The Fifth Profession (Bookcassette(r) Edition) [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

David Morrell (Author), multivoice (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1990

Savage, a former Navy SEAL and American state-of-the-art security specialist. Akira, Japan’s most brilliant executive protector and a master of the samurai arts.

Their mission: the retrieval of Rachel Stone, a beautiful American woman whose ruthless billionaire husband is out to destroy her. But quickly Savage and Akira realize they are trapped in a mission more far-reaching than the protection of one person.

For they are bound together in a common nightmare, a set of horrifying memories, a terrifying past that never happened, but is somehow inexplicably real. Only together can they confront the mystery. Yet when they do, an even more chilling scenario awaits them – one with the power to shatter not only their world but ours as well.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gripping adventure, suspense, and espionage are standard ingredients of Morrell's novels. Hired by wealthy and powerful clients as an executive protector, Savage is assigned to rescue Rachel Stone from her sadistic husband on the Greek island of Mykonos. Joined by Akira, his Japanese counterpart, Savage discovers this case extends far beyond merely protecting and safely delivering a client. Pursued by unknown outside forces, the threesome struggle to stay alive and solve a mystery that spans continents and brings horrifying memories to the surface. Bizarre circumstances involving psychosurgery, samurai, and CIA intrigue create an incredible, fast-paced thriller. The plot--if far-fetched--is strong, and the characters are wonderfully drawn. --Nancy Bard, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Inside Flap

The Bookcassette® format is a special recording technique developed as a means of condensing the full, unabridged audio text of a book to record it on fewer tapes. In order to listen to these tapes, you will need a cassette player with balance control to adjust left/right speaker output. Special adaptors to allow these tapes to be played on any cassette player are available through the publisher or some US retail electronics stores.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Bookcassette; Unabridged edition (October 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930435648
• ISBN-13: 978-0930435646
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,422,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Adventure to the extreme, September 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Fifth Profession (Mass Market Paperback)

" The Fifth Profession " by David Morrell is a non stop page turner full of action and a twisting plot through out. The novel is about the adventure of two "Ronin" (bodygaurds) sworn to find the answer behind their nightmares. Savage is an ex American Navy Seal who is a professional bodyguard who takes high risk jobs. He specializes in security, hand to hand combat, and weaponrey. Akira who is also a Ronin is a brilliant Japaness who is a master of samuria and protection. Both men are subject to a shocking event when they meet for the first time on a job. Months later they suprisingly meet each other again and embark on a journey to find out what or who pulled them through hell and back. This book takes you from the streets of New York to Japan, this mystery is full of intrigue and great action. Thought you don't learn any morals from reading this book you learn alot about Japaness folklore and culture. A must read for any adventure/mystery reader.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Morrell's Best, August 26, 2001

By 

Philip Hamilton (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Fifth Profession (Mass Market Paperback)

The first David Morrell books that I read years ago absolutely enthralled me. "The Fraternity of the Stone" and "The Brotherhood of the Rose" blended action with logic (the reader knows the logic that the protagonist is using to make each move) and threw in touches of Western and Eastern spirituality. What a combination! Expecting the same quality of books, I recently read some of Morrell's newer books. Wow...was I disappointed! It seemed that Morrell had gone the way of Sidney Sheldon and some other talented writers. Producing quality books had given way to cranking out manuscripts as quickly as possible. "The Fifth Profession" represents some of Morrell's best writing. Most readers who enjoyed "The Fraternity of the Stone" and "The Brotherhood of the Rose" will love this one.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Japanese background, large plot holes, November 3, 2000

By 

Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Fifth Profession (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Fifth Profession" by David Morrell is an intriguing tale of two bodyguards stuck with "false memories". They both believe they saw something traumatic, but find that item after item in their recollections did not actually happen. I've run a feudal Japan newsletter for over 10 years, so my main interest in this story was with the Japanese samurai tradition covered, as well as the bodyguard ethics.

The main teller of the story is American, but his counterpart is Japanese, and there are many interesting aspects to his personality and background. Part of the story takes place in Japan, in various areas of both city and country. The bodyguard was trained by a skilled ninja-type (of course) and the descriptions of their fighting style are also intriguing.

The narrative examines the background of Japan as the plot wends its way here and there. Readers learn various stories such as the 47 ronin, and backgrounds of the tea ceremony, zen gardening, bushido, and more.

While this book is not really meant to teach about Japan, the writer did a good job of researching his topic and slips much of the information in as casual background to the story.

If you can accept some of the plot holes at the end of the story, and don't worry very much about details that do not quite match up, this is a very enjoyable book!