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The Wizard and the Welshman
What mysterious organ hides within a witch's chest?
For fans of A Marvellous Light and The Magpie Lord ...
London, December 1886. A woman is gruesomely murdered, a mysterious organ missing from her cracked-open chest. Investigating the case, Kensington’s top inspector, Hal Hawthorne, quickly discovers that the victim wasn't human—and neither is her killer. When he saves the captivating wizard November from becoming the next target, Hal is thrust into a world of nightmarish creatures and dark magic. But the deeper Hal becomes entangled in the case, the more he comes to believe that November isn’t just a wizard with mind-bending powers, but also holds the key to unraveling the web of dark magic and murder.
Can Hal solve the case and protect November, or will the murderer claim him and destroy Hal’s life forever? And what will Hal have to sacrifice to stop the killings and save the man he’s come to love?
This book is the first part of a trilogy.
For fans of A Marvellous Light and The Magpie Lord ...
London, December 1886. A woman is gruesomely murdered, a mysterious organ missing from her cracked-open chest. Investigating the case, Kensington’s top inspector, Hal Hawthorne, quickly discovers that the victim wasn't human—and neither is her killer. When he saves the captivating wizard November from becoming the next target, Hal is thrust into a world of nightmarish creatures and dark magic. But the deeper Hal becomes entangled in the case, the more he comes to believe that November isn’t just a wizard with mind-bending powers, but also holds the key to unraveling the web of dark magic and murder.
Can Hal solve the case and protect November, or will the murderer claim him and destroy Hal’s life forever? And what will Hal have to sacrifice to stop the killings and save the man he’s come to love?
This book is the first part of a trilogy.
Unknown Binding
Published September 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Laura Rayndrop
2 books18 followersLaura Rayndrop writes mysteries and dark fantasy novels featuring compelling queer characters. Her stories weave together intrigue, danger, and passionate forbidden love as the characters face impossible odds, solve crimes, uncover hidden truths, and battle (their inner) demons. But in the darkest moments, love and courage always shine brightest.
Her debut fantasy mystery novel THE WIZARD AND THE WELSHMAN is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurarayndr...
Newsletter: https://laurasnewsletter.beehiiv.com/
Her debut fantasy mystery novel THE WIZARD AND THE WELSHMAN is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurarayndr...
Newsletter: https://laurasnewsletter.beehiiv.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 12, 2024
This book is one of the worst things I read this year. It reads like a non edited first draft of that first novel you set to write at 14 (I´m sorry, but these are the vibes I get and I´m going to explain in a sec).
I almost DNF after just 1 chapter because the crime investigation is awfully done, unrealistic at best. Here are my overall issues:
- We are in London, 1886. A corpse is found at night (a bit before dawn) in a street. And, when Hal (our inspector / protagonist) arrives at the scene there is already a crowd of people interfeering. Neighbours and journalists alike, much in the vibe of those TV series and movies when someone famous dies in a violent way. I maybe could buy this scenario if it was in the middle of the day (even though our victim here is definitely not famous and we just got another -oh, so boring- Jack the Ripper retelling). But, being this happened at night, how the hell there is so many people at the streets?
- The crime was commited near or practically in front of the newspaper´s print... How come no one saw anything? Right, because it was night and maybe no one was working. But in that case, again, where did all these people came from?
- The doctor who is called to examine the body puts his hands on the mutilated corpse. Like. Inside her guts to check all organs were there, at the crime scene, in the middle of the street, as if this were an improvised preliminary autopsy. Suffice to say this is not accurate either in 2024 nor in 1886.
- The inspector also searchs the body. There at the crime scene. And takes things from it. (Why wait for the autopsy and for the doctor to give him those things anyway? Let´s pull an Ace Attorney and just take the proofs and run before the prosecution gets called, so we can have an advantage in the trial!)
- I was surprised to find there was people taking photos of the scene (not only police but also journalists). And although in 1886 photos existed, they were still at its early stages of being used on a crime scene. Not to mention papers wouldn´t have published the pictures of a mutilated body (wtf)
- A white blanket over the corpse (okay, a minor thing this one, but isn´t it weird they had such a blanket in 1886 for that use out of the autopsy room?). Oh, well...
- The guns. The inspector and police in general have a tendency to pull out their guns as if this were the Wild West. Perhaps the author forgot (or doesn´t know) that in this place and time it was extremely uncommon for police to carry weapons with them. They might have an special permit to use them on night patrol, in a very special / dangerous situation, but as a day to day habit? No way! I cannot explain to you how weirded out I was when I got to that scene where the inspector, his police partner and November are sitting at Hal´s place eating breakfast, a cup breaks (for whatever reason) and the first instinct of the two officers is pulling the guns out.
To be brief: The accuracy with the historical context and place on this one is practically nonexistent.
If you come here liking historical, or liking to read murder mysteries, I strongly sugest you to run the other way.
The fantasy part of this book is also a mess in its own way. I liked it a tiny bit better, but probably that´s only because since it´s fantasy, there is not much you can do to get things wrong... right? Anyway, I still gonna complain, so hold on there:
- November is the most strange character in this book. He is a wizard, but he barely knows anything about magic or its own world. He is portrayed as a victim constanty, but we briefly saw he has somewhat strong powers. He is called a young wizard, treated as if he were a teen by everyone and Hal is set to protect him at all costs (not that he has much reason to), but he is already a 24 yo adult. It´s like November only exists to give the inspector a love interest... and little else.
- The fantasy part of this book is a mess in a level that while I was reading I was convinced all the things happening, the magic beings and places could have perfectly come up from a random person´s dream. Well, actually no, not a random person: Someone with good imagination (I´ll give this to the author at least). What do I mean by this? I mean it all looks very cool and pretty in the surface. Can you imagine putting your foot in a puddle and then reappear at some magic place in Egypt? But then you begin thinking stuff -because you actually need your brain to work if you are reading / writing a murder mystery-, and you are like, why this place exists? How does that work in this world? Does this mean something beyond the exotic? Is it even relevant to the plot? Short answer: No, and it doesn´t get explained.
It´s like reading some fantastical dream someone had. No background of any kind.
- The murder mystery shifts in a very (well, you know) wtf way from a duty to find the murderer in the streets of London, to a quest of "go to this magical place to get this" or "to speak to someone". For me, it was boring and it didn´t make sense.
- There are monsters that seem created at random without much thought. Let me put an example to this: At a certain point, Hal faces a monster, a sort of shadow if I remember correctly. He is not able to kill it with a gun (despite several bullets impacted on it) but he does manage to ultimately kill it by a stab in the heart... with a pencil. Where do these monsters come from or why are they created this way? No idea.
It all seems half baked when it comes to the fantasy part. And it´s okay to leave certain things for later and keep some suspense but, I don´t know, I expected at least some context for a few things.
I´m doing this review 40% in.
I might continue in my slow pace, but I know this is not going to improve. Because, let´s be realistic: If you fail with something so simple as to check you got correct the historical context, I cannot expect for this to be better later.
I almost DNF after just 1 chapter because the crime investigation is awfully done, unrealistic at best. Here are my overall issues:
- We are in London, 1886. A corpse is found at night (a bit before dawn) in a street. And, when Hal (our inspector / protagonist) arrives at the scene there is already a crowd of people interfeering. Neighbours and journalists alike, much in the vibe of those TV series and movies when someone famous dies in a violent way. I maybe could buy this scenario if it was in the middle of the day (even though our victim here is definitely not famous and we just got another -oh, so boring- Jack the Ripper retelling). But, being this happened at night, how the hell there is so many people at the streets?
- The crime was commited near or practically in front of the newspaper´s print... How come no one saw anything? Right, because it was night and maybe no one was working. But in that case, again, where did all these people came from?
- The doctor who is called to examine the body puts his hands on the mutilated corpse. Like. Inside her guts to check all organs were there, at the crime scene, in the middle of the street, as if this were an improvised preliminary autopsy. Suffice to say this is not accurate either in 2024 nor in 1886.
- The inspector also searchs the body. There at the crime scene. And takes things from it. (Why wait for the autopsy and for the doctor to give him those things anyway? Let´s pull an Ace Attorney and just take the proofs and run before the prosecution gets called, so we can have an advantage in the trial!)
- I was surprised to find there was people taking photos of the scene (not only police but also journalists). And although in 1886 photos existed, they were still at its early stages of being used on a crime scene. Not to mention papers wouldn´t have published the pictures of a mutilated body (wtf)
- A white blanket over the corpse (okay, a minor thing this one, but isn´t it weird they had such a blanket in 1886 for that use out of the autopsy room?). Oh, well...
- The guns. The inspector and police in general have a tendency to pull out their guns as if this were the Wild West. Perhaps the author forgot (or doesn´t know) that in this place and time it was extremely uncommon for police to carry weapons with them. They might have an special permit to use them on night patrol, in a very special / dangerous situation, but as a day to day habit? No way! I cannot explain to you how weirded out I was when I got to that scene where the inspector, his police partner and November are sitting at Hal´s place eating breakfast, a cup breaks (for whatever reason) and the first instinct of the two officers is pulling the guns out.
To be brief: The accuracy with the historical context and place on this one is practically nonexistent.
If you come here liking historical, or liking to read murder mysteries, I strongly sugest you to run the other way.
The fantasy part of this book is also a mess in its own way. I liked it a tiny bit better, but probably that´s only because since it´s fantasy, there is not much you can do to get things wrong... right? Anyway, I still gonna complain, so hold on there:
- November is the most strange character in this book. He is a wizard, but he barely knows anything about magic or its own world. He is portrayed as a victim constanty, but we briefly saw he has somewhat strong powers. He is called a young wizard, treated as if he were a teen by everyone and Hal is set to protect him at all costs (not that he has much reason to), but he is already a 24 yo adult. It´s like November only exists to give the inspector a love interest... and little else.
- The fantasy part of this book is a mess in a level that while I was reading I was convinced all the things happening, the magic beings and places could have perfectly come up from a random person´s dream. Well, actually no, not a random person: Someone with good imagination (I´ll give this to the author at least). What do I mean by this? I mean it all looks very cool and pretty in the surface. Can you imagine putting your foot in a puddle and then reappear at some magic place in Egypt? But then you begin thinking stuff -because you actually need your brain to work if you are reading / writing a murder mystery-, and you are like, why this place exists? How does that work in this world? Does this mean something beyond the exotic? Is it even relevant to the plot? Short answer: No, and it doesn´t get explained.
It´s like reading some fantastical dream someone had. No background of any kind.
- The murder mystery shifts in a very (well, you know) wtf way from a duty to find the murderer in the streets of London, to a quest of "go to this magical place to get this" or "to speak to someone". For me, it was boring and it didn´t make sense.
- There are monsters that seem created at random without much thought. Let me put an example to this: At a certain point, Hal faces a monster, a sort of shadow if I remember correctly. He is not able to kill it with a gun (despite several bullets impacted on it) but he does manage to ultimately kill it by a stab in the heart... with a pencil. Where do these monsters come from or why are they created this way? No idea.
It all seems half baked when it comes to the fantasy part. And it´s okay to leave certain things for later and keep some suspense but, I don´t know, I expected at least some context for a few things.
I´m doing this review 40% in.
I might continue in my slow pace, but I know this is not going to improve. Because, let´s be realistic: If you fail with something so simple as to check you got correct the historical context, I cannot expect for this to be better later.
October 18, 2024
Now I'm a sucker for a procedural, a murder mystery, and fantasy, so this felt like it would be a fun book. And, while it was, I didn't think I'd read over 50% of it in one night! The worldbuilding feels very natural and exposes you to information without it feeling like there's tonnes of exposition, and the dialogue feels natural without being too modern for the setting.
And there is now a special place in my heart for Hal, whose character grows throughout the story and feels extremely relatable for those readers who find themselves more on the awkward side. The rest of the cast are interesting and the main trio grow on you far faster than you expect.
Don't get complacent near the end either, the revelations in the last parts of the book blew me away!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And there is now a special place in my heart for Hal, whose character grows throughout the story and feels extremely relatable for those readers who find themselves more on the awkward side. The rest of the cast are interesting and the main trio grow on you far faster than you expect.
Don't get complacent near the end either, the revelations in the last parts of the book blew me away!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2024
Set in 1886 London, Hal Hawthorne is a detective who has a couple of secrets. When a woman is murdered and her chest surgically opened he finds that neither the victim or the murderer are not exactly human. This leads him to save a young Wizard named November.
Hal and November then work together, although with Hal's new partner Sergeant Robert Donoghue. Hal and November have instant chemistry but Hal is trying to hide the fact that he's gay.
I felt the story got off to a really fast paced and exciting start. I really enjoyed the magical world and how Hal and November were able to share magic. I really enjoyed Donoghue, who wasn't what I was expecting and was so fun and a great side character.
The mystery was creative and interesting. I enjoyed how everything was slowly revealed . The story was interesting and a lot of fun. The ending was perfect to continue on to the next book while still being satisfying. It was nice seeing Hal find two people who he could be open and comfortable with.
Thank you to NetgGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hal and November then work together, although with Hal's new partner Sergeant Robert Donoghue. Hal and November have instant chemistry but Hal is trying to hide the fact that he's gay.
I felt the story got off to a really fast paced and exciting start. I really enjoyed the magical world and how Hal and November were able to share magic. I really enjoyed Donoghue, who wasn't what I was expecting and was so fun and a great side character.
The mystery was creative and interesting. I enjoyed how everything was slowly revealed . The story was interesting and a lot of fun. The ending was perfect to continue on to the next book while still being satisfying. It was nice seeing Hal find two people who he could be open and comfortable with.
Thank you to NetgGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2024
This had potential as a fantasy mystery, but it missed the mark in a few ways. First, it leaned too heavily on the protagonist’s sexuality, with constant reminders that he’s gay and seemingly everyone in the story trying to "get" him for it. And it seems weird because the author is a woman, not a gay man.
The relationship between the main character, Hal, a detective, and his love interest, November, also didn’t sit right with me. There’s a clear power imbalance: Hal is a much older detective, while November is ten years younger and a sex worker, creating an awkward dynamic that felt uncomfortable rather than romantic. Hal is painted as the central problem, with November often coming off as clingy or overly dependent, which left me feeling kinda icky.
The mystery itself was just okay, and the magic was basic. It was frustrating that the story didn’t spend much time developing the magic or even giving depth to the investigation, which often felt like a subplot.
Overall, if you’re looking for a well-rounded fantasy mystery, this one may not deliver.
I really wanted to love this, but alas...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
The relationship between the main character, Hal, a detective, and his love interest, November, also didn’t sit right with me. There’s a clear power imbalance: Hal is a much older detective, while November is ten years younger and a sex worker, creating an awkward dynamic that felt uncomfortable rather than romantic. Hal is painted as the central problem, with November often coming off as clingy or overly dependent, which left me feeling kinda icky.
The mystery itself was just okay, and the magic was basic. It was frustrating that the story didn’t spend much time developing the magic or even giving depth to the investigation, which often felt like a subplot.
Overall, if you’re looking for a well-rounded fantasy mystery, this one may not deliver.
I really wanted to love this, but alas...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
September 26, 2023
Good Story
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. I really did enjoy the story overall. There were just a few things that took away from the story for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. I really did enjoy the story overall. There were just a few things that took away from the story for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 26, 2024
Summary:
The Wizard and The Welshman is the first book in The Hawthorne Mystery series, set in London in 1886. A woman is gruesomely murdered, her chest cracked open and a mysterious organ missing. When Inspector Hal Hawthorne, Kensington’s top investigator, starts probing the case, he quickly realises the victim—and her killer—aren’t human. In the course of his investigation, Hal saves a captivating wizard named November from becoming the next target. This encounter pulls Hal into a world of dark magic and nightmarish creatures. But as Hal becomes entangled in this supernatural web, he starts to believe that November holds the key to solving the case. Now, Hal must protect November, solve the mystery, and decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to stop the killings and save the man he’s come to care for.
Plot & Pacing:
The Wizard and The Welshman is the first book in the Hawthorne Mystery series, blending fantasy and mystery in a way that’s both enchanting and utterly captivating. The story follows Hal, a detective with a past he’s trying to keep hidden, as he encounters November—a powerful and enigmatic figure from another world. With parallel universes, a hint of darkness, and plenty of twists and turns, this book had me hooked from the first page.
As a fan of both fantasy and mystery, I was immediately drawn to this book’s premise, and it absolutely delivered. The plot is layered with suspense, magic, and darker elements that pack an emotional punch. There were twists I didn’t see coming and moments that genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I love that the story doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, which only deepened my attachment to the characters and my hope for their happiness.
The pacing was nearly perfect, and I found myself flying through the pages. I was so engrossed that I made it halfway through in a single sitting! The only downside was that the chapters were quite long, which occasionally interrupted the flow. But overall, it was a smooth, engaging read that I didn’t want to put down.
World-Building:
Parallel worlds can be tricky to execute, but Rayndrop handles it beautifully. The magical world and its systems were both fun and immersive, and I loved discovering the details of this universe bit by bit. The balance of mystery and fantasy worked perfectly, and I hope we get to see even more of the magic in future books. Rayndrop’s world feels layered and enchanting, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.
Characters:
The characters are the heart of this book, and I was completely captivated. Hal is a compelling protagonist—strong yet fragile, as he navigates his place in the world and tries to hide parts of himself. November, on the other hand, brings a mix of power and vulnerability that adds depth to his character. The chemistry between Hal and November is fantastic; they’re both characters you want to root for, and their dynamic is magnetic.
Special mention to Hal’s new partner on the police squad, who is a true ride-or-die character that I couldn’t help but love. His loyalty and sense of camaraderie brought warmth to the story, adding a sense of team spirit amidst all the supernatural chaos.
Romance:
The romance between Hal and November had me hooked from the start. Instant attraction can be hit or miss, but here, it worked beautifully. I found myself as enchanted by November as Hal was as soon as he entered the stage, and I’m already looking forward to watching their relationship deepen. Their connection felt real and compelling, and I’m eager to see how their bond will evolve in the next books.
Writing Style:
Rayndrop’s writing style is both accessible and immersive, which I especially appreciated as a reader with dyslexia. The prose flows smoothly, making it easy to stay engaged and invested in the story. Even with the longer chapters, the writing felt natural and was a joy to read.
Overall Thoughts:
The Wizard and The Welshman is a brilliant start to what promises to be a wonderful series. With its compelling characters, enchanting world, and a romance that’s both heartwarming and keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book has left me eagerly anticipating the next instalment. There are still so many questions, mysteries, and emotional journeys waiting to unfold, and I can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.
Plus, the cover is gorgeous!
I will also get a physical copy of this book!
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
The Wizard and The Welshman is the first book in The Hawthorne Mystery series, set in London in 1886. A woman is gruesomely murdered, her chest cracked open and a mysterious organ missing. When Inspector Hal Hawthorne, Kensington’s top investigator, starts probing the case, he quickly realises the victim—and her killer—aren’t human. In the course of his investigation, Hal saves a captivating wizard named November from becoming the next target. This encounter pulls Hal into a world of dark magic and nightmarish creatures. But as Hal becomes entangled in this supernatural web, he starts to believe that November holds the key to solving the case. Now, Hal must protect November, solve the mystery, and decide what he’s willing to sacrifice to stop the killings and save the man he’s come to care for.
Plot & Pacing:
The Wizard and The Welshman is the first book in the Hawthorne Mystery series, blending fantasy and mystery in a way that’s both enchanting and utterly captivating. The story follows Hal, a detective with a past he’s trying to keep hidden, as he encounters November—a powerful and enigmatic figure from another world. With parallel universes, a hint of darkness, and plenty of twists and turns, this book had me hooked from the first page.
As a fan of both fantasy and mystery, I was immediately drawn to this book’s premise, and it absolutely delivered. The plot is layered with suspense, magic, and darker elements that pack an emotional punch. There were twists I didn’t see coming and moments that genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I love that the story doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, which only deepened my attachment to the characters and my hope for their happiness.
The pacing was nearly perfect, and I found myself flying through the pages. I was so engrossed that I made it halfway through in a single sitting! The only downside was that the chapters were quite long, which occasionally interrupted the flow. But overall, it was a smooth, engaging read that I didn’t want to put down.
World-Building:
Parallel worlds can be tricky to execute, but Rayndrop handles it beautifully. The magical world and its systems were both fun and immersive, and I loved discovering the details of this universe bit by bit. The balance of mystery and fantasy worked perfectly, and I hope we get to see even more of the magic in future books. Rayndrop’s world feels layered and enchanting, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.
Characters:
The characters are the heart of this book, and I was completely captivated. Hal is a compelling protagonist—strong yet fragile, as he navigates his place in the world and tries to hide parts of himself. November, on the other hand, brings a mix of power and vulnerability that adds depth to his character. The chemistry between Hal and November is fantastic; they’re both characters you want to root for, and their dynamic is magnetic.
Special mention to Hal’s new partner on the police squad, who is a true ride-or-die character that I couldn’t help but love. His loyalty and sense of camaraderie brought warmth to the story, adding a sense of team spirit amidst all the supernatural chaos.
Romance:
The romance between Hal and November had me hooked from the start. Instant attraction can be hit or miss, but here, it worked beautifully. I found myself as enchanted by November as Hal was as soon as he entered the stage, and I’m already looking forward to watching their relationship deepen. Their connection felt real and compelling, and I’m eager to see how their bond will evolve in the next books.
Writing Style:
Rayndrop’s writing style is both accessible and immersive, which I especially appreciated as a reader with dyslexia. The prose flows smoothly, making it easy to stay engaged and invested in the story. Even with the longer chapters, the writing felt natural and was a joy to read.
Overall Thoughts:
The Wizard and The Welshman is a brilliant start to what promises to be a wonderful series. With its compelling characters, enchanting world, and a romance that’s both heartwarming and keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book has left me eagerly anticipating the next instalment. There are still so many questions, mysteries, and emotional journeys waiting to unfold, and I can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.
Plus, the cover is gorgeous!
I will also get a physical copy of this book!
I had the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC reader through NetGalley, for which I want to express my gratitude! This review is my honest and voluntary opinion, and I am thrilled to share my thoughts.
October 3, 2023
I received an ARC and I am sharing an unbiased opinion.
The Wizard and the Welshman is a very action-packed novel (I swear these characters did not have a moment of peace and I loved it). It's an original, well written story, set in Victorian London, and I can best describe it as "urban fantasy meets Sherlock Holmes".
While the main character, Hal Hawthorne, did manage to piss me off more often than not, it's impossible not to love the other main characters - the gentle, but powerful November, and the fun Sergeant Robert Donoghue.
Overall, I enjoyed the mysterious case they had to solve, the atmosphere, the personal struggles, and the many plot twists. Few things I didn't like: I wished the magical system was elaborated, as sometimes it was confusing; I also found some phrases repetitive and the characters were occasionally overdramatic. While the chemistry between them was evident, their connection developed a bit too quickly. By the way, maybe it was just me, but I honestly had a fright when November was described as a young boy several times in the beginning, until I found out he was 24 :) - I was somehow left with the impression he is 12-13 and I was ready to kill Hal. The plot armour towards the end of the novel was too strong for my taste, but it gives great opportunity for the series to develop.
I would really enjoy meeting Hal, November, and Donoghue again, and following their next adventures.
The Wizard and the Welshman is a very action-packed novel (I swear these characters did not have a moment of peace and I loved it). It's an original, well written story, set in Victorian London, and I can best describe it as "urban fantasy meets Sherlock Holmes".
While the main character, Hal Hawthorne, did manage to piss me off more often than not, it's impossible not to love the other main characters - the gentle, but powerful November, and the fun Sergeant Robert Donoghue.
Overall, I enjoyed the mysterious case they had to solve, the atmosphere, the personal struggles, and the many plot twists. Few things I didn't like: I wished the magical system was elaborated, as sometimes it was confusing; I also found some phrases repetitive and the characters were occasionally overdramatic. While the chemistry between them was evident, their connection developed a bit too quickly. By the way, maybe it was just me, but I honestly had a fright when November was described as a young boy several times in the beginning, until I found out he was 24 :) - I was somehow left with the impression he is 12-13 and I was ready to kill Hal. The plot armour towards the end of the novel was too strong for my taste, but it gives great opportunity for the series to develop.
I would really enjoy meeting Hal, November, and Donoghue again, and following their next adventures.
September 7, 2023
A decent start to the trilogy that does a great job of setting the scene and introducing the characters , but not at the cost of the plot.
It was a fun read, the odd bit of magic thrown in here and there, to make it stand out from another murder mystery.
Enjoyable.
It was a fun read, the odd bit of magic thrown in here and there, to make it stand out from another murder mystery.
Enjoyable.
October 9, 2024
The Wizard and the Welshman tell the story of police inspector Hal Hawthorne and Wizard November as their worlds collide and they work together to track down a murder. In the process, they uncover a criminal conspiracy to murder people, both magical and ordinary, and harvest their organs on the magical black market.
On the way, they fall in love.
Victorian Laws
Hal grapples with being gay because in Victorian London that was a criminal offense. And Hal, being a police officer has a lot of trouble not following the rules. He's been beating himself up his whole life for what he sees as a bad thing, like who he is attracted to is something that he could choose. His family moved him from Cardiff in Wales after a scandal and he's lived with that specter over him his whole adult life, mostly due to his family perpetuating his shame. That's the true shame, his mother is an abhorrent character.
Anyway, Hal knows he likes men but he denies himself because he's an upstanding British man who has a lot of neurodivergent traits if we are looking at him from a modern lens, but who wants to live his life working hard as an Inspector and avoiding getting married and settling down. But being with men isn't on his radar.
But he cannot deny his feelings for November. And November is someone to behold, indeed.
November
November is a sex worker and a wizard. He works in a brothel along with lots of other sex workers but they are all special. They are all witches and wizards. November is younger than Hal but has seen a lot in his life, after his parents abandoned him and he worked in a workhouse for most of his childhood. The Madame of the brothel took him in and is on the surface providing a good home for him.
London
Honestly, London seems like the most unforgiving place imaginable. It's dreadful, with starving people on every corner and no escape from the cold. The author does a very good job making the reader feel the icy cold air, the wet snow as it melts into pants legs and chills the skin, and most importantly the hopelessness hovering around everyone not well off.
The Murder
The murder that brings November and Hal together is gruesome and vicious. Helena Dunham is hacked open and her heart removed. From the start, Hal knows there's something different about this case, and his one-track mind won't rest until he finds the murderer and solves the case.
However, once he scratches the surface he quickly realizes that there's much more going on than a run-of-the-mill murder. He finds November after his name pops up on a note the victim clutched in her dying hand. He knows November is a key to the case, and seeks him out. He finds an enchanting man who he's instantly drawn to.
Strengths
Magical Realism
The Wizard and the Welshman is a great example of magical realism and the author does a spectacular job of interweaving a magical society into the fabric of historical feeling Victorian London. The magic system is unique too, with only a few things that are derivative of other more well known magical OPs.
Action
Action is written beautifully, I loved the action scenes so much. The author is masterful at writing tense, tight chase scenes. Their romp through Cairo held perfect tension throughout, it's perfection. The séance too, such great writing. I loved these parts the most.
Weaknesses
Magic System Confusion
The magical system could have been more fleshed out, sometimes it was a bit like the author needed a plot device to happen and so it became part of the magical system. For example, out of the blue, Wizards can't lie or their lie becomes reality? I feel like that could have been foreshadowed better so it wasn't such an out of left field thing to learn late in the novel.
Spicy Scene
One of the most cruel things the author has done is to only include a spicy scene in the print edition. I get why, physical book sales are good for business. But I wanted to read the spicey scene and as an arc reader, I didn't get to. Sad.
Overall Take
I loved this book and can't wait for more. I liked the side characters, the building feelings between Hal and November, and the action was master writing. The second book can't come soon enough!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the way, they fall in love.
Victorian Laws
Hal grapples with being gay because in Victorian London that was a criminal offense. And Hal, being a police officer has a lot of trouble not following the rules. He's been beating himself up his whole life for what he sees as a bad thing, like who he is attracted to is something that he could choose. His family moved him from Cardiff in Wales after a scandal and he's lived with that specter over him his whole adult life, mostly due to his family perpetuating his shame. That's the true shame, his mother is an abhorrent character.
Anyway, Hal knows he likes men but he denies himself because he's an upstanding British man who has a lot of neurodivergent traits if we are looking at him from a modern lens, but who wants to live his life working hard as an Inspector and avoiding getting married and settling down. But being with men isn't on his radar.
But he cannot deny his feelings for November. And November is someone to behold, indeed.
November
November is a sex worker and a wizard. He works in a brothel along with lots of other sex workers but they are all special. They are all witches and wizards. November is younger than Hal but has seen a lot in his life, after his parents abandoned him and he worked in a workhouse for most of his childhood. The Madame of the brothel took him in and is on the surface providing a good home for him.
London
Honestly, London seems like the most unforgiving place imaginable. It's dreadful, with starving people on every corner and no escape from the cold. The author does a very good job making the reader feel the icy cold air, the wet snow as it melts into pants legs and chills the skin, and most importantly the hopelessness hovering around everyone not well off.
The Murder
The murder that brings November and Hal together is gruesome and vicious. Helena Dunham is hacked open and her heart removed. From the start, Hal knows there's something different about this case, and his one-track mind won't rest until he finds the murderer and solves the case.
However, once he scratches the surface he quickly realizes that there's much more going on than a run-of-the-mill murder. He finds November after his name pops up on a note the victim clutched in her dying hand. He knows November is a key to the case, and seeks him out. He finds an enchanting man who he's instantly drawn to.
Strengths
Magical Realism
The Wizard and the Welshman is a great example of magical realism and the author does a spectacular job of interweaving a magical society into the fabric of historical feeling Victorian London. The magic system is unique too, with only a few things that are derivative of other more well known magical OPs.
Action
Action is written beautifully, I loved the action scenes so much. The author is masterful at writing tense, tight chase scenes. Their romp through Cairo held perfect tension throughout, it's perfection. The séance too, such great writing. I loved these parts the most.
Weaknesses
Magic System Confusion
The magical system could have been more fleshed out, sometimes it was a bit like the author needed a plot device to happen and so it became part of the magical system. For example, out of the blue, Wizards can't lie or their lie becomes reality? I feel like that could have been foreshadowed better so it wasn't such an out of left field thing to learn late in the novel.
Spicy Scene
One of the most cruel things the author has done is to only include a spicy scene in the print edition. I get why, physical book sales are good for business. But I wanted to read the spicey scene and as an arc reader, I didn't get to. Sad.
Overall Take
I loved this book and can't wait for more. I liked the side characters, the building feelings between Hal and November, and the action was master writing. The second book can't come soon enough!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Independently Published for an early copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this. I loved following these characters through Victorian London on their hunt for a dangerous murder who posesses strong magical powers. I loved this writing style, which flowed very nicely and immediately immersed me in the story. An amazing story that I can hundred percent recommend to any reader looking for a new fantastic book.
The world and magic system very much reminded me of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them. (I do no support J.K. Rowling) So if you are looking for something similar to these stories, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Wizard and The Welshman. It has a similar magical vibe, with the hidden magical world, plus a lot of queer represantation. I wish we could learn a bit more about the world, I feel there is much more than we've seen in this installment, which very much focuses on the plot rather than world-building.
All of the characters are very well developed, all have distinct personalities and their own voices. And I loved following our main trio - Hal a grumpy inspector, Donoghue an amazingly loyal friend and Hal's new colleague and of course our titular wizard November who is just sweet and caring person. All of them are different from each other and yet they work in perfect sync. My favorite is definitely Donoghue, who is just that friend you can always count on in every situation, supportive but not afraid to tell you when you messed up. I only wish there were more prominent female characters, because all the main characters are men.
I also very much enjoyed the forbidden romance between Hal and November. They definitely have an instant attraction to each other, but the author expertly manages to write it without it feeling like an insta love. And Hal's pining and his fear to give in to the feelings is just amazing.
The plot is fast paced, basicaly a race against the clock, to stop this mysterious murder who kills and steals the hearts of wizards and witches. Something is constantly happening and pushing the plot forward, but we also have enough calm scenes in between that help to build the characters and romance, so that the reader (and the characters) can catch a breath and think about what just happened. But these scenes do not last forever and do not break the pacing. The only thing I did not really enjoy were the flashback chapters. They just felt out of place and I wish we learned the information from them differently. The stakes are also definitely high and I was afraid constantly. The villain was terrifying. The atmosphere of a snow-covered London is spot on. The Wizard and The Welshman is not a book you can easily put down and just go to sleep.
I would also like to mention a few historical inaccuracies that I came across whilst reading. Nothing that would negatively impact my overall rating, but just small things that gave me a pause. So if things like this annoy you, maybe skip this story. First: mass printing of books in little cheap paperbacks. If I am not mistaken, this did not happen until 1920s, I do not believe in 1886 they had technology for that. Police badges and pistols: Hal has a badge and a service gun. I do not believe British police carried service guns or had badges in the late 19th century, but I can be mistaken on this one. It just felt too modern to me, when they suddenly mentioned badges.
I will definitely pick up a physical copy for myself as well as read the next installment in the series.
I absolutely loved this. I loved following these characters through Victorian London on their hunt for a dangerous murder who posesses strong magical powers. I loved this writing style, which flowed very nicely and immediately immersed me in the story. An amazing story that I can hundred percent recommend to any reader looking for a new fantastic book.
The world and magic system very much reminded me of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them. (I do no support J.K. Rowling) So if you are looking for something similar to these stories, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Wizard and The Welshman. It has a similar magical vibe, with the hidden magical world, plus a lot of queer represantation. I wish we could learn a bit more about the world, I feel there is much more than we've seen in this installment, which very much focuses on the plot rather than world-building.
All of the characters are very well developed, all have distinct personalities and their own voices. And I loved following our main trio - Hal a grumpy inspector, Donoghue an amazingly loyal friend and Hal's new colleague and of course our titular wizard November who is just sweet and caring person. All of them are different from each other and yet they work in perfect sync. My favorite is definitely Donoghue, who is just that friend you can always count on in every situation, supportive but not afraid to tell you when you messed up. I only wish there were more prominent female characters, because all the main characters are men.
I also very much enjoyed the forbidden romance between Hal and November. They definitely have an instant attraction to each other, but the author expertly manages to write it without it feeling like an insta love. And Hal's pining and his fear to give in to the feelings is just amazing.
The plot is fast paced, basicaly a race against the clock, to stop this mysterious murder who kills and steals the hearts of wizards and witches. Something is constantly happening and pushing the plot forward, but we also have enough calm scenes in between that help to build the characters and romance, so that the reader (and the characters) can catch a breath and think about what just happened. But these scenes do not last forever and do not break the pacing. The only thing I did not really enjoy were the flashback chapters. They just felt out of place and I wish we learned the information from them differently. The stakes are also definitely high and I was afraid constantly. The villain was terrifying. The atmosphere of a snow-covered London is spot on. The Wizard and The Welshman is not a book you can easily put down and just go to sleep.
I would also like to mention a few historical inaccuracies that I came across whilst reading. Nothing that would negatively impact my overall rating, but just small things that gave me a pause. So if things like this annoy you, maybe skip this story. First: mass printing of books in little cheap paperbacks. If I am not mistaken, this did not happen until 1920s, I do not believe in 1886 they had technology for that. Police badges and pistols: Hal has a badge and a service gun. I do not believe British police carried service guns or had badges in the late 19th century, but I can be mistaken on this one. It just felt too modern to me, when they suddenly mentioned badges.
I will definitely pick up a physical copy for myself as well as read the next installment in the series.
October 21, 2023
[SOME SPOILERS AHEAD]
This was such a delight to read.
It isn’t often that I come across a story with such a great, unique plot that brings something so fresh to the genre. I was hooked from the very start, and some of the twists genuinely had me feel some type of way (I desperately didn’t want Hal to die).
From the very start, I was taken in by the richly detailed and immersive world filled with a blend of Victorian-era settings and intricate magic system. The plot is complex yet tight and coherent, and I was hooked by the mysteries surrounding the murder case and the characters' supernatural abilities.
I love how compelling the romance was, as well. Even though it was obvious that there was chemistry between Hal and November fairly early on (love the names, by the way), it didn’t feel rushed or forced. Their relationship developed organically. I like the way the author addressed the societal attitudes towards same sex relationships as well - it was subtle and didn’t feel forced, but not having it there at all would have been a glaring mistake. It was a difficult and fine balance but I think it was managed brilliantly.
I appreciate the way the magical elements in the story were introduced as well. The explanation of magic in the story is handled well, gradually revealing magical abilities and mishaps, adding an exciting and inventive layer to the narrative. The way the author integrated magic into the plot seems seamless and logical, and it’s such a brilliant plot device. In a genre saturated with elves, dwarves, and whizz bang wizardry this is a murder mystery that involves organ harvesting of magical people. I don’t know how the author thought that one up but somehow it all works together.
The descriptions of settings, whether it's the chaotic crime scene, the Hidden District, or the magical city in the desert, are vivid and immersive. They’re descriptive without being overwhelming, which I appreciate. I never felt like the prose was getting in the way of the story, which is great, since I think the author’s true talent lies in writing excellent characters and engaging dialogue, and her prose really lets them shine.
The characters are multifaceted and undergo development throughout the novel. Hal, November, and Donoghue are presented with their own desires, motivations, and personal struggles, making them relatable and engaging for readers. The complexity of their relationships, especially the growing attraction between Hal and November feels very relatable and organic. The struggle of knowing you’re attracted to someone but denying it for as long as possible because you don’t want to face the implications of that (and societal attitudes) was written perfectly.
The pacing of the novel appears to be well-managed, with a balance between action-packed scenes and moments of reflection and character development. The suspense is maintained throughout, particularly with how the murder mystery turns into an investigation of an organ harvesting scheme.
The climax was also incredibly satisfying, one of the best I’ve read in a while, but I won’t spoil that! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something fresh in the fantasy genre.
This was such a delight to read.
It isn’t often that I come across a story with such a great, unique plot that brings something so fresh to the genre. I was hooked from the very start, and some of the twists genuinely had me feel some type of way (I desperately didn’t want Hal to die).
From the very start, I was taken in by the richly detailed and immersive world filled with a blend of Victorian-era settings and intricate magic system. The plot is complex yet tight and coherent, and I was hooked by the mysteries surrounding the murder case and the characters' supernatural abilities.
I love how compelling the romance was, as well. Even though it was obvious that there was chemistry between Hal and November fairly early on (love the names, by the way), it didn’t feel rushed or forced. Their relationship developed organically. I like the way the author addressed the societal attitudes towards same sex relationships as well - it was subtle and didn’t feel forced, but not having it there at all would have been a glaring mistake. It was a difficult and fine balance but I think it was managed brilliantly.
I appreciate the way the magical elements in the story were introduced as well. The explanation of magic in the story is handled well, gradually revealing magical abilities and mishaps, adding an exciting and inventive layer to the narrative. The way the author integrated magic into the plot seems seamless and logical, and it’s such a brilliant plot device. In a genre saturated with elves, dwarves, and whizz bang wizardry this is a murder mystery that involves organ harvesting of magical people. I don’t know how the author thought that one up but somehow it all works together.
The descriptions of settings, whether it's the chaotic crime scene, the Hidden District, or the magical city in the desert, are vivid and immersive. They’re descriptive without being overwhelming, which I appreciate. I never felt like the prose was getting in the way of the story, which is great, since I think the author’s true talent lies in writing excellent characters and engaging dialogue, and her prose really lets them shine.
The characters are multifaceted and undergo development throughout the novel. Hal, November, and Donoghue are presented with their own desires, motivations, and personal struggles, making them relatable and engaging for readers. The complexity of their relationships, especially the growing attraction between Hal and November feels very relatable and organic. The struggle of knowing you’re attracted to someone but denying it for as long as possible because you don’t want to face the implications of that (and societal attitudes) was written perfectly.
The pacing of the novel appears to be well-managed, with a balance between action-packed scenes and moments of reflection and character development. The suspense is maintained throughout, particularly with how the murder mystery turns into an investigation of an organ harvesting scheme.
The climax was also incredibly satisfying, one of the best I’ve read in a while, but I won’t spoil that! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something fresh in the fantasy genre.
February 14, 2025
Hal is woken in the middle of the night to investigate a grisly murder scene. A woman was attacked, her chest ripped apart, and something was taken from her. But no one can say what. All of her organs are clearly intact and where they should be, but right next to her heart, something is gone. After learning that the victim had been a prostitute Hal attempts to gain more information from the other girls, with none of them willing to talk to him he hits a brick wall, that is until he meets November, another prostitute at the brothel the dead woman had worked at. Almost immediately Hal feels like something is off with the young man, but never in his wildest dreams could he have guessed what it was, because November is a wizard and the killer Hal is looking for has targeted November next. Hal realizes very quickly that they are in a race against time to find a powerful magician, something that shouldn't even be possible, before he kills again, but how does an Ordinary man stop the impossible?
This was so freaking cute! I will admit that the writing was rough at the beginning, but this only lasts for a couple of chapters, if that. By the time November is introduced, it's solid. But honestly, if he it had not, I would have still finished it because this was genuinely just a lot of fun!
In terms of the magic system there isn't anything really groundbreaking here, it's pretty standard, I'm pretty sure I've come across the whole magic users have two hearts thing before, so at first I thought this would end up being a trope filled nightmare but it was anything but. I think that using an easily recognizable magic system it allowed Rayndrop to focus more on building the characters and finding the killer.
And yes, every character is absolutely wonderful in this. Hal and November are adorable, but Donoghue was my favorite character, hands down. He's just that moral support guy that everyone needs in their life; he'll tell you when you're being stupid but also cheer the loudest for you when you are down.
The thing I loved this most about this, though, is just how quickly Hal and Donoghue accept that magic is real. I was so afraid there were going to be a few chapters of the oh so logical Hal trying to rationalize everything, and there's just not. Honestly, is way more believable than when a character sees magic, and that spends four chapters pretending it never happened. Donoghue, too, just shrugs and is like, "Welp, okay, bad guy has magic. We still need to take him down."
Overall, I highly recommend this. Like I said, it was just such a fun, heartwarming Queer read w/ adorable characters with a side of magical thriller.
As always, thanks to NetGalley for the eArc!
This was so freaking cute! I will admit that the writing was rough at the beginning, but this only lasts for a couple of chapters, if that. By the time November is introduced, it's solid. But honestly, if he it had not, I would have still finished it because this was genuinely just a lot of fun!
In terms of the magic system there isn't anything really groundbreaking here, it's pretty standard, I'm pretty sure I've come across the whole magic users have two hearts thing before, so at first I thought this would end up being a trope filled nightmare but it was anything but. I think that using an easily recognizable magic system it allowed Rayndrop to focus more on building the characters and finding the killer.
And yes, every character is absolutely wonderful in this. Hal and November are adorable, but Donoghue was my favorite character, hands down. He's just that moral support guy that everyone needs in their life; he'll tell you when you're being stupid but also cheer the loudest for you when you are down.
The thing I loved this most about this, though, is just how quickly Hal and Donoghue accept that magic is real. I was so afraid there were going to be a few chapters of the oh so logical Hal trying to rationalize everything, and there's just not. Honestly, is way more believable than when a character sees magic, and that spends four chapters pretending it never happened. Donoghue, too, just shrugs and is like, "Welp, okay, bad guy has magic. We still need to take him down."
Overall, I highly recommend this. Like I said, it was just such a fun, heartwarming Queer read w/ adorable characters with a side of magical thriller.
As always, thanks to NetGalley for the eArc!
October 20, 2024
i received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of my own free will. thank you netgalley and laura rayndrop!!
okay i know ive said this a lot recently but GOD i adored this. this was such a lovely and calming read, it reminded me so much of my favorite childhood book/movie, howls moving castle. it interwoven the discovery of magic with romance in that same way that fill you with longing, unsure whether for the partnership or the magic itself or both. it brings the magic to life in a newer way than other fantasy books do, it makes it almost into something within the reader’s grasp if they simply get in the right mindset. that magic isn’t about the powers but about the essence and feeling of it. running off to a cottage in a long coat and a crown of vines is the goal that can be achieved and include sorcery and witchcraft if only you let it. i don’t know, i think none of this makes any sense to anyone but me but this is my favorite type of fantastical magic. when it’s so romantic and whimsical and stunning. the romance between hal and november was beautifully written. the slow burn was there but the yearning was too, letting us see how hal truly cared for november but also definitely wanted to jump his bones LMFAO. the way their romance was written is literally my favorite way to read a love story. yearning and slow burn my very openly pining!! the ending was absolutely insane. in the best way. the way it reversed everything the reader had seen from the two so far but somehow in a way that made sense and was realistic. i can’t recommend this enough, it was such a cozy and sweet experience and it definitely provided a lovely reprieve from the stress of life. this was so wonderful and i can not WAIT for the next book
okay i know ive said this a lot recently but GOD i adored this. this was such a lovely and calming read, it reminded me so much of my favorite childhood book/movie, howls moving castle. it interwoven the discovery of magic with romance in that same way that fill you with longing, unsure whether for the partnership or the magic itself or both. it brings the magic to life in a newer way than other fantasy books do, it makes it almost into something within the reader’s grasp if they simply get in the right mindset. that magic isn’t about the powers but about the essence and feeling of it. running off to a cottage in a long coat and a crown of vines is the goal that can be achieved and include sorcery and witchcraft if only you let it. i don’t know, i think none of this makes any sense to anyone but me but this is my favorite type of fantastical magic. when it’s so romantic and whimsical and stunning. the romance between hal and november was beautifully written. the slow burn was there but the yearning was too, letting us see how hal truly cared for november but also definitely wanted to jump his bones LMFAO. the way their romance was written is literally my favorite way to read a love story. yearning and slow burn my very openly pining!! the ending was absolutely insane. in the best way. the way it reversed everything the reader had seen from the two so far but somehow in a way that made sense and was realistic. i can’t recommend this enough, it was such a cozy and sweet experience and it definitely provided a lovely reprieve from the stress of life. this was so wonderful and i can not WAIT for the next book
October 10, 2023
Detective how Hawthorne is a loner and obsessed with his work but when he comes across the murder of a girl and it is unlike anything he’s ever seen before all his skills he’s acquired isn’t going to help he has a new partner his stepdad is his boss and he also has a secret that is ousted would make him persona non grata with his fellow policeman and the rest of society because it is the 1880s and men are supposed to love women but when he meets a homeless guy name November he will see a whole different side to life the case and even good old London can hell defeat something way more powerful than him and will he risk November to do it? There is so much more to this great great story then I am saying I read a lot of good books but I must say this book is up there with the Carnaval of curiosities and the Devil in the White city is part of my top three I absolutely love this book and found it entertaining touching and so hard to put down I loved it and can’t say enough about it if you love historical fiction with magical realism and sci-fi aspects you definitely need to read the “wizard in the Welchmen” you will not be disappointed this was such a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 16, 2024
A brilliant start to this series!
Set in the late Victorian England, this urban fantasy mystery romance might not be part of the modern world, but don’t let that distract you from this amazing story! It centres around Detective Inspector Hal Hawthorne, and we’re dropped right into the middle of a murder case that, unbeknown to Hal, will completely rock his foundations.
Along with his new partner, Donoghue, he commences his investigation but things already seem irregular. As they dig further into matters surrounding the case Hal and Donoghue uncover things they, and the world they inhabit are not prepared for, with far-reaching consequences.
There’s also a romantic element to the storyline, weaving its way through Hal’s interactions with a person of interest in the case, revealing more of both characters’ backstories and uncovering secrets and desires that have remained hidden for too long.
The characters are complex and interesting, with hidden depths which develop over the course of the story. The author really brought the world of Victorian London to life with its rich imagery and detailed world-building and the crossover into the magical world is unique and extraordinary.
I highly recommend this book to all who love urban fantasy, mysteries and mm romance, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
Set in the late Victorian England, this urban fantasy mystery romance might not be part of the modern world, but don’t let that distract you from this amazing story! It centres around Detective Inspector Hal Hawthorne, and we’re dropped right into the middle of a murder case that, unbeknown to Hal, will completely rock his foundations.
Along with his new partner, Donoghue, he commences his investigation but things already seem irregular. As they dig further into matters surrounding the case Hal and Donoghue uncover things they, and the world they inhabit are not prepared for, with far-reaching consequences.
There’s also a romantic element to the storyline, weaving its way through Hal’s interactions with a person of interest in the case, revealing more of both characters’ backstories and uncovering secrets and desires that have remained hidden for too long.
The characters are complex and interesting, with hidden depths which develop over the course of the story. The author really brought the world of Victorian London to life with its rich imagery and detailed world-building and the crossover into the magical world is unique and extraordinary.
I highly recommend this book to all who love urban fantasy, mysteries and mm romance, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
November 3, 2024
I would rate the story a 4.3 but with potential for a full 5 stars, so that’s what i’m giving it.
The plot was really engaging and i pretty much finished the book in one day. I liked all the main characters and they were all so distinctive and with their own peculiarities and struggles. The prose was amazing. At points it felt like i was reading poetry rather than a novel. I could feel the cold and the darkness of london’s winter as if I was standing there too. It was enchanting.
My only two observations have to do with the magic system and some jumps in the storyline. So first thing i believe more information on how magic works, its limitations (if any) and requirements are needed. It was never clear what november could or couldn’t do any it was frustrating at times (maybe in the second book we will know more about it). The second observation has to do with the plot. While as I said the story was engaging, sometimes i would get the impression of finishing a chapter and starting with the next one having missed a few pages. Nothing so dramatic it would prevent someone to understand what is happening, but it was nonetheless annoying. Finally I hope we will see a bit more self introspection from Hal and november , as well as some more intimacy, in the next book.
The plot was really engaging and i pretty much finished the book in one day. I liked all the main characters and they were all so distinctive and with their own peculiarities and struggles. The prose was amazing. At points it felt like i was reading poetry rather than a novel. I could feel the cold and the darkness of london’s winter as if I was standing there too. It was enchanting.
My only two observations have to do with the magic system and some jumps in the storyline. So first thing i believe more information on how magic works, its limitations (if any) and requirements are needed. It was never clear what november could or couldn’t do any it was frustrating at times (maybe in the second book we will know more about it). The second observation has to do with the plot. While as I said the story was engaging, sometimes i would get the impression of finishing a chapter and starting with the next one having missed a few pages. Nothing so dramatic it would prevent someone to understand what is happening, but it was nonetheless annoying. Finally I hope we will see a bit more self introspection from Hal and november , as well as some more intimacy, in the next book.
November 11, 2024
In The Wizard and the Welshman, Laura Rayndrop has created a magical world with compelling queer characters and a brilliant mystery. From the very beginning, the setup is intriguing and Hal is a riveting, conflicted character.
One of the reasons I connected so strongly to the world was that there were very rich historical aspects that brought to mind Sherlock Holmes and some of the detective novels I love. I also liked that the writing was authentic with regards to being gay in the 1800’s, that it was not acceptable to be in love with a person of the same gender in that time. Weaving that with the magical world was well written and extremely enjoyable. The secondary characters, in particular Donogue, were fun and I loved the resolution of the mystery. There are a lot of twists and turns as we learn the truth behind the killer.
If you like LGBTQ stories with magic and mystery, I really recommend this first in the series. Hal is compelling, November is full of mystery and the ending is full of twists and turns. The details of the magical world are full of depth and the relationship is authentic and beautiful. I can’t wait for the next book.
One of the reasons I connected so strongly to the world was that there were very rich historical aspects that brought to mind Sherlock Holmes and some of the detective novels I love. I also liked that the writing was authentic with regards to being gay in the 1800’s, that it was not acceptable to be in love with a person of the same gender in that time. Weaving that with the magical world was well written and extremely enjoyable. The secondary characters, in particular Donogue, were fun and I loved the resolution of the mystery. There are a lot of twists and turns as we learn the truth behind the killer.
If you like LGBTQ stories with magic and mystery, I really recommend this first in the series. Hal is compelling, November is full of mystery and the ending is full of twists and turns. The details of the magical world are full of depth and the relationship is authentic and beautiful. I can’t wait for the next book.
October 31, 2024
The Wizard & the Welshman is a spellbinding debut that effortlessly weaves together mystery, magic, and romance in a richly atmospheric Victorian London. When top inspector Hal Hawthorne is called to investigate a gruesome murder, he stumbles into a world filled with nightmarish creatures and dark sorcery—thanks to the enigmatic wizard, November, who may hold the key to the case.
Rayndrop's writing is sharp and immersive, capturing the tension of the investigation while beautifully exploring the developing bond between Hal and November. The characters are compelling and layered, with Hal's journey of sacrifice and self-discovery adding depth to the thrilling plot.
With its clever twists, engaging world-building, and a touch of romance, this first installment promises to be a captivating start to a trilogy. If you enjoy queer fantasy with a dash of mystery, The Wizard & the Welshman will enchant you from start to finish!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rayndrop's writing is sharp and immersive, capturing the tension of the investigation while beautifully exploring the developing bond between Hal and November. The characters are compelling and layered, with Hal's journey of sacrifice and self-discovery adding depth to the thrilling plot.
With its clever twists, engaging world-building, and a touch of romance, this first installment promises to be a captivating start to a trilogy. If you enjoy queer fantasy with a dash of mystery, The Wizard & the Welshman will enchant you from start to finish!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
The world building in this book is a chaotic mix of creatures and monsters, mayhem and mysticism, and it’s just … fun. In this world, there is a random chance that the child of two Ordinaries (non-magical people) might be born with a second heart. It’s this second heart that not only allows them to tap into their magic, it also grants them a much longer life and a quicker healing ability.
I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but in good conscience couldn’t, and ended up dropping a whole point due to the many copy and editorial issues. Hopefully in future editions the malapropisms and typos will be corrected.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
The world building in this book is a chaotic mix of creatures and monsters, mayhem and mysticism, and it’s just … fun. In this world, there is a random chance that the child of two Ordinaries (non-magical people) might be born with a second heart. It’s this second heart that not only allows them to tap into their magic, it also grants them a much longer life and a quicker healing ability.
I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but in good conscience couldn’t, and ended up dropping a whole point due to the many copy and editorial issues. Hopefully in future editions the malapropisms and typos will be corrected.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 24, 2023
I didn't know it was the first book in a series when I started, probably my mistake to not have done the proper resaerch first.
Overall a good read, set in Victorian London, a murder mystery with magic unfurling around it. It was pretty well written, the charcaters are good and nice to follow, developped enough. The spark of romance is there, even if it doesn't really take that much space yet (but at the same time it is permeating throughout the story). Even with those good points, the story didn't manage to really catch my attention as much as I wanted to. There is also a little inconsistency for me around the magic, nothing really important, but it did nag at me when I thought about it.
Overall a good read, set in Victorian London, a murder mystery with magic unfurling around it. It was pretty well written, the charcaters are good and nice to follow, developped enough. The spark of romance is there, even if it doesn't really take that much space yet (but at the same time it is permeating throughout the story). Even with those good points, the story didn't manage to really catch my attention as much as I wanted to. There is also a little inconsistency for me around the magic, nothing really important, but it did nag at me when I thought about it.
October 30, 2024
*I got this book for free, but this my own opinion.*
The pace of the book was fantastic. It started with a nice murder mystery. It have seemed familiar, but it was fun and kept me reading.
The story kept me invested despite some mistakes. I loved the mix of magic and history.
Also, I was worried it would lose its sparkle when the love interest was introduced. It didn't. In fact, there's very little romance in the book. It focused mostly on its worldbuilding, which was superb.
The characters were interesting, but I think they'll develop more in the upcoming books. What I can say is that I could relate to main character and how he hid what he was. It makes a lot sense knowing the stakes.
All in all, this is a good book. I enjoyed reading it.
#NetGalley
The pace of the book was fantastic. It started with a nice murder mystery. It have seemed familiar, but it was fun and kept me reading.
The story kept me invested despite some mistakes. I loved the mix of magic and history.
Also, I was worried it would lose its sparkle when the love interest was introduced. It didn't. In fact, there's very little romance in the book. It focused mostly on its worldbuilding, which was superb.
The characters were interesting, but I think they'll develop more in the upcoming books. What I can say is that I could relate to main character and how he hid what he was. It makes a lot sense knowing the stakes.
All in all, this is a good book. I enjoyed reading it.
#NetGalley
October 31, 2024
This is my first book by this author aand my main critique was the editing so I am hoping as this is an arc copy this gets resolved. Set in 1886 London we follow Hal who is a detective with his own secrets, primarily the fact he is gay! He saves November who is a wizard when investigating a mysterious murder case and they end up helping each other with the case. They have an instant chemistry even though Hal is not ready to come out! The storyline was paced so well as we get caught up in the mystery solving and Donohue was a great secondary character. Great ending that leaves you avidly awaiting the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
This is the debut novel from Laura Rayndrop and if this is how she starts her career then I see her going far. She has built a marvelous world of magic set (mostly) in London of 1886 where a mundane Inspector called Hal is trying to solve a mysterious murder. He gradually becomes more and more immersed in the magic around him and the pacing and plot that Ms. Rayndrop takes him and her readers on is terrific. This is the first part of three that follow Hal and the magical November who are falling for each other throughout the book. There is enough solved by the end of this volume to make the reader feel good, but also there is lots left to keep us waiting impatiently for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: Great world building and elegant writing captured me at the get go. All the myriad elements that make up this world were quite inventive. What kind of set this novel back was how OTT gay it was. The constant sniffing, blushing, twinkling eyes and "Smells like shortbread" commentary got old, real quick. Of course they love eachother after a couple of days. Riiiight.
There is no doubt this author has talent, especially with character development. Hal does grow into acceptance and his partner's flexibility is, in the end, surprising. I would like to see more of Miss Puss n' Boots, as we need a tough heroine to balance out the way gay.
Review: Great world building and elegant writing captured me at the get go. All the myriad elements that make up this world were quite inventive. What kind of set this novel back was how OTT gay it was. The constant sniffing, blushing, twinkling eyes and "Smells like shortbread" commentary got old, real quick. Of course they love eachother after a couple of days. Riiiight.
There is no doubt this author has talent, especially with character development. Hal does grow into acceptance and his partner's flexibility is, in the end, surprising. I would like to see more of Miss Puss n' Boots, as we need a tough heroine to balance out the way gay.
September 12, 2023
Imagine being transported to 1886 London, where Inspector Hal Hawthorne, a stern and enigmatic figure, is drawn into a world of magic and dark secrets. It's a thrilling ride that had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
The author has a way of making you care deeply about the characters and their journey. I found myself rooting for Inspector Hawthorne as he navigated this new and magical realm, and I couldn't help but be captivated by November, the young wizard at the center of it all.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the mysterious and intriguing plot.
The author has a way of making you care deeply about the characters and their journey. I found myself rooting for Inspector Hawthorne as he navigated this new and magical realm, and I couldn't help but be captivated by November, the young wizard at the center of it all.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the mysterious and intriguing plot.
September 13, 2023
Inspector Hal Hawthorne, a character both feared and respected, is thrust into a world he never imagined when he encounters November, a young wizard tied to a gruesome murder. The novel's vivid portrayal of 1886 London, complete with its dark underbelly and enchanting secrets, immerses readers in a richly crafted world.
The characters are complex, and their development throughout the story is a true highlight. The Wizard and the Welshman is a captivating adventure that keeps you guessing until the very end, and I couldn't put it down.
The characters are complex, and their development throughout the story is a true highlight. The Wizard and the Welshman is a captivating adventure that keeps you guessing until the very end, and I couldn't put it down.
October 30, 2024
At first, this seemed to read like a straightforward cosy murder mystery, but there were some fantasy elements, and some romance thrown into the mix as well. It's set during the late 1800s, which is one of my favourite periods. I found it quirky yet sophisticated, and a little bit magical. This is the first in a series, and these characters were great fun to read about, so I will look forward to the next instalment.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2023
(Arc)
Okay I'm gutted. Was I excited for this ARC because the title said Welshman and I, being Welsh, was curious? Yes. Was it worth it? No. The story dragged on constantly and I felt myself getting more tired of it by the second. I wish I could say it was worth it for the romance but I literally didn't care for either of the men in the relationship. There will be more to this series but I will not be tuning in.
Okay I'm gutted. Was I excited for this ARC because the title said Welshman and I, being Welsh, was curious? Yes. Was it worth it? No. The story dragged on constantly and I felt myself getting more tired of it by the second. I wish I could say it was worth it for the romance but I literally didn't care for either of the men in the relationship. There will be more to this series but I will not be tuning in.
September 2, 2024
When I began this book, it didn’t even strike me that the title had the word wizard. I think I figured it was a play on words and that someone in the book was skillful at their career.
Hal starts off as somewhat of a stiff, work obsessed detective in Victorian London. Very film noir-ish vibes and I was waiting for Jack the Ripper to pop out at any moment!
What I did not expect was magic and creatures and a very adult Harry Potter-esque experience. Because it was an exciting, emotional, lovely experience.
I was so touched by Hal and November’s relationship, their openness and nurtured trust. This was a very original and well done novel. I was beyond thrilled to know there’s more and I can not wait!
Hal starts off as somewhat of a stiff, work obsessed detective in Victorian London. Very film noir-ish vibes and I was waiting for Jack the Ripper to pop out at any moment!
What I did not expect was magic and creatures and a very adult Harry Potter-esque experience. Because it was an exciting, emotional, lovely experience.
I was so touched by Hal and November’s relationship, their openness and nurtured trust. This was a very original and well done novel. I was beyond thrilled to know there’s more and I can not wait!
October 9, 2024
Oh. My. GOODNESS!!! I love love LOVE this story!! Hal is an inspector in London hiding a secret that he wants no one to find out about, and he does a pretty good job at hiding it until he meets a dashing wizard called November who forces him to face his feelings he has buried away. Along with his new partner Donoghue, the trio go on an adventure of a lifetime trying to solve the murders that have been happening. A perfect LGBT romance. I want to read the next book already.
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