Palace of Treason: A Novel Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Palace of Treason: A Novel by Jason Matthews

The readers can download Palace of Treason: A Novel Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

The pulse-pounding sequel to the bestselling, Edgar Award-winning Red Sparrow that The New York Times Book Review called "terrifically good": star-crossed spies Dominika Egorova and CIA agent Nate Nash return in a cat-and-mouse race to the finish.Captain Dominika Egorova of the Russian Intelligence Service (SVR) has returned from the West to Moscow and the Center, the headquarters of her service. She finds things worse than when she left. She despises the men she must serve, the oligarchs, and crooks, and thugs of Putin's Russia. What no one knows is that Dominika is working for the CIA as Washington's most sensitive penetration of SVR and the Kremlin. As she expertly dodges exposure, Dominika deals with a murderously psychotic boss; survives an Iranian assassination attempt; escapes a counterintelligence ambush; rescues an arrested agent and exfiltrates him out of Russia; and has a chilling midnight conversation in her nightgown with President Putin in one of the Tsar's palaces. Complicating the risks is the fact that Dominika is in love with her CIA handler, Nate Nash, and their lust is as dangerous to both of them as committing espionage in Moscow. And when a mole in the SVR finds Dominika's name on a restricted list of sources, it is a virtual death sentence. She must face off alone against her psycho boss, who's got an eight-inch knife up his sleeve... Just as fast-paced, heart-pounding, and action-packed as Red Sparrow, Jason Matthews's second novel proves he is "an insider's insider...and a masterful storyteller" (Vince Flynn, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

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10 comments

  • I was a huge fan of the first book in the trilogy, Red Sparrow. Palace of Treason didn't quite live up to my expectations, though. It had its moments, especially when it got to the thrilling parts, but overall, it took too long to really get going. I found myself getting frustrated at times due to the book trying to be overly complex. I also had mixed feelings about the decision to fictionalize a real person like Putin. Now, I'm left wondering whether I should push through and finish the trilogy or not.
  • Following the thrilling debut novel, RED SPARROW, PALACE OF TREASON continues the gripping tale of U.S./Russia espionage with a realistic and fast-paced narrative. While it remains intriguing and suspenseful, it doesn't quite match the taut and electrifying nature of its predecessor. The presence of the deceased former associates, who now act as talking ghosts and follow the female Russian counter-spy Dominika Egorova, is surprisingly not as tiresome as Matthews' constant reliance on Egorova's ability to perceive glowing colors around a person's head as a means of detecting lies (e.g., "swirling, warm purple" for honesty, "pulsating blue" for intelligence, etc.). While this literary device can be effective in a few key moments, its frequent usage throughout the novel can be irritating and suggest a lack of effort on the writer's part. In fact, the increasing presence of ghosts and the emphasis on chromatic characterization seem to blur the boundaries of reality and venture into the realm of magical realism. Nevertheless, with the resonance of Red Sparrow, I remain hopeful for the third installment in the series.
  • This sequel is just as impressive as the first one. As someone who loves spy thrillers like those by Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Alex Berenson, and Daniel Silva, I can say that Jason Matthews' expertise in spycraft, complex storylines, and superb writing skills will soon establish him as one of the great writers in this genre. The narration by Jeremy Bobbs adds an extra layer of enjoyment, especially with his ability to flawlessly deliver a Russian accent. Matthews' portrayal of characters, events, and settings sometimes reminds me of reading a Pat Conroy book. His descriptions are so vivid and immersive that I feel as though I'm right there experiencing it all.
  • Matthews does a great job expanding on the groundwork he established in Red Sparrow, taking the reader on an exciting ride filled with metaphors, delving deep into the mysterious realms of global politics and spy missions. If you were a fan of Red Sparrow, then you're definitely going to adore Palace of Treason.
  • If you're a fan of John le Carré, then you definitely need to check out Palace of Treason and its prequel, The Sparrow. Even though it's not necessary to read the first book in the series, there's enough background information in this novel to keep you hooked. As a former CIA operative with over 30 years of experience, Matthews brings a level of authenticity to the story that is truly remarkable. The book is a captivating mix of a well-crafted plot and compelling characters, making it a must-read. I found myself staying up late into the night because I couldn't put it down, and even with its 20+ hour duration, I wish the audiobook was even longer.
  • Although the second installment in the series didn't quite match the excellence of the first, I still found it to be a highly enjoyable audiobook. It felt like Matthews had a greater focus on the romantic relationships of the main characters, which at times felt a bit excessive, but the main plot remained engaging throughout. I would definitely recommend it to fans of Red Sparrow who are looking for another thrilling listen.
  • I swear, within the first 13 seconds, I feel like smashing my head against the wall. I just completed listening to the previous book, and now they've got a new narrator who pronounces Dominika in a completely different way. It's driving me insane.
  • Sequels often fail to meet the expectations set by their predecessor, but 'Palace of Treason' defies this trend. In fact, it goes above and beyond what 'Red Sparrow' achieved. It's a rare occurrence to find a book that combines a complex and realistic plot with well-developed characters, regardless of their gender. As I delved into the story, I found myself having visceral reactions to the events that unfolded for both major and minor characters. While some may find the conversations between the spy and her fallen comrades strange and eerie, I believe they align perfectly with the Russian mysticism and effectively depict the character's internal struggles. Initially, these dialogues may seem odd, but as the story progresses, they become completely natural. Similar to 'Red Sparrow,' each chapter concludes with a recipe for a dish enjoyed within that chapter. This unique addition serves as the perfect complement to the narrative. I'm eagerly anticipating the release of Book 3!
  • I've been eagerly anticipating the sequel to the author's debut novel ever since I finished reading it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The way he writes his books gives them an authentic feel that makes you believe you're gaining insight into the world of modern-day diplomacy that goes beyond what you see in the news. Absolutely love it.
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