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The ARC Chronicles #2
Hellborne
Heavily pregnant, Eva Scott finds herself challenged from all sides. Her husband Madden is not the man he was. Her mind is overburdened with the dreadful visions witnessed mere months before. Her new-found allies the ARC Council are prepared to turn against her unless she meets their demands. Above all, Eva feels she is being led on a path by a powerful, faceless forces, almost within touching distance, always in the shadows.
Join Eva as she battles against time to uncover the answers and seeks to find a safe haven to deliver her baby.
HELLBORNE: FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT
Join Eva as she battles against time to uncover the answers and seeks to find a safe haven to deliver her baby.
HELLBORNE: FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2014
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Matthew W. Harrill
32 books56 followersBorn and raised in Bristol, England, Matthew W Harrill is an international award-winning horror author. His series, 'The ARC Chronicles' consists of Hellbounce (which has received acclaim at the Halloween Book Festival, the London Book Festival and most recently the 2015 International Book Awards), Hellborne and the final book of the series, Hellbeast is imminent.
In addition to his mentor David Farland (The Runelords, The Courtship of Princess Leia [as Dave Wolverton]), Matt is always thankful to know the British author Juliet E McKenna, who has helped him countless times. He is a fan of fantasy, loving Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series. He also has a lot of time for the truly bizarre horror of H P Lovecraft, citing this as an influence on his work. He also cites the fictional author 'Hank Moody' as an influence.
Matthew has worked as a labourer, a barman, a cleaner, a joiners mate. In addition he has dabbled in commercial insurance and has for the past 12 years implemented share plans for Xerox.
When not working, Matthew enjoys tennis with his son, watching movies and television series such as Supernatural and Grimm, blogging and cookery.
In addition to his mentor David Farland (The Runelords, The Courtship of Princess Leia [as Dave Wolverton]), Matt is always thankful to know the British author Juliet E McKenna, who has helped him countless times. He is a fan of fantasy, loving Robert Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' series. He also has a lot of time for the truly bizarre horror of H P Lovecraft, citing this as an influence on his work. He also cites the fictional author 'Hank Moody' as an influence.
Matthew has worked as a labourer, a barman, a cleaner, a joiners mate. In addition he has dabbled in commercial insurance and has for the past 12 years implemented share plans for Xerox.
When not working, Matthew enjoys tennis with his son, watching movies and television series such as Supernatural and Grimm, blogging and cookery.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 1, 2015
Self-published (25th April 2015)
Source: review copy provided by author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
It has been merely months since the events in ‘Hellbounce’, and those months have been amongst the happiest in Eva’s life. Her child has grown, and she has blossomed. Her friends are safe, and she is at peace with the world.
But outside the bubble that encapsulates her world, events have not stood still as she was led to believe. There were those that witnessed the terrifying events, those that saw the woman stood atop the mountain, those who have not stopped asking questions. They are out there, and they are after her, for her sake, or for theirs.
Events catch up with Eva, as isolated as she is, and she is forced to deal once more with the highest authority: The ruling council of Anges de la Réssurection des Chevaliers. ARC. Unyielding. Unwavering. Absolutely dead set on a goal only they truly perceive, they force Eva to consider her future with Madden.
Against her better judgement, and with Madden and Elaine, a close friend from the recent troubles, Eva agrees to undertake one more journey, knowing that at any moment, her child could make an entrance into the world..
My Review:
When I've particularly enjoyed the first book in a series, I approach the second with mixed feelings; I'm excited yet anxious! Will it be as good as the first? What will happen to my favourite characters? I know I'm not alone in feeling like this and that my emotions will resonate with many readers.
Hellborne picks up where Hellbounce finished, carrying on with the story of Eva and Madden. As the couple try to evade danger as they make their journey, Eva's pregnancy progresses too. The couple don't have many moments alone, but there are some quite touching scenes between the two. They are also fiercely jealous, which seems a little excessive. This is a fairly new relationship, however, so the posessiveness is almost justified. There are good reasons for it too...
I enjoyed the involvement of ARC in this book, it pulled all the elements of the story together and gave a different perspective. The confrontations are well written and the violence is not gratuitous or gory, merely descriptive.
My only criticism is that the story didn't quite grip me as much as its predecessor, hence my slightly lower rating. Having said that, it's an exciting second instalment that fans of the first novel will enjoy.
Source: review copy provided by author
Rating: 4*
Synopsis:
It has been merely months since the events in ‘Hellbounce’, and those months have been amongst the happiest in Eva’s life. Her child has grown, and she has blossomed. Her friends are safe, and she is at peace with the world.
But outside the bubble that encapsulates her world, events have not stood still as she was led to believe. There were those that witnessed the terrifying events, those that saw the woman stood atop the mountain, those who have not stopped asking questions. They are out there, and they are after her, for her sake, or for theirs.
Events catch up with Eva, as isolated as she is, and she is forced to deal once more with the highest authority: The ruling council of Anges de la Réssurection des Chevaliers. ARC. Unyielding. Unwavering. Absolutely dead set on a goal only they truly perceive, they force Eva to consider her future with Madden.
Against her better judgement, and with Madden and Elaine, a close friend from the recent troubles, Eva agrees to undertake one more journey, knowing that at any moment, her child could make an entrance into the world..
My Review:
When I've particularly enjoyed the first book in a series, I approach the second with mixed feelings; I'm excited yet anxious! Will it be as good as the first? What will happen to my favourite characters? I know I'm not alone in feeling like this and that my emotions will resonate with many readers.
Hellborne picks up where Hellbounce finished, carrying on with the story of Eva and Madden. As the couple try to evade danger as they make their journey, Eva's pregnancy progresses too. The couple don't have many moments alone, but there are some quite touching scenes between the two. They are also fiercely jealous, which seems a little excessive. This is a fairly new relationship, however, so the posessiveness is almost justified. There are good reasons for it too...
I enjoyed the involvement of ARC in this book, it pulled all the elements of the story together and gave a different perspective. The confrontations are well written and the violence is not gratuitous or gory, merely descriptive.
My only criticism is that the story didn't quite grip me as much as its predecessor, hence my slightly lower rating. Having said that, it's an exciting second instalment that fans of the first novel will enjoy.
September 2, 2015
Hellborne is the second book in the ARC Chronicles Trilogy, and continues on from where Hellbounce ended.
This is a supernatural action thriller, with a horror theme running through it. With it being about Hell and demons, I think it has a place within the horror genre. However, it is written in such a way that the reader almost forgets that demons don’t just roam our own world too, as their presence seems so normal and natural. In fact, this novel has made me question whether demons do roam our world. I shall be keeping a closer eye on people from now on, and check they’re not making a sneaky trip back to Hell through a portal.
Again this is a professionally finished book, which is well edited, a plot with great attention to detail, full of a variety of interesting characters, places and ancient artefacts, and has a great ending, that has left me dying to read the final book in this trilogy to find out what happens.
I recommend this to fans of horror, action thrillers, supernatural and fantasy.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and wish him the best of luck with the imminent release of the final book in the ARC Chronicles Trilogy.
This is a supernatural action thriller, with a horror theme running through it. With it being about Hell and demons, I think it has a place within the horror genre. However, it is written in such a way that the reader almost forgets that demons don’t just roam our own world too, as their presence seems so normal and natural. In fact, this novel has made me question whether demons do roam our world. I shall be keeping a closer eye on people from now on, and check they’re not making a sneaky trip back to Hell through a portal.
Again this is a professionally finished book, which is well edited, a plot with great attention to detail, full of a variety of interesting characters, places and ancient artefacts, and has a great ending, that has left me dying to read the final book in this trilogy to find out what happens.
I recommend this to fans of horror, action thrillers, supernatural and fantasy.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and wish him the best of luck with the imminent release of the final book in the ARC Chronicles Trilogy.
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March 2, 2015
Hellborne continues the hell-bent journey of Eva and Madden. But don’t be deceived by the beginning of Part Two of the ARC Chronicles which starts off with a perfect setting - Sweden and a happy event- a wedding no less, because the prettiness ends shortly. In true Matthew W Harrill style, nothing in Hellborne stays pretty forever and while it might start off insidiously, soon sheer horror was thrown at me on every other page until I was desperately clutching onto my own sense of safety with both hands.
Heavily pregnant, Eva doesn’t back down from the fight against evil but then with a Hellbounce for a husband and carrying his child, the fight is personal. It isn’t an easy ride, and it’s far from over for her. Discovering her new enemies are closer than she thinks and they’re not even demons, add to that the actual demons she is already up against, sets Eva on a course that she might not come out of victoriously. Trust is something she can only reserve for a steadily dwindling sum of people.
Again I was catapulted from one amazing destination to the next in relentless vivid detail. It’s downright bloody and gory and hellish, in perfect Harrill fashion, naturally. The pace left me breathless but Hellborne ends with a scene that chilled my bones. I need to read Hellbeast - Part Three of the ARC Chronicles urgently!!
Heavily pregnant, Eva doesn’t back down from the fight against evil but then with a Hellbounce for a husband and carrying his child, the fight is personal. It isn’t an easy ride, and it’s far from over for her. Discovering her new enemies are closer than she thinks and they’re not even demons, add to that the actual demons she is already up against, sets Eva on a course that she might not come out of victoriously. Trust is something she can only reserve for a steadily dwindling sum of people.
Again I was catapulted from one amazing destination to the next in relentless vivid detail. It’s downright bloody and gory and hellish, in perfect Harrill fashion, naturally. The pace left me breathless but Hellborne ends with a scene that chilled my bones. I need to read Hellbeast - Part Three of the ARC Chronicles urgently!!
August 17, 2015
I'm sitting here trying to figure out a way to do this review with out any spoilers...which is not easy as he is such a good author that everything I want to say leads to a spoiler.OMG I seriously want to strangle him right now ! Thanks Matt!
This is book 2 in the ARC series, It starts off right where book one ended. Eva is extremely pregnant and Madden is going through his own adjustments. Just when they think they will get a break and live in peace ( yeah right lol ) all hell lets loose, literally! The demons are after the baby. Eva and Madden are jumping across the world again trying to defeat the demons and stay safe until the baby is born. There are so many twists and turns in this story. There are new characters to meet, more evil villains, more scenes from your worst nightmares! The demons keep using new tactics and they just won't stay dead! As if that isn't enough another dangerous group is after Eva and the baby also. Where can they go who can they trust? It's non stop action..Nothing is what it appears ,.
Mr. Harrill uses vivid descriptions to keep you immersed in this story. It will grip you from the beginning and take you right along with the characters all through this latest adventure. You will be leaving the night lights on AGAIN!
The ending is CRAZY,......just OMG CRAZY!
If you love a great story with non stop action look no further!
This is book 2 in the ARC series, It starts off right where book one ended. Eva is extremely pregnant and Madden is going through his own adjustments. Just when they think they will get a break and live in peace ( yeah right lol ) all hell lets loose, literally! The demons are after the baby. Eva and Madden are jumping across the world again trying to defeat the demons and stay safe until the baby is born. There are so many twists and turns in this story. There are new characters to meet, more evil villains, more scenes from your worst nightmares! The demons keep using new tactics and they just won't stay dead! As if that isn't enough another dangerous group is after Eva and the baby also. Where can they go who can they trust? It's non stop action..Nothing is what it appears ,.
Mr. Harrill uses vivid descriptions to keep you immersed in this story. It will grip you from the beginning and take you right along with the characters all through this latest adventure. You will be leaving the night lights on AGAIN!
The ending is CRAZY,......just OMG CRAZY!
If you love a great story with non stop action look no further!
April 26, 2015
With the second book to The Arc Chronicles Eva and Madden are at their wedding! Things aren't great but they are together. Madden no longer a demon and Eva is pregnant. They are still in hiding but the world knows what has happened and a group is looking for her and her baby. Things start out smoothly but take a dark turn. Hell wants her child. And they will stop at nothing to get it. Hellbounces start showing up . It's Brian her ex husband. The demons have what they need except for her child. What happens when the one you trust isn't who they appear to be? Will Eva,Madden and their friends at Arc be able to save Nina from the fires of hell or will they be defeated by Asmodeus and his band of demons?
I want to say more but don't want to give anything away. This second book drew me in deeper to this story. I want to kill these demons personally and now want to read book 3 . I can't wait for it ! Another amazing addition to this story !
I want to say more but don't want to give anything away. This second book drew me in deeper to this story. I want to kill these demons personally and now want to read book 3 . I can't wait for it ! Another amazing addition to this story !
January 14, 2015
Oh my. What a read this one was. And the ending oh the ending was brilliant just brilliant. It makes you starve for more. I want more Harrill now. Oh this story takes you to places you will never get to go. Well I wont anyway. And the attention to detail by the Author is amazing and so life like. Not just the scenery but the demons as well. Eva and Madden are right into action is this book as well as the first. I could follow them along in twenty books and never tire. Will they defeat the darkness or will it defeat them. Can they have their baby and can she be safe ever. Or will the demons pull them all to Hell or just pull Hell to earth. Come on this adventure with Harrill as he goes in great detail of the many places he takes you. There are a lot of new characters in play as he unfolds one hellish tale.Hats off to you Harrill on a story well told
November 9, 2014
A superb read if you're into scary stuff, demons, intrigue or just plain good writing. Book 2 picks up from book 1 without a dip in pace or quality. Eva's pregnant, under pressure, but not giving up. Definitely not giving up. Expect more hair-raising action, more secrets, and more demons. And should, for some strange reason, the book not have you screaming, the ending sure will.
On a more personal note. I am not one for horror, usually. Every once in a while I make an exception. I've read The Shining. Have watched The Grudge. The ARC Chronicles are another of those rare excursions into the darkness I don't regret. And I can't wait for book 3. Go figure.
On a more personal note. I am not one for horror, usually. Every once in a while I make an exception. I've read The Shining. Have watched The Grudge. The ARC Chronicles are another of those rare excursions into the darkness I don't regret. And I can't wait for book 3. Go figure.
November 17, 2014
Wow!! Book 2 was even better than the first! What shocking twists and turns this book takes! The story is amazing I'm loving all the betrayals and secrets and how real it all seems. I am glad I read it and am eagerly awaiting book 3 because it will be the conclusion to this series at least I think it will lol but it truly is jaw dropping heart pounding on the edge of your seat excitement and gory but fantastic!! The pregnancy was brilliant and you will see what I mean! I am trying desperately not to give the book away just read it it is awesome!!!!
January 12, 2020
The intensity and action are ratcheted up in Hellbone, the second book of the ARC Chronicles. The series is an urban fantasy thriller with an undertone of horror, it'll have your heart pounding, and on the very edge of your seat from the start to the end. The plot is rich, gripping, gory, and utterly unpredictable, loaded with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded with depth to their personalities and vulnerabilities.
Ava is pregnant, and her hubby Madden is back dealing with his own issues, while they both try to adjust to the aftermath of the first book. ARC has been infiltrated, and the list of the people they can trust gets smaller by the day. Hell is relentless in their pursuit of Earth and getting their demonic paws on Eva's baby. Their tactics are even more ruthless, and the intrigue is an intricate web, spanned over many years. Our favorite characters go from one crazy situation into another and, at times surviving by the skin of their teeth.
The narration by Matthew Crow is brilliant, honing on and applying distinct tones for the various characters. His performance is packed with all the animation and intensity found in the scenes. Overall, this is a fantastic listen with an engaging plot and outstanding narration; I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend it.
Ava is pregnant, and her hubby Madden is back dealing with his own issues, while they both try to adjust to the aftermath of the first book. ARC has been infiltrated, and the list of the people they can trust gets smaller by the day. Hell is relentless in their pursuit of Earth and getting their demonic paws on Eva's baby. Their tactics are even more ruthless, and the intrigue is an intricate web, spanned over many years. Our favorite characters go from one crazy situation into another and, at times surviving by the skin of their teeth.
The narration by Matthew Crow is brilliant, honing on and applying distinct tones for the various characters. His performance is packed with all the animation and intensity found in the scenes. Overall, this is a fantastic listen with an engaging plot and outstanding narration; I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and highly recommend it.
February 13, 2018
Had me glued to the screen...
I had to give Hellborne 5 stars, just as I did for Hellbounce. It's so hard to find good books of this genre (my favorite genre) so there are no words to describe how happy I am to have found Matthew W. Harrill. He is so creative that you feel as though you are part of each scene. I love all of the action and how it all comes together, but even more as scary as it is, I love how it seems as if it all could be real. I'm off to grab the final book and can only hope that the author will create more books (or trilogy's) of this type. Thanks for such amazing writing and reading!!! I'd gladly recommend these books to everyone I know.
I had to give Hellborne 5 stars, just as I did for Hellbounce. It's so hard to find good books of this genre (my favorite genre) so there are no words to describe how happy I am to have found Matthew W. Harrill. He is so creative that you feel as though you are part of each scene. I love all of the action and how it all comes together, but even more as scary as it is, I love how it seems as if it all could be real. I'm off to grab the final book and can only hope that the author will create more books (or trilogy's) of this type. Thanks for such amazing writing and reading!!! I'd gladly recommend these books to everyone I know.
November 27, 2022
Brilliant narration from Matthew Crow, keeps you on your toes.
This great book picks up right from where the last book finished, with a great pacing of horror and adventure story. Eva is extremely pregnant, and Madden is going through his own adjustments. Just when they think they will get a break and live in peace all hell lets loose. The demons are after the baby
This great book picks up right from where the last book finished, with a great pacing of horror and adventure story. Eva is extremely pregnant, and Madden is going through his own adjustments. Just when they think they will get a break and live in peace all hell lets loose. The demons are after the baby
March 11, 2020
This was a great sequel, gripping and had me anxious to keep going. I really enjoyed the developing relationships between the characters, although Madden isn't quite himself anymore, I couldn't put this book down, I need to start book 3!
June 11, 2015
I have been looking forward to reading part two of the ARC Chronicles, and the story continues shortly after where Hellbounce ended. As with the first book, this one has a fascinating storyline, and left me wanting to continue reading without pause. I also appreciated that the author didn’t ‘pad’ the book by reiterating the events of previous book as this is one of my pet peeves. Matthew W. Harrill got the balance spot on.
There are several twists and turns in the plot, and some I found pleasantly unexpected. The book takes the reader to several exotic locations which is something I enjoy in a good thriller. Once again, I do not think of this series as strictly horror. There is little gratuitous violence or gory elements merely thrown in for good measure. The story unravels effectively without the need for cheap shock tactics.
I’ve rated Hellborne a little lower than the first novel for a few reasons. While it was an entertaining read, the writing in Hellbounce was tighter and punchier. Hellborne also ends in a cliff-hanger, unlike the first novel. The ARC Chronicles is good enough to keep the reader’s attention without leaving the book incomplete. Having said that, Hellborne is not to be missed if you enjoyed the Hellbounce.
I look forward to reading more about Eva and Madden. I think the next stop will be hell for both of them!
There are several twists and turns in the plot, and some I found pleasantly unexpected. The book takes the reader to several exotic locations which is something I enjoy in a good thriller. Once again, I do not think of this series as strictly horror. There is little gratuitous violence or gory elements merely thrown in for good measure. The story unravels effectively without the need for cheap shock tactics.
I’ve rated Hellborne a little lower than the first novel for a few reasons. While it was an entertaining read, the writing in Hellbounce was tighter and punchier. Hellborne also ends in a cliff-hanger, unlike the first novel. The ARC Chronicles is good enough to keep the reader’s attention without leaving the book incomplete. Having said that, Hellborne is not to be missed if you enjoyed the Hellbounce.
I look forward to reading more about Eva and Madden. I think the next stop will be hell for both of them!
April 25, 2016
Picking up where Hellbounce left off, the author delivers another amazing book in the trilogy.
As Madden and Eva marry and prepare for impending parenthood, all hell breaks loose...
this time, the demons are after the baby, and they're not the only ones!
It's hard to review Hellborne without revealing anything of the story, there is so much packed into the book. The characters are well fleshed out, and the vivid descriptions, once again, drew me in and kept a tight hold of me, right up to the end, and what an ending!
I need to read Hellbeast, NOW!
As Madden and Eva marry and prepare for impending parenthood, all hell breaks loose...
this time, the demons are after the baby, and they're not the only ones!
It's hard to review Hellborne without revealing anything of the story, there is so much packed into the book. The characters are well fleshed out, and the vivid descriptions, once again, drew me in and kept a tight hold of me, right up to the end, and what an ending!
I need to read Hellbeast, NOW!
October 18, 2015
Beautiful.
The second book in the arc chronicles series is so much more than a progressive plot line in the story it's self. Be prepared to be taken through the Beauty and indescribable horror of the world that surrounds our characters. All is not what it seems, and all not as it was. The blooming of friendships, the building of tension and undoubtedly the betrayals that lie ahead are a treat to behold.
A fantastically written book that brings this immersive story to life and always leaves you wanting more.
It's all in the details my friends.
The second book in the arc chronicles series is so much more than a progressive plot line in the story it's self. Be prepared to be taken through the Beauty and indescribable horror of the world that surrounds our characters. All is not what it seems, and all not as it was. The blooming of friendships, the building of tension and undoubtedly the betrayals that lie ahead are a treat to behold.
A fantastically written book that brings this immersive story to life and always leaves you wanting more.
It's all in the details my friends.
September 11, 2016
This book was so awesome that I didnt take time to write a review.. I jumped right into HellBeast. I had to find out what happened to Eva, Madden and their baby. But that wasn't fair to HellBourne and the graphically scary demons and deceptive people. ARC has some very influential people and the tools that they possess is uterly mind -blowing. You will find all this out when you read the book, which I highly recomend.
April 30, 2015
Great stuff! A really creative premise, and great pacing through a rollicking romp of a horror/adventure story. I'm always a sucker for the 'modern day uncovering of ancient secrets' genre (if that's a genre?), and the horror aspect sits really neatly alongside it. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good yarn!
June 26, 2015
Way different read and feel compared to book 1. I was able to jump right in and understand and enjoy right where I left off.
The twists and turns were well played and the suspense was killing me! Can't wait for book 3!
The twists and turns were well played and the suspense was killing me! Can't wait for book 3!
August 5, 2015
Eva Scott is pregnant & dealing with her husband. Who is not the person he used to be. Can Eva find out what's going on with him?
Hurricane readers book reviews gave me this book for a honest review
Hurricane readers book reviews gave me this book for a honest review
May 6, 2015
Normally a hearts and flowers kind of girl but after readying book one I had to get book 2. Loved.it just as much as the first one. Didn't want to put it down. A must read.
October 30, 2015
Another amazing book. So glad I found these books. So recommend Matthew to everyone
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews