Steve McHughBesprekingen

No Gods, Only Monsters
By Steve McHugh
Wow, what can I say! I really loved this! Myths, legends, roll it around in Steve McHugh's mind and this is what happens! Action, adventure, fights between gods, Diana, Medusa, Poseidon, dwarves, and more. Love the world building. The battle scenes were spectacular! There are tender moments too. Medusa is actually a good character in here. (I loved that!) The characters are flawed and relatable, except some of the horrible ones, they were just flawed! 😂
Nice addition to the Hellequin series! If you haven't read that series then do yourself a favor and pick it up!

Those Who Dwell in Darkness
By Steve McHugh
This book was so awesome! Two of my favorite series is from McHugh! If this is the start of another series then I am onboard!
It has vampires, corruption, illegal changing of people to vampires. A serial killer. An Arbiter named Miles, (who decides cases on his own, decides if they are guilty, what do do about it, then punishes), is following this case that leads him further into darker secrets.
This book has a good mystery, horror, creatures, great world building, the creep factor, and had me cheering for Miles who is a powerful being himself! I was never bored! Very exciting and fresh!
Love the cover too! Love his dog too! That's Church! Part vampire!

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.

Was looking for a good urban fantasy book, and this was just what I was looking for. This was my Kindle First pick for March.

First off, absolutely gorgeous cover! The story starts off with a bang, and with the exception of a few slower parts in the middle, grabs you and never lets go until the very end. A fun ride with plenty of action and thrills, friendships new and old, and an interesting cast of characters. I liked Layla, the protagonist, right away, and connected with her. As the story progresses, you learn a lot of new names, but I didn't have much trouble identifying who was who. Everyone had their own unique personalities and quirks.

All kinds of mythological creatures are featured here: Redcaps, demons, spirits, ogres, werewolves, and jikininki, just to name a few.

The book is told in third person, in both Layla and Elias' (the main antagonist) viewpoints.

Four stars only because I didn't really care for the writing style, though I loved that it was told in third person (I'm not too fond of first person POV). Some parts were very "telly" (vs. showing), and the author seems to like to overexplain things, and the bad guys seemed very one dimensional. And I assume because this is the first of a series, there were a lot of introductions to the world and the characters, and lots of setup.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading the next installment when it comes out later this year. Recommended for anyone looking for a fun, quick read with lots of action and thrills, and plenty of mythology.

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]

Well, darn. This didn't work out like I expected. This is a straight follow on to his previous series, which I only read the first book of. Sigh. Now I'm back to that series, because I loved this even though I didn't understand parts based on the previous series.

The Last Raven by Steve McHugh
Riftborn #1

Exciting, action-packed, intriguing introduction to a splendid new series set in a world we know but one that is so much different than we now know it now. The Riftborn are unique, lethal, varied entities with a complex history, mythology, abilities, laws, realities, and more that completely captured my imagination. Well done indeed!

What I liked:
* Lucas Rurik: ancient, lethal, powerful, Tallon of his guild, seeks vengeance, capable of cruelty but on the side of right – really liked him
* The world created with the Rift, Embers, Tempest and all it entailed
* The cast of supporting characters – humans and Riftborn – and the parts they played: Isaac, Gabriel, Bill, George, Hannah, Nadia, Ji-hyun, Emily,Booker, Zita, Dave, and any others I might have forgotten
* The guild idea and wondering how it and those that belong to the guilds will play a part as the series progresses – great idea that the guilds all have bird names
* The wide variety of Riftborn and their differences
* Being able to hate the bad guys…do hope they ALL will be dealt with ruthlessly…eventually
* Reading a new-to-me author that I really enjoyed
* The plot, pacing, writing, being drawn in, feeling a part of the story, and caring about the outcome
* Wondering who is behind the evil that Lucas is facing and who he will face next
* Knowing that there is another book to read coming – hopefully soon

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The death of some good characters
* Having to say goodbye to the characters while waiting for the next book to be ready

Did I enjoy this book – Yes
Would I read more in this series – Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 stars

To start with this book, seven in the Hellequin Chronicles, without having read the previous six books may have been a bit daring (even foolish) especially since this is also the last book the series. It's like seeing the last 20 min of a movie. It's interesting, but you feel like you have missed a lot of things that are mentioned. However, I must say, despite that did I find the book surprisingly easy to get into and even more surprisingly easy to keep a check on all the characters. And, trust me they are many. I think that the reason for the easiness is the fact that most of the characters are mythological ones. Both familiar names and new ones for me. But, the names stuck and I never felt a bit lost, instead was I intrigued by this absolutely fascinating mix of mythological beings in a modern setting. Also, this good vs bad story always work for me.

It's a thick book. And, yes there were moments I felt like, not necessary the story dragged out, but rather it was a lot of things to take in with Nate Garrett and Mordred hunt after the mysterious "My Liege". There were a lot of fights all through the books as they fought enemies, searched after missing friends and tried to find out the truth about the person behind the "My Liege" alias.

I definitely think this a book worth reading. However, you should probably start with book one. And, I know that this is the last book in this chronicle. However, I did get a feeling that this is not really the end...

So this is "2 stars, but..."
The first third of this was really fun, silly but very entertaining, then it got into all of the mythological back story stuff and completely lost me. I ended up rushing through it to get it finished, but there was enough fun stuff in here to make me think the other books in the series might be worth a read.

Nate returns, mostly. I keep feeling like Steve McHugh enjoys blue-balling Nate - and us - in terms of Nate's actual power. We get a revelation as to his origin, which is cool. But I, for one, am ready for him to just let things rip and take things to Arthur in a bloody haze. It's time.

After the end of the previous book, I was a little worried about Mordred making a reappearing. I'm usually against characters who were thought to be long dead suddenly coming back into the picture. To me, it oftentimes feels like it's done mainly for shock value and is a detriment to the story. However, in this case, Mordred coming back actually progressed the story significantly and filled in a lot of back story.

Another thing I enjoyed about this book is there are a lot of characters in it, both old and new, but they all get their time in the story. No one feels like they are overshadowed, which is impressive since the novel isn't that long. Also, with so many characters and moving pieces, it definitely feels like everything is getting setup for the endgame.

Individually, I really enjoyed this book. I do worry a little that there's only 1 more book left in the series but still quite a bit unresolved. I really hope McHugh can wrap things up in a satisfying conclusion.

This has a lot of interesting stuff going on. He's like this chick magnet awesome guy with powers, and there are bad guys. I liked it, but it got to be too many elements added in for me. It went from present to way in the past with knights and stuff. It also brings in figures from history during that time. And then some gods and stuff. So, yes, I liked it, the writing craft is really good, but the storyline had too much for this first book, I think. I'm interested enough that I plan to check out the next book at some point. Fans of super hero movies and comics will probably like it.

BORN OF HATRED IS THE SECOND IN THE HELLEQUIN CHRONICLES BY STEVE MCHUGH. Like the first book, BORN OF HATRED is, from the firs page forward fast paced,kickass good read!

Nate is getting his memories back and the Hellequin, again, pops up to save his ass!
Nate is after a serial killer that happens to be a Lich. This guy is bad news! He is strong, has wicked magic and can turn people into ghouls. Nate is really mad at this dude because not only is he raping women but he beat up and kidnapped Tommy ,his best friend ,and his daughter. And lets face it folks, you DONT want to piss off Nate,especially when he resurrects the Hellequin to help destroy this dude.

Holy cow! What a misfire! The ending of book 2 hinted at some interesting new directions for the main character. Unfortunately, it was to be some kind of warmed over Monster Hunter, Inc. imitation. That is a *truly* terrible book series. I'll try #4 and see if this we a one off next.

Nice. Better than the first and the ending hinted at some really new directions for the characters.

Interesting main character. Fun to see him slowly realize who/what he is.

Frozen Rage
A Hellequin Novella (The Hellequin Chronicles)
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
This is a novelle of Nate, Remy, and Tommy going to a wedding where there is sorcery, werelions, and magic. Good fantasy and action! Good mystery too!
Great narration!

Confusing mish-mash with the invulnerable and all-powerful Nate hardly needing to exert himself.

Death Unleashed
The Rebellion Chronicles, Book 2
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks, Elizabeth Knowelden, Shaun Grindell, Steve West
Hera is trying to kill as many of the "children" as she can. A great deal of action with Mordred and Nate. Odin also had a big part. Interesting plot, quick and intense pace! Love the characters! Some losses occur😑, some twists, and good things develop. Loved it.
Love all the narrators! Preordered the next book!

Awe inspiring violence

You need to start with book one to get the full impact, but this was a heck of a lot of fun. I don't know what it is about having the hero get the 'Bruce Willis' treatment just to get back up and do it all again the next day. A little disappointed in the epilogue...did we have to go in that direction? Ah, well.

Finally meeting Merlin was interesting. Too bad he's such an @$$. The good news is there are even more people who want Nate dead.

Good, but

There was a little weakness at some critical junctures that kept this from being outstanding. Especially near the end, the plot tools some forced turns that weren’t well developed. I still liked it, and will buy the next book, but it’s not the best example of the author’s work.

Awe inspiring violence

You need to start with book one to get the full impact, but this was a heck of a lot of fun. I don't know what it is about having the hero get the 'Bruce Willis' treatment just to get back up and do it all again the next day. A little disappointed in the epilogue...did we have to go in that direction? Ah, well.

Finally meeting Merlin was interesting. Too bad he's such an @$$. The good news is there are even more people who want Nate dead.

Good, but

There was a little weakness at some critical junctures that kept this from being outstanding. Especially near the end, the plot tools some forced turns that weren’t well developed. I still liked it, and will buy the next book, but it’s not the best example of the author’s work.

Another 3 star book from Steve McHugh.

Don't get me wrong; it's a fun read. Once again the book follows 2 stories; that of the main character in the Old West, and then the main character in modern day London. Both are intriguing stories, that had be reading the book in little over a day. I'd definitely recommend picking it up if you're into urban fantasy.

My main complaints carry over from the first book. Every woman the main character meets is a bombshell. And unless that woman is with another man, they either want to sleep with the main character, or have slept with the main character in the past.

Everything else though was good. The book had an awesome villain, though one part of the story was fairly predictable. The inevitable power creep was handled in a way that ties in with the story well, and it had its funny moments.

If you're a fan of books like Anita Blake; Vampire Hunter, and The Dresden Files, you'll enjoy this book.

The book follows two stories; the life of a sorcerer as he follows the butchers of a town in the 1400s, and the life of the same sorcerer as he tries to save a young woman in modern day London.

It's an action packed thrill ride from start to finish.

I only rated the book 3 stars, because there are some things that can be improved on.

First, every woman in the story over 18 years of age is a bombshell. Humans aren't like that in real life; they shouldn't be in a book.

Secondly, every woman is attracted to the main character. Again; not something that's going to happen in real life. No one is that attractive.

Other than that, a fun read.