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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Red Sparrow is written by ex-CIA agent Jason Matthews. He uses authentic spy terminology and scenarios, which creates a very believable and readable novel. It is so believable, I found myself wondering how Mr. Matthews was allowed to reveal the techniques he did. Red Sparrow is pretty even paced, holds the reader’s attention, and gives characters that we care about. The first novel of a trilogy, that leaves the reader wanting to know more. It is a story of spy recruitment and double agents, taking place both in the United States and Europe, with a little romance thrown in. It is also a story of a Russian woman coping with life disappointments. If you liked Eye of the Needle, Red Sparrow may be for you.
This took me a while to read, not because it wasn't a good read, but because I didn't have many chances to pick it up...instead of reading, I'm busy walking Nancy and Penny!
Very enjoyable, old fashioned espionage thriller...cold war US vs Russia stuff, lots of tradecraft explanations. It is my secret ambition to be a spy so this one really appealed to me.
Very enjoyable, old fashioned espionage thriller...cold war US vs Russia stuff, lots of tradecraft explanations. It is my secret ambition to be a spy so this one really appealed to me.
CIA, Russia, and spies, yes please. Really good modern day spy thriller.
This is a pretty good spy novel in the grand tradition of Russian spy stories, but this time, the spy is a woman. I will eventually read the next two in the trilogy. But first, I'm looking forward to watch the movie with Jennifer Lawrence.
This is a pretty good spy novel in the grand tradition of Russian spy stories, but this time, the spy is a woman. I will eventually read the next two in the trilogy. But first, I'm looking forward to watch the movie with Jennifer Lawrence.
4.75 actually.
This book cannot get a 5 because of the treatment of Sparrow School in the beginning of the story. It was straight up soft porn. Ick. I understand why Sparrow School is part of the story or obviously, the title of the story. Without it, Dominika's story would not be nearly as poignant or informed. However, the author would have done well to change the telling of the Sparrow School techniques or maybe even used that part of the story as flashbacks interspersed throughout the story. I don't know but it felt like a whole different story from the one that follows it. I am just thankful I continued past it for the most awesome spy story within the pages.
Okay - so that out of the way. I loved this story!
Neyt and Dominika are young, vulnerable and in love. The author weaves in and out of the love story. Both are bad a** spies for their countries. Yet, both are young and vulnerable and have so much to learn about life and spying. It is fully believable through the whole story that one or both them will make a fatal error. Their superiors are seasoned, but have their own agendas. Will they use Neyt or Dominika for their own purposes?
No spoilers here even though the whole world probably knows how this story ends.
Korchoi, the old Russian spy is one of my favorites. He is genuine and capable of greatness at all turns.
Gable and Forsyth for America are like those lovable brothers that we all need in our life.
The book was written by an expert who undoubtedly has had much experience internationally in the CIA. It was real. I believe that this story really does not fall far from the truth of it today especially with the news stories of Russian election tampering in the USA.
I am super looking forward to the 2nd in the trilogy. Plus if this book is truly a trilogy and not a long running 72 book series about Neyt and Dominika, I will want to kiss Jason Matthews for knowing when to end a story!
This book cannot get a 5 because of the treatment of Sparrow School in the beginning of the story. It was straight up soft porn. Ick. I understand why Sparrow School is part of the story or obviously, the title of the story. Without it, Dominika's story would not be nearly as poignant or informed. However, the author would have done well to change the telling of the Sparrow School techniques or maybe even used that part of the story as flashbacks interspersed throughout the story. I don't know but it felt like a whole different story from the one that follows it. I am just thankful I continued past it for the most awesome spy story within the pages.
Okay - so that out of the way. I loved this story!
Neyt and Dominika are young, vulnerable and in love. The author weaves in and out of the love story. Both are bad a** spies for their countries. Yet, both are young and vulnerable and have so much to learn about life and spying. It is fully believable through the whole story that one or both them will make a fatal error. Their superiors are seasoned, but have their own agendas. Will they use Neyt or Dominika for their own purposes?
No spoilers here even though the whole world probably knows how this story ends.
Korchoi, the old Russian spy is one of my favorites. He is genuine and capable of greatness at all turns.
Gable and Forsyth for America are like those lovable brothers that we all need in our life.
The book was written by an expert who undoubtedly has had much experience internationally in the CIA. It was real. I believe that this story really does not fall far from the truth of it today especially with the news stories of Russian election tampering in the USA.
I am super looking forward to the 2nd in the trilogy. Plus if this book is truly a trilogy and not a long running 72 book series about Neyt and Dominika, I will want to kiss Jason Matthews for knowing when to end a story!
This book was fine. I would have enjoyed it so much more if there was not so many details that weighed it down. Stephen King can do it well and get away with it (usually), but here it just caused confusion. I also had trouble tracking characters, but it wasn't too bad. It's engaging and the suspense is entertaining, but there is not tons of action like you might be expecting. It's more about the inner works of spies for the US and Russia. I really like Dominika's character and felt she was very headstrong and powerful. I also loved the recipes at the end of each chapter! Overall though, this book is not overly excited. It's too weighed down with logistics. I think my expectations were just too high.
Goosie Scale Rating: 2/10
Almost zero moments where I felt moved or invigorated.
First Sentence Rating: 6/10
"Twelve hours into his SDR and Nathaniel Nash was numb from the waist down."
Nothing special, yet intriguing. I'd say a solid and average first sentence.
Goosie Scale Rating: 2/10
Almost zero moments where I felt moved or invigorated.
First Sentence Rating: 6/10
"Twelve hours into his SDR and Nathaniel Nash was numb from the waist down."
Nothing special, yet intriguing. I'd say a solid and average first sentence.
Uncle Vanya will never be the same. This is a fast paced spy thriller that will keep you engaged throughout. You care about all the characters. My only complaint is the inclusion of recipes between the chapters. Don't think they added much and aren't distinctive enough to care. But the story is great and I'd like to see more.
3.5
I rarely say this, but this book will likely be better as a movie. The novel is supposed to be a Russian spy thriller, but the monotone narration and CIA jargon made the book drag on for way too long. There was too much technical explanation about CIA operations, which will likely be much better in a visual format.
Additionally, the recipes at the end of each chapter was distracting and unnecessary. The idea was cute, but it seemed like once Matthews started down the road, he couldn't stop and had to force food/dinner/eating into scenes to keep up the pattern.
Further, Matthews really harped on the FBI and made them look extremely stupid and incompetent. Was this necessary?
I rarely say this, but this book will likely be better as a movie. The novel is supposed to be a Russian spy thriller, but the monotone narration and CIA jargon made the book drag on for way too long. There was too much technical explanation about CIA operations, which will likely be much better in a visual format.
Additionally, the recipes at the end of each chapter was distracting and unnecessary. The idea was cute, but it seemed like once Matthews started down the road, he couldn't stop and had to force food/dinner/eating into scenes to keep up the pattern.
Further, Matthews really harped on the FBI and made them look extremely stupid and incompetent. Was this necessary?
I really enjoyed this. Lots of operational details, but rounded out with some good human drama. Bring on the sequel.