I chose this as an Amazon First Reads book, not knowing that most, if not all, the characters were from earlier books by the author. There was obviously a lot of backstory that I didn’t know and the author didn’t spend much time filling in those blanks (which would have made the length of the book rather unwieldy), so I’m sure there was more depth to this story about a “reunion” of assassins than I was able to discern. Maybe then I would have found the characters more interesting or I would have been more invested in what happened to them.

Like one would find in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books, the plot is a bit fantastic—not the barebones of it (privatizing war, predatory pedophiles in high places, government coverups), but the way those elements develop and blossom. The result is a bit much and the body count is predictably (and unrealistically) high.

The author obviously knows tactics and much of the book seemed well-researched. The settings felt authentic. The second half of the book was a much faster read than the first half, probably because I spent the first half trying to figure out who the characters were and how they were connected, which readers who were familiar with the author’s other books about Rain, Livia, and the other operatives wouldn’t need to do.

Not likely to seek out other books about these characters. ( )

I enjoyed this book. I had no idea when I picked it up that was part of a series, but that really didn't matter. The author filled in the connections among the characters and their backstories enough for this story to make sense. I would venture to say it wasn't too much explanation for someone who had read the previous books, but that's just supposition on my part. The plot held my attention and the violence wasn't overly graphic. All in all, I thought it was a good read. ( )

Yet another excellent thriller from Barry Eisler that brings his entire team of characters together under fire.

If you are a badass bad guy there are two offenses that you cannot do no matter what [if you want to live happily ever after]. You must not try to kill John Rain when he says no to your request to kill someone, if he rejects it leave it at that. Second, when deciding to move against him then do not try moving against his friends too since they all have extensive combat training and experience in chasing shadows because you are just getting over the head and there is no win situation here.

When unknown parties attempt to attack Livia and Rain they will start a coalition aiming first to eliminate those that aim for them but after details are leaked on the horrendous child-molesting ring within the US government itself everything moves up one level - bad guys just do not know what they got themselves into.

Loss of Ben Treven was unexpected but I guess this character was second only to Livia when it comes to mental health and ability to live normal life.

Excellent action, characters are as always great (although you might want to read some of the Rain books before this one just to be more acquainted with all of the characters).
Author always tries to talk about things that happen in real world and again he succeeds - from terrible child-molesting and slavery to high-level rich men and politicians and their goons you will find everything in this book (with very interesting links at the end for those interested in real-life events that were inspiration to the author).

Highly recommended to all Rain's, Livia's, Barry Eisler's and in general thriller fans. ( )

Having read all the Rain, Treven, and Livia books in order, this was a most satisfying read. All the characters together was fantastic! Eisler has done a masterful job and I look forward to future books. ( )

Another winner from Barry - he weaves his whole crew of characters seamlessly together, and turns them into the best team of operatives in the whole thriller canon... ( )