With The Perfect Assassin, James Patterson and Brian Sitts revive one of adventure fiction's most iconic heroes in an unexpected way. Rather than bringing back the legendary pulp adventurer Doc Savage himself, the authors introduce readers to his grandson, Brandt Savage, an academic whose life is turned upside down when he is thrust into a mysterious training programme that transforms him from a mild-mannered anthropologist into a formidable operative.
The novel begins with Dr Brandt Savage, a professor on sabbatical from the University of Chicago, expecting a routine period of research. Instead, he finds himself being kidnapped and enrolled in a secret school where he is the sole student. Under the relentless tutelage of a woman known only as Meed, Brandt undergoes intense physical and mental conditioning that pushes him beyond anything he thought possible. As the story unfolds, he soon discovers that his training is connected to a much larger mission involving dangerous enemies and a legacy stretching back generations.
The pacing of the story is remarkable and tenacious. Patterson's trademark short chapters keep the narrative moving at breakneck speed, making it difficult to put down. The action sequences are frequent and energetic, while the constant revelations ensure there is always another mystery waiting around the corner. Readers looking for a fast, entertaining thriller will find the book an enjoyable read.
Brandt Savage is also an appealing protagonist. Unlike many action heroes, he starts as an intellectual rather than a trained fighter. Watching him adapt to extraordinary circumstances provides much of the novel's entertainment. His transformation from bookish academic to capable adventurer is handled effectively, even if it occasionally requires a suspension of disbelief.
The connection to the Doc Savage mythology is another attraction. Long-time fans of the classic character will appreciate the nods to the original stories and the emphasis on honour, justice and adventure. At the same time, newcomers need not worry about prior knowledge; the novel functions perfectly well as a standalone introduction to the Savage legacy.
However, some readers may find the plot overly reliant on familiar thriller tropes, including secret organisations, elite training programmes and larger-than-life villains. The rapid pacing also leaves limited room for deeper character development. Several supporting characters appear intriguing but are not explored in greater detail. Those seeking a complex literary thriller may find the novel somewhat superficial.
Nevertheless, The Perfect Assassin succeeds in delivering exactly what it promises: an action-packed adventure filled with suspense, mystery and larger-than-life heroics. Patterson and Sitts skilfully blend modern thriller conventions with the spirit of classic pulp fiction, creating a story that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
For fans of adventure thrillers, espionage fiction and fast-paced page-turners, The Perfect Assassin is an enjoyable read that offers a fresh take on a legendary franchise. It may not reinvent the genre, but it provides some with a highly entertaining escapism and sets the stage for further adventures in the new Doc Savage series.
Review copy courtesy of BookXcess.