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  • The Cardinal of the Kremlin

  • Jack Ryan, Book 4
  • By: Tom Clancy
  • Narrated by: Michael Prichard
  • Length: 25 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (711 ratings)

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The Cardinal of the Kremlin

By: Tom Clancy
Narrated by: Michael Prichard
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Summary

In the Soviet hills of Dushanbe near the Afghanistan border, an otherworldly array of pillars and domes rises into the night. Between the USA and the Soviet Union, no contest is more urgent than the race to build the first missile defense system, and no one knows that more than the two men charged with assessing the Soviet's capabilities: Colonel Mikhail Filitov of the Soviet Union, an old-line warrior distrusted by the army's new inner circle of technocrats, and CIA analyst Jack Ryan, hero of the Red October affair. Each must use all his craft to arrive at the truth, but Filitov gets there first? And that's when all hell breaks loose. Because Filitov, code-named Cardinal, is America's highest agent in the Kremlin, and he is about to be betrayed to the KGB. His rescue could spell the difference between peace and war, and it is up to Jack Ryan to accomplish it.

©1988 Jack Ryan Enterprises Ltd. (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
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Critic reviews

"Heart-stopping action...entertaining and eminently topical." ( The Washington Post)
"[Clancy] constantly taps the current world situation for its imminent dangers and spins them into an engrossing tale." ( The New York Times Book Review)
" Cardinal excites, illuminates... A great listen." ( Los Angeles Daily News)

What listeners say about The Cardinal of the Kremlin

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Excellent!

Wonderful story that builds with excitement toward its stunning climax. An Audible 'best buy' from me!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Usual Clancy novel - good for travel

For those not used to Clancy's books, he writes what some call techno-thrillers, which are heavy on technical (usually military) detail and authenticity. Those looking for character depth, subtlety, etc should look elsewhere. However for those who like a decent romp, with (reasonably) accurate depictions of military and espionage situations should give it a try.

For those who've read at least one before, this is an outing of a few familiar characters earlier on in the Jack Ryan series. If you've read Red October and come across Mr Clark then it will make more sense, but it's not necessary.
It is starting to feel it's age - being set at the Star Wars (STI) phase of the Cold War arms race and during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. However it still has the usual Clancy style and the Afghan element and Russian/Soviet mindset is an interesting reflection on recent events.

All in all its worth your time if you have enjoyed books of the Clancy ilk.

There are a few editing issues with the sound and the levelling, but these aren't too bad and don't diminish the overall enjoyment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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An epic story

This was a masterpiece with so many threads, weaved together to create a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Gripping

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I think this is the most gripping so far. Lots of detail and the threads of the story will tie you in knots. Enjoy!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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good pace no unnecessary overlap with Red October

Gripping story well researched believable science, I struggled a little with Russian names would have welcomed a list of characters

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoying continuity ! -after "Red October"

If you could sum up The Cardinal of the Kremlin in three words, what would they be?

Jack Ryan Book4

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Cardinal - we have heard much background to his life.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Michael Prichard?

not specially.

I am on Chapter 6 and have already forgotten who some of the people are.
I find it confusing when the narrative switches between character groups - a longer pause would be useful.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

occasionally laugh and occasionally cry

Any additional comments?

I don't think I will want to read or hear all 10 books in this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent story line

The book is long,yes, but I didn’t find it boring at all. The level of detail the author went into was incredible. I could picture everything which made the book even more interesting and enjoyable. I travel long distances and found the miles easing by as the story unfolded. I will be listening to the next one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Continues the work of genius

Fantastic work as always enjoying revisiting Tom Clancy in my 50’s after reading in my teens

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Stick with it

I read that some people didn't get past the first chapter and I get that. The narrator is a little dull in his presentation but trust me thishis not a book you want to miss. Somehow the narration suits the book as it progresses but the story and multiple aspects off the plot are brilliantly brought together. This would make an epic film

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Tom Clancy at his best

First class book, held me throughout the entire story, it is also good to follow his characters as they progress through life. Well done.

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