The Lion's Game

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 24 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

To survive in a game with no rules at all, John Corey must invent a strategy that includes no luck at all. The hero of DeMille's No. 1 New York Times best seller, Plum Island, Corey has been through a lot, not the least of which was surviving three bullet wounds while serving on the NYPD. Now he signs on with the government's Anti-Terrorist Task Force in an attempt to stop an alleged Libyan terrorist known simply as "The Lion".

The Lion has the instincts of a wild animal, the bloodlust of a carnivore, and the boldness and speed of a cat of prey. And now he's loose in America. Can John Corey stop him? Or has his allotment of luck just run out? Nelson DeMille spins an epic tale of heart-pounding suspense.

©2000 Nelson DeMille (P)2000 Books on Tape and Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

"Well worth hearing." ( Book)

"DeMille has created the kind of rambunctious hero that readers will want to see again." ( Chicago Tribune)

"Sexy, humorous, fast-paced." ( Washington Post)

The Very Best

We probably don't need a 108th review posted, but I couldn't resist! Of the 140 books I've listened to via Audible, this spellbinder (one of my earliest listens) remains at #1 on my thriller list, followed by The Company, Paranoia, and The Hit Man. Thoroughly engrossing, expansive, flawlessly paced, it remains as relevant today as the month it released. A monster!

A suspense novel with a sense of humor

Scott Brick does a great job with this book. I had been warned (by someone who knows me quite well) that I would not enjoy this author. Au contraire - I loved the non-stop action and suspense. The author is witty and intelligent. I found myself wanting to learn more about terrorism.

The only downside is that the requisite romantic involvement gets a little cheesy for me, but that said, it's not cheesy enough to turn this into a romantic crime comedy, either. I just don't think the story would have suffered if they'd toned it down a little bit.

Enjoying this series!!

Not sure why or if I even SHOULD like John Corey, but I do. Due in large part to Scott Brick's outstanding narration. The length of the book may seem daunting, but just sit back and enjoy the pace of this novel. Not too scant in detail as some quicker reads can be, but riveting the entire way through. Great story line. Interesting to note the history spoken of in this novel bumped up against our hindsight now.

Just finished this novel on my walk and have already downloaded the next in the series.

will always enjoy this book

totally enjoyable read. from start to finish everything was perfect. enjoyed it. you will too.

Witty Banter?

What started out as witty banter lasted through 2/3rd of the listen. Too much of a good thing, the last 3rd, no longer considered witty, turned into monotony. The plot was ok, the performance and production were well done. The characters were developed but one sided. Bottom line an entertaining listen which went on too long, the last 3rd annoyed. Was the author paid by the word, more words, bigger money?

Contrived but entertaining.

I would classify this as lite listening. Nothing too heavy and entertaining.

really enjoyed it

As horrible as the enemy was in this book, I found myself wanting to hear what "The Lion" would say or do next. His cool and meticulous behavior is as entertaining as the fun humor exhibited in the main character of anti-terrorist task force member John Corey. A former NYC cop who works along side FBI and CIA agents kept me laughing at every turn. And the story is serious, but Corey is just one of those tragic comedian heroes.

If you are well-read in spy and detective stories you will especially find the humorous comparisons Corey draws between the behaviors and habits of FBI vs cops vs. CIA, entertaining. And it's not a major part of the story. Just little things he throws in here and there. I had to hold onto the wheel as I drove a few times from laughing. But as I said it is a serious book, and is ominous in light of the fact that it was written before 9/11.

Great Book - Great Narrator

Briefly, this book really holds your attention and imagination. I got it for a long plane ride and couldn't stop listening to it. My compliments to the narrator. One of the best I've heard!

Just could keep my attention

I LOVED Plum Island and that was my first Demille book. This book falls short of that bar in my opinion.

Compelling story with a superior narrator.

I usually prefer sophisticated novels and works of fiction and shun genre books. But this one has turned out to be a rare books of the international crime and terrorism that I found fascinating. It's reaches the same level and the superb books of the same sort written by Daniel Silva. I listened to The Lion's Game for a couple of hours at a time, while driving or jogging, but I always wanted to hear more. I've recommended it to the adult members of the family. It features a compelling story with plenty of suspense plus heroic and villainous central characters ( NY cop vs Libyan terrorist) both quite well handled.