I. NEED. MORE. This book was so good and I don't want to wait to read more of this series. Steve McHugh is a fantastic writer and I am in love with this book.

I read a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was one very wild book! It is out of my usual genre and was my first Hellequin/Steve McHugh novel. I am surprised to say that I really liked the characters and storyline. The writing style was not as smooth or detailed in some areas as I expected, but my attention to that faded quickly as the overall feel of the adventure was believable enough—once I let myself accept all of the unusual creatures. I wondered about many of the characters that were not described in great length...there were so many interesting mythical beings, which to my knowledge live only in the mind of this author. (It is possible that these creatures and characters were introduced in the Hellequin series and I just missed the prerequisites. However, it appeared that there was a foreshadowing of Dr. Grayson’s species/special powers to be revealed, which I was really looking forward to, but did not happen.) The resolution was satisfying, but gave the indication of a sequel—which I will happily read if it comes to fruition. Steve McHugh has one heck of an imagination!!!

Layla Cassidy tries to forget her father's past as he languishes in a hidden prison. Her dark thoughts make her think she will be just like her father. Evil forces want to use him to further their power. Kidnapped and thrown into a world she could only imagine, she accidentally activates a scroll that can give her immense power. Bloody battles, ogre's, were creatures, and some crossover from McHugh's The Hellequin Chronicles. Nice worldbuilding. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

I received a copy of A Glimmer of Hope by Steve McHugh from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued by the summary and really wanted to like this novel, but the storyline could have been pulled together better and the characters developed more (less flat). It was a struggle to continue reading several times.

I would try and read another book by the author in the future to see if the pacing of plot development and characterization improves, but would not recommend this book.