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Riftborn #3
A Talon's Wrath
Lucas Rurik faces unwanted celebrity, ancient enemies, and dangerous zealots in a thrilling urban-fantasy noir from the author of the Hellequin Chronicles.
Centuries of life experience inside and outside the Rift couldn’t prepare former Raven Guild member and riftborn detective Lucas Rurik for his latest set of challenges. First, when his capture of a prominent political figure “trends” on social networks, he finds himself the target of both the media and the public. Then, Noah Kaya, an Ancient, tracks him down for help on a job. As a rule, Lucas doesn’t trust the Ancients; they always seem to have an ulterior motive. But something about this gig just won’t let Lucas say no.
It seems one of Noah’s close friends disappeared right after becoming the lead suspect in a murder case. The problem is the guy in question isn’t the type to knock someone off. Not to mention a whole lot of rift-walkers have recently gone missing, the crime scene reeks of pure rift energy, and a deranged killer who Lucas thought was long deceased might not actually be dead after all.
Soon, what was originally a simple search for a missing person devolves into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an age-old enemy—and it could bring Lucas face-to-face with Dr. Callie Mitchell, the depraved scientist he’s been hunting for months . . .
Praise for The Last Raven
“McHugh’s pithy prose energizes the narrative, even when there’s no superpower on display, and builds intrigue with gradual reveals of Lucas’ rift-derived skills and backstory. This slick introductory supernatural tale will leave readers eager for a sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Last Raven has the appeal of a great action movie. There is a nice mystery, a compelling lead, strong support, and enough adrenaline to leave you with a pleasant high afterward. . . . Eagerly looking forward to the next installment.” —The Cosmic Circus
“If you have a friend who loves both speculative fiction novels and thrillers, this is the perfect gift.” —Medium, “10 Chilling Books for Mystery/Thriller Lovers This Winter”
Centuries of life experience inside and outside the Rift couldn’t prepare former Raven Guild member and riftborn detective Lucas Rurik for his latest set of challenges. First, when his capture of a prominent political figure “trends” on social networks, he finds himself the target of both the media and the public. Then, Noah Kaya, an Ancient, tracks him down for help on a job. As a rule, Lucas doesn’t trust the Ancients; they always seem to have an ulterior motive. But something about this gig just won’t let Lucas say no.
It seems one of Noah’s close friends disappeared right after becoming the lead suspect in a murder case. The problem is the guy in question isn’t the type to knock someone off. Not to mention a whole lot of rift-walkers have recently gone missing, the crime scene reeks of pure rift energy, and a deranged killer who Lucas thought was long deceased might not actually be dead after all.
Soon, what was originally a simple search for a missing person devolves into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an age-old enemy—and it could bring Lucas face-to-face with Dr. Callie Mitchell, the depraved scientist he’s been hunting for months . . .
Praise for The Last Raven
“McHugh’s pithy prose energizes the narrative, even when there’s no superpower on display, and builds intrigue with gradual reveals of Lucas’ rift-derived skills and backstory. This slick introductory supernatural tale will leave readers eager for a sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Last Raven has the appeal of a great action movie. There is a nice mystery, a compelling lead, strong support, and enough adrenaline to leave you with a pleasant high afterward. . . . Eagerly looking forward to the next installment.” —The Cosmic Circus
“If you have a friend who loves both speculative fiction novels and thrillers, this is the perfect gift.” —Medium, “10 Chilling Books for Mystery/Thriller Lovers This Winter”
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2023
128 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
35 books1,901 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 18, 2023
I actually enjoyed A Talon's Wrath by Steve McHugh more than the last installment in the series again! While people are still quite overpowered, it felt better balanced than in the first two books in a way.
I absolutely adored exploring more of Rift and the magic behind it as well. The cast was, as always, just wonderful, and I will never get enough of people who aren't dicks, but simply accept others as they are. The friendships and divers cast is definitely one of my favourite bits, right along with the banter and humour. And oh the humour - I chuckled a few times reading this, and two tiny scenes had me actually laughing out loud!
I can't wait for more!
I absolutely adored exploring more of Rift and the magic behind it as well. The cast was, as always, just wonderful, and I will never get enough of people who aren't dicks, but simply accept others as they are. The friendships and divers cast is definitely one of my favourite bits, right along with the banter and humour. And oh the humour - I chuckled a few times reading this, and two tiny scenes had me actually laughing out loud!
I can't wait for more!
August 2, 2023
4.25 Stars
I have found that I really like Steve McHugh as an author. I believe that I've read all of his various series and think I've read pretty much everything he has written. So, I was excited when I saw that there was a new book out in the Riftborn series.
This is the third book in his latest series that has us following along as the male MC Lucas Rurik continues to navigate life after 2000+ years as a Riftborn. I've mentioned this in previous reviews, but the world that he has created for this series is extremely unique. The worldbuilding is rich and is still expanding, even after three books in. Things like the RCU (the Rift Crime Unit - which is similar to the FBI, but for supernatural entities), and the addition and expansion of Guilds and the Ancients make this a very fun read.
Lucas is a great MC. He has just the right balance of arrogance, tempered with abilities to back it up, and a really, really dry sense of humor that not everybody thinks is funny.
This case brings back a villain from previous books but for some reason, to me she lost a little bit of her diabolicness - see, I made up a word. Trying to say her combination of being diabolical and being a villain :)
Anyway, I REALLY didn't like her before, but to me this time she was just more of a "meh". This was not my favorite book of the series, but it did move the overall story forward and as I mentioned before, the world is continuing to expand as we learn more and more about it.
I especially enjoyed getting to see more of the special relationship that Lucas has with one of his familiars (They are called something other than familiars but I'm drawing a blank at the moment).
I listened to most of this on audio and the narration was done by Matthew Wolf who has been the narrator on the previous books of this series as well. As always, I LOVE hearing that British accent for Lucas' character and all of the other rich offerings of the other various accents.
I have found that I really like Steve McHugh as an author. I believe that I've read all of his various series and think I've read pretty much everything he has written. So, I was excited when I saw that there was a new book out in the Riftborn series.
This is the third book in his latest series that has us following along as the male MC Lucas Rurik continues to navigate life after 2000+ years as a Riftborn. I've mentioned this in previous reviews, but the world that he has created for this series is extremely unique. The worldbuilding is rich and is still expanding, even after three books in. Things like the RCU (the Rift Crime Unit - which is similar to the FBI, but for supernatural entities), and the addition and expansion of Guilds and the Ancients make this a very fun read.
Lucas is a great MC. He has just the right balance of arrogance, tempered with abilities to back it up, and a really, really dry sense of humor that not everybody thinks is funny.
This case brings back a villain from previous books but for some reason, to me she lost a little bit of her diabolicness - see, I made up a word. Trying to say her combination of being diabolical and being a villain :)
Anyway, I REALLY didn't like her before, but to me this time she was just more of a "meh". This was not my favorite book of the series, but it did move the overall story forward and as I mentioned before, the world is continuing to expand as we learn more and more about it.
I especially enjoyed getting to see more of the special relationship that Lucas has with one of his familiars (They are called something other than familiars but I'm drawing a blank at the moment).
I listened to most of this on audio and the narration was done by Matthew Wolf who has been the narrator on the previous books of this series as well. As always, I LOVE hearing that British accent for Lucas' character and all of the other rich offerings of the other various accents.
July 15, 2023
Rating: 3 stars
I've read all of the books in the Hellequin Chronicles, The Avalon Chronicles, The Rebellion Chronicles, and now the three books of the Riftborn series. The Riftborn series books are sequential in plot, not standalones. Although I don't have proof, I think that there will be additional Riftborn books in the near future.
Centuries of life experience inside and outside the Rift couldn’t prepare former Raven Guild member and riftborn detective Lucas Rurik for his latest set of challenges. First, when his capture of a prominent political figure “trends” on social networks, he finds himself the target of both the media and the public. Then, Noah Kaya, an Ancient, tracks him down for help on a job. It seems one of Noah’s close friends disappeared right after becoming the lead suspect in a murder case. The problem is the guy in question isn’t the type to knock someone off. Not to mention a whole lot of rift-walkers have recently gone missing, the crime scene reeks of pure rift energy, and a deranged killer who Lucas thought was long deceased might not actually be dead after all.
I've read all of the books in the Hellequin Chronicles, The Avalon Chronicles, The Rebellion Chronicles, and now the three books of the Riftborn series. The Riftborn series books are sequential in plot, not standalones. Although I don't have proof, I think that there will be additional Riftborn books in the near future.
Centuries of life experience inside and outside the Rift couldn’t prepare former Raven Guild member and riftborn detective Lucas Rurik for his latest set of challenges. First, when his capture of a prominent political figure “trends” on social networks, he finds himself the target of both the media and the public. Then, Noah Kaya, an Ancient, tracks him down for help on a job. It seems one of Noah’s close friends disappeared right after becoming the lead suspect in a murder case. The problem is the guy in question isn’t the type to knock someone off. Not to mention a whole lot of rift-walkers have recently gone missing, the crime scene reeks of pure rift energy, and a deranged killer who Lucas thought was long deceased might not actually be dead after all.
March 23, 2024
A great stopping point
I was really drawn in from the beginning of the series, but this (book 3) was a great one that just pulled it all together. I was engrossed in it from the beginning.
I loved the idea of the Embers (a place for Riftborn to go and heal) and the Rift (the world of the Riftborn). I loved the characters, humans and Riftborn, working together to rid the world of those who would try to gain power over the rest. I loved Lucas, Gabriel, Nadia, Emily and Ji-hyun. Also loved the Primordial, Valmore.
Steve McHugh is a great writer and just seems to know to bring things to a close really well, while still leaving it open for more books to follow. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
I was really drawn in from the beginning of the series, but this (book 3) was a great one that just pulled it all together. I was engrossed in it from the beginning.
I loved the idea of the Embers (a place for Riftborn to go and heal) and the Rift (the world of the Riftborn). I loved the characters, humans and Riftborn, working together to rid the world of those who would try to gain power over the rest. I loved Lucas, Gabriel, Nadia, Emily and Ji-hyun. Also loved the Primordial, Valmore.
Steve McHugh is a great writer and just seems to know to bring things to a close really well, while still leaving it open for more books to follow. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
June 15, 2023
Excellent ending
I loved this book and the whole trilogy. This is a fabulous ending to the exciting storyline in this trilogy, but I hope Steve McHugh has not retired these fascinating characters and their strange world. I want to read more about them.
I loved this book and the whole trilogy. This is a fabulous ending to the exciting storyline in this trilogy, but I hope Steve McHugh has not retired these fascinating characters and their strange world. I want to read more about them.
June 25, 2023
A Talon’s Wrath is the third installment in Steve McHugh’s urban fantasy thriller series Riftborn. Lucas has just gone viral after his very public arrest of a political figure in book 2. Now, he has been asked by an Ancient to track down a missing person. What was supposed to be a simple case turns complicated when he a mysterious new creature of pure rift energy and finally comes face to face with his nemesis Dr. Callie Mitchell who is ready to initiate the final phase of her plan years in the making.
Like the previous two entries int the series, A Talon’s Wrath is intense and action-packed. The bloody action and gore is still ever present, but the obsession with watches, guns, and cars has been toned down further. Now that the book doesn’t have to set up or world building (the books are not standalones and must be read sequentially), it has increasingly felt like we are just getting taken along on a fast ride to the final endgame. It has been getting more and more plot-driven with less intimate character moments (although there are still a few meaningful ones sprinkled in). Lucas is still the action hero we have come to love, and I liked how his friendships continue to be the emotional core of the story.
A Talon’s Wrath continues to deliver the action and thrills I’ve come to expect from the Riftborn series.
*I received a free ebook as part of its book tour.
Like the previous two entries int the series, A Talon’s Wrath is intense and action-packed. The bloody action and gore is still ever present, but the obsession with watches, guns, and cars has been toned down further. Now that the book doesn’t have to set up or world building (the books are not standalones and must be read sequentially), it has increasingly felt like we are just getting taken along on a fast ride to the final endgame. It has been getting more and more plot-driven with less intimate character moments (although there are still a few meaningful ones sprinkled in). Lucas is still the action hero we have come to love, and I liked how his friendships continue to be the emotional core of the story.
A Talon’s Wrath continues to deliver the action and thrills I’ve come to expect from the Riftborn series.
*I received a free ebook as part of its book tour.
November 6, 2023
A Talons Wrath was a good read, with the further building on the world within the rift. It was fast paced like many books by Steve McHugh and this closes out the initial story but certainly there is more to the story and further characters pulling the strings. Even though this was the third and final book in this initial trilogy I found the climax was built up but fizzled out and was not as epic as it should have been. There were some high powered people who would have made a bigger end battle than what actually happened. There was a lot of plans explained by the villian, rather than written in so you can work out with the main character who just seems to stubble through and win by complete fluke and needed the bad guy to do a classic villain thing and explain there plan even though they don't earlier want to give it all away then do it anyway. Even though it has its flaws it was still a fun high paced read.
July 26, 2023
Wow! Just wow!
The rift... It's like no one really knows our understand what it is, why it does what it does and... Geez. I think I'll need to go back and re-read the three books bcz it has scrambled my mind. LOL!
Really entertaining trilogy! It's unlike any other fantasy book I've ever read. But this is what makes it a compelling story! Such originality that they must be read to be enjoyed! So if you enjoy reading exciting fantasy you would be well rewarded to read this Riftborn Trilogy! And who knows, Mr. McHugh might even write more to it or branch it off telling the origin story of Lucas Rurik!
The rift... It's like no one really knows our understand what it is, why it does what it does and... Geez. I think I'll need to go back and re-read the three books bcz it has scrambled my mind. LOL!
Really entertaining trilogy! It's unlike any other fantasy book I've ever read. But this is what makes it a compelling story! Such originality that they must be read to be enjoyed! So if you enjoy reading exciting fantasy you would be well rewarded to read this Riftborn Trilogy! And who knows, Mr. McHugh might even write more to it or branch it off telling the origin story of Lucas Rurik!
June 28, 2023
Another incredible Steve McHugh adventure
Few do world building better than Steve McHugh. His vision, characters, and vivid imagination are one hell of a roller coaster. This series was amazing... different than the Hellequin books, but just as incredible. Oh, and can he write insanely detailed and easy to picture in a blockbuster film fight scenes. Brilliant magic system and locations...on and off earth.
Don't deprive yourself of the Riftborn series.
Please continue this series!!!
Scott Hollander
Few do world building better than Steve McHugh. His vision, characters, and vivid imagination are one hell of a roller coaster. This series was amazing... different than the Hellequin books, but just as incredible. Oh, and can he write insanely detailed and easy to picture in a blockbuster film fight scenes. Brilliant magic system and locations...on and off earth.
Don't deprive yourself of the Riftborn series.
Please continue this series!!!
Scott Hollander
July 14, 2023
This was a very good "third act" for this series!
Most "major crisis" situations are dealt with - no spoilers here! - with an ending that seems to set up "could become a major crisis" and "could be an new set of books" situations, so I'm very much my forward to what Steve McHugh does next with his Riftborn universe. If you liked the first two books of this series, I think you'll love this one!
Most "major crisis" situations are dealt with - no spoilers here! - with an ending that seems to set up "could become a major crisis" and "could be an new set of books" situations, so I'm very much my forward to what Steve McHugh does next with his Riftborn universe. If you liked the first two books of this series, I think you'll love this one!
September 28, 2023
enjoyable read, follow up ?
I’ve really enjoyed this, and it’s a great addition to the series. The only negative I have is the pacing. The ending didn’t feel rushed by any means but I think I would have preferred more of an epilogue where conversations are had between characters.
There’s lots of talk of effects but then no one asks or mentions it.
With that said, can we have a follow up please :)
I’ve really enjoyed this, and it’s a great addition to the series. The only negative I have is the pacing. The ending didn’t feel rushed by any means but I think I would have preferred more of an epilogue where conversations are had between characters.
There’s lots of talk of effects but then no one asks or mentions it.
With that said, can we have a follow up please :)
June 17, 2023
Always 5
Can't rate any book in this series lower than 5 stars. Absolutely love the story line; characters are well developed, and the sense of humor parallels mine - probably why these books resonate with so well. Patiently (kinda) waiting for the next book to see what happens with Dani, Neb, Lucas, and all the others.
Can't rate any book in this series lower than 5 stars. Absolutely love the story line; characters are well developed, and the sense of humor parallels mine - probably why these books resonate with so well. Patiently (kinda) waiting for the next book to see what happens with Dani, Neb, Lucas, and all the others.
June 19, 2023
Riftborn All Powerful
I enjoyed the 3 books and Lucas adventures into the rift to save the world. Fighting against Callie who wanted to control all the power and tears. Callie used and hurt a lot of people but in the end she disintegrated into the rift. Is she gone for good? I hope so. I enjoyed all 3 books.
I enjoyed the 3 books and Lucas adventures into the rift to save the world. Fighting against Callie who wanted to control all the power and tears. Callie used and hurt a lot of people but in the end she disintegrated into the rift. Is she gone for good? I hope so. I enjoyed all 3 books.
July 5, 2023
I'm loving this series
I really like the interplay between earth and the rift. The variety of different interactions people have with them is interesting. The characters are good enough. Strong characters aren't really Mr McHughs strength in my opinion but the story, world building, pacing, and prose are all wonderful.
I really like the interplay between earth and the rift. The variety of different interactions people have with them is interesting. The characters are good enough. Strong characters aren't really Mr McHughs strength in my opinion but the story, world building, pacing, and prose are all wonderful.
January 2, 2024
I have read every book he has multiple times because they are great books!! He has a great imagination and I really hope there are more "Riftborn books"! That last one ended with him going back to the rift, soooooo ya hope there is one or a few!!! The hellequin, Rebellion and Avalon we're great books and black coat!! Hope he continues these books because they are all dam good!!
June 15, 2023
A Talon’s Wrath
Excellent end of the trilogy. Good story line. Plenty of action and suspense. The older characters have been developed nicely by now and the new characters are developed quite well. Not just this book but the entire series is highly recommended.
Excellent end of the trilogy. Good story line. Plenty of action and suspense. The older characters have been developed nicely by now and the new characters are developed quite well. Not just this book but the entire series is highly recommended.
June 15, 2023
Completing the first trilogy
The world in this trilogy is still confusing with a lot of twists and magical mayhem. Dark at times but still filled with hope, this series is worth the time to read.
The world in this trilogy is still confusing with a lot of twists and magical mayhem. Dark at times but still filled with hope, this series is worth the time to read.
June 19, 2023
Five stars only fir readers of the series
Nice conclusion to what is obviously only the first arc in a series. Definitely need to read previous books to enjoy this one…. Also probably best for people who liked McHughs other works.
Nice conclusion to what is obviously only the first arc in a series. Definitely need to read previous books to enjoy this one…. Also probably best for people who liked McHughs other works.
June 19, 2023
Third Lucas instalment
If you like the first 2 you’ll like this, it’s not a stand alone read the others first. Well thought out as always from Steve the worlds he creates a believable enough that reality can be suspended, an easy read and recommended.
If you like the first 2 you’ll like this, it’s not a stand alone read the others first. Well thought out as always from Steve the worlds he creates a believable enough that reality can be suspended, an easy read and recommended.
June 21, 2023
Page turner
Steve Mchugh never disappoints. Picks up right from number 2 and manages to finish telling the storylines while leaving it open for so much more. Can't wait for number 4!
Looking forward to where he takes this series.
Steve Mchugh never disappoints. Picks up right from number 2 and manages to finish telling the storylines while leaving it open for so much more. Can't wait for number 4!
Looking forward to where he takes this series.
June 21, 2023
Again, just brilliant. Steve has that great knack of writing characters you emotionally react to. Whether love or hate or all the gray in between.
If you’ve not read this yet, do so immediately.
If you’ve not read any of Steve’s stuff why the hell not?
If you’ve not read this yet, do so immediately.
If you’ve not read any of Steve’s stuff why the hell not?
October 6, 2023
I may be biased but amazing!
My ultimate top author can do no wrong in my eyes, and this book is why! The great storytelling! These characters and the culmination to baddie wonderful end?
My ultimate top author can do no wrong in my eyes, and this book is why! The great storytelling! These characters and the culmination to baddie wonderful end?
June 17, 2023
Great as always
Another great McHugh book. This series really has me hooked. It's all so different and extensively detailed. You can get lost just thinking about this universe.
Another great McHugh book. This series really has me hooked. It's all so different and extensively detailed. You can get lost just thinking about this universe.
June 19, 2023
Brilliant McHugh again
Steve McHugh is a fabulous author. His books are riveting and this one is no exception. Fabulous, hard to put down. Sad when it ended.
Steve McHugh is a fabulous author. His books are riveting and this one is no exception. Fabulous, hard to put down. Sad when it ended.
June 21, 2023
is it finished
Plenty to get your mind around. Read this in record time plenty to keep you pondering over . Is there more to come ? Full of fighting and mystery
Plenty to get your mind around. Read this in record time plenty to keep you pondering over . Is there more to come ? Full of fighting and mystery
June 28, 2023
This is an awesome finish of a trilogy, which also leaves a way to even continue other stories in the same world/environment.
Excellent writing, brilliant tense, great description of the scenes!
Excellent writing, brilliant tense, great description of the scenes!
June 28, 2023
The Riftborn series just keeps getting better.
July 1, 2023
Great third book
I'm really enjoying this new series from Steve McHugh. Great cast of characters and fast-paced story, looking forward to the next one.
I'm really enjoying this new series from Steve McHugh. Great cast of characters and fast-paced story, looking forward to the next one.
July 15, 2023
His books
His book are always amazingly fun and have wonderfully detailed worlds. Keep writing the books and I'll keep reading them.
Thank you
Steve
His book are always amazingly fun and have wonderfully detailed worlds. Keep writing the books and I'll keep reading them.
Thank you
Steve
September 28, 2023
Another great addition to the series. Book kept me wanting to read and couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews