The Messenger

Another Silva masterpiece. To use an overused expression, this book really was very hard to put down. I had to work some at keeping the Arab names straight but read the book so quickly that it never became a problem.

I continue to love this series and its characters. Nevertheless, while I enjoyed this novel, it lacked a certain something. There was a lot of set up and then a quick resolution. Still, Gabriel is a fascinating character and Silva's storytelling draws me in.

Daniel Silva novels are addicting and that's because he's a great writer, writing intriguing and exciting stories around an extremely interesting main character. This one was particularly interesting. Lots of pivotal things happened in this book.

All of these books are gripping and worth it. Gabriel Allon is like James Bond but with a twist. He is a cold blooded killer you actually get to love. You can identify with him and follow on his great adventures. A page turner for real that is over much too quickly.

Daniel Silva knows how to write, how to develop characters and how to organize a plot. This was the first of his novels that I've read and I enjoyed reading it. To that extent, it gets four stars. It misses a star in that the plot was predictable and in that predictability, just the slightest bit tedious. So I recommend the book, but it's realy "novel" in the ultimate sense.

Daniel Silva has reached a point in his career where it would be very difficult for him to write a poor/bad book. He is a gifted, sensitive author who writes well beyond the spy/thriller genre. His only sin is that he writes but one novel per year. RAM

One thing Daniel Silva can never be accused of is sugar coating his message.

In his 9th novel and the 6th, I believe, involving Gabriel Allon, Allon asks a CIA higher up why the CIA wants Israel to do it's dirty business by eliminating some Saudi terrorists. The reply is instructional as Allon is told that it is because of "...a recognition that we Americans don't have the stomach or the backbone to do the things we have to do to win this fight. Our fingers have been burned. Our image has taken a terrible beating...Our politicians would like us to make reservations on the next flight out so they can start spending money on the sorts of things that win votes. Our people want to go back to their fat, happy lives. They want to bury their heads in the sand and pretend there really isn't an organized force in the world that is actively plotting and planning their destruction..."

Allon labored for the Israeli cause for some time under the guise of a world famous art restorer and under another name. His cover has now been blown in the most recent book, yet he is again sent into the fray.

Information has been acquired that indicates al-Qaeda is planning an attack on the Vatican which drawn Allon and his men into a classic duel with a deadly enemy. How he goes about setting the trap and the twists and turns that the story takes are signature Silva moments.

He has never written a novel that was not worth reading and in that regard his string is still intact.

Daniel Silva has become one of my favorite authors. Storyline is pleasantly complex, and intriguing, fast-moving. Love the Israeli-based characters interacting with US and English authorities, as well as other countries'.

Just started reading Silva and now on my 6th book. Can't put down and though these are novels, they seem to be well researched and based on some factual incidents and history. It is reference to the history that I find most interesting.

Daniel Silva is amazing. His Gabriel Allon series has been insightful, action-packed, making us turn the pages as fast as possible. This sometime art restorer, part Israeli operative has had a troubled past - he was the first to go to revenge the 1972 Olympics massacre, and has lost his family due to his work.
This outing, Gabriel is thrust in the midst of a terrorist plot - He has information about a terrorist threat that deals with the Vatican, it happens, and Gabriel and his team sets out to find those responsible, and the money trail.
They need an outsider to infiltrate the Jihad group they suspect. This is Sarah Bancroft, who is an expert in art. Zizi, one of the main suspects, is a super art collector who works for the major terrorist bin Shafiq, was hooked when an unseen van Gogh painting is brought up for sale - Sarah is invited to work as his art representative.
Gabriel and his group have given her an intense training program how to work undercover. She does, but gets captured. What happens to her, and the great conclusion, you will have to read the book yourself.
Another winner with The Messenger.

Silva's books are superb, both for the content of the stories as well as in the background of current and historical events. He writes beautifully. I've read through the 12 books to date without stopping over the past two months--can't get enough of his work.

Another great Gabriel Allon book. Actually one of the better ones. Making my way through the complete series. Read "Rembrandt Affair" first, the went back and started with the 1st book. I have loved every one. Already more than half way through the next one, "Moscow Rules".

Another great Gabriel Allon book. Actually one of the better ones. Making my way through the complete series. Read "Rembrandt Affair" first, the went back and started with the 1st book. I have loved every one. Already more than half way through the next one, "Moscow Rules".

Daniel Silva delivers again.

Could not put it down. Gabrial is once again traveling the globe tracking the bad guys down with his relentless dedication no matter what it takes. The crew comes together with the help of a new player who is a novice. A beautiful woman, wealth of unimaginable magnitude and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. Keep it coming can't wait to start on the next adventure of Gabriel.

Gabriel Allon returns with much excitement as he tracks down and eliminates Saudi terrorists who have planned to kill The Pope and The President of the U.S. in daring plots. Sarah Bancroft is a beautiful CIA operative who infiltrates the world of middle east terrorists. This was a great page turner.