Initiation

by Charnaye Conner

I knew this assignment wasn’t going to be easy but it wasn’t supposed to be this damn complicated either. I’m the Yakuza’s greatest assassin. I’ve singlehandedly taken down organizations. I’ve caused more death and pain than anyone or anything. Killing the head family of the Korean mafia should have been simple. I had a plan. Nam Jaehyun wasn’t a part of that. Finding out how much I didn’t know wasn’t part of the plan either…

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

In her debut novel, Charnaye Conner takes readers into the heart and mind of a dangerous assassin proving that the actions of an individual do not always reveal who they really are.

374 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Initiation" by Charnaye Conner is a gripping tale that plunges readers into the gritty world of organized crime. The story follows a ruthless assassin working for the Yakuza, who has built a reputation for being an unstoppable force, having taken down entire organizations with ruthless precision. Tasked with eliminating the head family of the Korean mafia, the protagonist expects this mission to be another notch on their belt. However, things take a turn for the unexpected with the introduction of Nam Jaehyun, a character who disrupts the assassin’s meticulously laid plans.

Conner crafts a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of the criminal underworld, offering readers a mix of action, suspense, and psychological intrigue. The assassin's internal struggle becomes a central theme as they grapple with unforeseen complications and the realization that there is much they don't know about their world and themselves. This layered storytelling adds depth to what could have been a straightforward action plot, making it a compelling read for fans of crime thrillers and character-driven narratives.

The strength of "Initiation" lies in its intense pacing and the moral ambiguity of its characters. The protagonist, despite being an assassin, is not a one-dimensional figure of cold-hearted malice. Instead, they are presented as a complex individual facing a dilemma that forces them to question their own existence and decisions. This depth makes the story not just about the physical battles but also about the psychological warfare within.

Overall, "Initiation" is a dark, thrilling ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Charnaye Conner's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make this book a standout in the crime thriller genre. If you're looking for a story that combines action, suspense, and introspection, "Initiation" is worth picking up.

[Maci Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly secrets and a blooming love story, I really enjoyed this book. It's one of self-revelation and mystery wrapped in a romance that captured my heart. I genuinely enjoyed every twist and turn and was invested from the first 15 pages. It was well written from the get go and I needed to know how the main character would overcome her own darkness while fighting outside evil that risked consuming her. Awesome first book in the series. This was a five star read for me.

[Melissa Rakestraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought me into a world I know nothing about and had me hanging on every word. The characters were believable and I was fully invested in them, and the descriptions had me feeling like I was there. Great novel!!