Brig Berthold
Pacing was very challenging.
Characters were flimsy.
World-building fell short.
Plot devices were over used and largely one-dimensional.
I don't see the hype. Some points in the plot were great and then immediately forsaken, others were funny, but mostly it was dull. Another reviewer called it “too slow and too fast” and that's spot on. And that's too bad because I'm always rooting for strong female leads.
That ending!
This is a wonderful book in a wonderful series. So completely glad I discovered it.
Simple, effective language. Gut-wrenching, character-driven story filled with empathy from start to finish. My first Lucinda Berry.
This was decent. I thought the author pulled some punches in areas the story could have been exploited for an even darker narrative; though I don't fault her for that. She kept the tone at the appropriate popular fiction level and it was entertaining.
I found much of the plot predictable but that, oddly, didn't diminish how much I enjoyed it. Mostly because, as a lover of crime fiction, I was eager to see how daring the author would be about wrapping up certain details.
What an awesome experience!
Sarah is a deeply nuanced character with awesome flaws. Too bad we don't view our friends and family so openly. Anyway, her adventure is bound to be fraught with peril and near-misses, all of which you get outnof her story.
This book is thr perfect balance of YA (14/15+) and espionage. How can you beat that?
It moved quickly. It never got boring. And the “slow-ish” parts paid off massive dividends each time.
But, thr last, maybe 25% of the story were spectacular.
Interesting Primer
This lecture series is not a comprehensive “deep dive” into espionage and covert action. Rather, we are given a primer on the subject with significant historical context.
The information was interesting and the data seemed carefully presented. Overall, the professor did an excellent job of puiqing my interest and illuminating avenues for further self-study.
I couldn't finish this.
I went with the audio book. Big mistake. The narrator mispronounced words. The narrator's tone was completely inappropriate for the narrative tone. The author attempted a semi-realistic story but went to painstaking efforts to make it PG-13. If you need something that ought to be high-stakes crime thriller, but you want the VidAngel version, maybe this is the story for you. In that case you should read the book; skip this audio book regardless.
What do I even say here? Violator is the man. This is one of my favorite characters to read and I just can't get enough of it! Without spoiling anything, just know, if you've made it this far in the series you won't be disappointed with this installment.
I think the audiobook killed this for me.
Dennis Quaid handled the bulk of the narration and nearly ruined it. He sounded like an ancient catcher's mit with a voice box being obstructed by a paper bag. Also, Bach's character was repeatedly diminished by the damn orchestral and operatic chaos behind the narration. I LOVE both classical orchestral music and opera, but I already knew it was her because they switched the narrator for her parts anyway. Blech. It was kitschy and gimmicky and ... Blech.
The only thing going for this was a pretty decent story. Diplomatic thrillers are hard to get right, especially through a novel, but this kept up the pace. A few plot devices were not my favorite but they're also easily excused.
The storytelling abilities of Bernard Cornwell are shimmering in this book; it's the first of his I've read.
I was astounded by the unadulterated force, the complete madness of medieval warfare, and the blood curdling relationships between characters in this book. I have incredibly tough skin but the coarseness of this narrative had me taking breaks to watch “Moana” with my 1-year-old at regular intervals.
Cornwell's finest achievement lies in the research he put into making this story as historically accurate as possible. Down to nearly every character, the names in the story are well researched historical figures from Henry V to Nick Hook. Any break from the historical research was well made and taken in small measure. This is truly historical fiction.
I actually lived this side of the story. Surprisingly good to have a break from Skippy the Magnificent.
To say I absolutely hated this would be a gross overstatement. To say I enjoyed it is also grossly overstated.
With a budding variety of espionage history and CIA dirty laundry being aired, this particular memoir presented a refreshing and unique viewpoint. I'm glad I stumbled upon the opportunity to read this and I feel it delivers every bit of the four stars I have awarded the experience. Tony presents his history in a fun, well organized, an interesting way. He helps you widen your view of the complex nature of professional espionage without an overbearing focus on the deep, dark horrors of the game many people play. Despite the mostly technical, rather than the mainly covert experiences Tony had, he does not hesitate to clue his readers in when it comes to explaining his quite personal operational activity.
Finally, often times in books surrounding this topic, you wonder how much of what is delivered is falsified intentionally. I felt Tony opted to graciously decline the details which remain classified or would bring harm upon the profession or the professionals within the field, rather than fabricating a lie in it's place. For that, I extend my gratitude as well as my already flowing respect for this author.
Loved this. Couldn't put it down.
I was screening this for my 6 year old daughter and I can't wait for her to have this experience!
Gripping. Understated. Deep.
These are just a few of the words I could have chosen to describe this story. Forget being well written; it was. Put aside an evaluation of characters; they were right on point. Don't worry about deconstructing the world building; history is hard to argue with. This story goes deeper into the heart and mind of the reader than any superficial criticism can account for.
I lived vicariously through Jeff's character. I feared his fears, hoped for the things he hoped for, and my soul longed for things of which I have not yet known the pain. Together we partied, traveled, experimented, lost and won and lost again.
Let this story carry you away. Then, when it's over, take an honest accounting and make a plan. You'll understand what I mean when you get there. Oh...then email me and let's talk about it!
I NEVER give a story a 6th star immediately after finishing. I did this time.
WONDEROUS! INFECTIOUS! OVERWHELMING!
This book was so good I'm not even sure how to talk about it. do not pass this up!