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Jake Hatcher #1
Damnable
After being disgraced and wrongly imprisoned, special military operative Jake Hatcher finds himself standing watch against an unimaginable threat to humanity. For he's about to discover that the streets of New York City have become a secret battleground between forces he cannot comprehend.
392 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Hank Schwaeble
21 books42 followersHank Schwaeble is a thriller writer and attorney in Houston, Texas. His first novel, Damnable, will be published by Penguin/Putnam in September 2009 under their Jove imprint.
Hank's first short story, “Mugwumps,” appeared in the anthology Alone on the Darkside in 2006. In 2007, he and Gary Braunbeck won a Bram Stoker Award for the anthology Five Strokes to Midnight, which included three of his short stories.
A graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt Law School, Hank is also a former Air Force officer and special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He was a distinguished graduate from the Air Force Special Investigations Academy, graduated first in his class from the Defense Language Institute's Japanese Language Course, and was an editor of the law review at Vanderbilt where he won four American Jurisprudence Awards.
In addition to reading and writing, Hank enjoys keeping in shape and playing his guitars, his favorite being his Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Cut-away. He refuses to either confirm or deny rumors that he used to be a drummer.
Hank's first short story, “Mugwumps,” appeared in the anthology Alone on the Darkside in 2006. In 2007, he and Gary Braunbeck won a Bram Stoker Award for the anthology Five Strokes to Midnight, which included three of his short stories.
A graduate of the University of Florida and Vanderbilt Law School, Hank is also a former Air Force officer and special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He was a distinguished graduate from the Air Force Special Investigations Academy, graduated first in his class from the Defense Language Institute's Japanese Language Course, and was an editor of the law review at Vanderbilt where he won four American Jurisprudence Awards.
In addition to reading and writing, Hank enjoys keeping in shape and playing his guitars, his favorite being his Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Cut-away. He refuses to either confirm or deny rumors that he used to be a drummer.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 13, 2016
5 of 5 Stars
Not long ago, I received an advance copy of The Angel of the Abyss: A Jake Hatcher Thriller by Hank Schwaeble. Having previously read American Nocturne, I was excited about the prospect of reading more of Hank's work. Then I found out, the new novel is the third book in a series. Even though I was assured the new book works well as a stand-alone novel. I had to read the whole series. Maybe I have a touch of OCD.
Long story, slightly longer. I'm so glad I'm a completist. Had I not read Damnable, I would have missed a terrific read, and a Bram Stoker Award winner for best First Novel, which I didn't realize until after I read the book.
In the beginning of Damnable, the author shows a bit of his love for noir. It doesn't hold through the entire book, but it was nice to see.
At the counter nearby, the babe, a sultry minx with milky skin, sat sidesaddle on one of the stools, smartly arrayed in a taupe linen skirt and vest, sipping her coffee like a lounging starlet nursing a gin and tonic.
The we meet Jake Hatcher, in military prison, basically for doing his job, perhaps a bit too well. When Jake is released to attend the funereal of a brother he never knew he had, things start going sideways, quickly.
Meet Valentine, an amazingly well-crafted villain and a truly despicable character, bent on bringing an end to heaven. His scheme is complex and includes a monster he calls the Get of Damnation.
They stood there watching as the thing in the cage finished the heart. It ate it like a piece of fruit, crouched over, shifting its weight on its haunches, hiding partially behind its shoulder, looking sideways at them every few seconds. Between bites.
They say the devil is in the details and some of the smallest bits in Damnable are some of my favorites, like Jake Hatcher's mother's obsession with flamingos. Certainly not needed, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Schwaeble creates powerful images, both with spurts of lyrical prose and the ability to get down and dirty when he needs to. Damnable is both a captivating and horrifying read. It's also an adult read,with both hardcore sex and extreme violence, all totally relevant to the story.
There are a number of well timed twists throughout Damnable, enough to keep the reader guessing to the very end.
Published by Jove, Damnable is available in both Paperback and e-book formats.
Hank Schwaeble is a writer and attorney in Houston, Texas. His debut novel, Damnable, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. He is also the author of Diabolical, and the soon to be published, the Angel of the Abyss (all three in the Jake Hatcher series). Hank is also the author of the horror-noir collection American Nocturne and numerous short stories.
Hank is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers Association.
Not long ago, I received an advance copy of The Angel of the Abyss: A Jake Hatcher Thriller by Hank Schwaeble. Having previously read American Nocturne, I was excited about the prospect of reading more of Hank's work. Then I found out, the new novel is the third book in a series. Even though I was assured the new book works well as a stand-alone novel. I had to read the whole series. Maybe I have a touch of OCD.
Long story, slightly longer. I'm so glad I'm a completist. Had I not read Damnable, I would have missed a terrific read, and a Bram Stoker Award winner for best First Novel, which I didn't realize until after I read the book.
In the beginning of Damnable, the author shows a bit of his love for noir. It doesn't hold through the entire book, but it was nice to see.
At the counter nearby, the babe, a sultry minx with milky skin, sat sidesaddle on one of the stools, smartly arrayed in a taupe linen skirt and vest, sipping her coffee like a lounging starlet nursing a gin and tonic.
The we meet Jake Hatcher, in military prison, basically for doing his job, perhaps a bit too well. When Jake is released to attend the funereal of a brother he never knew he had, things start going sideways, quickly.
Meet Valentine, an amazingly well-crafted villain and a truly despicable character, bent on bringing an end to heaven. His scheme is complex and includes a monster he calls the Get of Damnation.
They stood there watching as the thing in the cage finished the heart. It ate it like a piece of fruit, crouched over, shifting its weight on its haunches, hiding partially behind its shoulder, looking sideways at them every few seconds. Between bites.
They say the devil is in the details and some of the smallest bits in Damnable are some of my favorites, like Jake Hatcher's mother's obsession with flamingos. Certainly not needed, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Schwaeble creates powerful images, both with spurts of lyrical prose and the ability to get down and dirty when he needs to. Damnable is both a captivating and horrifying read. It's also an adult read,with both hardcore sex and extreme violence, all totally relevant to the story.
There are a number of well timed twists throughout Damnable, enough to keep the reader guessing to the very end.
Published by Jove, Damnable is available in both Paperback and e-book formats.
Hank Schwaeble is a writer and attorney in Houston, Texas. His debut novel, Damnable, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. He is also the author of Diabolical, and the soon to be published, the Angel of the Abyss (all three in the Jake Hatcher series). Hank is also the author of the horror-noir collection American Nocturne and numerous short stories.
Hank is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers Association.
January 24, 2011
You may read the entire review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/01/...
Jake Hatcher is a man with a problem. A special military operative, he’s been wrongly imprisoned, and on the day of his release, finds out his brother has been killed; a brother he never even knew existed. This mystery begins a journey for Hank that will take him into the darkest heart of man, and beyond.
Damnable is a wonderful debut novel, and Jake Hatcher is my kind of hero! In a sea of kick ass, tough chicks, he’s a male hero to root for! Wisecracking, resourceful, and tough, I had a blast following Jake as he battled zombies, half-human, half-demons, and his own growing feelings for a certain beautiful woman. I loved the author’s unique take on heaven and hell, and the creatures that inhabit them. Add to the mix Demetrius, a truly nasty villain that loves a good torture chamber, the mystery of Jake’s brother, plus a dash of romance, and you have a fun, fast-paced read! I couldn’t help thinking that Damnable just about has something for everyone, however, with Schwaeble’s talent for description, the violence may make you squirm a little. That said, I never felt that anything was gratuitous. If anything, it appealed to the horror fan in me, and gave us a picture window into the villian’s twisted psyche.
The novel switches from third person view between Jake and Demetrius, and the only complaint I have is I would have loved to have Jake’s passages be first person. Although, Schwaeble makes up for this with fun asides of Jake’s funny, sarcastic train of thought.
Damnable won the 2009 Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel, and it shows! It’s a testament to the author’s talent when he can make an over-the-top plot seem believable and make us sympathize with a hero that has such a shadowed past, but we do, and for me, that makes it a successful story. If you loved Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger, or Nelson DeMille’s John Corey, then you’ll love Jake! I know I do, and I’ll follow him anywhere!
5/5
Jake Hatcher is a man with a problem. A special military operative, he’s been wrongly imprisoned, and on the day of his release, finds out his brother has been killed; a brother he never even knew existed. This mystery begins a journey for Hank that will take him into the darkest heart of man, and beyond.
Damnable is a wonderful debut novel, and Jake Hatcher is my kind of hero! In a sea of kick ass, tough chicks, he’s a male hero to root for! Wisecracking, resourceful, and tough, I had a blast following Jake as he battled zombies, half-human, half-demons, and his own growing feelings for a certain beautiful woman. I loved the author’s unique take on heaven and hell, and the creatures that inhabit them. Add to the mix Demetrius, a truly nasty villain that loves a good torture chamber, the mystery of Jake’s brother, plus a dash of romance, and you have a fun, fast-paced read! I couldn’t help thinking that Damnable just about has something for everyone, however, with Schwaeble’s talent for description, the violence may make you squirm a little. That said, I never felt that anything was gratuitous. If anything, it appealed to the horror fan in me, and gave us a picture window into the villian’s twisted psyche.
The novel switches from third person view between Jake and Demetrius, and the only complaint I have is I would have loved to have Jake’s passages be first person. Although, Schwaeble makes up for this with fun asides of Jake’s funny, sarcastic train of thought.
Damnable won the 2009 Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel, and it shows! It’s a testament to the author’s talent when he can make an over-the-top plot seem believable and make us sympathize with a hero that has such a shadowed past, but we do, and for me, that makes it a successful story. If you loved Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger, or Nelson DeMille’s John Corey, then you’ll love Jake! I know I do, and I’ll follow him anywhere!
5/5
October 15, 2016
An enthralling read. Full review to come.
July 11, 2011
2.5 Stars
This came across to me as a readable first novel with some bright points and quite a bit of standard fare.
I chose to read this one as I cannot satiate my love for the biblical horror sub genre. This book with the name Damnable and the cover synopsis had me intrigued. This story really is a lite-biblical horror with some angels and demons and a lot to do with hell. Jake is a take on the Antihero but I never really connected with him.
There are some decent horror elements but overall, this played out more like a thriller than a horror novel.
The story was ok and the conclusion works, it just all seemed play out as one would expect it too. This one was a bit too safe to really enjoy. I will probably read another novel by Svhwaeble but this one can be skipped.
This came across to me as a readable first novel with some bright points and quite a bit of standard fare.
I chose to read this one as I cannot satiate my love for the biblical horror sub genre. This book with the name Damnable and the cover synopsis had me intrigued. This story really is a lite-biblical horror with some angels and demons and a lot to do with hell. Jake is a take on the Antihero but I never really connected with him.
There are some decent horror elements but overall, this played out more like a thriller than a horror novel.
The story was ok and the conclusion works, it just all seemed play out as one would expect it too. This one was a bit too safe to really enjoy. I will probably read another novel by Svhwaeble but this one can be skipped.
July 10, 2011
I happened upon this book while browsing through a catalogue. The book blurb that caught my eye describes the setting as that in New York City and having it involve an ex-military operative who has to search for his long lost brother. I knew that I wanted to check out this book further based on this description.
The setting of this story might seem a bit cliched and in some ways reminds me of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. However after reading the first couple of chapters I knew my perceived idea of this story was wrong and that this was something completely different an a little more violent then what I would have expected.
The story begins with a rather strange accident which sets of the beginning events of the novel. Within the first chapter readers are introduced to the main protagonist Jake Hatcher, who is currently in a military prison due to events that are unknown at the time. His release is facilitated due to events that have been told to readers in the prologue. Jake then goes on to meet up with his mother and tries to get an understanding of the events that have happened and are about to happen.
I would rather not reveal too much of what happens in the novel especially the beginning as it's all intricately connected and the plot line just builds up from there. The surprise of the novel seems to be an important part of the reading of this.
The majority of the chapters are told from Jake Hatcher's POV, however there are a few chapters where the POV shifts to include two other prominent characters who play an important part in the story. The characters, and the roles that they play, I believe will be a lot more beneficial to the readers if they find this out for themselves. There are a few one-off POVs from minor characters scattered throughout the story. This aspect of Hank Schwaeble's writing is very reminiscent of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child who often insert one-off POVs in between the main POVs.
The story is a amalgamation of horror and thriller as Hank Schwaeble does an admirable job of keeping the reader hooked with his easy and readable prose. He also does a very good job of relaying the action scenes and the story lines to the reader. No space is waster in reminiscing about anything that took place and all development of the storyline is forward, with no looking back. Another excellent job done by Schwaeble is that of taking all the story threads that are occurring in this novel and twisting them all into one at the end. This is something that can be appreciated as Schwaeble's writing style and story structure is very much like a seasoned author and many readers will not be able to tell that this is his debut novel.
Schwaeble has a nod to John Steinbeck and has inserted it into the plot in a very apropos manner. I thought this was a very interesting aspect of the novel and something that should have it's attention drawn to.
The character development within Damnable is unique unto itself. The main protagonist is not a cookie-cutter character and has many sides to him, some of which are shown in this story and some of them that are not told within the novel. I'm sure there are many readers like myself who would like to read and know more about Jake Hatcher, as he was able to draw readers in and frustrate them at time. I'd love to see more of this character in other books in the future.
Another character that has great development is that of the antagonist. The antagonist is not just all out crazy, instead Schwaeble does a great job of presenting the antagonists viewpoint and giving readers a rationale explanation of what is happening and what's behind all the events. I for one could understand the thought process and even sympathize with the "bad" guy because of this portrayal.
In the end, Hank Schwaeble just a fantastic job in writing his debut novel. He is a talents guy who is sure to light up the thriller scene with future books. This book is a must read for all thriller, horror and supernatural fiction fans. Hank Schwaeble's Damnable is by far the best debut thriller of 2009 for myself. Read Damnable and find out why for yourself!
The setting of this story might seem a bit cliched and in some ways reminds me of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. However after reading the first couple of chapters I knew my perceived idea of this story was wrong and that this was something completely different an a little more violent then what I would have expected.
The story begins with a rather strange accident which sets of the beginning events of the novel. Within the first chapter readers are introduced to the main protagonist Jake Hatcher, who is currently in a military prison due to events that are unknown at the time. His release is facilitated due to events that have been told to readers in the prologue. Jake then goes on to meet up with his mother and tries to get an understanding of the events that have happened and are about to happen.
I would rather not reveal too much of what happens in the novel especially the beginning as it's all intricately connected and the plot line just builds up from there. The surprise of the novel seems to be an important part of the reading of this.
The majority of the chapters are told from Jake Hatcher's POV, however there are a few chapters where the POV shifts to include two other prominent characters who play an important part in the story. The characters, and the roles that they play, I believe will be a lot more beneficial to the readers if they find this out for themselves. There are a few one-off POVs from minor characters scattered throughout the story. This aspect of Hank Schwaeble's writing is very reminiscent of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child who often insert one-off POVs in between the main POVs.
The story is a amalgamation of horror and thriller as Hank Schwaeble does an admirable job of keeping the reader hooked with his easy and readable prose. He also does a very good job of relaying the action scenes and the story lines to the reader. No space is waster in reminiscing about anything that took place and all development of the storyline is forward, with no looking back. Another excellent job done by Schwaeble is that of taking all the story threads that are occurring in this novel and twisting them all into one at the end. This is something that can be appreciated as Schwaeble's writing style and story structure is very much like a seasoned author and many readers will not be able to tell that this is his debut novel.
Schwaeble has a nod to John Steinbeck and has inserted it into the plot in a very apropos manner. I thought this was a very interesting aspect of the novel and something that should have it's attention drawn to.
The character development within Damnable is unique unto itself. The main protagonist is not a cookie-cutter character and has many sides to him, some of which are shown in this story and some of them that are not told within the novel. I'm sure there are many readers like myself who would like to read and know more about Jake Hatcher, as he was able to draw readers in and frustrate them at time. I'd love to see more of this character in other books in the future.
Another character that has great development is that of the antagonist. The antagonist is not just all out crazy, instead Schwaeble does a great job of presenting the antagonists viewpoint and giving readers a rationale explanation of what is happening and what's behind all the events. I for one could understand the thought process and even sympathize with the "bad" guy because of this portrayal.
In the end, Hank Schwaeble just a fantastic job in writing his debut novel. He is a talents guy who is sure to light up the thriller scene with future books. This book is a must read for all thriller, horror and supernatural fiction fans. Hank Schwaeble's Damnable is by far the best debut thriller of 2009 for myself. Read Damnable and find out why for yourself!
December 21, 2012
3 AND 1/2 STARS
Author Hank Schwaeble won the Bram Stoker award for best first novel for Damnable, and for the most part, it is well deserved. It’s original premise, some outrageous gore, and many unpredictable moments kept me reading late into the night.
While not as frightening as I think it could have been if more atmosphere was added, Schwaeble keeps the reader hooked by revealing a few pieces to the puzzle with each chapter, until finally, the complete puzzle is revealed in all its evil glory. Some of the military psychology Schwaeble writes of the main character’s thought process was quite fascinating and gave an authenticity that really added to the protagonist’s decisions.
There were a few coincidences that bothered me, but for the most part, it was an enjoyable read. A bit slow in the middle, it picks up nicely and carries you to its violent end. If you are into demons and the occult and like a little action with your horror, Damnable is certainly something different to try out.
Author Hank Schwaeble won the Bram Stoker award for best first novel for Damnable, and for the most part, it is well deserved. It’s original premise, some outrageous gore, and many unpredictable moments kept me reading late into the night.
While not as frightening as I think it could have been if more atmosphere was added, Schwaeble keeps the reader hooked by revealing a few pieces to the puzzle with each chapter, until finally, the complete puzzle is revealed in all its evil glory. Some of the military psychology Schwaeble writes of the main character’s thought process was quite fascinating and gave an authenticity that really added to the protagonist’s decisions.
There were a few coincidences that bothered me, but for the most part, it was an enjoyable read. A bit slow in the middle, it picks up nicely and carries you to its violent end. If you are into demons and the occult and like a little action with your horror, Damnable is certainly something different to try out.
August 31, 2016
This book is not as dark, or "surprising", or disturbing really as the reviews on the covers would have you believe. There are only 3 short scenes, take up an total of 6(?) pages, in the entire book that had anything "disturbing" happen. I was expecting to be on the edge of my seat constantly checking over my shoulder to make sure a monster wasn't trying to grab me, that's what a book named Damnable should make you feel and it just didn't.
It's a well written book, there was one chapter towards the end that seemed to never end for me. It makes me think of a James Pattersons writing, which isn't bad I like James Patterson.
It's a well written book, there was one chapter towards the end that seemed to never end for me. It makes me think of a James Pattersons writing, which isn't bad I like James Patterson.
December 10, 2017
Reasonably good. Lots of sex scenes.
I was a bit put off by the fact that the main protagonist, Hatcher, is a former Special Forces guy because it's so cliched these days as the background for a badass. Then I learned the author, Schwaeble, was himself some kind of Special Forces guy. And I saw his good looks and impressive biceps. So I'm fairly pleased now with the choice for Hatcher's background. :)
I also note that Schwaeble has captured quite correctly the crude macho and highly sexed mindset of a typical male American soldier. That's good, too.
October 1, 2010
interesting book and story, liked the characters and the way it was completely different from other types of horror books dealing with 'religious' horror, etc. not quite angels and that but dealt with demons and someone trying to bring hell on earth... very enjoyable, and pretty graphic in some spots if that's your thing...i recommend this for sure.
May 23, 2010
A great hunt for a serial killer who turns out to be more ambitious than he seems. Great fun and well written.
Read my full review at Feo Amante Horror Thriller: http://www.feoamante.com/Stories/Revi...
Read my full review at Feo Amante Horror Thriller: http://www.feoamante.com/Stories/Revi...
November 3, 2012
Hank has a really great, strong voice. It makes it so the reader isn't yanked out of the story because of awkward dialog or passages, which is nice. We'll see how the plot plays out. So far, great first novel. Even if it IS horror. :)
September 27, 2011
Diabolical caught my eye, so I ordered this book to begin the series.. It is an interesting series--popcorn thriller.. It is action packed demon/angel book--I was expecting vampires.. I liked being surprised--kinda tired of vampires and zombies.. On to Diabolical..
November 24, 2009
Interesting...not great, but I didn't stop reading.
November 21, 2011
A clear and well-written action/horror. Reminiscent of Michael McBride. Great stuff, and I can't wait for the sequel.
May 19, 2017
More of the same characters as in the first book with a hint at some greater evil purpose to come.
A decent 300 page entertainment.
A decent 300 page entertainment.
April 11, 2025
Wildly uneven debut novel from Schwaeble. The book has many problems, of which I won't belabor in granular detail, but they are worth discussing here. First off, it felt like the book didn't know what it wanted to be. It is described as a horror/action/noir mashup, and I can tell that was Schwaeble was shooting for, but he mostly does not pull it off well. Most of the scenes featuring the main villain are so over the top and schlocky, almost comic booklike, that they negate most of the horror and any possible emotional heft. Offset these over the top scenes with seemingly endless interrogation scenes and miles upon miles of exposition and you have a pretty unsatisfying read. I found the entire middle section of this novel's bloated 400 pages to be a bore, I had to force myself to get through them, though I wanted to quit several times. I labored on, only to get to a ridiculously convoluted ending that hurts my brain to think about.
Not everything in the novel is complete dreck, hence the 2 star review. There is some cool stuff here and there in this book. But, in terms of just storytelling, of structure, mood, pacing, telling instead of showing, making the reader believe in the story, etc, the core things that make for a good book, it is mostly a failure.
Not everything in the novel is complete dreck, hence the 2 star review. There is some cool stuff here and there in this book. But, in terms of just storytelling, of structure, mood, pacing, telling instead of showing, making the reader believe in the story, etc, the core things that make for a good book, it is mostly a failure.
March 15, 2012
In his debut novel Hank Schwaeble introduces an evil villain who will do anything to revenge the death of his parent, even if that means destroying the world.
Jake Hatcher is a military interrogator who was at the top of his game and mission when he was wrongly imprisoned by the military. The guards of the prison are slowly trying to break him down, to get him to act out so that he serves a longer sentence, but so far Hatcher has endured, he is only a few more weeks till release. However, release comes early for as he finds out that his brother has died while trying to save a woman's life, but Hatcher does not have a brother. Hatcher soon finds out that there are quite a few secrets that his family has hidden from him, all that play a key role in his up coming fight. Hatcher is entering into a Sadistic man's game where he plays a more vital role than even he realizes, and all he is really fighting for is saving the World from becoming a new Hell.
This book was okay, definitely on the darker side of things and had some horror aspects to it, which I liked, however I found it hard to get into the story that Schwaeble has set out. I thought the story started out really dramatic and then with the introduction of the main character as he is in prison, and I really thought this was going to be a great book, I just found the story did not pick up from there. The writing style good and fairly easy to follow, I really enjoyed the action scenes in the book, there were some good twists and turns, it was storyline that missed the mark for me. I really did think that this book was going to be more militaristic and apocalyptic.
I liked Hatcher enough as a lead character, he leans on the side of an anti-hero, which is my preference, however, I felt for the most part I really did not get to know Hatcher outside of the very basics. I really liked that Hatcher was are interrogator for the military, and I hope that Schwaeble will explore this more in future books. It was interesting to see how Hatcher was able to dissect the police's interrogation ways. I think that Schwaeble could used more of this talent as he read people or actually have him partake in more interrogation that just one scene (which I found very interesting in the techniques that were used). I really just wanted more of these aspects.
The villain in the this book is very sadistic and evil.There are some very disturbing scenes involving Valentine and his victims, not for the faint of heart that is for sure. Lets just say that the book starts out with Valentine removing a victims heart, while she is still alive. I know this part had me clutching my chest, and really what I thought would be the set up for the rest of the book. And I have stated it so many times before, Humans are so much worse than any monster that is out there and Valentine is one very very twisted character.
I was shocked with the amount of sex or sexual references in the book, not that they were a constant thing, I have never read a book by a male author that had this much sex in the book. I did eventually became annoyed with not only the sex (or should I say rape or suggestion of rape) but also the amount of times where the author had the main character have a hard on for an attractive female. I understand that he has just gotten out of prison after a about a 12 month stay, but I did not think that the whole premise of the book would really be about sex. As I said really shocked me that the author put so much focus on sex.
As I stated this book was an okay read and debut for me. I really wanted Schwaeble to explore to more of who Hatcher is and the specific skills that he has and I for some reason I had a different plot and premise in mind after reading the back of the book. I think I will read the next one to see if Schwaeble is able to explore more of Hatcher, but I probably wont be picking it up right away like after some debuts I have read.
Enjoy!!!
Note: There are some torture and sexual sadism scenes that are fairly descriptive, that some individuals may find disturbing to read.
Jake Hatcher is a military interrogator who was at the top of his game and mission when he was wrongly imprisoned by the military. The guards of the prison are slowly trying to break him down, to get him to act out so that he serves a longer sentence, but so far Hatcher has endured, he is only a few more weeks till release. However, release comes early for as he finds out that his brother has died while trying to save a woman's life, but Hatcher does not have a brother. Hatcher soon finds out that there are quite a few secrets that his family has hidden from him, all that play a key role in his up coming fight. Hatcher is entering into a Sadistic man's game where he plays a more vital role than even he realizes, and all he is really fighting for is saving the World from becoming a new Hell.
This book was okay, definitely on the darker side of things and had some horror aspects to it, which I liked, however I found it hard to get into the story that Schwaeble has set out. I thought the story started out really dramatic and then with the introduction of the main character as he is in prison, and I really thought this was going to be a great book, I just found the story did not pick up from there. The writing style good and fairly easy to follow, I really enjoyed the action scenes in the book, there were some good twists and turns, it was storyline that missed the mark for me. I really did think that this book was going to be more militaristic and apocalyptic.
I liked Hatcher enough as a lead character, he leans on the side of an anti-hero, which is my preference, however, I felt for the most part I really did not get to know Hatcher outside of the very basics. I really liked that Hatcher was are interrogator for the military, and I hope that Schwaeble will explore this more in future books. It was interesting to see how Hatcher was able to dissect the police's interrogation ways. I think that Schwaeble could used more of this talent as he read people or actually have him partake in more interrogation that just one scene (which I found very interesting in the techniques that were used). I really just wanted more of these aspects.
The villain in the this book is very sadistic and evil.There are some very disturbing scenes involving Valentine and his victims, not for the faint of heart that is for sure. Lets just say that the book starts out with Valentine removing a victims heart, while she is still alive. I know this part had me clutching my chest, and really what I thought would be the set up for the rest of the book. And I have stated it so many times before, Humans are so much worse than any monster that is out there and Valentine is one very very twisted character.
I was shocked with the amount of sex or sexual references in the book, not that they were a constant thing, I have never read a book by a male author that had this much sex in the book. I did eventually became annoyed with not only the sex (or should I say rape or suggestion of rape) but also the amount of times where the author had the main character have a hard on for an attractive female. I understand that he has just gotten out of prison after a about a 12 month stay, but I did not think that the whole premise of the book would really be about sex. As I said really shocked me that the author put so much focus on sex.
As I stated this book was an okay read and debut for me. I really wanted Schwaeble to explore to more of who Hatcher is and the specific skills that he has and I for some reason I had a different plot and premise in mind after reading the back of the book. I think I will read the next one to see if Schwaeble is able to explore more of Hatcher, but I probably wont be picking it up right away like after some debuts I have read.
Enjoy!!!
Note: There are some torture and sexual sadism scenes that are fairly descriptive, that some individuals may find disturbing to read.
May 18, 2015
I should have liked this book. The writing was taut, there was a hook at the end of every chapter, a complex plot, and yet...meh. I could have set it down at any point and not given it another thought. Part of it was the cliched villain, the insane uber-rich guy with delusions of grandeur. Most of all, it was the MC. I couldn't emotionally engage with Jake Hatcher and the reason is that Hatcher himself seemed void of any emotion. I couldn't feel what he felt because he didn't really seem to feel anything except ambivalence. This is very much a plot-driven rather than a character driven story with a cardboard villain and a MC that is just hard to care about. I really, really wanted to. Anyway, good enough for a quick summer read and Schwaeble can definitely write, I just need more from his characters. Maybe next time.
January 3, 2010
Not a really "bad" read I suppose. The "blurbs" said things like "don't read it alone at night!" I did...no big deal.
sigh
A pretty standard story...don't take your theology from this book by the way. As I said readable, it won't make you throw it away I don't suppose and it won't really surprise anyone who's read much "horror" fiction. Good for a little distraction when you don't feel like thinking too much and don't mind a little "gross out" fiction (not a lot, but some).
sigh
A pretty standard story...don't take your theology from this book by the way. As I said readable, it won't make you throw it away I don't suppose and it won't really surprise anyone who's read much "horror" fiction. Good for a little distraction when you don't feel like thinking too much and don't mind a little "gross out" fiction (not a lot, but some).
July 4, 2021
Clearly written in the early 00's with jokes and references anyone younger than 30 won't get. Slightly lazy writing which borders on the inane at certain points. The author constantly refers to moments as "pregnant" and incorporates such wonderful vocabulary as 'hirsute' from a character that is both admirably brave and intellectual but dumb as rocks. I'm on the fence but had a good chuckle here and there.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
*All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Read
February 4, 2010This is a well-constructed thriller that I just couldn't connect with for some reason.
June 24, 2014
Pretty interesting take on the murder mystery with demons and half-demons thrown in for good measure. Nice summer read, or no thinky.
May 6, 2011
Awesome read.
November 14, 2011
Fast moving story with a twisted plot.
April 3, 2017
This reminded me about some of Dean Koontz`s early books that I`ve read way back in my childhood.
I don`t know if the amount of the horror books that I`ve read have some influences but I wasn`t very impressed by this.
It`s not a bad book, the characters were well made, the dialogue is quite witty sometimes, funny, the action goes all the way, the supernatural factor is well thinked, but I don`t know, something was, on some leveles, not quite convincing. Maybe it has to do with creating a more menacing and claustrophobic atmosphere. Koontz had some plusess on that peculiar chapter.
But in the end it is a three or three and a half book. Not a bad horror, but not impressive either.
This has won a Bram Stoker Award. Hmm... Also, I have mixed feelings about this.
I don`t know if the amount of the horror books that I`ve read have some influences but I wasn`t very impressed by this.
It`s not a bad book, the characters were well made, the dialogue is quite witty sometimes, funny, the action goes all the way, the supernatural factor is well thinked, but I don`t know, something was, on some leveles, not quite convincing. Maybe it has to do with creating a more menacing and claustrophobic atmosphere. Koontz had some plusess on that peculiar chapter.
But in the end it is a three or three and a half book. Not a bad horror, but not impressive either.
This has won a Bram Stoker Award. Hmm... Also, I have mixed feelings about this.
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