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jacyndarmawan's review against another edition
4.0
Alright… to be honest, my boyfriend made me read this one as he is a huge Frederick Forsyth fan. I’ve got to admit that I don’t regret it though!
I did find it quite difficult at the start because of how jam-packed with technical details this book is and my being not well-versed with the world of espionage, weaponry, politics and its bureaucracy, didn’t help. Once I got through the initial hurdle and got used to the language though, I found this book g r i p p i n g.
It is fast-paced when it needs to be. Some scenes were so thrilling I was practically out of breath at the end. Then there are chapters that detailed complicated operations with incredible nuances that (probably) reflected the real world better than some movies did.
Is this book right up my alley? Not really. Will I read more of Forsyth’s books? Sure, he is brilliant.
I did find it quite difficult at the start because of how jam-packed with technical details this book is and my being not well-versed with the world of espionage, weaponry, politics and its bureaucracy, didn’t help. Once I got through the initial hurdle and got used to the language though, I found this book g r i p p i n g.
It is fast-paced when it needs to be. Some scenes were so thrilling I was practically out of breath at the end. Then there are chapters that detailed complicated operations with incredible nuances that (probably) reflected the real world better than some movies did.
Is this book right up my alley? Not really. Will I read more of Forsyth’s books? Sure, he is brilliant.
welshrebel1776's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
danboyweho's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite genre, historical fiction in the thriller vein. Love mix of fact and fiction. Reportage and mystery. This book was a total page turner. Could not put it down.
Forsyth among my favorite mystery authors, one of those writers whose fiction jumps off from real-life intrigues. Think Le Carre, Daniel Silva, Tom Clancy. Take all the juicy behind-the-scenes details, which only a true insider would know. Mix in a pulsating thriller, with life and death hanging in the balance at every turn. Throw in muscle men, charming spies, wicked women, subtle red herrings, plot twists and turns, and even the occasional romantic interest, and you've got a recipe for excitement that never fails to satisfy.
Forsyth among my favorite mystery authors, one of those writers whose fiction jumps off from real-life intrigues. Think Le Carre, Daniel Silva, Tom Clancy. Take all the juicy behind-the-scenes details, which only a true insider would know. Mix in a pulsating thriller, with life and death hanging in the balance at every turn. Throw in muscle men, charming spies, wicked women, subtle red herrings, plot twists and turns, and even the occasional romantic interest, and you've got a recipe for excitement that never fails to satisfy.
marco5599's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sjoerdbol's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
stricker's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Good story and plot mixed in with factual account of 1st Gulf War
tabbycat26's review against another edition
4.0
I do not know how I missed out on this author until now. I was always a big tom fancy fan but never read anything by Mr. Forsyth. And this is just like a Tom Clancy book with a lot of the private life cut out. This was definitely an enjoyable read. Learned a lot about the golf war and Saddam Hussein. It may be historical fiction whatever historical fiction is wrapped in fact.
vander's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
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? Yes
4.5