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Book Review: A diving thriller trilogy by J. F. Kirwan
I love to read a good book onboard a flight to a diving destination, or as we relax at the end of the diving day whilst sat on the top deck of a liveaboard or enjoying the final bits of sunshine on the beach. And with all the travelling I do, I get through a huge number of books, and so, I was delighted to meet Barry Kirwan on a recent liveaboard trip to Egypt. We were sat in the lounge of Emperor Asmaa and he was typing away on his laptop, or at least that was what he was trying to do, but I kept interrupting him. I finally asked what he was up to, and he said he was writing a book, and that he had already published a trilogy of thrillers that featured scuba diving. I was intrigued and wanted to know more…
As soon as I got home, I ordered all three and downloaded them onto my Kindle app on the iPad. I love a “real” paperback book, but the trilogy is only available as ebooks, so I would have to make do. The trilogy: 66 Meters, 37 Hours and 88° North revolve around a strong central female character called Nadia Laksheva, a Russian who gets caught up in saving the world, whilst trying to save her sister. The main characters, Nadia and Jake (Ex-MI6 intelligence analyst) are both divers, and each adventure sees them diving somewhere in the world, sometimes in exotic locations, and sometimes less so!
The pace of the books is perfect and, to use a cliché, they are real page-turners. I found myself staying up far too late each night, just to see how their latest escapade turns out. They are edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a hint of old-school James Bond style espionage intertwined. The stories are well-told, and as Barry is an experienced diver, the dives are beautifully described and, as far as I know, technically correct too. Each book grabbed my attention right from the very first page and held me to the very end.
My only criticism of the trilogy is the somewhat stereotypical portrayal of sharks as mindless killing machines. I understand that these books are thrillers and meant to be tense and exciting but as our two lead characters are both experienced divers, their fear of sharks did not ring true to me. But then I am particularly sensitive to this issue.
Each of the three books was a compelling read. They had great plots that will appeal to divers, as well as anyone that loves a good thriller. Aside from our two lead characters, a host of well-rounded supporting cast members are there to keep you wondering who exactly are the goodies and who are the baddies and how will it all turn out… Well, I don’t want to give the story away, so you will just have to read them yourselves.
Take them on your next diving holiday, although you may end up skipping a dive or two, as you get fully immersed in the world of Nadia Laksheva!
For more information about the author click here: www.jfkirwan.com.
The books can be bought here: www.amazon.co.uk/J.F.-Kirwan/e/B01KWTDN7U.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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