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zelbel2016 's review for:
Red Sparrow, Volume 1
by Jason Matthews
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.