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Shadowside #2
Harsh Gods
The last thing Zack Westland expects on a frigid night is to be summoned to an exorcism. Demonic possession proves the least of his problems. Father Frank, a veteran turned priest, knows Zack s deepest secrets, recognizing him as Anakim, an angel belonging to that hidden tribe. And Halley, the girl they've come to save, carries a secret that could unlock a centuries-old evil. She chants an eerie rhyme, and she isn t alone.
"HANDS TO TAKE AND EYES TO SEE,
A MOUTH TO SPEAK. HE COMES FOR ME."
As Zack's secrets spill out, far more than his life is at stake, for Halley is linked to an ancient conspiracy. Yet Zack can't help her unless he's willing to risk losing his immortality -- and reigniting the Blood Wars.
"HANDS TO TAKE AND EYES TO SEE,
A MOUTH TO SPEAK. HE COMES FOR ME."
As Zack's secrets spill out, far more than his life is at stake, for Halley is linked to an ancient conspiracy. Yet Zack can't help her unless he's willing to risk losing his immortality -- and reigniting the Blood Wars.
480 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2016
11 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Belanger
69 books328 followersMichelle Belanger is an American author, singer, and television personality, widely recognized for her work on television's Paranormal State. A leading authority on psychic and supernatural topics, her non-fiction research in books like "The Dictionary of Demons" (Llewellyn, 2010) and "The Psychic Vampire Codex" (Weiser, 2004) has been sourced in television shows, university courses, and numerous publications around the world.
She has worked as a media liaison for fringe communities, lectured on vampires at colleges around North America, performed with Gothic and metal bands, including Nox Arcana, and designed immersive live actions RPGs for companies such as Wizards of the Coast. Her research on the Watcher Angels led to the creation of a Tarot Deck and the album Blood of Angels. She has appeared on CNN, A&E, Fox News, Reelz, and the History Channel.
Michelle resides near Cleveland, Ohio with three cats, a few friendly spirits, and a library of more than five thousand books.
She has worked as a media liaison for fringe communities, lectured on vampires at colleges around North America, performed with Gothic and metal bands, including Nox Arcana, and designed immersive live actions RPGs for companies such as Wizards of the Coast. Her research on the Watcher Angels led to the creation of a Tarot Deck and the album Blood of Angels. She has appeared on CNN, A&E, Fox News, Reelz, and the History Channel.
Michelle resides near Cleveland, Ohio with three cats, a few friendly spirits, and a library of more than five thousand books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 2, 2016
This is the best urban fantasy I've ever read.
Harsh Gods has all the flash of a supernatural thriller, and the action is constant. But it also has incredibly compelling characters. We get to see more of the real Zack, not just Zack-in-panic-mode-because-everything-is-falling-apart (see Conspiracy of Angels). In Father Frank, Zack finally finds someone he can actually trust farther than he can throw. And Halley is an incredible character - not only because of her abilities, not only because of her disabilities, but for the way she and Zack bond over the course of the book.
Who would I recommend Harsh Gods to? Everyone who likes a good mystery, the kind with a lot hanging on the solution. Everyone who has experienced depression, or an invisible disability. Everyone who has autism, or cares about someone with autism. Everyone who likes watching characters discover and assert who they want to be, not who they used to be.
Which pretty much comes out to everyone.
Full disclosure: I'm engaged to the author. We became engaged soon after a draft of Harsh Gods was read aloud to me. The book really is that good.
Harsh Gods has all the flash of a supernatural thriller, and the action is constant. But it also has incredibly compelling characters. We get to see more of the real Zack, not just Zack-in-panic-mode-because-everything-is-falling-apart (see Conspiracy of Angels). In Father Frank, Zack finally finds someone he can actually trust farther than he can throw. And Halley is an incredible character - not only because of her abilities, not only because of her disabilities, but for the way she and Zack bond over the course of the book.
Who would I recommend Harsh Gods to? Everyone who likes a good mystery, the kind with a lot hanging on the solution. Everyone who has experienced depression, or an invisible disability. Everyone who has autism, or cares about someone with autism. Everyone who likes watching characters discover and assert who they want to be, not who they used to be.
Which pretty much comes out to everyone.
Full disclosure: I'm engaged to the author. We became engaged soon after a draft of Harsh Gods was read aloud to me. The book really is that good.
September 2, 2016
Zach is an angel and you begin with him trying to work out the perfect shot in a video game when he is interrupted by a girl that was send to get him to help with an exorcism. Father Frank knows about Zach even though Zack knows nothing about him. Zach is asked to help Halley, a girl with autism that is under attack from some evil things. She is the one that Father Frank wants to perform the exorcism on.
Zack is a great character. He has memory loss thinks about the loss of his girlfriend but wraps himself in his games and geek side to get through life. Father Frank was a great companion for Zack. He has so much knowledge and finally give Zack the friend that he needs to talk to.
But I have to say that Halley caught me from the start with her seeing Zach’s wings upon interdiction and telling him that she won’t tell anyone else. It has to be horrible to have such a mind and be stuck inside yourself like Halley. Michelle Belanger fleshed out Halley and made her the star of this book.
I admit that I have not read Conspiracy of Angels. There were references to events in that book but I didn’t feel like I was missing much. Having said that, I really enjoyed Harsh Gods and will definitely be adding Conspiracy of Angels to my list.
I received Harsh Gods for free from Sage’s Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.
Zack is a great character. He has memory loss thinks about the loss of his girlfriend but wraps himself in his games and geek side to get through life. Father Frank was a great companion for Zack. He has so much knowledge and finally give Zack the friend that he needs to talk to.
But I have to say that Halley caught me from the start with her seeing Zach’s wings upon interdiction and telling him that she won’t tell anyone else. It has to be horrible to have such a mind and be stuck inside yourself like Halley. Michelle Belanger fleshed out Halley and made her the star of this book.
I admit that I have not read Conspiracy of Angels. There were references to events in that book but I didn’t feel like I was missing much. Having said that, I really enjoyed Harsh Gods and will definitely be adding Conspiracy of Angels to my list.
I received Harsh Gods for free from Sage’s Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2016
Zack Westland is an awesome character. I was hooked on his ruggedness and humor. Belanger has created angels that balance good and evil, and have a wicked historical tie to one another. I adored young Halley who is battling a possession. The friendship that is created between larger than life, Zach and tiny, Halley is great. They teach one another about bravery.
The plot is thick and the action is never-ending which makes this text heavy read delightful. The pop culture references tugged at my heart strings. While I don't think you would miss a beat in Harsh Gods if you haven't read Conspiracy of Angels, it's definitely going on my TBR list because I have fallen for these group of misfits and I need to know more. So good!
The plot is thick and the action is never-ending which makes this text heavy read delightful. The pop culture references tugged at my heart strings. While I don't think you would miss a beat in Harsh Gods if you haven't read Conspiracy of Angels, it's definitely going on my TBR list because I have fallen for these group of misfits and I need to know more. So good!
June 6, 2018
It's been years (decades?) since I read in the Fantasy genre, not since the genre went in directions that I don't enjoy. I picked this up to give it a try - to see if things have changed/improved. I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed this. While the second in the Shadowside series, it stands alone quite well and I like that since I'm often discovering series somewhere in the middle of them. At no time did I feel I was "missing something" from the prior book. Characters are fully developed and quite engaging. Storyline is excellent, easy to follow, yet with a sense of tension that kept me turning the pages. Nothing like being pleasantly surprised. Very good.
November 12, 2024
A disappointment, slow and going nowhere. I liked the incongruous opening scene but it was all downhill from there. Very few first-person books have male narrators so I bought this in the hope he wasn’t just another private investigator clone. But I could not sympathise with this bumbler. He was too irritable and clueless about people and events around him. This narrative was also flawed as it relied too much on the reader having read the first book- which I’ve not yet found in a second-hand bookstore. In a nutshell, Zak and other characters in this paranoid world do not seem able of communicate - a serious problem for a story’s flow in my opinion. I got almost halfway then ditched it. I found very little progress occurred given number of words racked up. Unfortunately, Zak still knows very little. Yet Zak speaks in past tense- so in fact he survived and knows everything. He could leave out the time-wasting bits.
March 8, 2024
This is a great book with good character development. I haven't even read the first book and I can already understand most of what happened. If you have ever read a book from Jim butcher than you will love this series. I love the idea of this book and the power the character has and the struggles he has to face right off the bat. I don't want to spoil the book but if you love action and fighting read this book, is definitely for you. Although this book series isn't for kids it is for sure a good book series. With twists and shocks around random corners I will recommend this author and book series to all who love intense combat and shocking revelations.
March 13, 2018
Found it blah... maybe because it was book 2. didn't realize that, thought it was book 1. I have book one and three from KPL will try one to see if it comes together.
in this book however the characters were flat....Lil was well bitchy and an enigma, surface interaction. he had no real relationships...he just snapped and snarled at people. the bad guys were ho-hum
wouldn't recommend the book story and characters were disappointing
in this book however the characters were flat....Lil was well bitchy and an enigma, surface interaction. he had no real relationships...he just snapped and snarled at people. the bad guys were ho-hum
wouldn't recommend the book story and characters were disappointing
June 9, 2018
Another Home Run
I really, really love these books. This follow up to the first story was just as exciting, funny, and action packed as the first. I love Father Frank and that Lil is still around. Looking forward to the next.
I really, really love these books. This follow up to the first story was just as exciting, funny, and action packed as the first. I love Father Frank and that Lil is still around. Looking forward to the next.
September 7, 2019
Great read
Really enjoyed this. The characters have developed and it’s a ripping yarn, well worth the read. I’ve read the first two, one after the other and enjoyed this one the most. Highly recommend especially if your a fan of Jim Butcher.
Really enjoyed this. The characters have developed and it’s a ripping yarn, well worth the read. I’ve read the first two, one after the other and enjoyed this one the most. Highly recommend especially if your a fan of Jim Butcher.
December 12, 2017
Fantastic! Again! Can't wait to read the next one!
January 7, 2023
Just as breathlessly fast, dramatic, mysterious and intriguing as the last one. Can't wait to read the 3rd.
August 31, 2016
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Reviewed by Erin at The Reader's Hollow
Building upon the solid base provided by "Conspiracy of Angels" a few new angles are revealed about this in-depth world. I really enjoyed how the angels and demons aren't sourced from religious texts, but rather have their own life and feel.
Zack is featured in the opening scene trying to get through a difficult portion of Assassin's Creed. Depressed, but channeling his inner nerd, he's all but abandoned his day to day life. It isn't until a knock on the door, that he finds purpose to a new day. I also believe he's found a purpose for a new life. Still with scattered memories, he's relearning a lot about his former self and their person he is at his core. I really did like this, as it lets us explore along with him. The world building, as I said, is brilliant, but there is a lot to it with the different tribes and the sibling attachments.
Father Frank was a great addition to the cast of characters. He reminded me a lot of Michael from The Dresden Files, but with less of a goody-two-shoes feel. He's led a rough life, but his dedication to Zack is admirable. Also, Halley is introduced, a girl who can see Zack's wings. She's also autistic, and the target for some really bad things, which I won't spoil for you. I thought the author's research into the disorder, as well as incorporating it into the story was done really well.
The plot went at a brisk pace, starting out strong, and even with some intense moments in the middle that had me wondering how it would all turn out. Action, as always, is masterfully done. There's never a dull moment and with returning characters from the previous book, it adds a bit of familiarity.
CONCLUSION
It's so easy to get lost in this new world and forget reality. I found slipping into the pacing and plot of the novel to be really easy. The story itself was really enjoyable and I'd recommend this to Dresden fans in a heartbeat. There are a few parallels between the two series, but Shadowside also has a unique voice all of its own.
Reviewed by Erin at The Reader's Hollow
Building upon the solid base provided by "Conspiracy of Angels" a few new angles are revealed about this in-depth world. I really enjoyed how the angels and demons aren't sourced from religious texts, but rather have their own life and feel.
Zack is featured in the opening scene trying to get through a difficult portion of Assassin's Creed. Depressed, but channeling his inner nerd, he's all but abandoned his day to day life. It isn't until a knock on the door, that he finds purpose to a new day. I also believe he's found a purpose for a new life. Still with scattered memories, he's relearning a lot about his former self and their person he is at his core. I really did like this, as it lets us explore along with him. The world building, as I said, is brilliant, but there is a lot to it with the different tribes and the sibling attachments.
Father Frank was a great addition to the cast of characters. He reminded me a lot of Michael from The Dresden Files, but with less of a goody-two-shoes feel. He's led a rough life, but his dedication to Zack is admirable. Also, Halley is introduced, a girl who can see Zack's wings. She's also autistic, and the target for some really bad things, which I won't spoil for you. I thought the author's research into the disorder, as well as incorporating it into the story was done really well.
The plot went at a brisk pace, starting out strong, and even with some intense moments in the middle that had me wondering how it would all turn out. Action, as always, is masterfully done. There's never a dull moment and with returning characters from the previous book, it adds a bit of familiarity.
CONCLUSION
It's so easy to get lost in this new world and forget reality. I found slipping into the pacing and plot of the novel to be really easy. The story itself was really enjoyable and I'd recommend this to Dresden fans in a heartbeat. There are a few parallels between the two series, but Shadowside also has a unique voice all of its own.
September 6, 2016
Harsh Gods is awesome! I mean I was really intrigued by the first page.I thought it was pretty great that the reader's first interaction with this immortal angel, Zack was him playing video games. I love fantasy, especially urban fantasy, so Harsh Gods is just what I needed. Sometimes I think that books involving angels are a cheese-fest, but this one was not. It was full of action, and every page left me craving more.
I was surprised when I realized that Harsh Gods is actually a second book. It does not feel like a "second book." If you read Harsh Gods, like I did, then you will not miss a beat of the action or feel left hanging. I really loved the writing of Harsh Gods. The book came across smooth and I was never bored.
Nowadays, fantasy is a hard genre to create a piece of work that is one of a kind. Ms. Belanger did an amazing job of making a non-cliche urban fantasy book. I would recommend this book to any fantasy or paranormal lover. I give Harsh Gods five stars!
I was surprised when I realized that Harsh Gods is actually a second book. It does not feel like a "second book." If you read Harsh Gods, like I did, then you will not miss a beat of the action or feel left hanging. I really loved the writing of Harsh Gods. The book came across smooth and I was never bored.
Nowadays, fantasy is a hard genre to create a piece of work that is one of a kind. Ms. Belanger did an amazing job of making a non-cliche urban fantasy book. I would recommend this book to any fantasy or paranormal lover. I give Harsh Gods five stars!
September 13, 2016
Picking up where Conspiracy of Angels leaves off, Harsh Gods jumps right into the supernatural action. We join Zack in a deep funk, ignoring calls and aquaintances alike. A surprise visit leads him to an unusual exorcism, and before you can say "Disney Princess" he is tangled up in a bloody war between two of his insane "brothers" - angels whose hatred for each other (and for Zack) is eclipsed only by their utter disdain for human life.
If only Zack had some forewarning... Maybe he should have answered his phone these past two weeks?
Full of colorful characters and intense action, "Harsh Gods" is Supernatural-meets-Dresden Files if they both crashed face-first into the Book of Enoch. Good stuff.
If only Zack had some forewarning... Maybe he should have answered his phone these past two weeks?
Full of colorful characters and intense action, "Harsh Gods" is Supernatural-meets-Dresden Files if they both crashed face-first into the Book of Enoch. Good stuff.
October 9, 2016
This is the second in a series, beginning with Conspiracy of Angels, that moves us far away as from friendly or sexy monsters. Angels exist, as do other immortals, but they'really not here to protect or even befriend us. Well, maybe Zack, who has had his memories removed, is on our side but he has to fight his brothers to keep us safe.
In Conspiracy of Angels we met Zack. He was as confused about what was happening as we were because of holes in his memory. In HarshGod's, he'said figuring out more but still isn't sure who his friends and enemies are. And boy does he have a lot of enemies. But before he can make sense of his own confused life he is called to help a young autistic girl who the bad guys are targeting. More people from his past show up but while he figures out who his allies are the adventure kicks in full speed.
In Conspiracy of Angels we met Zack. He was as confused about what was happening as we were because of holes in his memory. In HarshGod's, he'said figuring out more but still isn't sure who his friends and enemies are. And boy does he have a lot of enemies. But before he can make sense of his own confused life he is called to help a young autistic girl who the bad guys are targeting. More people from his past show up but while he figures out who his allies are the adventure kicks in full speed.
September 22, 2016
Zack is back!!
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this outing. Ms. Belanger does not disappoint - stellar pacing, action aplenty, engaging characters (though I still have trouble with an angel who uses f*** incessantly as a verb). I love the concept of the Shadowside and Ms. Belanger's extensive experience with the psychic and occult shows through in her vivid descriptions. I am looking forward to book three and the continuing unfolding of the Shadowside plot arc!
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this outing. Ms. Belanger does not disappoint - stellar pacing, action aplenty, engaging characters (though I still have trouble with an angel who uses f*** incessantly as a verb). I love the concept of the Shadowside and Ms. Belanger's extensive experience with the psychic and occult shows through in her vivid descriptions. I am looking forward to book three and the continuing unfolding of the Shadowside plot arc!
November 11, 2016
Won from goodreads
Zack Westland is a nice likeable character,I liked his humor. There are angels that balance good and evil zack is trying to help Halley who is battling a possession. The friendship between father frank is interesting and it's him who has asked for help with Halley. Zack has a police friend Bobby but Zack can't remember anything including who his friends are how will he manage to save the day . Lil also helps zac along the way as well as winding him up.
The story is full of action makes for an easy read.
Zack Westland is a nice likeable character,I liked his humor. There are angels that balance good and evil zack is trying to help Halley who is battling a possession. The friendship between father frank is interesting and it's him who has asked for help with Halley. Zack has a police friend Bobby but Zack can't remember anything including who his friends are how will he manage to save the day . Lil also helps zac along the way as well as winding him up.
The story is full of action makes for an easy read.
September 27, 2016
Couldnt put it down!
I loved reading Harsh Gods as well as Conspiracy of Angels. Miss. Belanger paints an abstract picture that plays out in your imagination as you read. I am looking forward to reading her next book.
I loved reading Harsh Gods as well as Conspiracy of Angels. Miss. Belanger paints an abstract picture that plays out in your imagination as you read. I am looking forward to reading her next book.
February 1, 2018
The second book was better than the first and the first was amazing! Can't wait for the third one to come out. Curious how Zack and Lil interact and what's going to happen next.
March 28, 2018
Really like this series
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews