booknookie's review against another edition
4.0
You will find more of my reviews at my blog The Book Chick.
First of I want to thank Midas Public Relations, who contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing Steve McHuge’s new book A Glimmer of Hope. The first book in his new series The Avalon Chronicles, that will be released 1st April 2018.
Second of I want to say, I freaking loved this book and I’m so happy that I got the chance to read it. It is highly energetic, action filled book of pure fun and I really enjoyed it. It is a greatly written, easy but still deep story not anything like I have ever read . It is highly imaginative and it is hard to anticipate what will happen next. The book is intriguing and exciting and I liked the way it was build from page one. It was suspense to the verge where I actually could not sit still.
Imagine that every horror story you ever read actually are real. That monsters under the bed, is not a imagination of a young mind. That warewolfs, warebears, shapeshifters, demons, and other mythical creatures is walking among us. Some are good, some are bad and some are even worse. Imagine all of this put in ONE book, melted together in one incredible story.
I only have one problem with the book, and it is unfortunately big enough to lose one star because of it. And that is the middle of it. The story lost some of it’s *ompf* and actually got a little boring. But I do feel that it was necessary since there was some things that needed to be explained, but maybe the explanations could have been done with a little more finesse, depth and without the juvenile behavior from Layla. I lost some of my reading energy because of it and it was hard to get back in the story. As soon as I did tho, I never lost it again.
I will definitely read the second book when it comes out. There is still a lot of questions I want to see pan out, and the world still needs saving. I can only imagine that it will be a bumpy but incredibly fun ride to read.
One other thing I would like to mention is that I love when publishers think another step forward. I was expecting a boring cover under the dust jacket of the book. I certainly did not expected that they have though about it and made it so beautiful. That was one more exciting, unexpected thing with the book.
First of I want to thank Midas Public Relations, who contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing Steve McHuge’s new book A Glimmer of Hope. The first book in his new series The Avalon Chronicles, that will be released 1st April 2018.
Second of I want to say, I freaking loved this book and I’m so happy that I got the chance to read it. It is highly energetic, action filled book of pure fun and I really enjoyed it. It is a greatly written, easy but still deep story not anything like I have ever read . It is highly imaginative and it is hard to anticipate what will happen next. The book is intriguing and exciting and I liked the way it was build from page one. It was suspense to the verge where I actually could not sit still.
Imagine that every horror story you ever read actually are real. That monsters under the bed, is not a imagination of a young mind. That warewolfs, warebears, shapeshifters, demons, and other mythical creatures is walking among us. Some are good, some are bad and some are even worse. Imagine all of this put in ONE book, melted together in one incredible story.
I only have one problem with the book, and it is unfortunately big enough to lose one star because of it. And that is the middle of it. The story lost some of it’s *ompf* and actually got a little boring. But I do feel that it was necessary since there was some things that needed to be explained, but maybe the explanations could have been done with a little more finesse, depth and without the juvenile behavior from Layla. I lost some of my reading energy because of it and it was hard to get back in the story. As soon as I did tho, I never lost it again.
I will definitely read the second book when it comes out. There is still a lot of questions I want to see pan out, and the world still needs saving. I can only imagine that it will be a bumpy but incredibly fun ride to read.
One other thing I would like to mention is that I love when publishers think another step forward. I was expecting a boring cover under the dust jacket of the book. I certainly did not expected that they have though about it and made it so beautiful. That was one more exciting, unexpected thing with the book.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
Lately urban fantasy really suited me, so I picked up A Glimmer of Hope although I didn't know anything about an author or haven't heard about this book before. I was hoping to discover new favorite uf series...
LIKES:
✔ Pretty cover. Thas the first thing that got my attention. Blue my favorite color. Nice composition big focus on girl promises kick ass heroine
✔ Strong heroine. One promise that cover fulfilled. The story is focused on Layla and most of the chapters are from her point of view. We get a glimpse into her life before and after she discovers new abilities and how she fares with them.
✔ Realistic. We get a lot of inner turmoil from Layla, so she feels like real person
✔ Something new. New interesting way of getting powers. Unique idea
✔ Lots of paranormal creatures: Ogres, Japanese ghosts, Redcap
DISLIKES:
✘ Too much inner drama too little action. I am big bang girl. I like action adventure and here was too much talk and discussion. I felt they more talked then did something.
✘ Villain POV didn't add nothing. I think the story would have felt smoother without it.
✘ Set in the same world as previous series so I feel like maybe it would have felt familiar if i read it too. Sometimes I felt like I was missing some data about the world...
In the end, I am on the fence about this series. I must read another one to feel how it goes. A Glimmer of Hope was just a big intro.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
LIKES:
✔ Pretty cover. Thas the first thing that got my attention. Blue my favorite color. Nice composition big focus on girl promises kick ass heroine
✔ Strong heroine. One promise that cover fulfilled. The story is focused on Layla and most of the chapters are from her point of view. We get a glimpse into her life before and after she discovers new abilities and how she fares with them.
✔ Realistic. We get a lot of inner turmoil from Layla, so she feels like real person
✔ Something new. New interesting way of getting powers. Unique idea
✔ Lots of paranormal creatures: Ogres, Japanese ghosts, Redcap
DISLIKES:
✘ Too much inner drama too little action. I am big bang girl. I like action adventure and here was too much talk and discussion. I felt they more talked then did something.
✘ Villain POV didn't add nothing. I think the story would have felt smoother without it.
✘ Set in the same world as previous series so I feel like maybe it would have felt familiar if i read it too. Sometimes I felt like I was missing some data about the world...
In the end, I am on the fence about this series. I must read another one to feel how it goes. A Glimmer of Hope was just a big intro.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
sadiecass's review against another edition
4.0
For me this was a slow burn initially...which is odd because there was plenty of action....but it took about 250 pages for me to practically yell FINALLY!!! (I was at work, so I didn't...but yeah).
I really liked all the characters...although I did have trouble keeping them straight once they were all in one place. There were a lot...but their personalities came through and it got less confusing.
I have NOT read the other related series (Hellequin), and was not confused at all. The world building was great, and kept me in the loop.
Looking forward to book 2, A Flicker of Steel.
*Received a copy via netgalley. Opinions are my own*
I really liked all the characters...although I did have trouble keeping them straight once they were all in one place. There were a lot...but their personalities came through and it got less confusing.
I have NOT read the other related series (Hellequin), and was not confused at all. The world building was great, and kept me in the loop.
Looking forward to book 2, A Flicker of Steel.
*Received a copy via netgalley. Opinions are my own*
astepp88's review against another edition
4.0
Slow but good
It was hard for me to get into at first, but I always try to finish a book. After getting about halfway through I was hooked.
It was hard for me to get into at first, but I always try to finish a book. After getting about halfway through I was hooked.
gillothen's review against another edition
1.0
Painfully bad
Poor writing and worse world building, I started reading in hope and ended in despair. I got it free, and it was definitely worth what I paid for it.
Poor writing and worse world building, I started reading in hope and ended in despair. I got it free, and it was definitely worth what I paid for it.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
I must confess I liked the Hellequin books a tiny tad more - but then I "only" really enjoyed the first and it was the sequels that had me fall head over heels in love with the series, and I think this one will be similar.
I really like the new main character - she is flawed and comicated in a way - but very believable and realistic in her actions and reactions. I loved her growing with her challenges and learning to accept what is happening around her!
The world is the same as in the Hellequin books, so there was quite some comforting familiarity and a lot of well known faces in this one, which made for a very easy transition into a new series!
Book one just came out two days ago, and already I can't wait for book two... If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is! ;)
I really like the new main character - she is flawed and comicated in a way - but very believable and realistic in her actions and reactions. I loved her growing with her challenges and learning to accept what is happening around her!
The world is the same as in the Hellequin books, so there was quite some comforting familiarity and a lot of well known faces in this one, which made for a very easy transition into a new series!
Book one just came out two days ago, and already I can't wait for book two... If that isn't a recommendation, then I don't know what is! ;)
thesweetiebri's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
urbanaudreye's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome book!
This was a great book. Awesome storyline. This is the first I've read by Steve McHugh, but it sure won't be the last.
A crossover between a human existence and the supernatural. Layla Cassidy is the daughter of a serial killer. Having been trained throughout her childhood by her father, she fears becoming just like him. What she becomes is so much more.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the paranormal and supernatural.
*I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
This was a great book. Awesome storyline. This is the first I've read by Steve McHugh, but it sure won't be the last.
A crossover between a human existence and the supernatural. Layla Cassidy is the daughter of a serial killer. Having been trained throughout her childhood by her father, she fears becoming just like him. What she becomes is so much more.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy the paranormal and supernatural.
*I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
klistoff's review against another edition
4.0
My Kindle First book for March and introduction to Steve McHugh.
I was absolutely stunned at how fully developed the world and some of the characters seemed - it was only after I finished that I discovered it's set in the same world as the Hellequin Chronicles and features some of its major characters that explained the richness to what I had thought to be a new series.
A little slow to get going but once it did, I couldn't put it down - I loved the idea behind Layla becoming an Umbra and gaining powers whilst striving against following in her father's footsteps.
I enjoyed this so much, I had to pre-order parts 2 & 3...
I was absolutely stunned at how fully developed the world and some of the characters seemed - it was only after I finished that I discovered it's set in the same world as the Hellequin Chronicles and features some of its major characters that explained the richness to what I had thought to be a new series.
A little slow to get going but once it did, I couldn't put it down - I loved the idea behind Layla becoming an Umbra and gaining powers whilst striving against following in her father's footsteps.
I enjoyed this so much, I had to pre-order parts 2 & 3...
rockchick's review against another edition
2.0
Needs better editing.
I felt no connection with the characters in the series.
I felt no connection with the characters in the series.