Thrillingly Breathtakingly Brilliant
5.0 out of 5 star By Michael on January 5, 2016
Avichai what a thrilling book. Just wow! This book got my heart pumping from the start. The twists and turns are similar to a roller coaster. Just when you think you know what’s going on, pow! Another twist! Then, another twist! And yet… another twist! The psychological genius this writer comes up with is something words can simply not do justice. For the adventure seeker, this book brings you on a journey that few could go on. For the mystery fan, this book keeps you guessing. For the psychology geek like myself, the manipulation and mind games keep you on your toes. For the person that wants a cultural experience, can you say Israeli Secret Service? For the person that is bored, this is entertainment at its core. It blew my mind away, and I hope it does yours as well. I got this book for my unbiased review.
This well written story is great for espionage fans and will keep you on the …
5.0 out of 5 star By Arlene Arredondo on December 29, 2015
A tension filled tale of Machiavellic proportions.
This well written story is great for espionage fans and will keep you on the edge till you finished. Clever and filled with stressed and confusing situations, the author makes all come together by knitting information and revealing details along the way.
A set of expectations which might not be terribly reasonable in real life
5.0 out of 5 star By SandraTWP on January 15, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Admittedly, I can be a sucker for action stories – both novels and movies. I can be a bit intolerant if cliche is taken too far, but to some extent… don’t we EXPECT those cliches? Aren’t “cliches” part of what make up a genre, a set of expectations which might not be terribly reasonable in real life, but since it isn’t real life, they work for the story. The become tools of the author not only to entertain, but to teach us (maybe) a little something about human beings and the way the world works.
Well, I have gotten a HUGE kick out of this novel. Right now, my favorite thing is this: We have this main character, our hero, who is everything you want (and expect, yes) in an action-story-main-character. He’s strong. He’s fit. He’s sharp, mentally. He has an unusual strength with isn’t obvious, but which he leverages (in this case, an uncanny memory). He has a military background, in which he displayed extreme brilliance and achievement, but (of course!) all that is behind him, now. He lives a content, albeit pedestrian, life. Oh, and he has suffered a terrible tragedy which brings him heartache. You know the sort of tragedy I’m talking about — the kind that nefarious characters will try to use to manipulate you.
But what I really love about this guy (Greenberg is his name), is that he uses his brains! I love watching (erm, reading) him get in and out of tricky spots (one RIGHT after another) using his wits rather than busting his way through the story lines.
As far as the plot… yes, it’s intriguing. As much as I get such a kick out of
Greenberg being clever (and that being his go to rather than his fists), he’s not quite clever enough to carry the book on his own. That “nefarious” character (not so much a person here, but an organization, a collection of nefarious people working together…) is mysterious enough, powerful enough, and more than troubling enough to take you deep into a story.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the unfolding of the story, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys action and intrigue based novels.
Blind Mission: A Thrilling Espionage Novel Promising Nail-Biting Thriller
4.0 out of 5 stars By jaideep khanduja on January 9, 2016
Blind Mission: A Thrilling Espionage Novel by Avichai Schmidt is about Dan Greenberg, an Israeli sales manager. It is about the incidental sequences built so intelligently around the lead character Dan Greenberg. Dan is recruited by an Israeli Secret Service for a secret mission involving assassination. Blind Mission is a thrilling psychological drama that takes you to a ride of interesting twists and twirls in this fiction sequence. This nail-biting thriller promises to keep you engaged throughout.
I liked the way Avichai sequenced the story of Blind Mission: A Thrilling Espionage Novel. This reconnaissance uncovers so many undercover activities in such a thrilling manner that kept me hooked to the story. The interesting part is the way Dan Greenberg, the lead character, a sales manager by profession, becomes a part of an assassination mission, without even getting a hint of it. What all he does as a leading component of this secret mission is actually being driven by the Israeli leadership. This made me wonder how a diplomatic emergency can slide silently in the life of a common man without anyone getting to know about it. That was the height of secrecy and perfection that the man who is handling the operations of this mission in his individual capacity stays unaware he has been recruited for an assassination mission. It is also amazing to see how the espionage operations work in zeroing down their agents and its logistics. The guy never knew about whatever was happening in his life was being manipulated so intelligently by someone else.
There is nothing considerable that I felt as uninteresting while reading Blind Mission: A Thrilling Espionage Novel.
I would rate this thriller as 4 on a scale of 5. Blind Mission: A Thrilling Espionage Novel by Avichai Schmidt is for all mystery, psychology thriller lovers. You will definitely find a high level of drama and action in this book. It will keep your adrenalin rushing and mind juggling.
What if your choices were not really choices but situations where you were only given the illusion of choice?
5.0 out of 5 stars By Brittany Bon January 1, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
What if your choices were not really choices but situations where you were only given the illusion of choice?
In Blind Mission a sales representative is put into that exact situation. After being offered a position and a mission, which he politely refuses, a chain of events occur that drastically alter the sales representative’s life. (From having his wallet and ID stolen, to having his bank accounts frozen, to even having his death reported as a result of a car accident he was never in.) This forces the actions of the sales representative to carry out actions that are in line with the secret service’s mission.
But has the Mossad underestimated the competence of their pawn?
This action thriller starts hard and fast and is a real page-turner. The action doesn’t really let up and will carry you throughout the plot.
My only criticism was at times the main character seemed a little unintelligent. Shortly after the he first starts experience those disruptions to his daily life he stands around for several pages “I wonder who could do this to me?” Even though he had just been in a meeting with some sketchy individuals. (Seriously, who else could it be?)
Other than that, the book it well written and even ties into real world tensions between the ménage à trois of the US, Isreal, and Palestine.
Disclaimer: I may have received this title either for free or at a discount in exchange for a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed above are my own regardless of how the title was acquired.
In the ultimate game of manipulation who is manipulating who?
5.0 out of 5 stars By Stuart C. on January 8, 2016
In Blind Mission Avichai Schmidt gives us exactly what the subtitle of the novel promises, a thrilling espionage novel. While not the first book out there to enlist the use of the Israeli Secret Service for a spy novel, Schmidt has the added benefit of having been born in Tel Aviv and grew up in Jerusalem which gives his descriptions a unique perspective of the area and having worked in Israeli Defense Forces intelligence unit a first hand experience that lends to the authenticity of the tale being told.
In the novel we follow Dan Greenberg as we see his life torn apart around him as it is meticulously taken apart in just the right way to move him from Israel to Europe and finally the United States. Only each of these moves are carefully orchestrated as Israeli leadership is manipulating his actions through what is happening around him. Their plan? They are using him to carry out a “blind mission” where he not only doesn’t know what he is being made to do but has no idea that he is on a mission for his government at all.
Full of suspense, twists, and more this book will keep your eyes glued to the page as Schmidt knows exactly how to draw you in. There are a few moments you may question earlier on in the novel though they are quickly glossed over as the real action begins as once it does the book grabs hold and doesn’t let go until the end. I seriously loved what the author was able to do here and hope his passion lies in writing more spy novels down the line.
5.0 out of 5 stars By Melissa Corbeil (Inspired Leo Goddess) on January 4, 2016 Format: Kindle Edition
I love a good espionage book.
Blind Mission really delivered everything I like in a solid espionage novel.
I found every answer raised even more questions in this tale as we follow Dan Greenberg on one roller coaster of a journey upon finding that he has no ID, no car and is a wanted man – in more ways than one.
I love that this book allowed the reader to make connections without spoon feeding the plot. There are times where at first you may not be sure which character is being talked about and then you get the aha moment when you realize again they are talking about Dan.
Dan is a master of disguise, escape and he is incredibly resourceful.
When you realize who is pulling the strings, you understand the importance of Dan’s mission and wonder if he would have played into their hands had he known the identity of his puppet master.
At times, you start to wonder who is playing whom.
Dan, it appears, may be more than the organization bargained for.
For lots of twists and turns and an altogether great tale of espionage, Blind Mission does not disappoint.
This would be a great read for anyone who says they are bored with …
5.0 out of 5 stars By Ashane Brewer on January 10, 2016
I am now such a fan of this Author, Blind Mission is an incredible read ! I am not a big fan of these thriller seeking type of books but this one has open up the door to viewing more and especially from this author. The journey the main character had to endure kept you on your toes and wanting to read more to find out what was going to happen next. This would be a great read for anyone who says they are bored with nothing else to do, this will quickly draw your attention. The first page of the book was enough for me to keep reading I didn’t need anymore proof the book was going to be a hit. I like how the book was sectioned off into three parts, you were able to pause and take in what you had just read them come back for the rest. It was written very well and the Author knew how to present you with the information but not overwhelm you and I like books like that. I truly recommend this book to anyone and this will be a book that stays on m kindle and will be re read many times.
5.0 out of 5 stars By Jolie on January 4, 2016
If you want a true espionage book, pick this book up. It is great.
I really got into Dan Greenberg’s life and the situation that he got into. At some points in the book, I felt awful for him. Then I cheered for him as he overcame odds to make it to America.
The book was very well written and definitely kept you on the edge of your seat. It also makes you think….would/have the Mossad ever/will do something like this? The ending was definitely a bit of a shocker. I was even like “What in the world!!!!”
Will I read it again? Absolutely.
Will I recommend it to family and friends? Yes I will!!!
5.0 out of 5 stars By Aubree on January 4, 2016
There is a to of things in this book that most people can probably relate to, despite how weird that sounds. Like the feeling that you don’t actually have a choice in anything despite being offered the different options. Well this is what a sales rep faces he is offered a position and a mission, which is initially declined, then things happen, plans change, and he is taking on tasks that are similar to the secret service in terms of operation. This starts and ends as an action novel, this will really have you on the end of your seat, turning page after page. That alone caught me off guard because the main character seemed as dumb as a rock for the most part, not from a development standpoint but more so the chum for brains nothing going on in there. The book is well written, has some recent events mentioned, and most characters are three dimensional where you can understand what and why they are doing something which is always a positive.
Can You Realy Outsmart the Mossad?
4.0 out of 5 stars ByEbienicon January 11, 2016
Dan is a secret super spy. So secret, in fact, that he is not aware of his status himself. He feels controlled by forces outside of him, but can they really manage him? The Mossad is pretty sure he is the only guy who can execute this mission, but is he too good for even an elite intelligence force to keep ahead of? Can Dan really outrun and outsmart the Mossad? And if he can, what will he leave in his wake?
Blind Mission is an international geopolitical thriller. I really enjoyed the psychology of Dan attempting to figure out how he was being manipulated and how to get out of it. I noticed a few grammatical errors but they were pretty minor, and didn’t affect the pace of the story. On the whole I did have a little trouble suspending disbelief, as one man outsmarting the Mossad seemed awfully high level for a blind agent. But overall I found it to be a real page turner, and I was very engaged trying to keep up with both Dan and Israeli intelligence. If you like spy novels, this one won’t disappoint.
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read
By Deana Duffey on January 8, 2016
Blind Mission by Avichai Schmidt and translated by Ilan Chaim is an action packed suspense novel. Although, I am not one for politics so the first chapter was a little hard to get through, even though it was well written. With this said once I got past this it was definitely worth sticking with. Twists and turns and unexpected events. Really what would you do if suddenly your life wasn’t your own, you would go to the ends of the earth to get it back. If you like espionage, mysteries, or even thrillers I would recommend this book.
4.0 out of 5 stars Cleverly written and fast paced this book will make sure you never put it down.
By D. Farmer on January 12, 2016
***I received a copy of this book for free through Tomoson and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone. This is a sponsored post. I received financial compensation for this review.***
An Israeli sales manager is recruited by the Israeli Secret Service, to conducted a secret mission. Unknown to him this mission calls for him to do a lot more than he bargained for.
Dan Greenberg is a sales manager, with impressive abilities and a psychological displacement others believe can be easily manipulated. “The Rising” believe they can hire him to complete a mission he has no idea about. Greenberg loses his car, job, house and his identity. He is ultimately pushed into a high-stakes chase across Israel, Europe, and the United States. Greenberg finds with the help of his special abilities and the assistance of a journalist an unbelievable plot that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
This book was translated from Hebrew into English and the writing is sophisticated and clean. The author Avichai Schmidt use of words capture the excitement in his book and weave his story into a thrilling journey. Although, Schmidt does a great job again with these translated books special attention should be paid to the translation. There are some spelling errors in the book that stand out a bit.
The story takes on a lot of twists and turns. Initially, he spends a lot of time deciding what he should about the people manipulating his life. I think there was far too much time spent on him going through his emotional turmoil in the first couple of chapters. However, once he decides on his next course of action the book becomes a turn pager. I was on edge wondering what Greenburg was going to do next.
Schmidt creatively unfolds the story by sharing little pieces of information. You are following Greenburg for most of the book and only understand as much as he does. Things begin to unfold at a fast past and you left concerned for Greenburg the whole book. Right up till the end and it leaves the reader questioning if those events really happened.
Cleverly written and fast paced this book will make sure you never put it down.