Ann Bridges is a Chicago native who fell in love with Northern California while attending Stanford University. Now a longtime resident of San Jose, Ms. Bridges creatively incorporates the dynamics of her Silicon Valley business experience into new works of fiction. Extensive insider knowledge of operations, finance and marketing in the entertainment, communications and technology industries forman authentic underpinning for her sexy, intelligent style of Silicon Valley novels. Rare Mettle is a powerful sequel to her debut, Private Offerings, and will be followed by Kit's Mine, historical romance set against the Bay area's rich, 19th century past.
"'Rare Mettle' is as fast-paced and exciting as a Dan Brown
thriller, and kept me glued to the story to the very end. Ann
Bridges delivers a very believable characterization of Chinese
politics, plus mimics the behind-the scenes maneuvering of business
dealings, too. A quick read, even for a very slow reader."
William DeVincenzi, Executive in Residence, Director of Gary J.
Sbona Honors Program and Thompson Global Internship, Lucas College
of Business, San Jose State University
"'Rare Mettle' offers the reader a chilling tale of a scenario
which unfortunately has the potential to become reality. Written
like a rare earth industry insider, Ann Bridges offers the reader a
look inside the workings of the industry set against a suspenseful
backdrop of characters caught in a web of political intrigue. Fast
paced and energetic, 'Rare Mettle' keeps the reader guessing as to
the eventual resolution to a problem that threatens the essence of
American technology."
Anthony Marchese, Chairman, Texas Mineral Resources Corp.
"Ann Bridges has written a gripping fictional account of a serious
real-world problem. Touching on contemporary issues of big-data
mining, drones, and human rights, she builds a plausible and
frightening story about America's absolute dependence on Chinese
rare earth metals and the head-in-the-sand behavior of Silicon
Valley elites and DOD bureaucrats when all the warning signals were
flashing red. Ms. Bridges' book, Rare Mettle, should serve as both
an entertaining read and a cautionary tale about the lengths to
which regimes will go to insure their survival."
Robert H. Latiff, Ph.D., Major General (retired), USAF
"Ann Bridges' Rare Mettle gives a fascinating insight into the real
and complex world of the rare earth industry today. The fast-paced
story is full of political intrigue, interwoven with the
personalities that are scattered throughout this diverse industry.
The book is well researched and will give the reader an
understanding of how these metals impact our everyday life through
personal appliances to major industrial and defence applications
that are essential to the 21st century. As an active participant in
the industry for more than twenty years it is great to see this
hidden story being exposed to a wider audience."
Ian Chalmers, Managing Director, Alkane Resources Ltd, Perth,
Western Australia
"I was motivated to read 'Rare Mettle' after having read 'Private
Offerings' by the same author. I'm always been attracted to books
taking place in Silicon Valley where I have lived and worked for
forty years. Most often non-fiction trumps fiction. Ann Bridges'
stories, however, tend to be fast paced, full of twists and turns
and feature good guys who are not always good and bad guys who are
not always bad. One thing is certain, the author does her homework.
In the context of a Venture Capital play book, behind the scenes of
public diplomacy between the U.S. and China, and very sensitive and
real issues like control of Rare Earth Elements, Bridges writes
like she has 'walked the walk.' Her protagonists become likable
despite serious flaws and questionable personal agendas. The pace
of the action keeps you turning the pages. In the end the problems
are solved...almost. You are left wondering if complete resolution
will be found in the next book or tomorrow's newspaper."
Stephen Tritto, Award-winning Author, retired Silicon Valley
executive
"Author Ann Bridges captures the dragon spirit of both Silicon
Valley and China--bold, ambitious, and intelligent. With attention
to authentic detail, she moves the story through the perspectives
of powerful, complex characters, all grappling with universal
issues--power and control, love and sex, fear of failure and drive
for success. Best yet, she understands how to communicate the
delicate balance of two fast-paced cultures, each vying for
supremacy in a high-tech, high-pressure world in an entertaining,
captivating thriller. My favorite aspects of 'Rare Mettle' are the
ways she weaves the Chinese traditions and social mores through the
story line. Ann Bridges uses a common Chinese idiom as a metaphor
for an aging female Chinese politician; describes the odd but
revered profession of corpse walker; and challenges the political
hypocrisy of women's rights, environmental regulations, and
religious freedoms. Well-researched, it serves as a great
introduction to many issues facing America's relationship to China
today and in the future."
Margaret Zhao, former Enemy of the State in Mao's China and
Award-winning author
"Ann Bridges' exciting, reality-based 'Rare Mettle' is packed full
of corporate and government agents engaged in an economic and
geopolitical battle across cultures and vast geography. Based on
extensive research, and including insider conversations, her story
foretells America's weaknesses and possible consequences of
decades-long, compromising policies chasing China's cheap
manufacturing promises and stable global alliances. But what adds
an element of timeliness and relevance is that the underlying
technical facts setting these fictional players into motion are
true; therefore, her depiction of the current commercial and
National Security situation is accurate, valid and deeply relevant
to U.S. economic standing in the world. This, of course, impacts
the lives of every American alive today, and will define the lives
and futures of our children. Through its compelling characters,
'Rare Mettle' presents a frighteningly disturbing, first-hand
account of institutionalized policy failure and outright treachery
that has in fact taken place at the highest levels of the United
States government."
James C. Kennedy, President ThREEConsulting.com
Trade Reviews Forthcoming
"" Rare Mettle is as fast-paced and exciting as a Dan Brown
thriller, and kept me glued to the story to the very end. Ann
Bridges delivers a very believable characterization of Chinese
politics, plus mimics the behind-the scenes maneuvering of business
dealings, too. A quick read, even for a very slow reader. "
William DeVincenzi, Executive in Residence, Director of Gary J.
Sbona Honors Program and Thompson Global Internship, Lucas College
of Business, San Jose State University
" 'Rare Mettle' offers the reader a chilling tale of a scenario
which unfortunately has the potential to become reality. Written
like a rare earth industry insider, Ann Bridges offers the reader a
look inside the workings of the industry set against a suspenseful
backdrop of characters caught in a web of political intrigue. Fast
paced and energetic, 'Rare Mettle' keeps the reader guessing as to
the eventual resolution to a problem that threatens the essence of
American technology. "
Anthony Marchese, Chairman, Texas Mineral Resources Corp.
" Ann Bridges has written a gripping fictional account of a serious
real-world problem. Touching on contemporary issues of big-data
mining, drones, and human rights, she builds a plausible and
frightening story about America s absolute dependence on Chinese
rare earth metals and the head-in-the-sand behavior of Silicon
Valley elites and DOD bureaucrats when all the warning signals were
flashing red. Ms. Bridges book, Rare Mettle, should serve as both
an entertaining read and a cautionary tale about the lengths to
which regimes will go to insure their survival. "
Robert H. Latiff, Ph.D., Major General (retired), USAF
" Ann Bridges Rare Mettle gives a fascinating insight into the real
and complex world of the rare earth industry today. The fast-paced
story is full of political intrigue, interwoven with the
personalities that are scattered throughout this diverse industry.
The book is well researched and will give the reader an
understanding of how these metals impact our everyday life through
personal appliances to major industrial and defence applications
that are essential to the 21st century. As an active participant in
the industry for more than twenty years it is great to see this
hidden story being exposed to a wider audience. "
Ian Chalmers, Managing Director, Alkane Resources Ltd, Perth,
Western Australia
" I was motivated to read Rare Mettle after having read Private
Offerings Ann Bridges stories, however, tend to be fast paced, full
of twists and turns and feature good guys who are not always good
and bad guys who are not always bad. One thing is certain, the
author does her homework. In the context of a Venture Capital play
book, behind the scenes of public diplomacy between the U.S. and
China, and very sensitive and real issues like control of Rare
Earth Elements, Bridges writes like she has walked the walk. Her
protagonists become likable despite serious flaws and questionable
personal agendas. The pace of the action keeps you turning the
pages. In the end the problems are solved...almost. You are left
wondering if complete resolution will be found in the next book or
tomorrow's newspaper.""
Stephen Tritto, Award-winning Author, retired Silicon Valley
executive
" Author Ann Bridges captures the dragon spirit of both Silicon
Valley and China--bold, ambitious, and intelligent. With attention
to authentic detail, she moves the story through the perspectives
of powerful, complex characters, all grappling with universal
issues--power and control, love and sex, fear of failure and drive
for success. Best yet, she understands how to communicate the
delicate balance of two fast-paced cultures, each vying for
supremacy in a high-tech, high-pressure world in an entertaining,
captivating thriller. My favorite aspects of 'Rare Mettle are the
ways she weaves the Chinese traditions and social mores through the
story line. Ann Bridges uses a common Chinese idiom as a metaphor
for an aging female Chinese politician; describes the odd but
revered profession of corpse walker; and challenges the political
hypocrisy of women s rights, environmental regulations, and
religious freedoms. Well-researched, it serves as a great
introduction to many issues facing America s relationship to China
today and in the future.""
Margaret Zhao, former Enemy of the State in Mao s China and
Award-winning author
" Ann Bridges exciting, reality-based Rare Mettle is packedfull of
corporate and government agents engaged in an economic and
geopolitical battle across cultures and vast geography. Based on
extensive research, and including insider conversations, her story
foretells America s weaknesses and possible consequences of
decades-long, compromising policies chasing China s cheap
manufacturing promises and stable global alliances. But what adds
an element of timeliness and relevance is that the underlying
technical facts setting these fictional players into motion are
true; therefore, her depiction of the currentcommercial and
National Security situationisaccurate, valid anddeeply relevant to
U.S. economic standing in the world.This, of course, impactsthe
lives of every American alive today, and will define the lives and
futures of our children. Through its compelling characters, 'Rare
Mettle' presents a frighteningly disturbing, first-hand account of
institutionalized policy failure and outrighttreacherythat has
infact taken place at the highest levels of the United States
government. "
James C. Kennedy, President ThREEConsulting.com
Trade Reviews Forthcoming
"
" Rare Mettle is as fast-paced and exciting as a Dan Brown
thriller, and kept me glued to the story to the very end. Ann
Bridges delivers a very believable characterization of Chinese
politics, plus mimics the behind-the scenes maneuvering of business
dealings, too. A quick read, even for a very slow reader. "
William DeVincenzi, Executive in Residence, Director of Gary J.
Sbona Honors Program and Thompson Global Internship, Lucas College
of Business, San Jose State University
" I was motivated to read Rare Mettle after having read Private
Offerings Ann Bridges stories, however, tend to be fast paced, full
of twists and turns and feature good guys who are not always good
and bad guys who are not always bad. One thing is certain, the
author does her homework. In the context of a Venture Capital play
book, behind the scenes of public diplomacy between the U.S. and
China, and very sensitive and real issues like control of Rare
Earth Elements, Bridges writes like she has walked the walk. Her
protagonists become likable despite serious flaws and questionable
personal agendas. The pace of the action keeps you turning the
pages. In the end the problems are solved...almost. You are left
wondering if complete resolution will be found in the next book or
tomorrow's newspaper."
Stephen Tritto, Award-winning Author, retired Silicon Valley
executive
" Author Ann Bridges captures the dragon spirit of both Silicon
Valley and China--bold, ambitious, and intelligent. With attention
to authentic detail, she moves the story through the perspectives
of powerful, complex characters, all grappling with universal
issues--power and control, love and sex, fear of failure and drive
for success. Best yet, she understands how to communicate the
delicate balance of two fast-paced cultures, each vying for
supremacy in a high-tech, high-pressure world in an entertaining,
captivating thriller. My favorite aspects of Rare Mettle are the
ways she weaves the Chinese traditions and social mores through the
story line. Ann Bridges uses a common Chinese idiom as a metaphor
for an aging female Chinese politician; describes the odd but
revered profession of corpse walker; and challenges the political
hypocrisy of women s rights, environmental regulations, and
religious freedoms. Well-researched, it serves as a great
introduction to many issues facing America s relationship to China
today and in the future."
Margaret Zhao, former Enemy of the State in Mao s China and
Award-winning author
" Ann Bridges exciting, reality-based Rare Mettle is packedfull of
corporate and government agents engaged in an economic and
geopolitical battle across cultures and vast geography. Based on
extensive research, and including insider conversations, her story
foretells America s weaknesses and possible consequences of
decades-long, compromising policies chasing China s cheap
manufacturing promises and stable global alliances. But what adds
an element of timeliness and relevance is that the underlying
technical facts setting these fictional players into motion are
true; therefore, her depiction of the currentcommercial and
National Security situationisaccurate, valid anddeeply relevant to
U.S. economic standing in the world.This, of course, impactsthe
lives of every American alive today, and will define the lives and
futures of our children. Through its compelling characters, Rare
Mettle presents a frighteningly disturbing, first-hand account of
institutionalized policy failure and outrighttreacherythat has
infact taken place at the highest levels of the United States
government. "
James C. Kennedy, President ThREEConsulting.com"
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