What do you think?
Rate this book
Templar #4
Rasputin's Shadow
An ingenious, fast-paced historical thriller from the author of the New York Times bestseller The Last Templar
On a cold, bleak day in 1916, all hell breaks loose in a mining pit in the Ural Mountains. Overcome by a strange paranoia, the miners attack one another, savagely and ferociously. Minutes later, two men—a horrified scientist and Grigory Rasputin, trusted confidant of the tsar—hit a detonator, blowing up the mine to conceal all evidence of the carnage.
In the present day, FBI agent Sean Reilly’s search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mindcontrol spook who brainwashed Reilly’s son, takes a backseat to a new, disturbing case. A Russian embassy attaché seems to have committed suicide by jumping out of a fourth-floor window in Queens. The apartment’s owners, a retired physics teacher from Russia and his wife, have gone missing, and further investigation reveals that the former may not be who the FBI believe him to be.
Joined by Russian Federal Security Service agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, Reilly’s investigation of the old man’s identity will uncover a desperate search for a small, mysterious device, with consequences that reach back in time and which, in the wrong hands, could have a devastating impact on the modern world.
Packed with the twists, intrigue, and excitement that Khoury’s many fans have come to expect, Rasputin’s Shadow will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
On a cold, bleak day in 1916, all hell breaks loose in a mining pit in the Ural Mountains. Overcome by a strange paranoia, the miners attack one another, savagely and ferociously. Minutes later, two men—a horrified scientist and Grigory Rasputin, trusted confidant of the tsar—hit a detonator, blowing up the mine to conceal all evidence of the carnage.
In the present day, FBI agent Sean Reilly’s search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mindcontrol spook who brainwashed Reilly’s son, takes a backseat to a new, disturbing case. A Russian embassy attaché seems to have committed suicide by jumping out of a fourth-floor window in Queens. The apartment’s owners, a retired physics teacher from Russia and his wife, have gone missing, and further investigation reveals that the former may not be who the FBI believe him to be.
Joined by Russian Federal Security Service agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, Reilly’s investigation of the old man’s identity will uncover a desperate search for a small, mysterious device, with consequences that reach back in time and which, in the wrong hands, could have a devastating impact on the modern world.
Packed with the twists, intrigue, and excitement that Khoury’s many fans have come to expect, Rasputin’s Shadow will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2013
164 people are currently reading
3982 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Khoury
52 books1,244 followersRaymond Khoury is the author of five consecutive New York Times and #1 international bestsellers, starting with his debut novel, THE LAST TEMPLAR. His books have been translated into 38 languages, with over 10 million copies in print.
Raymond came to writing thrillers from a career in screenwriting, which including the BAFTA award winning BBC series SPOOKS (aka MI:5 in the US) and Waking The Dead. It partly explains why his novels are often described as cinematic and very visual. As fellow bestselling author Steve Berry puts it: "his expertly chosen verbs cause the scenes to leap from the page. You can literally feel the blows as they're landed; wince as the bullets find their marks. He has an intense brand of storytelling all his own."
THE LAST TEMPLAR began its journey to print as Raymond's third original screenplay, written for film in 1996. At the time, a book agent suggested turning it into a novel, and a major NY publisher, the first to read it, offered Raymond a huge advance for the as-yet-unwritten novel, with one condition: "Lose the religion. It's boring. Change the Templars' secret to gold, diamonds, a physical treasure." After much tortured consideration, Raymond turned the offer down, his first potential check from writing. Almost exactly ten years later, his novel, based on that screenplay--religion included--became a global bestseller, hitting #1 in multiple countries and getting adapted into an NBC miniseries.
Raymond's thrillers are based on big themes that interest him such as international politics and conspiracies, fact vs faith, why we age and die, what do we really know about reincarnation, about mind control. He explores these themes in depth, with heavy emphasis on research, and often combines a historical angle to his stories. As such, some of his novels (THE LAST TEMPLAR, THE SANCTUARY, THE TEMPLAR SALVATION, RASPUTIN'S SHADOW) feature dual timelines: the bulk of the stories are set in the present day, interspersed with chapters that take place in the distant past. As Booklist puts it, "Khoury's thrillers engage the reader's mind, even as they move at a breakneck pace. Readers who like their thrillers to have a solid intellectual component will enjoy Khoury's books very much. Given the high quality of each of his novels, it seems fair to say that he may be around for a while."
Raymond's 8th novel is an epic alternate history and time travel story that Publishers Weekly called "ingeniously inventive" and "a classic of the genre": It is already out in the UK as THE OTTOMAN SECRET, and is out on Oct 1 in the US under a different title, EMPIRE OF LIES.
To find out more about him and his work, visit his website at raymondkhoury.com or connect with him on his Facebook page or on Instagram (@author.raymond.khoury).
Raymond came to writing thrillers from a career in screenwriting, which including the BAFTA award winning BBC series SPOOKS (aka MI:5 in the US) and Waking The Dead. It partly explains why his novels are often described as cinematic and very visual. As fellow bestselling author Steve Berry puts it: "his expertly chosen verbs cause the scenes to leap from the page. You can literally feel the blows as they're landed; wince as the bullets find their marks. He has an intense brand of storytelling all his own."
THE LAST TEMPLAR began its journey to print as Raymond's third original screenplay, written for film in 1996. At the time, a book agent suggested turning it into a novel, and a major NY publisher, the first to read it, offered Raymond a huge advance for the as-yet-unwritten novel, with one condition: "Lose the religion. It's boring. Change the Templars' secret to gold, diamonds, a physical treasure." After much tortured consideration, Raymond turned the offer down, his first potential check from writing. Almost exactly ten years later, his novel, based on that screenplay--religion included--became a global bestseller, hitting #1 in multiple countries and getting adapted into an NBC miniseries.
Raymond's thrillers are based on big themes that interest him such as international politics and conspiracies, fact vs faith, why we age and die, what do we really know about reincarnation, about mind control. He explores these themes in depth, with heavy emphasis on research, and often combines a historical angle to his stories. As such, some of his novels (THE LAST TEMPLAR, THE SANCTUARY, THE TEMPLAR SALVATION, RASPUTIN'S SHADOW) feature dual timelines: the bulk of the stories are set in the present day, interspersed with chapters that take place in the distant past. As Booklist puts it, "Khoury's thrillers engage the reader's mind, even as they move at a breakneck pace. Readers who like their thrillers to have a solid intellectual component will enjoy Khoury's books very much. Given the high quality of each of his novels, it seems fair to say that he may be around for a while."
Raymond's 8th novel is an epic alternate history and time travel story that Publishers Weekly called "ingeniously inventive" and "a classic of the genre": It is already out in the UK as THE OTTOMAN SECRET, and is out on Oct 1 in the US under a different title, EMPIRE OF LIES.
To find out more about him and his work, visit his website at raymondkhoury.com or connect with him on his Facebook page or on Instagram (@author.raymond.khoury).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
July 9, 2019
This book was a mixture of historical fiction and modern day thriller. It kept going back and forth so much that it disrupted the flow for me. As the title suggests, the historical fiction part focuses on Rasputin and is centered in the early 1900's. In modern times, several deaths occur and Sean Reilly is an FBI agent after answers.
This book tackles a lot of topics including Rasputin, family journals, relationships, corruption, assassins, hidden agendas, kidnapping, some early 20th century Russian history and brainwashing.
The latter part of the book did get much better, but I struggled through the first 200 pages. Maybe this was the mood I was in. Unfortunately, for me, it felt a little too disjointed and slow.
This book tackles a lot of topics including Rasputin, family journals, relationships, corruption, assassins, hidden agendas, kidnapping, some early 20th century Russian history and brainwashing.
The latter part of the book did get much better, but I struggled through the first 200 pages. Maybe this was the mood I was in. Unfortunately, for me, it felt a little too disjointed and slow.
December 27, 2013
Rasputin's Shadow......
It was the title Sir! I was expecting a Russian influence, mystics with elements of supernatural overtures with the story flicking between modern day US & czarist Russia...... very wrong in most part, Instead we get a PRO-USA vs "Evil Empire" run-of-the-mill thriller. if you like that kinda thing - (c)overtly PRO-USA thrillers that is - it's an ok read, not really my cup o char & seeing the prior Templer links (auther's 1st 3 books) was expecting a lot more, moreso in hope perhaps, easily swayed by fancy titles & preety pictures I be..... Must try harder Elliott! (D+)
As for the Rasputin link to the story, quite farcical really, lost a WHOLE point for that.
It was the title Sir! I was expecting a Russian influence, mystics with elements of supernatural overtures with the story flicking between modern day US & czarist Russia...... very wrong in most part, Instead we get a PRO-USA vs "Evil Empire" run-of-the-mill thriller. if you like that kinda thing - (c)overtly PRO-USA thrillers that is - it's an ok read, not really my cup o char & seeing the prior Templer links (auther's 1st 3 books) was expecting a lot more, moreso in hope perhaps, easily swayed by fancy titles & preety pictures I be..... Must try harder Elliott! (D+)
As for the Rasputin link to the story, quite farcical really, lost a WHOLE point for that.
November 4, 2013
Extended review available on MINA'S BOOKSHELF http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2013/1...
"...this is going to be the century of the mind. The technology's finally here for it. And these discoveries...they'll have the ability to either free us to explore our minds and reach higher potentials that we never dreamed about - or they're going to enslave us. And it's going to be very though to explore the first without opening the door to the second."
Fact no. 1
Grigori Yefimovic Rasputin (1869-1916) was a Russian peasant with an intense and mesmeric gaze. Illiterate and mystic, he became a close confident of the Romanovs: the tsar and tsarina considered him a healer, a spiritual guide, a political adviser. For many others, he was just an imposter, a wolf in sheep clothes, the Antichrist. The truth of the matter is that he healed Nicolas and Alexandra Romanov's hemophiliac son with the use of hypnosis, and used his personal influence on the weak tsar and his neurotic wife to shape the destiny of Imperial Russia. A complex figure: a mysterious blend of righteousness and amorality, spirituality and ambition.
Fact no. 2
Brainwave entrainment is a real practice and, thanks to an aural stimulus (the binaural beats were discovered in 1939 by Prussian physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove), it can induce and control different emotional states. As ancient as the drum beats used in shamanic societies, nowadays this technology, combined with a more sophisticated equipment, is allegedly used by the Russian government to produce "psychotronic" weaponry.
Fact no. 3
Leave it to Raymond Khoury's highly imaginative and prolific mind to find a plausible connection between historical truths and urban legends. The cinematic approach of his writing style is a winning combination of dynamic narrative perspectives and multi-layered plot folds: 1916 Russian Empire and present day New York City; an heretical 'monk' driving an empire to disaster and a scientist trying to keep a brain-manipulating technology from falling into the wrong hands on both sides of a still existing Iron Curtain.
"An insidious new weapon was about to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Pain and suffering to innocents would inevitably ensue. There would be all kinds of ramifications, all kinds of uses Sokolov hadn't even dreamed of yet, but that others would. They always did. There were many out there who were more than happy to let their imaginations take them to the darkest corners of the human psyche..."
I was hooked line and sinker on this thriller. A break-neck pace and a clever, very well executed relay of shifting POVs - a narrating formula not that common and most of all not so easy to master. The action driven plot and the intriguing historical premises pinned me down to my seat and kept me on the edge, relentlessly. From cover to cover. No good news for my sleep deprivation problem...
"...this is going to be the century of the mind. The technology's finally here for it. And these discoveries...they'll have the ability to either free us to explore our minds and reach higher potentials that we never dreamed about - or they're going to enslave us. And it's going to be very though to explore the first without opening the door to the second."
Fact no. 1
Grigori Yefimovic Rasputin (1869-1916) was a Russian peasant with an intense and mesmeric gaze. Illiterate and mystic, he became a close confident of the Romanovs: the tsar and tsarina considered him a healer, a spiritual guide, a political adviser. For many others, he was just an imposter, a wolf in sheep clothes, the Antichrist. The truth of the matter is that he healed Nicolas and Alexandra Romanov's hemophiliac son with the use of hypnosis, and used his personal influence on the weak tsar and his neurotic wife to shape the destiny of Imperial Russia. A complex figure: a mysterious blend of righteousness and amorality, spirituality and ambition.
Fact no. 2
Brainwave entrainment is a real practice and, thanks to an aural stimulus (the binaural beats were discovered in 1939 by Prussian physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove), it can induce and control different emotional states. As ancient as the drum beats used in shamanic societies, nowadays this technology, combined with a more sophisticated equipment, is allegedly used by the Russian government to produce "psychotronic" weaponry.
Fact no. 3
Leave it to Raymond Khoury's highly imaginative and prolific mind to find a plausible connection between historical truths and urban legends. The cinematic approach of his writing style is a winning combination of dynamic narrative perspectives and multi-layered plot folds: 1916 Russian Empire and present day New York City; an heretical 'monk' driving an empire to disaster and a scientist trying to keep a brain-manipulating technology from falling into the wrong hands on both sides of a still existing Iron Curtain.
"An insidious new weapon was about to be unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Pain and suffering to innocents would inevitably ensue. There would be all kinds of ramifications, all kinds of uses Sokolov hadn't even dreamed of yet, but that others would. They always did. There were many out there who were more than happy to let their imaginations take them to the darkest corners of the human psyche..."
I was hooked line and sinker on this thriller. A break-neck pace and a clever, very well executed relay of shifting POVs - a narrating formula not that common and most of all not so easy to master. The action driven plot and the intriguing historical premises pinned me down to my seat and kept me on the edge, relentlessly. From cover to cover. No good news for my sleep deprivation problem...
November 18, 2015
A thriller with some weird science thrown in, it moves briskly along and builds to a satisfying conclusion, while throwing in esoteric elements of Russian history that are thankfully mostly right.
September 23, 2013
Rasputin’s Shadow: Raymond Khoury
Two men decided the fate of so many and their identities and whereabouts never revealed. Unsuspecting coal miners playing their last hand of poker never realized what was about to occur. A friendly game turned deadly but why? The fear within the eyes of the players real, the danger palpable and the two men that pulled the detonator to hide their handiwork will come back and haunt many in the present.
Sean Reilly is an FBI agent and has a bone to pick with one of his own. Forcing his son Alex to be brainwashed this rogue agent is still out there and Sean is aiming for him at all costs. But, before he can go after him events that transpire will send him and others all over the globe as the Russians have their own agenda in mind and the end result might be catastrophic. One man falls out of a window to his death while another watches his decent. Did this Russian embassy attaché commit suicide or was he pushed? An elderly woman finds herself held captive by some dangerous people while her husband, living under the guise of a high school teacher, desperately tries to find her. One man’s quest to hide his past and yet having to deal with the prospect of no future.
Leo Sokolov is living a double life. When we learn more about his past we realize he has ties to what happened to the coal miners in 1916. Finding three journals belonging to his grandfather would reveal some but not all as the reader has yet to become privy to what is written within the worn pages. Leo Sokolov is desperate and needs to find someone to help him before his wife is killed. But, the players are dangerous and when things get out of control, his van spotted the end result is seven bodies.
As a curious 14 year old Sokolov found the journals in the cellar of his “ancestral home.” Revealing information about his father, his grandfather Misha, we learn more about his life before coming to America and how he became an educator. As you read his story you begin to understand his relationship with his wife and students. Within the pages of Chapter 8 you will hear many voices and learn about a story told to him by his mother about a discovery at the Yusupov Palace and once the home of Felix Yusupov one of the self confessed murderers of Grigory Rasputin. When entering a secret room in Felix’s great grandmother’s apartment what they find will shot readers and what lies within the pages of the journal will set these events in motion. Within the pages of walls of Chapter 13 you will learn more.
Things start getting out of control as Reilly, his partner Aparo and one member of the Russian FSB need to team up to find a killer before the body count rises. Daphne Sokolov is in the presence of a dangerous man who wants information that she does not have. Using his own power of persuasion she stands firm, steadfast but will not show her fear. Undergoing whatever he hands out he realizes her knowledge about her husband’s past is limited. Two detectives dead, two Russians too and one man who seems to have murder under his control. Just who is Koschey and how and why can he get a powerful man called The Sledgehammer to bend to his will? Within this powerful story we hear the many sides and opinions of the Russians, their goals not withstanding greed, and the corruption that has them all swept up. Koschey is dangerous, not careless and leaves no stone unturned or anyone alive that can possibly link anything to him. Invisible you might say. Perfect soldier programmed to do as his superiors say but will he. To “safeguard this superior’s cushy lives and their bank accounts.” What is his real agenda? But, within this story let’s not forget that Reilly still wants to find the man who hurt his son and his resources being many we soon learn about his plan. Rasputin’s Shadow: there are many hidden ones to find!
Rasputin infiltrated himself within the court of the tsar and tsarina. He cleverly used his skill to brainwash the gullible public, the clergy and even the royal family. With the help of a special device created by Sokolov’s grandfather, Misha, he was able to convince everyone that he was a healer, their friend, could help the hungry, fix the ill, and bring many to their feet. Cunning and slick he soon convinced those in power that his abilities were so strong that he could predict things that would happen, change the outcome of events and bring people to their knees. Using Misha’s device he was able to convince the royal family that he could heal their ailing son, the Tsarina was highly religious and he used this to his advantage. The events and the descriptions described in Chapter 28 graphically depict just how Rasputin was able to become so invaluable to so many. But, without Misha’s invention so much would not have been accomplished. His actions although questionable always provided flair and dramatic quality engulfing his audiences where some would try and discount his actions most were mesmerized and could not. Becoming invaluable to the royal couple and needed for their son’s survival Misha and Rasputin were an integral part of their lives. Brain entrainment: Imagine having bad headache, feeling nauseous, feeling disoriented and not knowing why. Imagine feeling lost, feeling so sick that you wretch and your stomach hurts. But, what about the feeling that you want to kill someone and have to destroy him/her? What would you do if someone took over your mind, your emotions and thoughts and you could not stop what was happening to you?
“Brainwave Entrainment is any practice that aims to cause brainwave frequencies to fall into step with a periodic stimulus having a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state (for example, to induce sleep), usually attempted with the use of specialized software. It purportedly depends upon a "frequency following" response on the assumption that the human brain has a tendency to change its dominant EEG frequency towards the frequency of a dominant external stimulus.[citation needed] Such a stimulus is often aural, as in the case of binaural or monaural beats and isochronic tones, or else visual, as with a dreamachine, a combination of the two with a mind machine, or even electromagnetic radiation.” Wikipedia. Think of the past or just maybe in the present: Brainwave Entrainment!
Think about this and wonder what would happen if someone let this lose on our population, at an event with thousands of people. Throughout the novel we learn more about Misha’s invention, how Rasputin used it and what effects it had on anyone that tried to destroy him. The ability to find out what someone is thinking without their knowledge as they divulge information to you. Scary, yet not so far fetched. When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses.
As Sokolov explains is a rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR): The technology described and the lengths they would have to go to in order to stop Koschey would endanger many people. Will they stop this mad man? What about the Russian FSB agent who seems to know just so much but is telling nothing? Who is she really and what role does she play?
Author Raymond Khoury’s research into the field of mind control, brainwaves, brainwave entrainment is extensive. As you hear Sean Reilly’s account of the information given to him by another agent, you won’t believe what he learns from the articles he receives as the reader is taken inside this dangerous science that allows people to act, react, behave in certain ways by “using auditory pulses flashing lights, electromagnetic waves or other stimuli to entrain their brains into particular states.” What can stop this might seem simple but it’s not. The incident described in Brighton Beach, the kidnapping of a young girl, and the deaths of so many people that no one could stop. Tampering with your mind and making you become something you are not! Imagine killing someone because you are programmed to do so.
The author takes us back once more to 1926 as we hear Misha’s final thoughts, what happens to Rasputin and the effect it has on Mother Russia. The book is replete with the history of Russia, the rise and fall of communism, the important part Rasputin played within the Royal family and the corruption within the Russian government. Hear Misha’s voice and understand his life when you read Chapter 64 and his journal.
The pieces of the puzzle come into place, the clarity crystal clear as Reilly races the clock with Aparo and his team to stop this madman before he uses this device one more time. Testing it, trying it out his delusions of grandeur would far surpass what many might think and just whom he wanted to join forces with would make a terrorist attack look like a walk in the park if he succeeds.
An ending so explosive, so terrifying, heart stopping and thought provoking that many questions are left unanswered, many avenues unexplored as author Raymond Khoury leaves readers with on question: What If? While Reilly races to stop a killer in the back of his mind he wants to find the one man responsible for what happened to his son. But, links are connected and some will surprise the reader and his past comes into his present and the end result will have to wait until the author writes the next chapter for Reilly. From the Cold War to Imperial Russia going inside the palace of the Royal Family, hearing the voices of those close to the tsar and tsarina just how powerful was Rasputin and where will his shadow be cast next? Imagine what he wanted? Imagine what Misha created? Imagine what Sokolov recreated and imagine that it could happen again!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Two men decided the fate of so many and their identities and whereabouts never revealed. Unsuspecting coal miners playing their last hand of poker never realized what was about to occur. A friendly game turned deadly but why? The fear within the eyes of the players real, the danger palpable and the two men that pulled the detonator to hide their handiwork will come back and haunt many in the present.
Sean Reilly is an FBI agent and has a bone to pick with one of his own. Forcing his son Alex to be brainwashed this rogue agent is still out there and Sean is aiming for him at all costs. But, before he can go after him events that transpire will send him and others all over the globe as the Russians have their own agenda in mind and the end result might be catastrophic. One man falls out of a window to his death while another watches his decent. Did this Russian embassy attaché commit suicide or was he pushed? An elderly woman finds herself held captive by some dangerous people while her husband, living under the guise of a high school teacher, desperately tries to find her. One man’s quest to hide his past and yet having to deal with the prospect of no future.
Leo Sokolov is living a double life. When we learn more about his past we realize he has ties to what happened to the coal miners in 1916. Finding three journals belonging to his grandfather would reveal some but not all as the reader has yet to become privy to what is written within the worn pages. Leo Sokolov is desperate and needs to find someone to help him before his wife is killed. But, the players are dangerous and when things get out of control, his van spotted the end result is seven bodies.
As a curious 14 year old Sokolov found the journals in the cellar of his “ancestral home.” Revealing information about his father, his grandfather Misha, we learn more about his life before coming to America and how he became an educator. As you read his story you begin to understand his relationship with his wife and students. Within the pages of Chapter 8 you will hear many voices and learn about a story told to him by his mother about a discovery at the Yusupov Palace and once the home of Felix Yusupov one of the self confessed murderers of Grigory Rasputin. When entering a secret room in Felix’s great grandmother’s apartment what they find will shot readers and what lies within the pages of the journal will set these events in motion. Within the pages of walls of Chapter 13 you will learn more.
Things start getting out of control as Reilly, his partner Aparo and one member of the Russian FSB need to team up to find a killer before the body count rises. Daphne Sokolov is in the presence of a dangerous man who wants information that she does not have. Using his own power of persuasion she stands firm, steadfast but will not show her fear. Undergoing whatever he hands out he realizes her knowledge about her husband’s past is limited. Two detectives dead, two Russians too and one man who seems to have murder under his control. Just who is Koschey and how and why can he get a powerful man called The Sledgehammer to bend to his will? Within this powerful story we hear the many sides and opinions of the Russians, their goals not withstanding greed, and the corruption that has them all swept up. Koschey is dangerous, not careless and leaves no stone unturned or anyone alive that can possibly link anything to him. Invisible you might say. Perfect soldier programmed to do as his superiors say but will he. To “safeguard this superior’s cushy lives and their bank accounts.” What is his real agenda? But, within this story let’s not forget that Reilly still wants to find the man who hurt his son and his resources being many we soon learn about his plan. Rasputin’s Shadow: there are many hidden ones to find!
Rasputin infiltrated himself within the court of the tsar and tsarina. He cleverly used his skill to brainwash the gullible public, the clergy and even the royal family. With the help of a special device created by Sokolov’s grandfather, Misha, he was able to convince everyone that he was a healer, their friend, could help the hungry, fix the ill, and bring many to their feet. Cunning and slick he soon convinced those in power that his abilities were so strong that he could predict things that would happen, change the outcome of events and bring people to their knees. Using Misha’s device he was able to convince the royal family that he could heal their ailing son, the Tsarina was highly religious and he used this to his advantage. The events and the descriptions described in Chapter 28 graphically depict just how Rasputin was able to become so invaluable to so many. But, without Misha’s invention so much would not have been accomplished. His actions although questionable always provided flair and dramatic quality engulfing his audiences where some would try and discount his actions most were mesmerized and could not. Becoming invaluable to the royal couple and needed for their son’s survival Misha and Rasputin were an integral part of their lives. Brain entrainment: Imagine having bad headache, feeling nauseous, feeling disoriented and not knowing why. Imagine feeling lost, feeling so sick that you wretch and your stomach hurts. But, what about the feeling that you want to kill someone and have to destroy him/her? What would you do if someone took over your mind, your emotions and thoughts and you could not stop what was happening to you?
“Brainwave Entrainment is any practice that aims to cause brainwave frequencies to fall into step with a periodic stimulus having a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state (for example, to induce sleep), usually attempted with the use of specialized software. It purportedly depends upon a "frequency following" response on the assumption that the human brain has a tendency to change its dominant EEG frequency towards the frequency of a dominant external stimulus.[citation needed] Such a stimulus is often aural, as in the case of binaural or monaural beats and isochronic tones, or else visual, as with a dreamachine, a combination of the two with a mind machine, or even electromagnetic radiation.” Wikipedia. Think of the past or just maybe in the present: Brainwave Entrainment!
Think about this and wonder what would happen if someone let this lose on our population, at an event with thousands of people. Throughout the novel we learn more about Misha’s invention, how Rasputin used it and what effects it had on anyone that tried to destroy him. The ability to find out what someone is thinking without their knowledge as they divulge information to you. Scary, yet not so far fetched. When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses.
As Sokolov explains is a rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR): The technology described and the lengths they would have to go to in order to stop Koschey would endanger many people. Will they stop this mad man? What about the Russian FSB agent who seems to know just so much but is telling nothing? Who is she really and what role does she play?
Author Raymond Khoury’s research into the field of mind control, brainwaves, brainwave entrainment is extensive. As you hear Sean Reilly’s account of the information given to him by another agent, you won’t believe what he learns from the articles he receives as the reader is taken inside this dangerous science that allows people to act, react, behave in certain ways by “using auditory pulses flashing lights, electromagnetic waves or other stimuli to entrain their brains into particular states.” What can stop this might seem simple but it’s not. The incident described in Brighton Beach, the kidnapping of a young girl, and the deaths of so many people that no one could stop. Tampering with your mind and making you become something you are not! Imagine killing someone because you are programmed to do so.
The author takes us back once more to 1926 as we hear Misha’s final thoughts, what happens to Rasputin and the effect it has on Mother Russia. The book is replete with the history of Russia, the rise and fall of communism, the important part Rasputin played within the Royal family and the corruption within the Russian government. Hear Misha’s voice and understand his life when you read Chapter 64 and his journal.
The pieces of the puzzle come into place, the clarity crystal clear as Reilly races the clock with Aparo and his team to stop this madman before he uses this device one more time. Testing it, trying it out his delusions of grandeur would far surpass what many might think and just whom he wanted to join forces with would make a terrorist attack look like a walk in the park if he succeeds.
An ending so explosive, so terrifying, heart stopping and thought provoking that many questions are left unanswered, many avenues unexplored as author Raymond Khoury leaves readers with on question: What If? While Reilly races to stop a killer in the back of his mind he wants to find the one man responsible for what happened to his son. But, links are connected and some will surprise the reader and his past comes into his present and the end result will have to wait until the author writes the next chapter for Reilly. From the Cold War to Imperial Russia going inside the palace of the Royal Family, hearing the voices of those close to the tsar and tsarina just how powerful was Rasputin and where will his shadow be cast next? Imagine what he wanted? Imagine what Misha created? Imagine what Sokolov recreated and imagine that it could happen again!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
November 23, 2022
Rating of 2.5.
October 8, 2013
What I liked about the novel and the writing style was it was gritty and edgy without being crude and inappropriate. There wasn’t an over use of cursing or too much blood and guts, there was a tasteful use of these devices but not so much that it would put readers off.
This wasn’t really a spy novel, though there were spies and spooks in the novel, it was more of a historic thriller. I liked how both of the stories merged together in the novel. There were a lot of suspenseful moments and plot twists to keep me interested. The story started immediately and got right down to the nitty gritty! It was full of action from the word go which I loved.
I liked Reilly’s character, he wasn’t perfect and I liked that he was a bit unpredictable. The only thing I didn’t like was I didn’t feel like I knew enough about him and his back story. There was a side story about his son and some brainwashing that occurred and Reilly is out for revenge on the responsible parties.
After reading this novel in-particular, I really want to read more about Imperial Russia and the Romanov empire etc.
See my full review here
This wasn’t really a spy novel, though there were spies and spooks in the novel, it was more of a historic thriller. I liked how both of the stories merged together in the novel. There were a lot of suspenseful moments and plot twists to keep me interested. The story started immediately and got right down to the nitty gritty! It was full of action from the word go which I loved.
I liked Reilly’s character, he wasn’t perfect and I liked that he was a bit unpredictable. The only thing I didn’t like was I didn’t feel like I knew enough about him and his back story. There was a side story about his son and some brainwashing that occurred and Reilly is out for revenge on the responsible parties.
After reading this novel in-particular, I really want to read more about Imperial Russia and the Romanov empire etc.
See my full review here
October 24, 2018
This was an exciting action filled book that explored some interesting concepts. Mainly how to manipulate people's minds using microwaves. I suspect this in not all that far fetched, and that people may in fact be working on the technology even now. If so, it can be used for good or evil. But as with all things like this, you can bet the bad guys will be working to get their mitts on it. Read this if you want to see a scenario of how this might happen.
January 16, 2024
Very pleasantly surprised by this book. With how little I enjoyed the last one, I was shocked how good this one was. The good parts from all three prior books were played up and the negatives were pushed to the back. The story was gripping and twisting and connecting to other books in unexpected ways. Actually excited for the final installment now
February 18, 2020
3.5 stars
This was good, but I accidentally came in the middle of the series and was lost in some parts.
This was good, but I accidentally came in the middle of the series and was lost in some parts.
July 13, 2020
grammar:
p356: "It's microwaves...."
This is pretty scary. How is it supernatural, though?
p356: "It's microwaves...."
This is pretty scary. How is it supernatural, though?
October 20, 2013
I was really eager to get stuck into Raymond Khoury's fourth novel in his Templar/Reilly series, and with the chance to read about modern Russian history and how it's most notorious mysterious character, Rasputin, fits into the present day. Khoury really does have a nifty skill at writing quick-fire action scenes, getting the blood pumping and keeping your attention until the very last page. With the previous outing, we saw a much more personal approach to the story, with protagonist, Sean Reilly, taking centre stage - and I thought it would be extremely interesting to see how things would continue here.
What hits you straight away, is the mystery of why a Russian embassy official has seemingly committed suicide, and the elderly (ish) couple who lives in the flat, mysteriously disappeared? Things just don't add up for Reilly, as he is suspicious about the Russian connection in this case; feeling as if Russian FSB agent, Larisa Sokolova, is not revealing the full truth. It isn't until we learn of an unusual device that can cause people to become so enraged that they turn on everyone around them, that we see a connection back to the early 1900's and of course to the peasant who rose the social hierarchy, gaining the love and respect of the Russian Royal family - Grigory Rasputin.
The plot in Rasputin's Shadow is pretty decent and interesting - I mean, a machine that can be used unknowingly on innocent victims to turn them into savage barbarians is pretty mind-blowing. And addictive! What I really loved, especially early on, is how the reader can see both sides of the plot as it happens. Sokolov (the elderly retired Russian) weaves the tides expertly, trying to save his captured wife, as well as bringing his own plan of action into play. He's actually a really endearing character, toying with his guilt of building a machine that can used so viciously, and with lying to his wife.
In the first half of the book, Reilly is a little lost. No leads means no areas of investigation. His language and inward thoughts are extremely reflective and I think this is a nice touch. It does slow things down a little, but I liked seeing this side of Reilly. But as expected, Reilly is smart enough to figure things out, and by the last 100 or so pages, he takes the lead and really cements himself in the action. Some people may be put off by the switch up in writing style if they are unfamiliar with The Devil's Elixir, but I think this experimental style is genius. Most parts are written in the third person, but when Reilly's part comes around, it reverts to being in first person. I can see how this may annoy people, but what this does is give us a brilliant chance to get inside of Reilly's mind more.
What really hit me though, was the journal entries that feature throughout the book. Written by a Russian monk called Misha, he was Rasputin's sidekick of sorts, and his views of the political and social environment and mood within Russia during his friend's rise is simply riveting. I found myself yearning to read more of Misha's insights and they really are a gem. My only complaint is that I think there could have been a few more bits.
Most of the characters in Rasputin's Shadow are quite interesting. Reilly is, well Reilly and if you've read him for as long as I have, you tend to know what to expect from him, but he's a good lead. As I've already mentioned, I found Sokolov incredibly believable and I urged (aloud sometimes) for him to be OK in the end. His obvious love for his wife and his temptations to satisfy his scientific mind were really mesmerising to read. The Korean, Johnny, was also a surprise read for me. I found his arrogant start a little annoying, but his part in the story made complete sense. And we all love a great baddie, don't we? Koschey may not be a malicious as the villain in The Devil's Elixir, but he is incredibly smart, and very readable.
I did find however, the Russian agent, Larisa, a little redundant. I didn't really get a feel for, and it wasn't until the very end where you actually get to see more of what she's capable of, but by then, I found I could take her or leave her. And what about Tess! I can see why Khoury decided not to feature her in this story, but I've come to love the duo of Reilly and Tess, and with her missing from this book altogether - well, it was a little downer for me.
There is also a little second plot running through Rasputin's Shadow. If you are a Khoury fan, you'll know about the situation between Reilly and his son. Reilly's search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mind-control spook responsible for brainwashing Reilly's son, does feature slightly, but with the imposing threat of the machine, you can understand why it takes a back seat. It does however come full circle, and Khoury leaves you with a cracking cliffhangar, where this story arc is concerned. I found myself smiling at the end, as I realised that the next book will be explosive - and I can't wait.
If you love thrillers with action, mystery and a touch of history, Rasputin's Shadow is exactly the book to get. I didn't know a single thing about Rasputin's story, but I found the interwoven plots in here ignite my intrigue into this infamous Russian. No matter how far-fetched an idea is, a device that can cause instant rage for example, Khoury's talent in making things extremely believable only cements his status in the thriller genre at the top. Khoury doesn't pull any punches when it comes to his plots. They are gritty, full of action and very current, also never afraid to to reference recent newsworthy points. If you love a good action-packed thriller, be sure to add this to your Christmas list.
What hits you straight away, is the mystery of why a Russian embassy official has seemingly committed suicide, and the elderly (ish) couple who lives in the flat, mysteriously disappeared? Things just don't add up for Reilly, as he is suspicious about the Russian connection in this case; feeling as if Russian FSB agent, Larisa Sokolova, is not revealing the full truth. It isn't until we learn of an unusual device that can cause people to become so enraged that they turn on everyone around them, that we see a connection back to the early 1900's and of course to the peasant who rose the social hierarchy, gaining the love and respect of the Russian Royal family - Grigory Rasputin.
The plot in Rasputin's Shadow is pretty decent and interesting - I mean, a machine that can be used unknowingly on innocent victims to turn them into savage barbarians is pretty mind-blowing. And addictive! What I really loved, especially early on, is how the reader can see both sides of the plot as it happens. Sokolov (the elderly retired Russian) weaves the tides expertly, trying to save his captured wife, as well as bringing his own plan of action into play. He's actually a really endearing character, toying with his guilt of building a machine that can used so viciously, and with lying to his wife.
In the first half of the book, Reilly is a little lost. No leads means no areas of investigation. His language and inward thoughts are extremely reflective and I think this is a nice touch. It does slow things down a little, but I liked seeing this side of Reilly. But as expected, Reilly is smart enough to figure things out, and by the last 100 or so pages, he takes the lead and really cements himself in the action. Some people may be put off by the switch up in writing style if they are unfamiliar with The Devil's Elixir, but I think this experimental style is genius. Most parts are written in the third person, but when Reilly's part comes around, it reverts to being in first person. I can see how this may annoy people, but what this does is give us a brilliant chance to get inside of Reilly's mind more.
What really hit me though, was the journal entries that feature throughout the book. Written by a Russian monk called Misha, he was Rasputin's sidekick of sorts, and his views of the political and social environment and mood within Russia during his friend's rise is simply riveting. I found myself yearning to read more of Misha's insights and they really are a gem. My only complaint is that I think there could have been a few more bits.
Most of the characters in Rasputin's Shadow are quite interesting. Reilly is, well Reilly and if you've read him for as long as I have, you tend to know what to expect from him, but he's a good lead. As I've already mentioned, I found Sokolov incredibly believable and I urged (aloud sometimes) for him to be OK in the end. His obvious love for his wife and his temptations to satisfy his scientific mind were really mesmerising to read. The Korean, Johnny, was also a surprise read for me. I found his arrogant start a little annoying, but his part in the story made complete sense. And we all love a great baddie, don't we? Koschey may not be a malicious as the villain in The Devil's Elixir, but he is incredibly smart, and very readable.
I did find however, the Russian agent, Larisa, a little redundant. I didn't really get a feel for, and it wasn't until the very end where you actually get to see more of what she's capable of, but by then, I found I could take her or leave her. And what about Tess! I can see why Khoury decided not to feature her in this story, but I've come to love the duo of Reilly and Tess, and with her missing from this book altogether - well, it was a little downer for me.
There is also a little second plot running through Rasputin's Shadow. If you are a Khoury fan, you'll know about the situation between Reilly and his son. Reilly's search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mind-control spook responsible for brainwashing Reilly's son, does feature slightly, but with the imposing threat of the machine, you can understand why it takes a back seat. It does however come full circle, and Khoury leaves you with a cracking cliffhangar, where this story arc is concerned. I found myself smiling at the end, as I realised that the next book will be explosive - and I can't wait.
If you love thrillers with action, mystery and a touch of history, Rasputin's Shadow is exactly the book to get. I didn't know a single thing about Rasputin's story, but I found the interwoven plots in here ignite my intrigue into this infamous Russian. No matter how far-fetched an idea is, a device that can cause instant rage for example, Khoury's talent in making things extremely believable only cements his status in the thriller genre at the top. Khoury doesn't pull any punches when it comes to his plots. They are gritty, full of action and very current, also never afraid to to reference recent newsworthy points. If you love a good action-packed thriller, be sure to add this to your Christmas list.
July 2, 2020
Maybe I should have waited for my next trip to the beach to continue this series... I tend to be a lot more forgiving of mediocre books while enjoying the sunshine. This was the weakest book in the series so far IMO, containing so many clichés I can't be bothered to list them all and a terribly contrived plot involving a Russian scientist, a sci-fi-esque superweapon, and a vague connection to Rasputin (I admit, I kinda skimmed those sections as they kept my interest even less than the rest). I'll read the final book for the sake of completion, sincerely hoping it'll be at least somewhat more entertaining than this one.
August 15, 2025
I read this book on my son’s recommendation. Right away, I could tell we read for completely different reasons. He’s looking for a story, a decent story, but something to take his mind off of the day to day grind. I’m looking for all the literary pieces that make a story work well.
Khoury’s dialogue is quite stilted and far too overused. I did not care too much for any characters, even the ones I knew I should care about. There was not enough depth of character development. I truly wanted to like this book, and you may think that the 3 stars I have it means I liked it some. No, not really. I rounded up from 2.5 stars because the action at the end was a nice way to top off the book…still not enough to make me search out more of his books though.
Khoury’s dialogue is quite stilted and far too overused. I did not care too much for any characters, even the ones I knew I should care about. There was not enough depth of character development. I truly wanted to like this book, and you may think that the 3 stars I have it means I liked it some. No, not really. I rounded up from 2.5 stars because the action at the end was a nice way to top off the book…still not enough to make me search out more of his books though.
August 14, 2024
Too much history, too much Russian!
October 17, 2013
A strange beginning occurs when a group of miners in Russia after hearing an explosion start to violently attack each other to the death. It is 1916 and the people are extremely unhappy with the famous Tsar Alexander and his family. Then the notorious Grigor Efimovich Rasputin appears with his close companion, Misha, announcing that salvation is coming to the land. These two men meet in a monastery where both are seeking God for the redemption of their sinful souls. When Rasputin learns what his friend has invented, the die is cast. Rasputin realizes that his vision of purification is about to unfold through Misha’s secret creation.
The scene then shifts to America to a physicist Sokolov who is a quiet man, deeply in love with his wife. They live a simple life which is about to spin totally out of control. For Sokolov has made a grievous error in joining a protest outside the Soviet embassy in New York, not realizing the cameras are turned on and recording the face of every protestor. A Russian diplomat is found dead, having committed suicide or been murdered by being thrown through a high-rise window. Then Sokolov’s wife is kidnapped; but there’s no request for a ransom, and Sokolov knows it is he the criminals are after!
The story switches back and forth between the past when Rasputin was able to establish himself as a healer and set about to heal the son of the Tsar. Later he will be killed by the Bolsheviks, but his friend Misha’s invention will not die with him. For his grandson, Sokolov found Misha’s journals which led to a long study of science and the realization of what his grandfather had done. Sokolov, before he met his wife, set himself to replicating the weapon that will bring chaos to the streets of Brooklyn, New York and have the potential to leash the same upon anyone, anywhere, in the world. The question is who will find Sokolov first, now that he has gone into hiding!
The police, an FBI agent Sean Reilly, a Korean drug dealer, a Russian mobster, and a Russian agent are all in the race to capture Sokolov. Dead bodies and shootout scenes abound, with car chases, secretive phone calls and more. For this machine, which is really what everyone wants – and most aren’t really sure what the key is to this Sokolov character – has the power to alter the personalities of anyone individually or in a crowd, with devastating, bizarre, and savage results.
Rasputin’s Shadow: A Novel is a tautly plotted, intense thriller/mystery and historical novel to rivet every reader’s attention. It certainly would make a phenomenal movie as well but most of all it’s a well-crafted story with several different but interconnected plots. It’s a tale of evil genius creating a tool that in the wrong hands could actually end the world as we know it. Superb job, Raymond Khoury! Highly recommended and worthy of a wide audience!
The scene then shifts to America to a physicist Sokolov who is a quiet man, deeply in love with his wife. They live a simple life which is about to spin totally out of control. For Sokolov has made a grievous error in joining a protest outside the Soviet embassy in New York, not realizing the cameras are turned on and recording the face of every protestor. A Russian diplomat is found dead, having committed suicide or been murdered by being thrown through a high-rise window. Then Sokolov’s wife is kidnapped; but there’s no request for a ransom, and Sokolov knows it is he the criminals are after!
The story switches back and forth between the past when Rasputin was able to establish himself as a healer and set about to heal the son of the Tsar. Later he will be killed by the Bolsheviks, but his friend Misha’s invention will not die with him. For his grandson, Sokolov found Misha’s journals which led to a long study of science and the realization of what his grandfather had done. Sokolov, before he met his wife, set himself to replicating the weapon that will bring chaos to the streets of Brooklyn, New York and have the potential to leash the same upon anyone, anywhere, in the world. The question is who will find Sokolov first, now that he has gone into hiding!
The police, an FBI agent Sean Reilly, a Korean drug dealer, a Russian mobster, and a Russian agent are all in the race to capture Sokolov. Dead bodies and shootout scenes abound, with car chases, secretive phone calls and more. For this machine, which is really what everyone wants – and most aren’t really sure what the key is to this Sokolov character – has the power to alter the personalities of anyone individually or in a crowd, with devastating, bizarre, and savage results.
Rasputin’s Shadow: A Novel is a tautly plotted, intense thriller/mystery and historical novel to rivet every reader’s attention. It certainly would make a phenomenal movie as well but most of all it’s a well-crafted story with several different but interconnected plots. It’s a tale of evil genius creating a tool that in the wrong hands could actually end the world as we know it. Superb job, Raymond Khoury! Highly recommended and worthy of a wide audience!
October 11, 2013
What initially grabbed my attention about this book was the reference to Rasputin; can't lie. Who hasn't been intrigued by that mystical and mysterious monk of the Romanov Court? Once I got past that and realized the novel would also be kicking back and forth in time involving high drama between an FBI agent and Russian female agent, amongst other colorful figures in crime, I was all eyes forward. Raymond Khoury didn't disappoint in his book.
A fast-paced espionage novel laced with flashbacks to Russia and Rasputin through a journal found by a scientist whose grandfather was an intimate friend of the monk and also an inventor, sets the story in its place. The central theme is around the pursuit of said scientist who may be a murderer, and who also may be the one who developed a secret and universally devastating, mind-altering device. (Can't give you more spoilers here)
Khoury is a master at character development particularly of the evil, criminal type. Although you love to love Reilly, the FBI hero of the story, it's even more fun to follow the bad guys. His Russian freelancing murderer is not to be dismissed. The police, FBI, newly-crafted KGB and underground figures all in pursuit of the freelancer, presses the story on to its conclusion. His Korean gang gets a standing "O" from me, by the way.
On the other hand, I have to say the pieces revealing the scientist's journal and his relationship with Rasputin were less interesting to me. I virtually skimmed through them. That may because I've read so much about Rasputin to begin with and I found very little new and compelling information in them. The story could actually have been written just as well without so much of the journal entries. I thought it was a flaw in the novel, and would have bolstered the whole if it had been better played upon.
On the whole; however, this is a good read with a suspenseful storyline. The plot moves along well, the characters are hot and engaging, and the thriller does pack a punch with the climax. This isn't the first of the Sean Reilly novels in a series, and I got the sense there will be more from the open-ended closure.
Raymond Khoury is a good writer and one you'll enjoy in this genre twisting the historical with the present espionage scene.
4 stars Deborah/The Bookish Dame
A fast-paced espionage novel laced with flashbacks to Russia and Rasputin through a journal found by a scientist whose grandfather was an intimate friend of the monk and also an inventor, sets the story in its place. The central theme is around the pursuit of said scientist who may be a murderer, and who also may be the one who developed a secret and universally devastating, mind-altering device. (Can't give you more spoilers here)
Khoury is a master at character development particularly of the evil, criminal type. Although you love to love Reilly, the FBI hero of the story, it's even more fun to follow the bad guys. His Russian freelancing murderer is not to be dismissed. The police, FBI, newly-crafted KGB and underground figures all in pursuit of the freelancer, presses the story on to its conclusion. His Korean gang gets a standing "O" from me, by the way.
On the other hand, I have to say the pieces revealing the scientist's journal and his relationship with Rasputin were less interesting to me. I virtually skimmed through them. That may because I've read so much about Rasputin to begin with and I found very little new and compelling information in them. The story could actually have been written just as well without so much of the journal entries. I thought it was a flaw in the novel, and would have bolstered the whole if it had been better played upon.
On the whole; however, this is a good read with a suspenseful storyline. The plot moves along well, the characters are hot and engaging, and the thriller does pack a punch with the climax. This isn't the first of the Sean Reilly novels in a series, and I got the sense there will be more from the open-ended closure.
Raymond Khoury is a good writer and one you'll enjoy in this genre twisting the historical with the present espionage scene.
4 stars Deborah/The Bookish Dame
October 23, 2013
Everything turned into a blur of claws and swings and shouts and punches until Maxim felt something warm in his hands, something he was absolutely compelled to squeeze until his hands met each other in the middle, and when clarity returned to his eyes, he saw Pyotr's eyeless, bloodied face turn a livid purple as he snapped the man's neck. (4)
If the above excerpt taken from Raymond Khoury's Rasputin's Shadow does not seduce you, I am not sure what will. This historical fiction novel, ripe with espionage, intrigue, and vivid characterizations may turn even the most devoted admirer of memoirs (like myself) into a defector. Having to keep this novel hidden between readings from my hub, a lover of spy fiction, I embraced not only the complex storyline and subplots, but also the no-holds-barred descriptions:
Despite a skull that was so pulverized it looked like it had been made out of plasticine before some giant baby had squashed it out of shape, it was still clear that we were looking at a white male adult with dark, short hair, somewhere in his thirties and in good shape, at least before the fall. (23)
The triple-XL Weyland Enterprises T-shirt stretched against the folds of his wobbling flesh as he grabbed the menu and started eating the entire thing with his eyes. (67)
Need examples of visual imagery for a class you may be teaching? Look no further . . . Rasputin's Shadow definitely exemplifies the "how to" for showing versus telling in writing.
Hoping for the presence of machismo in this novel? Well, readers, you have a plethora of agents and hostiles from which to choose. My favorite, of course, is Reilley, point man on the investigation with a generous sprinkling of sensitivity in regards to his four-year-old son Alex. Because of him, I may just forgo the country omelet for the garden omelet as he does at IHOP.
For the purposes of book club, though, a variety of food choices may be necessary in order to represent the different cultures in this novel. Perhaps, a medley of Russian pastries with shots of the Sledgehammer's preferred brand of vodka as well as Korean pastries with green tea (but definitely pass on the poisonous vino) in order to encourage discussion over Rasputin's Shadow.
If the above excerpt taken from Raymond Khoury's Rasputin's Shadow does not seduce you, I am not sure what will. This historical fiction novel, ripe with espionage, intrigue, and vivid characterizations may turn even the most devoted admirer of memoirs (like myself) into a defector. Having to keep this novel hidden between readings from my hub, a lover of spy fiction, I embraced not only the complex storyline and subplots, but also the no-holds-barred descriptions:
Despite a skull that was so pulverized it looked like it had been made out of plasticine before some giant baby had squashed it out of shape, it was still clear that we were looking at a white male adult with dark, short hair, somewhere in his thirties and in good shape, at least before the fall. (23)
The triple-XL Weyland Enterprises T-shirt stretched against the folds of his wobbling flesh as he grabbed the menu and started eating the entire thing with his eyes. (67)
Need examples of visual imagery for a class you may be teaching? Look no further . . . Rasputin's Shadow definitely exemplifies the "how to" for showing versus telling in writing.
Hoping for the presence of machismo in this novel? Well, readers, you have a plethora of agents and hostiles from which to choose. My favorite, of course, is Reilley, point man on the investigation with a generous sprinkling of sensitivity in regards to his four-year-old son Alex. Because of him, I may just forgo the country omelet for the garden omelet as he does at IHOP.
For the purposes of book club, though, a variety of food choices may be necessary in order to represent the different cultures in this novel. Perhaps, a medley of Russian pastries with shots of the Sledgehammer's preferred brand of vodka as well as Korean pastries with green tea (but definitely pass on the poisonous vino) in order to encourage discussion over Rasputin's Shadow.
October 17, 2013
The question for thriller fans isn't, why read Raymond Khoury's new novel, "Rasputin's Shadow"? But if it was, you could risk your skin asking for a recommendation from the rogue FSB agent the Kremlin dispatched on a clandestine mission to New York. He's a brutal assassin only known as "The Deathless," who would enjoy killing you far more than exchanging pleasantries. Or, you might pose your inquiry to certain shady CIA operatives and “security contractors” whose allegiances are at least as shaky as their slim ethics. Still unsure? You could see what the Psy-loving gang of Korean carjackers has to say, or perhaps the opinion of one of those nightclub-dwelling Russian "Mafiya" mobsters might suit you. But then, any or all of them will probably be too busy to answer, since they're battling the others in a murderous chase to grab an infernal machine whose twisted provenance dates back to Rasputin and the last of the Russian Tsars. The machine can turn an entire city into a bloodbath with the mere flick of a switch, and FBI special agent Sean Reilly is running out of time to save countless lives in New York and Washington from horrific carnage in Khoury's well-written and fast-paced new novel. In the world of modern thrillers tightly braided with historical mystery, this book is as good as it gets. And so clearly the question for thriller fans is, why would you not read "Rasputin's Shadow"?
October 29, 2013
www.justtoomanybooks.wordpress.com
I do love a good spy novel, and Khoury is one of the best out there! I've read all of his books. I recall his past novels as being along the lines of cracking codes, solving puzzles, and ancient conspiracy theories. This one was a little less puzzle and more straight spycraft: double agents, top secret reports, crime syndicates and blackmail- all the good stuff!
Instead of harking back to the mysteries of the ancients,Rasputins Shadow visits the recent past: Russia in the early 1900s, right before the royal family was killed in the Revolution. A fictional sidekick of Rasputin leaves diaries that are later discovered by his grandson, Solokov. The diaries tell the grandson how to develop a very dangerous technology. Cue the spies, defectors, Korean gangs, and car chases.The key to the story (both past and present) is a dangerous weaponized technology. I don't want to give away what it is, but I do wish it had been explained a little more a little earlier in the book. Copious hints were dropped, but I had to basically re-read the historical portions after the details were made more clear.
Russians have traditionally been our primary nemesis in spy novels. After the end of the Cold War, there was an increase in other antagonists: Middle Eastern and Chinese, primarily. Its interesting to me that suddenly spy novels are focusing on Russia again.
I do love a good spy novel, and Khoury is one of the best out there! I've read all of his books. I recall his past novels as being along the lines of cracking codes, solving puzzles, and ancient conspiracy theories. This one was a little less puzzle and more straight spycraft: double agents, top secret reports, crime syndicates and blackmail- all the good stuff!
Instead of harking back to the mysteries of the ancients,Rasputins Shadow visits the recent past: Russia in the early 1900s, right before the royal family was killed in the Revolution. A fictional sidekick of Rasputin leaves diaries that are later discovered by his grandson, Solokov. The diaries tell the grandson how to develop a very dangerous technology. Cue the spies, defectors, Korean gangs, and car chases.The key to the story (both past and present) is a dangerous weaponized technology. I don't want to give away what it is, but I do wish it had been explained a little more a little earlier in the book. Copious hints were dropped, but I had to basically re-read the historical portions after the details were made more clear.
Russians have traditionally been our primary nemesis in spy novels. After the end of the Cold War, there was an increase in other antagonists: Middle Eastern and Chinese, primarily. Its interesting to me that suddenly spy novels are focusing on Russia again.
December 5, 2013
I loved this book, although the idea behind it is rather frightening, since a lot of it is already a reality. The whole premise goes back to the time of the last tsar and tsarina of Russia and their family who were seemingly mesmerized by Rasputin. The author is very correct in his facts, although there was no scientist at that time who was also involved in Rasputin's cunning deeds.
We meet Sean Reilly again (of the Templar books Mr. Khoury wrote) who is an FBI agent given the task of finding out who and why is behind a series of murders and a seeming suicide of a diplomat of the Russian embassy in New York City. What follows is a tale of intrigue with some rather scary scientific revelations. Of course, the original inventor of the device mentioned in this book had decided to hide it from the world due to what could happen if it fell into the wrong hands. The story is interesting, full of suspense, and the author also leaves the reader with somewhat of a cliffhanger. I am wondering if there will be a sequel to this one.....
We meet Sean Reilly again (of the Templar books Mr. Khoury wrote) who is an FBI agent given the task of finding out who and why is behind a series of murders and a seeming suicide of a diplomat of the Russian embassy in New York City. What follows is a tale of intrigue with some rather scary scientific revelations. Of course, the original inventor of the device mentioned in this book had decided to hide it from the world due to what could happen if it fell into the wrong hands. The story is interesting, full of suspense, and the author also leaves the reader with somewhat of a cliffhanger. I am wondering if there will be a sequel to this one.....
February 11, 2014
WOW!!! I’ve found a new Author to read!!! Raymond Khoury’s Rasputin’s Shadow was a very entertaining thriller. It was classic battle of Russia against the United States. A Russian scientist creates a machine to alter people’s minds, he doesn’t want it to be used in the way his country wants, so he defects to the US, but then gives the slip to his handlers in the US. He lives the good life and under the radar, until he’s decides to protest at the Russian Embassy. The race is on from there and to who will get the prize. Russia or the United States? You will have to read, to find out the thrilling conclusion.
I truly enjoyed Raymond’s style and pace, I will now dig up his older novels and see what they are like.
I won this book from the Goodreads giveaway. I was truly an enjoyable book to read. I will now pass on Raymond’s name to my book friends….
I truly enjoyed Raymond’s style and pace, I will now dig up his older novels and see what they are like.
I won this book from the Goodreads giveaway. I was truly an enjoyable book to read. I will now pass on Raymond’s name to my book friends….
May 25, 2015
Won from goodreads. It's a thriller where a man is not who everyone thinks he is he has a very bad secret that is better know one finds out. Unluckily he is found hid wife kidnapped and this is where the story begins.
Everyone is after him for his secret some don't know about it amd just want to find out why he has disappeared and why his wife has been kidnapped are the Russians involved Sean a detective is trying to find out. Sean has demons of his own which he is trying to put to rest and does a bit of blackmail on the way trying to get information about the missing Man. Very good story goes from present to past to get you informed more about what is happening.
Everyone is after him for his secret some don't know about it amd just want to find out why he has disappeared and why his wife has been kidnapped are the Russians involved Sean a detective is trying to find out. Sean has demons of his own which he is trying to put to rest and does a bit of blackmail on the way trying to get information about the missing Man. Very good story goes from present to past to get you informed more about what is happening.
October 8, 2013
“Rasputin’s Shadow” has strong character development and dialogue. Khoury weaves together historical events with current-day action to create a book readers won’t want to put down. Rather than being a distraction from the action, the skillful weaving of flashbacks into the plot keeps the story moving throughout. Even though this book is part of a series, there is enough past information provided to allow “Rasputin’s Shadow” to be read as a standalone.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.
November 10, 2013
This is the best Raymond Khoury book yet. Other reviewers object to his chapters involving Rasputin and feel it detracts from the story. I love Russian history and therefore, enjoyed the chapters entwining history with the fictitious ancestor, a man of science and an inventor. I liked the story, the action scenes and especially the characters. I did not miss Tess and liked Sean Reilly better without her. The ending suggests a sequel about Sean investigating his father's apparent suicide. I look forward to reading it.
September 25, 2015
A really interesting premise of a book, combining the legend of Grigori Rasputin with a fast-paced crime thriller set in present day New York. The only thing that really let the book down was the messy switches of perspective, the book veering from the POV of the main character to seeing secondary characters in third person, to extracts from diaries. The switch is jarring as it can happen in the middle of the chapter, and kinda took me out of the story. Despite that weakness, and the fact I hadn't read any of the previous Sam Reily novels, I still really liked the story in this novel.
August 19, 2013
This book is non-stop action from the very first page. It grabbed my attention and would not let go. A well written thriller, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My only issue is that the characters could have been developed a bit more. I felt he didn't dive into the background of the main character enough. I would have liked to know more about his son and the story there.
Other than that a terrific read based off of true events. A warning about technology and just how far it can go.
Other than that a terrific read based off of true events. A warning about technology and just how far it can go.
September 27, 2013
This book was provided to me by booktrib.com through goodreads first readers program. I Will be purchasing The Last Templar to get background on the main character. The past and present stories blended very well without seeming choppy. The ending would have made more sense if I had read the author's previous book in the series. Overall the suspense and characters were well developed and made for an enjoyable read.
November 15, 2013
I thought when I read the book cover that there was no way I would read this whole book-it's definitely not something I would really want to read, but it sucked me in and mired me in the quicksand for the duration-I was pleasantly pleased and had a hard time putting it down each night. I obviously am not one for writing book reviews-When I see CIA or KGB, I think of spy novels and espionage and that's not my thing-decided to read this as new fiction and really glad I did. Excellent book!
August 26, 2015
This was cool. This book explores the possibility, did the infamous Rasputin use some form of technology to enhance his charismatic and mystical sway over, not only the Tsar and royal family, but all of Russia? And did an ancestor, rediscover his notes and device, updating it in the 21st century to manipulate people to his bidding. The spy-like novel is fast and furious, jumping between fact and fiction, history and past, weaving a gory tale of the struggle for power.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews