May 21, 2025
Location Report: Red Phoenix

In the pulse-pounding thriller Red Phoenix, betrayed assassin Thomas Caine embarks on a desperate mission that spans the globe, from the quaint cobblestone streets of Latvia to the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai. Caine races through stunning locations across Eastern Europe, the United States, and deep within the People’s Republic of China, battling a relentless array of enemies as he struggles to complete his mission. This classified intelligence report reveals the real-world settings where Caine’s most dangerous operation unfolds…

RIGA, LATVIA

Looking as if it emerged straight from a fairy tale, Riga, Latvia’s capital, is set on the Baltic Sea at the mouth of the River Daugava. Famous for its colorful wood buildings and art nouveau architecture, Riga is home to many museums, concert halls, and cafes. But like all cities, it has a dark side as well. Crime and poverty are an ongoing concern, especially in the Central market area.

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BEIJING, CHINA

The sprawling capital of the People’s Republic of China is a vibrant clash of old and new. Dating back thousands of years, the city previously known as Peking boasts stunning modern architecture, such as the CCTV Headquarters and the Beijing National Stadium. Its cultural landmarks include the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and several sections of the Great Wall. Home to over 22 million people, Beijing is China’s second largest city, after Shanghai. And it is here that Caine first meets human rights worker Jia Zhao, a vital link in his search for his partner’s son…

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HUTONG VILLAGE, CHINA

As they flee through the city, Jia takes Caine to a picturesque Hutong village, bordering a lantern-lit lake. The word “Hutong” means alley, and these ancient remnants of the old city are a maze of narrow streets, alleyways, and buildings. Many consider Hutong villages to be the “Soul of Beijing.” They date back hundreds of years, and stepping into one today feels like traveling into the mists of China’s dynastic history. As they enjoy the beautiful scenery near the lake, Caine and Jia share a meal at a very unusual restaurant, which I was lucky enough to visit myself…

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ROANOKE VALLEY, USA

As Caine races across China, Rebecca Freeling, now the CIA’s new D/NCS, must contend with danger closer to home. When a mysterious conspiracy threatens her life, CIA officer Josh Galloway traces a group of mercenaries to a farmhouse in Roanoke Valley, Virginia. Nestled within the Blue Ridge mountains, Roanoke is known for its stunning beauty, outdoor activities, and scenic drives.

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SHANGHAI, CHINA

After fleeing Beijing, and traveling across the country, Caine soon finds himself in Shanghai.. Located on the country’s central coast, Shanghai is the world’s busiest port city, and is a major hub for finance, science, manufacturing, and tourism. Shanghai is often referred to as “Construction City”, because of its rapid urban development. This futuristic metropolis is China’s largest city, and its gleaming skyline is famous throughout the world. One of its most famous structures is the unique Oriental Pearl Tower, where Cane meets up with a rather eccentric contact…

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I hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the shadowy corners and breathtaking landscapes of Red Phoenix has intrigued you. Are you ready to accept your mission and dive into a world where nothing is as it seems? 

Secure your copy of Red Phoenix here: https://readerlinks.com/l/4790424

Have you explored China yourself? I’d love to hear about those hidden gems you discovered—the tucked-away teahouses, forgotten temples, or modern marvels that left you speechless. Share your adventure with me, and perhaps your discoveries might inspire a future mission!

Thank you,

Andrew Warren