Born of Hatred (The Hellequin Chronicles) Paperback – September 17, 2013

If you liked the first one you will really like this one. I on the other hand you though the first was okay then you will probably like this one a lot better. So the story has Nate and Tommy in it those are the only characters that carry over into this 2nd book. Also this is done in the same style with two stories being told one in the past the other in the present. I personally do not like this approach but as the author seems so found of it I deal with it.Good1: Nate has all his memories. Nuff said I hate the amnesia thing about as strongly as I hate the I have suddenly lost my power due to "add weird thing" plot hook.2: The relationship with Sara is handled excellantly really could not of imagined it handled so well. The first book had some shaky relationship stuff going on that I was unimpressed with, it just came across as some teenage wet dream. In this one you get more of real relationship problem I can see that this sets up for the next book while still giving drama for this one but still it is done so well that it did not feel like filler.3: You get to meet some other high profile character in the world and overall the Avalon government is given a lot of explanation as well as what Nate hates about them.4: You have teenage character in this one to and what surprised me was that they were done in a mature and thoughtful way. I know who would of thought a mature and thoughtful teenager who actually is not walking plot device.5: No manipulation this time. My bigest gripe about the first one was the sheer amount of manipulation that Nate went through in the book. Everyone and there brother had something on him and he just went along. This book is blessedly free of that. Instead you get a tight plot that makes sense with few holes.Bad1: Nate does a lot dealing with his friends in this book I felt that they could of been portrayed in a more loyal aspect. Tommy lets lose some things about him he probably should not and the end fight with the punching bag was over the top. I mean come on look at the injuries he had and then you want to pull that crap.2: On the kindle edition there is a weird formating thing going on at the last 25 percent or so I would get that fixed.3: While I felt that Nate did have his moments I still felt that he could of had a little more epic moments where you sit back and go damn that was just bad ass and cool.Overall I fun read with a tight but uncomplicated plot if you like your urban fantasy with a dash of badassness you will probably enjoy this book. I would recommend this book to a friend.

Both of these books have been great. I wish this was already a 5 book series so I could keep on reading. The best thing about this story, for me, is that it's not the standard; boy/girl rises into power to save the day. Here, we've already got an established "hero" who has a scary/fantastic reputation, and a mysterious past of over 1500 years! To add to this, he's discovering new powers and abilities even after all this time. I love that we don't know all the facts about his past. I hope it stays that way. As long as it's a mystery, it could be anything. The reputation of him being a nightmare doesn't need to be fully flushed out. Something that might be nightmarish to one reader might not seem that big of a deal to the next. Just my two cents, which of course will get you nothing. The other great quality about these stories is the mystery. Let's face it, most fantasy style writing holds little mystery. Hell, half the time you spend chapters with the villain learning what they plan on doing! Here, the author does a really good job of not letting the "cat out of the bag" too easily, and saves some surprises or strange coincides that come out of nowhere. The overriding questions with Avalon are really intriguing as well. I can't wait to see where this story goes.In summary, if you like modern day stories with magic, monsters, and mystery, (and a badass lead character) read these books. Then, you can sit anxiously like the rest of us for the next installments.

If I could I would give this a 4.5 out of 5. But if I'm stuck with whole numbers, then I'm going with a 4.I'm a fan of contemporary fantasy/fiction. So, I took a chance on reading the 1st book of the Hellequin series, Crimes of Magic. It is a really good book, imaginative, fun, made better when you consider that it was the author's first book. I was really surprised to see that the second book is now available. Of course I bought this second book - I liked the first in the series that much.This second book, Born of Hatred, is as good or better than the first. If you liked the first, you should just purchase this second book now and start reading. I enjoyed the story, the new friends, powers, and antagonists. It was hard to put down. I don't think that it's a spoiler to say that we learn more about Nathan Garrett, who his friends and acquaintances are, and about Avalon. It's nice to see that Nate isn't stuck in the same place (powers, etc.) but is evolving, growing. His enemies are also more powerful.Like a few other reviewers, I noticed the typos in my copy and a font switch for the last 5 pages. I am beginning to think that this is typical of indie authors (like the Zero Sight and Central Series - which I also like!). It does distract at times. Ha, I'd be willing to proofread a chapter or two for a chance to read the pre-release version. ;)I'm looking forward to the release of book 3. Hopefully it arrive sooner than later.

Hellequin Chronicles 2. Thank you to the author and publisher for the updated review copy.So a little while ago, I was browsing some Kindle titles and having just finished a great Urban Fantasy story I came across "Crimes against Magic", the first of the Hellequin Chronicles. I decided to give it a go and I loved it. You can find my review for that one in my profile also.I was very pleased therefore to receive the updated copy of Born of Hatred...and I dived in pretty much immediately and didnt really stop reading (well I DID pop out and get chips!) until I was done. Once again I was immersed into the world of Nathan Garrett and co and what a world it is.This instalment finds Nathan investigating a string of crimes as a favour for a friend, that leads him to a killer like no other...Born of Hatred indeed. Nathan may not be as feared as he once was but you don't mess with him and his without consequences...As you learn more about Nathan through the intriguing use of flashback (as in Book 1) one wonders if it is really sensible to challenge him at all...The reason I enjoy these so much I think is that they really are for adults...Steve Mchugh does not pull any punches and Nathan has a side to him that is less than pure - terrific fun to read and enthralling to imagine, the world he occupies bears a strong resemblance to our own but with a supernatural and magical underbelly. As with book 1 the supporting characters all add ambience to the tale, and there are plenty of new people to meet. More backstory means more grounding in the mythology of the series and as a sequel it works particularly well.The plot is complex enough to keep your interest throughout - some twists and turns and once again Mr McHugh has used legends we are all aware of to flesh out the tale. Very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next.A quick comment - Comparisons to novels such as the Dresden Files and other Urban Fantasy tales are unavoidable for the author I imagine, but I would say that, as usual, I don't like to compare and contrast too much. However I think this bears saying: Dresden is terrific. As are Felix Castor and Alex Verus - Nathan Garrett is his own man with his own mythology. I can't put him in a box any more than I could the previously mentioned. I have enjoyed all on their own merits....and I will continue to do so. There is no "best" only what you enjoy. And you will enjoy this if you like Urban Fantasy, don't mind adult content and simply love a book adventure.Happy Reading Folks!

The first book had a lot more depth in the characters, however here they seem two dimensional. I don't get much from anyone else except the hero. The other characters are ascribed flatly and emotions are recognised quite simply.A great opportunity in this series is go have some real strong character building, but unfortunately we are being tied to the hero only and even that is branding as more machismo and self righteousness.Despite all that the mythology of this universe is great. Kinda wild, but really attempting to bring a world to us that hasn't been tried before. Hopefully it keeps it up in the next few books

I actually started of by reading the Avalon series. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. So I checked out other books by you, and realized that YOU had ten more books out. So I have started from the beginning of your writing career.I have just finished the second book in the Hellequin series. So far I have really enjoyed all of them. I am intending to read every one of your books. And hope that you write more. You are an outstanding author. Thanks for all the books.

I absolutely loved that book, and can’t wait for the next! Fortunately, as I’ve only just discovered the series, there’s a good chance there’s more already written… join me as we uncover the Hellequin’s past!

Absolutely loving this series. Yes it is Book 2 of a series but they are also standalone so you do not have to read each one but I highly recommend you do.Some people have likened these books to The Dresden Files but I think these are in a league of their own, a good league and don't get me wrong I love the Dresden Files too.The characters are easy to get on with and described really well as are locations etc.I love the fact that you get two well written stories for the price of one and that the two stories entwine together so well.Enjoyable and action packed.