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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Embark on a wild 1990s Himalayan odyssey of redemption, romance, and lost civilizations in Malcolm Ward’s gripping new adventure novel, 28°N 84°E—the perfect thrill-seeking companion for your summer reading list.
If you are looking for the ultimate literary escape to pack in your suitcase this summer, a captivating debut novel is ready to transport you far from the grid. Set against the breathtaking and perilous peaks of the Himalayas, 28°N 84°E by Welsh author Malcolm Ward offers readers a thrilling blend of adventure, romance, and philosophical awakening.
It is an unpredictable ride that promises to keep you hooked from the first page to the last, making it the ideal poolside companion.

A Nostalgic Trip to a Bygone Era
The story transports readers back to the 1990s, a distinct period just before the internet and mobile phones permanently altered how we experience the world. In this vividly resurrected era, getting lost was still truly possible, and setting off on a personal voyage of discovery meant genuinely disconnecting from everyday life.
Against this nostalgic backdrop, we meet Daniel Bontempo, a cynical, world-weary singer-songwriter. Disillusioned by the commercial music industry and harboring a deep resentment toward his former management, Daniel clings to his musical integrity and his trusty 12-string guitar. He gets by playing the music of 1970s singer-songwriters—maintaining a particular obsession with artist Dean Friedman—while working as a lounge singer on a budget Russian cruise ship.


From a Cruise Ship Scandal to a Himalayan Crash
Daniel’s relatively quiet life of obscurity takes a dramatic turn due to his own poor judgment. After getting caught in a scandalous affair with the cruise director’s wife, a rapid chain of chaotic events ensues, culminating in a catastrophic plane crash.
Suddenly, Daniel is thrust into an unplanned, epic journey that shatters his misplaced sense of self-importance. Split into four distinct parts, the narrative forces this flawed but well-meaning protagonist to navigate extreme physical danger and profound mental confusion.
Intrigue, Lost Civilizations, and the Truth About the Yeti
What follows is a literal and spiritual odyssey. Daniel finds himself surviving a high-stakes rescue mission in treacherous mountain conditions, encountering hidden civilizations, and adapting to communities with remarkably strange customs. Along the way, the book weaves an eclectic tapestry of themes, offering surprising revelations about international intrigue, human nature, bamboo, pandas, and even a highly unexpected explanation for the legendary Yeti.
As his preconceptions are challenged at every turn, Daniel is forced to re-evaluate everything he once believed about life, love, and himself. It is a powerful redemption arc that transforms a bitter musician into a man who is rediscovering a genuine passion for existence.

Malcolm Ward
The wonderfully eclectic nature of the novel makes perfect sense when looking at the man who wrote it. Welsh author Malcolm Ward has lived a remarkably varied life, having worked as a taxi driver, condom distributor, exercise lecturer, and government policy advisor. He has also published both research articles and comic strips.
Today, Ward enjoys a slightly more peaceful retirement in South Wales alongside his patient wife, Susie, though his bold vision and witty charm live on through Daniel Bontempo’s wild Himalayan journey.
Whether you are traveling abroad or relaxing in your own backyard, 28°N 84°E provides an emotionally resonant, action-packed, and amusing escape that will leave you thrilled and thoroughly entertained.
Find more from Malcolm Ward now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4eiowJ4
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3RJC8UY
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