Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hell Bent by Devon Monk Narrator: Paul Bellantoni
Series: Broken Magic #1
Published by Tantor Audio on April 15, 2025
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 11 hours, 57 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Instead of the deadly force it once was, magic is now a useless novelty. But not for Shame Flynn and Terric Conley, “breakers” who have the gift for reverting magic back to its full-throttle power. In the magic-dense city of Portland, Oregon, keeping a low profile means keeping their gifts quiet. After three years of dealing with disgruntled magic users, Shame and Terric have had enough of politics, petty magic, and, frankly, each other. It’s time to call it quits.
When the government discovers the breakers’ secret—and its potential as a weapon—Shame and Terric suddenly become wanted men, the only ones who can stop the deadly gift from landing in the wrong hands. If only a pair of those wrong hands didn’t belong to a drop-dead-gorgeous assassin Shame is falling for as if it were the end of the world. And if he gets too close to her, it very well could be....
Grim Reaper with a hangover is how this was explained to me and it kinda fits. Hell Bent is the first book in Broken Magic, a spin off series to Allie Beckstrom. I had not read the prior series at all but didn’t have any trouble following the story. I think I would have cared about some of the side characters a little more if I had read the series but I formed a strong attachment to Shamus right away since I love a broken man, and Shamus is so many shades of broken.
The world of magic was broken (in the prior series) but a few still have a lot of their magic. Shamus is part of a soul compliment, a pair of magic users that are like yin and yang to each other. Shamus hold death magic while his compliment Terric holds light magic or healing magic. Together they can break magic and use it at the full force that is lost to the rest of the magic community. I liked the way they complimented one another and were still able to be so different from each other.
The story is a little bit strange as someone is targeting the Soul Compliments and Shamus and Terric may not be safe. Determined to stay in the city and fight against whoever this entity is they get caught up in in whirlwind of plots, crazy shenanigans and finally learn how to depend on each other. The Bromance between Shamus and Terric is really fantastic and I loved it. While Terric is gay, it was handled so well and in their friendship it was never an issue.
There is a smidge of insta-lust/love in the story. To be fair, who doesn’t want to fall for the cute bad girl assassin who has been following you for weeks. While some people will have an issue with the relationship aspect, I loved Shamus’ reactions to the love interest and how she literally captured him. Shamus is not a good guy and does a lot of bad things, but if you are a person he cares about, he will do all of those things to protect you.
The ending was a bit weak and I have a few issues with some of the events towards the end. But overall I had a great time with the story and fell a little in love with bad boy Shamus. Anyone still haunted by a girl they accidentally killed and desperately trying to avoid people in the world in general so he doesn’t accidentally kill them is someone I want to hang out with more and see what happens next.
Narration:
Performance: ★★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★
Sound Effects: None
Paul Bellantoni, where has your voice been in my life. I completely loved his performance of this book. He embodied our bad boy in such a fun and charismatic way that the dialog just popped. I also liked all of the various voices he brought for the supporting characters. His pacing for the jokes and sarcastic quibbles made me laugh but he also brought depth of feeling to the Shamus’ voice. Just a stellar performance and I look forward to hearing his voice for the rest of the series.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Devon Monk
Devon Monk has one husband, two sons, and a dog named Mojo. She lives in Oregon and is surrounded by numerous family members who mostly live within dinner-calling distance of each other. She writes the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series and the Age of Steam steampunk series. Her collection of short stories, A CUP OF NORMAL is a finalist for the Mythopoeic and Endeavour Awards. When not writing, Devon drinks coffee and knits strange things.
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I am listening to this now. About 45% in and I love the narration and Shamus. He is unapologetic. I do wish I knew this was a spinoff going in.
Yes me too, that is why I mentioned it. I don’t think you need to have read the other books but still good to know there is a whole other story line there might be some spoilers for.
I loved this series but I also read all of Allie Beckstrom which I also enjoyed. I’ve read most of Devon Monk’s earlier works but am behind on her two newer series. I’m glad to see this on audio. I’m glad you are reviewing this series.
I’d only read the Ordinary Gods series, which is hilarious and I love. I will have to check out the Allie Beckstrom Series too.
I really wanted to read and review this series, but ended up having to say no due to my schedule. I’m glad it is so good for you!
Love a good broken anti-hero.
I have book 1 on my TBR list.
This has some fun characters in it the were easy for me to love.
Sounds like you’ve found a new series! Great review!
Definitely fun. I will need to pick up the Alley Beckstrom books too.