Red Sparrow

A Novel

By: Jason Matthews

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

The start of a major career! A gripping, highly commercial espionage thriller written with the delicious insider detail and up-to-the-minute insight only known to a veteran CIA spook.

In today's Russia, dominated by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, state intelligence officer Dominika Egorova struggles to survive in the cast-iron bureaucracy of post-Soviet intelligence. Drafted against her will to become a "Sparrow" - a trained seductress in the service, Dominika is assigned to operate against Nathaniel Nash, a first-tour CIA officer who handles the CIA's most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence. The two young intelligence officers, trained in their respective spy schools, collide in a charged atmosphere of tradecraft, deception, and inevitably, a forbidden spiral of carnal attraction that threatens their careers and the security of America's valuable mole in Moscow.

Seeking revenge against her soulless masters, Dominika begins a fatal double life, recruited by the CIA to ferret out a high-level traitor in Washington - hunt down a Russian illegal buried deep in the U.S. military and, against all odds, to return to Moscow as the new-generation penetration of Putin's intelligence service. Dominika and Nathaniel's impossible love affair and twisted spy game come to a deadly conclusion in the shocking climax of this electrifying, up-to-the minute spy thriller.

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©2013 Jason Matthews (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

So much better than the movie...

I am so glad I went from the movie to this book. The book has elements of a Tom Clancy Book and real world grit that the movie avoids. in addition Dominika's portrayal is night and day from her on screen counterpart. A must read.

Four across - But not exactly sure why.

To try and put it words...... It wasn't enough of any one thing. I see why people liked it - But I don't know why it was loved by most. It was a spy novel without too much mystery. A CIA novel without enough assassinations. A love story that didn't have enough connection. I didn't hate it - But I surely didn't love it...... What can I say?

Best Spy Story EVER!!

What made the experience of listening to Red Sparrow the most enjoyable?

So now I can repeat myself and say this is probably the best spy story I have ever read. Cannot wait until the sequel and...I want the recipes in written form!

Do try and see what you think?

A classic spy vs spy novel set in modern times

This is one of the best books I have read in years. The story is edge of you seat suspense, with a spy style love story mixed in. The writer worked for the CIA so it just doesn't get more realistic. Narration is excellent. This book left me racing back to the computer to see if Jason Matthews had other books. I could not believe this was his first. Destined to become a must read classic.

Excellent from beginning to end.

If you could sum up Red Sparrow in three words, what would they be?

Excellent storyline, characters and naration. I usually don't get real stoked up over a book but for me this one had it all. The narrator did a great job differentiating the characters and projected their personalities well. CIA vs Reincarnated KJB, The cold war seems only forgotten by the media because the intelligence communities on both sides are as busy as ever snooping, recuiting and sleeping with the enemy.
The only questionable moments are a couple where our sexpot female double agent is somehow able to singlehandedly neutralize 3 trained Spetznatz assassins without having any specialized combat training or experience. The plausibility of the story wasn't compromised so I was able to get over it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Red Sparrow?

Not giving anything away.

Which character – as performed by Jeremy Bobb – was your favorite?

They were all good but Gable's sarcastic humor is well portrayed by the narrator.

Surprised the book was so good

Yes I was surprised this book was as good as it was since the movie was really so so.
Well written, So many details. Suspenseful. Great characters.

I have read many spy/crime thrillers but not sure why I never ran across Jason Matthews before. I'm glad I took a chance on this book because it was worth it. I've downloaded the other 2 in the series.
Wasn't sure about Jeremy Bobb narrating at first but after a few chapters I actually enjoyed his voice.

This is why I'm not a Double Naught Spy!

For those of us that remember the television show that my review title is from... you will NOT get the same feel from this Novel!

Certainly, Author Jason Matthews has a far more knowledge in this field than the average reader does!

The convolution in just the first couple of chapters had me re-reading from that point forward.

Don't get me wrong, I loved this book! I will definitely read the rest in the series before I watch the movie.

Worth the wait!

Any additional comments?

Although this audiobook started out a little slow, it was well worth the wait! I have read thousands of books, but have only listened to a few dozen and I would definitely put Red Sparrow in my top ten reads/listens. This book is what I consider a "thinker" book, when after a little background information on the characters, the book picks up pace and you can't miss ANYTHING that the narrator reads or you feel like you've missed some vital info to the story. I LOVE STORIES like Red Sparrow because you HAVE TO THINK and pay attention! I would recommend Red Sparrow to any reader who loves suspense, mystery, spy stories and not being able to guess the ending until you've actually read all the way to the very last page!

Character, Detail, Conflict, History... ExCELLenCe

Any additional comments?

TO BEGIN: This is my 'go-to' book of reference when someone asks me, "What book is great to read?" RED SPARROW... I love the adventure, the characters, the depth of the plot lines, and the DETAIL. The author has so many details and depth... I listen to this book over and over. If you're looking for a great listen to dive deep, this would be my choice.

Above the Best

Red Sparrow SOARS above the rest in excitement, intrigue, and espionage tradecraft action unparalleled drama.