Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

1,169 global ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Sort reviews by

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

foxglove1028

Full of Action

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023

Verified Purchase

This story has a lot of action and the mysteries continue to build and unravel as you read on. The story world is intriguing and unique. Most definitely going to check out the next book in the series.

Skye Kahoali'i

People will call this "woke"

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

Here we have a familiar theme from the author, of an extraordinary main character who has been brought low in that he has lost access to the abilities that make him extraordinary. He is not as magical as Nate is in the Hellequinn series, but has access to a magical place that is both source of strength and terror. That is not what I want to write about.

This novel is almost disturbingly current, as mentions of the still ongoing pandemic attest to, and there is one other current set of issues running through the author's homeland that he addresses. Others will undoubtedly take issue with this, and I imagine a flurry of negative evaluations for being too "woke" will soon crop up in the reviews. At best. Others filled with vitriol will hopefully get filtered out by moderators. Mine, this one, will not be amongst them.

Being a member of one of the most prominently targeted and marginalized communities in the author's country, it is with much gratitude that I commend the author on his very evident stand on our plight. Showing how easy it is to be inclusive (sometimes to the point of being a bit heavy-handed, but you'll not hear me complaining) in writing urban fantasy, this new world the author builds is exciting in the author's unique way of storytelling. At the same time, easily recognizable themes prominent within my community are dealt with as being completely normal. No characters "other" those who have no real choice in being anything than exactly who they are. The parallels of those transformed by magic to those in our current reality who transform themselves in order to be their more authentic selves is unmistakeable. I found myself smiling out loud at many points as I happened across them.

Others may criticize that the inclusion is too prominent -- unrealistic, as after all -- my community comprises a tiny fraction of the general populace. I say it is a refreshing counter to the very ill will often expressed "in real life" as the saying goes.

Thank you, Mr. McHugh, from the bottom of my heart. You didn't have to write us into this new series for it to be successful, in fact it may contribute towards what might make it not. Thank you for your courage, your heart being in the right place, and an author of great talent.

p.s. You may want to send this back to your editor/proofreader(s) for a re-going over, as I caught typos that I don't normally encounter in your work. Did not detract at all, but I feel you might be disappointed that they were not caught before publication.

Mahalo nui,

Skye Kahoali'i

Kindle Customer

Very good book

Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2023

Verified Purchase

I love Steve McHugh. I couldn't get enough of the Hellequin Chronicles, and the rest of the books, which I've read three times already.

I liked this one very much, but I hoped for some editing and proof reading. I'm not sure why but the verb to sit was almost always in the past tense. Didn't make sense in some places and I found myself correcting as I read. It wasn't enough for me not to read the book, but was distracting. Hope the next had some proof reading.

Kindle Customer

...loved Hugh hellequin series wonder why I waited so long to start this

Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2023

Verified Purchase

If you are a fan of Steve McHugh previous work you will definitely fall for this hopefully new series as well. Had me glued from beginning to end a world rich which character history and so much to explore and tell. Love how the story builds up and just keeps you focused and and makes you want to know and read more about Lucas and band of merry friends 😅 don't miss out. Pick this one up😊

S. K. D.

Different and really good

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023

Verified Purchase

I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them so I was eager to find more. This one took me by surprise and got me hooked. A little gory in its description of violence at times yet appropriate to the story line.

Geri Fulk

Steve does a great job

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023

Verified Purchase

I enjoy how Steve takes the reader back in time but relates it to things going on now. I just finished a book that didn't separate them enough and it was hard to keep my place. I had to reread a few passages to straighten it out. Steve does a great job so that I don't worry about losing my mind trying to keep things in order, especially if I read it in bed and fall asleep.

DarthNiRiK

Great book for any fantasy fan

Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023

Verified Purchase

Love this book great characters great storytelling very vivid I can imagine myself in the story. Lots of amazing detail about the different character arcs as well as a different powers and magical abilities awesome fights I can't wait to read the next one.

Wally S.

Steve McHugh, you’ve caught me again!

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023

Verified Purchase

I loved all the Hellequin books, I loved this one just as much. Thank you so much! On to book 2!

Kindle Customer

captivated me from the start!

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023

Verified Purchase

I really enjoy Steve McHugh’s work. Great world building, the characters are always interesting and mesh well together. I have a hard time putting the book down. The only negative is that there needs to be bettor editing. For example, a few paragraphs are about the main character fighting a henchman that was described as scared, but they mean scarred. It was confusing reading that part initially. Other than that, I loved it and look forward to the rest of the series.

Jeremy

Another Great Story from Steve

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2023

Verified Purchase

Love this new series and can't wait to read more. Action packed and a great read. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes!

David Zurek

The beginning of a strong series

Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023

Verified Purchase

I've read everything that Steve McHugh has published. I'm never disappointed. They are generally easy and quick reads with the story going from action to action in a nearly unstoppable way. In a way Lucas is a super hero. Not unbeatable like superman but more like Batman and gets his ass handed to him on occasion.

Mom2Addi

McHugh does it again

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023

Verified Purchase

I love the worlds that Steve McHugh builds. He always does a good job of sucking you into the story that you feel like you are part of it. Well done and looking forward to #2.

Amazon Customer

Excellent story but needs proofread

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022

Verified Purchase

I have been a fan of Steve McHugh since the start of the Hellequin series and this book I just as engaging as that series was. The story was fantastic and is an excellent intro to this new series, my only complaint is that there were quite a lot of spelling errors and grammatical errors that kept disrupting the story for me. I read this on KU in case that makes a difference. I do look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Mile High City Nic

Fun read

Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2023

Verified Purchase

I love the Hellequin series, loved it! So I had to read Mr McHugh's new offering and I was not disappointed. Amazing world building, new characters but the same fantaay, humor and violence that makes this readers brain purr. On to book two. Read this one for the start of another fantastic voyage.

Woostiwa

Never a disappointment

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023

Verified Purchase

The beginning of a fantastic new series and amazing world building. McHugh is a master when it comes to fight scenes. Epic, and always viewable as if it was on screen and perfectly choreographed. Fantastic new powers and lore. This first book is a clear winner, and I'm about to devour #2. Bravo Steve once again!!