Hellbent

Cheshire Red Reports, Book 2

By: Cherie Priest

Narrated by: Natalie Ross

Vampire and thief Raylene Pendle doesn’t need more complications in her life. Her Seattle home is already overrun by a band of misfits, including Ian Stott, a blind vampire, and Adrian deJesus, an ex–Navy SEAL/drag queen. But Raylene still can’t resist an old pal’s request: seek out and steal a bizarre set of artifacts. Also on the hunt is a brilliant but certifiably crazy sorceress determined to stomp anyone who gets in her way. But Raylene’s biggest problem is that Ian, after the death of his vaunted patriarch, has become the next target of some bloodsucking sociopaths. Now Raylene must snatch up the potent relics, solve a murder, and keep Ian safe — all while fending off that psychotic sorceress. But at least she won’t be alone. A girl could do a lot worse for a partner than an ass-kicking drag queen — right?

©2011 Cherie Priest (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Witty, fast-paced, and fabulous...a vastly entertaining read!” ( New York Times best-selling author Jeaniene Frost)

“Catapults the kick-ass urban fantasy heroine into the realm of the truly bad-ass.” (Nicole Peeler, author of Tempest’s Legacy)

“Refreshing and addictive.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

A great paranormal read

Hellbent was the second book in this series and I feel robbed that I didn't listen to the first book (Bloodshot) prior to enjoying this tale.

Excellent secondary characters, all well written and interesting. This vampire, Raylene Pendle, has surrounded herself with a variety of misfits. Her primary job as a high end thief is challenged by a contract to steal some 'penis bones' for a collector.

You cannot guess where this narrative is going, ever. It's well read by Natalie Ross, who manages to seamlessly voice all the secondary characters and give them individual voices.

I liked this book a lot. I will be getting Bloodshot next!

one of my favorite performances!

I loved the book, have it in paperback and audio. it's too bad there is not a third one in the series 😭

Nice follow up.

I have listened to the first book in this series and really liked it. Read my review for Bloodshot. So needless to say I liked this one too.
I have to say that the storyline of Raylene the vampire thief and Adrian her hot ex-Navy seal slash drag queen friend is funny and incredibly unique. To me at least. This time the story had a few elements that were over the top funny and just over the top.
In this book, Raylene has to steal a box of penis bones. (I can't even type it without laughing). I know that you are saying..."Alysia there is no such thing as penis bones." *snickering* I know but apparently unicorns, werewolves, and other mystical creatures do have them. And why are they so important and valuable? Because they are used in magical spells of course. Cherie Priest is a writes in a funny (please don't take it serious funny) relax style that makes you completely forget Raylene is a vampire. There is no "need to feed", "bloodsucking" or crazy vampire sexual lust here. And I love Cherie Priest for that.
This audiobook has tons of action to keep you engaged. Enough funny to keep you laughing and plenty of content to keep you interested just in case you didn't read the first book.
By the way...Raylene is a good swear like a sailor! So if four letter words hurt your ears, you might want to read the book.
One more thing, Natalie Ross did a great job as the narrator of this audiobook. I could not imagine anyone else reading this book. She is Raylene. BRAVO!

Better each time I read it/listen to it.

If you could sum up Hellbent in three words, what would they be?

Vampires, witches, and funny intrigue. Okay, so that's three nouns, an adjective, and a conjunction. That means it's in the style of the book, so sue me. If you can find me, that is.

great series

Would you listen to Hellbent again? Why?

great listen.fast pace and great dialogue

What did you like best about this story?

very inventive

Which scene was your favorite?

lots of favorites

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

hope the author will bring on more stories w/ ms ross as the reader

A lot to like in this book

I read the first book in this series a while ago and enjoyed it. Hellbent is a good listen also.
It has a lot of action and humor. There was a hint of romance in the first book and I was hoping the author would give us a little more in this one. Alas, just more hints, but I still think the book is very credit worthy.

Cherie Priest new vampire series with humor.

I have just finished "Hellbent". I've read some of Ms.Priest's other books, and they had a heavier theme. "BloodShot" had humor, and showed a different kind of vampire than we are used to in many of our current venues. I enjoyed this story, however it did leave you open to the next book in the series this one "Hellbent". , and I think that it might have worked better as one book. I thought "Hellbent" gave more closure and still made characters enjoyable. If you get "BloodShot" you'll want to get "Hellbent". You won't be disappointed, this may be the start of an excellent series. (ie Sookie Stackhouse)

Cherie Priest’s work is wonderful

Her imagination and world building and darkness are fabulous. The performance in these books is terrific. A great listen. More please!

Fun, Funny, Funniest !!!!!!

I enjoyed this book so much I went and brought the 5 gift books for my friends. This is a
writer and narrated that mesh sleamlessly .......Well Done!!!!

Good 2nd book

This book was very entertaining, just a bit less so than the first book. The main character's inner dialogue was less pertinent and a bit more repetitive, as if the author was distracted about half way through. It picked up again at the end. Can't wait for book 3.