An odd but interesting story

A classic quest. The hero has amazing linguistic abilities in addition to the usual resourcefulness, but it is enjoyable. A map of Eastern siberia would be helpful but not essential, the hero does not have one!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Perfect narration

If you like a chunky read with interesting detail and steady suspense this is perfect for you. I was bereft to discover there wasn’t a sequel.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good performance, bizarre plot twist.

A good listen. Unfortunately spoilt when the pivotal secret of the story is revealed (stunned disbelief / disappointment rather than a good plot vehicle) . And, the finale is a bit far fetched, and too bloody for me. Luckily there's more to the story, a good base.

For the most part I enjoyed the general storyline and performance.

I didn't listen to chapter 1 on the basis of other reviews.

70/30 if I'd read/listen another book by the same author - probably a second choice, I'm struggling to find first choices!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Don’t listen to the introduction.

I agree with other reviewers. Don’t listen to the introduction as it gives too much away. A very different audible book than I normally listen to but absolutely loved it. Great narration.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

I loved this book, so well written and narrated.

Read it, you won’t regret it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Do not miss this book

Totally absorbing. Extraordinary characters and an extraordinary story. Superbly told and enjoyed from start to finish.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing book.

I was kept on the edge of my seat for the whole story. Timeless, brilliant writer. An epic quest that will grip you from start to finish. Extremely satisfying listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not convinced this is a classic or worth a read

Some of the story is compelling and other parts are just plain silly. If you choose to read it then you will know what I mean when the protagonist recovers the secret. There are other of elements of the story which pull you in. This isn’t however a rip roaring spy thriller but equally it isn’t the controlled game of a Le Carre. There were many moments when I wanted to stop listening because the story was ridiculous and the initial chapters have an annoying narration. The narrative is also very dense and deals with the mundane bits of being a spy. I read one review which said if you want to know how Bond travels and gets into countries then this is the book for you. It sounds worse than it is but I get the point.

The whole thing is hit and miss to a point where I wouldn’t know whether to recommend it or not. It’s definitely not the best thriller I have read (to quote Pullman) and not a classic when compared to Deighton and Le Carre.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant thriller.

Fantastic book. Tons of characters. A massive amount of plot. Great narrative. I had no idea how he was going to wrap it all this up but he did. The narrator has his work cut out. He does an unbelievable job with a massive amount to do. Quite an achievement.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

good story well told

this is a a good story but perhaps not great... everything really interesting happens at the end. very well narrated though...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful