Danielle is more than capable of taking care of herself and foresees this new development as a way to immerse herself in her work in order to try and heal some emotional wounds in her relationship with Palestinian-American Ben Kamal. Unfortunately, the diamond cartel, looking after its own interests, has decided that Danielle is a threat to their business and has hired assassin Jim Black to dispense with Danielle, whom they perceive, probably justifiably, to be a major obstacle preventing the success of their mission.

Ben Kamal is convinced that Danielle’s life is in danger, and as he realizes she is the most important person in his life, wishes to put his relationship with her back on more stable ground. He enlists the aid of their mutual friend and benefactor, Colonel al-Asi. Through his interaction with al-Asi, Ben learns more about Danielle’s grave situation as well as previously unknown information about his own father’s struggle to establish a place for Palestinians in the Middle East - a struggle which ended in his death.

The potential reader of Blood Diamonds is forewarned. A good, basic knowledge of the history of the Middle East and the current politico-economic situation of the area will contribute significantly to the enjoyment of this book. Failing that, a little side research may help. It is not too difficult to follow the main idea of the plot, but there are numerous side excursions and details that are a bit mind numbing unless one is well versed and has an interest in the area. The subtleties of the relationships between various characters is really defined by the understanding of how the different groups, factions, and countries have viewed and interacted with each other through many centuries.

Mr. Land is a master at creating many subplots and intrigues all of which are occurring simultaneously. This is a bit confusing at first until the interrelationships between the events become clearer. Again, familiarity with the history of the region can be very enlightening and helpful as the author presupposes his readers have this understanding. Action addicts should be in heaven, however, as the novel does not want for this ingredient.

Despite the emphasis on action and a multifaceted plot, Mr. Land continues to explore the mental makeup of his two main protagonists, Danielle and Ben. Beyond the obvious conflict of the Palestinian mind set versus that of an Israeli, Ben and Danielle demonstrate forces within their own personalities which drive them apart and yet, at the same time, pull them together. They are a thought provoking couple.

Perhaps the major flaw in the novel is excessive action and subplots. Osama bin Laden is even pulled into the fray. There is just too much going on in too many arenas to make a tight, cohesive whole, causing the basic premise of the plot to suffer. A lack of understanding of the place in which the story is set, especially the political situation, will put the reader somewhat at sea. The author offers very little background data, though, in truth, one would have to have been living under a rock not to have had some exposure to the area’s history in light of recent events.

--Andy Plonka