Citizen Orlov by Jonathan Payne

Release: May 23, 2023
Format:Ebook
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle __

Journey to an unnamed mountainous country in central Europe at the end of the Great War. Enter Citizen Orlov, a simple fishmonger and an honest, upright citizen, who answers a phone call meant for a secret agent and stumbles into a hidden world of espionage and secrecy. Recruited by the Ministry of Security, he is sent on assignment to safeguard the king.

But Orlov soon discovers that his ministry handler, the alluring femme fatale Agent Zelle, is planning not to protect the king but to assassinate him. Caught in a web of plot and counterplot, confusing loyalties, and explosive betrayals, Orlov finds himself on trial for murder. Given the opportunity to clear his name, he finds that the lives of his friends, mother, and fellow citizens hang in the balance.

About the Author:

Jonathan Payne is a British-American writer based outside Washington, D.C. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Novel Writing from Middlesex University, London. His short fiction has been featured at the North London Story Festival and in magazines including Turnpike, Twist in Time and Fiction Kitchen Berlin. Before moving to the United States, he worked for the British government on matters of national security. When not writing or reading, he can be found in the boxing gym..

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Citizen Orlov Review:

Firstly, I enjoyed how unpredictable the author made the story. A simple fishmonger answers a telephone call, and his life changes forever. I enjoyed how the author progressed the story, where you have yet to learn what will happen to Orlov. When the story started, I thought it would be humorous because of the uncanny situations that Orlov faces. However, as the plot develops, the stakes gradually escalate, with someone targeting Orlov, and he gets falsely accused, arrested, and ultimately becomes a potential threat to the nation.Furthermore, the character development of Orlov is genuinely captivating. At first, he comes across as dimwitted and simple, underestimated by those around him who believe he lacks other skills. Orlov appears to be someone who merely follows orders, lacking the ability to take charge. However, as the story progresses, a remarkable transformation occurs as Orlov emerges from his shell and asserts control over his circumstances. The author skillfully portrays this evolution, with standout moments including the intense courtroom scenes and the poignant decisions Orlov faces concerning his mother.The supporting characters in the story are equally compelling and multi-dimensional. Particularly noteworthy are Vanev and Zelle, whose true intentions sometimes remain mysterious. I enjoyed observing Orlov’s shifting alliances and seeing whom he becomes more closely aligned with, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.Overall, I truly enjoyed the author’s writing style and would love to see Orlov in a sequel where he stumbles on other adventures that help him grow. Overall, “Citizen Orlov” is an exciting espionage thriller that grabbed my attention, and I recommend reading this!