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Hellequin Chronicles #6
Promise of Wrath
A powerful sorcerer. A forgotten past. Hellequin is back, and the end is near.
A terrible storm is brewing in London, and Nathan Garrett, the sorcerer known as Hellequin, is the only one who can stop it.
But his enemies have other plans. Harnessing the power of an ancient stone tablet, they cast Nate and his allies into another realm, where a bloody conflict rages between creatures twisted by magic. Meanwhile, with his friends’ lives in danger, Nate must put centuries of differences aside, and place his trust in one of his greatest foes.
Time is running out. Trapped and outnumbered, Nate must use all his wits and power to survive and find his way home before his enemies start a war that could destroy everything he holds close. Welcome to the penultimate chapter of the Hellequin Chronicles.
A terrible storm is brewing in London, and Nathan Garrett, the sorcerer known as Hellequin, is the only one who can stop it.
But his enemies have other plans. Harnessing the power of an ancient stone tablet, they cast Nate and his allies into another realm, where a bloody conflict rages between creatures twisted by magic. Meanwhile, with his friends’ lives in danger, Nate must put centuries of differences aside, and place his trust in one of his greatest foes.
Time is running out. Trapped and outnumbered, Nate must use all his wits and power to survive and find his way home before his enemies start a war that could destroy everything he holds close. Welcome to the penultimate chapter of the Hellequin Chronicles.
549 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
569 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
35 books1,901 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
April 24, 2018
Promise of Wrath
Hellequin Chronicles, Book 6
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
Nate has learned a lot in this book. Wow, this was wild. Exciting and craziness and sad at times but a new hope? I really enjoyed this one! I enjoyed all of them, LOL. They all have action, terrific fantasy, great character that you get attached to, and villains to hate, power to admire, and thrills to see. Wonderful stories. Saving up for next audible!
Narration was great, flowed well and kept the book moving with the emotions. Great performance.
Hellequin Chronicles, Book 6
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
Nate has learned a lot in this book. Wow, this was wild. Exciting and craziness and sad at times but a new hope? I really enjoyed this one! I enjoyed all of them, LOL. They all have action, terrific fantasy, great character that you get attached to, and villains to hate, power to admire, and thrills to see. Wonderful stories. Saving up for next audible!
Narration was great, flowed well and kept the book moving with the emotions. Great performance.
September 20, 2016
I wondered how Steve McHugh was going to pull it all together on these last two books. There seemed too much to do and not enough time. But I shouldn't have worried. The shocking ending of the last book was taken on an even more bloody shocking path and I LOVED it. The whole book was one of surprises but it still managed to bring the plot and characters in to a better place for the final showdown.
I both can't wait to see who's behind it all and am already sad to see these characters go.
If you haven't tried this series before, it's definitely worth your time. Especially as the first 5 books are only £1 each on Kindle UK right now.
I both can't wait to see who's behind it all and am already sad to see these characters go.
If you haven't tried this series before, it's definitely worth your time. Especially as the first 5 books are only £1 each on Kindle UK right now.
September 19, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
Book 5: 3.5*
Book 6: 3.5*
This series cheesy as it is has become greater than the sum of its parts. The long term story has had a lot of good twists while the execution and 1980's style movie banter has remained constant. Looking forward to how he wraps this up.
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
Book 5: 3.5*
Book 6: 3.5*
This series cheesy as it is has become greater than the sum of its parts. The long term story has had a lot of good twists while the execution and 1980's style movie banter has remained constant. Looking forward to how he wraps this up.
September 17, 2016
Its probably no secret that I'm a bit of a fan of this series - having been in it from the start and watched it grow and go from strength to strength - Promise of Wrath edges us towards a conclusion for Nate and his band of few in an addictive page turning thrill ride. I banged through it. Mind you I always do with these...
This instalment is actually a little bit more difficult to review than the others because so much happens that is spoilerific and we can't have that - no no no. But seriously its basically Nate doing what he does best, dealing with the bad guys, protecting the good guys, Steve McHugh blurring those lines beautifully so often you are not entirely sure which is which.
I like those shades of grey - Nate has plenty of them he's not the shining hero but more the type of anti-hero I adore in urban fantasy, often torn between right and the urge to just burn everything in a fiery ball of hell flame (actually I love it when he loses those battles it is an adrenalin fuelled reading rush) As a main protagonist for this ever fascinating story he is utterly perfect.
The same blend of mythology we know and love with the authors own twist and imaginative sense means that Promise of Wrath, like all the Hellequin chronicles before it, is a dream of a read for fans of this genre. One more to go. This saddens and excites me in equal measure.
Bring. It. On.
Highly Recommended.
This instalment is actually a little bit more difficult to review than the others because so much happens that is spoilerific and we can't have that - no no no. But seriously its basically Nate doing what he does best, dealing with the bad guys, protecting the good guys, Steve McHugh blurring those lines beautifully so often you are not entirely sure which is which.
I like those shades of grey - Nate has plenty of them he's not the shining hero but more the type of anti-hero I adore in urban fantasy, often torn between right and the urge to just burn everything in a fiery ball of hell flame (actually I love it when he loses those battles it is an adrenalin fuelled reading rush) As a main protagonist for this ever fascinating story he is utterly perfect.
The same blend of mythology we know and love with the authors own twist and imaginative sense means that Promise of Wrath, like all the Hellequin chronicles before it, is a dream of a read for fans of this genre. One more to go. This saddens and excites me in equal measure.
Bring. It. On.
Highly Recommended.
March 12, 2017
the best book by far out of this series 5 stars all the way
August 30, 2018
Another really good book about Nate, Mordred, Morgan, Tommy, Olivia, Kasey and all the other terrific characters, good and bad. And speaking of bad, Mordred was bad in all the other books but since Nate shot him in the eye and Mordred’s magic healed him he’s been a different person. He’s become so likable and so funny with his humming of songs from video games.
All the books have had some very funny moments but I think this one had the most, both from Nate and Mordred both.
This one was about Nate and several others being sent to another realm and their fight to get back, and about all the battles they all had to fight to get back home. It was fun and exciting all at the same time.
There was no romance and the F-bomb was used 47 times.
As to the narration: I don’t think this would have been half as funny if it hadn’t been for Simon Mattacks. Oh, his women’s voices need work but all his males had their own voices and his expressions and emotions were awesome. I was concerned about the change of narrators in these last two books but I can’t see giving him 1 or 2 stars because they changed the narrator because Simon Mattacks did a really great job overall.
September 12, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for a review.
I’m trying for a no spoiler review here, so if I seem vague, it’s for a purpose, other than frustrating you!
This is the 6th book in the Hellequin series, as you probably know by now. This installment brings some new discoveries about the dwarves, about Nate, and a real surprise change for one of the characters. The mysterious ‘my liege’ begins to be identified. Part of Nate’s early years are revealed. The origin of the blood curse marks is revealed and the story line, and Nate’s abilities, advance rather rapidly in this book.
For those action fans, it does not disappoint; lots of fight scenes with Nate adapting on the fly, landing on his feet and managing to keep himself and his friends alive, or at least most of them. The status quo changes dramatically in this book, with the action scenes added in to upheave the reader’s world. Nate’s world is changing, enemies are coming to light, and the stage is set for a showdown. The reader is left with a partly solved puzzle, and a great deal of anticipation for the next installment.
I’m trying for a no spoiler review here, so if I seem vague, it’s for a purpose, other than frustrating you!
This is the 6th book in the Hellequin series, as you probably know by now. This installment brings some new discoveries about the dwarves, about Nate, and a real surprise change for one of the characters. The mysterious ‘my liege’ begins to be identified. Part of Nate’s early years are revealed. The origin of the blood curse marks is revealed and the story line, and Nate’s abilities, advance rather rapidly in this book.
For those action fans, it does not disappoint; lots of fight scenes with Nate adapting on the fly, landing on his feet and managing to keep himself and his friends alive, or at least most of them. The status quo changes dramatically in this book, with the action scenes added in to upheave the reader’s world. Nate’s world is changing, enemies are coming to light, and the stage is set for a showdown. The reader is left with a partly solved puzzle, and a great deal of anticipation for the next installment.
September 14, 2016
I received a copy of this book to review it.
As a huge fan of the Hellequin Chronicles, it's fair to say that I had high expectations of the penultimate instalment. It's also fair to say that Promise of Wrath more than delivered on those expectations - it's a ride and a half through multiple realms as Nate edges closer and closer to the truth of his existence. New characters mesh seamlessly with old favourites, and new discoveries make sense of various aspects of Nate's past.
Just like all of the previous instalments of the Hellequin Chronicles, the plot is fast-paced, both the characters and the settings manage to be fantastical and realistic at the same time, and you are drawn in whether you want to be or not! There are twists, shocks and action galore - if you're already a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed! If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the Hellequin Chronicles yet, you need to get on that. Like, now. Go!
Now, I need to go re-read the series from the beginning again, because I'm not quite ready to leave Nate's world just yet... And I have a huge book-hangover.
As a huge fan of the Hellequin Chronicles, it's fair to say that I had high expectations of the penultimate instalment. It's also fair to say that Promise of Wrath more than delivered on those expectations - it's a ride and a half through multiple realms as Nate edges closer and closer to the truth of his existence. New characters mesh seamlessly with old favourites, and new discoveries make sense of various aspects of Nate's past.
Just like all of the previous instalments of the Hellequin Chronicles, the plot is fast-paced, both the characters and the settings manage to be fantastical and realistic at the same time, and you are drawn in whether you want to be or not! There are twists, shocks and action galore - if you're already a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed! If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading the Hellequin Chronicles yet, you need to get on that. Like, now. Go!
Now, I need to go re-read the series from the beginning again, because I'm not quite ready to leave Nate's world just yet... And I have a huge book-hangover.
February 7, 2017
Another great sequel to the Hellequin series!
While I didn't think all the action sequences perfect in the last book, this one was back up to a full 5 star story. The fight sequences where back to the perfect length for me.
I just love the humor and the dialogue in this series - and I wish I could have Nate as my friend... Who wouldn't like an extremely dangerous, but morally alright assassin for a pal. ;)
It does get quite bloody and gory in places, but for me it was the perfect balance of grim, humor and action.
In this one we get to know some new friends and foes, meet old acquaintances get some mind-boggling twists and turns, lots and lots of action, an engaging plot, more information about the past and insight into some old mysteries... Oh and a dragon too!
I devoured the whole thing in less than one day, and wish it wasn't over yet! This is by now definitely one of my favorite urban fantasy series, right up there with Harry Dresden, Iron Druid Chronicles and The Checquy Files.
So if you like Urban fantasy, some blood and gore, lots of fun, and Hollywood worthy action - I compel you to take up this series and love it just as much as I do!
While I didn't think all the action sequences perfect in the last book, this one was back up to a full 5 star story. The fight sequences where back to the perfect length for me.
I just love the humor and the dialogue in this series - and I wish I could have Nate as my friend... Who wouldn't like an extremely dangerous, but morally alright assassin for a pal. ;)
It does get quite bloody and gory in places, but for me it was the perfect balance of grim, humor and action.
In this one we get to know some new friends and foes, meet old acquaintances get some mind-boggling twists and turns, lots and lots of action, an engaging plot, more information about the past and insight into some old mysteries... Oh and a dragon too!
I devoured the whole thing in less than one day, and wish it wasn't over yet! This is by now definitely one of my favorite urban fantasy series, right up there with Harry Dresden, Iron Druid Chronicles and The Checquy Files.
So if you like Urban fantasy, some blood and gore, lots of fun, and Hollywood worthy action - I compel you to take up this series and love it just as much as I do!
September 9, 2017
Okay... this was the best one yet!
Again we learn more about Nate his history and other questions are answered, I love how we get to know more with each installment. There are quite a few questions left and the way this book ended makes that I can't wait for the final installment. How is this going to end!?
It's fast paced with fantastic characters. A dragon, dwarves and loads of action. You want to read this, trust me...
Again we learn more about Nate his history and other questions are answered, I love how we get to know more with each installment. There are quite a few questions left and the way this book ended makes that I can't wait for the final installment. How is this going to end!?
It's fast paced with fantastic characters. A dragon, dwarves and loads of action. You want to read this, trust me...
June 11, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
I felt that some parts were dragging the story down (initially, wasn't a huge fan of the alternate realm plot); plus it had TOO MANY new players added; McHugh probably setting it all up for the next book as the final one. But I'm still rounding it up because the last 1/3rd was too much awesomeness...
I felt that some parts were dragging the story down (initially, wasn't a huge fan of the alternate realm plot); plus it had TOO MANY new players added; McHugh probably setting it all up for the next book as the final one. But I'm still rounding it up because the last 1/3rd was too much awesomeness...
September 25, 2016
My boyfriend got me into the series and I can't thank him enough! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nate and his trials and tribulations and this book did not disappoint. There are still many secrets to be told but so many are now known through reading this.
A fantastic read, it's difficult to review without giving the plot away, but gripping from start to finish, always something going on and keeping you intrigued and guessing especially who is behind it all in addition to figuring out more of Nate's past as well as Mordred's who has an obsession with video games which I loved and made me laugh.
The book is funny, sad (as you learn about the past of both Mordred and Nate) and exciting especially as it is coming to the conclusion. The fights are spectacular and the fact that Remy wanted to make a shrubbery out of a dragon was fantastic.
I am sad to have finished the book but couldn't put it down and read half of it in half a day! I eagerly await for the last instalment but also will be sad to see it end.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes mythology, sci fi and fantasy as it contains all as well as humour!
A fantastic read, it's difficult to review without giving the plot away, but gripping from start to finish, always something going on and keeping you intrigued and guessing especially who is behind it all in addition to figuring out more of Nate's past as well as Mordred's who has an obsession with video games which I loved and made me laugh.
The book is funny, sad (as you learn about the past of both Mordred and Nate) and exciting especially as it is coming to the conclusion. The fights are spectacular and the fact that Remy wanted to make a shrubbery out of a dragon was fantastic.
I am sad to have finished the book but couldn't put it down and read half of it in half a day! I eagerly await for the last instalment but also will be sad to see it end.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes mythology, sci fi and fantasy as it contains all as well as humour!
September 10, 2016
I received this book in return for a review.
This book is by far the best one in the series in my opinion. The story lines across the ages are seamlessly integrated and very much impact the present story line.
We get fantastic character progression as we learn more and more about Nate's past and the scale and scope of the machinations behind those who oppose him, and the different sides are taking their shape to finish up this chapter of "Hellequin".
We learn more about the magic and creatures of the world, and I could not have asked for more. Well, maybe some of Nate's inherent panty dropping ability.
Can't wait for the last book before we move on to the next chapter in the life of Nathaniel Garrett, if that is even his real name
This book is by far the best one in the series in my opinion. The story lines across the ages are seamlessly integrated and very much impact the present story line.
We get fantastic character progression as we learn more and more about Nate's past and the scale and scope of the machinations behind those who oppose him, and the different sides are taking their shape to finish up this chapter of "Hellequin".
We learn more about the magic and creatures of the world, and I could not have asked for more. Well, maybe some of Nate's inherent panty dropping ability.
Can't wait for the last book before we move on to the next chapter in the life of Nathaniel Garrett, if that is even his real name
September 15, 2016
Keep them coming!
One of the best series I've read in a long time I love the Hellequin story and would recommend it to everyone who likes to have an adventure and forget they're in the real world because you just forget everything else while you're reading it. Lots of fights, great dialogue, mysterious foes and cool references that made me feel included in the story I can't wait for the next instalment!
One of the best series I've read in a long time I love the Hellequin story and would recommend it to everyone who likes to have an adventure and forget they're in the real world because you just forget everything else while you're reading it. Lots of fights, great dialogue, mysterious foes and cool references that made me feel included in the story I can't wait for the next instalment!
April 6, 2020
MFIN SQUAAAAA!!!!!
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January 11, 2019
Promise fo Wrath once again moves the Hellequin Chronicles further from the enjoyable, easy reading shelf to the must read as soon as possible after release shelf. After the events of Lies Ripped Open, this book needed to do a lot to push this story forward and keep up the pace and epic scale of the series so far... It does not disappoint.
In this book, Nate once again faces off against monsters, gods and all manner of mythical beings. But more importantly, he is dealing even more heavily with his past. Yet more secrets are uncovered, not just from Nate's perspective, and once again Nate (along with the reader) is forced to rethink how the world works and question his place in it.
This exploration into Nate's hidden past as well as the world as a whole comes none too soon off the back of the events of the last novel. I felt that Lies Ripped open was a game changer for this series. With the arrival of Merlin we were taken from the fun, almost stand alone adventures to a story much grander in scale. Obviously, it had been building up for a lot of books, but in Lies Ripped Open it was shoved into the foreground. Thankfully, this book has taken that and run with it, constantly raising the stakes and taking this series to new levels of epicness.
If I had to come up with a complaint, it would probably be with the secondary timeline in this book. As with each of the Hellequin novels so far, a secondary timeline that chronicles events from the past runs throughout the story. This has always been hit or miss for me. Though it sometimes works really well, like in Prison of Hope, often I see it as just a distraction from the main events. Sadly, I felt this time it was more of the latter type of story. Each time I came to it I wanted to rush through the pages to get back to the main timeline which I was much more interested in.
However, this wasn't nearly enough of an issue for me to want to mark this book down. It was a highly enjoyable novel that really amps up the stakes for this series. I have finished the book in a state of extreme excitement to find out what happens next in this series.
Overall, because of the secondary timeline, this book would be a 4.5. However, because of how much I loved the main timeline and the story as a whole, I am happy to round that up to a 5. I am seriously eager for what comes next.
In this book, Nate once again faces off against monsters, gods and all manner of mythical beings. But more importantly, he is dealing even more heavily with his past. Yet more secrets are uncovered, not just from Nate's perspective, and once again Nate (along with the reader) is forced to rethink how the world works and question his place in it.
This exploration into Nate's hidden past as well as the world as a whole comes none too soon off the back of the events of the last novel. I felt that Lies Ripped open was a game changer for this series. With the arrival of Merlin we were taken from the fun, almost stand alone adventures to a story much grander in scale. Obviously, it had been building up for a lot of books, but in Lies Ripped Open it was shoved into the foreground. Thankfully, this book has taken that and run with it, constantly raising the stakes and taking this series to new levels of epicness.
If I had to come up with a complaint, it would probably be with the secondary timeline in this book. As with each of the Hellequin novels so far, a secondary timeline that chronicles events from the past runs throughout the story. This has always been hit or miss for me. Though it sometimes works really well, like in Prison of Hope, often I see it as just a distraction from the main events. Sadly, I felt this time it was more of the latter type of story. Each time I came to it I wanted to rush through the pages to get back to the main timeline which I was much more interested in.
However, this wasn't nearly enough of an issue for me to want to mark this book down. It was a highly enjoyable novel that really amps up the stakes for this series. I have finished the book in a state of extreme excitement to find out what happens next in this series.
Overall, because of the secondary timeline, this book would be a 4.5. However, because of how much I loved the main timeline and the story as a whole, I am happy to round that up to a 5. I am seriously eager for what comes next.
June 24, 2018
Nate and some of his friends get stuck in an alternate realm with his long-time enemy, Mordred. The danger of the realm are intense, and they must all work together in order to survive and escape. While there, they learn who was behind sending them there and Nate even uncovers some clues to his past and some new abilities.
Finally! We start to piece together a little about who has been behind all the previous evil plans and Nate is left with a short list of who to start asking questions.
I've enjoyed this series very much and I want to see it through. One criticism - I've been listening to the audio versions of this series, and the narrator changed with this book. Just like changing actors in the middle of a movie series is jarring, it is the same with audiobooks - plus, the previous narrator (James Langton) did such an awesome job of bringing Nate to life. The new guy falls short. Sometimes he even makes Nate sound feminine and it is not his character. It bothers me enough that I may switch over to the text version of the final book and avoid the audio.
Finally! We start to piece together a little about who has been behind all the previous evil plans and Nate is left with a short list of who to start asking questions.
I've enjoyed this series very much and I want to see it through. One criticism - I've been listening to the audio versions of this series, and the narrator changed with this book. Just like changing actors in the middle of a movie series is jarring, it is the same with audiobooks - plus, the previous narrator (James Langton) did such an awesome job of bringing Nate to life. The new guy falls short. Sometimes he even makes Nate sound feminine and it is not his character. It bothers me enough that I may switch over to the text version of the final book and avoid the audio.
October 22, 2016
Wow for me this is best in series! Loved the dwarfs introduction as they been long time coming add in more of nates background uncovered. I loved how this story started with a fast pace really can't see past the dwarf realm sad but I have been looking forward to them appearing. The change of mordred and how the relationship between him and Nate played out !!! Ending with Arthur waking leads for a great next book ! Oh and there's dwarves
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2017
The Hellequin Chronicles have all been leading up to something big; Nate is always in the right/wrong place at any given time to stop the bad guys. And now a pattern has emerged that all these bad guys are in league with each other to their "liege" - an unknown bad-guy who is bringing a war to Avalon and all the realms.
In this book, Nate is reunited with a past friend/enemy who believes it is his destiny to kill Nate. In the meantime, they need each other because they and a few others have been cast into the Dwarven realm with no hope of escape because all the realm gates are destroyed; this is coupled with thousands of blood elves along enemies new and old who want to see Nate die (and do the job themselves). In the meantime, Nate looses two more curse marks, gains memories of his mother and the ritual that placed the curses on him, and gains an Omega power.
One side note: while the author is pretty good about giving a recap on past antics and rules of magic, I really wish he had provided a recap on elemental vs omega magic. I don't think it's been discussed since book 2 (??) and I could have used a refresher of what they are, which are opposite (and this if you have shadow you can't use light) and which ones can't be used against each other.
Overall, another enjoyable book and now I actually have to wait for book 7, since I started this series late and was able to read through until now. I need to know how this ends!!
In this book, Nate is reunited with a past friend/enemy who believes it is his destiny to kill Nate. In the meantime, they need each other because they and a few others have been cast into the Dwarven realm with no hope of escape because all the realm gates are destroyed; this is coupled with thousands of blood elves along enemies new and old who want to see Nate die (and do the job themselves). In the meantime, Nate looses two more curse marks, gains memories of his mother and the ritual that placed the curses on him, and gains an Omega power.
One side note: while the author is pretty good about giving a recap on past antics and rules of magic, I really wish he had provided a recap on elemental vs omega magic. I don't think it's been discussed since book 2 (??) and I could have used a refresher of what they are, which are opposite (and this if you have shadow you can't use light) and which ones can't be used against each other.
Overall, another enjoyable book and now I actually have to wait for book 7, since I started this series late and was able to read through until now. I need to know how this ends!!
October 20, 2016
Dungeons and Dragons in the mines of Moria... Including Uruk'hai and trolls. And dwarves. And so on.
I really really liked this series. But it got old, felt very unoriginal, very repetitive and I had to skim a lot.
I do not appreciate the time jumps, the miniscule pieces of information we get fed.
It feels like someone made a plan to write at least another three books and needs to stretch the story.
Also, huge plot hole, with Mordred and why he still was "programmed" to kill Nate. With all others he could shrug the programming. But for Nate he couldn't. A guy who's been his best friend growing up. Who hasn't done anything to deserve the attack.
There simply was no good explanation.
The good news: I am now proud owner of a kindle unlimited account, so that this didn't really cost me anything.
I really really liked this series. But it got old, felt very unoriginal, very repetitive and I had to skim a lot.
I do not appreciate the time jumps, the miniscule pieces of information we get fed.
It feels like someone made a plan to write at least another three books and needs to stretch the story.
Also, huge plot hole, with Mordred and why he still was "programmed" to kill Nate. With all others he could shrug the programming. But for Nate he couldn't. A guy who's been his best friend growing up. Who hasn't done anything to deserve the attack.
There simply was no good explanation.
The good news: I am now proud owner of a kindle unlimited account, so that this didn't really cost me anything.
November 23, 2016
PROMISE OF WRATH BY STEVE MCHUGH- I have become a die hard McHugh fan,following Nate Garrett & his friends as they serve and protect the realms of this world. Nate, who always seems to find trouble (or does it find him?),this time has be teleported to an alternate realm by an ancient stone tablet, along with not only his friends , but one of his fiercest enemies (or is he?) Nate and company battle blood elves,really bad dudes in order to save his friend Chloe from a horrible death but also Nate must find a way out of this realm to stop the bad guys from taking over the Earth realms, which means getting back to where they belong.
The plot sounds complicated but its got just the right amount of adventure, swordplay and good/bad guys to make this a very good cliffhanger. I enjoy not only the fast paced plots but the action, the battles and yes even the cliffhanger at the end.
The plot sounds complicated but its got just the right amount of adventure, swordplay and good/bad guys to make this a very good cliffhanger. I enjoy not only the fast paced plots but the action, the battles and yes even the cliffhanger at the end.
January 5, 2017
Excellent addition to the series
Possibly one of the best books in this saga. And shows Steve's maturing as a writer. In this book he has expanded on the existing mythology ! And turn use a cliche is worldbuilding. He is adding more depth to each character's interaction. And personally I can't wait for the next book.
Possibly one of the best books in this saga. And shows Steve's maturing as a writer. In this book he has expanded on the existing mythology ! And turn use a cliche is worldbuilding. He is adding more depth to each character's interaction. And personally I can't wait for the next book.
December 10, 2016
6 Books in and they change the Narrator. I tried to get into it but could not because of this. Most Audible listeners will agree its like signing a death wish to the Audio book when you do such a thing.
October 16, 2017
Closing in on the end. Solid penultimate book. Call it 4.5.
Full review: https://derailmentsofthought.wordpres...
Full review: https://derailmentsofthought.wordpres...
January 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the best yet. Love the characters and the twists and turns. I like how the past is linked into the present. Looking forward to the next book.
December 17, 2018
Good
I'm baby and we had no problems that was just wondering where we had some issues of them and their own right as you want the
I'm baby and we had no problems that was just wondering where we had some issues of them and their own right as you want the
September 17, 2018
So, sixth book in a series. The first book was good with a great ending. The second book was well above average for the genre. The second still pretty good but the books start feeling contrived and drug out- the latter probably for the sake of milking book sales. The fourth had an extremely stupid and unnecessary premise but was otherwise well written but the sense that the series is being unnecessarily drug out to milk book sales is at the tipping point now. Fifth book really focuses on the shortcomings of the main character- first he announced to the world his secret assassin identity (several books ago but it really starts to matter here); second he unnecessarily picks a fight with the most powerful person he knows, Merlin (sure Merlin is an ass but as an assassin/spy wouldn't you expect some strategy from the main character when dealing with powerful people he is in conflict with); third, the one guy he actually assassinated in all these books is revealed to still be alive (right at the end of the book in a real crap move by the author).
Book six: Part of what has made the stupid aspects of these books bearable are the references to unknown forces. So when the main character (Nate) is captured by the bad guys and not killed it is because someone powerful doesn't want Nate dead for some unknown and mysterious reason. The problem is these hints are too obscure so it really comes across as Nate being incompetent for getting caught and the bad guys being incompetent for not killing him when they could. Plus there is a lot of those stupid conversations where the bad guys tell Nate everything he wants to know because he's their prisoner or they are his.
So, there is still stupid stuff that happens in this story, like a god running away from a fight he is winning because a 16 year old noob werewolf shows up, which is particularly stupid when you know that the fight is happening in the god's stronghold with several thousand of his soldiers available to him if he would simply call for them. Still this book is well written at a page by page level and does finally make use of the mysterious background stuff heretofore hinted at. As a result this book gets four stars but creates difficulties for the reviewer: First, I don't believe someone could just pick up this book and enjoy it fully- what has happened previously in the series is just too important to the larger story here. Second, this book does nothing to lessen the feeling that the author is unnecessarily dragging things out to milk his readers. Given how many more story lines were added in this book I have to believe the author is planning on at least three more books in this series, which is sad since it seems likely that the quality of these books will continued to be diluted in favor of quantity.
If I had not bought book 6 when I bought book 5 I would stopped at book 5 because it was that bad. Now I'm torn- I enjoyed book 6 but I have no faith in this author's ability to bring the series to satisfactory conclusion. Fortunately there are many other good authors out there so I will simply put this series out of my mind for the time being and, I suspect, eventually forget about it completely.
Bottom line: While I am comfortable with giving this book 4 stars, I would give the series 2.9 stars. Basically the author has a good concept for the series but his execution of the series feels contrived and unnecessarily drawn out.
Book six: Part of what has made the stupid aspects of these books bearable are the references to unknown forces. So when the main character (Nate) is captured by the bad guys and not killed it is because someone powerful doesn't want Nate dead for some unknown and mysterious reason. The problem is these hints are too obscure so it really comes across as Nate being incompetent for getting caught and the bad guys being incompetent for not killing him when they could. Plus there is a lot of those stupid conversations where the bad guys tell Nate everything he wants to know because he's their prisoner or they are his.
So, there is still stupid stuff that happens in this story, like a god running away from a fight he is winning because a 16 year old noob werewolf shows up, which is particularly stupid when you know that the fight is happening in the god's stronghold with several thousand of his soldiers available to him if he would simply call for them. Still this book is well written at a page by page level and does finally make use of the mysterious background stuff heretofore hinted at. As a result this book gets four stars but creates difficulties for the reviewer: First, I don't believe someone could just pick up this book and enjoy it fully- what has happened previously in the series is just too important to the larger story here. Second, this book does nothing to lessen the feeling that the author is unnecessarily dragging things out to milk his readers. Given how many more story lines were added in this book I have to believe the author is planning on at least three more books in this series, which is sad since it seems likely that the quality of these books will continued to be diluted in favor of quantity.
If I had not bought book 6 when I bought book 5 I would stopped at book 5 because it was that bad. Now I'm torn- I enjoyed book 6 but I have no faith in this author's ability to bring the series to satisfactory conclusion. Fortunately there are many other good authors out there so I will simply put this series out of my mind for the time being and, I suspect, eventually forget about it completely.
Bottom line: While I am comfortable with giving this book 4 stars, I would give the series 2.9 stars. Basically the author has a good concept for the series but his execution of the series feels contrived and unnecessarily drawn out.
August 19, 2018
Things are hotting up and coming to a head in the world that Nate Garrett and his friends inhabit. It is becoming harder than ever to determine friend from foe, and in fact they even go from one to the other. Making your head spin? Well it certainly kept me on my toes and I absolutely love the guessing and intrigue. Nate's powers kick up again, as he learns old secrets and discovers new abilities. He is also putting more thought into his decisions and when old friends and enemies come to call he needs them. The endless supply of creatures, beings and monsters that this author manages to think up never ceases to astound me, all while keeping it believable and putting well established myth and legend into play is very clever. From battle to the next, life is never dull for Nate and I really enjoyed every second of this book. My only criticism is that things really have got to the point where I don't know how supernatural occurrences are being kept from the human world. However my enjoyment was such that I didn't even mind! Looking forward to the last in the series.
June 11, 2018
So much
There was so much information packed in this story it's hard to unpack. Enemies become friends and friends become enemies. The fates are involved and that can't be a good thing. We unpack a bit more about Nate's past amd learn more abt his parents. Merlin is still a traitorous bastard. Remy is hysterical and a bit crazy.
Spirit scrolls an interesting addition to this tale. I've read of them before and I'm wondering if it was a book by this author. The application of them was so similar its driving me a bit crazy.
Honestly there is so much going on that you do not know how any of this will end. I just hope none of our favorites die. I do know they will go out swinging. As w any other book in this series, this is a must read. Too many important things happen. The only thing i didn't like is that i feel Nate lost a bit more control and he keeps forgetting what the psychic Liz told him in the last book. Although it looks like the first part of that has come through. Now its timw to show them Hell...
There was so much information packed in this story it's hard to unpack. Enemies become friends and friends become enemies. The fates are involved and that can't be a good thing. We unpack a bit more about Nate's past amd learn more abt his parents. Merlin is still a traitorous bastard. Remy is hysterical and a bit crazy.
Spirit scrolls an interesting addition to this tale. I've read of them before and I'm wondering if it was a book by this author. The application of them was so similar its driving me a bit crazy.
Honestly there is so much going on that you do not know how any of this will end. I just hope none of our favorites die. I do know they will go out swinging. As w any other book in this series, this is a must read. Too many important things happen. The only thing i didn't like is that i feel Nate lost a bit more control and he keeps forgetting what the psychic Liz told him in the last book. Although it looks like the first part of that has come through. Now its timw to show them Hell...
August 12, 2023
4.75 Stars
Wow, what an adrenaline filled, nonstop crazy ride Promise of Wrath has been. Full of dark twists and shocking turns, and an ending that will open a whole new can of worms for Nate & Friends. This book has more grayish tones and shadowy characters, it's impossible to distinguish between friends and enemies.
The cast, as usual was huge and the betrayals, manipulations and political maneuverings made by head hurt. Praise for Steve McHugh's writing that he made me sympathize with one the most hateful character - Mordred. Mostly, it was fast paced but lagged a bit in the middle with overly descriptive scenes. Other than that I loved reading every minute of it and can't wait to start the final book Scorched Shadows. A must read for all Urban Fantasy lovers.
Wow, what an adrenaline filled, nonstop crazy ride Promise of Wrath has been. Full of dark twists and shocking turns, and an ending that will open a whole new can of worms for Nate & Friends. This book has more grayish tones and shadowy characters, it's impossible to distinguish between friends and enemies.
The cast, as usual was huge and the betrayals, manipulations and political maneuverings made by head hurt. Praise for Steve McHugh's writing that he made me sympathize with one the most hateful character - Mordred. Mostly, it was fast paced but lagged a bit in the middle with overly descriptive scenes. Other than that I loved reading every minute of it and can't wait to start the final book Scorched Shadows. A must read for all Urban Fantasy lovers.
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