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John Milton #18
Ronin
John Milton travels to Bali in search of a new identity, but he can't even manage the flight without finding someone who needs his help.
A beautiful woman falls ill and confesses that she has swallowed packages of cocaine in order to smuggle it across the border. She has been forced to work as a mule by a Yakuza gang in Tokyo who are holding her child to guarantee her compliance.
Milton decides that's unacceptable, and promises to lend her his help.
A beautiful woman falls ill and confesses that she has swallowed packages of cocaine in order to smuggle it across the border. She has been forced to work as a mule by a Yakuza gang in Tokyo who are holding her child to guarantee her compliance.
Milton decides that's unacceptable, and promises to lend her his help.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2020
1487 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,848 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
October 31, 2020
Our favorite hero, John Milton, is in desperate need of a new identity...Group 15 Control know all about his 'John Smith' travels, and are hot on his heels...John knows a lady in Bali who is the top at creating new identities, she is a long-time friend and eagerly invites him to visit when he calls..The plane ride is great, as he picked up a dropped package for a beautiful woman, and she upgrades his seat in thanks...However, during the trip the woman, Sakura, becomes violently ill...Finally able to speak she relays her tale of being forced to be a drug mule for Yakuza in Tokyo..And they hold her son, who she hasn't seen for months...
Being the man he is, John decides he must help her...And finding a way out of the airport is just the Start of a whirlwind adventure across the country...From Turkey to Bali to Tokyo...Milton is on a mission of his own...To get this woman's child back to her...No matter What...Or Who..He has to go through!!!
An intriguing adventure, as John thinks maybe, just Maybe, he could stay with this woman...Who begs him to remain in her life...Can Milton give in to a domestic bliss? Grab this fabulous story to find out!!
I received an ARC from the author and I give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Being the man he is, John decides he must help her...And finding a way out of the airport is just the Start of a whirlwind adventure across the country...From Turkey to Bali to Tokyo...Milton is on a mission of his own...To get this woman's child back to her...No matter What...Or Who..He has to go through!!!
An intriguing adventure, as John thinks maybe, just Maybe, he could stay with this woman...Who begs him to remain in her life...Can Milton give in to a domestic bliss? Grab this fabulous story to find out!!
I received an ARC from the author and I give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
June 10, 2023
*Catastrophe*
**4.5 Stars**
After the trouble John Milton(aka Smith)got into in the last couple of books he found himself royally back into the spotlight of his ex employers Group Fifteen a Government Group that ran under the radar clearing up problems when all else fails. John was their number one assassin with the unique ability of being able to blend in and operate under the radar.
This instalment sees that he will have retire his old name (Smith) and get new false papers. The person in question is now living in Bali. John’s major flaw is he is a recovering alcoholic and he is still trying to atone.
As usual John heads straight into trouble, his idea of running off grid sees him catapulted into the spotlight when he spots a beautiful woman Sakura at the airport. He shakes off the possibility of showing interest and the next thing we know he has to protect her as she is being blackmailed and she is in a perilous situation. John is soon up against the Japanese yakuza and a rival gang.
John is out of his depth and what does he do, he heads towards trouble even though it could mean his life maybe hanging in the balance. Can he take them on and save his skin?….
This is book 18 and I am addicted to this series. This has all the ingredients you would expect and on this occasion we see John’s plan going spectacularly wrong and I was on the edge of my seat ….
**4.5 Stars**
After the trouble John Milton(aka Smith)got into in the last couple of books he found himself royally back into the spotlight of his ex employers Group Fifteen a Government Group that ran under the radar clearing up problems when all else fails. John was their number one assassin with the unique ability of being able to blend in and operate under the radar.
This instalment sees that he will have retire his old name (Smith) and get new false papers. The person in question is now living in Bali. John’s major flaw is he is a recovering alcoholic and he is still trying to atone.
As usual John heads straight into trouble, his idea of running off grid sees him catapulted into the spotlight when he spots a beautiful woman Sakura at the airport. He shakes off the possibility of showing interest and the next thing we know he has to protect her as she is being blackmailed and she is in a perilous situation. John is soon up against the Japanese yakuza and a rival gang.
John is out of his depth and what does he do, he heads towards trouble even though it could mean his life maybe hanging in the balance. Can he take them on and save his skin?….
This is book 18 and I am addicted to this series. This has all the ingredients you would expect and on this occasion we see John’s plan going spectacularly wrong and I was on the edge of my seat ….
January 24, 2022
I very much enjoy almost anything that Mark Dawson writes and Ronin was no exception. This time, ex-assassin John Milton finds himself on board an international flight to Bali where he is to pick up the documents that he will use for a new identity because he feels that "John Smith" has run its course. A small act of kindness leads to him being upgraded to first-class by a gorgeous Japanese woman who knows the purser quite well.
His newfound seatmate eventually becomes very ill and Milton finds out that she is acting as a drug mule and, apparently, one of the drug-filled condoms has split and she now has hard drugs in her system. In her state, she clearly couldn't make it through customs and immigration so Milton, of course, comes to her rescue. Doing so is consistent with his AA promise to make amends (step 9) by helping innocents who need his help. She's not 100% innocent but after Milton understands why she is serving as a mule, he is willing to help. They are pursued by the drug sellers, the Indonesian immigration authorities and police and the drug buyers. Chaos ensues.
The plot is interesting (although somewhat standard John Milton fare), the new characters are vividly portrayed and, if you are willing to go somewhat beyond the bounds of plausibility, you will enjoy them and their antics.
Great literature? No. But rather a quick, fun, action-packed read that Milton fans, as well as those who love the better of the many James Bondish characters that proliferate new publications, will enjoy.
Over and Out
His newfound seatmate eventually becomes very ill and Milton finds out that she is acting as a drug mule and, apparently, one of the drug-filled condoms has split and she now has hard drugs in her system. In her state, she clearly couldn't make it through customs and immigration so Milton, of course, comes to her rescue. Doing so is consistent with his AA promise to make amends (step 9) by helping innocents who need his help. She's not 100% innocent but after Milton understands why she is serving as a mule, he is willing to help. They are pursued by the drug sellers, the Indonesian immigration authorities and police and the drug buyers. Chaos ensues.
The plot is interesting (although somewhat standard John Milton fare), the new characters are vividly portrayed and, if you are willing to go somewhat beyond the bounds of plausibility, you will enjoy them and their antics.
Great literature? No. But rather a quick, fun, action-packed read that Milton fans, as well as those who love the better of the many James Bondish characters that proliferate new publications, will enjoy.
Over and Out
October 25, 2020
I was fortunate enough to be able to read an ARC of Mark Dawson's latest John Milton thriller/adventure.
This one sees Milton traveling from Panama to Turkey and on to Bali to try and get some new identification for himself. Control is on to his use of John Smith. While on the flight from Turkey to Bali John is befriended by a beautiful woman. She arranges for him to be upgraded to first class for the flight. She becomes extremely ill during the flight and shares with Milton that she is being blackmailed into being a drug mule. And John, being John, isn't going to let this go. An outstanding story moves from Bali to Tokyo for Milton to dispense his type of justice.
This one sees Milton traveling from Panama to Turkey and on to Bali to try and get some new identification for himself. Control is on to his use of John Smith. While on the flight from Turkey to Bali John is befriended by a beautiful woman. She arranges for him to be upgraded to first class for the flight. She becomes extremely ill during the flight and shares with Milton that she is being blackmailed into being a drug mule. And John, being John, isn't going to let this go. An outstanding story moves from Bali to Tokyo for Milton to dispense his type of justice.
January 21, 2021
I recently finished Ronin by Mark Dawson. It's the latest story about John Milton ex government assassin and alcoholic. I have loved this series since book one and he never lets me down with his writing. Milton is roaming the world trying to make up for all the lives he has taken and stumbles upon people who need help. This time it leads him to Tokya and pits him against the Yakuza. great book.
February 22, 2021
To be honest more of the same. Don't get me wrong this is a well written book and in of itself a good action/thriller read. But the problem is at book 18 the formula is getting a little tired. I liked the irony of the title this time as I've always seen Milton as a kind of masterless warrior looking for a worthy adventure. Maybe its time for him to think of settling somewhere, content in his balancing the scales.
June 6, 2022
Not a dull moment in this story. John goes to retrieve his new legend and passport (John Smith has been blown) from an old friend in Bali when his next adventure thrusts itself upon him. This one takes place in Japan.
June 13, 2022
Milton doesn’t have to look for problems… they find him wherever he goes. With his promise of redemption he takes on another challenge.
November 19, 2020
I LOVE this author! I cannot get enough. I've read all his books and will continue doing so until one of us is dead.
December 15, 2020
It had potential
I like the story line, I liked the introduction of the characters and the premise of where the story would and could go. But it never happened at least not for me. The action was cold the milton character is disappointing at best. The build up of what he could be was on point and then the let down of what he is in this book made me want to skip pages. He is weak when it comes to the expectation of the build up. How the character finally took action was less than satisfying. He gets the crap kicked out of him like he is the school weakling who never fought in his life then when it can to dishing out payback it was less than boring. I'm normally generous when it comes to my first review of a new character for me but this I'm sorry was a big let down. I will not continue with the series. For the author we like strong lead characters in this genre we expect it, this guy had non of it.
I like the story line, I liked the introduction of the characters and the premise of where the story would and could go. But it never happened at least not for me. The action was cold the milton character is disappointing at best. The build up of what he could be was on point and then the let down of what he is in this book made me want to skip pages. He is weak when it comes to the expectation of the build up. How the character finally took action was less than satisfying. He gets the crap kicked out of him like he is the school weakling who never fought in his life then when it can to dishing out payback it was less than boring. I'm normally generous when it comes to my first review of a new character for me but this I'm sorry was a big let down. I will not continue with the series. For the author we like strong lead characters in this genre we expect it, this guy had non of it.
September 30, 2021
Not the best John Milton
Of all the women John Milton has met on his travels I found Sakura to be the least likeable. Clingy and just no gumption. It was hard to believe that a man like Milton would fall for her and consider settling down. As such it was hard to get invested in the plot . Come on Mr Dawson Mi!ton deserves better or just don't bother.
Of all the women John Milton has met on his travels I found Sakura to be the least likeable. Clingy and just no gumption. It was hard to believe that a man like Milton would fall for her and consider settling down. As such it was hard to get invested in the plot . Come on Mr Dawson Mi!ton deserves better or just don't bother.
May 17, 2022
Did Mark Dawson Write This?
I've loved this series of John Milton books but this one made me wonder who had written it? The writing style came across as amateurish, so much so I gave up before the ending and it takes a really badly written book for that to happen as I normally push on until the end. I hope the next one is back on par.
I've loved this series of John Milton books but this one made me wonder who had written it? The writing style came across as amateurish, so much so I gave up before the ending and it takes a really badly written book for that to happen as I normally push on until the end. I hope the next one is back on par.
March 23, 2022
Not satisfying and I think it's because I felt the female protagonist was too needy. This caused problems for Milton and for her. While I know her actions moved the plot in interesting ways I just felt impatient with her.
May 3, 2021
Repetition
Always revealed hackneyed plots and wholly predictable results
Milton must be as inneffective operative as Laurel & Hardy on a bad day.
Always revealed hackneyed plots and wholly predictable results
Milton must be as inneffective operative as Laurel & Hardy on a bad day.
November 18, 2021
Not my favorite book in the series. If this was the first I had read, it would be the last...
November 30, 2021
It was another good read. Kept me on the edge of my seat
January 15, 2024
Ronin is the 18th book in the John Milton series by Mark Dawson, a USA Today bestselling author of thrillers and suspense novels. In this installment, Milton travels to Bali in search of a new identity, but he can’t even manage the flight without finding someone who needs his help. A beautiful woman falls ill and confesses that she has swallowed packages of cocaine in order to smuggle it across the border. Milton decides to help her, but soon realizes that he has made a dangerous enemy: the Japanese yakuza, who are after the drugs and the woman. Milton finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where he has to use all his skills and resources to survive and protect the woman he has come to care for.
Ronin is a fast-paced, action-packed, and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dawson has created a compelling and complex character in Milton, who is haunted by his past and tries to redeem himself by helping others. Milton is not a typical hero, but a flawed and realistic one, who struggles with his inner demons and his addiction to alcohol. He is also a master of disguise, a skilled fighter, and a cunning strategist, who can adapt to any situation and overcome any obstacle. Milton is a ronin, a samurai without a master, who wanders the world in search of a purpose.
Dawson has also crafted a vivid and exotic setting in Bali, where he portrays the beauty and the danger of the island. He captures the culture, the history, the politics, and the crime of Bali, and creates a contrast between the paradise and the hell that coexist there. He also introduces a variety of interesting and colorful characters, such as Sakura, the woman who Milton helps, who has a mysterious and tragic backstory; Hiro, the ruthless and charismatic leader of the yakuza, who has a personal vendetta against Milton; and Rudi, Milton’s old friend and former colleague, who provides him with support and humor.
Ronin is a thrilling and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and Robert Ludlum. It is a standalone novel that can be enjoyed without reading the previous books in the series, but it also offers some references and connections to the earlier stories. It is a book that will make you feel a range of emotions, from excitement and suspense, to sympathy and admiration, to shock and surprise. It is a book that will make you think about the meaning of life, the value of friendship, and the power of redemption. It is a book that will make you want to read more of John Milton’s adventures. Ronin is a book that you won’t regret picking up.
Ronin is a fast-paced, action-packed, and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dawson has created a compelling and complex character in Milton, who is haunted by his past and tries to redeem himself by helping others. Milton is not a typical hero, but a flawed and realistic one, who struggles with his inner demons and his addiction to alcohol. He is also a master of disguise, a skilled fighter, and a cunning strategist, who can adapt to any situation and overcome any obstacle. Milton is a ronin, a samurai without a master, who wanders the world in search of a purpose.
Dawson has also crafted a vivid and exotic setting in Bali, where he portrays the beauty and the danger of the island. He captures the culture, the history, the politics, and the crime of Bali, and creates a contrast between the paradise and the hell that coexist there. He also introduces a variety of interesting and colorful characters, such as Sakura, the woman who Milton helps, who has a mysterious and tragic backstory; Hiro, the ruthless and charismatic leader of the yakuza, who has a personal vendetta against Milton; and Rudi, Milton’s old friend and former colleague, who provides him with support and humor.
Ronin is a thrilling and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of Lee Child, Vince Flynn, and Robert Ludlum. It is a standalone novel that can be enjoyed without reading the previous books in the series, but it also offers some references and connections to the earlier stories. It is a book that will make you feel a range of emotions, from excitement and suspense, to sympathy and admiration, to shock and surprise. It is a book that will make you think about the meaning of life, the value of friendship, and the power of redemption. It is a book that will make you want to read more of John Milton’s adventures. Ronin is a book that you won’t regret picking up.
February 13, 2023
3.5 probably as Miltons redemption tour gets more incredulous with every show, though nice to know he can show some feelings and trust another again. Yes, of course she was beautiful, beyond beautiful it seems, and he is saved from coach by her kindness in repayment to his....guess he forgot the old axiom no good deed... Anyway, the whole brother killing brother honor system seems stretched as well as old yakuza vs young bucks and the whole mafia esque distain for drug running (that shifty dr and nurse never did get theirs it seems). Stolen sword, lost honor, gets rubbed out, then somehow Milton is now besties with the womans dad and chowing down sushi. Uncharacteristically Milton gets a big head and thinks getting sword back by kidnapping and doing exchange will be a snap, and the old check the email trick (why is she putting room in her name? Numb !) gets her. Oh, and his old friend in Bali gets intruded upon, husband takes burning knife to throat, puts him and stranger up and laughs it off as one big adventure, now that is a friend to keep!
Figured out he would get into the impenetrable fortress (caused they called it that) and brothers in the end did not prove that blood and family is more important than business and old swords. Guess not, and not enough to entice Milton or Eric I should say, to stick around with the most beautiful woman on earth and her Optimus Prime loving kid...your loss old boy but if it keeps them safe then I guess that is what counts.
Figured out he would get into the impenetrable fortress (caused they called it that) and brothers in the end did not prove that blood and family is more important than business and old swords. Guess not, and not enough to entice Milton or Eric I should say, to stick around with the most beautiful woman on earth and her Optimus Prime loving kid...your loss old boy but if it keeps them safe then I guess that is what counts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
It seems amazing that the John MIlton series is up to book 18, I have been fortunate to have been on Mark Dawson's Advance reader team since book 1. For nearly all the books I have been able to say 'this is the best in the series so far' and I am pleased to say that I can say it again with this book.
What I really like is that in addition to the excitement and action, which is written with Mark Dawson's usual flair and realism, there is a new emphasis on Milton's more human and empathic side, and even a hint of romance, which is a very welcome departure for this great character. Perhaps it is symbolic that he is getting a new identity when this new side to his character is revealed.
In this story Milton is pitched against one side of a yakuza family when he assists a beautiful woman he meets on a flight to Bali. The task is complicated by the woman's son being held by the yakuza boss.
Milton shows his ingenuity and skills learned when he was an undercover agent in this superbly crafted tale.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
What I really like is that in addition to the excitement and action, which is written with Mark Dawson's usual flair and realism, there is a new emphasis on Milton's more human and empathic side, and even a hint of romance, which is a very welcome departure for this great character. Perhaps it is symbolic that he is getting a new identity when this new side to his character is revealed.
In this story Milton is pitched against one side of a yakuza family when he assists a beautiful woman he meets on a flight to Bali. The task is complicated by the woman's son being held by the yakuza boss.
Milton shows his ingenuity and skills learned when he was an undercover agent in this superbly crafted tale.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but this honest review has been voluntarily written.
November 17, 2020
Milton in a more contemplative mood but still as explosive
My favourite ex-assassin, John Milton, AKA John Smith, is now in need of a new alias with Group 15 determined to hunt him down. This book takes him to Bali, to an old friend who can help with that new identity. Along the way, he meets someone who needs his help and in aiding her, he puts himself in the cross hairs of the Yakuza.
This novel sees Milton in a much more contemplative mood than we have possibly ever seen him in. He is re-evaluating his life whilst leaving John Smith behind, and seriously considers making a change. His continuing sobriety is also examined along the way and I feel as if we get to know him more in Ronin than in any of the other books.
That's not to say that we don't see him action because we certainly do. John is always impressive, even when he's losing a fight, and this time is no exception. The action is non-stop and John is front and centre at all times.
I am completely in love with Mark Dawson's flawed hero and I want John, my broken angel, to find peace and be happy but please, Mark, not just yet.
My favourite ex-assassin, John Milton, AKA John Smith, is now in need of a new alias with Group 15 determined to hunt him down. This book takes him to Bali, to an old friend who can help with that new identity. Along the way, he meets someone who needs his help and in aiding her, he puts himself in the cross hairs of the Yakuza.
This novel sees Milton in a much more contemplative mood than we have possibly ever seen him in. He is re-evaluating his life whilst leaving John Smith behind, and seriously considers making a change. His continuing sobriety is also examined along the way and I feel as if we get to know him more in Ronin than in any of the other books.
That's not to say that we don't see him action because we certainly do. John is always impressive, even when he's losing a fight, and this time is no exception. The action is non-stop and John is front and centre at all times.
I am completely in love with Mark Dawson's flawed hero and I want John, my broken angel, to find peace and be happy but please, Mark, not just yet.
November 16, 2020
Ronin
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review, this is my 100% honest review.
One thing I like about Mark Dawson’s John Milton books is that they draw the reader into the story. I find myself thinking” don’t go there, John, leave it alone, it’s got nothing to do with you” but as usual he plunges in and draws us into the dark dangerous world of John Milton.
The story is set in Tokyo and once you get your head around the Japanese names and worked out who was whom, the story just flies off the page. He fights the Japanese Yakuza and very nearly falls in love.
I couldn’t put it down and sat until 2 a.m. to finish it. It’s perfect for these dark grey days of lockdown. Helps you to escape Covid 19 for a while.
I really want to discuss this book in detail but don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet, but I highly recommend it.
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review, this is my 100% honest review.
One thing I like about Mark Dawson’s John Milton books is that they draw the reader into the story. I find myself thinking” don’t go there, John, leave it alone, it’s got nothing to do with you” but as usual he plunges in and draws us into the dark dangerous world of John Milton.
The story is set in Tokyo and once you get your head around the Japanese names and worked out who was whom, the story just flies off the page. He fights the Japanese Yakuza and very nearly falls in love.
I couldn’t put it down and sat until 2 a.m. to finish it. It’s perfect for these dark grey days of lockdown. Helps you to escape Covid 19 for a while.
I really want to discuss this book in detail but don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet, but I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2021
The latest book in the John Milton series takes us all over the globe. Milton leaves from South America and heads towards Bali to meet with his Identity Documentation contact. Along the way, he meets a young woman who is in a lot of trouble and in true Milton fashion, he puts his life on the line to help her.
We then travel to Japan where things come to a head. There is a group of bad guys and one particular bad guy who is after the young woman in Milton's protection. We get to see a little romance in this one as Milton keeps going back and forth with the idea of possibly settling down to have a normal life. (after everything is settled with the current situation, that is) But, as usually happens in these situations, things happen and John realizes that his life is always going to be too dangerous to subject anyone else to. That was sad to me. Unfortunately, I never really "felt" any chemistry between the two of them, so for me it seemed liked a fairly simple decision, but I did feel sad for Milton. Honestly though, I think when John REALLY falls in love, he will move mountains - not only to make it happen, but to KEEP it - but that is only my opinion.
So, another book down. Was this the best book in the series? I don't think so - at least not for me. But, it kept me interested and it was solved in a manner that was satisfying. So, now the wait for book 19 begins.
We then travel to Japan where things come to a head. There is a group of bad guys and one particular bad guy who is after the young woman in Milton's protection. We get to see a little romance in this one as Milton keeps going back and forth with the idea of possibly settling down to have a normal life. (after everything is settled with the current situation, that is) But, as usually happens in these situations, things happen and John realizes that his life is always going to be too dangerous to subject anyone else to. That was sad to me. Unfortunately, I never really "felt" any chemistry between the two of them, so for me it seemed liked a fairly simple decision, but I did feel sad for Milton. Honestly though, I think when John REALLY falls in love, he will move mountains - not only to make it happen, but to KEEP it - but that is only my opinion.
So, another book down. Was this the best book in the series? I don't think so - at least not for me. But, it kept me interested and it was solved in a manner that was satisfying. So, now the wait for book 19 begins.
June 19, 2021
John Milton has much he needs to atone for and somehow karma always seeks to provide him with someone who is desperately in need of his expertise. Fortune finds a young mother who is being forced to smuggle drugs and has a medical emergency while doing so, which begins Milton's adventure in Bali. Old friends and new loves helps John take stock of his life of sobriety and temps him into giving up his wandering ways, but only if his skills are good enough to save the people who matter to him. If he fails, it may cost him that very sobriety right before it costs him his life. Seeing John reach for happiness and consider settling down is very moving, but if you push his back to the wall his demons threaten everything. A grand story, with a search for family, honor and peace; Dawson hits the best notes in this symphony of violence. Milton just gets better with age, but will this enemy finally be too much?
December 12, 2020
I have read every book written by Mark Dawson and was expecting the eighteenth Milton episode to be another typical page turning thriller.....but was left very disappointed.
The plot was very thin and overall very predictable.Too many loose ends,especially in Bali,and too many lucky coincidences which in previous episodes would have been properly and more thoroughly thought through.
I'm always reluctant to be critical of an author who has given so much entertainment over numerous excellent episodes from Milton,Rose etc.however Ronin just didn't do it for me and left me feeling badly let down.Maybe one encounter too many for Milton and episode 19 will need to be much better in order to re establish some credibility.Sorry Mark but my honest opinion and if I didn't know better then I might not continue looking forward to new releases.
The plot was very thin and overall very predictable.Too many loose ends,especially in Bali,and too many lucky coincidences which in previous episodes would have been properly and more thoroughly thought through.
I'm always reluctant to be critical of an author who has given so much entertainment over numerous excellent episodes from Milton,Rose etc.however Ronin just didn't do it for me and left me feeling badly let down.Maybe one encounter too many for Milton and episode 19 will need to be much better in order to re establish some credibility.Sorry Mark but my honest opinion and if I didn't know better then I might not continue looking forward to new releases.
January 30, 2022
Farewell to John Smith, it’s been a long time with that legend. He exited in style. A great deal of very unlikeable characters and a few ‘Disney’ characters too!
An inauspicious beginning that was too good to be true… an inevitable set-up & the equally inevitable John Smith adventure!
I confess that I found the ‘middle’ of the book (once they arrived in Japan), unexciting and the ending, whilst satisfying, insufficient.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title. David Thorpe’s narration is perfect, once again, the accents were all credible (to me) and fortunately helped distinguish between the characters, as the names were so similar (of course) to rely on that alone.
I’ve been absent from the genre for awhile and I am reading the last 4 back to back. 2 more to go. I think that I may have outgrown this genre, but perhaps Eric can revive me!
An inauspicious beginning that was too good to be true… an inevitable set-up & the equally inevitable John Smith adventure!
I confess that I found the ‘middle’ of the book (once they arrived in Japan), unexciting and the ending, whilst satisfying, insufficient.
I listened to the audiobook version of this title. David Thorpe’s narration is perfect, once again, the accents were all credible (to me) and fortunately helped distinguish between the characters, as the names were so similar (of course) to rely on that alone.
I’ve been absent from the genre for awhile and I am reading the last 4 back to back. 2 more to go. I think that I may have outgrown this genre, but perhaps Eric can revive me!
November 11, 2020
With Group 15 after him again, Milton takes a long road trip though South America where he sells his classic car and flies to Bali. On the plane, he meets Sekura, a damsel in distress, if there ever was one. He is on his way to Bali to meet Victoria a coworker from long ago. He needs a new identity and that was her specialty. Now she has been happily married for 5 years and working in a hotel. Sekura has been working as a mule to move drugs. They have her son and she has no choice. Milton is offering her a choice. He is being held in Tokyo and they have to evade capture to get there. Sekura’s husband, Miyasato, was killed by his brother for stealing a precious sword that belonged to their father. They are an old world crime family. Chock full of action. Another excellent John Milton book!
November 21, 2020
Robin. Mark Dawson
John Milton has a habit of offering to help people in need. Probably due to his violent past and things he had to do that he now regrets. A young Japanese women sitting next to him on a plane is a mule carding bags of heroin she has swallowed . One of them has apparently opened. If she doesn't receive medical attention she will die. Milton contacts an old friend after he manages to get her off the plane. What unfolds next is nothing short of a nightmare. The Yakuza are involved and nothing good can come from this. Non stop action from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
John Milton has a habit of offering to help people in need. Probably due to his violent past and things he had to do that he now regrets. A young Japanese women sitting next to him on a plane is a mule carding bags of heroin she has swallowed . One of them has apparently opened. If she doesn't receive medical attention she will die. Milton contacts an old friend after he manages to get her off the plane. What unfolds next is nothing short of a nightmare. The Yakuza are involved and nothing good can come from this. Non stop action from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
November 23, 2020
Never Fails.......excellent
Having read every Milton book, they are all great stories woven around real countries and citys. The variety and depth of characters always holds great interest.
Mark manages to write so many stories with a central character that never feels like repetitive boilerplate.... that can happen in some series books. There are many occasions in the Milton books where you think.....oh dear this is going to be the last one as he’s not going to survive or has he found the person or place that he’ll decide to call home.......
All this keeps me hooked a d waiting for the next instalment.....thank you Mark for hours of pleasure...
Having read every Milton book, they are all great stories woven around real countries and citys. The variety and depth of characters always holds great interest.
Mark manages to write so many stories with a central character that never feels like repetitive boilerplate.... that can happen in some series books. There are many occasions in the Milton books where you think.....oh dear this is going to be the last one as he’s not going to survive or has he found the person or place that he’ll decide to call home.......
All this keeps me hooked a d waiting for the next instalment.....thank you Mark for hours of pleasure...
December 15, 2020
Mark Dawson has done it again! Each book, since No 1 in the Milton series, seems to get better and better. In recent times, after reading each book, I'm convinced it could never be bettered, but then the next one comes out and Mark proves how wrong I was. Ronin is book 18 in the series and, dare I say, the best one yet. Plenty of action from page one and it never lets up. A true page-turner. We seemed to get a bit deeper into Milton's mind, and although I've never been to Bali or Tokyo in reality but on every page I felt I was right there. Outstanding. I cant wait for Milton No 19 to be released.
December 22, 2020
Typical Milton but way more human and flawed. A best humanizing story of Milton yet!
John Milton ha decided to continue to make amends for those he's wronged. As a recovering Alcoholic, it's part of the credo. But when those you've wronged are dead by his hand in her Majesty's hit squad, amends aren't possible. So he he helps those in need, often needing his special talent but when things go awry, he blames himself believing his own arrogance that he and he alone can fix problems. He finds himself tempted after years of sobriety to fall off the deep end. Human struggles and conflicts in a story that brings out the worst of old school versus new in the Yakasuza.
John Milton ha decided to continue to make amends for those he's wronged. As a recovering Alcoholic, it's part of the credo. But when those you've wronged are dead by his hand in her Majesty's hit squad, amends aren't possible. So he he helps those in need, often needing his special talent but when things go awry, he blames himself believing his own arrogance that he and he alone can fix problems. He finds himself tempted after years of sobriety to fall off the deep end. Human struggles and conflicts in a story that brings out the worst of old school versus new in the Yakasuza.
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