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2readornot2read's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
i11iane's review against another edition
4.0
Solid and quite gripping. Silva really gets into a lot of detail and background setting. If you prefer something quick, snappy and fast-paced, Silva is not for you. But if you like the scene being set, and can keep a lot of information in mind, you'll really appreciate his books.
jacki_f's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 6th book in the Gabriel Allon series which I am gradually reading my way through. There are now 16 books in the series and it's still going. They do follow on from one another but it's not essential to read them in order.
The Messenger splits into three parts. The majority of the book (approx pages 100-300) is about an operation to plant a mole into the staff of a major Saudi business and multi-millionaire who is bankrolling a terrorist organisation. I really enjoyed this middle section. It's well paced, it's fleshed out with convincing details and it's fairly tense.
On the other hand, the prequel and final section feel like rehashed outtakes from The Confessor and Prince of Fire. Reading them, I couldn't help feeling cynically that Daniel Silva needed to justify another tax deductible holiday in his favourite destination of Rome. They're perfectly okay, but it's the central section of this novel that makes it worth reading.
The Messenger splits into three parts. The majority of the book (approx pages 100-300) is about an operation to plant a mole into the staff of a major Saudi business and multi-millionaire who is bankrolling a terrorist organisation. I really enjoyed this middle section. It's well paced, it's fleshed out with convincing details and it's fairly tense.
On the other hand, the prequel and final section feel like rehashed outtakes from The Confessor and Prince of Fire. Reading them, I couldn't help feeling cynically that Daniel Silva needed to justify another tax deductible holiday in his favourite destination of Rome. They're perfectly okay, but it's the central section of this novel that makes it worth reading.
fotoshopguy52's review against another edition
5.0
Another great read by Daniel Silva. In this case, those who are not fans of historical fiction will enjoy this novel since that is a non-factor, as this is a more typical Spy novel that is full of action, intrigue and taut suspense.
If you haven't tried the Gabriel Allon series prior to this novel, this is a good place to start - enjoy!
If you haven't tried the Gabriel Allon series prior to this novel, this is a good place to start - enjoy!
historybooksandtea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
seanmcgough's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chicagobob's review against another edition
4.0
Another strong Silva thriller, this one with a strong anti-Saudi spin, viewing them as the main sponsors of terrorism, especially the financial sponsors. Our two big villains here for our man Gabriel Allon to do battle with are of course Saudi.
susangiardina's review against another edition
4.0
Terrific plot and characters. In my opinion, the best of the first six Gabriel Allon books.