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Dark Visions
Joe Mac was a legendary homicide detective until his vision was lost in the line of duty and he was forced into retirement. Now he lives a life of darkness, his only friend being a huge Raven that Joe Mac names "Poe."
But when Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by an unknown killer, Joe emerges from his self-imposed solitude to resurrect the skills of the detective he once was. And, although he is blind, Joe Mac begins to hunt down his tiny grandson's murderer.
Led in some dark way by Poe, Joe Mac relentlessly tracks a force that literally owns the darkness, uses the darkness, and belongs to the darkness. For the force he is tracking has fed upon this world for thousands of years, and has never known defeat. It kills like demons, disappears like ghosts, and leaves nothing alive. But Joe Mac is determined to follow this road to Hell no matter the cost. He will find whoever it was that so mercilessly killed his young grandson, and he will deliver justice ... even if it costs him his life.
Fearlessly following the clues, he tracks the murderers of his grandson into the deepest, most dangerous heart of ancient nightmares. And with each haunting step into that darkness, Joe Mac realizes that he has somehow challenged a power that has destroyed nations and conquered continents. And the death they have delivered to the Earth reaches back to the beginning of the world ...
It is a battle that will take Joe Mac to the edge of sanity and beyond ...
But when Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by an unknown killer, Joe emerges from his self-imposed solitude to resurrect the skills of the detective he once was. And, although he is blind, Joe Mac begins to hunt down his tiny grandson's murderer.
Led in some dark way by Poe, Joe Mac relentlessly tracks a force that literally owns the darkness, uses the darkness, and belongs to the darkness. For the force he is tracking has fed upon this world for thousands of years, and has never known defeat. It kills like demons, disappears like ghosts, and leaves nothing alive. But Joe Mac is determined to follow this road to Hell no matter the cost. He will find whoever it was that so mercilessly killed his young grandson, and he will deliver justice ... even if it costs him his life.
Fearlessly following the clues, he tracks the murderers of his grandson into the deepest, most dangerous heart of ancient nightmares. And with each haunting step into that darkness, Joe Mac realizes that he has somehow challenged a power that has destroyed nations and conquered continents. And the death they have delivered to the Earth reaches back to the beginning of the world ...
It is a battle that will take Joe Mac to the edge of sanity and beyond ...
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2018
120 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
James Byron Huggins
24 books222 followersA veteran novelist and best-selling author, James Byron Huggins' life story reads more like fiction than fact. His career as a writer began normally enough. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from Troy State University, and then worked as a reporter for the Hartselle Enquirer in Hartselle, Alabama.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
Huggins won seven awards while with the newspaper before leaving journalism in 1985. With a desire to help persecuted Christians in eastern Europe, Huggins moved to Texas to work in conjunction with members of the Christian underground in that region.
From the Texas base, Huggins helped set up a system used to smuggle information in and out of Iron Curtain countries.
In 1987, Huggins was finally able to leave the United States to offer hands-on assistance in Romania. As a jack of all trades, Huggins photographed a secret police installation, took photos of people active in the Christian underground, and also continued his work as an orchestrator of smuggling routes.
Huggins was instrumental in smuggling out film and documentation that showed the plight of Christians in Romania. He even found time to create a code that allowed communication with the United States. As in Texas, Huggins' life had few creature comforts. To survive, he would often remain hidden in the woods or in secure basements for days at a time.
After his time in Romania, Huggins returned to the United States and took up journalism once more. He again worked for a small newspaper and won several awards as a reporter. Later on, he worked at a nonprofit Christian magazine before becoming a patrolman with the Huntsville Police Department in Huntsville, Alabama.
After distinguished service as a decorated field officer, Huggins left the force to pursue writing novels. His first three novels--A Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Leviathan--achieved best-seller status in the Christian marketplace.
From there, Huggins broke into mainstream science fiction with Cain and Hunter, both of which were optioned for film rights. Huggins then released Rora, a historical novel depicting the harrowing life of a European martyr. His following book, Nightbringer, was met with critical acclaim and is in production for a movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 26, 2019
Joe Mac was a legendary homicide detective of his time until he lost his vision in the line of duty and was forced into retirement. Now he lives a lonely life with only a raven as his companion.
But when Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by a serial killer, things change forever. The serial killer has claimed 24 victims so far and leaves no clue or clear pattern. Joe is now forced to emerge from his retirement to hunt down the killer. With a younger cop to help him and with the Raven as his companion, will Joe Mac able to overcome all the odds and hunt down those who mercilessly killed his young grandson... even if it costs him his life?
The closest way to describe this book is The Da Vinci Code meets the Bone Collector (remember the Denzel Washington movie). As a concept, Dark Visions is brilliant. Not only it involves hunting of a serial killer but also discovering clues from myths & historical legends to uncover the entire plot. As Joe Mac and his partner Jodi begin to investigate the crime, they realise that these killings may have a even sinister motive than earlier imagined, with it’s roots in history and mythology. Joe Mac is blind and retired but hasn't lost his abilities (with other senses enhanced) and Jodi, a rookie detective, is inexperienced but competent. With the mysterious Raven (named Poe), this makes a great mystery solving team.
The first half of the book is thrilling. The discovery of clues are perfectly balanced with the many action scenes. The innovative ideas, the excellent characters and the fast paced story makes it a real page turner. The story slows down a notch in the second half. Most of the later half is about planning for the final showdown and there are long conversations and many more fighting sequences (a few of those could have been trimmed down without affecting the storyline in a big way). The conversations often felt repetitive without taking the story forward. Then there are some parts which feel implausible. Even the discovery of the killer felt predictable. Overall I feel this book is difficult to rate because the concept and the first half of the book were really good. The second half of the book feels disappointing because this story had the potential to be so much more but overall the story is still immensely readable.
As for the plot and writing style, Dark Visions is fast paced & exciting with many twists and turns right till the end. There are no real dull areas and those who enjoy detective stories will enjoy this one. 3.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers WildBlue Press, the author James Byron Huggins and NetGalley for the ARC.
But when Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by a serial killer, things change forever. The serial killer has claimed 24 victims so far and leaves no clue or clear pattern. Joe is now forced to emerge from his retirement to hunt down the killer. With a younger cop to help him and with the Raven as his companion, will Joe Mac able to overcome all the odds and hunt down those who mercilessly killed his young grandson... even if it costs him his life?
The closest way to describe this book is The Da Vinci Code meets the Bone Collector (remember the Denzel Washington movie). As a concept, Dark Visions is brilliant. Not only it involves hunting of a serial killer but also discovering clues from myths & historical legends to uncover the entire plot. As Joe Mac and his partner Jodi begin to investigate the crime, they realise that these killings may have a even sinister motive than earlier imagined, with it’s roots in history and mythology. Joe Mac is blind and retired but hasn't lost his abilities (with other senses enhanced) and Jodi, a rookie detective, is inexperienced but competent. With the mysterious Raven (named Poe), this makes a great mystery solving team.
The first half of the book is thrilling. The discovery of clues are perfectly balanced with the many action scenes. The innovative ideas, the excellent characters and the fast paced story makes it a real page turner. The story slows down a notch in the second half. Most of the later half is about planning for the final showdown and there are long conversations and many more fighting sequences (a few of those could have been trimmed down without affecting the storyline in a big way). The conversations often felt repetitive without taking the story forward. Then there are some parts which feel implausible. Even the discovery of the killer felt predictable. Overall I feel this book is difficult to rate because the concept and the first half of the book were really good. The second half of the book feels disappointing because this story had the potential to be so much more but overall the story is still immensely readable.
As for the plot and writing style, Dark Visions is fast paced & exciting with many twists and turns right till the end. There are no real dull areas and those who enjoy detective stories will enjoy this one. 3.5/5
Many thanks to the publishers WildBlue Press, the author James Byron Huggins and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 18, 2021
Dark Visions
By: James Byron Huggins
Narrated by: Tom Lennon
This was a good serial killer, occult mystery book I received from freeaudiblecodes and it was quite thrilling. A blind ex cop, a rookie cop, and an archeologist work together to figure out who is killing people and why, especially after the last victim is the ex-cop's grandson. Lots of clues, twists, action, and a great Raven named Poe! He was my favorite character.
I found it odd that the ex-cop never mourned his four year old grand son's death and sat in the cop's meeting as they discuss how brutalized the boy was found and nothing was said about his feelings then either.
The narration was fairly good.
By: James Byron Huggins
Narrated by: Tom Lennon
This was a good serial killer, occult mystery book I received from freeaudiblecodes and it was quite thrilling. A blind ex cop, a rookie cop, and an archeologist work together to figure out who is killing people and why, especially after the last victim is the ex-cop's grandson. Lots of clues, twists, action, and a great Raven named Poe! He was my favorite character.
I found it odd that the ex-cop never mourned his four year old grand son's death and sat in the cop's meeting as they discuss how brutalized the boy was found and nothing was said about his feelings then either.
The narration was fairly good.
July 23, 2018
Joe Mac was a celebrated homicide detective until an accident in the line of duty took his eyesight. Now he lives in his daughter's barn with only his raven, Poe for company. If you think Joe Mac is a little strange, Poe is almost a human in bird form.
When Joe Mac's grandson is murdered, he teams up with Detective Jodi Strong. Even though he lost his eyesight, he didn't lose his abilities as a detective. It says a lot that Strong is willing to work with a blind man to help her solve her first homicide since becoming a detective.
What they discover while tediously working through the few leads they have, they run smack into a cult that has been in existence for centuries .. and killing people for the last 24 years. Men, women, old, young, babies, children ... there seems to be no rhyme nor reason for these killings. And the killings are exceptionally brutal.
Fearlessly following the clues, Mac and Strong track the murderers of his grandson into the deepest, most dangerous heart of ancient nightmares.
There are lots of nail biting moments in this highly suspenseful novel. It is well written with unique, stand-out characters. Joe Mac and Jodi Strong would make wonderful series characters. He's retired but hasn't lost his abilities and Jodi, a rookie detective, is more than willing to listen to Mac and learn. They make a solid team. I love the addition of Poe, a giant raven who seems almost human in his protection of Mac.
Many thanks to the author / WildBlue Press / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 19, 2018
I want to say, thank you so much, to the publishing company, WildBlue Press, for giving me the opportunity to read this book, free, in an exchange for an honest review.
Joe Mac was a legendary homicide detective until his vision was lost in the line of duty and he was forced into retirement. Now he lives a life of darkness, his only friend being a huge Raven that Joe Mac names "Poe."
Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by an unknown killer, Joe emerges from his self-imposed solitude to resurrect the skills of the detective he once was and, although he is blind, Joe Mac begins to hunt down his tiny grandson's murderer.
That was part of the synopsis.
Joe Mac, he is the most experienced homicide detective, who is blind and works with his side kick, Jodi. Jodi, an inspiring new comer, who really pulls her weight at being a rookie detective. Together, these two try to crack down on massive murders from a cult of ancient times/beliefs, with a little help of Poe, the raven, who follows and befriends Joe Mac and Jodi.
Where. To. Begin.... WOW. This is some book, James Byron Huggins, his style was different to what I've read before, it centres mainly on lots of talking dialogue of two characters, with a throw back of questions and answers being slung at each other. I felt like a fly on a wall just listening in on their conversation. Cleverly written, because, by using this method, I found out a whole lot of information on how the crimes were comitted. I particularly loved the way James Byron Huggins used Poe, the Raven, I was intrigued on what kind if bird it was, which actually, was cleverly woven into the story as facts on Ravens, which I knew nothing about and now have a new respect for.
This book comes highly recommended by me. If you like detective stories, or TV programmes of same, then this is a must read, plus, if you are an author/writer, you could use this as inspiration or learning tool, as it's quite remarkable. Only warning I will give, is, there are quite a few shooting scenes and the ending is sad.
Joe Mac was a legendary homicide detective until his vision was lost in the line of duty and he was forced into retirement. Now he lives a life of darkness, his only friend being a huge Raven that Joe Mac names "Poe."
Joe Mac's grandson is murdered by an unknown killer, Joe emerges from his self-imposed solitude to resurrect the skills of the detective he once was and, although he is blind, Joe Mac begins to hunt down his tiny grandson's murderer.
That was part of the synopsis.
Joe Mac, he is the most experienced homicide detective, who is blind and works with his side kick, Jodi. Jodi, an inspiring new comer, who really pulls her weight at being a rookie detective. Together, these two try to crack down on massive murders from a cult of ancient times/beliefs, with a little help of Poe, the raven, who follows and befriends Joe Mac and Jodi.
Where. To. Begin.... WOW. This is some book, James Byron Huggins, his style was different to what I've read before, it centres mainly on lots of talking dialogue of two characters, with a throw back of questions and answers being slung at each other. I felt like a fly on a wall just listening in on their conversation. Cleverly written, because, by using this method, I found out a whole lot of information on how the crimes were comitted. I particularly loved the way James Byron Huggins used Poe, the Raven, I was intrigued on what kind if bird it was, which actually, was cleverly woven into the story as facts on Ravens, which I knew nothing about and now have a new respect for.
This book comes highly recommended by me. If you like detective stories, or TV programmes of same, then this is a must read, plus, if you are an author/writer, you could use this as inspiration or learning tool, as it's quite remarkable. Only warning I will give, is, there are quite a few shooting scenes and the ending is sad.
August 29, 2018
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A serial killer has New York running scared. When the grandson of former homicide detective Joe Mac becomes a victim, it's the beginning of the end.
Even though Joe Mac is blind, he's still a brilliant detective, and has a raven named Poe looking after him. He enters the case, dragging a rookie detective in his wake and finds a deep, dark conspiracy thousands of years old.
Not too bad, but by the end of the book, all the characters seem to talk with the same cadence.
A serial killer has New York running scared. When the grandson of former homicide detective Joe Mac becomes a victim, it's the beginning of the end.
Even though Joe Mac is blind, he's still a brilliant detective, and has a raven named Poe looking after him. He enters the case, dragging a rookie detective in his wake and finds a deep, dark conspiracy thousands of years old.
Not too bad, but by the end of the book, all the characters seem to talk with the same cadence.
September 30, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Stupidity looks exactly like courage to a fool."
After being blinded several years before, legendary homicide detective, Joe Mac, retired, sold his house and went to live in a converted garage attached to his daughter's house. Then his grandson became the most recent victim of the Hangman, a mysterious serial killer who, for several years, had been murdering men, women and children, leaving their broken bodies hanging in a noose. No clues were left, no connections between the victims had been found, the teams of police and FBI agents were at a loss. So Joe rejoins the police again and, teamed with a young rookie detective, Jodi, joins the hunt.
There is a lot to applaud about this book, not least the fact that the main protagonist is blind yet, with other senses slightly enhanced and his own innate abilities to stay calm and listen, is still as able as his sighted companions in action. The characterisation is good, too, especially that of Jodi's change and development as the story progresses, with conversations which seemed plausible, inherently realistic, given the nature of the speakers. And then there is Poe, a raven, for this reader by far the most fascinating aspect of the book.
So much good going for it: even the basic premise is exciting. Only for the author apparently being unable to decide if this were a thriller or an horror story and repeating descriptions several times over of gruesome unpleasantnesses of Ancient Druids and other religious sects in the past. It became tedious rather than adding to the excitement. As the book progressed, too, this reader had to wonder at the essential silliness and lack of ability of people said to be so intelligent, all powerful and wealthy that they had survived triumphant for millennia. Mmm, not much sign of that. Even the 'main man' and the one who had been leaking information, was all too easy to determine, sadly. And who, alone and with their almost dying breath and despite being too weak to move, decides not to shoot a perpetrator but instead take them in to face justice and a trial? Rubbish, simply prolonging the word count (like the repetitions previously).
Much of this negative impact is mitigated by Tom Lennon's excellent narration, his performance helping to make even the ridiculous seem plausible. Every character, male or female, is appropriately and individually voiced, the pace reflects the text and his reading is well intoned as well as clearly articulated and pleasant to hear. He carries the listener with him through the visceral excitements and confrontations to the very end.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted a complimentary copy of Dark Visions by the rights holder, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I so wanted to like this book, and did, initially, with it's innovative ideas and excellent cast list. But the heavy handed prolongation and attempts to further install a sense of horror by pointless repetitions ruined it for me and I finished only because of the fine narration. And wanting to know what happened to Poe. Such a pity. Would I recommend it? I honestly don't know.
"Stupidity looks exactly like courage to a fool."
After being blinded several years before, legendary homicide detective, Joe Mac, retired, sold his house and went to live in a converted garage attached to his daughter's house. Then his grandson became the most recent victim of the Hangman, a mysterious serial killer who, for several years, had been murdering men, women and children, leaving their broken bodies hanging in a noose. No clues were left, no connections between the victims had been found, the teams of police and FBI agents were at a loss. So Joe rejoins the police again and, teamed with a young rookie detective, Jodi, joins the hunt.
There is a lot to applaud about this book, not least the fact that the main protagonist is blind yet, with other senses slightly enhanced and his own innate abilities to stay calm and listen, is still as able as his sighted companions in action. The characterisation is good, too, especially that of Jodi's change and development as the story progresses, with conversations which seemed plausible, inherently realistic, given the nature of the speakers. And then there is Poe, a raven, for this reader by far the most fascinating aspect of the book.
So much good going for it: even the basic premise is exciting. Only for the author apparently being unable to decide if this were a thriller or an horror story and repeating descriptions several times over of gruesome unpleasantnesses of Ancient Druids and other religious sects in the past. It became tedious rather than adding to the excitement. As the book progressed, too, this reader had to wonder at the essential silliness and lack of ability of people said to be so intelligent, all powerful and wealthy that they had survived triumphant for millennia. Mmm, not much sign of that. Even the 'main man' and the one who had been leaking information, was all too easy to determine, sadly. And who, alone and with their almost dying breath and despite being too weak to move, decides not to shoot a perpetrator but instead take them in to face justice and a trial? Rubbish, simply prolonging the word count (like the repetitions previously).
Much of this negative impact is mitigated by Tom Lennon's excellent narration, his performance helping to make even the ridiculous seem plausible. Every character, male or female, is appropriately and individually voiced, the pace reflects the text and his reading is well intoned as well as clearly articulated and pleasant to hear. He carries the listener with him through the visceral excitements and confrontations to the very end.
I was fortunate in being freely gifted a complimentary copy of Dark Visions by the rights holder, at my request, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you. I so wanted to like this book, and did, initially, with it's innovative ideas and excellent cast list. But the heavy handed prolongation and attempts to further install a sense of horror by pointless repetitions ruined it for me and I finished only because of the fine narration. And wanting to know what happened to Poe. Such a pity. Would I recommend it? I honestly don't know.
January 5, 2025
I've waited for years for a new James Byron Huggins novel, and he returns with a vengeance. This book packs all the meaty punch of a Jason Bourne thriller, while using the slick pacing of a Dan Brown conspiracy story. This has heart, soul, and lots of excitement.
August 11, 2018
First off, I need to say that James Byron Huggins is one of my favorite authors. He’s one of the few that I actually keep track of, hoping for a new release. That being said, Dark Visions wasn’t one of my favorites. The story is good and I did enjoy it, but it lacked the magic I found in Rora, Hunter, Cain and Leviathan.
Joe Mac is a retired homicide detective, having lost his sight in the line of duty. Basically living as a recluse, his only real friend is a huge raven named Poe. Though he is blind, when his young grandson is brutally killed, Joe uses his skills as a detective to help try to find the killer.
I enjoyed getting to know the blind detective Joe Mac and also Jodi Strong, the woman he is partnered with while trying to find this killer, and there is a mystical quality I’ve come to expect from Huggins’ work where the raven is concerned. Though the raven definitely plays a part, I felt there could have been more. In Hunter, I cared as much for the wolf as I did the main character and I didn’t gain this with the raven.
I think what I also missed in this story, what I craved, was a closer look inside the mind of the killer—as crazy as some of them could be in the other stories. I wanted more insight into the Druids involved, their motives. I missed being right inside the antagonist’s head. Joe Mac, Jodi, and some of the other characters could only guess and it left me wanting more.
Every reader looks for a little something different in a story. I think those who enjoy detective murder mysteries will like this. There are no real dull areas, giving us plenty of action along with twists and turns to keep one guessing to the end. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.
Joe Mac is a retired homicide detective, having lost his sight in the line of duty. Basically living as a recluse, his only real friend is a huge raven named Poe. Though he is blind, when his young grandson is brutally killed, Joe uses his skills as a detective to help try to find the killer.
I enjoyed getting to know the blind detective Joe Mac and also Jodi Strong, the woman he is partnered with while trying to find this killer, and there is a mystical quality I’ve come to expect from Huggins’ work where the raven is concerned. Though the raven definitely plays a part, I felt there could have been more. In Hunter, I cared as much for the wolf as I did the main character and I didn’t gain this with the raven.
I think what I also missed in this story, what I craved, was a closer look inside the mind of the killer—as crazy as some of them could be in the other stories. I wanted more insight into the Druids involved, their motives. I missed being right inside the antagonist’s head. Joe Mac, Jodi, and some of the other characters could only guess and it left me wanting more.
Every reader looks for a little something different in a story. I think those who enjoy detective murder mysteries will like this. There are no real dull areas, giving us plenty of action along with twists and turns to keep one guessing to the end. I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.
July 31, 2018
Review: DARK VISIONS by James Byron Huggins
An electrifying thriller, frightening in its implacability, DARK VISIONS commences with the killing of a young boy, the grandson of a retired blind detective, a murder which is only the most current in a four-year run. Neither NYPD nor the New York City FBI office have a clue: no DNA, no identifiable pattern. The killer might as well be a ghost.
But choosing as a victim this particular young boy is a serious mistake. His grandfather, Joe Mac Baker, was, and still is, an exceptional detective, a kind of contemporary Sherlock Holmes crossed with the dedication and fervour of Rambo. Paired up with Joe Mac is brand-new detective Jodie Strong, who caught the call on the boy's death on her last day in uniform. Together, they unravel a plot with both historical and metaphysical implications, one so bizarre that it is unbelievable, while all the while someone higher up is circumventing their progress and continually setting them up to die.
An electrifying thriller, frightening in its implacability, DARK VISIONS commences with the killing of a young boy, the grandson of a retired blind detective, a murder which is only the most current in a four-year run. Neither NYPD nor the New York City FBI office have a clue: no DNA, no identifiable pattern. The killer might as well be a ghost.
But choosing as a victim this particular young boy is a serious mistake. His grandfather, Joe Mac Baker, was, and still is, an exceptional detective, a kind of contemporary Sherlock Holmes crossed with the dedication and fervour of Rambo. Paired up with Joe Mac is brand-new detective Jodie Strong, who caught the call on the boy's death on her last day in uniform. Together, they unravel a plot with both historical and metaphysical implications, one so bizarre that it is unbelievable, while all the while someone higher up is circumventing their progress and continually setting them up to die.
October 7, 2018
The book is fairly decent but I couldn’t vibe with it well enough that I almost even forced myself to read this book so I can finish it. It’s filled with many repetition and it gave me the feels of a detective show from the 1950’s with the way everyone spoke. The whole book could appeal to those looking for a mystery book that has a twist to an old style of writing (and by old style I mean the conversations the characters had).
However, this book was a refreshing read to me as I don’t read much of mystery books because they’re not truly a genre I quite enjoy reading. Though if you’re someone who likes this genre, I do suggest for you to give this book a go! A lot of people seem to like it so don’t let one mediocre review get in the way of you trying out this book!
However, this book was a refreshing read to me as I don’t read much of mystery books because they’re not truly a genre I quite enjoy reading. Though if you’re someone who likes this genre, I do suggest for you to give this book a go! A lot of people seem to like it so don’t let one mediocre review get in the way of you trying out this book!
August 18, 2018
Intriguing new novel by my friend, James Byron Huggins. Excellent action detective story. Dark Visions teams a blind detective, a rookie female detective, and a huge Raven named Poe to end the horrific Hangman and Wicker Man murders. Joe Mac and Jodi Strong, battle their way with Poe’s guidance, and an anthropology expert, Dr. Marvin Mason, to uncover a murderous sect of Druids, intent on resurrecting Stonehenge in New York City. The final race to rescue a young child from burning alive inside the Druid’s Wicker Man inferno culminates in a defining battle of courage and final justice.
August 18, 2018
Lots if nail biting moments but definitely worth a read!
July 31, 2018
If you read Dark Visions you are going to want to learn the authenticity of the portrayal of a raven's behavior and intelligence. Well, I've done the research for you. Ravens are indeed reported to be as intelligent as dolphins and chimpanzees. They can mock human speech as well as other environmental sounds, and they do problem solve. They even display empathy. In Dark Visions the raven, Poe, is more friend and protector than pet to Joe Mac Blake. It is suggested that Poe has a personal connection to and mission from God.
After reading a couple of chapters of Dark Visions I got online to double check that this novel was actually categorized as Christian fiction, which it was. As such, I feel the need to alert readers that it does contain some profanity and that both the name of God and Jesus are at times used carelessly as exclamations. I know that there has been much discussion on various Christian reader social media pages about the use of such language in books labeled as Christian fiction, and just wanted readers to be aware as to be able to make decisions based on their prayerful perspectives.
As to the plot and writing style, Dark Visions is well titled, exciting, fast paced, and has believable dialogue. Joe Mac Blake is a retired NYPD detective who was blinded in the line of duty. He sets out with rookie Detective Jodi Strong to find a serial killer who has included Joe Mac's grandson among his victims. Evidence points to a member of a group of Druids as the prime suspect. Their investigation takes them into the dark underworld of the Druid culture and into a world of danger.
I struggle with rating this book due to the careless use of holy names. I was not terribly bothered by the profanity. If it were not for the misuse of holy names, I would readily give it five stars. I thank NetGalley and Wildblue Press for providing me with a copy of Dark Visions in exchange for an honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
After reading a couple of chapters of Dark Visions I got online to double check that this novel was actually categorized as Christian fiction, which it was. As such, I feel the need to alert readers that it does contain some profanity and that both the name of God and Jesus are at times used carelessly as exclamations. I know that there has been much discussion on various Christian reader social media pages about the use of such language in books labeled as Christian fiction, and just wanted readers to be aware as to be able to make decisions based on their prayerful perspectives.
As to the plot and writing style, Dark Visions is well titled, exciting, fast paced, and has believable dialogue. Joe Mac Blake is a retired NYPD detective who was blinded in the line of duty. He sets out with rookie Detective Jodi Strong to find a serial killer who has included Joe Mac's grandson among his victims. Evidence points to a member of a group of Druids as the prime suspect. Their investigation takes them into the dark underworld of the Druid culture and into a world of danger.
I struggle with rating this book due to the careless use of holy names. I was not terribly bothered by the profanity. If it were not for the misuse of holy names, I would readily give it five stars. I thank NetGalley and Wildblue Press for providing me with a copy of Dark Visions in exchange for an honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
October 19, 2018
Dark Visions. Is a must read dark & gripping thriller. I rate it 5* and in the top 3 books I have read/listened to this year.
Gripping from the first pages right thru to the last sentence. Beautifully written and crafted.
Tom Lennons narration adds to the tension and makes it impossible to put down.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.
For lovers of detection and thriller novels
This audiobook will make a perfect gift for the holidays.
Gripping from the first pages right thru to the last sentence. Beautifully written and crafted.
Tom Lennons narration adds to the tension and makes it impossible to put down.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.
For lovers of detection and thriller novels
This audiobook will make a perfect gift for the holidays.
August 9, 2018
A psychological thriller with a gripping plot that sure keeps you hooked to the book.
A blind ex- homicide detective, Joe Mac , is forced out of retirement when his little grandson is murdered in a barbaric way.
Joe is out to seek revenge and will stop at nothing.
Teaming up with Poe, a raven that is more human than avian and Jodi Strong, a rookie officer, the trio are out to seek an enemy that is evil in its most brutal form.
Alternating between history , rituals and sadistic practices that date back to many centuries & to its implications in a series of gripping murders at present, they unveil horror beyond imagination.
A great read with a nail biting finish.
I’m not going to give too much away. Just read the book. You sure won’t be disappointed.
The author James Byron Huggins is a master craftsman and does not fail to keep the reader glued and guessing.
A blind ex- homicide detective, Joe Mac , is forced out of retirement when his little grandson is murdered in a barbaric way.
Joe is out to seek revenge and will stop at nothing.
Teaming up with Poe, a raven that is more human than avian and Jodi Strong, a rookie officer, the trio are out to seek an enemy that is evil in its most brutal form.
Alternating between history , rituals and sadistic practices that date back to many centuries & to its implications in a series of gripping murders at present, they unveil horror beyond imagination.
A great read with a nail biting finish.
I’m not going to give too much away. Just read the book. You sure won’t be disappointed.
The author James Byron Huggins is a master craftsman and does not fail to keep the reader glued and guessing.
March 5, 2021
"What do you think?" asked Jodi.
"Honestly?"
"No, Marvin. Lie to me."
"Sorry." (60) - probably one of the funniest moments in the book, if not the funniest (in an otherwise serious book).
In some ways, I like this story better than Crux because it feels like more of an original story and not a mishmash of two or three of his earlier novels. Overall, it moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed "historical mystery" that ran concurrently with the "modern mystery." I also enjoyed the "historical discussions" throughout the book as well as the "action scenes." The man knows how to write action!
I would say that there definitely seemed to be more dialogue and "less action" in the latter half of the book (granted, when the "action" took place, it was super crazy intense), but I was involved enough in the book that these lengthy dialogues did not bother me that much. I thought the character development was good, overall, and the way the characters behaved was fairly believable.
On a "technical note," there were some typos toward the end of the book (mostly a gap where a sentence "stopped" and then finished a line or two below, as if somebody accidentally hit the "enter" key instead of maybe the space bar).
It was a "dark" book but not as dark as other books of his that I have read (if that makes any sense). It was an interesting book; I enjoyed the blending of ancient history with the modern world. I would say it started out slow for me, but the pace quickly picked up. In any case, it held my attention from start-to-finish and I had a hard time putting it down. I would probably rate it 3.5-3.7 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I am glad that I went ahead and took a chance on reading it.
"Honestly?"
"No, Marvin. Lie to me."
"Sorry." (60) - probably one of the funniest moments in the book, if not the funniest (in an otherwise serious book).
In some ways, I like this story better than Crux because it feels like more of an original story and not a mishmash of two or three of his earlier novels. Overall, it moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed "historical mystery" that ran concurrently with the "modern mystery." I also enjoyed the "historical discussions" throughout the book as well as the "action scenes." The man knows how to write action!
I would say that there definitely seemed to be more dialogue and "less action" in the latter half of the book (granted, when the "action" took place, it was super crazy intense), but I was involved enough in the book that these lengthy dialogues did not bother me that much. I thought the character development was good, overall, and the way the characters behaved was fairly believable.
On a "technical note," there were some typos toward the end of the book (mostly a gap where a sentence "stopped" and then finished a line or two below, as if somebody accidentally hit the "enter" key instead of maybe the space bar).
It was a "dark" book but not as dark as other books of his that I have read (if that makes any sense). It was an interesting book; I enjoyed the blending of ancient history with the modern world. I would say it started out slow for me, but the pace quickly picked up. In any case, it held my attention from start-to-finish and I had a hard time putting it down. I would probably rate it 3.5-3.7 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I am glad that I went ahead and took a chance on reading it.
August 1, 2018
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book
move over stephen king and dean koontz theres a new author in town....
people are being killed for no reason and found before sunset or just after,they suffered violent deaths...why nobody knows...
a blind retired policeman grandson is killed and he wants in on the action
a newbie detective takes him on and together they hunt this murderer....
could not put this book down, this author is now one of my favourites
move over stephen king and dean koontz theres a new author in town....
people are being killed for no reason and found before sunset or just after,they suffered violent deaths...why nobody knows...
a blind retired policeman grandson is killed and he wants in on the action
a newbie detective takes him on and together they hunt this murderer....
could not put this book down, this author is now one of my favourites
July 31, 2018
My father introduced me to Byron 4 years ago. And we've always spoke about his books and discussed them.
Joe Mac reminds me of my dad. He's someone who will do just about anything for his family, and at this point he has nothing to lose.
Read this book, feel the emotion of someone who isn't afraid to risk it all for vengeance.
Joe Mac reminds me of my dad. He's someone who will do just about anything for his family, and at this point he has nothing to lose.
Read this book, feel the emotion of someone who isn't afraid to risk it all for vengeance.
July 31, 2018
James Byron Huggins is the best in the game. I grew up reading him, now I'm reading him to my kids as they grow up. Full circle, and he just keeps getting better and better.
If I had a marriage as reliable as a good book by James, I'd still be married!
If I had a marriage as reliable as a good book by James, I'd still be married!
July 31, 2018
This book is gripping! It's twisty and gritty and I love it! A great read that you won't want to put down!
July 26, 2018
WOW, what a ride!! If you want a book that is full of action and suspense and an ending that you didn't see coming, this is the book for you. I don't usually read this type of book, but I took a chance on it, and I so glad I did. I will be looking for more books by James Byron Huggins, this one was definitely an adrenaline rush!! Thank you NetGalley and WildBlue Press for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this wonderful book.
September 19, 2018
Great characters with a great plot. Story unfolds logically and with some surprises. Very hard to put down once I started. Huggins is one of my favorite authors.
September 25, 2018
Dark Visions by James Byron Huggins
4/5 ⭐️
I was sent a free eBook of Dark Visions from WildBlue Press in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Visions is a detective story set in New York City. It follows Joe Mac, a former homicide detective who lost his vision while in the line of duty. After his grandson is murdered, Joe is determined to find the boys killer.
I enjoyed how Dark Visions incorporates aspects into it that are unexpected in a typical detective story, such as the use of Poe, the raven and our main character being blind.
I really like the character of Joe. I would gladly read more stories based around him and other cases that he has solved.
The one thing that annoyed me about this book is that there were many lengthy speeches made (usually given by professor type characters). I felt like a few of those could have been trimmed down without affecting the storyline in a big way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with action and suspense and who doesn’t love a good detective story?
4/5 ⭐️
I was sent a free eBook of Dark Visions from WildBlue Press in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Visions is a detective story set in New York City. It follows Joe Mac, a former homicide detective who lost his vision while in the line of duty. After his grandson is murdered, Joe is determined to find the boys killer.
I enjoyed how Dark Visions incorporates aspects into it that are unexpected in a typical detective story, such as the use of Poe, the raven and our main character being blind.
I really like the character of Joe. I would gladly read more stories based around him and other cases that he has solved.
The one thing that annoyed me about this book is that there were many lengthy speeches made (usually given by professor type characters). I felt like a few of those could have been trimmed down without affecting the storyline in a big way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with action and suspense and who doesn’t love a good detective story?
September 8, 2018
It can't be said that James Byron Huggins likes to keep his writing safe and easy. As a well-known writer of thrillers, this author of 10 novels has stretched himself by having his protagonist in Dark Visions saddled with a handicap. Joe Mac, a former homicide detective for the NYPD has been blind since saving a child from a burning building. However, his blindness doesn't stop him when his four-year-old grandson is kidnapped and found gruesomely murdered.
Partnered with rookie detective Jodi Strong and a raven named Poe, Mac descends into a mad world of serial killers, ancient cults, and learns very quickly that nobody can be trusted,
The result is a nonstop roller coaster ride from one scene to another as Mac and Strong try to stay ahead of their pursuers and bring a millennia-old conspiracy to an end before any more children die and they end up as corpses themselves.
Word of warning: I did not read this book as much as consumed it as fast as I could. Once you read the first page, you will be hard-pressed to put it down.
Partnered with rookie detective Jodi Strong and a raven named Poe, Mac descends into a mad world of serial killers, ancient cults, and learns very quickly that nobody can be trusted,
The result is a nonstop roller coaster ride from one scene to another as Mac and Strong try to stay ahead of their pursuers and bring a millennia-old conspiracy to an end before any more children die and they end up as corpses themselves.
Word of warning: I did not read this book as much as consumed it as fast as I could. Once you read the first page, you will be hard-pressed to put it down.
September 5, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
I am new to the books of James Byron Huggins, but if ‘Dark Visions’ is any indication of his literary voice, I will be reading much more of his works. I was captured by the intensity of his character and the plot line. The story is a conspiracy thriller/murder mystery, but it is so much more.
When Joe Mac’s grandson is kidnapped and later found dead, he will stop at nothing to find the person behind the horrendous crime. Not even his lack of sight will prevent him from tracking down and apprehending the killer. With his connections as a retired, veteran police officer, the help of newly minted detective, Jodi Strong, and the instrumental aid of a raven named Poe, Joe is able to dig deeper into the ritualistic death of not only his grandson, but many others. He is able to unearth the mystery behind the murders of so many unconnected individuals.
Edgy, filled with twists and turns aplenty, this book will keep the reader mesmerized.
I am new to the books of James Byron Huggins, but if ‘Dark Visions’ is any indication of his literary voice, I will be reading much more of his works. I was captured by the intensity of his character and the plot line. The story is a conspiracy thriller/murder mystery, but it is so much more.
When Joe Mac’s grandson is kidnapped and later found dead, he will stop at nothing to find the person behind the horrendous crime. Not even his lack of sight will prevent him from tracking down and apprehending the killer. With his connections as a retired, veteran police officer, the help of newly minted detective, Jodi Strong, and the instrumental aid of a raven named Poe, Joe is able to dig deeper into the ritualistic death of not only his grandson, but many others. He is able to unearth the mystery behind the murders of so many unconnected individuals.
Edgy, filled with twists and turns aplenty, this book will keep the reader mesmerized.
September 4, 2018
Huggins always twists the traditional stereotype and has fun with it. Here we have a supernatural mystery. A legendary detective, blind after saving the day on his final job, comes back for one more case. Only he has an advantage... a raven. The raven leads him like Brandon Lee in The Crow and helps him throughout the case. The question soon becomes, "Is the raven his avatar, or is he the ravens?"
May 5, 2019
I love it! I have been a fan of JBH since reading A Wolf Story when it was first published. Since then I have devoured everything that he wrote.
This is different. This not Hunter or Nightbringer, this is different and just as exciting (I have never been bored when reading his books)!
It is a detective story with non-stop suspense and still has the physical high-energy scenes that James Byron Huggins is known for.
Excellent work, once again.
This is different. This not Hunter or Nightbringer, this is different and just as exciting (I have never been bored when reading his books)!
It is a detective story with non-stop suspense and still has the physical high-energy scenes that James Byron Huggins is known for.
Excellent work, once again.
Read
August 27, 2018I'm a longtime fan of Huggins. Once again, he doesn't disappoint. Others have mentioned some key aspects of the story, so I'll confine my remarks to overall impressions. Strong characters, fast-paced action, and some interesting twists and turns along the way make this a fun read. Greatly appreciate the depth of his research into arcane subjects and the way he masterfully weaves historical information into a modern-day detective thriller with supernatural overtones. Huggins has been absent from the writing scene for way too long, and I'm hoping this novel is a sign that he's back in a major way. Very pleased that his excellent storytelling skills, fascinating characters, and snappy dialogue come alive in a new, captivating thriller. Be sure you set aside some quality time to read Dark Visions, because once you start reading it you won't be able to stop turning the pages!
August 18, 2018
I thought Dark Visions would be a simple murder mystery read but it was much more intense than I realized. It had so many twists and turns and history that it kept you engaged on who was the bad guy and how could they ever be stopped. Thanks to @wildblue_press #partner for this tablet version!! .
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Joe Mac is a retired homicide detective whose grandson is murdered. He had to retire because he lost his vision in the line of duty. He works with the local police and FBI to find out why. It ends up there are multiple murders and it goes much deeper than just one person. Joe Mac and his team end up in a dark under world to solve these murders before time run out for the new kidnapped victim. .
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Joe Mac is a retired homicide detective whose grandson is murdered. He had to retire because he lost his vision in the line of duty. He works with the local police and FBI to find out why. It ends up there are multiple murders and it goes much deeper than just one person. Joe Mac and his team end up in a dark under world to solve these murders before time run out for the new kidnapped victim. .
August 19, 2018
Yesterday I checkout your book "Dark Visions" and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down until I finished it...I usually don't read Detective type of stories...but Dark Visions held my attention with all the history as Joe Mac & Jodi Strong search for the murderer of his grandson along with the Raven called "Poe". I highly recommend this book..its a Thriller for sure and certain.
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