Well written with lots of action. Not very realistic but kept me interested. Berenson is a good writer and could have a much better and more believably developed plot for John Wells.

Without a doubt, the John Wells adventures are at the top for excitement, thrills, character development, and just plain enjoyment. The Secret Soldier keeps the impressive streak going strongly as the story grabs you and does not let go.

John Wells is the main and by far best character in the series although the supporting players like Shafer and Duto help a great deal.

George Guidall never fails to bring to life the various characters, giving recognizable nuances to each character. He never over-emphasizes or exaggerates, letting the words tell the story but definitely doing them justice. I have heard other works by Mr. Guidall and they are all good but his grasp of the John Wells adventures is excellent.

Yes although life does not let that happen too often. Nevertheless, you look for any opportunity to push 'play' again as soon as you can.

If you love thrillers and spy novels, the John Wells series is about the best there is and the audio versions are a great way to enjoy them.

Possibly. I did not find the storyline to be as exciting as previous books but it was still an enjoyable listen. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

The plot was good but I was not quite on the edge of my seat like I have been with the previous novels.

Yes, several. George Guidall is awesome as always. My favorite narrator!

Berenson has proven to be an excellent story teller and does an excellent job of keeping you on the edge of your seat, making your want to read the next book. Well done.

Not sure I will listen to another of his books. some of the basis of the character was just not believeable.

no

nonr\e

The story I admit is a little far fetched in terms of believability but it is very entertaining and full of suspense. It is a very good book overall and a great listen for those John Wells fans.

I've read the entire John Wells series and they are all wonderful. Alex Berenson has created a hero that we can't stay away from.

I like how Alex Berenson combines thoughtful ideas with action plots in all of his novels.

However, this novel is a bit dark and depressing compared with "The Ghost War."

Also, the gimmick of an American hero who has converted to Islam to illustrate the point that the War on Terror is not a War on Islam was interesting in the last book but now is less interesting.

My favorite thing about "The Secret Soldier" is the accurate description of Saudi Arabian locations and culture.

John Christmas, author of "Democracy Society"

John Wells is an American Muslim and CIA Officer who speaks Arabic. His mind is sharp, but the trauma of old wounds seeps into his muscles and his psyche and slows him, and leads him to act with vengeance, as if compensating for his diminishing strength. Wells leaves a warm bed for this adventure, and the sense of time running out is no clearer than when he speaks to the woman he loves.

In keeping with the nature of a Dickensian serial, the first chapters resolve the last book, and the last chapters preface the new book. Although this is more effective than Daniel Silva's lazy copy-paste introductions and plot-wheel backstories, Berenson's decisions loses power for new readers to revisit the older books.

Wells becomes trapped in Saudi place intrigue, and Berenson creates a sophisticated portrait of the Borgia-like Saudi families and its crumbling patriarch. Wells Muslim beliefs are battered by the Saudi's compromise with thuggish, ignorant Wahabi. Wells race to Mecca is passionate and bittersweet.

During the set pieces, it was impressive to see Wells work with his razor-sharp mind instead of blazing with over-described munitions, as if listening to a teenager describe a naked woman.

The book, like most spy novels these days, is a variant on dystopia, but Berenson carries it with intelligence and insight.

I have listened to a number of George Guidall's recordings, and his voice paints in the colors of warfare: deep green, dark sand, polished black, but lacks the lush quality of a woman or young man. It is the right choice, but not a perfect one.

I love this reader...one of my all time favorites

I don't understand how/why the main character is a follower of Islam.

Narriation was excellent. Story line was well over the line of good. I would happily recommend this book series to a friend.

Pleased.

The peak near the end.

A needle in a desert.

Bring back Ecksly!