#Book Tour – Blackcoat; S. McHugh

Book tour stop! Today I’m delighted to be the host for Blackcoat, a science fiction/thriller written by Steve McHugh.

First thing first, let me thank Storytellers on Tour and the publisher, Hidden Realms Publisher, for providing me with an e-copy of this book. Much obliged *hat tip* 

MEET 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.

Science fiction, thriller
120 pages
Publication date: 05/10/21
Purchase link 

Goodreads
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

READ MY REVIEW

Cover: This is one of those covers that makes me go all *grabby hands*

When I received the tour invitation, I knew I had to snatch that chance up fast. Sci-fi and elite agency looked like a great combo, and I was curious to see how it would play out.

For the most part, I have to say I’m satisfied. Celine, the MC, has been betrayed and sentenced to death; luck seems to be on her side though, because she manages to escape from prison and starts planning her revenge. 

Blackcoat features the most tried-and-true tropes: a badass female protagonist, able to survive against the odds; an antagonist who doesn’t care about redemption; enemies with a sense of honor and turncoats. A longer story with these characteristics would have been too much, but McHugh kept it short and semi-sweet. The world building is on point, and I’d love to see it as a backdrop of a bigger, well-crafted novel. The choice of pov—first—is good too, as it’s apt to engage the reader throughout the story.

Maybe the main flaw of Blackcoat has to do with the editing (adverbs & structure repetitions). A stronger editing would have helped it reach its full potential.

MEET 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.

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Website: https://stevejmchugh.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevejMchugh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevemc79/

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