One of the best spy series I've ever read
588166
Unfortunately for U.S. readers, Lawton's publishers are just now getting around to introducing this series to us. Fortunately, for those of you who like the series (I'm a huge fan) and are willing to deal with currency exchange rates, you can go to Amazon.co.uk and get the rest of the series in paperback (Riptide, A Little White Death, Black Out and Old Flames). As I recall, Riptide (1941) is really the first book in the series, followed by Black Out (1944), Old Flames (1956) and A Little White Death (1963), even though they weren't written in that order. For the reviewer who thought Troy encountered too many coincidences, well that's life in England. Families are connected in many odd and different ways with other families and it's alway who you know, not what you know, that propels you along in life. With a little more background information about Troy, his detective life might be a little more believable. This is really an outstanding series with fully drawn characters, feelings, motivations and situations. In addition, you will meet the most prominent characters in each book and get to know and understand them even better. If you find you really like Troy, please get all the books and read them in order. This is a wonderful series that I can't recommend highly enough for Brit/spy/good story fans.
1937062
I first read "Red Sparrow" but didn't review it since so many readers already had.  You should start with that first book in the series.  They both are fantastic.  This is the first, true espionage series I have read, and I think it will be a high bar for any others to get over.  There is great depth to the plot and to the characters.  Matthews really gets to their complexities.  Extremely well-written with twists, turns and excitement (and a little bonus each time a meal is eaten).  I hope the next one is in the works!
3999679
I love spy novels, and after the conclusion to the Gallagher Girls series two years ago, I was looking for a new spy series! I stumbled upon Two Lies and A Spy and instantly fell in love with it. Its actually quite different from the Gallagher Girls series, and I picked up the sequel this month as it just released. The sequel was another one of those books thats even better than the first book and this series has definitely cemented itself as one of my all time favorites.

Kari, the main character of this series, is the daughter of two spies and is training for Interpol after the events of the previous book. Her brother ends up getting taken, which sets up the premise for this installment. Kari is such an awesome, kick-butt character. Shes kind of oblivious to certain things (like flirting), which made certain parts especially hilarious to read about ;) Shes probably one of my top ten favorite book characters of all time.

The whole cast of characters is pretty great! Kari teams up with several other people to rescue her brother. One of my favorite characters in the last novel, Evan, still has a major role in this book. Evan is hilarious and in my opinion, the perfect book boyfriend. Hes confident, and yet super sweet, too. I feel like I cant do him justice. If you read the book, youll see what Im talking about ;). Gustav, a flirty young thief, is a character introduced in this book. He was another hilarious aspect of the story with his constant commentary in situations that weren't the best.

The storyline got pretty intense at certain parts, with some graphic scenes. Its a clean book for the most part, but there are definitely some strong scenes towards the end.

I love, love, loved the ending! It was so adorable and completely and utterly perfect. I may have reread it a time- or ten. Id give Sealed With A Lie 4.5 out of 5 flowers.
4182188
One of the best series I've ever read. Telling about it would be spoiling everything. You have to read it if you liked... The consequences series, Captive in the dark, comfort food or Tears of Tess
1339431
This series is the most interesting and entertaining series I have ever read.  I really liked getting to the know the characters and it was easy to understand how unfortunate their lives were.  I would recommend this series to other young readers that are interested in adventure and intrigue.
4896718
That was such a good book. A lot of surprising stuff happened in it. I love the Spy School series and think you should read it too.
3065383
I enjoy reading a lot. Any book series I can get my hands on I usually devour in hours. This series is one of the best I've read in a very long time. When this book was released, I reread the series, to reacquaint myself, and found that there was so much weaved together from the earlier books that seamlessly make this book amazing. I am in absolute awe of this woman's, Sarah J. Maas, talents in writing. There is so much detail that seems extraneous at the time, or that seemed unnecessary in the earlier books, that continues to breath life into next book. The series, for me, is very reminiscent of my experience with Harry Potter in that random crap from book 1 creates an entire storyline in book 5. And though it is way more violent, it encourages the same values of friendship, love, bravery, cunning, smarts, and loyalty. I highly recommend this series, and book.
The only con is my having to wait for the next book.
4063779
The Polish Discovery is a thrilling series that kept me turning pages late into the night, having to stop and take a deep breath occasionally simply because the story was so enthralling.

During WWII, German military leaders searched for ancient relics which they hoped might bring them great power, or could be used as weaponry. In The Polish Discovery, a similar story unravels. The secret society of Orion is tasked with protecting the unique weapons used by Orionthe mythical Greek hunterand when things go astray, they enlist Colton Banyon and pals to help them out.

There are many exciting twists and turns to this story. It is packed with all the trepidation, mystery, historical relevance, and romance as the Di Vinci Code. Gerald J . Kubicki's characters are flawless and his writing style perfectly balanced with action, tension, and dialogue. For readers who like suspenseful adventure series with well-researched links to the past, I can highly recommend this series of books.
1120388
I've read all four, and now five, books in this series. Monica McCarty is a talented writer. She does a tremendous job of weaving action, adventure and passion into these books. The pacing is excellent. A solid balance of narration and dialogue make the story flow smoothly. I finished this in three sittings and it would have been less if I'd had time to just sit and read all day. And Monica McCarty's books definitely make you wish you had all the time in the world to just sit on the beach, under an umbrella, and read the day away.

The comradery of the guard is one the best elements of this series. The members together are clearly talented and exceptional fighters and they are serious about what they do, but they are also hilarious together. The element of humor from the jabs that make at one another is a nice element of this series, because it lets you see these characters in a different light and gives a nice break from the main focus of the romance. I promise she doesn't stray too long from that focus, but the subplots of the battles and missions are a well-written and developed element of McCarty's work.

Speaking of subplots, a new development in McCarty's writing is the addition of a subplot that focused on another romance. This romance doesn't involve a guard member, so you wouldn't expect to be invested, but in fact, you are. McCarty does a nice job developing these characters, in the limited amount of space she has to work with for a subplot, so you actually do care about these people and get caught up in their story as well. It was a nice, unexpected element.

Now to the main man: Magnus MacKay, the Highland Guard member featured in this book, is unique and endearing because of his self-restraint and ability to control himself, in all situations. So to see him break is dramatic and exciting. It is also important to note that even with five male protagonists in this series, all of them have distinct and unique qualities that don't overlap. It's impressive that she's been able to create such dynamic leading men. If you read a description for each of them, you'd be able to pin point exactly who the character is without knowing his name. They all contain qualities women want in men (courageous, protective, confident (but not cocky), sincere, honest, determined, dedicated, reliable, physically capable of keeping them safe, intelligent, patient, easy on the eye...the list could go on) but they also aren't flawless, which makes them more realistic. But, of course, and perhaps most importantly, they are highlanders at heart, so all guard members share a common thread (even the English Knight, though I'm sure he would never openly agree).

Another note: You can read these books out of order, but it is nice to read them chronologically. Each book provides a recap of what is happening, so a new reader to the series won't be lost. That being said, McCarty does plant seeds in each book that are applicable to future novels.

This isn't a super comprehensive review (I know), but I did want to say that I enjoyed this book, as I've enjoyed each book by McCarty, and I would recommend The Saint and all novels in this series to any fans of the historical highland romance genre.
4159491
The thing that makes these books so enjoyable is the level of character development and interaction, especially in the midst of combat action where the narrative could easily get bogged down in too much detail or military jargon that would put readers off. A minor character can be introduced in the middle of an action sequence and the reader immediately feels the empathy and brotherhood of a fellow Soldier. They become people and not just a bit of scenery.
Marko Kloos has done a remarkable job of maintaining a perfect balance of plot, character-building, and action, in addition to the heart of the story about the main character and his family and friends.
This is a great series and a fun read with never a dull moment.
104598
This is a review of the entire series.  Let me start by saying that if you intend to read this series you need to be fairly intelligent to really enjoy it.  The world Erikson created is so grand in scope its almost impossible remember everything and the plot is very intricate.  I have read each book in the series, except book 10, at least 3 times and with each read I discover something that I missed or was unable to make the connection in an earlier read and because of this these books are better with each read.  I love the characters, honestly cant say enough about them.  Some you will hate immediately only to have them become one of your favorites down the line (Karsa for me).  If you like black and white fantasy this series is not for you.  Erikson doesn't write about heroes and villains, he writes about people.  They are flawed and each has their own agenda but that's life and that is part of what makes this series so good.  These books have the perfect mix of humor, action, suspense, and tragedy.  The fight scenes are written very well, the best i have read actually.  The way Erikson writes the scenes it is very easy to visualize exactly what hes seeing without feeling that he is droning on.  Do yourself a favor and read this series.
3129778
Amazing series. Highly recommended. Very well written, i couldn't put it down. Went through all four in less than 2 months
4922583
WOW, I HAVE READ DEMILLE, THOR, FLYNN, AND MANY MORE. THIS WAS ONE OF BEST SPY NOVELS I HAVE EVER READ. MITCH RAPP, SCOTT HARVATH,GABRIELL ALON, NATE AND DOMINIKA ARE RIGHT THERE!! I FEEL LIKE I KNOW THESE CHARACTERS. ALL OF THEM, GABLE ,MARBLE, AND THE REST. MATHEWS DID AN AMAZING JOB AT BRINGING THESE PEOPLE TO LIFE IN OUR MINDS!! FANTASTIC CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!
Greg
Greg0618@yahoo.com
3191983
Love this character with his flaws and blind spots.  It makes the stories so much more realistic if there are no supermen running around.  Lots of plot twists and enough red herrings to keep you guessing until almost the very end.  At some point, as the main character figures it out, so do you.  But the whole thing comes together and winds up where it ought to.  Some minor ties to previous stories in the series, but this one does not depend on you having read them in sequence or at all.  Just a great spy vs. spy with very relevant plot line.  Grab a good chair, a warm cat for your lap, and spend a long evening with a good book.  You won't be disappointed.
411822
When reading this series, I and changes in legislation both in Canada and Europe as the series came out I cannot but be a little concerned that this is fiction predicting a likely future. This specific book and to be honest the whole series is very intense. What is at risk, what is true, what is right are all being questioned? I was greatly impressed with Turner's debut I Am Margaret. And I am even more impressed with this final instalment in the quadrilogy or tetralogy depending on your preference. This was an incredible read that I could hardly put down. And if we are lucky there will be a tie in volume released soon called: Margo's (Attempted) Diary & Notebook.

To recap: book 1, I Am Margaret, Bane has freed Margo and Jon and the other ReAssigness from the EuroGov facility. Now they are all on the run. At the end of book two, The Three Most Wanted, the Vatican state has had to evacuate. Margo, Bane, Jon and many other are in hiding but with plans. In book three Liberation, Bane and others from the Vatican Free State team up with the resistance and start liberating other EuroGov Reassignment facilities. But not without great costs. And now book 4 Bane's Eyes.

Some length of time has passed between book 3 and book 4. Bane is slowly adjusting to having lost his eyes to the EuroGov. The Vatican Free State is back in Rome preparing for the EuroGov vote. Margaret is giving speeches, writing here blog and trying to help Bane adjust to being blind. But the EuroGov is not going to go down without a fight. In this book we have a number of assignation attempts. We have mental programming, and we have attempted bribery and more. Of the four books this one starts with a slower pace but it really picks up. We also have the return of a surprise character from book 1.

This book deals with a lot of serious issues. Forgiveness and the process of forgiving. It also has the theme of marriage commitment even when things are not going the way you expect, really not going the way you expect. It has themes of friendship, and most importantly the theme of what is right, true and religious freedoms. The characters in this series are amazing. The themes and issues tackled are moving and in this day ever more important.

This book and this series is incredible. The writing is suspenseful, and at the same time moving. The world building is very well done. How we got from where we are now to this possible future is playing out in governments around the world today. Corinna Turner writes with great depth, especially considering her age. This is a powerful book in an excellent series.
4636076
I was hooked after reading the first book in the series, "Breakthrough." There's action, adventure, mystery, and more. The author presents complex scientific ideas in a way that even a novice like me can grasp. Each book is self-contained, not leaving on a cliffhanger, but driving one on to read the next book to discover what happens in the ongoing adventure. I fell in love with the dolphins, Dirk and Sally, the gorilla Sally and Dexter the capuchin monkey. The mind pic of Dexter with a sock on his head made me actually laugh. There's very real and palpable danger in each book with nail-biting suspense. The Navy Seals shone as highly trained, capable soldiers with brains as well as brawn with kind hearts too. There's a love story entwined here, but it doesn't take over the books. I'm glad I read these 4 books and eagerly await the next in series. I want to know what happens to the spaceship deep below the sea with an American engineer on board.
3330110
Definitely a first, I read all six books back to back after reading the first of this series. Unable to put them down and barely able to breathe from the suspense many times, it will be good to relax waiting for Cameron's next novel. Not since Robert Ludlum and Vince Flynn have I been so completely captivated by the characters and plot of these stories. Anyone loving spies and espionage will love these novels. But don't think about getting much else done once you begin reading! I highly recommend reading these books in order since the sinister plot begins with the first and resolves in Brute Force.