John Milton is one tough character!
921128
I liked these first three books and didn't know that I would after starting to read the first book.  Once I got in to the story and started learning more about the main character, John Milton, and how he related to others in his life, I became more engaged and ended up enjoying each book very much.  I have now ordered the other 6 books to read as well!!  Giving John Milton more heart and emotion definitely helps each story, at least for me!  Thanks!!
3639410
The story of these forlorn mariners, starved and thrashed but not beaten by the ocean, is gripping. A handful of survivors finally manages to land, by chance and fate rather than by planning, in the same harbor as Portuguese adventurers sixty years earlier. One of these men who was too tough to die went on to become a powerful aristocrat in the Shogun's court. What an incredible story!
This is the story of Will Adams, AKA Anjin San, the mariner from Limehouse after whom Anjincho in Tokyo is named. It is told very fluently and articulately by Giles Milton. However, I felt that Milton's writing borders on the slapdash, and wonder if he reread what he had written. In the first paragraph of the Prologue, we are informed that the sailors saw above them 'unfamiliar stars.' The earth is round; at the same latitude, the same stars shine, and Adams had certainly traveled through many latitudes. How on earth could they have seen unfamiliar stars?
Further down the page we read that the palaces and pagodas had 'cuneiform roofs.' That stalled me: were the roofs written in Akkadian or Sumerian? I realized he must have meant wedge-shaped, but why didn't he just say so?
I suspect the author was in more of a hurry to get another book into print than to understand his topic fully. Adams was undoubtedly close to the Shogun, but Milton implies that he was the Shogun's main adviser and consultant. Throughout, Milton relies too heavily on the European view, without enough consideration of the Japanese outlook.
On page 12 of the hardback version, we read that the retainers carried 'maces, their insignia of office.' Maces, in feudal Japan? Show me one, please. Further we read that it was a 'troublesome period.' Troubled, not troublesome. Osaka Castle is described twice, (p 95 and 227), both times with the phrase 'held to be impregnable.' Finances in 'a parlous state' appears thrice (20, 26, 246). In Chapter 6, we are told the Chinese merchants wore long ponytails. In 1603, the end years of the Ming Dynasty, only a small minority from the North wore ponytails. The queue was not imposed on ethnic Han Chinese until later in the century. And so forth and so on. Milton is a very talented writer and a great storyteller. Now he has to slow down and be more rigorous.
333453
Is this Milton's best book till date? Probably.
Salvation Row begins with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Milton arrives as an assassin for Group Fifteen but complications develop and Milton is forced to seek help from a family at Lower Ninth Ward for the critically injured Ziggy.
Nine years later, Milton learns from a news report that a lady from the family that helped him during the hurricane is facing problems from crooked politicians while redeveloping the Ninth. Milton rushes to New Orleans to her aid.
Dawson's language and style are hypnotic and habit-forming. One feels he is attached to Milton, seeing, smelling and shivering with him. He hints at earlier stories in the series without giving too much detail, hence old readers don't get bored and new readers are tempted to read the earlier novels in the series.
We also get introduced to a mean mercenary Claude Boon to erase Milton. Milton and Boon have a shared past (not Mills & Boon type), and Milton knows of Boon's ruthlessness.
All in all, a great read which you just need to complete ASAP.
4031683
The Redeemer, the 12th novel, in Mark Dawson's John Milton series is the best yet. The story, set in and around Rio De Janerio, Brazil, flows smoothly while offering twists and turns until the end. Mark does a great job in describing the settings in which his stories take place. John Milton is a great character. The other characters in this novel, as well as in the others, are well developed and interesting. If you enjoy thrillers and mysteries, you cannot go wrong with Mark Dawson's novels.
3994259
Loved this book, another great entry in the John Milton series. I thought this one had one of the better stories in the series, a realistic one that includes Milton's own reflections on whether to get involved at all or not.

The writing is tight and engaging, as always. So many books these days feel too verbose, but this one doesn't. (Or maybe I'm getting less patient with time? :))
2228186
This is one of those delight surprises you find in your to be read pile.  I agreed to review this book without really knowing what I was getting.  This is a very thought provoking book that questions the motivations of Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost.

I was aware of Milton and his work but was never enamored of it.  I happen to be sitting beside a Brit at a social event and asked her if she was familiar with Milton.  Her response was emotional and vehement, "Oh, my yes, who isn't?  He is very important to the English."  So I guess my indifference to his work is indicative of my shallowness.  I enjoyed Robert Frost and merely tolerated Milton.  To my surprise there is world wide interest in Milton and what he meant in his poem.  About 887,000 results (0.43 seconds)  is what you get if you Google, Milton Paradise Lost.  That is a pretty hefty number and certainly indicates interest.

The novel has a Dan Brown feel of conspiracy and complexity.  Keith Jessup, a PhD student is thrust in to murder and mayhem by his interest in Milton.  The story line involves murder and intrigue with a sinister centuries old cabal suppressing any additions to the thoughts of Milton.

The book gets wordy at times but certainly holds your interest and incites thought.  I suspect that anyone who has more than a cursorily interest in Milton's writings will be intrigued by the book.

I enjoyed it.
3338223
I have read every John Milton book in the series and look forward to many many more. Think Rambo, Jack Reacher, James Bond, and Bob Lee Swagger with an accent. Me Dawson writes a great story, has great characters and is topical. Fun times and can't put down kind of books
2508060
Poignant entry in the John Milton series. Great scenes that keep the plot moving but also some timely insights into the refugee crisis and human trafficking. Enough background to start here, but you'll be wanting to read the entire series by the time you finish the book.
1137140
For me a good story has to have strong character development and Mark Dawson delivers and he always maintains the essence of his characters.  I have read all the Milton books and they just keep getting better and better.  The Alamo is a hard book to put down and once you start you find yourself totally immersed in the adventure.  This is probably his best one to date.  Milton is a good guy that unfortunately carries around a lot of baggage, but lives by a honorable code.  You like him and you feel for him.  The storyline of the father and son in this book is especially compelling because the father has dealt with some of the same issues Milton himself has faced, but without the support of a loved one.  The contrast is raw.  If you are a Reacher or Warriors series fan, you will be able to embrace the Milton series.
1790119
I am normally a lukewarm reader of action/adventure novels. More of a historical fiction and fantasy/scifi. Reader. I picked up a copy of one of Dawson's books on prime unlimited and quickly became hooked, reading everything I could get my hands on. 'Ghosts' is no exception. The character development is sublime. A writer that can have you commiserating with a character one minute and frustrated with him the next has skills. Mr. Dawson fits the bill. With this entry into the John Milton series, he returns with a vengeance. Most definitely a page turner.  Grab a cup,of tea or six and settle in for the ride...
4194175
John Milton is a complex hero...and occasional antihero...of Dawson's wonderful collection of international thrillers. These books belong in the collection of anyone who enjoys well-researched spy/assassin novels that go far beyond the action and give insight into the lives of those involved in such a life. Read just one book and you'll be ready to devour everything Dawson has created.
3237335
This Second Book of Milton's Adventures finds our Hero on Christmas Morning being...Milton.

If you already own his First Book, I would quess you want more of Milton's Adventures, and with this Book: "Milton's Christmas" you will be enjoying his Wonderful and Magical World right as he sees it.

If you are New to "Milton", It is best that you start with his First Book as that will give you a proper introduction of Our Feline Hero.

These are Wonderful Books that are Great Bedtime Reading for the Little Guys...AND...There are a few Big Guys that Enjoy Milton as Well!
Milton is STILL...Extraordinaire!
FIVE STARS !!!
4340956
The only problem with the Milton series is that once you start one it's impossible to stop. I started this book yesterday and will have finished it within a week. Damn you Miltin, another late night awaits!!!
3723925
Mark Dawson does it again.  I have been following the Milton series and have not been able to put the book down.  Problem is I read it to quickly!!  If you like john's character I would highly also recommend the Isabella Rose series.
268458
Mark Dawson character John Milton is my favorite read right now. Love it!
1270220
Another great Milton thriller. Mr. Dawson continues to produce fantastic stories and this one was another exciting journey for Milton. I'm not a New Yorker so I can't vouch for the geography but the story was exciting from the beginning to the end.

I can only encourage anyone who hasn't read any of these books to PICK ONE UP NOW.
958440
I am so happy I was referred to this author by another!  Mark Dawson's John Milton series is incredible reading.  Everytime a new one comes out, I reread all the others first (and find them just as enjoyable each time!) for the full John Milton experience.  I highly recommend this series and, if you haven't read books 1-3, get those as well and start from the top!  You will be a fan.  Just don't start late at night....you won't get any sleep!!!