I have read quite a few of the books in the Gabriel Allon series, but not chronologically and the latest one that I read was number 12, so taking on number 17 did make me think how much I would ruin the remaining books or puzzle me when reading the latest one. Well, it turned out not to be so bad. The outcome of the books leading up to this one may be compromised, but I am sure that they will still be exciting reads when that day comes. Daniel Silva is absolutely brilliant at writing spy/action thrillers with a focus on strategy and tactics rather than on weaponry, blood and gore, and Gabriel Allon - now the top Israeli spy master - is both elegant, conscientious, and awesome in and out of the field, but never the super human as other book spies are portrayed.
Silva furthermore lets current affairs play into the setting of his stories which (unfortunately) makes them all the more believable, which is a huge plus in my book.
It says something about a series that an author can write 17 bestsellers about the same protagonist, but before long, Silva should consider putting another protagonist into the series and let Allon slip into an important supporting role now that his field activities are becoming limited as head of an intelligence service. That said, I was not bored at all with this novel, but not completely blown away as I have been before by other books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and the author Daniel for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a new genre for me in reviewing, I normally stick to books I can read easily like chick lit, things I can pick up and put down .... but this genre I am finding completely different..... I suppose it is early days for me to say that about a whole genre but I found this book 'very unputdownable'

It was an intense read and kept me literally on the edge of my seat!

I have only read one other in the Allon series which was evident when it came to all of the characters and me trying to remember which one was from where.... that is my only criticism, that I had to keep going back on chapters to remember who was who.... for new readers to this series I wouldn't be put off by that but it does slow you down.

This book is really well written and for someone who is trying to get into this genre...... I was really impressed!

I will definitely be reading more from this author and trying to get through all of the previous books in this series before the next one is out!

I look forward each summer eagerly to the new Daniel Silva thriller and thankfully he shows signs of slowing down or losing momentum. it helps to have read the last book as the hunt continues for the dreaded Saladin but the back story is revealed so it can be read as a standalone.

Horribly prescient in his description of terrorist atrocities. This is an exceptionally exciting, well plotted and well written thriller that is highly recommended.

The 17th book in the spy, assassin, and art restorer Gabriel Allon series by author Daniel Silva and although I had only previously read 1 to 5 it did not spoil my enjoyment or understanding of this book.
Although my favourite and more regular genre is psychological thrillers I do like to mix my reading up a little with more action based novels such as Lee Child and Daniel Silva and I find this series a welcome change.
In this novel Gabriel Allon is out for revenge and his target is a madman named Saladin who is causing havoc around the world with his succession of crimes. Allon wants Saladin dead and would ideally like to be the man who kills him. Gabriel Allon in his new role as chief of the office in Israel should be limited in the field but nothing is going to stop him in his quest for revenge.
Another excellent read thanks to this expert story teller.

I would like to thank Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to receive House Of Spies, the latest Daniel Silva spy thriller from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I discovered this series about 6 years ago and always read the latest installment about Israeli agent Gabriel Allon. Having read all the recent books I went back and read all the earlier ones keen to learn more about Gabriel's earlier life. All the books are well written, well researched and kept me reading when I should have been doing other things! I normally try and read the latest on holiday as they always come out in the Summer but I had to read this one at home over the course of a weekend as i had no holiday planned for a few weeks and I just couldn't wait. I certainly was not disappointed!
The story follows on from the previous book- The Black Widow and as well as the normal group of characters it also contains doctor and newly recruited spy Natalie from this earlier book.
Natalie and Mikhael obviously have feelings for each other and have to work together, posing as a Russian arms dealer and his wife to try and catch ISIS leader Saladin. Christopher Keller, Gabriel's one time adversary and friend also features in the story. Gabriel is now head of the Office and whilst directing operations still wants to be an agent in the field. Saladin has masterminded many plots, killing a lot of people so the British and the Americans are desparate to catch him and need Gabriel's help.
There is less about Gabriel's other career in art restoration in this book but as usual there is some art content as as part of the plot when Gabriel is trying to set up the scheme to reel in Jean-Luc the drug dealer millionaire who will lead them to Saladin.
There is if course an exciting climax as Gabriel and his team try to catch up with Saladin and abort a terrorist plot.
I don't want to reveal too much of the story as this would spoil it but suffice it to say the book would appeal to action thriller fans. and anyone that has loved James Bond or Jason Bourne in the past . It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend at least reading The Black Widow first. You are in for a treat as the whole series is excellent.
The only downside is now that I have read it I will have to wait a whole year for the next one. Five stars from me!

I am not sure how Daniel Silva does it so often but another truly brilliant Gabriel Allon book. It isn't just the main character that makes his books enjoyable it is the depth and importance of all the supporting cast (okay, and the great plot and writing as well!). Gabriel is on the hunt for Saladin and with the assistance of MI6 agent Christopher Keller his hunt leads to French Multi-millionaire Jean-Luc Martel and his English girlfriend, art dealer ex-model Olivia Watson. From there the story leads us on a chase including MI6, US Intelligence, The Alpha group from France as well as the usual team from the Israeli Intelligence service. A thoroughly enjoyable story. Well crafted! A true joy to read.

I enjoyed House Of Spies but I did have my reservations about it.

There is a lot to enjoy here. Daniel Silva creates a good story of terrorist atrocities and the subsequent joint operation between the Intelligence Agencies of Israel, Britain, France and the USA to locate and kill the jihadi mastermind behind them, with whom the main protagonist Gabriel Allon and his fellow Israeli agents have a lot of history. The detail and careful plotting hang together well, there is a convincing picture of the jockeying for position between the Agencies and the characters are pretty well painted. The later parts of the book are very exciting in places and it's a very decent read a lot of the time.

I did think that some of the storytelling was a bit clunky. I'm all for detail and careful scene-setting for realism, but a little tightening up might have helped things along in the early stages. Silva isn't shy of a cliché, either, and stale usages like "thick as thieves", "fight tooth and nail," people talking about "our little subterfuge" and so on crop up often enough to intrude.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book overall and I can recommend it as a decent read – especially for a day on the beach or the like.

(I received an ARC via NetGalley.)

This is the 17th book in Daniel Silva's popular series featuring art restorer and Israeli agent, Gabriel Allon. The appearance of a new Silva book is always a midsummer treat and this one is no exception. Allon is now head of "The Office" and as such you might not expect to find him on operational missions. But of course, knowing Gabriel, he won't be sitting behind a desk for very long. This stories are always highly topical and this one focuses on the attempt to assassinate the head of a terror network responsible for atrocities carried out in London. Daniel Silva's extensive research shines through as the complexities of the modern world. As always, the plot demands careful investigation and recruitment of assets and these are well-balanced with the action sequences. Many of the familiar characters from the previous novels are here (including the Corsican goat) and it is a joy to spend more time with them. They seem three-dimensional, flawed and interesting. In other words, real. As always, there is lots of travel and lots of places to visit in your mind's eye. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Morocco this time complete with jinns.
If you haven't read any of these books, you could give yourself a huge treat and start with the first one (The Kill Artist). The House of Spies can be read as a stand-alone novel, although the plot is certainly linked to last year's "The Black Widow" so you might want to read that one first.
I am very much looking forward to next year's outing for Allon already!

A horribly prescient act of terrorism in London gives this thriller currency as Gabriel Allon, now head of the Office, makes things personal as he sets up an elaborate operation to take down a terrorist leader.

If you've read other Silva books then you'll know what to expect as this doesn't challenge the tried-and-trusted formula - what makes Silva stand out for me is the political intelligence, the refusal to pander to cheap and easy stereotypes that border on the racist, and the attention to tradecraft. Yes, there is some sentimentalising especially over Allon's legendary status and his friends in high places, but he's still a charismatic lead character with a sense of history that he carries with his, both in personal and national terms. A thriller for adults.