What do you think?
Rate this book
The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance
This is the first edition of The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance. The publisher, Book Baby, has discontinued this edition from all of it's outlets. There have been no major changes in the second edition, other than the new cover.
ebook
First published October 13, 2014
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Glen Barrera
5 books8 followersGlen, a former partner in a real estate appraisal company, now writes. Over the years he’s edited a company newsletter, written short stories (one a contest winner) and poetry. It wasn’t until a few years ago, however, that he found time to take a writing course while working on his first novel, The Assassin Who Couldn’t Dance. Since then, he has written A Capable and Wide Revenge and Sweet Peach, all in the thriller genre. Recently released is a fourth book, a dystopian fantasy with the title, Carly Nowhere.
Glen grew up in Chicago, with college at Western Illinois University, College of DuPage and the University of Illinois, Chicago. He studied Isshinryu Karate for fourteen years, sailed for seven years out of Burnham Harbor, and now and then plays blues and classical guitar. A Chicago boy at heart, he now lives in a western suburb.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 25, 2015
Boy, did I enjoy this book! With an ensemble cast--so vividly drawn (both heroes and villains alike) that I experienced none of the character confusion that plague similar character-loaded books. The fascinating folks that populated this story were tracked so well, and the layers of plotlines were so satisfyingly concluded, that I offer my kudos to author Glen Barrera for a well-crafted and satisfying thriller. The plot spun along at a rat-a-tat pace, bouncing between different locations--again with utmost clarity. Again Mr. Barrera did not disappoint.
Alongside the intense action sequences (though never gratuitous) there was still room for some wry humor, combat buddy-buddy comradery, true friendship and betrayal, and even a touch of romance. "The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance..." read with the vigor of a cinematically entertaining script as my mind's eye was filled dynamic imagery. I'm sure looking forward to reading the further adventures of Hector, Lucy and others in future works by this talented author.
The Zebra AffaireMark Fine
Alongside the intense action sequences (though never gratuitous) there was still room for some wry humor, combat buddy-buddy comradery, true friendship and betrayal, and even a touch of romance. "The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance..." read with the vigor of a cinematically entertaining script as my mind's eye was filled dynamic imagery. I'm sure looking forward to reading the further adventures of Hector, Lucy and others in future works by this talented author.
The Zebra AffaireMark Fine
February 24, 2015
The Assassin Who Couldn’t Dance by Glen Barrera
In “The Assassin Who Couldn’t Dance” Glen Barrera has created a cast of characters so real you can imagine them living next door. While “Hector Munoz”, with skills developed over time, is far from the next door neighbor type his character is so skillfully created that it would not be surprising to meet him at the mall. Hector’s goal is to retrieve the keys and codes to safe deposit boxes in the U.S. that contain not only millions of dollars in cash and diamonds but also documents that would reveal corruption within the U.S. military. For Hector this is not just a journey of vengeance to find and kill those responsible for the murders of his father and brother, but also a journey to find himself. Hector’s transformation from a killing machine to a man who discovers he can still love and care for others is beautifully handled. While the ex-recon Force that holds the keys and codes have followed the “rules” that came with their windfall sixteen years earlier they are still discovered and must defend themselves against mercenaries hired by corrupt officials to get the documents and the wealth sparing no lives in the process. This is an action packed well thought out battle between good and evil with Hector as the mysterious piece who can sway the entire project either way. As a young man who has survived without a family for years he is suddenly drawn into relationships he does not fully understand and experiences emotions he does not know how to handle. His growing attraction to Lucy, a young girl who has also experienced pain and uncertainty, and her obvious feelings for him are the linchpin that finally brings the story to an exciting conclusion. This is a book that will make you laugh and cry and restore your faith in the power of love.
In “The Assassin Who Couldn’t Dance” Glen Barrera has created a cast of characters so real you can imagine them living next door. While “Hector Munoz”, with skills developed over time, is far from the next door neighbor type his character is so skillfully created that it would not be surprising to meet him at the mall. Hector’s goal is to retrieve the keys and codes to safe deposit boxes in the U.S. that contain not only millions of dollars in cash and diamonds but also documents that would reveal corruption within the U.S. military. For Hector this is not just a journey of vengeance to find and kill those responsible for the murders of his father and brother, but also a journey to find himself. Hector’s transformation from a killing machine to a man who discovers he can still love and care for others is beautifully handled. While the ex-recon Force that holds the keys and codes have followed the “rules” that came with their windfall sixteen years earlier they are still discovered and must defend themselves against mercenaries hired by corrupt officials to get the documents and the wealth sparing no lives in the process. This is an action packed well thought out battle between good and evil with Hector as the mysterious piece who can sway the entire project either way. As a young man who has survived without a family for years he is suddenly drawn into relationships he does not fully understand and experiences emotions he does not know how to handle. His growing attraction to Lucy, a young girl who has also experienced pain and uncertainty, and her obvious feelings for him are the linchpin that finally brings the story to an exciting conclusion. This is a book that will make you laugh and cry and restore your faith in the power of love.
January 3, 2015
Thrilling action!
This story is colourful and powerful
It contains compelling characters that march along with the story in the day-to-day events of ‘life’, and all this is wrapped-up in a thrilling journey of redemption, love and mayhem. The entire package is eloquently balanced to avoid becoming confusing. Added is a splash of humour to round it off nicely.
Set at a good pace, and a change of rhythm, right where it should be – just allowing you enough time to gather your wits for the next stretch of excitement!
Blossoming within the mayhem is romance and that is stitched together so elegantly, that you just won’t want it to end.
Barrera knows how to write. Presented here is an effortless journey with all the thrills and spills you need – what are you waiting for?
And, when’s the next one ready?
This story is colourful and powerful
It contains compelling characters that march along with the story in the day-to-day events of ‘life’, and all this is wrapped-up in a thrilling journey of redemption, love and mayhem. The entire package is eloquently balanced to avoid becoming confusing. Added is a splash of humour to round it off nicely.
Set at a good pace, and a change of rhythm, right where it should be – just allowing you enough time to gather your wits for the next stretch of excitement!
Blossoming within the mayhem is romance and that is stitched together so elegantly, that you just won’t want it to end.
Barrera knows how to write. Presented here is an effortless journey with all the thrills and spills you need – what are you waiting for?
And, when’s the next one ready?
February 12, 2015
An Intriguing Story of Corruption and Greed
A fast paced ride into the murky underworld of corrupt military personnel willing to annihilate anyone standing in the way of stolen fortunes.
Mr. Barrera crafts his tale with a large, interesting pack of characters - Mexican bandits, ruthless mercenaries, a sadistic cowboy, a sleazy Chicago mob figure - and those are just the bad guys.
From beginning to end, each character is true to his story line, which is the mark of a good writer and a sure sign you will enjoy the story.
The writer promises a story with a powerful punch and he delivers - big time.
There are millions of books to choose from but only a few worth reading - this one is worth reading.
A fast paced ride into the murky underworld of corrupt military personnel willing to annihilate anyone standing in the way of stolen fortunes.
Mr. Barrera crafts his tale with a large, interesting pack of characters - Mexican bandits, ruthless mercenaries, a sadistic cowboy, a sleazy Chicago mob figure - and those are just the bad guys.
From beginning to end, each character is true to his story line, which is the mark of a good writer and a sure sign you will enjoy the story.
The writer promises a story with a powerful punch and he delivers - big time.
There are millions of books to choose from but only a few worth reading - this one is worth reading.
March 8, 2015
Excellent book.
March 14, 2015
I sped through this action-packed thriller -- Believable characters and a well-spun tale.
The story jumps from storyline / location to the next at a fast pace. The first character you're introduced to is killed and then the second one almost killed. At about 5% into the novel, I thought everyone might die. But, I'm pleased to say this wasn't the case. I expected the book to primarily focus on Hector, the assassin, but there were a number of key characters highlighted throughout the story. While Hector played a key role, there was far more to the tale. The story hinges on unethical behavior by a group of US military that prompted the chain of events leading to the present day conflict. As the novel progresses, the chain of events is explained and all of the seemingly random pieces fit into place.
The author developed believable characters, as I've noted above. While some do fit a familiar mold, there are traits of others that are fresh and new. I'm particularly pleased that Hector was unique in comparison to the stereotypical assassin.
The descriptions and dialogue flowed easily. I found myself able to picture the scenes without having to wade through excessive detail. The book stirs a number of emotions and is built on more than just action. While I made a close guess as to how the story would end, there were still some surprises in the wrapping up of loose ends.
If I had to list one item that might bother some readers, it would be the quick jumps at the beginning of the story. However, after a chapter or two, you'll be comfortable with the characters and find the pace easy to follow.
In summary, I loved the story and the key characters. I look forward to the next one by this author.
The story jumps from storyline / location to the next at a fast pace. The first character you're introduced to is killed and then the second one almost killed. At about 5% into the novel, I thought everyone might die. But, I'm pleased to say this wasn't the case. I expected the book to primarily focus on Hector, the assassin, but there were a number of key characters highlighted throughout the story. While Hector played a key role, there was far more to the tale. The story hinges on unethical behavior by a group of US military that prompted the chain of events leading to the present day conflict. As the novel progresses, the chain of events is explained and all of the seemingly random pieces fit into place.
The author developed believable characters, as I've noted above. While some do fit a familiar mold, there are traits of others that are fresh and new. I'm particularly pleased that Hector was unique in comparison to the stereotypical assassin.
The descriptions and dialogue flowed easily. I found myself able to picture the scenes without having to wade through excessive detail. The book stirs a number of emotions and is built on more than just action. While I made a close guess as to how the story would end, there were still some surprises in the wrapping up of loose ends.
If I had to list one item that might bother some readers, it would be the quick jumps at the beginning of the story. However, after a chapter or two, you'll be comfortable with the characters and find the pace easy to follow.
In summary, I loved the story and the key characters. I look forward to the next one by this author.
November 11, 2015
A thriller writer who deftly combines a suspenseful plot, a fast-paced story, and believable characters, is a good thriller author. A writer who, like Glen Barrera, juggles masterly a multi-layered, intricate plot with an international background, a breathtakingly galloping story, and multifaceted characters, combined with a compact, yet fluent, style, is a damn good author overall, regardless of genre. Barrera’s characters, although numerous, are eminently drawn, with the young assassin Hector Munoz in the forefront. Munoz is from his early youth a trained and ruthless killer, bent on revenge, but he also has a heart, and a desire to belong somewhere and with someone. Although action is the leading source of this captivating novel, emotions like friendship, love, and loyalty, are key-players. Therefore, “The Assassin who couldn’t dance” is not only a exceptionally fierce thriller, but also a poignant examination of The Human Condition. I’m not a ‘pure’ thriller-reader: there has to be something underneath a suspense story that captivates my brain and my heart. Glen Barrera did an excellent job on both levels. Definitely going to buy the sequel “A Capable and Wide Revenge” (by the way: yet another brilliant title). And where’s the movie?
April 17, 2015
This book feels like a movie. It's fast paced, with loads of action and a large cast of characters. Although the title refers to Hector, a young assassin bent on revenge, I felt the real stars of the book were Russ, Gil and Denny. They have a chemistry that adds a layer of realism and fun to what already is a compelling story.
And the bad guys really are bad. Mr. Barrera does a brilliant job bringing the evil characters to life. Particularly Boondock. There's that phrase 'someone you love to hate,' and it describes Boondock perfectly.
This is a great story with many layers, and the author weaves it all together wonderfully. And the nice thing is, it leaves room for a sequel. If you're in the mood for a fast paced adventure, with a cast of memorable characters, you should do yourself a favor and give The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance a try.
And the bad guys really are bad. Mr. Barrera does a brilliant job bringing the evil characters to life. Particularly Boondock. There's that phrase 'someone you love to hate,' and it describes Boondock perfectly.
This is a great story with many layers, and the author weaves it all together wonderfully. And the nice thing is, it leaves room for a sequel. If you're in the mood for a fast paced adventure, with a cast of memorable characters, you should do yourself a favor and give The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance a try.
February 16, 2015
Glen Barrera does a fine job of keeping your interest with this extremely fast-paced tale of revenge and soul-searching. The frequent setting changes force you to pay attention, but the action packed into every chapter keeps you wanting to turn the page. As with all strong stories, the main character has set off to avenge a severe wrong-doing, but along the way discovers that what he has set out to do I perhaps not what he really needs to do.
Barrera’s skilled writing holds it all together until the exciting end. Highly recommended.
Barrera’s skilled writing holds it all together until the exciting end. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2015
This is a fast moving story that would definitely appeal to anyone that likes an action packed movie or book. For me I found myself hooked from the first few pages. I enjoyed the characters and the underlying relationships. I also liked the variations and descriptions of location.
The author has created an exciting read that transports you in to a world of hero’s, bonds of friendship but also a world of human fragility. The Assassin that Couldn’t dance is a colourful, gripping and fast paced read. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
The author has created an exciting read that transports you in to a world of hero’s, bonds of friendship but also a world of human fragility. The Assassin that Couldn’t dance is a colourful, gripping and fast paced read. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.
April 15, 2015
A corrupt network in the US Army; a sequence of safe deposit boxes across America; a handful of ex-GIs with dark secrets; an assassin who ISN'T Hispanic... and then it starts getting complicated. Glen Barrera has penned a well-written thriller that confuses just the right amount and has characters you sympathise with, and villains who are utterly loathesome. I especially liked Lucy aka Bubbles, the wisecracking trailer-trash sharpshooter, and I look forward to the sequel!
June 4, 2020
A rip-snorting, action packed thriller with all the ingredients; greed, revenge, pitched battles, multiple players, abasement, torture, you name it.
I found this book a suitable enough distraction from my average reading — writing that stimulates thought. This more like an action movie one gets caught up in, belief suspended.
What I found lacking was the hand of an independent, professional editor.
I found this book a suitable enough distraction from my average reading — writing that stimulates thought. This more like an action movie one gets caught up in, belief suspended.
What I found lacking was the hand of an independent, professional editor.
February 10, 2016
Loyalty between friends in all-action special ops thriller
I was worried the book might be too violent for my taste but Glen Barrera's judgement stayed within what worked for me as part of a fast-paced all-action story. The opening scene is as violent as the book gets so that sets the tone - and gets you straight into the twists of the plot and some of the key players. If the guerilla warfare and killing can be gutsy, the romance is the opposite - tender and implicit.
What I think sets this at the top of its genre is the portrayal of loyalty and trust in the midst of warfare. We see traditional military values (and weapons) in the midst of criminal chaos and outright warfare and we care about this band of brothers. I want a new term to replace 'band of brothers' because what the author does really well is to include women as equals in that band. The links of loyalty and trust unite the whole group, with romances being more like special friendships within the overall bonds. Crime novels often show the bond between detective partners but this is the first book I've read which really shows group friendship in extreme duress. Imagine the Famous Five in the army, having adventures in which people are killed.
'The Assassin' and 'A Wide and Capable Revenge' give you no time to draw breath but across the two books the reader gets to know the characters more. The language is suitably muscular and when there is a little description, it always fits the scene and the characters - I'd enjoy more of that but then, I guess I'm reading out of my usual genre and I'm not used to all that gunfire!
I was worried the book might be too violent for my taste but Glen Barrera's judgement stayed within what worked for me as part of a fast-paced all-action story. The opening scene is as violent as the book gets so that sets the tone - and gets you straight into the twists of the plot and some of the key players. If the guerilla warfare and killing can be gutsy, the romance is the opposite - tender and implicit.
What I think sets this at the top of its genre is the portrayal of loyalty and trust in the midst of warfare. We see traditional military values (and weapons) in the midst of criminal chaos and outright warfare and we care about this band of brothers. I want a new term to replace 'band of brothers' because what the author does really well is to include women as equals in that band. The links of loyalty and trust unite the whole group, with romances being more like special friendships within the overall bonds. Crime novels often show the bond between detective partners but this is the first book I've read which really shows group friendship in extreme duress. Imagine the Famous Five in the army, having adventures in which people are killed.
'The Assassin' and 'A Wide and Capable Revenge' give you no time to draw breath but across the two books the reader gets to know the characters more. The language is suitably muscular and when there is a little description, it always fits the scene and the characters - I'd enjoy more of that but then, I guess I'm reading out of my usual genre and I'm not used to all that gunfire!
April 16, 2021
This is a well written book with an excellent narrative voice. The characters are well drawn. There are many, but none are superfluous to the story, hence easy to visualise and keep a track of. The action is great as are the plot twists. I often like to guess where the story is headed but Mr Barrera was way ahead of me and I liked that. Whilst reading this book, I managed to suspend my disbelief and became embroiled with Gil, Morgan, Lucy, Hector, the Mexican family, et al. I especially gelled with Sharky - right from the beginning. Very emotive scene where his friends visit him after he is...(I don't do spoilers). There is a scattering of typos, but when I swallowed the lump at a particular scene, they were forgotten. Did I mention the diamonds, money, corruption, greed, the unexpected friendships and double crosses, the wife who listened too closely to a sister....
May 30, 2015
A powerful thriller by a great storyteller
Barrera’s fluent and highly readable writing quickly pulled me into the story; fast moving from the very start. The main character, Hector, was only seven when his father and brother were brutally murdered by corrupt US military officers. After sixteen years of rigorous training by a friend of his father, Hector is considered a full-fledged assassin. He illegally crosses the border from Mexico into the US, intent on finding keys and codes to safe deposit boxes containing cash, diamonds and documents exposing corrupt US military personnel. Simultaneously, other key characters are introduced in another location, and at first I found it a bit difficult to keep track of them, so I slowed down, took my time to get to know them, and it was well worth it. The character of Hector as an assassin is unique, but all the other key characters are equally well crafted and seem so real I almost felt I could touch and hear them. I became involved with their stories and cared about what would happen to them. Barrera also did a fantastic job creating brilliantly evil villains. The story, layered with plotlines moving between different locations in the US, include war crimes, corruption, betrayal and a little romance. It unfolds extremely well, and never gets bogged down in irrelevant material. In the end, Hector, trained to kill, never exposed to a normal life, confronts the emotional emptiness in his life, and slowly allows Lucy to teach him how to dance. I highly recommend this book.
Barrera’s fluent and highly readable writing quickly pulled me into the story; fast moving from the very start. The main character, Hector, was only seven when his father and brother were brutally murdered by corrupt US military officers. After sixteen years of rigorous training by a friend of his father, Hector is considered a full-fledged assassin. He illegally crosses the border from Mexico into the US, intent on finding keys and codes to safe deposit boxes containing cash, diamonds and documents exposing corrupt US military personnel. Simultaneously, other key characters are introduced in another location, and at first I found it a bit difficult to keep track of them, so I slowed down, took my time to get to know them, and it was well worth it. The character of Hector as an assassin is unique, but all the other key characters are equally well crafted and seem so real I almost felt I could touch and hear them. I became involved with their stories and cared about what would happen to them. Barrera also did a fantastic job creating brilliantly evil villains. The story, layered with plotlines moving between different locations in the US, include war crimes, corruption, betrayal and a little romance. It unfolds extremely well, and never gets bogged down in irrelevant material. In the end, Hector, trained to kill, never exposed to a normal life, confronts the emotional emptiness in his life, and slowly allows Lucy to teach him how to dance. I highly recommend this book.
July 28, 2015
This story is colourful and powerful
It contains compelling characters that march along with the story in the day-to-day events of ‘life’, and all this is wrapped-up in a thrilling journey of redemption, love and mayhem. The entire package is eloquently balanced to avoid becoming confusing. Added is a splash of humour to round it off nicely.
Set at a good pace, and a change of rhythm right where it should be – just allowing you enough time to gather your wits for the next stretch of excitement!
Blossoming within the mayhem is romance and that is stitched together so elegantly, that you just won’t want it to end.
Barrera knows how to write. Presented here is an effortless journey with all the thrills and spills you need – what are you waiting for?
It contains compelling characters that march along with the story in the day-to-day events of ‘life’, and all this is wrapped-up in a thrilling journey of redemption, love and mayhem. The entire package is eloquently balanced to avoid becoming confusing. Added is a splash of humour to round it off nicely.
Set at a good pace, and a change of rhythm right where it should be – just allowing you enough time to gather your wits for the next stretch of excitement!
Blossoming within the mayhem is romance and that is stitched together so elegantly, that you just won’t want it to end.
Barrera knows how to write. Presented here is an effortless journey with all the thrills and spills you need – what are you waiting for?
July 10, 2016
In addition to being a critique partner, Glen Barrera is a very talented thriller writer. His writing is full of keen observations and wit; it makes reading his work a real pleasure.
May 1, 2017
Can you resist the title - The Assassin Who Couldn't Dance? I couldn't, which is why I added the book to my TBR pile even before I had the time to read it. My only regret now is not having read it sooner. Let me try to be brief so you can go and get this thriller and enjoy it the way I have.
Hector is a young, well-trained assassin with a shady past and partial lack of ordinary social skills who encounters an unlikely group of ex-military pals and their families, only to find himself questioning his own mission. Not only will the author sail you successfully through the numerous plots and subplots, twists and turns, concerning the good old money scams of enormous proportions, where any means is supposed to justify the end, but he will make you care about the characters, just as he makes Hector care. I hated my own eyes when they got tired of reading and having to go to work in the midst of the action scenes, and I am still trying to decide on my favourite character (Morgan and Lucy take the lead, but only by an inch).
This thriller has it all - all shades of good and bad, tough and likeble heroes (both female and male), a rich variety of gruesome villains, cliffhanger moments, actions with guns blazing and foreheads sweating (great writing overall), intelligent romance where you hope for it, skillfully crafted dialogues... And one thing I truly admire - attention to detail in the midst of chaos. Lana's lipstick on the glass Parks uses, Annie's Christmas decorations... The author has a way with words that suits me just like when you find good rock tunes which fit your taste. I am not one to hang on first lines, but this one had me reading well past my bedtime...
"Nazar ran his tongue over cracked lips as he considered, for intellectual exercise, the varied forms of torture yet to be discovered."
Movie-like and better, with all the suspenseful feel of a movie and the great quality of the written word, this is a treat for any thriller fan with a taste for intense, intelligent action mysteries. Looking forward to more.
Hector is a young, well-trained assassin with a shady past and partial lack of ordinary social skills who encounters an unlikely group of ex-military pals and their families, only to find himself questioning his own mission. Not only will the author sail you successfully through the numerous plots and subplots, twists and turns, concerning the good old money scams of enormous proportions, where any means is supposed to justify the end, but he will make you care about the characters, just as he makes Hector care. I hated my own eyes when they got tired of reading and having to go to work in the midst of the action scenes, and I am still trying to decide on my favourite character (Morgan and Lucy take the lead, but only by an inch).
This thriller has it all - all shades of good and bad, tough and likeble heroes (both female and male), a rich variety of gruesome villains, cliffhanger moments, actions with guns blazing and foreheads sweating (great writing overall), intelligent romance where you hope for it, skillfully crafted dialogues... And one thing I truly admire - attention to detail in the midst of chaos. Lana's lipstick on the glass Parks uses, Annie's Christmas decorations... The author has a way with words that suits me just like when you find good rock tunes which fit your taste. I am not one to hang on first lines, but this one had me reading well past my bedtime...
"Nazar ran his tongue over cracked lips as he considered, for intellectual exercise, the varied forms of torture yet to be discovered."
Movie-like and better, with all the suspenseful feel of a movie and the great quality of the written word, this is a treat for any thriller fan with a taste for intense, intelligent action mysteries. Looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews