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)

Thriller, but 'over the top' anti-Arab sentiment

Exciting story line, but the characters, particularly the villains, were one dimensional. It's almost like reading propanda.

In for the long haul

John Corey returns from Plum Island and is now a member of the ATTF (anti-terrorism task force). This is a joint task force of Police, FBI and CIA agents all working together. Corey's sarcastic wit is stronger than ever. He gets on peoples nerves and gets the job done in the way a cop can.

Characters have tons of personality. From Corey, to his partner Kate Mayfield, "rival" Ted Nash, and the Lion Asad Khalil. Asad may actually steal the show. His chapters were really well done. We get into his head and learn his motivations, about why he does what he does.

I think that though the book is long, it doesn't wear out its welcome. There's a lot of content, the book doesn't slow down. It's honest, fun, thrilling, scary and a solid thriller. It's pre 9/11, and shows how global security was before those events.

Corey is a smart cop and has an uncanny instinct for working a case. He's constantly behind the 8-ball and one step behind our villain. The climax is a bit far fetched, seriously who goes out there without a vest, but that aside, this book works and surpasses Plum Island in every way. Corey is a superstar and this book proves it.

Scott Brick delivers a fantastic performance and brings Corey to life as a sarcastic hard nosed NYPD detective. I couldn't imagine anyone else narrating this book. Looking forward to both the direct sequel (The Lion) and Night Fall the next book in the John Corey series.

Check the publication date

This book was published a year before 9/11. I found it to be thoroughly engaging with wonderful character development. John Corey is witty, ironic and the compleate New Yorker. I recommend this story and both the prequel PLUM ISLAND and the sequel NIGHT FALL.

Top of the Line Thriller

What did you love best about The Lion's Game?

Very suspenseful and realistic.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. Continuous change of direction during the search for the bad guy.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He creates realistic voices for both male and female participants, as well as different dialects.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Be careful, you could be the next victim, by accident.

Any additional comments?

First read of this author. I have already ordered a second book which was on sale, and am waiting on another credit to get the follow-up to this book.

Page Turner

Again, Scott Brick is perfect for these books. This, the second in the John Corey series is interestingly told (from Corey's point of view and from that of the bad guy, "The Lion,"), it's suspenseful, has plenty of DeMille's usual humor, excellent characters -- overall a page turner (so to speak ... there should be an equivalent word for an audio book). Really good. Couldn't put it down (turn it off).

Great listen, can't wait till the rematch

What made the experience of listening to The Lion's Game the most enjoyable?

The Lion is a BAD guy, there is a good build up tensions between Korry and the Lion thru the whole story. While I am listening to the books in order, and could skip to the sequeal, I can wait. Korry's joks are just plain dumb but, are funny no the less.

Great book

It took me a while to get into this book but once I did I didnt want to turn it off. The main character John Corey might not be to everyones liking, (he has a very dry sense of humour and doesnt seem to take anything seriously) but I loved him. I shared this book with my 60+ yr old parents and they thoroughly enjoyed it too.

Slightly dated but still solid thriller

What did you like best about this story?

Unlike more modern thrillers this one takes its time with character development and the slow-burn elements of an investigation and chase

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

John Corey. He nails the subversive, ironic tone of the main character, which was a must for a first person narration

Any additional comments?

This is a solid thriller, but by the 3/4 point it starts to feel long for the lack of action going on by then. It's a solid book and if you can get it on a deal or you like this series or author, it's worth your time. Not one I'd pay full price for otherwise.

Exciting!

Would you listen to The Lion's Game again? Why?

This book kept my attention from chapter one through the end. It was sad to be done with the audio book as it was quite exciting and held the listener! Scott Brick is an excellent narrator!

What did you like best about this story?

The twists and turns of the story were easy to keep up with and help my attention

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

Absolutly! and no way! It was so good I really wanted it to go on and on and on....

interesting book

It's a long audio so lots of detail, lots of quonceses, plots, ideas and excitement!