Review: Red Claw

Red Claw by Jaime Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Thrilling & Deeply Engaging Sequel

Four months ago, I found myself cursing Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin after finding the horrible, cruel cliffhanger at the end of Black Talon (Dragonblood Assassin, Book 1). It’s rare that a story is good enough to have me so hooked that I’m genuinely angered and dismayed when it’s ended in such a wicked way. But the wait is over, and Red Claw is well worth it.

Red Claw, the second installment in the Dragonblood Assassin series by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin, is every bit riveting as its predecessor. And yes, the brilliant Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are back again to furnish life to the characters. Once more, we journey with Kullen, the emperor's assassin, and the rebel Natisse, into a web of intrigue, deceit, and imminent doom that threatens the empire itself.

The story's energy is tangible. There are tangled plotlines, unanticipated twists, and to my shame and delight, an inability to predict what comes next. The action rarely slows; you may even feel a tinge of exhaustion as you navigate through the relentless whirl of events as the point of view switches between the protagonists. Speaking of, the character development in this series is truly amazing. Both main Kullen and Natisse, along with a roster of minor characters, are incredibly well-crafted, showing great depth with their emotions, inner thoughts, and rich history.

Searching to present a balanced review, I could only find a few very minor elements that irked me. The constant action is often exhilarating, but there were instances when the action drags on to the point that it pushes the pacing off-kilter, and the story’s progression starts to drag. I felt myself waiting for them to get on with the combat so I could find out what happened next! I think the feeling is also compounded by Kullen’s ability to endure multitudes of injuries with little rest – knowing he’ll likely come out on top lessens the tension I’d otherwise feel during fights and action. And, of course, the worst insult to the reader comes at the very end. The unforgiving cliffhanger. Again. Sigh. To be clear, these are petty nuisances that are easily forgiven and forgotten in the face of everything else that is good, awesome, and amazing. Except for the cliffhanger; there’s a special, hot place of eternal torment waiting for people that do that to their fans.

In the audiobook, the narration of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading is outstanding. They are an experienced and veteran pair of narrators, and their performances consistently lend distinct voices that bring the characters to life. The Dragonblood Assassin series is already exceptional, but their narration manages to make it even better.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Zombie Deliverance

Zombie Deliverance: Still Alive Book Ten by Javan Bonds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Javan Bonds' 10th installation of the Still Alive series, 'Zombie Deliverance', serves up another generous helping of zombie decadence and apocalyptic chaos, much to the gratification of the audience. Boasting an overflowing plate of gore, blood, and action, Bonds has sculpted a gore fest that lovers of the series will find hard to put down. It's a must-read (or listen) for those who have been following the journey of Mo, Smokes, and all the rest of the crew of the Viva Ancora.

While the Still Alive series is full of non-stop violence, gore, and zombie-slaying action, I’m really in it for the dark humor and entertaining plot. While multiple storylines keep the narrative dynamic and offer something for everyone, I personally look forward to more narratives from the vantage point of Mo. And thankfully, this book didn’t disappoint, offering a delightful return to the Viva Ancora through several of Mo's point-of-view chapters. Plus, there are plenty of short interludes giving us insights into the deep thoughts of the fan-favorite character

Zombie Deliverance (which is aptly named) shapes its story around a theme of retribution – and it’s executed brilliantly. A few of the past books in the series tip the scale into pure gratuitous violence, but this book ties all that blood spray and gore into the plot and, at the same time, uses it to resolve some long-developing subplots. Without spoiling too much of the story, I’ll say that seeing past villains from previous books get what they deserved was both entertaining and satisfying.

While the plot keeps you engrossed, credit must be given to the fantastic narration by S.W. Salzman. If you read these books and wonder about the audio versions, the narration makes it worth it. Salzman brings life to a versatile range of characters, each speaking with distinctive voices that add appeal to the characters in the narrative. Salzman outdoes himself in especially delivering the nuances of the character Mo, making him the star of the show. His narration is undoubtedly a cornerstone of this series.

All in all, whilst 'Zombie Deliverance' seems to push the envelope in terms of graphic violence, it undoubtedly delivers a captivating plot with enriching character development. Bonds has yet again served a thrilling treat to his fans, adequately seasoned with gore, wit, and a remarkable evolution of the apocalypse. Exceptional narration further elevates this tale into a true gem. As the plot deepens and the zombies evolve, I can't wait for what subsequent books in the series might bring.

Special thanks to Javan Bonds, who provided me with this book at my request.


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