Customer Reviews

Moryak: A Novel of the Russian Revolution

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished reading Moryak - A Novel of the Russian Revolution.

This tale of historical fiction was very well-written and thoroughly engrossing. Once I started it I could not put it down. Not only was it a great story, but I also learned much about the turn of the century U.S. Navy and the russian revolution. For anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction I strongly recommend that they pick up this book.

Moryak is a great book with a great story. I normally do pleasure reading in a very disciplined way: I read a fixed amount of time every day. But this book MADE ME break my rule and do extra reading to see how things would turn out!

Another plus: Readers wishing to learn about the era covered by the book will appreciate its many true-life anecdotes and true-life people who appear, in greater or lesser degrees as the story requires.

I have one very important suggestion. DO NOT read the back of the book before starting it! Go into the book cold. There is great fun to be had by trying to figure out where the story is going. And fasten your seatbelt!

I agree with all the 5 star reviews - except my Kindle edition was so riddled with formatting errors and spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that I was totally distracted. Often the pronouns are used incorrectly - and a lot of re-reading to make sense of some sentences were necessary. If the story wasn't as well conceived and written - I would have asked for my money back.

This was one of those books that I hate to finish.....I really enjoyed it! I love books having to do with Russia. Good ending too. All around great book

When trying to survive and complete one's mission, one may do the unthinkable. "Moryak" tells the story of Stephen Morrison, an American sent into Russia to remove the Tsar from power at the turn of the twentieth century. Caught up in Russia's own political turmoil, Morrison's job gets only more and more complicated as the years of his mission roll on. "Moryak" is an intriguing spy thriller using the chaos of early twentieth Russia as an excellent setting.

Lee Mandel has the keen ability to keep the action and suspense moving page after page - a rare feat in historical fiction. Historically accurate and fascinating, Mandel's done his research well to make "Moryak" a compelling story. If you love history of the Tsars, Russia, WWI, Teddy Roosevelt and Naval history this is a must read. If you're a member of the Jewish community this book reveals important historical events/lifestyles in Russia and New York City - add it to your collection!

With such a well crafted storyline and depth "Moryak" should receive interest as a screenplay - ideal for a mini-series!

Like me, you'll find yourself turning page after page, unable to put it down and willing to lose sleep until you reach the unexpected ending of this wonderful novel!

CDR Patrick J. McLaughlin, CHC, USN
No Atheists In Foxholes: Reflections and Prayers From the Front
Naval Officer and Author

Mandel expertly weaves a fictional protagonist through a series of true historical situations and events. The novel grabs the reader and pulls them into a world of espionage and intrigue, giving the reader a glimpse of the events that go on behind the scenes written in history books. The brilliance of this book is that it remains at its' essence a study of the life and times of the fictional U.S. Naval Officer, Stephen Morrison, and the loyalty and patriotism that he shows to his country during his top secret mission in Russia. An exciting and fast-paced read, it is a novel not to be missed.

Lee Mandel has written one of the best historical action novels I've ever read. His tasteful use of actual world leaders and events woven together with a heroic character and believable scenarios make this book a timeless classic. International intrigue before and during the Russian Revolution flows easily through leadership circles of America, England and Russia. Mandel's knowledge of geography, history and geopolitics educate the reader while keeping him on the edge of his seat throughout. I could not put the book down once I started reading. Lee Mandel has created a true masterpiece. I can't wait to read his next Book.

Rear Admiral David R. Morris, USN (ret)

I really did not know what to expect from this book. To be honest, I didn't know much about the Russian revolution but I thought I would try it anyway. Wow! What a page turner. I found it exciting, suspenseful, and educational but most of all I found it to be so readable. The author's language was descriptive without being wordy, and he had the ability to introduce new characters and new settings without adding confusion. I am definitely ready to read another if he writes one.

When I bought this book, I quite frankly didn't know what to expect. Although I had read some of Dr. Mandel's published medical journals, and knew from his reputation that he had a keen mind and flamboyant character, I had no idea that he was capable of writing what may well prove to be the War and Peace of this generation. With the deftness of a skilled surgeon he weaves an intricate tale of intrigue and suspense from the halls of the White House to the Steps of Russia. A compelling read, almost impossible to put down! I can't wait to read his next novel!