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Storytelling and Research
The Nalanda Manuscript follows a former paratrooper who gets pulled into a high-stakes quest to recover a long-lost Nalanda manuscript that mysteriously surfaced in Mali. What first drew you to Nalanda and Timbuktu as the historical anchors of this story?
I was drawn to Timbuktu when I read a National Geographic article about its libraries in 2011. A few months later, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb invaded Timbuktu. During the pandemic, I read a book by Joshua Hamer — The Badass Librarians of Timbuktu (don’t miss it) — about how one librarian rescued 400,000 manuscripts from destruction. I just had to find a story around that incident. Then I thought: hey, didn’t India have its own ancient library at Nalanda. I researched Nalanda, its intelligentsia and far-reaching influence on astronomy, mathematics, poetry and philosophy. And the best part, several internet articles about long-lost libraries failed to mention Nalanda. As an Indian, I felt duty-bound to do my part to make Nalanda known. When I read about how Nalanda was destroyed by invaders, it gave me my ‘what if’ scenario. The link between the two was easy — the Muslim empires that sprawled across the Indian subcontinent to the west of Africa.
Qānūn ad-Dam feels frighteningly plausible. How did you approach creating an antagonist that feels real rather than sensational?
The terrorist founder of Qānūn ad-Dam is based on real Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb leaders and police who were active in Algeria and Timbuktu. He went through several reincarnations during my drafts, to turn out the way he did.
The novel blends real historical events with high-stakes action. How did you balance research with storytelling momentum?
Now that you mention it, yes, this is a book with a sweet-spot between the storytelling and research. It took three complete re-writes to get the book out. I’m sure that perseverance and frustration helped forge what you observed. I’m glad it turned out to be enjoyable.
Do you see more stories for Izak Kaurben?
Yes, there are more stories, which will see Izak uncover links between Indian history and contemporary events.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
For 800 years, the grand monastic complex at Nalanda (in present-day Bihar in India) was the epicentre of knowledge and wisdom in the ancient world.
In 1193 AD, a Turkic warlord destroyed it. Legend says its three great libraries burned for months!
Half a world away, Europe’s colonial powers race to locate the fabled city of gold and knowledge, Timbuktu. By the time a European arrived in Timbuktu in 1826, the Moroccan sultan had plundered the city… but Timbuktiens hid, buried or scattered their private manuscript collections among nomadic tribes for safekeeping.
NOW
Timbuktien antiquarian Abdel Haidara is on a mission to recover Timbuktu’s lost manuscripts. Deep in the Sahara, one manuscript carries a tantalising provenance: the seal of Nalanda.
Under the auspices of the National Archives of India, the Chancellor of the New Nalanda University and ex-paratrooper Izak Kaurben head to Timbuktu to repatriate the manuscript.
Before the expedition can achieve its objective, terror group Qānūn ad-Dam — The Law of Blood — kidnaps the chancellor and Abdel, and leaves Izak for dead.
Qānūn ad-Dam demands a ransom for its prisoners, but the price for Abdel’s release — the destruction of every Timbuktien manuscript — is something the Malian government will never concede to.
If Abdel is executed, the Nalanda Manuscript will be lost forever, because only he knows where to find its nomad caretaker in the desolate expanse of the Sahara.
With the clock ticking, an injured Izak and a ragtag team of Timbuktiens must find the Qānūn ad-Dam lair and rescue Abdel before it is too late.
The Nalanda Manuscript
The Nalanda Manuscript is a globe-trotting thriller that opens with fire, ash, and heartbreak in ancient Nalanda before dropping readers straight into modern-day mountain roads, secret missions, and a hunt for a manuscript that shouldn’t exist. In simple terms, the story follows Izak Kaurben, a former special forces officer who gets pulled into a high-stakes quest to recover a long-lost Nalanda manuscript that mysteriously surfaced in Mali. What starts as a historical curiosity becomes a dangerous cross-continental chase, blending real history with tense action and emotional undercurrents. It’s fast, cinematic, and surprisingly reflective underneath all the movement.
The writing moves with a restless energy. Chapters slide quickly from quiet conversations over tea to gunfire in the desert. I liked how grounded some moments felt, especially the scenes in Himachal Pradesh where Izak reconnects with people who know him beyond the soldier he used to be. The book makes space for these pauses, and they kept me invested because they showed why Izak says yes to things he could easily walk away from. Not every choice the author makes is subtle, but that’s part of the charm. The story wants to entertain first, teach you something second, and only then make you sit with the weight of its ideas.
I also found myself thinking about how much the book respects history while still letting itself play. The sections about Nalanda’s library and Timbuktu’s manuscripts felt lovingly researched, and they made me care about the artifact at the center of all this. There’s a clear admiration for the people who protect cultural heritage, the kind of admiration that gives the plot extra heat. The explanations sometimes leaned toward compact info-bursts, but they were interesting enough that I didn’t mind. The mix of action and scholarship shouldn’t work as well as it does, yet somehow it clicks.
I’d say this book is perfect for readers who love adventure thrillers with a historical core, the kind who appreciate both chase scenes and quiet human moments. If you enjoy stories that move quickly but still want to feel something real beneath the momentum, this one will land well. And if you’ve got a soft spot for lost knowledge, ancient libraries, or the idea that one manuscript can hold a world together, you’ll enjoy it even more.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0G3C2BK79
Treasure-Laden Expedition
The Lost Expedition follows a former Indian paratrooper who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Being an Indian thriller novelist, I felt obliged to have an Indian protagonist in one of my thriller series. I wanted history and global locations. The series had to be educative, too, and preferably, have a link to India. And of course, the protagonist had to handle dangerous situations. Thus was born “Izak Kaurben.” Izak is a play on Isaac, and Kaurben is arguably an Indian-sounding name. Izak Kaurben is an elite paratrooper who, after a bitter experience in a mission (described in the series’ first book, RELIC) wanders the world. Croatia caught my eye as a good kick-off point for the series. So, Kaurben arrives in Croatia, hoping for a peaceful Eastern Europe backpacking experience, and instead, gets embroiled in trouble. THE LOST EXPEDITION follows closely after the events of RELIC. It is nearly a Part II because it closes plot lines opened in RELIC. However, readers have sufficient background to get into the story without reading RELIC. That being said, it’s a more enjoyable read in order.
The Malian Empire and Mansa Musa (the richest man ever) have been on my mind for years. The idea of a fabulous treasure-laden expedition across the Atlantic and the hunt for that treasure is a hook that never gets old. Linking it to Croatia and other key elements — like the ship graveyard in Nouadhibou and slave trade — was the hard part. But, if your review is any sign, I believe I’ve created a plausible and exciting scenario. 🙂
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
If you notice, each “part” of the story begins with a Cast of Characters. I felt it a good way to ease them into the picture without overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed writing Chief Inspector Goran. In RELIC, he is a no-nonsense ‘top cop.’ Here, I had fun ripping away his ‘work ethic’ yet keeping him honorable. Writing the Senegalese characters was challenging, because of the non-linear plot structure — it switches between present-day and flashbacks often — and determining the optimal way to plug them into the events of RELIC.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I avoid unnecessary action. If my characters can flee instead of engaging, they will do that. Even in an action sequence, I do not labour with distance measurements, specifications of guns and bullets, and physics and chemistry. It has to be quick, like you — the reader — is watching it. This, keeps it light and fluffy, like a good pancake. 🙂
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
I’m on a book-a-year process. The next book comes out in 2025. Without revealing too much, Izak Kaurben will come face to face with a ghost from his past. And there’s a dollop of history, too.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | The Lost Expedition-Behind the Scenes | Amazon
“I need your help,” Goran says, as he unpacks a stash of weapons… “To commit a crime.”
Before Kaurben can stop him, Goran puts his plan into action: ambush a prisoner transport van and free a Senegalese gangster.
The Senegalese can help locate an old Russian fishing vessel. Aboard this ship is evidence that Goran seeks — at any cost — to solve a case that is deeply personal to him.
From Croatia to the world’s largest ship graveyard in Mauritania, to the Archivo General de Indias — the greatest repository of the Spanish Empire’s history in the New World, to the Caribbean Islands, Izak Kaurben is in a race against time and unknown adversaries…
Because the ship has another secret — one that will rewrite history and point the way to a fabled treasure horde.
The Lost Expedition (Book #2 in the Indian Hero series)
The Lost Expedition by Douglas Misquita is a whirlwind of adventure and high-stakes intrigue that spans continents and timelines. It follows former Indian paratrooper Izak Kaurben, who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. It’s a breathless chase from Europe to Africa, laced with international espionage, historical mysteries, and ruthless antagonists. Misquita doesn’t just stop at thrilling action sequences; he weaves a layered narrative about sacrifice, betrayal, and what drives people to become heroes or villains.
From the get-go, the writing draws you in with its cinematic quality. I found myself completely transported to the blistering heat of the Sahara or the tense standoffs on Abhita, a fishing trawler with secrets. Misquita’s prose bursts with energy, and he has a knack for setting the scene with visceral detail. For instance, the opening description of the Saharan caravan felt like stepping into a vivid, sun-soaked mirage. Sometimes the attention to description comes at the expense of pacing. The book has moments where the thrill pauses to indulge in world-building, which can either be a welcome immersion or a slight drag, depending on your taste. What stands out in The Lost Expedition is its unpredictable character dynamics. Izak Kaurben is a compelling protagonist, tough but haunted by a past he’s not keen on revisiting. The uneasy alliance he forms with Chief Inspector Josip Goran is electric, especially in scenes where their moral codes clash. These intense, morally gray partnerships are the soul of the story, though at times, I felt the secondary characters, like Yamba Bagayogo, fell into predictable tropes and could’ve used a bit more depth. The plot’s ambitious scope ties back to real and fictional history, which is impressive but occasionally overwhelming. Misquita throws in references to the Malian Empire, Soviet psychotronic experiments, and Croatian war crimes. These threads are fascinating, especially when they intersect with modern-day geopolitical games. But they also make the book dense, and I found myself wishing for a bit of breathing space to fully appreciate each plotline. A particular highlight was the scene in Nouadhibou, where the characters navigate the world’s largest ship graveyard. The atmosphere drips with tension, the rusted ships looming like ghosts of past crimes. It’s moments like these that demonstrate Misquita’s strength in blending action with a sense of history and place.
The Lost Expedition is a thrilling ride, but not without its bumps. It’s perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding action with a global scale and a historical twist. If you’re a fan of Matthew Reilly or Clive Cussler, you’ll probably devour this book. Misquita has crafted a fast-paced narrative brimming with vivid settings, complex characters, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Just be prepared to strap in and keep up this isn’t a story that waits around for anyone.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DFHW4V3Q
I Wanted To Bring Out The ‘Lion’
Lion – Most Wanted follows Aslan as he breaks a high-value target out of a Russian supermax prison and becomes the most wanted man in the Middle East. What were some sources of inspiration that informed the development of this novel?
1) My visit to Budapest, Hungary
2) A sex-trafficking ring operating in England
3) The Bosnian war
4) The theory that the Syrian civil war is over oil/ gas pipelines
5) The British hacktivist who become a social media consultant/ hacker for the Islamic State
6) The film, Eye in the Sky
What were some obstacles you felt were important to developing Aslan’s character in this book?
I wanted to drive home the point that, all Aslan wants, is to get out of his circumstances. I needed a clever way to really let him be left alone which needed the ancillary characters’ motivations to be equally developed.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scene where Aslan escapes from the Hungarian gang. It is brutal because I wanted to bring out the ‘lion’ , no holds barred.
What can readers expect in book three of The Escape Series?
For now, I haven’t considered a trilogy for The Escape Series. This is primarily because I want to move to a new series (of which 4 books are in development). But one can never tell: I might bring Aslan back. Everybody loves stories in which trouble finds the hero who has given up a dark past 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
Lion – Most Wanted
Having made the decision to turn his back on freedom and conduct a daring jailbreak from a Russian prison, Aslan Terzi is now the most wanted man in the world. Hunted by agencies and mercenaries, with little to no allies, he must rely on all his skills if he is to come away with his life. Driven by their own motives, his enemies will not rest until he is dead and buried. But the one thing Aslan knows how to do is fight and his enemies will soon learn why he has been given the title, The Lion.
Lion: Most Wanted by Douglas Misquita is the second book in the authors thrilling Escape series. It follows up on the events of the first book and continues the story of Aslan Terzi, who is now on the run. I really enjoyed this book. It was a rollercoaster of an adventure that is filled with high octane thrills and intense action. I enjoyed it so much that I could not put the book down and finished it fairly quickly.
The plot of the story was easy to follow and fairly straightforward, but the magic happens in the adrenaline fueled way the author delivers all of it. The language is descriptive and visceral and really moved the story along at a nice pace.
Although layered with subplots and a multitude of characters, it wasn’t difficult to follow. Each character was essential to the narrative and I felt I really understood each of their motives and agendas. While this is the second book in a series I think you can still read this book as a standalone novel without feeling lost. This is due to the great writing which catches the reader up where necessary, but also due to the fact that this is easily a self contained action adventure novel.
Lion: Most Wanted is a slick and explosive action-thriller that is wildly entertaining and fun to read.
Pages: 221 | ASIN: B09ZJCG8CZ
Our Decisions Define Us
Trigger Point follows Luc as he must stop a terrorist plot while navigating a political and religious web of corruption as a deadly team is hunting him. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
I was intrigued by “The Islamist: Why I joined Radical Islam in Britain, What I Saw Inside and Why I Left” by Ed Hussain, “Radical Islam: Past, Present, and Future: What Moderate Muslims Will Not Tell you” by Anita & Vann Boseman, “God’s Wolf: The Life of the Most Notorious of All Crusaders: Reynald de Chatillon” by Jeffrey Lee, “A Common Word Between Us and You” by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, Kingdom of Jordan. There was also “The Entity: Five Centuries of Secret Vatican Espionage” by Eric Frattini. At the time of writing, the book was prohibitively priced to the extent I asked myself, ‘Who does not want us to read this?’. All-in-all, I wanted to challenge the stereotype of a terrorist and show that everybody has a propensity for violence if not checked.
Luc Fortesque is a consistently entertaining character. What were some character motivations that you felt were important to developing him throughout the novel?
In the first book of the series, The Apocalypse Trigger, Luc is the bad guy. Readers will hate him. By the time I wrote The Immortality Trigger, he seemed like the guy I wanted to return. So I set him on this path of redemption. He’d done some pretty nasty stuff and has always attributed his life-choices to external stimuli. But at the end of the day, our decisions define us, and who we become. That became the theme and we see it resolve in Trigger Point. The bad guy finds his soul, his righteousness. Also melds with my belief that everybody is doing what they can to survive in this world.
Was there anything taken from real life and put into the story?
Plenty. All the locations, vehicles are factual. Raynald de Chattilon and Nur ad Din were sworn enemies during the crusades. The syncretism of Catholic and Maya beliefs is real as is the ritual and the construct of the typical Maya village. Zombie Deer Disease is real, as is the (questionable) research that I caught onto and used to great effect. The Swiss vaults described in the book exist and nobody knows the true extent of the wealth or secrets stored there. The Japanese Unit 731 existed and its research was co-opted by the US after WWII. The Chinese AI entity is based on fact – Western companies are indirectly providing the expertise much to the concern of their home nations. I’ve done my best to be non-offensive yet informative in my exposition of Catholism, Islam and religious trends.
This is the third book in your Luc Fortesque Adventure series. What can readers expect in book four?
Visitors to my website will observe I’m happy doing trilogies before moving on to something fresh. For now, there won’t be another Luc Fortesque book. I’ve got another hero coming up and yet another that I’m concluding in another series. Then I’m contemplating a wild prehistoric adventure. Who doesn’t ?
Author Links: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | GoodReads | Instagram
Trigger Point
![Trigger Point: A Luc Fortesque Adventure by [Douglas Misquita]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kqGkZFbKL.jpg)
The third Installation of the Luc Fortesque series, Trigger Point by Douglas Misquita is an action-packed thriller. The novel follows the journey of Luc, who has acquired secret knowledge about an impending terrorist conspiracy. Forces are sent to get hold of Luc, as his knowledge puts the Holy See under the criminal radar. A former agent Raymond Garrett is on a mission to expose the EI Fantasma, but the drug mafia also has some plans in store for Garrett. Now the question is, will they be able to pierce through the veneer of rampant internal corruption, barbarism, and history of betrayal? Or will they be defeated in the face of intense corruption within the government and religious bodies?
Douglas Misquita’s use of lucid language complements this intricately woven story. Trigger Point does an amazing job at keeping the reader glued to the pages from the beginning till the very end with action that is easy to follow and a story line that is deeply intriguing. Although the novel contains a plot that can easily stand on its own, you should definitely check out the previous two novels in the same series–The Apocalypse Trigger and The Immortality Trigger. Written in the same vein as the works of Dan Brown, this story aptly captures the nuanced deception running through various international, political and religious institutions.
This is an action thriller written for action thriller fans. It contains all the high points I wanted in a high stakes crime fiction novel, and one of the best character developments I’ve seen in a series in this genre. There are multiple twists throughout, leading to a tense reading experience. However, the incidents, while highly entertaining, are still grounded in reality, possibly due to the thoughtful descriptions and exposition throughout the novel. The author has brilliantly executed an array of ideas into a comprehensive whole, utilizing a unique writing flair that I’ve come to expect in Douglas Misquita’s novels.
Combine the intricate nature of Dan Brown novels, add the intensity and political web of Robert Ludlum’s Bourne series, with the world building of Michael Crichton and I think you’ll understand what Trigger Point has to offer readers. The characters in the novel are as intriguing as the storyline itself. Never for a moment, did I feel that these are not real-life human characters. They come alive with their virtues and vices combined, giving them a human touch. The author has put extra attention towards the development of each character, making them even more appealing to the readers.
The complex yet easy-flowing storyline, the rounded characters, and the infusion of action make Trigger Point an enthralling read that immerses readers in a tumultuous world full of adventure.
Pages: 417 | ASIN: B08S7Q8JSD
