Jul/ Aug 2015 Group Read - The English Spy by Daniel Silva

[Bill]

Welcome to the group read thread for The English Spy by Daniel SilvaDaniel Silva. Shab nominated this book and will be the thread moderator. Congratulations for those that voted for this book and enjoy the discussions.

[Shab]

Deat friends, I wanted to welcome you to this discussion.
Being a fun of Mr. Daniel Silva's book from the the start of his career, I enjoy every new book, and consider him one of best actual storyteller, in this Genre.
Looking forward to a nice conversation, I would like to say: Please participate, and enrich this thread, with your opinion.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

I won't be joining you this time, since I'm trying to,read what I already own, but I hope you have a great discussion.

[Shab]

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Shab]

Thank you Nancy for your comment. Certainly is a loss for this thread.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Shab wrote: "Thank you Nancy for your comment. Certainly is a loss for this thread."

well, that is certainly very kind of you to say so!

[Shab]

Some friends have been asking, what is the best book by Daniel Silva? I really think that depends upon the reader. But for me, I cannot decide between Moscow Rules, and/or The English Girl.
All the books by Mr. Silva are so good, that to choose a favorite, is really hard.

[Bill]

He's an author I'll have to check out, Shab. I don't know if I'll get a chance to read The English Spy this time, but I will check his books.

[Tim]

I'm new here, so please forgive me for asking what may be obvious to some, but do you need to read the first books in the series or can this book be read as a stand-alone work. I've never read Daniel Silva, so I am curious.

[Shab]

Welcome Tim. All the books from Mr. Silva, have been written in a style, so everyone can read them as a stand alone book.
You can read this book as you wish. However, if you want a back ground, I would suggest you go only 3 to 4 books back. And you will have enough information about the different characters, and the Style of the writer. Have fun.

[Rowena]

I've read and enjoyed all of the Gabriel Allon series before 'English Spy'. Have been dithering about whether to buy this one or not. The outline with the British Royal family and IRA links didn't inspire me to hit the 'buy' button... I probably prefer the earlier ones, when the character had sharper edges and fewer friends in very high places; when he was a low-key assassin with a moral mission rather than a global superstar.
I've always enjoyed how Silva uses these thrillers to comment on contemporary politics, however. And I find his version of Mossad very credible and the tight tradecraft of Gabriel's team fascinating.
I should stop dithering, and commit!

[D.J.]

Interesting discussion - I've never read any of Dan Silva's books, but have added The English Spy to my list. I really appreciate the group reads here - it 's nice to be able to talk about books, and even 'read along' with a group. Nice!

[Shab]

Welcome D.J., it's nice to have you with us. And Rowena, you are right. I think, that's the reason to insist on Keller. He is Allon minus 10 years.
Several people are asking me outside this thread, which book of Mr. Silva, is best to start the series? I think all the books are excellent, and can be the one to start. But I understand that they are a lot of books. As I told my brother, you can start with Moscow Rules, and then you are hooked, and want to read all of them. Have fun.

[D.J.]

check out youtube.com when you have time for a trailer on a book Tears of an Assassin. Everything you want in suspense......war, Marines, CIA, special OPS, snipers, conflict.

[Carol]

Best Silva? Hands down; The English Girl.

[Arlene]

Good to know, I have the English Girl, I will have to move it up my too read list. I'm still waiting on my copy of The English Spy from the library.

[Thomas]

Carol wrote: "Best Silva? Hands down; The English Girl."
I agree 110%!!!!

[Shab]

Yes, as I said four days ago, is hard to choose from excellent writer like Mr. Silva. But The English girl, and the Moscow Rules, are among the best for anyone, to get hooked up with This series. Because after this books, you'll want to read all of them.
Even though the Moscow Rules was published in 2008, the readers will find out, that seems like yesterday.
The English Girl, is from 2013, which makes it more similar in time, as The English Spy. (Our book of month)

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I read A Death In Viennaa few years ago before a trip to Vienna and I did not have a problem jumping in to the series. I've read a few others along the way and they are always enjoyable.

[Barbara]

Well, I'm late as usual but I finally got The English Spy from the library and will be reading it soon. I'm glad to read such positive comments about Daniel Silva's books.

[Shab]

I have never been disappointed with Mr. Silva's books, and I have enjoyed all of them. Even his first books are really good.
With the last ones, I got a feeling that he is trying to introduce a new character. Am I the only one thinking like that?

[Barbara]

I started this book today and read about 100 pages. It's my first Daniel Silva book.

I think the story's pretty good so far but I always have a problem with protagonists who seem to be 'supermen (or women)' who easily succeed with the most outlandish schemes. That's not so likely to happen in real life.

[Shab]

I agree Barbara. The superstars are boring. Nobody's that good or that lucky. That's why I think a change is coming.
But how was the book? Did you like the style of Mr. Silva?

[Barbara]

Shab wrote: "I agree Barbara. The superstars are boring. Nobody's that good or that lucky. That's why I think a change is coming.
But how was the book? Did you like the style of Mr. Silva?"


I enjoyed the book. It's a well-crafted story with interesting characters, plenty of action, and a satisfying conclusion. In fact I have another Daniel Silva book from the library.