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Occult Assassin #3
Spirit Breaker
Technology engineered to battle the spirits of the dead…
Mark Talon must battle an evil psychic and the terrifying forces of the afterlife in his most heart-pounding adventure yet.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2015
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315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 27, 2022
Cults, ghosts, ghost-busting, general havoc and mutual distrust go caboom in this one once again. It's nice to see another set of villains gone by way of Talon's involvement.
Another installation of conflicted cooperation between Talon and Casca is underway so it's kinda intriguing what will happen when this duo finally turn on each other. Or will they? I guess I'll see in the next one.
Another installation of conflicted cooperation between Talon and Casca is underway so it's kinda intriguing what will happen when this duo finally turn on each other. Or will they? I guess I'll see in the next one.
December 18, 2020
Wow! This was another action packed perfect paced adventure!
This series has escalated in not only creativity of the different storylines, but also the adventure that the character, Mark Talon has to endure through the story as he comes in contact with the villains.
A small taste of what is between the pages:
Mark Talon yet again is pulled into a case of intrigue and suspense as a villain known as the Lightwalker has conjured not only an evil entity to do his bidding along with spirits of the dead, but has also been able to command cultist followers.
This time Simon Casca sends Mark to track down the Lightwalker hoping that he can put a stop to the chaos that the Lightwalker and his cultists are getting ready to commit.
Who is the Lightwalker? What type of evil has the Lightwalker conjured? Is Mark able to stop the him before it is too late? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
The writing style of the author is pristine and captures the essence of the storyline as he molds the characters within this book. Everything that happens within this book just takes on the visual aspects as the story plays out.
I could see the bullets zipping along the pages and feel the bone jarring thumps of the action as the characters came to life on the pages!
I am loving this series and will continue forward into the series as I want to see what other adventures and villains await the character, Mark Talon!
Giving this book five "Sizzling Spirit" stars!
Highly recommend this series for urban fantasy/action adventure/occult paranormal fans!
This series has escalated in not only creativity of the different storylines, but also the adventure that the character, Mark Talon has to endure through the story as he comes in contact with the villains.
A small taste of what is between the pages:
Mark Talon yet again is pulled into a case of intrigue and suspense as a villain known as the Lightwalker has conjured not only an evil entity to do his bidding along with spirits of the dead, but has also been able to command cultist followers.
This time Simon Casca sends Mark to track down the Lightwalker hoping that he can put a stop to the chaos that the Lightwalker and his cultists are getting ready to commit.
Who is the Lightwalker? What type of evil has the Lightwalker conjured? Is Mark able to stop the him before it is too late? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
The writing style of the author is pristine and captures the essence of the storyline as he molds the characters within this book. Everything that happens within this book just takes on the visual aspects as the story plays out.
I could see the bullets zipping along the pages and feel the bone jarring thumps of the action as the characters came to life on the pages!
I am loving this series and will continue forward into the series as I want to see what other adventures and villains await the character, Mark Talon!
Giving this book five "Sizzling Spirit" stars!
Highly recommend this series for urban fantasy/action adventure/occult paranormal fans!
June 23, 2018
This book was a pair of shorter stories that did a lot to illustrate the development of the world in which the characters exist. The occult predators seem less few and far between, or at least the primary characters are getting better at identifying their targets. And while these stories are quick reads, fun and interesting, with no end of bad things happening in the world today, who's to say how fanciful all of this fiction might actually be? ;-)
September 19, 2015
I have really come to enjoy Talon and the Occult Assassin series. William Massa continues to add to this series with every new adventure. I had an opportunity to get my hands on this newest book in the series and jumped on it.
Spirit Breaker wasn't my favorite book in the series, but that isn't to say it wasn't well written and enjoyable. This addition in the Occult Assassin series brings something very important to the table - inner conflict between two of the leading characters. Casca and Talon have been working together for some time now, over the timeline of the five books making up the series so far, and the Casca has resorted to the use of occult power more than once. I was wondering when Talon would approach Casca about it. The action seemed a bit more secondary this time around, for the real story in Spirit Breaker was the conflict of the "good guys" using the power of the occult to battle those using that same power. Casca sits on the right side of the moral fence, but Talon isn't convinced that the power won't grow to corrupt him. Talon is so set against the occult, it was like a ticking time bomb in his head. I can sympathize with Talon's distrust and I get his motivation to confront Casca.
The technology W. Massa created for the story was another notable thing about Spirit Breaker. Spirit Breaker armor is awesome!! With it, Massa devised a great way to combat an intangible enemy. Casca has dumped a lot of money into finding a way to defeat ghosts and the team behind it's evolution. I think this armor will find a use again.
I am a fan of cults in my horror fiction, and a cult basing their beliefs on consumerism being the devil and then making their headquarters an abandoned mall. Pure genius!! I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the cult in this story. I hope W. Massa plans to revisit the nefarious bastards in a future story.
Overall, another great book in the series. It did add to the Occult Assassin series, just not in a way I had expected. A very solid 4 stars for Spirit Breaker.
The author gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spirit Breaker wasn't my favorite book in the series, but that isn't to say it wasn't well written and enjoyable. This addition in the Occult Assassin series brings something very important to the table - inner conflict between two of the leading characters. Casca and Talon have been working together for some time now, over the timeline of the five books making up the series so far, and the Casca has resorted to the use of occult power more than once. I was wondering when Talon would approach Casca about it. The action seemed a bit more secondary this time around, for the real story in Spirit Breaker was the conflict of the "good guys" using the power of the occult to battle those using that same power. Casca sits on the right side of the moral fence, but Talon isn't convinced that the power won't grow to corrupt him. Talon is so set against the occult, it was like a ticking time bomb in his head. I can sympathize with Talon's distrust and I get his motivation to confront Casca.
The technology W. Massa created for the story was another notable thing about Spirit Breaker. Spirit Breaker armor is awesome!! With it, Massa devised a great way to combat an intangible enemy. Casca has dumped a lot of money into finding a way to defeat ghosts and the team behind it's evolution. I think this armor will find a use again.
I am a fan of cults in my horror fiction, and a cult basing their beliefs on consumerism being the devil and then making their headquarters an abandoned mall. Pure genius!! I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the cult in this story. I hope W. Massa plans to revisit the nefarious bastards in a future story.
Overall, another great book in the series. It did add to the Occult Assassin series, just not in a way I had expected. A very solid 4 stars for Spirit Breaker.
The author gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2015
Talon is back and as bad ass as ever! In this edition, he has to battle an evil physic and his force of ghosts. He needs some special equipment though, so we get to see some awesome new additions to his armory!! That's about all I can say about the plot because I don't want to spoil it, so I'll get down to my thoughts.
There isn't much more I can say about Talon either, that I haven't already. He is such a bad ass!! Here we get to see him dealing with something totally new, ghosts. To do that, his mentor and benefactor has created. It's always nice to see Talon with machines, but to experience the newness with him was awesome! He was enthusiastic about them, as was I ;).
Everything about this series rocks. It's hard to review each separately because of spoilers, but each one brings something new to the table. Poor Talon has so much to deal with, yet each time he never fails to try. He is a hero through and through!
Added extra to this one is a bonus book called Coffin Collector. This was quite a creepy one because of the buried alive in the coffins!!! Lol. A great novellete and bonus, but so short!!
In all this book was so good. Action packed, intense and brilliant. This series is a must read!!! I do so hope that the author will expand the books and make a novel rather than a novella. I want more from this world and characters and would love to read a longer version. Saying that though, even with the length, each of these read like a novel! They are always packed full and entertaining, I'm just being greedy!!!
James Foster has captured my attention already with some of his previous works, and this just cements it. He is absolutely fantastic. So easy to listen to!! He tells the story perfectly and always delivers. He is quickly becoming one of my go to narrators.
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review, via Audio Book Blast. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
There isn't much more I can say about Talon either, that I haven't already. He is such a bad ass!! Here we get to see him dealing with something totally new, ghosts. To do that, his mentor and benefactor has created. It's always nice to see Talon with machines, but to experience the newness with him was awesome! He was enthusiastic about them, as was I ;).
Everything about this series rocks. It's hard to review each separately because of spoilers, but each one brings something new to the table. Poor Talon has so much to deal with, yet each time he never fails to try. He is a hero through and through!
Added extra to this one is a bonus book called Coffin Collector. This was quite a creepy one because of the buried alive in the coffins!!! Lol. A great novellete and bonus, but so short!!
In all this book was so good. Action packed, intense and brilliant. This series is a must read!!! I do so hope that the author will expand the books and make a novel rather than a novella. I want more from this world and characters and would love to read a longer version. Saying that though, even with the length, each of these read like a novel! They are always packed full and entertaining, I'm just being greedy!!!
James Foster has captured my attention already with some of his previous works, and this just cements it. He is absolutely fantastic. So easy to listen to!! He tells the story perfectly and always delivers. He is quickly becoming one of my go to narrators.
*I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review, via Audio Book Blast. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
October 30, 2015
Occult Assassin ( Spirit Breaker ) ( Book 3 )
Another good story. Went a little ghost busters, but with better technical equipment ... even Talon made a ghost buster statement .. lol .. Good story line. If I had to twerk anything ... it would be that the stories are too darn short. I want more!!! Thanks!
Another good story. Went a little ghost busters, but with better technical equipment ... even Talon made a ghost buster statement .. lol .. Good story line. If I had to twerk anything ... it would be that the stories are too darn short. I want more!!! Thanks!
September 2, 2015
Very cool read. Takes military horror in a new direction.
Recommended. I am really enjoying this series a lot so far, and will continue to get anything new that comes out.
Recommended. I am really enjoying this series a lot so far, and will continue to get anything new that comes out.
October 16, 2015
ABR's original Spirit Breaker audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Because I have listened to the previous two books in this Occult Assassin series, I already know just what to expect for the team of Massa and Foster. This is not a bad thing, however unnecessary due to the brief summary of the story so far at the beginning of each. This is something that I appreciate because even if your book is in part of a series, maybe somehow the listener/reader has started with book 2 or 3 or 4 of the series. I have done this, and with some, have found myself completely lost. Resulting in a much less enjoyable listening experience. So far each of Massa’s Occult Assassin books could very well stand alone.
Mark Talon everyone’s favorite Occult Assassin is back for another romp of battling supernatural villains and foiling their otherworldly schemes. Talon is in the employ of a billionaire who seems to have a fascination and hatred for everything paranormal. I want to know more about this guy, where did he come from, where does the money come from, what is the whole story abou devoting so much time and money to bring down the occult.
In this installment Talon must face a cult of apparitions, ghosts or spirits (whatever you want to call them). Finding that the best way to do so is by adding some specialized weapons that his benefactor had created. I love the names of this equipment. First there is the Necro-helmet which is a piece of the, yep you guessed it, Necro-Armor. This allows the wearer to physically fight the ghosts as if they where physical beings. The weapon of choice and Echto-Pulse rifle of course! Does not and will not kill a spirit but will slow them down.
Unfortunately this was my least favorite of the series so far. I wanted so much more and there was plenty of room for Massa to do so, I wanted more depth to the story and characters. Something about this story seemed rushed. Even though this wasn’t my favorite, this is still a great series that I will continue to follow. I really hope Massa ventures out of the novella category and write a full novel of Talon to really fight his way through.
This audiobook also contains a bonus short story Coffin Collector. I am glad it was included because Talon got to go overseas, the birthplace of paranormal endeavors. Another great addition to the series, just too short for my liking.
If you are a fan of military paranormal urban fantasy, without all of the sex, this is the series for you. Very entertaining, well written and satisfying.
Listening to James Foster after such a long time is like finally sleeping in your own bed after an extended road trip. Comfortable, familiar, cozy, warm, etc. As always he did a great job. Solid in every way just
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
Because I have listened to the previous two books in this Occult Assassin series, I already know just what to expect for the team of Massa and Foster. This is not a bad thing, however unnecessary due to the brief summary of the story so far at the beginning of each. This is something that I appreciate because even if your book is in part of a series, maybe somehow the listener/reader has started with book 2 or 3 or 4 of the series. I have done this, and with some, have found myself completely lost. Resulting in a much less enjoyable listening experience. So far each of Massa’s Occult Assassin books could very well stand alone.
Mark Talon everyone’s favorite Occult Assassin is back for another romp of battling supernatural villains and foiling their otherworldly schemes. Talon is in the employ of a billionaire who seems to have a fascination and hatred for everything paranormal. I want to know more about this guy, where did he come from, where does the money come from, what is the whole story abou devoting so much time and money to bring down the occult.
In this installment Talon must face a cult of apparitions, ghosts or spirits (whatever you want to call them). Finding that the best way to do so is by adding some specialized weapons that his benefactor had created. I love the names of this equipment. First there is the Necro-helmet which is a piece of the, yep you guessed it, Necro-Armor. This allows the wearer to physically fight the ghosts as if they where physical beings. The weapon of choice and Echto-Pulse rifle of course! Does not and will not kill a spirit but will slow them down.
Unfortunately this was my least favorite of the series so far. I wanted so much more and there was plenty of room for Massa to do so, I wanted more depth to the story and characters. Something about this story seemed rushed. Even though this wasn’t my favorite, this is still a great series that I will continue to follow. I really hope Massa ventures out of the novella category and write a full novel of Talon to really fight his way through.
This audiobook also contains a bonus short story Coffin Collector. I am glad it was included because Talon got to go overseas, the birthplace of paranormal endeavors. Another great addition to the series, just too short for my liking.
If you are a fan of military paranormal urban fantasy, without all of the sex, this is the series for you. Very entertaining, well written and satisfying.
Listening to James Foster after such a long time is like finally sleeping in your own bed after an extended road trip. Comfortable, familiar, cozy, warm, etc. As always he did a great job. Solid in every way just
Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.
September 13, 2015
Loved it! It was a bit different than the rest but good different. Also I noticed that we got to see a different side of the characters. I felt like both Talon and Casca were a bit more social and had a better sense of humor. I loved Adira, she was a great character and I hope to see her in more books. Maybe a romance with Casca? I can only hope.
The story is packed full of action and a little mystery as we are dealing with a different threat than in the other books. I have to say I really loved what they were fighting against because it made me feel a little unsure of the outcome. I don't want to spoil anything so you need to read this book, trust me.
Will definitely recommend to my friends.
The story is packed full of action and a little mystery as we are dealing with a different threat than in the other books. I have to say I really loved what they were fighting against because it made me feel a little unsure of the outcome. I don't want to spoil anything so you need to read this book, trust me.
Will definitely recommend to my friends.
October 10, 2015
Spirit Revenge
Spirit breaker is another dangerous adventure in talon's pursuit of occult groups. What makes this one interesting is talon is going to need assistance fighting this new entities. Which is quit interesting because If you followed the series he all ways works alone. It was eye opening to see him interact and work together with other people that don't usually have his experience when it comes to warfare.
Spirit breaker is another dangerous adventure in talon's pursuit of occult groups. What makes this one interesting is talon is going to need assistance fighting this new entities. Which is quit interesting because If you followed the series he all ways works alone. It was eye opening to see him interact and work together with other people that don't usually have his experience when it comes to warfare.
November 12, 2015
Another great listen by William Massa. I loved the fact that our main character is now sort of working with a team. He was more of a lone wolf before. But, now he's working with others more closely in his battle against evil. This was another fast paced, action packed ride.
And, I love that the same narrator is used. The consistency is great. He really makes the reader feel these characters he's come to know so well, as well as new characters. Another solid listen.
And, I love that the same narrator is used. The consistency is great. He really makes the reader feel these characters he's come to know so well, as well as new characters. Another solid listen.
January 15, 2020
Quick read
I finished this book in a day. Partly because, yes, it's short, but mostly because the story grabbed me and off we went. I enjoy reading Massa's works. Can hardly wait for the next story!
I finished this book in a day. Partly because, yes, it's short, but mostly because the story grabbed me and off we went. I enjoy reading Massa's works. Can hardly wait for the next story!
September 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. It's a great addition to the Occult Assassin series.
September 5, 2015
Very well written, exciting and intense. Another great adventure in the dark world of Mark Talon.
September 22, 2015
Great book! William Massa never disappoints with his stories. :) I love how the character develops from each book and grows. This one is a page turner, hard to put down once you start reading. :)
May 12, 2021
This was the final book I will read in this series. I was willing to give the author some leeway, but the complete lack of research combined with obvious Hollywood tropes which are NOT reality, finally got to be too much.
Just as one example -- a sickle is not a knife. You can not fight with it like a knife. The author obvious used the term sickle to match the name of his villain, reaper... but never bothered to even do 30 seconds of research into what a sickle looks like or how one would fight with it.
These books have POTENTIAL stories in them. Potential which is never realized, buried beneath the obsession with Hollywood tropes and the misnomer of calling Talon an "assassin".
Mr Massa, if you read this, PLEASE take some time to actually research the things you call out in your stories. A 30 minute conversation with an ACTUAL "delta operator", and ACTUAL parapsychologist, an ACTUAL pagan historian (oh, and an episode or two of Mythbusters related to Hollywood tropes) would allow you to avoid nearly all of the mistakes that you have made in the 4 books that I was able to slog through before it became too much to deal with.
Your obvious Hollywood and western judeo-xtian blindness to the things which form very core nature of your attempted stories is off-putting, to say the least.
Just as one example -- a sickle is not a knife. You can not fight with it like a knife. The author obvious used the term sickle to match the name of his villain, reaper... but never bothered to even do 30 seconds of research into what a sickle looks like or how one would fight with it.
These books have POTENTIAL stories in them. Potential which is never realized, buried beneath the obsession with Hollywood tropes and the misnomer of calling Talon an "assassin".
Mr Massa, if you read this, PLEASE take some time to actually research the things you call out in your stories. A 30 minute conversation with an ACTUAL "delta operator", and ACTUAL parapsychologist, an ACTUAL pagan historian (oh, and an episode or two of Mythbusters related to Hollywood tropes) would allow you to avoid nearly all of the mistakes that you have made in the 4 books that I was able to slog through before it became too much to deal with.
Your obvious Hollywood and western judeo-xtian blindness to the things which form very core nature of your attempted stories is off-putting, to say the least.
June 17, 2021
Not the best in the series
I do like the premise. Man's life ruined by supernatural forces and makes it his job to prevent it happening to others. He's backed by a billionaire similarly invested for personal reasons. Casca points Talon toward the threat and the evil is defeated.
This book started things on a different path. Without getting to specific I'll say that the team and mission have expanded. I think it's great that we're seeing change. It's change that has purpose and, I believe, Will be beneficial to future stories.
I rated three stars despite this. I enjoy the story but something about her writing style is different. I can't put a finger on it precisely but it seems less mature. I had specific examples in mind that now elude me.
I'm not sure I'll continue with the series. I don't often sustain interest after a certain number of books in a series. Given that I felt there was a decline in the writing it might be the time to jump ship. It could also be a one-off and return to better writing in Book 5.
I do like the premise. Man's life ruined by supernatural forces and makes it his job to prevent it happening to others. He's backed by a billionaire similarly invested for personal reasons. Casca points Talon toward the threat and the evil is defeated.
This book started things on a different path. Without getting to specific I'll say that the team and mission have expanded. I think it's great that we're seeing change. It's change that has purpose and, I believe, Will be beneficial to future stories.
I rated three stars despite this. I enjoy the story but something about her writing style is different. I can't put a finger on it precisely but it seems less mature. I had specific examples in mind that now elude me.
I'm not sure I'll continue with the series. I don't often sustain interest after a certain number of books in a series. Given that I felt there was a decline in the writing it might be the time to jump ship. It could also be a one-off and return to better writing in Book 5.
January 28, 2019
Spirit Breaker is an action packed book written by William Massa. The author came up with am imaginative plot that leads our main character through a fast paced adventure, trying to save the day, at least for just a couple more days until he has to avert the next crisis that is just around the corner. In this book the odds are seriously stacked against Talon, who struggles to figure out a way to fight this paranormal entity that is getting stronger by the minute. The pace of this book is definitely on the faster side and feels even faster because there is constantly something happening. Our lead character doesn't get a chance to catch his breath once he is let loose on a new case!
The plot is definitely imaginative with some nice twists. Our main character is a somewhat typical strong male character who will do just about anything to get the job done. Mark Talon is definitely a very likable character, however he is not a very deep character so far. We only learn about him on the surface, for the most part besides the tragedy that started to make him fight the occult that is, since he is pretty much constantly fighting the occult.
The reason I am not giving this book any additional stars is because it is lacking some depth in my eyes. It is fairly one dimensional yet very entertaining but seems to lack to dig deeper, in my eyes. In all reality, I don't think this is a book that is meant to be deeper though, but I would like some more character development. Just because this is not a should searching kind of book, does not mean there can't be some character development on the people who are staples in this series. It also does not mean that certain scenes can't be elaborated on to make them feel more "real" if that makes sense.
All in all though I do enjoy this series since it is an entertaining action packed read that let's you just sit down and read for a few hours, forgetting the worries of the day.
The plot is definitely imaginative with some nice twists. Our main character is a somewhat typical strong male character who will do just about anything to get the job done. Mark Talon is definitely a very likable character, however he is not a very deep character so far. We only learn about him on the surface, for the most part besides the tragedy that started to make him fight the occult that is, since he is pretty much constantly fighting the occult.
The reason I am not giving this book any additional stars is because it is lacking some depth in my eyes. It is fairly one dimensional yet very entertaining but seems to lack to dig deeper, in my eyes. In all reality, I don't think this is a book that is meant to be deeper though, but I would like some more character development. Just because this is not a should searching kind of book, does not mean there can't be some character development on the people who are staples in this series. It also does not mean that certain scenes can't be elaborated on to make them feel more "real" if that makes sense.
All in all though I do enjoy this series since it is an entertaining action packed read that let's you just sit down and read for a few hours, forgetting the worries of the day.
September 1, 2019
I picked up the first of this series on Kindle because it was free. And then it just sat there, in the ether unread for months. So glad I finally decided to read #1! Which quickly lead to me reading #2 on my kindle reader as well. I purchased #3 and #4 in actual physical format. This series is a modern version of the men's adventure novels I read in the '70's (The Executioner, The Death Merchant, The Penetrator {snicker}). Quick adventure, shoot'em ups where the bad guys are bad and the good guys are good. I definitely recommend any of the books in this series. Good stuff, Maynard!
February 7, 2023
I loved this book!
It blends horror, action, tension and mystery in a way that gripped me from the first page to the last.
I have read other books by Mr Massa and enjoy his writing style. I like the way he blurs the edge of reality, weaving in science and fantasy to create a very believable world. Although this is the third book in the Occult Assassin series, I don't think you have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
I will be looking out for more books in this series.
It blends horror, action, tension and mystery in a way that gripped me from the first page to the last.
I have read other books by Mr Massa and enjoy his writing style. I like the way he blurs the edge of reality, weaving in science and fantasy to create a very believable world. Although this is the third book in the Occult Assassin series, I don't think you have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
I will be looking out for more books in this series.
June 25, 2020
Not very long but good.
This was a fairly short book but it was packed with action. Instead of dealing with the usual occult problems, this time Talon finds himself up against an adversary who can see and interact with the dead. Not the easiest enemies to fight....
This was a fairly short book but it was packed with action. Instead of dealing with the usual occult problems, this time Talon finds himself up against an adversary who can see and interact with the dead. Not the easiest enemies to fight....
September 22, 2020
Another great read in the Occult Assassin series. I like the fact that each of the books have been very different from each other. Massa hasn't just settled on a formula and started churning books out just with a different bad guy. Each situation has been very unique.
December 9, 2017
These have become some of my favorite stories. Love everything about them!
November 28, 2019
Talon returns and this time he is up against a ghost cult. Good book but lacks a bit of character development that some of William's other series have.
May 10, 2016
Take a military man who loses what's dearest to him and then give him an enemy he can retaliate against! Add a billionaire benefactor and you have a great formula for an interesting series. Mark Talon starts out a near perfect human being and ends up being a flawed, determined hero that will save anyone from his fiance's fate, if he possibly can.
There is much to recommend this series and I enjoyed these books. I enjoyed them more than I thought I would. I am a fan of science fiction and fantasy but I haven't read much about the occult before. My only wishes for this author is to stay away from love scenes (the one in the first book was not well written) and to add more of the occult background detail into his books. As a reader, I want to learn from the books I read and these books are about the occult. For me, I would enjoy them even more if there was more education on the occult, specifically about each type of demon or ghost Mark Talon is up against and how to defeat each one.
The Damnation Code was unique to me because of the added dimension of a demon being coded into existence. It seemed to be the most fully developed story with the Apocalypse Soldier my second favorite as Nicole had a well developed back story. I hope to see Nicole, the priest, and the FBI agent team up with Talon again in future stories.
James Foster's narration was spot on and made this series fun to listen to because he did a great job. I enjoyed the way he separated Talon's voice from Casca's so I always knew who was speaking and he didn't reach for female voices.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
There is much to recommend this series and I enjoyed these books. I enjoyed them more than I thought I would. I am a fan of science fiction and fantasy but I haven't read much about the occult before. My only wishes for this author is to stay away from love scenes (the one in the first book was not well written) and to add more of the occult background detail into his books. As a reader, I want to learn from the books I read and these books are about the occult. For me, I would enjoy them even more if there was more education on the occult, specifically about each type of demon or ghost Mark Talon is up against and how to defeat each one.
The Damnation Code was unique to me because of the added dimension of a demon being coded into existence. It seemed to be the most fully developed story with the Apocalypse Soldier my second favorite as Nicole had a well developed back story. I hope to see Nicole, the priest, and the FBI agent team up with Talon again in future stories.
James Foster's narration was spot on and made this series fun to listen to because he did a great job. I enjoyed the way he separated Talon's voice from Casca's so I always knew who was speaking and he didn't reach for female voices.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2015
This book consists of 1 novella and 1 short story, both well written, and both with high “scary” factor. In the novella, the author uses paranormal technology to excellent effect, and it adds enormously to the chill factor. While these are certainly not character driven stories, the author develops his important characters, including his villains with enough care to make them interesting. This is especially true of the main characters, and, in both books in this series I’ve read, I was happy to learn more about Mark Talon, which gives me insight into his motivations.
The paranormal world has been thoroughly mined In fiction, and all too many stories simply retell themes that have become familiar that they have also become clichés. The author has avoided these traps, however, taking some ideas with which we have become familiar, but giving them very creative and unique twists. These stories are best read in broad daylight, preferably with bright sunlight.
Mr. Foster provides an entirely professional narration, which, as good narrations tend to do, enhances this book admirably.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review via the courtesy of AudioBookBlast dot com.
The paranormal world has been thoroughly mined In fiction, and all too many stories simply retell themes that have become familiar that they have also become clichés. The author has avoided these traps, however, taking some ideas with which we have become familiar, but giving them very creative and unique twists. These stories are best read in broad daylight, preferably with bright sunlight.
Mr. Foster provides an entirely professional narration, which, as good narrations tend to do, enhances this book admirably.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review via the courtesy of AudioBookBlast dot com.
April 9, 2016
I'm very impressed with this author! This series is so fast paced, and is full of non-stop action. I honestly feel like each book was better than the last, which is not something that happens often. Talon was a strong main character, and as the series progressed a couple other characters brought more to the story. I loved Adira in the third book! I listened to the audiobook version of the three books, including two novellas. James Foster was the narrator throughout them all, and he is amazing. His voice was perfect for this series. There seems to be one more book out in the series, but is not yet available as an audiobook. When it is released on audio, I will definitely listen to it as well.
**I was provided with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
**I was provided with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
April 18, 2016
I am always pleasantly surprised with the books in this series. They are short enough to be read in one sitting, but seem to pack so much into them. Once again Talon is battling against the forces of evil, only this time he requires a bit more help. Enter some new technology to help him in his endeavours. Even Simon Casca steps out of the background and plays a bigger part in things.
This was the 3rd book in the Occult Assassin series, and each book is well crafted. The characters are good, the plots are good (without being over the top), and even in the narrative nothing is wasted. All in all this is a series which I am thoroughly enjoying.
This was the 3rd book in the Occult Assassin series, and each book is well crafted. The characters are good, the plots are good (without being over the top), and even in the narrative nothing is wasted. All in all this is a series which I am thoroughly enjoying.
October 24, 2015
This is the third book in the series, and includes a novella, The Coffin Collector, as a bonus. It is a great quick listen, with an engaging main character, a Spec Ops soldier now fighting the forces of the occult after his fiancé is killed by cultists. He uses these specialized skills to stop cultists from raising supernatural destruction and chaos. The plot is fast paced, jetting across the world, with lots of believable action. Any fan of Heath Stallcup's Monster Squad books should enjoy this series.
November 20, 2015
Fast, tense urban fantasy horror thriller. Enjoyed. Received audible code for honest review.
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