The Secret Soldier

By: Alex Berenson

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

John Wells goes undercover in Saudi Arabia in a cutting-edge novel of modern suspense from the #1 New York Times best-selling author.

John Wells may have left the CIA, but it hasn't left him. A mysterious call brings a surprise meeting with the aged monarch of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah. "My kingdom is on a precipice," he tells Wells. "Powerful factions are plotting against me, and my own family is in danger. I don't know who I can trust, but I'm told I can trust you."

Reluctantly, and with the secret blessing of the CIA, Wells goes undercover; but the more he learns, the more complicated things become, and soon he, too, is unsure whom to trust, in Saudi Arabia or Washington. One thing, however, is clear: If the conspirators prevail, it will mean more than the fall of a monarch-it may be the beginning of the final conflagration between America and Islam.

©2011 Alex Berenson (P)2011 Penguin

The Secret Soldier

This was my first book from Alex Berenson and he now has a new fan. I enjoyed this book as much as any I have ever read and that is saying something. I will read all his books now. Keep'em coming.

Can we have a Redo?

I'm reading Berenson's books in order. The narrator of the Faithful Spy was good. I have listened to better, but I would give him a B+or A-. After an hour of the Secret Soldier I would revise my grade to an A++. This narrator mumbles and rushes through his reading so much that Berenson's prose is almost totally obscured. My heart sank when I saw that the same guy has narrated other Berenson books!
How did he get the job?? I've never heard worse. The premise of the book is good. The descriptions and nuance are good. The protagonist, John Wells, is interesting. But it only takes an incompetent narrator to muck it up royally. My 3 star rating reflects a 4.7 for the book and a .7 for narration.

only one thing I don't get.....

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love this reader...one of my all time favorites

Any additional comments?

I don't understand how/why the main character is a follower of Islam.

Good, Not Great

The Secret Soldier is a fast-paced, good, international intrigue thriller. It is well-written, and author Alex Berenson places his one-dimensional characters in some exciting post-9/11 situations. The author is a former New York Times reporter, who still writes journalistic pieces. The Secret Soldier rises above many books of its kind by the information the author provides about Saudi Arabia and the CIA. I “read” this book as an audio book. It is easy to follow during stop-and-go listening while traveling, and it makes a good traveling companion. Its best virtue is that it is good entertainment.

Great Entertainment

Disclosure: This is not my genre. That said, I have enjoyed this series. The stories are well crafted. Everything seems to fit without being transparent. The characters are consistently drawn story to story. Throughout there is very little call for suspension of disbelief despite inherent unreality. George Guidall’s narration adds to the quality of the series. I’ve given each 4 stars but would give the series 5. In short, these stories are great entertainment for very little effort on the part of the listener.

Best Yet!

Begin with Book 2, not 1. By this book in the series the story has found its true and shining voice. It is simply a perfect mix of politiical ntrigue and shining humanity.

The character depiction of the 90-year-old Saudi King from his grief to anger to unresolved revenge was beautiful.

For the first time in the series, the link from clue to clue was solid and possible. Other than that would be reporting of spoilers--so pick this one up and read it or enjoy George Guidall's excellent narration.

An aging spy torn between peace and vengance

John Wells is an American Muslim and CIA Officer who speaks Arabic. His mind is sharp, but the trauma of old wounds seeps into his muscles and his psyche and slows him, and leads him to act with vengeance, as if compensating for his diminishing strength. Wells leaves a warm bed for this adventure, and the sense of time running out is no clearer than when he speaks to the woman he loves.

In keeping with the nature of a Dickensian serial, the first chapters resolve the last book, and the last chapters preface the new book. Although this is more effective than Daniel Silva's lazy copy-paste introductions and plot-wheel backstories, Berenson's decisions loses power for new readers to revisit the older books.

Wells becomes trapped in Saudi place intrigue, and Berenson creates a sophisticated portrait of the Borgia-like Saudi families and its crumbling patriarch. Wells Muslim beliefs are battered by the Saudi's compromise with thuggish, ignorant Wahabi. Wells race to Mecca is passionate and bittersweet.

During the set pieces, it was impressive to see Wells work with his razor-sharp mind instead of blazing with over-described munitions, as if listening to a teenager describe a naked woman.

The book, like most spy novels these days, is a variant on dystopia, but Berenson carries it with intelligence and insight.

I have listened to a number of George Guidall's recordings, and his voice paints in the colors of warfare: deep green, dark sand, polished black, but lacks the lush quality of a woman or young man. It is the right choice, but not a perfect one.

Great Listen

If you could sum up The Secret Soldier in three words, what would they be?

I Enjoyed It!

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Wells

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

All, great performer

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no, but it was hard to put down.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend it, definatly worth the credit!

Good series

Good Series really enjoying the twist and turns of the plot John wells carector is very good

Help for a non-friend friend.

The key to a good CIA type thriller is the possibility of the plot happening in real life. The story of The Secret Soldier could happen and if it did, it could provide some very frightening scenarios. The King of Saudi Arabia (a non-friend that we like to pretend is a friend) is concerned that his death may lead to a destabilization in the region and looks for help in assuring a peaceful succession.