The Fallen Angel: Gabriel Allon, Book 12

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: George Guidall

After narrowly surviving his last operation, Gabriel Allon, the wayward son of Israeli intelligence, has taken refuge behind the walls of the Vatican, where he is restoring one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces. But early one morning, he is summoned to St. Peter's Basilica by Monsignor Luigi Donati, the all-powerful private secretary to his Holiness Pope Paul VII. The body of a beautiful woman lies broken beneath Michelangelo's magnificent dome.

The Vatican police suspect suicide, though Gabriel believes otherwise. So, it seems, does Donati. But the monsignor is fearful that a public inquiry might inflict another scandal on the Church, and so he calls upon Gabriel to quietly pursue the truth - with one caveat.

"Rule number one at the Vatican," Donati said. "Don't ask too many questions."

Gabriel learns that the dead woman had uncovered a dangerous secret - a secret that threatens a global criminal enterprise that is looting timeless treasures of antiquity and selling them to the highest bidder. But there is more to this network than just greed. A mysterious operative is plotting an act of sabotage that will plunge the world into a conflict of apocalyptic proportions....

©2012 Daniel Silva (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Worthy Entry for the Series

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend this book, but I would first encourage my friends to go back and read some of the more outstanding books in this series, such as "The Secret Servant".

If you’ve listened to books by Daniel Silva before, how does this one compare?

I would rate this book as 'average' for the Gabriel Allon series. Overall, I do agree with some of the other reviewers on this website that the Allon series is starting to feel a bit old and tired. That said, even an 'average' book by Daniel Silva is better than most authors' best works.

Would you listen to another book narrated by George Guidall?

Yes, I felt that Guidall performed well for these characters. However, my favorite reader for the Allon series is Phil Gigante.

Did The Fallen Angel inspire you to do anything?

Not especially.

Good mix of current world politics and fiction

Silva does it again! Interesting, intertwining plots, engaging characters and wonderful narration provided a great listening adventure. There was a lot going on with multiple characters and at times a little confusing, but overall good.Interesting premise on today's global politics and terrorism. Would have been better if I could have listened to longer segments at one time . Will Gabriel be back?

Excellent plot

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fallen Angel to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I think the audio edition is excellent in regards to adding suspense to the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, It jumped around but tied everything in together

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really, I enjoyed the entire book

Very good story

Great story, only once does Silva get on his soap box. Good adventure you will enjoy.

Very Entertaining

If you could sum up The Fallen Angel in three words, what would they be?

Fast moving, kept my interest

What other book might you compare The Fallen Angel to and why?

Davinci Code meets The Assassin

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time listening to this narrator. He was very engaging

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have easily spent all day and night listening to this book. But Life gets in the way!

Any additional comments?

This was the first time listening/reading Daniel Silva. I will definitely listen to more of his books. I loved reading about the inner workings of the Vatican and mixed with assassins made for a great read

Good but miss the old narrator

If you could sum up The Fallen Angel in three words, what would they be?

Always great suspense but the story this time didn't grip me as much.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Not sure

Would you listen to another book narrated by George Guidall?

Yes

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure

Any additional comments?

No

Perfection

This is my second time listening to this and what I've noticed is how awesome George Guidall is as the narrator. He is the best! It's been tough listening to the preceding books, knowing how good Guidall is and looking forward to his return to the series.

Great story. All the regular cast members are there A typically great Gabriel Allon book.

Wow is all I can say

I'm not sure I've enjoyed a book as much as this one. Silva is brilliant and the reader is a genius.

My favorite Daniel Silva book

Any additional comments?

I am about to do something that I have never done. I finished "Fallen Angel" this morning, and I am about to start it all over again. George Guidall was a wonderful narrator (as always), and I felt as if I was just eavesdropping in on conversations.

Now, that I have the plot and storyline down, I want to go back and listen for all of the wonderful details and historical facts in Rome and Israel and other European settings in the book. Silva's writing is so colorful and descriptive and interesting, and this time through, I can concentrate on that.

Overall, a wonderful book!

Silva does it again

Clearly Silva is a great writer. Bringing today events into the world of fiction. This was another cannot put it down story.