Books matching: assassin protagonist
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- #1
"The Day of the Jackal" by Frederick Forsyth is a classic thriller set in the 1960s Paris, France, where an assassin is hired to kill Charles de Gaulle. The tension builds as the story unfolds, showcasing a cat-and-mouse game between the hired assassin, known as the Jackal, and the lead detective from France, Lebel. The plot is meticulously crafted, detailing the Jackal's meticulous planning and the detective's efforts to stop the assassination, all leading to an exciting and resounding conclusion. The narrative is structured to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a blend of historical details, espionage elements, and a gripping storyline that unfolds with each page turn.
The book is praised for its slow but engaging build-up that ultimately becomes unputdownable for readers. The well-thought-out plot, smart writing style, and the detailed descriptions of the characters' actions and motivations contribute to the overall immersive experience. The book also stands out for its ability to keep the reader guessing, with unexpected plot twists and a captivating battle of wits between the assassin and the detective. The historical context, intricate planning of the assassination plot, and the intense pursuit of the Jackal by the authorities add layers of complexity and depth to the storyline, making it a must-read for fans of thrillers and espionage novels.
It is cold at six-forty in the morning of a March day in Paris, and seems even colder when a man is about to be executed by firing squad. At that hour on 11th March 1963, in the main courtyard of the ... - #2
'The Way of Shadows' by Brent Weeks is a dark fantasy novel that follows Azoth, a poor orphaned boy living among thieves who seeks a way out of his harsh life in the slums. He apprentices himself to Durzo Blint, a master assassin, in order to escape his past and embrace a new life filled with intrigue and danger. The book delves into themes of loyalty, growth, and the struggle between innate goodness and the harsh realities of the world.
The story is set in a complex and corrupt urban world where Azoth, now known as Kylar Stark, navigates through a web of assassinations, lies, magic, politics, and a coup on the throne. The plot moves at a brisk pace, with well-developed characters and a strong emphasis on the master-apprentice relationship between Blint and Kylar. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with dark scenes that enhance the believability of the characters and the story.
Azoth squatted in the alley, cold mud squishing through his bare toes. He stared at the narrow space beneath the wall, trying to get his nerve up. The sun wouldn’t come up for hours, and the tavern wa... - #3
'A Clean Kill in Tokyo' follows the life of John Rain, a complex character who is a skilled assassin with a troubled past. Set in the intriguing backdrop of Japan, the story delves into Rain's personal struggles, his meticulous techniques to avoid detection, and the intricate web of relationships he navigates. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving corrupt politics, a dangerous romance, and a mission that puts Rain in the crosshairs of various adversaries. Barry Eisler's writing style vividly portrays the essence of Tokyo, incorporating detailed descriptions of the city's environment, culture, and customs, while keeping the narrative engaging and suspenseful.
- #4
"Hit Man" by Lawrence Block follows the life of John Keller, a semi-retired hitman who seeks meaning in his life through therapy sessions, dog walking, stamp collecting, and navigating relationships. Despite his profession, Keller is portrayed as a relatable and somewhat mundane character, engaging in introspection and everyday activities while carrying out his deadly assignments. is structured as a collection of short stories that gradually weave together to form a novel narrative, showcasing Keller's complexities, quirks, and moral dilemmas in a noir and humorous tone.
Lawrence Block's writing style in "Hit Man" is characterized as light, enjoyable, and laid back, drawing readers into Keller's world of contract killings with a touch of dark humor and dry wit. The episodic nature of the book allows for the gradual development of Keller's character, as he navigates through his job as a hitman while attempting to connect with humanity through mundane activities and introspective musings. The novel presents Keller as an enigmatic figure who challenges traditional perceptions of hitmen by blending elements of mystery, humor, and character study.
Keller flew United to Portland. He read a magazine on the leg from JFK to O’Hare, ate lunch on the ground, and watched the movie on the nonstop flight from Chicago to Portland. It was a quarter to thr... - #5
"Killer Beauty" in the series "The Chaos Crew" by Eva Chance follows the story of Dess, a trained assassin who has lived her life in isolation, believing she is killing for the good of the 'household'. When her world collides unexpectedly with a group of killers for hire known as the Chaos Crew, she must face trust issues, deceit, and rising passions. As Dess navigates through twists and turns, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies and truths, ultimately forced to pick a side amidst a backdrop of gritty chaos and violence.
This fast-paced and engaging book introduces readers to a strong female lead, Dess, who is a bad ss, a fighter, and super smart. Alongside her are the members of the Chaos Crew - Julius, Talon, Blaze, and Garrison - each with distinct personalities and a code against harming innocents. explores themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of trust, all while delivering a unique storyline with unexpected twists and a touch of romance.
- #6
'Isekai Assassin' by Grayson Sinclair follows the story of Elias, a well-accomplished assassin who is transported into a magical world. The premise of the main character being an assassin in a fantasy world with video game elements intrigued readers. delves into Elias's journey as he navigates this new world, facing challenges due to his lack of knowledge about video game mechanics but excelling in his deadly skills. The writing style is commended for being well thought out, with a well-planned story arc and deep, flawed characters that keep readers engaged.
- #7
In a futuristic off-planet world, "Silent Blade" by Ilona Andrews follows Meli Galdes, a skilled assassin seeking revenge on her ex-flame Celino Carvanna who betrayed her and her family. The story delves into power dynamics, intricate world-building, and complex character development, showcasing a blend of romance, revenge, and action. The writing style is praised for its ability to create a captivating narrative within a shorter story, with readers appreciating the earthy, strong female characters and the ingenuity of the world-building.
In the course of space colonization, there arose a need for humans with enhanced abilities. Men and women who could survive harsh conditions, who were superb warriors, gifted hunters, and brilliant sc... - #8
'A Very Private Gentleman' by Martin Booth revolves around an aging gun maker who is also an assassin. The central character reflects on his life, career, and impending retirement, all while being pursued by a mysterious shadow dweller. The story is set in a small Italian town, with descriptive passages capturing the beauty of the rural, mountainous setting. delves into themes of death, assassinations, and the twisted life philosophy of the main character.
- #9
'The Queen's Blade' by T.C. Southwell follows Queen Mina Sattu, who inherits her mother's throne and the never-ending war that plagues her country. Determined to bring peace, she faces opposition from her advisors and lords. However, when an assassin named Blade offers a solution that could potentially lead to peace, the Queen must make a difficult decision that sets off a chain of events. The story explores themes of politics, war, and the struggle for peace, with a focus on intricate character relationships and the consequences of power.
The writing style of 'The Queen's Blade' is described as engaging and immersive, with a well-developed plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. is noted for its blend of fantasy elements, political intrigue, and complex characters, creating a world that resonates with readers and sets the stage for a series filled with twists and turns.
Queen Minna-Satu stood and gazed at the gathered advisors for a moment before flicking aside the heavy, gold-patterned silver cloak that swept behind her, and sank onto the hard, curved golden bench t... - #10
Seventeen is a thrilling book following the story of the 17th iteration of the world's greatest assassin, known simply as Seventeen. The plot is filled with assassinations, double dealing, and the looming threat of an apocalyptic war, all portrayed through bold, graphic action scenes. The characters are memorable and contribute significantly to the fast-paced and original storyline. The writing style is engaging, witty, and terse, reminiscent of a modern-day Raymond Chandler, with a pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last sentence.