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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There is nothing quite like a good spy novel. And, to be honest, it's been a long time since I've read a good spy novel.
I really ventured away from the genre after high school, despite burying myself in it for over four years.
That said, I returned to the genre because I saw an ad for Red Sparrow. The storyline seemed appropriate considering current political tensions. I opted for the book over the movie.
Now for the review. If you like spy novels, then this will certainly float your boat. Red Sparrow walks a fine line between the antiquated spy novel (I'm looking at you Ian Fleming) and the fast-paced and highly technical world of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.
The story centers on two agents from rival agencies, Nathaniel (Nate) Nash of the CIA and Dominika Egorova of the SVR.
The book opens with Nate meeting with a Russian spy (Marble) in Moscow. After a thorough shakedown that almost comprises the asset, the CIA decides to send Nate off to Heliniski. But the Russian secret agents have caught a whiff of the American and set a trap.
That trap is Dominika, who after leaving ballet school for an injury was jostled through multiple Russian training schools, emerging as a fairly formidable agent. been jostled around by Russian politics. Dominika is sent to seduce Nate in order to find out the name of the asset he was handling, unearthing the Russian mole. Nate, on the other hand, is trying to recruit Dominikia, unaware that she is working him as well.
At this point, you may be rolling your eyes. This is what I meant when I was talking about antiquated spy novels and sappy romantic subplots. But the romantic side of this book is kept in check, and the author continually demonstrates a knowledge of not only his subject but also the locations in the story.
I think this book sets the stage well for the rest of the trilogy, which is already in my Amazon cart.
Four stars.
I really ventured away from the genre after high school, despite burying myself in it for over four years.
That said, I returned to the genre because I saw an ad for Red Sparrow. The storyline seemed appropriate considering current political tensions. I opted for the book over the movie.
Now for the review. If you like spy novels, then this will certainly float your boat. Red Sparrow walks a fine line between the antiquated spy novel (I'm looking at you Ian Fleming) and the fast-paced and highly technical world of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.
The story centers on two agents from rival agencies, Nathaniel (Nate) Nash of the CIA and Dominika Egorova of the SVR.
The book opens with Nate meeting with a Russian spy (Marble) in Moscow. After a thorough shakedown that almost comprises the asset, the CIA decides to send Nate off to Heliniski. But the Russian secret agents have caught a whiff of the American and set a trap.
That trap is Dominika, who after leaving ballet school for an injury was jostled through multiple Russian training schools, emerging as a fairly formidable agent. been jostled around by Russian politics. Dominika is sent to seduce Nate in order to find out the name of the asset he was handling, unearthing the Russian mole. Nate, on the other hand, is trying to recruit Dominikia, unaware that she is working him as well.
At this point, you may be rolling your eyes. This is what I meant when I was talking about antiquated spy novels and sappy romantic subplots. But the romantic side of this book is kept in check, and the author continually demonstrates a knowledge of not only his subject but also the locations in the story.
I think this book sets the stage well for the rest of the trilogy, which is already in my Amazon cart.
Four stars.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
Wow............this, this is awful. I made it about 6 chapters in and couldn't take it anymore. The writing is horrible, the characters unlikable and the premise ridiculous. I've read fanfiction by middle schoolers with better grammar and sentence structure.
This is nothing more than a misogynistic smut novel pretending to be a spy thriller. Sex was referenced or described at least once every few pages which is waaaaay too much. It's not even good smut either..."he sat across from her, humming with horny."What. The. Ever. Living. Shit. How dare you make me read that with my own two eyes.
Also, what the f*ck is up with the recipe thing?
One of the fastest DNFs I have ever experienced.
This is nothing more than a misogynistic smut novel pretending to be a spy thriller. Sex was referenced or described at least once every few pages which is waaaaay too much. It's not even good smut either..."he sat across from her, humming with horny."
Also, what the f*ck is up with the recipe thing?
One of the fastest DNFs I have ever experienced.
It is not for me. What is with the random recipes? I listened to the audiobook. I had such high expectations (I enjoyed the movie) so for the first few hours, I wanted the thing to start. A lot of politics. And I got lost a few times (Although that might be the fault of the audiobook).
Also - sex alert. Way too much and even if in some places it was understandable, not all. First few minutes and that just happened. No intro, no real background.
Also - sex alert. Way too much and even if in some places it was understandable, not all. First few minutes and that just happened. No intro, no real background.
Despite what I felt was a slow start, I ultimately really enjoyed this book. The little recipes were a fun way to break up the intense chapters and of course I found myself rooting for Domi and Nate. I never saw the Jennifer Lawrence movie based on this book but I’m definitely interested in seeing how it compares.
Based on what I had heard about the book and given its title, I was expecting more emphasis on the Sparrow School, which I had assumed was an elite training program and not a school teaching the art of seduction for spying purposes. Still, the writing style and onslaught of details reminded me of Advise and Consent, with its historical yet not rose tinted view of the past.
Based on what I had heard about the book and given its title, I was expecting more emphasis on the Sparrow School, which I had assumed was an elite training program and not a school teaching the art of seduction for spying purposes. Still, the writing style and onslaught of details reminded me of Advise and Consent, with its historical yet not rose tinted view of the past.
So bad I couldn’t finish - and I love non-literary page turners. Some interesting scenes - like the opening section - have promise and show that the writer has some skills, but too much of the story is told from the POV of Dominika, who is at best a vague and poorly outlined character. Too bad she couldn’t have been conceptualised as an actual strong heroine, but unfortunately she is never allowed to be more than a sexy, almost magical, damaged ballerina spy. Flatter characterization than a squashed bug.
Exceptionally well written, doesn't shy away from the possible harsh realities of life. Highly recommended.
Notes:
Between the writing and narrator, this was the least exciting thriller I've read in a while.
Between the writing and narrator, this was the least exciting thriller I've read in a while.