Review of Beating Death: Witch Hunters
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Anthony Omoshie
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Review of Beating Death: Witch Hunters
[Following is a volunteer review of "Beating Death: Witch Hunters" by Sean O’Banion.]
In the aftermath of the events at Jackson City, Rob and the ladies return home, only to discover they are being tracked by an unknown entity—one far more dangerous than they could imagine. With the help of friends and family, they'll do whatever it takes to protect themselves and those they love from the dark forces that oppose them. But Rob’s mind is unsettled. Could this be the only looming danger?
Beating Death: Witch Hunters is the follow-up installment in Sean O’Banion’s Beating Death series. As with the previous books, it follows Rob O’Banion and his companions—Greta Keene, Emily Williams, and Jolie Schraeder—as they battle sinister forces in an offbeat mix of action, crime, and fantasy. Set in modern times, the book explores witchcraft, science, and magic, all wrapped in a narrative touched by the author’s flair for history and war.
O’Banion’s eccentric and witty voice stands out from the start—whether through the playful use of grammar, parody-like spins on pop culture (like “Harry Pothead” or “Super Brawl”), or the unapologetically quirky tone throughout. It’s clear the story doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of the charm. While I found the beginning a little slow, once the action picked up it was easy to settle in and enjoy the narrative. Though the book can be read on its own, I’d recommend going through the earlier books for full context.
The biggest strength of this story is its sheer originality as a whirlwind of ideas (random or not) come together to create something oddly compelling. Themes like friendship, trust, and compassion give the story emotional weight. Rob also isn’t your typical perfect hero; he struggles with self-doubt and low self-esteem, and his desire to care for others (and the environment) makes him all the more relatable, and this adds a touch of realism to a wildly fantastical story.
That said, there were a few letdowns with the plot. The portrayal of Matt (aka Matthew Hopkins) as a witch hunter felt underwhelming and a bit exaggerated. Despite the sinister buildup, his presence did not fully deliver the level of danger I was expecting. I also noticed some repetition of facts and phrases that became a bit distracting to me, while certain events felt too random, leaving me puzzled about their purpose in the narrative.
However, I found the editing of the book impeccable, and I am pleased to give Beating Death: Witch Hunters a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. With a more refined plot and more spotlight on the witch hunters, this story could pack a stronger punch. Still, the author's creativity shines through.
It is worth noting that the book includes some religious distortions, which may be offensive to certain readers. Due to its use of profanity, violence, and erotic content, Beating Death: Witch Hunters is best suited for mature readers, particularly young adults and above, who enjoy offbeat, unconventional fiction.
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Beating Death: Witch Hunters
View: on Bookshelves
In the aftermath of the events at Jackson City, Rob and the ladies return home, only to discover they are being tracked by an unknown entity—one far more dangerous than they could imagine. With the help of friends and family, they'll do whatever it takes to protect themselves and those they love from the dark forces that oppose them. But Rob’s mind is unsettled. Could this be the only looming danger?
Beating Death: Witch Hunters is the follow-up installment in Sean O’Banion’s Beating Death series. As with the previous books, it follows Rob O’Banion and his companions—Greta Keene, Emily Williams, and Jolie Schraeder—as they battle sinister forces in an offbeat mix of action, crime, and fantasy. Set in modern times, the book explores witchcraft, science, and magic, all wrapped in a narrative touched by the author’s flair for history and war.
O’Banion’s eccentric and witty voice stands out from the start—whether through the playful use of grammar, parody-like spins on pop culture (like “Harry Pothead” or “Super Brawl”), or the unapologetically quirky tone throughout. It’s clear the story doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of the charm. While I found the beginning a little slow, once the action picked up it was easy to settle in and enjoy the narrative. Though the book can be read on its own, I’d recommend going through the earlier books for full context.
The biggest strength of this story is its sheer originality as a whirlwind of ideas (random or not) come together to create something oddly compelling. Themes like friendship, trust, and compassion give the story emotional weight. Rob also isn’t your typical perfect hero; he struggles with self-doubt and low self-esteem, and his desire to care for others (and the environment) makes him all the more relatable, and this adds a touch of realism to a wildly fantastical story.
That said, there were a few letdowns with the plot. The portrayal of Matt (aka Matthew Hopkins) as a witch hunter felt underwhelming and a bit exaggerated. Despite the sinister buildup, his presence did not fully deliver the level of danger I was expecting. I also noticed some repetition of facts and phrases that became a bit distracting to me, while certain events felt too random, leaving me puzzled about their purpose in the narrative.
However, I found the editing of the book impeccable, and I am pleased to give Beating Death: Witch Hunters a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. With a more refined plot and more spotlight on the witch hunters, this story could pack a stronger punch. Still, the author's creativity shines through.
It is worth noting that the book includes some religious distortions, which may be offensive to certain readers. Due to its use of profanity, violence, and erotic content, Beating Death: Witch Hunters is best suited for mature readers, particularly young adults and above, who enjoy offbeat, unconventional fiction.
******
Beating Death: Witch Hunters
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway
