Solidly written first-person fictional account by an assassin-for-hire contracted by the CIA to take out a mysterious arms dealer. There are several incongruities that seem to get resolved by the book's dramatic end, though its hard to imagine various CIA agents working with such cross purposes, but I suppose in today's super-surveiled world it's possible. The author also did a nice job of leading the reader on with a few false leads without ruining the guessing game by way of a non-plausible ending. The finish featured a twist, but nothing unbelievable or outlandish or out-of-left field given what we know of the characters. Two of the major protagonists may have gotten a little too misty-eyed for comfort after their travails, but again it could be believed to be within the scope of their characters given all that happened.
The author's diction and atmospherics were excellent. The scenes really stand out with vivid descriptions and settings that almost emanate feelings, not just scenery or beauty.
Some technical aspects could use updating. This spy's assets would not appear as timeless as James Bonds' or Maxwell Smart's. But what really separates this book from many others is powerful character depictions. This one certaintly isn't gimicky or trite or annoyingly coy like many in the genre.

Eisler has written yet another winner: beautifully crafted, yet gruesome, down and dirty. Written in 2004, RAIN STORM is his 3rd novel and 3rd John Rain adventure. Rain is a half-Japanese, half-American spy, working in secret for the CIA and also for himself. In his world, you can never trust anyone...even a close friend or closer female acquaintance of which he has many.

Eisler has a unique 'way with words' and an intriguing way of spinning his yarns full of intrigue, making RAIN STORM a graphic masterpiece. From the beach in Rio, to Macao, to Hong Kong to Kowloon, John Rain brings fatal justice to those his bosses want dead, whether friend or foe.

Barry Eisler has written a perfect story of the dangerous underworld of spies.

Despite the mediocre reviews that "Winner Take All" received on Goodreads I decided to give it a shot anyway. Having read the first two John Rain novels I assumed that I would have a greater appreciation for the character that would negate some of the criticism that the novel received.

Having read the previous two John Rain novels definitely helped make the book more relevant. It is completely understandable why someone who has not read any of the previous novels would be confused. I would even go as far as stating that reading at least one of the last two novels should be a prerequisite for reading "Winner Take All".

As far as what I think about this novel in particular, I definitely feel that it is the weakest of the first three. The story itself is engaging enough but the storytelling is somewhat lacking in my opinion. The pacing and plot development is not structured the way I thought that it would be (based on the previous novels). The novel begins right in the middle of John Rain's mission without much explanation as to why the character is doing what he is doing (that comes later). There were a few bright spots in the novel however. The inclusion of Macau and Hong Kong was a nice change of setting. Without giving too much away, the new characters (Delilah especially) add some intrigue. John Rain is beginning to show his age as well and is not quite the indestructible figure that he was previously.

Overall I would not hesitate "Winner Take All" to someone who has read the previous two novels. Everyone else should probably pass.

John Rain is back, and he is still snapping necks like toothpicks. He took an assignment where the hunter became the hunted. As always, fast-paced, action and suspense from the outset.
John is still John, but Dox is my favourite character. I was so hoping he doesn't get his neck snapped.

I know it is crucial to the Rain character, but the amount of story dedicated to the details of Rain "checking his 6" and other miscellaneous activities begins to become tedious and overshadow the mystery, intrigue and action inherent in the series. I hope the action will increase in future installments of the John Rain series.

The third installment of the John Rain series. This book has some interesting character development. Delilah is introduced as a strong and capable friend/opponent. Dox has an interesting arc that hooefuy develops more. Kanezaki is becoming a strong character as he gains knowledge and experience. His interactions with Rain are becoming better and more enjoyable.
All-in-all, I give this 3.5 stars. Good story, excellent action and fight scenes, especially when Rain using unconventional means to neutralize people. Enjoyable and easy reading.

Excelenta carte, interesanta si asocierea din final, Transnistria, rusi, terorism. Extrem de actuala amenintarea.

Chiar asa, cat va mai fi tolerata acea enclava?

Good enough but not as good as other books

Didn't feel as good as the other books for me. But enjoyed it nevertheless.

The audio narrator for all his books is good.

I will continue reading this series after a brief hiatus to try out a few new authors. Like this series but am finding it not as exciting as some others I have read (at this point). The plot was well developed and kept me guessing all along and some new characters were introduced as well as their background material. That said, I am glad I came back to read this series in order rather than continue reading the last one of the series first (as I had initially started to do) which was more confusing.

Un'altra avvincente avventura di John Rain che stavolta si ritrova invischiato con nemici israeliani e dovrà resistere al fascino di una nuova intrigante e scaltra donna...

Una delle scelte più importanti per il suo lavoro, ma anche per la sua stessa sopravvivenza, sarà decidere di fidarsi dell'affascinante Delilah oppure etichettarla come minaccia e combatterla con tutte le sue forze...

Il libro di Barry Eisler, come gli altri già letti della serie John Rain, scorre via bene, si legge con interesse e forse stavolta è un po' meno carico di complotti politici per lasciar spazio all'azione.

Manca un po' di originalità ed innovazione rispetto ai primi capitoli, ma è comunque una piacevole lettura...

Ora si continua con il capitolo successivo: La via del Samurai!

Phenomenal! Adrenaline with an equally fast brain.

I so enjoyed the nuanced intelligence and emotional tight ropes Eisler injected with the skill of a maestro. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys action and intelligence where violence is required not the goal of the story.

CIA mă angajase să-l „retrag” pe Belghazi, nu să-l protejez. Aşa că dacă lucrurile nu mergeau bine, următorul lor candidat pentru o retragere aveam să fiu probabil chiar eu.
tÎnsă după cum vedeam situaţia, salvarea lui Belghazi de individul pe care îl poreclisem „Karate” i-ar fi făcut o favoare Unchiului Sam. La urma urmelor, poate că Karate nu reuşea să simuleze un deces natural, ori era prins, ori făcea ceva de mântuială şi atunci ar fi apărut neînţelegeri, suspiciuni şi acuzaţii – exact genul de probleme pentru evitarea cărora mă angajase CIA.
tLa astea se adăuga desigur problema plătirii mele. Dacă Karate ajungea primul la Belghazi şi eu nu-mi puteam atribui reuşita, era posibil să rămân fără un cec, iar asta n-ar fi fost foarte corect, nu?
tÎl poreclisem Karate, fiindcă suspiciunile mele legate de el începuseră să se coaguleze când îl văzusem executând kata, „forme”, de karate în sala de fitness a hotelului Mandarin Oriental din Macao, unde stăteam amândoi şi unde Belghazi urma să sosească în curând. Evitând hăţişul de maşini Lifecycles şi Cybex, el preferase să se concentreze asupra unei serii de punciuri, blocaje şi lovituri cu piciorul în aer, care ar fi putut semăna pentru neiniţiaţi cu o rutină de dans marţial. De fapt, mişcările lui erau bune – fluide, exersate şi puternice. Ar fi fost impresionante la orice ins de douăzeci de ani, dar bărbatul acesta părea să aibă minimum patruzeci.