Roulette

Name: Roulette
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781774783047

✍️ Matthew Ledrew

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$19.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A genetically enhanced hero battles a mirrored villain while saving his hometown from gang violence.

Ledrew presents a thriller where Xander Drew uses genetic powers to combat Blackheart in Los Angeles. The plot intertwines this external threat with an internal crisis in Coral Beach, Maine. A brewing gang war threatens the town's youth, forcing Xander to act quickly. The narrative emphasizes pacing and emotional variety, moving between fear and relief. Engen Books released this entry in a series that expands beyond standard superhero tropes. The story integrates fantastical elements into a realistic modern world, appealing to fans of urban fantasy horror.

Key Themes

genetic engineering urban fantasy gang war

Literary Context

Published by Engen Books in 2017, this work sits within the superhero thriller genre while incorporating elements of urban fantasy. It reflects a trend of blending fantastical powers with true-to-life modern American settings, as noted by critics in Ink'd Well Comics and The Telegram.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Urban fantasy enthusiasts · Fans of genetic engineering thrillers · Readers who enjoy dual-location storytelling · Those interested in modern superhero deconstructions

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Engen Books 📅 2017 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781774783047

📝 Description: Roulette

Matthew Ledrew directs a superhero thriller that shifts focus toward urban fantasy elements within a modern American setting. The narrative follows Xander Drew, a protagonist endowed with formidable powers through genetic engineering. He faces a new criminal threat in Los Angeles known as Blackheart, whose abilities closely mirror his own. Simultaneously, a violent gang war erupts in Coral Beach, Maine, endangering the local youth population. Xander must balance stopping the villain abroad while addressing the domestic crisis at home. The work draws from the urban fantasy tradition by introducing fantastical components into realistic contemporary environments. Critics have noted Ledrew’s professional pacing and his ability to weave moments of sadness and elation into the plot. The story avoids being a one-note novel, offering readers fear and relief alongside the action. Engen Books published this volume in 2017, continuing a series that explores a wider range than its base classification might suggest. The text relies on true-to-life settings to ground the supernatural conflicts. This book suits readers who enjoy superhero narratives blended with horror and urban fantasy themes. It appeals to those interested in genetic engineering plots and dual-location storytelling. Readers seeking pure high fantasy or historical fiction may find the modern setting less engaging. The narrative structure balances international villainy with local community stakes, creating a tense atmosphere throughout.

💎 Our verdict on Roulette

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Ledrew delivers a thriller that successfully bridges superhero tropes with urban fantasy horror, creating a unique hybrid experience. The narrative excels in pacing, balancing the external battle against Blackheart with the internal crisis of gang violence in Coral Beach. By grounding supernatural elements in true-to-life settings, the author enhances the stakes and emotional resonance. Critics note the effective weaving of emotional variety, preventing the action from becoming monotonous. This volume is best suited for readers who enjoy modern superhero narratives infused with horror themes and psychological depth. It appeals to those interested in genetic engineering plots and dual-location storytelling. Fans of urban fantasy will appreciate how the text expands beyond standard classifications, offering a nuanced look at power and responsibility in a realistic world.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book appeals to readers seeking a dynamic blend of superhero action and urban fantasy horror. Those who appreciate narratives grounded in realistic modern settings will find the integration of fantastical components into everyday life engaging rather than jarring. The story offers emotional variety, weaving moments of fear with relief and sadness with elation, ensuring the plot avoids being one-note. It is ideal for individuals interested in genetic engineering plots and the tension between domestic crises and international threats. Readers who enjoy pacing that shifts quickly between high-stakes combat and personal drama will find this narrative satisfying. It serves fans of urban fantasy who want their supernatural conflicts to feel immediate and relevant to contemporary American life.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Ledrew delivers a thriller that successfully bridges superhero tropes with urban fantasy horror, creating a unique hybrid experience. The narrative excels in pacing, balancing the external battle against Blackheart with the internal crisis of gang violence in Coral Beach. By grounding supernatural elements in true-to-life settings, the author enhances the stakes and emotional resonance. Critics note the effective weaving of emotional variety, preventing the action from becoming monotonous. This volume is best suited for readers who enjoy modern superhero narratives infused with horror themes and psychological depth. It appeals to those interested in genetic engineering plots and dual-location storytelling. Fans of urban fantasy will appreciate how the text expands beyond standard classifications, offering a nuanced look at power and responsibility in a realistic world.