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Eric Carter #8
Hate Machine
The eighth book of this dark urban fantasy series follows necromancer Eric Carter through a world of vengeful gods and goddesses, mysterious murders, and restless ghosts.
If there's one thing Eric Carter can count on, it's his past coming back to bite him in the ass.
Gabriela Cortez, La Bruja, has had her soul trapped... somewhere, and the only one who knows how to get it back is the Oracle of Las Vegas, a powerful artifact that Carter helped create almost thirty years before. It doesn't just predict the future--it makes things happen, influencing events to reach the goal it wants.
Only somebody's gone and stolen it, attempting to turn it into an artifact that doesn't just change the future, but also the past.
Eric needs to find it and steal it back before this comes to pass. If he doesn't, Gabriela's soul is lost. And quite possibly the future as well.
If there's one thing Eric Carter can count on, it's his past coming back to bite him in the ass.
Gabriela Cortez, La Bruja, has had her soul trapped... somewhere, and the only one who knows how to get it back is the Oracle of Las Vegas, a powerful artifact that Carter helped create almost thirty years before. It doesn't just predict the future--it makes things happen, influencing events to reach the goal it wants.
Only somebody's gone and stolen it, attempting to turn it into an artifact that doesn't just change the future, but also the past.
Eric needs to find it and steal it back before this comes to pass. If he doesn't, Gabriela's soul is lost. And quite possibly the future as well.
278 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2022
43 people are currently reading
1776 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Blackmoore
41 books795 followersStephen Blackmoore is the author of the noir / urban fantasy Eric Carter series (DEAD THINGS, BROKEN SOULS, HUNGRY GHOSTS, and FIRE SEASON), about a necromancer in modern-day Los Angeles.
You can find him online at stephenblackmoore.com, or follow him on Twitter at @sblackmoore.
You can find him online at stephenblackmoore.com, or follow him on Twitter at @sblackmoore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 23, 2022
Hate Machine
By Stephen Blackmoore
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book! I love the Eric Carter books but I think Blackmoore outdid himself this time! Wow! This book is amazing! Just when I thought he couldn't possibly get Eric in deeper trouble, or more impossible situations, Blackmoore writes this! Action packed with crazy, insane gods, ghosts, and more! Eric has to save his friend's soul and he may also have to save the world!
I love these colorful characters, twisted plot, unexpected situations, against the odds trials for Eric, and so much more. Even though there is blood and gore, there is humor and wit sprinkled generously about!
If you haven't started the Eric Carter books, what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor! Get started! Cheer on the retired assassin and lets fight some bad gods (some you may never have known existed) and bad guys (some may not be human)! It is never, ever boring!
By Stephen Blackmoore
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book! I love the Eric Carter books but I think Blackmoore outdid himself this time! Wow! This book is amazing! Just when I thought he couldn't possibly get Eric in deeper trouble, or more impossible situations, Blackmoore writes this! Action packed with crazy, insane gods, ghosts, and more! Eric has to save his friend's soul and he may also have to save the world!
I love these colorful characters, twisted plot, unexpected situations, against the odds trials for Eric, and so much more. Even though there is blood and gore, there is humor and wit sprinkled generously about!
If you haven't started the Eric Carter books, what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor! Get started! Cheer on the retired assassin and lets fight some bad gods (some you may never have known existed) and bad guys (some may not be human)! It is never, ever boring!
April 11, 2024
Gabriela Cortez, La Bruja’s soul, is trapped, and she wants it back. To do that, she needs Eric’s help to find the Oracle of Las Vegas. Apparently, years ago, Eric helped create the artifact. It not only tells the future but can help shape it. The tale that unfolds was twisty and addictive.
They quickly learn someone is attempting to use it to change the past. Eric will have to reach out to old contacts, some of whom are scary as heck. But he’ll need all the help he can get to stop whoever has it and restore Gabriela’s soul.
This was entertaining, from beginning to end with plenty of death scenes and action to spare. I love the humor and dark noir vibe in this urban fantasy series. Blackmoore brings it all to the table, from gods to magic. All the characters are colorful, from villains to Eric’s allies. I loved the twists and time warps as we traveled around Vegas.
Blackmoore sets up for the next audiobook perfectly, and I cannot wait to grab my earbuds and listen. Rudy Sanda narrates the series and has done an excellent job of giving voice to Eric and the other characters, from gods to villains. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
They quickly learn someone is attempting to use it to change the past. Eric will have to reach out to old contacts, some of whom are scary as heck. But he’ll need all the help he can get to stop whoever has it and restore Gabriela’s soul.
This was entertaining, from beginning to end with plenty of death scenes and action to spare. I love the humor and dark noir vibe in this urban fantasy series. Blackmoore brings it all to the table, from gods to magic. All the characters are colorful, from villains to Eric’s allies. I loved the twists and time warps as we traveled around Vegas.
Blackmoore sets up for the next audiobook perfectly, and I cannot wait to grab my earbuds and listen. Rudy Sanda narrates the series and has done an excellent job of giving voice to Eric and the other characters, from gods to villains. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
July 30, 2022
This series is advertised as dark/noir, and that it most definitely is.
In a typical heroic series, you might start out with a damaged guy, and then see them heal and become more heroic throughout the books. In this series, it's going the opposite direction.
The protagonist, Eric, is drifting more and more into the damaged anti-hero zone. Things end in disaster more than with a happily ever after.
In this book, Eric has to reconnect with some old friends and enemies in Los Vegas. Various deaths and disasters ensue.
If you like noir and urban fantasy, I would recommend this series.
It doesn't have the tightest plots or character development, but it's entertaining the whole way through. The book maintains a fast pace and enough mysteries to keep you guessing.
A video review including this book will premiere on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/ChloeFrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and DAW for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
In a typical heroic series, you might start out with a damaged guy, and then see them heal and become more heroic throughout the books. In this series, it's going the opposite direction.
The protagonist, Eric, is drifting more and more into the damaged anti-hero zone. Things end in disaster more than with a happily ever after.
In this book, Eric has to reconnect with some old friends and enemies in Los Vegas. Various deaths and disasters ensue.
If you like noir and urban fantasy, I would recommend this series.
It doesn't have the tightest plots or character development, but it's entertaining the whole way through. The book maintains a fast pace and enough mysteries to keep you guessing.
A video review including this book will premiere on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at https://www.youtube.com/ChloeFrizzle
Thanks to Netgalley and DAW for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2022
Another fabulous read by Stephen Blackmoore in the Eric Carter series. I love Blackmoore's clever banter and Eric's brutal honesty. This book had a little more hope to it than the others, which I loved. It wasn't quite so nihilistic, but I always worry what Blackmoore has in store for poor Eric. He never gives the guy a break. Great book. 10 out of 10 recommend. But please read this series in order or it won't make much sense.
October 25, 2022
Blackmore keeps delivering top notch, bloody mindf*cks. I tried really hard to make this book last as long as possible.
Failed miserably.
I devoured it and now I have to wait for the next novel!
Blackmore can write a hundred Eric Carter novels and I would be happy reading them over and over.
Eric finally goes back to Vegas. Messed up sh*it goes down, and it's a blast to read. Loved it to pieces.
Nuff said.
Failed miserably.
I devoured it and now I have to wait for the next novel!
Blackmore can write a hundred Eric Carter novels and I would be happy reading them over and over.
Eric finally goes back to Vegas. Messed up sh*it goes down, and it's a blast to read. Loved it to pieces.
Nuff said.
July 19, 2022
This was such a fantastic read, and I'm glad that the wait is not too much after that last cliffhanger ending! Fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next installment!
August 23, 2024
I was going back and forth on 2 or 3 stars. It's better than the previous but still feels like a downward trend.
On the plus side, this book does a better job of establishing who the antagonist is and why Carter is involved (and doesn't feel as much like the world is just oriented towards making people evil). And the book series as a whole does build a very dark magical world and the descriptions of the necromancy and parallel ghost world are always well done.
But, the characterization continues to be very flat. Eric Carter's personality is still 'angry asshole', he meets a bunch of people we've never seen before (but apparently from his past) who all have variations on the 'angry asshole' personality and . Pretty much par for the course in this series though.
And, the story never breathes. We never get an idea of how the world works. All kinds of forms of magic are shown briefly but we never get an idea of how it all fits together. Carter just makes a snarky comment and moves on.
I suspect my last two criticisms are features and I'm just not the intended audience but for my part, when the main draw is that the plot seems oriented to justify the main character being an awful person by positing that everyone else is as bad or worse isn't very enjoyable.
On the plus side, this book does a better job of establishing who the antagonist is and why Carter is involved (and doesn't feel as much like the world is just oriented towards making people evil). And the book series as a whole does build a very dark magical world and the descriptions of the necromancy and parallel ghost world are always well done.
But, the characterization continues to be very flat. Eric Carter's personality is still 'angry asshole', he meets a bunch of people we've never seen before (but apparently from his past) who all have variations on the 'angry asshole' personality and . Pretty much par for the course in this series though.
And, the story never breathes. We never get an idea of how the world works. All kinds of forms of magic are shown briefly but we never get an idea of how it all fits together. Carter just makes a snarky comment and moves on.
I suspect my last two criticisms are features and I'm just not the intended audience but for my part, when the main draw is that the plot seems oriented to justify the main character being an awful person by positing that everyone else is as bad or worse isn't very enjoyable.
October 26, 2024
As we return to the Eric-Carter-Takes-A-Shitkicking universe, our 8th such trip we find Eric returning to Las Vegas to take care of some unfinished business. That business being tracking down a decapitated head with a demon Eric shoved inside, thus creating a future and past bending oracle. Yeah, it’s a bit overdone….
I gotta be honest, Hate Machine felt more like an add on or fill in novel in the series. At the end of the novel I was kinda asking myself “well what was the point in that?” Aside from setting up future books in the series and introducing us to some new characters, it’s essentially a heist book, complete with the motley crew of mage criminals.
None of that is to say the book is bad, it’s quite a bit of fun really. Multiple casinos get blown to smithereens, there’s a firey jailbreak and a clearly foreshadowed double cross. Eric of course does take a beating as usual while killing a whack of bad guys. What’s not to like? Us series super fans were just hoping for a little bit more with this one I guess. Looking forward to seeing the groundwork Blackmoore laid in this one paying off come the next book.
I gotta be honest, Hate Machine felt more like an add on or fill in novel in the series. At the end of the novel I was kinda asking myself “well what was the point in that?” Aside from setting up future books in the series and introducing us to some new characters, it’s essentially a heist book, complete with the motley crew of mage criminals.
None of that is to say the book is bad, it’s quite a bit of fun really. Multiple casinos get blown to smithereens, there’s a firey jailbreak and a clearly foreshadowed double cross. Eric of course does take a beating as usual while killing a whack of bad guys. What’s not to like? Us series super fans were just hoping for a little bit more with this one I guess. Looking forward to seeing the groundwork Blackmoore laid in this one paying off come the next book.
March 21, 2025
It’s like Supernatural + Oceans Eleven came together and I’m unsure if I loved it but I definitely liked it. Lol.
August 30, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Eric Carter picks up where he left off, heading to Las Vegas to find out why the Oracle sent him a message through Amanda's murderous uncle in the previous book. Along the way, he reunites with his old thieving crew from 30 years ago to pull off a heist to retrieve said Oracle.
Each new book in this series gets harder and harder to read, as Blackmoore flounders with what to do with Eric, now that the Santa Muerte arc is complete. Everything that made this series interesting and unique is gone, leaving an empty void where a compelling tale used to be. Most of the writing is telling, not showing, and the main character's personality doesn't match his actions or thoughts. For example, in the first book, Eric was so (rightfully) paranoid, he wouldn't let anyone know where he slept, for fear they would kill him in his sleep. In this book, Eric claims to be just as paranoid, but he bunks down with the rest of his crew when hospitality is offered. And when he's not doing that, he's telling at least one other person (who he claims not to trust) where he will be sleeping (and then actually doing it without hesitation), which is apparently a routine place. Eric has little to do with the actual heist, almost making him more the people maven or grifter than anything, which is a sharp turn from his usual muscle role.
Overall, I don't regret reading this book, but I'm very worried for the continued life span of the series. Blackmoore needs to find inspiration for Eric's future or sunset the character.
Eric Carter picks up where he left off, heading to Las Vegas to find out why the Oracle sent him a message through Amanda's murderous uncle in the previous book. Along the way, he reunites with his old thieving crew from 30 years ago to pull off a heist to retrieve said Oracle.
Each new book in this series gets harder and harder to read, as Blackmoore flounders with what to do with Eric, now that the Santa Muerte arc is complete. Everything that made this series interesting and unique is gone, leaving an empty void where a compelling tale used to be. Most of the writing is telling, not showing, and the main character's personality doesn't match his actions or thoughts. For example, in the first book, Eric was so (rightfully) paranoid, he wouldn't let anyone know where he slept, for fear they would kill him in his sleep. In this book, Eric claims to be just as paranoid, but he bunks down with the rest of his crew when hospitality is offered. And when he's not doing that, he's telling at least one other person (who he claims not to trust) where he will be sleeping (and then actually doing it without hesitation), which is apparently a routine place. Eric has little to do with the actual heist, almost making him more the people maven or grifter than anything, which is a sharp turn from his usual muscle role.
Overall, I don't regret reading this book, but I'm very worried for the continued life span of the series. Blackmoore needs to find inspiration for Eric's future or sunset the character.
November 6, 2022
So, so good.
Not quite 5 stars, like the previous installment in the series. A book I said was 'the purest distillation of 'tough guy urban fantasy' I have ever seen'. This installment, while excellent and entertaining, just didn't hit me with the same impact. It's definitely a me thing though.
Blackmoore is for me like Harry Connolly, authors at the top of their game. Pushing out book after book of very high quality urban fantasy and just not seeing the audience they deserve.
This book was the 'Vegas' book and like any visit to Vegas it ends up not working out like you would expect and tinged with all kinds of regret. Lots of backstory reveal and entertaining characters to roll along with Eric Carter's 'tough guy with a heart' vibe. In fact it strikes me that the intent of these books now is to reign things in slightly. Book 5 and 6 in the series had serious 'go big or go home' chops with their denouments but Blackmoore seems to have realised that continually trying to go bigger is a zero sum game. He's leaning into the setting and backstory he has created and whilst there are plenty of impressive set pieces in this book there isn't a sense of 'have to top what I did before' that I appreciate.
Things have definitely been set up for another installment and I will be mashing that pre-order button as soon as I can. Which is the most concrete praise I can offer. Definite recommend for this and the whole series.
Not quite 5 stars, like the previous installment in the series. A book I said was 'the purest distillation of 'tough guy urban fantasy' I have ever seen'. This installment, while excellent and entertaining, just didn't hit me with the same impact. It's definitely a me thing though.
Blackmoore is for me like Harry Connolly, authors at the top of their game. Pushing out book after book of very high quality urban fantasy and just not seeing the audience they deserve.
This book was the 'Vegas' book and like any visit to Vegas it ends up not working out like you would expect and tinged with all kinds of regret. Lots of backstory reveal and entertaining characters to roll along with Eric Carter's 'tough guy with a heart' vibe. In fact it strikes me that the intent of these books now is to reign things in slightly. Book 5 and 6 in the series had serious 'go big or go home' chops with their denouments but Blackmoore seems to have realised that continually trying to go bigger is a zero sum game. He's leaning into the setting and backstory he has created and whilst there are plenty of impressive set pieces in this book there isn't a sense of 'have to top what I did before' that I appreciate.
Things have definitely been set up for another installment and I will be mashing that pre-order button as soon as I can. Which is the most concrete praise I can offer. Definite recommend for this and the whole series.
September 10, 2022
One of the few positives about being Eric Carter is that you don't really, you know, need a resume. If you haven't yet run across Carter in previous books (what are you waiting for, seriously), he's a necromancer, an expert in death magic. Or that's what he started out to be. Over the course of the seven previous books, he has been the consort of an Aztec goddess, turned (mostly) to jade, been sent to the Aztec underworld, been murdered by a demon, and resurrected as (not to put too fine a point on it) a zombie.
In the previous installment of the series, Carter was asked to make a choice between embracing his humanity or holding on to his godhood; he made the choice to be human (or as human as he could be under his own peculiar circumstances). Author Stephen Blackmoore, in turn, has to figure out how to push Carter more to the human side. Not to make him more relatable--the thing about Eric Carter is that he isn't exactly relatable--but to center him in the here-and-now, to the extent that's where the books are set.
Blackmoore makes three choices, all of which lock together tightly enough to give them the impression of inevitability. First, Blackmoore moves Carter out of his native Los Angeles and sends him to Las Vegas, which is haunted not by the ancient Aztec gods but by the ghosts of the Rat Pack. Second, in sending Carter to Vegas, Blackmoore is also sending him back into his own past, in a Snake Plissken I-thought-you-were-dead sort of way. And then third, if you're going to have Eric Carter in Las Vegas with a rogue's gallery from his past, well, you're going to have a casino heist.
It's the decision to move Carter to Las Vegas that gives HATE MACHINE its energy, bringing along a new cast of characters while providing enough mayhem to keep the story moving along. It is the case that the heist part of the narrative is a bit underplayed--this isn't exactly OCEAN'S ELEVEN--but where the path of the novel looks at times like it's skidding, it's actually drifting and hitting every turn.
If you're not familiar with the Eric Carter novels--which are basically the West Coast version of the Harry Dresden novels, with fewer jokes and more Adderall--HATE MACHINE may not be the best place to start--there's simply too much back story to digest all at once. (I was behind and read BOTTLE DEMON and SUICIDE KINGS before this, just to catch up, and I'm glad I did.) Blackmoore does what he does as well as anyone, and in this installment he keeps the fireworks going until the end. Highly recommended.
In the previous installment of the series, Carter was asked to make a choice between embracing his humanity or holding on to his godhood; he made the choice to be human (or as human as he could be under his own peculiar circumstances). Author Stephen Blackmoore, in turn, has to figure out how to push Carter more to the human side. Not to make him more relatable--the thing about Eric Carter is that he isn't exactly relatable--but to center him in the here-and-now, to the extent that's where the books are set.
Blackmoore makes three choices, all of which lock together tightly enough to give them the impression of inevitability. First, Blackmoore moves Carter out of his native Los Angeles and sends him to Las Vegas, which is haunted not by the ancient Aztec gods but by the ghosts of the Rat Pack. Second, in sending Carter to Vegas, Blackmoore is also sending him back into his own past, in a Snake Plissken I-thought-you-were-dead sort of way. And then third, if you're going to have Eric Carter in Las Vegas with a rogue's gallery from his past, well, you're going to have a casino heist.
It's the decision to move Carter to Las Vegas that gives HATE MACHINE its energy, bringing along a new cast of characters while providing enough mayhem to keep the story moving along. It is the case that the heist part of the narrative is a bit underplayed--this isn't exactly OCEAN'S ELEVEN--but where the path of the novel looks at times like it's skidding, it's actually drifting and hitting every turn.
If you're not familiar with the Eric Carter novels--which are basically the West Coast version of the Harry Dresden novels, with fewer jokes and more Adderall--HATE MACHINE may not be the best place to start--there's simply too much back story to digest all at once. (I was behind and read BOTTLE DEMON and SUICIDE KINGS before this, just to catch up, and I'm glad I did.) Blackmoore does what he does as well as anyone, and in this installment he keeps the fireworks going until the end. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2025
I was glad to finally get in a copy of this book in my local library after I'd blown through the previous 7 and found no one had ever purchased the next 2 in the last couple of years. Finally it was my eager hands and it didn't disappoint. I really appreciate how Eric has evolved in the last decade or so. It was both a compliment and maybe not? for him to have initially been compared to Dresden, in my opinion.
After the first couple of books, though, I think it really improved and by this point I think not only the character of Eric, but equally important the other main characters have as well. A problem often noted of Butcher, which I've mentioned before, that was in this series as well in the beginning was the treatment of women characters and the hero's interaction with them. I don't know what caused the change, but it's refreshing to read not only relatively healthy relationships with them but also the normal, adult internal dialogue of a man about them rather than of sophomoric stereotypes.
The plot itself was the usual page-turner in the new setting of Las Vegas. It was refreshing to have Eric interact with "new" (to the reader) characters while occasionally bringing in his current group/friends via phone. It was touching to see his reaction to The Twins, understand their dynamic, and really empathize with them. The occasional mentions of his years off in Mictlān are such a tease, though. I'd love to see a novella or maybe an anthology? of his time there, maybe stories of the people who passed through during that time. Anyway, I may be a bit obtuse, but I never understood the connection of the title to the plot of retrieving the Oracle/Jimmy head-in-a-box.
Speaking of which, I also got a copy of the next book, Cult Classic, and eagerly started it immediately on finishing this one.
After the first couple of books, though, I think it really improved and by this point I think not only the character of Eric, but equally important the other main characters have as well. A problem often noted of Butcher, which I've mentioned before, that was in this series as well in the beginning was the treatment of women characters and the hero's interaction with them. I don't know what caused the change, but it's refreshing to read not only relatively healthy relationships with them but also the normal, adult internal dialogue of a man about them rather than of sophomoric stereotypes.
The plot itself was the usual page-turner in the new setting of Las Vegas. It was refreshing to have Eric interact with "new" (to the reader) characters while occasionally bringing in his current group/friends via phone. It was touching to see his reaction to The Twins, understand their dynamic, and really empathize with them. The occasional mentions of his years off in Mictlān are such a tease, though. I'd love to see a novella or maybe an anthology? of his time there, maybe stories of the people who passed through during that time. Anyway, I may be a bit obtuse, but I never understood the connection of the title to the plot of retrieving the Oracle/Jimmy head-in-a-box.
Speaking of which, I also got a copy of the next book, Cult Classic, and eagerly started it immediately on finishing this one.
August 6, 2022
I received this ARC from Netgalley.com at no cost and am providing an unbiased review.
This is book eight in the Eric Carter series by this author, and I have been an avid fan of Blackmoore from the start. It is written in a way you pretty much have to know what is going on in the series to understand completely what is happening in the story. This part of the main character's journey is returning to Las Vegas, where from prior books, all we know is he had some bad history there. This book opens up the past and we get to learn a bit more about the how/why Eric is the way he is.
Being a fan of this series makes it hard to write about the book, besides it was good! I enjoyed learning more about the Eric's past. We find out (again) how seemingly cruel and heartless he can be when needed, yet find out how much he yearns for a love that never seems to go well. Many other new characters are brought forth in this story, mostly from the MC's past. Not much time is spent on building their past, as throughout the story, they end up dead. World building - heh - more like world destroying. In typical Carter fashion, Las Vegas does lose a few memorable buildings during his short stay.
Overall, this was a wonderful addition to the series, and rounds up the storyline coming from book seven. Not sure where Blackmoore will go from here, but I am hoping he does, or creates a new series that has a similar character. I really enjoy the snark and sarcasm he brings to the character.
This is book eight in the Eric Carter series by this author, and I have been an avid fan of Blackmoore from the start. It is written in a way you pretty much have to know what is going on in the series to understand completely what is happening in the story. This part of the main character's journey is returning to Las Vegas, where from prior books, all we know is he had some bad history there. This book opens up the past and we get to learn a bit more about the how/why Eric is the way he is.
Being a fan of this series makes it hard to write about the book, besides it was good! I enjoyed learning more about the Eric's past. We find out (again) how seemingly cruel and heartless he can be when needed, yet find out how much he yearns for a love that never seems to go well. Many other new characters are brought forth in this story, mostly from the MC's past. Not much time is spent on building their past, as throughout the story, they end up dead. World building - heh - more like world destroying. In typical Carter fashion, Las Vegas does lose a few memorable buildings during his short stay.
Overall, this was a wonderful addition to the series, and rounds up the storyline coming from book seven. Not sure where Blackmoore will go from here, but I am hoping he does, or creates a new series that has a similar character. I really enjoy the snark and sarcasm he brings to the character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and DAW for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was another great installment in one of my favorite ongoing series. Keep in mind if you've never read one of the Eric Carter books, this isn't the book for you to start on. But for those long-time fans, I can only say that hopping back on into the series felt natural. I didn't even realize I was 25% through the book before I saw it was almost time for work.
Eric Carter is one of the most hated protagonists I know of. He's just such a dislikable person that it feels natural to have people hate him, fear him, and most importantly want to kill him. But this has got to be the book where the least amount of people wants to kill him; which is mostly due to the fact he now has an even more fearsome reputation—knowing this and seeing the title I imagined that everyone in Nevada would be gunning for him in the book. His only option would then be to kill his way through Las Vegas. Instead, we get a heist book, which seems rather mediocre given the fact that Eric's expertise doesn't really mesh well with heists. People still die during the book, just not the amount I've gotten used to in this series. (I blame Blackmoore for this line of thought. I used to be more cautious about murder hobos. Then I read the Eric Carter series and realize that Eric's kill it and make sure they're dead plan, works rather well for him and not many others.)
What we do get is more background on Eric's past. He did a lot of things during those 15 years away from Los Angeles, and if Blackmoore wants to continue Eric's story he needed to do a deep dive on some of it. It just so happens that part of it took place in Sin City itself. Trying to save his "friend's" soul, he returns to Las Vegas to try and get answers from what's basically a Magical 8-ball shoved in a decapitated head. Sadly this head has been kidnapped and Eric needs to get it back if he ever wants his answers. Simple plot, but Blackmoore makes it so I enjoyed reading all of it.
The only other thing I really have to complain about is that we don't currently have an end goal as good as the one in the first 4 books or in the arc between 5-6. Still, I'll patiently wait for the next book in the series. Why?
Well, this book doesn't have the most elaborate of plots, and it doesn't have the greatest of heists. But if you've been reading the same book series I have, then this book is pretty much another fun installment to a very enjoyable series. Stephen Blackmoore has a way of capturing all of my attention when he writes about Eric Carter and his messed-up existence. And every time he drops another book, I'll be there to read it.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
This was another great installment in one of my favorite ongoing series. Keep in mind if you've never read one of the Eric Carter books, this isn't the book for you to start on. But for those long-time fans, I can only say that hopping back on into the series felt natural. I didn't even realize I was 25% through the book before I saw it was almost time for work.
Eric Carter is one of the most hated protagonists I know of. He's just such a dislikable person that it feels natural to have people hate him, fear him, and most importantly want to kill him. But this has got to be the book where the least amount of people wants to kill him; which is mostly due to the fact he now has an even more fearsome reputation—knowing this and seeing the title I imagined that everyone in Nevada would be gunning for him in the book. His only option would then be to kill his way through Las Vegas. Instead, we get a heist book, which seems rather mediocre given the fact that Eric's expertise doesn't really mesh well with heists. People still die during the book, just not the amount I've gotten used to in this series. (I blame Blackmoore for this line of thought. I used to be more cautious about murder hobos. Then I read the Eric Carter series and realize that Eric's kill it and make sure they're dead plan, works rather well for him and not many others.)
What we do get is more background on Eric's past. He did a lot of things during those 15 years away from Los Angeles, and if Blackmoore wants to continue Eric's story he needed to do a deep dive on some of it. It just so happens that part of it took place in Sin City itself. Trying to save his "friend's" soul, he returns to Las Vegas to try and get answers from what's basically a Magical 8-ball shoved in a decapitated head. Sadly this head has been kidnapped and Eric needs to get it back if he ever wants his answers. Simple plot, but Blackmoore makes it so I enjoyed reading all of it.
The only other thing I really have to complain about is that we don't currently have an end goal as good as the one in the first 4 books or in the arc between 5-6. Still, I'll patiently wait for the next book in the series. Why?
Well, this book doesn't have the most elaborate of plots, and it doesn't have the greatest of heists. But if you've been reading the same book series I have, then this book is pretty much another fun installment to a very enjoyable series. Stephen Blackmoore has a way of capturing all of my attention when he writes about Eric Carter and his messed-up existence. And every time he drops another book, I'll be there to read it.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
January 31, 2025
Hate Machine: Eric Carter meets Ocean’s Eleven. And that’s pretty much it, in a nutshell. We’re in Vegas, we have a team with individual talents and there’s a heist to be done. Obviously there’s lots of blood, gore and ghosts along the way too. Oh, and Eric gets blown-up, twice. Just an average day for our favourite necromancer.
Yes, it’s Eric Carter book 8, and it’s another hit. It has its wee problems, but what doesn’t? This one builds extremely well, ramping up your anticipation and enjoyment along with it. This is yet another in the series which is really well constructed. Blackmoore is definitely maturing as a writer, and as a reflection of that, so too is his main character. This time out, Carter is playing well with others, teaming up with problematic acquaintances from his past without instantly killing them, as he probably would have in earlier books. Being selective with his kills and not just diving in there and letting the splatter fly willy-nilly. He even commits to a relationship. Ok, he avoids the ‘L’ word, but you can’t have everything. Come on.
This is another book with a ‘Tune in next time’ ending, which pissed me off so much last time. But this time I was half expecting it, so it wasn’t too bad. And after thinking about it for a little while, I may even be glad for it. I definitely want to see Eric get closure over the backstabber from this book.
Yes, it’s Eric Carter book 8, and it’s another hit. It has its wee problems, but what doesn’t? This one builds extremely well, ramping up your anticipation and enjoyment along with it. This is yet another in the series which is really well constructed. Blackmoore is definitely maturing as a writer, and as a reflection of that, so too is his main character. This time out, Carter is playing well with others, teaming up with problematic acquaintances from his past without instantly killing them, as he probably would have in earlier books. Being selective with his kills and not just diving in there and letting the splatter fly willy-nilly. He even commits to a relationship. Ok, he avoids the ‘L’ word, but you can’t have everything. Come on.
This is another book with a ‘Tune in next time’ ending, which pissed me off so much last time. But this time I was half expecting it, so it wasn’t too bad. And after thinking about it for a little while, I may even be glad for it. I definitely want to see Eric get closure over the backstabber from this book.
June 13, 2025
I really wish books 7 and 8 had been combined and cut.
There were so many little places where everything was repeated in book 7. These books are not written as stand-alone novels. They all kind of bleed into one giant volume, and thus, getting the full recap of books 1-6 feels so redundant.
I half hate both our FMC and intensly dislike that we have not brought in more secondary/ teriatry characters. That's what would make everything so much more believable. We had a little piece added to the first books with Alex and Vivian and Latisha. Everyone needs some people, even a bar, or coffee shop always patronized.
It's all Eric Carter, ALL the time, and his character ark is flatter than a pancake. He's selfish and impulsive. Halfway between a Mary Sue and dumb luck...We kill off anyone else who dares to cross the page... I love the idea and the setting, but honestly, I have missed / immediately forgotten huge chunks of these books already.
We seemed to have a strong switch up with this new setting in Vegas, BUT all the other characters just frittered away... it's always gratuitous violence, but I never feel like Carters in any danger, and we have moved farther and farther away from being a necromancer and into nonsense magic everything land.
There were so many little places where everything was repeated in book 7. These books are not written as stand-alone novels. They all kind of bleed into one giant volume, and thus, getting the full recap of books 1-6 feels so redundant.
I half hate both our FMC and intensly dislike that we have not brought in more secondary/ teriatry characters. That's what would make everything so much more believable. We had a little piece added to the first books with Alex and Vivian and Latisha. Everyone needs some people, even a bar, or coffee shop always patronized.
It's all Eric Carter, ALL the time, and his character ark is flatter than a pancake. He's selfish and impulsive. Halfway between a Mary Sue and dumb luck...We kill off anyone else who dares to cross the page... I love the idea and the setting, but honestly, I have missed / immediately forgotten huge chunks of these books already.
We seemed to have a strong switch up with this new setting in Vegas, BUT all the other characters just frittered away... it's always gratuitous violence, but I never feel like Carters in any danger, and we have moved farther and farther away from being a necromancer and into nonsense magic everything land.
February 27, 2025
Тази част от поредицата се оказа изключително приятна изненада за мен. Всички, които са чели книгите, знаят, че Ерик не е бил в Ел Ей близо две десетилетия, но никой не е очаквал цяла книга, която да разкриев част от миналото му. Ясно е, че бруталния некромант не е бродирал гоблени, но дае част от престъпна банда магьосници в Лас Вегас – красиво.
Съответно, действието се развива изцяло в града на порока. След подсказка в края на предишната книга ни става ясно, че ако иска да спаси Габриела (и евентуално Атила) Ерик трябва да намери магичен артефакт, който е създал преди много време. Проблемът е, че Оракула (демон призован и натикан в отрязана глава) е откраднат. Ерик трябва да се събере със старата си банда и да организират най-сладкия магически хейст, на който съм попадал от книгите на Сандерсън насам. Естествено, нещата не са такива, каквото изглеждат, а Блекмор е доста по-брутален от бате Брандън.
Всичко води до щастлив финал за Ерик и Габриела и пълно фиаско за останалите участници в обира. И Джими – въпросната глава/оракул, в ролятана новия суперантагонист в тази арка.
Голям кеф и пълна изненада, но почвам дасе повтарям, така че – млъквам.
Съответно, действието се развива изцяло в града на порока. След подсказка в края на предишната книга ни става ясно, че ако иска да спаси Габриела (и евентуално Атила) Ерик трябва да намери магичен артефакт, който е създал преди много време. Проблемът е, че Оракула (демон призован и натикан в отрязана глава) е откраднат. Ерик трябва да се събере със старата си банда и да организират най-сладкия магически хейст, на който съм попадал от книгите на Сандерсън насам. Естествено, нещата не са такива, каквото изглеждат, а Блекмор е доста по-брутален от бате Брандън.
Всичко води до щастлив финал за Ерик и Габриела и пълно фиаско за останалите участници в обира. И Джими – въпросната глава/оракул, в ролятана новия суперантагонист в тази арка.
Голям кеф и пълна изненада, но почвам дасе повтарям, така че – млъквам.
August 4, 2022
I’ve been reading this series since the beginning, and it just keeps entertaining me for a few hours while reading it. Eric, the main character, is such a tortured soul who’s finally decided to give in and be the “monster” he thinks he is. This book pretty much began where the last one ended with him going to Vegas to help a friend in need (no spoilers). He meets some old partners who don’t necessarily have his best interests at heart, and we find that out the hard way. This series continues to be a little dark, but it is interspersed with moments of hope, redemption, and tender moments. I am ready to continue after this one doesn’t tie up some loose ends, and I hope we’ll get to see some help from Eric’s compatriots. A wonderful, dark, action-filled, urban fantasy sure to please those who like such books. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 23, 2022
I'm sure there's not another 8-book series where I've rated every single book 5 stars but they deserve each and every one of those stars, as does this one, book 8.
There is always so much happening in these books that I cannot always remember the individual details but fortunately, you don't need to. Eric remains Eric, though this one ends in what is probably the most optimistic ending of them all. Somehow there are always more old friends that need help or want to kill him or both. I love Eric, but I wouldn't want to be his friend, the odds of dying are much, much too high. While that is a given in these books, it is amazing that Blackmoore still manages to make you feel for these old friends, like them or hate. Surprisingly I quite liked most of the people in this book so the ending was definitely bitter-sweet. I can't wait for book 9.
There is always so much happening in these books that I cannot always remember the individual details but fortunately, you don't need to. Eric remains Eric, though this one ends in what is probably the most optimistic ending of them all. Somehow there are always more old friends that need help or want to kill him or both. I love Eric, but I wouldn't want to be his friend, the odds of dying are much, much too high. While that is a given in these books, it is amazing that Blackmoore still manages to make you feel for these old friends, like them or hate. Surprisingly I quite liked most of the people in this book so the ending was definitely bitter-sweet. I can't wait for book 9.
October 21, 2023
I absolutely adore this series. Eric is definitely one of my favourite main characters.
I didn't really notice it before, but there are a lot of female characters in this series, and a lot in this book in particular. They all have their own strengths, weaknesses, motivations and personalities. The women are all different from each other, and the author doesn't show them through the male gaze (like many other authors I've read do). I really appreciate reading a book where the female characters and treated in the same way that male characters are and not as fragile / dainty or instantly attracted to Eric.
I can't wait to see Eric take on the Oracle and Nicole in the next book. Really hope that he makes Nicole suffer. Also really hope that he winds the fight and gets to skip merrily off into the sunset, but I have a feeling that won't be happening.
I didn't really notice it before, but there are a lot of female characters in this series, and a lot in this book in particular. They all have their own strengths, weaknesses, motivations and personalities. The women are all different from each other, and the author doesn't show them through the male gaze (like many other authors I've read do). I really appreciate reading a book where the female characters and treated in the same way that male characters are and not as fragile / dainty or instantly attracted to Eric.
I can't wait to see Eric take on the Oracle and Nicole in the next book. Really hope that he makes Nicole suffer. Also really hope that he winds the fight and gets to skip merrily off into the sunset, but I have a feeling that won't be happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
This long-running series is still going strong. After the previous events, I admit I was extremely curious to see where an ex-god could go after the burning of LA.
It turns out that heading to Las Vegas afterward was a kinda dodgy choice.
I mean, Las Vegas. Home of dime-store oracles and hopium and bargain-rate tricks... and, of course, heists.
I like heists. They're fun.
All in all, after the previous books, this one reads more like a vacation or a recuperation than anything, but to be fair, a lot DID happen. No complaints.
One thing to add, though: this is Blackmoore's tribute to the pandemic and all the other crap that happened. It was definitely interesting to read it through that lens. :)
It turns out that heading to Las Vegas afterward was a kinda dodgy choice.
I mean, Las Vegas. Home of dime-store oracles and hopium and bargain-rate tricks... and, of course, heists.
I like heists. They're fun.
All in all, after the previous books, this one reads more like a vacation or a recuperation than anything, but to be fair, a lot DID happen. No complaints.
One thing to add, though: this is Blackmoore's tribute to the pandemic and all the other crap that happened. It was definitely interesting to read it through that lens. :)
June 11, 2024
If there's one thing Eric Carter can count on, it's his past coming back to bite him in the ass.
Gabriela Cortez, La Bruja, has had her soul trapped... somewhere, and the only one who knows how to get it back is the Oracle of Las Vegas, a powerful artifact that Carter helped create almost thirty years before. It doesn't just predict the future--it makes things happen, influencing events to reach the goal it wants.
Only somebody's gone and stolen it, attempting to turn it into an artifact that doesn't just change the future, but also the past.
Eric needs to find it and steal it back before this comes to pass. If he doesn't, Gabriela's soul is lost. And quite possibly the future as well.
Gabriela Cortez, La Bruja, has had her soul trapped... somewhere, and the only one who knows how to get it back is the Oracle of Las Vegas, a powerful artifact that Carter helped create almost thirty years before. It doesn't just predict the future--it makes things happen, influencing events to reach the goal it wants.
Only somebody's gone and stolen it, attempting to turn it into an artifact that doesn't just change the future, but also the past.
Eric needs to find it and steal it back before this comes to pass. If he doesn't, Gabriela's soul is lost. And quite possibly the future as well.
April 19, 2023
Maybe I am a little tired of this series but it felt slow at times. It has a very fast moving finale but you have to slog through for a while to reach that ending. The whole new plot with the Oracle seems a bit artificial. Eric Carter is becoming less and less sympathetic, kind of a monster. It seems that it is on purpose but I wonder if it's possible to keep readers with the main character like this since I believe that there has to be at least some kind of empathy on behalf of the reader, no matter if it is sometimes perverted. One thing for sure, this makes Eric Carter series unlike others I read. We will see.
October 21, 2022
Felt like this one and the last one should have been one book. Especially considering how little happens in both.
That out of the way. Characters are still likable for the most part. Good dialogue but not necessarily reinventing the wheel. If you enjoy Carter’s shenanigans, then this is a good follow up.
just leaving this here so i can reference it when the next book comes out:
I’m pretty sure Rachel killed everyone and used the near identical cop to take her place hence the shot gun blast to the face.
That out of the way. Characters are still likable for the most part. Good dialogue but not necessarily reinventing the wheel. If you enjoy Carter’s shenanigans, then this is a good follow up.
just leaving this here so i can reference it when the next book comes out:
I’m pretty sure Rachel killed everyone and used the near identical cop to take her place hence the shot gun blast to the face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Look, I KNOW it isn’t healthy or wise to find Eric Carter attractive, but here we are.
Honestly, it’s ridiculous how entertaining and well written these books are. I can’t understand how they aren’t the top of every bestseller list with a pending adaptation deal and a 35 week wait for a copy at the library. They’re so well plotted and the dialog has that sharp, fast noir crackle I love.
“And now I’m covered in blood. I don’t know why I don’t just walk around wearing a fucking raincoat.”
Again, not healthy nor wise, but possibly inevitable.
Honestly, it’s ridiculous how entertaining and well written these books are. I can’t understand how they aren’t the top of every bestseller list with a pending adaptation deal and a 35 week wait for a copy at the library. They’re so well plotted and the dialog has that sharp, fast noir crackle I love.
“And now I’m covered in blood. I don’t know why I don’t just walk around wearing a fucking raincoat.”
Again, not healthy nor wise, but possibly inevitable.
November 15, 2022
Good but lacking something
I have loved all the books so far, but this felt like the weakest. Maybe it's just a building block to something bigger, but it didn't feel like the antagonist was built up enough. There were also several threads that were started and then settled with no real purpose. The final twist also didn't make much sense, in that they had an opportunity to to Eric, but didn't, only to try to blow him up later?
I have loved all the books so far, but this felt like the weakest. Maybe it's just a building block to something bigger, but it didn't feel like the antagonist was built up enough. There were also several threads that were started and then settled with no real purpose. The final twist also didn't make much sense, in that they had an opportunity to to Eric, but didn't, only to try to blow him up later?
September 4, 2024
(3.75 Stars, rounded up to 4)
I read the audiobook version of this (not the graphic audio version) and I liked it a lot better than the graphic audio, and I am glad that both are available.
The book itself is a much better story now than the series started off with, I feel like it is finally coming together. If you are struggling with the series, don't give up, it gets better with each book.
I read the audiobook version of this (not the graphic audio version) and I liked it a lot better than the graphic audio, and I am glad that both are available.
The book itself is a much better story now than the series started off with, I feel like it is finally coming together. If you are struggling with the series, don't give up, it gets better with each book.
June 20, 2025
Plot & Story:
In Hate Machine, Eric Carter continues his warpath through the supernatural world of Los Angeles. After the explosive fallout from previous books, Carter is trying to clean up the mess—his own and everyone else’s. A new player is stirring the pot: someone is murdering people close to him, using dark magic tied to his past.
As Carter digs deeper, he uncovers a secret weapon—the “Hate Machine”—a magical construct that amplifies rage and violence. It’s being used to incite chaos, and Carter might be the intended target… or the key to controlling it.
Tone & Style:
Gritty, sharp, and dripping with blood and sarcasm. Carter is more unhinged than ever, walking the line between anti-hero and full-on monster. There's less detective work and more magical street warfare.
Ending (Spoilers):
Carter confronts the source of the Hate Machine and discovers it's tied to an old enemy he thought dead. In a brutal final showdown, he dismantles the machine but not without getting seriously wrecked—physically and mentally. He survives, but barely, and what’s left of his humanity is slipping fast. The book ends on a bleak note, hinting that the real war may still be coming.
Verdict:
Hate Machine is violent, fast, and emotionally raw. It’s Carter at his most broken and dangerous—exactly what fans of the series crave. Not a good starting point, but a hell of a ride for returning readers.
In Hate Machine, Eric Carter continues his warpath through the supernatural world of Los Angeles. After the explosive fallout from previous books, Carter is trying to clean up the mess—his own and everyone else’s. A new player is stirring the pot: someone is murdering people close to him, using dark magic tied to his past.
As Carter digs deeper, he uncovers a secret weapon—the “Hate Machine”—a magical construct that amplifies rage and violence. It’s being used to incite chaos, and Carter might be the intended target… or the key to controlling it.
Tone & Style:
Gritty, sharp, and dripping with blood and sarcasm. Carter is more unhinged than ever, walking the line between anti-hero and full-on monster. There's less detective work and more magical street warfare.
Ending (Spoilers):
Carter confronts the source of the Hate Machine and discovers it's tied to an old enemy he thought dead. In a brutal final showdown, he dismantles the machine but not without getting seriously wrecked—physically and mentally. He survives, but barely, and what’s left of his humanity is slipping fast. The book ends on a bleak note, hinting that the real war may still be coming.
Verdict:
Hate Machine is violent, fast, and emotionally raw. It’s Carter at his most broken and dangerous—exactly what fans of the series crave. Not a good starting point, but a hell of a ride for returning readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2022
Each book in this series is better than the previous and this one is the best I read. A dark, twisty, action packed and fast paced story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Great world building and characters, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Great world building and characters, excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
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