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The Black Series #1
Fade to Black
Allie St Clair doesn't fit in at New Scotland Yard.
Hailing from a background of conspicuous wealth and privilege, she is gorgeous, Cambridge-educated and has just been fast-tracked to be the youngest woman promoted to acting Detective Chief Inspector in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
Her battle for acceptance at The Met is overshadowed by a bizarre and supernatural twist as a wave of sickening crimes sweeps London.
Dark forces older than time and family connections to The Archangel Michael, hurl her into a race from London to ancient Glastonbury to find the murderer and rescue a young police officer from a horrible death.
The ancient game of good versus evil is played out against the backdrop of the sinister Glastonbury Tor with devastating results for Allie and her family.
Her life is changed forever as she discovers why she alone has been chosen to partner with The Archangel to combat the satanic Mr Black.
Discover the gripping debut novel from Steven Bannister - the first in a series of tales that will explore the age-old mystery surrounding good versus evil from a number of perspectives.
Hailing from a background of conspicuous wealth and privilege, she is gorgeous, Cambridge-educated and has just been fast-tracked to be the youngest woman promoted to acting Detective Chief Inspector in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
Her battle for acceptance at The Met is overshadowed by a bizarre and supernatural twist as a wave of sickening crimes sweeps London.
Dark forces older than time and family connections to The Archangel Michael, hurl her into a race from London to ancient Glastonbury to find the murderer and rescue a young police officer from a horrible death.
The ancient game of good versus evil is played out against the backdrop of the sinister Glastonbury Tor with devastating results for Allie and her family.
Her life is changed forever as she discovers why she alone has been chosen to partner with The Archangel to combat the satanic Mr Black.
Discover the gripping debut novel from Steven Bannister - the first in a series of tales that will explore the age-old mystery surrounding good versus evil from a number of perspectives.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2012
57 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 14, 2015
This story is part of a box set I am reading and feel I should review each one separately as I go. It is an unusual tale, this first of what has been described as one of eight thrillers from a variety of authors - it certainly is that!
Filled with horrific murders, a host of suspects and an unexpected fantasy element, it makes for great reading...even if I skated over the more detailed gory scenes.
A very well written book with excellent characters - both good and bad - with a no holds barred gritty realism mixed with an intriguing fantastical yet believable stance, adding up to an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
Filled with horrific murders, a host of suspects and an unexpected fantasy element, it makes for great reading...even if I skated over the more detailed gory scenes.
A very well written book with excellent characters - both good and bad - with a no holds barred gritty realism mixed with an intriguing fantastical yet believable stance, adding up to an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
August 6, 2014
Steven Bannister's Fade to Black is a very unique and original, well developed story line, taking you to the English country and the streets of London, England. I couldn't help but picture his Arch Angel Michael, as Tony Robbins, extremely tall, dark and handsome. I can't wait to read the rest of the series, Back to Black, and Black Net featuring his female protagonist, Allie St. Clair. A very well developed back story, giving credence to the story line which makes it very believable, exciting and original.
May 5, 2015
This was a very interesting concept that combined murder mystery at New Scotland Yard with paranormal fantasy.
The first two thirds of the book were intriguing and I liked the balance between the two genres. I liked the dynamics between the different characters at NSY, and they were in turn likeable or loathesome and easy to relate to. The paranormal activity added to the excitement.
For the last third of the book, however, I thought the paranormal aspect far overshadowed the other elements in the storyline, making it completely unrealistic and the characters much harder to connect with. The climax and denouement were confusing and disjointed, with many different things happening at once. I found it a disappointing finish to a story that had started out so promising.
While at first being excited at the prospect of subsequent books, I don't think I will read any of the sequels now, due to the unsatisfactory ending and direction the story travelled in this one.
The first two thirds of the book were intriguing and I liked the balance between the two genres. I liked the dynamics between the different characters at NSY, and they were in turn likeable or loathesome and easy to relate to. The paranormal activity added to the excitement.
For the last third of the book, however, I thought the paranormal aspect far overshadowed the other elements in the storyline, making it completely unrealistic and the characters much harder to connect with. The climax and denouement were confusing and disjointed, with many different things happening at once. I found it a disappointing finish to a story that had started out so promising.
While at first being excited at the prospect of subsequent books, I don't think I will read any of the sequels now, due to the unsatisfactory ending and direction the story travelled in this one.
July 27, 2015
This was not a Police Procedural with a paranormal twist; it was a pure Paranormal Thriller with a police officer protagonist. That's fine if you know that going in. Once I realized what I was dealing with, I accepted it for that and got into it. Be advised that the demonic killings are extremely gory, as well as completely impossible to physically perform even with a demon-possessed human agent. We are told not once but twice that the crime scenes are exceptionally grisly, an apt description if only the author had not spelled the word as "grizzly". Twice. I did go on to complete the book and enjoyed it enough to order the next one (hey, it's free on Unlimited)as it reminded me of the kind of stuff I used to get on the paperback stands at the drugstore back in the 60's. At least now the world is being saved by a woman.
April 8, 2014
Well, I have to say that I did enjoy this book.
I know a couple of folk thought the characters were a bit wooden, but apart from some stumbling at the beginning (which I put down to being a new writer) the story did entertain.
The gory bits were very gory, and I did wish I could look away at places, and there were a couple of places that I didn't find believable, and a couple of clumsy 'tie ups', but all in all it was a good read.
I shall be interested to see what the author does in the next two books. I hope Mr Black isn't back, because that could maybe be a bit repetitive.
I know a couple of folk thought the characters were a bit wooden, but apart from some stumbling at the beginning (which I put down to being a new writer) the story did entertain.
The gory bits were very gory, and I did wish I could look away at places, and there were a couple of places that I didn't find believable, and a couple of clumsy 'tie ups', but all in all it was a good read.
I shall be interested to see what the author does in the next two books. I hope Mr Black isn't back, because that could maybe be a bit repetitive.
April 26, 2013
This is a crime drama, set mainly in London with an unusual supernatural twist that takes the main characters (predictably)to Glastonbury. I enjoyed it and will probably read the next in the series but the characterisation is a bit thin and I was disproportionately annoyed by lazy editing that allowed someone to take a bite out of a shepherds pie!
December 5, 2014
CAPTIVATING STORY
FADE TO BLACK tells a perennial story of good versus evil with the highest stakes imaginable. The characters are likeable and memorable. The non-stop action keeps the reader eagerly engaged to the final page. Mr. Banister's writing is polished and easy to follow and enjoy.
FADE TO BLACK tells a perennial story of good versus evil with the highest stakes imaginable. The characters are likeable and memorable. The non-stop action keeps the reader eagerly engaged to the final page. Mr. Banister's writing is polished and easy to follow and enjoy.
June 17, 2014
Good Read
Despite this being otherworldly I really enjoyed this book. It really held my interest til the end. The characters are either likeable or hateable. I was disappointed that there wasn't a conclusion. Guess I'll have to read more of these books.
Despite this being otherworldly I really enjoyed this book. It really held my interest til the end. The characters are either likeable or hateable. I was disappointed that there wasn't a conclusion. Guess I'll have to read more of these books.
July 16, 2014
Very good. start of a Semi paranormal series where the newly DCI Alison St Clair meets her comrade in arms, Michael and starts the new partnership to rid the world of evil. OK a bit Kitch but nice easy read.
February 15, 2013
Not sure I would have chosen this if I had realised the extent of the paranormal element. Not my usual choice of genre but it was good enough if a little OTT by the end.
March 1, 2013
An excellent read, had me on the edge of my seat, a book which was very hard to put down.
December 29, 2013
Good Read, a bit too weird at the end for my personal taste. That said i will read book 2 at some point.
March 4, 2014
I enjoyed this but I am not sure if I will read more. Its a good adventure story but I would have liked more detail about the mythology,parts.
November 22, 2014
Excellent start to a series of detective stories with a supernatural element.
September 3, 2020
Too easy to give spoilers, which I never do, this is more a comment than a review.
This is the first book by Steven Bannister that I have read and it has to be has to be one of the most unusual modern British crime novels. Did that detract from it? On the contrary, personally I loved it. I absolutely raced through it and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This is the first book by Steven Bannister that I have read and it has to be has to be one of the most unusual modern British crime novels. Did that detract from it? On the contrary, personally I loved it. I absolutely raced through it and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 8, 2021
This one caught me a little by surprise. I was expecting a police procedural. Which to an extent it was. But to an extent it was also trying to be a supernatural horror story. But it never quite gets gory or horrible enough to be that either.
But it is an easy read. It's sort of like a British version of Lucifer, but in print rather than picture.
But it is an easy read. It's sort of like a British version of Lucifer, but in print rather than picture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2018
Scary As Hades
It gives a new meaning to "all that is holy"! Very good characterization. Loved reading about the Tor and England in general. Very graphic, but almost mesmerizing. Into the next...
It gives a new meaning to "all that is holy"! Very good characterization. Loved reading about the Tor and England in general. Very graphic, but almost mesmerizing. Into the next...
August 12, 2018
This is the classic good versus even novel with a twist - the Archangel Michael plays a starring role. The book is fast paced and the humor in the midst of the tension, angst and gore is funny and appreciated.
February 15, 2019
Great read if you like the supernatural . It was creepy fun toungue in cheek kind of humour and scary
Really enjoyed the book it was scary creepy and with black humour all at the same time . Can’t wait to read more in the series
Really enjoyed the book it was scary creepy and with black humour all at the same time . Can’t wait to read more in the series
December 22, 2025
Badly written nonsense the author is no Stephen king
It was unbelievable fiction with little point and not very imaginative . I certainly will not buy any more of the series . My advice . Save your money.
It was unbelievable fiction with little point and not very imaginative . I certainly will not buy any more of the series . My advice . Save your money.
June 10, 2018
Not a bad start to a series
Not a bad start to a series. Easy reading and moves at a good pace. A modern Dennis Wheatley corny ending.
Not a bad start to a series. Easy reading and moves at a good pace. A modern Dennis Wheatley corny ending.
July 4, 2018
Amazing
This will make you Denver that there is good and evil around us all. Scary at times and gift but that's just how life is.
This will make you Denver that there is good and evil around us all. Scary at times and gift but that's just how life is.
February 19, 2019
No ..sorry
I have read very few of this sort of book .and I have to say I did not Read the second ..this will be the Same ..
I have read very few of this sort of book .and I have to say I did not Read the second ..this will be the Same ..
June 7, 2019
Fantasy meets police procedural in this battle between good and evil. It's set in the touristy part of London which oddly appears to be run by something called London City Council.
June 6, 2020
A Kindle bargain at 99p. An interesting idea and gripping tail on the dark side.
March 11, 2015
Angel vs Evil a bit cliched, but...
Loved the human characters - would have been interesting as police detective mystery or procedural. Esp enjoyed the protagonist Allie St Clair and colleagues. I thought all the Endless Game, good vs evil, angel vs Mr Black ffs a bit silly and the explicit violence (which I skipped after a quick glance) totally unnecessary. I'll certainly read the sequel but I think the author has jumped on the supernatural, apocalyptic bandwagon rather than writing a good solid whodunnit with real people and real police work.
Loved the human characters - would have been interesting as police detective mystery or procedural. Esp enjoyed the protagonist Allie St Clair and colleagues. I thought all the Endless Game, good vs evil, angel vs Mr Black ffs a bit silly and the explicit violence (which I skipped after a quick glance) totally unnecessary. I'll certainly read the sequel but I think the author has jumped on the supernatural, apocalyptic bandwagon rather than writing a good solid whodunnit with real people and real police work.
July 8, 2015
Couldn't put it down!
This was an Amazon recommendation based on my love of Phil Rickman's books, and I agree. Sort of a police procedural with a supernatural twist. I couldn't wait to get home from work today to read more.
I'll definitely be purchasing the next book in the series as soon as I finish this review.
This was an Amazon recommendation based on my love of Phil Rickman's books, and I agree. Sort of a police procedural with a supernatural twist. I couldn't wait to get home from work today to read more.
I'll definitely be purchasing the next book in the series as soon as I finish this review.
November 27, 2015
Pretty good book
Was a pretty good book and series.It was definitely interesting and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or who the bad guys were the book surprised me.
Was a pretty good book and series.It was definitely interesting and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen or who the bad guys were the book surprised me.
March 28, 2015
Only half read this as I realised it was more of a supernatural genre and I cannot get on with those.
November 21, 2015
I do not normally like supernatural books but this was OK
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews