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babyarty's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book was, frankly, very boring. I had to drag myself through it and half of it was just useless backstory/filler. If someone were to write this book without all the useless things, it would be 300 pages at most. And there was like, one woman throughout the whole thing that had any dialogue at all. The rest were just background character or something to threaten a man with.
maheshmanutd's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best of Forsyth. Maybe it's bcz I like Russia very much but even then the portrayal of the great country is a must read. You will feel that you are sitting by the Moskva river and enjoying the cool Russian breeze.
The character portrayal is the masterpiece of Forsyth. Without any bias, without any direct reference as to who is the protagonist, he just narrates the events. We understand the character of a person simply from the events. His character will be as we decipher it; not as to the novelist's choosing. That is where Forsyth wields his magic.
This is a fantastic thriller, from the beginning to the end. You won't put down this book if you like a good story. Just read it. I will give it a 4/5
The character portrayal is the masterpiece of Forsyth. Without any bias, without any direct reference as to who is the protagonist, he just narrates the events. We understand the character of a person simply from the events. His character will be as we decipher it; not as to the novelist's choosing. That is where Forsyth wields his magic.
This is a fantastic thriller, from the beginning to the end. You won't put down this book if you like a good story. Just read it. I will give it a 4/5
shri_ace13's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
chava_in_oz's review against another edition
5.0
The book that both intimidated me by its size and kept me entertained for the whole time I read it. It was the first book I read in English when that wasn't yet my preferred language to read books in. Loved this book, it had me choose more Forsyth books.
ph1lb's review against another edition
4.0
Icon is quite an intricate story. There are a lot of characters and much background information. Some background is historical fact, some is made up for the novel. It is not always easy to tell which is which.
The plot becomes quite exciting towards the end but I can't help thinking that Sir Nigel's scheme was too perfect to be credible.
The plot becomes quite exciting towards the end but I can't help thinking that Sir Nigel's scheme was too perfect to be credible.
zoebear's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
tbr_the_unconquered's review against another edition
3.0
Too good to be true, don't we say this word about the really grand things we encounter at times ? A really hot lady/guy who for no reason strikes up a conversation with you and is willing to proceed further, a boss who suddenly supports you and gives a pay hike for no reason or maybe a new political leader who in a short time makes a tremendous impact on the masses. While any of these or for that matter any such overtly unbelievable incidents are going on, a small voice at the back of your mind tells you Too good to be true bud ! Don't say that I didn't warn you .
Now that I have fired the opening shot, let me get on with the review. The premise is Russia, a nation that is slowly shrugging off the shackles of Communism and the aftermath of Glasnost. A rather messy state of affairs with hyper inflation, poverty & a few governmental decisions that took a turn for the worst. Into this melee steps in a charismatic and dynamic leader who is messianic in his demeanor towards the populace. But things are not always what they seem and it is up to the British & the Americans as always to save the world. The book is divided into two parts with the first being the build up and the planning part & the next being devoted entirely to execution of those plans to make the world a better place to live. This in my evaluation is not a novel that can be counted as one of Forsyth's best. For one, the suspense factor loses its steam after a while & also to be counted is the fact that a few crucial situations in the plot line are predictable. Nothing kills fun faster than predictability I suppose ! If there is one thing that truly stands out in this book, it is the research that the author must have done. He creates a vivid portrayal of Russia before the turn of the millennium. The bear whose claws have been worn down to stumps and lost all his teeth to add to his woes too !
Let me be honest here, I only took this book up as it featured one of my favorite characters Sir Nigel Irvine from Forsyth's 'Fourth Protocol'. The character referred to as the Fox and the erstwhile head of the MI6 still remains one that I love. While being high handed at times, the shrewdness that the author brings forth with this character is something I love.
Now that I have fired the opening shot, let me get on with the review. The premise is Russia, a nation that is slowly shrugging off the shackles of Communism and the aftermath of Glasnost. A rather messy state of affairs with hyper inflation, poverty & a few governmental decisions that took a turn for the worst. Into this melee steps in a charismatic and dynamic leader who is messianic in his demeanor towards the populace. But things are not always what they seem and it is up to the British & the Americans as always to save the world. The book is divided into two parts with the first being the build up and the planning part & the next being devoted entirely to execution of those plans to make the world a better place to live. This in my evaluation is not a novel that can be counted as one of Forsyth's best. For one, the suspense factor loses its steam after a while & also to be counted is the fact that a few crucial situations in the plot line are predictable. Nothing kills fun faster than predictability I suppose ! If there is one thing that truly stands out in this book, it is the research that the author must have done. He creates a vivid portrayal of Russia before the turn of the millennium. The bear whose claws have been worn down to stumps and lost all his teeth to add to his woes too !
Let me be honest here, I only took this book up as it featured one of my favorite characters Sir Nigel Irvine from Forsyth's 'Fourth Protocol'. The character referred to as the Fox and the erstwhile head of the MI6 still remains one that I love. While being high handed at times, the shrewdness that the author brings forth with this character is something I love.
caleb_pereira's review against another edition
4.0
The second greatest spy story I've read, after The Valley of Fear.
angelahayes's review against another edition
4.0
Frederick Forsyth novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I was drawn to at the time. So, my love affair with his books began, and over the years I have read everything he’s written- keeping up with any new release/s.
As my mother has been in and out of hospital quite a lot over the past year and a half, I am keeping her supplied with books to read, and buddy reading them with her, or reading them to her when she isn’t well enough to read for herself. We have gotten through quite a lot of books in this time and it has been wonderful to discuss each one with her as we read/finish. It has been a great bonding experience for us, and Mr. Forsyth is our current author of choice- and we have both really enjoyed revisiting all his books, again.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.
As my mother has been in and out of hospital quite a lot over the past year and a half, I am keeping her supplied with books to read, and buddy reading them with her, or reading them to her when she isn’t well enough to read for herself. We have gotten through quite a lot of books in this time and it has been wonderful to discuss each one with her as we read/finish. It has been a great bonding experience for us, and Mr. Forsyth is our current author of choice- and we have both really enjoyed revisiting all his books, again.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.