Perish

Jack Harper Trilogy #2

by L.C. Barlow, Emma Galvin (Reader)

Jack Harper is a dangerous woman, capable of death and resurrection. Raised and utilized by Cyrus, the leader of a mystical religion, she was once a fearless and brilliant weapon against all who blasphemed. Now, having destroyed Cyrus, Jack is free to be more. While starting anew, Jack begins receiving letters from children trapped in Infinitum who beg for rescue, and she soon discovers that Cyrus’s cult is alive and thriving, with tendrils branching across the world. One of these tendrils leads Jack to Patrick, a man who speaks of a contraption that “bleaches anything white.” Yet another tendril stretches beyond death, where the Builder and Jack’s brother, Alex, reside. Jack must now seek to permanently destroy the following she once escaped by fixing her sights on a higher target―the infamous demonic Builder, who once supplied Cyrus with overwhelming power. Potential aid arrives from an unusual source when Jack encounters Jonathon Roth and his kill-for-hire outfit. Combined, they hope to become an unstoppable force, but only the future will tell. Jack may be falling into her old acolyte ways, and Roth may have found in Jack the very thing that made Cyrus so powerful―his own magical being.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Supernatural

Audio CD

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

I am a traditionally published author (a three book deal with California Coldblood Books). Pivot, Perish, and Peak are the three novels of the Jack Harper Trilogy. Pivot was featured in Kirkus’ July 2021 issue, and Perish and Peak are Publishers Weekly editor’s picks. If you love thrillers, I recommend checking them out!



In addition, feel free to follow me on BookBub at: L.C. Barlow Books - BookBub as well as to peruse my Quora account or even email me at eternityinonehour@gmail.com

Cheers!

-Lindsey

Reviews

[Cameron Chaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty darn close to being every bit as good as the first book! I'll have a full video review up soon. Thanks to the author for sending me a download in exchange for an honest review!

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first book in this Trilogy, I was interested to see how the author continued Jack’s story. I must say she stepped it up a notch for this reader. Yes, the fear is still there, but this time, we the readers, get a better understanding of Jack. I enjoyed the more heightened storyline and the plot weave.

Without giving anything away, Jack’s evolution was nicely done and gave the reader hope that there is more than one way to comprehend and deal with issues. I can’t wait to see how the author completes this Trilogy.

[Deana The Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

Jack Harper escaped the clutches of Cyrus - her mentor, guardian, and cult leader - and is now on her own, free to make her own choices for the very first time in her life.

Finding herself in New York, however, Jack realizes a life without decisions didn’t prepare her for the very real issues of day to day life. Still holding the power of resurrection, Jack gets money the only way she knows how. Thinking herself isolated and anonymous, Jack’s illusion is shattered when she begins receiving letters claiming to be from children trapped in Cyrus’s cult - Infinitim.

Believing the cult destroyed, Jack fears more for herself than the supposed children until one day she comes face to face with the result of the pleas she pushed away. Now Jack knows she must see the destruction of Cyrus’s evil through to its conclusion.

Once again, author LC Barlow has created a fascinating continuation of Jack’s story, and this time, Jack is on her own. Or is she?

Jack is still the fabulous heroine I enjoyed from Pivot, but this time all grown up. Barlow does a great job of establishing setting in her stories, and this is no exception. Through every seedy step, I felt like I was walking right along with Jack.

Buckle up for some creepy paranormal thrills and ready yourself for Perish.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an e-book ARC of Perish from the author, L. C. Barlow, in return for my honest review, which follows below. I thank her for this opportunity.

I rated this 5 stars.
Book two in the Jack Harper trilogy held up the first novel’s pleasant break from the heavy cliffhanger trope to reel in the reader to continuing the series; something I appreciated just as much this time around as the first. You pick up the story a sentence break from where Pivot lets off, which felt astonishingly smooth, considering, as I’ve mentioned, it did not feel at all like you were left dangling at the end. I find myself looking forward to reading the last book when it is released. I recommend this for readers of dark fiction, cult horror, nefarious entities and the ethereal paladins set on stopping them, and a protagonist that has some sharp edges and little patience. I could see this a gift, and I would re-read this. I intend on getting buying a physical copy of this book when it is released.

Cyrus is defeated, his mansion burning to the ground. The blanket protection given by the box winked out of existence with the box’s destruction. The freshly raised Ferric are not pleased to hear that Lutin intends to let Jack keep her new powers; a piece of himself, given freely, that will become wholly hers if left long enough alone. It seems they can not force the issue, but warn he may be punished when they return to wherever home base is for Ferric folk. Jack is surprisingly not along for the ride, she is is left to fend for herself; the reader is left with the impression there is an adjustment period best gone through alone in the cards for her. With sirens wailing ever closer, Jack gets behind the wheel of Cyrus’s car and drives off in the opposite direction.

Alone for the first time in her recent memory, without the safety net of Cyrus’s bankroll, Jack takes to robbing people for cash. She can just bring them back if they accidentally die during the attempts, and she very quickly amasses enough to pay for an apartment to hole up in. She refers to the times she is healing people as being her true self. I find it so interesting that she can say that without irony, because she is bringing people back from the dead, that she killed, while stealing their money. She is a different creature than one would usually imagine as a heroine. Her views on right and wrong may be a little skewed, but if you cross one of her lines it’s over for you; forgiveness is not on the menu today.

She makes connections by necessity, teaming with a murder for hire business originally sent to take her out. Her abilities from Lutin seem to be growing stronger, though not quite the same as his. Alex is still out there, a thorn in her side. This second book is Jack coming into herself as a woman, having to stand by her decisions and mistakes. So many times you are reminded, she is only seventeen and never got to be just a kid; but she may be the only one who can devise a way to defeat the Builder.

I was once left looking forward to the next, and this time final, book in the Jack Harper trilogy. If the third book grows exponentially to the second, as the second did to the first, then this series is going to going to be a favorite for most.

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished PERISH by L.C. Barlow which is the 2nd installment in the Jack Harper trilogy. Following a strong introduction book, Pivot, it can be confirmed that Barlow simply has a knack for writing super-addictive stories as she continues with Perish. And Perish even upped the ante in every way possible, too. I became extremely invested in Jack's progress and evolution from book one to book two and think this character would be someone truly impressive and dynamic to watch on screen if this were ever to get adapted. We get loads of horror and paranormal action with elements of dark fantasy and fun from cover to cover. I am so ready (but also so sad!) to see the conclusion of the Jack Harper trilogy when book three is released. This universe is a fun one to be a part of and I hope you check it out!

[Aiden Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5/5.0) Perish marks the second entry in Barlow’s Jack Harper series, a predetermined trilogy that has quickly proven to be as contemplative and intelligent as it is darkly fantastical and horrific.

Though Jack has just escaped the cultish clutches of Cyrus, has she actually rid herself of Infinitum? In New York, she tries to settle into a new life – one in which she isn’t a ruthless murderer, but a person of her own dimensions – only to fall back into violence after receiving numerous letters from a child in need of rescue. Not long after the first, more come, and from other captured children. If this wasn’t demanding enough of her attention, a new threat forces its way into her life: an assassination ring.

Perish is a story that begins with action and rarely lets up. In Pivot, there was a gradual rise in suspense; here, it launches right out the gate with a fury that drives you to follow “one more chapter” with “well, no, I can’t stop now.” I felt compelled to tear through this book in one emotionally exhausting day, but forced myself to take it easy, instead feeding my hunger over the period of a week. Some nights were harder than others to put the book down for some rest, but all of them were full of temptation. The thrill I felt throughout Perish is one I don’t stumble upon often; it is for this reason (and, admittedly, many others) that I have quickly learned to view this series in high regard. Just minutes ago, I finished reading Perish, but I’m already devoted to moving into book three. To my knowledge, it doesn’t even exist in any completed form yet. I will look to Barlow for updates as she can reveal them.

It’s difficult to discuss a book such as this, in which doing so could give away major plot points. That being said, Perish introduces a lot of exciting changes over its course, especially in its final chapters. Going into this middle chapter of the trilogy, I was curious to know what Barlow had in store for Jack, and how it would leave us open for a third outing. In many cases, a second book feels like a bridge, almost lacking in action. With Perish, that was far from the case. This entry took everything we felt in Pivot, and jacked it up several notches (pun intended). I can’t imagine how the final book will play out – knowing all I do now about Jack and her advances – but suspect it will be wonderfully insane.

Perish is no sophomore slump for the Jack Harper series. Rather, it solidifies and multiplies the love I felt for its beginnings, as well as the anticipation (and dread) I feel for its conclusion.

Review by Aiden Merchant
www.aidenmerchant.com (Also on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon)
contact@aidenmerchant.com (Message for review consideration)

[S.K. Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to author L.C. Barlow, for a copy of this book for review.
After Jack Harper fled Louisiana and her troubled past, New York provided new opportunities for her to start fresh. The peace, however, does not last long. She soon receives letters from children, claiming that the old cult Jack had thought destroyed, is still going under a new leader, and these kids want to escape. Horrified by the thought of more children dying, Jack Harper sets off on an epic journey to rescue these kids, meeting many other people along the way, some who don't have the best intentions.
This book was another wonderful demonstration of author L.C. Barlow's amazing writing ability. I was engaged from beginning to end and was up all night reading. From the beginning, Jack's strong personality and Barlow's amazing storytelling kept me reading and wanting more.
The events of this book were sometimes unexpected, making me want to know more. The details in which these events were explained were just right, not slowing the pace down, and not speeding it up either.
The characters were well thought out, their personalities perfectly matching their roles. In no place did this book fail to disappoint in character personality, appearance, and character actions.

And my general view of the paranormal, aside from believing it's bullshit, is that it is less of an asset than a hindrance. It is a deviation from the set path, the right path, and when no one follows it, he begins to spiral down into nothing.

This quote is a great example of how one character clearly fits his supposed role. This character, however, has a different personality, but author L.C. Barlow does a great job in making the character assume another role entirely.

Violence observed is violence forcibly adored. Trauma repeats. That's how it works.

I definitely had to add this quote, as it really showed the theme of this series. The actions of characters, the plot of the book, and the worldbuilding truly portray this idea better than anything could. Perfectly written, this quote was an important one to include.

They expect a flicker from me, and I give them stars.

This quote could definitely not be left out, as I feel it really sums up Jack. The things people expect for her to be capable of, and what she is actually capable of is represented in this one sentence.
I would highly recommend it to all horror and fantasy fans.
Through Jack's cleverness, her ability to stand her ground, and, admittingly, sometimes her obliviousness, this book failed to disappoint, and I loved every moment I spent reading. I definitely can't wait to read the next book of this trilogy.

[Dean Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally getting back on your feet when life smacks you right in the chops. Unlucky, Jack Harper.

Perish starts off seamlessly where Pivot finishes, with the house of Cyrus burning to the ground as our protagonist, Jack Harper, watches on basking in her recent victory over Cyrus and the Infinitum. Even though I read both books pretty much back to back I very much liked this as it will serve readers as a bit of a memory jog of book 1. When reading the books back to back, which I often do with trilogies/sagas etc, the transition was so smooth that I almost forgot that I was reading the second book. Definitely, a thumbs up to Barlow for that.

Now, Perish was a very interesting read and I was intrigued to see where we would be taken with Jack and how the story would unfold. I don't want to give away any spoilers obviously but I will say that the battle between good and evil within, and around, Jack continues while she attempts to adjust to life outside of Infinitum. Things quickly take a turn for the worst when Jack finds out that .......... haha. Jokes, I won't be ruining this one. You'll have to get a copy of Perish and find out for yourselves exactly what happens.

One thing that was a downer for me a little was that I sort of hit a lull around the halfway point where I felt the story need to pick up the pace and boy I was not let down. I was well rewarded for continuing when things quickly ramp up and we get to see Jack once again kick ass and taking no crap from anyone. We get to see Jack flourish as our protagonist with her newfound abilities. If you have read Pivot you'll know what I mean.

The author adds in a handful of new and interesting characters that add to the story nicely however not so nicely for Jack. We get a friend turn enemy situation here and it was so well put together that I really felt what Jack was going through and wanted to dive on in and help out. Not that Jack would need my help and not that I would be of any help, lol. If you think Jack had it hard in Pivot then just you wait, she really gets a rough time of it in Perish.

If you enjoyed Pivot then you will definitely enjoy Perish. We get the same level of gritty darkness as with Pivot except we get a bigger understanding of the world around Jack. I feel that outside of the Jack Harper story arc there is enough material for L.C. Barlow to work with. I for one would love to find out more about the Ferrics (hint, hint 😉)

What are you waiting for? ..... go pick up a copy of Perish and find out the second instalment of the Jack Harper trilogy.

[Horror DNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The excellent Perish is the second instalment in the ‘Jake Harper Trilogy’ and although it does not quite reach the awesome heights of its predecessor, it remains a high-quality novel and a superb continuation of a gripping story. I also recently reviewed Pivot for Horror DNA, so click back if you fancy reading the full piece. Be warned, do not attempt to read Perish without having read Pivot, you will not understand a word of it; the sequel picks up the action the moment book one concludes, with them being intrinsically linked from the first page to the last.

You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovecraftian Horror/fantasy with Cosmic Horror overtones. Jack Harper is a child victim turned adult vigilante, on a quest to rid the world of the ultimate Horror. But each step leads to yet more terror. Will it ever end?

[Emmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

To my surprise, I found an ARC on NetGalley after having read L. C. Barlow’s first novel, Pivot, from the Goodreads giveaways program several years ago. I had begun to think there would be no follow-up and am happy that the author has continued with the series.

As I read Perish a full 6+ years after Pivot, I can’t say that I recalled everything from the first novel. However, that did not seem to really matter as this paranormal thriller was straightforward, fast-paced, and exciting. I would even venture to say that one could enjoy reading this novel without having read the first (although reading the first would obviously be preferable).

There seemed to be some small mistakes in the ARC which I assume will be resolved before the final version is out, but other than that the novel was still well-written and enjoyable. I do remember feeling a keener sense of mystery in the first novel, whereas this one is more action-focused. There are absolutely no lulls in the story-telling and each chapter is a deliberate advance in the plot. I found the breakneck pace entertaining, but I feel the story could have actually benefited from slowing down a bit more. In fact, I would venture to say my favorite scene in the novel was when Jack first meets the character Patrick. Both Patrick and Jack are very likable characters and I do have to say that I enjoyed the fact that their drug use is not used as a narrative device to heap on consequences for the characters and send some “drugs are bad” message to the reader.

The evolution of Jack as a character throughout the novel was enjoyable to read, as this installment throws many new experiences her way. The further developed paranormal elements of the novel were also a natural progression from the first novel and I can imagine the end of the trilogy will deliver even more in this area. That being said, some parts of the novel felt a bit predictable, even if they were exciting.

I certainly look forward to L. C. Barlow’s final chapter in the Jack Harper trilogy when it is ready. Although the novels may not have reached mainstream success, they certainly feel like a series that would translate to a film or TV series incredibly well. Let’s hope someone in the film industry reads it and has the same idea 😉

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fabulous, dark, surprising series! I loved the first book - from the opening salvo in which Jack learns to kill as a 6 year old girl, to her growth into a surprisingly strong (mentally as well as physically) young woman who delivers the comeuppance Cyrus so desperately deserved, it was a gloriously insane funhouse ride into the dark...

This second book picks up right where the first ends, and while it had been a while since I read the first, I had no trouble picking right back up with the story line. Barlow does a magnificent job exploring humanity's darker instincts and the selfishness that lies in so many hearts - and does it with an entirely in-your-face style that you can't help but roll right along with each horrible punch as it is delivered.

Jack's character development is delightful to watch - it's easy to forget she's still really only a kid/teenager, right up to the moment she devastates someone/something that deserves devastation and follows it up with a snarky remark. She's a great protagonist for this tale, and I'm really enjoying seeing her grow further into her own. I am also really enjoying seeing the supernatural elements of the story deepen and explain themselves - the cosmology of this universe is fascinating and keeps getting more complex and climactic. I can't wait to see what comes in the final installment!

This is not a series for the faint of heart but it's definitely one of my favorite finds!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.

[D.K. Hundt · Rating 4 out of 5]

PERISH – by L.C. Barlow – Jack Harper Trilogy, Book 2 – Paranormal Urban Fantasy – Recommend!

‘Jack Harper is a dangerous woman, capable of death and resurrection. Raised and utilized by Cyrus, the leader of a mystical religion, she was once a fearless and brilliant weapon against all who blasphemed. Now, having destroyed Cyrus, Jack is free to be more.’

PERISH can easily be read as a standalone, though to emerge fully into the storyline, I recommend reading Book One, PIVOT, first.

Next up for me PEAK Book 3.

Thank you, L.C. Barlow, for providing me with an eBook of PERISH at the request of an honest review. My sincere apology for the delay in review.

[Cair-Paravel Emyth Brenn De Luney Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel is best read after the first episode because it does provide a hefty amount of necessary plot context. That being said,  it was masterfully crafted and does rival the previous time.

Jack, top tier level Assassin, has become so much more. Lutin, the Ferric, did more than modify Jack. He gave her her own supernatural gift. That gift saved her life as well as many other people's lives. It also provided her the ability to bring the monster to his knees in death, as no one else could.

Just when you think things are different and new, you realize that life recycles too. All that has happened before, can and does continue to happen again. Jack is sucked into another group of strange individuals with unseen motives. They know what she can do and have no qualms using her abilities for their nefarious purposes. 

Until one day, they can't use her anymore. Things always reach a zenith and when you do, the only way to go next is down. When she realizes what she is, has become and is capable of doing, it is a whole nother story. From there, the sky's the limit and she is free.

What will happen next? I haven't a clue. These two books were very different and they managed to maintain their secrets until the final pages. The final sequence in the trilogy may hold the deadliest secrets yet. Who knows what she will do next. Until then…..

It was a wild ride and I enjoyed it very much. I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others. 

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wildly imaginative! Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC received from NetGalley*

With Perish, Barlow provides a sequel to Pivot that manages to carry forward the story and themes of the first novel while also providing a story that is wholly unexpected in so many ways. Trauma has always rested at the core of Jack Harper's story, but with Perish questions of trauma turn toward healing and deeper understandings of what it means to hold and wield power. Jack is not a child any longer, and it's up to her to find her way in a world she was not raised to understand.

This second book in the trilogy bridges the dark battle of wills that drove the plot of Pivot with the larger conflict that is still to come. At the same time, it is a standout story in its own right. Adrift in the world, Jack realizes that Cyrus's' power reached further than she could have imagined. Alex is still at work, and the following has not been inactive. Jack's battle against the forces that once defined her whole world will take her to places she never expected as faces new and old come into her orbit--and by the end, she may become something very different than she was when she began.

With Barlow's stellar writing, a complex cast of characters, and a story to grab your attention from the first page to the last, the Jack Harper trilogy blends so many elements to great effect. Like Jack Harper herself, these books contain many facets--and every one of them is worth exploring.

[loared · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away by how great this is. this author ir very good.

[Gabriella M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Perish by L. C. Barlow is an intriguing and gritty tale about a woman finding her paranormal place in the world while finding her own way to recover from her past trauma. As the second book in the series, it picks up where the first book leaves off, and spins a dark and strange series of events that lead Jack Harper down a path of self-discovery. I was surprised at how well the author handled so many heavy and dark topics. From death to abuse to drug addition, this book has a myriad of dysfunction that weaves together the aftermath left by the conclusion of book 1 perfectly. I would say though that this story is not for the faint of heart. To some it may come across grotesque and far to grating or dark. However, for people desensitized to the dark and gritty, this is an interesting and exciting read. Much to my surprise it wasn’t easy to predict either, as the author throws quite a few plot curve balls at the reader.

The characterization was excellent, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that many characters were written in such a real and dynamic way it felt like they were real people somewhere out in the big wide world.

While not so focused on explaining every tiny detail the author does an excellent job of painting the picture of each scene, with only very few moments where I had to re read to get the scene right mentally - mostly because of my reading speed rather than lack of quality writing.

Additionally, it has to be noted that as book 2 of a series I never felt “left in the dark”. The author provides enough context for plot elements connected to the first book that the reading experience of book 2 is almost seamless. The focus on a fluid and connected plot actually makes me want to go back and read the first one so I can fill in the context provided in the writing with reading experience.

Overall this is a well written and interesting story that I highly recommend to mature readers that like their stories dark and gritty. It was an excellent reading experience all around.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perish (Jack Harper Trilogy Book 2) Kindle Edition

by L. C. Barlow

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the complimentary reviewer's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Perish returns with a wave of the author's unusual, amazing and at time, unsettling metaphors, similes and word portraits. There are delicately terrifying images and combinations that pour from Jack's stream of consciousness, images that cut as often as they enlighten.
None of the characters is pure or a 'hero'. They are seriously flawed people attempting to do things that the rest of humanity would find repugnant. Jack fits this description. She is an anti-heroine. But there is a sense of tension between the sociopathy that was forced on her by a man with a black heart an control of occult technology. I enjoyed her efforts to build some kind of a moral compass even though she was raised without one. I also loved how she eventually creates her own ethos, a sort of the ends justify the means kind of ethos, but it's there.
Ms. Barlow does a wonderful job of shaping characters in very flawed, very human way. Much like the real world, you never know whom to trust. Or rather, you can trust them to always be flawed. Jack is only one of the characters I want to see more of. Personally, I'd like to see Patrick return. And with the ending, that might be possible.
The story itself, told by Jack in the first person, moves fast. There were moments, particularly toward the end when I didn't even realize how far I had gotten.
Carrying a serious “Sonny Came Home” vibe, Jack's story is gloriously dark and I can't wait to find out what happens next
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Perish-Jack-Ha...

[Dollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank California Coldblood Books and Rare Bird Books and BookSirens for allowing me to read this ARC for free. After killing Cyrus, Jack goes to NYC. Children that are being held by Infinitum have been writing and asking Jack to save them. Jack thinks it’s a trap. She meets a young man named Patrick, who gives her another clue about how Alex has made arcas stronger. Then Jack is kidnapped by a man named Jonathan Roth, who wants her to resurrect his daughter, Emily. Jack does, but then Roth decides he wants her to resurrect men who have worked for him before. He wants his own army. Jack is forced to resurrect a couple of hundred men. But then Roth’s decides to keep Jack prisoner so he can use her power. He takes Jack’s blood (3 pints a day for a month) and makes serum that makes his army indestructible. Jack has had enough of being under someone else’s power. One day Jack realizes that the people she has resurrected are under her power. Jack has become a ferric. She commands the army of men to go out and rescue all the children that had written letters and were being kept by Infinitum. They do. Jack then returns to the site of Cyrus’s home in Louisiana and resurrects Cyrus and Roland in order to find out what they know about the Builder. Jack still wants to destroy Alex and now she wants to destroy the Builder, too. This book didn’t keep me as interested as the first novel did. The writing was good, but I didn’t get into this story as much as the first novel.

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free on booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I am totally hooked on this trilogy. Barlow has a great talent for wrapping you into Jack's world and feeling all the emotions rolling around this character. You can totally get a sense of what it must be like for individuals who have been/are in situations of brainwashing techniques. Not knowing what identity is theirs or their making and how easy it is to persuade.

The story flows beautifully and doesn't leave you lost or trying to remember what happened in the previous book and the description of scenes are quite imaginable. You can put yourself right into the plot.

I am totally grateful for this trilogy being recommended and look forward to reading the last book "Peak".

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Barlow’s trilogy and it is incredible. Raised as a killer in a cult like environment..that’s Jack for you. Escaping this cult like environment does not diminish her killer instincts though. However, she is doing it more responsibly and to save other children from going through what she did.
This second novel consists of a tiny bit of normal 19 year old Jack and a lot of bada** female lead. The decisions and situations that she has to face are rough. How would you manage your gift of bringing people back to life?

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* This was a good successor to the first book which I really liked. This one was less poetic and the story was not as thrilling because most of the mysteriousness was already laid out. It was good, don't get me wrong. There were some very interesting avenues the story went, but some of the solutions to the issues were rather simple. Not sure what I was expecting but it didn't thrill me as much as the first book. I am still looking forward to reading the third book when it gets written.

This book was given to me on request for my unbiased opinion.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perish (Jack Harper Trilogy (2) by L. C. Barlow is an awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series and I loved it. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie (Bookshelf Adventures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this action packed novel. It made a great set up to the final novel in the Jack Harper Trilogy.

Full review here:

http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...

[NoNo JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing this novel after receiving a free copy.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars

I was excited to see this come up on the ARC service I use! I really adored the first one - something about the style and characters really struck a chord with me - so I was both excited and worried about reading the second. I don't think it quite lives up to the first, but it's still a good read.

My main issue is probably how the first chunk of the story just feels like Jack is spinning her wheels. She doesn't have a goal or purpose anymore, and as a result she just kinda wanders around doing nothing in particular. I didn't really understand why she didn't use a contact she made in the first book to at least get on her feet, especially since that character kinda came out of nowhere in the first book and really only existed for a single scene. It would have given more weight to that earlier moment/helped incorporate that character more into the narrative vs them just existing to give Jack a kick in the butt exactly when she needed it. (There's also a silly detail where she makes money by literally just knocking people out on the streets, going through their pockets, and healing them. It just seemed very goofy to me, almost slapstick.)

Once the plot picks up, though, it gets moving. I liked the addition of Jack's new friend (Patrick, I think?) and the continued exploration of what the boxes are, who the Builder is, and what powers Jack has. I liked Patrick well enough, especially as we learn more about him. Definitely don't trust him, but I hope I'm wrong about that.

(Side note, but there was something very odd I noticed - Jack uses an assumed name at first with Patrick, but there are several times where he calls her Jack, to the point where I assumed she had actually admitted her real name and I just missed it. Later we find that's not the case, which makes me wonder if this was an error on the author's part, or if it was intentional? If it was intentional, I can't imagine Jack literally not noticing him using her actual name while she's under an alias, that seems very out of character. Just odd. We'll see if it comes to anything in the future.)

Imo, it's once Jack connects with the mob that things really heat up. It's fascinating to see her get roped into their world and how she deals with it, and it really puts the morality she forged in the first book to the test. Jack is a fascinating character to follow because she's not your typical heroine - she is deeply flawed and broken, but wants so badly to be better. I adore how tough and scrappy she is, how clever, and how loving, underneath it all.

The mob plot leads us into some shocking twists and turns, especially as Jack uncovers more and more things she can do. We get old characters popping back up (another side note, there was a reunion that I really thought would be very poignant, but ended up being kinda flat, sadly), old foes, and that ending!! I am super excited to see where the story goes from here. I can't imagine Jack's plan will work without consequences, but I'm hooked, for sure.

Overall, if you liked the first book, you'll love this one, as long as you forgive the slow start. I am super excited to see how things wrap up in the next book.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Perish” is book two in the Jack Harper trilogy by L.C. Barlow, and picks up exactly where “Pivot,” book one, leaves off. Jack Harper has just destroyed the home and father figure she has dealt with during the first 18 years of her life and feels that justice has almost completely been served. There just lies one more enemy… Alex. As Jack travels to New York City, she learns that Cyrus’ cult unit was just one of the many that Infinitum has all over the world. Her idea of justice being served has just changed. She now wants to destroy all of Infinitum and release all the victims. Can she resolve her initial goal of getting rid of Alex and now her overwhelming goal of destroying Infinitum?

“Perish” does not have all of the torture of animals and children like “Pivot” did which many readers will be thankful for. Jack’s character continues to develop like all 18 year olds do. Jack does appear she is much older than 18 and some of the interactions that she has with other characters make you forget that she really is only 18. She even calls someone else out as being (acting) like a child, which I found humorous.

Jack discovers that her superhero-like power has a new advantage for Jack and her missions to take care of Alex and Infinitum. Unfortunately, she discovered the advantage almost at the end of the novel and after she had been in several unneeded fights. The power mixed with an interesting every day item was a different twist that I certainly was not expecting and at first I was wondering how it all ties together, but Barlow ties it up very nicely with a pretty bow on top.

“Perish” fits more into a fantasy genre instead of a horror genre but imagining some of the scenes during the climax, it fits into both genres. I wish that there was more information about how Infinitum came to be, how Cyrus became one of their leaders, and how it was eventually overcome. It felt like Jack’s main mission of dealing with Alex was sidetracked with Infinitum. The conflict with Infinitum felt rushed in order to conclude this part of the trilogy.

Overall, “Perish” was a fun and quick read. I was able to finish it in a couple of days. Lots of action. Lots of interesting twists that are not expected. If you read “Pivot, ” you should continue with the trilogy.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After destroying Cyrus and freeing Lutin, Jack Harper thinks she is finally free from her Hell.
While trying to survive on her own she soon begins receiving mysterious letters from children trapped in Infinitum asking for her help. Jack soon discovers Cyrus's cult is still thriving and his son Alex, with the help of the builder, is behind a new movement. A chance encounter with an affluent young man named Patrick; who reveals his father's possession of a machine that “bleaches” everything white. Jack is determined to destroy the remaining arcas, disband the cult for good, kill Alex, and save the children but she can't do it alone. Jack reveals her power to a kill-for-hire group run by Jonathon Roth hoping to make a deal but she may have just sealed her fate and replace one hell for another.

Perish is the second novel in the Jack Harper Trilogy in a battle of "good vs. evil". The story follows a young woman, Jack, who has been trained since childhood as an assassin for her cult leading father Cyrus. This novel picks up where the first novel ended, with Jack freeing Lutin and killing Cyrus. Although she wants a normal life, Jack can't seem to escape her past. I really enjoyed the first novel in this series and was excited to finally see the release of book two. I think the plot for the first novel was more solid and the characters were more developed. The second novel introduces several new sub-plots and characters and although it all ties together, it felt more disjointed and rushed. I really like Jack's character as the strong female protagonist and her new powers make her even more interesting in this novel. I look forward to book three where hopefully we will get to see the final standoff between Alex and Jack, both of which have the support of supernatural beings...the ultimate battle between "good and evil".

[Adam E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Perish, the second book of the Jack Harper trilogy, Jack is finally able to leave the Infinitum cult that she was raised in.  Lutin who had also been a member of the cult taught Jack the power of resurrection. 
     Jack takes her father's car and drives north from Louisiana to start a new life.  She ends up in Manhattan with very little money left.  Her father's parked car is discovered by the NYPD as belonging to the famous cult leader of Infinitum named Cyrus and the car is impounded.
     With only a few dollars and a handgun, Jack resorts to robbing unsuspecting people for food and shelter. She knows that if she has to kill them, she can also resurrect them after taking their money.  Jack eventually accumulates enough money to afford a posh apartment under the pseudonym Sarah Anderson. 
     Jack receives a letter from a girl named Annette who is a member of Infinitum.  The letter pleads for help because children are being held as prisoners in the cult.  Jack realizes that  the cult knows her location and are watching her.  Despite the danger, Jack desperately wants to save the children of Infinitum, so she goes to the address that was on the letter she received, but a trap has been set for her.  After narrowly escaping the attack, she meets a flashy Irishman named Patrick who finds Jack to be an interesting person.  Patrick has connections and introduces Jack to a rare drug and takes her to a wild party and they become friends.  Meanwhile another organization hired by an anonymous person has Jack in their crosshairs which makes her life chaotic.
     This is a very fast paced dark fantasy.  Barlow does a good job of catching everyone up with the characters and the previous events.  It can be read as a standalone book.  Jack Harper is a fun character to read about.  She is flawed, but has a strong desire to overthrow the dangerous Infinitum cult that she grew up in.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to Booksirens, the author and publisher for a free ARC in return for an honest review.

This book is a definite improvement on the first instalment, Pivot. Jack, now 17 years old, has destroyed the house of Cyrus, killed her former mentor and jailer, and is now trying to move on with her life in a world she really doesn't know anything about. But her skills as a trained assassin, and her newfound ability to raise people from the dead, allows her to survive in an unusual manner.

But, her brother Alex, is still out there, and even though she has destroyed what she thought to be the cult she grew up in, Infinitum, she realises the cult is much bigger than she first thought. So, Jack now embarks on a mission to destroy Infinitum and Alex, forever. To help her, she puts her faith in a leader of a bit squad. Is this a wise move? You'll have to read the book to fund out.

Barlow does a great job with this one. Although a better recap of the previous book would have been helpful in refreshing my memory, I quickly got back in the swing of things. Barlow took me on a journey along with Jack, as she explores her new world, learns new skills and expands her powers. The supernatural battles and strategies were interesting, and I felt for Jack when things went inevitably wrong. Waiting with bated breath on the third book in this series.