3.5. Interesting concept and lots of great tactical action and spy intrigue but a bloated length and a tendency to romanticize Christianity drag it down. But what else do you expect from a book about priest assassins? Ultimately I felt a little dissatisfied with the closure and reason for all the violence. But what violence it was! If only it were tighter and less Christiany...

Sept 13th 2020 - I truly enjoy Morrell's books and gladly go back to them whenever I have an opportunity. This book is about a man torn apart by his own history, acts committed while he served in counter-terrorist team that pushed him to religious zeal, penance and finally life in a remote monastery. Only to be pushed back into his old world of conspiracy and murder after a horrible event. We follow him as he tries to live with himself, forever hunted by his past and guilt but also by intelligence agents because he became a liability, person who just knows too much.

Excellent novel. if you like stories about spies/assassins they rarely get better than this one (or entire series to be honest).

Highly recommended.

Original review:

Second novel written by David Morrell featuring former spies/assassins trying to find peace amidst all the carnage caused as much by their agencies as by their opponents.

Unlike the [b: The Broterhood of the Rose|21838|The Brotherhood of the Rose (Mortalis, #1)|David Morrell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1167323742l/21838._SY75_.jpg|1479017] ending is more sober - main character ends up in exile both trying to find peace and elude his pursuers.

For everyone who likes action, adventure and stories about highly skilled assassins trying to live with their conscience look no further.

Highly recommended.

An old fashion mystery assassin spy novel.