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daisy222de's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
d3vilxl3gacy's review
5.0
So this series might be called hellequin but the real name should be the adventures of Nate and Tommy. These two together are amazingly well written and carry this story so well. Tommy knowing all about Nate and at this point in the series one of the few who knows what/who he really is shows how important his character is to the narrative. By extension the introduction of Tommy's family is equally fantastic bc it turns Nate into more of a big brother mentor type we saw some of in the fist entry with new fate girl. On looking back at this entry in the series after reading further into it it's clear that Nate really is only as good as his companions. Not that he can't be a solo character but he shines so much brighter with these relationships around him like Tommy's and Kasey's.
ameserole's review
4.0
I have missed Nate so much!
Born of Hatred is about Nate being recruited by his friend Thomas and asked to work on a case about releasing a certain prisoner. Their team dynamic is amazing and I love they work together to solve problems. We do get to meet Olivia, who is Thomas's lover, and their daughter. I kind of liked Olivia but I honestly just wanted to read all about Nate.
Then the whole mystery part of this book. The Lich, which is a creature that Nate is afraid of. I can see why he was because it's really hard to defeat. Then of course there's this whole revenge thing that the lich is on which definitely made this book more interesting.
This series has been a whirlwind adventure. I've loved every book so far and I can't wait to dive into the next one. I love Nate so much. I also really like the world that he lives in and what he goes through every day. It's a never ending paranormal adventure.
Born of Hatred is about Nate being recruited by his friend Thomas and asked to work on a case about releasing a certain prisoner. Their team dynamic is amazing and I love they work together to solve problems. We do get to meet Olivia, who is Thomas's lover, and their daughter. I kind of liked Olivia but I honestly just wanted to read all about Nate.
Then the whole mystery part of this book. The Lich, which is a creature that Nate is afraid of. I can see why he was because it's really hard to defeat. Then of course there's this whole revenge thing that the lich is on which definitely made this book more interesting.
This series has been a whirlwind adventure. I've loved every book so far and I can't wait to dive into the next one. I love Nate so much. I also really like the world that he lives in and what he goes through every day. It's a never ending paranormal adventure.
johnbreeden's review
5.0
I am quickly becoming a fan of this series. We get two paths, past and present, as the protagonist finds himself battling an enemy that he cannot defeat with magic. In the modern line, the lich is after his closest friend and his family. I look forward to learning more about the mythic Hellequin.
odomaf's review against another edition
3.0
A nice addition to the Hellequin Chronicles. We learn a lot more about Nate's backstory and get some insights into his potential for power.
Also, if Hellequin makes you think "Harlequin", this is not the book you're looking for.
WHAT I LIKED
----------------
* Werewolves. I generally like toying with the hetero-normative expectations of werewolves, and I enjoyed McHugh's take on that.
* Humor. Characters have a quick-and-dark wit. Mostly snappy dialogue.
* History-Present-Repeat. McHugh does a good job of lacing together a historical plot and a current day plot with the ties that make them relevant to each other.
* Moves fast, plenty of action.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
---------------------
* A blunt plotline: the red herring was obviously a red herring, and the "couldn't possibly be me" suspect was obviously the big bad. I feel like McHugh has more finesse than what he used on that element of the story.
* Overpowered? Nate has a lot of power. Like an amazing lot of power. This is only book 2, and it's clear more power for him is still in store. Already, in this book, there are times where Nate doesn't, for some reason, use his powers in a way he's used them previously. If he *did* use them that way, the battle would be done. However, the story would also be less interesting. Still, as a reader, I found myself thinking "this makes no sense, we didn't he just do x?"
If you liked the first Hellequin novel, you'll probably enjoy this one.
Also, if Hellequin makes you think "Harlequin", this is not the book you're looking for.
WHAT I LIKED
----------------
* Werewolves. I generally like toying with the hetero-normative expectations of werewolves, and I enjoyed McHugh's take on that.
* Humor. Characters have a quick-and-dark wit. Mostly snappy dialogue.
* History-Present-Repeat. McHugh does a good job of lacing together a historical plot and a current day plot with the ties that make them relevant to each other.
* Moves fast, plenty of action.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
---------------------
* A blunt plotline: the red herring was obviously a red herring, and the "couldn't possibly be me" suspect was obviously the big bad. I feel like McHugh has more finesse than what he used on that element of the story.
* Overpowered? Nate has a lot of power. Like an amazing lot of power. This is only book 2, and it's clear more power for him is still in store. Already, in this book, there are times where Nate doesn't, for some reason, use his powers in a way he's used them previously. If he *did* use them that way, the battle would be done. However, the story would also be less interesting. Still, as a reader, I found myself thinking "this makes no sense, we didn't he just do x?"
If you liked the first Hellequin novel, you'll probably enjoy this one.
jules_writes's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely miles better than the first book and I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series.
ryanklynn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
antoinetteo's review
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.75
gregtrob's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this better than the first book in the series. New enemies, new friends and lots of action. More details on history. My only disappointment is we didn't see enough of the old friends. I'm excited to start the third book soon.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
I liked the first of this series, and compared it to Harry Dresden.
Now let me say, this book is a step up! In all things... In quality of writing, in suspense, in character development and in blood and gore!
Wow - brutal, horrific, sick, twisted and gruesome murders - described in quite some detail, so it is not for the faint of heart. But for those who have no problem with that this is an amazing read, that had me hold my breath at quite some moments! I love the werewolves who play a part, and the main characters clicked perfectly with me.
For me it is now very different to Harry, as it is more gruesome and again has some flashbacks to history, but I enjoyed it just as much! And the flashbacks were way more interesting for me this time - I couldn't decide which part I wanted to read more!
Now let me say, this book is a step up! In all things... In quality of writing, in suspense, in character development and in blood and gore!
Wow - brutal, horrific, sick, twisted and gruesome murders - described in quite some detail, so it is not for the faint of heart. But for those who have no problem with that this is an amazing read, that had me hold my breath at quite some moments! I love the werewolves who play a part, and the main characters clicked perfectly with me.
For me it is now very different to Harry, as it is more gruesome and again has some flashbacks to history, but I enjoyed it just as much! And the flashbacks were way more interesting for me this time - I couldn't decide which part I wanted to read more!