The Fallen Angel: Gabriel Allon, Book 12

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

After narrowly surviving his last operation, Gabriel Allon, the wayward son of Israeli intelligence, has taken refuge behind the walls of the Vatican, where he is restoring one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces. But early one morning, he is summoned to St. Peter's Basilica by Monsignor Luigi Donati, the all-powerful private secretary to his Holiness Pope Paul VII. The body of a beautiful woman lies broken beneath Michelangelo's magnificent dome.

The Vatican police suspect suicide, though Gabriel believes otherwise. So, it seems, does Donati. But the monsignor is fearful that a public inquiry might inflict another scandal on the Church, and so he calls upon Gabriel to quietly pursue the truth - with one caveat.

"Rule number one at the Vatican," Donati said. "Don't ask too many questions."

Gabriel learns that the dead woman had uncovered a dangerous secret - a secret that threatens a global criminal enterprise that is looting timeless treasures of antiquity and selling them to the highest bidder. But there is more to this network than just greed. A mysterious operative is plotting an act of sabotage that will plunge the world into a conflict of apocalyptic proportions....

©2012 Daniel Silva (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

The Best Yet.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fallen Angel to be better than the print version?

Being disabled, audio is the only way I can enjoy such a book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was a full cast of past characters and flowed well between them all.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

I am a big fan of George. His talents were put to the test with so many characters. Had to listen much closer when many characters were interacting back and forth in a fast pace. He had only a slight change in character's voice and had to listen to some parts over which was no problem.

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

Arron's (spelling?) Living Masterpiece

Any additional comments?

Fantastic story line and the culmination of characters past.

Need to read this book

Could not finish because the narration is so bad. Truly enjoy Daniel Silva so will read them as long as this narrator remains.

Gotta read the whole Garriel Allon series!

What other book might you compare The Fallen Angel: Gabriel Allon, Book 12 to and why?

I'm currently reading David Baldacci's 'The Hit'. The suspense, the plot and character development, the primary 'fight-for-right' at the risk of losing their own lives (Gabriel Allon) and Will Robie), the commitment to find the truth and find justice... are similar.

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

'This fallen angel uncovers the devil's plots... thank God!'

Any additional comments?

This is my first intro to Gabriel Allon. Since I've read one of his later 'adventures', I'm interested in going back to Day1 to see how his character develops, how he pursues rightness and justice, and copes with his frailties...

Best read/listen in a while

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fallen Angel to be better than the print version?

Reviewing for my spouse. He has ALS and can't hold a book or talk much any longer but his reaction to this book was that is was an animated VERY GOOD. I have to select books for him and sometimes I choose based on what books I like to read. This doesn't always work for him. So when he really likes one I will go back to that author for him.

Loved It

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fallen Angel to be better than the print version?

I don't know, I think it would be the same.

What did you like best about this story?

It was interesting and kept me wondering what would come next.

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

The main character, was interesting and had a normal sort of life outside of the assassinations, black ops, etc.

Not his best

What made the experience of listening to The Fallen Angel the most enjoyable?

It was a good listen but not his best. The story was pretty predicctable. Silva usually writes with greater intrigue. Still enjoyable.

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

Not really

Did George Guidall do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I thought he was hard to understand at times. There are better performers than him.

Any additional comments?

All Silva fans will enjoy it.

A win for Gabriel

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not the best of the series, but a must if you enjoy the series.

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

Gabriel, of course

Any additional comments?

You just grow to love the characters, it always leaves you wanting more.

Well written and with excellent narration

Where does The Fallen Angel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was my first audio book since purchasing my Kindle and looked forward to experiencing this form of "reading" a book. It certainly took a while to get used to this form of "reading" Although I enjoyed it very much I found it a bit slow, however if I was ever unfortunate enough to become incapacitated and couldn't read in the normal way I would highly reccommend audio books and in particular this narrator.

Great Story Will Listen To More Silva!

What did you love best about The Fallen Angel?

The story had me on the edge of my seat on a pretty consistent basis. The story was engaging and pulled you in immediately and held you there till the very end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fallen Angel?

The connection between Israel and how the world has looked upon them throughout history.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gives the characters life and helps you relate to them. He was the perfect fit for this role.

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

It definitely had me sitting in my car waiting for the last moment before I had to turn it off.

Any additional comments?

Great spy mystery, if you like the genre you will love this book!

Superb!

I only discovered Daniel Silva several months ago and promptly listened to every Gabriel Allon book in succession. I'm not at all disappointed with the latest and, despite some familiar elements, the book is strong in every way. It continues to blend contemporary issues, interesting historical information, character and plot extremely effectively. Just when you think you know what it's about, it jumps to a higher level of intrigue. I enjoy George Guidall as a narrator as well and felt he made every character and accent believable. I find myself wanting to learn more about some of what's mentioned in the book and have already hunted for related audiobooks. Except for the fact I want Gabriel to finally take a break and leave the service for good, I would enjoy another book with him as the main character. That being said, whatever Daniel Silva puts his hand to will be terrific, I'm sure. I got the sense that the end of the book might be hinting about the next one and where it might take place...nuff said.