Hell's Horizon

The City Trilogy #2

by Darren Shan

In the City, The Cardinal rules, and Al Jeery is a loyal member of his personal guard. But when Al is pulled from his duties at Party Central to investigate a murder, an unexpected crime scene discovery leads him to question all his loyalties and beliefs. Al is drawn into a terrifying mystery that features a series of corpses, the City's Incan forefathers, the imposing figure of The Cardinal, and the near-mythical assassin Paucar Wami. Wami is a law unto himself. A shadowy, enigmatic figure of astoundingly graceful skill, he kills anyone he chooses without fear of punishment or retribution. And Al is about to find out that he has a lot more in common with Wami than he could ever have imagined...

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult, Crime

389 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian's note: Also writes books for adults under the name Darren Dash. And in the past he has released books for adults under the names D.B. Shan and Darren O'Shaughnessy.

Darren Shan (born July 2, 1972 in London, England) is the pen name of the Irish author Darren O'Shaughnessy, as well as the name of the protagonist of his book series The Saga of Darren Shan, also known as The Cirque Du Freak Series in the United States. He is the author of the series The Demonata, The Saga of Larten Crepsley, and Zom-B. He has also released the stand-alone novel, The Thin Executioner, and the stand-alone short novels, Koyasan, and Hagurosan. Plus, for adults, he released The City Trilogy (originally under the name of D.B. Shan), and Lady of the Shades..

Reviews

[امیرمحمد حیدری · Rating 1 out of 5]

افتضاح

[Temeh🩸🗡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

کی به جز دارن شان میتونه انقدر لقمه رو دور دهن ادم بپیچونه؟:)) داستان انقدر پیچید انقدر پیچیددددد تا بالاخره برگشت سر نقطه‌ی اول.
اینکه داستان موازی با کتاب اول جلو میره برام خیلی کنجکاو کننده بود، همینطور دوباره تکرار میکنم کاردینال شخصیت مورد علاقمه.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in Darren Shan's "The City" trilogy is one of those that doesn't directly follow on from the first. In fact the events of this book happen simultaneously with those of Procession of the Dead.

Here we focus on Al Jeery, one of the many mercenaries working for the City's crime lord, The Cardinal. It's a normal day doing mercenary-type things when Al finds his girlfriend Nic dead at the Cardinal's morgue, the Fridge. The next thing Al knows he is sent on a mission by the Cardinal to find out how killed her and is drawn into a world of prostitutes and the supernatural. As the mystery deepens Al realises he can't trust anyone and when famed assassin Pacar Waimi is involved he knows he is in trouble...

For the most part this was a more traditional story than the first book. It's a whodunit set it Shan's dark and slightly supernatural City. It's a pretty good once though and the twists come thick and fast. It's one of those books where three-quarters of the information you are told is not true.

There's also a supernatural element, featuring blind monks and an Incan God. It's sort of indirect in that it doesn't have a massive effect on the plot and we're not really sure whether any of the strange stuff is actually happening. Like the first book, it felt very much at odds with the mafia-type story it was telling. It looks like the two stories will come together in the final volume though and perhaps that will be a little more supernatural based.

An enjoyable book due to a twisty plot and a main character you can't help but like. He might work for a crime lord but essentially Al is a normal guy who has gone through a lot of shit. But this book takes the shit to a whole new level...

[Sita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on one of my once a century trips to Sydney with my parents (even though we’re in Canberra, 2 ½ hours away from Sydney), we rarely go there. So we were in Sydney to see Twelth Night, which was really good by the way, great acting, great set, great directing. Okay, moving on. I was in Sydney and whenever I’m in Sydney I always go to Galaxy and stock up on books there (my favourite store of all time), and my dad knew that I liked Darren Shan so he showed me this one and I didn’t really see that it was the second in the series because to me it looked like the first and I bought it, actually my dad bought it along with a bunch of other books, but you get the point. I didn’t read this one in Sydney, instead I read it the afternoon we got back to Canberra, and I could not stop reading.

I don’t even know how to describe this book, all I know is that this is not like his other books, and this is the first one in the city trilogy that I’ve read and I really don’t know if the other two are going to be able to measure up to this one. All I can say is that this book was amazing, it had me captivated from the first page. I could not stop reading, the characters were amazing, the plot holy shit was it original and some parts were scary as hell, the whole book on a whole was amazing. I recommend this to people who don’t even like this sort of book normally because this one was great and it has everything; horror, action, romance, and a paranormal twist. Definitely worth takeing a look at.

[Mahtab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and the first book of the trilogy , but this one was easier for me to read. You know, this had me reading better than the first one, probably because I was more familiar with The City & the atmosphere of the story this time.
While reading Procession of the Dead , I loved Capac almost since the beginning , but didn't know how to feel about him when he killed Dee , and at the end I just felt sorry for him.
While reading this one , I loved Al since the beginning and loved him more as I read more.
Unlike Capac , Al is not "fully" destined to a certain end. I think he has more of the will power than Capac .
In this book you find out more about the Incas and their priests. You see that those blind priests are not as innocent and harmless as they seemed. What they did to Al just to "make" him join them - though they insisted on not directly forcing him to do that - was cruel & disgusting. I think I now dislike those old blind priests :|
The ending was awesome , the whole story was great. Now I'm even more excited to read the next book !

[Zuzana Malá · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://malousesvetknih.blogspot.cz/20...
...komentář není nutný..
Shan je blázen a já po tomhle díle už taky.
Mějte se. ČAU. BLÁZINEC ČEKÁ! Mám tam objednaný pokoj a vlastní knihovnu :D!

[Noel Buckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hell's Horizon has the narrative sense of a neo-noire style mystery and the voice to support it. Also, having not read the previous volume, I still understood enough of the story to make it through the whole volume.

I have read some of Shan's work before and not really loved it. I don't mind dark, but his work is dark. I felt pretty much the same way about this book, but the narrative voice was certainly a redeeming quality for me. Personally, I think it just went on a bit too long. Most noir novels share a similarly short length and although this was never really billed as one, I actually think it would have benefited with a slightly more streamlined narrative. This shared the very masculine quality of voice, and it began to grate around page 200 - it was just so "macho" and quietly misogynistic. A girl can only enjoy that kind of speech for so long before she wants a break.
I thought the supernatural elements were particularly inventive but not necessarily implemented well, leaving me to wish the book had picked a more concise genre. Maybe I would feel differently if I had read the first book but...

One of the main reasons I bumped it down to a 2 star review was the treatment of queer/LGBT characters. While there were many, I didn't think many of them were shown in a particularly flattering light. And some of them had their not-straight-ness used as plot points that just left me feeling yucky about it.

[Eduardo Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you Al Jeery

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the City, The Cardinal rules, and Al Jeery is a loyal member of his personal guard. But when Al is pulled from his duties at Party Central to investigate a murder, an unexpected discovery leads him in a new direction, where his loyalties and beliefs will be severely tested.

Soon he is involved in a terrifying mystery that draws in the dead, the City's Incan forefathers, the imposing figure of The Cardinal, and the near-mythical assassin Paucar Wami.

Wami is a law unto himself, a shadowy, enigmatic figure who can apparently kill anyone he chooses without fear of punishment or retribution. And Al is about to find out that he has a lot more in common with Wami than he could ever have imagined...

My Take: This book starts out questionable which should have clued me in. Naked woman nearly dead on bed in a gang-controlled hotel. Not quite dead so maid finishes her off.

The protagonist is Al Jeery, a gang member who seems to still have some morals, although I fail to see them. He wants to find out who killed his lover, Nic. His boss encourages him to investigate. Turns out Nic was very much into sexual exploration, as is her brother, Nick. Seriously. Nic and Nick. Then he meets Paucar Wami who is completely without a conscience. He tortures his victims and this is described in detail, along with the sexual exploits of different characters. But then more people keep dying and I'm getting reeled into the story, thinking the ending is going to tie it all together.

Then the ending comes and I find I'm just ticked off that I spent half a day reading a book only to have it explained in Voodoo dolls and blind Incan priests. Mmmmkay, really?

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost put this book down just a chapter in, because it opens with a tortured, mutilated, naked woman, and I've had about enough of exploitation-based mysteries. Halfway through the book, when it was developing into an elaborately bizarre and unpredictable fantasy novel, I was really glad I hadn't set it aside. By the end, though, I was wondering if my first instinct had been the smarter one. What starts out as a gumshoe detective novel goes in some fascinatingly unpredictable directions, but by the end it just seems like a wearying Gordian knot of tangled motives and people who lie to the protagonist when they first meet, but empty their guts to him the second. The Big Reveal was pretty obvious and covered up in a frustratingly transparent way, but it was the religious/magical/ritual element that roped me in — until a big climax that's just rushing wildly through the climax of the first novel in this series, with the protagonist of this one passively listening in on a whole bunch of stuff that hugely changes his world, while he does not much at all. It wound up feeling very clumsy and unsatisfying, the way so much of the conclusion of this book relies on events the protagonist has no involvement in or ability to affect. And then it turns out that the motivations behind this entire book, the event that set everything into motion, the ultimate reason behind all this torment and death, is something the author decided to withhold for a later book. I was really drawn into the middle third of this book, but I walked out feeling like the last third was a cop-out and a tease.

[Kimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al Jeery merupakan anak buah The Cardinal. Posisi jabatannya masih kelas bawah dan dia tidak berambisi untuk naik jabatan. Dia sudah cukup puas hanya menjadi anggota Troops yang tugasnya menjaga keamanan. Namun, The Cardinal melihat ada potensi besar dalam diri Al. Maka ketika ada kasus pembunuhan yang terjadi di Skylight, The Cardinal meminta Al untuk menyelidiki kasus tersebut. The Cardinal ingin Al bisa menangkap siapa orang yang berani-beraninya membunuh di daerah kekuasaan The Cardinal.

Al bukan detektif, melainkan seorang preman rendahan. Dia tidak pernah mendapatkan pelatihan bagaimana menyelidiki suatu kasus pembunuhan. Ketika dia ditugasi untuk menyelidiki kasus pembunuhan tersebut, dia cukup bingung harus memulai dari mana. Namun, ternyata Al punya bakat alam. Al cerdas dan punya kemampuan deduksi yang cukup baik. The Cardinal benar soal potensi dalam diri Al.

Awalnya kasus pembunuhan ini hanya sebuah tugas dari atasan, tetapi lama-kelamaan berubah menjadi kasus personal bagi Al. Selama proses penyelidikan, Al menemukan berbagai petunjuk yang menghubungkannya dengan masa lalunya dan jati diri dia yang sesungguhnya. Korban-korban yang berjatuhan pun merupakan orang terdekat dari Al. Jadi, Al yang mulanya ogah-ogahan menjadi detektif dadakan, seketika bersemangat untuk dapat memecahkan kasus ini.

Resensi lengkap ada di sini.

[Christine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, following a very different character who is experiencing life in this gritty, mob filled city, happily a part of the group running the show when he is asked to investigate a murder. Al Jeery is an interesting character whose development throughout this book is fascinating. He moves through his experiences, twisting and turning against the problems set against him and time and time again he proves his worth. This was in my opinion the best book in the trilogy, a well written mystery with brief references to the first book but not requiring knowledge of what happened in the first novel in order to enjoy most of it. The ending would be confusing if you haven't read the first book, as the story in the second book is happening at the same time as the first book.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that this twisted tale of a young man with the potential for good as he is drawn into depravity is a story worth reading. Elements of gore, violence, horror, and fantasy are woven by a skilled hand. This one had me on the edge of my seat and I finished it really fast because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this quarter’s OREO project, I chose to read Hell’s Horizon by Darren B. Shan. As far as books go, this was an long length for me. When faced with the challenge of finding the time to read this book, I had planned time for reading. I had read a few days out of a week, and whenever I had free time. I had read at home, after church, and when I had stayed at school. This book had kept me awake, as the story was interesting and had made me excited to read it. I am not good at reading for long periods of time, but this book had me reading for an hour at a time, which is long for me. I had free time whenever I finished homework, which I usually fill with videogames, but I had decided to use it to read this book. I did a swell job of managing my time, even though it is difficult for me to do so. Overall, what I enjoyed about my reading experience was the adventure and detective work. Something I wish would have been different during my reading experience was the length of the book. For my next OREO book, I will try to read more consistently and think more deeply about what is being read.

[Hikachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the first book on the trilogy, a few months back, and put it as a "mind fuck" book. Cause the end was full with twists that I really didn't expect, including the final end.
Anyhow, in this trilogy, even though it's still on same timeline and still interwoven with the characters and setting from the first book. To me, this sequel is more popish.
It's not as dark and mind bugging as it's precedent. The main character, Al is more human than Carpac Raimi from the first book.
If Capac was something like James McAvoy's character in Wanted, Al is more like Leonardo diCaprio's character in Inception. Quite a weird comparison, I know. But the point is, Al accepts his "fate" in calmer fashion than Capac. He didn't question much. He just went and do whatever he felt or thought that he has to do it.
My only disappointment is that at certain point, I knew how the story would end. I got the idea on who did it and why and etc else. Thanks to my hunch, yes. Either that or I read too much detective stories.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I just finished this books and..wow I have no words for it really, it was just amazing! In this sequel we follow other character than in the first books but honestly, I like this books much more then the first one! I liked Al more than Capac just because Al was soo loving, he would definitely do everything for the one's he loves, and Capac is just a monster. Ok, Al was able to murder but only to follow the orders, he wouldn't kill an innocent person, not like Capac. Anyway, the plot is just wonderful! Everytime you think you have solved the case of who killed Nic, BAM there is something new that happens! Wow definitely one of my favorite books right now, it really keeps you reading because everytime a new chapter starts something new happens or a new person is suspected! And the ending!!! Surprising! Can't wait to read the final installment in this trilogy, and it better be as good as this one! :D

[Joe Clegg Prada · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a similar vibe to Procession of the Dead, prepare yourself for a bit of a left turn. From gangster noir to detective noir. Yes, there’s elements of sleuthing and espionage in the first book, but this one takes that and pretty much makes it the whole book.

Slow in parts. Very meticulous which is neither a good nor bad thing. Because of the story, it’s simply essential.

The narrative keeps me engaged, but for much of the book I find our protagonist a little too cool. Level-headed. Possibly even plain? Considering all the shit that goes down, until towards the end he barely does more than raise his voice.

His transformation into something darker doesn’t quite land for me. Not in this book anyway. But maybe it’s not meant to yet, considering what I know of the next one. Speaking of which…

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Al Jeery is reassigned from his guard job to solve a murder, the clues lead him to disturbing discoveries about both the City and his own past.

This one is a fast, interesting noir story with some mystical elements. The setting, a strange city run by a crime lord named The Cardinal, hooked me in just as much as it did in the previous book. The investigation side of things had plenty of twists, though I did figure out the killer before Al got around to it.

The events of this book overlapped the first part of the series. Unfortunately, that meant that The Cardinal, super-assassin Paucar Wami, and some of the City's other secrets had lost some of their sense of mystery for me.

I'm happy to see that the final book will be a sequel to the first two.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, and worthy of 5 stars.

I read this in paperback years ago, but went for the kindle version this time around. Unfortunately the kindle version formatting is terrible, constantly mistaking or missing speech marks entirely, and lines being split into new paragraphs etc. Looks like a scan of a hard copy, but definitely a rush job.

A recommended read, but be aware of the formatting.

[Drew Budds · Rating 4 out of 5]

the second time i have read this book now. the first time i read it i was a lot younger and didn't understand was was happening. but this time i got to understand it all and really enjoy it. i love it when darran shan makes dark and grittier books for adults

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The middle part of the trilogy, focussing on one of the Cardinal's soldiers and a ritualistic murder. The pace was excellent with a good deal of twists and turns and enough to keep the reader guessing up until a final dramatic event that makes me want to get onto the last book double quick.

[Larena · Rating 4 out of 5]

14+:AGES 14+:Violence could be a dominant element of the storyline. Could contain strong or frequent use of profanity and nudity or sexual activity.

E:Easy: 3rd grade Vocabulary

Method: Physical Book

Location: Chautaugua-Cattaraugus Library System

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Příběh se v druhé knize série Město obrací na člena Kardinálovi Gardy Ala Jeeryho. Je pověřený vyšetřováním brutální vraždy, ale to ho zavede hlouběji do tajemstvích města, než očekával. Co zjistí Al o vraždě a o sobě samotném se dozvíte v tomto velmi dobrém urbánním thrilleru.

[T.ScottReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

[[ J o ] · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Short and quick review from memory before I re-read and re-review at a later date:

The thing I remember most is that I won these books...]

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Procession, as the protagonist, Al Jeery, is rather two-dimensional. But still fascinating and good.

[Benjamin Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully wonderfull

A book of sheer beauty. A brilliant story line and interesting plot. I recommend reading it to anyone who enjoys a good read..

[Kelly Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow amazing book couldnt put it down, darren shan is an amazing author

[Hayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "detective" novel set in a gritty, magical and ruthless city. I really enjoyed following Al and meeting those around him.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great twists, an addictive story !