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Deicide
What happens when all the myths, legends, and things that go bump in the night come out to the world as real? Well, the world does as it always does: it rejected them.
Welcome to Avalantis, Alaska, the world’s first supercity with over 50 million myth and mundane citizens and home of those rejected by society. Although due to pesky things like murder end explosions, there are a few fewer citizens. When the former Greek god Hermes dies, three unusual cops from the Avalantis PD are recruited into a secret organization known as MORTAL, who has apparently been watching the Myths for longer than mankind realizes.
Their mission is to find and apprehend the mysterious figure known as “The Laughing Man,” the one responsible for a recent string of deaths. These three new recruits will have to use all their skill, strength, and wits to find and defeat the “The Laughing Man.” That is, if they don’t kill each other first.
Welcome to Avalantis, Alaska, the world’s first supercity with over 50 million myth and mundane citizens and home of those rejected by society. Although due to pesky things like murder end explosions, there are a few fewer citizens. When the former Greek god Hermes dies, three unusual cops from the Avalantis PD are recruited into a secret organization known as MORTAL, who has apparently been watching the Myths for longer than mankind realizes.
Their mission is to find and apprehend the mysterious figure known as “The Laughing Man,” the one responsible for a recent string of deaths. These three new recruits will have to use all their skill, strength, and wits to find and defeat the “The Laughing Man.” That is, if they don’t kill each other first.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
About the author
M.K. Gibson
23 books130 followersHi, I'm Mike Gibson (Gib or Gibby to my friends). I'm a father, husband, writer and a retired US Air Force MSgt with 20 years of service. Back in 1980, when I was 5, I saw the animated version of The Hobbit and was a geek from then on. All I have ever wanted to do was to write and tell stories.
I live with my wife, son, dog and two cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise, and watch movies. I'm a lover of all things geek and feel that all people have amazing stories if you're willing to listen
I live with my wife, son, dog and two cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise, and watch movies. I'm a lover of all things geek and feel that all people have amazing stories if you're willing to listen
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 3, 2023
DEICIDE (Agents of MORTAL) by M.K. Gibson is the latest offering from an author that has done a lot of books that I've enjoyed. I've read his TECHNOMANCER, VILLAINS RULE, and SHE DREAMS OF FIRE novels. Like a lot of the indie authors I know, he's on the Kindle Unlimited system and effectively a free-ish book source for subscribers. Gibson's book are heavy on the humor, irony, and cynicism with his protagonists tending to be somewhat sardonic heroes in the Harry Dresden mold.
The premise is that the "myths" have come out: gods, goblins, vampires, and more. Unfortunately, this does not result in a renewal of their worship but all of them being rejected by society. The town of Avalantis, Alaska is reserved for them and becomes a city with 50,000,000 people in it. I'm not sure if that qualifies as a city instead of a nation since even New York City is only eight million people. Really, I'm inclined to think that it should have been only 5 million people but Twin Peaks had 51,000 people despite having only three cops in it so what do I know.
The story follows the recruitment of a up and coming police officer named Jesse into an elite branch of the Avalantis police department called MORTAL. Jesse is a wee bit bitter because despite devoting herself to the APD, she was almost murdered by her partner. It turns out being an overachiever and scrupulously honest cop in a corrupt supernatural reservation doesn't win you any friends.
However, Jesse's devotion to the law is just what needed when a politically sensitive case drops itself on MORTAL's desk: the death of Greek God Hermes. Apparently, he overdosed on a drug that briefly restores divine power and exploded on a bunch of cops. Who gave him the drug, why, and how much more do they have of it? It's a fascinating combination of a very street-level story with an epic mystical one.
I was a big fan of supporting character Cassandra Cross who is a woman that ticks off Jesse in every single way. Whereas Jesse has devoted herself to being meticulous, efficient, conservative, and uptight (a bit like Exley from L.A CONFIDENTIAL), Cross is well-liked and laid back. There's also the fact that Cross doesn't mind being openly sexual and this plays into a lot of Jesse's internalized misogyny. Jesse has sacrificed everything to be the top cop she thinks herself to be and is annoyed that Cassandra is seemingly able to be one without having sacrificed a life.
This is not a particularly serious work but is very humorous with barista gods, party girl goddesses, and even a high priest of Cthulhu from Kentucky. I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact people from real religious groups (Buddha, Kali) had their figures under "myths" but M.K. Gibson books have about as reverence for anything as South Park. It's basically Brooklyn 99 with gods, magic, and fairies.
In conclusion, I got a lot of enjoyment out of this book. I think everyone who enjoyed his other books will enjoy this work as well. This is the perfect afternoon comfort food and if you like your stories crass, fun, and with a surprising amount of heart then you will enjoy this. This is a funny, Brooklyn 99-esque series that people who don't take their urban fantasy too seriously will greatly enjoy.
The premise is that the "myths" have come out: gods, goblins, vampires, and more. Unfortunately, this does not result in a renewal of their worship but all of them being rejected by society. The town of Avalantis, Alaska is reserved for them and becomes a city with 50,000,000 people in it. I'm not sure if that qualifies as a city instead of a nation since even New York City is only eight million people. Really, I'm inclined to think that it should have been only 5 million people but Twin Peaks had 51,000 people despite having only three cops in it so what do I know.
The story follows the recruitment of a up and coming police officer named Jesse into an elite branch of the Avalantis police department called MORTAL. Jesse is a wee bit bitter because despite devoting herself to the APD, she was almost murdered by her partner. It turns out being an overachiever and scrupulously honest cop in a corrupt supernatural reservation doesn't win you any friends.
However, Jesse's devotion to the law is just what needed when a politically sensitive case drops itself on MORTAL's desk: the death of Greek God Hermes. Apparently, he overdosed on a drug that briefly restores divine power and exploded on a bunch of cops. Who gave him the drug, why, and how much more do they have of it? It's a fascinating combination of a very street-level story with an epic mystical one.
I was a big fan of supporting character Cassandra Cross who is a woman that ticks off Jesse in every single way. Whereas Jesse has devoted herself to being meticulous, efficient, conservative, and uptight (a bit like Exley from L.A CONFIDENTIAL), Cross is well-liked and laid back. There's also the fact that Cross doesn't mind being openly sexual and this plays into a lot of Jesse's internalized misogyny. Jesse has sacrificed everything to be the top cop she thinks herself to be and is annoyed that Cassandra is seemingly able to be one without having sacrificed a life.
This is not a particularly serious work but is very humorous with barista gods, party girl goddesses, and even a high priest of Cthulhu from Kentucky. I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact people from real religious groups (Buddha, Kali) had their figures under "myths" but M.K. Gibson books have about as reverence for anything as South Park. It's basically Brooklyn 99 with gods, magic, and fairies.
In conclusion, I got a lot of enjoyment out of this book. I think everyone who enjoyed his other books will enjoy this work as well. This is the perfect afternoon comfort food and if you like your stories crass, fun, and with a surprising amount of heart then you will enjoy this. This is a funny, Brooklyn 99-esque series that people who don't take their urban fantasy too seriously will greatly enjoy.
June 19, 2020
4.5 stars
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
I’ve been a huge fan of M.K. Gibson ever since I listened to Villains Rule in 2017 (another highly recommended listen with Jeffery Kafer as the narrator). I was really excited to see where he went with the next world he built and I was not sorry to go down this road.
Gibson has built a world that crosses Brooklyn 99 with that of gods, shifters, vampires and other myths. The issues with gods being back in the world is that they are no longer being worshiped as they once were, and they are constantly looking for that power again. That is until they find a drug that can give them that feeling again.
MORTAL is a police force that tries to police the myths back in the world. Jesse is a new recruit, working on a temporary basis to see if she has the right stuff to make the team. She reminds me a bit of Santiago. She does everything by the book and wants to move up the ranks to be a super cop. There is also Cassandra, who is very sexual and drives Jesse crazy with her ability to be a great cop and still be very sexual. There is also R.B., Gaby and more. This team works really well together, not only as a police unit, but also as just a fun group of friends and the banter is wonderful. Don’t get me started on the bets. LOL
Anyway, this a fun first book in a series I know I’m going to love. It mixes two things I really enjoy in books: Police stories and the supernatural. I’ve already been talking it up with people I work with or well, with anyone who will listen.
Narration:
This book is narrated by the great Jefferey Kafer and the wonderful Heather Costa. I’ve listened to both of them before, but this is my first time listening to the two of them together. They each took on sections depending on a male or female POV. They were both great at the large cast of characters. I loved how well they paired together. If you’ve never listened to either of these two, I highly recommend you check them out.
**I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
I’ve been a huge fan of M.K. Gibson ever since I listened to Villains Rule in 2017 (another highly recommended listen with Jeffery Kafer as the narrator). I was really excited to see where he went with the next world he built and I was not sorry to go down this road.
Gibson has built a world that crosses Brooklyn 99 with that of gods, shifters, vampires and other myths. The issues with gods being back in the world is that they are no longer being worshiped as they once were, and they are constantly looking for that power again. That is until they find a drug that can give them that feeling again.
MORTAL is a police force that tries to police the myths back in the world. Jesse is a new recruit, working on a temporary basis to see if she has the right stuff to make the team. She reminds me a bit of Santiago. She does everything by the book and wants to move up the ranks to be a super cop. There is also Cassandra, who is very sexual and drives Jesse crazy with her ability to be a great cop and still be very sexual. There is also R.B., Gaby and more. This team works really well together, not only as a police unit, but also as just a fun group of friends and the banter is wonderful. Don’t get me started on the bets. LOL
Anyway, this a fun first book in a series I know I’m going to love. It mixes two things I really enjoy in books: Police stories and the supernatural. I’ve already been talking it up with people I work with or well, with anyone who will listen.
Narration:
This book is narrated by the great Jefferey Kafer and the wonderful Heather Costa. I’ve listened to both of them before, but this is my first time listening to the two of them together. They each took on sections depending on a male or female POV. They were both great at the large cast of characters. I loved how well they paired together. If you’ve never listened to either of these two, I highly recommend you check them out.
**I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2019
Wow!
This was an amazing new series! I've read and thoroughly enjoyed the author's other works (especially She dreams of fire), so I thought I'd give it a try.
By part way through chapter 2, my blood pressure had risen and my heart was beating faster, because of the precarious position this newly introduced protagonist found herself in. That's when I knew this was a winner!
The world is so rich and detailed, without being overly descriptive or complex, that I was instantly hooked!
The characters were well fleshed out and the plot was intriguing.
Even some side characters managed to evoke feelings in me, like the support group some of the gods are going to in order to deal with their feelings of redundancy and worthlessness.
This was such a phenomenal book, I actually bought it even though I read it through Kindle Unlimited.
I would absolutely recommend that you try this book!
This was an amazing new series! I've read and thoroughly enjoyed the author's other works (especially She dreams of fire), so I thought I'd give it a try.
By part way through chapter 2, my blood pressure had risen and my heart was beating faster, because of the precarious position this newly introduced protagonist found herself in. That's when I knew this was a winner!
The world is so rich and detailed, without being overly descriptive or complex, that I was instantly hooked!
The characters were well fleshed out and the plot was intriguing.
Even some side characters managed to evoke feelings in me, like the support group some of the gods are going to in order to deal with their feelings of redundancy and worthlessness.
This was such a phenomenal book, I actually bought it even though I read it through Kindle Unlimited.
I would absolutely recommend that you try this book!
January 24, 2022
This is really strange situation that caused me to give up on this book which is super frustrating because I just was loving the direction it was going, the sense of humor was amazing and the writing was really good. I think im going to give this a break and come back around to it to see if my brain just needs some time inbetween books to fix this issue.
My brain just was absolutely not allowing me to put names together. I consume a lot of books and this was the first time I think I've seen a book do this with names and so my head I think is just not trained or has comprehension to put this together as it's never really needed to before with a book.
So after chapter 6 I started running into this issue. The point of view changes with a heavily character focused moment where you're getting introduced to a significant chunk of the cast. Well the point of view changes and the character your viewing from uses last names instead of firsts. The problem with that is, the full names are not really said together often enough to latch on to their character or who's name belongs to who. This causes your brain to sorta need to de-code the name and puzzle out who's last name belongs to the first name that you know them as.
I tried re reading the book over and over again and sometimes starting from the beginning or restarting a chapter. I think i restarted like 4 times on one particular chapter hoping my reading comprehension skills will kick in and finally get this name situation adjusted to.
Unfortunately I just cant seem to get through it and honestly my brain feels like it keeps shorting out when working through this problem and I really don't understand why.
I understand this was a creative choice to differentiate between characters and how they speak/think but as a reader it really confused me too much. In my own way of speaking in my day to day, I just never really paid attention to half a name before and it sorta stuck as normal communication to me. If I know someone as David, I'm going to know them from then on as David and if a friend of mine referred to David in conversation as Smith I'd understandably say 'who?' as I just i know David as David and not David Smith as Smith. So this might just be a me problem but it's honestly the first time I've ran into this complication with a book which really surprised me on my comprehension skills probably needing some work.
Overall though I loved the world building and how descriptive it was. It was super easy to visualize what was going on and follow along with where you were.
The characters were really well done too (when I could remember who was who) and I really was enjoying the dialog and some of the sense of humor. I laughed out loud audibly a few times and definetly was smirking with some of the campy humor. It reminded me a lot of some of the ridiculous situations or crude humor in South Park. Super well done.
I really wish though I wouldn't keep getting lost with this name thing and I'd probably have enjoyed this book a bit longer.
I did have to DNF at around 50%.
I may come back to it at a different time to see if maybe this name confusion situation might just be my brain needing a break after failing so many times by re reading.
My brain just was absolutely not allowing me to put names together. I consume a lot of books and this was the first time I think I've seen a book do this with names and so my head I think is just not trained or has comprehension to put this together as it's never really needed to before with a book.
So after chapter 6 I started running into this issue. The point of view changes with a heavily character focused moment where you're getting introduced to a significant chunk of the cast. Well the point of view changes and the character your viewing from uses last names instead of firsts. The problem with that is, the full names are not really said together often enough to latch on to their character or who's name belongs to who. This causes your brain to sorta need to de-code the name and puzzle out who's last name belongs to the first name that you know them as.
I tried re reading the book over and over again and sometimes starting from the beginning or restarting a chapter. I think i restarted like 4 times on one particular chapter hoping my reading comprehension skills will kick in and finally get this name situation adjusted to.
Unfortunately I just cant seem to get through it and honestly my brain feels like it keeps shorting out when working through this problem and I really don't understand why.
I understand this was a creative choice to differentiate between characters and how they speak/think but as a reader it really confused me too much. In my own way of speaking in my day to day, I just never really paid attention to half a name before and it sorta stuck as normal communication to me. If I know someone as David, I'm going to know them from then on as David and if a friend of mine referred to David in conversation as Smith I'd understandably say 'who?' as I just i know David as David and not David Smith as Smith. So this might just be a me problem but it's honestly the first time I've ran into this complication with a book which really surprised me on my comprehension skills probably needing some work.
Overall though I loved the world building and how descriptive it was. It was super easy to visualize what was going on and follow along with where you were.
The characters were really well done too (when I could remember who was who) and I really was enjoying the dialog and some of the sense of humor. I laughed out loud audibly a few times and definetly was smirking with some of the campy humor. It reminded me a lot of some of the ridiculous situations or crude humor in South Park. Super well done.
I really wish though I wouldn't keep getting lost with this name thing and I'd probably have enjoyed this book a bit longer.
I did have to DNF at around 50%.
I may come back to it at a different time to see if maybe this name confusion situation might just be my brain needing a break after failing so many times by re reading.
April 13, 2020
Not too much of a stretch from Shadowrun, fairly simple and predictable story, flawed characters, genitalia jokes and juvenile humour- I loved it! This sits nicely alongside the Technomancer series. I may even have a new favourite character with Arby taking Salem's crown. I'm really hoping this becomes an ongoing series. The interplay between characters is great and it has the same Technomancer combination of a good story, shades of light and dark while still making me laugh. With what's happening globally at the moment, it was the perfect time to read this. I'm going to have to sign up to Gibson's website to get get advance notice of upcoming releases instead of me stumbling across them by accident each time. This is an author who I love to read every time.
Might be my imagination but, among other references, I think there was an open salute to Weiss and Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles - the first trilogy that I ever read.
Might be my imagination but, among other references, I think there was an open salute to Weiss and Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles - the first trilogy that I ever read.
December 13, 2019
If Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Boys had a baby, it would be Deicide: Agents of Mortal.
In a city of magic where all of the old gods have found themselves after being left forgotten by the mortals who once worshiped them. The Agents of MORTAL hold the line between the gods, the humans, and the elves who oversee everything.
Three new agents of been brought in to work as the new primary field agents of mortal. And no gods, vampires, or eldritch horrors will stand in their way.
A genuinely funny back and forth commentary, (mostly from Arby), gives the story a fast-paced feel, as the agents are always on the job; battling goblin assassins and Grecian gods. Add Gabby, the mute elf that you fall in love with during the story, and you have yourself a main cast that is a lot of fun to read.
All of the characters have suffered some sort of trauma that has honed them into the type of cops needed to retain order in a city like Avalantis. Hard as nails, yet serious about the law.
A fantastically well crafted story with complex heroes and supervillains that honestly think their place is above humanity. (Which greatly appeals to my comic book roots.)
This series is definitely one to follow!
In a city of magic where all of the old gods have found themselves after being left forgotten by the mortals who once worshiped them. The Agents of MORTAL hold the line between the gods, the humans, and the elves who oversee everything.
Three new agents of been brought in to work as the new primary field agents of mortal. And no gods, vampires, or eldritch horrors will stand in their way.
A genuinely funny back and forth commentary, (mostly from Arby), gives the story a fast-paced feel, as the agents are always on the job; battling goblin assassins and Grecian gods. Add Gabby, the mute elf that you fall in love with during the story, and you have yourself a main cast that is a lot of fun to read.
All of the characters have suffered some sort of trauma that has honed them into the type of cops needed to retain order in a city like Avalantis. Hard as nails, yet serious about the law.
A fantastically well crafted story with complex heroes and supervillains that honestly think their place is above humanity. (Which greatly appeals to my comic book roots.)
This series is definitely one to follow!
October 24, 2021
Great read!
Top notch page turning storytelling as always. Great characters and interesting storyline. My only complaint is that it gets a little confusing at times with the character’s names. For example, Arby versus Deacon. Cass versus Cross. Messer versus Jim. Otherwise, excelsior!
Top notch page turning storytelling as always. Great characters and interesting storyline. My only complaint is that it gets a little confusing at times with the character’s names. For example, Arby versus Deacon. Cass versus Cross. Messer versus Jim. Otherwise, excelsior!
April 21, 2020
I enjoyed this from beginning to end. M.K. Gibson writes a good story without a doubt, but it's the characters in the story that make the writing so first-rate. The dialogue and humor is genuine...nothing feels forced. The plot is always evolving and in ways the reader just isn't going to expect.
I listened to the Audible version and the narration is done by two great voice actors, Jefferey Kafer and Heather Costa. They both brilliantly juggle multiple voices and accents.
It's a book you look forward to getting back to when you put it down.
I'll be impatiently waiting for book 2 in the series.
I listened to the Audible version and the narration is done by two great voice actors, Jefferey Kafer and Heather Costa. They both brilliantly juggle multiple voices and accents.
It's a book you look forward to getting back to when you put it down.
I'll be impatiently waiting for book 2 in the series.
April 14, 2020
I've read M.K. Gibson's other works and found them wanting and didn't think I'd really enjoy this one but oh was a I ever wrong!!! This was an amazing book, literally the best book this author has written in my opinion. It has real people in it with flaws and real personalities. I must say I am very impressed by the plot and everything else in this book. Now can you please please write the next one? I need it like NOW! xD.
May 18, 2020
I love Gibson’s writing. I love Gibson’s sense of humor. I think the plot line and the characters in this story are great, but it seemed ... rushed, like we were missing a lot of little details. Maybe the editor was a little overzealous? Or maybe it started as an outline, and never got quite as fleshed-out as it could have? Or maybe it’s just me. Either way, it was worth the read, and I’ll keep buying and reading pretty much anything Gibson puts out.
April 28, 2020
Gods live among mortals and other mythical creatures in the modern day city. However, someone is making drugs that not only give the gods their powers back, but also can kill them.
As with all MK Gibson's books, this one was full of action, snark and was just plain fun. Can't wait for the next installment.
As with all MK Gibson's books, this one was full of action, snark and was just plain fun. Can't wait for the next installment.
November 30, 2021
Lots of fun. I enjoyed hearing from all of the different character's perspectives. My favorite genre right now is funny sci-fi or fantasy, and this definitely fits the bill. I think it is very important with the world being so stressful that we find an outlet for our mind to rest and for our soul to laugh. I am looking forward to future books in this series.
April 15, 2020
This is a fun book, that does not take it's self too seriously. Built on good characters, that play off each other. RB is probably the best, as he holds the new team together, as they squabble there way through there first mission, to save the city and take down the Laughing Man.
December 19, 2024
An enjoyable ride.
Every part left me laughing, eager for more, and just plain distracted me from reality when I really needed it.
Not a single wasted word - and without compromising the story or making me fill in blanks. That's freaking impressive talent.
Every part left me laughing, eager for more, and just plain distracted me from reality when I really needed it.
Not a single wasted word - and without compromising the story or making me fill in blanks. That's freaking impressive talent.
August 25, 2022
Solid with interesting characters. Other reviews talked about how funny it was, and that's not what stood out for me. Still entertaining. Recommended.
September 2, 2020
Hot mess silliness. The Audio book it was big fun. I loved the reader.
May 12, 2020
Myths are real and out in the world, there is more than one way to police them and it is an very eclectic mix of sarcastic, damaged and driven characters that do not like to lose. It was written with the usual mix of humour, sarcasm, well timed drama and the ability to not take itself too seriously. I am really looking forward to seeing how this universe grows. A little predictable at times but a highly enjoyable read. Also a cool way to being in Cthulhu whilst not bringing in Cthulhu completely.
October 13, 2022
[free for review - audio book - Narrators: Jeffrey Kafer (3 stars), Heather Costa (2+ stars)]
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Jump - Jump - Jump -
The book jumps from character to character to character situation, mostly highlighting the mythological policing agents. Personally, I found it (possibly because of listening to audio book, while working on other things) very confusing and difficult to really like any of the characters, or track everything going on at the start of the story.
I like the concept of the magical/mythical creatures and the special police agencies. However, having read (to mention only a few) John P. Logsdon, Christopher P. Young, Brad Magnarella, and Michael Anderle books, this one simply fell a bit flat for me.
-----
Jump - Jump - Jump -
The book jumps from character to character to character situation, mostly highlighting the mythological policing agents. Personally, I found it (possibly because of listening to audio book, while working on other things) very confusing and difficult to really like any of the characters, or track everything going on at the start of the story.
I like the concept of the magical/mythical creatures and the special police agencies. However, having read (to mention only a few) John P. Logsdon, Christopher P. Young, Brad Magnarella, and Michael Anderle books, this one simply fell a bit flat for me.
May 6, 2023
I loved the dual narration of Jeffrey Kafer and Heather Costa
I loved this book, which had me laughing out loud. " I hate Tim" this is a fun book , with great characters, that play off each other. Myths and legends sarcasm and laughs.
I loved this book, which had me laughing out loud. " I hate Tim" this is a fun book , with great characters, that play off each other. Myths and legends sarcasm and laughs.
August 18, 2022
It's OK, interesting idea, and not too hard to consume, but the childish humor gets boring after a while.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews