Audible Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Eric A. Radlski Type: Fiction Pages: 254 Copyright: 2009 In the city of Hell's Crown, legendary Demon Hunter Cain Stoddard was infected by an ancient evil. The apprentice he left behind - a first rate scoundrel, a second class cheat, a third rate braggart, and a fourth rate drunk - must put aside his foolish pastimes to rescue his oldest friend. In the city of Hell's Crown, legendary Demon Hunter Cain Stoddard was infected by an ancient evil. Stumbling from the city, he fled north, seeking the desolation of the Old Kingdoms. There, he hoped to find the means to expel the wickedness living just beneath his skin. But this is not Cain Stoddard's story. This is the story of the apprentice he left behind. A first rate scoundrel, a second class cheat, a third rate braggart, and a fourth rate drunk, Liam Gulban has been called many things. No one has ever called him a hero. Now, Cain Stoddard's young student must put aside his foolish pastimes to rescue his oldest friend. On the way, he will encounter savage monsters, lusty refugees, undead musicians, smelly druids, and at least one certifiably insane god. His closest allies will betray him, and a goddess will choose him as her champion. All the while, he'll be fighting against his most tenacious enemy...himself.

The Demon Hunter's Apprentice
The story begins with Cain Stoddard traveling and suffering great pain from some evil moving within his belly. This story is not about Cain though, but about his apprentice, Liam Gulban. Liam Gulban does not seem much like hero material but when his mentor, Cain Stoddard disappears, infected with a great evil, Liam sets off to find and save him.

He finds that sometimes friends are not what they seem and he suffers hardship, betrayal, and disappointments in his quest to find and save Cain. Despite or perhaps because of Liam’s many flaws, he is an engaging character.

The description throughout the book is detailed and very visual. The narrative of Cain’s condition is both vivid and attractively repellent in the same way that accidents and disturbances on the street attract an audience. The bar where Liam waits for Ama is both disgusting and easy to picture due to the distinct and gross details the author presents.

Once again the author has written and narrated an intriguing tale with varying characters, action sustained throughout the book and striking details. I look forward to more books by this author. Some sexual content.