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The Paladin Sequence #2
Devil's Night
Devil’s Night takes us into a mystery from Gerald Ironblood’s past. One of his mentors has made a deathbed request, swearing Gerald to secrecy about a scandal that racked the church fifty years ago. It is not over yet. Leaving Matthew in St. Louis, Gerald travels to Detroit, joining forces with a dying priest, a discredited Fire Chief, and a pair of warrior nuns to try to stop the past from claiming more lives in the future. But all is not as it seems.
As the gathered players put together what led up to the tragedies of St. John’s Orphanage in 1953, Paladin disobeys his master, following Ironblood to Detroit in an attempt to save him from an Infernal trap. The past and the present spiral together as the players unravel what happened so long ago, leading to a climactic confrontation with the demon Xaphan, on Devil’s Night!
As the gathered players put together what led up to the tragedies of St. John’s Orphanage in 1953, Paladin disobeys his master, following Ironblood to Detroit in an attempt to save him from an Infernal trap. The past and the present spiral together as the players unravel what happened so long ago, leading to a climactic confrontation with the demon Xaphan, on Devil’s Night!
- GenresParanormalFantasyHorror
338 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Lance Tuck
4 books19 followersBorn in 1970, Lance Tuck was raised in the shadows of the Great Chalk Pyramids of Western Kansas. His formative years were spent exploring the fossil beds and ecosystems of the great plains, guided by his grandfather, a Navy officer and scientist who encouraged a rational, scientific view of the world around us. His grandmother and mother encouraged his appetites for the fantastic, teaching him about the mythologies and religions around the world, and the esoteric orders that forged the realities of history. The surprisingly effective public school system added the final elements that created the information processing systems responsible for the literary efforts you hold before you.
His literary influences include Robert E. Howard, Lord Dunsany, H.P. Lovecraft, Frank Herbert, Michael Moorcock, Richard Adams and Stephen King. Alan Moore, Chris Claremont, Garth Ennis and Kieron Gillen have made significant impacts on his storytelling styles. His uncle Dan’s comic collection spanned the sixties and seventies; his father’s pulp novels from the forties and fifties were fodder for his imagination as well.
Graduating from Kansas State University with degrees in Psychology and Anthropology led to a lifelong love of tattooing. Lance is a practitioner and instructor of tattooing in Kansas, and has been plying this trade for nearly twenty five years. And through all that time, there have been stories to tell.
You might hear a verbal history of Ancient Egypt, or the Indus River valley, or maybe a classic multi-issue arc from one of his favorite comic series. He might perform a film, or, if you are very lucky, he might tell you one of his own. This oral tradition is what forged Paladin and all the characters from his world, as well as dozens of others. His first foray into professional writing is The Paladin Sequence.
His literary influences include Robert E. Howard, Lord Dunsany, H.P. Lovecraft, Frank Herbert, Michael Moorcock, Richard Adams and Stephen King. Alan Moore, Chris Claremont, Garth Ennis and Kieron Gillen have made significant impacts on his storytelling styles. His uncle Dan’s comic collection spanned the sixties and seventies; his father’s pulp novels from the forties and fifties were fodder for his imagination as well.
Graduating from Kansas State University with degrees in Psychology and Anthropology led to a lifelong love of tattooing. Lance is a practitioner and instructor of tattooing in Kansas, and has been plying this trade for nearly twenty five years. And through all that time, there have been stories to tell.
You might hear a verbal history of Ancient Egypt, or the Indus River valley, or maybe a classic multi-issue arc from one of his favorite comic series. He might perform a film, or, if you are very lucky, he might tell you one of his own. This oral tradition is what forged Paladin and all the characters from his world, as well as dozens of others. His first foray into professional writing is The Paladin Sequence.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2015
I received a advanced reading copy in exchange for a honest review.
I enjoyed the first book of this series Devil's Garden. The facts in the book fascinated me. I was eager to read Devil's Night because I was anxious to see what was going to happen with Ironblood and Paladin. This book took me to the next level. The story flowed effortlessly and Tuck has a way to pull you into story. This book gave me actual nightmares which is amazing. I love being shocked and this book did just that. I have enjoyed every page of this series. I'm anxiously waiting for the third book to come out. I can't wait to see where these characters go.
I enjoyed the first book of this series Devil's Garden. The facts in the book fascinated me. I was eager to read Devil's Night because I was anxious to see what was going to happen with Ironblood and Paladin. This book took me to the next level. The story flowed effortlessly and Tuck has a way to pull you into story. This book gave me actual nightmares which is amazing. I love being shocked and this book did just that. I have enjoyed every page of this series. I'm anxiously waiting for the third book to come out. I can't wait to see where these characters go.
January 16, 2016
This is the second book in the Paladin series and I received the book from the author.
The story continues from the first book with Ironblood and Paladin fighting infernals and exorcising them. But this time, they come to the aid of one of Ironblood's mentor--a secret he is not to divulge. And it all has to do with fires starting in Detroit back in 1953 and occurring every seven years. Will Ironblood and Paladin be able to fight the demon this time?
Once again Lance Tuck draws you into the story and you can't stop reading until you reach the end. The story flowed and I didn't have any problem with the addition of the backstories of the humans that were caught up with the demon in some way. The story was so realistic, the characters so alive. This would make a great read for Halloween night.
I can't wait for the Book Three, "Hell Freezes Over."
The story continues from the first book with Ironblood and Paladin fighting infernals and exorcising them. But this time, they come to the aid of one of Ironblood's mentor--a secret he is not to divulge. And it all has to do with fires starting in Detroit back in 1953 and occurring every seven years. Will Ironblood and Paladin be able to fight the demon this time?
Once again Lance Tuck draws you into the story and you can't stop reading until you reach the end. The story flowed and I didn't have any problem with the addition of the backstories of the humans that were caught up with the demon in some way. The story was so realistic, the characters so alive. This would make a great read for Halloween night.
I can't wait for the Book Three, "Hell Freezes Over."
March 16, 2016
This is a very good follow up to Devil’s Garden (which I also recommend you read). I was anticipating this book and was not disappointed. The beginning is, as someone else put, not for the faint of heart. It was hard to put down once I started reading it. Mr. Tuck has built a very vivid world. If you like suspenseful and momentum building, books then this is for you. If you are easily offended by horror writing and sexual dialog, then proceed with caution if you wish read this book as it may not be suitable for you.
I received a complimentary copy from Goodreads.com. I’m very glad I was introduced to Lance Tuck. because now I want to read more of his material.
I received a complimentary copy from Goodreads.com. I’m very glad I was introduced to Lance Tuck. because now I want to read more of his material.
March 14, 2016
Excellent Follow-Up!
I've never read a series that gave me goosebumps before. Never have I ever doubted my own faith and wondered if I'd be strong enough to resist, should I not make the first wave of The Rapture. This book is frightening!
Devil's Night summary:
Devil’s Night takes us into a mystery from Gerald Ironblood’s past. One of his mentors has made a deathbed request, swearing Gerald to secrecy about a scandal that racked the church fifty years ago. It is not over yet. Leaving Matthew in St. Louis, Gerald travels to Detroit, joining forces with a dying priest, a discredited Fire Chief, and a pair of warrior nuns to try to stop the past from claiming more lives in the future. But all is not as it seems.
Book two of the Paladin Sequence is just as powerful as the first. The very beginning alone, will make you cringe- exorcisms are no joke and I'm speaking from experience as a witness: The Exorcist, The Omen, The Possession, Dominion- you know I know what I'm talking about!. I'm a professional, but this book took me places I never imagined!
The flow of the story didn't change, making it feel as though I was just reading a rather large story than another book. The flashbacks and informational pieces added to the novel in every way- never hindering, which displayed Tuck's great skill. He also showed how much more serious he was with his research. The knowledge poured into this story is impeccable and compared to the designing of the LOTR stories! (You can learn more on Tuck's techniques with my audio interview, posted in my Adventures and Mistakes blog.)
Characters are flawed but flawless, action is non-stop, even when necessary bits of slowed in order to educate the reader. It's so freaking amazing that I think I spooked myself a couple of times, due to my heightened imaginary senses, thanks to Tuck's gift of writing. Any reader would be spooked by this book- I'm not kidding. Then you'll find yourself conflicted as you obtain a deeper look into those who are seen as the antagonists and who the protagonists are. I referred to this story magnanimous, when sharing with a friend one day, because it just is! There's a place for open forgiveness, but also straight up castigation! It's one where you won't know which side to stand on.
http://tinyurl.com/h57b27s
I've never read a series that gave me goosebumps before. Never have I ever doubted my own faith and wondered if I'd be strong enough to resist, should I not make the first wave of The Rapture. This book is frightening!
Devil's Night summary:
Devil’s Night takes us into a mystery from Gerald Ironblood’s past. One of his mentors has made a deathbed request, swearing Gerald to secrecy about a scandal that racked the church fifty years ago. It is not over yet. Leaving Matthew in St. Louis, Gerald travels to Detroit, joining forces with a dying priest, a discredited Fire Chief, and a pair of warrior nuns to try to stop the past from claiming more lives in the future. But all is not as it seems.
Book two of the Paladin Sequence is just as powerful as the first. The very beginning alone, will make you cringe- exorcisms are no joke and I'm speaking from experience as a witness: The Exorcist, The Omen, The Possession, Dominion- you know I know what I'm talking about!. I'm a professional, but this book took me places I never imagined!
The flow of the story didn't change, making it feel as though I was just reading a rather large story than another book. The flashbacks and informational pieces added to the novel in every way- never hindering, which displayed Tuck's great skill. He also showed how much more serious he was with his research. The knowledge poured into this story is impeccable and compared to the designing of the LOTR stories! (You can learn more on Tuck's techniques with my audio interview, posted in my Adventures and Mistakes blog.)
Characters are flawed but flawless, action is non-stop, even when necessary bits of slowed in order to educate the reader. It's so freaking amazing that I think I spooked myself a couple of times, due to my heightened imaginary senses, thanks to Tuck's gift of writing. Any reader would be spooked by this book- I'm not kidding. Then you'll find yourself conflicted as you obtain a deeper look into those who are seen as the antagonists and who the protagonists are. I referred to this story magnanimous, when sharing with a friend one day, because it just is! There's a place for open forgiveness, but also straight up castigation! It's one where you won't know which side to stand on.
http://tinyurl.com/h57b27s
November 15, 2015
This book truly shows the horror of the world Tuck has built. The beginning of this book is not for the faint of heart, but I promise the journey is well worth it. This the only book I've ever read that actually makes me really love the villian. There are lots of little facts that hint at something much much larger. Tuck has truly built on what he started in the first book. You should definitely research some of the historical facts that Tuck uses. I'm consistently amazed at how he twists and shines new light on actual historical events through the lens of this world he's building.
September 1, 2016
*Copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This book. Is. Wow. Like in my first review, I didn't think after reading a couple of pages that I'd enjoy the series but wow! The way that Lance Scott creates these characters and the situations makes me want to read more and more! This will be by far the best series that I've decided to read. The fact that the characters keep on growing stronger with each book. And how they came to be how they are is great. Devils night was a creepy, and exciting read that makes me want the third one!!
This book. Is. Wow. Like in my first review, I didn't think after reading a couple of pages that I'd enjoy the series but wow! The way that Lance Scott creates these characters and the situations makes me want to read more and more! This will be by far the best series that I've decided to read. The fact that the characters keep on growing stronger with each book. And how they came to be how they are is great. Devils night was a creepy, and exciting read that makes me want the third one!!
February 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. This was quite the follow up to Devil's Garden (book 1 of the series). The books are real page-turners, but not for the faint of heart. There is some graphic violence and sexual abuse (though there is a trigger warning in the book in the page before that begins). A lot of arcane lore on angels, demons, lesser infernals, and fallen angels. Even a brush with Buddhist and Islamic exorcism practices in this one. These first two books are laying the groundwork for a very interesting world, and I'm curious to find out what the looming shadows will prove to be, and how this building conflict between heaven and hell will pan out. If you enjoy Supernatural (the TV show), you will likely enjoy this series as well.
April 4, 2016
Tuck managed to exceed the first entry below. Easily far my favorite of the series, the story continues Matthew Paladin's history and relationship with his "dark passenger." The antagonist (Xaphan) is a very well written and complex character, and often leaves the reader wondering how the main characters could never defeat a being of such power. The pace of the book is not so fast that the drive is lost or confused with the comings and goings, but stable enough to where all locales and the situation was able to be appreciated and breathed it for its stultifying focus by retail.
April 27, 2016
Didn't think this book (#2 in the series) could top the first book - But it DID! Extraordinarily written. Extremely complex characters. I especially like the character Matthew who's got two personalities. In my opinion it's an extremely difficult thing to do in having one character have two personalities, but Lance Tuck pulls it off easily. Some lessons to learn as well. Keep them coming Mr. Tuck! :)
May 20, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Winning in no way reflects upon my opinion of the book.
Very well written with great characters and a plot that will keep you up long into the night. I will definitely be looking forward to reading all of the books in this series. Kudos to the author on a job well done!
Very well written with great characters and a plot that will keep you up long into the night. I will definitely be looking forward to reading all of the books in this series. Kudos to the author on a job well done!
May 9, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads.com giveaway.
This review is somewhat bittersweet, because this is the last book that I’ve won in a Goodreads.com giveaway. And this review is the mother of all reviews.
If I were to tell you my top five favorite authors, they would be, in no particular order, Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE; Stephen King; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; J. J. Jance and Lance Tuck. Wait a minute? Did I just include Lance Tuck? Yes I did, and the only reason why is that he has to be one of the most prolific writers in the 21st Century. He can take religion, the supernatural, pedophilias’, and roll in all up into one outstanding novel entitled, “Devil’s Night.” This is the second in a series of books that Tuck has written involving Matthew Paladin and the Rev. Gerald Ironblood, an ordained Exorcist with the Catholic Church and a member of the B.O.E. (Board of Exorcism).
It’s never a dull moment for these two. “Devil’s Night” makes us relive part of Gerald Ironblood’s past; one that he truly would love to forget. As one of his mentor’s makes a death bed request, swearing Gerald to secrecy about a scandal that rocked the church to its core. Ironblood is forced to leave Matthew in St. Louis as hunts down and join forces with a shamed fire chief, a dying priest and a pair of combatant nuns to help stop the past from becoming the present, and possibly the future, and to also stop the taking of lives.
As the past and the present merge together, the characters discover what has happened so long ago, leading to an explosive ending with the demon, Xaphan.
Lance Tuck is either a genius or insane to come up with a twisted plot that he did for “Devil’s Night.” The turns and twists that he presents to the reader is mind boggling. His understanding of development and continuation of the thought process is remarkable and it shows. As his plot becomes more complex, the speed is picked up and keeps your mind racing and reading along.
The characters are superbly magnificent. You can picture them to a tee. The interaction between Ironblood and Paladin is remarkable and makes you looking for more. But what is so unique about the characters, is that they take on their own form. Not a lot of description is required to tell you about them, but just enough so you can see them in your mind.
Once everything is taken into consideration, you have an outstanding novel in “Devil’s Night;” however, again, the only thing that takes away from the book is that the text is only left justification, not full justification. I am not too sure why the author has done this, or has allowed for this to happen, but this is the biggest sticking point that I have with the novel. It is very distracting and makes it hard to read, though, I know that this counterclaims and what I had stated earlier. I just want to make clear that the plot is easy to read; the layout of the text is hard on the eyes. Maybe Lance Tuck can answer this question for us.
Tuck does have three more books in the series: “Hell Freezes Over,” “Death In Flesh,” and “Infernal Affairs.” If “Devil’s Garden” (book one) and “Devil’s Night” (book two) are any indication, then buckle up for the next three. This is going to be one hell of a ride.
Oh, by the way, Stephen King, you better move over. Lance Tuck is hot on your heels.
This review is somewhat bittersweet, because this is the last book that I’ve won in a Goodreads.com giveaway. And this review is the mother of all reviews.
If I were to tell you my top five favorite authors, they would be, in no particular order, Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE; Stephen King; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; J. J. Jance and Lance Tuck. Wait a minute? Did I just include Lance Tuck? Yes I did, and the only reason why is that he has to be one of the most prolific writers in the 21st Century. He can take religion, the supernatural, pedophilias’, and roll in all up into one outstanding novel entitled, “Devil’s Night.” This is the second in a series of books that Tuck has written involving Matthew Paladin and the Rev. Gerald Ironblood, an ordained Exorcist with the Catholic Church and a member of the B.O.E. (Board of Exorcism).
It’s never a dull moment for these two. “Devil’s Night” makes us relive part of Gerald Ironblood’s past; one that he truly would love to forget. As one of his mentor’s makes a death bed request, swearing Gerald to secrecy about a scandal that rocked the church to its core. Ironblood is forced to leave Matthew in St. Louis as hunts down and join forces with a shamed fire chief, a dying priest and a pair of combatant nuns to help stop the past from becoming the present, and possibly the future, and to also stop the taking of lives.
As the past and the present merge together, the characters discover what has happened so long ago, leading to an explosive ending with the demon, Xaphan.
Lance Tuck is either a genius or insane to come up with a twisted plot that he did for “Devil’s Night.” The turns and twists that he presents to the reader is mind boggling. His understanding of development and continuation of the thought process is remarkable and it shows. As his plot becomes more complex, the speed is picked up and keeps your mind racing and reading along.
The characters are superbly magnificent. You can picture them to a tee. The interaction between Ironblood and Paladin is remarkable and makes you looking for more. But what is so unique about the characters, is that they take on their own form. Not a lot of description is required to tell you about them, but just enough so you can see them in your mind.
Once everything is taken into consideration, you have an outstanding novel in “Devil’s Night;” however, again, the only thing that takes away from the book is that the text is only left justification, not full justification. I am not too sure why the author has done this, or has allowed for this to happen, but this is the biggest sticking point that I have with the novel. It is very distracting and makes it hard to read, though, I know that this counterclaims and what I had stated earlier. I just want to make clear that the plot is easy to read; the layout of the text is hard on the eyes. Maybe Lance Tuck can answer this question for us.
Tuck does have three more books in the series: “Hell Freezes Over,” “Death In Flesh,” and “Infernal Affairs.” If “Devil’s Garden” (book one) and “Devil’s Night” (book two) are any indication, then buckle up for the next three. This is going to be one hell of a ride.
Oh, by the way, Stephen King, you better move over. Lance Tuck is hot on your heels.
July 21, 2017
It was not for me. I couldn't concentrate on the story and it was hard to keep reading for more than 10 minutes...
February 13, 2017
I received a copy of this book provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review. That does not affect in any single way my thoughts and rating on this book.
Wow! This was an excellent follow up from the first book on this series. It was scary to read every detail on how the events were happening. This second book is about this a creature also known as Xaphan who is the most powerful demon or angel as you put in the story. Xaphan is most known for his fire magic or ability to burn every surrounding. He was the responsible for the fires in Detroit every seven years. But unfortunately Gerald hears about this.
Gerald tries to gather info about this demon, so that he can find a way to send him back to hell and never come back. Xaphan is following the events of the orphanage in 1953. In here Matthew disobeys Gerald's order to stay away from the fires in Detroit. In an attempt to save him from an Infernal trap. What is really interesting is that in here a nun actually arrested Matthew for the possession of an Infernal. What happened next you need to find out by reading the book.
For me this was the most creepy read ever. It is amazing how this story develops itself staring with the fires in Detroit, and the fact the author actually did some research for this story about this fires actual dates and stuff is beyond amazing. This story is more about this fires and whos is Xaphan in this book. In fact you can actually feel the chills when Lance writes on his perspective. It is the most creepy and dark thing ever!! The most epic book I have ever read, actually this is my second. Because the first book is Devil's Garden by Lance, of course. I will definitely read them again in October if I have the time.
Most favorite part in here is on how Matthew discovers a really important thing for him to help him with his passenger. And also how he realize that the symbols that Xaphan has in his ritual drawing or requirements, that they were a TRAP. Can you believe that? Monsters can be a little mischievous when it comes to this type of things.
I should have read this in October not in this month. But it was all WORTH IT though! I would recommend to all of you guys, to check this series YouTube channel to know more about the author himself and him talking about this series.
Wow! This was an excellent follow up from the first book on this series. It was scary to read every detail on how the events were happening. This second book is about this a creature also known as Xaphan who is the most powerful demon or angel as you put in the story. Xaphan is most known for his fire magic or ability to burn every surrounding. He was the responsible for the fires in Detroit every seven years. But unfortunately Gerald hears about this.
Gerald tries to gather info about this demon, so that he can find a way to send him back to hell and never come back. Xaphan is following the events of the orphanage in 1953. In here Matthew disobeys Gerald's order to stay away from the fires in Detroit. In an attempt to save him from an Infernal trap. What is really interesting is that in here a nun actually arrested Matthew for the possession of an Infernal. What happened next you need to find out by reading the book.
For me this was the most creepy read ever. It is amazing how this story develops itself staring with the fires in Detroit, and the fact the author actually did some research for this story about this fires actual dates and stuff is beyond amazing. This story is more about this fires and whos is Xaphan in this book. In fact you can actually feel the chills when Lance writes on his perspective. It is the most creepy and dark thing ever!! The most epic book I have ever read, actually this is my second. Because the first book is Devil's Garden by Lance, of course. I will definitely read them again in October if I have the time.
Most favorite part in here is on how Matthew discovers a really important thing for him to help him with his passenger. And also how he realize that the symbols that Xaphan has in his ritual drawing or requirements, that they were a TRAP. Can you believe that? Monsters can be a little mischievous when it comes to this type of things.
I should have read this in October not in this month. But it was all WORTH IT though! I would recommend to all of you guys, to check this series YouTube channel to know more about the author himself and him talking about this series.
April 14, 2016
Glad, I finally had the chance to finish the book now that I am in spring break. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Now, this was another wonderful book to this series. The plot and and the next steps and challenges the characters faced were believable.
It was quite sad to read what those boys went through and I cannot blame them for that want of revenge and justice after what they suffered. Still though, as I have always said, nothing would ever be worth selling your soul to a unholy entity!! Still, imo, those people did have it coming, too bad that innocents got hurt in the cross fire, but well, these are demons were talking about.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read and great to pass the time. I especially enjoyed the interactions with Paladin and his dark passenger.
Now, this was another wonderful book to this series. The plot and and the next steps and challenges the characters faced were believable.
It was quite sad to read what those boys went through and I cannot blame them for that want of revenge and justice after what they suffered. Still though, as I have always said, nothing would ever be worth selling your soul to a unholy entity!! Still, imo, those people did have it coming, too bad that innocents got hurt in the cross fire, but well, these are demons were talking about.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read and great to pass the time. I especially enjoyed the interactions with Paladin and his dark passenger.
February 19, 2016
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I went into this book with high hopes. I thought the first book had set up the start to a good story. I was extremely disappointed. This book did not have the same fast pace as the first. It was almost painful to read. I was reading in 5-10 page increments because it was literally putting me to sleep. The story once again was completely back story. I am really not enjoying that format. The time period labeling is off in the series. Book one the present time was April 2006 but when I picked this up chapter one which picks up the present time story line is labeled as April 2005.
I will not be reading anything else form this series.
I went into this book with high hopes. I thought the first book had set up the start to a good story. I was extremely disappointed. This book did not have the same fast pace as the first. It was almost painful to read. I was reading in 5-10 page increments because it was literally putting me to sleep. The story once again was completely back story. I am really not enjoying that format. The time period labeling is off in the series. Book one the present time was April 2006 but when I picked this up chapter one which picks up the present time story line is labeled as April 2005.
I will not be reading anything else form this series.
December 16, 2015
Everything you craved for more of at the end of Devil's Garden (book 1) is delivered page after page in this follow up. A world full of evil isn't uncommon this day and age but Lance approaches some of our current worldly issues with a sharp tongue and a wicked passion. All the while diving deeper into back story, characters, and plot developments. Not to mention the interestingly complex Angel of Fire, Xaphan, that may visit you in your nightmares after reading.
August 2, 2016
Read this book and the first one in one day I couldn't put them down
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews