Icon by Frederick Forsyth

Why read the book?

In Frederick Forsyth’s Icon, a political thriller set in a chaotic 1999 Russia, a group of Western powerbrokers stumbles upon a dangerous plot. Igor Komarov, a ruthless nationalist, is on the brink of power and wants to create a fascist empire. To stop him, ex-CIA operative Jason Monk is sent to Moscow’s underworld. He makes uneasy alliances with Russian reformers, gangsters, and military insiders.

Monk races against time to uncover Komarov’s scheme amidst economic collapse and political intrigue. Forsyth’s research is impeccable, and he blends real-world tensions with high-stakes espionage. This gripping story is full of loyalty, deception, and covert warfare.

Favourite quote

In a land where truth is a casualty, the cleverest liar often wears the crown.

What I Loved

Icon is a gripping tale of a crumbling Russia, where desperation and volatility reign supreme. Forsyth’s signature authenticity shines through in every scene. Jason Monk is a compelling protagonist, haunted by his past and driven by sharp instincts.

The story’s relentless pace is propelled by a complex web of alliances, from corrupt oligarchs to principled generals. Komarov’s chilling charisma makes him a formidable villain. Forsyth’s skill in weaving historical events, like Russia’s turbulent 1990s, into a tightly plotted thriller keeps the stakes high and the tension palpable.

Key Takeaway

In the face of tyranny on the rise, we must unite courage and cunning to protect our fragile world from the ruthless.