New Political Adventure Novel Explores Soviet-Afghan War

'Aksandar' Setting Is Pre-War Afghanistan; Links 1979 Soviet War to Current
Political Conditions

THE VILLAGES, Fla., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Experience an Afghanistan the
western world knows little about, a country on the brink of a turbulent
nine-year Soviet-Afghan War. Judith Montgomery's novel "Aksandar" (published
by AuthorHouse) sheds light on a historic conflict whose elements mirror
Afghanistan's current situation and gives color to the country's little-known
background.

It's 1979, six months before the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. The harsh
and unforgiving desert country is left to fend on its own against a Russian
regime, leaving it practically shattered. Cities and remote villages are being
ravaged by a Russian political machine in the first Marxist government
Afghanistan has ever seen, religious conservatives are assaulted, citizens are
arrested by the secret police and fear is rampant in the bazaars.

Charismatic Aziz Rashani has watched the country he loves struggle for freedom
from the domination of a Marxist puppet regime and revert to utter chaos. In a
bold decision to bring change to a country in dire need of hope, Aziz thrusts
himself and his family into the midst of the conflict -- resulting in imminent
danger and questionable situations that threaten his own values. Soon he finds
himself tangled in a subversive group's planned coup and must avoid secret
police and Russian informants in order to succeed. Meanwhile, Aziz becomes
involved in a controversial love affair with an American woman that adds to an
already dangerous set of plans. Tradition is in direct conflict with love and
personal desires in this tragic land, but Aziz knows that failure is not an
option. He continues his quest for truth and justice, all the while battling
the odds with the Afghan spirit of courage, sense of humor and respect for
honor that persuades him hope is never futile.

Spontaneous rioting in the Char Chata bazaar touched off angry
demonstrations all over the city. Near Al-an, a protest by four
brothers of a man who was beaten to death for a curfew violation
turned into a brawl that expanded in unleashed rage. Rocks and broken
bottles were used as weapons by people who shouted to be heard above
the sound of smashing glass. Soldiers used tear gas to break up the
mob...Vibrations from the exploding truck rocked Al-an; coffee from
Aziz's mug sloshed on the papers spread out in front of him. "What the
hell was that?" he said.

Aksandar is a gripping story of politics, intrigue, murder, love, deception
and desperation in a war-torn country.

Judith Montgomery grew up in a small city in western New York, collecting maps
of the world and dreaming of faraway countries. After graduating from a Boston
college and spending time with Hindu teachers from India, she began traveling
the world. Montgomery's personal spiritual quest has continued since with 3-4
international trips a year, and she claims the people of rural, third-world
villages have been her most influential teachers. She particularly enjoys "off
the radar" locations such as the backcountry of Mongolia and Afghanistan, the
steppe countries of Central Asia, and rural India. Montgomery now lives in The
Villages in central Florida near her sister and elderly father, and designs
tile floors in her spare time. Learn more at http://www.aksandar.com

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published
authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Sandra Dunwoody, Publicist
Tel: 1-888-728-8467 ext. 5507
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: sdunwoody@authorsolutions.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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SOURCE AuthorHouse

Sandra Dunwoody, Publicist, +1-888-728-8467 ext. 5507, Fax: +1-812-961-3133,
sdunwoody@authorsolutions.com