Prince of Fire

Always writes good books, waiting on the next

The other reviews of Prince of Fire summarise the plot succinctly and there is little I could add to their descriptions. I can't really fault their assessments either. Daniel Silva's latest novel is yet another excellent thriller. Written in his usual, spare, linear and clear style, he avoids the long winded, know it all pomposity of many authors of this genre without sacrificing detail or character. The plot, another well crafted tale that merges fact and fiction into a seamless whole, is told well and made easy to follow. Characters, both old and new, are well developed and given room to breathe and grow. The action, when it comes, is handled competently and with realism. Silva is not an author who avoids showing the real horror of violence.My only warnings to readers who might consider picking up Prince of Fire are as follows. First, read the previous Gabriel Allon books before this one so that you truly understand the character and his background. Whilst events from his past are dealt with in some detail here reading the books in order is far better. Second, you may find yourself vehemently disagreeing with the politics of this and the other Allon novels. All of the books in this series revolve around the issues of Palestinian/Israeli conflict, the Intifada, the founding of Israel, Zionism and the legacy of the Holocaust and although he doesn't state it overtly, when it comes to these subjects Silva's sympathies definitely lie with Israelis. Some readers may find that incompatible with their own opinions or beliefs and I will admit that I found some of the spin Silva puts on events is a little too one-sided.If you can get past this conservative, right-wing slant however, then there is much to enjoy in Prince of Fire. Personally I have read all of Silva's thrillers and will read the next one. I might not necessarily agree with his politics but I do like his style.....

Unfortunately I started reading Daniel Silva in 1919 and found his writing and books amazing and extremely well written. I progressed year by year finding the Gabriel Allen books very addictive and as one review said the only problem with his books was waiting for the next one and I am in full agreement. However the Prince of Fire I did not find as good. It was like having a history lesson with a plot interweaved. I still read all of it but for the first time ever with his books missed the odd sentence; normally I have to read and savour every word.

I only discovered Daniel Silva this year and am working my way through the 'back list'. PRINCE OF FIRE is a humdinger of a thriller, pitching Mossad super-agent Gabriel Allon against another team of Palestinians plotting terror attacks in Europe. Silva gives team-leader Khaled and his female accomplice personal as well as nationalist motives for wanting revenge on Israel and the nations that support Israel. Yasser Arafat makes a brief but chilling appearance; he was, in Silva's book, an implacable enemy of the peace process.PRINCE OF FIRE zaps from location to location at a cracking pace. The climax comes three-quarters of the way through: a horrific attack in Paris. Between this climax and its inevitable corollary we get an extended glimpse of Gabriel's personal tragedy as his wife Leah begins to emerge from the fugue state brought on by the explosion that took their daughter's life years earlier. The price of terror is one that both sides continue to pay. Brilliant stuff, Mr Silva.[The reviewer is the author of SHAIKH-DOWN]

Seconds after a car bomb virtually destroys the Israeli embassy in Rome four gunmen indiscriminately mow down the survivors. As Gabriel Allon starts to search for those behind the atrocity the trail leads from Rome to Cairo, Sardinia and to Marseilles - and the worrying coincidence that the date of the Rome attack is close to the anniversary of other suicide bombings.For a few days, as the pieces fall neatly into place, it seems that Gabriel and Israeli intelligence are close to identifying both the master terrorist and his next target. But, in a sudden and unexpected twist, Gabriel makes a mistake - and completely underestimates the utter ruthlessness of his opponent.It's the fifth book in the Gabriel Allon saga - and the most gripping thriller Daniel Silva has so far given us.Read and enjoy...

book was delivered in a timely manner and the product met the description, many thanks

Great story

Great condition and delivery as stated.