A thrilling tale of kidnap, blood diamonds, civil war, and ecological catastrophe set deep in the Congolese jungle Derek Strangely runs a safari tour company with his sidekick Pedro, a Tutsi with a sad history. One day he stumbles upon a mauled child soldier and three large diamonds belonging to General Cosmo, who presides over the jungle, thwarting the efforts of UN peacekeepers. Hired by mysterious diamond merchant Katz, Derek and Pedro head into the jungle followed closely by the young and idealistic Natalie Cox who is determined to reveal Katz's illegal trade. Kidnapped by Cosmo and force-marched into the wilderness, the four hostages become pawns in a dangerous game. It seems that the murderous Madame Azziza Nshuti is at the heart of everything. What is she up to? Is there a link between her and Katz? Can she be trusted? Has she corrupted members of the UN? As Lake Kivu threatens to release a deadly gas over the inhospitable terrain, the hostages' lives are in the balance as they try to escape their captors and avoid drug-fueled, violent, and unpredictable child soldiers. Cummings' fast-paced, gripping action-adventure marks the arrival of an author who compares to Wilbur Smith at the height of his powers.