Customer Reviews

The Overseer

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Read the other reviews. People either loved it or hated it. Had to see for myself. It's true that Rabb does use a bit too much flowery language from time to time, but the story, and the way he makes the philosophy so important to the plot make this a far cry from anything Ludlum ever did. Nice first try. I really couldn't put it down.

Rumors abound in twentieth century academic circles that in the sixteenth century, a contemporary of Machiavelli wrote a treatise on how to rule the world that makes The Prince look like an elementary school primer. The book, On Supremacy, was considered so harsh, the Pope killed its author and banned the printing of its content.

An ultra-conservative group, headed by the mysterious Overseer, plans to implement the book's guidance so that they can establish a new world order built on their concept of society. While most people from Gibson to Roberts to others reject a conspiracy theory, Fed Sarah Trent and Columbia University professor Xander Jaspers realize that an evil plot to homogenize the world under the cabal's rule is happening. They know that the only way to stop the group from succeeding is to obtain a copy of the infamous Eisenreich manuscript and expose the identity of the Overseer.

The incredibly brilliant story line turns THE OVERSEER into one of the best political thrillers of the decade. The out-Machiavelling of The Prince comes across as genuine with a real historical feel to it. Though the lead protagonists seem to be captured and un-captured a bit too much, Jonathan Rabb has written a thriller that will remain popular way into the new millennium.

Harriet Klausner

I went out and bought this after reading the Washington Post review, and I completely agree. This has got to be one of the smartest thrillers I've ever read. Not only is it a page-turner, but the characters are really compelling, and the twists totally catch you by surprise. Plus, i'ts written very well which is usually hit or miss with a book like this.

The best thing about the book, though, is how it manages to get all the ideas about politics and philosophy across. It's clear Rabb really knows his stuff. Read the manuscript at the end. It will blow you away.

I picked up this book as I was intrigued by its basic premise; realistic or not, it fit the conspiracy/thriller genre well and hinted at being more literary than the average example. So I was pretty disappointed at the actual result. Three main problems that I had:

1. The overblown writing, where everything happens or is described in some superlative fashion. Not everything happens at the last second, or is the best, worst, most, or least of something.

2. I'd have liked more focus on the actual plotters, as the background was more hinted about than discussed in any way. The book could have really benefited from chapters detailing more of the past. I'd have loved a prologue involving Eisenreich and the Pope.

3. The book is way too long, especially when the main characters aren't that interesting.

It was a struggle to finish this, and I was thinking about giving up even when I was three-quarters of the way through. But I slogged through, and never quite got the payoff I'd hoped for in the ending.

Jonathan Rabb doesn't let you get off the ride for a second. Although there are times (especially at the begining) when you're not exactly sure who's doing what to whom, Rabb does settle into a fast and furious telling of this compelling story. I suppose it is a little far-fetched to think that a manuscript could have this much power in the world today, but then I really like books that stretch the envelope and take you places you've never been (or thought you would ever go). Rabb didn't give me time to question his premise, and he also is so knowledgeable about the period the manuscript comes from, I believed everything he said.

Plus, this is a really good yarn. I can't wait for his next one.

CLEVER-VERY CLEVER AND WELL WRITTEN.NOT AS FAR FETCHED AS SOME ARE SAYING.I AM ALWAYS IMPRESSED WITH A WRITER THAT KNOWS HIS HISTORY AND CAN WEAVE A CLEVER MYSTERY AROUND THIS KNOWLEDGE....ENJOY IT. RICHARD S. DAVIS-COLLINGDALE PA.

While I do agree with the previous reviewer who did not find the characters particularly compelling, I did find enough interest in the plot alone to zip through the book. I got the feeling that Rabb himself was more interested in the plot than the characters. That said, the plot is fascinating and believable. There are a few plot twists that completely surprised me, so overall it was an enjoyable book to read. The writing and editing were unobtrusive. However, the characters are pretty flat and not memorable...hence only three stars.

I read this book before September 11 2001, I thought that it couldn't be true, now I am not sure of that, I think that it could be real that some people are planning to have control of the world, may be not the way is written in this book but in these days anything is possible. If the manuscript that is at the end of the book was written in the sixteenth century, the person who wrote it could be anything, but he has an excellent mind.
The book will not let you leave it until you finish it.

Ever re-read sentences because you're in awe of the author's choice and combination of words? With Rabb's writing, I was constantly amazed. Rabb expertly weaves an extemely complicated plot into a work of art. Thanks Jonathan! Write another one soon!

Mr. Rabb's exceedingly smart novel was truly compelling. I was most impressed by his facility with creating a whirlwind plot while incorporating a clever philosophical treatise, completely accessible to expert and novice alike. I have been somewhat dismayed by some responses to the book in which people seem to write off the "coincidences" of certain events taking place and the fact that the protagonist, Xander Jaspers, happens to have studied or worked in cities around the world that happen to be relevant to the manuscript. Perhaps it was impatience or laziness, but the moderately-careful reader will understand that the men in the story responsible for the chaos have planned out every aspect of their scheme cleverly and ingeniously, incorporateing Jaspers into their scenario long before he even becomes involved! I can say without hesitation that the book is very easy to follow as evidenced by my 13 year old son who energetically finished the story in three! days. For those critics who found it necessary to read passages two or three times in order to follow the story, I would recommend that they tackle something a little easier in the world of literature before jumping to erroneous conclusions. I also wasn't aware that writing a sophisticated political document was "cliched" as some readers have suggested. This book will appeal to any novel-enthusiast who doesn't feel threatened by a writer who obviously knows a lot more about philosophy and engaging story-writing than most of us.