The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy is a fast-paced spy thriller set during the Cold War era, focusing on the race for superior defense between the United States and Soviet Russia. The story follows the intricate plot involving a US spy satellite uncovering the Soviets' construction of a massive laser defense system, leading to a high-stakes mission to rescue a top CIA operative deep within the Kremlin before he is exposed by the KGB. The narrative is filled with twists, detailed descriptions, and political intrigue, showcasing Clancy's signature style of immersive storytelling and attention to espionage details.

Characters:

The characters include Jack Ryan as the protagonist and a complex Russian double agent, among others from the CIA and KGB, creating a multifaceted narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is detailed and meticulous, engaging readers through multiple perspectives and vivid action descriptions, despite some criticisms regarding prose.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around espionage involving an undercover agent in the Soviet Army, highlighting a race against time to extract a vital spy from Moscow, culminating in an intense climax.

Setting:

The setting is during the Cold War, primarily within the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, emphasizing military espionage and technology.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but accelerates significantly in the second half, sustaining reader engagement with rapid developments.

THEY called him the Archer. It was an honorable title, though his countrymen had cast aside their reflex bows over a century before, as soon as they had learned about firearms. In part, the name refle...

Notes:

The Cardinal of the Kremlin is set near the end of the Cold War.

It features Jack Ryan, a well-known character in Tom Clancy's novels.

The story revolves around a Soviet spy, Colonel Mikhail Semyonovich Filitov, who has been secretly working for the CIA.

Filitov is trying to reveal information about a new Soviet laser defense system.

A KGB agent witnesses a slip-up, threatening the exposure of CIA spies in Moscow.

The book's second half is noted for its intense action, making it a page-turner for many readers.

Some readers found Clancy's writing detailed but occasionally repetitive or dry.

The plot involves a race against time to save Filitov from the KGB before he can be captured.

It discusses themes of espionage and military secrets during the Cold War.

Many fans consider this novel one of Clancy's best, alongside The Hunt for Red October.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content related to intense violence, espionage, and potentially homophobic elements.

From The Publisher:

In this electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling thriller from Tom Clancy, a silent war between the USA and Russia will decide the fate of the world-and Jack Ryan is behind enemy lines.

Two men possess vital data on Russia's Star Wars missile defense system. One of them is CARDINAL-America's highest agent in the Kremlin-and he's about to be terminated by the KGB. The other is the one American who can save CARDINAL and lead the world to the brink of peace…or war.

Ratings (15)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (21):

Read It (15)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

A little more than thirty years ago Tom Clancy was a Maryland insurance broker with a passion for naval history. Years before, he had been an English major at Baltimore's Loyola College and had always dreamed of writing a novel….

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The Cardinal of the Kremlin

Tom Clancy

Book 3 in the series:Jack Ryan Universe