304p.
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 10/19/13
Source: From author for review
A spine-tingling new Jeremiah Hunt dark fantasy thriller.
New Orleans was nearly the death of Jeremiah Hunt, between a too-close brush with the FBI and a chilling, soul-searing journey through the realm of the dead that culminated with a do-or-die confrontation with Death himself.
But when he performs an arcane ritual to reclaim the soul of the magically gifted, beautiful woman who once saved him, he must flee the law once again, to Los Angeles, city of angels, a temporary sanctuary. In L.A., he has to contend with Carlos Fuentes, who sees in Hunt a means to obtain the mystical key that would open the gates of Hell. Fuentes knows Hunt’s weakness—his loyalty to the woman he loves, and to another “gifted” friend—and uses the real threat of torturing them as a way to get Hunt to help complete his dread quest.
Hunt has learned a lot since his life was irrevocably hijacked by fate months ago. But when his friends are threatened by the supernatural predator known as the Preacher, Hunt knows that all his newfound experience and ability will go for naught unless he can keep both the Preacher and Fuentes at bay long enough for him to somehow find a way to free his friends from mortal peril.My thoughts:
I've read the other 2 books in this series: Eyes to See, and King of the Dead. I enjoyed both and when I was asked to review this one I jumped at the chance. I enjoy these characters but was a bit disappointed that 2 of my favorite side characters weren't in this one as much. There is a reason explained at the end of the second book... so you can see these books are best when read in order. One book does build upon another.
The cover does look like a horror book, but like the other 2 this one is really more of a UF or thriller kind of book. Yes, there are scary elements, but nothing to scare you but more to enhance the flavor of this world. If you read dark UF, but don't like true horror, you will be fine.
In this story and mystery Jeremiah finds himself embroiled in a plot to take over LA in the magical realm. It is hard to figure out who is good and who is evil in this story, but we get glimpses of who we might trust. However, nothing is certain in this world. There is also a race of sorts to get to one of the gates of Hell which would bring about Hell on earth as well as solidify the person opening it as the one who reigns over the world. In the search for the key we find ourselves with Jeremiah in a bind where there seems to be no way out. I was surprised by this ending. :) Yes, that is all I will say.
I give this book 4 stars. All 3 books have the edge of the seat quality in them. I do recommend this series to anyone who loves a good dark UF/thriller.
Bloggy Note:
A giveaway is going on at the author's site HERE. It is for all 3 books! Check it out! :)
I really liked the first book, but then I found myself not really enjoying the second. Perhaps my timing was wrong, I should probably retry. I'm glad to see the series is still going strong, and poor Jeremiah, my heart bled for him in that first book.
ReplyDeleteI think I enjoyed the second one even more. I really like the secondary characters. If you reread, I would like to know what you think!
DeleteI haven't heard of this series, but it seems interesting, particularly because it's UF mystery/thriller which I haven't tried yet. Thanks for introducing this onto my radar, Melissa - fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteI would love to know what you think. I think you'll like this one.
DeleteScary cover. A series that definitely sounds like its best read from the first book.
ReplyDeleteIt really does lend itself to be read from the beginning. Mostly because it will help keep you involved with the characters.
DeleteThe cover...I see the scary dude but what the heck is the rest of that stuff on it?!? Not sure this is for me, though I do like darker UF sometimes. Hum. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteThe other "stuff" is the gate to hell. :) Still, I maintain it is more UF than horror. LOL
DeleteI was about to say that this cover looks creepy. And to me looks like a Horror book but you said otherwise. I don't do scary. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteIt really is more dark UF/ dark fantasy. I'm a wimp and I could handle it. LOL
DeleteThat cover is something else! I want to read it just for that.
ReplyDeleteOh I think you'd find this series very interesting! :)
DeleteWow, you weren't kidding when you said that cover is reminiscent of a horror novel. *shudders* I've been slightly traumatized. So glad the story isn't quite as scary as the cover suggests, and that despite the absence of two of your favorite side characters, you still enjoyed this one enough to give it a 4! :)
ReplyDelete*sends pup in to comfort you*
DeleteI would be curious to see if you would enjoy it. There is even some slight romance in the second book in this series. :)
Love that edge of your seat quality in a book too
ReplyDeleteThose are fun!
Deleteoh it's a creepy cover! It sounds like a really nice mix
ReplyDeleteIt really is! I think you'd like it since you like UF.
DeleteUgh what a scary cover!
ReplyDeleteBoo! :D
DeleteIt does look like a horror novel..and the synopsis, jeepers it just screams read me. Despite not having two of your favorite sidekicks I must say you have me very curious. I love urban fantasy and the suspense, mystery, thriller elements appeal to me. I must check out book one. Awesome review Melissa :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Melissa! And thanks to everyone else for the interest!
ReplyDeleteAs Melissa said, despite the cover this is firmly on the UF side of the camp, so I hope some of you check it out.
Best,
Joe Nassise
I'm glad you mention it's more UF. I don't do horror and that's a freaky cover! I'll have to look the first book up!
ReplyDeleteWell I'm glad to hear you were surprised by the ending, and that smile makes me think it wasn't cliffhanger bull. :-) I need to read the first two books, but this does sound pretty cool, even if the characters you love weren't as prominent. Great review!
ReplyDelete