Necropolis by Jordan L Hawk

From the blurb:

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has spent the last few months watching his lover, Griffin Flaherty, come to terms with the rejection of his adoptive family. So when an urgent telegram from Christine summons them to Egypt, Whyborne is reluctant to risk the fragile peace they’ve established. Until, that is, a man who seems as much animal as human tries to murder Whyborne in the museum.

Amidst the ancient ruins of the pharaohs, they must join Christine and face betrayal, murder, and a legendary sorceress risen from the dead. In the forge of the desert heat, the trio will either face their fears and stand together—or shatter the bonds between them forever.

Review:

The boys are back.  It's no secret that I love the Whyborne and Griffin series and book 4, Necropolis, is no exception.  Hawk has a way of capturing these characters that makes my heart sing.  Her narrative is dripping with humour, fantastical monsters, and gorgeous settings.  She's a story teller of high calibre.

This book takes our hero Whyborne well outside of his comfort zone - travelling all the way to Egypt, having been summoned by his colleague and best friend the archaeologist Christine Putnam.  The arid desert setting, the ancient tombs and artefacts, combined with the love and turbulence of Whyborne and Griffin's steamy relationship makes this an absolutely rollicking read.

I also love that Hawk is not afraid to touch on the fact that Griffin is bisexual. It's a small thing, but having visibly bisexual characters in the queer romance genre is so important.

I listened to this on audiobook and Julian G Simmons is a masterful narrator. He does a fantastic job capturing Whyborne's voice and giving distinct voices to both Christine and Griffin. It makes for a delightful listen. I couldn't stop and ended up listening to it in one day.  Not only is the performance excellent, so is the production.

This novel is perfect for a lazy summer day. Would be excellent reading on a lovely beach somewhere. If you don't have a beach, I'm sure a sunny patio will also work. Best consumed with iced-tea.

More Information:

Title: Necropolis
Author: Jordan L Hawk
Genre: Paranormal/Romance
Publisher: Jordan L Hawk
Publishing Date: May 2014
Type: m/m

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A Case of Possession by KJ Charles

From the blurb:

Magic in the blood. Danger in the streets.

A Charm of Magpies, Book 2

Lord Crane has never had a lover quite as elusive as Stephen Day. True, Stephen’s job as justiciar requires secrecy, but the magician’s disappearing act bothers Crane more than it should. When a blackmailer threatens to expose their illicit relationship, Crane knows a smart man would hop the first ship bound for China. But something unexpectedly stops him. His heart.

Stephen has problems of his own. As he investigates a plague of giant rats sweeping London, his sudden increase in power, boosted by his blood-and-sex bond with Crane, is rousing suspicion that he’s turned warlock. With all eyes watching him, the threat of exposure grows. Stephen could lose his friends, his job and his liberty over his relationship with Crane. He’s not sure if he can take that risk much longer. And Crane isn’t sure if he can ask him to.

The rats are closing in, and something has to give…

Review:

The second installment in A Charm of Magpies is an extraordinarily fun romp.  I think this is even better than the first book, The Magpie Lord, and that's a tall order!

This novel follows Lord Crane, a domineering earl, and his lover, magician Stephen Day, as they seek to uncover a very curious plague of giant rats in London.  This mystery provides a fun backdrop to the main story arc - Crane and Stephen.

In The Magpie Lord we got to see their attraction to each other blossoming, but in this second book, we get to see their relationship unfolding.  Both men are incredibly strong in their own ways and fiercely independent.  There is a huge question mark over whether these two can actually get together for more than just mind blowing sex. 

The female characters in this novel really help to make it a winner for me.  Leonora Hart, a friend of Crane's, especially.  I love her sense of humour and her brashness.  I also enjoyed finding out more about Stephen's work partner, Esther Gold.  These two characters are what makes this novel, for me, superior to the first.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for awesome women!

KJ Charles' research also needs commendation.  Victorian London is not portrayed as being entirely comprised of white people!  There's a strong focus in this novel on Chinese migration, which really adds a nice depth to the book.  

KJ Charles' style is witty and fun.  The sex scenes are ridiculously steamy.

A Case of Possession is superb.

More Information:

Title: A Case of Possession

Author: KJ Charles

Genre: Paranormal/Historical/Romance
Length: Novel 

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publishing Date: 28 Jan. 2014

Type: m/m

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Review: Threshold by Jordan L Hawk

From the blurb:

Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.

Review:

I am totally and utterly smitten with the Whyborne and Griffin series thus far.  I read the first book, Widdershins, but decided to give the audio book a whirl for the second novel in the series - Threshold.

It did take me a little to adjust to Julian G. Simmon's interpretation of Whyborne.  I must confess, in my mind Whyborne was always a little more British in his accent, but Julian does such a fantastic job of creating a softly spoken, humble and all round adorable Whyborne.  Now I couldn't think of Whyborne's voice as anything different.

The story of Threshold is very different from Widdershins.  Threshold is more like an episode of the X-files, whereas Widdershins was more like an adventure novel.  And I mean that as a compliment.  Moving the action away from the town of Widdershins was both refreshing and a little sad.  Widdershins was a character in itself.  But it really doesn't take Hawk long to establish the character of Threshold as a setting.

Hawk handles the movement from blossoming relationship between Whyborne and Griffin in Widdershins to established relationship in Threshold phenomenally well.  She never lets the characters remain comfortable for long.  The pain she puts Whyborne through is simply soul wrenching and it made my heart ache.

I loved the way we explore Griffin's past more in this novel.  It helps to make him a little less shiny and heroic.  There is a real sense of equality in their relationship and it warms me.

Whyborne's character development is also key to the forward momentum of this story.  He becomes emboldened.  And it's not just Griffin's presence and support which helps him to make these personal growths - it's also the ways in which he finds himself standing in opposition to Griffin.

I also adored the way we explore Whyborne's family more - especially his mother.  She is fascinating and I really hope we see more of her in the most recent book.

As much as I want to hold out and wait for the audio book version of book 3 in this series, Stormhaven, I don't possess that kind of patience.

Feels. I has them.

Title: Threshold
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publishing Date: June 3, 2013
Length: Novel (67k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Historical
Type: m/m

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Review: The Dark Victorian: Risen by Elizabeth Watasin

From the blurb:

"Way will open." She is Artifice. A resurrected criminal and agent of HRH Prince Albert's Secret Commission. An artificial ghost. A Quaker. He is Jim Dastard. The oldest surviving agent of the Secret Commission. An animated skull. A mentor to newly resurrected agents. It is 1880 in a mechanical and supernatural London. Agents of Prince Albert's Secret Commission, their criminal pasts wiped from their memories, are resurrected to fight the eldritch evils that threaten England. Amidst this turmoil, Jim Dastard and his new partner Artifice must stop a re-animationist raising murderous dead children. As Art and Jim pursue their quarry, Art discovers clues about her past self, and through meeting various intriguing women--a journalist, a medium, a prostitute, and a mysterious woman in black--where her heart lies. Yet the question remains: What sort of criminal was she? A new beginning, a new identity, and new dangers await Art as she fights for the Secret Commission and for her second life.

Review:

This novella is quirky and dark. Art is a curious main character. She is quiet, and we only get small tantalising glimpses into her thoughts. The mystery of Art's past is really what drives this story. She was killed for being a criminal, but that doesn't mesh with her Quakerism.  The fact that she is a Quaker is a nice touch and really does help to make this story unique.

The internal story arc is Jim and Art searching down a re-animationist. It would have benefited from slightly more foreshadowing and development. The arc for the series however - the story of Art - is much better handled. I really look forward to seeing how this develops over the series.

This story reads very much like a cartoon - and it would make a fine cartoon or graphic novel. That is unsurprising given the author is an animator and graphic novelist of over twenty years. 

I really enjoyed the aesthetic of this story. It did take me a chapter or two to adjust between my idea of Victorian London to Watasin's, but once I did, it was thoroughly enjoyable.

The romance elements are not overly present in the first novella in the series. We are informed of Art's attraction to women, and there are hints of past and possibly future relationships. It is great to see a queer protagonist, nonetheless, even if I have to wait for the romance story arc over the series.


Title: Dark Victorian Vol. 1: Risen
Author: Elizabeth Watasin
Publishing Date: Nov 1, 2012
Length: Novella
Genre: Paranormal/Steam Punk
Type: f/f

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Review: Widdershins by Jordan L Hawk

Synopsis:
The year is 1897 and it's a chilly winter in the coastal town of Widdershins.  Percival Endicott Whyborne is a brilliant but shy comparative philologist who is defensive about his past and his 'inclinations'. Given a choice about anything, Whyborne would stay hidden away in his office translating dead languages.  But things don't exactly go as Whyborne would like.

A private detective, Griffin Flaherty, requires help translating a text in cipher and Whyborne is the most qualified man for the job in Widdershins.  It's not long until Whyborne ends up being Griffin's reluctant sidekick.

Even as they investigate the monstrous, Whyborne finds himself becoming more and more attracted to Griffin.  But many things stand in his way: his past, the law, and social mores.  Can Whyborne relinquish his memories and love again? Can Griffin, after all he's been through, trust anyone?  And most importantly: can they save the goddamn world?

Review:
This paranormal-historical-romance had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book.  It took next to no time for me to become totally invested in the two heroes as well as their kickass friend, Dr. Christine Putnam.

Whyborne, whose point of view we follow, is utterly utterly lovable as the main character.  He is very introverted and tries to avoid being noticed or being the centre of attention.  His social ineptitude was at times cringe-worthy, but totally sympathetic.  As he becomes more relaxed around friends, he becomes even more loveable.

Griffin, the hero, by contrast to Whyborne, has a certain ease about him. He balances out Whyborne's introverted nature well.  His kindness is really what makes him lovely and drives home many of the 'squee' moments throughout the book.  And were there many 'squee' moments? Oh yes! Many!

Dr. Christine Putnam deserves more than an honorable mention for being a badass female presence.  A female archaeologist at a time when women were not supposed to be doing such things, she is powerful, assertive, smart, and knows her way around guns. And the two heroes would probably be dead without her.

The liberal smattering of classical allusions were very welcome by this reader.  Latin and the ancient world provided excellent embellishments to the paranormal elements.  Jordan L Hawk's background in archaeology is most certainly an asset to this story.

Hawk's language is rich and rewarding.  Her ability to capture the nervousness of new love and mesh that in a story filled with monstrous gore should be commended.

I feel like I've come to the party late on this one - but I'm sure glad I arrived at all.  I'll be starting on Threshold as soon as possible because I just cannot get enough of Whyborne and Griffin.

Seriously, all the squees.

Title: Widdershins
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publishing Date: Dec 3, 2012
Length: Novel (85k)
Genre: Paranormal/Romance/Historical
Type: m/m

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Review: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles

From the blurb:

Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn’t expect it to turn up angry.

Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude…and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual.

Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn’t the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

Review:

I couldn't put this novel down.

The plot is well focused and the main characters are incredibly well drawn.  The pacing is just phenomenally well executed.  While there are a few cliches, e.g. a tall, strong earl, the fact that Lord Crane has spent 15 years in China adds a really nice embellishment to the character.

K.J. Charles does a really great job of balancing elements of Victorian England with a paranormal story line.  Fans of romance might find the romance plot takes a while to get into, but, trust me, it's worth it.

The pacing of the romance is something that I really admired.  The two heroes really do get to know each other and the attraction doesn't feel forced.  There's also the whole business of being in peril and saving one another that helps to solidify their attraction.  What others would have brushed off as a bromance, K.J. Charles masterfully makes into a romance.

The dynamic between the dangerous, but mostly good Lord Crane, and the mysterious, but grudge holding Stephen Day is first almost hostile before journeying through to romantic interest.  Their passion for one another develops over the course of the novel in a series of unfolding events, and K.J. Charles masterfully controls the unfolding relationship by building up to a crescendo.

The editorial execution was, from what I could tell, flawless.  The ebook cover was professional, interesting, and definitely attention grabbing. Overall, a polished end result.

It is one of the best queer romances that I've read, although I have my quibbles with it.  I am eagerly awaiting book 2, A Case of Possession due to be published Jan 28, 2014.

Title: The Magpie Lord
Author: KJ Charles
Publisher: Samhain
Publishing Date: Sep 3, 2013
Length: Novel (50k)
Genre: Romance/Paranormal/Historical
Type: m/m

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