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DECEIVERS 1: "MARK OF THE BEAST"
There are those dwelling on earth, who were meant to exist, such as Angels, animals, and mankind… And then, there are those who were never meant to exist, such as the creatures of the night known as the Deceivers. For, as it was written in ancient times, “All Angels, good and bad have the power to transmutate our bodies. And thus, Angels can turn tyrants into lambs, and shepherds into wolves.” This is the secret of the Deceivers… This is the secret of the “Mark Of The Beast”! Like a spirit rising from the netherworld, "The Keepers Of The Gate" have returned to excite and thrill you once again in an entirely new series of suspenseful novels known as "The Deceivers"! But who are the Deceivers? Or more accurately, what are they? In paranormal battles with gun-blazing combat and supernatural sorcery, “The Keepers Of The Gate” have already taken you down the dark corridors of a descent into hell, fighting demon-possessed vampires, infernal hell-beasts, dark sorcerers, and horrific devilish monstrosities from the depths of perdition. But their greatest challenge is yet to come… For now they must face the shape-shifting abominations that are genetically spawned by Fallen Angels, and whispered of among superstitious lore as “werewolves”, but are known to ancient mankind as “The Deceivers”! Whether you’ve read the original “Keepers Of The Gate” book or not, nothing can quite prepare you for the surprising supernatural thrill-ride you will experience with the “Deceivers” series of novels! Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with the mysteries of the occult, the “Deceivers” will make you question everything you thought you knew about the paranormal realms of the unknown. And like a hungry beast, you will be left craving for more and more as the “Deceivers” stimulates your mind and chills your soul! Just as the “Deceivers” can transform into terrifying creatures of the night, you too will be transformed as you read this novel; transformed into someone who has witnessed the enlightenment of the darkest secrets of the supernatural! All you have to ask yourself is, do you have the courage to stand and face the Deceivers? Do you have the courage to read the tale of the “Mark Of The Beast”?
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2020
About the author
2-Bru Krew
15 books5 followersThe authors known as “The 2-BRU KREW” are 2 Brus called “Mr. Bear” and “Ger Fox”; who both have Ph.D.’s in the School of Hard Knocks. They paid their dues with inner-strength and heart; and express themselves through the literary arts. They have experience in all sorts of entertainment; from Vegas to the Old-School South, they’ve beaten the pavement. Mr. Bear came straight outta the west from a little place called “O-Town”; where gats were invented by a genius called Brown. Ger Fox rolled outta So-Cal, home of the Mouse; and grew up in the 60-Deuce where he brought down the house.
The 2-Bru Krew have traveled the world and seen the sights; lost some loves and won some fights. They faced hard times and overwhelming odds; but always stuck together, with the Lord as their staff and rod. Side by side they fought hard and always stayed strong; put their lives to literature making books their song. They write to excite, not to be conversational; some call them controversial, others call them sensational. They write about the truth even if the truth doesn’t flatter; because in the end, the truth is all that matters.
The 2-Bru Krew invites you to take a ride into the Old West with Hondo and the Kid if you dare; but before you saddle up, you best beware. ‘Cause the truth awaits those brave enough to open their eyes; embrace your fears and cast out all lies. And if you’re too naïve to come take a look; then just stick to your French luv horse-opera books. And before you try to judge or start to pick a bone; you best cowboy-up and take a ride to Old San Antone.
The 2-Bru Krew have traveled the world and seen the sights; lost some loves and won some fights. They faced hard times and overwhelming odds; but always stuck together, with the Lord as their staff and rod. Side by side they fought hard and always stayed strong; put their lives to literature making books their song. They write to excite, not to be conversational; some call them controversial, others call them sensational. They write about the truth even if the truth doesn’t flatter; because in the end, the truth is all that matters.
The 2-Bru Krew invites you to take a ride into the Old West with Hondo and the Kid if you dare; but before you saddle up, you best beware. ‘Cause the truth awaits those brave enough to open their eyes; embrace your fears and cast out all lies. And if you’re too naïve to come take a look; then just stick to your French luv horse-opera books. And before you try to judge or start to pick a bone; you best cowboy-up and take a ride to Old San Antone.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 3, 2020
MINIMAL-SPOILER REVIEW
Deceivers 1: Mark of the Beast (henceforth MotB) begins a new story arc in the Keepers of the Gate series by writing duo the 2-Bru Krew. With such a moniker and the distinctly pulpy cover art, one might be forgiven for expecting a comic-book style romp, but this is merely the first of several expectations the book subverts.
Helpfully, MotB begins with a breakdown of the various characters who make up the Keepers of the Gate team, before then giving us a detailed run-down of the infernal science behind the titular Deceivers. Whilst I was initially grateful for the introduction to the cast, it does also illustrate what I considered to be the largest single issue with the book, which is a tendency to repeat information. The actual story itself does a perfectly good job of detailing the characters and concepts as they arise in the narrative, to the extent that I felt the introductions could have been left out completely or moved to an appendix.
Another, related issue with the book is a distinctly variable tone. At times it feels studious, or even biblical, whereas at others it takes on a more chatty style, sometimes in mid-scene. There are some touches, like a tank crashing through a bakery and emerging covered in pastries or a succession of disasters befalling arrogant monks, that feel like they could have come from the movies of Tarantino or Robert Rodriguez. In fact, were I to compare MotB tonally to a film, it would be Tarantino's “Death Proof”. There are some lengthy slice-of-life scenes where characters just sit around and talk, and other scenes that are wall-to-wall action. Indeed, for me the book seemed to climax in an entertainingly chaotic multi-sided battle scene midway through which later chapters struggled to match.
Probably the single most divisive thing about MotB is the book's approach to theology. Many books and TV shows (for example Netflix's recent Warrior Nun) take as a premise the idea that the supernatural is real and the Church opposes it, but MotB takes this concept and really nails it hard to the door, Martin Luther style. The nature of faith is debated with some force, and some of the 'revelations' about the Catholic Church, non-Christian religions, and the validity of doctrine and scripture will doubtless prove too spicy a meatball for some readers. Certainly, the KOG have no multi-faith 'Q' Division like that of the Hugh Jackman Van Helsing movie. Some of the politics might also cause readers some problems, and recent world events have rather dented the relevance of parts of the plot involving a joint Russian-Ukrainian task-force in Chechnya. However, the book deliberately does not target any modern real-world political or religious figures, and it's perfectly possible to accept that this is an alternate world to ours in which the course of history, and of theology, has worked out distinctly differently. (Indeed, given the horrors the Keepers face one would certainly hope so!)
In technical terms, the writing could definitely use a little work. A few words are used somewhat oddly, such as smirks and sneers at seemingly inappropriate times, and the odd sentence is strangely-structured or drifts in tense. At times, characters who are supposed to be erudite and presenting a compelling argument don't particularly read as if they are, and the narrator has to help them out by telling us that's what they've just done. However, the book is perfectly readable and occasionally paints some vivid and interesting characters, in particular protagonist Von Luther and the various mad scientists, evil sorcerers and conniving politicians who oppose him. The book does feel a little long for the amount of material it covers, and ends with its story still very much developing.
The length of the book is, I feel, its weakest aspect. The story feels as if it wants to rattle along, but some scenes hold it back and seem like they would have benefited from an edit. However, this is not by any means an expensive book, and for those readers facing a long plane journey or simply looking for a a poolside read that will last a few days, it could well be just the thing. Certainly, despite reading the book over a couple of days in which I was often interrupted, I found the book easy to dip into without becoming confused or losing my place in the story, a feat more than one high-profile book fails to accomplish.
In conclusion, MotB is certainly a flawed book, and owes its existence to that of self-publishing to an extent. However, those very flaws and its determined defiance of genre conventions make it an interesting read, and one written by writers who clearly have vivid imaginations and a unique story to tell. It's certainly not going to be everyone's proverbial cup of tea, but at its low price it's well worth taking an experimental sip.
NOTE ON RATING
I would prefer to rate MotB 3.5 stars, or a solid 70%, but Goodreads does not allow this level of nuance in a review. Therefore as the first to review the title I have erred on the side of generosity.
Deceivers 1: Mark of the Beast (henceforth MotB) begins a new story arc in the Keepers of the Gate series by writing duo the 2-Bru Krew. With such a moniker and the distinctly pulpy cover art, one might be forgiven for expecting a comic-book style romp, but this is merely the first of several expectations the book subverts.
Helpfully, MotB begins with a breakdown of the various characters who make up the Keepers of the Gate team, before then giving us a detailed run-down of the infernal science behind the titular Deceivers. Whilst I was initially grateful for the introduction to the cast, it does also illustrate what I considered to be the largest single issue with the book, which is a tendency to repeat information. The actual story itself does a perfectly good job of detailing the characters and concepts as they arise in the narrative, to the extent that I felt the introductions could have been left out completely or moved to an appendix.
Another, related issue with the book is a distinctly variable tone. At times it feels studious, or even biblical, whereas at others it takes on a more chatty style, sometimes in mid-scene. There are some touches, like a tank crashing through a bakery and emerging covered in pastries or a succession of disasters befalling arrogant monks, that feel like they could have come from the movies of Tarantino or Robert Rodriguez. In fact, were I to compare MotB tonally to a film, it would be Tarantino's “Death Proof”. There are some lengthy slice-of-life scenes where characters just sit around and talk, and other scenes that are wall-to-wall action. Indeed, for me the book seemed to climax in an entertainingly chaotic multi-sided battle scene midway through which later chapters struggled to match.
Probably the single most divisive thing about MotB is the book's approach to theology. Many books and TV shows (for example Netflix's recent Warrior Nun) take as a premise the idea that the supernatural is real and the Church opposes it, but MotB takes this concept and really nails it hard to the door, Martin Luther style. The nature of faith is debated with some force, and some of the 'revelations' about the Catholic Church, non-Christian religions, and the validity of doctrine and scripture will doubtless prove too spicy a meatball for some readers. Certainly, the KOG have no multi-faith 'Q' Division like that of the Hugh Jackman Van Helsing movie. Some of the politics might also cause readers some problems, and recent world events have rather dented the relevance of parts of the plot involving a joint Russian-Ukrainian task-force in Chechnya. However, the book deliberately does not target any modern real-world political or religious figures, and it's perfectly possible to accept that this is an alternate world to ours in which the course of history, and of theology, has worked out distinctly differently. (Indeed, given the horrors the Keepers face one would certainly hope so!)
In technical terms, the writing could definitely use a little work. A few words are used somewhat oddly, such as smirks and sneers at seemingly inappropriate times, and the odd sentence is strangely-structured or drifts in tense. At times, characters who are supposed to be erudite and presenting a compelling argument don't particularly read as if they are, and the narrator has to help them out by telling us that's what they've just done. However, the book is perfectly readable and occasionally paints some vivid and interesting characters, in particular protagonist Von Luther and the various mad scientists, evil sorcerers and conniving politicians who oppose him. The book does feel a little long for the amount of material it covers, and ends with its story still very much developing.
The length of the book is, I feel, its weakest aspect. The story feels as if it wants to rattle along, but some scenes hold it back and seem like they would have benefited from an edit. However, this is not by any means an expensive book, and for those readers facing a long plane journey or simply looking for a a poolside read that will last a few days, it could well be just the thing. Certainly, despite reading the book over a couple of days in which I was often interrupted, I found the book easy to dip into without becoming confused or losing my place in the story, a feat more than one high-profile book fails to accomplish.
In conclusion, MotB is certainly a flawed book, and owes its existence to that of self-publishing to an extent. However, those very flaws and its determined defiance of genre conventions make it an interesting read, and one written by writers who clearly have vivid imaginations and a unique story to tell. It's certainly not going to be everyone's proverbial cup of tea, but at its low price it's well worth taking an experimental sip.
NOTE ON RATING
I would prefer to rate MotB 3.5 stars, or a solid 70%, but Goodreads does not allow this level of nuance in a review. Therefore as the first to review the title I have erred on the side of generosity.
December 11, 2022
Incredible!
Werewolves on steroids, vampires, demons, angels, the Catholic church, and a polarizing Grand Inquisitor descended from the greats… How could you possibly get more exciting? The amount of research that went into the writing of this book is simply astounding to contemplate. I learned so much about the history and lore of many “mythological creatures,” most especially lycanthropes, which I now know is another word for werewolves. I am truly looking forward to reading more from these authors, and I can’t recommend this book more to people who enjoy a rich and action-packed supernatural thriller.
Werewolves on steroids, vampires, demons, angels, the Catholic church, and a polarizing Grand Inquisitor descended from the greats… How could you possibly get more exciting? The amount of research that went into the writing of this book is simply astounding to contemplate. I learned so much about the history and lore of many “mythological creatures,” most especially lycanthropes, which I now know is another word for werewolves. I am truly looking forward to reading more from these authors, and I can’t recommend this book more to people who enjoy a rich and action-packed supernatural thriller.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews