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The Resurrectionists #2
Dark Horse
Daniel Barker's seizures have made everyday life difficult, and they're only getting worse. Affording treatment? Not easy when he's limited in the jobs he can obtain. Body-snatching isn't his preferred occupation, but with an employer like Henry Glass, he can't complain. His life is held together by threads, and so the entrance of the charming, extroverted, gorgeous Theseus Blackthorn is the last thing Daniel needs to shake things up...so why can't he stay away?
Dark Horse is a novella and the second in The Resurrectionist series.
Dark Horse is a novella and the second in The Resurrectionist series.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
23 people want to read
About the author
Kelley York
23 books604 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 27, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“You know why. Who in their right mind would want to be saddled with all this? I can’t stand living with it. Why would anyone else want to?”
Theseus turned Daniel’s hand over, studying it, tracing his fingertips across the lines of his palm with the utmost gentleness. “You’d be surprised what someone would do for love.”
It may not be Kelley York's finest work, but Dark Horse was a good continuation into the world of Resurrectionists she has created. Having already seen the lurking attraction and interest that had stirred up between Daniel Barker and Theseus Blackthorne, this sequel deepens their desire for each other from an intensely passionate first night together to a weekly-Friday arrangement, where Theseus teases his way into Daniel's bed and arms. 💜💜
And yet, despite Theseus' instant want for him, he never stays the night; and Daniel - no matter how much he wants to claim this lovely redhead for his own - cannot bear the thought of having him witness his unfortunate moments of epileptic seizures. But, after many nights spent in each other's arms, it soon becomes impossible for him to keep him away - no matter how hard he tried. 🥺🥺
“Stay with me, he wanted to say.
The words caught in his throat. He’d have been asking for too much— asking Theseus to sacrifice convenience and happiness for his sake. His life would never be easy or normal.”
Daniel was an interesting chap, caught up in events he had no control over - much like, the afflictions that ailed him from time to time. He was so very loyal to Henry Glass that he tried so very hard to help Walker out of the predicament he had gotten him entangled in. It was sad to see how much he self-doubted himself; that even as an occupant at the Rusty Duck, he didn't think he measured up in Theseus' eyes. They came from very different walks of life - and having the extra weight of his own health concerns convinced him that no one would ever want to be by his side. He just didn't know how much Theseus actually wanted him, in return. 😔😔
“You stand out in a crowd like that. You know you do.” Daniel bit briefly at his lower lip. “And you seemed to have the attention of plenty of others already.”
“Not a one of them more attractive or interesting than you,” Blackthorne responded, setting his glass aside. “But you have my attention now. What will you do with it?”
Theseus falls in love fast an hard - he loves with an intensity that often times scares people off; and the minute, he laid eyes on Daniel, he knew in his hearts that he was the one for him. And despite, all his many Friday trips to seek him out, to lie entangled in a passionate haze with him, he never sought out more - hoping that he would want to be with him on his own accord - and not avoid and evade his every pursuit. 🥲🥲 Yet, he can't figure out why he's keeping him at an arm's length. And when circumstances had no other choice but for it to be so, he went the extra mile to prove how much he cared for him. It was a reassurance and a comfort and I liked how gradual it was for Daniel - that even though, it was only one night for the flame to be lit - the fire slowly blazed into a beacon of light for them. 🥹🥹
“You think you’re being cute.”
The redhead pressed his free hand flat against Daniel’s chest to steady himself. “I’ve been told I’m quite adorable, yes.”
“Right now, you’re being insufferable, and I’m going to wipe that smug little smirk off your face.”
There was no protest, just an amused laugh. “Do you think you can, Mr. Barker?”
“I know that I can.”
I liked how that even after all the teasing and goading Theseus did to get Daniel's attention, when it was needed most - the care and comfort that Daniel truly needed - he didn't hesitate to show it. That even if it was an instant attraction from his part, eventually staying the night with him, reassuring him that no matter what pains inflicted him - Theseus would not abandon him; it was 'in sickness and in health' for his affection for Daniel, always. 🤍 🤍
“Regardless of whatever pride or shame or other stupidity you’ve got in your head, you are someone remarkably important to me, and like hell will I stand here and simply allow you to carry on like this. There is no pride in being dead.”
The writing was off to a shaky start at the beginning; but, once the story picked up, and I began to understand what trajectory the plot was following, it slowly steered towards the familiar prose that I've grown so very fond of this author. I liked seeing familiar faces again in whatever limited capacity they appeared in. 'm also surprised that this is listed as a novella, but it was very cohesive in terms of character development; the only thing that made it feel like a quick read, was the instantaneous way Theseus fell head-over-heels for Daniel. 🤍
It was also rather refreshing to see how much more explicit this was compared to her other works - it definitely piques my interest that if there is ever a continuation of my favorite series, what wonders I could expect to see then. For now, if there is a possibility for there to be sequel featuring Jasper Rees and Eli Thomas, then I won't mind that, either. 😊
“You know why. Who in their right mind would want to be saddled with all this? I can’t stand living with it. Why would anyone else want to?”
Theseus turned Daniel’s hand over, studying it, tracing his fingertips across the lines of his palm with the utmost gentleness. “You’d be surprised what someone would do for love.”
It may not be Kelley York's finest work, but Dark Horse was a good continuation into the world of Resurrectionists she has created. Having already seen the lurking attraction and interest that had stirred up between Daniel Barker and Theseus Blackthorne, this sequel deepens their desire for each other from an intensely passionate first night together to a weekly-Friday arrangement, where Theseus teases his way into Daniel's bed and arms. 💜💜
And yet, despite Theseus' instant want for him, he never stays the night; and Daniel - no matter how much he wants to claim this lovely redhead for his own - cannot bear the thought of having him witness his unfortunate moments of epileptic seizures. But, after many nights spent in each other's arms, it soon becomes impossible for him to keep him away - no matter how hard he tried. 🥺🥺
“Stay with me, he wanted to say.
The words caught in his throat. He’d have been asking for too much— asking Theseus to sacrifice convenience and happiness for his sake. His life would never be easy or normal.”
Daniel was an interesting chap, caught up in events he had no control over - much like, the afflictions that ailed him from time to time. He was so very loyal to Henry Glass that he tried so very hard to help Walker out of the predicament he had gotten him entangled in. It was sad to see how much he self-doubted himself; that even as an occupant at the Rusty Duck, he didn't think he measured up in Theseus' eyes. They came from very different walks of life - and having the extra weight of his own health concerns convinced him that no one would ever want to be by his side. He just didn't know how much Theseus actually wanted him, in return. 😔😔
“You stand out in a crowd like that. You know you do.” Daniel bit briefly at his lower lip. “And you seemed to have the attention of plenty of others already.”
“Not a one of them more attractive or interesting than you,” Blackthorne responded, setting his glass aside. “But you have my attention now. What will you do with it?”
Theseus falls in love fast an hard - he loves with an intensity that often times scares people off; and the minute, he laid eyes on Daniel, he knew in his hearts that he was the one for him. And despite, all his many Friday trips to seek him out, to lie entangled in a passionate haze with him, he never sought out more - hoping that he would want to be with him on his own accord - and not avoid and evade his every pursuit. 🥲🥲 Yet, he can't figure out why he's keeping him at an arm's length. And when circumstances had no other choice but for it to be so, he went the extra mile to prove how much he cared for him. It was a reassurance and a comfort and I liked how gradual it was for Daniel - that even though, it was only one night for the flame to be lit - the fire slowly blazed into a beacon of light for them. 🥹🥹
“You think you’re being cute.”
The redhead pressed his free hand flat against Daniel’s chest to steady himself. “I’ve been told I’m quite adorable, yes.”
“Right now, you’re being insufferable, and I’m going to wipe that smug little smirk off your face.”
There was no protest, just an amused laugh. “Do you think you can, Mr. Barker?”
“I know that I can.”
I liked how that even after all the teasing and goading Theseus did to get Daniel's attention, when it was needed most - the care and comfort that Daniel truly needed - he didn't hesitate to show it. That even if it was an instant attraction from his part, eventually staying the night with him, reassuring him that no matter what pains inflicted him - Theseus would not abandon him; it was 'in sickness and in health' for his affection for Daniel, always. 🤍 🤍
“Regardless of whatever pride or shame or other stupidity you’ve got in your head, you are someone remarkably important to me, and like hell will I stand here and simply allow you to carry on like this. There is no pride in being dead.”
The writing was off to a shaky start at the beginning; but, once the story picked up, and I began to understand what trajectory the plot was following, it slowly steered towards the familiar prose that I've grown so very fond of this author. I liked seeing familiar faces again in whatever limited capacity they appeared in. 'm also surprised that this is listed as a novella, but it was very cohesive in terms of character development; the only thing that made it feel like a quick read, was the instantaneous way Theseus fell head-over-heels for Daniel. 🤍
It was also rather refreshing to see how much more explicit this was compared to her other works - it definitely piques my interest that if there is ever a continuation of my favorite series, what wonders I could expect to see then. For now, if there is a possibility for there to be sequel featuring Jasper Rees and Eli Thomas, then I won't mind that, either. 😊
November 18, 2023
This is the 10th book that I’ve read by Kelley York and my first disappointment, the first of those 10 that I’ve rated less than 4 or 5 stars 😭 While Dark Horse has York’s signature style and strong sense of time and place, the plot and romance missed for me in a couple of key ways.
Most of the plot of Dark Horse takes place concurrently with book 1, Glass Castles. Reading them back to back, the overlap was so great that, for me, Dark Horse lacked the pull and punch of being its own unique story and experience. It felt like a low key rehash of Glass Castles with a bit of new perspective thrown in.
The aforementioned feeling that I was consuming leftovers probably could have been overlooked if I’d have enjoyed the romance and the relationship development between Daniel and Theseus but I was somewhat ambivalent about that too. I’m not a fan of game playing as a driver of relationship and romantic development and in this case it felt contrived because it seemed clear, even to Daniel and Theseus, that they were interested in and had chemistry with each other. Equally disappointing was that the game playing stood in for communication. In some ways their fear of being open and vulnerable made sense to me but it felt more forced than organic. I found Theseus’ games immature and Daniel’s pride annoying.
It didn’t help that the jump from game playing to ‘I love you, move in with me’ was so abrupt that I got whiplash. Combine that with Daniel’s previous reticence to ask for or accept help from anyone, and I just didn’t buy it.
There were two significant things that I really enjoyed about Dark Horse. First and foremost, I found the exploration of the medical treatment of Daniel’s epileptic episodes in 1870s London interesting and the societal treatment of people with epilepsy disheartening but illuminating. I also enjoyed the budding friendship between Daniel and Jasper. Jasper’s gentle disposition combined with his spine of steel added spice and depth to the story that I really appreciated.
Despite my slight disappointment with Dark Horse, if York continues the series, I’m definitely in. As far as I’m concerned, this one’s a York anomaly.
3 stars
Edited to add: I think I probably would have enjoyed Dark Horse more had there be a bigger gap between when I read it and when I read its predecessor, Glass Castles, so that’s what I’d recommend to other readers and to myself if I ever revisit the series.
Most of the plot of Dark Horse takes place concurrently with book 1, Glass Castles. Reading them back to back, the overlap was so great that, for me, Dark Horse lacked the pull and punch of being its own unique story and experience. It felt like a low key rehash of Glass Castles with a bit of new perspective thrown in.
The aforementioned feeling that I was consuming leftovers probably could have been overlooked if I’d have enjoyed the romance and the relationship development between Daniel and Theseus but I was somewhat ambivalent about that too. I’m not a fan of game playing as a driver of relationship and romantic development and in this case it felt contrived because it seemed clear, even to Daniel and Theseus, that they were interested in and had chemistry with each other. Equally disappointing was that the game playing stood in for communication. In some ways their fear of being open and vulnerable made sense to me but it felt more forced than organic. I found Theseus’ games immature and Daniel’s pride annoying.
It didn’t help that the jump from game playing to ‘I love you, move in with me’ was so abrupt that I got whiplash. Combine that with Daniel’s previous reticence to ask for or accept help from anyone, and I just didn’t buy it.
There were two significant things that I really enjoyed about Dark Horse. First and foremost, I found the exploration of the medical treatment of Daniel’s epileptic episodes in 1870s London interesting and the societal treatment of people with epilepsy disheartening but illuminating. I also enjoyed the budding friendship between Daniel and Jasper. Jasper’s gentle disposition combined with his spine of steel added spice and depth to the story that I really appreciated.
Despite my slight disappointment with Dark Horse, if York continues the series, I’m definitely in. As far as I’m concerned, this one’s a York anomaly.
3 stars
Edited to add: I think I probably would have enjoyed Dark Horse more had there be a bigger gap between when I read it and when I read its predecessor, Glass Castles, so that’s what I’d recommend to other readers and to myself if I ever revisit the series.
September 10, 2023
I liked this a bit better than the first book in the series but it suffered from the same lack of development. Theseus was fairly one-dimensional, and once again the choice to have only a handful of chapters from the POV of one of the characters didn’t help matters. Theseus’s POV chapters felt like they existed to reassure the reader he wasn’t being a jerk, rather than to actually tell us much about who he was. On the other hand, Daniel was more developed and his epilepsy was handled pretty well. The relationship between them didn’t really work for me, though – it’s really hard for me to buy into people thinking having great sex, but little other interaction, is enough to decide someone is their soulmate.
August 7, 2023
This takes place mostly concurrently with the first book, only from Daniel's POV, the leader of Henry Glass' small grave robbing operation but also a sufferer of epilepsy set on from a head injury at work a few years previously. Since it's the same timeline, it was good to get more information about the characters from a different POV. Both Daniel and Theseus are interesting characters and their relationship is sweet. If you were disappointed with the lack of romantic action in the first book, this one more than makes up for it - both our MCs are a lot less shy about what they want without all the hangups Henry had that slowed down the first book. I admit that I enjoyed the pacing of this book better though it still suffers from the common romance trope of lack of communication between characters.
I have an idea that, if the series continues, the next book will be from the POV of Lucas' sex worker friend Jasper and Jasper's friend, Ian, that both helped Daniel dig up the final grave during both books - though we see a lot more of the events here since Daniel was there. However, I hope that York doesn't keep up the trend of it taking place during the same few weeks only from the next character's POV. I'd like to see how our two couple are getting on.
I have an idea that, if the series continues, the next book will be from the POV of Lucas' sex worker friend Jasper and Jasper's friend, Ian, that both helped Daniel dig up the final grave during both books - though we see a lot more of the events here since Daniel was there. However, I hope that York doesn't keep up the trend of it taking place during the same few weeks only from the next character's POV. I'd like to see how our two couple are getting on.
July 11, 2024
I am baffled by the author's choice to rearrange events we're acquainted with from Lucas's POV in the first book. And do it in the first chapter, no less. Did she not reread that scene, since here it makes Lucas's retreat nonsensical.
I ended up skimming a lot, just slowing to pick up emotional notes and more of the last three chapters or so. Not the worst novel I've read/skimmed. Not the best, either.
I ended up skimming a lot, just slowing to pick up emotional notes and more of the last three chapters or so. Not the worst novel I've read/skimmed. Not the best, either.
August 8, 2023
Daniel Barker survived a traumatic brain injury many years ago. The injury brought on epileptic episodes. The first episode caused him to lose his job and made society look at him differently. For two years he’s dealt with his illness and made his own way. He’s independent, doesn’t want anyone to have to share his burden and he blames himself. He’s made his own business as a resurrectionist. He has those he can depend on to get the job done, like Lucas Walker.
As times are frustrating for Daniel, he always has time to meet up with his friends, Lucas Walker and Jasper Rees at the Rusty Duck. Dr. Henry Glass has also come to the pub and why is Lucas running the other way? Henry Glass has joined them and asked Daniel to deliver a package to Lucas. The redhead that Daniel spied comes to their table, he seems know Henry. Once back at his room Daniel thinks about all types he has bedded in the past and none of them has left him with a feeling like the redhead, Theseus Blackthorne.
Bad news hits home for Daniel and Glass as Lucas has been arrested. Glass has to be cautious about getting involved. Daniel has one friend he can depend on Jasper Rees. He heads to the Sun and Stars whorehouse where Jasper lives and works. Daniel can’t enter the jail because he will be arrested, Jasper steps up and helps to find out about Lucas. While he waits for Jasper, Daniel heads to London National Hospital to get his medication. He hates going to the hospital as he’s poked and prodded by numerous doctors. Only to hear the same thing: untreatable, incurable and just live with it and now find a private doctor which Daniel can’t afford.
When Jasper and Daniel have no better word on Lucas they have to turn to Henry Glass. There’s one person who may really make a difference and that’s Theseus Blackthorne. With the pressure of being sort by the police, work being a problem, Lucas being in jail and the attraction of Theseus it all takes a toll on Daniel. Daniel under stress has neglected himself. What will happen to Daniel and will Lucas be freed from jail?
Kelley York hits it out of the park with “Dark Horse” the second book in the “Resurrectionists” series. There is so much of this story that is heartfelt and beautifully written. I love the passages between Jasper Rees and Daniel Barker as they discuss “what defines a person”. The passages between Daniel and Theseus are romantic and steamy. Daniel and Theseus are made for each other, both are snarky and the banter is fun. Theseus is smart, rich and spoiled but he has a big heart. Daniel feels he doesn’t hold a candle to Theseus, has his doubts, and his illness is a big factor.
Jasper Rees and Eli Thomas add to the storyline and it’s very mysterious. Hope they will get a story of their own.
I highly recommend “Dark Horse” it’s a beautifully told story of two men from different walks of life in the Victorian age. “Dark Horse” intersects with the first book “Glass Castles, I suggest reading it first. It will introduce Henry Glass and Lucas Walker’s relationship along with Daniel Barker and Jasper Rees. I love Kelly York’s writing and I’m really looking forward to the next book in the “Resurrectionists” series.
As times are frustrating for Daniel, he always has time to meet up with his friends, Lucas Walker and Jasper Rees at the Rusty Duck. Dr. Henry Glass has also come to the pub and why is Lucas running the other way? Henry Glass has joined them and asked Daniel to deliver a package to Lucas. The redhead that Daniel spied comes to their table, he seems know Henry. Once back at his room Daniel thinks about all types he has bedded in the past and none of them has left him with a feeling like the redhead, Theseus Blackthorne.
Bad news hits home for Daniel and Glass as Lucas has been arrested. Glass has to be cautious about getting involved. Daniel has one friend he can depend on Jasper Rees. He heads to the Sun and Stars whorehouse where Jasper lives and works. Daniel can’t enter the jail because he will be arrested, Jasper steps up and helps to find out about Lucas. While he waits for Jasper, Daniel heads to London National Hospital to get his medication. He hates going to the hospital as he’s poked and prodded by numerous doctors. Only to hear the same thing: untreatable, incurable and just live with it and now find a private doctor which Daniel can’t afford.
When Jasper and Daniel have no better word on Lucas they have to turn to Henry Glass. There’s one person who may really make a difference and that’s Theseus Blackthorne. With the pressure of being sort by the police, work being a problem, Lucas being in jail and the attraction of Theseus it all takes a toll on Daniel. Daniel under stress has neglected himself. What will happen to Daniel and will Lucas be freed from jail?
Kelley York hits it out of the park with “Dark Horse” the second book in the “Resurrectionists” series. There is so much of this story that is heartfelt and beautifully written. I love the passages between Jasper Rees and Daniel Barker as they discuss “what defines a person”. The passages between Daniel and Theseus are romantic and steamy. Daniel and Theseus are made for each other, both are snarky and the banter is fun. Theseus is smart, rich and spoiled but he has a big heart. Daniel feels he doesn’t hold a candle to Theseus, has his doubts, and his illness is a big factor.
Jasper Rees and Eli Thomas add to the storyline and it’s very mysterious. Hope they will get a story of their own.
I highly recommend “Dark Horse” it’s a beautifully told story of two men from different walks of life in the Victorian age. “Dark Horse” intersects with the first book “Glass Castles, I suggest reading it first. It will introduce Henry Glass and Lucas Walker’s relationship along with Daniel Barker and Jasper Rees. I love Kelly York’s writing and I’m really looking forward to the next book in the “Resurrectionists” series.
August 8, 2023
Amazing historical romance with an original premise and great set of characters. I adore Daniel Barker! He's had such a rough go of it, suffering from epilsepy in a time when it was difficult to treat, not well known or understood, and stigmatized. He is a loyal friend and hard worker, and I loved that he found love with someone who is in a position to pamper him, as much as he allows it, and sees his worth. Theseus is so ready to find someone to love when he meets Daniel, though perhaps not the best communicator when it comes to feelings, even though he is an erudite, well-spoken advocate in his professional life. Theseus is the hero of the hour, helping Daniel's friend Lucas escape the clutches of the judiciary system, but he has his own battles to fight in his personal life and it was heartwarming to see Daniel stand up for him. Daniel and Theseus's connection is so strong and heartwarming, once they get out of their own way, and they completely swept me off my feet. Loved their story!
August 12, 2023
This is really a 2 star book but I just did not have it in me to click that. I have been looking forward to this book because I thought that these characters would be a great continuation of the first in the series. Individually, I still like both characters, but together they just are very blah.
They are boring and not relatable. There was no point at which I could look at them and say, "there, I see why they are together and why they are such a lovely, loving couple. " I never saw it. Part of that could be because much of the rest of the book was also boring and I did a whole lot of scimming because it was--wait for it-- boring.
They are boring and not relatable. There was no point at which I could look at them and say, "there, I see why they are together and why they are such a lovely, loving couple. " I never saw it. Part of that could be because much of the rest of the book was also boring and I did a whole lot of scimming because it was--wait for it-- boring.
November 4, 2023
I stayed up reading this till 4am, so that will give you an idea of what I thought of it. Pretty enjoyable book! K. York is a talented writer.
Things I liked:
1) fun 19th c. London setting
2) MC with an unusual (in romance novels) disability (epilepsy)
3) kind and supportive found family
4) hot top/bottom dynamic, a teensy bit rough at times
There were a few tropes in here that I don't care for. I'm mentioning them because a lot of people love them, and I want them to read this book!
1) Hurt/comfort. One of the MCs resists accepting help until he is basically dying.
2) Jealousy. Blah. When it's presented as a positive thing I find it a little gross.
Things I liked:
1) fun 19th c. London setting
2) MC with an unusual (in romance novels) disability (epilepsy)
3) kind and supportive found family
4) hot top/bottom dynamic, a teensy bit rough at times
There were a few tropes in here that I don't care for. I'm mentioning them because a lot of people love them, and I want them to read this book!
1) Hurt/comfort. One of the MCs resists accepting help until he is basically dying.
2) Jealousy. Blah. When it's presented as a positive thing I find it a little gross.
August 14, 2023
3.5-started off well and was good for about 2/3 of the book but, just like with the first in this series, parts of the ending felt rushed, the declarations of love didn’t have much basis, and the characters kept changing personalities.
July 1, 2025
I love the friendship between Daniel and Jasper. I want a 3rd book with Jasper as the POV and we get best friend time with Jasper, Daniel, and Lucas.
I wasn't a fan of the romance in this book.
I wasn't a fan of the romance in this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews