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Whyborne & Griffin #8
Fallow: 10th Anniversary Edition
When Griffin’s past collides with his present, will it cost the lives of everyone he loves?
Between the threat of a world-ending invasion from the Outside and unwelcome revelations about his own nature, Percival Endicott Whyborne is under a great deal of strain. His husband, Griffin Flaherty, wants to help—but how can he, when Whyborne won’t tell him what’s wrong?
When a man from Griffin’s past murders a sorcerer, the situation grows even more dire. Once a simple farmer from Griffin’s hometown of Fallow, the assassin now bears a terrifying magical corruption, one whose nature even Whyborne can’t explain.
To keep Griffin’s estranged mother safe, they must travel to a dying town in Kansas. But as drought withers the crops of Fallow, a sinister cult sinks its roots deep into the arid soil. And if the cult’s foul harvest isn’t stopped in time, Fallow will be only the first city to fall.
Between the threat of a world-ending invasion from the Outside and unwelcome revelations about his own nature, Percival Endicott Whyborne is under a great deal of strain. His husband, Griffin Flaherty, wants to help—but how can he, when Whyborne won’t tell him what’s wrong?
When a man from Griffin’s past murders a sorcerer, the situation grows even more dire. Once a simple farmer from Griffin’s hometown of Fallow, the assassin now bears a terrifying magical corruption, one whose nature even Whyborne can’t explain.
To keep Griffin’s estranged mother safe, they must travel to a dying town in Kansas. But as drought withers the crops of Fallow, a sinister cult sinks its roots deep into the arid soil. And if the cult’s foul harvest isn’t stopped in time, Fallow will be only the first city to fall.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2016
84 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,634 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
August 14, 2016
Another amazing installment. Ival is still the amusing, unassuming sorcerer next door. Griffin is still my boyfriend. And, once again, Christine rocked my socks.
June 1, 2020
In the middle of nowhere there's a forgotten little town named Fallow. Not much is happening there, save for its gradual but steady decline in population. Some time ago, there was this huge scandal with the young Flaherty boy and his indecent hobby, but things eventually died down. Or so they should have, if it weren't for some people, who juuuuust couldn't move on.
In the meantime, everyone's favorite private detective has bigger fish to fry than remembering old history. After all, ancient history is threatening to destroy the world. But then life is never easy, and Griffin finds himself in urgent need of switching priorities. Of course, his beloved husband, and two best friends are there for him at all times... even if they have to dress up as "normal", to do so.
But then everything can be overcome if you have your loved ones' support... or did I speak to soon?
If there is one setting that just screams creepy horror story to me, it's a corn field in bum-fuck-nowhere Nebraska. All courtesy of the 2009 movie adaptation of Children of the Corn. I haven't read the book, but the movie left me all sorts of chilled and creeped out for months. With that imagery in mind, Fallow was the absolute perfect setting for our heroes to confront yet another monster, on their way to... erm I'm not entirely sure what the series' end game is yet, tbh.
Score: 4/5 stars
A fun an engaging story, that shed some more light on Griffin's background, his family, and atrocities that make magical monsters seem downright acceptable. Sort of. Other than that: plenty of action scenes, some funny outtakes, and not to forget the steamy romantic stuff, to keep the reader coming back for more.
On a completely unrelated tangent, why does Google consider dried up ground sexy? Or rather: since when has the Interwebs become so metaphor savvy?!
============
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
In the meantime, everyone's favorite private detective has bigger fish to fry than remembering old history. After all, ancient history is threatening to destroy the world. But then life is never easy, and Griffin finds himself in urgent need of switching priorities. Of course, his beloved husband, and two best friends are there for him at all times... even if they have to dress up as "normal", to do so.
"We're newlyweds, you see, and-"
"Stop dawdling and get inside, man!"
[Whyborne] glimpsed the maid doubled over in silent laughter before Christine forcefully shut the door.
But then everything can be overcome if you have your loved ones' support... or did I speak to soon?
If there is one setting that just screams creepy horror story to me, it's a corn field in bum-fuck-nowhere Nebraska. All courtesy of the 2009 movie adaptation of Children of the Corn. I haven't read the book, but the movie left me all sorts of chilled and creeped out for months. With that imagery in mind, Fallow was the absolute perfect setting for our heroes to confront yet another monster, on their way to... erm I'm not entirely sure what the series' end game is yet, tbh.
Score: 4/5 stars
A fun an engaging story, that shed some more light on Griffin's background, his family, and atrocities that make magical monsters seem downright acceptable. Sort of. Other than that: plenty of action scenes, some funny outtakes, and not to forget the steamy romantic stuff, to keep the reader coming back for more.
On a completely unrelated tangent, why does Google consider dried up ground sexy? Or rather: since when has the Interwebs become so metaphor savvy?!
============
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
September 15, 2016
So I'm going to completely ignore the fact that this cover makes my baby Griffin looks like a pervy creeper and just talk about the book. This was another great installment that found the group going back to the town my boyfriend Griffin, who is in fact Not a pervy creeper, grew up in. This was an action packed story that I found really creative and I enjoyed every minute of it. There were also some really touching moments between Griffin (not a pervy creeper) and Whyborne. These two make me go "aahh" almost every book with their swoon worthy declarations. Of course Christine and Kander were along for the ride and as usual Christine stole every scene she was in. (When I grow up I want to be Christine)
So.....another great installment for me.
**pulls up old books and pets old covers while reassuring Griffin that he'll always look like this
in my mind**
____________________________________________________________
What in the holy hell happened to this cover? Where are Whyborne and Griffin and who are these dudes on their book? There is not enough NO in the world to express the level of NO this is for me!
So.....another great installment for me.
**pulls up old books and pets old covers while reassuring Griffin that he'll always look like this
in my mind**____________________________________________________________
What in the holy hell happened to this cover? Where are Whyborne and Griffin and who are these dudes on their book? There is not enough NO in the world to express the level of NO this is for me!
August 9, 2016
One of the best things about this installment of the series is the chance to walk in Griffin's world, following his POV as the action moves back to the town where he was adopted and grew up. We learn more about the events that made him leave home, and re-meet some of his remaining family. The times when he has to deal with his past, and the moments when he helps Whyborne deal with his own re-imagined origins and future, are the heart of the book.
There is plenty of creepy supernatural action here. Christine once again shines as a strong female character who is not going to take a back-seat to the men in her life. There is some heat and some humor, along with a galloping plot with a few interesting twists. This is a series to be read in order, and I will happily pick up the next one when it appears, (although add me to the list of those who preferred the first covers. These are nice, but those were unique.) Still, the books inside those covers continue to be a fun ride with two very engaging main characters.
There is plenty of creepy supernatural action here. Christine once again shines as a strong female character who is not going to take a back-seat to the men in her life. There is some heat and some humor, along with a galloping plot with a few interesting twists. This is a series to be read in order, and I will happily pick up the next one when it appears, (although add me to the list of those who preferred the first covers. These are nice, but those were unique.) Still, the books inside those covers continue to be a fun ride with two very engaging main characters.
July 25, 2018
After not liking book 7 as much as previous installments, I went into this one with my fingers crossed. I have enjoyed this series so much I hated to think my love affair with Whyborne & Griffin was over. I shouldn't have worried.
This one takes us to Kansas to Griffin's hometown. There's a creepy children of the corn vibe going on not to mention a fungus amongus!
Poor Griffin. My heart hurt for him so much. He wants his family's approval and love so bad. But what he finally comes to realize is that Whyborne, Christine, Iskander and the rest of Widdershins IS his family. That's all he needs. Widdershins chose him . It knows its own.
Whyborne is fighting his own demons and guilt in this one. But he too realizes that Griffin SEES him. He knows who Whyborne truly is.
These two are one of my all-time favorite couples. I am going to be sad when I run out of books. But in the mean time...moving right along to book 9.
This one takes us to Kansas to Griffin's hometown. There's a creepy children of the corn vibe going on not to mention a fungus amongus!
Poor Griffin. My heart hurt for him so much. He wants his family's approval and love so bad. But what he finally comes to realize is that Whyborne, Christine, Iskander and the rest of Widdershins IS his family. That's all he needs. Widdershins chose him . It knows its own.
Whyborne is fighting his own demons and guilt in this one. But he too realizes that Griffin SEES him. He knows who Whyborne truly is.
These two are one of my all-time favorite couples. I am going to be sad when I run out of books. But in the mean time...moving right along to book 9.
August 14, 2016
3.5 stars
This is for the first time after seven books, that I wasn't completely enamored by this new installment of Whyborne & Griffin series -- me sad :(. Let me write down the things that annoyed me a lot first ... so I can end this opinion in positive note.
More so than the rest, I was superbly annoyed with Whyborne, and his 'guilt' feel that ended up making him keeping secrets from Griffin. I have a LOT of series that I follow religiously, and one thing that I always want from long-time series featuring same couple, is that I want them to stay/become solid as they go and face the world together. Become power couple, you know?
So after four years together that span into SEVEN books, this kind of behavior from Whyborne is not one I can easily tolerate. If this is going to become something repetitive in the next books?? Yeah, if so, I am going to stay annoyed *hmph*. And as much as I enjoy Whyborne being clueless again with the idea of women being into him, at times I found him being whiny and a little bit too judgey. Guess I was having short fuse when I read this book.
BUT, BUT ... I loved the idea of Griffin going back to Fallow and finally got his closure. As much as it was difficult for him, especially knowing what his Ma did, I thought it was needed. At least now Griffin can move forward. I loved everything about Griffin in this book, and I wanted to hug him when things got tough.
And another positive note? Christine Putnam-Barnett still kicked ass!
This is for the first time after seven books, that I wasn't completely enamored by this new installment of Whyborne & Griffin series -- me sad :(. Let me write down the things that annoyed me a lot first ... so I can end this opinion in positive note.
More so than the rest, I was superbly annoyed with Whyborne, and his 'guilt' feel that ended up making him keeping secrets from Griffin. I have a LOT of series that I follow religiously, and one thing that I always want from long-time series featuring same couple, is that I want them to stay/become solid as they go and face the world together. Become power couple, you know?
So after four years together that span into SEVEN books, this kind of behavior from Whyborne is not one I can easily tolerate. If this is going to become something repetitive in the next books?? Yeah, if so, I am going to stay annoyed *hmph*. And as much as I enjoy Whyborne being clueless again with the idea of women being into him, at times I found him being whiny and a little bit too judgey. Guess I was having short fuse when I read this book.
BUT, BUT ... I loved the idea of Griffin going back to Fallow and finally got his closure. As much as it was difficult for him, especially knowing what his Ma did, I thought it was needed. At least now Griffin can move forward. I loved everything about Griffin in this book, and I wanted to hug him when things got tough.
And another positive note? Christine Putnam-Barnett still kicked ass!
August 8, 2016
4.5 Stars
Ok, so, a few things before I start with my actual review.
1. The Whyborne and Griffin Series has remained one of my favorite series ever, not only as M/M, but in paranormal as a whole.
2. It’s very difficult, I think, that an author can pull 8 books with the same couple and do it amazingly well, adding depth to the characters, not only the main ones but the secondary ones, and showing growth as individuals and in their relationships in general. Hawk does this brilliantly, IMO.
3. Try keeping the attention of the readers for 8 books (well, at least mine. Lots of people can go on and on). I can’t begin to tell you how many series I’ve ended up DNFing because the characters suddenly lost the appeal. Or they read as if they’d gotten a personality transplant and read nothing like the characters I originally fell in love with. This is NOT the case. Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, and even Iskander who was introduced to us later in the series keep being themselves. I love this.
4. The cover… God. I know a lot of people don’t like it. I know they feel disappointed – whether because they just don’t like it, or because the people in the cover clash with the image they had of the characters. I respect all the opinions, I do. But, honestly, the cover is great and it reflects the magic (literally) in this book. But more importantly, if you are giving up a brilliant series because you don’t like the cover… then.. I don’t even know what to tell ya.
That being said, let’s move on to the review.
So, I think Fallow might be my favorite book of the series. Whyborne and Griffin read more and more established with every installment. Their relationship is beautiful, and their love for one another is strong. The devotion they have for the other is palpable, but it’s not overdone.
One of the things that usually happens (to me, as a reader) when I follow a long series, is that, at some point of the series I start feeling like the characters lost something in the way. Usually, the spark, if it’s a couple.
Relationships evolve and we grow with them. In many cases, that hunger and passion subsides a bit. Sex and pleasure are still part of that relationship but it’s not all. There are many elements that put together (yes, this includes the sexual attraction) make us what we are as a couple. I’ve found that in books this is difficult to pull off, or that at least the way authors write it is not usually the way I can feel the characters’ emotions. For this reason, I tend to DNF series. Mrs. Hawk does an amazing job putting all these things together. She preserves the passion the characters share, the desire they have for the other, but she mingles it with other things that are just as important for them, and it reads perfect. It reads like love, and I love that.
The love that these two have for each other is so big. So powerful. And it makes so much for them, and it scares them. It especially scares Whyborne, who is always wondering if he’s ruined Griffin’s life because of his own (Whyborne’s) nature. This, is discussed in this book. Our characters realize that they are where they are because they truly belong there, because, after all, Widdershins Knows Its Own. All of them.
These fears have been cooking up for a couple of books now. But this time, because our heroes have to travel to Fallow, Kansas (Griffin’s home), this feeling magnifies and the reality of some of those suspicions settle in.
Their stay in Fallow is no vacation, of course. There’s magic, a sorceress, people driven by hurt and hate because they were hurt and hated. There are corrupted people – who I imagine like a strange version of zombies, but not quite. There is disappointment, and sadness. There is fear for those you love. But then there is also finding your family, your true family, and embracing them.
I didn’t always love what I read in this book. I say this in the sense that it was a bit painful to read. But it was SO necessary, too. After finding himself written off by those he loves the most, Griffin made peace with himself knowing that he did what he could. He also knows that he’s never going to give up what he loves the most, and what makes him so happy. As pained as I was, I really liked this storyline. It allowed me to see a bit more of the Griffin I love so much. At the same time, this allowed me to see a bit more of the Whyborne I love so much as well. That fierce man who loves his husband and would do anything for him. The realism of the situation, and how it was tackled and solved, added an edge of sadness and melancholy mixed with peacefulness because after all, they all found their place.
There are a couple of things I wish would change by now. One of these things is this insistence of Whyborne and Griffin of protecting each other by keeping things from each other… Like, dude.. 7 books! SEVEN! Learn your lesson! They are at their best when they are one hundred percent honest with each other, and yet, the fear makes them go and hide stuff… *eyes both W&G*
That being said, there are also things that will never change and I adore that. Christine, my badass book wife, is one of them. When I first discovered this series I was in awe at how beautifully strong and badass Christine was. She was fiercely loyal, smart, pretty much her own woman (which is pretty odd for a woman of the era where the story takes place), she’s unbelievably intelligent. She always says what she thinks consequences be damned. She reads somewhat cold sometimes, but the truth is that you won’t find a woman with this much heart. Also, she’s the queen of the riffle, so there’s that.
Another amazing thing about this is the gore element that the author brings to her stories, and particularly to this series. If someone can write fantastic monsters and creatures, and combine them with love, friendship, magic, and whatnot, that’s Mrs. Hawk.
So, really. If you like M/M Romance, and paranormal romance, and historical romance, and badass women who are true to themselves over all, this is a series you need to try.
Ok, so, a few things before I start with my actual review.
1. The Whyborne and Griffin Series has remained one of my favorite series ever, not only as M/M, but in paranormal as a whole.
2. It’s very difficult, I think, that an author can pull 8 books with the same couple and do it amazingly well, adding depth to the characters, not only the main ones but the secondary ones, and showing growth as individuals and in their relationships in general. Hawk does this brilliantly, IMO.
3. Try keeping the attention of the readers for 8 books (well, at least mine. Lots of people can go on and on). I can’t begin to tell you how many series I’ve ended up DNFing because the characters suddenly lost the appeal. Or they read as if they’d gotten a personality transplant and read nothing like the characters I originally fell in love with. This is NOT the case. Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, and even Iskander who was introduced to us later in the series keep being themselves. I love this.
4. The cover… God. I know a lot of people don’t like it. I know they feel disappointed – whether because they just don’t like it, or because the people in the cover clash with the image they had of the characters. I respect all the opinions, I do. But, honestly, the cover is great and it reflects the magic (literally) in this book. But more importantly, if you are giving up a brilliant series because you don’t like the cover… then.. I don’t even know what to tell ya.
That being said, let’s move on to the review.
So, I think Fallow might be my favorite book of the series. Whyborne and Griffin read more and more established with every installment. Their relationship is beautiful, and their love for one another is strong. The devotion they have for the other is palpable, but it’s not overdone.
One of the things that usually happens (to me, as a reader) when I follow a long series, is that, at some point of the series I start feeling like the characters lost something in the way. Usually, the spark, if it’s a couple.
Relationships evolve and we grow with them. In many cases, that hunger and passion subsides a bit. Sex and pleasure are still part of that relationship but it’s not all. There are many elements that put together (yes, this includes the sexual attraction) make us what we are as a couple. I’ve found that in books this is difficult to pull off, or that at least the way authors write it is not usually the way I can feel the characters’ emotions. For this reason, I tend to DNF series. Mrs. Hawk does an amazing job putting all these things together. She preserves the passion the characters share, the desire they have for the other, but she mingles it with other things that are just as important for them, and it reads perfect. It reads like love, and I love that.
The love that these two have for each other is so big. So powerful. And it makes so much for them, and it scares them. It especially scares Whyborne, who is always wondering if he’s ruined Griffin’s life because of his own (Whyborne’s) nature. This, is discussed in this book. Our characters realize that they are where they are because they truly belong there, because, after all, Widdershins Knows Its Own. All of them.
These fears have been cooking up for a couple of books now. But this time, because our heroes have to travel to Fallow, Kansas (Griffin’s home), this feeling magnifies and the reality of some of those suspicions settle in.
Their stay in Fallow is no vacation, of course. There’s magic, a sorceress, people driven by hurt and hate because they were hurt and hated. There are corrupted people – who I imagine like a strange version of zombies, but not quite. There is disappointment, and sadness. There is fear for those you love. But then there is also finding your family, your true family, and embracing them.
I didn’t always love what I read in this book. I say this in the sense that it was a bit painful to read. But it was SO necessary, too. After finding himself written off by those he loves the most, Griffin made peace with himself knowing that he did what he could. He also knows that he’s never going to give up what he loves the most, and what makes him so happy. As pained as I was, I really liked this storyline. It allowed me to see a bit more of the Griffin I love so much. At the same time, this allowed me to see a bit more of the Whyborne I love so much as well. That fierce man who loves his husband and would do anything for him. The realism of the situation, and how it was tackled and solved, added an edge of sadness and melancholy mixed with peacefulness because after all, they all found their place.
There are a couple of things I wish would change by now. One of these things is this insistence of Whyborne and Griffin of protecting each other by keeping things from each other… Like, dude.. 7 books! SEVEN! Learn your lesson! They are at their best when they are one hundred percent honest with each other, and yet, the fear makes them go and hide stuff… *eyes both W&G*
That being said, there are also things that will never change and I adore that. Christine, my badass book wife, is one of them. When I first discovered this series I was in awe at how beautifully strong and badass Christine was. She was fiercely loyal, smart, pretty much her own woman (which is pretty odd for a woman of the era where the story takes place), she’s unbelievably intelligent. She always says what she thinks consequences be damned. She reads somewhat cold sometimes, but the truth is that you won’t find a woman with this much heart. Also, she’s the queen of the riffle, so there’s that.
Another amazing thing about this is the gore element that the author brings to her stories, and particularly to this series. If someone can write fantastic monsters and creatures, and combine them with love, friendship, magic, and whatnot, that’s Mrs. Hawk.
So, really. If you like M/M Romance, and paranormal romance, and historical romance, and badass women who are true to themselves over all, this is a series you need to try.
October 14, 2019
4 Stars
It’s book number eight and things are as heart-stoppingly exciting and as dreamily romantic as ever for our beloved Whyborne and Griffin, and their dearest friends Christine and Iskander.
In their latest supernatural adventure, the group head to the farming town of Fallow, Kansas, where Griffin grew up, to investigate some strange and potentially world-threatening events – what’s new, right?!
The change of setting was a lot of fun, but also crazy creepy, with lots of disturbing occurrences happening to the people and around the town of Fallow. The moment Whyborne and company arrived in this desolate and unnerving place, I wanted them to get straight back on the train and get the hell outta there. Though it wouldn’t be much of a story if our favourite characters simply ran screaming from the otherworldly madness they so often find themselves facing, would it?
As per usual, it’s up to our heroes and heroine to find and thwart the evil doers plans for world-domination and general wickedness. Although it's touch and go here a few times, often leaving me breathless with worry and then signing in sweet relief, as always, Whyborne and his friends rise above all challenges and win the day, as is only right.
I enjoyed this story a lot and I find myself continually fascinated with Hawk’s historical world-building as a whole. She sets the scene so well that you feel like you’re in these places at a specific time in history, regardless of all the fantastical supernatural elements that are at play.
As thrilling and action-packed as these stories tend to be, I find myself taking comfort in the pure goodness of the characters, continually being moved by their deep friendships and their epic loves. Sitting down with a Whyborne and Griffin story feels like coming home.
It’s quite awe-inspiring how epic this series remains after eight novels and a handful of shorts. I truly cannot fathom ever tiring of reading about this awesome supernatural world Hawk has created, and I certainly can’t imagine a time when I don’t have a new or upcoming Whyborne and Griffin story on the horizon. I’ll honestly be devastated when all is said and done, because saying goodbye to these beloved characters is going to be a highly emotional experience for me. Thank God for re-reads, right!?
It’s book number eight and things are as heart-stoppingly exciting and as dreamily romantic as ever for our beloved Whyborne and Griffin, and their dearest friends Christine and Iskander.
In their latest supernatural adventure, the group head to the farming town of Fallow, Kansas, where Griffin grew up, to investigate some strange and potentially world-threatening events – what’s new, right?!
The change of setting was a lot of fun, but also crazy creepy, with lots of disturbing occurrences happening to the people and around the town of Fallow. The moment Whyborne and company arrived in this desolate and unnerving place, I wanted them to get straight back on the train and get the hell outta there. Though it wouldn’t be much of a story if our favourite characters simply ran screaming from the otherworldly madness they so often find themselves facing, would it?
As per usual, it’s up to our heroes and heroine to find and thwart the evil doers plans for world-domination and general wickedness. Although it's touch and go here a few times, often leaving me breathless with worry and then signing in sweet relief, as always, Whyborne and his friends rise above all challenges and win the day, as is only right.
I enjoyed this story a lot and I find myself continually fascinated with Hawk’s historical world-building as a whole. She sets the scene so well that you feel like you’re in these places at a specific time in history, regardless of all the fantastical supernatural elements that are at play.
As thrilling and action-packed as these stories tend to be, I find myself taking comfort in the pure goodness of the characters, continually being moved by their deep friendships and their epic loves. Sitting down with a Whyborne and Griffin story feels like coming home.
It’s quite awe-inspiring how epic this series remains after eight novels and a handful of shorts. I truly cannot fathom ever tiring of reading about this awesome supernatural world Hawk has created, and I certainly can’t imagine a time when I don’t have a new or upcoming Whyborne and Griffin story on the horizon. I’ll honestly be devastated when all is said and done, because saying goodbye to these beloved characters is going to be a highly emotional experience for me. Thank God for re-reads, right!?
August 13, 2016
I simply adore this series and well, Jordan L Hawk is one of the best writers I've ever had the pleasure to read.
This book is a fantastic addition to the series. It was great delving into Griffin's past and how he dovetails into Whyborne's life on so many levels.
It's hard to write a review without disclosing spoilers but I can say their relationship is a weave of complicated personalities and deep love, strong enough to overcome the obstacles thrown their way and tender enough to soften the sharp edges of their sometimes hard, brutal world.
Hawk adds an interesting dimension to her series with this book and sets her world up for dramatic expansion. This book needed to be written, providing a depth and charisma to Griffin's character Whyborne needed to see. I urge you to try this series...and everything its fabulous writer writes. Her craftsmanship with language and nuance are a pleasure that cannot be missed.
This book is a fantastic addition to the series. It was great delving into Griffin's past and how he dovetails into Whyborne's life on so many levels.
It's hard to write a review without disclosing spoilers but I can say their relationship is a weave of complicated personalities and deep love, strong enough to overcome the obstacles thrown their way and tender enough to soften the sharp edges of their sometimes hard, brutal world.
Hawk adds an interesting dimension to her series with this book and sets her world up for dramatic expansion. This book needed to be written, providing a depth and charisma to Griffin's character Whyborne needed to see. I urge you to try this series...and everything its fabulous writer writes. Her craftsmanship with language and nuance are a pleasure that cannot be missed.
August 8, 2016
Fallow is a rollercoaster of a
Hawk continues to astonish me how the whole story stays fresh and she continues to add more and more to it and to her characters. It's become an intricate web that makes me want to continue pulling at the threads to see where they come from and to finally see the whole picture. In the meantime her characters continue to grow and have my now become part of my book family.
Especially appreciated this time where the look into Kansas and it's people she gave us, more background for our Griffin.
BR with my W&G buddies - the experience would not be the same without them.
August 8, 2016
Another wonderful book in this series! There was lots of action and suspense. Some really evil villains! Christine being a crack shot again! I was so happy to see Whyborne finally open up about what had been causing him guilt and anguish and learn that he was wrong in his worries. I can't wait for the next book!
October 26, 2020
Oct 2, 2016
An excellent installation in the Whyborne & Griffin series. Griffin managed to set some things straight concerning his parents and the town itself, and Whyborne was (as usual) waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I'm not sure if it was the author's intention or not, but I'm definitely not eating mushrooms in the foreseeable future.
Still hating the new cover models.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jul 15, 2016
Just gonna add my vote of NO to the new cover models.
I'm in love with the old Whyborne. I'm seriously gonna cry if the rest of the book covers are redone.
An excellent installation in the Whyborne & Griffin series. Griffin managed to set some things straight concerning his parents and the town itself, and Whyborne was (as usual) waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I'm not sure if it was the author's intention or not, but I'm definitely not eating mushrooms in the foreseeable future.
Still hating the new cover models.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jul 15, 2016
Just gonna add my vote of NO to the new cover models.
I'm in love with the old Whyborne. I'm seriously gonna cry if the rest of the book covers are redone.
December 25, 2023
Reread - Dec 2023 - agree with my original review, but loving revisiting this series form start to finish. Off to the Drakenwood.
Review
Nothing can keep my attention like a Whyborne and Griffin book! No matter what I'm doing or have planned for the day, once I pick up one of these books, I'm stuck until its finished!
This wasn't my favourite of the series so far, but it still has everything I adore about this series. Griffin's love and admiration of his Ival, Whyborne's hilarious mannerisms and social awkwardness, Christine's fire and Kander's calm influence. This had crazy adventure and disgusting magical creatures and of course some very passionate sex!
I can't wait for the next installment and I'm pretty sure I'll mourn, for like...a year when this series ends.
Review
Nothing can keep my attention like a Whyborne and Griffin book! No matter what I'm doing or have planned for the day, once I pick up one of these books, I'm stuck until its finished!
This wasn't my favourite of the series so far, but it still has everything I adore about this series. Griffin's love and admiration of his Ival, Whyborne's hilarious mannerisms and social awkwardness, Christine's fire and Kander's calm influence. This had crazy adventure and disgusting magical creatures and of course some very passionate sex!
I can't wait for the next installment and I'm pretty sure I'll mourn, for like...a year when this series ends.
September 25, 2016
4.5 emotional, creepy, fantastic stars on Prism Book Alliance®
The wind strengthened from over the ocean, coiling around the slender figure standing atop a craggy rock. She might have been some barbaric sea goddess, dressed in nothing but golden jewelry and a skirt of knotted seaweed. Dark swirls marked her pearlescent skin like war paint, and the stinging tendrils of her hair writhed as the autumnal breeze grew into a gale.
My first thought? Woohoo, Persephone! After that? Wow, what an opening paragraph! And what immediately follows? Hahaha, you’ll want to read to find out, but I will say typical Whyborne.
I’m just going to get this out of the way right now: I try hard not to go overboard with the squee in my reviews when I absoposilutely love a book because that isn’t all that helpful to most people trying to decide if they want to read it or not. But sometimes? Every once in awhile, ya gotta frackin’ let the squee loose. I’ve loved this series from book one, Widdershins, and these characters are some of my all time favorites, ones that I find joy and comfort and excitement in spending time with them. Every time. No joke. Including this one.
~SQUEE~
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I’ll do my best to provide a review that might actually prove useful.
Oh, Ival and Grif, surely you’ve by now learned that keeping things from each other in order to “spare” or “protect” one another never works. When will you learn? How many lessons do you require? I groaned a bit when this appeared to be the case, a carry over from the last book and the events that took place then, the past summer in Widdershins. I feel like knocking their heads together. And they’re equally guilty of it. I know this because we get both their points of view in this tale. For real, though, this dual keeping of secrets threatens to undermine the truth of the incredible strength of their relationship. Luckily, and wonderfully, the dual POV is used to fantastic effect, creating mini cliffhangers at the end of many a chapter, causing my heart to race right along with the action.
As is the norm in this series, Hawk lays on the creeptastic with the paranormal inclusions. Magic, maelstrom, shadowsight, and… well, you’ll find out.
Griffin’s voice is stronger than ever, which works out considering where most of this story takes place and the role he plays. It feels like Hawk has delved deeper into and understands him better than before. Most importantly his character’s narration is approaching parity with Whyborne’s and that makes for even smoother storytelling, complex emotion, and greater investment from me as I’m experiencing their lives. It also allows for more exploration and development of the relationship he and Ival have. Passionate, intelligent, stubborn, loyal, and still learning, they both are, and it’s awesome. It’s so cool to watch a writer’s progress continue, particularly into an eighth story in a series, and the benefits it bestows upon her characters. Brava.
Christine, also as usual, demonstrates that she is badass. She doesn’t hesitate to voice or carry out her plans when it comes to protecting these people she loves, this chosen family. These are true of all of them but she is often first in line to make it happen, whatever ‘it’ might be, no matter how dangerous or uncertain the situation. All four of these characters, these best friends, this chosen family – Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, and Iskander – show growth and solidity in their characters, matching their author’s writing. I will say, though, for as much as Iskander does in this story, I would love to see an even larger role for him, or rather more exploration of his story, how he came to be the person he is, how does it feel to be him during these crazy events, and being married to Christine. My inquiring mind wants to know.
Magic, adrenaline, humor, fear, love, gore, and many things coming full circle bring on the kind of symmetrical connections that then bring on the tears. At least they did for me.
”I see you,” I murmured, once he let me speak again. “And I love what I see. More than I would ever have thought possible.”
You’ll have to read in order to find out who is making such a beautiful proclamation. ;)
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for August 2016
The wind strengthened from over the ocean, coiling around the slender figure standing atop a craggy rock. She might have been some barbaric sea goddess, dressed in nothing but golden jewelry and a skirt of knotted seaweed. Dark swirls marked her pearlescent skin like war paint, and the stinging tendrils of her hair writhed as the autumnal breeze grew into a gale.
My first thought? Woohoo, Persephone! After that? Wow, what an opening paragraph! And what immediately follows? Hahaha, you’ll want to read to find out, but I will say typical Whyborne.
I’m just going to get this out of the way right now: I try hard not to go overboard with the squee in my reviews when I absoposilutely love a book because that isn’t all that helpful to most people trying to decide if they want to read it or not. But sometimes? Every once in awhile, ya gotta frackin’ let the squee loose. I’ve loved this series from book one, Widdershins, and these characters are some of my all time favorites, ones that I find joy and comfort and excitement in spending time with them. Every time. No joke. Including this one.
~SQUEE~
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I’ll do my best to provide a review that might actually prove useful.
Oh, Ival and Grif, surely you’ve by now learned that keeping things from each other in order to “spare” or “protect” one another never works. When will you learn? How many lessons do you require? I groaned a bit when this appeared to be the case, a carry over from the last book and the events that took place then, the past summer in Widdershins. I feel like knocking their heads together. And they’re equally guilty of it. I know this because we get both their points of view in this tale. For real, though, this dual keeping of secrets threatens to undermine the truth of the incredible strength of their relationship. Luckily, and wonderfully, the dual POV is used to fantastic effect, creating mini cliffhangers at the end of many a chapter, causing my heart to race right along with the action.
As is the norm in this series, Hawk lays on the creeptastic with the paranormal inclusions. Magic, maelstrom, shadowsight, and… well, you’ll find out.
Griffin’s voice is stronger than ever, which works out considering where most of this story takes place and the role he plays. It feels like Hawk has delved deeper into and understands him better than before. Most importantly his character’s narration is approaching parity with Whyborne’s and that makes for even smoother storytelling, complex emotion, and greater investment from me as I’m experiencing their lives. It also allows for more exploration and development of the relationship he and Ival have. Passionate, intelligent, stubborn, loyal, and still learning, they both are, and it’s awesome. It’s so cool to watch a writer’s progress continue, particularly into an eighth story in a series, and the benefits it bestows upon her characters. Brava.
Christine, also as usual, demonstrates that she is badass. She doesn’t hesitate to voice or carry out her plans when it comes to protecting these people she loves, this chosen family. These are true of all of them but she is often first in line to make it happen, whatever ‘it’ might be, no matter how dangerous or uncertain the situation. All four of these characters, these best friends, this chosen family – Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, and Iskander – show growth and solidity in their characters, matching their author’s writing. I will say, though, for as much as Iskander does in this story, I would love to see an even larger role for him, or rather more exploration of his story, how he came to be the person he is, how does it feel to be him during these crazy events, and being married to Christine. My inquiring mind wants to know.
Magic, adrenaline, humor, fear, love, gore, and many things coming full circle bring on the kind of symmetrical connections that then bring on the tears. At least they did for me.
”I see you,” I murmured, once he let me speak again. “And I love what I see. More than I would ever have thought possible.”
You’ll have to read in order to find out who is making such a beautiful proclamation. ;)
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for August 2016
July 1, 2018
4 Stars!
Once again, JLH delivers on this duo who have grown from reluctant participators in the supernatural madness they find themselves embroiled in, into full out champions of humankind! I for one can’t help but rally behind such heroes!
Here, the weight of responsibility continues to be a heavy burden to bear. The return of ultimate evil is on the horizon, and some are planning to take advantage, some are planning on giving succor, and others, like our beloved Whyborne and Griffin, are determined to do all in their power to subvert such.
This latest installment continues to reveal more of what other fanatical groups are doing in the wake of this doomsday predicament. Never one to not help out, their faithful friend Christine, with her husband Iskander, show their support and lend aide in the face of such adversity. Be reassured, Whyborne and Griffin’s love is their strongest asset, definitely guiding their actions and always helping them conquer their foes.
Still brimming with suspense and quite a bit of disturbing horror, this is full on dreamy romance regarding a well loved established couple. Consistent swoony adventurous terrifying fun!
Once again, JLH delivers on this duo who have grown from reluctant participators in the supernatural madness they find themselves embroiled in, into full out champions of humankind! I for one can’t help but rally behind such heroes!
Here, the weight of responsibility continues to be a heavy burden to bear. The return of ultimate evil is on the horizon, and some are planning to take advantage, some are planning on giving succor, and others, like our beloved Whyborne and Griffin, are determined to do all in their power to subvert such.
This latest installment continues to reveal more of what other fanatical groups are doing in the wake of this doomsday predicament. Never one to not help out, their faithful friend Christine, with her husband Iskander, show their support and lend aide in the face of such adversity. Be reassured, Whyborne and Griffin’s love is their strongest asset, definitely guiding their actions and always helping them conquer their foes.
Still brimming with suspense and quite a bit of disturbing horror, this is full on dreamy romance regarding a well loved established couple. Consistent swoony adventurous terrifying fun!
August 12, 2016
I love this series and can't wait for the next book but......
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What the hell happened to the cover???
I gather the guy on the right is a less attractive parallel universe Whyborne but who the heck is the one on the left supposed to be?
I swear if that's Griffin then all the previous books need a rewrite because that is not Griffin...
What the hell happened to the cover???
I gather the guy on the right is a less attractive parallel universe Whyborne but who the heck is the one on the left supposed to be?
I swear if that's Griffin then all the previous books need a rewrite because that is not Griffin...
October 25, 2020
Rating: 4.5* of five
The half star off is for the slithering jim-jams the Big Baddie in this one has given me. I am not sleeping for the foreseeable future. *convulsive shudder*
***next day***
As predicted, sleep was elusive after reading this frightfest. I haven't had that response to any other book in the series but this one Did Me In. The name, "the rust," gave me all the horror-movie shudders I could ever (not) want.
Excuse me I need to bleach my every body part and scrub my innards with Lysol.
The main thrust of this story is betrayal. The awfulness of experiencing betrayal is, by definition, that it's only one's intimates that can perpetrate it. Author Hawk was so deft in portraying the double-edged sword of betrayal in each leg of the multiple relationships that underwent it that I can only applaud. All of the betrayals were very real, as in understandable and organic to the relationships involved. No overwrought "because I am eeeeeeviiiiiillllll" emotionality; instead the betrayals (very much in the plural) are simply fallible humans failing to reach for love when confronted by conundrums in coping with unmet expectations.
Along with the Big Baddie *wracking shudder* we're treated to Whyborne's meditations on Widdershins' magical vortex and its role in his life. We're given a short burst of Persephone Whyborne. We're teased with an oncoming apocalyptic confrontation. We're left to ponder the role of pragmatism in Whyborne and Griffin's mutual fate as allies become scarce. In short, book 8 is one helluva ride and I had a damn good time ripping through it.
Except for "the rust" *nauseated convulsive shudder* that is.
The half star off is for the slithering jim-jams the Big Baddie in this one has given me. I am not sleeping for the foreseeable future. *convulsive shudder*
***next day***
As predicted, sleep was elusive after reading this frightfest. I haven't had that response to any other book in the series but this one Did Me In. The name, "the rust," gave me all the horror-movie shudders I could ever (not) want.
Excuse me I need to bleach my every body part and scrub my innards with Lysol.
The main thrust of this story is betrayal. The awfulness of experiencing betrayal is, by definition, that it's only one's intimates that can perpetrate it. Author Hawk was so deft in portraying the double-edged sword of betrayal in each leg of the multiple relationships that underwent it that I can only applaud. All of the betrayals were very real, as in understandable and organic to the relationships involved. No overwrought "because I am eeeeeeviiiiiillllll" emotionality; instead the betrayals (very much in the plural) are simply fallible humans failing to reach for love when confronted by conundrums in coping with unmet expectations.
Along with the Big Baddie *wracking shudder* we're treated to Whyborne's meditations on Widdershins' magical vortex and its role in his life. We're given a short burst of Persephone Whyborne. We're teased with an oncoming apocalyptic confrontation. We're left to ponder the role of pragmatism in Whyborne and Griffin's mutual fate as allies become scarce. In short, book 8 is one helluva ride and I had a damn good time ripping through it.
Except for "the rust" *nauseated convulsive shudder* that is.
June 5, 2025
4th re-read June 2025
_____________
Is it April yet? I need Draakenwood NOW!!
_____________
Is it April yet? I need Draakenwood NOW!!
August 5, 2016
I honestly feel like, after every book JLH finishes she gives herself one of these.
I don't know what her method is, but keep doing it. Did we really expect anything else from her? This book was so freaking good. The gang is back to help save the inhabitants of Fallow, Kansas this time. Every time I read a JLH book it's like going on a vivid journey that you never want to end. It's how I feel after all her books. I always look at the percentage hoping and pleading that it never makes it to 100%
This installment was no different. Still reeling from the catastrophe of book #7, Whyborne is adamant about keeping his revelations to himself. He's trying to protect the people of Widdershins, and doing it by keeping himself closed off. Of course Griffin notices his Ival's problems. He wouldn't be a good husband if he didn't notice. This was a perfect setup to a story revolving around Griffin's past. His family issues never were resolved enough for him, and when dastardly things come to play in Kansas the gang makes their way there.
The game is on. As soon as they reach Fallow things take off. As usual Hawk weaves a fabulous tale, I'm excited happy with all the outcomes in this book. It's book 8 and the magic of Whyborne and Griffin is still new and joyous to me as a reader. I love Hawk's diversity as usual. Her pen game is amazing, and I don't think I've read a better thought out series then this. I won't go into the plot and spoil it for people, but this was close on so many levels to breaking my heart. I love seeing the gang turn things up and come to the rescue. I loved this book, and look forward to more from her!
August 10, 2016
4.5 stars from me for this wonderful instalment of the Whyborne and Griffin series. Not doing a long review, just know that there some more prize one-liners from Dr Christine Putnam, heartbreak for Griffin as far as family is concerned, the Fideles cult is growing ever stronger and as far as they are concerned, the Restoration of the Masters to the Earth is a foregone conclusion. They have of course reckoned without our 4 brave heroes.
As far as I'm concerned, this was my favourite part of the story....
Griffin was the center of my world, the one I'd do anything for, if only to make him as happy as he made me. I'd spent my life in aching loneliness before he'd come into it, turning my dull gray existence into one of color and light. I sometimes felt as though he'd brought me to life. Or at least wakened me from a deep sleep, like some character in a fairy-tale cursed to dream away the years until roused by a kiss.
Big sigh.....and thanks to Sofia and a poorly Ingela for the buddy read. Also the kind souls who 'popped in' during the read...;)
October 22, 2019
Reread 10/21/19:
I almost want to drop half a star from my original rating :( but I suspect that getting derailed and losing my momentum with this reread for two months made my issues worse than they were, so I'm leaving it at 4 stars. But my word, I just could not care about the threat to Griffin's mom or most anyone else in this awful town, and I had no patience for Whyborne falling back on old behavior patterns (see original review). It felt like a step backwards and didn't make anymore sense on this read than it did the first time through. However, I did still enjoy the second half once the action got going and I was delighted to meet Diablo again, and I really appreciated how this helped Griffin come to terms with his past. I wish the Reynolds had been in the story more. I'm utterly baffled how
Thanks to my BR companions: Elena, Teal, Moony, Cristina, Xia Xia, Gabi, Shile and Rosa.
Original review 8/14/16:
This was another fun adventure spent with Whyborne and Griffin. I can't believe this is book 8 of this series and it still feels fresh and has momentum to continue. I love seeing how Whyborne and Griffin grow as individuals and together from book to book.
The plot is sufficiently creepy as in other books, as Griffin is called back to his hometown Fallow, KS to warn his mother about a threat to the town. It was hard to see Griffin hoping so much that he could reconcile with his mother, even after she threw him away for being with Whyborne and "living a sin." She's pretty awful and while she clearly loves Griffin, it's not the unconditional kind of love a mother should have for her child.
Not everyone in Fallow is quick to judge Griffin, as he runs into an old friend shortly after arriving to find the town suffering from drought and half-dead. As Whyborne and friends race to find out what is the cause of the troubles in Fallow, they uncover a more sinister plot that threatens not just Widdershins but the world. I actually wish there had been a little more time devoted to this plot, as it felt more like it was tacked on to Griffin's plot, but as it will carry over to the next book I wasn't too bothered by this.
There was another subplot involving Whyborne's connection to Widdershins and the vortex. I couldn't really get into this one. Maybe because I was fuzzy on how the previous book ended, or maybe because I thought Whyborne was being a melodramatic dolt in regards to Griffin and how he would react. Honestly, I thought Griffin already knew all about the things Whyborne was worrying himself over,
Once again, we also get to switch POVs between Whyborne and Griffin, and I love that this has become a standard in the last couple of books. It's vital now to understand what Griffin is thinking and feeling, and how he processes information. It also allows Hawk to have the characters split up and action taking place on two different fronts that can be followed simultaneously, rather than summarized later.
As for that cover... I really disliked it when I first saw it. Now... it's okay in and of itself, but I still think the sepia tone of the previous covers set the mood of these books far better. And it's really grating that neither of these guys look like Whyborne or Griffin, and I can't even tell who is supposed to be who. If Griffin had the reddish hair color he's supposed to have and if Whyborne's hair stuck out all over like it's supposed to be, that would help a great deal in identifying them. Right now, they're just a couple of strangers on a pretty cover. (Ok, I just saw the guy in front is holding fire in his hands, so I guess he's Whyborne - he was the one I was assuming was Griffin. Which means Griffin is the one who looks like he's had a broken nose - that is not at all the way he's described in the books. Whoops. Yeah, not loving the new look for our men here.) =/
I almost want to drop half a star from my original rating :( but I suspect that getting derailed and losing my momentum with this reread for two months made my issues worse than they were, so I'm leaving it at 4 stars. But my word, I just could not care about the threat to Griffin's mom or most anyone else in this awful town, and I had no patience for Whyborne falling back on old behavior patterns (see original review). It felt like a step backwards and didn't make anymore sense on this read than it did the first time through. However, I did still enjoy the second half once the action got going and I was delighted to meet Diablo again, and I really appreciated how this helped Griffin come to terms with his past. I wish the Reynolds had been in the story more. I'm utterly baffled how
Thanks to my BR companions: Elena, Teal, Moony, Cristina, Xia Xia, Gabi, Shile and Rosa.
Original review 8/14/16:
This was another fun adventure spent with Whyborne and Griffin. I can't believe this is book 8 of this series and it still feels fresh and has momentum to continue. I love seeing how Whyborne and Griffin grow as individuals and together from book to book.
The plot is sufficiently creepy as in other books, as Griffin is called back to his hometown Fallow, KS to warn his mother about a threat to the town. It was hard to see Griffin hoping so much that he could reconcile with his mother, even after she threw him away for being with Whyborne and "living a sin." She's pretty awful and while she clearly loves Griffin, it's not the unconditional kind of love a mother should have for her child.
Not everyone in Fallow is quick to judge Griffin, as he runs into an old friend shortly after arriving to find the town suffering from drought and half-dead. As Whyborne and friends race to find out what is the cause of the troubles in Fallow, they uncover a more sinister plot that threatens not just Widdershins but the world. I actually wish there had been a little more time devoted to this plot, as it felt more like it was tacked on to Griffin's plot, but as it will carry over to the next book I wasn't too bothered by this.
There was another subplot involving Whyborne's connection to Widdershins and the vortex. I couldn't really get into this one. Maybe because I was fuzzy on how the previous book ended, or maybe because I thought Whyborne was being a melodramatic dolt in regards to Griffin and how he would react. Honestly, I thought Griffin already knew all about the things Whyborne was worrying himself over,
Once again, we also get to switch POVs between Whyborne and Griffin, and I love that this has become a standard in the last couple of books. It's vital now to understand what Griffin is thinking and feeling, and how he processes information. It also allows Hawk to have the characters split up and action taking place on two different fronts that can be followed simultaneously, rather than summarized later.
As for that cover... I really disliked it when I first saw it. Now... it's okay in and of itself, but I still think the sepia tone of the previous covers set the mood of these books far better. And it's really grating that neither of these guys look like Whyborne or Griffin, and I can't even tell who is supposed to be who. If Griffin had the reddish hair color he's supposed to have and if Whyborne's hair stuck out all over like it's supposed to be, that would help a great deal in identifying them. Right now, they're just a couple of strangers on a pretty cover. (Ok, I just saw the guy in front is holding fire in his hands, so I guess he's Whyborne - he was the one I was assuming was Griffin. Which means Griffin is the one who looks like he's had a broken nose - that is not at all the way he's described in the books. Whoops. Yeah, not loving the new look for our men here.) =/
September 9, 2018
In Fallow, we get the chance to focus more on Griffin's family dynamics and on his troubled past in Kansas.
The overarching story in the series keeps proceeding steadily towards the inevitable final confrontation that will take place in book 11, Deosil, currently scheduled to come out in 2019.
Each novel, however, adds new pieces to the puzzle of the Restoration and to the characters' lives and struggles. In particular, I really enjoy the way Jordan L. Hawk manages to devote equal space to their two MCs. Whyborne is still growing accustomed to his powers and arcane identity, while Griffin has to face rejection and ponder the real meaning of the concept of family.
Historical details, such as women's suffrage, interracial marriage and the reality of the poor farms, add a very interesting background to the ever-inventive and exciting narrative.
I'll now proceed to read book 9, Draakenwood, but I must confess I already feel sorry for the upcoming end to this wonderful series.
The overarching story in the series keeps proceeding steadily towards the inevitable final confrontation that will take place in book 11, Deosil, currently scheduled to come out in 2019.
Each novel, however, adds new pieces to the puzzle of the Restoration and to the characters' lives and struggles. In particular, I really enjoy the way Jordan L. Hawk manages to devote equal space to their two MCs. Whyborne is still growing accustomed to his powers and arcane identity, while Griffin has to face rejection and ponder the real meaning of the concept of family.
Historical details, such as women's suffrage, interracial marriage and the reality of the poor farms, add a very interesting background to the ever-inventive and exciting narrative.
I'll now proceed to read book 9, Draakenwood, but I must confess I already feel sorry for the upcoming end to this wonderful series.
April 4, 2017
OHMYGAWD I LOVED THIS SO FREAKING MUCH WHEN DOES THE NEXT BOOK COME OUT CAUSE I GOTTA READ IT RIGHT THE FUCK NOW HOW COME I PUT OFF READING THIS FOR A YEAR I'M SO SILLY I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T READ THIS SOONER HURRY UP WITH THE NEXT ONE MS HAWK I CAN'T WAIT MUCH LONGER!!!!
or... something like that. Yeah.
January 9, 2020
I really am addicted to this series. Here Whyborne, Griffin, Christine and Iskander find themselves in Fallow. Griffin’s home town. They battle not just evil but Griffin’s past.
October 23, 2019
What a ride! It took a slow beginning, some of the issues addressed here had been addressed in other instalments, but, once we reach Fallow everything start to improve.
And what a city Fallow is! It could burn to it foundation and it wouldn't be a loss, really, what were those people thinking? How could someone so heartless?
So, here another piece of the puzzle is revealed and I loved how it was done. I'm looking forward to see what's waiting for us in Draakenwood.
As always, the book was better in company. Thank you all for the awesome BR!
And what a city Fallow is! It could burn to it foundation and it wouldn't be a loss, really, what were those people thinking? How could someone so heartless?
So, here another piece of the puzzle is revealed and I loved how it was done. I'm looking forward to see what's waiting for us in Draakenwood.
As always, the book was better in company. Thank you all for the awesome BR!
October 31, 2018
What in the hell is going on with this formerly amazing and consistent yet refreshed series? Six books and a couple of novellas in we get POV switches all over the place and now...WHAM-O new and exceedingly unattractive cover models out of freaking no where. You can't change what these guys look like just because of whatever publishing things came to your mind.
This series is on a downward dive that plagues a lot of series with more then 3 or 4 books. We don't need things changed up! The voice of Griffin and Percival are so damn similar I have to constantly go back and remember who is the POV of the chapter. This has been a problem since it began in Hoarfrost. Also, these characters never seem to learn and grow from their past shit. They have to be constanly reminded of the same things. The only thing that does seem to grow is Precival's powers which are always just enough to save the day. I loved this series so much through Necropolis. The short stories were great. I have no idea why all these changes but if the author is bored just end the series on a good note. I'm probably going to not read the rest until the very last book just so I can get some closure on this great group of friends. I am not getting the enjoyment out of these anymore.
This series is on a downward dive that plagues a lot of series with more then 3 or 4 books. We don't need things changed up! The voice of Griffin and Percival are so damn similar I have to constantly go back and remember who is the POV of the chapter. This has been a problem since it began in Hoarfrost. Also, these characters never seem to learn and grow from their past shit. They have to be constanly reminded of the same things. The only thing that does seem to grow is Precival's powers which are always just enough to save the day. I loved this series so much through Necropolis. The short stories were great. I have no idea why all these changes but if the author is bored just end the series on a good note. I'm probably going to not read the rest until the very last book just so I can get some closure on this great group of friends. I am not getting the enjoyment out of these anymore.
March 6, 2017
Well I have really enjoyed this series - Whybourne, Griffin, Christine & Iskander - such great characters, adventures and extraordinary events ! Really recommend this series to those who enjoy a paranormal mystery with a touch of MM romance thrown in to make it even better ❤
August 5, 2016
Pop Quiz: What could possibly be better than reading a scene that has you wondering what sort of danger and intrigue lurks in the coming paragraphs of a Whyborne & Griffin novel…and then having our dear Percival say something completely charming and laugh-out-loud hilarious?
If your answer is A, not much, you would be correct. Unless it’s an entire scene with Christine that’s nothing less than comedy gold. Then you would also be correct. And, you would also be correct if you assume that scene is just a simple and sane little plot detour before Jordan L. Hawk leads us on a headlong descent into Creepytown, USA. Yes, all the above.
Fallow is a unique book in the Whyborne & Griffin series in that I feel it’s the first that reads like a direct sequel to the book before it. The events in Maelstrom have carried the overall series arc onward towards its peak, and Fallow reads like the book that is going to bridge those events to Draakenwood. Which, by the way, I cannot wait for. On a much grimmer note, this installment of the series also feels—at least to me—as though Jordan L. Hawk is in the process of preparing us for the grand finale of this gorgeous multi-act play. I know ::sobs:: me too. And NO, Draakenwood isn’t the final book; it’s just that things feel as though they’re coming to a head, so never fear, there’s more to come. Widdershins knows its own, and we’ve all quite happily become residents of this freaktastic and outlandish world, haven’t we?
If you’ve been following along from book one, this installment of the series is an important one, in that it gives Griffin not only some much needed closure but also lays to rest any and all questions of what exactly Whyborne is. Guh. He’s so many fabulous things. All of them. Everything. And Griffin loves him in spite of and because of them all. In fact, I’ll even go so far as to say that in terms of its romanticism, Griffin and Ival’s connection may be one of the truest and purest I’ve ever read, not built within a single book but solidified over the course of the eight books written so far. In terms of our rapacious need for the happily-ever-after in our fiction, Hawk isn’t merely hinting at that possibility. She’s affirming it book after book after book in the soul-deep bond that exists between these two men, despite the time in which they live and the puritanical norms that existed in the Victorian era. But, it’s that against-the-odds element that makes this love affair so enduring.
Fallow, Kansas, Griffin’s hometown, is the setting of this episode. And never has a place or its people exemplified the adage “you can’t go home again” for Griffin quite as aggressively as in this story. He needed this confrontation with his past, though, if for no other reason than to affirm where his home is and where his heart belongs now. I love the way the title of this novel plays against the sort of evil being harvested from the fallow earth of the place Griffin once belonged. It’s a great bit of necromantic wordsmithing on Jordan L. Hawk’s part that allows for a fertile evil to spring from a barren womb. And, yet again, this author proves that she knows how to write one hell of a climactic action sequence, easily some of the best I’ve ever read whether in this series or any of her others.
As always, Christine and Iskander’s heroic presence rounds out the family that, with the help of Widdershins, has built itself around our intrepid husbands. They champion our heroes at every turn, and I absolutely adore the parts they both play in this plotline—Christine and her no-nonsense approach to…pretty much everything, and Iskander, who plays a big ol’ heart-tugging role in the drama in Fallow. Having the newlyweds there, and there without questions or reservations because that’s who they are and what they do for Percival and Griffin, seeing them through whatever brand of monsters and malevolence threatens them, goes above and beyond the bonds of friendship. It’s something so much deeper and truer, and I love their very existence in this book in a huge way.
Widdershins knows its own—it’s a phrase that continues to take on more meaning as the story arc draws nearer to its end, and the characters keep proving it again and again. And, on a side note to Jordan L. Hawk, ::ahem:: it’s “find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck,” okay? I just thought I’d throw that out there as a reminder.
Trust me, just read the book and you’ll get it. And, you’ll be glad you did too.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
If your answer is A, not much, you would be correct. Unless it’s an entire scene with Christine that’s nothing less than comedy gold. Then you would also be correct. And, you would also be correct if you assume that scene is just a simple and sane little plot detour before Jordan L. Hawk leads us on a headlong descent into Creepytown, USA. Yes, all the above.
Fallow is a unique book in the Whyborne & Griffin series in that I feel it’s the first that reads like a direct sequel to the book before it. The events in Maelstrom have carried the overall series arc onward towards its peak, and Fallow reads like the book that is going to bridge those events to Draakenwood. Which, by the way, I cannot wait for. On a much grimmer note, this installment of the series also feels—at least to me—as though Jordan L. Hawk is in the process of preparing us for the grand finale of this gorgeous multi-act play. I know ::sobs:: me too. And NO, Draakenwood isn’t the final book; it’s just that things feel as though they’re coming to a head, so never fear, there’s more to come. Widdershins knows its own, and we’ve all quite happily become residents of this freaktastic and outlandish world, haven’t we?
If you’ve been following along from book one, this installment of the series is an important one, in that it gives Griffin not only some much needed closure but also lays to rest any and all questions of what exactly Whyborne is. Guh. He’s so many fabulous things. All of them. Everything. And Griffin loves him in spite of and because of them all. In fact, I’ll even go so far as to say that in terms of its romanticism, Griffin and Ival’s connection may be one of the truest and purest I’ve ever read, not built within a single book but solidified over the course of the eight books written so far. In terms of our rapacious need for the happily-ever-after in our fiction, Hawk isn’t merely hinting at that possibility. She’s affirming it book after book after book in the soul-deep bond that exists between these two men, despite the time in which they live and the puritanical norms that existed in the Victorian era. But, it’s that against-the-odds element that makes this love affair so enduring.
Fallow, Kansas, Griffin’s hometown, is the setting of this episode. And never has a place or its people exemplified the adage “you can’t go home again” for Griffin quite as aggressively as in this story. He needed this confrontation with his past, though, if for no other reason than to affirm where his home is and where his heart belongs now. I love the way the title of this novel plays against the sort of evil being harvested from the fallow earth of the place Griffin once belonged. It’s a great bit of necromantic wordsmithing on Jordan L. Hawk’s part that allows for a fertile evil to spring from a barren womb. And, yet again, this author proves that she knows how to write one hell of a climactic action sequence, easily some of the best I’ve ever read whether in this series or any of her others.
As always, Christine and Iskander’s heroic presence rounds out the family that, with the help of Widdershins, has built itself around our intrepid husbands. They champion our heroes at every turn, and I absolutely adore the parts they both play in this plotline—Christine and her no-nonsense approach to…pretty much everything, and Iskander, who plays a big ol’ heart-tugging role in the drama in Fallow. Having the newlyweds there, and there without questions or reservations because that’s who they are and what they do for Percival and Griffin, seeing them through whatever brand of monsters and malevolence threatens them, goes above and beyond the bonds of friendship. It’s something so much deeper and truer, and I love their very existence in this book in a huge way.
Widdershins knows its own—it’s a phrase that continues to take on more meaning as the story arc draws nearer to its end, and the characters keep proving it again and again. And, on a side note to Jordan L. Hawk, ::ahem:: it’s “find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck,” okay? I just thought I’d throw that out there as a reminder.
Trust me, just read the book and you’ll get it. And, you’ll be glad you did too.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach Reviews
November 5, 2020
Not my fave. I still like the action, pace and just a bit of mystery and suspense in this one. Somehow it just wasn't as interesting or compelling as others.
Could be bc Griffin is not my fave character in this series. First fave is sort of a close call between Whyborne and Christine. I just LOVE Christine. But I also like Whyborne's sense of humor (the kind he has without ever trying). I've never liked Griffin as much bc of his history of man-whorishness, his glibness, etc. even tho he's completely devoted to Whyborne. I enjoyed him most when he was fair and wonderful to Whyborne in the beginning when no one else was. He seemed like the "hero" then. But I feel like as the series goes on, he becomes more and more the "weak" one and whyborne is the real hero, flawed tho he is. Christine is Whyborne's bestie and Griffin becomes the damsel in distress. I never like that role in any romance book. I like both MCs to be strong, esp if it's MM.
So... I tend to like Griffin POVs and novels less. I want to know more about Niles and Heliabel...
Could be bc Griffin is not my fave character in this series. First fave is sort of a close call between Whyborne and Christine. I just LOVE Christine. But I also like Whyborne's sense of humor (the kind he has without ever trying). I've never liked Griffin as much bc of his history of man-whorishness, his glibness, etc. even tho he's completely devoted to Whyborne. I enjoyed him most when he was fair and wonderful to Whyborne in the beginning when no one else was. He seemed like the "hero" then. But I feel like as the series goes on, he becomes more and more the "weak" one and whyborne is the real hero, flawed tho he is. Christine is Whyborne's bestie and Griffin becomes the damsel in distress. I never like that role in any romance book. I like both MCs to be strong, esp if it's MM.
So... I tend to like Griffin POVs and novels less. I want to know more about Niles and Heliabel...
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