Hades by Candice Fox

I received a copy of Hades in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Candice Fox gives us a crime thriller that is gripping, horrifying, and brutal.  The hunt for a serial killer is never easy, but Frank's investigation is made harder by his aloof partner and her brother, both of whom are keeping more secrets than anyone can possibly guess.  Interspersed in the current events are flashbacks to Eden and Eric's upbringing by a man named Hades. Through these flashbacks, Fox paints a thorough picture of the Archer siblings' lives, which in turn bleeds into the story as Frank narrates. 

The characters are realistically drawn, imperfect, and can be related to rather easily.  The writing displays a talent for setting disturbing scenes and thoughts, and presenting tense action and awkward human interactions.  The plot is well paced, making it all too easy to ignore everything else and stay immersed in the story. 

You'll definitely want to read the sequel, Eden, when it comes out in August of 2015.  I know I do.

Hades by Candice Fox: Creepy and full of action, and definitely worth reading!  Available from libraries and booksellers now.

Blood of My Blood by Barry Lyga

Barry Lyga delivered an explosive story with twists I didn't see coming.  This is a truly chilling tale of what humans are capable of- murder, torture, and the haunting truth that one never knows what one will do when pressed into an impossible situation.  Blood of My Blood is the stunning conclusion to the Jasper Dent trilogy. 

Blood of My Blood by Barry Lyga: 5 out of 5 stars.

Also, even though I think Jazz might be too young to be familiar with My Chemical Romace, their song "Famous Last Words" is my theme for him.  It ran through my head often during this entire trilogy, and now when I hear it I think of him. 

Game by Barry Lyga

Lyga delivers the second installment of the Jasper Dent trilogy with all the suspense and pulse-pounding action of I Hunt Killers.  Intense to say the least, Game will keep you riveted and eagerly anticipating the finale. 

Game by Barry Lyga: 4 out of 5 stars.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

At seventeen, Jasper Dent has seen and heard more horrifying things than any person ever should.  As a result, he's an engaging narrator with a small but trustworthy group of friends (okay, two- his best friend and his girlfriend) who takes care of his grandmother because it's the right thing to do. 

G. William Tanner is also an excellent character.  He looks out for Jazz, trying to make sure someone listens to and understands Jazz.  He's a father-figure without being a father-figure.  He offers guidance and lectures aplenty, sure, but he also gives Jazz the benefit of the doubt, treating him as an equal due to his horrific past.  Jazz knows things a teenager never should, and G. William Tanner respects what he knows. 

This galley copy also includes an interview with Barry Lyga, conducted by Libba Bray, that I hope makes it into the finished version of the novel.  In one of the questions Lyga is presented with a question of the gore and violence in I Hunt Killers, and he is a little surprised about it.  I agree with his assessment that it's actually Jazz's memories of the things his father said and taught him how to do that are far more chilling than any of the murder scenes depicted.  Even though you know they're fake, they can haunt you after you've finished reading. 

I am really looking forward to Game, the sequel to I Hunt Killers. 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga: 5 out of 5 stars.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A witty, suspenseful story that will keep you turning pages no matter what else needs to be done.  Cassie is an excellent narrator, giving readers an idea what it's really like to get inside the mind of a crazed killer.  The rest of the cast is just as good, even though the first-person narration prevents you from really knowing them.  Each person is unique and easy to relate to, making this a group you'll want to join for more than one book.

I missed the first book in this series, but Barnes is a great writer with unforeseen plot twists.  Although this is the second book in the series, it didn't lag anywhere as others tend to do.  I really enjoyed Killer Instinct, and I look forward to reading more mysteries involving this group of characters in future books.

Killer Instinct (Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 4 out of 5 stars.