Jon F. Merz

I've read "first novels" and "early effort books" who's author's poor grammatical skills are ammended by their ability to tell a good story and produce characterization strong enough to involve the reader in spite of the book's faults. For such promising novels, I can excuse sentence structure like "I knew your reaction would be worth coming out in this miserable rain for" and I can forgive an occasional lazy redundancy of word choice found in a sentence like " Her hips ground in to my face show more as she rode my face..."

Unfortunately, In my opinion, the Fixer by Jon F. Merz is not such a novel. The character "Lawson" is presented to the reader as a seasoned covert operative. He is a vampire born of a race of vampires who coexist in the shadow of humanity as a separate and hidden species. Lawson's task as a fixer for the ( Vampire) council, is to police the activities of vampires who may reveal their species existence to mankind with the usual consequences - The much higher numbered human population would seek to "destroy all monsters" and upset the "Balance" between vampire predator and human prey.
I don't consider this premise to be terribly original. The Fixer was published in 2002, and as an avid reader and film fan, I'd come across this underground vampire society concept well before it was popularized by the novels of Ann Rice in the 1980s. ( Even the Blade franchise follows a similar vein)
But even a less than original premise can be excused if the story works and the characters are strong. Frankly, I've read along happily as well defined characters surmount the duel obstacles of poor plotting and flimsy world building to conclude a novel that shouldn't work technically, but does evoke empathy in the reader.

My dissatisfaction with the FIXER is rooted in my view that the protagonist is not believable. ( And let's face it a readers of vampire novels have well flexed suspension- of- disbelief muscles ) I cannot accept Lawson as a centenarian, vampire with a human's life-time as a black Ops veteran in the face his sloppy detective work, poor operative decisions,( He readily tells love interest Talya, a human, that their mutual quarry is a vampire) and well... his constant whining. On several occasion during the first person narrative, Lawson describes himself as reacting "like a fourteen year old boy" to Talya. I find this to be an apt description of Lawson's behavior in general. Lawson's background and training is given as lengthy, Marine/special forces tough, dangerous and intensive. But for all of his training Lawson doesn't seem to know what to do in a tight spot and allows situations to worsen through his own failure to deliver. He repeatedly allows himself to be distracted and taken unawares by Talya and others. His approaches to his suspects are conducted with an admitted lack of skill, and little viable reason is given for these outrages breaches of form in so highly trained an operative.

As the book continues and the missteps mount, Lawson's descriptions of his training and career come across as mere braggadocio, rather than expository character development.
Of course, as in any novel, the protagonist can't succeed in his mission at this first attempts. ( that is if the book is to exceed 43 pages). However, in my opinion, ineptitude on the part of the main protagonist as a plot driver is a cop-out on the part of the author. It reveals a lack of skill and imagination. Which are essential attributes to a horror/ fantasy novelist.

It's possible that the author wished to give Lawson and air of vulnerability. Perhaps even an element of humanity, by making him fallible. As Lawson repeatedly admits his fear of Cosgrove, I surmise, that this main antagonist character was meant to seem that much more menacing. He, Cosgrove, must be truly dangerous if a bad-ass such as Lawson could be frightened by him. Again, this might work if Lawson was convincingly bad-ass. Or if Cosgrove were less of a standard "trying to take over the (vampire) world" megalomaniac so common to comic books and daytime soap operas. Ultimately, I found that in the Fixer the author, through the character Lawson, talks a good game, but fails to deliver convincing characterization and good plotting.

There are several more books in this series and I see very good Amazon reviews for these as well as the Fixer. I troubled myself to find and purchase The Fixer, which is currently out of print, hoping to find a gem and read the entire series. I Will not now purchase the remaining books.

Although it is possible that, in later books, the author mended the mistakes of the first novel I find too little promise in the Fixer to drive my actions forward to purchase the next books. show less

I hang my head as I tell you this my friends, but my childhood love of James Bond has been thwarted. Yes, from the moment that Lawson stepped into my life I was smitten and there was no turning back. New favorite action hero, thy name is Lawson!

When I first opened the pages of The Kensei I really wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard rave reviews about Lawson's escapades, but would I really fall in love with the martial arts action that was said to lie within the pages? As a girl who grew show more up surrounded by action/espionage novels, I've had my fair share of disappointments with this genre. Honestly, I don't know why I worried. By page 20 I was completely in love with Lawson and his story! He is one of those characters who oozes charisma (generally by being a total smart-ass) while at the same time having that depth and vulnerability to him that makes him real. The part of this book that really hit home for me is that it isn't bogged down by the concept of vampires. Sure Lawson has to heed his baser instincts, but it isn't the focus of the storyline. Instead the reader is treated to a roller coaster ride of a plot, complete with twists, turns and one very chilling villain.

Japan is the perfect backdrop for this story, and Merz weaves it into the action seamlessly without ever letting it be overpowering. I was taken on a journey through parts of the world that I've never seen, and yet now I feel like I've been there. Don't mistake me though. The writing in this book is not at all flowery in its descriptions. No, instead Merz seems to create an omnipresent Japan that flows with you as you read. People and cities seamlessly waver in and out of focus without ever really taking away from the action. I honestly can't seem to figure out how so much detail was present without it seeming to overshadow the rest of the story, but it's there. Also woven into the story is ample history about martial arts and the different branches therein. I found it completely fascinating and a wonderful way to further immerse the reader in the story.

Afraid that this book will simply be too much testosterone fueled action for you? I know that sometimes we waver on reading books like this simply because we tire of the mano a mano action scene. Enter Talya. She is Lawson's lady love, but Talya is definitely no shrinking violet. More than capable of handling her own, I loved Talya with everyone ounce of my female heart. She is strong willed, completely matches Lawson's own wit, and yet once again there is a sweetness and a vulnerability to her that really brings her character home. It's always nice to see a female character who can hold her own next to our male action hero! The amount of times she pulls Lawson's butt out of the fire are numerous, but she takes it all in stride. After all, someone has to save the man she loves. Right?

I could write pages about how much this story impressed me, but I'll wrap it up here. Intense action, martial arts scenes, veins of sweet romance, and chilling villains are just a small part of what you will find in Jon F. Merz's The Kensei. I really can't recommend this book enough, especially to those of you out there who are wanting to break into more action fueled books, but are worried you won't mesh. Never fear, Lawson is here to take you away (and personally I'd let him). show less

I happened upon The Kensei when I was checking out the amazing bookcloseouts.ca sale that Tynga told us all about at the end of July. I'd never heard of Jon F. Merz before but I thought that the book had a really eye-catching cover and an intriguing synopsis and so I had to pick it up, especially since it was a steal at $2.99 (also currently 2,10$ on Amazon.com).

There was nothing I didn't love about this book. It's the fifth book in the Lawson Vampire series so I thought that I might have show more trouble getting into The Kensei but the author has done a great job of making the book accessible to new readers. There are references to what must be previous books but they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story or the characters.

In this series, vampires aren't your typical undead. Instead, they're alive, they live in secret from humans, and they absorb life essence from drinking blood. I really liked this mythology. Although there are elements we've seen before, the world felt lively and fresh and I wanted to know more as I was reading the novel. Plus, Lawson is a great protagonist. He's 150 years old and works as a Fixer, eliminating threats to vampire society, which has turned him into one of the those wonderfully tortured characters, all weighed down by past deeds and the cracks he's discovered in what he thought was an orderly hierarchy. And if that isn't enough, he's got a good sense of humour (though not as great as Kevin Hearne's Atticus O'Sullivan) and some serious martial arts skills. Unfortunately, in some ways, he's now one of the people he used to kill since he's fallen in love with a human. You can understand why because Talya is awesome. She's tough, beautiful, and fierce, more than a match for Lawson in every way. Their relationship gives The Kensei its emotional heart and I thought it was really well done.

The Kensei is set in Japan and you can tell that Jon F. Merz has been there from the way he immerses the reader in the setting. All of the little details are so right and they help create a very authentic backdrop for some great action. His bio says that Merz is an actual ninja and I think this is why all of the parts of the story related to combat and the martial arts training that sends Lawson to Japan in the first place feel so real.

I'm definitely going to try to get my hands of the rest of the series. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out. But before I sign off, I want to leave you with a couple great lines from The Kensei:

"I ever tell you how much effortless lethality turns me on?"
"I've heard your wit is something else. I do enjoy the commentary that comes out of your mouth." "You should see me vomit. I'm a riot."

http://ireadgood.wordpress.com show less

Lawson was born a vampire and he is a Fixer. He ensures the secrecy of his kind, and his work is tough. He decides to take some time off and visit Japan, but Japan isn’t as welcoming as he hoped. After he nearly loses his life in an assassination attempt, he meets an unsuspecting colleague in Starbucks. Yuki is also a vampire, and she is in charge of that particular slice of Tokyo. Yuki uses her intel to help Lawson figure out his almost-assassin’s identity. Turns out the assassin show more wannabe worked for a major bad-ass, The Kensei, whom was once thought dead, and seems to be beckoning Lawson to come hither and fight. There is no R & R in the future for dear Lawson.

I enjoyed this one. Lawson’s character is right up my alley. He’s a smart ass and doesn’t put up with BS. I enjoyed his commentary throughout the book. He even called himself an “ass clown” once. :)

“I was told you fancied yourself as some type of comedian.”
“Who? Me? Nah. I’m just a sarcastic cynical prick. If that’s your idea of comedy, well, then I’m your man.”

The setting is also one I enjoy – JAPAN! I’ve never visited the country (boohoo!) but I’m a lover of the culture and really enjoyed reading about it in this novel. I became immediately immersed in the story.

Talya, an ex-KGB and Lawson’s secret non-vampire girlfriend, was the highlight of the story. I loved her personality, her witty banter, her intense feelings for Lawson, and her kick ass fighting skills. Not to mention she stole my heart when I learned about her purpose in Tokyo. You see, while she was more than happy to drop in on her secret lover, she actually came to Tokyo for a different reason. Talya has actually been financially supporting an African village. (Big money in assassination, people!) She has a tender spot for these kids and visits them often. However, some of the children have ended up missing or dead, and Talya figured out what was happening: organ trafficking. She followed their trail to Tokyo, seriously heated and ready to kill.

"Hell hath no fury like a professional assassin named Talya."

I thoroughly enjoyed Lawson and Talya teaming up. They delivered some great banter and worked well as a team. They both have significant skills and really make a well-oiled fighting machine. I also enjoyed them as a couple, and thought their tender moments were sweet and honest. In their line of work, it’s hard to settle down and start a family, although they talk about it.

Talya slumped back. “Just would be nice.”
“What?”
She smiled. “Having kids with you.”
“Sure, we could have our family fun time. Sniper hour, close-quarter pillow fights, nighttime recon, we’d be the hallmark of a family utopia.”

Lawson isn’t allowed to be with her and could get in serious shit if the Vampire Council found out. I wonder if they will ever get an HEA?

One complaint: Lawson wasn’t very vampire-like. He does mention blood as the life force, and he has above average instincts, great sight, regeneration abilities and superior reflexes. Honestly, I just thought of him as a really great fighter. There just wasn’t a lot of focus on his vampire-side. Yes, he drinks blood, or juice, as he calls it. He doesn’t drink in the traditional way – via a vein – but instead mixes it in coffee (gag!) or sips it from a vial. It was just easy to forget his true nature. show less