The Cardinal of the Kremlin

I've always thought that "Cardinal" was the most interesting of Clancy's Jack Ryan books. And in terms of the quality of the story, I enjoyed the unabridged version of this story even more than the abridgment that I bought many years ago. It felt like I was getting "bonus material" beyond the original version of the story that I knew. I've been waiting for a long time to see unabridged Audible versions of some of the Jack Ryan novels.


As far as the reading of the story was concerned, I was less impressed. Perhaps it's unfair to rate Michael Prichard's read when matched up against the masterful performance of the abridged version by David Ogden Stiers. Nonetheless, I did feel at times like the soul of this often-soulful story was drained in Prichard's read. In certain passages, such as the pivotal conversation between Felitov and his KGB interrogator, I sorely missed the intensity and well-defined character sense of David Ogden Stiers' performance of the dialog. Don't get me wrong-- Prichard is a fine reader of nonfiction. But a book like "Cardinal" loses a lot when it is read like the evening news instead of the emotional human drama that it is.

The reviews on this book are a mixed bag...and each is right in their own way. Prichard does a lackluster job of general narration, yet his dialog scenes are quite good. The story is very slow to develop, yet there are spots of fast and interesting developments. This book is not for you if you need fast, punchy action with crisp dialog. However if you are a fan of well crafted intrigue with political twists and turns -- then indeed you'll enjoy this book. If I weren't such a big fan of the Ryan series overall I probably would have given even fewer ratings stars.

Since the first time I read this book years ago I've been intrigued by this story. Why this book hasn't received the attention that several of the other books in this series have received is a mystery to me. I find it interesting that some of the people reviewing this book (and other books as well) find so much to criticize in the narrator while others heap high praise on the same narrator. Personally I think there could have been a few better choices for narrator than Michael Prichard, but unlike some others that reviewed this book I won't say that Prichard ruined it. Espionage is one of the themes that run all the way through this series and is a more important aspect in some of these books than others but this is the one with the strongest 007 type theme. Overall I highly rate this book and recommend it highly.

To continue from Hunt for the Red October, this book is about someone who was hinted to before, a CIA source so valuable in the USSR that his information is DELTA class important and only five people know who he is, Code name Cardinal. when the Russians make a break through in laser technology he is asked to look into it.

Ryan is back, and this time he is part of the US, USSR nuclear arms talks. and travels back and forth with the ambassador and his team to give his CIA analyst still to his country.

When the Cardinal chain breaks down with some important information the CIA want on lasers and that the KGB get a hint that there is a spy with highly top secret information being leaked they unleash the whole team to find out who it could be.

what will happen when the game between the CIA and the KGB are fought over one man. can the CIA get what they need and get there man out. or will the KGB find out who he is before the CIA gets what is needed?

Like Hunt for Red October, The Cardinal of the Kremlin has multiple view points and is fun to keep track of, but instead of three we now have nine different major aspects (one is a husband wife team) with minor key players brought in as well. Clancy is a master of juggling two sides of the coin and being able to seamlessly bring everything together in a way that keeps you wondering how he did it. hints to actions are made without giving away how the end will come off. tricks and deceit are second nature as Clancy puts in surprise twists that make you wonder as to what is the end game. and yet as you try to figure out what is next you cant stop listening.

it is highly recommended to anyone who likes a good plot twist, CIA spy books, or just wants to enjoy a book set in modern times.

This was a very good story concept, but it took several hours for me to get into it. The pace is just too slow. It had it's riveting moments in the 2nd and 3rd parts, but it just didn't do for me what "Without Remorse" did.

Who are you going to get? The only better choice, Frank Muller is gone. I seem to remember being told to "try reading with expression" when I was in the third grade. An experience like hearing finger nails on a black board which I recall all too quickly every time I hear Scott Brick.

I've never had an audible book that was so hard to get into the story. My husband and I listened to three hours before we both said, "enough!" I love Tom Clancy's other books and have read or listened to just about all of them. Sorry, this one just wasn't as good as all the others. Michael Prichard is wonderful for bedtime listening - if you are trying to get to sleep.

Prichard's performance was singsong with little difference between characters. I really tried to listen to the words, but the cadence was just too distracting.

This is the first book we have not finished, so we have no recommendations on scenes to cut or edit.

Of all the Tom Clancy books that we love, having one that just didn't interest us is not bad.

Never read the print version, so i would not know.

The cardinal was my favorite character. He seemed to wanting to redeem himself someway, but never really figured why or how.

answered above.

no

none.

I would, but I would skip through the first third of the book to get to the actual storry.

Well, none really it is unique outstanding book, that was nearly derailed by poor narration.

Oh yes, guy nearly put me to sleep, little variation between characters, however, he did a better job in this book than Clear and Present danger.

Classic Clancy Novel

Some of the twists of the story really took me by surprise.

The performer was a solid voice. Good voices and well done.

SPOILER ALERT - The Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) operation had me cheering along with the action...