Lies Ripped Open by Steve McHugh

Lies Ripped Open is Steve McHugh’s latest installment about his hero Nate Garrett, known for many years as the Hellequin. Nate is forced yet again to face his past, and living demons from that past, including his former father figure, Merlin.

Back in the late 1800s Nate uncovered a conspiracy of wanton murder instigated in part to preserve a beloved figure of ancient Camelot. He thought they had laid it to rest, but when he is called on the scene of a hostage crisis in modern London, he realizes that his former enemies are still very much alive and have put his loved ones, and the future of Avalon, in great danger. In order to catch the people responsible for these crimes, he must do something he said he’d never do, go back to Avalon and face his former mentor, Merlin.

Lies Ripped Open feels like an odyssey. McHugh cleverly intertwines past and present to create a narrative in which he delves deeply into the entire legend and folklore of his series hero, the Hellequin, and in no small way, his origin as a servant to Merlin. Nate is as tough and fierce as ever. While his spirit is indomitable, Nate manages to get into danger on a regular basis. Nate has become one of my all-time favorite urban fantasy heroes. He’s got the tough spirit of some of my favorite action movie stars, and the snarkiness that makes me laugh my way through as I read. Despite having a well-earned reputation as a man not to be messed with, he is unwaveringly loyal and has a powerful sense of right and wrong, always willing to go the extra mile to protect the innocent and to help out those in need.

McHugh draws from both well-known folklore and history, and also shows that he’s done his research into fables and folktales with tidbits that enrich his narrative. Although the Hellequin is a hero of McHugh’s own creation, he fits very well into commonly known folklore, such as King Arthur and Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table. McHugh has taken the Arthurian folklore in a new and interesting direction. Nate tends to have a combative relationship with authority figures, especially when he’s more than willing to tell them when they’re wrong, and in the bluntest way possible. I like that he’s so obdurate, but at the same time he’s not a jerk for a lack of reason.

The action is as fierce as ever, and integration of magic into what could easily be an awesome action novel on its own, is icing on the cake for urban fantasy lovers. At the same time, this is not just one action scene after the other. There is genuine character development and suspense as Nate follows the rabbit trail to expose and end a plot that has been in the works for well over one hundred years. Nothing is too easy for Nate and his friends and companions, for their foes are very formidable and well-connected. The villains in this novel are ruthless and very despicable. Not in the least because some of them are supposed to be heroes. I like the fact that they have to deal with the Hellequin, and he won’t stop until they are neutralized.

It was great to spend more time with Nate and his friends. I like that we see past allies come back and work side to side with Nate, showing that he’s a man that has gained people’s respect the natural way, by earning it. I feel like I’m going to a very dangerous but exciting family reunion. This novel is a great addition to the series. It takes the story and what we know about Nate Garrett and builds it up to an exciting conclusion that leaves the reader eager for more installments. I can’t wait to see what Nate is up to next.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 514 pages
• Publisher: 47North (August 25, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1503946401
• ISBN-13: 978-1503946408

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Books in the Hellequin Chronicles in the order they should be read:
Crimes Against Magic
Born of Hatred
With Silent Screams
Prison of Hope
Lies Ripped Open

Lies Ripped Open by Steve McHugh