Hellstorm

Hellhound Shifters #2

by Richard Amos

Life really loves to pull the rug out from under you.

Who would have thought things would take this weird turn? There was me thinking everything would be by the book. Do my job as a Protector, keep Midgrove City safe. Be a good hellhound shifter.

How wrong I was!

There are so many pieces to this puzzle, with nowhere to slot them in. But I’ve got to keep on. Somewhere in the shadows is the truth. I just need to find the light to blast it out.

There’s a storm coming…

What happened to the fun, carefree days of gaming and bingeing my favourite Sci-Fi TV show?

Ha! Like a hellhound’s life is ever carefree!

Dream on, Draven!

Hellstorm is the second volume in an Urban Fantasy series packed with action, adventure, and slow-burn MM Ménage Romance.

This book is not a standalone.

Genres: Magic, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance, M M Romance, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2021

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hellstorm picks up pretty much where book 1 ended with Micah missing. I'm not giving any of the plot away to spoil it. Other than Draven has to contend with all that as well as protecting Midgrove with his triplet brothers from Hellspawn. It's a fast pace read which draws you in with a great story and characters you can't help but like. The series just keeps getting better and I'm really enjoying reading it

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the series and it’s every bit as good as the first! Craven and his brothers continue to protect Midhaven city in this fast paced and action packed story that just grabs you from the very start and will not let go! It’s a fun read, it’s intriguing with some mystery thrown in, it’s gripping and yes it does leave you with some questions but what series doesn’t?? Looking forward to book three!

[Richard Amos]

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really liking Richard's Hellhound Shifters series and book two was amazing. I can't wait for the third one to see what will happen next between these wonderful characters and what's in store for them.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are getting interesting, complicated for our mains and I can see the pain in the horizon.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish 😍❤

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story picks up from when the last one stopped, continues the action at a fast pace and then finishes on another cliffhanger. I loved how this 2nd book advanced the plot, grew the characters, and threw in several curveballs for good measure. I’m hanging out for the 3rd book now to find out what happens next!

I always know I’m going to get fabulous worldbuilding and quirky characters when I read a book by this author. I like how he takes what seems like our world on the surface and then shakes it up with supernatural entities like hellhounds, hellspawn, and alchemy.

I particularly liked the twists in this plot, and how Lyle grows in this story. He’s having a few issues coming into his powers but when he does he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Poor guy goes through a lot, and I liked how, despite that, he manages to come out the other side with his wonderfully flirty and sweet nature intact. He’s definitely one of the good guys.

I love Simon, and I’m looking forward to him playing a bigger part as the series progresses. He totally rocks, and I like his and Lyle’s friendship.

Poor Micah gets a raw deal too. The author is basically being mean to everyone and I love it. That scene where he realises the truth of what’s going on is raw and emotional. Love it. Draven’s growing a few clues about how everyone fits together too. I love how quirky he is, with his obsession with gaming and the X Files. I like his strong ties to his brothers, and his determination to protect the people he cares about. His axe is a wonderful character in her own right, and her TV viewing preference is a great touch.

I love how these characters’ world view is changing rapidly into something else entirely, and I’m looking forward to see where the author takes them next.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellstorm is the second book in Richard Amos’s Hellhound Shifter series and buckle up because this book is full of twists and action! Hellstorm picks up where book one left off with Lyle missing, Micah gone, and Hellspawn are not only running rampant...but acting strange. This book is a serious page-turner and I eagerly ate it up like jam on toast.
The first book in this series was good, but for me, book two is way better. You get some down time for/with the characters, but it seems that there is no rest for the wicked. They get a moment of rest and then here comes something to have them hitting the pavement to deal with another problem. There is so much going on in this book. Giles, the mysterious alchemist is trying to gain something from Lyle. Lyle is something new...something unique and he is the key to getting what it is that Giles wants. Draven is dealing with everything put on his shoulders as the Beta. He’s trying to understand what is happening all around him. When he learns some new information...it all makes sense. But when this information is presented to the Alpha...she shoots it down! Of course, questions abound as to why. It doesn’t make sense but boy does it drive this story!
I don’t think that there is anything that I didn’t like about this book. The pacing is fantastic, I’m kept engaged and at times on the edge of my seat for more. The pieces are coming together and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Things are really getting intense and I am here for it all!
I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with all of these characters! If you read the first book and enjoyed it you’re not going to want to miss out on this installment!

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Note of caution - this review is deliberately vague(ish) to keep it spoiler-free for both this book and the preceding one.*

Oh boy! Hellstorm is an amazing blend of action, mystery and character-driven storyline.

Picking up directly after the events at the end of book 1, this is not the place to jump into this series. I'd definitely read Hellspawn first, then leap into this book. This time out Draven is still leading his unit of hellhound shifters in keeping the streets of Midgrove safe but, all the while he's battling hellspawn, he's also trying to figure out what's going on with two of the key people in his life.

Draven is a great MC. For all his supposed hellhound-ness (it's all about duty and there's very little to question about who needs to be sent back to hell or not), he's got a huge amount of empathy that makes him inquisitive and at the same time feeds some insecurities...adorable! I also love his relationship with his brothers - bro hugs are indeed the best! Micah and Lyle are a little more difficult to unpick, but the complexity around their backgrounds, where they are in their lives now and their relationship to/with Draven still make them both engaging and likeable characters.

As always with this author, the urban fantasy chops are front and centre: brilliant world-building, fabulous action scenes, unique characterisation, a plot with twists and turns enough to keep you guessing and an ending that'll leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment.

Yes, I cannot wait for Hellfire but, in the meantime, Hellstorm gets a hugely satisfying 5* from me.

Gotta go now...I'm off to make myself some toast and apricot jam. :)

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the beta pushed Draven out of his comfort zone. But not even in his weirdest dreams would he think the events that are happening around him (or to him) could become reality. Yet here he is, trying to sort this mess full of treachery, lies, attraction, and details not adding up. Allies are uncertain, enemies are hiding, and behind the corrupt alchemy there is more to discover..
I have to say that having the Greek gods enter the story was an element I wasn't exactly expecting yet very much appreciated, and with the ending of this book I am now curious what their story will be and how they will influence the plot further. Lyle turned into a very interesting character on his own, unlocking his secrets and removing the block that was rendering him to a simple clairvoyant with malfunctioning abilities. We also got to better understand the dark and brooding Micah, and seeing the recent development between Micah, Draven, and Lyle, I am looking forward to the turns the relationships may take.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a distinctive world and Draven with his hellhound triples Drake and Dren continue policing Midgrove on the lookout for all Hellspawn escaping from the bowels of Hell. In this second book Draven has been appointed the beta of his troupe is in a quandary. Hellspawn now have more power and thus, harder to capture and destroy for the return trip to Hell. Draven has also met and is attracted to Lyle, the bartender at Fizz Whizz. I like that the hellhounds are not looked on as evil by the human population but as protectors. A fly in the ointment is Micah, Draven's team member. He's surrounded in mystery that only at the conclusion of this story only deepens. Draven is torn between loyalty to his team and attraction to the uniqueness that is Lyle. Maybe the third book will give the reader some answers. As with Book #1 this was a reading pleasure for this reader, and this is my ARC review provided to me by the author. I submit this review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and I am loving how unique this universe is. Draven and his other triplet brothers are trying to keep Midgrove City safe from hellspawn. But there is something happening in the city that defies everything he and his brothers have been told. Who should he believe, and what is a beta hellhound to do? I love Draven and his brothers, and I wish I could get to know his brothers and some of the other characters better. In fact, it would be great if they’d get their own series. LOL! Well-written, great characters, and a fast-paced book, I am anxious to read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enrapturing story that picks up where the first left off. With the immense action and even some drama, this book grabs hold of you from the very start and doesn’t let go. This book seemed to have a lot more character growth and we also got to see and learn a lot more about the characters themselves. I loved that Draven started questioning his orders, and struggled with not following without question, when he felt like something wasn’t right. That It wasn’t quite akin to treason, but still made him uncomfortable. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

We pick right back up where book 1 ended with Micah missing.Draven has to contend with with everything going on while also protecting Midgrove with his triplet brothers from Hellspawn. This creates a fast pace read which draws you in with a great story and characters you can't help but like in true Amos fashion. The series just keeps getting better. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm is Right! But in the Heart!

Richard Amos continues to tell the tale of his Hellhound Shifters, as Draven, his brothers, and the rest of their unit is pummeled by evil magic and hellspawns,

We also find Draven as the beta of the group, bur he is struggling in his leadership, as he has feelings for two others that may contradict specific orders from his alpha .

This book zeros in on guilt and a moral compass, as Draven has to choose to follow blindly, or listen to his heart.

Running to get book 3 now!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, this was a fantatic read that once I started there was no putting it down, no matter what I needed to do. It moves along at the perfect speed for the story, speeding up when needed and slowing down when the time came. The characters are awesome and you will find yourself falling in love with them. The story grabs you, keeping you interested and reading until the very end. This book needs to be on your TBR list, no doubt about it.

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! This book is good. There are hellhounds, hellspawn, and deities. On top of all this you have action and romance. The hellhounds are supposed to protect humanity from the things that escape hell. Draven commands his team well under the circumstances. One of his team, Micah, is missing and that bothers him. Then another friend, Lyle, is missing as well. Plus he is learning some inconvenient truths about his reality and mission. I enjoyed this book!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was twisty! I love the main characters, but I honestly can't see how they can overcome all the drama and get the happy ending I so want them to have. I was so frustrated at parts of this one, and really felt for some of the characters - it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but I like when stories make you feel that way. There is still so much to be resolved, so I can't wait for the next one.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is seems Draven isn’t going to get a break, just more and more questions. And doubt. Doubt in his mission, his purpose, the ever lingering doubt about being named Beta. So much doubt. Through it all are some constants: Micah, Lyle, his brothers and his unswerving need to figure out what is happening in his city. Hellstorm is a ride that leaves readers wanting more. Some answers get doled out, but there are still so many questions to ask!

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 and continues from where book 1 finished.
Draven and his team continue to protect the city. Whilst trying to figure out who the Poisoner is and where Lyle and Micah have disappeared to.
Lots of different things are woven into this story, but it is still easy to follow and understand what's going on. You don’t quiet know who can be trusted, who is telling the truth or who isn't who they seem.
This story will definitely keep you on your toes, and wanting to read book 3.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this second book picks up right where the first one left off thankfully. And wow this one has so much angst and action. I definitely didn’t see a lot of what happened coming. I loved it though I want to throttle some of the characters for what they do. Draven still isn’t getting the answers he needs just even more questions and I want to know all the answers. I need the next book I need to know what’s going to happen to the characters and how things are going to unfold.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get into, and to remember the events from the previous one. Once it clicked for me, it was action packed. I enjoyed reading about Draven and his brothers, and their duty to protect. An enjoyable series about hellhounds. Interesting to me, also, how demons smell to each character…

[Noxwitchbooklife · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good idea for a series with the hellhounds hunting evil spirits with the underlying overall arc being built up really well.

The constant mentions of sugary foods is a bit off-putting and frequently loses my attention when I'm trying to read which I why I haven't rated it 5 stars.

[Tara Syrnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read and great addition to this series! The adventure continues and we are treated to an entertaining , engaging story! This action packed, well paced story continues where we left off as they continue to protect the city. This is an intriguing story with mystery and drama, great characters and a solid, unique plot. I am looking forward to more!

[J.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers of any kind included.
So all I’m going to say about Hellstorm is I thought it was a good story and I’ll leave it at that.
But yes I do recommend this book.




*An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have voluntarily chosen to write a fair and honest review*

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fantastic idea for a series so far off the usual idea of hell hounds. This book takes off from book one, the series is just getting better with each book, there are twists and turns galore and not his is what you except. The books keep getting better and better, I cannot wait for book three to find out what happens next.

[Lisa Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book this one pretty much picks up from where book one left of you want be disappointed being the beta draven is push way out of his comfort zone. With so much happing around him he's uncertain who to trust while trying to keep the streets safe and keep the hellspawn in check, definitely find out more about the characters in this bookit doesn't disappointed

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Hellhound Shifters series was actually better than the first. The action is picking up. The characters are more interesting and more sympathetic than in the prior tale. Still no HEA, no HFN. Another cliffhanger. But by this time, I must read til the end of the series.
Enjoyable. Easier to get into. Fast read.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this entire series - very entertaining and unique. There are 4 books (plus an off-shoot short called "Dirty Magic") and the 4 main books do need to be read in order. There is an underlying story that arcs through all of them and you don't get the HEA until the last book. Makes for an epic read!!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Nothing good ever follows the hellhounds. What about Lyle, Micha and Draven trouble with a capital T no doubt. Then of course there is Giles is he really a bad guy or just in a bad situation. Blimey I have no idea and this book brings up so many questions.