A sex trafficking victim wreaks vengeance on the criminal gang who enslaved her.Born into poverty in the heart of Eastern Europe, Natalia Nicolaeva dreams of a better life. When she is offered a job abroad, however, the promise of the outside world is as terrifying as it is thrilling. After gathering the courage to leave her tiny village, it doesn’t take long before Natalia’s worst fears are … worst fears are confirmed. Kidnapped and forced into prostitution, Natalia must fight first for her honor and then for her life. Be warned, this story is gritty and raw, but guaranteed to keep your pulse pounding.
The first in a series of international thrillers, Russia Girl portrays Natalia’s transformation from innocent farm girl to lethal dispenser of vigilante justice. This is a novel about the pain in the hearts of those made to suffer, the power of family to heal, and ultimately the fortitude of one girl determined to survive.
Author Q&A with Kenneth Rosenberg
Q: This novel is an unusual take on the typical thriller genre. What was the inspiration for this story?
A: I saw a documentary about women from Eastern Europe who were lured abroad under false pretenses and sold into prostitution. The film told the stories of five women who had managed to escape captivity and survive to tell about it. My book was inspired by their stories of courage.
Q: Does that mean some of your novel is actually true?
A: The circumstances in the first half of the novel were based on actual events. I decided to take that story and turn it into a thriller, where the main character becomes a kick-ass vigilante, dispensing the ultimate justice. I felt so badly for those actual women, I guess you could say this is a revenge fantasy.
Q: This book is set in Istanbul and on a farm in the breakaway republic of Transnistria. Do you have any experience in these places? Have you been to them?
A: When I was working on the book, I traveled to Istanbul for research. I spent a week walking the streets and exploring the neighborhoods where it is set. Transnistria is more of a challenge, with complicated visa requirements, but I did spend time just across the border in Ukraine, which I felt was similar enough to give me a sense for the region.
Q: Who have you been most influenced by as a writer?
A: I’ve always loved a good international thriller. I guess this goes back to my childhood, when my friends and I loved all of the James Bond movies and couldn’t wait for the newest one to come out. Later, I came to be a big fan of the Bourne series. My books are probably closest in DNA to the Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. They both involve a strong female character who goes through hell but comes out fighting.
Q: Does this mean we can expect more from Natalia Nicolaeva?
A: Absolutely! I’ve already finished the second book. Vendetta Girl is set in St. Petersburg, Russia. The third book, Spy Girl, is set in London and is coming along nicely. I hope that Natalia has a long and illustrious career of fighting injustice all around the world.
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The plot was a bit far fetched to sustain a willing suspension of disbelief.
Had to keep reading til the end.
I loved it and couldn’t put it down till it was finished. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
A lesson in people aren’t usually how you see them. Strong female character who stops at nothing to get revengel
A female version of Charles Bronson in Death Wish – mess with my family and I will be out for revenge.
I Absolutely liked this book about a new female heroine who was a simple farm girl kidnapped into prostitution ring and escaping to have herself being shunned and her old life ruined and family shattered she found revenge and will continue to save the innocent. She becomes a true fighter and someone to fear. I just ordered the next 2 in series
Very different from what I usually but it was very engrossing
Really good story. Realistic, sex trafficking and how much it goes on. From the standpoint of a girl who lived it. I can’t imagine the terror. Strong female character-courage, guts and strength.
I really enjoyed the book. It was fast paced a real page turner I couldn’t put it down.
THE RUSSIAN GIRL WAS VERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER THRILLERS I HAVE READ. VERY GOOD.
exciting look at the very problem of sexual trafficking. Well worth reading! Very well written.
Well written, immersive.
quick read, does well describing the unfortunate world of human trafficking. Characters are likable.
Very good view of the area and history.
Boring, flat, hard for me to develop any connection with the story. May have been my lack of understanding of the area.
Captivating!
Very lighthearted
Page-turner!
Good story
Compelling plot and sympathetic characters.