Eric Lustbader's Ninja Series

I must confess, that I have only experienced the audio versions of these books. However, I found them extremely enjoyable. I have always been a fan of books that combine the Eastern mysticism with Western technology like Michael Crichton's Rising Sun or the Star Wars Series(The entire Jedi philosophy is merely recycled Zen Teachings). The protagonist in all these books is a half British half Japanese mystical martial artist and part owner of the Tomkin-Sato Electronics corporation,Nicolas Linear.


White Ninja



In this novel, Linear and his wife Justine are mourning the loss of their child, Nicolas has lost his mystical abilities and as a result become the 'White Ninja'. Washington is prone to a political scandal as someone has hacked into a defence computer and a killer is on the loose in Tokyo.

Can Linear recover in time to save the day? This book was a thriller from start to finish and a trifle hard to follow for a newbie like yours truly, who had not read Lusbader's earlier books in the series.The plot was fast paced, moving from the US to Tokyo and generous in action and sex even in its abridged audio version.

Floating City


Lustbader has killed off Justine in one of his earlier novels in the series. In the jungles of Vietnam is an entire city, operated by two merchants of death, Rock and Leonforte. The task of infiltrating this city and stopping these men rests on the broad shoulders of Nicolas. This book is well narrated and fast paced. I loved it.

Second Skin



Nicolas has destroyed Floating city but Mick Leonforte has survived. Lustbader portrays Leonforte as a charming bearded and vicious killer, as memorable as any other villain. He is an intellectual who worships Nietzsche and is in love with Nicolas' new woman. Has Nicolas methis match? This book marks the finale to the Linear series. Definitely worth a listen!

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Audiobook: Dolores Claiborne

Stephen King
(1995)
6 cassettes
If you are short on time, or even if you have lots of it, this book is a 'must listen'.
Frances Sternhagen delivers an unbelivable performance in this book as a foulmouthed obnoxious hag dolores claiborne.You must listen to this one even if you've seen the movie, as it is far superior to the latter and diametrically different.

Dolores Claiborne, a mother of three, with the mouth of a truck driver, uncouth and ugly stands accused of murdering Vera Donovan a rich widow in Maine. (Maine is the locale for several of King's books). Dolores was the caretaker of Vera, an elderly lady of the brink of senility.

The book begins as Dolores begins to narrate her tale of woe, sacrifice and even triumph. Her husband Joe died under mysterious circumstances on a day with a dramatic Solar Ecplipse.

As Frances Sternhagen performs Dolores, we are taken more and more into her complex mind and actually start relating to her and finally liking her. Dolores is the diamond in the rough. Prepare yourself for a masterful conclusion which only King can produce.

Indeed Stephen King could be the greatest writer of our century. His best works, in my opinion are the ones that don't have the supernatural element. There is so much food for thought in this book, one of his very best.How he narrates the tale from Mrs. Claiborne's perspective and with her diction is beyond my comprehension. Stephen Kings' narrative and Frances Sternhagen's enactment and unforgettable Dolores Claiborne make this audibook an instant classic.
Listen to this one AND see the movie.
Click on the image below to buy the book from Barnes and Noble.


Dolores Claiborne

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