A pack torn. An enemy revealed. The werewolves face a long-forgotten foe... As they battle vampires in Kansas City, Hugh and the wolves learn the war in Falias has gone horribly wrong.
The Mad King stole humanity’s most dangerous weapons. Now Damian Vesik, necromancer and ally of the River Pack, has been lost to the Abyss. Vicky longs to save Damian, to return the favor he once granted her, but soon discovers the only chance to rescue him means facing a gauntlet of ancient trials.
Nudd’s madness has unleashed nightmarish new obstacles, and it seems the wolves have met their match. Vicky, Hugh, and the pack must protect Kansas City from the rising darkness even as Nudd’s will threatens to crumble the city itself.
Eric is a former bookseller, cellist, and comic seller currently living in Saint Louis, Missouri. A lifelong enthusiast of books, music, toys, and games, he discovered a love for the written word after being dragged to the library by his parents at a young age. When he is not writing, you can usually find him reading, gaming, or buried beneath a small avalanche of Transformers.
The Book of the Claw by Eric R Asher Book 10 of the Vesik series. Urban fantasy. Should be read in order. The battle is stalled. I didn’t think I would say that. It starts out with fighting and still has plenty of violence but then complications have arisen in saving Damian. His friends now must figure out how to work around obstacles. Is it even possible anymore to save him?
Epic fantasy. Get lost for an hour or two in the world of Vesik.
The Book of the Claw is the tenth book in the Vesick series. This book should not be read as a standalone or you will probably be confused with the storyline. There is a lot of violence. In this book, it Hugh and some of the werewolves that are the main characters. Ancient goes are appearing and it is going to take everything for the wolves to stay alive.
I am absolutely blown away by the world building in this series. Eric Asher is a freaking genius!
The Book of the Claw is an adrenaline pumping thrill ride. I highly recommend checking the series out on Audible as the narrators are phenomenal. The story leaps to life from the crashing of the swords to the heat of the dragon's fire.
This author amazes me each time I pick up a book by him. His writing is very emotive and descriptive without going overboard. Overly flowery writing drives and lots of detail me crazy, but it is nice to have good balance, and he achieves that. In this one, we see what’s going on with the wolves and Vicky’s arrival on her quest to restore Damian. The action is great, and I didn’t want to put the book down once I started. I still need to catch up to this point, but I still can figure out mostly what’s going on. I’m looking forward to the next book! Recommend and I was provided a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
The pack has been torn apart and a a bigger danger threaten them all. She wants to save him which will repay the debt she owes him. She is about to face many different and dangerous challenges. Can she stop the danger? Can she save him? Follow her adventures I received a copy and am willingly leaving a review
In this the second installment of _The Books of the Dead_, Damian Vesik's family and allies continue their efforts to rescue the necromancer and those bound to him. While he is momentarily secure in the Abyss, the fight continues against Gwynn ap Nudd and his allies. Near Kansas City, the River Pack and Camazotz lead the fight against the dark touched and other horrors.
After catching up with most of the Vesik series, the second installment was a much smoother read for me. I was able to slide into the story and let characters familiar and new tell their stories as they faced off against the challenges thrown in their way as they try to save their friends -- actually family that they have chosen.
The author continues with his strengths and produces clean, fun prose that is a joy to read with a story that continues to grab the reader and pull them along. The only -minor- complaint that I might have is probably the result of the format that is being used for _The Books of the Dead_ and how the story is being put together. Compared to the earlier Vesik books, _The Book of the Claw_ and the previously released _The Book of the Ghost_ seem shorter to me. However, it may just be me being greedy for more of the exploits of Vesik and the gang.
I wasn't sure that I was going to like the series in shorter installments...but I do! We don't have to wait as long for the next in the series now, so that's a real plus in my opinion. The shorter wait adds to the continuity for me -- it's easier to remember where the story line left off this way. Long or short, Mr Asher always delivers a good read so I needn't have worried.
In this installment, we get to see the war from the prospective of Hugh and the K.C. River Pack. It was good to hear from old friends again even if we didn't hear from Vesik himself this time. Vicky is spreading herself thin trying to rescue Vesik while also helping the River Pack face new monstrosities courtesy of the evil Nudd. All in all a good read and I'm excited to see what happens next.
For those who want to know: This one has a little language, a lot of violence but no sex.
It has been fun to see the web of characters fighting to keep the world alive and help Damien. Read in a handful of hours and ready for the next step in the story.
I don’t know how Eric Asher does it! He keeps writing amazing stories set in the same universe.
This books follows the exploits of some of the werewolves (and a few others) after Damien had been sidelined. I’ve always wanted to know more about this group and here are my answers. The monsters they face is terrifying.
Find out what a group of rag tag good guys does when they can’t defeat a monster older than time. See if anyone can help them. Suffer pain with them and enjoy a bit of laughter.
Do make sure you have nothing to do for several hours because you will not be able to put this down once you pick it up. You have to read it NOW before the next installment arrives. Why are you still reading this review? Start reading The Book of the Claw already!!!
Really good and fast paced read. A bit of a transition from the last book as it's told from a different side of the allies.
Damian's presence is missed. It makes the series darker as it's missing the hope and humor he usually brings.
But, these characters are doing their best to fill the hole that's been left by the necromancer. It really gives these characters/allies a chance to shine and show us what they're made of. It's good to see all these allies brought together in this war...working to save Damian. The family they have created is selfless and strong. It's good to see how they carry on in his absence.
Really looking forward to the next part of the story.
The fight continues to separate Nudd from his balls! Another great entry in the series. This novella was a little slower in pace and lighter in intensity than the last one, and considering there is 8 more to go, that's a good thing. There is still enough action to throw a bag of werewolf fur at, so dig in for some fun.
I am hoping that Eric has plans down the road for some firelight stories from Hugh of him when he was younger.
I could say this review is based on an advanced copy, but since I also bought a copy and read the story twice, I am verified in my purchase!
In this novella, The Book of the Claw, the reader will find yet more action packed pages that Eric Asher is well known for! There isn't a spare second that you aren't sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen next. It grabs your attention and holds it to the very end and leaves you ready for the next one! Each one of his novellas fills in, and then leads you on to the next novella that started with The Book of Ghosts so you get the whole picture. This one shows you what Hugh and the werewolves have been busy doing.
I received an ARC originally and have since purchased a copy of this book as I have all the books in this series that have been released.
I'm really enjoying this take on the Vesik series. I don't know when I last saw an author "take a break" from the main character and start telling the ongoing saga from the point of view of supporting characters. Only you see these characters aren't so much supporting as holding their own and an integral part of the ongoing war. Vesik needs them as much as they need him. Maybe more. I think this was my favorite of these novellas so far. Without giving away any plotlines, I've been looking forward to learning more about this character. He's one of the more nuanced ones, I think, and I read this twice through and will probably read it again. It's that good.
The further trials and tribulations of Vicky, Hugh, Nixie and all of Damian’s friends as they try to save the world and their friend. The Dark Touched are only a small part of the evil Hugh and his small band must fight in Kansas City. With the knowledge of Damian’s condition and old monsters rising, it will take teamwork and determination to keep moving forward.
Once again Eric Asher has gifted us with a well crafted, thrilling story. With one hand he offers hope, but with the other he threatens to crush your heart. I can’t recommend this series enough.
It's very rare for an author to take a series, and completely change the point of view. Fortunately for the fans of the Vesik series, Eric R. Asher has NEVER followed the rules! This is the second of a series of books that are told from the point of view of the different character in the books. This one really blew me away! This one gives us insight into the packs who have fought beside Vesik so far. These monthly novellas are well written, and keep me on the edge of my seat. Definitely unique, and amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book sucked me in and spat me out like an industrial shredder. Wolfishly intriguing and I love the way Eric weaves these tales to include legends and mythology from all around the world. I’m always left wanting more! Another exciting addition to Eric R Asher’s Damian Vesik series.
I am lucky in that I get to read and review this book free of charge but I always purchase Eric Asher’s books for my own personal collection
I still haven't made my mind about the novellas. I always want more but if the book was longer I would still want more. This volume continues the war with Nudd but it's in Kansas City with more focus on the wolves. The book was fast paced and full of action. The "heads" were truly creepy and Ashley rocks! I do like hearing the different character viewpoints. I can't wait for the next book! This review is based on an advanced copy.
I am thoroughly enjoying this continuation of the Vesik series. Each book you have released has really fleshed out the battle against Nudd and what it is going to take to bring Damian back and to defeat him. The Book of the Claw is certainly action packed! And I really liked how you ended this chapter, the seamless flow into Nexie's story. I can't wait to read them all!
to let those who love Damien play a role in his return to his world is a brilliant idea. introducing creatures and parts of the characters ' pasts fills the landscape and emotional support that each will give. superb, superb. (spoiler) High and the Quindero pack are forced to battle not only Underlie far but creatures unleashed by Nudd's madness, creatures from the far past. High and family must seek an ancient artifact to save a friend.
If you haven't read this series before start with Days Gone Bad and enjoy the entire series, it is a great series. This book focuses on other characters in the series and shows what has been happening since the end of Forgotten Ghosts. There is plenty of action, magic, dragons and werewolves.
You. Yes you. Put this down, take out your wallet & throw all of your money & credit cards at Eric R. Asher except one. Buy all of his books. Then with your last card, call & order a pizza, unless you can get bbq delivered, then order bbq. Thank me later. You are welcome
This installment continues the war against the Mad King, told from Hugh's point of view. We see the packs part in the fight against the dark touched and learn more of the plan to save Damian. A well crafted story that has you wanting more. I can't wait for the next book.
Another installment of the Vesik Saga. I can’t wait for November 22! Devoured this book in one sitting. Bring on Book 12, it is already pre-ordered! Also available on KU.
The Book of the Claw adds another layer to the Vesik series. While it raises more questions, it lets the reader focus on each character's own story. I can't wait to read the next book!
What a wonderful continuation of this magnificent series. Things are getting hard for the werewolves. I loved this story. Short but well worth the time.