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Hellequin Chronicles #3
With Silent Screams
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he’s also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer’s full attention…
An old friend’s dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh’s popular Hellequin Chronicles.
An old friend’s dead body, a cryptic note, and an explosion that almost costs him his own life propel Nate headfirst into a mystery involving a new threat from an old foe. Now he must piece together the connections between a grisly series of tattooed murder victims, an imprisoned madman, a mysterious alchemist, and a deranged plot to usurp the throne of the hidden realm of Shadow Falls, rival to the power of Avalon.
Can Nate avert the coming slaughter, or will he become the latest to fall in this clandestine war?
With the story careening between modern-day New York and Ontario and 1977 Maine, With Silent Screams continues the gritty and action-packed mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology that mark Steve McHugh’s popular Hellequin Chronicles.
454 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2014
641 people are currently reading
1545 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
35 books1,901 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
June 3, 2018
First of all the "generic" rating/review. It's a good book. if you like Urban Fantasy and/or action I think you'll like it.
Okay now for those who'd like a little more detail as to why I like it, read on.
First I will be assuming that if you are planning to read this book you have already read the first 2. If you haven't stop messing around here, go and get the first 2 books and read them. If you're an Urban Fantasy fan you'll like them. Really go ahead and read them...we'll wait.
Okay finished? Good now any spoilers for those that happen to slip out in this review won't bother you. If on the other hand you've chosen to read on without finishing the first 2, well on your own head be it.
Two volumes ago Nate Garrett woke up with no memory of who he is/was... when he began to put it all together things got very, very interesting.
Now an old friend has been killed and a message has been left at the scene that was obviously aimed at Nate or as he is also known (though up to now few know it) Hellequin.
Eventually those involved will quite probably wish they'd never gotten his attention.
having followed "Nate" through his life from the first volume where he slowly regains his memory (of over 1000 years of life) and begins also to put together his power this is an easy story to get caught up in. I like it and as with a few other series I'm waiting for the next.
So what can we say here? The book is really intense this time in some ways and to an extent Mr. McHugh may have written himself into a sort of corner. While I truly enjoyed this one Nate (Hellequin) is going to give our novelist the same problem comic book writers face with The Avengers or Superman. They bring so much power to the fight it takes a "really special" antagonist to constitute a threat.
Anyway, excellent read. Maybe not "the best" UF out there but certainly in the running. Recommended, Enjoy.
Okay now for those who'd like a little more detail as to why I like it, read on.
First I will be assuming that if you are planning to read this book you have already read the first 2. If you haven't stop messing around here, go and get the first 2 books and read them. If you're an Urban Fantasy fan you'll like them. Really go ahead and read them...we'll wait.
Okay finished? Good now any spoilers for those that happen to slip out in this review won't bother you. If on the other hand you've chosen to read on without finishing the first 2, well on your own head be it.
Two volumes ago Nate Garrett woke up with no memory of who he is/was... when he began to put it all together things got very, very interesting.
Now an old friend has been killed and a message has been left at the scene that was obviously aimed at Nate or as he is also known (though up to now few know it) Hellequin.
Eventually those involved will quite probably wish they'd never gotten his attention.
having followed "Nate" through his life from the first volume where he slowly regains his memory (of over 1000 years of life) and begins also to put together his power this is an easy story to get caught up in. I like it and as with a few other series I'm waiting for the next.
So what can we say here? The book is really intense this time in some ways and to an extent Mr. McHugh may have written himself into a sort of corner. While I truly enjoyed this one Nate (Hellequin) is going to give our novelist the same problem comic book writers face with The Avengers or Superman. They bring so much power to the fight it takes a "really special" antagonist to constitute a threat.
Anyway, excellent read. Maybe not "the best" UF out there but certainly in the running. Recommended, Enjoy.
May 30, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better!
With Silent Screams is the third installment of the Hellequin Chronicles series. I fall more and more in love with Nate's character and can't wait to dive into the next book. In this book, Nate is back with a little bit of vengeance. He's tracking down someone who murdered one of his friends. I loved the whole mystery parts of these books because timelines seemed to intertwine with one another making the book and journey more interesting. It might be the audios though.
Either way Nate is paired up with an FBI agent who also has a close connection to this case. Again, more mystery thrown at me. There are so many clues for two people to go through and decipher which has meaning. Especially since they don't want to deal with anymore victims.
Nate is basically my everything. He just always makes me smile and definitely keeps me on my toes. The action in every book keeps getting better and better too. I mean, the guys has like an endless list of enemies so it's always interesting to see who is up next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to dive into the next one. I'm also secretly, but not really secretly, dying to see who is controlling everything. Someone has to be doing this to Nate and bring back old enemies for him to face. I need to know who knows him so well and it's slowly killing me. Hopefully I'll find out more in the next book??
With Silent Screams is the third installment of the Hellequin Chronicles series. I fall more and more in love with Nate's character and can't wait to dive into the next book. In this book, Nate is back with a little bit of vengeance. He's tracking down someone who murdered one of his friends. I loved the whole mystery parts of these books because timelines seemed to intertwine with one another making the book and journey more interesting. It might be the audios though.
Either way Nate is paired up with an FBI agent who also has a close connection to this case. Again, more mystery thrown at me. There are so many clues for two people to go through and decipher which has meaning. Especially since they don't want to deal with anymore victims.
Nate is basically my everything. He just always makes me smile and definitely keeps me on my toes. The action in every book keeps getting better and better too. I mean, the guys has like an endless list of enemies so it's always interesting to see who is up next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to dive into the next one. I'm also secretly, but not really secretly, dying to see who is controlling everything. Someone has to be doing this to Nate and bring back old enemies for him to face. I need to know who knows him so well and it's slowly killing me. Hopefully I'll find out more in the next book??
June 24, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
These are slowly getting better. They're still cheesy as all hell but entertaining.
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
These are slowly getting better. They're still cheesy as all hell but entertaining.
August 13, 2016
So much potential, but……
For some reason finding a good male lead urban fantasy is quite a feat. The two series, that I believe, lead the pack in this genre are The Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles. After reading the first two Hellequin books I thought we may have a new contender. The main character wasn’t a distraught underdog (something I hate and many series seem to be adopting), there was plenty of action, and I enjoyed the split timeline two stories in one thing. The only thing I had a problem with was the flawed magic system, which I will touch on in a bit. All in all I was looking forward to the third installment knowing it could mean making me an official fan. But no such luck.
It started off great, with the same kind of fast paced action and intriguing story lines as the first two but just slowly went downhill, in my opinion. As the book progressed the previously ubiquitous action faded and was replaced with endless awkward and unnatural dialogue info dumps. The two story lines became convoluted requiring heavy dialogue and rehashing of events. I can’t say it was all bad though; there was still some action and entertaining sections.
But my main problem is Nate’s magic. He is a sorcerer that has the ability to manipulate air and fire. He can do so with relative skill, making vises of air or whips of fire, basically he a complete badass. Sometimes he shows this by killing groups of people effortlessly. But sometimes he’ll get beat up by a single person who isn’t using magic at all. You can’t have it both ways. When it is needed for the plot he can literally set people fire on will but when the plot needs to move along he gets his ass kicked.
Not cool.
For some reason finding a good male lead urban fantasy is quite a feat. The two series, that I believe, lead the pack in this genre are The Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles. After reading the first two Hellequin books I thought we may have a new contender. The main character wasn’t a distraught underdog (something I hate and many series seem to be adopting), there was plenty of action, and I enjoyed the split timeline two stories in one thing. The only thing I had a problem with was the flawed magic system, which I will touch on in a bit. All in all I was looking forward to the third installment knowing it could mean making me an official fan. But no such luck.
It started off great, with the same kind of fast paced action and intriguing story lines as the first two but just slowly went downhill, in my opinion. As the book progressed the previously ubiquitous action faded and was replaced with endless awkward and unnatural dialogue info dumps. The two story lines became convoluted requiring heavy dialogue and rehashing of events. I can’t say it was all bad though; there was still some action and entertaining sections.
But my main problem is Nate’s magic. He is a sorcerer that has the ability to manipulate air and fire. He can do so with relative skill, making vises of air or whips of fire, basically he a complete badass. Sometimes he shows this by killing groups of people effortlessly. But sometimes he’ll get beat up by a single person who isn’t using magic at all. You can’t have it both ways. When it is needed for the plot he can literally set people fire on will but when the plot needs to move along he gets his ass kicked.
Not cool.
March 3, 2014
Someone is trying to send Nate Garrett a message, and since it's Nate, they're sending it with blood. When Nate receives a call from an old friend and arrives to find the friend rather messily murdered, he knows something is up. When the mysterious killers follow up with a well-placed bomb, it begins to get a little personal. Nate soon realises that the people after him have some connection with a case he closed over thirty years ago, a case that happened to involve both the magical powers behind Avalon and the pocket-dimension kingdom of Shadow Falls. Since that case left everyone involved either dead or imprisoned, Nate is left with more questions than answers, but he's still ready to enter the fray with aplomb:
Although With Silent Screams is actually the third book in The Hellequin Chronicles, it was my first entry into the series. I can therefore say with assurance that the book works perfectly as a standalone. The set-up is a little like a cross between Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files; like Atticus O'Sullivan, the protagonist of Iron Druid, Garrett is an ancient being living in a modern world. Like Harry Dresden, Garrett is an extremely powerful magic-wielder with a preference for wind and fire. However, McHugh is far more adept at constructing a millenia-old inhuman protagonist. Unlike Atticus, Garrett doesn't pepper the book with endless pop-culture jokes, and while his phrasing is modern, it is British rather than American. Garrett also has far fewer scruples about killing his enemies than most of the urban fantasy protagonists I follow. As he explains,
The magical world was only sketchily defined, but I found several aspects of it quite satisfying. As far as I could determine, most magic-wielders are either sorcerers or alchemists. I found alchemy, which provides the ability to alter or transform various materials by touch, to be rather ill-defined and highly variable in power from moment to moment. Nate, too, showed huge volatility in power level; in one moment, he's taking out a house of monsters; in the next, he's being dominated by a novice. However, there were plenty of aspects I enjoyed, such as the casual mentions of historical figures. For example, representatives from the magical world are always sent to have a "first meeting" with new leaders. Teddy Roosevelt apparently seriously considered shooting the magical representative, Nate desperately wanted to kill Henry VII (he liked Richard III and thought he didn't deserve all the bad press, and, as he says,
The plot itself is enjoyable, if rather impressively gory. Initially, the chapters alternate between the present and flashbacks of the previous case, and I thought the device worked well. I also could have done without a certain amount of vampire-fueled wish-fulfillment and a discussion about "man cards" and "acting like girls", but all of that was definitely in character for Garrett. While there is some amount of mystery, Garrett has a frustrating tendency to fail to ask the obvious questions, so he usually finds the answers by stumbling into trouble. Garrett's version of thinking ahead:
As for me, I'm off to dig up the first in the series.
~~I received this ebook through NetGalley from the publisher, 47North, in exchange for my honest review.~~
Excerpted from my review on booklikes.
"You don't know what game they're playing."
"That's okay ... I plan on cheating anyways."
Although With Silent Screams is actually the third book in The Hellequin Chronicles, it was my first entry into the series. I can therefore say with assurance that the book works perfectly as a standalone. The set-up is a little like a cross between Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files; like Atticus O'Sullivan, the protagonist of Iron Druid, Garrett is an ancient being living in a modern world. Like Harry Dresden, Garrett is an extremely powerful magic-wielder with a preference for wind and fire. However, McHugh is far more adept at constructing a millenia-old inhuman protagonist. Unlike Atticus, Garrett doesn't pepper the book with endless pop-culture jokes, and while his phrasing is modern, it is British rather than American. Garrett also has far fewer scruples about killing his enemies than most of the urban fantasy protagonists I follow. As he explains,
"Like humans, some [sorcerers] have trouble taking a life and some don't. I fall into the latter. I'm not psychotic or evil or anything so damn melodramatic, I just don't have the luxury of second-guessing myself. If someone is coming to attack me or the people I care about, it's them or me. Simple. If they want to push something to that degree and they threaten a life, then theirs is now forfeit. ... if taking a life means people I care about are safe, then I don't think twice about it."Nate holds true to his claim. He has a tendency to divide people into "good" (aka "on his side") and "bad" (aka "not on his side"), and exhibits very little guilt about gruesomely dispatching the "bad" folks. Despite my general dislike of amoral protagonist, I thought it worked surprisingly well, especially given that Garrett is a 1600-year-old Hellequin. Early on, I realised that it was rather like reading a book with Kincaid from the Dresden Files as the protagonist. I have a weird fondness for Kincaid, and that carried over to Garrett. Part of the attraction was Garrett's sardonic and often black-tinged sense of humour:
"There is nothing you can do--"
I blasted him in the chest with a jet of air [...] walked over and grabbed his shirt, dragging him upright. I head-butted him, destroying his nose. He dropped to the ground as blood streamed down onto his shirt."
"Don't say that," I told him. "I'll take it as a personal challenge."
The magical world was only sketchily defined, but I found several aspects of it quite satisfying. As far as I could determine, most magic-wielders are either sorcerers or alchemists. I found alchemy, which provides the ability to alter or transform various materials by touch, to be rather ill-defined and highly variable in power from moment to moment. Nate, too, showed huge volatility in power level; in one moment, he's taking out a house of monsters; in the next, he's being dominated by a novice. However, there were plenty of aspects I enjoyed, such as the casual mentions of historical figures. For example, representatives from the magical world are always sent to have a "first meeting" with new leaders. Teddy Roosevelt apparently seriously considered shooting the magical representative, Nate desperately wanted to kill Henry VII (he liked Richard III and thought he didn't deserve all the bad press, and, as he says,
"Charles II was an interesting one--I'm pretty sure he was either drunk or stoned for the entire meeting."
The plot itself is enjoyable, if rather impressively gory. Initially, the chapters alternate between the present and flashbacks of the previous case, and I thought the device worked well. I also could have done without a certain amount of vampire-fueled wish-fulfillment and a discussion about "man cards" and "acting like girls", but all of that was definitely in character for Garrett. While there is some amount of mystery, Garrett has a frustrating tendency to fail to ask the obvious questions, so he usually finds the answers by stumbling into trouble. Garrett's version of thinking ahead:
"Do you have a plan?"Most of the story is a series of non-stop battles. Most of the protagonists I follow are either low-power or exceedingly eccentric, so I found the more straightforward magic fights a refreshing change. I found Garrett's battle style, especially his use of flame and air, to be very reminiscent of Harry Dresden, so if you're looking for something similar, this series is definitely worth a closer look. Garrett also spends basically no time agonizing about the death he causes:
"Sort of [...] I plan on getting out and killing the whole fucking lot of them."
"Will you kill them all?"If you're interested in action-packed urban fantasy and you're tired of angst and guilt, then The Hellequin Chronicles may be a good fit.
"Yes," I said honestly. "Every single one of the bastards involved in this deserve to die."
"Maybe killing isn't the answer. Maybe you need to show force a different way? [...] I just don't want to think about you having so many souls on your conscience."
"My conscience is clear," I assured him. "I won't give these people a second thought."
As for me, I'm off to dig up the first in the series.
~~I received this ebook through NetGalley from the publisher, 47North, in exchange for my honest review.~~
Excerpted from my review on booklikes.
March 4, 2017
not as good as the first two but we'll worth the read looking forward to the next one
March 1, 2014
Nate Garrett returned!!!
I loved this series; was happy when I stumbled into it by chance. It was fast-paced and entertaining. This book brought up the gory factor. The villains were vicious. The horror that they brought upon the victims were insane. Although I couldn't help to get pretty excited over it (I sound insane myself, don't I?) because it gave reason for Nate to go rampage over the villain...
As always, this book has historical flashbacks (although this one was set in more contemporary time, it was Maine 1977), in which the mystery/story line was closely linked to the murders that Nate was facing now. It wasn't as complicated though, because the time span was shorter, so it was clear that the villain from 1977 was the same with the one in 2014. However, there was still a couple of twist and Nate only found out the reason behind the murders now.
I'm sad that Tommy didn't return ... but maybe this was how the series go? It seems that in each book, Nate has a new ally. This time, he had an FBI agent (an alchemist FBI agent) who helped him tracking the murderer. There was a twist on her background too, which I liked. I was a bit disappointed that Nate being Hellequin wasn't further explored though.
Despite the complaints, I was still highly entertained. I can't wait to read book #4!
I loved this series; was happy when I stumbled into it by chance. It was fast-paced and entertaining. This book brought up the gory factor. The villains were vicious. The horror that they brought upon the victims were insane. Although I couldn't help to get pretty excited over it (I sound insane myself, don't I?) because it gave reason for Nate to go rampage over the villain...
As always, this book has historical flashbacks (although this one was set in more contemporary time, it was Maine 1977), in which the mystery/story line was closely linked to the murders that Nate was facing now. It wasn't as complicated though, because the time span was shorter, so it was clear that the villain from 1977 was the same with the one in 2014. However, there was still a couple of twist and Nate only found out the reason behind the murders now.
I'm sad that Tommy didn't return ... but maybe this was how the series go? It seems that in each book, Nate has a new ally. This time, he had an FBI agent (an alchemist FBI agent) who helped him tracking the murderer. There was a twist on her background too, which I liked. I was a bit disappointed that Nate being Hellequin wasn't further explored though.
Despite the complaints, I was still highly entertained. I can't wait to read book #4!
September 7, 2016
Another great adventure! Devoured it in two days - and already started on the fourth...
Amazing series, interesting characters, unpredictable plot and lots of magic had me perfectly entertained once more throughout the book!
Heartily recommended for fans of HArry Dresden or Iron Druid Chronicles!
Amazing series, interesting characters, unpredictable plot and lots of magic had me perfectly entertained once more throughout the book!
Heartily recommended for fans of HArry Dresden or Iron Druid Chronicles!
June 27, 2014
With thanks to the author and publisher for the review copy.
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he’s also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer’s full attention…
A long time ago (It feels like now) I impulsively purchased “Crimes Against Magic” the first in the Hellequin series from Steve McHugh featuring sorcerer Nate Garrett and immediately and irrevocably fell in love.
I had only just started my foray into Urban Fantasy and was looking for another fix and here it was right here. Now we are onto Book 3 (with a short story bridge as well) and these just get better and better. For sheer reading fun, it rarely gets better than this- a glorious mix of known mythology, a brand new world to explore, some tremendous characters and always a heartstopping and well constructed story.
In this instalment someone makes the rather extreme error of killing a person Nate is fond of. Then attempting to blow him up. Follow all that with a good deal of smug goading and your fate is probably sealed. And so it begins.
Once again we have a past/present twist to the tale, some magnificently evil bad guys and some beautifully imagined settings where magic and reality collide. WereLions, Cave Trolls and Guardians, other realms, wizardry and mayhem all tied up together in a fantastic package of adrenalin rushing goodness. Like a Rollercoaster ride in novel form, you are in for one hell of a ride.
These are adult in nature – the violence is as violent as real violence is.. the fights are down and dirty with no holds barred and Nate himself is the very definition of anti hero. He kind of follows his own moral code but when the chips are down if you are in his way he really is not going to give much thought before wiping you off the face of the planet. I love that about him. Flawed yes, not indestructible by any means but if you are going to annoy him you had better be sure you can either beat him at his own game or that you can run REALLY fast.
The supporting cast of characters are all superb. I am absolutely in love with Nate although he does now have a rival for my affection after this story in the form of Galahad. Caitlin is my favourite kind of kick ass female – one who stands no nonsense but is very aware of both her limitations and her surroundings. As for Hades well, who DOESNT love Hades? I am definitely an unapologetic fangirl all round for this series. All the way.
This is definitely a set of books that has grown in stature since its humble beginnings as Nate and the mythology surrounding him has grown, developed and taken on a life of its own. So, all in all a terrific 3rd book in a series that is now absolutely one of my favourites in the Urban Fantasy stakes alongside Felix Castor and Alex Verus. Possibly not for the faint hearted but if you like your Urban fantasy absolutely Urban and fantastical these will probably bring great satisfaction.
Note: With Silent Screams can easily be read as a standalone book with no problem whatsoever, so if you fancy starting with this one, go right ahead!
Happy Reading Folks!
His name is Nathan Garrett, but he’s also known as Hellequin. And murdering one of his friends and trying to blow him up is a good way to get this centuries-old sorcerer’s full attention…
A long time ago (It feels like now) I impulsively purchased “Crimes Against Magic” the first in the Hellequin series from Steve McHugh featuring sorcerer Nate Garrett and immediately and irrevocably fell in love.
I had only just started my foray into Urban Fantasy and was looking for another fix and here it was right here. Now we are onto Book 3 (with a short story bridge as well) and these just get better and better. For sheer reading fun, it rarely gets better than this- a glorious mix of known mythology, a brand new world to explore, some tremendous characters and always a heartstopping and well constructed story.
In this instalment someone makes the rather extreme error of killing a person Nate is fond of. Then attempting to blow him up. Follow all that with a good deal of smug goading and your fate is probably sealed. And so it begins.
Once again we have a past/present twist to the tale, some magnificently evil bad guys and some beautifully imagined settings where magic and reality collide. WereLions, Cave Trolls and Guardians, other realms, wizardry and mayhem all tied up together in a fantastic package of adrenalin rushing goodness. Like a Rollercoaster ride in novel form, you are in for one hell of a ride.
These are adult in nature – the violence is as violent as real violence is.. the fights are down and dirty with no holds barred and Nate himself is the very definition of anti hero. He kind of follows his own moral code but when the chips are down if you are in his way he really is not going to give much thought before wiping you off the face of the planet. I love that about him. Flawed yes, not indestructible by any means but if you are going to annoy him you had better be sure you can either beat him at his own game or that you can run REALLY fast.
The supporting cast of characters are all superb. I am absolutely in love with Nate although he does now have a rival for my affection after this story in the form of Galahad. Caitlin is my favourite kind of kick ass female – one who stands no nonsense but is very aware of both her limitations and her surroundings. As for Hades well, who DOESNT love Hades? I am definitely an unapologetic fangirl all round for this series. All the way.
This is definitely a set of books that has grown in stature since its humble beginnings as Nate and the mythology surrounding him has grown, developed and taken on a life of its own. So, all in all a terrific 3rd book in a series that is now absolutely one of my favourites in the Urban Fantasy stakes alongside Felix Castor and Alex Verus. Possibly not for the faint hearted but if you like your Urban fantasy absolutely Urban and fantastical these will probably bring great satisfaction.
Note: With Silent Screams can easily be read as a standalone book with no problem whatsoever, so if you fancy starting with this one, go right ahead!
Happy Reading Folks!
March 21, 2015
This is by far the darkest book in the series so far, which is saying something. I think it might also be my favorite. I loved the magic and the supernatural entities in the book, and Nate when he's peeved is something to watch out for. This would make a great action movie, although I'd cringe on some parts. Nate is the man!!
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
May 8, 2019
Nathan Garrett is basically a bit of John Constantine, a bit of Harry Dresden, and a bit of Geralt from the Witcher series. He's a British assassin who is fine with the ladies and a professional killer who used to be an assassin for Merlin (so maybe a bit of James Bond meets Geralt). He is retired, though, but still comes out of it to deal with particularly nasty monsters. This book deals with a case from the 1970s when he has to investigate the murder of a young woman for his old friend Galahad. Unfortunately, this case comes back to haunt him in the present.
Honestly, I didn't like this one as much as the others because it felt a little too fantastical. The previous ones were good because they had dark, gritty, and sexy themes. Here, Nathan's best scene is when he has sex with a vampire fence and arms dealer. The rest of the story just felt a bit flat. I still enjoyed it but it just wasn't as good as the first two.
8/10
Honestly, I didn't like this one as much as the others because it felt a little too fantastical. The previous ones were good because they had dark, gritty, and sexy themes. Here, Nathan's best scene is when he has sex with a vampire fence and arms dealer. The rest of the story just felt a bit flat. I still enjoyed it but it just wasn't as good as the first two.
8/10
May 29, 2018
I'm really enjoying listening to this series in audio form. The narrator does a good job bringing Nate to life, and I love his character.
This time, Nate is trying to track down who killed an old friend. Things seem to point to a case that he handled a long time ago for Galahad, another old friend and current king of Shadow Falls. In the current timeline, he is paired up with an FBI agent who ends up having a very close connection to the case. They are both trying to decipher the clues before more people are brutally murdered.
Like I said, I'm enjoying this series. As a 1600 year old sorcerer, Nate had made as many enemies as he has friends. It is entertaining to see him battle it out with evildoers. Here in book 3, we know that there is something wrong with Avalon, but we still don't know what it is yet. It appears there is a faction that is putting these evil deeds in motion, but Nate is not yet close to discovering who is the puppetmaster behind it all. Gotta keep reading to find out....
This time, Nate is trying to track down who killed an old friend. Things seem to point to a case that he handled a long time ago for Galahad, another old friend and current king of Shadow Falls. In the current timeline, he is paired up with an FBI agent who ends up having a very close connection to the case. They are both trying to decipher the clues before more people are brutally murdered.
Like I said, I'm enjoying this series. As a 1600 year old sorcerer, Nate had made as many enemies as he has friends. It is entertaining to see him battle it out with evildoers. Here in book 3, we know that there is something wrong with Avalon, but we still don't know what it is yet. It appears there is a faction that is putting these evil deeds in motion, but Nate is not yet close to discovering who is the puppetmaster behind it all. Gotta keep reading to find out....
December 18, 2019
Stellar series, strong storylines, intense action with vivid clarity.
Another success in a rewarding, satisfying series, Steve McHugh continues to deliver. This series is highly addictive, passionate and creative. The world building immense and the blending of characters, timelines and mythical people and creatures, is inspiring. Just really good stuff, rewarding,...time well spent. Thank you, Steve McHugh, onto the next.
Another success in a rewarding, satisfying series, Steve McHugh continues to deliver. This series is highly addictive, passionate and creative. The world building immense and the blending of characters, timelines and mythical people and creatures, is inspiring. Just really good stuff, rewarding,...time well spent. Thank you, Steve McHugh, onto the next.
March 31, 2014
Wow! I have never been disappointed with this series, every novel kicks it up a notch! And if you read this series you all ready know that! If you haven't well start with book 1 you will love them all!
September 4, 2023
For a 1600 year old sorcerer, Nate acts like such a rookie 🙄🙄 He is a killing machine but acts like a doofus around women. The story is certainly action packed, fast paced, and there’s no complaints there, it’s best to read from book one on in order to understand some of the characters and side storylines. Overall it was a good enough read but could have been better.
April 14, 2018
Just gets better and better!
Rtc
Rtc
August 27, 2018
Still burning strong
I've really enjoyed this third book in the Hellequin Chronicles. McHugh creates a supernatural world that blends seamlessly with modern reality, and the ongoing suspense around Nate's background has me reaching for book 4!!
I've really enjoyed this third book in the Hellequin Chronicles. McHugh creates a supernatural world that blends seamlessly with modern reality, and the ongoing suspense around Nate's background has me reaching for book 4!!
April 2, 2014
There are not enough superlatives to describe this series. In a review of an earlier book I compared Nate, the hero, to an urban James Bond (perhaps Jason Bourne might be a better analogy but either works). Well this time, he's up against a cross between Charles Manson, Hannibal Lector and any number of James Bond Villains. Nate is still a brutal killing machine (hence the Bourne analogy)but he's the good guy's killing machine.
While this series lacks the humour that makes the adventures of Harry Dresden or Alex Verus so much fun, he makes up with it with a straight up action-packed protagonist (to quote the Great Rowdy Roddy Piper: he's here to chew bubblegum and kick a$$, and he's all out of bubblegum).
On the world building, a couple comments:
(1) As a rule, I visibly cringe whenever an author throws in King Arthur, ANY of his round table, or anything that even mildly reeks of Arthuriana. Mr. McHugh has jumped right into the whole bubbling cauldron of Arthuriana and come out of it un-marked. I am actually enjoying it and want to see more of his world. If Mr. McHugh's world-building continues a-pace, I expect it to be amazing.
(2) Like Mr. McHugh, I think Hades gets a bad rap (ignoring the abduction/rape of Persephone storyline). Mr McHugh's take on that relationship was one of the high points of the previous novel and it continues in this one. MORE HADES PLEASE!!! Also, perhaps some more pantheonic figures (not Loki though, he's been over-done since the Avengers).
(3) I understand why Nate's werewolf buddy wasn't in this book but I miss him (great characterization all round). I like the whole idea of a werewolf/were-lion cold war, as well as the magical realm cold war that exists.
(4) I will admit to having difficulty getting my head around the magical system - but am confident it will become more clear as the series proceeds. I definitely want to see some sort of coherent systems in place.
Now my only complaints:
(1) It is BLUDDY difficult to find Mr. McHugh's novels here in Canada. While Chapters has it for order on-line, none of the their brick and mortar stores carry them. Also, I have yet to find a specialist bookstore that carries the series either. Mr. McHugh's publisher - get to work because this is a series that EVERY reader of good urban fantasy should be jumping at.
(2) As a Canadian, I was amused by an error in the novel: the opening scenes of the novel take place in Toronto, Ontario where a friend of the hero is murdered. Later in that novel, someone says that the murder took place in Ottawa. For those who are not aware, that would be akin to comparing Syracuse, New York, with New York, New York, or comparing Birmingham, UK, with London, UK. This is a nitpicky thing and didn't impact on anything other than a slight amusement, as I said. However, it was one of another editorial botches in the novel (later, a person's armour is described as their amour - now, I can understand loving something that is designed to keep you alive but I'm pretty sure it was meant to be armour (having said that kudos for the proper "ou" spelling)).
One last comment, I received this book around 6:00 pm last night. I am writing my review at 9:00 am tne next day, having finished the book. It was that good.
While this series lacks the humour that makes the adventures of Harry Dresden or Alex Verus so much fun, he makes up with it with a straight up action-packed protagonist (to quote the Great Rowdy Roddy Piper: he's here to chew bubblegum and kick a$$, and he's all out of bubblegum).
On the world building, a couple comments:
(1) As a rule, I visibly cringe whenever an author throws in King Arthur, ANY of his round table, or anything that even mildly reeks of Arthuriana. Mr. McHugh has jumped right into the whole bubbling cauldron of Arthuriana and come out of it un-marked. I am actually enjoying it and want to see more of his world. If Mr. McHugh's world-building continues a-pace, I expect it to be amazing.
(2) Like Mr. McHugh, I think Hades gets a bad rap (ignoring the abduction/rape of Persephone storyline). Mr McHugh's take on that relationship was one of the high points of the previous novel and it continues in this one. MORE HADES PLEASE!!! Also, perhaps some more pantheonic figures (not Loki though, he's been over-done since the Avengers).
(3) I understand why Nate's werewolf buddy wasn't in this book but I miss him (great characterization all round). I like the whole idea of a werewolf/were-lion cold war, as well as the magical realm cold war that exists.
(4) I will admit to having difficulty getting my head around the magical system - but am confident it will become more clear as the series proceeds. I definitely want to see some sort of coherent systems in place.
Now my only complaints:
(1) It is BLUDDY difficult to find Mr. McHugh's novels here in Canada. While Chapters has it for order on-line, none of the their brick and mortar stores carry them. Also, I have yet to find a specialist bookstore that carries the series either. Mr. McHugh's publisher - get to work because this is a series that EVERY reader of good urban fantasy should be jumping at.
(2) As a Canadian, I was amused by an error in the novel: the opening scenes of the novel take place in Toronto, Ontario where a friend of the hero is murdered. Later in that novel, someone says that the murder took place in Ottawa. For those who are not aware, that would be akin to comparing Syracuse, New York, with New York, New York, or comparing Birmingham, UK, with London, UK. This is a nitpicky thing and didn't impact on anything other than a slight amusement, as I said. However, it was one of another editorial botches in the novel (later, a person's armour is described as their amour - now, I can understand loving something that is designed to keep you alive but I'm pretty sure it was meant to be armour (having said that kudos for the proper "ou" spelling)).
One last comment, I received this book around 6:00 pm last night. I am writing my review at 9:00 am tne next day, having finished the book. It was that good.
March 1, 2017
While I've really enjoyed this series so far, I do wish the author had fleshed out the characters a bit more. They are all typically entirely centered around one or two character traits, and those traits seem to be consistent across all the characters that help Nate out. I wish there was more variety. But that won't stop me from continuing to read the series!
May 4, 2014
Hrm. With this installment, my interest in the Hellequin Chronicles wains.
Also, if Hellequin makes you think "Harlequin", this is not the book you're looking for.
WHAT I LIKED
----------------
* Humor. Characters have a quick-and-dark wit. Mostly snappy dialogue.
* History-Present-Repeat. McHugh does a good job of lacing together a historical plot and a current day plot with the ties that make them relevant to each other.
* Moves fast, plenty of action.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
---------------------
* Really confusing plot. I'm no simpleton, and I like myself a deep plot, but I have to admit I had trouble keeping up with how the gates, guardians, and tattoo people all worked together. Which also meant I had trouble figuring out why the bad folks were doing the bad things. I re-read some big chunks here and there to try to maximize my understanding, but I still finished the book thinking, "...okay. Well, the good guy won, and there was lots of cool action, anyway."
* Nate is now *way* overpowered. This means the bad folks have to be *way* overpowered, too. Which, I think, is what leads to the kind of convoluted storyline in this book. While Hellequin reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden, the sorcerer/wizard differences really become obvious in this installments. Harry builds things, learns things, studies, and "levels up", if you will, between books. Hellequin just get more powers, or stronger versions of powers he already has, or loses one type of power to gain another. I find this less interesting, despite the author trying to spice it up by tying those things to "unknowns" in Hellequin's past.
This will probably be the last Hellequin book I read, but everyone has different tastes. If you purchased the first two and really liked them, you might want check this one out of your library or borrow it, before continuing to invest in the series.
Also, if Hellequin makes you think "Harlequin", this is not the book you're looking for.
WHAT I LIKED
----------------
* Humor. Characters have a quick-and-dark wit. Mostly snappy dialogue.
* History-Present-Repeat. McHugh does a good job of lacing together a historical plot and a current day plot with the ties that make them relevant to each other.
* Moves fast, plenty of action.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
---------------------
* Really confusing plot. I'm no simpleton, and I like myself a deep plot, but I have to admit I had trouble keeping up with how the gates, guardians, and tattoo people all worked together. Which also meant I had trouble figuring out why the bad folks were doing the bad things. I re-read some big chunks here and there to try to maximize my understanding, but I still finished the book thinking, "...okay. Well, the good guy won, and there was lots of cool action, anyway."
* Nate is now *way* overpowered. This means the bad folks have to be *way* overpowered, too. Which, I think, is what leads to the kind of convoluted storyline in this book. While Hellequin reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden, the sorcerer/wizard differences really become obvious in this installments. Harry builds things, learns things, studies, and "levels up", if you will, between books. Hellequin just get more powers, or stronger versions of powers he already has, or loses one type of power to gain another. I find this less interesting, despite the author trying to spice it up by tying those things to "unknowns" in Hellequin's past.
This will probably be the last Hellequin book I read, but everyone has different tastes. If you purchased the first two and really liked them, you might want check this one out of your library or borrow it, before continuing to invest in the series.
November 5, 2020
I've always enjoyed reading about medieval history, especially the Tudor era. Years ago we had our family history done an discovered that we are related to one of the many Eleanor's in the Plantagenet line and I was excited to read this novel based on Joan, Countess of Kent and niece of King Edward III. I found this book very well-written and I read it in a few hours. I can defiantly say that I am glad that I was not a woman, noble or not during that era and many afterwards.
Joan was forced by her uncle to marry a man she did not love and for years her real husband, Thomas Holland whom she had married so that she would not be force to marry someone that she did not know, as was expected by women who were related to the royal family. She felt that her father had sent Thomas to protect her. Her mother had been trying to arrange a marriage to one of the Earl of Saliburys' sons. She has been the mistress of their father since her husband's death and believe that they will protect her daughter. Unfortunately, she discovers that her lover did not love her and he wanted Joan for a daughter-in-law only because of the power he thinks it will bring to his family.
Thomas thinks that Joan has left him for a man who can give her all the things that her rank and title allows and he is angry and bitter. Eventually her discovers he was wrong and start the long, expensive battle to reclaim his wife whom he loves for herself, not her title.
I don't want to give any more spoilers, I'm sure there other reviews with them, but I do hope that there is a sequel because the novel is incomplete as it is and I think that readers are interested in Joan, her children and The Black Prince.
4.75 ** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are my own**.
Joan was forced by her uncle to marry a man she did not love and for years her real husband, Thomas Holland whom she had married so that she would not be force to marry someone that she did not know, as was expected by women who were related to the royal family. She felt that her father had sent Thomas to protect her. Her mother had been trying to arrange a marriage to one of the Earl of Saliburys' sons. She has been the mistress of their father since her husband's death and believe that they will protect her daughter. Unfortunately, she discovers that her lover did not love her and he wanted Joan for a daughter-in-law only because of the power he thinks it will bring to his family.
Thomas thinks that Joan has left him for a man who can give her all the things that her rank and title allows and he is angry and bitter. Eventually her discovers he was wrong and start the long, expensive battle to reclaim his wife whom he loves for herself, not her title.
I don't want to give any more spoilers, I'm sure there other reviews with them, but I do hope that there is a sequel because the novel is incomplete as it is and I think that readers are interested in Joan, her children and The Black Prince.
4.75 ** Receiving this book through Amazon's Vine Program did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are my own**.
June 12, 2020
I read part 1 part 2 and now part 3.
Why - not because they are good, but I cannot stop reading sometimes, even though the book is quite bad.
These were not pleasant to read - just not written well. I suppose the stories were kind of interesting, despite hardly being original, but the other reason I kept reading was being hooked on how bad the writing was.
I am not a good literary critic at all, but even I can see the randomness of the plot, the deus-ex-machina, inconsitencies. At many point I was asking myself, the author having said A is impossible, then does B whic is a direct contradiction.
Dialogues were empty of emotion, the books were wooden, an example of tell not show. The dialogues are occassionally abrupt, jumping from topic to topic.
The baddies were bad enough and it was quite nice to see a quick solution to some of them (head cut off). I did like the brutal revenge but the constant bullshitting is just tiring. Some jokes were ok.
No feeling in the book - just words describing what the characters say they feel. Not even what should be touching scenes leave any impression.
On the whole nothing was convincing and involving. Was it proof-read even? Some glaring errors.
So much projection of the author... I am disgusted with myself for reading 3 of those.
Why - not because they are good, but I cannot stop reading sometimes, even though the book is quite bad.
These were not pleasant to read - just not written well. I suppose the stories were kind of interesting, despite hardly being original, but the other reason I kept reading was being hooked on how bad the writing was.
I am not a good literary critic at all, but even I can see the randomness of the plot, the deus-ex-machina, inconsitencies. At many point I was asking myself, the author having said A is impossible, then does B whic is a direct contradiction.
Dialogues were empty of emotion, the books were wooden, an example of tell not show. The dialogues are occassionally abrupt, jumping from topic to topic.
The baddies were bad enough and it was quite nice to see a quick solution to some of them (head cut off). I did like the brutal revenge but the constant bullshitting is just tiring. Some jokes were ok.
No feeling in the book - just words describing what the characters say they feel. Not even what should be touching scenes leave any impression.
On the whole nothing was convincing and involving. Was it proof-read even? Some glaring errors.
So much projection of the author... I am disgusted with myself for reading 3 of those.
January 14, 2017
Interesting enough, but exactly the same as the previous books: Nate gets mixed up in something from his past (sadly none of the characters from previous books are able to help) meets the woman he will be working with (who is competent enough but just can't quite do without Nate's help), meets a new species/type of magic user, gets beat up a few times, rips some people apart with magic and then solves the problem and saves the day.
There's so much potential but I think I'll stop reading the series here. Nate doesn't change at all, and nor do the problems he faces. Each book on its own is enjoyable to read but without more variety, it's time to move on.
There's so much potential but I think I'll stop reading the series here. Nate doesn't change at all, and nor do the problems he faces. Each book on its own is enjoyable to read but without more variety, it's time to move on.
May 5, 2014
Though lacked the kind of depth that it had in its previous two books... (felt like something was missing)... i enjoyed this book equal to the previous two books in the series.. great setup and good way the characters are setup from history/mythology...awesome take on it.. must read..!!
December 12, 2017
Holy cow! What a misfire! The ending of book 2 hinted at some interesting new directions for the main character. Unfortunately, it was to be some kind of warmed over Monster Hunter, Inc. imitation. That is a *truly* terrible book series. I'll try #4 and see if this we a one off next.
February 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this one.
It is turning into a favourite series of mine, I'm so glad I stuck with Nate after not liking him all that much in book one.
It was a fun, action packed and fast read.
It is turning into a favourite series of mine, I'm so glad I stuck with Nate after not liking him all that much in book one.
It was a fun, action packed and fast read.
May 27, 2014
I really love this series! Not normally into urban fantasy with a male as the lead charactor but Im addicted to this series bad part is I have to wait for the author to write his next book
October 16, 2017
Great entry in a excellent series.
Review: https://derailmentsofthought.com/2017...
Review: https://derailmentsofthought.com/2017...
March 2, 2015
Compare to first two book in same series I did not like that one. Story plot is full but its really boring.
September 6, 2015
Protagonist dialogue was painfully juvenile.
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