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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
After thinking about it for a little bit, I had to change my rating from 4 to 3 stars. While I enjoyed this book, and the espionage aspects involved, I feel that at times it was long winded and choppy. Things that could have been described in a page took 10-15 pages. I did purchase the next in the series and I hope it captures my attention. This one I had to put down a lot and walk away from. I can easily speed through a 500 page boom in two days, but this took a week, and for that reason I changed the rating. It was clear to me that this was a tough read based on the time elapsed. I loved Dominika’s character, but she disappeared for long stretches. Too many characters with absurdly similar names made it difficult to navigate.
Although I found the ending a bit flawed and hurried, I gave this novel four stars based on the cat-and-mouse spycraft and action that preceeded it. I’m not sure that I totally bought Dominika’s “superpower” synesthesia but it made her a rather unique heroine. A much better novel than the distressing and depressing film based on it. I am still undecided about picking up volumes 2 and 3 of the series but I mostly enjoyed this one.
It has an interesting concept, but by halfway point it is so dull. I learned all that I can about Dominika, and after that I just simply can't care anymore. She isn't even that fascinating a character. Well, I don't even know what she wants or even why she does so far for.
And after halfway point, I literally could not care less about any of them. It just trudged on, and the intriguing parts regarding her ambitions just fell by the wayside.
And after halfway point, I literally could not care less about any of them. It just trudged on, and the intriguing parts regarding her ambitions just fell by the wayside.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For some reason, Matthews was turned down by the publishers for the recipe book he always wanted to write, and so threaded his cookery instructions into a sex/spy TV movie script.
It’s exhilarating to know that, although half way through a gripping car chase, hard-nosed field agents can take a few moments to bake the perfect raspberry pavlova, demonstrating the perfect blend between hard, crunchy crust and delicately chewy meringue filling.
Inspired by this, I’ve decided to write my own rip-roaring novel about a carpenter who, in a series of unfortunate events, finds himself permanently trapped in a multi-storey brothel. I plan to produce a riot of a page turner, based on a wide variety of sexual encounters, which, at the end of each chapter, will include detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions for the carpentry joint that best illustrates the carnal act. I’m especially looking forward to describing the titillating details of the Sliding Tongue and Butt Joint.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a recipe book that features universally evil Russians and flawlessly heroic CIA operatives (and you can’t be bothered to read either Delia Smith or John le Carré) this is probably the best book you’ll ever read.
It’s exhilarating to know that, although half way through a gripping car chase, hard-nosed field agents can take a few moments to bake the perfect raspberry pavlova, demonstrating the perfect blend between hard, crunchy crust and delicately chewy meringue filling.
Inspired by this, I’ve decided to write my own rip-roaring novel about a carpenter who, in a series of unfortunate events, finds himself permanently trapped in a multi-storey brothel. I plan to produce a riot of a page turner, based on a wide variety of sexual encounters, which, at the end of each chapter, will include detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions for the carpentry joint that best illustrates the carnal act. I’m especially looking forward to describing the titillating details of the Sliding Tongue and Butt Joint.
Anyway, if you’re looking for a recipe book that features universally evil Russians and flawlessly heroic CIA operatives (and you can’t be bothered to read either Delia Smith or John le Carré) this is probably the best book you’ll ever read.
This took me AGES to read, mostly cos he writes in such a convoluted and unclear way.
When I was recommended another spy thriller, I was skeptical at first, owing to the fact that ex CIA agents might have been great at their career, but poor at literature. However, I was amazed at how gripping the overall story was. After some due diligence, I figured out that the counter surveillance, decoy and espionage tactics as mentioned in the book are examples of real maneuvers that CIA and SVR regularly practices.
It was a thrilling ride through the eyes of Dominika, Nate and the fantastic characters of Gable and Forsyth, and also - PUTIN!!!
Now that Jennifer Lawrence is all set to play the seductress Domi, both the second book and the movie will be on my watch(read)list
It was a thrilling ride through the eyes of Dominika, Nate and the fantastic characters of Gable and Forsyth, and also - PUTIN!!!
Now that Jennifer Lawrence is all set to play the seductress Domi, both the second book and the movie will be on my watch(read)list
I would have enjoyed this book more if it just hadn't been so gosh-danged long. I was complaining to a coworker about how Matthews feels the need to describe everything, what a person is wearing from the top of their head down to their shoes, what smells are on the air, what appetizer, main course, and drinks they're consuming. She nodded at me over her cigarette and said sagely, "Just like a typical CIA worker." Which left me with a lot of questions about her, quite frankly.
Also, did anyone else get the impression that the author is in love with his creation? That scene where Egorova is described solely as fighting, heaving, black lace lingerie...I felt like I was in someone's fevered fantasy.
I found it interesting that the title of the book makes you think it's going to focus a TON on sexpionage, but Sparrow School was merely a blip of a chapter drowned out by Italian pasta recipes and purple auras. It focused very little on her seduction skills, but - well on second thought, I appreciate that we had a female protagonist where sexuality wasn't the main focus. It's just that the title was a bit misleading. (just like a typical CIA worker)
I did enjoy the bits about tradecraft, and also realized I could never be a spy after reading this (or COULD I?), so there's that
P.S. OH GOD JUST REMEMBERED the scene where Putin is doing sweaty push-ups with a dwarf beside him bumped the review up a star for sheer ridiculousness alone.
Also, did anyone else get the impression that the author is in love with his creation? That scene where Egorova is described solely as fighting, heaving, black lace lingerie...I felt like I was in someone's fevered fantasy.
I found it interesting that the title of the book makes you think it's going to focus a TON on sexpionage, but Sparrow School was merely a blip of a chapter drowned out by Italian pasta recipes and purple auras. It focused very little on her seduction skills, but - well on second thought, I appreciate that we had a female protagonist where sexuality wasn't the main focus. It's just that the title was a bit misleading. (just like a typical CIA worker)
I did enjoy the bits about tradecraft, and also realized I could never be a spy after reading this (or COULD I?), so there's that
P.S. OH GOD JUST REMEMBERED the scene where Putin is doing sweaty push-ups with a dwarf beside him bumped the review up a star for sheer ridiculousness alone.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced