What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexi Sokolsky: Hound of Eden #1
Blood Hound
This is an alternate-cover edition for B019EE6PW4.
"One of the first things every new mage learns about magic is that—despite your newly discovered powers over the universe—you are forever a struggling speck of krill in a very large, very cold, very dangerous ocean."
My name is Alexi Sokolsky: blood mage, occult scholar, and hired killer. Three things that should convey me some immunity in the dog-eat-dog world of the Russian mafia.
Fat chance.
I think too much, drink too little, and if there's one thing the underworld teaches you, it's that there's always a shark bigger and hungrier than you are.
Life gets tough after a man turns up dead in our territory, his mutilated body scrawled with demonic sigils. It gets tougher again when a key ally of my Organizatsiya is kidnapped by a secretive death cult... and I'm sent like an errand boy to hunt them down and bring him back.
Then I get captured, nearly killed, and am immersed in a sea of cosmic horror the likes of which I've never known. The stakes are nothing less than the life of GOD Itself... and it's calling to me for help.
My name is Alexi Sokolsky: blood mage, occult scholar, hired killer... and hapless pawn in the great game between Everything and the NO-thing trying to destroy it.
"One of the first things every new mage learns about magic is that—despite your newly discovered powers over the universe—you are forever a struggling speck of krill in a very large, very cold, very dangerous ocean."
My name is Alexi Sokolsky: blood mage, occult scholar, and hired killer. Three things that should convey me some immunity in the dog-eat-dog world of the Russian mafia.
Fat chance.
I think too much, drink too little, and if there's one thing the underworld teaches you, it's that there's always a shark bigger and hungrier than you are.
Life gets tough after a man turns up dead in our territory, his mutilated body scrawled with demonic sigils. It gets tougher again when a key ally of my Organizatsiya is kidnapped by a secretive death cult... and I'm sent like an errand boy to hunt them down and bring him back.
Then I get captured, nearly killed, and am immersed in a sea of cosmic horror the likes of which I've never known. The stakes are nothing less than the life of GOD Itself... and it's calling to me for help.
My name is Alexi Sokolsky: blood mage, occult scholar, hired killer... and hapless pawn in the great game between Everything and the NO-thing trying to destroy it.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2016
102 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
James Osiris Baldwin
27 books265 followersDragon Award-nominated author James Osiris Baldwin is a transgender man from Australia who writes gritty LGBT-inclusive, dark fantasy and science fiction. He was the former Contributing Editor for the Australian Journal of Dementia Care and has also worked for Alzheimer's Australia.
He currently lives in Seattle with his lovely wife, a precocious flame-point Siamese cat, and far too many rats. His obsession with the Occult is matched only by his preoccupation with motorcycles.
He currently lives in Seattle with his lovely wife, a precocious flame-point Siamese cat, and far too many rats. His obsession with the Occult is matched only by his preoccupation with motorcycles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 28, 2016
One of the best books i have read this year. Have been a long time since i wanted nothing more but to immerse myself into a book and being unable to stop reading.
Sometimes i think i'm easy, just look at most of my ratings. So i thought "okay i love this book because it has two things i love: occultism and mafia". That's, hands down, instalove for me so i feel totally biased about rating this book.
But today with a cooler mind i think about this book and say "no, i don't love this because it has things i love, i love this book because it IS a fantastic book.
The combination of organized crime with magic feels real, feels like it's okay in this world so that speaks of a great worldbuilding. The main character, Alexi, is an interesting character with the qualities of every main character of both a fantasy and a mafia book but he doesn't fall into a stereotype. Actually, I liked the characters, they feel round and aren't stereotyped as you might find in most mafia books, specially the women.
The author success in providing a very dark, violent, but nevertheless beautiful atmosphere merging mystery, occultism and a complex plot with unexpected twists, without failing into overexplanations and ridiculous situations. What i liked most is the way the author portrays how complex and heartbreaking the underground world is. You get invested into Alexi, see him struggle, and want to protect him throughout the story and the tragedy is so beautifully raw it leaves you speechless.
Though there are some minor editing mistakes here and there, they are quickly forgotten by the pace of the plot.
This is a work of good research of both russian mafia and occultism, and the compromise to deliver a honest book. I can't wait for book two.
Sometimes i think i'm easy, just look at most of my ratings. So i thought "okay i love this book because it has two things i love: occultism and mafia". That's, hands down, instalove for me so i feel totally biased about rating this book.
But today with a cooler mind i think about this book and say "no, i don't love this because it has things i love, i love this book because it IS a fantastic book.
The combination of organized crime with magic feels real, feels like it's okay in this world so that speaks of a great worldbuilding. The main character, Alexi, is an interesting character with the qualities of every main character of both a fantasy and a mafia book but he doesn't fall into a stereotype. Actually, I liked the characters, they feel round and aren't stereotyped as you might find in most mafia books, specially the women.
The author success in providing a very dark, violent, but nevertheless beautiful atmosphere merging mystery, occultism and a complex plot with unexpected twists, without failing into overexplanations and ridiculous situations. What i liked most is the way the author portrays how complex and heartbreaking the underground world is. You get invested into Alexi, see him struggle, and want to protect him throughout the story and the tragedy is so beautifully raw it leaves you speechless.
Though there are some minor editing mistakes here and there, they are quickly forgotten by the pace of the plot.
This is a work of good research of both russian mafia and occultism, and the compromise to deliver a honest book. I can't wait for book two.
October 18, 2017
Review of book 1-3 (series is still ongoing):
These books are something else, alright. I'm not sure how original they are, because I have zero clue about occult and have never read a book with a main focus on that thematic. Needless to say, I was at times confused and I recommend to fresh up on occult beforehand. Or read the books immediately afterward so you don't forget the important bits. As I did. Also, it doesn't matter so much if you are confused at times, the main points are understandable and even repeated sometimes.
I believe the books to be very original despite my lack of information about said main thematic, just by reading about the story and what the characters were made to be. We've got really great shape shifters from book 2 onwards, the Silencer thingies and their origins plus the whole worldbuilding with the humanoid fruit and the history of Eden. Also, the main character. One would think a mafia hitman would already be slighly unusual, especially because of the mafia background, but Alexi turned out to be something else.
He's mafia. You experience how he thinks, how he acts based on that. So yes, 100% mafia, especially in the beginning. He's tough, he's competent and he knows what he's doing. And, what makes him absolutely interesting for me is his slight autism. Because you see, Alexi has his problems. He also doesn't relate to people well, doesn't really know how to be social. His small quirks make him a person and a really great character to read about. So, as a matter of course, I greatly enjoyed his dialogue with people he cared about.
Essentially, Alexi is a though bastard who may be compared to an un-dying cockroach. And that he needs to be. There's this famous saying for books that you need to make your character suffer through things to see what they are made of. Well. This book took that advice and went absolutely crazy with it. Seriously. No matter what happens, expect the worst first. It will probably happen. Doesn't mean you can predict the story so easily, but nevertheless, most surprises are never ever good. There are good parts, good events, but overall the bad and the danger overweigh everything else. (It makes one nearly wish the author would give poor Alexi a break! But noo~ on to the next horrible event! We can't let him be lazy, can we now?)
Another important aspect of these books is Alexi's character growth. There's a lot of growing for him to do, and I'm curious to see where the author Baldwin will take him. Over the books he's growing to be his own person, leaving behind the shadows of his upbringing. There's this scene in book 3 I especially love: A scene of his childhood is described where he is still innocent and starting to look at his best friend in a new way (yes, he's gay, no, this is not a romance story) and then reality comes and breaks it apart. Back in the current time line, he lashes out and there's so much pain and he lets it out, not keeping it in any longer. Alexi is a precious character who had to deny himself due to his environment. In book 1 he's only part of himself, starting to discover and accept parts of him over the course of the books. He's learning new things and ways, growing up and becoming true to himself. It's a long process and it's making him more interesting the longer you read about him. And that's important, because these books are about him and wouldn't work without him. He's essentially the backbone of these books and a good part of the reason why I enjoy reading this series. He's an awesome character, enough said.
Also, the one thing I didn't like in book 1, him needing to be a virgin for plot-related reasons, was cleared up a bit more in a side note in book 3, so don't let it bother you either. Also a little note if you want to pick up this book: This book takes part around 1990. It's a bit confusing at the beginning because you know that it's apparently not in the current time period of 2010+ something due to the lack of cellphones and the all-presence of computers, but there's also relatively new things around as well. It's confirmed later on to be the beginning of the 1990, but I don't remember the exact time.
I recommend this to people who like it dark. And I mean seriously dark. Important Relationships get destroyed, a lot of people die, there's torture of and by the main character (love the caramell scene by the way) and overall pretty horrible stuff happens. This is gritty, unpredictable and not a nice book. It's an excellent read so do read it if you liked the summary!
These books are something else, alright. I'm not sure how original they are, because I have zero clue about occult and have never read a book with a main focus on that thematic. Needless to say, I was at times confused and I recommend to fresh up on occult beforehand. Or read the books immediately afterward so you don't forget the important bits. As I did. Also, it doesn't matter so much if you are confused at times, the main points are understandable and even repeated sometimes.
I believe the books to be very original despite my lack of information about said main thematic, just by reading about the story and what the characters were made to be. We've got really great shape shifters from book 2 onwards, the Silencer thingies and their origins plus the whole worldbuilding with the humanoid fruit and the history of Eden. Also, the main character. One would think a mafia hitman would already be slighly unusual, especially because of the mafia background, but Alexi turned out to be something else.
He's mafia. You experience how he thinks, how he acts based on that. So yes, 100% mafia, especially in the beginning. He's tough, he's competent and he knows what he's doing. And, what makes him absolutely interesting for me is his slight autism. Because you see, Alexi has his problems. He also doesn't relate to people well, doesn't really know how to be social. His small quirks make him a person and a really great character to read about. So, as a matter of course, I greatly enjoyed his dialogue with people he cared about.
Essentially, Alexi is a though bastard who may be compared to an un-dying cockroach. And that he needs to be. There's this famous saying for books that you need to make your character suffer through things to see what they are made of. Well. This book took that advice and went absolutely crazy with it. Seriously. No matter what happens, expect the worst first. It will probably happen. Doesn't mean you can predict the story so easily, but nevertheless, most surprises are never ever good. There are good parts, good events, but overall the bad and the danger overweigh everything else. (It makes one nearly wish the author would give poor Alexi a break! But noo~ on to the next horrible event! We can't let him be lazy, can we now?)
Another important aspect of these books is Alexi's character growth. There's a lot of growing for him to do, and I'm curious to see where the author Baldwin will take him. Over the books he's growing to be his own person, leaving behind the shadows of his upbringing. There's this scene in book 3 I especially love: A scene of his childhood is described where he is still innocent and starting to look at his best friend in a new way (yes, he's gay, no, this is not a romance story) and then reality comes and breaks it apart. Back in the current time line, he lashes out and there's so much pain and he lets it out, not keeping it in any longer. Alexi is a precious character who had to deny himself due to his environment. In book 1 he's only part of himself, starting to discover and accept parts of him over the course of the books. He's learning new things and ways, growing up and becoming true to himself. It's a long process and it's making him more interesting the longer you read about him. And that's important, because these books are about him and wouldn't work without him. He's essentially the backbone of these books and a good part of the reason why I enjoy reading this series. He's an awesome character, enough said.
Also, the one thing I didn't like in book 1, him needing to be a virgin for plot-related reasons, was cleared up a bit more in a side note in book 3, so don't let it bother you either. Also a little note if you want to pick up this book: This book takes part around 1990. It's a bit confusing at the beginning because you know that it's apparently not in the current time period of 2010+ something due to the lack of cellphones and the all-presence of computers, but there's also relatively new things around as well. It's confirmed later on to be the beginning of the 1990, but I don't remember the exact time.
I recommend this to people who like it dark. And I mean seriously dark. Important Relationships get destroyed, a lot of people die, there's torture of and by the main character (love the caramell scene by the way) and overall pretty horrible stuff happens. This is gritty, unpredictable and not a nice book. It's an excellent read so do read it if you liked the summary!
October 11, 2017
Rating 2.5
Overall I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I didn't find it "bad" but I personally didn't enjoy it much. This was a book club read for me and probably wouldn't have been a book I would have ever picked myself. (So take this review with a grain of salt). It is Mafia themed, very dark, very gritty, lots of blood, lots of deaths. By in large just not my cup of tea.
My initial feelings are that this was kinda like Mafia meets Dresden Files. It still feels like that. The main character Alexi is a hit man for the mob and has been sent out to find a missing person. He is also a "spook" or mage. Lots of occult references. Some were well explained others those made little to no sense. The author almost seems to assume you've read this genre before and have a basic understanding of occult magic. (Either that it didn't feel it important enough to describe it)
One of the main themes through out the book are the mob families. Lots of names and relations to keep track of. It also doesn't help that there are many words or phrases throughout that are Russian. Some are later translated for you, others are not.
I also had some issues with flow in the book or transition areas. It jumped around a bit and many times I was confused on where I was or what just happened. Forcing myself to go back and re-read and see if I missed some vital info (nope).
I won't continue with the series.
Overall I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I didn't find it "bad" but I personally didn't enjoy it much. This was a book club read for me and probably wouldn't have been a book I would have ever picked myself. (So take this review with a grain of salt). It is Mafia themed, very dark, very gritty, lots of blood, lots of deaths. By in large just not my cup of tea.
My initial feelings are that this was kinda like Mafia meets Dresden Files. It still feels like that. The main character Alexi is a hit man for the mob and has been sent out to find a missing person. He is also a "spook" or mage. Lots of occult references. Some were well explained others those made little to no sense. The author almost seems to assume you've read this genre before and have a basic understanding of occult magic. (Either that it didn't feel it important enough to describe it)
One of the main themes through out the book are the mob families. Lots of names and relations to keep track of. It also doesn't help that there are many words or phrases throughout that are Russian. Some are later translated for you, others are not.
I also had some issues with flow in the book or transition areas. It jumped around a bit and many times I was confused on where I was or what just happened. Forcing myself to go back and re-read and see if I missed some vital info (nope).
I won't continue with the series.
January 18, 2016
Speaking from the perspective of an occultist who has been practicing for two decades as well as a lover of fantasy and science fiction, this book hit the spot. It is elegantly written and engaging but also brutal as befits a work about a hitman magician. The intricate working of magic in the book satisfied my inner occultist who always wants to know how the magic in the story works. Violence in the book is not just shrugged off, it does genuine injury that takes time to heal from, and pain and horror leave their mark on the characters. I was also quite intrigued by the fact that Alexi has either Autism or Aspergers and the descriptions of synasthesia and sensory overload had me wincing in sympathy as a migraine sufferer.
Innocence is in short supply in this dark book, but when it and beauty and grace show up, they are breathtaking in contrast with the dark, gritty world setting. The sheer wierdness of the world contrasted with that innocence and the persona of the main character kept me turning the pages and unable to put it down. The ending was not trite or a cop out but really brought home just how vulnerable beauty is in our world and the one he writes about. I am vastly looking forward to the next installment and highly recommend this book to you.
May 12, 2016
Definitely a good sign when you finish a book and you are left wondering where is the next book ??
I must admit that male leads haven't featured highly in my book lists as of late I just haven't been in the mood but for some reason I just had give this one a go (probably the price), and I am glad to say I wasn't disappointed.
A very nuts and bolts mob book but heavy on the occult, with Alexi working as a low level magician for the Russians as a hitman come cleaner to work off his debt to them.
But things never are as they seem and soon everything goes to hell in a handbag, Alexi reminded me very much of a paranormal version of Adrian Monk, struggling to gain the respect of the mob which I really enjoyed.
But don't be fooled by this review this book is not a soft and fluffy book, it's a hard nosed story of blood, violence, of loyalty tested , betrayal and loss, and I loved every minute of it.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy gritty reads.
I must admit that male leads haven't featured highly in my book lists as of late I just haven't been in the mood but for some reason I just had give this one a go (probably the price), and I am glad to say I wasn't disappointed.
A very nuts and bolts mob book but heavy on the occult, with Alexi working as a low level magician for the Russians as a hitman come cleaner to work off his debt to them.
But things never are as they seem and soon everything goes to hell in a handbag, Alexi reminded me very much of a paranormal version of Adrian Monk, struggling to gain the respect of the mob which I really enjoyed.
But don't be fooled by this review this book is not a soft and fluffy book, it's a hard nosed story of blood, violence, of loyalty tested , betrayal and loss, and I loved every minute of it.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy gritty reads.
September 29, 2018
Ухтыжбл...
Рада, что продолжила серию! К предупреждениями Dark следует отнестись всерьёз, никакой романтики, довольно жесткая книга. Зацепила сразу и до конца, будто блокбастер посмотрела.
Рада, что продолжила серию! К предупреждениями Dark следует отнестись всерьёз, никакой романтики, довольно жесткая книга. Зацепила сразу и до конца, будто блокбастер посмотрела.
March 29, 2016
Multiple themes of organized crime, cultural experience and magic are interwoven beautifully in this work. While the story weaves in and out of tropes and what could easily be a stereotypical story, the character and plot manage to twist unexpectedly and evolve. While Alexi is the centerpiece of a crossroads of these themes, and an unwitting protagonist, he is someone we can easily relate to - swept up in events he cannot seem to control and making the best of things. The plot allows for extremely rich texture, and while it almost digresses at times, the reader is brilliantly provided with enough understanding while maintaining a deeper mystery and piqued interest. It was engrossing - I read this novel in one sitting in an afternoon, could not put it down.
October 16, 2016
I'm probably 3/4 of the way through. I read a lot of urban fantasy, I'm hard to impress, and I've also studied the western mystery tradition for about 25 years.
This book is SO MUCH FUN.....in a grim, dark dysfunctional way. Why hasn't anyone used Crowley's Bornless One in an invocation a before? A main character who knows the Goetia and talks intelligently about it?
This book is SO MUCH FUN.....in a grim, dark dysfunctional way. Why hasn't anyone used Crowley's Bornless One in an invocation a before? A main character who knows the Goetia and talks intelligently about it?
November 22, 2017
huh.
I honestly don't know what I feel about this book.
It is a good story. Certainly kept me glued to my kindle.
But it is also a very complex and not very well explained world that left me kinda confused.
Also, that ending.
Has me curious enough to consider going on in the series, though.
Yeah. So not sure how to feel about this one.
I honestly don't know what I feel about this book.
It is a good story. Certainly kept me glued to my kindle.
But it is also a very complex and not very well explained world that left me kinda confused.
Also, that ending.
Has me curious enough to consider going on in the series, though.
Yeah. So not sure how to feel about this one.
January 28, 2016
I am not a word smith, unlike Mr. Baldwin, so pardon my mortal words. While I got the book via other means, I felt it was necessary to post a review here. I've been sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for this book for a very long time. The characters are amazingly detailed and complex, having their own little quirks that make them truly human. I normally don't like a first person point of view in reading, however I found myself thinking and feeling like I was Alexi every time I opened the book and started reading again. I read it in three sittings (and nearly got in trouble for reading it at school) however it was amazing enough that I am already starting to read it again.
Mr. Baldwin paints a very real picture of what occult horror could be in the modern world. I felt like he peeled back the protective layer of religious belief and showed the sometimes ugly and mind breaking side of what lies underneath in a world where metaphysics are actually dealt with. The description of how people might actually react to dealing with true magic vs. the attempts that 'mundanes' use that they call magic was stunning.
I eagerly await the next book in this series, and even if occult-dark action-horror isn't your thing, give it a shot.
Mr. Baldwin paints a very real picture of what occult horror could be in the modern world. I felt like he peeled back the protective layer of religious belief and showed the sometimes ugly and mind breaking side of what lies underneath in a world where metaphysics are actually dealt with. The description of how people might actually react to dealing with true magic vs. the attempts that 'mundanes' use that they call magic was stunning.
I eagerly await the next book in this series, and even if occult-dark action-horror isn't your thing, give it a shot.
August 30, 2016
WHOA! WHAT A RIDE!! New York gets another wizard, and this time, there's a bit more Eastern influence, as Alexi is a Mage enlisted by the Russian Mafia. I really enjoyed most of what went on in this book. My only objection is the heaviness of the dogma involved, the religious aspects that provide the rules by which the magic (and thus the Mage) must function. It might just be me, and the fact that it's much more of a different culture than I'm used to in other series such as Dresden Files (more of a Catholic influence) and Grave Reports (where the "religion" errs on the Protestant mythology of things), but I just felt like the parts of the story that got really deep into the "ancient lore" were more garbled and hard to read.
The rest was great, though. It played out like a TV show in my mind (which is major kudos to the writing style of the author! It takes very deliberate application to get the right response out of a reader who is most often a total stranger!) and I couldn't stop reading once the mystery got going! The plot twists kept me guessing the whole time. I really enjoyed the variety of magical beasties explored, and the character interactions were great! An awesome debut, and a great start to a promising series!
The rest was great, though. It played out like a TV show in my mind (which is major kudos to the writing style of the author! It takes very deliberate application to get the right response out of a reader who is most often a total stranger!) and I couldn't stop reading once the mystery got going! The plot twists kept me guessing the whole time. I really enjoyed the variety of magical beasties explored, and the character interactions were great! An awesome debut, and a great start to a promising series!
March 15, 2016
This was a dark, powerful read, and the prose alternates seamlessly between gritty and sensual. The process of getting to know the protagonist was a strange but surprising one, as though he's letting the reader know more about himself than he had intended to reveal. Alexi's isolation (even within his own community) renders the Lovecraftian threats all the more horrifying and devastating, and as a Pagan myself, the occult themes and imagery were particularly tantalizing. Though there are some minor editing mistakes here and there, they are quickly forgotten by the end of each chapter's cliffhanger.
To be honest, I usually find male protagonists in macho cultures to be boring and hard to relate to, but this was an incredibly satisfying read and I was genuinely on edge and scared for Alexi and those he holds close once the real danger started to kick in (though there's an overlying sense that they are never not in some kind of danger). I'm still pondering the themes, imagery, and hints well after having finished it, and it's the first book that has ever made me want to re-read it so quickly. I'm practically salivating for the next installment.
To be honest, I usually find male protagonists in macho cultures to be boring and hard to relate to, but this was an incredibly satisfying read and I was genuinely on edge and scared for Alexi and those he holds close once the real danger started to kick in (though there's an overlying sense that they are never not in some kind of danger). I'm still pondering the themes, imagery, and hints well after having finished it, and it's the first book that has ever made me want to re-read it so quickly. I'm practically salivating for the next installment.
January 6, 2017
Gritty, complex, different. I enjoyed it. Alexi is a bit odd and it makes me wonder if he has a mental handicap. I don't mean that in a bad way. But I'm wondering if the author gave me Aspbergers, or made him a high functioning autistic. He's cold, but not evil, he doesn't understand subtle emotions, he has a lot of the cues that someone with those do. Which means he's doubly well written.
I really enjoyed reading more about Alexi than even the world. He's diverse, complicated and not a common hero/anti hero you see.
I found this in the back of a book a girl friend gifted me on kindle, Dangerous Ways, which was also great.
I really enjoyed reading more about Alexi than even the world. He's diverse, complicated and not a common hero/anti hero you see.
I found this in the back of a book a girl friend gifted me on kindle, Dangerous Ways, which was also great.
December 29, 2016
At the end of Dangerous Ways by R.R. Virdi there was a list of reads he suggested while waiting for his next. This was among them.
I loved it and tore through the first two books and the novella which is notably a prequel.
It's a different, slower writing style but that is not a knock against it. It's still wonderful writing.
I loved it and tore through the first two books and the novella which is notably a prequel.
It's a different, slower writing style but that is not a knock against it. It's still wonderful writing.
September 13, 2017
Magic meets the Russian mob.
Our unusual hero is a member of the Russian mob, he is also a magic user. This continues on from Burn Artist, which is a lot more "harsh" than this book.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Our unusual hero is a member of the Russian mob, he is also a magic user. This continues on from Burn Artist, which is a lot more "harsh" than this book.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 23, 2017
Very good read
Fast paced with characters you will love and love to hate. I am definitely going to keep reading this series.
Fast paced with characters you will love and love to hate. I am definitely going to keep reading this series.
October 4, 2017
Loved it. Complex. Thoughtful. Alexey isn't what you'd expect of a mob magical hitman. Deep. A bit...too dark for my tastes at times, but I muddled through. Still a 5/5/ read.
December 1, 2017
Very confusing book, there were too muchelements and too little explanations... The idea is great but how it was articulated was not well done.
October 23, 2016
This is a joint, spoiler-free review on Blood Hound and Burn Artist, two books in the Alexi Sokolsky: Hound of Eden Series by James Osiris Baldwin. Why did I decide to do that?
Because I planned to review both books and when I started writing, I realized the reviews are very similar.
Without further ado, here’s what I think about Burn Artist and Blood Hound.
The first book that I read was Blood Hound and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of it is surreal.
The criminal aspect is prominent in both books, as is the magic, but it was while readingBlood Hound that I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Things get weird towards the end – really, really weird – and thanks to the writing style, they also seemed real. It’s like that feeling you get when you are partially awake, but still dreaming. If you are into stories that temporarily make you question your reality, this book is for you.
As I said, magic is also present in Burn Artist, but we haven’t quite entered Looney Land yet. If you decide to read the series – and I strongly recommend you do – you’d better start with this one.
Things are simpler in Burn Artist, both when it comes to the inner workings of the crime world and the magical one. However, both of those worlds are well-developed. That was what grabbed me when I began reading Blood Hound: well-written and with a HUGE, in-depth stress on magic. The characters are also developed, although back when I startedBook I, I was wondering what was so special about Vassily that Alexi kept putting up with him; I found the answer to that in the prequel novella and I even developed a great liking to Vassily thanks to it.
I got to warn you: you’ll probably have a hard time with all the Slavic names. I know how unfamiliar names are harder to remember so you might mix up who is who because of that. There are only a handful of important characters though so remembering probably won’t be a big problem for you. Pronouncing on the other hand… I’m a Bulgarian and some of the names are similar to those in my country, but even I don’t have a clue how to pronounce a few of them.
Another thing that was somewhat off-putting was the magic. Yes, I know I said that it was one of the reasons why I love the books so much, but it has a downside to it too: it’s complex. Alexi would occasionally do something without the author going into details of how it was done and why it worked; it can get a bit confusing – especially in Blood Hound– but it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading and enjoying the books.
I’d recommend both books to escapists, to people who are interested in magical rites and to fans of the Crime genre.
My rating for Burn Artist: 5 stars
My rating for Blood Hound: 4.5 stars
Because I planned to review both books and when I started writing, I realized the reviews are very similar.
Without further ado, here’s what I think about Burn Artist and Blood Hound.
The first book that I read was Blood Hound and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of it is surreal.
The criminal aspect is prominent in both books, as is the magic, but it was while readingBlood Hound that I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Things get weird towards the end – really, really weird – and thanks to the writing style, they also seemed real. It’s like that feeling you get when you are partially awake, but still dreaming. If you are into stories that temporarily make you question your reality, this book is for you.
As I said, magic is also present in Burn Artist, but we haven’t quite entered Looney Land yet. If you decide to read the series – and I strongly recommend you do – you’d better start with this one.
Things are simpler in Burn Artist, both when it comes to the inner workings of the crime world and the magical one. However, both of those worlds are well-developed. That was what grabbed me when I began reading Blood Hound: well-written and with a HUGE, in-depth stress on magic. The characters are also developed, although back when I startedBook I, I was wondering what was so special about Vassily that Alexi kept putting up with him; I found the answer to that in the prequel novella and I even developed a great liking to Vassily thanks to it.
I got to warn you: you’ll probably have a hard time with all the Slavic names. I know how unfamiliar names are harder to remember so you might mix up who is who because of that. There are only a handful of important characters though so remembering probably won’t be a big problem for you. Pronouncing on the other hand… I’m a Bulgarian and some of the names are similar to those in my country, but even I don’t have a clue how to pronounce a few of them.
Another thing that was somewhat off-putting was the magic. Yes, I know I said that it was one of the reasons why I love the books so much, but it has a downside to it too: it’s complex. Alexi would occasionally do something without the author going into details of how it was done and why it worked; it can get a bit confusing – especially in Blood Hound– but it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading and enjoying the books.
I’d recommend both books to escapists, to people who are interested in magical rites and to fans of the Crime genre.
My rating for Burn Artist: 5 stars
My rating for Blood Hound: 4.5 stars
February 5, 2016
I find it difficult at times to express why I enjoy reading something...usually because it is associated with a feeling and those are never easy to describe. It roped me in from the beginning even as it seemingly was not a subject I would ordinarily pick. The feel of the words and the world that was created kept me reading word after word, page after page until I was bereft because I was at the end. Definitely wanting more...not because it was incomplete but because I wanted to keep reading. I would love to use reviewer language to tell you how much I enjoyed this book and look forward to more, but my language is inadequate. Suspense, fantasy and a unique and exciting character together in a vivid setting and words you can almost taste. Why 4 stars...because I want more and I have to wait...sorry a little petulance from a reader.
January 21, 2016
I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of this book since I read the first chapter months ago. The first time Alexi pulled the trigger my jaw dropped. Totally unexpected but it set the pace and the flavor of the whole. I loved how even though magic was a part of the world it wasn't some fantastical thing. It felt very grounded in reality. The side characters weren't just cardboard cut outs. Each one had depth and tics that seemed to bring them to life. The level of research is obvious. The author didn't just watch some episodes of Sopranos and cobble together the Mafia from pop culture references. One could feel the raw truth of the characters lives.
My only regret is that the 2nd book isn't out yet. I want to see what happens next!
My only regret is that the 2nd book isn't out yet. I want to see what happens next!
April 28, 2016
4.5 stars. This is a very compelling and well-written novel that was hard to put down. I was surprised by how well the mixture of magic and the Russian Mafia worked together, and I greatly enjoyed the more grounded (and often limited) version of magic that the main character can access.
It was also nice to see a character who so obviously has undiagnosed Asperger's be described accurately without his Autism coming across as a disability or becoming a major problem within the plot.
There were a few typos in the eBook version, but the strength of the story and the well-paced action kept this from being overly distracting.
It was also nice to see a character who so obviously has undiagnosed Asperger's be described accurately without his Autism coming across as a disability or becoming a major problem within the plot.
There were a few typos in the eBook version, but the strength of the story and the well-paced action kept this from being overly distracting.
January 26, 2017
Forgive my English, but wow! Would not have found book if not for another book a friend showed me. Dangerous Ways.
It's amazing. It's like a crime movie with magic but complicated. Not shooting guns and punching people over the pages like so many books. There is thought. Deep thought. Complicated. Diverse.
It is good to see writers talking about these things but making it in fiction with fantasy and magic.
Very complex and good book.
Please get the books in France in paper please!
It's amazing. It's like a crime movie with magic but complicated. Not shooting guns and punching people over the pages like so many books. There is thought. Deep thought. Complicated. Diverse.
It is good to see writers talking about these things but making it in fiction with fantasy and magic.
Very complex and good book.
Please get the books in France in paper please!
March 5, 2016
A fantastic book, the universe that James has built is strong and intricate. I really enjoyed reading Blood Hound and am looking forward to more in this series, and I am going to be recommending it to people.
May 14, 2017
Definitely different.
Sometimes surreal, yet hard, dark and gritty at the same time this is definitely one of the more original dark, urban fantasy type novels I've ever read and I loved it from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
Sometimes surreal, yet hard, dark and gritty at the same time this is definitely one of the more original dark, urban fantasy type novels I've ever read and I loved it from start to finish.
Highly recommended.
June 4, 2016
Really interesting indie urban fantasy.
Definitely worth a read, even if it is book one of an unfinished series.
Definitely worth a read, even if it is book one of an unfinished series.
November 25, 2016
Great book.
October 6, 2017
1991, NYC. Lev had sent 2 of his thugs: Surzi & Boris to kill Semyon Milosivich Vochin (Jeweler).
They weren’t very successful.
Nicolai (50+, Brighton Beach Kommandant, Ukrainian, Alexi’s driver, right hand man, Afghan vet), Alexi Grigoriovich Sokolsky (Russian Mafia hitman), & Manny-Mari (Bulgarian, accomplice), had gotten the job.
Mission successful.
Alexi picked up the Siamese cat & walked out. Binah is her name.
Lev called a meeting that included Vanya (bodyguard), Mikhail (Ukrainian), & Alexi.
Alexi went to pay Vassily Simeovich a visit at the Fishkill Correctional facility (Route 84).
Sirens VIP Lounge (club). Alexi Grigoriovich, Mikhail, Ovar (door guard, Georgian), Petro (bouncer), Maxy (bouncer), Nicolai, & Yuri were having a meeting with Lev.
Why did Alexi go see Jana Volotsya (f, attorney, Moskalysk, Volotsya & Goldstein law firm, Tetyana Volotsya; JD).
Yuri Beretzniy never showed up for work last night.
Crina Pavloevna (prostitute, coke abuser, PhD; literature), Mr. George Laguetta, & Lazarus, were out for a night of partying.
Carmine Mercurio (enforcer), & the Manelli’s (old Italian crime family) where exchanging gunfire. BANG! BANG! Shots everywhere.
Zmechik Vassily was down.
Vanya & Katerina were petrified.
Misha was dead.
St. Vladimir’s was holding a funeral.
Zmechik & Mariya Lovenko (f, 50+) would be laid to rest.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. Well it was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
They weren’t very successful.
Nicolai (50+, Brighton Beach Kommandant, Ukrainian, Alexi’s driver, right hand man, Afghan vet), Alexi Grigoriovich Sokolsky (Russian Mafia hitman), & Manny-Mari (Bulgarian, accomplice), had gotten the job.
Mission successful.
Alexi picked up the Siamese cat & walked out. Binah is her name.
Lev called a meeting that included Vanya (bodyguard), Mikhail (Ukrainian), & Alexi.
Alexi went to pay Vassily Simeovich a visit at the Fishkill Correctional facility (Route 84).
Sirens VIP Lounge (club). Alexi Grigoriovich, Mikhail, Ovar (door guard, Georgian), Petro (bouncer), Maxy (bouncer), Nicolai, & Yuri were having a meeting with Lev.
Why did Alexi go see Jana Volotsya (f, attorney, Moskalysk, Volotsya & Goldstein law firm, Tetyana Volotsya; JD).
Yuri Beretzniy never showed up for work last night.
Crina Pavloevna (prostitute, coke abuser, PhD; literature), Mr. George Laguetta, & Lazarus, were out for a night of partying.
Carmine Mercurio (enforcer), & the Manelli’s (old Italian crime family) where exchanging gunfire. BANG! BANG! Shots everywhere.
Zmechik Vassily was down.
Vanya & Katerina were petrified.
Misha was dead.
St. Vladimir’s was holding a funeral.
Zmechik & Mariya Lovenko (f, 50+) would be laid to rest.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. Well it was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Storycartel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
November 14, 2020
for books 1-3
If you like complex characters, seriously fast paced action, excellent world-building - both in keeping Mystery and in the small details of the mundane - and some creepy fucked up bad guys, do yourself a favour and read this one. The writing is excellent - breathlessly delivering action in one moment and in another immersing you in a sensuous experience of the magic Alexi encounters - visceral yet mysterious. I will say though that, while I love that Alexi is neuroatypical, sometimes it seems to come and go a little too conveniently for the plot line.
Most characters managed to kill someone over the next three books, but interestingly the line between Good and Evil is pretty stark. So while it is dark, and there are lots of fucked up things that happen to good people / good people do lots of fucked up things, it retains a weird type of refreshing moral purity.
Alexi's characterization wobbles a bit in this first book, and I feel like we barely got to know Kutkha. While things can be a bit hectic, it is certainly far from predictable, which I find is common in UF.
I binge-read the first three books over the last couple days - which probably helped with keeping a fairly complex (at times convoluted - though logicalk) plot line and universe system straight.
If you like complex characters, seriously fast paced action, excellent world-building - both in keeping Mystery and in the small details of the mundane - and some creepy fucked up bad guys, do yourself a favour and read this one. The writing is excellent - breathlessly delivering action in one moment and in another immersing you in a sensuous experience of the magic Alexi encounters - visceral yet mysterious. I will say though that, while I love that Alexi is neuroatypical, sometimes it seems to come and go a little too conveniently for the plot line.
Most characters managed to kill someone over the next three books, but interestingly the line between Good and Evil is pretty stark. So while it is dark, and there are lots of fucked up things that happen to good people / good people do lots of fucked up things, it retains a weird type of refreshing moral purity.
Alexi's characterization wobbles a bit in this first book, and I feel like we barely got to know Kutkha. While things can be a bit hectic, it is certainly far from predictable, which I find is common in UF.
I binge-read the first three books over the last couple days - which probably helped with keeping a fairly complex (at times convoluted - though logicalk) plot line and universe system straight.
December 3, 2016
Okay, so I had to try and figure out how to approach this review because I really just want to sit here and tell you all about it. The characters and the world building Baldwin created are simply fantastic. There is an amazing amount of detail/research that he put into not only the occult and magic, but into making sure the structure of the mafia was legit, right down to the pesky Russian love of a million diminutives for each name and using them in the correct circumstances (seriously, as someone who has Russian characters….yeah.). On top of that he also works through the societal stigmas and prejudices that are apparent not only in our current world, but especially in the 1980s and especially in an organization like the mafia.
If you haven’t bought it or added it to your Goodreads list, you really should do it now. This book is an amazingly crafted, gritty look at an Underworld where magic is used and power can be fleeting. When you think you know who is pulling the strings, another twist is thrown in. And when it all comes to a head, grab some tissues.
If you haven’t bought it or added it to your Goodreads list, you really should do it now. This book is an amazingly crafted, gritty look at an Underworld where magic is used and power can be fleeting. When you think you know who is pulling the strings, another twist is thrown in. And when it all comes to a head, grab some tissues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews