I only knew what an "oligarch" is because of my political science degree. For folks who do not know, here's the definition:

oligarch
noun ol·i·garch \?ä-l?-?gärk, ??-\
: a person who belongs to a small group of people who govern or control a country, business, etc.
Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

I remember learning about the different types of government in college and one of the students in class asked, "Where might one find an example of an oligarch?" The professor replied, "Eastern Europe, pretty much." So, now you know.

Rise of an Oligarch is basically The Godfather set in Europe with a Jewish protagonist. The book starts with an assassination attempt on Mikhail Vorotavich, the boss of his crime syndicate, I mean, business group. The story is told in a series of flashbacks to Mikhail's childhood and then the current investigation by his associates into the situation with the shooter. Mikhail grew up poor with no connections Through various illegal schemes and associations, he clawed his way to the top. Along the way, he makes a ton of enemies, any one of which could be responsible for the bullet in his skull.

I loved the childhood flashbacks. It reminded me of the film, The Godfather Part II which was my favorite of that trilogy: "I learned that the best way to fight violence was with violence. Eye for an eye beats turning the other cheek every time. Bullies bully easy targets, not those who fight back. Never again was I impressed by physical superiority after that." pg 18, ebook

Mikhail's childhood and knowledge of what it is to have nothing drives him to become one of the richest men in the world: "Poverty became our reality. No more ice cream, cinema or toys. My mother's answer to anything I asked was, "We don't have money for that, Mishenka," as she tried to suppress her tears. The colour of my childhood turned grey- the grey buildings, the grey filthy snow after the first day it falls, and the grey, sullen face of my mother." pgs 24-25 ebook

He also develops his philosophy for life: "I learned many lessons during my high-school days: the value of friendship, never snitching on your friends, the state is the enemy and manipulating it is a virtue not a sin, and if something is prohibited it means you just need to pay to make it allowed. But most importantly, and never forget it, the key to survival is to fly below the radar, unnoticed. Once noticed, you're doomed." pg 36 ebook

As much as I enjoyed the scheming and unique ways in which Mikhail bent the law, I gave Rise of an Oligarch only three stars because of the occasional (not constant) vulgarity which wasn't necessary, because it became repetitive when the story focused on Mikhail's actions rather than the relationships with his partners (which were discussed briefly but honestly felt tacked on to me rather than incorporated into the story), and because there wasn't a single, strong female protagonist in the whole thing. There were opportunities for a female character (Mikhail's mother, his wife, Masha) but the authors chose not to develop them.

Mikhail sees himself as the "best" of the bad men: "Many oligarchs hated the state. Their families lived in Monaco or Sardinia, their children were educated in London and their wealth was stashed in Switzerland. Ukraine was used only as a place where you make money and squeeze it of its last drop of juice... Was this line of thought a kind of self-loathing? Definitely. I hoped I was a bit different though." pg 260 ebook. Which struck me as the kind of mental gymnastics that everyone goes through- we never see ourselves as the problem. Maybe that's the problem?

If you enjoyed Rise of an Oligarch, you may want to pick up Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich or Amish Confidential by "Lebanon" Levi Stoltzfus. A big thank you to the authors of this book for a free digital copy for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.contemporary fiction reviewed-by-request36 s Dianne6,791 588

Oligarch: a politically powerful group or person, involving great wealth, wielding great influence and power.

Mikhail was a poor Jewish boy in the communist USSR. He vowed that one day he hold the power so ruthlessly hung over his head. With the demise of the USSR, he grew to become a corrupt and extremely wealthy power in the new Ukraine, a land where money bought alliances from the highest bidders, drugs, arms dealing and money laundering were rampant. At the top of the heap stood Mikhail, but it is a dangerous world, and the top dog was always a target for takeover and death. Would becoming a legitimate businessman change that or would it increase his vulnerability to attack?

An unknown assassin’s bullet nearly ended Mikhail’s dreams, and has left him in a coma, his loyal partners on the hunt to find and destroy the perpetrator uncover a vicious conspiracy against Mikhail, one that must be stopped at any cost as they continue to believe he will awaken and take the reins back for his empire.

Follow Misha’s life from the past to the present and back again as the dark path he followed to the hospital bed he now lies in unfolds in all of its sometimes gruesome, sometimes light-hearted but always intense glory. Have past sins come back to haunt him and deal the death blow of revenge? His story is not a pretty one, but he is not the monster that many fear. Join the trip through a struggling young country as it attempts to embrace democracy in a dark and twisted way. Ukraine’s story is Misha’s story. The question is, how will they both end?

Full of grit and a raw edginess, Rise of an Oligarch by Nik Krasno and Carlito Sofer details one man’s rise from poverty as it details his country’s birth and floundering existence where honor can be purchased, graft runs rampant and guns takeovers are part of the landscape. A fascinating piece of suspense in a world we know little about, prepare to be drawn in as the lines between good and evil are blurred to become the lesser of two evils. Powerful writing, sharp and bold, a definite page turner from start to finish!

I received this copy from Nik Krasno in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: September 30, 2014
Publisher: Neplokho Publishing
ISBN-13: 9780993082719
Genre: Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 348 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com


adult-fiction author-requested-review dark-edgy ...more9 s Beary Into Books806 58

Rating 4.5

I went into this book knowing nothing and I am so happy I did! many others, I did not even know what Oligarch meant but the author did a great job explaining. This book is easy to follow, it's fast paced, and has an interesting writing style that makes you keep reading till the end. I love the cover because once you see it you immediately want to know what this book is about. The red grabs your attention while the font of the title makes you stare even longer. I am so happy I finally read this book and I will be continuing the series. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to go out of their comfort zone and try something different. This book will take you on an action adventure!

7 s Martin Pierce20

This book pulled me in very quickly, and that's the kind of book I best. So often it takes the author pages and pages to lay out the story before very much finally starts to happen. Sofer and Krasno's book gets right to it, and with solid suspense from the get-go. As soon as the small circle gathers, we're on the edge of our seats as we wait to see what's going to happen, having already seen that Mikhail, the protagonist, is in a coma. As the story weaves, we are taken on a journey of the rise to power.

I love characters who are complex, and Mikhail is exactly that. He has enough good in him, as we see in how he takes care of his family, but without that we would have an oligarch so many we read about in the news, and we would simply hate him. Complexity such as that in Mikhail forces a contradiction of feelings in us, and the reason I that is that everybody is complex in real life. Everybody is seeking happiness, or what they think is happiness. Everybody feels some good toward at least some of those in their lives. And everybody is cynical where they have been burned. And Mikhail has plenty of reason to feel burned in life. For me, it's just too bad so many make the choices of an oligarch.

All of that shows just how well written this book is. Add to it, though, that there is a rich historical background behind this story, and you have all the makings of a great book. I'm looking forward to getting to the next one, written solely by Nik Krasno. That will be when I know how well the series will continue. For now, though, I'm very happy with this first book. A fantastic first novel!6 s Karl WigginsAuthor 24 books315

First of all, the negatives; I hate the title and I hate the cover. I’ve come across this book a few times when trawling Amazon for something to read and, never having heard of an Oligarch and looking at the cover, which shows a devil-type guy reflected in a mirror, I simply assumed it was one of these vampire / beelzebub / lucifer kind of books, and not my choice at all, so I always moved on.

Having read the book, I get it, but I think a book of this calibre deserves a better thought-out cover.

What possessed me to purchase the book this time around, I’ve no idea, but I’m really glad that I did. It is brilliant!

An Oligarch is a Russian term for a rich businessman who uses his wealth to gain political power, and after reading the book I’m unsure whether the so-called Russian Mafia even exists, or ever did exist. Indeed, the Mafia, as we know it in the West, consists of crime families considered to be part of the Cosa Nostra, with each family claiming sovereignty over their territory, which could be a small village, or a neighbourhood, or a town or a city. The infamous Five Families of New York are the five major organized crime families of the Italian American Mafia in New York. Alliances can often be set up with other crime families – after much bloodshed – and the boss’s son will be expected to take over the family if the boss, the Godfather, is sick, killed, or imprisoned. Alternatively, Godmothers – Mafia wives, girlfriends, daughters etc. – may take over the family business when the head of the family is behind bars.

For the very first time, this book makes it absolutely clear that the Oligarch are not Russian Mafia. They are, however, completely ruthless, operating on a system of bribes to high officials in the Ukraine and ready to take extreme measures should anyone betray them or obstruct their business activities. There’s a part in the book where Misha attempts to move into America, only to discover that officials – high-ranking politicians etc. – are not as easy to bribe, and he finds this hard to comprehend because in the Ukraine that’s how business is done, and it’s habitual.

What we have here is a very readable history of Ukraine, seen through the life of Mikhail Vorotavich, known as Misha to his associates.

Putting in a tender to develop a new highway between Moscow and Minsk in Belarus is made all the easier when only three bidders contest the job, two of the companies are owned by Misha himself and the third is a company belonging to the President’s nephew. Three other bidders were ‘removed’ due to ‘technical reasons.’ It’s ‘arranged’ for one of Misha’s companies to win the $5.4 billion tender, although it’s ‘recommended’ that they take the President’s nephew’s company as a subcontractor, although they’ll take no part in the actual construction. Misha just has to pay him 15% ($800 million) just because his uncle is the President. Although Misha begrudges paying the inept nephew $800 million for doing absolutely nothing, the overall profit will be something $3.5 billion.

The figures, of course, are stupefying, and only serve to demonstrate that this is the big time. The Russian / Ukrainian Oligarch are indeed relentless and extremely brutal if that’s what it takes.

The overall question throughout the book, however, is who did shoot Mikhail Vorotavich?

And who is the Puppet Master?

Well, I’m not telling you. You’ll have to buy the book to find out, but I found this story to be a captivating read
5 s Al "Tank"370 55

Misha is a poor Jewish boy, born in Kiev, Ukraine just before the breakup of the Soviet Union. After having everything he owns taken from him by crooked officials as he emigrates to Israel, he learns to "play the game". Soon enough, he's rising in the ranks of the criminal element in Ukraine and moving into other countries. But he's not the only crook in the game and a "new kid on the block" isn't exactly welcome. And that's where all the "fun" starts. The story starts with Misha being rushed to a hospital in Israel, with a bullet in his head. We see his rise in flashbacks from Misha's viewpoint while he's in an induced coma. We also see what's going on around him as he lies between life and death in the hospital.

It's one of those stories that hooks you (me included) and won't let go.5 s Connie JordanAuthor 3 books8


Misha, was a young Jewish lad living in the Soviet Ukraine under Russian rule after his father was kidnapped from his home, in front of his family, taken away and eventually murdered by the KGB. This experience began to change Misha’s perception of the world as after his father was taken, they took his family home and he, his mother and sibling became one of the poor families of Kiev.

Taking place primarily in Kiev, Ukraine this story traverses the time period just before the fall of the communist USSR through the independence of Ukraine, when armed with his lessons learned in life, he manipulated the system and became an extremely wealthy man, still harboring deep feelings of resentment towards the KGB/USSR that had stolen the life of his father, when Misha was just a young kid, thereby his comfortable lifestyle, up to that time.

Misha moved through life with schemes to achieve the power and finances he felt were his due, he engaged in anything from selling drugs, to arms dealing, to real estate, to the unnecessary injections given to live stock to cure contrived diseases, anything that would bring in the cash.

Good writing skills, good character building. This was indeed, a Goodread
4 s J.M. JohnsonAuthor 6 books37

This is a well-written book, a crime and conspiracy thriller. Through the use of current day events interspersed with the back story it tells of the rise of a Ukrainian oligarch from humble roots into a position of power. The hero is really an anti-hero and as such is intriguing. We see the changes he undergoes as he struggles to rise out of poverty and we are witness to the levels of corruption undertaken to achieve that.

This is a novel that draws heavily on the authors’ expertise involving the political situations in Ukraine, Russia and Israel, among the global markets involved. For me, the back story is imbued with convincing realism due to the life experiences of the authors and I found it a fascinating journey into the lifestyles of people in the countries mentioned above and also into the machinations of the business world in which they work, manipulate, and die. There is no sparing the brutal realities of lives led to excess and the enemies created as a result.

I d this book very much and the tale told by two very capable and interesting authors is well worth it for the reader. The explosive ending is worth the wait and there is more to come. Recommended.4 s Joanna ElmAuthor 3 books152

I loved this story of the rags to riches rise of a poor Jewish boy from Kiev. As bad as he appears to be, he treats his mother and wife very well so in my eyes he's got a lot going for him. Initially, I ned it to a Harold Robbins tale, but it is actually more than that. Set mostly against the backdrop of factual events in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism, it appears to provide some answer as to how some of those real-life oligarchs got fabulously wealthy in countries where citizens lived (still live?) in grinding poverty. Good job.
If I have any criticism at all, it is the name the authors use for a fictional brokerage/investment bank, Oldman Sucks. I couldn't figure out whether it was in contempt for actual firm Goldman Sachs or whether it was merely a placeholder until they came up with a better name. If the former, then it's childish, and if the latter then someone didn't give the manuscript a final read-through. Either way, a jarring note in an otherwise rattling good read. 4 s Lior Paster2 2

Oligarch takes you in a tour de force that only few (who actually been there) can describe so vividly, through the point of view of a young ambitious boy turned man, growing up in one of the roughest and non-forgiving places on earth, to becomes a master of his own destiny. Risk does have its reward, and if one makes it through the enormous difficulties, there is no limit to success. But with success come enemies, jealousy, rivalry, and betrayal. Survival of the smartest, and sometime of the cruelest, is the law of the jungle in Kiev, and we get to see that from up close while we also witness history in the making as the iron curtain falls. And fear not... along the way, you enjoy some unimaginable pleasures with our young Oli, going out, getting high and getting laid.
All in all a great book, makes you want to jump on a plane to Kiev and experience some of those thrills yourself...4 s Alexa "Naps" Snow100

First book to explain with a good story about oligarchs, or more precise, About Russia- Ukraine back in the days when USSR was the only God. Good story, good writing. For a few hours I d an oligarch. 4 s Marjorie832 57

Given To Me For An Honest Review


Rise of an Oligarch: The Way It Is: Book One by Nik Krasno is the first in a series and is also a debut book. This book is a page turner. Once you open it, it will grab you, hold you down tightly and then you'll watch those pages turn and turn and turn some more until you get to the last page. You'll even find a few twists and turns. Make sure you have your seatbelt on because you will be on a great adventure. As you read this story, it will draw you in and you'll begin to feel as though you are a part of the story. It has great character development. You will find it hard to put down. Mikhail Vorotavick is very successful. He earned his wealth by drug trafficking, rackettering and scheming. There are enemies that want to kill him. His partners are trying to find out who they are but while they are doing that they discover a conspiracy theory that could possibly change the world order. If you d the Godfather, then you'll this book. I loved it. There wasn't really an end to it because Book 2 is coming .... so I others are waiting .. I highly recommend this book to everyone. You will love it and after reading it will be waiting just me for Book 2. I look for more from Nik Krasno.3 s T. K. Elliott (Tiffany)241 52

The story is told in two parallel threads: in one, Misha – the oligarch of the title – tells the story of his rise from poverty to wealth; in the other, Misha's family and employees deal with the aftermath of his attempted assassination.

Misha is an interesting protagonist. He learns early that corruption is the only way to get ahead, and this knowledge serves him well. However, even while he tells of his wheeling and dealing, and the effects this has on others, we still him. He's honest – with himself if not with his business opponents – and has a sense of humour. Even while he is trampling over the rights of the poor Ukrainian workers on his way to the top, we still root for him.

The authors also manage to convey an authentic eastern European feel, which is quite different to the same type of story with a western protagonist. The story is also interwoven with the politics of Ukraine and Russia, which is interesting to read about from the Ukrainian point of view.

All in all, a book I enjoyed very much, and I will be reading the next book in the series Mortal Showdown.reviewed thrillers3 s J.J. MainorAuthor 38 books9

Corruption at its finest!

Rise of the Oligarch gives us a fascinating look inside the shadowy rise of a Ukrainian business man. Mikael is by no means an honorable person, bribing officials to make his business opportunities, stealing state companies from the Ukrainian people, indulging in sex and drugs essentially treating women as disposable objects. He is revolting in just about every way, yet you can not put this book down and look away from him. His entire life is unabashedly un-American though we see someone who operates in much the same way many American businessmen operate except he is a lot more open and brazen about his unethical behavior.

Rise of an Oligarch gave me a lot to think about and I could honestly write pages on this book, in much the way Radio Hope made me think extensively on the political system laid out in that book. But end of the day, one needs to pick up this book and experience the political system for themself. 3 s Ana MeyerAuthor 3 books97

I loved this book! I am normally more drawn to female driven novels but I became really invested in Misha. This novel starts with a bang, literally, an assassination attempt on an important figure who at first remains a mystery. The story then takes us back and forth from the past to the present as we learn more about the victim of the assassination attempt and the attempts by his associates to find who was responsible. The technique of taking us back and forth from learning more about the victims past and where they are in the present helped me to attach to the main character as I learned more about him I was more vested in his fate. The book kept me interested and driven to find out who was responsible and if justice would be done. I am really looking forward to getting into the second book in the series. 3 s Kent BabinAuthor 2 books12

I really enjoyed the memoir-style flashbacks and differing POVs for the rest of the narrative. This is quite different from the other 2 books, where the story is told exclusively from Misha' POV.

The flashbacks, in particular, were engaging and well-written. The authors created a plausible backstory that seemed it was based on personal experience.

Having read the 3rd book in this series first, I realized just how much I missed about Misha's past. If you're getting into this series, read it in order. A lot of what happens in the 2nd and 3rd books will be more easily understood.

The narrative started to get a bit confusing once the flashbacks got closer to the present day. Sometimes it was hard to identify what was happening before Misha was shot and what was happening after.

Overall, a fascinating read and a great chronicle of post-Soviet Ukraine.
3 s John1 review

Rise of an Oligarch is a humoristic, violent and realistic novel about a guy who manoeuvred through the corruption of the falling USSR to become one of the richest in the world. He ends up with a bullet in his head and while investigating the failed assassination attempt, his partners discover a thrilling conspiracy led by former KGB agents. You have KGB, Israeli Mossad, Russians, drugs, and arm dealing in Africa – all the necessities of a good thriller. The story is probably based on real facts, although the authors, who probably don’t use their real names, claim it’s all fictional. This is an entertaining thriller and very pertinent to contemporary events in Ukraine. Oligarchs rule! 3 s E.P.Author 23 books112

"Rise of an Oligarch" is a detailed and action-packed thriller about the rise of Misha/Michael/Moshe, who goes from being a fatherless (his father is taken away by the KGB and never returns) Soviet Jew from Kiev, to one of the richest men not only in his native Ukraine, but in the world. We watch his ascent from bullying-victim-turned-seller-of-fake-exams in his Soviet school, to penniless pool boy in Israel, to multi-billionaire back in Kiev, now the capital of independent Ukraine. The action ends just as Ukraine is going up in flames over the Maidan protests.

This book is a great read for those interested in post-Soviet Ukraine, or anyone who wonders what the f**k is going on in Ukraine and why they have so many problems. It's also a sobering warning to Westerners who think that the only thing Ukraine needs to become a second Germany is to loosen its ties with Russia, and then its path to a Western-style capitalist democracy will be assured. Misha should be, to Western eyes, one of the "good guys": a successful self-made entrepreneur and a patriotic Ukrainian with a strong commitment to allying Ukraine with the West and the EU. But he's also a gangster with a long history of torture and murder of his competitors, who treats women as prostitutes and Westerners as rubes. A natural hustler raised in an environment where violence, corruption, and exploitation are the rule and a necessity for doing business, Misha couldn't go straight if he wanted to--but more importantly, he genuinely doesn't know how. He is appalled by some of the violence he becomes involved in, experiences occasional pangs of conscience over the swindles he pulls on his own compatriots, and occasionally flirts with becoming a "legitimate" businessman, but circumstances and his own mindset always pull him back into crime.

We spend a lot of the book viewing the action from Misha's first-person point of view, with occasional forays into third-person narrations of other characters. Following Misha's thoughts is enlightening, but he is not a very sympathetic character, particularly, I would guess, to Westerners, which can be a little off-putting. However, the insight into business practices in Ukraine is fascinating, if horrifying, and should probably be required reading for those who want to disregard the close ties between the East Slavic nations or who harbor rosy, idealistic dreams of Ukraine (or any other post-Soviet country) making a rapid transition to a Western-style nation. The action, particularly in the final third of the novel, moves swiftly, and the book breaks off just as everything is really starting to get crazy, both for Misha and for Ukraine, promising an even more exciting continuation of the series.2 s Whispering Stories2,930 2,609

This book is worth reading if only for the potted history of the Ukraine and its relationship with the rest of the world; particularly with Russia. It certainly provided background to the current turmoil in what I discovered was one Europe’s biggest providers of food, manufactured goods and arms.

Mikhail Vorotavich is a very bright young man who was determined to be successful but he did it the only way he knew possible which involved deceit, corruption and violence. Although Mikhail is clearly a criminal the authors told his story so convincingly that I found that I had sympathy for him, particularly when he attempted to “go legit”. I also enjoyed the way that he built his tight team of friends and colleagues.

Although this is a work of fiction there have been enough reports in the press to suggest that everything in this book probably happened somewhere at some time even if it was not all done by one person. I understand that Nik Krasno is a Ukranian born lawyer which adds weight to the complicated corporate schemes that Mikhail effects.

Although he thinks of himself as a man of the people, Mikhail’s ultimate victims are the ordinary people of Ukraine and Africa. The authors give us the impression that if Mikhail was not screwing them then someone else would which is depressing. The UK is not left out with Mikhail’s purchase of a London mansion and a UK football club, both with allegedly laundered money. Knowing the UK’s anti-money laundering laws I would hope that was not possible but this book leaves me wondering.

All this is delivered through a very well written and easy to read book which kept my attention throughout.

The rather long title suggests that this is the first of a series and indeed the sequel Mortal Showdown: The Way It Is, Oligarch Series written by Nik Krasno alone has already been published. I have not yet read that but I will do so shortly in the hope that it matches the original story. In the meantime I have no hesitation in awarding Rise of an Oligrach: The Way It Is: Book One five stars.

Reviewed by Clive at www.whisperingstories.com2 s Todd Simpson759 34

This is a great story had me hooked right from the beginning. Nik Krasno certainly knows how to write a great story. I enjoyed the very diverse characters, and the way the Author has taken us back to Misha’s younger years of growing up. Misha learnt from an early age that you have to meet violence with violence. He was bullied in school for being a Jew. Every day he got bullied by a pretty big kid, until Misha decided to punch him in the face. This put a stop to the bullying, and from then on all the other boys then left him alone. This was his first valuable lesson in life, and he would use this in business when he got older. His father was taken away by the KGB when he was quite young. They said he was a Zionist Spy, and he was sent away for 10 years to the correctional facility in Siberia. Unfortunately his father never made it out of there alive, so Misha and his family grew up very poor. His mum worked two jobs, and when his brother Sasha was old enough, he too went to work so Misha could stay in school. Having a photographic memory not only helped Misha with his studies, but he quickly learnt he could make a profit from helping other students with their test questions. After he completed school and University Misha’s brother Sasha helps him get a job with the Government Housing Authority, and so begins his real lesson in the accumulation of wealth. However becoming the Oligarch of the Ukraine, and being so rich and powerful he has become a target. Misha is shot in the head by an Assassin, and somehow he survives and ends up in a coma. Arthur assigns Andrei with investigating who is responsible, so they can seek their revenge. It might just turn out to be some very powerful men that want him dead, and they aren’t going to be happy that he is still alive. The Puppet Master might be just too powerful. There is a lot to about this book, and I would certainly recommend it as a very enjoyable read. 2 s Kayla Hutchinson103 1 follower

Wow, this book had everything you needed to be entranced and unable to stop reading until it’s finished.

Oligarchs, crime, money, crime, sex, crime, revenge, history, violence, lots and lots of money, and humor.

Oh, did I mention money and crime?

It starts with an attempted assassination (no, I’m not giving anything away, I promise), and you follow the characters as you are lead through all the points leading up to the moment.

You follow Mikhail through his life, piecing together how he became one of the richest men in the world. You follow his struggles, his achievements, and the way the government works (and doesn’t) before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

I want to put this right out there: I was never good at history. I didn’t having to memorize all the numbers and names of people long gone. Therefore, I cannot speak to the historical aspect of this book.

However, just because there are historical aspects, if you are me, do not pass this book up! Seriously.

The plot is just so realistic and raw, it’s almost as if you are witnessing this firsthand.

Mikhail (or as people call him Misha, or Michael) is a Jewish-Ukrainian, living in Kiev at where we see him at the beginning. He quickly learns that it isn’t playing by the rules that gets you anywhere in life, so he sets his goal to be the richest man in the world.

The reader is given pieces of his story, jumping between years and sometimes characters. Every once in awhile, the reader is brought back to the present day to check up on his status in a hospital bed in Tel Aviv. Through this, you are able to start understanding how his older self was put in the situation he found himself in.

This is certainly a page turner you don’t want to miss!

Book Two, anyone?2 s Elle3 1 follower

Four stars of David, in honor of Misha’s religious roots.



This isn’t my usual read, and I’m happy to say it rose above my expectations. Woven between present day chapters are long chunks of backstory centering around the main character (and oligarch) Misha. I’d caution readers of the ADHD persuasion that these sections are far more literary than the present-day chapters, and to avoid any urge to skim—it’s all important. While the backstory portions are long and intricate, they’re essential to understand the layers (of which there are several) of the organization Misha has built from the ground-up.

We see him struggle through various obstacles, triumph quite often, and collect a cast of employees who run from humorous to terrifying.

The villain (though some would argue villains are the only types of characters in this novel) was not who I expected, and I pride myself on leaping from point A to point Z rather quickly.

I did wish I had more information on Masha, the wife, because her character became immediately interesting me through a nurse in an opening scene calling her something akin to a Russian whore, and the contrast of how loving and sad she seemed in the hospital waiting room as her husband lay in a coma. Unfortunately I didn’t get much of an opportunity to get to know her better, but that’s my one criticism.

Those looking for a one-off read should be forewarned that the ending has a kind of cliffhanger.

Readers who enjoy complex crime novels and/or books deeply entrenched in mafia affairs shouldn’t miss out on Rise of an Oligarch.2 s PennieAuthor 60 books68

Mikhail Vorotavich is a successful entrepreneur from Ukraine. After an assassination attempt on his life leaves him in hospital, he moves to London, England - But he has many people whom still want him dead....
He made his riches by scheming, drug trafficking, and racketeering. As he tried to become legit, powerful and dangerous enemies are still in pursuit and they will stop at nothing to get to him.
As his partners try to discover who is behind his assassination attempt, they stumble on a conspiracy theory that could quite possibly change world order.

The relationship of characters move slowly which allows them to form real definition. With non-stop action throughout corrupt endeavors, the story-line provides gripping moments of intensity that packs a mean punch. The characters are multi-dimentional which supports detailed element to the plot which also illuminates emotional intelligence to 'Rise of an Oligarch:The Way it is". A well written debut to a string of installments in this series with an interesting mix of manipulating play for a really surprising agenda.
Looking forward to Book 2.2 s Ben MarinerAuthor 18 books82

Rise of an Oligarch read an Eastern European version of The Godfather. And I do mean that in a very complimentary way. It has all the gritty bleakness you’d expect from a story set in the Ukraine along with some brutal characters that would as soon cut your throat than shoot vodka with you. Some of Misha’s story was pretty business heavy, very detailed. But it’s to be expected since he’s detailing his climb to power, and, while things that would normally bore me to tears, this had me gripped. It was so fun to read about how Mikhail scammed just about everyone he came across on his way to becoming a billionaire and then eventually decided he was going to be a legit operator and climb to the top of the Forbes richest people in the world list.

This one really took me by surprise. I’m not usually one for books about crime or business, but Rise of an Oligarch definitely pulled me in and left me wanting so much more at the end. Can’t wait to read the next installment in the series.
2 s Viktoriia Lastovets106 42

I received this copy from Nik Krasno in exchange for my honest review.

It's unusual reading for me in view of the fact that I was born in the former USSR, in Ukraine, and have lived there for 33 years. So I am aware very well of the situation as well as of the everyday life in Ukraine at that time. Because of this I could not resist to compare my own opinion and my attitude about all the events.

Roughly speaking, the situation and the relationship between people are well described.
Perfectly written, evocative and emotional, this story is easy to read because of its unusual and sometimes humoristic style.
My overall impression of the books is positive. I really enjoyed it.

An excellent book that I would highly recommend for everyone who is interested in USSR and in Ukrainian history.

2016-on-goodreads about-ukraine everyday-life ...more2 s Mehreen AhmedAuthor 101 books230

Mehreen's review: PDF copy

This book is unputdownable. "I think therefore I am," has come to hit the oligarch in its full ironical potency. It is not just about existence but survival of an oligarch as he rises to power and tries to stay there. Legitimacy becomes an issue for long time survival in power and the plot beset with twists, suspense and intrigue has shown how the mighty might rise and all the foul play they need, to see them to the top. Therefore, he is, surely, the way he thinks.2 s Jennifer Shepard844 111

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book! it is a great story with good character build, suspense, historical facts mixed with a good fictitious1 Calzean2,663 1 follower

There were some interesting bits in the early part of Misha growing up in the Ukraine. But the book just got worse and worse. All men want pretty girls, drugs and alcohol. Ukrainian women are all beautiful and want men who want pretty girls, drugs and alcohol. The way Misha made his money was ridiculously simple. And then he was shot, declared brain dead and he woke up, started speaking and was ready to take on the world. Argh......author-israel1 A D1 review

If you want to learn about Ukraine, its politics and oligarchs, and have fun along the way, then this is the book for you. Influences of Quentin Tarantino, Irvine Welsh and the Godfather are felt as the story spans 40 years, covering communist Soviet Union, independent Ukraine, and up to modern times. A page turner that left me with a taste for more.1 Riley Amos WestbrookAuthor 9 books340

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