Reviews

Dead Man's Heart by Axl Malton

whatyoutolkienabout's review

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5.0

I was given a copy to review via ZooLoo’s Book Tours as part of their book tour. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #DeadMansHeart #AxlMalton #ZooLooBookTour #BookTourReview #BookTour #BookReview

Firstly I want to say I’m putting a trigger warning for violence (obviously) and animal abuse. While I don’t spoil plots I need to mention the above and understand some of the my audience may not be comfortable with this. With that said I do want to say that Dead Man’s Heart was brilliant, I have rounded it up from 4.5 stars to 5 even though it did make me uncomfortable at parts but for me that was a testament to brilliant writing skill of Axl Malton.

Dead Man’s Heart follows Bruce Campbell (instantly loved the name but couldn’t stop seeing THE Bruce Campbell as the main character – this was the opposite of a problem though!) who is a heart surgeon. But fate would have it that is son, Tim, was born with a degenerative heart condition. He knew that one day he would need a new heart just not when. Bruce’s world is waiting to come crashing down on him and despite being one of the leading cardiologist in the country will Bruce be able to save his son.

And while Bruce is battling to save his son’s life a psychotic killer is on the loose – hell-bent on gaining revenge on those that hurt and tortured him as a child. With nothing left to loose the killer, Aiden, will let nothing stop him from hunting down and killing those who hurt him.

This one kept me hooked from the start. Although at a few parts I nearly did have to stop in regards to the trigger warning for animal abuse. Malton’s writing is brilliant but extremely vivid and while animal torture/killing is often a warning sign for psychopaths or sociopaths it was extremely vivid and a bit jarring at times. However I did keep the rating high because in terms of writing skill it shows the level of research and understanding Malton has of their work.

I particularly liked the duality between Aiden and Tim’s storylines as the novel progressed. Despite it being dark and gritty and more of a thriller I did enjoy the slight supernatural aspects as well, although it is founded in some science in the book as well. on top of this the writing style fitted the book perfectly with a quick and punchy style that kept you hooked.

With a cast of memorable characters, visceral writing style and brilliant plot this thriller is one not to be missed and most definitely is not for the faint of heart.

sea_caummisar's review

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5.0

OMGl. A worried dad/dr. A sick son. A wife with a guilty conscience. A jilted ex lover. A bullied , disfigured baddie.
So many stories tied together (even small background characters that I had forgotten about, until they resurfaced to do something very important). How does this book only have 18 reviews on Amazon? It has everything. Suspense, young love, jealousy, some gore, violence, revenge, etc... You name it. It's in this story. Actually, there are getting ready to be 19 reviews on Amazon after I post this. I just might make a post about this one in FB BOH. Yes, I loved it that much

hannahmaybookreviews's review

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5.0

Title: Dead Man’s Heart
Author: Axl Malton
Publisher: Red Dragon Publishing
Pages: 414
Genre: Horror
My Rating: 5/5


Synopsis:
Bruce Campbell is a talented heart surgeon, a profession he chose because his only son Tim was born with a rare, degenerative heart condition, and Bruce was determined to have the skills to save his son. He knew the day would come when Tim would need a new heart, he just didn’t know when. Bruce’s world is about to come crashing down on him, is he able save his son? And what is he willing to do in order to?
Whilst Bruce is fighting his battle, there is a psychopathic killer on the loose, a killer who is hell bent on getting revenge on those who tortured him as a child, running his life and casting him into a world of darkness. He has nothing left to lose and he will stop at nothing to kill the ones who wronged him.

Review:
Thank you so much to Zooloos book tours for allowing me a spot on this tour!
I was really intrigued when invited to read this book, something stood out for me and I couldn’t pin point what it was, I just new I had to get my hands on this book! I also had a sneaky suspicion on what the storyline might have been so I was looking forward to finding out, and let me tell you, I was not expecting this!
I instantly connected with the author’s writing, it was evident from the very first page he is a very descriptive writer, I could picture everything… which did mean to gory bits too. I loved that the chapters weren’t overly long, they kept the story moving at a perfect pace.
I liked how we got both Bruce and Aiden’s story, at first it felt like two stories in one, the author plotted this out well, everything was easy to follow and it all flowed. I also enjoyed how the author then was able to bring the characters and their stories together, very cleverly done and well thought out.
It didn’t take long at all for me to be hooked, I couldn’t wait for it all to unfold. I must say, this read definitely did also meet the horror criteria, that’s for sure. I enjoyed how dark it got and honestly, some bits really did manage to turn my stomach. This book isn’t for the faint hearted, but if you’re a keen horror fan, this is definitely for you!
I honestly felt so many emotions in this book too which I didn’t expect. I experienced anger, distrust, worry, sadness and shock, honestly it was a whirlwind of a ride. There was plenty going on too, I really did struggle to put this book back down. Also, no one appeared to be what they seemed! There were lots of dark horses in this book and it definitely kept catching me off guard.
I enjoyed the tense build-up; I loved the action and the climax was just wow! This book was action packed until the very end. It is safe to say, I’m also surprised at how soundly I was able to sleep after reading this, I definitely felt unsettled many times when reading. I honestly did not expect this book! I can’t recommend it or the author enough, a really fantastic job well done!

mrsbrown2019's review

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dark tense medium-paced

3.75

The book was good and dark twisted and some disturbing features was a good read would ahev given it more stars but personally thought was longer than needed to be 

larkylady's review

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5.0

First time I’ve read this author and it’s only his 2nd book! Loved it from start to finish, the way he introduced characters and made you get to know them without going on and the way you root for the “good” guy before the twists make you question everything you know and believe in! And also enjoyed the fact that for once the “happy ending” you’re waiting on just might not come!!!
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