Red Rabbit

By: Tom Clancy

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

In the early 1980s, long before he was President or head of the CIA, even before a submarine named Red October crossed the Atlantic, Jack Ryan was an historian, teacher, and recent ex-Marine temporarily living in England. A series of deadly encounters with an IRA splinter group had brought him to the attention of the CIA's Deputy Director, Vice Admiral James Greer - and when Greer asked him to come aboard Jack was quick to accept. The opportunity was irresistible.

Then Jack forgot about the rest of his work, because on his first day, an extraordinary document crossed his desk. The new Pope had just delivered a private ultimatum to Warsaw: If the government persisted in its repression, he would feel compelled to resign the papacy and return to Poland.

That was going to have consequences.

In Moscow, another man was contemplating those very same consequences. Yuri Andropov, the chairman of the KGB, did not like what this meant for him or for his nation. All it took was one man to cause everything he had worked for to crumble...and all it took was one man to stop him. The Pope was very powerful - but he was also mortal.

And so it begins, an almost unthinkable plot - a plan to bring down not just leaders, but nations. Ryan will find himself in the middle of a chain reaction, a high-stakes game meant to shake the world...and in which a novice CIA analyst might just be out of his depth.

©2002 Rubicon Inc. (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Smart and likable, Jack Ryan has become one of the best-known characters in contemporary American fiction." (Washington Post)
"The daily games [Clancy's] spies play are fascinating." (USA Today)

Older Clancy

A wonderful tale wrapped around the newly installed Pope John Paul II. A great trip down memory lane as you realize how much of this is woven from actual events that occured then. It quickly blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Good story with some obvious holes

obvious gaps in OPSEC were overlooked that would have likely resulted in a less than ideal outcome...detracted from the tension of the story

More Great Clancy

I had somehow missed this one when I was still reading the old fashioned way so I was excited to hear this. Another great Tom Clancy well developed story. An added bonus is having Scott Brick narrate the story.

love books from. Audible.

great book, we'll read, even after reading the hardback copy this was very enjoyable now for the next book.

Full on Clancy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have always enjoyed the authors works, but I do prefer (to a degree) his solo endeavors, for their tighness. This is a gripping story about circumstances which touch close to reality. To say whether or not the USSR leadership had a role in the events described is a matter for discussion, but it is certainly possible, and interesting.

Jack Ryan begins to evolve here as someone who is on the way up.

What did you like best about this story?

The tie ins that link it to the larger Ryan story arc.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Assasination Attempt

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Pretty average compared to his other books

Not bad, but not as good as some of his other books... not a great plot... Very good narration though...

Home Run as always!

Really did enjoy the story and the reading. Less about the pope and more about Russian cloak and dagger! Clancy doesn't disappoint.

Very dull, verrrrryyyyy slllooooooowwwww..

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really. Brick is excellent but the book is just very weak. Nothing happens. Clancy rambles on and on interminably about communism. Then another character starts thinking about it and we get to hear the same diatribes all over again. Repeat ad nauseum. Very boring.

What was most disappointing about Tom Clancy’s story?

What story? Nothing really happens. The entire "plot" would be the subject of one chapter in another of his books. This book is really not worthy of Clancy in my opinion. Furthermore, Jack Ryan comes across as more of a loudmouthed jerk in this book compared to his other adventures, where he's more circumspect and not as profane. This entire book just seems incongruous with Clancy's oeuvre (there... I get a nickel for using "oeuvre").

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He's one of the better narrators and does excellently with all types of accents (at least to my American ear). His Brit could stand some polishing up, but it's not laughable like some narrators' attempts.

Was Red Rabbit worth the listening time?

No... I think I'd not bother with this one if I could choose again.

supet

great book. twists and turns with great action by all characters. a winning read

Loved the story!

Good story even though it was a bit dated. Well worth listening or reading especially if you watch the TV show and want more!