Book Review: "Priceless" by Tom Davis

Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered faith and hope after a chance encounter with an extraordinary African orphan. Now his photo work also carries a personal mission: To educate people on the devastating effects of AIDS around the world. But when Daniels receives his next assignment to Russia, he unwittingly finds himself a key player in rescuing young girls caught in the tragic sex-slave trade.

This book tackles a subject many people don't like talking about. It goes outside our comfort zone. We don't like hearing about things that will make us uncomfortable. However human trafficking and the sex slave trade is something that we really need to know more about. There are so many innocent people all over the world that disappear every day against their will into this horrible industry. It is disgusting how humans will do this to another human simply to make money. I honestly do not know how anyone can live with themselves by being a part of that.

Readers are reintroduced to Stuart Daniels who is a photojournalist know for taking edgy assignments. He is still affected from his trip to Africa when he takes on a new assignment going undercover to save girls from the sex slave trade in Russia. The book gives an underground view into the seedy side of Russia but it does this without being negative towards general Russian culture. What happens to do girls is told without going into too much graphic detail but be aware it is still not for the faint of heart. It's disgusting to even read or think about what is implied about what will happen to them. It's incredibly sad to know that girls age 13 or even younger are subject to this kind of treatment. The worst part happens when a religious figure uses his position and power to encourage the sex trade as his mind has been severely twisted.

The book is full of action and suspense. I could easily see this book being made into a movie or a TV show. It's a non stop roller coaster ride and you don't know the twists or turns of where the story will lead you. Stuart's adventures are nail biting and danger lurks around ever corner. As weird as it is to say this, even though the story is hard to read, it's a fun ride because the story is very well written.

Just like the first book in this series, Priceless is a book that everyone needs to read. Yes the subject matter can be difficult to read and it will push your comfort level, but this is a subject that needs more attention. It is appalling to think that while many of us live in peace and luxury while there are so many who have been unwittingly placed in this horrid situation with no way of getting out. As with the first book, I really wish that someone like Oprah would choose this for her book club so more people would be aware of it and the situation. Again, I challenge you to read this book and see if you are not affected by it. Davis has written another outstanding book and I am looking forward to seeing what he will affect me with next. HIGHLY recommended.

Priceless by Tom Davis is published by David C. Cook (2010)

This review copy was provided by the author