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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
4.0
I'm going 3.5 on this but rounding up because I enjoyed it more than a 3 and Goodreads doesn't allow for 1/2 stars...
There was a lot I liked about this book. The main character is a former CIA agent - a 64 year old Black man (which made me very happy because there aren't enough non-white protagonists in mainstream thrillers written by white people) - who is reactivated to help save some agents who don't know they're being targeted. The Seven Sisters.
As one would expect from a book in this genre, everything is not what it seems and there's lots of killing and hiding and backstabbing. That was pretty fun. Then it slows down and we get to go through a sort of drug out courtroom thing.
That's when the head scratching and eye rolling started in earnest. Seriously, I had figured out a big part of the mystery but while the rationale and methods behind it were revealed, I felt lost much of the time. There was SO MUCH going on and some of it was so convoluted that I wanted to throw up my hands and be done.
I'm no stranger to Mr. Dugoni's books and know that there's a good chance I'll get frustrated at some point while reading but I still keep coming back. I suppose it's because his characters are interesting and I like his writing voice. So far I've ready the Tracy Crosswhite series (which reminds me that I still have the latest book in the series to read) and [b:The 7th Canon|29904287|The 7th Canon|Robert Dugoni|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1466240743l/29904287._SY75_.jpg|50278266]. This guy's been around a long time and has written loads of books.
Even though this is the first in a series, I recognize the name David Sloan from another series that I haven't read so I'm betting anyone who's read those will be surrounded by old friends. They seem like nice and interesting people so I might visit them, too. I can't seem to quit Dugoni.
There was a lot I liked about this book. The main character is a former CIA agent - a 64 year old Black man (which made me very happy because there aren't enough non-white protagonists in mainstream thrillers written by white people) - who is reactivated to help save some agents who don't know they're being targeted. The Seven Sisters.
As one would expect from a book in this genre, everything is not what it seems and there's lots of killing and hiding and backstabbing. That was pretty fun. Then it slows down and we get to go through a sort of drug out courtroom thing.
That's when the head scratching and eye rolling started in earnest. Seriously, I had figured out a big part of the mystery but while the rationale and methods behind it were revealed, I felt lost much of the time. There was SO MUCH going on and some of it was so convoluted that I wanted to throw up my hands and be done.
I'm no stranger to Mr. Dugoni's books and know that there's a good chance I'll get frustrated at some point while reading but I still keep coming back. I suppose it's because his characters are interesting and I like his writing voice. So far I've ready the Tracy Crosswhite series (which reminds me that I still have the latest book in the series to read) and [b:The 7th Canon|29904287|The 7th Canon|Robert Dugoni|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1466240743l/29904287._SY75_.jpg|50278266]. This guy's been around a long time and has written loads of books.
Even though this is the first in a series, I recognize the name David Sloan from another series that I haven't read so I'm betting anyone who's read those will be surrounded by old friends. They seem like nice and interesting people so I might visit them, too. I can't seem to quit Dugoni.
dhensley002's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nikkirene00's review against another edition
5.0
As always, another fabulous book by the fantastic Robert Dugoni! Great writing, great story, great characters! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
lexee9's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-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
4.75
This was a fantastic read! It pulled me in from beginning to end. It is a gripping story that keeps you glued to the page to figure out what is going to happen next and how Charles Jenkins is going to get out of his current situation. This book has a ton of twists and turns and they are very well done! It didn't get overly confusing, to the point where you couldn't track what was happening when you were meant to but it will definitely keep you guessing and wondering how he will pull it off this time. I really enjoyed this one. It doesn't quite start off with a bang but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching Charles Jenkins being pulled back into this life and the way everything is set up. It gets you engaged with the characters and then keeps you that way the entire time. There are definitely edge of your seat parts of the book and parts where you think, things have to be coming to an end but there is still quite a bit left and here comes this twist that totally works and sends it spinning off in a different direction. This book was thoroughly thought out and well done. It keeps moving forward and keeps the reader engaged and needing to know what is coming next. I absolutely enjoyed it and can't wait to see what is next for Charles Jenkins.
I listened to the audio book and it was very well done by the narrator. I thought all the Russian pronunciation was on point and great as well as the accents. Narrator did a great job with all the different voices for the characters and adding in that extra touch of emotion and showcasing the action going on in the story. It really brought it to life and added that extra dynamic.
I listened to the audio book and it was very well done by the narrator. I thought all the Russian pronunciation was on point and great as well as the accents. Narrator did a great job with all the different voices for the characters and adding in that extra touch of emotion and showcasing the action going on in the story. It really brought it to life and added that extra dynamic.
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
This was a complex tale of espionage and international intrigue with a hint of legal thriller. It was an action-packed tale with plenty of twists and turns as former CIA operative Charles Jenkins traveled from Seattle to Russia and back again at the behest of his former supervisor who shows up at his home after nearly 40 years and coerces him to become reactivated for one last mission. When Jenkins' mission goes south, it seems that he may have been set up. Desperate to set the record straight, Jenkins reaches out to the FBI after returning to the U.S., but the tables are turned once again and Jenkins finds himself on trial for espionage. One question remains unanswered for me, but perhaps it will be addressed in future books featuring Jenkins, so I won't say more about it. I listened to the audiobook version and read the acknowledgments in the ebook version. The narration was engaging, and I appreciated the fact that the narrator used different voices for the characters.
pallavi_sharma87's review against another edition
5.0
*****5.0*****
I usually don't pick up Spy/Espionage/Government/Court Drama themed books, but this one just blew me off my feet.
Charles Jenkins is dragged into a spy work by his former CIA Boss from his quiet life. Due to some financial problems Charles agrees and is thrown into a chase-run to Russia/Greece etc making the story a fast paced one. Then when he escapes from the Foe and comes back home it's a court room drama that keeps you going with lots of twists and turns.
I enjoyed every bit of this "Spy-Thriller" and looking forward for the next in the line :)
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
Happy Reading!!
I usually don't pick up Spy/Espionage/Government/Court Drama themed books, but this one just blew me off my feet.
Charles Jenkins is dragged into a spy work by his former CIA Boss from his quiet life. Due to some financial problems Charles agrees and is thrown into a chase-run to Russia/Greece etc making the story a fast paced one. Then when he escapes from the Foe and comes back home it's a court room drama that keeps you going with lots of twists and turns.
I enjoyed every bit of this "Spy-Thriller" and looking forward for the next in the line :)
ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
Happy Reading!!
ashish_ras's review against another edition
5.0
Exhilarating
This is my first book by the author. Fast paced thriller keeps you on the edge. Espionage and great court room drama.
This is my first book by the author. Fast paced thriller keeps you on the edge. Espionage and great court room drama.