(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

A network of terror.
A web of deceit.
A deadly game of vengeance.

Legendary spy and art restorer Gabriel Allon is poised to become the chief of Israel's secret intelligence service. But on the eve of his promotion, events conspire to lure him into the field for one final operation. ISIS has detonated a massive bomb in the Marais district of Paris, and a desperate French government wants Gabriel to eliminate the man responsible before he can strike again.
They call him Saladin …
He is a terrorist mastermind whose ambition is as grandiose as his nom de guerre, a man so elusive that even his nationality is not known. Shielded by sophisticated encryption software, his network communicates in total secrecy, leaving the West blind to his planning-and leaving Gabriel no choice but to insert an agent into the most dangerous terrorist group the world has ever known. Natalie Mizrahi is an extraordinary young doctor as brave as she is beautiful. At Gabriel's behest, she will pose as an ISIS recruit in waiting, a ticking time bomb, a black widow out for blood.
Her perilous mission will take her from the restive suburbs of Paris to the island of Santorini and the brutal world of the Islamic State's new caliphate, and eventually to Washington, D.C., where the ruthless Saladin is plotting an apocalyptic night of terror that will alter the course of history.

*3.5 stars*

I have been reading Gabriel Allon novels pretty much from the start. I have always enjoyed these books and look forward to the next one coming out. This one, unfortunately, would have to be the worst of the lot. Let me explain...

There is nothing different about Silva's ability to draw the reader into his web of terrorism, intrigue, politics and espionage. That hasn't changed at all over the years. This novel, centring on ISIS and the threat to peace, brings all of those elements together in true Silva style.

What did let me down a little was the over-the-top political narrative. As a non-American, I am not drawn into the world of US politics - but in this book, Silva makes it quite clear that he hates (former) President Obama. He seems to tell us at every opportunity. Obama is seemingly to blame for all the ills of the world and that, love the guy or not, just doesn't work for me in this narrative.

Certainly a great thriller novel - but could have done without the overt political messages.


Paul
ARH