Agent 6
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Amazon.co.uk Review
Tom Rob Smith’s debut novel, Child 44, was a considerable success (the youthful Smith began to collect book award nominations by the bushel, before finally bagging the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for 2008). That book’s successor, The Secret Speech, featured the second appearance of the beleaguered former MGB officer Leo Dormidov. Hopes were high for the final volume in the trilogy – and here is Agent 6, the final outing for Leo. So does it satisfactorily conclude the sequence?
In the last book, the time was 1956; Stalin had died, and it was the time of Nikita Khrushchev’s revisionist pronouncements (such as the ‘secret speech’ of the title, in which the Stalinist regime was – for the first time – roundly denounced). Leo Dormidov, his wife Raisa and their daughters are in mortal danger again, because of the new public view of the police as criminals; Leo’s efforts to save his family plunged him into situations of fear and tension. Both books were novel of striking authority (despite the controversial stylistic notion of putting all speech in italics, so that everything appeared over-emphasised). Agent 6, the third and final outing for the conflicted former MGB officer, brings the trilogy of novels to a resounding climax. Leo’s new civilian life with his wife Raisa and his family has acquired equilibrium, but the USSR and the US are still bitter enemies. A visit to the states by Leo on a diplomatic mission has a tragic outcome, and Leo loses everything. Only the grim plains of Afghanistan offer him a way back – or death. Tom Rob Smith has utilised cinematic technique here (not to mention upping the number of suspenseful set pieces), and some will prefer the more complex character building of the first book (still the finest in the sequence), but for most readers this final Leo Dormidov novel will push all the requisite buttons. --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
`In this final part of the trilogy (equally good as a stand-alone book), which began with much acclaimed Child 44, author Tom Rob Smith shows he has lost none of his talent for producing a perfectly paced thriller' --Books of the Year, Country & Town House
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book, third in a trilogy featuring Leo Demidov, a former KGB agent, is divided into distinct portions. First we are given a flashback to his time as an agent, particularly working as part of a group looking after the black American singer,Jesse Austin, a prominent supporter of communism.
The action then moves to New York where Leo's much loved wife Raisa and two adopted children are travelling to attend a combined youth concert with an orchestra in Washington. It is at this point we are made aware that there are as many lies, evasions and manipulations happening on the US side of the fence as in the USSR.
A devastating incident occurs in Washington that leads about seven years later to Leo working in Afghanistan, deadening his personal tragedy with copious amounts of opium but still showing signs of the moral integrity which makes him such a sympathetic character.
It is difficult to review Agent 6 without giving away the plot. Perhaps it is enough to say that there is an interesting plot and a feeling that, while love may not conquer all, it can give meaning to a life and influence the way we live it.
This book is for people who want more than frenetic paced action and easy plot solutions.
The action then moves to New York where Leo's much loved wife Raisa and two adopted children are travelling to attend a combined youth concert with an orchestra in Washington. It is at this point we are made aware that there are as many lies, evasions and manipulations happening on the US side of the fence as in the USSR.
A devastating incident occurs in Washington that leads about seven years later to Leo working in Afghanistan, deadening his personal tragedy with copious amounts of opium but still showing signs of the moral integrity which makes him such a sympathetic character.
It is difficult to review Agent 6 without giving away the plot. Perhaps it is enough to say that there is an interesting plot and a feeling that, while love may not conquer all, it can give meaning to a life and influence the way we live it.
This book is for people who want more than frenetic paced action and easy plot solutions.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I don't get to read this genre very often as it is not one I would usually buy for myself so when a proof copy arrived in the post from Simon & Schuster (via BookDagger) to review I started reading with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Trepidation because I am not a political person at all and wondered if this would affect my perception of the story and excitement at reading a different genre.
Although this is the third book involving agent Leo Demidov it was very obvious from the beginning that I didn't have to have any previous knowledge. Leo's character is very understandable from his actions - but there is also an inference that although he is following Communist doctrine, there are underlying doubts.
At the beginning of the story the foundations are laid for how life is in the Soviet Union. We meet American singer Jesse Austin who is a Communist and is a key figure to the plot.
Fifteen years later we join Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted daughters on the eve before Raisa and their two daughters are leaving for America. Raisa is leading a diplomatic mission using singing as a bridge between the two countries.
On American soil we are introduced to FBI agent Jim Yates who is another central figure to the plot.
The change of events is sudden and dramatic and what follows is Leo's journey to reach America to avenge the tragedy. Along the way we spend time in Afghanistan until events conspire to get him back on track.
There are politics in the story but for me they were far outweighed by the psychological profiles of the characters we meet and the change in them as they examine their beliefs and become more humane. One of the major shocks for me was the power of the media - I'm not naïve and do know how it works - but this story brings it home how powerless people can become because they have enemies who are people in high-powered positions. I was also made to think about how a symbol in one country can mean something totally different in another and the strong emotions attached to that. Emotionally, family betrayals affected me quite powerfully.
The one thing I really want to happen in a story is that everything ties-up to a satisfactory conclusion (not necessarily a happy ending!). I loved it that a character central to the plot during the diplomatic mission appears later on - not just that the character makes an appearance! but does something that effects Leo's emotions. Also, Leo's actions on American soil left me feeling very satisfied. I loved it that an inconsequential personal possession in Russia became key to finding Agent 6 in America.
This is a story of political intrigue focussing on humanity and emotions. The main theme running through the story is Leo's over-riding and unconditional love for Raisa and his daughters. We finish on a cliff-hanger. I've been thinking there is only one possible conclusion ............... but then again, does an event send ripples that change things ............................
Although this is the third book involving agent Leo Demidov it was very obvious from the beginning that I didn't have to have any previous knowledge. Leo's character is very understandable from his actions - but there is also an inference that although he is following Communist doctrine, there are underlying doubts.
At the beginning of the story the foundations are laid for how life is in the Soviet Union. We meet American singer Jesse Austin who is a Communist and is a key figure to the plot.
Fifteen years later we join Leo, his wife Raisa and their two adopted daughters on the eve before Raisa and their two daughters are leaving for America. Raisa is leading a diplomatic mission using singing as a bridge between the two countries.
On American soil we are introduced to FBI agent Jim Yates who is another central figure to the plot.
The change of events is sudden and dramatic and what follows is Leo's journey to reach America to avenge the tragedy. Along the way we spend time in Afghanistan until events conspire to get him back on track.
There are politics in the story but for me they were far outweighed by the psychological profiles of the characters we meet and the change in them as they examine their beliefs and become more humane. One of the major shocks for me was the power of the media - I'm not naïve and do know how it works - but this story brings it home how powerless people can become because they have enemies who are people in high-powered positions. I was also made to think about how a symbol in one country can mean something totally different in another and the strong emotions attached to that. Emotionally, family betrayals affected me quite powerfully.
The one thing I really want to happen in a story is that everything ties-up to a satisfactory conclusion (not necessarily a happy ending!). I loved it that a character central to the plot during the diplomatic mission appears later on - not just that the character makes an appearance! but does something that effects Leo's emotions. Also, Leo's actions on American soil left me feeling very satisfied. I loved it that an inconsequential personal possession in Russia became key to finding Agent 6 in America.
This is a story of political intrigue focussing on humanity and emotions. The main theme running through the story is Leo's over-riding and unconditional love for Raisa and his daughters. We finish on a cliff-hanger. I've been thinking there is only one possible conclusion ............... but then again, does an event send ripples that change things ............................
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have just finished reading 'Agent 6' after reading 'Child 44' a wee while ago. Without revealing too much of the plot, this final instalment of the trilogy sees agent Leo Demidov's family struck by tragedy and henceforth Leo is propelled into a mission to uncover the hidden truths behind the awful circumstances that surround him.
Like other reviewers have stated, this novel does not compare to 'Child 44'. In comparision, there is very little tension for quite a large portion of the book (when compared to 'Child 44'). I found myself saying, 'Nothing is happening!' frequently when reading. I found things started to pick up about 2/3rds of the way into the novel and the ending satisfactorily ties up some of the things that are presented somewhat disjointedly throughout.
I must agree with one other reviewer who states that there are a number of editorial mistakes in this story such as sentences not making sense, words being omitted and words written in the incorrect tense. It seems that 'Agent 6' has been somewhat rushed and pushed through quickly to get to publishing without due diligence in the proof-reading and editing department. This is somewhat distracting and took away from my experience of reading this novel.
Despite this I do think 'Agent 6' is satisfactory and it hasn't put me off wanting to read the next piece of work from Tom Rob Smith. I just hope the next work is a step-up from this otherwise it will be the last novel I purchase of his.
Like other reviewers have stated, this novel does not compare to 'Child 44'. In comparision, there is very little tension for quite a large portion of the book (when compared to 'Child 44'). I found myself saying, 'Nothing is happening!' frequently when reading. I found things started to pick up about 2/3rds of the way into the novel and the ending satisfactorily ties up some of the things that are presented somewhat disjointedly throughout.
I must agree with one other reviewer who states that there are a number of editorial mistakes in this story such as sentences not making sense, words being omitted and words written in the incorrect tense. It seems that 'Agent 6' has been somewhat rushed and pushed through quickly to get to publishing without due diligence in the proof-reading and editing department. This is somewhat distracting and took away from my experience of reading this novel.
Despite this I do think 'Agent 6' is satisfactory and it hasn't put me off wanting to read the next piece of work from Tom Rob Smith. I just hope the next work is a step-up from this otherwise it will be the last novel I purchase of his.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Demidov's finale?
It is 1950 and we are in the Lubyanka, headquarters of the Russian secret police, with an investigation under way led by Agent Leo Demidov. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Mick Read
Smothered by his own success
To keep it brief, Agent 6 is an ok read. But it simply does not compare with its predecessors.
In writing Child 44, Smith created one of the best crime thrillers of... Read more
In writing Child 44, Smith created one of the best crime thrillers of... Read more
Published 18 days ago by eoinkellyis
The new Le Carre, the new Hammond Innes
Concluding the trilogy that began with the heart-stopping CHILD 44, Tom Rob Smith takes us back into the murky Cold-War world of KGB agent Leo Demidov. Read more
Published 1 month ago by David Gee
Has Tom Rob Smith outsourced the writing?
I really enjoyed the first 2 books. I enjoyed child 44's comedy scooby doo style reveal at the end, and also the Russian setting. Read more
Published 1 month ago by P. J. Sharp
Thrilling and exciting end to the trilogy!
Smith has followed up his previous two spy thrillers with a superb storyline which continues with Leo Demidov, spanning over a wider time period, this looks at events before the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Louise Roberts
Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith
After the first two books of this trilogy I was really looking forward to reading the third book. What a disappointment! Read more
Published 3 months ago by AvrilN.
Do not pass by this book
If you are a crime fiction/thriller reader do not pass by this book. It is excellent in any or all aspects. Read more
Published 3 months ago by John Fordyce
Back to form
Having been enamoured by the first book in the trilogy, underwhelmed by the second, I bought this book hoping for the best but fearing for the worst. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Simon Smith
smith is back,and how.
Agent 6 is a brilliant novel.leo demidov is really put through the ringer in this novel.Tom Rob Smith takes you to the heart of the character,and you discover a world long... Read more
Published 3 months ago by siborg
Touch too long
I liked Child 44 a lot, the Secret Speech less so but really enjoyed this book. This was a magnificent story which stretched over a long time frame and this introduced a problem... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Pusateri
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