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Matthew Corbett #7
Cardinal Black
December 1703 finds Berry Grigsby fallen victim to Professor Fell's involuntary drug experiments. Her mind is quickly deteriorating under the drug's influence, and the only way to save her is a potion book that was stolen in an attack on the village orchestrated by a mysterious madman going by the name Cardinal Black.
Matthew Corbett has volunteered to travel with Julian Devane, a self-proclaimed "fool and bad man" in the employ of Professor Fell, to hunt down the potion book. They follow the trail to London, where the book will be sold at a secret auction. Matthew and Julian manage to secure a seat at the auction by masquerading as respected and feared underground operatives, but to prevail in their high-stakes mission, they will require help from a very unlikely source. Even if they are successful, their race to save Berry Grigsby will leave a trail of destruction in its wake.
Cardinal Black is another extraordinary achievement from one of America's most skilled authors, and it features some of the most memorable, compelling, and chilling characters in the Matthew Corbett series to date, each with their own competing agendas. This masterful historical adventure is perfectly balanced for long-time fans of the series and new readers alike who are now joining the adventure.
Matthew Corbett has volunteered to travel with Julian Devane, a self-proclaimed "fool and bad man" in the employ of Professor Fell, to hunt down the potion book. They follow the trail to London, where the book will be sold at a secret auction. Matthew and Julian manage to secure a seat at the auction by masquerading as respected and feared underground operatives, but to prevail in their high-stakes mission, they will require help from a very unlikely source. Even if they are successful, their race to save Berry Grigsby will leave a trail of destruction in its wake.
Cardinal Black is another extraordinary achievement from one of America's most skilled authors, and it features some of the most memorable, compelling, and chilling characters in the Matthew Corbett series to date, each with their own competing agendas. This masterful historical adventure is perfectly balanced for long-time fans of the series and new readers alike who are now joining the adventure.
354 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
About the author
Robert McCammon
162 books5,198 followersPseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Seven Shades of Evil, is the ninth book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats in October 2023.
Leviathan is the final novel in the Matthew Corbett series. It will be released in December 2024 by Lividian Publications.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Seven Shades of Evil, is the ninth book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats in October 2023.
Leviathan is the final novel in the Matthew Corbett series. It will be released in December 2024 by Lividian Publications.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 7, 2022
Another fantastic addition to the Matthew Corbett series!
Cardinal Black starts right after Freedom of the Mask and I loved how the two books flowed seamlessly together.
In order to avoid spoilers for the whole series, I’m just going to give a few basic ideas about this book and the six before it.
✔️ The series is action packed.
The mysteries and circumstances that Matthew has to solve and escape from are detailed, tense and nail biting good.
✔️ The characters are a mix of good, bad and grey. Sometimes the circumstances can have a good character losing some soul or sanity and going full on bad.
Robert McCammon excels at character development and originality. This series shows how much of a master he is at it.
✔️ The death, destruction and terror that happens will having you horrified, mad and cheer for goodness to prevail.
This series is one of the best for showing the good vs evil conundrum!
✔️ This book and the rest are set during the 1700s and it’s fantastic.
I’m hoping one day to buy my own tricorn hat, flintlock pistol and some knee breeches! 😉🤣
I think I’ve 5 starred every book in this series. It’s just that damn good in my opinion.
Definitely get to this one and the series if you love action, horror, historical fiction and strong characters to fall in love with or hate with a vengeance!
Cardinal Black starts right after Freedom of the Mask and I loved how the two books flowed seamlessly together.
In order to avoid spoilers for the whole series, I’m just going to give a few basic ideas about this book and the six before it.
✔️ The series is action packed.
The mysteries and circumstances that Matthew has to solve and escape from are detailed, tense and nail biting good.
✔️ The characters are a mix of good, bad and grey. Sometimes the circumstances can have a good character losing some soul or sanity and going full on bad.
Robert McCammon excels at character development and originality. This series shows how much of a master he is at it.
✔️ The death, destruction and terror that happens will having you horrified, mad and cheer for goodness to prevail.
This series is one of the best for showing the good vs evil conundrum!
✔️ This book and the rest are set during the 1700s and it’s fantastic.
I’m hoping one day to buy my own tricorn hat, flintlock pistol and some knee breeches! 😉🤣
I think I’ve 5 starred every book in this series. It’s just that damn good in my opinion.
Definitely get to this one and the series if you love action, horror, historical fiction and strong characters to fall in love with or hate with a vengeance!
June 30, 2021
"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Nietzsche
There's three certainties in life. Death, taxes and that Robert McCammon writing Matthew Corbett guarantees a five star review. It really is one of the finest series going and my personal favourite. If it was a choice between beer and this magnificent piece of literary brilliance then it's going to be a sad day for Budweiser et al.
So how does the latest installment, Cardinal Black, measure up to the previous efforts? Well, like a fine wine McCammon gets better with age and this one is up there with the very best. The author starts to introduce a much darker and violent tone to the narrative here and I absolutely loved it. I mean who doesn't love a spot of the good ole ultraviolence? That's not to say this all blood and guts with no plot, as there's definitely a strong bit of plot to go with all that. Let me explain...
"The drumbeat began. The whistle stared up, a different weird tune to escort Matthew to the grave."
The story is at it's heart an action/adventure with some strong horror elements. Picking up immediately after the events of the last book, the sensational Freedom of the Mask, Corbett is in pursuit of the sinister Cardinal Black. On a mission to save his one true love, Berry Grigsby, he has to delve into the heart of London and it's criminal underworld, working alongside some reprehensible characters in the process. His moral fibre is stretched to breaking point as he skates the precipice of doing the right thing or doing what has to be done to achieve his goals, leading to some pretty drastic character development. We see a definite slide into a morally grey perspective, that no doubt will have a huge impact on the remainder of the series.
The writing as always is brilliant. We all know how great McCammon is, and if you don't you obviously haven't been reading his books. He spends the first half of the novel setting the scene and introducing a host of new characters, before ramping up the action in the second half. I wasn't bored for a second during the course of the novel. It's some of the most frantic and shocking scenes we've witnessed so far and ridiculously intense. It's at these points we see McCammon's wealth of experience as a seasoned horror author with some really brutal stuff. Just be warned.
"I am the city that eats men alive. Once I almost consumed you. So come to me again, young Matthew, and test yourself against my age old teeth of stone."
As Cardinal Black says, the devil is in the detail, and McCammon's fantastically realised 18th century London is brilliantly illustrated. This is without doubt his passion and it shines through with the level of detail and historical accuracy. It's very authentic and immersive and you'll love spending time there.
Looking at this book's place in the series as a whole there may have been a shift in the direction McCammon is taking us. The first novel gave the reader a full on murder mystery, whereas the later books have become more fast paced and action packed. But in this one we start to see the introduction of a supernatural element. And I'm not just talking about the devil worshipping psychopath that is Cardinal Black. I won't spoil it for you but it's definitely going to be interesting to see which way McCammon is going to take it.
"In my profession - my calling - guilt leads to introspection, and introspection leads to hesitation, and hesitation leads to death. I don't fear it, but I don't wish it just yet."
So there we have it. Cardinal Black, a worthy addition to the Matthew Corbett franchise. If you're looking for some entertainment, this is the book for you. Robbie Mac delivers with aplomb as always. I haven't even mentioned how he's the most underrated author working today. Quite simply, the man. Can't wait for the next book in the series, the King of Shadows. Hopefully out sometime this year. Peace!
June 29, 2019
It's always a grand adventure when I jump into a new Matthew Corbett book! I've always called these books the most consistently enjoyable series out there, and this 7th book doesn't break that trend. This picks up right after the end of Freedom of the Mask and Matthew is now forced to work for his arch-enemy Professor Fell and track down a valuable book of potions stolen by the even more evil Cardinal Black in order to find an antidote to cure Matthew's poisoned paramour Berry Grigsby.
I'm constantly blown away by how damned refreshingly modern these books feel, given the fact that they take place during the very formal times of the early 18th century. If you've heard about these books and think that they sound like they would be slow and boring, you couldn't be any more wrong. This book finds Matthew and his murderous traveling partner Julian Devane running headfirst into a dangerously high-stakes undercover operation and they manage to put themselves squarely in the sights of Europe's entire criminal underground.
I'm always worried that McCammon's long-windedness would ruin things for me, but again, there's so much awesome here that it's easily ignored. McCammon's big strength, what makes his books so enjoyable, is his uncanny talent with characters. All the supporting cast is instantly memorable, from Julian Devane, to Samson Lash, to RakeHell Lizzie, to Miles Merda, and definitely the creepy Satan-worshipping Cardinal Black. And Matthew himself continues to be one of fiction's best heroes, and this time he faces his biggest moral challenges as he tries desperately to cling to his honor, even at the cost of survival.
Once again, I would recommend these books to anyone, but especially if you've enjoyed the other novels. As usual, this book ends on a great cliffhanger that sets up the next historical adventure. So now begins the long wait until the next installment.
I'm constantly blown away by how damned refreshingly modern these books feel, given the fact that they take place during the very formal times of the early 18th century. If you've heard about these books and think that they sound like they would be slow and boring, you couldn't be any more wrong. This book finds Matthew and his murderous traveling partner Julian Devane running headfirst into a dangerously high-stakes undercover operation and they manage to put themselves squarely in the sights of Europe's entire criminal underground.
I'm always worried that McCammon's long-windedness would ruin things for me, but again, there's so much awesome here that it's easily ignored. McCammon's big strength, what makes his books so enjoyable, is his uncanny talent with characters. All the supporting cast is instantly memorable, from Julian Devane, to Samson Lash, to RakeHell Lizzie, to Miles Merda, and definitely the creepy Satan-worshipping Cardinal Black. And Matthew himself continues to be one of fiction's best heroes, and this time he faces his biggest moral challenges as he tries desperately to cling to his honor, even at the cost of survival.
Once again, I would recommend these books to anyone, but especially if you've enjoyed the other novels. As usual, this book ends on a great cliffhanger that sets up the next historical adventure. So now begins the long wait until the next installment.
August 10, 2020
Another superb Matthew Corbett novel, I loved Cardinal Black!
It was so good to be back in the world of Matthew Corbett. And right from the start the quality writing transported me back to a different century, McCammon really makes the 1700s come alive, and off we were into a new adventure.
Our favorite New York problem-solver finds himself on the road again with a villainous companion, Julian Devane. They work together in a high-pressure situation, where the stakes are high, and Corbett is pushed to his limits to get something back from the evil Cardinal Black (read the previous book for more on this), all this to save the people he cares for most.
In Cardinal Black, Robert McCammon excelled again in creating memorable characters, some you will love and some you will hate. All the books in this series are full of these round characters, they have their weaknesses, strengths, fears, tastes and distastes, this makes you really either hate them or care about them.
The road trip is exhilarating, the scenes are described so well, I just love how McCammon paints a picture, for instance when Julian and Matthew approach London, a city in which Matthew nearly lost his life several times in a previous book. An inner voice tells him: "I am the city that eats men alive. Once I almost consumed you. So come to me again, young Matthew, and test yourself against my age-old teeth of stone".
There are some bone-chilling scenes, when McCammon describes evil he holds nothing back, it is uncredibly dark, sinister and just very, very evil. There are quite some graphic horror scenes in this book, so be prepared if you plan to read this one.
Matthew Corbett also wrestles with the concepts of good and bad in this one, and how good actions sometimes have bad consequences and bad actions may have good consequences sometimes. He is on the road with a self-professed bad man, but then: "very often it takes a bad man to do the things that have to be done".
All in all, this was another grand adventure and I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out. This may be my favorite book series of all-time, and Cardinal Black was a very strong chapter in it.
It was so good to be back in the world of Matthew Corbett. And right from the start the quality writing transported me back to a different century, McCammon really makes the 1700s come alive, and off we were into a new adventure.
Our favorite New York problem-solver finds himself on the road again with a villainous companion, Julian Devane. They work together in a high-pressure situation, where the stakes are high, and Corbett is pushed to his limits to get something back from the evil Cardinal Black (read the previous book for more on this), all this to save the people he cares for most.
In Cardinal Black, Robert McCammon excelled again in creating memorable characters, some you will love and some you will hate. All the books in this series are full of these round characters, they have their weaknesses, strengths, fears, tastes and distastes, this makes you really either hate them or care about them.
The road trip is exhilarating, the scenes are described so well, I just love how McCammon paints a picture, for instance when Julian and Matthew approach London, a city in which Matthew nearly lost his life several times in a previous book. An inner voice tells him: "I am the city that eats men alive. Once I almost consumed you. So come to me again, young Matthew, and test yourself against my age-old teeth of stone".
There are some bone-chilling scenes, when McCammon describes evil he holds nothing back, it is uncredibly dark, sinister and just very, very evil. There are quite some graphic horror scenes in this book, so be prepared if you plan to read this one.
Matthew Corbett also wrestles with the concepts of good and bad in this one, and how good actions sometimes have bad consequences and bad actions may have good consequences sometimes. He is on the road with a self-professed bad man, but then: "very often it takes a bad man to do the things that have to be done".
All in all, this was another grand adventure and I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out. This may be my favorite book series of all-time, and Cardinal Black was a very strong chapter in it.
July 3, 2022
Action-packed but with less gravitas than Speaks the Nightbird. Still a thumping good read!
November 13, 2022
The young Matthew Corbett can get no respite from mortal danger, either directed at him or at his closest friends. His efforts to push back against the dastardly plans of Evil Masterminds resemble the travails of ancient heroes against a hydra-like beast: no sooner can he cut down one malefic adversary, that another couple raise their heads and snap at Matthew’s throat.
The author is careful to construct each episode as a stand-alone adventure, and this seventh instalment is no exception. Nevertheless, reading the story in publication order will make the plot easier to follow and will avoid spoilers for earlier conflicts.
I could also compare the Matthew Corbett series with another famous franchise: Indiana Jones is likewise attempting to foil evil plots from criminal masterminds. Both series rely heavily on horror elements for creating atmosphere and both heroes rely on their brains and cunning, resorting to violence only in desperate moments.
Also both series need the proverbial McGuffin device to drive the plot forward. We are offered now a choice between two precious books that said master criminals would do anything to get their paws on. Both Professor Fell [the initial Nemesis of Matthew] and Cardinal Black [the new addition to the list of evil masterminds] fight over a book of powerful poisons and a book of ancient spells.
“What if I told you one might regard The Lesser Key of Solomon as a catalogue?”
“A catalogue for what?”
“Demons of course. There they all are, with their names, titles and powers spelled out on the pages. A catalogue, Matthew, of what demon can be chosen for what kind of work on the earthly plane.”
The series until now managed to treat the supernatural elements of the plot in a rational/skeptical manner, revealing every time that behind the alleged demons and monsters is a human hand. The book of poisons is similarly a product of scientific experiments on human subjects done by a Mengele sort of doctor in Professor Fell’s employ. For Matthew, the urgent recovery of the book from the hands of Cardinal Black is imperative if he wants to save his girlfriend from one of those fatal experiments.
This is why Mr. Corbett accepts to work for his former adversary and help him recover both tomes. He is assigned a supervisor to help him along : a young man named Julian who works willingly for Fell as an assassin.
The quest begins in the hours after the final conflict in book six, “The Freedom of the Mask”, which means that Matthew and Julian race against the clock from Cornwall to London in the cold months of winter, 1703 I think.
Once in London, a couple of convenient [and slightly contrived] plot developments lands the couple of young men in the house of a third evil mastermind, this one a retired admiral with grandiose dreams of creating the ultimate weapon of his times . For this, the admiral seeks his own McGuffin, which happens to be in the hands of Corbett & Julian.
In an echo of book four, “The Providence Rider”, where our leading freelance investigator has to impersonate a criminal in a house full of masters of the killing trade, he and Julian must confront a new coterie of international assassins. It would be fun to sketch the portraits of the new adversaries thrown against Matthew in this episode, but Mr. McCammon does a much better job of it. Suffice to say that the premise offers numerous possibilities for mayhem and destruction, conspiracies and betrayals, with often impossible odds piled against our hero.
The historical part of the series that was so captivating in the early books set in America is more muted here, but we have instead a very good use of the weather, as a winter blizzard strikes London just as the action heats up.
With the action so intense and so rushed, there is little time for introspection, but we know already that Matthew is first of all a careful thinker of all angles of a problem, reluctantly forced time after time to pick up the implements of death in order to defend himself or his loved ones. His current interactions with the volatile and amoral Julian, who is only interested in results regardless of costs, and with the deadly clique in the admiral’s house, who embrace their devilry with glee, force Matthew to re-evaluate his own decisions from a moral perspective.
In the stark black and white landscape forced by the blizzard, Matthew must see shades of grey as he is forced to become as ruthless as his adversaries.
Matthew thought that good or bad were mixed up in his mind; he could no longer tell one from the other.
The series continues to hit all the right spots for the fans of horror-action-adventure. The convenient plot twists that help drive the story where the author wants it can be excused in the rush to find out how the hero can get out of the latest dungeon.
We already know from the final pages where he is headed next, and I for one look forward to visit Venice, cca. 1704.
December 15, 2020
Another excellent chapter in the Corbett series. This one has a slightly different feel than the rest of the series, but was still a 5 star read. Dark, violent and at times absolutely shocking. McCammon delivered, again, as he always does. I cannot wait for the new book in the spring (hopefully)!
May 9, 2019
Robert McCammon is a new author…to me. I have previously read Boy’s Life, Swan Song, and The Five. I’ve fallen in love with McCammon’s writing style and his ability to, quite simply, tackle diverse subject matter with finesse. Additionally, the amount of research and scholarship put into these widely varied worlds is just perfection. Coming of age? Check. Post-apocalyptic? Check. A madman hunting a touring rock band? Check. Historical thriller ala James Bond? Check.
Needless to say, when I found myself with an opportunity to read Cardinal Black and make my first journey into the world of Matthew Corbett, I jumped. I was a bit worried that I’d miss out, having not read the other 6 books set in this world, but I am happy to report that everything went swimmingly. McCammon crafted this carefully and I was immersed immediately. There are a few references to past Corbett adventures — this is skillfully done — I’m excited to read the other books that predate this one.
Additionally, more seasoned readers of the Corbett series are going to relish reacquainting themselves with a few characters they have already come to know and love…or love to hate. There are some new characters that I think will become instant favorites. I don’t want to say too much, but beware of the Owl and RakeHell Lizzie. Cardinal Black himself? Just wait and see.
The storyline itself starts in medias res – we are placed near the middle of the situation. I think this works well. There are a few moments where I had to really work to understand where we were, why certain events were happening, and what part certain characters had to play. Honestly, this could’ve been a combination of not having read previous Corbett novels as well as my own experience as a reader; it didn’t detract from the story too much. The ending sets up the possibility for more in this world – I’ll definitely show up for that one, too.
Finally, a note on the edition from Cemetery Dance. This ARC is put together so well; I can only imagine what the finished copies will be like. There are a few surprises within these pages in terms of content and layout by Vincent Chong and Desert Isle Design. They add a richness and a touch of elegance to the reading experience. I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions of readers as they make the same discoveries I made.
Needless to say, when I found myself with an opportunity to read Cardinal Black and make my first journey into the world of Matthew Corbett, I jumped. I was a bit worried that I’d miss out, having not read the other 6 books set in this world, but I am happy to report that everything went swimmingly. McCammon crafted this carefully and I was immersed immediately. There are a few references to past Corbett adventures — this is skillfully done — I’m excited to read the other books that predate this one.
Additionally, more seasoned readers of the Corbett series are going to relish reacquainting themselves with a few characters they have already come to know and love…or love to hate. There are some new characters that I think will become instant favorites. I don’t want to say too much, but beware of the Owl and RakeHell Lizzie. Cardinal Black himself? Just wait and see.
The storyline itself starts in medias res – we are placed near the middle of the situation. I think this works well. There are a few moments where I had to really work to understand where we were, why certain events were happening, and what part certain characters had to play. Honestly, this could’ve been a combination of not having read previous Corbett novels as well as my own experience as a reader; it didn’t detract from the story too much. The ending sets up the possibility for more in this world – I’ll definitely show up for that one, too.
Finally, a note on the edition from Cemetery Dance. This ARC is put together so well; I can only imagine what the finished copies will be like. There are a few surprises within these pages in terms of content and layout by Vincent Chong and Desert Isle Design. They add a richness and a touch of elegance to the reading experience. I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions of readers as they make the same discoveries I made.
December 23, 2021
Cardinal Black, the seventh novel in Matthew Corbett's series, picks up the plot from Freedom of the Mask. First, Matthew has to strike a deal with Professor Fell to save his love and friend. Then, with a charming assassin, Julian Devane, he needs to recover the book of botanical wonders (potions, poisons, drugs) from Cardinal Black.
It's one of the fastest and most brutal books in the series. However, it also suggests Satanic forces may be at play, a thing to explore in the next book.
The series is brilliant, and McCammon's characterization skills are uncanny. Without spoiling too much, Matthew realizes sometimes you need a bad man (or to become one) to get the job done.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I've binged seven books, 3 545 pages in a month. It's one of the finest series I've ever read.
It's one of the fastest and most brutal books in the series. However, it also suggests Satanic forces may be at play, a thing to explore in the next book.
The series is brilliant, and McCammon's characterization skills are uncanny. Without spoiling too much, Matthew realizes sometimes you need a bad man (or to become one) to get the job done.
I can't wait for the next book in the series. I've binged seven books, 3 545 pages in a month. It's one of the finest series I've ever read.
July 27, 2019
2.5 Stars...
The Matthew Corbett books have been trending downward for some time now, and CARDINAL BLACK is no exception to that.
Like all McCammon novels, it entertains, but in a seedy sort of way - more like a cheesy big budget action movie than the cerebral historical mysteries these books started as.
Gone are the rich historical details and mindsets. Each successive volume takes Corbett further and further away from plausibility and realism and more into the realm of silly steampunk fantasy.
Corbett himself is a disappointment. He’s grown little throughout the series. He remains pigheaded and naive and incredibly stupid for a supposed “problem solver” with his collection of experiences.
And I’ve grown more and more tired of the author’s frequent and pointless scenes of violence and brutality, most of which have no purpose in the plot except for shock value. This whole series has aged more like a jar of milk than a bottle of wine.
SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD is an outstanding book. The next several are well worth reading as well. But don’t let those first few give you false hope.
The Matthew Corbett books have been trending downward for some time now, and CARDINAL BLACK is no exception to that.
Like all McCammon novels, it entertains, but in a seedy sort of way - more like a cheesy big budget action movie than the cerebral historical mysteries these books started as.
Gone are the rich historical details and mindsets. Each successive volume takes Corbett further and further away from plausibility and realism and more into the realm of silly steampunk fantasy.
Corbett himself is a disappointment. He’s grown little throughout the series. He remains pigheaded and naive and incredibly stupid for a supposed “problem solver” with his collection of experiences.
And I’ve grown more and more tired of the author’s frequent and pointless scenes of violence and brutality, most of which have no purpose in the plot except for shock value. This whole series has aged more like a jar of milk than a bottle of wine.
SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD is an outstanding book. The next several are well worth reading as well. But don’t let those first few give you false hope.
December 14, 2018
Book seven in the Matthew Corbett series did not disappoint! Robert McCammon continues to amaze with the quality of his writing. This book is incredibly gripping and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down. FIVE STARS!
November 26, 2022
The Mathew Corbett series has included some of Robert McCammon’s best works. These books have all been exciting thrillers. It helps to read them in sequence, but you can jump in here if you like! This book is an outstanding read (or listen). You escape to a different time period and McCammon’s gift is his ability to describe people, scenes, period clothes, and even food so that you are “really there.”
There’s always been at least a little of the macabre! For those who liked the early McCammon books and the horror genre that made him famous ... it’s really back in CARDINAL BLACK! But not so much the supernatural as the evil that lives in some men’s (and women’s) hearts and minds.
There’s always been at least a little of the macabre! For those who liked the early McCammon books and the horror genre that made him famous ... it’s really back in CARDINAL BLACK! But not so much the supernatural as the evil that lives in some men’s (and women’s) hearts and minds.
May 27, 2019
A great continuation of the story- but when finished, it hasn't progressed very far. McCammon has an incredible imagination and I wish we didn't have to wait for the next book.
(I've been reading the last few The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 1: 1950-1952, so when McCammon started an early chapter, "It was a dark and stormy night. Well, it was." I laughed out loud.)
(I've been reading the last few The Complete Peanuts, Vol. 1: 1950-1952, so when McCammon started an early chapter, "It was a dark and stormy night. Well, it was." I laughed out loud.)
June 9, 2019
just over 4 stars.
I havent read a Matthew Corbett novel since Queen of Bedlam. so I felt I was missing stuff because I was, but that didnt diminish my enjoyment of this book.
McCammon has still got it.
I havent read a Matthew Corbett novel since Queen of Bedlam. so I felt I was missing stuff because I was, but that didnt diminish my enjoyment of this book.
McCammon has still got it.
October 1, 2019
„Korbetas, Metju Korbetas“, - galėtų prisistatinėti šitos serijos protagonistas. Nes iš tikrųjų – kas jis, jei ne XVIII a. pradžios Džeimsas Bondas? Tik tiek, kad suktis jam tenka be visokių gadžetų. Bet sukasi.
Šįsyk aplinkybės susidėlioja taip, kad Korbetui tenka sudaryti sutartį su pagrindiniu savo priešininku ir veikti jau kitoje įstatymo pusėje. Knyga – tiesioginis prieš tai buvusios knygos „Freedom of the Mask“ tęsinys. Ir tai man kažkiek gadina skaitymo malonumą. Prieš tai serijos knygos buvo daugiau mažiau išbaigtos, dabar gi, pradedant nuo šeštosios, panašu, kad gauname po vieną dėlionės epizodą. Nes ir šioje – niekas nesibaigia. Ir sprendžiant iš paskelbtų pavadinimų, dar bent dvi knygos tęs šitą vieną questą.
Beje, apie pavadinimus. Kardinolas Blekas, tarsi ir žadėjęs tapti pagrindiniu antagonistu, kažkoks blankus. Kur kas spalvingesnis netikėtai išniręs jo sąjungininkas admirolas su savo svajonėmis apie skraidantį laivyną.
Žodžiu, seriją toliau seksiu, faktas. Bet penkių iš penkių nebeduosiu. Tegul bus ketvertas. Bet stiprus.
Šįsyk aplinkybės susidėlioja taip, kad Korbetui tenka sudaryti sutartį su pagrindiniu savo priešininku ir veikti jau kitoje įstatymo pusėje. Knyga – tiesioginis prieš tai buvusios knygos „Freedom of the Mask“ tęsinys. Ir tai man kažkiek gadina skaitymo malonumą. Prieš tai serijos knygos buvo daugiau mažiau išbaigtos, dabar gi, pradedant nuo šeštosios, panašu, kad gauname po vieną dėlionės epizodą. Nes ir šioje – niekas nesibaigia. Ir sprendžiant iš paskelbtų pavadinimų, dar bent dvi knygos tęs šitą vieną questą.
Beje, apie pavadinimus. Kardinolas Blekas, tarsi ir žadėjęs tapti pagrindiniu antagonistu, kažkoks blankus. Kur kas spalvingesnis netikėtai išniręs jo sąjungininkas admirolas su savo svajonėmis apie skraidantį laivyną.
Žodžiu, seriją toliau seksiu, faktas. Bet penkių iš penkių nebeduosiu. Tegul bus ketvertas. Bet stiprus.
June 7, 2019
I loved this book, but this is my favorite series, so that was to be expected. Didn't let me down.
September 12, 2019
Why isn’t Robert McCammon a superstar like some of the other famous authors these days? Is it because he shunted the big guy publisher back in the 90s when he wouldn’t conform to the market demands? I don’t know. But anyone who picks up a book by him – any book (at least any that was written after the first four, anyways), would immediately be sucked into the writing and experience a story of great imagination and human emotions. I feel that many of his books would make great movies! Probably better than your average Stephen King movie!
The Matthew Corbett series would translate to the big screen, in my opinion, just as well as Harry Potter or the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings – or at the very least, be adapted to a live action show on any one of these streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.
Okay, moving on…
Cardinal Black. Wow, this was amazing! We’re at the point where Matthew has had his fair share of adventure and action, but now he’s on a new mission and things have gotten very dark. He’s surrounded by very, very bad people and he’s had to make some very, very tough (bad?) decisions in order to accomplish what he’s set out to do, and to survive. This book, though containing plenty of humor, is no joke. There’s some serious bloodshed all throughout, and plenty of live-wire tension. And our villains are worse yet, Cardinal Black himself and Admiral Lash – Matthew is up against some terrible people in this installment, and I ripped through this book always wondering what will happen next and how he’ll get out of whatever situation he’s stuck in.
The Matthew Corbett series would translate to the big screen, in my opinion, just as well as Harry Potter or the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings – or at the very least, be adapted to a live action show on any one of these streaming services like Hulu or Netflix.
Okay, moving on…
Cardinal Black. Wow, this was amazing! We’re at the point where Matthew has had his fair share of adventure and action, but now he’s on a new mission and things have gotten very dark. He’s surrounded by very, very bad people and he’s had to make some very, very tough (bad?) decisions in order to accomplish what he’s set out to do, and to survive. This book, though containing plenty of humor, is no joke. There’s some serious bloodshed all throughout, and plenty of live-wire tension. And our villains are worse yet, Cardinal Black himself and Admiral Lash – Matthew is up against some terrible people in this installment, and I ripped through this book always wondering what will happen next and how he’ll get out of whatever situation he’s stuck in.
May 10, 2019
I waited three years for this and it did not disappoint! Now I want to go back and reread the rest of them.
Cardinal Black seamlessly picks up right where it left off in Freedom of the Mask. Matthew Corbett sets off with Professor Fell’s minion Julian Devane to retrieve the book of potions that can save Berry Grigsby, the girl Matthew loves. I have to start by saying that Julian was a fascinating character study. He’s a self-proclaimed “bad man”, and layer after layer is peeled back to see why he is the way he is. He’s only one of many tragic characters in this story, all of them equally absorbing.
These are dark and graphic books, and normally, I’m not a fan of gory depravity. But Matthew Corbett is a perfect foil for his enemies. He tries so hard to maintain his sense of integrity and justice in the midst of unspeakable evils. The nail-biting suspense is found not only in the plot, but in the dynamic between Julian and Matthew, because you start to wonder if some of Julian’s “bad man” persona might rub off on him. They are in close quarters on a deadly mission, so be prepared to be sucked in.
I really hope it doesn’t take three years for the next one because I can already tell from how this one left off that it’s going to be amazing. This remains one of my favorite series of all time.
Cardinal Black seamlessly picks up right where it left off in Freedom of the Mask. Matthew Corbett sets off with Professor Fell’s minion Julian Devane to retrieve the book of potions that can save Berry Grigsby, the girl Matthew loves. I have to start by saying that Julian was a fascinating character study. He’s a self-proclaimed “bad man”, and layer after layer is peeled back to see why he is the way he is. He’s only one of many tragic characters in this story, all of them equally absorbing.
These are dark and graphic books, and normally, I’m not a fan of gory depravity. But Matthew Corbett is a perfect foil for his enemies. He tries so hard to maintain his sense of integrity and justice in the midst of unspeakable evils. The nail-biting suspense is found not only in the plot, but in the dynamic between Julian and Matthew, because you start to wonder if some of Julian’s “bad man” persona might rub off on him. They are in close quarters on a deadly mission, so be prepared to be sucked in.
I really hope it doesn’t take three years for the next one because I can already tell from how this one left off that it’s going to be amazing. This remains one of my favorite series of all time.
December 19, 2019
3.5 stars. This series is so much fun. This installment is a super fast paced, somewhat gruesome tale. I miss some of the slower character building and rich descriptions of the earlier books but I’m always along for the ride with Matthew.
June 5, 2024
“Fate knows only chaos and confusion.”
-Robert McCammon
-Robert McCammon
July 15, 2024
The story continues ...
May 7, 2019
3.5 stars
Madness... pure madness I tell you! The master of madness reveals the further development of Matthew Corbett and his varied cohorts. If you are an Audible reader, you will be thrilled with the narration by Edoardo Ballerini once again as only he can truly bring these characters to their full color and flare.... and Madness!
Madness... pure madness I tell you! The master of madness reveals the further development of Matthew Corbett and his varied cohorts. If you are an Audible reader, you will be thrilled with the narration by Edoardo Ballerini once again as only he can truly bring these characters to their full color and flare.... and Madness!
August 6, 2024
4.5
This novel is not quite as good as the previous, but topping “Freedom of the Mask” is a tall order. The half star deduction is because this plot moves in one direction and with a bit less scenery than most Corbett tales. The other reason has to do with two coincidences that would do Edgar Rice Burroughs proud. That’s ok.
As usual, the characters are alive with real personality. Good guys, acquaintances, incidental characters and the superb, nasty villains shine in these novels. It’s too bad some of the villains have to die, but they definitely deserve it.
Our lead villain Cardinal Black was introduced in the previous novel, but he’s a putz compared to some of the others we meet here. In my opinion of course. I finally understand why there’s a blurb on the back cover about “the early American James Bond”; it’s the crazy bad guys that bring out some of that Bond flavor.
Matthew Corbett has again grown within these pages. It’s rare that a writer has such a grasp on his creation as McCammon does with Corbett.
You really need to read this series.
This novel is not quite as good as the previous, but topping “Freedom of the Mask” is a tall order. The half star deduction is because this plot moves in one direction and with a bit less scenery than most Corbett tales. The other reason has to do with two coincidences that would do Edgar Rice Burroughs proud. That’s ok.
As usual, the characters are alive with real personality. Good guys, acquaintances, incidental characters and the superb, nasty villains shine in these novels. It’s too bad some of the villains have to die, but they definitely deserve it.
Our lead villain Cardinal Black was introduced in the previous novel, but he’s a putz compared to some of the others we meet here. In my opinion of course. I finally understand why there’s a blurb on the back cover about “the early American James Bond”; it’s the crazy bad guys that bring out some of that Bond flavor.
Matthew Corbett has again grown within these pages. It’s rare that a writer has such a grasp on his creation as McCammon does with Corbett.
You really need to read this series.
January 12, 2023
McCammon is still top tier for me. This novel was so fun to read, what an adventure. Robert is a true wordsmith, forming images in the mind with his masterful verbiage. I can’t wait to read more of his novels. I also loved reading about the 1700’s. McCammon does such a good job with this historical fiction. Outstanding read, planning on reading this entire series!
June 4, 2019
Matthew Corbett has enthralled me for years. He is the quintessential hero of the Colonies. We've followed him on exploits across the ocean, across the states, and across the path of villain after villain. I was beyond excited for this latest installment of the Corbett saga, but I have to say that I wasn't as enamored as I've been in the past. Maybe it was the time spent away - it's been over a year since I read FREEDOM OF THE MARK - but this novel didn't grab me as others have.
Not having Hudson and Berry, I feel, did this book a disservice. Obviously, I understand why they weren't focal, but I missed them heartily.
RakeHell Lizzie is one for the record books. I will not soon forget her, her backstory, or her impact on Corbett.
I will undoubtedly continue to read any future novels that McCammon pens centering around Corbett, I just hope they are a bit more cohesive.
thelithaven.com
Not having Hudson and Berry, I feel, did this book a disservice. Obviously, I understand why they weren't focal, but I missed them heartily.
RakeHell Lizzie is one for the record books. I will not soon forget her, her backstory, or her impact on Corbett.
I will undoubtedly continue to read any future novels that McCammon pens centering around Corbett, I just hope they are a bit more cohesive.
thelithaven.com
May 26, 2019
Some good moments, some not so good...
Not my fav in this series, had the feel of just wrapping up a few loose story lines until the next book in the series come out.
Not my fav in this series, had the feel of just wrapping up a few loose story lines until the next book in the series come out.
October 6, 2019
I tend to think of the Matthew Corbett series as good wholesome historical fiction. I was reminded in this book that Robert McCammon is a horror writer & there is some dark & gory stuff in here.
January 25, 2022
Loved it! So glad I'm caught up. Can't wait for the next installment to be released! I'm on the edge of my seat 😩
February 9, 2024
For me the best of the series. I liked the transformation of the characters, the humor, the realistic brutality, everything perfect in this one.
Please, never stop Mr. Corbett!
Please, never stop Mr. Corbett!
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