Book Review: The Faithful Spy

The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson is a nice quick read for those who like spy novels.

What I especially enjoyed was the protagonist's time in Afghanistan and Berenson's ability to create a very high tension level. I found the character's mental state transitioning back from Afghan life to U.S. life also very well done.

The book had a well-developed bad guy with a good plan that kept the reader guessing until the end.

The secondary characters were fine, but didn't really move me one way or the other.

My main criticism is that when the protagonist was in the U.S., why wouldn't he just pick up the phone and call for help or call in a tip.

That being said, it is a decent read.

My Favorite Books of 2011

It's that time to list my favorite books of the previous year. Here we go:

1. Catching Fire (Part two of the Hunger Games trilogy.)
2. A Game of Thrones
3.A Clast of Kings
4. Storm of Swords
5. The Faithful Spy
6. The Peloponnesian War

Please read my reviews on the first four books.

Book Review: Under the Eagle

In 43 A.D., Rome launched it’s largest invasion of Britain consisting of roughly40,000 men. This is the setting of Simon Scarrow’s, Under The Eagle. Two legionnaires, a centurion and raw recruit, are our protagonists that will lead us into Britian.

I liked how Mr. Scarrow wove in his historical details without interrupting the flow of the novel. It lets the reader know that Mr. Scarrow knows his subject.

I also enjoyed the mystery that plays thoughout the novel. However, I think one of the reveals came too early. Also I think the ending could have been smoother. The resolution of the mystery and final action scene compete for the reader’s attention and suddenly the reader is unsure which event is the most important.

I enjoyed the novel and look forward to the second one, principally because I like the character of the centurion and have faith that Mr. Scarrow will be able to continue relaying the history of the invasion of Britain in an entertaining manner.