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Rath & Rune #3
Unknown
Librarian Sebastian Rath and his lover Vesper Rune continue their search for the evil Books of the Bound. But in the meantime, the young men in Sebastian’s social circle start dying.
Though the deaths look like self-administered poisonings, Sebastian soon comes to realize a killer is at work. And not just any murderer, but one wielding the dark power of the Book of Bone.
To stop a madman, Sebastian must choose whether or not to embrace the unsettling powers gifted to him by the previous Books. Because if he fails to stop the killer, Ves could be the next target.
Though the deaths look like self-administered poisonings, Sebastian soon comes to realize a killer is at work. And not just any murderer, but one wielding the dark power of the Book of Bone.
To stop a madman, Sebastian must choose whether or not to embrace the unsettling powers gifted to him by the previous Books. Because if he fails to stop the killer, Ves could be the next target.
218 pages, ebook
First published August 4, 2023
32 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,637 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 77 reviews
May 23, 2024
3.5 Stars
Another harrowing adventure for Sebastian and Vesper!
Starting immediately after the last book ended, JLH dives right in pushing these two into preventing world annihilation by finding the next Book of Shadows.
Overall, this was an easier read in its more straightforwardness and solid mystery surrounding a series of suspicious deaths. There were some twisty turns and harrowing situations to face, and always along for the ride were their fellow librarian buddies which adds to the adventure.
Consistently, JLH does mystery, horror, magic, and romance well, and though I suspect the next installment will be more of the same regarding finding the last book and thwarting its evil influence, it’s always nice to visit this strange historical fictional world that brought us Whyborne and Griffin!
Rath & Rune
1. Unhallowed - 3.5 Stars
2. Unseen - 3.5 Stars
3. Unknown - 3.5 Stars
Another harrowing adventure for Sebastian and Vesper!
Starting immediately after the last book ended, JLH dives right in pushing these two into preventing world annihilation by finding the next Book of Shadows.
Overall, this was an easier read in its more straightforwardness and solid mystery surrounding a series of suspicious deaths. There were some twisty turns and harrowing situations to face, and always along for the ride were their fellow librarian buddies which adds to the adventure.
Consistently, JLH does mystery, horror, magic, and romance well, and though I suspect the next installment will be more of the same regarding finding the last book and thwarting its evil influence, it’s always nice to visit this strange historical fictional world that brought us Whyborne and Griffin!
Rath & Rune
1. Unhallowed - 3.5 Stars
2. Unseen - 3.5 Stars
3. Unknown - 3.5 Stars
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August 21, 2023Enjoyable third instalment in the Rath and Rune series with the perfect mix of occult horror, romance, bonking (including tentacles), mystery, and gore. Also librarians and necromancy. As wildly entertaining as ever, and the sinister over-plot is building nicely. .
September 30, 2024
Sebastian and co. are not quite done dealing with the aftermath of the events from book 2 (Unseen), when Ves' mother sees fit to surprise her son with a rather macabre present.
As the cast scrambles to get rid of it, the School of Night makes a demand for the grisly gift, and the city gets rocked by a mysterious bout of inexplicable suicides. Oh, and one of Sebastian's many brothers-in-law (perks of marrying seamen) gets the fright of his life when the Rune brothers mistake him for a burglar.
I enjoyed the new murder mystery, in the sense that the bone attacks were cool, and the culprit's identity was suitably difficult to guess... possibly because he only makes a token appearance, just enough that I can't complain of not having had a chance to guess it. The investigative process however, was once again terrible. I don't get why ordinary people still get treated as if they've never seen anything supernatural in their life, not to mention why the crew still thinks that local police is ever going to show any interest in any paranormal death. The final action sequence was exciting as well.
The romantic (sub?)plot was inexplicably quite a miss for me. I can see that the author is trying really hard, possibly even a bit desperately, going by early bout of tentacle-sex. Unfortunately I just didn't really feel the chemistry. As matter of fact, the only time I can really feel their chemistry is during their debates on proper library rules and outfitting.
Oh and Mr. Quinn with his nieces were also rather entertaining: more bone readings please!
Score: 2.6/5 stars
I always start these books with such enthusiasm, that it's hard to take the subsequent disappointments in stride. I probably won't be dropping the series, especially since the books make for quick reads, but it'll be mostly for nostalgia's sake. And because I rarely get into ongoing series, which will let me look forward to new publications.
===================================
Review of book 1: Unhallowed
Review of book 2: Unseen
As the cast scrambles to get rid of it, the School of Night makes a demand for the grisly gift, and the city gets rocked by a mysterious bout of inexplicable suicides. Oh, and one of Sebastian's many brothers-in-law (perks of marrying seamen) gets the fright of his life when the Rune brothers mistake him for a burglar.
I enjoyed the new murder mystery, in the sense that the bone attacks were cool, and the culprit's identity was suitably difficult to guess... possibly because he only makes a token appearance, just enough that I can't complain of not having had a chance to guess it. The investigative process however, was once again terrible. I don't get why ordinary people still get treated as if they've never seen anything supernatural in their life, not to mention why the crew still thinks that local police is ever going to show any interest in any paranormal death. The final action sequence was exciting as well.
The romantic (sub?)plot was inexplicably quite a miss for me. I can see that the author is trying really hard, possibly even a bit desperately, going by early bout of tentacle-sex. Unfortunately I just didn't really feel the chemistry. As matter of fact, the only time I can really feel their chemistry is during their debates on proper library rules and outfitting.
“I’m a bit disturbed by how extensive the library’s medical supplies are,” Ves said. Not this again. “We’ve already established the librarians in Boston are rank amateurs,” Sebastian pointed out, hopefully for the last time.
Oh and Mr. Quinn with his nieces were also rather entertaining: more bone readings please!
Score: 2.6/5 stars
I always start these books with such enthusiasm, that it's hard to take the subsequent disappointments in stride. I probably won't be dropping the series, especially since the books make for quick reads, but it'll be mostly for nostalgia's sake. And because I rarely get into ongoing series, which will let me look forward to new publications.
===================================
Review of book 1: Unhallowed
Review of book 2: Unseen
May 11, 2024
4 Stars
Lovers and librarians, Sebastian Rath and Vesper Rune, return in this third instalment of the series, finding themselves once again deeply immersed in the continuing, often perilous search for a quartet of malevolent books, called the Books of the Bound.
Now a well-established couple, Sebastian and Vesper are very much in love and committed to a life with one another, but they face increasing personal danger as they work tirelessly—alongside their closest friends and family—to hunt down and contain the dark magic within the sorcerer-possessed Books of the Bound, that threaten to release a darkness on the world if not stopped.
At this stage, the group have succeeded in finding two of the books, using Vesper’s otherworldly skills to bind the book’s powers to Sebastian, which in itself is a highly risky endeavour, with little known about the long-term repercussions to Sebastian’s health and sanity.
What they do know, is that things didn’t end too well for the previous man who tried this method of containment. This, of course, causes a lot of understandable anxiety for Vesper and Sebastian as they take the only course of action they can to save the world, even at the potential detriment to their own lives and love.
As always, as with all of Hawk’s stories set in the town of Widdershins, the Lovecraftian-laced, turn-of-the-century world-building is an outstandingly atmospheric and visceral experience, which single-handedly holds me captivated every time I pick one of these books up.
Running parallel with the exquisite world-building, is some fairly impressive mystery plotting, a layered romance, and some really great ensemble characters, all of which mix well with Hawk’s skills as a paranormal storyteller.
Within the Rath & Rune series, this sequel probably stands as my favourite story thus far, as I found myself completely engrossed by the oftentimes gory mystery afoot and the tandem hunt for the nefarious books, which are (once again) being used so heinously for personal gain by their temporary finders.
As an intricately woven and detail-heavy continuing tale, I don’t recommend attempting these books outside of the correct reading order. And further yet, if you haven’t read Hawk’s prequel series, the phenomenon that is the Whyborne & Griffin series, then stop what you’re doing and take yourself back to where the Widdershins mystery and mayhem (and epic M/M romance) first began! You won't regret it!!
Lovers and librarians, Sebastian Rath and Vesper Rune, return in this third instalment of the series, finding themselves once again deeply immersed in the continuing, often perilous search for a quartet of malevolent books, called the Books of the Bound.
Now a well-established couple, Sebastian and Vesper are very much in love and committed to a life with one another, but they face increasing personal danger as they work tirelessly—alongside their closest friends and family—to hunt down and contain the dark magic within the sorcerer-possessed Books of the Bound, that threaten to release a darkness on the world if not stopped.
At this stage, the group have succeeded in finding two of the books, using Vesper’s otherworldly skills to bind the book’s powers to Sebastian, which in itself is a highly risky endeavour, with little known about the long-term repercussions to Sebastian’s health and sanity.
What they do know, is that things didn’t end too well for the previous man who tried this method of containment. This, of course, causes a lot of understandable anxiety for Vesper and Sebastian as they take the only course of action they can to save the world, even at the potential detriment to their own lives and love.
As always, as with all of Hawk’s stories set in the town of Widdershins, the Lovecraftian-laced, turn-of-the-century world-building is an outstandingly atmospheric and visceral experience, which single-handedly holds me captivated every time I pick one of these books up.
Running parallel with the exquisite world-building, is some fairly impressive mystery plotting, a layered romance, and some really great ensemble characters, all of which mix well with Hawk’s skills as a paranormal storyteller.
Within the Rath & Rune series, this sequel probably stands as my favourite story thus far, as I found myself completely engrossed by the oftentimes gory mystery afoot and the tandem hunt for the nefarious books, which are (once again) being used so heinously for personal gain by their temporary finders.
As an intricately woven and detail-heavy continuing tale, I don’t recommend attempting these books outside of the correct reading order. And further yet, if you haven’t read Hawk’s prequel series, the phenomenon that is the Whyborne & Griffin series, then stop what you’re doing and take yourself back to where the Widdershins mystery and mayhem (and epic M/M romance) first began! You won't regret it!!
August 21, 2023
I liked this new book in the Rath & Rune series a lot. On the mystery front, what was going on wasn’t as obvious as I apparently thought about the previous book (going by what I said in my review, at least, I don’t really remember), so it was interesting to figure things out alongside the MCs, aside for a small thing or two that I was able to predict easily.
I think that are being severely underestimated by everybody
I also liked the part about
Too bad for to be revealed to be such a spineless specimen. Well, I guess
What else? Oh, yes, there’s some , LOL. Nothing too kinky, I promise. I like a lot how the author is handling that aspect.
---------------
Thanks to Rosa for making this read a lot more fun than it would’ve been on my own. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for the next book. 😊
I think that are being severely underestimated by everybody
I also liked the part about
Too bad for to be revealed to be such a spineless specimen. Well, I guess
What else? Oh, yes, there’s some , LOL. Nothing too kinky, I promise. I like a lot how the author is handling that aspect.
---------------
Thanks to Rosa for making this read a lot more fun than it would’ve been on my own. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for the next book. 😊
August 23, 2023
Another fantastic addition to the series. I've loved to be back in Widdershins and I liked the mystery and reading this with Ele made everything even better. The mystery had me fooled for a time. I only discovered who was behind everything moments before the characters. I'm looking forward to
As always, it was a pleasure being back with the Librarians and
So, I hope we don't have to wait a lot of time for the next one.
As always, it was a pleasure being back with the Librarians and
So, I hope we don't have to wait a lot of time for the next one.
September 19, 2023
This was a very enjoyable read. We got a nice follow up on Widdershins, Sebastian and Ves, Noct and Irene. Even Mortimer grew on me. I liked the mystery, the magic and all the small tidbits that made Widdershins and its inhabitants unique.
August 19, 2023
Great addition to this series ... our intrepid band of MCs (Sebastian, Ves, Nocte, Irene and Mortimer) are proving to be as fully engaging and endearing as another grouping of citizens hailing from Widdershins. I'm so looking forward to seeing what malevolent mayhem will be unleashed next with the final missing volume of the Books of the Bound and have a strong suspicion this series will end up having more than 4 volumes; this in particular given the ongoing evil Machiavellian shenanigans of Ves and Nocte's mother and grandfather, the unrelenting assaults from the School of Night and whatever other dark secrets that lurk beneath the ancestral mansions the Widdershins founding families.
April 9, 2024
A good conclusion to the series though I think that there is chance for more.
This was very enjoyable in all its aspects and I will definitely check out more of this author's books!
This was very enjoyable in all its aspects and I will definitely check out more of this author's books!
November 3, 2025
4.25 stars from me. Another one down, the Book of Bone. I had guessed who the murderer was but enjoyed 'watching' the scene play out. I still don't trust those ruddy Endicotts though [Irene notwithstanding], and , I suspect that Ves and Noct's family will have a say in how things eventually turn out. Are we in for a trip to Budapest perhaps? To learn more about the Scholomance? Book 4 eagerly awaited and I would LOVE an appearance from Widdershins finest, Whyborne & Griffin, at some stage. 🩷
July 29, 2023
Aaaahhhh - The Book of Bone - love this series ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️
August 7, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Unknown is the third book in Jordan L. Hawk’s Rath and Rune series. The books focus on a continuing story involving Vesper and Sebastian‘s attempt to find all four Books of the Bound, so you really need to read this series in order. These books also take place in the same world as Hawk’s wonderful Whyborne & Griffin series, however, it’s not necessary to read that series in order to understand these books (though Widdershins fans should particularly enjoy this series). Unknown continues the quest to track down the books, this time moving on to the Book of Bone. At first, it isn’t clear that the killings in the bathhouse are connected to their quest, but as the guys dig deeper, they begin to realize that the wielder of the book is the one who is behind the murders. However, figuring out who it is, how they’re choosing the victims, and how to stop them is a whole other story. I’m really enjoying the world building here and I think that these mini mysteries in each story are working really well. Each one gives us an interesting individual case, but they all tie together really nicely with the larger world building.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Unknown is the third book in Jordan L. Hawk’s Rath and Rune series. The books focus on a continuing story involving Vesper and Sebastian‘s attempt to find all four Books of the Bound, so you really need to read this series in order. These books also take place in the same world as Hawk’s wonderful Whyborne & Griffin series, however, it’s not necessary to read that series in order to understand these books (though Widdershins fans should particularly enjoy this series). Unknown continues the quest to track down the books, this time moving on to the Book of Bone. At first, it isn’t clear that the killings in the bathhouse are connected to their quest, but as the guys dig deeper, they begin to realize that the wielder of the book is the one who is behind the murders. However, figuring out who it is, how they’re choosing the victims, and how to stop them is a whole other story. I’m really enjoying the world building here and I think that these mini mysteries in each story are working really well. Each one gives us an interesting individual case, but they all tie together really nicely with the larger world building.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 25, 2025
Excellent continuation. I found the ending of this volume much more satisfying than the ending of Book 2, and I'm not entirely sure why. There's still one book (one Book) to go, which, sadly, doesn't seem to be out yet.
This time Ves and Sebastian are looking for the Book of Bone (which I rather suspect was inspired by a Leitner from The Magnus Archives, only described as producing small piles of animal bones when passed through shadow). Naturally there are bone creatures to find, and fight, and bind, but the violence hits close to home for Sebastian when members of his bathhouse start turning up dead (of apparent suicide, which doesn't hold up on any sort of examination). Lots of red herring suspects for who has the book this time, and even I wasn't sure who it would turn out to be until the final reveal.
Recommended in sequence.
This time Ves and Sebastian are looking for the Book of Bone (which I rather suspect was inspired by a Leitner from The Magnus Archives, only described as producing small piles of animal bones when passed through shadow). Naturally there are bone creatures to find, and fight, and bind, but the violence hits close to home for Sebastian when members of his bathhouse start turning up dead (of apparent suicide, which doesn't hold up on any sort of examination). Lots of red herring suspects for who has the book this time, and even I wasn't sure who it would turn out to be until the final reveal.
Recommended in sequence.
April 29, 2025
Another solid entry in the librarian-focused spinoff of the Widdershins series. This one starts with our heroes trying to decide what to do with a severed head; so, business as usual. A bit more Mr. Quinn in this, which ALWAYS makes me happy (the head librarian would be right at home at an Addams family reunion). I was a smidge annoyed at Sebastian's refusal to consider the obvious villain for reasons so weak the author might as well have just written I DON'T THINK SO BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T FINISHED UP WITH THE RED HERRINGS YET. . Still, very enjoyable overall.
July 12, 2023
4.5 stars
It's always nice to be back in Widdershins. The creepy town and its denizes are interesting and funny. I feel like Rath & Rune is probably slightly more humorous series than Whyborne & Griffin, Vesper always being surprised by the strangeness of the town and Sebastian taking it for granted.
The guys have another horrifying book to hunt and the domestic lives of several main and supporting characters develop further. And Jordan L. Hawk's writing style is as smooth and cinematic as ever. I'm lookin forward to rereading this series once it's finished.
It's always nice to be back in Widdershins. The creepy town and its denizes are interesting and funny. I feel like Rath & Rune is probably slightly more humorous series than Whyborne & Griffin, Vesper always being surprised by the strangeness of the town and Sebastian taking it for granted.
The guys have another horrifying book to hunt and the domestic lives of several main and supporting characters develop further. And Jordan L. Hawk's writing style is as smooth and cinematic as ever. I'm lookin forward to rereading this series once it's finished.
November 3, 2025
Another gripping instalment.
I am really enjoying the drama and action of this series.
Sebastian and Ves continue to entertain me, but the rest of the cast all play an intriguing part.
Not sure I want to know more on Noct and Irene and children though :P
Mr Quinn as always amuses me. I only wish that Whyborne will make an appearance with Griffin.
I am really enjoying the drama and action of this series.
Sebastian and Ves continue to entertain me, but the rest of the cast all play an intriguing part.
Not sure I want to know more on Noct and Irene and children though :P
Mr Quinn as always amuses me. I only wish that Whyborne will make an appearance with Griffin.
February 25, 2024
4.5 stars
Another creepy and mysterious addition to the series! I love this world, despite how macabre and dark it can be. Vesper and Sebastian are great for each other. I like when the conflict is outside the relationship rather than between the MC’s and this delivers.
Another creepy and mysterious addition to the series! I love this world, despite how macabre and dark it can be. Vesper and Sebastian are great for each other. I like when the conflict is outside the relationship rather than between the MC’s and this delivers.
August 17, 2023
It had been so long since book 2 that I spent a few chapters trying to get back in the groove but all in all it was enjoyable
July 7, 2023
Another chapter in the Book hunt. The sudden disappearance of several men from the Widdershins Bath House causes alarm, particularly when they are all well known to the regulars. Their deaths, apparently caused by sharpened bones of an unknown origin, triggers a burst of urgent activity to locate the third missing book, the Book of Bones. But there are false leads, and mistaken culprits, and then another full scale attack on the Library. Who has the Book, and can it be tracked down in time?
August 19, 2023
I really liked this book. The first book in the series had a slow and slightly jerky feeling, maybe just because of the new characters. Anyway for Book 3, the story is really going, the characters are a lot more developed. I love Mr. Quinn and his nieces. They're so wonderfully weird and creepy :)
I'm looking forward to Book 4 and all the new developments! Given there are 4 books being hunted, I'm assuming Book 4 will be the last, but you never know. Thank you, Jordan!
I'm looking forward to Book 4 and all the new developments! Given there are 4 books being hunted, I'm assuming Book 4 will be the last, but you never know. Thank you, Jordan!
July 9, 2023
It’s always lovely to come home to Widdershins again.
December 5, 2025
This series is so good. I loved the Whyborne & Griffin books EXCEPT that I spent most of each book wanting to hit Whyborne with Mr Quinn's diary. This series has all the good bits of those and no annoying Whyborne AND a bit of tentacle fucking.
July 24, 2023
I think 4 1/2 stars. I belatedly realized that there was a Patreon ARC of the book available to read, and read it over the course of a couple of nights. Noting that reading these books at night may induce the reader to leave the lights on when going to bed. There's some real creepiness in here. Partly it's the murders and the long-dead siblings trapped within their respective books, with the Book of Bone this time the one struggling to break free, with some help from a human. Partly it's Vesper and Nocturn's mother and grandfather, who say they love the brothers, but offer to show that love by killing people.
Ves and Noct realize that the moral compasses of their mother and grandfather are far askew, but they grew up with the way their relatives put no value on human life. This extreme example of man's inhumanity to man was presented to them as normal in their childhoods. They've thrown off the programming attempts, but they still have mixed feelings towards the people who raised them. Ves is clear on the fact that his mother and grandfather are abusive, but there's a good bit of "I did it for your own good/we abused you because we love you" messaging coming from them still. It's a confusing place to be in.
Sebastian is busy leaping to conclusions, here, and using the powers bound into him from the books in a fairly ruthless way. Ves is appalled when he realizes the extent of it. Sebastian keeps some of the new uses of his powers from Ves, because he doesn't think Ves will approve. Vesper has a mindset that just because a sentient being *can* do something, it doesn't mean that they *should* do the thing. So Sebastian is correct in that Ves does not approve of Sebastian using his powers to cause hurt. Ves was pretty much designed as a killing machine, but he doesn't believe that the use of destructive powers should become Sebastian's go-to solution to any issue.
Sebastian's acquired the belief that he won't have the troubles that the library's architect had the previous time the books were bound, because Sebastian's hands are the right hands for the powers to be in. He may be getting this belief at least partly from the siblings of the books, but in any case, he's overconfident and almost certainly wrong. I'm sure Sebastian will learn that he is in error, but that it will be a hard lesson.
It's not all grim, though. Mr. Quinn's nieces Lily and Rose visit, the ones that Whyborne entertained when they were much younger by having them build an altar in their garden. They take after Mr. Quinn in creepiness level, especially in Sebastian's opinion, but the reader may be amused by what they find exciting and cool. Ves doesn't think that Mr. Quinn's reminiscences of his childhood make it sound like a healthy, normal childhood.
Sebastian somewhat inadvertently suggests that Irene should introduce her love interest, Noct, to her Endicott family. The family stopped killing beings with inhuman ancestry just eight years ago. Nocturn is definitely the adult in situations that involve his interactions with humans, though Ves sees Noct as terribly vulnerable. Noct has his own strengths, though, and a good level of maturity. It's nice to see him have some agency over his life and the people he associates with. Some may find this "kinder, gentler" tentacle monster adorable, as Irene clearly does.
So there are a few sets of villains in play, murders to solve and battles to fight. I enjoyed returning to Widdershins, and especially getting the viewpoint of Ves, who was created to be truly monstrous, and who's deeply resistant to the idea.
Ves and Noct realize that the moral compasses of their mother and grandfather are far askew, but they grew up with the way their relatives put no value on human life. This extreme example of man's inhumanity to man was presented to them as normal in their childhoods. They've thrown off the programming attempts, but they still have mixed feelings towards the people who raised them. Ves is clear on the fact that his mother and grandfather are abusive, but there's a good bit of "I did it for your own good/we abused you because we love you" messaging coming from them still. It's a confusing place to be in.
Sebastian is busy leaping to conclusions, here, and using the powers bound into him from the books in a fairly ruthless way. Ves is appalled when he realizes the extent of it. Sebastian keeps some of the new uses of his powers from Ves, because he doesn't think Ves will approve. Vesper has a mindset that just because a sentient being *can* do something, it doesn't mean that they *should* do the thing. So Sebastian is correct in that Ves does not approve of Sebastian using his powers to cause hurt. Ves was pretty much designed as a killing machine, but he doesn't believe that the use of destructive powers should become Sebastian's go-to solution to any issue.
Sebastian's acquired the belief that he won't have the troubles that the library's architect had the previous time the books were bound, because Sebastian's hands are the right hands for the powers to be in. He may be getting this belief at least partly from the siblings of the books, but in any case, he's overconfident and almost certainly wrong. I'm sure Sebastian will learn that he is in error, but that it will be a hard lesson.
It's not all grim, though. Mr. Quinn's nieces Lily and Rose visit, the ones that Whyborne entertained when they were much younger by having them build an altar in their garden. They take after Mr. Quinn in creepiness level, especially in Sebastian's opinion, but the reader may be amused by what they find exciting and cool. Ves doesn't think that Mr. Quinn's reminiscences of his childhood make it sound like a healthy, normal childhood.
Sebastian somewhat inadvertently suggests that Irene should introduce her love interest, Noct, to her Endicott family. The family stopped killing beings with inhuman ancestry just eight years ago. Nocturn is definitely the adult in situations that involve his interactions with humans, though Ves sees Noct as terribly vulnerable. Noct has his own strengths, though, and a good level of maturity. It's nice to see him have some agency over his life and the people he associates with. Some may find this "kinder, gentler" tentacle monster adorable, as Irene clearly does.
So there are a few sets of villains in play, murders to solve and battles to fight. I enjoyed returning to Widdershins, and especially getting the viewpoint of Ves, who was created to be truly monstrous, and who's deeply resistant to the idea.
August 8, 2023
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews.
It has been a little while since the last book in this series was released. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I started reading this third book. I should correct myself by saying that I listened to it instead. Though I was given a review copy of the ebook, the audiobooks by Joel Leslie have been great so far, so I decided to buy the audiobook when it released early.
At the end of the last book one of the main characters, Sebastian, was bound to a second Book of the Bound, the Book of Flesh. I looked at my review before writing this one, and I saw that I mentioned how the Book of Flesh was responsible for many grotesque situations before it was bound to Sebastian. It seems that the book even when bound is still capable of things that were a little disturbing to me in this story. Sebastian is a good, caring, and well-intentioned man who now exhibits a few extraordinary abilities courtesy of the books. I can’t say that he uses them maliciously, though it seems like they might control him sometimes, more than him controlling his powers. I can’t blame him in some situations when it is dire to use the gifts to save himself, Vesper, or their friends, though. Its just something he might have to be watchful of as the series progresses and Vesper seems to know it.
Vesper Rune was raised by humans that were more monster than the creature they made him to be, in order to welcome “the Masters.” He has found a home with Sebastian, his sister Bonnie, and her children, who are all so accepting of Ves and his brother Noct’s abnormalities. He worries about the corruption the powers might have on Sebastian, though, because he has seen power corrupt his mother and grandfather, who just happened to show up in Widdershins, too.
There are a lot of foes Sebastian and Vesper face in this series. Besides the parents, a group of power hungry sorcerers called the School of Night are there to recover the head of one of their members that was given to Ves. They also have an interest in the Books of the Bound though, and try to retaliate against the Librarians as a whole when they are denied what they want. Someone unknown has found the Book of Bone, and closeted gay men from the bathhouse Sebastian once frequented are being murdered.
Of course the mystery is solved, and Sebastian finds himself bound to a new book. Who knows what powers he might attain in the next book because of it? There is something going on at the end of these books kind of on the down low. After being bound Sebastian has a vision of the people whose lives were ended to create the Books of the Bound. One thing that has seemed to be clear in this series is that the books want to be together again. While Sebastian is not the first person to be bound to the books, there is a secret about his identity that makes me wonder if he binds himself to the next book, maybe he’ll find it harder to destroy the books than he thinks. However, that is just me pondering where this series might be going. I hope the wait for the next book won’t be quite as long, but I am prepared to be patient.
Before I end the review, I have to give a shout out to the world building, and how much I love the town of Widdershins. I love the side characters, like Noct, Irene, Mortimer, Bonnie, and Mr. Quinn, the head librarian. If you read the Whyborne and Griffin series previously, there is a cameo of Mr. Quinn’s scary little nieces, and they made me chuckle a few times in this story. Last but not least is the narration by Joel Leslie, it completed my enjoyment of the story.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 stars
It has been a little while since the last book in this series was released. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I started reading this third book. I should correct myself by saying that I listened to it instead. Though I was given a review copy of the ebook, the audiobooks by Joel Leslie have been great so far, so I decided to buy the audiobook when it released early.
At the end of the last book one of the main characters, Sebastian, was bound to a second Book of the Bound, the Book of Flesh. I looked at my review before writing this one, and I saw that I mentioned how the Book of Flesh was responsible for many grotesque situations before it was bound to Sebastian. It seems that the book even when bound is still capable of things that were a little disturbing to me in this story. Sebastian is a good, caring, and well-intentioned man who now exhibits a few extraordinary abilities courtesy of the books. I can’t say that he uses them maliciously, though it seems like they might control him sometimes, more than him controlling his powers. I can’t blame him in some situations when it is dire to use the gifts to save himself, Vesper, or their friends, though. Its just something he might have to be watchful of as the series progresses and Vesper seems to know it.
Vesper Rune was raised by humans that were more monster than the creature they made him to be, in order to welcome “the Masters.” He has found a home with Sebastian, his sister Bonnie, and her children, who are all so accepting of Ves and his brother Noct’s abnormalities. He worries about the corruption the powers might have on Sebastian, though, because he has seen power corrupt his mother and grandfather, who just happened to show up in Widdershins, too.
There are a lot of foes Sebastian and Vesper face in this series. Besides the parents, a group of power hungry sorcerers called the School of Night are there to recover the head of one of their members that was given to Ves. They also have an interest in the Books of the Bound though, and try to retaliate against the Librarians as a whole when they are denied what they want. Someone unknown has found the Book of Bone, and closeted gay men from the bathhouse Sebastian once frequented are being murdered.
Of course the mystery is solved, and Sebastian finds himself bound to a new book. Who knows what powers he might attain in the next book because of it? There is something going on at the end of these books kind of on the down low. After being bound Sebastian has a vision of the people whose lives were ended to create the Books of the Bound. One thing that has seemed to be clear in this series is that the books want to be together again. While Sebastian is not the first person to be bound to the books, there is a secret about his identity that makes me wonder if he binds himself to the next book, maybe he’ll find it harder to destroy the books than he thinks. However, that is just me pondering where this series might be going. I hope the wait for the next book won’t be quite as long, but I am prepared to be patient.
Before I end the review, I have to give a shout out to the world building, and how much I love the town of Widdershins. I love the side characters, like Noct, Irene, Mortimer, Bonnie, and Mr. Quinn, the head librarian. If you read the Whyborne and Griffin series previously, there is a cameo of Mr. Quinn’s scary little nieces, and they made me chuckle a few times in this story. Last but not least is the narration by Joel Leslie, it completed my enjoyment of the story.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 stars
August 27, 2023
4.5 stars
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: This is the third in a series, and as such, should be read in order. Major spoilers for the previous books in this installment.
Sebastian and Vesper are back at work at the library while still continuing to see for the other two Books of the Bound. Noct and Irene are happily together – although there are other considerations for them 😉 Mr. Quinn’s twin nieces arrive from Boston for a visit and they very interested in the work the librarians are doing. Then a young man of Sebastian’s acquaintance is found dead. It appears to be suicide – but Seb is suspicious. When he and Ves go to investigate, they find a strange contingent of bones – from different animals still in the mans rooms. They attend the visitation and soon another young man is dead under the similar circumstances.
Sebastian and Vesper decide to follow the lead to the common haunt of these two men, the local Bath house that Sebastian attended before Vesper came to town and into his life. While there, the meet a friend, Bruce. As strange events continue to mount, Bruce reaches out the Ves and Seb. He has suspicions about who might be behind these deaths but is unwilling to elaborate.
There is some family stuff going on as well with Sebastian’s sister and her family. Things become even more unclear as to who is behind the deaths and is looking for the Book of the Bone. Sebastian’s power seems to be growing and he’s not afraid to use it – sometimes without considering all the consequences. Vesper is afraid for him while knowing that these powers are also necessary if they are to win the larger battle. Finding the book and person behind the death and destruction is a scary and dangerous prospect.
As with each book in this series, the stakes get higher and higher for Sebastian and Ves. This time, they are threatened by bone constructs in a number of horrific battles. Sebastian’s powers are growing as well as each book is bound to him. Vesper is worried about him and what he’s becoming, even though he knows that the powers have helped them escape and survive the multitude of attacks they face. While Noct and Irene and Mr. Quinn and the rest of the librarians are trying to make sense of things and guard the library and the books they already have in their possession, it’s not just those who wish to reunite the books that they have to worry about. There are still others who have different axes to grind. Between Sebastian’s mother and grandfather, the School of Night, some of the old families, including the Endicotts, there are a lot of players here. I thought the mystery was well done and the horror aspects of this series spooky and scary but not stomach turning.
Once again, Joel Leslie does a fabulous job of performing this story. The continuity between these books is amazing. There are so many characters. They go through so much. Mr. Leslie is a pro at imbuing these characters with the right emotional tone – no matter if they are running from some crazed supernatural creature, having a heart to heart with a sibling or sweeting loving their partners. It’s a perfect marriage of story and performer.
Highly recommended! Cannot wait for book 4!!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Note: This is the third in a series, and as such, should be read in order. Major spoilers for the previous books in this installment.
Sebastian and Vesper are back at work at the library while still continuing to see for the other two Books of the Bound. Noct and Irene are happily together – although there are other considerations for them 😉 Mr. Quinn’s twin nieces arrive from Boston for a visit and they very interested in the work the librarians are doing. Then a young man of Sebastian’s acquaintance is found dead. It appears to be suicide – but Seb is suspicious. When he and Ves go to investigate, they find a strange contingent of bones – from different animals still in the mans rooms. They attend the visitation and soon another young man is dead under the similar circumstances.
Sebastian and Vesper decide to follow the lead to the common haunt of these two men, the local Bath house that Sebastian attended before Vesper came to town and into his life. While there, the meet a friend, Bruce. As strange events continue to mount, Bruce reaches out the Ves and Seb. He has suspicions about who might be behind these deaths but is unwilling to elaborate.
There is some family stuff going on as well with Sebastian’s sister and her family. Things become even more unclear as to who is behind the deaths and is looking for the Book of the Bone. Sebastian’s power seems to be growing and he’s not afraid to use it – sometimes without considering all the consequences. Vesper is afraid for him while knowing that these powers are also necessary if they are to win the larger battle. Finding the book and person behind the death and destruction is a scary and dangerous prospect.
As with each book in this series, the stakes get higher and higher for Sebastian and Ves. This time, they are threatened by bone constructs in a number of horrific battles. Sebastian’s powers are growing as well as each book is bound to him. Vesper is worried about him and what he’s becoming, even though he knows that the powers have helped them escape and survive the multitude of attacks they face. While Noct and Irene and Mr. Quinn and the rest of the librarians are trying to make sense of things and guard the library and the books they already have in their possession, it’s not just those who wish to reunite the books that they have to worry about. There are still others who have different axes to grind. Between Sebastian’s mother and grandfather, the School of Night, some of the old families, including the Endicotts, there are a lot of players here. I thought the mystery was well done and the horror aspects of this series spooky and scary but not stomach turning.
Once again, Joel Leslie does a fabulous job of performing this story. The continuity between these books is amazing. There are so many characters. They go through so much. Mr. Leslie is a pro at imbuing these characters with the right emotional tone – no matter if they are running from some crazed supernatural creature, having a heart to heart with a sibling or sweeting loving their partners. It’s a perfect marriage of story and performer.
Highly recommended! Cannot wait for book 4!!
August 12, 2023
I really enjoyed the return to the world of Rath and Rune.
The Book of Bone was an interesting addition to the Books of the Bound, and I really liked the powers of the book. I also liked reading about Sebastian's growing sorcerous powers from the first two books and how they are affecting him, even if he isn't hearing voices like Dromgoole.
The plot of this book was interesting. It was nice to see more of Sebastian's backstory and learn more about his history with the Olympian bathhouse and the queer community of Widdenshins. It was also interesting to have him confront his biases given the whole plotline with Jeremy.
I also really enjoyed the dinner with the Endicotts. It was spooky and creepy in the perfect amount and it kept me giggling throughout the read.
The only thing that I have to comment on with this book is that the mystery was pretty easy to solve, as with the previous book. It was pretty obvious early on who the culprit was, and I wish that had been a bait and switch to keep the mystery alive. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the macro plot, and I always love Ves and Sebastian and Irene and Noct - and Mortimer keeps growing on me as well!
(As an aside: I utterly adored Mr. Quinn's nieces and I'd love to see more of them).
4/5 stars for me on this one.
The Book of Bone was an interesting addition to the Books of the Bound, and I really liked the powers of the book. I also liked reading about Sebastian's growing sorcerous powers from the first two books and how they are affecting him, even if he isn't hearing voices like Dromgoole.
The plot of this book was interesting. It was nice to see more of Sebastian's backstory and learn more about his history with the Olympian bathhouse and the queer community of Widdenshins. It was also interesting to have him confront his biases given the whole plotline with Jeremy.
I also really enjoyed the dinner with the Endicotts. It was spooky and creepy in the perfect amount and it kept me giggling throughout the read.
The only thing that I have to comment on with this book is that the mystery was pretty easy to solve, as with the previous book. It was pretty obvious early on who the culprit was, and I wish that had been a bait and switch to keep the mystery alive. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the macro plot, and I always love Ves and Sebastian and Irene and Noct - and Mortimer keeps growing on me as well!
(As an aside: I utterly adored Mr. Quinn's nieces and I'd love to see more of them).
4/5 stars for me on this one.
June 21, 2024
I'm enjoying this series but I think I stretch too much time between books because it always takes me a little time to get used to the characters, the ongoing story arc of the books made of the bodies of others and the effect the books have on Sebastian. Never mind the fact that his lover, Vesper, is a tentacled child "of the dark" and, though a good guy, is nevertheless able to kill people with his tentacles.
This is an interesting story as the men race against time to search for The Book of Bones, they learn something disturbing about Sebastian's sister's husband, and Vesper's brother finds true love. I had thought this was to be the last of the series but there's still one more book to find so I'm hoping we get one more adventure. If so, I'm going to revisit all three of these titles before I start book four so I can more fully appreciate it.
This is an interesting story as the men race against time to search for The Book of Bones, they learn something disturbing about Sebastian's sister's husband, and Vesper's brother finds true love. I had thought this was to be the last of the series but there's still one more book to find so I'm hoping we get one more adventure. If so, I'm going to revisit all three of these titles before I start book four so I can more fully appreciate it.
November 25, 2025
3,5 stars
The search for the missing Books of the Bound continues.
And so does Sebastian and Ves’s mission to find and contain the evil within.
With Sebastian developing interesting powers and having odd dreams, the worry what might happen to him adds tension, making me wonder what will happen should he decide to bind himself to all four.
On Ves’s side the odd and very vile appearances of his mother and grandfather put more angst into the mix. We all know that these two are up to no good. No doubt, they are after the powers in the books, with some ‘higher’ purpose in mind. Argh!
But, all in all considered, this felt like very much of the same. A good mystery, some nice humour, but still not enough on the romance side for me.
However, I definitely need to know now how it all ends!
The search for the missing Books of the Bound continues.
And so does Sebastian and Ves’s mission to find and contain the evil within.
With Sebastian developing interesting powers and having odd dreams, the worry what might happen to him adds tension, making me wonder what will happen should he decide to bind himself to all four.
On Ves’s side the odd and very vile appearances of his mother and grandfather put more angst into the mix. We all know that these two are up to no good. No doubt, they are after the powers in the books, with some ‘higher’ purpose in mind. Argh!
But, all in all considered, this felt like very much of the same. A good mystery, some nice humour, but still not enough on the romance side for me.
However, I definitely need to know now how it all ends!
July 9, 2023
I've read Patreon's ARC. That was another excellent installment in the series and another white night... Several random thoughts:
- The mystery aspect was significantly better this time (less predictable).
- The psychological horror aspect of this series is extremely unsettling, even more than Whyborne & Griffin or SPECTR, not only due to the ominous presence of the abusive/psychotic elder Runes but also due to the fact that the heroes are forced to make morally questionable decisions about dangerous magic with very little knowledge.
- As a cult/antagonistic group of sorcerers the School of Night is not very impressive. Their staff seem to favor brute force solutions over intelligence and subtlety.
- Sebastian is not cut out for the sleuthing business, he's too reckless and impetuous. He should let Ves plan their investigations and focus his attention on finishing his never-ending pile of letters. We all know there's a critical letter at the bottom of the pile that would explain exactly
- The mystery aspect was significantly better this time (less predictable).
- The psychological horror aspect of this series is extremely unsettling, even more than Whyborne & Griffin or SPECTR, not only due to the ominous presence of the abusive/psychotic elder Runes but also due to the fact that the heroes are forced to make morally questionable decisions about dangerous magic with very little knowledge.
- As a cult/antagonistic group of sorcerers the School of Night is not very impressive. Their staff seem to favor brute force solutions over intelligence and subtlety.
- Sebastian is not cut out for the sleuthing business, he's too reckless and impetuous. He should let Ves plan their investigations and focus his attention on finishing his never-ending pile of letters. We all know there's a critical letter at the bottom of the pile that would explain exactly
December 5, 2023
This series is such a great extension of the Widdershins world. I enjoy these characters so much and they have a fun little group trying to find all of the Books before all hell can break lose. Everything's not smooth any easy though. Ves and Sebastian may love each other but there are still old fears that rear up and make sure that these two have to keep communicating so fear doesn't breed tension between them.
There was lot more of the interpersonal relationship developments in this story than mystery development. The actual mystery elements didn't have as much of a build and epic battle feeling by the end that the other books have. The final climactic battle felt more like a inevitable blip rather than too much danger to our heroes. Still a very enjoyable story that keeps our larger storyline going and I can't wait for the next novel. There's one more Book to find.
There was lot more of the interpersonal relationship developments in this story than mystery development. The actual mystery elements didn't have as much of a build and epic battle feeling by the end that the other books have. The final climactic battle felt more like a inevitable blip rather than too much danger to our heroes. Still a very enjoyable story that keeps our larger storyline going and I can't wait for the next novel. There's one more Book to find.
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