They're the Chosen—Winchester, Remington and Colt—brothers trained to hunt down supernatural beings using the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It's a hard legacy to shoulder, and it's about to get a lot more dangerous...
A Devil Of A Job
Colt Jackson has gotten his name on many a wanted poster with success in the family business: hunting supernaturals across the frontier. Lately, though, there's a sulfur stink in the wind and the Darkin population is exploding. A rift in the worlds is appearing. To close it, Colt will have to do the unthinkable and work with a demon to pass arcane boundaries no human alone can cross.
Except when he summons his demon, he doesn't get some horned monstrosity: he gets a curvy redheaded succubus named Lilly, who's willing to make a bargain to become human again. He also gets Lilly's secret expertise on the machinations on the dark side of the rift. And her charm and cleverness help to get them out of what his silver-loaded pistol and mechanical horse can't. Of course, when all hell breaks loose, he might have to sacrifice his soul. But what's adventure without a little risk?
Review:
First, let's start with the cover because let's be honest, most if us form our first impressions while browsing bookstore shelves or cruising around online. I liked this cover straight off, primarily for the steampunk elements that aroused my curiosity. Seriously, the metal gear horse is awesome enough and then you figure in the bracers, boots and that dangerous looking ray gun...I'm a total geek. And the sleazy part of me just thinks any dude sporting a thigh holster is way hot. I've never been the cowboy type but that might just change her real soon. Essentially, with The Hunter you know exactly what type of book you're getting. Then you see the author and it's cemented...this should be good, real good. I love that sort of excitement!
As expected, I thought the characters were interesting, complex and choc-ful of secrets. It was an added treat that we actually meet all three brothers, Colt, Winchester, and Remington, along with the three women that I'm guessing will snag their scrumptious little hearts, Lilly, Candy, and the Contessa. The interactions between brothers reminded me quite a lot of the Winchester brothers from Supernatural, and I found myself making a few Sam and Dean comparisons. Much of the demonology seemed familiar too, like sealing demon deals with a kiss, but I don't think this detracted from the story at all. For me, this was a typical first book in a series with loads of worldbuilding, character introductions, and explanations.
I enjoyed all the steampunk, especially the scenes with Marley. He's this eccentric inventor (highly paranoid) that is a cross between Q (Bond), Bobby (Supernatural) and Alfred (Batman). Besides that, who wouldn't love spectro-photometric oglifiers? I might need some of those. Let's not forget Miss Balmora, the almost perfect robot Marley is building for the British government. Too cool. Could use one around the house. The romance wasn't as dominant in the story as I would have liked, maybe not as steamy, but I am anticipating that will change with future books, less set up and more character development. Another aspect that I did like quite a bit was the setting, mainly because I was raised in Arizona so I easily recognized the Superstition mountains and all the accompanying legends surrounding that time. It always add an extra kick when you can pick out places in a book, like you know a secret that other readers might not get.
I'm anxious to get my hands on a copy of The Slayer, out in April. These brothers are an adventurous handful and watching them be tamed will be a thrill.
Author website:
for the dark and sexy Sons of Midnight mini-series from Harlequin Nocturne or visit me online at