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Adam Binder #4
Redneck Revenant: The Adam Binder Novels, Book 4
From bestselling author David R. Slayton,
Redneck Revenant
is an exciting new chapter in the Adam Binder series.
Adam Binder’s life has never been better. Sure, he has no money, no car, no home to call his own, and he’s worried about creating a future with his boyfriend Vic, but he’s closer to his family than ever before. He’s also Page to the Elven Court of Swords, and that appointment is not without its perks—like the invisible sword strapped to his back.
But on Halloween night, Adam’s life takes a disturbing turn. Annie, his brother’s long-lost wife, turns up on her husband’s doorstep alive and well, with no memory of her death. But is it really Annie, or a Trojan horse from some new magical enemy?
To uncover the truth, Adam will need help from those he loves most—as well as a couple of friends at Rogue Community College. As he navigates a perilous maze of magical politics and battles terrifying creatures from beyond the known realms, Adam will discover a secret darker and more unsettling than anything he could have imagined.
Adam Binder’s life has never been better. Sure, he has no money, no car, no home to call his own, and he’s worried about creating a future with his boyfriend Vic, but he’s closer to his family than ever before. He’s also Page to the Elven Court of Swords, and that appointment is not without its perks—like the invisible sword strapped to his back.
But on Halloween night, Adam’s life takes a disturbing turn. Annie, his brother’s long-lost wife, turns up on her husband’s doorstep alive and well, with no memory of her death. But is it really Annie, or a Trojan horse from some new magical enemy?
To uncover the truth, Adam will need help from those he loves most—as well as a couple of friends at Rogue Community College. As he navigates a perilous maze of magical politics and battles terrifying creatures from beyond the known realms, Adam will discover a secret darker and more unsettling than anything he could have imagined.
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Published October 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 29, 2025
Now this is what I'm looking for in a follow-up to a trilogy! 👏🏻 Any fears I had that Redneck Revenant wouldn't be able to recapture the things I loved about the original series were completely unfounded because David Slayton absolutely knocked it out of the park with this installment! It can be tricky jumping back into a series after a break and adding a time skip, but David did a phenomenal job of making it feel like we are right back with Adam exactly where he's supposed to be. I didn't go into this expecting it to be my favorite Adam Binder book, but that's exactly what happened! 🤩
As a huge Adam Binder fan, I was over the moon when this book was announced. Although Rogue Community College gave me a tiny taste of being back in the Adam Binder world, there was nothing like coming home to see all my favorites in Redneck Revenant. It took everything I loved about the original Adam Binder series, stepped it up a notch, and made me fall in love all over again 💙 It didn't even take a chapter for me to realize how much I've missed being in this world with these characters I love so much.
From the first chapter to the last, there was never a dull moment. The pacing was on point with an engaging storyline that had me excitedly searching for little plot threads about what was going on with Annie and who exactly was the mysterious masked man eluding Adam at every turn. David did a fabulous job of tossing out crumbs in a way that kept me guessing but never giving me enough to piece everything together myself. I hate being given too much and not being surprised by the twist in a book, so I loved that that didn't happen here. The twist was a TWIST for me. I had one of those moments where you stop reading and just blink for a minute while your brain resets itself. It was that good 👌🏻
Beyond the main storyline, the thing I loved most about Redneck Revenant was getting to see the newfound assuredness Adam and Vic have in their relationship after the time skip. The way they are so comfortable with each other now made my heart happy! From the sweet terms of endearment to the fleeting moments of affection to the heartfelt conversations about what they want out of life, it was everything I've wanted for Adam and Vic since the beginning 🥹 If you loved the first three Adam Binder books, I don't think there's any chance you aren't going to love this one too.
*Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a huge Adam Binder fan, I was over the moon when this book was announced. Although Rogue Community College gave me a tiny taste of being back in the Adam Binder world, there was nothing like coming home to see all my favorites in Redneck Revenant. It took everything I loved about the original Adam Binder series, stepped it up a notch, and made me fall in love all over again 💙 It didn't even take a chapter for me to realize how much I've missed being in this world with these characters I love so much.
From the first chapter to the last, there was never a dull moment. The pacing was on point with an engaging storyline that had me excitedly searching for little plot threads about what was going on with Annie and who exactly was the mysterious masked man eluding Adam at every turn. David did a fabulous job of tossing out crumbs in a way that kept me guessing but never giving me enough to piece everything together myself. I hate being given too much and not being surprised by the twist in a book, so I loved that that didn't happen here. The twist was a TWIST for me. I had one of those moments where you stop reading and just blink for a minute while your brain resets itself. It was that good 👌🏻
Beyond the main storyline, the thing I loved most about Redneck Revenant was getting to see the newfound assuredness Adam and Vic have in their relationship after the time skip. The way they are so comfortable with each other now made my heart happy! From the sweet terms of endearment to the fleeting moments of affection to the heartfelt conversations about what they want out of life, it was everything I've wanted for Adam and Vic since the beginning 🥹 If you loved the first three Adam Binder books, I don't think there's any chance you aren't going to love this one too.
*Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2025
S/O and TY to NetGalley and the publisher Brilliance publishing for the eArc of this series.
The Adam Binder series has been a fast favorite for me and the 4th installment lived up to my expectations. I was skeptical at first with the premise of an under utilized character’s return from a previous book, but the pay off was well worth sticking with the developing story. The character development and intricate web of relationships surrounding Adam and Vic are really compelling and it’s nice to see a queer m/m relationship be a strong foundation for the characters instead of the obstacle to overcome. I loved the new paranormal elements introduced in this story and seeing Adam’s progression on the page makes me hope the author continues the series for a long time to come.
I’d recommend this to readers who like complicated family dynamics, fast paced paranormal plots, and liminal spaces.
4.5/5 stars.
The Adam Binder series has been a fast favorite for me and the 4th installment lived up to my expectations. I was skeptical at first with the premise of an under utilized character’s return from a previous book, but the pay off was well worth sticking with the developing story. The character development and intricate web of relationships surrounding Adam and Vic are really compelling and it’s nice to see a queer m/m relationship be a strong foundation for the characters instead of the obstacle to overcome. I loved the new paranormal elements introduced in this story and seeing Adam’s progression on the page makes me hope the author continues the series for a long time to come.
I’d recommend this to readers who like complicated family dynamics, fast paced paranormal plots, and liminal spaces.
4.5/5 stars.
November 13, 2025
TL;DR: By the end I was invested, but the writing didn’t work great for me, and I struggled to get into it.
Ok, plain facts. I like this character enough that I’ve been willing to accept the ways the writing (on a sentence and paragraph level) doesn’t quite measure up for me.
It was maybe a mistake to dive into this without refreshing my memory of the earlier books, (both the original trilogy and the Rogue Community College book are relevant here) but I’m pretty good at rolling with it when I’m not entirely sure who’s who.
That said, I gotta wonder if this book was sitting around in a drawer for a while. The pandemic references felt very dated, (I can’t really remember if it’s mentioned in earlier books) like this should have come out in 2021 or something. And it kind of read like the narrator was suffering from clinical depression.
But despite my issues with the flow of the prose and the pacing, the underlying story was engaging and by the end I was quite eager to pick the book back up whenever I had to set it down. I’ll definitely be interested in whatever’s next for this series.
Ok, plain facts. I like this character enough that I’ve been willing to accept the ways the writing (on a sentence and paragraph level) doesn’t quite measure up for me.
It was maybe a mistake to dive into this without refreshing my memory of the earlier books, (both the original trilogy and the Rogue Community College book are relevant here) but I’m pretty good at rolling with it when I’m not entirely sure who’s who.
That said, I gotta wonder if this book was sitting around in a drawer for a while. The pandemic references felt very dated, (I can’t really remember if it’s mentioned in earlier books) like this should have come out in 2021 or something. And it kind of read like the narrator was suffering from clinical depression.
But despite my issues with the flow of the prose and the pacing, the underlying story was engaging and by the end I was quite eager to pick the book back up whenever I had to set it down. I’ll definitely be interested in whatever’s next for this series.
July 3, 2025
Received an ARC from NetGalley. Loved this book! Was super happy to back in the world of Adam Binder. Felt like it had been no time at all. Highly recommend!
June 28, 2025
The fourth main book in the Adam Binder series is more of what we love from the series.
It does a great job of taking us back to where it all began with Bobby and Annie, while introducing a whole new chapter of life for Adam and Vic, and introducing new elements and characters that will hopefully get a chance to be expanded even more in future books… 🐺
The other really cool thing about this book is that in addition to being a nod back to the beginning of the series, it also has a lot of great, natural tie in to Rogue Community College.
This might be my favourite book in the series to date, next to the original, which came into my life exactly when I needed it.
I couldn’t put this one down. I tried to savour the beginning, but I read the entire second half in one evening. It really makes me want to go back and reread all the books in preparation for what is hopefully a very long-running series/universe.
It does a great job of taking us back to where it all began with Bobby and Annie, while introducing a whole new chapter of life for Adam and Vic, and introducing new elements and characters that will hopefully get a chance to be expanded even more in future books… 🐺
The other really cool thing about this book is that in addition to being a nod back to the beginning of the series, it also has a lot of great, natural tie in to Rogue Community College.
This might be my favourite book in the series to date, next to the original, which came into my life exactly when I needed it.
I couldn’t put this one down. I tried to savour the beginning, but I read the entire second half in one evening. It really makes me want to go back and reread all the books in preparation for what is hopefully a very long-running series/universe.
October 30, 2025
It’s fine, I guess, but sadly this one didn’t work for me as well as the previous books. What I liked most about White Trash Warlock was the mix of real-life and magical struggles. By book four Adam is in a considerably better place, the worst has healed and been forgiven, and while he still has some things to work through, it’s no longer as interesting, I’m afraid. The plot was another problem for me. I didn’t like the premise of Annie coming back – I’d have preferred for that chapter to remain closed – nor that the family is involved in yet another mystery/conspiracy. It all felt a bit too convoluted for me to enjoy.
A minor complaint I have is that characters kept referring to Rogue Community College, which I had no idea I apparently was meant to read first, and now I know how it ends.
A minor complaint I have is that characters kept referring to Rogue Community College, which I had no idea I apparently was meant to read first, and now I know how it ends.
November 6, 2025
I really like this series, but I am still not a fan of Vic. I find him overbearing, and a bit demanding. I mean he couldn't sit in the backseat one time to let the person who actually knew where they were going ride in the front seat? Are you that insecure. It also seems to me that Adam is being made to feel like he has to change to accomodate Vic, and take Vic into account, but I don't see Vic being made to do the same for Adam. It's a minor niggle, and mostly a me thing.
The plot was well developed, and I loved the twists and turns, and how there is no clear black and white answers. The characters are well developed, and I like seeing Laura and Bobby together. She really brought a lot to the story. After that ending I'm really looking forward to the next book even though I know Vic isn't going anywhere. Sigh.
The plot was well developed, and I loved the twists and turns, and how there is no clear black and white answers. The characters are well developed, and I like seeing Laura and Bobby together. She really brought a lot to the story. After that ending I'm really looking forward to the next book even though I know Vic isn't going anywhere. Sigh.
December 12, 2025
I don't know why I keep being surprised at being surprised by this series. I never learn but that's also a plus because I never expect the twists this book delivers and I love being left open-mouthed and flabbergasted at what the author decides to throw at us. I can't wait to read more!
December 11, 2025
Fantastic. I cannot wait for the next one!
October 30, 2025
It was so comfortable to slip back into this world.
A few years have passed since book 3, and Adam and Vic have settled in to each other as they continue to expand and explore their relationship.
When the past, literally, comes knocking at their (Adam's brother Bobby's) door on Halloween night, their whole world shifts as change is happening.
Coming back to these characters is like visiting old friends with new stories to hear. The kinds of friends where you pick up right where you left off as if you'd only been gone a day and not several years. Their growth is evident as the story progresses (thank you therapy), and their love is so tender. So much healing has been done amongst this group.
While at times the plot was tense, it was also measured and didn't rush you through everything. It was a calculated unraveling that was worth every step.
I stumbled on this series last year because the name of book 1 was so silly, but fell in love before I'd reached halfway. I can only hope that there are many more stories to tell set around the Binder family.
This was definitely worth the time to read.
A few years have passed since book 3, and Adam and Vic have settled in to each other as they continue to expand and explore their relationship.
When the past, literally, comes knocking at their (Adam's brother Bobby's) door on Halloween night, their whole world shifts as change is happening.
Coming back to these characters is like visiting old friends with new stories to hear. The kinds of friends where you pick up right where you left off as if you'd only been gone a day and not several years. Their growth is evident as the story progresses (thank you therapy), and their love is so tender. So much healing has been done amongst this group.
While at times the plot was tense, it was also measured and didn't rush you through everything. It was a calculated unraveling that was worth every step.
I stumbled on this series last year because the name of book 1 was so silly, but fell in love before I'd reached halfway. I can only hope that there are many more stories to tell set around the Binder family.
This was definitely worth the time to read.
May 16, 2025
Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
Adam, Vic and the rest of the gang are back with a new headache: Anne is somehow back from the dead, and it turns out it's not just the Binders who have a.. controversial family history.
Practicioners go missing, the elven court is barely keeping the balance in the spirit realm, and a mysterious entity with a wolf mask seems to be pulling the strings of a greater game...
Family is once again a central theme of the series: from complicated messes who sort themselves with love to toxic power-hungry relationships and desperate decisions, family is closely related to the motivations of a lot of characters.
Adam is the most settled he's been in his life so far. He is still self doubting and has stuff eating at him, but he's coping with them in a healthier way, and his relationship with Vic has changed his life for the better, and is a delight to read - they take the challenges head on, one step at a time, be it a new apartment or a new supernatural quest.
Redneck Revenant appears to be opening a new plot arc, and we can never have enough of Adam!
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC!
Adam, Vic and the rest of the gang are back with a new headache: Anne is somehow back from the dead, and it turns out it's not just the Binders who have a.. controversial family history.
Practicioners go missing, the elven court is barely keeping the balance in the spirit realm, and a mysterious entity with a wolf mask seems to be pulling the strings of a greater game...
Family is once again a central theme of the series: from complicated messes who sort themselves with love to toxic power-hungry relationships and desperate decisions, family is closely related to the motivations of a lot of characters.
Adam is the most settled he's been in his life so far. He is still self doubting and has stuff eating at him, but he's coping with them in a healthier way, and his relationship with Vic has changed his life for the better, and is a delight to read - they take the challenges head on, one step at a time, be it a new apartment or a new supernatural quest.
Redneck Revenant appears to be opening a new plot arc, and we can never have enough of Adam!
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
I really enjoy the Adam Binder books and David R. Slayton’s work in general. But between you and me, I could really use a “Previously... on Grey’s Anatomy...” style update at the beginning of literally EVERY book in EVERY series. Maybe I’m spoiled because I’ve been reading The Dark Tower, and so much time passed between volumes that Stephen King had to spend three pages reminding us what was going on at the start of each one. I read the first three Binder novels and Rogue Community College last year, and the amount of times I said, “Huh? Who? Wha...” was crazy. That’s a me problem. I just had to get it off my chest.
As far as Redneck Revenant is concerned, I really loved it. It was nice returning to the world Slayton has created. Once I did an unhealthy amount of digging around in my own brain and reopened old wounds I didn’t even know I had, I was just as invested, just as charmed, and just as thirsty for whatever comes next. 🐺💀
As far as Redneck Revenant is concerned, I really loved it. It was nice returning to the world Slayton has created. Once I did an unhealthy amount of digging around in my own brain and reopened old wounds I didn’t even know I had, I was just as invested, just as charmed, and just as thirsty for whatever comes next. 🐺💀
May 24, 2025
This book feels like visiting a close friend…who can dip into the spirit world at will and solves supernatural crimes.
Three years have passed, a lot has changed in Adam's world but a lot has also stayed the same. I think that's one of the things I appreciated most about Redneck Revenant. There was no sudden 'Adam and Vic are living in a big house and Vic's opened his own kitchen and they're living the dream'.
They're working towards those dreams, but life is also getting in the way. Like Annie, who was dead, showing up unscathed and happy to be home.
Annie's arrival is the thread that starts unraveling more problems for Adam, including a stranger in a wolf mask who keeps turning up with ominous declarations, accidentally uncovering murders and more. (Yes, I realize the 'and more' is anticlimactic after uncovering murders but really, it's not anticlimactic in the book but detailing the 'more' would be revealing spoilers.)
It was fun, if bittersweet, to see some familiar faces from Rogue Community College as well as some allies made in the first three books.
One of the things I appreciated most was Adam's realistic struggle to change his instinct of self-sacrifice. His family is closer and he's got Vic, all of who would prefer if Adam's first reaction wasn't to offer himself up but it's been a part of who he is for so long it's an adjustment for him to consider other options.
Like the previous books in the series, Redneck Revenant keeps a steady pace. We're introduced to a new challenge for Addam to overcome, but this time he has the support of his family. While the majority of the mystery is solved, Slayton left us a few threads for the next book and an end that I'm still thinking about days later.
Five stars…and not just because there was a Buffy reference.
Thank you Edelweiss and my bookstore for the ARC!
Three years have passed, a lot has changed in Adam's world but a lot has also stayed the same. I think that's one of the things I appreciated most about Redneck Revenant. There was no sudden 'Adam and Vic are living in a big house and Vic's opened his own kitchen and they're living the dream'.
They're working towards those dreams, but life is also getting in the way. Like Annie, who was dead, showing up unscathed and happy to be home.
Annie's arrival is the thread that starts unraveling more problems for Adam, including a stranger in a wolf mask who keeps turning up with ominous declarations, accidentally uncovering murders and more. (Yes, I realize the 'and more' is anticlimactic after uncovering murders but really, it's not anticlimactic in the book but detailing the 'more' would be revealing spoilers.)
It was fun, if bittersweet, to see some familiar faces from Rogue Community College as well as some allies made in the first three books.
One of the things I appreciated most was Adam's realistic struggle to change his instinct of self-sacrifice. His family is closer and he's got Vic, all of who would prefer if Adam's first reaction wasn't to offer himself up but it's been a part of who he is for so long it's an adjustment for him to consider other options.
Like the previous books in the series, Redneck Revenant keeps a steady pace. We're introduced to a new challenge for Addam to overcome, but this time he has the support of his family. While the majority of the mystery is solved, Slayton left us a few threads for the next book and an end that I'm still thinking about days later.
Five stars…and not just because there was a Buffy reference.
Thank you Edelweiss and my bookstore for the ARC!
May 30, 2025
Oh how I've missed Adam Binder. I have been looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint.
Things are looking up for Adam, He's got a job he likes, he's Page to the Elven Court of Swords and a wonderful boyfriend. That is until on Halloween night Annie (his brother Bobby's "dead" wife) turning everything on it's head. That along with Adam stressing over his future with Vic and his recent loss of Vran complicating things.
Firstly this book had so many twists it kept me intrigued and locked in! I love how the author brings in background characters, everyone has a personality and are not just filler. I really like how what happened in Rogue Community College was interwoven into the story. I also found it refreshing that Covid was mentioned and worked into the story.
Annie how I love you! I didn't know what to expect when she reappeared but she's an absolute delight. It was also nice seeing Jodi make a reappearance and that what happened in the past for all the characters was so expertly included in the story. I'm also always happy to see spider.
Finally Vic how I also love you! Vic is following his dreams to be a chef and wanting to take the next step in his and Adam's relationship. I absolutely love these two together. They have such a healthy, open and honest relationship and truly love each other. It's refreshing to see Adam getting some therapy as well.
The story moves fast, some new characters are introduced and it will keep you engaged and turning the pages.
This book was worth the wait and now I can't wait for the next installment. What an absolute joy to read! I love this story and these characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Things are looking up for Adam, He's got a job he likes, he's Page to the Elven Court of Swords and a wonderful boyfriend. That is until on Halloween night Annie (his brother Bobby's "dead" wife) turning everything on it's head. That along with Adam stressing over his future with Vic and his recent loss of Vran complicating things.
Firstly this book had so many twists it kept me intrigued and locked in! I love how the author brings in background characters, everyone has a personality and are not just filler. I really like how what happened in Rogue Community College was interwoven into the story. I also found it refreshing that Covid was mentioned and worked into the story.
Annie how I love you! I didn't know what to expect when she reappeared but she's an absolute delight. It was also nice seeing Jodi make a reappearance and that what happened in the past for all the characters was so expertly included in the story. I'm also always happy to see spider.
Finally Vic how I also love you! Vic is following his dreams to be a chef and wanting to take the next step in his and Adam's relationship. I absolutely love these two together. They have such a healthy, open and honest relationship and truly love each other. It's refreshing to see Adam getting some therapy as well.
The story moves fast, some new characters are introduced and it will keep you engaged and turning the pages.
This book was worth the wait and now I can't wait for the next installment. What an absolute joy to read! I love this story and these characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
Received from NetGalley, thanks!
*SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOKS IN SERIES, PLUS RCC*
It was so nice to be back in the Adam Binder world! And a surprise, because I thought that things were wrapped up there.
In the first three books of the series there is a lot of stuff around Adam having to kill his sister-in-law, because she's been taken over by a terrible demon/entity. So, to have his sister-in-law show up at the beginning of this latest instalment really kicked things off.
There was a lot of remembering of Bran, and I am still holding out that they can somehow bring him back. He was my favourite character and I was devastated when he sacrificed himself to save the Rouge Community College. It was nice to have a cameo from Isaac Frost, who was the POV character in RCC.
Overall, this was a really solid story and a great jump back into Adam binder's world. Really looking forward to the next book, too!
*SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOKS IN SERIES, PLUS RCC*
It was so nice to be back in the Adam Binder world! And a surprise, because I thought that things were wrapped up there.
In the first three books of the series there is a lot of stuff around Adam having to kill his sister-in-law, because she's been taken over by a terrible demon/entity. So, to have his sister-in-law show up at the beginning of this latest instalment really kicked things off.
There was a lot of remembering of Bran, and I am still holding out that they can somehow bring him back. He was my favourite character and I was devastated when he sacrificed himself to save the Rouge Community College. It was nice to have a cameo from Isaac Frost, who was the POV character in RCC.
Overall, this was a really solid story and a great jump back into Adam binder's world. Really looking forward to the next book, too!
July 1, 2025
Some years after the events of the last book, the reappearance of Annie jolts Adam's now much more stable life back into confusion and adventure. I always enjoy these books, as they are reliably enjoyable and exciting stories. I still remember the first image of Adam I had in my head in White Trash Warlock, slinking out of the shadows with all his angst and vulnerability and loneliness. I think this is perhaps why I was a bit less engaged in this instalment. Adam has found stability and loved ones, which is wonderful, so I think it just depends on reader preference regarding the tone/type(?) of character one likes to read about, the place they are in life, and so on. Definitely a my tastes, not the book itself issue. I was so grateful to have been able to read this ARC via Netgalley and I hope this series reaches many more readers!
August 25, 2025
Redneck Revenant
David R. Slayton
The fourth book in the Adam Binder series is finally here. It’s like a hug returning to these characters. Queer representation! Horror and monsters! A mysterious knock on the door sets things in motion and while I feel like the less said about the plot this time around, it’s interesting seeing the series focus on the growth of its characters. In fact above all, that feels like the main theme of this entry, we have therapy, growing pains, training for battle and more!
Picking up after the events of Rogue Community College (a stand alone novel although without it many of the plot points will probably be confusing), Revenant sets the stage for what seems to be the next few book and although the twist involves one of my least favorite tropes of recent time Slayton seems very aware of how it has been used in media recently and I was left very interested in seeing where he’s going to go after this. his world building shines as ever and more points of the world are fleshed out as well. If you are a fan of Adam Binder you’ll love this new installment. If you haven’t yet entered the world of Adam Binder, what are you waiting for?
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing a free E-ARC for review.
David R. Slayton
The fourth book in the Adam Binder series is finally here. It’s like a hug returning to these characters. Queer representation! Horror and monsters! A mysterious knock on the door sets things in motion and while I feel like the less said about the plot this time around, it’s interesting seeing the series focus on the growth of its characters. In fact above all, that feels like the main theme of this entry, we have therapy, growing pains, training for battle and more!
Picking up after the events of Rogue Community College (a stand alone novel although without it many of the plot points will probably be confusing), Revenant sets the stage for what seems to be the next few book and although the twist involves one of my least favorite tropes of recent time Slayton seems very aware of how it has been used in media recently and I was left very interested in seeing where he’s going to go after this. his world building shines as ever and more points of the world are fleshed out as well. If you are a fan of Adam Binder you’ll love this new installment. If you haven’t yet entered the world of Adam Binder, what are you waiting for?
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing a free E-ARC for review.
November 7, 2025
I am not a fantasy reader, but I do love the Adam Binder series. I was thrilled to return to my beloved characters.
Redneck Revenant is not my favorite in the series. I think the first always will be. But it holds up as an entry in the series and furthers the overall arc. Adam continues to grow and mature.
I think the pace is slightly off balance in this book. The opening is heavy on the "regular life" stuff, leaving it light on tension. Then all the action is crammed into the ending. It makes for an intense conclusion that includes more violence than the previous novels. (As a horror reader, I'm not complaining!)
I'm glad the ending opens the door to more entries in the series. I can't wait to see where Adam and Vic go next.
Redneck Revenant is not my favorite in the series. I think the first always will be. But it holds up as an entry in the series and furthers the overall arc. Adam continues to grow and mature.
I think the pace is slightly off balance in this book. The opening is heavy on the "regular life" stuff, leaving it light on tension. Then all the action is crammed into the ending. It makes for an intense conclusion that includes more violence than the previous novels. (As a horror reader, I'm not complaining!)
I'm glad the ending opens the door to more entries in the series. I can't wait to see where Adam and Vic go next.
October 28, 2025
"Redneck Revenant" is book four in the "Adam Binder" series by David R. Slayton. I enjoyed this book, from the start to the very last page. I absolutely love going along with Adam as he is figuring life out. The relationship between Adam and Vic is so sweet, and I enjoy the fact that they always have each others back. The very first chapter had me gasp at who was standing outside the door. The last chapter had me all in my feelings. I got goosebumps, and it brought tears to my eyes. I chuckled at the saying about the payphone and liked that David included Adam going to therapy. I also liked how this book starts out during Halloween. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out. David does such a wonderful job writing, and his stories draw me right in.
November 10, 2025
A very different energy from the trilogy, I feel. The characters are all the same, but the plotting felt completely different in a way that did all come together in the end, but god was it a weirder journey than I had expected. I didn't particularly like that I had no idea about Rogue Community College existing so that book has now been spoiled, but on the whole I think this was a satisfying kick-off for what will probably be a very interesting second trilogy.
November 9, 2025
This series is just so easy to dive back into! Redneck Revenant was such a good story. The characters are as amazing as ever and the way the author writes their stories always leaves me wanting more! I love Adam and Vic! Their relationship and all the magic is simply incredible. And that twist at the end was so good!!
December 7, 2025
4.1⭐️
0🌶️
Read ebook on Libby and listened to the audiobook on Audible
It was nice to be back with Adam as he was an early part of my reading journey. The story with Annie and the cult was interesting. I love the conflicts Adam has with his growth and future throughout the book. They dig deep into who he is as a person and his role as the page. Quick and easy read.
0🌶️
Read ebook on Libby and listened to the audiobook on Audible
It was nice to be back with Adam as he was an early part of my reading journey. The story with Annie and the cult was interesting. I love the conflicts Adam has with his growth and future throughout the book. They dig deep into who he is as a person and his role as the page. Quick and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
Followed along until fantasy became modern political harangue. This author swallows and regurgitates every leftist agitprop and polis I hoax without skepticism. I loved the first two books, liked the third, and now that I know about Rogue Community College, I think he tried to tank this series on purpose.
December 2, 2025
*insert gif of teary-eyes hamster*
Love, love, love 💖
Love, love, love 💖
July 5, 2025
I received this book through netgalley as an arc in return for an honest review.
I love that David Slayton never quite leads you where you think you're going. I had a totally different expectation of how that was going to end, but I see we are going to have a few more books to resolve this plot. *Rubs hands with glee* I cannot wait...except I have to.
I love that David Slayton never quite leads you where you think you're going. I had a totally different expectation of how that was going to end, but I see we are going to have a few more books to resolve this plot. *Rubs hands with glee* I cannot wait...except I have to.
May 24, 2025
got this arc from netgalley!
anyways i have been a fan of the adam binder series for ages and this one? did not disappoint. continues to be entertaining, have a cool magic system, and all in all be a cool time. also fun to see the character growth happening in real time. i don't think this would make sense without having first read the other three books, and tbh i wish i had gone and re-read before starting this one, just for my own reading experience.
i don't really have an in-depth review, because i think the important part is: this is a good book and you should read it!
truly my only issue, and this is a very personal one, is that i have an instant visceral reaction to any covid mention in media so if that is you as well: be warned! this is urban fantasy and takes place in a world where covid also happened.
thanks again for the arc, i devoured it in like two days. would read again!
anyways i have been a fan of the adam binder series for ages and this one? did not disappoint. continues to be entertaining, have a cool magic system, and all in all be a cool time. also fun to see the character growth happening in real time. i don't think this would make sense without having first read the other three books, and tbh i wish i had gone and re-read before starting this one, just for my own reading experience.
i don't really have an in-depth review, because i think the important part is: this is a good book and you should read it!
truly my only issue, and this is a very personal one, is that i have an instant visceral reaction to any covid mention in media so if that is you as well: be warned! this is urban fantasy and takes place in a world where covid also happened.
thanks again for the arc, i devoured it in like two days. would read again!
May 23, 2025
I received and ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
I love the first Adam Binder series a lot. I still think about it a lot, so when I was able to get my hands on this? Super excited. Definitely read Rogue Community College before delving into this one, though. A lot of events that happened in that book are referenced in here (and I am sure will have ramifications later in this series perhaps). I loved being back in the world and I love this new plot thread we have going in this new one with regards to Annie and her family. More of the world gets explored and I dunno, I was just really happy to be back.
If you enjoyed the Adam Binder series so far, definitely come back for this one. It promises a cool new plot and more Adam and Vic (I was very happy to see so many scenes with them together and being all couple-y. It made me happy).
I love the first Adam Binder series a lot. I still think about it a lot, so when I was able to get my hands on this? Super excited. Definitely read Rogue Community College before delving into this one, though. A lot of events that happened in that book are referenced in here (and I am sure will have ramifications later in this series perhaps). I loved being back in the world and I love this new plot thread we have going in this new one with regards to Annie and her family. More of the world gets explored and I dunno, I was just really happy to be back.
If you enjoyed the Adam Binder series so far, definitely come back for this one. It promises a cool new plot and more Adam and Vic (I was very happy to see so many scenes with them together and being all couple-y. It made me happy).
November 11, 2025
I hate that I had to give this a three, but I write my honest opinion whether I've loved an author's previous writing or not. To be honest, it's more a 2.75. I should have been cautious after Dark Moon, Shallow Sea.
First, if you haven't read RCC, read it before you read this or have it spoiled. Also, without having read it you'll be missing context. It's doable, yes, but it's missing a layer. I haven't read it yet and I wish I had before this, but this is supposed to be The Adam Binder Novels Book 4. It's in the title. Really, Slayton? Couldn't have called RCC, "Rogue Community College: The Adam Binder Novels Book 3.5?" So then your loyal readers would have read it first?
I hate when authors do this. It's like they're punishing you for not yet having read or not wanting to read an adjacent work in their favored universe.
I was so excited for this--elated, in fact. I loved and devoured the first three books when they came out. They're on my "Favorites" shelf on GR. So I don't criticize lightly. Rather, I do so with a heavy reader's heart.
Almost immediately I was rolling my eyes at the talk of the lockdowns. I read to escape reality, not relive awful periods of recent human history. Unless your book is specifically about that subject or that subject is integral to the plot, there's no reason to inject it other than you're working through some fallout (write in your journal or talk to your therapist), or you're inserting your own political views (I didn't come here for your soapbox). And this goes for all politically charged opinions ham-fisted into books where it's unneeded. Authors really should take note of how China Mieville--an actual Socialist who was an active member of The Socialist Workers Party--can write a stunning urban fantasy fiction novel and NOT make one feel like they're reading a campaign ad.
There were also bits of unneeded political "quips" sprinkled throughout the novel. I didn't purchase a PSA, I purchased an urban fantasy FICTION novel. If you can't weave in your thoughts on rich vs. poor or what have you with subtlety then you should buy a bigger box of red pens.
The story itself started out great. Halloween night, a new mystery, and then it just fell flat. It was like Slayton was afraid of his own plot. Every time there was tension it fizzled out then we went back to filler of Adam thinking about life. Whether he should go to school, get an apartment--how they can't afford an apartment, Vic working at a ghost kitchen, riding the bus. And yeah, yeah, I read some five star reviews claiming this is a more "mature" and "thoughtful" Adam. Slayton even says something similar in his own review, but after having read this it feels like an excuse. And I disagree. This was a neutered Adam to fill up pages. We basically get nothing about life with The Warlock. He's around his family, but we get little of him around any of the magical characters we've come to know. Just little slices. And I'm sorry, but comparatively, Vic, Bobby, and Annie are boring. And most egregiously, he spends an entire chapter talking to his therapist ...
If Adam has to have a romantic partner in this universe (I don't think he does) I always preferred it would have been Perak (Silver), but I was onboard with Vic back in the last book, yet no more. Their interactions have no spark, no magic. They feel more like roommates or co-workers. There's no chemistry. And putting a fade to black sex scene here and there doesn't make them feel relationship-y. And no, I'm not suggesting there should be actual sex scenes. That wouldn't fix this. There's more substance and something you can feel when Adam talks to Silver alone on the ferris wheel than any interaction he has with Vic. That says a lot.
But who knows, maybe Slayton plans on getting rid of Vic in the future so Adam and Silver can pine over each other (which would be heart-wrenchingly bittersweet and have substance), though I seriously doubt it.
Now for our new sinister plot: it was disjointed, besides that, it was always losing a feeling of discovery or delving then ripping the rug out from under me. There were parts that were wonderful and had that original Binder magic, but they always deflated. It feels retconned as well. Like Slayton couldn't find a way out of his own lore so coming back from the dead is now You can break your own rules and do it well if you find the right way to do it, but it feels like Slayton just came up with this loophole and said "good enough."
In the end, not much was explained. There's some "timey-wimey" aspect because of course there is. 🙄 And leaving a mystery would be fine if there were any "oh shit!" moments but there really aren't. All the "oh shit!" moments are left toward the end after the anti-climax so they just felt shoved in because Slayton couldn't figure out a way for Adam and the gang to slowly uncover them during the book.
Also, about that lore breaking retconning:
The set up for the next book sounds interesting. The epilogue was good, and maybe the next book gets back to what feels like an Adam Binder book, so I'll give it a chance, but if it's like this it's a "fool me once, shame you; fool me twice, shame on me" situation. At that point, I'll reread the first 3 and cherish those as the gorgeous trilogy that they are.
First, if you haven't read RCC, read it before you read this or have it spoiled. Also, without having read it you'll be missing context. It's doable, yes, but it's missing a layer. I haven't read it yet and I wish I had before this, but this is supposed to be The Adam Binder Novels Book 4. It's in the title. Really, Slayton? Couldn't have called RCC, "Rogue Community College: The Adam Binder Novels Book 3.5?" So then your loyal readers would have read it first?
I hate when authors do this. It's like they're punishing you for not yet having read or not wanting to read an adjacent work in their favored universe.
I was so excited for this--elated, in fact. I loved and devoured the first three books when they came out. They're on my "Favorites" shelf on GR. So I don't criticize lightly. Rather, I do so with a heavy reader's heart.
Almost immediately I was rolling my eyes at the talk of the lockdowns. I read to escape reality, not relive awful periods of recent human history. Unless your book is specifically about that subject or that subject is integral to the plot, there's no reason to inject it other than you're working through some fallout (write in your journal or talk to your therapist), or you're inserting your own political views (I didn't come here for your soapbox). And this goes for all politically charged opinions ham-fisted into books where it's unneeded. Authors really should take note of how China Mieville--an actual Socialist who was an active member of The Socialist Workers Party--can write a stunning urban fantasy fiction novel and NOT make one feel like they're reading a campaign ad.
There were also bits of unneeded political "quips" sprinkled throughout the novel. I didn't purchase a PSA, I purchased an urban fantasy FICTION novel. If you can't weave in your thoughts on rich vs. poor or what have you with subtlety then you should buy a bigger box of red pens.
The story itself started out great. Halloween night, a new mystery, and then it just fell flat. It was like Slayton was afraid of his own plot. Every time there was tension it fizzled out then we went back to filler of Adam thinking about life. Whether he should go to school, get an apartment--how they can't afford an apartment, Vic working at a ghost kitchen, riding the bus. And yeah, yeah, I read some five star reviews claiming this is a more "mature" and "thoughtful" Adam. Slayton even says something similar in his own review, but after having read this it feels like an excuse. And I disagree. This was a neutered Adam to fill up pages. We basically get nothing about life with The Warlock. He's around his family, but we get little of him around any of the magical characters we've come to know. Just little slices. And I'm sorry, but comparatively, Vic, Bobby, and Annie are boring. And most egregiously, he spends an entire chapter talking to his therapist ...
If Adam has to have a romantic partner in this universe (I don't think he does) I always preferred it would have been Perak (Silver), but I was onboard with Vic back in the last book, yet no more. Their interactions have no spark, no magic. They feel more like roommates or co-workers. There's no chemistry. And putting a fade to black sex scene here and there doesn't make them feel relationship-y. And no, I'm not suggesting there should be actual sex scenes. That wouldn't fix this. There's more substance and something you can feel when Adam talks to Silver alone on the ferris wheel than any interaction he has with Vic. That says a lot.
But who knows, maybe Slayton plans on getting rid of Vic in the future so Adam and Silver can pine over each other (which would be heart-wrenchingly bittersweet and have substance), though I seriously doubt it.
Now for our new sinister plot: it was disjointed, besides that, it was always losing a feeling of discovery or delving then ripping the rug out from under me. There were parts that were wonderful and had that original Binder magic, but they always deflated. It feels retconned as well. Like Slayton couldn't find a way out of his own lore so coming back from the dead is now You can break your own rules and do it well if you find the right way to do it, but it feels like Slayton just came up with this loophole and said "good enough."
In the end, not much was explained. There's some "timey-wimey" aspect because of course there is. 🙄 And leaving a mystery would be fine if there were any "oh shit!" moments but there really aren't. All the "oh shit!" moments are left toward the end after the anti-climax so they just felt shoved in because Slayton couldn't figure out a way for Adam and the gang to slowly uncover them during the book.
Also, about that lore breaking retconning:
The set up for the next book sounds interesting. The epilogue was good, and maybe the next book gets back to what feels like an Adam Binder book, so I'll give it a chance, but if it's like this it's a "fool me once, shame you; fool me twice, shame on me" situation. At that point, I'll reread the first 3 and cherish those as the gorgeous trilogy that they are.
May 12, 2025
I didn’t realize there was going to be another book in this series, and I was very excited to see this one. Adam and Vic are back, and they are better than ever. The whole family is in a steady state until Annie comes back from the dead, and once again, their lives are thrown into chaos. So much happens to poor Adam, I don’t know how he can have any peace after this. However, I hope he doesn’t because that means more books for me. LOL! This latest is full of action, intrigue, twists and turns, and above all great writing. I really, really hope we get more books especially with how it ended. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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