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Hellequin Chronicles #6.5
Frozen Rage
Realm of Dreich is a getaway for the rich and powerful, a medieval-inspired town in the middle of a vast frozen wilderness. Now it’s the site of a wedding, intended to join two feuding families who have spent centuries in an uneasy truce with each other.
When Tommy Carpenter asks his best friend, Nate Garrett, to help him with the security of the wedding, Nate reluctantly agrees, knowing that it will be a long weekend of work and, in all probability, treachery.
It is only a matter of time before members of each family are found murdered and it is up to Nate and Tommy to find the killer before more bodies fall, potentially reigniting a war.
When Tommy Carpenter asks his best friend, Nate Garrett, to help him with the security of the wedding, Nate reluctantly agrees, knowing that it will be a long weekend of work and, in all probability, treachery.
It is only a matter of time before members of each family are found murdered and it is up to Nate and Tommy to find the killer before more bodies fall, potentially reigniting a war.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
244 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
35 books1,901 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 30, 2020
This is the first novel I have read by this author, and as far as I can tell, his books are receiving stellar reviews and rave kudos, but before I add mine to that, I just want to point out that the cover of Frozen Rage looks absolutely amazing! The physical copy is striking.
Right from the start, the novel sort of jumps into the action and takes off with a banter and a crew that definitely has had a past together. Though the Realm of Dreich isn’t new to familiar readers of the Hellequin Chronicles, it is one that was not familiar to me. This however did not matter as it was super easy to follow through the engaging plot.
At the beginning in The Realm of Dreich:
“I was pretty sure I’d made a terrible decision to come here.
“No, fuck you,” the large man bellowed, getting to his feet at one end of the table laden with food and drink. He pointed a long finger at the man sat the opposite end thirty feet away. If I was honest, it could have been three times that and it still wouldn’t have been long enough.
Tommy Carpenter, my best friend, stood beside me and sighed as he stroked his long dark beard. A sure sign he was beginning t lose his patience. “I really wish I’d stayed at home, “he muttered under his breath. “
Tommy Carpenter and Nate Garrett are working security at a wedding brunch with half of the guests being Werewolves and the other Werelions. A feud between the factions has been kept at bay for a few centuries but that hasn’t stopped either species to push their luck.
Things heat up when the mother of the bride turns up naked and hurt in the surrounding forest, scratched up with a bow sticking out of her. Upon further investigation, it turns out that others were hit as well and some had their throats cut. Tommy and Nate are trying to figure out who is behind the attack and why are some left alive, while others were killed. It seems there was an intentional effort put in to mask what is really going on.
With only one gate to the Realm that was supposed to be guarded, the two of them have to do some serious investigating and what they find turns everything upside down. Can they uncover the plot that muddles up the powerful intentions of the perpetrator?
Frozen Rage will not hold back and deliver a highly readable mystery, comical, and well thought out. Very entertaining!
***
I enjoyed this different world of the novella. With a European backdrop, it made some historical references to the reach of powers of certain characters that took you far into Eastern Europe and back. I always enjoy that.
This fantasy novella delivers on mystery, setting, intrigue, and entertaining characters. It’s the whole package in a nugget worth picking up. So, do that! And enjoy :)
Happy Reading!
I received a digital copy as well as a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. Thank you. All opinions are my own.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
Right from the start, the novel sort of jumps into the action and takes off with a banter and a crew that definitely has had a past together. Though the Realm of Dreich isn’t new to familiar readers of the Hellequin Chronicles, it is one that was not familiar to me. This however did not matter as it was super easy to follow through the engaging plot.
At the beginning in The Realm of Dreich:
“I was pretty sure I’d made a terrible decision to come here.
“No, fuck you,” the large man bellowed, getting to his feet at one end of the table laden with food and drink. He pointed a long finger at the man sat the opposite end thirty feet away. If I was honest, it could have been three times that and it still wouldn’t have been long enough.
Tommy Carpenter, my best friend, stood beside me and sighed as he stroked his long dark beard. A sure sign he was beginning t lose his patience. “I really wish I’d stayed at home, “he muttered under his breath. “
Tommy Carpenter and Nate Garrett are working security at a wedding brunch with half of the guests being Werewolves and the other Werelions. A feud between the factions has been kept at bay for a few centuries but that hasn’t stopped either species to push their luck.
Things heat up when the mother of the bride turns up naked and hurt in the surrounding forest, scratched up with a bow sticking out of her. Upon further investigation, it turns out that others were hit as well and some had their throats cut. Tommy and Nate are trying to figure out who is behind the attack and why are some left alive, while others were killed. It seems there was an intentional effort put in to mask what is really going on.
With only one gate to the Realm that was supposed to be guarded, the two of them have to do some serious investigating and what they find turns everything upside down. Can they uncover the plot that muddles up the powerful intentions of the perpetrator?
Frozen Rage will not hold back and deliver a highly readable mystery, comical, and well thought out. Very entertaining!
***
I enjoyed this different world of the novella. With a European backdrop, it made some historical references to the reach of powers of certain characters that took you far into Eastern Europe and back. I always enjoy that.
This fantasy novella delivers on mystery, setting, intrigue, and entertaining characters. It’s the whole package in a nugget worth picking up. So, do that! And enjoy :)
Happy Reading!
I received a digital copy as well as a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. Thank you. All opinions are my own.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
September 30, 2020
Have you ever been to one of those murder mystery dinners? You know, the ones you pay to attend and at some point during or after the dinner the lights cut out, someone gets "murdered", and it becomes an interactive experience from then on to try to find out who the killer is. Well, this book is kind of like that except way bloodier, it takes place in a medieval wilderness, the main players are werewolves and werelions, and it's way more satisfying in the end.
FROZEN RAGE is technically a standalone novella that falls between books 6 and 7 in Steve McHugh's Hellequin Chronicles series. And what a hard and quick-hitting bloody fantastic story it is. I was reminded of a few fantasy books that I've read before and loved while reading this novella. The one in particular that I couldn't help but draw parallels to is Matthew Woodring Stover's Heroes Die. For some reason this story and the characters in particular had that feel and made my enjoyment of FROZEN RAGE only that much better.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book is that everything happens so quickly and there's no time to ponder too long over something before another revelation smacks you upside the head. The benefit of novellas, and this one especially, is that there's no real room for tortuous dialogue and slow spots. I'm happy to say that FROZEN RAGE does not dilly dally in the least and the murder mystery unfolds at a breakneck pace.
I don't want to give too much away, and the blurb did a pretty good job of laying out the plot. Suffice it to say that you won't be disappointed by Steve McHugh's brilliant novella FROZEN RAGE. It hits you from the jump and then rushes you through a quest to find the possible murderers with nothing short of an all out war being the result of failure. These are the best types of books to read, where the stakes are high, and everyone is a suspect. I really did like this one a lot and it makes me want to start at the very beginning of this series. It was that good!
FROZEN RAGE is technically a standalone novella that falls between books 6 and 7 in Steve McHugh's Hellequin Chronicles series. And what a hard and quick-hitting bloody fantastic story it is. I was reminded of a few fantasy books that I've read before and loved while reading this novella. The one in particular that I couldn't help but draw parallels to is Matthew Woodring Stover's Heroes Die. For some reason this story and the characters in particular had that feel and made my enjoyment of FROZEN RAGE only that much better.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book is that everything happens so quickly and there's no time to ponder too long over something before another revelation smacks you upside the head. The benefit of novellas, and this one especially, is that there's no real room for tortuous dialogue and slow spots. I'm happy to say that FROZEN RAGE does not dilly dally in the least and the murder mystery unfolds at a breakneck pace.
I don't want to give too much away, and the blurb did a pretty good job of laying out the plot. Suffice it to say that you won't be disappointed by Steve McHugh's brilliant novella FROZEN RAGE. It hits you from the jump and then rushes you through a quest to find the possible murderers with nothing short of an all out war being the result of failure. These are the best types of books to read, where the stakes are high, and everyone is a suspect. I really did like this one a lot and it makes me want to start at the very beginning of this series. It was that good!
January 31, 2024
un mistery fantasy dall'ambientazione urban con orsi/lupi/leoni mannari ma finalmente per un pubblico assolutamente ADULT. Trovare un mannaro di qualunque tipo senza romance e robe paranormali mi ha quasi commosso.
Sono felicissima che Lettere Elettriche abbia portato in italiano questo autore, che sa intrattenere con combattimenti dinamici e personaggi mai scontati, un mix che porta ad un'ottima narrazione in sole 120 pagine scarse.
L'unica nota negativa è che ora voglio tutta la serie XD
Sono felicissima che Lettere Elettriche abbia portato in italiano questo autore, che sa intrattenere con combattimenti dinamici e personaggi mai scontati, un mix che porta ad un'ottima narrazione in sole 120 pagine scarse.
L'unica nota negativa è che ora voglio tutta la serie XD
October 28, 2020
Frozen Rage A Hellequin Novella
(The Hellequin Chronicles)
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
This is a novelle of Nate, Remy, and Tommy going to a wedding where there is sorcery, werelions, and magic. Good fantasy and action! Good mystery too! Great narration!
(The Hellequin Chronicles)
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
This is a novelle of Nate, Remy, and Tommy going to a wedding where there is sorcery, werelions, and magic. Good fantasy and action! Good mystery too! Great narration!
October 17, 2020
Beautiful cover, fast paced high action paranormal mystery there's nothing not to like except that it was short and I wanted more. I'm a huge fan of Hellequin Chronicles and it felt so good to be back in that universe with Nate and the rest of the gang. As usual no time is wasted and the story takes of from the very first page and goes on at a breakneck speed. The action scenes are always great and the interaction between the cast is very enjoyable. Now I'm counting down days till the release of Horsemen's War.
September 15, 2020
Fun, snarky, very Nate!
Exactly what you expect from a Hellequin story!
As always, well-written and easy to read. All the usual action and sassy dialog were compressed into a delightful murder mystery.
I think I'll read it again!
Exactly what you expect from a Hellequin story!
As always, well-written and easy to read. All the usual action and sassy dialog were compressed into a delightful murder mystery.
I think I'll read it again!
October 2, 2020
8.0/10
Action, mystery, magic, and snark all come to play in the newest addition to the Hellequin Chronicles. While I am a newbie when it comes to McHugh’s works, Frozen Rage quickly sold me on the rest of the series. Not many people can pull off a wholly satisfying read in 117 pages, especially toward the end of a series, and completely sell a reader on picking up the previous installments.
*Note to self: never expect weddings in fantasy settings to go either as planned or without bloodshed*
While the Realm of Dreich and cast of characters in Frozen Rage won’t be new to readers of the series, this was my first venture into and within them all. The setting is perfect for a wedding/murderfest and luckily enough for us readers, WE GET BOTH! Werewolves, werelions, weretigers, a werebear (maybe even some wererabbits sprinkled in but weren’t mentioned). I had no idea you could have so many werecreatures in a story but by jove McHugh did the thing, and it leads to many murders, much bloodshed, and wow action.
Short, sweet, and the point, the story starts out fairly romantic and quickly goes 0-100 and doesn’t let off the gas. Garrett knows he is in for a long couple of days, but obviously had no clue he would be solving a murder mystery. Alongside his best friend Tommy, you can expect wit, intrigue, and a satisfying dose of fire with a side of claws.
Action, mystery, magic, and snark all come to play in the newest addition to the Hellequin Chronicles. While I am a newbie when it comes to McHugh’s works, Frozen Rage quickly sold me on the rest of the series. Not many people can pull off a wholly satisfying read in 117 pages, especially toward the end of a series, and completely sell a reader on picking up the previous installments.
*Note to self: never expect weddings in fantasy settings to go either as planned or without bloodshed*
While the Realm of Dreich and cast of characters in Frozen Rage won’t be new to readers of the series, this was my first venture into and within them all. The setting is perfect for a wedding/murderfest and luckily enough for us readers, WE GET BOTH! Werewolves, werelions, weretigers, a werebear (maybe even some wererabbits sprinkled in but weren’t mentioned). I had no idea you could have so many werecreatures in a story but by jove McHugh did the thing, and it leads to many murders, much bloodshed, and wow action.
Short, sweet, and the point, the story starts out fairly romantic and quickly goes 0-100 and doesn’t let off the gas. Garrett knows he is in for a long couple of days, but obviously had no clue he would be solving a murder mystery. Alongside his best friend Tommy, you can expect wit, intrigue, and a satisfying dose of fire with a side of claws.
September 19, 2020
Well, I have really liked this series from the beginning (I've read every book) and now we are even on a spin off series that is in this same world (read all of that one as well). When I saw this novella out on Audible, I thought, "Ooh, something new!" So, it was a no brainer :)
This is a very quick, well paced read with Nate, Tommy and crew and they get thrown into a situation when Nate says yes to Tommy's request for some help. He's agreed to do security for a wedding in some other realm and he thinks, "sure, what can happen?"
So, of course, everything hits the fan and there is not one, not two, but lots and lots of murders, many separate plots and even an invasion.....but, no spoilers.
It is always great to see my favorites - Nate, Remi, Tommy, Diana, Sky....I'm missing some I'm sure - but you get the point. Very fast paced, with a mystery to solve. I listened to this on Audible and had no problems with the narrator. I love those English accents, what can I say?
This is a very quick, well paced read with Nate, Tommy and crew and they get thrown into a situation when Nate says yes to Tommy's request for some help. He's agreed to do security for a wedding in some other realm and he thinks, "sure, what can happen?"
So, of course, everything hits the fan and there is not one, not two, but lots and lots of murders, many separate plots and even an invasion.....but, no spoilers.
It is always great to see my favorites - Nate, Remi, Tommy, Diana, Sky....I'm missing some I'm sure - but you get the point. Very fast paced, with a mystery to solve. I listened to this on Audible and had no problems with the narrator. I love those English accents, what can I say?
September 26, 2020
A fantastic magical murder mystery.
Steve leads us on a Poirot-style mystery worthy of Dame Christie herself, but with magic. This was an excellent fast-paced nkvella that kept you guessing right up until the final reveal.
Kudos Steve! A wonderful story. One more thing, I think you're the one that should don the trench coat. This was a great story!
Steve leads us on a Poirot-style mystery worthy of Dame Christie herself, but with magic. This was an excellent fast-paced nkvella that kept you guessing right up until the final reveal.
Kudos Steve! A wonderful story. One more thing, I think you're the one that should don the trench coat. This was a great story!
February 1, 2024
Devo essere onesto, l'Urban Fantasy non è proprio my cup of tea!
Nonostante questo, devo dire che questa novella però è eccezionale nel rappresentare questo genere ai più alti livelli..
Si, perché l autore riesce già dopo poche pagine ad aver messo giù un mondo magico complesso, svariati personaggi dal sapore unico e sistemi magici che danno il via a scene davvero grafiche..
Fa parte di una serie più ampia, ma posso dire questo perché lo so, non perché si percepiva..
Leggendolo si ha infatti da subito la sensazione di un romanzo a se stante, completo ed esaustivo anche se breve, che diverte e intrattiene a colpi di ironia, sangue e creatività..
Alcuni personaggi poi sono davvero unici!!!
Il misto di mistery, assassini magici, riferimenti pop e battute sagaci è davvero ben riuscito..
Non conoscevo questo autore, ma è stato davvero una piacevole scoperta!
Ho aspettato un po' a leggerlo perché aspettavo la versione italiana cartacea, cavolo Letterelelettriche ha fatto un lavoro notevole anche via Amazon.. la qualità del volume è da collezione!!
Nonostante questo, devo dire che questa novella però è eccezionale nel rappresentare questo genere ai più alti livelli..
Si, perché l autore riesce già dopo poche pagine ad aver messo giù un mondo magico complesso, svariati personaggi dal sapore unico e sistemi magici che danno il via a scene davvero grafiche..
Fa parte di una serie più ampia, ma posso dire questo perché lo so, non perché si percepiva..
Leggendolo si ha infatti da subito la sensazione di un romanzo a se stante, completo ed esaustivo anche se breve, che diverte e intrattiene a colpi di ironia, sangue e creatività..
Alcuni personaggi poi sono davvero unici!!!
Il misto di mistery, assassini magici, riferimenti pop e battute sagaci è davvero ben riuscito..
Non conoscevo questo autore, ma è stato davvero una piacevole scoperta!
Ho aspettato un po' a leggerlo perché aspettavo la versione italiana cartacea, cavolo Letterelelettriche ha fatto un lavoro notevole anche via Amazon.. la qualità del volume è da collezione!!
September 16, 2020
A murder,mystery with magic and a wedding.
Once again thrown into Steve McHughs world of magic, weres and other fantastical individuals, which is something I'll never tire of.
This Novella was a great read. It has everything, action, comedy, love stories, drama and even a wedding. The pace of the story is spot on, never rushed nor too slow. Nate, Tommy, Remy, Diana and Sky are the main focuses this time and they live up to all expectations. Jumping into battle, never a thought for their own lives just whatever it takes to save innocents. It's a must read and a great addition to the near ending story arc. One that I will be incredibly sorry to see end.
Once again thrown into Steve McHughs world of magic, weres and other fantastical individuals, which is something I'll never tire of.
This Novella was a great read. It has everything, action, comedy, love stories, drama and even a wedding. The pace of the story is spot on, never rushed nor too slow. Nate, Tommy, Remy, Diana and Sky are the main focuses this time and they live up to all expectations. Jumping into battle, never a thought for their own lives just whatever it takes to save innocents. It's a must read and a great addition to the near ending story arc. One that I will be incredibly sorry to see end.
September 15, 2020
Werewolves and Weretigers and Werelions and a Werebear oh my. All at a Wedding what could go wrong.
Another highly enjoyable Novella by Steve Mchugh. Fun , fast paced , and fantastical. Nate returns as his snarky confident self like a smash-up of Deadpool , Neo, and Gandalf. With him is Tommy his best friend , Reme the smart-mouthed Foxman ( think Ryan Reynolds but British and a man fox hybrid) and Diana she's one bad mutha... watch your mouth. No seriously when it come to Diana watch your mouth she could eff you up quick. Add to that a wedding, some murders, and a bunch of asshole bad guys and you've got a great book.
Another highly enjoyable Novella by Steve Mchugh. Fun , fast paced , and fantastical. Nate returns as his snarky confident self like a smash-up of Deadpool , Neo, and Gandalf. With him is Tommy his best friend , Reme the smart-mouthed Foxman ( think Ryan Reynolds but British and a man fox hybrid) and Diana she's one bad mutha... watch your mouth. No seriously when it come to Diana watch your mouth she could eff you up quick. Add to that a wedding, some murders, and a bunch of asshole bad guys and you've got a great book.
September 16, 2020
Nate Remy and Tommy are all back in this brilliant novella. This book has you from the first sentence! Keeps you on your toes and laughing the entire book. You have all the gang at a wedding with werewolves and werelions. Trouble always finds Nate, brilliant book! This is a must read if you have read the Hellequin series from the start.
November 14, 2021
Another fantastic tale about Nate and co!
A murder mystery, and a lot of bloody wearbear and swearing fox - a quick and entertaining reading feast!
MY only complaint was running out of story too quickly - a frequent problem with novellas, when they are just too good... I want more Nate!
A murder mystery, and a lot of bloody wearbear and swearing fox - a quick and entertaining reading feast!
MY only complaint was running out of story too quickly - a frequent problem with novellas, when they are just too good... I want more Nate!
April 4, 2021
Why are weddings always so bad in books? Who hurt these authors?
Great story and fun homage. No clues are given just answers.
Great story and fun homage. No clues are given just answers.
October 1, 2020
Here are a few things you can expect from Frozen Rage:
Serious murder mystery vibes;
Intrigue;
Shapeshifters;
A kick ass lead;
LGBT;
Break-neck pace filled with bloody and brilliant action;
CHAOS.
On to the full review…
If you don’t want to read it already from the above details then let me tempt you a little bit more.
This book is such an enjoyable read, I didn’t realise how much I wanted a fast paced whirlwind murder novella until I picked this book up. I had engaged with Steve on Twitter a bit in the past over games, so when I saw this book tour I couldn’t help but join in. I have been in a bit of a time slump at the minute so this book was perfect for my current circumstances.
Firstly, let me point out this is a technically a standalone and for me has acted as the perfect introduction to Steve’s series as a whole, having not read his other books prior to this. This wasn’t an issue for me as I still felt like I could follow the plot and connect with the characters involved. The only downside of this is there are a few mentions of previous events and previous characters within the world you don’t fully appreciate or understand and there is an assumption you are indeed familiar with the world and its races.
BUT LET ME REMIND YOU THIS IS MY FAULT AND NOT A FAULT OF THE BOOK. IT IS BOOK 6.5 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, THE CHARACTERS ALREADY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT HISTORY PRIOR TO THIS.
This novella has actually made me want to read all the books prior to this series so I can get those details, I want to see the relationships between characters start and grow and the events that have made Nate such a bad ass!
Frozen Rage is actually a little bloodier than I expected, I’m not overly sure what I expected but I was shocked and impressed at the level of bloody murder within this book. This book is as Nick Borelli said in his review “an interactive experience”. One of the first things I noticed when reading this was that there is quite a bit of dialogue between the characters and it is this for me that made this read so much more interactive. I genuinely felt like I was a part of the conversations between characters, I was stood there nodding along and putting in my two pence about why Viktor is a dick.
Steve does great in this novella to show you the little realm of Dreich, it honestly sounds like somewhere i’d be happy to go, less the murder though! You can imagine the whole realm from the people that fill it to the landscapes that surround it.
The investigatory nature of this book is also well written, it is fast acting and unravels the way you would want a investigation to be handled. There is no lollygaggin between clues and revelations and you don’t stop until you have it uncovered.
Also, the ending….pretty fucking epic!!
A final note too. The Cover. OMG it is beautiful!
Serious murder mystery vibes;
Intrigue;
Shapeshifters;
A kick ass lead;
LGBT;
Break-neck pace filled with bloody and brilliant action;
CHAOS.
On to the full review…
If you don’t want to read it already from the above details then let me tempt you a little bit more.
This book is such an enjoyable read, I didn’t realise how much I wanted a fast paced whirlwind murder novella until I picked this book up. I had engaged with Steve on Twitter a bit in the past over games, so when I saw this book tour I couldn’t help but join in. I have been in a bit of a time slump at the minute so this book was perfect for my current circumstances.
Firstly, let me point out this is a technically a standalone and for me has acted as the perfect introduction to Steve’s series as a whole, having not read his other books prior to this. This wasn’t an issue for me as I still felt like I could follow the plot and connect with the characters involved. The only downside of this is there are a few mentions of previous events and previous characters within the world you don’t fully appreciate or understand and there is an assumption you are indeed familiar with the world and its races.
BUT LET ME REMIND YOU THIS IS MY FAULT AND NOT A FAULT OF THE BOOK. IT IS BOOK 6.5 FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, THE CHARACTERS ALREADY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT HISTORY PRIOR TO THIS.
This novella has actually made me want to read all the books prior to this series so I can get those details, I want to see the relationships between characters start and grow and the events that have made Nate such a bad ass!
Frozen Rage is actually a little bloodier than I expected, I’m not overly sure what I expected but I was shocked and impressed at the level of bloody murder within this book. This book is as Nick Borelli said in his review “an interactive experience”. One of the first things I noticed when reading this was that there is quite a bit of dialogue between the characters and it is this for me that made this read so much more interactive. I genuinely felt like I was a part of the conversations between characters, I was stood there nodding along and putting in my two pence about why Viktor is a dick.
Steve does great in this novella to show you the little realm of Dreich, it honestly sounds like somewhere i’d be happy to go, less the murder though! You can imagine the whole realm from the people that fill it to the landscapes that surround it.
The investigatory nature of this book is also well written, it is fast acting and unravels the way you would want a investigation to be handled. There is no lollygaggin between clues and revelations and you don’t stop until you have it uncovered.
Also, the ending….pretty fucking epic!!
A final note too. The Cover. OMG it is beautiful!
October 5, 2020
Thank you to Storytellers on Tour and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
So I’m gonna come right out and say that I did not know that this was part of a series. Not only that, it’s number 6.5 in a series! I’m pretty sure that this information was part of the sign up but, apparently, my brain decided to skip over that information because it thought the cover was pretty.
(Which it totally is, btw)
That being said, I had a lot of fun with this little novella! We’re following a man named Nate Garrett, who has agreed to help with security at a wedding. But this isn’t a normal wedding… this is a wedding that is bringing together werewolves and werelions, two groups that have an uneasy truce at best. Hence the need for security. Nate thinks it’s going to be a blah weekend of breaking up petty fights… until three guests turn up dead and everything goes to hell.
This book was like an Agatha Christie whodunit, but make it fantasy! It’s a short book, but it definitely packs a punch. I will say that I was never bored as I ripped through the pages. There’s a lot going on and it keeps you completely engaged. I can’t really speak to the world-building as, ya know, this is the sixth(point five) book in this series, lol. I wouldn’t expect there to be a lot of world-building in here! Still, what I did learn of this world made me incredibly intrigued about the rest of the series. I need to know why Nate is such a badass!
Speaking of Nate, I really enjoyed the characters in this novella. You don’t get a lot of background because, again, this is a pretty late book in the series, but I still thought they were well-developed and interesting. You can tell that Nate and his group of friends have seen some things and I’m definitely getting that found family vibe. Again, another aspect that makes me interesting in the rest of the series. I suppose if you have read the rest of the books, this novella would be a fun and intense addition to the lore.
Final thoughts: This was a fast-paced, fun, and exciting novella that blends mystery with urban fantasy. As someone who has not read the rest of the series, I still had quite a bit of fun with this book. It made me want to read the rest of the series! Definitely recommend for people who are already fans of the Hellequin Chronicles but I think any urban fantasy lover would enjoy the ride.
So I’m gonna come right out and say that I did not know that this was part of a series. Not only that, it’s number 6.5 in a series! I’m pretty sure that this information was part of the sign up but, apparently, my brain decided to skip over that information because it thought the cover was pretty.
(Which it totally is, btw)
That being said, I had a lot of fun with this little novella! We’re following a man named Nate Garrett, who has agreed to help with security at a wedding. But this isn’t a normal wedding… this is a wedding that is bringing together werewolves and werelions, two groups that have an uneasy truce at best. Hence the need for security. Nate thinks it’s going to be a blah weekend of breaking up petty fights… until three guests turn up dead and everything goes to hell.
This book was like an Agatha Christie whodunit, but make it fantasy! It’s a short book, but it definitely packs a punch. I will say that I was never bored as I ripped through the pages. There’s a lot going on and it keeps you completely engaged. I can’t really speak to the world-building as, ya know, this is the sixth(point five) book in this series, lol. I wouldn’t expect there to be a lot of world-building in here! Still, what I did learn of this world made me incredibly intrigued about the rest of the series. I need to know why Nate is such a badass!
Speaking of Nate, I really enjoyed the characters in this novella. You don’t get a lot of background because, again, this is a pretty late book in the series, but I still thought they were well-developed and interesting. You can tell that Nate and his group of friends have seen some things and I’m definitely getting that found family vibe. Again, another aspect that makes me interesting in the rest of the series. I suppose if you have read the rest of the books, this novella would be a fun and intense addition to the lore.
Final thoughts: This was a fast-paced, fun, and exciting novella that blends mystery with urban fantasy. As someone who has not read the rest of the series, I still had quite a bit of fun with this book. It made me want to read the rest of the series! Definitely recommend for people who are already fans of the Hellequin Chronicles but I think any urban fantasy lover would enjoy the ride.
October 2, 2020
Frozen Rage is a short novella from the series of The Hellequin Chronicles. It only has 11 chapters, but these chapters are full of action. However I haven’t read the previous books in the series I really liked this novella. It turned a very good reading full of exciting creatures, gods, goddesses and well-written worlds. The author created an interesting atmosphere where everything is possible. There's humour, blood, fights and facts, that help you understand the world. The characters are unique, friendly but a bit terrifying, but that's okay. My favourite part of the novella is the world structure, the shape-shifters and all of the other creatures, because I'm a little bit obsessed with it. But I don't regret it for a second.
The wedding was extraordinary, but for real trust me. It's a bit magical, mysterious and very interesting. It's not like the shiny, everyone is happy wedding, no it's a wedding full with murder, sarcasm, drama and a teaspoon of comedy. And for an interesting fact the book has Hungarian roots, but I'm not sure If I'm happy about that or just pissed.
Warning: it contains blood and violence.
The wedding was extraordinary, but for real trust me. It's a bit magical, mysterious and very interesting. It's not like the shiny, everyone is happy wedding, no it's a wedding full with murder, sarcasm, drama and a teaspoon of comedy. And for an interesting fact the book has Hungarian roots, but I'm not sure If I'm happy about that or just pissed.
Warning: it contains blood and violence.
October 1, 2020
“𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅, 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏.”
-𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒛𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒂𝒈𝒆
𝓕𝓻𝓸𝔃𝓮𝓷 𝓡𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻✨
Happy to be a part of the Frozen Rage book tour! Check it out on Goodreads and Amazon! Thank you @sot_tours and @stevemc79 ❤️
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Magic x Murder x Wedding 👀👀👀👀
This is a part of a series but it’s even good as a standalone!!! It’s fast-paced so you won’t get bored at all. It took me an hour to finish it and it was great! Anddd... LOOK AT THAT COVER Y’ALL!!!! ✨
“This has been a novella I’d wanted to write for some time. The murder mystery with magic is always fun to write, so I’m glad that Nate got his time to do his best Hercule Poirot impression.”
-Steve Mchugh
If you love urban fantasy with a bit of mystery, you’ll like this! 😉
✨✨✨✨✨
Tour schedule: https://www.storytellersontour.online...
-𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒛𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒂𝒈𝒆
𝓕𝓻𝓸𝔃𝓮𝓷 𝓡𝓪𝓰𝓮 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝓻✨
Happy to be a part of the Frozen Rage book tour! Check it out on Goodreads and Amazon! Thank you @sot_tours and @stevemc79 ❤️
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Magic x Murder x Wedding 👀👀👀👀
This is a part of a series but it’s even good as a standalone!!! It’s fast-paced so you won’t get bored at all. It took me an hour to finish it and it was great! Anddd... LOOK AT THAT COVER Y’ALL!!!! ✨
“This has been a novella I’d wanted to write for some time. The murder mystery with magic is always fun to write, so I’m glad that Nate got his time to do his best Hercule Poirot impression.”
-Steve Mchugh
If you love urban fantasy with a bit of mystery, you’ll like this! 😉
✨✨✨✨✨
Tour schedule: https://www.storytellersontour.online...
May 26, 2021
The problem with creating a character who is at the top of his game, a sorcerer who can kill anything and everyone who comes up against them is that you know they can kill all opponents. Nate is an interesting main character in that he is not very likeable, seems to be impervious to all attempts to kill him but his redeeming characteristics include his friends who have a wider range of emotions and thoughts than he does. As a novella this works, I skipped the fight scenes but then I usually do because they just don’t hold my interest but the dialogue between the characters is good, some amusing quips are included and the little murder mystery type plot is adequate. It has got three stars because I did enjoy reading it as it was easy but really should be two and a half stars as I probably won’t read it again but I am feeling generous.
September 19, 2020
Another great addition
I've read each of the Hellequin novels several times, loved every page looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Steve McHugh uses these stories to flesh out his characters giving histories, a past you share and you love these people even more as you wait to see how they will grow, live and/or die.
If you haven't read the other books in the Hellequin series start today, right now!!
They're free with Amazon prime so there's no excuse..I promise you will not regret it, though you will Damn me for the sleep you lose, reading through them as fast as you can get them.
I've read each of the Hellequin novels several times, loved every page looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Steve McHugh uses these stories to flesh out his characters giving histories, a past you share and you love these people even more as you wait to see how they will grow, live and/or die.
If you haven't read the other books in the Hellequin series start today, right now!!
They're free with Amazon prime so there's no excuse..I promise you will not regret it, though you will Damn me for the sleep you lose, reading through them as fast as you can get them.
November 10, 2020
If you have followed the Hellequin series, you will not be disappointed by this 125 page novella. Nate Garrett (the main character) attends a wedding as part of the security detail led by his best friend, Tommy Carpenter. Murders, magic and violent fighting ensue. Best of all, Nate gets to play detective and solve the crime. There is no cliffhanger!
This could be a standalone if a new reader to this series can catch up with the concept of shifters, sorcerers, different realms, mythical characters and gods. I'm partial to a recurring side character, Remy, who was previously cursed by witches and became part-fox/part-man (and all attitude).
This could be a standalone if a new reader to this series can catch up with the concept of shifters, sorcerers, different realms, mythical characters and gods. I'm partial to a recurring side character, Remy, who was previously cursed by witches and became part-fox/part-man (and all attitude).
December 21, 2020
Not understanding this! I've read all the Hellequin Chronicles and the last one was written in 2018 and suddenly there's a novella written 2 years later? Why?
Anyway, it was a good story, about a wedding that went wrong and 5 people were killed, before lots and lots of werelions attacked the castle where the wedding was supposed to take place and started killing all the werewolves, as well as the human wedding guests.
No sex and the F-bomb was used 18 times.
As to the narration: As usual, Simon Mattacks did a fantastic job on all the voices.
Anyway, it was a good story, about a wedding that went wrong and 5 people were killed, before lots and lots of werelions attacked the castle where the wedding was supposed to take place and started killing all the werewolves, as well as the human wedding guests.
No sex and the F-bomb was used 18 times.
As to the narration: As usual, Simon Mattacks did a fantastic job on all the voices.
July 31, 2022
The Red Wedding
This story was about Tommy taking care of the security for a wedding. Nate was their to help out, so we’re Sky, Remy, and Diana. The problem was that everyone had to deal with assassins murdering guests, vendettas of Vlad’s two men, the plot to murder Victor who was hated by all. It took Nat and Tommy to figure out who murdered who. And the you have Victors prod red of were lions to murder all of the guests. Lucky that Tommy and Nate thwarted the evil plans of murder and meijem.
This story was about Tommy taking care of the security for a wedding. Nate was their to help out, so we’re Sky, Remy, and Diana. The problem was that everyone had to deal with assassins murdering guests, vendettas of Vlad’s two men, the plot to murder Victor who was hated by all. It took Nat and Tommy to figure out who murdered who. And the you have Victors prod red of were lions to murder all of the guests. Lucky that Tommy and Nate thwarted the evil plans of murder and meijem.
October 4, 2020
The return of Nate in his most intimidating persona made this novella a great read.
Not nearly enough of Tommy geeking, out but amusing glimpses of his and Nate’ interactions. A fun read all the same.
That being said there were for such a short read, an almost bewildering number of new character introductions, which at times had me going back to check on who they were. Thankfully it all coalesces nicely in the end. With even a slow learner like myself catching on.
Essentially a murder mystery with the author’s trademark brutality added in.
Not nearly enough of Tommy geeking, out but amusing glimpses of his and Nate’ interactions. A fun read all the same.
That being said there were for such a short read, an almost bewildering number of new character introductions, which at times had me going back to check on who they were. Thankfully it all coalesces nicely in the end. With even a slow learner like myself catching on.
Essentially a murder mystery with the author’s trademark brutality added in.
November 10, 2020
Another Fantastic Adventure
Another fantastic adventure into the world of Nate Garrett. I’m a huge fan of Steve McHugh and he never fails to deliver a phenomenal story with his enchanting wonderful characters. I feel so connected to the characters I never want his books to end. It brings me so much joy reading his books and I’m delighted with this novella. It was engaging to read, had me guessing and laughing. Thank you Steve McHugh!
Another fantastic adventure into the world of Nate Garrett. I’m a huge fan of Steve McHugh and he never fails to deliver a phenomenal story with his enchanting wonderful characters. I feel so connected to the characters I never want his books to end. It brings me so much joy reading his books and I’m delighted with this novella. It was engaging to read, had me guessing and laughing. Thank you Steve McHugh!
September 18, 2020
Mchugh strikes again
The Frozen rage novella is a bit different to the others that involve Nate Garret. He is forced to investigate and be somewhat diplomatic as well as fight and be generally sarcastic. The wit and one liners are point having me in inappropriate giggles over things that aren’t supposed to be funny. Cannot was til December now!
The Frozen rage novella is a bit different to the others that involve Nate Garret. He is forced to investigate and be somewhat diplomatic as well as fight and be generally sarcastic. The wit and one liners are point having me in inappropriate giggles over things that aren’t supposed to be funny. Cannot was til December now!
September 19, 2020
Frozen Rage
I really liked it. I have read all the books about Nate Garret and have never been disappointed. This one was a little different in that it included a mystery that had to be solved. Still lots of action and snarky comments. Anytime Nate and Tommy get together is bound to be a good thing. Recommended.
I really liked it. I have read all the books about Nate Garret and have never been disappointed. This one was a little different in that it included a mystery that had to be solved. Still lots of action and snarky comments. Anytime Nate and Tommy get together is bound to be a good thing. Recommended.
September 23, 2020
I haven't read the previous six books in this series, but now I really want to.
McHugh has created an exciting new world (worlds?) Different realms like Avalon and Earth. There are wereanimals, sorcerers, banshees, Gods and Goddessed.
His use of humour and sarcasm is great! It helps to break up intense scenes.
I really enjoyed this novella and now want to dive into the Hellequin universe!
McHugh has created an exciting new world (worlds?) Different realms like Avalon and Earth. There are wereanimals, sorcerers, banshees, Gods and Goddessed.
His use of humour and sarcasm is great! It helps to break up intense scenes.
I really enjoyed this novella and now want to dive into the Hellequin universe!
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