Saviour's Gate

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. (May)