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Naturally, all that changes in a blink of an eye after Gabriel makes a pivotal decision to follow a suicide bomber, instead of walking away and letting others handle it. Thanks to two idiotic members of the British police special firearms division, and a silly law that prevents police from shooting first and asking questions later, they tackle Gabriel, and watch as the bomber keys the trigger that kills over a dozen innocent people including one of the police officers.
All while blaming Gabriel for raising a gun in a public square. Gabriel is thrust yet again, back into the spotlight when he is asked if he would like a chance to redeem his mistake in not taking the shot sooner rather than following the bomber to the point of no return. His former boss Uzi Navot and CIA National Clandestine Service director Adrian Carter, have a mission that he is more than qualified to handle--go after the mastermind of the attacks and eliminate the threat he poses once and for all.
If anything, this book continues the tradition of a well-documented, researched, and written thriller novel that will leave you guessing at what happens next. Gabriel is the main protagonist of this story that is true. But, Silva also brings back several female characters he introduced in previous books, and who play pivotal roles in the outcome of the storyline. She was instrumental in helping bring down Abdul Aziz Al-Bakari who was a terrorist financier at the time of his death.
You really have to feel for her plight and how her story plays itself out. She returns as well but in a less important role. She is more of an intermediary in getting Gabriel and Nadia to work together. This could be considered a political commentary and a call for change in allowing women in the Middle East to have more rights, including in Saudi Arabia where the Sunni society believes goats are more important than women are. I appreciate the research and time that Silva takes to put into his work before releasing these books.
He definitely has a character we can all relate to if we are actually paying attention to the world around us. He knows that Gabriel is in a tenuous situation being a Jew in a world that wants to see the destruction of his homeland. We know that Gabriel is a fictious character, but there are men and women around the world fighting to keep our way of life alive and not katowing to fundamentalist who want to install an Arab Caliphate around the globe and subject women to sharia law.
Even in this book, the so called President interferes and probably costs Nadia her life because certain facts are leaked out. Overall, an enjoyable series but wonder in what direction this series is now heading. Jun 07, Sue rated it really liked it Shelves: Another reliable entry in the multi book story of Gabriel Allon, spy and assassin, originally recruited by the Israeli agency known as "the Office" to help with retaliation after the murder of Israeli athletes at the Olympics. He was recruited out of art school and this is a field to which he returns after each assignment, having developed skills as an art restorer over many years.
As this new episode begins, Gabriel has left that spy's life behind and once again retired to Cornwall to paint Another reliable entry in the multi book story of Gabriel Allon, spy and assassin, originally recruited by the Israeli agency known as "the Office" to help with retaliation after the murder of Israeli athletes at the Olympics. As this new episode begins, Gabriel has left that spy's life behind and once again retired to Cornwall to paint and lead a quiet life.
But global acts of terror appear to implicate a new Islamic Jihadist terrorist group that is gaining strength and once again he is pulled back into the fight. As always, the novel is highly readable. Occasionally I have a little difficulty with the Middle East politics of the book, but Silva does introduce a few moderate Muslims into the mix along with the right wing fundamentalist Islamic types who can cause so much problem. View all 6 comments. Aug 05, Lewis Weinstein rated it really liked it Shelves: Another good Silva thriller. So far, he seems able to keep adding new wrinkles to his set of characters and issues.
Silva has a unique way of building tension even when you suspect what is about to happen. This one had some plot surprises. Silva's descriptions of places and great art is also as excellent as always. Jul 30, Shawn Davis rated it liked it. Gabriel Allon, Mossad Officer extraordinaire, has decided to retire from the espionage business. He and his wife, Chiara, nestle into a faintly reclusive life in a small British community. Allon, however, cannot get away from his past. No matter how many paintings he restores, restoring normalcy in his own life escapes him and he finds himself again at the center of terrorism's storm.
I love Silva's novels. They were my introduction into the thriller genre, and I look forward to them so eagerly t Gabriel Allon, Mossad Officer extraordinaire, has decided to retire from the espionage business.
They were my introduction into the thriller genre, and I look forward to them so eagerly that I willingly shell out the ridiculous prices charged for the e-book version. I'm not complaining, I could refuse to pay it and check the book out of the library. But the truth is, I love coming back to Allon's stories again and again. Silva has created a tremendous, strong character; multi-faceted and complex.
That being said, there was less story in this story than process. I happen to be fascinated by the intelligence and espionage process, so this doesn't bother me in the least. If it had been the first book in the Allon series, though, I probably wouldn't have picked up another. Not at the prices the legacy publisher e-books are selling for.
For those who do pick up the book, I can only say that no matter how you feel reading about espionage process - you must read this through to the end. It is the end of this book that will stay with you, haunting your thoughts from time to time until Silva's next book is released. Apr 12, J. Penn rated it really liked it Shelves: I am a Gabriel Allon fan and love to read these books. As ever, Silva doesn't disappoint as the book opens to bombings across Europe with the threat of violence moving towards the US.
Recruiting billionaire business woman Nadia al-Bakari means Gabriel must confront his past and try to protect Nadia from discovery. I particularly enjoyed the detailed expo I am a Gabriel Allon fan and love to read these books. I particularly enjoyed the detailed exposition and information about the political situation, espionage and terror networks. These were incredibly well researched and made the book seem possible, which is the key to a great thriller. I also like the strong female characters and the vulnerable edge to the protagonist. Europe is in an economic recession and it is flooded with refugees who cannot speak the language of their new nations and who have difficulty finding work that will pay enough to support their families, or even a single person.
Portrait of a Spy Gabriel Allon Series, Book 11 by Daniel Silva deals with an environment we r Europe is in an economic recession and it is flooded with refugees who cannot speak the language of their new nations and who have difficulty finding work that will pay enough to support their families, or even a single person. Portrait of a Spy Gabriel Allon Series, Book 11 by Daniel Silva deals with an environment we recognize from our very recent past, a set of circumstances that could easily flare up again in the future.
Gabriel is a talented art restorer who often restores damaged paintings, sometimes for Isherwood. As they are walking near Covent Garden Gabriel spots a suicide bomber. Bombs have been used in the past few days in Paris and in Copenhagen, and a bomb is about to detonate in Central London. Gabriel is almost on time to stop the killing.
Gabriel has his gun out to shoot the bomber when two London policemen arrest him. He even has a fair idea of who is running this group of terrorists. Chiara is on board and eventually his team joins him in the new high tech national security center in DC. The man Gabriel is seeking has been out of view for years and is believed dead. But Gabriel does not believe it. Word is that the terrorist group is running out of money which means these guys will go to ground for a while.
Gabriel visits a young and wealthy Arab business woman he met when she was a young girl in the South of France Book 6, The Messenger. Nadia al-Bakari was with her father a wealthy funder of terrorists when Gabriel killed him. She is also a philanthropist, helping especially Arab women. Nadia forgives Gabriel and agrees to buy a recently restored painting to create a pool of invisible money that will go to tempt the terrorist and his group into the open.
As usual with Gabriel Allon spy thrillers the plan unfolds in great detail before we get to the actual op and the usually violent end game. Terrorists and other bad actors who stay hidden are well-guarded and very paranoid. They are hard to kill. Gabriel does not usually get off without injury. We always wonder what will happen to him this time. He also does not like to put others in danger, although he will do what he must to take out someone whose intent is to harm many.
How do things turn out for Nadia? And yet we remain tied to Saudi Arabia, probably for oil more than loyalty. A fiction author, such as Daniel Silva, writing a spy thriller like Portrait of a Spy , is freer than others to speak candidly about his world view and these spy thrillers always connect to events in the real world. This one upped my heart rate.
Paula rated it it was amazing Mar 27, Aug 20, Jim rated it really liked it Shelves: Formulaic in the extreme. Shipping Details Booktopia uses the best quality packing material to protect items for the journey from our Sydney Distribution Centre to our customers, with the intention that they arrive in the same condition they left our Distribution Centre. In "Assassin" it's around location
A most strange coincidence. Nancy Brisson Thank you J. Sep 15, Nancy Brisson Thank you Antigone. Mais um grande livro da saga Gabriel Allon. Volta a paz ao mundo ocidental. Apr 12, Eric Wright rated it it was amazing Shelves: One of the most interesting and informative spy stories I have read in a long time. The main character, Gabriel Allon is unique: Gabriel and his wife Chiara are in London as an outing from their isolated cottage in Cornwall where he has retired.
Suddenly he spies a man whom he is sure is a suicide bomber.
But what if he is mistaken? He follows the bomber into a crowded place in Lon One of the most interesting and informative spy stories I have read in a long time. He follows the bomber into a crowded place in London draws his weapon only to be taken down by a UK policeman. Moments later, the bomber explodes his bomb to devastating effect.
This is the third mysterious and deadly bombing after Paris and Copenhagen. Gabriel is questioned then drawn back into the game because a new terrorist mastermind has obviously arisen to take over from the Old guard Al Qaeda. Throughout it all there are many allusions to the art world. A the story develops we gain insights into the role of Israeli intelligence, the compromised and cumbersome US agencies, the hypocrisy of Saudi Arabia and much more. This is the world we live in. A world of double agents, Islamic hatred, and desperation to cut off the head of this new threat before it mutates. Mais uma vez Daniel Silva consegue surpreender!
Jul 21, Caroline Anna Bock rated it it was amazing. I read through this in one day -- a mini vacation!
Another captivating, intelligent thriller by Daniel Silva. What I love about his work is that it feels so current, so real and provocative about extremism and the men and women who fight it. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Saudi Arabia is prominent in this novel. His main character, Gabriel Allon, remains emotionally deep and thoughtful almost too much, but then he's sharing exposition with us in the least cumbersome way possible I read through this in one day -- a mini vacation! His main character, Gabriel Allon, remains emotionally deep and thoughtful almost too much, but then he's sharing exposition with us in the least cumbersome way possible.
I did feel a certain tiredness to the character, though. I would love for him to introduce another major emotional complexity in the life of Gabriel Allon -- what would this spy do if he did have another son?? Ah, but that's what makes the next book so sweet to wait for! A great summer read!! Martin's Press --about teens and an explosive hate crime -- more at www. Jun 16, Brian rated it it was ok. I've read all of the Gabriel Allon books, and spending time with the familiar character is always enjoyable.
That said, this book was a disappointment. First of all, the plot is SO familiar that I had to read the first several chapters before I was certain that I hadn't already read this book. Secondly, one of the best things about the Allon character is that his worldview is not black and white. While he carries out missions to support "his side", he is conflicted about what he does and he doesn I've read all of the Gabriel Allon books, and spending time with the familiar character is always enjoyable.
While he carries out missions to support "his side", he is conflicted about what he does and he doesn't view anyone as having claim to the "absolute truth". At least until this book. Every other conversation is about how naive the new American president is because he doesn't understand the necessity of "kill them before they kill us" and is opposed to torturing prisoners. Perhaps in a nod to his real-life wife's job for the peacock network, Silva also refers to CNBC as one of the few real news organizations.
Aug 04, Sharyn rated it really liked it. Was listening to this one, but by the end I had to get the book and finish!! I don't drive very much and just couldn't wait for the ending!! These books are just terrific, but scary too in the real world sense. I hope the Israeli's really do a lot of the things that happen in these books! I am now about to start "Fallen Angel" Fortunately my library has all the audio books, but I will read the most recent when I get there, as my brother got me a signed copy when Silva was in Houston. I came to S Was listening to this one, but by the end I had to get the book and finish!!
I came to Silva quite recently and am listening to them almost one after the other. How long until Shamron finally dies. If you haven't read these, you should start today!! Mar 28, Heather rated it it was amazing Shelves: Another fast paced, "don't want to put down" Silva thriller! I honestly thought about giving this book a 4 star rating instead of a 5 star because, at this point, all of the Gabriel Allon books are a bit similar.
Then I realized why should I penalize Silva for that? His well developed characters, Allon, Isherwood, Shamron The action is nonstop. The story flows while incorporating fact into it. If Silva changed the formula, I'm sure we'd all be disappointed. Recommend Another fast paced, "don't want to put down" Silva thriller! Once more I was delighted by a book which has everything to please the reader: It had been some time without reading a Gabriel Allon adventure, and meeting him, Chiara, Shamron and all others in this new book felt like a family reunion Maria Carmo, Lisbon 15 December Mar 14, Marie80 rated it it was amazing.
Legendary and sometimes retired Israeli Intelligence officer Gabriel Allon lives a quiet life in Cornwall. Suicide bombings in Paris and Copenhagen leave everyone in a state of shock. Soon after, a trip to London takes an unexpected turn for Gabriel when he spots a third bomber, but ultimately fails to stop him. After a sudden act of disappearance, however, he has now reemerged on their radar. The new Bin Laden wants to go global and seems to be responsible for the recent attacks. Will Gabriel let himself be drawn back into the world he has left behind and do the dirty work for the Americans?
A risky plan is the only way to succeed. Daniel Silva is one of my favourite authors. Thank god this one like all the others I might add met - even exceeded — my expectations. This read was a real treat. I devoured it with great relish. The first page set the tone for the rest of the book, and already I cannot begin to tell you just how good Silva is at what he does.
No one has research mastered like him. I savoured every word. You should really take your time reading Portrait of a Spy. He put a lot of effort into the small things that make a book big, and it was well worth it. Great settings - I felt like I was watching a movie. Expect to be entertained, but also to learn more than just a few tidbits about politics, different cultures, and of course, art. Portrait of a Spy is the 11th book in the series. I recommend reading all of them in order of release.
Yes, he is that good. Gabriel was shaped by the life he lead. It made him restless, and yet he was very precise in everything he did. His wife Chiara was like a breeze of fresh air. Every time a new character got introduced the writing changed ever so slightly. It was no problem to get a feel for what made those people the individuals, who happened to fight for the same cause. For fans of the series, it will be a reunion — for first time readers, it will be like an adventurous journey of discovery.
Who is friend, and who is enemy? Who can be trusted, and who cannot? I was intrigued by all the characters - good and bad. Having read this thriller I was left with a faint idea of how things might be done in reality. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Master intrigue I love this series! Each book builds on the previous and surpasses it with more excitement and intrigue.
Great collection - all 3 are classic Silva This three book collection is an exciting read and a wonderful way to continue working through Daniel Silva as series. Apr 04, Patricia J. Sep 25, Lupe Lamadrid rated it it was amazing. I read this series one after the other as I recuperated from an illness, I love fast paced thrillers and this series is all that and more!
I became invested in Gabriel Allon and his crew! I read each new one as it becomes available! Mar 05, Lynn rated it it was amazing Shelves: Gabriel Allon - what a wonderfully complex, fascinating character! As expected, all 3 books were fabulous!
Thank you, Daniel Silva, for your meticulous research into the areas of art, political intrigue, spy craft, etc. Amazing It's a great way to enter my new year with the continued reading of this amazing series. I am so happy I came across this author he is mega good Jul 11, Michelle rated it it was amazing. There are 17 books. Aug 08, Charles Scheier rated it it was amazing.
The English Girl Interesting, intensely intriguing, with lots of action. In all the books I have read, the plots are surprising and captivating. Oct 13, Victoria rated it it was amazing. Judie rated it really liked it Jun 07, Meerkat rated it really liked it Nov 04, Laura Edwards rated it really liked it Aug 12, Paula rated it it was amazing Mar 27, David L Bantz rated it liked it Jan 18,