Rain Storm

Rating:
Summary: Keeps Getting Better
Review:
I suppose that I may someday tire of writing rave reviews for Barry Eisler and his John Rain series......but not just yet. Rain Storm again delivers that engrossing thrilling action-packed read that fans have come to expect. Sure, the appeal of the charismatic assassin, John Rain, and the allure of the sensual femme fatale, Delilah, has that certain seductive quality that immediately hooks the reader. And sure, it's Eisler's taut, crisp writing style that keeps the action moving in a seamless manner. And the exotic locations don't hurt either. But it's also Eisler's ability to place the storyline in an interesting sociopolitical context that keeps the reader thinking and so engrossed in Rain Storm and his other novels.

It's not a fluke that Rain Storm and the John Rain series has received so many 5-star ratings. They are simply that deserving. Anyone who hasn't done so has to get caught up on this terrific series.


Rating:
Summary: The Best Rain Yet
Review: Barry Eisler has taken the John Rain series to yet a higher level with Rain Storm. Like the first two Rain books, this is a page turner that you won't be able to put down until you finish. Eisler has masterfully managed to add even more creative and suspensful twists and turns, while maintaining and even improving his crisp, clear and incredibly lively narrative style. There is no letting up of the high action drama, but at the same time Eisler digs still deeper into the complex character of John Rain and several of the myserious figures that come into his world. This is a truly unique and unusually intelligent thriller that should appeal not just to readers of thrillers, but to anyone who enjoys a well crafted plot with fascinating character development.


Rating:
Summary: John Rain -- You Can Take the Assassin Out of Japan . . .
Review: Barry Eisler's "Rain Storm" is the third novel in Eisler's hugely entertaining saga of Japanese-American assassin John Rain. Few authors have Eisler's command over their chosen genre -- from descriptions of exotic locales to bone-cracking fight scenes to the weird paranoid existence of a contract killer, Eisler is a hard-boiled writer with a hard-boiled anti-hero.

Even into his third book, when so many characters begin to feel a bit stretched (or a bit too super-human), Rain continues to show an evolving human dimension that makes him so darn compelling. Having chosen a life that depends almost entirely on his ability to be invisible as well as anonymous (a contract killer who specializes in killing targets by "natural causes" obviously cannot form too many attachments), Rain still carries scars from his romance with the jazz musician Midori in "Rain Fall." Escaping to the beaches of Brazil, both for a long-needed rest as well as an attempt to escape the life of a contract killer, may numb the pain, but the pain is still there.

And unfortunately for Rain, there are still many out there who cherish his skills, and soon he's back on the job. Taking flight to the gambling paradise of Macao, this time the mark is a French-Algerian arms dealer who may or may not be under the protection of the CIA (or "Christians in Action"), but is definitely the target of another assassin. In no time, Rain is up to his old tricks of intense surveillance, watching his own back, and hand-to-hand combat, all described with Eisler's trademark rat-a-tat style.

The body count in "Rain Storm" is a bit higher than in the earlier books, as several Arabic operatives appear to be after Rain . . . but for unknown reasons. And Rain also runs into Delilah, a gorgeous blonde who is on the target's arm but not on the target's side. And Rain is also reintroduced to his past, as former comrade-in-arms Dox arrives with the dubious promise of CIA riches as well as the threat of a classic CIA doublecross.

For fans of the earlier novels, it's a bit sad that the beloved Japanese cop Tatsu is left on the sidelines for the most part, and that Rain does not sink deeper into the corrupt scene of the Japanese government. But these pangs are easily overcome by the delights of watching Rain maneuver in his new environment against a completely new set of foes.

So put on your favorite jazz CD, pour yourself a healthy single malt, and dive in for another session with John Rain, the master assassin!

Rating:
Summary: Modern Samurai Ronin -- Pure Platinum!
Review: Each book gets better. John Rain is a complex character with a bent toward introspection. Very few authors match up with Eisler, who I think is a well-kept secret. Rain is somewhat of a modern ronin -- leaderless samurai, looking for a cause beyond himself. The aside passages and descriptions at times are pure gold, esp. re Las Vegas. Read and enjoy the entire "John Rain" series!

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: Excellent book! I recommend it to anybody who likes the genre.
It's written very smartly: by a smart guy about smart people. At some point I was getting an impression that some of the events are not fiction. So far, A+ to Barry Eisler. Thank you very much.


Rating:
Summary: Thriller lovers give thanks
Review: For those of you who like the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, give Eisler's John Rain a try. Introduced in Eisler's first book in the series, Rain Fall, John Rain has left his beloved Japan and is now living as quietly as possible in Brazil. His background as a half Japanese half American in the US military black-ops and CIA with a speciality is assassination that looks like natural death, Rain as long lived in the gray after his supposed death years earlier. Staying off the CIA's radar is impossible and he's sucked back in for the classic 'one more job'. The carrot, much needed money. The stick, revealing he's alive to the Yakuza who want him dead. An old noir novel premise, but still viable here.

What follows is a deft series of crosses and double-crosses and triple-crosses that leave a nail biting trail across the Macao, Hong Hong, Japan and back to the US as Rain unravels the real reasons for his former CIA controller's sudden interest in his existance

Eisler handles the atmosphere of the Orient like Hillerman does the Southwest, breathing life into his locations and giving it the atmosphere to make his story more than just another spy/assassin story. Attentention to the little details of spycraft, martial arts and eight million ways to kill a person combined with surprisingly snappy dialogue and odd little details about everything from brewing the perfect cup of coffee to the proper etiquette for handling a bar hostess in a high priced scotch bar add that little extra that raises this book well above the level of the typical thriller.

Anyone who loves the off-beat anti-heros like John Sanford's Kidd, Lawrence Block's Keller, even Andrew Vachss's Burke, will want to add all of Eisler's John Rain books to their 'must read' list.

Rating:
Summary: Buy the Book; Beware Reviewer "Harriet Klausner"
Review: If you liked the first two Rain books, you will like this one and you should buy it.

Having said that, I noticed the ubiquitous "Harriet Klausner" reviewed this book. Having seen her name on many, many reviews, and my suspicious having been aroused, I checked her out (she is listed as a #1 reviewer). According to amazon.com she has reviewed more than 7000 books! I quickly scrolled through about 150 of her reviews and she always gave either 5 stars or less often 4 stars. Call me a skeptic, but I don't think "Harriet Klauser" actually exists.

Rating:
Summary: Rain Storm is drenched in intrigue
Review: John Rain is a hit man, and he's very good at what he does.

In Rain Storm, the third book in Barry Eisler's terrific series of international thrillers, Rain is once again in the employ of the CIA. His assignment: Eliminate Achille Belghazi, a French-Arab arms dealer who is known for supplying several Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian terror groups.

What was supposed to be a simple job, however, turns out to be much more complicated. Belghazi proves easy enough to get close to, but removing him without leaving any evidence behind is far tougher. One of the reasons Rain is the best at what he does is his mastery of the "natural causes" hit: When Rain kills you, nobody even suspects you were murdered.

It is testimony to Eisler's skills that he has created a protagonist who might otherwise be repugnant and made him into a fascinating character with real depth, an intriguing, troubling man, made different from the rest of us by his unique and horrible skills.

So much about Rain Storm recommends it: exotic settings, gripping suspense, thrilling fight scenes and a stellar supporting cast, along with one of the most compelling lead characters in the genre. They all combine to make this a book sure to please even the most discriminating reader.

Reviewed by David Montgomery, USA Today

Rating:
Summary: James Bond, Asian style.
Review: John Rain is the Japanese-American action hero of "Rain Storm," Barry Eisler's third installment in his series about a deadly killer for hire. This time around, the CIA has hired Rain to take out an arms dealer named Belghazi, who is supplying munitions to fundamentalist terrorists groups. The only catch is that, if Rain wants to be paid, he must make the hit appear "natural" to the outside world. Since Belghazi is a suspicious man and a martial arts expert who is heavily guarded, Rain has his work cut out for him.

"Rain Storm" is everything a spy novel should be. It takes place in exotic locales, such as Macau, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Brazil, and, using vivid descriptive writing, Eisler takes the time to describe each place in detail. Rain is a terrific protagonist. He is strong, cunning, schooled in exotic martial arts, and he trusts no one. Wherever he goes, Rain watches his back, and he has many weapons in his arsenal to deflect attacks from potential assailants. Rain, like so many other killers for hire, is at heart an isolated man who cannot sustain a relationship for long. He has to keep moving to protect himself from his enemies, and he is tormented by the many killings that he has committed over the years.

What would an action novel be without beautiful women? There are several in this book, and one is a mysterious operative with impressive credentials, both in and out of the bedroom. There is also a dizzying plot, with twists and turns galore, complicated political machinations, and exciting fight sequences. It's fun to observe Rain conducting surveillance, tracking his prey, or adopting a clever disguise at the drop of a hat. John Rain is a tough man with a sharp mind, who practices his craft with uncommon skill. His exploits make "Rain Storm" a very entertaining and absorbing novel.


Rating:
Summary: Evolving Rain
Review: This is a must-read if you've already read "Rain Fall" and "Hard Rain". In each of the Rain books, the character of Rain is developing and changing because of his experiences. That's why reading all three of the books is more rewarding than just reading one. In "Rain Storm", Rain is still dealing with his loneliness, and when he finally settles down, he's forced to return as an assassin. This time, unlike the other books, he meets someone just like himself, someone who understands his solitude. Hence, I like how the story keeps evolving. And, of course, the fight scenes are well written. Also, as an American, I enjoy reading about the countries Rain takes us... most of which I may never visit.