A destabilised Russia with an up and coming popular politician, the Icon from the title, who is bound to become the next ruler and willing to take Russia into the next century and clean up its internal mess and reshape it into a great country it was once.
Except for a small matter namely the man is mad as Hitler and his thoughts and ideas, full of ethnic cleansing are all written into an account called the Black manifesto. And by sheer accident it lands into the hands of a former soldier who cleans the headquarters of this man. This sets up a chain of events that will change the fate of Russia once more. Only this time it is an engineered change from the outside of Russia.
It is also the story of Jason Monk a former spy whose assets were betrayed by the Agency he required them for. The stupidity and gross oversight of the responsible people burns a whole network of agents inside of Russian. It is the story of a Russian security officer involved in the arresting a lot of the assets and really interested in capturing Monk one day to make him pay for the actions against the great Soviet empire. And he gets his chance as the security chief and military leader of the almost certain future leader of Russia. Jason Monk is returning again to Russia to change the wave of politics in a game that is about manipulation at the highest level.

Another brilliant page-turner that takes his time to set up, a common theme in Forsyths writing. And when the story gets rolling it keeps going at a ever increasing speed, which makes it difficult to lay the novel down, unless you have kids and are married in such a case you are sometimes overruled. Anyhow once the dust is settled at the end of the book the last three pages still have a few surprises in store for the faithful reader.

Another exciting spy/thriller from one of its great master writers.2015 spies thriller24 s Simon McleishAuthor 3 books129

Originally published on my blog here in November 1999.

Frederick Forsyth always has interesting ideas, but his writing never does them justice. Icon is no exception to this rule. The idea - a new Hitler attempting to take power in the chaotic ruins of a Russia devastated by mega-inflation and uncontrollable organised crime - is excellent. The major problem is the narrative style. The story takes second place to exposition of the idea - the reader does not really need pages of description of fictional Russian politics, for example. Such diversions break the tension which is needed in a thriller.

The primacy of the idea also overcomes any serious attempt at characterisation, an accusation usually levelled at science fiction rather than thrillers. Icon's characters are just ciphers and stereotypes, from Igor Komarov to the Western agents trying to prevent him from gaining power. Forsyth has bought into the idea that Western is good, Eastern bad; the Russians are corrupt, the British and Americans fighting for an ideal (except of course for Russian controlled double agents).

the best of Forsyth's novels, The Day of the Jackal, the idea of Icon is centred around a person. In the earlier book, this forces Forsyth to overcome his limitations as a writer of characters, but Komarov does not do this. The idea is sufficiently interesting and well enough done, however, to keep you reading to the end.14 s Xabi19902,017 1,078

Creo que al poner estas estrellas (tres, y siendo generoso) a este clásico de Forsyth casi tengo que pedir perdón…

El caso es que me he acostumbrado a los personajes con cuerpo, reales, y aquí sólo veo un desfile de nombres que hacen cosas. Y eso no me gusta.

Como todo el mundo dice que es magnífica, lo será, pero a mí me gustan mucho más otras suyas.

Por si acaso, perdón.10 s Rohit Enghakat242 66

A nice racy thriller by the master of espionage fiction. It interweaves actual events surrounding the biggest spy scandal of Aldrich Ames in USA and how he became an agent of USSR leading to wiping out the entire CIA field agents in Russia. This plot is beautifully embedded in the book where James Monk is entrusted with the task of creating mayhem and foiling a plot by an incumbent president to seize absolute power.

Igor Komarov aided by his deputy Anatoli Grishin wants to seize power and exterminate the Jews, Christians and Chechens in another replay of the fascism wave in Germany. He documents his plan in writing which comes to be known as Black Manifesto. The manifesto lands in the hands of the British embassy and thereon to the Americans. Nigel Irvine, the British spymaster recruits Jason Monk to avert the catastrophe and impending fascist wave.

Nail-biting and as racy as it goes.political-thriller-espionage9 s Kristina12

I'm a sucker for spy novels and usually think that most good fiction in that genre died along with the Cold War. I will say, however, that this one was great. I took a little while to get through the first chapter but once I did I honestly couldn't put it down -- I stayed up until almost 3:00 a.m. one night to finish it because I just HAD to know what happened. It's kind of a "what would happen if ..." novel. When it was written in 1993, it actually was set to take place in the future (1999). The interesting part to me is that some of the possibilities it referenced actually came to pass to a degree. It also provided a well-researched snapshot of life in post-socialist Russia. I always appreciate a well-written book that surprises me at the end, rather than the John Grisham-esque "hurry-up-and-wrap-everything-up-in-the-last-couple-of-pages" approach. This one did not disappoint.8 s Razvan Banciu1,265 93

A two-books novel; the first one is more a documentary: sharp, accurate, mixing with many historical and espionage facts and persons. The second one is more fictitious, so it's more readable, although is not the more valuable. The plot is ok, so are the characters, there are some twists in the final, but the so called " Battle for Moscow" it's a little bit too awkward to my taste. So, an enjoyable book, even it has not the genius sparkles from "The Day of the Jackal".8 s Stefan474 58

Icon is one of my favorite novels by Frederick Forsyth because in this work he really makes easy to connect with the characters. Forsyth put many complicated characters in this book, and opened up the world post-Soviet Moscow. An excellent read that projects the settings so wonderfully described into the reader's mind. The dialogue does not fail the reader, and the plot is well developed and has a number of good surprises (which kept me on the edge of my seat). Forsyth also uses his previous experience as a journalist to weave interesting (but plausible) fiction with real organizations, places, people, or ideas. Frederick Forsyth did not disappoint in Icon, and brilliantly explores some important world issues while also keeping his narrative entertaining and tense. mysteries-thrillers5 s Deepak Eshwar27 1 follower

This is one of Fredrick Forsyth's best till date. The details he gives is so abundant that after reading you feel you really had a date with the KGB or the CIA + if you are really interested in espionage this book is mandatory. Hail FF! frederick-forsyth5 s Gil Smolinski30 66

I personally thought it was thrilling and enjoyed every minute. My full review: https://smolinskiblog.co/2019/06/19/f...5 s Davis Haguma151 6

Excellently written. A glimpse into what could have been in Russia.4 s Matt Barker60

Another fantastic high-paced thriller from the master himself. Superbly researched, great characters and a brilliant plot. First published in 1996 and following the plans of a despotic Russian determined to be president I wonder if Forsyth really did see Putin coming?
If you are a fan of Freddie Forsyth this will not disappoint. 4 s Chava391

The book that both intimidated me by its size and kept me entertained for the whole time I read it. It was the first book I read in English when that wasn't yet my preferred language to read books in. Loved this book, it had me choose more Forsyth books.4 s Antonio Rosato976 47

La prima volta che ho letto questo capolavoro della letteratura era l'estate del 1997 e Boris Eltsin era stato rieletto presidente della Russia da appena un anno; io comprai questo libro in edizione economica (era il periodo dei "Miti Mondadori") senza conoscere la trama ma affidandomi solo al peso letterario del suo autore: Frederick Forsyth. Perciò, quando lessi le 450 pagine di Icona, rimasi davvero sconvolto ma allo stesso tempo affascinato dalla storia quasi realistica in esso contenuta: tutto comincia nel 1999 con la morte improvvisa del presidente Cerkassov, successore di uno Eltsin malato ed indebolito politicamente. Si indicono nuove elezioni presidenziali, e tra i tanti candidati alla massima carica dello stato c'è anche Igor Komarov, leader di una destra innovativa di stampo occidentale. O almeno questo è quello che lo stesso Komarov vorrebbe far credere… se non fosse che, per colpa di una banale distrazione, il suo vero progetto politico viene svelato in tutta la sua crudeltà: restaurare a destra la vecchia Unione Sovietica ed eliminare tutti gli ebrei e gli avversari politici. Il vero piano politico di Komarov, dopo un incredibile giro, finisce sul tavolo dei servizi segreti americani e l'ex agente Cia Jason Monk è incaricato di recarsi in Russia e risolvere la crisi prima che sia troppo tardi. Monk, a questo punto, riattiva tutti i vecchi canali che già in passato gli avevano permesso di affrontare il Kgb. Nel frattempo, sempre con l'intento di bloccare il piano di Komarov, un influente gruppo di americani ed inglesi, lavora alla più incredibile delle soluzioni: trovare un discendente dell'ultimo zar e riportarlo sul trono di tutte le Russie.
Come avrete certamente capito, qui il genere fantapolitico sfiora davvero la perfezione con la trama (sviluppata su due differenti linee temporali) che, pur essendo inventata di sana pianta, è abbastanza credibile ed offre non pochi spunti di riflessione.
Libro scritto davvero in modo elegante che, pur trattando un tema abbastanza duro (e con scene abbastanza truculente), ne permette una lettura sciolta ed agevole. Chiudo con una mia piccola considerazione: alla trama del libro sostituite il nome di Komarov con quello di Putin… ed avrete un quadro abbastanza fedele di tutto ciò che sta avvenendo ai confini della Russia in questi anni: mi riferisco ai fatti di Ucraina, Crimea e Cenenia.
[https://www.antoniorosato.net/indice-...]favorites frederick_forsyth scrittori_stranieri4 s Arun Divakar799 396

Too good to be true, don't we say this word about the really grand things we encounter at times ? A really hot lady/guy who for no reason strikes up a conversation with you and is willing to proceed further, a boss who suddenly supports you and gives a pay hike for no reason or maybe a new political leader who in a short time makes a tremendous impact on the masses. While any of these or for that matter any such overtly unbelievable incidents are going on, a small voice at the back of your mind tells you Too good to be true bud ! Don't say that I didn't warn you .

Now that I have fired the opening shot, let me get on with the review. The premise is Russia, a nation that is slowly shrugging off the shackles of Communism and the aftermath of Glasnost. A rather messy state of affairs with hyper inflation, poverty & a few governmental decisions that took a turn for the worst. Into this melee steps in a charismatic and dynamic leader who is messianic in his demeanor towards the populace. But things are not always what they seem and it is up to the British & the Americans as always to save the world. The book is divided into two parts with the first being the build up and the planning part & the next being devoted entirely to execution of those plans to make the world a better place to live. This in my evaluation is not a novel that can be counted as one of Forsyth's best. For one, the suspense factor loses its steam after a while & also to be counted is the fact that a few crucial situations in the plot line are predictable. Nothing kills fun faster than predictability I suppose ! If there is one thing that truly stands out in this book, it is the research that the author must have done. He creates a vivid portrayal of Russia before the turn of the millennium. The bear whose claws have been worn down to stumps and lost all his teeth to add to his woes too !

Let me be honest here, I only took this book up as it featured one of my favorite characters Sir Nigel Irvine from Forsyth's 'Fourth Protocol'. The character referred to as the Fox and the erstwhile head of the MI6 still remains one that I love. While being high handed at times, the shrewdness that the author brings forth with this character is something I love.3 s Deni B Ungur3 2

I enjoyed it very much!3 s Julia HerdmanAuthor 3 books25

I was amazed just how much information Freddie Forsyth managed to pack into this book. Having lived through the period covered in Icon and watched the comings and goings of the post-Gorbachov revolutions in Russia without understanding what was going on this book gave me a good idea of the period's history even if it was a fictional one. The characters were thin and cliched but still, I read on. Forsyth lacks the subtlety and romance of his rival in the spy thriller genre, John Le Carrie but the book had a compelling narrative which somehow worked. I admired the work as a tour de force rather than a novel. Russian crypto-fascists prove every bit as villainous as their Communist predecessors whom Forsyth portrayed in The Fourth Protocol and The Deceiver. It's 1999 when the book begins, and ultra-nationalist Igor Komarov's victory in the upcoming Russian presidential election seems assured. But within Komarov's party headquarters, an elderly janitor accidentally discovers Komarov's secret plans for Russia, laid out in a document that comes to be known as the Black Manifesto--a blueprint for a return to dictatorship, military expansionism and genocidal ethnic cleansing. Forsyth seems to understand the dark side of the Russian soul but his characters are not allowed to have their evil way. Perhaps I was wrong when I said he was not a romantic.3 s Rajan626 39

We FF for his original and plausible plots. When you read him the line between fiction and reality blurs, as he seamlessly blends the both. You know that this is imaginary work but still want to believe it. But the same can not be said about the Icon. The premise is so far fetched and the climax is so bizarre you feel reading a fantasy book. Jason Monk is given the task of installing British style parliamentarian system where the symbolic head of government is King/ Queen who is the Icon of national integration. Thus the name "the Icon". And by god he achieves the impossible by the end of this novel. Establishes a parliamentary system of democracy in Russia and Installs a symbolic head from Russian royalty.. But fantasy is enjoyable too. Go figure our for yourself and share your views.thriller-espionage-mystery2 s Midori Jimenez8 1 follower

simply one of the best! i simply CANNOT put this book down when i started reading it. the plot was simple - stop Igor Komarov from being the Russian President. and how the lead character did it was simply amazing! it was brilliantly thought of and it is no doubt one of my favorite books of all time!

favorite-books2 s Ira63

Aku cuman mo nambahin kalo buku ini bagussss banget.. trik trik spionasenya ok dah... FF emang jagonyaconspiracy spionage suspense-thriller2 s CarmenAuthor 4 books86

Un other novels of his, this time, Forsyth takes us into the future in a tautly written thriller. All the ingredients for disaster are in place.2 s Toby2

Very dull. Too many characters and too much fictional politics.2 s Rishi Prakash360 25

Finally finished another long pending book which was stuck with me for few years!

This is a first rate espionage thriller with an intricate completely real and believable plot and well formed characters. Perfect for readers who enjoy Robert Ludlum type thriller but with a political twist! Setting is primarily in Russia post Boris Yeltsin period of 1989-2000 where corruption , gangsters and Oligarchs ruled the country!

The main character so resembles Putin in his dictatorial mindset that i had to google and check if this is some real stuff so you can understand the thrill! The story is about how the western democratic forces devise a covert campaign to destroy his support so it is real edge of the seat thriller type fun!

The book had come in 1997 and still got so many things right! I the statement on page 476/7 which says “ Public Relations they had called it in America, the multi billion Dollar industry that could make a talentless oaf a celebrity, a fool a sage and a base opportunist a statesman” How prophetic keeping the last 2 presidential election in he US!!

1 Asia4

fav1 1 comment Andrew Clements1 review

Another well constructed action thriller from the master storyteller Frederick Forsyth. He never lets you down and this story set in Moscow at the millennium unfolds with great suspense and terror holding your interest to the end. The plot mirrors to a certain extent what is going on in Russia today or what might happen if the people elect the wrong leader. A good read and an elusive hero saves the day. Recommend it.1 Salmir Saadat35 21

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Review of the ICON by Frederick Forsyth

A bit torn at the edges but still Frederick Forsyth's book ICON still has that captivating hold on any reader.

The author Frederick Forsyth is a past master at weaving intricate tales of intrigue, espionage, international politics, colourful characters who prove that they have the capacity to keep the reader hooked to the last page.

This is ordinary feat and Mr Forsyth has proven time and again since the publication of his first book 'The Biafra Story'; that his immense knowledge as an intrepid reporter during the halcyon days of 'Cold War' have come in handy. This can be seen in his later famous books such as 'The Day of the Jackal', 'Devil's Alternative', 'The Fourth Protocol', 'The Negotiator', ' 'The Afghan', 'Kill List' and many more.

Most of his books have been made into major Hollywood films, especially ' The Day of the Jackal'.

In ICON, he portrays a scenario wherein Russia is being ruled by an autocrat at the turn of the millennium. Who is staunchly anti- capitalist and who wants to restore Russia to its old Glory days of the early Cold War period.

Furthermore, the author also portrays the impact it had on western countries and how they plan to foil him and dethrone him.

Seems something torn from the headlines if international newspapers. As we all know who Mr Forsyth was alluding to.

The intricate detail and plotting us simply astounding; a talent which only veteran writers have, and which Mr. Forsyth most obviously is.

When I read the book, I was just mesmerized by the in-depth knowledge of the geopolitical strategies, the internal machinations of politicians, the games that intelligence agencies play on the vast international political playground.

It is also about those millions of ordinary everyday people who are seemingly oblivious to the power plays and political machinations of their governments.

All in all, this is one of those rare gems in the world of books and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I am sure all of you also will.

So this book is highly recommended. 'The ICON' by Frederick Forsyth.
1 S.M. GuarientoAuthor 3 books23

A patchily readable yarn set in a lightly-fictionalised pre-Millennial Russia, where intrepid undercover CIA agent Jason Monk must nobble the election campaign of a hugely-popular nationalist politician with a secret “Black Manifesto” fusing all the best bits from Stalin, Hitler and Ivan the Terrible.

It’s with a weary sigh the reader opens this book, only to be greeted by a FOUR-PAGE dramatis personae listing enough similar-sounding names and job titles to make Gabriel Garcia Marquez grow pale. But the book’s not bad: again, Forsyth has done his research, though by god he wants you to know it. Time and again the narrative grinds to a halt to allow Fred to regale us with microscopically detailed accounts of post-Soviet socio-political life – not uninteresting, in and of themselves, but plonked in the middle of a supposed thriller they make for a very staccato reading experience. Even at the end, with momentum building, FF stops the plot dead in its tracks to deliver a lecture on the multifarious security garrisons in and around Moscow. (You get the feeling that if any of his cast ever sat down to write a letter, Fred would insert a two-page history of the fountain pen.)

As with his other novels, Forsyth includes real-worldnames amongst his fictional characters (De Gaulle in “Day of the “Jackal”, Kim Philby in “The Fourth Protocol”, CIA turncoat Aldrich Ames here), a tactic I find more distracting than clever; others will disagree. The character of secret service chief Sir Nigel Irvine, previously seen in Forsyth’s “Fourth Protocol” – and played in John Mackenzie’s 1987 film version by Ian Richardson – also reappears here, as does Fred’s bullishly pro-US bias. (The KGB had “thugs”; the CIA has “agents”.) “Icon” paints an extraordinarily bleak picture of the Russian political scene circa 1999, two years in the future at time of publication; eighteen years on, one wonders if the situation has changed for better or worse.

NB: A TV-movie version was aired in 2005, with Patrick Swayze as Monk; I shan’t be tracking it down.
1 Angela5,364 68

19th November 2023
4 Stars

Icon by Frederick Forsyth.
->This one's for you Glennie!
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