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Crude: Ukraine, Oil and Nuclear War Kindle Edition

3.9 out of 5 stars 1,280 ratings

The Doomsday clock is set at 90 seconds to Midnight.There’s no time to lose.Mike Bond delivers the summer’s must read thriller — our very survival depends on it.

Nuclear war is coming.
Can we stop it?
Or is it already too late?

On an October night, far out in the South China Sea, a diver sets explosive charges under a huge oil platform. On the platform above, geologist Liz Chaplin stands watching the Southern Cross sink beneath the waves.
In New York, Ross Bullock, the CEO of Rawhide Energy and the platform’s owner, states during a televised press conference that our country has made a fatal mistake in Ukraine and is headed for nuclear war.
Immediately the White House, intelligence agencies, the media and financial world attack Rawhide for raising the specter of nuclear war and thus threatening the president’s reelection.
The action expands to Mongolia, Indonesia, Washington D.C., and Ukraine. The true perpetrator of these crimes becomes known – it is impossible, unbelievable, but true. Is the White House behind it?
The president threatens nuclear war with Russia to distract voters from his fraudulent Ukraine and China deals and worsening polls. The Russians respond by increasing their nuclear readiness. But the president alone can decide to launch a nuclear war as he clings to the nuclear button.
So begins CRUDE, Mike Bond’s new super-thriller that takes us to the door of world annihilation and shows us what’s inside.

“Mike Bond is the master of the existential thriller” –
BBC
“One of America’s best thriller writers” –
CULTURE BUZZ
“A master of the storytelling craft” –
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“One of the 21st Century’s most exciting authors” –
WASHINGTON TIMES
“Mike Bond is a masterful storyteller.” –
SACRAMENTO BEE
“Mike Bond’s books are a national treasure.” –
WVOX

MIKE BOND is the author of twelve best-selling novels, a former war correspondent, intelligence expert, U.S. Senate candidate, diplomat, conservationist, investment banker, and CEO of an international energy company. Considered a world expert on crude supply and oil refining, he is also a Russia and Eastern Europe specialist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Unseen forces hold sway in this arresting political thriller. Bond makes the most of his deep knowledge of the oil industry and geopolitics in this . . . credible, thought-provoking scenario in which the "war machine" pulls the strings in the United States. The narrative is layered—the escalation to possible Armageddon is convincingly viewed from a variety of perspectives (the author comes frighteningly close to reality in many cases) . . . What can't be clearly seen is often what is most dangerous in this complex modern world." ─ KIRKUS REVIEWS
 
"The Imminent Threat of Nuclear War: An incredibly different kind of 'ripped from the headlines' story ... culminating in a shocking political crisis at the White House itself that changes history ... The really stunning part of this book is the way author Mike Bond places prominent real-life figures as characters who must be confronted to save the world ...
An exciting, entertaining and definitely thought-provoking political thriller." ─ BOOKTRIB

"Bond's deft thriller will reinforce your worst fears about the CIA and the Bomb." −
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"A riveting exploration of geopolitical tensions . . . An enlightening and gripping book . . . offering readers a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the forces shaping our world today . . . The looming threat of nuclear war adds a chilling dimension to the geopolitical landscape. CRUDE explores the delicate balance of nuclear power, the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, and the terrifying potential of a nuclear conflict. . . Despite its complex subject matter, CRUDE is written in an engaging and accessible style. The narrative is compelling, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and clear explanations of intricate geopolitical concepts . . . where the stakes are high, and every move on the geopolitical chessboard has profound consequences . . . This makes the book not only informative but also an enjoyable read, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. - AMAZON TOP REVIEWS

"Close to reality and almost as scary." ─
GOODREADS REVIEWS

"A very timely and important book." ─
JOY ON PAPER

A "riveting, authentic novel." ─
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

"Mike Bond has been hailed as 'the master of the existential thriller' (BBC), and his latest pulse-pounding take continues to build on that legacy. CRUDE is a fictional story that weaves in and out of possible futures for the world, and
keeps readers turning pages as fast as they can consume all of the action." ─ CULTURE BUZZ

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D4X5QGQH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Big City Press; 1st edition (July 1, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 465 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 1,280 ratings

About the author

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Mike Bond
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Called "master of the existential thriller" by BBC, "one of America's best thriller writers" by Culture Buzz, and "one of the 21st century's most exciting authors" by the Washington Times, Mike Bond is a best-selling novelist, war and human rights journalist, and environmental activist. He has covered guerrilla wars, death squads, and military dictatorships in Latin America and Africa, Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, and ivory poaching and other environmental battles in East Africa and Asia.

His critically acclaimed novels take the reader into intense situations in the world's most perilous places, into wars, revolutions, dangerous love affairs and political and corporate conspiracies, making "readers sweat with [their] relentless pace." (Kirkus) and drawing them "into a land and a time I had not known but left me with my senses reeling." (NetGalley Reviews)

His books have been named among the best of the year by reviewers and readers alike. He speaks multiple languages, has climbed and trekked over 50,000 miles on every continent from the Antarctic to Siberia, and is at home in some of the most primitive and dangerous places on the planet.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
1,280 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot intense and almost too realistic, making it an excellent read. The character development receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the interplay of characters kept them engaged. The writing style and pacing receive negative feedback, with customers describing them as disjointed and difficult to read. The book's propaganda content receives mixed reactions.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

14 customers mention "Plot"11 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an intense thriller that feels almost too realistic.

"...Plot, characters, and circumstances all worked. Excellent suspense thriller. Read the novel. My thanks to Mike Bond for entertaining me so well." Read more

"...It had a lot of suspense and corruption that I did find thrilling and engaging." Read more

"Great plot, characters and world view. Very current seems like it could be happening in America, Russia and Ukraine now...." Read more

"This novel is a curious work. The oil people could be parody...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an excellent read, with one describing it as engaging.

"...Last night, this book accomplished that. What a fabulous read! Plot, characters, and circumstances all worked. Excellent suspense thriller...." Read more

"...It had a lot of suspense and corruption that I did find thrilling and engaging." Read more

"...The drama and interplay of characters kept the reader engaged. Well done!" Read more

"...Mr. Bond seems to have the inside story! Recommended reading." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...What a fabulous read! Plot, characters, and circumstances all worked. Excellent suspense thriller. Read the novel...." Read more

"I enjoyed the big cast of characters and the mystery behind the explosion of the plant...." Read more

"Great plot, characters and world view. Very current seems like it could be happening in America, Russia and Ukraine now...." Read more

"...The drama and interplay of characters kept the reader engaged. Well done!" Read more

6 customers mention "Propaganda"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed views on the book's content, with some finding it informative and relevant, while others criticize it for being filled with propaganda and conspiracy theories.

"...To date this is the most captivating power full book I've read." Read more

"l didn't even finish the first chapter. quite the propaganda piece...." Read more

"A really great novel that pulls in little discussed events from modern history into a very realistic and possible, plot line...." Read more

"Stopped reading at 15%. Right wing nonsense and propaganda, with a disjointed story in between. Save you money and time and read something else." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book disjointed.

"I was disappointed with this book. It was disjointed and wandered around aimlessly. Too many plots and charters. Lost me from the start...." Read more

"Fine, but felt politically one sided and generally disjointed." Read more

"Good story, but fragmented...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"0 positive3 negative

Customers dislike the writing style of the book.

"I hated the character, hated what he said. hated the writing style, hated the message...." Read more

"Poorly written. Flat characters. Pushing conspiratory propaganda." Read more

"Good but difficult to read...." Read more

Nuclear War
3 out of 5 stars
Nuclear War
Crude by Mike Bond is considered a mystery thriller and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I did have a really hard time finishing this book, though.The writing style of this author isn't something I would typically pick up. I don't care to read books involving political propaganda or conspiracy theories. Just because this book wasn't for me, doesn't mean it isn't for someone else! I'm sure there are tons of people who would love this read!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2025
    I have never stayed up all night to read a novel. Last night, this book accomplished that. What a fabulous read! Plot, characters, and circumstances all worked. Excellent suspense thriller. Read the novel. My thanks to Mike Bond for entertaining me so well.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    This was a very interesting book. Scary to think this could actually happen. Keeps you reading to find out how it all comes out. A little different from the types of books I usually read but I am glad I read. I highly recommend this book.
    I received an advance copy but this is my honest review.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
    I enjoyed the big cast of characters and the mystery behind the explosion of the plant. I knew going into this it was a political thriller and there were a couple chapters with heavy politics that sort of distracted/threw me out of the story during those specific chapters. But, I enjoyed everything else that was affected by the politics. I really liked following Turk as he went undercover to collect evidence and Liz’s storyline. The stock market affected Ross’ Crude business and the things he did to try and right it. It had a lot of suspense and corruption that I did find thrilling and engaging.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    Great plot, characters and world view.
    Very current seems like it could be happening in America, Russia and Ukraine now.
    Opinions are a little too right leaning.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025
    The stakes have never been higher. This fictitious account of the global pursuit of wealth and power sounds disturbingly familiar, with big oil at center stage. The biased, muzzled media is as corrupt as the dirty politicians and CEOs it coddles. In the crosshairs is Ross Bullock, perhaps the only honest man in the industry, whose coveted Rawhide Energy is being targeted by a barrage of sabotage, lies, false accusations, and even murder. With few allies and a dwindling number of witnesses, Ross must find a way to expose the massive corruption that threatens to end Rawhide. There’s so much more to this suspense-filled, completely plausible story. It plays out like a movie, and Bond’s writing is superb. This one just might keep you up at night, as fiction flirts with reality. A must read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Interesting story but I didn't care about any of the characters. There needed to be plot twists. Just rich oil execs worrying about the demise of their sabotaged company is not enough.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Although I knew virtually nothing about crude oiland how it effects the world, this writing had me completely immersed from the beginning to the end. The drama and interplay of characters kept the reader engaged. Well done!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2025
    It wasn't long before I realized that this novel was just a front for the author to air his own political opinions and ideologies. I don't take issue with his hard right political leanings - everyone has a right to their own opinions, as sanctimonious as they may be - but it's just not what I'm looking for or why I read fiction. I kind of felt the same way while reading Killing Maine, but decided to give the author another look. Although I enjoyed much of his writing style, I'm just not interested in being fed someone's one-sided dogma. I get enough of that from TV news and the internet. I read fiction to escape that garbage.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mark Fowler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War - A Riveting Exploration of Geopolitical Tensions
    Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2024
    In the intricate web of global politics, few issues are as complex and consequential as those surrounding Ukraine, oil, and the specter of nuclear war. Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War is an enlightening and gripping book that delves deep into these critical topics, offering readers a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the forces shaping our world today. Here’s why this book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of modern geopolitics.

    Meticulous Research: An Authoritative Source
    Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War stands out for its meticulous research and authoritative insights. The author has painstakingly gathered data, conducted interviews, and analyzed historical records to present a nuanced perspective on the geopolitical dynamics at play. This book serves as a credible and informative source, shedding light on the hidden machinations and overt actions that define the global stage.

    Ukraine's Strategic Significance: A Focal Point of Conflict
    Ukraine’s geographical and political position makes it a focal point in the struggle between Eastern and Western powers. The book provides an in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s strategic significance, exploring how its resources, location, and alliances have made it a battleground for influence and control. Readers gain a clear understanding of why Ukraine is more than just a country—it’s a linchpin in the global power structure.

    The Oil Factor: Energy as a Geopolitical Weapon
    Oil is not just a commodity; it’s a powerful tool of influence and control. Crude delves into the role of oil in global politics, illustrating how energy resources shape alliances, fuel conflicts, and drive nations to pursue aggressive policies. The book examines how control over oil reserves and supply routes has become a critical aspect of national security and economic stability, making it a central theme in the geopolitics of the 21st century.

    Nuclear Threats: The Shadow of Annihilation
    The looming threat of nuclear war adds a chilling dimension to the geopolitical landscape. Crude explores the delicate balance of nuclear power, the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, and the terrifying potential of a nuclear conflict. The book provides a sobering look at how nuclear capabilities influence diplomatic strategies and the constant tension between maintaining peace and preparing for the worst.

    Real-World Implications: Understanding Today’s News
    The insights gained from Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War have direct implications for understanding current events. From rising tensions in Eastern Europe to energy crises and nuclear diplomacy, the book equips readers with the knowledge needed to make sense of the headlines. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to grasp the deeper meanings behind the news and the interconnectedness of global events.

    Engaging Narrative: Compelling and Accessible
    Despite its complex subject matter, Crude is written in an engaging and accessible style. The narrative is compelling, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and clear explanations of intricate geopolitical concepts. This makes the book not only informative but also an enjoyable read, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last.

    Critical Perspectives: Diverse Viewpoints
    Crude presents a balanced view by incorporating diverse perspectives from different stakeholders, including political leaders, analysts, and local voices. This multifaceted approach ensures that readers receive a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand, fostering critical thinking and encouraging informed discussions about global politics.

    Conclusion: A Must-Read for Geopolitical Enthusiasts
    Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War is more than just a book; it’s a crucial guide to understanding the complex and often perilous world of modern geopolitics. With its thorough research, engaging narrative, and critical insights, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about global affairs, energy politics, and the ever-present threat of nuclear conflict.

    Dive into Crude: Ukraine, Oil, and Nuclear War and uncover the hidden forces that shape our world—where the stakes are high, and every move on the geopolitical chessboard has profound consequences.

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