Clayton Albrecht (why does that name sound familiar) is a perfect example of how these 3 factors can combine into a deadly combination. Clayton's family is traditional if somewhat strict and judgmental, so he didn't get a lot of nurture. He also grew up with a best friend who's family is the mob, so his environment wasn't a great influence either. Was it either of these that lead to his nature being more accepting of committing a crime or was it just in his nature all along and these two factors only added to it? 

No matter the reason why, Clayton finds his way into the position of being a contracted assassin. Reverse Metamorphosis is the first book in the Irrevocable Change trilogy by R.E. Schobernd. It examines the life events that happen to Clayton, the decisions he makes in lieu of these events, and how all of it creates a path that Clayton takes to becoming an assassin. We watch the small, ever increasing changes as Clayton starts the process of becoming a cold-blooded killer. 

This book was such a fascination to read, to see Clayton's character impacted by forces within himself and outside of himself. To be in the mind of an assassin as he becomes. His planning, his skills, and his blunders as he learns his way around the art of killing. His conniving, manipulations, and his deceptions as he tries to hide his criminal life from his respectable life. And the irony! He's a criminal with morals, because he'll only take out other criminals. 

The best part is that this is just the first book. You end it with Clayton issuing an ultimatum and then you get to jump right into the next one, The Assassin Evolves. 

*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*