Hello friends! Today I have a review for you for a scifi thriller novella! Blackcoat by Steve McHugh is a must read for fans of movies like Blade Runner 2049 – it will take you on an adventure full of tension, Check out the Storytellers on Tour event page for details on who else is part of this tour and the giveaway for a signed copy of the book.
When Celine Moro took a job as a Blackcoat, an elite agency tasked with investigating crimes throughout Union space, she thought she had finally put her past to rest.
Now, betrayed by her allies, her world is falling apart. Running from the corrupt politicians that she had sworn to bring to justice, Celine is dusting off the skills of her old trade in order to bring truth to light.
The only thing bringing her comfort is knowing how much worse her friends are eventually going to feel about their betrayal.
Content Notes: Violence and some gore.
Thoughts on Blackcoat
Blackcoat is a fast-paced read about a Blackcoat operative named Celine. She and her partner were investigating one of the richest and most powerful people in the city. Their research was going to expose this man and using his contact and influence, he decided to capture Celine when she would not be deterred and corrupted.
As a protagonist, Celine is a very strong character. Though the reader does not know a lot about her past, there are glimpses of who she used to be and, through that, we learn about the world that she lives in. We aren’t on Earth. There is a world law and order organization and if she can get word out to the Wardens, the man who has taken everything from her will surely be punished.
In some ways, Blackcoat is like a medieval time story with lots of people in city-size factories in horrible conditions. At the same time, we have genetically enhanced operatives and advanced technology that not only has an black market but is also being used illegally for experiments.
Blackcoat is a dark story and I really like how from the first page to the very last, that heavy feeling never goes away. This is a serious novel. There are betrayals, fights, torture, moaning for the loss of family and a lot more.
I found the cast to be well thought out and the world building and introduction to Celine’s world done very well. It was never an information dump of the place I was reading about. It was interwoven into the emotional mayhem that Celine was experiencing.
Will you pick up this book?
Blackcoat is now available. Be sure to check your local library and support them.
Amazon Kindle
About the Author
Steve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel, and he has sold over a million books worldwide.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton.
Connect with him on Twitter, Instagram, his website and Goodreads.
Many thanks to the author and Storytellers on Tour for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Head to the event page to enter a giveaway for the book! I will be sharing it on my Instagram in the coming days.
Find other Scifi recommendations at my Book Review Index.
Cover image: Cover Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash
Be First to Comment