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The Mafia Trilogy #2
The Blade
The Blade - Book Two of the Trilogy The safe house where Darwin and Rosina live is attacked. Five FBI agents are dead. Darwin Kostas has nowhere to turn, no one he can trust. Darwin's phobias cause him great stress and now the media are calling him The Blade, even though he can't stand the sight of knives. The FBI are hunting him. The Gambino family, violent mobsters associated with Italy's La Cosa Nostra, want to know who he works for before they execute him. Darwin just wants to be left alone with his new wife so they can begin a domestic life, but that is not possible with so many people wanting him dead. With evidence piling up against him, a crazed, half-blind FBI agent on his tail, and a relentless mobster planning Darwin's violent end, the only thing he has left to lose is his life. Meanwhile, the Russian Mafia are moving into new territory in Toronto. They want to know who this Darwin guy is and why he is still breathing. When they show up to take possession of his body, Darwin has one surprise left for the mobsters before he dies. The Blade is book two of The Mafia Trilogy from Jonas Saul, the author of the Sarah Roberts series. The Scythe, Book Three of the trilogy is coming soon.
354 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2012
144 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Jonas Saul
107 books391 followersJonas Saul is the bestselling author of the Sarah Roberts Series—more than two million sold!—and has written and published over sixty thrillers. After acquiring an agent, he signed several deals in Los Angeles, with MadRiver Pictures optioning his Sarah Roberts Series—over forty books!—(currently in development).
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
Jonas has often outranked Stephen King and Dean Koontz on Amazon over the past decade. He’s regularly invited to be a guest speaker, teacher, or workshop presenter at international writing conferences and film festivals worldwide.
He hosts multiple annual retreats in Greece, where he currently lives—writer’s, screenplay, and reader’s retreats. He focuses his teaching on how to get tension and emotion in every scene and on every page, how he made it as a creator/writer, the path to success in this business, and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit the Imagine Greece Retreats website at www.imaginegreeceretreats.com, or email him directly.
Jonas Saul is an acclaimed author, teacher, and professional freelance editor. He lends his editing prowess to several publishers and offers private editing services to clients. His website, www.imaginepress.org, is a testament to his editing skills, featuring numerous testimonials from satisfied authors. Jonas is an email away for those needing professional editing.
To book Jonas for a speaking engagement at a writer’s conference/festival, to have him on your jury at a film festival, or even to say hello, email Jonas directly at jonassaul@icloud.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 28, 2012
loved it! enjoy mr. sauls writing style.
July 30, 2017
I love Darwin & Rosina Kostas. I can't wait to see how Darwin gets out of dilemma in The Scythe. Exciting story.
March 5, 2020
The safe house where Darwin and Rosina Kostas live is under attack. The FBI chosen to protect them are after the . Suddenly Darwin is once again targeted by men he must kill.
January 1, 2016
I seem to have entered this trilogy at book 2. I think. I don't think that would change things though. First off let me just say as someone who is hoping to be published someday I say nothing with meanness of spirit. This is a published book--an enormous accomplishment whether self published or by traditional means.
I like a thriller. Not particularly a fan of violence particularly if it is senseless. This is supposed to be a world where senseless violence is the norm, so I am automatically put off. I think my main problem with the book was that I didn't like anybody. I didn't like the good guys, the bad guys, the innocents... nobody. The protagonist is a writer who finds himself in the middle of a Mafia war and, as he keeps saying, is just trying to protect himself and his wife. He has an irrational response to anything blade like, from a needle to a sword, which turns him into a killing machine and he blacks out--doesn't remember the rage he is in. I didn't buy the love between him and his wife (who was, i felt, a one-dimensional character) and I didn't buy that he 'has' to kill law enforcement or mafiosi. Regular everyday people really can't compartmentalize like that without severe mental consequences, none of which were evident. He could, perhaps, be putting off those consequences until the end of book 3, but somehow i doubt it. And digging himself out of a grave? I am not a scientist with the whole displacement bit but I didn't believe that either.
The dialogue kind of bothered me. I felt like it was written dialogue not spoken--as in if said aloud it would be stilted and odd. Sometimes it felt like conversations were held merely to pass on information and served no other purpose.
There are threads of a great story here and I rather wish the author could go back and pick those up and weave a tighter, more fulsome tale.
I like a thriller. Not particularly a fan of violence particularly if it is senseless. This is supposed to be a world where senseless violence is the norm, so I am automatically put off. I think my main problem with the book was that I didn't like anybody. I didn't like the good guys, the bad guys, the innocents... nobody. The protagonist is a writer who finds himself in the middle of a Mafia war and, as he keeps saying, is just trying to protect himself and his wife. He has an irrational response to anything blade like, from a needle to a sword, which turns him into a killing machine and he blacks out--doesn't remember the rage he is in. I didn't buy the love between him and his wife (who was, i felt, a one-dimensional character) and I didn't buy that he 'has' to kill law enforcement or mafiosi. Regular everyday people really can't compartmentalize like that without severe mental consequences, none of which were evident. He could, perhaps, be putting off those consequences until the end of book 3, but somehow i doubt it. And digging himself out of a grave? I am not a scientist with the whole displacement bit but I didn't believe that either.
The dialogue kind of bothered me. I felt like it was written dialogue not spoken--as in if said aloud it would be stilted and odd. Sometimes it felt like conversations were held merely to pass on information and served no other purpose.
There are threads of a great story here and I rather wish the author could go back and pick those up and weave a tighter, more fulsome tale.
February 22, 2014
I'm a fan of Jonas Saul. I love the way he writes his stories and I especially enjoy the way Justice is a dominant factor in the way the plot evolves.
I don't like to go into writing a résumé of the story itself, as many other readers already do that better than I could. But I will say that this book didn't get a five-star rating just because of one little detail that bugged me. It is about having X (I won't say who, for not spoiling the intrigue) being able to dig himself out of a grave. That just seemed to be an impossibility to me, although I understand this is fiction... I could well imagine a character such as Superman or similar imaginary persona being able to get out of such a situation, but not a human being... sorry.
There might be another factor that kept me away from a five-star evaluation: the book was too short and the sequel to it: "The Scythe" should have been incorporated into "The Blade". But nonetheless, I really loved this story and looked forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens next! In that department, Jonas Saul has a way of keeping his readers on board!
Keep up the great stories!
I don't like to go into writing a résumé of the story itself, as many other readers already do that better than I could. But I will say that this book didn't get a five-star rating just because of one little detail that bugged me. It is about having X (I won't say who, for not spoiling the intrigue) being able to dig himself out of a grave. That just seemed to be an impossibility to me, although I understand this is fiction... I could well imagine a character such as Superman or similar imaginary persona being able to get out of such a situation, but not a human being... sorry.
There might be another factor that kept me away from a five-star evaluation: the book was too short and the sequel to it: "The Scythe" should have been incorporated into "The Blade". But nonetheless, I really loved this story and looked forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens next! In that department, Jonas Saul has a way of keeping his readers on board!
Keep up the great stories!
March 2, 2014
A good read. The main character was well developed, if a bit sophomoric. And he is definitely larger than life. The plot was quite interesting, but it frustrated me that the book is part of a serial and there was no denouement in this particular book. (Not the authors fault...I read it without knowing that it was part of a serial until I had finished it.)
Some of the characters spoke like drunken sailors and threw copious F bombs. I did not see the necessity in that, although it is typical of their character types.
There were two places where the author just plain used the wrong word. In one place it was obvious, in context, that he meant to say that a character oversaw something. What he actually said was that he overlooked something. Completely different meaning.
Mr. Saul has the making of a world class author...given some editorial assistance. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Some of the characters spoke like drunken sailors and threw copious F bombs. I did not see the necessity in that, although it is typical of their character types.
There were two places where the author just plain used the wrong word. In one place it was obvious, in context, that he meant to say that a character oversaw something. What he actually said was that he overlooked something. Completely different meaning.
Mr. Saul has the making of a world class author...given some editorial assistance. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
June 21, 2014
Darwin and Rosina are newlyweds. They get mixed up with gangsters, and despite Darin's phobias (fear of blades, fear of the dark) and peaceful nature he winds up killing a notoriously violent Italian gangster, then 2 rogue FBI agents sent to kidnap him and his wife from a safe house. Mob boss Gambino has them brought to him so he can see the man who killed his Italian nemesis. Nasty lethal torture and perversion games are interrupted when Darwin breaks free from a coffin where he was buried alive. Darwin fires up Gambino's WWII German Panther tank and opens up another can of whiparse. And on and on, ad nauseam. There's a credibility gap in my mind, as to how this dog & pony show sensationalist novel goes to an eventual conclusion. Getting too old for gratuitous sex & violence that's just there to titillate and does little to advance legitimate literary goals (like a realistic interesting plot). Perhaps I had higher expectations.
May 19, 2014
this is the 2nd book in the trilogy. Darwin and his bride find themselves running for their lives as 3 different mobsters try to find out who this person is that is killing their best of men, the Russians, the Italians and the Chinese. Russians have the run in Toronto and are trying to rule the territory. But first then to get rid of the Italian.s Surprisingly Darwin innocently helps with that. Rosina his new wife understand his phobias and how he was able to use them to save them. But they are still not safe or out of the woods just yet. This is only the beginning. Darwin learns to trust no one, how can he he has not idea who in the FBI, the police force or what other agencies are in the pockets of the mafia.
August 20, 2012
So, the book overall wasn't bad. As with "The Kill", a significant amount of action throughout. However, the ending -- not as good for me. It was a cliff-hanger of the sort where you're watching a season of Breaking Bad, or something. Forces you to read The Scythe (when available). To put this in terms of another Mafia work, imagine The Godfather ending right after Michael shoots the cop in the Italian restaurant. Really?
July 5, 2013
I read this without reading book one, I didn't feel like I'd missed anything important. The author does a good job of recapping the first book while keeping the story moving at a quick pace.
This was a surprise freebie, turned out to be a good story and has me wishing I'd read the first in the series.
I'll definitely be reading book 3.
This was a surprise freebie, turned out to be a good story and has me wishing I'd read the first in the series.
I'll definitely be reading book 3.
September 5, 2013
I grabbed this book to read without paying attention to the fact that it is book 2 of a trilogy. I have not read book 1, but I enjoyed this one anyway. There were lots of references I didn't get, but that was nobody's fault but mine. This was fast paced and imaginative. Lots of blood though that is not surprising with a title "The Blade".
March 4, 2013
This book is an awesome thriller/suspense. I loved reading it. The story was a great one. Well thought out. Well written. The characters were amazing. I had a hard time putting this book down. I definitely recommend 'The Blade'. Jonas Saul is truly a talented author.
July 9, 2013
I love this series, simply because I like Darwin and Rosina. Also the book is exciting, maybe a tense far fetched at times, but still interesting and quick easy reads. I read this book in a day.. Am looking forward to the last book...
July 10, 2014
Darwin and his wife are running from the FBI and the syndicate sent to kill them. Penniless & on foot, they start their journey since their "safe house" was infiltrated. Good plot, enjoyable read. I rate this a 4.5
September 7, 2014
Nothing more than a cliff hanger!
Although Jonas Saul writes a good story, he ruined it by leaving me hanging,, instead of intelligently ending with the possibility of having a sequel. I will not be tricked again by Saul.
Although Jonas Saul writes a good story, he ruined it by leaving me hanging,, instead of intelligently ending with the possibility of having a sequel. I will not be tricked again by Saul.
January 26, 2015
The Blade (The Mafia Trilogy Book 2)
What is Darwin going to do now. Where is Rosina? And why Greg? I'm not sure how Darwin can get through this one. I didn't see it ending like this. I loved Greg!
What is Darwin going to do now. Where is Rosina? And why Greg? I'm not sure how Darwin can get through this one. I didn't see it ending like this. I loved Greg!
August 22, 2016
Action filled and totally exciting
The author wrote in vivid detail the actions of all characters . The determination of the main character Darwin kept the reader wanting to learn more . Lots of action and some gruesome details but hard to put the book down once you started
The author wrote in vivid detail the actions of all characters . The determination of the main character Darwin kept the reader wanting to learn more . Lots of action and some gruesome details but hard to put the book down once you started
June 14, 2013
A good action and drama book.
June 12, 2013
Violence, foul language, unrealistic FBI agent were cons. Lots of action is a pro. 5 errors detected by me.
June 20, 2014
I like the characters but kept losing 'suspension of disbelief'. Lots of action, maybe too many villains for my taste.
December 27, 2013
Good book. A little gross for my liking. I hate books that make you HAVE to read the next book to find out how things end.
January 3, 2014
very good, look forward to book 3
July 2, 2014
I liked this one more then the first book in the series. I'd give it 3.5 stars if they had half stars on Goodreads.
June 2, 2014
thanks God it's over. way to far fetched.....
July 27, 2014
I don't like books that don't have legitimate endings, so I'm not even going to read the next one I downloaded by the same author.
June 19, 2014
This book scared the living daylights out of me. So what did I do? I immediately downloaded the next book in the series.
July 24, 2014
I quit after just a few chapters. I rarely do that but it never got my interest.
August 7, 2014
I did not read book one, which I think I should do to get a bit more into the characters. I liked Saul's Sarah Roberts series better, so far.
September 21, 2014
The second in the trilogy of the married couple fighting the Mafia - I was hoping to have more of a story and less of a comedy (not.)
March 15, 2015
Left hanging
Psychological thriller. It would be better except for the fact it is necessary to have the trilogy to get a satisfying conclusion.
Psychological thriller. It would be better except for the fact it is necessary to have the trilogy to get a satisfying conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews