Duplicity

Dumpstermancer #2

by Michael J. Allen

​Two weeks of freedom hasn’t been enough for Eli to rebuild his life. While he races to prepare for looming winter, a killer’s crusade to exterminate Seufert Fells’s homeless drives a knife into the city’s criminal elite.

Forced to hunt a killer disguised by magic, Eli’s world becomes a house of mirrors. Friends become enemies. Deceptions abound, and the magic that saved Eli threatens to consume him.

​With the serial killer targeting everything ​he ​loves, even new dumpstermancer ​ spells might not be enough. Eli may have to protect his worst enemy to defeat a killing machine with a thousand faces.

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2018

About the author

Michael J. Allen is a USA Today bestselling author of multi-layer science fiction and fantasy novels. Born in Oregon and an avid storm fan, he lives in far too hot & humid rural Georgia with his two black Labradors: Myth and Magesty. On those rare occasions he tears himself away from reading, writing and conventions he can be found enjoying bad scifi movies, playing D&D or the occasional video game, getting hit with sticks in the SCA or hanging out with the crew of Starfleet International’s U.S.S. DaVinci.
To learn more about Michael, check out his website at www.deliriousscribbles.com

Reviews

[Shomeret]

I had initially requested a free copy of Duplicity for review, but I needed the background from Discarded in order to review it properly. If you were considering reading Duplicity first because of the cool cover, I definitely don't advise it. These books aren't standalones. That's why Allen generously gifted me with both novels.

The main plot focus of this book is a common trope in urban fantasy. Eli becomes an investigator of a series of supernatural crimes. There appears to be a killer using magic to eliminate the homeless, but the situation is more complex than that. I don't want to be more specific to avoid spoilers.

I appreciated Eli's creativity with spells even though he wasn't much of a detective. After all, designing spells had been his profession. He never claimed that sleuthing was his forte, and he was essentially drafted into the investigation. I also respected Eli's honesty about his own flaws.

I liked Duplicity, but didn't love it. I admit that I preferred Discarded. Since my priority is always on original concepts, the second book in a series often feels less fresh than the first. I am hoping that Michael J. Allen will throw in some really surprising magical innovations in the third Dumpstermancer novel, Disrupted.

For the blog version of this review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...

[Fawn Hartjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a fantastic series by author Michael J Allen. Duplicity continues the story of Elias Graham - ex-con, ex-CEO, and all-around put upon man. Saving his city wasn't enough - his former partner is still after him, homeless are dying/disappearing, and once again, Elias has to try to fix everything - including his cardboard shelter to protect him against the coming cold. In the first book the main character Elias wanted to be left alone, and now in the second book, he’s up against a serial killer. The characters are well written and entertaining and the story is full of depth and adventure.
Here is what Goodreads has to say about the book: “Two weeks of freedom hasn’t been enough for Eli to rebuild his life. While he races to prepare for looming winter, a killer’s crusade to exterminate Seufert Fells’s homeless drives a knife into the city’s criminal elite. Forced to hunt a killer disguised by magic, Eli’s world becomes a house of mirrors. Friends become enemies. Deceptions abound, and the magic that saved Eli threatens to consume him. ​With the serial killer targeting everything ​he ​loves, even new dumpstermancer ​ spells might not be enough. Eli may have to protect his worst enemy to defeat a killing machine with a thousand faces.”

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book the story gets better and better. Michael J. Allen is giving me complete life in Duplicity, the second installment in the Dumpstermancer series. My fellow readers please do yourself a solid one and read the first novel in this series. You cannot, I repeat cannot, start Duplicity without the background story.

This fantasy novel brings it all, fey, action, drama, a comedic love story. It is all over the place but in a chaotic organized way. Eli, the rhets and my girl Marisol kick butt, take names, and do their best to meddle. I really enjoyed this book and the new characters that were brought forth in Duplicity. You will get some answers that explain why book 1 happened the way it did, but you will also get new questions especially in regards to Eli and Adam (dun, dun, dunnnnn!!!).

I cannot wait until Dumpstermancer 3: Disrupted comes out. Allen you left me on the precipice with questions that need to be answered.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the ending and am fascinated by the magic system, this book irritated me. Eli lives in a world of corruption and betrayal, but it is the constant marginalization of his rights that wears on my soul. No one listens to him, acknowledges his right to make personal decisions, or allows his wishes to influence the conversation much less their actions. It's like he's in an untouchable subclass. I get that he's homeless, but even those who know his skills treat him like a child. It's infuriating.

In addition, the nature of the killer was obvious before a third of the book had passed. At points, it seemed like Eli was being deliberately obtuse to support the author's intended mystery. It's okay for a character to suspect the truth... just obscure it with several believable decoy theories. Making a genius act like a clueless dunce is not the answer.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first it was great. I read the second it was better. I need more.. because I’m inpatient. The books keep you interested and entertained. Once you start reading them you can’t put them down and you don’t want to either. I read them in about three to five hours but that’s because I ignore everyone in my family. The characters are well written and entertaining. His style of writing is one of those who you just know will become a favorite. I have a tendency to reread books from my favorite authors and this is a series I am going to reread or you look for the next one in the series and hope it’s out because you can’t wait. The first book the main character wanted to be left alone, and the second book he’s up against a serial killer. Who can be anyone.

[Naffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly liked reading Duplicity (Dumpstermancer #2). It is a rather strange story but one that is very enjoyable to read. If the reader isn't very familiar with some terms, the story can get confusing. However, as one continues reading on, the story becomes clearer. From the few fantasy books that I've read before, I'd say that this one is super unique and certain ideas like using magic with technology are quite intriguing. As you read on, you will see who is the protagonist and who the antagonist between Adam Mathias and Elias Balthazar Graham; that was unexpected for me as I completed reading this book. This book became an addiction to me and I'd love to read the rest of the books from this series. #Dumpstermancer #gifted

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and the others are back but this time Eli runs into more trouble as it seemed everyone was out to get him. Add in a bit of a mystery and the story was even better then the first book. I loved how Eli manages to stay alive this time as I laughed and moaned through the story. I liked how it was not easy to guess who the bad guy was this time. Or if there was only one bad guy. Loved how most of the characters from the first story and some new ones show up this time. I liked how easily the story was to read and get lost in too. Just a fun series to read as once I started I read it in one sitting. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonder continuation of book one. The stakes are even higher in this one as the danger gets more intense. The magic shines so much in this one and I could not put it down. I am so happy that I was chosen to read and review this series because it is amazing. There aren't many stories that I can say that book two was better than book one. But this one made that cut!! I loved the characters and this one is just one of those titles where you finish one and you want to start the next one right then and there.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start out by saying WOW. Duplicity is an amazing second book in the Dumpstermancer series. *Quick note that you really should start by reading the first book in the series before starting on this one. Duplicity is full of twists and turns and left me on edge throughout the book. I loved the main character and because of how Michael wrote the book, was rooting for him throughout.

[Book Dragons TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with the character Elias from Discarded (book 1) so reading the second book was a must. I'm usually prepared for the sequel to be not as good as the first, however, Michael Allen does a great job at bringing his amazing way of story telling to the next level. If you thought the first book was a page turner you have to read Duplicity.

[ℛ.𝒫. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duplicity goes into another magical, lawful, and legitimate sequel from Michael J. Allen with new magic, spells, and encounters that make the novel unique. It’s lengthy, and that’s good for a long read. I look forward to his third novel to this book, and will be reading his novels until then and the movies. Another great book!

[Danny Essary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second book in this series. I hope it becomes a series. I'd really like another of these books. Anyways it's yet another great read by Michael J Allen. I say that in all my reviews, but it's the truth. Anytime you want a supernatural book, this is the author to read. Any of his books are great to immerse yourself. Thank you M.J.A.!

[Dan Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Dumpstermancer series. Eli being the fundamental person is destitute while living is cardboard sanctuary. Yet, this time he runs into more difficulty and needs to get himself out. Trickery goes into an entirely different universe of enchantment and experience. Extraordinary read, desire to peruse the third book soon!

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

youve dome it again!!!
im never gonna ever havr the time to be able to do litterally anything else if you keep writing, these are seriuosly IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN!!!
i absolutrly love the cover and quite frankly that would make a absolutely wicked mask!!!
keep up thr fantastic work, youve got me pushing to try amd finish 3 books a day now!!!

[Martha Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book With the thriller of keeping me on my toes the author dives deep in with this book and leaving you wanting more as you read the book. As Eli is trying to change his life the killer is killing everyone around him forces him to start the hunt to find out who is doing this.

[BarbaraH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange but fascinating story of a homeless man who can make magic out of rubbish! Only a few evil people have heard of this and are demanding his help. He is running from one of another as the police also want to pick him up. Fast paced! Great read!

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 picks up where 1 left off continuing this action packed adventure. I really enjoy how magic is used in this series. The narration is easy to understand with on point pacing. I look forward to more from this author

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another could not put down book. Loved to finally get to meet Eli's parents. LOL Still hate Adam and his youknowwhat self. I had to read the entire thing in one night. My tablet wanted to die but I pushed it to 5% so I could finish the book. Def looking out for book 3 in this series.

[Tabitha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book the story gets better and better. Michael J. Allen is giving me complete life in Duplicity, the second installment in the Dumpstermancer series. My fellow readers please do yourself a solid one and read the first novel in this series. You don't want to miss this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a strong sequel in the Dumpstermancer series, it had a great element going on and had what I was looking for from the second book. I enjoyed the characters just as much and it worked well in this universe.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book of this fantasy book, and the sequel was a great follow-up! Great fantasy elements with an entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sylvia Abad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read they can not put this down!! A must read !!!!
https://www.books2read.com/dmnc2
#Dumpstermancer

[Desiree Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this ebook away!!!

[Kristin Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first it was great. I read the second it was even better. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Gabrielle Boetcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

THank GOD there's a second one! Love this sequel, amazing.

[Mark Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding urban fantasy book

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read and continued story with eli. Definitely a must read if you read the first as it picks things up. I'll be looking forward to reading another in this series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli’s world of freedom is definitely not peaceful. Once again there’s danger and he needs to find out how to fix it. Strong characters and well written.