'Those who fail to read this forsake their chance to know the truth' ― Roberto Saviano

'An outstanding book packed with history, humour, and adventure. America's struggle to thwart them Winn is the perfect guide to these highland outlaws and their incredible, defiant narcostate. This is the best reportage to come out of Southeast Asia in years.' ― Graeme Wood, author of The Way of Strangers

'A riveting portrait of a little-known and often vilified people; a harrowing tale of Asia's epic, multibillion-dollar drugs trade.' ― Thant Myint-U, author The Hidden History of Burma

'Winn has made a riveting read out of the largely overlooked- but critically important- Wa State .... The history behind it, the masterminds pulling the strings, and the many CIA operations against them. It's a fascinating and incredibly well-researched dive into Asia's underworld and some of the greatest narcotics traffickers in the region. And above all, it's beautifully crafted storytelling.' ― Isobel Young

Unputdownable .... An authentic page-turner revealing why the global drug problem remains unsolved. ― Khuensai Jaiyen, former secretary to drug lord Khun Sa

Part gangster saga, part espionage thriller, and part liberation epic, Winn's narrative alternates between rollicking adventure and harrowing violence conveyed in vivid, muscular prose. ― Publishers Weekly