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dianabrito's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
d3vilxl3gacy's review against another edition
3.0
The giant cast of characters may be wearing on my at this point as this entry just didn't hold my interest like the previous books have. Still not bad at all and very funny moments throughout but the action scenes sometimes left me rereading segments bc I was lost as the frequent pov shifts left me wondering more for what was just left off. I enjoyed this all the same and this is still a great story overall it just didn't hit me the same as the others and felt a bit worse off for it. 3.5/5 bc rating out of 5 intervals sucks.
cressthebookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
As usual Steve McHugh’s world he has created is amazing! This book was everything I was hoping it was going to be!
johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
This may be my favorite novel in the series thus far. There are three stories carried throughout the book: Nate must search for a cure to a poison that threatens to kill his father and incapacitate his best friend, Tommy, Mordred must go off in pursuit of the great sword, Excalibur, a weapon that may allow him to defeat Arthur, and Layla is sent to negotiate for assistance from the Valkyrie Empress. Each of these stories are complete, take some very unexpected twists, and culminate in a apex battle for the realm of Asgard.
This truly felt like a build-up to the finale of the series. I am excited for what Horsemen's War will bring. It has a lot to live up to. The two main protagonists - Nate and Mordred - have Layla may not have faced the same degree of losses, but I am sure she will become a pivotal character of the final book. Nate and Mordred are joined by another of the horsemen, those born of special blood magic, in the form of Justice. I'm curious how her story will play out as the daughter of Zeus. I look forward to seeing the end of this series and wonder how McHugh might leave the ending with options to expand beyond these stories.
This truly felt like a build-up to the finale of the series. I am excited for what Horsemen's War will bring. It has a lot to live up to. The two main protagonists - Nate and Mordred - have
Spoiler
faced great loss by the end of this novel. Mordred loses Elaine, his aunt and strongest supporter, and Nate loses Odin, the father he only recently discovered.kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing installment in this world.
I so love these characters, and this one is a full on roller coaster of emotions as there's a lot of deaths and the danger level is ramped up even more. There's also and a really murder cliff hanger at the end! Can't believe I'll have to wait to know what's next!
For me there were a few moments that felt so "anime action" that it took away a tiny bit of the suspense. There's a fine line between the mix of humour and action that I love best and it feeling a bit too unrealistic. But this is whining on very high levels, as I bloody loved the whole book anyway.
I really can't wait to get my eyes and ears on the next one!
I so love these characters, and this one is a full on roller coaster of emotions as there's a lot of deaths and the danger level is ramped up even more. There's also and a really murder cliff hanger at the end! Can't believe I'll have to wait to know what's next!
For me there were a few moments that felt so "anime action" that it took away a tiny bit of the suspense. There's a fine line between the mix of humour and action that I love best and it feeling a bit too unrealistic. But this is whining on very high levels, as I bloody loved the whole book anyway.
I really can't wait to get my eyes and ears on the next one!
klistoff's review against another edition
4.0
For me, this has been the best instalment yet in Nate's continuing journey of self discovery. Although I do worry that Remy is beginning to have a hand in the scripting with phrases like 'x began to kick the **** out of y'.
This time we have a three-way split, following Nate in Montana & London, Layla in Valhalla and Mordred in Wales. Whilst this is fine in and of itself (variety is after all the spice of life), the decision in the Audible audiobook to use a different narrator for each spoils it, particularly with whoever voices the Mordred segments (Steve West?) - just stick with Simon Mattacks for the male segments and Elizabeth Knowelden for the female or go the whole hog with full cast which I wouldn't think is doable with the huge number of characters involved in a McHugh novel.
This is getting to be a bit like light in the Discworld though - it doesn't matter how fast the Rebellion travels, the darkness is already there waiting when it arrives...
This time we have a three-way split, following Nate in Montana & London, Layla in Valhalla and Mordred in Wales. Whilst this is fine in and of itself (variety is after all the spice of life), the decision in the Audible audiobook to use a different narrator for each spoils it, particularly with whoever voices the Mordred segments (Steve West?) - just stick with Simon Mattacks for the male segments and Elizabeth Knowelden for the female or go the whole hog with full cast which I wouldn't think is doable with the huge number of characters involved in a McHugh novel.
This is getting to be a bit like light in the Discworld though - it doesn't matter how fast the Rebellion travels, the darkness is already there waiting when it arrives...
jreason's review against another edition
3.0
Prior to this book I would have said the author couldn’t have written a bad book. Sadly I didn’t like this book as much. It felt rushed, the writing didn’t flow and felt like it very much went from one action to another, with very little emotion put into it. You didn’t get any time to really digest what is happening. Felt like the author didn’t really care and is done with the series.
janolen's review
5.0
Fantastic
Wow, while worried that there might be to much going on in fact the story travels at a great pace.so much happens yet everyone gets a moment.
Definitely a solid 5 stars
Wow, while worried that there might be to much going on in fact the story travels at a great pace.so much happens yet everyone gets a moment.
Definitely a solid 5 stars
jasonswrench's review against another edition
5.0
I want to thank the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication. I've been a big fan of Steve McHugh's Avalon books for quite some time. I was very excited when the previous book brought back Nate Garrett in the previous book, Sorcery Reborn.
As for Death Unleashed, I think this is a really good next edition in the series. I definitely think readers should probably have a working knowledge of the Hellequin series before diving into this book. The book is fast-paced, easy to read, and maintains the page-turner status that McHugh's books have had for quite some time. If you're looking for an interesting urban fantasy series, I definitely recommend this series, in general.
As for Death Unleashed, I think this is a really good next edition in the series. I definitely think readers should probably have a working knowledge of the Hellequin series before diving into this book. The book is fast-paced, easy to read, and maintains the page-turner status that McHugh's books have had for quite some time. If you're looking for an interesting urban fantasy series, I definitely recommend this series, in general.
karlou's review against another edition
5.0
It's fair to say that the world Steve McHugh has created, first in the Hellequin Chronicles then the Avalon Chronicles and now the Rebellion Chronicles has captured my imagination like no other fantasy series and his books are an absolute must-read for me. Sorcery Reborn was one of my favourite reads of 2019 so I've been eagerly awaiting Death Unleashed. The narrative is split three ways this time; each storyline would make a superb novel in its own right and so having them all in one book is spoiling us! I always experience a range of emotions when reading one of Steve's books but he has truly surpassed himself here with a story which had my heart racing during some scenes, saw me laughing out loud at other times before the moments where I had to read through my tears.
Nate Garrett having full access to his powers is a mouthwatering prospect but life still isn't easy for him and it's the exploration of his vulnerabilities which I found to be particularly engaging here. He might be capable of extreme acts of magic and violence but when his family and friends are threatened he hurts as much as any human and he is certainly made to suffer during the course of this novel. Having finally been reunited with his father, Odin, the pair are tentatively trying to figure out their relationship and the obvious awkwardness between them is amusingly touching. Nate is also a new father which adds a further fascinating dimension to his endeavours to finally beat Avalon. At the start of the book, he is in Asgard where everybody expects an imminent attack, however, when word comes through of a possible experiment laboratory in Montana, Nate's best friend, Tommy and Odin take a team to Earth to discover more. Nate is distraught when just the pair of them return, both horrifically poisoned by a deadly venom. He is always ready for battle but this time it's personal and Hera is in his sights...
Meanwhile, Layla and her team are in Valhalla, hoping to persuade the Valkyries to join the fight against Arthur and Avalon. I've loved seeing Layla's character development since A Glimmer of Hope and that continues here as she becomes somewhat of a mentor to Ava, the sixteen-year- old new addition to the team. The similarities between the two are striking - both from Earth, they grew up as ordinary girls and young women before being thrust into this extraordinary life where it transpires that mythological beings are real and that they are at war with an evil empire led by Arthur. Just as Layla had to suddenly come to terms with her new reality, so Ava must redefine all that she thought she knew. Layla became an umbra by accident whereas Ava has only recently discovered she is a shinigami and I'm intrigued to discover whether the younger woman will be able to become as strong and resourceful as Layla who is now an exceptional fighter and leader. At present, she is understandably struggling and is terrified by the prospect of war. Her abilities aren't about physical prowess however, and I'm looking forward to seeing if she will be able to feel more confident about her place in this world as she learns more about her capabilities. It's not really a surprise when things don't go as planned in Valhalla but they make some important discoveries here and I loved the introduction of some new characters, with one in particular making a real impression on the proceedings despite only appearing fairly briefly. I hope they return in a larger role in the next book and I suspect Remy the fox-man would agree!
The third storyline follows Mordred who has always been one of my favourite characters and like Nate, things become very personal for him in Death Unleashed. He is reunited with some faces from his past but it's fair to say that he doesn't relish seeing Lancelot again. There is a lot of blood and violence in this series but it's packed with humour too and perhaps never more so than when Mordred, Hel and Elaine find Lancelot and Guinevere. I'm not going to give anything away, other than to say that their relationship isn't quite as history would tell us, and that who knew troll bones could be used that way?! As I write this review I'm trying to decide whether I found Nate or Mordred's storyline the most emotional, both are tested to their absolute limits in this novel and there are stunning revelations about both of them. Mordred needs to retrieve Excalibur but first he faces a test which he fears he may not be up to and there is a scene here which is beautifully written and really quite touching.
As I read Death Unleashed I found myself constantly applauding this outstanding example of how to evolve an ongoing fantasy series. The way in which new discoveries link back to previous events whilst driving the story onwards is truly exceptional; there may be twists and shocks but they always make sense and are never added just for the sake of a 'wow' moment. It's more than just the advancement of the overarching storyline which makes me love these books, however. These are characters who I've grown to care about deeply. It doesn't matter that they are sorcerers, umbras, gods, dragon-kin or werewolves; each of them are more than their abilities, their flaws and their legacies. Some of them I love, some I am desperate to see vanquished but I am completely invested in what happens to every single one of them. (I even look forward to seeing if the blood elves appear again!) It is possible to read and enjoy Death Unleashed without reading any of the previous books and indeed I joined the series at the end of the Hellequin Chronicles but I strongly advise you to read at least some of the other novels to truly appreciate just what a magnificent achievement this book is. I have mixed emotions looking forward to the final part of the Rebellion Chronicles, I'm desperate to discover what happens next - especially after reading the ominous epilogue - but I don't want it to end!
Nate Garrett having full access to his powers is a mouthwatering prospect but life still isn't easy for him and it's the exploration of his vulnerabilities which I found to be particularly engaging here. He might be capable of extreme acts of magic and violence but when his family and friends are threatened he hurts as much as any human and he is certainly made to suffer during the course of this novel. Having finally been reunited with his father, Odin, the pair are tentatively trying to figure out their relationship and the obvious awkwardness between them is amusingly touching. Nate is also a new father which adds a further fascinating dimension to his endeavours to finally beat Avalon. At the start of the book, he is in Asgard where everybody expects an imminent attack, however, when word comes through of a possible experiment laboratory in Montana, Nate's best friend, Tommy and Odin take a team to Earth to discover more. Nate is distraught when just the pair of them return, both horrifically poisoned by a deadly venom. He is always ready for battle but this time it's personal and Hera is in his sights...
Meanwhile, Layla and her team are in Valhalla, hoping to persuade the Valkyries to join the fight against Arthur and Avalon. I've loved seeing Layla's character development since A Glimmer of Hope and that continues here as she becomes somewhat of a mentor to Ava, the sixteen-year- old new addition to the team. The similarities between the two are striking - both from Earth, they grew up as ordinary girls and young women before being thrust into this extraordinary life where it transpires that mythological beings are real and that they are at war with an evil empire led by Arthur. Just as Layla had to suddenly come to terms with her new reality, so Ava must redefine all that she thought she knew. Layla became an umbra by accident whereas Ava has only recently discovered she is a shinigami and I'm intrigued to discover whether the younger woman will be able to become as strong and resourceful as Layla who is now an exceptional fighter and leader. At present, she is understandably struggling and is terrified by the prospect of war. Her abilities aren't about physical prowess however, and I'm looking forward to seeing if she will be able to feel more confident about her place in this world as she learns more about her capabilities. It's not really a surprise when things don't go as planned in Valhalla but they make some important discoveries here and I loved the introduction of some new characters, with one in particular making a real impression on the proceedings despite only appearing fairly briefly. I hope they return in a larger role in the next book and I suspect Remy the fox-man would agree!
The third storyline follows Mordred who has always been one of my favourite characters and like Nate, things become very personal for him in Death Unleashed. He is reunited with some faces from his past but it's fair to say that he doesn't relish seeing Lancelot again. There is a lot of blood and violence in this series but it's packed with humour too and perhaps never more so than when Mordred, Hel and Elaine find Lancelot and Guinevere. I'm not going to give anything away, other than to say that their relationship isn't quite as history would tell us, and that who knew troll bones could be used that way?! As I write this review I'm trying to decide whether I found Nate or Mordred's storyline the most emotional, both are tested to their absolute limits in this novel and there are stunning revelations about both of them. Mordred needs to retrieve Excalibur but first he faces a test which he fears he may not be up to and there is a scene here which is beautifully written and really quite touching.
As I read Death Unleashed I found myself constantly applauding this outstanding example of how to evolve an ongoing fantasy series. The way in which new discoveries link back to previous events whilst driving the story onwards is truly exceptional; there may be twists and shocks but they always make sense and are never added just for the sake of a 'wow' moment. It's more than just the advancement of the overarching storyline which makes me love these books, however. These are characters who I've grown to care about deeply. It doesn't matter that they are sorcerers, umbras, gods, dragon-kin or werewolves; each of them are more than their abilities, their flaws and their legacies. Some of them I love, some I am desperate to see vanquished but I am completely invested in what happens to every single one of them. (I even look forward to seeing if the blood elves appear again!) It is possible to read and enjoy Death Unleashed without reading any of the previous books and indeed I joined the series at the end of the Hellequin Chronicles but I strongly advise you to read at least some of the other novels to truly appreciate just what a magnificent achievement this book is. I have mixed emotions looking forward to the final part of the Rebellion Chronicles, I'm desperate to discover what happens next - especially after reading the ominous epilogue - but I don't want it to end!
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