There comes a point in a series like this that the author doesn't give you a new story. Instead, he or she addresses a long-running personal issue in the main character's life. That is this book. It kept my interest, but not as interesting as the last book that had a complex story of historical interest. Still, I look forward to the next in the series.

Intensely Human

For me this was such an intense, gut wrenching & heartbreaking John Rain story. Barry Eisler got it right. Perfectly described. Brilliantly executed. A must read for sure.

John Rain’s stories keep getting better and better. This one especially had me at the edge of my seat. The fight scenes and shoot outs were action packed. I can’t get enough of John Rain stories. Starting the next book asap!!

Mr. Eisler has a new fan.

Every once in a while as I browse my local library, I pick up a novel by an author I’m unfamiliar with. I am looking for someone new. More times than not, I am disappointed.

Not this time.

I recently picked up my first novel by Barry Eisler, “The Last Assasin.” And loved it.
I did think it was a bit slow-moving early on but perhaps that was because I was unfamiliar with John Rain, Dax and the backstory.

However, this book has everything I like: Good crisp writing, action, LOTS of twists and turns, especially the last 50 pages with likeable characters I identified with.

This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Eisler. It definitely will NOT be my last.

Delilah's New York visit made no sense in terms of the character Eisler had already drawn of her. I agree with other commenters that the author seems to struggle with character development, especially that of female characters.

I liked this the least of the books I've read so far in the series, most of which I rated five stars. This one, three stars.

Extremism Barry Eisler

John Rain to put it mildly is having a very rough time. Midori, a Japanese jazz pianist who he had a short affair with has a baby boy. His son that he knew nothing about. His best friend and partner Dox are on a mission in Japan to eliminate an old adversary. The one man behind all his problems. Also he has lost a dearly close friend in Japan . Someone who he assisted in dying. He is physically and mentally devastated. Non stop action!! Enjoyed immensely!!

What I like about reading a Barry Eisler novel is that he always has a good story, fun characters, and without fail I learn a new word or two.




The Last Assassin, although it has many of the same characters from the previous novels (see here), but there was one significant difference which frankly I didn't care for. My first three novels have all been written in first person POV. I liked that all of the John Rain novels were written in that same POV. Eisler is one of the few thriller writers who uses first person. In this novel I noticed that he changed.

In the last assassin Eisler switches back and forth from first person POV with Rain then third person for the two female characters, Midori and Delialah. It was off-putting to say the least. J.A. Konrath uses the same technique in his Jack Daniels series and I didn't like it when he did it. Eisler did not make me change my views on the technique.

One good thing, . . . I think the series has seen the last of Midori, and I say "Glad to see her gone." Never liked her.

As for the words I learned, there were two:

Vertiginous - characterized by or suffering from vertigo or dizziness - inclined to frequent and often pointless change : inconstant - causing or tending to cause dizziness -
: marked by turning : rotary

Eponymous - (of a person) being the person after whom a literary work, film, etc., is named the eponymous heroine in the film of Jane Eyre - (of a literary work, film, etc.) named after its central character or creator The Stooges' eponymous debut album - giving one's name to something, as a tribe or place.

Both great to know. I hope I can remember them.


There were also some compelling passages. Not sure what it was about this line, but I found myself nodding my head agreeing with the sentiment:


She stood up and gave me a long, tight hug. I caught a hint of the perfume she wore, a scent I’ve encountered nowhere else and that I will always equate with her. There were people around, but we were suddenly kissing passionately.

It was always like this when we’d been apart for a while, and sometimes even when we hadn’t been. There was just something about the two of us that wouldn’t let us keep our hands off each other. Whatever it was, sometimes it was overpowering.

I wasn't going to highlight this passage but the last line really got me. It made me bust out in a smile.


She leaned over and straddled me and then I was inside her and I’d never felt anything so good. I thought, Fuck, not again, not without a condom, and it was the most fleeting and inconsequential thought I’ve ever had in my life.

Finally, other than the words, the great writing, the exciting story and the compelling characters I got to remember the blurb I read on Schrodinger's Cat. If you are not familiar with the experiement, it's worth knowing about.

best so far of Rain ones...
Yup :)

3rd read

This was my first Barry Eisner and being #5 in the series there are some things I have missed but this was still an exciting read.

The Rain books keep the action coming. The only thing I could fault is the string of the most attractive women he always seems to pick up. First Midori, then Naomi and then Delilah all find his charms irresistible. Now one helps him get back another! That's the only taint so far otherwise great reading!

Exceptional! It's a moving story of John Rain approaching some level of emotional normal. Nowhere near what most people would consider normal but a major move for him. Complete with trust, a couple of real make friends, and even a move toward relationship commitment. Of course along the way he puts down a fair number of slime balls in typical John Rain fashion. All told in a page turning manner that really cut into my sleep! I wonder if these positive moves will last??

With every book, I dislike John rain more. He's no better than the villains in the books he kills too wantonly. He's never challenged. I want a really hard fought victory but Rain just kills everyone to win.