The Secret Soldier

De: Alex Berenson

Narrado por: George Guidall

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

Nice action book

Well written with lots of action. Not very realistic but kept me interested. Berenson is a good writer and could have a much better and more believably developed plot for John Wells.

Bulldog Listener

Loved this book, George read very well as he always does. He kept me engaged, even when the author had to go into the details to set the scenes. The story was timely, well done and action packed to keep the listener on his/her toes. I would recomend, this is my second Berenson audio book, this one was my favorite.

Awesome story

The story puts the Kingdom of Saud in pretty poor (albeit realistic) light. Never boring....

One of the best fictions I've heard in years

A great plot - exciting and satisfying, superbly written and narrated. My only complaint is that it was so short. I have not heard any of the other books in this series but now plan to.

action packed

Fast paced moving plot delivered very creatively by George Guidall. His various accents were very impressive. Could have done with a little less gore depictions. Real time post postmortems at every turn. Given the chance, imagination goes a long way.

Good story. Good performance. Really enjoyed.

This book held my interest from beginning to end. I have been enjoying the John Wells series. I may have liked this one the best. It is a carefully constructed story with no holes, no part where you have to suspend disbelief to make it work. It feels right at each turn. I liked the way it ended also, a tough feat for this genre. George Guidall was terrific as usual.

First rate read

Berensen is a first rate author. His books are well worth the read. I am sad that I have finished the book.

Ellis Shafer is my hero

What did you love best about The Secret Soldier?

Loved the story and John Wells' character but have a newfound love of the character Ellis Shafer. I love Ellis dearly - he keeps me laughing! George Guidall narrates these stories fabulously. He is my all-time favorite narrator.

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

Ellis of course!

Terrible ending!

While frighteningly close to recent events the ending was a real letdown. Read only if you want to be really scared about the US’s richest ally in the Middle East.

Great read, interesting perspective on the Saudi's

What did you love best about The Secret Soldier?

The intrigue in the story line about the influence of the royal family on the US economics hits close to home. The House of Saud was depicted with accuracy and not overly embellished giving the reader a realistic possibility of events that could happen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Soldier?

This book was not filled with a bunch of fights and shoot outs. The ones that were included were good but in some cases not as accurate as I would have liked. However, I did enjoy the raid of the terrorist camp most because the good guys went in, got the job done, and came away with a young would-be terrorist to question and later save his life for the better.

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

I have listened to numerous George Guidall's books and in some cases I will only buy a book of Guidall is the one performing it. He is so good at what he does that there is no close second, maybe Scott Brick, but that would be it. Anyone considering become a listener should buy their first book with George Guidall narrating to give them a chance becoming a life time listener.

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

No, no extreme reaction, but there were parts where I did laugh out loud. The dialogue between John Wells and Ellis Shafer is riveting and at times laugh out loud funny. Shafer's ability to use dry and at times dark humor is funny, but not over the top.

Any additional comments?

Any Alex Berenson novel is a must read. Recommend starting at the beginning with The Faithful Spy and proceeding through all 9 books. I started at the end, went to the beginning and am working my way through some missed books now. Enjoy.