HarperCollins The Order

I received the book in perfect order and on time.The book is an unputdownable page turner.Silva created Gabriel Allon needs no introduction, and like all his previous adventures the order presents a thrill factor rating of 5 out of 5.The book starts with the sudden death of Pope John Paul VII. His death is shrouded in mystery. His personal secretary and close friend Luigi Donnati suspects, the hand of order of St. Helena in causing the sudden death of the pope. But in whom will Luigi confide?Enter Gabriel Allon, who is on a much needed holiday with his family, visiting Venice. Gabriel and Luigi, investigate the death of the pope and in turn unearth a twisted plot architectured by the order of St. Helena to take over the papacy, by electing one of their own as the pope.Like any Gabriel adventure, readers are presented with beautiful and detailed description of some of the famous cities in Italy and Switzerland. Also, the story time and again delves into history, explicating the plausible role of the Catholic Church in oppression of the Jews. What I liked the most, is that Silva has supported the historical facts that he has depicted with suitable references. Also, I find that Silva has been able to translate historical facts to present day happenings, where one observes the sudden gain of power of far right forces in Europe. Therefore in some ways the book bears some semblance with the famous book “Jihad vs McWorld”.I wasn’t disappointed and I believe all Gabriel Allon lovers will love the fast-paced thriller.

This book was terrible on so many dimensions, it is difficult to specify them all. To begin, let me say that I own every one of Mr. Silva's books and have read them all at least twice. Until the current book, he was my favorite author in this genre. No more. His books are now totally off my list unless I see credible evidence of a very serious about face on his part.The plot is hackneyed, and I believe the book is the third of this series focused on the Vatican where there is a huge right-wing conspiracy, literally one of biblical proportions. The cabal consists of over 50 high level clerics from the Vatican, plus several heads of European countries in the mold of Donald Trump, plus one evil industrialist. Think the Da Vinci code meets evangelical bible study classes. Priests are murdering people left and right, including the Pope. Entirely new gospels emerge out of the Vatican's archives and, if allowed to become public they would destroy the Catholic Church and entirely remove the underpinnings of anti-Semitism in this world. Enter Gabriel Allon and the one sincere, honest Catholic priest besides the deceased Pope (really?)In short, conservatism is about to destroy the world and only liberals can save it. Many media sources spread this message daily, we do not need to hear it once again in our free time. More to the point, I don't and will not in the future from Mr. Silva.

The waiting, always the waiting. – That is something every fan of Daniel Silva can relate to. As always, it has been worth it. One cannot simply put the book down, trust me, I've tried and ended up reading till the end until 3:30am.Daniel Silva knows how to write a book packed with history interspersed by twisting turns and nerve wrecking moments. There is never a dull moment only interlude before something that will stop you in your tracks and makes you think.The moment you open the book, you're transported to Gabriel Allon’s world. It truly feels like you're standing by his side trying to find out if the Pope was really murdered while staying ahead of the Order of St. Helena and its members plotting against Gabriel and trying to prevent him accomplishing his mission. Conclave has to begin so Gabriel has limited time. But then again, when he doesn't? There is a reason his old team’s name is Barak after all.To think at the beginning Chiara had a daring idea to pack the entire family, indulging Gabriel and take them for much needed holidays. Who would have guessed it won't work out, right?

I love all his novels and cant wait for a new release. I am really disappointed in this. Too much focus on historical religion. Reads more like a historical religious novel than a spy thriller.

That makes it readable, not necessarily good. Main problem -- the author has become predictable. Second, it seems like a formula not a novel. Third, he takes care to make a parody of Trump in one of the characters (I am not a Trump supporter, but gad, it is tiresome). Hopefully, this is the last Gabriel book -- the character is getting to be boring. Maybe one about Chiara (pre-Gabe)?I wish I had waited to purchase for $2 -- used. Then someone else but the author would benefit.

After my first book by Daniel Silva purely by mistake I read a review by a woman who said the only problem with a Daniel Silva book is waiting for a year for the next one and she was so right. As the previous book was the first I had read and couldn't put down I then started reading all his previous ones to fill the void. Some I wasn't so keen on but they were still amazingly written. I am half way through the Order and struggle to put it down even to eat. Reading his books particularly about Allon is like putting on a pair of comfy old slippers and I just need to savour every moment. The Void is different in a way but no less incredible. Please Mr. Silva do not stop writing especially about Gabriel who I am sure for all of us has become a 'friend'. Well done again - great book and can't wait to finish it but must savour every word.