The Lion's Game

Rating:
Summary: The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Review: This book reads like a non sweeps network movie of the week. We have our Alpha Male hero and post feminist heroine. Some misplaced sympathies with a terrorist whom we are invited to "understand" and a loosely wrought implication of government interagency conspiracy. The most interesting character in the book was the exKGB agent, Boris, with his astute observations on the American Character. The ending was Stephen King-like in its lack of satisfying resolution. If there is a sequel, I will consider checking it out of the library (maybe) just to see if The Lion gets it in the end. This one goes on the "C" shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Another fast paced winner from Nelson DeMille.
Review: Thus far the best book of the year 2000 for me. There was no putting it down. It was a riveting, nonstop read from page one.

John Corey is a wonderful protagonist, and Mr. DeMille allows him a lot of humor and political incorrectness as well as his hard nosed dedication to getting the job done right. John Corey's inner thoughts (those he does not say aloud) brought many a laugh as Mr. Corey tried to behave in the most polically correct way in the interest of inter-agency cooperation.

The culture clash between the FBI and CIA ops and John Corey are well played. At times one wonders if the agency types are not interfering with the real mission...but John Corey prevails.

Mr. DeMille is one of my favorite writers. "The Lion's Game" joins "The Charm School", "Word of Honer" and "The Gold Coast" as my favorites. Only "Cathedral" disappointed me.

Tightly packed and tension filled with a wonderful dash of wry humor fill this speedy page turner.

KVD

Rating:
Summary: I chuckled my way through it...
Review: If you're looking for an entertaining read, then this is the book for you. While not fast paced --getting to know the characters and following them in their daily activities slowed the book down -- the book is nonetheless darned good. In most books, the daily activities of characters can be pretty boring. Not so here. What wards off boredom is the interaction between the characters and the healthy dose of humor that's sprinkled liberally throughout the novel. Corey has a sarcastic sense of humor that kept a smile on my face. But there is a downside to some of the humor. In some instances, he makes jokes or wise-cracks at the expense of Arabs and Muslims. In fact, some of the comments surprised me because they seemed so -- for lack of a better word -- racist. Therefore, I agree with another reviewer who noted that, for that reason, this book might be offensive to some.

But back to its good points: the main characters were well-developed and interesting. Even the bad guy. The action scenes seemed realistic and the dialog was great. This author has a laid back writing style that is very easy to read. And the peek into the inner-workings of the government-backed investigation of the terrorist, and the clearly plausible reason behind the attacks makes for good reading. And even though the book does have a fair bit of humor, the plot deals with the serious issue of terrorism. The grave nature and dangers associated with terrorism come through loud and clear with horrific results.

The obligatory romance plot seemed a little rushed, meaning that nowadays characters in books seem to fall in love VERY easily. But, it did add for some added tension and entertainment.

In sum, I liked the book and almost rated it higher. What stopped me was the racist comments. While I'm ashamed to say I found some of them funny, I know that had it been my ethnic background under attack, I wouldn't have appreciated it one bit.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and well written but he has done better.
Review: Well, with The Lion's Game DeMille has created the Assassin for the ages. Pretty nasty fellow. The main character is John Corey, a former New York City cop working with the Feds trying to apprehend this super terrorist. The book is well written and at moments shines with great dialogue and very funny observations about the politics of inter agency relationships. Corey's love interest, and partner, is fine but I fail to understand the hurry with the relationship. The secondary characters are sharply written and original but the novel lacks the multi-layered complexities of his earlier work. Don't get me wrong, this is a worthwhile read but do not expect another Gold Coast.

Rating:
Summary: A great insight into the mind of the terrorist...
Review: Demille's journey through the minds of the "Lion" and his wannabe captors offers an interesting insight into the reasoning behind some forms of terrorism. Asad Khalil is not only on a government sponsored tirade through the US. He is on a personal mission. The Lion is on the prowl and will stop at nothing less than completion of his Jihad.

Rating:
Summary: Lion's Game
Review: I loved this reading this book. I thought the marriage to his co-worker was terrific, and I'd like to see them both confront Asahd in a sequel. I like John Corey's humor and the fact his life is more than just detective work. You actually read about this guy eating, and romancing versus a guy chasing the villian 100% of the time. My only disappointment... What happened to Beth Penrose? I liked her. We never had a chance to read about a romance between she and John. All in all, a wonderful book I thought. I've read all Demille's books. Thought this was one of his best along with The Charm School and Word of Honor.

Rating:
Summary: It was an awful experience
Review: I was taken by surprise at how the author is making jokes out of Arabs and the Muslims communities. I liked the novel, the characters and how detailed this novel is. But what I didn't like is the Author lack of information about Islam and Arabs and making stupid jokes out of that.

Nelson Demille wrote a novel, which is very offensive to All Arabs and Muslims. I as a Muslim and an Arab am not happy with the Author sense of humor in this novel.

I invite the author to learn more about Muslim communities and Islam, and maybe Arabic countries. As in every community in this world, there is the good and the bad. We are educated, peaceful, live a very modern life and have all kind of technologies available. Or I wouldn't be writing this review from the back of a Camel!

This novel is very offensive to Arabs and Muslims. And if you like to read slow, detailed novels, get this one. There are humor, jokes, sex, action, and a very detailed road map of US highways exits and entries.

Enjoy :)

Rating:
Summary: Highly Entertaining
Review: I love Nelson Demille and I loved this book. I couldn't waitfor some free time each day to read it. The story was entertainingand the dialogue was humerous. We could have done without therelationship between John and Kate , but so what, that didn't ruin the book. I hope with the way the book ended, that there will be a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: The Lions Game
Review: This was my first experience with this author. I wouldn't seek out any of his other works as this novel was slow, plodding, and unsatisfying.

Rating:
Summary: apology
Review: Mr.Nelson Demille owes me an apolgy for having me read 677 pages of a book that has no closure. e-mail [e-mail] Mr.I. Melamed