About:
The Messenger by Daniel Silva is the sixth novel in the Gabriel Allon series. Allon is an Israeli agent who is more interested in restoring works of art than the world of espionage.
My rating for The Messenger – 4
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Thoughts:
The Messenger by Daniel Silva (website) is more of a thriller than the previous five books. The book is quite violent and Allon’s ruthlessness comes out in several highly charged scenes.
While I didn’t think The Messenger was the best in the series, it did fill in some missing gaps in the relationships between the characters. As in many book series this one also is a standalone, but it’s always nice to read them in order.
I was glad to read about the return of Chiara, Allon’s love interest which we lost in the previous book. I also loved the way Silva wrote the Pope (“the” Pope, not some mobster or terrorist with a nickname), he was approachable and seemed like a good leader.
Silva incorporated current events into this book (and several others), such as the tensions between Christianity and Islam and the concerns of the Pope who is trying to build relationships, yet stands to lose his life because of them.
As much as I love current events in books, what I dislike is current events like plot devices which never actually happened. Mixing up current events with the destruction of St. Peter’s basilica simply didn’t ring true for me.
Over the past two years, I have been introduced to Daniel Silva and have read most of his books. If you follow my blog you know that I am a fan and think that Silva is one of the best espionage authors working today. However, in this book his writing seemed to lack a little – not much mind you, but I could tell the difference from previous books.
That being said, this book is certainly is still highly recommended. Once Allon enters the page, the strengths of Silva in plotting and writing come to full power and fruition. The story becomes a gripping page turner and I could not put it down.
Related Reads:
The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon #1)
The English Assassin by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon #2)
The Confessor by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon #3)
A Death in Vienna by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon #4)
Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva (Gabriel Allon #5)
So tell me, who do you think is the best espionage/thriller author out there?
Synopsis:
When an al Qaeda operative is killed inLondon, some photographs are found on his computer and the Israeli intelligence suspects that the group is planning a big attack aimed directly at theVatican.
Israeli agent Gabriel Allon finds himself in a battle of wits against dangerous men which takes him on a hunt acrossEurope.
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Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I bought this book.
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Would love to read The Messenger. A mystery and espionage dealing with the Vatican is always interesting.
I kept meaning to get back to you on this topic. Have you ever read anything by Alan Furst? His World War II espionage books are great, unmatched by any one else out there, except perhaps John LeCarre. Also, I've been reading thrillers by Andy McNab, who is the most highly decorated SAS soldier, ever. And a great writer! As for non-fiction, check out Ben MacIntyre, who wrote "Agent Zigzag" and the unbelievably great "Operation Mincemeat."
Hi Helen,
thanks for the great recommendations. I haven't read any of the books you've mentioned but I do intend to. I checked out McNab's books and they do look like something that I would enjoy.
Thanks,