The Book of the Claw

The Vesik Series, Book 10

By: Eric Asher

Narrated by: Erin Moon

Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A pack torn. An enemy revealed. The werewolves face a long-forgotten foe.

As they battle vampires in Kansas City, Hugh and the wolves learn the war in Falias has gone horribly wrong. The Mad King stole humanity’s most dangerous weapons. Now, Damian Vesik, necromancer and ally of the River Pack, has been lost to the abyss. Vicky longs to save Damian, to return the favor he once granted her, but soon discovers the only chance to rescue him means facing a gauntlet of ancient trials.

Nudd’s madness has unleashed nightmarish new obstacles, and it seems the wolves have met their match. Vicky, Hugh, and the pack must protect Kansas City from the rising darkness, even as Nudd’s will threatens to crumble the city itself.

©2019 Eric R. Asher (P)2020 Eric R. Asher

Excellent world building.

I am absolutely blown away by the world building in this series. Eric Asher is a freaking genius!

The Book of the Claw is an adrenaline pumping thrill ride. I highly recommend checking the series out on Audible as the narrators are phenomenal. The story leaps to life from the crashing of the swords to the heat of the dragon's fire.

Purpose drives them.

Really good and fast paced read. A bit of a transition from the last book as it's told from a different side of the allies.

Damian's presence is missed. It makes the series darker as it's missing the hope and humor he usually brings.

But, these allies are doing their best to fill the hole that's been left by the necromancer. It really gives these characters/allies a chance to shine and show us what they're made of. It's good to see all these allies brought together in this war...working to save Damian. The family they have created is selfless and strong. It's good to see how they carry on in his absence.

Really looking forward to the next part of the story.

This narrator really does a good job with the characters, I enjoy listening to her.

why are they shorts? (love them tho)

I love these books and the author is amazing but why are they shorts? why haven't they been put together into one book?

Leader of the pack!

Those of us who have followed the exploits of Damian Vesik and his "crew" are cheering once again with the release of this novella. These books are incredible in answering the questions of backstories, and helping us know just why and how these characters act the way they do. Hugh has ALWAYS been one of my favorites, so this one was especially welcome to me. While they could be listened to without knowing the story lines from the previous 9 book, I really think that you'll get more if you listen to the previous books first. Definitely a can't miss! You won't be sorry!!

New narrator

Mainly just wanted to say that this narrator is not the same as the one from the mainline series. I'm unsure why there was a switch, but I will say that after getting used to it, I've grown to like the narration just as much. Accents and tones end up being roughly the same and I had no trouble distinguishing between any of the characters.

I'm looking forward to seeing how many of the other characters end up being portrayed in future books. I would love to see William come back to narrate because I think he voiced Vesik pretty much perfectly, but I would also be totally fine with Erin Moon continuing the rest of the series if it comes to that.

As for the story, this book continues almost directly after the last short book and the characters are all still fighting and trying to fix everything that's going on. It was fairly straightforward and the action is cool as always, with various powers and abilities being thrown around. Spoilers prevent me from saying much more.

And while this would be obvious to many people, I will also say, don't read this book unless you've read the previous books. It's very much one continuous story, especially the shorts after book 8, which seem to be continuing one after another with multiple shifting perspectives.

Overall, great book and I'm already starting the next.

Edge of your seat action’

The further trials and tribulations of Vicky, Hugh, Nixie and all of Damian’s friends as they try to save the world and their friend. The Dark Touched are only a small part of the evil Hugh and his small band must fight in Kansas City. With the knowledge of Damian’s condition and old monsters rising, it will take teamwork and determination to keep moving forward.

Once again Eric Asher has gifted us with a well crafted, thrilling story. With one hand he offers hope, but with the other he threatens to crush your heart. I can’t recommend this series enough.

Wait for the bundle

I was disappointed. Sort of one day in an everlasting battle. Way too short for the price and way too much of the same old “fight/get hurt/heal up/fight some more”. Down the same path as Mason Dixon stories. Wait until they bundle 3-4 of these to at least get your money’s worth.