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The Eye of Eurydice
The War between Heaven and Perdition has reached a stalemate. On the battlefield of New York, Jason Beckett, the Emissary of the Devil works to keep everything quiet. When a simple assignment ignites the War anew, Beckett must race to keep the flames from destroying all that he loves. In a world of Vampires, Werewolves, Angels and Demons, good and evil are not always what they appear.
- GenresHorror
482 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Ryan M. Talbot
2 books11 followersBorn and raised in New York, Ryan Talbot currently lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his wife and three beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 9, 2015
I started the book about a week ago and could not get enough of it. It's about time I found a supernatural horror that wasn't some alternate-universe-Twilight-parallel or some other romantic occult drama. I wanted Action, Adventure, Violence, and Magic and I got it! I carpool to work so my entire rides to and from work, as well as my lunch breaks were devoted to this novel.
The author, Ryan M. Talbot, appears to have taken great pains to understand the mythology of different religions and utilized each one in a way that suited the story's needs and still held true to their origins. He has constructed a tight, seamless, little universe and explored the idea of an alternate perception of different gods and Satan himself. The story flows and connects smoothly, and the author's writing style painted vibrant scenes in my memory. I love when I can recall a passage from a book and it's like recalling a scene from a movie- with the atmosphere, voices, and facial expressions of the characters vivid in my mind.
Having been raised in a Christian household (I'm probably best considered non-practicing or inactive at the moment), I was not offended by this book in the least. I do have a love for supernatural based books of any religion though, so I could see this offending someone of strict beliefs and practices, yet this is entirely subjective to the individual. For those of us who enjoy a well-written, entertaining novel of the religious basis though, and have no issues with violence, this will really fill the need for a unique story.
Written in the first person, the story is told through the eyes of Jason Beckett, the Emissary of the devil. His narrative is very rough around the edges and while at times and it can be a little frustrating witnessing the unwise decisions he makes. However, the character frequently reminds the reader in his own words that he know she's not the brightest bulb in the building and he recognizes these "stupid" decisions after things have gone downhill- that made it bearable to me because it was part of the character rather than appearing as lazy writing. Beckett is not someone I could ever consider myself friends with or keeping the company of, it did not damage the readability for me; he (through Talbot's skill) is quite the captivating storyteller.
The novel contains a great cast of demons, werewolves, vampires, angels, etc... and Beckett's narrative contains some amusing observational similes regarding situations and people. The author did a great job of fleshing out multiple characters, rather than sticking with the story of just one or two people.
I am looking forward to any continuations of this story Talbot produces, as well as could see myself reading this book again in a few years after the freshness of it has worn off. I recommend it for anyone looking for an engrossing, distinctive, supernatural horror/action/thriller novel.
The author, Ryan M. Talbot, appears to have taken great pains to understand the mythology of different religions and utilized each one in a way that suited the story's needs and still held true to their origins. He has constructed a tight, seamless, little universe and explored the idea of an alternate perception of different gods and Satan himself. The story flows and connects smoothly, and the author's writing style painted vibrant scenes in my memory. I love when I can recall a passage from a book and it's like recalling a scene from a movie- with the atmosphere, voices, and facial expressions of the characters vivid in my mind.
Having been raised in a Christian household (I'm probably best considered non-practicing or inactive at the moment), I was not offended by this book in the least. I do have a love for supernatural based books of any religion though, so I could see this offending someone of strict beliefs and practices, yet this is entirely subjective to the individual. For those of us who enjoy a well-written, entertaining novel of the religious basis though, and have no issues with violence, this will really fill the need for a unique story.
Written in the first person, the story is told through the eyes of Jason Beckett, the Emissary of the devil. His narrative is very rough around the edges and while at times and it can be a little frustrating witnessing the unwise decisions he makes. However, the character frequently reminds the reader in his own words that he know she's not the brightest bulb in the building and he recognizes these "stupid" decisions after things have gone downhill- that made it bearable to me because it was part of the character rather than appearing as lazy writing. Beckett is not someone I could ever consider myself friends with or keeping the company of, it did not damage the readability for me; he (through Talbot's skill) is quite the captivating storyteller.
The novel contains a great cast of demons, werewolves, vampires, angels, etc... and Beckett's narrative contains some amusing observational similes regarding situations and people. The author did a great job of fleshing out multiple characters, rather than sticking with the story of just one or two people.
I am looking forward to any continuations of this story Talbot produces, as well as could see myself reading this book again in a few years after the freshness of it has worn off. I recommend it for anyone looking for an engrossing, distinctive, supernatural horror/action/thriller novel.
November 30, 2011
Talbot’s debut novel had me hooked from the first action–packed chapter. This spellbinding tale features all of my favorite supernatural beings: werewolves, vampires, fairies, angels, demons, and my new favorite: Satanic Emissaries.
Talbot’s protagonist, Jason Beckett, is a likeable character in spite of himself, and Talbot provides for him a supporting cast of characters that are all as well–developed and fascinating as Jason. I felt genuinely immersed in this novel from the beginning, enjoying the narrated ride along with Jason as he attempts to do Satan’s bidding amidst a host of antagonists.
One of the things I enjoy most about Talbot’s novel -- I’m already on my third read -- is that he challenges his predecessors’ reliance on Manichean narratives. Most fantasy novels are ham–strung by a self–imposed restriction to good and evil characters/choices/etc. Not so with The Eye of Eurydice. Instead the reader finds a complex layering of ethical dilemmas that illustrate just how grey Jason’s world is. Even the most evil of supposedly evil characters, Satan himself, is sympathetic! Talbot makes servants of God seem ruthlessly unfeeling, Hell look beautiful, and the supernatural feel real in a way that fits perfectly with his universe and thrills his readers.
Talbot’s protagonist, Jason Beckett, is a likeable character in spite of himself, and Talbot provides for him a supporting cast of characters that are all as well–developed and fascinating as Jason. I felt genuinely immersed in this novel from the beginning, enjoying the narrated ride along with Jason as he attempts to do Satan’s bidding amidst a host of antagonists.
One of the things I enjoy most about Talbot’s novel -- I’m already on my third read -- is that he challenges his predecessors’ reliance on Manichean narratives. Most fantasy novels are ham–strung by a self–imposed restriction to good and evil characters/choices/etc. Not so with The Eye of Eurydice. Instead the reader finds a complex layering of ethical dilemmas that illustrate just how grey Jason’s world is. Even the most evil of supposedly evil characters, Satan himself, is sympathetic! Talbot makes servants of God seem ruthlessly unfeeling, Hell look beautiful, and the supernatural feel real in a way that fits perfectly with his universe and thrills his readers.
September 27, 2011
I'm indulging myself in Mr. Talbot's work. It isn't nice. It isn't pretty. It is a dark hot mess filled with gore, war, and honesty. Ryan has a wonderful talent of character development. His dialogue is some of the best I've ever read. The plot is complex, as are the creatures and characters, but Ryan explains everything perfectly. I am anxiously awaiting the next of the series. Please ignore any small typo, the book is worth every sentence. I am so proud of him.
September 15, 2011
In the "Fantasy" genre, or any offshoot therof, there always tends to be lengthy exposition. "This is so and so, and they do this, in the world that's like this," etc.
Not the case, here. Talbot launches directly into the meat of the matter. Exposition happens as the issues come up, and is delivered succinctly, with no flowery uselessness. The action starts in the first chapter, and doesn't relent, even on the last page.
Jason Beckett, our fearless narrator, is an asshole. But a loveable one. His voice affects every aspect of the novel, giving even dark and desperate times a humorous sheen. Many of the issues explored in the novel are philosophical in nature, but the vernacular is such that even someone with the lack of basic knowledge in theology such as myself can follow along. And fourth wall? What fourth wall? Talbot, and by extension, Beckett, immerses the reader in the story by directly addressing him/her.
The characters are dynamic and engaging, some more than others. Beckett is, of course, the most developed, and everything we view is through his filter. So, yes, the narrator is unreliable, but the story wouldn't be the same without it. It seems that the weakest characters are secondary, which is appropriate, but I would still like to know more about Harker's murder.
Talbot also achieves something Milton-esque; he makes Satan a sympathetic character. I was raised Catholic, and have since started leaning toward the atheist side of things, however, I truly felt for the Fallen Angel, particularly when he recalls the story of Genesis.
Despite magic being a strong component, we as readers are never tasked with remembering what spell does what. Beckett tells us he said a word, and what it did. We don't really need more than that. Anything else would bog the narrative down too much, and movie the story firmly out of the "magical realism" end of things and into the "omg magic, guys!" side.
Not just theology (in the sense of the myth of Christianity [and by myth I mean stories, please don't get offended]) is used as the background for the story, either. Native American myth, Greco-Roman, Pagan, and good old fashioned classic literature are all woven together to create this Universe's Battlefield. These elements make the story accessible, because whether they know it or not, everyone has some trivial knowledge in each of these areas.
This is not to say the book is without its faults. There are some technical issues that I will not get into here but will likely be solved by the next edition. The formatting is also a little strange in some places; a single word will get put into a new line at the very bottom of the page and I would often read past it, thinking I missed something. These technical issues, typos and the like, are not detrimental in any way to the book's quality, if anything, it makes it more special. Consider the typo in the first few chapters of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." My book had it; some of my friends' don't. I think I have the more special edition. The same can be said for this book; when (yes, I said WHEN) the book becomes a NY Times Bestseller, I can say confidently and with pride that I have a first edition, with all the "errors" intact.
And, when you get this book, do not skip the fine print. It is just as enjoyable as the rest of the novel, and serves as a surprisingly great introduction to the voice of Jason Beckett.
Not the case, here. Talbot launches directly into the meat of the matter. Exposition happens as the issues come up, and is delivered succinctly, with no flowery uselessness. The action starts in the first chapter, and doesn't relent, even on the last page.
Jason Beckett, our fearless narrator, is an asshole. But a loveable one. His voice affects every aspect of the novel, giving even dark and desperate times a humorous sheen. Many of the issues explored in the novel are philosophical in nature, but the vernacular is such that even someone with the lack of basic knowledge in theology such as myself can follow along. And fourth wall? What fourth wall? Talbot, and by extension, Beckett, immerses the reader in the story by directly addressing him/her.
The characters are dynamic and engaging, some more than others. Beckett is, of course, the most developed, and everything we view is through his filter. So, yes, the narrator is unreliable, but the story wouldn't be the same without it. It seems that the weakest characters are secondary, which is appropriate, but I would still like to know more about Harker's murder.
Talbot also achieves something Milton-esque; he makes Satan a sympathetic character. I was raised Catholic, and have since started leaning toward the atheist side of things, however, I truly felt for the Fallen Angel, particularly when he recalls the story of Genesis.
Despite magic being a strong component, we as readers are never tasked with remembering what spell does what. Beckett tells us he said a word, and what it did. We don't really need more than that. Anything else would bog the narrative down too much, and movie the story firmly out of the "magical realism" end of things and into the "omg magic, guys!" side.
Not just theology (in the sense of the myth of Christianity [and by myth I mean stories, please don't get offended]) is used as the background for the story, either. Native American myth, Greco-Roman, Pagan, and good old fashioned classic literature are all woven together to create this Universe's Battlefield. These elements make the story accessible, because whether they know it or not, everyone has some trivial knowledge in each of these areas.
This is not to say the book is without its faults. There are some technical issues that I will not get into here but will likely be solved by the next edition. The formatting is also a little strange in some places; a single word will get put into a new line at the very bottom of the page and I would often read past it, thinking I missed something. These technical issues, typos and the like, are not detrimental in any way to the book's quality, if anything, it makes it more special. Consider the typo in the first few chapters of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." My book had it; some of my friends' don't. I think I have the more special edition. The same can be said for this book; when (yes, I said WHEN) the book becomes a NY Times Bestseller, I can say confidently and with pride that I have a first edition, with all the "errors" intact.
And, when you get this book, do not skip the fine print. It is just as enjoyable as the rest of the novel, and serves as a surprisingly great introduction to the voice of Jason Beckett.
Read
August 21, 2017It would be in poor taste for me to write myself a glowing review. However, I think it is fair to say that this is the greatest book I've ever written (yet).
March 22, 2016
It's hard to say if readers should do some prerequisite reading and pick up "A Dictionary of Angels Including the Fallen Angels" by Gustav Davidson, or if the author had that book and cherry-picked the characters that seemed to have a few of the qualities he wanted in his characters (while disregarding other details). Many of the characters don't have a great amount of depth, but with the quick pace and fast action of this book most of those characters whiz by unless you're curious enough to stop and look them up.
Overall this story was engaging, but could have used more development from the roots the author described in the after-word. The two biggest drawbacks are that the ending with the most finality comes at the end of Book 1 (of two in "Eye of Eurydice") while the actual ending is merely a pause for a breath before the author keeps on running with his story. Secondly - some of the grammar errors could have slipped past a spellchecker, but the basic spelling errors should never have made it into this book. Proofreaders are important, and I'm not sure who read through this - but they missed something in every chapter.
Overall this story was engaging, but could have used more development from the roots the author described in the after-word. The two biggest drawbacks are that the ending with the most finality comes at the end of Book 1 (of two in "Eye of Eurydice") while the actual ending is merely a pause for a breath before the author keeps on running with his story. Secondly - some of the grammar errors could have slipped past a spellchecker, but the basic spelling errors should never have made it into this book. Proofreaders are important, and I'm not sure who read through this - but they missed something in every chapter.
Read
March 30, 2016Decent read.
The story is fun. The character development wasn't great and the plot line was a bit scattered. Otherwise lacking some serious editing/grammar.
The story is fun. The character development wasn't great and the plot line was a bit scattered. Otherwise lacking some serious editing/grammar.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews