Avi Perry

72 Virgins   A Thriller 

Available now on Amazon

72 Virgins 
ISBN13 - 978-0-615-28051-6  ISBN 10 - 061528051X   LCCN: 2009923992

Book Reviews
A suspenseful and intriguing read from start to finish

Masterly plotted, thrilling, captivating, replete with stealth, and above all, enlightening

Makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you understand
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           BOOK TRAILER

From the Publisher
72 Virgins is a novel about Jihad terrorism and the security agencies’ struggle to thwart its stratagem and trounce the perpetrators. Abu Musa is an Islamic Terrorist with an agenda, a ticking bomb inside the US. Arik Golan is an Israeli who tries to bring him down and pull the plug on his terror organization. Stanley Kramer is an FBI agent on a hunting mission, seeking to place both Abu Musa and Arik within his crosshair. The FBI, the Israeli Foreign Intelligence Service—the Mossad, the US-based Iranian clandestine terror network, and the Islamic Jihad fraternity are engaged in a timeless conflict, playing out to a crescendo that comes to a head before the dramatic conclusion.

The book draws on current world events, politics, cultural divisions, international intrigue and religious fanaticism. It is masterly plotted, thrilling, captivating, replete with stealth, and above all, enlightening.

The story offers an ample dose of realism, a cast of intense characters who engage in love, lust, and violence. It portrays the Jihad culture with its rationale and the volcano that breeds an irrational obsession with death. Moreover, it builds on the Jihadists’ motivation for targeting so many innocents and exploiting the victims’ massacre as a stepping-stone to their dream of eternal paradise next to Allah’s throne.

The real question is not whether Jihad terrorists’ plots will ever cease to emerge – there is no chance of that. The question the book seeks to answer is—will the next one be stopped before it’s too late?

72 Virgins is built on the author’s life experiences that combine technology know-how, familiarity with spy craft and human intelligence (HUMINT), understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and history, a great sense of humor, and a talent for writing—all breathe authenticity into the setting.

Although 72 Virgins is a suspense-thriller, focusing on a countdown to a terror attack on US soil, it is, nevertheless, highly instructive. The story and its associated subplots are fiction, but the setting is real, the places where conspiracy is instigated are fictional, even though they're based on genuine events; the characters are deep and distinctive, while at the same time, they embody their unmistakable cultural heritage. Ronald L. Donaghe, Winner of the 2008 Jim Duggins out-standing Mid-Career Novelist Award., characterized it best—"Perry's style and approach, makes for a great, entertaining read, in addition to being suspenseful and intriguing, from start to finish."

Following publication, the author plans to embark on a twelve-city book tour, radio and TV talk shows.


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Book Reviews

***** A suspenseful and topical thriller, highly recommended.  Midwest Book Review  Nov. 2009
The worst possible scenario just may happen yet. "72 Virgins: Countdown to a Terror Attack on US Soil" follows this nightmare scenario as the forces of good and evil square off in the world, and explores the reasoning behind Islamic terrorists tendency to target innocent people and cause much pain to the world round them. A story of the race to stop the next massive attack, "72 Virgins" is a suspenseful and topical thriller, highly recommended.

***** An action packed thrill-ride that doesn't let up, October 23, 2009 by Readaholic
Terrorists have stuck and taken the hope of American people with them. Jihad terrorists' are determined to wipe out sinful Americans once and for all. The real questions are, who will win and how many lives will be lost in this act of violence?

This is an action packed thrill-ride that doesn't let up.


***** An international thriller, October 2, 2009  By Ronald L. Donaghe
Winner of the 2008 Jim Duggins out-standing Mid-Career Novelist Award - See all my reviews
Editors have to believe in a work when they recommend it to a publisher, and as the editor of more than three-hundred books, I can say that Avi Perry's 72 Virgins is one such work. From Israel to Bali to the United States, the players in this international thriller never stop. Although Arik Golan, a major in the Israeli Defense Forces, is hoping to retire and marry his fiancée, Rachel Levy, others have different plans for Arik and will stop at nothing to "persuade" him to pursue terrorist Abu Musa and stop him at all costs. This time, the terrorist plans are so diabolical, just the thought of the targets and the weapons to be used are heart-stopping. From one dangerous encounter to another, 72 Virgins is a non-stop thriller. This author knows his stuff and uses his knowledge authoritatively in this brand new, exciting, heart-stopping thriller. You'll never look at terrorism the same way again...

***** Fighteningly realistic!, September 16, 2009 By RebeccasReads.com (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    Reviewed by Kam Aures [...] (09/09)

"72 Virgins: Countdown to a Terror Attack on US Soil" begins in Tel Aviv, Israel in October of 2002 with a suicide bombing that sets the background for the rest of the book. "The bus stopped at the traffic light, next to the main entrance to the mall, just ahead of King George Street. Then, in a flash, without warning, just as the traffic light was about to turn green, the sun turned dark. A Palestinian suicide bomber, sitting near the center of the bus, rose from his seat. His sad face cracked open in a sadistic smile; he looked up, filled his lungs, then shrieked, `Allahu Akbar!' (God is Greater (than any other God and every human VIP)) while igniting his explosives-filled belt." (p.1) The suicide bomber's family was proud of his act and he had secured his passage on to Paradise. He enjoyed igniting his belt as he would become a martyr and seventy-two virgins would be waiting for him when he arrived in heaven.

I found the story to be very real and I think that the dates in which I was reading the book (around September 11th) helped to up the reality factor as it is a time period when the focus on terrorism is brought to the forefront. Perry draws on events currently taking place in the world and crafts a remarkably captivating work that delves into the workings of Jihad terrorism and the agencies struggling to stop them. The author has created a memorable and interesting cast of characters and I enjoyed how many of their lives were intertwined. Throughout the suspenseful novel everything comes together very neatly and the book's conclusion is strong. The final words make me believe that there may be a sequel in the works which, if I am correct, I would look forward to reading. "72 Virgins: Countdown to a Terror Attack on US Soil" is a very well-written, eye-opening book that I believe any fan of the suspense genre would enjoy.


****  Thoroughly entertaining and exceptionally plotted.  Kim's Reviews, Sunday, October 18, 2009
As an American, I went into this book with the hatred of terrorism and Islamic extremists firmly intact. I consider myself fairly educated on the war, American politics and all the stuff that comes along with that. It has always seemed very simple to me: we are right, they are crazy.

72 Virgins is a story that takes you into the very heart of Islam, the very souls of the young men that give their lives in the name of Allah. It was slightly disturbing to me when I caught myself....caring. Such young minds being flushed with these beliefs. Perry seems to take you inside, makes you understand how influential the "brainwashing" that these people go through really is.

It is a very intense view of what goes on behind closed doors in this country as well as theirs. The plot reads like a wonderful thriller, but brings facts and figures to life. The writing is strong, and it is obvious the author was embedded in the system. His information is at once terrifying and fascinating, his emotional telling of these characters story is heart wrenching. It took me from angry to sad to elated and back again.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to educate themselves on this culture, but doesn't have the patience for text book type reading. It is thoroughly entertaining and exceptionally plotted.

(There is a graphic nature to this novel. For anyone particularly sensitive to that type of writing, I would recommend waiting. For me this book was very educational and strengthened my already strong feelings about the war on terrorism and the one absolute: we have to stop these people, because they will never stop on their own.)

Sum it Up: I believe many people would benefit from the information in this book, and I think that it gives insight into things we would all rather not see at all.

***** 72 Virgins--one of those books that you just have to read,  by Ginny, October 19, 2009
This book starts out with instant action.  It draws you in at the very first paragraph.   Not only is 72 Virgins a gripping fictional thriller, but it is also a very frightening book.  It is a very real book.  72 Virgin is one of those books that isn't real, but borders so close to "real" that it is scary.  With Perry's background, this book helps you to identify with the Jihad culture in a way that most of us never have before.  

In writing this review, I have been reading Avi Perry's blog.  I wanted to include a snippet from his blog here ~ 

I lived and breathed war violence, military intelligence, spy-craft designed for terror deterrence. I understand wars, military conflicts, and faith-based hate—an Islamic trait, since I grew up in that kind of a hostile neighborhood. I have been frustrated by the naiveté of my American friends and colleagues who keep asking, whenever I take a trip to my birthplace, “aren’t you worried? Isn’t it dangerous over there?

I keep thinking to myself. “Aren’t you worried as well?” Did you forget 9/11? Did you forget the following terror and potential terror attacks on US and Western interests all over and around the world? America needs a constant reminder. Americans must be more alert and more aware. The economy is important. The healthcare system must be fixed. But security should not be sacrificed in the process. Without security - freedom, the economy and healthcare are meaningless. And if you don’t get it, try living in Afghanistan for a week.   

I think this is one of those books that you just have to read.  There is strong writing, great story from an experienced man.  It is a great way to open your eyes, think of things differently but in a fictional sense.  That is part of the joys of reading for me.  When I can learn something while enjoying a good book.

***** Avi Perry's BOOK.. a real page turner! by Cynthia Bugsey December 26, 2009
You decide for yourself, but if you're into the Sidney Sheldon books, Avi Perry's 72 Virgins is BETTER, because it is timely and there is a LOT of truth in this novel.

In a world of political correctness gone mad (but no guts  to admit it ) , 72 Virgins is HONEST plus exciting reading. It isn't the CRAP you will read that YOU VERY WELL KNOW isn't true -- but it's more like the Honest Reporting of novel writing. I think that Avi Perry should go on writing novels that are as raw and real. Truth is that we no longer live in a SANE world and yet, very few people choose to ignore the madness and prefer to pretend that everything is alright-- or will be alright,when it REALLY isn't. That's exactly why I recommend 72 Virgins so that people can sift through the "acceptable crap" to reality -- and ironically, Avi Perry tells us reality through his fictional novel. Beats CNN and BBC reportage :)

What prompts me to recommend this book is a conversation I was constrained to have during of my Christmas visits with a friend. My friend has a couple of "Muslim guests" which made me exceedingly wonder what they were doing joining some Christmas Holiday party. It was difficult for me to imagine them singing something like "Star of wonder, star of night... " or even wishing me something like "Peace on earth, goodwill to mankind.." Okay, we KNOW they do NOT wish goodwill to ALL MANKIND (or womankind!) Nevertheless, the party went on and these "brethren" (ehem!ehem!) who also believed in Jesus anyway (aha! aha! aha! unlike those pesky Jews huh??? ) were THERE and I felt frankly uncomfortable because I have the least  penchant for hypocrisy. In short, I wanted to feign insanity and do something like declaring something GOOD about the ROAST PORK..yah get those moods don't you?

Oh yes, particularly if you live in the UK.... or any part of Europe where we all very well KNOW (but can't say) that these "moderate" Islamics would go CRAZY over a cartoon. Fortunately, I do notlive in the UK lest I would probably be arrested for stalking Pat Condell. 

Thus, Avi Perry's book -- 72 VIRGINS -- comes at a time when we all should realize that something worst that global warming or the 2004 tsunami may be coming IF we do not face REALITY.... Read Avi Perry's BOOK.. a real page turner!

***** 72 Virgins - A MUST READ! It might be fictional but it strikes home by gautami tripathy
72 Virgins is about Global Terrorism, realistic, and hence scary too, in its depiction of Islamic Jihad. It might be fictional but it strikes home. It can anywhere, anyplace, any time by anyone who is like one of us. I am not going to write about the storyline but what is it really about.

The violence that comes in the wake of Jihad is rationalised by die-hard Islamists. Young impressionable minds are somehow influenced for suicide misions. This in the name of 72 virgins waiting in heaven to serve them for the killings and for that self destruction. There is this misplaced notion that God wishes for blood, as much as is possible, be it of innocent people. Only then, they can get to paradsise and stay there for eternity. The big question is, the perpetrators are in no hurry to find that paradise for themselves.

In this fictional account, the FBI, Israeli Mossad and terror networks are at loggerheads and there can't be any end to it anytime soon. Each and everyone is trying to outdo the other, without any rationality or reasonings.

Here in India, we have been facing terrorism for the past 30 years or so. It comes across from the Indo-Pak border, training camps found in Pakistan as well as PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir). It is not confined there but has spread to all over India. Can anyone forget the Mumbai terror attacks where 10 terrorists held the whole city to ransom? Not anytime soon. How does one justify a religion which preaches violence? I am an apolitical person. But when terrorism affects my life, I can't stay silent and watch from the sidelines. I live in the shadow of it and yet haven't learnt to deal with it. For that reason only, I found this book fascinating where it speaks of the misplaced Jihad culture. This book made me pause, think and again resume it soon.

The book is a must read for everyone. If only to understand what is happening in the name of Global Terrorism. And also that political leaders can do to any length to achieve their own means and ends. There can't be happy endings but with awareness, maybe we can control it. Maybe not.

The quotation on my blog header says:

"I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us." Franz Kafka

72 Virgins sure did.

**** An action-packed, fictional account of what could possibly happen on US soil…or what has already been prevented behind the scenes of normal American life  by Erin N. November, 2009
The Hamas (Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement) leader in the Gaza region plans to create a Jihad so spectacular that his reward of 72 virgins and a seat next to Allah is guaranteed. The Israeli Mossad Director of Counter Terrorism Strategy plans to ensure that the Hamas leader, Abu Musa, meets his reward before harming another soul. Musa’s weapon of choice is a group of Islamic sleeper cells strategically located in the Infidels’ lands and supplies from an Iranian terrorist network. Dan Carmel’s (Mossad Director) weapon is a reluctant Israeli Defence Force veteran who served in the intelligence division and pioneered a technology that can locate just about any terrorist in the world. The battleground is post 9/11 United States.

In 72 Virgins, Perry centers the story around the epic struggles in the Middle East and their impact on the western world. The protagonist, Arik Golan, is offered the opportunity to infiltrate the most secret of Jihad cells in America for the purpose of stopping another high profile terrorist attack before it begins. Golan, happily retired, turns down the offer only to be manipulated into doing exactly what was asked through the abduction and supposed death of his fiancee, Rachel.

Abu Musa, a violent serial killer lauded as a Muslim chieftain, enters the United States with the express purpose of activating a terrorist cell. His plan involves sending several suicide bombers to paradise while striking a blow in the hearts of the Infidels on par with Islamic triumph of 9/11. Golan is sent to the US to infiltrate and uncover this plot before it is executed. Golan’s skill at espionage is so adept that he quickly ends up in the thick of the plot, marking himself as a terrorist in the eyes of the FBI and Homeland Security, as well as earning him the murderous hatred and jealousy of Musa. Arik only has a matter of weeks to stay out of the clutches of the FBI, organize and sabotage a Jihad attack, and take Abu Musa down.

Dr. Avi Perry is himself an Israeli Defence Force veteran and a learned professor and executive in the field of high technology. His novel, 72 Virgins, is an action-packed, fictional account of what could possibly happen on US soil…or what has already been prevented behind the scenes of normal American life.

**** A real eye opener. Reads like an action movie  By Simply Stacie November 30, 2009
This was the first book of its kind that I have read and it was a real eye opener. I found it to be extremely realistic and I found the Jihad mindset to be really shocking. I knew somewhat of the beliefs prior to this book, but now have a better understanding of how they justify their actions. Its pretty scary actually!The book has interesting characters that made it a worthwhile read and I wanted to learn more about each of them. The story was written in third person from a variety of character's viewpoints so that I could get a good idea of what each one was dealing with and thinking. I would have liked to connect more with them, but overall I think the author did a great job in making believable characters.The story is fast-paced and exciting and reminded me of an action movie. There is always something going on so it keeps the interest level high. I wanted to keep reading to find out how it would all play out. I could see this becoming a movie actually!The only criticism I really have is that I found the ending to be a bit rushed. I wished the author would have drawn it out a bit more. It just seemed like it was over kind of fast.Overall, this is a great book and I recommend it if you love to read thrillers.

*****  72 Virgins--A Great Read! August 30, 2009 By Tal Goldgraber
  I am wholly familiar with Middle Eastern politics, but the story introduced information and characterization, which added a new dimension to my understanding of the Islamic terror culture. I loved the scene where Abu Musa, the Islamic terrorist, describes why he hates America. Not only did it make me laugh, it made me understand his point of view. The main characters who play an important role in the plot are intense and distinct. The internal politics inside the FBI and the Israeli Foreign Intelligence Service--the Mossad, made for another eye opener. I loved how the author combined several subplots into a focused climax where they all converged and clashed in a violent conclusion. The subplot about Rachel was quite emotional. I shed a few tears while reading through it. Fatima and Hilga were remarkable in their own way. The unpredictability of the plot made for a captivating read. I loved the ending where the author hints that there is a sequel in the offing. I can't wait...

***** STOCKPUNKT.com (German)   Wolfgang Stock über Medien, Menschen und Mäuse

Kindle schlägt Baum

Neulich auf dem Lufthansa-Flug nach New York sitzt neben mir zufällig der amerikanische Autor Avi Perry. Wir kommen ins Gespräch.

Er hat gerade die Frankfurter Buchmesse besucht, wo er sein neues Werk 72 Virgins vorgestellt hat. Ein spannender und informativer Thriller. Darin schildert Perry den Wettlauf von FBI und israelischem Geheimdienst, um einen terroristischen Anschlag radikaler Islamisten in den USA zu verhindern.

Die Handlung findet rund um den Globus statt, auch - leicht verfremdet - in Bonn. 72 Virgins liest sich als packender Thriller, mit viel Spannung und einer Menge Insider-Wissen aus der Welt der Geheimdienste.

Avi Perry, ein ehemaliger Professor an der Northwestern University in Chicago und ein bekannter IT-Manager, kennt sich auch bei den neuen Technologien aus. Nun erfahre ich von Avi via Twitter, dass von 72 Virgins mehr Verkäufe über den E-Reader Kindle getätigt wurden, denn Exemplare des gedruckten Buches abgesetzt wurden.

Da bin ich dann doch überrascht! Elektronik schlägt Papier. Die 1.000-Dollar-Frage für Verleger: Zufall oder Zeitenwende?

Links to Published Interviews and Web Posts about 72 Virgins

Fundamentals of Voice Quality Engineering in Wireless Networks     
by Dr. Avi Perry

The Best Information Source for Students, Systems Engineers, Product and Market Managers, Sales Reps, and Telecom Executives

Fundamentals of Voice-Quality Engineering in Wireless Networks     

Hardback  (ISBN-13: 9780521855952 | ISBN-10: 0521855950)

Also available in eBook format Published December 2006 by

Cambridge University Press

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