Blood Cartel

Kat Drummond #2

by Nicholas Woode-Smith

Being a hero sucks…

You can slay a hundred monsters and some people will still look down on you. And for every person that calls you a hero, there’s another that calls you a murderer.

I’ve been punished for doing my job and tossed to the side to solve a sham of a case, when I’d rather be busting the heads of undead and necromancers.

People go missing in Hope City every day. But this new case is special.

There is something happening in my city, and I need to solve it before anymore people wind up dead.

My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.

Blood Cartel is the action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, sequel to Part-Time Monster Hunter. Continue this thrilling urban fantasy series by reading it today.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2019

About the author

Nicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.

Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.

Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.

Reviews

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Greed is an effective motivator. And a dangerous vice.”
“One helps because it is the right thing to do.”
Set in a phenomenally built world, the author paints a smart, character-driven story that keeps you on your toes from the beginning, and introduces readers to a modern urban fantasy landscape and an epic struggle to survive. Kat has matured, still a loving kick-butt, but with defining priorities. It’s a delight to follow her adventures and misadventures! Looking forward to reading Devil’s Gambit #3!

[Denisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a good series and a well-written book. I wouldn't stop reading if I were you.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That which is morally right is not always legally correct. And the "right" thing to do, well, that's not always so clear cut either. Kat's skills are improving, the stakes are higher, the over all story is darker and grittier but Kat remains true to who she is - an honorable, albeit snarky and irreverent, heroine.

From a ridiculous but utterly believable lawsuit, to possibly the worst date night ever, to a simple job that went totally sideways, the action and drama never stops. New monsters are introduced - and Kat is forced to make difficult decisions. Well crafted narrative that tied the pieces together in a satisfying manner while opening questions for the rest of the series.

The humor and friendship in this book provides a good foil to the violence and introspection. A couple monikers had me laughing out loud - I would share, but don't want to spoil the surprise.

Although this book contains a full story arc it does build on the previous and is best appreciated after reading Part-Time Monster Hunter - an exciting dive into the gritty post-apocalyptic South Africa Woode-Smith has created.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had lots of fun with Nicholas Woode-Smith’s books, and his new Kat Drummond series is certainly adding to that - as is its latest, Blood Cartel (Book 2), which definitely adds to the momentum. Kat continues to be the much-a** gal I came to adore in book 1 (separately reviewed - and highly recommended for those yet to read it). Add in a superb (and superbly written) plot and you’ve got a really great, hard to put down (I’m writing this long past any normal bedtime as I certainly could not) great tale. Easy to highly recommend.

[Nicholas Woode-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more biased about this.

[Chelsea Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of this bad@$$ girl and her monster slaying! Such a good series! Highly recommend reading it!!!

[Penny shreves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat

I would just like to say that I enjoyed this book a lot. Can’t wait to read the next one

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series that just gets better and better. Although she is cleared by the court for killing a human (not a regular one) she has been fined and suspended form her job. She is eventually hired for a job that no-one else wanted to do, and eventually killed the monster. Unfortunately, this was only the tip of the iceberg and she was eventually dragged right into the middle of something much bigger - but it was personal.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first. Kat seems more responsible; she’s getting along with people better and some things are clearer.
This starts out with Kat being charged with the murder of the necromancer in the previous book and is quickly changed to self defense. Unfortunately, with the bad press, she is currently unemployable.
Looking for anything, she agrees to do some investigation for Conrad. While different from what she really does, this turns into a mystery and grows from the original request.
When her friend, Trudy, goes missing Kat is joined by Brett and Guy from the profession monster hunter group as well as her friend Prakish. Between the four of them, there is a lot of action, a bit of humour, growing friendships and a good working relationship.
This had a lot of action that was wonderfully well done.
Looking forward to the next book.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, action packed, Kay is moving from teen to adulthood but the dangers are there. That And is suspicious!! This time Kay is investigating missing people across the city, there doesn’t seem to be much to the mystery except Trudy goes missing. With her friends at her back- well except one 🙄🚩🚩 Kay will scour the ends of the city to find her missing friend. These are great reads, Kay is a flawed heroine, she makes mistakes, she has meltdown, she’s loyal, she’s trying to adjust to life as a student earning her way through school and working a dangerous job. She deals with guilt over her actions even when justified, but is protective of her makeshift family and home.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kat is growing on me and developing more as a person in the stories. Nicholas Woode-Smith has crafted a well thought out world and populated it with interesting humans and monsters. There is lots of action and the monsters just keep getting scarier. I am looking forward to Kat meeting her nemesis as the series progresses.
I recommend reading book one, "Part-Time Monster Hunter" first. This second book can be read alone, but is so much better with the understanding of the first book of the series.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

People are disappearing. Kat has to hunt down a creature killing folks, exorcise a ghost and then her friend Trudie vanishes from a local club. With a couple of friends she has to find where Trudie was taken and rescue her.
Once again a riveting tale of Kat versus the monsters. Well done Mr Woode-Smith

[KATHY BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, Adventure, Mystery, a little Romance and some twists! The adventure continues about where it stopped in the first book. Great world building and fantastic characters. She goes through some frustration, self-doubt, and comes out on top again. A book that is hard to put down. Starting the next one tonight!

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author hits his stride with this second book. The next one is an auto buy! 4 stars.

[Cayla Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed how he expanded the range of genres by adding a romantic sub-plot.

Also, f*ck vampires! Am I right?

[Geri Seavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished book 2 in < 24 hrs

Keep kicking a$$ Kat! This series will keep you entertained Fromm start to finish. Can't wait to start book 3. Gotta go!

[Genelle Themann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat doesn't want to be a hero...just a monster hunter. In this second book of the series, Kat is forced to step back and take a deeper look at herself. Yes, she hunts monsters; she goes to university; and now, she seems to want to be a little more normal...if there is such a thing. She wants to hang out with her friends, get a good night's sleep, maybe go on a date. But she can't totally change her stripes...she is a hunter first and foremost. So, when people start disappearing with no trace, Kat is hired to check into things and find these people. Unfortunately, one of the missing is her best friend, so this time it's personal. The problem is that the "monsters" in this case are ones she has never faced before.
I love the growth and progression that Kat is experiencing, both personally and professionally. She's no longer a kid but is moving into young womanhood. And it's cool to see how she attacks everything.
I received an ARC of this book from the Author but this review is honest and freely given because I love Kat Drummond and her adventures. I am ready for the next one!!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can slay a hundred monsters and some people will still look down on you. And for every person that calls you a hero, there’s another that calls you a murderer.
I’ve been punished for doing my job and tossed to the side to solve a sham of a case, when I’d rather be busting the heads of undead and necromancers.
People go missing in Hope City every day. But this new case is special.
There is something happening in my city, and I need to solve it before anymore people wind up dead.
My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.
Blood Cartel is the action-packed, edge-of-your-seat, sequel to Part-Time Monster Hunter. Continue this thrilling urban fantasy series by reading it today.

This is a great continuation to the first story.
Well written plot and story line that was so engaging from the start.
I love the way the characters have been created for these stories.
Lots of action with some twists and turns.
These keep getting better and I can't wait to read more of them.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[M'lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Cartel was a good followup story to Part-Time Monster Hunter in the life of Kat Drummond. The pacing of the dialogue and historical anedotes were good, as I expected them to be based on the previous book. I did find the action to be more sparce and sometimes more mild than in the first book, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, as the action doesn't always have to be at the forefront of a read.

The details in most of the scenes were done well, and are sometimes quite extensive and sensory. Some of my favorite parts of the story including Duer's backstory (even though its sad), the development of known characters like Pranish, Brett and Guy, but also new ones like Miriam.

Over all Blood Cartel was a good book and it definitely gave Kat and her world more interesting people, twists, and turns for the reader to enjoy.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 2 in this series!! This was even better than the first book. There are more creatures to slay and Kat's case get personal! She’s learning to trust her instincts and that being a hero is a thankless job. In this book she goes up against vampires and more. I love reading about Kat!
Edit after reread: Again my previous review does this book no justice! This book begins with missing people and the suspect is a mimic. I love that I don't see a mimic in many books and that this one is adapting. And more than just mimics there are vampires as well. As Trudy is taken at a club Kat must race the clock to save her. It's more of a slower pace "detective" style in the beginning, but once it gets going, it's hard to quit. Kat is such a fun character and I'm looking forward to listening to or rereading the next book as well!

[Dinees Ponton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and her friends are wonderful characters. They all have depth and change during the story. Each has a distinct personality. The story flows well. It is enjoyable and has a lot of action and some drama. Treth (the voice in her head) tells Kat some of his background. Duer's (a pixy residing in her house) tells her about his life prior to meeting Kat. She discovers that some people can be relied on and others cannot. Pranish learns a lot about Kat's job and he now understands more of what she goes through fighting monsters. His spells help out a lot. Trudie has a minor role. Kat finds out that Brett and Guy are actually nice and can be relied on because it is the right thing to do.

[Thom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Action, Angst and Swinging Blades. A Story to Lose your Head over.

Sometimes killing is not enough. It can be fun. And messy. But there may be more to defeating evil than just lopping off its head. So much for a social life.

Nicholas Woode-Smith does a masterful job once again as Kat Drummond faces more evil in book two. Once again our young heroine gets messy killing off more challenging foe. And her life isn’t getting any easier.

The action is intense and satisfying as evil seems to lurk around every corner. I was spellbound. Now I just need to sharpen my swords

[Shawnta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to this series. This spectacular read is full of action, mystery, adventure and danger that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Kat is back with her trusty spirit Treth, to take on more monsters and ghost. Unfortunately, things get put on hold when one of her friends goes missing. Kat will do anything to save a loved one even accept help from an enemy and moron. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, its amazing characters, twists, thrills, and a very interesting ending. I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Blood Cartel. I like series that have underlying storylines that are doled out piece by piece while having a shorter story to tell in each book. Kat is a strong character without being unfeeling and reading about her adventures is never boring. Kat and Treth have a fascinating and complicated relationship and I would love to find out more about his past. The action is pretty much non-stop with a few new characters added and new mysteries introduced - some answered, most not. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVEN HEROES HAVE TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

Accolades to Mr. Woode-Smith for a job well done. Join Kat Drummond on her second adventure where she fights ghosts, ghouls and vampires among other paranormal creatures. I couldn’t put the book down as I read and kept reading well past my bedtime to find out what happened next. I was engrossed and couldn’t wait to pick up where I left off when I stopped. This book is one to read, preferably after reading Part Time Monster Hunter, the first book.

[Nilda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book of this amazing series. Another wonderful story line and the characters are unique. Kat monster hunting job is never over. She has to save her friend that was taken. Will she be able to save her friend from something dark and evil? You got to read to find out. I highly recommened this read full of action that will keep you turning pages. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and loved it!

[Dieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was the right thing to do."

Action packed, funny, entertaining, full of suspense, full of surprises with a grand finale and an expectation of what is to come in the next book.

One of Kate's thoughtS:
"You can’t care simultaneously about your life and being a hero. You have to prioritise one of them."

I received a free copy from the author and decided to review it.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Cartel, the second book in the Kat Drummond series is an incredible read. The characters are great in this suspenseful follow-up to Part-Time Monster Hunter. It is definitely a page-turner from beginning to end. I could not put it down. I do look forward to the next installment in this great series. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and so does our heroine! She gets a killer reputation as she does her job so great that makes you think what will she do next! A wonderful storyline and character! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Cartel (Kat Drummond Book 2) by Nicholas Woode-Smith is an amazing story that I have loved reading. This is book number two in this amazing series. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book