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Lance Spector #8
The Center
New York, two years ago
Lance Spector is doing something he shouldn't be. He's sleeping with his handler. Here are all the reasons that can go so wrong. Set two years before the events of Book 1, The Center gives a shocking view of how far the Russians are willing to go to get kompromat on a trained assassin. It also shows just how far Lance Spector is willing to go to resist that kompromat, and how his relationship with Levi Roth became so fraught all those years ago.
The Center by Saul Herzog is the stunning eighth instalment in the series that has taken the publishing industry, and Hollywood rights departments, by storm. This dazzling tour de force is a full standalone novel. From the mind of one of the most creative and versatile writers working in America today, this book will surely go down as a classic of the spy thriller genre.
If you read only one book this year, this is it. Action, adventure, rebellion, provocative foreign agents, characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new spy thriller series that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath.
Lance Spector is doing something he shouldn't be. He's sleeping with his handler. Here are all the reasons that can go so wrong. Set two years before the events of Book 1, The Center gives a shocking view of how far the Russians are willing to go to get kompromat on a trained assassin. It also shows just how far Lance Spector is willing to go to resist that kompromat, and how his relationship with Levi Roth became so fraught all those years ago.
The Center by Saul Herzog is the stunning eighth instalment in the series that has taken the publishing industry, and Hollywood rights departments, by storm. This dazzling tour de force is a full standalone novel. From the mind of one of the most creative and versatile writers working in America today, this book will surely go down as a classic of the spy thriller genre.
If you read only one book this year, this is it. Action, adventure, rebellion, provocative foreign agents, characters you can sink your teeth into. If you're looking for a new spy thriller series that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, look no further.
Recommended for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
879 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 17, 2024
Exciting but more like an AI written book.
As many of this genre, everything just fits too smoothly. Very predictable. Also needs a better proofreader. A basic proofreading program would have caught most of the errors.
As many of this genre, everything just fits too smoothly. Very predictable. Also needs a better proofreader. A basic proofreading program would have caught most of the errors.
March 22, 2024
Good grief
Loved this series… until this one… couldn’t sustain my ‘suspension of disbelief’, which I believe is the whole point of fiction… leave the biology and the psychological imperative alone Saul, it ain’t your forte … He may be an assassin, but he’s no deadbeat dad… even if it IS only a couple of cells in some random woman’s womb… yeah, right… and all those people he kills were somebody’s child too, except they were a lot more than a couple of cells that didn’t get miscarried or aborted or… If you’re gonna try and ‘humanise’ and ‘rehabilitate’ Lance, I can’t see how you’re gonna square that circle Saul, yet keep the essential narrative going… but I guess that’s why you’re the author and I’m a visual artist… interested in how you shall play this out, so shall definitely read book 9 and hoping like hell I’ll be eating my words 😆
Loved this series… until this one… couldn’t sustain my ‘suspension of disbelief’, which I believe is the whole point of fiction… leave the biology and the psychological imperative alone Saul, it ain’t your forte … He may be an assassin, but he’s no deadbeat dad… even if it IS only a couple of cells in some random woman’s womb… yeah, right… and all those people he kills were somebody’s child too, except they were a lot more than a couple of cells that didn’t get miscarried or aborted or… If you’re gonna try and ‘humanise’ and ‘rehabilitate’ Lance, I can’t see how you’re gonna square that circle Saul, yet keep the essential narrative going… but I guess that’s why you’re the author and I’m a visual artist… interested in how you shall play this out, so shall definitely read book 9 and hoping like hell I’ll be eating my words 😆
June 19, 2024
Was This Story necessary?
What is the point of this story? We knew Clarice was dead. We knew she and Lance were lovers. We knew she was pregnant. We also know she was a traitor and Roth ordered Lance to kill her. So what did we learn? Anything?
We know that Roth ordered Lance to take her out. I admit I believed he had done it. In this book we learn the bullet came from someone else. But does it affect any of the other books? No. And it doesn't make me want to search through the first couple of books to see if it actually says he killed her. He still feels guilty and angry with Roth.
This is the back story, but what purpose does it serve? It gives a blow by blow description of the day Clarice died. It doesn't give a particularly good reason for her motive to defect. But we know she regretted it in the end.
What is the point of this story? We knew Clarice was dead. We knew she and Lance were lovers. We knew she was pregnant. We also know she was a traitor and Roth ordered Lance to kill her. So what did we learn? Anything?
We know that Roth ordered Lance to take her out. I admit I believed he had done it. In this book we learn the bullet came from someone else. But does it affect any of the other books? No. And it doesn't make me want to search through the first couple of books to see if it actually says he killed her. He still feels guilty and angry with Roth.
This is the back story, but what purpose does it serve? It gives a blow by blow description of the day Clarice died. It doesn't give a particularly good reason for her motive to defect. But we know she regretted it in the end.
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December 25, 2024Series started great but was shocked when author went back in time to flesh out an incident alluded to in the first book of the series. It was if he had run out of ideas and needed to put something out. So disappointed. Next book 9 made no sense and was terrible. His plots often d0 not make sense, such as the NSA director being complicit in Russian plot to blow up our embsseys in Moscow and Beijing. She is never held accountable for them and continues on as NSA director, but disappears in follow on books. In many of his books, he spends way too much time describe how cruel the Russian enemies can be. Two main women characters are marginalized after and cry a lot which makes their CIA positions appear silly. Bottomline, first 5 are worth reading, last 4 due not bother
March 12, 2024
If you’ve read the other books in the series, this may be all a little too predictable, however, read on it’s own, it would be a great introduction to the Lance Spector series of books. A well paced read, albeit a little short for my liking - I would have liked a little more delving into the outfall for Spector over the next 18 months leading up to the events in book 1. Saul’s inimitable style is on a par with the likes of Hurwitz and Greaney and certainly, if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll really enjoy a great read!
March 16, 2024
There isn't a better writer of spy-thriller novels than "Saul' Herzog" and I wasn't disappointed in his 8th novel. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I have always thought THE ASSET was his best in the series until I finished THE CENTER., mainly because in between novels were getting a little bit too gory and descriptive. He's back to his fine writing skills. It's my understanding that "Saul Herzog " is a pen na5, and the actual author is unknown. His plots are so realistic and "Lance Spector " jumps off the page as so real. Easy and enjoyable reading.
June 22, 2024
Action aplenty!
They have a rat in the group. They all know the rat had to go, and that Lance was the man to do so. In a way, it was predictable, too predictable. And there was something off about the Russian operatives. Maybe too unrealistic and cliché-like. That said, Herzog raises blood pressure as only Herzog can. It was entertaining. It put me elsewhere for a few hours. He did his job and did it well. I recommend it.
They have a rat in the group. They all know the rat had to go, and that Lance was the man to do so. In a way, it was predictable, too predictable. And there was something off about the Russian operatives. Maybe too unrealistic and cliché-like. That said, Herzog raises blood pressure as only Herzog can. It was entertaining. It put me elsewhere for a few hours. He did his job and did it well. I recommend it.
March 13, 2025
Not another prequel
this book seems like an unnecessary book in the series. Without giving away anything I can say it’s a little bit like reading the story of the Titanic. You already know what happens. The one thing I will say is Herzog does change some of the details in this prequel compared to what happened in the story in the previous books. I could’ve done without this book in the series.
this book seems like an unnecessary book in the series. Without giving away anything I can say it’s a little bit like reading the story of the Titanic. You already know what happens. The one thing I will say is Herzog does change some of the details in this prequel compared to what happened in the story in the previous books. I could’ve done without this book in the series.
March 12, 2024
Clarice Snow: The ultimate honey trap
This book explains Lance’s early clashes between his job and his humanness. From day one, Levi Ross used his insights and connections to manipulate spies and situations. Ross and Lance built a relationship out of trust and mistrust, skill and chance, loyalty and self preservation. Clarice helped to exploit priorities and commitment.
This book explains Lance’s early clashes between his job and his humanness. From day one, Levi Ross used his insights and connections to manipulate spies and situations. Ross and Lance built a relationship out of trust and mistrust, skill and chance, loyalty and self preservation. Clarice helped to exploit priorities and commitment.
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March 14, 2024Thanks Saul for giving us the backstory to the Lance and Clarice relationship. It was very briefly hinted in your other 7 books but always left the question unanswered.
it also helps to explain some of the "flaws" in the Lance psyche and his battle against his own demons!
Very, very well done!
it also helps to explain some of the "flaws" in the Lance psyche and his battle against his own demons!
Very, very well done!
April 6, 2024
This book was not as riveting as the first 7. It was 200 pages shorter and not as wide-ranging. It was also way out of sequence. In book one I was reading about Clarice. There were references to her at a minimum in subsequent books. I think somehow we needed to have this story closer to the beginning of the saga.
March 12, 2024
Brilliant as always
Saul Herzog is right up there with the best of the best in this genre. His hero Lance is dangerous, gritty and yet honorable, and he has me sitting on the edge of my seat every time, wondering what he's going to do.
Saul Herzog is right up there with the best of the best in this genre. His hero Lance is dangerous, gritty and yet honorable, and he has me sitting on the edge of my seat every time, wondering what he's going to do.
March 13, 2024
hang on tight!
Lance Specter. a killing machine with a heart. so don't ask him to kill his girlfriend , his baby, or his career and boss all at the same time. but that's what Russia just did... with a promise for noncompliance.
Lance Specter. a killing machine with a heart. so don't ask him to kill his girlfriend , his baby, or his career and boss all at the same time. but that's what Russia just did... with a promise for noncompliance.
March 31, 2024
As good as all former installments
Lance and his boß, Roth, are as professional as ever, bringing spycraft to its top. The Russians are cruel and know the game , but beaurocrcy hind their plans. The book is a page-turner yo all those who love spy stories and no end of action.
Lance and his boß, Roth, are as professional as ever, bringing spycraft to its top. The Russians are cruel and know the game , but beaurocrcy hind their plans. The book is a page-turner yo all those who love spy stories and no end of action.
April 12, 2024
I was glad the Clarice mystery was cleared up
I felt much better about Lance afterwards. It was difficult to think he had to kill his pregnant girlfriend even if he didn’t love her.
I felt much better about Lance afterwards. It was difficult to think he had to kill his pregnant girlfriend even if he didn’t love her.
April 23, 2024
The beginning of Lance
A wonderfully action packed story of the beginning of Lance & Clarice. It brings you the understanding of all the previous books you have read about Lance. Great tie in!
A wonderfully action packed story of the beginning of Lance & Clarice. It brings you the understanding of all the previous books you have read about Lance. Great tie in!
November 17, 2024
so fun
As fans, we know that the Lance Spector series is about, but this one, a prequel, really does fill in some gaps. Perfectly believable and understandable, a fine yarn and enjoyable Good read - you’ll enjoy That simple.
As fans, we know that the Lance Spector series is about, but this one, a prequel, really does fill in some gaps. Perfectly believable and understandable, a fine yarn and enjoyable Good read - you’ll enjoy That simple.
April 8, 2025
Excellent read
Another on the edge of your seat thrill ride full of twists and turns leaving you gasping for breath, Another worthy episode in the Lance Specter series I can only recommend it very highly, excellent characters and exceptional story line You won't be disappointed.
Another on the edge of your seat thrill ride full of twists and turns leaving you gasping for breath, Another worthy episode in the Lance Specter series I can only recommend it very highly, excellent characters and exceptional story line You won't be disappointed.
March 13, 2024
Personal Vandetta !
I think Clarice and Lance shd have had one final conversation of closure .... After all the rucus created !
I think Clarice and Lance shd have had one final conversation of closure .... After all the rucus created !
March 20, 2024
4.2
I always enjoy going back in time and finally having those questions, those bits of mystery ironed out and solved. No wonder Lance is a piece of work.
I always enjoy going back in time and finally having those questions, those bits of mystery ironed out and solved. No wonder Lance is a piece of work.
March 20, 2024
Lance Spector is in more trouble than usual!
The roof is about to collapse on Lance Spector and there's a rat that needs to be caught before it defects? Maybe???
The roof is about to collapse on Lance Spector and there's a rat that needs to be caught before it defects? Maybe???
March 26, 2024
What a GREAT read Specter is good and cant wait for the next read
March 26, 2024
My favorite Lance book thus far!
Continues to amaze me the depths of the story and characters! Lance is out in the cold now, what will become of him?
Continues to amaze me the depths of the story and characters! Lance is out in the cold now, what will become of him?
March 28, 2024
very entertaining
Short and energetic, full of action yet quite pensive at times. Glad I got this book, look forwards to next issues
Short and energetic, full of action yet quite pensive at times. Glad I got this book, look forwards to next issues
April 3, 2024
Be careful who you trust
An emotional trap for the ages: Decision time-Today, tomorrow and the future . What is your decision which will impact directly for you.
An emotional trap for the ages: Decision time-Today, tomorrow and the future . What is your decision which will impact directly for you.
April 3, 2024
Too much filler not enough dialogue. Lance was in the story but not really present. Served the purpose of explaining this backstory but lets move on.
April 25, 2024
I have enjoyed the series. Good pace to keep my interest and great character development. the series kept me enthralled to the end.
May 6, 2024
Excellent Book
Highly recommended. Always look forward for another book to come out. Lance Specter series is different from all the other spy novels
Highly recommended. Always look forward for another book to come out. Lance Specter series is different from all the other spy novels
May 6, 2024
good backstory
Interesting read, nice and quick and filled in a whole that I was wondering about for a while. Thank you for writing this book
Interesting read, nice and quick and filled in a whole that I was wondering about for a while. Thank you for writing this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews