Hard-Boiled & Funny Political Thriller

Klavan is first and foremost a gag man. Not that this book doesn’t have a strong thrilling plot—it does. Not that the characters aren’t well rounded and undergo significant development as the story unfolds—they do. Not that this novel doesn’t have a strong moral message that threads in and out the whole thing—it most certainly does. No, Andrew Klavan is a fine storyteller who populates this well-plotted novel with realistic characters who struggle with their own depravity…but if there is a possible joke in there somewhere, he will find it. This is a funny book; funny in the way that hard-boiled noir crime novels are funny: If you know the formula you will find it amusing when you encounter it.

I first heard of Andrew Klavan by listening to his often hilarious political punditry. I decided to listen to Empire of Lies when facing the Klavanless weekend. I knew that he could make some sense of this broken politically correct world, and I was right.

Andrew Klavan, the narrator, is superb at emphasizing the sarcastic moments. He gets all the author’s jokes! One of the characters, Patrick Peresal, is a great caricature of William Shatner and Klavan has his rhythmic manner of speech down pat. This made me laugh out loud several times; to the point that I had to explain what was so funny to my wife lest she think me crazy. My only criticism is that all the female voices come across as nasally and petulant; maybe that is how they were written but there is a limit to how much nasal intonation one finds pleasant; this is too much.

11 people found this helpful

Empire of Lies

First of Andrew Klavan books I've read. Won't be the last.
I found him first on PJTV, LOVED him ever since.

6 people found this helpful

Outstanding Book/Audiobook

What was one of the most memorable moments of Empire of Lies?

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read/listened, but I would say the last hour were most memorable.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Jason sat down with the actor Patrick at the bar (near the end of the book).

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

See most memorable moments.

6 people found this helpful

Masterful!

What a ride. Klavan takes the listener through quite a roller-coaster

I listened to this on a 5 hour drive - and back - and was entertained the whole time

Thrilling, realistic, and does not go out of its way to be politically correct. The book is fantastic.

Waiting for Another Kingdom!

4 people found this helpful

First Andrew Klavan Book Was a Hit for Me

After reading the only other customer review on this book, I was a little hesitant to purchase, but went ahead, taking care not to order any more until I had a chance to listen to this one. I have now added all Andrew Klavan's books to my "Next Listens". The story was very well developed, with plenty of surprises, and a very good ending. The primary character was certainly complex, human, and a hero while struggling with doing right in this permissive age. I am certain that some people will be turned off by the prospect of being inside a Christian man's head, but I found it to be a very fresh approach. It allowed the author to add another layer of complexity to the character, who lacked the cynicism of most modern characters yet was hardly an angel. I also enjoyed the lack of mealy-mouthed political correctness that has invaded so much modern writing. This fiction story seemed honest and without guile. I also thought the sometimes rough language was necessary for realism. It would have been artificial without it.

9 people found this helpful

Fantastic one of my new favourites

Fantastic, every detail comes to life as if your watching a fast paced action movie, full of action, mystery and suspense. completely satisfying ending.

3 people found this helpful

Suspense with much underlying truth

Beautifully written, realistically raw and gritty, this story was well developed and presented. I was engaged within minutes and through to the end.

2 people found this helpful

Mixed Genre w/o Mixed Review - Audible Version

Mr. Klavan (no "E" in Klavan) reads this title himself. While I am a fan of his and know parts of his story, certainly enough to realize that this is not nearly autobiographical, having his voice reading the first person account was amazing. You get lost in the story as if the real first person is relating it to you personally.
The story is really what reviewers called mixed genre, but it is just the way a man's life changes from one thing to another, while the man remains the man that walked this path. He is changed, but he is not promised that this change would erase his past. It is his past AND his present that allows him to be the <truly unsung> hero of the story.
Mr. Klavan is already a truly accomplished author and his Podcast/Daily Wire show is a go to for many folks. This is a professional book with a very dark edge, but the darkness lies as much in the hero as the villain. This is what makes the story easy to get lost in. You come to believe that these events happened. And truthfully, many of them have...

2 people found this helpful

great story

great story as is expected from the bald great one, leader of the shiny pate.

1 person found this helpful

brings a tear to the eye

It was a page turner. I feel the sadness that comes when you have finished a good book. Klavan weaves a tale with mystery yarn. Each knot reveals a little more of the grand plot.

1 person found this helpful