Knightmare

Nate Temple #12

by Shayne Silvers, Joel Richards (Narrator)

Nate Temple must die.

Mordred - the bastard son of King Arthur - has returned, and he will stop at nothing to utterly destroy everything his father ever created, burning the Arthurian legend from the history books for good.

He’s already defeated Nate Temple once, corrupting the fabled Knights of the Round Table into darker, nigh-invincible, merciless killing machines: Knightmares.

And once Camelot is nothing more than a pile of fiery rubble, Mordred plans to conquer St. Louis, after slaughtering Nate and everyone he’s ever cared about, of course.

But a vengeful god is also hunting Nate and starts attacking his friends to draw him out. When one of Nate’s best friends is gravely wounded, Nate is forced to make an impossible choice - save his city from Mordred or save his friend from a blood-crazed god.

Both foes carry enough daddy issues to grant a first-year psychologist a second-year retirement. But Nate’s not that stable, either, and if he can’t get a grip on his own demons, his victory might very well be worse than anything either of his enemies ever could have imagined.

The only option left is to shatter all the rules, opening himself up to deadly powers better left untouched and forgotten, and even that is a fool’s gambit, a whisper of a hope.

Then again, if we don’t have hope, we’ve already lost. So, it’s time for Nate Temple to roll the dice. Because, in this game, even hope can die...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae, Magic, Vampires, Mythology

11 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 30, 2019

About the author

Let's cut to the chase. You read stuff. I write stuff. So, If you want to nab a few of my free Amazon Best Selling Urban Fantasy books to test the waters, go here: http://www.shaynesilvers.com

Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...

Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.

Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.

But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.

Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.

Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.

Reviews

[Larry Tushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

To prepare, I advise you to lock the door, dim the lights, turn on some mood music, and grab some tissues, because... Knightmare is a mental orgasm.
The pacing was exquisitely relentless in this book. Even parts that serves as "downtime" between actions had so much going on: tying up loose ends, answering long-standing questions, making you laugh, and/or tugging on your feels. A victory of exploded brain matter.

[Paige Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Knightmare Kept Me Up All Night
Once again, I had to devour a Templeverse novel in one go. Sleep? Meh, who needs it when Nate Temple is BACK!?
Nate’s been getting his headspace together in Fae, but there’s a lot going on back in St. Louis and elsewhere that he needs to handle—more than he even knows. And the clock is ticking, with Time itself becoming problematic.
Shayne Silvers’ imagery, reflective passages and delivery of the feels are better than ever, making me wish for another 2, 3, 4 hundred pages. And because the timeline of Knightmare overlaps with Black Sheep (of the Feathers and Fire series), we’re treated to a pair of critical scenes from BS, this time from Nate’s perspective rather than Callie’s. Who even does that? It’s wonderful!
As always, every question answered spawns two new ones, but you can feel the puzzle pieces shifting, realigning—tantalizing. Waiting for the next book Just. Keeps. Getting. Harder.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Temple is at it again; he can’t seem to keep himself out of trouble. Granted, there is a lot going on in his life, and with so many enemies, he can’t get away from it. The author is still at the top of his game with this one: questions were answered, more questions were raised, and it was all with almost non-stop action. I, for one, can’t wait to see what the next book will bring especially in light of the new characters, the phone call from an assassin, and the fall of a legend. I loved the book, and I think you will, too. If you are new to this series, it is a must to start with the first book. Be warned, however, Nate has changed so much from the beginning. I highly recommend this book! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayne Silvers is back in top form. In Legends I started seeing the Shayne I knew from the beginning, and had hoped he'd gotten back on track with his Nate Temple series. Well, he's done better than that. Knightmare even surpassed Legends. And that was pretty hard to do.

I don't know what I was expecting from this volume in this epic series, but I certainly got it in spades. Nate had to step up his game if he was going to overcome all the problems coming at him from all sides. So, to step up, to get himself back into fighting form, he went into Fae to...well, who knows what he did? Meditate? Wrestle faery moose? Have bantering sessions with a very witty little girl to tuneup his sharp tongue? Who knows? All we really do know is he seems to have come back to his senses, and just in time.

We know he has to fight Mordred. We know there's issues going on with Thor, terrorizing St. Louis, not to mention Aasgard. We know poor Ashley is preggers as can be and anxious to unload the twin pups. And we know there is a great deal of weird things going on in both Fae and our world that definitely need addressing. In this book, Shayne makes sure Nate steps up to address all the issues he'd either caused or simply gotten in the middle of in his usual arrogant way.

Knightmare is definitely the culmination of 12 excellent books, and was a long time coming, but definitely well worth the wait. As what I will probably consider his best Nate Temple book yet, Knightmare has earned the 5 stars and then some. And, even though Shayne threw in a few way too long explanations/analogies, which has become a trademark of his, they were fewer than usual, which pleased me considerably, so I won't even call them an issue. Just a quirk.

I won't tell you anything that happens here because i don't do spoilers. But I will tell you that Knightmare is exciting, unpredictable, endearing and thoroughly enjoyable, and for the second time in as many recent books, grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go, only allowing me to finally breathe in the end. This is what I look for in an epic fantasy, and this is what was delivered. In spades.

Excellently done, Mr. Silvers, Excellently done indeed! I'm so very pleased that this volume was the best yet. The timing for perfection couldn't have been better.

I received this as an ARC, and give this review in my own words and of my own volition. Not to mention intend to buy it as well once it is live.

[Adrienne McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest book in the Nate Temple Universe is Knightmare. This may be Shayne Silvers best book to date, at least in my opinion. Mr. Silvers has a lyrical style of writing that brings the story to vivid life. The way the storyline weaves it’s way 3 interlocking series is a masterclass in storytelling.

This book satisfactorily brings together Nates story with both endings and new beginnings. Nate grows exponentially as a character, while still being both vulnerable, heroic and snarky. Like the Japanese art of Kintsukuroi, the art of repairing pottery with silver or gold and understanding that the piece is even more beautiful for having been broken, this book shows that just because something or someone is “broken“, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be repaired, even improved. I am ready to read this book again and again.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild ride.

Lots of twists, tie-ins, well woven story that left me wanting more. Solved some mysteries, created more. I was enthralled and entertained. Could easily read again.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar installment from the Templeverse

Honestly, the Nate Temple books just get better as they go along. Love that they intertwine Callie's story and hinting at Quinn's which I am sure will be weaved in. Nate is still obnoxious but loveable. I did enjoy experiencing his feelings for his chosen family. Do yourself a favor....read the entire series...I can guarantee you will not regret it.

[Melenda Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I reviewed this book. Oh well, happy to do it again since it was so good.

As usual for Nate Temple books this one was a roller coaster of action, surprises and unthinkable closure to some of Nate's "full plate" items.

As one was rectified, another completely different, as bizarre, as adventurers problem took its' place.

Mentally I did a lot of what the fuck, holy shit responses to all this.

If you haven't read "Nightmare" yet - read it. I've been waiting weeks for "Ascension" (book 13) and lucky you only have to wait 10 days. It comes out September 9, 2019.

[Helen Cotgreave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A literary feast of Templeverse goodness to keep any bookworm/dragon sated.

Devously written the coming together of some of the breadcrumb forshadows that have been scattered throughout the previous stories by a brilliantly twisty minded author.

Some questions answered and new ones to ponder.

With each new book the Templeverse gets better and better and Knightmare sets a whole new level

[Allisyn Suwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

Shayne Silvers is a master artist with words. Introduced to me by my sister-in-law (you know who you are), Shayne has quickly become one of my favorite authors. This book of his is no exception. Props to you, Silvers...props to you!

[Noxwitchbooklife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and I cried and Nate and his crazy Knightmares kept me thoroughly entertained.

[Audrey Cienki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many surprises! So many Easter eggs. This is such a great story that I don’t even know where to start, so I won’t spoil it for you. All I can say is that this is a must read.

[Claudia Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness gracious, this saga is amazing, every time I read one new installment is like I get more addicted. I love it!!

[Ian Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate temple rules

Bloody good book and an really good series. Plenty of action and excitement. I am really excited to see what comes next.

[Miss W Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Absolutely loving the Nate Temple series. I usually get a bit bored when reading a series, especially if has more than 7 books. I have to take a wee break and read something else before continuing. Not with this series. I have just finished book 12, once again it's past 2.30am and after writing this review I'll be downloading book 13. I can't praise Shayne Silvers high enough. He truly is an amazing writer. He manages to bring Gods from different pantheons, legendary warriors and monsters, vampires, werewolves, wizards, fae and regular humans into a huge mixing pot and makes amazing stories that will make you laugh, cringe and cry.

[Guy Smile · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone that has a long commute on a regular basis I go through quite a few audio books over the course of the year and while the Nate Temple Series (and the other two series in the Templeverse) isn't amazing or 'must read' territory I do enjoy the escape and the world that Shayne Silvers has built.

That said, Knightmare, is one of my favorites in the series. Well paced and interesting, not how I expected part of the story to play out, but it was still something that was supported by the previous books and made sense in the series. It will be interesting to see where Nate and crew go from here.....

[Keira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Nate is a deliciously flawed character who, despite his tough exterior, is a caring and loyal soul. All of the characters melt into your soul and you develop a deep connection with each and every one.

This book has a few twists and turns, one in particular has me holding back tears. Such a clever story/world, with a brilliant pace and imaginative fantasy.

Shayne Silvers has an irreverent humor which has me cackling loudly quite often, leading to strange states from anyone surrounding me.

[Gaylord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even God's can...

Can what? Ahh that would be spoiling the story for you. 3 pantheons gods, at least, involved in Nate Temple's journeys. 3 in Callie Penrose's, again probably more. Quin MacKenna has at least 3 as well. I'm sure I've lost count in these intertwined tales of Shayne Silvers Templeverse.
Nate's story ends without a cliffhanger for a change but the Omega point hasn't been reached reached yet. The new Horsemen are revealed. No spoiler there, but who are they? Read and find out

[Irene Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Another good read in this series not quite one of the best but still interesting however sometimes this series can be a little over the top , in this one we have Thor and Odin and even Loki makes an appearance so a little bit too much. Plus we get the Knights and a new King Arthur Mate fighting various opponents and defeating God's a little too ridiculous at times but still a reasonable read.

[Jacob Sindic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravens and wolves and cheerleading unicorns, oh my.

Also, I called it, again.

Nate Temple's latest foray into madness starts with exactly that, delving into his own madness and clawing his way back to the surface in the lengthy aftermath of rigorous training to tame his split personas and the two drastically different forms of magic they command. All while start to realize that killing a god comes with long term changes, though whether as reward or consequence remains to be seen. It is the sort of visceral introspection and deep seated feeling of self that Silvers usually reserves for the more mentally and emotionally mindful Callie Penrose, possibly in a way to show how the characters continue to influence and develop eachother as much as themselves, though in this case Silvers uses it to put a book-end to the multi-installment spanning struggle Nate has endured in reclaiming his Wylde past.

The tone of the book is clipped to the now usual frantic pace that the back-end of the current roster of overall books have kept to, though again we see a case where the book's length both does and doesn't do favors for the plot as a result. A keen focus is put on the way time is being stretched and bloated between realms, working both to the service of the plot at hand and to tie together a few of the more scattered points in the time-line between the overlapping book series, many of which have jumped back and forth of late in both time and perspective to the garnering of some minor confusion. This overall works well to highlight the stakes of the story and commits realistic pressure to the events at hand, but it does feel like another few secondary plot threads could have been woven in without disrupting the pacing, even to the extent that there are a few places where one might expect to see them but find them absent instead.

Silvers has long shown he has a firm grasp on his narrative pacing however, and has yet to make any of his usual twists or revelations fall flat, so its entirely possible he still has larger picture views on how some plot threads need to lie. It does seem a bit of a turn to some of his earlier books though, usually rife with lesser hints and subtle tell-tale nods to greater implications down the road. Instead the focus seems to be on what feels like a closing arc for a few significant issues and characters, a sense of cleaning house and dragging everyone back onto a properly balanced schedule and time table, so to speak.

There are of course said revelations and twists themselves, though for this round Silvers seemed to have indulgent, gritty splendor in mind for the theming. The battles are punchy and colorful as ever, but there's a distinct sense of a shifting in the scales, levels of grandeur that once were more strained and frantic now being pushed with a feeling of righteous boldness. Not quite a deja vu or callback to previous books and the moods therein, rather a sort of breaking of new ground after scrambling to find proper footing. There is still justifiable urgency and gravitas being given, all of it properly fitting to some of the more important fights and character engagements. But there is no longer the sense that Nate Temple is hammering away at some dark, crooked corner of an unseen whole, more and more of the playing field is coming into view and his actions and reactions are starting to evolve accordingly.

Most importantly though, the pacing does not overly highlight the fighting and grand revelations to the detriment of the character development, with more than a few significant notes hitting for Nate himself as well as some of his longest running supporting cast coming further into their own. Callie Penrose has an entire section of her sixth installment Black Sheep given center stage to bring new perspective and details to light, much to some indulgent and development for her and Nate's tied progression and a few more in-jokes and winking nods to the dramatic upheavals in her own books. It is not the first time Silvers has recanted an entire scene from a different perspective and shown it jarringly different in where and how it falls in the scheme of things, and he continues to do it well and to the service of the narrative both past and present.

Several heavy details on the over-arching plot of the series and the universe at large are dropped into the bottom half of the tale, fan-fare forgone in exchange for another boisterous, steamrolling climax that slams the door closed on a satisfying and victorious note. Also puppies are involved, sheerly for maximum endorphin exploitation. Silvers manages to give the break-neck pacing just the slightest enough room needed to breathe to make this arc conclusion feeling proper, and does another grand reshuffling of game pieces to set the board for the next bout.

Overall the book straddles the line between a hard, rapidly escalating drama and a heavy, thorough delving into character values and motivations that emphasis how much has changed for them and the world around them, for good and for bad, and how is has and hasn't prepared them to face what comes next. Long-time readers and newcomers alike will find plenty to love and plenty more to question, where as always I look forward to what Silvers drags into play next time.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This book was just as good as the previous books. Nate does not disappoint in the crazy stuff that goes on in his world. In this book, Nate finally hands out his horseman masks, he goes to faerie to learn more about himself and his powers, and his best friend becomes a dad and Nate becomes a godfather.

[Kim Boutillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing novel!

I don’t often read a series this long, because I start to lose interest or the story gets stale. Not so with the Templeverse! Each book is as good as the previous one. The characters grow, the plot deepens, the humor remains, and the magic continues to get more creative. Thanks Shayne!

[David Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe that these books just get better and better

The Nate Temple series, The feathers and fire are so fun to read sewing grossing something you just want to continue pushing through to the next one. This was no different. A great story tying so many Old myths and legends together

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

He hit a pregnant lady!!!

When you try to come up with evil, that is the freaking cake. Nate probably needs to knock some of the chips he's got on his shoulders a bit. He is legitimately valid in them, but I think it's getting in his way.

[Beatrix Hagena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving every one so far

I love this series and have never been disappointed. Every one seems better than the previous one. So I will need to head on over to book 13. Oh what a horrible task, not!

[Candace Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books come together......

Exciting !!!! The culmination of a lot of unanswered questions. Bringing Callie to this part of the story was perfect although I can't expand on what happens, know that it will leave you smiling. The whole book will leave you smiling!

[Monte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story.

These books are, without a doubt, a new favorite of mine. Incredible storytelling, world building and character development, you really can't go wrong reading the Templeverse!

[Natasha Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate for the win

Nate Temple is a contradiction. He is an asshole that you can't help but love, a jerk with a heart of gold where it counts, a smart-ass with morels, a lone wizard with a bug family. O yea and he is a horseman.

[Margarita Dunphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot thickens, nothing taken for granted

The saga continues, but wonderfully entertaining and never boring or repetitive. The characters are engrossing and we'll developed. An awesome fairytale.

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

series keeps getting better and better

I think this one is one of my favorite in the series so far. I really enjoyed it, and love when Callie makes and appearance. I highly recommend this series .