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Behindbeyond #2
Got Hope
Private investigator Goethe “Got” Luck saved humankind once already. With one dangerous enemy dead and another in exile for one-hundred years, both the mortal realm and the realm of the Fae—the Behindbeyond—seem to be safe. Now Got can go back to nice, normal detective work. Until a beautiful cheerleader lands in front of his house, strapped to a bomb.
Got is more than ready to protect the cheerleader, Hope, but it turns out she’s not just a victim; she’s bait. The realm of the Fae hasn’t forgotten Got and an ancient secret society from the Behindbeyond wants to use him to seize control of the Fae realm. As their enemies multiply, Got realizes events are set to spiral out of control and if he can’t stop them, it will mean nothing less than civil war among the Fae.
Accompanied by allies old and new, Got will do anything to end the threat. But the secret society has promised to make Got serve them, either in life or in death, and it looks like no clever strategy, no insulting joke, no magic spell will be enough to stop them.
This time, even with all the Hope in the world, Got may run out of Luck.
Got is more than ready to protect the cheerleader, Hope, but it turns out she’s not just a victim; she’s bait. The realm of the Fae hasn’t forgotten Got and an ancient secret society from the Behindbeyond wants to use him to seize control of the Fae realm. As their enemies multiply, Got realizes events are set to spiral out of control and if he can’t stop them, it will mean nothing less than civil war among the Fae.
Accompanied by allies old and new, Got will do anything to end the threat. But the secret society has promised to make Got serve them, either in life or in death, and it looks like no clever strategy, no insulting joke, no magic spell will be enough to stop them.
This time, even with all the Hope in the world, Got may run out of Luck.
- GenresParanormal
552 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2016
42 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Michael Darling
18 books140 followersBestselling author Michael Darling has worked as a butcher, a librarian, and a magician, which turned out to be an ideal set of skills for a fiction writer. He lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with his wife and kids where he writes award-winning stories beside his big buddy, a St. Bernese dog named Appa. While best known for his Tales from the Behindbeyond urban fantasy novels, Michael writes across all the best genres. His most recent work includes Hollowfall, a cyberpunk, sci-fi adventure, and Sailing on the Tides of Burning Sand, a collection of fantastic short stories.
Michael graduated from Weber State University with a degree in English Literature and loves to blend the classic with the contemporary in his writing. His early work included several plays that were professionally produced along with a number of radio programs that aired in 80 markets around the world. Besides writing, Michael also loves to travel, dabble in languages, and cook tasty gluten-free dinners.
Please visit Michael at www.michaelcdarling.com where you can find more information about his current work. You'll also find suspiciously easy instructions for stalking Michael on social media.
Michael graduated from Weber State University with a degree in English Literature and loves to blend the classic with the contemporary in his writing. His early work included several plays that were professionally produced along with a number of radio programs that aired in 80 markets around the world. Besides writing, Michael also loves to travel, dabble in languages, and cook tasty gluten-free dinners.
Please visit Michael at www.michaelcdarling.com where you can find more information about his current work. You'll also find suspiciously easy instructions for stalking Michael on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 17, 2017
I read to be entertained and to escape. But I connect with characters and their stories when I can relate. Michael Darling delivers another page turner with Got Hope. Dating and forming a romantic relationship is never easy. Something always comes up, or gets in the way to complicate things. When I was single, I could go for months without anyone showing interest in me. Then suddenly, I would have the attention of several ladies. Who was I not to explore the possibilities with each? Right? While fun, that always has the potential for turbulent seas. The questions, the drama, and the insecurities that come along with dating are enough to drive most sane people nuts.
I was left wondering at the end of Got Luck about certain characters and where their relationships were headed, or not headed. Quite literally, Hope arrived early in Got Hope and began to answer my questions in a way I didn't expect. I love when a story throws me for a loop like this one does.
As things turn sideways in this urban fantasy world, I found myself not only buying in to the new developments, but actually altering my own paradigms so that they could align with the story. That might seem vague, so you will just have to read it to understand what I mean.
I was also excited that book two whisked me back to the BehindBeyond; a perpendicular magical world that co-exists with our own. While Darling developed the setting well, we did not get to spend a lot of time there in book one and explore that universe. This time round, we get to go with Got, and his interesting entourage, where new creatures, societies, and kingdoms await. The story is full of foreign affairs, mystery, deceit, betrayal, and most importantly relationships that teeter on the edge of a knife. The plot is well thought out and moves at a great pace. Yet, it gives us time to get to know the characters as life is thrown at them in full force.
After reading I am happy to say that, "I’m on a team Got." Pun intended, I can't wait until I have Got the Next book.
I was left wondering at the end of Got Luck about certain characters and where their relationships were headed, or not headed. Quite literally, Hope arrived early in Got Hope and began to answer my questions in a way I didn't expect. I love when a story throws me for a loop like this one does.
As things turn sideways in this urban fantasy world, I found myself not only buying in to the new developments, but actually altering my own paradigms so that they could align with the story. That might seem vague, so you will just have to read it to understand what I mean.
I was also excited that book two whisked me back to the BehindBeyond; a perpendicular magical world that co-exists with our own. While Darling developed the setting well, we did not get to spend a lot of time there in book one and explore that universe. This time round, we get to go with Got, and his interesting entourage, where new creatures, societies, and kingdoms await. The story is full of foreign affairs, mystery, deceit, betrayal, and most importantly relationships that teeter on the edge of a knife. The plot is well thought out and moves at a great pace. Yet, it gives us time to get to know the characters as life is thrown at them in full force.
After reading I am happy to say that, "I’m on a team Got." Pun intended, I can't wait until I have Got the Next book.
August 10, 2017
Got Hope by Michael Darling takes the reader further into the Behindbeyond than Alice fell into the rabbit hole. I could not put it down until (except for sleep and the occasional work-related task) and read it in three days.
Goethe “Got” Luck, the son of the Fae King likes his life in the mortal realm even when a perky blonde cheerleader, Hope, chained to a bomb nearly kills him in front of his own house. A new case to test his private investigation skills is a much-needed distraction from his complicated marital situation with Erin.
With his client in tow (and sometimes leading the charge) Got must navigate the dangerous streets of Miami and the Borderlands of Behindbeyond to prove his worth as a P.I. and as the heir apparent to the throne.
Can Got solve discover who the bad guys are (and what they want) and keep his client safe before they succeed in turning them into street art?
What I Liked:
OMH, where do I begin? I don’t usually gush over a book, even the ones to which I give five stars, but this is not your usual urban fantasy tale. Michael pulls you into his stories with the perfect combination of detail, subtlety, and cliffhangers. Got’s snarky character is a delight and adds the right amount of humor to the dangerous situations he keeps getting pulled into. I lost myself in the Fae world and in the developing relationships with Erin, Hope and his new compatriots.
What I Didn’t Like:
Absolutely nothing!
I gave Got Hope a solid five stars because the rating system doesn’t go any higher. I’ve already got the shakes looking for my next hit of Got’s world!
Goethe “Got” Luck, the son of the Fae King likes his life in the mortal realm even when a perky blonde cheerleader, Hope, chained to a bomb nearly kills him in front of his own house. A new case to test his private investigation skills is a much-needed distraction from his complicated marital situation with Erin.
With his client in tow (and sometimes leading the charge) Got must navigate the dangerous streets of Miami and the Borderlands of Behindbeyond to prove his worth as a P.I. and as the heir apparent to the throne.
Can Got solve discover who the bad guys are (and what they want) and keep his client safe before they succeed in turning them into street art?
What I Liked:
OMH, where do I begin? I don’t usually gush over a book, even the ones to which I give five stars, but this is not your usual urban fantasy tale. Michael pulls you into his stories with the perfect combination of detail, subtlety, and cliffhangers. Got’s snarky character is a delight and adds the right amount of humor to the dangerous situations he keeps getting pulled into. I lost myself in the Fae world and in the developing relationships with Erin, Hope and his new compatriots.
What I Didn’t Like:
Absolutely nothing!
I gave Got Hope a solid five stars because the rating system doesn’t go any higher. I’ve already got the shakes looking for my next hit of Got’s world!
January 15, 2019
Got Luck is back, and this time he’s got a perky cheerleader in tow. Someone’s out to kill her, her sleaze of a husband is falsifying photos of her with other men to get out of a pre-nup agreement, and her life is just generally too complicated. She hires Got after he gets rid of a briefcase bomb that’s attached to her with a handcuff. She’s got a real “Perils of Pauline” vibe about her, even though she’s relentlessly hopeful.
When Got is called back to the Behindbeyond, she follows him using ingenious means.
What’s a beleaguered private eye to do? He’s got Hope.
Few typos, grammatical errors. Shouldn’t be any, but oh well. That’s publishing these days.
When Got is called back to the Behindbeyond, she follows him using ingenious means.
What’s a beleaguered private eye to do? He’s got Hope.
Few typos, grammatical errors. Shouldn’t be any, but oh well. That’s publishing these days.
April 22, 2017
Wonderful fanciful
I read his first book and enjoyed it. The writing style was a little different then what I was used to. Quite frankly I almost didn't get this one because of the way Got talked , but decided to try, after all I could always not finish it if I found that it was to much for my mind to deal with. I am happy I decided to go ahead and get it. I found myself looking to see if there was another one. Would definitely recommend it.
I read his first book and enjoyed it. The writing style was a little different then what I was used to. Quite frankly I almost didn't get this one because of the way Got talked , but decided to try, after all I could always not finish it if I found that it was to much for my mind to deal with. I am happy I decided to go ahead and get it. I found myself looking to see if there was another one. Would definitely recommend it.
April 7, 2017
I'm glad I entered a contest that exposed me to so many new great authors and that Michael Darling and his BehindBeyond series is one of them. The characters, setting, and plot are all very intriguing. I'm more than ready for the next in the series but I'm afraid it will be a while since Got Hope was just released. If you are looking for a new great urban fantasy, definitely give this series a try.
June 29, 2017
Well done
Got luck and got hope are a joy to read. I am excited to see what comes next. The humor alone in these books was refreshing. The pace was well maintained from beginning to end and the characters are relatable. Two thumbs up to Michael for a job well done.
Got luck and got hope are a joy to read. I am excited to see what comes next. The humor alone in these books was refreshing. The pace was well maintained from beginning to end and the characters are relatable. Two thumbs up to Michael for a job well done.
January 26, 2019
If you liked The Dresden Files
This is a fun series about another wise-cracking magic-wielding detective and his circle of evil-fighting friends. I can't wait for the next installment.
This is a fun series about another wise-cracking magic-wielding detective and his circle of evil-fighting friends. I can't wait for the next installment.
April 25, 2017
Great read
Thoroughly great.
Cannot wait for the next one (subtle hint there)..
Even loved the awful puns, recommended to my fellow bookworms
Thoroughly great.
Cannot wait for the next one (subtle hint there)..
Even loved the awful puns, recommended to my fellow bookworms
February 12, 2018
Wonderful!
So refreshing to come across this (too) short series! For lovers of all things Dresden there just aren't enough books like this that are in that vein. To readers, read them. To the author, write them! Please!
So refreshing to come across this (too) short series! For lovers of all things Dresden there just aren't enough books like this that are in that vein. To readers, read them. To the author, write them! Please!
February 12, 2018
I would like to order the next 4 Got books to be done in time for my reading vacation......Star Wars references and Robert Frost poems just to name 2 very enjoyable moments.
February 18, 2019
Got a minute to talk about got ?
I'm hooked ...loving the story and book3 will have to be tomorrow as it's 3.30 am ....the bee gees reference 😂😂
I'm hooked ...loving the story and book3 will have to be tomorrow as it's 3.30 am ....the bee gees reference 😂😂
March 25, 2017
Review coming soon, once I finish crying every drop of water out of my body.
Update 3-24-2017: I've emotionally recovered (somewhat), so here comes the review!
First, full disclosure: I was able to read an early draft of Got Hope before it was published, but I am writing this review completely of my own volition because I love the book and I think it deserves praise, not because I feel obligated.
Second, DON'T read this review if you haven't finished the first book yet, because I WILL include spoilers for Got Luck!
When we left Got at the end of the first book, he'd just killed a deamhan and eaten part of its heart, and Erin's missing mortal husband, Blake, had miraculously turned up, putting the kibosh on Got's plans to romance his wife-in-the-Behindbeyond. Got Hope picks up a few months later and wastes no time dropping us readers right into the action: In the very first chapter, a cheerleader turns up on Got's front porch with a briefcase bomb handcuffed to her wrist. Though Got manages to save Hope (the cheerleader) from the bomb, that incident is just the beginning of a whole string of weird and ominous events.
Basically, Hope is a target because she's in the process of divorcing a rich, cheating scumbag by the name of Marcus who wants to avoid holding up his end of their prenuptial agreement--which would involve paying Hope a large sum of money--either by framing her for adultery or by having her killed. I don't want to spoil anything too big, but I will add that unbeknownst to Marcus, the people Marcus hires to help him with his problem have an agenda of their own--an agenda that involves Got and the Fae.
For most of the book, Got feels like his enemies are three steps ahead of him. Every move he makes, they counter, and although he keeps managing to mess up their plans, it's a close call every time. And to complicate matters, the Alder King, Got's father, has a quest for him in the Behindbeyond. Since One Does Not Simply say no to the king of the Fae, Got is left in the unenviable position of choosing between bringing Hope along on his quest (thereby exposing her to the myriad unknown dangers of the Behindbeyond) or leaving her behind to hide in his house in the mortal realm (thereby earning Hope's displeasure and possibly leaving her vulnerable to Marcus's goons). In the end, Hope ends up coming along.
But enough plot summary! That's not the main point of a review. The real point (of this review, at least) is for me to say, "How do I love this book? Let me count the ways."
A few things I loved about Got Luck were Got's unflappability, snark, and ingenuity, and I'm happy to report that all three are just as present in Got Hope as they were in the first book. In this one, Got owns at firing off the best puns and insults, keeping calm during a crisis, and figuring out how to save a boy from a creature that everyone insists never leaves its victims alive.
I also love how Michael Darling blends humor, mystery, romance, suspense, and a tinge of horror so masterfully into a single novel. As I was reading, I cycled between laughing out loud, holding my breath, cringing in disgust, and internally "aww"ing. I pretty much nonstop sobbed my way through the last few chapters (and I'm getting teary again just thinking about what happened). But you know what? I wouldn't change the ending one bit. Yeah, it's heartbreaking and tragic, but it's also uplifting and hopeful and it reminds me that evil will always lose in the end. Plus, if I read a book and don't care about the characters, then the author has failed at an essential part of his or her job. Mr. Darling has made me care about Got and his friends so much that I'm crying over them, and that to me is a sure sign of a job well done.
The only thing that mildly bothered me about Got Hope was really minor: the occasional tense shifting. For the vast majority of the book, Got narrates in the first-person past tense just like in the first book, but every once in a while he makes a statement in the present tense that doesn't seem to fit in.
Just a few more things to wrap up, like my standard note about mature content: There isn't much to speak of. Got largely uses made-up or nonsensical cuss words instead of "real" ones, so in terms of language I give Got Hope a PG rating for the occasional mild curse--like maybe one or two instances in the entire book. No sex, just some pretty chaste kisses and mild innuendos, still within the PG range. Funnily enough, what disturbs me the most is the swarm of flesh-eating beetles, just for the "ick" factor. We don't see them devour anybody in graphic detail, but they do kill someone and I find the idea of dying like that utterly horrifying. Basically, if you read Got Luck and were okay with the level of violence in that book, you ought to be able to handle what's in the sequel.
TL;DR: You should definitely read this book. Unless you haven't read Got Luck. Then you should definitely read Got Luck and THEN Got Hope. 2017 isn't even 25% over, but I'm already certain that this is one of my 5 favorite releases this year. I can't wait to see what adventures Mr. Darling has in store for Got in the third book!
Update 3-24-2017: I've emotionally recovered (somewhat), so here comes the review!
First, full disclosure: I was able to read an early draft of Got Hope before it was published, but I am writing this review completely of my own volition because I love the book and I think it deserves praise, not because I feel obligated.
Second, DON'T read this review if you haven't finished the first book yet, because I WILL include spoilers for Got Luck!
When we left Got at the end of the first book, he'd just killed a deamhan and eaten part of its heart, and Erin's missing mortal husband, Blake, had miraculously turned up, putting the kibosh on Got's plans to romance his wife-in-the-Behindbeyond. Got Hope picks up a few months later and wastes no time dropping us readers right into the action: In the very first chapter, a cheerleader turns up on Got's front porch with a briefcase bomb handcuffed to her wrist. Though Got manages to save Hope (the cheerleader) from the bomb, that incident is just the beginning of a whole string of weird and ominous events.
Basically, Hope is a target because she's in the process of divorcing a rich, cheating scumbag by the name of Marcus who wants to avoid holding up his end of their prenuptial agreement--which would involve paying Hope a large sum of money--either by framing her for adultery or by having her killed. I don't want to spoil anything too big, but I will add that unbeknownst to Marcus, the people Marcus hires to help him with his problem have an agenda of their own--an agenda that involves Got and the Fae.
For most of the book, Got feels like his enemies are three steps ahead of him. Every move he makes, they counter, and although he keeps managing to mess up their plans, it's a close call every time. And to complicate matters, the Alder King, Got's father, has a quest for him in the Behindbeyond. Since One Does Not Simply say no to the king of the Fae, Got is left in the unenviable position of choosing between bringing Hope along on his quest (thereby exposing her to the myriad unknown dangers of the Behindbeyond) or leaving her behind to hide in his house in the mortal realm (thereby earning Hope's displeasure and possibly leaving her vulnerable to Marcus's goons). In the end, Hope ends up coming along.
But enough plot summary! That's not the main point of a review. The real point (of this review, at least) is for me to say, "How do I love this book? Let me count the ways."
A few things I loved about Got Luck were Got's unflappability, snark, and ingenuity, and I'm happy to report that all three are just as present in Got Hope as they were in the first book. In this one, Got owns at firing off the best puns and insults, keeping calm during a crisis, and figuring out how to save a boy from a creature that everyone insists never leaves its victims alive.
I also love how Michael Darling blends humor, mystery, romance, suspense, and a tinge of horror so masterfully into a single novel. As I was reading, I cycled between laughing out loud, holding my breath, cringing in disgust, and internally "aww"ing. I pretty much nonstop sobbed my way through the last few chapters (and I'm getting teary again just thinking about what happened). But you know what? I wouldn't change the ending one bit. Yeah, it's heartbreaking and tragic, but it's also uplifting and hopeful and it reminds me that evil will always lose in the end. Plus, if I read a book and don't care about the characters, then the author has failed at an essential part of his or her job. Mr. Darling has made me care about Got and his friends so much that I'm crying over them, and that to me is a sure sign of a job well done.
The only thing that mildly bothered me about Got Hope was really minor: the occasional tense shifting. For the vast majority of the book, Got narrates in the first-person past tense just like in the first book, but every once in a while he makes a statement in the present tense that doesn't seem to fit in.
Just a few more things to wrap up, like my standard note about mature content: There isn't much to speak of. Got largely uses made-up or nonsensical cuss words instead of "real" ones, so in terms of language I give Got Hope a PG rating for the occasional mild curse--like maybe one or two instances in the entire book. No sex, just some pretty chaste kisses and mild innuendos, still within the PG range. Funnily enough, what disturbs me the most is the swarm of flesh-eating beetles, just for the "ick" factor. We don't see them devour anybody in graphic detail, but they do kill someone and I find the idea of dying like that utterly horrifying. Basically, if you read Got Luck and were okay with the level of violence in that book, you ought to be able to handle what's in the sequel.
TL;DR: You should definitely read this book. Unless you haven't read Got Luck. Then you should definitely read Got Luck and THEN Got Hope. 2017 isn't even 25% over, but I'm already certain that this is one of my 5 favorite releases this year. I can't wait to see what adventures Mr. Darling has in store for Got in the third book!
May 27, 2017
Luck's adventure in the BehindBeyond continues. I'm not spoiling anything by saying that he meets Hope. I really liked Hope and looked forward to her story. I'll just say I wasn't satisfied. It didn't go where I wanted it to go. But don't let that discourage you from reading this great book. See, that's what makes a great story. One you can't predict what happens.
Luck's choice of swear words are still annoying, but the author's humor and personality come through in the book and the swearing is definitely linked to that.
Michael Darling's second book is better than the first. Perhaps I will keep asking him, "Got Book?" as I await the next book in the series.
Luck's choice of swear words are still annoying, but the author's humor and personality come through in the book and the swearing is definitely linked to that.
Michael Darling's second book is better than the first. Perhaps I will keep asking him, "Got Book?" as I await the next book in the series.
September 10, 2023
Cheer leaders, bugs and bombs, oh my!
With the deepening of the main characters, the series really takes off in Book 2. The world building becomes more complex and the stakes do too. The snarky humour and daft jokes remain a central part of why I love these stories. Now to read book 3.
With the deepening of the main characters, the series really takes off in Book 2. The world building becomes more complex and the stakes do too. The snarky humour and daft jokes remain a central part of why I love these stories. Now to read book 3.
February 16, 2019
Got to get the next one
Another brilliant book. You can read all the reviews you want. If you read the first in the series you will want to read the rest. Whisked away into Behindbeyond a place never to say thank you! Enjoy
Another brilliant book. You can read all the reviews you want. If you read the first in the series you will want to read the rest. Whisked away into Behindbeyond a place never to say thank you! Enjoy
June 4, 2019
Good read
It was a very good read. I would like to see a bit more depth in Luck’s character. He strikes me as a bit shallow thus far.
It was a very good read. I would like to see a bit more depth in Luck’s character. He strikes me as a bit shallow thus far.
May 14, 2021
Good urban fantasy series about a PI who discovers there's a heckuva lot going on just below the surface of the world than he realized.
March 17, 2017
With all the gritty, street-smart 'detectiving' of the first book and an even more expansive view of the world and magic, it will keep you turning pages until the very end. As should be clear from the cover, romance, mystery, magic, mayhem, and all the elements that make urban fantasy great can be found in Got Hope. If urban fantasy is your thing, this is the book for you. Michael Darling is quickly securing a place among the rising stars of urban fantasy. Got Hope is an unequivocally gripping sequel.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews