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Jeremiah Hunt #1
Eyes to See
"I gave up my eyes to see more clearly."
Harvard professor Jeremiah Hunt's life fell apart in the wake of his daughter's disappearance. His obsessive search for her cost him his wife, his job, and his reputation. And now, thanks to a Faustian bargain he makes with the empty-eyed and enigmatic Preacher, it takes his sight as well. In return, he's granted the gift of "seeing the unseen," letting him see what others cannot; ghosts and other supernatural creatures of the night.
With the help of his ghostly companions – Whisper and Scream – he embarks on a new career banishing malevolent spirits that torment the living while continuing his search for clues to Elizabeth's fate. What begins as a search for his daughter turns deadly when a particularly cunning foe lays a trap that ends with Hunt accused of a series of brutal murders. Now Hunt must fight not only to save his daughter's life but his own as well, against a dark and ageless foe that would use a father's love to set itself free.
In Eyes To See, New York Times and internationally bestselling author Joseph Nassise takes readers on a nightmarish trip through the haunted streets of Boston as a man desperate to find his daughter turns to the dead for help.
Harvard professor Jeremiah Hunt's life fell apart in the wake of his daughter's disappearance. His obsessive search for her cost him his wife, his job, and his reputation. And now, thanks to a Faustian bargain he makes with the empty-eyed and enigmatic Preacher, it takes his sight as well. In return, he's granted the gift of "seeing the unseen," letting him see what others cannot; ghosts and other supernatural creatures of the night.
With the help of his ghostly companions – Whisper and Scream – he embarks on a new career banishing malevolent spirits that torment the living while continuing his search for clues to Elizabeth's fate. What begins as a search for his daughter turns deadly when a particularly cunning foe lays a trap that ends with Hunt accused of a series of brutal murders. Now Hunt must fight not only to save his daughter's life but his own as well, against a dark and ageless foe that would use a father's love to set itself free.
In Eyes To See, New York Times and internationally bestselling author Joseph Nassise takes readers on a nightmarish trip through the haunted streets of Boston as a man desperate to find his daughter turns to the dead for help.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2011
290 people are currently reading
2071 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Nassise
98 books331 followersI'm the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the Templar Chronicles series, the Jeremiah Hunt trilogy, and the Great Undead War series. I've also written several books in the Rogue Angel action/adventure series from Gold Eagle. I'm a former president of the Horror Writers Association, the world's largest organization of professional horror writers, and a multiple Bram Stoker Award and International Horror Guild Award nominee.
When I'm not writing, I'm hanging out with dogs, practicing recurve archery, or off-roading in the desert around my home in Phoenix, AZ.
When I'm not writing, I'm hanging out with dogs, practicing recurve archery, or off-roading in the desert around my home in Phoenix, AZ.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 17, 2012
There’s nothing I love more than dark, gritty urban fantasy, and man, does Joseph Nassise know how to write it! I can’t even remember the last time I enjoyed UF quite so much.
A man’s daughter disappears right from under his nose. He spends the next few years desperately looking for her, losing his wife and his job in the process. As the years go by and his search remains without results, his methods become increasingly desperate. Left with no other options, he performs an arcane ritual which takes away his eyesight, but gives him the ability to see the spirit world. He occasionally assists the police with some particularly difficult investigations in exchange for information about his daughter’s case.
Parents experience a unique kind of fear. It is at once more visceral and more paralyzing than any other fear, a cold, clammy hand that squeezes your heart until your very blood starts to drip from between its fingers. It invades your mind like an alien presence, disrupts your thought process and ratchets your emotions right of the scale, until you can’t possibly think straight and every second is an eternity, an eternity where all you can do is think about all of the terrible things that could have happened to your precious child.
Jeremiah Hunt is a character of unusual complexity. To a reader, the pain Hunt feels over losing his daughter is far more terrifying than any ghost, fetch, witch or beserker he comes across. This is where Nassise truly impressed me. Every few chapters we’d get to jump back to those days around Elizabeth’s disappearance and see Hunt as he was then: a successful Harvard scholar with a nice house and a beautiful wife. Making the jump back to current events and Hunt as he is now was shocking every time, especially at the beginning, before the entire process was revealed. Of course, as the reader is offered more chapters about Hunt’s increasingly desperate search, his choices become more clear and understandable, but never easier to handle.
I really liked Hunt’s only two allies (if you don’t count Whisper and Scream, his ghostly assistants), Denise Clearwater and Dmitri. They are exactly the kind of people someone like Hunt needs: used to not asking a lot of questions and unwilling to answer more than strictly necessary, but more than willing to make sacrifices for a good enough cause. And if they do seem unusually loyal for relatively new acquaintances, it's because they aren't really loyal to Hunt himself, but to the Gifted community as a whole.
Readers who enjoy romance above all else might find themselves a bit disappointed, though. Hunt isn’t exactly interested in women, and although there’s some real attraction between him and Denise Clearwater, he is simply to obsessed with his search for Elizabeth to act on it, or even to give it much thought.
Eyes to See doesn’t end with a cliffhange but enough things were left open to make me eager to read the sequel, King of the Dead, as soon as I can. Luckily (and thanks to the lovely people at Tor), I have it right here. To conclude, I’ll just quote Seanan McGuire straight from the cover: “Make time for this one.”
A man’s daughter disappears right from under his nose. He spends the next few years desperately looking for her, losing his wife and his job in the process. As the years go by and his search remains without results, his methods become increasingly desperate. Left with no other options, he performs an arcane ritual which takes away his eyesight, but gives him the ability to see the spirit world. He occasionally assists the police with some particularly difficult investigations in exchange for information about his daughter’s case.
Parents experience a unique kind of fear. It is at once more visceral and more paralyzing than any other fear, a cold, clammy hand that squeezes your heart until your very blood starts to drip from between its fingers. It invades your mind like an alien presence, disrupts your thought process and ratchets your emotions right of the scale, until you can’t possibly think straight and every second is an eternity, an eternity where all you can do is think about all of the terrible things that could have happened to your precious child.
Jeremiah Hunt is a character of unusual complexity. To a reader, the pain Hunt feels over losing his daughter is far more terrifying than any ghost, fetch, witch or beserker he comes across. This is where Nassise truly impressed me. Every few chapters we’d get to jump back to those days around Elizabeth’s disappearance and see Hunt as he was then: a successful Harvard scholar with a nice house and a beautiful wife. Making the jump back to current events and Hunt as he is now was shocking every time, especially at the beginning, before the entire process was revealed. Of course, as the reader is offered more chapters about Hunt’s increasingly desperate search, his choices become more clear and understandable, but never easier to handle.
I really liked Hunt’s only two allies (if you don’t count Whisper and Scream, his ghostly assistants), Denise Clearwater and Dmitri. They are exactly the kind of people someone like Hunt needs: used to not asking a lot of questions and unwilling to answer more than strictly necessary, but more than willing to make sacrifices for a good enough cause. And if they do seem unusually loyal for relatively new acquaintances, it's because they aren't really loyal to Hunt himself, but to the Gifted community as a whole.
Readers who enjoy romance above all else might find themselves a bit disappointed, though. Hunt isn’t exactly interested in women, and although there’s some real attraction between him and Denise Clearwater, he is simply to obsessed with his search for Elizabeth to act on it, or even to give it much thought.
Eyes to See doesn’t end with a cliffhange but enough things were left open to make me eager to read the sequel, King of the Dead, as soon as I can. Luckily (and thanks to the lovely people at Tor), I have it right here. To conclude, I’ll just quote Seanan McGuire straight from the cover: “Make time for this one.”
December 13, 2015
This is a dark themed urban fantasy/supernatural fiction novel with some very vivid imagery. Hunt's way of seeing ghosts and through their eyes is distinctive. He's a very troubled character and not easy to like. I'll continue this series.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com
December 5, 2013
I'd like very much to give this a 5 star rating, but I really can't as there are a couple of glaring flaws. Please note however that I go 4 stars. None of the flaws really make the book a problem so far as reading or staying interested go. They are just sort of like...inconveniently place speed bumps.
A little like you're cruising along and then...BUMP...you have to reorient your pacing.
This is (as I've said about other books) pure brain candy. It's the first book I've read by Joseph Nassise. I realize he has a fairly extensive list of books but this one does read a littlee like an early effort.
Now look, I like this book. It drew me in and it held my interest. What I'm going to say here is no big deal. So when I mention the flaws I'm explaining why the book gets 4 instead of 5 stars...got that??? It's like an old saying I once heard (forgive me if it's a bit earthy) but it's like sex. Even when it's not the best it's still good.
The book's point of view is what mainly causes the blips in the pacing. it's primary told from a first person view...the view of our hero Jeremiah. He's a man obsessed. He's obsessed with finding his kidnapped daughter who's been missing for years as the book opens. He's so obsessed that he finally performed a ritual that was supposed to let him see the unseen...but it didn't go exactly as he thought it would.
Throughout the book we jump back and forth between "Now" and "Then" or the present and the past. In the past we get the story of how Jeremiah "became how he is". In the present we get the story of "what's happening now". Aside from this however occasionally we get a "third person omniscient narrator" who lets us in on what's going on out of Jeremiah's "sight" (you'll get the irony of that when you read the book). Sometimes said narrator gives us background information, sometimes just hints. I think the book might have worked better as simply a first person narrative.
But all that said this is grade A first class literary.mental junk food. Nothing deep here just another pretty good urban fantasy take on legends and ghost stories.
Just as a side note this is the third book I've read in a row where pagan religious beliefs have played a part. For those of you who that might bug a bit remember, it's just a story.
Pretty good book, enjoy.
A little like you're cruising along and then...BUMP...you have to reorient your pacing.
This is (as I've said about other books) pure brain candy. It's the first book I've read by Joseph Nassise. I realize he has a fairly extensive list of books but this one does read a littlee like an early effort.
Now look, I like this book. It drew me in and it held my interest. What I'm going to say here is no big deal. So when I mention the flaws I'm explaining why the book gets 4 instead of 5 stars...got that??? It's like an old saying I once heard (forgive me if it's a bit earthy) but it's like sex. Even when it's not the best it's still good.
The book's point of view is what mainly causes the blips in the pacing. it's primary told from a first person view...the view of our hero Jeremiah. He's a man obsessed. He's obsessed with finding his kidnapped daughter who's been missing for years as the book opens. He's so obsessed that he finally performed a ritual that was supposed to let him see the unseen...but it didn't go exactly as he thought it would.
Throughout the book we jump back and forth between "Now" and "Then" or the present and the past. In the past we get the story of how Jeremiah "became how he is". In the present we get the story of "what's happening now". Aside from this however occasionally we get a "third person omniscient narrator" who lets us in on what's going on out of Jeremiah's "sight" (you'll get the irony of that when you read the book). Sometimes said narrator gives us background information, sometimes just hints. I think the book might have worked better as simply a first person narrative.
But all that said this is grade A first class literary.mental junk food. Nothing deep here just another pretty good urban fantasy take on legends and ghost stories.
Just as a side note this is the third book I've read in a row where pagan religious beliefs have played a part. For those of you who that might bug a bit remember, it's just a story.
Pretty good book, enjoy.
November 13, 2011
Happy Halloween everyone!!
Since it's that spooky time of year I felt it was fitting to read a couple of spooktacular books.
"Eyes to See" was sent to me by the publisher for an honest review... and because we all know me... I won't hold back.
Jeremiah Hunt is a blind dude that used to be able to see and worked at Harvard and had a hot lawyer wife, a Nancy Drew reading kid, and a fabulous house in Boston. THat is until one day his little girl disappeared. But who took her? Was it a kidnapper? Did she just wander off? Was it someone in the family? Or was it him?
At least a neighbor lady said it could have been him. But how?
For a couple years the man and wife tried to put on brave faces but realized their lives together had come to an end.
Hunt is going downhill. His life has been engulfed with the mystery of where his little girl has been taken to. If he can't SEE her with his own eyes, then maybe he can see better without them.
In a bizarre sacrifice, Hunt is given the gift to see what you and I can only feel. Those cold spots in the room that make the hair on the back of our neck stand on edge, the sudden sounds off in the distance but have no explanation on where they came, the bumps in the middle of the nigh.... Hunt can see ghosts.
It's been years since the last time he saw her. There's no hope that she might be alive. Sure, he'd like to think that but he's not going to coddle himself. More than likely Elizabeth is dead and with his new 'sight' maybe he'll catch a glimpse of what was taken away from him.
Or maybe it's just an open and shut case... that is... until there's been another murder.
~ Greta's Thoughts ~
What made you want to read this book?
It was compared to Harry Dresden and that made me squee.
Was it anything like that?
Ironically, Hunt did wear a duster like Harry and he helps out with police stuff but that's about it. There wasn't anything fun about this book. I was really hoping for that. Where Harry would make me LOL this book just made me want to give it to a man who watches CSI.
So, this book wasn't for you?
No, it wasn't. I won't watch CSI or LAW AND ORDER or anything where police cars are shown in the background. They uber bore me.
But what about things like SOOKIE and HARRY?
Now, I haven't read all of those but what I enjoyed out of the ones that I did was the humor. This book was just too dry in my opinion.
This book is a horror. Is that what you would consider it?
Is there a difference between Urban Fantasy and Horror? If so, then I think this book was more Urban Fantasy. There weren't any parts that kept me up all night or had me wigging out when the cats were roaming around while I was in bed waiting for the sun to pop up. It just didn't frighten me. Sure there were some creepy parts but nothing that I would consider horror. But, maybe I'm being too picky. IT was however, very imaginative when the creepy parts were played out.
Who do you think would like this book the most?
Definitely fans of CSI type stuff that want a good ghost story. I'm sure they would eat this book right up and give it the proper admiration that this story deserves.
What do you mean by CSI type people?
You know those kinds of people who want technical stuff explained? And then they can counter back with more mumbo jumbo that might go over your heard? And then they can tear it apart even more to see between the lines? Those are the kinds of people who would love this book. As for me. I think I might have been a little too dumb for it. The author, clearly, knows what he's writing and as for me I was having a bit of trouble keeping it all in the ol' noggin.
What about the kids?
I think a 14 year old would do just fine with this book. But if you leary then read it first and see if it's ok for Little Billy.
How was the writing?
I found it to be written quite well. I felt it was drawn out in parts but it was definitely a man's voice for a man's pov. That was nice. And there wasn't very much cussing which I also found a relief.
Overall?
If you are looking for Harry Dresden's twin then this isn't it. BUT! If you are looking for Harry's grumpy cousin who can CSI your brains out, has a knack for some basic witchcraft, and helps the cops out just like Harry... then this book is right yup your alley.
As for me... I'm going to go order a pizza and leave it out for the fairies.
Since it's that spooky time of year I felt it was fitting to read a couple of spooktacular books.
"Eyes to See" was sent to me by the publisher for an honest review... and because we all know me... I won't hold back.
Jeremiah Hunt is a blind dude that used to be able to see and worked at Harvard and had a hot lawyer wife, a Nancy Drew reading kid, and a fabulous house in Boston. THat is until one day his little girl disappeared. But who took her? Was it a kidnapper? Did she just wander off? Was it someone in the family? Or was it him?
At least a neighbor lady said it could have been him. But how?
For a couple years the man and wife tried to put on brave faces but realized their lives together had come to an end.
Hunt is going downhill. His life has been engulfed with the mystery of where his little girl has been taken to. If he can't SEE her with his own eyes, then maybe he can see better without them.
In a bizarre sacrifice, Hunt is given the gift to see what you and I can only feel. Those cold spots in the room that make the hair on the back of our neck stand on edge, the sudden sounds off in the distance but have no explanation on where they came, the bumps in the middle of the nigh.... Hunt can see ghosts.
It's been years since the last time he saw her. There's no hope that she might be alive. Sure, he'd like to think that but he's not going to coddle himself. More than likely Elizabeth is dead and with his new 'sight' maybe he'll catch a glimpse of what was taken away from him.
Or maybe it's just an open and shut case... that is... until there's been another murder.
~ Greta's Thoughts ~
What made you want to read this book?
It was compared to Harry Dresden and that made me squee.
Was it anything like that?
Ironically, Hunt did wear a duster like Harry and he helps out with police stuff but that's about it. There wasn't anything fun about this book. I was really hoping for that. Where Harry would make me LOL this book just made me want to give it to a man who watches CSI.
So, this book wasn't for you?
No, it wasn't. I won't watch CSI or LAW AND ORDER or anything where police cars are shown in the background. They uber bore me.
But what about things like SOOKIE and HARRY?
Now, I haven't read all of those but what I enjoyed out of the ones that I did was the humor. This book was just too dry in my opinion.
This book is a horror. Is that what you would consider it?
Is there a difference between Urban Fantasy and Horror? If so, then I think this book was more Urban Fantasy. There weren't any parts that kept me up all night or had me wigging out when the cats were roaming around while I was in bed waiting for the sun to pop up. It just didn't frighten me. Sure there were some creepy parts but nothing that I would consider horror. But, maybe I'm being too picky. IT was however, very imaginative when the creepy parts were played out.
Who do you think would like this book the most?
Definitely fans of CSI type stuff that want a good ghost story. I'm sure they would eat this book right up and give it the proper admiration that this story deserves.
What do you mean by CSI type people?
You know those kinds of people who want technical stuff explained? And then they can counter back with more mumbo jumbo that might go over your heard? And then they can tear it apart even more to see between the lines? Those are the kinds of people who would love this book. As for me. I think I might have been a little too dumb for it. The author, clearly, knows what he's writing and as for me I was having a bit of trouble keeping it all in the ol' noggin.
What about the kids?
I think a 14 year old would do just fine with this book. But if you leary then read it first and see if it's ok for Little Billy.
How was the writing?
I found it to be written quite well. I felt it was drawn out in parts but it was definitely a man's voice for a man's pov. That was nice. And there wasn't very much cussing which I also found a relief.
Overall?
If you are looking for Harry Dresden's twin then this isn't it. BUT! If you are looking for Harry's grumpy cousin who can CSI your brains out, has a knack for some basic witchcraft, and helps the cops out just like Harry... then this book is right yup your alley.
As for me... I'm going to go order a pizza and leave it out for the fairies.
March 28, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5
What would you do if your child disappeared one day? What would you be willing to sacrifice to find her? Would you give up, say, your eyesight for a chance of a reunion?
Are you sure?
Jeremiah was. Now he's blind but he sees the dead. And the dead see him. He has little to lose - his wife left him years ago. He lost his job. He isolated himself from other people and it's safe to say his relationship with his companion ghosts Scream and Whisper is the only meaningful relationship he maintains.
He's paid to solve other people's problems with ghosts. Additionally, one of the police officers believes he's a psychic and uses his help in his investigations. With the help of his mysterious ghost companion named Whisper, Jeremiah is able to see what happened to the victims through their eyes, in the last seconds of their lives.
A series of murders seem to be connected to his daughter's disappearance. With the help of two outcasts, Denise and Dmitri, Jeremiah is focused on discovering the truth.
It seems the author enjoys beating the hell out of his characters. Don't count on a happy ending. You won't get one.
Characterization is done well. In the beginning, Jeremiah is unlikeable but interesting. He isolated himself from others and doesn't really care about them. While the story progresses we learn about experiences that made him abrasive and boorish. With time the interest in his story turns into sympathy and later on into genuine respect. I can confirm that Joseph Nassise managed to make me root for a character I had originally disliked. Noe an easy feat. To be fair, though, I'm keen on redemption arcs so it wasn't that difficult to make me root for Jeremiah.
I think Jeremiah will be relatable to many readers. Most of us understand what it means to blame ourselves for our past failures and how difficult it can be to actually change our ways. Accompanying Jeremiah on the journey allows the reader to see the echo of their own story within the pages of his. More or less. Contrary to him, I haven't met many ghosts.
Female characters are as interesting, maybe even more so than their male counterparts. Both Whisper(his ghost companion) and Denise Clearwater(a hedge witch) have secrets and interesting backstories. Above all, though, they have distinct personalities.
The writing was quite dense and emotional. I liked it most of the times but I have to say that some of the longer descriptions and blocks of texts were tiring. Probably, it's my main issue with the story. In short, despite high stakes and cruel twists, there were times
when the prose and exposition took me out of the story.
Overall, I'm glad I gave this one a try. If you like dark and emotional fantasy books and would like to meet Harry Dresden's grumpy cousin, give this one a try.
What would you do if your child disappeared one day? What would you be willing to sacrifice to find her? Would you give up, say, your eyesight for a chance of a reunion?
Are you sure?
Jeremiah was. Now he's blind but he sees the dead. And the dead see him. He has little to lose - his wife left him years ago. He lost his job. He isolated himself from other people and it's safe to say his relationship with his companion ghosts Scream and Whisper is the only meaningful relationship he maintains.
He's paid to solve other people's problems with ghosts. Additionally, one of the police officers believes he's a psychic and uses his help in his investigations. With the help of his mysterious ghost companion named Whisper, Jeremiah is able to see what happened to the victims through their eyes, in the last seconds of their lives.
A series of murders seem to be connected to his daughter's disappearance. With the help of two outcasts, Denise and Dmitri, Jeremiah is focused on discovering the truth.
It seems the author enjoys beating the hell out of his characters. Don't count on a happy ending. You won't get one.
Characterization is done well. In the beginning, Jeremiah is unlikeable but interesting. He isolated himself from others and doesn't really care about them. While the story progresses we learn about experiences that made him abrasive and boorish. With time the interest in his story turns into sympathy and later on into genuine respect. I can confirm that Joseph Nassise managed to make me root for a character I had originally disliked. Noe an easy feat. To be fair, though, I'm keen on redemption arcs so it wasn't that difficult to make me root for Jeremiah.
I think Jeremiah will be relatable to many readers. Most of us understand what it means to blame ourselves for our past failures and how difficult it can be to actually change our ways. Accompanying Jeremiah on the journey allows the reader to see the echo of their own story within the pages of his. More or less. Contrary to him, I haven't met many ghosts.
Female characters are as interesting, maybe even more so than their male counterparts. Both Whisper(his ghost companion) and Denise Clearwater(a hedge witch) have secrets and interesting backstories. Above all, though, they have distinct personalities.
The writing was quite dense and emotional. I liked it most of the times but I have to say that some of the longer descriptions and blocks of texts were tiring. Probably, it's my main issue with the story. In short, despite high stakes and cruel twists, there were times
when the prose and exposition took me out of the story.
Overall, I'm glad I gave this one a try. If you like dark and emotional fantasy books and would like to meet Harry Dresden's grumpy cousin, give this one a try.
March 17, 2016
Eyes to See was awesome! Joseph Nassise wove a world of darkness and creatures that go bump in night that resulted in a believable and intriguing adventure. The mystery surrounding the main character, Jeremiah, and his hidden past made the book even more of a great read!
Here is a short summary of what the book is about:
Jeremiah Hunt was once an ordinary human with a normal life and family until his daughter, Elizabeth, was kidnapped. This shocking event caused Hunt's perfect life to crumble around him. He lost his wife and almost all of his money in futile attempts to find his daughter. Rescuing Elizabeth became his obsession and he soon lost all hope in finding her. As the days passed it became prominent that he may not find her alive. One day a strange eyeless preacher approaches Hunt and tells him he will find his daughter if he is willing to go the distance. Jeremiah immediately returns home to find a strange book of rituals. A single page contains a spell to allow one to see the unseen. Hunt believes this spell will enable him find his daughter, but it actually takes away his sight and opens his eyes to a horrifying world that was right under his nose.
The story continues with Hunt aiding the police with a few gruesome murders. His newfound ability to see the dead has allowed him to gain support of Officer Stanton, who has continued to help Jeremiah in the search for his daughter, even though the case has gone cold and was therefore shelved, in exchange for the use of his gifts. These seemingly random murders are what bring Hunt to the realization that they might actually be related to the disappearance of Elizabeth. Hunt meets a few friends along the way, including a hedge witch and a berserker, who aid the blind man in his search for the truth.
I found the story to be quite original, fast paced, and full of plot twists. The book never became boring and the characters always had hidden secrets that were being revealed. I also enjoyed the fact that the story was told in segments that went back and forth between the present and Jeremiah's past. This allowed for short breaks in both story lines that were refreshing and sometimes frustrating (I was tempted several times to skip a few chapters until the next segment came up so I could see what was going to happen!).
I also enjoyed the fact that Jeremiah grew as a character. He began as a mundane human, working his days away, and eventually became a respectable man hell-bent on doing anything he had to in order to find his daughter and bring her safely home. To me he became admirable and the fact that he gave up everything to find Elizabeth, along with his everlasting love for his daughter, were both touching and were the best qualities that Hunt possessed. He persevered and would never give up, no matter what stood in his path. I can't wait to read the next two installments in the series.
This review was also posted on: http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
Here is a short summary of what the book is about:
Jeremiah Hunt was once an ordinary human with a normal life and family until his daughter, Elizabeth, was kidnapped. This shocking event caused Hunt's perfect life to crumble around him. He lost his wife and almost all of his money in futile attempts to find his daughter. Rescuing Elizabeth became his obsession and he soon lost all hope in finding her. As the days passed it became prominent that he may not find her alive. One day a strange eyeless preacher approaches Hunt and tells him he will find his daughter if he is willing to go the distance. Jeremiah immediately returns home to find a strange book of rituals. A single page contains a spell to allow one to see the unseen. Hunt believes this spell will enable him find his daughter, but it actually takes away his sight and opens his eyes to a horrifying world that was right under his nose.
The story continues with Hunt aiding the police with a few gruesome murders. His newfound ability to see the dead has allowed him to gain support of Officer Stanton, who has continued to help Jeremiah in the search for his daughter, even though the case has gone cold and was therefore shelved, in exchange for the use of his gifts. These seemingly random murders are what bring Hunt to the realization that they might actually be related to the disappearance of Elizabeth. Hunt meets a few friends along the way, including a hedge witch and a berserker, who aid the blind man in his search for the truth.
I found the story to be quite original, fast paced, and full of plot twists. The book never became boring and the characters always had hidden secrets that were being revealed. I also enjoyed the fact that the story was told in segments that went back and forth between the present and Jeremiah's past. This allowed for short breaks in both story lines that were refreshing and sometimes frustrating (I was tempted several times to skip a few chapters until the next segment came up so I could see what was going to happen!).
I also enjoyed the fact that Jeremiah grew as a character. He began as a mundane human, working his days away, and eventually became a respectable man hell-bent on doing anything he had to in order to find his daughter and bring her safely home. To me he became admirable and the fact that he gave up everything to find Elizabeth, along with his everlasting love for his daughter, were both touching and were the best qualities that Hunt possessed. He persevered and would never give up, no matter what stood in his path. I can't wait to read the next two installments in the series.
This review was also posted on: http://knightingalereviews.blogspot.c...
October 21, 2011
Though Nassise is a great writer, this book, in some respects, missed its mark for me. While I loved the first portion, I found myself lamenting its loss quickly. I would have loved the whole of Eyes to See to follow in the same footsteps as the first emotionally jarring section. However, it doesn’t, and basically readers are left with a novel that reads like it’s Harry Dresden’s big brother. While I am confidant that this will appeal to a great many readers, it may leave others with a bitter taste in their mouth. Though I do have my quibbles with the book as a whole, I do feel Nassise has set up a strong foundation to a potentially riveting series and despite its drawbacks, I really enjoyed my journey through Nassise's world. His world is well built and peppered with interesting characters and a well done magic/supernatural system which is supported nicely with Nassise’s descriptive writing that really makes things come alive. Eyes to See is worth checking out, just give the book time before you let an impression form.
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
Read my full review here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...
December 4, 2011
The back of EYES TO SEE promises a lot. A scary, thrilling, dark urban fantasy novel that will leave you wanting the lights on while you sleep. For me, it didn’t quite reach that level. With 275 pages of buildup to a climax that was extremely convenient, EYES TO SEE doesn’t live up to the aspirations I had for it when going in. It’s a decent beginning to a new urban fantasy series for adults, particularly fans of THE DRESDEN FILES and CSI, but it could have been so much better.
EYES TO SEE is the story of a former Harvard classics professor named Jeremiah Hunt whose daughter is kidnapped without a trace. His wife leaves him, he loses himself in the process, and he finally performs a ritual that allows him to gain the ability to see ghosts, among other supernatural beings that inhabit Boston. The goal is simple – he wants to find his daughter. Five years have passed since she went missing, and a string of murders has given him the break he needs to find the killer. Except now he needs help.
The biggest asset of this novel is great world-building. From ghosts to witches to Norse legends, everything is covered, and it’s covered well. Nassise’s imagination is given a chance to flourish here, combining together myths, legends, and real stories well to create a
For the first 275 pages, the story is fine. It moves along at a nice rate, there is plenty of interesting world-building to keep you enticed, and there is nothing particularly wrong about this. Yes, the narrator can be hard to connect with (his daughter’s disappearance made him almost insane), and the POV changes did throw me off a bit. The story switches between first person past in the now and in the past, in addition to third person POVs from the villain and two other characters. If the story had stayed with Hunt, I think the narrative would have been tighter and less spastic. The way it was, I enjoyed it, but it could have been better.
I think one of the problems I had with it was the fact that the beginning was great, but the story went downhill from there. By the time we reached the climax and the big reveals and the conclusion, it felt too contrived, too convenient. When mixed together with plodding pacing during action scenes, where Hunt stopped in the middle of the narrative to suddenly piece together clues in long monologues, it slowed things down and squandered what could have been an amazing ending. Nassise clearly has the ability to craft a great urban fantasy novel, but somehow EYES TO SEE ended up being nowhere near as amazing as it could have been. Yes, it was a good novel. Yes, I would recommend it to fans of Jim Butcher and procedural urban fantasy novels. But I think it could have been a lot better. It was definitely a four star until the climax took the story down a notch.
VERDICT: Amazing world-building and the author's burgeoning imagination are letdown by little emotional connection and a flat climax that seemed too convenient to be plausible. Still, if you like urban fantasy with a male protagonist, it's worth a look.
EYES TO SEE is the story of a former Harvard classics professor named Jeremiah Hunt whose daughter is kidnapped without a trace. His wife leaves him, he loses himself in the process, and he finally performs a ritual that allows him to gain the ability to see ghosts, among other supernatural beings that inhabit Boston. The goal is simple – he wants to find his daughter. Five years have passed since she went missing, and a string of murders has given him the break he needs to find the killer. Except now he needs help.
The biggest asset of this novel is great world-building. From ghosts to witches to Norse legends, everything is covered, and it’s covered well. Nassise’s imagination is given a chance to flourish here, combining together myths, legends, and real stories well to create a
For the first 275 pages, the story is fine. It moves along at a nice rate, there is plenty of interesting world-building to keep you enticed, and there is nothing particularly wrong about this. Yes, the narrator can be hard to connect with (his daughter’s disappearance made him almost insane), and the POV changes did throw me off a bit. The story switches between first person past in the now and in the past, in addition to third person POVs from the villain and two other characters. If the story had stayed with Hunt, I think the narrative would have been tighter and less spastic. The way it was, I enjoyed it, but it could have been better.
I think one of the problems I had with it was the fact that the beginning was great, but the story went downhill from there. By the time we reached the climax and the big reveals and the conclusion, it felt too contrived, too convenient. When mixed together with plodding pacing during action scenes, where Hunt stopped in the middle of the narrative to suddenly piece together clues in long monologues, it slowed things down and squandered what could have been an amazing ending. Nassise clearly has the ability to craft a great urban fantasy novel, but somehow EYES TO SEE ended up being nowhere near as amazing as it could have been. Yes, it was a good novel. Yes, I would recommend it to fans of Jim Butcher and procedural urban fantasy novels. But I think it could have been a lot better. It was definitely a four star until the climax took the story down a notch.
VERDICT: Amazing world-building and the author's burgeoning imagination are letdown by little emotional connection and a flat climax that seemed too convenient to be plausible. Still, if you like urban fantasy with a male protagonist, it's worth a look.
February 6, 2013
I was approached by Tor Books to review Joseph Nassise’s most recent title King of the Dead, from the Jeremiah Hunt series. Since I hadn’t read the series, they were also super cool enough to send me a copy of Eyes to See.
I will admit, right out of the gate I was excited to read Eyes to See because I think that this book has a seriously bad ass cover. In my reading experience, no book full of bad writing has a cover THAT bad ass. So I got started!
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!
I went into Eyes to See not really sure what to expect. The best I can come up with for what type of book Eyes to See is would be….take urban fantasy, mix with a some classic suspense/thriller, combine with a serious dose of the supernatural/paranormal and then add just a pinch of humor and a dash of testosterone. That’s Eyes to See. As funny as this may sound, fans of the show Supernatural would TOTALLY dig this book. Also, I don’t know many guys that read urban fantasy. The genre as a whole tends to be more aimed at females. However, I strongly feel that Jeremiah Hunt would appeal to a lot of guys and I highly recommend it for men as well as women.
Jeremiah is a fun character. He’s been stricken by grief over the disappearance of his daughter and then his wife giving up hope and turns to an act borne of pure desperation. It has left him cold and cynical and jaded but still soft enough that he experiences fear. He’s not so hardened that he will go into any situation, guns a blazin’. Take all that darkness and picture it with a nice sarcastic sense of humor. Ah!! My kind of character to follow. I fell in love with this guy right away. He’s not your typical urban fantasy hero with the bulging muscles and perfect hair but he’s feels very real.
This book takes you on a wild ride, introducing you to Hunt and the rest of the supporting cast. We learn a LOT about Hunt and how he got to where he is now, who he used to be, why he does what he does. We also meet some great characters, not just Hunt.
Oh! And the Big Bad of this book – oooooh, he’s a CRUEL bastard. I love it!
A note in regards to the series as a whole – it is a good thing that I read Eyes to See before I picked up King of the Dead (Jeremiah Hunt #2). This series is most certainly NOT a series you can read as standalone novels. However, after reading Eyes to See, I can’t for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to miss out on this book anyway!
I am giving Eyes to See 5 stars! A fantastic start to a really promising series! I will definitely be following this series to the end!
TWO SIDE NOTES: Stay tuned for my review of King of the Dead (Jeremiah Hunt #2)!! Also!!! We will be interviewing the author, Joseph Nassise VERY soon on PureTextuality.com so keep an eye out for that as well!!!
I will admit, right out of the gate I was excited to read Eyes to See because I think that this book has a seriously bad ass cover. In my reading experience, no book full of bad writing has a cover THAT bad ass. So I got started!
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!
I went into Eyes to See not really sure what to expect. The best I can come up with for what type of book Eyes to See is would be….take urban fantasy, mix with a some classic suspense/thriller, combine with a serious dose of the supernatural/paranormal and then add just a pinch of humor and a dash of testosterone. That’s Eyes to See. As funny as this may sound, fans of the show Supernatural would TOTALLY dig this book. Also, I don’t know many guys that read urban fantasy. The genre as a whole tends to be more aimed at females. However, I strongly feel that Jeremiah Hunt would appeal to a lot of guys and I highly recommend it for men as well as women.
Jeremiah is a fun character. He’s been stricken by grief over the disappearance of his daughter and then his wife giving up hope and turns to an act borne of pure desperation. It has left him cold and cynical and jaded but still soft enough that he experiences fear. He’s not so hardened that he will go into any situation, guns a blazin’. Take all that darkness and picture it with a nice sarcastic sense of humor. Ah!! My kind of character to follow. I fell in love with this guy right away. He’s not your typical urban fantasy hero with the bulging muscles and perfect hair but he’s feels very real.
This book takes you on a wild ride, introducing you to Hunt and the rest of the supporting cast. We learn a LOT about Hunt and how he got to where he is now, who he used to be, why he does what he does. We also meet some great characters, not just Hunt.
Oh! And the Big Bad of this book – oooooh, he’s a CRUEL bastard. I love it!
A note in regards to the series as a whole – it is a good thing that I read Eyes to See before I picked up King of the Dead (Jeremiah Hunt #2). This series is most certainly NOT a series you can read as standalone novels. However, after reading Eyes to See, I can’t for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to miss out on this book anyway!
I am giving Eyes to See 5 stars! A fantastic start to a really promising series! I will definitely be following this series to the end!
TWO SIDE NOTES: Stay tuned for my review of King of the Dead (Jeremiah Hunt #2)!! Also!!! We will be interviewing the author, Joseph Nassise VERY soon on PureTextuality.com so keep an eye out for that as well!!!
November 17, 2012
* * * 3.5 Stars * * *
The scales had been ripped from my eyes and suddenly I could see. Really, truly see. I've never been so frightened in my entire life.
Eyes to See features a unique and emotionally-gripping character who has spent the last several years of his life without his wife, his daughter, or his ability to see.
Jeremiah Hunt unintentionally sacrifices his sight, believing that his actions will help him in the search for Elizabeth, his missing child. Now he's left to deal with the consequences, completely blinded when exposed to light with the ability to see mostly vague shapes and outlines in the dark. But with the loss of one ability, he gains another. He can see ghosts. In addition, the ghosts can lend him their vision with what he refers to as their 'ghost sight'.
Jeremiah has dedicated every moment of his life to finding any clues or information regarding the whereabouts of Elizabeth. He's constantly plagued by the pain, the loss, and the guilt that he has carried with him ever since her disappearance. He's a desperate, lonely man who will do absolutely anything to find his little girl.
Jeremiah's assistance with a gruesome string of murders, a case that a Boston PD detective drags him in to, brings him closer to finding what has happened to his daughter.
The case is confusing with an elusive killer and a motive that is difficult to determine. If Jeremiah has any hope of solving the mystery, then he must seek outside help. Fortunately, a witch named Denise, her friend Dmitri, and Jeremiah's two companions, Whisper and Scream, all play a part in finding who, or what, is responsible for the murders.
While the beginning of Eyes to See didn't grab me, I found myself fascinated by the remainder of the story. I couldn't get enough of Jeremiah's character, the flashbacks to when his daughter first went missing, or the mystery that slowly unraveled and had me reading as quickly as I could because I was dying to know the who and why.
I would recommend Eyes to See to fans of intense, emotional stories with a dark atmosphere.
The sequel, King of the Dead, is scheduled to release November 27, 2012.
The silence of the dead is a terrible thing, but it is a silence with a sense of finality to it, an air of completion. The silence of the missing is anything but. It communicates without words, its message clear and unhindered. Find me, it screams, find me, and your heart breaks to hear it so loud in the empty places that should be filled with laughter and the joyful sounds of life.
The scales had been ripped from my eyes and suddenly I could see. Really, truly see. I've never been so frightened in my entire life.
Eyes to See features a unique and emotionally-gripping character who has spent the last several years of his life without his wife, his daughter, or his ability to see.
Jeremiah Hunt unintentionally sacrifices his sight, believing that his actions will help him in the search for Elizabeth, his missing child. Now he's left to deal with the consequences, completely blinded when exposed to light with the ability to see mostly vague shapes and outlines in the dark. But with the loss of one ability, he gains another. He can see ghosts. In addition, the ghosts can lend him their vision with what he refers to as their 'ghost sight'.
Jeremiah has dedicated every moment of his life to finding any clues or information regarding the whereabouts of Elizabeth. He's constantly plagued by the pain, the loss, and the guilt that he has carried with him ever since her disappearance. He's a desperate, lonely man who will do absolutely anything to find his little girl.
Jeremiah's assistance with a gruesome string of murders, a case that a Boston PD detective drags him in to, brings him closer to finding what has happened to his daughter.
The case is confusing with an elusive killer and a motive that is difficult to determine. If Jeremiah has any hope of solving the mystery, then he must seek outside help. Fortunately, a witch named Denise, her friend Dmitri, and Jeremiah's two companions, Whisper and Scream, all play a part in finding who, or what, is responsible for the murders.
While the beginning of Eyes to See didn't grab me, I found myself fascinated by the remainder of the story. I couldn't get enough of Jeremiah's character, the flashbacks to when his daughter first went missing, or the mystery that slowly unraveled and had me reading as quickly as I could because I was dying to know the who and why.
I would recommend Eyes to See to fans of intense, emotional stories with a dark atmosphere.
The sequel, King of the Dead, is scheduled to release November 27, 2012.
The silence of the dead is a terrible thing, but it is a silence with a sense of finality to it, an air of completion. The silence of the missing is anything but. It communicates without words, its message clear and unhindered. Find me, it screams, find me, and your heart breaks to hear it so loud in the empty places that should be filled with laughter and the joyful sounds of life.
October 19, 2011
First line in the book:
I gave up my eyes in order to see more clearly.
With the cover, blurb and that line, I expect you are thinking this is just a total horror fest with lots of gore. Actually you would be wrong. I mean, there is some horror (but not in a overwhelmingly keep you up at night kind), lots of ghosts, and a little gore, but really it is more about a man's obsession into what happened to his missing daughter. And what he is willing to do to get her back. It is actually at times an emotional read and you do get involved with his search and desperation despite the fact that at times he is a jerk to other people.
Within the main story, the plot shifts back and forth to what happened in his past and his present. The shift is to allow you to gain more insight as to what brought him here to the moment and why he makes his decisions. It is not abrupt as each chapter is labeled then and now. Sometimes the shift was frustrating for me only because I wanted to know more. However, I agree with the decision in the end and was glad that not too much information was provided because it would be overload at times. I also found the way he dealt with his blindness interesting. He was not totally blind as he was gifted with a form of sight in total darkness. He also had a way of sensing things so he could often manage being independent. He also saw ghosts and "others" as well as the gifted. Those that could also do otherworldly things but were human otherwise.
Hm... I don't want to say more as this book is a good puzzle. All information is given to you and you do figure things out before the characters. However, you know they have knowledge you lack and so you aren't sure how the ending will play out. Therefore, I give this ghost mystery 4 stars. I really enjoyed this read. Oh and for those wanting a bit of romance, let me say that you do get a hint of one. It is sweetly done and could continue if this book becomes a series.
I gave up my eyes in order to see more clearly.
With the cover, blurb and that line, I expect you are thinking this is just a total horror fest with lots of gore. Actually you would be wrong. I mean, there is some horror (but not in a overwhelmingly keep you up at night kind), lots of ghosts, and a little gore, but really it is more about a man's obsession into what happened to his missing daughter. And what he is willing to do to get her back. It is actually at times an emotional read and you do get involved with his search and desperation despite the fact that at times he is a jerk to other people.
Within the main story, the plot shifts back and forth to what happened in his past and his present. The shift is to allow you to gain more insight as to what brought him here to the moment and why he makes his decisions. It is not abrupt as each chapter is labeled then and now. Sometimes the shift was frustrating for me only because I wanted to know more. However, I agree with the decision in the end and was glad that not too much information was provided because it would be overload at times. I also found the way he dealt with his blindness interesting. He was not totally blind as he was gifted with a form of sight in total darkness. He also had a way of sensing things so he could often manage being independent. He also saw ghosts and "others" as well as the gifted. Those that could also do otherworldly things but were human otherwise.
Hm... I don't want to say more as this book is a good puzzle. All information is given to you and you do figure things out before the characters. However, you know they have knowledge you lack and so you aren't sure how the ending will play out. Therefore, I give this ghost mystery 4 stars. I really enjoyed this read. Oh and for those wanting a bit of romance, let me say that you do get a hint of one. It is sweetly done and could continue if this book becomes a series.
October 24, 2011
Eyes to See by Joseph Nassise
Urban fantasy at it’s best, this book will make you pause the next time you hear a bump in the night.
Nassise has created a bold new protagonist in Jeremiah Hunt. Hunt is on an emotional quest which forces him to interact with Whisper and Scream. Whisper and Scream are ghosts. In addition his crusty emotional shell is attacked by Denise a witch.
Hunt’s quest is impacted by that actions of a supernatural serial killer and a time capsule of occult nature. The action is outstanding as are the characterizations. You can feel Jeremiah’s pain and frustration, Nassise does that good of a job.
I hesitate to mention Jim Butcher because the premise is just vaguely similar but the addictive quality of the story is far more so. I am pleased to see that this book is quantified as number one in a series. I, for one, am a new committed fan and will hopefully be reading and reviewing more of this prolific urban fantasy author’s work.
I really enjoyed this book.
I highly recommend the book.
Urban fantasy at it’s best, this book will make you pause the next time you hear a bump in the night.
Nassise has created a bold new protagonist in Jeremiah Hunt. Hunt is on an emotional quest which forces him to interact with Whisper and Scream. Whisper and Scream are ghosts. In addition his crusty emotional shell is attacked by Denise a witch.
Hunt’s quest is impacted by that actions of a supernatural serial killer and a time capsule of occult nature. The action is outstanding as are the characterizations. You can feel Jeremiah’s pain and frustration, Nassise does that good of a job.
I hesitate to mention Jim Butcher because the premise is just vaguely similar but the addictive quality of the story is far more so. I am pleased to see that this book is quantified as number one in a series. I, for one, am a new committed fan and will hopefully be reading and reviewing more of this prolific urban fantasy author’s work.
I really enjoyed this book.
I highly recommend the book.
September 9, 2020
Been a while since I've read some urban fantasy books and this one was really enjoyable. Dark, really dark but good. With its focus on ghosts and spirits I don't know how I feel about the introduction of the typical UF monsters - demons, werewolves etc. but that is a question for another volume.
The plot was good and the characters really nice. I have my doubts about the villains' plans but it wasn't bad. While I don't mind the jumping between 1st/3rd person narrators I'd prefer if the POVs were only Jeremiah and Danielle, revealing the murderer so early only hurt the story. I'm not sold on the ending, though, with it being over too quickly and easily - however I'm surprised at the way it ended - both as a setup for the next volume as well as with the fact that something I thought would be a myth arc of the series was resolved already in book one.
But generally I liked it and I wouldn't mind reading the second volume.
The plot was good and the characters really nice. I have my doubts about the villains' plans but it wasn't bad. While I don't mind the jumping between 1st/3rd person narrators I'd prefer if the POVs were only Jeremiah and Danielle, revealing the murderer so early only hurt the story. I'm not sold on the ending, though, with it being over too quickly and easily - however I'm surprised at the way it ended - both as a setup for the next volume as well as with the fact that something I thought would be a myth arc of the series was resolved already in book one.
But generally I liked it and I wouldn't mind reading the second volume.
November 20, 2017
Actual Rating 4.5
This was such a surprise for me! I wasn't really sure what this book was all about when I originally picked it up but I am so happy i went with my gut instinct. Eyes To See is a dark, moody, and unique Adult Urban Fantasy. I love the magic aspect of this book and the main character is just enough like Constantine from Hellblazer to make me adore him haha. overall I cannot wait to continue on with this series and I can't lie, the ending made me tear up.
This was such a surprise for me! I wasn't really sure what this book was all about when I originally picked it up but I am so happy i went with my gut instinct. Eyes To See is a dark, moody, and unique Adult Urban Fantasy. I love the magic aspect of this book and the main character is just enough like Constantine from Hellblazer to make me adore him haha. overall I cannot wait to continue on with this series and I can't lie, the ending made me tear up.
April 17, 2012
Reviewed for Book Chick City
http://www.bookchickcity.com/2012/04/...
‘Eyes to See’ is an exciting supernatural mystery, with twists around every corner that are sure to keep you reading until the very end. Joseph Nassise’s novel succeeds in setting up a mystery that you feel obliged to find the answers to, with almost as much vigour as the main character himself.
The novel kicks off with a ghostly exorcism, whereby the reader is introduced to Jeremiah Hunt, the protagonist of the novel, and also introduced to his unique supernatural gift – he can see the dead. Hunt made a Faustian bargain with the world of magick, whereby he traded his eyesight for the gift of seeing the dead. As a result, he can see perfectly in total darkness, but is blind in any kind of light.
Now you may be wondering about the reason for this Faustian bargain. His daughter has mysteriously disappeared from under his nose, seemingly without a trace. Hunt is obsessed with finding out what happened to her, and whether she is still alive. Five years later and he is still none the wiser, despite his understanding with Detective Stanton that allows him to see any leads on the case in return for consulting on certain crimes. However, there is a certain animosity between Stanton and Hunt, which is far from a healthy working relationship and could prove costly for both of them.
Jeremiah is an interesting character, with his love for his daughter being the driving force for everything he does. This leaves him isolated from everyone else, with his wife Anne having left him as a result of his obsession. He sees himself as a lone ranger, determined to discover the truth alone, with only his two ghostly companions, Scream and Whisper, for company. Whisper is the ghost of a young girl, providing Hunt with ‘ghostsight’ whenever he needs it, which allows him to see the world around him through the ghost’s eyes. Scream is a ghostly bulk of a man, who can provide Hunt with super strength whenever he needs it and put fear into any surrounding humans that are causing Hunt any problems.
However, these two ghosts are not Hunt’s only companions in his search, as he forms a trio with Russian bartender, Dmitri, and witch, Denise. Dmitri is the bartender at Hunt’s local, the kind of man who keeps out of Hunt’s business, and yet who knows the entire goings on of the city. Denise has prophetic dreams linking her to Hunt, causing her to seek him out to understand the meaning of her dreams. Both Dmitri and Denise are highly wrapped up in the supernatural world, and quick to aid Jeremiah in anything that he needs. However, it seems a little unlikely for Jeremiah to be so quick to trust them, as he has spent so long seeking answers alone, but just lets these two into all of his secrets without question.
There were certain aspects of the book I didn’t like too much, such as some of Nassise’s comparisons throughout the book. There were times where the comparisons felt natural, such as, ‘the vast majority of us go through life like sheep, thinking that it can’t happen to us’, which provides a realistic view of Hunt’s situation, and of real life. However, there were also times where the comparisons didn’t totally fit with the situation in which they were being used, which ruined my reading of the book in places, as I was focused on the bad description and not the plot.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read, a good mystery to get into that provided lots of twists and turns, with several elements leading up to the final conclusion. There are surprises in store throughout the book, and I particularly liked the way that there are chapters strategically placed throughout the book that directly detail Hunt’s past. Where the series will progress after this first book is unclear, but there is certainly potential for further mysteries that can be solved using the dead as a witness.
http://www.bookchickcity.com/2012/04/...
‘Eyes to See’ is an exciting supernatural mystery, with twists around every corner that are sure to keep you reading until the very end. Joseph Nassise’s novel succeeds in setting up a mystery that you feel obliged to find the answers to, with almost as much vigour as the main character himself.
The novel kicks off with a ghostly exorcism, whereby the reader is introduced to Jeremiah Hunt, the protagonist of the novel, and also introduced to his unique supernatural gift – he can see the dead. Hunt made a Faustian bargain with the world of magick, whereby he traded his eyesight for the gift of seeing the dead. As a result, he can see perfectly in total darkness, but is blind in any kind of light.
Now you may be wondering about the reason for this Faustian bargain. His daughter has mysteriously disappeared from under his nose, seemingly without a trace. Hunt is obsessed with finding out what happened to her, and whether she is still alive. Five years later and he is still none the wiser, despite his understanding with Detective Stanton that allows him to see any leads on the case in return for consulting on certain crimes. However, there is a certain animosity between Stanton and Hunt, which is far from a healthy working relationship and could prove costly for both of them.
Jeremiah is an interesting character, with his love for his daughter being the driving force for everything he does. This leaves him isolated from everyone else, with his wife Anne having left him as a result of his obsession. He sees himself as a lone ranger, determined to discover the truth alone, with only his two ghostly companions, Scream and Whisper, for company. Whisper is the ghost of a young girl, providing Hunt with ‘ghostsight’ whenever he needs it, which allows him to see the world around him through the ghost’s eyes. Scream is a ghostly bulk of a man, who can provide Hunt with super strength whenever he needs it and put fear into any surrounding humans that are causing Hunt any problems.
However, these two ghosts are not Hunt’s only companions in his search, as he forms a trio with Russian bartender, Dmitri, and witch, Denise. Dmitri is the bartender at Hunt’s local, the kind of man who keeps out of Hunt’s business, and yet who knows the entire goings on of the city. Denise has prophetic dreams linking her to Hunt, causing her to seek him out to understand the meaning of her dreams. Both Dmitri and Denise are highly wrapped up in the supernatural world, and quick to aid Jeremiah in anything that he needs. However, it seems a little unlikely for Jeremiah to be so quick to trust them, as he has spent so long seeking answers alone, but just lets these two into all of his secrets without question.
There were certain aspects of the book I didn’t like too much, such as some of Nassise’s comparisons throughout the book. There were times where the comparisons felt natural, such as, ‘the vast majority of us go through life like sheep, thinking that it can’t happen to us’, which provides a realistic view of Hunt’s situation, and of real life. However, there were also times where the comparisons didn’t totally fit with the situation in which they were being used, which ruined my reading of the book in places, as I was focused on the bad description and not the plot.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read, a good mystery to get into that provided lots of twists and turns, with several elements leading up to the final conclusion. There are surprises in store throughout the book, and I particularly liked the way that there are chapters strategically placed throughout the book that directly detail Hunt’s past. Where the series will progress after this first book is unclear, but there is certainly potential for further mysteries that can be solved using the dead as a witness.
February 21, 2021
** originally posted on www.bunnycates.com **
Ok you guys! So.. I read this book the other day and wanted to wait a bit before I actually wrote up the review. WHY? you ask. Well, you know when you read a book and you think its so awesome that you immediately run and tell everyone who will listen that they MUST READ IT! But then, like a few days later – you think about that book and you’re like “Damn, that really wasn’t THAT great…” yeah, well.
This book isn’t one of those because it has been a few days and ITS STILL AWESOME!
Seriously, you guys. IM NOT KIDDING!
Eyes to See (Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle) by Joseph Nassise is an urban fantasy tale that teeters on the edge of horror. The main character here is Jeremiah Hunt. He’s just a regular guy. Regular, right up until his daughter goes missing. He spends years of his life doing EVERYTHING he can to find her. Everything, including performing a ritual that was supposed to let him see “that which is unseen”. Little did he know that the “unseen” wasn’t his daughter, it was the paranormal world around us.
I thought the world building of this one was great! Its a modern world just like ours, only our main character is now blind to our world and can see all the paranormal around us. Ghosts, specters, witches, and even shifters. Hunt even makes his living by performing exorcisms when he needs some cash to help further the search for his daughter.
Character wise, I think Nassise did a fantastic job of giving us characters that you want to know more about and want to help. Jeremiah is that “broken” hero that you NEED in a story like this. Hoping against hope that his daughter is still alive and letting his own life slide because he is so wrapped up in that hope. He loses his job, loses his wife, all because he wont give up on finding his daughter. As a mom, it struck a chord with me and I totally connected with that. The characters that we meet along the way that help Jeremiah were just as “meaty”.
Story wise, I really don’t want to go too much into the plot because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything for you. I will tell you this is a mans quest for his missing daughter, a multiple murder mystery, a paranormal fantasy, an action adventure, with a bit of thrilling horror thrown in – just incase your emotions weren’t already invested. You know, just a little something extra to “keep ya on your toes”.
The writing style has this casual feel and thus the story flows in such a way that you read half the book before even thinking about looking at the clock to see how long you’ve been reading. Its one of those books you get lost in. Where when you do look up the clock you realize you haven’t been sitting there for 15 minutes but instead, you’ve been there for HOURS.
In Conclusion:
I loved *LOVED* this one guys! If you like ghosts/paranormal/fantasy type books you MUST READ this one! Can’t wait to pick up book two King of the Dead (The Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle) by Joseph Nassise!
Mom Notes:
Maybe for ages 13+. Contains violence, language.
Ok you guys! So.. I read this book the other day and wanted to wait a bit before I actually wrote up the review. WHY? you ask. Well, you know when you read a book and you think its so awesome that you immediately run and tell everyone who will listen that they MUST READ IT! But then, like a few days later – you think about that book and you’re like “Damn, that really wasn’t THAT great…” yeah, well.
This book isn’t one of those because it has been a few days and ITS STILL AWESOME!
Seriously, you guys. IM NOT KIDDING!
Eyes to See (Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle) by Joseph Nassise is an urban fantasy tale that teeters on the edge of horror. The main character here is Jeremiah Hunt. He’s just a regular guy. Regular, right up until his daughter goes missing. He spends years of his life doing EVERYTHING he can to find her. Everything, including performing a ritual that was supposed to let him see “that which is unseen”. Little did he know that the “unseen” wasn’t his daughter, it was the paranormal world around us.
I thought the world building of this one was great! Its a modern world just like ours, only our main character is now blind to our world and can see all the paranormal around us. Ghosts, specters, witches, and even shifters. Hunt even makes his living by performing exorcisms when he needs some cash to help further the search for his daughter.
Character wise, I think Nassise did a fantastic job of giving us characters that you want to know more about and want to help. Jeremiah is that “broken” hero that you NEED in a story like this. Hoping against hope that his daughter is still alive and letting his own life slide because he is so wrapped up in that hope. He loses his job, loses his wife, all because he wont give up on finding his daughter. As a mom, it struck a chord with me and I totally connected with that. The characters that we meet along the way that help Jeremiah were just as “meaty”.
Story wise, I really don’t want to go too much into the plot because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything for you. I will tell you this is a mans quest for his missing daughter, a multiple murder mystery, a paranormal fantasy, an action adventure, with a bit of thrilling horror thrown in – just incase your emotions weren’t already invested. You know, just a little something extra to “keep ya on your toes”.
The writing style has this casual feel and thus the story flows in such a way that you read half the book before even thinking about looking at the clock to see how long you’ve been reading. Its one of those books you get lost in. Where when you do look up the clock you realize you haven’t been sitting there for 15 minutes but instead, you’ve been there for HOURS.
In Conclusion:
I loved *LOVED* this one guys! If you like ghosts/paranormal/fantasy type books you MUST READ this one! Can’t wait to pick up book two King of the Dead (The Jeremiah Hunt Chronicle) by Joseph Nassise!
Mom Notes:
Maybe for ages 13+. Contains violence, language.
February 6, 2016
Finishing the first chapter, I knew I had read this exact same book a hundred times before I even knew Eyes to See exists. Overdosed on well-worn, if not outright roadkill metaphors that occasionally inspire debate over their validity, the author helpfully explains every step of why what is done, effectively snuffing the flames of any momentum or emotional pull previously built or hinted at.
Just as helpful are the reminders of why the main protagonist, Mr. Hunt, does what he does in every other paragraph so we won't forget what's important: For Hunt to investigate his daughter's disappearance. I will tell you what I told the book (literally, I argue with books as if that would change anything): "Revenge literature breathes missing relatives, dude, especially absent wives and daughters. It's such a staple, it's impossible to ever forget about it." And that's just it. If you have to make a father's quest about his daughter, at least stop reminding us with the words that the father's quest is about his daughter, and don't you forget it. We won't. Honest.
There is also a lack of elegance present, and when I say 'elegance,' I'm not talking flowery language or a limit on swear words. It's the writing. While solid in general, it is boring (flyby metaphors), seemingly patronizing (constant reminders, reiterations), choppy (uninspired transitions) and what in the world is wrong with that blindness?
I didn't pay for THAT blindness. It's not the better-than-Riddick-and-kinda-SinCity-y blindness that irks me so, but that the author doesn't go through with his own approach to it. As an example, in the first NOW chapters, it is described that Hunt is blinded by light, but gets a gray vista when it's dark. In those chapters, Hunt also perfectly describes a "lone lightbulb" that blinds him completely. Completely blinded, he knows it's one lonely lightbulb and goes on to destroy it by way of punching it. Completely blind, he knows exactly what it is, where it is, and strangely that a punch will be enough to destroy it and restore total darkness so finally, he can see. How did he do that? And I'm not even talking about the fact that a lightbulb dangling from the ceiling will just dangle more when you punch it, except when it's installed directly at the ceiling, but I'm having difficulty imagining Hunt jumping that high and with enough velocity to kill it. In essence, that lightbulb thing as a whole didn't make any sense by the rules dictated by physics or the author, and that's how I would describe how I experienced the book as a whole: Chock-full of inaccuracies, hurling its own laws out the window whenever they dare get in the way of the story/action.
It's probably an okay book if not viewed from my perspective. The writing has a flow to it, appears solid, and there is a story. Entirely readable. If you're looking for something that engages and challenges your mind, something smart and possibly smarter than you, I would say, "Nah, not this one." But if you're looking for a book to just read and enjoy, then this book is as good and entertaining as many.
Just as helpful are the reminders of why the main protagonist, Mr. Hunt, does what he does in every other paragraph so we won't forget what's important: For Hunt to investigate his daughter's disappearance. I will tell you what I told the book (literally, I argue with books as if that would change anything): "Revenge literature breathes missing relatives, dude, especially absent wives and daughters. It's such a staple, it's impossible to ever forget about it." And that's just it. If you have to make a father's quest about his daughter, at least stop reminding us with the words that the father's quest is about his daughter, and don't you forget it. We won't. Honest.
There is also a lack of elegance present, and when I say 'elegance,' I'm not talking flowery language or a limit on swear words. It's the writing. While solid in general, it is boring (flyby metaphors), seemingly patronizing (constant reminders, reiterations), choppy (uninspired transitions) and what in the world is wrong with that blindness?
I didn't pay for THAT blindness. It's not the better-than-Riddick-and-kinda-SinCity-y blindness that irks me so, but that the author doesn't go through with his own approach to it. As an example, in the first NOW chapters, it is described that Hunt is blinded by light, but gets a gray vista when it's dark. In those chapters, Hunt also perfectly describes a "lone lightbulb" that blinds him completely. Completely blinded, he knows it's one lonely lightbulb and goes on to destroy it by way of punching it. Completely blind, he knows exactly what it is, where it is, and strangely that a punch will be enough to destroy it and restore total darkness so finally, he can see. How did he do that? And I'm not even talking about the fact that a lightbulb dangling from the ceiling will just dangle more when you punch it, except when it's installed directly at the ceiling, but I'm having difficulty imagining Hunt jumping that high and with enough velocity to kill it. In essence, that lightbulb thing as a whole didn't make any sense by the rules dictated by physics or the author, and that's how I would describe how I experienced the book as a whole: Chock-full of inaccuracies, hurling its own laws out the window whenever they dare get in the way of the story/action.
It's probably an okay book if not viewed from my perspective. The writing has a flow to it, appears solid, and there is a story. Entirely readable. If you're looking for something that engages and challenges your mind, something smart and possibly smarter than you, I would say, "Nah, not this one." But if you're looking for a book to just read and enjoy, then this book is as good and entertaining as many.
November 7, 2011
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/11/...
Jeremiah Hunt is a bit different from you and I. He’s blind,yet can see. However,the things he sees are probably things we’d prefer to leave to our imaginations. Ghosts and other supernatural beings are an everyday sight for Hunt,and he makes a tentative living as an exorcist of sorts. This is how we meet him at the beginning of Eyes to See,on his way to a job to get rid of an angry ghost visiting vengeance on the group of people that watched from their windows as she was raped,beaten,and left for dead,and did nothing to help. The author really gives the reader a good feel of what Hunt can do right off the bat and as the story unfolds,we begin to realize that Hunt’s “sight” is way more extensive than hinted at in the beginning. When Hunt is called to the scene of a murder by Detective Stanton,a cop with motives that are as shadowy as the creatures Hunt sees on a daily basis. This isn’t your everyday murder though and eventually Hunt will discover he may be more intimately connected to these victims,a revelation that will turn his world upside down.
Hunt is a tortured soul,still reeling from the disappearance of his daughter five years ago,under his care,and the subsequent disintegration of his marriage as a result of his all-consuming obsession to find Elizabeth. Out of desperation,Hunt turns to the occult,using a spell from a book left by a mysterious “preacher”,giving him the ability to see things that are “unseen”. It was way more than he bargained for,but he’s determined to make the best of his ability and continue the search for his daughter. With the help of hedge witch Denise and barkeep (and so much more) Dmitri,his search will lead him through the dark heart of a killer,to a former insane asylum where secrets and pain are almost living,breathing things. Eyes to See is a quick read,not because it’s short,but because it’s so engaging. His ghostly aids,a giant of a man he’s dubbed Scream,and a young girl he calls Whisper (and who’s sight he can borrow),add a wonderfully human aspect to the story in the lengths they’ll go to in order to aid Hunt. The novel goes back and forth between the present and the time right after Elizabeth’s disappearance,and we get a heartbreaking glimpse of a father that’s lost everything,and the journey that he’s taken to find his way back to the light. Hunt’s story will touch you,especially if you’re a parent,and the mystery of who is committing these murders is tied to Hunt and Elizabeth in a most diabolical way. Great characters,a world populated by creatures that go bump,and a new hero in Jeremiah Hunt,make this a strong start to a new series. Fans of a little police procedural served up with their urban fantasy should love this one!
Jeremiah Hunt is a bit different from you and I. He’s blind,yet can see. However,the things he sees are probably things we’d prefer to leave to our imaginations. Ghosts and other supernatural beings are an everyday sight for Hunt,and he makes a tentative living as an exorcist of sorts. This is how we meet him at the beginning of Eyes to See,on his way to a job to get rid of an angry ghost visiting vengeance on the group of people that watched from their windows as she was raped,beaten,and left for dead,and did nothing to help. The author really gives the reader a good feel of what Hunt can do right off the bat and as the story unfolds,we begin to realize that Hunt’s “sight” is way more extensive than hinted at in the beginning. When Hunt is called to the scene of a murder by Detective Stanton,a cop with motives that are as shadowy as the creatures Hunt sees on a daily basis. This isn’t your everyday murder though and eventually Hunt will discover he may be more intimately connected to these victims,a revelation that will turn his world upside down.
Hunt is a tortured soul,still reeling from the disappearance of his daughter five years ago,under his care,and the subsequent disintegration of his marriage as a result of his all-consuming obsession to find Elizabeth. Out of desperation,Hunt turns to the occult,using a spell from a book left by a mysterious “preacher”,giving him the ability to see things that are “unseen”. It was way more than he bargained for,but he’s determined to make the best of his ability and continue the search for his daughter. With the help of hedge witch Denise and barkeep (and so much more) Dmitri,his search will lead him through the dark heart of a killer,to a former insane asylum where secrets and pain are almost living,breathing things. Eyes to See is a quick read,not because it’s short,but because it’s so engaging. His ghostly aids,a giant of a man he’s dubbed Scream,and a young girl he calls Whisper (and who’s sight he can borrow),add a wonderfully human aspect to the story in the lengths they’ll go to in order to aid Hunt. The novel goes back and forth between the present and the time right after Elizabeth’s disappearance,and we get a heartbreaking glimpse of a father that’s lost everything,and the journey that he’s taken to find his way back to the light. Hunt’s story will touch you,especially if you’re a parent,and the mystery of who is committing these murders is tied to Hunt and Elizabeth in a most diabolical way. Great characters,a world populated by creatures that go bump,and a new hero in Jeremiah Hunt,make this a strong start to a new series. Fans of a little police procedural served up with their urban fantasy should love this one!
November 10, 2011
I really wanted to love this book. I mean the cover is great, and the description really pulled me in. However, I just couldn't get into reading it no matter how many times I tried. I mean the concept behind it was really intriguing, but I just couldn't make a real connection with the characters, especially the narrator, Jeremiah. To be honest, I'm not even sure why I couldn't connect as I usually get very quickly attached in first person narratives. I mean my heart broke for him in the flash back sections where they showed exactly what happened when she was taken, and then the direct aftermath. However, when things came back to present day, he just seemed cold and very remote. I understand that he had to do this in order to cope, but from one extreme to the other, was a bit much. Jeremiah's absolute tunnel vision made for many missed opportunities in character development and just plain and simple emotion. At one point he did seem to wake up and care more about a person in the present, but unfortunately it didn't last for long, making that person become even more standoff towards him.
The thing that kept me holding on throughout Eyes to See was the really amazing world behind it all. There is a darker side of things going on that the ordinary person cannot see. Ironically Jeremiah's eyes were only opened to all this after he lost his real eyesight. However, he does have a unique way to see things that I found to be really intriguing. What started out as seeming to be a simple ghost story quickly became so much more. Even so, I think we have only really scratched the surface of what is in store. I do have to say that I think I would enjoy future books a little more than this one as there was some progress in the emotional part of things. I think this book will be more enjoyable to readers who love a story with a really rich world but don't need a really strong emotional attachment to their characters. Unfortunately, I need both, but I will still give this series a second chance when the next installment comes out.
The thing that kept me holding on throughout Eyes to See was the really amazing world behind it all. There is a darker side of things going on that the ordinary person cannot see. Ironically Jeremiah's eyes were only opened to all this after he lost his real eyesight. However, he does have a unique way to see things that I found to be really intriguing. What started out as seeming to be a simple ghost story quickly became so much more. Even so, I think we have only really scratched the surface of what is in store. I do have to say that I think I would enjoy future books a little more than this one as there was some progress in the emotional part of things. I think this book will be more enjoyable to readers who love a story with a really rich world but don't need a really strong emotional attachment to their characters. Unfortunately, I need both, but I will still give this series a second chance when the next installment comes out.
December 21, 2012
College Professor Jeremiah Hunt’s world falls apart the day his daughter goes missing. Desperate to find her, Jeremiah becomes obsessed with her case, but his daughter is nowhere to be found. As the years pass, his life begins to unravel further until he loses his job and his wife because of it. With nothing left to lose, Jeremiah ends up performing a ritual that allows him to see ghosts and other supernatural beings. The only downside is that he had to sacrifice his normal sight for this ability. He uses his new ability to help the police solve mysterious crimes — crimes that may have something to do with his daughter’s disappearance — in hopes of finding answers.
I really like urban fantasies, especially those that don’t seem to follow the standard “recipe” of the genre. In my opinion, this one definitely breaks the mold. The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I would love this book, and despite a few stumbles, I really enjoyed it.
I really liked Jeremiah. The grief of losing his daughter has almost driven him to the brink of insanity, which makes him slightly unreliable and unpredictable. I also really enjoyed the world that Mr. Nassise has created here. I never felt confused or that things didn’t add up. He constructed the world flawlessly. I wasn’t trying to tie threads together, or make sense of inconsistencies which made the reading experience very immersive.
My only real problems with the book were the multiple POV’s. I felt like this made the action stumble a bit and it also took me out of the story when the focus was pulled away from Jeremiah. I think the tension would have played better (at least for me) if the entire book had been from Jeremiah’s POV. I also felt the ending was a little too “clean”. Everything seemed to fall into place too easily. Still, it didn’t ruin the book for me. I have the second book in the series and I will dive in soon, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
If you are an urban fantasy fan or a fan of thrillers or procedurals, I would encourage you to check this series out.
I really like urban fantasies, especially those that don’t seem to follow the standard “recipe” of the genre. In my opinion, this one definitely breaks the mold. The minute I read the synopsis, I knew I would love this book, and despite a few stumbles, I really enjoyed it.
I really liked Jeremiah. The grief of losing his daughter has almost driven him to the brink of insanity, which makes him slightly unreliable and unpredictable. I also really enjoyed the world that Mr. Nassise has created here. I never felt confused or that things didn’t add up. He constructed the world flawlessly. I wasn’t trying to tie threads together, or make sense of inconsistencies which made the reading experience very immersive.
My only real problems with the book were the multiple POV’s. I felt like this made the action stumble a bit and it also took me out of the story when the focus was pulled away from Jeremiah. I think the tension would have played better (at least for me) if the entire book had been from Jeremiah’s POV. I also felt the ending was a little too “clean”. Everything seemed to fall into place too easily. Still, it didn’t ruin the book for me. I have the second book in the series and I will dive in soon, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
If you are an urban fantasy fan or a fan of thrillers or procedurals, I would encourage you to check this series out.
January 13, 2014
I'm really upset with Goodreads. This is not the FIRST TIME that I've written a review for a book I've read and when I came back online the next day, it was just magically GONE. Makes me furious, too, because the review I wrote for this book was really good, and now I don't remember what all I said.
I know that I started out by saying that this review MAY contain spoilers and that I received a copy of this book through the first reads giveaway program. Beyond that, I'm not sure about anything else that I wrote. :-/
I do remember saying that I really loved the book and that, despite a few errors that should have been caught by an editor or publisher and weren't -- mostly misspellings or wrong word choices (a 'than' for a 'that' or a 'there' for a 'their', etc.) -- it was a great book. I gave a really great summary of the book in my first review, but I'm seriously mad that all that time and effort that I spent writing it was wasted, so I'm not going to rewrite it again.
Suffice it to say, it was a really good book that I enjoyed quite a lot, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. The only complaint I had was that sometimes Jeremiah Hunt -- the protagonist, who is BLIND -- did things that did not seem feasible for a blind man to be able to do. Then the author would cover that up by having him "borrow" the sight of another person/ghost magically, which IS something he was able to do in the books, but at times it felt very forced. Like the author had written that particular part having forgotten that his protagonist was blind and then just using the magical ability to cover it up. I'm not saying that is what happened. That is just how it felt at times.
But despite those few little things, the book was still great, and as I said, I really want to read the next one in the series when it comes out.
I know that I started out by saying that this review MAY contain spoilers and that I received a copy of this book through the first reads giveaway program. Beyond that, I'm not sure about anything else that I wrote. :-/
I do remember saying that I really loved the book and that, despite a few errors that should have been caught by an editor or publisher and weren't -- mostly misspellings or wrong word choices (a 'than' for a 'that' or a 'there' for a 'their', etc.) -- it was a great book. I gave a really great summary of the book in my first review, but I'm seriously mad that all that time and effort that I spent writing it was wasted, so I'm not going to rewrite it again.
Suffice it to say, it was a really good book that I enjoyed quite a lot, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. The only complaint I had was that sometimes Jeremiah Hunt -- the protagonist, who is BLIND -- did things that did not seem feasible for a blind man to be able to do. Then the author would cover that up by having him "borrow" the sight of another person/ghost magically, which IS something he was able to do in the books, but at times it felt very forced. Like the author had written that particular part having forgotten that his protagonist was blind and then just using the magical ability to cover it up. I'm not saying that is what happened. That is just how it felt at times.
But despite those few little things, the book was still great, and as I said, I really want to read the next one in the series when it comes out.
Read
August 5, 2011The whys and wherefores of Jeremiah Hunt's world are fascinating, a mix of grim reality and arcane practicality. As the chapters switch between the past and present, Hunt's growth from comfortable academic to iron-hard, isolated mystic unfolds page by page. While I loved all of the chapters from Hunt's perspective, I could have done without the present-tense chapters from other characters' points of view. They never reached Hunt's level of charisma and interest, and I found myself anxious to get back to our hero.
Hunt's personal magnetism is well established from page one. Riding along on an exorcism provides a front row seat for how ghosts and magic interact in his world, and so much action mixed with exposition gives the reader a lot of information in an interesting way. I was captivated by this meticulously imagined ghost world, though I enjoyed Hunt's expertise more than the flashbacks of how he had come by it.
If I could have spent the whole book in the first half of Hunt's point of view, this book would be one of my favorites. Unfortunately, while the world building never lost it's magic, by the last few chapters the plot comes un-spooled. The exposition that was so interesting from a magical theory perspective becomes less natural when it's plot threads are being tied off one after another in haphazard fait accompli. I enjoyed so much of EYES TO SEE, it was disappointing to have the ending feel so rushed and underdeveloped. If nothing else, however, Nassise has piqued my interest in his other books, in hopes of finding more of those elements that were so captivating.
Sexual Content: None.
Hunt's personal magnetism is well established from page one. Riding along on an exorcism provides a front row seat for how ghosts and magic interact in his world, and so much action mixed with exposition gives the reader a lot of information in an interesting way. I was captivated by this meticulously imagined ghost world, though I enjoyed Hunt's expertise more than the flashbacks of how he had come by it.
If I could have spent the whole book in the first half of Hunt's point of view, this book would be one of my favorites. Unfortunately, while the world building never lost it's magic, by the last few chapters the plot comes un-spooled. The exposition that was so interesting from a magical theory perspective becomes less natural when it's plot threads are being tied off one after another in haphazard fait accompli. I enjoyed so much of EYES TO SEE, it was disappointing to have the ending feel so rushed and underdeveloped. If nothing else, however, Nassise has piqued my interest in his other books, in hopes of finding more of those elements that were so captivating.
Sexual Content: None.
January 7, 2013
To what lengths would you go to save your child?
Jeremiah Hunt gave up everything in the search for his missing daughter: his job, his wife, and his eyesight. He was so desperate for answers he performed a ritual to help him see the unseen. What he didn’t realize was the world is a darker and scarier place than he ever imagined. With his regular eyesight gone, he now has a different kind of vision - one which lets him to see ghosts and other ‘underworld’ creatures. Now he’s helping the police discover the identity of a serial killer, but he may find more than he ever bargained for…
‘Eyes to See’ is a darkly compelling novel of love, loss, and the unexplainable. Mr. Nassise has built a complex world where the layers between the norm and the ‘other’ are onion-skin thin. This is a gritty noir story with a heavy urban fantasy undertone. I found myself easily brought into Jeremiah’s world and the emotional depth the author gave to his characters is amazing. I felt as if I was there with Jeremiah, Dmitri, Denise, Whisper, and Scream. I liked the way Jeremiah’s past was told in pieces interspersed throughout the story as well as the twisted path to the conclusion. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Jeremiah Hunt Chronicles, as ‘Eyes to See’ is a smashing start to this trilogy.
Jeremiah Hunt Series: Eyes to See (1), King of the Dead (2)
Jeremiah Hunt gave up everything in the search for his missing daughter: his job, his wife, and his eyesight. He was so desperate for answers he performed a ritual to help him see the unseen. What he didn’t realize was the world is a darker and scarier place than he ever imagined. With his regular eyesight gone, he now has a different kind of vision - one which lets him to see ghosts and other ‘underworld’ creatures. Now he’s helping the police discover the identity of a serial killer, but he may find more than he ever bargained for…
‘Eyes to See’ is a darkly compelling novel of love, loss, and the unexplainable. Mr. Nassise has built a complex world where the layers between the norm and the ‘other’ are onion-skin thin. This is a gritty noir story with a heavy urban fantasy undertone. I found myself easily brought into Jeremiah’s world and the emotional depth the author gave to his characters is amazing. I felt as if I was there with Jeremiah, Dmitri, Denise, Whisper, and Scream. I liked the way Jeremiah’s past was told in pieces interspersed throughout the story as well as the twisted path to the conclusion. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Jeremiah Hunt Chronicles, as ‘Eyes to See’ is a smashing start to this trilogy.
Jeremiah Hunt Series: Eyes to See (1), King of the Dead (2)
January 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book through First Reads Giveaways.
*may contain spoilers*
I loved it. I really did. It was a great story. Jeremiah Hunt is a grieving father who, in his madness and desperation after his daughter's abduction, turns to the black arts in order to "see what cannot be seen." The ritual he performs, however, has the unfortunate (side) effect of taking away his eyesight, which, in turn, allows him to see the dead. During the search to find out what happened to his daughter, he ends up chasing a serial killer with some very interesting friends -- Denise, the hedge witch, and Dmitri, the beserker who can turn himself into a polar bear at will.
It's a great story. There are a few little errors that should have been caught by the editor or publisher but weren't -- misspellings and wrong words mostly -- but they don't really detract from the overall plot of the story. Also, there are a couple of times when Hunt does things that a blind man really shouldn't be able to do and the author covers it up by having him 'draw on the eyesight' of someone else near him. I understand it, but at times it seems a bit forced.
However, those things really didn't take away from the overall experience for me. I just really, really loved the book. It was very interesting and quite entertaining. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
*may contain spoilers*
I loved it. I really did. It was a great story. Jeremiah Hunt is a grieving father who, in his madness and desperation after his daughter's abduction, turns to the black arts in order to "see what cannot be seen." The ritual he performs, however, has the unfortunate (side) effect of taking away his eyesight, which, in turn, allows him to see the dead. During the search to find out what happened to his daughter, he ends up chasing a serial killer with some very interesting friends -- Denise, the hedge witch, and Dmitri, the beserker who can turn himself into a polar bear at will.
It's a great story. There are a few little errors that should have been caught by the editor or publisher but weren't -- misspellings and wrong words mostly -- but they don't really detract from the overall plot of the story. Also, there are a couple of times when Hunt does things that a blind man really shouldn't be able to do and the author covers it up by having him 'draw on the eyesight' of someone else near him. I understand it, but at times it seems a bit forced.
However, those things really didn't take away from the overall experience for me. I just really, really loved the book. It was very interesting and quite entertaining. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 30, 2013
I've heard a lot of good things about this book series, and finally got around to looking into it for myself. WOW! It's a great read. I love the fact that Hunt got his abilities from an ancient spell. He loses his sight to be able to see things that no one else can. Oh boy does he get an interesting bargain. Let's just say that maybe some things weren't meant to be seen by mortal eyes. Hunt makes the best of his abilities and begins to excorcise ghosts. This leads him deeper and deeper into a tangled web of the supernatural. Along with his new friends Dmitri and Denise, he will begin a long road to the truth of his daughter's disappearance many years ago, and to stand on the line protecting the world from the supernatural. I particularly LOVED the fact that Denise is a crossover character from the Cade Williams/The Heretic series. Actually the Hunt series probably predates her appearance in The Heretic, but for me since I read Heretic first this was a special link. A part of me hopes for more crossovers or at least guest appearances by The Templars. I guess we'll see. Much stranger things have happened in this strange beautiful scary world that Mr. Nassise has created. All I know for sure is that I'm loving every moment in it.
August 13, 2016
There was something special about this book. It wasn't that the main character was the most likeable, nor was the storyline unique. Men who obsess over their career or hobby is often written about. Child abduction stories are common place.
What the author did to make this story a winner in my book was create a landscape that seemed fresh and new. Magick, ghosts and other supernatural phenomena make up the darker side of this read. The police detective is rather a jerk just trying to solve several grisly murders. The witch is someone I would like to have as a friend. And, I can't forget the big russian dude, he is an awesome character.
All these pieces worked so well together that I could not put the book down.
It is my hope that this will turn into a series of books with the main three characters taking care of supernatural business.
A read alike would be The Dresden Files although it is not a genre for genre match.
What the author did to make this story a winner in my book was create a landscape that seemed fresh and new. Magick, ghosts and other supernatural phenomena make up the darker side of this read. The police detective is rather a jerk just trying to solve several grisly murders. The witch is someone I would like to have as a friend. And, I can't forget the big russian dude, he is an awesome character.
All these pieces worked so well together that I could not put the book down.
It is my hope that this will turn into a series of books with the main three characters taking care of supernatural business.
A read alike would be The Dresden Files although it is not a genre for genre match.
December 4, 2012
This book is absolutely my favourite urban fantasy of 2012, even though it came out in 2011. I'm a big fan of strong male leads who aren't just re-hashing what we've seen a million times before, whether it's the detective/PI who hunts supernatural things, the typical hunter of monsters, or the wise-cracking and snippy reluctant hero. Those are all well and good and I enjoy many of them, but Jeremiah Hunt is a unique lead, and an intensely vulnerable character but he doesn't come off as a whiny wuss, which is a difficult and delicate balance to maintain.
The world-building aspects with ghosts and all the types of spirits that exist are fantastic, and this series is the perfect "go-to" read after you've finished with Simon R. Green, the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher, the Felix Castor series from Mike Carey, the Remy Chandler series from Tom Sniegoski, etc, and you're wondering what your next read should be.
The world-building aspects with ghosts and all the types of spirits that exist are fantastic, and this series is the perfect "go-to" read after you've finished with Simon R. Green, the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher, the Felix Castor series from Mike Carey, the Remy Chandler series from Tom Sniegoski, etc, and you're wondering what your next read should be.
Want to read
September 27, 2011i won this book from goodreads, YAY! i'm excited to read this novel. i've read the first chapter that seems promising. it flows pretty well and it's one of those, "i just couldn't put it down" books. however, there are a lot of cliches and possible superfluous prose that doesn't do anything for the story. but i just couldn't put it down, so i'm going to give it ago after i finish reading the final harry potter book (i know, i know. i don't know what my problem is with that. i bought as soon as it came out but i've never been able to get into but now that the movie is coming out [the final half] and potter-more will be finished beta testing soon i really really need to finish that book!)now that i have committed all the crimes this author has i will say farewell till i can find the time to get to this book, there are literally hundreds ahead.
September 13, 2012
Did not know this was the first of a trilogy when I bought it and started reading it. If I had known that, I would not have bought it (I already have a couple of trilogies started, really don't need another one going) and I would have lost out on a good reading experience. It's an urban fantasy/horror novel with a touch of crime novel noir, done quite well. Protagonist's daughter has been missing for five years, he's blind but can see ghosts and other supernatural beings, is used by the police to solve crimes, and is still searching for his daughter. Looking forward to the other two books to learn what really happened to his daughter. Sprinkled with humor and moments of heartbreaking sadness, the story and characters rang true.
August 29, 2012
This book is almost the adult version of "City of Bones." In the beginning, I thought it was just going to be about a psychic that could see ghosts, but then he added witches and werewolves and the whole nine yards of paranormal fun. At first, that completely ruined the book to me, but he actually did a great job of working it all in together and only going into detail about people/things that really mattered in the story line. I actually ended up really enjoying the book. I am a little confused about his random ability to see in daylight at the end. Did I miss something or is he so good at this "blind" thing that he can fake being able to see?
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