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Kat Drummond #3
Devil's Gambit
Eight mages presumed dead…
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.
258 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2019
54 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Woode-Smith
156 books157 followersNicholas 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 22, 2019
“Don’t make deals with devils. Don’t play with fire.”
Introducing excerpts and tales of mythical religious and pagan stories makes it so interesting! I couldn’t distinguish folk stories from reality. The myths we’ve been always surrounded with, from all corners of the earth become reality in Woode-Smith’s hand, so realistic it is! The emotional insight to Kat the protagonist’s life brings about an intense philosophical and moral debates, beliefs. A challenging, trepidant, edge of seat, heart pounding read, every page read never ceases to amaze me! I am Loving this series!
Introducing excerpts and tales of mythical religious and pagan stories makes it so interesting! I couldn’t distinguish folk stories from reality. The myths we’ve been always surrounded with, from all corners of the earth become reality in Woode-Smith’s hand, so realistic it is! The emotional insight to Kat the protagonist’s life brings about an intense philosophical and moral debates, beliefs. A challenging, trepidant, edge of seat, heart pounding read, every page read never ceases to amaze me! I am Loving this series!
July 7, 2021
These urban fantasy books are good. But, they all are going the same way...
December 2, 2019
Eight mages presumed dead…
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.
Devil’s Gambit is the third book in the Kat Drummond Series, an action-packed urban fantasy for readers who like their main characters bad-ass, and their world filled with danger and mystery.
This is the 3rd Kat Drummond story and these just keep getting better each time somehow.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that was just so engaging from the start.
I love the well fleshed out characters and the interactions they all have.
Wonderful world building adds such good depth to these stories in the series.
Can't wait for more to come!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
My name is Kat Drummond, and I’m a Part-Time Monster Hunter.
Devil’s Gambit is the third book in the Kat Drummond Series, an action-packed urban fantasy for readers who like their main characters bad-ass, and their world filled with danger and mystery.
This is the 3rd Kat Drummond story and these just keep getting better each time somehow.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that was just so engaging from the start.
I love the well fleshed out characters and the interactions they all have.
Wonderful world building adds such good depth to these stories in the series.
Can't wait for more to come!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 14, 2020
The previous two books introduced us to a kick-a$$ monster hunter with some serious moves who isn't afraid to get dirty. She's tough, she's resilient, she's smart.
This book introduces more of her psyche. It feels a bit like a transition book in the series - the previous books were setting the stage, introducing the players, and now the overarching plot that has been hinted at is really starting to reveal itself.
There are some powerful factions at play in this story, but there isn't a clear cut good guys vs bad guys. Life is rarely that clear cut and this book reflects the nuances of various characters motivations well.
This is a series that just keeps getting better. Strong writing, compelling characters and situations. While each book is episodic and contains a full story arc (no cliff hangers!) the series was conceptualized as a whole and is best appreciated read in order as the characters do mature and the overarching story line builds from book to book.
This book introduces more of her psyche. It feels a bit like a transition book in the series - the previous books were setting the stage, introducing the players, and now the overarching plot that has been hinted at is really starting to reveal itself.
There are some powerful factions at play in this story, but there isn't a clear cut good guys vs bad guys. Life is rarely that clear cut and this book reflects the nuances of various characters motivations well.
This is a series that just keeps getting better. Strong writing, compelling characters and situations. While each book is episodic and contains a full story arc (no cliff hangers!) the series was conceptualized as a whole and is best appreciated read in order as the characters do mature and the overarching story line builds from book to book.
November 19, 2019
Devil's Gambit is the 3rd installment of Woode-Smith's Kat Drummond saga and it continues Kat's journey beyond the ongoing drama with the necromancer and onto an even more menacing foe. This time an archdemon is involved and the consequences are huge. The reader sees Kat acquire new and fantastic gear, build on the support of friends, and explore how yet again her past is connected in strange ways to her present fight. One of my favorite elements is definitely the ongoing development of Kat and Treth's relationship. They grow even closer during this story and I love the way it manifests
December 3, 2019
This series just keeps getting better and better. Kat Drummond is a monster hunter. Well, most of the time she's a uni student, then a part-time monster hunter. This time she is hired more as a detective - a role in which she is not comfortable. However, the job is important - and it pays well. Titan mages are going missing - presumed dead. The blood left behind points to this, but Kat knows that this is not necessarily so. Her investigating puts her in contention with all sorts of adversaries, but she just has to find out who is really pulling the strings.
December 3, 2019
What can you say about a series that just keeps getting better the longer it runs other than do yourself a favour and get started on it! This is a more cerebral read than the first two books but that in no way detracts from the terrifying adversary Kat faces this time around. It spends some time exploring Kat's background and beliefs and her relationships as well. The world building on this is just - just wow the depth and care taken on this ever expanding world leaves me in awe.
December 2, 2019
Kat's not a detective. Sure . . . shekeeps saying that. Then she goes and does lots of detective stuff. She might not think she's a detective, but she's getting pretty good at sleuthing. Now she gets to figure out who's killing off the mages protecting the city (and the world). For everybody's sake, let's hope she's successful.
October 8, 2019
I am obviously biased.
January 16, 2021
Great series
I really do love this series so far. It is always a treat to see characters progress and flesh out.
I really do love this series so far. It is always a treat to see characters progress and flesh out.
February 19, 2020
Third book of the series and it does not stop getting better. Action from the start. Kat is a monster hunter that can kick some serious buns. She is smart and tough. She has to figure out who is killing the mages that protects the city. Will she figure out who? I really enjoyed this excellent read and most of all Kat and Treth's relationship.
February 12, 2020
Demons, Action, Adventure, Romance, Intrigue and Twists! Kat is working and learning out of her comfort zone and we learn more back story on her and her "hitchhiker." She takes on jobs that are out of her expertise. She tries her hand at some sleuthing. She still jumps in first and then thinks, but she's also thinking before she needs to jump. A great addition to the series. I start the next one tonight!
December 8, 2019
Kat makes a deal with the devil
Kat is likable. Even some of the bad guys like her. She is young and smart. She is willing to kill to save others. Kat spends her spare time learning even outside of her college classes. She is constantly trying to make herself better. She has some special talents that are hidden even from herself. She gets a cool coat as a birthday gift and it also has some hidden talents. In this book, we learn more about the past of several of the different characters in the series. Kat is learning more of detective work and to use different types of equipment to kill monsters. In each book, we learn a bit more about Cape Hope and the surrounding area. There is a lot of action and suspense. The antagonist was unexpected. This author does a great job at world building. There are a lot of twists and This is a wonderful book that was hard to put down. I recommend it.
Kat is likable. Even some of the bad guys like her. She is young and smart. She is willing to kill to save others. Kat spends her spare time learning even outside of her college classes. She is constantly trying to make herself better. She has some special talents that are hidden even from herself. She gets a cool coat as a birthday gift and it also has some hidden talents. In this book, we learn more about the past of several of the different characters in the series. Kat is learning more of detective work and to use different types of equipment to kill monsters. In each book, we learn a bit more about Cape Hope and the surrounding area. There is a lot of action and suspense. The antagonist was unexpected. This author does a great job at world building. There are a lot of twists and This is a wonderful book that was hard to put down. I recommend it.
December 27, 2019
Good Gracious Kat, what are you doing?
Kat is stepping out of her comfort zone in an attempt to find why the Mages of the Titan Citadel are disappearing. Unfortunately, this detective work brings her in contact with her greatest foes to date, and she has no answers how to kill them. Of course, with Kat it's not all work and no play. A "like" interest (not Love yet) has come into her circle of friends. And, for the first time, Kat actually sees Treth, the voice inside her head, right before her death...or not.
This is one of the best series that I have ever read. Action, magic, killing "monsters", friends, partying, college...yeah, and the beat goes on.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review doesn't even do it justice. Suffice it to say, you will get a kick out of the entire series!!
Kat is stepping out of her comfort zone in an attempt to find why the Mages of the Titan Citadel are disappearing. Unfortunately, this detective work brings her in contact with her greatest foes to date, and she has no answers how to kill them. Of course, with Kat it's not all work and no play. A "like" interest (not Love yet) has come into her circle of friends. And, for the first time, Kat actually sees Treth, the voice inside her head, right before her death...or not.
This is one of the best series that I have ever read. Action, magic, killing "monsters", friends, partying, college...yeah, and the beat goes on.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review doesn't even do it justice. Suffice it to say, you will get a kick out of the entire series!!
January 27, 2020
Omg I just can't get enough of this bad@$$ monster hunter and her friends!! There's a sassy, powerful new enemy in this one who is so enjoyable it's almost hard to consider him a bad guy at all! Really love this series so much! So well written and thought out! Amazing storyline! Never makes me want tor anything more than the next book, always answers any questions it brings up and never leaves loose ends! You Must go read this if you like bad@$$ female main characters and you like monsters getting their @$$e$ kicked!!!
October 21, 2019
The third book in the Kat Drummond series, Devil’s Gambit is an incredible instalment in this amazing collection. This novel does get a little darker than the others as we learn more about Kat and her sidekick, Treth. I did like a certain new nameless character in this novel that I do hope to see in future books. If you enjoy urban fantasy, this page-turner is for you. I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
Wow, wow and wow again. I cannot tell you the raptures i am in when I read this series. It’s everything I like in urban fantasy and more besides. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this one, has to be the best so far. Cannot wait for the next one. Apologies if I sound highly biased but that’s how it is I’m afraid. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2019
Another great addition to this series. Kat, after recovering from her ordeal with the vampire cartel, has been given another extremely dangerous case and now the hunter has become the hunted. This action- packed supernatural thriller will have you on the edge of your seat. I was thoroughly hooked on its killer suspense, mystery, and twists. This book is definitely worth giving a read.
November 25, 2019
In this third book it is fast paced and full of action and adventure. We learn someback story as to the characters. Our heroine has her powers but hasn’t got to control them yet as they fight. This is a wonderful storyline and great characters. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 8, 2019
Kat’s back & probably going through hell !
The part time monster hunter is back- older, not necessarily wiser but full of vim, vigour n snark
Mages are missing and it’s up to Kat, assisted by Treth n her friends to sort it out
This book explores deeper into Kat’s past and brings new dangers
This is the best Monster Hunter to date
The part time monster hunter is back- older, not necessarily wiser but full of vim, vigour n snark
Mages are missing and it’s up to Kat, assisted by Treth n her friends to sort it out
This book explores deeper into Kat’s past and brings new dangers
This is the best Monster Hunter to date
October 12, 2019
This, the third book in the Kat Drummond series, explains so much more of the how, and why Kat is the way she is, growing, and filling out her character in new, amazing ways. I can't wait to read book 4.
September 3, 2021
In Devil's Gambit, book 3 of the Kat Drummond series, Kat continues to grow and we learning much more about her backstory as well as those of several other characters. Kat again shows some extraordinary power, but still doesn't understand it or really have control. There are some interesting new characters, some good, some bad, and some undetermined. Kat is still showing doubts about her abilities beyond just stabbing, but hopefully moving past that. Also, she's developing some relationships and interested to see how that goes. Overall, a very good book and looking forward to the next in the series.
June 2, 2024
Eight mages presumed dead…
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
This series keeps you hooked! I enjoy the characters and their quirks.
So what? It’s Hope City! People get killed all the time in this monster-infested dump I call my home. Problem is: these aren’t any old mages.
They’re the mages that keep the Titan Under the Mountain asleep. And if more go missing, then what will happen to my city? To the world?
I’m not a detective. I slay monsters. I don’t find people. But if tracking down these mages will keep my city safe, then I’ll search every corner of this ever-darkening abyss. And if necessary, stare down the fires of hell.
This series keeps you hooked! I enjoy the characters and their quirks.
April 6, 2025
Another wonderful, action-packed read and a fantastic continuation of this series. I particularly enjoyed the theological considerations, that were so intricately embedded in the plot and which were very enlightening when considered from Kat’s perspective. I also appreciate how the author keeps using legends from the area as key aspects in each story. I was actually familiar with the legend of the smoking contest between the devil and a human that is said to cause the clouds over Table Mountain, and having that story integral to this novel was brilliant. Absolutely love it and can’t wait to see what Kat gets up to in the next volume.
September 11, 2021
Another Kat Drummond book and it starts off the usual way with Kat killing another monster. But then, she's hired to find the monster that's supposedly killed 8 Titan mages that help keep a primordial titan sleeping. During her investigation, she encounters an archdemon that she is able to defeat in a wager but then has to deal with void-creepers who are after her because she's been cursed with her blood and true name. Not as much action but it has a good plot and supporting character development. Kat also begins to develop her detective skills making her even more interesting character.
July 1, 2025
I think I would give this one 3.5 stars. Not "meh" but not as good as the first two books.
It does show what can happen when someone expects the apocalypse and when it comes and it isnt what they expected, what can happen. I thought that interesting.
A bunch of mages have gone missing. And these mages are helping to keep the Titan under the earth from waking. Its a constant threat. So Kat has to find out what happened to them.
The weird thing is that the audiobook has a lot of distortion, like the mic cable was loose or going bad. It was annoying.
It does show what can happen when someone expects the apocalypse and when it comes and it isnt what they expected, what can happen. I thought that interesting.
A bunch of mages have gone missing. And these mages are helping to keep the Titan under the earth from waking. Its a constant threat. So Kat has to find out what happened to them.
The weird thing is that the audiobook has a lot of distortion, like the mic cable was loose or going bad. It was annoying.
July 12, 2020
Kat has leveled up. First, zombies and other shambling undead, then vampires. Now she's face to face with a demon and other creatures from the in between.
Another fun, adventurous tale of our 19, uh 20 year old college student facing against forces of darkness. We learn more about her backstory in this book. I have enjoyed the series immensely to this point and Devil's Gambit was the best one yet
Another fun, adventurous tale of our 19, uh 20 year old college student facing against forces of darkness. We learn more about her backstory in this book. I have enjoyed the series immensely to this point and Devil's Gambit was the best one yet
September 23, 2021
The third book in the Kat Drummond series Devils Gambit just keeps getting better with each new book.
Kat is still a force of nature with her desire to force her will and inner strength to carry her ever forward.
The new powers Kat exhibited in the second book are fasinating and I am eager to see more. The characters are still growing and becoming more complex. And I truly enjoy the world-building. The twists and turns keep me turning pages.
Great series!
Kat is still a force of nature with her desire to force her will and inner strength to carry her ever forward.
The new powers Kat exhibited in the second book are fasinating and I am eager to see more. The characters are still growing and becoming more complex. And I truly enjoy the world-building. The twists and turns keep me turning pages.
Great series!
April 15, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love how Kat has evolved from just hunting zombies. Anything she considers a monster (even human monsters!). In this book, she gets to go up against an archdemon and has to find the summoner. Even when it looks like she has closed the case, she does not give up. I could not put this book down!
October 5, 2021
Philosophy meets action in an adventure to see how is Kat going to survive this.
Action packed, funny, entertaining, full of suspense, full of surprises with multiple highlights and a finale that leaves an expectation of what is to come in the next book.
I received an advanced readers copy and decided to review it.
Action packed, funny, entertaining, full of suspense, full of surprises with multiple highlights and a finale that leaves an expectation of what is to come in the next book.
I received an advanced readers copy and decided to review it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews