This series closes out in a maelstrom (pun intended) of heroism, madness, horror, love, triumph, and just a few tentacles. Everything comes full-circle (pun also intended) as Whyborne and Griffin join with new and old allies to defend their home of Widdershins from the extra-dimensional Masters who have returned to reclaim what is theirs. Because … Continue reading Review: Deosil (Whyborne & Griffin #11) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin #10) by Jordan L. Hawk
Ten is a solid, round number, so I thought this would be the final book in the series. I was disappointed that the grand finale didn't look like it would take place in the city of Widdershins, but I figured out early in the story that this was not the end of the series. That's … Continue reading Review: Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin #10) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Draakenwood (Whyborne & Griffin #9) by Jordan L. Hawk
We're back in Widdershins for Whyborne & Griffin's latest adventure, but this time it's the old families who are the targets. When Whyborne is accused of murder, he and his allies must not only clear his name, but also prevent the rise of a great evil. Plenty of familiar faces appear in this story, including … Continue reading Review: Draakenwood (Whyborne & Griffin #9) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: “Eidolon” (Whyborne & Griffin #1.5) by Jordan L. Hawk
This short story takes place near the beginning of Whyborne and Griffin's relationship, and reading it after seven full novels is an interesting trip into the past. In this story, there's still a bit of relationship angst that I now know to be completely unfounded, but it's not so angsty as to make me roll … Continue reading Review: “Eidolon” (Whyborne & Griffin #1.5) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Fallow (Whyborne & Griffin #8) by Jordan L. Hawk
Whyborne's angst starts out deep in this story, but after the revelations of the previous book, he's certainly got a lot on his mind. Luckily, this book continues the trend of splitting the narration between Whyborne and Griffin. Griffin's life isn't exactly cheery at the moment, as he struggles to connect with his dour husband, … Continue reading Review: Fallow (Whyborne & Griffin #8) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Maelstrom (Whyborne & Griffin #7) by Jordan L. Hawk
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: 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: 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: 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