Redemption Games

A John Rain Novel

By: Barry Eisler

Narrated by: Barry Eisler

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

After nearly dying while taking out a target in Hong Kong, Rain has a new employer, the Mossad, which wants him to fix a "problem" in Manila. He also has a new partner, Dox, whose good-ol'-boy persona masks a sniper as deadly as Rain himself. And he has a new hope: that by using his talents in the service of something good, he might atone for all the lives he has taken. But when Rain's conscience causes him to botch the Manila hit, he finds out the next problem the Mossad wants fixed is himself. Is Delilah, his Mossad lover, coming to help him? Or was she sent to finish him off?

©2005, 2013 Barry Eisler (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Good book in the series

Eisler narrating his own work is fantastic. reads right from the emotional source of the character.
Good story overall, but make sure to listen to the series in sequence. Some of the deeper context of the story does not make sense without it.
I am looking forward to listening to the next one.

Killing is the Easy Part

Barry Eisler has done it again. Redemption Games was an edge of my seat listen. The book was filled with continuous action and suspense. He did a great job narrating his own book. John Rain is one of my favorite character's. The characters in the book were well developed. I would have liked to finish the book all in one day but took two. I've told friends about the John Rain novel's. I realize that being a mercenary isn't that rare in today's world with wars, assassinations, etc.

John Rain had called Dox to come with him on the mission. Dox was more than happy to be a part of the operation. They were to kill, Manny because, having been a chemist, he had defected from Israel and now made bombs for anyone that was in the market. As the bombs were purchased, he would attribute learned information and try to improve on the next bomb made to increase the number of people killed.

Rain and Dox botched the job and were given another opportunity in Bangkok to not only take Manny out but two other men who were corrupt.

Delilah had recommended John Rain awhile back when they had done a job together. Therefore, when the mission was botched, she was to go back and put Rain in a compromised position whereby their assassin, Gil, would take him out.

I read the first series of John Rain when he was younger. This series is a continuation of the other series but when John has aged. He has found that having Dox as his partner proved invaluable. Start this new series from the first book if possible. However, the author, Barry Eisler, brings the reader up to date with what has happened in the past. I'm sure if you would start to read the series you would pleased. Redemption Games is worth the purchase. The book was a great listen. Enjoy!

Great Story and Narration

Normally, I avoid listening to stories narrated by the authors themselves because they are almost always terrible!! Not only is Barry Eisler a good writer, but his narration is great! In fact, he's one of the best narrators I've listened to. He can do several types of accents and even does well with the women's roles. His voice is well modulated and smooth, his enunciation is clear, and I seldom have to rewind to catch any words.

I started the John Rain series with book One and so far I have liked them all. Although I don't really like the idea that Rain is an assassin, it's interesting to see how he has evolved. I do like the fact that he is so well versed in different types of martial arts and can appreciate his paranoia. The stories are full of excitement and take place in exotic locations, which Mr. Eisler does a good job of describing. You almost feel like you are walking along with John Rain as he moves from place to place.

Looking forward to the remaining books in the series.

DOX!

The storyline remains fluid from one scene to the next. As if Rain wasnt great enough, Dox returns and the duo are fantastic!

Which woman would Rain end up with

I loved the whole story. Doc is a great contrast to Rain. I also like the way he carries over specific characters from one book to another and how he describes in great detail the fight scenes.

Redemption Games

I absolutely love this series! And the author reading the books makes it even better! Amazing and amazing!!!

Rain novels are pure gold

Narration is great too. only thing that pulls me out of immersion a bit is when author speaks as a female, and tries to do a voice thing. while Barry Eisler is immensely skilled in accents, he can't talk like a woman. I think getting a lady narrators to fit these parts, or simply talking in a regular voice would be better. that's why I put 4 stars

Engaging story I did not want to end

What made the experience of listening to Redemption Games the most enjoyable?

An author that has the special talent and can also read his own work in an entertaining manner. John Rain the star of the book is believable, human, talented and is involved in suspenseful, enthralling, secretive adventures around the world. I have enjoyed each and every book Barry Eisler has written.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Redemption Games?

Finally completing his task of dealing with Manny in the exclusive club and the unplanned meeting of and subsequent chase to the death of a major terrorist planner. That was John's redemption. Shame Gil died and Hilger got away.

Have you listened to any of Barry Eisler’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have read the first 4 of Barry's books. He seems to mature more with each new book into a more intense and suspenseful writer. He has added that special James Bond always gets his girl twist that adds a special extra bit of intrigue while keeping all of the characters real.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book wore me out and required a break to absorb, and fully appreciate all of the twists and how John Rain would deal with each of them. It was fun getting into John's head and try and figure out his next move.

Any additional comments?

People don't realize book tapes are a true performance maybe not as good as a movie but better then reading a book your self. Writers are generally not great readers of their works. Barry is the exception as he has the voice the inflections and the understanding of the characters that makes him a great reader bringing his story to life. Barry how did you do Delilah?

Best so far

My favorite so far. The humor is perfect. The line about having a vicious dog roll over to have its belly scratched made me laugh out loud!

Another great book

Very happy with the story, like that Doc's had need a large part of this book. The story is very entertaining and I would highly recommend it