Born of Hatred: A Supernatural Action Thriller

Steve McHugh’s Born of Hatred, the second book in the Hellequin Chronicles, takes the action, mystery, and emotional stakes to new heights. Nate Garrett, the centuries-old sorcerer we met in Crimes Against Magic, is once again thrown into a whirlwind of supernatural danger, but this time, it’s not just external threats he’s facing—it’s his own dark and haunted past.

One of the most captivating elements of Born of Hatred is how it delves into Nate’s lost memories and begins to reveal the secrets of his amnesia. In the first book, Nate’s forgotten history left readers with questions about his origins and the events that shaped him. Now, as pieces of his past return, we see how his past decisions and relationships continue to affect him in the present. This narrative style, which alternates between Nate’s flashbacks and his current mission, creates an immersive, interconnected storyline that keeps readers hooked.

The book kicks off with a gruesome, ritualistic murder, and Nate is pulled into a hunt for a supernatural killer. But as the investigation unfolds, it’s clear that this case is deeply tied to his own past—a past filled with violence, betrayal, and unresolved demons. McHugh does an excellent job of weaving these two timelines together, showing how Nate’s actions centuries ago are now coming back to haunt him. This dual narrative not only reveals Nate’s history but also shows how much he’s changed—and how much he hasn’t.

Nate’s emotional journey is a major highlight in Born of Hatred. His battles aren’t just physical; they’re internal, as he grapples with guilt, anger, and the consequences of his past. In many ways, Nate’s present self is trying to be better, to atone for the bloodshed and mistakes he made as a younger man, but his past self—the reckless, vengeful sorcerer—won’t let him move on so easily. This tension between who Nate was and who he’s trying to be gives the story emotional depth, making him a much more complex and layered protagonist.

Alongside Nate’s character development, the book delivers all the action and supernatural excitement you’d expect. The fight scenes are intense and brutal, with Nate’s powers being pushed to their limits as he faces off against a wide range of foes, from vicious supernatural creatures to ancient enemies. McHugh continues to expand the series’ magic system, introducing new powers and artifacts that add intrigue and depth to the world. The murder mystery at the heart of the plot adds a gripping, twisty layer to the story, keeping you guessing as the stakes continue to rise.

Why You Should Read Born of Hatred:

• Delve Into Nate’s Past: The amnesia from the first book left readers with many questions. In Born of Hatred, we finally begin to uncover Nate’s dark, mysterious past and how it influences his present.
• Dual Timelines: The interplay between Nate’s past and present creates a compelling, multi-layered narrative that keeps you engaged as you piece together how his previous choices continue to shape his life.
• Character Depth: Nate’s emotional journey, as he grapples with guilt and the consequences of his actions, adds significant depth to the fast-paced action.
• Supernatural Action: The fight scenes are as intense and creative as ever, with Nate’s magical abilities on full display as he battles both new enemies and old foes.
• Gripping Murder Mystery: The investigation into a gruesome murder keeps the plot moving, blending suspense with supernatural thrills.

Final Thoughts

Born of Hatred takes everything readers loved about the first book—supernatural action, intricate magic, and complex characters—and amplifies it with a deeper dive into Nate’s past. The way McHugh weaves together Nate’s history and present-day events makes for a gripping read, full of twists, emotional depth, and intense battles. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy that delivers both on action and character development, this book is a must-read.

Buy Born of Hatred here!