Phantom Orbit: A Thriller

5 | 642 ratings

Price: 27.55

Last update: 06-21-2024

Top reviews from the United States

Erika in Santa Fe

Complex! thrilling!

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024

I just started reading David Ignatius books - this is my 3rd. It’s fantastic!

Lots of science, electric engineering, satellites, the fragility of satellite communication systems. And Russia, China and America juggling spies, technology and covert actions to gain the upper hand. Or, at least, not lose it.

The upper hand relies on satellite technology. Because so much of our world relies on satellite communication. Commerce, banking, communication, and … actually most aspects of our lives depend on satellite communication. We don’t realize it, but it’s true. IF our satellite system breaks, our economy and most aspects of what we take for granted every day … Breaks … Down.

All Russia or China would have to do is orchestrate a tiny glitch in satellite communications … and poof! Our day to day lives … disrupted beyond belief!

And the complexity and subtleties of satellite communications are enormously technical. Obscure. Subtle. But well explained to a non-tech.

Great thriller! You don’t have to be an electrical engineer to understand this thriller. But an EE would appreciate it even more.

Ignatius takes all this complex technical and political intrigue, and makes it readable, understandable … fascinating! Of the last 100 books I’ve read, this is the best! Enjoy!

M. Martin

Good but not a thriller

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024

I have been an admirer of David Ignatius’s journalism and fiction for many years. His dedication to authentic research is clear as ever. But “thriller” this is not. The last 10% or so is suspenseful, but most of it is rather dull. Long biographical details of the main characters — often not very revealing — slow down the story. As always, I learned a lot from reading Ignatius. But if you are looking for an emotionally engaging, thrilling narrative, you will be disappointed.

James Kindle Customer

Great

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024

I have been reading what I call spy fiction for sixty p!us years. Everyone from Erskinee Childers to John LeCarre to Ian Fleming to Alma Katsu.....In sum voracious. My favorites have been Gerald Seymour, Jason Matthews, and Daniel Silva. What they have in common ia combination ofreal world experience and/ prodigious research. And of course the ability to weave a compelling story with engaging characters, plot twists and surprises and of course amazing. With this book, I add David Ignatius to my favorites.. This novel about our reliance on satellite based global.positioning,its vulnerability, and our new Cold War in space is just fantastic. Read it. Enjoy it. It’s educational, topical, and very entertaining. Enough said.

Robert Price

a satisfying story, from beginning to end

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024

This was an enjoyable read, and relevant to today’s various global friction points (2024). The story spans decades, by necessity, and feels slightly “rushed” at times. Even so, it held on tightly to my attention. I suspected the plot twist for a while, but wasn’t certain until the final reveal. Bravo! I will be on the lookout for the next Ignatius thriller.

Stephen

once more….

Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024

David Ignatius has written a compelling, fast-paced, and very credible international espionage thriller. This is my seventh book I’ve read from this author and he continues to impress me with his intriguing plots and characters. The trifecta ending was especially enjoyable.

Lander L. Bethel

Great Story, So Far

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024

This is a very engaging story about a brilliant young Russian student eager to learn about space, satellites, and defense systems. He becomes entangled with Chinese and American influencers as he seeks to go further in developing these devices.

When ordering the book the only specification I noticed was that it was a library binding. My copy turned out to be a large print edition. That takes some adjusting, but the pages turn quickly in this suspenseful thriller.

Jeff

Not a Thriller

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024

This is a tale warning about space warfare. The best part about it is how realistically the book portrays satellite capabilities. The problem with the book is that it is poorly paced and a bit boring as it goes through a long and largely obvious buildup to the action. The last 75 pages are fun, though.

FPK15B

David Ignatius’s Phantom Orbit was Magnificent

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024

Out of hundreds of good books I read each year, I must say that this is the best book I’ve read in years. Good science, accurate trade craft, real characters, a contemporary geopolitical problem, and as complex and deadly serious a challenge as the world faces today. Wow!

Best Sellers in

Still See You Everywhere

4.4 5373

19.1

The 24th Hour: Is This the End?

4.5 13481

17.05

Local Woman Missing

4.4 66916

21.25

11-22-63: A Novel

4.6 289

26.24

Darling Girls: A Novel

4.2 12587

13.12

Toxic Prey: A Prey Novel

4.6 12757

17.72

The Inmate

4.4 168913

23.88

The Silent Patient

4.4 343723

17.71