It’s been 60 days since my last book launch, and that must mean that it’s time for…another novel!
Blood of the Assassin launches March 5. As part of the kick-off, I’m taking part in a mega book launch with six other cool authors, many of whom are offering specials on their new books, as well as free swag. See the banner and the blurbs at the end of this blog for more on that.
But back to Blood. I’m particularly proud of it for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because of the approach I took writing it. I wrote it differently than my other sequel novels – Blood can be read as a stand-alone novel, much as Da Vinci could be read as a stand-alone, not requiring you to read the four prior books in the series, and it worked nicely. That’s a departure for me, in that you don’t really want to read JET IV until you’ve read the first three.
Not so, Blood.
In it, I pit El Rey, the Mexican super-assassin known as the King of Swords, against a German assassin who is going to execute a visiting head of state. Much of the interest, for me, comes not only from the character development of El Rey during the book, but also the character development of Captain Romero Cruz of the Federales, who is forced to work with his nemesis, El Rey, to stop the unthinkable from occurring on his watch. It’s the interplay between Cruz and El Rey, as well as with his wife, and the bureaucracy he’s saddled with, that adds the depth I had hoped for.
It’s also the longest in the Assassin series, coming in at around 95K words – edited down from 110, as is my style. But it moves like a racehorse right out of the gate, and doesn’t quit until the last page, so my existing readership shouldn’t be disappointed. My editor says she thinks this is my best to date, other than Geronimo Breach, which is a favorite with many because of the MC, Al Ross. I tend to think she might be right. Which would be nice – one is expected to improve over time if one’s applying oneself, no? Be a shame if my books started sucking after a certain point, although there will always be the odd reader who thinks they all do – and I don’t begrudge them their opinion, sitting in their single-wide surrounded by cats, swigging generic bourbon from a coffee mug while scraping hardened Twinkie filling from the kindle screen. After all – I’m not here to judge.
Much.
See below for the promo for the launch. Click on the banner to go to the launch site.
It’s Finally HERE!
DOWNLOAD 7 HOT NEW THRILLERS
From BESTSELLING AUTHORS
WIN Autographed Paperbacks
Monday, Mar. 5 – Wednesday Mar. 7
WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING
“[TRACES OF KARA] Psychological suspense at its best, weaving a tight-knit plot, unrelenting action, and tense moments that don’t let up, ending in a fiery, unpredictable revelation.” Midwest Book Reviews
“…she really stepped up her craft skills if that were even possible. [Roland] is really, really just a terrific talented writer.” Joni Rodgers, NY Times bestselling author
“Russell Blake writes with a brisk intensity and pulse-pounding power. Jump in and hang on for a nonstop thrill ride.” Scott Nicholson, Liquid Fear
“Giacomo Giammatteo may be the Mario Puzo of our time.” eNovel Reviews
“Claude Bouchard guides you step by step through a seamy, dangerous world, while never allowing you to lose hope.” John Locke, NYT Best-selling author
“Submerged reads like an approaching storm, full of darkness, dread and electricity. Prepare for your skin to crawl.” Andrew Gross, New York Times Bestselling Author
“Rivaling both Stephen King and Thomas Harris, without doubt, the edgy and provocative Luke Romyn is destined to emerge as the 21st Century’s new Master-of-Horror.” Dee Marie, Award-winning author
DOWNLOAD YOUR BOOKS HERE
Hey Russell,
Congrats on the new book. Unfortunately, the banner leads to an error page.
Thanks! The banner’s working now. Might have not gone live yet when you checked it.
Congrats on another book down!!! And it sounds like a great premise and an even better story!
Thanks Stan. I think it’s a good one.
As my favorite deviant, you use tequila to lubricate more thrillers from your rapid-fire unconsciousness than any author I know. I’ve got a bead on the new Assassin and I’m running to the e-book store. Thanks, Pa.
I think you’ll like this one. I raised the bar.
You make the whole binge drinking in a tequila haze sound so pejorative. It’s not like that. Mostly.
I called Karim Abdul Jabar. We’ve decided to limbo in your club tonight. Make no mistake, Blake mixes a mighty mayhem, shaken, not stirred.
You say one day only but the launch site says 3 days at the reduced price?
How is it doing? Are you on your “vacation” yet?
I will be raising the price tomorrow. I can’t be accountable for errors or omissions.
It’s broken the top 1000, so no complaints. And reviews have been glowing so far.
I’m just rewriting some of Night, adding some color before I leave for three weeks. During which time I won’t be doing anything but swigging wine and eating steak. Thanks for asking. And thanks again for Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. One of the books I plan to re-read on the trip. Along with about 20 scripts. Groan.
You are completely ridiculous. Who keeps thanking anybody for Christmas present in March? Yes, YOU. See if I get you anything for this Christmas if you keep this up.
Please don’t forget the raise the price tomorrow since I’m going to tell my coworker that it’s finally out tomorrow so he’d buy it at the regular price – he’s on my shit list right now.
I just upped it, so it’s in God and Amazon’s hands now.
Is it really March already? My how the time flies…
nicely done – bought, downloaded, and queued up. Looking forward to it.
Asesino vs attentäter? What’s not to like.
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve read all the Jet books and Assassin books. When will the next ones be out? I have to agree that Blood is the best of the series…can’t wait for the follow up and the Favor.
I’m looking at releasing JET V around the first week of April or so. Now it’s in the hands of the proofreaders…
Can’t believe I missed this debut! Finding the Lenovo clip sooner would have saved days of research I could have spent with El Rey (<: Oh well, "Yoga"has a sucky processor anyway. And I never manage to make the book last more than a few hours…