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David Slaton #5
Assassin's Run: A David Slaton Novel
Assassin David Slaton clashes with the Russians in this action-packed espionage thriller from USA Today bestselling author Ward LarsenWard Larsen's Assassin's Run revives globe-trotting, hard-hitting assassin David Slaton for another breathless adventure. When a Russian oligarch is killed by a single bullet on his yacht off the Isle of Capri, Russian intelligence sources speculate that a legendary Israeli assassin, long thought dead, might be responsible. However, David Slaton--the assassin in question--is innocent. Realizing the only way to clear his name is to find out who's truly responsible, he travels to Capri.While he searches, a web of disparate events unfolds across the Middle East. Three ships, owned by the group of Russians, deliver a mysterious cargo to the shores of the Arabian Peninsula. In Morocco, a Russian aerospace company begins flight testing an innovative new drone.
From Switzerland to the Red Sea to Morocco, Slaton gradually uncovers a conspiracy of monumental scope. It is a plot that will change the world strategic order--and one that goes straight to the top of the Russian government.
David Slaton
Assassin's Game
Assassin's Silence
Assassin's Code
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2018
440 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Ward Larsen
31 books579 followersWard Larsen is the USA Today bestselling author of espionage thrillers. A seven-time winner of the Florida Book Award, his first novel, The Perfect Assassin, has been optioned for film by Amber Entertainment.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, he has also served as an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A former Air Force fighter pilot, he has also served as an airline captain, and is a trained aircraft accident investigator.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 2, 2021
Assassin’s Run is the fifth book in the David Slaton series. The author Ward Larsen is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a former law enforcement officer. David Slaton is a former Mossad assassin or kidon.
Pyotr Ivanovic had done well for himself. He was a long way from the pig farm his father ran in the Ukraine. He was now on the deck of his 190 foot boat at Isle of Capri, Italy enjoying a Cohiba cigar after a superb dinner. He did not know that he had just eaten his last meal. However, he was shot by a sniper and fell overboard. He was not long for this world anyway having just polished off a 30 oz. steak with potatoes Lyonnaise, followed up with my favorite dessert creme brulee. Finding out who shot Ivanovic and why is now the job of local Inspector Giordano.
This shooting caught the eye of a CIA analyst, in Langley, Virginia. Ivanovic’s name was being tracked and she took this information to her boss Anna Sorensen, a division chief. Sorensen asked the Rome office to look into Ivanovic’s death. Sorensen bumped this information up to CIA director Thomas Coltrane. Shortly thereafter Sorensen was on a flight to Rome.
David, his wife Christine, a physician, and their toddler son Davy were on their 44 foot sailboat, christened Windsom II, which at dawn had sailed into a port in Vieste, Italy. He liked to arrive early when not many people were about. He then set out to provide his boat’s papers and their three (3) passports to the local authorities. He could not find the local authorities or police and ended up close to his boat and saw a small craft tied to it. He got excited because he had left his family onboard. It turned out that Sorensen had tracked him down and wanted to talk to him.
Sorensen gets David to go to Isle of Capri to see if he can figure out how the shooting was carried out. The local inspector has not come up with anything that points to who or how the shot was accomplished. David also heard his name has been floated as the possible shooter. After his investigation David can not figure out how the shot was made.
Well both the CIA and Massod are interested. It turns out that Ivanovic along with Vladimir Ovechkin and Alexei Romanov, three (3) Russian oligarchs, are the owners of MIR Enterprises. This company is the owners of three (3) ships that are all headed to the same area in the middle east. Both the CIA and Massod want to find out what is going on.
Lots of twists and turns in this book. Even the bullets have twists and turns. I highly recommend you read this book to find out who shot Ivanovic and how, what happens with the ships and crews, etc. Christine and Davy sit this one out in the American Embassy, in Rome. But, David is in on all the action. This was a five (5) star read for me. You already know I am easily amused.
Pyotr Ivanovic had done well for himself. He was a long way from the pig farm his father ran in the Ukraine. He was now on the deck of his 190 foot boat at Isle of Capri, Italy enjoying a Cohiba cigar after a superb dinner. He did not know that he had just eaten his last meal. However, he was shot by a sniper and fell overboard. He was not long for this world anyway having just polished off a 30 oz. steak with potatoes Lyonnaise, followed up with my favorite dessert creme brulee. Finding out who shot Ivanovic and why is now the job of local Inspector Giordano.
This shooting caught the eye of a CIA analyst, in Langley, Virginia. Ivanovic’s name was being tracked and she took this information to her boss Anna Sorensen, a division chief. Sorensen asked the Rome office to look into Ivanovic’s death. Sorensen bumped this information up to CIA director Thomas Coltrane. Shortly thereafter Sorensen was on a flight to Rome.
David, his wife Christine, a physician, and their toddler son Davy were on their 44 foot sailboat, christened Windsom II, which at dawn had sailed into a port in Vieste, Italy. He liked to arrive early when not many people were about. He then set out to provide his boat’s papers and their three (3) passports to the local authorities. He could not find the local authorities or police and ended up close to his boat and saw a small craft tied to it. He got excited because he had left his family onboard. It turned out that Sorensen had tracked him down and wanted to talk to him.
Sorensen gets David to go to Isle of Capri to see if he can figure out how the shooting was carried out. The local inspector has not come up with anything that points to who or how the shot was accomplished. David also heard his name has been floated as the possible shooter. After his investigation David can not figure out how the shot was made.
Well both the CIA and Massod are interested. It turns out that Ivanovic along with Vladimir Ovechkin and Alexei Romanov, three (3) Russian oligarchs, are the owners of MIR Enterprises. This company is the owners of three (3) ships that are all headed to the same area in the middle east. Both the CIA and Massod want to find out what is going on.
Lots of twists and turns in this book. Even the bullets have twists and turns. I highly recommend you read this book to find out who shot Ivanovic and how, what happens with the ships and crews, etc. Christine and Davy sit this one out in the American Embassy, in Rome. But, David is in on all the action. This was a five (5) star read for me. You already know I am easily amused.
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August 25, 2020
5.0 Stars of 5.0 - "It Was Amazing!"
"Assassin's Run (David Slaton, #5)" - Ward Larsen
Audiobook - 14:11 Hours - Narrator: P. J. Ochlan
I quite rarely rate books as 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars. This is just the 48th audiobook out of more than 1,000 heard, that has deserved, in my opinion, a rating of 5.0 Stars!
A brief review to follow when I have caught up after my "Indisposition"!!
"Assassin's Run (David Slaton, #5)" - Ward Larsen
Audiobook - 14:11 Hours - Narrator: P. J. Ochlan
I quite rarely rate books as 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars. This is just the 48th audiobook out of more than 1,000 heard, that has deserved, in my opinion, a rating of 5.0 Stars!
A brief review to follow when I have caught up after my "Indisposition"!!
July 1, 2023
Trying to stay out of the limelight and live off the grid proves to be difficult. Some great use of new innovations which I had to google to see if it did exist. Lots of travel and great action. If you like David Slaton, you'll like #5.
September 24, 2019
fast moving thriller. great read. even we know who is going to win quite early it still full with interesting suprises. one of them is the vast knowledge of locations worldwide Larsen use. fun.
October 15, 2019
The fifth book in the David Slaton series, and I think the best one so far. David is still trying to sail under the radar when a Russian oligarch is killed by a sniper at sea on his superyacht, and suspicion is "directed" towards David. An enterprising CIA agent comes asking for his help on how someone could have made such an amazing shot. David feels he needs to help to keep his family and the world safe as the Russians are smuggling substantial weapons into Saudi Arabia. When a second Russian is killed skiing at high speed, David knows he is tracking a formidable sniper. The Russians own an interest in a Moroccan-based aviation company running a stealthy operation out of an abandoned airfield; they are turning MIG-21s into drones. With all roads leading to Morocco, there is an exciting ending. Larsen's variety of locations and the understandable technology are bonuses for thriller readers, like me.
October 23, 2021
Assassin's Run by Ward Larsen is in my opinion the best one yet in the series about ex kidon David Slaton. They found him again but this time it was a believable explanation. The story with all its twists and turns makes this book an entertaining and thrilling ride. I also think that David is lucky with his wife, she is the most patient and understanding wife an ex assassin could possibly get. I am soon up to date with this series I only have three moore books to read but the eighth I will wait a while to read. I can recommend that you try this author and I will probably try some of his other stuff as well.
March 7, 2024
David Slaton? What a guy! Where else can you find a man with morals whom deeply loves and respects his wife, is deeply concerned about raising their son AND is a trained killer? Not that he wants to continue this unusual career, but Mossad, the CIA or some other intelligence agency can’t seem to let him go.
This is a great series if you enjoy an unusual premise, like a definite amount of action and, while reading, want to be kept on your toes. Start with the first story, The Perfect Assassin, to meet David Slaton, a kidon, and Dr. Christine Palmer for the first time.
This is a great series if you enjoy an unusual premise, like a definite amount of action and, while reading, want to be kept on your toes. Start with the first story, The Perfect Assassin, to meet David Slaton, a kidon, and Dr. Christine Palmer for the first time.
June 19, 2018
I love a good thriller and Ward Larsen just gets better and better with hi
s David Slaton series this time putting our so called retired assassin in a hunt and seek match with someone who may be an even better marksman than him.....or is he? Seems like something else is going on behind the scenes and it's up to David to find out what.
Non stop action and a great ending!
This book is expected to be released in August, 2018.
s David Slaton series this time putting our so called retired assassin in a hunt and seek match with someone who may be an even better marksman than him.....or is he? Seems like something else is going on behind the scenes and it's up to David to find out what.
Non stop action and a great ending!
This book is expected to be released in August, 2018.
July 19, 2020
Every time I pick up a David Slaton thriller by Ward Larson, I know I will be guaranteed one heck of a thrilling read! I love how Larson is able to weave such an intricate story plot, and is able to keep the reader guessing he whole time.
Larson is able to write technical chapters of aircraft, weaponry, and even medical knowhow, and make it seamless. The reader can see everything that Mr. Larson puts into his thrillers, and it creates one heck of a read, and a band of loyal readers who can’t wait for more action!!
Larson is able to write technical chapters of aircraft, weaponry, and even medical knowhow, and make it seamless. The reader can see everything that Mr. Larson puts into his thrillers, and it creates one heck of a read, and a band of loyal readers who can’t wait for more action!!
September 1, 2022
Sniper David Slaton is sailing the world with his wife and son, when Russian Oligarchs are being killed with nearly impossible shots, and the Russians are saying they think he did it.
Slaton investigates, and finds a new super weapon, as well as the usual plot.
Not bad. Maybe not top tier, but worth reading.
Slaton investigates, and finds a new super weapon, as well as the usual plot.
Not bad. Maybe not top tier, but worth reading.
June 18, 2019
This is my second Larsen read in less than 2 weeks; the previous one being the first of his Jammer Davis series, Fly By Wire.
David Slaton is an ex kidon, that is to say an assassin for the Mossad, Israel's secret service much like our CIA but much more gloves off in their operations. And by ex I mean that Slaton retired, resigned, told the Mossad to go suck an egg, that he was done with that life.
Oh poor David, and he's so smart in most other ways.
David met Christine, a doctor, in the first of the series, The Perfect Assassin. Since then you might say their relationship has developed. And how! Married and with a young son, David and Christine do their best to avoid those that would use or try to harm David, but alas, that is not to be.
Now we can lament this poor situation for the Slaton family but then there wouldn't be much of a basis for an action series, would there? So their loss is our gain and being the greedy person that I am I say "Hip, hip hurrah!"
Larsen has created a hero, imperfect but still about the best there is in his former, and all too often, his current line of work. He is put into situations where he must defend his family, himself and even the world from terrorists and rogue countries. Larsen has done this without resorting to creating a certain ethnicity or religion as the bogeyman. For that alone I respect him and then that he does it so very, very well makes his books very much worth reading.
If you haven't met David Slaton yet and you like believable action thrillers with more action and less politics in them then you've missed out. I urge you to correct that error. Repent dear reader, repent!
David Slaton is an ex kidon, that is to say an assassin for the Mossad, Israel's secret service much like our CIA but much more gloves off in their operations. And by ex I mean that Slaton retired, resigned, told the Mossad to go suck an egg, that he was done with that life.
Oh poor David, and he's so smart in most other ways.
David met Christine, a doctor, in the first of the series, The Perfect Assassin. Since then you might say their relationship has developed. And how! Married and with a young son, David and Christine do their best to avoid those that would use or try to harm David, but alas, that is not to be.
Now we can lament this poor situation for the Slaton family but then there wouldn't be much of a basis for an action series, would there? So their loss is our gain and being the greedy person that I am I say "Hip, hip hurrah!"
Larsen has created a hero, imperfect but still about the best there is in his former, and all too often, his current line of work. He is put into situations where he must defend his family, himself and even the world from terrorists and rogue countries. Larsen has done this without resorting to creating a certain ethnicity or religion as the bogeyman. For that alone I respect him and then that he does it so very, very well makes his books very much worth reading.
If you haven't met David Slaton yet and you like believable action thrillers with more action and less politics in them then you've missed out. I urge you to correct that error. Repent dear reader, repent!
July 24, 2018
Legendary Israeli assassin David Slaton returns for his most explosive mission yet in Ward Larsen’s (Cutting Edge, 2018, etc.) Assassin’s Run.
About to sit down and celebrate the kicking off of one of the most ambitious plans of his career, Pyotr Ivanovic, a high-profile Russian oligarch who’s known for being close with Russian President Petrov, anxiously prepares to dine on his thirty-ounce, grain-fed beef that was flown in from Australia and seared perfectly by his chef. Looking out the starboard window, Ivanovic took in the beautiful scenery and soaked up the moonlit Tyrrhenian river, where Cassandra, his beloved yacht, bobbed up and down. A moment later, a large caliber, supersonic round exploded into his chest, throwing him violently over the railing. He was dead before he hit the water.
Four days later, while hiding out in the Italian township of Vieste, David Slaton is paid a visit by a woman with the CIA. Anna Sorenson informs Slaton that the Russians aren’t taking Ivanovic’s murder lightly and theorizes that their unusually high degree of interest in the man’s death indicates that he might have been involved in an important operation. According to FSB intercepts, the Russians are keying in on their number one suspect — a former Mossad agent who was thought to have been killed in England several years ago: Slaton.
David realizes he has a serious problem because the evidence doesn’t look good. Not only is he a notorious assassin, but as fate would have it, he was near the location of the oligarch’s death onboard his own boat, Windsom. The truth is that he’s totally innocent, but the truth doesn’t matter now that the Russians are searching for him, so Slaton makes peace with running again, still determined to leave his old life behind and continue trying to forge a new one with his family. Then Sorenson sweetens the pot.
The CIA, it turns out, is intrigued with using Slaton to figure out why exactly President Petrov is so personally invested in the investigation into Ivanovic’s death. If he’s willing to play ball with them, they offer. . .
Read the rest of this review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/07/22...
About to sit down and celebrate the kicking off of one of the most ambitious plans of his career, Pyotr Ivanovic, a high-profile Russian oligarch who’s known for being close with Russian President Petrov, anxiously prepares to dine on his thirty-ounce, grain-fed beef that was flown in from Australia and seared perfectly by his chef. Looking out the starboard window, Ivanovic took in the beautiful scenery and soaked up the moonlit Tyrrhenian river, where Cassandra, his beloved yacht, bobbed up and down. A moment later, a large caliber, supersonic round exploded into his chest, throwing him violently over the railing. He was dead before he hit the water.
Four days later, while hiding out in the Italian township of Vieste, David Slaton is paid a visit by a woman with the CIA. Anna Sorenson informs Slaton that the Russians aren’t taking Ivanovic’s murder lightly and theorizes that their unusually high degree of interest in the man’s death indicates that he might have been involved in an important operation. According to FSB intercepts, the Russians are keying in on their number one suspect — a former Mossad agent who was thought to have been killed in England several years ago: Slaton.
David realizes he has a serious problem because the evidence doesn’t look good. Not only is he a notorious assassin, but as fate would have it, he was near the location of the oligarch’s death onboard his own boat, Windsom. The truth is that he’s totally innocent, but the truth doesn’t matter now that the Russians are searching for him, so Slaton makes peace with running again, still determined to leave his old life behind and continue trying to forge a new one with his family. Then Sorenson sweetens the pot.
The CIA, it turns out, is intrigued with using Slaton to figure out why exactly President Petrov is so personally invested in the investigation into Ivanovic’s death. If he’s willing to play ball with them, they offer. . .
Read the rest of this review here: https://therealbookspy.com/2018/07/22...
January 30, 2025
Slaton and his family are traveling and relaxing when he's contacted by a CIA analyst who informs him that Russian FSB is tieing him to an assasination of an oligarch.
She enlists his help in checking it out. What winds up is a bigger plot than anyone imagined.
One of the better Slaton books, at least this time he's found by someone who actually had a reason to know he was still alive.
She enlists his help in checking it out. What winds up is a bigger plot than anyone imagined.
One of the better Slaton books, at least this time he's found by someone who actually had a reason to know he was still alive.
July 14, 2024
Another decent adventure for Slaton. I kind of like the bit of technological advance in the book—straight out of the film Wanted—wasn’t the main plot of the book. Rather it was just the tool the bad guys used to advance the plot.
As always, Slaton was smooth. I like that he’s not a one-man army, rather plays up his role as a silent operator with poise, purpose, and an understanding that you don’t need a lot of violence to kill someone and that some people are worth eliminating. I also like that his family continues to give him purpose and he integrated into every book.
As always, Slaton was smooth. I like that he’s not a one-man army, rather plays up his role as a silent operator with poise, purpose, and an understanding that you don’t need a lot of violence to kill someone and that some people are worth eliminating. I also like that his family continues to give him purpose and he integrated into every book.
September 1, 2018
4.5 Stars
For some reason, it took me a while to get into this story, but when it clicked, it really clicked. I'm not sure if it was because I was listening on Audible, but I started and stopped this one a couple of times before I really got into the story.
I like Ward Larson and especially enjoy his David Slaton series. I read a lot in this genre and it is refreshing to have a protagonist who is supposedly such a "great assassin" yet he takes the time to wonder what new changes and advances are happening in the world of intelligence that he might not be aware of and muses about all the things that he is probably doing wrong in trying to keep himself and his family off the grid. He also refuses to accept an assignment until he discusses it with his wife, and he is forthright and honest with her. Yep, I like David Slaton.
This book was an interesting and plausible story line that seems to bring some real world scenarios into play in a crazy mix. Larsen leads the reader in several different directions with several plot lines going on at once and the reader is left wondering if anything is connected and if so - for what purpose. There is a fine line between realistic plausibility and having too much information thrown at you to see what sticks. I thought at times that the author might have skirted over that line, but when it was all said and done, I think he walked it quite nicely. I love when things all seem to fall into place and you as the reader feel one of those "aha" moments where it all comes together.
I think that the relationship that Slaton has built with the CIA - with the chief and with Anna Sorenson - and the one that he is delicately continuing with the current Mossad is going to be wonderful kindling for the next few books. I am looking forward to going along for the ride.
For some reason, it took me a while to get into this story, but when it clicked, it really clicked. I'm not sure if it was because I was listening on Audible, but I started and stopped this one a couple of times before I really got into the story.
I like Ward Larson and especially enjoy his David Slaton series. I read a lot in this genre and it is refreshing to have a protagonist who is supposedly such a "great assassin" yet he takes the time to wonder what new changes and advances are happening in the world of intelligence that he might not be aware of and muses about all the things that he is probably doing wrong in trying to keep himself and his family off the grid. He also refuses to accept an assignment until he discusses it with his wife, and he is forthright and honest with her. Yep, I like David Slaton.
This book was an interesting and plausible story line that seems to bring some real world scenarios into play in a crazy mix. Larsen leads the reader in several different directions with several plot lines going on at once and the reader is left wondering if anything is connected and if so - for what purpose. There is a fine line between realistic plausibility and having too much information thrown at you to see what sticks. I thought at times that the author might have skirted over that line, but when it was all said and done, I think he walked it quite nicely. I love when things all seem to fall into place and you as the reader feel one of those "aha" moments where it all comes together.
I think that the relationship that Slaton has built with the CIA - with the chief and with Anna Sorenson - and the one that he is delicately continuing with the current Mossad is going to be wonderful kindling for the next few books. I am looking forward to going along for the ride.
September 27, 2018
"Assassin's Run" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Ward Larsen (https://www.wardlarsen.com). Mr. Larsen has published ten novels. This is the fifth in his "David Slaton" series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary Europe and North Africa. The primary character is former Israeli assassin, David Slaton.
Slaton, his wife, and young son have disappeared, or at least they thought that they had. While sailing along the coast of Italy, they are surprised when Anna Sorensen, a pretty young CIA agent seeks them out. A Russian Oligarch has been assassinated by a sniper nearby. Slaton was a sniper for Israel and now word is that the Russians are looking for him as the shooter.
Sorensen convinces Slaton and his wife that their safest action is for Slaton to help identify who the assassin actually is. Reluctantly Slaton agrees and before long he is deep into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the Russian Oligarch was somehow plotting with two others. Together they are behind some kind of smuggling operation connected to Saudi Arabia. There is more there than a simple smuggling operation though. Slaton and Sorensen must stay alive, discover the plan and try to stop it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 358-page thriller. I liked the characters in this novel. Slaton is a strong lead that is easy to like. The plot is good and not obvious. The novel reads well as a stand-alone read even though it is the fourth in the series. The cover art is OK, though I think it could have been better. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary Europe and North Africa. The primary character is former Israeli assassin, David Slaton.
Slaton, his wife, and young son have disappeared, or at least they thought that they had. While sailing along the coast of Italy, they are surprised when Anna Sorensen, a pretty young CIA agent seeks them out. A Russian Oligarch has been assassinated by a sniper nearby. Slaton was a sniper for Israel and now word is that the Russians are looking for him as the shooter.
Sorensen convinces Slaton and his wife that their safest action is for Slaton to help identify who the assassin actually is. Reluctantly Slaton agrees and before long he is deep into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the Russian Oligarch was somehow plotting with two others. Together they are behind some kind of smuggling operation connected to Saudi Arabia. There is more there than a simple smuggling operation though. Slaton and Sorensen must stay alive, discover the plan and try to stop it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 9.5 hours I spent reading this 358-page thriller. I liked the characters in this novel. Slaton is a strong lead that is easy to like. The plot is good and not obvious. The novel reads well as a stand-alone read even though it is the fourth in the series. The cover art is OK, though I think it could have been better. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
July 16, 2019
It was good thriller with suspense and action. It was a good read and I would recommend to readers who like reading author Daniel Silva.
September 20, 2018
The normal saying goes "the book is much better than the movie." With Assassin's Run, I believe Assassin's Run as a movie will be much better than the book.
Once again (for the 5th time) former Mossad Kidon (assassin) David Slaton is called on by the US Government to find out who is behind the destruction of 3 ships at sea. Each had been sunk by forces unknown and a small group of Russian-looking men escaped each ship. Further, Slaton is sent to the Middle East to investigate what appears to be ships unloading something in areas surrounding Saudi Arabia. Slaton is singled out by the Russians as a possible assassin of 2 Russian men. Now it is assassin vs. assassin.
Unlike the 4 previous David Slaton novels, Assassin's Run is extremely well-written and interesting, but the excitement if not there....at least not until the last few pages. Rather, it is an interesting, detailed story of intrigue along with a sympathetic story of David, his wife and young son and his desire to lead an ordinary life instead of continuing his dangerous life as an assassin. Everything is in place to create a page-turner. The pages, however, just don't want to turn as quickly as I would like. A motion picture made of this novel I feel certain could create the excitement missing in the reading.
Ward Larsen continues to be one of my favorite authors. I hope he continues with the David Slaton stories, as his last novel, Cutting Edge, (without Slaton) was disappointing and a real mess!
Once again (for the 5th time) former Mossad Kidon (assassin) David Slaton is called on by the US Government to find out who is behind the destruction of 3 ships at sea. Each had been sunk by forces unknown and a small group of Russian-looking men escaped each ship. Further, Slaton is sent to the Middle East to investigate what appears to be ships unloading something in areas surrounding Saudi Arabia. Slaton is singled out by the Russians as a possible assassin of 2 Russian men. Now it is assassin vs. assassin.
Unlike the 4 previous David Slaton novels, Assassin's Run is extremely well-written and interesting, but the excitement if not there....at least not until the last few pages. Rather, it is an interesting, detailed story of intrigue along with a sympathetic story of David, his wife and young son and his desire to lead an ordinary life instead of continuing his dangerous life as an assassin. Everything is in place to create a page-turner. The pages, however, just don't want to turn as quickly as I would like. A motion picture made of this novel I feel certain could create the excitement missing in the reading.
Ward Larsen continues to be one of my favorite authors. I hope he continues with the David Slaton stories, as his last novel, Cutting Edge, (without Slaton) was disappointing and a real mess!
February 5, 2022
I usually enjoy this kind of books, there is a lot of action, semi-interesting story, a hero, an enemy, technology, weapons and happyend… and next book in the series. Is it some sort of new contractual obligation that new authors do not only write one book but shoot for a series of five or more books from the beginning?
Yep, it is a business like any other but sometimes it feels to forced. Too much pressure on the authors to produce to be successful. Like at all costs. Not everyone can be J. K. Rowling…
This book tries to assemble the above-mentioned ingredients together but I didn’t like the result. The only thing I found interesting was the “steerable” bullet. Otherwise, nothing you won’t see elsewhere. The main character is your traditional alpha male, seen it all, done it all but interestingly not smart. I had to chuckle when I read him being described as legendary snipper. Actually his actions would most likely get him killed rather sooner than later. HIs wife is extremely submissive, there is no interesting interaction between them.
I skipped many pages and I feel that I didn’t miss anything important.
Yep, it is a business like any other but sometimes it feels to forced. Too much pressure on the authors to produce to be successful. Like at all costs. Not everyone can be J. K. Rowling…
This book tries to assemble the above-mentioned ingredients together but I didn’t like the result. The only thing I found interesting was the “steerable” bullet. Otherwise, nothing you won’t see elsewhere. The main character is your traditional alpha male, seen it all, done it all but interestingly not smart. I had to chuckle when I read him being described as legendary snipper. Actually his actions would most likely get him killed rather sooner than later. HIs wife is extremely submissive, there is no interesting interaction between them.
I skipped many pages and I feel that I didn’t miss anything important.
May 16, 2019
Another good story in this series. In this one, Slaton, is once again sucked back into the espionage and special ops game from his extended journey sailing around the world with his wife and young child. The rest of the world continues to think he is dead (although, a wider number of individuals the espionage world are finding out he is very much alive). Since he is trying to "stay off the grid" as a means for continuing to "be dead" and to protect his wife and child from those that would try to hurt them as a way to get back at the former Israeli assassin, they are living on a sailboat and seeing the world.
Once again, Slaton is drawn back into the game both to protect his family and to help the CIA and Mossad thwart the efforts of bad actors (in this case the Russians). Needless to say, he continues to function as a super assassin and manages to win the day for the good guys. Its a fast paced plot with multiple surprises and Larsen has now reached the same level as my other genre favorites: Eisler, Greaney, and Coes.
Once again, Slaton is drawn back into the game both to protect his family and to help the CIA and Mossad thwart the efforts of bad actors (in this case the Russians). Needless to say, he continues to function as a super assassin and manages to win the day for the good guys. Its a fast paced plot with multiple surprises and Larsen has now reached the same level as my other genre favorites: Eisler, Greaney, and Coes.
February 2, 2023
Book Review – Assassin’s Run – Ward Larsen
Author Ward Larsen’s “Assassin’s Run,” has main character Israeli assassin David Slaton clashing with the Russians in this globe-trotting, action-packed espionage thriller. Larsen pens another breathless adventure in Book 5 of this very alluring series. The complexity of the plots and the great storytelling contained in these books is to be applauded. The series has matured, and the characters continue to get more and more interesting and appealing with each story. This narrative was suspenseful, exciting, and action-loaded! Larsen made the storyline more realistic and less superhuman unimaginable. And all the characters – including the bad guys, were neatly formed. He told a very plausible tale that leads me to continue with the series. I’m enjoying the David Slaton series and recommend it to any espionage thriller enthusiast. Assassin’s Run is another great addition to this series.
Author Ward Larsen’s “Assassin’s Run,” has main character Israeli assassin David Slaton clashing with the Russians in this globe-trotting, action-packed espionage thriller. Larsen pens another breathless adventure in Book 5 of this very alluring series. The complexity of the plots and the great storytelling contained in these books is to be applauded. The series has matured, and the characters continue to get more and more interesting and appealing with each story. This narrative was suspenseful, exciting, and action-loaded! Larsen made the storyline more realistic and less superhuman unimaginable. And all the characters – including the bad guys, were neatly formed. He told a very plausible tale that leads me to continue with the series. I’m enjoying the David Slaton series and recommend it to any espionage thriller enthusiast. Assassin’s Run is another great addition to this series.
June 18, 2018
I'd like to thank NetGalley for the ARC!
Slaton is back and boy has he still got it. This is one of my favorite series because of the realism and grittiness employed by Ward Larsen. It's not about having a main protagonist that beats 5 people to a pulp, dodges bullets and does things that suspend belief. Those kind of books are dime a dozen. What you get here is a cerebral and realistic take on a spy genre that showcases how the action would actually unfold. It delves into Slaton pysche as he balances the need to protect his family with his need for his former life and country.
The plot mirrors the real world scenario of falling oil prices, especially with US shale production and Iran keeping the oil prices down and how this can cause people to take desperate measures.
I cannot wait for the next installment!!
Slaton is back and boy has he still got it. This is one of my favorite series because of the realism and grittiness employed by Ward Larsen. It's not about having a main protagonist that beats 5 people to a pulp, dodges bullets and does things that suspend belief. Those kind of books are dime a dozen. What you get here is a cerebral and realistic take on a spy genre that showcases how the action would actually unfold. It delves into Slaton pysche as he balances the need to protect his family with his need for his former life and country.
The plot mirrors the real world scenario of falling oil prices, especially with US shale production and Iran keeping the oil prices down and how this can cause people to take desperate measures.
I cannot wait for the next installment!!
April 6, 2021
Perhaps because this is the first "David Slaton" novel I have read, I really did not like anything about this book. It should have been a lot more interesting based upon the underlying plot. Maybe the author did not give enough character development for me to feel invested in the David Slaton, Christine, and Davey family, or to even care about them at all. The details gone into during each 'action type scene' were just deadly boring. I could not wait to finish reading this, and only finished it to see what would ultimately happen to the Saudis. The rich Russian bad guys were such stereotypes -- and boring -- and the younger up and coming Russians were also just not interesting to read about. The CIA woman being sent to Riyadh in the midst of all this was idiotic. I would not read another book in this series.
September 23, 2023
Ward Larsen is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. This is number 5 in the series and I am torn between staying with the series to its completion or checking out some of the other Ward Larsen books beyond the David Slaton character. Not because I have grown tired of the character, just curious as to what else may be available when I am finished with the series. I am not sure how a Desert Storm pilot becomes so Ada Iliad with assassins that he can write about them with such detail but the author apparently has a gift of writing that few others possess. His description of far away cities and locales I will never visit is in-depth and vivid. The characters are rich and memorable. The storyline is compelling and if you stay with them long enough, they seem to fit together quite nicely. On to the next book.
September 25, 2018
3.5 stars. A briskly paced thriller that avoids the usual problems in the genre of too much manic action and excessive techno/weapon porn. A very linear plot which is a relief. The premise is that Slaton is out of the assassin game but the Russians drag him back in by framing him for a series of hits as they plan something nefarious against the house of Saud. The two plots dovetail at the end, as they are wont to do. I find it hard to believe that the House of Saud would hold its annual conclave in Morocco but they’d be a hard target in SArabia. Also I’m not sure the magic bullet would work over an extreme range because it wouldn’t carry with enough terminal (pun!) velocity. Nice idea though.
September 2, 2018
(3.5) I have read all the books in this series and in the Jammer Davis series and most of them have been 5-star reads. I had a hard time getting into this latest one - kept putting it down, losing interest. The first half of the book was really slow and detailed. It only really came alive for me after 50%. Things started to come together and action picked up. I found the book to be my least favorite, by far, of the entire series. Do love the characters and writing style, but it was a bit of a miss for me. Looking forward to his next one in the series, as well as the next Jammer book.
September 27, 2024
Book five of the David Slaton series hits the ground running in this high energy, action packed, espionage/military thriller. Well written, incredible characters, and significant twists and turns makes this a worthy addition to the series. This is book 5, I highly recommend starting with the first book, "The Perfect Assassin" and reading them in order. Each book works well as a stand alone but the developing relationships between the characters are spoilers for the earlier books. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2018
This is the newest one in the series about an assassin. I really have enjoyed all of the books on the series. This was was good but it is getting stale. The family living on the boat. Being found. David having to go out and settle things.
The writing is very good and I really enjoy the author.. It is just he is always saving his family. Saving the world.
Will read the next one of course.
I like the author!
The writing is very good and I really enjoy the author.. It is just he is always saving his family. Saving the world.
Will read the next one of course.
I like the author!
September 2, 2021
page turning adventure
Ward Larson can weave a tale that will keep you up all night. The David Slaton series is an example of this. In Assassin’s Run, the kidon, David Slaton, is sent on a fact finding mission which lands him hanging off a cliff in effort to save the lives of the Saudi Royal family as well as his own. Highly recommended to lovers of cliff hanging adventure! No pun intended.
Ward Larson can weave a tale that will keep you up all night. The David Slaton series is an example of this. In Assassin’s Run, the kidon, David Slaton, is sent on a fact finding mission which lands him hanging off a cliff in effort to save the lives of the Saudi Royal family as well as his own. Highly recommended to lovers of cliff hanging adventure! No pun intended.
December 11, 2018
David Slaton keeps getting better. In this episode of Ward Larson’s excellent series, our hero may have met his match. With a background story taken right from today’s headlines, Slaton must deal with both seen and unseen forces. Already looking forward to the next adventure. I received an advanced digital copy through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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