We've chatted about about spy books in other threads, but I wanted to dedicate a thread to spy/thriller series and their protagonists. I'm a pretty big fan of the genre, even knowing it's pretty much the male version of a harlequin. Now that summer is well upon us I'm really looking forward to my annual ritual of reading the new releases by my favorite authors. I'm pretty much exclusively an audiobook listener and love listening on long bike rides, runs, and when doing household chores. I have a strong preference for George Guidall as my narrator, but there are some other really good ones like Jay Snyder or Armand Shultz. Lou Diamond Phillips has done a few of the Clancy books and he does an awesome job.
Here are my favorite authors and characters.
Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills: Mitch Rapp Series
Daniel Silva: Gabriel Allon Series
Brad Thor: Scot Harvath Series
Mark Greaney: Court Gentry/Gray Man Series
Alex Berenson: John Wells Series
Tom Clancy: Jack Ryan Series
Ben Coes: Dewey Andreas Series
If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Mitch Rapp series. That's mostly out of sentiment because of the time in my life when I reengaged with the genre. I was introduced to the series by my Father-in-Law before he passed and had so many great conversations with him about the various books and plots. The inventor and author of the series passed away from cancer a few years ago and then replacement author has really done an outstanding job. I also *love* the Gabriel Allon series, though to my everlasting shame I came to know it through a post on this site by UteStar. That man drives us all crazy but he does have an eye for fiction books. I've tried a few other series and have had a difficult time getting into them. This genre requires one to create a strong relationship with the protagonist, knowing that they'll always save the day regardless of how horrible the circumstance. It's also almost exclusively a domain of the right wing so torture scenes are a staple and *almost* always necessary to save the day, though our hero never takes pleasure in it.
If any of you thriller fans have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
Here are my favorite authors and characters.
Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills: Mitch Rapp Series
Daniel Silva: Gabriel Allon Series
Brad Thor: Scot Harvath Series
Mark Greaney: Court Gentry/Gray Man Series
Alex Berenson: John Wells Series
Tom Clancy: Jack Ryan Series
Ben Coes: Dewey Andreas Series
If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Mitch Rapp series. That's mostly out of sentiment because of the time in my life when I reengaged with the genre. I was introduced to the series by my Father-in-Law before he passed and had so many great conversations with him about the various books and plots. The inventor and author of the series passed away from cancer a few years ago and then replacement author has really done an outstanding job. I also *love* the Gabriel Allon series, though to my everlasting shame I came to know it through a post on this site by UteStar. That man drives us all crazy but he does have an eye for fiction books. I've tried a few other series and have had a difficult time getting into them. This genre requires one to create a strong relationship with the protagonist, knowing that they'll always save the day regardless of how horrible the circumstance. It's also almost exclusively a domain of the right wing so torture scenes are a staple and *almost* always necessary to save the day, though our hero never takes pleasure in it.
If any of you thriller fans have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
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