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Sam Harlan #3
Damned Cold
Vampires. They're everywhere. It's my job to stop them.
A woman is missing. Hell, isn't there always? The church thinks a vampire is involved, but it's much worse than that. Much worse.
Witches. Why did it have to be witches?
A woman is missing. Hell, isn't there always? The church thinks a vampire is involved, but it's much worse than that. Much worse.
Witches. Why did it have to be witches?
- GenresParanormalOccult
235 pages, ebook
Published March 16, 2016
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 15, 2018
Damned Cold
A Sam Harlan Novel, Book 3
By: Kevin Lee Swaim
Narrated by: David Loving
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I love this series! If you haven't read any of the other books you could probably read this and not get lost, the author catches you up but there might be spoilers.
This has vampires, witches, magic, suspense, terror, and lots of action! The characters are well developed and I love Sam, even if he is turning into a vampire, and his sister-in-law that is a nun. His writing draws you in and makes you feel like you are there, fighting along side him, and boy is that terrifying! Love this series so much!
The narrator is terrific! Clear voice and performs the voices perfectly. Keeps the mood and emotions flowing with the story! Wonderful!
A Sam Harlan Novel, Book 3
By: Kevin Lee Swaim
Narrated by: David Loving
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I love this series! If you haven't read any of the other books you could probably read this and not get lost, the author catches you up but there might be spoilers.
This has vampires, witches, magic, suspense, terror, and lots of action! The characters are well developed and I love Sam, even if he is turning into a vampire, and his sister-in-law that is a nun. His writing draws you in and makes you feel like you are there, fighting along side him, and boy is that terrifying! Love this series so much!
The narrator is terrific! Clear voice and performs the voices perfectly. Keeps the mood and emotions flowing with the story! Wonderful!
January 4, 2019
Wow, a really great read, violent from the start with a lot of blood letting. Vampires and magic don't mix, as Sam and Callie will find out to their cost. Sam is still learning the Vampire slaying trade, which means jump in feet first and worry about the consequences later. His only saving grace is that he has a God fearing Sister Callie to watch his back. Just as well for him as he is going to need all the help he can get. One of the best vampire series in the genre. Fab
May 27, 2021
If anything, I'm becoming more invested in this series. It's slowly getting more complex and at the same time, we're exploring the central characters and their growing relationships. Mysteries are layered upon mysteries.
On the downside, Sam seems to have taken an incongruous turn for the brutal. That's understandable, but this sharp jump into harsh pragmatism was left unexplained. There also seem to be small jumps in time that I find disorientating.
I've already started book four, which is recommendation enough.
On the downside, Sam seems to have taken an incongruous turn for the brutal. That's understandable, but this sharp jump into harsh pragmatism was left unexplained. There also seem to be small jumps in time that I find disorientating.
I've already started book four, which is recommendation enough.
March 13, 2016
Each book has been better than the previous one. I can't wait for the 4th book!
February 24, 2024
"DAMNED COLD" by Kevin Lee Swaim marks the third installment in the Sam Harlan series. Sam's life has changed drastically within a matter of months. Formerly content as a husband and father, working as a cook in his hometown diner, everything changed when a vampire abducted his wife and child. Shortly after, a distant relative named Jack appeared, revealing the existence of supernatural beings that were previously only the stuff of myths. Sam's sole focus now is getting revenge against the vampires who shattered his world.
In this novel, Sam, along with Callie, a sister from a mysterious order who has become his partner in battling vampires, is called upon to aid in the search for a missing woman. However, this case doesn't seem to have anything to do with vampires. Suddenly, Sam and Callie find themselves caught up in a mini-war raging between covens. They find themselves trying to stay alive while fighting witches, a golem, and, surprisingly, another vampire.
THOUGHTS:
The deeper into the series I go, the less I like or even care about the protagonist, Sam Harlan. While his self-doubt, guilt, and uncertainty are understandable given the events unfolding just months after the first novel, Sam's character becomes increasingly obnoxious and irritating. Despite encountering the supernatural firsthand, he often disregards anyone who tries to tell him something even when they have more knowledge about the situations he faces. Additionally, the supporting characters in the novel fail to leave a lasting impression, and the eventual revelation feels predictable, diminishing the overall impact.
"DAMNED COLD" is most likely going to be my last foray into the life and times of Sam Harlan.
In this novel, Sam, along with Callie, a sister from a mysterious order who has become his partner in battling vampires, is called upon to aid in the search for a missing woman. However, this case doesn't seem to have anything to do with vampires. Suddenly, Sam and Callie find themselves caught up in a mini-war raging between covens. They find themselves trying to stay alive while fighting witches, a golem, and, surprisingly, another vampire.
THOUGHTS:
The deeper into the series I go, the less I like or even care about the protagonist, Sam Harlan. While his self-doubt, guilt, and uncertainty are understandable given the events unfolding just months after the first novel, Sam's character becomes increasingly obnoxious and irritating. Despite encountering the supernatural firsthand, he often disregards anyone who tries to tell him something even when they have more knowledge about the situations he faces. Additionally, the supporting characters in the novel fail to leave a lasting impression, and the eventual revelation feels predictable, diminishing the overall impact.
"DAMNED COLD" is most likely going to be my last foray into the life and times of Sam Harlan.
March 15, 2018
While this is the 3rd book in this series, they are all fairly self-contained, so while you might not know the back story of recurring characters you can still enjoy this book as if it was a standalone novel, but I would suggest reading/listening to the earlier ones in the series too since they are equally enjoyable.
This latest episode in the life of the vampire hunter, Sam Harlan, expands his knowledge of the supernatural world he has found himself in and once again frequently points out to him that he is generally outclassed physically by the supernatural entities that he encounters since he gets beaten up and/or knocked out quite frequently by vampires and worse. The author does a good job of conveying the sense of risk for the main characters and even some of the baddies have shades of grey to their motives.
The narrator does a good job with this novel, the main characters are suitably distinctive without seeming overdone or exaggerated and his pleasant overall tone should result in you finishing this book quite quickly in few sittings.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen and a strong episode in a series that I am interested in seeing continue.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
This latest episode in the life of the vampire hunter, Sam Harlan, expands his knowledge of the supernatural world he has found himself in and once again frequently points out to him that he is generally outclassed physically by the supernatural entities that he encounters since he gets beaten up and/or knocked out quite frequently by vampires and worse. The author does a good job of conveying the sense of risk for the main characters and even some of the baddies have shades of grey to their motives.
The narrator does a good job with this novel, the main characters are suitably distinctive without seeming overdone or exaggerated and his pleasant overall tone should result in you finishing this book quite quickly in few sittings.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen and a strong episode in a series that I am interested in seeing continue.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 29, 2018
Here we have a glimpse in the life of vampire hunter Sam Harlan. In this episode Sam is set against witches and demons, which are quite outside of his normal purview. Sam and his Sister-partner Callie are sent by the church to find a missing girl. It is soon made clear that the situation is much more dangerous than thought to be. Sam is continually reminded that he knows little of the paranormal world, surviving by the skin of his teeth and the Grace of God. This is an exciting and fast-paced adventure, urging me to find the first two volumes to catch up on the action. Although this is book three of the series, and not having read the first two volumes, it was still able to stand on its own without much trouble. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
March 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this edition of the series and thought it was the best one yet, though I still miss Jack!
So this one sees Sam and Callie called in by the church to investigate a missing girl and as Sam says "Vampires. They're everywhere. It's my job to stop them. A woman is missing. Hell, isn't there always? The church thinks a vampire is involved, but it's much worse than that. Much worse. Witches. Why did it have to be witches?" - Sam Harlan. Poor Sam has his work cut out for him when he realises that witches are involved and life is about to become way more complicated for him.
As I said, even though I miss Jack, I feel like Sam is finally becoming the strong character he needs to be. I connected with him a lot more here!! Callie meanwhile has her own troubles to deal with, but she still manages to keep her faith throughout. She really is one kick ass sister!!!
The plot was fast paced and intense. Sam and Callie are faced with a new threat with the witches and need to work quickly before it's too late for them. Sam might just need to call in The Sheriff to help! One thing I love about this series too, is what happens to the hunter who kills a vampire, it's unique and adds a little more suspense to the overall story. I feel like Sam is a ticking time bomb and I can't wait to read more!!
In all, this series surprised me a lot, with how much I enjoyed them. It's been too long since I've read a good Vampire story, and these ones are great. Bring on the next one!!!
David Loving was great in this one. He read this really well and his inflections brought the story to life.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
So this one sees Sam and Callie called in by the church to investigate a missing girl and as Sam says "Vampires. They're everywhere. It's my job to stop them. A woman is missing. Hell, isn't there always? The church thinks a vampire is involved, but it's much worse than that. Much worse. Witches. Why did it have to be witches?" - Sam Harlan. Poor Sam has his work cut out for him when he realises that witches are involved and life is about to become way more complicated for him.
As I said, even though I miss Jack, I feel like Sam is finally becoming the strong character he needs to be. I connected with him a lot more here!! Callie meanwhile has her own troubles to deal with, but she still manages to keep her faith throughout. She really is one kick ass sister!!!
The plot was fast paced and intense. Sam and Callie are faced with a new threat with the witches and need to work quickly before it's too late for them. Sam might just need to call in The Sheriff to help! One thing I love about this series too, is what happens to the hunter who kills a vampire, it's unique and adds a little more suspense to the overall story. I feel like Sam is a ticking time bomb and I can't wait to read more!!
In all, this series surprised me a lot, with how much I enjoyed them. It's been too long since I've read a good Vampire story, and these ones are great. Bring on the next one!!!
David Loving was great in this one. He read this really well and his inflections brought the story to life.
I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
April 9, 2018
Audible UK:I found this story very dry.I also found that David Lovings narration was dry and monotone.The main characters were unlikable.I didn't read the first two books.Now I don't feel so bad about that.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
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April 22, 2021 🎁 Books 1 -3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/22/2021)! 🎁
November 12, 2016
A great read
The touch of humor, the strong characters and the interesting plot twists worked together to create a great book. I am really enjoying the series.
The touch of humor, the strong characters and the interesting plot twists worked together to create a great book. I am really enjoying the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews