Black Ghosts

by Victor Ostrovsky

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victor Ostrovsky comes a gripping thriller in which the oldest of enemies becomes the newest of threats…   They are known as the Black Ghosts. Relics of the cold war, they were elite KGB operatives placed in strategic positions throughout the Russian government in case of an attempted coup. Their ominous threat was broken when their commander, the cunning General Peter Rogov, was arrested and imprisoned.   Now, Rogov has returned. Reactivating his shadowy network of spies, assassins, and nearly-forgotten sleeper agents in the West, his aim is to overthrow the powers-that-be and restore the sleeping bear of Russia to her former glory. And he will declare his might to the world by doing the impossible.

Genres: Fiction

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Yulia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled with this book, until I gave up on page 189. I couldn't read it anymore. This book is BAD. It's just horrible, and I'll explain why - I read Ostrovsky's firs book on the Israeli MOSSAD, and thought to give this one a try. I realized that the only reason his first book was a bestseller, is because the MOSSAD went out of its way to prevent it from being published. Long story short, this book has the same plot as pretty much every bad movie made in Hollywood. An ex-military guy is trying to save the world from the bad Russians who conspire to kidnap the president of the United States. Add to this all the tired clichés (the alcoholic Russians guys and the 'easy' Russian girls) and there you have it! I gave it one star because zero is not an option. Save yourself the time and effort.

[Stephen Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased the book after meeting the author at his gallery in Phoenix. He had written another book that I had read, about his experiences in the Mossad.

I found the story started a little slow and was a little far fetched.
The story is about a secret Russian military unit that plans to overthrow the current Russian President and create a new world order.

We meet Larry (an undercover agent) who discovers the goal an d his friend Edward that saves Larry's life and puts together the unit of former Military men to save the world.

As I started the books starts a little slow but towards the end the plot picks up. I think the the plan to stop the coup is a little weak and would not work.
Overall it wasn't the strongest book I have ever read but it was a fine read.
I would not really recommend this book to any one unless they really liked this type of Military thriller.

[Petre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In light of by way of deception and the other side of deception, this book was very good. I found VIctors eloquent writing style to be quite good. The theme of the book was brilliant which differs from common secret intelligent fiction books. I found this book to be of a more realistic view, lacking passion and detail, which for me, made the book less captivating. It was interesting and enjoyable, I liked reading it, seeing how it would pan out. Victors quirky humour was funny, a good aspect of the story. Sometimes I found there to be to many characters involved or mentioned, that did become a little confusing at times but maybe I just was not engaged enough. Either way, a good read, def worth it for any one who enjoys militant fiction.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and entertaining read. Would have been a great beach book.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the type of book I think of when I think of picking up a paperback at the airport. Rather mindless espionage thriller. Something to occupy your time. It had some interesting plot hooks but otherwise felt more like a pain-by-numbers thriller. Wounded warrior forced into action by loyalty, betrayed by a beautiful women, works with unexpected allies to defeat stereotypical evil bad guy.

It was entertaining as far as it went but nothing that stood out either in the writing or the characters.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main problem with this book is that it came at such a stressful time in my normal life (so extra stress makes strike one) and I'm so confused by the NYC vernacular, which a character uses. (I don't really understand what he's trying to say, in English! That is strike two.)

The third problem was a typo: a missed s after a comma. If it weren't already on the chopping block, I'd tolerate it, but unfortunately, I was considering halting reading it already, so that's the last straw.

Most literature is proofread, in my experience.

So this is not worth my time. The end!

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

CIA guy saves POTUS from renegade KGB sleeper army. Wandered into this franchise storyline halfway through an apparent series, yet found it surprising easy to follow. Toyed with giving this two stars, but much of the Kremlin does get battered by armored assault. So there's that.

[Steve Schlutow · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't care for this book to much.. The idea intrigued me, but the characters and storyline just did not develop to my satisfaction..

[Mark Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished it in two days. Could this ever happen? More than likely not, but it's a good read. If you like books by Greaney then I would recommend this.