Title: The Unholy Cause (Supernatural #4)
Author: Joe Schreiber
Publisher: Titan Books
Publication Date: April 2010
Paperback: 320 pages
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by: Jo
RATING: 7/10
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Way back in April 1862, Confederate Captain Jubal Beauchamp leads a charge across a Georgia battleground… Fast forward to 2009 and a civil war re-enactment becomes all too real. When Sam and Dean head down south to investigate they find that history has got somewhat out of hand…
REVIEW:
I’ve been a fan of ‘Supernatural’ since watching the first episode, and I soon devoured this TV tie-in.
The Winchester brothers are called to Georgia, to investigate a gruesome murder/suicide during a Civil War re-enactment. On the outside it seems like a simple enough case, but as they are drawn deeper into the mystery they soon discover it’s a very un-simple trap by Demons to wage war on the Human race using the re-enactors.
Any fan of Supernatural knows what hugely makes this show work is the relationship between Dean and Sam, and I was happy that the bond between the brothers is very clear here and the author writes it well. It’s set during season five of the show, and so the brothers are still dealing with season four’s events and the themes definitely tie in with the season’s Demon Vs. Angels storyline arc. The Civil War theme was very interesting, I thought the historical events were well explained and well detailed.
There are a few continuity errors, and while I enjoyed the appearance of Castiel I was a bit confused as to why he disappeared so quickly, especially after saying he would help the brothers. This seemed a bit out of character for the angel. However, this is a fast paced story, and the Winchesters are thrust into some very scary situations and while some of the twists and turns are a bit predictable it didn’t detract how much I wanted to see what happened at the end and I ended up reading this in less than a day. I do feel that you need to watch the show to understand the book and characters. The author gives just as much care to the original characters as to the established ones, and I appreciated that he is a fan of the show and wrote the brother’s chemistry so well.
VERDICT:
Strictly for fans of Supernatural, it’s just like an episode of the popular show – it’s quick, satisfying and will give you a few chills.
You can also find out more about the author & TV show here:
6 Comments
I've read a couple of the earlier Supernatural books and I've got this one on my tbr pile. I've really enjoyed the ones I have read and I'm looking forward to this one. Thanks for sharing a fab review.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE Supernatural. I can't wait to start reading this series!
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I haven't even started watching the TV show yet – is it really that good? I watched one or two episodes at the beginning but it never grabbed me – worth me picking of series one boxed set?
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I hardcore heart this series and it really is like watching one of the episodes. I haven't had the chance to pick this one up yet but I am really looking forward to it.
@BCC – Yes, you should definitely pick up the first box set. I don't even know what I watched before SPN
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Trillian – Thanks for your kind comment, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A really great quick read!
My name is Patricia – I think you'll love the series!
BCC – Heck yeah it's great! I've got the first couple of seasons, so I can send them to you or bring them next month
Megan Marie – I hope you enjoy it, and I've picked up a couple of the other books in the series. Hehe, I don't think I can remember what I watched before SPN either
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Great review and I'm glad they got the relationship between the brothers right in this book. I love the series – right mix of spooky and humour.
@BCC the first series takes a while to warm up but this series is fab – you need to watch it
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