The Killer Collective | Barry Eisler

Title: The Killer Collective
Author: Barry Eisler


So I finally am current with the John Rain series. I have mixed feelings about this book. All in all, it was a fantastic read, though I feel the ending was too neat for most of the characters and not neat enough for others.

Ben - I have mixed feelings about Ben's storyline. I feel like we were built up to like him, then dislike him, then not know how to feel about him, and there's no real resolution there.

Delilah - I was actually delighted (ha, word choice) to have Delilah back in the plot, and I loved the role that she played in this book. It worked for her.

Hort - I don't care what Eisler does, I will never like Hort, and I don't care if we ever see him again.

Larison - He's not particularly a likable guy, but his role in this book is effective and important. I was glad to have him back. My main problem with Larison is I feel like Eisler created the Ben Treven series solely to introduce Larison, so why didn't he just create a Daniel Larison series instead? If you're just going to give us two characters that serve essentially the same function and the readers have continuous mixed feelings about, why not just make them one? This will probably bug me forever.

Dox - I'm glad to see Dox happy. I loved him in this book. I loved seeing a different side of him. He was my favorite of the male characters in this book, for sure.

Livia - I have not read any of Livia's books, and I feel like I need to now. She is a fascinating character with a tragic past, and I would love to read more about her.

John - Ah, John. You know, I actually am good with where Eisler leaves John in this book. Like I said, it was too neat, but I'm glad to see John in a place where he's somewhat comfortable and just done with all the nonsense. I want him to live his life and be happy, and that's where he is. I think we should leave him there.

Anyway...four out of five stars.

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READING PROGRESS:
Let's Dance, Snoopy by Charles M. Schulz: 87%
Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon: 5%
The Waste Lands by Stephen King: 11%
A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White: NOW STARTING

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