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Christian Gillette #2
The Protégé
After surviving attempts on his life and malicious competition in the corporate world, Christian Gillette has finally become Chairman of Everest Capital. Now on the brink of taking-over his ex-rival's sinking firm and buying the NFL's newest team-The Las Vegas Twenty-Ones-Gillette finds himself drawn to a young deal-maker named David Wright. However, when Gillette's success suddenly starts crumbling and it looks that Wright is to blame, the newly crowned Chairman will have to face tough facts and tough choices surrounding his protégé.
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First published December 27, 2005
82 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Frey
28 books281 followersFor the last 15 years I’ve been lucky enough to be a novelist. Until recently the books were set in the worlds of Wall Street and Washington. In addition to writing, I’ve also had a career in finance with specialties including merger & acquisition advisory and private equity at firms like J.P. Morgan in New York City and Winston Partners just outside D.C. in northern Virginia.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
So, it seemed natural to write about those two worlds and, fortunately, the publishing industry agreed. My first book was published in 1995, The Takeover; about a secret group of men who were trying to destroy the U.S. monetary system by engineering a massive corporate takeover. I have followed The Takeover with 13 more novels all set in high-level finance and national politics.
Recently, I decided to alter the theme. The novels will still have a financial focus, but Wall Street won’t be the backdrop. We’ll get out into the world more. And there will be a man versus nature element for the hero in every novel. Hell’s Gate, available August 2009, is set in Montana and involves forest fires and why many of them start.
I live in southwest Florida with my wife, Diana, and we have since 2004 after moving down here from northern Virginia. Given the new direction of my books, it seems like a hurricane ought to make an appearance in a novel sometime soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 26, 2021
I found this 15 year old story underwhelming after mostly favorable reviews. Underhanded, unfinished plots are left ignored to the finish. 3 of 10 stars
June 1, 2012
This book was brilliantly plotted and riveting the way Frey built the tension and connected the intricate pieces of the world of high finance. He took us inside the mind of a venture capitalist, Christian Gilette and showed us how the man thought and how he did what he did--without boring me.
Unfortunately Christian was the only character with any character. The women in the novel were very two dimensional and extremely unlikable, especially the woman with the biggest speaking part. She was nasty whiny, shallow, and mostly behaved like a petulant child. And the worst sin is that she was not entertaining. There was no chemistry between Christian and either of the two women he was meant to have chemistry with--I only know there was supposed to be chemistry because I was told repeatedly by every character in the story--another no-no.
But that plot--fabulous! I needed to keep reading this book to see how everything fit together and I rooted for Christian all the way. In spite of the annoying female characters. And I will definitely read the next book by Stephen Frey.
Unfortunately Christian was the only character with any character. The women in the novel were very two dimensional and extremely unlikable, especially the woman with the biggest speaking part. She was nasty whiny, shallow, and mostly behaved like a petulant child. And the worst sin is that she was not entertaining. There was no chemistry between Christian and either of the two women he was meant to have chemistry with--I only know there was supposed to be chemistry because I was told repeatedly by every character in the story--another no-no.
But that plot--fabulous! I needed to keep reading this book to see how everything fit together and I rooted for Christian all the way. In spite of the annoying female characters. And I will definitely read the next book by Stephen Frey.
June 30, 2017
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== DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE GOING TO READ THE BOOK ==
== Notes to myself as I read the book ==
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== DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE GOING TO READ THE BOOK ==
== Notes to myself as I read the book ==
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2012
All Christian Gillette wanted to know was why his daddy died and who his biological mother was. To get answers Christian Gillette would find himself dodging bullets. The Protégé is a page turner and not a book you can put down. I know because I stayed up all night reading it.
Holter Graham was the voice of the characters.
Holter Graham was the voice of the characters.
December 21, 2011
The book started off well but crashed and burned midway. The vital ingredient of a mystery is that it be believable. This book lost its believability factor midway.
May 28, 2022
Denna var mindre intuitiv än den förra. Och mindre intressant. Men fortfarande ok.
October 9, 2017
Mixed feelings about this one. The good: this is an interesting story, fast paced, makes private equity look exciting.
The bad: all women are either hateful shrews, or conniving, and all are amazingly beautiful and falling at Christian's feet. The exception to this is his admin, but the author is careful to tell us that this is because she is a lesbian - no hetero woman can possibly resist Christian's looks. The characters seem like caricatures, or from central casting - the black best friend, the rock star girlfriend, the amazingly gorgeous and brilliant co-worker who hits on Christian, the subordinate who eats ice cream all the time (how does it not drip all over his workpapers? Does he have a freezer in his office? Where does all this ice cream come from? Why is he 30 lbs overweight and not 300, and why do the women still fall over him?)
The worst: the setup to the ending is pretty ridiculous. And after this action-movie sequence, the "why" of the ending is not fully explained.
4 stars for the generally good story, minus points for the ending, 3 overall.
The bad: all women are either hateful shrews, or conniving, and all are amazingly beautiful and falling at Christian's feet. The exception to this is his admin, but the author is careful to tell us that this is because she is a lesbian - no hetero woman can possibly resist Christian's looks. The characters seem like caricatures, or from central casting - the black best friend, the rock star girlfriend, the amazingly gorgeous and brilliant co-worker who hits on Christian, the subordinate who eats ice cream all the time (how does it not drip all over his workpapers? Does he have a freezer in his office? Where does all this ice cream come from? Why is he 30 lbs overweight and not 300, and why do the women still fall over him?)
The worst: the setup to the ending is pretty ridiculous. And after this action-movie sequence, the "why" of the ending is not fully explained.
4 stars for the generally good story, minus points for the ending, 3 overall.
August 17, 2010
like Frey's work but a little over the top on main character's financial genius
February 19, 2016
Did not like it...implausible characters and too many plot devices. Did not even finish the book. Do not recommend.
July 20, 2013
Stephen Frey can twist a plot until you are so confused you'll figure out the who dun it but love every minute of trying to figure it out.
June 4, 2024
The first book is still better, methinks. Not taking away the progress made in this one, of course, we do get Gillette trying to balance all of the companies and plot points as chairman. But a lot of the beat do read similar to the first book, and the journey to being chairman is a bit more exciting than the journey as chairman. Still a nice second book.
August 12, 2024
Stephen Frey didn’t disappoint with this Christian Gillette sequel. One of the most compelling lines in the book, 'In the world of high finance, loyalty is a rare commodity, and betrayal is a currency that never loses value,' encapsulates the cutthroat nature of the story and Frey as an author. Frey masterfully weaves a tale of a love triangle, government espionage, cutthroat business competition, and personal growth into this book.
February 9, 2022
I jumped into this series not knowing it was a series. The book can stand alone but I think I'd like to read The Chairman for perspective. It was fast paced and crazy!
A suspense that keeps adding on more and more intrigue. Trust no one!
A suspense that keeps adding on more and more intrigue. Trust no one!
April 3, 2025
Another good book in the series. Again, I did read the series at least 15 or 20 years ago, but glad I found it again. This one was a little more over the top than the first one, but overall not a bad read.
May 30, 2025
A bit salacious for my taste, but otherwise fantastic. Only read these books if you're okay with losing any faith in humanity and basic decency. No one can be trusted. Greed and betrayal abound.
Side note: I hate Allison. Here's hoping she doesn't last long in the series.
Side note: I hate Allison. Here's hoping she doesn't last long in the series.
May 4, 2017
Good story.
December 23, 2017
I just love the writing and story about Wall Street. Glad I found the author.
June 11, 2019
A very good read. Full of financial suspense. How will Gillette get out of the mess?
June 21, 2019
The plot was good. Although it was more of a flat story instead of ups and downs climax really blew my mind
February 13, 2021
Wasn't cohesive for me.
June 10, 2022
Very clever
Good plotting and sticks to the premise of a true financial thriller, as so many imposters in the genre do not. Enjoyable characters and clever twist.
Good plotting and sticks to the premise of a true financial thriller, as so many imposters in the genre do not. Enjoyable characters and clever twist.
August 26, 2022
Stephen Frey can twist a plot until you are so confused you'll figure out the who dun it but love every minute of trying to figure it out.
January 17, 2025
Christian Gillette a multi billion dollar fund manager gets involved with CIA, FBI and mafia in nano technology shenanigans.
December 13, 2025
This is as good as the first one if not better, the story is fun and compelling, and the characters are ones that are easy to root for or not! So well written and such a great story.
October 1, 2018
Always enjoyed the Frey novels read previously. Not this time. I recommend you pass on this one.
January 18, 2021
The Chairman, The Protegé, The Power Broker, and The Successor are the four novels that are the Christian Gillette Series. Read them in order to glean the most from this story. The stories will stand alone, but you'll miss connections and scratch your head with a lack of understanding. Plus, you'll miss out on some good storytelling.
Plot. Christian Gillette, a handsome 30-something genius, is unexpectedly elevated to Chairman of Everest, a money management firm, via the unexpected death of his boss. Through the four novels, you will learn that Christian is a brilliant financier, buying and selling companies, making his clients, and his staff, multi-millionaires. Deciding 'who to trust' is paramount to his success. Romance, deal-making, back-stabbing, life and death situations, friendships, self-doubt, questions of loyalty, judgement, good guys, bad guys - all swirl through a world of high finance.
Liked. Was prepared to be unenthusiastic about a story of high finance. Boring, right? Nope! This series will hold your attention, not one math problem. It's a terrific tale of suspense, intrigue, even political espionage. There is a lot to the character of Christian Gillette; he's not "just another pretty face". Narration is fine, no issues. A bit slow in tempo, so pumped the iPhone up to 1.3 - not an issue.
Not so hot? Sometimes Christian comes across as a bit immature - most of the time a brilliant alpha male, in charge. His character could have been smoother. A bit cliché, in places, but very readable.
Recommended. High finance can be exciting stuff!
Plot. Christian Gillette, a handsome 30-something genius, is unexpectedly elevated to Chairman of Everest, a money management firm, via the unexpected death of his boss. Through the four novels, you will learn that Christian is a brilliant financier, buying and selling companies, making his clients, and his staff, multi-millionaires. Deciding 'who to trust' is paramount to his success. Romance, deal-making, back-stabbing, life and death situations, friendships, self-doubt, questions of loyalty, judgement, good guys, bad guys - all swirl through a world of high finance.
Liked. Was prepared to be unenthusiastic about a story of high finance. Boring, right? Nope! This series will hold your attention, not one math problem. It's a terrific tale of suspense, intrigue, even political espionage. There is a lot to the character of Christian Gillette; he's not "just another pretty face". Narration is fine, no issues. A bit slow in tempo, so pumped the iPhone up to 1.3 - not an issue.
Not so hot? Sometimes Christian comes across as a bit immature - most of the time a brilliant alpha male, in charge. His character could have been smoother. A bit cliché, in places, but very readable.
Recommended. High finance can be exciting stuff!
November 14, 2015
Once again, I realized how much I enjoy the writing of Stephen Frey. The Protégé is another excellent thriller dealing with Wall Street and men of financial power. Christian Gillette is an absolutely wonderful and believable main character. I love how he wields his power, yet has not become corrupted by this same power. I also like that this book takes over directly where The Chairman leaved off.
The pace of the book is fast and the story is extremely exciting. From the first page, Frey grabs the reader by the shoulders, shakes them around a bit, lifts them up high, slams them to the ground, and keeps them guessing until the last page is read. I had no idea how David Wright would get out of the nasty situation he finds himself in.
Try as I might, I could not figure out how David was going to prevent Allison from taking over Everest Capital. And the mob . . . how do you outsmart the mob without ending up a the bottom of the ocean wearing cement shoes?
Overall, The Protégé is an excellent thriller that will keep the reader totally immersed in the story until they finish the last page, lean back in a chair, and sigh with contentment. I sure hope Frey writes another story about Gillette. I, for one, will be one of the first to read it.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
The pace of the book is fast and the story is extremely exciting. From the first page, Frey grabs the reader by the shoulders, shakes them around a bit, lifts them up high, slams them to the ground, and keeps them guessing until the last page is read. I had no idea how David Wright would get out of the nasty situation he finds himself in.
Try as I might, I could not figure out how David was going to prevent Allison from taking over Everest Capital. And the mob . . . how do you outsmart the mob without ending up a the bottom of the ocean wearing cement shoes?
Overall, The Protégé is an excellent thriller that will keep the reader totally immersed in the story until they finish the last page, lean back in a chair, and sigh with contentment. I sure hope Frey writes another story about Gillette. I, for one, will be one of the first to read it.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
January 27, 2013
A fast-paced, fun novel that ended up being quite predictable. As head of Everest Capital, a major private equities firm in New York, Christian Gillette found business moving at an extremely fast pace. Thanks to two of his protégées, David Wright and Allison Wallace, Christian Gillette feels at the top of his game as head of Everest Capital. However, when a supposed undercover government agency recruits Gillette and his company to act as a "cutout," a project that exists for purposes of spying, Gillette, along with his protégées-- neither of whom is who he or she pretended to be--walk into a web of financial and political intrigue and suspense. Very enjoyable.
May 9, 2009
Fast-paced like a thriller? Yes, but there can be too much of a good thing, like so fast the author neglects to tie up all the plot strands credibly. Or, not doing basic research (examples: President Truman lived in the Blair House in the 1950s is only half true--see http://www.blairhouse.org/s_r_truman.... -- or the Iranian character who identifies himself as "arabic" -- Iranians are NOT Arabs) Sloppy, and like so many poorly written thrillers, depends on heaping implausibility on top of implausibility.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews