Year One

A Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter Collection

By: John G. Hartness

Narrated by: James Foster

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Straight out of the pages of the legendary vampire novel Dracula comes a demon hunter for the modern world.

Mina Murray and Jonathan Harker had a son. They named him Quincy. His guardian angel calls him Q. Dracula calls him nephew.

Demons call him The Reaper.

"There are things in this world that men and women aren't meant to understand. We aren't supposed to know these things exist, much less how to fight them. The things that go bump in the night, the monsters in the closet, the shadow out of the corner of your eye - that's where I live."

Collects the first four Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter novellas:

• Raising Hell
• Straight to Hell
• Hell on Heels
• Hell Freezes Over

©2014, 2016 John G. Hartness (P)2016 John G. Hartness

If Constantine were based on a book

This is a book that was recommended to me in Rick Gualtieri’s Facebook group. Needless to say, the recommendations of “Booky McBookface” held true and this was a story that was worth the listen. This was actually a collection of the first four books (as you likely already know). I found that each book was decently scoped in size/duration and put the right amount of plot/storyline in each entry to leave me feeling greatly satisfied.

Each of the books left me with a feeling like these stories could have been the foundation for the Constantine movie, with Quincy being Keanu Reeves. I must say that I wished for more Renfield and Luke in the final story after getting quite a dose in the first three chapters. Luke is a character which has grown on me and I am hoping to find out more of his back story in the second omnibus.

If you are looking for a great entry into the paranormal/vampire/things that go bump in the night genre, check this one out. At only 12 hours long for four novels, this is a great collection and each story is well thought out. I will say that a slight smile formed at the ending to book four with Little Emily Standish. What a way to end the first collection. A 5/5 collection here.

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Melissa here

This was a good three-parter. I listened to the audiobook version and have to say that I really like the narrator. This was the first time I've listened to him, and he did an awesome job. He had a very casual/natural sounding voice (not like he was reading something) that went well with the characters, especially Quincy. I'd definitely be interested in listening to more stories by him.

Anyways, this audiobook was recommended to me by my husband. I have to say that even though we usually listen to different genres, the stories he recommends to me are usually pretty good!

Looking through the comments on Goodreads, I couldn't help but notice several people comparing this book/characters to that of The Dresden Files. Yes, I thought of that series as well when I first started listening. I read, I think, the first five books of the Dresden series. I liked it, too! Those giving this story a lower rating because of similarities between the two stories/series are being ridiculous. It's like saying that since one person wrote a certain type of character (an assy magician), it can no longer be used again. Grow up, people. As long as both characters have something more to them or uniqueness that makes them stand out, then they're all good in my book.

Questions/Comments:

So, Quincy states that when a demon knows your true name it can be dangerous because they'll have control/more control over you. Makes sense, I've heard this many times before. Yet, if Quincy Harker isn't his true name then what is?

I question why Quincy would have made Mr.Garda forget that his daughter had died hours prior? I mean, Mr. Garda didn't even realize she was dead yet. Plus, why not make him forget he saw her in her possessed state? Wouldn't that have made more sense?

Also, after the demon is gone, Quincy states that the girl now looks like she's simply sleeping. Ah...given her description when he first came into her room, that seems highly unlikely.

Can I just say that I wasn't a fan of Det. Flynn at all in part 1. I mean, I couldn't figure out why Quincy was so nonchalant regarding her harassment of him. I was like 'why doesn't he press charges? Why is he letting her get away with all this stuff?' I had to ask my husband if the two of them eventually got together. He said 'yes.' I was actually upset about that because Flynn equated to a bitch, in my opinion, and while Quincy has his moments, I found him sarcastically hilarious. But, thankfully, I got the whole story in part 2. So all is well now.

The vampire in part 3 that ends up getting badly burned and loses an eye, why did he just stand there and let Quincy kill him? I didn't get that part.

How did the little kid who Mort was living in know about the supernatural world? Much less how to summon a demon for help?

lots stories in the life of Harkness over years

I liked the multi story approach. kind of like bing watching a series. It will be interesting to see how the author handles this in the next book.

Awesome narrator + great author = :-)

This collection is a awesome introduction to the series and left me wanting to hear more adventures in this world.

wicked fun

I loved this book, it was Dracula meets Supernatural meets bad @ss action movie. very well narrated, feels like a great TV show or movie

Wild Monster Chasing with a Vampire

I've read some of the author's "Bubba" books so thought I'd try the Quincy Harker ones for a change and I am glad I did. The books were fun, irreverent, and had enough snark going on to keep me chuckling throughout. The three stories build on each other, but you're never left totally out if you skipped one as Hartness does a good job of giving enough background that you never feel left out even on new characters that are introduced.

The monster killing romps and world building are great. There is always enough detail to either make you laugh or squirm, or maybe a bit of both, but nothing too gratuitous. Quincy's background lends itself to all sorts of interesting possibilities and I look forward to checking out the other books in the series.

The audio is very professionally done. James Foster does a great job. I've listened to quite a few audiobooks and he is right up there and I will look for him in other books.

Great Story

Very good narration and writing! This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom

amazing and funny journey.

an amazing and hilarious story that let me see through the eyes of a paranormal psychopath. I admit I was a little put off by the fact that he is partnered up with Dracula but found it to be just as great of a story that kept me wanting more, is that it you want to want more then so I shall. I really wish I could have this guy team up with my story character.

Super great fun and mayhem!

As noted in publisher's blurb, this is a compilation of the first four Quincy Harker books. The plots are excellent, the characters are too much fun. Quincy cusses like most of the testosterone folk I know, but his guardian angel loves him anyway; his partner (Detective Bex Flynn) rolls her eyes at his cluelessness; Uncle Luke (aka Vlad Dracula) has his back; and the ex-Marine from Homeland Security, Paranormal Division, gives him credentials. There are lots of snarks, puns, and gawd-awful jokes and comparisons. But not gratuitous erotica. Guaranteed to have you snurfling and cackling out loud despite the blood, gore, and sound effects.
James Foster is not only the voice of Quincy, but gives a remarkable performance with all of the other characters--and this is no mean feat! So get your exercise gear on or get on the bus/subway/train and enjoy the hyperactivity!
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast."

Great story and narration.

I loved this book and look forward to more. I suggest reading Dracula by Bram Stoker first. It is also available here on audible.com and this book ties into that one well enough that it will be nice to have for background material. This book is funny, witty, and tons of fun. The narrator is an absolutely perfect voice for Quincy Harker. Fans of urban fantasy definitely need this one in their library.

Super great fun and mayhem

Where does Year One rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

TOP

What did you like best about this story?

I like the different facets it gives into Quincy and Dracula. It was another awesome listen

What does James Foster bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This has to be one of James Foster’s most dynamic performances ever! Somehow making his regular super calm and soft spoken voice into a raspy, gravely treat for the ears, for Harker. While switching back to several characterizations with his normal voice. Keeping them all distinct and easily identifiable. Clearly making Foster a great choice for this series

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.