Family has been a running theme in this series, and things come to a head in this installment of the Whyborne & Griffin books. Whyborne's father has had a major shift in attitude, which causes Whyborne to be suspicious of the man's motives. In the grander scheme of things, Whyborne's own position in the town … Continue reading Review: Maelstrom (Whyborne & Griffin #7) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Any Old Diamonds (Lilywhite Boys #1) by K.J. Charles
K.J. Charles has officially become one of "those authors," in which I purchase the book on release day and stay up way too late finishing it on a work night. And I have zero regrets about it. This particular book references the concept of the Victorian-era melodrama multiple times. Then, it drags the reader along … Continue reading Review: Any Old Diamonds (Lilywhite Boys #1) by K.J. Charles
Review: Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin #6) by Jordan L. Hawk
Something different about this book is immediate from the first page -- scenes from Griffin's point of view! This made me nervous at first, but Hawk obviously has a great handle on his character. Switching between two first-person POVs is never difficult, because Griffin's voice is so distinctive from Whyborne's. The need for scenes to … Continue reading Review: Hoarfrost (Whyborne & Griffin #6) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Bloodline (Whyborne & Griffin #5) by Jordan L. Hawk
The Lovecraftian influence in this series goes deeper once again, featuring mythical monsters hinted at in previous installments. The larger world of sorcery also opens up, and along with Whyborne, we find out there is more to learn than just spells in an old book. Family is the true theme of this story, however, as … Continue reading Review: Bloodline (Whyborne & Griffin #5) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Escaping Mortality (Escape #3) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Disclaimer: I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. The cliffhanger at the end of book 2 in this trilogy, Escaping Solitude, left me frantic. Luckily, this installment picks up mere moments from where the previous left off and continues the story without missing a beat. This trilogy of novellas will make for a … Continue reading Review: Escaping Mortality (Escape #3) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Review: Necropolis (Whyborne & Griffin #4) by Jordan L. Hawk
This installment of the series takes poor Whyborne far out of his comfort zone as his friend Dr. Putnam summons him to Egypt for his professional expertise. The fact that I read this book while on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean probably enhanced my sympathy for him, which was a fun … Continue reading Review: Necropolis (Whyborne & Griffin #4) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: “Remnant” (Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery) by K.J. Charles& Jordan L. Hawk
This short story is available as a free download from K.J. Charles' website. It is best read after Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin #3) by Jordan L. Hawk and the full collection of The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles because it contains significant spoilers for both. There need to be more cross-over stories between authors I enjoy … Continue reading Review: “Remnant” (Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery) by K.J. Charles& Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin #3) by Jordan L. Hawk
The horrors of this book are once again an homage to those created by Lovecraft himself, and I continue to find absurd joy in heroes that would have completely pissed him off. At this point, I am thoroughly enamored by both Whyborne and Griffin, and Hawk continues to impress with their excellent character development. The … Continue reading Review: Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin #3) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin #2) by Jordan L. Hawk
This book was an excellent follow-up to the first in the series, proving that Hawk is now comfortable with their world and their characters. We leave behind the Lovecraftian city of Widdershins for a company town in the Appalachian mountains, haunted by creatures who are both horrifying and unique. The relationship development between Whyborne and … Continue reading Review: Threshold (Whyborne & Griffin #2) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
I picked up the first book in this series because I'd heard good things about it from readers who also enjoyed the stories in K.J. Charles' Charm of Magpies world. They were spot-on in their recommendation, and I'll also throw in my hat that fans of either series will enjoy the other. Once you get … Continue reading Review: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
This intertwining collection of "short stories" are a blast to read, and I love the idea of a Holmes and Watson style pairing working together in the occult realm. This is definitely a case where the author's notes at the end enhance the coolness of what I just read, and shows how the author's research … Continue reading Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
Review: Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
Disclaimer: I received an electronic version of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have a soft spot for contemporary romance stories that have evolved with the times. So many relationships begin with the partners meeting online these days (my own included) that more traditional "meet-cutes" almost start to feel … Continue reading Review: Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
This connected short story and novel take place in the world of A Charm of Magpies. A reader will get the most of these stories after reading the initial trilogy and Jackdaw. This story looks at yet another side of the magic world established in the trilogy A Charm of Magpies. Crispin and Ned are … Continue reading Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
I thoroughly enjoy this historical fantasy world, and I'm so glad that it extends beyond the initial trilogy. Part of what I loved most about this book in particular was seeing this world through new eyes, by a person who is neither magic nor cushioned by wealth and privilege. I was not expecting to see … Continue reading Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm
Disclaimer: I received an advanced electronic copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is set in the same world (and town) as the author's previous book, Perfect Day. It is not necessary to have read that book first, but it puts certain events into perspective. Otherwise, Theo and … Continue reading Review: Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm
Reviews: “Interlude with Tattoos,” “The Smuggler and the Warlord,” and “Feast of Stephen” (A Charm of Magpies short stories) by K.J. Charles
The following short stories are part of the Charm of Magpies series, an historical fantasy-romance world by K.J. Charles. They are best read as companions to the main trilogy. Lucien Vaudrey, or Lord Crane, has seven magpie tattoos. This is presented in the first book of the trilogy, and only part of what makes him … Continue reading Reviews: “Interlude with Tattoos,” “The Smuggler and the Warlord,” and “Feast of Stephen” (A Charm of Magpies short stories) by K.J. Charles
Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
I found this series right before the previous publishing company it was being published with folded. I was devastated, because it meant waiting months until I could finish the trilogy. Luckily, it was absolutely worth the wait. The conclusion to this trilogy brought together much of the story and plot elements from the previous books, … Continue reading Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
Review: The Omega Objection (San Andreas Shifters #2) by G.L. Carriger
I pre-ordered this book, and immediately tore through it as soon as I had a free evening. I do not regret either of these decisions. Returning to the wacky werewolf pack of San Francisco was a delight, especially with the new focus on characters Isaac and Tank. Carriger could have gone the expected ways with … Continue reading Review: The Omega Objection (San Andreas Shifters #2) by G.L. Carriger
Reviews: “Song for a Viking” and “Wanted, an Author” by K.J. Charles
The following stories are available for free on the author's website and cannot be read as stand-alones. They are lovely follow-ups to the novels referenced in the reviews. "Song for a Viking" takes place immediately after the novel Think of England and is best read with the ending of the book in mind. I enjoyed this … Continue reading Reviews: “Song for a Viking” and “Wanted, an Author” by K.J. Charles
Review: Wanted, a Gentleman by K.J. Charles
Happy 500th blog post to me! Thanks for hanging out with me. I was initially unsure whether I wanted to read this book, despite my previous enjoyment of all of the author's works. However, a quiet evening at home when I knew I was falling ill demanded comfort reading, and this book was the perfect … Continue reading Review: Wanted, a Gentleman by K.J. Charles