Blackcoat

by Steve McHugh

From the award nominated, bestselling author of the Hellequin Chronicles. When Celine Moro took a job as a Blackcoat, an elite agency tasked with investigating crimes throughout Union space, she thought she had finally put her past to rest.Now, betrayed by her allies, her world is falling apart. Running from the corrupt politicians that she had sworn to bring to justice, Celine is dusting off the skills of her old trade in order to bring truth to light.The only thing bringing her comfort is knowing how much worse her friends are eventually going to feel about their betrayal.

Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2021

About the author

Steve 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

Reviews

[Liis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love myself a good thriller, a good fight scene, and a good straight forward and adrenaline fuelled romp through the maze of scifi gadgets, evil inventions and intergalactical intrigue. Sometimes, it is the best kind of entertainment you can ask for.

Blackcoat is part-time revenge story, part-time fighting for what’s right. Both goals equally promise and deliver on high octane action. Blasting guns, flying fists, beautifully choreographed fight scenes, bonus points for ingenuity when some creative choices are made for weaponry. Blackcoat could easily be one of the blockbuster action movies, in fact. As it happens, a large serving of corrupt power needs to get its ass kicked and thus Steve McHugh has given us Celine Moro, ex army, current Blackcoat.

From start to finish, it seems like Celine simply can’t catch a break. But Celine isn’t about to don a frilly dress and throw a damsel in distress in hopes for some macho to come and save the day. Oh no, she ain’t going to dump her problems on some alpha male’s workdesk and ask him to sort it out with a bat of eyelashes. She doesn’t do that, ever. She simply cracks on, and keeps moving forward and if in the process she can eliminate some bad, corrupt bastards – hey ho, mission accomplished! Celine knows how to handle a weapon, she knows how to keep a mindset in a situation where there is simply no getting away and she bloody well gets away! And I bet you have a burning question…

A female character, written in first person POV, by a male author… I bet you just wonder how much cringe there’s going to be. After all, men have been the authors of some truly “epic” insight into the female characteristics, both in body and mind. Well, get this – McHugh actually writes a really kick ass female character with zero weird comments about boobs, clothing, or any of the sort. Celine is just a woman, and she is one hell of a woman to boot!

I love it when 120 pages give me the high I was chasing. Blackcoat is undeniably entertaining and with enough scifi to satisfy the mind’s eye, but not overly complicated in terms of tech for the visual in your head to become a vague gobbledygook. And I love how much the author has gotten into this story with these limited amount of pages. I dare say, the length of this novella was probably what managed to make it so wonderfully memorable!

Having said that- there is still heaps and tons of opportunity to expand into sequels, prequels and spin offs because the world McHugh has imagined is, truly, spanning the entire Universe and we can grab them laser guns and Energy Mist and go dance off on the limitless planets! It’s genius, really… Besides, Celine’s story seems to be far from over!

[Tissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celine, the MC, has been betrayed and sentenced to death; luck seems to be on her side though, because she manages to escape from prison and starts planning her revenge.

[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]

[Orlando Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully the start of a new series!

This was a great story that was over too soon! Thank you Steve for an exciting adventure in a new world of your imagination. I look forward to reading more in this world!

[Lee Willie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic new novel

I'm a big fan or Steve McHugh's Hellequin universe novels and couldn't wait to get stuck into this one.
Downloaded this early this morning and couldn't put it down. Great new cast of characters and can't wait to read more of Celine's adventures, I hope this is the start of another fantastic series.

[Mike Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!
I won't post any spoilers, I promise.
I haven't read any space saga sci fi for years. Mostly sticking with fantasy. This was a great excursion back to my youth. But better.
Loved it. Of course being a novella it's over too soon, but I'm looking forward to the next episode....
Thanks Steve

[Marielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the start of the pandemic I haven't nearly been reading the number of books I used to. With this in mind it's a huge compliment that sat down and read this book from start to finish! (It's only 118 pages but still a big compliment!)
I love the Hellequin books so I was keen on reading about this whole new character in a new genre!
I immensly enjoyed it as the fast paced, thrilling novella that it is.
I do really hope we get to read more about Celine her future AND her past!

[Alec Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series (hopefully)

More please...

Entering this new genre was a fantastic idea... I loved the Nate series and I've read them all multiple times... I hope to be able to do the same with these!

[Westveil Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was granted ARC access to Blackcoat by author Steve McHugh who kindly mailed me a print copy so that I could review this title for a tour with Storytellers on Tour. Thank you Steve and Storytellers for the opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

"Tell me again why we were never closer friends?"
"I'm a Blackcoat, you're a criminal."


Don't let the short page count fool you, this novella is absolutely packed with gripping action and witty banter that will keep you reading, cover to cover, in one sitting. Imagine all the sadistic tech of The Hunger Games, give it to a corrupt city-state leader and an illegal drug den, and let it loose on a dystopian city with a thriving underground that everyone pretends not to know about and a policing force full of personnel with hidden records.

Trias must be stopped and Celine is going to be the one to do it, even if she has to die on the job getting it done. She's exactly the sort of no-bullshit heroin you'd expect in an adult dystopian, just as deadly with her quick tongue as she is with her plasma blades, and completely out of fucks to give about how anyone else is going to explain away their involvement (or non-involvement) in her mission.

This is definitely more of a "space opera" style Sci-Fi than a hard Sci-Fi in that it's an entirely character-driven plot bent on stopping an individual, rather than posing a "what if?" question about a bit of science's effect on humanity. The setting is dystopian second-Earth anywhere, we get just enough descriptions and explanations of the setting, tech, etc. to follow along smoothly, and otherwise, it's a classic good cop gone rogue to stop the dictator sort of story. I like it, it works, but I did wish for just a little more details and descriptors here and there. For example, the closer Celine gets to having a chance at that ultimate boss fight, the more she encounters "creatures" that SFF bookworms may equate to the mutts of The Hunger Games. But is that what they are? I want to know more!

Overall this was a great read and has definitely inspired me to add Steve's backlist to my TBR. Thank you once again for the ARC!

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*

A quick to read and entertaining book, which is a steal for the ebook price.
Celine is a well rounded character, with her own demons and a back story that is gagging for more attention, than the glimmers offered in a couple of scenes. To me it comes across as Thin Air lite (RK Morgan) and the character stands up well in comparison.

She begins in jail after a betrayal and removal of her associates, progresses through, jailbreak, escape, rearmament and a just a smidge of revenge. Worldbuilding is to the point, effective and the storyline is focused with little superfluous meat, and cool side characters, and is over all too soon.

There's no bad thing to wanting more, and something has worked well in provoking the response. At 124 pages, it has scope and space for further opportunities, and that isn't taken up. With the job offer at the end, it crossed my mind whether this was a prologue or background that was fleshed up for it's own feature.

If so, I'm massively looking forward to Celine reappearing in further adventures, with a few more scars. If not, the envelope could have been pushed further in the carnage and betrayals. The curve ball when it came was unexpected in terms of threat and worked well. The ending well rounded, if terse and sets up further work.

Need a short, fun and nasty read - perfect. Want something to dig yer teeth into - almost, but the opportunity is there for the taking.

[JD Burbidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of Steve's Hellequin novels, and was keen to get stuck in to something new!
As usual he did not disappoint!
The new world being created in the story has the potential to become epic!
The first in what I hope will be a long series, teases with fantastic characters, Celine's back story is something I'm keen to hear more about, a Mech fight and underground black market dealers! What more could you need, oh Monsters that actually made my skin crawl when reading about them!
This was a great read, and I look forward to reading more!

[Emily Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! A new world

This book was fantastic. Describing this whole new world and the associations of people within was paced very well. There was plenty of time to feel out the characters before they moved to the next stage. I can see this becoming a world as thought out and interconnected as Nate and his whole crew. Definitely a great read that you won’t put down until you’re done.

[Vicky Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping from the start

This book starts out strong and doesn't ever take its foot off the pedal. It's an adrenaline high from start to finish.
Here's hoping it leads to many adventures with Celine.
Beautifully written and really gripping. I'd say it's on par with Steve Mchugh's best work but it loses a few points for not having swearing fox men in it!
Honestly, go read it!

[R R Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not sure

I was very and still am happy I protected and I'll be back for book 2. But I didn't enjoy this as much as I have his other works. I just didn't enjoy the world building. It felt to me a little forces and I wasn't as drawn in to the central character. Here's hoping a second book puts a slant on things in a more interesting direction

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Good start to a new universe for the author. Loved his other series and am excited to see where this one goes. Am a sucker for a female lead who can kick some booty but be realistic as well. Can’t wait for book 2!!!

[Rowena Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

McHugh is an author that I’d had on my radar and been meaning to pick up for a while, so when the chance to read this one came along I leapt at it. I have to say part of the reason is the cover, I think it’s the pose, it just promises action (and boy this book deliver on that) and just the colours, while the premise was intriguing – after all who doesn’t like a good dose of betrayal and vengeance? And I’m glad I did because Blackcoat more than packs a punch and I had a lot of fun with this one – my only complaint is that I would have liked more!

Blackcoat definitely manages to pack a lot into its pages, and it’s a book that gives you a couple of pages just to grasp the initial situation and some of the setting, and issues at hand and then it hits the throttle. From start to finish Blackcoat is full of gripping action, with a healthy dose (as long as you’re not on the wrong side…or sometimes even if you’re on the right side) of blood and violence, and the kind of humour/banter that you would expect in a setting where pretty much everything has gone to hell in a handbasket. Not in the apocalyptic sense, but in the dystopian, everything is touched by ‘rot and corruption’ sense, and it’s fantastic.

The setting is not the most important aspect of this story, but this dystopian, second-Earth world ticked all the boxes for me. I’ve been in the mood for apocalyptic/dystopian stuff lately, and Blackcoat more than scratched that itch. You’ve the corrupt leader with no interest in redemption or changing their way, with their tendrils reaching down into pretty much everywhere, an insidious drug problem and den, and a not-so-secret and more than thriving underground. We get enough insight and details to build up the backdrop to the story, without it overwhelming the rest of the book – and the worldbuilding was wonderfully precise and created a terrific atmosphere, and it would be easy to see other stories being set in this world – and I know that I for one would love to see more of it. The sci-fi element is fantastic, and there is some great and very practical technology in this story, and some very nasty stuff as well – again building on that dystopian feel. And then there were the ‘creatures’, I really liked the scenes with them and they had some of the best action, but if there was one aspect of the worldbuilding that I would have liked to have seen expanded it was them because I need to know more.

Blackcoat is very much character-driven, and Celine is a fantastic protagonist. First-person POV is one that I sometimes struggle with, but here it felt like the perfect choice because this is her story, and because we hit the ground running it also allows us to get glimpses of who she used to be and how that has shaped her, and again kept that narrow focus on the world because we were sharing her experience of it.

“You always were too stubborn, too sure of what was right and wrong,” Gorat said, angry. “Everyone else just manages. You don’t have to like it, but it’s how things are done here. Especially during the war.”

I always appreciate a well-written, badass female protagonist, and Celine doesn’t only tick that box, she fills it and slices it apart with those plasma blades just to make sure. What I liked – as well as the fact that she took no-nonsense, and was willing to risk it all – even those around her, to achieve her goal; was that she was willing to take the hard path. She might have some shadier history, but she had her own morals and was willing to stick with them despite the cost, and you had to admire that especially with the situation she was in at the start. As did the fact that she was as deadly with her tongue and wit, as she was with her weapons.

Another character I have to mention is Rika, who I liked just as much as Celine even if we didn’t spend quite as much time with her. She’s just as well-written, and even though she was a criminal there was a sense of honour there, and I absolutely adored her interactions with Celine – which had an element of shared history and a wonderful level of snark that just endeared them both to me even more.

“Tell me again why we were never closer friends?”

“I’m a Blackcoat, you’re a criminal.”

“Ah, yes, a tale as old as time.”

Blackcoat is a book that you’ll find yourself devouring in one go because it keeps you on the edge of your seat from the get-go. This was a fantastically dark read, that packs a hefty punch for it’s length, and manages to be far more than a simple vengeance story. There’s heart in this book. A great read, and one that I would highly recommend.

[Zare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet but rather short ride.

In essence this is revenge story. Main character, Celine Moro, is member of elite law enforcing agency on planet Euria. Because of her investigations into the corruption and spreading of highly addictive drug she gets targeted by the ruling criminal boss and this unfortunately costs lives of every person Celine knows or has worked with.

So when opportunity comes forward for Celine to take her revenge she takes it and oh boy does she take it with so much gusto.

All in all pretty good story. It feels like author's foray outside the other book series he authored and that shows because entire feel of the story is like a pilot episode. It is very visual and action dominates from the very start. I truly hope author continues with the series.

If story was set in current day and time it would be treated in a same way as say Terminal List - revenge porn as critics like to say for the latter. For me they are both about revenge, would not call it revenge porn because in both books protagonists are people with some very "special set of skills" and are capable of hard hitting people and organizations that cause them harm. Is this different from say Man on Fire or similar works? No, but people like to draw parallels to their worlds if story is set in contemporary times and not amongst the stars. Because, you know stories set in our times need to be "politically enlightened". Ha!

Only thing that slightly annoyed me is that man-woman relations seem to be so pre-21st century (like same sex relations never existed before) so similar to Inscape we have the oh-be-contemporary approach here. If it weren't for all the social upheaval about this I would not even notice but unfortunately it is very hard to not notice it nowadays and it seems like one of those boxes to check to be considered modern! Ha!

All in all interesting story, well paced and with interesting universe and characters. Hopefully there will be continuation in some form or other soon.

Recommended to all fans of SF action.

[Lana (Lore & Lullabies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackcoat was an enjoyable read and though it as short I wasn’t left feeling like it was lacking. However, should Steve want to go back into this world I am 100% down and will snatch it up immediately. The world building was the highlight for me here and I could easily revisit in a full length novel (hint hint)

The pacing at the start was medium as is to be expected, as the world and atmosphere is built, but it picked up and I was pleased by the action and arc of the plot. The characters were likeable (or unlikeable depending on how we wer supposed to view them) and Celine was just a badass. And can we please talk about what a great job SabreCore23 did on the cover art!! Absolutely gorgeous and pictures can’t do it justice (none that I can take at least)

Don’t think I have forgotten to touch on the main thing that might have a few of my audience on the fence. Yes, Blackcoat is about a kickass female protaginist with high stakes and certain death should she fail. As a male wrote this, you may think “Oh great, a man writing about another overly sexualised female protaginist…Ugh no thank you.” FEAR NOT my friends. This is in no way, shape or form like that AT ALL. No half page descriptions of boobs or the likes. Just fantastic world building, great revenge plot, action and characters. I feel like, as Steve is a father of 3 daughters, this was written for them or at least something he would be happy for them to read. One woman takes on the bad guys (with a little help), without the unneeded sexualised descriptions, traits etc that some authors and Hollywood are under the impression are needed to sell. For that alone Steve, I salute you. This is the kind of book I want MY daughters to read once they grow up.

If you enjoyed the likes of Blade Runner 2049, Ghost in the Shell vibes then I think you will definitely enjoy this fun, quick read.

[Kriti | Armed with A Book]

Blackcoat is a fast-paced read about a Blackcoat operative named Celine. She and her partner were investigating one of the richest and most powerful people in the city. Their research was going to expose this man and using his contact and influence, he decided to capture Celine when she would not be deterred and corrupted.



As a protagonist, Celine is a very strong character. Though the reader does not know a lot about her past, there are glimpses of who she used to be and, through that, we learn about the world that she lives in. We aren’t on Earth. There is a world law and order organization and if she can get word out to the Wardens, the man who has taken everything from her will surely be punished.

In some ways, Blackcoat is like a medieval time story with lots of people in city-size factories in horrible conditions. At the same time, we have genetically enhanced operatives and advanced technology that not only has an black market but is also being used illegally for experiments.

Blackcoat is a dark story and I really like how from the first page to the very last, that heavy feeling never goes away. This is a serious novel. There are betrayals, fights, torture, moaning for the loss of family and a lot more.

I found the cast to be well thought out and the world building and introduction to Celine’s world done very well. It was never an information dump of the place I was reading about. It was interwoven into the emotional mayhem that Celine was experiencing.

Many thanks to the author and Storytellers on Tour for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much quicker read than I expected... Seems I devoured it in one day.

While this is obviously a very different story to the Hellequin books, the quick tone and voice is still distinctive.

While I personally prefer magic over grenades when fighting monsters, this was a lot of fun to read. Full to the brim with action, revenge, fighting for what's right, gore and a good dose of humour. At least I chuckled along at quite some bits. Maybe my sense of what's entertaining is a bit dark...

I really enjoyed the main character, though if have preferred the whole story to be a bit longer and thereby more fleshed out. As short as it was, it was already over when I fully grasped her personality. In a way this felt more like a short story or introduction to a bigger series.

So if you're looking for something quick and on the body side, this is a perfect choice!

[Mathew Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sci-fi thriller is a short read, only about a hundred something pages. But the amount of action packed into these pages is simply out of the world , literally .
•Celine Mono , our protagonist , is a very determined , skillful and courageous character. She also represents the LGBTQ commity. She knows she may not walk out of her situation alive but she has made her mind to do the right thing and bring down the evil that is destroying the planet.
•She has a haunting past but she is not exactly running away from it . Instead of letting it drag her down she uses it to her advantage , to survive.
•The violence and gore is not much in amount, but it's intensity and details - whew. 💨
If bloodbath is your thing, this is definitely for you 😂.

[Christopher Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to your just read list!

The story is like your favorite science fiction movie in book form. The story moved along at a good pace interlacing character development with action in the perfect ratio! Celine feels like the last of the white knights fighting against a corrupt government... Don't let the name fool you, the Blackcoat is a white knight through and through.I

Celine feels like a real person, she isn't some fake holier than thou perfect hero, but a good person in a bad situation. You will find yourself routing for her and sharing her pain. I like the fact that even though parts of the crates universe were dystopian, the universe is not and I look forward to more stories in the setting, I hope

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This new one off sci-fi by Steve McHugh, is very Steve, a lot of fighting and some sarcastic characters. As a fan of the Hellequin series I thought I would give it a go. I felt it fell flat, with some mash ups of various sci-fi films from across the years with a chunk of Alien mixed with Resident Evil to make the story. I thought this would be more underground spy but got lost in the monster story it became. Hints of darker areas like the black market turned into a lacklustre scene which all happened with ease. And one fight scene I was going to "dive behind a bank of monitors" my self if the term was used again. There are good parts but world building along with what could have been an indepth story was hard in the word count. Had potential but sadly hit flat.

[Simon Haine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a huge fan of Steve McHugh's Hellequin series, I jumped on this book as soon as it was released despite it being a completely different genre, and one I don't normally read.

As expected, this book kicks ass. Steve has a knack for creating characters you'll immediately get behind, and this book is no exception. I can see there being more books following Celine's adventures, Rika's as she builds her criminal empire (before this book or following the events within), and certainly how the monsters came to be.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely buy more in the series.

[PulpMonkey (Chompa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Steve McHugh's urban fantasy series and have read everything he's put out. Blackcoat is a departure for him to a science fiction setting.

Blackcoat was full of action and a very straightforward plot. We never really get too deep on the main character, a former Blackcoat (cop) who is betrayed and framed. We do discover that she was an Orbital Shock Trooper, which is the special forces of the special forces for this setting.

Overall this is a quick and pleasant read. I'll check out the next in the series, but hope for a little more character insight.

[Scott Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Steve's Best Yet

I started reading McHugh a while back when the Helliquin series first started. I've stuck around so I must have enjoyed them. But, I'd fallen off the train at some point and I needed to climb back on. I thought Blackcoat would be a good start. And, boy, was I right!

In fact, I want more. I want more stories about Celine taking down big baddies and maybe another Warden here or there.

So, Steve, if you read these, please, please, please, put pen to paper or fingers to key and hammer out a few more of these. Purty, please?

[L.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars

When Celine Moro took a job as a Blackcoat, an elite agency tasked with investigating crimes throughout Union space, she thought she had finally put her past to rest. Now, betrayed by her allies, her world is falling apart. Running from the corrupt politicians that she had sworn to bring to justice, Celine is dusting off the skills as an ex-Orbital Shock Trooper in order to bring truth to light.

As of 2021 this story is a standalone novella. This doesn't mean that there will never be additional books written about Celine and her world.

[Nimalee Ravi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed this action packed quick read. I'm a sucker for strong female leads and Celine Moro is just perfect for this story. She's courageous and a strong female lead. Really loved her character.

The author manages to pack so much into this short book but manages to capture the readers heart. I really liked the sci-fi elements of the story and the world building is simply brilliant. Looking forward to the next book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

I give this one 4.5 out of 5. I really enjoyed the main character and villain. The technology that Steve comes up with and the explanation of how it works really lent to the worldbuilding. In this short book he really made you feel part of a giant universe. I would love to read more about these characters and see what steps the main character takes in her character arc. This was just the type of scifi story that I enjoy, I would highly recommend it.

[Paul Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise, but short

Enjoyed the book, it is very short though and only took a couple of hours to whizz through. On the positive it did leave me interested to read more, on the negative it was light on world and character building. Hopefully we'll get the chance for further stories from this character to flesh the background out more.

[John Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but very sweet

As a huge fan of the Hellequin and associated novels, I wasn't sure that's a 'proper' sci-fi novel bytes Steve McHugh was going to be as good. I shouldn't have..m doubted, it's just as fast-paced and witty as his other stories
only wish he had managed to fit Remy into this new universe!