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Chronicles of Cain #1
To Kill a Unicorn
The gods are dead. The fae rule Gaia.
Cain used to kill for the fae. The only human to become a member of the Oblivion Guard, he killed one time too many and had enough. Leaving it all behind wasn't as easy as turning in a resignation. But the fae had trained him well and soon it was they who bargained for him to leave Feary and live in exile in Gaia.
Now a tracker for an assassination and bounty hunting agency, Cain doesn't kill anymore. When his mission to track a teenage girl goes horribly wrong, he and the girl end up on the run from powerful forces the likes of which he's never seen before.
That's because the fae have been hiding a terrible secret. The gods aren't dead. In fact, they're very much alive and killing humans they deem too powerful to survive. The girl is in their crosshairs and now he is too.
To make matters worse, Cain discovers he's dying from the curse of Cthulhu. The cure? Eating a living, beating unicorn heart. Cain thought unicorns were extinct, but a mystery party offers him salvation: a unicorn for the assassination of the leader of the Mages Guild.
With the gods, the fae, and the rest of the supernatural world hunting the hunter, the odds don't look good. But Cain has survived too much to give up now. And the high and mighty are about to find out what real fear feels like.
Cain used to kill for the fae. The only human to become a member of the Oblivion Guard, he killed one time too many and had enough. Leaving it all behind wasn't as easy as turning in a resignation. But the fae had trained him well and soon it was they who bargained for him to leave Feary and live in exile in Gaia.
Now a tracker for an assassination and bounty hunting agency, Cain doesn't kill anymore. When his mission to track a teenage girl goes horribly wrong, he and the girl end up on the run from powerful forces the likes of which he's never seen before.
That's because the fae have been hiding a terrible secret. The gods aren't dead. In fact, they're very much alive and killing humans they deem too powerful to survive. The girl is in their crosshairs and now he is too.
To make matters worse, Cain discovers he's dying from the curse of Cthulhu. The cure? Eating a living, beating unicorn heart. Cain thought unicorns were extinct, but a mystery party offers him salvation: a unicorn for the assassination of the leader of the Mages Guild.
With the gods, the fae, and the rest of the supernatural world hunting the hunter, the odds don't look good. But Cain has survived too much to give up now. And the high and mighty are about to find out what real fear feels like.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2020
About the author
John Corwin
103 books582 followersJohn Corwin is the bestselling author of the Overworld Chronicles.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
He enjoys long walks on the beach and is a firm believer in puppies and kittens.
After years of getting into trouble thanks to his overactive imagination, John abandoned his male modeling career to write books.
He resides in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 28, 2020
I liked it well enough. A decent story however, I didn't care for the way the female characters were portrayed. I don't think I will continue the series.
July 7, 2020
I can't figure out how this author has published more than one novel. My resounding final thought: this author must really hate women. Every single female character is shown in some derogatory light. 90% of the book is the female characters fighting and tearing each other down in what seems like the author thinks is normal female banter. The author also clearly has no idea about what trauma looks like in a 16 year old girl-- she's not going to be cuddly, caring and innocent if she's been molested. Moreover, there was literally 0 relationship building accomplished. The main character went from thinking of a girl as a nuisance and planning to dump her the first chance he got to suddenly calling her "sis" within two days with barely any interaction. It's forced and unbelievable. Moreover, there are random sexual components thrown in for no reason--They don't further the plot nor do they build character. They feel shoe horned into the story but lord knows why.
The premise had promise before it became extremely convoluted. Giant plot holes run amuck from too many elements introduced in order to leave openings for sequels. Rather than leaving the reader wanting more, it just makes the reader slog through an ocean full of unnecessary information. While the 1st person voice is decently entertaining, all else about the characters in the novel is atrocious. While women are painted horrible, all other male characters are painted as one-dimensional hyper cliches of what they should be like the "wizards" dressing like Gandolf with beards and robes and speaking as if they're badly rewritten Shakespeare.
Absolutely horrible. Do not read.
The premise had promise before it became extremely convoluted. Giant plot holes run amuck from too many elements introduced in order to leave openings for sequels. Rather than leaving the reader wanting more, it just makes the reader slog through an ocean full of unnecessary information. While the 1st person voice is decently entertaining, all else about the characters in the novel is atrocious. While women are painted horrible, all other male characters are painted as one-dimensional hyper cliches of what they should be like the "wizards" dressing like Gandolf with beards and robes and speaking as if they're badly rewritten Shakespeare.
Absolutely horrible. Do not read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2022
I'll write this review the same way I wrote to the author on his Facebook page: Mr. Corwin, I have a complaint, you have sadly disrupted my life. I finished some chores the other morning and thought I'd sit down with a cup of coffee and start a chapter or two of a new book before I went out to the shop and worked on some orders that I needed to complete. I randomly chose To Kill a Unicorn as it's been on my TBR list for a while. Fast forward several hours, and I"M STILL READING! I had stuff I should have done today, now I'll have stuff I need to get done tomorrow and I'll have one less day to get that stuff done - and that's if I'm able to finish this book tonight and get any sleep! I just. Can't. Put. This. Down!
I'm so pleased to find a new (to me) author that I like and am excited to move on to the next book. I highly recommend this story if you like urban fantasy. It usually takes me a chapter or so to decide if I'm going to finish a book, but this one hooked me from the first paragraph and didn't let me go until the end.
I'm so pleased to find a new (to me) author that I like and am excited to move on to the next book. I highly recommend this story if you like urban fantasy. It usually takes me a chapter or so to decide if I'm going to finish a book, but this one hooked me from the first paragraph and didn't let me go until the end.
September 9, 2022
My first time with this author.
I do very much enjoy Urban Fantasy and this one ranks up there for me.
Cain is a very good character and Layla rivals him for top honours in this book.
Lots of action and some twists and turns to keep you going.
If you are a fan of Jim Butcher you will be right at home here.
I do very much enjoy Urban Fantasy and this one ranks up there for me.
Cain is a very good character and Layla rivals him for top honours in this book.
Lots of action and some twists and turns to keep you going.
If you are a fan of Jim Butcher you will be right at home here.
June 28, 2022
Couldn't put it down
This is the first book I read from John Corwin, buy definitely will not be the last.
I loved everything about his characters and there interactions was fun yo watch from page 1. Watching Cain become more "human" was believable and I enjoyed his evolution.
Couldn't put it down and looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is the first book I read from John Corwin, buy definitely will not be the last.
I loved everything about his characters and there interactions was fun yo watch from page 1. Watching Cain become more "human" was believable and I enjoyed his evolution.
Couldn't put it down and looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 15, 2020
Not good
Wow a supper assassin who is a whiny and not very good at his job was disappointed with this book
Wow a supper assassin who is a whiny and not very good at his job was disappointed with this book
December 7, 2021
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, die a little more inside."
The above quote was from the book yes, but I chose it for this review because that's how I felt reading this book a little. There was so much potential, but it was hard to take the book serious. I mean, even the other characters in the book were making fun of the protagonist for being a horrible assassin and making terrible mistakes. It was like the writer wasn't sure if he wanted the protagonist to be a bad ass or someone like Jar Jar Binks that wanders into a room and accidentally kills two dozen droids flailing around like a moron.
I picked up this book because I was looking for something else like the Iron Druid. For me, this didn't cut it. The writer did give a nice nod to both the Iron Druid and the Dresden Files. This was definitely Urban Fantasy, but I'd have to say it was also maybe more of a Young Adult book despite some strong language and that's how I've personally shelved it. Fifteen year old me would have loved this and rated it higher.
That said, if you get it as a free book on Amazon like I did, at least you didn't pay.
The above quote was from the book yes, but I chose it for this review because that's how I felt reading this book a little. There was so much potential, but it was hard to take the book serious. I mean, even the other characters in the book were making fun of the protagonist for being a horrible assassin and making terrible mistakes. It was like the writer wasn't sure if he wanted the protagonist to be a bad ass or someone like Jar Jar Binks that wanders into a room and accidentally kills two dozen droids flailing around like a moron.
I picked up this book because I was looking for something else like the Iron Druid. For me, this didn't cut it. The writer did give a nice nod to both the Iron Druid and the Dresden Files. This was definitely Urban Fantasy, but I'd have to say it was also maybe more of a Young Adult book despite some strong language and that's how I've personally shelved it. Fifteen year old me would have loved this and rated it higher.
That said, if you get it as a free book on Amazon like I did, at least you didn't pay.
August 25, 2022
Interesting book. Cain is a former assassin, also the only human to serve as a member of the Oblivion Guard, picture secret service for Fae royalty.
Cain escaped his job with the Fae and returned to Gaia(what the Fae call Earth). Now he's a tracker, who finds and marks targets for either capture or assassination.
When he finds his latest target, a teenage girl he finds he can't let her be killed.
Cain is pretty much universally hated by everyone, Fae, humans etc. But because he wants to protect the girl essentially he's putting his own head in the noose.
Cain escaped his job with the Fae and returned to Gaia(what the Fae call Earth). Now he's a tracker, who finds and marks targets for either capture or assassination.
When he finds his latest target, a teenage girl he finds he can't let her be killed.
Cain is pretty much universally hated by everyone, Fae, humans etc. But because he wants to protect the girl essentially he's putting his own head in the noose.
August 14, 2021
Good story, bad humans
The plot and storyline are fine. The writing is technically good. But some of the character interactions feel really off. They don't interact like actual humans; their dialogue tastes vaguely like a really good AI wrote it. It was just super off-putting in an otherwise decent book. I probably won't continue this series.
The plot and storyline are fine. The writing is technically good. But some of the character interactions feel really off. They don't interact like actual humans; their dialogue tastes vaguely like a really good AI wrote it. It was just super off-putting in an otherwise decent book. I probably won't continue this series.
January 8, 2021
The MC had better be an amazing magician (he's not) because he is not only inept at being an assassin but is mentally unsuited for the task.
The fact that he is touted as being good enough to have reputation shows he is living in a world of stupid people.
I lost interest quickly.
The fact that he is touted as being good enough to have reputation shows he is living in a world of stupid people.
I lost interest quickly.
January 29, 2024
To kill a unicorn by John corwin was actually quite an enjoyable urban fantasy novel. While it doesn't do anything to stand out majorly from other novels in the genre, it does enough right that you can enjoy it for the light easy reading novel that it is.
It's the equivalent of the comfort of home cooked food. It might not be restaurant quality but it's still enjoyable all the same.
However, as is the case with home cooked food. It's often quite blunt and straightforward. That's not a problem most of the time but every now and again it needs to be something more. This novel dealt with a topic that needed to be handled with delicacy and subtlety. Unfortunately that's something that this novel lacked.
The storyline with Hannah was just a little too blunt for what was called for. A lot of the outcomes didn't feel earned and they happened too fast to feel natural.
Overall though, I really enjoyed my time reading this book. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.
It's the equivalent of the comfort of home cooked food. It might not be restaurant quality but it's still enjoyable all the same.
However, as is the case with home cooked food. It's often quite blunt and straightforward. That's not a problem most of the time but every now and again it needs to be something more. This novel dealt with a topic that needed to be handled with delicacy and subtlety. Unfortunately that's something that this novel lacked.
The storyline with Hannah was just a little too blunt for what was called for. A lot of the outcomes didn't feel earned and they happened too fast to feel natural.
Overall though, I really enjoyed my time reading this book. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.
August 8, 2022
Did you ever have one of those days where everything went to hell in a hand basket? Yeah, so did this guy.
Cain is a former assassin who abruptly changed careers after he completed a mission that he just couldn’t justify. Instead he became one of his employer’s best trackers. Unfortunately, those targeted were then just killed by someone else.
Cain once again rebels when his latest job involves a teenage girl. He marks her but then has a change of heart. The actual assassin has already shown up so Cain decides to rescue her. That turns into a whole boatload of trouble for him.
This book had humor, drama, mystery, a bit of romance, rejection, magic, paranormals, etc. Good v. evil was murky, much like real life. I liked it.
Cain is a former assassin who abruptly changed careers after he completed a mission that he just couldn’t justify. Instead he became one of his employer’s best trackers. Unfortunately, those targeted were then just killed by someone else.
Cain once again rebels when his latest job involves a teenage girl. He marks her but then has a change of heart. The actual assassin has already shown up so Cain decides to rescue her. That turns into a whole boatload of trouble for him.
This book had humor, drama, mystery, a bit of romance, rejection, magic, paranormals, etc. Good v. evil was murky, much like real life. I liked it.
August 9, 2022
So, the cover does the book a bit of a disservice. It's got a bit of a cheesecake feel to it even though he's all covered up.
Aside from that, no complaints about this book. More urban fantasy along the lines of Dresden or Verus. There's rules for magical folk to prevent them from revealing themselves to the non-magical population. There's a fully fleshed out magical community with factions and history. Everything you want to feel like you're stepping into a thought out world.
It's pretty standard but well done. The main with the dark past. The various sidekicks there to both help or hinder as needed. The damsel in distress.
Enjoyable with good characters, good dialog and good descriptions.
If you like urban fantasy, give this a shot.
Aside from that, no complaints about this book. More urban fantasy along the lines of Dresden or Verus. There's rules for magical folk to prevent them from revealing themselves to the non-magical population. There's a fully fleshed out magical community with factions and history. Everything you want to feel like you're stepping into a thought out world.
It's pretty standard but well done. The main with the dark past. The various sidekicks there to both help or hinder as needed. The damsel in distress.
Enjoyable with good characters, good dialog and good descriptions.
If you like urban fantasy, give this a shot.
September 21, 2021
Not expecting to like it so muc
I got this to try and was not expecting to like I so much. The main character’s back story sounds reprehensible on the surface, but this is really a redemption story. Cain keeps making moral choices despite himself until the one thing he absolutely believes he is incapable of, love for those in his charge, becomes his beacon. What works so well in this series beginning is the developing relationships between Cain, Hannah, Layla and Aura. The magical action is great and carries the story along as they discover more about the machinations and plots behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I got this to try and was not expecting to like I so much. The main character’s back story sounds reprehensible on the surface, but this is really a redemption story. Cain keeps making moral choices despite himself until the one thing he absolutely believes he is incapable of, love for those in his charge, becomes his beacon. What works so well in this series beginning is the developing relationships between Cain, Hannah, Layla and Aura. The magical action is great and carries the story along as they discover more about the machinations and plots behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
February 21, 2023
Not a strong story
Not a completely horrible read but not great either. Hard for me to feel anything for any of the characters; they felt shallow and incomplete. Also, the errors in the writing made me think the writer stopped at some parts and came back days later to pick up again without reading what he had previously wrote. In one part he writes that the waitress took their order and then Cain goes to snoop around, only to have Cain come back to the table and the waitress is once again taking their order. Proofreading is very important. Overall I just couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something better.
Not a completely horrible read but not great either. Hard for me to feel anything for any of the characters; they felt shallow and incomplete. Also, the errors in the writing made me think the writer stopped at some parts and came back days later to pick up again without reading what he had previously wrote. In one part he writes that the waitress took their order and then Cain goes to snoop around, only to have Cain come back to the table and the waitress is once again taking their order. Proofreading is very important. Overall I just couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something better.
July 11, 2020
Decent story and writing
The story is great. Action abounds, and the pacing is good, however the actions of the MC are baffling. The man has been a fighter and dealt with backstabbing his whole life, then in the course of a week he has let two people into his sanctuary he has built and kept private for years? Then after one person had already played him he let her stick around and then betray him again? And he did nothing after that either. That does not make any sense. Also, how is this steampunk? There are literally no steampunk elements in the book.
The story is great. Action abounds, and the pacing is good, however the actions of the MC are baffling. The man has been a fighter and dealt with backstabbing his whole life, then in the course of a week he has let two people into his sanctuary he has built and kept private for years? Then after one person had already played him he let her stick around and then betray him again? And he did nothing after that either. That does not make any sense. Also, how is this steampunk? There are literally no steampunk elements in the book.
October 5, 2021
Weird story
This was a weird story. I’m not too sure what the plot was exactly. I enjoyed Cain’s character, and that’s the only thing that kept me reading (although I started skimming at around the 60% mark). This story was just…weird.
This was a weird story. I’m not too sure what the plot was exactly. I enjoyed Cain’s character, and that’s the only thing that kept me reading (although I started skimming at around the 60% mark). This story was just…weird.
August 2, 2023
OMG! What a ride! I'm am VERY picky with what I read, and John Corwin did not disappoint. His imagination knows no bounds. I literally could not put this book down, and read all through the night, downloaded the next as soon as I finished, and forced myself to get some sleep.
July 17, 2021
Great
Another great book by John Corwin. I haven't found a series of his that isn't incredible. I hope to read much more of his work.
Another great book by John Corwin. I haven't found a series of his that isn't incredible. I hope to read much more of his work.
April 4, 2022
Loved it!
What a great read!!!! The characters were well written and Eve kept me guessing. I enjoyed it very much. Can’t wait to read book two.
What a great read!!!! The characters were well written and Eve kept me guessing. I enjoyed it very much. Can’t wait to read book two.
September 10, 2023
Have you met my friend Fred?
Stumbled across this book and gave had it in the cue for a while. We'll I'm glad I did. Off to the next one. Oh, don't forget to say hi to Fred.
Stumbled across this book and gave had it in the cue for a while. We'll I'm glad I did. Off to the next one. Oh, don't forget to say hi to Fred.
November 9, 2025
a great yarn
It Adds zest and interest to the genre. It has strength from the character relationships. A can’t put down book.
It Adds zest and interest to the genre. It has strength from the character relationships. A can’t put down book.
October 10, 2026
A guilty pleasure.
I listened to the audiobook while doing other things.
I liked the story overall, I don't even mind that everything is stolen from other books/movies.
It is enjoyable enough when only a little attention is paid, but, like many others said, the characters are mostly one-dimensional; the female characters are oversexualized.
The 'banter' is ridiculous; they are mere caricatures of real humans.
The writing style is irking.
Usually, I do not mind if the rule 'show, don't tell' is broken, but oh boy, it's all that's done here.
We do not see that he is a good assassin; we are just told and should believe it.
We are not shown that he can be logical. He constantly claims 'I never make decisions based on feelings' and continues doing nothing but.
Also immensely disappointing is the fact that, as in most stories, only Greek and Norse mythology are included, Egyptian is ONCE mentioned but that is it.
Why not? It'd be a simple way to make it more unique and intriguing.
Throw in some Aztec gods, Indian, Egyption or Haiitian or any other kind!
Instead we heard from the same guys we already know form EVERY OTHER western Story.
The constant quotes from pop media are ridiculous and unbelievable annoying.
So yeah, a easy read, enjoyable if <50% of brain power is used but far from good.
I also have to admit I read more from the series, something made me want to continue, but sadly continues exactly like the first one, no development in writing style or how characters are portrayed.
Guess that happens If you publish 10 book sin 3 years.
I listened to the audiobook while doing other things.
I liked the story overall, I don't even mind that everything is stolen from other books/movies.
It is enjoyable enough when only a little attention is paid, but, like many others said, the characters are mostly one-dimensional; the female characters are oversexualized.
The 'banter' is ridiculous; they are mere caricatures of real humans.
The writing style is irking.
Usually, I do not mind if the rule 'show, don't tell' is broken, but oh boy, it's all that's done here.
We do not see that he is a good assassin; we are just told and should believe it.
We are not shown that he can be logical. He constantly claims 'I never make decisions based on feelings' and continues doing nothing but.
Also immensely disappointing is the fact that, as in most stories, only Greek and Norse mythology are included, Egyptian is ONCE mentioned but that is it.
Why not? It'd be a simple way to make it more unique and intriguing.
Throw in some Aztec gods, Indian, Egyption or Haiitian or any other kind!
Instead we heard from the same guys we already know form EVERY OTHER western Story.
The constant quotes from pop media are ridiculous and unbelievable annoying.
So yeah, a easy read, enjoyable if <50% of brain power is used but far from good.
I also have to admit I read more from the series, something made me want to continue, but sadly continues exactly like the first one, no development in writing style or how characters are portrayed.
Guess that happens If you publish 10 book sin 3 years.
June 9, 2026
Rating: 3.5 stars
This is the first of 11 books in the Chronicles of Cain series. It's filled with magic, vampires, gods, the fae, pixies, humans, etc. Lots of fighting with different types of magic.
SUMMARY: Cain used to kill for the fae. The only human to become a member of the Oblivion Guard, he killed one time too many and had enough. Leaving it all behind wasn't as easy as turning in a resignation. But the fae had trained him well and soon it was they who bargained for him to leave Feary and live in exile in Gaia. Now a tracker for an assassination and bounty hunting agency, Cain doesn't kill anymore. When his mission to track a teenage girl goes horribly wrong, he and the girl end up on the run from powerful forces the likes of which he's never seen before.
That's because the fae have been hiding a terrible secret. The gods aren't dead. In fact, they're very much alive and killing humans they deem too powerful to survive. The girl is in their crosshairs and now he is too. To make matters worse, Cain discovers he's dying from the curse of Cthulhu. The cure? Eating a living, beating unicorn heart. Cain thought unicorns were extinct, but a mystery party offers him salvation: a unicorn for the assassination of the leader of the Mages Guild. With the gods, the fae, and the rest of the supernatural world hunting the hunter, the odds don't look good. But Cain has survived too much to give up now. And the high and mighty are about to find out what real fear feels like.
This is the first of 11 books in the Chronicles of Cain series. It's filled with magic, vampires, gods, the fae, pixies, humans, etc. Lots of fighting with different types of magic.
SUMMARY: Cain used to kill for the fae. The only human to become a member of the Oblivion Guard, he killed one time too many and had enough. Leaving it all behind wasn't as easy as turning in a resignation. But the fae had trained him well and soon it was they who bargained for him to leave Feary and live in exile in Gaia. Now a tracker for an assassination and bounty hunting agency, Cain doesn't kill anymore. When his mission to track a teenage girl goes horribly wrong, he and the girl end up on the run from powerful forces the likes of which he's never seen before.
That's because the fae have been hiding a terrible secret. The gods aren't dead. In fact, they're very much alive and killing humans they deem too powerful to survive. The girl is in their crosshairs and now he is too. To make matters worse, Cain discovers he's dying from the curse of Cthulhu. The cure? Eating a living, beating unicorn heart. Cain thought unicorns were extinct, but a mystery party offers him salvation: a unicorn for the assassination of the leader of the Mages Guild. With the gods, the fae, and the rest of the supernatural world hunting the hunter, the odds don't look good. But Cain has survived too much to give up now. And the high and mighty are about to find out what real fear feels like.
July 20, 2022
Cain is a human who was brought up in Faery and was trained as a guard in service to the high Fae. He sided with them in a war with the people and creatures of Gaia and is considered a traitor by the other creatures of Gaia
He left the service of the Fae after he was ordered to destroy enemies of the Fae but having done so he discovered they were innocents caught up in the war. He is now haunted by their ghosts.
He has become infected with a deadly virus for which he is searching for a cure. While doing so he rescues a young woman who has special gifts and they become close. He protects her from various factions who want to either destroy her or use her talents for their own gain.
I did enjoy this book in a half hearted way. I liked Cain’s character, but felt the other characters were weak. I also felt the book was over long and took a long time to come to a conclusion which was obvious from the start.
Its clearly the first book in a series but I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series.
He left the service of the Fae after he was ordered to destroy enemies of the Fae but having done so he discovered they were innocents caught up in the war. He is now haunted by their ghosts.
He has become infected with a deadly virus for which he is searching for a cure. While doing so he rescues a young woman who has special gifts and they become close. He protects her from various factions who want to either destroy her or use her talents for their own gain.
I did enjoy this book in a half hearted way. I liked Cain’s character, but felt the other characters were weak. I also felt the book was over long and took a long time to come to a conclusion which was obvious from the start.
Its clearly the first book in a series but I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series.
August 14, 2025
What a book to start a series!
this book introduces Cain, Hannah and the rest of the gang. it follows An Ex assassin. someone who seemingly cares for no one. and allows you to watch as his mental defences are utterly torn apart and his world flipped upside-down.
if you want a well written and engaging urban fantasy book. this is the one.
pros: The books is well written, and shows character growth.
The use of eldritch is well done and fairly original in how they're portrayed in this book.
the series gets better with every book.
Cons:
like a lot of writers, women are overtly sexualised to start with. but this dies down a lot after a few books.
I found a fair few of the female characters were pretty much the same person. this does also improve.
I am being very harsh in this review. sorry John! all this being said, to summerise the book. this book was amazing. and is worth the effort to get into because the character growth. development and more throughout the books are amazing.
this book introduces Cain, Hannah and the rest of the gang. it follows An Ex assassin. someone who seemingly cares for no one. and allows you to watch as his mental defences are utterly torn apart and his world flipped upside-down.
if you want a well written and engaging urban fantasy book. this is the one.
pros: The books is well written, and shows character growth.
The use of eldritch is well done and fairly original in how they're portrayed in this book.
the series gets better with every book.
Cons:
like a lot of writers, women are overtly sexualised to start with. but this dies down a lot after a few books.
I found a fair few of the female characters were pretty much the same person. this does also improve.
I am being very harsh in this review. sorry John! all this being said, to summerise the book. this book was amazing. and is worth the effort to get into because the character growth. development and more throughout the books are amazing.
January 23, 2026
Rank C+
Personal Tags: Urban Fantasy, FR, PR, GP, Fae, Pantheons, Lovecraft
Urban Fantasy is the least of my favorite genres, and I rarely indulge; that said, this was a solid 3.5 read for me. The story follows a hitman who works in a hidden supernatural underworld, blending modern crime with mythological elements in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I really liked the mash-up of all Mythos from Greek and Norse to Faerie and Lovecraftian. The premise is fun and a bit ridiculous in a good way, especially if you like darker urban fantasy with a sense of humor. The book moves fast and leans hard into the action, with plenty of fights, chase scenes, and supernatural chaos packed into a short read. That said, a lot of groups and factions are thrown at you, and some parts felt rushed and could have used a little more space to breathe. Overall, I had a good time with it, even if it didn’t leave a big lasting impression.
Personal Tags: Urban Fantasy, FR, PR, GP, Fae, Pantheons, Lovecraft
Urban Fantasy is the least of my favorite genres, and I rarely indulge; that said, this was a solid 3.5 read for me. The story follows a hitman who works in a hidden supernatural underworld, blending modern crime with mythological elements in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I really liked the mash-up of all Mythos from Greek and Norse to Faerie and Lovecraftian. The premise is fun and a bit ridiculous in a good way, especially if you like darker urban fantasy with a sense of humor. The book moves fast and leans hard into the action, with plenty of fights, chase scenes, and supernatural chaos packed into a short read. That said, a lot of groups and factions are thrown at you, and some parts felt rushed and could have used a little more space to breathe. Overall, I had a good time with it, even if it didn’t leave a big lasting impression.
August 29, 2026
This one took me a while to get into. It was slow and kinda lacking on the world building. What pulled me in was the MMC is such a morally gray guy and I found myself rooting for him eventually. He's trying to make amends for his previous wrong decisions. We get to watch him turn into a more good than bad guy who still has to make very tough decisions.
Cain is a guy with mysterious origins. He doesn't know who his parents were, raised by fae, then used by everyone: fae, gods and demigods, humans, factions, etc. He trusts his gut to save a girl from being assassinated, then keeps her under his protection. He trains her how to use/control her powers, in pretty interesting ways. He grows to genuinely care for her like she's family. The only other people they can trust are a few women, which I think is a cool part in the story. The factions, the way they work and their goals, are interesting and warped. I'm excited to read book 2.
Cain is a guy with mysterious origins. He doesn't know who his parents were, raised by fae, then used by everyone: fae, gods and demigods, humans, factions, etc. He trusts his gut to save a girl from being assassinated, then keeps her under his protection. He trains her how to use/control her powers, in pretty interesting ways. He grows to genuinely care for her like she's family. The only other people they can trust are a few women, which I think is a cool part in the story. The factions, the way they work and their goals, are interesting and warped. I'm excited to read book 2.
March 23, 2026
not going to lie. I knew nothing about this book it just showed up in my Audible library one day. The story was decent, idk tho it's something about the characters that just kept me invested. Cain(main male character) I think is your run of the mill average main character. he's like Harry Potter but grown up. this book is definitely a mix of like Harry Potter and X-Men. and honestly I think that's the combination that makes it so just interesting. the rest of the characters I think really tie the story together the support is really what does it. the dialogue amongst the main cast is really genuine, almost like a sitcom. I really did enjoy it like I said knew nothing about it going into it. and really had a great time. just like everything I read I'll definitely be continuing the series later.
April 22, 2025
What happened here?
So this started out so well. But then about 20% in, it got stupid. A relationship that started with "you're an assassin sent to kill me" went to "you're the brother I never had"..." OK, I'm your brother " with no reasonable transition.
And then it just got dumb. From "I've always liked you" to "Wait, you betrayed me so I don't trust you" to "but I promise I'll tell the truth this time" to "well, ok, but you'd better mean it". Nobody that gullible would still be alive.
The relationships between the female characters were ridiculous. In f, ALL of the relationships were ridiculous.
The concept, the general plot, the world created here were decent. But after that first20%, none of it was believable. I won't be reading any of the sequels.
So this started out so well. But then about 20% in, it got stupid. A relationship that started with "you're an assassin sent to kill me" went to "you're the brother I never had"..." OK, I'm your brother " with no reasonable transition.
And then it just got dumb. From "I've always liked you" to "Wait, you betrayed me so I don't trust you" to "but I promise I'll tell the truth this time" to "well, ok, but you'd better mean it". Nobody that gullible would still be alive.
The relationships between the female characters were ridiculous. In f, ALL of the relationships were ridiculous.
The concept, the general plot, the world created here were decent. But after that first20%, none of it was believable. I won't be reading any of the sequels.
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