Reviews

Cold as Hell by Jaime Castle, Rhett C. Bruno

adamherring's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

rellimreads's review against another edition

4.0

This is book 1 in the Black Badge series by Rhett C Bruno and Jaime Castle. There’s a prequel, Dead Acre (book .5), that isn’t necessary but I think it helps with understanding Crowley a little better.

James Crowley is a Hand of God, Black Badge, an undead “Sheriff” of sorts. Sent on missions with little to no information and expected to figure out what’s wrong and how he can help. While it a little confusing, to me that’s what makes it fun. The listener is trying to figure out what’s going on along with Crowley.

This time he’s in Revelation Springs trying to track down robbers who he quickly learns are supernaturals. Lots of twists, turns, and distracting side quests. He gets help (and hindrance) from local folks. Including a someone from his past.

I enjoy the mix of historical/Western with paranormal. Plus, Crowley’s sense of humor and running commentary bring levity to some fairly violent events.

Bruno & Castle wrap it up nicely… but then tease in the epilogue that Crowley has an unexpected nemesis in the next book. Looking forward to Vein Pursuits.

Narration:
Roger Clark is a terrific match for the writing and Crowley specifically. He has the perfect gruff voice and emphasizes the emotions well. So easy to listen to him and get lost in the story.

ford_defect's review

adventurous funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Racism

Moderate: Rape

Minor: Suicide

inthebrineydeep's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

1.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racial slurs

hirsch's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

johnathanwet's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kay_slayerofbooks's review

4.0

I don't like this ending . . .

James Crowley is alright with me. He's not racist and doesn't discriminate. He knows who he used to be and serves up justice equally. He looks out for those who look out for him and is respected. Rosa loves him (as she should) and he is out here doing the White Throne's work . . . But that ending . . . With Ace . . . I don't like it!

4 stars

modkuraika's review

4.0

Great full novel follow-up to Dead Acre, and the perfect thing to listen to between The Dresden Files, especially since I'm almost caught up. I do think the epilogue goes on a little long. It could've ended much sooner than it did and it would've been a more effective cliffhanger. It goes without saying what happens at the ending; it doesn't need that much elaboration.

nickbluth's review

fast-paced

3.5

dunkin_ma_knuts's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0