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Gabriel Allon #5-8
Daniel Silva Gabriel Allon Novels 5-8
Four novels featuring Mossad agent Gabriel Allon from “world-class practitioner of spy fiction” Daniel Silva (The Washington Post). This #1 New York Times bestselling series starring the Israeli spy and art restorer has earned multiple comparisons to John LeCarré, and puts its author “squarely atop the spy thriller heap” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
Prince of Fire
The Messenger
The Secret Servant
Moscow Rules
Prince of Fire
The Messenger
The Secret Servant
Moscow Rules
ebook
First published July 5, 2011
414 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Silva
192 books9,532 followersDaniel Silva was born in Michigan in 1960 and raised in California where he received his BA from Fresno State. Silva began his writing career as a journalist for United Press International (UPI), traveling in the Middle East and covering the Iran-Iraq war, terrorism and political conflicts. From UPI he moved to CNN, where he eventually became executive producer of its Washington-based public policy programming. In 1994 he began work on his first novel, The Unlikely Spy, a surprise best seller that won critical acclaim. He turned to writing full time in 1997 and all of his books have been New York Times/national best sellers, translated into 25 languages and published across Europe and the world. He lives in Washington, D.C.
Series:
* Michael Osbourne
* Gabriel Allon
Series:
* Michael Osbourne
* Gabriel Allon
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 29, 2014
Loved all the books in this series. They are hard to beat.
April 5, 2013
All of them - engaging plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Gabriel Allon is one of my fave heroes.
September 9, 2022
Gabriel Allon continues to fight the good fight
All book in this series were entertaining, but some stories felt less believable than others:
Book 5: 4 stars (The Prince of Fire)
Book 6: 3.5 stars (The Messenger)
Book 7: 5 stars (The Secret Servant)
Book 8: 4.5 stars (Moscow Rules)
In every case so far, the characters in these Gabriel Allon books, both the “good guys” and the “bad guys”, are well-drawn and interesting – and through their conversations with each other, exhibit their individual touches of humanity and/or cruelty. Indeed, it’s the characters, in addition to the descriptions of the locations where they are operating, that give these books both a sense of realism and a sense of the exotic. It’s a winning combination. And the stories blend history and imagination together so well that it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.
Gabriel remains a consistent character throughout: loyal, honorable, fearless, introspective, emphatic, capable, decisive and deadly. But he also remains fallible and vulnerable. Basically, an assassin with a soul who both hunts and is hunted.
Each book is quickly summarized below.
THE PRINCE OF FIRE
Unlike earlier books, Gabriel does not have to contend with institutional obstructionism (via the Catholic Church or the Austrian government) resisting his every move. Instead, it’s just Gabriel and his Office against a terrorist mastermind and his organization. The reader is privy to Gabriel’s planning and subsequent operations, but the reader mostly knows of the terrorists’ plans only as they are unfolding. Gabriel’s still-grievously wounded wife is more prominent in this book. And the ending is less rushed than in earlier books though, like in the other books, justice ultimately prevailed.
Bottom line: If you liked the first 4 books in this series, you should like this one just as much, if not more.
THE MESSENGER
This book’s storyline was more over-the-top than the others, even though it turned out that most of Gabriel’s actions did not actually have any impact of the major purpose for the Israeli counter-terrorism operation. The most entertaining aspect is that Gabriel has to bring a novice into the team, train her and then have her go to work for a Saudi bankroller of terrorists (while also acting as a mole who is looking for the Israeli’s assassin target to finally surface from hiding).
Bottom line: Weaker storyline than the book’s predecessors. But Gabriel and his team are as entertaining as ever
THE SECRET SERVANT
The storyline for this book is basic: a girl is kidnapped, and if conditions are not met by a fixed deadline, she will be killed. As is often the case with books in this series, there is a mysterious terrorist mastermind who is only known of by his reputation. Also, some of the terrorists are a bit predictable in their behavior, while other terrorists are much better at subterfuge. By now, such antagonists are typical for a Gabriel Allon story. But the protagonists, their planning and the lethal execution of those plans continue to make for a story that is interesting and exciting, yet in some ways, also thoughtful.
Bottom line: Another high-quality Gabriel Allon story; but thankfully, it has a more plausible storyline than some of the book’s predecessors.
MOSCOW RULES
This time the main antagonist isn’t an Arab terrorist or a Nazi sympathizer; instead, Gabriel must contend with a Russian arms dealer. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the arms dealer is selling weapons (indirectly) to Arab terrorists; but still, the story’s focus is on Russia and Russians. And it’s clear that Moscow is a dangerous place for spies to operate. As has happened before, Gabriel is impossibly noble, and so once again he eventually puts himself selflessly in harm’s way. Escape seems impossible – and that made for a very exciting final set of pages (until the near miraculous ending, which may have you thinking “give me a break”).
Bottom line: Another entertaining, high-quality Gabriel Allon story -- though with an ending that comes out of left field.
All book in this series were entertaining, but some stories felt less believable than others:
Book 5: 4 stars (The Prince of Fire)
Book 6: 3.5 stars (The Messenger)
Book 7: 5 stars (The Secret Servant)
Book 8: 4.5 stars (Moscow Rules)
In every case so far, the characters in these Gabriel Allon books, both the “good guys” and the “bad guys”, are well-drawn and interesting – and through their conversations with each other, exhibit their individual touches of humanity and/or cruelty. Indeed, it’s the characters, in addition to the descriptions of the locations where they are operating, that give these books both a sense of realism and a sense of the exotic. It’s a winning combination. And the stories blend history and imagination together so well that it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.
Gabriel remains a consistent character throughout: loyal, honorable, fearless, introspective, emphatic, capable, decisive and deadly. But he also remains fallible and vulnerable. Basically, an assassin with a soul who both hunts and is hunted.
Each book is quickly summarized below.
THE PRINCE OF FIRE
Unlike earlier books, Gabriel does not have to contend with institutional obstructionism (via the Catholic Church or the Austrian government) resisting his every move. Instead, it’s just Gabriel and his Office against a terrorist mastermind and his organization. The reader is privy to Gabriel’s planning and subsequent operations, but the reader mostly knows of the terrorists’ plans only as they are unfolding. Gabriel’s still-grievously wounded wife is more prominent in this book. And the ending is less rushed than in earlier books though, like in the other books, justice ultimately prevailed.
Bottom line: If you liked the first 4 books in this series, you should like this one just as much, if not more.
THE MESSENGER
This book’s storyline was more over-the-top than the others, even though it turned out that most of Gabriel’s actions did not actually have any impact of the major purpose for the Israeli counter-terrorism operation. The most entertaining aspect is that Gabriel has to bring a novice into the team, train her and then have her go to work for a Saudi bankroller of terrorists (while also acting as a mole who is looking for the Israeli’s assassin target to finally surface from hiding).
Bottom line: Weaker storyline than the book’s predecessors. But Gabriel and his team are as entertaining as ever
THE SECRET SERVANT
The storyline for this book is basic: a girl is kidnapped, and if conditions are not met by a fixed deadline, she will be killed. As is often the case with books in this series, there is a mysterious terrorist mastermind who is only known of by his reputation. Also, some of the terrorists are a bit predictable in their behavior, while other terrorists are much better at subterfuge. By now, such antagonists are typical for a Gabriel Allon story. But the protagonists, their planning and the lethal execution of those plans continue to make for a story that is interesting and exciting, yet in some ways, also thoughtful.
Bottom line: Another high-quality Gabriel Allon story; but thankfully, it has a more plausible storyline than some of the book’s predecessors.
MOSCOW RULES
This time the main antagonist isn’t an Arab terrorist or a Nazi sympathizer; instead, Gabriel must contend with a Russian arms dealer. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the arms dealer is selling weapons (indirectly) to Arab terrorists; but still, the story’s focus is on Russia and Russians. And it’s clear that Moscow is a dangerous place for spies to operate. As has happened before, Gabriel is impossibly noble, and so once again he eventually puts himself selflessly in harm’s way. Escape seems impossible – and that made for a very exciting final set of pages (until the near miraculous ending, which may have you thinking “give me a break”).
Bottom line: Another entertaining, high-quality Gabriel Allon story -- though with an ending that comes out of left field.
July 13, 2023
What a joy to read 4 novels in order featuring the great Gabriel Allon and associates!
This splendid character and his travails and successes are a beloved feature of my reading world.
I respect and admire the Office staff and leadership but most especially Gabriel who interacts with luminaries at home, in Italy, the UK and US. His enemies are Islamic radicals, Russians and their paid assassins. This is dramatic and exciting.
very fulfilling "binge" read.
This splendid character and his travails and successes are a beloved feature of my reading world.
I respect and admire the Office staff and leadership but most especially Gabriel who interacts with luminaries at home, in Italy, the UK and US. His enemies are Islamic radicals, Russians and their paid assassins. This is dramatic and exciting.
very fulfilling "binge" read.
December 3, 2017
All very good
I discovered Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series a few months ago. This four novel collection provided hours of entertainment. Allon is a troubled hero. An excellent art restorer and a deadly assassin. All four novels were suspenseful and set in exotic locales. I'm halfway through the series and will be purchasing and ready the remaining novels soon.
I discovered Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series a few months ago. This four novel collection provided hours of entertainment. Allon is a troubled hero. An excellent art restorer and a deadly assassin. All four novels were suspenseful and set in exotic locales. I'm halfway through the series and will be purchasing and ready the remaining novels soon.
December 28, 2018
Brilliant, as always
They’re all great, but The Secret Servant really got under my skin. I cried through the last 50 pages. I loved having the four book bundle, so when I finish one book at midnight I can just start the next without waiting. I’m devouring this series over the Christmas break. I think I’ve read eight books in ten days. I just can’t get enough of Gabriel Allon.
They’re all great, but The Secret Servant really got under my skin. I cried through the last 50 pages. I loved having the four book bundle, so when I finish one book at midnight I can just start the next without waiting. I’m devouring this series over the Christmas break. I think I’ve read eight books in ten days. I just can’t get enough of Gabriel Allon.
September 25, 2017
I read this series one after the other as I recuperated from an illness, I love fast paced thrillers and this series is all that and more! I became invested in Gabriel Allon and his crew! I read each new one as it becomes available!
October 11, 2017
Another home run!
Another home run! Great characters and compelling plot. Daniel Silva continues to excel.
Another home run! Great characters and compelling plot. Daniel Silva continues to excel.
Another home run! Great characters and compelling plot. Daniel Silva continues to excel.
Another home run! Great characters and compelling plot. Daniel Silva continues to excel.
February 7, 2021
Daniel Silva is a fantastic writer, with the most fascinating hero in Gabriel Allon!
Be sure to start this series from the beginning, it will be far more meaningful. Gabriel Allon is, perhaps, the most fascinating hero in the spy novel/thriller world!
Be sure to start this series from the beginning, it will be far more meaningful. Gabriel Allon is, perhaps, the most fascinating hero in the spy novel/thriller world!
April 6, 2023
A Masterpiece
I have been reading Gabriel Allon books for about 6 months. I can’t stop! I have no idea what I am going to do when I finish! Let’s hope that he never dies. I would be devastated!
I have been reading Gabriel Allon books for about 6 months. I can’t stop! I have no idea what I am going to do when I finish! Let’s hope that he never dies. I would be devastated!
October 8, 2023
very well- written and informative
Hardly a novel, more of a journey into the black world of the global network of spies and spy masters. I love all the characters. Looking forward to the next Silva ‘novel’.
Hardly a novel, more of a journey into the black world of the global network of spies and spy masters. I love all the characters. Looking forward to the next Silva ‘novel’.
July 28, 2019
Another great Read!
Silva’s character and plot development is outstanding. I love the attention to detail. Another book of his I couldn’t put down.
Silva’s character and plot development is outstanding. I love the attention to detail. Another book of his I couldn’t put down.
June 21, 2020
Another thriller
Silva does it again. Great story that keeps the reader guessing. As always great city descriptions and characters so well crafted. Silva never disappoints.
Silva does it again. Great story that keeps the reader guessing. As always great city descriptions and characters so well crafted. Silva never disappoints.
January 3, 2021
Love this series also!!
February 19, 2021
Fiction with modern East/West conflict
Exciting drama mixed with current middle eastern events written from the pointed view of Israel . Drawn out too long in places.
Exciting drama mixed with current middle eastern events written from the pointed view of Israel . Drawn out too long in places.
October 25, 2022
Just the best stretch of Gabriel Allon books - perfect historical context and story build.
January 19, 2023
so well-paced!
A perfect balance of action, operational details, drama and intrigue. Silva knocks it out of the park with this one.
A perfect balance of action, operational details, drama and intrigue. Silva knocks it out of the park with this one.
October 28, 2023
I enjoyed them all
May 3, 2024
I find rereading this series at this time in history very interesting.
Read
March 23, 2025More Gabriel Allon adventures with more back story hints. Still good
January 20, 2024
Gabriel Allon is the perfect protagonist. Smart, sensitive and ruthless where he must. All Silva's books are excellent.
February 13, 2016
How Does He Do it?
Although Gabriel Allon has an infinite number of lives, how he survives and manages to save the day is always the interesting part of th e adventure. I wish he would retire and enjoy his life, however then I would not be able to enjoy Daniel Silva's books about the unparalleled Gabriel Allon.
Although Gabriel Allon has an infinite number of lives, how he survives and manages to save the day is always the interesting part of th e adventure. I wish he would retire and enjoy his life, however then I would not be able to enjoy Daniel Silva's books about the unparalleled Gabriel Allon.
June 29, 2013
Convenient to have all in one go. I read on a reader.
June 18, 2014
I enjoy all of his Gabriel Allon books. Always holds my interest.
June 30, 2014
His main character in this series is interesting and complex. The series can get formulaic at times but still keeps my attention. Worth a read.
July 4, 2014
I can not read this series fast enough! Excellent plot, story line and well developed characters!
July 20, 2014
I love Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series. It is my go to when I want a mindless escape.
December 2, 2014
What a time to read.
Interesting read and this was my second volume of Daniel Silva work. After reading this I am hooked on his work.
Interesting read and this was my second volume of Daniel Silva work. After reading this I am hooked on his work.
September 19, 2014
Excellent series! I highly recommend it!
October 13, 2016
So thrilling and entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews