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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
neilsef's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Balthazar has been a minor but intriguing character so far in this series, that took more prominence in the last book, but who is the centre of attention in this one.
He is a complex character whose multifaceted personality is brought to the fore here in a tale that sees him indulging in his normal pleasures, but this time things work out a little differently than he expected. Things go from bad to worse when he is captured by Jinn and ends up in a hidden city full of Daēva, and the only way to leave is to defeat a demon.
This is a highly entertaining tale that is beautifully written with wonderfully characters and a well paced, engaging plot laced with action, mystery, tension and humour. A must read if you have read the previous books.
He is a complex character whose multifaceted personality is brought to the fore here in a tale that sees him indulging in his normal pleasures, but this time things work out a little differently than he expected. Things go from bad to worse when he is captured by Jinn and ends up in a hidden city full of Daēva, and the only way to leave is to defeat a demon.
This is a highly entertaining tale that is beautifully written with wonderfully characters and a well paced, engaging plot laced with action, mystery, tension and humour. A must read if you have read the previous books.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Balthazar, an ageless former necromancer is on a quest to rid the world of the evil necromancers that remain. His latest bounty brings him to Egypt where he quickly dispatches John Mortlake. However, the easy kill comes with strings attached. John Mortlake has debts with the djinn and a daughter who absolutely refuses to pay the debts for a father she equally despised. Balthazar gets waylaid after Mortlakes death by a beautiful woman and ends up on a Nile cruise. Balthazar's wiles get the best of him though, as the woman he is chasing steals the talisman that has kept him alive for over 2000 years. In trying to retrieve his talisman, Balthazar gets tied up in the woman's troubles and finds himself imprisoned by the djinn in a magical desert kingdom and now must retrieve a sword from a demon in order to escape with his life and his talisman.
Enchanting, fun and action packed, Balthazar's Bane continues the world of the Gaslamp Gothic series. I really enjoyed getting to know Bathazar and Lucas better. The writing dives into some of Balthazar's lengthy past and his history with Lucas without slowing things down. I was in a love/hate relationship with Zarifa's character based on her changing actions. She was strong, independent and free thinking, mostly one step ahead of the guys. Most of all, I loved being transported to the magical city of Al Miraj and exploring the many inhabitants of the city along with their dwellings and items. The trails that the demon led had me enthralled as Balthazar deftly fought his way through. Thoughtfully weaving in themes of growth, good vs. evil and respect for all living things, Balthazar's Bane entertained from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what these characters get into next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Enchanting, fun and action packed, Balthazar's Bane continues the world of the Gaslamp Gothic series. I really enjoyed getting to know Bathazar and Lucas better. The writing dives into some of Balthazar's lengthy past and his history with Lucas without slowing things down. I was in a love/hate relationship with Zarifa's character based on her changing actions. She was strong, independent and free thinking, mostly one step ahead of the guys. Most of all, I loved being transported to the magical city of Al Miraj and exploring the many inhabitants of the city along with their dwellings and items. The trails that the demon led had me enthralled as Balthazar deftly fought his way through. Thoughtfully weaving in themes of growth, good vs. evil and respect for all living things, Balthazar's Bane entertained from beginning to end and I can't wait to see what these characters get into next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
eafiu's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
4.25
I'm finally a Balthazar believer. It helps to have Lucas getting laid and Zarifa being savage too.
catsluvcoffee's review
4.0
Balthazar's Bane is the 6th book in the Gaslamp Gothic and Kat Ross shows no sign of slowing down. This paranormal adventure series includes the previously reviewed on Cats Luv Coffee: A Bad Breed, The Necromancer's Bride, and Dead Ringer. With opulent settings and world traveling, the Gaslamp Gothic series is not one to miss!
When Balthazar kills necromancer John Mortlake, he sets a whole train of chaos into motion. Mortlake, who deservedly met his end though quite untimely, had a daughter and while that daughter had no lost love for the man, she also has the great misfortune of being told his debts are now hers. Those debts lead her to steal Balthazar's talisman, the very one that has allowed him his extra longevity. Needless to say, he wants it back. The not-so-merry chase ends Balthazar and thief Zarifa in the hands of a djinn in the kingdom of Al Miraj.
As always, the world that Kat Ross creates is teeming with fantastical details. This time in Egypt from the Cairo bazaar to Nile cruise to mythical Al Miraj. There's a fabulous One Thousand and One Nights vibe going, especially from Al Miraj. The duality of the cursed kingdom, heaven by day and dark hell at night, was fascinating. While I was unfamiliar with the tale of Amir Arsalan, the demon Fulad-Zereh has a spell laid on her (him in the original tale) making her invulnerable to all weapons except one sword. While the original tale doesn't end so well for the witch and her offspring, the gender-swapping and roots in this bit of folklore made for an engaging read.
Each of the Gaslight Gothic books follows a different character and though we've met Balthazar and Lucas before, we get a more intimate look at both characters this time around. Stalwart and level-headed, Lucas is a great counterweight to Balthazar's impulsivity and anger. Zarifa is rash and obviously a bit desperate, but she's smart and wily. She's the perfect foil for the immaculate and in control Balthazar. If you are looking for a happy ever after, you won't find it here—at least not yet—but the angst of the journey is completely worth it.
Once again, Kat Ross has a winner here with the sixth offering of the Gaslamp Gothic series. The characters are always entertaining to get to know, the surroundings are lavish and sumptuous and the pacing is excellent. Balthazar's Bane ticks all the boxes for a delightful Victorian-era fantasy.
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When Balthazar kills necromancer John Mortlake, he sets a whole train of chaos into motion. Mortlake, who deservedly met his end though quite untimely, had a daughter and while that daughter had no lost love for the man, she also has the great misfortune of being told his debts are now hers. Those debts lead her to steal Balthazar's talisman, the very one that has allowed him his extra longevity. Needless to say, he wants it back. The not-so-merry chase ends Balthazar and thief Zarifa in the hands of a djinn in the kingdom of Al Miraj.
As always, the world that Kat Ross creates is teeming with fantastical details. This time in Egypt from the Cairo bazaar to Nile cruise to mythical Al Miraj. There's a fabulous One Thousand and One Nights vibe going, especially from Al Miraj. The duality of the cursed kingdom, heaven by day and dark hell at night, was fascinating. While I was unfamiliar with the tale of Amir Arsalan, the demon Fulad-Zereh has a spell laid on her (him in the original tale) making her invulnerable to all weapons except one sword. While the original tale doesn't end so well for the witch and her offspring, the gender-swapping and roots in this bit of folklore made for an engaging read.
Each of the Gaslight Gothic books follows a different character and though we've met Balthazar and Lucas before, we get a more intimate look at both characters this time around. Stalwart and level-headed, Lucas is a great counterweight to Balthazar's impulsivity and anger. Zarifa is rash and obviously a bit desperate, but she's smart and wily. She's the perfect foil for the immaculate and in control Balthazar. If you are looking for a happy ever after, you won't find it here—at least not yet—but the angst of the journey is completely worth it.
Once again, Kat Ross has a winner here with the sixth offering of the Gaslamp Gothic series. The characters are always entertaining to get to know, the surroundings are lavish and sumptuous and the pacing is excellent. Balthazar's Bane ticks all the boxes for a delightful Victorian-era fantasy.
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bookish_heidi's review against another edition
3.0
This is my first book by Kat Ross and I enjoyed it. It was fast paced and full of Egyptian lore. Balthazar is a scoundrel but a great character! I loved all the different artifacts he came across and the lore about djinns and Daevas.
bookbriefs's review
4.0
Balthazar’s Bane is the sixth book in the Gaslamp Gothic series by author Kat Ross. The gaslamp Gothic series, was previously known as the Dominion Mystery series, which includes The Daemoniac, The Thirteenth Gate, and Bad Breed (among others). I loved, loved loved the first three books in the series but then I missed books 4 and 5, and I am completely kicking myself for missing them because I always love Kat Ross’ books! Her writing is always so on point and engaging, which these days is one of the most important aspects I look for when I picking what books I want to read. I love her ability to write an atmospheric story that completely captures my attention.
Though Balthazar’s Bane is the sixth book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone, so if you really don’t want to, you do not have to reads the first five books. However, I really enjoyed both The Daemoniac , The Thirteenth Gate, and Bad Breed, so if you love a good dark series, I would read them all in order. As I mentioned before, I skipped books 4 and 5, and I was completely fine while reading Balthazar’s Bane. It totally works well as a standalone book. However; you will see plenty of characters from Kat’s previous books and other series, so you may want to take some time and read all of her books in order. I think once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
In Balthazar’s Bane, we get to see more of…you guessed it…Balthazar! I am super excited that he got his own book. We have gotten to see peeks of him in previous novels, but here we really get to know him, which was super interesting because upon first glance he is not what I would describe as a “good guy”. I mean, this story is premised on him trying to track down his talisman and steal it back. The very same talisman that he used to steal other’s life force and keep him alive eternally. Yea, that talisman. But the grey ambiguity of his morality just made him an even more interesting character in my book.
As always, I love the setting in Kat’s book, and I love how effortlessly she blends, mystery, paranormal, and historical all into one really awesome adventure. Balthazar’s Bane takes place in Egypt and Al Miraj, and we get to see a bunch of beloved characters from the previous books like Lucas and Zarifa. I loved Balthazar himself so much! His adventure felt very fast paced and high stakes intense for almost the entire length of the novel. It made for a very exciting read! Whether you read this one as a standalone, or you read the series in order, I think you will love Balthazar’s story, and the mystery woven in. I am really, really hoping to see more of Balthazar in Kat’s future books!
Bottom line: Balthazar’s Bane is perfect for fans of the Jackaby series and of the Netflix tv show Penny Dreadful, and fairy tale reimaginings with a dark feel. I really enjoyed the ride this mystery took me on. Read it in the fall for a great atmospheric mystery.
Though Balthazar’s Bane is the sixth book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone, so if you really don’t want to, you do not have to reads the first five books. However, I really enjoyed both The Daemoniac , The Thirteenth Gate, and Bad Breed, so if you love a good dark series, I would read them all in order. As I mentioned before, I skipped books 4 and 5, and I was completely fine while reading Balthazar’s Bane. It totally works well as a standalone book. However; you will see plenty of characters from Kat’s previous books and other series, so you may want to take some time and read all of her books in order. I think once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
In Balthazar’s Bane, we get to see more of…you guessed it…Balthazar! I am super excited that he got his own book. We have gotten to see peeks of him in previous novels, but here we really get to know him, which was super interesting because upon first glance he is not what I would describe as a “good guy”. I mean, this story is premised on him trying to track down his talisman and steal it back. The very same talisman that he used to steal other’s life force and keep him alive eternally. Yea, that talisman. But the grey ambiguity of his morality just made him an even more interesting character in my book.
As always, I love the setting in Kat’s book, and I love how effortlessly she blends, mystery, paranormal, and historical all into one really awesome adventure. Balthazar’s Bane takes place in Egypt and Al Miraj, and we get to see a bunch of beloved characters from the previous books like Lucas and Zarifa. I loved Balthazar himself so much! His adventure felt very fast paced and high stakes intense for almost the entire length of the novel. It made for a very exciting read! Whether you read this one as a standalone, or you read the series in order, I think you will love Balthazar’s story, and the mystery woven in. I am really, really hoping to see more of Balthazar in Kat’s future books!
Bottom line: Balthazar’s Bane is perfect for fans of the Jackaby series and of the Netflix tv show Penny Dreadful, and fairy tale reimaginings with a dark feel. I really enjoyed the ride this mystery took me on. Read it in the fall for a great atmospheric mystery.
thecaffeinatedreader's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
3.0
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
Balthazar gets to show off his ‘softer’ side, and his vulnerabilities, he is still just a man after all, albeit a very powerful one, and we get to see more of Lucas and his own desires and adventures separate from Balthazar.
The pacing on this is very much kick up the dust and go, which is a huge plus for me, every book she writes, I just fly through.
Though I found this a lot of fun, and loved the lore and mythology used, I think this wasn’t the Balthazar story I hoped for as far as character growth goes, but, you know what? Still FUN and satisfying, it’s not like Ross doesn’t give us a good Balthazar story because she definitely does!
If you’re looking for some quickly paced, intense, 1890s magical desert kingdom fun, I DEFINITELY recommend this book.
Quick, I need the next book already!
3 HUGE cups of coffee from me!!
Thanks SO much to XpressoTours and Acorn Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review as part of the blog tour.
Balthazar gets to show off his ‘softer’ side, and his vulnerabilities, he is still just a man after all, albeit a very powerful one, and we get to see more of Lucas and his own desires and adventures separate from Balthazar.
The pacing on this is very much kick up the dust and go, which is a huge plus for me, every book she writes, I just fly through.
Though I found this a lot of fun, and loved the lore and mythology used, I think this wasn’t the Balthazar story I hoped for as far as character growth goes, but, you know what? Still FUN and satisfying, it’s not like Ross doesn’t give us a good Balthazar story because she definitely does!
If you’re looking for some quickly paced, intense, 1890s magical desert kingdom fun, I DEFINITELY recommend this book.
Quick, I need the next book already!
3 HUGE cups of coffee from me!!
Thanks SO much to XpressoTours and Acorn Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review as part of the blog tour.
pixiejazz's review
4.0
Balthazar's Bane is book six in the Gaslamp Gothic series. This one focuses on former necromancer Balthazar and his loyal companion Lucas. The pair are on a mission to take out John Mortlake, a necromancer Balthazar isn't fond of. But his murder doesn't go quite as planned, and it's this misstep that sets off the chain of events that play out throughout the rest of the book.
Balthazar convinces Lucas to take a Nile Cruise, mostly because of a woman who has caught his eye. Unfortunately, the woman is not who she claims, and things only get worse from there.
Kidnapped and brought to a hidden magical city, Balthazar realizes his only option is to take part in the Trials. Become champion, rescue a mythical sword, and save the town. Will he survive, or will he succumb to the horrible whims of the demon in charge of the Trials?
I really enjoyed this book. It gave off a sort of Rose Madder vibe closer to the end (at least that's how I viewed it). Balthazar was a bit smarmy and frustrating at times, while Lucas was devoted, loyal, and oh so stuffy. I loved him.
There was a lot going on. Once Balthazar and Lucas ended up in the city, and the Trials got underway, things got a bit out of control and crazy. Lots of violence and bloodshed.
I found myself rather invested in the outcome of the Trials, and the story overall. Everything leading up to the Trials was interesting, and kind of amusing, but from the Trials to the end, it was almost like a different book. It was intense and exciting.
Fans of paranormal fantasy with historical settings, and fans of the series, will find themselves sucked right in and highly invested in Balthazar's Bane. Check it out!
4.5 stars!
Balthazar convinces Lucas to take a Nile Cruise, mostly because of a woman who has caught his eye. Unfortunately, the woman is not who she claims, and things only get worse from there.
Kidnapped and brought to a hidden magical city, Balthazar realizes his only option is to take part in the Trials. Become champion, rescue a mythical sword, and save the town. Will he survive, or will he succumb to the horrible whims of the demon in charge of the Trials?
I really enjoyed this book. It gave off a sort of Rose Madder vibe closer to the end (at least that's how I viewed it). Balthazar was a bit smarmy and frustrating at times, while Lucas was devoted, loyal, and oh so stuffy. I loved him.
There was a lot going on. Once Balthazar and Lucas ended up in the city, and the Trials got underway, things got a bit out of control and crazy. Lots of violence and bloodshed.
I found myself rather invested in the outcome of the Trials, and the story overall. Everything leading up to the Trials was interesting, and kind of amusing, but from the Trials to the end, it was almost like a different book. It was intense and exciting.
Fans of paranormal fantasy with historical settings, and fans of the series, will find themselves sucked right in and highly invested in Balthazar's Bane. Check it out!
4.5 stars!