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cnorbury's review against another edition
3.0
Started off well, but got a bit rambling and confusing in the second quarter of the book, but finally came together at the end. Numerous characters and changing alliances, locations, and POVs made this book a challenge to follow and comprehend. It offered an interesting take on the eastern European/Russian underground and spy culture of the 1930s through WW II.
librarian_lisa_22's review against another edition
4.0
I loved reading about the 1930s in Eastern Europe--totally unfamiliar with the history there and found it fascinating. Complex and beautifully written. Characters very distinct and rich.
andycronin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
chammerdata's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
andrew61's review against another edition
4.0
An extremely tangled web which satrts in a Bulgarian village where the main character Khristo sees his brother beaten to death by a group of fascists pre ww2. He is recruited into the Russian Nkvd where he trains as a spy and then is sent to the Spanish civil war, before escaping the clutches of the Nkvd who believe he is a traitor into Paris. It is a complex story and one which also touches on the Americans secret service in France during the war, spycraft and the Russian's control of there citizens. Overall a cracking read and I will try more in the series.
bgg616's review against another edition
3.0
This story spans 1935-45 in Europe and centers on Khristo, a young Bulgarian, is recruited into the Soviet intelligence service after his younger brother is killed by fascists. Khristo is sent to Spain which is in the throes of the Spanish Civil War. Khristo is a chameleon. He is anti-fascist but not really a communist. He speaks several languages and manages to survive because no matter who he encounters and interacts with, he is not seen as a threat. It made me aware that war was raging in Europe before World War II and the fight against fascism which started in Spain during the civil war spread across the continent as the threat was recognized.
The audiobook was over 18 hours and I was not able to keep track of the many characters, places and events. This is a book for people who love reading about this era. Although it was a decent "read" (listen), it is not a genre I often turn to.
The audiobook was over 18 hours and I was not able to keep track of the many characters, places and events. This is a book for people who love reading about this era. Although it was a decent "read" (listen), it is not a genre I often turn to.
revenant_tomato's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
majkia's review against another edition
Fabulous spy thriller, well told and matter-of-factly presented. It follows the lives of several men who become spies for various sides in the 30s, and highlights how events overcome individuals and change their lives giving them little or no options of their own.
mcastello13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Earlier this year I read the tenth book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I decided to go to the beginning and start reading the whole series in order. Overall, I liked this one as well, but thought it was much too long and unfocused. There are many moments of brilliance and wonderful, atmospheric storytelling, but they really needed to be winnowed down. Still, I ultimately thought this was a good story; Khristo is a fascinating character, and so many of the WWII years and European cities that were directly impacted by it are brought to life masterfully here. At times I was so deeply pulled in. I definitely plan to continue with the series, but I hope the editing gets better with subsequent books.
alex_ellermann's review against another edition
2.0
Far from the escapism of most spy novels, NIGHT SOLDIERS is an unrelentingly brutal, dark story. It begins with a murder and piles horror upon horror until the reader cries "Enough!" and powers through to the end if only so the horror will stop.
The book is well reviewed, so many people must like it. As for me, I prefer my spy novels to feature a little less cruelty of man and a little more baroque plotting to, say, steal all the gold from Fort Knox.
The book is well reviewed, so many people must like it. As for me, I prefer my spy novels to feature a little less cruelty of man and a little more baroque plotting to, say, steal all the gold from Fort Knox.