Dig Two Graves

Bounty Hunter #2

by Rachel Aukes

There are only two rules for being a bounty hunter. One, get paid, and two, never make it personal. Joe Ballast isn't very good at either.
 
When Roderick Sloan tries to kill one of Joe Ballast’s friends, he must go deep undercover to infiltrate the corrupt administrator’s ranks of murderous henchmen to get close enough to take down Sloan for good. The only problem with that plan is two hundred soldiers stand between Joe and his target.
 
Daring heroics and courage are needed if Joe is to survive the treachery and dangerous secrets waiting for him in the fight to save Clearwater.
 
Start reading now to join the ongoing story of Havoc Joe Ballast, gunfighter of Earth's wastelands.  

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Action, Fantasy

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2020

About the author

Rachel Aukes is the bestselling author of over forty books, including 100 Days in Deadland, which made Suspense Magazine’s Best of the Year list. She writes in a number of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, and more. Her series includes Waymaker Wars, Space Troopers, Flight of the Javelin, Fringe, Deadland Saga, Colliding Worlds, and Guardians of the Seven Seals. Her novels have repeatedly been Amazon Top 100 bestsellers and #1 bestsellers in Horror, Post-Apocalyptic, Space Fleet, Space Marine, Galactic Empire, Colonization, Alien Invasion, and Cyberpunk. When not writing, Rachel can be found flying old airplanes with an incredibly spoiled dog over the Iowa countryside.

Reviews

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are only two rules for being a bounty hunter. One, get paid, Two, never make it personal.”
Brilliant and heart pounding, terrifying and exciting, this premise is extraordinary! An unputdownable, edge of seat, nail biting, original and gripping storyline. The map attached of the wastelands is very helpful and indicative. Tragic, brave, and so very human, filled with heinous crimes , in an uncaring, corrupt and intermittently violent world..very realistic with wonderful characters, even the villains bring out the worst emotions, to despise them even, so cruel, frightening and intimidating they are. It has a perfect flow, fast read and action full, with surprising twists and unsuspecting and unsettling scenarios. I’m impatient to know the out outcome, the ending is so impressive! It's always a fascinating and worthwhile surprise to see what Rachel Aukes comes up with next. I highly recommend this series, without a doubt! Awaiting with excitement the next installment, Nothing to Nobody #3.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A somehow light hearted post apocalypse novel.

It starts with a guy sneaking into a building to steal back his friend's sword and shield. He gets caught, and the two find themselves on the run for their lives.

After a narrow escape, the bounty hunter is called to rescue a sheriff's town from a greedy bureaucrat. The bad guy's got tanks.

Not too bad. Could be an 80's Italian movie.

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Rachel Aukes plunges the reader immediately into the action in this second book of her Bounty Hunter series. After the first action segment settles down a bit the recap of some of what went on in the first book of the series commences. Both books have been almost wall-to-wall action but these characters are the kind you would either whistle for or boo at if you watched this as a movie; their roles are very clearly defined. These good guys are characters I like so some of the hugely improbable things they can do are just accepted by me with a shoulder shrug. After all, this is escapist entertainment and we can all use that during these troubled times.

Our Bounty Hunter Joe Ballast (name on his exoshield - Havoc) is the logical one to find a way to infiltrate the ranch of their enemy to find out what's up with the tanks arriving from the Monuments Republic Command. Has the MRC joined forces with Roderick Sloan? Because it so, that's real bad news for everybody concerned.

I enjoyed reading this book in the series and am glad to see that the third book is already available. Thank you to NetGalley and Waypoint Books for an e-galley of this novel.

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve listened to the two first books now and I’m not sure why it’s called Bounty Hunter. It’s just a occupation the mc and some of his friends have and some words used at times. Could have called the books Gone Postal, changed the occupation to mail delivery in the same post fallout shelter world. The sheriff could have blackmailed the postal worker to do the right thing in the same way and the books would have been the same.
Except people could have said “you’ve got mail” before killing someone.

All in all a ok story, but I would have liked to see more bounty hunting instead of fight for what’s right.

[Carien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action continues in this second book in the Bounty Hunter series.

Havoc/Joe might be a questionable guy at times, but when you come after his friends: he's coming for you.

I loved seeing more of him and his friends in this book. Especially T-Rex is a favorite of mine: he's no nonsense and gets stuff done!

The world building is great and helps set the mood for this post apocalyptic adventure perfectly.

All in all a great action-packed story. I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Henri Moreaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided this book by the author free of charge for reviewing purposes.

Bounty Hunter: Dig Two Graves is a light yet fast paced and entertaining novel, it's a relatively quick read that once started is rather hard to put down. Set in a war torn post apocalyptic/dystopian world it very much evokes mental imagery of the Rage game series in terms of the barren wasteland is it set in.

This is the second book in the series following on from Bounty Hunter: Lone Gunfighter of the Wastelands. Whilst the feeling of the book has changed a little from roaming western to a more conflict oriented novel with the focus being friction between Joe "Havoc" Ballast and his cohorts, the remaining Sloan and the mysterious Zenith. This change definitely suits the development of the story line and the change was a subtle drift as Joe & Kit encounter a rather large, mountain sized obstacle, before being roped into assisting the Sheriff with her problems.

If you enjoyed the first you'll definitely enjoy this as the characters and conflict develop. If you haven't read the first I would recommend starting with it so you have a good background of all the characters and the setting, however it would be possible to jump in here as there is a reasonable amount of back grounding provided that also helps jog the memory for those who read the first a awhile ago.

An enjoyable post apocalyptic wasteland romp.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The terrific tale of the trio Havoc, Turbo, and Sheriff Vale continues - or is it the ferocious foursome when you include T-Rex and his impeccable command of the English language? Anyway, Havoc's adventures continue true to form as his name states where plans are just that, plans. Turbo now lives up to his name with his unwillingness to stay down, not just living up to the fixing cutters rep. Val Vane's past comes a calling with interesting consequences. And T-Rex providing his outstanding comic relief while getting things done - or the things he considers important getting done. Another fun romp in the Wastelands!

As an aside - I would guess Mycroft appreciates the nod to Mr. Heinlein.

I was provided with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Asiaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bounty Hunter Dig two graves still has an old west flavor to it. There are the blasters and drones that give the book a tech feel but the main theme is much more battle oriented between 2 forces.
Rachel is an excellent writer that keeps you involved in the book right up to the end. Nothing fancy, just good writing skills. I love her work, as it keeps me wondering what will happen next. I could not out guess what was going to happen next.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dig Two Graves by Rachel Aukes
Bounty Hunter #2

Action-packed rip-snorting adventure from beginning to end – this story picked up where book one left off and had me eagerly reading page after page to find out what would happen next. I needed this escape today – an escape into an imaginary world so well described that I felt I was there. That said, it is such a world NOBODY would want to find themselves in!

What I liked:
* Joe Ballast – HAVOC – is a Bounty Hunter called on to assist friends and help get rid of an evil man.
* Kit Argall – TURBO – another Bounty Hunter and friend of Joe and Kit.
* Rex Orlov – T-Rex – another Bounty Hunter and friend of Kit and Joe
* Sheriff Val Vane – a tough cookie sheriff who seeks vengeance against Roderick Sloane
* Sara, Nick, Romy and their pooch – like family to Joe
* Arthur “Artie” Law – an intriguing man that plays knight to Sara and her family
* Scorpion – a hacker that will no doubt show up in future books of the series
* The plot, pace, story, and the way it all was written
* The world this series takes place in – dystopian and bleak in so many ways
* The camaraderie of the three men and Val
* That at least one baddie bit the dust

What I did not like:
* Those in power using their power without regard for those they had power over
* Roderick Sloan – a vile amoral ruthless man with love for wealth
* Renzo – a Zenith commander without a soul
* Zenith & MRC – two powerful enemies with little regard for the humans/peons they have power over
* Reading the last page and knowing I have to wait to find out what happens next.

Thank you to the NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Lisa Omstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great follow-up to the first story in this series and a wonderful way to spend self-quarantine time during this pandemic. I absolutely LOVE the banter between the main characters (Joe, Rex, Kit, Val). Rachel Aukes does an outstanding job of world building in this post-apocalyptic tale. Some new and merciless characters are introduced and I’m eager to find out what their true end game is going to be.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book.

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great series. Don’t miss out.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our two favorite bounty hunters and their assorted friends are back for another adventure. This time, Val, the ex-sheriff of Clearwater, talks Joe into helping her with her scheme to kill Roderick Sloan. Hence the title. However, there is so much that she has hidden from everyone.
Again, this has everything you'd find in any good Western with a few modern touches--like tanks!

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Another entertaining installment that follows the life of Joe in the irradiated wastelands. There seems to be a nod to Harlan Ellison's "Vic Blood" albeit with a more anthropomorphic angle.

All of the supporting characters are well built due to the POV shifts throughout the story. Too short a novel for a five star rating.

Rating: 4.4/5

[Courtney ✌ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book! Very fun vibes in this series and I really like the characters. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book ✌🏻

[Nigel Frankcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series..

I don’t ordinarily enjoy dystopian sci-fi but I’m making an exception for RA. This instalment zips along, continuing the intriguing tale of Zenith, the MRC and everyone else caught up in their power play.

This is well worth a read - an excellent story told well.

[Donna Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. My review is strictly voluntary.**

This book was one big adrenaline rush. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, there are two factions gearing for war, with a ragtag group of bounty hunters caught in the middle. This is the second book in this outstanding series, and as I've read each one, I feel that the world building and character development only get better and better. In a genre that has been overwhelmed of late, this book and series stands out above the rest. You don't get a comprehensive overview of how the world came to be the way it is, but the author provides enough clues and hints throughout the dialogue, that you're able to piece it together along the way. But what really stands out is the nonstop action. From the word go, you just fly through one adrenaline-fueled scene to the next. I love that a lot of the chapters end on a humorous or cliff-hanging note, pulling you in to read just a little bit more. I'm really glad I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, otherwise, I might have overlooked this little gem of a series.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Dig Two Graves was a fun book to read. The bounty hunter in a western setting does remind you of The Mandalorian. I thought the story moved at a good pace and I did not find myself bored or losing interest. I found the ending to be satisfying while still setting up the next book.

If you are looking for a fun, lighthearted adventure then I would gladly recommend this book.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book and getting better

I liked the first book and I feel the second is getting even better and building on the first. Plenty of action and the main characters are developing nicely. Hard to put down and I really wanted to finish it. Hopefully the third keeps things rolling and the world and characters good bad and ugly continue to grow and expand.

[DB in Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aukes' Bounty Hunter series is set in a dystopian world where mankind had to live underground and is now out and about. Not usually my cuppa, but this isn't about that - it's more like bounty hunters and a western and alt fic all rolled into one. Really enjoyed the characters. I read Dig Two Graves - 2nd in Bounty Hunter series - first and it is easy to read as a stand-alone if you haven't read Lone Gunfighter... Solid 4 stars out of 5.


I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa (HeartwyldsLibrary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me, but who who gave you the right to scare me like that with Kit?!?! My world felt like it ended, I didn’t even know I loved this man as much as I do.

Are you angry with Kit?! Has he upset you in some way? Because this man needs a very long vacation. What must I do to ensure I can keep him in my life?

Alright seriously, I am loving this series. There was so much action in this and so many moments when I really thought, “Yup this is the last time I will ever see this character”

The banter between the men was definitely better this go around, it didn’t feel like 15 yr old boys bantering, and we had a curse word actually thrown in haha, (I still stand by my original plea of having Rex be more foul) but I do love Rex as he is, so I’m gonna get over that. His continued nonchalant attitude is perfect and I am still waiting to know more of his history, so hopefully I’ll get it at some point.

The plot is actually starting to evolve and change and It’s such a smooth transition, a lot of times when the plots move from one theme to another it can be very disjointed but it’s handled really well in this series and I am actually even more interested then I was before. A new villian wasn’t just randomly thrown in, it was all meticulously thought out and it made the change almost invisible.

This Renzo man is an interesting villain and I am very curious as to how this is going to pan out for everyone involved. I am also wary of Artie Law and while I love Sara, I am worried about her choices she makes some times.

What really helped this book was the action, there was always something going on, very little lulls in the story telling and it just keeps you wanting more. The characters are so well developed and so fun.

I am looking forward to diving into book 3.

I hope Kit gets some rest time!

[K. Counihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Fast-paced read

Joe Ballast the Bounty Hunter and his rag tag band of misfits are back in this fast-paced adventure in the wastelands. This is a fast action packed read with a good group of characters that play good together within the story world.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was, admittedly, a bit ambivalent toward this book after reading the first in the series. However, the story has grown on me a bit. I still have some problems with the timelines but this story was even more action based than the last one.
The characters are straight forward, and fairly unambiguous their motivations and behaviors. This makes the book great for light, escapist reading.
It is a bit longer than a novella, and the next book is already out and ready to be read to continue the fun.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of this book.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story continued in this book and I was happy when the Sloan Brothers got theirs! There was no one more deserving. Now Joe, T-Rex, Kit and Val are after the Zenith Group, who were supposed to have been killed off, but weren't. At least not all of them. And, Zenith might be as bad or worse than the Sloan's.

No romance and no F-bombs, but still swearing.

As for the narration: I was the same as the last book; good voices bad reading emotions.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Digging this series

This really is one of the most different dystopian novels I've read. I really can't wait until the next one comes out. I really hooked. Well done Rachel, well done.

[Gail Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!!

Very very good book! Story takes up from right after the first book. The action was not as smooth as the first book, but all in all definitely a good read still have humor I still would recommend you keep going with the series.

[Anthony Philosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aukes second book in the series continues where the first left off. Normally the first book is the best, but that is not the case here. The characters continue their individual stories in this novel. I enjoyed it.

[Nico · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was entertaining, although I thought it moved a little quickly and could've used a bit more development. You did not need to read the first in the series to understand and enjoy this one.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel was just as much fun as the first one. That doesn't always happen. Another tight story. A bit of humor. More good character development. And left wide open for a sequel.

[NormaCenva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series continue to be absolutely amazing! I am loving it!