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Lance Spector #5
The Splinter
Prague, Czech Republic
A Russian assassin is activated to kill seemingly unconnected female staffers at the US embassy. What emerges is a plot as complex as it is terrifying. Against a backdrop of escalating Russian invasion preparations, a Romanian kill squad, a Kremlin honeytrap, and a Soviet-era biological weapons victim converge on an unsuspecting city, and an unprotected embassy with deadly intent.
A Russian assassin is activated to kill seemingly unconnected female staffers at the US embassy. What emerges is a plot as complex as it is terrifying. Against a backdrop of escalating Russian invasion preparations, a Romanian kill squad, a Kremlin honeytrap, and a Soviet-era biological weapons victim converge on an unsuspecting city, and an unprotected embassy with deadly intent.
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 2, 2023
Series Review
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
I started this series after seeing it on KU and finished all five published books.
It would seem there are two yet left to publish.
The story in and of itself is very ripped from the headlines with enough research done to give characters a backstory. I don’t dislike the writing style and despite the jump from storyline to storyline within each book…it actually works.
This isn’t a bad series. It’s actually quite interesting and quick reading. The problem lies with the author’s decidedly negative view of women.
They exist in this author’s mind as either whores or mothers regardless of their accomplishments or rank within the organization they work within.
All dialog and descriptions are of women who are seen by the author as nothing more than plot devises of his belief that women are only good for reproduction or bed partners.
Even the “good” female characters who exist to work toward justice are given unlikable attributes and attitudes which severely limit the audience.
As a devotee of Lee Child, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn and other authors of this genre, which is widely read by women, I spent the majority of the time rage reading this series as a result of the author’s choice to depict women as catty, petty incompetents.
To be honest, there are zero likable characters in the series and the author’s keen ability to set a tempo for the storyline with interesting history and current events is the real star of the writing.
The writing is good. The topical storylines are interesting. The choice to use every female character (there are many) as a punching bag is disappointing which is why I’ve given it three stars rather than four.
May 12, 2023
The best so far…
The Splinter, book 5 in the series, is the best so far! Saul Herzog really knows how to capture his audience!
The Splinter, book 5 in the series, is the best so far! Saul Herzog really knows how to capture his audience!
March 25, 2022
finished 24th march 2022 good read four stars really liked it kindle owned have read the other four lance spector stories have enjoyed each one...and i think the price is right even more of a concern now that we're paying over $4 a gallon at the pump and inflation has taken a bite out of whatever enjoyment one typically enjoys. curious, too, that the fictional characters herein on the side opposing russia have no idea how to deal with molotov our fictional president of russia than do our "elected" representatives. how hard is it to punch someone solidly in the nose? seems to work on the playground and the world is our stage. never-mind that the maps of the world descending toward world war from the past resemble so much the maps of today...only the "allies" are colored as the axis had been, twelve former eastern-bloc countries now n.a.t.o., this after baker's lie to gorbachev "no eastern expansion of nato," a policy insisting on a playground bully. any surprise the other plays the part?
October 4, 2026
The Splinter by Saul Herzog is a high-stakes espionage thriller that follows off-the-books CIA asset Lance Spector as he races to stop a complex, terrifying plot against the United States. The story begins when a Russian assassin is activated to kill seemingly unconnected female staffers at the US embassy. Against the backdrop of escalating Russian invasion preparations, Spector must navigate a deadly web involving a Romanian kill squad, a Kremlin honeytrap, and a Soviet-era biological weapons victim intent on unleashing a catastrophic attack.
Keep in mind, I'm an assistant powered by AI and may make mistakes. Always verify important details.
Keep in mind, I'm an assistant powered by AI and may make mistakes. Always verify important details.
September 12, 2022
Prescient
I long-resisted Mr. Herzog's novels, leaning more to Cameron, Coes, Childs, Taylor and similar authors. Eventually, as I was on second and third re-reads, I decided to have a go at Mr. Herzog. That was a wise move!
As he acknowledges in his afterword, his stories have foreshadowed events, drawing on the ever-present, and seemingly ever-lasting, dynamics of humankind in their pursuit of fame, glory, and power. This is a well-crafted, realistic portrayal of our world. Worth the read!
I long-resisted Mr. Herzog's novels, leaning more to Cameron, Coes, Childs, Taylor and similar authors. Eventually, as I was on second and third re-reads, I decided to have a go at Mr. Herzog. That was a wise move!
As he acknowledges in his afterword, his stories have foreshadowed events, drawing on the ever-present, and seemingly ever-lasting, dynamics of humankind in their pursuit of fame, glory, and power. This is a well-crafted, realistic portrayal of our world. Worth the read!
November 30, 2022
5 Stars
The Splinter (Lance Spector Book #5) by Saul Herzog
Another exciting instalment in this gripping series... Tense and suspenseful...
I highly recommend reading from the beginning, starting on Book #1 and then moving forward in sequence- because even though each book contains its own 'plot', there is a bridging storyline that threads through the entire series- so knowing what happened previously will prevent any confusion, as well as enhancing your reading experience of this book, and the series as a whole.
The Splinter (Lance Spector Book #5) by Saul Herzog
Another exciting instalment in this gripping series... Tense and suspenseful...
I highly recommend reading from the beginning, starting on Book #1 and then moving forward in sequence- because even though each book contains its own 'plot', there is a bridging storyline that threads through the entire series- so knowing what happened previously will prevent any confusion, as well as enhancing your reading experience of this book, and the series as a whole.
May 11, 2022
Suspenseful, Fast-moving Sequel to Book 4
I especially liked this book in the series. It is well-written, and it brings back the characters from the previous book. It is clear and easy to follow, although the plot is somewhat complicated. It has several facets which come together at the end. The characters are developed further and the action is fast-moving. Like the previous books, this one ends with a question as to what will happen next.
I especially liked this book in the series. It is well-written, and it brings back the characters from the previous book. It is clear and easy to follow, although the plot is somewhat complicated. It has several facets which come together at the end. The characters are developed further and the action is fast-moving. Like the previous books, this one ends with a question as to what will happen next.
February 11, 2023
Herzog does it again.
I’m jealous of a man who has such a great imagination to keep Spector in riveting and exciting in each suspenseful novel. I’m usually able to predict a stories end after several thrillers, but Herzog keeps me engaged from start to finish right up to the last word of the last page.
Now, I can’t wait for the next Lance Spector thriller.
Thank you Saul.
Larry
I’m jealous of a man who has such a great imagination to keep Spector in riveting and exciting in each suspenseful novel. I’m usually able to predict a stories end after several thrillers, but Herzog keeps me engaged from start to finish right up to the last word of the last page.
Now, I can’t wait for the next Lance Spector thriller.
Thank you Saul.
Larry
September 11, 2023
Good Grief!
Thank goodness my addiction to Herzog’s Lance Spector series is not going to endanger my health! Four books in one week?….now, it’s 9:00 pm and I simply HAVE to start the 5th!! The most frightening aspect of this book for me is that America has a precarious political situation ahead of us in the next election, and could get a madman of our own, who actually admires Putin and Kim Jun Un, trying to control our country…. Scary times!
Thank goodness my addiction to Herzog’s Lance Spector series is not going to endanger my health! Four books in one week?….now, it’s 9:00 pm and I simply HAVE to start the 5th!! The most frightening aspect of this book for me is that America has a precarious political situation ahead of us in the next election, and could get a madman of our own, who actually admires Putin and Kim Jun Un, trying to control our country…. Scary times!
February 25, 2024
Generations of violence in Europe; the legacy continues.
Can assassins question their orders and entertain second thoughts about career choices? Yes and no. Under current world leadership, can countries avoid a repeat of wars and rumors of war? Yes, perhaps. No; too many entities benefit from violence.
Will future episodes reveal more about Craig Ritter? Will women continue to receive equal opportunity as assassins and victims?
Can assassins question their orders and entertain second thoughts about career choices? Yes and no. Under current world leadership, can countries avoid a repeat of wars and rumors of war? Yes, perhaps. No; too many entities benefit from violence.
Will future episodes reveal more about Craig Ritter? Will women continue to receive equal opportunity as assassins and victims?
March 24, 2022
Scary Close to Today's Events
Russia, the Ukraine spies and threats of war. It's scare it's so on target politically and globally. If you read no other book in this series, which will make parts of it difficult to understand, it will cut like a knife. The intro to each book, especially the first, will blow you away.
Russia, the Ukraine spies and threats of war. It's scare it's so on target politically and globally. If you read no other book in this series, which will make parts of it difficult to understand, it will cut like a knife. The intro to each book, especially the first, will blow you away.
March 24, 2022
The splinter (spy book 5) and the other 4....Out Standing Series....really looking forward to # 6.
I loved the whole series, Saul Herzog is one they
Paul Herzog is one of the best writer of spy spy novels ever. I recommended these novels to my husband. Looking forward to #6.
E of the best writers of spy novels
I loved the whole series, Saul Herzog is one they
Paul Herzog is one of the best writer of spy spy novels ever. I recommended these novels to my husband. Looking forward to #6.
E of the best writers of spy novels
April 12, 2022
Continually Great Reads
The disturbing part is that much of this book is true to the time. Russia is throwing its weight around and we are moving toward the point of no return with them. Currently they have decimated Ukraine and no doubt they will try to push farther. Hopefully Lance gets to the evil bastards first.
The disturbing part is that much of this book is true to the time. Russia is throwing its weight around and we are moving toward the point of no return with them. Currently they have decimated Ukraine and no doubt they will try to push farther. Hopefully Lance gets to the evil bastards first.
June 7, 2022
Timely spy thriller
The Splinter is an exciting, thought-provoking novel with a close connection to the threats that face the world today. The characters are complicated and carefully fleshed out, and the suspense is spellbinding. I recommend this to anyone who likes political and entertaining spy novels.
The Splinter is an exciting, thought-provoking novel with a close connection to the threats that face the world today. The characters are complicated and carefully fleshed out, and the suspense is spellbinding. I recommend this to anyone who likes political and entertaining spy novels.
September 26, 2022
Not bad - like real life
Crazy thing is that this book was published a few weeks after the Ukraine Invasion, and all of this series seems to
lead up to it. I wasn't a fan of how it tied things together at the end, a few missing pieces, but overall I found it engaging and interesting.
Crazy thing is that this book was published a few weeks after the Ukraine Invasion, and all of this series seems to
lead up to it. I wasn't a fan of how it tied things together at the end, a few missing pieces, but overall I found it engaging and interesting.
October 8, 2022
A different Lance Spector story
When CIA superhero Lance Spector is on a mission you know it’s going to get done. But a distracted Lance isn’t available so the CIA’s other team members have to pick up the case. This story has a windy and sometimes longer than necessary track but when it hits it really goes. Very enjoyable.
When CIA superhero Lance Spector is on a mission you know it’s going to get done. But a distracted Lance isn’t available so the CIA’s other team members have to pick up the case. This story has a windy and sometimes longer than necessary track but when it hits it really goes. Very enjoyable.
October 18, 2022
Folks, the only reason I am reading this book to the end is I’m desperate. I would have to say that Saul Herzog is one of the worst authors I’ve had the misfortune of coming across.
To say too much drivel and worthless dialogue is a huge understatement.
An example if one of the smaller characters in the book, Constantin, well we get to read pages and pages about his father. The father isn’t even a character in the book. He’s written about to show why Constantin does what he does as a ‘fixer’.
I think the first and second of this series was OK. Usually hundreds of pages with one or two action scenes. The 3-5th is a total joke and I will not be torturing myself any more with this terrible writer.
I think that most of the reviews on books are either fake or from the same folks that rate Netflix movies.
To say too much drivel and worthless dialogue is a huge understatement.
An example if one of the smaller characters in the book, Constantin, well we get to read pages and pages about his father. The father isn’t even a character in the book. He’s written about to show why Constantin does what he does as a ‘fixer’.
I think the first and second of this series was OK. Usually hundreds of pages with one or two action scenes. The 3-5th is a total joke and I will not be torturing myself any more with this terrible writer.
I think that most of the reviews on books are either fake or from the same folks that rate Netflix movies.
January 2, 2023
Incredible Plot and Action
Never in my 81 years have I been more caught up in a series like this. 2 weeks ago I came across this unknown enigmatic Herzog(no info on him!!!) and have voraciously plowed through 5 of his 7 books...that should tell you everything...no more need to be said...
Never in my 81 years have I been more caught up in a series like this. 2 weeks ago I came across this unknown enigmatic Herzog(no info on him!!!) and have voraciously plowed through 5 of his 7 books...that should tell you everything...no more need to be said...
February 1, 2023
Herzog's work makes him a standout craftsman.
I've read five of the books in the series. Why? They are so good. I love the mix of fact, fiction and speculation. To boot they are wonderful thrillers, making them totally addictive. Saul Herzog is a master craftsman, raising his working to a standout in the genre.
I've read five of the books in the series. Why? They are so good. I love the mix of fact, fiction and speculation. To boot they are wonderful thrillers, making them totally addictive. Saul Herzog is a master craftsman, raising his working to a standout in the genre.
February 20, 2023
Big Time Killings, page after page
This one in the series seemed to go all out for bloodshed. I'm reading these mainly for escape,so it would be nice to once in a while have someone escape a shooting. Tatyana had a story on Valentina. I was curious to hear Valentina's story on Tatyana.
This one in the series seemed to go all out for bloodshed. I'm reading these mainly for escape,so it would be nice to once in a while have someone escape a shooting. Tatyana had a story on Valentina. I was curious to hear Valentina's story on Tatyana.
July 15, 2023
Suspenseful
I chose this book because I read the preceding 4 books of the series. This 5th book was just as good as the first four. 05 these books kept me interested to the point where I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes espionage and Suspense you won't be disappointed
I chose this book because I read the preceding 4 books of the series. This 5th book was just as good as the first four. 05 these books kept me interested to the point where I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes espionage and Suspense you won't be disappointed
October 17, 2023
A Great Continuance
The Splinter continues this large scale story told thru a few select characters. Very well done without over playing the lead characters’ heroics. Yes, I feel that Lance Spector is not the sole hero in this series. Very enjoyable books with main characters you care about - some in a positive way and some very not. Lol.
The Splinter continues this large scale story told thru a few select characters. Very well done without over playing the lead characters’ heroics. Yes, I feel that Lance Spector is not the sole hero in this series. Very enjoyable books with main characters you care about - some in a positive way and some very not. Lol.
November 27, 2023
The Splinter
This book in the series had so much action and drama that I flew through it. Saul Herzog's characters are flawed, but now they seem like family, and I have a vested interest in what happens to them. The author is able to paint a realistic picture of the political intrigue; it feels like it is happening now. Or could happen any moment. This is a great series.
This book in the series had so much action and drama that I flew through it. Saul Herzog's characters are flawed, but now they seem like family, and I have a vested interest in what happens to them. The author is able to paint a realistic picture of the political intrigue; it feels like it is happening now. Or could happen any moment. This is a great series.
April 5, 2024
A great interesting read.
Lance is a different take on the goody hero type , no set boundaries about how he carries out his work.
But a great firm ethos about good & evil.
Although he can stray to the dark side.
Really enjoyed this and the other books .
Will be reading book 6 very soon.
Lance is a different take on the goody hero type , no set boundaries about how he carries out his work.
But a great firm ethos about good & evil.
Although he can stray to the dark side.
Really enjoyed this and the other books .
Will be reading book 6 very soon.
June 24, 2024
Not Worth Reading
I will purchase 1 more of his books to see if there is any improvement. This book was painfully slow with many tangent breakaways where he gave long boring history lessons, or long long long boring details of characters and their backgrounds... This book of 490 pages could have been written in 200 pages.
I will purchase 1 more of his books to see if there is any improvement. This book was painfully slow with many tangent breakaways where he gave long boring history lessons, or long long long boring details of characters and their backgrounds... This book of 490 pages could have been written in 200 pages.
March 24, 2022
Captivated
Having followed the series I find it uncanny how close to the truth these books are. An amazing insight to world affairs , especially given the current war in Ukraine. Can't for book 6. Brilliant author, thank you for entertaining me.
Having followed the series I find it uncanny how close to the truth these books are. An amazing insight to world affairs , especially given the current war in Ukraine. Can't for book 6. Brilliant author, thank you for entertaining me.
March 28, 2022
I LOVE this author's writing!
Reading this novel was like watching breaking news. I don't know whether Saul is Lance Spector in disguise or a modern day prophet but I want to keep reading. I've already preordered his next book. An amazing writer.
Reading this novel was like watching breaking news. I don't know whether Saul is Lance Spector in disguise or a modern day prophet but I want to keep reading. I've already preordered his next book. An amazing writer.
March 29, 2022
Exciting, enthralling and amazingly fits within what appears to be happening within that area of Ukraine now. BUT there needs to be better editing: the number of words I identified and marked were 8 and I am not sure I identified all.
April 6, 2022
Fun Read
If you like believable spy/espionage plots and twists, then not only this book but the entire series is for you.
There's plenty of action with just the right amount of cliff hangers leaving you wondering what's next!
If you like believable spy/espionage plots and twists, then not only this book but the entire series is for you.
There's plenty of action with just the right amount of cliff hangers leaving you wondering what's next!
April 11, 2022
The Splinter
Book 5 of this series carries on with the same high intensity action as the previous four books. It's a real page turner, and was hard to put down. I highly recommend the book, and for those reading through the series, The Splinter will not disappoint.
Book 5 of this series carries on with the same high intensity action as the previous four books. It's a real page turner, and was hard to put down. I highly recommend the book, and for those reading through the series, The Splinter will not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews