Draft:Shadows of Tehran

{{Infobox book \| name = Shadows of Tehran \| title\_orig = \| translator = \| image = \| alt = Shadows of Tehran by Author Nick Berg \| author = Nick Berg \| country = United States \| language = English \| genre = Military thriller, Historical fiction \| publisher = Fortis Publishing \| release_date = April 22, 2025 \| pages = 300 \| isbn = 979-8991971409 }}

Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict—From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier

It is a 2025 military thriller and historical fiction novel by American author Nick Berg. The book follows the life of Ricardo, a young Iranian-American boy whose life is upended by the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, leading him on a journey of rebellion, escape to America, and eventual return to the Middle East as a U.S. Special Forces soldier. The story is inspired by true events from Berg's own life.

Synopsis

Raised in Tehran by his Iranian mother and American father, Ricardo's life takes a chaotic turn when his father abandons the family as the Islamic Revolution of 1979 erupts. Amidst the rise of religious fundamentalism and the suppression of human rights, Ricardo's mother remarries, introducing a stepfather with a hidden secret. At the age of 14, Ricardo vows to resist the oppressive regime and becomes a rebel leader known as the Shadow Rider of Tehran. When his identity is exposed and an execution order is issued, he is forced to flee Iran. His journey leads him to America, where he eventually joins the U.S. Special Forces. In a surprising turn, Ricardo finds himself back in the region, confronting his past and fighting for freedom and justice. The novel spans continents, from Tehran to Detroit and the battlefields of the Iran-Iraq War to covert operations in the Gulf.

Themes

The novel explores several prominent themes:

• **Identity**: Ricardo grapples with his dual Iranian and American heritage, especially against the backdrop of political upheaval. The book delves into the complexities of belonging to two worlds and the challenges of forging a personal identity amidst conflicting cultures.

• **Resilience**: The narrative emphasizes Ricardo's unbreakable spirit and his refusal to succumb to abuse, abandonment, and loss. His journey showcases the power of the human will to overcome immense adversity. A key quote highlighted from the book is, "You thought you could drown me in fear, but you only taught me how to breathe underwater."

• **Political Upheaval**: The 1979 Iranian Revolution and its impact on Iranian society form a crucial backdrop to the story. The novel portrays the loss of fundamental human rights and the rise of religious tyranny during this period.

• **Survival and Redemption**: Ricardo's life is a testament to survival against numerous odds, from the dangers of revolutionary Iran to the challenges of adapting to a new life in America and the battlefields of war. The book also explores his quest for redemption and purpose.

Reception

• Shadows of Tehran* has received positive reviews from various literary platforms:

• **Kirkus Reviews** called it "a very impressive debut novel" and noted that Berg "has earned entrance to this genre club—readers will hope for further adventures."

• **Independent Book Review** described the book as "a blistering account of survival, identity, and resistance against the tide of history."{{cite web |title=Independent Book Reviews of Shadows of Tehran

• **Readers' Favorite** gave the book two positive reviews. K.C. Finn lauded it as a "fast-paced, action-packed novel about identity, survival, and the sheer will to keep going, no matter the odds." Keith Mbuya described it as a "gripping, poignant tale of untold agony, resilience, heart-pounding action, suspense, and thrills," emphasizing the evocative writing style.

• The book has also garnered significant interest on Goodreads, with over 2,700 users indicating they want to read it.

Author

Nick Berg is an American author with Iranian-American heritage. Born in Tehran to an Iranian mother and an American father, he experienced the Iranian Revolution firsthand, which profoundly influenced his worldview and writing. Berg served in U.S. Special Operations before transitioning to a successful career as a technology executive. His experiences in the military and his cultural background lend authenticity to his writing. Berg is also an instructor for AI fundamentals at UCLA Extension Shadows of Tehran* is described as an autobiographical novel, blending Berg's real-life experiences with fictional elements to create a compelling narrative.

Nick Berg author of Shadows of Tehran in uniform

Nick Berg in the USA army

Publisher

• Shadows of Tehran* is published by Fortis Publishing , an independent publishing house driven by a passion for the written word and a commitment to discovering exceptional literary talent. Their mission is to provide a platform for talented authors, helping them refine their craft and share their unique voices, bringing compelling stories to readers worldwide. Fortis Publishing aims to publish stories that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. This year, they are transitioning into a Community Interest Company (CIC), with activities aimed at benefiting the community.

Fortis Publishing champions stories of resilience, strength, and survival, with a catalog that includes award-winning biographies, war memoirs, and personal narratives. Their publications span multiple genres, including fiction and non-fiction. Notable authors published by Fortis Publishing include Nick Berg, Ken Scott, Sandra Lefort, Rocío Velásquez Dresser, Wayne Connell, Madison Alexander Day, Patricia M Wennell, Andrew Morrissey, John West, and Daz Tait.

While their catalog includes award-winning works, specific awards or further details of recognition are not mentioned in the provided source. Fortis Publishing also offers comprehensive support for writers, connecting them with editors, ghostwriters, book coaches, and industry experts.