Queen’s Pawn to D4
Can the future be changed by learning from the past?
Five years from now, a gas pipeline explodes in Northern Australia. The government calls this an accident. But four Australians know the truth is far more dangerous.
An aging senator works towards Australia’s military neutrality and new role as an international peacemaker.
A glamorous current affairs journalist discovers that her complex ancestry demonstrates the folly of war.
A “can-do” Aussie adventurer faces danger to expose the risks implicit in Australia’s military allegiances.
And a young research officer is forced to confront her own ambition, discovering humility, compassion and the strength of unity.
Together, they must battle apathy, deceit, and the shadowy forces that threaten Australia’s future.
Part political thriller, part cautionary tale—this is the story of what happens when silence is no longer an option.
Robyn Johnston –
I listened to the audio-book. It is a good insight into history and where Australia could be headed if our government does not make wise decisions.
Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite –
Using dynamic prose, which alternates between moments of introspection and tension, and balancing narrative with historical details, Johston hurls readers into a world of espionage and geopolitical intrigue. The story is grounded in the game of chess. From the brief definitions of specific chess moves at the beginning of each chapter to the character names and the way the story is structured, reading the story felt like playing chess. The chess pieces assigned to each character are fitting and will help learners or prospective players of the game gain a better understanding of it. Aurora—the white queen—is powerful yet vulnerable. She wields immense power, enough to trigger major changes in the government. Yet, she faces hurdles, which, without her allies and their help, will impede her very own power. Lovers of geopolitical thrillers blended with suspense will find Queen’s Pawn to D4 by Rod Johston an enthralling read.
John Hibbard –
Rod, just finished your book. Fantastic, couldn’t put it down. Made great for me since I have been to many of places in it and exposed to much of the history written about. And the references are most useful. Well done. Look forward to a chance to discuss in detail. My sort of book.
Ian Volke –
Hi Rod, I finished your book last night and totally enjoyed the read. The way you built the 4 main characters and their backgrounds provided a lot of depth to the story and filled out the whole aim of who they were what they were aiming to achieve. I particularly liked the way you built in an element of truth into the events and story which I felt gave a lot of credibility to the remainder of the story and events. The end result of the story, “Preparing a new game” I feel is something we should all aspire to, I totally agree with what Marcus was endeavouring to achieve. It’s sad that the story is just a story and not what is actually happening in reality. If we had enough Marcus’s in reality then the current direction, which it sadly seems we may be headed, could be changed? I loved the way you incorporated your personal Journal into the book. Obviously, you share a common goal with Marcus, (or should I say, he with you) and I might add, with my own personal feelings. Reading your Journal I have to say, you are an amazing man, and I very much admire what you have done and continue to do in your life. Congratulations, not only your first book but also what you have achieved throughout your life.
Guy Vickerman –
Your very concise Journal expands on the theme. … we should make a ‘present’ of book and flag to all federal ‘pollies’ at least. That should get some of them thinking one would hope. All I can say is ‘keep up the good work.
Greg Kemmis –
I enjoyed the story and admire the amount of research you must have done. Your Reflections at the end were interesting to me and I totally agree with you that there are no winners from warfare. Like you, I think the aspirations expressed in the last paragraph would be great but I fail to see how that would be achievable. When you consider the very nature of mankind with the egotists, cheats, liars, fundamentalists and all the rest I’m afraid peace seems a long way off. Peace is something that most people would aspire to, but unfortunately the devious devices of the nasty guys seem to suck the populace in.
Nancy Cramond –
Just finished your book which I thoroughly enjoyed. Most enlightening … I will order some more soon and will recommend it. Many thanks for an amazing ride through a few millennia.