Review: More of the same--Excellent!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2013
I've read every piece of fiction by this writer, starting with the Assassin series and ending with Jet. I read the reviews prior to writing this (although I read the book first), and find that some others have simply said it better than me, or at least, as well as I could have without my being redundant.However, I do have one caveat---and yes, I read the brief interview with Russell as well-- and that is I do not consider this book to be a stand alone book. In my view, if you want a primer on El Rey, "Blood of the Assassin" alone will not suffice. I'd suggest, at least, "Night of the Assassin", or, "King of Swords". :Personally, I'd suggest "Return of the Assassin", because it is in that book that this book makes sense insofar as why and how El Rey gets to be in the company of Cruz and Briones without being on the receiving end of a gun!Don't misconstrue me, I'm not saying "Blood--" is not also as excellent a read as the others, just don't short change yourself into thinking that  since you've read this one, you now understand El Rey. You don't. "Blood" is not the punch line, so to speak, to the series. What "Blood" does well, in my view, is add flesh to the series (starting with "Night---"), giving us a deeper understanding, and yes, a deeper appreciation of El Rey's persona. Russell Blake is a favorite author. El Rey is a favorite character, so immerse yourself. You won't be disappointed by any of the books in this series. I guarantee it.