dapperreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
This was an interesting blend of a “detective” story and horror. While the detective in question is a scientific consultant for the police and not officially a detective, the vibes were the same. The horror aspect was there but not over the top to where it would turn off non-horror readers.
The way this book unfolded was perfect. I really enjoyed the pacing and the storyline was solid. In the beginning it felt like it wasn’t cohesive, but once it got going everything clicked into place.
I was granted access to the audiobook through NetGalley and dual narrators for the dual POV was great. I’m not sure I could have kept up with it otherwise since each POV got half of a chapter and it wasn’t always consistent with who started the chapter. The sound effects and transition music were also a nice touch.
hidrnick's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Being completely honest the story just didn't fully hold my attention. The narration was great, I liked the music included in the audiobook. This might be one of those stories that's better to read than listen to.
Thank you RDS audio for giving me an advanced review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you RDS audio for giving me an advanced review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
wisecraic's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
**I was provided an advanced listening copy from the publisher through NetGalley.**
Content warning: Please be aware of violence against animals in this work and pursue further information about content before choosing to read.
Kiwi authors Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray present the first book in a new series, Hounds of the Underworld. Readers follow Penny Yee, a scientist on the verge of losing her laboratory who takes on a contract as a science consultant to the police force. As Penny doesn't drive, she has to rely on her adoptive brother Matiu to chauffer her to various locations for the contract. Matiu has a criminal history and is hearing voices that make him want nothing to do with the murder cases Penny has to investigate. Add to the fact that Matiu's imaginary friend, Makere has returned and is giving him no peace, and there is more to these murders than Penny may have anticipated.
Hounds of the Underworld blends aspects of horror, crime noir, and a hint of locked room mystery. Certainly, this is a take on the genre that I, personally, haven't read before. Author Dan Rabarts pulls dual duty as the audiobook narrator for Matiu and Susan Holt provides voice for Penny. I think the choice to use two narrators for the different perspectives was smart and that the narrators chosen really put in work that contributed to making this novel a success. Combined with sound effects reminiscent of old radio shows between scenes, the audiobook did well at personifying the noir style.
Unfortunately, in order to enjoy this work, there must be a very significant suspension of disbelief. The entire premise is a stretch. Penny doesn't seem to have any real subject matter expertise that would make her a suitable scientific consultant to the police, nor would a science consultant be allowed basically carte blanche to wander between crime scenes and actually investigate the crimes herself, particularly unaccompanied aside from her brother who has a significant criminal record. There is also a lot of uncertainty around Matiu and trying to determine how much of his experience is mental health related or whether the issues are supernatural. As such, I was repeatedly taken out of the story by the sheer absurdity of what was taking place, and feel that there was a little too much of an ask for me to buy in to the various plot points.
This leaves me middle of the road. The story was interesting and fun, but there were many factors which made it not for me. I do feel like there is an audience for this type of novel, but would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with interest or insight into actual police procedure. Go in for the vibes and enjoy.
Content warning: Please be aware of violence against animals in this work and pursue further information about content before choosing to read.
Kiwi authors Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray present the first book in a new series, Hounds of the Underworld. Readers follow Penny Yee, a scientist on the verge of losing her laboratory who takes on a contract as a science consultant to the police force. As Penny doesn't drive, she has to rely on her adoptive brother Matiu to chauffer her to various locations for the contract. Matiu has a criminal history and is hearing voices that make him want nothing to do with the murder cases Penny has to investigate. Add to the fact that Matiu's imaginary friend, Makere has returned and is giving him no peace, and there is more to these murders than Penny may have anticipated.
Hounds of the Underworld blends aspects of horror, crime noir, and a hint of locked room mystery. Certainly, this is a take on the genre that I, personally, haven't read before. Author Dan Rabarts pulls dual duty as the audiobook narrator for Matiu and Susan Holt provides voice for Penny. I think the choice to use two narrators for the different perspectives was smart and that the narrators chosen really put in work that contributed to making this novel a success. Combined with sound effects reminiscent of old radio shows between scenes, the audiobook did well at personifying the noir style.
Unfortunately, in order to enjoy this work, there must be a very significant suspension of disbelief. The entire premise is a stretch. Penny doesn't seem to have any real subject matter expertise that would make her a suitable scientific consultant to the police, nor would a science consultant be allowed basically carte blanche to wander between crime scenes and actually investigate the crimes herself, particularly unaccompanied aside from her brother who has a significant criminal record. There is also a lot of uncertainty around Matiu and trying to determine how much of his experience is mental health related or whether the issues are supernatural. As such, I was repeatedly taken out of the story by the sheer absurdity of what was taking place, and feel that there was a little too much of an ask for me to buy in to the various plot points.
This leaves me middle of the road. The story was interesting and fun, but there were many factors which made it not for me. I do feel like there is an audience for this type of novel, but would not necessarily recommend it to anyone with interest or insight into actual police procedure. Go in for the vibes and enjoy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty
final_girl's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The authors paint a descriptive picture of life in near-future New Zealand. Sibling amateur detectives piece together parts of a mystery as we learn more about their relationship and their individual strengths and weaknesses. Told from both perspectives, the story unfolds at a medium pace, peaking interest and investment in the fate of the characters. [NetGalley ARC]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
avanders's review against another edition
3.0
Review based on ARC (advanced review copy received in exchange for an honest review).
I received this book in e-book format. The only e-book specific complaint I had was the font kept on switching back and forth between font-sizes. It was distracting, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story.
First, I would not compare this book or its characters with Sherlock... the analysis and personality just do not match. This is a book set in the not-too-distant future (in New Zealand!) about a young (20s?) headstrong girl (Pandora (Penny)) who wants to be a scientist, darnit, even if her wealthy parents think it's a silly career for a girl to have, and her mess-up brother (Matiu) (30s?) who maybe interacts with people or things that aren't there. She is on an assignment from the police (to be a scientific consult) with her brother as her driver (literally... he's essentially her personal taxi, ordered by their parents who own the taxi company) when Matiu has a foreboding flash that causes him to scream and urge his sister to not get involved with the case. Of course she does. Did I mention she's headstrong? Headstrong never heed good advice in modern literature.
Anyway, because she insists on working the case, he insists on helping her. I believe he's supposed to be the "Sherlock" comparison -- grumpy, but notices things that other people miss? Though he's apparently very handsome and charming when he wants to be. He's described such that I sort of picture a slightly buffer, slightly rougher version of Joel McHale.
So there's danger and supernatural and science and police and detective elements. It was enjoyable and I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next and how it concluded. And I was not necessarily disappointed in the conclusion either. I just found it, overall, a bit unpolished. It reads a bit like a gritty sketch of something more than a novel. And while that sort of works with the type of story, I felt it could use a bit *more* polishing.. maybe not too much, but a little bit more. I do anticipate that this series will settle into itself, though. Since this is the first, there are generally a few kinks to work out. I'd be open to the next ...
THREE AND A HALF of five stars.
I received this book in e-book format. The only e-book specific complaint I had was the font kept on switching back and forth between font-sizes. It was distracting, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story.
First, I would not compare this book or its characters with Sherlock... the analysis and personality just do not match. This is a book set in the not-too-distant future (in New Zealand!) about a young (20s?) headstrong girl (Pandora (Penny)) who wants to be a scientist, darnit, even if her wealthy parents think it's a silly career for a girl to have, and her mess-up brother (Matiu) (30s?) who maybe interacts with people or things that aren't there. She is on an assignment from the police (to be a scientific consult) with her brother as her driver (literally... he's essentially her personal taxi, ordered by their parents who own the taxi company) when Matiu has a foreboding flash that causes him to scream and urge his sister to not get involved with the case. Of course she does. Did I mention she's headstrong? Headstrong never heed good advice in modern literature.
Anyway, because she insists on working the case, he insists on helping her. I believe he's supposed to be the "Sherlock" comparison -- grumpy, but notices things that other people miss? Though he's apparently very handsome and charming when he wants to be. He's described such that I sort of picture a slightly buffer, slightly rougher version of Joel McHale.
So there's danger and supernatural and science and police and detective elements. It was enjoyable and I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next and how it concluded. And I was not necessarily disappointed in the conclusion either. I just found it, overall, a bit unpolished. It reads a bit like a gritty sketch of something more than a novel. And while that sort of works with the type of story, I felt it could use a bit *more* polishing.. maybe not too much, but a little bit more. I do anticipate that this series will settle into itself, though. Since this is the first, there are generally a few kinks to work out. I'd be open to the next ...
THREE AND A HALF of five stars.
avereads's review against another edition
4.0
“Spread out before him in shades of blood and bone he can see the shape of human history to come. Gradual decay and violent collapse all rolled into one brutal augury which he, for all his cursed vision, is too blind to comprehend. Like rot and sand and despair, and this stink of death just a distraction. An afterthought.”
Pandora “Penny” struggling to keep her lab afloat, takes on a contract to use her lab to help the police solve a puzzling case, a locked empty room with a only a bowl and a strange amount of blood. Uncovering weird evidence, Penny takes to solving the case, alongside her brother and driver Matiu. But something about the case doesn’t feel right. Something more sinister is happening.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Set in the near future (the 2040s), Hounds of the Underworld creates a unique story with the perfect blend of crime, horror, science fiction, and noir. I think my favourite thing about this novel is that it’s set in New Zealand and uses local terms and that there’s a glossary included at the back for all of them. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel with this setting before so it was fun to read. The beginning starts off a bit slow but then REALLY picks up pace towards the middle. I don’t want to say to much in case I spoil the plot, but the part with the dogs gets pretty intense. I loved Penny as a character and thought she was really smart with her actions. My only issues with this book is that there is some unnecessary family drama I could have done without and I would have liked to see more information on the world in the 2040s, but the date is only ever mentioned in passing conversation. Overall, I really enjoyed it. This books raises a lot of questions and sets up a lot of excitement for the second book, which I’m excited to get to.
Pandora “Penny” struggling to keep her lab afloat, takes on a contract to use her lab to help the police solve a puzzling case, a locked empty room with a only a bowl and a strange amount of blood. Uncovering weird evidence, Penny takes to solving the case, alongside her brother and driver Matiu. But something about the case doesn’t feel right. Something more sinister is happening.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
Set in the near future (the 2040s), Hounds of the Underworld creates a unique story with the perfect blend of crime, horror, science fiction, and noir. I think my favourite thing about this novel is that it’s set in New Zealand and uses local terms and that there’s a glossary included at the back for all of them. I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel with this setting before so it was fun to read. The beginning starts off a bit slow but then REALLY picks up pace towards the middle. I don’t want to say to much in case I spoil the plot, but the part with the dogs gets pretty intense. I loved Penny as a character and thought she was really smart with her actions. My only issues with this book is that there is some unnecessary family drama I could have done without and I would have liked to see more information on the world in the 2040s, but the date is only ever mentioned in passing conversation. Overall, I really enjoyed it. This books raises a lot of questions and sets up a lot of excitement for the second book, which I’m excited to get to.
corar's review against another edition
4.0
Hounds of the Underworld is a paranormal mystery that takes place in New Zealand. It follows a pair of siblings, one who is a scientist and only believes what there is evidence for and the other who has a connection to the world of the fantastic. I enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked the setting of New Zealand. It is not a location that many books I have read have featured and I appreciated the fact that this one took me somewhere new. Both of the authors are from New Zealand and although the book takes place in the near future (2040s) it still felt like I was getting a good feel for what Auckland would be like today.I liked both of the main characters and thought the dog was a good touch. My only criticism is that after finishing the book I am still not 100% sure of all of the paranormal stuff that was going on and I don't feel like I got to know Matai as well as Penny. I suspect that Matai's powers/background and the supernatural threat will be explored more in later books.
I received a free ebook from Library Thing's Early Reviewer group in return for an honest review.
I received a free ebook from Library Thing's Early Reviewer group in return for an honest review.
0hfortheloveofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
“All I see is more darkness. It follows us, clings to us, like a sickness, like...wild dogs”
A huge thank you to Raw Dog Screaming Press for sending me a copy of Hounds of the Underworld in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the synopsis beforehand so I had no expectations going into this book. I love going in blind and being surprised without having any preconceived ideas. I feel that really enhances my reading experience, I'm not waiting for certain things to happen. I am able to immerse myself in the story, the characters, the atmosphere. And Hounds of the Underworld delivered on all those points.
Hounds of the Underworld had two main characters, brother and sister Matiu and Penny. I loved the juxtaposition between them - Matiu was ruled by emotion, he had one foot in the shadow world, whereas Penny was purely scientific. It was an interesting insight being able to see the situations from both angles. I really enjoyed their relationship because it felt genuine. They bickered and disagreed and laid blame on the other in front of their parents but at it's core they're sweet and caring and protective. However, it was also infuriating because Penny needed to stand up for herself. Matiu all but takes over her investigation and she doesn't question it. In the next book, Teeth of the Wolf, I'd like to see a more equal relationship. Although, my favorite character was Mārama. She was haunting in speech, and ambiguous, yet comforting and steady to Matiu. I would love to see her play a bigger role in the next book.
Hounds of the Underworld was written by two authors, Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray, yet they were able to seamlessly blend their individual voices to create one cohesive story full of supernatural horror. I loved the feeling of this book. It was so atmospheric and tense, gritty at times, yet humorous and heartfelt. I loved how the tension would build and I'd get anxious but then it would abate slightly with the point of view shift, just to build up again. And the ending was just satisfying enough but left it open for a stellar book two.
A huge thank you to Raw Dog Screaming Press for sending me a copy of Hounds of the Underworld in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read the synopsis beforehand so I had no expectations going into this book. I love going in blind and being surprised without having any preconceived ideas. I feel that really enhances my reading experience, I'm not waiting for certain things to happen. I am able to immerse myself in the story, the characters, the atmosphere. And Hounds of the Underworld delivered on all those points.
Hounds of the Underworld had two main characters, brother and sister Matiu and Penny. I loved the juxtaposition between them - Matiu was ruled by emotion, he had one foot in the shadow world, whereas Penny was purely scientific. It was an interesting insight being able to see the situations from both angles. I really enjoyed their relationship because it felt genuine. They bickered and disagreed and laid blame on the other in front of their parents but at it's core they're sweet and caring and protective. However, it was also infuriating because Penny needed to stand up for herself. Matiu all but takes over her investigation and she doesn't question it. In the next book, Teeth of the Wolf, I'd like to see a more equal relationship. Although, my favorite character was Mārama. She was haunting in speech, and ambiguous, yet comforting and steady to Matiu. I would love to see her play a bigger role in the next book.
Hounds of the Underworld was written by two authors, Dan Rabarts and Lee Murray, yet they were able to seamlessly blend their individual voices to create one cohesive story full of supernatural horror. I loved the feeling of this book. It was so atmospheric and tense, gritty at times, yet humorous and heartfelt. I loved how the tension would build and I'd get anxious but then it would abate slightly with the point of view shift, just to build up again. And the ending was just satisfying enough but left it open for a stellar book two.
aliciasirvid's review
5.0
I really loved this book, the two character viewpoints are so much fun. It was everything I look for in a book, quirky and original, funny but with real heart, and as a bonus there's just enough thriller to keep me on the edge of my seat.
The premise is that of a simple murder mystery. A locked room, a missing person, a bowl of blood: Pandora, the scientist, is hired to solve the mystery. This case could make or break her career, but is there more at stake?
Her brother Matiu thinks so. And he should know, this shadowy underworld is his bane.
Together they must solve the mystery and stay alive.
For reasons I can't quite pin down, it reminded me a little of Engines of Empathy by Paul Mannering, which I also adored. I think it's because the writing is just classy :)
I can't wait for the sequel
The premise is that of a simple murder mystery. A locked room, a missing person, a bowl of blood: Pandora, the scientist, is hired to solve the mystery. This case could make or break her career, but is there more at stake?
Her brother Matiu thinks so. And he should know, this shadowy underworld is his bane.
Together they must solve the mystery and stay alive.
For reasons I can't quite pin down, it reminded me a little of Engines of Empathy by Paul Mannering, which I also adored. I think it's because the writing is just classy :)
I can't wait for the sequel