The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
afox98's review against another edition
3.0
This is the third book in the John Rain series. John Rain is a half-American, half-Japanese assassin who freelances for the CIA. This book seemed to move particularly slowly for me, whereas I really enjoyed the other ones I've read so far in this series. Obviously, in any series, some books are better than the others. But the plot that had the characters moving between South America, Tokyo, and Hong Kong just didn't keep my attention as much as the others. Eisler goes into a lot of specific details about the fighting moves the characters employ, which can be a bit too repetitious for my liking at times. I'll probably read more in the series, and just hope they're better than this one was.
bookhawk's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful book. Eisler excels at both the action scenes and the philosophical espionage angles. This is a very intelligent series that is getting better and more soulful along the way. A solid 4 stars and clicking want to read on the next book in the John Rain series.
thomcat's review against another edition
3.0
Rain Storm / Choke Point / Winner Take All is set in a time just after 9/11, with a late 40's main character connected to Vietnam and Afghanistan conflicts. I've enjoyed the series so far, though the reading has been *very* spread out.
The author's expertise in martial arts comes out clearly in the realistic and accurate fight descriptions. Locale descriptions are also lovingly done; the reader gets a real feel for the place. My favorite character in this book was Dox, and I'll be as interested in what happens to him in future books as for the main character, John Rain.
One of the strong points of emphasis in the first book were Rain's three rules. These are mentioned here, but otherwise ignored. While working for the CIA, can Rain stay independent enough? I thought his detour towards the end of the book was problematic, but it may be important for future plots. Hard to remember the previous book, but I didn't like this as much as the first one. 3½ stars, rounded down.
May tackle book 4 a bit sooner :)
The author's expertise in martial arts comes out clearly in the realistic and accurate fight descriptions. Locale descriptions are also lovingly done; the reader gets a real feel for the place. My favorite character in this book was Dox, and I'll be as interested in what happens to him in future books as for the main character, John Rain.
One of the strong points of emphasis in the first book were Rain's three rules. These are mentioned here, but otherwise ignored. While working for the CIA, can Rain stay independent enough? I thought his detour towards the end of the book was problematic, but it may be important for future plots. Hard to remember the previous book, but I didn't like this as much as the first one. 3½ stars, rounded down.
May tackle book 4 a bit sooner :)
johnp100's review against another edition
4.0
Another nail-biting installment in the Rain series I'll skip to the 5th now as already read no. 4.
srchief's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful thriller series that is continued in Winner Take All. In this story, John Rain is hired to take out a arms dealer in a 'natural' way. As he pursues his man, he discovers that there's much more involved than he originally thought. There's someone that is supporting and protecting the arms dealer. Rain has to deal with people that are trying to stop him from accomplishing his goal.
In the end will Rain prevail? That is one of the fun things about the series.
In the end will Rain prevail? That is one of the fun things about the series.
mrsmoodyreader's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
coreyln's review against another edition
5.0
Action is now taking the reader to new locations and and meeting a number of new people. Some of the new acquaintances will obviously be returning as the complexly of John's sphere grows.
The urge for John to live a "normal" live is pulling on him more than ever. But just as much, external forces are trying to nail him down to continue what he is best at, eliminating problem people.
LOVED this story as we travel with John to new location where his well verse skills in survival, judging people, pieceing together what is really going on are heavily challenged.
The urge for John to live a "normal" live is pulling on him more than ever. But just as much, external forces are trying to nail him down to continue what he is best at, eliminating problem people.
LOVED this story as we travel with John to new location where his well verse skills in survival, judging people, pieceing together what is really going on are heavily challenged.
smakk1337's review against another edition
4.0
This book introduced one of my favorite characters in the John rain saga. I feel this was the best book yet. I can not wait to see what else is in store for our beloved character.