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heychomy's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mellyqueen's review
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
dantastic's review against another edition
3.0
When Matt Hollis, a lone demon hunter with a magical pistol, is approached to join the ancient order of Valducan knights, he warily accepts. Can the Valducans put aside their suspicions and accept Matt before they are overwhelmed by a demonic force bent on ridding the world of holy weapons?
I got this ARC from Ragnarok Publications, the fine folks responsible for the Dead West series.
Firstly, Damoren, a magical pistol with an equally magical bayonet attacked, was forged from a shattered magical sword, also called Damoren. Damoren's current wielder, Matt Hollis, is tainted by demon blood after a bullet fired by Damoren passed through a demon into him, giving him some cool abilities.
I really liked the mythology Skorkowsky established around the demons. Pretty much any monster you can think of was actually a human infected by a demon. Even dragons and vampires.
The story was pretty good. Matt has to overcome the mistrust of the rest of the Valducans and help them deal with a shit ton of demons. There's a lot of action and gore. Unfortunately, there's also a lot gun porn in this; long descriptions of weapons and lots of technical details.
Another thing I liked was the inclusion of excerpts from the Valducan's history interspersed with the regular chapters. Funny how I'm reading Carrie at the same time and it uses a similar technique.
It was a fun read and things got really tense in the last 20%. Since it's the first book in a series, I knew some people would live but if the first book is any indication, the story of the Valducan knights is going to be a bloody one with lots of casualties. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I got this ARC from Ragnarok Publications, the fine folks responsible for the Dead West series.
Firstly, Damoren, a magical pistol with an equally magical bayonet attacked, was forged from a shattered magical sword, also called Damoren. Damoren's current wielder, Matt Hollis, is tainted by demon blood after a bullet fired by Damoren passed through a demon into him, giving him some cool abilities.
I really liked the mythology Skorkowsky established around the demons. Pretty much any monster you can think of was actually a human infected by a demon. Even dragons and vampires.
The story was pretty good. Matt has to overcome the mistrust of the rest of the Valducans and help them deal with a shit ton of demons. There's a lot of action and gore. Unfortunately, there's also a lot gun porn in this; long descriptions of weapons and lots of technical details.
Another thing I liked was the inclusion of excerpts from the Valducan's history interspersed with the regular chapters. Funny how I'm reading Carrie at the same time and it uses a similar technique.
It was a fun read and things got really tense in the last 20%. Since it's the first book in a series, I knew some people would live but if the first book is any indication, the story of the Valducan knights is going to be a bloody one with lots of casualties. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
vikingwolf's review
4.0
Monster hunter Clay tracked a pack of Wendigos but was unable to stop them killing Matt's family and attacking the boy, infecting him with a demon that allows him speedy healing and other abilities. Instead of killing him, Clay's holy weapon chooses to spare Matt and Clay trains Matt as a monster hunter. Now Matt owns Damoren and is making his own way in the world, trying to save people from monsters. It brings him into contact with a holy order of hunters and their weapons, during a time of crisis with their enemies. The Valducans don't trust Matt because of his tainted blood but they must protect Damoren and he is reluctantly brought into the team.
This really was a totally different version of urban fantasy to my recent reads. I loved the idea that all these weapons picked an owner to work with, bonding with them and allowing them to use its power to kill monsters and protect people. The weapons whose owners have died wait until they find someone they want to bond with and then make it known. It was fun to read about these holy weapons having a sense of self and creating a firm bond with the chosen owner. Matt has bonded with Damoren, a holy revolver with special limited edition bullets and a knife blade. Having Matt know that he must gather the bullets and casings for re-use after every battle adds a new level of interest to these monster battles. The other weapons are from various countries and mythologies and I enjoyed seeing them and their owners.
The history of the Order was fascinating. Eight knights and their weapons were hired by the Pope to protect during the Crusades but all were ex-communicated for bringing in Muslims to the Order and protecting their holy weapons. Now weapons from around the world are under the protection of the Valducans but eighteen have gone missing, most of them destroyed, in just a few months. The Order are trying to get everyone to their safe retreat where the weapons are safe and from there, try to protect those that are still out in the real worlgetting to them before the monsters can destroy them. I really liked hearing about the Order and their work, and getting to see so many different hunters and their weapons. I liked the flashbacks to the story of Damoren too.
The characters are also interesting. Matt first comes into contact with Max and Allan. Max isn't exactly thrilled to be contacting Matt, knowing his history but the safety of the weapons is under threat from demon attacks with various species working together. Max feels he has to protect Damoren even if it means bringing Matt along. Allan was my favourite character and is of a better attitude to Matt, becoming his first real friend. I was also a big fan of Takaira. Malcolm is the love to hate guy who wants to always believe the worst in Matt but I like the way he evolves during the story. The hunters in general were an interesting group and although I was annoyed by how some of them treated Matt, I did understand why they were behaving that way so nit didn't lead me to hate any of them, which was good.
The action scenes are great because of the wide variety of monsters featured and the different scenarios that they find themselves in. They can fight from rural Canada, then be battling in compounds and museums in mainland Europe. There are Wendigos, vampires, werewolves, demons, lamia, ghouls. There should certainly be more wendigos in books as they totally fascinate me! It is varied and with everyone using different weapons in the same fight, it is entertaining to read. The action scenes are well written and I never got bored, even when there was a lull in the action as it was full of character development and lore to keep me interested. The more I read, the more interested I was in finding out more.
It had exactly the right mix of action and information, a great range of characters and skills on display and a fascinating plot which brings in history and folklore. Although the weapons are 'holy', there is no heavy religious plot to overpower the paranormal elements. I thought there was enough history there to give depth to the story without boring the reader and enough monsters to shake a stick at for creature feature fans. Be ready for a few sad moments too-I got quite emotional over the fates of some characters! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This really was a totally different version of urban fantasy to my recent reads. I loved the idea that all these weapons picked an owner to work with, bonding with them and allowing them to use its power to kill monsters and protect people. The weapons whose owners have died wait until they find someone they want to bond with and then make it known. It was fun to read about these holy weapons having a sense of self and creating a firm bond with the chosen owner. Matt has bonded with Damoren, a holy revolver with special limited edition bullets and a knife blade. Having Matt know that he must gather the bullets and casings for re-use after every battle adds a new level of interest to these monster battles. The other weapons are from various countries and mythologies and I enjoyed seeing them and their owners.
The history of the Order was fascinating. Eight knights and their weapons were hired by the Pope to protect during the Crusades but all were ex-communicated for bringing in Muslims to the Order and protecting their holy weapons. Now weapons from around the world are under the protection of the Valducans but eighteen have gone missing, most of them destroyed, in just a few months. The Order are trying to get everyone to their safe retreat where the weapons are safe and from there, try to protect those that are still out in the real worlgetting to them before the monsters can destroy them. I really liked hearing about the Order and their work, and getting to see so many different hunters and their weapons. I liked the flashbacks to the story of Damoren too.
The characters are also interesting. Matt first comes into contact with Max and Allan. Max isn't exactly thrilled to be contacting Matt, knowing his history but the safety of the weapons is under threat from demon attacks with various species working together. Max feels he has to protect Damoren even if it means bringing Matt along. Allan was my favourite character and is of a better attitude to Matt, becoming his first real friend. I was also a big fan of Takaira. Malcolm is the love to hate guy who wants to always believe the worst in Matt but I like the way he evolves during the story. The hunters in general were an interesting group and although I was annoyed by how some of them treated Matt, I did understand why they were behaving that way so nit didn't lead me to hate any of them, which was good.
The action scenes are great because of the wide variety of monsters featured and the different scenarios that they find themselves in. They can fight from rural Canada, then be battling in compounds and museums in mainland Europe. There are Wendigos, vampires, werewolves, demons, lamia, ghouls. There should certainly be more wendigos in books as they totally fascinate me! It is varied and with everyone using different weapons in the same fight, it is entertaining to read. The action scenes are well written and I never got bored, even when there was a lull in the action as it was full of character development and lore to keep me interested. The more I read, the more interested I was in finding out more.
It had exactly the right mix of action and information, a great range of characters and skills on display and a fascinating plot which brings in history and folklore. Although the weapons are 'holy', there is no heavy religious plot to overpower the paranormal elements. I thought there was enough history there to give depth to the story without boring the reader and enough monsters to shake a stick at for creature feature fans. Be ready for a few sad moments too-I got quite emotional over the fates of some characters! I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
leeakolb's review
5.0
Great book about hunting monsters
I found out about this book from the authors YouTube videos I really truly enjoyed it. I recommend it if you like monster hunting stories.
I found out about this book from the authors YouTube videos I really truly enjoyed it. I recommend it if you like monster hunting stories.
iffer's review
3.0
This is a fun read, and if this genre is something you enjoy, I'd recommend it. That said, there was so much action in comparison to the plot and characterization that I sometimes found myself getting a little bored, the way that I do in the theater when a summer blockbuster is mostly a bunch of explosions strung together with thread. The setting and magic system were very reminiscent of me of a video game, especially with the inclusion of some chapter beginnings that explained the history of said setting and magic system. This isn't necessarily bad, but it kind of just made me want to go play Warhammer or something.
joylene45's review
3.0
As the description implies, this is an action book with guns and other weapons. I don't know why I couldn't get invested. I feel like if you liked Larry Correia Monster hunter books, this should be your jam. It just wasn't for me.
ababoglo's review
5.0
4.5 ⭐️ my first audiobook (ever)
My experience with 'urban fantasy' genre has always been a hit & miss (with a heavy weighting on the 'miss' part). Last year I was delightfully surprised by Dresden Files that, whilst with its flaws, has quickly climbed up to my 'favourite' shelf. I have tried other books since but ended up disappointed (not to name any names)...
Anyhow, Damoren is clearly breaking this 'urban fantasy is a meh' tide for me! If you like Harry Dresden - you should enjoy Matthew Hollis and the Valducan crew. Damoren is a very well crafted story that sucks you in from page 1 and refuses to let you go even after you finished the book.
It is, what they say, 'high octane' adventure, very big on action and combat and plenty supernatural roadkill. But in the same time, it comes with a strong party of characters, believable backstory and worldbuilding. It lacks the depth of symbolism you may find in [b:American Gods|30165203|American Gods|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462924585s/30165203.jpg|1970226] but makes up for it with the thrill of a plot pace. As far as the escapism go - this is a perfect remedy to take your mind away from the day-to-day.
In summary, great kudos to the author - I will definitely be coming back for more books of the series. Special shout out to the audiobook narrator - great job there with putting on all those accents! Because of its pace and action, I think this book lends itself particularly well to the audio format. I recommend others to try as well.
PS: It was my first audiobook experience and it was fun. Not sure if I am happy to give up hardback and kindle as my weapons of choice - but it is nice to have options. Does anyone have good audiobook recommendations?
My experience with 'urban fantasy' genre has always been a hit & miss (with a heavy weighting on the 'miss' part). Last year I was delightfully surprised by Dresden Files that, whilst with its flaws, has quickly climbed up to my 'favourite' shelf. I have tried other books since but ended up disappointed (not to name any names)...
Anyhow, Damoren is clearly breaking this 'urban fantasy is a meh' tide for me! If you like Harry Dresden - you should enjoy Matthew Hollis and the Valducan crew. Damoren is a very well crafted story that sucks you in from page 1 and refuses to let you go even after you finished the book.
It is, what they say, 'high octane' adventure, very big on action and combat and plenty supernatural roadkill. But in the same time, it comes with a strong party of characters, believable backstory and worldbuilding. It lacks the depth of symbolism you may find in [b:American Gods|30165203|American Gods|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462924585s/30165203.jpg|1970226] but makes up for it with the thrill of a plot pace. As far as the escapism go - this is a perfect remedy to take your mind away from the day-to-day.
In summary, great kudos to the author - I will definitely be coming back for more books of the series. Special shout out to the audiobook narrator - great job there with putting on all those accents! Because of its pace and action, I think this book lends itself particularly well to the audio format. I recommend others to try as well.
PS: It was my first audiobook experience and it was fun. Not sure if I am happy to give up hardback and kindle as my weapons of choice - but it is nice to have options. Does anyone have good audiobook recommendations?
hostral's review
4.0
I'm not a massive fan of Urban Fantasy, so when I cracked open Damoren I was expecting it to be more of the same. Snarky first person wizard type who must face lots of monsters and quip one liners that range from hilarious to cheesy.
The thing is, Damoren really isn't anything like that. Yes there are monsters, and there's even sacred weapons wielded by those who oppose them, but that's where the resemblance ends.
What we're actually looking at is a lot darker than its contemporaries, and clearly influenced by both horror and pulp fiction from close to a hundred years ago.
I spent half the book waiting for the protagonist, one Matt Hollis, to crack jokes and generally be a nuisance to those around him. Instead the gravitas of the situation he had been thrust into was made apparent by the deadly seriousness that pervaded the text.
As the synopsis has made clear, there's a cult of demons wrecking things and a secret society that opposes them. Hollis gets tangled up in this due to his possession of Damoren, a holy weapon bequeathed to him by his mentor Clay Mercer.
What makes Matt different is that a childhood incident covered in the book's opening has left him somewhat altered. This is explored as the book progresses and is an interesting source of contention throughout.
The pulp influence means that the action is thick and fast and frequent. There are little to not punches pulled and it soon becomes apparent that this is a complete inversion of the heroes taking out the trash. The monsters opposing the group present a clear danger to every character Matt meets and the near-misses he experiences are believable.
Action is clearly Skorkowsky's strong point and there's plenty of it to sink your proverbial teeth into. The downside to this is that character development and plotting suffers somewhat.
Damoren isn't a large book and it certainly doesn't outstay its welcome, but by the same measure I feel that some more time could have been spent on exposition rather than asking the reader to devote themselves to studying texts outside of the action. These texts tend to break up the chapters and while they may be pertinent they disrupt the pacing and flow of the book.
The numerous characters that Matt encounters also suffer from this reduction in character development, and as a result the actions that impact upon them have less of an emotional resonance than they could potentially have had.
What I wasn't expecting was to draw comparisons between Skorkowsky and Robert E. Howard. In spite of this, the visceral action scenes and bleak outlook reminded me of the long-dead Texan master. Whether this is intentional or not is uncertain but it's excellent to see a young writer channelling such classic pulp influences into his writing.
The love sequence felt pointless. Either devote more time to it at expense of the book's pacing or cut it entirely and focus upon the action. To his credit, Skorkowsky tries his best to integrate it effectively into the dark plotting but I felt it still stuck out as unnecessary.
Damoren is an exciting first venture from a talented new voice, and I will definitely be picking up the sequel. You should too.
The thing is, Damoren really isn't anything like that. Yes there are monsters, and there's even sacred weapons wielded by those who oppose them, but that's where the resemblance ends.
What we're actually looking at is a lot darker than its contemporaries, and clearly influenced by both horror and pulp fiction from close to a hundred years ago.
I spent half the book waiting for the protagonist, one Matt Hollis, to crack jokes and generally be a nuisance to those around him. Instead the gravitas of the situation he had been thrust into was made apparent by the deadly seriousness that pervaded the text.
As the synopsis has made clear, there's a cult of demons wrecking things and a secret society that opposes them. Hollis gets tangled up in this due to his possession of Damoren, a holy weapon bequeathed to him by his mentor Clay Mercer.
What makes Matt different is that a childhood incident covered in the book's opening has left him somewhat altered. This is explored as the book progresses and is an interesting source of contention throughout.
The pulp influence means that the action is thick and fast and frequent. There are little to not punches pulled and it soon becomes apparent that this is a complete inversion of the heroes taking out the trash. The monsters opposing the group present a clear danger to every character Matt meets and the near-misses he experiences are believable.
Action is clearly Skorkowsky's strong point and there's plenty of it to sink your proverbial teeth into. The downside to this is that character development and plotting suffers somewhat.
Damoren isn't a large book and it certainly doesn't outstay its welcome, but by the same measure I feel that some more time could have been spent on exposition rather than asking the reader to devote themselves to studying texts outside of the action. These texts tend to break up the chapters and while they may be pertinent they disrupt the pacing and flow of the book.
The numerous characters that Matt encounters also suffer from this reduction in character development, and as a result the actions that impact upon them have less of an emotional resonance than they could potentially have had.
What I wasn't expecting was to draw comparisons between Skorkowsky and Robert E. Howard. In spite of this, the visceral action scenes and bleak outlook reminded me of the long-dead Texan master. Whether this is intentional or not is uncertain but it's excellent to see a young writer channelling such classic pulp influences into his writing.
The love sequence felt pointless. Either devote more time to it at expense of the book's pacing or cut it entirely and focus upon the action. To his credit, Skorkowsky tries his best to integrate it effectively into the dark plotting but I felt it still stuck out as unnecessary.
Damoren is an exciting first venture from a talented new voice, and I will definitely be picking up the sequel. You should too.
leen_machine89's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This book was highly recommended by a friend. I really tried to like this book, but I could not get into it for the life of me. Got half way through the book and couldn’t do it. Had to eventually switch to audio just to finish. Thought it would help but it didn’t, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.