The book is entertaining if you're looking for an action story that doesn't require a lot of thought. However, it's certainly not a Ludlum-caliber book, and his name should not be so prominently displayed on the cover.

This book was not authored by Ludlum, and if you're looking for his quality of work, you're going to be disappointed.

This was my first Ken Follet book, and I couldn't have been more pleased! Follet brilliantly takes the reader back to the pre-World War I/Russian Revolution era in a vivid, yet easy-to-read style. The plot is fast moving and keeps the reader engaged throughout. Follet's only shortfall, from my standpoint, came in his effort to make "the man from St. Petersburg" himself somewhat sympathetic. But overall, this is a good thriller, set in an era which Follet masterfully brings to life.

This book is a highly gripping account of what a war between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. might have looked like. Tom Clancy keeps the story fresh by alternating between several sub-plots, which ultimately all converge. Clancy is a master storyteller who puts the reader right in the middle of the action. He provides just the right amount of technical detail when it comes to military equipment and operations. As a former Army officer, I learned quite a bit about the Naval tactics from this book. Clancy is also very good at choosing and developing his characters. The story could probably have been a little shorter without losing any of its punch, but overall a great work and a pleasure to read.

I bought this book after having read its raving review in The Economist. Without a doubt, this is the best spy-novel I've ever experienced-they simply do not get any better. The book has it all, from masterfully developed characters over the course of their careers, to an utterly engaging storyline, to a bit of history surrounding such events as the Hungarian uprising in 1956 and the Bay of Pigs. Robert Littell's terrific ability to mix fictional characters and events with those of real-life make the story that much more believable. I was kept on the edge of my seat for 900 pages, with the only letdown occurring at the end of the book, when there was simply no more to read.

If you have any interest in military affairs, don't start this book unless you have several hours in which to finish it...because you won't be able to put it down. Superbly written work on a most fascinating topic. You'll feel that you are right there alongside Eric Haney as he enters the Delta Force selection course, undergoes his training, and embarks on real-world missions in the world's deadliest hotspots. One of the most impressive aspects of this book is that Haney did not use it as an opportunity to thump his chest, which I feared. Rather, he admits mistakes he made along the way, explains the lessons learned, and overall gives what appears to be an accurate look at Delta Force and its people. Absolutely captivating.

Overall, this is a very educational and entertaining book. It gives the reader the real story when it comes to the life of a CIA operative, and also explains how the U.S. presence in the Middle East has evolved. It made me thankful that people like Robert Bauer are willing to perform the service they do, largely without notice or recognition. I realized as I was reading, however, that Bauer's is not an objective point of view. Rather, he has some significant bones to pick with the CIA and with certain individuals, and he seems to use this work as a means of getting back at them. In some cases this detracts from the quality of the book. On the other hand, part of what makes this book good is that Bauer "tells it like it is", or at least the way he sees it. I'd think that some of those he implicates could tell their story in an equally convincing manner. In any event, if you're interested in current events, the Middle East, or "spy stories", this book is an excellent read.

Though it doesn't measure up to Tom Clancy's best, this is an easy, entertaining read that moves quickly and never lacks excitement. If you are looking for a realistic look at covert operations or are expecting another one of Clancy's masterpieces, you will probably be disappointed. But if you're looking to give your mind a break via an escape into a fast-moving action story pertaining to today's terrorist threat, this is a good choice.

I picked up this book after being told that it's a "must read" for anyone wishing to gain insight into life in 1930's Stalinist Russia. This is a gripping, though tragic, story of an idealistic boy who aspires to a life of service to the Soviet Union. His idealism is ultimately used against him, and his life thrown away by party members whose sole concern is self-protection and advancement. Unfortunately, while this is clearly the story of the author, the reader can't help but sense it's also the story of millions of youth in that time and place.

If you want a glimpse into the proverbial "Russian soul" and the factors that have shaped it, this book is an excellent place to start.

I had very high hopes for this book after reading The Charm School, and unfortunately this one didn't quite measure up. However, if you enjoy the spy-thriller genre, this book is a good investment of your time and money. You won't walk away saying it's the best you've ever read, but it will hold your attention and provide some good excitement along the way.

This book is a masterpiece that never grows old. J.D. Salinger brilliantly allows the reader to experience a lost weekend in New York through the eyes of a troubled, cynical teen-ager. On the surface, the book is entertaining--particularly the first-person slang in which the story is told. But beyond the surface, the story hits on numerous issues pertaining to adolescent development, and I sense that different readers will see different elements coming to the surface, depending on their own circumstances and experiences. It only takes a few hours to read, but is very rich and thought-provoking.