Looking into the Sun: A Novel of the Syrian Conflict

By: Todd Tavolazzi

Narrated by: Mike Eberhardt

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Angus Conn has seen more than his share of human calamity as a seasoned foreign correspondent, but reporting on the Syrian conflict kicked him in the emotional gut. After the ruthless Syrian regime cut off power, water, medical aid, and all other supplies to the decimated village of Al Waer, in the besieged outskirts of Homs, Angus is presented with a once-in-a-career opportunity to track the trade of ancient Syrian artifacts for opposition weapons. As the only outside hope for the civilian population to survive, he returns home and secretly works to substitute the illegal weapons for a privately-funded humanitarian relief convoy to break the siege and evacuate Syrian orphans.

Before he returns to Syria to oversee his evacuation plan, Angus foolishly agrees to take Jake Westin, a hot young movie star, to accompany him on assignment as research for his next big role. When Jake secretly smuggles himself into Syria against Angus’ wishes, they must fight to survive hostile Syrian troops, a rebel kidnapping, constant thirst and hunger, barrel bombs from the sky, and each other as they race to bring the besieged children of Al Waer out of Syria with their lives and their story.

©2019 Todd Tavolazzi (P)2019 Todd Tavolazzi

Critic reviews

“Looking into the Sun is an action-packed, engrossing tale that puts a face on the heartbreaking struggle of children caught up in the war in Syria. It’s one of those rare books whose story will remain with readers long after they put it down....” (Peter Telep, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Secret Corps)

“An engrossing and authentic thriller. Remember the name Todd Tavolazzi. You’ll be seeing it a lot.” (Grant Blackwood, New York Times best-selling author of the Briggs Tanner series; also the coauthor of the number one New York Times best seller Dead or Alive, with Tom Clancy, and The Kill Switch, with James Rollins)

Memorable Characters Brought to Life

Whatever I say about Looking Into The Sun, Todd Tavolazzi’s debut novel will fall well short of the impact it has had on me as a person since. It’s a compelling story told through the eyes of a journalist whose hard heart melts when he witnesses the pain and suffering of the civilians (especially the children) who, through no fault of their own, are caught in the crosshairs of the weapons of a senseless war. The story depicts the tragedy in a way that lingers with you well beyond reading it.

And now you have an option of hearing the story performed by Mike Eberhardt who brings its characters to life. His voice is perfectly suited to this gritty tale of humanity held int he crosshairs of a senseless war.

I've heard that Todd is working on a second book and that this one is in the process of being made into a film. Based on what I have read and now heard, I'm looking forward to more from both the author and narrator and will definitely see the movie.

Great Book Todd!

I really enjoyed this novel, and will definitely pick up his other books.
Semper Fidelis - Travis

A Great Listen

Really enjoyed this book. While a work of fiction it felt like it could have been a real account of an actual freelance reporter and his experiences.

The narration performance was superb. This story has a lot of characters (various ages, gender and nationality) and they quickly felt very real due to the way the narrator brought the author's word to life.

Highly recommend

Nice story, great narration!

For me this started as a nice quick listen between two much longer works I was listening to. The story was a fairly straightforward tale of a reporter and the crisis in Syria. I've heard this is being made into a movie and can definitely imagine it as one. Mike Eberhardt did a great job narrating. I liked the various accents and voices it really helped distinguish the various characters. I liked Todd Tavolazzi's writing style and am looking forward to his next book.