Reviews

Eater of Lives by Jordan L. Hawk

heabooknerd's review

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4.0

Well, EATER OF LIVES certainly pulled at the heartstrings as well as grossed me out with the cannibalism plot line. It was a roller coaster of emotion for this one. Caleb continues to help out SPECTR with their cases while John continues to research ways to exorcize Gray. However, things are getting complicated as feelings begin to grow and Gray realizes that he will likely die if he's exorcized. Caleb is also struggling with a growing attachment to Gray mixed with fear over what will happen if they don't remove Gray at the 40 day mark.

Overall, I just wanted Caleb and John to talk and share what they're thinking because keeping secrets is a good way to mess things up. Things are definitely ramping up for a big splashy climax to this journey and I can't wait to see how it happens.

Content Warning: on page cannibalism; graphic thoughts of a POV character with an eating disorder

teresab78's review against another edition

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5.0

Nooo!! It can't end that way!! It's a good thing the next book is out... I now have to read it immediately...

liza5326's review against another edition

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4.0

I need to put a huge sign on my wall.... DO NOT WAIT FOREVER TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN A SERIES!!! I always regret it and spend the next couple days kicking myself. This is such an intriguing series. It's a faux menage, in that one of the partners is actually a demon that has possessed one of the others. But they definitely have 2 different personalities. It makes for a very interesting situation. This is the 4th installment in the series and John is still searching for a way to exorcise Gray from Caleb before it becomes permanent. In between this, they are working with the Spectr Unit to capture NHE's. There is no way I am waiting to read the 5th installment because that cliffhanger was killer!!!

intheblackout's review against another edition

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5.0

stakes are getting higher!

also getting the some pov's from the 'bad guy' here was such a good idea, and it was super creepy

sarful's review against another edition

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5.0

A lot of angst in this one about Gray and Caleb. Gray is in love with living, seeing and feeling the world and John. Meanwhile, Caleb is afraid after the 40 days he won’t be who he is anymore. And John’s feelings towards Gray. I love this. But, what a terrible cliffhanger for Gray/Caleb!!!

Oh and the classic great horror storyline I expect of this author’s books. The wendigo is a scary ass monster.

lolasreviews's review against another edition

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4.0

Eater of Lives is the fourth story in the SPECTR series. This book has a lot going on, as usual there is another case and another Non Human Entity that the main characters must hunt. Besides that one of the higher ups from the research development is taking an interest in Caleb and Grey and they aren't quite sure what he wants. Then there is John's ex who is back in town. As well as the fact that Caleb only has 9 days left to get rid of Gray before the possession becomes permanent. So the two main characters have their hands full trying to deal with everything.

This was a great read, although a bit high on the drama too, which worked well for the most part. Caleb and John are a bit on shaky terms, John might be developing feelings for Grey and then his ex is back in town as well ans he's not telling Caleb what he plans to do with Gray. While Caleb struggles to with the fact their cases always take precedence over him. He and Gray go through some things as well and I liked their conversations, but also feel a bit sad for Gray. The Gray storyline didn't go where I had expected it to go, but that might still happen later.

The case is another creepy one with a possessed women who turns cannibalistic. There are a few scenes from her point of view as well, which really show the horror of being possessed as well as her struggle to deal with a mental illness. While short, those scenes could be quite unsettling, even more so when you know what her fate might be. And then our main characters try to discover who the possessed person is before it's too late. There are a few clues and twists, but it's relatively straightforward investigation which worked here and I liked how the final clue came from an unexpected source.

One of my favorite parts of this series is learning more about Gray, it's so interesting and I like how different his character is. He clearly isn't human and doesn't understand some human concepts, but he is alive and has feelings and emotions and goals. It's really interesting to read about. It's sad to see Caleb struggle with the entity inside of him on on hand and on the other hand working together with him as well and communicating. I think I know where the possession plot line is going and I kinda want to just get there already as I want to know how things get resolved and what happens next.

I didn't really care about the drama surrounding John's ex is back in town. Its gives an insight in John's past and the role Will had in that. It also creates some unnecessary drama and creates a bit of a rift between John and Caleb. Their connection and romance doesn't feel as strongly in this one and they add some secrets and miscommunication to that mix as well. While on the other hand part of their struggles is because they care so much.

The ending ends with quite the cliffhanger and I am not sure what's going to happen next and how they'll deal with this, but I am curious to find out.

To summarize: this was another solid read in this series. The main characters have quite a lot to deal with this in this book, with a new case as well as personal struggles. The few scenes from the possessed person's point of view were creepy and added a bit of chill and really show the horror of being possessed. The romance between Calab and John is a bit on rocky ground in this book, with john's ex being back in town as well as some secrets and miscommunication added to the mix. I didn't really care for the ex drama, but it did make them question a few things about their relationship and how serious it is. I liked the additional insights we get into Gray's personality in this book. And with the cliffhanger ending I am quite curious what the next book will bring.

hpstrangelove's review against another edition

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5.0

What a way to end this book - glad I have the next two!

authorofthings's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

shanaqui's review

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

4.0

As with the first 'season', I'll keep this brief and write a proper review on the final book. Eater of Lives breaks up the fragile status quo in two ways, and is definitely a gateway to more stuff happening.

However, I do dislike the jealousy thing. It makes a certain amount of sense, but it's just not something I'm a fan of, and such a recurring theme for Hawk's books that I kind of winced.

sarah_fodots's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

3.0