Assassin

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.

“[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 21^st Century’s new Master-of-Horror.” Dee Marie, Award-winning author

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