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Blackwater Lights #2
Witch Lights
The heir to H. P. Lovecraft by way of Dean Koontz, Michael M. Hughes returns with a new tale of paranormal horror—the hair-raising follow-up to Blackwater Lights.
Thrown together in the fight against a deadly supernatural conspiracy, Ray Simon, Ellen Davis, and Ellen’s young son, William, are hiding out in Guatemala—one step ahead of Lily, a beautiful, wealthy sociopath who has become a conduit for bloodthirsty inhuman entities that seek to infiltrate our world. Aiding this unholy plot is Ellen’s own husband, an ex–Special Forces operative hell-bent on reclaiming his family and taking his revenge on Ray.
Long months on the run have taken their toll on Ray and Ellen, whose relationship is starting to fray, and William has lost all hope for a normal childhood. But when they let down their guard for an instant, things turn from bad to worse as Ray is separated from the woman and child he’s sworn to protect.
With nowhere else to turn, Ray calls upon the secretive occult Brotherhood, who have been desperate to recruit him. Help arrives in his old friend Mantu, an ex-comedian turned commando who claims to be on the side of the angels. But this situation is no joke. Ellen and William have been captured by a powerful drug lord—a violent sadist who offers to protect them for a price: Ellen’s body . . . and perhaps her very soul.
Thrown together in the fight against a deadly supernatural conspiracy, Ray Simon, Ellen Davis, and Ellen’s young son, William, are hiding out in Guatemala—one step ahead of Lily, a beautiful, wealthy sociopath who has become a conduit for bloodthirsty inhuman entities that seek to infiltrate our world. Aiding this unholy plot is Ellen’s own husband, an ex–Special Forces operative hell-bent on reclaiming his family and taking his revenge on Ray.
Long months on the run have taken their toll on Ray and Ellen, whose relationship is starting to fray, and William has lost all hope for a normal childhood. But when they let down their guard for an instant, things turn from bad to worse as Ray is separated from the woman and child he’s sworn to protect.
With nowhere else to turn, Ray calls upon the secretive occult Brotherhood, who have been desperate to recruit him. Help arrives in his old friend Mantu, an ex-comedian turned commando who claims to be on the side of the angels. But this situation is no joke. Ellen and William have been captured by a powerful drug lord—a violent sadist who offers to protect them for a price: Ellen’s body . . . and perhaps her very soul.
- GenresHorror
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Michael M. Hughes
11 books59 followersMichael M. Hughes is an author, speaker, magical thinker, and activist. He is the creator of the internationally viral “Spell to Bind Donald Trump and All Those Who Abet Him,” the largest magical working in history. He speaks on politics, magic, pop culture, psychedelics, the paranormal, and tarot. Michael lives in Baltimore with his wife, two daughters, and a rabbit named Toby Turnipseed. You can sign up for his newsletter at http://michaelmhughes.com.
His newest book is MAGIC FOR THE RESISTANCE: RITUALS AND SPELLS FOR CHANGE, which was published by Llewellyn Worldwide in Sept. 2018.
His debut novel, BLACKWATER LIGHTS, was published by Hydra, an imprint of Random House, in 2013. WITCH LIGHTS, the sequel, was published in 2014, and the final book in the trilogy, DEMON LIGHTS, was published in 2017.
His newest book is MAGIC FOR THE RESISTANCE: RITUALS AND SPELLS FOR CHANGE, which was published by Llewellyn Worldwide in Sept. 2018.
His debut novel, BLACKWATER LIGHTS, was published by Hydra, an imprint of Random House, in 2013. WITCH LIGHTS, the sequel, was published in 2014, and the final book in the trilogy, DEMON LIGHTS, was published in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 27, 2014
I have to admit up front that part of the reason for my 3 star rating is that I haven't read the first book in this series (I didn't even realize there WAS a first book until after I began the read). As a result of this, there were many places where I was left feeling that I was missing some vital information by not reading the preceding book, first.
That being said, the writing was solid, fast paced, and very easy to get into (until I hit those references to the past events). There was action right from the very start, and interesting information concerning deities, witchcraft, and other "unusual" talents that certain characters possessed.
The ending didn't really satisfy me, but there may be another book in the series, yet.....
*I received an e-version of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
That being said, the writing was solid, fast paced, and very easy to get into (until I hit those references to the past events). There was action right from the very start, and interesting information concerning deities, witchcraft, and other "unusual" talents that certain characters possessed.
The ending didn't really satisfy me, but there may be another book in the series, yet.....
*I received an e-version of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 10, 2021
'Witch Lights' by Michael M. Hughes is the follow up to 'Blackwater Lights.'
Ray Stanton is on the run with Ellen and her son Michael in Guatemala trying to stay one step ahead of Lily and her weird cult. One mistake leads to everything almost being lost. Ellen and Michael find themselves in the care of a dangerous drug lord. Ray finds himself relying on his friend Mantu.
It's a crazy ride that spirals right out of control. I feel like the horror went up a notch with this book and it was a real page turner.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group - Hydra, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Ray Stanton is on the run with Ellen and her son Michael in Guatemala trying to stay one step ahead of Lily and her weird cult. One mistake leads to everything almost being lost. Ellen and Michael find themselves in the care of a dangerous drug lord. Ray finds himself relying on his friend Mantu.
It's a crazy ride that spirals right out of control. I feel like the horror went up a notch with this book and it was a real page turner.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group - Hydra, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 23, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley
Upon receiving this book for review, and finding it was the second of a three part series, I took the time to read the first book prior to starting this one, and found it greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the second novel, and is a worthwhile read itself.
Witch Lights continues the sage of Ray Simon, and his unlikely associates Ellen Davis and her son William as they flee a horrific secret society bent on bringing death and destruction to the world.
A compelling read, I found that I did not want to put it down, as they pushed on through their journey.
Michael M. Hughes has created a roller coaster ride that I am truly looking forward to seeing continue in the third novel. As a fan of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, I found myself making comparisons to them as I read.
Do yourself a favor, pick up the first novel, and read both, you won't regret it.
Upon receiving this book for review, and finding it was the second of a three part series, I took the time to read the first book prior to starting this one, and found it greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the second novel, and is a worthwhile read itself.
Witch Lights continues the sage of Ray Simon, and his unlikely associates Ellen Davis and her son William as they flee a horrific secret society bent on bringing death and destruction to the world.
A compelling read, I found that I did not want to put it down, as they pushed on through their journey.
Michael M. Hughes has created a roller coaster ride that I am truly looking forward to seeing continue in the third novel. As a fan of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, I found myself making comparisons to them as I read.
Do yourself a favor, pick up the first novel, and read both, you won't regret it.
September 30, 2014
I received an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Witch Lights" book 2 by Michael M. Hughes is definitely worth the read. I will admit that since I haven't read book 1, and there are references made to the past that I could not relate to, I did find myself wishing I had read book 1 first. Having said that, I enjoyed reading book 2 very much and will be searching out book 1.
The author has an exceptional way of building a story. The slowness in progression then end at an explosive scene is well done and keeps you engaged and reading. The use of several POV's throughout the story was beautifully done and provided the reader with an opportunity to get to know all the main characters.
"Witch Lights" is about Ellen Davis and her son William. Ellen and William along with Ray Simon are hiding out in Guatemala under the protection of the "Brotherhood" a cult that has been trying to recruit him. Lily, who practices a form of black magic, is hunting them. What she really wants is William, who has untapped potential. Lily recruits Steve Davis a former Marine in Special Ops and Ellen's ex-husband to help her find them.
Hiding out in Guatemala has taken a toll on Ray, Ellen and William. On an unapproved excursion to a local fair, things turn bad and Ellen and William are taken. Ray, unable to locate them, reaches out to his old buddy Mantu who is part of the Brotherhood. Ray and Mantu discover that Ellen and William were taken by a powerful drug lord, El Varon, who practices black magic and wants Ellen's body and soul for himself. He has no interest in William and sees him as a tool to be used in getting Ellen to comply with his wishes.
As all the forces that want to find Ellen and William converge on her location, Ellen is fighting against a terrifying evil to save her and her son.
I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys an exceptionally written thriller.
"Witch Lights" book 2 by Michael M. Hughes is definitely worth the read. I will admit that since I haven't read book 1, and there are references made to the past that I could not relate to, I did find myself wishing I had read book 1 first. Having said that, I enjoyed reading book 2 very much and will be searching out book 1.
The author has an exceptional way of building a story. The slowness in progression then end at an explosive scene is well done and keeps you engaged and reading. The use of several POV's throughout the story was beautifully done and provided the reader with an opportunity to get to know all the main characters.
"Witch Lights" is about Ellen Davis and her son William. Ellen and William along with Ray Simon are hiding out in Guatemala under the protection of the "Brotherhood" a cult that has been trying to recruit him. Lily, who practices a form of black magic, is hunting them. What she really wants is William, who has untapped potential. Lily recruits Steve Davis a former Marine in Special Ops and Ellen's ex-husband to help her find them.
Hiding out in Guatemala has taken a toll on Ray, Ellen and William. On an unapproved excursion to a local fair, things turn bad and Ellen and William are taken. Ray, unable to locate them, reaches out to his old buddy Mantu who is part of the Brotherhood. Ray and Mantu discover that Ellen and William were taken by a powerful drug lord, El Varon, who practices black magic and wants Ellen's body and soul for himself. He has no interest in William and sees him as a tool to be used in getting Ellen to comply with his wishes.
As all the forces that want to find Ellen and William converge on her location, Ellen is fighting against a terrifying evil to save her and her son.
I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys an exceptionally written thriller.
October 23, 2014
When we first left Ellen, Ray, and William, they were just settling down in Mexico after having escaped Lily and her merry band of cultists. They were as safe as they could be, which isn't saying much. Lily is one powerful woman; when she has her sights set on something (someone), she will use her resources and powers endlessly until that something becomes hers. Still with her sights set on the escaped trio, it appears no matter where they end up, they can always be found.
In Witch Lights, Hughes once again continues his creepy story involving cults, mythical powers, secret brotherhoods, and sacrifices. He also took it one step further and introduced some very interesting Mayan deities, which added yet another layer to the unfolding storyline. I must also add that the overall tone of this particular story is certainly along the lines of hopeless. At the end of Blackwater Lights, I thought for sure things were looking up for Ray and Ellen, that a little light was brought their way and maybe they had hopes of finding a meager bit of happiness. Hughes took that idea and stomped all over it, and then had the nerve to end this book on a very...stressful...note. A downer, certainly, but I can say for sure that it's going to make the wait for the third book in this trilogy seem that much longer.
I absolutely recommend both this book and it's predecessor, Blackwater Lights. A note of caution - these aren't standalones. The first book sets the stage and explains exactly what these characters are running from. This series is turning out to be a nice balance of sci-fi with many touches of horror, so this can certainly appeal to readers of both genres.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
In Witch Lights, Hughes once again continues his creepy story involving cults, mythical powers, secret brotherhoods, and sacrifices. He also took it one step further and introduced some very interesting Mayan deities, which added yet another layer to the unfolding storyline. I must also add that the overall tone of this particular story is certainly along the lines of hopeless. At the end of Blackwater Lights, I thought for sure things were looking up for Ray and Ellen, that a little light was brought their way and maybe they had hopes of finding a meager bit of happiness. Hughes took that idea and stomped all over it, and then had the nerve to end this book on a very...stressful...note. A downer, certainly, but I can say for sure that it's going to make the wait for the third book in this trilogy seem that much longer.
I absolutely recommend both this book and it's predecessor, Blackwater Lights. A note of caution - these aren't standalones. The first book sets the stage and explains exactly what these characters are running from. This series is turning out to be a nice balance of sci-fi with many touches of horror, so this can certainly appeal to readers of both genres.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 22, 2014
Before I review this Paranormal Thriller, I have to admit that I did not read volume one of the Blackwater Lights Trilogy, mainly because I did not realize it was the 2nd book of a trilogy. I was wondering why I wasn’t catching on to a good portion of the allusions to past events. I was actually thinking that this story is good, but it seems disjointed. Still, the action, and the fantastical elements of witchcraft and shape shifting drug lords, along with some expertly crafted characters kept me going to the end, until the story ended in an abrupt cliff hanger. That kind of made me mad. “This is how you end a book?” I screamed!!!! Nooooo!!!!! Not acceptable. What happened to the kid? why did they blow the girls ex-husband’s brains out?
I went back to the Netgalley page for the book, and there in plainly legible English, it stated that this is book 2 of a trilogy. With that information in mind, I will say this: Read book 1 of the Blackwater Lights Trilogy, it will explain a great deal of what goes on in #2, and when you are finished reading Witch Lights, like me, you will be clamoring to read book 3. Even without having read the first volume, I was enthralled with this story of Latin-American gangsters ruled by sharp dressed drug kingpins who happen to be able to turn into bats. There are ancient deities that put Satan to shame, and enough violence to curdle one’s blood. In addition, the dialogue is entertaining and at times very funny. But the ending. The ending will piss you off-it just ends at the most intense instant of the story. A real cliff-hanger. Well played sir.
Read review on The Thugbrarian Review
http://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.co...
I went back to the Netgalley page for the book, and there in plainly legible English, it stated that this is book 2 of a trilogy. With that information in mind, I will say this: Read book 1 of the Blackwater Lights Trilogy, it will explain a great deal of what goes on in #2, and when you are finished reading Witch Lights, like me, you will be clamoring to read book 3. Even without having read the first volume, I was enthralled with this story of Latin-American gangsters ruled by sharp dressed drug kingpins who happen to be able to turn into bats. There are ancient deities that put Satan to shame, and enough violence to curdle one’s blood. In addition, the dialogue is entertaining and at times very funny. But the ending. The ending will piss you off-it just ends at the most intense instant of the story. A real cliff-hanger. Well played sir.
Read review on The Thugbrarian Review
http://thugbrarianreview.wordpress.co...
February 8, 2017
I got this as a free ARC from Netgalley and at the time of downloading didn't know it was the second in a series of books. I wish I had known as I could have read Book One first. And really you do need to read it first. The story is pretty much a serial and Witch Lights picks up straight after events of Book 1 so you get no back story and no real character development. It makes the story quite confusing at times as you are expected to know who the key players are.
It's a fast paced story, pretty much a chase, action tale with Ellen on the run with her son and boyfriend Ray and his friend Mantu looking for them. But who are the Brotherhood and the mysterious Lily that the book goes on about so much?? With no reading Book 1 you have to guess.
I quite liked what I did read and I'd like to see how it progresses but hopefully the next one will start with a little bit about what happened previously....
It's a fast paced story, pretty much a chase, action tale with Ellen on the run with her son and boyfriend Ray and his friend Mantu looking for them. But who are the Brotherhood and the mysterious Lily that the book goes on about so much?? With no reading Book 1 you have to guess.
I quite liked what I did read and I'd like to see how it progresses but hopefully the next one will start with a little bit about what happened previously....
October 8, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
I thought this was a great book. I haven't read book one of the trilogy, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book. I had no trouble following what was going on. I found the book to be fast paced, and very interesting.
The book follows Ellen, William and Ray as they try to escape from Lily and El Varon. The ancient deities in the book added a great dimension to the story. I always find it interesting to read about things like that. I liked that the book was set in Guatemala, the foreign setting really enhanced the otherworldly atmosphere.
I found the Brotherhood to be very interesting too. I love the idea of secret societies. I wish they had been featured more in this book. Maybe in book 3 we will learn more about them.
I didn't feel like this book was too scary, even though it is marketed as a horror novel. Maybe I just have a high tolerance for blood and gore in my reading. There are human sacrifices here, so if that bothers you then watch out.
I would recommend this book. I thought it was very entertaining and exciting.
I thought this was a great book. I haven't read book one of the trilogy, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book. I had no trouble following what was going on. I found the book to be fast paced, and very interesting.
The book follows Ellen, William and Ray as they try to escape from Lily and El Varon. The ancient deities in the book added a great dimension to the story. I always find it interesting to read about things like that. I liked that the book was set in Guatemala, the foreign setting really enhanced the otherworldly atmosphere.
I found the Brotherhood to be very interesting too. I love the idea of secret societies. I wish they had been featured more in this book. Maybe in book 3 we will learn more about them.
I didn't feel like this book was too scary, even though it is marketed as a horror novel. Maybe I just have a high tolerance for blood and gore in my reading. There are human sacrifices here, so if that bothers you then watch out.
I would recommend this book. I thought it was very entertaining and exciting.
October 29, 2014
I reviewed this for NetGalley.
Thank you Mr. Hughes, for a very nice "stay up all night reading that book!" novel. I enjoyed reading your novel very much, though it is the second installment in your new trilogy and I have not read the first.
This novel is a wonderful melange of conspiracy theory, end of the world cults, adventures in exotic locales, Mayan mythology and most of all, muscular Lovecroftian weird fiction (a la Laird Barron). In my opinion, there were enough references to the first novel so the reader can piece together the history of the previous book. I had no trouble following the characters and the plot, though I have not read the first book. Enjoyed the book anyway.
In short, the characters, dialogue and plot move well. All the different genre elements mentioned above are well balanced to create a satisfying gestalt of a really great action-adventure/horror story.
I look forward to reading the third installment of the trilogy. Great book, Mr. Hughes!
Thank you Mr. Hughes, for a very nice "stay up all night reading that book!" novel. I enjoyed reading your novel very much, though it is the second installment in your new trilogy and I have not read the first.
This novel is a wonderful melange of conspiracy theory, end of the world cults, adventures in exotic locales, Mayan mythology and most of all, muscular Lovecroftian weird fiction (a la Laird Barron). In my opinion, there were enough references to the first novel so the reader can piece together the history of the previous book. I had no trouble following the characters and the plot, though I have not read the first book. Enjoyed the book anyway.
In short, the characters, dialogue and plot move well. All the different genre elements mentioned above are well balanced to create a satisfying gestalt of a really great action-adventure/horror story.
I look forward to reading the third installment of the trilogy. Great book, Mr. Hughes!
October 21, 2014
This novel is about Ray Simon, Ella Davis and her son William hiding from Lily a sociopath who has become a conduit for bloodthirsty inhuman entities. There is an occult brotherhood that Ray asks for help when he is separated from Ella and William. A drug lord captures Ella and William. Will Ray be able to rescue them?
This is an action packed, thrilling novel. It kept me hook from the beginning to the end.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is an action packed, thrilling novel. It kept me hook from the beginning to the end.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 23, 2014
You definitely can't understand this book if you haven't read Blackwater Lights. I admit to being a little confused on what may have happened since the end of book one. As in book one, the violent scenes are exciting and well-described. Much of the book bogs down in travel as the story progresses slowly and with few surprises. Worth a read, but not as entertaining as book one.
November 9, 2014
A fast moving race into a world of dark magic, sacrifices and witchcraft. Can Ray save Ellen and William before this paranormal world absorbs them.
Having not read the first book, it took nothing away from this storyline, I would however like to know more about the characters so will read the first novel.
Enjoyable read.
Having not read the first book, it took nothing away from this storyline, I would however like to know more about the characters so will read the first novel.
Enjoyable read.
December 11, 2014
Witch Lights is another thrill ride from Mike Hughes. The action doesn't stop throughout the book and it leaves you wanting more. As with the first book in this trilogy (Blackwater Lights) the ending is absolutely engrossing and will keep you reading. I kept trying to get another page out of my Kindle at the end because I wanted more! A must read! Enjoy!
September 17, 2014
This is a story based between the US and South America, involving the Mayan Culture with Deities, witches and sacrifices. There are some very gory details at times, descriptive information and a story with a lot of violence and no ending. Not one of my favourite books but interesting.
October 24, 2014
A good novel but not as good as the first book
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/witch-... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/witch-... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
July 12, 2015
Just as good as the first one. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one.
May 17, 2017
Review of WITCH LIGHTS
by Michael M. Hughes
(BLACKWATER LIGHTS #2)
After the shocking events of BLACKWATER LIGHTS, Ray, Ellen, William, and Mantu travel undercover to Latin America, where the first three live itinerantly, continuing to try to hide out from Ray's wanted status in the U.S. Refusing to move into The Brotherhood's jungle compound, Ellen and William are abducted from a carnival by soldiers of a wealthy and megalomaniacal drug capo. Meanwhile Lily continues to hunt all three, knowing William has developed otherworldly abilities and powers.
Like BLACKWATER LIGHTS, WITCH LIGHTS is non-stop action, without a moment to breathe, as Ray, Ellen, and William struggle to escape and even to survive, and terrorism strikes North America.
by Michael M. Hughes
(BLACKWATER LIGHTS #2)
After the shocking events of BLACKWATER LIGHTS, Ray, Ellen, William, and Mantu travel undercover to Latin America, where the first three live itinerantly, continuing to try to hide out from Ray's wanted status in the U.S. Refusing to move into The Brotherhood's jungle compound, Ellen and William are abducted from a carnival by soldiers of a wealthy and megalomaniacal drug capo. Meanwhile Lily continues to hunt all three, knowing William has developed otherworldly abilities and powers.
Like BLACKWATER LIGHTS, WITCH LIGHTS is non-stop action, without a moment to breathe, as Ray, Ellen, and William struggle to escape and even to survive, and terrorism strikes North America.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews