Reviewed by Larissa
TITLE: Hell on Earth
SERIES: Hellhound Champions, Book One
AUTHOR: Macy Blake
NARRATOR: Michael Dean
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 6 hours and 12 minutes
RELEASE DATE: June 17, 2022
BLURB:
His job is to protect the world. But can he protect his heart?
Protector. Boogeyman. Hellhound. Meshaq has been called it all. As alpha of the hellhounds, his goddess has tasked him with protecting the secrets of the supernatural world. He’s the police of other creatures and the enforcer of the goddess’ rules. If his duty leaves him lonely and longing for a mate and a larger pack, well, the goddess knows the secrets of his heart, and she will grant them if it is her will.
Drew Metcalf is a man on the run. When he finds himself in a biker bar surrounded by leather-wearing giants, he thinks he’s a goner. But there’s something different about the man slinging drinks. He makes Drew feel safe, something he hasn’t felt in a long time.
When Drew and Shaq’s worlds collide, a different kind of magic happens. Shaq doesn’t understand why he’s so drawn to the human whose life is shrouded in mystery and danger. What Shaq does know is that Drew needs his protection. Magical forces are at work, beginning a battle that will require all of Shaq’s skill as the goddess’ champion. With a terrifying threat looming, Shaq and Drew are in danger of losing more than their hearts.
REVIEW:
Hell on Earth, the first book in Macy Blake’s Hellhound Champions series, exists within her larger Chosen One Universe. You can read this series on its own, but know that it runs on a parallel track to the events playing out in The Chosen One. Because of the interconnections between the two series – essentially the same story arc broadly told from two different vantage points – you may find that although not strictly necessary, Hell on Earth makes a hell of a lot more sense when read in between books two (Nothing Ventured) and three (Next to Nothing) of The Chosen One series.
The Hellhound Champions series focuses on Meshaq, the alpha of the hellhounds, and his pack. The fire goddess has specifically chosen the hellhounds to act as her champions, tasked with protecting the secret, supernatural world from humans. His “day job” is as a bar owner, where he keeps his pack close to him, providing them with employment, food, and shelter. He provides for his pack, and his generous heart and inherent protective nature drive him to look out for others in need as well, including humans. It’s a delicate balancing act to bring humans within the fold without revealing their secret, but Meshaq tries valiantly because he can’t look away from someone in need.
Drew arrives at Meshaq’s bar, clearly scared and in need of help – help he refuses to ask for and is skittish to accept. He’s being stalked for reasons he doesn’t understand and is on the run. Now he’s in dire straits with no gas in his car and no money or food, but he also isn’t sure if he can trust anyone to help him. But something inexplicably draws him to Meshaq, and vice versa. If you like the concept of “true mates”, you’ll love Meshaq and Drew’s relationship. They have strong chemistry, and once Drew settles into himself and trusts Meshaq, they develop a strong, often funny, definitely sexy dynamic.
Mysterious forces are at work, though, and those people are still coming for Drew. The story contains a bodyguard/protectee-type relationship between Meshaq and Drew, but Blake gives Drew some serious mettle that shines through as the story progresses. Yes, he needs help, but he’s not weak, and he’s got a clever mind and a strong sense of loyalty that he develops quickly for Meshaq and his pack. And Meshaq … well, he’s hard to resist. He is a dedicated, altruistic, fiercely protective alpha who will do anything for his goddess and the people in his care.
If you’ve read the early Chosen One stories, you know that Meshaq has been “adopted” by Henry Jerrick, one of the Chosen One’s guardians, as his “Uncle Meshaq” due to circumstances explained in the Chosen One prequel Sweet Nothings and Chosen One series book one, All or Nothing. Blake creates an exceptionally endearing juxtaposition of Meshaq’s big, tough guy, alpha hellhound persona with his marshmallow nature and overflowing heart that has him come running for his beloved Henry whenever he calls.
Blake’s world-building in this universe is top-notch. Her descriptions are detailed, vibrant, and immersive. There are a lot of moving pieces, though, especially with so many stories taking place contemporaneously. Understandably, some things don’t jibe perfectly, but they are minor in the grand scheme.
Michael Dean delivers another engaging, well-executed vocal performance on the Hell on Earth audiobook. As I’ve noted in my reviews of the audiobooks for the other books in this universe, one of the biggest challenges Dean faces is consistently distinguishing between a large number of characters from varying clans and realms, all of whom have distinct characteristics and mannerisms. Across the board, Dean does a solid job of capturing the characters’ emotions and intentions through his inflections, pacing, and choice of timbre for the voices. His narration is a value-add here, and I recommend you indulge in this audiobook and the others in this fascinating, exciting Chosen One universe.
RATING: 
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