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Hellhound: A Deadtown Novel Mass Market Paperback – 29 October 2013
by
Nancy Holzner
(Author)
Nancy Holzner
(Author)
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Product details
- Publisher : Ace; 1st edition (29 October 2013)
- Language : English
- Mass Market Paperback : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0425262804
- ISBN-13 : 978-0425262801
- Dimensions : 11.2 x 2.39 x 17.2 cm
-
Best Sellers Rank:
512,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 9,336 in Contemporary Fantasy (Books)
- 15,812 in Urban Fantasy (Books)
- 32,650 in Contemporary Women's Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
Product description
Review
Praise for the Deadtown novels "Fresh and funny, with a great new take on zombies."--Karen Chance, New York Times bestselling author of Hunt the Moon "A must-read...This heroine totally kicks butt!"--Phaedra Weldon, national bestselling author of Revenant "Fast, fun, and feisty."--Devon Monk, author of Magic For a Price "An incredibly realized world and a cast of vivid characters. I can't wait for the next book!"--Chris Marie Green, author of Deep in the Woods "Nancy Holzner is a master of characterization and I'll be buying her next book the moment it hits the shelf."--Ilona Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Steel's Edge "All urban fantasy lovers should be reading this superb series."--Bitten by Books "A fantastic series...that will leave you holding your breath until you discover what happens next."--Night Owl Reviews "If you haven't started this series, then you are missing out on one of the most original urban fantasy settings to date."--Bite Club "With each book in the Deadtown series, I only get sucked further in...An incredibly entertaining installment that cannot be missed!"--A Book Obsession "With solid pacing, fabulous character growth, and an intriguing plotline, Darklands continues the tradition it started as a fantastic urban fantasy series."--BookSwarm "Once again Nancy Holzner has delivered another nail-biting novel."--All Things Books "The world the author has created is unique and deeply interesting."--Romancing the Book "Vicky's life and trials have been fascinating to date, but in this newest book, author Nancy Holzner takes it to a new level."--Romance Reviews Today
About the Author
Nancy Holzner grew up in western Massachusetts with her nose stuck in a book. It was probably inevitable that that she majored in English in college and then continued her studies long enough to earn a masters degree and a Ph. D. Besides teaching English and Philosophy, she's worked as a technical writer, freelance editor, instructional designer, college admissions counselor, and corporate trainer. She lives in upstate New York with her husband.
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
15 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews from other countries

Michael Bryson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like the four books before it, book five was a test.
Reviewed in the United States on 22 August 2020Verified Purchase
It is well written, with a great cast of characters. I love Tina's character, and here lies the rub, or test. I bond with these friends too strongly. When one gets hurt I hurt. When Vicky is being stubborn, or selfish, I want to shack her; but when she's hurt...I hurt. It's a test to see if I'll have the strength to be the next chapter.
Empathizing with the Protagonist, whether male or female is how I've always read SciFi or Fantasy; and as a 72 year old man, my nerves are about shot.
Empathizing with the Protagonist, whether male or female is how I've always read SciFi or Fantasy; and as a 72 year old man, my nerves are about shot.

C Thilmany
4.0 out of 5 stars
Plenty going on
Reviewed in the United States on 8 November 2013Verified Purchase
Vicky has a lot on her shoulders and she’s not sharing the burden with anyone. The last book ended with an ultimatum from the Night Hag. She must hand over the white falcon of Hellsmoor or Kane will be one of her hellhounds every full moon for the next year. But her father’s spirit is in the falcon. Who is she supposed to sacrifice? She’s also asked to consult for the police when zombies start going nuts and killing humans. Pryce is once again stirring up trouble and the Destroyer is causing Vicky more problems by increasing her desire to slaughter as he wants her to join him.
There’s plenty going on in both actions and with Vicky’s emotions which take you along for the ride. Mab makes a trip to Boston to help Vicky deal with something she doesn’t want to accept and it will be interesting to see how that plays out in the future.
As usual, the writing is good and the story moves along at a good clip. We’re given a conclusion on a couple of things, making me believe the author is moving closer to wrapping up the series.
There’s plenty going on in both actions and with Vicky’s emotions which take you along for the ride. Mab makes a trip to Boston to help Vicky deal with something she doesn’t want to accept and it will be interesting to see how that plays out in the future.
As usual, the writing is good and the story moves along at a good clip. We’re given a conclusion on a couple of things, making me believe the author is moving closer to wrapping up the series.
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Jen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review: Hellhound, B+
Reviewed in the United States on 6 November 2013Verified Purchase
My Rating: 4 stars: Enjoyed - recommend (B+)
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Ah… the long awaited follow up to Darklands has finally arrived. Hellhound opens a couple of weeks after the dramatic conclusion of Darklands, which brought us two major events. First – Vicky’s deceased father has returned from the dead, inhabiting the body of the white falcon of Hellsmoor, a magical bird that Mallt-y-Nos, aka the Night Hag or Mistress of the Hounds, wants badly. And second – Vicky’s love, werewolf Kane, is bound to the Night Hag and will become one of her hellhounds at the next full moon (and every full moon for a year). These two events have a tremendous impact on demon-slayer Vicky Vaughn, causing her much grief as feels she must decide between her dad and her boyfriend – saving the life of only one.
Hellhound opens with Boston homicide detective (and casual friend) Daniel Costello calling Vicky with news that a zombie attacked and killed three humans outside of Deadtown. For those not familiar with Ms. Holzner’s fascinating world, there was a plague several years ago that caused the death and subsequent reanimation of several humans, creating in essence zombies. Deadtown is a section of Boston that is gated and under guard where zombies and other (now out of the closet) paranormals are required to live. Zombies are, by and large, the same peaceful people they were before the plague. Vicky is brought in as a consultant because the attack bares much resemblance to an event involving the Morfran (a sort of demon, events happened in Hellforged, book 2). Soon Vicky is piecing together bits that imply both of her nemeses (her powerful cousin, Pryce, and the demon known as the Destroyer) are heavily involved.
As I look back over my notes for Hellhound, I realize that a lot happens during the progress of this book. Luckily Ms. Holzner finds ways to remind readers of key actions from previous books without it coming across as info dumping or repetitive. Things are coming together for the final showdown between good and evil. The question remains – will Vicky fight alongside her family and friends for good, or will her demon mark and the Destroyer finally win over her soul? Progress is most certainly made on this front, but the sways back and forth are larger and stronger. One thing that has changed about Vicky since the last book is that the Destroyer seems to have a more powerful influence over her. She experiences the need to kill, hurt, and maim with the slightest provocation. Her temper is quick to flare, and she finds herself wanting to destroy those things she holds most dear. This places a darker tone over the entire story, although there are still moments of humor, mostly from her own personal demon that she’s nicknamed Butterfly and Vicky’s one-time apprentice, zombie Tina.
With how things ended after the last book, I was expecting more Kane and Vicky right from the start. The pair has some serious issues to work out, but instead, we find Vicky avoiding Kane. I was disappointed in Vicky’s inaction and worried (once again) that something “stupid” would cause problems between the couple. Although Ms. Holzner takes a little while bringing the pair together for some much needed alone time, it was worth the wait. Once again I am NOT disappointed by Kane; rather I am completely enamored by him and his love for Vicky. (You’d think by now I’d stop fretting over this!) While the Deadtown series does NOT fall in the romance genre, I feel that Ms. Holzner’s treatment of Kane and Vicky's relationship is touching and intimate. She allows both characters to be challenged and grow through their mutual love.
Vicky is a multifaceted character that I’ve come to adore. She’s learning that she can’t save her friends and family by trying to take on her demons alone. Her development and growth is rewarding to watch over the course of the series and especially in this book. Aunt Mab returns to Boston to help guide and teach Vicky. The pair has a long history, with Mab as the stern teacher, but this time it almost feels like Mab is preparing to pass the torch on to Vicky. There is a strong sense of maturing and transition, which gives added depth to the characters and storyline. In addition, we see more of Vicky’s “normal” family rolling with the changes coming down – one of which is the sudden appearance of Vicky’s dad ten years after his death (and in the body of a bird!). These moments of personal time give heart to the book and series, making it all the more richer and enjoyable.
As much as I adore the personal time Vicky shares with the reader, it’s the ongoing battles Vicky faces each book that keep me glued to the pages. This time around Vicky is struggling to save the denizens of Deadtown, especially the zombies, from Pryce and his unknown plans. Unfortunately, these plans have created a lot of unrest and suspicion among the paranormal residents. The civil unease and certain human’s bigotry create an edge to the story with a social injustice message. This also makes things a little more difficult for Vicky as she attempts to figure out what is going on. There is also the more immediate battle with the Night Hag over the white falcon and using Kane as a hellhound. The Night Hag will not stop until she uses Kane to destroy Vicky, creating some tense moments for all involved.
As events culminate, the action is more intense and Vicky must make decisions that will ultimately impact not only those she loves, but pretty much the entire world. I’d like to say she’s still the same girl in her heart that we met all those books ago, but much as happened to Vicky and the tug between good and bad has strained her. However, she still can waffle back and forth with the best of them! The final scenes aren’t as horrific as others have been in the past, but the outcome is significant, and I did enjoy the battle. Although, I was a little disappointed with the way a certain event unfolded (keeping it spoiler free!), I am happy with the overall outcome and the climatic scenes in general.
Overall, I enjoyed Hellhound, with its tender and poignant personal moments intermingled among the action-filled storylines. The book gives the strong impression that is setting the stage for one more showdown, and the author has confirmed that the next book will be the last in the Deadtown series. Even though there was conclusion in the hellhound/Night Hag story, I felt the overall story-arc involving the missing zombies, the Destroyer, and the others was left open with unanswered questions (therefore giving it the feeling it is a set up for the next book). I am excited to find out what will become of one of my favorite heroines, Vicky Vaughn.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Ah… the long awaited follow up to Darklands has finally arrived. Hellhound opens a couple of weeks after the dramatic conclusion of Darklands, which brought us two major events. First – Vicky’s deceased father has returned from the dead, inhabiting the body of the white falcon of Hellsmoor, a magical bird that Mallt-y-Nos, aka the Night Hag or Mistress of the Hounds, wants badly. And second – Vicky’s love, werewolf Kane, is bound to the Night Hag and will become one of her hellhounds at the next full moon (and every full moon for a year). These two events have a tremendous impact on demon-slayer Vicky Vaughn, causing her much grief as feels she must decide between her dad and her boyfriend – saving the life of only one.
Hellhound opens with Boston homicide detective (and casual friend) Daniel Costello calling Vicky with news that a zombie attacked and killed three humans outside of Deadtown. For those not familiar with Ms. Holzner’s fascinating world, there was a plague several years ago that caused the death and subsequent reanimation of several humans, creating in essence zombies. Deadtown is a section of Boston that is gated and under guard where zombies and other (now out of the closet) paranormals are required to live. Zombies are, by and large, the same peaceful people they were before the plague. Vicky is brought in as a consultant because the attack bares much resemblance to an event involving the Morfran (a sort of demon, events happened in Hellforged, book 2). Soon Vicky is piecing together bits that imply both of her nemeses (her powerful cousin, Pryce, and the demon known as the Destroyer) are heavily involved.
As I look back over my notes for Hellhound, I realize that a lot happens during the progress of this book. Luckily Ms. Holzner finds ways to remind readers of key actions from previous books without it coming across as info dumping or repetitive. Things are coming together for the final showdown between good and evil. The question remains – will Vicky fight alongside her family and friends for good, or will her demon mark and the Destroyer finally win over her soul? Progress is most certainly made on this front, but the sways back and forth are larger and stronger. One thing that has changed about Vicky since the last book is that the Destroyer seems to have a more powerful influence over her. She experiences the need to kill, hurt, and maim with the slightest provocation. Her temper is quick to flare, and she finds herself wanting to destroy those things she holds most dear. This places a darker tone over the entire story, although there are still moments of humor, mostly from her own personal demon that she’s nicknamed Butterfly and Vicky’s one-time apprentice, zombie Tina.
With how things ended after the last book, I was expecting more Kane and Vicky right from the start. The pair has some serious issues to work out, but instead, we find Vicky avoiding Kane. I was disappointed in Vicky’s inaction and worried (once again) that something “stupid” would cause problems between the couple. Although Ms. Holzner takes a little while bringing the pair together for some much needed alone time, it was worth the wait. Once again I am NOT disappointed by Kane; rather I am completely enamored by him and his love for Vicky. (You’d think by now I’d stop fretting over this!) While the Deadtown series does NOT fall in the romance genre, I feel that Ms. Holzner’s treatment of Kane and Vicky's relationship is touching and intimate. She allows both characters to be challenged and grow through their mutual love.
Vicky is a multifaceted character that I’ve come to adore. She’s learning that she can’t save her friends and family by trying to take on her demons alone. Her development and growth is rewarding to watch over the course of the series and especially in this book. Aunt Mab returns to Boston to help guide and teach Vicky. The pair has a long history, with Mab as the stern teacher, but this time it almost feels like Mab is preparing to pass the torch on to Vicky. There is a strong sense of maturing and transition, which gives added depth to the characters and storyline. In addition, we see more of Vicky’s “normal” family rolling with the changes coming down – one of which is the sudden appearance of Vicky’s dad ten years after his death (and in the body of a bird!). These moments of personal time give heart to the book and series, making it all the more richer and enjoyable.
As much as I adore the personal time Vicky shares with the reader, it’s the ongoing battles Vicky faces each book that keep me glued to the pages. This time around Vicky is struggling to save the denizens of Deadtown, especially the zombies, from Pryce and his unknown plans. Unfortunately, these plans have created a lot of unrest and suspicion among the paranormal residents. The civil unease and certain human’s bigotry create an edge to the story with a social injustice message. This also makes things a little more difficult for Vicky as she attempts to figure out what is going on. There is also the more immediate battle with the Night Hag over the white falcon and using Kane as a hellhound. The Night Hag will not stop until she uses Kane to destroy Vicky, creating some tense moments for all involved.
As events culminate, the action is more intense and Vicky must make decisions that will ultimately impact not only those she loves, but pretty much the entire world. I’d like to say she’s still the same girl in her heart that we met all those books ago, but much as happened to Vicky and the tug between good and bad has strained her. However, she still can waffle back and forth with the best of them! The final scenes aren’t as horrific as others have been in the past, but the outcome is significant, and I did enjoy the battle. Although, I was a little disappointed with the way a certain event unfolded (keeping it spoiler free!), I am happy with the overall outcome and the climatic scenes in general.
Overall, I enjoyed Hellhound, with its tender and poignant personal moments intermingled among the action-filled storylines. The book gives the strong impression that is setting the stage for one more showdown, and the author has confirmed that the next book will be the last in the Deadtown series. Even though there was conclusion in the hellhound/Night Hag story, I felt the overall story-arc involving the missing zombies, the Destroyer, and the others was left open with unanswered questions (therefore giving it the feeling it is a set up for the next book). I am excited to find out what will become of one of my favorite heroines, Vicky Vaughn.

Paige Ellen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vickie takes on the denizens of hell up close and personal
Reviewed in the United States on 27 March 2015Verified Purchase
I admit it, I love this series. I have a weakness for kick-ass heroines who have a snarky sense of humor and Vicky Vaughn is all that and more. I am going to assume that, since this is book 5 in the series, you know the basics, i.e., that there is a section of Boston known as deadtown where the PDH's live, the Previously Dead Humans, aka zombies. There are several themes intertwining in the plot. Most important is solving the riddle of why the normally peaceful zombies have suddenly been attacking humans. A subplot to that theme is getting Vickie's werewolf boyfriend out of his agreement to serve as a Hellhound for one year. Finally, there is the escape of Vickie's father's spirit from hell by his possessing a certain coveted white falcon, coveted by the denizen of hell to whom Vickie's boyfriend is to serve.
The action is fast-paced, filled with dark humor and many amazing plot twists. I don't want to say much more because it would be too easy to give away spoilers in this very twisty-turny plot.
This is a great entry into the series and, as with all good series, some problems are solved and some are left hanging, thus setting up book 6.
A must read for fans of the series and, for newcomers to the series, a goal to shoot for.
The action is fast-paced, filled with dark humor and many amazing plot twists. I don't want to say much more because it would be too easy to give away spoilers in this very twisty-turny plot.
This is a great entry into the series and, as with all good series, some problems are solved and some are left hanging, thus setting up book 6.
A must read for fans of the series and, for newcomers to the series, a goal to shoot for.

Angry Lions Fan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rounded up to 4
Reviewed in the United States on 10 November 2013Verified Purchase
This was a hard novel to rate. At times it was great and others I shook my head. The story progresses but it's the same formula. Same villains. It didn't really hit me until I was 40% through. I've read this book before. Pryce and the destroyer have this grand plan to destroy the world. Vicky figures out part of it and stumbles around to the end. The villains are unstoppable and are always a half dozen steps ahead of Vicky and miles ahead of anybody else.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. Maybe it was the same format that took some luster off the series. There is very little shapeshifting and some of the action is faded to black, robbing you of expected excitement. The ending was good enough that I will pick up the next book.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. Maybe it was the same format that took some luster off the series. There is very little shapeshifting and some of the action is faded to black, robbing you of expected excitement. The ending was good enough that I will pick up the next book.