The Defector

Gabriel Allon, Book 9

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Over the course of a remarkable career, Daniel Silva has established himself as one of the world's finest writers of international intrigue, a craftsman worthy of comparison to John le Carré and Graham Greene. His latest bestseller, Moscow Rules, was not only superior entertainment, but a prescient cautionary tale about the emergence of the New Russia. Now he takes that tale to the next level.

Six months after the blood-soaked conclusion of Moscow Rules, Allon is in Umbria, trying to resume his honeymoon with his new wife, Chiara, when a colleague pays him a shocking visit. The man who saved Allon's life in Moscow and was then resettled in England has vanished without a trace. British intelligence is sure he was a double agent all along, and they blame Allon for planting him. To discover the truth and clear his name, Allon must go immediately to London - a decision that will prove to be the most fateful of his career.

In the British capital, he finds himself once more on the front lines of the secret war between East and West, where Russian spies and dissidents engage in the old game of cat and mouse. There, Allon uncovers a much greater conspiracy, a plot by an old enemy to resurrect a network of death, to bring the world to the precipice of a new confrontation, and in order to stop it, he must risk everything: his ties to an organization he has served since his youth, his new marriage . . . even his life.

©2009 Daniel Silva (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

The Defector is more than the most explosive thriller of the summer. It is a searing tale of love, vengeance, and courage created by the writer whom the critics call "the perfect guide to the dangerous forces shaping our world" ( Orlando Sentinel)

Not bad... not much new here

I listened to this series years ago, but got a bit tired of it, so moved on. I tried this one, just to see, and it's still well written and entertaining, it just didnt pull me in like it used to. Some of the characters are a bit too good, and many of the situations feel predictable... I dont know, the writing is definitely good, just not as engaging as i once felt. Could be me.

Takes a while to launch

What made the experience of listening to The Defector the most enjoyable?

I have listened to them all to now and am sure I will finish the series. But, half of the book was pure drudgery. Plus, the author has to keep re-building all the characters and many past events to bring non series listeners up to speed. The last half delivered, but it was a tough hill to climb.

Another great book by Daniel Silva

I have been reading the Gabriel Alon series in order. They have all been enjoyable, but this one may have been the best. Thanks for creating enjoyable fiction.

Excellent story and narration

Thanks for a compelling story with fascinating characters and a perfectly paced audiobook. Just right!

Very Entertaining

Another enjoyable tale from Silva. He never disappoints. I can’t wait to read the next one to n the series.

The whole series is great

I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series so far. Intelligently written and with an excellent performance!

Paul

Excellent audiobook with a fine vocal performance from Phil Gigante. In this continuing series of Gabriel Allon, we finally get to see his dark side, and dark it is indeed. The story crosses the usual assortment of countries and brings back all the previous characters in the series.

Mo reads Gabriel Allon and friends

A very exciting political thriller starring my favorite art restorer/assassin, Gabriel Allon. This story is narrated by a very fine actor by the name of Phil Gigante. Mr. Gigante has the formidable task of reading this book using voices for each character in many accents, including British, British gay, Israeli, Italian, Russian, Southern American, and four different women each with their own nationality accent. His superb rendition is very believable. It is probably a good idea to read Silva's book "Moscow Rules" first, as "The Defector" takes off from where the former ends.

Fantastic!

Very good story with a great ending. I hope this won't be the last we hear of Gabrial Alon. All the main characters are in this book and made the story more engaging. You won't be disappointed.

Good Listen

Another riveting story by Daniel Silva! Loved it. I’m a big fan of the detail that he’s gone into with all aspects of the book.