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mogojojo1013's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
itputsthebookupontheshelf's review
4.0
"God never did much for me, but books, they can save you in ways religion can't. They can give you strength, teach you, give you a place to go when the world is too much."
In true Hunt style, we are blessed again with a fantastic horror story filled with race and gender inclusive charcters, pop culture and cultural myths.
In this story we get less witches, but are blessed with Chupacabras, Wherefolves, a mention of La Llorona. I loved that the Latin culture was brought into this story. Though I did miss our past witch fighting, it was nice to add something new to the mix.
This time around Robin not only fights the bad guys around her, but also within her as she continues to figure out who she is and how her new powers work. The transformation is otherworldly and we get glimpses of past horrors and heartaches that guide her on her way to self discovery.
As Robin's story continues, we get to know some of the characters better from the second book and meet new characters who become like a part of her own found family. But what happens when you start to care about people, you become scared to loose them, leading Robin on yet another new journey.
I will say, I didn't love this book as much as the past two, but it was still a very solid read. Can't wait to see what happens next! (if there is a next)
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
In true Hunt style, we are blessed again with a fantastic horror story filled with race and gender inclusive charcters, pop culture and cultural myths.
In this story we get less witches, but are blessed with Chupacabras, Wherefolves, a mention of La Llorona. I loved that the Latin culture was brought into this story. Though I did miss our past witch fighting, it was nice to add something new to the mix.
This time around Robin not only fights the bad guys around her, but also within her as she continues to figure out who she is and how her new powers work. The transformation is otherworldly and we get glimpses of past horrors and heartaches that guide her on her way to self discovery.
As Robin's story continues, we get to know some of the characters better from the second book and meet new characters who become like a part of her own found family. But what happens when you start to care about people, you become scared to loose them, leading Robin on yet another new journey.
I will say, I didn't love this book as much as the past two, but it was still a very solid read. Can't wait to see what happens next! (if there is a next)
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review
thebigpete's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
adudek403's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved reading this book, in a different setting and mystery than the first two. Great read, so many twists, and I hope the series continues, given where the characters end up!
lilyp7's review
4.0
Thank you so much Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Tor books for the chance to read the third book of Malus Domestica!
TW: violence, domestic violence, gore, cannibalism, murder, self-harm
After confronting her demon father Andras, Robin is dealing with the new truths about herself, her abilities and her nightmares, while travelling with her boyfriend Kenway. But in the city of Keystone hills Robin has to deal with another danger, when two women, a mother and her daughter, hide in her camper, running away from the violent Santiago Valenzuela, the leader of a dangerous biker group and the women's husband and father. Robin vowed to protect women from harm, but Santiago appears to be a very dangerous opponent, with crazy shapeshifting abilities and a pack of werewolves ready to hurt and kill them all.
In a whirlwind of action, new abilities, deaths, murders and gore, Robin and her friends face danger after danger, both outside and inside herself.
The Hellion is an intense and captivating third book, full of plot twists, dangers, gore, magic, shapeshifter, teratomas, witches' powers and amazing and complex characters. It was, like always, a pleasure read about Robin, Kenway, Gendreau (and learning more about his past and his magic), Rook, Navathe, their relics and magic.
Robin is dealing with the aftermath of her confrontation with her demon father Andras, worried about her new power and scared to hurt the people she loves. The book swings between past and present, showing a younger Robin training with Heinrich and the present time when she throws grenades and battles werewolves to protect two women from their abusive relative.
It was really creepy and eerie reading about the shapeshifting biker group, the violence in their action, the entitlement Santiago felt towards his own family, ready to do anything to get them back with him, using violence.
Like always Robin (and we get to know more about her vigilante past, too) is more than ready to fight for those who can't defend themselves or want to change their lives and be free from violence, but in this book it seems like the danger is too big, even for a cambion, an half demon.
Between shapeshifting, other dimensions, deaths, almost deaths, powers, magic and justice, The Hellion stole my breath in more than one occasion, with plot twists, revelations and an open ending that left me wanting for more and more adventures with Robin and, hopefully, her friends.
TW: violence, domestic violence, gore, cannibalism, murder, self-harm
After confronting her demon father Andras, Robin is dealing with the new truths about herself, her abilities and her nightmares, while travelling with her boyfriend Kenway. But in the city of Keystone hills Robin has to deal with another danger, when two women, a mother and her daughter, hide in her camper, running away from the violent Santiago Valenzuela, the leader of a dangerous biker group and the women's husband and father. Robin vowed to protect women from harm, but Santiago appears to be a very dangerous opponent, with crazy shapeshifting abilities and a pack of werewolves ready to hurt and kill them all.
In a whirlwind of action, new abilities, deaths, murders and gore, Robin and her friends face danger after danger, both outside and inside herself.
The Hellion is an intense and captivating third book, full of plot twists, dangers, gore, magic, shapeshifter, teratomas, witches' powers and amazing and complex characters. It was, like always, a pleasure read about Robin, Kenway, Gendreau (and learning more about his past and his magic), Rook, Navathe, their relics and magic.
Robin is dealing with the aftermath of her confrontation with her demon father Andras, worried about her new power and scared to hurt the people she loves. The book swings between past and present, showing a younger Robin training with Heinrich and the present time when she throws grenades and battles werewolves to protect two women from their abusive relative.
It was really creepy and eerie reading about the shapeshifting biker group, the violence in their action, the entitlement Santiago felt towards his own family, ready to do anything to get them back with him, using violence.
Like always Robin (and we get to know more about her vigilante past, too) is more than ready to fight for those who can't defend themselves or want to change their lives and be free from violence, but in this book it seems like the danger is too big, even for a cambion, an half demon.
Between shapeshifting, other dimensions, deaths, almost deaths, powers, magic and justice, The Hellion stole my breath in more than one occasion, with plot twists, revelations and an open ending that left me wanting for more and more adventures with Robin and, hopefully, her friends.
fluffysaurasrex's review against another edition
4.0
After the conclusion of the second book in this series, i was fascinated to see where things would go. I have to admit to being a little disappointed at first, as the joy of witch hunting was swapped out for some new creatures, but it ultimately upped the stakes and went all in on the horror and demonic supernatural madness.
It was a slightly odd end to a trilogy as it kind of combines new stories with older ones, leading to a feeling that we should be setting off on a new series of books instead of closing out the original story which was basically tied up previously.
Once the bloody battles begin, you'll forget any difficulties you're having with the story though, as this one takes our YouTube posting, witch hunting, half demon badass heroine straight into the wolf's mouth. If the previous novels were a bucket of blood, this one would be a pool. It's outrageous and exactly what I was looking for.
Sure I missed the witchy battles from before, but these new villains bring a level of danger that is needed to boost the stakes.
It was a slightly odd end to a trilogy as it kind of combines new stories with older ones, leading to a feeling that we should be setting off on a new series of books instead of closing out the original story which was basically tied up previously.
Once the bloody battles begin, you'll forget any difficulties you're having with the story though, as this one takes our YouTube posting, witch hunting, half demon badass heroine straight into the wolf's mouth. If the previous novels were a bucket of blood, this one would be a pool. It's outrageous and exactly what I was looking for.
Sure I missed the witchy battles from before, but these new villains bring a level of danger that is needed to boost the stakes.
beautifullybookishbethany's review against another edition
3.0
While books 1 & 2 in the Malus Domestica series follow a complete plot arc, The Hellion is off on very different adventures and I was curious to see the direction it took. Witch-hunting YouTuber Robin Martine is now traveling the country with her vet boyfriend in an RV, getting unintentionally caught up in a dangerous situation.
Much like previous books this features dark humor, gritty and gruesome horror, as well as some interesting underlying themes. This one is definitely a step back from book 2 in terms of level and amount of gruesome scenes, but there is still plenty to go around. We continue to get expanded world-building and information on how exactly magic/witchcraft/demons etc. work, which is interesting.
Thematically, I liked what this book was trying to do, although I had mixed feelings about the execution. The big bad in this book is a possessed, shapeshifting Latinx man who is abusive toward his wife and daughter. (Note that there is a VERY intense scene of domestic violence early in the book that is difficult to read) Robin ends up enmeshed in the situation, trying to save the women from Santiago and his gang of bikers. On the one hand, I like the idea of addressing domestic violence through horror because it is very much a reality and a horrific one. On the other hand, I didn't love some of the choices made with the plot arc of the victims, and the characters set in more heroic or villainous roles felt racially imbalanced in a way earlier books in the series didn't. It's not necessarily a deal breaker, and I continue to love the fact that we've got a disabled and badass love interest, but several things in this felt less thoughtfully handled than I would have liked. That said, I think this series in an interesting entry in paranormal horror and offers a cast of characters with diversity that is often lacking. I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include but are not limited to: violence, gore, death, rituals, possession, loss of a parent, scenes of domestic violence, violence toward animals, cannibalism
Much like previous books this features dark humor, gritty and gruesome horror, as well as some interesting underlying themes. This one is definitely a step back from book 2 in terms of level and amount of gruesome scenes, but there is still plenty to go around. We continue to get expanded world-building and information on how exactly magic/witchcraft/demons etc. work, which is interesting.
Thematically, I liked what this book was trying to do, although I had mixed feelings about the execution. The big bad in this book is a possessed, shapeshifting Latinx man who is abusive toward his wife and daughter. (Note that there is a VERY intense scene of domestic violence early in the book that is difficult to read) Robin ends up enmeshed in the situation, trying to save the women from Santiago and his gang of bikers. On the one hand, I like the idea of addressing domestic violence through horror because it is very much a reality and a horrific one. On the other hand, I didn't love some of the choices made with the plot arc of the victims, and the characters set in more heroic or villainous roles felt racially imbalanced in a way earlier books in the series didn't. It's not necessarily a deal breaker, and I continue to love the fact that we've got a disabled and badass love interest, but several things in this felt less thoughtfully handled than I would have liked. That said, I think this series in an interesting entry in paranormal horror and offers a cast of characters with diversity that is often lacking. I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include but are not limited to: violence, gore, death, rituals, possession, loss of a parent, scenes of domestic violence, violence toward animals, cannibalism
ninegladiolus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
4.75
The third installment of the Malus Domestica series by SA Hunt, The Hellion, continues to follow the journey of Robin Martine as she navigates new facets of her identity and her continuing obligations as a witch hunter.
Once I picked this book up, I didn’t put it down until I was finished with it. The action sequences (including a memorable one choreographed to “Bohemian Rhapsody”) are as grueling and gripping as they have been in the past two books, and I loved that we got to see very real world concerns interspersed with new supernatural elements that speak to Hunt’s worldbuilding skills. Getting to see some of Robin’s past interspersed with her present was deftly handled, and the ending leaves a multitude of potential stories to be told. Plus, The Hellion got even more queer than the previous two books, which is always a delight to me.
As usual a multitude of content warnings apply; the most relevant of said content warnings have been included at the beginning of the novel. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’re a fan of horror and fantasy and HAVEN’T read this series, you’re missing out. With October right around the corner and bringing with it spooky season, I’d highly recommend giving this series a try if you’re ready for a story jam-packed with thrills and scares.
Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Once I picked this book up, I didn’t put it down until I was finished with it. The action sequences (including a memorable one choreographed to “Bohemian Rhapsody”) are as grueling and gripping as they have been in the past two books, and I loved that we got to see very real world concerns interspersed with new supernatural elements that speak to Hunt’s worldbuilding skills. Getting to see some of Robin’s past interspersed with her present was deftly handled, and the ending leaves a multitude of potential stories to be told. Plus, The Hellion got even more queer than the previous two books, which is always a delight to me.
As usual a multitude of content warnings apply; the most relevant of said content warnings have been included at the beginning of the novel. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’re a fan of horror and fantasy and HAVEN’T read this series, you’re missing out. With October right around the corner and bringing with it spooky season, I’d highly recommend giving this series a try if you’re ready for a story jam-packed with thrills and scares.
Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
joreadsbooks's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read a NetGalley eARC from the publisher
Content and trigger warnings: domestic violence, dismemberment, gore, emetophobia, self-harm, misogyny
The Hellion picks up a few months after the end of I Come With Knives. Robin and her boo Kenway are on a road trip through Texas. On their way, a mother and daughter hide in their RV, away from an abusive father who may or may not be a shapeshifter. High octane violence ensues, and the witch hunter must harness new powers and protect friends new and old.
How Hunt keeps pulling off this pacing is truly outstanding. The book is split into an A side and a B side, like a cassette tape with a series of tracks. The first half definitely focuses on more human problems, while the second half goes full supernatural. The energy, however, does not let up at any step of the way. The denouement works so well because there is a hint of what's coming next, but with enough breathing room for the characters to process the entire book that just happened
What I also greatly appreciated was that Robin was finally allowed to have some girl friends. The friendships here are spiky, but powerful. There is a lot of love, whether the characters want to admit it to themselves. The way Robin fights for those around her also strikes me as inspiring. Turns out this badass does have a soft interior, even if sometimes it is covered by a demonic exoskeleton (that's all I'll say about that.
On 9/15/2020, prepare for fans of Mad Max: Fury Road with shifters and even more found family feels and queer representation.
Content and trigger warnings: domestic violence, dismemberment, gore, emetophobia, self-harm, misogyny
The Hellion picks up a few months after the end of I Come With Knives. Robin and her boo Kenway are on a road trip through Texas. On their way, a mother and daughter hide in their RV, away from an abusive father who may or may not be a shapeshifter. High octane violence ensues, and the witch hunter must harness new powers and protect friends new and old.
How Hunt keeps pulling off this pacing is truly outstanding. The book is split into an A side and a B side, like a cassette tape with a series of tracks. The first half definitely focuses on more human problems, while the second half goes full supernatural. The energy, however, does not let up at any step of the way. The denouement works so well because there is a hint of what's coming next, but with enough breathing room for the characters to process the entire book that just happened
What I also greatly appreciated was that Robin was finally allowed to have some girl friends. The friendships here are spiky, but powerful. There is a lot of love, whether the characters want to admit it to themselves. The way Robin fights for those around her also strikes me as inspiring. Turns out this badass does have a soft interior, even if sometimes it is covered by a demonic exoskeleton (that's all I'll say about that.
On 9/15/2020, prepare for fans of Mad Max: Fury Road with shifters and even more found family feels and queer representation.
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