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Conquest
Samuel Black just wants a normal life. However, being a private investigator, things aren't quite that simple. Especially a private investigator with supernatural powers.
His life is about to get even more complicated when he meets a new client: Alleam. For Alleam is an Angel, you see. And the target Alleam wants found is none other than the first Horseman of the Apocalypse, Conquest. Drawn into a crazy world of angels, demons, bikers (who are also angels and demons), Holy nukes, Heaven, Hell and all manner of Biblical terrors, Sam will embark upon a journey that will tear his world apart, and maybe the world itself.
Sam didn't ask for any of this, but here he is. Stopping the apocalypse. Fancy that.
His life is about to get even more complicated when he meets a new client: Alleam. For Alleam is an Angel, you see. And the target Alleam wants found is none other than the first Horseman of the Apocalypse, Conquest. Drawn into a crazy world of angels, demons, bikers (who are also angels and demons), Holy nukes, Heaven, Hell and all manner of Biblical terrors, Sam will embark upon a journey that will tear his world apart, and maybe the world itself.
Sam didn't ask for any of this, but here he is. Stopping the apocalypse. Fancy that.
- GenresFantasy
193 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2018
This is another author that I have never read before but am willing to give another chance to completely draw me in. I was not drawn in here right away though I did finally get into the story only to find myself waning again as the end drew near. There were a lot of issues with the grammar as well as sentences missing words or having extra words. The characters were alright but I would liked to get more on who they were even though this was not a long book.
Sam Black is a Private Detective in Chicago who has a psychic gift he is not happy about. He believe himself to be cursed and feels like he is the only person so afflicted until an angel named Alleam shows up and things start to happen around him. There is a battle being fought between Heaven and Hell, and Sam winds up right in the middle of it. Alleam wants Sam to help him stop the apocalypse and things are going to get bad before they get better.
This was not a favorite story but I made it through it.
Sam Black is a Private Detective in Chicago who has a psychic gift he is not happy about. He believe himself to be cursed and feels like he is the only person so afflicted until an angel named Alleam shows up and things start to happen around him. There is a battle being fought between Heaven and Hell, and Sam winds up right in the middle of it. Alleam wants Sam to help him stop the apocalypse and things are going to get bad before they get better.
This was not a favorite story but I made it through it.
January 15, 2017
Sam is a detective, with a little bit of what we call "the second sight"...minding his own business, literally...when all hell and heaven break loose.
Learning about himself, his abilities, and of course, saving the world - he has a lot to take in and a lot more to shoulder.
And this is just the first of a series... so if you like adventure, unbeatable odds, and the apocalypse - this is a book for you.
Learning about himself, his abilities, and of course, saving the world - he has a lot to take in and a lot more to shoulder.
And this is just the first of a series... so if you like adventure, unbeatable odds, and the apocalypse - this is a book for you.
February 6, 2017
You have the reluctant-hero archetype, Sam Black, a private dick with supernatural abilities. As the blurb reads, he is cynical, a loner, and doesn't know there are others out there with varied abilities. He comes in contact with Angles; both fallen and renegade, other sups, and even regular old humans.
This book launches what, in theory, would be a four-book set as the Four Horseman are at play with the game of world control in motion. Sam (not Samuel) ends up growing a bit and he starts to become a better version of himself, in my opinion.
This read is on the short side. It completes a story-line; leaving plenty of story to tell. However, the length leaves me wondering if Book Two should have been included on this run to make a well-rounded, lengthy novel vs. shorts for a series. I figure price-point will factor into continued readership.
There are several typos in the book - stuff that you'll find with line-by-line editing (sword vs. word, missing articles, etc.). Those aside - and they don't distract heavily from the read - the book flows well.
So - detective supernatural with angels and demons and the fight to save humanity. If that is your cup, it is a fun drink.
This book launches what, in theory, would be a four-book set as the Four Horseman are at play with the game of world control in motion. Sam (not Samuel) ends up growing a bit and he starts to become a better version of himself, in my opinion.
This read is on the short side. It completes a story-line; leaving plenty of story to tell. However, the length leaves me wondering if Book Two should have been included on this run to make a well-rounded, lengthy novel vs. shorts for a series. I figure price-point will factor into continued readership.
There are several typos in the book - stuff that you'll find with line-by-line editing (sword vs. word, missing articles, etc.). Those aside - and they don't distract heavily from the read - the book flows well.
So - detective supernatural with angels and demons and the fight to save humanity. If that is your cup, it is a fun drink.
February 26, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book intended, I think, to be a sort of paranormal detective noir. It started off with that voice, the broke, run-down, disillusioned detective with a "curse" that has cost him a marriage, and sometimes clientele. His life changes (not necessarily for the better) when he is "hired" by an angel trying to stop the apocalypse by stopping the the first horseman, listed as Conquest.
I think overall the story was unique, had a strong voice and kept a quick pace. I wasn't ever bored. However, it is in some serious need of revision. The story was rather short and choppy. Some aspects of the angels, fallen angels, Eliouds, the weaponry and the vision of hell were not well fleshed out making the reader wonder about motive and ability of all the various levels of angel and demon and nephilim.
The idea of a heavenly 'nuke' was funny and intriguing, but how it worked, and what it did was really unclear even when it was being wielded. It also seemed important at one point then was sort of taken for granted at another.
The concept of guardian angel and guardian demon were also interesting, but were never really explained and also left the reader wanting. I really wanted to know more about the Eliouds, since Sam is one and we have the character of Gemma popping up to tell him about it then disappearing. I'm hoping those would be better explained in a later book in the series.
Overall, I generally judge a book by characterization, readability and if I want to read the sequel. I picked up this book because I was fascinated by angelic biker gangs, and a paranormal detective. Although there were bikes, angels on bikes and one lowly biker bar, I was disappointed this wasn't further explained or used in the story. The characterization was weak. Sam started off the first chapter strong, and although he narrates it, I lost the feel of his character somewhere along the way. I was left thinking the book was OK, but I didn't feel a burning urge to read the sequel.
Finally, although the book had a few minor errors in editing, (and this is probably just me being picky) I was constantly cringing at the constant use of the word 'whilst.' I realize that the author is British and that usage of the word is a more acceptable one in Britain, yet it leaves the American reader thinking that the writer is trying to sound uppity. On one page it was used six times. By the end of the book I was cringing constantly. It would work if used by the angels, or only one group of angels to distinguish them as slightly out of touch, but it was used liberally by everyone and in the narration.
So although I liked the book, I wouldn't probably re-read it, look up the sequels or recommend it. It wasn't bad; it just needs more work. It could be great.
This is a book intended, I think, to be a sort of paranormal detective noir. It started off with that voice, the broke, run-down, disillusioned detective with a "curse" that has cost him a marriage, and sometimes clientele. His life changes (not necessarily for the better) when he is "hired" by an angel trying to stop the apocalypse by stopping the the first horseman, listed as Conquest.
I think overall the story was unique, had a strong voice and kept a quick pace. I wasn't ever bored. However, it is in some serious need of revision. The story was rather short and choppy. Some aspects of the angels, fallen angels, Eliouds, the weaponry and the vision of hell were not well fleshed out making the reader wonder about motive and ability of all the various levels of angel and demon and nephilim.
The idea of a heavenly 'nuke' was funny and intriguing, but how it worked, and what it did was really unclear even when it was being wielded. It also seemed important at one point then was sort of taken for granted at another.
The concept of guardian angel and guardian demon were also interesting, but were never really explained and also left the reader wanting. I really wanted to know more about the Eliouds, since Sam is one and we have the character of Gemma popping up to tell him about it then disappearing. I'm hoping those would be better explained in a later book in the series.
Overall, I generally judge a book by characterization, readability and if I want to read the sequel. I picked up this book because I was fascinated by angelic biker gangs, and a paranormal detective. Although there were bikes, angels on bikes and one lowly biker bar, I was disappointed this wasn't further explained or used in the story. The characterization was weak. Sam started off the first chapter strong, and although he narrates it, I lost the feel of his character somewhere along the way. I was left thinking the book was OK, but I didn't feel a burning urge to read the sequel.
Finally, although the book had a few minor errors in editing, (and this is probably just me being picky) I was constantly cringing at the constant use of the word 'whilst.' I realize that the author is British and that usage of the word is a more acceptable one in Britain, yet it leaves the American reader thinking that the writer is trying to sound uppity. On one page it was used six times. By the end of the book I was cringing constantly. It would work if used by the angels, or only one group of angels to distinguish them as slightly out of touch, but it was used liberally by everyone and in the narration.
So although I liked the book, I wouldn't probably re-read it, look up the sequels or recommend it. It wasn't bad; it just needs more work. It could be great.
October 8, 2015
I was very excited to read this book, simply because it has been described as a detective noire with demon bikers. As a fan of the likes of Supernatural as well as a good gritty whodunit, it sounded right up my street.
Conquest is book one in the Angels of Chicago series and the debut novel of Nottingham author C. J. Somersby, brought out by my own publisher Dagda Publishing in July this year. Book 1 kicks off the story of Samuel Black, small-time private detective who is having an increasingly hard time dealing with the fact that he is, well…psychic! He just wants a normal life. However, when an angel steps into his life and announces that those powers are now being recruited to the final showdown, yes, the apocalypse, normal becomes a distant memory.
In terms of pace, action and humour it did not disappoint. Samuel’s character is great. His voice is fun, human, humorous and you can really identify with the poor bugger and the position he’s found himself in. The plot moves along at a decent pace and with a good bucketful of bad-ass biker demons going up against another bucket-load of arsey angels, with a handful of humans caught up with Samuel right in the middle, it is very much an enjoyable read for anyone who likes fun and action with a layer of supernatural goings-on to spice things up. Samuel’s narration and the urban American setting neatly sidestep a lot of cliché associated with angels-and-demons stories which means fans of the genre will find it fresh.
There are elements of a whodunit too in that Samuel spends the whole story essentially trying to figure out what is really going and what his place in everything is, whilst everyone around him lies to him. All good stuff.
The only downside was that I felt the language let it down in places. I felt some things were over-explained or some points belaboured. However, I do have to say, this is a very personal preference of mine. I like bald language, stripped right back, the whole less-is-more thing. However, as I say, this is personal to me and often does not bother, or even get noticed, by other readers. So I strongly urge you to try it for yourself and see what you think.
Whatever personal bumps I found in the technical execution, nothing detracts from the fact that this is a fun and action-filled story. It really feels like the start of something that could do really, really well.
Conquest is book one in the Angels of Chicago series and the debut novel of Nottingham author C. J. Somersby, brought out by my own publisher Dagda Publishing in July this year. Book 1 kicks off the story of Samuel Black, small-time private detective who is having an increasingly hard time dealing with the fact that he is, well…psychic! He just wants a normal life. However, when an angel steps into his life and announces that those powers are now being recruited to the final showdown, yes, the apocalypse, normal becomes a distant memory.
In terms of pace, action and humour it did not disappoint. Samuel’s character is great. His voice is fun, human, humorous and you can really identify with the poor bugger and the position he’s found himself in. The plot moves along at a decent pace and with a good bucketful of bad-ass biker demons going up against another bucket-load of arsey angels, with a handful of humans caught up with Samuel right in the middle, it is very much an enjoyable read for anyone who likes fun and action with a layer of supernatural goings-on to spice things up. Samuel’s narration and the urban American setting neatly sidestep a lot of cliché associated with angels-and-demons stories which means fans of the genre will find it fresh.
There are elements of a whodunit too in that Samuel spends the whole story essentially trying to figure out what is really going and what his place in everything is, whilst everyone around him lies to him. All good stuff.
The only downside was that I felt the language let it down in places. I felt some things were over-explained or some points belaboured. However, I do have to say, this is a very personal preference of mine. I like bald language, stripped right back, the whole less-is-more thing. However, as I say, this is personal to me and often does not bother, or even get noticed, by other readers. So I strongly urge you to try it for yourself and see what you think.
Whatever personal bumps I found in the technical execution, nothing detracts from the fact that this is a fun and action-filled story. It really feels like the start of something that could do really, really well.
April 20, 2016
In this urban fantasy series there are apocalyptic things afoot which angels alone can’t stand against. So they turn to humans, which is where Sam comes in. Sam’s a gifted misfit who’s been unable to control or understand his special talent and who scratches a living at the edge of society. Then he’s hired by an angel to investigate a biker gang, and everything starts to unravel.
Inevitably, where there are angels there are also the other guys from down below. Author CJ Somersby veers clear of the hackneyed good / bad us / them scenario. There are multiple teams here, and having wings or horns doesn’t necessarily tie a player to one side. Nor is it obvious whether the deity is in control or even aware of what’s going on – the forces of heaven and hell seem to be acting fairly independently to unleash the fabled riders of the apocalypse.
Sam can’t hardly use his gift to start with, and spends most of this novel being pushed around like the pawn he is, while the various teams get their players in place and try to scoop up the super-powerful doomsday weapon. If you’ve read much urban fantasy, then this is going to feel fairly familiar.
But there’s some innovative twists and intriguing characters which I really enjoyed. Tying the story arc to the Nephilim was neat. Norman, one of the original Fallen, is a captivating character – and Sam’s glimpse into Eden was superbly rendered, bringing with it a genuine sense of serenity amid the mayhem. Similarly, Sam’s low-key yet extremely chilling encounter with Beelzebub promises much for future books in the series.
The writing flows smoothly, as does the action. It’s not quite as non-stop frenetic free-for-all as some Harry Dresden episodes – and is the better for it, I think. The magical moments for me came in the quiet conversations of dread tension with supernatural beasts and beings, although there’s plenty of flash-n-bang action set pieces if angelfire and gun battles are your thing.
Sam at the end of this book seems to be a very different character from the two-time loser we meet at the start. Not merely more powerful, but more purposeful. It’ll be intriguing to see how he fares in the next episode, presumably against the next horseman out of heaven’s stable…
8/10
There's a longer version of this review over at
https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
Inevitably, where there are angels there are also the other guys from down below. Author CJ Somersby veers clear of the hackneyed good / bad us / them scenario. There are multiple teams here, and having wings or horns doesn’t necessarily tie a player to one side. Nor is it obvious whether the deity is in control or even aware of what’s going on – the forces of heaven and hell seem to be acting fairly independently to unleash the fabled riders of the apocalypse.
Sam can’t hardly use his gift to start with, and spends most of this novel being pushed around like the pawn he is, while the various teams get their players in place and try to scoop up the super-powerful doomsday weapon. If you’ve read much urban fantasy, then this is going to feel fairly familiar.
But there’s some innovative twists and intriguing characters which I really enjoyed. Tying the story arc to the Nephilim was neat. Norman, one of the original Fallen, is a captivating character – and Sam’s glimpse into Eden was superbly rendered, bringing with it a genuine sense of serenity amid the mayhem. Similarly, Sam’s low-key yet extremely chilling encounter with Beelzebub promises much for future books in the series.
The writing flows smoothly, as does the action. It’s not quite as non-stop frenetic free-for-all as some Harry Dresden episodes – and is the better for it, I think. The magical moments for me came in the quiet conversations of dread tension with supernatural beasts and beings, although there’s plenty of flash-n-bang action set pieces if angelfire and gun battles are your thing.
Sam at the end of this book seems to be a very different character from the two-time loser we meet at the start. Not merely more powerful, but more purposeful. It’ll be intriguing to see how he fares in the next episode, presumably against the next horseman out of heaven’s stable…
8/10
There's a longer version of this review over at
https://murdermayhemandmore.wordpress...
July 10, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the voice of Sam and the style of writing that C.J. Somersby uses to share this story. It was an enjoyable way to read and the fact that Sam's voice added character to the story alos helped to move the story along.
The plot was intriquing. Dealing with the apocalypse is never a fun adventure and especially when there's not a lot of people who would want to believe it is the apocalypse. And there was also the fact that the angels and demons didn't necessarily appear as you thought they traditionally would. That was a unique choice and one that paid off to make Conquest stand out.
Angels also were acting in perhaps not so much an angelic manner. So that was different. And again, it made Conquest stand out.
Overall C.J. Somersby has created an apocalyptic view that stands out against other books in the same genre.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
I really enjoyed the voice of Sam and the style of writing that C.J. Somersby uses to share this story. It was an enjoyable way to read and the fact that Sam's voice added character to the story alos helped to move the story along.
The plot was intriquing. Dealing with the apocalypse is never a fun adventure and especially when there's not a lot of people who would want to believe it is the apocalypse. And there was also the fact that the angels and demons didn't necessarily appear as you thought they traditionally would. That was a unique choice and one that paid off to make Conquest stand out.
Angels also were acting in perhaps not so much an angelic manner. So that was different. And again, it made Conquest stand out.
Overall C.J. Somersby has created an apocalyptic view that stands out against other books in the same genre.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
February 24, 2016
I received this book in return for a fair review.
Sam is a private detective who is hired by an angel to find the first Horseman of the Apocalypse. The reason an angel is asking Sam for help? Sam has Second Sight and the angel believes that Sam can use his ability to find the Horseman.
I enjoyed the story it had a unique perspective of the Apocalypse. I did think it could use a little polish and more details about the characters, especially Sam. The story moved quickly so you didn't notice the end of the story was coming and that their wasn't time for any more information and then you realized that you were going to have to wait to read the next story . . . yes, that's right, there's another story that you'll have to wait for, which is why I gave this one 3 stars. I needed more before I moved to the next or be able to wait patiently.
Sam is a private detective who is hired by an angel to find the first Horseman of the Apocalypse. The reason an angel is asking Sam for help? Sam has Second Sight and the angel believes that Sam can use his ability to find the Horseman.
I enjoyed the story it had a unique perspective of the Apocalypse. I did think it could use a little polish and more details about the characters, especially Sam. The story moved quickly so you didn't notice the end of the story was coming and that their wasn't time for any more information and then you realized that you were going to have to wait to read the next story . . . yes, that's right, there's another story that you'll have to wait for, which is why I gave this one 3 stars. I needed more before I moved to the next or be able to wait patiently.
February 25, 2016
Samuel "Sam" Black is private investigator in The Chicago area that's a bit down on his luck. Sam's newest client has an unusual request which he can't seem to refuse. Alleam needs Sam to find information on The Horseman of the Apocalypse. Alleam tells Sam he is needed to stop The Apocalypse from happening before the appointed time. Alleam tells Sam that his gift will be invaluable to making this happen. Sam doesn't know what to make of Alleam's claims yet until he learns otherwise will trust Alleam. Who is The Horseman? Can Sam really trust Alleam? Your answers await you in Conquest.
This new to me author has brought a different kind of end of the world tale. The characters and story were compelling and interesting from first page to last page. Looking forward to more of this author's work in the future.
This new to me author has brought a different kind of end of the world tale. The characters and story were compelling and interesting from first page to last page. Looking forward to more of this author's work in the future.
January 5, 2017
Right up there with the Dresden series
I started reading this with low expectations. Being set in Chicago, I felt it would be a shallow attempt to imitate the Dresden series. By the second chapter I was entranced. I stopped once for a phone call then feel right back in.
This book has a definite hook and has me ready to read the next 3. The building of the characters is slow but by the end I felt ready to follow in their journey. Definitely hated to reach the last page.
I started reading this with low expectations. Being set in Chicago, I felt it would be a shallow attempt to imitate the Dresden series. By the second chapter I was entranced. I stopped once for a phone call then feel right back in.
This book has a definite hook and has me ready to read the next 3. The building of the characters is slow but by the end I felt ready to follow in their journey. Definitely hated to reach the last page.
Read
February 19, 2016Written from the first person, the writing is what killed this book for me. "I" this and "I" that constantly, ended up reminding me of when I wrote at first in school. Concept is solid enough and storyline fine but feels like it hasn't been edited at all.
March 24, 2017
The Apocalypse is coming, and private detective Sam Black is standing in its way - unbeknownst to him, that is... In this first in a new series about the literal fight between Good and Evil, we learn that legions of biker angels (on both sides) are preparing to unleash the Four Horsemen and usher in the end of the world. Unless, of course, a small team of renegades can prevent it...
The basic concept is not a new one, although the addition of biker angels certainly was (at least to me). The more-than-meets-the-eye nature of Sam's character is standard fare in paranormal stories, and while it plays out in some interesting ways, there aren't that many surprises there. The surprises come in the form of the angels - particularly those on the "good" side, who seem to straddle common notions of good and evil far more than one would expect... Alleam, as the kingpin of these, is an enigma - and not always in a good way. The supporting good guys are not all that well-developed - I'm suspecting that they will play into the story in a bigger and more defined way as the books progress - and the bad guys are fairly stereotypically evil.
The novel bits of this novel feel like they're just starting to present themselves - in a series that's not necessarily a bad thing, although read as a one-off, it left me feeling a little at a loss. The pacing was a little uneven for me - I'd be entirely into the story, then suddenly hit a lull for a chapter - but the writing is easy enough to stay with through those times. I think the Apocalypse is playing itself out in novels (or at least, it is for me), and it's getting tough to come up with truly original constructs in the genre as a result. Still, there's some clever stuff here, and if you're interested in another take on the end of the world, this one may be for you...
The basic concept is not a new one, although the addition of biker angels certainly was (at least to me). The more-than-meets-the-eye nature of Sam's character is standard fare in paranormal stories, and while it plays out in some interesting ways, there aren't that many surprises there. The surprises come in the form of the angels - particularly those on the "good" side, who seem to straddle common notions of good and evil far more than one would expect... Alleam, as the kingpin of these, is an enigma - and not always in a good way. The supporting good guys are not all that well-developed - I'm suspecting that they will play into the story in a bigger and more defined way as the books progress - and the bad guys are fairly stereotypically evil.
The novel bits of this novel feel like they're just starting to present themselves - in a series that's not necessarily a bad thing, although read as a one-off, it left me feeling a little at a loss. The pacing was a little uneven for me - I'd be entirely into the story, then suddenly hit a lull for a chapter - but the writing is easy enough to stay with through those times. I think the Apocalypse is playing itself out in novels (or at least, it is for me), and it's getting tough to come up with truly original constructs in the genre as a result. Still, there's some clever stuff here, and if you're interested in another take on the end of the world, this one may be for you...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews