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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ACTION PACKED, RICH IN LOCAL COLOR, EISLER IN TOP FORM, Jun 4 2006
In 2002 Barry Eisler's first book in the amazing John Rain series, "Rain Fall," was a phenomenon. The author had performed the intriguing task of creating a hero who was a contract killer yet gave readers cause to root for him all the way. Rain is clever, complicated, compelling, and appealing.
In my review of that book I wrote, "Few fictional characters burst upon the scene fully realized, more than ready to take their place in the pantheon of unforgettable protagonists. Add one to that meager list with the creation of John Rain in Barry Eisler's dynamite debut "Rain Fall." In fact, Rain, an accomplished assassin doesn't just burst upon the scene, he steamrollers on to it."
The same held true in Eisler's following titles, "Hard Rain" (2003), "Rain Storm" (2004), "Killing Rain" (2005), and it more than holds true today with the stellar "The Last Assassin." Realism is one of this author's many attributes and it shines with his latest as he evokes the steamy street and haunts of Tokyo as well as the sparkling city of Barcelona. His fight scenes raise goose bumps and his love scenes are....well, read for yourself.
Readers may recall that Rain is the he son of an American mother and a Japanese father. He served with Special Operations in Vietnam and now, for years, has led a life of scrupulously guarded anonymity aided by one other person - Dox, an extremely likable ex Marine sniper who has an eye for the ladies and the eye of an eagle when his finger's on the trigger. He covers this skill with a country drawl, a wide grin, and an unstoppable sense of humor. Dox is the man who walked away from a five million dollar payday" to save Rain's life. He's there in an instant when Rain needs help, and the once self-sufficient assassin needs a great deal of help now.
After learning that his former lover, Midori, a beautiful jazz pianist, is living with their son in New York City, Rain has hopes of reconciliation. At the very least he wants to see his son, Koichero. However, he well remembers that she swore hatred after learning that he had killed her father, a Japanese politician.
In addition, Rain's arch enemy, Yamaoto, wants him dead. This is a man who will stop at nothing to kill Rain, and that includes using Midori and Koichero as bait. Rain knows they are being watched, killers are waiting for him to appear.
Yet, he calls Dox to meet him in New York and takes the chance. After seeing them he yearns to change, to be able to establish a life with them, but that becomes impossible when he's forced to kill one of the men watching Midori.
Rain and Dox manage to dispose of the body but that's just the beginning as Rain realizes he must kill all of his enemies, including Yamaoto in order to be free. He's aided in this by his former enemy, Tatsu, who is now a Japanese FBI agent, and wants to bring down Yamaoto almost as much as Rain does. In order for their plan to work as it should they need one more person - it is, of course, Delilah, the beautiful Israeli intelligence agent with whom Rain has been having an off and on affair.
Once again Eisler has crafted an intense, can't-put-down read rich with a winning supporting cast and gasp inducing action. Just when you think this author can't get any better, he does.
- Gail Cooke
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE COOLEST ASSASSIN - AND THIS TIME IT IS PERSONAL!, Nov 29 2008
I have been following Barry Eisler's books ever since Rain Fall. There have been some ups and downs but with every Jack Rain novel one receives a huge entertainment check that so far never bounced. This half American-half Japanese is a ghost of international assassins, a martial-arts expert, able to kill anyone - and make his death appear natural if needed.
The prose is flowing, the imagery detailed and the rhythm takes the reader on roller-coaster ride he does not want to end. Second only to the first novel of the series, the LAST ASSASSIN is one the best. Rain is trying to save his son and secure their future from his mortal enemy while trying to untangle a dangerous love triangle at the same time.
My only gripes are that, the endgame is somewhat anticlimactic. I am not going to ruin it for everyone but I could do without the last twist if it meant for his archenemy to meet a more deserving fate .
Moreover, contrary to his myth, Rain is rather reacting than taking the initiative in this one. As a result, his loyal wise-cracking sidekick, Dox, at times appears more competent than him. Then again, he does not have to decide between Delilah and the mother of his child while taking on both the Yakuza and the Triads!
All in all, a GREAT novel. I cannot think of anyone not enjoying it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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by Barry Eisler
by Barry Eisler
by Barry Eisler
by Barry Eisler
by Barry Eisler
