Kelly P. (KellyP) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is the sequel to The Mark of the Assassin. I enjoyed it, as did my mother & husband. Quick, fast-paced action with good character & plot development.
Ross M. (Parrothead) reviewed The Marching Season (Michael Osbourne, Bk 2) on + 533 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The title of Silva's new thriller (after Mark of the Assassin and The Unlikely Spy) refers to the time of the year in Northern Ireland when the Protestants assert their right to march in celebration of a 300-year-old victory over the Catholics?and the Catholics (naturally) object. The Irish background to this elaborately plotted but not very convincing yarn is by far the best part about it. Silva has clearly done his homework on Belfast and the tone of the contemporary Troubles, and the opening passages have an authentic ring. All too soon, however, the story becomes bogged down in one of those worldwide conspiracies to keep the world safe for arms merchants by blocking any efforts toward peace, of a kind only John le Carre, with his much more acute eye and ear for offbeat villains, can hope to bring off. There is a supposedly charismatic yet glum world-class assassin who bumps off the surgeon who has changed his face; an embittered ex-CIA man, Michael Osbourne, whose job is to save the free world; Osbourne's wife, who wishes he would leave the Agency alone, and various cynical and suave operatives on both sides. The whole tale is told in simple, declarative sentences that convey information (though not much else) with economy and authority, but ultimately become tedious. There are anomalies, too: a climactic shootout in Washington might work as a movie scene but sags on the page; and while such real-life figures as British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and (in a truly ludicrous scene) even Queen Elizabeth are given walk-ons, the American public figures are all mythical. Despite Silva's skill at moving a story along, this is basically a mechanical and lackluster performance.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
Helpful Score: 1
I have read this book and found it compelling and although a mystery, I deemed it very believable in today's political climate. I also wholly related to it being of Irish ancestry and having visited some of the places mentioned. I just couldn't put it down. Tthis was my first read for this author, and I look forward to delving into his other books!
PAUL C. (pabloguitarist) reviewed The Marching Season (Michael Osbourne, Bk 2) on + 159 more book reviews
"A Tom Clancy-esque thriller." - USA Today
"Silva is a 'spy fiction ace'" -- People
An enjoyable book, as good as others by Silva I have read. Paul C.
"Silva is a 'spy fiction ace'" -- People
An enjoyable book, as good as others by Silva I have read. Paul C.
I have read all of his books. I think this one is his best.
Michael Osbourne in action again against his enemy "October". Many twists and turns. Fast paced with a twist at the end.
A good mystery involving the Northern Ireland "Marching Season."
Very enjoyable with lots and turns. All Daniel Silva's books are great thrillers.
Michael H. (thatdarnkaraoke) reviewed The Marching Season (Michael Osbourne, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
Moves quickly, like a screenplay. No time for boredom to set in.
Silva is the best. This book has everything,adventure intrigue,characters that come alive on the page.
excellent
Jody W. (jodytx) -
Another good suspense spy thriller by Silva.
Leslie E. (psuelder) reviewed The Marching Season (Michael Osbourne, Bk 2) on + 110 more book reviews
Not bad, not great.
