Rating: 
Summary: INCREDIBLE...!!!
Review: This story masterfully mixes the Secret Agent genre that we all know with the conventions and complexities of the Samurai. Make no mistake, the story is set in present day and is an action-thriller as well!The characterization is so believable that as a reader, I began thinking ahead to figure out the puzzle and way out of the circumstances for the characters, as if I was an actual participant. The story is that immersive and Morrell's craft is that is that skilled. He pulls you in, and once in, you are in for a great ride; like an E-ticket at Disneyland! If you have any interest in espionage, executive protection, Japanese culture, honor, action or on-the-edge-of-your-seat storytelling, this is the novel for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Has some good moments, but ultimately rings hollow
Review: This was my first book by David Morrell, and it came highly recommended. Overall I'd say it was somewhat entertaining, but with so many flaws I can't strongly recommend it. One of the first things I noticed was how affected the dialogue comes across, a problem which prevades throughout. Some authors just can't do it well, and if this is representative of Morrell's other work, then he should go with (even) more action in his stories. Conversations were just plain stilted most of the time, conjuring up a bad soap opera or melodrama. I just didn't find the characters interracted with each other with any sense of the depth he clearly wanted to convey. The plot did have some interesting turns, but I found the end which tied everything together not at all plausible. Yeah, I understand this is action-oriented fiction, but I've read other such stuff and found it just a whole lot more believeable (or at least required less suspension of disbelief). And that was quite a let down, since the book build you up to this climax for 450 prior pages. Overall this is the kind of stuff Michael Crichton does a whole lot better.
Rating:
Summary: Top-rate thrillers
Review: This was the first book from David Morrell that I have ever read (I've gone back to read most of them, except for the First Blood ones, and the one that takes place during the Spanish-American war), and I was enthralled. I couldn't put it down. Morrell's books are probably the best thrillers out there, and I will continue to read them until he stops writing.
Rating: 
Summary: Painful
Review: This was the first book I've read by Morrell - and will be my last. I really don't know how to describe the experience reading this book will bring - other than to say it is painful and an utter waste of valuable reading time. The story is ridiculous and the dialogue is perhaps the worst I've read. I read the entire book - though I constantly wanted to stop. I now wish I had. If you're contemplating reading this book - don't. Use your time to do something a bit more productive - like staring at the wall or picking lint out of your belly button.
Rating:
Summary: Painful
Review: This was the first book I've read by Morrell - and will be my last. I really don't know how to describe the experience reading this book will bring - other than to say it is painful and an utter waste of valuable reading time. The story is ridiculous and the dialogue is perhaps the worst I've read. I read the entire book - though I constantly wanted to stop. I now wish I had. If you're contemplating reading this book - don't. Use your time to do something a bit more productive - like staring at the wall or picking lint out of your belly button.
Rating:
Summary: Typical Morrell...in this case, a GOOD thing!
Review: To date this is Morrell's best selling book, but not my favorite. With Morrell you become used to certain things....tradecraft, intrigue, a highly-skilled operative with a beautiful woman around him, etc.. This one is no different! This story follows Savage, an executive protector and ex-Navy SEAL. He is sent to rescue Rachel Stone, sister of a retired movie star and wife of a wealthy industrialist, who is raped and held hostage at their estate. On that mission, Savage crosses paths with Akira, a Japanese executive protector that Savage was assigned with six months prior...under strange circumstances. The three are then pulled into an adventure to get them answers to their question, a quest that eventually leads to Japan. This is a non-stop thriller that will shock you until the end. It's without question recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Not Morrell's bests
Review: Unbelievable! I mean it. The story is just not believable. It's absurd. Try another of Morrell's books. He's usually really good.
Rating:
Summary: Not Morrell's bests
Review: Unbelievable! I mean it. The story is just not believable. It's absurd. Try another of Morrell's books. He's usually really good.
Rating: 
Summary: Morrell When He was in Top Form
Review: Unfortunately, the latest works from David Morrell were way below par in my opinion. Assumed Identity, to me was a turning point in his writing. Too me, that was his last good book. However, if one goes back a few years it is easy to see how good a writer Morrell was. The 5th Profession is a great example of the good old Morrell. From the dramatic opening, retelling the Japanese 47 Ronin Story the book will grab you. The contrast and commonalities between a former Navy Seal and a Ronin Samurai make great reading. This is a fun book to read on the train, plane, or beach. This is the way I like to remember David Morrell.
Rating:
Summary: The Fifth Profession
Review: What an outstanding book. I read this book a number of years ago and decided recently to read it again. Reading this book again, reaffirms why I read books written by David Morrell. If you love action, suspence and a thrilling twist at the end, this book is for you. The reason I like this book is because David Morrell has the ability to describe details in such away you feel like you are there. This detail is written in such a way that is does not detract from the book. The two main characters in this book are experts in executive protection and live on opposite sides of the world. They are drawn together by a set of circumstances which will stop you from putting the book down. It ends with a twist which blows you away and I guarentee if you don't currently read David Morrell books after this you will be thirsty for more.
| 
