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Prague Thrillers #1
Escape to Perdition
Sometimes the only choice is an escape to perdition. A debut thriller for fans of John Le Carré and Stella Rimington.
Prague 2015. Herbert Biely, aged hero of the Prague Spring, stands on the brink of an historic victory, poised to reunite the Czech and Slovak Republics 26 years after the Velvet Revolution. The imminent Czech elections are the final stage in realizing his dream of reunification, but other parties have their own agendas and plans for the fate of the region. A shadowy collective, masked as an innocuous European Union Institute, will do anything to preserve the status quo. Institute operative Peter Lowe’s mission is to prevent reunification by the most drastic of measures. Yet Peter is not all that he seems—a deeply troubled man, desperate to escape the past, his resentment towards himself, his assignment, and his superiors deepens as he questions not just the cause, but his growing feelings for the mission target. As alliances shift and the election countdown begins, Prague becomes the focal point for intrigue on an international scale. The body count rises, options fade, and Peter’s path to redemption is clouded in a maelstrom of love, deception, and murder—can he confront his past to save the future?
Prague 2015. Herbert Biely, aged hero of the Prague Spring, stands on the brink of an historic victory, poised to reunite the Czech and Slovak Republics 26 years after the Velvet Revolution. The imminent Czech elections are the final stage in realizing his dream of reunification, but other parties have their own agendas and plans for the fate of the region. A shadowy collective, masked as an innocuous European Union Institute, will do anything to preserve the status quo. Institute operative Peter Lowe’s mission is to prevent reunification by the most drastic of measures. Yet Peter is not all that he seems—a deeply troubled man, desperate to escape the past, his resentment towards himself, his assignment, and his superiors deepens as he questions not just the cause, but his growing feelings for the mission target. As alliances shift and the election countdown begins, Prague becomes the focal point for intrigue on an international scale. The body count rises, options fade, and Peter’s path to redemption is clouded in a maelstrom of love, deception, and murder—can he confront his past to save the future?
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2015
75 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 9, 2017
I'm not normally 'into' international political thrillers due to being very naive about politics and hopeless at geography! However "Escape To Perdition" written by James Silvester is a brilliantly executed and intriguing thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It took a few pages for me to understand the history of Czechoslovakia but the way the author writes so interesting and descriptively you soon start to follow the tense story and easily become very connected to Prague. By the end of the second chapter I was quite shocked as to where the characters were taking the plot. There's some very strong characters in this book and I particularly liked the main protagonist Peter Lowe - being an engaging anti-hero you can't help but have empathy for him, and his relationship with his friend Rasti was great to read.
"Escape To Perdition" is an exceptionally written debut novel, the amount of research that must have been carried out is phenomenal and it's obvious how much passion the author has for this part of the world. Just from reading this book I feel that I have learnt so much!
I can quite easily see this being made into a movie - in fact it's ready made for it. There is also a second book out, the recently published "The Prague Ultimatum" which I also have to read and I look forward to revisiting beautiful Prague again soon.
It took a few pages for me to understand the history of Czechoslovakia but the way the author writes so interesting and descriptively you soon start to follow the tense story and easily become very connected to Prague. By the end of the second chapter I was quite shocked as to where the characters were taking the plot. There's some very strong characters in this book and I particularly liked the main protagonist Peter Lowe - being an engaging anti-hero you can't help but have empathy for him, and his relationship with his friend Rasti was great to read.
"Escape To Perdition" is an exceptionally written debut novel, the amount of research that must have been carried out is phenomenal and it's obvious how much passion the author has for this part of the world. Just from reading this book I feel that I have learnt so much!
I can quite easily see this being made into a movie - in fact it's ready made for it. There is also a second book out, the recently published "The Prague Ultimatum" which I also have to read and I look forward to revisiting beautiful Prague again soon.
August 18, 2015
To all intents and purposes this book would never be the usual type of book that I would read. History and Spies and Politics. None of these things excite me, maybe it is because the reality scares me. This therefore is actually a difficult review for me to write.
Firstly, I greatly admire the Author for his passion and obvious meticulous research of the area. I cannot tell you as a mere lay person how much is based on facts and how much is fiction. I would say that my knowledge of the Velvet Revolution is none. However that didn't matter, after I had centered myself and got a few chapters in.
I was drawn in to the murky world of international politics. There is a certain richness and quality to the writing that is second to none. The scenes playing out in my mind as sepia. I could almost place myself there in the bar and almost smell the coffee from the shops.
The Author has a turn of phrase that almost puts you, as a reader in amongst the throng of it all. The character of Peter Lowe is appropriately named and for all of the things that he did, I found him almost impossible to dislike. Keep your eyes peeled also for another character that goes by the name of Rasti. Never one to judge, a true friend to Peter.
I found this book scary, scary in the sense that so much of it could be real. So much of it could happen, maybe it does happen. It is as intelligent as it is well written and well perceived.
There were so many twists and turns in this book. Just as you thought that things were calming down, something else happened to try to ruin and overthrow everything. As unpredictable and unstable as I perceive the politics of the region to be.
This book builds and builds to a crescendo of emotions and although I imagine the ending is almost inevitable, I guess it is up to each reader to decide whether Peter really has found his Escape to Perdition.
I would love to hear from people that have read this book. It comes highly recommended from me and not only that, it would make a wonderful book for a reading group. So many things to discuss and debate.
Firstly, I greatly admire the Author for his passion and obvious meticulous research of the area. I cannot tell you as a mere lay person how much is based on facts and how much is fiction. I would say that my knowledge of the Velvet Revolution is none. However that didn't matter, after I had centered myself and got a few chapters in.
I was drawn in to the murky world of international politics. There is a certain richness and quality to the writing that is second to none. The scenes playing out in my mind as sepia. I could almost place myself there in the bar and almost smell the coffee from the shops.
The Author has a turn of phrase that almost puts you, as a reader in amongst the throng of it all. The character of Peter Lowe is appropriately named and for all of the things that he did, I found him almost impossible to dislike. Keep your eyes peeled also for another character that goes by the name of Rasti. Never one to judge, a true friend to Peter.
I found this book scary, scary in the sense that so much of it could be real. So much of it could happen, maybe it does happen. It is as intelligent as it is well written and well perceived.
There were so many twists and turns in this book. Just as you thought that things were calming down, something else happened to try to ruin and overthrow everything. As unpredictable and unstable as I perceive the politics of the region to be.
This book builds and builds to a crescendo of emotions and although I imagine the ending is almost inevitable, I guess it is up to each reader to decide whether Peter really has found his Escape to Perdition.
I would love to hear from people that have read this book. It comes highly recommended from me and not only that, it would make a wonderful book for a reading group. So many things to discuss and debate.
August 6, 2015
What a brilliant debut. Superbly written and gave you a great sense of the corruption in that period. The storyline flowed sublimely and you were easily engrossed into every character. A must read for any thriller fan. Where do Urbane Publications keep finding these writers from? Great stuff, James Silvester!!
December 27, 2015
A novel that contains all the ingredients needed for a fast paced,complex read.The atmospheric cover leads us into an equally atmospheric novel that will captivate from the first word to the last.The Author clearly has an excellent understanding of the politics,traditions and peoples of the region.I look forward to more novels from his pen
September 23, 2015
Prague, 2015: the Czech and Slovak Republics are poised for reunification under the leadership of Herbert Biely, the elderly hero of the Prague Spring. His death engenders realignments of old enemies and blind ambitions which stretch far beyond into international realms orchestrated by a shadowy organisation determined to maintain the status quo.
This book was a slow burn for me. The opening chapters gave little hint of the complicated and compelling issues that were to follow. Initially, Peter Lowe, the operative ordered to kill Herbert Biely, a man who has become a friend, almost a father figure, has little to commend him. But this killing marks an almost Damascian enlightment. A man tortured by his past and nauseated by his present, Peter drowns his sorrows in the bar of his friend Rasti (one of the few likeable characters) but still has enough charm to inveigle his way into his next victim’s life, Mirushka Svobodova, the new Prime Minister determined to complete Biely’s dream. This marked the turning point for me too as I became immersed in a world where the machinations of political intrigue and the lengths to which some will go to protect their interests became a cauldron of death and despair.
James Silvester has created a credible cast of characters and a plot that is horrifyingly plausible.
August 23, 2015
A conspiracy-cum-political thriller, complete with spies, romance and murder, this is a fast and brutal look at how cheap life can be when those charged with keeping the peace take their role to extremes.
Peter Lowes, an employee of the elusive EU Institute and stationed in a Czech Republic grappling with the possibility of reunification, grows increasingly disgruntled and distrustful of his mission, his superiors and his friends. As the countdown to local elections begins, so does the body count...
Dripping with intrigue, history, politics and culture, this is conspiracy at its best. With multi-faceted characters, complex relationships and unexpected (yet very human) reactions to the events that unfold, this thriller is one that doesn't leave you after you've finished reading the final page. Highly recommended.
* I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Peter Lowes, an employee of the elusive EU Institute and stationed in a Czech Republic grappling with the possibility of reunification, grows increasingly disgruntled and distrustful of his mission, his superiors and his friends. As the countdown to local elections begins, so does the body count...
Dripping with intrigue, history, politics and culture, this is conspiracy at its best. With multi-faceted characters, complex relationships and unexpected (yet very human) reactions to the events that unfold, this thriller is one that doesn't leave you after you've finished reading the final page. Highly recommended.
* I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2015
"The devil is in the detail"
I can't fault the writing style of the book; it is excellent. The characters are well-observed and sympathetically drawn. I can only wonder at the amount of research required to be able to write a book of this magnitude. For fans of political thrillers, or romance and intrigue, then this will be a veritable feast.
For my part, I have managed to enjoy seventy summers without finding any attraction to either politics or religion, therefore I personally found the subject matter a little 'dry'. The occasional foray into the blues and football softened the tone a little for my humble tastes. A light-hearted romp around Eastern Europe this is not, but of its genre it is a very fine example.
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I can't fault the writing style of the book; it is excellent. The characters are well-observed and sympathetically drawn. I can only wonder at the amount of research required to be able to write a book of this magnitude. For fans of political thrillers, or romance and intrigue, then this will be a veritable feast.
For my part, I have managed to enjoy seventy summers without finding any attraction to either politics or religion, therefore I personally found the subject matter a little 'dry'. The occasional foray into the blues and football softened the tone a little for my humble tastes. A light-hearted romp around Eastern Europe this is not, but of its genre it is a very fine example.
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 16, 2015
I actually won a copy of this book in give away on A Lover of Books blog so many thanks to Sonya whose blog it is as well as the author and publisher.
I had been hearing lots of great things about this book so was very much looking forward to reading it.
Escape to Perdition is a political/spy thriller. Unfortunately for me this type of genre really isn't my cup of tea, hence my star rating.
There really is nothing wrong with this novel at all, it is well written with a good plot and as a film I know it would be one that I would love but for some reason I just do not enjoy reading this sort of genre.
For fans of this genre I know this book will be a big hit.
I had been hearing lots of great things about this book so was very much looking forward to reading it.
Escape to Perdition is a political/spy thriller. Unfortunately for me this type of genre really isn't my cup of tea, hence my star rating.
There really is nothing wrong with this novel at all, it is well written with a good plot and as a film I know it would be one that I would love but for some reason I just do not enjoy reading this sort of genre.
For fans of this genre I know this book will be a big hit.
January 9, 2016
I know little about the political landscape of the former Czechoslovakia, yet even so I found this to be a fascinating and intriguing setting, with a plot that teeters on the border of fiction and reality. This thriller is infinitely scary and disturbing as so much of what happens here could be true.
The style of writing is captivating and beguiling, the pace is brisk and at the heart of the story are wonderfully drawn characters (my favourite of these being the delightful Rasti)
A great read, highly recommended and the most luscious vocabulary I've encountered in a long time.
Bravo!
The style of writing is captivating and beguiling, the pace is brisk and at the heart of the story are wonderfully drawn characters (my favourite of these being the delightful Rasti)
A great read, highly recommended and the most luscious vocabulary I've encountered in a long time.
Bravo!
July 19, 2015
No spoilers review of a taut political thriller here https://lindasbookbag.wordpress.com/2...
December 20, 2015
Escape To Perdition, by James Silvester, is a hard hitting political thriller and so much more. It is one of those books that makes me want to copy out passages and discuss them with associates because the author draws together what are the vague concerns of many and expresses them cogently and succinctly. By doing so within the framework of a compelling plot the message may be considered or passed over, but will have been aired. I hope that this book will be widely read.
The story is set in and around Prague during a premiership election where the key message of the campaign is the potential reunification of the Czech and Slovak Republics. The EU has placed Peter Lowe, an Englishman, at the service of the leading proponent of reform, and the man most likely to win the election. Ostensibly a Relationship Manager seconded from the Institute for European Harmony, an EU sponsored Think Tank, Lowe is in fact an assassin under orders from a shadowy figure known only as ‘The Child’. The Institute over which he presides will stop at nothing to retain control of the direction EU nation states take. The Child believes reunification could destabilise this power.
Lowe is a seasoned professional but has developed a conscience which he tries to drown in alcohol. His unsavoury life is complicated further when he falls in love with a target. There is an undercurrent of sexism to this character: he assumes that young women in bars are available for his sexual gratification; he finds drunken women unsettling stating that drunken men are different as they are fun to be around. Lowe is no James Bond but there is a macho undercurrent in some of his views that repelled me.
One of the strengths of the story is that the reader is encouraged to think rather than take sides. This is a battle for control by unseen forces who pull the strings holding up their chosen figureheads. Modern day politicians are regarded as arrogant selfish men intent on:
“asset stripping their country for personal gain”
“masters of delicate thuggery who picked the pockets of the people while telling them they were giving more”
“there was no grand battle between good and evil anymore, just two different evils fighting to control the world”
The plot moves relentlessly on as Lowe becomes embroiled in trying to save the life of his new love while The Child sends out other operatives to complete the job that Lowe has declined, and punish his transgression. The cast of characters includes politicians, diplomats and advisors, all of whom the Institute is promising to raise up or crush depending on how they respond.
The denouement worked well. As the links between key players is made clear so too are the difficulties of bringing down a stabilising force, however abhorrent. If the end justifies the means then assassins offer a valuable service. If all actions must be morally justifiable then outcomes may be worse for the many.
A fine thriller that I didn’t want to put down but there are plenty of those on bookshelves. This book also has depth. I urge you to read, ponder, and enjoy.
The story is set in and around Prague during a premiership election where the key message of the campaign is the potential reunification of the Czech and Slovak Republics. The EU has placed Peter Lowe, an Englishman, at the service of the leading proponent of reform, and the man most likely to win the election. Ostensibly a Relationship Manager seconded from the Institute for European Harmony, an EU sponsored Think Tank, Lowe is in fact an assassin under orders from a shadowy figure known only as ‘The Child’. The Institute over which he presides will stop at nothing to retain control of the direction EU nation states take. The Child believes reunification could destabilise this power.
Lowe is a seasoned professional but has developed a conscience which he tries to drown in alcohol. His unsavoury life is complicated further when he falls in love with a target. There is an undercurrent of sexism to this character: he assumes that young women in bars are available for his sexual gratification; he finds drunken women unsettling stating that drunken men are different as they are fun to be around. Lowe is no James Bond but there is a macho undercurrent in some of his views that repelled me.
One of the strengths of the story is that the reader is encouraged to think rather than take sides. This is a battle for control by unseen forces who pull the strings holding up their chosen figureheads. Modern day politicians are regarded as arrogant selfish men intent on:
“asset stripping their country for personal gain”
“masters of delicate thuggery who picked the pockets of the people while telling them they were giving more”
“there was no grand battle between good and evil anymore, just two different evils fighting to control the world”
The plot moves relentlessly on as Lowe becomes embroiled in trying to save the life of his new love while The Child sends out other operatives to complete the job that Lowe has declined, and punish his transgression. The cast of characters includes politicians, diplomats and advisors, all of whom the Institute is promising to raise up or crush depending on how they respond.
The denouement worked well. As the links between key players is made clear so too are the difficulties of bringing down a stabilising force, however abhorrent. If the end justifies the means then assassins offer a valuable service. If all actions must be morally justifiable then outcomes may be worse for the many.
A fine thriller that I didn’t want to put down but there are plenty of those on bookshelves. This book also has depth. I urge you to read, ponder, and enjoy.
May 14, 2016
I am so happy that I decided to read this Gem of a Debut. Initially, I was a little worried that it would go way over my head, but as I found out, you don't need to know anything about politics to understand the story, which really is quite clever and impressive. James writes very well, and it doesn't take long to get immersed in the story. The gift of this author's storytelling lay in the depth of believable emotions and events, blurring the lines between truth and fiction giving a great read.
I enjoyed many aspects of 'Escape to Perdition'. The characters are strong, interesting, and never failed to amuse or cause me to reflect in many ways. Peter Lowe's character is realistic, echoed in his internal struggles, losing himself in drink and blues. I love it when a character's life spirals out of control, and the rawness of that hell is captured perfectly. Quite a different and moving love story with Mirushka, too. Great job!
The twists are fabulous and get you thinking, especially about power manipulation and gameplay. I loved the descriptions, which enabled me to 'feel' as if I was there. Author James Silvester certainly did his research. I can imagine the time it took to gather and sift through all the information required to write in such detail. Very well done indeed.
I'm soo glad that I read something out of my usual genre, and from this experience, will do so again. I'm really looking forward to reading James next book - please hurry and write! ;o)
If you enjoy political thrillers or fancy a change, read 'Escape to Perdition', you'll be pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed many aspects of 'Escape to Perdition'. The characters are strong, interesting, and never failed to amuse or cause me to reflect in many ways. Peter Lowe's character is realistic, echoed in his internal struggles, losing himself in drink and blues. I love it when a character's life spirals out of control, and the rawness of that hell is captured perfectly. Quite a different and moving love story with Mirushka, too. Great job!
The twists are fabulous and get you thinking, especially about power manipulation and gameplay. I loved the descriptions, which enabled me to 'feel' as if I was there. Author James Silvester certainly did his research. I can imagine the time it took to gather and sift through all the information required to write in such detail. Very well done indeed.
I'm soo glad that I read something out of my usual genre, and from this experience, will do so again. I'm really looking forward to reading James next book - please hurry and write! ;o)
If you enjoy political thrillers or fancy a change, read 'Escape to Perdition', you'll be pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2016
A political thriller set in Prague? Hmmm....I was doubtful. However, this book surpassed my expectations completely.
I love being surprised, especially by a book that I really didn't think would be my cup of tea. However, due to the buzz and good reviews, I picked up Escape to Perdition by James Silvester, and it was a superb decision. I don't think I have read a book where the author is so obviously in love with the setting.
The plot is genuinely intriguing and despite having some, for me anyway, slightly laborious political discussions, the main star of this book is the city of Prague. Beautifully captured by the authors words, the city plays the lead role in this book. The main protagonist, Peter Lowe, is a bad ass straight out of the cliche handbook. But it works. His motives are strong and his character has one hell of a story arc.
I found the twists in the book to be on point, except sadly one near the end that I will not spoil. Also, despite it being one of the driving forces of the story, I found the love story a little bit fast but I definitely bought into it. When a man doesn't want redemption, just contrition, it makes him one hell of a weapon.
This book played out like a movie, and if Sylvester didn't see Liam Neeson, in all his Taken ass-kicking glory, as the lead, then I would be interested to know who he did. All in all, a wonderful surprise of a book!
I love being surprised, especially by a book that I really didn't think would be my cup of tea. However, due to the buzz and good reviews, I picked up Escape to Perdition by James Silvester, and it was a superb decision. I don't think I have read a book where the author is so obviously in love with the setting.
The plot is genuinely intriguing and despite having some, for me anyway, slightly laborious political discussions, the main star of this book is the city of Prague. Beautifully captured by the authors words, the city plays the lead role in this book. The main protagonist, Peter Lowe, is a bad ass straight out of the cliche handbook. But it works. His motives are strong and his character has one hell of a story arc.
I found the twists in the book to be on point, except sadly one near the end that I will not spoil. Also, despite it being one of the driving forces of the story, I found the love story a little bit fast but I definitely bought into it. When a man doesn't want redemption, just contrition, it makes him one hell of a weapon.
This book played out like a movie, and if Sylvester didn't see Liam Neeson, in all his Taken ass-kicking glory, as the lead, then I would be interested to know who he did. All in all, a wonderful surprise of a book!
May 20, 2016
There is no doubt quality and ability in this author, who mentions at the back his desire to write more books. This is something he certainly should do!
Having been to Prague (and living myself in another 'Stag Party' favourite) I really enjoyed the sense of feeling and reality. The story was well put together - if not a created, as yet unreal outcome - though who knows, maybe it is just a couple of years away?
The characters were great, brilliantly written, most genuinely interesting people for anyone to meet. Maybe not The Child.
The one critical thing for me, which didn't detract my enjoyment of this excellent novel - this book was clearly five star quality just pages in - were the mistakes. I know a few always slip through, but there were a few too many. Some might get annoyed at that, though not me.
Well done! Do write some more. And keep living the dream!
Having been to Prague (and living myself in another 'Stag Party' favourite) I really enjoyed the sense of feeling and reality. The story was well put together - if not a created, as yet unreal outcome - though who knows, maybe it is just a couple of years away?
The characters were great, brilliantly written, most genuinely interesting people for anyone to meet. Maybe not The Child.
The one critical thing for me, which didn't detract my enjoyment of this excellent novel - this book was clearly five star quality just pages in - were the mistakes. I know a few always slip through, but there were a few too many. Some might get annoyed at that, though not me.
Well done! Do write some more. And keep living the dream!
June 23, 2016
First off, I have to admit this isn't my usual genre but I'd heard good things about James Silvester's novel and decided to give it a go. I'm very glad I did. It drew me in quickly and set up the characters expertly. I was rooting for Peter Lowe, in spite of his deeds. Silvester shows great skill as an author that he's able to portray such a protagonist as sympathetic. Peter's relationship with Mirushka held my interest as it developed. I had reservations over an issue of forgiveness, but this is justified by a revelation later on in the novel. The political manoeuvres worked for me, and the narrative builds to an inevitable but ultimately satisfying ending. There are some notable minor characters (my favourite was Rasti). This was a good, solid story and I'd definitely like to read more from this author. Recommended.
August 21, 2016
I have to say my primary interest in this book was that it's set it Prague, where I live. Nice to read something where you can picture the locations. And this does well on accuracy of local detail. Thrillers are not entirely my cup of tea but this has a good plot that carries you along with some twists and turns.
May 14, 2016
Not my normal read, but I enjoyed it. Well-written. Interesting and I liked the main character. I actually felt sorry for him later on. Good twist to the story.
August 29, 2016
James Silvester does such a good job with characterization in Escape to Perdition that by the end of the book I felt I knew his protagonist, Peter Lowe, as well or better than I know myself. That, combined with the twists and turns of an imaginatively ingenious plot, plus gritty yet beautiful depictions of Prague, and the result is an original and entertaining political thriller. Peter Lowe seemed way more credible in the portrayal of his weaknesses as well as his strengths than any James Bond or George Smiley. I have to admit to sometimes having a catch in my throat at the amazing candour that Silvester bestows on him. Lowe often expresses something we've all felt at times but not often had the insight or the guts to admit. Romance, intrigue, travel, political machinations, and blues music ... Escape to Perdition has it all in spades. A terrifically engaging read.
January 21, 2021
Growing up in the Cold War years, books encouraged me to explore international relations through the eyes of ’heroic’ agents who bestrode Eastern Europe. Their devil-may-care efficiency armed them to manipulate world affairs as they maintained order in line with the wishes of their patriotic political masters through the authority of shadowy secret service organisations. I also devoured the novels of Ian Fleming whose imagined crime syndicates became a metaphor for ‘enemy of the State’ Iron Curtain countries. James Bond killed, gambled and forced his attentions on beautiful women in the service of his country and yet he became a hero to readers who looked past his flaws.
perdition | (per-dish-on) | noun
1. (in Christian theology) a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unrepentant person passes after death
2. Complete and utter ruin
It is a brave author indeed who creates an anti-hero as the focus for their debut novel, which in so many other ways echoes the very best of the Cold War novels of Gerald Seymour and Len Deighton. But that is precisely what James Silvester has done.
At the heart of the novel is Peter Lowe, the hard-drinking, blues-loving ‘weapon’ of a shadowy European Union agency. It becomes clear in the opening chapters how much Lowe - and his name perfectly captures the depth of self-loathing his ‘work’ engenders - drinks to bury bad memories.
The author cleverly introduces us to this flawed character who is, nevertheless, attractive in so many ways; he has to be for the plot to unfold as it does. Peter Lowe is an intelligent, articulate man who understands Czechoslovak politics and who has found a place alongside the leading actors in the country’s break up into separate Czech and Slovak republics. He is, however, the blunt instrument of his political masters’ will as they seek to preserve the status quo.
The novel races along, a gripping narrative quickly taking the reader into the heart of the complex politics of the region but without submerging them in detail. Characters and plot are credible and evidently written with a knowledge of the region and a fondness for Prague and its people. The book feels plausible, the organisations and political parties woven together into a believable landscape that the central character haunts. As the pace gathers, you are drawn into the puppet’s struggle to take control of the puppet master as the strings controlling him are snipped, one by one.
The strength of ‘Escape to Perdition’ is captured in its cleverly written title. The life and work of Peter Lowe has dragged him so far down that redemption, for him, can only come through ‘escaping’ to ‘a state of eternal punishment and damnation’. His only chance of righting his wrongs is dependent on his ability to turn the tables on those who would use him to manipulate their outcomes. And as a reader, you surprise yourself by willing this most unsympathetic of characters, whose redeeming features struggle to emerge, to make good on his flawed past and to do so for reasons of love.
This is a cracking novel. Fast-paced, urgent and credible, it finds an unexpected edginess in European Union politics and effortlessly moves the political thriller beyond the Cold War years. By pressing a man with a dark past into service as a ‘hero’, the plot plays with the emotions of the reader, drawing you closer to this flawed character than naturally makes sense. Peter Lowe is a man ‘haunted by the faces of the dead’ and yet you make an investment in him; this is the clever art of James Silvester. A stunningly confident debut novel.
perdition | (per-dish-on) | noun
1. (in Christian theology) a state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a sinful and unrepentant person passes after death
2. Complete and utter ruin
It is a brave author indeed who creates an anti-hero as the focus for their debut novel, which in so many other ways echoes the very best of the Cold War novels of Gerald Seymour and Len Deighton. But that is precisely what James Silvester has done.
At the heart of the novel is Peter Lowe, the hard-drinking, blues-loving ‘weapon’ of a shadowy European Union agency. It becomes clear in the opening chapters how much Lowe - and his name perfectly captures the depth of self-loathing his ‘work’ engenders - drinks to bury bad memories.
The author cleverly introduces us to this flawed character who is, nevertheless, attractive in so many ways; he has to be for the plot to unfold as it does. Peter Lowe is an intelligent, articulate man who understands Czechoslovak politics and who has found a place alongside the leading actors in the country’s break up into separate Czech and Slovak republics. He is, however, the blunt instrument of his political masters’ will as they seek to preserve the status quo.
The novel races along, a gripping narrative quickly taking the reader into the heart of the complex politics of the region but without submerging them in detail. Characters and plot are credible and evidently written with a knowledge of the region and a fondness for Prague and its people. The book feels plausible, the organisations and political parties woven together into a believable landscape that the central character haunts. As the pace gathers, you are drawn into the puppet’s struggle to take control of the puppet master as the strings controlling him are snipped, one by one.
The strength of ‘Escape to Perdition’ is captured in its cleverly written title. The life and work of Peter Lowe has dragged him so far down that redemption, for him, can only come through ‘escaping’ to ‘a state of eternal punishment and damnation’. His only chance of righting his wrongs is dependent on his ability to turn the tables on those who would use him to manipulate their outcomes. And as a reader, you surprise yourself by willing this most unsympathetic of characters, whose redeeming features struggle to emerge, to make good on his flawed past and to do so for reasons of love.
This is a cracking novel. Fast-paced, urgent and credible, it finds an unexpected edginess in European Union politics and effortlessly moves the political thriller beyond the Cold War years. By pressing a man with a dark past into service as a ‘hero’, the plot plays with the emotions of the reader, drawing you closer to this flawed character than naturally makes sense. Peter Lowe is a man ‘haunted by the faces of the dead’ and yet you make an investment in him; this is the clever art of James Silvester. A stunningly confident debut novel.
April 17, 2024
finished 17th april 2024 good read three stars i liked it kindle library loaner first from silvester story about the battleground of europe czechoslovakia and that area. one protagonist is a killer used by what is called the institute...run by "the child" and that conjures images from the previous "spy" story i read my previous review jumping the gun thinking i'd read two spy stories one after another...or maybe it is now three of them. after doing in one leader he is called to do away with another and story follows. when you consider a map of europe and how it has changed over the decades...we can assume it will continue to change. for the good? for the worse? everyone has their favorite horse in the race. some parts late in the story seemed...off? some meeting between east and west, the fabled cold...something...dunno. seemed out of place almost...but the story makes ado about the ukraine, part of the fabric, but consider the map again...once most of those countries part of a pact or eastern bloc or whatever label you are comfortable with now a part of nato, ukraine on the block and should anyone expect anything different, given the history...that part that seemed off...there's a part there that echoed baker's "no eastern expansion of nato" from the 80s...same thing, but spoken by the bear. so the story provides that...story of players messing with things because they will...the mass of people rising or falling with that tide back and forth.
May 17, 2019
It was an interesting idea, but not very well written. Every sentence seemed to be overly crafted. Characterisation was minimal and the characters make unbelievable turns. The author seemed more interested in showing off his regional knowledge than in developing rational characters.
The politics were interesting and the historical notes were good. But a lot of his use of the language is incorrect, and the book could have used an editor. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors in English, let alone in Czech.
If the author had spent more time revising his story and less time giving shout-outs to his friends, it could have been good. Overall, reads like fan-fiction.
The politics were interesting and the historical notes were good. But a lot of his use of the language is incorrect, and the book could have used an editor. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors in English, let alone in Czech.
If the author had spent more time revising his story and less time giving shout-outs to his friends, it could have been good. Overall, reads like fan-fiction.
May 21, 2020
They Say Borrowing & Copying is a Very Big Acclamation. Many Event,s & Historical People. Feature in This Book. Been a Frequent Traveler Myself to the Czech Republic. Have Understanding. Can Relate to the Blue,s Bar. Sports Bar. Lidice. Places I Have Been. Some Gone. That Said. Book is Well Written. Character,s Well Crafted. Story Moved Me Too ! Many Views Stressed. Agree With Too. A Fine Book.
December 19, 2020
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but I'm pleased I stuck with it. It's a good political thriller. With lots of twists and turns.
It's hard to write a review as I don't normally read this type of book as I don't understand International politics or any kind of politics to be honest.
All I can say is I really enjoy it and I learnt a few thinks along the way.
It's hard to write a review as I don't normally read this type of book as I don't understand International politics or any kind of politics to be honest.
All I can say is I really enjoy it and I learnt a few thinks along the way.
August 17, 2023
While this book was written in 2015, it was amazingly prescient about global politics. I read it because it is set in Prague and Bratislava, and it also provides nice descriptions of both cities. A good thriller in the le Carre mode.
December 20, 2017
That was so good!! Remembering the brave people of the Prague Spring and the unexplained dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
February 11, 2024
I good story well written. I shall read more of his books.
April 4, 2017
A good plot line with some interesting characters but the writing is overblown and could do with a thorough edit. I wanted to like this more having read an article by the author but struggled in the end to finish the book.
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