A Glimmer of Hope

The Avalon Chronicles, Book 1

By: Steve McHugh

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

From Steve McHugh, the bestselling author of The Hellequin Chronicles, comes a new urban fantasy series packed with mystery, action, and, above all, magic.

Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father's brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she's finally found it. Or so she thinks.

But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace - all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.

To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers...before they destroy her. All is not yet lost - there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.

©2018 Steve McHugh (P)2018 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

I wish I could give more stars!!!

Steve did a spectacular job of introducing a new line of heroes and heroines for me to goes crazy over!!!

Brilliant

In the beginning I was concerned the main character wasn’t going to be tough enough. Then as things went along not only did Layla show her strength she also became even stronger than I expected.

I am so excited to have more Avalon stories to enjoy. Thanks to the author for another amazing story. Also kudos to the choice of narrator, great job all around.

Can’t wait for more!!

Loved the book

I Steve's books and I couldn't stop until it was finished and nou I can't wait for the next book in the series

Hellequin with a bit more drama

I was hesitant to pick up this book due to many critical reviews by long time Hellequin fans. I will admit some parts of the book were over-dramatized and tedious, but not as unbearable as some of the reviews would have you think. I will admit I had to increase the narration speed a few times because I was getting bored with the MCs drama. Other than the drama issues it was a typical Hellequin novel. On a positive note, the MCs powers seem really interesting and have tremendous potential.

*possible minor spoiler* By the end of the book the MC is able to resolve her drama so I expect the next book will be much better since my only real complaint was the drama.

I didn't think the Narrator was anything special but she wasn't terrible either. She had good intonation, but lacked a little when it came to unique voices for the characters. I personally feel intonation is more important so I was satisfied.

ive listened to this before...

and it was better than i remembered. the narrator gets better as the book goes on, so don't give up on her entirely. she's not the greatest at giving everyone a different voice but, like i said, she does get better
..the story itself is a continuation of the Hellequin story, and although Nate is involved, the Avalon Chronicles center more around Tommy's inner circle, Layla being main
..i did really enjoy the story, as Mr McHugh is a brilliant man, who tells an intriguing and an immersive tale=)
💗💗💗

great! nice to see the universe continue.

can not wait to see the rest of the stories. looking forward to part 2.

4 Stars

A Glimmer of Hope is pretty good. The ending is a bit corny, but the story development is good. I'll probably get the next book.

the ending

the end made me think may e if I have an extra credit laying around, I'd use it on the next book. it's something to listen to but nothing I would call thought provoking or greatly intriguing. mayne the next book will be better.

Weak MC

So in general I'm not the biggest fan of the The Hellequin Chronicles however I do enjoy the books and always seem read/listen to them along the way. They're good books when you looking for fast and dirty action and enjoy a MC that doesn't give a shit about killing a few bad people along the way and some decent urban fantasy and world building. This book however... Spent a lot of time with the MC hating herself, being upset about everything, not thinking and for some reason being afraid to hurt/kill really evil people. I don't want to spoil to much but the main antagonist is responsible for multiple murders, tortures, and who knows what else. He kills his own parents, kills his own comrades and is generally a all around shit guy. He also targets the MC's friends/coworkers as targets of his murder/torture. Yet somehow when the MC a literal gun to the said antagonist's head she doesn't pulled the trigger. Nor does she kill him when he is completely at her mercy again a a few moments later. She refuses, holding on to some vague idea that if she does "murder" him that she will turn evil just like him. That killing him will somehow destroy her humanity. Its shit. The human thing to do there after you find out someone is admitted murderer, torturer, and directly responsible for the murder of your mother... is to kill them with absolutely no mercy. In the end the MC does drive a sword into said bad guys chest but doesn't kill him and while a supporting character does from the HC books does it just feels off.

The other nail in the coffin of this being a weak MC is her constant fear and worry of her own power, and how since its "demon based" (not really) it will drive her to kill her friends and family. The MC is so worried that she might lose control that she doesn't even stop to think, if she does lose control there is a literal goddess a few feet away for most the book to stop her as well as the oldest werewolf in history. She is literally surrounded by people vastly more powerful than her with tons of experience and she is constantly worried about harming them. She even loses control and one point and basically doesn't do shit and gets helped out by one of these said powerful experienced people. Her hubris is huge and she is selfish. Maybe this is meant to show that she is inexperienced and young but in the end it just gets tiresome. Its not what I've come to expect from Mr. McHugh and overall this is honestly the worst book I've seen come from him.

TL;DR Weak selfish MC who doesn't use her brain enough and falls into everything instead of working to better herself. She is still pretty Marry Sue and is surrounded by a strong group of character so it doesn't matter in the end. Worst book I've ever listened from Mr. McHugh.

Good to see the story continue

took a second to readjust to the new character Dynamics, but Elizabeth brings forth the humor and comradre I enjoyed in the Hellequin series. it was nice being reintroduced to old characters. still loving Remy and glad to see the return of banter between him and Diana.