2008 Book 109: Second Skin

Book #:	109
Book Title:	Second Skin
Author:	Eric Lustbader
Publisher:	Pocket Books
Pub. Date:	1995
Pages:	454
Started:	December 23, 2008
Finished:	December 27, 2008
Time to Read:	5 Days
Back Cover / Inside Flap:	"Nicholas Linnear won a major battle with the apocalyptic destruction of Floating City. But his enemy has retreated from the ruins left smoldering in the Vietnamese jungle, to regroup and mount the assault that will solidify his ultimate power - and destroy Linnear. That enemy, the ruthless architect of the weapons and narcotic empire Nicholas thought he had destroyed, is the scion of a proud and deadly Mafia dynasty. Mick Leonforte once disowned his family's brutal conquest of New York City's streets. But carrying out a blood vendetta revealed his savage, useful talents - and spawned a thirst for power far greater than any the Mob could satisfy. Now an international corporate power broker as well as a criminal czar, Leonforte is preparing to take on Linnear, his sworn nemesis, on the battleground where business and warfare become one. Seasoned New York City police detective Lew Croaker has been a valuable ally to Nicholas Linnear in the past, crossing swords with the Mafia and the Yakuza. Now, Croaker is stalking Mick's brother and supplier, Caesare Leonforte, and putting his own life in danger as he tries to bring the untouchable ganglord down. But it's Croaker's partner, Vesper Arkham - dazzling, cunning, and nearly fearless - who will fly even closer to the flame, by capturing Caesare Leonforte's eye, winning his confidence. and sharing his bed. Inevitably, Nicholas and his doppelganger, Mick Leonforte, meet on the field of battle. There, Linnear comes face to face with a terrible truth about his own father, one that links Nicholas inescapably to his enemy. It places Koei, the woman Nicholas loves above all else, in the vengeful path of a sadistic criminal genius. And it will plunge Nicholas into the depths of Kshira - the dark side of the mystical psychic power he possesses - the terrible force that even the master who trained Nicholas was powerless to escape."
Stars:	**
Review:	This book is part of a series of books all revolving around the same characters. I didn't know that when I began reading it...and thus felt lost throughout most of the book. The problem is that while pieces of the plot were interesting, it's not interesting enough as a whole for me to go out and buy (or even borrow at the library) the rest of the books in order to catch up. What worked for me: the pieces of Japanese culture, the look inside the mafia, the strong personal beliefs of some of the characters. What didn't work for me: too dang many characters - scorecard please - and a confusing pace for someone who is out of the loop on the overall story. If you want to go through the whole series, would probably make more sense. As a one-off, walk on by.

If you have read or are planning to read this book, please make sure to stop back by and leave me a comment to let me know your own thoughts!

From my library to yours,

Tiffany