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The Gus Chronicles #2
What to Suspect When You're Suspecting
First, he was a gargoyle. Then, a dragon. Then, not a "he" at all. Everyone in town wants something from Gus, but you just want xer to stop eating your shoelaces and cheese puffs.
Welcome to the cozy-yet-chaotic household of Brant and Nico, where raising the world’s only (known) dragon isn't just about putting out furniture fires and claw-proofing the cabinets. Six months ago, they rescued what they thought was a baby gargoyle. Little did they know that their lives were about to take an unexpected turn into the limelight.
As Gustopher grows, so do xer’s powers – invisibility, anyone? -- leaving Brant and Nico grappling with a creature who throws tantrums and can project thousand-year-old dream visions. But their struggles aren't confined to the domestic sphere – outside pressures mount as everyone clamors for a piece of the action. From vampires and werewolves to pixies and politicians, a colorful cast of characters descends upon their doorstep, each with their own agenda. But when the magical tribunal show up demanding to take charge of Gus’s care, the real surprises begin.
Amidst the frenzy, two questions loom What are Gus’s rights, and how will this impact Multnomah? In this queer adventure, illusions are shattered at every turn, revealing that nothing is quite what it seems. Especially not Gus.
Bonus Content:
journal throughout the book to offer the reader insight from the MC
- Sneak peek from Book 36 baking recipes
- Discussion questions for book clubs
Content details: This book is intended for adults, but can also be enjoyed by teenagers 16+. The themes are positive masculinity, chosen family, marginalized people's rights, gender equality, and the power of community.
THIS HEARTWARMING COZY ADVENTURE MAKES A PERFECT GIFT FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER. GET THEM A COPY TODAY!
Welcome to the cozy-yet-chaotic household of Brant and Nico, where raising the world’s only (known) dragon isn't just about putting out furniture fires and claw-proofing the cabinets. Six months ago, they rescued what they thought was a baby gargoyle. Little did they know that their lives were about to take an unexpected turn into the limelight.
As Gustopher grows, so do xer’s powers – invisibility, anyone? -- leaving Brant and Nico grappling with a creature who throws tantrums and can project thousand-year-old dream visions. But their struggles aren't confined to the domestic sphere – outside pressures mount as everyone clamors for a piece of the action. From vampires and werewolves to pixies and politicians, a colorful cast of characters descends upon their doorstep, each with their own agenda. But when the magical tribunal show up demanding to take charge of Gus’s care, the real surprises begin.
Amidst the frenzy, two questions loom What are Gus’s rights, and how will this impact Multnomah? In this queer adventure, illusions are shattered at every turn, revealing that nothing is quite what it seems. Especially not Gus.
Bonus Content:
journal throughout the book to offer the reader insight from the MC
- Sneak peek from Book 36 baking recipes
- Discussion questions for book clubs
Content details: This book is intended for adults, but can also be enjoyed by teenagers 16+. The themes are positive masculinity, chosen family, marginalized people's rights, gender equality, and the power of community.
THIS HEARTWARMING COZY ADVENTURE MAKES A PERFECT GIFT FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER. GET THEM A COPY TODAY!
- GenresCozy Fantasy
234 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2024
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Karryn Nagel
3 books19 followersI've loved literature since my mom first read me Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven' when I was 13.
I devoured poetry, short stories and novels from then into adulthood, and had many different kinds of jobs, leading me to write my first novel in 2013.
then, 10 years later, I released Book 1 of a cozy adventure trilogy. Guarding Gus released in October 2023, and What to Suspect When You're Suspecting releases in Fall of 2024.
We will see what happens after this!
I devoured poetry, short stories and novels from then into adulthood, and had many different kinds of jobs, leading me to write my first novel in 2013.
then, 10 years later, I released Book 1 of a cozy adventure trilogy. Guarding Gus released in October 2023, and What to Suspect When You're Suspecting releases in Fall of 2024.
We will see what happens after this!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 8, 2024
A delightful sequel to a delightful first book!
Guarding Gus , the first book, really leans in on the buddy-cop, 2 men and a baby vibes of it all, and fittingly, What to Suspect takes the tropes it wants to work with, picks them up, and runs with them, spinning a wonderfully queer tale! It's all hinging around the main focus of the first book, the ever-delightful Gus, and his two co-parents, Brant and Nico. And I do mean queer! None of that "it's just mentioned in passing handwavingly" type thing you'll occasionally see, Nico and Gus in particular are superb examples of that lived experience, I'm sure Karryn has made great use of the sensitivity reader in that regard!
For being a sequel, Suspecting will also read just fine as a standalone book, with only a few stray references to the events in Guarding Gus , that go explained-enough to allow the plot to read quite easily. Maybe it's just all the fantasy doorstops that are aggressively tied into each other I've been reading lately, but that's a huge breath of fresh air! On the point of Guarding Gus , I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you just how this book builds on the first. This time around, Gus has (and this is a spoiler for the first book, here!)
As the book builds on its tension, so too does it build on its ensemble cast! I particularly enjoyed the narrative reasoning behind that being that our dear Gustopher, as a dragon, can wield influential magic, in order to build a horde of sorts, that being a horde of people. Personal favorites of this wide-ranging group of newcomers include such delightful folk as:
Oded, a classical musician who's got a taste for not only community organizing, but also, it's revealed, one of our main characters, Brant (which, who can blame him, he bakes, he can build a cabinet, he's handsome, don't need much more than that!)
Marguerita Scarpelli, a representative from the local Magicfolk community, who's got a lot more wit than her old Italian frame would let on,
and, last but not least, one Mercury Novalux, who's based so strongly on the Trans HandyMa'am, Mercury Stardust, I said "oh of COURSE!" upon reading the note at the end of the book saying so!
By the close of the book, Gus xerself has really grown into a particular character, as well! This growth (or re-growth, I suppose!) was a really fascinating arc running beneath the dual tension of magical and mundane interest in our favorite little dragon, and the slow reveal that (once again, major spoiler here, for this book in particular,)
All that said, this book is a great read! I blew through it pretty quickly, but even reading it like that, I enjoyed it a ton, especially the choices made to build out the urban fantasy setting of a Multnomah not too dissimilar to our own, aside from, y'know, the faeries, werewolves, and the like.
I'd heartily recommend picking this up, and that goes double if you liked Guarding Gus! Can't wait to see what the road trip turns out to be, and I'm very excited to see more of Gus, fully realized!
[In the interest of transparency here, I did get a free ARC for this book, and also got to read the first five chapters of Gus on my podcast, but don't let that potential bias spook you! book's good!]
Guarding Gus , the first book, really leans in on the buddy-cop, 2 men and a baby vibes of it all, and fittingly, What to Suspect takes the tropes it wants to work with, picks them up, and runs with them, spinning a wonderfully queer tale! It's all hinging around the main focus of the first book, the ever-delightful Gus, and his two co-parents, Brant and Nico. And I do mean queer! None of that "it's just mentioned in passing handwavingly" type thing you'll occasionally see, Nico and Gus in particular are superb examples of that lived experience, I'm sure Karryn has made great use of the sensitivity reader in that regard!
For being a sequel, Suspecting will also read just fine as a standalone book, with only a few stray references to the events in Guarding Gus , that go explained-enough to allow the plot to read quite easily. Maybe it's just all the fantasy doorstops that are aggressively tied into each other I've been reading lately, but that's a huge breath of fresh air! On the point of Guarding Gus , I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you just how this book builds on the first. This time around, Gus has (and this is a spoiler for the first book, here!)
As the book builds on its tension, so too does it build on its ensemble cast! I particularly enjoyed the narrative reasoning behind that being that our dear Gustopher, as a dragon, can wield influential magic, in order to build a horde of sorts, that being a horde of people. Personal favorites of this wide-ranging group of newcomers include such delightful folk as:
Oded, a classical musician who's got a taste for not only community organizing, but also, it's revealed, one of our main characters, Brant (which, who can blame him, he bakes, he can build a cabinet, he's handsome, don't need much more than that!)
Marguerita Scarpelli, a representative from the local Magicfolk community, who's got a lot more wit than her old Italian frame would let on,
and, last but not least, one Mercury Novalux, who's based so strongly on the Trans HandyMa'am, Mercury Stardust, I said "oh of COURSE!" upon reading the note at the end of the book saying so!
By the close of the book, Gus xerself has really grown into a particular character, as well! This growth (or re-growth, I suppose!) was a really fascinating arc running beneath the dual tension of magical and mundane interest in our favorite little dragon, and the slow reveal that (once again, major spoiler here, for this book in particular,)
All that said, this book is a great read! I blew through it pretty quickly, but even reading it like that, I enjoyed it a ton, especially the choices made to build out the urban fantasy setting of a Multnomah not too dissimilar to our own, aside from, y'know, the faeries, werewolves, and the like.
I'd heartily recommend picking this up, and that goes double if you liked Guarding Gus! Can't wait to see what the road trip turns out to be, and I'm very excited to see more of Gus, fully realized!
[In the interest of transparency here, I did get a free ARC for this book, and also got to read the first five chapters of Gus on my podcast, but don't let that potential bias spook you! book's good!]
Read
August 8, 2024The second book of the trilogy following our beloved Gus lets Gus, Nico, and Brant settle into their lives together, finding a rhythm that's often disrupted as soon as it's found, but still bringing the three together further. The sudden stream of odd and sometimes disturbing dreams coupled with sonic waves sending out signals to who-knows-what (well, we know what by the end) has Nico on his toes, adding even more stress to the unexpected arrival of first a few, then so, so many, allies in the fight toward equality. Everyone wants a piece of Gus, and it's all Nico and Brant can do to keep Gus safe while also staying sane throughout his growth spurts. In the end, adventure awaits, and its up to Nico and Brant to decide whether they want to embrace it.
I can't think of a single book that gets anywhere close to the LGBTQIA and gender diversity and representation that's present here. That representation, and the importance of equality and support is present throughout, but the author does a great job of also representing that just because you're part of a marginalized group doesn't mean you're immune from making blunders yourself and needing to take accountability for that.
I also really, really appreciated the continuation of the friendship between Nico and Brant. It portrays a healthy, emotionally mature platonic relationship between two adult men that I think is often missing in books where those friendships are either only present because of decades of growth together, are shallow, or are used to push forward a will-they-won't-they relationship dynamic. Here, both Nico and Grant find themselves in situations with romantic partners that enrich their lives separately but that don't detract from their friendship and bond.
The pacing of this book was significantly slower than that of Guarding Gus, and sometimes felt repetitive, but if you're in the mood for something slower, more representative of a real life lived trying to juggle family, work, responsibilities, and everything in between, that should suit well.
I can't think of a single book that gets anywhere close to the LGBTQIA and gender diversity and representation that's present here. That representation, and the importance of equality and support is present throughout, but the author does a great job of also representing that just because you're part of a marginalized group doesn't mean you're immune from making blunders yourself and needing to take accountability for that.
I also really, really appreciated the continuation of the friendship between Nico and Brant. It portrays a healthy, emotionally mature platonic relationship between two adult men that I think is often missing in books where those friendships are either only present because of decades of growth together, are shallow, or are used to push forward a will-they-won't-they relationship dynamic. Here, both Nico and Grant find themselves in situations with romantic partners that enrich their lives separately but that don't detract from their friendship and bond.
The pacing of this book was significantly slower than that of Guarding Gus, and sometimes felt repetitive, but if you're in the mood for something slower, more representative of a real life lived trying to juggle family, work, responsibilities, and everything in between, that should suit well.
July 11, 2024
"What to Suspect When You're Suspecting" throws you into the delightfully chaotic world of Brant and Nico, PLUS MANY NEW FRIENDS, as they do their best to raise a precocious young dragon named Gus. But wait! Brant and Nico are not alone - they get to make many new friends in this next phase of parenting. This book is a delightful sequel, with new challenges, varying perspectives and a generous sprinkling of fantastical creatures.
Gus, the star of the show, is a mischievous and endearing creature who keeps Brant and Nico on their toes. Xer's fantastical abilities add a layer of wonder to the story. But it's the bond between Gus, Brant, and Nico that truly shines. This chosen family dynamic is full of love, support, and hilarious (sometimes furniture-related) mishaps.
The story doesn't shy away from adventure either. A colorful cast of characters descend upon Brant and Nico's doorstep, each with their own agenda. This adds a touch of suspense as the true nature of Gus's existence unravels.
I loved the celebration of chosen family, the positive messages, the humor and heart of this book. I'm glad I got to see Niko and Brant's friendship deepen and I enjoyed hearing about their slice-of-life experiences. While the messages are at times challenging, especially the treatment of queer folks' lived experiences, these voices need to be heard. The story tackles themes like gender equality, chosen family, and marginalized people's rights in a direct way - but ultimately positive and uplifting.
Gus, the star of the show, is a mischievous and endearing creature who keeps Brant and Nico on their toes. Xer's fantastical abilities add a layer of wonder to the story. But it's the bond between Gus, Brant, and Nico that truly shines. This chosen family dynamic is full of love, support, and hilarious (sometimes furniture-related) mishaps.
The story doesn't shy away from adventure either. A colorful cast of characters descend upon Brant and Nico's doorstep, each with their own agenda. This adds a touch of suspense as the true nature of Gus's existence unravels.
I loved the celebration of chosen family, the positive messages, the humor and heart of this book. I'm glad I got to see Niko and Brant's friendship deepen and I enjoyed hearing about their slice-of-life experiences. While the messages are at times challenging, especially the treatment of queer folks' lived experiences, these voices need to be heard. The story tackles themes like gender equality, chosen family, and marginalized people's rights in a direct way - but ultimately positive and uplifting.
July 31, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
This is the second book in a trilogy about Nico, Brant, and their baby...creature, Gus. This second installment is definitely more tense than the first story and loses a bit of the coziness with everything that is going on - the military, the magic council, and the general public all wanting a piece or being afraid of Gus and Nico and Brant just trying to keep Gus safe and loved.
I did enjoy the larger cast in this one although I did have trouble keeping people straight in my mind just because of the sheer number. However, the new characters are sweet and lovely and I really enjoyed them in the story.
This is also more serious - themes/topics that were touched on in the first book are now being expanded upon such as gender discrimination, homophobia/transphobia, misgendering, transphobia, "other"ing, anxiety and more. It's is gut-wrenching at times and I definitely teared up more than once. Please, please check the trigger warnings, the author does list them at the beginning in detail, and take care of yourself.
I did love the climax and how that was handled, I was absolutely cheering along. I also did enjoy the introduction of a bit of romance in this book.
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first story, I still had a good time and am excited to see how the trilogy will wrap up.
This is the second book in a trilogy about Nico, Brant, and their baby...creature, Gus. This second installment is definitely more tense than the first story and loses a bit of the coziness with everything that is going on - the military, the magic council, and the general public all wanting a piece or being afraid of Gus and Nico and Brant just trying to keep Gus safe and loved.
I did enjoy the larger cast in this one although I did have trouble keeping people straight in my mind just because of the sheer number. However, the new characters are sweet and lovely and I really enjoyed them in the story.
This is also more serious - themes/topics that were touched on in the first book are now being expanded upon such as gender discrimination, homophobia/transphobia, misgendering, transphobia, "other"ing, anxiety and more. It's is gut-wrenching at times and I definitely teared up more than once. Please, please check the trigger warnings, the author does list them at the beginning in detail, and take care of yourself.
I did love the climax and how that was handled, I was absolutely cheering along. I also did enjoy the introduction of a bit of romance in this book.
While I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first story, I still had a good time and am excited to see how the trilogy will wrap up.
August 4, 2024
In my review for the first book I said it was the embodiment of a cozy hug of chaos, and book two goes further and is an absolute dog pile of cozy chaos!
This installment in the guarding Gus chronicles continues to bring all the cozy vibes, the positive masculinity, and the absolutely wild chaotic fun of the first book, but brings in little touches that bring it up several notches. One of my favorite things is something small in the overall arc of the story, when one character misgenders one of the other characters, there isn’t any digging in, or justifying, there is reflection, acceptance of the mistake, and accountability. This is so comforting, in a world where we often only see people get defensive for mistakes and make others feel worse for it.
I loved all the new characters, (and I am hoping for redemption for one particular one), and I was happy that some were inspired by some of our favorite Tiktok celebs! Some were so well described and their personalities shone in the writing so well that you had a pretty good idea who they were inspired by!
The ending was satisfying enough that I was not left hanging but with enough just enough mystery that I CANNOT wait for the next book!
This installment in the guarding Gus chronicles continues to bring all the cozy vibes, the positive masculinity, and the absolutely wild chaotic fun of the first book, but brings in little touches that bring it up several notches. One of my favorite things is something small in the overall arc of the story, when one character misgenders one of the other characters, there isn’t any digging in, or justifying, there is reflection, acceptance of the mistake, and accountability. This is so comforting, in a world where we often only see people get defensive for mistakes and make others feel worse for it.
I loved all the new characters, (and I am hoping for redemption for one particular one), and I was happy that some were inspired by some of our favorite Tiktok celebs! Some were so well described and their personalities shone in the writing so well that you had a pretty good idea who they were inspired by!
The ending was satisfying enough that I was not left hanging but with enough just enough mystery that I CANNOT wait for the next book!
August 6, 2024
A fantastically queer follow up to Guarding Gus! this book is even better than the first, and I'm not saying that lightly! half romance, half drama, we get fantastic and unique insights into Gus the Dragon, now growing at a rapid pace. His newfound parents have to work double time now just to keep up with him! not to mention find the time for their own impressive love interests. that's not counting what happens when the supernatural world, the mayor of their city, and the united states government all decides that they have a right to keep the dragon for themselves. having to deal with nosy neighbors, as well as a whole new influx of found family members, Brant and Nico seam to be having a lot of dramatics on their hands. worse, if they can't find a peaceful solution, they might very well lose their precious Gustopher to the greed of others. with Nico having very strange dreams, Grant struggling with his PTSD, and Gustopher getting into literally everything, life is getting to be very, very hectic.
August 7, 2024
I loved 'Guarding Gus' last year and was excited for the sequel. But to be clear - while Gus was filled with action and exciting scenes where you might worry about the stakes - the follow up is focused on love, representation, understanding, community and acceptance.
Gus is no longer a baby, and Nico and Brandt struggle with growth spurts, moods and the realization of the community that there is a baby dragon in their midst. Various special interests descend and people immediately take sides about whether Gus is a blessing or curse to the world.
Add in new love interests, a bunch of new friends, Gus displaying concerning new powers while Nico & Brandt struggle to understand what the no-longer-baby dragon is telling them - most importantly of all who Gus is, and what Gus wants.
What to Suspect is a slower burn than Guarding Gus, but what it lacks in action it makes up in heart-filling joy. Absolutely loved it from start to finish!
Gus is no longer a baby, and Nico and Brandt struggle with growth spurts, moods and the realization of the community that there is a baby dragon in their midst. Various special interests descend and people immediately take sides about whether Gus is a blessing or curse to the world.
Add in new love interests, a bunch of new friends, Gus displaying concerning new powers while Nico & Brandt struggle to understand what the no-longer-baby dragon is telling them - most importantly of all who Gus is, and what Gus wants.
What to Suspect is a slower burn than Guarding Gus, but what it lacks in action it makes up in heart-filling joy. Absolutely loved it from start to finish!
February 5, 2025
This is such a wonderfully warm and fuzzy story. In this current political climate, I think I really needed a book the shows the power of the love of your chosen family, of acceptance of those who live outside the expectations of a binary world, and finding strength to stand up for yourself. I can’t wait for book 3! Go, Gus, Go!
Side note: I totally need a big red pin that says “My kid’s pronouns are…” that would be amazing.
Side note: I totally need a big red pin that says “My kid’s pronouns are…” that would be amazing.
July 21, 2024
If you're looking for a sweet and heartfelt cozy contemporary fantasy about two men raising a supernatural creature, check out this book. Good for fantasy lovers of many ages (probably teens and above). A lovely look at gender diversity. I cried happy tears.
August 6, 2024
Just read it .. Its so sweet and cute story about found family and magic.. Made me tear up a little. From cute little gargoyle Gus grew up to be a dragon.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews