'The Plotters' by Un-su Kim is a unique thriller set in South Korea's dark underworld of crime and assassination. The story follows Reseng, an aging assassin, as he navigates through a power struggle between the old guard and the new, while trying to survive in a world where trust is treacherous and competition is ruthless. The book is filled with colorful characters, dark humor, and clever plot twists, making it a page-turner that delves into themes of loyalty, change, and the complexities of human nature.

The narrative of 'The Plotters' is a blend of noir and literature, featuring witty dialogue, Tarantino-esque violence, and a storyline that keeps readers on their toes with its twists and turns. The book explores Reseng's journey of self-discovery and moral dilemmas, as he questions his loyalty, confronts his past, and grapples with the idea of changing his life. Through Reseng's encounters with various characters and his involvement in a complex assassination plot, the novel offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of happiness, choices, and the human capacity for change.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, particularly Reseng, whose journey showcases moral ambiguity and personal growth, supported by an array of intriguing individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of lyrical prose with philosophical introspection and dark humor, enriched by cultural references and a sophisticated narrative tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a contract killer in South Korea dealing with the complexities of his life among assassins, woven together through interconnected yet standalone stories.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary South Korea, characterized by its criminal society and cultural tensions, notably depicted through settings like the Doghouse Library.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and engaging, successfully balancing action with introspective moments while maintaining a coherent narrative flow.

Reseng tightened the focus on the telescopic sight and pulled back the charging handle. The bullet clicked loudly into the chamber. He glanced around. Other than the tall fir trees reaching for the sk...

Notes:

The main character, Reseng, is a contract killer raised in a library called the Doghouse.

The Doghouse is run by a character named Old Raccoon, who also acts as a booking agent for assassins.

In the book, assassins are so common in Korea that their services are becoming less expensive.

Each chapter in The Plotters may be read as a standalone short story, giving it an anthology feel.

Despite involving a lot of death, the book is described as not being overly gruesome or gratuitous.

The story features a humorous subplot involving a cabal of women trying to save the world, adding a surreal twist.

The book blends noir elements with a comedic undertone, creating a new genre called 'Manic Noir.'

Reseng struggles with moral dilemmas and questions about his life choices throughout the novel.

The book explores themes of loyalty, trust, and the impact of societal roles in a world where assassins thrive.

It incorporates philosophical references from Roman and Greek mythology, as well as the Bible.

The Plotters is noted for its lyrical and reflective writing style, which is unusual for a modern thriller about assassins.

The story includes a power struggle between old and new groups of assassins, reflecting changes in South Korean society.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The Plotters includes themes of violence, death, and moral ambiguity, which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

The novel features elements of romance, particularly through Reseng's relationships, but it's not the central theme.

From The Publisher:

Named a Best Thriller of the Year by:

The Washington Post

The Telegraph

"The Plotters's first convenient comparison may be to the ever-expanding John Wick movies" -Los Angeles Review of Books

A fantastical crime novel set in an alternate Seoul where assassination guilds compete for market dominance.

Behind every assassination, there is an anonymous mastermind-a plotter-working in the shadows. Plotters quietly dictate the moves of the city's most dangerous criminals, but their existence is little more than legend. Just who are the plotters? And more important, what do they want?

Reseng is an assassin. Raised by a cantankerous killer named Old Raccoon in the crime headquarters "The Library," Reseng never questioned anything: where to go, who to kill, or why his home was filled with books that no one ever read. But one day, Reseng steps out of line on a job, toppling a set of carefully calibrated plans. And when he uncovers an extraordinary scheme set into motion by an eccentric trio of young women-a convenience store clerk, her wheelchair-bound sister, and a cross-eyed librarian-Reseng will have to decide if he will remain a pawn or finally take control of the plot.

Crackling with action and filled with unforgettable characters, The Plotters is a deeply entertaining thriller that soars with the soul, wit, and lyricism of real literary craft.

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About the Author:

UN-SU KIM was born in 1972 in Busan, which is a port city about five hours south of Seoul. The author of several highly praised novels, he has won the Munhakdongne Novel Prize, Korea's most prestigious literary prize, and was…

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The Plotters

Un-su Kim