'informations)

Just to orientate you: Kashmir separates India and Pakistan. Both areas had been warring over this beautiful area for decades. Meanwhile, a separatist insurgent group within Kashmir also sought independence. By 1989 rising tensions finally gave way to major conflict. Justine Hardy wanted to tell the story of the innocent families living within the conflict. With their blessing, via In the Valley of Mist, she attempts to expose the corruption and controversy caught between three very different worlds. Everything, from manner of dress to religious convictions, are examined.… (plus d'informations)