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on November 7, 2016
This was my first Barry Eisler book. It's a thriller, fast paced and driven by Livia Lone's search for her missing sister, Nason, who disappeared after the two were sold into slavery by their Thai parents and trafficked to the USA. The abuse inflicted on Livia and her sister is horrendous and hard to read. Eisler takes this terrible subject seriously and did a lot of research that he details in chapter notes and links at the end of the book. So why only three stars? I don't think Eisler ever really found Livia's voice. The writing is almost journalistic - this happened then this happened. For me language and character are as important as plot. Eisler's words don't sing and the sex is so graphic as to be almost clinical. If you like action, there's plenty going on here. Livia's character develops in unbelievable leaps and bounds, turning her from a wretched child into a comic book version of Superwoman. If I hadn't been stuck on an airplane, I might not have finished the book.
on January 11, 2017
I read this based on a video interview I saw regarding the author, so I was already aware that it was outside my usual comfort zone. But how else can one grow? The objective subject matter in this book in normal times would not interest me. But I am interested in police techniques and such, so I wadded past some of the sex. To be honest, the sex was such that it really did have to be there for the story to be honest, such as I can tell. This stuff (human trafficking) is happening in the world and to be a prude about it is unworthy, so I tested the waters in order to see about the topic, which is modern slavery in the US. The action is first rate and the story moves swiftly I should add. He doesn't preach, but he does use psychology from the victims point of view, which is worthy of some reflection if you care about the human cost of this issue. From what I can tell he takes pains to be accurate with all of his techniques too. I read this book on my Kindle Fire and it was worth the time and the cost. It is also a slight departure from his earlier books, which I have enjoyed several times. When an author takes a chance and moves into an area with the idea of raising social awareness in very harsh problems, I am personally willing to reward them for that effort. I learned a bunch and I was entertained. Win-win for me.
on January 20, 2017
There's a thin line between exploitation and examination of unpleasant and exploitative issues, and it's hard to argue that Barry Eisler doesn't cross the line at least a few times with the graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse in this book, as well as the heroine who masturbates to her own murders. If Eisler would commit a bit more fully to the exploitation, or avoid it entirely, maybe this would be a better read, but as it is a good enough thriller that confronts some dark subject matter.
As always Eisler grounds his books in as much fact as he can; I hope he will delve into the reality of PTSD and have Livia confront her own sexual fetishism in later books, instead of continuing to make its seem like masturbating about strangling people is the epitome of the Warrior Spirit.
As always Eisler grounds his books in as much fact as he can; I hope he will delve into the reality of PTSD and have Livia confront her own sexual fetishism in later books, instead of continuing to make its seem like masturbating about strangling people is the epitome of the Warrior Spirit.
on June 4, 2017
The book reads as an amalgam of all the interesting (and disturbing) things that the author found when he researched child trafficking and sex slavery from SEA into the US. The result is a "greatest hits" of fictionalized (but founded on fact) horror stories. Mr. Eisler then creates a narrative thread and a character--hilltribe-origin Livia Lone--to stitch these altogether. Along the way, he gives the heroine a couple of quirks (and then some!) to prevent anyone from mistaking her for a saint. The book is well-written, but has too much narration to my taste and the core plot stretches credulity on a couple of levels. But the man can write, his avenging angel will appeal to many, many readers and I can smell the start of another hit series. Recommended particularly for anyone interested in the child trafficking angle or a fan of strong female protagonists with dark aspects to their personalities.
on September 20, 2016
Livia Lone may be the darkest, and most accomplished, book from Barry Eisler yet. I’ve been a long-time reader of Eisler’s work, and a big fan of his series character, John Rain, but early on into his latest I found myself already needing more Livia Lone books. It may be heretical, but as much as I love Eisler’s mournful assassin, if, for whatever reason, we never hear from John Rain again, I’ll be OK as long as there’s plenty more of Livia Lone to fill the gap.
Livia is a tragic, tortured, and psychologically fascinating character. She’s also incredibly strong and capable, both mentally and physically, and is a protector at heart. Sold into slavery alongside her sister by her parents, Livia and Nason are shipped across the ocean from Thaliand to the USA, and separated along the way. Although Livia was rescued and adopted, the whereabouts of her sister are a mystery that has driven her for more than a decade, and she now works a police detective in the sex crimes division of Seattle PD. She also has some less than legal extracurricular activities targeting rapists.
Right from the get-go, Eisler tackles rape culture and male privilege with an appropriately seedy and disturbing examination of a would-be rapists mindset, and had me instantly rooting for Livia.
Although Lone metes out some incredibly satisfying vigilante justice, Eisler never fails to shy away from the grotesqueness of the world she inhabits. This is not a feel good read, and much of the book made me downright uncomfortable and disgusted. Livia Lone is absolutely brutal, and oftentimes quite graphic, in its depictions of human trafficking, violence, child abuse, and rape. The streaks of hope that do sparingly exist herein are fueled by revenge, and Livia’s willingness to overcome whatever obstacles are put in her way. While she may get beaten down, she refuses to be defeated, even at a young age. A dragon resides within her, and when she lets it loose, woe be to anyone stupid enough to get in her way.
Livia Lone is stark and uncompromising, bleak but rewarding. Like his titular heroine, Eisler does not pull any punches here, and although it often left me despairing for humanity I think it’s a better book for it. And Livia, herself, is a heroine that I need much more of.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley.]
Livia is a tragic, tortured, and psychologically fascinating character. She’s also incredibly strong and capable, both mentally and physically, and is a protector at heart. Sold into slavery alongside her sister by her parents, Livia and Nason are shipped across the ocean from Thaliand to the USA, and separated along the way. Although Livia was rescued and adopted, the whereabouts of her sister are a mystery that has driven her for more than a decade, and she now works a police detective in the sex crimes division of Seattle PD. She also has some less than legal extracurricular activities targeting rapists.
Right from the get-go, Eisler tackles rape culture and male privilege with an appropriately seedy and disturbing examination of a would-be rapists mindset, and had me instantly rooting for Livia.
Although Lone metes out some incredibly satisfying vigilante justice, Eisler never fails to shy away from the grotesqueness of the world she inhabits. This is not a feel good read, and much of the book made me downright uncomfortable and disgusted. Livia Lone is absolutely brutal, and oftentimes quite graphic, in its depictions of human trafficking, violence, child abuse, and rape. The streaks of hope that do sparingly exist herein are fueled by revenge, and Livia’s willingness to overcome whatever obstacles are put in her way. While she may get beaten down, she refuses to be defeated, even at a young age. A dragon resides within her, and when she lets it loose, woe be to anyone stupid enough to get in her way.
Livia Lone is stark and uncompromising, bleak but rewarding. Like his titular heroine, Eisler does not pull any punches here, and although it often left me despairing for humanity I think it’s a better book for it. And Livia, herself, is a heroine that I need much more of.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley.]
on October 29, 2016
Talking about human trade, violence and a non stop experience. Mr. Eisler is right on. It was a heartbreaking read, but something that must be said. I loved his John Rain books, which although filled with some surprises, i knew that this was true fiction. This book although fiction could easily be non fiction. it is not for those with a weak heart.
on November 5, 2016
In reading this book what I liked best was it's lack of coyness. Taking a very difficult subject that is often described in vague general terms, i.e., child abuse or human trafficking, and going into very graphic detail about just what and how things happen, why they happen, the toll they take on the victims and what kind of people perpetrate these crimes was both informative and compelling to read. At times I felt like a voyeur watching things done that are rarely, if ever, brought into the light of the day. Some of the things described were hard to read because of the cruelty and depravity, yet, we know these things go on and need to be completely exposed to be cured. I don't know if Eisler was trying to write an exposé or tell a compelling story. I think he accomplished both. Livia Lone, a Thai girl who, with her sister, is sold into sexual slavery as a child, is a bit of a comic book character in her ability to fight, defeat and even kill much larger and more formidable looking foes, who deserve whatever vigilante justice she metes out. She is also an outstanding policewoman who, because of her victimization as a child, decides to work in the sex crimes division of the Seattle police department. All in all I found this book to be an excellent read. It is not for the faint of heart nor for those who don't like to read gritty descriptions of brutal sex acts.
on November 16, 2016
Having read and listened to all of the John Rain series, I didn't think a character could be as sinister as John and still be likable with redeeming values. I was wrong. Livia Lone is a strong character with lots of issues but comes across as someone I would like. Given her childhood, the fact that she and her younger sister were sold by her parents, then mistreated and separated once they arrived at their destination, you can understand her issues and her vigilance in having power and finding her sister. She learns martial arts and becomes an expert before she is out of high school. Her constant hunt for her sister is what keeps her going. The book is dark but so well written that you must find out what happens. I was awake until 2 a.m. To finish it last night. Barry Eisler is a superb storyteller and a terrific narrator for the audible version. He narrated all of his own books and that makes the stories more real because who can tell it better than the creator. This book is sad because of the nature of the story but we all know there is a sex slave trade and that many wind up in the USA. Unfortunately, this story is very believable. We might see Livia in another book.
on December 11, 2016
Like all Barry fans I've been waiting for the next book and Livia lives up to expectations.
In the John Rain series he took us on a journey with an expert assassin and "good guy".
Livia is a clever twist on the Rain series and his protagonist is the exceptional
Livia. The back story which occupies much of the book takes the reader on her journey
from the young girl to the highly trained martial artist who also is adept in eliminating
nasty bastards. She is in effect a vigilante who takes the law into her own hands. I particularly
enjoy Barry's "notes" at the back of the book where he reveals interesting facts and even
provides sources where we can look up this stuff on the net to learn more. The buying
experience is what I've learned to expect from the remarkable people at Amazon.
I order today from Australia and within a few days the book arrives by special delivery.
How good is that? 10/10 from me.
In the John Rain series he took us on a journey with an expert assassin and "good guy".
Livia is a clever twist on the Rain series and his protagonist is the exceptional
Livia. The back story which occupies much of the book takes the reader on her journey
from the young girl to the highly trained martial artist who also is adept in eliminating
nasty bastards. She is in effect a vigilante who takes the law into her own hands. I particularly
enjoy Barry's "notes" at the back of the book where he reveals interesting facts and even
provides sources where we can look up this stuff on the net to learn more. The buying
experience is what I've learned to expect from the remarkable people at Amazon.
I order today from Australia and within a few days the book arrives by special delivery.
How good is that? 10/10 from me.
