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darrell_reader_93's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
liberrydude's review against another edition
4.0
The usual tale of subterfuge and revenge. Gabriel is now head of the Office but very hands on. This episode takes place in Morocco as the terrorist Saladin is targeted through his narco connections.
susangiardina's review against another edition
4.0
Once again, Silva writes a fast paced, intriguing, realistic story of geo-political issues and terrorism. This one is particularly compelling due to its closeness to reality as ISIS makes its deadly attacks throughout Europe. This book is the sequel to The Black Widow, and that really must be read first to grasp the plot fully. However, while I have chosen to read all 17 books in the Gabriel Allon series in order, it's the first where I think you really have to have read at least some of the earlier books to understand and truly get attached to the phenomenally talented team based at "The Office." Also, much has changed in that now Gabriel is officially head of the Office, and not the agent in an operation. Other roles have changed as well, and I've not come to appreciate Christopher Keller yet. To me, he remains purely an assassin. Gabriel was an assassin too, but also an artist, a loving husband, and a mensch. I'm sure in subsequent books Keller will be more fleshed out, and Silva will "humanize" him. The tension is so much greater when you care about the character who might be killed any second. So, House of Spies is a wonderful book. Not the best in the series for the reasons I mentioned, but any Daniel Silva book is many times better, and far better written, than any number of other best selling intrigue/thriller novels.
lachiedunq's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sallyallyally's review against another edition
4.0
Usual good reliable, readable offering from the author.
Only one quibble- Gabriel recovered too quickly from rib and vertebral fractures.
Only one quibble- Gabriel recovered too quickly from rib and vertebral fractures.
macymcbeth's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best in the Gabriel Allon series! In this installment, Gabriel is now chief and must try and figure out how to balance this new role with the responsibilities of his family and the threat of an old foe. Gabriel maintains his dry sarcastic humor, and the banter he has with his team is always a joy to read. The plot is a fast paced and gripping as ever, and our antagonist is complex and slippery.
Favorite secondary characters are all brought together in House of Spies and I loved seeing their interactions. Natalie is once again in center stage with our favorites Mikhail and Christopher Keller. Natalie is such a fascinating character so I loved the time and attention Silva paid her.
Favorite secondary characters are all brought together in House of Spies and I loved seeing their interactions. Natalie is once again in center stage with our favorites Mikhail and Christopher Keller. Natalie is such a fascinating character so I loved the time and attention Silva paid her.
abrswf's review against another edition
4.0
I like the Gabriel Allon series a great deal, this installment feels current as it is set in 2016, and the book is admirably narrated. The subject matter is the deadly serious one of ISIS terrorism (though extrajudicial assassinations and torture are apparently okay with Silva when the good guys do it) but a dry, wry and cynical tone prevails. One star off for a bit too much repetition, long waits for action, and a somewhat cardboard cast of characters, plus a strong dose of overarching sexism.
orygunn's review against another edition
5.0
I love the evolution of Gabriel Allon and his team. My only regret is that I've finished the 518 pages so quickly and now must wait for months for the next iteration.