Haunt of Jackals by Eric Wilson

Reviewed by Cory Clubb

"This second installment has greatly increased Wilson’s style and enormous gift for storytelling. The vocabulary and language are on a level that most writers dream about."

Last year’s Field of Blood, book one of the Jerusalem Undead Series, was ground-breaking and a defining move in author Eric Wilson’s career. Now, with Haunt of Jackals, Wilson tightens his craft and returns us to a world that lives on the edge.

Jackals drops us immediately after where Blood left off, and the pace doesn’t lighten up. Gina’s on the run while Cal and Dov run into trouble with Erota and other collectors. The story carries on revealing secrets, but also mixes in new mysteries and histories to keep us on the edge of our seat. More so, Gina, Cal, and Dov’s characters become so rich and vibrant, revealing the growth they have seen and the trials they have overcome.

This second installment has greatly increased Wilson’s style and enormous gift for storytelling. The vocabulary and language are on a level that most writers dream about. This is not mention Wilson’s robust historic descriptions of foreign places and world travel. Haunt of Jackals fixes most of Field of Blood’s problems, but looking back I don’t see them as problems any longer. The series thus far has grown into its own and I believe that is what Wilson had longed to do since the beginning. Here he has upped the action, suspense, and drama. The relationships between characters, especially Gina and Jed, having been worked with such care and love; you can understand how beloved these creations have become to the author.

I have a great love for continuing stories, and in my opinion the second ones have always been the most entertaining. For example look at Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Jason Bourne Series, etc. Yes, the first is most memorable, but the sequel leaves the characters on a cliffhanger, readying fans for the next part in their story.

Lastly, Wilson incorporates storylines and events from his first published work Dark to Mortal Eyes. Although I have not read that book (neither does a new reader need to in order to enjoy this series) I feel attracted to it more so now having learned its secret involvement. Fans of The Jerusalem Undead Trilogy will suck up this second book and eagerly await Wilson’s next Valley of Bones… pun intended.

Buying Options:

Cory Clubb is author of the novel Saved by Grace and currently working on his first thriller. He holds a degree in Graphic Design and is always seeking to advance his talent as a writer. He is an avid reader, movie buff, and music enthusiast, tools he uses to infuse his imagination. He lives in central Illinois with his wife and three sons. You can find out more about his projects at his blog.