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Mongrel #2
Merman
A Story in the Mongrel Series
When vampire Clancy Marrowbone returns to Purin province after nearly two years, he intends only to visit with his dear friend, Fanule Perfidor, and find out how his former lover, the unfortunately mortal Simon Bentcross, is faring. But two developments change Marrowbone’s itinerary: the appearance of a drastically altered man from his past, and the reawakening of his passion for Simon.
Both of these unexpected reunions become increasingly complicated. The connection between Simon’s new creation, a bathysphere-like submersible, and a clandestine underwater-research project results in Marrowbone and Bentcross becoming hunted men. But sometimes, it takes danger to make a star-crossed affair seem worth saving.
When vampire Clancy Marrowbone returns to Purin province after nearly two years, he intends only to visit with his dear friend, Fanule Perfidor, and find out how his former lover, the unfortunately mortal Simon Bentcross, is faring. But two developments change Marrowbone’s itinerary: the appearance of a drastically altered man from his past, and the reawakening of his passion for Simon.
Both of these unexpected reunions become increasingly complicated. The connection between Simon’s new creation, a bathysphere-like submersible, and a clandestine underwater-research project results in Marrowbone and Bentcross becoming hunted men. But sometimes, it takes danger to make a star-crossed affair seem worth saving.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2013
3 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
K.Z. Snow
57 books273 followersThis says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH7rt4...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 3, 2016
Twenty two months after he left, wanderlust vampire, Clancy Marrowbone, returns to Taintwell, motivated by unfamiliar feeling to find out what his ex-lover, Simon Bentcross, is doing. His friend, Fanule Perfidor, the leader of Taintwell informs him that Simon is involved in a project to design submersible sphere for underwater exploration, called the Bubble. Before he has the chance to meet Simon, however, Clancy discovers a strange-manfish captured inside a net at deserted stretch of beach south of Purinton (the adjent city of Taintwell). Turns out that the manfish is once a man Clancy used to feed, Jordan Hawkes. Clancy feels that Simon's project will be related to his discovery. And he decides to stay longer to ensure that Simon will not be in danger ....
-------------------
Ah, K.Z. Snow, once again you deliver such a winning story. Much like Astrid Amara's, whose newest book is released a day before this one, K.Z. Snow is one of my auto-read authors. I don't need to read her blurb, I just plunge into it. I know that I will be in for a beautiful story written with such delicate lyrical gorgeous words.
I love Clancy -- he reminds me of my favorite K.Z. Snow's vampire, Riley from Utopia X series. The way he pines for Simon, and the way he admits that he cannot get Simon out of his mind, makes him like he is carrying this melancholia quality in him. Which I love. Extremely.
The story itself engages me from the beginning. Even if I'm not a fan of steampunk fantasy, I have no problem being captivated by the tale. There is a twist regarding Jordan Hawkes becoming a merman and it contributes to adding a dash of mystery to this story. The part where Clancy sort of 'investigates' what happens by talking to Nicholas Tenderby (a warder turned immortal) and Mortimer Sind (brilliant scientist, engineer, and inventor) is one of my favorite parts. Although I must say that the ending slightly feel anticlimatic, because Clancy's fight against happens off-screen. I wish the action is front and center rather than just the fantasy portion.
Just like any story of vampire-mortal relationship, I wonder how Clancy and Simon will have their HEA. Except for Clancy turning Simon into one, I figure they will only have years being together, since Simon will get old and Clancy is not. However, for now, I am satisfied with the ending. I would love to read more adventure in this world, and maybe K.Z. Snow can introduce another Taintwellian to have his love story told.
-------------------
Ah, K.Z. Snow, once again you deliver such a winning story. Much like Astrid Amara's, whose newest book is released a day before this one, K.Z. Snow is one of my auto-read authors. I don't need to read her blurb, I just plunge into it. I know that I will be in for a beautiful story written with such delicate lyrical gorgeous words.
I love Clancy -- he reminds me of my favorite K.Z. Snow's vampire, Riley from Utopia X series. The way he pines for Simon, and the way he admits that he cannot get Simon out of his mind, makes him like he is carrying this melancholia quality in him. Which I love. Extremely.
The story itself engages me from the beginning. Even if I'm not a fan of steampunk fantasy, I have no problem being captivated by the tale. There is a twist regarding Jordan Hawkes becoming a merman and it contributes to adding a dash of mystery to this story. The part where Clancy sort of 'investigates' what happens by talking to Nicholas Tenderby (a warder turned immortal) and Mortimer Sind (brilliant scientist, engineer, and inventor) is one of my favorite parts. Although I must say that the ending slightly feel anticlimatic, because Clancy's fight against happens off-screen. I wish the action is front and center rather than just the fantasy portion.
Just like any story of vampire-mortal relationship, I wonder how Clancy and Simon will have their HEA. Except for Clancy turning Simon into one, I figure they will only have years being together, since Simon will get old and Clancy is not. However, for now, I am satisfied with the ending. I would love to read more adventure in this world, and maybe K.Z. Snow can introduce another Taintwellian to have his love story told.
July 20, 2013
3.75 stars. Infamous vampire Clancy Marrowbone finds a strangely familiar merman washed up on the shore. At the same time the lover he has been unable to forget, Simon Bentcross, has been commissioned by the authorities to build a submersible to explore a crevasse where bizarre creatures are said to lurk. But things are not what they initially seem and Simon and Clancy face deception and danger on their road to love.
Clancy has an inhuman ethereal quality that makes him dreamy but also a little inaccessible. Even though I fell for the fantasy of their romance, objectively I still wonder what the two of them have in common. My favourite scenes are when the two of them are pining for each other so forlornly.
The tale of Jordan Hawkes is fascinating and very suspenseful. He is one of those enjoyably ambiguous villains that you dislike but at the same time connect with.
Clancy and the mongrels are roughed up and intimidated by the local Special Forces occasionally but I wasn't really sure why. The prejudice seemed left over from the previous novel and not wholly pertinent to this storyline. Clancy in particular is constantly in danger from them so when it all disappeared so easily at the end it was anti-climactic.
The writing is beautiful and the steampunk setting is unusual and dark and evocative. The ending is HFN but I can't see these two giving up on each other. I guess Simon's mortality and Clancy's need to feed and roam make a sappy HEA difficult. Although I wonder if Clancy will ever change Simon? I hope so. Wonderful addition to the Mongrel world and I would definitely read more in this setting.
Clancy has an inhuman ethereal quality that makes him dreamy but also a little inaccessible. Even though I fell for the fantasy of their romance, objectively I still wonder what the two of them have in common. My favourite scenes are when the two of them are pining for each other so forlornly.
The tale of Jordan Hawkes is fascinating and very suspenseful. He is one of those enjoyably ambiguous villains that you dislike but at the same time connect with.
Clancy and the mongrels are roughed up and intimidated by the local Special Forces occasionally but I wasn't really sure why. The prejudice seemed left over from the previous novel and not wholly pertinent to this storyline. Clancy in particular is constantly in danger from them so when it all disappeared so easily at the end it was anti-climactic.
The writing is beautiful and the steampunk setting is unusual and dark and evocative. The ending is HFN but I can't see these two giving up on each other. I guess Simon's mortality and Clancy's need to feed and roam make a sappy HEA difficult. Although I wonder if Clancy will ever change Simon? I hope so. Wonderful addition to the Mongrel world and I would definitely read more in this setting.
June 25, 2016
A great addition and continuation in the world of Taintwell and Purinton. Simon Bentcross is one of my favorite characters of all time. I love me a hands on man who's rough around the edges but has a hidden soft heart and an accidental sense of humor. *hugs Simon* He's the polar opposite of Clancy Marrowbone and I love their exchanges.
There is quite a bit of mystery to this installment and there is actually very little that can be said without giving away all the goodies. And you want to read the goodies, you really do.
The language is fun and engaging, the words are just plain fun to read. The characters in Mongrel are back and play a big part in the story which was much appreciated by me because they are too good to leave behind and even if they play a small part, I'm happy to read about them.
Definitely looking forward to reading Machine next.
There is quite a bit of mystery to this installment and there is actually very little that can be said without giving away all the goodies. And you want to read the goodies, you really do.
The language is fun and engaging, the words are just plain fun to read. The characters in Mongrel are back and play a big part in the story which was much appreciated by me because they are too good to leave behind and even if they play a small part, I'm happy to read about them.
Definitely looking forward to reading Machine next.
Want to read
August 11, 2015Merman? Yes!
July 22, 2013
I looooove this universe.
I'm happy that this has the same dark/sweet feeling of Mongrel, but it's unique as the main characters are unique and quite different than Fanule and Will.
When I read the previous book, Fanule's walking down that boardwalk enthralled me since the beginning. I can't quite explain how that guy got so deep under my skin.
It tooka bit longer (three chapters) in this book to make me decide I didn't want to put it down.
Clancy Marrowbone is a vampire, quite refined and with a restlessness that he can't master. He's also a sort of champion of the most unfortunate people, because he is an incredibly decent creature with a sympathetic nature.
Simon Bentcross, Clancy's fling in the previous book, is rougher and coarse in comparison, but he's also a man with passions. He makes an odd couple with Clancy, but their desire for each other and the slight misunderstandings (due to their pride and fears) build a beautiful romance.
Even if they are the protagonists, K.Z. Snow gave this book the title Merman, and Jordy Hawkes, the merman, is indeed the most interesting character in the book. His story develops as a sort of suspense story, because he is quite difficult to read. I was really torn in two because even though I wasn't able to trust Jordy, I wanted at the same time to understand him and I did feel pity for him and his predicament, even if he was a menace for the relationship I was rooting for.
It's difficult to explain what I felt without spoiling the book, so don't say I didn't warn you. So, that's why it was so good. In short: beauty and darkness and loneliness and freedom. Feel something you don't want to feel, be morose about it. Writer: what did you do to me?
I loved the world building, the little details blending the fantasy elements with the mechanical ones. I loved seeing my Fanule. I loved touching base with the people in Taintwell and their sense of community.
This is not a wham book like Mongrel, but in its bittersweetness it's quite remarkable. And I don't mean bittersweetness because there isn't a happy ending, but the world of Mongrel is quite harsh even if not angsty and I'd better stop now, read the spoiler.
I'm happy that this has the same dark/sweet feeling of Mongrel, but it's unique as the main characters are unique and quite different than Fanule and Will.
When I read the previous book, Fanule's walking down that boardwalk enthralled me since the beginning. I can't quite explain how that guy got so deep under my skin.
It tooka bit longer (three chapters) in this book to make me decide I didn't want to put it down.
Clancy Marrowbone is a vampire, quite refined and with a restlessness that he can't master. He's also a sort of champion of the most unfortunate people, because he is an incredibly decent creature with a sympathetic nature.
Simon Bentcross, Clancy's fling in the previous book, is rougher and coarse in comparison, but he's also a man with passions. He makes an odd couple with Clancy, but their desire for each other and the slight misunderstandings (due to their pride and fears) build a beautiful romance.
Even if they are the protagonists, K.Z. Snow gave this book the title Merman, and Jordy Hawkes, the merman, is indeed the most interesting character in the book. His story develops as a sort of suspense story, because he is quite difficult to read. I was really torn in two because even though I wasn't able to trust Jordy, I wanted at the same time to understand him and I did feel pity for him and his predicament, even if he was a menace for the relationship I was rooting for.
It's difficult to explain what I felt without spoiling the book, so don't say I didn't warn you. So, that's why it was so good. In short: beauty and darkness and loneliness and freedom. Feel something you don't want to feel, be morose about it. Writer: what did you do to me?
I loved the world building, the little details blending the fantasy elements with the mechanical ones. I loved seeing my Fanule. I loved touching base with the people in Taintwell and their sense of community.
This is not a wham book like Mongrel, but in its bittersweetness it's quite remarkable. And I don't mean bittersweetness because there isn't a happy ending, but the world of Mongrel is quite harsh even if not angsty and I'd better stop now, read the spoiler.
October 9, 2013
I loved the imagery and the prose. I loved the story about friendship and family that we choose. Lovely story.
July 16, 2013
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Merman is the sequel to Mongrel. It’s Clancy and Simon’s story but Fen and Will make appearances throughout the book. I would recommend reading Mongrel first, it follows a different couple, and there is a new storyline but there is too much backstory to fully enjoy the book without knowing. I know many people wondered how a m/m and a merman would work out in the sex department but he didn’t have the tail so all male parts were functioning and intact. ;)
Clancy returns to town because of his strong urge to see Simon again. He knows he shouldn’t and has nothing beyond a few nights of pleasure to offer him but for the first time in a very long time he can’t help himself from being drawn back. Simon is so happy to see Clancy. Clancy knows how Simon feels about him. Though he shows a fondness for Simon, Simon knows Clancy isn’t the type to settle down with him. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t still want Clancy.
When the Special Threats Unit, a unit equipped with special skills and weapons to deal with Mongrels, sets its sites on bringing in Clancy it draws the town of Taintwell and it’s people into the trouble. They consider Clancy a hero for dispatching the baddie in book one.
Add to that Clancy finds an old friend washed up on the beach in a net. He’s been drastically altered physically. It brings back memories and regrets from Clancy’s past. Clancy feels the need to help him further dragging himself into the dark past of the island’s prison and it’s prisoners left to die after a ravaging hurricane. Simon can’t help but be jealous of the beautiful merman with an obvious connection to Clancy but he’s willing to help, if Clancy needs him.
Simon starts to wonder if it’s all connected to the ground breaking seadiving machine he’s been working on. Everything seems to be connected but with secrets and government agencies and Mongrel struggle still ongoing, who can they really trust?
I loved the steampunk and fantasy elements to this book. All the Mongrels are intriguing. It’s really a unique world the author has created here. Vivid and wonderful with engaging and quirky characters. Simon is so crude but funny. I really enjoy his character. It hurt to see him, such a brutish manly man, struggle with his feelings for Clancy. He knew who Clancy was before they ever hooked up, but he’s also never fallen for a guy before. I wanted to shake Clancy frequently throughout the book. Clancy struggled with feelings he hasn’t had in so long. Love and regret.
Though there seemed to be a slow pace to this steampunk mystery romance I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Those who enjoyed Mongrel will certainly want to.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Merman is the sequel to Mongrel. It’s Clancy and Simon’s story but Fen and Will make appearances throughout the book. I would recommend reading Mongrel first, it follows a different couple, and there is a new storyline but there is too much backstory to fully enjoy the book without knowing. I know many people wondered how a m/m and a merman would work out in the sex department but he didn’t have the tail so all male parts were functioning and intact. ;)
Clancy returns to town because of his strong urge to see Simon again. He knows he shouldn’t and has nothing beyond a few nights of pleasure to offer him but for the first time in a very long time he can’t help himself from being drawn back. Simon is so happy to see Clancy. Clancy knows how Simon feels about him. Though he shows a fondness for Simon, Simon knows Clancy isn’t the type to settle down with him. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t still want Clancy.
When the Special Threats Unit, a unit equipped with special skills and weapons to deal with Mongrels, sets its sites on bringing in Clancy it draws the town of Taintwell and it’s people into the trouble. They consider Clancy a hero for dispatching the baddie in book one.
Add to that Clancy finds an old friend washed up on the beach in a net. He’s been drastically altered physically. It brings back memories and regrets from Clancy’s past. Clancy feels the need to help him further dragging himself into the dark past of the island’s prison and it’s prisoners left to die after a ravaging hurricane. Simon can’t help but be jealous of the beautiful merman with an obvious connection to Clancy but he’s willing to help, if Clancy needs him.
Simon starts to wonder if it’s all connected to the ground breaking seadiving machine he’s been working on. Everything seems to be connected but with secrets and government agencies and Mongrel struggle still ongoing, who can they really trust?
I loved the steampunk and fantasy elements to this book. All the Mongrels are intriguing. It’s really a unique world the author has created here. Vivid and wonderful with engaging and quirky characters. Simon is so crude but funny. I really enjoy his character. It hurt to see him, such a brutish manly man, struggle with his feelings for Clancy. He knew who Clancy was before they ever hooked up, but he’s also never fallen for a guy before. I wanted to shake Clancy frequently throughout the book. Clancy struggled with feelings he hasn’t had in so long. Love and regret.
Though there seemed to be a slow pace to this steampunk mystery romance I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Those who enjoyed Mongrel will certainly want to.
July 17, 2013
3.5 stars
The story continues about two years after the end of Mongrel, the first book in this series. I really liked the camaraderie in this, the playful banter between the four main characters, Clancy, Simon, Fanule and Will. This was the highlight of the book for me— Snow’s deft touch as she skillfully lays the brushstrokes, drawing these guys and their supporting cast; she sets up simple, quiet scenes between them that feel real even in this fantasy world. I really appreciated this.
So, we settle back into Snow’s hybrid steam-punk-pnr world and get more development of the main characters. In the prequel we got a good feel for Will and Fan— who they are and the dynamic between them. But this show belongs to Clancy, the sensitive and fastidiously refined vamp, and Simon, his brawny, blue-collar working stiff. We get to find out more about what happened between them in Mongrel, that there was and remains a sparky, magnetic attraction. It’s slow going at first though, as Clancy distances himself from Simon because of qualms based on his own insecurities when it comes to commitment or love or acceptance of himself.
As in Mongrel, there is another mystery, this time about nefarious goings-on and the abuse of prison inmates on Floating Brick Island, just off the coast of Puriton. Simon, who now runs his own mechanic shop, is commissioned to build an underwater vessel, a “bubble” or bathysphere, to be used to explore the deep ocean trench next to the island. There could be a link between this project and the appearance of a strange part-fish/part-human mutant creature found washed up on the shore. A creature who used to be an inmate of Floating Brick Island prison many, many years ago…
The connection between the project and this merman creature is left pretty vague though. And, in the middle section of the book, “Separation,” there is an awful lot of explaining about the merman and how he came to be, and whether he is nefarious or a victim of circumstance. The action slows way down with a series of convos between various characters. Ugh. Fortunately, things pick up in the last section of the story when all the characters work together toward a satisfactory ending.
This book did not feel as strong as its prequel. Perhaps this is due to some pacing issues and my ambivalent feelings about the merman. Nevertheless, I greatly enjoyed, once more, the wonderfully descriptive writing found here. For this review and lots more please visit: The Blog of Sid Love
May 1, 2014
3.5 stars
This is hardly a review - just some thoughts thrown together.
I've bought this book as soon as it was published, but I delayed reading it, because, frankly, I was afraid. Mongrel is one of my favorite books and Clancy favorite character, so I feared that the sequel would disappoint me. Well, it did and it didn't.
I really like the world K.Z. Snow created - rich, full of smells (not always pleasant), colors and fascinating beings. I welcomed the return of Fan and Will - Fanule is a great friend to Clancy and Simon, Will his old gentle self.
I liked my Clancy from Mongrel a bit more - cool, unapologetic, wry and shadowy character - than this more human incarnation of his. It was that Clancy I wanted to see dealing with the human lover. Additionally, I wanted Simon and his vampire to spend more page time together. Instead, we got the history of Jordy Hawkes. Again, not bad - but I hoped for Simon and Jordy to at least meet (underwater thing aside) and for the final conflict to happen on-page. Some of the things have worked out for our two lovers a bit too easy. Still, this time I was smitten by Simon - the lovely fool.
In the end, I liked the book as it is just fine - I realized that my expectations and the time that passed between the books could have colored my judgment. But, K.Z.'s great writing is there and characters are still lovable. Will I read the Machine? Don't doubt for a second. XD
This is hardly a review - just some thoughts thrown together.
I've bought this book as soon as it was published, but I delayed reading it, because, frankly, I was afraid. Mongrel is one of my favorite books and Clancy favorite character, so I feared that the sequel would disappoint me. Well, it did and it didn't.
I really like the world K.Z. Snow created - rich, full of smells (not always pleasant), colors and fascinating beings. I welcomed the return of Fan and Will - Fanule is a great friend to Clancy and Simon, Will his old gentle self.
I liked my Clancy from Mongrel a bit more - cool, unapologetic, wry and shadowy character - than this more human incarnation of his. It was that Clancy I wanted to see dealing with the human lover. Additionally, I wanted Simon and his vampire to spend more page time together. Instead, we got the history of Jordy Hawkes. Again, not bad - but I hoped for Simon and Jordy to at least meet (underwater thing aside) and for the final conflict to happen on-page. Some of the things have worked out for our two lovers a bit too easy. Still, this time I was smitten by Simon - the lovely fool.
In the end, I liked the book as it is just fine - I realized that my expectations and the time that passed between the books could have colored my judgment. But, K.Z.'s great writing is there and characters are still lovable. Will I read the Machine? Don't doubt for a second. XD
July 16, 2021
It's been a delight revisiting the Industrial/Steampunk/Paranormal world of Taintwell and Purinton ... featuring two of my favorite characters Clancy (vampire) and Simon (human) introduced in the first book; it is possible I'm even more enamored with them now. Fans of Will and Fanule will be pleased to find them featuring in supporting roles here.
So what can Simon do when his paranormal beloved seemingly falls under the siren spell of a paranormal human/fish being; him being merely a human with no special powers? Not to fear ... there's local help from Fanule and the 'mongrel' community of Taintwell and also some strategically senior officials (newly appointed) from Purinton. Solid plot pacing with our MCs undertaking good old detective work into the fate of a historically catastrophic demise of an island prison population; alongside Clancy having to avoid capture (and possible extermination) from Purinton City Hall's rabid anti-paranormal Truth and Justice Department's Special Threats Unit. And a HEA finale worthy of this 4.5 star read.
So what can Simon do when his paranormal beloved seemingly falls under the siren spell of a paranormal human/fish being; him being merely a human with no special powers? Not to fear ... there's local help from Fanule and the 'mongrel' community of Taintwell and also some strategically senior officials (newly appointed) from Purinton. Solid plot pacing with our MCs undertaking good old detective work into the fate of a historically catastrophic demise of an island prison population; alongside Clancy having to avoid capture (and possible extermination) from Purinton City Hall's rabid anti-paranormal Truth and Justice Department's Special Threats Unit. And a HEA finale worthy of this 4.5 star read.
February 21, 2015
Really disappointed. I really liked Mongrel and I was totally into Marrowbone and Simon so I was excited for this, but...man...it was painful and I ended up thinking that
I'm not a big fan of
I would still recommend Mongrel...I may read the 3rd one, because I do want good things for these characters, but...idk...I'm not excited like I was before.
I'm not a big fan of
I would still recommend Mongrel...I may read the 3rd one, because I do want good things for these characters, but...idk...I'm not excited like I was before.
July 28, 2013
It’s difficult to say whether I loved Merman every bit as much as I did Mongrel. The sequel was two years and some change in the making, so there’s some distance there. I admit to being pretty blown away by the world K.Z. Snow created when she first introduced the mongrel Dog King Fanule Perfidor and his human lover Will Marchman, and I also admit that I’m a fan of steampunk and Alt U and fantasy, so that, coupled with the fact that I’m also a fan of the author, is pretty much the perfect storm.
You can read the rest of this review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of this review at The Novel Approach
May 31, 2016
I really enjoyed the plot in this story. Again the world building was excellent. The main couple here were the side characters in book one but there is still a lot of Fan and Will in this one. I never really felt the attraction between these two so the romance aspect was just ok for me but the overall plot was good
September 28, 2017
This series is quite good. I love the twists and turns it takes.
August 2, 2020
3.0/5 - 50 Fathoms Almost Lost in Sequel in Enjoyable Gay Gaslamp Series.
I enjoyed this series' mix of gaslamp and steampunk, with each book being a standalone, but carrying characters forward. I was pulled into the imaginative, gritty, gothic world that K.Z. Snow created. It was an unspecified time following "the Great War" set as described by the author in a mix of American (eastern seaboard) Industrial Age with some British Victorian. It had a nice blend of mostly paranormal along with some mechanical, overlaid with intriguing characters and engaging plots.
This sequel was my least fav in the trilogy. It continued the rich descriptions with nice details and a hint of purple, what with metaphors and all. But purple is my favorite color and that wisp of melodrama fit the genre and helped me picture the scenes. It was still the same general locale, but the focus moved from the mechanical circus in book 1 to the shore and a prison island. Snow re-introduced me to the dark times, diverse races and cleverly named towns - the pure human Purinton, the mongrel Taintwell, even the Floating Brick prison island. And again a poignant story to read at this time - saddening to see the parallels between the bigotry and persecution against mongrels and the racism of our times, and to a lesser extent the homophobia.
I had my same entertaining foursome (with creative names to match), and this time the romance was focused on the first pair - between a vampire with heart (Marrowbone) and a gay crusty mechanic (Bentcross), and also a branded mongrel (Fan, aka Dog King) and a pure-human circus pitchman (Will). Again, there was an enjoyable mystery and romance; although I felt the mystery was not as engaging, nor the romance as endearing.
The mystery was to figure out a combo of what's really going on with the Special Threats Unit hunting Marrowbone, a certain altered human-merman, and a govt. expedition project that Bentcross was working on. Actually both mystery and romance were pretty predictable (and some things the characters should have predicted), but there was also a twist or two, which saved it. So mostly, it was about watching how things would play out. Along the way, there was some nice steampunk elements of fabricated body parts and a submersible man-sized sphere, which I got to see in operation.
I liked the interplay in the relationship between the two lovers, one reluctant, the other unrequited. They are both good men, but I just didn't get into the attraction as much in this one. And I liked seeing how that already shaky relationship was shaken further with an interloper. The appearance of the merman not only stirred Marrowbone's memories of their past passionate liaisons, but also stirred his sense of justice, calling upon him to again be a hero to save a community. That played out nicely.
All in all, an enjoyable sequel that lured me into the next adventure in this universe.
I enjoyed this series' mix of gaslamp and steampunk, with each book being a standalone, but carrying characters forward. I was pulled into the imaginative, gritty, gothic world that K.Z. Snow created. It was an unspecified time following "the Great War" set as described by the author in a mix of American (eastern seaboard) Industrial Age with some British Victorian. It had a nice blend of mostly paranormal along with some mechanical, overlaid with intriguing characters and engaging plots.
This sequel was my least fav in the trilogy. It continued the rich descriptions with nice details and a hint of purple, what with metaphors and all. But purple is my favorite color and that wisp of melodrama fit the genre and helped me picture the scenes. It was still the same general locale, but the focus moved from the mechanical circus in book 1 to the shore and a prison island. Snow re-introduced me to the dark times, diverse races and cleverly named towns - the pure human Purinton, the mongrel Taintwell, even the Floating Brick prison island. And again a poignant story to read at this time - saddening to see the parallels between the bigotry and persecution against mongrels and the racism of our times, and to a lesser extent the homophobia.
I had my same entertaining foursome (with creative names to match), and this time the romance was focused on the first pair - between a vampire with heart (Marrowbone) and a gay crusty mechanic (Bentcross), and also a branded mongrel (Fan, aka Dog King) and a pure-human circus pitchman (Will). Again, there was an enjoyable mystery and romance; although I felt the mystery was not as engaging, nor the romance as endearing.
The mystery was to figure out a combo of what's really going on with the Special Threats Unit hunting Marrowbone, a certain altered human-merman, and a govt. expedition project that Bentcross was working on. Actually both mystery and romance were pretty predictable (and some things the characters should have predicted), but there was also a twist or two, which saved it. So mostly, it was about watching how things would play out. Along the way, there was some nice steampunk elements of fabricated body parts and a submersible man-sized sphere, which I got to see in operation.
I liked the interplay in the relationship between the two lovers, one reluctant, the other unrequited. They are both good men, but I just didn't get into the attraction as much in this one. And I liked seeing how that already shaky relationship was shaken further with an interloper. The appearance of the merman not only stirred Marrowbone's memories of their past passionate liaisons, but also stirred his sense of justice, calling upon him to again be a hero to save a community. That played out nicely.
All in all, an enjoyable sequel that lured me into the next adventure in this universe.
May 1, 2017
4.5 rounded down.
This story was a little slow to start. I wasn't really that into it until maybe a third of the way through. I admit I was really distracted, though, and had several major interruptions. I usually finish a book the same day I start, but this one took me a couple of days because of everything I had going on. So that might have had something to do with it.
The world was strongly envisioned and described. The old world nouns--some I wasn't familiar with--gave it an authentic air. I didn't guess anything before the characters did and I felt their emotions keenly. I like the characters. They were men who kept to their characters for the most part. Simon wasn't really as boisterous and silly as in the first book, and unlike the other characters, Simon's language wasn't consistent. Every great while, he would use a word like "ain't" amid an otherwise normal sentence and it threw me off. It was appropriate for him but the rest of the language should have been consistent with it.
We didn't really meet a lot of new people, most were in the previous book, and most weren't nearly as interesting or complicated. But they were still interesting. The merman himself was quite intriguing; although we were told a little too much over showing, it kind of had to be that way. I liked the angst he brought to the story but it wasn't overwhelming, which I think most people would appreciate. I'm one of the rare few who like my angst over the top. But this wasn't the book for that, so it was the right amount of emotional drama.
In that vein, it was cool that the MCs could talk positively of their past experiences with having sex with people the other knows and they didn't get jealous. They knew that those people weren't a threat. They weren't irrationally jealous. One MC was jealous at a point only when it made sense that he would feel threatened. But rather than cry or mope, he got angry, an appropriate response for a man, especially for that character.
There were some nice touches, like revisiting the ex-brothel mistress mayor; Simon's three armed, three legged business partner; and that the big strong vampire was the bottom and loved it. There was a loving bathing scene that made me go "aww."
Most of the technology was believable and interesting. I didn't quite get how in the big climatic scene, but that wasn't my biggest issue with that part of the story. The situation was exciting but the peril and danger ended much too soon and too little was shown. I wanted more, but then you know what a sucker I am for the big bedside OMG-he's-gonna-die bits. There was a great run at the danger to save the other without fear for himself action, though, so I wasn't left bereft.
The ending was an odd HFN, pretty literally Happy For Now . I'm only okay with it because I know that the third book is about both couples.
Although this doesn't even compare to the first book, it was still excellent and much better than a lot of stuff available. I liked it and I'm not a big fan of cyberpunk.
4.5 stars rounded down because it all felt a bit too simplified and then that ending...
This story was a little slow to start. I wasn't really that into it until maybe a third of the way through. I admit I was really distracted, though, and had several major interruptions. I usually finish a book the same day I start, but this one took me a couple of days because of everything I had going on. So that might have had something to do with it.
The world was strongly envisioned and described. The old world nouns--some I wasn't familiar with--gave it an authentic air. I didn't guess anything before the characters did and I felt their emotions keenly. I like the characters. They were men who kept to their characters for the most part. Simon wasn't really as boisterous and silly as in the first book, and unlike the other characters, Simon's language wasn't consistent. Every great while, he would use a word like "ain't" amid an otherwise normal sentence and it threw me off. It was appropriate for him but the rest of the language should have been consistent with it.
We didn't really meet a lot of new people, most were in the previous book, and most weren't nearly as interesting or complicated. But they were still interesting. The merman himself was quite intriguing; although we were told a little too much over showing, it kind of had to be that way. I liked the angst he brought to the story but it wasn't overwhelming, which I think most people would appreciate. I'm one of the rare few who like my angst over the top. But this wasn't the book for that, so it was the right amount of emotional drama.
In that vein, it was cool that the MCs could talk positively of their past experiences with having sex with people the other knows and they didn't get jealous. They knew that those people weren't a threat. They weren't irrationally jealous. One MC was jealous at a point only when it made sense that he would feel threatened. But rather than cry or mope, he got angry, an appropriate response for a man, especially for that character.
There were some nice touches, like revisiting the ex-brothel mistress mayor; Simon's three armed, three legged business partner; and that the big strong vampire was the bottom and loved it. There was a loving bathing scene that made me go "aww."
Most of the technology was believable and interesting. I didn't quite get how in the big climatic scene, but that wasn't my biggest issue with that part of the story. The situation was exciting but the peril and danger ended much too soon and too little was shown. I wanted more, but then you know what a sucker I am for the big bedside OMG-he's-gonna-die bits. There was a great run at the danger to save the other without fear for himself action, though, so I wasn't left bereft.
The ending was an odd HFN, pretty literally Happy For Now . I'm only okay with it because I know that the third book is about both couples.
Although this doesn't even compare to the first book, it was still excellent and much better than a lot of stuff available. I liked it and I'm not a big fan of cyberpunk.
4.5 stars rounded down because it all felt a bit too simplified and then that ending...
October 21, 2013
Vampires, mermen, mongrels and steampunk, oh my! I really enjoyed this installment in the Mongrel Series. It picks up a little shy of two years later with the voices and perspectives of vampire, Clancy Marrowbone and the human, Simon Bentcross. This is a story about what can happen when two people who’ve led very solitary and self-centered lives finally meet the person who they can’t seem to leave behind.
I was very glad that I had read the first book in the series, Mongrel because these guys played an integral part in that book and their love story began there. I strongly recommend you read that book first as it explains the world and its inhabitants, plus it is also an excellent book.
Clancy is such an interesting character. Powerful, funny, charming, sexy, loyal, independent and filled with wanderlust. Since being turned he has never been able to stay anywhere for very long. Until he met Simon he’s never wanted to. I enjoyed watching him come undone a little over Simon.
Simon is rough and very much a common man, which makes things difficult for him at times since he’s surrounded by mongrels and in love with a vampire. I loved seeing his perspective on things, especially since he wasn’t the most sympathetic character in the first book. I enjoyed him so much here. Smart, loyal, inventive, gentle with Clancy in a way that he isn’t able to be with anyone else. He was honest and strong, willing to bare his heart even while being forced to protect himself. He was truly worthy of holding the interest of the impossible to impress or pin down Clancy.
I was so glad that the guys from the first book were important in this one as well. It was great catching up with them and seeing how they are doing.
The mystery and intrigue were well done as was the building of tension. I was sucked in and had to find out what would happen next.
This is a fantastic series. Creative and different from most everything out there. The melding of worlds was very well done and the story stayed true to the incredible world the author created. I’m watching for the next book to come out.
Reviewed by Nina
I was very glad that I had read the first book in the series, Mongrel because these guys played an integral part in that book and their love story began there. I strongly recommend you read that book first as it explains the world and its inhabitants, plus it is also an excellent book.
Clancy is such an interesting character. Powerful, funny, charming, sexy, loyal, independent and filled with wanderlust. Since being turned he has never been able to stay anywhere for very long. Until he met Simon he’s never wanted to. I enjoyed watching him come undone a little over Simon.
Simon is rough and very much a common man, which makes things difficult for him at times since he’s surrounded by mongrels and in love with a vampire. I loved seeing his perspective on things, especially since he wasn’t the most sympathetic character in the first book. I enjoyed him so much here. Smart, loyal, inventive, gentle with Clancy in a way that he isn’t able to be with anyone else. He was honest and strong, willing to bare his heart even while being forced to protect himself. He was truly worthy of holding the interest of the impossible to impress or pin down Clancy.
I was so glad that the guys from the first book were important in this one as well. It was great catching up with them and seeing how they are doing.
The mystery and intrigue were well done as was the building of tension. I was sucked in and had to find out what would happen next.
This is a fantastic series. Creative and different from most everything out there. The melding of worlds was very well done and the story stayed true to the incredible world the author created. I’m watching for the next book to come out.
Reviewed by Nina
May 2, 2014
This is part of a series; though it stands alone fairly well, I think you would have better understanding of the world and characters if you read in order. Mongrel is book one.
Clancy Marrowbone is a vampire, he is being hunted but is drawn to Simon Bentcross an ex hunter that lives near Taintwood where the Mongrels live. Clancy runs across a man captured in a net and finds he is a Merman. He is much more than that. Jordy Hawks had been a human prisoner on the island that Clancy used to feed from and liked a lot. Simon is working on a bubble for a hush, hush expedition. After running into Jordy, Clancy enlists Simon’s help to save Jordy. Then Clancy finds he is very drawn to Jordy, but where does that leave Simon. Which feelings are real?
Ok. I really loved this book. And as usual I read out of sequence but this one is so well written with skillfully dropped tidbits from first that I never felt lost on the characters. The characters are all amazing! I loved the different take on both the vampire and the merman. Clancy definitely isn’t sparkly. Although he does use people for food and does kill he is a good man at heart, and so charming and sexy too!! I loved how this book showed his internal feelings for Simon and made him so real, though kept to the fact he is a blood drinker and that doesn’t make him a bad person. I think this book shows a lot of how we stereotype people when we should look inside them not at them.
I recieved a free copy for an honest review from http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Clancy Marrowbone is a vampire, he is being hunted but is drawn to Simon Bentcross an ex hunter that lives near Taintwood where the Mongrels live. Clancy runs across a man captured in a net and finds he is a Merman. He is much more than that. Jordy Hawks had been a human prisoner on the island that Clancy used to feed from and liked a lot. Simon is working on a bubble for a hush, hush expedition. After running into Jordy, Clancy enlists Simon’s help to save Jordy. Then Clancy finds he is very drawn to Jordy, but where does that leave Simon. Which feelings are real?
Ok. I really loved this book. And as usual I read out of sequence but this one is so well written with skillfully dropped tidbits from first that I never felt lost on the characters. The characters are all amazing! I loved the different take on both the vampire and the merman. Clancy definitely isn’t sparkly. Although he does use people for food and does kill he is a good man at heart, and so charming and sexy too!! I loved how this book showed his internal feelings for Simon and made him so real, though kept to the fact he is a blood drinker and that doesn’t make him a bad person. I think this book shows a lot of how we stereotype people when we should look inside them not at them.
I recieved a free copy for an honest review from http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
September 6, 2015
This was a good book if not as good as I had hoped. I loved reading about Clancy and Simon. Returning to the world of Mongrel was an interesting thing. The relationship between these two is a lot different than that between Will and Fan. The world building that was done in the first book added a lot to this one. The author has created a world that is unforgettable. The story is well constructed and interesting.
I did feel like there is more to this story. I think that is because the relationship between these two wasn't the normal ending I expected from a "romance". Still with these two it made sense though I still feel that opening at the ending.
The story itself was a little disappointing in that I expected more of the story to contain "the relationship" between these two. There just a lot more about Hawkes than about the two two of them.
All in all a well written story that added to the original book.
I did feel like there is more to this story. I think that is because the relationship between these two wasn't the normal ending I expected from a "romance". Still with these two it made sense though I still feel that opening at the ending.
The story itself was a little disappointing in that I expected more of the story to contain "the relationship" between these two. There just a lot more about Hawkes than about the two two of them.
All in all a well written story that added to the original book.
January 31, 2017
Up until about the last 25% of this book, I was going to give it 3-stars... which is pretty much the lowest rating I ever give. But, bam... in steps our hero, although he would never let you call him that, Clancy Marrowbone! *sigh* He was lost for a short while and I despaired of ever seeing him again... but, Simon was just the man to inspire him to do the right thing. So, I guess that makes Simon a hero also! ;D
Sadly, there was only one scene with Lizabetta in it... but, she did her part to make sure that we all got our HEA, even though Clancy thinks he can only commit to a HFN... silly man! *grin*
OK... off to read Machine and see how things are going for everyone in Taintwell!
Sadly, there was only one scene with Lizabetta in it... but, she did her part to make sure that we all got our HEA, even though Clancy thinks he can only commit to a HFN... silly man! *grin*
OK... off to read Machine and see how things are going for everyone in Taintwell!
July 23, 2015
While I really enjoyed "mongrel," I found this one a big less compelling. The romance wasn't as romantic. Although a bit of denial is fun in a romance, this one went a bit overboard, as both characters (Marrowbone and Simon) spent big chunks of the book protesting that they really couldn't possibly have feelings for each other.
Neither character is as well developed as Fan and Will from Mongrel, but the protestations seem to fit better than the later sentimentalism that appears when Marrowbone decides to go off to live in an undersea shangri-la with a merman.
I like the world quite a bit, and the author's writing style. I think this particular romance was a bit underdeveloped, though.
Neither character is as well developed as Fan and Will from Mongrel, but the protestations seem to fit better than the later sentimentalism that appears when Marrowbone decides to go off to live in an undersea shangri-la with a merman.
I like the world quite a bit, and the author's writing style. I think this particular romance was a bit underdeveloped, though.
May 6, 2016
This starts about 2 years after Mongrel, and focuses, relationship wise with Simon (a human) and Clancy (a vampire) who were friends/ ex lovers to Will and Fan in Mongrel. There is also more plot about messing with mongrels/ supernatural beings.
But Merman is more relationship focused than Mongrel, and was about acceptance of the other person, and trying not to force change, Simon and Clancy are clearly in love, but how they get to live their lives is not as easy as Fan and Will (who continue to be loved up).
While good, it wasn't as satisfying as Mongrel - but it was good to read a relationship where the characters , who had strong identities, didn't magically change because they had met 'the one'.
What will happen in book 3 ?
But Merman is more relationship focused than Mongrel, and was about acceptance of the other person, and trying not to force change, Simon and Clancy are clearly in love, but how they get to live their lives is not as easy as Fan and Will (who continue to be loved up).
While good, it wasn't as satisfying as Mongrel - but it was good to read a relationship where the characters , who had strong identities, didn't magically change because they had met 'the one'.
What will happen in book 3 ?
November 25, 2015
This one was so much harder for me to make it through than the first one. Maybe because hairy, stocky men like Simon are absolutely not my thing, and the descriptions of him got into the realm of the truly bizarre. (Jokes about calling him a boor, which he misunderstands as boar, and then proceeds to joke about his dick being his tusk...)
These descriptions had me cringing and shutting the book for a while to go read something else.
Once I got past about half way it stopped feeling like I was having to force myself to read this and started enjoying it. Not enough to be completely certain I want to jump into #3 or not...
These descriptions had me cringing and shutting the book for a while to go read something else.
Once I got past about half way it stopped feeling like I was having to force myself to read this and started enjoying it. Not enough to be completely certain I want to jump into #3 or not...
June 27, 2019
Oh Clancy you poor vampire you. I felt for him in his confusion about what to do with his feelings about Simon. I liked the focus on the vampire and his love in this story. Simon really figured out who he wants to be from the last story and his mad cap invention in this was fun to see even if it did cause some trouble for him as well. This was an interesting take on the idea of a mermaid, and love to not everything is quite as it seems. I enjoyed this story like I did the first. The blending of the elements in this world is fascinating. I like the mix of fantasy and steampunk. Nothing is too overpowering and it all blends seamlessly.
did-not-finish
June 8, 2016DNF at 70%, no rating
Honestly I had intentions of finishing this. I could not keep up with Momo and other BRs came up that honestly just interested me more. After 3 weeks of staring at this on my currently reading shelf I'm hanging this one up.
Bummer...because the characters I loved but the feel of this one just was not doing it for me. Book 1 of the series...Mongrel...is pretty good and I think worth the read, as a standalone.
Oh well.
Honestly I had intentions of finishing this. I could not keep up with Momo and other BRs came up that honestly just interested me more. After 3 weeks of staring at this on my currently reading shelf I'm hanging this one up.
Bummer...because the characters I loved but the feel of this one just was not doing it for me. Book 1 of the series...Mongrel...is pretty good and I think worth the read, as a standalone.
Oh well.
December 6, 2013
This series was my intro to K.Z.Snow, and i loved both Mongrel (book 1) and Merman (book 2). K.Z. creates such a vivid world! exquisite use of language, everything colored darkly but aglow with the warmth of her wonderful characters. Lots of fun this series. What i love best though are the friendships she creates.
May 1, 2014
Simon and Clancy are the most adorable couple our there... I mean, apart from the fact the he is a blood sucking vampire, Clancy is so lost in the aspect of love and I think Simon is the best for him... Ok, the story is very intriguing and quite mysterious . You don't really expect all those twist and turns, not so predictable too. Kudos !! It was a good read.
October 14, 2013
ASAP my review
February 25, 2014
3.5 Stars
I liked the first book in the series better, but this is a good follow-up. I will continue to read more in this series.
I liked the first book in the series better, but this is a good follow-up. I will continue to read more in this series.
July 20, 2013
This is a really good sequel to Mongrel.
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