Scott's Take: Nightwise by R.S. Belcher

Nightwise by R.S. Belcher is the first in a series of urban fantasy novels. It is set around Laytham Ballard who is, basically, a combination of Eric Carter, Sandman Slim, And John Constantine. This cynical and damaged wizard is chasing a dangerous man named Dusan Slorzack to fulfill his promise to a dying friend. Dusan Slorzack is an escaped Serbian war criminal who has done many horrible things and should answer for his many evil actions.

This book is quite disturbing and features lots of adult content including sex, BDSM, violent death, and more. There is action, magic, mystery, horror, and other elements. Flashbacks regarding the central character are frequently used through the novel and can be just as disturbing as what is happening in the here and now of the hunt. There are many aspects of the read that could cause certain readers to be uncomfortable. This is not a read for teens even if your normal policy as a parent is to let them read as they wish.

While I enjoyed the book a lot, certain small scenes seemed unnecessary to the plot and were added solely as a way to make the reader uncomfortable and to understand just how dark the world can be. Many readers already know firsthand such things from direct experience. Often those parts of the read somewhat clashed and contradicted with other parts of the read.

Nightwise by R.S. Belcher is a good book though it is certainly not for everyone. It is one of those books that folks will either love or hate. If you are a fan of the Eric Carter, Sandman Slim, or John Constantine, and are looking for a dark adult tale, this book is one for you. If you do not like or enjoy the darker elements of this series, then you will not enjoy this read.

My hardback reading copy came by way of the Skyline Branch of the Dallas Public Library System. I have a hold on the second book of the series. 

Scott A. Tipple ©2020