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Viktor
In the early 1980s the world was on the brink of a nuclear Armageddon. Trust between the USA and the Soviet Union was at an all-time low; suspicion and fear ruled. Each side believed that the other was planning an imminent surprise attack. Viktor Gumnov, a KGB officer with a background in marine science, is sent on a secret mission to Washington charged with the task of finding a way in which the Soviet Union could defeat America and the West.Based on a true story, Viktor is a tale of high-stakes espionage as it really happened, and of how a potential global catastrophe was averted. It is a story of courage and ingenuity, morality, and of the eternal quest for understanding.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 27, 2022
3.5
It’s a pretty readable and interesting story though not gripping in the way a political thriller would be. Instead the protagonist is kind of a delightful, warm person and I really enjoyed him and his family. It was weird that I found this book - which is ostensibly about avoiding world war 3 - kind of a cozy read. For some reason “Little Women” kept popping into my head. The writing is mostly clear and direct though the book would benefit from better editing (unclear pronouns, some misspellings, and a tendency to use many different names for single characters; plus the ending felt a bit unresolved - though that May be intentional).
It’s a pretty readable and interesting story though not gripping in the way a political thriller would be. Instead the protagonist is kind of a delightful, warm person and I really enjoyed him and his family. It was weird that I found this book - which is ostensibly about avoiding world war 3 - kind of a cozy read. For some reason “Little Women” kept popping into my head. The writing is mostly clear and direct though the book would benefit from better editing (unclear pronouns, some misspellings, and a tendency to use many different names for single characters; plus the ending felt a bit unresolved - though that May be intentional).
October 29, 2025
What a book! This is different to my usual reads but I really enjoyed the concept of it. A Russian spy with a secret to keep, political but also looking out for his family. Viktor has to be careful, he's listening to things, making notes but can he be careful enough to not get caught before the information gets back to his higher-ups?
I like the idea that this had spies and NATO ties, it is suspenseful at times and kept me engaged - I didn't want it to end.
The chat about the tsunami was interesting, how they happen, when and where they could occur and their consequences. Scary times!
I like stories that are based from true stories and I think that helps it to be more believable.
I like the idea that this had spies and NATO ties, it is suspenseful at times and kept me engaged - I didn't want it to end.
The chat about the tsunami was interesting, how they happen, when and where they could occur and their consequences. Scary times!
I like stories that are based from true stories and I think that helps it to be more believable.
March 19, 2026
What a gem this book is!
Concerning a Russian oceanic scientist who is posted to the USA to become a somewhat reluctant spy, based on a true story from the early 80’s.
Calmans attention to detail brings the characters really alive and gives an interesting view of America through the eyes of a visitor whilst his understated sense of drama keeps this book alive until the end; highly recommended.
Concerning a Russian oceanic scientist who is posted to the USA to become a somewhat reluctant spy, based on a true story from the early 80’s.
Calmans attention to detail brings the characters really alive and gives an interesting view of America through the eyes of a visitor whilst his understated sense of drama keeps this book alive until the end; highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews