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John Corey #2
The Lion's Game
Detective John Corey, last seen in Plum Island, now faces his toughest assignment yet: the pursuit and capture of the world's most dangerous terrorist -- a young Arab known as "The Lion" who has baffled a federal task force and shows no sign of stopping in his quest for revenge against the American pilots who bombed Libya and killed his family. Filled with unrelenting suspense and surprising plot twists at every terrifying turn, THE LION'S GAME is a heartstopping race against time and one of Nelson DeMille's most riveting thrillers.
713 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2000
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7798 people want to read
About the author
Nelson DeMille
261 books7,401 followersNelson Richard DeMille was an American author of action adventure and suspense novels. His novels include Plum Island, The Charm School, and The General's Daughter. DeMille also wrote under the pen names Jack Cannon, Kurt Ladner, Ellen Kay and Brad Matthews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,655 reviews
May 25, 2017
Abandoning this book. I just don't have time in my life right now for this kind of detail. I think this is the kind of book that can appeal to people who watch 12 episode miniseries on Elizabethan England, except it's nominally a 'thriller,' so to be honest, I'm not sure who the target population is. People who are really, really good at waiting for a payoff, I suppose. My mom enjoyed it, but she's recently retired and was having trouble filling her time, so that's another possible population (we solved that by getting a 6 month old dog).
It starts wonderfully; snappy pace, ironic dialogue, intriguing plot and decent character creation. John Corey, who was apparently a hundred times more oinky in Plum Island has toned down the sexism. There's a paragraph aside discussing how he hasn't hit on anyone at his new job with the Feds, and how he's discovered life as a confidante for female co-workers. He still tries to provoke response with an assortment of ethnic jokes, however, but it's pretty clear he's doing it to be an ass and to show a rebellious spirit, not because he actually cares about someone's ethnicity. I found much of his commentary to be a great mix of hilarious and insightfulness.
Once the initial series of incidents occur, the pace slows down significantly. The Fed side is taken up with meetings, analysis and flirting between Corey and another member of the team. To compensate, DeMille follows the terrorist, the 'Lion' Asad, through a pivotal moment in his upbringing and through following exploits in the U.S. I had a fair amount of trouble with his perspective, because while I found it started well, it segued into zealot/sociopath rather quickly. I'm definitely a fan of subtle and nuance, and while I would have expected a 700 page book to have time to give some development to understanding a terrorist, he ends up being single-note psychopath.
I found myself skimming large swaths to see if there was any improvement in pacing or narrative, but there really wasn't. I decided to abandon because there really is so much more on Mount TBR to try rather than wading through this.
MrsJoseph nailed the issue in the status comments below, that this is a 300-400 page thriller trapped in a 700 page book. My bookmark was trapped at page 279 when I quit.
It starts wonderfully; snappy pace, ironic dialogue, intriguing plot and decent character creation. John Corey, who was apparently a hundred times more oinky in Plum Island has toned down the sexism. There's a paragraph aside discussing how he hasn't hit on anyone at his new job with the Feds, and how he's discovered life as a confidante for female co-workers. He still tries to provoke response with an assortment of ethnic jokes, however, but it's pretty clear he's doing it to be an ass and to show a rebellious spirit, not because he actually cares about someone's ethnicity. I found much of his commentary to be a great mix of hilarious and insightfulness.
Once the initial series of incidents occur, the pace slows down significantly. The Fed side is taken up with meetings, analysis and flirting between Corey and another member of the team. To compensate, DeMille follows the terrorist, the 'Lion' Asad, through a pivotal moment in his upbringing and through following exploits in the U.S. I had a fair amount of trouble with his perspective, because while I found it started well, it segued into zealot/sociopath rather quickly. I'm definitely a fan of subtle and nuance, and while I would have expected a 700 page book to have time to give some development to understanding a terrorist, he ends up being single-note psychopath.
I found myself skimming large swaths to see if there was any improvement in pacing or narrative, but there really wasn't. I decided to abandon because there really is so much more on Mount TBR to try rather than wading through this.
MrsJoseph nailed the issue in the status comments below, that this is a 300-400 page thriller trapped in a 700 page book. My bookmark was trapped at page 279 when I quit.
September 5, 2021
A very interesting forward read by the author eight years after the publication in 2000. It gave me goosebumps. The novel started with a Boeing 747-700 flight 175 from Paris to NY. Even though the aircraft was approaching JFK along its flight plan there's no radio contact with the tower. Is it possible that it's been hijacked?
The author didn't plan to make John Corey a series so after he's done with NYPD in the first book, Corey had to do something else so the author had the character joined Anti-Terrorist Task Force. I would love to know where the next book would take him after 9/11.
The Lion's Game deals with mad Libyan seeking revenge from Reagan days on US soil.
The author didn't plan to make John Corey a series so after he's done with NYPD in the first book, Corey had to do something else so the author had the character joined Anti-Terrorist Task Force. I would love to know where the next book would take him after 9/11.
The Lion's Game deals with mad Libyan seeking revenge from Reagan days on US soil.
November 4, 2020
3.5 to 4 Stars
This book did not age well, but it is not the book’s fault.
Published in 2000, it deals a lot with how quiet things had been in America since the 1980’s in regards to extremist terrorism except for the bombing of the parking garage of the World Trade Center in the mid-90s. There are many mentions of the country being somewhat lax in its concerns over terrorism making it ripe for another attack. There are also many discussions of the World Trade Center and characters looking at it and thinking about what it stands for and how the bombing shows how vulnerable we are on our own soil. So, yeah . . . I cringed a few times while reading.
Also, because it is pre-9/11 it has a lot of the Reagan-Era Cold War gusto feel to it. This is not good or bad, it just made it very obvious to me how different books dealing with terrorism as one of their main plot points feel different in the post-9/11 world. It’s almost like you could say this is an artifact of political thrillers to be studied by literary anthropologists - kind of fascinating in that respect.
All of that aside, it was a pretty entertaining thriller. A bit cheesy at times – forcing some humor down the throat of the reader while keeping them on the edge of their seat with some decent action and mystery. The main protagonist, John Corey, is a sarcastic, some-what sexist pig with a heart of gold. No matter what the situation, whether wooing a female co-worker or looking evil straight in the face he is cracking jokes and making light of the situation. So, he is silly, entertaining, and often another cringe-causing element in this book.
If you like political thrillers with macho leads and non-PC humor set in the world of pre-9/11 terrorism, then you will probably enjoy this one. But, note my mention of “non-PC” – if that bothers you at all, this might be one to avoid. However, I will say that DeMille’s take on terrorists is less angry and controversial than some recent political thrillers I have read – I think that may also be another reflection of this being pre-9/11.
This book did not age well, but it is not the book’s fault.
Published in 2000, it deals a lot with how quiet things had been in America since the 1980’s in regards to extremist terrorism except for the bombing of the parking garage of the World Trade Center in the mid-90s. There are many mentions of the country being somewhat lax in its concerns over terrorism making it ripe for another attack. There are also many discussions of the World Trade Center and characters looking at it and thinking about what it stands for and how the bombing shows how vulnerable we are on our own soil. So, yeah . . . I cringed a few times while reading.
Also, because it is pre-9/11 it has a lot of the Reagan-Era Cold War gusto feel to it. This is not good or bad, it just made it very obvious to me how different books dealing with terrorism as one of their main plot points feel different in the post-9/11 world. It’s almost like you could say this is an artifact of political thrillers to be studied by literary anthropologists - kind of fascinating in that respect.
All of that aside, it was a pretty entertaining thriller. A bit cheesy at times – forcing some humor down the throat of the reader while keeping them on the edge of their seat with some decent action and mystery. The main protagonist, John Corey, is a sarcastic, some-what sexist pig with a heart of gold. No matter what the situation, whether wooing a female co-worker or looking evil straight in the face he is cracking jokes and making light of the situation. So, he is silly, entertaining, and often another cringe-causing element in this book.
If you like political thrillers with macho leads and non-PC humor set in the world of pre-9/11 terrorism, then you will probably enjoy this one. But, note my mention of “non-PC” – if that bothers you at all, this might be one to avoid. However, I will say that DeMille’s take on terrorists is less angry and controversial than some recent political thrillers I have read – I think that may also be another reflection of this being pre-9/11.
December 19, 2014
Having recently finished reading I am Pilgrim, the superb thriller by Terry Hayes, I was looking around for something in the same style. Well, I already had this loaded on my Kindle and I’m a long-term fan of DeMille and his wisecracking hero, John Corey. Job done.
A few chapters in & I was already laughing at the constant stream of brilliant one-liners but I was also convinced I was re-reading the aforementioned Hayes tale. I mean, there were certainly differences but there were many more similarities. I stuck with it, and I’m really glad I did. It’s a weighty tome (well, obviously not quite so physically weighty on a Kindle) at over 800 pages, but its draw was so powerful I hardly noticed. The story is brilliantly plotted and told in a way only DeMille can. I won’t summarise the plot, but suffice to say it was not a re-tell of the Hayes book but a clever and compelling narrative of its own. If you liked ‘Pilgrim’ I think you’ll find plenty to enjoy here too.
If you’re already a DeMille follower then you’ll probably have read not only this book but also the follow-up (The Lion) and the other Corey adventures too. If not, give him a try and don’t be put off by the virtually uninterrupted insertion of humour - there’s plenty of depth too. And if you like what you see I’d suggest you seek out some of his other work, with the Sutter and Brenner books being my personal favourites.
A few chapters in & I was already laughing at the constant stream of brilliant one-liners but I was also convinced I was re-reading the aforementioned Hayes tale. I mean, there were certainly differences but there were many more similarities. I stuck with it, and I’m really glad I did. It’s a weighty tome (well, obviously not quite so physically weighty on a Kindle) at over 800 pages, but its draw was so powerful I hardly noticed. The story is brilliantly plotted and told in a way only DeMille can. I won’t summarise the plot, but suffice to say it was not a re-tell of the Hayes book but a clever and compelling narrative of its own. If you liked ‘Pilgrim’ I think you’ll find plenty to enjoy here too.
If you’re already a DeMille follower then you’ll probably have read not only this book but also the follow-up (The Lion) and the other Corey adventures too. If not, give him a try and don’t be put off by the virtually uninterrupted insertion of humour - there’s plenty of depth too. And if you like what you see I’d suggest you seek out some of his other work, with the Sutter and Brenner books being my personal favourites.
November 22, 2025
След обещаващото начало започна едно празнодумие, ум да ти зайде.
Кори не е никак забавен и това съвсем досажда…
Без мен - dnf на 43%.
Цитат:
"Ако човек не внимава, могат да го прецакат даже идиоти."
Кори не е никак забавен и това съвсем досажда…
Без мен - dnf на 43%.
Цитат:
"Ако човек не внимава, могат да го прецакат даже идиоти."
January 15, 2024
A peek at the mind of a crazed Libyan terrorist!
Asad Khalil's entire family was killed in the 1986 US air raid of Al Azziziyah, the military headquarters of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Now a fully trained and utterly ruthless Libyan terrorist nicknamed "The Lion", Khalil is on a personal jihad - vengeance and the assassination of the pilots who flew that deadly bombing mission so many years ago. De Mille's plot in THE LION'S GAME is simplicity itself - former NYPD Detective John Corey and his side kick, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, both on contract to the ATTF (the Anti-Terrorist Task Force) are led on a merry cross country chase tracking down Khalil as he leaves a grisly trail of death and destruction.
Corey's fans who were first introduced to his somewhat off-beat style in PLUM ISLAND, will be pleased to see that Corey remains unremittingly irascible and a package with no surprises - brash, vulgar, earthy, outrageously opinionated, self-righteous and arrogant, in your face, sarcastic to a fault and oversexed. Yet he can also be witty, humorous, kind, warm, loving and even self-effacing on the odd occasion. Mayfield, the obvious sexual and romantic interest in the book, gives as good as she gets and serves as a great foil to Corey's antics. The sparks fly as the relationship heats up but De Mille's writing never descends into soap opera or melodrama.
Whether De Mille's efforts to get inside Khalil's head and psychologically probe the motivations of a determined Islamic terrorist is accurate is, of course, impossible to say. But one must give credit where credit is due. Written in 2000, THE LION'S GAME was an uncanny, almost eerie predictor of the catastrophic attack that took place at the World Trade Centre in New York a scant one year later. And the ending of the novel, which leaves us wondering about the future, is simply a reflection of reality in which the global war against terrorism is an ongoing story whose ending has likewise not yet been written.
Four stars and two thumbs up! Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Asad Khalil's entire family was killed in the 1986 US air raid of Al Azziziyah, the military headquarters of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Now a fully trained and utterly ruthless Libyan terrorist nicknamed "The Lion", Khalil is on a personal jihad - vengeance and the assassination of the pilots who flew that deadly bombing mission so many years ago. De Mille's plot in THE LION'S GAME is simplicity itself - former NYPD Detective John Corey and his side kick, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, both on contract to the ATTF (the Anti-Terrorist Task Force) are led on a merry cross country chase tracking down Khalil as he leaves a grisly trail of death and destruction.
Corey's fans who were first introduced to his somewhat off-beat style in PLUM ISLAND, will be pleased to see that Corey remains unremittingly irascible and a package with no surprises - brash, vulgar, earthy, outrageously opinionated, self-righteous and arrogant, in your face, sarcastic to a fault and oversexed. Yet he can also be witty, humorous, kind, warm, loving and even self-effacing on the odd occasion. Mayfield, the obvious sexual and romantic interest in the book, gives as good as she gets and serves as a great foil to Corey's antics. The sparks fly as the relationship heats up but De Mille's writing never descends into soap opera or melodrama.
Whether De Mille's efforts to get inside Khalil's head and psychologically probe the motivations of a determined Islamic terrorist is accurate is, of course, impossible to say. But one must give credit where credit is due. Written in 2000, THE LION'S GAME was an uncanny, almost eerie predictor of the catastrophic attack that took place at the World Trade Centre in New York a scant one year later. And the ending of the novel, which leaves us wondering about the future, is simply a reflection of reality in which the global war against terrorism is an ongoing story whose ending has likewise not yet been written.
Four stars and two thumbs up! Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
July 28, 2025
A Guerra Quente
Em abril de 1986, num sábado à noite, os convidados duma festa dançavam funk na discoteca La Belle, em Berlim Ocidental. Perto das duas da manhã, ouve-se uma forte detonação e alguns dos presentes são deglutidos pelo chão. A discoteca acabara de ser alvo dum ataque terrorista líbio onde pereceram 3 pessoas e mais de 200 ficaram feridas. Entre as vítimas encontravam-se militares estadunidenses (dois mortos e 79 feridos) o que levou a retaliações por parte do governo norte-americano:
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atentad...
Nove dias depois deu-se a Operação El Dorado Canyon: a 15 de Abril de 1986, aviões de combate oriundos dos Estados Unidos bombardearam Trípoli e Benghazi. Embora a operação visasse apenas alvos militares ocorreu um número considerável de vítimas civis entre as quais uma filha adotiva de Muammar Gadaffi*
https://www.americanairmuseum.com/sto...
Como represália, em 1988, deu-se o atentado de Lockerbie: um avião com destino a Nova Iorque explodiu enquanto sobrevoava a Escócia. Das 270 pessoas que pereceram 189 eram de nacionalidade estado-unidense
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atentad...
E as retaliações prosseguem num ciclo de violência que dura e perdura…
Depois da Guerra Fria eis que chega a Guerra “Quente”. O Jogo do Leão é uma chamada de atenção para uma guerra que parece ter alcançado o estatuto da eternidade…
*Segundo consta, Hanna Gaddafi, a filha adotiva de Muammar Gadaffi que, supostamente, perecera na Operação El Dorado Canyon, ainda está viva. A sua morte foi forjada para fins políticos
Em abril de 1986, num sábado à noite, os convidados duma festa dançavam funk na discoteca La Belle, em Berlim Ocidental. Perto das duas da manhã, ouve-se uma forte detonação e alguns dos presentes são deglutidos pelo chão. A discoteca acabara de ser alvo dum ataque terrorista líbio onde pereceram 3 pessoas e mais de 200 ficaram feridas. Entre as vítimas encontravam-se militares estadunidenses (dois mortos e 79 feridos) o que levou a retaliações por parte do governo norte-americano:
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atentad...
Nove dias depois deu-se a Operação El Dorado Canyon: a 15 de Abril de 1986, aviões de combate oriundos dos Estados Unidos bombardearam Trípoli e Benghazi. Embora a operação visasse apenas alvos militares ocorreu um número considerável de vítimas civis entre as quais uma filha adotiva de Muammar Gadaffi*
https://www.americanairmuseum.com/sto...
Como represália, em 1988, deu-se o atentado de Lockerbie: um avião com destino a Nova Iorque explodiu enquanto sobrevoava a Escócia. Das 270 pessoas que pereceram 189 eram de nacionalidade estado-unidense
https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atentad...
E as retaliações prosseguem num ciclo de violência que dura e perdura…
Depois da Guerra Fria eis que chega a Guerra “Quente”. O Jogo do Leão é uma chamada de atenção para uma guerra que parece ter alcançado o estatuto da eternidade…
*Segundo consta, Hanna Gaddafi, a filha adotiva de Muammar Gadaffi que, supostamente, perecera na Operação El Dorado Canyon, ainda está viva. A sua morte foi forjada para fins políticos
October 11, 2020
Second in the John Corey series. So much more than the first, Plum Island, but less satisfying.
The magic of DeMille is his protagonist, Corey, who is pure New York sarcasm, snark, and condescension. He's on the joint-terrorism task force now, which means he gets to needle FBI and CIA all over the place.
What makes this book less enjoyable than Plum is its ridiculous length (700 pages) and its surprising plot structure: we start with a crazy, brutal, horrific terror attack by the Lion, and then we proceed for 600 more pages through solitary murders, alternating chapters with Corey fighting with other law enforcement and ignoring phone calls.
The Lion gets half the chapters in third-person POV; he drives, he flies, he sleeps, he eats, eventually he murders someone. Okay, he's driven by revenge. Do we need another chapter to remind us, twelve times? Corey is snarky and goes to meetings. Fun, but do we need 15 chapters of this?
The words are enjoyable to read, the characters are vivid, but it feels as though DeMille got in a contest with Tom Clancy over who could write a book with the most unnecessary scenes.
The magic of DeMille is his protagonist, Corey, who is pure New York sarcasm, snark, and condescension. He's on the joint-terrorism task force now, which means he gets to needle FBI and CIA all over the place.
What makes this book less enjoyable than Plum is its ridiculous length (700 pages) and its surprising plot structure: we start with a crazy, brutal, horrific terror attack by the Lion, and then we proceed for 600 more pages through solitary murders, alternating chapters with Corey fighting with other law enforcement and ignoring phone calls.
The Lion gets half the chapters in third-person POV; he drives, he flies, he sleeps, he eats, eventually he murders someone. Okay, he's driven by revenge. Do we need another chapter to remind us, twelve times? Corey is snarky and goes to meetings. Fun, but do we need 15 chapters of this?
The words are enjoyable to read, the characters are vivid, but it feels as though DeMille got in a contest with Tom Clancy over who could write a book with the most unnecessary scenes.
August 19, 2017
I liked the book however, to be honest, I had high expectations from it which did not live up to it. The book is about two FBI agents on the trail of a Libyan terrorist, who is on a plot to avenge the 1986 bombing of Libya, massacring Americans along the way.
The book is interesting at places where it plots the terrorist's movements and at places it becomes a drag. However, the highlight of the narrative is the dry humour and the one-liners the author uses liberally in this story.
Strictly for DeMille fans only ! This was my first.
The book is interesting at places where it plots the terrorist's movements and at places it becomes a drag. However, the highlight of the narrative is the dry humour and the one-liners the author uses liberally in this story.
Strictly for DeMille fans only ! This was my first.
May 11, 2021
”If you tell us who sent you here, and where he is now, you will go free. If you don’t tell us quickly, I will pour gasoline all over you and set you on fire.” This, of course, was not a physical threat, but only an idiomatic expression that shouldn’t be taken literally. “Who sent you here?”
Mr. Rahman remained silent.
I rephrased my question in the form of a suggestion to Mr. Rahman and said, “I think you should tell me who sent you, and where he is.” I should mention that I had my glock out now and, for some reason, Mr. Rahman had put the muzzle in his mouth.
Mr. Rahman was properly terrified.
This book had a high page count, but large font and a brisk pace. I could not put it down for the last week. It doesn’t let up.
John Corey. Here’s a guy whose methods aren’t exactly “by the book”, but he sure gets shit done.
I really wasn’t expecting to rate this one so highly, but I have to. It is that good. This is only my third Nelson DeMille book, and frankly it caught me off guard how well this book was crafted and written-but I’ll come back to that in a bit. This is John Corey’s second outing, and like in the first book, he’s rude, crude, completely non-PC and is filled with god-tier dad jokes. If that is going to be an issue for you, then go no further. This time around, the stakes are far higher as we see the wounded but recovered Corey working for the ATTF-a fictional agency (based on the Joint Terrorist Task Force) that works in busting and short-circuiting international Terrorism. The book starts ominously-a plane stops responding to the ground and lands, and it quickly becomes apparent that things are not well on this flight. We are then introduced to a separate third person narrative following our villain, Asad Khalil, a truly evil and terrifying bad guy with a score to settle with the US. This begins a countrywide chase, and the heat is on to catch Khalil before he leaves too many corpses in his wake.
DeMille’s writing is straightforward, as usual, but his storytelling chops here are on full display, and he is absolutely on fire. In the previous 2 DeMille books I have read, Plum Island and Up Country, DeMille sticks to a strict first person narrative. It works well, and those books were solid reads, but what he does in this book showed me that I had underestimated his writing abilities. Here we have the usual first person, as well as multiple third person narratives, the main one following our villain, and it works spectacularly. We even get one flashback section. This book spends a very large amount of time with Khalil, and DeMille does not hold back. It is dark, and violent. He’s an ice cold villain who’s motives are understandable, yet he is a ruthless psychopath.
This novel is pre 9/11 in the US, and it’s pretty obvious from the attitudes taken towards terrorism. I believe this novel came out in 2000, and had DeMille written this book a year or two later, it would’ve been a much different story-however, despite being somewhat dated for that reason, it’s still very readable.
This is a twisted revenge story mixed with a procedural, and it works so well. Being along for the ride with Khalil makes joining back up with John Corey even more thrilling and even saddening, as he desperately follows every lead-racking his brain and bending the rules to find this lunatic. I have gained a lot more respect for DeMille and his writing after reading this book. His writing style is simple, but thoroughly competent. He also has a dry sense of humor that will either make you roll your eyes or laugh out loud. He’s one of those guys that makes it look easy—effortless storytelling with direct and easy to understand language. I assure you, it’s not as easy as he makes it look.
Now I’m a tad bummed there are two books in the series before The Lion, but I’m sure those will be good reads. Wild Fire looks especially interesting-but nonetheless I’ve more or less resigned myself to the fact that I now hope to read all of DeMille’s novels over the next couple years. The guy’s got a big catalogue and he’s certainly got me hooked. I think my plan is to stick with the John Corey books for now before moving on to things like The Gold Coast and The Charm School. The JC books are incredibly entertaining. Anywho, now I’m just babbling.
4.5/5 rounded up. This was a hell of a book, and contains scenes that will be sticking with me for a long time to come.
Mr. Rahman remained silent.
I rephrased my question in the form of a suggestion to Mr. Rahman and said, “I think you should tell me who sent you, and where he is.” I should mention that I had my glock out now and, for some reason, Mr. Rahman had put the muzzle in his mouth.
Mr. Rahman was properly terrified.
This book had a high page count, but large font and a brisk pace. I could not put it down for the last week. It doesn’t let up.
John Corey. Here’s a guy whose methods aren’t exactly “by the book”, but he sure gets shit done.
I really wasn’t expecting to rate this one so highly, but I have to. It is that good. This is only my third Nelson DeMille book, and frankly it caught me off guard how well this book was crafted and written-but I’ll come back to that in a bit. This is John Corey’s second outing, and like in the first book, he’s rude, crude, completely non-PC and is filled with god-tier dad jokes. If that is going to be an issue for you, then go no further. This time around, the stakes are far higher as we see the wounded but recovered Corey working for the ATTF-a fictional agency (based on the Joint Terrorist Task Force) that works in busting and short-circuiting international Terrorism. The book starts ominously-a plane stops responding to the ground and lands, and it quickly becomes apparent that things are not well on this flight. We are then introduced to a separate third person narrative following our villain, Asad Khalil, a truly evil and terrifying bad guy with a score to settle with the US. This begins a countrywide chase, and the heat is on to catch Khalil before he leaves too many corpses in his wake.
DeMille’s writing is straightforward, as usual, but his storytelling chops here are on full display, and he is absolutely on fire. In the previous 2 DeMille books I have read, Plum Island and Up Country, DeMille sticks to a strict first person narrative. It works well, and those books were solid reads, but what he does in this book showed me that I had underestimated his writing abilities. Here we have the usual first person, as well as multiple third person narratives, the main one following our villain, and it works spectacularly. We even get one flashback section. This book spends a very large amount of time with Khalil, and DeMille does not hold back. It is dark, and violent. He’s an ice cold villain who’s motives are understandable, yet he is a ruthless psychopath.
This novel is pre 9/11 in the US, and it’s pretty obvious from the attitudes taken towards terrorism. I believe this novel came out in 2000, and had DeMille written this book a year or two later, it would’ve been a much different story-however, despite being somewhat dated for that reason, it’s still very readable.
This is a twisted revenge story mixed with a procedural, and it works so well. Being along for the ride with Khalil makes joining back up with John Corey even more thrilling and even saddening, as he desperately follows every lead-racking his brain and bending the rules to find this lunatic. I have gained a lot more respect for DeMille and his writing after reading this book. His writing style is simple, but thoroughly competent. He also has a dry sense of humor that will either make you roll your eyes or laugh out loud. He’s one of those guys that makes it look easy—effortless storytelling with direct and easy to understand language. I assure you, it’s not as easy as he makes it look.
Now I’m a tad bummed there are two books in the series before The Lion, but I’m sure those will be good reads. Wild Fire looks especially interesting-but nonetheless I’ve more or less resigned myself to the fact that I now hope to read all of DeMille’s novels over the next couple years. The guy’s got a big catalogue and he’s certainly got me hooked. I think my plan is to stick with the John Corey books for now before moving on to things like The Gold Coast and The Charm School. The JC books are incredibly entertaining. Anywho, now I’m just babbling.
4.5/5 rounded up. This was a hell of a book, and contains scenes that will be sticking with me for a long time to come.
July 7, 2019
I enjoyed this book but I think I didn't take is as seriously as many others. I enjoy the humor, but the story kept it interesting. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much if it wasn't an audiobook, though. As an audiobook, I listen while I'm doing other things, so if it gets boring, it's not such a big deal as I'm doing something else anyway, and I don't worry about missing anything.
The terrorist in this story wasn't all bad. He killed a lot of people, for revenge and his religion. He was smart, but also ignorant in many ways. I think he is typical of many of the fanatics that set off suicide bombs, etc. They are ignorant, and are being used by others who take advantage of their beliefs. He believes that killing the evil infidels will guarantee him a place in heaven.
The story also shows how the need for revenge leads to never-ending warfare in the Middle East, and every act has a reaction, which triggers a new reaction, on and on. They never forget, and sometimes the revenge is many years later. Pretty hopeless. There will probably never be peace in the Middle East, until there is only one person left standing. And that person will probably commit suicide.
I enjoyed the book, but I'm not sure if I particularly want to read more.
The terrorist in this story wasn't all bad. He killed a lot of people, for revenge and his religion. He was smart, but also ignorant in many ways. I think he is typical of many of the fanatics that set off suicide bombs, etc. They are ignorant, and are being used by others who take advantage of their beliefs. He believes that killing the evil infidels will guarantee him a place in heaven.
The story also shows how the need for revenge leads to never-ending warfare in the Middle East, and every act has a reaction, which triggers a new reaction, on and on. They never forget, and sometimes the revenge is many years later. Pretty hopeless. There will probably never be peace in the Middle East, until there is only one person left standing. And that person will probably commit suicide.
I enjoyed the book, but I'm not sure if I particularly want to read more.
August 1, 2025
Pending.
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July 18, 2023
3.5_Stars ^ 4.0_Stars - "I Really Liked It"
The Lion's Game (John Corey, #2) by Nelson DeMille
Audiobook: 24:30 Hours - Narrator: Scott Brick
From my Reading Activity:
July 12, 2023 – 16.0%: "I read this as a paperback many years ago, around 2000 or so, but only snatches of the story remain in my memory. The dead-pan humour is a bit dated, but enjoyable nonetheless. The story is shaping up well."
July 13, 2023 – 28.0%: "The only problem with listening to such a long audiobook is that the finishing line is a long distant, albeit diminishing, goal! NB: this is not necessarily a bad thing :))"
July 14, 2023 – 45.0%: "Still keeping me interested, but the 'bloat' is starting to show."
July 16, 2023 – 80.0%: "Only 20% to go! This book has been very good, but unnecessarily long..."
July 17, 2023 – 99.0%: "24.5 hours long, but ultimately worth the effort! ATM I am considering my rating and a brief review :))"
The Lion's Game (John Corey, #2) by Nelson DeMille
Audiobook: 24:30 Hours - Narrator: Scott Brick
From my Reading Activity:
July 12, 2023 – 16.0%: "I read this as a paperback many years ago, around 2000 or so, but only snatches of the story remain in my memory. The dead-pan humour is a bit dated, but enjoyable nonetheless. The story is shaping up well."
July 13, 2023 – 28.0%: "The only problem with listening to such a long audiobook is that the finishing line is a long distant, albeit diminishing, goal! NB: this is not necessarily a bad thing :))"
July 14, 2023 – 45.0%: "Still keeping me interested, but the 'bloat' is starting to show."
July 16, 2023 – 80.0%: "Only 20% to go! This book has been very good, but unnecessarily long..."
July 17, 2023 – 99.0%: "24.5 hours long, but ultimately worth the effort! ATM I am considering my rating and a brief review :))"
August 16, 2025
DeMille can tell a story, but do not expect a quick one! The sequel to Plum Island takes place a year or so after, but with Corey with a new job. After he retired from the NYPD, he taught at John Jay for a bit, and then got talked into joining the "Antiterrorist Task Force" located in NYC, which consists of primarily FBI types and NYPD folks (retired and active). Corey has mixed feelings about the job, and that he works in the Middle East section, but so it goes. Things change rapidly one day when a Libyan 'terrorist', who defected in Paris, is due to arrive at JFK. Corey and his team await the arrival of the plane, but we quickly know something is very wrong.
As the title suggests, the Libyan known as the Lion has come to the US to play a game, a very deadly one. The long backstory to the Lion dragged, and the lessons on Islam via DeMille I am not sure I buy, but they do set the stage. The Lion has come to the US for some serious payback, and he is sharp, well trained and deadly. He also has had some serious help from Libya to set this up. Pretty much a classic thriller, and given that this was published a year before 9/11, almost prophetic. Yes, this felt bloated at times, yes I found the pacing erratic, especially at the start (e.g., the first 300 pages!), but it really settles down after that to be a nail biter. 3.5 deadly stars!!
As the title suggests, the Libyan known as the Lion has come to the US to play a game, a very deadly one. The long backstory to the Lion dragged, and the lessons on Islam via DeMille I am not sure I buy, but they do set the stage. The Lion has come to the US for some serious payback, and he is sharp, well trained and deadly. He also has had some serious help from Libya to set this up. Pretty much a classic thriller, and given that this was published a year before 9/11, almost prophetic. Yes, this felt bloated at times, yes I found the pacing erratic, especially at the start (e.g., the first 300 pages!), but it really settles down after that to be a nail biter. 3.5 deadly stars!!
August 10, 2023
3 Stars. Great story that could have been told in half the pages. I get it. John is a smart ass. It took forever to read even though I was really looking forward to learning the endgame, and then there wasn’t one. I’m sure there will be another book with The Corey’s vs The Lion. Yep. It looks like I’m right about that. I’ll keep reading, I think.
June 5, 2014
I'm a little surprised at how much I like this book. While the first in the Corey seriesPlum Island was good, it didn't inspire me to run right out and grab this one up. I must say this one drew me in more and held my interest.
The book is of necessity a little dated as it was written before 9-11 and deals with Middle East Terrorists. It's built (partly) around the 1986 bombing raid on Libya. There are plots and counter-plots there is the (insistently) New York cop John Corey who we met earlier...but with a new romantic interest.
The book opens well and doesn't spend any time in slow build up or aimlessness. The plot and the characters are center stage from the get-go and all the building is done on the fly. You don't have a lot of "oh let's stop and talk about all this and then we'll get back to the story".
As noted...I like it. I can recommend it. I plan to go on with the series.
Enjoy.
The book is of necessity a little dated as it was written before 9-11 and deals with Middle East Terrorists. It's built (partly) around the 1986 bombing raid on Libya. There are plots and counter-plots there is the (insistently) New York cop John Corey who we met earlier...but with a new romantic interest.
The book opens well and doesn't spend any time in slow build up or aimlessness. The plot and the characters are center stage from the get-go and all the building is done on the fly. You don't have a lot of "oh let's stop and talk about all this and then we'll get back to the story".
As noted...I like it. I can recommend it. I plan to go on with the series.
Enjoy.
April 7, 2025
John Corey is back, and now he's working for the Man as part of the ATTF, an anti-terrorism division comprised of CIA, FBI, and former NYPD. Of course, Corey is still full of piss and vinegar, tossing around the sarcasm and snarky one-liners as always. And as always, hooking up with his female cohorts. A true Alpha-male!
I won't bog down this review with a summary of the story, you can find that on the book jacket or here on Goodreads. I do have to say, the start of the book is FANTASTIC. The whole scene with the airplane and the air-traffic controllers was so gripping, I knew I was hooked to the story. I am NOT a fast reader by any means, and I have to admit, I could not put this book down. Nelson DeMille is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors.
The story is very realistic and draws you into the scenes, almost like an eye-witness. The only drawback to DeMille's writing is that sometimes he can be a tad verbose. I mean, sometimes he can take the most mundane activities and stretch them out over 3-4 pages. It can get a little slow sometimes and I found myself saying "Ok, we get it, he's brushing his teeth, Let's move on!" But the rest of the writing is so captivating, it was easy to overlook the excess minutia.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and it is my favorite DeMille book so far. I've added the rest of the John Corey series to my 'Want To Read' shelf and look forward to them all. If you enjoy a good thriller with a wise-ass protagonist, this is a read for you. I give this one a solid 4 stars. It would have been 5, but I subtracted one for the long-winded sections and the lame romantic interest storyline in this one. Just my two-cents.
I won't bog down this review with a summary of the story, you can find that on the book jacket or here on Goodreads. I do have to say, the start of the book is FANTASTIC. The whole scene with the airplane and the air-traffic controllers was so gripping, I knew I was hooked to the story. I am NOT a fast reader by any means, and I have to admit, I could not put this book down. Nelson DeMille is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors.
The story is very realistic and draws you into the scenes, almost like an eye-witness. The only drawback to DeMille's writing is that sometimes he can be a tad verbose. I mean, sometimes he can take the most mundane activities and stretch them out over 3-4 pages. It can get a little slow sometimes and I found myself saying "Ok, we get it, he's brushing his teeth, Let's move on!" But the rest of the writing is so captivating, it was easy to overlook the excess minutia.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and it is my favorite DeMille book so far. I've added the rest of the John Corey series to my 'Want To Read' shelf and look forward to them all. If you enjoy a good thriller with a wise-ass protagonist, this is a read for you. I give this one a solid 4 stars. It would have been 5, but I subtracted one for the long-winded sections and the lame romantic interest storyline in this one. Just my two-cents.
April 25, 2021
John Corey joins an anti-terrorist group just before 9/11.
A plane lands itself with everyone on board dead...well almost everyone. A Libyan terrorist has chosen this method to get into the country, and John and Company have to find the guy before he can complete his scheme, but nobody else even thinks there is a scheme.
Better than the first. John isn't as big a jerk in this one.
A plane lands itself with everyone on board dead...well almost everyone. A Libyan terrorist has chosen this method to get into the country, and John and Company have to find the guy before he can complete his scheme, but nobody else even thinks there is a scheme.
Better than the first. John isn't as big a jerk in this one.
April 11, 2010
Fantastic!! A great follow up to the first book Plum Island. In this book, John Corey has joined at elite task force comprised of FBI, CIA, ex-NYPD, current NYPD some lawyers, accountants, and whoever else they could think of to throw into the mix. Their job, anti-terrorism with a fixation on Mid-Eastern issues. John has his eyes set on the IRA division, and puts in a request to be moved because everyone knows that the IRA is inactive which will provide John with nothing to do. However, his request is being ignored. So off he heads to JFK airport to a secret facility called the Conquistador Club. There he and his team await the arrival of a prisoner being transferred from Paris. Unfortunatley, something has gone wrong with the plane, and it's currently in a No-RAD state, which means there has been no radio contact. Now John and his team are forced to chase a crazy terrorist around the US to stop him before he completes his mission.
Unlike in Plum Island, there was no lag to the beginning of this book. It just jumps right in, and I think this might have been the best beginning to a book that I have read in a long time. It had me completely entranced for at least a hundred pages before I realized what time it was. This book is split into 5 mini books, and the POV switches between John and the terrorist. It was really fascinating to see how each man was thinking throughout the book and how John was struggling to understand what was going on before it was too late. John was of course at his sarcastic best, and again I love him! He has some issues in this book regarding his new boss Kate, and it was really amusing to watch the verbal sparring.
I'll definitely read the next book that has Corey in it.
Unlike in Plum Island, there was no lag to the beginning of this book. It just jumps right in, and I think this might have been the best beginning to a book that I have read in a long time. It had me completely entranced for at least a hundred pages before I realized what time it was. This book is split into 5 mini books, and the POV switches between John and the terrorist. It was really fascinating to see how each man was thinking throughout the book and how John was struggling to understand what was going on before it was too late. John was of course at his sarcastic best, and again I love him! He has some issues in this book regarding his new boss Kate, and it was really amusing to watch the verbal sparring.
I'll definitely read the next book that has Corey in it.
March 13, 2016
What sorted out this thriller from others of its heft is the dedication of the author to assiduously make every sentence count. Where I used to peg stuff as filler, I counted now as suspense. The most unexpected part was the end. The last chapter negated all the expectations I had regarding who would live and die. I don't want to spoil, so let us say that such and such gal doesn't die even after the hero proposes something to her. One thing I noticed was that when Arabic or Latin words were cited and quoted, they were in italics, but French words were not. It looks like not only the English but even Americans have inculcated French words into their dictionary.
There were some untruths which made this novel simpler if not naive. E.g moss doesn't grow the northern side of trees. Also, shooting a bullet through an empty plastic bottle doesn't a silencer make. Hell, even real silencers aren't sound proof. I was glad about the fate of Boris. The hero's dubious sense of humor was welcome. I don't mind wise cracking. I wonder why others do. The writing style of the author is ascetic. I am almost sure that this effect is not a side effect but a deliberate choice. Despite lingering on the sex scenes, no details were forthcoming. This book has renewed my interest in thrillers and in this very series. The four stars I give this book are gladly given. Time to move on and keep experimenting with new genres. Bye.
There were some untruths which made this novel simpler if not naive. E.g moss doesn't grow the northern side of trees. Also, shooting a bullet through an empty plastic bottle doesn't a silencer make. Hell, even real silencers aren't sound proof. I was glad about the fate of Boris. The hero's dubious sense of humor was welcome. I don't mind wise cracking. I wonder why others do. The writing style of the author is ascetic. I am almost sure that this effect is not a side effect but a deliberate choice. Despite lingering on the sex scenes, no details were forthcoming. This book has renewed my interest in thrillers and in this very series. The four stars I give this book are gladly given. Time to move on and keep experimenting with new genres. Bye.
October 13, 2018
Loved it! I’ve read all but the last book in this series, unfortunately not in order. A few years ago I read The Lion and loved it. Couldn’t wait to read this highly recommended book that set things in motion. It’s exciting, with many twists and turns, and lots of laughs. I’ve never read a series that is both thrilling and hilarious at the same time. It is, however, not for the feminist reader. Now, I have to reread The Lion because I can’t remember what happens. I know I will enjoy it even more the second time!
December 13, 2017
really enjoyed this book
January 3, 2019
Excellent dialogue, love Corey ' s eat shit sarcasm. Long book but a page turner. Solid.
January 25, 2013
Second in the John Corey suspense series revolving around a former NYPD detective. This story takes place before the Twin Towers and after the World Trade Center bombing and TWA 800.
My Take
This one was depressing. Oh, Corey is just as snarky as ever...thank god. I do enjoy his brand of humor. You'll crack up at his explanation for why the feds created the ATTF. Critical points like pastrami sandwiches play a huge role. I must say, though, that I can understand why those around him sometimes---most of the time---want to bash his head in!
I also enjoy how he manages to bash his way through to success! There's a lot to be said for ignoring protocol and procedure. Certainly a lot of lives were saved by doing so. It's a treat to encounter a character who is more concerned with the reality of the mission rather than simply the theory. Makes me wish that more politicians and politicos truly did represent the people. And that the CIA had compassion!
The depressing part is religion. Extremists. While the rabid antagonist in this story is a Libyan Muslim mujahideen, his type is found in any religion. The fanatical zealot who twists and turns his religion to suit his particular thoughts and desires. Who sees nothing wrong with destroying anyone and everyone. The same idiotic morons who excuse their "sins" by blaming it on women. Hmmm, sounds like men's excuses for raping, too.
The major religions in the world all have at their central core to do unto others what they would wish done unto themselves, so it totally screws with my mind when a religion's basic tenets are twisted around.
Hmmm, does this mean the extremists want to be shot, blown up, destroyed? I mean, do unto others...
I think that Asad is psychotic anyway, considering his treatment of Bahira. Of course, it doesn't help Asad that the man who influenced his upbringing, his life, was a nutcase himself. More concerned with his particular desires than caring for his people.
I think Boris is right. Eventually, I hope, Muslim women who are being repressed by their idiot men are going to rise up. Reading about Asad's views about women, I want to kill him. He's such a moron! Not to mention a hypocrite.
Ya know, if the CIA is gonna tattoo dots on a defector, why not implant a homing device along with it? That way, when Asad goes on his cross-country killing spree, maybe we could have stopped him earlier. Or, then again, if there had been true inter-agency cooperation…
Crack me up...John's description of his dream where he solves it all...and then wakes up. It's his metaphor for the frustration that is too funny.
Okay, the whole marriage thing just doesn't work for me. It's too fast. It doesn't make sense. I kept expecting it to fall apart what with all the demerits, but then again, there's those moments when "the panic was suddenly gone, and this weird feeling of peace flooded over me". Of course, I also expected Kate to back out, especially after events in California.
The Story
John is missing the action of law enforcement, of making a difference, and Dom has come up with a way for John to become involved again. Only, he's still being punished. Yup, he has to work with the CIA and FBI. Even worse, Ted Nash and George Foster requested him!
When a major terrorist incident occurs, it's John's insight, street smarts, and stubborn determination that sets the ATTF on the right path.
The Characters
John Corey had taken a three-quarter disability and a professorship at John Jay College of Criminal Justice after Plum Island , but it wasn't enough. Now he's a Special Contract Agent for the ATTF. He's sarcastic, politically INcorrect, and doesn't know when to stop. Corey is currently seeing Detective Beth Penrose of the Suffolk County Homicide Division. Dom Fanelli was Corey's NYPD partner.
Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force (ATTF)
ATTF is a combination of NYPD, CIA, FBI, ATF, and DEA. Ted Nash is a CIA agent and a major jerk. George Foster is FBI and while he's a nice guy, he's a little too indoctrinated. Both men were involved in the Plum Island incident. Nick Monti is NYPD Intelligence. Kate Mayfield is FBI. Or as John puts it: WASP, WASP, WOP, WASP. Jack Koenig, a.k.a., King Jack, is the Special-Agent-in-Charge in NYC while Captain David Stein represents the NYPD and is co-commander of the ATTF in NY. Special Agent Alan Parker is the PR guy fascinated by his one-third, one-third, maybe-third. Robert Moody is the NYPD Chief of Detectives; Captain Henry Wydrzynski is Deputy Chief of Detectives with the Port Authority police; Sergeant Gabriel Haytham is an Arab; and, Edward Harris is CIA.
Professor Abbah Ibn Abdellah is the FBI's Muslim expert with interesting points to be made about Islam. Naturally, the news prefers to tell us about all the negatives, so we never learn the good side of Islam. It's too bad the extremists exist and are so active...
Roger, Kim, Edie, Scott, and Chuck are agents on the ground in California. Doug Sturgis is the SA-in-C in LA and a former lover of Kate's.
Secret Service
Gene Barlet is head of Reagan's protective detail. Fred Potter is one of the agents.
New York Air Traffic Control
Sam Walters first raises the NO-RAD alert and his boss, Bob Esching, passes it on to Ed Stavros who pulls in Guns and Hoses, er, I mean, Port Authority-Emergency Service personnel. One Sergeant Tintle who also possesses that cop snark, *giggle*. Crew Chief Sergeant Andy McGill is the guy who gets on the plane.
The bomb squadron
Lieutenant Chip Wiggins, Weapon Systems Officer (a.k.a., wizo), has since acquired his pilot's license and flies for a cargo service. Bill Satherwaite, the pilot has really gone downhill---and we don't learn why. Now-General Terry Waycliff, pilot, and now-Colonel Bill Hambrecht, wizo, are in Remit 22; Bob Callum, pilot, and Steve Cox, wizo, in Remit 61; and, Paul Grey, pilot, and Jim McCoy, wizo, in Elton 38.
Stacy Moll is one of several private pilots Asad uses.
The Libyans and associates
Asad Khalil lost his family in the bombing attack on Al Azziziyah. Great Leader Moammar Gadhafi rules Libya with a religious fist. Malik spied, at the same time, for the Americans, Germans, and Italians during World War II, setting each up against the other. Now he's teaching young terrorists in Libya. Yusef Haddad contributed his all to the initial attack in this story. Boris is former KGB and now instructs Libyan extremists about American culture.
Gamal Jabbar is a Libyan taxi driver in NYC. Karim Khalil is Asad's father. Was, rather. He was murdered in Paris. Boutros Dharr paved the way. Azim Rahman is another driver in LA.
The Cover
The cover is a deep royal blue with the author's name writ large in silver and a much smaller title in yellow. The graphic is a metaphor for the antagonist and the story's introduction: a black lion rampant on the tail of a plane.
The title gives it all away for it is The Lion's Game, and we're losing.
My Take
This one was depressing. Oh, Corey is just as snarky as ever...thank god. I do enjoy his brand of humor. You'll crack up at his explanation for why the feds created the ATTF. Critical points like pastrami sandwiches play a huge role. I must say, though, that I can understand why those around him sometimes---most of the time---want to bash his head in!
I also enjoy how he manages to bash his way through to success! There's a lot to be said for ignoring protocol and procedure. Certainly a lot of lives were saved by doing so. It's a treat to encounter a character who is more concerned with the reality of the mission rather than simply the theory. Makes me wish that more politicians and politicos truly did represent the people. And that the CIA had compassion!
The depressing part is religion. Extremists. While the rabid antagonist in this story is a Libyan Muslim mujahideen, his type is found in any religion. The fanatical zealot who twists and turns his religion to suit his particular thoughts and desires. Who sees nothing wrong with destroying anyone and everyone. The same idiotic morons who excuse their "sins" by blaming it on women. Hmmm, sounds like men's excuses for raping, too.
The major religions in the world all have at their central core to do unto others what they would wish done unto themselves, so it totally screws with my mind when a religion's basic tenets are twisted around.
Hmmm, does this mean the extremists want to be shot, blown up, destroyed? I mean, do unto others...
I think that Asad is psychotic anyway, considering his treatment of Bahira. Of course, it doesn't help Asad that the man who influenced his upbringing, his life, was a nutcase himself. More concerned with his particular desires than caring for his people.
I think Boris is right. Eventually, I hope, Muslim women who are being repressed by their idiot men are going to rise up. Reading about Asad's views about women, I want to kill him. He's such a moron! Not to mention a hypocrite.
Ya know, if the CIA is gonna tattoo dots on a defector, why not implant a homing device along with it? That way, when Asad goes on his cross-country killing spree, maybe we could have stopped him earlier. Or, then again, if there had been true inter-agency cooperation…
Crack me up...John's description of his dream where he solves it all...and then wakes up. It's his metaphor for the frustration that is too funny.
Okay, the whole marriage thing just doesn't work for me. It's too fast. It doesn't make sense. I kept expecting it to fall apart what with all the demerits, but then again, there's those moments when "the panic was suddenly gone, and this weird feeling of peace flooded over me". Of course, I also expected Kate to back out, especially after events in California.
The Story
John is missing the action of law enforcement, of making a difference, and Dom has come up with a way for John to become involved again. Only, he's still being punished. Yup, he has to work with the CIA and FBI. Even worse, Ted Nash and George Foster requested him!
When a major terrorist incident occurs, it's John's insight, street smarts, and stubborn determination that sets the ATTF on the right path.
The Characters
John Corey had taken a three-quarter disability and a professorship at John Jay College of Criminal Justice after Plum Island , but it wasn't enough. Now he's a Special Contract Agent for the ATTF. He's sarcastic, politically INcorrect, and doesn't know when to stop. Corey is currently seeing Detective Beth Penrose of the Suffolk County Homicide Division. Dom Fanelli was Corey's NYPD partner.
Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force (ATTF)
ATTF is a combination of NYPD, CIA, FBI, ATF, and DEA. Ted Nash is a CIA agent and a major jerk. George Foster is FBI and while he's a nice guy, he's a little too indoctrinated. Both men were involved in the Plum Island incident. Nick Monti is NYPD Intelligence. Kate Mayfield is FBI. Or as John puts it: WASP, WASP, WOP, WASP. Jack Koenig, a.k.a., King Jack, is the Special-Agent-in-Charge in NYC while Captain David Stein represents the NYPD and is co-commander of the ATTF in NY. Special Agent Alan Parker is the PR guy fascinated by his one-third, one-third, maybe-third. Robert Moody is the NYPD Chief of Detectives; Captain Henry Wydrzynski is Deputy Chief of Detectives with the Port Authority police; Sergeant Gabriel Haytham is an Arab; and, Edward Harris is CIA.
Professor Abbah Ibn Abdellah is the FBI's Muslim expert with interesting points to be made about Islam. Naturally, the news prefers to tell us about all the negatives, so we never learn the good side of Islam. It's too bad the extremists exist and are so active...
Roger, Kim, Edie, Scott, and Chuck are agents on the ground in California. Doug Sturgis is the SA-in-C in LA and a former lover of Kate's.
Secret Service
Gene Barlet is head of Reagan's protective detail. Fred Potter is one of the agents.
New York Air Traffic Control
Sam Walters first raises the NO-RAD alert and his boss, Bob Esching, passes it on to Ed Stavros who pulls in Guns and Hoses, er, I mean, Port Authority-Emergency Service personnel. One Sergeant Tintle who also possesses that cop snark, *giggle*. Crew Chief Sergeant Andy McGill is the guy who gets on the plane.
The bomb squadron
Lieutenant Chip Wiggins, Weapon Systems Officer (a.k.a., wizo), has since acquired his pilot's license and flies for a cargo service. Bill Satherwaite, the pilot has really gone downhill---and we don't learn why. Now-General Terry Waycliff, pilot, and now-Colonel Bill Hambrecht, wizo, are in Remit 22; Bob Callum, pilot, and Steve Cox, wizo, in Remit 61; and, Paul Grey, pilot, and Jim McCoy, wizo, in Elton 38.
Stacy Moll is one of several private pilots Asad uses.
The Libyans and associates
Asad Khalil lost his family in the bombing attack on Al Azziziyah. Great Leader Moammar Gadhafi rules Libya with a religious fist. Malik spied, at the same time, for the Americans, Germans, and Italians during World War II, setting each up against the other. Now he's teaching young terrorists in Libya. Yusef Haddad contributed his all to the initial attack in this story. Boris is former KGB and now instructs Libyan extremists about American culture.
Gamal Jabbar is a Libyan taxi driver in NYC. Karim Khalil is Asad's father. Was, rather. He was murdered in Paris. Boutros Dharr paved the way. Azim Rahman is another driver in LA.
The Cover
The cover is a deep royal blue with the author's name writ large in silver and a much smaller title in yellow. The graphic is a metaphor for the antagonist and the story's introduction: a black lion rampant on the tail of a plane.
The title gives it all away for it is The Lion's Game, and we're losing.
March 6, 2023
Силно съм отвикнала от злодеите, които цели държави и управления не могат да заловят, докато те съвсем самостоятелно вършеят наред и зас��рашават световния мир. Не че ги няма, но просто изграждат и разчитат на добра организация, а не го раздават като самотния каубой. Същото се отнася и за Джон Кори - да му се не види, как не му писна да ръси идиотизми без прекъсване, откъде толкова време? И едни 100 страници по-малко нямаше да са лоша идея.
Иначе трилърчето търчи остросюжетно по петите на един зъл либиец (на Кадафи още ме са му били видели сметката по времето на написването), пукотевицата е на ниво, но, както винаги в такиви романи, всички прилики с действителността са напълно случайни.
2,5⭐️
Иначе трилърчето търчи остросюжетно по петите на един зъл либиец (на Кадафи още ме са му били видели сметката по времето на написването), пукотевицата е на ниво, но, както винаги в такиви романи, всички прилики с действителността са напълно случайни.
2,5⭐️
September 3, 2013
4 ½ stars. Excellent suspense thriller. I didn’t want to stop reading.
It’s a long book. I had a hard time putting it down. Lots of suspense. Many times I was saying come on, come on - eager to find out what was going to happen next. John Corey is a smartalecky, arrogant cop working for the FBI. He has many entertaining one-liners and jokes. I liked his humor, but humor is subjective and some readers may not like it. There were a few surprises along the way. Some parts were a little slow, but the last half was the best. The ending was good and complete enough for me, although the killer Asad was still alive and un-caught. The story continues in the sequel “The Lion.”
Asad was a well done bad guy. He’s a stealthy smart killing machine. I consider “The Day of the Jackal” by Forsyth as great. Lion’s Game reminded me of Jackal, but LG was missing the following. I wanted to see how Asad got his information, how his sources got information, and how Asad and those sources communicated.
Asad interacted with many people. It was hard to believe they did not recognize him. Asad’s picture was all over the TV and newspapers.
One negative - a stupid event: Two guys know Asad is in the area with a sniper rifle. So why are they walking outside alone with no bullet proof vests or other protection?
NARRATOR:
Scott Brick did an excellent job as John Corey because Scott does cocky arrogance well. John Corey’s arrogance was written in an entertaining way so it worked. But I’ve given Scott Brick 1 and 2 stars for his narration of other books where he was too arrogant, and it detracted from the book. Scott narrated females nicely here.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person John Corey, 3rd person other characters and scenes. Unabridged audiobook length: 24 hours and 52 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 6 referred to, no details. Setting: 2000 various U.S. locations with a little back story in 1986 Libya. Book copyright: 2000. Genre: suspense thriller.
It’s a long book. I had a hard time putting it down. Lots of suspense. Many times I was saying come on, come on - eager to find out what was going to happen next. John Corey is a smartalecky, arrogant cop working for the FBI. He has many entertaining one-liners and jokes. I liked his humor, but humor is subjective and some readers may not like it. There were a few surprises along the way. Some parts were a little slow, but the last half was the best. The ending was good and complete enough for me, although the killer Asad was still alive and un-caught. The story continues in the sequel “The Lion.”
Asad was a well done bad guy. He’s a stealthy smart killing machine. I consider “The Day of the Jackal” by Forsyth as great. Lion’s Game reminded me of Jackal, but LG was missing the following. I wanted to see how Asad got his information, how his sources got information, and how Asad and those sources communicated.
Asad interacted with many people. It was hard to believe they did not recognize him. Asad’s picture was all over the TV and newspapers.
One negative - a stupid event: Two guys know Asad is in the area with a sniper rifle. So why are they walking outside alone with no bullet proof vests or other protection?
NARRATOR:
Scott Brick did an excellent job as John Corey because Scott does cocky arrogance well. John Corey’s arrogance was written in an entertaining way so it worked. But I’ve given Scott Brick 1 and 2 stars for his narration of other books where he was too arrogant, and it detracted from the book. Scott narrated females nicely here.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person John Corey, 3rd person other characters and scenes. Unabridged audiobook length: 24 hours and 52 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: 6 referred to, no details. Setting: 2000 various U.S. locations with a little back story in 1986 Libya. Book copyright: 2000. Genre: suspense thriller.
August 20, 2010
I have a special place in my heart for sarcastic characters and John Corey, the main character in The Lion's Game, an international thriller, is a one of those guys you just love to read about. There's always a great one-liner waiting on every page. If I were to go back and highlight each time Mr. Demille's writing made me laugh, the book would look like a freshmen year chemistry book.
The Lion's Game is the squeal to Plumb Island, which was also a joy to read specifically because John Corey was the main character in that book as well. This squeal is one heck of a story, weighing in at 673 pages in the hardback edition, but the suspense never lets up.
This book is not equivalent to the "summer blockbuster" movie. There are no explosive battles and crazy stunts. Instead, Mr. Demille entertains using merely wit and colorful characters. In this installment, I found the main character to be just as interesting as the antagonist. The point-of-view changes between our hero, John Corey, and the foe that repeatedly shocks the reader with sporadic insights into the daily life of an American. I found myself reflecting on typical American circumstances in a whole new light due to the antagonist's interesting point-of-view as a foreigner traveling across the country.
The Lion's Game was a lot of fun to read, not merely for the humor, but also because Nelson Demille can dish out so much more than your typical crime novel. I consider the John Corey series to be among the best crime and mystery books I've ever read.
The Lion's Game is the squeal to Plumb Island, which was also a joy to read specifically because John Corey was the main character in that book as well. This squeal is one heck of a story, weighing in at 673 pages in the hardback edition, but the suspense never lets up.
This book is not equivalent to the "summer blockbuster" movie. There are no explosive battles and crazy stunts. Instead, Mr. Demille entertains using merely wit and colorful characters. In this installment, I found the main character to be just as interesting as the antagonist. The point-of-view changes between our hero, John Corey, and the foe that repeatedly shocks the reader with sporadic insights into the daily life of an American. I found myself reflecting on typical American circumstances in a whole new light due to the antagonist's interesting point-of-view as a foreigner traveling across the country.
The Lion's Game was a lot of fun to read, not merely for the humor, but also because Nelson Demille can dish out so much more than your typical crime novel. I consider the John Corey series to be among the best crime and mystery books I've ever read.
January 7, 2011
Just finished The Lion's Game by Nelson DeMille (audio) and it has me wondering, can a thriller be over-researched? I finished this pre-9/11 story of a dogged NYPD cop on the trail of a Libyan terrorist, and definitely had moments of frustration as DeMille paused to observe the scenery, sit in on a bureaucratic meeting, or watch cops shag.
The protagonist, John Corey, is a likable enough example of the species, but I found his wisecracking dialogue creaky (downright colorless when compared to, say Elmore Leonard, but then...). The plot was plausible (see research above), and I appreciated the narrative techniques of switching back and for the between cop and terrorist -- PC points scored on that one.
It's not that this is a bad book (I listened to all 25 hours of it, after all), it's that it took our heroes a good 16 hours (of listening time) to even pick up the bad guy's trail. I felt the Corey romance with his partner Kate, was cookie-cutter and given an awful lot of air time. Lion's Game had it's hair raising moments, but it took a lot of meetings to get there.
In other words, cut to the chase.
The protagonist, John Corey, is a likable enough example of the species, but I found his wisecracking dialogue creaky (downright colorless when compared to, say Elmore Leonard, but then...). The plot was plausible (see research above), and I appreciated the narrative techniques of switching back and for the between cop and terrorist -- PC points scored on that one.
It's not that this is a bad book (I listened to all 25 hours of it, after all), it's that it took our heroes a good 16 hours (of listening time) to even pick up the bad guy's trail. I felt the Corey romance with his partner Kate, was cookie-cutter and given an awful lot of air time. Lion's Game had it's hair raising moments, but it took a lot of meetings to get there.
In other words, cut to the chase.
November 14, 2019
A guy’s book, I really enjoyed this book about trying to figure out why a Libyan terrorist was in the US. A large page count but kept me interested and Corey’s wiseass commentary cracked me up. Took away a star for the initial flying scenario. He needed a better aviation consultant or else something didn’t get explained correctly. 4 Stars
July 12, 2024
3,5 stele.
Al doilea roman din seria John Corey are destul de multe puncte tari, asupra cărora voi insista mai jos, dar, din păcate, și un defect esențial, ce pare să fie foarte prezent în opera scriitorului american și anume faptul că este lungit în mod inutil, că ai senzația de mult prea multe ori că intriga se târăște anevoios către un final care nu are nimic memorabil, lăsând în urmă doar bucuria nemărturisită că ai reușit să duci până la capăt o lectură pe parcursul căreia ai fost ispitit de mai multe ori să o abandonezi. Trebuie să recunosc că autorul a reușit să construiască o poveste bună, iar acest lucru a compensat puțin din senzația descrisă mai sus.
Principalul punct forte al romanului are însă legătură nu neapărat cu intriga, ci cu anumite elemente pe care le putem numi, forțând puțin nota, ca fiind vizionare. Iată despre ce e vorba: Jocul Leului a fost publicat la începutul anului 2000, prin urmare cu mai mult de un an și jumătate înaintea atentatelor care au șocat întreaga lume din 11 septembrie 2001; cu toate acestea, este uimitor să vezi că eroul negativ al romanului, teroristul libian Asad Khalil, a fost adus în SUA cu zborul numărul 175 (ce să vezi, zborul numărul 175 este cel care a intrat în Turnul de Sud, după ce, câteva minute mai devreme, zborul numărul 11 lovise Turnul de Nord); mai mult decât atât, există numeroase trimiteri în carte la atentatul precedent asupra World Trade Center, săvârșit în 1993; în fine, se desprinde clar ideea conform căreia America este foarte vulnerabilă în fața unui atentat terorist minuțios planificat și, din nefericire, Nelson DeMille a avut dreptate.
Așa cum am mai spus, până la un punct, intriga romanului este captivantă, iar faptul că Jocul Leului este mai degrabă un thriller de spionaj decât unul polițist este de apreciat. Romanul este narat atât la persoana întâi, bineînțeles din perspectiva lui John, cât și la persoana a treia, urmărind acţiunile teroristului libian. De altfel, cu riscul de a-l supăra pe John Corey cel nostim, această ultimă perspectivă mi se pare mult superioară celeilalte și aceasta datorită observațiilor privitoare la diferențele majore dintre cultura americană și cea din Libia. Un exemplu relevant este condiția femeii în statul islamic: "Asad Khalil considera că americanii pierduseră controlul asupra femeilor lor. Îşi reaminti cuvintele din Coran: „Bărbaţii au autoritate asupra femeilor deoarece Allah i-a făcut superiori acestora şi deoarece ei îşi cheltuiesc averea ca să le întreţină. Femeile bune sunt supuse. Ele îşi păzesc părţile ascunse, deoarece Allah le păzeşte. Pe acele femei care arată nesupunere, mustraţi-le, apoi trimiteţi-le singure la culcare şi biciuiţi-le. Apoi, dacă vi se supun, nu le mai pedepsiţi.” Khalil nu putea înţelege cum femeile din Occident câştigaseră atâta putere şi influenţă, inversând ordinea lăsată de Dumnezeu şi de natură, dar bănuia că asta se datora democraţiei, unde fiecare vot conta în mod egal...Se gândi din nou la bărbatul şi femeia pe care îi văzuse, amândoi având insigne, amândoi dând ordine de parcă erau egali. Mintea lui nu putea concepe ca doi oameni de sex opus să lucreze împreună, să-şi vorbească, să se atingă şi, poate, să ia masa împreună. Iar cel mai uimitor lucru era că femeia era ofiţer de poliţie şi, fără îndoială, era înarmată. Se întrebă cum de le permiseseră părinţii acestor fete să devină atât de dure şi de băieţoase". Din păcate, la nivel global, există încă foarte mulți bărbați care gândesc precum teroristul libian ficțional. Lectură plăcută!
Al doilea roman din seria John Corey are destul de multe puncte tari, asupra cărora voi insista mai jos, dar, din păcate, și un defect esențial, ce pare să fie foarte prezent în opera scriitorului american și anume faptul că este lungit în mod inutil, că ai senzația de mult prea multe ori că intriga se târăște anevoios către un final care nu are nimic memorabil, lăsând în urmă doar bucuria nemărturisită că ai reușit să duci până la capăt o lectură pe parcursul căreia ai fost ispitit de mai multe ori să o abandonezi. Trebuie să recunosc că autorul a reușit să construiască o poveste bună, iar acest lucru a compensat puțin din senzația descrisă mai sus.
Principalul punct forte al romanului are însă legătură nu neapărat cu intriga, ci cu anumite elemente pe care le putem numi, forțând puțin nota, ca fiind vizionare. Iată despre ce e vorba: Jocul Leului a fost publicat la începutul anului 2000, prin urmare cu mai mult de un an și jumătate înaintea atentatelor care au șocat întreaga lume din 11 septembrie 2001; cu toate acestea, este uimitor să vezi că eroul negativ al romanului, teroristul libian Asad Khalil, a fost adus în SUA cu zborul numărul 175 (ce să vezi, zborul numărul 175 este cel care a intrat în Turnul de Sud, după ce, câteva minute mai devreme, zborul numărul 11 lovise Turnul de Nord); mai mult decât atât, există numeroase trimiteri în carte la atentatul precedent asupra World Trade Center, săvârșit în 1993; în fine, se desprinde clar ideea conform căreia America este foarte vulnerabilă în fața unui atentat terorist minuțios planificat și, din nefericire, Nelson DeMille a avut dreptate.
Așa cum am mai spus, până la un punct, intriga romanului este captivantă, iar faptul că Jocul Leului este mai degrabă un thriller de spionaj decât unul polițist este de apreciat. Romanul este narat atât la persoana întâi, bineînțeles din perspectiva lui John, cât și la persoana a treia, urmărind acţiunile teroristului libian. De altfel, cu riscul de a-l supăra pe John Corey cel nostim, această ultimă perspectivă mi se pare mult superioară celeilalte și aceasta datorită observațiilor privitoare la diferențele majore dintre cultura americană și cea din Libia. Un exemplu relevant este condiția femeii în statul islamic: "Asad Khalil considera că americanii pierduseră controlul asupra femeilor lor. Îşi reaminti cuvintele din Coran: „Bărbaţii au autoritate asupra femeilor deoarece Allah i-a făcut superiori acestora şi deoarece ei îşi cheltuiesc averea ca să le întreţină. Femeile bune sunt supuse. Ele îşi păzesc părţile ascunse, deoarece Allah le păzeşte. Pe acele femei care arată nesupunere, mustraţi-le, apoi trimiteţi-le singure la culcare şi biciuiţi-le. Apoi, dacă vi se supun, nu le mai pedepsiţi.” Khalil nu putea înţelege cum femeile din Occident câştigaseră atâta putere şi influenţă, inversând ordinea lăsată de Dumnezeu şi de natură, dar bănuia că asta se datora democraţiei, unde fiecare vot conta în mod egal...Se gândi din nou la bărbatul şi femeia pe care îi văzuse, amândoi având insigne, amândoi dând ordine de parcă erau egali. Mintea lui nu putea concepe ca doi oameni de sex opus să lucreze împreună, să-şi vorbească, să se atingă şi, poate, să ia masa împreună. Iar cel mai uimitor lucru era că femeia era ofiţer de poliţie şi, fără îndoială, era înarmată. Se întrebă cum de le permiseseră părinţii acestor fete să devină atât de dure şi de băieţoase". Din păcate, la nivel global, există încă foarte mulți bărbați care gândesc precum teroristul libian ficțional. Lectură plăcută!
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