A review by avoraciousreader68
The Nine by C.G. Harris

fast-paced

4.5

 

Gabriel Gantry resides in the Ninth Circle of Hell, specifically in Scrapyard City and he runs an illegal black market trading post. One day he saves a Woebegone fresh from the Gnashing Fields at the beginning of a firestorm and since she can’t remember her name he calls her Stray. But while he’s explaining his store and the things he trades, a Hellion knocks on his door and tells Gabe he’s there to escort him to The Judas Agency. Which is not good. But it’s not like Gabe has a choice, so he tells Stray to keep an eye on his store then walks out into a firestorm protected by the Hellion named Procel. Judas Iscariot himself has summoned Gabe to his office because he has a super secret job for him and Gabe is about to have his world turned sideways.

Gabe is full of snark and piss & vinegar. His mouth gets him into trouble. A lot. But he’s funny and resourceful. He can get a tad irritating, but then again what snarky character isn’t sometimes? Amirite? Still love him. The writing is smooth. Not like a fine whiskey because I hate whiskey but like custard. Mmmmmm… where was I? Oh! Right. Um, the world is awesome. Wait, should I be describing Hell as awesome? Eh, fuck it. It’s awesome. The description of this unique world drops me right in. It doesn’t go on and on about it. There’s enough to just let me build it in my mind. Scary thought.

The rest of the characters are pretty good, too. Judas is scary. Like super bad scary. I don’t know if he’s actually a “good” guy or a “bad” guy. Is it just me? I’m looking forward to finding out more about this world and the people in it. If you like a fast-paced urban fantasy with lots of action and peril with kickass characters then I would suggest you pick this up.