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Kane Arkwright #1
Relic: Blade
Cocky vampires, mythical swords, steady Glocks, and ghost hordes. Welcome to my world.
The vampires just woke up from a 1000-year slumber. Before nap-time they buried their fortunes around the world. Now they want their hidden treasures back.
It's my job to get to the relics first.
My partner Rebel and I need to track down and dig up hundreds of ancient items, and fast. They're worth, well, whatever comes after quadrillions. Most of them also happen to pack nasty supernatural powers.
Our latest target is a sword with the power to destroy the world. We just have to get past the grumpy blood suckers, the biting ghost hordes, and a particularly nasty wizard.
But who am I kidding? Sneaking around won't work. Not when it comes to vampires. There's really only one way this can end.
On the edge of a blade.
Relic: Blade is the snark-filled first book in the Kane Arkwright Supernatural Thriller series, a set of urban fantasy novels. If you like mythical creatures, racy comedy, and brazen protagonists, then you’ll love Ben Zackheim’s thrilling adventure.
If you like Kevin Hearne, M.D. Massey, John P. Logsdon, Larry Correia, Al K. Line, or Shayne Silvers, you will LOVE the first installment in the Kane Arkwright series by Ben Zackheim.
The vampires just woke up from a 1000-year slumber. Before nap-time they buried their fortunes around the world. Now they want their hidden treasures back.
It's my job to get to the relics first.
My partner Rebel and I need to track down and dig up hundreds of ancient items, and fast. They're worth, well, whatever comes after quadrillions. Most of them also happen to pack nasty supernatural powers.
Our latest target is a sword with the power to destroy the world. We just have to get past the grumpy blood suckers, the biting ghost hordes, and a particularly nasty wizard.
But who am I kidding? Sneaking around won't work. Not when it comes to vampires. There's really only one way this can end.
On the edge of a blade.
Relic: Blade is the snark-filled first book in the Kane Arkwright Supernatural Thriller series, a set of urban fantasy novels. If you like mythical creatures, racy comedy, and brazen protagonists, then you’ll love Ben Zackheim’s thrilling adventure.
If you like Kevin Hearne, M.D. Massey, John P. Logsdon, Larry Correia, Al K. Line, or Shayne Silvers, you will LOVE the first installment in the Kane Arkwright series by Ben Zackheim.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2017
300 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Ben Zackheim
38 books96 followersSign up for Ben's newsletter and enjoy discounts, perks and peeks at his upcoming releases at http://www.benzackheim.com
Ben's storytelling adventures started as a Production Assistant on the set of the film, A River Runs Throught It. After forgetting to bring the crew's walkie talkies, losing Robert Redford's jacket and asking Brad Pitt if he was related to Paul Newman (in front of Paul Newman) he decided that film production didn't "speak" to him. Since no one else on the set would speak to him either he knew he needed to find work that required minimal human contact.
Writing. That did the trick.
His three series, Shirley Link, The Camelot Kids and Relics appeal to young and old alike. Emily Neuburger of Parents.com says, "[Shirley Link] is an amazing series!" and Julie Ann Grasso (author of the Adventure of Caramel Cardamom books) says The Camelot Kids will "leave you clutching onto your Kindle." Stephen King says, "I'm not providing blurbs at this time," but Ben is chipping away at King's resolve.
Ben has taken up the writerly life in the Forbidden Forest at 42.5098° N, 72.6995° W.
Ben's storytelling adventures started as a Production Assistant on the set of the film, A River Runs Throught It. After forgetting to bring the crew's walkie talkies, losing Robert Redford's jacket and asking Brad Pitt if he was related to Paul Newman (in front of Paul Newman) he decided that film production didn't "speak" to him. Since no one else on the set would speak to him either he knew he needed to find work that required minimal human contact.
Writing. That did the trick.
His three series, Shirley Link, The Camelot Kids and Relics appeal to young and old alike. Emily Neuburger of Parents.com says, "[Shirley Link] is an amazing series!" and Julie Ann Grasso (author of the Adventure of Caramel Cardamom books) says The Camelot Kids will "leave you clutching onto your Kindle." Stephen King says, "I'm not providing blurbs at this time," but Ben is chipping away at King's resolve.
Ben has taken up the writerly life in the Forbidden Forest at 42.5098° N, 72.6995° W.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 13, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
April 2, 2018
Winning combination of action and laugh out loud humour
This is a great new urban fantasy series with a winning combination of action and laugh out loud humour. There was action from the start with a great mixture of the familiar and new about the supernatural characters. This story was addictive and kept me wanting to read more even though I knew I had to get up early for work in the morning?! I see the makings of a great new series and absolutely cannot wait to read more!
This is a great new urban fantasy series with a winning combination of action and laugh out loud humour. There was action from the start with a great mixture of the familiar and new about the supernatural characters. This story was addictive and kept me wanting to read more even though I knew I had to get up early for work in the morning?! I see the makings of a great new series and absolutely cannot wait to read more!
December 14, 2017
Like Indiana Jones with vampires and magic
A pretty fresh take on the urban fantasy genre, Relic:Blade draws inspiration from many places, but doesn’t fall into the trap of sticking to all the tropes associated with them. Highly recommended.
A pretty fresh take on the urban fantasy genre, Relic:Blade draws inspiration from many places, but doesn’t fall into the trap of sticking to all the tropes associated with them. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2020
2 1/2 stars. Lots of action. Rebel is a kick-ass hand-to-hand (or nail) combat woman. Lots of snark. Loved the twins.
July 3, 2019
Love!!!
Absolutely loved every word! I'm so excited for this series. I found them completely by accident, and I'm so glad I did.....NEXT!!!
Absolutely loved every word! I'm so excited for this series. I found them completely by accident, and I'm so glad I did.....NEXT!!!
December 15, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, read this because read Logsdon's LV PPD books, Zackheim will have book 2 out soonish in this series. Promising start to series.
Cocky vampires, mythical swords, steady Glocks and ghost hordes. Welcome to my world.
Thousands of vampires just woke up from a 1000-year slumber. Before nap-time they buried their fortunes around the world. Now they want their hidden treasures back. It's my job to get to the relics first.
My partner Rebel and I need to track down and dig up hundreds of ancient items, and fast. They're worth, well, whatever comes after quadrillions. Most of them also happen to pack nasty supernatural powers. Our latest target is a sword with the power to destroy the world. We just have to get past the grumpy blood suckers, the biting ghost hordes and a particularly nasty wizard.
But who am I kidding? Sneaking around won't work. Not when it comes to vampires. There's really only one way this can end. On the edge of a blade.
Cocky vampires, mythical swords, steady Glocks and ghost hordes. Welcome to my world.
Thousands of vampires just woke up from a 1000-year slumber. Before nap-time they buried their fortunes around the world. Now they want their hidden treasures back. It's my job to get to the relics first.
My partner Rebel and I need to track down and dig up hundreds of ancient items, and fast. They're worth, well, whatever comes after quadrillions. Most of them also happen to pack nasty supernatural powers. Our latest target is a sword with the power to destroy the world. We just have to get past the grumpy blood suckers, the biting ghost hordes and a particularly nasty wizard.
But who am I kidding? Sneaking around won't work. Not when it comes to vampires. There's really only one way this can end. On the edge of a blade.
July 23, 2018
Relic:Blade
Kane and Rebel are treasure hunters, but not your run of the mill treasure hunters. Oh no... Kane and Rebel work for Spirit, a faceless entity that has teams so over the world looking for magical items that the Camps are trying to recover.
Yes, Vamps are real. After a thousand year sleep, Vamps have awakened, and they want their toys back. It's up to Spirit and their teams to prevent the Vamps, and other unsavory characters, from taking possession of the magical artifacts.
Kane and Rebel are on a quest to find Excalibur: the mystical sword of King Authur. They have to battle Vamps, demons and a malevolent force named Cannon, to gain possession of Excalibur. But not all is as it seems, and Kane and Rebel find themselves in major trouble...
Loved this book! Fast paced, twists and turns, unexpected ending; this book has it all! Highly recommend to any one who likes a fast paced thriller with a twist of magic!
Kane and Rebel are treasure hunters, but not your run of the mill treasure hunters. Oh no... Kane and Rebel work for Spirit, a faceless entity that has teams so over the world looking for magical items that the Camps are trying to recover.
Yes, Vamps are real. After a thousand year sleep, Vamps have awakened, and they want their toys back. It's up to Spirit and their teams to prevent the Vamps, and other unsavory characters, from taking possession of the magical artifacts.
Kane and Rebel are on a quest to find Excalibur: the mystical sword of King Authur. They have to battle Vamps, demons and a malevolent force named Cannon, to gain possession of Excalibur. But not all is as it seems, and Kane and Rebel find themselves in major trouble...
Loved this book! Fast paced, twists and turns, unexpected ending; this book has it all! Highly recommend to any one who likes a fast paced thriller with a twist of magic!
April 12, 2021
I wanted to like this story so much more than I actually did.
When I read the blurb I was excited to see what this book would be like. There was a real potential for it to be great. But it was quite a let down. The mentor drove me absolutely crazy, and not in a good way. The relationships between the characters was all over the place. The storyline didn't flow. It was hard to continue, but for some silly reason I kept trying, in hopes it would get better. It didn't. Definitely won't be picking up the next one.
When I read the blurb I was excited to see what this book would be like. There was a real potential for it to be great. But it was quite a let down. The mentor drove me absolutely crazy, and not in a good way. The relationships between the characters was all over the place. The storyline didn't flow. It was hard to continue, but for some silly reason I kept trying, in hopes it would get better. It didn't. Definitely won't be picking up the next one.
December 14, 2017
The first in a new Urban Fantasy series, with Kane and his partner Rebel (love her killer nails!) searching for artefacts before the vampires can get their undead hands on the objects of power. A good mix of action and humour, I'm already looking forward to the next in the series.
January 3, 2018
Wonderful start
Just found this series and perfect timing because the next book is coming soon. This was a wonderful ride that was both hilarious left me wondering what else is Skyler hiding?
Just found this series and perfect timing because the next book is coming soon. This was a wonderful ride that was both hilarious left me wondering what else is Skyler hiding?
December 14, 2017
An excellent and humorous adventure. What's not to like about supernatural treasure hunting? A fun start to a series, which I look forward to continuing.
June 19, 2018
King Arthur would be proud
A great read, following the exploits of Kane and rebel as they try to keep the sword from the vampires.
A great read, following the exploits of Kane and rebel as they try to keep the sword from the vampires.
July 10, 2018
Excellent series
September 20, 2018
Rebel
Love Rebel as my favorite character and can't wait to see what the next adventure brings. Fast paced fun and I'm very curious to see how Rebel reappeared
Love Rebel as my favorite character and can't wait to see what the next adventure brings. Fast paced fun and I'm very curious to see how Rebel reappeared
January 2, 2020
A mad mix of Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones and Mad Max
A great tongue in cheek read, or spoof if you like, of all the films in the header plus dozens more. It's basically about a character like Splinter who has teams working for him world wide. Action packed, fast paced and lots of life ending situations. Their aim is to keep powerful relics out of enemy hands. Our team is Kane, he of the guns and a magic locker in space, Rebel, she of the killer nails and femme fatal attitude, and the twins, mad, bad and dangerous to know geniuses. Their mission steal Excalibar and stop it falling into the wrong hands. The hands of their arch enemy, Cannon, and all his minion. Watch as they fight numerous vampire attacks, fall off mountains and down mines, fight off killer ghosts and met a special legendary magical person. Will they make it to the end of the mission? Which members of their group will hit the dust?
A great tongue in cheek read, or spoof if you like, of all the films in the header plus dozens more. It's basically about a character like Splinter who has teams working for him world wide. Action packed, fast paced and lots of life ending situations. Their aim is to keep powerful relics out of enemy hands. Our team is Kane, he of the guns and a magic locker in space, Rebel, she of the killer nails and femme fatal attitude, and the twins, mad, bad and dangerous to know geniuses. Their mission steal Excalibar and stop it falling into the wrong hands. The hands of their arch enemy, Cannon, and all his minion. Watch as they fight numerous vampire attacks, fall off mountains and down mines, fight off killer ghosts and met a special legendary magical person. Will they make it to the end of the mission? Which members of their group will hit the dust?
April 1, 2020
This is the first book in an established series, and it’s a pretty good start. I was on the fence for a while during the book, it had a lot of action, a lot of snark and some good characters – but it took some time to grow on me. What I really like, is the author takes mythical relics and figures and intertwines them throughout the book. I still have a lot of questions about Kane and his group – but I’m thinking it will come through in future installments.
This a non-stop action book and by the mid-point, it’s hard to put down. I like the strange group of characters and the original storyline. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, don’t give up on this book – keep going – it’s well worth the read.
This a non-stop action book and by the mid-point, it’s hard to put down. I like the strange group of characters and the original storyline. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, don’t give up on this book – keep going – it’s well worth the read.
June 9, 2025
Fun characters and lots of action
This was a fun book filled with lots of action and adventure with some magic and mythology mixed in for good measure. I enjoyed the characters and the story, the locations were interesting and this was just a fun read overall. I am glad there will be more books documenting these characters adventures as they deserve more time having fun. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
This was a fun book filled with lots of action and adventure with some magic and mythology mixed in for good measure. I enjoyed the characters and the story, the locations were interesting and this was just a fun read overall. I am glad there will be more books documenting these characters adventures as they deserve more time having fun. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
April 13, 2024
A good first book in the series.
I enjoyed this story. Kane and his friends are good characters. They seek vampire relics in this action-packed book. Lots of action, humor and twists. Kane and his friends face vampires and other supernatural creatures. I will be reading the rest of this series.
I enjoyed this story. Kane and his friends are good characters. They seek vampire relics in this action-packed book. Lots of action, humor and twists. Kane and his friends face vampires and other supernatural creatures. I will be reading the rest of this series.
April 20, 2018
Just didn't meet my expectations
After reading other books in this genre I expected more from this book. Her never felt a strong connection to the characters and never got a good feel for what makes them special. Not the same as a Nate Temple, or a Montague & Strong book. Don't think I will continue to read the next book in the series.
After reading other books in this genre I expected more from this book. Her never felt a strong connection to the characters and never got a good feel for what makes them special. Not the same as a Nate Temple, or a Montague & Strong book. Don't think I will continue to read the next book in the series.
July 11, 2018
It always takes me time to adjust to a new series, but after a few chapters , I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. I really enjoy the backgrounds locations, action and humor with some very cool surprises. I will be buying more of these!
January 11, 2020
Alright
This was a fairly standard fantasy adventure. Not really very much new in it, nothing particularly surprising. It was an entertaining read, but won't be getting the next one.
This was a fairly standard fantasy adventure. Not really very much new in it, nothing particularly surprising. It was an entertaining read, but won't be getting the next one.
March 13, 2023
Relic Blade
A stunning adventure and unfolding storyline in this Kane Arise ight supernatural thriller with a mix of great characters. I loved it. The story tells itself. A wonderful read.
A stunning adventure and unfolding storyline in this Kane Arise ight supernatural thriller with a mix of great characters. I loved it. The story tells itself. A wonderful read.
June 4, 2024
Hmmmm
I can't decide how I feel about this. Kane is interesting, but I don't know if I like him. I hated that Rebel was 'dead' for a third of the book. Character death can be necessary, but I don't like it. I dislike Skylar.
I can't decide how I feel about this. Kane is interesting, but I don't know if I like him. I hated that Rebel was 'dead' for a third of the book. Character death can be necessary, but I don't like it. I dislike Skylar.
February 2, 2018
Very enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this new series and author. Great job on blending a few paranormal and supernatural ideas. Can't wait to see what's next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new series and author. Great job on blending a few paranormal and supernatural ideas. Can't wait to see what's next.
March 29, 2018
This was promoted like a great urban fantasy but reads like YA. That said I enjoyed the story and the characters. It has promise with more book, stories and I will continue to read as it grows.
October 24, 2018
meh not bad but nothing great the characters are a little paper thin yet ill read the next one to see if they improve
March 23, 2020
A good read for quarantine time
Lots of action, kept me guessing. Origin stories a bit piecemeal, but did I miss a book? Hoping for more details on next episode...
Lots of action, kept me guessing. Origin stories a bit piecemeal, but did I miss a book? Hoping for more details on next episode...
August 11, 2020
Great book!
I absolutely loved the fun dialogue and the adventure! Kane and Rebel are great characters who are well written! I'm looking forward to reading the test of the series!
I absolutely loved the fun dialogue and the adventure! Kane and Rebel are great characters who are well written! I'm looking forward to reading the test of the series!
July 14, 2021
Urban
Treasure hunter, thief such a fine line. Think of this as a bloody quest. So far no romance but it did have a cute twist
Treasure hunter, thief such a fine line. Think of this as a bloody quest. So far no romance but it did have a cute twist
September 6, 2021
Fun fast read
Every enjoyable! Wasn't sure what to expect and now I can't wait to read book number two!! Rebel and her nails, got vamps, and even a wizard!
Every enjoyable! Wasn't sure what to expect and now I can't wait to read book number two!! Rebel and her nails, got vamps, and even a wizard!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews