Catch-up: Books and Ask Me Anything
So, Scorched Shadows has been out in all formats for a while now, and for the most part it appears to have been well received. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed it and took the time to contact me, or left a review/rating. It’s very much appreciated.
As most of you will probably know, Scorched Shadows is not the end of the story, although it is the end of Hellequin. The story continues on in the Avalon Chronicles, the first book of which is out on 1st April: A Glimmer of Hope. The cover of which is below.
From Steve McHugh, the bestselling author of The Hellequin Chronicles, comes a new urban fantasy series packed with mystery, action, and, above all, magic.
Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father’s brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she’s finally found it. Or so she thinks.
But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace—all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.
To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers…before they destroy her. All is not yet lost—there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.
You can pre-order it here:
Now, the book will be out on Hardcover/ebook/audible all on the same day, which I know will make some of you very happy. But I also know that some of you have questions about the Hellequin books/Avalon/ and the future of the story. So, I’m going to do another Ask Me Anything.
So, you can contact me here with a comment, or by email or though Twitter/Facebook, but if you have a question about the books (any of them), the characters, me, my writing, or anything else then let me know. I’ll keep this open for about a month, and then in March I’ll do the AMA.
If you haven’t yet seen the last one, it’s here on Youtube
So, that’s it for now. I’m off to finish the 3rd Avalon book.
Posted on January 17, 2018, in Writing and tagged A Glimmer of Hope, Avalon Chronicles, Hellequin Chronicles, Scorched Shadows, writing. Bookmark the permalink. 29 Comments.
Steve McHugh 
Hello Mr. McHugh,
Does Nate appear in all the Avalon Books? I can’t seem to find that out (maybe due to my language barrier, being Dutch). I just love to read about him.
Hi. No, Nate isn’t in the Avalon books, but several of the other characters are.
thoroughly enjoyed the Helequin series ,but why the ” unfinished” ending .? Felt very disappointed the Merlin and co didn’t get at least good” kicking “.
Will the new series continue the overall plot ? I’ve read a few series in my time where the last book never appeared
( have you ever read Hiero’s Journey by Sterling E Lanier ? )
In any case thanks for the adventures you’ve let us all share so far ,I ,and I’m many more readers ,look forward to all the pleasures to come.
The Hellequin books ended the way the did because while it’s the end of Hellequin, it’s not the end of the story as a whole. The Avalon books are about what happens while Nate isn’t around, and after that, Nate is back.
I haven’t read that book, no.
Thanks very much.
Does this mean we won’t be getting anymore Nate books till the Avalon books are finished, or are you going to release books like Shayne Silvers does with the Temple Chronicles and Feathers and Fire by alternating releases between the two series? Personally, I started reading the Hellquin Chronicles for Nate and the other characters are just a bonus, so I won’t be picking up the others unless Nate and his story line is in them at least until his story line is finished.
Thank you very much for your work! I always loved reading or listening to the Chronicles! They always seemed to be crafted with much care and thoughtfulness. And it’s great to hear Nate will be back. Do you have a rough timeframe about when he will be back?
I’m not sure. Probably next year.
Hi
I purchased and read all 7 books in quick succession after recently discovering the series. Will you be looking to do any book signings or a convention appearance when A Glimmer Of Hope comes out?
Hi, I’m not sure yet about signings, but if I do end up doing something, I’ll make sure to put the details here. As for conventions, I’ll be at Fantasycon in October, and Bristolcon, also in October.
Hi Steve,
In Scorched Shadows, Amaterasu states that one of the weapons is dead. Was this an existing character from the Chronicles (Gallahad?) or will this be revealed in a lateral edition?
Can’t wait for this book to launch. I’m in hellequin withdrawal lol
Hi,
Can I just say I love your books, they are the best thing I’ve read in a very long time and I am totally hooked (and a little bit in love with Nate!)
I am currently reading a Glimmer of Hope, but I am struggling to figure out the timeline in comparison to the end of Scorched Shadows. Am I right in thinking it is set a few years after?
Thanks!
Hi, Thanks very much. Glimmer of Hope is set 6 months before Scorched Shadows, with the 2nd and 3rd Avalon books set about 18 months after.
When is the the next book with Nate being released
No idea as I haven’t written it yet. Probably next year.
I have just read all of the Hellequin books back to back and loved them. However, I have just finished book 7 and am really confused why the name of Nate’s wife, who was murdered by Kay, changed from Jane to Mary? Did I miss something because I haven’t got time to go and read them again they are too distracting!
Her full name is Mary Jane Garrett. Most call her Mary, but some call her Jane, and Nate flicks between the two. I thought I’d mentioned it back in book 2, but it turns out I hadn’t. So, essentially I messed up. Sorry.
I have been reading but mostly listening while I’m at work. I enjoy the guy whose name escapes me now but has become the voice of Hellequin for me. The only problem i encountered since i came to the series late was what order to read/listen to the books in. That will become more complicated after you write the Avalon books and then we see Nate again. It’s hard to find the order without opening a Kindle book and going to the first page with all of the books listed which doesn’t show all of them if you grab a book that isn’t at the end. It’s not your problem it’s more Kindle and Audible’s problem but a numbering system would be nice. They do the next in the series for what to buy but it didn’t connect Scorched Shadows to the first Avalon book.
Thanks for the feedback, I’ll bring that up with my publisher. It’s a good idea. In the meantime, the
The order is:
Crimes Against Magic
Born of Hared
With Silent Screams
Prison of Hope
Lies Ripped Open
Promise of Wrath
A Glimmer of Hope
Scorched Shadows
A Flicker of Steel
A Thunder of War
Next Nate book
“next Nate book”. Gave me a giggle. You obviously get that question alot!
I do, yes. A lot. 😀
This is everything I have ever looked for, and SO hard to find. I have a compulsion about reading books in timeline order (rather than publication order :D)! Now i think i may be able to finish thunder of war (i was mad at everyone in the book and it was in time out. HA!)
a truly enjoyable, if not never ending series.
Hey Steve…. Love all the books but really am excited to continue with Nate’s story… When will the next book in the old Hellequin Chronicles be coming out? I’m so stuck I can’t wait! I found that during my chemo treatment that ur books have kept me focused on something other then the pain and misery so I’m excited to start reading more in Nate’s series. I’m sorry to bother u on this but I was hoping u could share the info about it and give me something to look forward to lol. Thanks for ur creativity and wonderful writing. Ur books have been working a blessing to me. Thank again…. Margie
Hi Margie, I’m glad my books could help during a tough time. I hope you get better soon. The Hellequin Chronicles books are finished with Scorched Shadows, however the story continued on in the Avalon Chronicles (book 1 is A Glimmer of Hope, and Book 2 is out on 3rd of July).
Thanks
Steve
Great books, just finished book 7. Great inter weaving of various mythologies and the willingness to kill of characters, and also ensure that no one is unkillable. Even though we know Nate is going to win in the end, it is great knowing he gets his butt kicked just like everyone else. I have a hard time of finding quality action hero sci-fi fantasy that is well written. Appreciate your work.
Will there be more stories of Nate and Mordred? I would really love to see if Nate ever finds his mom and who is dad is? I have binged read this series for over a week and I NEED to know what happens.
Mordred plays a big part in A Thunder of War, which is out in Nov. And Nate will be back in the Rebellion Chronicles, the first book of which will hopefully be out next year.
Have you set a date of when the first book of Rebellion Chronicles is coming out yet? I love the character of Nate and altho’ Layla & co are great, I’m missing him.
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