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Broken Mirrors #3
Community Service by Vaughn R. Demont
Never forget what you are.Broken Mirrors, Book 3The King is dead, long live the King. And, uh, could you float him a couple bucks?Life as the only human sorcerer isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for James Black, the Lightning Rod. Between gremlins in the closet, paladins crashing through skylights and working spells in a storage locker, hunting a body-hopping spirit is a welcome distraction. If only he didn’t have to partner with a Coyote.After being punted to the curb by his roommate (with benefits), things are looking dire for trickster Spencer Crain, until an old friend offers him a shot at a big score scamming the best of a vampire. Thing is, he’ll have to work with his worst enemy to pull it off.With lives in the balance, James is learning the hard way what being a sorcerer really means—and that he picked a hell of a time to quit smoking. Spencer is faced with the choice between his future and his friends. Yeah, like he’s never seen that movie before…
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First published May 7, 2013
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About the author
Vaughn R. Demont
19 books153 followersWriter, Scorpio, and self-professed waffle-addict, Vaughn R. Demont received his Bachelor of Arts from Oswego State University, and his Master of Fine Arts from Goddard College, where he studied Creative Writing and being poor. He has published several novelettes and novellas, including The Last Paladin series, House of Stone, the Broken Mirrors series, and the new Blackwarren Heists series.
Vaughn currently lives in Central New York, where he is working on his next novel.
Vaughn currently lives in Central New York, where he is working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2015
this book gave my hair that salon-shine and all-day body.
i am reduced to incoherent squawkings and inarticulate bleatings.
i. live.
*flails unhelpfully*
i shall try again.
after a disappointing second installment, i was pretty much primed to abandon the series, as i am a faithless hoor.
but no.
i did not.
because—like the first book, and the other of demont's books i've read—i was not permitted to set it aside once i'd clapped eyes on the first page.
he's that good.
heavens, matilda—do these things move.
all the best of spencer, all the best of james, and even a more satisfying turn for hades... that asshole.
also: thornton can lick my nuts.
plus feelz? in the face? and... regions more southerly?
shit.
VIVA VAUGHN DEMONT!
i am reduced to incoherent squawkings and inarticulate bleatings.
i. live.
*flails unhelpfully*
i shall try again.
after a disappointing second installment, i was pretty much primed to abandon the series, as i am a faithless hoor.
but no.
i did not.
because—like the first book, and the other of demont's books i've read—i was not permitted to set it aside once i'd clapped eyes on the first page.
he's that good.
heavens, matilda—do these things move.
all the best of spencer, all the best of james, and even a more satisfying turn for hades... that asshole.
also: thornton can lick my nuts.
plus feelz? in the face? and... regions more southerly?
shit.
VIVA VAUGHN DEMONT!
January 22, 2014
In this third series book we get the POVs of both Spencer (from book 1) and James (from book 2) (and I'll ignore a small section with the POV of Thornton, Spencer's annoying older brother.) I enjoyed seeing the threads of both MCs pulled together in this book. This story results in a narrative between the first two in intensity, not as lighthearted as the first, nor as dark as the second.
James is now The Lightning Rod, and the sorcerer who created the world. But he still washes dishes and babysits for pay. Spencer is at odds with most of his friends and family, and is fighting the urge to be more a hero than a trickster. And both of them are lonely. But they don't turn to each other...
There are plots and tricks, some battles, moments of humor, misunderstandings, impersonations, vampires, more than one dragon. A solid installment in the series, with a little relationship kick at the end that left me both cursing and looking forward eagerly to the next book.
James is now The Lightning Rod, and the sorcerer who created the world. But he still washes dishes and babysits for pay. Spencer is at odds with most of his friends and family, and is fighting the urge to be more a hero than a trickster. And both of them are lonely. But they don't turn to each other...
There are plots and tricks, some battles, moments of humor, misunderstandings, impersonations, vampires, more than one dragon. A solid installment in the series, with a little relationship kick at the end that left me both cursing and looking forward eagerly to the next book.
December 1, 2015
4.5 stars
YASSSSS! This book was awesome! I have come to love just about everything Vaughn R. Demont writes. It's so freaking fascinating that you just can't put the book down. Classic urban fantasy with tons of humor thrown in, this is a winner in my book. I love all of the characters but I have a soft spot for Spencer. He's my boy. Poor thing just can't seem to catch a break! I recommend this to all UF lovers out there.
YASSSSS! This book was awesome! I have come to love just about everything Vaughn R. Demont writes. It's so freaking fascinating that you just can't put the book down. Classic urban fantasy with tons of humor thrown in, this is a winner in my book. I love all of the characters but I have a soft spot for Spencer. He's my boy. Poor thing just can't seem to catch a break! I recommend this to all UF lovers out there.
March 21, 2014
Vaughn has done it again. In book one I fell for Spencer’s quirky, witty humor and scheme of TV trops. In book two we got to know James, formerly Miles, and sympathize with his emotional/magical journey. Now in the third volume we get to enjoy their combine POV as they face new challenges. This time around James while filled with angst there is a lighter side of his character.
Every one of Vaughn’s stories has been first rate with complex plot lines and this by no means fails to deliver. The juxtaposition of the individual voices of Spencer and James was wonderful explanation of the story material from their own perspectives providing further insight. Moreover their separate lives and their ancillary relationships as they relate to the main plot line bring greater depth to the unique world Vaughn has created for us to enjoy.
The only negative thing I can say is that I want to know more and feel anxious as there is not yet another installment awaiting me. Please hurry Vaughn, your devoted fay eagerly awaits the next inspired volume!
Every one of Vaughn’s stories has been first rate with complex plot lines and this by no means fails to deliver. The juxtaposition of the individual voices of Spencer and James was wonderful explanation of the story material from their own perspectives providing further insight. Moreover their separate lives and their ancillary relationships as they relate to the main plot line bring greater depth to the unique world Vaughn has created for us to enjoy.
The only negative thing I can say is that I want to know more and feel anxious as there is not yet another installment awaiting me. Please hurry Vaughn, your devoted fay eagerly awaits the next inspired volume!
August 2, 2014
OH MY FLAMING FLAMINGOS! WHY?!?! SO VERY GOOD AND SO VERY CRUEL!
That would be the grand sum of how I feel about this book. That ending. By the Lords and Ladies I don't even know where one is meant to go with those kind of emotions?
I should probably move past that...
Maybe...
Probably not.
I LOVE YOU SPENCE!
....
.......
...........
The writing was awesome as usual, the references were fun and amusing, the plot was incredible and the characters were superb as always. I know it's frowned upon but I may kidnap Mr Vaughn and just have him sit there writing for me. I won't even force him to write what I want, that's how generous I'll be.
I suspect I'm sounding a little further into madness than is generally healthy if one wants to stay out of those pesky mental asylums.
In conclusion I seriously hope there is more. Much more. This series is so freaking amazing and I love the world it's set in!
That would be the grand sum of how I feel about this book. That ending. By the Lords and Ladies I don't even know where one is meant to go with those kind of emotions?
I should probably move past that...
Maybe...
Probably not.
I LOVE YOU SPENCE!
....
.......
...........
The writing was awesome as usual, the references were fun and amusing, the plot was incredible and the characters were superb as always. I know it's frowned upon but I may kidnap Mr Vaughn and just have him sit there writing for me. I won't even force him to write what I want, that's how generous I'll be.
I suspect I'm sounding a little further into madness than is generally healthy if one wants to stay out of those pesky mental asylums.
In conclusion I seriously hope there is more. Much more. This series is so freaking amazing and I love the world it's set in!
October 16, 2015
My fivers always have a factor of originality that this one lacked. Don't be fooled tough, this was hard to put down and the made it an especially strong four.
The other way to look at it is that Spencer just pulled a double Emerald so the author really needs to establish why they are so special, because, let's face it, James doesn't seem that big of a challenge, so it's a little unclear why anyone would consider conning him something to boast about.
The other way to look at it is that Spencer just pulled a double Emerald so the author really needs to establish why they are so special, because, let's face it, James doesn't seem that big of a challenge, so it's a little unclear why anyone would consider conning him something to boast about.
May 16, 2013
Vaughn Demont takes us back to the City in his latest installment of his Broken Mirrors series, "Community Service". Taking place over a year after the events of "Lightning Rod", Demont switches up his style from previous efforts by trading the P.O.V. between the two series protagonists Spencer Crain and James Black. I've always found that trading between characters can be a risky move, mostly because there's always the chance that you'll prefer one character to the other and skip entire sections to get to their next chapter, not to mention there's always an issue of voice, especially considering he's sticking to his 1st person P.O.V.s throughout the entire novel.
The Spencer sections remind me why I loved the character in the first place. As much as I enjoyed his "guest star" in "Lightning Rod", he really shines when you can see the City through his pop culture lens. Demont has remarked that he's influenced by Joss Whedon and Simon Pegg, but I'll admit there's a little bit of the show "Leverage" when the heist that headlines Spencer's storyline gets going.
The James Black sections are where Demont shows his love of Jim Butcher though, with a little bit of Terry Pratchett here and there. Much like Spencer, he sees the world through his own paradigm, but people who don't know the basics (or stereotypes) of Dungeons and Dragons might feel a little left out by the references here and there. The survivor of "Lightning Rod" is still present in the passages, but he's matured and started to move on, and the "memory" section later in the book (especially the "bedroom scene") gives the character further depth.
The supporting cast is strong as usual, showing the return of both Dave the Dragon, Hades (still my favorite character in the City canon), Thornton, though Shiko, the scene-stealer of "Coyote's Creed" is absent. The introduction of Ozzie, a Dwarven contractor and new romantic interest for James, was handled well, with them not falling madly in love by the end of the book but rather trying to figure out their second or third date. The official end of the relationship between Rourke and Spencer, was believable, though it might turn off some of the shippers, and Spencer's realization of his feelings for James was done almost cinematically, as befits the Coyote, but also underlined that Demont, as well as Spencer, is deeply familiar of the unwritten guidelines.
While I didn't devour this in one night as I did with the previous two books in the series, it's definitely makes the previous two feel like prologue, and that "Community Service" is where this gay urban fantasy series honestly *begins*. As always with Demont, it's witty, funny, touching, and at times tear-jerking. 5/5
The Spencer sections remind me why I loved the character in the first place. As much as I enjoyed his "guest star" in "Lightning Rod", he really shines when you can see the City through his pop culture lens. Demont has remarked that he's influenced by Joss Whedon and Simon Pegg, but I'll admit there's a little bit of the show "Leverage" when the heist that headlines Spencer's storyline gets going.
The James Black sections are where Demont shows his love of Jim Butcher though, with a little bit of Terry Pratchett here and there. Much like Spencer, he sees the world through his own paradigm, but people who don't know the basics (or stereotypes) of Dungeons and Dragons might feel a little left out by the references here and there. The survivor of "Lightning Rod" is still present in the passages, but he's matured and started to move on, and the "memory" section later in the book (especially the "bedroom scene") gives the character further depth.
The supporting cast is strong as usual, showing the return of both Dave the Dragon, Hades (still my favorite character in the City canon), Thornton, though Shiko, the scene-stealer of "Coyote's Creed" is absent. The introduction of Ozzie, a Dwarven contractor and new romantic interest for James, was handled well, with them not falling madly in love by the end of the book but rather trying to figure out their second or third date. The official end of the relationship between Rourke and Spencer, was believable, though it might turn off some of the shippers, and Spencer's realization of his feelings for James was done almost cinematically, as befits the Coyote, but also underlined that Demont, as well as Spencer, is deeply familiar of the unwritten guidelines.
While I didn't devour this in one night as I did with the previous two books in the series, it's definitely makes the previous two feel like prologue, and that "Community Service" is where this gay urban fantasy series honestly *begins*. As always with Demont, it's witty, funny, touching, and at times tear-jerking. 5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2013
*hysterical crying*
I have NEVER...been so completely and utterly floored by a series in my life. There is only one series I can think of that made me burst into tears and that would be Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead, book three out of a series of six where as this trilogy has brought me to near hysterics with two books.
Flawless.
This author has managed to provoke emotions in me that reading in this genre has not quite been able to give me. I am in LOVE with this world, with these characters, and with the slightly idiotic but highly entertaining aspects of the "The Feud" and "the game."
This time these characters have made even more of a mess, what with experiencing both Spencer's and James' perspectives. In the last installment I had found it hard to discern the difference between the two voices but seeing them together in one book and often contrasted has made it easier--so much easier!--and I have grown to absolutely ADORE Spencer. I would say that he is my favorite.
We've watched him grow from book to book and I must admit that his show of maturity in this one was...extreme. And admired. And he is simply the best sidekick a sorcerer could ask for. Jesus.
I'll say that Ozzie's presence was accepted until a certain moment. I cannot reveal spoilers, but somewhere along the lines I have begun to hate him slightly, though he does make ***** happy and so we can't really argue with that for now. >8( But he does fit in nicely. His assistance was needed.
Hades continues to impress me and make me laugh. God of the underworld--who knew he'd be a softy?
Fast-paced and well-written, this book kept me up and reading to finish in one sitting. I had been wary at first, as sometimes the third in a trilogy can seem to drag or be redundant and annoying (the summary did not impress me) but I shot through it and you will not regret it have you read the other books. These characters make up a world that is crazy and I admit I sometimes wished that our group's plans would go as...well, PLANNED ("Fucking English weather.") but why else do we read? For the entertainment, the emotional roller coaster, the laughs, the tears, all with characters that don't exist but that's beyond the point...
Again, I say, READ IT. AND LOVE IT. And try not to cry as much as I did. :)
I have NEVER...been so completely and utterly floored by a series in my life. There is only one series I can think of that made me burst into tears and that would be Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead, book three out of a series of six where as this trilogy has brought me to near hysterics with two books.
Flawless.
This author has managed to provoke emotions in me that reading in this genre has not quite been able to give me. I am in LOVE with this world, with these characters, and with the slightly idiotic but highly entertaining aspects of the "The Feud" and "the game."
This time these characters have made even more of a mess, what with experiencing both Spencer's and James' perspectives. In the last installment I had found it hard to discern the difference between the two voices but seeing them together in one book and often contrasted has made it easier--so much easier!--and I have grown to absolutely ADORE Spencer. I would say that he is my favorite.
We've watched him grow from book to book and I must admit that his show of maturity in this one was...extreme. And admired. And he is simply the best sidekick a sorcerer could ask for. Jesus.
I'll say that Ozzie's presence was accepted until a certain moment. I cannot reveal spoilers, but somewhere along the lines I have begun to hate him slightly, though he does make ***** happy and so we can't really argue with that for now. >8( But he does fit in nicely. His assistance was needed.
Hades continues to impress me and make me laugh. God of the underworld--who knew he'd be a softy?
Fast-paced and well-written, this book kept me up and reading to finish in one sitting. I had been wary at first, as sometimes the third in a trilogy can seem to drag or be redundant and annoying (the summary did not impress me) but I shot through it and you will not regret it have you read the other books. These characters make up a world that is crazy and I admit I sometimes wished that our group's plans would go as...well, PLANNED ("Fucking English weather.") but why else do we read? For the entertainment, the emotional roller coaster, the laughs, the tears, all with characters that don't exist but that's beyond the point...
Again, I say, READ IT. AND LOVE IT. And try not to cry as much as I did. :)
July 5, 2013
Love this series! It just keeps getting better and better. And I'm so torn between the two guys in James' life. I wouldn't have thought that was possible. I think everything was much clearer in this one too and the climatic showdown was easier to follow. Maybe because I'm getting more comfortable in this complex world, but I think there was just less new "stuff" introduced here. It was more about the players now that the world has been established. All the books have had clearly drawn characters with wonderfully distinct voices, but it was nice to get to know them even better. They're why I keep coming back. Looking forward to book four.
May 12, 2013
A solid fantasy, switching between James and Spencer as the primary point of view. Not quite as earthshaking events as in the first two books, this story focuses more on character development and changes in the main characters' lives. While this book was complete, it had a feeling of anticipation to it, setting up future plotlines and character arcs. The plot suggests further confrontations in the wind with newly acquired enemies of both James and Spencer, but I suspect the potential romantic conflicts of the two characters respectively will be what ties future books together.
January 10, 2014
I absolutely love these books, I hope there's a million of them coming out in the near future!
Fun to read, with complex main characters, an incredibly well built urban fantasy world, with all sort of mythological creatures interacting with each other (coyotes, kitsune, phouka - you name it it is in this book!)
The tension between James and Spencer (especially on Spencer's part is getting super interesting - hopefully something happens between these two because, man, I super ship them)
Can't wait for book 4 and as many books as this author is going to throw at me. I'll read them all
Fun to read, with complex main characters, an incredibly well built urban fantasy world, with all sort of mythological creatures interacting with each other (coyotes, kitsune, phouka - you name it it is in this book!)
The tension between James and Spencer (especially on Spencer's part is getting super interesting - hopefully something happens between these two because, man, I super ship them)
Can't wait for book 4 and as many books as this author is going to throw at me. I'll read them all
May 3, 2015
So very much character growth in this novel! James learns to stand on his own merits and to have confidence in his own strengths. Spencer learns a lot about basic human decency and what it really means to be a good man. It really was an enjoyable read.
There were times I thought it dragged a little bit, but they were largely eclipsed by the times I thought that the way Demont managed to parallel events to create tension and a little mystery was awe inspiring. I also found myself (here and in the previous books) seething in vocabulary envy. I love that Demont can throw out ten dollar words (and Scrabble jokes) without it feeling pretentious or forced. Love that!
Still front and centre to the humour of the series is the nerd/geek references. I'm a bit too young to have hit the peak of D&D (It was Vampire Masquerade when I was in High School.), but I can still identify with the character traits that make a Geek identifiably a Geek. D&D, Hitchhikers, Star Wars, Star Trek, etc and I love when these same traits (tropes, really in this context) can be used for self-effacing or non-demeaning humour because the reader sees themselves in there somewhere. So much fun. I'm looking forward to more of the series.
There were times I thought it dragged a little bit, but they were largely eclipsed by the times I thought that the way Demont managed to parallel events to create tension and a little mystery was awe inspiring. I also found myself (here and in the previous books) seething in vocabulary envy. I love that Demont can throw out ten dollar words (and Scrabble jokes) without it feeling pretentious or forced. Love that!
Still front and centre to the humour of the series is the nerd/geek references. I'm a bit too young to have hit the peak of D&D (It was Vampire Masquerade when I was in High School.), but I can still identify with the character traits that make a Geek identifiably a Geek. D&D, Hitchhikers, Star Wars, Star Trek, etc and I love when these same traits (tropes, really in this context) can be used for self-effacing or non-demeaning humour because the reader sees themselves in there somewhere. So much fun. I'm looking forward to more of the series.
March 6, 2014
Community Service invites vampires into the mix of magical creatures this time around, one in particular who’s a right bugger and seems to know exactly how to pull James’s strings. The bloodsucker has every intention of making the Ra’keth his puppet, all while Spence is busy trying to pull a con on the guy, and in the way only this author’s metaphysical muse could inspire, it all boils down to an acid trip of bodysnatching and mixed up versions of reality that kept me on the edge of my Kindle until an end that, I won’t lie, might’ve brought a little bit of a lump to my throat.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
June 18, 2014
O.K. This was better than the second book, but has not reached the hights of Coyote's Creed.
I enjoyed the fact that both Spencer and James were in it. We were served with... not so much a cliffhanger as a hook that is, in my opinion, going to lead to much, much, MUCH worse before it's going to get better. After all, the author planned SEVEN books. Not to mention both James (hunted by other sorcerers) and Spencer (abandoned by his clan) will have to face a lot more battles in the future.
I enjoyed the fact that both Spencer and James were in it. We were served with... not so much a cliffhanger as a hook that is, in my opinion, going to lead to much, much, MUCH worse before it's going to get better. After all, the author planned SEVEN books. Not to mention both James (hunted by other sorcerers) and Spencer (abandoned by his clan) will have to face a lot more battles in the future.
November 29, 2014
This book really got under my skin. I really cared about what happened to the main characters. Enough that I stopped reading it at one point but couldn't stop thinking about it and worrying about them, so I of course I started reading again, and then couldn't stop until I'd finished.
And ended up feeling outraged on the behalf of one of the two main characters. I wasn't mad at the author, it was more the kind of mad you get when a person you know and care about gets screwed over by events in the real world. The kind of thing where life isn't fair and you know that but you were secretly hoping it wouldn't be this unfair because your friend didn't deserve that shit and it still happened.
This was perhaps partly because I went into the book thinking it was the last book in a trilogy and so everything would be wrapped up nice and neat and only one the of two main characters got the sort of ending that would have fit with that.
After I'd cooled down a bit, (poked at the internet to find me some answers from the author's web presence), and gotten some sleep. (yes I did stay up all night to finish things and thus read that ending more than a little sleep deprived) I felt a bit better about that ending. Not least because I found out that there will be more books in the series and thus a chance for things to get better for the character in question.
I hope the next book comes out soon, I'm looking forward to seeing certain things resolved. And to more of the author's sense of humour and general inventiveness with the plots and worldbuilding.
And ended up feeling outraged on the behalf of one of the two main characters. I wasn't mad at the author, it was more the kind of mad you get when a person you know and care about gets screwed over by events in the real world. The kind of thing where life isn't fair and you know that but you were secretly hoping it wouldn't be this unfair because your friend didn't deserve that shit and it still happened.
This was perhaps partly because I went into the book thinking it was the last book in a trilogy and so everything would be wrapped up nice and neat and only one the of two main characters got the sort of ending that would have fit with that.
After I'd cooled down a bit, (poked at the internet to find me some answers from the author's web presence), and gotten some sleep. (yes I did stay up all night to finish things and thus read that ending more than a little sleep deprived) I felt a bit better about that ending. Not least because I found out that there will be more books in the series and thus a chance for things to get better for the character in question.
I hope the next book comes out soon, I'm looking forward to seeing certain things resolved. And to more of the author's sense of humour and general inventiveness with the plots and worldbuilding.
October 29, 2015
This is definitely my favorite book in the series. Lots of humor and wit, lots of action, and a sidekick that looks anything but.
Oh he's a Coyote all right, and he tricks and he cheats. But Spencer has developed a taste for doing good that is quite endearing. Too bad everyone around him doesn't give him credit for that, it's a harsh world.
I'm plenty confident he will someday be the hero he (secretly) aspires to be. Just hope James will also be able to see it.
Oh he's a Coyote all right, and he tricks and he cheats. But Spencer has developed a taste for doing good that is quite endearing. Too bad everyone around him doesn't give him credit for that, it's a harsh world.
I'm plenty confident he will someday be the hero he (secretly) aspires to be. Just hope James will also be able to see it.
November 24, 2015
This one's great. Purring along like a happy V-8. And it's all because Spence is back in the picture in a big way. James is fine, don't get me wrong, but Spence is the clear star of the show. And Hades -- I love me some Hades!
I can't wait to see what Demont does with these two in the next installment. I've got the feelz for poor Spence right now!
I can't wait to see what Demont does with these two in the next installment. I've got the feelz for poor Spence right now!
May 13, 2013
Ok. I really like this series. This is a good book and will not disappoint fans of this series.
On a more personal note, if this becomes one of this TV sitcom crappy will they or won't they let's drag this out for 8 season, I'm going to stop after the next book.
On a more personal note, if this becomes one of this TV sitcom crappy will they or won't they let's drag this out for 8 season, I'm going to stop after the next book.
August 3, 2016
Funny, fast paced, great world, and references to Hitchhickers - what more can you ask for? Now I am waiting impatiently for the next book...
November 27, 2021
a rollicking good time. hades is the best and I wish we got more of him in this series, even if he’s just peripheral comic relief.
October 12, 2017
I loved book 1.
I strongly liked book 2, but felt a little disappointment.
I'm back to luv luv luv here on book 3.
Spencer felt like Spencer this book. Thank goodness. He is such a great character in book one, that I was disappointed by how he was portrayed book 2. Now I can see, that the focus needed to stay on James for that book. Spencer has a way of stealing the show.
There was so much going on.
I'm afraid I'm on Spencer's side when in comes to D&D. I love how many books, and movies that have been influenced or strait out based on D&D. An actual game though, my eyes glass over. I have to assume that every game I've been forced to participate in, or watch (which haven't been many) have been run by people who really didn't know what they are doing. Being told no you can't do that, nope you can't do that, nope you can't do that, because I'm the dungeon master and I say so....makes me want to rip someones face off. BUT, I do understand the appeal. Talking to my brother who does understand it, makes me realize a lot of things that we read, watch or play, are all based on D&D, or some other RPG...not sure what other RPG, my eyes were once again glassed over by the time he reached the end.
So although I don't understand the world and rules of D&D, I grasp the concept, and liked when James would rely on the game to perform magic on the fly.
Spencer's train thought is more up my ally. I liked that he accepted, and thew himself into being the side kick. He didn't try to jump in a be the big hero, he did every thing he could to assist the person who could do the job.
I love that there is a book 4...but the fact that there is no talk of book 5 has me worried.
I don't see this story wrapping up in 1 more book, without it being rushed. I'm hoping that is not the case, and that there has just been a delay for book 5.
I love both James and Spencer.
I was happy witht he ending.
I liked that Spencer has had an emotional growth....but just because he doesn't mean he's ready for more. Baby steps Spencer.
I have to know what happens next with Spencers family.
Okay, I've hardly mentioned James, and he is the hero here. A good one at that.
It was action packed. Okay, okay, I'm rambling because I'm sleep deprived. I better put this on hold, and come back to delete half of this later.
I strongly liked book 2, but felt a little disappointment.
I'm back to luv luv luv here on book 3.
Spencer felt like Spencer this book. Thank goodness. He is such a great character in book one, that I was disappointed by how he was portrayed book 2. Now I can see, that the focus needed to stay on James for that book. Spencer has a way of stealing the show.
There was so much going on.
I'm afraid I'm on Spencer's side when in comes to D&D. I love how many books, and movies that have been influenced or strait out based on D&D. An actual game though, my eyes glass over. I have to assume that every game I've been forced to participate in, or watch (which haven't been many) have been run by people who really didn't know what they are doing. Being told no you can't do that, nope you can't do that, nope you can't do that, because I'm the dungeon master and I say so....makes me want to rip someones face off. BUT, I do understand the appeal. Talking to my brother who does understand it, makes me realize a lot of things that we read, watch or play, are all based on D&D, or some other RPG...not sure what other RPG, my eyes were once again glassed over by the time he reached the end.
So although I don't understand the world and rules of D&D, I grasp the concept, and liked when James would rely on the game to perform magic on the fly.
Spencer's train thought is more up my ally. I liked that he accepted, and thew himself into being the side kick. He didn't try to jump in a be the big hero, he did every thing he could to assist the person who could do the job.
I love that there is a book 4...but the fact that there is no talk of book 5 has me worried.
I don't see this story wrapping up in 1 more book, without it being rushed. I'm hoping that is not the case, and that there has just been a delay for book 5.
I love both James and Spencer.
I was happy witht he ending.
I liked that Spencer has had an emotional growth....but just because he doesn't mean he's ready for more. Baby steps Spencer.
I have to know what happens next with Spencers family.
Okay, I've hardly mentioned James, and he is the hero here. A good one at that.
It was action packed. Okay, okay, I'm rambling because I'm sleep deprived. I better put this on hold, and come back to delete half of this later.
August 1, 2018
This series just keeps getting better. Demont continues to explore the characters of Spencer Crain and James Black, intertwining their stories fully. Community Service is chock full of urban fantasy fun, from Coyote in-fighting to Dwarf businessmen/steelworkers to vampire grifters. Of a sort. The plot moves along at a snappy pace, and nerd references from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to Dungeons & Dragons abound. Demont manages to keep a large cast of characters balanced and interesting, and coming to the end feels like leaving nerdy friends behind.
James Black has firmly established himself as the Ra’keth — the Sorcerer King — but the position comes with a lot more than he anticipated. He has community service to fulfill for Hades, needs to partner with trickster Coyote Spencer Crain to do it and then handle added complications like dragon-hunting paladins coming through the skylight and vampires stealing money from charity. Getting over his dead lover may be the easiest part of his new life.
Reviewed for RT Book Reviews May 2014 issue: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/community-service (4.5 stars)
James Black has firmly established himself as the Ra’keth — the Sorcerer King — but the position comes with a lot more than he anticipated. He has community service to fulfill for Hades, needs to partner with trickster Coyote Spencer Crain to do it and then handle added complications like dragon-hunting paladins coming through the skylight and vampires stealing money from charity. Getting over his dead lover may be the easiest part of his new life.
Reviewed for RT Book Reviews May 2014 issue: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/community-service (4.5 stars)
October 31, 2017
I thought this was going to be James’ story through and through. Instead, Spencer enters the scene and stays for much of it. Yay!! I do love Spencer. Yes, he is my favourite. Even though James gets much air time, I feel like this was Spencer’s story. His character development is evident and well done. I seriously couldn’t love him more than I already do. I devoured this book and am jumping on to the next because I need to know what happens next. I need to know how things work out for Spencer. I’d recommend this series to everyone! It’s awesomeness is out of this world! Great characters, plot, world building; there will be laughs, tears, and action. It’s everything I love.
January 5, 2016
Re-read for book 4.
Every bit as enjoyable as the first time! Being in Spencer's head cracks me up every time. Still the only good urban fantasy series that happens to have LGBT characters that doesn't sacrifice actual plotting or world building for sex and romance. The first book was a little rocky introduction, but each book has gotten just better and better. Onto book 4, let the misadventuring continue.....
Every bit as enjoyable as the first time! Being in Spencer's head cracks me up every time. Still the only good urban fantasy series that happens to have LGBT characters that doesn't sacrifice actual plotting or world building for sex and romance. The first book was a little rocky introduction, but each book has gotten just better and better. Onto book 4, let the misadventuring continue.....
January 11, 2015
Had to put it down a couple of times as I was anxious for our heroes/sidekicks. The family stuff (James and Thom and the memories) was hard to read; I wonder if the series will continue to explore that dynamic. I hope so. I also quite liked the ending. Have preordered the next book.
November 18, 2015
I loved it! The combined POV power of light-hearted Spencer and broody James in one book is amazing. They join forces to fight bad guys and it's a wonderful thing. As is the pattern with this series, I laughed and I cried and I can't wait for more.
November 29, 2015
2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
August 5, 2016
These characters are awesome.
January 15, 2017
I love the dual storylines in this it makes perfect sense of whats to come in the last book.
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