Double Dose by F. Paul Wilson

As mentioned in my previous review of book one, I started listening to book two straight away. Book one had a lot of setup and character intros, a load of action, and smooth storytelling. In book two, everything is all set and ready. 

We learn a few things in this book, for example, Reese is a dick and easily swayed by the confidence of others. The Duad, Pard, can be attacked / hurt, and the visitors are not exactly aliens per se -- they are old gods. You know who I'm talking about. But there are aliens here and they have experienced the 'love' of the old gods. 

We are also introduced to two new characters. I liked the characters and their interactions with the story, but why were they here? They had no impact on the story (not that I could tell). 

The good overcoming evil is expected and well played out, Daley faced a lot of troubles emotionally leading up to the end, which toughened her up. 

Karma, from book one, is back. He thinks Daley is a goddess after what she had done to him. He finds the dagger he stabbed into her heart and thinks she left it for him. He changes his name to Jeffery and vows to change his life. Unfortunately, his previous life skills prevent that from happening, and he thinks it is the goddess guiding him. He visits his Aunt, Juana, Daley's friend. She tells him he is to protect the goddess no matter what. He doesn't understand, the goddess is all powerful, but he will do it. 

This book brings a very satisfying ending to the tale of Daley, and the Duad. The ending comes in hard and fast, with four different things happening at the same time. He could write more books involving these two characters and I'll read them. And review them. 

Double Threat (Duad book one) by F. Paul Wilson

Many moons ago when I was a publisher, I reprinted one of his short stories. It was weird and awesome. The anthology "Damned if You Don't" is well out of print now. So, I know his writing is awesome.

Well known for his Repairmen Jack books, he has published a lot of others in the SFH range.  

This book was advertised as a stand-alone book, but it isn't. I had both books anyway. I finished the first and went straight onto the second. 

The story is about a hustler, Daley, whose latest money maker backfires on her and she decides it is time to cash out. Chased into the desert by a disgruntled customer, Daley hides in a cave. Something falls on her head and she passes out, only to wake up with something on her head. 

At the same time, a secret group worships The Visitors and waits for their return. They run their clan, life, and stocks from translated details in the scrolls. The group becomes very large, very rich, and very secluded. Today, they have been warned about the Duad, an evil entity that can destroy The Visitors. 

The Duad blends with Daley. 

The son of the clan leader falls in love with Daley. 

Daily falls for him, as well. 

Once it is confirmed that Daley is in league with the Duad, plans are put in place for her assassination. Nothing can stop The Visitors return in 10 days' time. 

This is a brilliant story. Wilson does his normal excellent job and gives us characters with vast backgrounds and goals. The story of Daley and the Duad is paced well and we are introduced to the Duad in a natural setting. Her meeting with Juana after the cave experience sets Juana up as a person who knows more than she is telling. 

The story is riveting. You won't regret reading this. Remember though, it is a two-book story. Don't blame the author for this lie, advertisers are there to make money. A lot of people like a book series. But many don't want to be left hanging. So, it was advertised as stand-alone. Get both books, call in sick to work, and devour this excellent book and then move on to book two. 

I blew through this novel in a week and instantly opened the second.