Book Review: "Paper & Blood" by Kevin Hearne

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes book two of an “action-packed, enchantingly fun” (Booklist) spin-off series, as an eccentric master of rare magic solves a supernatural mystery Down Under!

There’s only one Al MacBharrais: Though other Scotsmen may have dramatic mustaches and a taste for fancy cocktails, Al also has a unique talent. He’s a master of ink and sigil magic. In his gifted hands, paper and pen can work wondrous spells. 

But Al isn’t quite alone: He is part of a global network of sigil agents who use their powers to protect the world from mischievous gods and strange monsters. So when a fellow agent disappears under sinister circumstances in Australia, Al leaves behind the cozy pubs and cafes of Glasgow and travels to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to solve the mystery.

The trail to his colleague begins to pile up with bodies at alarming speed, so Al is grateful his friends have come to help—especially Nadia, his accountant who moonlights as a pit fighter. Together with a whisky-loving hobgoblin known as Buck Foi and the ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, along with his dogs, Oberon and Starbuck, Al and Nadia will face down the wildest wonders Australia—and the supernatural world—can throw at them, and confront a legendary monster not seen in centuries. - from NetGalley.com

Thanks go out to NetGalley.com and the author for a free copy of this work in exchange for a review!

I have read The Iron Druid series and completely loved them! Actually book one of this new(er) series by Hearne had me from before I even got my hands on a copy, as it is related to the Iron Druid world. And to have Atticus be in this book, too? SQUEE! Anyways, I cannot share more of the story than above, as it would spoil it for you. I did enjoy reading through the story, and even kept it in my library for a possible second read-through before the protected-date is up.

Hearne does a good job of writing a story based in the same world as his popular Iron Druid tales. The style is easy to read, and pretty fit for older teens and adults. I enjoyed some of the stories that were told by the characters, reminding me of a couple other Oberon stories Hearne had put out. Definitely would suggest for friends to read! Anxiously awaiting possibly more books for this series to come out!

#PaperBlood #NetGalley

Book Review: "A Deadly Influence" by Mike Omer

 From bestselling author Mike Omer comes the first in a new series full of the psychological twists and police procedural turns that his fans have come to know and love.

Lieutenant Abby Mullen is no stranger to crisis. As the hostage negotiation instructor for the NYPD, she deals with worst-case scenarios every day. Nothing fazes her anymore.

That all changes when she gets a call from Eden Fletcher, a fellow survivor of the infamous Wilcox cult. The two haven’t spoken since the night of a tragic, fiery massacre, when their paths diverged. But now Eden needs Abby’s help: someone has kidnapped her son and is demanding a $5 million ransom. As Abby throws herself into the case, she can’t help but wonder why the kidnapper has targeted Eden. But Eden refuses to talk. She’s silent about the relics of their shared past hanging on her walls. About the kidnapper’s possible motives. About what’s happened in the years since she and Abby parted ways.

As the truth closes in, Abby realizes that her past may not be as far behind as she thought…and it’s come home to collect. - from NetGalley.com

I have never read one of Omer's books before, and picked this at random due to the description, and that it was the first book of a new series he is working on. As far as mystery/thrillers go, this was a very enjoyable read. From my perspective, even realistic and plausible. I was somewhat impressed that the main character had real-life issues going on as the same time the crisis is happening. Like most of us in real life! Overall, I truly did enjoy the story, and would be interested in reading further books in this series, and possibly check out some of the author's other works.

Thanks to NetGalley.com and the author/publishers for this copy for free in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley #ADeadlyInfluence

Book Review: "Relentless" by Jonathan Mayberry

 

In New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's thrilling Relentless, Rogue Team International joins Joe Ledger in a new hunt that spans the globe and journeys deep into the terrifying landscape of the human heart.

JOE LEDGER’s world has been torn apart. The people closest to him have been savagely murdered and Ledger is on the hunt for the killers. His already fragile psyche has cracked apart, allowing a dangerous darkness to overwhelm him.

His hunt takes him deep into the world of the deadly black market weapons sales, and standing in his way are a new generation of private military contractors. These mercenaries have been enhanced with cutting-edge cybernetics and chemical enhancements, transforming them into real-world super soldiers. Stronger, faster, harder to hurt, and fitted with built-in weapons. They are beyond anything Joe has ever faced.

But he is not the Joe Ledger they expected to fight. He is defined by the Darkness now. The attempt to destroy him—to break him—has backfired. Instead his enemies have turned him into a far more fearsome weapon.

Everyone is out for blood. - from Netgalley.com

Thanks to the author and publisher for a free ARC of this book through Netgalley.com.

This is book two of the Rogue Team International series, and kind of like book 10 of the Joe Ledger series - one of those 'cross-over' books. The reasoning behind this 'cross-over' I think is somewhat apparent in this story, and  may or may not get revealed in any part of this review.

Many years ago, I had picked up the first Joe Ledger book as I was in post-apocalytic mood, and the title "Patient Zero" looked like it fit that view. Boy, was I wrong! In picking up this book through Netgalley.com, I knew what I as getting and there was no remorse. There is a bit of backflashes as the story starts, lining up the events of the big ending. Joe has gone rogue, and is untrackable to RTI, creating bloodshed and havoc where ever he winds up. But is it truly himself causing all this? And if it isn't, who, or what, is controlling him?

As usual, I enjoy a good action novel, and 'Relentless' did not fail me. I like how Mayberry included some information from past Ledger novels to help cover some of the character background, and world background, in regards to not only Joe, but the team, and sort of how it came about. The events happening to Joe, the mental changes, were a bit of a twist for me. I suppose I may need to go back and actually read the series (in my near future for sure) to get the slow build-up of it all, but just based on the past information provided, the effects of PTSD (of war or personal trauma) is openly discussed - and I like that. It shouldn't be something no one should NOT discuss, especially in this type of story. I think the only part of the writing I did not like, was I felt the descriptions of guns and ammo were over-detailed. Half the detail just went straight over my head and turned me glassy-eyed.

So, will Joe be back for another story? I think Mayberry may have gotten to Joe's end story, without having to kill him. Though he might still show up in the future in minor ways. Again, enjoyed the book immensely!

#Relentless #NetGalley