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cindyreads2024's review against another edition
4.0
I must admit that given the author's parallel career in journalism and regular appearances on news and political television, I couldn't help but look for "fact vs fiction." Granted, a novelist often seeks a reader's suspension of disbelief, current world and national politics along with the author's place in that world make this task more difficult. But, it was a great read nonetheless.
algae429's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this. It was a throwback to Tom Clancy's novels, but updated for cyber-terrorism. Definitely a fun read.
andrewschreck's review against another edition
3.0
Overall I was pretty disappointed with this book. It read like a marginal, yet entertaining movie. It's worth your time if you enjoy spy books, but don't expect too much from it (and that is why I still give it a 3, I expected too much from it)
I was really looking forward to reading this as Ignatius has shown up in many lists as a great author of spy novels, perhaps an heir to LeCarre, so I was expecting too much. But as a journalist who covers the Intelligence industry I expected there to be an adherence to believability, but found it lacking in so many areas (they secret Weber away for 7 days during a massive cyber attack and keep him completely incommunicado...really? No one in the government thinks that they should at least be able to get a secure line to the Director of the CIA during an international cyber/monetary crisis???)
I found the writing overwrought and too many things were unbelievable throughout. Weber is introduced as a tech-savvy, business leader change agent and he's used as a plot device to help the average reader understand the basics of technology - but again, its poorly done. I'm supposed to believe that a tech industry, (unwitting) civil liberties advocate who has served on Government Intelligence advisory boards doesn't understand the basics of GPS tracking on his electronics device? He doesn't need to be a "spiked hair hacker with multiple piercings and proclivity for deviant sexual acts" to understand that concept.
YMMV with this book. It's entertaining and the global cabal to ensure the continued dominance of the American-Anglo dominance of the world is an intriguing angle.
I was really looking forward to reading this as Ignatius has shown up in many lists as a great author of spy novels, perhaps an heir to LeCarre, so I was expecting too much. But as a journalist who covers the Intelligence industry I expected there to be an adherence to believability, but found it lacking in so many areas (they secret Weber away for 7 days during a massive cyber attack and keep him completely incommunicado...really? No one in the government thinks that they should at least be able to get a secure line to the Director of the CIA during an international cyber/monetary crisis???)
I found the writing overwrought and too many things were unbelievable throughout. Weber is introduced as a tech-savvy, business leader change agent and he's used as a plot device to help the average reader understand the basics of technology - but again, its poorly done. I'm supposed to believe that a tech industry, (unwitting) civil liberties advocate who has served on Government Intelligence advisory boards doesn't understand the basics of GPS tracking on his electronics device? He doesn't need to be a "spiked hair hacker with multiple piercings and proclivity for deviant sexual acts" to understand that concept.
YMMV with this book. It's entertaining and the global cabal to ensure the continued dominance of the American-Anglo dominance of the world is an intriguing angle.
ricparks's review against another edition
2.0
I'm a huge fan of David Ignatius' fiction but this one just didn't cut it for me. I didn't for one second believe in the characters and I felt their motivations were nonsensical.
djmarshh's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alex_ellermann's review
3.0
This is weakest of David Ignatius's spy novels. It could have been the best.
'The Director' tells the story of a new CIA director who is determined to shake up the agency. One the one side, his new career is threatened by the old guard, who will do everything in their power to slow-roll change. On the other, the global order is threatened by hackers who will do everything in their power to change world's power structures as quickly as they can.
This is a great setup, and Ignatius makes a terrific story out of it. Loaded with the details that arises from serious research and a longstanding familiarity with the world of intelligence, this is the kind of book one devours in an evening or two.
The problem is that it falls apart at the end. There's a villain move so brazen that it defies belief. There's a megalomaniacal monologue that's out of character for the monologuist. There's a reversal of fortune that includes a villain becoming an ally seemingly out of the blue. There's a resolution that feels profoundly unsatisfying.
Right up to the last fifteen pages, this book was cruising toward four stars. Still, even though Ignatius didn't stick the landing, I recommend this novel for lovers of spy fiction. It's a good ride, even if it does peter out at the end.
'The Director' tells the story of a new CIA director who is determined to shake up the agency. One the one side, his new career is threatened by the old guard, who will do everything in their power to slow-roll change. On the other, the global order is threatened by hackers who will do everything in their power to change world's power structures as quickly as they can.
This is a great setup, and Ignatius makes a terrific story out of it. Loaded with the details that arises from serious research and a longstanding familiarity with the world of intelligence, this is the kind of book one devours in an evening or two.
The problem is that it falls apart at the end. There's a villain move so brazen that it defies belief. There's a megalomaniacal monologue that's out of character for the monologuist. There's a reversal of fortune that includes a villain becoming an ally seemingly out of the blue. There's a resolution that feels profoundly unsatisfying.
Right up to the last fifteen pages, this book was cruising toward four stars. Still, even though Ignatius didn't stick the landing, I recommend this novel for lovers of spy fiction. It's a good ride, even if it does peter out at the end.
botrap's review against another edition
4.0
Well written and the action, dialogue are quick-paced. The ending was a little lack-luster for the great groundwork built.
rachelcus's review against another edition
4.0
Note: Received ARC in Goodreads First Reads giveaway
This was a wonderful read. I can't say it was one of my favorites, because it was a little slow at times. However, despite the latter bit, I thought the story was well put together and that the mystery did keep me on my toes. I was quite surprised at the ending, but I'm glad that certain things ended up coming to pass. Awesome read.
This was a wonderful read. I can't say it was one of my favorites, because it was a little slow at times. However, despite the latter bit, I thought the story was well put together and that the mystery did keep me on my toes. I was quite surprised at the ending, but I'm glad that certain things