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SPECTR #2
Master of Ghouls
Previous cover edition for ISBN 0988564122 / 9780988564121
For alternate cover edition see here
Caleb Jansen’s old life is in ruins after being possessed by the vampire spirit Gray. Now all Caleb wants is for Gray to be exorcised so he can adjust to living as a registered paranormal. Instead, District Chief Kaniyar of SPECTR offers him a new choice: be locked away for public safety, or come work for the very agency he’s spent years trying to avoid. The only good thing to come from Caleb’s possession is his relationship with federal exorcist John Starkweather, but even that seems doomed to end before it can really begin.
John’s newest case is a nightmare: someone is summoning demons and forcing them to possess women and boys snatched from the streets of Charleston. If his team can’t find the summoner soon enough, the possessions will become permanent, transforming the victims into ghouls. To make matters worse, he barely prevents Gray from feeding on their only lead.
Can John shield his heart from Caleb, who only seems interested in a temporary hook-up? Can Caleb keep Gray under control while they hunt for the summoner? Or will the cost of solving the case be higher than any of them could have guessed?
Because the master of ghouls has set his sights on a new target: Gray.
For alternate cover edition see here
Caleb Jansen’s old life is in ruins after being possessed by the vampire spirit Gray. Now all Caleb wants is for Gray to be exorcised so he can adjust to living as a registered paranormal. Instead, District Chief Kaniyar of SPECTR offers him a new choice: be locked away for public safety, or come work for the very agency he’s spent years trying to avoid. The only good thing to come from Caleb’s possession is his relationship with federal exorcist John Starkweather, but even that seems doomed to end before it can really begin.
John’s newest case is a nightmare: someone is summoning demons and forcing them to possess women and boys snatched from the streets of Charleston. If his team can’t find the summoner soon enough, the possessions will become permanent, transforming the victims into ghouls. To make matters worse, he barely prevents Gray from feeding on their only lead.
Can John shield his heart from Caleb, who only seems interested in a temporary hook-up? Can Caleb keep Gray under control while they hunt for the summoner? Or will the cost of solving the case be higher than any of them could have guessed?
Because the master of ghouls has set his sights on a new target: Gray.
108 pages, ebook
First published March 31, 2013
25 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,639 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 188 reviews
September 28, 2025
This was a quick little adventure with ghouls... I don't like those things...
In any case, it's a successful sequel that raises enough questions to make you want to read more of the series, while also deepening the developing relationship.
I really like the dynamic between John and Caleb.
He slid his arms around John’s neck, leaning in for a kiss. John complied, running his tongue teasingly over the part in Caleb’s lips, before sliding in. One hand twined in Caleb’s long braid, wrapping it around his wrist and tugging lightly, and oh, fuck yeah.
John pulled back, sucked hard on Caleb’s lower lip. Caleb whimpered and rubbed the aching bulge of his cock against John’s. 😳😳😳
In any case, it's a successful sequel that raises enough questions to make you want to read more of the series, while also deepening the developing relationship.
I really like the dynamic between John and Caleb.
He slid his arms around John’s neck, leaning in for a kiss. John complied, running his tongue teasingly over the part in Caleb’s lips, before sliding in. One hand twined in Caleb’s long braid, wrapping it around his wrist and tugging lightly, and oh, fuck yeah.
John pulled back, sucked hard on Caleb’s lower lip. Caleb whimpered and rubbed the aching bulge of his cock against John’s. 😳😳😳
September 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
Still possessed by a demon hunting spirit named Gray, Caleb Jansen is doing the best he can in a really unfamiliar and strange situation.
When the District Chief of SPECTR offers Caleb the chance to work with her team of agents, to hunt down whoever is summoning demons and turning people into hungry, crazed ghouls, he accepts the offer—seeing as the alternate is to be locked away until his possession is sorted, one way or another.
On the team with Caleb is John Starkweather, the agent who has been keeping watch over Caleb (and Gray), sharing his home, and his bed, while frantically searching for a special way to help Caleb with his possession.
By this point, Caleb and John are used to Gray, to a degree, trusting him not to go all vampire spirit on innocents, while also coming in super handy in dangerous situations where he can “take control” of Caleb’s body, making him fiercer and more indestructible when needed.
Solving the new case as a team proves more dangerous than predicted when the person responsible seems to know their play before they do. And stakes go from bad to worse, when the evil doer and his ghoul cronies set their sights on Gray.
This sequel was a solid read. At this point in the bigger SPECTR story, my favourite element is Gray and his straightforward, light vs dark mentality. His inquisitiveness of life is only gaining momentum, and I enjoy the scenes where he and Caleb share inner monologues, discussing feelings and reasoning, as well as their joint desire for John and their strong need to always keep him protected.
As far as the romance goes, Caleb and John are in that early phase where they desperately want each other but don’t really know how to express that with words yet. The sex is hot, when it happens, but I’m already longing for the day these two become more serious, love confessions and all. That will likely be a while off yet, but the slow burn to true and lasting feelings will be worth the wait, I'm sure.
The paranormal stuff remains high quality, with a very atmospheric vibe that effortlessly transports the reader like all the best urban fantasies do. The action scenes are positively riveting—as is usual in a Hawk book—ensuring I flip through those pages at a quicker clip just to see the characters through the other side safely. In this case, some interesting things are revealed in the showdown with the bad guy, making it a must to read on with the sequels.
Still possessed by a demon hunting spirit named Gray, Caleb Jansen is doing the best he can in a really unfamiliar and strange situation.
When the District Chief of SPECTR offers Caleb the chance to work with her team of agents, to hunt down whoever is summoning demons and turning people into hungry, crazed ghouls, he accepts the offer—seeing as the alternate is to be locked away until his possession is sorted, one way or another.
On the team with Caleb is John Starkweather, the agent who has been keeping watch over Caleb (and Gray), sharing his home, and his bed, while frantically searching for a special way to help Caleb with his possession.
By this point, Caleb and John are used to Gray, to a degree, trusting him not to go all vampire spirit on innocents, while also coming in super handy in dangerous situations where he can “take control” of Caleb’s body, making him fiercer and more indestructible when needed.
Solving the new case as a team proves more dangerous than predicted when the person responsible seems to know their play before they do. And stakes go from bad to worse, when the evil doer and his ghoul cronies set their sights on Gray.
This sequel was a solid read. At this point in the bigger SPECTR story, my favourite element is Gray and his straightforward, light vs dark mentality. His inquisitiveness of life is only gaining momentum, and I enjoy the scenes where he and Caleb share inner monologues, discussing feelings and reasoning, as well as their joint desire for John and their strong need to always keep him protected.
As far as the romance goes, Caleb and John are in that early phase where they desperately want each other but don’t really know how to express that with words yet. The sex is hot, when it happens, but I’m already longing for the day these two become more serious, love confessions and all. That will likely be a while off yet, but the slow burn to true and lasting feelings will be worth the wait, I'm sure.
The paranormal stuff remains high quality, with a very atmospheric vibe that effortlessly transports the reader like all the best urban fantasies do. The action scenes are positively riveting—as is usual in a Hawk book—ensuring I flip through those pages at a quicker clip just to see the characters through the other side safely. In this case, some interesting things are revealed in the showdown with the bad guy, making it a must to read on with the sequels.
December 29, 2016
Written October 5, 2014
3.8 Stars - Addictive good, scary spooky and romantic sweet. - Just give me more, please!
Book #2
I liked the first one, #1 - Hunter of Demons (3.5 stars) in this M/M paranomal crime SPECTR series. ~ The first one was a 100 pages novella, this one is even shorter (just 3:15 hours or 85 pages).
This second part took away all of my minor previous hesitations. This will be wonderful reading (or listening) of these, until now, published four novels.
Next up #3 - Reaper of Souls
A PRN series written by a favorite author, Jordan L. Hawk (the creator of the sweet lovebirds Whyborne & Griffin).
Add to that:
These audios are narrated by the simply fantastic voice from Brad Langer (my wonderful sexy voice of the very naughty Nick Nowak in Boystown). ~ Jolly good!!
***********************************************
Charleston, South Carolina U.S. today...
Our main characters—John, Caleb and Grey— all meet for the first time the day Caleb visited an old hunted house (#1 - set just a week ago) to catch the evil demon who took his dead brothers body. ~ After that day everything changed for these two men (..and a spirit soul).
(Shortly about the MC's, book #1 etc. No big story....)
***********************************************
Book #2, Master of Ghouls gives us a few adventurous crime cases for these guys and their two federal agent (ghouls hunting) colleagues. From the first to the last page (minute) an very exciting and often creepy scary story.
The love story develops slowly enough and I look forward to being with them and experience how it goes in the following books. Lacking nothing in terms of the level of attraction here in any case. Ms. Hawk is really good at those parts in her romances.
***********************************************
How this lady / writer manages to come up with all these scary monsters and beings are amazing. Her imagination is really huge. (There's at least as many variations of odd "life" in her other historical Whyborne & Griffin series). I dare not even think about how her nightmares look like. My gets at least, an opportunity to become even more varied. Yikes!
...What did I just say? I don't want Ny creepy souls in my dreams just this amazing sweet love her characters shows more and more of. ~ NOT a wise reading or listening for late nights or dark evenings.... in a lonely cottage with cracking walls. Boo!!! ~ Silent and really quich are tall hese mindless creatures as well. ~ Eewww!!
***********************************************
I LIKE - ..hands up! - so eager to start the next part.
*****
The Spectr series:
3.8 Stars - Addictive good, scary spooky and romantic sweet. - Just give me more, please!
Book #2
I liked the first one, #1 - Hunter of Demons (3.5 stars) in this M/M paranomal crime SPECTR series. ~ The first one was a 100 pages novella, this one is even shorter (just 3:15 hours or 85 pages).
This second part took away all of my minor previous hesitations. This will be wonderful reading (or listening) of these, until now, published four novels.
Next up #3 - Reaper of Souls
A PRN series written by a favorite author, Jordan L. Hawk (the creator of the sweet lovebirds Whyborne & Griffin).
Add to that:
These audios are narrated by the simply fantastic voice from Brad Langer (my wonderful sexy voice of the very naughty Nick Nowak in Boystown). ~ Jolly good!!
***********************************************
Charleston, South Carolina U.S. today...
Our main characters—John, Caleb and Grey— all meet for the first time the day Caleb visited an old hunted house (#1 - set just a week ago) to catch the evil demon who took his dead brothers body. ~ After that day everything changed for these two men (..and a spirit soul).
(Shortly about the MC's, book #1 etc. No big story....)
***********************************************
Book #2, Master of Ghouls gives us a few adventurous crime cases for these guys and their two federal agent (ghouls hunting) colleagues. From the first to the last page (minute) an very exciting and often creepy scary story.
The love story develops slowly enough and I look forward to being with them and experience how it goes in the following books. Lacking nothing in terms of the level of attraction here in any case. Ms. Hawk is really good at those parts in her romances.
***********************************************
How this lady / writer manages to come up with all these scary monsters and beings are amazing. Her imagination is really huge. (There's at least as many variations of odd "life" in her other historical Whyborne & Griffin series). I dare not even think about how her nightmares look like. My gets at least, an opportunity to become even more varied. Yikes!
...What did I just say? I don't want Ny creepy souls in my dreams just this amazing sweet love her characters shows more and more of. ~ NOT a wise reading or listening for late nights or dark evenings.... in a lonely cottage with cracking walls. Boo!!! ~ Silent and really quich are tall hese mindless creatures as well. ~ Eewww!!
***********************************************
I'm listening to some old Janis Joplin classics while typings and "buttons" on my iPad.
Jeez, that woman could sing!
My sentimentality reaches full and highest level. **swallows nuggets**
Summertime - Live 1969 ...simply amazing great.
I LIKE - ..hands up! - so eager to start the next part.
*****
The Spectr series:
November 21, 2019
-------Original review March 2017-------
Wow, this series is right up my tree. I love Gray and am finding that I don't want for John to find a way to remove him from Caleb. I like them all and, well, want them all to be together. <3
May 3, 2019
Master of Ghouls by Jordan L. Hawk continues the story of Caleb being possessed by a vampire that hunts demons. John's boss offers Caleb a job, if Caleb want to be free and/or live he has to work for them. The first job deals with tracking down ghouls.
Narration by Brad Manger and he does a terrific job!
Narration by Brad Manger and he does a terrific job!
June 7, 2025
3rd re-read June 2025
________
I love Gray!
________
I love Gray!
July 5, 2013
4.5*
Whoop! Loving this series, the only trouble is they don't last long enough. Thank goodness I have book three waiting in the wings. Things are hotting up, Caleb is still trying to come to terms with his being possessed by Gray, he and John are getting closer but have a bit of a blip when SPECTR recruits Caleb to work alongside John and his team ( Sean and Tiffany ) who don't trust or accept him and to top it all they have to track and fight someone who is creating an army of ghouls, by kidnaping humans off the street and turning them against their will, but for what purpose? Exciting stuff!
Theres something sinister afoot and I think Caleb, John and of course the awesome Gray...who I'm getting just a bit fond of regardless of him being a ( demon ) blood sucking, sharp taloned black eyed Drakul, ok he's a sort of vamp but not the sort we're normally used to and Drakul sounds much cooler... are going to find out that all is not as it seems.
I know they're trying to find a way to exercise Gray from Caleb, but I know we're all secretly hoping that's never going to happen. This is a team who despite all the crap that's happening around them are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Its FAB- U-LOUS!
Whoop! Loving this series, the only trouble is they don't last long enough. Thank goodness I have book three waiting in the wings. Things are hotting up, Caleb is still trying to come to terms with his being possessed by Gray, he and John are getting closer but have a bit of a blip when SPECTR recruits Caleb to work alongside John and his team ( Sean and Tiffany ) who don't trust or accept him and to top it all they have to track and fight someone who is creating an army of ghouls, by kidnaping humans off the street and turning them against their will, but for what purpose? Exciting stuff!
Theres something sinister afoot and I think Caleb, John and of course the awesome Gray...who I'm getting just a bit fond of regardless of him being a ( demon ) blood sucking, sharp taloned black eyed Drakul, ok he's a sort of vamp but not the sort we're normally used to and Drakul sounds much cooler... are going to find out that all is not as it seems.
I know they're trying to find a way to exercise Gray from Caleb, but I know we're all secretly hoping that's never going to happen. This is a team who despite all the crap that's happening around them are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Its FAB- U-LOUS!
February 27, 2016
Awww yeah! This is what I'm talking about.
Tension, excitement and the heat is bumped up a notch.
I've got a good feeling about this possessed and exorcist couple.
Moving on...wheeeeee!
Tension, excitement and the heat is bumped up a notch.
I've got a good feeling about this possessed and exorcist couple.
Moving on...wheeeeee!
April 16, 2014
Aaand I’m hooked! There is so much action packed goodness in this little novella I feel like I can barely wrap my head around it all.
I have this intense compulsion to grab all my reading buddies, toss their current reads out the window and bounce up and down shouting: “Come on, come on you guys have to read this with me, it’s sooo good, it’s so exciting, the writing is superb and I promise there will be sexy times, heart melty times and angsty times, but not too much – it will be perfect – it’s just what you need right now, I know it is – so please read it with me?”
Yes, it still reminds me of PsyCops and Bone Rider (yay!) but now there’s a, duhn dun dun … ICoS agency feel to it too, complete with the Vivian-esque type boss and secret goings on. There’s the promise of nothing being as it seems with double crossing intrigues, double agents, a romance not without a little angst, a whole new world of demons and ghouls to discover and action, fast, suspense filled action! Its non-stop reading but I’ll wait for you all to catch up okay? I really don’t want you all to miss out on any of it, and you have to meet Gray – that demon has me wrapped around his claw so bad, I adore him, I can’t get enough and I promise you, you will LOVE him!His internal dialog and the growing emotional attachment and shared power with Caleb are just awesome, and scary and seductive and funny as hell!
I really, really want you all to meet Gray, fall in love with Agent Starkweather and come on this journey with me. If that’s not enough to convince you, why not read it for the writing alone; Ms Hawk’s detailing is evocative, like Ginn Hale, the way she describes sights and scents is truly transporting. The way she conveys Gray’s moods and internal movement with cat-like metaphors so vividly, perfectly paints him as the adorable predator without diminishing his power. I loved that!
There’s a catchy saying in the m/m community right now that has nothing to do with this novel but it gives me the same feeling. This novella makes me want to grab you all and shout “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go” So COME ON! Put down your current book and let’s explore this world instead!
I have this intense compulsion to grab all my reading buddies, toss their current reads out the window and bounce up and down shouting: “Come on, come on you guys have to read this with me, it’s sooo good, it’s so exciting, the writing is superb and I promise there will be sexy times, heart melty times and angsty times, but not too much – it will be perfect – it’s just what you need right now, I know it is – so please read it with me?”
Yes, it still reminds me of PsyCops and Bone Rider (yay!) but now there’s a, duhn dun dun … ICoS agency feel to it too, complete with the Vivian-esque type boss and secret goings on. There’s the promise of nothing being as it seems with double crossing intrigues, double agents, a romance not without a little angst, a whole new world of demons and ghouls to discover and action, fast, suspense filled action! Its non-stop reading but I’ll wait for you all to catch up okay? I really don’t want you all to miss out on any of it, and you have to meet Gray – that demon has me wrapped around his claw so bad, I adore him, I can’t get enough and I promise you, you will LOVE him!His internal dialog and the growing emotional attachment and shared power with Caleb are just awesome, and scary and seductive and funny as hell!
I really, really want you all to meet Gray, fall in love with Agent Starkweather and come on this journey with me. If that’s not enough to convince you, why not read it for the writing alone; Ms Hawk’s detailing is evocative, like Ginn Hale, the way she describes sights and scents is truly transporting. The way she conveys Gray’s moods and internal movement with cat-like metaphors so vividly, perfectly paints him as the adorable predator without diminishing his power. I loved that!
There’s a catchy saying in the m/m community right now that has nothing to do with this novel but it gives me the same feeling. This novella makes me want to grab you all and shout “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go” So COME ON! Put down your current book and let’s explore this world instead!
July 22, 2020
This series still isn't really grabbing me, but people like it so I plug on. Bonus, the narrator, Brad Langer, is pretty good. He adds great emotion to the characters and he's fun to listen to.
December 25, 2015
Decided to continue with this series some time after I read the first book. But I won't be reading the rest.
Caleb is still possessed by Gray, the drakul. He is now officially a SPECTR agent working with his lover John. They find out someone is abducting people and having them possessed by ghouls. With their newly formed team they try to stop the bad guy. Not much else going on, it is a very short book.
Oh and John asks Caleb to move in with him and be his boyfriend. And there is some sex at the end.
It was kind of boring, even though it is one action packed book. I just didn't really care about Caleb or John. I liked Gray though.
Not continuing.
Caleb is still possessed by Gray, the drakul. He is now officially a SPECTR agent working with his lover John. They find out someone is abducting people and having them possessed by ghouls. With their newly formed team they try to stop the bad guy. Not much else going on, it is a very short book.
Oh and John asks Caleb to move in with him and be his boyfriend. And there is some sex at the end.
It was kind of boring, even though it is one action packed book. I just didn't really care about Caleb or John. I liked Gray though.
Not continuing.
February 28, 2016
I am not unhappy with how this series is progressing. I like the characters John (a Federal exorcist) from Spectr and Caleb who is possessed by Gray a drakul (vampire like entity). My only hesitancy with it is the similarity to PsyCops minus the chemistry that Victor & Jacob have.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
March 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this, but I sincerely hope there's an as-yet-undisclosed plot reason why all the female characters in this series have so far been the absolute worst.
I enjoyed this, but I sincerely hope there's an as-yet-undisclosed plot reason why all the female characters in this series have so far been the absolute worst.
November 5, 2017
Gotta love a story that starts off with a dance-club blow-job.
Caleb, Gray, and John are back in this action-packed sequel to Hunter of Demons. What starts as a night out to relax and have some fun together quickly turns into a ghoulish chase into the city streets when Caleb/Gray catch the scent of a demon on the prowl. At least the demon had the courtesy to wait till after John was done sucking Caleb’s brains out through his cock. It was downright polite.
But kidnapping a lady, drugging here, and almost killing her, and Caleb, in a mad dash for freedom, was hardly polite at all. When it turns out that their clubbing demon is only the tip of a ghoulish ice-burg, John, and a not-so-politely conscripted Caleb, must find the mastermind behind a rash of abductions and possessions across the city. But the answer to their quest might just shock everyone. And might just end up costing both Caleb and Gray their freedom, sanity, or even their lives. It’s a good thing they have backup…
Master of Ghouls takes up a day or two after the end of Hunter of Demons. And while there is certainly a cloud on the horizon, the beginning scene is all lust and passion…and the appearance of a highly magical bathroom that somehow is empty in a crowded club (sorry, but out of all the fantastical aspects of this book, this people-free bathroom was the most incredulous. Even if it did get us one seriously steaming bathroom bj). All the chemical reaction between John/Caleb/Gray is still present, but this book goes a little deeper into the sticky relationship aspect, while still leading us around by our lust-ridden hearts. It was hot and a nice continuation of what we had in book one. Tensions are rising, but so is the connection between each other.
I really like how the whole Caleb/Gray relationship is playing out so far in this series. There are moments where they seem so synced, so in tune with each other, but there was also that lingering doubt and distrust from Caleb. It feels so right that Caleb doesn’t know if he can trust this voice inside his head. He is torn between feeling power and feeling disgust. But there is also understanding. A tentative truce that could be so much more. Gray is also starting to learn from Caleb, from all these new experiences, and it is nice that he isn’t just stuck in hunter-mode all the time. I like that he is confused by Caleb, by what they both feel for John. And that he is coming to see the difference between those who can be saved and those that should be eaten.
This book was filled with action and suspense, and the mystery of SPECTR just keeps growing. I can’t wait to see who the mole is, or even find out if there is in fact a conspiracy lurking in those halls. Can Caleb trust this place or is John going to come to a harsh realization? I don’t know, and I just love it. Did wish the book was a bit longer, but I am just about biting at the bit to get to book three. So far these books have been fun and hot and a totally awesome ride.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Caleb, Gray, and John are back in this action-packed sequel to Hunter of Demons. What starts as a night out to relax and have some fun together quickly turns into a ghoulish chase into the city streets when Caleb/Gray catch the scent of a demon on the prowl. At least the demon had the courtesy to wait till after John was done sucking Caleb’s brains out through his cock. It was downright polite.
But kidnapping a lady, drugging here, and almost killing her, and Caleb, in a mad dash for freedom, was hardly polite at all. When it turns out that their clubbing demon is only the tip of a ghoulish ice-burg, John, and a not-so-politely conscripted Caleb, must find the mastermind behind a rash of abductions and possessions across the city. But the answer to their quest might just shock everyone. And might just end up costing both Caleb and Gray their freedom, sanity, or even their lives. It’s a good thing they have backup…
Master of Ghouls takes up a day or two after the end of Hunter of Demons. And while there is certainly a cloud on the horizon, the beginning scene is all lust and passion…and the appearance of a highly magical bathroom that somehow is empty in a crowded club (sorry, but out of all the fantastical aspects of this book, this people-free bathroom was the most incredulous. Even if it did get us one seriously steaming bathroom bj). All the chemical reaction between John/Caleb/Gray is still present, but this book goes a little deeper into the sticky relationship aspect, while still leading us around by our lust-ridden hearts. It was hot and a nice continuation of what we had in book one. Tensions are rising, but so is the connection between each other.
I really like how the whole Caleb/Gray relationship is playing out so far in this series. There are moments where they seem so synced, so in tune with each other, but there was also that lingering doubt and distrust from Caleb. It feels so right that Caleb doesn’t know if he can trust this voice inside his head. He is torn between feeling power and feeling disgust. But there is also understanding. A tentative truce that could be so much more. Gray is also starting to learn from Caleb, from all these new experiences, and it is nice that he isn’t just stuck in hunter-mode all the time. I like that he is confused by Caleb, by what they both feel for John. And that he is coming to see the difference between those who can be saved and those that should be eaten.
This book was filled with action and suspense, and the mystery of SPECTR just keeps growing. I can’t wait to see who the mole is, or even find out if there is in fact a conspiracy lurking in those halls. Can Caleb trust this place or is John going to come to a harsh realization? I don’t know, and I just love it. Did wish the book was a bit longer, but I am just about biting at the bit to get to book three. So far these books have been fun and hot and a totally awesome ride.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 11, 2014
Alright, Spectr is an awesome paranormal series. It really is. The first installment Hunter of Demons packed me by the throat and sucked me right in. So there's no question what I would read next, right? Right.
So, I tackled this one and, yeah, it's pretty awesome as well. Though it didn't really match the first one in its impact. Most of that had to do with the beginning I think - it's ridiculously important how a book starts because it kind of sets the tone for the rest of it. When I start reading something and I think "meeh" then the book has to be bloody great to get me away from that to the heights of "awesome" because I just tend to stick with first impressions, unfortunately. And while this book didn't begin with a "meeh" it kind of came close, because it started off trying to explain the "rules" - or basically what had happened in the first installment - in the first few pages. And that just felt unnecessary and, to be honest, a bit clumsy. This is not a book you should read if you haven't read the first one beforehand, period. Make that clear at the beginning or/and involve a short paragraph before the book starts on what happened, but do not include it in the normal text. It really broke the flow for me here and the story had a hard time rebuilding the atmosphere and lure the first installment had afterwards. But that's just my personal opinion of course.
Aside from that, I love how these little books manage to slowly pull the general story forward. You get the idea that there is a lot more going on than we know and that the players aren't all white or black. There are so many threads not even close to being finished - and while each story has a closed story arc concerning some sort of paranormal suspense plot - the real questions are maybe not even asked yet. So there's a lot still left to do and show. And I'll totally have a look at that now in the next story.
So, I tackled this one and, yeah, it's pretty awesome as well. Though it didn't really match the first one in its impact. Most of that had to do with the beginning I think - it's ridiculously important how a book starts because it kind of sets the tone for the rest of it. When I start reading something and I think "meeh" then the book has to be bloody great to get me away from that to the heights of "awesome" because I just tend to stick with first impressions, unfortunately. And while this book didn't begin with a "meeh" it kind of came close, because it started off trying to explain the "rules" - or basically what had happened in the first installment - in the first few pages. And that just felt unnecessary and, to be honest, a bit clumsy. This is not a book you should read if you haven't read the first one beforehand, period. Make that clear at the beginning or/and involve a short paragraph before the book starts on what happened, but do not include it in the normal text. It really broke the flow for me here and the story had a hard time rebuilding the atmosphere and lure the first installment had afterwards. But that's just my personal opinion of course.
Aside from that, I love how these little books manage to slowly pull the general story forward. You get the idea that there is a lot more going on than we know and that the players aren't all white or black. There are so many threads not even close to being finished - and while each story has a closed story arc concerning some sort of paranormal suspense plot - the real questions are maybe not even asked yet. So there's a lot still left to do and show. And I'll totally have a look at that now in the next story.
November 10, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a quick and fun continuation into the SPECTR world that Ms. Hawk started building in the first book. Caleb's still possessed - obviously - and he and Gray are learning how to share one body and work in tandem to fight the monsters. The complications of the situation aren't ignored either - Caleb still very much wants to be rid of Gray, and there are still questions being asked on all sides about the ethics of "monster" killing, at least where Gray is concerned.
The main plot with the titled Master of Ghouls felt a little thin on substance but there's hints of something else in the works for the rest of the series, so I'll wait to see where that goes.
Pointing out it's only been eight days since all this started makes the insta-love a little harder to swallow, and Jon bordering on unprofessionalism due to Caleb feels like a stretch.
This was a quick and fun continuation into the SPECTR world that Ms. Hawk started building in the first book. Caleb's still possessed - obviously - and he and Gray are learning how to share one body and work in tandem to fight the monsters. The complications of the situation aren't ignored either - Caleb still very much wants to be rid of Gray, and there are still questions being asked on all sides about the ethics of "monster" killing, at least where Gray is concerned.
The main plot with the titled Master of Ghouls felt a little thin on substance but there's hints of something else in the works for the rest of the series, so I'll wait to see where that goes.
Pointing out it's only been eight days since all this started makes the insta-love a little harder to swallow, and Jon bordering on unprofessionalism due to Caleb feels like a stretch.
July 23, 2013
This series just keeps getting better. I enjoyed the tension between John and Caleb and how Caleb felt that he was just another case to John. The chemistry between the two is growing and the sex is hot. It's funny that Gray is kind of a voyeur. I would have liked to have seen Tiffany get killed by Brimm's ghouls. The symbiotic relationship between Gray and Caleb is getting stronger but Caleb seems to be able to reason with the drakar. Great action filled writing in a smooth flowing story.
May 4, 2013
Great followup to book one. I would very much like to hear more about these guys.
January 2, 2017
The adventure continues - I'm glad Caleb is starting to trust John. Grey remains pretty silent in all this but I'm seeing the warmth in this drakul- feelings are happening!
December 28, 2025
Since I have this as an e-book, I only really noticed the cover now - why is the guy on the cover naked? I mean, ok, sexy, but when the ghouls come out, the clothes stay on. There is no naked hunting of paranormal creatures here.
Well, never mind the cover.
Caleb is possessed by a demon-who-hunts-demons called Gray ("Not a demon," Gray repeatedly says whenever this is brought up) who is mostly very indifferent to human morals, but follows Caleb's lead when it comes to what's right and what's wrong. John is a paranormal policeman whose day job is to exorcise the possessed, among other things. But Gray doesn't seem to be exorcisable at the moment.
That's pretty lucky, because as they come across a case in which somebody is creating an army of ghouls, Gray can help out.
I like how Jordan L. Hawk is dropping hints of bigger things going on and setting up the scene for future installments - she doesn't tell us exactly where the problem lies, but points us in the general direction.
I'm still a bit disappointed by how short these stories are, but what can you do? I think I'd rate this as 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'm rounding up this time because I'm also reading another book which is. Just. Argh. So hard to go through and grating. Thank the goddess that Hawk's here to save my goddamned sanity with something enjoyable. (what goddess? the one sworn by in SPECTR)
Well, never mind the cover.
Caleb is possessed by a demon-who-hunts-demons called Gray ("Not a demon," Gray repeatedly says whenever this is brought up) who is mostly very indifferent to human morals, but follows Caleb's lead when it comes to what's right and what's wrong. John is a paranormal policeman whose day job is to exorcise the possessed, among other things. But Gray doesn't seem to be exorcisable at the moment.
That's pretty lucky, because as they come across a case in which somebody is creating an army of ghouls, Gray can help out.
I like how Jordan L. Hawk is dropping hints of bigger things going on and setting up the scene for future installments - she doesn't tell us exactly where the problem lies, but points us in the general direction.
I'm still a bit disappointed by how short these stories are, but what can you do? I think I'd rate this as 3.5 stars instead of 4, but I'm rounding up this time because I'm also reading another book which is. Just. Argh. So hard to go through and grating. Thank the goddess that Hawk's here to save my goddamned sanity with something enjoyable. (what goddess? the one sworn by in SPECTR)
March 13, 2017
4.0 Stars
Book 2 was riveting as Caleb is volun-told to join the SPECTR team and aids in hunting down a ghoul summoner. The plot thickens as to whether SPECTR is as upstanding an agency as John believes it to be or whether something more nefarious is going on. And lastly, the relationship further develops, albeit slowly, between John and Caleb/Gray. (Hurry the fuck up!) Admittedly, some of the scenes in book 2 were pretty violent, graphic, and a little spooky but I still dug it.
Bottom line: Next up, book 3! *squee*
Book 2 was riveting as Caleb is volun-told to join the SPECTR team and aids in hunting down a ghoul summoner. The plot thickens as to whether SPECTR is as upstanding an agency as John believes it to be or whether something more nefarious is going on. And lastly, the relationship further develops, albeit slowly, between John and Caleb/Gray. (Hurry the fuck up!) Admittedly, some of the scenes in book 2 were pretty violent, graphic, and a little spooky but I still dug it.
Bottom line: Next up, book 3! *squee*
February 26, 2016
4.5 stars.
First read on July 6, 2015.
Re-read on February 25, 2016.
Even better than the 1st book. Some feelz, and a bit of mystery and action. I'm loving this series!
First read on July 6, 2015.
Re-read on February 25, 2016.
Even better than the 1st book. Some feelz, and a bit of mystery and action. I'm loving this series!
August 3, 2018
The relationship between Caleb and John is very quick and rather unrealistic, BUT!! I still love it! The story and relationship just work for me in a big way. I can't get enough!! On to the next. 😊
May 2, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/10/01/...
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
November 23, 2018
I don't know. I keep having great hope for this series because I love Jordan L. Hawk so much, but it's just not doing much for me. It's not that it's bad so much as it's incredibly uninspiring. I think the world has a lot of potential, but the actual book just doesn't live up to it, maybe because of the short length, or maybe something else went wrong. I'm not feeling the connection between the MCs at all (it's only been eight days?! Caleb is still totally potentially in Really Big Trouble with John's bosses if they can't figure out what to do about Gray? The whole end goal for Gray is, well, really bad for Gray?). I'm going to keep plugging along, at least for a while, but this isn't really my cup of tea. I'm not sure if I'd keep going if it wasn't Hawk, and if I wasn't hoping it would get it's groove going at some point.
January 24, 2018
I like how this is progressing. Gray interests me.
November 24, 2014
3.5 rating because this episode left me with more questions than answers.
Caleb can’t get drunk. It’s one of those “gifts” that he has inherited thanks to having Gray, the Dracul, inside him, coupled with superhuman strength, athletic talent, inhuman ability to heal and the instinct of detecting demons in their realm. The only good thing, Caleb thinks, that he’s gotten out of this debacle is Special Agent John Starkweather from SPECTR. Their relationship has become electric (no shit) and hotter and hell –if it weren’t that Gray keeps interfering with his thoughts, especially n in their most intimate moments. Saying that Gray has become a voyeur is stating it nicely because he’s ever present, and enjoying whatever Caleb is enjoying, a walk in the park with amazing colors, a blow job or a fuck, Gray feels it too.
In the middle of the nightclub where Caleb and John are partying, Gray senses a Non-human paranormal entity. Caleb/Gray runs to catch it, and in this occasion the demon is a ghoul. There’s a lot of action in this story, especially because of Caleb/Gray’s abilities. He can be stabbed, bitten and shot and like the ever-ready bunny he can keep coming back for more. One thing that stands out is how “practical” Gray is. John has tried to see Gray as something dangerous to watch, but also as an entity that might have a higher purpose. But Gray’s motive for destroying demons is not noble. He doesn’t do it for humanity. He does it because demons are food. And he likes to feed, especially now that he’s “alive.”
In this episode with the Ghouls we learned that Gray can be controlled and tortured, depending on the paranormal ability of whoever threatens humanity. In this case, the Master of Ghouls was Brimm, an ex-agent of Spectr who seemed to have been involved with Tiffany or at least a close friend of hers. I had to wonder if she might be the leak in Spctr. And it left us with the question of what the hell is Spectr doing and what are their real intentions. Nevertheless, the agents working together and especially John saved the day, destroying Ghouls and their master, and at least at the end whatever differences Caleb and John had were set aside for another day because their attraction is too powerful to resist. For now…
Caleb can’t get drunk. It’s one of those “gifts” that he has inherited thanks to having Gray, the Dracul, inside him, coupled with superhuman strength, athletic talent, inhuman ability to heal and the instinct of detecting demons in their realm. The only good thing, Caleb thinks, that he’s gotten out of this debacle is Special Agent John Starkweather from SPECTR. Their relationship has become electric (no shit) and hotter and hell –if it weren’t that Gray keeps interfering with his thoughts, especially n in their most intimate moments. Saying that Gray has become a voyeur is stating it nicely because he’s ever present, and enjoying whatever Caleb is enjoying, a walk in the park with amazing colors, a blow job or a fuck, Gray feels it too.
In the middle of the nightclub where Caleb and John are partying, Gray senses a Non-human paranormal entity. Caleb/Gray runs to catch it, and in this occasion the demon is a ghoul. There’s a lot of action in this story, especially because of Caleb/Gray’s abilities. He can be stabbed, bitten and shot and like the ever-ready bunny he can keep coming back for more. One thing that stands out is how “practical” Gray is. John has tried to see Gray as something dangerous to watch, but also as an entity that might have a higher purpose. But Gray’s motive for destroying demons is not noble. He doesn’t do it for humanity. He does it because demons are food. And he likes to feed, especially now that he’s “alive.”
In this episode with the Ghouls we learned that Gray can be controlled and tortured, depending on the paranormal ability of whoever threatens humanity. In this case, the Master of Ghouls was Brimm, an ex-agent of Spectr who seemed to have been involved with Tiffany or at least a close friend of hers. I had to wonder if she might be the leak in Spctr. And it left us with the question of what the hell is Spectr doing and what are their real intentions. Nevertheless, the agents working together and especially John saved the day, destroying Ghouls and their master, and at least at the end whatever differences Caleb and John had were set aside for another day because their attraction is too powerful to resist. For now…
October 8, 2013
What a great series! I put the review of all four installment into one post - I read all four in one go, so it even seemed to me like one big story.
And what a great one!
I love the world building, it is done very well, and it has a more original take on the old demons and paranormal cops trope than most books I read.
It has two great main characters: Caleb, the vegetarian hippietwink (possessed by Grey) and John, the paranormal cop and exorcist. An unusual couple with many differences, but also a lot of feeling between them.
But most fascinating for me was how Grey was inserted in the story - I would have liked to see more of him, but maybe this will be the case in the next installment (February 2014 - god, that seems awfully loooong....).
All installments also have a mystery/crime/demon hunt/action plot - they were all good, all a bit creepy and I enjoyed them very much.
If the next one has more Grey in it, it could become a favourite :-)
And what a great one!
I love the world building, it is done very well, and it has a more original take on the old demons and paranormal cops trope than most books I read.
It has two great main characters: Caleb, the vegetarian hippietwink (possessed by Grey) and John, the paranormal cop and exorcist. An unusual couple with many differences, but also a lot of feeling between them.
But most fascinating for me was how Grey was inserted in the story - I would have liked to see more of him, but maybe this will be the case in the next installment (February 2014 - god, that seems awfully loooong....).
All installments also have a mystery/crime/demon hunt/action plot - they were all good, all a bit creepy and I enjoyed them very much.
If the next one has more Grey in it, it could become a favourite :-)
August 25, 2022
I had hoped for a bit more romantic development after the first book, but this one was another slow burn along with the paranormal action and sus SPECTR stuff. My main gripe with this book is that I felt that I didn't get to know the character's thoughts and reflections on a lot of the stuff that was going on – like what Caleb thought about John calling him babe so often, or how John felt about Caleb being "offered" the contractor role at SPECTR, and his colleagues' attitudes towards Caleb. This made it harder for me to connect to the characters and their relationship, since I'm not getting much insight and development. The book was an okay, fairly short read, but I don't think it's gotten me hooked enough to continue the series.
October 7, 2018
2018 Re-Read:
Much better than the first one. The series is really ramping up now, and Gray is making himself more known. Looks like there might be a conspiracy afoot, but I'm sure these guys have it covered.
Much better than the first one. The series is really ramping up now, and Gray is making himself more known. Looks like there might be a conspiracy afoot, but I'm sure these guys have it covered.
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