Assassin: Rise of the Geist

The Book of Bawb 3

By: Scott Baron

Narrated by: Eric Bryan Moore

Survive the most extreme training in the galaxy? Done. Survive new threats out in the real world? That would prove a much harder challenge.

Years of training flew by in a whirlwind blur of sweat and blood, and Bawb had excelled like no other in recent memory, shaped into a Ghalian of extraordinary skill under the tutelage of one of the finest their order had ever produced. But even the most talented were not invulnerable.

A traitor was in their midst, and the elite assassins found themselves on the defensive, working hard to unearth the lurking rot and excise them with brutal efficiency. It was, however, a task easier said than done, and the risk of injury, capture, or even death for students and Masters alike was growing, and with it the urgent need for resolution.

It would take more than luck to ferret out the enemy. A challenge for even the most talented of their kind, and one that would leave a trail of blood in its wake.

©2024 Scott Baron (P)2024 Scott Baron

The Geist Has Entered the Arena

From the very first moment, Assassin: Rise of the Geist began, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Scott Baron has a way of pulling you into his world, and with Eric Bryan Moore’s dynamic narration, the story truly came alive. This isn’t my first adventure with Bawb, and I can confidently say this latest installment exceeded my already high expectations.

In this book, Bawb’s journey (physical, emotional, and actual real journies) is nothing short of exhilarating. The training sequences are intense and surprising. Offering us a glimpse into the grueling regimen that shaped him into the formidable character we’ve come to admire.

But what I found most engaging was how the layers of Bawb's past were peeled back, revealing more about who he is and unlocking the potential of who he can become. The reveals were masterfully paced—just when I thought I had a handle on the plot, Baron threw in another twist, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Before I get into the insane last mission - I want to talk around another scene without potentially spoiling it. Bawb returned to his gladiator trainer and the scenes that followed gave me literal goosebumps. In the best way possible it reminded me a lot of specific video game and movie tropes from the late 80s and early 90s. I can't really go into what, but know that my jaw was wide open throughout it.

And let's not forget about that final "mission"? Absolutely electrifying. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say the last stretch of the book had me glued to my headphones. It was the perfect crescendo to an already gripping story, leaving me eager to find out what’s next for Bawb.

If you’ve followed this series like I have, you’ll find Assassin: Rise of the Geist to be an unmissable chapter in Bawb’s epic saga. And if you’re new to the series, this is one journey you’ll want to start from the beginning—you won’t be disappointed.

Emotional

The Bawb series was an emotional roller coaster for someone who has read the “Space Assassins” series and the “Bad Luck Charlie” series. For readers that haven’t, this series will open to door to a fantastic universe I haven’t seen the likes of in any other fictional works! I would however recommend the “Space Assassins” books before this series as they lend a lot of character development and backstory to the Bawb series as well as emotional attachment to those characters. Well done, absolutely well done.

Series has been 5/5

This series has been a 5/5 all the way through, but one thing that frustrated me (SPOILER ALERT) is that Bawb, for all his intelligence fails to share any of what he's seen and suspects with any of his masters or friends, regarding his nemesis. it just doesn't make sense, especially while the order has been trying to find potential leaks.

Rise of the Geist

Awesome book. had a sad part that I didn't care for, but was a necessary evil. Scott is an amazing writer, or should I say spider. Spins webs that trap you and keep you intertwined in the story.

No spoilers

Short review/opinion as not not give away any of the story. I felt like Scott Baron rushed this book. His development of characters has always been good enough but on this Book 3 I was left wanting…