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The King of Avalon: A Hellequin Universe Novella
Before a war that ravaged the realms, and claimed the lives of countless souls, Mordred had been the loyal son of a man who would go on to become a tyrant. He was given over to his enemies to be tortured and experimented on, turning him into a twisted and evil monster.
It took Mordred a long time to claw his way back from the abyss he was in, to stand up beside his friends and fight for the freedom of people who had distrusted and hated him for so long. And now that the war is over, he has been given a crown he never wanted, and the responsibility of leading those people who now look upon him as a hero. A king.
But when criminals target a museum opening dedicated to honoring those who had died during the war, Mordred finds himself battling against old enemies who seem to have forgotten who Mordred was before he was king.
He aims to remind them.
It took Mordred a long time to claw his way back from the abyss he was in, to stand up beside his friends and fight for the freedom of people who had distrusted and hated him for so long. And now that the war is over, he has been given a crown he never wanted, and the responsibility of leading those people who now look upon him as a hero. A king.
But when criminals target a museum opening dedicated to honoring those who had died during the war, Mordred finds himself battling against old enemies who seem to have forgotten who Mordred was before he was king.
He aims to remind them.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2024
109 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
36 books1,903 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 30 reviews
February 9, 2025
The King of Avalon by Steve McHugh
Oh what a delight to be with the Hellequin crew again! How I missed all of these people.
Having Mordred as main character was amazing, and I can't get enough of the banter and friendships.
Oh what a delight to be with the Hellequin crew again! How I missed all of these people.
Having Mordred as main character was amazing, and I can't get enough of the banter and friendships.
September 26, 2024
Mordred... What a guy!
I really enjoy and enjoyed the Hellequin Universe bcz first it is opposite of all the myths and legends about Arthur, Merlini and their knights of the round table. And then we have Mordred and Nate and their band of merry misits who are the good guys!
I for one hope that Mr. McHugh will always keep writing additional stories to add to the Hellequin Universe bcz each character, especially Remy, makes this universe such a fun place to read about and will always hold a special place in my favorite books memory palace in my mind!
Steve McHugh, please keep the Hellequin Universe going!
I really enjoy and enjoyed the Hellequin Universe bcz first it is opposite of all the myths and legends about Arthur, Merlini and their knights of the round table. And then we have Mordred and Nate and their band of merry misits who are the good guys!
I for one hope that Mr. McHugh will always keep writing additional stories to add to the Hellequin Universe bcz each character, especially Remy, makes this universe such a fun place to read about and will always hold a special place in my favorite books memory palace in my mind!
Steve McHugh, please keep the Hellequin Universe going!
September 28, 2024
Excellent read!
Another fantastic story by Steve. Only one slight complaint, it's too short lol!
Great story Steve! Thank you for another visit into the world of Hellequin.
It was truly appreciated.
Another fantastic story by Steve. Only one slight complaint, it's too short lol!
Great story Steve! Thank you for another visit into the world of Hellequin.
It was truly appreciated.
September 25, 2024
cool stuff
Start at book 1 and hang in for the ride- these books have great action, real mythology and meaty characters with fabulous wisdom and epic humor to keep you riveted to the story. It’s one long saga with several corollary series filling out the history. A must read for fantasy fans and connoisseurs of Arthurian legend. Plus elves and dwarves.
Start at book 1 and hang in for the ride- these books have great action, real mythology and meaty characters with fabulous wisdom and epic humor to keep you riveted to the story. It’s one long saga with several corollary series filling out the history. A must read for fantasy fans and connoisseurs of Arthurian legend. Plus elves and dwarves.
October 27, 2024
Rating: 4 stars
This novella (153 pages) was a pleasant reminder of just how much I enjoyed reading the Hellequin Chronicles Saga and Hellequin Universe books and novellas. Several characters from the previous books are featured, but the MC in this book is Mordred. Mordred's mental health has really improved, but I miss the compulsive singing of video game songs! In the author's acknowledgements there is a tease that future Hellequin Universe books might be published in the future...there are plans.
SUMMARY: Before a war that ravaged the realms, and claimed the lives of countless souls, Mordred had been the loyal son of a man who would go on to become a tyrant. He was given over to his enemies to be tortured and experimented on, turning him into a twisted and evil monster. It took Mordred a long time to claw his way back from the abyss he was in, to stand up beside his friends and fight for the freedom of people who had distrusted and hated him for so long. And now that the war is over, he has been given a crown he never wanted, and the responsibility of leading those people who now look upon him as a hero. A king. But when criminals target a museum opening dedicated to honoring those who had died during the war, Mordred finds himself battling against old enemies who seem to have forgotten who Mordred was before he was king. He aims to remind them.
This novella (153 pages) was a pleasant reminder of just how much I enjoyed reading the Hellequin Chronicles Saga and Hellequin Universe books and novellas. Several characters from the previous books are featured, but the MC in this book is Mordred. Mordred's mental health has really improved, but I miss the compulsive singing of video game songs! In the author's acknowledgements there is a tease that future Hellequin Universe books might be published in the future...there are plans.
SUMMARY: Before a war that ravaged the realms, and claimed the lives of countless souls, Mordred had been the loyal son of a man who would go on to become a tyrant. He was given over to his enemies to be tortured and experimented on, turning him into a twisted and evil monster. It took Mordred a long time to claw his way back from the abyss he was in, to stand up beside his friends and fight for the freedom of people who had distrusted and hated him for so long. And now that the war is over, he has been given a crown he never wanted, and the responsibility of leading those people who now look upon him as a hero. A king. But when criminals target a museum opening dedicated to honoring those who had died during the war, Mordred finds himself battling against old enemies who seem to have forgotten who Mordred was before he was king. He aims to remind them.
January 28, 2025
I believe this is the first I’ve read of this author. That being said, I feel like I was missing something here.
Being as this appears to be a series, I will recommend reading the others first!
That being said, this was pretty solid for a novella. Short, but definitely packs the punches!
Mordred is the King, but he also seems to be other worldly, as he wields magical powers to fight others off! And, he has a bunch of friends (or should I say misfits?). Each has their own powers,not secrets…
When a museum comes under attack, and some of their friends might actually be in the crosshairs…well, there’s no holding back!
Solid 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me! Rounded up to 4!
#TheKingOfAvalon : A Hellequin Universe Novella by #SteveMcHugh. Narrated nicely by #SimonMattacks.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook WHICH RELEASES TODAY!! 1/28/25. *** Please look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***
As for me… You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Being as this appears to be a series, I will recommend reading the others first!
That being said, this was pretty solid for a novella. Short, but definitely packs the punches!
Mordred is the King, but he also seems to be other worldly, as he wields magical powers to fight others off! And, he has a bunch of friends (or should I say misfits?). Each has their own powers,not secrets…
When a museum comes under attack, and some of their friends might actually be in the crosshairs…well, there’s no holding back!
Solid 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me! Rounded up to 4!
#TheKingOfAvalon : A Hellequin Universe Novella by #SteveMcHugh. Narrated nicely by #SimonMattacks.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrilliancePublishing and #BrillianceAudio for an ARC of the audiobook WHICH RELEASES TODAY!! 1/28/25. *** Please look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***
As for me… You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads.
Insta: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
February 4, 2025
This was a fun and silly little novella, and I liked it. But I did not realize going into it that it was part of a larger series. Now, of course, I want to read the larger series.
Haha.
So, unfortunately, I don't recommend going into this one (as I did) without reading the other books first. I was pretty lost, and since the book flaunts typical "norms" around Camelot and who's good and who's bad, it took me a while to catch on and get invested. That said, I DO recommend checking out the series (though I haven't yet read it myself -- simply basing that on this one book).
It appears to be the Camelot tale, only much, much more. Just in this short novella, I heard names like 'Hel,' 'Hera,' and many, many more. Obviously, the author pulls from several different worlds.
The style of writing gave me strong Jim Butcher a la the Dresden Files vibes, and since I love Jim Butcher, I was A-okay with that. I could only rate this one a three because -- as I said -- it was hard to get into it and figure out what was going on enough to be invested in less than 200 pages. But I DO plan to check out the rest of the series, so that, to me, is a bigger recommendation than any star rating.
As for the audio aspects, no complaints whatsoever. Very well narrated.
Haha.
So, unfortunately, I don't recommend going into this one (as I did) without reading the other books first. I was pretty lost, and since the book flaunts typical "norms" around Camelot and who's good and who's bad, it took me a while to catch on and get invested. That said, I DO recommend checking out the series (though I haven't yet read it myself -- simply basing that on this one book).
It appears to be the Camelot tale, only much, much more. Just in this short novella, I heard names like 'Hel,' 'Hera,' and many, many more. Obviously, the author pulls from several different worlds.
The style of writing gave me strong Jim Butcher a la the Dresden Files vibes, and since I love Jim Butcher, I was A-okay with that. I could only rate this one a three because -- as I said -- it was hard to get into it and figure out what was going on enough to be invested in less than 200 pages. But I DO plan to check out the rest of the series, so that, to me, is a bigger recommendation than any star rating.
As for the audio aspects, no complaints whatsoever. Very well narrated.
February 6, 2025
In this tale Mordred is the main character. He is the king. Mordred had been tortured by his enemies. They experimented on him, the results, he became a vile monster. He fought his way back from the insanity he was living. He joined his friends in the fight for freedom for all people, even the ones that despised him and doubted him. He had never pursued the crown but now it was thrust upon him. People now see him as a hero.
A museum is being dedicated to honoring those who died in the war. Criminals have targeted the museum. Mordred must once again battle enemies from his past.
When I think of Avalon I always think of King Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. This series has gone in a new direction. In The King of Avalon, Mordred is the good guy. This is the FIFTH book in the series, and I have not read the first book; I should have. I felt as if I had parachuted into the middle of a battle and had no idea why I was there. It took me a bit to connect with this tale and I believe it was because I had not read the first book. This tale is fun, and most readers will enjoy it.
Thank you NetGalley
March 3, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good King Arthur story, so this was intriguing. Apparently, there’s a whole interesting universe of stories that I hadn’t known existed where the Camelot stories get turned upside down and the past and present collide! This is the latest in that universe, but don’t worry about not having read the other stories, because the author gets you caught up as this story moves at a quick clip.
Mordred is King of Avalon, the war has been over for decades, and he is reluctantly going to London to attend a museum opening that chronicles the war and those lost. The plus side of this is a chance to catch up with old friends. I really enjoyed how many of his friends are Gods, Goddesses, dwarves, a fox man, etcetera (and all are ones you’ll know by name!)
When Mordred investigates a strange looking portal that had been found during the renovation process, a chain of events begin and him and his friends find they’re under attack, but by whom?
This was a fast paced adventure and a quick read. I enjoyed the audio version of this novella. This definitely peaked my interest to find the original stories too. 😊
**Thank you NetGalley for the advanced version of this book.**
Mordred is King of Avalon, the war has been over for decades, and he is reluctantly going to London to attend a museum opening that chronicles the war and those lost. The plus side of this is a chance to catch up with old friends. I really enjoyed how many of his friends are Gods, Goddesses, dwarves, a fox man, etcetera (and all are ones you’ll know by name!)
When Mordred investigates a strange looking portal that had been found during the renovation process, a chain of events begin and him and his friends find they’re under attack, but by whom?
This was a fast paced adventure and a quick read. I enjoyed the audio version of this novella. This definitely peaked my interest to find the original stories too. 😊
**Thank you NetGalley for the advanced version of this book.**
November 10, 2024
Author: Steve McHugh
Kindle unlimited & Amazon
Another great story from Steve McHugh! Honestly I have not read a book of his that I didn’t like. I read this novella in one day, and absolutely loved it! You definitely have to read the main series, The Hellequin Chronicles, it’s so good. These characters and stories are my comfort read. I’ve read this series repeatedly, and never tire of it. The novella ends on a kind of cliffhanger that makes you think there might be more to the characters story and I really hope there’s more books coming!
Kindle unlimited & Amazon
Another great story from Steve McHugh! Honestly I have not read a book of his that I didn’t like. I read this novella in one day, and absolutely loved it! You definitely have to read the main series, The Hellequin Chronicles, it’s so good. These characters and stories are my comfort read. I’ve read this series repeatedly, and never tire of it. The novella ends on a kind of cliffhanger that makes you think there might be more to the characters story and I really hope there’s more books coming!
February 2, 2025
This may be a novella, but it doesn’t hold back. It delivers a punchy, action-packed story with a strong emotional core. Mordred’s transformation from a tortured outcast to a reluctant king is compelling, and I loved how his past still haunts him, even after proving himself. The pacing is tight, the action intense, and the stakes feel real.
I really appreciated how this story balanced grit and heart—Mordred isn’t just a warrior; he’s a leader trying to do right by people who once feared him. It’s short but satisfying, making every moment count. If you enjoy dark fantasy with redemption arcs and badass fight scenes, this one’s definitely worth a read!
I really appreciated how this story balanced grit and heart—Mordred isn’t just a warrior; he’s a leader trying to do right by people who once feared him. It’s short but satisfying, making every moment count. If you enjoy dark fantasy with redemption arcs and badass fight scenes, this one’s definitely worth a read!
October 25, 2024
A delightful visit to a favorite world
Perfect for fans of the Hellequin books!
Part nostalgia as we catch up and laugh with many of our favorite characters like Nate, Remy, Diana, and Mordred. Then, of course, events devolve into the sort of madcap mayhem that only these characters can deliver!
Overall, it's a fun visit to a favorite world! With some nice teasers for future novels, I hope!
Perfect for fans of the Hellequin books!
Part nostalgia as we catch up and laugh with many of our favorite characters like Nate, Remy, Diana, and Mordred. Then, of course, events devolve into the sort of madcap mayhem that only these characters can deliver!
Overall, it's a fun visit to a favorite world! With some nice teasers for future novels, I hope!
February 3, 2025
Mordred is King but only after many deaths. To honour them a museum is being opened and many dignitaries attend. An attack puts many in danger and Mordred must quickly identify who is responsible and stop them.
Well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Strong characters must face old enemies. Mordred May not be trusted by all bur he will do all he can to protect the people now and in the future.
Well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Strong characters must face old enemies. Mordred May not be trusted by all bur he will do all he can to protect the people now and in the future.
September 26, 2024
A fine revisit with these characters. At one point I thought, "Is this going to just be them attending the museum opening and making witty banter?" It wasn't, but I was okay with that too.
This was a solid story that reminded me of the previous events without going overboard. I liked the focus on Mordred, but lots of the favorite characters were there too.
This was a solid story that reminded me of the previous events without going overboard. I liked the focus on Mordred, but lots of the favorite characters were there too.
September 27, 2024
Long live King Mordred!
I am so happy Steve has taken up Mordred's story. Like Nathan (Hellequin), he has an intriguing backstory and has overcome monumental problems to become a force for and of good. This is an excellent fast paced story featuring Mordred, son of Merlin, with a supporting cast of our favorite Hellequin characters. I look forward to more!
I am so happy Steve has taken up Mordred's story. Like Nathan (Hellequin), he has an intriguing backstory and has overcome monumental problems to become a force for and of good. This is an excellent fast paced story featuring Mordred, son of Merlin, with a supporting cast of our favorite Hellequin characters. I look forward to more!
September 29, 2024
So happy to see the gang back together!
A blackadder reference, and Remy is as foul mouthed as ever!!
My only complaint is that it was a novella. As it simply wasn't long enough.
I'm hoping that there may be a couple of other novellas from the Hellaquin Universe, which leads up to another full length book.
A blackadder reference, and Remy is as foul mouthed as ever!!
My only complaint is that it was a novella. As it simply wasn't long enough.
I'm hoping that there may be a couple of other novellas from the Hellaquin Universe, which leads up to another full length book.
September 27, 2024
Enable novella
All sorts of quirks and sleuthing and friends comes together in this Mordred novella. The book can be read stand alone but it probably won't make sense to readers not familiar with the characters.
All sorts of quirks and sleuthing and friends comes together in this Mordred novella. The book can be read stand alone but it probably won't make sense to readers not familiar with the characters.
October 1, 2024
Loved it!
Hated when this series ended!😥 I hope this story means there are more coming I miss all these characters .nate and mordred ,Remy and Diana . This story just made hunger for more!
Hated when this series ended!😥 I hope this story means there are more coming I miss all these characters .nate and mordred ,Remy and Diana . This story just made hunger for more!
December 19, 2024
Loved it!!!
So good to get back to reading about some of my favorite characters, and the fact this one is about Mordred makes it that much better. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the future with all these characters and the epic story that McHugh continues to write.
So good to get back to reading about some of my favorite characters, and the fact this one is about Mordred makes it that much better. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the future with all these characters and the epic story that McHugh continues to write.
April 22, 2025
Amazing Novella
Wonderfully creative, amazing characters and world-building, following the series. Steve McHugh has created a unique series based on mythology, legends and folklore, magnificent urban fantasy
Wonderfully creative, amazing characters and world-building, following the series. Steve McHugh has created a unique series based on mythology, legends and folklore, magnificent urban fantasy
December 28, 2025
excellent addition foreshadowing more
An excellent addition of the series and continuity of many characters. It is nice to continue to read the continued stories and plots. Will eagerly await more!
An excellent addition of the series and continuity of many characters. It is nice to continue to read the continued stories and plots. Will eagerly await more!
September 29, 2024
fantastic
It’s like slipping on comfortable shoes. To be back with these characters again.
Very much enjoyed every page. Far too short.
It’s like slipping on comfortable shoes. To be back with these characters again.
Very much enjoyed every page. Far too short.
October 15, 2024
Hail the king
Any thing that carries the chronical is great. Keeps you coming back for more and hoping for the next and the next.
Any thing that carries the chronical is great. Keeps you coming back for more and hoping for the next and the next.
October 23, 2024
great read
I hope we get another Avalon series ,it will be brilliant. Can’t wait to see who the mystery person is
I hope we get another Avalon series ,it will be brilliant. Can’t wait to see who the mystery person is
January 26, 2025
It was fine.
January 28, 2025
I love catching up with all of my favourite characters would I loved a bit longer time with them but I don't complain. Narration was on point and would recommend if you already know the characters.
April 16, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
This was a short novella set in the aftermath of the War in the Hellequin Universe. It features Mordred and many of our favorite characters that we have come to know and love over the years.
There is an opening of a Museum Exhibit occurring in London and Mordred and the gang show up. Unfortunately, there is an attack that occurs by lots of bad guys and Mordred is trying to figure out what they are after.
This is a very quick and easy read/listen and it was fun to drop back into this world for a quick visit while we got to see the good guys get another win.
This was a short novella set in the aftermath of the War in the Hellequin Universe. It features Mordred and many of our favorite characters that we have come to know and love over the years.
There is an opening of a Museum Exhibit occurring in London and Mordred and the gang show up. Unfortunately, there is an attack that occurs by lots of bad guys and Mordred is trying to figure out what they are after.
This is a very quick and easy read/listen and it was fun to drop back into this world for a quick visit while we got to see the good guys get another win.
October 2, 2024
Brilliant as always Steve.
October 15, 2024
I am a great fan of the Hellequin series and its offshoots. It was great to join Mordred and Co for another adventure!
October 18, 2025
A novella set after the Horsemen's War, showcasing why Mordred is the true king of Avalon. Well written and full of the characters you know and love and worth the read if you need a taste of the Hellequin universe after the main story is over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews