What do you think?
Rate this book
Hellequin Chronicles #7
Scorched Shadows
In the final chapter of the Hellequin Chronicles, secrets will be revealed, friendships will be tested, and destinies will be fulfilled.
Avalon is under siege. A shadowy cabal, headed by a mysterious figure known only as “My Liege”, has launched a series of deadly attacks across the globe, catching innocent human bystanders in the crossfire.
Emerging from the debris of battle, Nate Garrett, the sixteen-hundred-year-old sorcerer also called Hellequin, and his friends must stop My Liege once and for all. But powerful forces stand in their way. To save Avalon, they will need to enlist the help of Mordred, once Nate’s greatest nemesis, now his most formidable ally. But Mordred is grappling with a dark prophecy that could spell Nate’s doom…
The fate of the world hangs in the balance. Even if Nate can halt the war, will there be anything left worth saving?
Avalon is under siege. A shadowy cabal, headed by a mysterious figure known only as “My Liege”, has launched a series of deadly attacks across the globe, catching innocent human bystanders in the crossfire.
Emerging from the debris of battle, Nate Garrett, the sixteen-hundred-year-old sorcerer also called Hellequin, and his friends must stop My Liege once and for all. But powerful forces stand in their way. To save Avalon, they will need to enlist the help of Mordred, once Nate’s greatest nemesis, now his most formidable ally. But Mordred is grappling with a dark prophecy that could spell Nate’s doom…
The fate of the world hangs in the balance. Even if Nate can halt the war, will there be anything left worth saving?
485 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
855 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
36 books1,900 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
May 7, 2018
Scorched Shadows
Hellequin Chronicles, Book 7
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
This book had a lot more of Mordred in it. So much was revealed in this book but this is to be the last but I still have questions....Ugh! Oh well, I guess I will have to use my imagination. I have really enjoyed this series! Recommend this to any fantasy lover out there, so good! You must read in order.
The narrator was great, very good with the multitude of voices and emotions. Well done!
Hellequin Chronicles, Book 7
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
This book had a lot more of Mordred in it. So much was revealed in this book but this is to be the last but I still have questions....Ugh! Oh well, I guess I will have to use my imagination. I have really enjoyed this series! Recommend this to any fantasy lover out there, so good! You must read in order.
The narrator was great, very good with the multitude of voices and emotions. Well done!
March 8, 2018
I've been wondering over the last few books how the hell McHugh was going to get everything he needed into this last offering- turns out I needn't have worried, it's not the end of everything, merely a new chapter opened.
Of course this had the usual ton of characters that keeps the conversation snappy but the depth light, which usually makes me switch right off, but there's something in this series that keeps me coming back for more. Certainly in this book we had significant time with Mordred and it was great having another perspective, but the move towards more character exploration really needs to go further in the future, I'd rather have fewer big names or introductions, more conversation than witty one liners. The ending gives the perfect opportunity for this to happen so fingers crossed the author makes the most of it. If not, I don't how much longer I'll continue. I like explosions and magic and all that, but what's the point if there's nothing new added? Nate's been blowing shit up since before book 1, unlocking power levels every book so he can do it in different ways of course, but this is the end of Hellequin, so now he needs to be something more....
Of course this had the usual ton of characters that keeps the conversation snappy but the depth light, which usually makes me switch right off, but there's something in this series that keeps me coming back for more. Certainly in this book we had significant time with Mordred and it was great having another perspective, but the move towards more character exploration really needs to go further in the future, I'd rather have fewer big names or introductions, more conversation than witty one liners. The ending gives the perfect opportunity for this to happen so fingers crossed the author makes the most of it. If not, I don't how much longer I'll continue. I like explosions and magic and all that, but what's the point if there's nothing new added? Nate's been blowing shit up since before book 1, unlocking power levels every book so he can do it in different ways of course, but this is the end of Hellequin, so now he needs to be something more....
January 11, 2019
I was pretty nervous going into this book knowing that it was the last book in the Hellequin Chronicles. I have loved all the previous books in this series, but I didn't think that there had been anywhere near enough story told yet to already be ending. It still feels like things are just winding up. As you can tell from the number of stars in this review though, I was obviously not left wanting. Here's why...
First of all, I am really happy that this novel sees a change up to the formula in 2 ways:
1 - This novel took place entirely in the present, with no secondary story taking place in the past.
2 - This novel had a second viewpoint character (even though his chapters were told in third-person)
The first of these changes really worked for me. The historical secondary stories that made up part of each of the other books were always a bit hit and miss for me. Though always well written and fun, they sometimes felt like distractions from the story I wanted to read about.
As for the second change... If I'm honest, I'd have rathered a straight-up first-person narrative from Nate's point of view. I think that the chance for more story could have been covered that way which would have made the ending of the book have more impact. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Mordred as a secondary protagonist and his story was interesting. It has really helped complete his transformation in my eyes and has made him a character I would happily read about again. Basically, his chapters took the place of historical substory, so it was a welcome changeup.
By staying in the present in this book, Mr McHugh manages to have a lot more happen in the present day and seriously ups the stakes. The story really picks up pace here and the events that have been slowly unfolding over the course of the previous books suddenly take off at speed, and the stakes have never been higher.
This kept the pages turning faster and faster as I really got into this book, but as I approached the end of the book, I started to find a problem. By the time the percentage mark on my kindle was reading 60%, I started to worry that there was no way the author could bring this series to a close and wrap everything up in so short a space. That worry only grew stronger as I hit 70%, then 80%, then 90% and still nothing resembling a finishing point. I was mentally groaning and preparing myself for a rushed, unsatisfying ending...
I needn't have worried.
I will say this where normally I might have put it in spoiler territory because I genuinely think that it isn't really a spoiler and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I knew this going in. This isn't the last book in this series. This is the last book in the Hellequin Chronicles maybe, but it is by no means an end to this series. If anything I would say that this might be the ending to part one of the series, ending in a way that doesn't wrap everything up, but instead, sets up the next part in the series.
All that worrying and tension that I had done thinking that this was going to be a rushed ending was for nothing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book anyway, but I think that if I hadn't been confused about this before going in, then I would have been less tense and would have just let myself relax and enjoy what was happening rather than worry about where things were going.
Overall this is an excellent addition to this series that finally has the overarching story moving at full speed, and I have never been more excited to see what happens next. An easy 5-stars and I can't wait for the next one.
First of all, I am really happy that this novel sees a change up to the formula in 2 ways:
1 - This novel took place entirely in the present, with no secondary story taking place in the past.
2 - This novel had a second viewpoint character (even though his chapters were told in third-person)
The first of these changes really worked for me. The historical secondary stories that made up part of each of the other books were always a bit hit and miss for me. Though always well written and fun, they sometimes felt like distractions from the story I wanted to read about.
As for the second change... If I'm honest, I'd have rathered a straight-up first-person narrative from Nate's point of view. I think that the chance for more story could have been covered that way which would have made the ending of the book have more impact. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Mordred as a secondary protagonist and his story was interesting. It has really helped complete his transformation in my eyes and has made him a character I would happily read about again. Basically, his chapters took the place of historical substory, so it was a welcome changeup.
By staying in the present in this book, Mr McHugh manages to have a lot more happen in the present day and seriously ups the stakes. The story really picks up pace here and the events that have been slowly unfolding over the course of the previous books suddenly take off at speed, and the stakes have never been higher.
This kept the pages turning faster and faster as I really got into this book, but as I approached the end of the book, I started to find a problem. By the time the percentage mark on my kindle was reading 60%, I started to worry that there was no way the author could bring this series to a close and wrap everything up in so short a space. That worry only grew stronger as I hit 70%, then 80%, then 90% and still nothing resembling a finishing point. I was mentally groaning and preparing myself for a rushed, unsatisfying ending...
I needn't have worried.
I will say this where normally I might have put it in spoiler territory because I genuinely think that it isn't really a spoiler and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I knew this going in. This isn't the last book in this series. This is the last book in the Hellequin Chronicles maybe, but it is by no means an end to this series. If anything I would say that this might be the ending to part one of the series, ending in a way that doesn't wrap everything up, but instead, sets up the next part in the series.
All that worrying and tension that I had done thinking that this was going to be a rushed ending was for nothing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book anyway, but I think that if I hadn't been confused about this before going in, then I would have been less tense and would have just let myself relax and enjoy what was happening rather than worry about where things were going.
Overall this is an excellent addition to this series that finally has the overarching story moving at full speed, and I have never been more excited to see what happens next. An easy 5-stars and I can't wait for the next one.
February 9, 2018
How I love this series and this book is the best one in it!
All the previous books come together, old friends and foes show up again and all stories are tied up.
Almost every question I had was answered although this book does leave enough open for another few books on Nate! Personally I can't wait!
Scorched shadows has it all; great story, great characters, great plotline and plot twists, this is easily one of my favorite series!
The listened to the audiobook on Audible and the narration is excellent...
All the previous books come together, old friends and foes show up again and all stories are tied up.
Almost every question I had was answered although this book does leave enough open for another few books on Nate! Personally I can't wait!
Scorched shadows has it all; great story, great characters, great plotline and plot twists, this is easily one of my favorite series!
The listened to the audiobook on Audible and the narration is excellent...
December 2, 2017
I feel like the author lied to us. This book claimed to be the final book in the Hellequin Chronicles. That being said, I expected to wrap up the story that we had been faithfully following through 6 previous books. I even tried (not very successfully) to overlook the fact that the author apparently couldn't be bothered to consistency check and insure that a basic fact such as the name of Nate's murdered wife was correct. Unfortunately I found that very grating every time her name was mentioned. The book not only didn't wrap up anything, it barely progressed the story. We find out nothing new about Nate's history, we killed off a lot of good and bad guys, and still don't have a winner or clear picture of an outcome. The book just ended, I turned the page expecting more and got nothing. Then the author throws out an epilogue that although the Hellequin Chronicles has ended, there will be more adventures with Nate and friends. I just find this an unacceptable approach and as much as I liked the characters and the story up till now, I'm not sure I'll read any more of this author's works.
June 3, 2018
epic book and a great read all round 5 stars all the way I would recommend this book and series to anyone
December 13, 2017
Aaargh the last of the Hellequin Chronicles (a series I’ve been with since forever. Well the start anyway) – I’m randomly pleased it is not the last we’ll see of Nate but I did have a little emotional moment knowing that Book 7 was the last of this particularly themed story.
So things I already know about this series from the previous ones, the plotting is a brilliantly addictive mix of fiction, mythology and real world setting. If you come into Book 7 on its own you’ll still have a blinking good reading time because although the characters will be unfamiliar they will also be all too familiar. Read them all though – its all excellent excellent stuff.
Hugely action packed (and who would have thought that Nate and Mordred would ever be a team) Nate and friends set out to save the world – no easy task – not even for a 1600 year old sorcerer. I also really enjoyed the parts that focused on Mordred – a shadowy character who has always been “the bad guy” so that gave the whole thing an added element which was really rewarding.
Pulling together all the elements of the previous stories and giving us a banging good “ending” there was absolutely nothing not to love here – although I would reiterate that whilst you could pick this one up on its own I would like to take the opportunity (again) to highly recommend the series as a whole (and I can’t wait for the next chapters so to speak) – this is adult urban fantasy with mystical elements that have probably, as a whole, been some of the most fun novels in the genre I have ever read.
Big Nate love. That is all.
So things I already know about this series from the previous ones, the plotting is a brilliantly addictive mix of fiction, mythology and real world setting. If you come into Book 7 on its own you’ll still have a blinking good reading time because although the characters will be unfamiliar they will also be all too familiar. Read them all though – its all excellent excellent stuff.
Hugely action packed (and who would have thought that Nate and Mordred would ever be a team) Nate and friends set out to save the world – no easy task – not even for a 1600 year old sorcerer. I also really enjoyed the parts that focused on Mordred – a shadowy character who has always been “the bad guy” so that gave the whole thing an added element which was really rewarding.
Pulling together all the elements of the previous stories and giving us a banging good “ending” there was absolutely nothing not to love here – although I would reiterate that whilst you could pick this one up on its own I would like to take the opportunity (again) to highly recommend the series as a whole (and I can’t wait for the next chapters so to speak) – this is adult urban fantasy with mystical elements that have probably, as a whole, been some of the most fun novels in the genre I have ever read.
Big Nate love. That is all.
December 12, 2017
To start with this book, seven in the Hellequin Chronicles, without having read the previous six books may have been a bit daring (even foolish) especially since this is also the last book the series. It's like seeing the last 20 min of a movie. It's interesting, but you feel like you have missed a lot of things that are mentioned. However, I must say, despite that did I find the book surprisingly easy to get into and even more surprisingly easy to keep a check on all the characters. And, trust me they are many. I think that the reason for the easiness is the fact that most of the characters are mythological ones. Both familiar names and new ones for me. But, the names stuck and I never felt a bit lost, instead was I intrigued by this absolutely fascinating mix of mythological beings in a modern setting. Also, this good vs bad story always work for me.
It's a thick book. And, yes there were moments I felt like, not necessary the story dragged out, but rather it was a lot of things to take in with Nate Garrett and Mordred hunt after the mysterious "My Liege". There were a lot of fights all through the books as they fought enemies, searched after missing friends and tried to find out the truth about the person behind the "My Liege" alias.
I definitely think this a book worth reading. However, you should probably start with book one. And, I know that this is the last book in this chronicle. However, I did get a feeling that this is not really the end...
It's a thick book. And, yes there were moments I felt like, not necessary the story dragged out, but rather it was a lot of things to take in with Nate Garrett and Mordred hunt after the mysterious "My Liege". There were a lot of fights all through the books as they fought enemies, searched after missing friends and tried to find out the truth about the person behind the "My Liege" alias.
I definitely think this a book worth reading. However, you should probably start with book one. And, I know that this is the last book in this chronicle. However, I did get a feeling that this is not really the end...
November 29, 2017
author said this ends the hellequin series, so i was hoping for a resolution. but unfortunately the novel ends with a cliffhanger. I also dislike the whodunnit stories where the author keeps pointing the finger at different people. I got a little annoyed how every book seemed to revolve around betrayal. It switches between nate and mordred, and they both seem overpowered in this novel. In the earlier novels, nate would struggle against the gargoyle and dragon kin, but in this book he just rips everyone apart. mordred does the same, and it's not as entertaining as it could have been. I think this is the last book i'll read in the series.
October 17, 2017
Really annoying cliffhanger and false advertisement. Unsatisfying conclusion to a promising series.
November 7, 2017
ugh. I peaked at spoilers and found out who the big baddie was. I was really hoping it wasn't him, because it was made pretty f-in clear in the first ten pages or so that he was the dude.
look, this book was weird and oddly written, like some blogs taped together. I didn't expect Sherlock holmes. BUT I'm not the smartest knife in the crayon box, or whatever - someone like me shouldn't have figured it out by page eleven. and it wasn't good enough to be like yeah I know who it is and it's awesome anyway! no.
I'm reading this because I feel I have to finish, even though it's an awkward experience. just likeprom night small talk with your husband's ex-girlfriend.
I finished it. mordred is the only reason I'm not giving this zero stars. one is quite enough. this was not the most painful book I've ever read, but it's pretty close. the premise for the next one sounds great. but I'm not going to torture myself. I'm done. sorry, dear author. nopity-nope-nope.
give me a book about mordred ok, i'll give that a shot. has Kate Daniels made me too blood-thirsty?
look, this book was weird and oddly written, like some blogs taped together. I didn't expect Sherlock holmes. BUT I'm not the smartest knife in the crayon box, or whatever - someone like me shouldn't have figured it out by page eleven. and it wasn't good enough to be like yeah I know who it is and it's awesome anyway! no.
I'm reading this because I feel I have to finish, even though it's an awkward experience. just like
I finished it. mordred is the only reason I'm not giving this zero stars. one is quite enough. this was not the most painful book I've ever read, but it's pretty close. the premise for the next one sounds great. but I'm not going to torture myself. I'm done. sorry, dear author. nopity-nope-nope.
give me a book about mordred ok, i'll give that a shot. has Kate Daniels made me too blood-thirsty?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
"Don't worry, " I was told, "the series is done, you won't get stuck waiting for new ones." Well, you will actually. The main meta plot is not really solved. The character plot, about Nate finding out who he really is, well, that gets solved...mostly, but still by the time I realized that the plot wasn't going to finish up, I cared a lot less about that aspect of it.
I don't mean to pile on, but as some other reviewers pointed out, the copy-editing was very shoddy on this book, and some the botched character names were a bit jarring. I also had the luxury of reading them all in a short space of time, so that means all of the incorrect names were fresh in my mind. If I had waited a year between books, I may not have caught some of them.
All that said, the final book doesn't ruin the whole rest of the series. They are still an enjoyable Urban Fantasy with a lot of history-wank included.
April 12, 2019
An Epic finale of Hellequin Chronicles!
I was extremely anxious when I started Scorched Shadows, thinking how the author's gonna wrap this up. I'm quite satisfied with the way it has "ended" leaving room for more.
As usual it was fast paced and action packed. Nate and his friends can't seem to catch a break as their enemy plays a game where the whole world is at stake. So many twists and revelations, though a lot is still left unanswered.
Scorched Shadows has two perspectives; Nate and Mordred's. This time there is no jumping between timelines as the whole book is set in the current times. I missed that for it gave diversity to the books. I would have loved to get a glimpse of young Arthur, Nate, Galahad and Mordred together. There were some shocking surprises towards the end . I should have seen that coming. Lots of familiar faces made appearance, friends and enemies both. I love this brilliant world Steve McHugh has created and all the characters have become dear to me because of their distinct, colorful personalities. This might be the last Hellequin book but we are going to see more of Nate in Sorcery Reborn and I'm dying to read it. Will have to wait till November 2019! This series is one of the best in Urban Fantasy.
I was extremely anxious when I started Scorched Shadows, thinking how the author's gonna wrap this up. I'm quite satisfied with the way it has "ended" leaving room for more.
As usual it was fast paced and action packed. Nate and his friends can't seem to catch a break as their enemy plays a game where the whole world is at stake. So many twists and revelations, though a lot is still left unanswered.
Scorched Shadows has two perspectives; Nate and Mordred's. This time there is no jumping between timelines as the whole book is set in the current times. I missed that for it gave diversity to the books. I would have loved to get a glimpse of young Arthur, Nate, Galahad and Mordred together. There were some shocking surprises towards the end . I should have seen that coming. Lots of familiar faces made appearance, friends and enemies both. I love this brilliant world Steve McHugh has created and all the characters have become dear to me because of their distinct, colorful personalities. This might be the last Hellequin book but we are going to see more of Nate in Sorcery Reborn and I'm dying to read it. Will have to wait till November 2019! This series is one of the best in Urban Fantasy.
October 17, 2017
Excellent and infuriating in equal measure. 5 stars for the writing, general quality, and certain plot developments. 1 star for other story elements, and Averages out to 3.
December 20, 2017
I made two stupid mistakes when it came to this series - not discovering it sooner and starting off with the final instalment!!!! Now don't get me wrong, the author makes it perfectly possible to catch up on what has happened and I easily became obsessed with the characters and the story, but it is so good that I really wish I had started with the first book - a wrong I plan to rectify by treating myself to the other books for Christmas.
With mythical characters, new and old, action, magic, danger, and turbulent times, SCORCHED SHADOWS by Steve McHugh will transport you to another world where beneath the facade of human society, a magical world exists unknown to us, and as the battle rages the fate of the world will depend on the strength of a few.
The characters, setting, and fantasy elements are excellently handled and I easily lost myself in the pages of this book. I enjoy fantasy novels but I don't tend to read them as often as other genres, and SCORCHED SHADOWS reminded me of how absorbing and all-consuming this exquisite genre can be. If you love your stories brimming with action, tension, emotions, magic, and danger, then SCORCHED SHADOWS (and The Hellequin Chronicles Series) are a must for you!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Blog Tour Organiser
With mythical characters, new and old, action, magic, danger, and turbulent times, SCORCHED SHADOWS by Steve McHugh will transport you to another world where beneath the facade of human society, a magical world exists unknown to us, and as the battle rages the fate of the world will depend on the strength of a few.
The characters, setting, and fantasy elements are excellently handled and I easily lost myself in the pages of this book. I enjoy fantasy novels but I don't tend to read them as often as other genres, and SCORCHED SHADOWS reminded me of how absorbing and all-consuming this exquisite genre can be. If you love your stories brimming with action, tension, emotions, magic, and danger, then SCORCHED SHADOWS (and The Hellequin Chronicles Series) are a must for you!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Blog Tour Organiser
October 27, 2017
I love the Hellequin series. I mean I LOVE this series. I love it almost as much as I love my husband! It has been sooo goooood. When this book showed up in my kindle app. I was pleased as punch. I blocked off reading time for three days so I could read uninterrupted---well as uninterrupted as you can be with two kids under 5 yeas--but you get the point. I was PREPARED!!! I got around 80% in and I kept thinking why haven't the good guys banded together yet to kick the bad guys asses???? why is it moving slow???? I had visions of Modred and Nate kicking everyone's ass together. When I realized that that was not going to happen in this particular book. I was pissed. I could not believe I fell for the okey doke. I drank the kool-aid and was not rewarded!!! WTF!!!
I am not happy. I don't want to have to read six more books to get to where this one should have taken me.
Not sure how I will proceed.
I am not happy. I don't want to have to read six more books to get to where this one should have taken me.
Not sure how I will proceed.
October 18, 2017
Great end to the Hellequin series. Cant wait for the new adventures of nate and friends
A well rounded out story that promises a lot more in the universe that the author has created. The story is full of highs and lows, secrets revealed, power and death everywhere
A well rounded out story that promises a lot more in the universe that the author has created. The story is full of highs and lows, secrets revealed, power and death everywhere
November 4, 2017
End of the series, but not?!? Not cool.
Authors and readers engage in a relationship of sorts. Trust is required in all relationships. The ending of this book violates trust in an annoying and stunningly juvenile way.
Authors and readers engage in a relationship of sorts. Trust is required in all relationships. The ending of this book violates trust in an annoying and stunningly juvenile way.
June 29, 2018
This time we are treated to split POV's between Nate and Mordred as they work together to figure out who is behind "my leige". Elaine has disappeared and Mordred spends some time in Russia trying to find her. Nate is approached by Arthur to prevent war with Shadow Falls, but before he can do that a new power player has joined the bad guys and they are all killing innocent people around the globe in terror attacks.
I'm so glad that I read the acknowledgments and found that while this is the end of the Hellequin series, it is not the end of Nate's story - especially since some new characters and potential plotlines were introduced and I hate it when authors do that without any plans to flesh them out. Thankfully, it sounds like Nate's story might resume sometime next year. I'll be waiting!
I'm so glad that I read the acknowledgments and found that while this is the end of the Hellequin series, it is not the end of Nate's story - especially since some new characters and potential plotlines were introduced and I hate it when authors do that without any plans to flesh them out. Thankfully, it sounds like Nate's story might resume sometime next year. I'll be waiting!
September 2, 2018
Worst book in the series..
I think my favorite character in all the books was Remy, especially his voice. THAT made him a wonderful character. Plus all the funny stuff he said. He was a 3ft tall fox/human hybrid. And I still loved Mordred, as I did in book 6. He’d come a long way since the other 5 books, in which I hated him. It really was a good thing that Nate shot Mordred in the head.
This was about them working together to try to stop the terror attacks that were happening all over the world by My Liege and his group of baddies. There’s all kinds of shit left up in the air and the blurb says this is the final book. Arthur and Gawain and Abbadon DO take over the world and Nate and his friends can do nothing for a year because that’s how long it will take for Nate to heal, and for that year he’ll be human. WTF? I’m so pissed off I can’t stand it. I’m not sure I’ll read anything else by this author.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 88 times.
As to the narration: Simon Mattacks did a great job on the men’s voices but his women’s voices still sucked and there are a lot of women. He really needs to practice.
I think my favorite character in all the books was Remy, especially his voice. THAT made him a wonderful character. Plus all the funny stuff he said. He was a 3ft tall fox/human hybrid. And I still loved Mordred, as I did in book 6. He’d come a long way since the other 5 books, in which I hated him. It really was a good thing that Nate shot Mordred in the head.
This was about them working together to try to stop the terror attacks that were happening all over the world by My Liege and his group of baddies. There’s all kinds of shit left up in the air and the blurb says this is the final book. Arthur and Gawain and Abbadon DO take over the world and Nate and his friends can do nothing for a year because that’s how long it will take for Nate to heal, and for that year he’ll be human. WTF? I’m so pissed off I can’t stand it. I’m not sure I’ll read anything else by this author.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 88 times.
As to the narration: Simon Mattacks did a great job on the men’s voices but his women’s voices still sucked and there are a lot of women. He really needs to practice.
October 19, 2018
Book 1: 3*
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
Book 5: 3.5*
Book 6: 3.5*
Book 7: 2.5*
I'm really pissed off at the lame ending. If you want to keep this going into a second series there were better ways of doing it. The book was probably a star better until the end. The series was also to that point better than the sum of its parts.
Book 2: 3*
Book 2.5: 3.25*
Book 3: 3.5*
Book 4: 3.25*
Book 5: 3.5*
Book 6: 3.5*
Book 7: 2.5*
I'm really pissed off at the lame ending. If you want to keep this going into a second series there were better ways of doing it. The book was probably a star better until the end. The series was also to that point better than the sum of its parts.
September 21, 2023
The culmination of the Helliquin chronicles. Action packed, secrets revealed, Mordred steps up to the plate and friends fall.
June 16, 2018
It's the last book of the Hellequin Chronicles -- though not the last of Nate's adventure. It is a little different than the previous books, as the story is told from two different perspectives. Nate as the main character (using 1st person POV) and Mordred (using 3rd person POV). Nate is busy with his 'team' to uncover who is My Liege, while Mordred's main mission is to help finding Elaine who is missing...
The rest will be me sprouting out plots, so all of them will be under spoiler-tag
It's been one hell of a ride.
The rest will be me sprouting out plots, so all of them will be under spoiler-tag
It's been one hell of a ride.
September 19, 2018
This book tricked me, and it greatly soured my enjoyment of it... this has been touted as the end of the Hellequin Chronicle for the past 2 years/books, and that's not what was delivered here...
While, TECHNICALLY, this is the end of the Hellequin Chronicles, it's not the end of the Nate Garrett story, which I assume will continue during/after these Avalon Chronicles starting next year...
I liked everything I was reading until about the 80% mark when I started to suspect things weren't building to the climactic conclusion you would expect in a series finale...
While, TECHNICALLY, this is the end of the Hellequin Chronicles, it's not the end of the Nate Garrett story, which I assume will continue during/after these Avalon Chronicles starting next year...
I liked everything I was reading until about the 80% mark when I started to suspect things weren't building to the climactic conclusion you would expect in a series finale...
February 22, 2018
Really, really hate being lied to by the author. No conclusion to be had from this series. Got myself invested and then it's like a giant middle finger to all the people who bought the books. I specifically only go for series that are concluded. Learnt my lesson with the likes of Martin and Butcher and Rothfuss etc. What a shitty thing to do. Completely soured the entire series for me. 8 days of my life I'll never get back. Ugh...
November 3, 2017
Feels slightly rushed
Compared to the earlier books the story seems to move almost too fast.
And despite the multiple increases in magical power there's probably less magic now, certainly from nate we only see fire, shadow tentacles and a new smash things power....
Compared to the earlier books the story seems to move almost too fast.
And despite the multiple increases in magical power there's probably less magic now, certainly from nate we only see fire, shadow tentacles and a new smash things power....
November 5, 2017
So. Frustrating!!! We finally got some answers but are left with a MASSIVE cliffhanger. Not cool. Rarely have I felt like this about a book... Seven books just to get to this point? Seems like an utter waste of my time.
October 26, 2017
Split narrative took focus away from Nate, the things he could have done with his new magic didn't feel fully explored. Like the series though so a solid "good". 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2017
A little disappointing. It's almost like the author said "Hmm the mythology seems popular. Let's do more. MUCH more!"
The Mordred sections were highly entertaining though.
The Mordred sections were highly entertaining though.
December 18, 2017
I usually love reading fantasy novels but for some reason I've not read many this year. So could the final instalment of the Hellequin Chronicles - a series I'm unfamiliar with - really be the book to reignite my passion for the genre? The answer to this is a resounding yes! Admittedly knowing a bit more of Nate's back story may have been advantageous but nevertheless I enjoyed every moment of this gripping story.
Steve McHugh's superb world-building is perhaps not the easiest premise to describe in a review but in a nutshell non-human beings - sorcerers, alchemists, necromancers and the like - live among humans on Earth. They also live in other realms which can usually only be moved between through the use of guarded realm gates. Their history is long and violent, one thing I particularly loved about Scorched Shadows was the clever use of well-known myths and legends - familiar faces from Camelot and Ancient Greece rub shoulders with werewolves, dragon-kin and dwarves. However, this is very much a case of forgetting what you think you may know because our accepted views of those stories are very wrong and the danger doesn't always come from where you might think...
Up until now the non-humans have mostly managed to keep humans oblivious to their existence, most believing that any stories about them are just works of fiction. However, a shadowy cabal has other ideas and when a series of shocking acts of magical terrorism sees tens of thousands of people killed across the world, they can no longer remain a secret.
Nate Garrett is a phenomenally powerful sorcerer who was born from a blood curse and is still coming to terms with his own frightening abilities and the losses of those close to him. He is joined by various friends, including his former mortal enemy, Mordred, as they race to discover who the mysterious 'My Liege' really is and whether anyone can stop the forces of evil before all the realms have fallen under their control. The book is mostly told from Nate's perspective as he battles his way against his enemies and his own personal demons.Occasionally though the story switches to the third person as we follow Mordred's movements. I suspect that Mordred's change of allegiance must take some getting used to for those who have read the previous Hellequin Chronicles but as somebody fresh to the series I have to admit to loving this unpredictable and often violent man, with his tortured past and sardonic wit he steals every scene he is in. A special mention also for Remy, the fox-human hybrid, the repartee between the pair bringing some much needed levity and humour into what into theoften brutally visceral action. There are no punches pulled here (literally) and the deaths are numerous and grisly.
Scorched Shadows has everything I could ask for in a fantasy novel, I love that it combines various mystical elements with dark urban fantasy and that it does so with such superb characterisation, immersive world-building and no little wit - the pop culture references are a lovely touch. It's made me realise just what I've been missing during my fantasy drought. I'll definitely be reading the precious books in the Hellequin Chronicles now and I'm delighted to discover that though this is the end of the series, it isn't the end of the story...
Steve McHugh's superb world-building is perhaps not the easiest premise to describe in a review but in a nutshell non-human beings - sorcerers, alchemists, necromancers and the like - live among humans on Earth. They also live in other realms which can usually only be moved between through the use of guarded realm gates. Their history is long and violent, one thing I particularly loved about Scorched Shadows was the clever use of well-known myths and legends - familiar faces from Camelot and Ancient Greece rub shoulders with werewolves, dragon-kin and dwarves. However, this is very much a case of forgetting what you think you may know because our accepted views of those stories are very wrong and the danger doesn't always come from where you might think...
Up until now the non-humans have mostly managed to keep humans oblivious to their existence, most believing that any stories about them are just works of fiction. However, a shadowy cabal has other ideas and when a series of shocking acts of magical terrorism sees tens of thousands of people killed across the world, they can no longer remain a secret.
Nate Garrett is a phenomenally powerful sorcerer who was born from a blood curse and is still coming to terms with his own frightening abilities and the losses of those close to him. He is joined by various friends, including his former mortal enemy, Mordred, as they race to discover who the mysterious 'My Liege' really is and whether anyone can stop the forces of evil before all the realms have fallen under their control. The book is mostly told from Nate's perspective as he battles his way against his enemies and his own personal demons.Occasionally though the story switches to the third person as we follow Mordred's movements. I suspect that Mordred's change of allegiance must take some getting used to for those who have read the previous Hellequin Chronicles but as somebody fresh to the series I have to admit to loving this unpredictable and often violent man, with his tortured past and sardonic wit he steals every scene he is in. A special mention also for Remy, the fox-human hybrid, the repartee between the pair bringing some much needed levity and humour into what into theoften brutally visceral action. There are no punches pulled here (literally) and the deaths are numerous and grisly.
Scorched Shadows has everything I could ask for in a fantasy novel, I love that it combines various mystical elements with dark urban fantasy and that it does so with such superb characterisation, immersive world-building and no little wit - the pop culture references are a lovely touch. It's made me realise just what I've been missing during my fantasy drought. I'll definitely be reading the precious books in the Hellequin Chronicles now and I'm delighted to discover that though this is the end of the series, it isn't the end of the story...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews