Book review
Written by David Mack
Pocket Books
Release date Out Now

Tom Nash can hear prayers – so it's hardly surprising that he gets caught in a supernatural conflict...

David Mack's debut novel – or at least, his first original work, rather than tie-ins – is a fast-paced, action-packed ride, which sets up an intriguing world hidden beneath our own, and promises much for future instalments.

Followers of his Star Trek novels know that Mack's strengths are his characterisations and action sequences, and he gets the opportunity to demonstrate both in this. His central character, Tom Nash, initially appears to be very much the Everyman, in everything apart from his special gift, and as readers we quickly empathise with the dilemmas that that gift brings him – particularly when temptation gets put in his way.

In part it's the old Stan Lee adage of "With great power comes great responsibility," with everyone reacting very differently when put to the test, and it's a tribute to Mack's writing that you never feel that his characters are grandstanding (well, except those that love it!) . The various strands, as the Scorned and the Called exert their hold, come together in a powerful climax which answers many questions and poses further ones. Pray for a sequel. Peter Quentin

VERDICT: 8/10
An urban fantasy that grips from the start.