Hell's Horizon - Darren Shan

So, this one wasn't exactly easy reading for me either. While it was still a good story, I just couldn't find myself getting too attached to it. Hell's Horizon read a lot like a murder mystery. We spend the whole book trying to figure out who's behind the murders that lead back to the main character; Al Jeery. Thus speaking.

Al Jeery works at Party Central as a part of the Cardinal's personal guard. One night, he's pulled from his usual work to help at the Fridge and comes across a dead body that's familiar to him. Unfortunately, said body was murdered, and Al finds himself put on the case to figure out whodunnit. However, he eventually finds himself in too deep when more murders occur and he must figure out where his loyalties lie if he plans on solving this mystery alive.

Hell's Horizon is told from the viewpoint of Al, as opposed to Capac, but also takes place in the same time as Procession of the Dead. In fact, we see both lives kind of intertwine at the end. Not in a huge way, but a sort of way. 

Al's character wasn't too bad. He was conflicted and hurting, and Shan really showed this. Even the other characters, like Nic and Priscilla all had depth. We learned a lot about them, which was refreshing. Therefore, character-wise I have no complaints.

The pace was slow for me, as with the first one. This murder mystery didn't keep me enticed for very long. It just wasn't my kind of thing.

Overall, it was a good story that was told brilliantly. Everything was detailed out, especially the characters, and I can't really complain about anything but the pacing. I'll most definitely read the last book, if only to give some type of closure on the whole thing.

☆☆☆☆/5

Recommend?: If you've already read the first one.