Half-Blood's Bargain

Urban Arcanology #2

by S.C. Stokes

There was a time when a deadly curse was the worst of Seth’s problems.

Driven by his need to find a cure, Seth struck a bargain with the Red Knight. Now the debt is due, and the deadly criminal has come to collect.

But Knight’s price is too high, he wants Seth to kidnap the Oracle of Delphi. Failure will mean death for those Seth loves, but success will incur the wrath of the god, Apollo.

Running the knife’s blade between deadly criminals and divine punishment, Seth discovers an unfortunate truth. He is not the only one searching for the Oracle.

Can Seth find her before his fate is sealed?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2021

About the author

Sam is a writer of magically-charged fantasy adventures. His passion for action, magic and intrigue spawned his Arcanoverse; a delightfully deluded universe that blends magic, myth, and the modern world in a melting pot that frequently explodes.

When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.

Reviews

[Donadee's Corner]

Samuel Stokes – UA Bk 2 – Half-Blood’s Bargain – Reviewed 7/10/21 – Read 7/7-8/21

Making a bargain with the devil leads to trouble for Seth in “Half-Blood’s Bargain”

Seth knows that time is running out for him and his father, forcing him to take risks that he would not normally take. His father has finally come to terms with the fact that what Seth has been able to find out is more than he has ever known, but what next? After the disaster in Panama and Lara helping him escape with all his hide in tack, his mom and dad understood that she was very special to him. When they returned, they welcomed Lara into their home, they knew that they just needed to relax for a while and let their minds and bodies heal from the fiasco.

Lara and Seth decided to go out to dinner and as they reached his car, which had been brought up and parked just in front of the house, the car exploded. He felt Lara’s hand torn from him and the flames roared up from the car. With pieces flying in all directions, he felt something strike him in the leg and knock him to the gravel driveway, the air was forced from his lungs and the smell of the burnt rubber and gas was terrible. What he couldn’t figure out was how anyone could manage to plant a device in his car with the security that was in place at Weybridge Manor, it is a virtual fortress. His mind was racing in all directions, who, why, and Oh My God, where is Lara!!!!

Join Seth and Lara in the search for answers to both the car and the curse…

What did I like? This series has started with a bang and wow, it is not stopping yet. I love the reason for the search and what Seth is doing to stop the torcher that his father is going through, and of course, the fact that he is next in line to receive it, should anything happen to his father. All of the complications, the bargains, the promises, and the debts to be repaid are high prices, but worth it only if he can find the right answer???

What will you like? As I said a bang-up start that is not slowing down, the action ramps in so many ways, danger, mystery, debts owed, and the wrath of the god Apollo hanging over his head. Will the knife help him, or will it be the death of him? What happens with the Red Knight when Seth comes out, will his debt be repaid? So many questions that will be answered in the "Half-Blood’s Bargain.” Available now!

• ASIN: B0995ZLGHJ
• Publisher: Prescient Publishing
• Publication Date: 7/11/2021
• File Size: 3874 KB
• Genre: Paranormal & Urban Fantasy

[Elda]

Your head will spin with all the action here!
Seth gets in and out of trouble so many times here it will make your head spin. At least this time he has some friends to tag along, however that may be a hindrance or help. We also forge through Greek mythology lessons as Seth is attempting to keep a promise to repay a debt to a crime lord. All he has to do is kidnap the Oracle supposedly in the Temple of Apollo. Piece of cake?! I was awed by all the action in this story and Mr. Stokes descriptions of them allowed me to be there in the midst of it all. I’m sure that anyone will be entertained with this story as I was. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers everywhere.

[Carol Brandon]

Another winner! I’m loving Seth, the honest thief, and his escapades. Having narrowly escaped the Inquisition, Seth is looking forward to relaxing with Lara, his fiancé, and continuing to search for an answer to his family’s curse. But it isn’t that easy … a car bomb almost kills them, and Seth goes looking for answers. And Edward Knight wants Seth to repay the favour he owes him. A simple task … find and kidnap the Oracle of Delphi. Can Seth do it? Will he do it? What would failure cost? I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.

[Gayreth Walden]

Trouble seems to follow Seth Caldwell!

I have to say I started reading this book and could not stop until I finished it. This book is a fast paced, edge of your seat thrill. Plenty of action and I love the magic! Seth is a wizard, thief and adventurer. He has to pay a debt to a Crime Lord by stealing the Oracle. He doesn't even know if the Oracle is real or myth! This quest may be a killer and not just for Seth! This is an action packed urban fantasy adventure that will keep you glued to the pages. Total entertainment and I am looking forward to the next book!

[Kendi]

Stokes has done it again!

All I have to say about this book is wowza wowza! I fell in love with the series the second I read the first book, and this one kept that feeling going strong! It's exciting, it's compelling... I especially loved the playful banter between the characters, and the mystery surrounding one of Seth's friends in particular... (I won't say who as to not spoil it, but man, I. Am. Curious. As. Heck!) I'll definitely be diving into the next book soon, because I am addicted to this series!

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog)]

Halfblood’s Bargain

Fantastic! A thrilling action-packed installment that blends mythology, history, and magic together beautifully. I loved the story and really enjoyed uncovering more about the characters and the dreaded curse. With so many new mysteries and exciting twists I couldn’t put this book down from the start. I can’t wait for the next book especially with that ending! Eek!

[Roger]

Half-Blood's Bargain (Urban Arcanology Book 2), my fifth read from author Samuel Stokes. Breakneck pace, intricately & tightly woven story line. A must read for Indiana Jones lovers! “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. the next book in the series, Half-Blood's Debt (Urban Arcanology Book 3) . (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[LooseBoots]

Halfblood’s Bargain
A worthy sequel. Seth has his work cut out in this one. Lots of magic , action packed and the contacts with Athenian gods.
Brilliant fantasy read. Almost deducted a star as I don’t like cliffhanger endings but it was such a great read, I didn’t have the heart.
A must read, now desperately waiting for the next book !!!!
Did you get that last bit Sam.

[Quilting Tangent]

Find the Oracle of Delphi
Seth faces death many times in a very short time to pay back Edward Knight. So many interesting references to the Greek gods, Peruvian Magic, Curse and etc. Samuel Stokes wove them together so wonderfully. Looking forward to the rest of this original magical, action adventure series.

[Larry B Gray]

Awesome Adventure

An excellent adventure, full of action and intrigue. I could not put down the storyline was so captivating. The characters are well developed and easy to identify with. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.

[Releanna]

I really like the series!
What I'm wondering, though, that even authors and/or editors have problems to use I and me correctly. English is not my first language but I just don't see why that is such a problem.

[Marlys]

This was a great book. I am enjoying reading about the adventures that happen to Seth and his fiance Lana. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Loraina Snowden]

Urban Arcanology #2

Another really good read by this author. This series is interesting and has a good storyline with strong characters that make it worth following.

[Stephen Levesque]

This is a well written and developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[Noxwitchbooklife]

Such action packed magical awesomeness.

I'm really enjoying this series and can't get enough.

[Shivani McFarland]

Book Two of the Urban Arcanology Series 'Half Blood Bargain' is a joy to read and so exciting. If you have read any of S.C. Stokes books you know what you are in for. His new series is part Indiana Jones with a lot of magic and real gods and goddesses thrown in. His writing is exciting and your burn through the pages, it's that entertaining of a story. If you want to disappear into an expedition adventure this is it. The protagonist is looking for lost artifacts but more important a way to break the family curse. At times he's unscrupulous in his acquisitions but is growing into his responsibilities and bit more mature??? Nefarious action abounds but he has his back covered by close friends: a bodyguard, best gal friend shapeshifter and a new girlfriend who is a CIA operative make up his cadre.
Stokes intent is to entertain us and that he does. Do yourself a favor and pick up this new series, you won't be disappointed.