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Declan Grimm, orphaned shade witch, and scholar at the Royal Magical Academy, is sent to Blackfriar, his place of birth, to investigate the emergence of dark spirits which plague the town—and perhaps find out more about himself in the process. As the threads of the mystery tighten, Declan uncovers his own shady past, as well as the existence of a seedy cult that has more to do with him than he could ever imagine. Declan must use his wits, magic, and formidable knowledge to save himself and the town from a grim fate.
331 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2024
About the author
Gio Peters
11 books16 followersGio is an avid reader, his favourite genres being fantasy as well as Victorian classics. He combines these two genres in his debut series The Kingdom of Ura, which is a fantasy series set in the equivalent of Victorian/Edwardian era England. He wishes to see more LGBTQIA+ representation in literature, fantasy novels especially, hence the Kingdom of Ura is queer positive, specifically for bisexual and gay men.
He is a mental health advocate, animal lover (yes a vegetarian) and obtained his postgrad in English from the University of Cape Town.
He is a mental health advocate, animal lover (yes a vegetarian) and obtained his postgrad in English from the University of Cape Town.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 6, 2024
Book 4 of a series The kingdom of Ura.
Fantastic read! I did not want to put it down or do anyting else. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and LGBTQ genre.
In this story we meet Declan Grimm the main character, he stole my heart immediately. Left in an orphanage with only one clue who his heritage a slip of paper with his name on it Declan Grimm; he is forced to navigate life on his own. Declan really shows a lot of courage because of this. He is also kind and caring and very secretive about everything that is happening to him. Declan is a student at the Royal Magical Academy and a very talented student at that, he is a shade witch.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Declan is sent to investigate strange magical activity in Blackfriar. Aaron his mentor thinks he will like the assignment since he is actually from Blackfriar and may learn something of his heritage. We also get to revisit some of the characters from other stories such as Angela Lambert, Theron Nestor and several others.
During his time in Blackfriar he meets Ralph and he provides for some excellent romantic scenes, very well written. Declan also shows growth in his personality because of the relationship with Ralph, in the beginning he is careless with his heart until he realizes what he has done. To see the character mature this way was very satisfying.
The author is spot on with the pacing, the climaxes and beautifully written word pictures.
This is a story you can enjoy over and over.
Fantastic read! I did not want to put it down or do anyting else. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and LGBTQ genre.
In this story we meet Declan Grimm the main character, he stole my heart immediately. Left in an orphanage with only one clue who his heritage a slip of paper with his name on it Declan Grimm; he is forced to navigate life on his own. Declan really shows a lot of courage because of this. He is also kind and caring and very secretive about everything that is happening to him. Declan is a student at the Royal Magical Academy and a very talented student at that, he is a shade witch.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Declan is sent to investigate strange magical activity in Blackfriar. Aaron his mentor thinks he will like the assignment since he is actually from Blackfriar and may learn something of his heritage. We also get to revisit some of the characters from other stories such as Angela Lambert, Theron Nestor and several others.
During his time in Blackfriar he meets Ralph and he provides for some excellent romantic scenes, very well written. Declan also shows growth in his personality because of the relationship with Ralph, in the beginning he is careless with his heart until he realizes what he has done. To see the character mature this way was very satisfying.
The author is spot on with the pacing, the climaxes and beautifully written word pictures.
This is a story you can enjoy over and over.
January 10, 2026
Grimm is the fourth book in the Kingdom of Ura series, and definitely lives up to its name as the darkest of the series so far. The magic system sits front and center in the tales of this series, and this book gives an excellent opportunity to delve deeper than ever before. Wizards and Witches approach the Arcane from vastly different directions, and the plot of this book explores that deeply.
Declan is a wonderful main character. He’s quite introverted, but all the more interesting for it. Adopted and raised by the Magic University, Grimm gives him the opportunity to attempt his first mission. However, while earlier books tease about animal familiars, with this book you get to see Declan interacting with Crux, his bird familiar. Animal companions are always a bonus. I also absolutely loved the villains in this book as well, though I won’t say who they are. However, they are tied up with daemons, and more than a few secrets about Declan's past.
The Kingdom of Ura is a series set in a fantastical version of Victorian Europe, though with Wizards, Witches, Fae, Vampires, Demons, and all sorts of spooky ghoulies. Definitely take a look if you want a more darker, Gothic edge to your fantasy. Highly recommended.
Declan is a wonderful main character. He’s quite introverted, but all the more interesting for it. Adopted and raised by the Magic University, Grimm gives him the opportunity to attempt his first mission. However, while earlier books tease about animal familiars, with this book you get to see Declan interacting with Crux, his bird familiar. Animal companions are always a bonus. I also absolutely loved the villains in this book as well, though I won’t say who they are. However, they are tied up with daemons, and more than a few secrets about Declan's past.
The Kingdom of Ura is a series set in a fantastical version of Victorian Europe, though with Wizards, Witches, Fae, Vampires, Demons, and all sorts of spooky ghoulies. Definitely take a look if you want a more darker, Gothic edge to your fantasy. Highly recommended.
July 31, 2024
Gio Peters is a gifted writer. He uses beautifully (sometimes rather poetic) descriptive language that does a fabulous job of painting a picture for the reader. The book is set in 1910 and follows the story of orphaned shade witch Declan, as he travels back to the place he was born to unravel the mystery of dark forces that are at work. As he tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings, he uncovers information about his own past and discovers that he is at the center of everything. The world-building is fantastic and the characters are well-rounded. Declan's courage, kindness, and somewhat socially awkward encounters make him a compelling figure to follow. Although filled with action and danger, the book is also sprinkled with some wonderful humorous moments that lighten the story. I haven't read the previous books in this series so I was going in blind. That didn't matter at all because this book works well as a standalone and I had no problem keeping up with who was who. I definitely plan to go back and read the rest of the books in this series. I'd recommend this book for readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ fantasy. The Kingdom of Ura has a new fan.
June 23, 2024
"Grimm" by Gio Peters is a thrilling fantasy set in 1910 that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story follows Declan Grimm, an orphaned shade witch and scholar, who is sent to his birthplace, Blackfriar, to investigate dark spirits haunting the town. As he digs deeper, Declan uncovers secrets about his own past and a dangerous cult.
The book is written from Declan's perspective, making his journey feel personal and engaging. I found the plot packed with magic, mystery, and a bit of romance. Peters' writing style is unique, with clear scene transitions that feel like reading a diary.
The characters are diverse and well-developed, adding depth to the story. I especially enjoyed the blend of action, intrigue, and steamy moments. Peters' worldbuilding is fantastic, making "Grimm" an exciting and immersive read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with magical elements!
The book is written from Declan's perspective, making his journey feel personal and engaging. I found the plot packed with magic, mystery, and a bit of romance. Peters' writing style is unique, with clear scene transitions that feel like reading a diary.
The characters are diverse and well-developed, adding depth to the story. I especially enjoyed the blend of action, intrigue, and steamy moments. Peters' worldbuilding is fantastic, making "Grimm" an exciting and immersive read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with magical elements!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
Gay fantasy novel set in 1910.
I love this series. While each book can be read as standalone, it's nice to have read the previous books before Grimm as characters of the previous books were present or mentioned.
Just as the other books, Grimm is written in the 1st person pov of the main character, in this case Declan. Declan is again a very intriguing character with a defined personality and a great development. The plot is fascinating, the events happening to Declan which lead him to save his hometown but also discover who he really is.
The story is full of mistery, magic, and romantic elements too. I grew quite fond of Ralph!
I like Gio's unique writing style. I love elements that are in all books in the series such as the dates before each scene which makes it very clear but also feels almost like a diary or journal, and the glossary at the end.
I love this series. While each book can be read as standalone, it's nice to have read the previous books before Grimm as characters of the previous books were present or mentioned.
Just as the other books, Grimm is written in the 1st person pov of the main character, in this case Declan. Declan is again a very intriguing character with a defined personality and a great development. The plot is fascinating, the events happening to Declan which lead him to save his hometown but also discover who he really is.
The story is full of mistery, magic, and romantic elements too. I grew quite fond of Ralph!
I like Gio's unique writing style. I love elements that are in all books in the series such as the dates before each scene which makes it very clear but also feels almost like a diary or journal, and the glossary at the end.
July 22, 2024
Another favourite of The Kingdom of Ura series - possibly even my most favourite of the bunch! Wholesome relationships sprinkled in between dire, dangerous situations, and character building enough so that I was thoroughly engaged in the characters' stories and wanted to just be in there in the book with them!
I'd recommend this book for readers of LGBTQIA+ dark fantasies - there are some very steamy scenes too, for those that are into that - but this book, I feel, definitely focuses on a lot of the action and mystery surrounding the plot, too. At times I felt I was in a dark noir-type investigation, and I could almost hear Declan, the Main Character, narrate over the top over his ruminations and ponderings.
Altogether very fun - looking forward to the rest of the series!
I'd recommend this book for readers of LGBTQIA+ dark fantasies - there are some very steamy scenes too, for those that are into that - but this book, I feel, definitely focuses on a lot of the action and mystery surrounding the plot, too. At times I felt I was in a dark noir-type investigation, and I could almost hear Declan, the Main Character, narrate over the top over his ruminations and ponderings.
Altogether very fun - looking forward to the rest of the series!
June 3, 2024
Grimm by Gio Peters is a story that blends Victorian-style writing with modern sensibilities into a queer romance set in a town beset by dark forces. Declan Grimm is a young protagonist with darkness-oriented magical abilities, and he has journeyed to the town of Blackfriar to discover the secrets at work in the shadows. If you want to read a full review of Grimm, you can have a look at the WailingWolf blog.
June 12, 2024
For a fourth time Gio Peters amazed me with his impeccable worldbuilding skills by once again expanding on the interesting and magical Kingdom of Ura.
This time we follow Declan Grimm, and orphaned shade witch, who in the process of investigating magical mysteries in the town of Blackfriar, uncovers the his own mysterious past.
Once again the cast of characters is divers, interesting and lovable and the story kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time.
This time we follow Declan Grimm, and orphaned shade witch, who in the process of investigating magical mysteries in the town of Blackfriar, uncovers the his own mysterious past.
Once again the cast of characters is divers, interesting and lovable and the story kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time.
July 26, 2024
4th book of the series. Can be read as standalone but of course characters from previous book make an appearance.
This book like the others is 1st person and we follow Declan in this book.
Another beautifully crafted book that will make you see what is written.
Follow Declan on his travels to help his home town, and some mysteries behind who he is.
This book like the others is 1st person and we follow Declan in this book.
Another beautifully crafted book that will make you see what is written.
Follow Declan on his travels to help his home town, and some mysteries behind who he is.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews