One of the best assassin novels is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a character, Kvothe, who has assassin - like skills among his many other talents. His story is filled with mystery, magic, and adventure.
'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch also stands out. While not strictly about an assassin, Locke Lamora has skills that are assassin - like in his thieving and con - artist ways. It's set in a vividly imagined city and has a clever, twisting plot.
Another great one is 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas. The main character, Celaena Sardothien, is an assassin with a complex backstory. The series has a great blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. There are intense fight scenes and a richly developed world.
Well, 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie is among the top assassin novels. The characters in this book often engage in battles and stealthy kills that are characteristic of assassins. Then there's 'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence. The main character has assassin - like qualities as she fights in a rather cut - throat world. 'Prince of Thorns' by Mark Lawrence too, has a protagonist who has a certain assassin - like ruthlessness in his actions.
Well, 'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb is a great assassin novel. It follows the story of Fitz, a young boy being trained as an assassin in a richly detailed fantasy world. The character growth and the world - building are top - notch. Then there's 'Killing Floor' by Lee Child. While not strictly about an assassin, the main character, Jack Reacher, has some assassin - like skills and the story is full of suspense and high - stakes action. Also, 'The Day of the Jackal' by Frederick Forsyth is a classic. It details the meticulous planning of an assassination attempt in a very realistic and gripping way.
Well, a good spy assassin novel often has a complex and mysterious protagonist. For example, in 'The Bourne Identity', Jason Bourne is an assassin with amnesia, which adds a layer of mystery. Another characteristic is high - stakes international settings. These novels usually take place across different countries, like in 'The Day of the Jackal' which involves France. There's also a lot of intrigue and espionage elements, with secret organizations and double - crosses being common, as seen in many of the 'Jack Reacher' books where Reacher has to deal with shadowy groups.
One great female assassin novel is 'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews. It follows a Russian intelligence officer who is also a trained seductress and assassin. The story is filled with intrigue, espionage, and complex characters.
One great gory assassin novel is 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie. It has some intense and bloody assassin - related scenes that add to the gritty atmosphere of the story. Another is 'The Way of Shadows' by Brent Weeks. The assassin in this book gets involved in some very gory and dangerous situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. And 'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence also features a strong assassin - like character and has some fairly gory moments in the battles and confrontations.
One of the best modern assassin novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It features Lisbeth Salander, a complex and highly capable character who has assassin - like skills in a way. Another great one is 'American Assassin' by Vince Flynn. It follows Mitch Rapp as he becomes an assassin in the fight against terrorism.
One great assassin romance novel is 'Poison Study' by Maria V. Snyder. The main character, Yelena, has a complex relationship with the assassin-turned-mentor Valek. Another is 'The Kiss of Deception' by Mary E. Pearson, which features an assassin on a mission that gets complicated when he falls for the wrong girl. And 'Grave Mercy' by Robin LaFevers is also excellent. It tells the story of Ismae, a girl trained as an assassin in a convent, and her unexpected love story.
Definitely 'Poison Study' by Maria V. Snyder. The main character, Yelena, is a poison taster and assassin. It's a great read with a unique setting and a well - developed character arc. Yelena has to face many challenges using her skills and wits.
The reincarnation aspect. In most assassin - themed novels, the assassin just operates in their normal world. But here, the reincarnation gives a whole new setting and a chance to explore different cultures, magic systems perhaps, and different types of enemies.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It has elements of mystery and an assassin - like figure in the complex medieval setting. Another great one is 'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb. It follows the journey of a young boy being trained as an assassin in a vividly - created fantasy world. Also, 'American Assassin' by Vince Flynn is quite popular. It features a main character who becomes an assassin in the fight against terrorism.