What if your father wasn’t the man you thought he was?Former KGB assassin Max Austin’s peaceful life in Paris is shattered when his mother’s imminent death brings him back to a world he only wants to forget. Before he’s even unpacked his bags, a brutal act of terrorism sends Max running for his life and forces him to uncover secrets about his father’s past to save his family’s lives.Max’s sister … sister and nephew become pawns in a game that started a generation ago. As Max races from the alleyways of Minsk to the tony neighborhoods of Zurich, and finally to the gritty streets of Prague, he must confront his past and come to terms with his future to preserve his family name.If you like intrigue, twists, and high-octane excitement, you’ll love this tight, fast-paced adventure, starring Jack Arbor’s stoic hero, ex-KGB assassin-for-hire Max Austin.
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The Russian Assassin is a prototypical spy thriller, with Russian spies, CIA spies, hired mercenary killers, a shadowy billionaire pulling the strings behind a global conspiracy, and a non-stop series of firefights, fist fights, torture, chase scenes, and plot twists. It’s a roller coaster of action that will keep all thriller fans happy and on the edge of their seats.
This is the origin story of the hero, Max Austin, whose real name is Michal Asimov—the son of a KGB agent and raised to be a super spy. He’s freelancing as a hired assassin, but his mother’s terminal cancer brings him home to Minsk. But as soon as he arrives, his parents’ house explodes, leaving him, his sister, and his 9-year-old nephew as the last surviving members of the Asimov family. The balance of the story is Max’s quest to find out who killed his family, and to kill them – while protecting his sister and nephew.
The text is well-written and well-edited. There is little to distract the reader as the author weaves together the story from three different perspectives. While it’s difficult in the very beginning to figure out exactly who’s who, particularly when one key character is identified only as The Stranger and when the identity and context of most of the major players is not immediately explained. But, as it would be in a big-budget action film (and this book would make a good Mission Impossible type movie) the reader is pulled along from crisis to crisis without much time to contemplate.
Mr. Arbor falls into a few common tropes that annoy me personally, including having his hero beaten and blown up and badly injured to the point that he should be hospitalized for a week – but then leaping from his near-death bed to battle the army of bad guys single-handedly. Getting injured along the way seems plausible, but why make his escape from death so close that his injuries need to be so seemingly debilitating if he’s going to play super-hero a day later? There is also the typically convenient global network where money is unlimited, weapons are always handy, operatives (or henchmen) are always available in any country and city, and there are no logistical obstacles to any plan. But, that’s to be expected and the reader just has to go with it.
There is also a deeply convoluted subplot about Max’s father’s true history, his best friend’s role in the intrigue, as well as Max’s relationship with his mother and his father. Ultimately those subplots lack sufficient depth and attention in the midst of all the action to be really meaningful. I would have preferred less blood and more character development. Some of the violence and torture scenes border on excessive, but that’s the author’s dilemma – seeking to enthrall the thriller junkie without making the mystery reader squeamish. Know going in that this story is on the bloody end of the spectrum.
In the end this is a fast-paced and entertaining story. It’s a thrill-ride by an author who knows his craft and writes clear prose that tells an amazing story very well.
Author did a great job introducing the character of Max Austin giving background information leading to the series. He lost some of my respect by using the
“F” word throughout the book, Readers are looking for good research, action and well developed characters not “tough-guy” phrases. They add nothing to the story.
I enjoy reading crime stories and thriller stories. This book is truly awesome for having mixed both crime and thriller. I had a bit of trouble keeping up in the beginning. I think it’s because the author wanted to be sure that every T was crossed and every I dotted. The story is convoluted at times because so many people are involved along with a lot of locations. The story is fascinating and interesting. The characters are engaging and keep the reader involved in the story. I loved the idea that the main character included his father and the training he received from his father. He is very interested in being able to give his nephew training as well. I liked this story and highly recommend this book.
A great action book, just what i like.
What a great read! It grabbed me on page 1 and never let go until I had read it entirely. It is one I will again in the very near future.
I love a great fast paced spy story that plays in Europe and the former Eastern Block countries! This certainly is a highly entertaining page turner and now I’ll have to keep following Max Austin!