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Monster Tamer #2
Conqueror
Malem has joined the forces of good and wages war against the vast host of Vorgon, the Balor who has come to destroy the world.
Malem has four beautiful women fighting at his side, one of them a former general of Vorgon's army--a night elf tamed by his unique skill. He also has a few hill giants and other monsters ready to follow him to the gates of hell itself.
But it's not enough. The army of Vorgon stands poised to defeat the defenders. Despite Malem's powers, and the unique magic and abilities his lovely companions bring to the table, the enemy has the advantage when it comes to sheer numbers: Vorgon's host stretches from horizon to horizon as far as the eye can see, painting the fields black.
Worst of all, he's still hunted by the Darkness: a curse laid upon him by Vorgon's predecessor. Its ghostly hands are always trying to drag him down to the underworld at the worst of times.
He's been running from the Darkness his entire life.
But now, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, that running must stop.
It's time to stand and fight.
It's time to face the Darkness.
And save the world.
Note: this book contains harem elements.
Malem has four beautiful women fighting at his side, one of them a former general of Vorgon's army--a night elf tamed by his unique skill. He also has a few hill giants and other monsters ready to follow him to the gates of hell itself.
But it's not enough. The army of Vorgon stands poised to defeat the defenders. Despite Malem's powers, and the unique magic and abilities his lovely companions bring to the table, the enemy has the advantage when it comes to sheer numbers: Vorgon's host stretches from horizon to horizon as far as the eye can see, painting the fields black.
Worst of all, he's still hunted by the Darkness: a curse laid upon him by Vorgon's predecessor. Its ghostly hands are always trying to drag him down to the underworld at the worst of times.
He's been running from the Darkness his entire life.
But now, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, that running must stop.
It's time to stand and fight.
It's time to face the Darkness.
And save the world.
Note: this book contains harem elements.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2019
479 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Hooke
102 books506 followersIsaac Hooke is the best-selling author of the Ethan Galaal series of thriller novels, as well as the SF-themed ATLAS trilogy. When Isaac isn't writing, publishing, and blogging, he's busy cycling and taking pictures in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has a degree in Engineering Physics.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 28, 2019
Good action, did not like the ending
Good action and pacing, but I did not like the ending and (spoiler) I hated book 3. I wish I stopped reading book 2 at 95%.
I still rate this a 4 because I am glad I read it. But book 3 I gave a 1. Author ruined the series.
Good action and pacing, but I did not like the ending and (spoiler) I hated book 3. I wish I stopped reading book 2 at 95%.
I still rate this a 4 because I am glad I read it. But book 3 I gave a 1. Author ruined the series.
February 10, 2019
Kinda weak
Isaac seemed to have a hard time keeping characters positions straight. Even right at the beginning, MC is fighting dwarf king in melee combat, someone else takes a swing and the dwarf uses a spell to knock her away and burn into 5 ranks of MC's army in a wide arc... Why did this not hit MC? I have no idea, he was right there; unless he wasnt and we just werent told he stepped back.
Its just hard to see how the action fits together, it needs more "and then MC stepped back to catch his breath, and give her room to use her halberd as the dragon closed in from behind" kind of descriptive bits.
Isaac seemed to have a hard time keeping characters positions straight. Even right at the beginning, MC is fighting dwarf king in melee combat, someone else takes a swing and the dwarf uses a spell to knock her away and burn into 5 ranks of MC's army in a wide arc... Why did this not hit MC? I have no idea, he was right there; unless he wasnt and we just werent told he stepped back.
Its just hard to see how the action fits together, it needs more "and then MC stepped back to catch his breath, and give her room to use her halberd as the dragon closed in from behind" kind of descriptive bits.
February 11, 2019
How not to end a book
I'll just have to say this you dont piss off your readers by ending a book this way. I dont get it
I'll just have to say this you dont piss off your readers by ending a book this way. I dont get it
February 1, 2019
The book itself is okay, the writing is decent, the characters get some development at least. My main problem is, most of the MCs companions aren't just unlikeable they're irredeemable villains and it's just glossed over. Most of them are so far beyond redemption, they'd be villains forced to suffer for all eternity in most every other setting.
I guess it's the authors approach to "being more morally grey" and "being darker" but it really just comes off as trying too hard at times on top of making them both unrelatable and unlikeable. "Oh sure, she eats people for fun, but SHE'S HOT!" or "Sure, she's a genocidal person who thinks doing so is "fun", but SHE'S HOT!".
It seems to be a recurring theme in the author's books, where it depends on whether women are hot and siding with the MC to decide whether he'll forgive or shank them for all their heinous acts. He also instantly gets attached to them.
I guess it's the authors approach to "being more morally grey" and "being darker" but it really just comes off as trying too hard at times on top of making them both unrelatable and unlikeable. "Oh sure, she eats people for fun, but SHE'S HOT!" or "Sure, she's a genocidal person who thinks doing so is "fun", but SHE'S HOT!".
It seems to be a recurring theme in the author's books, where it depends on whether women are hot and siding with the MC to decide whether he'll forgive or shank them for all their heinous acts. He also instantly gets attached to them.
February 5, 2019
Good or evil?
It's easy reading. And it's also a teaser for the. next book. Without being a spoiler, I don't like the cliff hanger. Hooke disappointed me.
It's easy reading. And it's also a teaser for the. next book. Without being a spoiler, I don't like the cliff hanger. Hooke disappointed me.
January 20, 2020
Book two in the series is very similar to book one, and I'm okay with that. There is some expansion on the main plot of the series, some new characters, and some new magic and monsters. The general storyline is the same though, the main characters are traveling through the heart of the monster's country to reach a destination. When they get there the real brunt of the story hits.
The main character is a bit more likeable in this book from the start unlike in book one. The ebb and flow of good and bad battle moments keeps everything interesting, and enjoyable through the majority of the book. The dynamic between the main character and his female "partners" is the same, and though there are issues, it isn't so bad as to take me out of the story.
Something I noticed in book one was how a few things seemed similar to a RPG. This gets more pronounced in book two. I'm not opposed to it, but I know some people are. Some of the weapons have clear and laid out stat boosts, and that was when it really smacked me in the face. I just took it in stride, it didn't take away from the story, it actually fit right into something I'm use to and didn't bother me.
Not all is roses, there is a huge problem with the book, the ending is pure shit. The line between story resolution and a clunky cliff hanger is not a fine line. This book ends with the clunky option. The next book in the series is already out as I read this, but if it wasn't I'd be really pissed. Stuff like this makes it so you can't trust the author, and that is always an issue in a series. If books will end like this, it becomes really hard for me to continue, you don't know if you are going to be given an ending with 0 resolution and just swinging in the breeze. There is a path to everything being resolved, but if I have to read an entire book to get to that point it is a pretty cheap move by the author.
Luke Daniels does a hell of a job reading the book, but that is to be expected. He is one of the better narrators out there, and this book is no exception.
This would be a solid 4 out of 5 with a real ending. Since there is a giant pile of poo for an ending I don't even know what to say about it. I guess 3 out of 5 for now but if book three is nothing but a continuation of the pile of poo it doesn't deserve 3 stars.
The main character is a bit more likeable in this book from the start unlike in book one. The ebb and flow of good and bad battle moments keeps everything interesting, and enjoyable through the majority of the book. The dynamic between the main character and his female "partners" is the same, and though there are issues, it isn't so bad as to take me out of the story.
Something I noticed in book one was how a few things seemed similar to a RPG. This gets more pronounced in book two. I'm not opposed to it, but I know some people are. Some of the weapons have clear and laid out stat boosts, and that was when it really smacked me in the face. I just took it in stride, it didn't take away from the story, it actually fit right into something I'm use to and didn't bother me.
Not all is roses, there is a huge problem with the book, the ending is pure shit. The line between story resolution and a clunky cliff hanger is not a fine line. This book ends with the clunky option. The next book in the series is already out as I read this, but if it wasn't I'd be really pissed. Stuff like this makes it so you can't trust the author, and that is always an issue in a series. If books will end like this, it becomes really hard for me to continue, you don't know if you are going to be given an ending with 0 resolution and just swinging in the breeze. There is a path to everything being resolved, but if I have to read an entire book to get to that point it is a pretty cheap move by the author.
Luke Daniels does a hell of a job reading the book, but that is to be expected. He is one of the better narrators out there, and this book is no exception.
This would be a solid 4 out of 5 with a real ending. Since there is a giant pile of poo for an ending I don't even know what to say about it. I guess 3 out of 5 for now but if book three is nothing but a continuation of the pile of poo it doesn't deserve 3 stars.
February 2, 2019
Not Enough Character Development, Too Much Progression Too Fast
Well, this series jumped the shark for me in only the second book. I think this is a common problem with authors in this genre, they identify with the main characters, so they keep making them more and more powerful, which than makes it harder and harder to present them legitimate challenges, and things go down hill.
This book started in mid-fight. I'm starting to think that is a recurring theme. A way to suck you in.
The first half of the book was great. I enjoyed seeing Malem slowly learn and develop his skills with breaking, and monster management. The relationships with Gwen and Abigail progressed at a reasonable pace and weren't straight cookie-cutter pop ups.
The descriptions of Ziatrice fighting, with her sword-skirt and pole arm were awesome. And I enjoyed the ongoing jibes she makes, trying to push Malem more towards the dark side. She is a dark elf in the finest sense.
The battles quickly escalated, and before I knew it Malem was orchestrating a fight between Banvil and Vorgon, two god-like beings. And then things go very wrong. A hook was left for future books, but I'm not sure about it.
Well, this series jumped the shark for me in only the second book. I think this is a common problem with authors in this genre, they identify with the main characters, so they keep making them more and more powerful, which than makes it harder and harder to present them legitimate challenges, and things go down hill.
This book started in mid-fight. I'm starting to think that is a recurring theme. A way to suck you in.
The first half of the book was great. I enjoyed seeing Malem slowly learn and develop his skills with breaking, and monster management. The relationships with Gwen and Abigail progressed at a reasonable pace and weren't straight cookie-cutter pop ups.
The descriptions of Ziatrice fighting, with her sword-skirt and pole arm were awesome. And I enjoyed the ongoing jibes she makes, trying to push Malem more towards the dark side. She is a dark elf in the finest sense.
The battles quickly escalated, and before I knew it Malem was orchestrating a fight between Banvil and Vorgon, two god-like beings. And then things go very wrong. A hook was left for future books, but I'm not sure about it.
January 20, 2019
"Always the Darkness awaits me."
Not really a fantasy fan, I began this series because I am an admirer Isaac Hooke's S.F.work.
Conqueror follows on directly from book I, Breaker, continuing the battle by Malem and his expanding group of friends against the Darkness, from which Malem has been running his entire life. Now it's war.
As is to be expected from Mr.Hooke's books, the story vibrates with very visual, right there in the action, battle scenes, much bantering conversation, often amusing, vividly imagined creatures including Goblins and Oraks, dogs and mages, Dragons, Basilisks, Scallions and Night elves (to name but a few) and new, the harem aspect: a young man's wet dream.
Definitely advisable to read book one, Breaker, before this book, and be prepared to continue to book three after the cliff hanger ending.
Not really a fantasy fan, I began this series because I am an admirer Isaac Hooke's S.F.work.
Conqueror follows on directly from book I, Breaker, continuing the battle by Malem and his expanding group of friends against the Darkness, from which Malem has been running his entire life. Now it's war.
As is to be expected from Mr.Hooke's books, the story vibrates with very visual, right there in the action, battle scenes, much bantering conversation, often amusing, vividly imagined creatures including Goblins and Oraks, dogs and mages, Dragons, Basilisks, Scallions and Night elves (to name but a few) and new, the harem aspect: a young man's wet dream.
Definitely advisable to read book one, Breaker, before this book, and be prepared to continue to book three after the cliff hanger ending.
March 10, 2019
To start I really don't know why I read this whole book. The 1st book wasn't very good. The characters were all very weak especially the main character. The main character was weak and not very likeable, But I expected the author to expand him into a better person in this 2nd book. Never happened. Then the author decided to end the book with the absolute worst ending possible. I consider this a stab in the back to all the readers of this book. How he could possibly think anyone would care enough about this weak, underdeveloped story full of badly written characters to read any more of this soul crushing dreck is beyond me. This series is beyond bad and fully achieved the rating of garbage. I am sick to my soul knowing that I wasted my precious time reading this abomination. I plan to forget this crap as soon as possible.
June 5, 2019
3.5 to 4 stars. I would recommended you review the end of the last book before you start this one as it starts off pretty much were the other one leaves off. If the 1st book is not fresh in your mind you may forget what exactly is going on and why. I did like this book but I did have some issue at times in the middle but the end 1/4 picks it back up again and does the series justice. I absolute love the MC ability to break enemies and add them to his side (neat power). I will for sure continue with this series.
January 22, 2019
The ending of this book was unwelcome
The twist at the end of the book, with the book ending where it did was just as bad as a cliffhanger episode of your favourite TV show. Not nice Isaac. The book was moving nicely, the action started to accelerate towards the major battle, facing his fears etc. I wasn’t sure if this book was going to be the last in the series, but with the ending it looks like there is more to the story, although I am unsure if I want to read it.
The twist at the end of the book, with the book ending where it did was just as bad as a cliffhanger episode of your favourite TV show. Not nice Isaac. The book was moving nicely, the action started to accelerate towards the major battle, facing his fears etc. I wasn’t sure if this book was going to be the last in the series, but with the ending it looks like there is more to the story, although I am unsure if I want to read it.
December 12, 2020
Breaker of monsters to save humanity
Exciting until the end! But, I hate the ending and refuse to continue the series.
The MC fights evil monsters to fight for his team and the war against an evil baler intending to take over the world.
Until he looses in the end.
I'm done with this series because of how hard he works and all he puts forth of himself, then in the end it's all for nothing.
Reading 3 days
Exciting until the end! But, I hate the ending and refuse to continue the series.
The MC fights evil monsters to fight for his team and the war against an evil baler intending to take over the world.
Until he looses in the end.
I'm done with this series because of how hard he works and all he puts forth of himself, then in the end it's all for nothing.
Reading 3 days
February 6, 2019
I loved this book right up to the end at which point it went off at a slightly unexpected tangent,
makes me wonder if there will be a book three,
I mean there was a giant setup there which could have created a long running series and then right at the end it just slammed the door shut on everything
makes me wonder if there will be a book three,
I mean there was a giant setup there which could have created a long running series and then right at the end it just slammed the door shut on everything
February 26, 2019
Good book
Good book. More of the same mostly. Enjoyed learning more of Malem power and it's source and limits. Finally telling Malem full backstory. I don't however like the ending. I hope this is fixed soon as I have abandoned some of Hooked series before for the same twists. May not continue this series of working for the other team.
Good book. More of the same mostly. Enjoyed learning more of Malem power and it's source and limits. Finally telling Malem full backstory. I don't however like the ending. I hope this is fixed soon as I have abandoned some of Hooked series before for the same twists. May not continue this series of working for the other team.
June 19, 2019
Oh dear that's not good
Magic and war.😀. Great stories need a great ending and this one is great.
I am eager for the next installment and to see what will happen in the next book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I can't wait for the next one.
Magic and war.😀. Great stories need a great ending and this one is great.
I am eager for the next installment and to see what will happen in the next book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I can't wait for the next one.
November 1, 2019
Hey Hooke
You're mc doesn't have to be over powered, but for the love of a Baylor he, nor any of the harem or controlled monsters seem to have any of their own "stamina" at all. All after being portrayed as superhuman villains and super tough dragons. I guess they all lost it to share for those 10-50 page fights... exaggerated. Made it through 2, not wasting time on 3.
You're mc doesn't have to be over powered, but for the love of a Baylor he, nor any of the harem or controlled monsters seem to have any of their own "stamina" at all. All after being portrayed as superhuman villains and super tough dragons. I guess they all lost it to share for those 10-50 page fights... exaggerated. Made it through 2, not wasting time on 3.
January 29, 2019
Really good.
The book was interesting and moved the plot along nicely. The author threw in some good action and more development of the characters and plot. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
The book was interesting and moved the plot along nicely. The author threw in some good action and more development of the characters and plot. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 5, 2019
Be Careful How You Gain Power
Malem and his warrior women battle to keep the world from being overrun by the forces of evil. He breaks more monsters and gains in power. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will he be able to overcome evil? I look forward to the next book.
Malem and his warrior women battle to keep the world from being overrun by the forces of evil. He breaks more monsters and gains in power. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will he be able to overcome evil? I look forward to the next book.
February 8, 2019
Monster review
Well worth the time and expense. Strong characters, and a well developed plot. Fight scenes are epic as well as the harem scenes. The harem scenes add to the storyline and take nothing away.
Well worth the time and expense. Strong characters, and a well developed plot. Fight scenes are epic as well as the harem scenes. The harem scenes add to the storyline and take nothing away.
February 15, 2019
Twists
Great follow up to the previous book, characters remained unique in their own personalities and quirks. The breaker power is definitely interesting to read about especially the ways in which the author has the MC use it.
Great follow up to the previous book, characters remained unique in their own personalities and quirks. The breaker power is definitely interesting to read about especially the ways in which the author has the MC use it.
May 29, 2019
A bit of a surprise ending, but the book was certainly entertaining. The harem elements are less in this one, so if that was turning you off from reading the series, you may not be so put off by this installment. The story is interesting, and I'm certainly interested in what happens next.
January 19, 2019
Loved it
The powers of good and evil going back and forth.Great plot twists and one hell of a ending cliff hanger
The powers of good and evil going back and forth.Great plot twists and one hell of a ending cliff hanger
January 24, 2019
Knew it was coming
But enjoyed the ride anyway!
Looking forward to the next in the series. Great timewasters for snowy days, or downtime at work.
But enjoyed the ride anyway!
Looking forward to the next in the series. Great timewasters for snowy days, or downtime at work.
January 25, 2019
Great read
Sooooo did not end the way I thought it was going to. But can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens next. All around great read.
Sooooo did not end the way I thought it was going to. But can’t wait to read the next one to see what happens next. All around great read.
January 27, 2019
Excellent story
I was truly amazed and enjoyed this story and its characters and recommend it to everyone who likes adventure and monsters, a true work of art.
I was truly amazed and enjoyed this story and its characters and recommend it to everyone who likes adventure and monsters, a true work of art.
January 30, 2019
Wicked Ending
Loved the ending. Not many others like ending on a bad note so I have to applaud Hooke. Great twist with a lot of potential for the future book.
Loved the ending. Not many others like ending on a bad note so I have to applaud Hooke. Great twist with a lot of potential for the future book.
February 5, 2019
Wow. Wow.
This is a good book. You should read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. Was not expecting the cliff hanger. Great 2nd book.
This is a good book. You should read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. Was not expecting the cliff hanger. Great 2nd book.
February 26, 2019
Like
Liked your writing ::) you are a tainted writer keeps me wanting to want to read as fast as I I like how you ogexcidecan you keep me excided
Liked your writing ::) you are a tainted writer keeps me wanting to want to read as fast as I I like how you ogexcidecan you keep me excided
March 6, 2019
Great read!
This book was an easy read Wichita good characters and an even greater plot. Keep up the good work and ideas.
This book was an easy read Wichita good characters and an even greater plot. Keep up the good work and ideas.
March 12, 2019
Good book
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews