Nearly fifty years ago, the small Welsh village of Anfarwol was the scene of a series of brutal murders. Since then, multiple people have met with accidents, or gone missing never to be found, while those responsible have evaded detection for decades.
When Remy Roax is kidnapped while investigating the disappearances, Nate Garrett and allies are brought in to solve the mystery, and bring their friend home. Unfortunately for Remy’s abductors, they have no inkling how bad of an idea it was to bring him to a place where he can cause nothing but mayhem.
"Wherever he is, he is pissing someone off right now. No one can manipulate Remy. No one on earth or the realms can tell him what to do. He fought people who considered themselves gods and he did it with a little more than a sword, a gun and an attitude that was designed to piss off people more powerful than him. Remy does what Remy wants to do and that's always his way. So let's find him. And if it helps, wherever Remy is, you know he is making someone's life difficult." 😹
The story takes place after the events of the Horseman's war. Remy Roax has gone missing and it's up to Nathan, Mordrid, Morgan and their allies to solve the mystery of their friend's disappearance and bring him home. 💭Remy 'the fox' Roax is such a hoot and quite the character. I haven't read the first three books in the Harlequin series yet and although this one has major spoilers, I'm still interested in reading the series and getting to know more about Remy and co. The audio narration is great. 👌The narrator's voice is distinct and compelling. No added sound effects or background music but also not necessary.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance audio for the audiobook arc. 🖤
Undying by Steve McHugh is a novella, set within the Hellequin series.
While it can theoretically be read on its own, you'll get the most out of it, if you read the main series first.
This short and fast paced action story works so well, because all the world building and character development has already been done, and you're ready to just step into the story.
And what a fun little ride it was! I just can't get enough of Remy the sweary foxman, and having a bit of Nate again was a special treat after such a long pause.
I would happily have spent 10 times as many pages with this crew, but the story managed to be satisfying even at that length.
I read this novella as part of the Secret Scribes judging group for the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). This review is my personal opinion and does not solely determine if this story will move onto the next phase of the competition. A journalist named Eric Pointer is captured by a murderous cult and all his body guards have been killed by a machete-weilding monster. He finds himself imprisoned alongside a fox-man named Remy who is much calmer than one should expect in this type of situation. Please note that I read this novella for the SFINCS competition and therefore did not read the previous three Hellequin Chronicle stories. With both horror and mystery coming at the reader right out of the gate, the plot-focused Undying was a quick read. What tickled my curiosity the most was something mentioned offhand a few times and I assume was explained in previous entries in the series: Merlin and King Arthur were evil. It's such a small detail (for the plot of Undying) but something that isn't often explored in Arthurian myth. However, I found the characters somewhat lacking. At no point did I find myself attached to Eric Pointer, the human journalist and (I incorrectly assumed) main character of the story. He pretty much just follows Remy around and watches as the fox-man escapes and infiltrates the cult headquarters. Nate Garrett, the other POV character, was much more interesting, but unfortunately all of his characterization seems to have been in the preceding novellas. In Undying, I never really felt that the characters were challenged or had much growth. If you enjoy larger-than-life fantasy characters teaming up to face a horror/mystery, then Undying is the book for you.
Stepping into UNDYING is like seeing a long time friend after a long span of time has passed. For true friendship, no time passes, you just pick up where you left off. That is what this story felt like. I put it off for a day, in an effort to prolong the feeling. Once I got started it was non stop and finished the story in one sitting, glad to have read it and sad it had ended. Thank you for this Steve. Nate &Co. hold a special place in my heart and this was completely enjoyable. You know of course that you must now get started on a full length novel now, right?
Oh well, that's another book I'm sad to finish. Steve writes books that are like a supernatural John Wick, they are packed with action and a rollercoaster of events that leave you absolutely drained by the time you've finished them. Now I've got wait till he writes the next one...☹️
Rating: 4 stars Kindle Edition: 150 pages Published January 30, 2024
This was an enjoyable novella with many of the gang back together for another adventure and ass-kicking of bad guys.
A new chapter in the Hellequin Chronicles Saga. Nearly fifty years ago, the small Welsh village of Anfarwol was the scene of a series of brutal murders. Since then, multiple people have met with accidents, or gone missing never to be found, while those responsible have evaded detection for decades. When Remy is kidnapped while investigating the disappearances, Nate Garrett and allies are brought in to solve the mystery and bring their friend home. Unfortunately for Remy’s abductors, they have no inkling how bad of an idea it was to bring him to a place where he can cause nothing but mayhem.
It took me far to long to read this because I wanted to savor my favorite series and then I read it in one night and absolutely couldn't put it down! It brings everything I love about the series together; friendship, butt kicking, good vs bad guys, and of course comedy and insults!! All in all a great book and I need more!!
“Undying” is a Novella in the Hellequin Chronicles universe. I reread the entire series this year just to lead up to reading this book, and as always I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through this world.
In this book Nate and his friends are recruited into helping Morgan find her missing people and their fox/man hybrid friend Remy. They find a village where no one has aged or died from illness in over a hundred years. Along the way to finding their missing people they also find out the reason why no one is dying.
If you love urban fantasy I highly recommend starting with book one “Crimes Against Magic”. I think this novella could be read separately, but I wouldn’t. You’d miss out on the world building and plot from the other books. I really hope this novella leads to more stories about Nate Garrett and his friends! This series holds a special place in my heart & I’m pretty sure I’ll end up rereading the series for a 5th time in the future.
It was so good to read the characters again, like visiting old friends again. I can’t wait and hope there’ll be more. Only complaint is that it was over too soon. Thanks Steve!
What can I say? I love this series and having the gang all back together- even for a short story- just made me smile.
Having everyone (well, almost everyone) rushing to save Remy…..count me in!
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this arc. This will be out for publication November 12, 2024.
McHugh throws the urban fantasy kitchen sink at this novella with a cast of wise-cracking, powerful anthropomorphic and mythical heroes. The result is a thrilling page-turning magical slasher mystery. Big magic, big fight scenes.
I don't know about you but I LOVE any story about Remy, Nate, Tommy, Mordred and the whole gang!! I truly hope that Mr. McHugh writes more stories about this group of friends bcz it is so much fun reading about them and laughing with them! And it's been a long time coming, that I don't want it to ever end! Hear that Mr. McHugh!?? Please write more about the Hellequin Universe! Full stories, novellas, whatever... Just more please!
Fans of the Hellequin books will enjoy this quick story set after the Horsemen's War. Everyone is being their snarky and violent selves as they wreak havoc on the bad guys.
Expectations met! Fun reading!
Whets the appetite for more stories with Nate, Remy, Diana, and all the gang!
It was wonderful to catch up with the gang, as usual there were lots of action and laughs. Remi is still my favourite side character. It looks like we will be getting more books in this universe, I hope. If you follow Nate and the gang, this is a must read.
"Undying" by Steve McHugh is an exhilarating addition to the realm of urban fantasy, blending elements of mythology, magic, and fast-paced action. The novel follows the protagonist, an immortal sorcerer named Nathan Garrett, as he faces both ancient enemies and new threats. McHugh's skilful storytelling keeps the reader engaged, with well-crafted characters and intricate plot twists. The balance between modern settings and mythical elements adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. While the book is part of a series, it stands well on its own, making it accessible to new readers. Overall, "Undying" is a compelling read for fans of the genre, offering a gripping adventure with a touch of dark humour and rich lore. I hope this is the start of more in the Hellequin series.
Thank you NetGalley and brilliance publishing for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
A book for the fans of king Arthur and Merlin stuff. However I don’t tend to enjoy the plots that they are usually involved in. I am waiting for the one that makes me like it haha. It would’ve been better if I had read the first 3 books so I won’t judge the book on my confusion because that’s my fault. The writing is impressive and the action was really well done so i definitely enjoyed the end of the book. And throughout I loved the fox (the good one). They did well to say such a story in a short amount of time and I’d recommend if this is what you’d be interested in too. I just think it’s not for me with the direction of the plot.
I will admit I was a little disappointed in the lack of Tommy, and Tommy and Nate in the lead up to the end of Horseman's War. This novella was the perfect follow-up. It's Nate being Nate, Remy being Remy, and all the rest. Most importantly to me, though, was the return of Nate and Tommy's friendship that I had so sorely missed in the final trilogy.
It was a great, quick read and return to the Hellequin universe (although no Layla and her friends, which I was fine with, but should be noted). Highly recommended for anyone wanting to catch up with Nate and company.
I dropped a star due to a random character name change that was a little jarring.
Loved this book so much, not only for allowing a catch up with many of the characters we’ve been through so much with, but also a packed story!
I am in luv with Mordred, he’s so sweet and funny. Remy is so good (funny sweary foxman) I want him on every page. Then Nate is my hero, he’s the guy u sigh in relief when he shows up still, and is soooo amazing. Honestly luv them all. Would luv more new stuff from them but I’m excited to read the other books from Steve too 😀💜💜
Over in the blink of an eye. It’s great to be back with old friends. It moves along at a great pace . My only criticism is that it maybe had to many characters so certain ones didn’t really get any air time. Also in a couple of places it felt like characters suddenly jumped.
But if your a fan is the series it is absolutely worth the read.
Another awesome written story, this time again in the Hellequin Verse, I almost couldn’t put the book down, it’s a great page turner. Nice story, the characters are instantly recognized if one read the books before, and the pace is quite fast. Sadly it’s rather a short story, I‘d love to read more about those heroes and the realms they’re traveling.
I thought this was going to be mainly a Remy story with maybe some Nate and a quick adventure. Instead, it its more a chapter to kick off what could be a scary but altruistic and incredibly powerful group of people. A very nice addition to the Hellequin universe.
Undying is another book with the Avalon team. Nate and his friends are pushed to their limits in trying to solve an ancient mystery that dates back generations.
Steve has done a great job again with another Hellequin book. His visuals are strong, his characters full and rounded and the storyline has as many twists in it that anyone will find thrilling.
Excellent story and writing as usual. I got to be honest and say that Helliquin is my favorite literature character by far. Can't wait to see where and what Steve McHugh has this group of characters doing next. Please keep up the great writing!!!!
This was another of Steve McHugh's awesome Hellequin book. they have all been some of the best works I read at least 3 times and I do mean I've read all of his books at least that many times. I'll probably read them again in the future not many authors have been that good for me to read there stuff twice.
The downside is it is just a Novella, so was a blink and you miss it read, that shot through the story with ease and it all worked nicely. And was good to meet up with characters after the final battle of the main series and certainly gives hints of a story to come. Where did the Sun Elves go.
Introducing a few new monsters, this was a nice little toe dip back into the Hellequin world and this one seems to be Steve McHugh's love as none of the rough around the edges writing I find with his other works. He knows the characters and his main man Nate so well in this series and the way he writes fight scenes works so well in this world.
Now I need to go back and read the previous books. A cast of previous myths and legends have banded together to police the bad areas and bad mythical who harm mankind. They all have powers, magical weapons or abilities. And they don't believe in leaving anyone behind.
I am so excited to see that the gang is back together again! I love the previous books, and can't wait for more. The author has built an exceptional world, with many realms, and the characters are all unique. I certainly hope that there will be more to come.
His books are always entertaining. Making me want to keep reading till I am finished once I start. I hope this is a start for a new series with the main characters.