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The Silent Oligarch by Chris Morgan Jones is a fictional book about those in the shadows which hold the strings of power.
Article first published as Book Review: The Silent Oligarch by Chris Morgan Jones on Blogcritics.
My rating for The Silent Oligarch – 4
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Thoughts:
oligarchy
1: government by the few
2: a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control
3: an organization under oligarchic control
The Silent Oligarch by Chris Morgan Jones is an interesting book filled with great detail about London, Moscow and Berlin as well as the lifestyle of rich Russians. The story is filled with interesting atmospheric nuances about the new Russia.
The book is somewhat complex, reading it was like walking through a maze and the reader had to pay attention. Jones writes like an insider, not only in the complex details of shell companies but also into the mindset of those who control them and those who are being controlled. The reader can feel the boss’ is calm, collected, reserved yet menacing demeanor while being able to relate to the genuine panic of others.
What I liked about this book is that the bad guy, Konstatin Malin, is a very sinister fellow and even though he doesn’t have a big role in the book, his presence is certainly felt on almost every page. The novel moves forward at a decent pace and seemed, at least to me, very close to reality.
There are no big battles, heroic acts or moral absolutes. The opposite actually, just like in real life there are plenty of moral ambiguity for every character in this story while keeping the actual violence to a minimum.
While the book is about Russia, once can draw parallels to the US when it comes to oligarchy. I certainly don’t think it’s as bad as it is, or was, there but we can all see who pulls the purse strings in Congress (pizza is a vegetable?).
Books in similar vein:
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith
Eye of the Red Tsar by Sam Eastland
The Trinty Six by Charles Cumming
So tell me, do you think we are moving towards oligarchy?
Synopsis:
English lawyer Richard Lock owns a company, but the Russian oligarch Konstatin Malin owns Lock. The company is a front to launder money in a complex web which enables Malin to control the Russian oil industry.
When a competitor tries to destroy Malin, Lock finds himself stuck in the middle. For the first time in his life Lock is being pushed to the edge in a very dangerous game with sinister people who control it.
Great price on this book in paper or electronic format
through the Man of la Book Affiliate Account
TLC Book Tour for The Silent Oligarch:
Tuesday, January 17th: Jen’s Book Thoughts
Thursday, January 19th: Man of La Book
Friday, January 20th: My Two Blessings
Monday, January 30th: Mysteries and My Musings
Wednesday, February 1st: Life in Review
Wednesday, February 8th: Ted Lehmann’s Bluegrass, Books, and Brainstorms
Thursday, February 9th: Mrs. Q: Book Addict
Monday, February 13th: Walking With Nora
Tuesday, February 14th: The Year in Books
Wednesday, February 15th: Mary’s Cup of Tea
Date TBD: nomadreader
Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I got this book for free as part of the TLC Book Tour promotion.
BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read The Silent Oligarch? If so link up your review below:
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View Comments
Not only do I think we're moving into it - I think we've been in it for quite some time. ;)
Thorough review - but doesn't sound like a book for me.
It does seem like there are a small number of "movers and shakers" that are behind what gets done in governments. But maybe it has always been that way.
Great review!
It's unfortunate that moral ambiguity is a fact of life, but you are right that it is a common thing.
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
As usual your expertise at fleshing out the heart of a book, keeps your reviews real and fun to read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.