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Riftborn #2
Blessed Odds
Lucas Rurik confronts a cult determined to remake the world—no matter the cost—in this urban fantasy noir from the author of the Hellequin Chronicles.
Lucas Rurik is no stranger to navigating the tricky territory between humans and those touched by the rift. After all, as the last surviving member of the Raven Guild, protecting the peace is his job. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
As much as Lucas would like to be out hunting for Dr. Callie Mitchell—a deranged scientist with a bad habit of experimenting on the rift-fused—his friends at the Rift-Crime Unit require his expertise on a perilous case. It seems a mysterious kingpin known as the Croupier has been making some shady deals, and revenants, riftborn, and humans alike are winding up dead in the process. Now, with the help of chained revenant Nadia and FBI-agent-turned-revenant Emily West, it’s up to Lucas to track down the anonymous crime lord before anyone else is hurt.
But as Lucas gets closer to his target, he discovers this is no ordinary manhunt. The Croupier is leading a dangerous group of zealots who want to destroy both the rift and humanity—and they’ll stop at nothing to make their so-called Blessed plans a reality.
Lucas Rurik is no stranger to navigating the tricky territory between humans and those touched by the rift. After all, as the last surviving member of the Raven Guild, protecting the peace is his job. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
As much as Lucas would like to be out hunting for Dr. Callie Mitchell—a deranged scientist with a bad habit of experimenting on the rift-fused—his friends at the Rift-Crime Unit require his expertise on a perilous case. It seems a mysterious kingpin known as the Croupier has been making some shady deals, and revenants, riftborn, and humans alike are winding up dead in the process. Now, with the help of chained revenant Nadia and FBI-agent-turned-revenant Emily West, it’s up to Lucas to track down the anonymous crime lord before anyone else is hurt.
But as Lucas gets closer to his target, he discovers this is no ordinary manhunt. The Croupier is leading a dangerous group of zealots who want to destroy both the rift and humanity—and they’ll stop at nothing to make their so-called Blessed plans a reality.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
190 people are currently reading
128 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 38 reviews
March 11, 2023
While Blessed Odds is a fun and action heavy urban fantasy romp with plenty of things to love, somehow I didn't love it as much as I did previous books by McHugh.
I still adore the divers cast, and especially how important, loyal and steadfast friendships are. This definitely is my absolute favourite part of this series.
The magic and blend of two worlds is also intriguing and I enjoy exploring more of it, bit by bit.
So why "only" four stars? So still a solid and entertaining read, but not a favourite? Mostly for two reasons.
It seems we already start of with everyone being pretty much OP (overpowered). With previous series people got more powerful the more they grew, and the stakes always felt there. Here it feels like we entered the story near the end, when everyone is seriously out matching everyone else already. In this book it just didn't really feel like there was a big possibility of loosing. Upping the ante in further books, and oy not just turning ridiculous looks unlikely.
Especially in a few scenes in the later bit of the book there's dialogue that felt really repetitive. It felt like it was a hundred times of:
"..., he said"
"...,she said"
"..., *Insert name* said"
I hadn't noticed this in any of the earlier books to this amount! I don't know if it was the narrator, or just a different rhythm, but especially one big scene (and some later) had it so much it really started to grind a bit. Always the same structure, never the dialogue tag before the sentence, or maybe a "he asked" or "she stated".
Always: sentence, dialogue tag or name, said.
(Also and a tiny niggle as well - they / them pronouns for a pair of... sort of shifter animals... accidentally switched to "he")
I still adore the divers cast, and especially how important, loyal and steadfast friendships are. This definitely is my absolute favourite part of this series.
The magic and blend of two worlds is also intriguing and I enjoy exploring more of it, bit by bit.
So why "only" four stars? So still a solid and entertaining read, but not a favourite? Mostly for two reasons.
It seems we already start of with everyone being pretty much OP (overpowered). With previous series people got more powerful the more they grew, and the stakes always felt there. Here it feels like we entered the story near the end, when everyone is seriously out matching everyone else already. In this book it just didn't really feel like there was a big possibility of loosing. Upping the ante in further books, and oy not just turning ridiculous looks unlikely.
Especially in a few scenes in the later bit of the book there's dialogue that felt really repetitive. It felt like it was a hundred times of:
"..., he said"
"...,she said"
"..., *Insert name* said"
I hadn't noticed this in any of the earlier books to this amount! I don't know if it was the narrator, or just a different rhythm, but especially one big scene (and some later) had it so much it really started to grind a bit. Always the same structure, never the dialogue tag before the sentence, or maybe a "he asked" or "she stated".
Always: sentence, dialogue tag or name, said.
(Also and a tiny niggle as well - they / them pronouns for a pair of... sort of shifter animals... accidentally switched to "he")
March 2, 2023
Blessed Odds is another action-packed entry into Steve McHugh’s urban fantasy thriller series Riftborn, and the direct sequel to The Last Raven. Lucas returns as our action hero main protagonist as he encounters a clandestine cult-like terror group that are calling themselves the Blessed while on the hunt for Dr. Callie Mitchell, the main antagonist from the previous book. A plot decades in the making is extending its reach from Earth and into the rift, and it falls on Lucas to uncover the schemes and unmask the Blessed’s leader only known as the Croupier.
I don’t think I noticed it in the first book, but this sequel was incredibly descriptive as Steve McHugh paints a picture of any location the characters are in with military precision. He also manages to give the book a genuine sense of tension and thrill with how he allows the narrative to flow and unfold. The continued obsession with cars, guns and watches was still present, but not as prominent or obvious. The book was pleasantly fast-paced with no dull moments.
Because we already know Lucas and were already introduced to his backstory and friends in The Last Raven, I thought this entry lost some of the more personal and intimate aspects of the story that made that first book so compelling. A larger focus was given to the action and gore—both of which were indeed excellent. However because of that, Blessed Odds was just not as emotional and felt more like an entry into a serial series that was just moving the main plot along. It was still great to see Lucas again as he grows back into the man he used to be before he became the sole surviving Raven and as he reconnections with his friends and colleagues.
Blessed Ones is a character-driven and action-packed thriller set in an urban fantasy landscape.
*I received an ebook copy as part of its book tour.
I don’t think I noticed it in the first book, but this sequel was incredibly descriptive as Steve McHugh paints a picture of any location the characters are in with military precision. He also manages to give the book a genuine sense of tension and thrill with how he allows the narrative to flow and unfold. The continued obsession with cars, guns and watches was still present, but not as prominent or obvious. The book was pleasantly fast-paced with no dull moments.
Because we already know Lucas and were already introduced to his backstory and friends in The Last Raven, I thought this entry lost some of the more personal and intimate aspects of the story that made that first book so compelling. A larger focus was given to the action and gore—both of which were indeed excellent. However because of that, Blessed Odds was just not as emotional and felt more like an entry into a serial series that was just moving the main plot along. It was still great to see Lucas again as he grows back into the man he used to be before he became the sole surviving Raven and as he reconnections with his friends and colleagues.
Blessed Ones is a character-driven and action-packed thriller set in an urban fantasy landscape.
*I received an ebook copy as part of its book tour.
February 23, 2023
As expected after the first book set the stage, we get deeper into the world in this one.
Lucas continues his hunt after the first book's villain and finds she wasn't even the big bad. After a few clashes with fiends he finds some clues to the man behind the mirror and goes about identifying him.
A natural progression in this second book as you find yourself immersed in this world.
One complaint to Mr McHugh, I know that you're a Brit, but there's no cause to be throwing shade on American bacon.
Lucas continues his hunt after the first book's villain and finds she wasn't even the big bad. After a few clashes with fiends he finds some clues to the man behind the mirror and goes about identifying him.
A natural progression in this second book as you find yourself immersed in this world.
One complaint to Mr McHugh, I know that you're a Brit, but there's no cause to be throwing shade on American bacon.
May 31, 2023
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Steve McHugh's Blessed Odds is the second installment in the authors Riftborn series featuring Lucas Rurik. There were once (7) Guilds: Falcon, Owl, Eagle, Hawk, Vulture, Kik, and Ravens. Lucas used to be part of the Raven Guild; that is until someone murdered all of its members—except for him and stole the Raven medallions of his guild. In the previous installment, Lucas got revenge on one of those responsible, but another, Callie Mitchell, has all but disappeared.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Steve McHugh's Blessed Odds is the second installment in the authors Riftborn series featuring Lucas Rurik. There were once (7) Guilds: Falcon, Owl, Eagle, Hawk, Vulture, Kik, and Ravens. Lucas used to be part of the Raven Guild; that is until someone murdered all of its members—except for him and stole the Raven medallions of his guild. In the previous installment, Lucas got revenge on one of those responsible, but another, Callie Mitchell, has all but disappeared.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 5, 2023
Finished. It was okay
Only complaints come from questionable knowledge of Canada in chapter 7 that, as a Canadian, moderately perturbed me.
1. He describes crossing the US Canadian border as follows:
“Every hour or so, the landscape changed, and we were soon moving beyond built-up cities and freeways and passing through vast woodland as we reached the Canadian border.”
Assuming that he’s coming from New York, the most likely crossing points are both highly settled areas. My guess would have the protagonist crossing at Niagara Falls. The “vast woodland” doesn’t occur until north of Barrie.
2. Greater Sudbury. Most just call it Sudbury. It’s about 5 hours from the closest border crossing (which is Niagara Falls) so I guess they started their journey relatively close to the border of the drive only took 6 hours.
Yes, I know it’s fantasy and maybe in this world things are different but we’re used to non-Canucks thinking we live in igloos with our pet polar bears (I did appreciate the polar bear comment), so we notice these things.
3. There are other little things that annoy but are minor (Sheriff?). FBI? I’m pretty sure that CSIS, the RCMP and the OPP would all be peeved if the FBI tried to take jurisdiction of anything in Canada.
Only complaints come from questionable knowledge of Canada in chapter 7 that, as a Canadian, moderately perturbed me.
1. He describes crossing the US Canadian border as follows:
“Every hour or so, the landscape changed, and we were soon moving beyond built-up cities and freeways and passing through vast woodland as we reached the Canadian border.”
Assuming that he’s coming from New York, the most likely crossing points are both highly settled areas. My guess would have the protagonist crossing at Niagara Falls. The “vast woodland” doesn’t occur until north of Barrie.
2. Greater Sudbury. Most just call it Sudbury. It’s about 5 hours from the closest border crossing (which is Niagara Falls) so I guess they started their journey relatively close to the border of the drive only took 6 hours.
Yes, I know it’s fantasy and maybe in this world things are different but we’re used to non-Canucks thinking we live in igloos with our pet polar bears (I did appreciate the polar bear comment), so we notice these things.
3. There are other little things that annoy but are minor (Sheriff?). FBI? I’m pretty sure that CSIS, the RCMP and the OPP would all be peeved if the FBI tried to take jurisdiction of anything in Canada.
March 25, 2024
Lucas Rurik, the last Raven, most likely the deadliest, is, literally, phenomenal.
I firmly believe Steve McHugh owes a great chunk of any success with this series to his brilliant primary and heroic male character Lucas Rurik, whose effectiveness was mostly due to how he initially came across as mild-mannered and non-threatening, a naturally understated, youthful in appearance man (at least he for the most part, he had been largely underestimated, until Jacob Smythe blew his face up all over BBC:s media after first outing his own rift beginnings), Lucas quite easily blew first impressions out of the water once he was forced to defend himself. McHugh vividly lays out for us any battle Lucas engages in -- the first hand, in the moment combat parries, strikes, slashes, leaps, dissipating and reforming into smoke are graphically, clearly depicted,almost like a rendered video. The dichotomy between Lucas' everyday personality (quiet, amiable, mostly likeable and friendly) and his flip-the-switch transformation into a flashing, gliding, deadly killing (or maiming) machine is jarring at first,then simply a marvel. I would love to see this made into movies (like Bond, there must be sequels, increasingly tense and surreal threats to the throne, government, and/or country)! The possibilities are endless.
McHugh has already provided sharply illustrated pictures with an excessive amount of sensory imagery easily transferable to screenplays. Well, at least it's one of my opinions. I love reading a book that transitions and translates character descriptions, settings, scenes, and poor threads so...effortlessly. I cannot QUICKLY skim a McHugh novel for fear of missing a key detail, conversation, thought/random opinion/ detail tied to Lucas' past, present or future. I mean, he's been around for over two thousand years! There's a wealth of probable wanderings in and around significant historical events (case in point, Lucas' expressed outrage, then reluctant acceptance, over the Roman Empire--they left a real legacy in technology, engineering concepts, and culture; however, just think of Lucas had been descended from one of the Asian countries. The behind the scenes editing, lying, and so on that Japan, China, even Korea and Thailand, were guilty of perpetuating, all to protect the image of their royals). I'm rambling; nonetheless, this author is impressive for his range and stretches of imagination, conceptualization, and fantasizing the world-building necessary to support the incorporation of individuals who survived and lived through changing periods of time, outliving family, friends, enemies, and so on, then essentially creating, plotting, organizing, before graphing, documenting and aligning the people to environments, situations, changes, to finally illustrating and...whew! It's exhausting to think about; my A.D.D. brain short-circuited thinking beyond a couple of centuries! I have genuine respect and admiration for the sheer magnitude of what this author has gifted to all of us. He has taken what must have been exhaustive steps to build this complex storyline, with all its varying and twisting plot threads and characterizations and made it all seem easy. What a treasure he's given us!
If I could, I'd award ten times the five stars allowed! Recommended to adventurous readers who appreciate attention to detail, strong, amazing characters (well, its villains are quite horrible, and just as vividly and concisely illustrated as its heroes😇), and brilliantly executed twists that shocked and flipped my stomach. The characters were intense, with droll humor (killing doesn't always lend humor, but Lucas has his moments, and Nadia, for all that she scared the s*** out of me when first introduced, is quite possibly the most sane insane person with monstrous, awesome abilities ever. She made the dark moments seem easier to handle, amidst the darkness and squishy bloodiness. Ick. Nadia and Lucas were the bomb, though. Great. Book.
I firmly believe Steve McHugh owes a great chunk of any success with this series to his brilliant primary and heroic male character Lucas Rurik, whose effectiveness was mostly due to how he initially came across as mild-mannered and non-threatening, a naturally understated, youthful in appearance man (at least he for the most part, he had been largely underestimated, until Jacob Smythe blew his face up all over BBC:s media after first outing his own rift beginnings), Lucas quite easily blew first impressions out of the water once he was forced to defend himself. McHugh vividly lays out for us any battle Lucas engages in -- the first hand, in the moment combat parries, strikes, slashes, leaps, dissipating and reforming into smoke are graphically, clearly depicted,almost like a rendered video. The dichotomy between Lucas' everyday personality (quiet, amiable, mostly likeable and friendly) and his flip-the-switch transformation into a flashing, gliding, deadly killing (or maiming) machine is jarring at first,then simply a marvel. I would love to see this made into movies (like Bond, there must be sequels, increasingly tense and surreal threats to the throne, government, and/or country)! The possibilities are endless.
McHugh has already provided sharply illustrated pictures with an excessive amount of sensory imagery easily transferable to screenplays. Well, at least it's one of my opinions. I love reading a book that transitions and translates character descriptions, settings, scenes, and poor threads so...effortlessly. I cannot QUICKLY skim a McHugh novel for fear of missing a key detail, conversation, thought/random opinion/ detail tied to Lucas' past, present or future. I mean, he's been around for over two thousand years! There's a wealth of probable wanderings in and around significant historical events (case in point, Lucas' expressed outrage, then reluctant acceptance, over the Roman Empire--they left a real legacy in technology, engineering concepts, and culture; however, just think of Lucas had been descended from one of the Asian countries. The behind the scenes editing, lying, and so on that Japan, China, even Korea and Thailand, were guilty of perpetuating, all to protect the image of their royals). I'm rambling; nonetheless, this author is impressive for his range and stretches of imagination, conceptualization, and fantasizing the world-building necessary to support the incorporation of individuals who survived and lived through changing periods of time, outliving family, friends, enemies, and so on, then essentially creating, plotting, organizing, before graphing, documenting and aligning the people to environments, situations, changes, to finally illustrating and...whew! It's exhausting to think about; my A.D.D. brain short-circuited thinking beyond a couple of centuries! I have genuine respect and admiration for the sheer magnitude of what this author has gifted to all of us. He has taken what must have been exhaustive steps to build this complex storyline, with all its varying and twisting plot threads and characterizations and made it all seem easy. What a treasure he's given us!
If I could, I'd award ten times the five stars allowed! Recommended to adventurous readers who appreciate attention to detail, strong, amazing characters (well, its villains are quite horrible, and just as vividly and concisely illustrated as its heroes😇), and brilliantly executed twists that shocked and flipped my stomach. The characters were intense, with droll humor (killing doesn't always lend humor, but Lucas has his moments, and Nadia, for all that she scared the s*** out of me when first introduced, is quite possibly the most sane insane person with monstrous, awesome abilities ever. She made the dark moments seem easier to handle, amidst the darkness and squishy bloodiness. Ick. Nadia and Lucas were the bomb, though. Great. Book.
February 25, 2023
4.5 Stars 🌟
This is the second book in this series in which Mr. McHugh has created a very unique world. In the first book, we were introduced to this world with the "Rift" and all of the new types of characters that have been introduced because of it. We also met Lucas Rurik - a Riftborn Guild Member, last surviving member of his Guild - the Raven Guild. He ended up chasing after Dr. Callie Mitchell - a psychotic crazy lady determined to create a serum that could turn humans into monsters.
This book takes up exactly where the first book left off. Lucas is chasing after Callie and the serum that has been sold on the black market when he realizes that Callie may not be the actual "Big Bad". He then discovers that there is another REALLY bad guy who calls himself "The Croupier" who has been leading this new cult-like group called the "Blessed". They have teamed up with Callie but things are even more complicated than previously thought for Lucas and his friends at the RCU.
This book is very Lucas centered and we follow him as he returns to the Rift to investigate what is going on. This case seems to involve bad guys (lots of people playing both ends) both on Earth and in the Rift and the good guys seem to be just one step behind as they begin to learn the truth of what is really going on.
I enjoyed this book, maybe just a little bit more than the first book because the world building was already established, and the characters were already developed. We got to focus more on the "story" in this book. Plus, I REALLY enjoyed the narration by Matthew Wolf and just the Englishness (is that a word) of the story. The narrator Matthew's accents (and there were many) were done brilliantly and there were many wonderful odd differences between American items and British things (trunk vs boot, and tea....always tea) always made me smile.
I did have a problem though with the culmination. It seemed as if the moment that Lucas and the gang discovered exactly "who" The Croupier was, everything hit the fan. Like the EXACT MOMENT. Lucas had just returned from the Rift, how would anyone know what he had discovered yet? The thing that I kept thinking in my head was how in the world did the bad guy even know what Lucas had figured out? And the when....it just didn't exactly compute.
But other than that, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book which is going to keep us moving forward as we try to figure out exactly what is going on. As I said before. Lots of people playing both sides against the middle. Things are going to get interesting......
This is the second book in this series in which Mr. McHugh has created a very unique world. In the first book, we were introduced to this world with the "Rift" and all of the new types of characters that have been introduced because of it. We also met Lucas Rurik - a Riftborn Guild Member, last surviving member of his Guild - the Raven Guild. He ended up chasing after Dr. Callie Mitchell - a psychotic crazy lady determined to create a serum that could turn humans into monsters.
This book takes up exactly where the first book left off. Lucas is chasing after Callie and the serum that has been sold on the black market when he realizes that Callie may not be the actual "Big Bad". He then discovers that there is another REALLY bad guy who calls himself "The Croupier" who has been leading this new cult-like group called the "Blessed". They have teamed up with Callie but things are even more complicated than previously thought for Lucas and his friends at the RCU.
This book is very Lucas centered and we follow him as he returns to the Rift to investigate what is going on. This case seems to involve bad guys (lots of people playing both ends) both on Earth and in the Rift and the good guys seem to be just one step behind as they begin to learn the truth of what is really going on.
I enjoyed this book, maybe just a little bit more than the first book because the world building was already established, and the characters were already developed. We got to focus more on the "story" in this book. Plus, I REALLY enjoyed the narration by Matthew Wolf and just the Englishness (is that a word) of the story. The narrator Matthew's accents (and there were many) were done brilliantly and there were many wonderful odd differences between American items and British things (trunk vs boot, and tea....always tea) always made me smile.
I did have a problem though with the culmination. It seemed as if the moment that Lucas and the gang discovered exactly "who" The Croupier was, everything hit the fan. Like the EXACT MOMENT. Lucas had just returned from the Rift, how would anyone know what he had discovered yet? The thing that I kept thinking in my head was how in the world did the bad guy even know what Lucas had figured out? And the when....it just didn't exactly compute.
But other than that, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book which is going to keep us moving forward as we try to figure out exactly what is going on. As I said before. Lots of people playing both sides against the middle. Things are going to get interesting......
November 16, 2023
Another amazing read
This is really a joint review for both the book and the audio. The audio version is also a 5 star performance for me. The actor doing the reading did an excellent job portraying Lucas both in narrative and when speaking and it was always clear if it was thought or spoken. He also did excellent accents for the remaining characters, female or male, American or British. I will be looking for other books narrated by him.
As for the book itself. Without giving anything away, it picked up right where the first book ended. Also, while reading the first book gives the entire story, there is enough recap where it isn't necessary. But not too much so that you're annoyed if you did read it. For me, it was just the right balance.
And because the world has already been built, the action takes off and never lets up. Questions are answered, and more are raised that will presumably be dealt with in the next book. But again, are not enough that it lessens the enjoyment and satisfaction of this book. Balance.
Great read. Entertaining. Action packed. Some laugh out loud parts. Recommended.
This is really a joint review for both the book and the audio. The audio version is also a 5 star performance for me. The actor doing the reading did an excellent job portraying Lucas both in narrative and when speaking and it was always clear if it was thought or spoken. He also did excellent accents for the remaining characters, female or male, American or British. I will be looking for other books narrated by him.
As for the book itself. Without giving anything away, it picked up right where the first book ended. Also, while reading the first book gives the entire story, there is enough recap where it isn't necessary. But not too much so that you're annoyed if you did read it. For me, it was just the right balance.
And because the world has already been built, the action takes off and never lets up. Questions are answered, and more are raised that will presumably be dealt with in the next book. But again, are not enough that it lessens the enjoyment and satisfaction of this book. Balance.
Great read. Entertaining. Action packed. Some laugh out loud parts. Recommended.
May 10, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
Blessed Odds begins soon after The Last Raven (Riftborn, #1). This story isn't a standalone and A Talon's Wrath (Riftborn, #3) is listed with a publication date of June 13, 2023. There is a Glossary to help with some of the terminology, but no character list in the Kindle edition.
Lucas Rurik is no stranger to navigating the tricky territory between humans and those touched by the rift. He's the last surviving member of the Raven Guild. Protecting the peace is his job. As much as Lucas would like to be out hunting for Dr. Callie Mitchell—a deranged scientist with a bad habit of experimenting on the rift-fused—his friends at the Rift-Crime Unit require his expertise on a perilous case. A mysterious kingpin known as the Croupier has been making some shady deals, and revenants, riftborn, and humans alike are winding up dead in the process. Now, with the help of chained revenant Nadia and FBI-agent-turned-revenant Emily West, it’s up to Lucas to track down the anonymous crime lord before anyone else is hurt.
Blessed Odds begins soon after The Last Raven (Riftborn, #1). This story isn't a standalone and A Talon's Wrath (Riftborn, #3) is listed with a publication date of June 13, 2023. There is a Glossary to help with some of the terminology, but no character list in the Kindle edition.
Lucas Rurik is no stranger to navigating the tricky territory between humans and those touched by the rift. He's the last surviving member of the Raven Guild. Protecting the peace is his job. As much as Lucas would like to be out hunting for Dr. Callie Mitchell—a deranged scientist with a bad habit of experimenting on the rift-fused—his friends at the Rift-Crime Unit require his expertise on a perilous case. A mysterious kingpin known as the Croupier has been making some shady deals, and revenants, riftborn, and humans alike are winding up dead in the process. Now, with the help of chained revenant Nadia and FBI-agent-turned-revenant Emily West, it’s up to Lucas to track down the anonymous crime lord before anyone else is hurt.
March 5, 2023
Another great book by Steve McHugh
This is a great "book 2" on what looks like could be great series. Good action, good interactions, lots of shades of gray in the characters - few are totally good, few are totally bad. No spoilers here, but I'm even happy with how this book ends - some satisfying "conclusion" action, but still had obvious "more to come because there's more that needs done" for the characters. Recommended read ... right after you read book 1 !!!
This is a great "book 2" on what looks like could be great series. Good action, good interactions, lots of shades of gray in the characters - few are totally good, few are totally bad. No spoilers here, but I'm even happy with how this book ends - some satisfying "conclusion" action, but still had obvious "more to come because there's more that needs done" for the characters. Recommended read ... right after you read book 1 !!!
June 28, 2023
This book was another mixed bag for me. I continue to enjoy Lucas and his friends; it's that same friend dynamic that I loved from the Hellequin series. However, the villains' motivations continue to make no real sense to me and their ploys are consistently asinine and convoluted.
A story is only as good as its villain and that's a shame because this series has a great protagonist but unfortunately some of the worst realized villains I've read in a long time.
A story is only as good as its villain and that's a shame because this series has a great protagonist but unfortunately some of the worst realized villains I've read in a long time.
March 1, 2023
Doesn't get any better...
Reading anything by Steve McHugh is a treat, and the Riftborn series is no exception. Lots of action, a well thought out plot line, great character development, and all done with plenty of humor. As always, the only downside is waiting for the next book in the series.
Reading anything by Steve McHugh is a treat, and the Riftborn series is no exception. Lots of action, a well thought out plot line, great character development, and all done with plenty of humor. As always, the only downside is waiting for the next book in the series.
March 5, 2023
Interesting times with the rift
This continues a unique world similar to our modern world but with the rift and it's influences and denizens changing things. McHugh knows how to tell a story about people but in world with unfamiliar concepts to the reader that don't be to be spelled out in detail. A solid urban fantasy with twists in and out of of world.
This continues a unique world similar to our modern world but with the rift and it's influences and denizens changing things. McHugh knows how to tell a story about people but in world with unfamiliar concepts to the reader that don't be to be spelled out in detail. A solid urban fantasy with twists in and out of of world.
March 7, 2023
Better than good part two.
I could go on and on... and on... but I just need to say... this is a good 'originally themed' book and series.
Unlike some that wander around just filling fluffy pages with meaningless action that doesn't fit the primary theme, this second offering has an actual, coherent plot that fits. A solid five stars.
I could go on and on... and on... but I just need to say... this is a good 'originally themed' book and series.
Unlike some that wander around just filling fluffy pages with meaningless action that doesn't fit the primary theme, this second offering has an actual, coherent plot that fits. A solid five stars.
May 21, 2024
Love urban fantasy? You'll like this then!
Well I liked it and have been a fan of the genre for over 30 years. A very nicely realised universe with some great characters, and excellent plot and a good deal of humour that all comes together to really keep the pages turning right to the end. A fab series that really is worth your time.
Well I liked it and have been a fan of the genre for over 30 years. A very nicely realised universe with some great characters, and excellent plot and a good deal of humour that all comes together to really keep the pages turning right to the end. A fab series that really is worth your time.
June 17, 2024
Great world building
As usual, mchugh has created an interesting dangerous and fun world with the characters it needs. I loved all his books and riftborn is up there. His fights are good and not too prolonged; the challenges and mysteries are well constructed and the resolutions are very satisfying. I jumomfrommone to the next eagerly.
As usual, mchugh has created an interesting dangerous and fun world with the characters it needs. I loved all his books and riftborn is up there. His fights are good and not too prolonged; the challenges and mysteries are well constructed and the resolutions are very satisfying. I jumomfrommone to the next eagerly.
February 26, 2023
Fantastic read!
This story takes up where The Last Raven left off without skipping a beat. The action and intrigue is non stop from the first page to the last. It's an excellent, fast paced story with interesting and fun characters.
This story takes up where The Last Raven left off without skipping a beat. The action and intrigue is non stop from the first page to the last. It's an excellent, fast paced story with interesting and fun characters.
February 27, 2023
This is the second book in the Riftborn series I can highly recommend it, like all of Steve's books it has a strong story line full of great characters I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Ian
Ian
March 1, 2023
A good read
I enjoyed it and certainly recommend it. But found the pacing in places felt A little drawn out and would have liked some more focus on the final part. As that felt a little rushed.
But with that said, I'll certainly be reading book 3 on release day.
I enjoyed it and certainly recommend it. But found the pacing in places felt A little drawn out and would have liked some more focus on the final part. As that felt a little rushed.
But with that said, I'll certainly be reading book 3 on release day.
March 1, 2023
Amazing and action packed
I really can recommend this book. It’s different and I didn’t want to put it down. My only complaint is that the next book isn’t out because it’s going to be a hard act to follow for the next book I read.
I really can recommend this book. It’s different and I didn’t want to put it down. My only complaint is that the next book isn’t out because it’s going to be a hard act to follow for the next book I read.
March 6, 2023
This a absolute phenomenal follow up to The Last Raven. Could not put this book down. Totally cant wait for book three in the series.
As Always Steve McHugh never disappoints in his epic stories.
Thank you Steve for another fantastic adventure.
As Always Steve McHugh never disappoints in his epic stories.
Thank you Steve for another fantastic adventure.
April 2, 2023
Great second book in the series.
Steve McHugh is the king of world building. All of his scenes and characters flesh out nicely, but he is quite adept at making memorable villains also. The Croupier is a devious bastard for sure. Can't wait to see where this series leads.
Steve McHugh is the king of world building. All of his scenes and characters flesh out nicely, but he is quite adept at making memorable villains also. The Croupier is a devious bastard for sure. Can't wait to see where this series leads.
April 10, 2023
Totally Awesome
I have been following the writings of Steve McHugh for a long time. I knew that his other series were fantastic, but this new foray was brilliant. Please continue…. Quickly.
I have been following the writings of Steve McHugh for a long time. I knew that his other series were fantastic, but this new foray was brilliant. Please continue…. Quickly.
July 19, 2023
I'm so hooked I can't wait to read the next one
Another great book in this series. Lucas is back kickin' ass and takin names. Great fight scenes awesome magic abilities all packed into this novel. Can't wait to read the third book.
Another great book in this series. Lucas is back kickin' ass and takin names. Great fight scenes awesome magic abilities all packed into this novel. Can't wait to read the third book.
August 18, 2023
Manic super villain, super powers mystery
Action packed,fast moving mystery mixed with super powers & dark humour.
Good for readers who like Fast cars & big guns as well as supernatural powers
Action packed,fast moving mystery mixed with super powers & dark humour.
Good for readers who like Fast cars & big guns as well as supernatural powers
November 14, 2023
cool
Looking for the next one in this stellar series and that’s the highest praise I can give. I don’t do plot recaps because I cannot do justice to the authors’ craft so y’all need to read this series, starting at book 1 and enjoy the ride, too.
Looking for the next one in this stellar series and that’s the highest praise I can give. I don’t do plot recaps because I cannot do justice to the authors’ craft so y’all need to read this series, starting at book 1 and enjoy the ride, too.
May 16, 2024
Blessed Odds: An Urban Fantasy Thriller
A very enjoyable book to read. Definitely a page turner. Would definitely recommend it anyone who likes a good action fantasy read. Steve McHugh is right now my go to author when I'm looking for something to read.
A very enjoyable book to read. Definitely a page turner. Would definitely recommend it anyone who likes a good action fantasy read. Steve McHugh is right now my go to author when I'm looking for something to read.
July 7, 2024
Everyone should read Steve McHugh
Another excellent series. Whatever you're normal favourite genre, Steve McHugh writes clever, fast paced, detailed stories with great characters and humour. The Riftborn is a particularly good series, give it a try
Another excellent series. Whatever you're normal favourite genre, Steve McHugh writes clever, fast paced, detailed stories with great characters and humour. The Riftborn is a particularly good series, give it a try
April 8, 2025
Great book
This series is amazing! The second book has been every bit as good as the first. Steve has a great writing style that really makes you root for the characters, as well as laugh with them.
This series is amazing! The second book has been every bit as good as the first. Steve has a great writing style that really makes you root for the characters, as well as laugh with them.
February 22, 2023
Good continuation
A good second book in the series, I am enjoying the rift hopefully other story arcs will come from this too. All In all a very good read.
A good second book in the series, I am enjoying the rift hopefully other story arcs will come from this too. All In all a very good read.
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