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Hell Bent
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Hell Bent (Broken Magic #1) by Devon Monk; Start Date November 11th
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Here you go Sara and Darcy. It looks good.
This sounds great! I always love jumping into the first of a new series. Can't wait to get started.
Hell Bent is one of my most anticipated books of the year. I loved Shame & Terric in the Allie Beckstrom series and I am very excited about this series.Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 5
Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
The first chapter highlights the downside of Shame's abilities - to be surrounded by life and possessed with the urge to extinguish all of it.
"We have what is known as a difficult relationship." - Understatement!
"It was daymageddon in here." - I think we've all felt that way some mornings.
"Since the whole monstrosity was just too cliché and would make my mum cry..." - Not even death magic users want to make their mom cry.
"I will kick your scrawny Irish ass. And then I will tell your mother what you did." - You always play the "mom card" if you want someone to behave.
"That's when I completely tuned him out because I'd heard this lecture so many times I could sing along with the bouncing ball." - I've been there.
It's interesting that there is a downside to Terric's magic. Life magic is always perceived as a benevolent form of magic.
"My bad habit of arguing with police officers had never once worked in my favor." - It never will.
We have a mysterious sniper lady following Shame around town.
Government officials are after the known Soul Complements presumably because they can access the truly powerful magic.
"And her other hand was flat across her stomach as if just thinking about someone out to kill her and Zay made her sick." - I'm thinking Allie is pregnant.
The slimy guys following Terric - are they the killers of the dead girl?
I wonder why the Overseer fired Terric. I can understand firing Shame but Terric seemed to be very energetic and dedicated to the job.
Dash seems to be very competent and perceptive.
I just started this one too. I knew it was a spin off of the Allie Beckstrom series, but have been told that you don't need to read those to enjoy this one. However I feel like I am missing things, like how/why Shamus and Terric are Soul Complements. So if anyone has read that series and can give me background I would greatly appreciate it!Spoiler Chapters 1 -5
So far I am not impressed with this book, part of it could be because of feeling lost by missing what happened in the other series. Also I can't stand Shamus, cannot stress enough how much I don't like him. I hate is self pitying / woe is me ways. I find his spending time at the bottom of a bottle repugnant. Sure what he can do sucks, but you are stuck with it, so deal with it and get on with life.
I feel horrible for Terric, hate that his job, which he loves and seems to define him, has been taken away. Now for that I can see spending the night in a bottle.
I liked Dash, worry about what he has told Shamus, hope it isn't true because if so I fear that Terric would give his live to help.
I love the ghost that is following Shamus, mostly because she seems to put him in his place.
Sara wrote: "Hell Bent is one of my most anticipated books of the year. I loved Shame & Terric in the Allie Beckstrom series and I am very excited about this series.Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 5
Warning, Spoile..."
Sara, I think you are right with Allie, that is right where my thoughts went.
A few background details of the Allie Beckstrom series:The Authority is the governing body of magic. In the Allie series, they were very secretive and would harshly enforce the uses of magic and who was allowed to know certain aspects of magic.
The Authority had individuals called Closers who served as the Authority's enforcers. They would "close" an individual which meant they would remove memories and/or the ability to use magic. Zayvion and Victor are the two most prominent Closers from the Allie series.
Pre-Hell Bent magic was divided into different categories: Life, Death, Faith, Blood, and Tech. Each branch of the Authority had an individual who represented each division. The positions changed several times throughout the series. At the start, the representatives were: Victor Forsythe (Faith), Maeve Flynn (Blood), Jingo Jingo (Death), Daniel Beckstrom (Tech), and I'm blanking on who represented Life.
Soul Complements are two individual whose magic is so in sync that they can use magic in ways and at levels no one else is capable of. Contrasts are two individuals whose magic is so opposite of that combining it would cause lots of destruction. There is a test that is used to determine if individuals are Soul Complements. The risk with Soul Complements is that if they are not careful they may either lose themselves in the other or go completely insane.
Pre-Hell Bent, magic came with a price. Cast a small spell, end up with a headache. The bigger the spell, the harsher the price. You could set up a Disbursement that would delay the cost or put it onto someone else.
Hounds were also a big part of the series. These are individuals with the ability to track magic.
In the Allie Beckstrom series, the main plot lines were the return of the first Soul Complements in history (also completely insane), the healing of magic, and the corruption of the Authority. Also, Allie had to deal with daddy issues on a ghostly level.
The Authority splits into two sides: Team Allie (Allie, Zay, Shame, Terric, Maeve, Victor, Hadyen, etc) vs Team Jingo Jingo. Jingo Jingo was able to use the resources of the Authority to pursue Team Allie which meant good people were used as pawns in the fight against Allie & co. Eleanor Roth was one such pawn. In a showdown between the teams, Shame lost control of his powers and killed her along with several others. Eleanor has been attached to Shame since her death.
The final showdown ends with the insane Soul Complements and other bad guys being defeated and magic being changed/healed.
Shame & Terric:
Shame, Terric, and Zayvion grew up together. Shame studied death magic and Terric & Zayvion studied faith magic in order to become Closers
Shame & Terric were suspected of being soul complements at a young age. Shame lost control of his magic and damaged Terric's ability to use certain forms of magic. As a result Terric was no longer able to become a Closer. Shame withdrew from Terric because of his guilt and Terric moved to Seattle.
Terric returned to Portland to help Team Allie. Shame & Terric had several adventures in which both died, were brought back, and severely altered on a magical level.
The series ended with Terric & Shame being put in charge of the Portland branch of the Authority. The Authority is now more known to the public and legal authorities.
Thanks for the re-cap Sara. I tried that series, but it didn't work for me.
Ok. I joined this group just to talk about this book. Though, I have seen Sara's comments on many beloved books for weeks and contemplated it - I just finally took the plunge because I, too, am reading this one. (I'll eventually get something in the intro thread - I promise!)Darcy - I completely understand your reaction to Shame. And, it is kinda sad - because reading the Allie books, his character just shines. Because those of us who journeyed through Hell with him understand his attitude, we have a bit more sympathy. I suspect it will help us to enjoy the book more than do you. I hope his character perks up . . . Though, you can see some of the Shame we love in his interactions with Eleanor. As I recall, he was mortified that he killed her, and her death helped to shake him back to reality.
Sara - I remember that Terric was unable to be Guardian of the Gate - a job for which he was competing with Zayvion - did it also prevent him from being a closer? I would think that would actually be a bonus. I can't imagine that job being that much fun.
I, too, think Allie is pregnant. I am so thrilled for her at the possibility.
I adore Dash. His addition is awesome. I would happily see he and Terric together.
What on earth is The Authority up to at this time. I smell no good on their part. Were Terric and Shame put in charge because they are Soul Complements?
Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "Darcy - I completely understand your reaction to Shame. And, it is kinda sad - because reading the Allie books, his character just shines. Because those of us who journeyed through Hell with him understand his attitude, we have a bit more sympathy. I suspect it will help us to enjoy the book more than do you. I hope his character perks up . . . Though, you can see some of the Shame we love in his interactions with Eleanor. As I recall, he was mortified that he killed her, and her death helped to shake him back to reality."I worried about that before reading this one, wasn't even sure I waned to, but thought I would take a chance.
Sonja,You may be right - I might be confusing whether it was Guardian or Closer.
Did you also catch that Paul & Nola and Kevin & Violet are now married?
I agree that reading the Allie books may give you more sympathy for Shame. Shame & Terric went through a lot in the series.
I hate to do this with a buddy read, but I just can't keep going, this one will be dnf for me. I still don't care for Shamus and because of that find I don't really care what is going on with him. I hope you all like the book better than me. I'll keep reading your posts to see how things turn out.
Spoilers Chapters 6-7
I find myself feeling very sorry for Terric and how he explained things to Shamus. I get the feeling that there is more that he wanted to say, but didn't feel like he could.
I love that the red-head, Dessa, managed to get one over on Shamus. Loved that she drugged him and then the trunk, that had me laughing. I hope she can stay ahead of him.
Sara wrote: "Sonja,You may be right - I might be confusing whether it was Guardian or Closer.
Did you also catch that Paul & Nola and Kevin & Violet are now married?
I agree that reading the Allie books may..."
I did catch that. :) I think I am a little ahead of you - so trying not to say too awful much. I am thrilled that they got married. I listened to the first 2 books of the Allie series. The narrator was awesome. She made me absolutely fall in love with Violet.
Darcy. I hope I didn't intrude and ruin it for you. I didn't realize it was a buddy read with the two of you. But, I totally get why you don't like Shame. I fell in love with him previously, but even I want to smack him around in this one.
Buddy reads are for everyone - the more the merrier!
Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "Darcy. I hope I didn't intrude and ruin it for you. I didn't realize it was a buddy read with the two of you. But, I totally get why you don't like Shame. I fell in love with him previously, but even I want to smack him around in this one."I don't mind at all, knowing you are reading along makes me feel less guilty for not finishing the book. You and Sara can chat away. Buddy reads are open to anyone that wants to join in. :)
Had I been reading this on my own I probably would have quit much sooner.
Thoughts on Chapters 6 - 7Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
"...I will come over to your place every morning at five, steal your curtains, and sing ABBA at the top of my lungs." - Now that is a threat!
"Bar food so neither of us is happy?" - Relationships are all about compromise.
Re: Terric's arrest for indecent exposure - as Terric will tell you it was a false arrest - he was wearing socks!
"I was suddenly falling in hate with the guy." - Me too, Shame!
Dessa - good guy, bad guy? Shame should also know by now that you don't leave your drinks unattended at the bar.
I work a 13 hour shift on Tuesday so I'll be back on Wednesday with more comments.
Gah! I so want to read this book but I don't think I can fit it in.
Thoughts on Chapters 8 - 14Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
Dessa sure knew how to make a memorable impression on Shame. I loved Eleanor's response - "Her ice-cold touch ended al my happy-sex thoughts, and not in a good way."
"Closers could take memories away. Change lives. Make a person forget those he loves: spouse, children, siblings, parents. Give a person an entirely new past. A new identity. Make it so he could never use magic again." - It's very easy to see why someone would have a grudge against Closers.
Poor Joshua. I remember hoping that someone would un-close his memories at the end of the Allie series and now he's been murdered.
"It occurred to me that having a Life magic user like Terric lose control in the middle of a morgue might be option C for how to kick off a zombie uprising." - It would be a unique way that's for sure.
Psycho Eli is back - he would have a grudge against Closers even though his own actions cause his Closing.
"Want me to handle it?"
"Absolutely no, I do not."
"I heard yes." - I love Shame & Terric's relationship.
"She poisoned you."
"Just a little." - As you know, in poisoning attempts, the dosage is the way to measure the intent.
Allie & Zay are going to have a baby? I wonder if Soul Complements have given birth before - if so, what was the child like?
If Eli is killing Closers, shouldn't the Authority hide Victor? He was the primary Closer in Eli's case.
"It was creepy. But they were my friends. My creepy, creepy friends". - It's good to know that Shame values all of his friends, creepy or otherwise.
Eli pays a visit to Shame and charges him with finding his Soul Complement. I can't even imagine what Eli's soul complement would be like - is she as crazy as him?
Thoughts on Chapters 15 - 17Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
I like Jeremy less with each mention/appearance.
I wonder if the public learned anything about the massive overnight death of horticulture across Portland?
"If it was wrong to have carnal feelings for a towel, I didn't want to be right." - I love this line.
"Damn straight I was worth looking at." - I think this is the first moment of positive self esteem Shame's had in the book. Also, yay Terric!, you got Shame to wear colors.
Poor Shame - forced to endure the indignity of UGGs. "You have to deal with the terrible, terrible trauma they caused me."
We discover Brandy Scott is Eli's Soul Complement and she's been institutionalized for years.
"You know I'm in contact with your mother, don't you, Shamus?" - "I'll call your mother" seems to be the prevalent threat of the book.
I suspected Jingo was lying about Shame's father though I do wonder why Victor and Maeve waited years to tell Shamus. Was it really healthy for Shame to think for years that his father thought he was a monster and wanted him dead?
I am just starting Chapter 17 - I have held off for the last couple days waiting for you to catch me. ;)I have some things highlighted that I fell in love with, thought I would share - and will do better from here forward. I, too, loved the Abba quote, though I did not highlight it.
Chapter 4, When Eleanor points out the 'No Smoking' sign he is standing next to smoking, "I'm immune to rules. Followed too many when I was young.... Built up a tolerance." Really made me laugh because did you ever get the feeling that Shame followed too many rules at ANY point in his life?
Chapter 15, Shame witnessing 'disagreement' between Terric and Jeremy after making it to Terric's after being drugged by Eli and helped by Dessa,
"I could cut the tension with a knife. If, you know, I could actually lift my hand. Or make a fist tight enough to hold a knife.
Also, if I had a knife."
Chapter 16:
I, too, was fond of this - so typical of Shame:
One look at me and he paused a second in his good-by, which made me grin.
Damn straight I was worth looking at.
Jeremy had made Terric change for him. Or may Terric had done it willingly.
I was no expert on relationships. Still, this total takeover didn't seem . . . healthy.
Agreed, Shame. In fact, I would go so far as to say it was a great definition of a bad relationship.
Shame's reaction to the UGGs that are the only footwear Terric can find that will fit his feet.
"Why do you even have those ugly things? Aren't you people supposed to be fashion forward?"
"My people?" he asked with a dangerous arc of his eyebrow.
"Graphic designers," I said.
Um, as saves, I would have to put it its effectiveness at the bottom of the heap. ;)
I can't see Shame following rules at any point in his life. I can picture him leading Zay and Terric into all sorts of mischief when they were children.Terric & Jeremy's relationship is the definition of unhealthy.
Thoughts on chapters 17-21, spoilers definitely ahead.I forgot how much I loved Shame + Zayvion. They make me laugh so hard. Also good to see him interact with both Allie and Zay . . . we get a real good glimpse in this book at the dark nature that defines Shame, which makes it hard to remember at times what a heart of gold he truly has. Which is why his dark nature is such a struggle.
Loved the way Shame traded in the Uggs for lumberjack boots.
Shame's fight with Jeremy: "What would Terric say if you killed me?" "My boyfriend? Again?" What a shame Jeremy walked away . . . I suspect we will see more of him.
I, too, wonder why they thought it a good thing to let Shame hang on to what Jingo Jingo said his father said instead of the reality of it. Afraid to swell his arguably already swollen head? I mean, the guy is suffering because of dealing with the death magic. It had to have helped to think his father had confidence in him rather than the opposite.
Shame and his quest for *his* coat . . . he was willing to go to the office simply because he thought he had left a coat there.
"Just because you don't think a conversation needs to happen doesn't mean it isn't going to." Truer words were never spoken. I also like the way Terric does not back down, but he knows when and how to approach Shame for the best results.
Terric's approach to Eleanor - they can fix it . . . I wonder if Shame has grown accustomed to her presence - one whom does not tempt with death magic. I wonder if he fears he will miss her.
Love Zayvion being described as a "mountain of muscle." I also loved how both Terric and Shame treated Allie with kid gloves - to ensure the safety of the baby. How much care and love they show both Allie and Zayvion - as well as the baby. And, the re-appearance of Stone - the best pet ever!
The three level of wards they put on the Jones' home. And, how they did it. Working together - doing things the same way - breaking magic.
When Stotts shows up: "Act natural." "Seriously? Natural? Like we're just two guys who happened to have dressed out of the same closet, standing in the rain and fog on an abandoned lot casting magic the likes of which hasn't been seen for three years? That kind of natural?"
I love the say Stotts works with them: "You know we can't admit to breaking on record." "I'll want something from you, even if it's just you had a bad feeling and followed up on your hunch." (Which is, of course, exactly what he got.)
"You lied to a police officer. Aren't you worried they're going to take your hero card away?"
"Let's drink to that. Swing by and get me a coffee, won't you?"
"Coffee, not booze?"
"When they open a drive-through bar, I'll be the first in line. Until then, coffee."
"We're going to take Eli out. And by 'out' I mean mulch him into grave filler."
"Where do you stand on this, Shame?"
A) "On the side of better donuts."
B) "Whatever Terric just said. I'm probably against it, but am too lazy to do anything about it."
Where is Davy? I am worried for him.
"Two-year olds have more patience than you." "That's because two-year olds have coats." Poor Shame, still hung up on his coat.
His relationship with Sunny(and many others, truly): "It's nice to have you back." We both thumbed off our phones since that was about as much mutual affection as either of us could handle.
Talking to Cody about the Black Crane using Terric for his life magic: "They want me to stay out of their way." "So you're going to get in their way." "What can I say? I have a contrary nature."
For all that Shame wants to act like this bad ass that wants nothing to do with anyone, he truly cares about those people around him. It is obvious in everything he says and does.
Thoughts on Chapters 18 - 21Warning, Spoilers Ahead...
Sonja,
You mentioned a lot of my favorite quotes and thoughts on these chapters.
I'm worried about Davy too - he and Eli have a bad history together.
I also will always stand on the side of better doughnuts! Never settle for subpar doughnuts!
Other thoughts:
Zay broke Shame's nose! Of course, having a psycho teleport into your house and threaten to carve your unborn child out of the mother's womb would put anyone on the edge.
Stone! He was one of my favorite parts of the Allie series so I was excited to see his return.
"Uh...buy a vowel?" - Yes, more explanation for the clueless.
"And Nola's here too. With her shotgun." - Nola may not have any powers but never underestimate someone with a shotgun or, as Shame says, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl."
"We used magic together and I didn't have a single moment of wanting to snog him."
"He wouldn't have argued."
"He would have had a coronary." - No, that would've been the majority of the fans but in a good way.
Shame continues his quest for his coat - "That's because two-year-olds have coats." He just wants his coat - it's his version of a security blanket.
Thoughts on Chapters 22 - EndWarning, Spoilers Ahead...
Shame drew a very hardcore line in the sand when it comes to Terric and the Black Crane Syndicate.
"She was my air, my sensation, my world." - I'm not buying the Shame-Dessa instant love bond. I can see lust and intrigue but nothing else. Maybe it's because I prefer the slow build up of a relationship to "duo meets - 2 chapters later - instant soulmates!".
"I claim these blankets in the name of Flynn!" - Along with space, possession of the blankets is the most important part of sharing a bed.
I knew they should have hid Victor! He was the primary Closer in Eli's case and he is presently blind and possessing little to no magic. I bet Clyde, Terric, Shame, Zay, and Ali all feel horrible and guilty.
"Sometimes the direct kill is the best." - I like practical magic users.
Eli has Davy - this can't be good for Davy.
The missing people have become magic bombs - literally. I wonder if they have free will/conscious thought or if they have other spells carven into them that control their movements? If they are controlled, are they aware of their actions? It would be a horrible fate to be trapped in your own body, used as a weapon, and be aware but unable to do anything about it.
I wonder what's in the wall that caused Eleanor pain and caused her to be heard for the first time in years?
Poor Dessa. I didn't really "connect" with the character but I feel bad that she died before her brother's murder was avenged.
How are they going to kill Eli without killing Davy? Eli must die!
Void stone bullets - The bad guys obviously came prepared to deal with magic users.
Will Terric & Dash be a couple in the next book? They would be a cute couple.
"I think I told them I would be in the room with him while they cut him open whether they liked it or not. And if they harmed him I'd do unspeakable things. Allie took care of that too. In the form of flagging down a burly nurse who looked like he could break me with one hand." - Good thing Allie was there to keep the situation under control.
It's good to see Cody healed and whole but I would like to know the extent of his abilities.
"Well, then, death needs a haircut." - I loved Maeve & Shame's heart to heart. He really needed his mother after the events of this book.
"But if I can be there to hold him down while you pull his lungs out of his chest, I will be." - Now that's a true friend.
Jeremy's gone - for good. Shame is a very effective problem solver.
Shame tormenting Brandy was not cool. She was as much a victim as anyone else. At least she's at peace now.
Final thoughts:
I loved the book. My only negative is that I didn't "connect" with Dessa or feel the Shame-Dessa connection. Otherwise, I'm intrigued by the bad guys and what they are trying to achieve with the Soul Complements and altered magic users. Shame, Terric, and company were awesome as usual.
You managed to highlight everything I did. :) Great minds and all that.I got the feeling that Shame was not tormenting Brandy, but, rather, Eli. Eli was almost 'existing' also in her shell of a body. When Shame saw Brandy peeking out of her eyes, it slowed him down. And, I think that is why he killed her as quickly as he did.
People like Maeve and Zay are who keep Shame sane. (Who but Mom can say nothing more than 'you need a haircut' when death has just been unleashed all around you.) Those last minutes with them were priceless to me. Shame feels like such a . . . monster. It takes those who love him to see the love he carries inside him. Unlike Jingo Jingo, he *is* ultimately a good person. He cares for those around him - and truly only unleashes the worst of his magic in their defense - rarely his own.
I loved seeing Allie and Zay ride into rescue Shame and Terric for once. Those bonds of friendship between them are what make the books for me.
Sheesh. Jeremy. Under truth magic, told Terric how he really felt . . . then still tried to woo him back.
I, too, still worry for Davy. I think we are supposed to. ;)
The Shame/Dessa thing. I dunno. It did seem very quick. Even the build up with Allie/Zay took longer. How many books did it take them to go on a 'date'? I think there was a purpose thing - I feel his love for her has some deeper purpose and meaning that is not yet clear. Not sure what that could be. Next book. :)
I know I am alone in a crowd (a familiar place, trust me) but I truly hope Terric/Shame thing does not happen. (I am perfectly fine with Terric/Dash) I like that they are odd balls. I like the brother bond they have going on. To me, hooking them up totally destroys the bond that already exists - and almost sets them up to fail.
This one felt darker than the Allie books. I don't know if it is because Shame is by his very nature darker than Allie or if it just because there was so much death. Also, the story isn't yet finished so I don't know where it is going. (I was fortunate to have picked up the Allie series after it was completed.) These things knock it down a notch for me. I don't like death and destruction. :D But, I adore Shame.
This topic is open for discussion of Hell Bent by Devon Monk. Be prepared for SPOILERS.
Synopsis:
Instead of the deadly force it once was, magic is now a useless novelty. But not for Shame Flynn and Terric Conley, “breakers” who have the gift for reverting magic back to its full-throttle power. In the magic-dense city of Portland, Oregon, keeping a low profile means keeping their gifts quiet. After three years of dealing with disgruntled magic users, Shame and Terric have had enough of politics, petty magic, and, frankly, each other. It’s time to call it quits.
When the government discovers the breakers’ secret—and its potential as a weapon—Shame and Terric suddenly become wanted men, the only ones who can stop the deadly gift from landing in the wrong hands. If only a pair of those wrong hands didn’t belong to a drop-dead-gorgeous assassin Shame is falling for as if it were the end of the world. And if he gets too close to her, it very well could be...