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Ruth Francisco
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Amsterdam 2012 (Amsterdam Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Ruth Francisco (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
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A young woman witnesses a murder in Amsterdam that touches off a Muslim rebellion and leads to the Great Eurabian War—World War III.During her summer break, Ann Aulis travels to Amsterdam with her boyfriend Peter to visit the Anne Frank Museum. They befriend a hip Dutch couple who invites them home for dinner. They spend the night, and the next morning discover their hosts have been murdered. Ann and Peter flee to London only to find the murders have touched off a Muslim rebellion in Holland that spreads to England. They flee to the US, where Peter is detained at Kennedy Airport, then taken away by FBI agents. Ann returns to her family in Los Angeles, horrified as she sees Muslim rebellions in Europe spread to civil war. With her lover in Guantanamo Bay Prison, Ann watches the United States slowly get dragged into the Eurabian war. As the Muslim world establishes a new caliphate, the United States falls into a major recession caused by high oil prices. Then a major flu epidemic. The only thing keeping Ann sane is her deep attachment to Anne Frank, and her love for Peter. Finally, Ann throws off her passivity, and decides to act.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Amsterdam Series
  2. Print length
    210 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    January 16, 2010
  6. File size
    552 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0034KYZWW
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 552 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 105 ratings

About the author

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Ruth Francisco

Ruth Francisco

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I tend to write novels that are a little controversial. I don't intend to, but a question grabs hold of my mind--Do we have a right to say no to medical technology? What would it be like to be Jackie Kennedy? What might happen if you found out you were adopted as an adult? What would it be like to live with grizzly bears? Where is Islamic extremism taking us?--and it won't let go. I have to explore it, I have to write about it.

Since my interests are varied, my books are varied, perhaps too much so. But whatever the theme, I always explore identity, trying to reconcile the physical and non-physical worlds. My characters respond sensually to the world as I do, they question and doubt. It would be easier to be a different kind of writer maybe. I hope you get something out of my little efforts.

I worked in the film industry for 15 years before selling my first novel “Confessions of a Deathmaiden” to Warner Books in 2003, followed by “Good Morning, Darkness,” which was selected by Publishers’ Weekly as one of the ten best mysteries of 2004, and “The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.” I now have eight novels, including the best-seller “Amsterdam 2012,” published as an ebook. Whenever I have a chance, I write a short story that gets published in "The Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine." I currently live in Florida.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
105 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Penny M
5.0 out of 5 stars 2012 - Just the beginning!
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2010
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This novel is frightening, poignant, intelligent, and disturbing. I couldn't possibly be more impressed. The first thing I should say is this: the author had many opportunities for this story to become tedious and boring with too many facts; after all, she has 'built' a world war (based on realistic ideas that are plaguing the world as we sit at our computers right now). But this story never became tedious or boring. I found myself marveling at the brilliance of this writer to give so much detail and still keep it interesting and moving forward. There was a major risk of alienating readers with the continuing build up of what was going on around the world with the Islamist movement, but it just built up more suspense and dread as the story moved along.

It is written in the first person - a challenge on its own, especially in such a detailed and driven story. The main character is engaging and human and it is impossible not to root for her at every stage. Something that I truly appreciated throughout the story was the connection between the main character and Ann Frank. At first I thought Francisco would have a difficult time making a clear and useful connection with Ann Frank, but my concern was proven wrong. This connection was deeply important and gives much meaning to the story. It is another world war, and the main character is very human, lonely (even though she is always surrounded by people), driven to care about others and her family, and the main character is somewhat naïve, just as Frank would have been, considering her age.

I found several quotes from the novel to be compelling: "I wonder why it is no one ever seems to learn lessons from history, particularly from war" (Francisco). Another important quote is: "War restricts choice. Restricted choice makes love fiercer, more precious. War makes love worth dying for, love makes it possible to fight" (Francisco). These two quotes show a truly profound understanding of the meanings behind this story. A third quote states: "Someday we will tremble in horror at the tens of thousands of innocent Muslims who have been killed. Now it only feels necessary and inevitable." When we consider what is taking place around the world in regard to Muslim thoughts and how Christians (and other religions) feel about Muslim thoughts, it is a chilling realization that one day we will look back and wonder how we could have considered certain actions to be 'okay' and even necessary, in the name of security... just like there are many Germans who wonder how they could have given approval to the Holocaust at the time, and how people during all wars justified the inevitable devastation all in the name of their beliefs - even though they were justifying the deaths of innocents. In sum, this novel makes you think about what we are willing to say 'okay' to... this novel will leave the reader chilled and deeply embroiled in self-contemplation regarding what we are willing to do and approve of for our beliefs.

I eagerly await the next novel by this clearly gifted writer!!!
4 people found this helpful
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Serene Night
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2010
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Amsterdam 2012 is a story of a dystopian future (Similar to the 1980's TV series Amerika), only this time the invaders aren't communists but Muslim extremists. The heroine, Ann, is a generic college girl visiting Amsterdam when she and her boyfriend Peter, stumble across a violent murder commited by Islamic terrorists. They flee the country just before violence erupts in Europe. I found the story to be exciting and engaging, even if times I found Ann and Peter annoying as protagonists.

First, Ann at times got under my skin. I never felt like she had much personality. I felt she was whiney, often complaining about her lack of privilege and moping around her house worrying about Peter. This woman is an adult, and yet it seemed like her parents baby her. During a time of serious crisis Ann gets resentful because she misses the college scene and the accompanying partying. She also spends far too much time pining for Peter. Doesn't she have other friends or boyfriends? Also she and her teen brother come to physical blows over something Alex said which just was odd.

Peter himself was a bit of a cipher. Portrayed as sort of disinterested and boring during their Amsterdam trip, (for reasons which are later revealed), I never felt any concern for him or could quite see what Ann could see in him. Ann's constant comparison of herself to Anne Frank also seemed a bit... Insensitive, as Ann never has it half as bad as Frank did.

There are some typos and stuff which could've been edited out. For instance there is a time when the author juxtaposes' her brother Alex's name for Peter's and it comes out weird, especially since it is a scene where Peter is kissing her fingertips but it is written like Alex did it.

Even with this criticism, I enjoyed Amsterdam 2012. This was an exciting read, and I look forward to the sequel.
4 people found this helpful
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Jessie Potts
5.0 out of 5 stars .......
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2010
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Ok so before I write down what I think about the story I need to give out some warnings. Yup big fat warning labels for this book so pay attention!

1. This is about Muslims and Christians, about Islam and America and is not always 'politically correct'

2. This is about a war, slang, profanity,anti-semitic and anti Allah do exist in this book, but I think it's a fair for both sides

3. You will be disturbed by the chain of events leading up to the war and the current position of the world, there's no way around it

Now if you don't mind a very edgy book, this is amazing. The lead character Ann finds herself alternating between discovering the sensual appeal of Masques and the cruelty of the radical jihadist. It is scary, I found myself often nodding and realizing that everything that happened in book could happen here, in real life. The author researched tirelessly and was very well read and descriptive on the different Muslim cultures, ways and segregation. Ann is at the wrong place at the wrong time, she witnesses the shot that started the next great world war. From there she watches almost like an obsessive zombie (yes I know that's an oxymoron) as Europe collapses, America's downfall is much more seductive and under the radar.

The end of the novel also had me at last happy with Ann's character, but then again, she grew up during this war. I was amazed at who everyone turned out to be, who died, and what was being done about it. The end doesn't give you a happily ever after, merely the slight hope that all could be well, all might be well, all will be well.
44 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars I'm ambivalent on the one
Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2013
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The overall concept of the book is good - racial tensions in Europe ignite a 'Eurarbian' war in which millions perish. What's implausible is how the central character, Ann, is involved in the first shots of this war, immediately escapes to London only to be directly involved in a second major event, very little of which is written about or explained.

I was confused as to whether Ann was sympathetic to Islam or not given her wild swings in thought. I suppose she herself wasn't sure what to think. In fairness I think the author was trying to present two opposing views although they didn't flow very well in the book.

The part I found the most unbelievable is that a lot, if not most, of the Muslims in Europe and the US are covert terrorists waiting for that one phone call/ text message / verbal password, to erupt in violence. It seemed as though every Muslim in a European army immediately switched sides and started fighting the Christians. In other words, there's no such thing as a moderate Muslim.

The book overreaches itself when a plague breaks out, abruptly changing the tempo of the narrative. Perhaps that part could have been dropped in favour of better character development and more in depth descriptions of events.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars nightmare
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2014
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a great read, a bit far fetched some might say, well read it and see or read it and weep, this very well could be the world in 100 years............
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Yggdras
5.0 out of 5 stars darf dieses Buch ins Deutsche übersetzt werden ?.....
Reviewed in Germany on August 4, 2012
Verified Purchase
Amsterdam 2012 beschreibt eine mögliche Zukunft, die sich in Ihrer Vehemenz, Brutalität und tendenziellen Mittelalterlichkeit kein Mensch, der mehr als ein paar funktionierende Gehirnzellen hat, wünschen kann. Es geht um das immer gegenwärtige Aufeinanderprallen der Weltreligionen, um Toleranz und Intoleranz um Liberalismus und Diktatur. Die amerikanische Autorin wirft gelegentlich mit Vergleichen aus der Nazi Diktatur um sich und manches wirkt dann konstruiert. Die Story arbeitet sich am aktuellen Zeitgeschehen vorwärts um später eine mögliche Eskalation bis zum Einsatz von Nuklearwaffen zu schildern. Diese Szenarien sind nicht neu, und der gewiefte Rechercheur wird für alle angesprochenen fundamentalistischen Ereignisse seine Quellen oder Ansätze in der gegenwärtigen Welt finden. Die geschilderte Ereigniskette, raubt einem beim Lesen den Atem, wenn man in der Lage ist, sich auf das Buch einzulassen. Es mag jedoch sein, daß die religiösen Gefühle einiger Leser verletzt werden. In englischen Rezensionen sind alle Richtungen vertreten, die einen sprechen von Propaganda, die anderen hoffen auf andere Zeiten.

Darf dieses Buch ins Deutsche übersetzt werden ? Oder findet sich kein Verlag, auf Grund der zu erwartenden Proteste ? Pressefreiheit ? Mut ? Demokratie ? Religionsfreiheit ? Alles Themen, die in diesem Buch behandelt werden....
One person found this helpful
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Emma Baxter
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2013
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Scary due to the possibility of it coming true! Couldn't put it down. A very enjoyable thought provoking read. Highly recommended.
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ESW
5.0 out of 5 stars What a book! Read it now... a glimpse into our future
Reviewed in Germany on September 24, 2012
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Die Geschichte klingt super spannend. Ich will dieses Buch unbedingt lesen, habe aber kein Kindle. Was kann man tun? Kann jemand helfen? Gibt es eine gebundene Ausgabe?

OK, I have now bought a Kindle and read the book. And what a book it is! This is truly a glimpse into our future. And it is not a pretty one. I have been saying the same as Ann and her brother for years, the only exception being that I turned into the "new" Ann years ago already. I knew what was in store, and I acted upon this knowledge.

This book is a wake-up call. Much of the story has already taken place, other parts will certainly come into being. Read Amsterdam 2012 NOW. Wake up NOW. And save your country and your way of life NOW.
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