The Profession

A Thriller

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: Toby Leonard Moore

Author of numerous New York Times best-sellers—including the epic chronicle of the Battle of Thermopylae, Gates of Fire—Steven Pressfield delivers novels of unmatched historical accuracy. In The Profession, Pressfield taps his considerable well of military knowledge to craft a piece of speculative fiction set in 2032. With corporate and private powers wielding their own military forces, an exiled American general plans to return to the U.S. and claim the presidency for his own. Only his closest confidant stands any chance of defeating him.

©2011 Steven Pressfield (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Plodding first half, ok at the end

They spent way too much time setting up the characters in the first half of the book it just got tedious. The narrator was not very good, pausing after each sentence or two it made the whole book seem choppy. Sort of like a book narrated by William Shatner.

The second half of the book was ok and moved at a decent pace. The narrator actually went three or four sentences between pauses.

Disjointed with an anti climactic ending

Maybe it would be better to read than listen to. The jumping back and forth between current time and the past was somewhat hard to follow. The ending was super disjointed, especially the main characters ability to get around the world in what seems like a heart beat.

best. book. ever.

"Who do you bury today soldier?"
"My brother."
amazing prose. well researched. relatable and relevant.

Great book!

Pressfield is a master. His view into warfare and the men that fight are amazing.

Awesome I miss the main character already.

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

Great narrator, I was sad when it ended. I'm a Pressfield fan, the WAR OF Art really moved me and I was just as impressed by his writing in this forum.

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

Yes because of how much I came to know The main character.

What about Toby Leonard Moore’s performance did you like?

Absolutely perfect.

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

I don't know what tag line is but I'd watch it if Mr. Pressfield had control of it, otherwise I'd be truly afraid they would ruin the friend I made in the book.

Any additional comments?

I'd love a continuation; although I know it would be tough to do.

The story was a wild ride from beginning to end

Not happy with the ending but set up for a sequel. I will wait on.

Perfect Story Applying History

Steven Pressfield nailed it with this story. From the dialogue be spot on for military personnel to the geopolitical dynamics facing us to the reluctance of Americans to serve in the military. Excellent story.
I love Pressfield’s historical novels, and this one shows just how relevant history can be to the modern world.

Steven Pressfield is my new favorite writer

I have read several books now by Steven Pressfield, the characters and stories are impressively compiled into an exciting and thought provoking style. The Profession is a great addition to a collection of work that spans the history of warfare.

Adding to the quality of the book the narration is absolutely fantastic, well casted. I'll probably listen to this several times.

Good story, poor production

The story is good, but the mispronunciations by the narrator (who doesn’t seem to know any emotion but “grave”) were inexcusable. CASEVAC (casualty evacuation) as “case-vac”, Hind helicopters should be like the i in high not hit. “Iran” is not what you did for exercise. These and several other glaring issues should have been caught and corrected, but for me they detracted from the storytelling.

Great book

Would you listen to The Profession again? Why?
Did not realize I had already read this book and have met the author. He really captures the concept of leadership and other issues experienced in combat.

Would you recommend The Profession to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes, leadership in combat