The Adventures Delivered Excitement and Tension – A SISU Book Review by Julie K.
The Adventures Delivered Excitement and Tension
A SISU Book Review by Julie K.
I’m usually a fan of fiction. But reading SISU has reminded me that real life stories can be every bit as engaging, and often leave a much deeper impression.
Firstly, I have to say that the adventures themselves certainly delivered excitement and tension. The bounty hunting episodes, driving a Porsche 911 through the streets of London at high speed and riding on horseback while being chased by dogs in Mongolia, all brought a real sense of thrill and danger to the story. These moments gave the book a real pace and energy, making it difficult not to be drawn into the experiences you were sharing.
Beyond the excitement it was your thought process that fascinated me. Whether you’re caught in a blizzard in the Alps, facing violence in a bar, tracking down fraudsters or navigating a tense situation in China, you write with a level of calmness that I found incredibly engaging. Rather than focusing on the unfolding drama, you invite the reader into your mind, allowing us to understand how you assess risk, control your emotions and make decisions under immense pressure.
What really stood out to me was your honesty. You never try to make yourself the hero of every situation. Instead, you admit when your ambition has clouded your judgement, when you’re frightened, and when you’re questioning your own decisions. I found your reflections in the Alps especially powerful, when you recognise your own pride had initially made you want to continue despite the danger. Equally, in the bar your admission that you are genuinely scared, coupled with your determination that violence should be the last resort, made you incredibly relatable and authentic. This made me feel connected to you as a narrator throughout the book.
One element that really resonated with me was your recurring references to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Having studied it as a student nurse, I found it fascinating to see the theory reflected so clearly in real life. Time and again, your experiences bring you back to those most basic human needs – shelter, warmth, safety and survival. Reading about those moments gave me a much deeper appreciation of Maslow’s work than I ever gained studying it academically. I found myself silently championing you on, willing you to make it off that bottom rung of the hierarchy and back to a place of safety. It made me realise how quickly everything else becomes unimportant when your basic needs aren’t met.
I also enjoyed the chapters set in China. There isn’t a great deal of physical action, but the psychological tension is just as gripping. I found it fascinating how much meaning you draw from the smallest of details. The way that pouring tea was way more than a simple act of hospitality but a symbolic gesture, and how you carefully chose to use the word peng (“friend”) to test the mood of the conversation, showed how observant you are. Even your description of people’s expressions and body language demonstrated that sometimes the greatest skill is simply remaining calm, paying attention and understanding what is not being said.
The only point where I found myself momentarily losing my bearings was the transition from China chapter back to the bounty hunting episodes in London. Up to that point I had been reading the book as a series of experiences unfolding in chronological order, so the change in timeline caught me by surprise. I know you explained that the book’s structure follows the Chinese zodiac to support the wider allegorical theme. However, I found myself flicking back to check whether I’d missed something. It certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but I wonder whether a small signpost to that shift might help readers to follow the transition more easily.
I was also a little shocked by your work as a bounty hunter. I completely understand your desire to help bring fraudsters to justice. Your sense of justice comes across very clearly. I can also appreciate that the potential rewards offered a strong incentive. These stories certainly add excitement and tension to the book making for a compelling read, but personally I found myself thinking that risking your own safety in pursuit of dangerous individuals is a step too far for me. This isn’t a criticism of the book – it simply highlighted how differently we all define acceptable risk.
What I admire the most is that you’ve written a book that’s about far more than adventure. For me, it’s about resilience, self awareness, ethics and understanding human behaviour under pressure. The adventures are fascinating, but it’s your calm, reflective mindset and unwavering commitment to your principles that stayed with me long after I finished each chapter.
I have to confess that I’m usually a fan of fiction. But reading SISU has reminded me that real life stories can be every bit as engaging, and often leave a much deeper impression. Knowing these adventures genuinely happened made me stop and reflect in a way that fiction rarely does.
Finally, as an artist, I have to mention the cover. It’s beautifully designed and captures the spirit of the book perfectly. To me the mountains represent the physical adventures, while the train and subtle London skyline hint at the many different journeys your life has taken. The cool blue tones create a sense of calm and resilience, which reflects your writing style so well – no matter how intense the situation your narration remains thoughtful and composed. I think it’s a cover that genuinely invites you to pick up the book, and after reading it, I can honestly say it fits the story perfectly. On a cheeky note… it also happens to match the colour scheme of my lounge rather well, so it looks quite at home on my coffee table!
Julie K.
Tactical 16 Publishing specializes in working with authors in the armed forces, police, fire, and rescue communities.
Tactical 16 Publishing
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