Colt Jager has always found his best friend mouthwatering, just…not the way he does now.Out of all the ways Colt thought he’d be spending his twenty-fifth birthday, sinking his teeth into a random stranger definitely wasn’t on the list. Neither was falling headfirst into a hidden world of superhuman beasts who claim he’s one of them. Awakening as a ghoul is like going through puberty all over … going through puberty all over again. Mood swings? Check. Raging hormones? Check. Awkward physical transformations? Check. Blurred lines between bloodlust and lust of the good old-fashioned variety?
That last part might be uniquely ghoulish, but if he doesn’t figure it out, his next dinner date with Jason might be the last. Then there’s the family of elite ghoul-eating ghouls who want to put a permanent end to his second life. As if he needed another reason to hate birthdays.
Note: This is an MM Urban Fantasy series with romance elements unfolding over the course of the series, not an MM romance.
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Ghoulish is the first book in the Alpha Chronicles series. I’m so glad that I got to read it. I was a little apprehensive about the gore level since it is a book about ghouls, but the fighting and eating scenes weren’t as detailed as I feared. Yes, they were violent, but it wasn’t blood flying everywhere as I feared it was going to be. I did like watching Colt learn how to be a ghoul from the family of ghouls that adopted him after they came upon him after his first kill on his twenty-fifth birthday. I also loved that all he does is with the goal of getting back to his best friend, Jason, who is a human. I can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out to see how their relationship blossoms and how he handles being an alpha ghoul. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Great start to an new world
This book was very intriguing. I’ve never read anything about Ghouls, but it didn’t gross me out to read the more gruesome parts in this book. It was just a part of this new world.
Colt Jager is adopted and lives a normal human life. He is deeply in love with his best friend, Jason. On his 25th birthday he finds out in a rather tragic way that he isn‘t really human. He needs to learn that he is a ghoul and depends on human flesh and blood to survive. He is lucky that a family of ghouls finds him, and teaches him the way of the ghouls. I‘m really I‘m eager to read the next book in line. I hope to read more about Jason, to make up my mind about him. I alternate between liking him and hating him.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Colton, who was adopted and who in love with is best friend Jason, on his 25th birthday finds out he is a Ghoul. Colt’s main priority is to protect the ones he loves or owes his loyalty.
This is an urban fantasy, supernatural, human flesh devouring novel. This is not for the weak, I enjoyed this ghoulish book and can’t wait for more. I definitely recommend!!!
First, I need to say this is a re-read for me. I read it originally under the author’s pen name. I also have to say that this story will not be for everyone. Ghouls are a different kind of monster and things do get gruesome. There is also not a lot of romance in this story between Colt and Jason. There is some, but very little. I enjoyed this story the first time I read it, and I enjoyed it this time too. I’m also very happy that there is going to be a book 2. I want more Colt and Jason. If this kind of story is right up your alley, then by all means dive in. If not, I would recommend passing this one by as it probably will not be for you.
Although this genre of the macabre isn’t typically my cup of tea, I was eager to read this book since the author is one of my favorites. And I was not disappointed. Colton, adopted at a young age, and madly in love with is best friend Jason, is in for a big surprise on his 25th birthday. He isn’t human. Finding out he is a Ghoul certainly includes a steep learning curve. Humans as prey and food source? Hmm, typically this would turn me off right there, but the author managed to write this story in a way that even the more gruesome scenes were intriguing because I just wanted to find out how the story progressed. Yes, there is intrigue and crime, characters who are not what they seem, betrayal, a bit of angst (what do you expect when you are in love with a human who could become your next meal?) and new-found alliances and family. I can’t wait for the second book to come out. Well done. I hope we get to see a bit more of Jason in the next book.
I did receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.
This was an explosive and captivating start to what looks like a great new series. Colt was pretty much thrown over the frying pan, and the fire, directly into the kiln when he came into his ghoulish powers. Being an unknown newbie, he was very quickly pulled into machinations that he shouldn’t have had any hope of surviving. And yet, not only did he survive, but he is learning to thrive.
Jason is an interesting twist to the whole situation with Colt. Being human, Jason should be kept in the dark. But if he remains close to Colt, I don’t see how that will be possible. He’s incredibly intelligent and he’s observant. Sooner or later, Jason is going to figure things out. And, I have to wonder if his grandfather knows more than a human should, or even, perhaps, isn’t human himself.
I can’t wait to read more in this world!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I thought this was a brilliant start to this ghoulish new series. I really enjoyed being drawn into the new world of Colt’s with all different happenings makes for an intriguing read. Though definitely not for the faint hearted.
In any other paranormal books I’ve read, ghouls were among the most hated, feared and avoided creatures, and kudos to Joel Abernathy for deciding to write a book about them.
And it was thrilling! Through Colt’s emotions and experiences I’ve been introduced to a well organized ghoul society hidden within the human world. The poor guy had to go from being human to adjusting to a new reality, one in which he was a dead flesh eating monster. And if that wasn’t enough, Colt was also caught in politics and scheming, in fights that put to risk not only his life, but the lives of those dear to him.
It was morbid and creepy at times, but as a whole, an absolutely exciting reading experience. Fast paced and suspenseful, with twists and turns that kept me engrossed in the story, and with a awesome array of secondary characters.
To say that I’m completely hooked on this series would be an understatement, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Ghoulish is a great start to a new series by Joel Abernathy. Some scenes really grossed me out but it’s a dark story with ghouls so I was prepared. The whole plot was really gripping and I’m really hoping there’s more revelation on Colt’s background in the next book. I’m really an impatient person so the mystery is killing me. There’s no cliffhanger so for those of you who are like me who hates cliffhangers, you don’t have to worry. It’s just some unresolved story arcs.
Well! Joel Abernathy definitely knows how to create gruesome and exciting worlds. This story is the first in The Alpha Chronicles series, and it’s a great foundation on which to build. This is not a romance novel, but it does have romantic tendencies. Ghoulish is full of the macabre; a lot of gratuitous violence and gore, along with a healthy dose of angst and a dash of comedic relief.
The story revolves around Colt, an orphan who was finally adopted by a nice human family, and inevitably fell in love with the conservative neighbor’s son, Jason. The two men lead completely different socioeconomic lives, but have remained best friends throughout the years. However, on the night of Colt’s 25th birthday, everything changes.
On what could have potentially been the worst night of Colt’s life, he meets the Brown family, and they invite him into their ghoulish family. Now, there are different castes in the ghoul society, and Stan Brown is somewhat of a leader in the, shall we say, “humane dining” class. I absolutely adore Robbie, the Brown’s college age emo son. He has what the ghouls might call an eating disorder, but I’ll just leave it at that.
Even though this book is about supernatural, shifting, human (or sometimes even ghoul) flesh eating monsters, there is quite a bit of political intrigue. And, although ignorant and woefully unprepared, Colt soon becomes a pawn in a coup against the long-time ruling Alpha family. Colt’s main priority is to protect the ones he loves or owes his loyalty. Jason ‘s new internship puts him right where Colt does not want him, but it gives him a slight advantage. The once ADA plays an important role, as well as the sheriff, and Colt takes any help he can get.
Overall, I wasn’t really impressed with Jason, but the other characters more than made up for it. Don’t forget, this is an urban fantasy, supernatural, human flesh devouring, macabre novel. It has a little romance here and there, but if you have a weak stomach, read with caution. I am excited to see how Colt handles his new status, and what new challenges await.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
Talk about a birthday to remember! This was an amazing start to this series. Colt was a wonderful character and I really handled his changed reality well. I’m already hooked and I cannot wait to return to this highly entertaining, blood thirsty world.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
3.5/5
Ghoulish is the first book in a new MM Urban Fantasy series by Joel Abernathy. The name alone can give most readers an idea of what this book is about. A story about ghouls, who feed on human flesh, that live among us. It has violence and gore with a theme of protecting those you love.
Colt was just your average 24-year old whose biggest problems were going to work and being in love with his best friends. Then he turns 25 and his world is turned upside down when he learns about the existence of ghouls and that he’s one of them. He’s taken under the wing of a ghoul family who believes in a life that doesn’t involve killing innocent humans. Before he knows it he some how finds himself in the middle of ghouls politics.All he wants his to keep his best friend safe but there’re lives at stake, and he has to step into a role he’s definitely not ready for.
Joel Abernathy is excellent at creating worlds that come to life and he made this urban fantasy universe where ghouls walk among us believable. For some reason it took me almost half-way to really get into the book. Sadly I’m going to say that lies with the characters. I didn’t really like Colt (don’t ask me why) but he did grow on me towards the end when he finally stepped up. Don’t get me started on his best friend Jason, he was just annoying as help and I totally ended up liking the DA Andrew more than him. Can I ship Andrew and Colt ? I imagine I’m probably alone in the ship but o’well it wouldn’t be a first for me lol
Let me talk about what I did really enjoy about Ghoulish. Colt’s adopted ghoul family was pretty great, especially Robbie who was a sweetie even if he was all “angsty college kid “. I enjoyed the story line itself, the violence scenes were pretty bad a** and a pleasure to read, I actually looked forward to them more than the intimate ones between Colt and Jason. In the end I did like the character Colt became and I’m looking forward to him embracing his new future.
I think Ghoulish by Joel Abernathy is a good start to what will be a great series and I’m definitely along for the ride.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Welcome to the nightmare that has became Colt’s new world. With one action of overwhelming rage an awakening takes place. With the help of the Brown family taking him under their wing Colt is learning what it means to be a ghoul in the human world. Trying to protect his learn time crush and bestfriend from his new reality, has he brought more attention to the forces that be? As a new ghoul he has to walk a tight rope but what happens when he falls? Or even worse what happens to his new ghoulish family?
Just Wow what a read, highly recommended read. It has a darkly thrill, love and hurt.
And I need the t-shirt (yes, please).
What a crazy ride!! At times I was appalled and speechless, and at others I was amazed and laughed out loud. Lesson learned: even some ghouls have soft spots. It takes compromise to exist in tandem with humans and ghouls! I loved Colt’s negotiations with Andrew, the DA. Kudos Colt! Colt was forced to change and grow, but he still held onto his positive qualities and I admired that. I liked that Jason finally realized that a compromise was more important than no relationship at all!! I look forward to seeing Colt function as an alpha and all it entails. Maximum entertainment!
Ghoulish by Joel Abernathy is the first book in The Alpha Chronicles. This is a suspenseful urban fantasy read with paranormal elements, dark themes and wonderfully disturbing scenes. Action, mystery, angst, adventure… ghouls. This well written story offers a fun and entertaining, often times dark, journey filled with fascinating characters. I definitely cant wait to continue Colt’s story in the next book.