A review by flowerpaladin
The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This would've been a 4+ star book were it not for the ending.

Not only did I guess who the killer was, but I guessed that it would ruin the romance. Was I right?
Yes. And I've never felt more betrayed, frustrated, and depressed.


The above is the main reason for my low rating. As for the other aspects of the book... the world-building is really cool. The jaan are like evil djinn or spirits; they're pretty scary and really well-written. The city of Ghadid is set high above the endless sand dunes, and people pay for water access with coins called "baat"s. Characters wear face-coverings, and it really leads to a special moment when the romance is kindled, but it also lends itself to some very handy mistaken identity.

Amistan is very loveable. I'm honestly disappointed with the evolution of his character though. I also think I would've rooted for him a lot more if he hadn't been an assassin, if he was more of an outsider looking in. And I really hate how he
bought into the very institution he was so rightfully distrustful of at the beginning of the book.
It was just a very, very weird character arc.

Oh well. It's a real bummer when finishing a book leaves you this depressed. I'm going to try like hell to find another Achillean second world fantasy with ace rep that actually ends in HEA, but I have a feeling I'm not going to find anything. Such is the state of publishing.