Anti-hero extrordinaire

I really liked this book. The author captured the essence of a guy who has done bad things all his life, but for good reasons, or at least, he thought they were good reasons at the time; or maybe not so good, but perhaps the best choice he had or something like that and anyway, he didn't want to think about that anyway. Maybe. Or not now. Maybe later. If he felt like it or had the time or something.

It's like that. Sort of. But Latham, the protagonist, is just that kind of guy. Still, he's a guy people like and follow, for some reason. He's got some sort of weird charisma. Perhaps it's because, deep down he's willing to sacrifice himself for his people. And they feel that in him. But, for the Devil's sake, don't tell anyone! People might think he was going soft.

The narrator was spot on. He even got the old grandmother right, and made her accent sound right out of the deep Appalachians. Each voice was distinct and made the dialogue easy to follow. Bronson Pinchot could easily become my favorite narrator.

I recommend this book.

11 people found this helpful

Enjoyed Story And Narration

Latham is convinced he's a rock star magician or "Wisdom", he's kind of a jerk, can be self-serving, impulsive, and has a killer West Virginia accent. I had no problem liking this character throughout the story, in spite of his faults. Latham is also a little bit 50 shades. An extremely unique character and now one of my favorites along with Sandman Slim. If the BDSM lifestyle puts you off (it's not a huge part of the book- but it's a normal part of a lot of the main characters lives) or you don't like foul language, sex, or violence then this book isn't for you. It's NOT Dresden. What is it to me? is A fantastic, unique, story that is wonderfully narrated by Bronson Pinchot. I hope there is another installment.

81 people found this helpful

Darker more Deprived Dresden

This novel is very well done. However - it is NOT for the faint of heart or for people who get queasy. This should come with an NC-17 rating as it is obviously is only meant for adults. Sex, Drugs, Violence, S&M - mixed with magic in a gritty telling of the underbelly of "The Life". The content is very volatile but the author has moments of prose that Byron or Shelly would be envious of. The only downside is that it ended too soon.

Bronson Pinchot needs to give seminars on how to read books - he is one of the best narrators out there and never fails to deliver. He really brought the novel to life and the separation of characters in his vocal acting makes it that much more visceral and real.

I recommend this audio book to those who aren't afraid to take chances and aren't afraid to face the gritty reality that lives in our world - ok so we have the depravity without the spells and magic, at least this story makes it a little bit better.

63 people found this helpful

Forget Any Negative Reviews and Listen Now

Any additional comments?

An urban fantasy that does not follow the tired template of a wizard (vampire, werewolf, angel…) attempting to redeem himself from his dark past and facing off against an evil wizard (vampire, werewolf, demon, former teacher/master…) who wants to steal or possesses a magical object or raise a demon/god (supernatural villains are pretty limited in imagination) in order to control/destroy the world. Despite his superior powers, our hero is only able to prevail with the help of his friends and a valuable lesson is learned by all.

Laytham Ballard is a magic-using, drug-using, people-using anti-hero. He’s capable of being a truly bad guy, has a truly bad past and is not particularly haunted by that (though he plays lip service to guilt and has a conscious when it suits him). An outstandingly refreshing character in a genre where the idea of a bad-boy protagonist is a guy with the thinnest veneer of roguishness covering his heart of gold.

Despite plot being secondary to the characters in this book, I don't want to risk spoiling it. Suffice to say that the story itself is more than serviceable.

That Bronson Pinchot is outstanding should go without saying.

Highly recommended.In response to a couple of objections by other reviewers:

Freaky sex (S&M). This is mentioned for a short time early in the book followed a bit later by a single sex scene that can easily be skipped. In the last 3/4 of the book sex of any kind does not come up in any meaningful way. Perhaps reading the whole book before writing a review would be helpful to all.

The main character being arrogant/narcissistic/a trash-talker. First urban fantasy novel?

131 people found this helpful

Best listen in a long while

What did you love best about Nightwise?

I loved the dark tone and flawed characters. I loved how the author weaved different ideas from global mythology, actual events, and his own morbid imagination to create a richly detailed and totally badass world.
Also, to the haters on goodreads: yes, of course the antihero is self-delusional, arrogant, fucked up, immature, and at times completely despicable. He's an antihero, not a hero who happens to smoke.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Nightwise?

The aside about Chucky Cheese is particularly memorable. I enjoyed also the spell with the white lighter. This is a weird question as I can't really answer it without spoilers.

Which character – as performed by Bronson Pinchot – was your favorite?

The main character. As a 1st person pov book, the main character is by far the most developed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sex, drugs, and black magic

Any additional comments?

I normally listen to books on my commute. But I couldn't put this one down so I spent some extra time driving in circles and the better part of two days with headphones on.

17 people found this helpful

Became an instant fan from word one

What did you love best about Nightwise?

The voice of the main character, all his aspects...basically the main character.

What other book might you compare Nightwise to and why?

Incorruptible, Thomas Hunter Files Vol 1, because the world is dark, the magic gritty, the character is a smart ass.

Have you listened to any of Bronson Pinchot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I loved Bronson Pinchot who was the perfect voice for Lathan Ballard.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed, of course.

Any additional comments?

I search high and low for urban fantasy that is dark, gritty and interesting, the way I think it should be. I don't want to see elves who look like Orlando Bloom ever again in my life. I need to spend my time with a character who isn't afraid to swear, take risks, bleed. I don't want see the hero casting spells. I need to see him pulling power from within, paying with blood or sanity or both. And I want to see actual cases that an occult detective could investigate. Nightwise hit on every cylinder. I loved it from start to finish and I would like another one, please.

57 people found this helpful

Failed Potential

The good. The narration is good. In general this is a promising dark adult urban fantasy. Some good action and excitement. The main character is a nihilist antihero with some serious magic ability. The magical concepts are interesting.

What was disappointing? The addition of BDSM, torture, and serious drug use detracts from the story. The protagonist hates everyone, is only out for himself, but wants to take revenge on someone that hurt his friend.

7 people found this helpful

First Urban Fantasy

If you could sum up Nightwise in three words, what would they be?

One wild ride...

Who was your favorite character and why?

Laytham was my fav because for a guy who is painted the selfish prick he seems to have to fight to be as big a jerk as he sounds. I hope in the sequel it will explain a little more of his backstory.

What does Bronson Pinchot bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great dialect and inflection.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Uhh, the torture in Rikers, I think it was, was pretty freaking graphic... If I see a straight razor I shudder because of those scenes.

Any additional comments?

Great book. I was a little concerned as this is a new genre for me, but it was very good and I will be exploring some other titles. If only Belcher's other acclaimed novels were on Audible I would definitely try them out.

18 people found this helpful

Well written, well performed

The writing is engaging and the performer delivers it well.

The story is a well-realized story typical of the genre. Main character is tough, talented and respected and from the South. He's 'experienced' in the school of hard knocks; has lots of impressive alternative, drug related magic. The writer is skillful at painting the dystopian world, so a good choice for fans of magic, dystopia, and tough-as-nails hard-boiled detective-type. He owes someone a favor and it involves tracking down and exacting vengeance on a despicable person.

But the descent into depravity of some characters is more than I can stomach. I left at the nightclub scene where he walks thru a room dedicated to customers who enjoy real, live, 'snuff' action and reflects on how this used to bother him. I don't need these scenes in my head.

51 people found this helpful

WOW! Hold on to your seats. What a book!

Let's start off with the easy stuff. The narrator rose to the task and did a tremendous job with the material he was given. There was a particularly creepy section in the book (no spoilers) where the narrator did such a fine job I was actually a little scared. I haven't had that happen to me since "The Shining." Ugh, creeped me right out of my skin. If you liked The Dresden series, you'll love this book. I actually thought this was a bit better, not so formulary. Loved the characters and I had "buy in" with our protagonist right away. There was also a lot of rollicking humor in the book and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by how funny this book was. Get this book. I simply loved it.

3 people found this helpful