Jordan L. Hawk

3.5 Stars

Lovers of Whyborne and Griffin should have no problem with this spinoff as the atmosphere is creepy and secretive, with just that touch of surprising horror as Widdershins still has its hold on its denizens and those that it beckons into its fold.

Newcomer Vesper Rune, has a deep dark secret that has plagued him all his life and in a desperate attempt to rid a curse from himself and his beloved brother, he infiltrates the Ladysmith’s library under false pretenses. Of course, what he doesn’t expect to find is a belonging he’s never had and stirring feelings for one he should never desire. The thing is, will Vesper have the chance to fulfill such farfetched dreams with library archivist Sebastian Rath, or will a brewing nasty foe prevail instead?

What always makes a spinoff good and what made this story’s predecessor so successful was that it delivered a solid mystery, stoked an initial slow burn between the two protagonists that turned epic, and Hawk consistently plied plenty of heart behind the terror and suspense.

Here, it’s not quite there yet, but it’s only the first book and I have strong hopes and an inkling that Vesper and Sebastian (as well as the eccentric librarian cast) will more than prove their worth by employing their quirky resourceful ways. Whyborne and Griffin are in the periphery doing their own thing, hopefully enjoying some of their hard won peace but as everyone knows, evil never rests and will inevitably rear its ugly head in some form or another. There’s a new duo in town to take their turn at it, and they’re far from shabby and subpar!… (lisätietoja)

4 Stars!

Eleven books read over 5 years and what a journey!

I will just simply reiterate that Hawk has created something special here. It has romance and epic love and a battle against good and evil that is complex and rich with legend and lore.

What I will remember most is that this series has heart.

I’m sad to say goodbye to this wonderful group of characters and again, if you haven’t started with [b:Widdershins|16128152|Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin, #1)|Jordan L. Hawk|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1352121658l/16128152._SY75_.jpg|21952704], then what are you waiting for?… (lisätietoja)

4 Stars

Thoroughly enjoyable series that has so far, consistently delivered on the mystery, the fear factor, and the smart writing. What also counts significantly is the relationship between Whyborne and Griffin, which is only further strengthened, the depth of their feelings now firmly known and cemented in this installment.

This go around Whyborne and Griffin, along with the unflappable Christine, try to prove a man’s innocence in a most suspicious murder. Nobody does prim and proper better than Whyborne, making this extra fun as he gets himself into one scrape after the other. Despite his huge reluctance to get involved, he reassuringly comes through quite triumphantly.

Griffin here, is horribly and devastatingly affected by his past and his current familial struggles, but thankfully he draws on his relationship with Whyborne for strength and fortitude. He puts his detective skills to work under the pressure of his even stronger sense of justice, and he and Whyborne uncover a sinister plan of revenge that will of course, destroy the world if it comes to fruition.

So yes, this gradually builds towards an explosive finish. It was entertaining and surprisingly (and always appreciated) more sexy and heartfelt than the last. The emotional weight of the interpersonal and external struggles these two go through only enriched the reading experience. I definitely look forward to more of this great duo.… (lisätietoja)