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kalerush's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
literarylover37's review against another edition
4.0
*This was an ARC copy given to me from goodreads giveaways*
This is the third Stephen L. Carter novel I have read and I would say it was my least favorite. I felt as though I really didn't get to know the main character as well as I had in the previous novels. The plot also felt somewhat murky in the middle just because of the sheer volume of characters. That being said, this novel was still four stars for me because of the quick pace of the plot and the twists that made this story really interesting. I liked the incorporation of history and real people, especially John F. Kennedy. I certainly plan on reading more by Carter and I would recommend this book to those who enjoy intrigue, historical fiction, and writing about the Cuban Missile Crisis .
This is the third Stephen L. Carter novel I have read and I would say it was my least favorite. I felt as though I really didn't get to know the main character as well as I had in the previous novels. The plot also felt somewhat murky in the middle just because of the sheer volume of characters. That being said, this novel was still four stars for me because of the quick pace of the plot and the twists that made this story really interesting. I liked the incorporation of history and real people, especially John F. Kennedy. I certainly plan on reading more by Carter and I would recommend this book to those who enjoy intrigue, historical fiction, and writing about the Cuban Missile Crisis .
mehitabels's review against another edition
4.0
You know those books that invigorate you? That lead you to read other books, especially nonfiction and everything else the author has written? That leave you aching to talk to someone about the book?
This was my first of 2015, and a wonderful one. Any aspect that seemed historically unlikely was worked in such a fashion as to be believable, nay, desirable. Suspenseful despite knowing the general outcome, spies, Russians, nuclear weapons, academia, and patriotism. Fantastic.
Now I must go to the library to further my knowledge. The time period involved must be one of the most thrilling in American history, if it comes even close to this fictionalized account.
This was my first of 2015, and a wonderful one. Any aspect that seemed historically unlikely was worked in such a fashion as to be believable, nay, desirable. Suspenseful despite knowing the general outcome, spies, Russians, nuclear weapons, academia, and patriotism. Fantastic.
Now I must go to the library to further my knowledge. The time period involved must be one of the most thrilling in American history, if it comes even close to this fictionalized account.
leevoncarbon's review against another edition
5.0
It was during the Cuba missile crisis that I first became of the larger world around me and how it might impact my life. Thus I was drawn to this novel. It did not disappoint. Had my full attention from start to finish.
moosetash's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lisagray68's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Great fictional story about the Cuban missile crisis
anderson65's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining, but not compelling story about imagined behind the scenes events set during the Cuban Missle Crisis. The author captures the tone of that time recognizable to those of us who lived through it.
The obvious follow-up novel would connect this book to the assassination of JFK. I would read it.
The obvious follow-up novel would connect this book to the assassination of JFK. I would read it.
benfast's review against another edition
4.0
Another Chapters bargain pick-up that turned out really well! $7 well spent :)
I actually quite liked Back Channel by Stephen L. Carter. The idea of an international Cold War spy thriller centring on an almost-teenage student who also happens to be a woman of colour was a great idea.
Carter's writing was clear, easy to follow, but yet suspenseful and engaging. There were times when I had no clue who the real enemy was, or what was going to happen next. The portrayal of Kennedy was a bit weak, but presented an interesting view of a distracted president in a time of great potential peril. The notion that academics could be so involved in international politics was also quite interesting, and something I assume would be more impactful for an American audience afraid of who controls government and fear of the upper classes, etc.
I'm glad I read this book, it was a good change from Tom Clancy-esque Cold War thrillers and had some memorable characters making the genre seem fun again. I would read another book by Carter.
I actually quite liked Back Channel by Stephen L. Carter. The idea of an international Cold War spy thriller centring on an almost-teenage student who also happens to be a woman of colour was a great idea.
Carter's writing was clear, easy to follow, but yet suspenseful and engaging. There were times when I had no clue who the real enemy was, or what was going to happen next. The portrayal of Kennedy was a bit weak, but presented an interesting view of a distracted president in a time of great potential peril. The notion that academics could be so involved in international politics was also quite interesting, and something I assume would be more impactful for an American audience afraid of who controls government and fear of the upper classes, etc.
I'm glad I read this book, it was a good change from Tom Clancy-esque Cold War thrillers and had some memorable characters making the genre seem fun again. I would read another book by Carter.
tschmitty's review against another edition
3.0
Not my fave genre, but it was an interesting if not fantastical read. I thought the suspense was good, and the setting of the Cuban Missile Crises worked well. I did get bogged down by all the characters, their names, and their spy affiliations.