Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Let's Hear It for the Boys - Department 19: Zero Hour by Will Hill


Published: May 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Pages: 700
Copy: Library
Summary: Goodreads

Department 19 still stands against the darkness. But for how much longer? Book 4 in the epic series from bestselling author, Will HIll.

When Jamie Carpenter's mother is kidnapped by strange creatures, he finds himself dragged into Department 19, the government's most secret agency.

Fortunately for Jamie, Department 19 can provide the tools he needs to find his mother, and to kill the vampires who want him dead. But unfortunately for everyone, something much older is stirring, something even Department 19 can't stand up against

"Zero Hour' is the fourth installment in Will Hill's 'Department 19' series.  I have been following this series from the start (reviews here, Dept 19, The Rising, and Battle Lines.) and I have absolutely loved every book. I was wondering if Mr Hill would be able to keep up the momentum this time around, but I really needn't have worried.   This book is a thrill ride from start to finish.

Following on in the style of previous volumes, this is a monster sized book at 700 pages, but because the action never lets up, it feels like very much less.  This story is incredibly complex, with a large number of multi-layered characters doing exciting and dangerous things, yet the story itself is uniquely compelling.  Friends are separated and at different corners of the world chasing different types of monsters.  Dracula himself is almost back to full strength and the clock is ticking down inexorably.  This leads to a certain sense of impending doom and adds to the frantic pace of the novel.

As I've said before, the characters are complex and believable and the story, while it stretches your imagination, is immensely believable. It is definitely bloody and full of gore, but not gratuitously.  There are twists and turns galore, traitors abound and surprises by the dozen.  If you haven't had the pleasure of this series yet, give it a try.  It really is worth the time investment.

1 comment:

  1. Teen boys love these books. I've always "intended" to read them. But you know how that goes....Glad you liked them. Great review.

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