Well, darn. This didn't work out like I expected. This is a straight follow on to his previous series, which I only read the first book of. Sigh. Now I'm back to that series, because I loved this even though I didn't understand parts based on the previous series. ( )

Nate returns, mostly. I keep feeling like Steve McHugh enjoys blue-balling Nate - and us - in terms of Nate's actual power. We get a revelation as to his origin, which is cool. But I, for one, am ready for him to just let things rip and take things to Arthur in a bloody haze. It's time. ( )

Disappointing

I pre-ordered this when it was first announced and had been looking forward to reading it, but I was actually tempted to give up and not bother finishing the book.

Why? Firstly the tediously repetitive swearing by virtually every character. I am coming to really detest such lazy writing. If the author wants to portray most of his characters as foul-mouthed, at least he could introduce some variety, rather than using one word to death and beyond.

Secondly, there was too much information and plot building conveyed by lengthy conversations which lacked distinctive character voices and styles or the use of some descriptive prose to help the reader keep track of who was saying what.

Thirdly, I found the splitting of the narrative between Nate in the earth realm and Layla and her team in the various realms they visited acted the reduce tension rather than building it.

Fourthly, the power (or “powers”, so comic-book has the writing become) of the protagonists has now grown to such an extent that any tactical thinking seems to have been dropped in favour of exchanging huge blows that fling an opponent through walls or break them to pieces, only to have them immediately healed and entering the battle again. What works in a two hour movie or an image-based comic does not work so well in a full length novel.

What has happened to the character development of the earlier books - the very thing that makes you want to keep reading about them? If this had been the first McHugh novel I had read I would not have been hooked on the series. Sadly, I think this is going to be the last. ( )

Sorcery Reborn
The Rebellion Chronicles, Book 1
By: Steve McHugh
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks, Elizabeth Knowelden
I didn't know what this book was about when I bought it. I saw Steve McHugh had a new series so I grabbed it. Then I find it is Nate back from the dead but without powers. A lot happens during that time while living in a quiet little town. In this book he finds out who his father is! Then his family!!! The end gets super awesome! Lots of action, old friends, New creatures, and surprises.
Great narration!!! Loved this! Hurry up with the next book!!! Can't hardly wait!!! ( )