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Isabella Rose #4
The Assassin
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
The Assassin is the fourth part in a continuing story involving Isabella Rose that also includes Act The Angel, Act The Asset and Act The Agent.
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
The Assassin is the fourth part in a continuing story involving Isabella Rose that also includes Act The Angel, Act The Asset and Act The Agent.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2018
1288 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,848 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 13, 2018
Always feel comfortable reading a Mark Dawson story. His quite incredible account of a corrupt western world waging war against Syria and ISIS nears its conclusion here in Book 4.
Isabella the daughter of Beatrix Rose has been in hiding with Maia, a prototype super soldier who is ready to turn on her creators. In Mexico they are recovering and honing their skills to undertake an operation that will grant them access to those responsible, those who now have to die.
Matters are complicated by Bloom’s hidden agenda; Pope’s in hiding, to keep a low profile and keep his family safe. He isn’t doing too well, his family hate him for the mess he made, he is living alone, but close by,to protect them. Realistically his body and tradecraft are shot by an increasing alcohol dependency.
When Atari, this mysterious fixer finds him and persuades him Isabella needs rescuing he is torn between duty and promises made to her Mother.
At times confusing, deliberately, as the various strands come together. It seems everyone has secrets; the whole truth is never shared and the players struggle to accept who is on whose side. Various agendas are brought together by Bloom to try and place the U.K. ahead of the world in this programme of DNA manipulation to create a super asset, assassin. The USA programme has stalled but the leading scientist is reluctant to admit that the cancers affecting the M class have the power to kill the project. They have assumed Maia and Isabella are dead but when they fall fail of the Mexican justice, they plan to capture them. Along with Pope they know too much about the joint allied approach to foment war in Syria and Iraq and can’t be allowed to share details with the press. Atari claims those are his organisation’s motives but Pope is driven by guilt thinking he has previously let Isabella down and left her for dead.
Confusing it maybe, thrilling it definitely is and even having read the preceding three novels it only slowly becomes clearer to this faithful reader.
I must say the various parties’ motives and their total disregard for life seen in these stories becomes evident in this novel. Men mostly, driven by money, political dogma and scientific discovery are finally shown in their true identities. The sense of evil is blurred on all sides rather than our perceived and historical enemies.
The lack of empathy, conscience and integrity demonstrated by the players means the killing is seen more like an eradication of vermin. So the plot is tidied up and protagonists are removed without a passing tear. A bit like Kill Bill. Perhaps with one final caveat Isabella has one person still in her sights at the end of this instalment signalling that another book is needed, perhaps.
The author has done a terrific job bringing it all together and leaving few annoying what ifs and then whats.
I loved the set scenes which he builds up and then allows to play out in almost cinematic technicolour. His descriptive writing is clear and he paints vivid set pieces which appeal to all our senses.
The body count rises but no-one seems that innocent or too nice to survive.
A book for all fans of action adventures and modern thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Isabella the daughter of Beatrix Rose has been in hiding with Maia, a prototype super soldier who is ready to turn on her creators. In Mexico they are recovering and honing their skills to undertake an operation that will grant them access to those responsible, those who now have to die.
Matters are complicated by Bloom’s hidden agenda; Pope’s in hiding, to keep a low profile and keep his family safe. He isn’t doing too well, his family hate him for the mess he made, he is living alone, but close by,to protect them. Realistically his body and tradecraft are shot by an increasing alcohol dependency.
When Atari, this mysterious fixer finds him and persuades him Isabella needs rescuing he is torn between duty and promises made to her Mother.
At times confusing, deliberately, as the various strands come together. It seems everyone has secrets; the whole truth is never shared and the players struggle to accept who is on whose side. Various agendas are brought together by Bloom to try and place the U.K. ahead of the world in this programme of DNA manipulation to create a super asset, assassin. The USA programme has stalled but the leading scientist is reluctant to admit that the cancers affecting the M class have the power to kill the project. They have assumed Maia and Isabella are dead but when they fall fail of the Mexican justice, they plan to capture them. Along with Pope they know too much about the joint allied approach to foment war in Syria and Iraq and can’t be allowed to share details with the press. Atari claims those are his organisation’s motives but Pope is driven by guilt thinking he has previously let Isabella down and left her for dead.
Confusing it maybe, thrilling it definitely is and even having read the preceding three novels it only slowly becomes clearer to this faithful reader.
I must say the various parties’ motives and their total disregard for life seen in these stories becomes evident in this novel. Men mostly, driven by money, political dogma and scientific discovery are finally shown in their true identities. The sense of evil is blurred on all sides rather than our perceived and historical enemies.
The lack of empathy, conscience and integrity demonstrated by the players means the killing is seen more like an eradication of vermin. So the plot is tidied up and protagonists are removed without a passing tear. A bit like Kill Bill. Perhaps with one final caveat Isabella has one person still in her sights at the end of this instalment signalling that another book is needed, perhaps.
The author has done a terrific job bringing it all together and leaving few annoying what ifs and then whats.
I loved the set scenes which he builds up and then allows to play out in almost cinematic technicolour. His descriptive writing is clear and he paints vivid set pieces which appeal to all our senses.
The body count rises but no-one seems that innocent or too nice to survive.
A book for all fans of action adventures and modern thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 8, 2018
Well I know I am going to enjoy a Mark Dawson book, I always do !!
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
The Assassin is the fourth part in a continuing story involving Isabella Rose that also includes The Angel, The Asset and The Agent.
I can recommend all four of these books, alongside the three Beatrix Rose books, I love them !
Here, we have a collection of returning characters some great, some rather nasty.
Isabella, yes has one of the main roles but greatly assisted with the return of Michael Pope, Atari, Vivian Bloom and of course our Asset.
Does this book has an explosive ending, no it starts fast and stays at a relentless fast pace all the way through the book as we keep up with the different characters all around the world.
What can I say, well firstly read all Beatrix Rose first, then read all four Isabella Books, then like me try and read all the John Milton books.
Highly recommended, great action, great pace, a good thriller, strong characters, great ending.
A clear four star and close to a five star.
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
The Assassin is the fourth part in a continuing story involving Isabella Rose that also includes The Angel, The Asset and The Agent.
I can recommend all four of these books, alongside the three Beatrix Rose books, I love them !
Here, we have a collection of returning characters some great, some rather nasty.
Isabella, yes has one of the main roles but greatly assisted with the return of Michael Pope, Atari, Vivian Bloom and of course our Asset.
Does this book has an explosive ending, no it starts fast and stays at a relentless fast pace all the way through the book as we keep up with the different characters all around the world.
What can I say, well firstly read all Beatrix Rose first, then read all four Isabella Books, then like me try and read all the John Milton books.
Highly recommended, great action, great pace, a good thriller, strong characters, great ending.
A clear four star and close to a five star.
October 24, 2022
I’m finished and enjoyed This one. Lots of answers and development. It’s a good series but you need to start reading at the beginning.
June 20, 2018
My thanks to NetGalley for this arc. However, DNF @30%. This IS NOT a stand alone and it was more than difficult to get into the story arc as the plot line is predicated on the previous books in the series and it is unfair to rate based on my frustration with trying to figure it out. PER MY RATING SCALE, ONE ⭐️ INDICATES DNF. However, the characters seem interestingly dynamic and complex, and the plot seems intriguing ( and VERY complex!) but it is absolutely necessary to start at the beginning of the series to even begin to understand! I am a HUGE fan of the John Milton series by Mark Dawson and have highly rated the Milton series. I should give this series another try...but start with the Beatrix Rose series THEN the Isabella Rose series! It is a LOOONG story arc!
May 21, 2018
I do not normally read these types of books nor had I read the first 3 of the series. I think I chose it because it takes place between El Paso and Juarez where I lived for a long time.
Having said that, this was quite the page turner and very action packed. Even if you haven't read the first books, it is not hard to catch up, although you would want to read the others after reading this to get the backstory. I won this book from Amazon and I'm glad I read it. Mark Dawson is an author I will keep track of.
Having said that, this was quite the page turner and very action packed. Even if you haven't read the first books, it is not hard to catch up, although you would want to read the others after reading this to get the backstory. I won this book from Amazon and I'm glad I read it. Mark Dawson is an author I will keep track of.
May 9, 2018
The latest episode in the Isabella Rose/Michael Pope saga sees them both come out of their different hiding places, for different reasons, and Bloom and King, their shady secret espionage hunters try to bring matters to a conclusion with the corrupted scientist Ivanofsky. Definitely helps if you have read the earlier books. As usual, Dawson keeps up a relentless pace throughout the book - all-action and very violent, not for the faint-hearted.
April 26, 2018
Alrighty, then. The last book in this series, maybe, and it has 364 pages and 100 chapters then the epilogue. That should tell you how short some of the chapters are, LOL…
Anyway, I wasn’t crazy about Pope in the beginning of this story, and I liked his wife even less. She threw him out and he became a drunk. I’m glad it started off with Isabella and Maia doing their thing in Mexico instead of starting with Pope. He was always such a hero that it was hard to dislike him suddenly. I knew he’d get better but still…
The good thing about the beginning of this is you had no idea what Isabella and Maia were up to. Why did Isabella have to get arrested? Where was Maia and what was she doing? There was such a great mystery going on in the beginning. I couldn’t read fast enough. And it was very exciting when those questions were answered.
And Bloom? Someone just needed to kill that asshole. Well, that whole group he worked with needed to be killed.
This was a really good series BUT I did do a whole lot of skimming. This author thinks everyone is interested in the name of every road or highway someone drives down and every weapon they kill with and every piece of furniture in every room and every part of the woods where they are hiding, it became ridiculous. Mr. Dawson needs to calm the hell down in his descriptions of everything. It makes the book boring IMO, and it causes a lot of skipping and skimming.
The F-bomb was used 14 times.
As to the narration: WOW! Napoleon Ryan is the best. He was very, very impressive with all the names in every country that Pope and Isabella went to. Especially the names in China. THAT was awesome.
June 17, 2018
Book # 4, in the Isabella Rose series
This latest is one fascinating story where we are plunged into constant action and are overloaded with visual details. Mr. Dawson knows how to draw his readers into a plot filled with excitement and enticed them with charismatic players. Isabella and Maia are kick-ass characters that take center stage and entertain us from the opening page till we reach the slam-bang finale.
Both are assassins have been together for a year now it is time to put their dangerous plan to action……cunning, wit and everything comes out in this thrilling story. Although it is a fascinating one it quite stretches credibility but is fun to read. Mr. Dawson pushes his plot at a hectic pace through a world of unsavory characters and delivers a gripping page turner.
This story is all action and very violent at times, definitely not for the faint-hearted. To match the mood we find a dialogue that can be quite colourful at times…. We have loads of supporting characters some recurring and some new players to treat us. But don’t worry if you pick up at this point this latest story stands well by itself.
Mr. Dawson provides maximum excitement in all his series. I am a fan for many years now and have enjoyed all of his series. He is quite a storyteller.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Thomas & Mercer via NetGalleys
This latest is one fascinating story where we are plunged into constant action and are overloaded with visual details. Mr. Dawson knows how to draw his readers into a plot filled with excitement and enticed them with charismatic players. Isabella and Maia are kick-ass characters that take center stage and entertain us from the opening page till we reach the slam-bang finale.
Both are assassins have been together for a year now it is time to put their dangerous plan to action……cunning, wit and everything comes out in this thrilling story. Although it is a fascinating one it quite stretches credibility but is fun to read. Mr. Dawson pushes his plot at a hectic pace through a world of unsavory characters and delivers a gripping page turner.
This story is all action and very violent at times, definitely not for the faint-hearted. To match the mood we find a dialogue that can be quite colourful at times…. We have loads of supporting characters some recurring and some new players to treat us. But don’t worry if you pick up at this point this latest story stands well by itself.
Mr. Dawson provides maximum excitement in all his series. I am a fan for many years now and have enjoyed all of his series. He is quite a storyteller.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher Thomas & Mercer via NetGalleys
July 17, 2018
Our Author has given us a real treat with His latest offering The Assassin
fast paced a total page turner our Author is so comfortable where ever we are with our story around the world .
Isabella is back with some startling news for us i wont say any more i would not want to
spoil it anyway at all Mark Dawson Is one of the best thriller Authors in Britain or for that matter
in the world a real 5 star read somebody tried to lead me to believe this was the last in the series
i find it difficult to believe because of the way the book finishes there is unfinished
work for Isabella we wait patiently for the Isabella Rose #5)
fast paced a total page turner our Author is so comfortable where ever we are with our story around the world .
Isabella is back with some startling news for us i wont say any more i would not want to
spoil it anyway at all Mark Dawson Is one of the best thriller Authors in Britain or for that matter
in the world a real 5 star read somebody tried to lead me to believe this was the last in the series
i find it difficult to believe because of the way the book finishes there is unfinished
work for Isabella we wait patiently for the Isabella Rose #5)
April 26, 2018
Mark Dawson has become one of my favorite thriller authors. His John Milton series is by now legendary. Then it was Beatrix Rose. And now we have Isabella Rose, who is becoming a rising star herself.
In this book, Isabella has teamed up with Maia, the enhanced human (to learn more about all that, you should really read the previous books in the series) and now the two of them are hell-bent on revenge and setting things right. Except, there are those who have their own plans for the girls as well.
An action-packed story with some compelling characters. The perfect beach-read. And, thankfully, a new John Milton book is just around the corner, so I won't have to wait all too long for new adventures.
Full review: https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
In this book, Isabella has teamed up with Maia, the enhanced human (to learn more about all that, you should really read the previous books in the series) and now the two of them are hell-bent on revenge and setting things right. Except, there are those who have their own plans for the girls as well.
An action-packed story with some compelling characters. The perfect beach-read. And, thankfully, a new John Milton book is just around the corner, so I won't have to wait all too long for new adventures.
Full review: https://mysterysequels.com/book-revie...
June 22, 2021
What a brilliant series!
I was looking for an exciting series that was a little bit different to my normal police procedural.
The action didn't stop from the beginning.
The author had obviously researched a lot, or had some previous knowledge of weaponry, police procedurals and or military.
Only problem is it kept me awake at night!
I stumbled across it as it was on KU and was an audio download attached to the book, perfect for me at the moment.
I was looking for an exciting series that was a little bit different to my normal police procedural.
The action didn't stop from the beginning.
The author had obviously researched a lot, or had some previous knowledge of weaponry, police procedurals and or military.
Only problem is it kept me awake at night!
I stumbled across it as it was on KU and was an audio download attached to the book, perfect for me at the moment.
June 2, 2018
The assassin by Mark Dawson.
A very enjoyable read with likeable characters.
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
Lots of actions too. I loved the ending too. Some characters I loved others I didn't trust like ivanosky atari aleksandra teddy or king. I am looking forward to reading more from Mark Dawson. 5*.
A very enjoyable read with likeable characters.
Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is the most dangerous city in the world. And when a mission to break the local cartel’s grip goes wrong, Isabella Rose, the Angel, finds herself on the wrong side of prison bars. Fearing the worst, Isabella plays her only remaining card…
British agent Vivian Bloom is determined to be the first to reach her, certain she will lead him to other operatives he’s under pressure to hunt down. But US agents are circling too. And with the shadowy Prometheus group pulling the strings, Isabella knows that she and her mentor, the Asset, are living on borrowed time…
Lots of actions too. I loved the ending too. Some characters I loved others I didn't trust like ivanosky atari aleksandra teddy or king. I am looking forward to reading more from Mark Dawson. 5*.
June 11, 2019
After the roller coaster ride of the first 3 books, how will this end?
Just like any coaster, there comes the bit at the end, y'know where all that potential energy has been used up and there's just a couple of curves left before someone slams on the brakes and you have to climb out.
That's pretty much it for this one. The characters get little development and, while there's a couple of set-pieces that work well, I confess that I finished this one out of a feeling of duty to the series, rather than pulse pounding, page turning excitement.
Just like any coaster, there comes the bit at the end, y'know where all that potential energy has been used up and there's just a couple of curves left before someone slams on the brakes and you have to climb out.
That's pretty much it for this one. The characters get little development and, while there's a couple of set-pieces that work well, I confess that I finished this one out of a feeling of duty to the series, rather than pulse pounding, page turning excitement.
September 19, 2018
Another great entry in the Isabella Rose series!
February 26, 2019
Isabela and Maia are wonderful together! They are like sisters since both of them have no family so they developed bonding and mutual trust. In this Isabela series I find Michael Pope very weak as Control. Sometimes he hesitates too much and takes too long to do some necessary actions. Easily to get fooled. I loved this Isabela Rose series than because it’s not too violent.
January 8, 2020
This series made for an entertaining audiobook to listen to while I went for my daily walk, but it wasn't my favorite of Mr. Dawson's.
I did enjoy the twist with Isabella (no spoilers) the fifteen-year-old assassin, and I hope Mr. Dawson has plans to continue her story.
I did enjoy the twist with Isabella (no spoilers) the fifteen-year-old assassin, and I hope Mr. Dawson has plans to continue her story.
July 6, 2018
This book play fast and lose with continuity of the Beatrix Rose series. And since IMO it's a better series I have problem with it. One of of it's big reveals takes away a big part of away from BRS identity for no purpose at all. All it does is pokes holes in Mark Dawes otherwise wonderful series because he wants Isabella to be something greater than she is.
Spoiler Alert
Beatrix Rose remembers giving birth to Isabella. So what happen to that baby? The problem with the direction Mark Dawes going is that BRS already been written and were able to hear her inner thoughts. Not once did anything once related come up to Isabella not being her bio daughter which it would have.
Other plot holes is that Isabella has average abilities. Where is her super strength and speed like the rest of the super soldiers? Why do she only have super healing? In earlier books Isabella couldn't even fight off your average garden variety bodyguard.
Another problem I have is Michael Pope not being upset with his daughter getting in touch with friends from old life. Really? That's not realistic. They're on the run for their lives! He should be really upset. It got them caught.
Unlike one reviewer I did like the fallen hero aspect of Michael Pope. It's the first character development I ever seen in Michael Dawes books. It's okay I don't read his books for characters development but I was happy to see it. As a former soldier I know first hand that true Stone Cold soldiers are sociopaths or ticking bombs waiting to happen.
Spoiler Alert
Beatrix Rose remembers giving birth to Isabella. So what happen to that baby? The problem with the direction Mark Dawes going is that BRS already been written and were able to hear her inner thoughts. Not once did anything once related come up to Isabella not being her bio daughter which it would have.
Other plot holes is that Isabella has average abilities. Where is her super strength and speed like the rest of the super soldiers? Why do she only have super healing? In earlier books Isabella couldn't even fight off your average garden variety bodyguard.
Another problem I have is Michael Pope not being upset with his daughter getting in touch with friends from old life. Really? That's not realistic. They're on the run for their lives! He should be really upset. It got them caught.
Unlike one reviewer I did like the fallen hero aspect of Michael Pope. It's the first character development I ever seen in Michael Dawes books. It's okay I don't read his books for characters development but I was happy to see it. As a former soldier I know first hand that true Stone Cold soldiers are sociopaths or ticking bombs waiting to happen.
February 14, 2024
Nothing worse than a woman scorned, than a teenage girl whose family has been killed.
The story picks up from where the last one left off. Maia and Isabella have been hiding out and training for year. Pope’s life has imploded and he is not acting like the soldier and operative he once was. The mysterious Atari (love all the 80s references in the story) is back attempting to be puppet master.
I was not quite sure where things were going to go with the story, well other than assuming that Isabella and Maia were going to kick someone butt really hard.
Some plays and players become obvious as the story progressed. There is one piece that I thought would happen but it didn’t - curious if it still might.
Lots of sneaky world traveling and carnage as they try to evade multiple parties and exact revenge. Science is baffled by thoughts and actions they didn’t think were possible. Questions of morality and ethics abound.
I cannot believe how many times a 16 year old girl was underestimated no matter all that she’s done to date. Those who did weren’t around long enough to contemplate their mistake.
I wondered about Pope’s motivation and he did as well. The poor man thought he’d not only let his family down but also Beatrix and Isabella. A heavy burden.
The job is nearly done…just nearly
Happy Reading!
The story picks up from where the last one left off. Maia and Isabella have been hiding out and training for year. Pope’s life has imploded and he is not acting like the soldier and operative he once was. The mysterious Atari (love all the 80s references in the story) is back attempting to be puppet master.
I was not quite sure where things were going to go with the story, well other than assuming that Isabella and Maia were going to kick someone butt really hard.
Some plays and players become obvious as the story progressed. There is one piece that I thought would happen but it didn’t - curious if it still might.
Lots of sneaky world traveling and carnage as they try to evade multiple parties and exact revenge. Science is baffled by thoughts and actions they didn’t think were possible. Questions of morality and ethics abound.
I cannot believe how many times a 16 year old girl was underestimated no matter all that she’s done to date. Those who did weren’t around long enough to contemplate their mistake.
I wondered about Pope’s motivation and he did as well. The poor man thought he’d not only let his family down but also Beatrix and Isabella. A heavy burden.
The job is nearly done…just nearly
Happy Reading!
August 12, 2021
At about the halfway point of The Assassin I threw in the towel on the Isabella Rose series. Mark Dawson is still one of my favorite authors, probably my favorite self-published writer. I love the John Milton books and I love the Beatrix Rose series. If he wrote more books featuring Michael Pope I'd probably devour those as well.
But I never really enjoyed the Isabella Rose books. Reading them was a dutiful slog, a payback to Dawson for providing me so many hours of pleasure with his other series. And now that The Assassin has crashed through the Willing Suspension of Disbelief wall for me, I just don't want to do it anymore. Medically-enhanced, biologically superior teens, shadowy groups inside governments fomenting war to profit big business, shadowy groups maneuvering events around the world like so many pieces on a chess board. Not for me.
So I bid Isabella adieu, and hope Dawson doesn't hold it against me. After all, now I'll have more time to get caught with Mr. Milton.
But I never really enjoyed the Isabella Rose books. Reading them was a dutiful slog, a payback to Dawson for providing me so many hours of pleasure with his other series. And now that The Assassin has crashed through the Willing Suspension of Disbelief wall for me, I just don't want to do it anymore. Medically-enhanced, biologically superior teens, shadowy groups inside governments fomenting war to profit big business, shadowy groups maneuvering events around the world like so many pieces on a chess board. Not for me.
So I bid Isabella adieu, and hope Dawson doesn't hold it against me. After all, now I'll have more time to get caught with Mr. Milton.
June 10, 2018
On of the best
This is truly one of the most impressive series I've read from a writer that I've only seen electronically. I always think of the old school variety on paper but I honestly feel like this series has changed my mind on some level. I'm purchasing the last book due to the fact that I can't stand the idea of not knowing how it ended. I absolutely HATE TO know. Thank you so much for investing so much time and effort into making this believable and action packed that I couldn't put it down! Your editor deserves a mention themselves because it's put together so well. I don't think I've left a review this long before and I probably won't be doing it again for a while. I don't do much on else in my free time besides reading and anything this enjoyable deserves my praise. Again, I thank you. Perfect.
This is truly one of the most impressive series I've read from a writer that I've only seen electronically. I always think of the old school variety on paper but I honestly feel like this series has changed my mind on some level. I'm purchasing the last book due to the fact that I can't stand the idea of not knowing how it ended. I absolutely HATE TO know. Thank you so much for investing so much time and effort into making this believable and action packed that I couldn't put it down! Your editor deserves a mention themselves because it's put together so well. I don't think I've left a review this long before and I probably won't be doing it again for a while. I don't do much on else in my free time besides reading and anything this enjoyable deserves my praise. Again, I thank you. Perfect.
August 1, 2020
Excellent ending to the series
The author has brought the characters to life and leaves the storyline open for a follow up book in the Isabella Rose story.
It is a fitting end for the main characters to have survived all that was thrown at them by the bad guys who all ended up paying for their greed and corruption.
The storyline was well packaged and from book 1 to book 4,the story was written in such a way that kept the reader willing Isabella and Pope success in their quest to find and ultimately kill the perpetrators of the violence and suffering that they had to endure.
The author has the knack of writing storylines that are both compelling and believable with his characters,Milton,Beatrix Rose,Isabella Rose and not forgetting Michael Pope.
I look forward to reading about more adventures of Isabella and Pope in the future.
The author has brought the characters to life and leaves the storyline open for a follow up book in the Isabella Rose story.
It is a fitting end for the main characters to have survived all that was thrown at them by the bad guys who all ended up paying for their greed and corruption.
The storyline was well packaged and from book 1 to book 4,the story was written in such a way that kept the reader willing Isabella and Pope success in their quest to find and ultimately kill the perpetrators of the violence and suffering that they had to endure.
The author has the knack of writing storylines that are both compelling and believable with his characters,Milton,Beatrix Rose,Isabella Rose and not forgetting Michael Pope.
I look forward to reading about more adventures of Isabella and Pope in the future.
August 2, 2020
This Isabella Rose series is spin off of earlier series from the same author. Although all novels in the series have tons of action this one is the most exciting and fun. It also clears out some vague concepts and allusion in the first three books.
This is my assessments of this book The Assassin by Mark DAWSON according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 5 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. Not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 5 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 4 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 5 stars
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4.57 stars
This is my assessments of this book The Assassin by Mark DAWSON according to my 7 criteria:
1. Too long and Strenuous action - exciting - 5 stars
2. Boring - fun - 5 stars
3. Not difficult to read (as for non English native speaker] - 4 stars
4. Predictable (common) - good story (unusual) - 5 stars
5. Shalow story - has a deeper meaning - 4 stars
6. The story is mass and Unfinished - The story is clear, understandable and well rounded story - 5 stars
7. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humorous and fun characters - 4 stars
Total 4.57 stars
April 12, 2018
Mark Dawson manages to create some brilliant characters, and Isabella Rose is up there with his best, he manages to make a teenage girl into a very real and believable personality, albeit a very deadly one!
But what makes his books so brilliant is more than just a great lead character, it is the supporting cast, the great, and brilliantly evoked, locations, loads of research and the genuinely exciting plots, that never go quite where the reader is expecting them to.
This book maintains all these traits and continues to develop Isabella's story, and re-introduces some familiar characters from previous books, and indeed other series. This is a great read and further cements Mark Dawson's credentials as one of the best British thriller writers around, independent or otherwise.
But what makes his books so brilliant is more than just a great lead character, it is the supporting cast, the great, and brilliantly evoked, locations, loads of research and the genuinely exciting plots, that never go quite where the reader is expecting them to.
This book maintains all these traits and continues to develop Isabella's story, and re-introduces some familiar characters from previous books, and indeed other series. This is a great read and further cements Mark Dawson's credentials as one of the best British thriller writers around, independent or otherwise.
November 20, 2021
I’ve read all the Beatrix and Isabella books and enjoyed them immensely.
That said, I was hoping after 4 books of the Isabella series it would come to a conclusion.
I really believe a story should expand no further than a trilogy.
I’m hoping there will be at least one more book now that wraps things up as things are getting a bit preposterous.
Mr. Dawson’s confrontation scenes are always well written and suspenseful. I also enjoy his details when describing some of the remote cities his characters travel to and fro. However, his detail to buildings, basic roads and especially guns and ammo is too much and can not only be boring but can kill the suspense. His editors need to help him cut this fat from his books.
Looking forward to future books from Mr. Dawson.
That said, I was hoping after 4 books of the Isabella series it would come to a conclusion.
I really believe a story should expand no further than a trilogy.
I’m hoping there will be at least one more book now that wraps things up as things are getting a bit preposterous.
Mr. Dawson’s confrontation scenes are always well written and suspenseful. I also enjoy his details when describing some of the remote cities his characters travel to and fro. However, his detail to buildings, basic roads and especially guns and ammo is too much and can not only be boring but can kill the suspense. His editors need to help him cut this fat from his books.
Looking forward to future books from Mr. Dawson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2018
Another Isabella Rose book is always a treat and this one was no exception. She is definitely her mother's daughter and is following in her footsteps, involved in the shadowy world of secret and shady organisations while trying to stay alive. She has a new mentor this time but we also meet some familiar figures from the previous books, including one of my favourites, Michael Pope. The action never stops and it was hard to have to put the book down to get some sleep.
This book is as well-written, well-researched and thrilling as ever. I cannot recommend Mark Dawson's books highly enough and this one is no exception.
This book is as well-written, well-researched and thrilling as ever. I cannot recommend Mark Dawson's books highly enough and this one is no exception.
June 9, 2018
Isabella Rose has been on the run with Maia for almost a year. Now they are in Mexico and have a plan. At times it does not seem like the plan is working but have faith here. Vivian Bloom has to be the one who finds Isabella first. He has to make haste as she has gotten herself into a Mexican jail and on her way to prison in short order. Maia has disappeared but they are definitely wanting her too. Maia may be ill and they need to get her to a lab to see what is happening. You wonder as events begin to happen if the girls are on their plan or things have gone completely out of their hands. I thought the start was a little slow but in no time it picks up and keeps you involved to the end.
July 16, 2018
I was really disappointed with this book, I have loved the series up until this one. What was a great story and concept turned into a book on medical procedures and travel. I think detail can help a book but I found myself skipping pages to get past how lab procedures work, or how they traveled to so many countries and how. None of this helped the plot or made the book better.
I will not go into more detail as I do not want to spoil the book, but I can say the last 20 pages were the best, had they kept that pace I would have been more intrigued. The ending does allow the series to save itself but honestly, I will have to think before I just buy the next one in the series.
I will not go into more detail as I do not want to spoil the book, but I can say the last 20 pages were the best, had they kept that pace I would have been more intrigued. The ending does allow the series to save itself but honestly, I will have to think before I just buy the next one in the series.
February 27, 2019
I have read many of Mark Dawson's books, but I sure don't remember any of them being like this series.
What I mean is, "How many times, in one story, can the good guys get the upper hand, then lose it? Then regain it, then lose it, then regain it, then lose it, and on and on? This is what it seemed to me like this series was all about and it was definitely "wordy." All four of these books could have been condensed into two great books with half the number of pages. I will read Mark Dawson's books again, but I will not read what they call a series, it's very boring.
What I mean is, "How many times, in one story, can the good guys get the upper hand, then lose it? Then regain it, then lose it, then regain it, then lose it, and on and on? This is what it seemed to me like this series was all about and it was definitely "wordy." All four of these books could have been condensed into two great books with half the number of pages. I will read Mark Dawson's books again, but I will not read what they call a series, it's very boring.
March 17, 2019
Excitement on every page!
This is book four in the Isabella Rose series, and it is a real attention grabber! She is teamed with Michael Pope by an Ex agency man who is playing both sides against the middle for his own devious reasons. Isabella gets separated from Pope as he rescues his family, who have been kidnapped, and ends up with Maia, a genetically altered female with amazing abilities. Isabella spends a year with Maia from whom she learns more than the ability to defend herself!
This is book four in the Isabella Rose series, and it is a real attention grabber! She is teamed with Michael Pope by an Ex agency man who is playing both sides against the middle for his own devious reasons. Isabella gets separated from Pope as he rescues his family, who have been kidnapped, and ends up with Maia, a genetically altered female with amazing abilities. Isabella spends a year with Maia from whom she learns more than the ability to defend herself!
April 25, 2021
Plot change doesn't fit prior books.
I enjoyed the book and this series. The problem that I have is the obvious change in Isabella when the author decided to make the major plot change. In prior books Isabella is described as looking just like her mother Beatrice, especially having the identical, unusual blue eyes. Suddenly, in this book, she is changed to a genetically altered person who only happens to have blonde hair, no longer her mother's true daughter. The books are tied too closely together to make a change like this.
I enjoyed the book and this series. The problem that I have is the obvious change in Isabella when the author decided to make the major plot change. In prior books Isabella is described as looking just like her mother Beatrice, especially having the identical, unusual blue eyes. Suddenly, in this book, she is changed to a genetically altered person who only happens to have blonde hair, no longer her mother's true daughter. The books are tied too closely together to make a change like this.
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