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Black Badge #3
Ace in the Hole
The Witcher meets The Dresden Files in this weird Western series by the Audible #1 bestselling duo behind Dead Acre.
Bestselling authors Bruno and Castle continue the Black Badge series, sending James Crowley on his next daring mission with heart stopping turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
11 hours
Bestselling authors Bruno and Castle continue the Black Badge series, sending James Crowley on his next daring mission with heart stopping turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
11 hours
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 21, 2024
135 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
Rhett C. Bruno
70 books648 followersRhett is happy to hear from his fans and can be reached at rcbruno44@outlook.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 7, 2025
Ace in the Hole
By Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle
I really loved the first two books in the series, so I was very excited to get book three. It didn't let me down. It has the mythical gods, werewolves, and other supernatural aspects and actions that I loved from the other two books. Love this series.
By Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle
I really loved the first two books in the series, so I was very excited to get book three. It didn't let me down. It has the mythical gods, werewolves, and other supernatural aspects and actions that I loved from the other two books. Love this series.
June 9, 2025
What an ending! I can only hope we haven’t seen the last of James Crowley & Rosa Massey. I still believe that the Weird West genre as a whole is an underused one. Both Bruno & Castle did a superb job bringing out plot points I wouldn’t have seen coming. Plus Roger Clark’s narration is the cherry on top.
May 24, 2025
Thanks, Crowley and Rosa! A fun weird western fantasy all the way through! Never let me down. only complaint is that there aren't more books!
July 7, 2025
Overall a bit boring with not much happening to move the overall story arch along until the end. I can be fine with this as long as what happens before is interesting. In this case it was mediocre. Very disappointing as Book 2 was so great.
June 11, 2025
For untold years, the thought-dead gunslinger James Crowley has roamed the wild west doing the bidding of the White Throne – hunting wretched nephilim that prey on humans and subvert creation, like vampires. This was his reward for dying in virtue despite a life mired in vice. Love of a woman and his own conscience, though, have made him an apparent enemy of the Throne: he rescued someone that the forces of evil and “good” both desired to make a weapon for their respective forces. Doing what was right in their own hearts didn’t work for the Hebrews, and it’s made Crowley a target for other Black Badges like himself. A vampiric talisman is keeping him concealed for the moment, but given the amount of supernatural interest in Rosa, the imperiled couple will be found, and by all the hounds of hell and horsemen of the apocalypse. So begins the unpredictable but grimly satisfying end to the Black Badge series.
Vein Pursuits truly stood the Black Badge series on its head, as it took us not only out of the west, but into ‘civilization’ – New Orleans, where depravity and demonic energy reign. Crowley’s stubbornness has often put him at odds with the messenger of the White Throne who was his handler – Shar – but in Vein Pursuits his contempt for the cruelty that Shar often ignored saw him fall from what passed for grace in his life. As if to confirm that Shar – and possibly the White Throne – were not truly righteous, they have resurrected the murdering rapist who killed Crowley and made of him a Black Badge. How could “good” use such a vile creature as Ace, who makes use of necromancy and enlists werewolves as allies? Ace in the Hole is the drama of Crowley, Rosa, and his aging horse Timp attempting to evade or destroy the legions sent after him and the monster driving them. But now they’ll go worse than the Big Easy: they’re going to the Federal City itself, the beast on the Potomac.
Ace in the Hole takes into some strange, fantastic, and arcane territory. What is Rosa that angels, demons, and vampires are all fixated on her? As Crowley and Rosa flee, the severity of their dilemma grows more obvious, and there are some fantastic “horror” elements, including monsters that seem plucked straight from Lovecraft. Although working for the White Throne, Ace is consorting with arcane powers of darkness, doing things like possessing a trainload of passengers to attack Crowley as they search for answers and sanctuary: what’s more, Ace’s diabolical powers allow him to overwhelm those who have energies of their own, like a servant of the Traitor, Father of Vampires. This means that not only is Crowley habitually robbed of allies, but deceit and treachery sit as thick in the plot as a London fog. He’s left with questions and desperation, and so is the reader: what does God need with a mere woman?
This book is all kinds of interesting from theological, mythological, and even historical points of view. The action culminates within – or rather, below – the Washington monument, in which we learn that many of the Traitor’s scions were involved in the founding of America, and their vision brings to mind the Freemasons – especially for historically literate readers who know which founders were Masons. I thought this was fascinating, especially given that the Catholic Church views Freemasonry with condemnation, regarding it almost as anathema. That element is never directly addressed, but readers who are cued in will find much of interest.
Ace in the Hole is an ending to the trilogy, though offers a graphic novel series for those who can’t get enough. I might count myself in this category: Bruno and Castle’s world-building captured me from the word go, with its interesting blind of Christian and southwestern native cosmotology. Of course, being a fan of RDR2 I am an utter sucker for the outlaw with a heart of gold, even when he ain’t voiced by Oirthur Morgan hisself. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, but it’s definitely not a read-along: a reader has to be invested in both Crowley and the Crowley-Rosa relationship that’s been building for years, to get the most out of it. I’m sad that this is the end of the line — it’s a new world, and they don’t want folk like us no more — but it was a great series while it lasted, with a fun mix of western action and fantasy that ranged from light to epic.
Vein Pursuits truly stood the Black Badge series on its head, as it took us not only out of the west, but into ‘civilization’ – New Orleans, where depravity and demonic energy reign. Crowley’s stubbornness has often put him at odds with the messenger of the White Throne who was his handler – Shar – but in Vein Pursuits his contempt for the cruelty that Shar often ignored saw him fall from what passed for grace in his life. As if to confirm that Shar – and possibly the White Throne – were not truly righteous, they have resurrected the murdering rapist who killed Crowley and made of him a Black Badge. How could “good” use such a vile creature as Ace, who makes use of necromancy and enlists werewolves as allies? Ace in the Hole is the drama of Crowley, Rosa, and his aging horse Timp attempting to evade or destroy the legions sent after him and the monster driving them. But now they’ll go worse than the Big Easy: they’re going to the Federal City itself, the beast on the Potomac.
Ace in the Hole takes into some strange, fantastic, and arcane territory. What is Rosa that angels, demons, and vampires are all fixated on her? As Crowley and Rosa flee, the severity of their dilemma grows more obvious, and there are some fantastic “horror” elements, including monsters that seem plucked straight from Lovecraft. Although working for the White Throne, Ace is consorting with arcane powers of darkness, doing things like possessing a trainload of passengers to attack Crowley as they search for answers and sanctuary: what’s more, Ace’s diabolical powers allow him to overwhelm those who have energies of their own, like a servant of the Traitor, Father of Vampires. This means that not only is Crowley habitually robbed of allies, but deceit and treachery sit as thick in the plot as a London fog. He’s left with questions and desperation, and so is the reader: what does God need with a mere woman?
This book is all kinds of interesting from theological, mythological, and even historical points of view. The action culminates within – or rather, below – the Washington monument, in which we learn that many of the Traitor’s scions were involved in the founding of America, and their vision brings to mind the Freemasons – especially for historically literate readers who know which founders were Masons. I thought this was fascinating, especially given that the Catholic Church views Freemasonry with condemnation, regarding it almost as anathema. That element is never directly addressed, but readers who are cued in will find much of interest.
Ace in the Hole is an ending to the trilogy, though offers a graphic novel series for those who can’t get enough. I might count myself in this category: Bruno and Castle’s world-building captured me from the word go, with its interesting blind of Christian and southwestern native cosmotology. Of course, being a fan of RDR2 I am an utter sucker for the outlaw with a heart of gold, even when he ain’t voiced by Oirthur Morgan hisself. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, but it’s definitely not a read-along: a reader has to be invested in both Crowley and the Crowley-Rosa relationship that’s been building for years, to get the most out of it. I’m sad that this is the end of the line — it’s a new world, and they don’t want folk like us no more — but it was a great series while it lasted, with a fun mix of western action and fantasy that ranged from light to epic.
July 17, 2025
One: I didn't know that this was the last book of the series. I thought they were going to do another book, and that would be it. But to be the last book and for it to end the way it did? Perfect. I loved every bit of it.
Two: I'm going to miss Crowley and Rosa SO, SO MUCH. These two were so much fun to read about, seeing them go around the West, trying to stop Ace, Heaven and Hell, and also trying to figure out what Rosa is and find someone who can train her with her ever-growing powers. I also liked how she kept trying to stop Crowley from doing the wrong things and wants him to do things her way, even though sometimes it doesn't work at all, which cracks me up sometimes because he gets frustrated and wants to do things his way instead of hers.
Three: The interesting characters that came up here-we got Ace, Chekoketh, Judas Iscariot, and also George Washington, but as a vampire. Dracula does show up at the end, but the one thing I'm stuck on is GEORGE WASHINGTON AS A VAMPIRE. WHO NEEDS VAMPIRIC DENTURES. I honestly crackled the moment I read that, picturing him as a vampire who needs vampiric dentures just so he can drink blood. And he lives in his tower-perfect. Now I can't stop thinking about it each time I look at a picture of the Washington Tower. I think.
But to me, this felt like if Geralt and Yennefer were dropped in the West to find out what Yen is, while also fighting monsters, and this was very fun to read. I didn't care about Ace one bit, even though he got on my nerves. I just enjoyed one last right with Crowley, and the ENDING shocked me. The ENDING. But I did enjoy it nonetheless and I'm sad it's over :(
Two: I'm going to miss Crowley and Rosa SO, SO MUCH. These two were so much fun to read about, seeing them go around the West, trying to stop Ace, Heaven and Hell, and also trying to figure out what Rosa is and find someone who can train her with her ever-growing powers. I also liked how she kept trying to stop Crowley from doing the wrong things and wants him to do things her way, even though sometimes it doesn't work at all, which cracks me up sometimes because he gets frustrated and wants to do things his way instead of hers.
Three: The interesting characters that came up here-we got Ace, Chekoketh, Judas Iscariot, and also George Washington, but as a vampire. Dracula does show up at the end, but the one thing I'm stuck on is GEORGE WASHINGTON AS A VAMPIRE. WHO NEEDS VAMPIRIC DENTURES. I honestly crackled the moment I read that, picturing him as a vampire who needs vampiric dentures just so he can drink blood. And he lives in his tower-perfect. Now I can't stop thinking about it each time I look at a picture of the Washington Tower. I think.
But to me, this felt like if Geralt and Yennefer were dropped in the West to find out what Yen is, while also fighting monsters, and this was very fun to read. I didn't care about Ace one bit, even though he got on my nerves. I just enjoyed one last right with Crowley, and the ENDING shocked me. The ENDING. But I did enjoy it nonetheless and I'm sad it's over :(
July 3, 2025
3.5 stars
I found the final book in this series to be a little disappointing. It falls into the classic trap of fantasy stories where, in each book, the stakes get higher and higher, until finally, things are just too big & broad to make any sense. So whereas the first book focused on the characters, action, and world building—things that feel personal and meaningful—this third book focuses a bit too much on "saving the world," which just feels too big and nebulous. The characters are still great, but the action isn't as fun, there is little new world building, and the ending was a bit meh.
I found the final book in this series to be a little disappointing. It falls into the classic trap of fantasy stories where, in each book, the stakes get higher and higher, until finally, things are just too big & broad to make any sense. So whereas the first book focused on the characters, action, and world building—things that feel personal and meaningful—this third book focuses a bit too much on "saving the world," which just feels too big and nebulous. The characters are still great, but the action isn't as fun, there is little new world building, and the ending was a bit meh.
October 28, 2025
Book 1 was pretty good and pulled me into the genre. Book 2 was really really good. Enjoyed it a lot!!! Book 3, while still keeping me hooked and enjoyable, had me wondering when the finale would begin. I was itching, like a Nephilim was nearby.
It wasn’t until the very end that everything climaxed all at once, and not in the spectacular fashion I had imagined.
I’m not saying I needed a joyful ending, but damn! I was expecting a battle against Shar, not a conversation with Ace with his handler listening in. It really threw me off.
Still chewing on this one…. I’ll leave with this. I did enjoy the entire series, and Jaime Castle is a cool guy. Gotta give mad props.
It wasn’t until the very end that everything climaxed all at once, and not in the spectacular fashion I had imagined.
I’m not saying I needed a joyful ending, but damn! I was expecting a battle against Shar, not a conversation with Ace with his handler listening in. It really threw me off.
Still chewing on this one…. I’ll leave with this. I did enjoy the entire series, and Jaime Castle is a cool guy. Gotta give mad props.
July 31, 2025
I’ve really liked this series up until this book, which I think fell flat as a pancake. The plot didn’t really have much going for it, and one of the twists at the end was borderline laugh out loud ridiculous. The only thing saving it from a lower rating was the characters that carried over. If I read this as a standalone book, it’d probably be a 2 star book for me…..
Very generous 3/5 stars
Very generous 3/5 stars
September 12, 2025
not terrible, but an ending that left me unfulfilled. yes Crowley probably did deserve the punishment and he gets to laugh about denying both sides. but I don't get the bit about Rosa giving up all the power and then trading it for becoming a vampire. also vampire George Washington? Got a bit silly here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2025
What an ending!
That was slam bang ending. The entire book was action, then action then a little more for good measure. Crowley is a great character, you can't help but root for him. To bad this is the end to his story, I would enjoy more.
One can wish ...
That was slam bang ending. The entire book was action, then action then a little more for good measure. Crowley is a great character, you can't help but root for him. To bad this is the end to his story, I would enjoy more.
One can wish ...
July 9, 2025
What an exciting addition to the Black Badge series I especially love geometry dash lite with its fun gameplay and supernatural elements, you won't want to miss "Ace in the Hole"!
July 12, 2025
Exceptional series. I hope for more!
Absolutely loved reading this. Western action, supernatural horrors, historical fiction, all wrapped together in a wonderful prose. Bring on more Black Badge!
Absolutely loved reading this. Western action, supernatural horrors, historical fiction, all wrapped together in a wonderful prose. Bring on more Black Badge!
August 27, 2025
The book felt rushed and underdeveloped. There was a lot of potential, but the main plot never fully took shape. The side characters and subplots carried more weight than the core story, which landed flat. Things just needed more time to develop to really deliver.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
A bit disappointed. I preferred the less serious one off nature of the first two books. This tries to be a bit too epic in trying to craft a finale. Feel like it should have continued with a few more books. And maybe it will, but doesn't change how thrown together this felt for a finale.
June 20, 2025
Fantastic! 5 stars!
July 10, 2025
Like Harry Dresden in the Wild West. Awesome!
September 20, 2025
Another excellent addition to the Black Badge series. Quick read, filled with action and surprisingly complex backstories, I continue to enjoy immersing myself in this setting.
November 20, 2025
Amazing. I need book 4 now!
December 19, 2025
That's the end?! Aw man.
November 23, 2025
Sad this story is over. James and Rosa were endgame for me and I’m devastated that it ended with James being sent back to hell and Rosa having to live without james for eternity. I love that Rosa was brought back as a vampire, but it feels like a loose end. I don’t know there will be more books in the series, but I hope so. James and Rosa deserve their happy ending. 💔😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
I did not read the previous books in this series, but with the flashbacks and back stories that were provided, I did not feel like I was out of sync with the proceedings. This is an action-packed story, and a fast paced, fun ride. I don't fully understand the ending but perhaps this was the author's intent. All tee'd up for volume IV....? {H}
Read
October 3, 2025The story was fair. The art on the cover is very well done and the text is easy to read. The 313 pages were divided into 37 chapters and an epilogue, so that helped me time breaks and moved the story along.
I am grateful to have received the book through a Goodreads giveaway. Peace be with you.
I am grateful to have received the book through a Goodreads giveaway. Peace be with you.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews