The Bookwyrm's Review of The Jaws of Hell by Samuel Gately

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Rating: 9.25/10 Stars

Synopsis

Step into the Jaws of Hell. Only the Lucky Survive.

Scott Flawless was certain a return to the friendly confines of the ring was what he needed. But he didn't count on the murderers' row sharing this tournament bracket with him. The underground circuit is a dangerous place, and with titans like the scheming Dursham Brothers, the mighty Bell King, and the savage Fog of War, he'll be lucky to make it out of the Jaws of Hell alive.

The Jaws of Hell concludes the Titan Wars tag-team of books featuring Scott Flawless.

Review

I may have mentioned on my review of the last book in this series that I am completely sold on the formula of mixing epic fantasy and pro wrestling. These elements go together like peanut butter and chocolate, like the Four Horsemen, The Midnight Express or the Fabulous Freebirds. They just create something greater than their separate parts. The four books of the Titan Wars series certainly fits that mold, and the latest entry, The Jaws of Hell, is certainly no exception. It continues Scott Flawless's journey as he deals with the aftermath of the last book, and takes some truly unexpected twists and turns.

The story again takes place in the city of Stillwater, although it focuses much more on The Iridescent, a hotel and casino that caters to the ultra rich of Stillwater, and hosts the Jaws of Hell wrestling Tournament. Where the Headlock of Destiny more resembles WrestleMania in its scope and quality of competition, The Jaws of Hell much more resembles Japanese Death Matches, where the chance of injury and even death is greatly enhanced, all for the amusement of the rich pampered citizens of Stillwater. There are so many shenanigans tied up with the tournament, and you can see there are deals and conspiracies surrounding it that play out as the story progresses. 

The story focuses once more on Scott Flawless, now not so flawless in looks as his facial injury from fighting the creature in the sewers in the last book have healed badly, leaving half his face badly scarred. This is a big hit to Scott's self esteem, since he took great pride in his looks. He really has an interesting arc, as he has resolved some issues that had plagued his younger life, but is now a bit adrift, although the potential purse from the Jaws Tournament could give him financial security to create breathing room and ponder next steps. That is if he can get him mojo back enough to defeat some truly brutal titans. He goes through a really interesting arc, as he must discover if he's evil or just an a**hole, as another character put it. He's done some rotten things, but does he want to do better? This is the journey he's on, and there is a definite answer to that by the end of the story.

The secondary characters Asa the bard is back to help Scott and chronicle his story, as is Scott's manager Jimmy. They are joined at times by the lawman Trey, who Scott had a run in with in the last book, and who has come looking for Scott to make amends, They all provide Scott help and help his progression tremendously. Vic the Viper is an older titan from Scott's past that is looking to try for one more win before hanging up his boots, and while they try and keep their association quiet, Vic helps where he can.

The heels of this story, or antagonists in non-wrestling terms, are all very different. There are the three Dursham brothers, Titan siblings who have come to try and win the Jaws, but have much bigger plans than that for Stillwater, having once been rivals for underworld power with Scott's father. They are truly ruthless and nasty. Lady Eidra is another thorn in Scott's side, a representative of Scott's wrestling promoter, and she is controlling, conniving and ruthless in trying to control Scott, even if it means harming those close to Scott to gain his compliance. The Titans in the tournament make up their own group, but they are quite the variety of villainous heels looking to win it all. The final antagonists are part the of Iridescent, including the manager Bernard, who is all about using titans to increase the prestige of the casino, at any cost. It seems at times like this is an insurmountable challenge, something Scott excels at defeating.

This is the second story arc the author has managed to pull off successfully, in a genre crossing romp that will have the reader on the edge of their seat. You just never know what's going to happen next, and it's great to anticipate what insanity is going to next. The only thing that's guaranteed is it will be total nonstop action when titans are concerned. You should check this book and series out today!