Reviews for
The Border Reiver

with so many shifts in the political scene and frightening levels of corruption and tyranny infringing on the rights of ordinary citizens. But there is also a captivating human story here and I appreciate how Christofides made it so easy to read and used the characters in a way that really showed the story and the experiences firsthand. We truly care about Nat, Esme and Amber and the horrible things that happen to them to start Nat’s ‘journey’ –but it also had a political-drama element that I liked. The literary narrative and authentic-sounding dialogue makes it a very easy book to sink into. There are enough descriptions where you can picture everything perfectly, but not so much that it bogs down the pacing. Because of the overarching plot lines relating to plausible situations, it just felt more real than I expected and more relevant to today’s international political landscape. It makes you think a bit what’s really going on, but I liked that there are some really interesting ideas put forth here. Has violence, language and tough scenes, but it is all an organic part of the story experience. Very bittersweet and unexpected ending, but leads us to hope it will continue on in the next instalment.  I think will greatly appeal to fans of drama,thriller/suspense and political action. Recommend for mature readers only. (4-5 stars)

Just when you think you know what’s happening, something comes along to throw a wrench in it. This is good because I hate books that are super predictable (or boring!) and this one isn’t. It had a lot of ‘layers’ that kept revealing themselves as the story progressed…Although there are some familiar themes and tropes at play, and you will recognize some idea / issues from the ‘real world’ (which makes this book even better, in my opinion) Christofides brings a fresh attitude and literary style and doesn’t just rehash ‘events from real life’. I’ve read a ton of political-action/war thrillers & suspense over the years so I’m rarely really impressed by anything anymore but I can say that this author managed to do it – particularly with the top-notch narrative prose which is quite lovely and atmospheric – even in the harshest of scenes—and realistic situations that feel well-researched. Recommend for anyone (adults)who enjoy a well-written, action packed, political drama with unexpected twists and profound, philosophical messages of freedom and the never-ending fight for survival. (5 stars)

Overall a terrific read that I feel really opened my eyes to political events from different worldly perspectives. Such a great group of characters – I am hard pressed to think of another novel I’ve read lately where they are so dynamic, yet totally real – from Nat, Esme, Amber to Baines and all the others in between—they each participate in the story in a way that highlights their their  ‘role in society’– from victim to oppressor to avenger…. We really feel for Nat’s family as theyf ight for survival and under some very awful conditions. This isn’t a non-fiction book, but there is enough truth in here to give you pause and think about what is happening in the world, or what could happen. I can totally see this book as being a movie. I definitely want to read “The War Machine” when it is available – hopefully soon! Has violence, fighting scenes, language, adult situations. (4 stars)

I would describe this book as being a very realistic-drama,thriller, political book, and I thought it was awesome! Reminded me of the movie “Braveheart” in a way, but that is because of the similar concept of the husband basically triggering an uprising because of what happens to his loved one. Nat is the underdog for sure, but we really believe in him and root for him. I love Amber also. I do think reading this helped me to understand certain aspects of political and cultural conflicts that I never much thought about,and ideologies that I’m not very familiar with other that what I hear on the news, so that aspect was interesting. Liked how the  author has profound and insightful observations about the current state of things, and also doesn’t shy away from exposing atrocities and corruption. Way too much to get into here… this is a book that a simple summary can’t do it justice – you have to read and experience it for yourself! Like I said, lots of action, violence, adult scenes and language.Definitely worth it. (5 stars)

Seemed never a good place to take a break for a while as the action continued to build and build. Some ‘not far out there’ scenarios that come to life, in a way that makes you wonder what is really going on out there and how things can possibly change or get better… the world might be in need of a revolution! Liked the international setting and the characters, though, and that Amber is so strong.Nat is inspirational and does a great job of making us believe in his mission.I really didn’t expect some things to happen that did, and my jaw was on the floor more than once. This book with get under your skin and in your heart and head– I am still floored by the ending and hope the next book is available soon. .For those who enjoy powerful stories of redemption, survival, freedom and justice --- and political action/adventure this is a good one for you. (4stars)  

There is such strong, vivid, passionate writing, and the characters are all fascinating, flawed, and going through their own problems – each bringing a different level of strife and conflict to the table. Nat transforms before our eyes (for very good reason) and Baines is someone who will not feel as‘fictional’ as we’d like  him to be…..Very timely and relevant--- almost spookily accurate. Such detailed authenticity from dialogue, character interactions, fighting scenes, descriptions of the lands…   In a way it is entertainment and a ‘fiction novel’, but it also paints a very realistic, frightening and credible portrait of a fragile political system that could turn the whole country on its head,and what people would do to protect themselves – at any cost. I was so emotionally involved in this story I had tears a few times – especially at the end. All in all a very good read that I’d recommend even to those who don’t normally read this sort of thing…try it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Mature readers only. (4-5 stars)

Mr. Christofides is unarguably a very talented and creative writer, but more than that he genuinely impressed me with his thorough world-building and interesting characters and inventiveness on many levels. Great detailing and we feel transported into this complex, epic tale of survival and freedom from the very beginning, for better or worse. All too often I read works that feel clearly derivative of other books and although I appreciate literary influences (as is felt here as well), when something this original comes along it is a refreshing change of pace from the norm! It wasn’t predictable or cliché—sometimes it was cutthroat and harsh, sometimes beautiful and literary and ethereal, and other times I was nearly breathless from the intensity and violent passion (especially toward the end – don’t think I stopped reading once in the last quarter of the book or so). For such a long book I finished it in less than a week, and went through so many highs and lows, it felt like a roller-coaster. I enjoyed the ending which seems weird considering what happens, but I like that it fit the story-line and Nat’s character arc –it’s not some ‘happily ever after’ with a nice little bow on it. Life – and revolutions- don’t work that way.  I am happy to see that this looks to be the beginning of a series, or will at least have a  sequel. (4 Stars)

This felt more like a unique character drama with heavy political tactics and violent uprisings, and  I really liked the action-packed world he created here. Christofides did a wonderful job with the descriptions of the storytelling of the different sides with Nat and his family and with Baines and his allies – their showdown had me on the edge of my seat! Everything felt so genuine, like Christofides had really done his research on many elements of English political upheaval even drawn from other global sources from history. I thought the main characters were nicely fleshed out. There was escalating tensions and action from start to finish, and I was shocked at some things that happened (no spoilers!). I liked how easy it is to read and get lost in, even when things are intensely feverish.  Some language and violence (as to be expected in a book like this) but nothing gratuitous.Recommend for fans of political dramas and war. Ready for the next one! (4 stars)

In additional to personal suffering they endure, they are the ones that work the land – it is their (and the other farmers) hard work, blood sweat and tears and they are faced with having to rise up and fight for their lives. This book is so riveting and keeps our attention the whole way through which is pretty impressive considering the length---I usually get bored so easy, but not here.  I liked that it was so descriptive that we can really put ourselves inside the story with Nat (and others).  Very strong narrative prose and the dialogue and conversations with the characters were authentic. Great chemistry and tension throughout, and while there are some upsetting/weird scenes that I didn’t expect, overall I liked the fact that this was really unpredictable and kept me wondering what would happen next and very invested in Nat’s and Amber’s fates (and the rest). The ending seems rather sudden and I would have liked more closure after all that had gone down. I know it leads to the next book,but I think it needed more anti-climax so as not to feel like we get left hanging. The story and characters were phenomenal. Recommend for mature fans who want a complex, yet engaging action packed and thrilling read. Looking forward to reading more from Nick Christofides! (3.5 stars)

This novel holds its own in terms of writing and plot structure and an exciting, varied cast of ‘colorful’ characters and plenty of intrigue and thrills to go around. I enjoyed the enthralling story and getting pulled into this beautiful,treacherous world.  I commend how Christofides was able to take a well-used literary (and historical/political)theme and make the story wholly his own, giving it a fresh feel. I certainly didn’t feel like I’ve read this million times before. In fact, I can’t think of anything I’ve read like it before.This is definitely a “high stakes, action-packed’ battle/political novel because how it is set up, but it also has a softer, more human side that really puts us in the different characters hearts and souls. Recommend for ages 18+ (3 stars) 

–it would be impossible to sum up (I don’t do that anyways). This is an impressive effort from author Nick Christofides and it is clear that he is an author we can expect great things from. There is the spark of something wonderfully inventive here which seems rare for this genre. Mr. Christofides’s writing felt as natural as it did authentic and yet had great energy and passion that brings excitement to the pages. You can’t fake or even teach that, in my opinion, and it is clear that he has many ideas and political philosophies to share, as well as a keen insight to the survival instinct of men and the noble right to fight – and maybe even die- for freedom. This novel is quite intense, and has that big “epic” feel to it which I admire, but without all the bloat that can sometimes weigh down  a complex book like this. A great read that surpassed my expectations and I will happily read more from Christofides. Recommend. (4-5stars.)  

The way Nick Christofides writes is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It is both descriptive and has great world building—important fora believable novel such as this where it is easy for it to become contrived or overly-dramatic for the sake of drama if you aren’t careful—but also is fast moving so that you aren’t bored. I was reading as fast as I could, and was entirely caught up in the action. I even liked reading the fighting/battles-cenes and I usually skip over those. The political maneuverings and cat-and-mouse antics are all too real, and the ending was devastating but completely appropriate. I was disappointed when it was over. I wanted more!! It definitely has you looking for the next book and I do hope that “The War Machine”is released soon and that Amber is the lead. Recommend for older readers.  (5 stars)