Dive into the electrifying world of the Hellequin Chronicles, where modern-day London hums with hidden magic and a centuries-old sorcerer battles to uncover his past! Steve McHugh’s urban fantasy series follows Nathan Garrett, a powerful amnesiac sorcerer known as Hellequin, as he navigates a shadowy supernatural underworld filled with gods, monsters, and high-stakes action. With its blend of gritty adventure, historical flashbacks, and moral dilemmas, this series is a must-read for fans craving a fresh spin on urban fantasy.
From the moment Nate wakes on a warehouse floor with no memories, only a gun, a sword, and his name, readers are hooked on his quest for identity. The Hellequin Chronicles weaves a thrilling narrative that spans centuries, delivering pulse-pounding action and a richly imagined world where mythology comes alive.
How Hellequin Chronicles Began
Steve McHugh, a British author born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, crafted the Hellequin Chronicles from his lifelong love of storytelling. His early writing efforts, including a violent tale that alarmed his schoolteacher, hinted at his flair for intense narratives. After a decade of honing his craft, McHugh debuted with Crimes Against Magic in 2012, launching Nate Garrett’s saga. Inspired by mythology and urban fantasy giants like Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files, McHugh envisioned a world where gods are powerful sorcerers and history’s shadows hide magical secrets.
McHugh’s move to Southampton with his family fueled his creative output, and the series grew into a fan-favorite, praised for its intricate plots and Nate’s complex character. His goal was to blend noir-style grit with fantastical elements, creating a series that feels both familiar and boldly original.
The Heart of Hellequin Chronicles
The series kicks off with Crimes Against Magic (2012), where Nate, a thief-for-hire, protects a young girl tied to his enemies’ plans, unraveling his past through flashbacks to 15th-century France. Born of Hatred (2012) dives into late 19th-century Montana, pitting Nate against a malevolent serial killer. With Silent Screams (2014) escalates the stakes as Nate investigates a friend’s murder, uncovering a conspiracy tied to his old foe. Scorched Shadows (2017), the seventh book, wraps the main arc with shocking revelations about Avalon’s corruption, earning a Gemmell Award nomination.
At its core, the Hellequin Chronicles explores identity, as Nate grapples with his forgotten past as Merlin’s feared enforcer. Themes of morality and redemption shine as he balances his capacity for violence with loyalty to friends. The series’ urban fantasy setting, rooted in modern London, contrasts vividly with historical flashbacks, while McHugh’s mythology—where gods like Zeus or Odin are sorcerers governed by Avalon—adds a unique twist. Fans love the fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and Nate’s evolution from cocky thief to a hero confronting his darker side.
Why Hellequin Chronicles Resonates
The Hellequin Chronicles has carved a niche in urban fantasy, drawing fans with its blend of mythology, mystery, and relentless action. Readers praise its intelligent plotting and Nate’s layered character, with over a million sales and glowing reviews on platforms like Goodreads. Its influence extends to McHugh’s spin-off series, like the Avalon Chronicles, expanding the universe fans adore. The series’ gritty yet hopeful tone resonates with those who love morally complex heroes and worlds where magic lurks just out of sight.
Despite some criticism for its portrayal of female characters, the series remains a standout for its ambitious scope and emotional depth, cementing McHugh’s place in the genre. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance epic stakes with personal struggles, making every book a page-turner.
- First Book: Crimes Against Magic (2012)
- Total Books: 7 main novels, plus novellas
- Award: Scorched Shadows shortlisted for Gemmell Award (2017)
- Setting: Modern London with historical flashbacks
Ready to unravel Nate Garrett’s magical mysteries? Grab Crimes Against Magic and plunge into the Hellequin Chronicles’ spellbinding urban fantasy world!