“Made to be Broken,” the debut novel in the Mystic Rampage Series by Hugh Fritz, introduces readers to a thrilling, supernatural mystery set in the familiar urban sprawl of Chicago. As a string of enigmatic murders unsettles the city, the lives of three seemingly ordinary men converge in an unexpected quest: Darren, a man haunted by a dark past, unable to sever ties with his perilous history; Soleil, a Café proprietor graced with uncanny powers; and Flarence, a crime-solving Genie. The trio soon discover their foe is far from ordinary and realize the impending danger encroaching upon them. The pressing question becomes, can they reconcile their pasts to unite for the common cause, or will their hesitations result in the loss of those they hold dear?

Darren’s predicament is particularly alarming as his past affiliation with a gang now sees him ensnared in the killer’s crosshairs. The killer, armed with an unimaginably potent weapon, has been targeting members of Darren’s old crew, leaving Darren in a race against time to protect his family. Simultaneously, Soleil wrestles with a moral dilemma, deciding whether to aid his friend Tyrell, who grapples with his father’s arrest on drug charges, or maintain a safe distance from the unfolding chaos. Further complicating matters, Tyrell’s father is none other than Darren. Adding fuel to the fire, Flarence, Soleil’s once-close friend, poses an obstacle due to a philosophical rift, with Soleil sensing that Flarence’s intransigence might be his downfall.

While Hugh Fritz’s writing style is minimalist. His characters, though intriguing, lack individuality, giving the impression that they could easily be transposed into any other narrative of a similar genre. Despite this, “Made to be Broken” is an entertaining read, seamlessly fusing the realms of fantasy and modern reality. It’s a definite contender for fans of whodunits laced with high-fantasy elements. The novel expertly weaves two genres into a quick, engaging read, its 264 pages seemingly flying by.

While I think “Made to be Broken” can have improved character development and narrative structure, its exciting storyline and absorbing mystery make it a worthwhile read. The allure of the tale Fritz has spun makes overlooking these minor flaws an easy task, urging the reader to give it a try.

Pages: 266 | ASIN: B07RGX8VR3