Picture this: You’re a mild-mannered anthropology professor, content with your quiet academic life, when suddenly you’re kidnapped and thrust into a world of espionage, danger, and superhuman abilities. Sound far-fetched? Well, buckle up, because that’s exactly the wild ride James Patterson and Brian Sitts take us on in “The Perfect Assassin,” the pulse-pounding first installment in the new Doc Savage Thriller series.
A Legacy Reborn
Let’s start with a bit of context, shall we? For those not in the know (and I’ll admit, I had to do some Googling myself), Doc Savage was a pulp fiction hero from the 1930s and ’40s – think Superman meets Indiana Jones, but with a medical degree. Patterson and Sitts have taken this larger-than-life character and given him a modern-day descendant in the form of Dr. Brandt Savage, our reluctant hero.
Now, I’ll be honest—when I first picked up this book, I was skeptical. I mean, come on, a nerdy professor turned super-assassin? It sounded like the plot of a B-movie. But you know what? I was hooked from page one. There’s something utterly compelling about watching a fish-out-of-water character discover hidden depths within themselves, and boy, does Brandt Savage have some depths to plumb.
From Zero to Hero (Whether He Likes It or Not)
The story kicks off with Brandt’s abduction by the mysterious and badass Meed (aka Kira Sunlight—and can we talk about how cool that name is?). What follows is a six-month crash course in becoming a lean, mean, fighting machine. And when I say crash course, I mean it literally—Brandt goes through everything from high-intensity workouts to language immersion to freaking jetpack flights. It’s like if your gym membership came with a side of CIA training.
Patterson and Sitts do a fantastic job of making this transformation believable. We’re not talking about an overnight change here – Brandt’s journey is grueling, often painful, and sometimes downright terrifying. There were moments when I found myself wincing in sympathy, especially during some of the more intense training scenes. (Note to self: never complain about burpees again.)
The Dynamic Duo
But the real heart of this story lies in the relationship between Brandt and Kira. Their dynamic is electric from the get-go, a delicious mix of tension, mutual respect, and undeniable attraction. Kira is a force of nature—tough, brilliant, and haunted by her past. Watching Brandt slowly earn her trust and break down her walls is incredibly satisfying.
And Brandt himself? He’s a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Sure, he starts off as a bit of a wimp, but his transformation isn’t just physical. We see him grapple with moral dilemmas, face his fears, and ultimately step up to become the hero the world needs. It’s like watching Clark Kent discover he can fly—exhilarating and a little bit awe-inspiring.
Action-Packed Pages
Now, let’s talk about the action, because holy moly, does this book deliver. From heart-stopping chases to brutal hand-to-hand combat, “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish. There’s a particularly nail-biting sequence involving a submarine that had me holding my breath right along with the characters.
But it’s not just mindless action. Patterson and Sitts weave in enough mystery and intrigue to keep your brain engaged too. The central plot revolves around a sinister school churning out child assassins, and the authors do a great job of slowly unraveling the conspiracy. There are twists and turns aplenty, and I found myself constantly guessing (and usually guessing wrong) about what would happen next.
A Touch of the Fantastic
One aspect that really sets this book apart is its blend of realistic action with more fantastical elements. Brandt’s transformation borders on superhuman at times, and there are gadgets and inventions that wouldn’t be out of place in a James Bond film. But somehow, it all works. The authors strike a delicate balance, grounding the more outlandish elements in enough realism to keep you suspended in disbelief.
Not Without Its Flaws
Now, no book is perfect, and “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts does have its weak points. Some of the secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. And there are a few moments where the pacing lags, particularly in some of the training montages.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a gritty, ultra-realistic thriller, this might not be your cup of tea. The book leans into its pulpy roots, embracing a certain level of over-the-top action and larger-than-life characters. Personally, I found it refreshing, but your mileage may vary.
Setting the Stage for More
As the first book in a series, “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts does an excellent job of setting up a world I’m eager to return to. The ending leaves just enough threads dangling to make you crave the next installment. And speaking of which, the second book in the series, “Murder Island,” is already out and promising even more high-octane adventure.
The Verdict
So, should you read “The Perfect Assassin”? If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride with a dash of science fiction and a hefty dose of character development, then absolutely. It’s the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster—big, bold, and immensely entertaining.
Patterson and Sitts have crafted a story that manages to honor its pulp fiction roots while feeling thoroughly modern. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to tackle some weighty themes about identity, morality, and the nature of heroism.
In the Company of Giants
While “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts carves out its own unique niche, it does bring to mind some other heavy-hitters in the action-thriller genre. Fans of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series will appreciate the blend of brains and brawn in our protagonist. There’s also a touch of Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne in Brandt’s journey of self-discovery and hidden abilities.
And of course, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room – James Patterson himself. If you’re a fan of Patterson’s Alex Cross or Michael Bennett series, you’ll find plenty to love here. The same knack for crafting page-turning suspense and memorable characters is on full display.
Final Thoughts
As I closed the final pages of “The Perfect Assassin,” I found myself already itching to dive into “Murder Island.” Patterson and Sitts have created a world and characters that stick with you, leaving you craving more.
Is it high literature? No. But it’s not trying to be. This is a book that knows exactly what it is—a rollicking good time that will keep you up way past your bedtime, promising yourself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the whole thing.
So go ahead, pick up “The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Let yourself get swept away in Brandt Savage’s journey from mild-mannered professor to reluctant hero. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself eyeing that dusty treadmill in the corner or signing up for a krav maga class. After all, you never know when you might discover your own hidden talents.
The Good:
- Engaging, likable protagonist
- Thrilling action sequences
- Intriguing premise and world-building
- Strong central relationship
The Not-So-Good:
- Some underdeveloped secondary characters
- Occasional pacing issues
- May be too fantastical for some thriller purists
Who Should Read It:
- Fans of action-packed thrillers
- Anyone who enjoys stories of personal transformation
- Readers looking for a modern take on pulp fiction heroes
- Those who appreciate a blend of realism and fantastical elements in their fiction
Who Should Skip It:
- Readers who prefer ultra-realistic, gritty thrillers
- Those who dislike any sci-fi or fantastical elements in their action stories
- People looking for a slow-burn, character-driven narrative
So there you have it, folks. “The Perfect Assassin” may not be perfect, but it’s pretty darn close to the perfect escape. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with “Murder Island” and a bowl of popcorn. Happy reading!
