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The God Killers
In The God Killers, the First Book of The God Killers Legacy, former professional art thief Ivory Blaque is hired to procure a pair of antique pistols and gets much more than she bargained for when several attempts are made on her life. Her client turns out to be a shadowy government agent who reveals that she is descended from a race of immortals, and that the pistols are linked to her unique heritage and the special psychic gifts she possesses. He uses the memory of her father to guilt her into working for him. Ivory eventually gives in to his request, and in return, he presents her with her father's journal, which was written in an unbreakable code. Bishop believes that she is the only one capable of breaking the code and unlocking the plans of the vampire hierarchy. But when the city's top vampire is a sexy incubus with an attraction for her and she's assigned a hot new lycan enforcer to protect her, she finds herself caught between two sets of rock hard abs. To regain her autonomy, clear her name, unlock the secrets of her past, and protect the lives of those closest to her, Ivory must play along with the forces trying to manipulate her. Ivory's life is rapidly spiraling out of control and headed for an explosive conclusion which she just might not survive.
- GenresScience Fiction Fantasy
344 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2013
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
John F. Allen
8 books23 followersJohn F. Allen is an American writer born in Indianapolis, IN. He is a founding member of the Speculative Fiction Guild and a member the Indiana Writers Center. He began writing stories as early as the second grade and has pursued various forms of writing throughout his career. John studied Liberal Arts at IUPUI with a focus in Creative Writing and Literature, received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and is a current member of the American Legion. John’s debut novel, The God Killers was published in 2013 by Seventh Star Press, and he has had several novellas, short stories and articles published since, the latest of which is his short story collection titled, The Best Is Yet to Come.
He is also an avid reader, accomplished visual artist and Jazz music aficianado.
He is also an avid reader, accomplished visual artist and Jazz music aficianado.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 6, 2013
Art gallery owner Ivory Blaque is a former art thief turned mercenary recovering stolen art It's her way of making up for her past. She's smart, highly skilled, and equipped for trouble. Then she takes a job with a mysterious client to retrieve a pair of antique Colt 45s, and as soon as she puts her hands on them, she knows she's connected to the pistols, and there's no way she's giving them up.
Suddenly, she's fending off angry vampires, werewolves, and other super-powered beings who either want the pistols, want her allegiance, or both.As if this weren't bad enough, her former partner in crime is released from jail, and he's out to ruin her professional reputation as a prelude to extracting revenge.
As a read, The God Killers has a lot of moving parts. It's never boring, constantly shifting. The protagonist is confident, strong, and smart, though often too stubborn to know when she's in over her head. I was rooting for her the whole way, cringing when she took her lumps, cheering during her victories. The plot is complicated, but it's applied in layers and the author never tackles too much in one chunk. The most surprising thing when I finished is to look back and realize how much Allen covered in one volume, with more to come, Check this one out. You won't be disappointed.
Suddenly, she's fending off angry vampires, werewolves, and other super-powered beings who either want the pistols, want her allegiance, or both.As if this weren't bad enough, her former partner in crime is released from jail, and he's out to ruin her professional reputation as a prelude to extracting revenge.
As a read, The God Killers has a lot of moving parts. It's never boring, constantly shifting. The protagonist is confident, strong, and smart, though often too stubborn to know when she's in over her head. I was rooting for her the whole way, cringing when she took her lumps, cheering during her victories. The plot is complicated, but it's applied in layers and the author never tackles too much in one chunk. The most surprising thing when I finished is to look back and realize how much Allen covered in one volume, with more to come, Check this one out. You won't be disappointed.
July 4, 2014
Is it possible for a (written) novel to read like graphic art? John F. Allen’s The God Killers certainly does. Scenes are set with clear clean descriptions. Characters move fast, with that visible blur of speed pouring out through the words. Guns are drawn and fired. Walls are leapt from. Buildings climbed. And it’s all great fun, as ex-art-thief gone straight, Ivory Blaque, sees her world crumble down, then rises from its ashes.
From Chicago to New Orleans and back, Blaque, whose skin color is unexpectedly white, tracks bad guys, art and guns, is chased by bad guys and vampires, ponders the Night Shift, indulges in retail therapy, and leaps from the page as assuredly as from the wreckage of her well-wrought life. Loved, or at least lusted after, by creatures of the day and night, filled with conflicting desires, haunted by Vodun and its Catholic roots, Ivory Blaque learns that her decisions may not be entirely her own, and fate may have more than just two guns called the God Killers in store for her.
The novel’s filled with mystery and suspense, fast action, great characters, and great visual artistry. It’s dark, but a wilder and crazier ride than the usual urban fantasy. And it stands alone as a well completed story, leaving the reader eager for book two.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy during the author’s blog tour and I offer my honest review.
From Chicago to New Orleans and back, Blaque, whose skin color is unexpectedly white, tracks bad guys, art and guns, is chased by bad guys and vampires, ponders the Night Shift, indulges in retail therapy, and leaps from the page as assuredly as from the wreckage of her well-wrought life. Loved, or at least lusted after, by creatures of the day and night, filled with conflicting desires, haunted by Vodun and its Catholic roots, Ivory Blaque learns that her decisions may not be entirely her own, and fate may have more than just two guns called the God Killers in store for her.
The novel’s filled with mystery and suspense, fast action, great characters, and great visual artistry. It’s dark, but a wilder and crazier ride than the usual urban fantasy. And it stands alone as a well completed story, leaving the reader eager for book two.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy during the author’s blog tour and I offer my honest review.
September 3, 2022
Initially, reading The God Killers reminded me very much of my first encounter with Anita Blake. John F. Allen appeared to have crafted a standard urban fantasy tale, immersed in the supernatural, and spiced with elements of paranormal romance. Even the narrative structure and pacing of the first few chapters reminded me of Laurell K. Hamilton's work.
That's not a bad thing, and not at all a knock against either author. It's simply an acknowledgement of how the book initially struck me.
I say 'initially' because as Allen settles into the story, becoming more comfortable with the lovely Ivory Blaque in the process, he begins layering in some really exciting story elements that definitely kick the story up a few notches. Before long we have a great story behind the God Killers themselves, a pair of antique pistols that Ivory is hired to recover for their rightful owner - or owners, to be precise, since she's hired twice for the same job, but two very different clients!
In addition, we have a well developed hierarchy of the supernatural, complete with warring vampire clans and close-knit werewolf packs, and an uneasy alliance with humanity that's as imaginative as it is simple. Where Allen really won me over, though, is with a back story that brings it all together. His interpretation of mythology is fascinating, and I really liked the way he managed to weave centuries of faith into one crazy roller coaster ride of warring gods. He also gives us a peek behind several historical events, with one tragedy in particular revealed as a cover-up for vampire activity, which helps to put a veneer of plausibility on the tale.
All of that would be wasted, however, were it not for the ability of Ivory to carry a story. Strong, confident, and appropriately flawed, she's an entirely human protagonist in an otherwise inhuman world. She has a flair for goading people, loves retail therapy, and isn't shy about her loves or her lusts. While it's really become something of a cliché within the genre, her reluctant entanglement in a vampire/werewolf love triangle actually works because of how well she's been established as a character, and how willing she is to defend her honor and her right to choose.
There are a lot of questions left unanswered, but that's to be expected from the first book in the series. While there is something of a cliffhanger to the last chapter, it's a development that comes after the main story is resolved, making it more of a tease. Overall, The God Killers is a fun story, with great imagination, and a heroine you want to read more about. If you're a fan of the genre, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
That's not a bad thing, and not at all a knock against either author. It's simply an acknowledgement of how the book initially struck me.
I say 'initially' because as Allen settles into the story, becoming more comfortable with the lovely Ivory Blaque in the process, he begins layering in some really exciting story elements that definitely kick the story up a few notches. Before long we have a great story behind the God Killers themselves, a pair of antique pistols that Ivory is hired to recover for their rightful owner - or owners, to be precise, since she's hired twice for the same job, but two very different clients!
In addition, we have a well developed hierarchy of the supernatural, complete with warring vampire clans and close-knit werewolf packs, and an uneasy alliance with humanity that's as imaginative as it is simple. Where Allen really won me over, though, is with a back story that brings it all together. His interpretation of mythology is fascinating, and I really liked the way he managed to weave centuries of faith into one crazy roller coaster ride of warring gods. He also gives us a peek behind several historical events, with one tragedy in particular revealed as a cover-up for vampire activity, which helps to put a veneer of plausibility on the tale.
All of that would be wasted, however, were it not for the ability of Ivory to carry a story. Strong, confident, and appropriately flawed, she's an entirely human protagonist in an otherwise inhuman world. She has a flair for goading people, loves retail therapy, and isn't shy about her loves or her lusts. While it's really become something of a cliché within the genre, her reluctant entanglement in a vampire/werewolf love triangle actually works because of how well she's been established as a character, and how willing she is to defend her honor and her right to choose.
There are a lot of questions left unanswered, but that's to be expected from the first book in the series. While there is something of a cliffhanger to the last chapter, it's a development that comes after the main story is resolved, making it more of a tease. Overall, The God Killers is a fun story, with great imagination, and a heroine you want to read more about. If you're a fan of the genre, then you'll definitely enjoy this.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
September 29, 2013
This was an action filled urban fantasy story featuring a kick-butt heroine. Ivory is strong and stubborn, and doesn’t let anyone push her around, not vampires, werewolves or CIA operatives. She is more than just a strong, pretty face. Her character is quite well developed with flaws and weaknesses, which makes it easier to root for her.
The world building was quite extensive. Supernatural creatures of all sorts appear in the story, with an intricate and complex history to explain their existence and how most humans don’t know about them. The history got a bit confusing when all the mythology was explained as it seemed like the reader was supposed to already be familiar with the legends, but overall, it was conveyed rather well, with only minimal info dumping.
The story had a very sexual side to it that I didn’t much care for. It seemed a bit overdone, and while not explicit, the story was far from clean. It seemed to be in an odd middle zone that will likely disappoint both camps. I didn’t really buy into the insta-lust triangle as it seemed a little too over the top, but luckily, the action in the story is enough to mostly make up it.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story with a wide variety of supernatural creatures. There was a lot open for future books, but it still felt satisfying on its own. If you’re looking for a fast paced story with a strong heroine who seems to suffer a bit of an overactive sex drive, this is a story you’ll want to check out.
The world building was quite extensive. Supernatural creatures of all sorts appear in the story, with an intricate and complex history to explain their existence and how most humans don’t know about them. The history got a bit confusing when all the mythology was explained as it seemed like the reader was supposed to already be familiar with the legends, but overall, it was conveyed rather well, with only minimal info dumping.
The story had a very sexual side to it that I didn’t much care for. It seemed a bit overdone, and while not explicit, the story was far from clean. It seemed to be in an odd middle zone that will likely disappoint both camps. I didn’t really buy into the insta-lust triangle as it seemed a little too over the top, but luckily, the action in the story is enough to mostly make up it.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story with a wide variety of supernatural creatures. There was a lot open for future books, but it still felt satisfying on its own. If you’re looking for a fast paced story with a strong heroine who seems to suffer a bit of an overactive sex drive, this is a story you’ll want to check out.
July 3, 2014
Ivory Blaque is my favorite kind of female protagonist, takes names and kicks butt! This novel details a brief period in Ivory's life of an art recovery specialist. A former art thief, Ivory now walks a reasonably straight path recovering stolen art. She has some seriously skewed friends and associates, werewolves, vampires and miscellaneous Fae.
Ivory falls afoul of a secret government agency detailed to keep a lid on paranormals. If that doesn't complicate the plot enough, she also offends the Vampire lord of the city.
Allen packs a lot of action and violence in his work. Ivory does not escape unscathed and has to deal with some major changes in her life. A former mentor and a pair of paranormal pistols provide additional challenges to Ivory.
This is Mr. Allen's first novel and I am impressed. It kept my attention, I got involved in the plot and it was intricate enough to surprise me with some of the twists and turns. It should be a good starting point for a rousing series. I look forward to reading more about Ivory Blaque.
I highly recommend it.
Web Page: http://johnfallenwriter.com/
Ivory falls afoul of a secret government agency detailed to keep a lid on paranormals. If that doesn't complicate the plot enough, she also offends the Vampire lord of the city.
Allen packs a lot of action and violence in his work. Ivory does not escape unscathed and has to deal with some major changes in her life. A former mentor and a pair of paranormal pistols provide additional challenges to Ivory.
This is Mr. Allen's first novel and I am impressed. It kept my attention, I got involved in the plot and it was intricate enough to surprise me with some of the twists and turns. It should be a good starting point for a rousing series. I look forward to reading more about Ivory Blaque.
I highly recommend it.
Web Page: http://johnfallenwriter.com/
September 20, 2013
I was instantly drawn to this book. I love books with strong female main characters. And this one came through. It was very action packed and fast moving and for sure left you begging for book two. It had Vampires, Lycan, incubus oh my!! Ivory is smart, clever and willing to do what it takes to get to the bottom of things. Allen writes well rounded characters with rich detail and solid histories. Which I found amazing. These were characters you really got to know along the way. I really enjoyed this book and truly look forward to book two. Congrats Mr. Allen you put out one heck of a debut novel.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
As usual the Seventh Star art does not fail to please either. Enggar Adirasa was the artist on this one and it is stellar. I love that Seventh Star releases have interior art.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
As usual the Seventh Star art does not fail to please either. Enggar Adirasa was the artist on this one and it is stellar. I love that Seventh Star releases have interior art.
February 21, 2015
Ivory Blaque is an art dealer and collector of relics with a past she rather forget. When her former mentor returns into her life, Ivory is immediately suspicious of his intentions. And she should be, because before she knows it, Ivory is accused of committing crimes she is innocent of. While she's trying to sort that out, she is also involved in discovering the secret of two pistols called, the God Killers.
The author did a great job of developing the character(s) in the novel. Can't wait to finish reading to see how Ivory gets herself out several really bad situations.
The author did a great job of developing the character(s) in the novel. Can't wait to finish reading to see how Ivory gets herself out several really bad situations.
May 10, 2016
Ivory Blaque is one of the coolest characters I've read in books lately, I loved reading about her adventures and the world that was created in this novel. I loved that there were other creatures besides vampires in this book. What was cool was that there was a interesting mystery in the book about Ms. Blaque's parents and I loved the nods to Greek Mythology. I look forward to more from Mr. Allen and more from Ivory Blaque as I really enjoyed reading this book.
April 28, 2014
Fans of Anita Blake will love this read! John F. Allen's main character, Ivory Blaque, is one kick-ass hero as her tale pulls you through this fantastic tale!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews