conspiracy

Chasing the Dead by Tim Weaver – Book Review

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Chasing the Dead by Tim Weaver - Book Cover

You might already be drooling in anticipation because Chasing the Dead by Tim Weaver seems like one of those dark and brooding crime thrillers that Dennis Lehane typically delivers. And to be fair, the book does start off on the right foot: you immediately empathize with David Raker after his great tragedy, and maybe you even grow to like this meek, good-hearted soul. The investigation is solid enough too, barring a few hiccups in the dialogue, like:

“Yes?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Are you sure it’s really real?”

Why is everyone acting so weird here?!

Furthermore, Tim Weaver introduces such a twisted antagonist that you might just crap your pants! You’re so freaked out that you barely notice how bizarre most of the characters in Chasing the Dead are. For instance, they casually rat out their well-paying clients for a measly 200 quid or, for no apparent reason, suddenly off themselves!

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The Traitor God by Cameron Johnston – Book Review

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The Traitor God by Cameron Johnston - Book Cover

The protagonist of Traitor God, the mage Edrin Walker, returns to his hometown of Setharis after 10 years of exile to avenge the death of his best—and only (!)—friend. It’s fair to say Setharis doesn’t exactly welcome him back with open arms. After all, he did kill a god there. Or so people say. He doesn’t remember doing it. Then again, you’d probably claim the same thing in his shoes, wouldn’t you?

Cameron Johnston’s debut novel features an unusual hero, a unique magic system, and a genre experiment that’s anything but conventional: a blend of dark fantasy, detective noir, and horror-thriller elements.

Edrin Walker is NOT Your Friend

Edrin Walker is the walking embodiment of self-destruction. He’s a drunk, a rule-breaker, and a foul-mouthed, unpleasant jerk who despises himself far more than he could ever despise anyone else. Yet, it quickly becomes clear that Edrin possesses what is arguably the coolest magical ability around. And yet… maybe not.

Being able to peek into other people’s minds? That’s handy, especially if you want to insult them with flair. But invading someone’s mind? That’s a whole other level. Edrin is a telepath who can take complete control over others’ minds. Unfortunately, Setharis has a bit of a history with mind-mages. So, here’s the general consensus:

#1. Blowing someone to bits or peeling their skin off with magic? Fine.
#2. Turning people into mindless puppets? Absolutely not fine.

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