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Thirteen Hallows #1
Třináct relikvií
Třináct prastarých relikvií, tajuplných, nesmírně mocných magických předmětů, které dokážou vykonat zázraky, ať už v dobrém, či ve zlém, bylo naposledy pohromadě za časů krále Artuše. Tehdy byly používány k vyhnání pokolení démonů z tohoto světa a k uzavření průchodu, který svět lidí a svět démonů spojuje. Boj s démony stál krále Artuše život. Čas statečných rytířů pominul a relikvie byly rozděleny mezi Strážce, potomky původních držitelů relikvií. Jejich rodiny střežily posvátné předměty přes dva tisíce let. Nyní však potomky těchto rodin kdosi začal bez milosti vraždit a snaží se relikvie opět shromáždit. Jedna ze Strážkyň před smrtí svěří tajemství Sarah, mladé bankovní úřednici, a pověří ji, aby zprávu předala Owenovi, který se má stát příštím Strážcem. Nepodaří-li se Sarah a Owenovi Strážce shromáždit a zachránit relikvie, nastane konec světa a démoni se vrátí na tento svět. Ten, kdo je držitelem relikvií, má tak ve svých rukou příští osud světa
336 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2011
88 people are currently reading
6078 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scott
187 books6,841 followersIrish-born Michael Scott began writing over thirty years ago, and is one of Ireland's most successful and prolific authors, with over one hundred titles to his credit, spanning a
variety of genres, including Fantasy, Science Fiction and Folklore.
He writes for both adults and young adults and is published in thirty-seven countries, in over twenty languages.
Praised for his “unparalleled contribution to children’s literature,” by the Guide to Children’s
Books, Michael Scott was the Writer in Residence during Dublin’s tenure as European City of Culture in 1991, and was featured in the 2006 edition of Who’s Who in Ireland as one of the 1000
most “significant Irish.”
variety of genres, including Fantasy, Science Fiction and Folklore.
He writes for both adults and young adults and is published in thirty-seven countries, in over twenty languages.
Praised for his “unparalleled contribution to children’s literature,” by the Guide to Children’s
Books, Michael Scott was the Writer in Residence during Dublin’s tenure as European City of Culture in 1991, and was featured in the 2006 edition of Who’s Who in Ireland as one of the 1000
most “significant Irish.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 463 reviews
January 27, 2012
I have to admit, the cover got me. The cool looking sword, the hazy Big Ben in the background, the shades of blue, it's just a great cover. I'm sorry to say the rest of the book didn't quite live up to it.
For some reason I thought this would be YA, but that's far from the truth. It's probably because Scott wrote the Alchemyst series (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel). Lots of bloody rituals, sex, and more bloody rituals.
Thirteen people, the keepers, charged with watching over the thirteen hallows, powerful objects that when brought together, well, that's just a bad idea. Evil and bad with a touch of scary happens.
The thirteen keepers are charged with keeping their respective hallow safe and never to bring them together. Judith Walker is a keeper and she's noticed that, while the police and media aren't acknowledging it, the keepers are being killed one by one and she's number four...wait, sorry, wrong book.
Did I mention Judith Walker is 77? So, we start out with a 77 year old protagonist, and while I felt bad about it, I had a hard time with a 77 year old running around trying to solve a mystery. It just kind of breaks all the tension. It could have also been the fact that I was picturing a nonexistent walker.
Luckily, there are more people who get involved and Judith doesn't remain the main protag for very long.
So, why didn't I like The Thirteen Hallows?
It's pretty simple. The characters are pretty shoddy. They are stale and boring to be honest. There's nothing that makes you want to hang out with the leads, buy them a drink. They aren't even sympathetic. Sarah Miller is in her 20s and repressed by her parents, so she stays and continues to take it? No, I have no sympathy. Grow a pair.
And then the antagonists are just evil for evil's sake. They're killing children brutally (luckily we're saved from that description for the most part) and they revel in it, have sex in it. It was pretty disgusting actually. There's some attempt at explaining why they're that way, but I wasn't ever convinced.
I ended up sticking it out to the end, so The Thirteen Hallows wasn't terrible, it just wasn't good. Okay is really the best way to describe it. I don't recommend wasting your time, there's too much out there that's really good.
2 out of 5 Stars (Okay)
Ps. If you were wondering, yes, The Thirteen Hallows does mention Harry Potter. Thought you were wondering. :)
For some reason I thought this would be YA, but that's far from the truth. It's probably because Scott wrote the Alchemyst series (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel). Lots of bloody rituals, sex, and more bloody rituals.
Thirteen people, the keepers, charged with watching over the thirteen hallows, powerful objects that when brought together, well, that's just a bad idea. Evil and bad with a touch of scary happens.
The thirteen keepers are charged with keeping their respective hallow safe and never to bring them together. Judith Walker is a keeper and she's noticed that, while the police and media aren't acknowledging it, the keepers are being killed one by one and she's number four...wait, sorry, wrong book.
Did I mention Judith Walker is 77? So, we start out with a 77 year old protagonist, and while I felt bad about it, I had a hard time with a 77 year old running around trying to solve a mystery. It just kind of breaks all the tension. It could have also been the fact that I was picturing a nonexistent walker.
Luckily, there are more people who get involved and Judith doesn't remain the main protag for very long.
So, why didn't I like The Thirteen Hallows?
It's pretty simple. The characters are pretty shoddy. They are stale and boring to be honest. There's nothing that makes you want to hang out with the leads, buy them a drink. They aren't even sympathetic. Sarah Miller is in her 20s and repressed by her parents, so she stays and continues to take it? No, I have no sympathy. Grow a pair.
And then the antagonists are just evil for evil's sake. They're killing children brutally (luckily we're saved from that description for the most part) and they revel in it, have sex in it. It was pretty disgusting actually. There's some attempt at explaining why they're that way, but I wasn't ever convinced.
I ended up sticking it out to the end, so The Thirteen Hallows wasn't terrible, it just wasn't good. Okay is really the best way to describe it. I don't recommend wasting your time, there's too much out there that's really good.
2 out of 5 Stars (Okay)
Ps. If you were wondering, yes, The Thirteen Hallows does mention Harry Potter. Thought you were wondering. :)
January 21, 2018
Ever read a book and wonder why you bothered to finish it. This was one of those books for me. It has been one of the most disappointing books I have ever read !!
I've read the previous four books of Michael Scott's fantasy series, "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel," which have been decently written, plotted, accurate enough (in their use of real places and characters), and enjoyable.
This thing co-authored with playwright Colette Friedman is however, comparatively speaking, a piece of trash. I got the impression the authors got together for whatever reason, but about a quarter of the way through either got tired of each other or got tired of each other's company and decided to get this piece of junk finished as quickly as possible.
The plot seems slapped together, the characters have little charisma (two romances seem to be based on little more than lust). Again and again I found myself saying, "Oh sure, like that's really going to happen." Also, I could not believe the characters could possibly be so stupid. Thirteen people are being murdered, the clues are staring the police right in the face, yet they completely ignore them. Women who read this should be extremely upset by the female villain who, although she knows she is being used by the male villain and is easily more powerful than the male villain, allows herself to be sacrificed so he can be the most powerful person on earth. C'mon lady, the sex might be good, but you can get that somewhere else with someone who actually might love you.
The villain thinks he is going to rule the world be releasing a horde of people-eating demons and does not for a moment thing they might turn on him. He does not consider the fact that if he manages to rule it will last little more than 60 years. It would be like one Roman general thinking if he kills off all the other Romans, then he will be able to rule the rest of the world.
There is more violence in this book (and most of it of the gory, disturbing variety than is likely to happen in real life (especially when one considers that only two detectives are working on the thing rather than the hundreds that should be involved for such cruel murders). I think the words 'meat" and 'blood' are used more often in this book than such words might be used in an entire week in a busy butcher's shop.
There are also glaring errors including a crystal chess set created no later than 10 AD, more than 500 years before anything resembling the game of chess is even mentioned in historical records and at least 1400 years before the game of chess as we know it came into being.
There is also a massive storm as part of the 'thrilling climax' of the book that kills 612 people and injures about 9,000 that is totally unnecessary, does not advance the plot in any way, indicates that one of the central characters who is supposed to be Joseph of Arimathea is actually an idiot without the ability to think of a better way to create the havoc he, for some reason, thinks is necessary.
The real stupidity here is that anyone would believe the preposterous idea that the young Jesus of Nazareth would have to go to so much trouble to seal a rift between our world and the world of demons.
If I had known better I wouldn't have bothered to read this thing, but I won't reveal much more of the plot, simply because this might be the kind of junk you like. As they say, one person's trash is another person's treasure.
I've read the previous four books of Michael Scott's fantasy series, "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel," which have been decently written, plotted, accurate enough (in their use of real places and characters), and enjoyable.
This thing co-authored with playwright Colette Friedman is however, comparatively speaking, a piece of trash. I got the impression the authors got together for whatever reason, but about a quarter of the way through either got tired of each other or got tired of each other's company and decided to get this piece of junk finished as quickly as possible.
The plot seems slapped together, the characters have little charisma (two romances seem to be based on little more than lust). Again and again I found myself saying, "Oh sure, like that's really going to happen." Also, I could not believe the characters could possibly be so stupid. Thirteen people are being murdered, the clues are staring the police right in the face, yet they completely ignore them. Women who read this should be extremely upset by the female villain who, although she knows she is being used by the male villain and is easily more powerful than the male villain, allows herself to be sacrificed so he can be the most powerful person on earth. C'mon lady, the sex might be good, but you can get that somewhere else with someone who actually might love you.
The villain thinks he is going to rule the world be releasing a horde of people-eating demons and does not for a moment thing they might turn on him. He does not consider the fact that if he manages to rule it will last little more than 60 years. It would be like one Roman general thinking if he kills off all the other Romans, then he will be able to rule the rest of the world.
There is more violence in this book (and most of it of the gory, disturbing variety than is likely to happen in real life (especially when one considers that only two detectives are working on the thing rather than the hundreds that should be involved for such cruel murders). I think the words 'meat" and 'blood' are used more often in this book than such words might be used in an entire week in a busy butcher's shop.
There are also glaring errors including a crystal chess set created no later than 10 AD, more than 500 years before anything resembling the game of chess is even mentioned in historical records and at least 1400 years before the game of chess as we know it came into being.
There is also a massive storm as part of the 'thrilling climax' of the book that kills 612 people and injures about 9,000 that is totally unnecessary, does not advance the plot in any way, indicates that one of the central characters who is supposed to be Joseph of Arimathea is actually an idiot without the ability to think of a better way to create the havoc he, for some reason, thinks is necessary.
The real stupidity here is that anyone would believe the preposterous idea that the young Jesus of Nazareth would have to go to so much trouble to seal a rift between our world and the world of demons.
If I had known better I wouldn't have bothered to read this thing, but I won't reveal much more of the plot, simply because this might be the kind of junk you like. As they say, one person's trash is another person's treasure.
January 30, 2012
Starting off the review, with a note from the author, found at the end of the book:
"Most of the Hallows mentioned in this novel still exist, as do the group of people known as the Hallowed Keepers."
Wow, I was surprised by the overtone of darkness and the grisly nature of this novel. I wasn't expecting it since Michael Scott last wrote "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" which is a kids series. This is definitely an adult novel in such contrast, with the magical rites using sex, torturous ritual, and lots of bloodshed. However, compared to other adult novels that involve murders and mystery it's not unusual. I would classify it as supernatural/adult fiction/fantasy, maybe a little horror in it as well. Nothing frightening though, you can definitely sleep at night after reading it.
I love that the author has studied mythology and folklore, because the tie-ins to religious mythology such as the number thirteen relating to the thirteen names of God, and the Hallows, regular items that were imbued with power, being the keys to locking away the demons that used to roam this earth before man existed.
The story itself is written in excellent form. It's well-edited and the story is absolute. It's a bit predictable in how it's all going to end up, but the details of how it all goes down along the way is different many other novels of it's genre so that is a major plus. The authors historical knowledge of folklore from many walks of religion (Christianity to Pagan) is wonderfully tied together to weave a tale that makes you realize that there really is no good or evil, just power and energy and how each individual chooses to wield. Personal choice is what it always comes down to. Then, and now. Picking otherwise is just an illusion of immunity (and often superiority).
The writing is a little dry to me, and some parts of the book seem somewhat dull and unnecessary. Overall, a good read in the end, especially to those that enjoy mythology, history, and the supernatural.
"Most of the Hallows mentioned in this novel still exist, as do the group of people known as the Hallowed Keepers."
Wow, I was surprised by the overtone of darkness and the grisly nature of this novel. I wasn't expecting it since Michael Scott last wrote "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" which is a kids series. This is definitely an adult novel in such contrast, with the magical rites using sex, torturous ritual, and lots of bloodshed. However, compared to other adult novels that involve murders and mystery it's not unusual. I would classify it as supernatural/adult fiction/fantasy, maybe a little horror in it as well. Nothing frightening though, you can definitely sleep at night after reading it.
I love that the author has studied mythology and folklore, because the tie-ins to religious mythology such as the number thirteen relating to the thirteen names of God, and the Hallows, regular items that were imbued with power, being the keys to locking away the demons that used to roam this earth before man existed.
The story itself is written in excellent form. It's well-edited and the story is absolute. It's a bit predictable in how it's all going to end up, but the details of how it all goes down along the way is different many other novels of it's genre so that is a major plus. The authors historical knowledge of folklore from many walks of religion (Christianity to Pagan) is wonderfully tied together to weave a tale that makes you realize that there really is no good or evil, just power and energy and how each individual chooses to wield. Personal choice is what it always comes down to. Then, and now. Picking otherwise is just an illusion of immunity (and often superiority).
The writing is a little dry to me, and some parts of the book seem somewhat dull and unnecessary. Overall, a good read in the end, especially to those that enjoy mythology, history, and the supernatural.
February 28, 2012
A well written, entertaining read
I was actually blown away by this book. It’s incredibly well written for a horror book and the pacing is probably the best I’ve ever enjoyed. I sat down to read one chapter and the next thing I realized, eleven chapters had flown by. I am not a fast reader; however, I finished this book in three days.
I’ve actually enjoyed reading the various reviews on the book and find it amusing that people are so vociferous in their distaste for the gore. This is a horror/fantasy, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? Yes, it’s violent. But this is a violent genre and the graphic violence served the story perfectly. Reviewers are obsessed that only people in their seventies are killed. HELLO, that is the major plot of the book… the septuagenarians are targets because they were in single digits when they received the blessed hallows during WWII, OVER SEVENTY YEARS AGO.
I enjoyed Sarah and Owen as the protagonists, especially Sarah. I related to her strength and determination, but also her vulnerability and fear. She was a complex character who was nicely developed. I also really enjoyed Robert Elliot and one of my favorite chapters was the one where he is introduced.
This is a lot like The DaVinci Code; however, I enjoyed it even more.
I was actually blown away by this book. It’s incredibly well written for a horror book and the pacing is probably the best I’ve ever enjoyed. I sat down to read one chapter and the next thing I realized, eleven chapters had flown by. I am not a fast reader; however, I finished this book in three days.
I’ve actually enjoyed reading the various reviews on the book and find it amusing that people are so vociferous in their distaste for the gore. This is a horror/fantasy, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? Yes, it’s violent. But this is a violent genre and the graphic violence served the story perfectly. Reviewers are obsessed that only people in their seventies are killed. HELLO, that is the major plot of the book… the septuagenarians are targets because they were in single digits when they received the blessed hallows during WWII, OVER SEVENTY YEARS AGO.
I enjoyed Sarah and Owen as the protagonists, especially Sarah. I related to her strength and determination, but also her vulnerability and fear. She was a complex character who was nicely developed. I also really enjoyed Robert Elliot and one of my favorite chapters was the one where he is introduced.
This is a lot like The DaVinci Code; however, I enjoyed it even more.
February 4, 2023
Weird story in general...
I think this book is not as good as any of the books in "The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel".
I have enjoyed some parts of the book although in general I missed many things in the story. The character's development is just terrible.
If you want a lot of blood and disgusting situations mixed with some weird sort of magic, be my guest!
I think this book is not as good as any of the books in "The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel".
I have enjoyed some parts of the book although in general I missed many things in the story. The character's development is just terrible.
If you want a lot of blood and disgusting situations mixed with some weird sort of magic, be my guest!
December 30, 2011
When Sarah Miller saves an elderly woman from a brutal attack and robbery she soon learns that there was more to saving Judith Walker than the impulse to help an old lady hold onto her bag. Sarah is inexplicably pulled into an ancient struggle that dates back thousands of years as a mysterious enemy seeks to destroy everything around her in his attempt to claim the rusted piece of metal that Judith entrusted her to guard. The action in The Thirteen Hallows burns across every page from start to finish as Sarah risks everything to protect the sword in her effort to stop the encroaching hoard of demons from gaining access to our world.
The Thirteen Hallows is an exciting blend of fantasy, mystery, and modern day thriller. With every new revelation comes a new twist that digs Sarah more deeply into the secret of the hallows and pits her against an enemy who will stop at nothing to kill her, and anyone else who may stand in his way, as he seeks to bring the thirteen hallows together.
One of the most impressive things about The Thirteen Hallows is the extensive, yet intricate, web of historical facts that the authors weave into the novel, which helps to establish a solid sense of the story’s probably and elevates it from the status of “just another fantasy” to something that feels fresh and new. The Thirteen Hallows is a thoughtful, action packed novel that is the first in what is sure to be a very exciting new modern day fantasy/thriller series.
Readers who enjoy modern and urban fantasies with a taste of good old-fashioned epic fantasy elements will love this book. In addition, readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime dramas and who are open to stories with fantastical themes will also find The Thirteen Hallows to be a fun and interesting ride into a very dark and dangerous world that is steeped in equal parts of history and ancient lore.
I have to thank the publisher for sending me The Thirteen Hallows because I hadn’t heard of it prior to being asked if I’d like to review it. I said, “yes,” thinking that it sounded interesting. However, interesting doesn’t come close to capturing how much I enjoyed this novel. I really loved it and I’m already looking for the next installment. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be well-written, extremely exciting, and very satisfying. The Thirteen Hallows was an exciting novel that was a joy to discover.
The Thirteen Hallows is an exciting blend of fantasy, mystery, and modern day thriller. With every new revelation comes a new twist that digs Sarah more deeply into the secret of the hallows and pits her against an enemy who will stop at nothing to kill her, and anyone else who may stand in his way, as he seeks to bring the thirteen hallows together.
One of the most impressive things about The Thirteen Hallows is the extensive, yet intricate, web of historical facts that the authors weave into the novel, which helps to establish a solid sense of the story’s probably and elevates it from the status of “just another fantasy” to something that feels fresh and new. The Thirteen Hallows is a thoughtful, action packed novel that is the first in what is sure to be a very exciting new modern day fantasy/thriller series.
Readers who enjoy modern and urban fantasies with a taste of good old-fashioned epic fantasy elements will love this book. In addition, readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime dramas and who are open to stories with fantastical themes will also find The Thirteen Hallows to be a fun and interesting ride into a very dark and dangerous world that is steeped in equal parts of history and ancient lore.
I have to thank the publisher for sending me The Thirteen Hallows because I hadn’t heard of it prior to being asked if I’d like to review it. I said, “yes,” thinking that it sounded interesting. However, interesting doesn’t come close to capturing how much I enjoyed this novel. I really loved it and I’m already looking for the next installment. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be well-written, extremely exciting, and very satisfying. The Thirteen Hallows was an exciting novel that was a joy to discover.
December 16, 2011
Book Title: "The Thirteen Hallows"
Author: Michael Scott & Colette Freedman
Published By: Tor Forge
Age Recommended: 18 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: This book completely knocked me for a loop. By far one of the best modern fantasy books for adults I have ever read. The story revolves around the Keepers of the Thirteen Hallows, all of which are elderly having guarded these Hallows for generations after they were passed down from son to son and daughter to daughter, and so on. The Hallows are the most prized possessions of Great Britain and have seen much history in various fashion. They are potent and if brought together could cause untold damage to the world. There is just enough history mixed in with the modern world in this book to keep you interested in finding out exactly how these Hallows were used and how they came to be. The background of these objects is astounding and are linked to some of history's most notable people and you'll never believe just how far back the history of the Hallows goes.
This book may sound like something a child could read, but do NOT be fooled. This book is for adults and has scenes in it that should not be read by the faint of heart. The adventure to keep these Hallows safe and not allow them to fall into the wrong hands is one you will not soon forget. Murder is the hub of this novel and it's not what you'd expect at all.
If this book is destined to become a series, I'm in all the way. The collaboration of Michael Scott and Colette Freedman is astonishing and amazing, nothing short of perfection. Get this book! You will not regret it and if you enjoy it even half as much as I did you'll be clamoring for more!
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Author: Michael Scott & Colette Freedman
Published By: Tor Forge
Age Recommended: 18 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: This book completely knocked me for a loop. By far one of the best modern fantasy books for adults I have ever read. The story revolves around the Keepers of the Thirteen Hallows, all of which are elderly having guarded these Hallows for generations after they were passed down from son to son and daughter to daughter, and so on. The Hallows are the most prized possessions of Great Britain and have seen much history in various fashion. They are potent and if brought together could cause untold damage to the world. There is just enough history mixed in with the modern world in this book to keep you interested in finding out exactly how these Hallows were used and how they came to be. The background of these objects is astounding and are linked to some of history's most notable people and you'll never believe just how far back the history of the Hallows goes.
This book may sound like something a child could read, but do NOT be fooled. This book is for adults and has scenes in it that should not be read by the faint of heart. The adventure to keep these Hallows safe and not allow them to fall into the wrong hands is one you will not soon forget. Murder is the hub of this novel and it's not what you'd expect at all.
If this book is destined to become a series, I'm in all the way. The collaboration of Michael Scott and Colette Freedman is astonishing and amazing, nothing short of perfection. Get this book! You will not regret it and if you enjoy it even half as much as I did you'll be clamoring for more!
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
September 12, 2013
I probably shouldn’t have read this, considering how little time I had left to get through these library books. I probably should have skipped in favour of a book I was more confident I could enjoy. But I think I needed this—I needed something that’s just so bad I could sit back and bask in its badness for a bit. The Thirteen Hallows certainly satisfied me in that regard.
All the warning signs are clearly there. There’s the cover—and no, one shouldn’t judge a book solely by the cover, but the cover can give good indications about target audiences and the like. This one is abysmally generic, more akin to a mystery thriller than epic urban fantasy. That did not leave me with much hope for the tone of this adventure.
Indeed, the writing quickly confirmed my fears. The prose is turgid in its use of unnecessary adverbs and adjectives (“darkly crimson” as one example). The protagonist named on the back cover doesn’t appear until page 30. I can understand not starting immediately with the protagonist, but that seems excessive. Though, from the opening lines, I can understand why Sarah’s debut is delayed:
So Sarah is boring and pedestrian, eh? Sounds like a great protagonist! I’m so very interested in the book now.
Clearly the authors are trying to depict Sarah as a “normal” twenty-two-year-old before she becomes mixed up in this mythological mystery. I think the second sentence is supposed to mean, “She’s young, so she still thinks she can change the world”—a kind of wink/nod to the presumably older audience who is reading this. This is where being aware of the juxtaposition of sentences comes in handy, because when it follows that first sentence, it undermines that effect. It trips my sarcasm meter, and I retort, “She’s only twenty-two! Plenty of time left for dreams and extraordinary deeds.”
Unfortunately, Sarah isn’t a very interesting character. I sympathize with her, not for being swept up in the circumstances she’s in but for being trapped in such a terrible book.
The plot is a race against time. The bad guy is looking to collect all thirteen Hallows of Great Britain so that he can use them on Halloween (get it?) to unlock the gates keeping demons out of the world. He believes this will lead to some kind of personal apotheosis; I think he is crazy to think the demons aren’t going to eat him. But that’s generic villains for you.
Sarah inadvertently becomes mixed up in this plot when she befriends Judith Walker, keeper of the Broken Sword. Judith entrusts the sword to Sarah’s safekeeping, telling her to give it to Judith’s nephew, Owen. Sarah and Owen meet, team up, hook up, and go to Wales together to face down the bad guy and save the world.
There’s an author’s note at the end that mentions that the Hallows are actual, real objects with historical pedigrees—and they are. Mind you, they aren’t necessarily two-thousand-year-old artifacts imbued with magic by Jesus. (I particularly wonder how Scott and Freedman square the chessboard with this story, when chess was invented circa 6 century.) And that’s what annoys me … I don’t mind if authors use historical artifacts as part of a vastly fictious tale; nor do I mind if they make up artifacts instead. It seems to me like if you’re going to go to the trouble of using something real, though, you might as well hew as closely to the truth as possible and derive interesting consequences from that.
Instead, we have a freaky demon portal story that only makes sense if you look at it sideways on All Hallows Eve. Why are the demons coming through portals in Britain and not, say, Judea? Why does Ambrose give out the artifacts to a bunch of children? Wouldn’t that leave the artifacts very vulnerable to bad guys until the children grow up?
Let’s give the benefit of a doubt, though, and say that the premise is an interesting and worthy idea for a story. What of the story itself? It could be thrilling, except … oh, my. Where do I begin?
We’ve got a pair of cops who are on Sarah’s trail for multiple murders with the magic sword. They are just barely competent yet somehow never manage to catch her. It would be a lot more believable if they had caught her at some point and she had escaped or co-opted them. As it is, they are dead weight.
Scott and Freedman handle exposition is the most clunky, least interesting way they possibly could. Every once in a while, the action stops so that Sarah and Owen can sit down with a wiser character and listen them expound on things these two need to know (first it’s Brigid, then Ambrose). Meanwhile, we get subjected to numerous scenes of the bad guys gnashing their teeth and going, “Raaawr, we can’t find them in the Astral [plane]!” It would be funny if it weren’t so boring.
Strictly speaking, this is a book. It is a story, with a plot, and characters. But there are just so many better examples of books out there, that this one is hardly worth the time it takes to slog through it.
All the warning signs are clearly there. There’s the cover—and no, one shouldn’t judge a book solely by the cover, but the cover can give good indications about target audiences and the like. This one is abysmally generic, more akin to a mystery thriller than epic urban fantasy. That did not leave me with much hope for the tone of this adventure.
Indeed, the writing quickly confirmed my fears. The prose is turgid in its use of unnecessary adverbs and adjectives (“darkly crimson” as one example). The protagonist named on the back cover doesn’t appear until page 30. I can understand not starting immediately with the protagonist, but that seems excessive. Though, from the opening lines, I can understand why Sarah’s debut is delayed:
Sarah Miller had never done anything extraordinary in her life.
At twenty-two, Sarah still had dreams of greatness.
So Sarah is boring and pedestrian, eh? Sounds like a great protagonist! I’m so very interested in the book now.
Clearly the authors are trying to depict Sarah as a “normal” twenty-two-year-old before she becomes mixed up in this mythological mystery. I think the second sentence is supposed to mean, “She’s young, so she still thinks she can change the world”—a kind of wink/nod to the presumably older audience who is reading this. This is where being aware of the juxtaposition of sentences comes in handy, because when it follows that first sentence, it undermines that effect. It trips my sarcasm meter, and I retort, “She’s only twenty-two! Plenty of time left for dreams and extraordinary deeds.”
Unfortunately, Sarah isn’t a very interesting character. I sympathize with her, not for being swept up in the circumstances she’s in but for being trapped in such a terrible book.
The plot is a race against time. The bad guy is looking to collect all thirteen Hallows of Great Britain so that he can use them on Halloween (get it?) to unlock the gates keeping demons out of the world. He believes this will lead to some kind of personal apotheosis; I think he is crazy to think the demons aren’t going to eat him. But that’s generic villains for you.
Sarah inadvertently becomes mixed up in this plot when she befriends Judith Walker, keeper of the Broken Sword. Judith entrusts the sword to Sarah’s safekeeping, telling her to give it to Judith’s nephew, Owen. Sarah and Owen meet, team up, hook up, and go to Wales together to face down the bad guy and save the world.
There’s an author’s note at the end that mentions that the Hallows are actual, real objects with historical pedigrees—and they are. Mind you, they aren’t necessarily two-thousand-year-old artifacts imbued with magic by Jesus. (I particularly wonder how Scott and Freedman square the chessboard with this story, when chess was invented circa 6 century.) And that’s what annoys me … I don’t mind if authors use historical artifacts as part of a vastly fictious tale; nor do I mind if they make up artifacts instead. It seems to me like if you’re going to go to the trouble of using something real, though, you might as well hew as closely to the truth as possible and derive interesting consequences from that.
Instead, we have a freaky demon portal story that only makes sense if you look at it sideways on All Hallows Eve. Why are the demons coming through portals in Britain and not, say, Judea? Why does Ambrose give out the artifacts to a bunch of children? Wouldn’t that leave the artifacts very vulnerable to bad guys until the children grow up?
Let’s give the benefit of a doubt, though, and say that the premise is an interesting and worthy idea for a story. What of the story itself? It could be thrilling, except … oh, my. Where do I begin?
We’ve got a pair of cops who are on Sarah’s trail for multiple murders with the magic sword. They are just barely competent yet somehow never manage to catch her. It would be a lot more believable if they had caught her at some point and she had escaped or co-opted them. As it is, they are dead weight.
Scott and Freedman handle exposition is the most clunky, least interesting way they possibly could. Every once in a while, the action stops so that Sarah and Owen can sit down with a wiser character and listen them expound on things these two need to know (first it’s Brigid, then Ambrose). Meanwhile, we get subjected to numerous scenes of the bad guys gnashing their teeth and going, “Raaawr, we can’t find them in the Astral [plane]!” It would be funny if it weren’t so boring.
Strictly speaking, this is a book. It is a story, with a plot, and characters. But there are just so many better examples of books out there, that this one is hardly worth the time it takes to slog through it.
October 6, 2011
In a world separated from the one we inhabit, live a race of demons who love eating human flesh. Two thousand years ago, their entryway into our world was sealed off with thirteen locks, which can be opened only by their thirteen corresponding "Hallows". Each of these objects, once ordinary but now imbued with fearsome power, is strong enough in its own right, but should the thirteen ever be reunited, the demons will triumph and engulf us forever. When Sarah Miller rescues an elderly woman from muggers, she is drawn inexorably into the race to keep the Hallows hidden, and her life will never again be normal. The woman has entrusted Sarah with her Hallow, an ancient, broken sword, counting upon her to deliver it to her nephew, Owen.
This is a story drawn from the mythology of Britain and Christianity, and as such, it has potential. Michael Scott is the prolific author of fantasy/science fiction/horror adventures, and in The Thirteen Hallows, he maxes out on the horror. An evil genius is out to capture all the Hallows, and he first half of the novel consists of a series of disturbingly graphic and gruesome murders, interspersed with too many surprisingly un-erotic sex scenes.
In the second half, Sarah hooks up with Owen, and the pair are pursued by the diabolical couple. One by one, murderers themselves die brutally, and now the police, who seem incredibly inept, are out to catch Sarah, believing that she is a deranged serial killer. The final, apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil takes place at a Welsh Halloween festival.
The Thirteen Hallows is the set up volume for a series. I have no interest in reading more of this saga, but I may look up a reliable source on the mythology surrounding the Hallows of Britain.
This is a story drawn from the mythology of Britain and Christianity, and as such, it has potential. Michael Scott is the prolific author of fantasy/science fiction/horror adventures, and in The Thirteen Hallows, he maxes out on the horror. An evil genius is out to capture all the Hallows, and he first half of the novel consists of a series of disturbingly graphic and gruesome murders, interspersed with too many surprisingly un-erotic sex scenes.
In the second half, Sarah hooks up with Owen, and the pair are pursued by the diabolical couple. One by one, murderers themselves die brutally, and now the police, who seem incredibly inept, are out to catch Sarah, believing that she is a deranged serial killer. The final, apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil takes place at a Welsh Halloween festival.
The Thirteen Hallows is the set up volume for a series. I have no interest in reading more of this saga, but I may look up a reliable source on the mythology surrounding the Hallows of Britain.
December 9, 2011
Thirteen Hallows is the start of a new dark urban fantasy series. While it did have problems, there is plenty here for readers to enjoy. Thirteen Hallows is filled with plenty of history, a unique English setting, two protagonists who are easy to follow through their adventures. The plot is breakneck and absolutely relentless and will probably leave readers on the edge of their seat gasping for breath. For readers who are more plot focused and not afraid of incredibly dark books, Thirteen Hallows could be quite a hit.
I am also giving this book away until DECEMBER 15, 2011. Visit my blog to see how to enter.
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
I am also giving this book away until DECEMBER 15, 2011. Visit my blog to see how to enter.
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
September 3, 2015
I bought it because I loved the cover. That's it. It was a paintul book to me (to finish)!
December 14, 2011
Sarah Miller is an unremarkable young woman, working a job she doesn’t like and continuously held back by her domineering mother.
When she sees an elderly woman being attacked by two junkies she does the unthinkable and intervenes. For reasons she doesn’t quite understand herself Sarah accompanies the woman, Judith Walker, to her home and when they find the place ransacked, Sarah offers Judith a bed for the night in her own house. An offer which has devastating consequences for both Sarah and Judith.
With her dying breath, Judith asks Sarah to deliver a bag containing a broken sword and papers to her cousin, Owen.
For Sarah the nightmare has only begun though. People are desperate to get their hands on the sword, and will do anything to get it, and soon Sarah finds herself having to kill just to stay alive.
Because what Sarah has been asked to look after is one of the Thirteen Hallows, ancient artifacts which protect the human world from demons who would destroy it.
For centuries the Hallows have been kept and protected by keepers whose duty it was to always keep them separate from each other. Now somebody is determined to reunite the Hallows and unleash devastation on the earth, and he’s getting close. He has killed nearly all the keepers, has collected nearly all the Hallows and will stop at nothing to complete his deadly collection.
Sarah and Owen find themselves in charge of a power they don’t understand and can’t quite believe in and facing an enemy far stronger and more ruthless than they are.
As they slowly learn more about the Hallows, about their heritage and their destinies it becomes clear that their lives will never again be what they used to be or what they expected.
This is a thrilling story. With short chapters, lots of action and even more cliff-hangers, this is a true page turner.
The book is rather full of, at times rather descriptive, violence. However, since we are dealing with demons and those who would consort with them, it makes sense for the story to be dark.
I was fascinated by the story of the Hallows, their history and the characters playing a role in that past and I liked the way it was revealed slowly, both to the reader and to the main characters in the book.
I would have liked to learn a bit more about Sarah and Owen. They were described in so little detail that they stayed a bit vague for me and I still can’t quite picture them.
However, this is the first book in a series, and it had a lot of other background information to share, so I hope that our two heroes will be further developed in subsequent books.
I would add one warning to this review though.
A lot of people may be familiar with or a fan of Michael Scott because of his “Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” series, which is aimed at teenagers. This is on the other hand is very much a book for adults.
If you are, like me, one of those adults who couldn’t wait for the teenager in your life to finish their copy of The Alchemyst and its sequels so that you could read it yourself, this is definitely a book for you.
Finally I would like to remark on the physical beauty of this book. The cover is gorgeous and tactile while the pages of the book are printed in a beautiful and story-fitting font.
When she sees an elderly woman being attacked by two junkies she does the unthinkable and intervenes. For reasons she doesn’t quite understand herself Sarah accompanies the woman, Judith Walker, to her home and when they find the place ransacked, Sarah offers Judith a bed for the night in her own house. An offer which has devastating consequences for both Sarah and Judith.
With her dying breath, Judith asks Sarah to deliver a bag containing a broken sword and papers to her cousin, Owen.
For Sarah the nightmare has only begun though. People are desperate to get their hands on the sword, and will do anything to get it, and soon Sarah finds herself having to kill just to stay alive.
Because what Sarah has been asked to look after is one of the Thirteen Hallows, ancient artifacts which protect the human world from demons who would destroy it.
For centuries the Hallows have been kept and protected by keepers whose duty it was to always keep them separate from each other. Now somebody is determined to reunite the Hallows and unleash devastation on the earth, and he’s getting close. He has killed nearly all the keepers, has collected nearly all the Hallows and will stop at nothing to complete his deadly collection.
Sarah and Owen find themselves in charge of a power they don’t understand and can’t quite believe in and facing an enemy far stronger and more ruthless than they are.
As they slowly learn more about the Hallows, about their heritage and their destinies it becomes clear that their lives will never again be what they used to be or what they expected.
This is a thrilling story. With short chapters, lots of action and even more cliff-hangers, this is a true page turner.
The book is rather full of, at times rather descriptive, violence. However, since we are dealing with demons and those who would consort with them, it makes sense for the story to be dark.
I was fascinated by the story of the Hallows, their history and the characters playing a role in that past and I liked the way it was revealed slowly, both to the reader and to the main characters in the book.
I would have liked to learn a bit more about Sarah and Owen. They were described in so little detail that they stayed a bit vague for me and I still can’t quite picture them.
However, this is the first book in a series, and it had a lot of other background information to share, so I hope that our two heroes will be further developed in subsequent books.
I would add one warning to this review though.
A lot of people may be familiar with or a fan of Michael Scott because of his “Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” series, which is aimed at teenagers. This is on the other hand is very much a book for adults.
If you are, like me, one of those adults who couldn’t wait for the teenager in your life to finish their copy of The Alchemyst and its sequels so that you could read it yourself, this is definitely a book for you.
Finally I would like to remark on the physical beauty of this book. The cover is gorgeous and tactile while the pages of the book are printed in a beautiful and story-fitting font.
October 13, 2011
Disclosure: I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the Amazon Vine Program in exchange for an honest review.
The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott and Colette Freedman
From the back of the book:
THE HALLOWS. Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction? A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year-old secret. For decades, the Keepers guarded these Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood.
Now only a few remain.
With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow -- a broken sword with devastating powers -- to her American nephew, Owen.
The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.
As Sarah and Owen search for surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world . . . and a horror beyond imagining.
Michael Scott is one of my all time favorite authors. I was very excited to learn about his latest book. However, I must warn you that this book is very different from his The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. This is more of an adult book than one for young adults. The story is woven out of a mixture of Christianity and British mythology. It is very dark and rather gory. If that's not your cup of tea, then you shouldn't even bother opening the book. Conservative readers might also have issues with the intermingling of Christianity with mythological elements. Again, if this is something that bothers you, this is not the book for you.
Having said that, I truly enjoyed the book. I'm not a big fan of gore, but I was intrigued by the plot and the mystery surrounding The Hallows.
What I liked about the book: The setting. I love books with a tie to Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The chapters are short, seldom longer than a page or two. This keeps the pace fast - great for readers with a short attention span. As one reviewer said there is no filler in this book. It's all action. Scott and Freedman have done an awesome job at world building and making the reader "think."
What I didn't like about the book: As I said I'm not a big fan of gore and there is a lot of it in this book. Yet somehow it goes with the story. Evil is not pretty. The fight between good and evil isn't always as simple as waving a magic wand.
This book is not for the feint of heart, but it's an excellent read for those who like dark stories about good versus evil. I believe this is going to be a series and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott and Colette Freedman
From the back of the book:
THE HALLOWS. Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction? A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year-old secret. For decades, the Keepers guarded these Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood.
Now only a few remain.
With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow -- a broken sword with devastating powers -- to her American nephew, Owen.
The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.
As Sarah and Owen search for surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world . . . and a horror beyond imagining.
Michael Scott is one of my all time favorite authors. I was very excited to learn about his latest book. However, I must warn you that this book is very different from his The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. This is more of an adult book than one for young adults. The story is woven out of a mixture of Christianity and British mythology. It is very dark and rather gory. If that's not your cup of tea, then you shouldn't even bother opening the book. Conservative readers might also have issues with the intermingling of Christianity with mythological elements. Again, if this is something that bothers you, this is not the book for you.
Having said that, I truly enjoyed the book. I'm not a big fan of gore, but I was intrigued by the plot and the mystery surrounding The Hallows.
What I liked about the book: The setting. I love books with a tie to Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The chapters are short, seldom longer than a page or two. This keeps the pace fast - great for readers with a short attention span. As one reviewer said there is no filler in this book. It's all action. Scott and Freedman have done an awesome job at world building and making the reader "think."
What I didn't like about the book: As I said I'm not a big fan of gore and there is a lot of it in this book. Yet somehow it goes with the story. Evil is not pretty. The fight between good and evil isn't always as simple as waving a magic wand.
This book is not for the feint of heart, but it's an excellent read for those who like dark stories about good versus evil. I believe this is going to be a series and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
June 26, 2012
Those who love the children's series "The secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel" by Michael Scott need to realize that this new series of his is NOT, repeat NOT, for children. This book contains the violent torture and murders of elderly men and women, multiple beheadings and too many boringly gratuitous sex scenes. By the end of chapter 1, two women have been filleted. The beginning of chapter 3 has the evil characters, Ahriman and his psychic wife, Vyvienne, coupling upon a church alter.
So, parents of the kids who loved "Nicholas Flamel", do not stick this book in their Christmas stockings this year.
"The Thirteen Hallows" starts with a young woman in London, Sarah Miller, who saves an elderly stranger from what appears to be a mugging. When the elderly woman entrusts Sarah with a broken rusty sword, she tells her to give it to her nephew, Owen, with the message "I'm sorry for what's going to happen". Thus starts the unlikely journey of two people who have just met. The broken sword holds extraordinary powers and is part of a group of 13 Hallows, ancient holy objects, that protect the world from a demonic horror and must never come together.
Ahriman and Vyvienne, when they are not busy having sex and have time to put on their clothes, are tracking down the Hallows and destroying their elderly owners in gruesome satanic blood rituals. They want to rule the world with the power of the Hallows. Realizing Sarah has one of the Hallows, they begin hunting her by employing inept drug addicts and thugs to do their dirty work. The police are also hunting Sarah and Owen because they think this mousey little bank teller is a serial killer leaving dead bodies all over London. Their train of thought is one dimensional, at best.
I know this is a fantasy novel with ancient magic and folklore and a bit of the Bible tossed in for good measure, but it is highly implausible and has way too many lucky coincidences.The readers are supposed to suspend their disbelief, but it's hard. The characters aren't that engaging, the story is one big chase scene filled with horrific murders, and very little of this story is fresh or exciting. The descriptions of the crime scenes were overboard; the reader knew what the blood looked like, smelled like, it's consistency, freshness, if it was dripping or just puddling. And, strangely enough, the book is written with short paragraphs and chapter; like a children's or young adult's novel.
Again, this is not a book for the squeamish or your children.
So, parents of the kids who loved "Nicholas Flamel", do not stick this book in their Christmas stockings this year.
"The Thirteen Hallows" starts with a young woman in London, Sarah Miller, who saves an elderly stranger from what appears to be a mugging. When the elderly woman entrusts Sarah with a broken rusty sword, she tells her to give it to her nephew, Owen, with the message "I'm sorry for what's going to happen". Thus starts the unlikely journey of two people who have just met. The broken sword holds extraordinary powers and is part of a group of 13 Hallows, ancient holy objects, that protect the world from a demonic horror and must never come together.
Ahriman and Vyvienne, when they are not busy having sex and have time to put on their clothes, are tracking down the Hallows and destroying their elderly owners in gruesome satanic blood rituals. They want to rule the world with the power of the Hallows. Realizing Sarah has one of the Hallows, they begin hunting her by employing inept drug addicts and thugs to do their dirty work. The police are also hunting Sarah and Owen because they think this mousey little bank teller is a serial killer leaving dead bodies all over London. Their train of thought is one dimensional, at best.
I know this is a fantasy novel with ancient magic and folklore and a bit of the Bible tossed in for good measure, but it is highly implausible and has way too many lucky coincidences.The readers are supposed to suspend their disbelief, but it's hard. The characters aren't that engaging, the story is one big chase scene filled with horrific murders, and very little of this story is fresh or exciting. The descriptions of the crime scenes were overboard; the reader knew what the blood looked like, smelled like, it's consistency, freshness, if it was dripping or just puddling. And, strangely enough, the book is written with short paragraphs and chapter; like a children's or young adult's novel.
Again, this is not a book for the squeamish or your children.
December 21, 2011
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/12/...
Sarah Miller is having a really, really bad day. After helping an elderly woman during an apparent mugging, the woman convinces Sarah to take an artifact of hers (a piece of a broken sword) and keep it safe. Sarah’s not quite sure why she agrees to do it, but feels that it’s somehow her duty, and agrees. Turns out this artifact is part of a broken sword with ancient and deadly powers, and it’s also one of 13 Hallows that if brought together can bring about the destruction of mankind. The woman’s American nephew Owen, is also an important key to the story, and she’ll have to seek his help after a group of killers targets her entire family, seeking the artifact.
The Thirteen Hallows is a mix of horror, thriller, and fantasy that moves at a breakneck speed. I enjoyed seeing Sarah go from a timid 22 year old still living at home to a confident, strong heroine. We don’t meet Owen until a little over halfway into the novel, but I’ll enjoy seeing where their relationship goes. The main baddies (the man and woman trying to get their hands on all 13 of the Hallows), and their minions are seriously evil, nasty (and sadistic) indeed. They’re big into torture, and sex magic, and some scenes, while not gratuitous, are not for the faint of heart. It’s a race for Sarah and Owen, not only to discover the truth about the Hallows, and clear Sarah’s name, since she’s the prime suspect in a series of murders, but to escape the very people that are hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to see them dead. Their main goal is to bring the Thirteen Hallows together, which would be very, very bad (we’re talking demons getting loose kind of bad). The chapters are short, and bounce from Sarah and Owen, to the Keepers, to the bad guys, and back, and will keep you turning the pages. I kept wanting to read just “one more chapter”, which, of course, led to pretty much devouring the whole thing in 2 sittings. I really enjoyed the mythology behind the Thirteen Hallows and some of it really surprised me (in a good way), and made me wish the 2nd book was already out. If you’re a fan of thrillers with strong horror (and fantasy) elements and are in the mood for a fast moving, exciting read, you’re in for a treat with The Thirteen Hallows!
Sarah Miller is having a really, really bad day. After helping an elderly woman during an apparent mugging, the woman convinces Sarah to take an artifact of hers (a piece of a broken sword) and keep it safe. Sarah’s not quite sure why she agrees to do it, but feels that it’s somehow her duty, and agrees. Turns out this artifact is part of a broken sword with ancient and deadly powers, and it’s also one of 13 Hallows that if brought together can bring about the destruction of mankind. The woman’s American nephew Owen, is also an important key to the story, and she’ll have to seek his help after a group of killers targets her entire family, seeking the artifact.
The Thirteen Hallows is a mix of horror, thriller, and fantasy that moves at a breakneck speed. I enjoyed seeing Sarah go from a timid 22 year old still living at home to a confident, strong heroine. We don’t meet Owen until a little over halfway into the novel, but I’ll enjoy seeing where their relationship goes. The main baddies (the man and woman trying to get their hands on all 13 of the Hallows), and their minions are seriously evil, nasty (and sadistic) indeed. They’re big into torture, and sex magic, and some scenes, while not gratuitous, are not for the faint of heart. It’s a race for Sarah and Owen, not only to discover the truth about the Hallows, and clear Sarah’s name, since she’s the prime suspect in a series of murders, but to escape the very people that are hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to see them dead. Their main goal is to bring the Thirteen Hallows together, which would be very, very bad (we’re talking demons getting loose kind of bad). The chapters are short, and bounce from Sarah and Owen, to the Keepers, to the bad guys, and back, and will keep you turning the pages. I kept wanting to read just “one more chapter”, which, of course, led to pretty much devouring the whole thing in 2 sittings. I really enjoyed the mythology behind the Thirteen Hallows and some of it really surprised me (in a good way), and made me wish the 2nd book was already out. If you’re a fan of thrillers with strong horror (and fantasy) elements and are in the mood for a fast moving, exciting read, you’re in for a treat with The Thirteen Hallows!
February 27, 2017
I was browsing my local library's online digital offerings for a horror or thriller book, and the cover of this book really jumped out at me. Then I saw the authors' names, and thought I'd like to give adult fiction by Michael Scott a try. I chose the audiobook format for The Thirteen Hallows, narrated by Kate Redding.
The Basics: 2000 years ago 13 objects were endowed with the power to protect the world from demons. The Hallows were guarded by keepers through the centuries and last handed to 13 children during World War II. The children were charged with keeping them safe and secret. But now, in modern day England, someone is brutally murdering the keepers. Now in old age, their bodies are being found mangled and bloody, each dying in a tortuous manner. Sarah Miller comes across one of the keepers, an elderly woman named Judith Walker, being attacked by thugs. She feels drawn to help the woman. Unfortunately she gets pulled into the violence surrounding these hallowed objects and finds herself in possession of a 2000 year old broken sword -- one of the hallows. Violence, torture and chaos ensue. Will Sarah Miller and Judith Walker's nephew, Owen, be able to prevent the demons from once again gaining access to the world?
The basic premise of this book sounded really interesting, but, for me, the execution was lackluster. This book just didn't work for me. From multiple torture scenes to gross-out sex scenes, it just seemed the author was maybe trying too hard to step away from the Young Adult genre by jumping full-force into overtly adult situations. I don't have a problem with sex or even with torture scenes if they further the plot and are well-written, but this book came off as cheesy and a bit forced. It made me think of Miley Cyrus and her over-the-top way of getting past her Hannah Montana character. The plot and action of this book came off like a twerking session through written word. Scott wanted to leave Nicholas Flamel behind, but it was just a bit much. This wasn't a frightening book or really even an interesting horror story but just a bit of a hot mess. It was a bit like listening to a bad B-movie.
This is just my opinion, however. Others might really enjoy this book. For me, it was a miss.
The Basics: 2000 years ago 13 objects were endowed with the power to protect the world from demons. The Hallows were guarded by keepers through the centuries and last handed to 13 children during World War II. The children were charged with keeping them safe and secret. But now, in modern day England, someone is brutally murdering the keepers. Now in old age, their bodies are being found mangled and bloody, each dying in a tortuous manner. Sarah Miller comes across one of the keepers, an elderly woman named Judith Walker, being attacked by thugs. She feels drawn to help the woman. Unfortunately she gets pulled into the violence surrounding these hallowed objects and finds herself in possession of a 2000 year old broken sword -- one of the hallows. Violence, torture and chaos ensue. Will Sarah Miller and Judith Walker's nephew, Owen, be able to prevent the demons from once again gaining access to the world?
The basic premise of this book sounded really interesting, but, for me, the execution was lackluster. This book just didn't work for me. From multiple torture scenes to gross-out sex scenes, it just seemed the author was maybe trying too hard to step away from the Young Adult genre by jumping full-force into overtly adult situations. I don't have a problem with sex or even with torture scenes if they further the plot and are well-written, but this book came off as cheesy and a bit forced. It made me think of Miley Cyrus and her over-the-top way of getting past her Hannah Montana character. The plot and action of this book came off like a twerking session through written word. Scott wanted to leave Nicholas Flamel behind, but it was just a bit much. This wasn't a frightening book or really even an interesting horror story but just a bit of a hot mess. It was a bit like listening to a bad B-movie.
This is just my opinion, however. Others might really enjoy this book. For me, it was a miss.
March 18, 2021
Edit. Given that this book is the one I always think about when someone says "terrible books"... yeah, it WAS one star bad.
Wow. Uhm… wow.
This was bad. Like really, really bad. …Not one star bad, but still bad. I was expecting something better from Michael Scott, given that I really liked The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series (Except for the ending. We do not talk about the ending.)
Let’s not talk about how I was expecting this book to be Middle Grade or YA at most. The potential of the story was unexploited, the main romance absolutely awfull (Did you really fall in love with each other after one day? ONE DAY?! rEALLY??!!) and the LGBT+ "representation" in the form of two sado-masochistic drug-taking bisexual bad guys with mummy issues – no, thanks...
This book was shit and even a relatively badass girl MC wasn‘t able to save it.
Aneko out.
////////////
Wow. Uhm... wow.
Tohle bylo hodně špatný. Ne jedna hvězdička špatný, ale pořád špatný. Od Michaela Scotta jsem čekala něco lepšího, vzhledem k tomu, jak moc se mi líbila série Nicholase Flamela (Až na ten konec. O konci se nemluví.).
To, že jsem čekala, že se jedná o Middle Grade či maximálně tak YA knížku odsuňme na chvíli do pozadí. Potenciál příběhu byl nevyužitý, hlavní romance naprosto příšerná (Vážně jste se do sebe zamilovali po jednom dni? vÁŽNĚ???!) a LGBT+ "reprezentace" ve formě dvou bisexuálních záporáků spojených s fetováním, vraždami, sadomasochismem a divnými mummy issues - ne, díky...
Tahle kniha je shit a ani relativně badass hrdinka to nebyla schopna zachránit.
Aneko out.
Wow. Uhm… wow.
This was bad. Like really, really bad. …Not one star bad, but still bad. I was expecting something better from Michael Scott, given that I really liked The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series (Except for the ending. We do not talk about the ending.)
Let’s not talk about how I was expecting this book to be Middle Grade or YA at most. The potential of the story was unexploited, the main romance absolutely awfull (Did you really fall in love with each other after one day? ONE DAY?! rEALLY??!!) and the LGBT+ "representation" in the form of two sado-masochistic drug-taking bisexual bad guys with mummy issues – no, thanks...
This book was shit and even a relatively badass girl MC wasn‘t able to save it.
Aneko out.
////////////
Wow. Uhm... wow.
Tohle bylo hodně špatný. Ne jedna hvězdička špatný, ale pořád špatný. Od Michaela Scotta jsem čekala něco lepšího, vzhledem k tomu, jak moc se mi líbila série Nicholase Flamela (Až na ten konec. O konci se nemluví.).
To, že jsem čekala, že se jedná o Middle Grade či maximálně tak YA knížku odsuňme na chvíli do pozadí. Potenciál příběhu byl nevyužitý, hlavní romance naprosto příšerná (Vážně jste se do sebe zamilovali po jednom dni? vÁŽNĚ???!) a LGBT+ "reprezentace" ve formě dvou bisexuálních záporáků spojených s fetováním, vraždami, sadomasochismem a divnými mummy issues - ne, díky...
Tahle kniha je shit a ani relativně badass hrdinka to nebyla schopna zachránit.
Aneko out.
August 27, 2016
The Thirteen Hallows combines mystery and folklore with romance and destiny in an age-old good-vs-evil story.
drey’s thoughts:
The Thirteen Hallows has everything you’d look for in a murder-mystery with magical objects at its heart – action, plot, and history. The magical objects number thirteen in all, and perform a function in keeping the demons locked away from humanity. The Guardians number thirteen as well – although they’re being systematically destroyed, so the count’s a few short. And one of them manages to escape certain death when a stranger comes to her rescue in a street mugging…
Sarah Miller has absolutely no idea what she’s stepped into. And when the body count piles up, she has no idea where to turn to for help, either. But when she goes to confront the old lady she helped, she finds her dying – and cannot turn down her last request.
So now we have a heroine. We will soon have a hero. And the two of them muddle through what clues they can gather, to try to figure out how to get out of this jam they’re in. Because somebody wants them very, very dead.
The plot is tight, the storytelling fluid. But the story itself is predictable and the characters more so. I thought that The Thirteen Hollows was a bit rushed to its conclusion, and everything was tied off quickly – surgically so. Still, it’s a pretty enjoyable read if you like your fantasy the good-vs-evil type.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
drey’s thoughts:
The Thirteen Hallows has everything you’d look for in a murder-mystery with magical objects at its heart – action, plot, and history. The magical objects number thirteen in all, and perform a function in keeping the demons locked away from humanity. The Guardians number thirteen as well – although they’re being systematically destroyed, so the count’s a few short. And one of them manages to escape certain death when a stranger comes to her rescue in a street mugging…
Sarah Miller has absolutely no idea what she’s stepped into. And when the body count piles up, she has no idea where to turn to for help, either. But when she goes to confront the old lady she helped, she finds her dying – and cannot turn down her last request.
So now we have a heroine. We will soon have a hero. And the two of them muddle through what clues they can gather, to try to figure out how to get out of this jam they’re in. Because somebody wants them very, very dead.
The plot is tight, the storytelling fluid. But the story itself is predictable and the characters more so. I thought that The Thirteen Hollows was a bit rushed to its conclusion, and everything was tied off quickly – surgically so. Still, it’s a pretty enjoyable read if you like your fantasy the good-vs-evil type.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
December 10, 2011
Having read other books by Michael Scott, I came to this book expecting the world of mythology to collide with the modern world...and I wasn't disappointed. Although this is a fast paced thriller full of plot twists and turns, it is also a cleverly crafted fantasy, creating a view into a world that lurks just beneath the surface of our every day existence. When the heroine of the story, Sarah, who is a work-a-day bank clerk, is pulled unwillingly into this fantastic world, I understood her disbelief and felt her pain and frustration as she watched this murky world encroach on her well ordered life. When she discovered the meaning of the Hallows and sought to keep them safe I was pulled into the fantastic world with her, and couldn't put the book down until I finished it in the wee hours of the morning. This is not a book for the faint of heart, nor is it a book for children. However, I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a thriller where things are not always black and white, but where good is vindicated in the end.
Read
December 27, 2011I’ve never been to one of Colette Freedman’s plays, but I really want to now. (Because with titles like If Nietzsche Dated and Serial Killer Barbie, how could I not?) This book is everything that I love about Michael Scott’s works distilled down into oak aged perfection. The tension that is held through the story was pitch perfect. I literally just read the last half of the book in the last few hours because I needed to know. The characterization in this story is stunning. The leading characters are fully actualized, creating a cast of walking, talking Human Beings who only add to the tension because, let’s face it, they’re put through the most horrifying wringer I’ve read in quite some time.
January 31, 2012
Fast, fun and thrilling
I'm a big Ann Patchett and Jodi Picoult fan, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book...and I was pleasantly surprised. Although it's filled with violence, the writing is superb: fast paced, thrilling and completely engaging. Scott and Freedman know how to take an audience on a journey; I felt like I was with Sarah and Owen on their race against time and I loved the mythology woven into the fabric of the story. The writers did not disappoint with their huge ending, which left just the right amount of 'wait and see' for the sequel. This book reminded me a lot of The DaVinci Code, only I found The Thirteen Hallows a more entertaining read.
I'm a big Ann Patchett and Jodi Picoult fan, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book...and I was pleasantly surprised. Although it's filled with violence, the writing is superb: fast paced, thrilling and completely engaging. Scott and Freedman know how to take an audience on a journey; I felt like I was with Sarah and Owen on their race against time and I loved the mythology woven into the fabric of the story. The writers did not disappoint with their huge ending, which left just the right amount of 'wait and see' for the sequel. This book reminded me a lot of The DaVinci Code, only I found The Thirteen Hallows a more entertaining read.
March 1, 2015
Nikdy jsem nevěřil, že narazím na knihu, která by se dala přečíst za tak krátkou dobu. Krátké kapitoly byly výstižné, oba autoři zbytečně nic nerozpitvávali a tak by to mělo být! Styl Michaela Scotta byl v celém díle poměrně hodně znát a jde vidět, že folklór a historii Anglie mají opravdu v malíčku, protože spojit tolik témat do jednoho, okořenit to starodávnou magii a náboženskými událostmi je opravdu geniální! Konec sice nebyl nějak nečekaný, ale jsem opravdu zvědavý, jaký bude druhý díl. :)
December 23, 2011
Where The Librarian meets The Davinci Code meets Saw. This is a great escape novel but boy oh boy does it have plenty of gore. And why are many classifying this novel as YA? It isn't even in the realm of YA. I had fun with this one and will continue on with the series. Oh, I should mention that this novel is light on characterization, only skims the surface, relying on lots of action.
June 13, 2016
Very dark and scary book. A lot of action happening throughout.
October 15, 2023
This is a cool book but since the series never continued I just don’t feel the need to keep it. This will be a fond memory of my first ever adult fantasy book
September 24, 2023
Wel prima om even te lezen :)
October 16, 2019
Not finished:
Oh look, the villainess lost her virginity at 13 to a dude who groomed her for a role as an evil seeress witch.
Oh look, evil seeress witches.
Oh look, an evil sword.
Oh look, the heroine is a hot red-head with self esteem issues.
Oh look, incompetent police.
Oh look, we declare one of those cops to be a lesbian based on her haircut and then it never comes up again. No one else, especially not a police officer, might get their hair cut short for any reason except to signal that they are the dykiest dyke in dykeville. Surely she has never had a perp try to grab her hair...
But when our heroine cuts off her hair in the world's best disguise, no one apparently thinks she's a lesbian.
Oh look, evil gay-to-bisexual dudes. Because that's great.
Dear gods, it was like a string of terrible 1980s cliches strung together. I hope the evil sword kills all of the named characters so far. Except maybe the dyke cop.
Oh look, the villainess lost her virginity at 13 to a dude who groomed her for a role as an evil seeress witch.
Oh look, evil seeress witches.
Oh look, an evil sword.
Oh look, the heroine is a hot red-head with self esteem issues.
Oh look, incompetent police.
Oh look, we declare one of those cops to be a lesbian based on her haircut and then it never comes up again. No one else, especially not a police officer, might get their hair cut short for any reason except to signal that they are the dykiest dyke in dykeville. Surely she has never had a perp try to grab her hair...
But when our heroine cuts off her hair in the world's best disguise, no one apparently thinks she's a lesbian.
Oh look, evil gay-to-bisexual dudes. Because that's great.
Dear gods, it was like a string of terrible 1980s cliches strung together. I hope the evil sword kills all of the named characters so far. Except maybe the dyke cop.
December 14, 2011
I got this audiobook to review from the publisher, MacMillan Audio, they thought I would enjoy it since I have enjoyed fantasy audiobooks in the past. Well this was more of a horror than a fantasy and I stopped listening to it 50% of the way through because I just didn't understand the point and had had my fill of blood soaked carpets, putrid air, and torture in general. Definitely an adults only book.
There are Thirteen Hallows sent out into the world with thirteen children to be protected. Now the children are old women and men and something evil wants the Hallows awakened in the blood of their protectors. Drawn into this mess is poor Sarah who is pulled into the murder and mayhem when she helps an old woman being mugged. She tries to pawn her Hallow, a sword, onto the woman's nephew named Owen and he also gets wrapped up in the bloody mess.
I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was very well done. The narrator was pleasant to listen to, distinguished between characters well, and did an overall excellent job. The packaging was decent and the transitions between CDs were nicely done.
The story itself is more of a horror than a fantasy. There is a bit of magic in here, but much more time is spent explaining the horrible torture of the old people that the evil meanie kills. So if you like horror this may be the book for you. If you like reading about the murder and torture of the eldery and a few children, you might love this book.
The book starts by introducing you to a wide variety of elderly people who are then systematically (in some cases they are made to look like accidents) tortured and killed in violent ways. We don't actually meet the main character of the story, Sarah, until about 1/3 of the way through the book. We meet Owen even further along in the story.
While the concept of the story is kind of cool, I didn't understand the point of introducing the reader to all of these characters and then brutally torturing them to death. I got sick of reading about putrid stenches, squishy bloody carpet, people with their eyes/entrails/appendages cut off and hanging from ceilings, strapped to tables, etc. Seriously there is only so much repetitive torture a reader can take. This could have all been described quickly and then we could have gone on to the story about Sarah and Owen but that's not how it was done.
My other big beef with this book is the bad guy. He is always accompanied by a "bad girl sorceress type". The girl is always naked and writhing on him. Um, okay this is just weird. The story cuts over to the bad guy a number of times and his bad girl is always naked and she is always ready to go. Is that all the bad guy and girl do all day? They just lay around naked and seduce each other while plotting evil deeds? I didn't understand the point of it all. It wasn't sexy, it didn't add anyting to the story, it was just strange.
So finally after listening to 5 hours of torture (in more ways than one) and writhing baddies I gave up. Maybe at some point I will go back and finish this book but I doubt it. I didn't like it, I didn't understand why it took so long to set up the story, and I didn't understand the point of the extremely graphic repetitive torture scenes of numerous characters. Ugh. I don't know who to recommend this book for. I guess if you love graphic violence involving the eldery then this is the book for you. For an intriguing epic fantasy I would check out Brent Weeks of Brandon Sanderson's works instead.
There are Thirteen Hallows sent out into the world with thirteen children to be protected. Now the children are old women and men and something evil wants the Hallows awakened in the blood of their protectors. Drawn into this mess is poor Sarah who is pulled into the murder and mayhem when she helps an old woman being mugged. She tries to pawn her Hallow, a sword, onto the woman's nephew named Owen and he also gets wrapped up in the bloody mess.
I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was very well done. The narrator was pleasant to listen to, distinguished between characters well, and did an overall excellent job. The packaging was decent and the transitions between CDs were nicely done.
The story itself is more of a horror than a fantasy. There is a bit of magic in here, but much more time is spent explaining the horrible torture of the old people that the evil meanie kills. So if you like horror this may be the book for you. If you like reading about the murder and torture of the eldery and a few children, you might love this book.
The book starts by introducing you to a wide variety of elderly people who are then systematically (in some cases they are made to look like accidents) tortured and killed in violent ways. We don't actually meet the main character of the story, Sarah, until about 1/3 of the way through the book. We meet Owen even further along in the story.
While the concept of the story is kind of cool, I didn't understand the point of introducing the reader to all of these characters and then brutally torturing them to death. I got sick of reading about putrid stenches, squishy bloody carpet, people with their eyes/entrails/appendages cut off and hanging from ceilings, strapped to tables, etc. Seriously there is only so much repetitive torture a reader can take. This could have all been described quickly and then we could have gone on to the story about Sarah and Owen but that's not how it was done.
My other big beef with this book is the bad guy. He is always accompanied by a "bad girl sorceress type". The girl is always naked and writhing on him. Um, okay this is just weird. The story cuts over to the bad guy a number of times and his bad girl is always naked and she is always ready to go. Is that all the bad guy and girl do all day? They just lay around naked and seduce each other while plotting evil deeds? I didn't understand the point of it all. It wasn't sexy, it didn't add anyting to the story, it was just strange.
So finally after listening to 5 hours of torture (in more ways than one) and writhing baddies I gave up. Maybe at some point I will go back and finish this book but I doubt it. I didn't like it, I didn't understand why it took so long to set up the story, and I didn't understand the point of the extremely graphic repetitive torture scenes of numerous characters. Ugh. I don't know who to recommend this book for. I guess if you love graphic violence involving the eldery then this is the book for you. For an intriguing epic fantasy I would check out Brent Weeks of Brandon Sanderson's works instead.
February 7, 2012
It took me a really long time to read this book, partially due to schoolwork and partially because it just wasn't really gripping me. It was entertaining, but not enough so to where I agonized over not being able to sit down and read it.
The general idea of the book is good and I like that the historical aspect of the book is one that I've never heard of before: the thirteen treasures of Britain. It's good to see something new out there, as there's only so many times you can rehash the same things over and over again.
It's just that the book is kind of hampered by extremism. The book has a lot of sex and violence, possibly in an attempt to differentiate this from Scott's youth oriented Nicholas Flamel series. Now I should say that it's not that I mind sex and violence in books- it's just that this all felt unnecessary and overly done. It's not just "sex and violence", it's "SEX! and VIOLENCE!" with capital letters and exclamation points. While Scott and Freedman do make this part of the plot, it's just done in such an extreme and overly dramatic fashion that it just loses the impact it would have had if everything had been toned back just slightly. (Not that I think they should've been removed, just toned down a smidge.) The NF books are no stranger to violence (although they don't really show sex), so Scott already knows how to blend violence and fiction together well. I'm just puzzled as to why he felt like he needed to give a double shot of it here when a single shot would have been just as effective.
Now if the characters had been a little more developed, I probably wouldn't have cared as much about the overdone sex and violence. But they weren't. We're given bare bones about the characters, just enough to keep them from being flimsy but not enough for them to stand out above the rest of the book. Owen and Sarah just end up fading into the background in a sea of more well developed and interesting characters. I know there's more books forthcoming to flesh these characters out, but I'd have liked them to be more intriguing now and for them to stand out above secondary characters that may or may not show up in the next book. (Trying not to spoil the "who lives and who dies" thing for anyone who hasn't read the book.)
Overall though, this was a decent read and I like that the book had both an ending as well as an opening for the next volume. I'm slightly curious to read the next book, although I'm not going to rush out to the stores to get it as soon as it releases. I guess that in the end I'm just disappointed because I know that Scott can and has done better in the past. This was good, but Scott will really need to step the game up in the next book. I enjoyed this, but this wasn't exactly the breakout adult novel it needed to be.
(For parents: READ THIS BOOK BEFORE GIVING IT TO YOUR KIDS. There's a lot of adult material in this book. There's sex, violence, some violence during sex, references to drugs, references to BDSM, references to rape, and descriptions of violence.)
(ARC provided by Amazon Vine)
The general idea of the book is good and I like that the historical aspect of the book is one that I've never heard of before: the thirteen treasures of Britain. It's good to see something new out there, as there's only so many times you can rehash the same things over and over again.
It's just that the book is kind of hampered by extremism. The book has a lot of sex and violence, possibly in an attempt to differentiate this from Scott's youth oriented Nicholas Flamel series. Now I should say that it's not that I mind sex and violence in books- it's just that this all felt unnecessary and overly done. It's not just "sex and violence", it's "SEX! and VIOLENCE!" with capital letters and exclamation points. While Scott and Freedman do make this part of the plot, it's just done in such an extreme and overly dramatic fashion that it just loses the impact it would have had if everything had been toned back just slightly. (Not that I think they should've been removed, just toned down a smidge.) The NF books are no stranger to violence (although they don't really show sex), so Scott already knows how to blend violence and fiction together well. I'm just puzzled as to why he felt like he needed to give a double shot of it here when a single shot would have been just as effective.
Now if the characters had been a little more developed, I probably wouldn't have cared as much about the overdone sex and violence. But they weren't. We're given bare bones about the characters, just enough to keep them from being flimsy but not enough for them to stand out above the rest of the book. Owen and Sarah just end up fading into the background in a sea of more well developed and interesting characters. I know there's more books forthcoming to flesh these characters out, but I'd have liked them to be more intriguing now and for them to stand out above secondary characters that may or may not show up in the next book. (Trying not to spoil the "who lives and who dies" thing for anyone who hasn't read the book.)
Overall though, this was a decent read and I like that the book had both an ending as well as an opening for the next volume. I'm slightly curious to read the next book, although I'm not going to rush out to the stores to get it as soon as it releases. I guess that in the end I'm just disappointed because I know that Scott can and has done better in the past. This was good, but Scott will really need to step the game up in the next book. I enjoyed this, but this wasn't exactly the breakout adult novel it needed to be.
(For parents: READ THIS BOOK BEFORE GIVING IT TO YOUR KIDS. There's a lot of adult material in this book. There's sex, violence, some violence during sex, references to drugs, references to BDSM, references to rape, and descriptions of violence.)
(ARC provided by Amazon Vine)
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