Saviour's Gate

A progressive Soviet General Secretary whose power is slipping during the post-Cold War era hatches an escape plan leading to international intrigue that could tilt the balance of world power

Although masterfully plotted and intelligently written, Sebastian's latest espionage thriller (after the highly praised Spy Shadow ) is not as mesmerizing as its predecessor. In Russia, the formerly loved and respected Soviet General Secretary is rapidly losing his power. Intelligence operatives in place (Marcus from Great Britain, David Russert from the U.S.) are urged by their respective nations to determine what course the U.S.S.R. will follow: no one looks forward to the global effects of an unstable government there. Marcus becomes involved with Anastasiya, who works for the General Secretary but has revolution in her heart. Russert, once a roommate of the General Secretary, is torn between his feelings for his old friend and his desire to serve his country. Though the novel is topical and provocative, its narrative thread is often frayed and occasionally broken, leading to a disappointing rather than explosive climax. Still, even at his second best, Sebastian is a writer to savor.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Marcus, a Moscow-based British reporter and amateur spy who passes information to the West as a public service, learns that the Soviet General Secretary is planning to defect to America in the face of rising public unrest. As the old guard struggles to regain control in the Kremlin and crowds in the streets demand more reforms, Marcus and friends attempt to head off a growing revolution. Readers who thought the traditional spy thriller was dead will be delighted with its rebirth in Saviour's Gate . Author Sebastian spins a thoroughly realistic yarn that is tied directly to current unrest in the Soviet republics. It is filled with the kind of action and suspense that has been missing for far too long in the spy novel. Highly recommended for all general fiction collections.
- Brian Alley, Sangamon State Univ. Lib., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.