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The Orlov Legacy
After a stranger attacks Charles Barrett, leaving him comatose, his son Alex determines to bring the criminal to justice. As he begins to track him down, he finds unusual clues in a safety deposit box - a map, old photographs, some puzzling letters, and a large antique key. What do they all mean? Why did Alex's father hide his past for so long? And what does this mean about Alex's own identity? Find out in this action-packed novel of espionage and suspense.
386 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 12, 2023
The Orlov Legacy is an interesting, complex story of World War II and Cold War U.S. - Soviet intrigue, although this isn't apparent right away. For those who have seen the TV series, I got a definite "Black List" vibe from it (especially the Black List's early "Berlin" story arc), as it mixes government espionage with international finance and crime and revenge, as well as a "people are not who they seem to be" thread all in one stew pot.
At first, I didn't think I'd be rating this book so high because of how it starts out and introduces the protagonist. When we first meet Alex Barrett, he's presented as a super-competent man who is not only blessed with business and finance acumen, but is also an expert car mechanic, and is a man of high integrity to boot. All that is well and good, but I thought he was being set up as a gifted amateur type a la the standard Dan Brown hero. Without giving any spoilers, I can assure the reader this turns out not to be the case. Alex Barrett is smart and capable, but he is soon in over his head, and what's more, the plot doesn't center as much around him as I thought it would - there is a small cast of characters - including antagonists as well as protagonists - who take the spotlight at various points of the story.
Something else I feel I ought to mention is that this book is published by Deseret Books, which publishes books aimed primarily at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints audience, and I appreciated the absence of offensive language and sex scenes that seem to be de rigueur for mainstream novels of this genre. Also, as I am a member of the LDS Church, the practices and mentions of various aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sprinkled throughout the book (such as, for example, the giving of priesthood blessings and the disciplinary apparatus of the Church) were familiar to me but may seem a bit alien to non-members. But such references are few and far between, although they are usually integral to the plot.
So if you want your action thrillers laced with F-bombs and gratuitous sex, this isn't the novel for you. But if you are looking for a suspenseful, intricate mystery to unravel, then you might want to give The Orlov Legacy a try.
At first, I didn't think I'd be rating this book so high because of how it starts out and introduces the protagonist. When we first meet Alex Barrett, he's presented as a super-competent man who is not only blessed with business and finance acumen, but is also an expert car mechanic, and is a man of high integrity to boot. All that is well and good, but I thought he was being set up as a gifted amateur type a la the standard Dan Brown hero. Without giving any spoilers, I can assure the reader this turns out not to be the case. Alex Barrett is smart and capable, but he is soon in over his head, and what's more, the plot doesn't center as much around him as I thought it would - there is a small cast of characters - including antagonists as well as protagonists - who take the spotlight at various points of the story.
Something else I feel I ought to mention is that this book is published by Deseret Books, which publishes books aimed primarily at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints audience, and I appreciated the absence of offensive language and sex scenes that seem to be de rigueur for mainstream novels of this genre. Also, as I am a member of the LDS Church, the practices and mentions of various aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sprinkled throughout the book (such as, for example, the giving of priesthood blessings and the disciplinary apparatus of the Church) were familiar to me but may seem a bit alien to non-members. But such references are few and far between, although they are usually integral to the plot.
So if you want your action thrillers laced with F-bombs and gratuitous sex, this isn't the novel for you. But if you are looking for a suspenseful, intricate mystery to unravel, then you might want to give The Orlov Legacy a try.
July 3, 2008
I love mysteries/suspense stories and this was a good one. This book was especially good because it didn't have the bad language and gore that are in so many of todays books. It was exciting and captivating.
September 10, 2008
If you are a fan of Russian history, mystery, and a latter-day saint oriented lifestyle this book is for you. It was written by one of my professors in college. My favorite part of the book was the last 100 pages where all of the details came together.
March 28, 2009
Wow! I really enjoy this author! :) His books are fast-paced, creative, and even have a touch of romance from the male perspective (which is refreshing). I'm really looking forward to reading another! :)
October 23, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading it I just couldn't stop. It was a real page turner for me. I have enjoyed all of Robert Marcum's books. This one was no exception. If you want a good action packed page turner read this.
March 19, 2012
This book was actually very exciting. It was written by an LDS author so there is no language, no sex scenes, and better yet no pushy LDS doctrine related things. The characters were simply members. Very good and I do recommend!
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May 19, 2014I love history and fictional history is a great way to learn new aspects of history. I enjoy Robert marcum's style of writing and very much appreciate the lack of explicit material that in no way adds to a story. Thank you for a good clean read.
October 1, 2014
This was a good story overall. I stayed interested clear to the end. However, at times it seemed to me that the characters "knew" things that had not been "told" to their characters and there were a few grammatical and typo errors.
January 26, 2008
A mormon in a Russion spy novel. I really like this author.
May 20, 2008
Really good. Suspenseful and interesting. Good story line with some Russian history.
June 26, 2008
This is my favorite book. I've read it four times now (just finished it again a few weeks ago).
July 31, 2008
written by one of my college religion professors, so curosity got the better of me and i read the book. it wasn't bad. good mystery novel.
November 8, 2008
This was quite the book. Very exciting. Loved it. It is the first Robert Marcum Book I have read. He is an LDS writer.
I think I will look for some more.
I think I will look for some more.
July 2, 2015
The first time I read this I REALLY liked it. This last time I read it it seemed less exciting... Wonder why?
November 12, 2009
An interesting twist on a spy who goes to ground in the 50s, disappears, then re-appears as someone else, joins the Church and attempts to live a full life under the radar. . .
January 7, 2010
I thought this was great reading. Kept you guessing all the time.
May 20, 2010
Ryan and I are reading this together, so it's going a bit slower than if I were reading it alone. But the story is completely intriguing and I can't wait to have the mystery solved!
November 12, 2010
Not a bad book. I don't love this genre, but it kept me entertained. If you don't think about it too much, then it keeps you wrapped up. The characters are like-able, and the story is told well.
June 15, 2011
I've read and reread this one many time. I love the adventure and action!
May 3, 2012
Great book. It kept you wondering what was going to happen next and it was very entertaining.
August 31, 2008
Very fast paced, intense book. LDS based.
September 3, 2008
Another good one. Robert marcum is a really good writer for the teenage LDS reader.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews