The Japanese Assassin: A Kira Nomura Thriller, Book One

Kira Nomura Thriller #1

by Jack Arbor

In the heart of a dense jungle, a young woman awakens—wounded and alone.She remembers nothing—not how she got there, not her past, not even her own name. When she’s attacked, she’s forced to fight for her life, and is surprised to find she possesses the skills to survive.She emerges from the jungle to find herself the prey in a deadly game. The a formidable assassin, or at least that’s who she used to be. They trained her to kill and survive, and now they must fix their mistake.But who is she now? Will she run for her life? Or does she confront her demons and pursue the truth, no matter what she may uncover?Run to the fight.As frightening clues surface from her past, she puts a plan into motion that tests herself against a deadly foe. From a jungle island in the South China Sea, to the gritty streets of Hong Kong, and to the snowcapped peaks of the Japanese Alps, she’s pursued by enemies intent on winning the bounty offered for her demise while she frantically searches for her own identity.Can she survive long enough to discover her true self?The Japanese Assassin is the first story in a new series by Amazon-bestselling author Jack Arbor, whose Max Austin series took the world by storm. Arbor masterfully weaves a narrative with his signature full-tilt pacing, high-octane action, and unforgettable characters.Dive into the thrilling world of The Japanese Assassin and discover for yourself why Jack Arbor's latest creation is a must-read. Grab your copy today and join the legions of readers eagerly awaiting his next blockbuster.

Genres: Espionage, Thriller

402 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2023

About the author

Jack Arbor is the Amazon bestselling author of six thrillers featuring the wayward KGB assassin Max Austin. The stories follow Max as he comes to terms with his past and tries to extricate himself from a destiny he desperately wants to avoid.

Jack works as a digital technologist during the day and writes at night and on weekends, with much love and support from his lovely wife, Jill.

Jill and Jack live outside Aspen, Colorado, where they enjoy trail running and hiking through the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley. Jack also likes to taste new bourbons and grill meat, usually at the same time. They both miss the coffee on the East Coast.

You can get free books as well as pre-release specials and sign up for Jack’s mailing list at www.jackarbor.com.

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Jack Arbor since the beginning of his journey with The Russian Assassin. Now he has a brand new series about Kira Nomura and this is the first book titled The Japanese Assassin and it's in my mind the best he ever has written. So many surprising twists and thrills. It is a fast paced story with Nomura a young women who doesn't really know who she is. Arbor has some great insight in this asian world that makes his characters really great and I for one can't wait for the next book in this series. The author has created some great characters and a storyline that is not often seen. I highly recommend this book.

[Paul McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book from start to finish!
The story had me hooked from the very first page with its gripping tale of intrigue. The kick-ass female protagonist is brilliantly crafted, and I loved following her through all the twists and turns. The plot is a perfect blend of espionage and crime, with a diverse cast of characters that kept me guessing. This was my first time reading this author, and I'm excited to dive into more of their work!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Asian woman with amnesia wakes up on an island, and is immediately in danger. She makes her way to Hong Kong, and NoKo assassins and Triad gangsters are out to kill her.

Exciting, but doesn't really make sense.

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not breaking any box office records, the story of a seasoned detective and his newly married partner slowly unraveling the mystery behind a serial killer using the SE7EN deadly sins to stage his work, the Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt vehicle nonetheless won over cop thriller aficionados and earned legendary cult status since. Culminating in an empty field towered over by skeletal pylons carrying high voltage lines, John Doe had the upper hand, which did not prevent Detective Mills from repeatedly inquiring 'what's in the box?' and becoming vengeance. Plagued with her very own enigma box to chase, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN is Keymaster Vinz Clortho in her own right, bearing a mysterious key around her neck. All roads lead to this boxlike SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and in a 50 cent way, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN must get to it, or die trying.

Sadly missing a bamboo thicket, a minor head wound, and a crashed plane, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN conveys the feel of the TV series phenom LOST mixed in with any old survival horror style action game. At the start there is nothing, maybe a folding knife, some medi-kits, and meals, forcing the strandee to orient and fend off early, low key attackers. Perhaps like FAR CRY and a dash of Ludlum's novel THE BOURNE IDENTITY thrown in for good measure. There's also a trace of the 80s chop-sockey spectacular AMERICAN NINJA in there somewhere, where the apt pupil was found in the jungle and trained by an old Japanese soldier on an isolated island. Playing up the duality, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN also has amnesia and is unclear which of the two sides vying for her favor to believe; the Evil NorKo's led by the Supreme Leader or the industrial but ruthless Japanese. All in all it comes across as a desperate attempt to draw in female readers by incorporating an uber female heroine that possible wouldn't have worked well in the author's ongoing Russia series. Naturally, like WONDER WOMAN, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN, aka Kira, is small, petite, compact, trim, and coupled with brawn, beauty, and brains. Ergo, the entire package. But don't judge this killer by its cover--she also possesses unnatural strength, dexterity, stamina, and the uncanny ability to memorize faces and people. Boasting counter-surveillance techniques, hand-to-hand combat, computer hacking, and weapons usage skills, suppose that THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN should better be registered as a LETHAL WEAPON.

Like the 70s pronouncement at live shows for the band KISS, everyone wants the best, thus they get the best, the hottest assassin in the world. There are, of course, a handful of parties interested, starting with the fictional newly created, top secret Department 82, Japan's nascent counterintelligence and counterespionage agency that has the sophistication of the CIA and operates like Mossad. There is also the DPRK, a Chinese triad, and a horde of mercenary killers a la SMOKING ACES out for a cash payday. In fact, there are a lot of no name expendable bullet sponges around, putting the best John Woo Hong Kong action flicks to shame, and allowing the JAPANESE ASSASSIN to flex her bad-assery and kill with apparently no remorse or hesitation. Wondering if this trait is controllable and employable as a national asset, the Japanese's engagement seems to be an elaborate interviewing and recruiting process, exposing that Kira is the only pro among amateurs in the fracas. Offering, at best, a variation on a theme, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN is really nothing new and nothing exciting. You've read this book before--it's a cookie cutter thriller, a MIL-schlock carbon copy replete with plenty of 'head on a swivel', 'slow is smooth...', and surveillance detection routes. In fact, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN doubles down on SDRs, giving the impression that the dealer just plunked down eleven. With so many SDRs being run, lengthy ones, too, it's surprising that these spies get anything accomplished at all or that the book wasn't titled SDR-THE MANUAL.

Forced to select between a red bag and a blue bag, hack support personnel named Neo, and Kira training like "The One" almost requires THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN to fly from a telephone booth at the end to perfect the syrupy homage to THE MATRIX. Nonetheless, Kira is a sight to behold. She an amazing assassin who fights a cocky and arrogant opponent with a razor sharp knife, sustains 5 deep cuts and still wins the fight. Complete with a memory loss rehab & healing spa stay at an isolated monastery that feels a lot like HARD TO KILL, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN takes place over six weeks but reads a lot faster. Despite a bizarre deep dive into tarot card reading, this is partially due to interesting axioms like 'recruiting an asset is a seduction,' routine gets you killed, life rewards the risk taker, sometimes kismet provides, and some things are best left in the past. THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN argues to face your demons or build something new. For a fresh take on the induced-amnesia-ruthless-killer-international-spy-of-mystery thriller, THE JAPANESE ASSASSIN is definitely good for a gander; take a peak, enjoy the read, everything is negotiable, bulk kills get a discount. Stock up and get in on the ground floor with this brand new series.

[Ralph Phares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kira Nomura has secrets that she cannot access. Awakening in a steaming tropical jungle, Kira finds herself severely injured, bloodied, bruised, and disoriented. Where is she, and what is she doing here? She begins to become aware of certain "abilities" and knowledge that she knows but doesn't know how she knows them. Her awareness sharpens enough to tell her danger is very close; she needs to be ready to fight. And fight she does, overcoming odds to allow her to escape and make her way back - where?

As Kira finds her way by "grasping in the dark," she gets a bit of help from an unknown source who is able to convey safety, not threat. This kindness, such a departure from the norm for her, allows Kira to explore the possibility that not everyone is out to get her. Kira is also able to rid her life of the nagging dangers, both real and perceived. She is also to take a giant forward step, allowing her to realize a more "normal" life. There's so much more to discover in this book, but I'll not be providing any spoilers. Suffice to say the writing is top-notch, the storyline is riveting, and at times, you'll find yourself forgetting to breathe! At least, I did. Take this book out for a test-read. You'll be happy you did.

[Fritz Kunze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed novel starts with a young woman mysteriously awakening in a hut on an island. With no memories, she embarks on a thrilling series of adventures as unknown assailants relentlessly pursue her. The central mystery of her identity and the reason for the attacks keeps you guessing until the very end. Soiler alerts stop readin spoilers come!
Turns out, she was kidnapped from a Japanese island by North Koreans as a child and trained as an assassin. The true purpose of her abduction remains unclear, potentially linked to her parents' murder or even a diversionary tactic for a technology theft.
I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated! The twists were surprising, and the author's evident research into Japan and Hong Kong created an authentic atmosphere. As Having visited and spent significant time in both places myself, the settings felt vivid and believable. I'm excited to read more from this author, though it'll be tough to top the excitement of this debut novel.

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book #1 of a new series, but if you are already a Jack Arbor fan, you know it will be exciting. As with all new series the characters are new and it is up to the reader to sort out the heroes from the thugs. Not to worry, It gets worked out as it goes. We even know who the main character is before she does. People want Kira dead. Lots of people. Other people hope she survives. It's a test. A deadly test. The ones that end up dead, are the ones that are after her. Through all this, she has no idea who she is or why she has the skill set she has. Enjoy!

[Vivian Moulun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly loved Jack Arbor’s “The Japanese Assassin”. It's a story that you must read in one session, and you crave for more after it's finished. The characters and the scenes are well described. There's a lot of action and a bit of violence. Throughout the story, you wonder who Kiri really is and what her choice will be at the end. I certainly would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good thriller and an action-packed book.

[Colin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts and you wonder where it is going to lead. More and more of Kira's back story is revealed as the book continues. There is plenty of action that is well described. It is an easy to read thriller that has plenty of hints as to how the series is going to progress. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding thriller with a well written storyline and a strong female main character. Contains plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several twists. A page turning read that was very enjoyable and hard to put down. Highly recommended thriller! Bring on the next adventure with the Japanese assassin.

[George Blackmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eager to read book 2

Intriguing edge of your seat mixture of espionage, action, thriller and mystery. Never really know where the story is going, but finding myself cheering for Kira as she struggles for answers and sanity ...Heck, I don't know, I just liked it... Ready for the next in the series.

[Frani Zumwalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading your book and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I try not to give all the books I read a fair chance. Reading further into the book I still wasn’t sure. It just seemed jumbled.
I finally could get into the book. Kira was a very brave young lady who was very skilled in protecting herself.

[Evie Gleis · Rating 5 out of 5]

a ripper of a book

Fantastic read, I couldn’t put the book down which cost me sleep, but heck, it was well worth it. I’m currently reading the Russian Assassin series which I am enjoying, however Kira has won my heart.
I’m looking forward to reading more of her. Thank you for a fantastic read.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Japanese Assassin

This book never stops to give you time to breathe which is what Kira experiences as she fights to remember who she is all the while being hunted by unknown enemies.

[Mike Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good spy novel

The main character Kira is like a female James Bond. She spends the majority of the book fighting, running from or killing bad guys. While all this is going on she is learning about herself and is being recruited. That's a lot of stuff. A Good read.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

assassin

Kira needs to find out who she is and how she got to where she was when the whole adventure begins.

She triumphs from the seedy side of her life to find where she belongs

[Harl T. Asaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriguing

Captivating heroine. I’m not sure how you weave her into more stories unless you can give her some emotions…involvements. She has to b touchable. That said, I enjoyed the book.

[George Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has to be one of From the very beginning he kept me interested in how Kira came to be.
if you are a Jack Arbor fan or just a fan of spy thrillers I highly recommend you read this book.
I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Bruce Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me Involved until the last Page

It’s been a while since a novel kept me engaged until the very end. Was quite refreshing. The plot is intricately woven although the main characters skills were quite unrealistic. That said, we all love a winner, don’t we

[William M. Stone III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Bourne revisited?

That is what I thought as I stated reading this book. It turns out to be an adventure with cat and mouse games. Looking. Forward to book 2 I know there will be some revenge in there somewhere.

[Edward Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and worthwhile read which took a while to get going but grabbed my interest and ended up being a very good read. I hope that there will be a follow up book as promised to complete the story. Nice change from other assassins type stories.

[Richard E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

Good plot & action. Nice characters. Good humor. Makes the storyline come to life. I will be on the lookout for number two.

[Kim Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved the writing and really got into the main character. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

An interesting view into the Oriental culture. it was an interesting story with realistic characters. Anyone who likes intrigue will enjoy thus well written book.

[Peg Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series from Jack Arbor

Finally! This is a great book with real characters, with flaws and stellar qualities! The book flows well and keeps a reader glued to the page.

[Manfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and entertaining mystery thriller. Only along the ride, the reader learns who is who. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Heidi Scarletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thriller

The main character in the book made me think of the Max Austin character. They were both highly trained opertives.

[dexter r skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Enjoyed the book. Ready for more of the Japanese Assassin and even More Russian Assassin as well. Will gat the next installment as soon as it’s available.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting description of Notth Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.
Thick plot which kept me entertained till the very end.
I like Jack Arbor stories and look forward to the sequel of Kira.

[Dennis Messner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Enjoyed this book. It is a very good story and the character development was fun to follow. Highly recommend this book.