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The Rebellion Chronicles #1
Sorcery Reborn
He doesn’t need a weapon. He is the weapon.
After losing his powers in an epic battle between good and evil, former sorcerer Nate Garrett finds himself living as a humble human in Clockwork, Oregon. While the world thinks Nate is dead, his friends continue to fight against Avalon and the evil it’s intent on spreading.
Avalon’s forces turn up in Clockwork, and Nate’s frustration grows with every passing day his magic doesn’t return. He finds himself trying to stop Avalon’s plans while hiding from enemies who would destroy everything in their path to see him dead.
Avalon’s darkness begins to threaten the people Nate cares about, and an old nemesis returns; magic or no magic, he has no choice but to fight. But will Nate see his magical powers reborn before the entire town—and everyone he loves—is destroyed?
After losing his powers in an epic battle between good and evil, former sorcerer Nate Garrett finds himself living as a humble human in Clockwork, Oregon. While the world thinks Nate is dead, his friends continue to fight against Avalon and the evil it’s intent on spreading.
Avalon’s forces turn up in Clockwork, and Nate’s frustration grows with every passing day his magic doesn’t return. He finds himself trying to stop Avalon’s plans while hiding from enemies who would destroy everything in their path to see him dead.
Avalon’s darkness begins to threaten the people Nate cares about, and an old nemesis returns; magic or no magic, he has no choice but to fight. But will Nate see his magical powers reborn before the entire town—and everyone he loves—is destroyed?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2019
1666 people are currently reading
2218 people want to read
About the author
Steve McHugh
35 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
December 10, 2019
Sorcery Reborn
The Rebellion Chronicles, Book 1
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks, Elizabeth Knowelden
I didn't know what this book was about when I bought it. I saw Steve McHugh had a new series so I grabbed it. Then I find it is Nate back from the dead but without powers. A lot happens during that time while living in a quiet little town. In this book he finds out who his father is! Then his family!!! The end gets super awesome! Lots of action, old friends, New creatures, and surprises.
Great narration!!! Loved this! Hurry up with the next book!!! Can't hardly wait!!!
The Rebellion Chronicles, Book 1
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks, Elizabeth Knowelden
I didn't know what this book was about when I bought it. I saw Steve McHugh had a new series so I grabbed it. Then I find it is Nate back from the dead but without powers. A lot happens during that time while living in a quiet little town. In this book he finds out who his father is! Then his family!!! The end gets super awesome! Lots of action, old friends, New creatures, and surprises.
Great narration!!! Loved this! Hurry up with the next book!!! Can't hardly wait!!!
February 11, 2020
This is to fantasy what fast food is to gastronomy. I can't believe the amount of good review i read for this book. The author try way to hard to deliver something epic, bringing in the Norse mythology, the Greek mythology, the Arthurian tales and even Nazis. And then nothing ever happen. The characters are completely blank and go around their day, casual, with dialogue coming out of old b-movie. You've been warned!!
December 6, 2019
Another fantastic ride! I was soooo looking forward for Nate to return and I was just so very excited about it throughout the entire book!
It says a lot of what a fantastic character Steve McHugh has created for me to be this enthusiastic about his return. And altough I love Layla, I simply love to read about Nate's chapters more.
It was a face paced ride and a very good intro to the new series (The Rebellion chronicles). As with every book Steve has written it made me smile and chuckle quite a lot!
Cannot wait for the next installment!!
It says a lot of what a fantastic character Steve McHugh has created for me to be this enthusiastic about his return. And altough I love Layla, I simply love to read about Nate's chapters more.
It was a face paced ride and a very good intro to the new series (The Rebellion chronicles). As with every book Steve has written it made me smile and chuckle quite a lot!
Cannot wait for the next installment!!
October 8, 2019
I was fortunate enough to be able to read this book ahead of release! As a huge fan of the world Steve has created, I didn't think I'd read another Nate book that I enjoyed more than Scorched Shadows, but this did it. Sorcery Reborn was just fantastic! Answered some questions I've had since book one, left some more questions that I am sure will be answered in the next couple of books and I just cannot wait to read the next installment!
I love where the Rebellion Chronicles is headed, and within the first few chapters it was like I hadn't had to wait any time between installments and it just flowed straight into the story.
If you've read both Hellequinn, and Avalon Chronicles before this, the book contains all your favourite characters, some magnificent swears, and even some feels I was not expecting. All in all this is my new favourite book Steve has written.
I love where the Rebellion Chronicles is headed, and within the first few chapters it was like I hadn't had to wait any time between installments and it just flowed straight into the story.
If you've read both Hellequinn, and Avalon Chronicles before this, the book contains all your favourite characters, some magnificent swears, and even some feels I was not expecting. All in all this is my new favourite book Steve has written.
December 28, 2019
FINALLY Nate is back. Oh how I missed him... While any book of by the author I read has been really amazing, Nate still is my personal favourite character. I loved following his way from Crimes against magic to here - and I'm so glad to finally have him back and find out what happened to him in the meantime and what'll happen next!
And this didn't disappoint! I loved it from start to finish and devoured the whole thing in 1,5 days. We get to see so many old friends again and once again meet new ones. The characters are still as amazing and the snark and sarcasm is strong and had me snort more than once.
My only - very slight - annoyance with this one was the frequent mentions of sex, which felt a few too much and so started to feel a hit repetitive which always bugs me. As with all but the first book there is no actual graphic sex scenes though.
Aside from that - action, tone, voice, plot and characters once more absolutely and fully on point and a real pleasure to read!
And this didn't disappoint! I loved it from start to finish and devoured the whole thing in 1,5 days. We get to see so many old friends again and once again meet new ones. The characters are still as amazing and the snark and sarcasm is strong and had me snort more than once.
My only - very slight - annoyance with this one was the frequent mentions of sex, which felt a few too much and so started to feel a hit repetitive which always bugs me. As with all but the first book there is no actual graphic sex scenes though.
Aside from that - action, tone, voice, plot and characters once more absolutely and fully on point and a real pleasure to read!
December 2, 2019
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
Sorcery Reborn is the first installment in author Steve McHugh's The Rebellion Chronicles. This story marks the official return of Nathan Garrett, but it doesn't ignore Layla Cassidy or the rest of the cast of characters who readers have followed via The Avalon Chronicles. If you are a fan of the authors, then you've probably already read the Hellequin Chronicles featuring Nate and many of the same characters. So, as a summary of sorts, Nate was presumed dead thanks to Mordred (See Scorched Shadows). When he awakens, Nate no longer has his powers as a sorcerer.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4
*Thoughts*
Sorcery Reborn is the first installment in author Steve McHugh's The Rebellion Chronicles. This story marks the official return of Nathan Garrett, but it doesn't ignore Layla Cassidy or the rest of the cast of characters who readers have followed via The Avalon Chronicles. If you are a fan of the authors, then you've probably already read the Hellequin Chronicles featuring Nate and many of the same characters. So, as a summary of sorts, Nate was presumed dead thanks to Mordred (See Scorched Shadows). When he awakens, Nate no longer has his powers as a sorcerer.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 13, 2021
Nate is back!
I have to confess to blazing through this book in about a day. Nate is back and the story is fantastic! Steve once again weaves his magic like the wordsorcerer he is. Thank you for a great ride!
I have to confess to blazing through this book in about a day. Nate is back and the story is fantastic! Steve once again weaves his magic like the wordsorcerer he is. Thank you for a great ride!
November 25, 2019
Review
Epic read 5 stars all the way this is the kind of series that u fall into and never want to leave
Epic read 5 stars all the way this is the kind of series that u fall into and never want to leave
January 19, 2025
Sorry, aber das war so gar nicht mein Fall. Ich dachte, ich lese den ersten Band einer Reihe, nur ging aus dem Klappentext nicht hervor, dass es die FOLGEREIHE einer anderen Geschichte war. Ich war demnach ab der ersten Seite völlig verwirrt, weil ständig auf vorangegangene Ereignisse und abwesende Figuren angespielt wurde, die ich nicht kannte. Und die Personen, die die Hauptrollen innehaben, sind für mich leider keine Identifikationsfiguren, die mich durch die Geschichte und die Welt voller Götter, Magie, Monster und Mythen leiten könnten.
Ich dachte zuerst, die Geschichte eines Zauberers, Nate, der für gewisse Zeit ohne seine Magie auskommen und sich in einem verschlafenen kleinen Örtchen vor seinen Feinden verstecken muss, klingt nach Potential. Doch leider legt er eine Überheblichkeit in Gefahrensituationen an den Tag, die ihn mir nicht besonders sympathisch macht. Statt mit Köpfchen versucht er die Situationen mit Bravado, großer Klappe und Waffengewalt zu lösen. Nee, danke.
Und die unerwartete zweite Hauptfigur, anscheinend eine 23-jährige Zauberin namens Layla, verstehe ich leider noch weniger. Zusammen mit einer Gruppe anscheinend nicht-menschlicher Wesen begibt sie sich auf eine Mission durch die Welten. Fragt mich nur nicht, auf welche Mission. Ich habe bis jetzt nicht begriffen, wer sie sind, was ihr Ziel ist, warum sie sich auf den Weg gemacht haben und was auf dem Spiel steht, wenn sie ihr Ziel nicht erreichen.
Bei 31% war für mich daher Schluss.
Ich dachte zuerst, die Geschichte eines Zauberers, Nate, der für gewisse Zeit ohne seine Magie auskommen und sich in einem verschlafenen kleinen Örtchen vor seinen Feinden verstecken muss, klingt nach Potential. Doch leider legt er eine Überheblichkeit in Gefahrensituationen an den Tag, die ihn mir nicht besonders sympathisch macht. Statt mit Köpfchen versucht er die Situationen mit Bravado, großer Klappe und Waffengewalt zu lösen. Nee, danke.
Und die unerwartete zweite Hauptfigur, anscheinend eine 23-jährige Zauberin namens Layla, verstehe ich leider noch weniger. Zusammen mit einer Gruppe anscheinend nicht-menschlicher Wesen begibt sie sich auf eine Mission durch die Welten. Fragt mich nur nicht, auf welche Mission. Ich habe bis jetzt nicht begriffen, wer sie sind, was ihr Ziel ist, warum sie sich auf den Weg gemacht haben und was auf dem Spiel steht, wenn sie ihr Ziel nicht erreichen.
Bei 31% war für mich daher Schluss.
April 11, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
I skimmed almost ALL of Layla Cassidy's chapters, by the way. I couldn't connect with her at all (and all those names and Realms of the Norse's myth was rather confusing for my li'l brain 😬). So I was rather grumpy knowing that this book -- which should've been Nate's book, IMHO -- is shared with her story.
BUT, everything about Nate's chapters are AWESOME. After two years, being human, finally, FINALLY Nate gets his magic back and he finds out who he is and Nate manages to kill too
The ending is quite interesting since the Rebellion is making more advance move to go against Arthur and Avalon; but at the same time we also find out that Nate . I wonder how that will change things in the next book.
BY the way, I am NOT going to read book #2 until book #3 is out in December. Because it ends with something that I just can't deal ()
I skimmed almost ALL of Layla Cassidy's chapters, by the way. I couldn't connect with her at all (and all those names and Realms of the Norse's myth was rather confusing for my li'l brain 😬). So I was rather grumpy knowing that this book -- which should've been Nate's book, IMHO -- is shared with her story.
BUT, everything about Nate's chapters are AWESOME. After two years, being human, finally, FINALLY Nate gets his magic back and he finds out who he is and Nate manages to kill too
The ending is quite interesting since the Rebellion is making more advance move to go against Arthur and Avalon; but at the same time we also find out that Nate . I wonder how that will change things in the next book.
BY the way, I am NOT going to read book #2 until book #3 is out in December. Because it ends with something that I just can't deal ()
March 26, 2020
well i this series is off to a kick start, however i'm not a huge fan of these damn time jumps, like I NEED TO KNOW THINGS.
but, i really like this series and how they've incorporated all of these pantheons.
that ending though was a doozie.
love my boys!!!
November 23, 2019
:/. The original series was so much better written. I never really connected with Layla as a character and found that I only read her parts to see how they would affect Nate. But everything felt too rushed and short or maybe things just jumped too quickly? It was kind of difficult to continue reading at times, especially when I compare it to how I remember the first series.
At least this was better than Layla’s stand alone series. And I’m so happy we get Nate back again.
I will definitely read the next book, I’m just a bit underwhelmed by the writing style (not the story).
At least this was better than Layla’s stand alone series. And I’m so happy we get Nate back again.
I will definitely read the next book, I’m just a bit underwhelmed by the writing style (not the story).
August 22, 2022
Yesssssss!
Nate Garrett is back!! Although I enjoyed the Layla focussed trilogy, it was great to get Nate back to the forefront. Absolutely loved every minute of this book, it was well worth neglecting all of my work for!
Nate Garrett is back!! Although I enjoyed the Layla focussed trilogy, it was great to get Nate back to the forefront. Absolutely loved every minute of this book, it was well worth neglecting all of my work for!
November 25, 2019
Sorcery Reborn is the first book in the Rebellion Chronicles but is set in the same world and follows the Hellequin Chronicles, the Avalon Chronicles and the recent novella, Hunted. I’ve been a huge fan of Steve McHugh’s books since reading the last Hellequin novel, Scorched Shadows and eagerly await each new instalment but newcomers to the series shouldn’t be concerned. The major points to be aware of are explained during the course of the story and there is a handy guide to the large cast of characters at the front of the book.
Drawing together the main protagonists from both the previous series was a mouthwatering prospect but Nate Garrett and Layla Cassidy spend most of this book apart. However, this shouldn't mean I was disappointed with Sorcery Reborn as having two separate storylines actually meant there are two equally engaging plots. The action switches between the two and it's a real testament to the writing that no matter how engrossed I became in the unfolding events, it was never frustrating to leave one storyline as the other was always just as gripping.
Nate Garrett might be back but for much of the novel he isn't able to draw on his considerable powers. While he awaits their return, he has been living as a human in Clockwork, Oregon but even as a human, Nate can't avoid trouble for long. When Nazis arrive in town, causing trouble for the friends he has made, it's inevitable that he should become involved. That's risky enough, given that he is supposed to be keeping a low profile but then it turns out that this isn't just about a bitter man seeking revenge as the Nazis have links to Avalon, the powerful and sinister group intent on controlling not just the Earth realm but the many other realms which also exist. The Nazis are obviously evil and Nate certainly makes the most of the advice to always punch them but here they are clearly not the main threat. As always, various well-known faces from myths and legends, including deities from across the pantheons are involved - even if the stories that humans have been taught rarely reflect the truth. Human Nate is hardly slacking when it comes to fighting prowess and it's exciting to see how he copes without his powers but he is clearly more vulnerable than usual which adds a thrilling frisson of uncertainty to proceedings. As his parts of the novel are written in the first person, readers share in his frustration as he desperately waits for his abilities to come back - particularly as when they do, he will be more powerful then ever. However, before this happens he must still confront dangerous and twisted villains and shocking revelations.
Meanwhile, Layla is a very different young woman who first became an umbra in A Glimmer of Hope. She has embraced her abilities and accepted her role as a leader to an eclectic team - a werewolf, a human, a shadow elf, a dwarf, a Titan and a sabre-toothed panther. They are trying to discover the whereabouts of the rest of the shadow elves and dwarves, and after a tip-off from Seshat - a very body confident och, they head to Jotunheim, a realm inhabited by giants. Their mission leads them to another och, Mimir. He proves to be quite a challenging individual; as Harry later remarks,
"I think it's probably a good thing Remy wasn't here, or he'd have either killed him or moved in with him."
Mimir is undoubtedly irritating but as with the singular fox-man hybrid, he is an unforgettable character and I hope he becomes a recurring one. As always, things don’t go as smoothly as planned and the group soon find themselves in the thick of brutal fighting again. The violence in Steve McHugh’s books is never whitewashed, it’s harsh and bloodthirsty but to be anything else would undermine the severity of the danger presented by Avalon and their supporters. Living such a life has clearly affected Layla and though she is a highly skilled warrior, in a telling exchange where she considers her future after Arthur and Avalon are defeated, she muses on how old she feels despite only being in her twenties. Unlike many of her comrades and opponents who are thousands of years old and born into the non-human world, Layla was thrust into this life and it will be interesting to see what the long-term effects of her extraordinary experiences will be.
Although the two plots take place independently of one another, there is a certain word related to a prophecy which crops up several times in both and it's very clear that what ever happens here is just the start of something much bigger. I've come to expect a real rollercoaster of a read from Steve McHugh's books and Sorcery Reborn exceeded my expectations. The exciting action and ferocious violence keeps the thrills coming but as always, the wise-cracking exchanges and pop culture references (I especially enjoyed the long overdue mention of a certain classic Disney film...) meant I read the whole novel with a broad smile on my face. This is a brilliant start to the new series and really reinforces just how well-crafted this world that Steve McHugh has created is; the relationships between characters, the intriguing twists and the introduction of new storylines which complement the existing series arc so well underlines why I'm completely hooked on these books and why this is one of my favourite reads of the year. It looks as if whatever happens next is going to be very dramatic and extremely bloody. I can't wait to read it!
Drawing together the main protagonists from both the previous series was a mouthwatering prospect but Nate Garrett and Layla Cassidy spend most of this book apart. However, this shouldn't mean I was disappointed with Sorcery Reborn as having two separate storylines actually meant there are two equally engaging plots. The action switches between the two and it's a real testament to the writing that no matter how engrossed I became in the unfolding events, it was never frustrating to leave one storyline as the other was always just as gripping.
Nate Garrett might be back but for much of the novel he isn't able to draw on his considerable powers. While he awaits their return, he has been living as a human in Clockwork, Oregon but even as a human, Nate can't avoid trouble for long. When Nazis arrive in town, causing trouble for the friends he has made, it's inevitable that he should become involved. That's risky enough, given that he is supposed to be keeping a low profile but then it turns out that this isn't just about a bitter man seeking revenge as the Nazis have links to Avalon, the powerful and sinister group intent on controlling not just the Earth realm but the many other realms which also exist. The Nazis are obviously evil and Nate certainly makes the most of the advice to always punch them but here they are clearly not the main threat. As always, various well-known faces from myths and legends, including deities from across the pantheons are involved - even if the stories that humans have been taught rarely reflect the truth. Human Nate is hardly slacking when it comes to fighting prowess and it's exciting to see how he copes without his powers but he is clearly more vulnerable than usual which adds a thrilling frisson of uncertainty to proceedings. As his parts of the novel are written in the first person, readers share in his frustration as he desperately waits for his abilities to come back - particularly as when they do, he will be more powerful then ever. However, before this happens he must still confront dangerous and twisted villains and shocking revelations.
Meanwhile, Layla is a very different young woman who first became an umbra in A Glimmer of Hope. She has embraced her abilities and accepted her role as a leader to an eclectic team - a werewolf, a human, a shadow elf, a dwarf, a Titan and a sabre-toothed panther. They are trying to discover the whereabouts of the rest of the shadow elves and dwarves, and after a tip-off from Seshat - a very body confident och, they head to Jotunheim, a realm inhabited by giants. Their mission leads them to another och, Mimir. He proves to be quite a challenging individual; as Harry later remarks,
"I think it's probably a good thing Remy wasn't here, or he'd have either killed him or moved in with him."
Mimir is undoubtedly irritating but as with the singular fox-man hybrid, he is an unforgettable character and I hope he becomes a recurring one. As always, things don’t go as smoothly as planned and the group soon find themselves in the thick of brutal fighting again. The violence in Steve McHugh’s books is never whitewashed, it’s harsh and bloodthirsty but to be anything else would undermine the severity of the danger presented by Avalon and their supporters. Living such a life has clearly affected Layla and though she is a highly skilled warrior, in a telling exchange where she considers her future after Arthur and Avalon are defeated, she muses on how old she feels despite only being in her twenties. Unlike many of her comrades and opponents who are thousands of years old and born into the non-human world, Layla was thrust into this life and it will be interesting to see what the long-term effects of her extraordinary experiences will be.
Although the two plots take place independently of one another, there is a certain word related to a prophecy which crops up several times in both and it's very clear that what ever happens here is just the start of something much bigger. I've come to expect a real rollercoaster of a read from Steve McHugh's books and Sorcery Reborn exceeded my expectations. The exciting action and ferocious violence keeps the thrills coming but as always, the wise-cracking exchanges and pop culture references (I especially enjoyed the long overdue mention of a certain classic Disney film...) meant I read the whole novel with a broad smile on my face. This is a brilliant start to the new series and really reinforces just how well-crafted this world that Steve McHugh has created is; the relationships between characters, the intriguing twists and the introduction of new storylines which complement the existing series arc so well underlines why I'm completely hooked on these books and why this is one of my favourite reads of the year. It looks as if whatever happens next is going to be very dramatic and extremely bloody. I can't wait to read it!
December 7, 2019
Nate returns, mostly. I keep feeling like Steve McHugh enjoys blue-balling Nate - and us - in terms of Nate's actual power. We get a revelation as to his origin, which is cool. But I, for one, am ready for him to just let things rip and take things to Arthur in a bloody haze. It's time.
November 24, 2019
I've enjoyed the Hellequin and Avalon chronicles a great deal. While this first installment in the Rebellion Chronicles was a good perpetuation in the story of both prior series, it had some downsides to it that left me slightly ambivalent. Make no mistake, I'll read book 2 of the series without a second thought, but this one almost seemed to read as a screenplay for a TV show or mini-series rather than a novel. Prior books seemed to have a bit more meat to them, artfully intertwining plot development and action, while this seemed to be all about jumping from action to action and not spending significant time on the interludes unless they contained some sort of earth shattering dramatic reveal or simply explanations of facts that would be known to anyone who had read the previous series, but not to someone first being introduced to the cast in this book. Perhaps that's more of a personal bias, and while I understand the desire to make a new series that builds on previous ones accessible to newcomers, I also appreciate authors that can find a balance between honoring dedicated readers by not wasting lines on prior knowledge with sufficient explanations to help new readers going and encourage them to go back and read the previous series. This had a bit too much of the former for me, but was still an entertaining continuation of the story-line.
October 23, 2019
I was excited to be able to read an advanced copy of the newest series in the Nate Garrett, Avalon world....not really sure what the over arching world is called now. This is book 1 in the Rebellion series, but its truly just bringing back our boy Nate. I will have to admit, I was very glad for the cheat sheet at the beginning with the names of the characters, their powers and who they were, along with their relation to each other - It has been a while and I’m thinking I would have been lost without it.
Without spoiling anything, suffice it to say that this was another action packed addition that keeps us moving forward in the story arc with the fight against Avalon. It was really nice to get back to Nate’s POV, he is truly such a powerful character - whether he’s a human or a sorcerer - and he’s been missed. Not that it wasn’t good to hear from Layla, or Mordred or any of the others that we’ve been hearing from recently, but I felt like this was the first step back to the beginning, if that makes any sense?
If you have been along for the ride from the beginning, you won’t be disappointed. This is not a book to start with though - even though it says its the first book in a series - because this world has already been built, the realms established, the characters have tightly formed relationships that while you might follow the top line of the story, you won’t truly understand the dynamics unless you’ve started from the beginning. Maybe that’s just my opinion, but even I get confused with all the different pantheons and who likes who and who wants to kill whom. But, regardless of all of that - you will not be bored.
Without spoiling anything, suffice it to say that this was another action packed addition that keeps us moving forward in the story arc with the fight against Avalon. It was really nice to get back to Nate’s POV, he is truly such a powerful character - whether he’s a human or a sorcerer - and he’s been missed. Not that it wasn’t good to hear from Layla, or Mordred or any of the others that we’ve been hearing from recently, but I felt like this was the first step back to the beginning, if that makes any sense?
If you have been along for the ride from the beginning, you won’t be disappointed. This is not a book to start with though - even though it says its the first book in a series - because this world has already been built, the realms established, the characters have tightly formed relationships that while you might follow the top line of the story, you won’t truly understand the dynamics unless you’ve started from the beginning. Maybe that’s just my opinion, but even I get confused with all the different pantheons and who likes who and who wants to kill whom. But, regardless of all of that - you will not be bored.
November 21, 2019
I picked up this book believing it was the first in a series. I had read a couple of books in the author’s Avalon Chronicles, but I haven’t finished it yet. I really enjoyed the ones I read. When I went into reading this book, I was surprised there was a list of characters for the readers at the beginning. As I continued reading, I felt I was missing something, so I did a little research and found this was the first in a series, but it actually continued the series I had read a couple books of and the series before that. I went ahead and continued anyway. I really liked the expert way the author weaved the story, and he also tried to keep new readers in the loop if they were new (the list at the beginning is a great help!). The author does have a great way with words, and I loved all the characters. I really did enjoy this well-written book, but I do feel that I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the books that came before. I’ll read the others before continuing on. If you have read the others, you will love this one. If you haven’t, you can still read this book and really enjoy it, but I’d recommend reading the others to get the full effect. Recommend this book, and I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 30, 2019
Hellequin is back!
I guess he isn't Hellequin anymore, but I love Nathan Garrett's character
Its fast paced, entertaining, full of action and great dialogue. I like his world building and how he blends characters from all the different mythology and mixes it all up!
I guess he isn't Hellequin anymore, but I love Nathan Garrett's character
Its fast paced, entertaining, full of action and great dialogue. I like his world building and how he blends characters from all the different mythology and mixes it all up!
September 16, 2020
So nice to see all the lines come together and find more information on Nate and his family.
Love the treatment of mythology that McHugh writes in these books.
Love the treatment of mythology that McHugh writes in these books.
October 15, 2021
Exceptional book! Loved the originality, world and character development, and plot!! Can't wait for the next book!
February 15, 2024
If you’ve been recommended this series because you like Urban Fantasy like Harry Dresden novels, please turn around and avoid it.
Should have been a DNF…
Should have been a DNF…
October 19, 2019
I managed to get a review copy of this book, which is a first for me.
We finally have the return of Nate and he was awesome to have him back, but we got to see him at 3 key points of power. The human part, the return of magic and the epilog.
In this book, there is a POV shift, so it's not all Nate, which I was disappointed about, as I wanted to read about Nate going postal on Avalon. We finally find out some key aspects about Nate's history and who BOTH his parents are, which came utterly left of field for me.
Just like with the original Harlequin books, this is a slow burn, but it didn't feel padded to keep the page count up. Steve McHugh has always been very good at building the wider world around a protagonist, but still keeping everything from the previous books tied to the current plot. Other than a couple of time skips, the book really is about Nate returning to his magic and what is happening in that moment.
One thing I would strongly advise to people, is to totally reread all of the previous books, just because the world is so complex and if I hadn't done so, I would have gotten lost on some aspects of this book.
All in all this book keeps up the high standard from the previous Nate books and I am happy we are back to reading about him
We finally have the return of Nate and he was awesome to have him back, but we got to see him at 3 key points of power. The human part, the return of magic and the epilog.
In this book, there is a POV shift, so it's not all Nate, which I was disappointed about, as I wanted to read about Nate going postal on Avalon. We finally find out some key aspects about Nate's history and who BOTH his parents are, which came utterly left of field for me.
Just like with the original Harlequin books, this is a slow burn, but it didn't feel padded to keep the page count up. Steve McHugh has always been very good at building the wider world around a protagonist, but still keeping everything from the previous books tied to the current plot. Other than a couple of time skips, the book really is about Nate returning to his magic and what is happening in that moment.
One thing I would strongly advise to people, is to totally reread all of the previous books, just because the world is so complex and if I hadn't done so, I would have gotten lost on some aspects of this book.
All in all this book keeps up the high standard from the previous Nate books and I am happy we are back to reading about him
November 25, 2019
Thousand times more fun
I was thinking of doing a one star review why ? Well because the book ended! Seriously I have been can of Steve's from his original first run and have enjoyed reading every Book, he has really grew My favorite author. This book delivers the answer to a question that has been on my mind and probably every fans sInce way back and the way it comes around and link up with some other character is really amazing as I masterfully crafted by Steve.Ok more was done In the book but that plays greatly in what is to come. Can't not mention the fifth little Fox man but nate threw out some cracking lines that would rival him .
I was thinking of doing a one star review why ? Well because the book ended! Seriously I have been can of Steve's from his original first run and have enjoyed reading every Book, he has really grew My favorite author. This book delivers the answer to a question that has been on my mind and probably every fans sInce way back and the way it comes around and link up with some other character is really amazing as I masterfully crafted by Steve.Ok more was done In the book but that plays greatly in what is to come. Can't not mention the fifth little Fox man but nate threw out some cracking lines that would rival him .
November 23, 2019
Nate is finally back (Yay!... But with caveats).
I am so happy to get back into Nate's story in this book. It's been over two years since we last had a story from his perspective and it has felt like a really long time considering how that story ended. It always felt like such a strange move to me to have an author build a series to such a high note and then let it cool for two years (I know there were the Avalon Chronicles in between, but more on those later). Sure enough, I eagerly come back to this series and a lot of that momentum has been lost as it's been so long since Scorched shadows. I probably should have re-read them all leading up to this, but I was just so excited to read it straight away.
However, that being said, it was really good.
We finally get some long-awaited answers to some questions, some resolutions to long-teased storylines, and a nice set up for the future books to come. The world has progressed quite significantly in the two years Nate was in hiding which is something I love. Most of all though, it felt as though the restraints are finally being removed and we're going to get the Nate I've been wanting to see for a long time.
So yeah, I loved this book... though there are a few caveats.
1 - Layla - I'm just not interested. I read all the Avalon books but I just never clicked with this character or the stories she was involved in. They just felt like filler novels until Nate came back to either entice a younger/different demographic to this series, or to just give Mr McHugh a break from writing the main plot. However, now we're back on the main storyline and between 1/4 and 1/3 of this book are made up of chapters with her as the POV that still feel like filler. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate her, I'm just not interested in her story when Nate is somewhere else having a much more interesting time of things.
(On a side note, I maintain that Layla was always the wrong choice of protagonist for that series as Kase would have been a much more interesting character to follow. Kase had the right characteristics to draw in a different demographic if that was required and she could have had adventures that would welcome in a new audience just as well as Layla. However, she also had the tie to the old series for us longer serving fans who had already come to know and love her. Finally, I just find her mixed heritage and her position in the world Steve McHugh has created far more interesting than this new girl that pushed this more interesting character onto the sidelines.)
2 - A long build-up - Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the first 60% of this story and were it the first novel in a completely new series (not just a continuance of an old series) I would not have a problem with it. However, considering the larger story and where we left off with Scorched Shadows, I was chomping at the bit to finally get to where we already knew Nate was going to get eventually anyway. Maybe that's on me as an impatient reader, but I feel like we've already had 7 full-length novels of build-up (10 if you include Avalon Chronicles), and I didn't need more than half of another one with yet more build-up.
3 - Revealed Secrets coming from nowhere -
Overall I enjoyed this book and it is good to have Nate back again, but I think this book definitely suffered from the long break. I think the author felt he needed to ease back into the character and overarching story which slowed the book down when he could have just ridden the high of Scorched Shadows and come out with this book 1.5 years earlier and it would have had a much bigger impact.
I am looking forward to the next book though, and I'm eager to see what happens next.
I am so happy to get back into Nate's story in this book. It's been over two years since we last had a story from his perspective and it has felt like a really long time considering how that story ended. It always felt like such a strange move to me to have an author build a series to such a high note and then let it cool for two years (I know there were the Avalon Chronicles in between, but more on those later). Sure enough, I eagerly come back to this series and a lot of that momentum has been lost as it's been so long since Scorched shadows. I probably should have re-read them all leading up to this, but I was just so excited to read it straight away.
However, that being said, it was really good.
We finally get some long-awaited answers to some questions, some resolutions to long-teased storylines, and a nice set up for the future books to come. The world has progressed quite significantly in the two years Nate was in hiding which is something I love. Most of all though, it felt as though the restraints are finally being removed and we're going to get the Nate I've been wanting to see for a long time.
So yeah, I loved this book... though there are a few caveats.
1 - Layla - I'm just not interested. I read all the Avalon books but I just never clicked with this character or the stories she was involved in. They just felt like filler novels until Nate came back to either entice a younger/different demographic to this series, or to just give Mr McHugh a break from writing the main plot. However, now we're back on the main storyline and between 1/4 and 1/3 of this book are made up of chapters with her as the POV that still feel like filler. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate her, I'm just not interested in her story when Nate is somewhere else having a much more interesting time of things.
(On a side note, I maintain that Layla was always the wrong choice of protagonist for that series as Kase would have been a much more interesting character to follow. Kase had the right characteristics to draw in a different demographic if that was required and she could have had adventures that would welcome in a new audience just as well as Layla. However, she also had the tie to the old series for us longer serving fans who had already come to know and love her. Finally, I just find her mixed heritage and her position in the world Steve McHugh has created far more interesting than this new girl that pushed this more interesting character onto the sidelines.)
2 - A long build-up - Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the first 60% of this story and were it the first novel in a completely new series (not just a continuance of an old series) I would not have a problem with it. However, considering the larger story and where we left off with Scorched Shadows, I was chomping at the bit to finally get to where we already knew Nate was going to get eventually anyway. Maybe that's on me as an impatient reader, but I feel like we've already had 7 full-length novels of build-up (10 if you include Avalon Chronicles), and I didn't need more than half of another one with yet more build-up.
3 - Revealed Secrets coming from nowhere -
Overall I enjoyed this book and it is good to have Nate back again, but I think this book definitely suffered from the long break. I think the author felt he needed to ease back into the character and overarching story which slowed the book down when he could have just ridden the high of Scorched Shadows and come out with this book 1.5 years earlier and it would have had a much bigger impact.
I am looking forward to the next book though, and I'm eager to see what happens next.
November 27, 2019
4.5 Stars
Yay, he's back!!!
My favorite sorcerer Nathan Garrett is back with a bang and ready to kick Avalon's ass. I've been eagerly waiting for this book, to see Nate come to his full power after the last of the blood curse marks disappeared. It has all been building up in the last book of Hellequin Chronicles, Scorched Shadows. I trust in Mchugh's story telling skills and he didn't let me down. I enjoyed every second of reading this book. The spark that had been missing in Avalon Chronicles was back as were the rest of the familiar characters and their camaraderie which I've always enjoyed.
After briefly hashing the events that happened at the end of Scorched Shadows, we see a very human Nate living in Clockwork, Oregon recuperating and bidding his time. Human or sorcerer Nate is still the same kickass who will do the right thing. So, when a group of mercenaries threaten the good people of the town Nate jumps right in even though he's quite vulnerable as a human.
The pacing is good and there's not a single moment where the story lags or become boring. There are some great fights- Steve Mchugh is good at writing action sequence. It is set in a world already well built in Hellequin books, it's complex, rich and brilliant and you cannot fully understand nor enjoy it if you haven't read the Hellequin Chronicles or even the Avalon Chronicles. Even though I didn't like the later spinoff it does fills in the events when Nate was out of the picture and nicely ties in with Sorcery Reborn.
The story is told from Nate and Layla's perspective and because of that I took half a star. I wanted this to be all from Nate's pov. It was interesting to see what the other part of the rebel group was up to but I'm not a fan of Layla. I wish it was told from someone else's perspective who has been part of this world from the original series. For me Layla is an outsider and will always remain that way. To see her leading a group that is far more talented and experienced than her is just improbable.
There has always been mystery surrounding Nate's parents. We did find out that his mother was a Valkyrie. In this Nate's father is revealed and I must say I was shocked. I hope to see Nate in Asgard in the next book. A no-holds-barred Nate at the peak of his power and his group of rebels against the might of Avalon.
Steve Mchugh once again delivered an epic book full of action, emotions and intrigue with lots of lively characters and witty dialogues. His books are a must read for those who love urban fantasy and mythology.
Yay, he's back!!!
My favorite sorcerer Nathan Garrett is back with a bang and ready to kick Avalon's ass. I've been eagerly waiting for this book, to see Nate come to his full power after the last of the blood curse marks disappeared. It has all been building up in the last book of Hellequin Chronicles, Scorched Shadows. I trust in Mchugh's story telling skills and he didn't let me down. I enjoyed every second of reading this book. The spark that had been missing in Avalon Chronicles was back as were the rest of the familiar characters and their camaraderie which I've always enjoyed.
After briefly hashing the events that happened at the end of Scorched Shadows, we see a very human Nate living in Clockwork, Oregon recuperating and bidding his time. Human or sorcerer Nate is still the same kickass who will do the right thing. So, when a group of mercenaries threaten the good people of the town Nate jumps right in even though he's quite vulnerable as a human.
The pacing is good and there's not a single moment where the story lags or become boring. There are some great fights- Steve Mchugh is good at writing action sequence. It is set in a world already well built in Hellequin books, it's complex, rich and brilliant and you cannot fully understand nor enjoy it if you haven't read the Hellequin Chronicles or even the Avalon Chronicles. Even though I didn't like the later spinoff it does fills in the events when Nate was out of the picture and nicely ties in with Sorcery Reborn.
The story is told from Nate and Layla's perspective and because of that I took half a star. I wanted this to be all from Nate's pov. It was interesting to see what the other part of the rebel group was up to but I'm not a fan of Layla. I wish it was told from someone else's perspective who has been part of this world from the original series. For me Layla is an outsider and will always remain that way. To see her leading a group that is far more talented and experienced than her is just improbable.
There has always been mystery surrounding Nate's parents. We did find out that his mother was a Valkyrie. In this Nate's father is revealed and I must say I was shocked. I hope to see Nate in Asgard in the next book. A no-holds-barred Nate at the peak of his power and his group of rebels against the might of Avalon.
Steve Mchugh once again delivered an epic book full of action, emotions and intrigue with lots of lively characters and witty dialogues. His books are a must read for those who love urban fantasy and mythology.
December 31, 2022
McHugh wields his large cast list with aplomb, each one sketched out in enough essential detail for the reader to get a sense of their nature and motivations. My only experience of Wheel of Time has been a short story that appeared in an anthology I reviewed, but again there was that sense of a large cast and some elaborate backstories converging on a single point of conflict.
No book is entirely isolated from its context and I can sense a degree of McHugh venting frustrations, as a deceitful organisation that has taken over the world and filled the airwaves with lies finds there are people willing to confront it with every means possible. Nazis appear and are thumped pretty much into kingdom come, as Nate avers that their stubborn intractability makes them “the chlamydia of hate groups.”
He also has not just a medusa (always a plus point for me) but The Medusa, who observes:
“They’ll turn this entire world into one giant police state,” Medusa said. “And they’ll do it with human approval.”
And one of the bad guys notes of journalists on the sidelines of an impending massacre/atrocity: “These people…will say what I want them to say. Any journalists here work for us. The story will be whatever we decide the story is.” Something that has a particular poignancy for me writing this in the UK on the 1st February 2020.
Nate is a wisecracking protagonist who dares to provoke his opponents in ways even Chuck Norris
might think about for a second or two.
The action quickly speeds up to full throttle and doesn’t come down from that level very often or for very long. The action sequences make for a very digestible book that sweeps the reader along more with the feel than the detail of what is happening as the cut and thrust of magic and bullet threaten death and destruction. Some gods, however, do not die easily.
I read and reviewed this for the fantasy hive and you can read the full review here
No book is entirely isolated from its context and I can sense a degree of McHugh venting frustrations, as a deceitful organisation that has taken over the world and filled the airwaves with lies finds there are people willing to confront it with every means possible. Nazis appear and are thumped pretty much into kingdom come, as Nate avers that their stubborn intractability makes them “the chlamydia of hate groups.”
He also has not just a medusa (always a plus point for me) but The Medusa, who observes:
“They’ll turn this entire world into one giant police state,” Medusa said. “And they’ll do it with human approval.”
And one of the bad guys notes of journalists on the sidelines of an impending massacre/atrocity: “These people…will say what I want them to say. Any journalists here work for us. The story will be whatever we decide the story is.” Something that has a particular poignancy for me writing this in the UK on the 1st February 2020.
Nate is a wisecracking protagonist who dares to provoke his opponents in ways even Chuck Norris
might think about for a second or two.
The action quickly speeds up to full throttle and doesn’t come down from that level very often or for very long. The action sequences make for a very digestible book that sweeps the reader along more with the feel than the detail of what is happening as the cut and thrust of magic and bullet threaten death and destruction. Some gods, however, do not die easily.
I read and reviewed this for the fantasy hive and you can read the full review here
November 22, 2019
I’ve been beside myself with excitement for months because I NEED more Nate! Glad to say I’m not at all disappointed, if anything it was better than I thought it would be!
I worried that having Nate without powers for a large portion of the book would make for a boring story but it was anything but. (Spoiler alert, he regains them at around 64%, along with his father’s identity) It proves how good of a writer McHugh is because it’s still gripping and a beautifully woven story, with a protagonist who could be rather flat in the hands of a different author. Despite being human Nate is still utterly kick ass and it was still believable that he could take down those who actually had powers whilst he was mortal and sans power. It also shows that he’s the same good, kind, loyal man without magic, the magic doesn’t make Nate a hero, NATE makes Nate a hero.
The basic premise is that 2 years on from Nate’s ‘death’ at Mordred’s (still one of my favourite characters! Not enough of him and his game tunes though!) hand, Nate is living in Clockwork (great town name), Oregon (although I do keep calling it A Clockwork Orange in my head, but that says more about my intriguing brain than anything else) awaiting the return of his powers so he can help save the world. There’s a slight worry about his powers being a few months late, but he’s created a relatively nice, quiet life and managed to stay out of trouble....until some Nazis turn up - dontcha just hate that?! - and start harassing a family he is friends with. In fact two members of the family are some of the few who knows Nate’s backstory, so there is a definite worry that Avalon are about to stumble onto the man they were so relieved was dead. Sucks to be Avalon!
Robert, the cockwomble in charge of the Nazis, is the ex of one of the granddaughters of Nate’s friends, and he has the exact type of fragile masculinity that makes you just want to him kick in the area his balls should be, if he wasn’t such a little bitch. He disliked the fact that his ex Jessica, left him for another man due to his aforementioned cockwombling fragile masculinity. He’s trying his level best to destroy Jessica’s life by claiming her son as his, despite the impossibility of dates (and his lack of man parts, hence his over compensation - ok the lack of male genitalia isn’t actually IN the book, but having known a few like him, that’s what’s happening in my head) and generally making a nuisance of himself. Having his Nazi buddies harass her and her boss means Nate has to get involved, cos, well it’s Nate, and shit truly hitteth the fan. Turns out they’re working with Baldr. Who really does not like Nate, and has a mummy complex.
Nate defends the family and gets them to supposed safety in Portland, to Medusa (yes the snake lady, who in true McHugh style, is actually a goodie and the myths surrounding her were created by her enemies. Nice comment on history being recorded by the winners) and Isis who are protecting Baldr’s mum Frigg. Unfortunately, Jessica and her grandfather end up kidnapped by Bob and his merry band of bellends, leaving a swathe of unexplained bodies behind. Nate and Brooke, a deputy of Clockwork, set off to find them but are captured (and at this point the fate of the Aston Martin becomes uncertain, but if it’s destroyed I’ll be miffed) and taken back to Clockwork to hear Bob’s master plan. They’ve been using the blood of an intelligent creature called a grendel to power up humans, and are planning on releasing it at a mass protest against Avalon. The humans would then go beserk and Avalon would have leverage to force through legislation to ‘protect’ the world from these ‘terrorists’. Luckily, Nate’s friend/handler Chris (who is not Chris, but is actually another supposed mythological being - who picked his name of ‘Chris Hopkins for a VERY fun reason!) turns up to get him out, but it’s sadly too late for Brooke who is killed by her estranged grendel-fuelled twin sister Addison, who was pally with one of the Nazi boys. Nate and ‘Chris’ free the grendel but as they’re escaping Nate is shot - and he’s still human 😱
‘Chris’ battles to save Nate’s life but is failing until Erebus has a chat to Nate and tells him to ask ‘Chris’ for the missing part of his name. Nate finally finds out who his father is....Odin! I’d thought it had to be Odin since the question was first raised in the Hellequin Chronicles so I’m glad to know I was right, that’s always nice! I also guessed who ‘Chris’ is but that one was a bit of a gimme. This knowledge is the final thing that releases Nate’s power and, after a chat with Erebus, and a very sweet goodbye, Nate receives his message from Odin, in the same way he received one from his mother Brynhildr. With all the information unlocked his power comes roaring back and he levels a large chunk of forest. Nate now has uber power for 18 hours and uses it well to take down the Nazi dickheads...yay Nate!
There is also some skipping between Layla (the lead character in the Avalon Chronicles) and Nate, as Layla and her team continue to search for the dwarves and Shadow Elves in Jotunheim but it’s not too distracting or fragmented.
There’s obviously a lot extra, a Ragnarok prophecy, Jessica’s sister not being human, a couple of surprise pregnancies/births, a former couple who I’m rooting for and another Harbinger trial ordeal for Nate to shorten the time until he has full control of all his powers, but it never feels too busy and it zips along at a fair pace.
So, once again a brilliant read from one of my very favourite authors. I did miss some of the characters, Mordred, Tommy and Remy notably, that I would have loved to see more of, but I’m hoping book two will start to bring everyone back together. With so many characters these books could easily become too complex, but McHugh is a master of balancing everyone and creating characters that you love and want more of.
Absolutely no negatives to say! Which is always good!
Now I have to wait for book two....gonna be a looooong few months 😔😢
,
I worried that having Nate without powers for a large portion of the book would make for a boring story but it was anything but. (Spoiler alert, he regains them at around 64%, along with his father’s identity) It proves how good of a writer McHugh is because it’s still gripping and a beautifully woven story, with a protagonist who could be rather flat in the hands of a different author. Despite being human Nate is still utterly kick ass and it was still believable that he could take down those who actually had powers whilst he was mortal and sans power. It also shows that he’s the same good, kind, loyal man without magic, the magic doesn’t make Nate a hero, NATE makes Nate a hero.
The basic premise is that 2 years on from Nate’s ‘death’ at Mordred’s (still one of my favourite characters! Not enough of him and his game tunes though!) hand, Nate is living in Clockwork (great town name), Oregon (although I do keep calling it A Clockwork Orange in my head, but that says more about my intriguing brain than anything else) awaiting the return of his powers so he can help save the world. There’s a slight worry about his powers being a few months late, but he’s created a relatively nice, quiet life and managed to stay out of trouble....until some Nazis turn up - dontcha just hate that?! - and start harassing a family he is friends with. In fact two members of the family are some of the few who knows Nate’s backstory, so there is a definite worry that Avalon are about to stumble onto the man they were so relieved was dead. Sucks to be Avalon!
Robert, the cockwomble in charge of the Nazis, is the ex of one of the granddaughters of Nate’s friends, and he has the exact type of fragile masculinity that makes you just want to him kick in the area his balls should be, if he wasn’t such a little bitch. He disliked the fact that his ex Jessica, left him for another man due to his aforementioned cockwombling fragile masculinity. He’s trying his level best to destroy Jessica’s life by claiming her son as his, despite the impossibility of dates (and his lack of man parts, hence his over compensation - ok the lack of male genitalia isn’t actually IN the book, but having known a few like him, that’s what’s happening in my head) and generally making a nuisance of himself. Having his Nazi buddies harass her and her boss means Nate has to get involved, cos, well it’s Nate, and shit truly hitteth the fan. Turns out they’re working with Baldr. Who really does not like Nate, and has a mummy complex.
Nate defends the family and gets them to supposed safety in Portland, to Medusa (yes the snake lady, who in true McHugh style, is actually a goodie and the myths surrounding her were created by her enemies. Nice comment on history being recorded by the winners) and Isis who are protecting Baldr’s mum Frigg. Unfortunately, Jessica and her grandfather end up kidnapped by Bob and his merry band of bellends, leaving a swathe of unexplained bodies behind. Nate and Brooke, a deputy of Clockwork, set off to find them but are captured (and at this point the fate of the Aston Martin becomes uncertain, but if it’s destroyed I’ll be miffed) and taken back to Clockwork to hear Bob’s master plan. They’ve been using the blood of an intelligent creature called a grendel to power up humans, and are planning on releasing it at a mass protest against Avalon. The humans would then go beserk and Avalon would have leverage to force through legislation to ‘protect’ the world from these ‘terrorists’. Luckily, Nate’s friend/handler Chris (who is not Chris, but is actually another supposed mythological being - who picked his name of ‘Chris Hopkins for a VERY fun reason!) turns up to get him out, but it’s sadly too late for Brooke who is killed by her estranged grendel-fuelled twin sister Addison, who was pally with one of the Nazi boys. Nate and ‘Chris’ free the grendel but as they’re escaping Nate is shot - and he’s still human 😱
‘Chris’ battles to save Nate’s life but is failing until Erebus has a chat to Nate and tells him to ask ‘Chris’ for the missing part of his name. Nate finally finds out who his father is....Odin! I’d thought it had to be Odin since the question was first raised in the Hellequin Chronicles so I’m glad to know I was right, that’s always nice! I also guessed who ‘Chris’ is but that one was a bit of a gimme. This knowledge is the final thing that releases Nate’s power and, after a chat with Erebus, and a very sweet goodbye, Nate receives his message from Odin, in the same way he received one from his mother Brynhildr. With all the information unlocked his power comes roaring back and he levels a large chunk of forest. Nate now has uber power for 18 hours and uses it well to take down the Nazi dickheads...yay Nate!
There is also some skipping between Layla (the lead character in the Avalon Chronicles) and Nate, as Layla and her team continue to search for the dwarves and Shadow Elves in Jotunheim but it’s not too distracting or fragmented.
There’s obviously a lot extra, a Ragnarok prophecy, Jessica’s sister not being human, a couple of surprise pregnancies/births, a former couple who I’m rooting for and another Harbinger trial ordeal for Nate to shorten the time until he has full control of all his powers, but it never feels too busy and it zips along at a fair pace.
So, once again a brilliant read from one of my very favourite authors. I did miss some of the characters, Mordred, Tommy and Remy notably, that I would have loved to see more of, but I’m hoping book two will start to bring everyone back together. With so many characters these books could easily become too complex, but McHugh is a master of balancing everyone and creating characters that you love and want more of.
Absolutely no negatives to say! Which is always good!
Now I have to wait for book two....gonna be a looooong few months 😔😢
,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2019
This was my first McHugh read. Even with this being the 1st in a series; I was totally overwhelmed with the multitude of characters and what was going on. Felt lost but did manage to finish. Nate Garrett has or did have god powers that were used for good. Since he lost these gifts he was forced to wait until they returned and do so in hiding with the rest of the world thinking he was dead. Major bad guys taking over the world and what Nate and his team had to do to bring BAD to their knees. Writing was fine and flowed well. "A copy of this book was provided by Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
November 26, 2019
McHugh's rollercoaster start to a new Nate series
As usual, a McHugh book is action-packed and nonstop fun from start to end. The dramatic fights escalate with each encounter to an appropriately dramatic climax!
I do sometimes wish he'd spend a little more time with some of the more emotional moments to allow them their full impact, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise spectacular ride.
As usual, a McHugh book is action-packed and nonstop fun from start to end. The dramatic fights escalate with each encounter to an appropriately dramatic climax!
I do sometimes wish he'd spend a little more time with some of the more emotional moments to allow them their full impact, but it's a minor quibble in an otherwise spectacular ride.
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