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abibliofob's review
5.0
Dan Raglan is The Englishman. This book by David Gilman is the first time I have tried anything by this author and I will definetely read more, great author. I am also very pleased that I got Betrayal as an advance copy. That is the next book about Dan Raglan out in January. This was a book filled with action and mystery and I really liked the main character and the wonderful way Gilman tells a story. I will look into his historical fiction as well. Highly recommended.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Former French Legionnaire Raglan is living in retirement in France when a junior MI6 operative makes contact. His former colleague and friend has been kidnapped in London. Raglan drops everything to help in the search for Carter. Although he finds his friend, he dies and so do several others – this now becomes a vengeance mission for Raglan. The only problem is that in order to take out the perpetrator he needs to get inside a remote high security prison in the isolated north of Russia.
This isn’t normally the sort of book I would read but was offered a review copy through Lovereading. In fact there is a huge market for this type of action thriller and of it’s genre it is actually very good. the set pieces are not too often to become stale but are suitably violent, there is a cliched love interest (the most unsuccessful part) and a solid understanding of time and place. The frustrations of driving throughLondon traffic are surprisingly well handled and a great contradiction to the remoteness of the Russian sections. There is a sly sense of humour at work here so, although not necessarily my book of choice, I actually found myself betting caught up in an exhilarating ride.
This isn’t normally the sort of book I would read but was offered a review copy through Lovereading. In fact there is a huge market for this type of action thriller and of it’s genre it is actually very good. the set pieces are not too often to become stale but are suitably violent, there is a cliched love interest (the most unsuccessful part) and a solid understanding of time and place. The frustrations of driving throughLondon traffic are surprisingly well handled and a great contradiction to the remoteness of the Russian sections. There is a sly sense of humour at work here so, although not necessarily my book of choice, I actually found myself betting caught up in an exhilarating ride.
aminakara's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I hadn't previously read any of David's books, so I went into this not knowing what to expect.
It turned out to be an excellent read, with some brilliant fast paced action.
The book was really well written and I loved Raglan's character.
Thoroughly enjoyable read and would definitely recommend it, especially if you like a thriller with fast paced action.
taurina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
the_b00kreader's review against another edition
4.0
**TW**
This book contains details of violence, murder, torture, mutilation, sex scenes, etc. If a sensitive reader this book may not be for you.
The first couple of chapters was confusing but, after a while, the book became entertaining and left me saying 'just one more chapter'.
The middle part of the book is where all the action really was. The tension, the gasps, the excitement, it was all in the middle. You could tell that a lot of thought went into writing and creating this book and I really loved that I could see that.
There was a certain scene that had me in tears. I was like 'wait-hold up, did that actually happen!?' And yes, yes it did. Ahh!! If you've read this book you probably know what scene I'm talking about.
Raglan's character was presented as being very mysterious, smart and creative. I feel like there is still so much more to learn about him! I'd love to know more of his background and even his childhood! I'd find that really interesting!
The Englishman is a tense and exciting book that leaves the reader anticipating the next move.
Gilman has cleverly written this book in a way that immediately grasps the readers attention. I was definitely interested in this story and was even more curious about Raglan's character.
The ending, I must admit, felt slightly rushed. It was as though Gilman just wanted the book to be over and done with.
But, overall I loved this vividly described story and would definitely read more of David Gilman's books!
This book contains details of violence, murder, torture, mutilation, sex scenes, etc. If a sensitive reader this book may not be for you.
The first couple of chapters was confusing but, after a while, the book became entertaining and left me saying 'just one more chapter'.
The middle part of the book is where all the action really was. The tension, the gasps, the excitement, it was all in the middle. You could tell that a lot of thought went into writing and creating this book and I really loved that I could see that.
There was a certain scene that had me in tears. I was like 'wait-hold up, did that actually happen!?' And yes, yes it did. Ahh!! If you've read this book you probably know what scene I'm talking about.
Raglan's character was presented as being very mysterious, smart and creative. I feel like there is still so much more to learn about him! I'd love to know more of his background and even his childhood! I'd find that really interesting!
The Englishman is a tense and exciting book that leaves the reader anticipating the next move.
Gilman has cleverly written this book in a way that immediately grasps the readers attention. I was definitely interested in this story and was even more curious about Raglan's character.
The ending, I must admit, felt slightly rushed. It was as though Gilman just wanted the book to be over and done with.
But, overall I loved this vividly described story and would definitely read more of David Gilman's books!
travelsalongmybookshelf's review
4.0
This is an excellent fast paced thriller, it is complex, inventive, relentless, and brilliantly crafted. The action keeps moving you forward and I enjoyed the move to Russia in the latter half of the book, you could feel the chill of a Russian winter rising from the pages.
I was disappointed in the loss of one of the characters as I thought more could have been made of their relationship with Raglan and the focus in Russia at the end has meant there are unanswered questions I had about Maguire but this is all the more reason to read another!
I was disappointed in the loss of one of the characters as I thought more could have been made of their relationship with Raglan and the focus in Russia at the end has meant there are unanswered questions I had about Maguire but this is all the more reason to read another!
jameselbaor's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
valeriereadingnook's review
5.0
Wow, I just finished this book and felt I needed to light a nice fire, run a hot bath and prepare a nice mug of hot cocoa for our hero Dan Raglan. This book has just taken him through the most tense and harrowing time and although this former French Legion member is a tough professional, this story has pushed him to his limits.
The novel starts in Mali in the middle of an attack against a terrorist group and carries on through London, Moscow, Siberia, all at a very fast pace and always tense and full of action. The scenes are always set so vividly that as you read the book you feel completely drawn into it. You feel the rush of adrenalin, the aches, the cold, the loss … and the fear.
David Gilman has put together an explosive mix in this international action thriller, with the intertwined and dangerous worlds of terrorists, spies, professional warriors, the Russian-backed organised crime, and the interesting inmates at Penal Colony 74 in the pits of Siberia.
It is a rough read and, like our hero, you are completely sucked into this well constructed plot and well written story, and you will only catch your breath when you reach the last page.
I would not be surprised if our hero Dan Raglan would reappear for new exciting challenges, after a well deserved holiday in his secluded village in France. In fact I am looking forward to his return!
#TheEnglishman #NetGalley
The novel starts in Mali in the middle of an attack against a terrorist group and carries on through London, Moscow, Siberia, all at a very fast pace and always tense and full of action. The scenes are always set so vividly that as you read the book you feel completely drawn into it. You feel the rush of adrenalin, the aches, the cold, the loss … and the fear.
David Gilman has put together an explosive mix in this international action thriller, with the intertwined and dangerous worlds of terrorists, spies, professional warriors, the Russian-backed organised crime, and the interesting inmates at Penal Colony 74 in the pits of Siberia.
It is a rough read and, like our hero, you are completely sucked into this well constructed plot and well written story, and you will only catch your breath when you reach the last page.
I would not be surprised if our hero Dan Raglan would reappear for new exciting challenges, after a well deserved holiday in his secluded village in France. In fact I am looking forward to his return!
#TheEnglishman #NetGalley
karlou's review
5.0
The title might be The Englishman but this is an international spy thriller. The Russian-set prologue takes place in 2020 and features an as yet unnamed man on the run trying - and apparently failing - to escape gunfire, before the opening chapter goes back to February 2013. Dan Raglan is in the Republic of Mali as one of the French Foreign Legion's parachute commando group. A tense, bloody hunt for Al Qaeda militias hiding out in caves immediately sets the pace in a novel that barely gives the reader a chance to draw breath before the next high-octane action scene with David Gilman's own military knowledge ensuring that his descriptions of tactics and combat are vividly authentic throughout
Raglan is dogged, resourceful and ruthless, and as the protagonist for this book and forthcoming series, is invitingly mysterious with a troubled past which means that although he was taken in by a couple after being orphaned, he views the Legion as his true family. Indeed, there's a scene a little further on which underlines just how close these men are to one another, even after they leave the Legion. Part One ends with his luck apparently running out but it's obviously not a surprise to learn that he lives to fight another day. The repercussions of what occurred in Mali continue to haunt him years later, however, and though an accomplished killer, Raglan is not a callous man. He proves to be a surprisingly compassionate figure who is tormented by his past and demonstrates deep empathy for those who also suffer traumatic losses.
In 2020 again, Raglan is the enigmatic Englishman of the title called upon when a former MI6 agent turned banker, Jeremy Carter is brazenly kidnapped in broad daylight in London. Though it only takes 27 seconds for him to be taken, the shocking moments leading up to his bloody abduction had my heart racing. When he learns that intelligence suggests that Carter may have turned, he encounters the efficient Major Elena Sorokina as it transpires that the kidnappers have links to Russian organised crime. Raglan faces a nerve-wracking race against time to try to rescue his friend and clear his name but has an uncertain relationship with MI6 man, Maguire while the likeable, ambitious Abbie is caught between following her boss's orders and the charismatic, dangerous man she is now working with. Though the action scenes are plentiful and brutal - don't expect to see all the characters survive - the drama isn't at the expense of the intricate, intelligent plot which is gripping throughout.
The final part of The Englishman takes us back to the Russia of the prologue and finds Raglan in a chilling (in both senses of the word) pursuit for deadly justice. He ends up in a notorious penal colony for Russia's most dangerous criminals and his determination to exact his revenge before attempting to escape into an icy landscape which is potentially even more hostile than any adversary he must face is utterly compelling.
The Englishman is a brilliantly addictive thriller featuring the sort of contemporary issues which guarantee excitement and tension; international conflict, black ops intelligence, money laundering and organised crime are incorporated in a novel which is cinematic in scope and evocation. This introduction to Raglan is an exhilarating series opener - I look forward to reading what comes next with eager anticipation. Very highly recommended.
Raglan is dogged, resourceful and ruthless, and as the protagonist for this book and forthcoming series, is invitingly mysterious with a troubled past which means that although he was taken in by a couple after being orphaned, he views the Legion as his true family. Indeed, there's a scene a little further on which underlines just how close these men are to one another, even after they leave the Legion. Part One ends with his luck apparently running out but it's obviously not a surprise to learn that he lives to fight another day. The repercussions of what occurred in Mali continue to haunt him years later, however, and though an accomplished killer, Raglan is not a callous man. He proves to be a surprisingly compassionate figure who is tormented by his past and demonstrates deep empathy for those who also suffer traumatic losses.
In 2020 again, Raglan is the enigmatic Englishman of the title called upon when a former MI6 agent turned banker, Jeremy Carter is brazenly kidnapped in broad daylight in London. Though it only takes 27 seconds for him to be taken, the shocking moments leading up to his bloody abduction had my heart racing. When he learns that intelligence suggests that Carter may have turned, he encounters the efficient Major Elena Sorokina as it transpires that the kidnappers have links to Russian organised crime. Raglan faces a nerve-wracking race against time to try to rescue his friend and clear his name but has an uncertain relationship with MI6 man, Maguire while the likeable, ambitious Abbie is caught between following her boss's orders and the charismatic, dangerous man she is now working with. Though the action scenes are plentiful and brutal - don't expect to see all the characters survive - the drama isn't at the expense of the intricate, intelligent plot which is gripping throughout.
The final part of The Englishman takes us back to the Russia of the prologue and finds Raglan in a chilling (in both senses of the word) pursuit for deadly justice. He ends up in a notorious penal colony for Russia's most dangerous criminals and his determination to exact his revenge before attempting to escape into an icy landscape which is potentially even more hostile than any adversary he must face is utterly compelling.
The Englishman is a brilliantly addictive thriller featuring the sort of contemporary issues which guarantee excitement and tension; international conflict, black ops intelligence, money laundering and organised crime are incorporated in a novel which is cinematic in scope and evocation. This introduction to Raglan is an exhilarating series opener - I look forward to reading what comes next with eager anticipation. Very highly recommended.