What do you think?
Rate this book
Metaframe War #1-3
A Subtle Agency Omnibus
Three Thrilling Dark Fantasy Action Adventures, A Subtle Agency, A Traitor's War, and The Dragon's Den in one volume.
Hunters and vampires are fighting a secret war for control of the fabric of reality. Whoever acquires mastery of the reality shifting powers of the Metaframe will become the new gods of the universe.
"Imagine if you could change the rules of the game, what rules would you choose?"
Witness to a brutal murder, 18 year old Anton Slayne is inducted by the mysterious Mr Wu into the secret society of vampire hunters, the Order of Thoth. He soon discovers that vicious local gangsters, determined Boston police detectives, and relentless Shadowstone operatives pale into insignificance as he is drawn into the machinations of the enigmatic vampire general, Chloe Armitage.
Thrust into a maelstrom of hidden conflicts, the truth is hard to find and trust all but non-existent. Anton must master a legacy of extraordinary powers or be swept aside by those who seek to shape all of reality to their dark desires. Will his new powers be enough to save the future? Or, will everything he loves be swept aside as if it had never existed?
"When mastery over your soul is at stake, survival is the least of your problems."
"Like Underworld on speed, it's got all the adrenaline and action-packing shots of entertainment you could want, wrapped up in a no-nonsense narrative." - Adam Smith, Cultured Vultures
Be prepared to be blown away by a high-octane, dark fantasy, action adventure thriller, that would be at home in a summer movie blockbuster.
Join the heroes of the Metaframe War, buy A Subtle Agency Omnibus now.
Hunters and vampires are fighting a secret war for control of the fabric of reality. Whoever acquires mastery of the reality shifting powers of the Metaframe will become the new gods of the universe.
"Imagine if you could change the rules of the game, what rules would you choose?"
Witness to a brutal murder, 18 year old Anton Slayne is inducted by the mysterious Mr Wu into the secret society of vampire hunters, the Order of Thoth. He soon discovers that vicious local gangsters, determined Boston police detectives, and relentless Shadowstone operatives pale into insignificance as he is drawn into the machinations of the enigmatic vampire general, Chloe Armitage.
Thrust into a maelstrom of hidden conflicts, the truth is hard to find and trust all but non-existent. Anton must master a legacy of extraordinary powers or be swept aside by those who seek to shape all of reality to their dark desires. Will his new powers be enough to save the future? Or, will everything he loves be swept aside as if it had never existed?
"When mastery over your soul is at stake, survival is the least of your problems."
"Like Underworld on speed, it's got all the adrenaline and action-packing shots of entertainment you could want, wrapped up in a no-nonsense narrative." - Adam Smith, Cultured Vultures
Be prepared to be blown away by a high-octane, dark fantasy, action adventure thriller, that would be at home in a summer movie blockbuster.
Join the heroes of the Metaframe War, buy A Subtle Agency Omnibus now.
666 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
114 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Graeme Rodaughan
17 books404 followersI have one rule: Deliver an immersive reading experience that will transport you from the everyday world into a realm of fantastic imagination - and leave you there until you're forced to come up for air...
I'm in love with character driven high-octane, action packed, thrilling stories with epic heroes and mighty villains. I want suspense, I want characters with depth who I really care what happens to them, and who I will both love and hate. I love fantasy and science fiction and I want both in the same story. I want pace, and more pace, and yet time for emotional intimacy and heart-rending scenes.
This is what I dedicate myself to writing - and why - because I love it.
P.s. I love villains that matter and I loathe poorly drawn villains. I also hate gloat speeches, deus ex machinas, and evil conflated with madness...
If I DNF a book, I normally do not rate it - unless there is an egregious issue with the story. My review ratings are as follows.
5 stars: A book I love enough that I'd happily read it again. It may have some issues, but they weren't enough to disturb my enjoyment.
4 stars: Enjoyed it, but may never read it again.
3 stars: Just made it through, probably considered DNF'ing it more than once.
2 stars: A rare rating. I read this book, it has some very serious flaws and I recommend not reading it.
1 star: Hated this book. This book is garbage and would look good in a dystopian dumpster fire.
Of special note, for authors I know - If I read your book, I will do so silently and in private. If I have something good to say about it, I will add it to my shelves and publish a rating/review. Otherwise, I will remain silent. Also, I won't read your book just because you read one of mine and liked it. I.e. I don't do reciprocal reviews. They create a sense of obligation (a conflict of interest) that interferes with honest and authentic reviews. So, please do not ask me for a reciprocal review.
I'm in love with character driven high-octane, action packed, thrilling stories with epic heroes and mighty villains. I want suspense, I want characters with depth who I really care what happens to them, and who I will both love and hate. I love fantasy and science fiction and I want both in the same story. I want pace, and more pace, and yet time for emotional intimacy and heart-rending scenes.
This is what I dedicate myself to writing - and why - because I love it.
P.s. I love villains that matter and I loathe poorly drawn villains. I also hate gloat speeches, deus ex machinas, and evil conflated with madness...
If I DNF a book, I normally do not rate it - unless there is an egregious issue with the story. My review ratings are as follows.
5 stars: A book I love enough that I'd happily read it again. It may have some issues, but they weren't enough to disturb my enjoyment.
4 stars: Enjoyed it, but may never read it again.
3 stars: Just made it through, probably considered DNF'ing it more than once.
2 stars: A rare rating. I read this book, it has some very serious flaws and I recommend not reading it.
1 star: Hated this book. This book is garbage and would look good in a dystopian dumpster fire.
Of special note, for authors I know - If I read your book, I will do so silently and in private. If I have something good to say about it, I will add it to my shelves and publish a rating/review. Otherwise, I will remain silent. Also, I won't read your book just because you read one of mine and liked it. I.e. I don't do reciprocal reviews. They create a sense of obligation (a conflict of interest) that interferes with honest and authentic reviews. So, please do not ask me for a reciprocal review.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 6, 2020
Thank you, G 😊 Buddy read with Horror Aficionados
This was a wild ride. It seemed like it was non stop action in one form or another with different organizations fighting one another.
And Chloe, she’s a villain you love to hate and hate to love!!
This omnibus is the first three books and there are currently two more books in the series. All of the books are on kindle unlimited as well!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
This was a wild ride. It seemed like it was non stop action in one form or another with different organizations fighting one another.
And Chloe, she’s a villain you love to hate and hate to love!!
This omnibus is the first three books and there are currently two more books in the series. All of the books are on kindle unlimited as well!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 6, 2021
ACTION GALORE ABOUNDS WITHIN THESE PAGES
The Metaframe War a/k/a Vampire War starts off with 18 year old Anton Slayne witnessing the brutal murder of his parents by vampires. His shock at knowing that such creatures do exist sends his mind reeling with unbelief. While he tries to come to terms with vampires being real he doesn't understand why they left him alive. He escapes into the night and ends up with friends that knew his parents.
Thus begins his training of learning how to fight vampires and what he will have to endure to eventually take out his revenge on the ones that killed his parents.
Lots of supporting characters and villains' are within these pages along with all kinds of factions/organizations, weapons, military vehicles, high tech gadgets, and explosions. This omnibus is just teeming with action galore from beginning to end and will make the reader think they are trapped inside of an action movie!
Here is a taste of what I am talking about when I say "action".
Sword fighting action:
Weapons firing:
Fast paced book with no slowing down with high emotional impact and upheaval throughout most of the book.
All the characters are easy to get attached to including the villains'. There is a lot of love/hate emotions running rampant through the whole book and it is very hard to put down! Corruption, deception, secrets, mystery, assassins, and vicious vampires rocks through this whole book to the core!
This book kept me awake almost every night as I was reading it as when reading this series there is sleep deprivation as who can sleep when there is so much action going on!
My heart pounds, my fingers are trying to turn pages as the action intensifies and with all that going on I have to eat, so I keep munchies by my bed so I can snack while reading!
Giving this omnibus five "action packed" stars as I munched my way through one box of Oreo cookies! I kid you not! One freaking box of Oreos is gone! I am continuing on with a reread of the rest of the series and I guess I better go buy some more Oreos as I know I will be needing them! :)
Highly recommend to all urban fantasy/dark fantasy readers!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
The Metaframe War a/k/a Vampire War starts off with 18 year old Anton Slayne witnessing the brutal murder of his parents by vampires. His shock at knowing that such creatures do exist sends his mind reeling with unbelief. While he tries to come to terms with vampires being real he doesn't understand why they left him alive. He escapes into the night and ends up with friends that knew his parents.
Thus begins his training of learning how to fight vampires and what he will have to endure to eventually take out his revenge on the ones that killed his parents.
Lots of supporting characters and villains' are within these pages along with all kinds of factions/organizations, weapons, military vehicles, high tech gadgets, and explosions. This omnibus is just teeming with action galore from beginning to end and will make the reader think they are trapped inside of an action movie!
Here is a taste of what I am talking about when I say "action".
Sword fighting action:
Weapons firing:
Fast paced book with no slowing down with high emotional impact and upheaval throughout most of the book.
All the characters are easy to get attached to including the villains'. There is a lot of love/hate emotions running rampant through the whole book and it is very hard to put down! Corruption, deception, secrets, mystery, assassins, and vicious vampires rocks through this whole book to the core!
This book kept me awake almost every night as I was reading it as when reading this series there is sleep deprivation as who can sleep when there is so much action going on!
My heart pounds, my fingers are trying to turn pages as the action intensifies and with all that going on I have to eat, so I keep munchies by my bed so I can snack while reading!
Giving this omnibus five "action packed" stars as I munched my way through one box of Oreo cookies! I kid you not! One freaking box of Oreos is gone! I am continuing on with a reread of the rest of the series and I guess I better go buy some more Oreos as I know I will be needing them! :)
Highly recommend to all urban fantasy/dark fantasy readers!
For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
Read
January 24, 2024Interdimensional Scandal! Fictional Characters Submit Theses! "In an amazing twist of hyper-spatial temporal anachronism, the following comments and reviews have been submitted for inclusion by a number of interested parties...."
(Purring) "I loved it. Chloe Armitage is my favorite character. She could darken the door of my crypt any night of the millennium." - Carmilla Karnstein
(Thumps dining table) "This should all have been left in the dark shadows!" - Barnabas Collins
(Scratches on a 1st story bedroom window) "Let me in to read this book. Let me in ... please let me in!" - Danny Glick
(Arches eyebrow knowingly) "What, Danny said." - Eli
(Twists hands in front of chest and sneers coldly) "Honestly, it left me cold. Frankly, it could've used a helluva lot more cosmic horror. Count me disappointed!" - Kurt Barlow
(Thrusts forefinger...) "Cornelius Crane is king of the vampires? My immortal arse he is!" - Count Dracula
(Whispers in medieval German) "Something ... blah, blah, ... something, gurg, blah ... " (stares dramatically, then scrapes unnaturally long fingernails along wall while prowling up a stair well) - Graf Orlock
(Spreads hands wide and shrugs) "What's with the machine guns? A wooden stake was all I needed back in the day." - Abraham Van Helsing
(Brushes fingers over the smooth hood of a black Chevy Camaro) "Ohhh, sweetheart, I loved the chase sequence through the English countryside, (spreads hands wide) and there wasn't a super-[INSERT F-BOMB]-powered Nun in sight!" - Luther Nixon
(Narrows eyes and places hand knowingly on sword handle) "I approve of this series and endorse it's telling." - Blade
(Whirls around within the shadows and arches an eyebrow quizzically) "Have I seen something like this before? I detect a subtle influence or two." - Nathaniel Cade
(Narrows eyes and places hands knowingly on automatic pistols) "I disapprove of this series - these facts should never have been revealed." - Selene
(Stepping back from newly applied bill poster) "We're offering a reward for the author's current whereabouts." - Shadowstone operative
(Uncanny reflection lurking in mirror) "One day soon, we will be free." - Thing trapped in a mirror [EDIT] Ignore this comment. The poor thing is talking about a different book entirely.
And there it is, everyone has an opinion. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out if any of them nailed it.
(Purring) "I loved it. Chloe Armitage is my favorite character. She could darken the door of my crypt any night of the millennium." - Carmilla Karnstein
(Thumps dining table) "This should all have been left in the dark shadows!" - Barnabas Collins
(Scratches on a 1st story bedroom window) "Let me in to read this book. Let me in ... please let me in!" - Danny Glick
(Arches eyebrow knowingly) "What, Danny said." - Eli
(Twists hands in front of chest and sneers coldly) "Honestly, it left me cold. Frankly, it could've used a helluva lot more cosmic horror. Count me disappointed!" - Kurt Barlow
(Thrusts forefinger...) "Cornelius Crane is king of the vampires? My immortal arse he is!" - Count Dracula
(Whispers in medieval German) "Something ... blah, blah, ... something, gurg, blah ... " (stares dramatically, then scrapes unnaturally long fingernails along wall while prowling up a stair well) - Graf Orlock
(Spreads hands wide and shrugs) "What's with the machine guns? A wooden stake was all I needed back in the day." - Abraham Van Helsing
(Brushes fingers over the smooth hood of a black Chevy Camaro) "Ohhh, sweetheart, I loved the chase sequence through the English countryside, (spreads hands wide) and there wasn't a super-[INSERT F-BOMB]-powered Nun in sight!" - Luther Nixon
(Narrows eyes and places hand knowingly on sword handle) "I approve of this series and endorse it's telling." - Blade
(Whirls around within the shadows and arches an eyebrow quizzically) "Have I seen something like this before? I detect a subtle influence or two." - Nathaniel Cade
(Narrows eyes and places hands knowingly on automatic pistols) "I disapprove of this series - these facts should never have been revealed." - Selene
(Stepping back from newly applied bill poster) "We're offering a reward for the author's current whereabouts." - Shadowstone operative
And there it is, everyone has an opinion. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out if any of them nailed it.
April 6, 2020
A Subtle Agency Omnibus by Graeme Rodaughan is a Goodreads pick for a buddy read. It is certainly full of action! I didn't know it was about vampires and powered up humans until I was trying to pick a book. The cover made me think it was a political intrigue book. It does have that too but with vampire politics! It has three books so it's pretty long and I started to get bored in places so I had to take breaks.
For the most part it was interesting and enjoyable.
For the most part it was interesting and enjoyable.
July 15, 2020
Three factions fighting to control the world, a teenager with a legacy of super powers, superheroes and supervillains equipped with the latest available technology and super weapons! This book is not a book. It’s an ACTION MOVIE!
Fight scenes galore, with an incredible attention to detail and awesome descriptions of moves and spilled blood that provide a downright amazing cinematic effect.
A plot within the plot and plan within the plan up to the point you expect all hell to break loose any moment. There are traitors at every corner and double games are played within each faction and you'll need to sort through all of it to find out the culprit. Not an easy task as Graeme's clues are misleading at times and so obvious at others that you have to wonder if you're being led by the nose.
The description of guns and technology this writer offers, blurs the line between fantasy and reality in such a subtle manner that you will have to wonder where reality ends and fantasy begins. The level of research on this particular subject, that the author has obviously done, is staggering.
And all of it combines with a natural dialogue and easy flowing writing style that practically makes the tale jump off the page.
It is so easy to picture a frustrated commander muttering:
"What the hell am I supposed to say, we just got our asses kicked by one man with a fucking flying frisbee?!"
or a young policeman fresh out of cadet school "clutching his cap tight to his head to stop the wash from two vehicles blowing it off."
Great characters, awesome action, a solid plot and a challenging mystery, this book has something for everyone!
It is truly a high-octane, dark fantasy, superhero action adventure thriller, that would be at home in a summer movie blockbuster.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Fight scenes galore, with an incredible attention to detail and awesome descriptions of moves and spilled blood that provide a downright amazing cinematic effect.
A plot within the plot and plan within the plan up to the point you expect all hell to break loose any moment. There are traitors at every corner and double games are played within each faction and you'll need to sort through all of it to find out the culprit. Not an easy task as Graeme's clues are misleading at times and so obvious at others that you have to wonder if you're being led by the nose.
The description of guns and technology this writer offers, blurs the line between fantasy and reality in such a subtle manner that you will have to wonder where reality ends and fantasy begins. The level of research on this particular subject, that the author has obviously done, is staggering.
And all of it combines with a natural dialogue and easy flowing writing style that practically makes the tale jump off the page.
It is so easy to picture a frustrated commander muttering:
"What the hell am I supposed to say, we just got our asses kicked by one man with a fucking flying frisbee?!"
or a young policeman fresh out of cadet school "clutching his cap tight to his head to stop the wash from two vehicles blowing it off."
Great characters, awesome action, a solid plot and a challenging mystery, this book has something for everyone!
It is truly a high-octane, dark fantasy, superhero action adventure thriller, that would be at home in a summer movie blockbuster.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
May 15, 2020
A Subtle Agency Omnibus' is kind of a misnomer! There is nothing subtle about the action, thrills and chills going on throughout these three novels! Graeme Rodaughan has written a dark-fantasy vampire war series with a lot of amazing futuristic military equipment involved and vicious battles between competing agencies. The omnibus includes the first three novels in the Metaframe series: 'A Subtle Agency', 'A Traitor's War' and 'The Dragon's Den'. Heroes fight to live another day - or not! Ancient powers are unleashed! It is a mystical Avengers movie with vampires and vampire slayers as the main characters.
Similar to many current science fiction and fantasy novels, the involved protagonists in the Metaframe universe are members of many clans and agencies (all are Earth-based - this is not a space opera). In the Metaframe universe, three agencies are struggling for dominance over the other groups, hoping to wipe out the members of whoever are the 'bad guys' in their worldview - The Vampire Dominion, The Order of Thoth, and The Red Empire. In addition, the three main agencies have created or aligned themselves with miltary mercenaries who are unaware they are basically acting as shell corporations shielding the true leadership which is directing their assignments. While top management of the secret agencies are feeding their minions filtered information designed for obfuscation of real motives, many of the leaders in the second layers of each agency's organization chart are also planting spies within each of the groups hoping for opportunities to take control from their putative commander-in-chief.
It isn't unusual anymore for fantasy/science-fiction novels to be intricately plotted with multiple layers of tricky politics, 'Houses' of loyal members and dependents, and secret alliances that are constantly changing and undermining each other (the Dune series was the first of this type of novel I encountered), but it is an acquired taste. Fortunately, these books usually include a 'Dramatis Personae' list or organization chart. 'A Subtle Agency' includes such a list for reference.
I think readers who love military-theme action thrillers, and vampire movies of course, would REALLY like Rodaughan's series! Every other scene is one of high-octane murderous battles! There is almost a seamless mixing up of real-world military action and dark fantasy magic. I can't see any reason graphic comic fans wouldn't enjoy this series alongside military action fans. A Game of Thrones fans should check it out, but keep in mind these books are modern military (guns, vehicles, jets) oriented, not a middle-ages technology fantasy. Fans of Patient Zero should ADORE the Metaframe world!
Similar to many current science fiction and fantasy novels, the involved protagonists in the Metaframe universe are members of many clans and agencies (all are Earth-based - this is not a space opera). In the Metaframe universe, three agencies are struggling for dominance over the other groups, hoping to wipe out the members of whoever are the 'bad guys' in their worldview - The Vampire Dominion, The Order of Thoth, and The Red Empire. In addition, the three main agencies have created or aligned themselves with miltary mercenaries who are unaware they are basically acting as shell corporations shielding the true leadership which is directing their assignments. While top management of the secret agencies are feeding their minions filtered information designed for obfuscation of real motives, many of the leaders in the second layers of each agency's organization chart are also planting spies within each of the groups hoping for opportunities to take control from their putative commander-in-chief.
It isn't unusual anymore for fantasy/science-fiction novels to be intricately plotted with multiple layers of tricky politics, 'Houses' of loyal members and dependents, and secret alliances that are constantly changing and undermining each other (the Dune series was the first of this type of novel I encountered), but it is an acquired taste. Fortunately, these books usually include a 'Dramatis Personae' list or organization chart. 'A Subtle Agency' includes such a list for reference.
I think readers who love military-theme action thrillers, and vampire movies of course, would REALLY like Rodaughan's series! Every other scene is one of high-octane murderous battles! There is almost a seamless mixing up of real-world military action and dark fantasy magic. I can't see any reason graphic comic fans wouldn't enjoy this series alongside military action fans. A Game of Thrones fans should check it out, but keep in mind these books are modern military (guns, vehicles, jets) oriented, not a middle-ages technology fantasy. Fans of Patient Zero should ADORE the Metaframe world!
June 17, 2020
A Subtle Agency Omnibus is an action packed thrill ride of a war between vampires and ramped up humans with the fate of reality hanging in the balance. The volume consists of the first three books in The Metaframe War by Graeme Rodaughan.
First up is A Subtle Agency. Anton Smith thinks he's just another regular teenager living in a Boston suburb with his parents. About to graduate high school with a scholarship to play Hockey, Anton has no way of knowing that vampires are real and that his parents are exiles from an ancient secret society of vampire hunters. Poor Anton. He really has no idea just how much trouble is headed his way or the pivotal role he's going to play in events to come. It was fun learning about the secret shadow world with Anton, as details about his family history start to come out (like the fact that their last name is actually Slayne) and the beginning of his Order training. - 3.5 Stars
The story continues with A Traitor's War, dealing with the fallout of events on the Boston docks. This installment is well titled. There is so much betrayal on all sides of what's turning into a highly complicated war. Plots within plots! Who is the Raven? Do they know they're just a pawn and being used by one of the other sides? There are so many splinters within each faction that it's easy to forget who is allied with who at any time. - 4 stars
The book concludes with The Dragon's Den. Hang on tight! This is one bullet filled action thrill ride from beginning to end with very little time to catch your breath. - 4.5 stars
The book wraps up the first story arc of the series. Overall it ends in a nice place with most loose ends tied up yet enough of a tease for what is go come. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. Going to average out all three scores and give the Omnibus 4 stars overall.
First up is A Subtle Agency. Anton Smith thinks he's just another regular teenager living in a Boston suburb with his parents. About to graduate high school with a scholarship to play Hockey, Anton has no way of knowing that vampires are real and that his parents are exiles from an ancient secret society of vampire hunters. Poor Anton. He really has no idea just how much trouble is headed his way or the pivotal role he's going to play in events to come. It was fun learning about the secret shadow world with Anton, as details about his family history start to come out (like the fact that their last name is actually Slayne) and the beginning of his Order training. - 3.5 Stars
The story continues with A Traitor's War, dealing with the fallout of events on the Boston docks. This installment is well titled. There is so much betrayal on all sides of what's turning into a highly complicated war. Plots within plots! Who is the Raven? Do they know they're just a pawn and being used by one of the other sides? There are so many splinters within each faction that it's easy to forget who is allied with who at any time. - 4 stars
The book concludes with The Dragon's Den. Hang on tight! This is one bullet filled action thrill ride from beginning to end with very little time to catch your breath. - 4.5 stars
The book wraps up the first story arc of the series. Overall it ends in a nice place with most loose ends tied up yet enough of a tease for what is go come. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. Going to average out all three scores and give the Omnibus 4 stars overall.
July 12, 2020
A Subtle Agency Omnibus is the collected first three books of Mr. Rodaughan's series. That series is ongoing and I understand it has five books presently and more in the works. That's good because it's really good stuff. I'm just going to add this review onto the dogpile of awesomeness that other reviews have probably said very convincingly.
Part Vampire, part Die-hard, part spy-intrigue, this hits almost all of the high points one could ask for. If you've read even one prior review, you know it has a lot of action. It does. It got to a point on a few occasions I was exhausted, like I was the one clinging to the top of a trailer or fighting for my life with a sword.
First and foremost, it's a good story. It has some intrigue and mystery, especially where you are trying to figure out who a spy is. It has multiple factions and groups with their own values and agendas. Even those within a group have sub-agendas. So lots there to make you think and that is never a bad thing.
It is imaginative and I really appreciate the world building woven in there. The organizations have some depth and feel realistic, such as in-fighing to a point where I wondering if one of the organizations (the one I think the reader is supposed to root for) has so much politicking it is a miracle it gets anything done because they can't seem to get out of their own way. But then the bullets start flying, knives and swords clash, and stuff's getting sorted out with fists and blood and anger.
The story is about, primarily, a young man who learns about these secret wars and the existence of vampires when his family is attacked. He learns stuff that even he didn't even know about in his past. He's reckless, which creates great dramatic tension and some suspense.
There really wasn't anything I didn't like. The chapters to me were a bit long and it could take a while to get through one. The other thing I didn't personally always find useful is the specific identification of a type of machine gun or rocket launcher, etc. Me, personally, it didn't mean much to say Character A shot his "type X submachine gun" and Character B shot back with a "type Y submachine gun." But these are really just stylistic and by NO means detracted from anything.
Part Vampire, part Die-hard, part spy-intrigue, this hits almost all of the high points one could ask for. If you've read even one prior review, you know it has a lot of action. It does. It got to a point on a few occasions I was exhausted, like I was the one clinging to the top of a trailer or fighting for my life with a sword.
First and foremost, it's a good story. It has some intrigue and mystery, especially where you are trying to figure out who a spy is. It has multiple factions and groups with their own values and agendas. Even those within a group have sub-agendas. So lots there to make you think and that is never a bad thing.
It is imaginative and I really appreciate the world building woven in there. The organizations have some depth and feel realistic, such as in-fighing to a point where I wondering if one of the organizations (the one I think the reader is supposed to root for) has so much politicking it is a miracle it gets anything done because they can't seem to get out of their own way. But then the bullets start flying, knives and swords clash, and stuff's getting sorted out with fists and blood and anger.
The story is about, primarily, a young man who learns about these secret wars and the existence of vampires when his family is attacked. He learns stuff that even he didn't even know about in his past. He's reckless, which creates great dramatic tension and some suspense.
There really wasn't anything I didn't like. The chapters to me were a bit long and it could take a while to get through one. The other thing I didn't personally always find useful is the specific identification of a type of machine gun or rocket launcher, etc. Me, personally, it didn't mean much to say Character A shot his "type X submachine gun" and Character B shot back with a "type Y submachine gun." But these are really just stylistic and by NO means detracted from anything.
July 20, 2020
This Omnibus, a combination of three novels, is quite a hefty paperback, in case you’re like me and prefer paper to e-reader. You will enjoy these novels if you have a taste for action, adventure, camaraderie, battle skills and tactics, and even love stories. The novels are set in the near future, so many things will be recognizable, but there are some interesting advanced weapons and technology that are not yet in use today. You’ll find some characters you like; some you admire; some you thoroughly dislike (many of whom meet their Karmic ends 😊) As for plotting, there’s a lot of it, as characters deceive, spy on, betray, attack, outmaneuver, and blackmail each other in order to win the upper hand. You never know when a character you’ve trusted will turn out to be a spy or when one you dislike will surprisingly save his rival’s life. So, no boredom here. Plenty of action, suspense, twists, turns, and fun. A good read!
Want to read
September 28, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2020)! 🎁
October 7, 2020
Awesome story
This books are worth reading! It is my second time reading them as when I was ready to start reading I didn’t remember to full story. So here I am a week later, ready to continue.
There are few small problems with the books, not worth more than half a star, therefore 5 stars it is.
The positive is
Very likable characters
Intricate plot
Great action
The negative
Sometimes too verbose
Unreasonable amount of destruction
Too unaware mundane world
I do like the author’s words of wisdom
I look forward for the next book.
Great job GR.
This books are worth reading! It is my second time reading them as when I was ready to start reading I didn’t remember to full story. So here I am a week later, ready to continue.
There are few small problems with the books, not worth more than half a star, therefore 5 stars it is.
The positive is
Very likable characters
Intricate plot
Great action
The negative
Sometimes too verbose
Unreasonable amount of destruction
Too unaware mundane world
I do like the author’s words of wisdom
I look forward for the next book.
Great job GR.
Want to read
July 19, 2021I haven't even started reading yet, but how is it 666 pages? That's my lucky number. I bet that took a lot of planning
July 11, 2025
Hunters & Vampires
Over the last couple. Decades I've grown a bit tired of Vampire stories, this series. Was a surprise. Fast paced with interesting protagonist & antagonist. Vamps win some, hunters win some, who will win the final round,,
,heck if I know...
Over the last couple. Decades I've grown a bit tired of Vampire stories, this series. Was a surprise. Fast paced with interesting protagonist & antagonist. Vamps win some, hunters win some, who will win the final round,,
,heck if I know...
March 17, 2021
Good read
Very exciting story line. Great characters and I appreciated the lack of foul language. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. Thank you.
Very exciting story line. Great characters and I appreciated the lack of foul language. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. Thank you.
December 8, 2021
Boring. Derivative. Written by a man who has not interacted with people outside of board game nights, so his world view is ultimately limited by his banal experience.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews