World Famous Comics: The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon)
The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon)
By: Daniel Silva Publisher: Fawcett Average Rating: Binding: Mass Market Paperback Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 448 Publication Date: February 26, 2002 Release Date: February 26, 2002 Studio: Fawcett
Amazon.com Review: Fans of Daniel Silva's well-received earlier novels, especially The Marching Season, will welcome his newest novel of espionage, revenge, and Middle Eastern politics. Gabriel Allon is an art restorer who's persuaded out of retirement by Ari Shamron, the crafty Israeli spymaster bent on a deadly mission: killing a Palestinian agent named Tariq before he can carry out his plan to assassinate an old comrade-in-arms, the treacherous peacemaker Yasir Arafat.
Tariq's role in the murder of Gabriel's wife and son draws both Gabriel and Sarah Halevy, the beautiful French model whose affair with Gabriel led to the assassination of his family. Still in love with Gabriel, Sarah allows herself to be set up with a cover and infiltrated into Tariq's inner circle. But before Gabriel can rescue her and fulfill his mission, Tariq turns the tables to get his old adversary as well as Arafat in his own sights. A particularly resonant scene in which Tariq and Arafat confront each other and discuss their former friendship, as well as the change in tactics that has brought Tariq to the ultimate betrayal, reveals Silva's deep comprehension of Palestinian rivalries. He puts a clever little fillip on the ending that adds to the brio of this strongly paced thriller. Silva creates complex, fascinating characters in Gabe, Ari, and Tariq, and more than fulfills the promise of his earlier books. --Jane Adams
Product Description: Once a key operative in secret Israeli-intelligence missions, Gabriel Allon is on the run from his past, assuming a quiet life as a meticulous restorer of priceless works of art. But now he is being called back into the game. The agent with whom he is teamed hides behind her own beautiful mask–as a French fashion model. Their target: a cunning terrorist on one last killing spree, a Palestinian zealot named Tariq who played a dark part in Gabriel’s past. What begins as a manhunt turns into a globe-spanning duel fueled by political intrigue and deep personal passions. In a world where secrecy and duplicity are absolute, revenge is a luxury no man can afford–and the greatest masterpiece of all.
The Thrill Artist ^ Daniel Silva takes us all on an interesting ride with THE KILL ARTIST his first novel that shows us the inner wheels and workings, not to mention the politics of the Mossad and its 'Office' spinmaster, Ari Shamron. Conversely, it also shows us the inner workings of the opposition. In this instance, it's Tariq- a ruthless and gifted terrorist who wants to bring problems to the Middle East Peace process. Shamron's problem solving answer, of course, is the actual artist (art restorer actually) Gabriel Allon who is the kill artist. It's a good thriller and offers some insight to issues beyond the headlines. It also demonstrates the staggering personal cost and toll of entering into such a profession and life. Silva does a good and credible job. Not a bad book and not a bad series.
This Series is Best Read in Order ^ THE KILL ARTIST is a well executed spy novel by Daniel Silva. If you plan on reading a novel in Silva's Gabriel Allon series, I recommend starting here.
THE KILL ARTIST deals with a retired assassin for the Israeli government, Gabriel Allon, who is lured out of retirement for one last big job. While this plotline is a familiar one, Silva is a gifted enough writer to keep things fresh and interesting. Ultimately this novel is far better written and designed than your typical thriller. Silva also deserves credit for his ending, which contains some genuinely surprising twists.
The Gabriel Allon series is currently ten novels long, and I recommend reading the series in order. Several years ago, I read the fourth Garbriel Allon novel (A DEATH IN VIENNA) and found it lacking, mainly because I found it difficult to relate to the multitude of characters and their extensive backstories. THE KILL ARTIST is the first Allon novel, and provides a much better introduction to the man and what makes him tick; it has turned me into a Silva fan.
In short, THE KILL ARTIST is a fun, intelligent read, and I look forward to reading more of Silva's work in the future.
another Silva hit ^ This is the second Daniel Silva book I have read and I enjoyed it immensely!! He is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. His plots are tight and his characters gripping and real. The action and story keep you going and 'on edge' until the last page. Then you are happily satisfied (with the story) but sad that it's over and you will probably look for another Silva book soon!!!!
Daniel Silva Rocks! ^ The first in the series of super spy Gabriel Allon. I was hooked when I read 'The Confessor' first and then found out this was only one in a whole series of Gabriel Allon books. I knew then I had to read them all. I didn't know about Daniel Silva until Amazon recommended some books based on my past orders. Thanks Amazon for getting me hooked on this great writer who places me on a roller coaster with every page. And thanks to all who complete reviews on products purchased, it does help in making a decision.
Not a good book. ^ Silva at times, made it hard to take this book seriously. I don't understand how Silva (or his editors) could think a popular supermodel who has dominated the fashion industry for 10 to 15 yrs, could be a viable candidate to be a spy. Also, the staging of the final confrontation was clumsy and predictable. This is just not a good book. Bordeline sloppy.
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