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The Preternatural Chronicles #2

Dawn and Quartered: Preternatural Chronicles Book 2

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The postal service frowns upon shipping severed heads. But a courier will deliver anything for a tip....

My name is John Cook, and my life began the day my heart stopped beating. After 500 years, I’ve finally avenged my parents and killed the right bastard who done me wrong. Commander Godwin is dead!

Except revenge has consequences - in my case, both Heavenly and Hellish debt collectors. And these guys are extremely dedicated to their jobs, vying for employee of the month status by being the first to acquire my head. Speaking of heads, one was just delivered to me by a secret admirer. Great. Super. At least things can’t get any worse....

Wait. My best friend, Depweg the werewolf, was just kidnapped. It seems I have another secret admirer. Or is it the same person, trying super-duper hard to win my heart?

Or...maybe take my heart.

Looks like I’ve got a sleepover to plan. For one of us, it will probably be a permanent dirt nap....

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2019

889 people are currently reading
278 people want to read

About the author

Hunter Blain

32 books200 followers
My name is Hunter, and I’m a wordaholic. I’m also about to break the fourth wall…of your mindhole. Because there is a true story behind this…well…story.

It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…

One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.

“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.

“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”

“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.

“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”

Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.

John…had died.

Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.

Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.

John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…

When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.

So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.

Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.

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771 (59%)
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397 (30%)
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112 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Larry Tushman.
220 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2020
After learning of a master conspiracy regarding his survival, as well as a friend's kidnapping, John sets forth to right both. With the aid of varied advice (plans!) from multiple beings, but with a shaky mental foundation, can he stop his, or anyone's, end days?
Stuffed full of roaring, highly detailed action, laugh out loud moments, and some serious character growth, the continuing (mis)adventures of John Cook are a fun journey.
Profile Image for Markus Matthews.
Author 21 books40 followers
May 20, 2020
Even better than the first book!

John is back and funny as ever. In my review of I’m Glad you’re Dead, I described the book as Deadpool in an Urban Fantasy setting (Vampire Deadpool) and that theme is very much alive with this book.

In this book, a couple of familiar foes have returned. One is looking for redemption and the other is looking for revenge. John’s hands are tied in what he can do against his old nemesis - if he or his old foe die, the end of days is triggered which really puts John in a bind.

In I’m Glad you’re Dead, the author split the story jumping back and forth between John’s past and present day. While I enjoyed how it was done, a story filled with flashbacks is not my usual cup of tea. Thankfully, this book is flashback free and the entire story stays in the present. This made it even more fast-paced than the first book and that book didn’t exactly let off the gas either.

Dawn and Quarter is a fun romp that will keep you turning the page no matter how badly you need to get to bed.
Profile Image for Paige Guido.
197 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2019
Is there such a thing as a charismatic Mr. Potatohead?
John (just John) keeps growing on me. He’s not smart, handsome, sexy, or any of those things that are typical of either heroes or vampires in most tales. But damme if he doesn’t get under your skin. The wealth of puns, pop-culture references and Stooges-worthy misfires help. I guffawed. Multiple times. But serious sh*t went down, too, with promise of more to come. Like, Armageddon-level sh*t. Hunter Blain is a rare, unexpected find. Read him. If you’re just seeing this, start with Deliverance – a short prequel.
I actually miss those gators, Hunter.
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2020
This series is really good!

I wasn't as impressed with book one but this book made up for that small lack.
You've got to read it. Reminds me of Shayne Silvers books, just different.
Profile Image for Carla  Moreira .
467 reviews
August 7, 2020
Snarky Fun

Hunter's writing is entertaining and engaging. I switch from listening while working to reading when relaxing and Ive found this book a very enjoyable companion in both settings.
It's a little Gory and the "man" humour is a bit of an acquired taste, but if you like that style or, like me, live with 3 goofballs, you will find yourself smiling and chuckling along.

Underneath all the Snarky Shenanigans, there is a real intriguing story building and I find myself really looking forward to what comes next. What I find most engaging is the character development. John is a very Flawed Individual and frankly.... a bit of a bad guy in my opinion, ok maybe antihero is more applicable... but none the less he is trying to better himself and trying damn hard to make up for past sins. Well... that and dishing out a side plate of revenge every now and then ( meh he isn't perfect). In fact, you can clearly see how the events of the last book and this one slowly changes him. He also show a remarkable amount of compassion and kindness on occasion, especially towards kids and animals. The Author has had my wrinkling my nose In disgust at the gore one minute, to sniffiling at an emotional scene the next. All in all, I'm a little in love with this podgy hard ass Vampire with is snarky humor and will happily follow him into the next book and onto his next adventure!
Profile Image for Joran.
26 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2021
Excellent read

I really like the snarky, meme filled dialog in these books. I cringe a bit about how much our protagonist gets messed up almost to death a few times each time, but hey being a vampire that can heal or be healed has its perks. Some cringing but overall a fantastic yarn I can’t wait to continue!
Profile Image for Megan Rose.
415 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2025
This book actually made me laugh so hard. I'm loving this series
98 reviews
June 12, 2020
Just Keeps Getting Better

The first book was great,this one topped it. The storyline is great and the characters and their growth is making this a first class read.On to the next adventure.
168 reviews
March 21, 2020
Another fun one

John's nemesis shows up, but killing him means the end of the world.

This was another fun book with some needed growth. Can't wait for the next installment
Profile Image for Christopher McKarski.
2 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2020
Fantastic Fantasy with Fangs!

I stumbled on to the writings of Hunter Blain by accident. I was looking for a something to occupy my time while waiting for my next fix from Shayne Silvers and Steve Mchugh, and now Im just as hooked. A great blend of fangs, funny, fantasy, and faeries that delivers an action packed paranormal punch to the imagination!
Profile Image for Brynn.
28 reviews
March 6, 2020
Keep this series going!

I love John. He's such a smart ass and quick witted. I'm loving the growth in the characters and the forgiveness that blossoms. I can't wait for the next!
133 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2020
Absolutely loving this series!

The humor, the snark, the ..dare I say..dad jokes...all add to what is a great story. Loving this authors work. Seriously. You need to read his work.
Profile Image for KIMBERLY C..
22 reviews
September 14, 2020
If you like snarky, sarcastic totally awesome charecters READ this book!

I love EVERY single character in this series so far. The storyline is great, the action is fantastic & John is the best parts of Deadpool, Schwarzenegger & Venom ❤ I have recommended this series to ALL of my friends & now the general public.
When Netflix finally wakes up & turns this into a series (more suggestions are needed in the books) I will watch it ;).
Profile Image for Scott.
62 reviews
July 17, 2020
Fun series

Enjoying the series so far. Fin books to listen to. Hunter seems to be having fun with the series which I think is what is making it fun to listen to.
94 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2020
Hunter Blain does it again!

Poor John. Angels, demons, Fae and his own pride. How much longer will his beloved trench coat last?
Pick up the book. You will have a hard time putting it down.
Profile Image for C.T. Phipps.
Author 93 books670 followers
June 18, 2020
So, what do you do when you're the most important man on Earth?

In John Cook's case, he's discovered that one of the final signs of the apocalypse is there only being one vampire left on Earth. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is one of the last two vampires on Earth and the other one is his mortal enemy as well as creator. Having Lucifer want you dead in order to trigger the apocalypse is bad enough but he's also managed to tick off heaven by killing an angel. Yeah, that's really not going to do much for his atonement.

The Preternatural Chronicles are a hilarious set of adventures from the perspective of an Irish vampire with a distinctly Harry Dresden-esque feel to him. He loves joking, making pop culture references, and killing Neo-Nazis for their blood. Okay, that last part isn't something Harry Dresden does but should. He's also got a talking dog/werecreature as well as a bunch of other oddball "friends" that now include the talking severed head of his worst enemy.

These are just incredibly entertaining books and you should check them out. Hunter Blain is a master of witty dialogue and absurd situations.
Profile Image for Deanna.
97 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2020
No pain, No Gain

Character development and growth usually mean the main character experiences an emotional, painful event that leads to some deep revelation and ultimately they have to make some tough choices. John's is no exception.
I was glad to see his superficial and arrogant personality challenged. Some people only learn the hard way, and I feel John is one of them. What he experiences in this book could be defined as necessary evils to further his growth. And a major one that shakes his sense of trust in someone closest to him.
John has a long way to go, still being the immature, often obnoxiously intolerable modern day version of Bill and Ted. But as he fumbles his way to acclimate to modern society, John has endeared himself to his tight circle of friends. He struggles with his own demons more than the real monsters that go bump in the night, and that is his greatest war that he must win. If he wants to have a fighting chance to save those he loves...and the world.
40 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2020
I loved this book. The main character, John, (a vampire) is awesome. He's funny and out for blood at the same time. All this while working with a Catholic priest and werewolf and a 6 inch other worldly individual (no spoilers).

It's written in a way that makes a person visualize what they're writing while reading it. I sometimes had to pause and catch my breath after reading (and visualizing) some of the more difficult fight scenes. Combined with all this, I caught myself laughing out loud at some of the comments by John and by the author himself. Don't get it? Well, all I can say is get it (the book I mean).
Profile Image for Summer Riley.
19 reviews
June 25, 2020
I finished this book in a day! Even better than the first these books are fast paced and quite fun! I’m loving the growing relationship between John and Locke... talk about keeping your enemies closer! I laughed out loud several times and even teared up a time or two! Loving the fresh look at the supernatural world. John reminds me of that friend we all have that you totally love but sometimes have to set them aside like a child and give them a time out 😆 I’m already on the 3rd book and hope there’s lots more to come!!
Profile Image for Steve Trelfa.
52 reviews
July 8, 2021
John is back in this solid second installment to the series.

With more references than a research paper we dive deeper into our favourite self undead anti-hero and get to know the crew.

Keeping to the style of his first book Hunter has successfully continued the movie-like feel of the first installment bringing you the continuation you didn't realise you needed.

Jam packed with sarcasm, pop culture references and a enough violence to make hannibal lectre blush what more could a person ask for?
34 reviews
June 18, 2020
Deadpool, if he were a vampire

John Cook does it again, and with hilarious consequences. Few books have made me laugh out loud as much as this one. Combine that with a story that was fun to follow, and you have yourself one epic read.
Profile Image for Louise.
784 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2020
Cool stories

I really am enjoying these books. John is both funny, warm, and terrifying. The relationships he has with the other characters are interesting to read and kind of sweet. All the secrets are annoying but that's the story, so I'll keep reading until I know them.
Profile Image for Harmony Mauzey.
30 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2020
Like having ice cream for breakfast this series is a guilty pleasure.

John Cook is a dirty, raunchy, irreverent guy (or vampire, watevs) and I couldn't adore him more for it. His little heart grew at least one whole size in this installment. Or at least half a size.
33 reviews
June 29, 2020
Laugh out loud hilarity

Blain is a gifted author, weaving together great story telling, blockbuster-movie style action, and seriously side-splitting comedy. Deadpool meets Dracula is the best way to describe John Cook.
Profile Image for Marcia Campbell.
173 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2020
Another great book by Hunter Blain! Witty and gritty, this book will have you reading way past your bedtime!!
Profile Image for Laurie Davis.
7 reviews
July 17, 2021
Dawn and Quartered, the 2nd book of the “Preternatural Chronicles” series by Hunter Blain, is another gem about the life of John Cook, the vampire who seeks redemption despite his appetite for blood. Will blood of the guilty be enough? The reader discovers the depth of who John really is in this book. We see his heart and those in his life that drive his passion.

One of the unique aspects in Blain’s work is the reappearance of characters that you believe are long gone. Those reappearances sets an intense battle of right and wrong, of life and death, of friendship and revenge, and of hatred and forgiveness. John struggles with his Predatory Self which results in the grandest battle of all.

The story is centered around the abduction of John’s best friend, Depweg, but it is more than that relationship. There is plenty of Blain’s trademark use of quirky humor, witty sidebars and pop references. My favorite scenes in all the books so far are the ones that feature Da and Locke. It was campy and just hilarious.

Well done, Hunter, for bringing us another great read in the life of John Cook, the superhero in urban fantasy.
Profile Image for Justin Sylvia.
222 reviews
October 24, 2020
Ok, so.. if whether you’re a mild Johniac(?) like me, or you’re like book 7 or so deep into the series, then you know that Johnathan Cook, or rather John isn’t your goody goody superhero or even hero in the same vein of Cap America or even your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. No, John is THANKFULLY like a certain amount of anti-hero’s like Venom or maybe even playboy billionaire Tony Stark. John never asked to be thrust into situations like the ones he has been thrust into, but Lilith damn it, he is & surprisingly makes the right choices. Read on if ur appetite has been whetted or your curiosity peaked
127 reviews
November 4, 2024
John Cook is a vampire who needs to rescue his best friend without killing the guy who kidnapped him. A fun urban fantasy. Funny, great plot, exciting. The thing I really like is that the main character is trying to redeem his soul because he did some bad things. That’s not the thing I like. The thing I really like is that he’s succeeding. The book goes through his successes and failures and the feelings that they evoke in the character. And his loyal friends (can’t have a good urban fantasy without a group of friends who are loyal and supportive) take care of him and (some of them) understand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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