Barry Eisler has now joined the ranks of such masters of the modern thriller as Daniel Silva and Randy Wayne White. With
"The Last
Assassin", the fifth entry in his critically acclaimed John Rain
series, Mr. Eisler shows both his continued growth as writer and for his flawed assassin/hero.
In 2005's "Killing Rain", Rain comes to the knowledge that he has a son from a brief, but intense affair with a woman from his past. In this new entry, Rain embarks on the quest to convince the mother, Midori, that he wants to be a part of his son's life and possibly her's too. Knowing that the only possible way to achieve this goal and to get out of the "life". He is going to have to use his deadly skills at least one last time. With the help of his trusted partner Dox and the beautiful, Deliah (with whom Rain could have a future as well) he sets out to prove to Midori his intentions are true.
Eisler has confidently built these characters through his succeeding books admirably. You care about them and more importantly root for them. There are many fine scenes in the book that show Eisler's sure hand with the emotional attatchments of his people. Particulary touching is a scene with Tatsu (a former enemy, turned friend) with whom Rain as come to regard as the father he never had and the choice that is asked of him.
The writing is sure, the locales are exquisite and the relationships flow like water over stones.
This is a series that is worth every minute.