Heart of the Assassin

by Robert Ferrigno

Book Overview

WHO WILL DOMINATE THE FINAL BATTLE FOR AMERICA--A FEARLESS SHADOW WARRIOR OR AN ISLAMIC MASTERMIND? 2045: The Islamic Republic and the Bible Belt--the warring nations that arose after the apocalyptic and economic collapse of the United States--are rife with intellectual and social decay, and to the south, the Aztl n Empire threatens encroachment. For genetically enhanced soldier Rakkim Epps, reuniting the factions and regaining America's former global...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416537724
• ISBN13: 9781416537724
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Pocket Star
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Succeeds as a Travelogue, Entertainment, Noir Thriller, Speculative Work, and a Cautionary Tale

If you are not familiar with the first two books in Robert Ferrigno's bold, groundbreaking Assassin trilogy, I would suggest that you read PRAYERS FOR THE ASSASSIN and SINS OF THE ASSASSIN before picking up HEART OF THE ASSASSIN. Although this final installment stands incredibly well on its own, you'll want to read the series in order to fully appreciate Ferrigno's achievement, which is to write a no-so-distant future history that is sharply and frighteningly defined while being well-populated by unforgettable characters, likable and otherwise. What Ferrigno has done is to visualize what is currently known as the United States as it may well exist before the halfway point of the 21st century. The east, west and north coasts are in the thrall of the moderate Islamic Republic, in which Washington, D.C., Detroit, Chicago and New York City (among others) are totally destroyed or abandoned. The southern states have unified under Christian rule as the Bible Belt; radical Islamists control California; and the western states have been seized by the Aztlán Empire, the nation formerly known as Mexico. There is an independent state here and there, but I'm sure you get the idea of what things look like. As HEART OF THE ASSASSIN commences, it is evident to the governments of both the Bible Belt and the Islamic Republic that the divorce of the United States' most populated and powerful sections is not working. Aztlán, hungry for territory and smarting from past defeats, threatens from the South; Canada seeks territory in the North; and Europe and Asia hover like carrion, hoping to pick off what pieces they can. The rumored discovery of a legendary religious and political icon in the radioactive ruins of Washington, D.C. provides the Republic and the Belt with the opportunity to peacefully reunite. Rakkim Epps, a genetically enhanced warrior who figured so prominently in the first two volumes, is dispatched to Washington to reclaim the icon, if in fact it actually exists. He is not unopposed, however. The Old One, an Islamist who has been manipulating some events and taking advantage of others since the early years of the 20th century, wants to reunite America as well, but under fundamentalist Islamist rule. As HEART OF THE ASSASSIN progresses, the Old One finds that he is at long last nearing the end of his life, even as he plans one last masterful stroke to bring his plans to completion. He is aided by his daughter Baby, whose beauty is matched with a dangerous cunning and political savvy, and the ever-dangerous Lester Gravenholtz, a seemingly indestructible assassin who was almost murdered by Rakkim and who seeks revenge against him. Rakkim finds his considerable skills tested to the limit as he searches for a treasure whose existence may be the only hope for the future of the United States, even as powerful and maniacal forces are set against him, not only from outside the Republic but also from within. From an unforgettably modified Golden Gate Bridge

Thought-provoking and Easy to Read

Though Robert denies it, this series stands with other immortal works of speculative social analysis and commentary like 1984 and Brave New World. But, first of all, Robert's prose is breezy and fast-paced--a pure pleasure to read. He communicates very effectively. As always, there is genius in his menagerie of odd and distinct characters; the brave, the smart, the beautiful and the evil. They are all infused with humanity springing from Robert's keen observation of human quirks and foibles. But the easy-reading and compelling characters are icing on the cake. The real debt the reader owes this series is the prescient realization of a world where the hole in our souls--unfilled by spiritless, dumbed-down education, reality TV and relentless commercialization and marketing--can be filled by the certainty of religion. We have a human need to fill ourselves with something; there is luxury and relief in falling backwards into the comforting arms of fundamentalist religions, including Islam. If you think the fragmentation and overthrow of the United States can't happen here, then you're not paying attention to the current lessons of Iran, Holland and Britain. In 2000, Robert wanted to write a more significant book--as if it might be the last book he writes; one that would define his literary legacy. It took courage to do this and I applaud that courage. This series should be read and discussed and enjoyed...if you haven't indulged yourself yet, then I urge you to do so. As I said above, these 'Assassin' books are thought-provoking and easy to read. You can't ask more from a novel. Five Stars. Ken Coffman is the author of Hartz String Theory, Steel Waters and other novels.

Outstanding wrap-up to a superb trilogy!

Ferrigno maintains the brilliance of this saga right through to the last page. Further, in the way this novel concludes, he has the courage to conclusively wrap up the entire story, leaving no doubt that this is the final chapter of this trilogy, unlike many authors who keep milking the money cow until the udder's dry. So, further kudos for artistic integrity. This may well be the darkest entry of an already dark series. We follow Rikki Epps as he continues his quest to bring the evil Old One down. From San Francisco (New Fallujah), where the Golden Gate Bridge has become the ghastly Bridge of Skulls, to New Miami, to Seattle, with mounting tensions arising from neighboring Aztlan (Mexico) to the south... this cast of fascinating characters continues to evolve and develop, and I found it enthralling. The Old One's daughter Baby - last seen in a helicopter flying away from her husband the Colonel - is back, and she's baaaaaad to the bone! She's as interesting and captivating as Rikki himself. This is a terrific book as a stand-alone, but if you REALLY want to get the full benefit, I'd strongly recommend you read the two preceding novels. Not only will you understand everything going on in this one, but they're terrific reads, too. A very solid five stars, and both thumbs up.

Another thrill ride with a satisfying ending

I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished the last two in the trilogy. The character development is first-rate and it results in you cheering for the heroes - even for some of the more unlikely heroes. These books kept me thinking, wondering and frankly, the whole idea is truly scary; however in some ways, they are hopeful as well as thoughtful. The world today is scary, yet the possible world in these books is truly freightening. Anyone who reads this trilogy will re-think some of their fears, prejudices, and even their opinions about the world today. I give the book and the trilogy my absolute recommendation.