Satori

by Don Winslow
Satori cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 6198
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-21
  • ISBN: 9780755381005
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-04-28
  • Reviews: 4

Satori is a gripping thriller that follows Nicholai Hel, a formidable assassin and master of hoda korosu, as he navigates a dangerous mission in post-war Asia. Imprisoned for three years, Hel is offered a chance at freedom by his American spymaster, Haverford, in exchange for a suicide mission to Beijing. The task: assassinate the Soviet Union's commissioner to China in a landscape teetering on the brink of war. As Hel embarks on this high-stakes journey, he must confront not only the immediate dangers of his mission but also the deeper philosophical quest for satori—true understanding and harmony with the world. The novel combines intense action with profound introspection, exploring the cost of freedom and the pursuit of enlightenment in a world fraught with peril.

Reviews
Los Angeles Times · David L. Ulin · 2011-04-27
brilliant 4.50

The novel is a well-written prequel that successfully captures the essence of the original character. It is a thrilling and engaging read.

David L. Ulin of the Los Angeles Times praises Satori for its well-written prequel that successfully captures the essence of the original character from Shibumi. Ulin finds the novel to be a thrilling and engaging read, highlighting its ability to maintain the intrigue and depth of the original work. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and immersive storytelling, making it a compelling addition to the series. Ulin's overall impression is positive, recommending the book to fans of the original and new readers alike. The novel's ability to stand on its own while honoring its predecessor is particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    Satori is a well-written prequel that successfully captures the essence of the original character.

    It is a thrilling and engaging read.

    The novel's ability to stand on its own while honoring its predecessor is particularly noted.

The Guardian · Stephanie Merritt · 2011-04-23
thrilling 3.50

The novel is a gripping and intense exploration of a character's early life, filled with action and intrigue. It offers a deep dive into the protagonist's psychological makeup and motivations.

The Guardian's review highlights how Satori takes readers back to 1951, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the protagonist's formative years. The reviewer praises the novel's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with its relentless action and psychological depth. They also note that the book's setting and historical context add layers of complexity to the story, making it a compelling read for fans of thrillers. The reviewer appreciates the character development and the way the protagonist's past is intricately woven into the narrative, creating a rich and engaging experience.

Quick quotes

    Satori is a gripping and intense exploration of a character's early life, filled with action and intrigue.

    The novel offers a deep dive into the protagonist's psychological makeup and motivations.

    The book's setting and historical context add layers of complexity to the story.

EuroCrime · 2011-04-17
excellent 4.50

The novel is described as a simply excellent read with a highly recommended plot. The action and character development are particularly noted.

EuroCrime's review describes Satori as a simply excellent read, praising its highly engaging plot and well-developed characters. The reviewer highlights the action-packed sequences and the depth of the protagonist's psychological journey. The book's ability to keep readers hooked with its intricate plot and historical context is particularly noted. The reviewer recommends it highly for fans of the thriller genre, appreciating the way it balances action with character development. The overall impression is one of a highly satisfying and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Satori is a simply excellent read with a highly recommended plot.

    The action-packed sequences and the depth of the protagonist's psychological journey are particularly noted.

    The book's ability to keep readers hooked with its intricate plot and historical context is highly praised.

Jenn's Bookshelves · Jenn · 2011-03-10
good 4.00

The novel is a classic, old-school thriller with intense hand-on-hand combat, setting it apart from recent thrillers. The protagonist's journey is both brutal and captivating.

Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelves highlights 'Satori' as a classic, old-school thriller that stands out due to its intense hand-on-hand combat scenes. The setting in the 1950s adds a unique flavor to the story, making it feel fresh and distinct from contemporary thrillers. Jenn appreciates the brutal and captivating journey of Nicholai Hel, noting that his experiences are both harrowing and compelling. The reviewer also praises the skillful storytelling that keeps readers engaged throughout, making 'Satori' a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A classic, old-school thriller with intense hand-on-hand combat.

    The setting in the 1950s adds a unique flavor to the story.

    The protagonist's journey is both brutal and captivating.

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