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The Burke Misadventures #3
Under Dogs
Keep your friends close.
After a major betrayal and subsequent upheaval in the Order of Magic’s Midwest Security, Reconnaissance, and Tactics Division, the remaining members must get up, dust themselves off, and figure out a way forward.
While bolstering their ranks remains the top priority, Desmond finds himself neck-deep in a world of arcane intrigue. Months pass as he works toward uncovering the puppet master behind the anti-Burke conspiracy. Meanwhile, Katie is left to hold down the fort by herself and, wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new necromancer in town.
UNDER DOGS is the third installment of the Burke Misadventures, a queer author’s love letter to urban fantasy. Come for the siblings and snark, stay for the zombies and intrigue.
After a major betrayal and subsequent upheaval in the Order of Magic’s Midwest Security, Reconnaissance, and Tactics Division, the remaining members must get up, dust themselves off, and figure out a way forward.
While bolstering their ranks remains the top priority, Desmond finds himself neck-deep in a world of arcane intrigue. Months pass as he works toward uncovering the puppet master behind the anti-Burke conspiracy. Meanwhile, Katie is left to hold down the fort by herself and, wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new necromancer in town.
UNDER DOGS is the third installment of the Burke Misadventures, a queer author’s love letter to urban fantasy. Come for the siblings and snark, stay for the zombies and intrigue.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2023
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9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 6, 2024
The author informed me when requesting a review that this book would be less... bloody than the previous two. As the first one ending with a near fight to the death and the second had such a giant mindfuck plot reveal that I had to put the book down for a week, I was onboard with that. It focuses on Katie and Desmond researching more into magic and trying to solve the case of a dead body stolen by an errant necromancer. All the while developing the dreaded FEELINGS.
As this book takes place during Mo's incarceration from all her evil-telepathy-inspired crimes, it definitely felt like a side quest. That's not to say that this book didn't move the overall plot forward, but the changes weren't nearly as major as the previous two books. They uncovered a bit more of the telepathic entity they had encountered before, and introduced a new recurring character that will undoubtedly come up again. But there wasn't the gut-wrenching moments both the first books had. Though I highly doubt the author has suddenly decided to mellow out. I am prepared for an absolute bloodbath come book four.
It was also nice to have Katie as a major POV character. Her obsession interest in necromancy and the insistence that it isn't the evil everyone thinks is a refreshing change from the usual stereotypes around the magic type in fantasy work. Also the image of the young woman in a sensible sweater having several zombie dogs at home is just delightful.
Of course we have to talk about the growing feelings between Katie and Desmond. There were the earliest inklings of them in the previous book, so I wasn't surprised to see them here. Although it is looking like it will be the slowest of burns. But slow burn is my favorite kind of romance, as I love pining. And knowing that at least one of the power is a disaster bisexual, the pining will have a queer tinge, thereby making it more delicious. I also loved the introduction of Sam. We really needed someone to fill the position of Chaos Trans with Mo out of the picture and he does admirably.
I enjoyed the mystery and the reveal. I guessed it awhile beforehand, but I never hold that against a book. I'm always trying to guess reveals. It was still an intriguing idea and I like the new friend unofficially joining the crew moving forward.
All that being said... I am ready to go back to the intense angst. I've always loved how this series lets it's queer characters be incredibly dark and morally gray without trying to hem and haw about "proper representation." This book definitely offered a break from the drama but I'm ready to be hurt again. Bring on book four!
As this book takes place during Mo's incarceration from all her evil-telepathy-inspired crimes, it definitely felt like a side quest. That's not to say that this book didn't move the overall plot forward, but the changes weren't nearly as major as the previous two books. They uncovered a bit more of the telepathic entity they had encountered before, and introduced a new recurring character that will undoubtedly come up again. But there wasn't the gut-wrenching moments both the first books had. Though I highly doubt the author has suddenly decided to mellow out. I am prepared for an absolute bloodbath come book four.
It was also nice to have Katie as a major POV character. Her obsession interest in necromancy and the insistence that it isn't the evil everyone thinks is a refreshing change from the usual stereotypes around the magic type in fantasy work. Also the image of the young woman in a sensible sweater having several zombie dogs at home is just delightful.
Of course we have to talk about the growing feelings between Katie and Desmond. There were the earliest inklings of them in the previous book, so I wasn't surprised to see them here. Although it is looking like it will be the slowest of burns. But slow burn is my favorite kind of romance, as I love pining. And knowing that at least one of the power is a disaster bisexual, the pining will have a queer tinge, thereby making it more delicious. I also loved the introduction of Sam. We really needed someone to fill the position of Chaos Trans with Mo out of the picture and he does admirably.
I enjoyed the mystery and the reveal. I guessed it awhile beforehand, but I never hold that against a book. I'm always trying to guess reveals. It was still an intriguing idea and I like the new friend unofficially joining the crew moving forward.
All that being said... I am ready to go back to the intense angst. I've always loved how this series lets it's queer characters be incredibly dark and morally gray without trying to hem and haw about "proper representation." This book definitely offered a break from the drama but I'm ready to be hurt again. Bring on book four!
December 19, 2023
We're now at the third entry for this dark urban fantasy series, and with Morgan largely out of the plot for this book, the pov's are for Katie (necromancer) and Desmond. There's a missing corpse, and Katie, as the one in charge at that point in time with Desmond away, investigates. However, there is a second timeline as well, a couple of months earlier, with Desmond at the helm, giving some background on what has been happening since the last book, and giving some glimpses into the current events.
This entry in the series is nowhere as dark as the first two, and that's not a bad thing. To some degree, it allows the story to be approached in a slightly different way. There is a lot going on, though not as much action as previously, and the story is well weaved, slowly unveiling the depths of what the Burkes are up against, but not fully, setting things up for the fourth book. What the characters have been through in the previous books is reflected her as well, Desmond having definitely grown.
Overall, I enjoyed this entry in the series. I miss Morgan, but enjoyed seeing the story from Katie's perspective, and getting to know her character better, and I certainly hope that she will continue to be more involved in future books. The touch of romance was done and handled well, a nice little addition, and I definitely look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
This entry in the series is nowhere as dark as the first two, and that's not a bad thing. To some degree, it allows the story to be approached in a slightly different way. There is a lot going on, though not as much action as previously, and the story is well weaved, slowly unveiling the depths of what the Burkes are up against, but not fully, setting things up for the fourth book. What the characters have been through in the previous books is reflected her as well, Desmond having definitely grown.
Overall, I enjoyed this entry in the series. I miss Morgan, but enjoyed seeing the story from Katie's perspective, and getting to know her character better, and I certainly hope that she will continue to be more involved in future books. The touch of romance was done and handled well, a nice little addition, and I definitely look forward to seeing where the series goes next.
January 7, 2024
Under dogs is an excellent followup to an excellent book series. The series as a whole features a great sense of humor with incredible character writing. The stakes laid out in the plot are weighty and interesting, and frequently caused me to read more instead of going to bed on time. I love these and I hope to see more from Freya in the future.
March 8, 2024
A really delightful read. Between a nice, time-separated two-narrator storytelling device and very interesting and likeable characters, Faust tells one of the best kind of stories: one that keeps its ambitions simple and its rewards plentiful.
I eagerly away Book 4. If it's not called "Hot Dogs", we riot.
I eagerly away Book 4. If it's not called "Hot Dogs", we riot.
April 5, 2024
11/10 stars for the Danny Drake and nursing home chapters. IYKYK.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews