The Profession

A Thriller

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: Toby Leonard Moore

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Author of numerous New York Times best-sellers—including the epic chronicle of the Battle of Thermopylae, Gates of Fire—Steven Pressfield delivers novels of unmatched historical accuracy. In The Profession, Pressfield taps his considerable well of military knowledge to craft a piece of speculative fiction set in 2032. With corporate and private powers wielding their own military forces, an exiled American general plans to return to the U.S. and claim the presidency for his own. Only his closest confidant stands any chance of defeating him.

©2011 Steven Pressfield (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Plodding first half, ok at the end

They spent way too much time setting up the characters in the first half of the book it just got tedious. The narrator was not very good, pausing after each sentence or two it made the whole book seem choppy. Sort of like a book narrated by William Shatner.

The second half of the book was ok and moved at a decent pace. The narrator actually went three or four sentences between pauses.

Disjointed with an anti climactic ending

Maybe it would be better to read than listen to. The jumping back and forth between current time and the past was somewhat hard to follow. The ending was super disjointed, especially the main characters ability to get around the world in what seems like a heart beat.

Great book!

Pressfield is a master. His view into warfare and the men that fight are amazing.

Awesome I miss the main character already.

If you could sum up The Profession in three words, what would they be?

Great narrator, I was sad when it ended. I'm a Pressfield fan, the WAR OF Art really moved me and I was just as impressed by his writing in this forum.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes because of how much I came to know The main character.

What about Toby Leonard Moore’s performance did you like?

Absolutely perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't know what tag line is but I'd watch it if Mr. Pressfield had control of it, otherwise I'd be truly afraid they would ruin the friend I made in the book.

Any additional comments?

I'd love a continuation; although I know it would be tough to do.

The story was a wild ride from beginning to end

Not happy with the ending but set up for a sequel. I will wait on.

Perfect Story Applying History

Steven Pressfield nailed it with this story. From the dialogue be spot on for military personnel to the geopolitical dynamics facing us to the reluctance of Americans to serve in the military. Excellent story.
I love Pressfield’s historical novels, and this one shows just how relevant history can be to the modern world.

best. book. ever.

"Who do you bury today soldier?"
"My brother."
amazing prose. well researched. relatable and relevant.

Underwhelmed

The story was well done, but not what I had expected. This book should be described as a political thriller only. The author uses a lot of "high speed" language to describe equipment, settings, and events that leads no where. The story contains very little action. I waited the entire book for the action to start, but it never happened. Simply stated, this book represents a hypothetical future of mercenary armies and political/economic turmoil. The main character represents a solid warrior archetype which was well done and entertaining. Overall, too much time effort was dedicated to character development, leaving all other areas lackluster.

Great listen

What other book might you compare The Profession to and why?

A futuristic w.e.b. griffin

Any additional comments?

This was a good listen though it took a good hour to get into it

Steven Pressfield is my new favorite writer

I have read several books now by Steven Pressfield, the characters and stories are impressively compiled into an exciting and thought provoking style. The Profession is a great addition to a collection of work that spans the history of warfare.

Adding to the quality of the book the narration is absolutely fantastic, well casted. I'll probably listen to this several times.