Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The Harriken have decided James Brownstone is an unacceptable dishonor to their clan.

This time, Grandfather has hired the best assassins in the business and Shay knows them.

Shay won't allow Brownstone to go to Japan without backup.

Her backup.

Brownstone needs to decide what he will do with the wish, and how much is he going to tell Allison?

The Harriken may have paid the piper, but James Brownstone is calling the dance.

While this is happening, Taylor has made an unexpected alliance with the law.

Brownstone likes his life simple, but when the Harriken fail to call off the vendetta, Brownstone is willing to admit it will be either them, or him.

Kick back for a fun, action packed adventure that will have you yelling for the good guys, and wondering how Brownstone will annoy Shay this time.

---

NOTE: This book contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don't suggest reading this book.


286 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2018

819 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Michael Anderle

2,315 books1,785 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
924 (61%)
4 stars
464 (30%)
3 stars
96 (6%)
2 stars
18 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
2,999 reviews37 followers
May 31, 2019
Another enjoyable read as Brownstone moves towards the final confrontation with the Harriken. As well as a big fight we also find out more about Brownstone’s background and there are developments with Shay.
Profile Image for Bobby Childers.
88 reviews
May 26, 2018
James Brownstone keeps getting better with each book.

Brownstone is discovering that even though he is totally kick-ass, Alison has decided that she wants him to be her Dad, and he likes the idea. As a step-parent without any "natural" children of my own, I truly understand the feeling of pride and wonder when I get called Dad or Grandpa. Shay is learning that she cares more than she wants to believe. Alison is learning that families don't have to be blood relatives. Very good book as it will appeal to Young Adult and Adult readers. Can't wait until the next book is out.
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
May 27, 2018
Brownstone's Background Is Revealed A Bit

James and Shay are together, sort of, in that they have each others backs. Will James ever understand Shay? James feels even more protective of Allison as she calls him Dad. The Harriken still haven't learned their lesson, so James and Shay go to Japan and take out the trash. I like the action, snarky humor, and fledgling romance. I look forward to another book.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
May 26, 2018
kindle unlimited, finished reading the latest Shay book the other day, waiting on the magic school one out soon, in meantime newest Brownstone

The Harriken have decided James Brownstone is an unacceptable dishonor to their clan.
This time, Grandfather has hired the best assassins in the business and Shay knows them.

Shay won't allow Brownstone to go to Japan without backup. Her backup.

Brownstone needs to decide what he will do with the wish, and how much is he going to tell Allison?

The Harriken may have paid the piper, but James Brownstone is calling the dance. While this is happening, Taylor has made an unexpected alliance with the law.

Brownstone likes his life simple, but when the Harriken fail to call off the vendetta, Brownstone is willing to admit it will be either them, or him.

---
NOTE: This book contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don't suggest reading this book.


just by Anderle {but goes with I Fear No Evil books by him and Carr}
An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstoneseries
Feared By Hell #1
Rejected By Heaven #2
Eye For An Eye #3
Bring The Pain #4

II Fear No Evil series
Kill The Willing #1
Bury The Past, But Shoot It First #2


The Leira Chronicles -- The Revelations of Oriceran
Quest For Magic - Prequel to Waking Magic (0.5) {this one was later put in with book 1 copies as prelude type}
Waking Magic (1)
Release Of Magic (2)
Protection of Magic (3)
Rule of Magic (4)
Trick or Troll: The 2017 YTT Halloween Special (4.5)
Dealing in Magic (5)
Christmas at Estelle's: The 2017 YTT Christmas Special (#5.5)
Theft of Magic (6)
Enemies of Magic (7)
Guardians Of Magic (8)
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,339 reviews67 followers
August 21, 2022
5 Always Be Attacking Stars

Bring The Pain is the fourth book in The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone series by Michael Anderle.

Michael Anderle is definitely up there on my list of favorites authors. I enjoy his writing style, and his creative stories. Bringing me both Kurtherian Gambit and the Oriceran Universe. The man is a genius.

This book focused almost solely on taking down the Hirraken and their hired assassins. I enjoyed all of the fight scenes, and the creative ways in which both Brownstone and Shay took down these bad guys. That 'despair' monster was entirely too creepy, and I definitely wouldn't have survived its particular brand of terror. This is probably a twist on the forest in Japan where suicide is so prevalent. I enjoy how well Anderle comingles fact with fiction.

It's been nice to see Shay's and James' relationship build up. They've only just now accepted their affection for each other beyond respect and professionalism. Add that to James finally officially adopting Allison, and you can see the family dynamic as it forms. That Kames and Peyton had their first face-to-face only speaks further towards the future teamwork and good relationship between these characters.

I am worried about Maria, the AET Lieutenant, that is out to get Brownstone. She has her eye on Shay now and I can't but imagine the negative impact this will have on her staying hidden and not being hunted by both law enforcement and those that wish her dead.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,494 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2023
Oh boy!

James, and Shay, certainly brought the pain - not only on the various bounties that James was determined to find, but also on the assassins, and the many and varied Harriken who, despite being warned many times, still decided to prod the bear - and so the best prodded back, , as James and Shay took that pain deep into the heart of the Harriken's main office, in Tokyo!

This book was epic in its scope, brilliant in its plotlines, and totally awesome, as usual, in it's characters.

I really love James, Shay, and Alison, and I'm going to stop reading TUMB right now, as I feel I've reached a natural stopping place, while I catch up with the two other series that co-mingle with this one - the first being Shay's series: I Fear No Evil, and Alison's in: School of Necessary Magic'.

I'll be going from one series to the next from now on, until I reach where I've stopped in The Unbelievable Mr Brownstone', then I'll continue following my chronological reading list, as I should have done from the start - sorry, but I couldn't stop myself from reading more about James! Lol
.
So, my first book in Shay's Series, is: 'Kill the Willing', and I'm going straight on to read it - well, once I finish this review, I guess! Then, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought of it!
Profile Image for Charl.
1,507 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2021
I feel like I got an appetizer instead of a meal. 5 of the best assassins in the world, and Brownstone and Shay take each one out, barely even breaking a sweat on the last one. At least, that's what it felt like. Even though they both did pick up a few injuries, their reactions were more like "Oh, yeah, I got scratched" even when they had broken bones.

An entire building full of Harriken dispatched by magical killing artifact? Brownstone had more trouble clearing out the house full back home!

Then they face the leader, "Grandfather" himself and his legendary Masumune sword. Until Shay kills him with a single gunshot. Where's the challenge? Where's the drama? It wasn't even funny, unlike the similar scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The growing relationship between Brownstone, Shay and Alison was interesting, but the battles and the challenges were what got me interested in this series. And all the ones in this book felt like "Oh, another threat. Boom, boom, slice, slice, all done."

It's too bad, this started out as a very entertaining series, but now it's ho-hum. Not sure if I'll even bother with the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicholas.
262 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2022
Over the top is how I’d describe this book. It is called the Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone series for a reason. The character’s abilities and all are just that, unbelievable. That said, it is a great read. Lots of action, the right snarky comments. Just plain fun reading.

The fast pace action involves many things. From mysterious assassins with various powers to Oriceran monsters this book has it all. Of course it leaves the reading wanting more and I’m sure the next book will deliver more action-packed fun.

Overall, fun, easy, and well-written. The book checks all the boxes. If the major characters were more believable this would be even better. Though the level of snark is high enough to make up for it. Reading this is as good as a butter and jelly sandwich.
125 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2024
Unbelievable!

Brownstone is starting to feel more and more like an alien killing machine with a huge loving heart and a Catholic school conscience. Believe me as a recovering Catholic school child, I firmly recognize that anything that goes wrong is my fault and I really should fix it. Similar to our Mr. Brownstone. This time the most elite assassins in the world are coming after our hero, as the Japanese criminals he took out in LA and beyond cost the original rich Japanese criminals in Japan a great deal of money and a hit to their reputation as baddest of the bad. So they want to get even. After lots of action and many dead bad guys, Mr. B lives to fight another day.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2019
Action-packed and extraordinary series

As it says an action-packed urban fantasy action adventure series. It is a kick ass bounty hunter who has some extraordinary powers in a magical world intertwined in the human world. Magic has returned to earth after many centuries. Creating magical criminals problems and miracles.
A great cast of characters and a very entertaining and action-packed story. This is one Siri is in a magical human world that has multiple Siri’s going on at the same time. Occasionally characters interact and Siri’s interact. Check them all out
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
March 27, 2021
Love this series

James just can't catch a break. The problem with the Heiriken and the assassins gets handled with zero doubt as to who to bet on in the future. Unlikely frenemies are made. James cements his relationship with Alison and he and Shay might have finally realized they are perfect for each other. On to next book. Definitely need to read in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding of character backgrounds. Each book alone is still good and dont have cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Debi Sateren.
77 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2018
James Brownstone

What can I say? I’m going to read anything that Michael puts out. I’ve yet to be disappointed. I’ve been hooked since the first book in The Kurtherian Gambit series way back 100+ books ago. Then came all the collaborations with awesome authors. Oriceran Universe jumped in with Martha Carr and more awesome authors!
Brownstone series keeps getting better and better.
99 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2022
Love this series

This is the second time I'm reading this series all the way through, I enjoyed it that much.
I've found that most any book written by Michael Anderle is worth reading, that also goes for the other authors that write in the worlds he's created, Craig Martelle and Martha Carr are examples of some of my favorites.
If you like reading Sci-fi even a little bit then you will enjoy these books. They boil down to good VS evil most of the time.
305 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2018
How could you not LOVE the kick-ass team of Shay and James? I especially love the capture of villain #2 and the throw in of assassin #4! Way to go for a twofer!! I get the feeling that this combo is going to go in a different way, with other characters coming in and doing their own thing. Bring it on, just don't lose this duo, or I'll have to binge on BBQ!
3 reviews
June 27, 2018
Must read

I read damn near a book every two days and I must say this series is one of my favorites. Having characters that you can relate to but not is absolutely amazing. Michael does an amazing job of blending fantasy with action in a way that is relatable to a normal reader. Superb book and I can’t wait to read the next books in this captivating series.
21 reviews
August 30, 2018
Book 4

With all the build up with the Harikin I really expected a bigger fight chapter. Granted, killing Grandfather that way was what would happened to Voldemort in Harry Potter, I just wanted more action. Also, the ending was a bit weak as well. How much did he make on the bet? What was his limerick? A lot was left unknown.
4,377 reviews56 followers
June 21, 2019
Well, the action keeps coming and the death toll gets bigger. But I do like that one of the bounties he goes after does a real number on James through magic of a sort that isn't physical but mental. That was much harder for James to battle. I thought some of the assassins went down a little easy but it does show Shay and James are a formidable pair.
Profile Image for Safety Lady.
492 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2020
The world needs more Mr. Brownstone’s

I have to say I love this guy. Mr.Brownstone is just an awesome character that has some kick ass friends to help him out. I love how this series developed and I am addicted to these books. I can’t wait to see where his story goes from here. Happy reading
139 reviews
August 13, 2020
Family

It is amazing the lengths we will go through for our family and James Brownstone is us, on steroids (like ALL the steroids.) Now that he has more than just himself to care about and is figuring this out in his own clumsy way, James is ready to end the fight with his biggest bad guys. We all know he will kick ass but how will his journey change him?
366 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2021
[audio book] Kate Rudd narrator - 4.5 stars. Excellent voice characterization!
----
Started this series because of the narrator; was quickly drawn into the story by the plot, characters and entertaining writing style.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Fans of Ilona Andrews and Brad Magnarella, will most likely enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,190 reviews67 followers
July 5, 2022
This reminds me of a not-great storyline of a videogame in which the main character has to have an excuse to kill lots of (non)people and cause explosions. I like the characters, what there is of them, and each book has a little bit more character development, but mostly these books are for some background audiobook listening.
830 reviews
May 3, 2024
good read

For those of you who like action that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is definitely a must read. But it’s not all just action that makes this a well written book, there’s a human ? Side to Brownstone that is shown in his building relationships with Shay, a former professional killer, and Allison his adopted daughter who is a highly magical being. 👍👍👍🔮
543 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2018
Book 4 was great.

Read book 4 in one sitting. The series keeps getting better. Shay and Brownstone make a good team and I'm waiting for the next book. Thanks , Michael for keeping your fans entertained
Profile Image for RVingPsychic.
144 reviews
May 26, 2018
Another great series by Michael Anderle

Thank you so much for tying the story lines together with Shay and Allison. I look forward to many more books in each series and how they work together.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2018
Really, really great

Wow, so much happening with Brownstone. Him getting so on touch with his feelings and opening up, love it. What and Alison are good for him. You cannot go wrong reading this series.
Profile Image for 〰️Beth〰️.
815 reviews62 followers
May 27, 2018
Another Brownstone Kickapoo Adventure

This time we get to see Mr. Brownstone and his urban family and “frienemies” taking care of bad guys and bounties. We leave with more questions about his past, wanting more action, and for some reason craving bbq.
170 reviews6 followers
May 27, 2018
You’re looking for Whom?

A case of mistaken identity here. A wabbit journalist from the eastern conclave was asking for Mr James Brownstone. Gots to go, I hear da kitchen buzzer! Waaaait!
Profile Image for Diane Smith.
175 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2018
Outstanding!

Love the way the characters are developing. Plenty of shoot-‘em-up in this one and an interesting twist on just who/what the unbelievable Mr. Brownstone truly is. Next please!
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,162 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2018
More please more!!

James is being hunted by 5 top killers!! He and Shay are trying to take them out one at a time since they have come at them that way. They end up going to Japan to end it. Read to see how they do!!
576 reviews
June 11, 2018
Excellent story

Things are coming together building one back of a family team. With Browstone, Shey and Allison all based are more than covered. This tale cements Brownstone and Shey's relationship with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.