Twitter is without a doubt my social network of choice, mainly due to the fact that it opens you up to new people and their likes / dislikes. It is through Twitter that I first heard about Steve McHugh and his first dip into becoming a published author with his urban fantasy, Crimes against magic. When I first began following Steve, he was recommended to me through someone else I follow, and I had no idea that he was writing a novel. But when he tweeted about his book and the subsequent reviews he was receiving on Amazon, I decided to give it a go. I had never previously read an urban fantasy novel, to the best of my knowledge, but love the wider fantasy genre. Regardless, I went into the book with a touch of trepidation, I mean how good could it be for a first time novelist?
It’s been almost ten years since Nathan Garrett woke on a cold warehouse floor with nothing but a gun, a sword, and no idea of who he was or how he got there. His only clue, a piece of paper with his name on it. Since then, he’s discovered he’s a powerful sorcerer and has used his abilities to work as a thief for hire. But he’s never stopped hunting for his true identity, and those who erased his memory have never stopped hunting for him. When the barrier holding his past captive begins to crumble, Nathan swears to protect a young girl who is key to his enemy’s plans. But with his enemies closing in, and everyone he cares about becoming a target for their wrath, Nathan is forced to choose between the life he’s built for himself and the one buried deep inside him. Crimes Against Magic is an Urban Fantasy set in modern day London with Historical flashbacks to early fifteenth century France. It’s the first in a series of books called the Hellequin Chronicles, which shows the life of sorcerer Nathan (Nate) Garrett.
From the first chapter the book had me gripped as Steve guided us through the story at a high-octane pace. The protagonist, Nate, is an instantly likeable anti-hero whose story is truly compelling as he searches for answers to who he is and where he came from. Steve does a brilliant job of building his characters at the right speed, whilst maintaining the fast pace of the book. Typically, whilst Nate’s story is progressing, a number of other questions are posed, leaving you both intrigued and anxious to find out more. The book has something in it for all types of reader, as Nate uses magic, works with Vampires, befriends Werewolves, battles Gargoyles and rescues psychics. And the connection between Nate and his friend, gangsters daughter Holly, is an integral and charming addition to the story.
The use of flashbacks throughout the book, skipping between 15th century France and present day London, is a fantastic way of conveying the protagonists story to the reader. As you continue through the book, You are left wondering how these two stories are intertwined, if indeed they are. The book is full of twists and turns, right up to the last pages, which leave you satisfied at the conclusion but also gasping for more. In fact the only negative thing I have to say about the whole thing is that I want to read the next book right now!
In conclusion, I would highly recommend Crimes against magic to any lover of fantasy books, romance stories or in fact any reader who enjoys exciting, action packed books. My initial question was ‘How good could it be for a first time novelist?’, and that question is easily answered by saying its a fantastic book for a novelist of ANY stature, regardless of this being their first, fifth or one hundredth book. Steve McHugh will certainly be a name to look out for in the future, so give the book a try today.
You can follow Steve on Twitter and purchase Crimes against magic at Amazon for both Kindle and Paperback