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The Swallow

The Swallow by Saul Herzog is a stunning new thriller, a spectacular tour de force, a book that has single-handedly taken the publishing industry and Hollywood rights departments by storm. This novel is the dazzling third installment in the jaw-dropping new series that's on track to break all records. From the mind of one of the most creative and versatile writers working in America today, it 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.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2026

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Saul Herzog

20 books212 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
422 (57%)
4 stars
211 (28%)
3 stars
78 (10%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Frank Dupree.
334 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2026
Checkmate…

The Policeman is opened up to us in this novel. We finally see what 40 years of espionage looks like when a man like The Policeman is on the job. The suspense… riveting. The revelations… incredible. The decision Roman must make… impossible. A great read! Can’t wait for the next one!
441 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2026
Complicated update to books 1 and 2

Bottom line, self preservation dominates human behavior, regardless of the greater good. Only a few rare souls die in selfless commitment to a bigger cause. Can the carefully crafted USA save itself? Can Russia reconfigure its former self? I ordered book 4 to learn who can cope and conquer in the revised world chaos.
3 reviews
July 4, 2026
Another disappointing Herzog Book

Without providing too many spoilers, like in previous books in this series, there are long, drawn-out plot sequences and chase scenes that amount to nothing other than the ultimate triumph of evil over good. The ending of this book was so unsatisfying, as with the others. Perhaps this is all leading up to something but I like to score a few wins for the good guys in each book in a series. This series arc just goes from bad to worse. Not sure I have the patience to hope that the next book will restore order and make it all worthwhile. I feel like Charlie Brown about to trust Lucy to hold the football once more time….
6 reviews
June 18, 2026
Good build ups for the action

I didn’t read Book 2, so maybe I missed the character development, but I found it difficult to identify who was who and to which group they belonged. Struggled throughout the book with this. I was hooked on the story line despite this. Don’t like how it ended. Just a precursor to the next book. I’ll probably read it to see how it ends but it better end with closure!
Profile Image for Sandra Cox.
Author 66 books123 followers
July 23, 2026
THE SWALLOW is the third in the Espionage Thriller Series and every bit as good as THE DISSONANT.
Through subterfuge and violence, the Russians have bought and paid for the new American president, who the American people are welcoming as a hero, having no idea he is hand-in-hand with the Russians. Roman Adler, Foxtrot and Oksana must find a way of taking back the country without starting a civil war.
Highly recommended.


Profile Image for Kathleen.
36 reviews
July 19, 2026
Hard to know where to start with this review. This series is a wild ride. Absolutely impossible to put down once you start with some terrifying implications about our world. Also important to read the epilogue which provides additional historical context. The mystery behind the author adds an additional clandestine feel to the entire series. I can’t wait for book 4. I am hooked!!
10 reviews
June 22, 2026
A Wonderful and Exciting Read

Loved The Swallow and the preceding 2 book series. Well written and easy reading and I couldn’t wait to return. Read in 3 evenings. Loved the characters, Roman-Foxtrot-Oxana. Can’t wait for the next in series.
Profile Image for Lifescore.
68 reviews
June 25, 2026
Master of telling the story

The latest in the series kept me spellbound and I couldn’t put it down. The characters come to life and the flow is at exactly the right pace. Highly recommend starting with book one and follow them in sequence. Now I have to wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Renee Palmer-Fernandez.
1 review
July 1, 2026
Espionage at it's finest

This series is outstanding, written the way it should be: characters that take a life of their own, believable events and wondering what's next! Thrilling and my new favorite series
16 reviews
August 5, 2026
Confusing characters and unbelievable disjointed plo

Main goal of this book is to get you to find out what happens by buying the next book in the series. Very disappointing and a waste of time!
Profile Image for Quentin Feduchin.
415 reviews13 followers
August 6, 2026
Saul Herzog is, IMO, the very best writer of political and espionage fiction.

Each of his books in the series starting with The Honeytrap, then The Dissonant, then The Swallow and I await The Hypersonic in 2027, is a series of books each of more than 600 pages.

I can tell you, it is the very best series on the general subjects that I have shown above, that I have EVER read. The intrigue is utterly amazing.

I envy Mr Herzog a lot. I could have written this kind of stuff, but I have never come close to understanding politics anywhere near his knowledge..

( regrettably I never wrote anything.)
46 reviews
August 20, 2026
Excellent (though painful) plot

How the road to hell is paved with not-so-good intentions - but certainly by following the rules… And how weakness is rewarded by being eaten. Excellent though painful plot, very difficult to put it down.
16 reviews
August 25, 2026
Another page turner

A page turner I couldn’t put down. It kept me up late thinking about present times. Is democracy a thing of the past? What happens with a Russian asset as the president of the USA? Life is short then you die. Herzog shows how expendable we are.
22 reviews
June 13, 2026
so,so

Not exactly my kind of story. Too many players, takes too long to get to the meat of the story. Dragged down by to many political issues. Not interesting. Bored.
1 review
June 15, 2026
The swallow

Not up to first book though neither were. Not believable circumstances in 2nd and third book of series.pick it up Saul
18 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2026
This has been a great series. Lots of twists and turns, and many surprises throughout.
Profile Image for Richard Walter.
9 reviews
June 24, 2026
Just gets better

Another well written and detailed exploration of espionage at its best. Each book surpasses the previous ones. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Jim McIntyre.
31 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2026
Getting better and better

One of your best books Saul. The red binder. Wow. Leaves one pondering. And now the wait for the next!
62 reviews
August 5, 2026
very good

But not as good, tightly written or believable as the prior two books. A bit more deus ex machina. Still a Herzog fan
12 reviews
August 31, 2026
loved it

Couldn’t put it down.
Buckle up, brace yourself, it’s a hell of a ride.
Can’t wait for the next instalments.
Thank you Saul.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews