Palace of Treason

A Novel

By: Jason Matthews

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

The pulse-pounding sequel to the best-selling, 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' second novel proves he is "an insider's insider and a masterful storyteller" (Vince Flynn, number-one New York Times best-selling author).

©2015 Jason Matthews (P)2015 Simon & Schuster

Narrator's inconsistency

Would you listen to Palace of Treason again? Why?

No, but I never listen to any book a second time. When I know the plot and how it ends I just can't get into going through it again.

Any additional comments?

How come the narrator pronounced one of the main character's name in the first book (Red Sparrow) one way which seemed much more Russian than he did in this book. Drove me nuts and just can't fathom why.

Quite entertaining

This is Hollywood on paper, so expect the Russian Spy working for the Americans to be ridiculously beautiful and irresistible. Expect the American Spy to be ridiculously handsome and beguiling. Expect lots of steamy sex scenes. And a touch of male bias. That said, it was pure entertainment.This is the second in a series (Red Sparrow being the best and worth reading.) Looking forward to the next installment.

A thrilling recipe

Jason Matthew's follow-up to Red Sparrow is another spy thriller and recipe book. We continue on the adventures of Nathaniel Nash and Dominika Igorova. This sequel continues to flesh out both Dominika and Nate as they navigate the complex world of International politics and tradecraft along with their fledgling romance.

The story weaves a tale of espionage, action and politics together in a way that's approachable even though it's not quite believable. I like the good guys well enough, but the villains are plain villains with no redeemable qualities. They want what they want and they'll be as bad as possible to get it. There's no subtleties with the antagonists which is to the detriment of the story. I get that people are bad and Domi sees their halo, but if they're bad, they're bad. The good guys, are better fleshed out, and we get to see what they go through and how. We get new characters, old characters and not everyone is immune or safe in this spy game. The action is good, the book moves at a swift pace and plots are developed and resolved.

The "recipes" in the book don't appear to be as appetizing this time around. I also wish there'd be measurements indicated. I still like the idea, but I'd like more specifics.

Jeremy Bobb continues to give a solid performance mixing Russian in with English. He breathes life into the wide cast of characters.

Overall this is a solid spy thriller that requires some suspension of disbelief. It wraps up nicely and we'll see if it's the end of our characters or not, but I will pick up whatever Mr. Matthews writes next. If you like spies, thrillers, Russia, or enjoyed Red Sparrow, pick this up, it's worth a credit.

Amazing follow up to Red Sparrow.

Where does Palace of Treason rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a big fan of spy novels, especially those that are current and have that "ring of truth". Red Sparrow is already one of the best I've read and, so far, Palace of Treason is a winner. If you liked Red Sparrow don't waste any time as this follow up is as good or better. My only hope now is that a third book is somewhere out there???

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nate and Dominika...great chemistry between the main characters.

What does Jeremy Bobb bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This narrator hits on all cylinders....does a great job.

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

Who knows? Just make the movie and I'll be there!

Any additional comments?

For a new author these a two terrific efforts. I am praying for a "Book 3" and film versions somewhere down the line. Sooner rather than later would be good.

Worth the wait

Red Sparrow was one of the best espionage stories I've read in recent years and I've been looking forward to Matthews' next book in the series. It was well worth the wait since Palace of Treason continues with enjoyable characters and an intriguing story.

Fantastic sequel

I loved Red Sparrow and amazingly, this is just as good if not even better. This guy can really write — hated to leave my car and stop listening. Terrific narrator too. Only one criticism: enough with the recipes! It's silly filler.

Great Listen

I’m hooked, better than the first book Red Sparrow, can’t wait to read the third book

excellent

i think i enjoyed more than red sparrow possibly because being invested in the characters now and there are a few additional heavy hitters here dont overlook this one.

Keeps getting better

This second book just made the series better! The story and characters are strong. I will definitely continue.

Great!!!

Great narration!

Story is far better than book 1. It is slow at one point and and in a matter of few mins turns upside down but very interesting and thrilling nonetheless.