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Russian Bodyguard #1
Gray Shadows
They live a life of danger, sacrifice, and bravery. They die saving others but get no fame, no medals, and no solemn ceremonies. They are…
GRAY SHADOWS
Nikolai, a bodyguard in the prestigious Centurion Personal Protection agency, is injured in the line of duty. While recovering from his injuries, he is assigned to a new client. An easy case, his boss tells him.
Nikolai travels to a small quiet town north of Siberia to provide protection for a young woman, on her dad’s request. At first, both Nikolai and his boss see the assignment as a whim of a rich overprotective father. But the more Nikolai learns about the town, the oil company that the young woman is working for, and the people involved, the more he encounters secrets, suspicious behaviors, lies, and threats. In an unexpected and frightening course of events, Nikolai’s easy assignment becomes one of the toughest and the most dangerous.
GRAY SHADOWS
Nikolai, a bodyguard in the prestigious Centurion Personal Protection agency, is injured in the line of duty. While recovering from his injuries, he is assigned to a new client. An easy case, his boss tells him.
Nikolai travels to a small quiet town north of Siberia to provide protection for a young woman, on her dad’s request. At first, both Nikolai and his boss see the assignment as a whim of a rich overprotective father. But the more Nikolai learns about the town, the oil company that the young woman is working for, and the people involved, the more he encounters secrets, suspicious behaviors, lies, and threats. In an unexpected and frightening course of events, Nikolai’s easy assignment becomes one of the toughest and the most dangerous.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2014
28 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gousseva
25 books33 followersJulia Gousseva was born and raised in Russia when it was still a part of the Soviet Union, or USSR. For a long time, Russia was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and had a mysterious image of the Evil Empire to many Westerners, specifically Americans. But Russia was a mystery not just to outsiders, but to its own people as well. One of Julia's college history professors used to refer to Russia as a country with unpredictable past. Why? Because every time a new leader came to power, all state-issued history books were changed and rewritten. And all history books were state-issued.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 14, 2014
Like her previous books, this book is imbued by Russian culture. Author Jullia Gousseva carries the landscapes of her Russian motherland. They are lit with the memory of many historical events, and in Gray Shadows she uses this heritage as a vivid backdrop for a new and exciting action-filled suspense thriller, with cinematic scenes and fast-paced dialogue.
The story opens with deceptive calm: “Everything was exactly like it was supposed to be. So far, the only unusual thing that winter morning was the bright sun that enveloped Moscow with a surreal warm glow.” This ‘Russian soul’ sustains the story in every twist and turn from that page. on.
Twenty-eight year-old Nikolai is a “tall, fit, muscular, and with prior military experience” bodyguard. In spite of the affection between him and Olga, the difference between them is subtly drawn: “He felt out of place with these wealthy people… Over the last few years, she had grown accustomed to this lifestyle. Nikolai had not.”
He is assigned to watch over a rebellious twenty-two year-old Natalya, who has accepted a position as a translator in Siberia. Recovering from an injury from his previous assignment, Nikolai assumes that protecting a spoiled rich girl will be a simple task. But in the oil refinery plant in the northern region of Siberia, nothing is as it seems, and Nikilai hast to sort out fact from falsehood in this strange, frigid world. “He watched the bleak landscape roll by: the tall mounds of snow, the dwarf trees, and the low darkening sky.”
Indeed, with such a banal assignment, and a seemingly innocent client, what’s the worst that can happen? No spoilers here, except to say this: find out.
five stars.
The story opens with deceptive calm: “Everything was exactly like it was supposed to be. So far, the only unusual thing that winter morning was the bright sun that enveloped Moscow with a surreal warm glow.” This ‘Russian soul’ sustains the story in every twist and turn from that page. on.
Twenty-eight year-old Nikolai is a “tall, fit, muscular, and with prior military experience” bodyguard. In spite of the affection between him and Olga, the difference between them is subtly drawn: “He felt out of place with these wealthy people… Over the last few years, she had grown accustomed to this lifestyle. Nikolai had not.”
He is assigned to watch over a rebellious twenty-two year-old Natalya, who has accepted a position as a translator in Siberia. Recovering from an injury from his previous assignment, Nikolai assumes that protecting a spoiled rich girl will be a simple task. But in the oil refinery plant in the northern region of Siberia, nothing is as it seems, and Nikilai hast to sort out fact from falsehood in this strange, frigid world. “He watched the bleak landscape roll by: the tall mounds of snow, the dwarf trees, and the low darkening sky.”
Indeed, with such a banal assignment, and a seemingly innocent client, what’s the worst that can happen? No spoilers here, except to say this: find out.
five stars.
August 5, 2014
“Gray Shadows” by Julia Gousseva is a dark and atmospheric thriller about bodyguards, in particular about 28 year old Nikolai. Ex-army, equipped with a sharp mind and a moral conscience and in love with Olga he suffers an injury while protecting an important lawyer. Too eager on the job to go into teaching he takes on an odd assignment, involving the 22 year old Natalja in a small place in the polar regions north of Siberia. However, the seemingly straight forward job turns out to be far more complex and twisted than one would have expected.
The book builds up the tension and the suspense with great timing, leaving us unprepared for the direction the plot takes. The scene setting is particularly well done. I am a big fan of Scandinavian and Nordic crime fiction and hugely enjoyed how the author let me feel the bleakness of the Russian arctic setting. Without the distractions of luxuries and civilisation the story becomes intimate immediately and intense.
Nikolai is an interesting character who’s been given enough background and inner conflict to distinguish him from other heroes and to set him up for the series. Oil, corporate and governmental interests, corruption and deceit all come into play.
A new star on the horizon of crime fiction and a promising start to this new series.
The book builds up the tension and the suspense with great timing, leaving us unprepared for the direction the plot takes. The scene setting is particularly well done. I am a big fan of Scandinavian and Nordic crime fiction and hugely enjoyed how the author let me feel the bleakness of the Russian arctic setting. Without the distractions of luxuries and civilisation the story becomes intimate immediately and intense.
Nikolai is an interesting character who’s been given enough background and inner conflict to distinguish him from other heroes and to set him up for the series. Oil, corporate and governmental interests, corruption and deceit all come into play.
A new star on the horizon of crime fiction and a promising start to this new series.
August 9, 2014
There are some very chilling goings on at an oil refinery plant in the uppermost region of Siberia in Luzinsk, Russia and it’s not just the frigid temperatures. Seems there is somone or something who wishes to get their hands on this company. There is only one man for the job. Nikolai, a high profile, top notch bodyguard from Moscow who accepts the job under false pretenses.He is assigned to guard the daughter of prestigious banker. Once on the job he uses his vast knowledge and experience to know all is not what it seems. The plant has been hacked into, invaded by unseen forces that do not go unnoticed by Nikolai who will become the number one man to crack this case. There is a surprise twist at the end. It was a real shocker!
I loved the character of Nikolai with his unyielding dedication and topnotch investigative skills, but such a failure if the area of his love life. The author depicted the setting so vividly I could almost feel the chill in the air as the characters spend their days in this God forsaken territory. I enjoyed being immersed in the Russian culture which added intrigue to this novel. Get lost in this novel and take a journey to a faraway place.
I loved the character of Nikolai with his unyielding dedication and topnotch investigative skills, but such a failure if the area of his love life. The author depicted the setting so vividly I could almost feel the chill in the air as the characters spend their days in this God forsaken territory. I enjoyed being immersed in the Russian culture which added intrigue to this novel. Get lost in this novel and take a journey to a faraway place.
August 7, 2014
"Gray Shadows" by Julia Gousseva had me riveted from the first page. Nikolai is a Russian bodyguard assigned to watch over a rebellious 22 year-old girl named Natalya, who has accepted a prestigious position as a translator in Siberia. Nikolai treks to this dark and desolate land, where he uncovers even darker secrets.
This book is equal parts mystery, thriller, and character study, and its numerous strong subplots kept me interested until the end. Combine that with love, loss, and betrayal, and you have a winning book.
I would recommend "Gray Shadows" to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers with an undertone of romance, set in exotic locales. Gousseva's vivid characters and descriptions brought the story to life. I'm excited for the next book in the Russian Bodyguard series!
This book is equal parts mystery, thriller, and character study, and its numerous strong subplots kept me interested until the end. Combine that with love, loss, and betrayal, and you have a winning book.
I would recommend "Gray Shadows" to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers with an undertone of romance, set in exotic locales. Gousseva's vivid characters and descriptions brought the story to life. I'm excited for the next book in the Russian Bodyguard series!
September 7, 2014
What I love the most from international authors writing in a language I can pick up is the opportunity offered to me of knowing a bit more about places I won't probably ever visit.
Gray Shadow pictures and amazing portrait of Russia, especially the adventurous Siberia.
Mrs Gousseva has an excellent voice while describing facts, making me turn the pages restlessly. Nicolai is such a charming character easily to fall for.
Some scenes are very clear into my mind, like I was watching a film. They recall me a bit the best Luc Besson's movies.
Twist and turns, an intriguing detective story and a romance line in the background: Gray Shadows is a great start for the series I am really looking forward to.
Gray Shadow pictures and amazing portrait of Russia, especially the adventurous Siberia.
Mrs Gousseva has an excellent voice while describing facts, making me turn the pages restlessly. Nicolai is such a charming character easily to fall for.
Some scenes are very clear into my mind, like I was watching a film. They recall me a bit the best Luc Besson's movies.
Twist and turns, an intriguing detective story and a romance line in the background: Gray Shadows is a great start for the series I am really looking forward to.
May 27, 2018
After reading Julia Gousseva’s two books I quickly became a fan of her writing. Nikolai Volkov books quickly became my new favorite series: intriguing, compelling, tension-filled and impossible to put down. Set in the far North of Russia, in a small town which only treasure is oil, this first book in the series takes a reader on an unforgettable journey through the snow and cold, to the lawless New Russia, where money buys everything and human lives mean nothing. Among all this new order, Nikolai Volkov, who found his place in the new post-Soviet world as a private bodyguard, becomes someone who is easy to identify with and root for, as he still cherishes such eternal values as honor, bravery and the power of an oath. Besides the riveting plot, what I loved in this particular installment was little recollections of Nikolai’s past, where he ponders the old, simple Soviet life and the young idealist he used to be. Supporting characters, and especially Pyotr Alekseevich - the director of the oil company - were also wonderfully written and easy to connect with. And the ending, I definitely didn’t see such a twist coming! Can’t wait to start book 2!
September 7, 2018
I recently read and enjoyed Lethal Cargo (3rd book in this series about a Russian bodyguard) so thought I would pick up Gray Shadows, the first book in the series.
The book starts off a little slower as the author introduces Nikolai and the political period of change in Russia but it quickly gets going.
Nikolai has been injured and while recovering is given what he considers to be a "nannying job." His new client is an over-protective father of a 22-year-old interpreter. Her assignment is in the far north oil fields to assist in finalising contract details for a mining operation in Luzinsk. Nikolai is to accompany her and keep her out of trouble.
All, however, is not as it seems and powerful forces want to gain control of the profitable oil fields. I can't say more without revealing the plot.
A very enjoyable read with an interesting central character, Nikolai the bodyguard. Supporting characters and the setting add to the story making it an original and intriguing series. Looking forward to book 2.
Recommend.
The book starts off a little slower as the author introduces Nikolai and the political period of change in Russia but it quickly gets going.
Nikolai has been injured and while recovering is given what he considers to be a "nannying job." His new client is an over-protective father of a 22-year-old interpreter. Her assignment is in the far north oil fields to assist in finalising contract details for a mining operation in Luzinsk. Nikolai is to accompany her and keep her out of trouble.
All, however, is not as it seems and powerful forces want to gain control of the profitable oil fields. I can't say more without revealing the plot.
A very enjoyable read with an interesting central character, Nikolai the bodyguard. Supporting characters and the setting add to the story making it an original and intriguing series. Looking forward to book 2.
Recommend.
January 27, 2017
Fast paced suspense with lots of twists and turns. Written by a Russian expat now living in the US. The protagonist is former military living in Moscow and working as a bodyguard. He is good at detection and investigation,and has a healthy sense of paranoia. This does not endear him to his girlfriend, however. The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers. I really enjoyed this small view into life in post cold war Russia.
Jack De Golia does a great job of approximating a Russian accent without making it too difficult for most to understand. Excellent work!
I requested and received a free review copy from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
Jack De Golia does a great job of approximating a Russian accent without making it too difficult for most to understand. Excellent work!
I requested and received a free review copy from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
March 30, 2018
READ IN A DAY
This was a good read and I enjoyed it enormously. Fascinating facts about Russia and areas around the Arctic Circle. It read well, the characters jumped off the pages and I loved the twist at the end which I did not see coming. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’m on the hunt now for the next in the series.
This was a good read and I enjoyed it enormously. Fascinating facts about Russia and areas around the Arctic Circle. It read well, the characters jumped off the pages and I loved the twist at the end which I did not see coming. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’m on the hunt now for the next in the series.
November 16, 2014
I highly enjoyed this thriller that takes place in Russia and is centered around a young bodyguard named Nikolai. After being injured on the job in Moscow, he takes an assignment that should have been easy, but it ends up being much more dangerous than he ever would have imagined. He has to stay up north in an isolated town where he watches over a wealthy, young woman who is working as a translator for an oil company.
While reading this, I could vividly picture this cold, dark town where they were staying. And when I say cold, I mean really cold. It's the type of place that very few people can handle living in; the winter months are long with hardly any daylight, it snows frequently, and the temperatures are so low that it's unbearable to be outside for too long. It's the kind of place that I would avoid at all costs! The winters in Pennsylvania where I live are bad enough; I couldn't even fathom how difficult it would be to live there. But I still liked the setting; it lent an interesting atmospheric quality to the story, and it really did seem like a different world. I was just glad I wasn't actually there!
I also really loved the main character, Nikolai. He was knowledgeable and experienced, and it was clear he took his job very seriously. If you ever end up needing a bodyguard, he's the kind of guy you'd want to hire! He seemed to think of just about everything, and the tricks he used were fascinating. It seemed that the author either already knows a lot about security, or she did her research very well.
I was surprised by the plot twists in this book, so I will refrain from saying too much! It just really didn't go in the direction that I would have expected so that it made it even more enjoyable. All in all, this was a well-written novel with an intriguing story, and I would definitely recommend it!
While reading this, I could vividly picture this cold, dark town where they were staying. And when I say cold, I mean really cold. It's the type of place that very few people can handle living in; the winter months are long with hardly any daylight, it snows frequently, and the temperatures are so low that it's unbearable to be outside for too long. It's the kind of place that I would avoid at all costs! The winters in Pennsylvania where I live are bad enough; I couldn't even fathom how difficult it would be to live there. But I still liked the setting; it lent an interesting atmospheric quality to the story, and it really did seem like a different world. I was just glad I wasn't actually there!
I also really loved the main character, Nikolai. He was knowledgeable and experienced, and it was clear he took his job very seriously. If you ever end up needing a bodyguard, he's the kind of guy you'd want to hire! He seemed to think of just about everything, and the tricks he used were fascinating. It seemed that the author either already knows a lot about security, or she did her research very well.
I was surprised by the plot twists in this book, so I will refrain from saying too much! It just really didn't go in the direction that I would have expected so that it made it even more enjoyable. All in all, this was a well-written novel with an intriguing story, and I would definitely recommend it!
February 23, 2015
The Russian Federation has gone through a constant evolution since the fall of the Soviet Union on December 26, 1991. The fall put them in a stage of instability and corruption as they started to build a capitalistic system where none had ever been. The government was no longer able to support the populace as it once had and many citizens in virtual destitution looked back at the Soviet days with nostalgic regret. Life wasn’t more dangerous for the citizens but the danger no longer came from the government through its many controlling agencies. The danger came from within their numbers and the previously all controlling organizations were helpless against the terror now waged against society. Nikolai, ex-military turned personal bodyguard, takes his job seriously and this makes him a highly sought after commodity. When he takes on the job to protect Natalya Abramova, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Natalya, a young, rich and spoiled Moscow socialite/interpreter has been given a job with an oil company. Luzinsk Oil worked oilfields within the Arctic Circle and their offices were in the small town of Upper Luzinsk. During the winter months this place gives a whole new meaning to cold. The seclusion and cold should have insured peace and perpetual boredom but when death threats and possible murder came into play it was a new game. Unlimited wealth attracts unscrupulous people that will do anything to get a piece (or all) of the pie. With the use of observation and logic that would impress even that greatest of snoops Sherlock Holms, Nikolai sets his sights at solving the mystery and foiling the plot, thus saving the day. This is an espionage thriller from the other side and it is sure to whet many a whistle.
January 2, 2015
Publisher's Summary
They live a life of danger, sacrifice, and bravery. They die saving others but get no fame, no medals, and no solemn ceremonies. They are…
Gray Shadows.
Nikolai, a bodyguard in the prestigious Centurion Personal Protection agency, is injured in the line of duty. While recovering from his injuries, he is assigned to a new client. An easy case, his boss tells him.
Nikolai travels to a small quiet town north of Siberia to provide protection for a young woman, on her dad’s request. At first, both Nikolai and his boss see the assignment as a whim of a rich overprotective father. But the more Nikolai learns about the town, the oil company that the young woman is working for, and the people involved, the more he encounters secrets, suspicious behaviors, lies, and threats. In an unexpected and frightening course of events, Nikolai’s easy assignment becomes one of the toughest and the most dangerous.
©2014 Julia Gousseva (P)2014 Julia Gousseva
My Review
Fast paced, excitement all the way, you won't want to stop listening to this story.
Wonderful evocative writing, listening to the narrator describing the Siberian landscape is enough to make you shiver with the coldness!
Twists and plots galore, with a great ending.
Narration
Jack de Golia was the perfect choice, he has that wonderful noir, gangster edge to his voice, his characterisations, rythymn and tone brought much enjoyment to the listening experience.
This book is perfect for audio
They live a life of danger, sacrifice, and bravery. They die saving others but get no fame, no medals, and no solemn ceremonies. They are…
Gray Shadows.
Nikolai, a bodyguard in the prestigious Centurion Personal Protection agency, is injured in the line of duty. While recovering from his injuries, he is assigned to a new client. An easy case, his boss tells him.
Nikolai travels to a small quiet town north of Siberia to provide protection for a young woman, on her dad’s request. At first, both Nikolai and his boss see the assignment as a whim of a rich overprotective father. But the more Nikolai learns about the town, the oil company that the young woman is working for, and the people involved, the more he encounters secrets, suspicious behaviors, lies, and threats. In an unexpected and frightening course of events, Nikolai’s easy assignment becomes one of the toughest and the most dangerous.
©2014 Julia Gousseva (P)2014 Julia Gousseva
My Review
Fast paced, excitement all the way, you won't want to stop listening to this story.
Wonderful evocative writing, listening to the narrator describing the Siberian landscape is enough to make you shiver with the coldness!
Twists and plots galore, with a great ending.
Narration
Jack de Golia was the perfect choice, he has that wonderful noir, gangster edge to his voice, his characterisations, rythymn and tone brought much enjoyment to the listening experience.
This book is perfect for audio
October 2, 2014
Trudging through the tundra in Siberia certainly is not high on my list. Protecting a spoiled girl in a remote village in Komi Republic near the Russian Arctic Circle sits on the bottom. But that’s what Nikolai finds himself doing.
Nikolai is a bodyguard. He sleeps, eats, thinks protection and he is good at his job. His clients are high level Russian executives, executives who don’t always agree with the new Russian political environment. When one such client was the subject of a drive by shooting, it was Nikolai who took the bullet, allowing his client to get away with only a few scratches.
Now, on light duty to recuperate, he finds himself trudging through wind driven snow, on a barely lit path, in a compound of ancient buildings near the arctic circle. Why? To protect Natalya, spoiled by her nouveau riche father, who has taken a position as a translator for Luzinsk Oil.
Julia Gousseva paints the picture of the remote village so clearly that I felt myself getting cold as I sat on my recliner reading Gray Shadows. “This should be a simple project” said his boss Anatoly. Little did he know at the time.
Read more of my review at: http://mvp-books.com/c6d7
Nikolai is a bodyguard. He sleeps, eats, thinks protection and he is good at his job. His clients are high level Russian executives, executives who don’t always agree with the new Russian political environment. When one such client was the subject of a drive by shooting, it was Nikolai who took the bullet, allowing his client to get away with only a few scratches.
Now, on light duty to recuperate, he finds himself trudging through wind driven snow, on a barely lit path, in a compound of ancient buildings near the arctic circle. Why? To protect Natalya, spoiled by her nouveau riche father, who has taken a position as a translator for Luzinsk Oil.
Julia Gousseva paints the picture of the remote village so clearly that I felt myself getting cold as I sat on my recliner reading Gray Shadows. “This should be a simple project” said his boss Anatoly. Little did he know at the time.
Read more of my review at: http://mvp-books.com/c6d7
August 15, 2014
Gray Shadows by Julia Gousseva is another best seller from this author!
This is an engrossing page-turner with great suspense. Some twists and turns and a little historical fiction set the tone for this thriller.
I have read other books by this wonderful author and she always weaves a great story-line with descriptions that you can literally become a part of.
I have to admit that I am in awe of this author and her unique writing styles and love each of her books differently. This is different from the her other books, ( A Thriller). The creativity in which she writes will keep the reader spellbound and on the edge of their seat!
There are characters such as Nikolai which will keep the reader turning the pages with this mystery and with his assignment (Natalya) and a frigid Siberia.
What you might expect to happen and should be predictable is not. What really happens will shock and surprise the reader.
Well done Julia Gousseva! This is a definite 5 star book and I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book!
This is an engrossing page-turner with great suspense. Some twists and turns and a little historical fiction set the tone for this thriller.
I have read other books by this wonderful author and she always weaves a great story-line with descriptions that you can literally become a part of.
I have to admit that I am in awe of this author and her unique writing styles and love each of her books differently. This is different from the her other books, ( A Thriller). The creativity in which she writes will keep the reader spellbound and on the edge of their seat!
There are characters such as Nikolai which will keep the reader turning the pages with this mystery and with his assignment (Natalya) and a frigid Siberia.
What you might expect to happen and should be predictable is not. What really happens will shock and surprise the reader.
Well done Julia Gousseva! This is a definite 5 star book and I am waiting on pins and needles for the next book!
January 12, 2015
Our likeable nero Nikolai is a bodyguard in the new Russia. Injured in his last case, he's given an 'easy' job by his boss: guarding a young woman who's traveling nearly to the Arctic circle in order to translate for an oil drilling company there. (There are Canadian engineers working with the Russians.)
His charge isn't the one who wanted a bodyguard; it was her wealthy father who hired Nikolai's company. He's fearful for his daughter's safety although neither Nicholai nor his boss understand why. The town is quiet and the company is legitimate. Perhaps the father is simply rich and paranoid.
But Nikolai soon learns nothing is as it seems. As he gives tips on security to the old security man at the company and finds things like cut fences and an unexplained murder, he realizes something's going on behind the scenes. Soon he has to call his boss for backup.
Exciting twists and turns with some lessons in bodyguarding.
Good read.
His charge isn't the one who wanted a bodyguard; it was her wealthy father who hired Nikolai's company. He's fearful for his daughter's safety although neither Nicholai nor his boss understand why. The town is quiet and the company is legitimate. Perhaps the father is simply rich and paranoid.
But Nikolai soon learns nothing is as it seems. As he gives tips on security to the old security man at the company and finds things like cut fences and an unexplained murder, he realizes something's going on behind the scenes. Soon he has to call his boss for backup.
Exciting twists and turns with some lessons in bodyguarding.
Good read.
September 25, 2014
At the beginning of the story, set during the period of the change-over from the public-owned system of the USSR to the mad scramble for privatization, we meet Nikolai, a bodyguard, whose job is to protect a lawyer, Vasily Petrovich, as shown in a subsequent assassination attempt. Nikolai is often nostalgic for the old, comfortable certainties of the USSR, and wary of the new Russia with its greater opportunities and, brought along in their wake, its greater dangers. We meet a host of characters such as Olga, Nikolai's girlfriend, and Natalya, a spoilt, rich, but sexy brat he is hired to protect. He accompanies her to the snowy, northern wastes of Upper Luzinsk, rich in oil deposits, where there unfolds a plot of mystery, suspense and corporate corruption. This is a tale which blends together capitalistic deals and subterfuge with thrills, spills, crime and murder. A tour de force.
November 29, 2014
Exhilarating and suspense to the max!!!
A gripping read from Gousseva in this captivating and thrilling read.
I absolutely loved the way the author is gifted to provide the reader with a strong, powerful experience.
Nikolai is a bodyguard protecting, serious and empowering. The narration is crisp and clever.
Plot twists abound - very descriptive in nature - 5 super ***** to Gray Shadows.
Can't wait for another installment!
A gripping read from Gousseva in this captivating and thrilling read.
I absolutely loved the way the author is gifted to provide the reader with a strong, powerful experience.
Nikolai is a bodyguard protecting, serious and empowering. The narration is crisp and clever.
Plot twists abound - very descriptive in nature - 5 super ***** to Gray Shadows.
Can't wait for another installment!
June 11, 2018
Generally, this exciting novel is about the industrial espionage in modern-day Russia.
The story begins with Nikolai Volkov, a private bodyguard with a prior military experience, becoming injured on a job in Moscow. After healing a bit, he urges his company to send him on a job; however, what Nikolai’s boss deemed an easy job for him ends up with a lot more risks than expected.
The job involves guarding a young rich woman who will be working as a translator for an oil company in a town to the north of Siberia. Somehow, throughout the book, the things turn out to be much different than originally planned and Nikolai becomes a bodyguard to the head of the oil company and encounters suspicious and frightening events while figuring out who’s out to get the best of the company he is working for.
The story although full of suspense is character-based and the descriptions of the locations and other things are incomparable. Also, the main character’s flashbacks of his earlier life, although not too detailed, add to the enjoyment of the novel. Then, kudos for the twist at the end which was stunning and totally unexpected.
On the other hand, a few things he solved at the end were puzzling to me as to the time he spent doing those is a mystery because the novel’s action and narration seemed to account for almost every minute of his time. I ended up wondering, ‘when did he go there and when did he saw that?’
I found this story to be exciting and very interesting partly because I didn’t know people could live to the north of Siberia, let alone have a town around the oil fields, isolated though it was. More than everything, it was heartening to know how people are alike in the world in their lawlessness when lured by sudden and easy treasure and that there are still brave people like Nikolai with admirable values.
The story begins with Nikolai Volkov, a private bodyguard with a prior military experience, becoming injured on a job in Moscow. After healing a bit, he urges his company to send him on a job; however, what Nikolai’s boss deemed an easy job for him ends up with a lot more risks than expected.
The job involves guarding a young rich woman who will be working as a translator for an oil company in a town to the north of Siberia. Somehow, throughout the book, the things turn out to be much different than originally planned and Nikolai becomes a bodyguard to the head of the oil company and encounters suspicious and frightening events while figuring out who’s out to get the best of the company he is working for.
The story although full of suspense is character-based and the descriptions of the locations and other things are incomparable. Also, the main character’s flashbacks of his earlier life, although not too detailed, add to the enjoyment of the novel. Then, kudos for the twist at the end which was stunning and totally unexpected.
On the other hand, a few things he solved at the end were puzzling to me as to the time he spent doing those is a mystery because the novel’s action and narration seemed to account for almost every minute of his time. I ended up wondering, ‘when did he go there and when did he saw that?’
I found this story to be exciting and very interesting partly because I didn’t know people could live to the north of Siberia, let alone have a town around the oil fields, isolated though it was. More than everything, it was heartening to know how people are alike in the world in their lawlessness when lured by sudden and easy treasure and that there are still brave people like Nikolai with admirable values.
April 10, 2018
Since reading the wonderful, Lethal Cargo, I had been anxious to go back and get to know Nikolai. Julia Gousseva has such a beautiful writing style that takes you right to where the characters are and lets you feel what they are feeling. Nikolai starts this injured and in a low place but things quickly pick up when he takes what he thinks will be an easy assignment. More than Natalja's personalty is going to be trouble for him. As things unfold he realizes that not only does she need his protection, but things are much more dangerous than anyone expected.
This is a fast-paced read that I listened to in an afternoon as I was gripped by the story and unable to stop myself from devouring it. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a wonderful job of bring the characters and their world to life. It was brilliant to get to know Nikolai and I really look forward to the next part.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, with a rich setting and great characters, you can't go wrong with this.
This is a fast-paced read that I listened to in an afternoon as I was gripped by the story and unable to stop myself from devouring it. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a wonderful job of bring the characters and their world to life. It was brilliant to get to know Nikolai and I really look forward to the next part.
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, with a rich setting and great characters, you can't go wrong with this.
March 4, 2018
The story starts out at a good and interesting clip with the introduction of a bodyguard Nikolai. He’s on a job with one of the executives for the agency he works for when they are ambushed and he gets shot in the leg. Once healed, a wealthy man who is the father to a young beautiful, rich Natayla hires him. Nikoli thinks it’ll be an easy job but his assumptions prove to be anything but easy as he’s flung into a company that deals in deceit, corruption, blackmail, threats, and much worse. Set on the backdrop of a freezing environment in Russia adds to the scenes and action. As does the insertion of Russian history involving an earlier coup, etc. There is no lack of action and conflict to propel the story along. It was enjoyable right down to the unexpected ending.
March 15, 2018
I enjoyed Gray Shadows (Russian Bodyguard Series Book 1) The story depicting a Russian Bodyguard who thinks he is going on a run of the mill assignment to watch over a young woman, takes a few twists and turns and becomes an edge of the seat thriller.
Well written with fabulous descriptions of the setting and action which is nail-biting at times. The story was a pretty simple one, to begin with, but when the bodyguard and his ward arrive in an isolated town in the north the tension builds beautifully with death, threats and a mystery that must be solved quickly.
Well written with fabulous descriptions of the setting and action which is nail-biting at times. The story was a pretty simple one, to begin with, but when the bodyguard and his ward arrive in an isolated town in the north the tension builds beautifully with death, threats and a mystery that must be solved quickly.
January 5, 2019
Captures the Feel of Russia
The grey shadow is a bodyguard, always at hand but not seen. This story provides a great example of personal protection in action. Much of the action takes place near the Arctic Circle in extreme cold. The characters are realistic and likeable. The style of writing provides action and environment without getting in the way. The book gives interesting knowledge while telling a story with a twist at the end.
The grey shadow is a bodyguard, always at hand but not seen. This story provides a great example of personal protection in action. Much of the action takes place near the Arctic Circle in extreme cold. The characters are realistic and likeable. The style of writing provides action and environment without getting in the way. The book gives interesting knowledge while telling a story with a twist at the end.
June 24, 2020
Nikolai needing time to heal from the last job. Was assigned to a small town close to Siberia, by the father for protection of his daughter. He soon found this little town had secrets, and where the daughter work. Turned out to be a rough, hazardous job. Will written intrigue with the background of Russia. The narration was clear and excellent. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
May 17, 2018
A great novel
First suspense novel that I have read by Julia. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was hard to put down.I have read several novels with a story line in Germany and Russia lately, that's what drew me to read it. Great book. I recommend it and I will be reading other novels by Julia.
First suspense novel that I have read by Julia. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was hard to put down.I have read several novels with a story line in Germany and Russia lately, that's what drew me to read it. Great book. I recommend it and I will be reading other novels by Julia.
December 24, 2018
This was a really great book. This is the second book I've read by the author. I love books that take place in Russia, especially little-known areas. This book had a lot of excitement and an unexpected twist at the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 18, 2019
Interesting book. Fast easy read. may have to check out more of this authors work.
May 18, 2020
This was a good book with a great narrator!Jack de Golia will be wonderful for this series.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 11, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"".. to keep that bullet from flying.""
A book with so much to offer
Firstly, it is impeccably character based, the atmospheric locations also feeding into the personality. Nicholai is a bodyguard, Russian, living in Moscow, recently wounded and impatient to get back to work. Not yet fully fit for his regular duties, he is given a choice - office work and training new bodyguards or escorting a young woman who's father says he wants someone to protect her, mostly from herself, as she leaves for her first job away from home, interpreting for an oil company in a town in the Arctic circle. He chooses to accompany the spirited young woman.
The apparently leisurely pace of the novel belies how much the reader is given and is never, for one moment, dull as the ethos of the bodyguards unfold - not the usual strong man shoot to kill and be willing to take a bullet for the client, but instead a far more thoughtful approach, to be a "grey shadow, unseen, unheard, unnoticed" and always, always vigillent, stopping trouble before it can start.
Secondly, the writing style and mix of text and dialogue is beautifully honed as the reader is immersed in the locations, the people, the nation and the slowly evolving plot. And hand in hand with the writing goes the superb narration of Jack de Golia, whose pleasant sounding performance paces perfectly with the text. Each character is different and convincingly voiced, whether male or female, with authentic sounding accents but not so much that they cannot easily be understood. And he becomes the bodyguard who's so central to the story.
And finally the story itself, a tale of detection, to prevent - well, you will have to hear it for yourself to find out.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me Gray Shadows, via Audiobook Boom. Unexpected, it was a leisurely paced thriller but full of tension and I didn't want it to end. This is the start of what looks like becoming an unforgettable series.
"".. to keep that bullet from flying.""
A book with so much to offer
Firstly, it is impeccably character based, the atmospheric locations also feeding into the personality. Nicholai is a bodyguard, Russian, living in Moscow, recently wounded and impatient to get back to work. Not yet fully fit for his regular duties, he is given a choice - office work and training new bodyguards or escorting a young woman who's father says he wants someone to protect her, mostly from herself, as she leaves for her first job away from home, interpreting for an oil company in a town in the Arctic circle. He chooses to accompany the spirited young woman.
The apparently leisurely pace of the novel belies how much the reader is given and is never, for one moment, dull as the ethos of the bodyguards unfold - not the usual strong man shoot to kill and be willing to take a bullet for the client, but instead a far more thoughtful approach, to be a "grey shadow, unseen, unheard, unnoticed" and always, always vigillent, stopping trouble before it can start.
Secondly, the writing style and mix of text and dialogue is beautifully honed as the reader is immersed in the locations, the people, the nation and the slowly evolving plot. And hand in hand with the writing goes the superb narration of Jack de Golia, whose pleasant sounding performance paces perfectly with the text. Each character is different and convincingly voiced, whether male or female, with authentic sounding accents but not so much that they cannot easily be understood. And he becomes the bodyguard who's so central to the story.
And finally the story itself, a tale of detection, to prevent - well, you will have to hear it for yourself to find out.
My thanks to the rights holder for gifting me Gray Shadows, via Audiobook Boom. Unexpected, it was a leisurely paced thriller but full of tension and I didn't want it to end. This is the start of what looks like becoming an unforgettable series.
July 27, 2016
To be really honest, I am feeling bad that apparently I am the only one who did not think this book was this good...
I struggled to get to the 85% of this book, and this is when it starts to get good... In my humble opinion the story is too shallow, there are lots of mixed stories that are not really relevant; I also thought most of the dialogues were not that interesting...
I hope to read another book from the author and then change my opinion, because this one was tough to read.
I struggled to get to the 85% of this book, and this is when it starts to get good... In my humble opinion the story is too shallow, there are lots of mixed stories that are not really relevant; I also thought most of the dialogues were not that interesting...
I hope to read another book from the author and then change my opinion, because this one was tough to read.
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