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SPECTR Series 3 #6
Avenger of Sins
John Starkweather has one chance to stop a series of murders by the rogue telepath Ryan. Though only the drakul Gray and Night are safe from Ryan’s mental manipulation, John knows it’s up to him to capture his former friend—and fellow victim—before anyone else dies.
But outwitting a telepath isn’t an easy task. In order to bring Ryan in, John will have to confront the darkest parts of their shared past. Because before all is said and done, John and Ryan find themselves confronting an even greater one that will swallow them up body and soul.
But outwitting a telepath isn’t an easy task. In order to bring Ryan in, John will have to confront the darkest parts of their shared past. Because before all is said and done, John and Ryan find themselves confronting an even greater one that will swallow them up body and soul.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
85 books2,652 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 23, 2026
AVENGER OF SINS concludes this third SPECTR series and finally closes out John's backstory and wow it was a lot. It's been interesting to learn more about John, but also heartbreaking at the same time because of everything he went through. I haven't been as emotionally invested in this third series compared to the previous two but it was still good. It was nice to see Caleb and Gray acting as the support in the relationship and just letting John process and come to terms with his recovered memories. I loved how devoted they all are to each other and they've come a long way in their communication, trust, and love.
It looks like we'll get one more series for John, Caleb, and Gray and I'm very curious to see how Jordan L. Hawke will conclude this journey.
Content Warning: gaslighting; mental manipulation; institutional abuse
It looks like we'll get one more series for John, Caleb, and Gray and I'm very curious to see how Jordan L. Hawke will conclude this journey.
Content Warning: gaslighting; mental manipulation; institutional abuse
March 29, 2026
I was expecting this to be the end of the series.... so I was rather taken aback to find that it wasn't! That was my own fault for making assumptions and not actually checking. Now I'm sad that there's no more yet, and the thing that I thought might happen with John and Night didn't happen. Maybe eventually though! Now I'm going to follow the author and have a teensy little sulk while I figure out what I want to read next. ;P
October 28, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Avenger of Sins is part of Jordan L. Hawk’s incredible SPECTR series. The series is told serial style and divided into seasons with six installments in each. While each of the three seasons has a distinct plot and feel, the books also build into one large story and therefore should all be read in order. Be aware that this review will have spoilers for earlier events, both in the Season 3 and the overall series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Avenger of Sins is part of Jordan L. Hawk’s incredible SPECTR series. The series is told serial style and divided into seasons with six installments in each. While each of the three seasons has a distinct plot and feel, the books also build into one large story and therefore should all be read in order. Be aware that this review will have spoilers for earlier events, both in the Season 3 and the overall series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 2, 2025
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
A little over 2 years from the release of the last book in this series, the author has released Book 6 of 6 of series 3 of SPECTR. It was an achingly long wait, but it was definitely worth it. At the end of the last book, SPECTR agent John Starkweather had investigated his past and all his stolen memories were returned. He was also mind-controlled into attacking not only his boyfriend, but the agency that had employed him since he became an adult. Gray and Caleb, our favorite body-sharers, want to be supportive and the three of them along with another drakul named Night, and Agent Norzai must stop John’s cousin/ former fellow lab rat, Ryan, from taking down the institute that had become everything to John at one time.
Ryan will stop at nothing to try and punish those who tortured John and himself, (and a few others) when they were kids. He’ll also stop at nothing to get his hands on Caleb and Gray’s magic boosting blood supply. Ryan is definitely a villain in this story but there is also a sense of tragedy about his life. As the game of cat and mouse ensues, it is revealed that some of those who once hurt John and Ryan are willing to go to extreme lengths, as well, in order to get their hands on them again; Gray and Caleb, too.
Bad guys abound, and in the end, I was sad to see the injustice and disparity that resulted from corrupt experimentation and government secrecy.. The only happy thing is that John finally makes contact with someone from the past and the journey to healing might be underway. I was mostly happy with this conclusion to series 3 and I saw at the end of the book that the upcoming series 4 will be the last in these wonderful characters. stories. I am looking forward to what happens next for these guys and their friends. They are so exciting to read.
2/23/2025 Listened to audiobook - Narration by Kirt Graves was great.
A little over 2 years from the release of the last book in this series, the author has released Book 6 of 6 of series 3 of SPECTR. It was an achingly long wait, but it was definitely worth it. At the end of the last book, SPECTR agent John Starkweather had investigated his past and all his stolen memories were returned. He was also mind-controlled into attacking not only his boyfriend, but the agency that had employed him since he became an adult. Gray and Caleb, our favorite body-sharers, want to be supportive and the three of them along with another drakul named Night, and Agent Norzai must stop John’s cousin/ former fellow lab rat, Ryan, from taking down the institute that had become everything to John at one time.
Ryan will stop at nothing to try and punish those who tortured John and himself, (and a few others) when they were kids. He’ll also stop at nothing to get his hands on Caleb and Gray’s magic boosting blood supply. Ryan is definitely a villain in this story but there is also a sense of tragedy about his life. As the game of cat and mouse ensues, it is revealed that some of those who once hurt John and Ryan are willing to go to extreme lengths, as well, in order to get their hands on them again; Gray and Caleb, too.
Bad guys abound, and in the end, I was sad to see the injustice and disparity that resulted from corrupt experimentation and government secrecy.. The only happy thing is that John finally makes contact with someone from the past and the journey to healing might be underway. I was mostly happy with this conclusion to series 3 and I saw at the end of the book that the upcoming series 4 will be the last in these wonderful characters. stories. I am looking forward to what happens next for these guys and their friends. They are so exciting to read.
2/23/2025 Listened to audiobook - Narration by Kirt Graves was great.
October 27, 2024
Well, a satisfying if sad ending to series 3.
As usual, Jordan L Hawk kept the pedal to the metal right from the start. And while I do love the way it ended, I'm a little bummed about a few things, and I felt like it ended too fast. (that's a me problem, cause I love the story)
It must be stated baldly that series 3 is VERY different from the previous two. Both were largely focused on the uniting of Caleb and Gray, and then the learning about drakul and what they are, and how to live with the consequences of having a drakul in a living body. Upon reflection, I'm pretty sure series 1 was about Caleb. Series 2 was about Gray. And series 3 was about John.
Series 3 has an entirely different mood, because it focuses intently on John. He isn't a drakul possessed guy. No superpowers here. He's a human being and his struggles are very human. Series' 1 and 2 were a wild ride of excitement, full of—as Caleb notes often—blood and screaming. But series 3 turns inward. AND THIS IS WHY the mood is so different. But as Jordan L Hawk writes, the story is still deeply human and filled with twists and turns we don't expect. This series is a wild ride, too, just in a different way.
Spoilers below.
As usual, Jordan L Hawk kept the pedal to the metal right from the start. And while I do love the way it ended, I'm a little bummed about a few things, and I felt like it ended too fast. (that's a me problem, cause I love the story)
It must be stated baldly that series 3 is VERY different from the previous two. Both were largely focused on the uniting of Caleb and Gray, and then the learning about drakul and what they are, and how to live with the consequences of having a drakul in a living body. Upon reflection, I'm pretty sure series 1 was about Caleb. Series 2 was about Gray. And series 3 was about John.
Series 3 has an entirely different mood, because it focuses intently on John. He isn't a drakul possessed guy. No superpowers here. He's a human being and his struggles are very human. Series' 1 and 2 were a wild ride of excitement, full of—as Caleb notes often—blood and screaming. But series 3 turns inward. AND THIS IS WHY the mood is so different. But as Jordan L Hawk writes, the story is still deeply human and filled with twists and turns we don't expect. This series is a wild ride, too, just in a different way.
Spoilers below.
February 15, 2026
Series: SPECTR series 3 #6
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous one left off. John, Caleb, and Gray are dealing with the fallout of Ryan being a telepath and wanting to take down the people who worked on Operation Mephisto. They are racing against the clock to stop him from killing the remaining people but it unfortunately leads them into a trap.
This was an action packed and emotional ending for the series. John has learned so much about his past, what was done to him, and what happened to the other kids that were being experimented on under Operation Mephisto. I really felt for him because he has gone through the wringer, but while he is struggling, the protective side of him shines through and shows his willingness to save people.
The ending of this series was quite different from the previous two. They were not focused on one big and dangerous NHE, instead we are focused on the telepath and his quest to avenge the wrongs done to him as a child. I like that this was a bit different from the previous series and it showed how vengeance can easily make someone do evil if they are not careful. The whole situation with Ryan was very emotional because he just wants his freedom and to keep the others safe. I liked that John was able to have a conversation with Ryan and get through to him. I will admit though, some aspects of this ending were very surprising for me after everything these two had been through.
While I did enjoy this series, I think I didn’t love this one as much as the previous series and that was all because the relationship aspect was missing for most of the story. We barely get to see John, Caleb and Gray working together on this case, nor do they really spend any time together as just a couple. It was honestly disappointing after the previous series, but I did like seeing them finally working together in this one to stop Ryan.
Overall, while I had some issues with this series, I still really enjoyed it. Caleb, Gray, and John continue to be a fantastic couple and I look forward to their return in series 4, especially after this ending.
TW: Injustice, gaslighting, human experimentation, governmental corruption, murder, violence, blood, house fire, poisoning, and mind control.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This picks up right where the previous one left off. John, Caleb, and Gray are dealing with the fallout of Ryan being a telepath and wanting to take down the people who worked on Operation Mephisto. They are racing against the clock to stop him from killing the remaining people but it unfortunately leads them into a trap.
This was an action packed and emotional ending for the series. John has learned so much about his past, what was done to him, and what happened to the other kids that were being experimented on under Operation Mephisto. I really felt for him because he has gone through the wringer, but while he is struggling, the protective side of him shines through and shows his willingness to save people.
The ending of this series was quite different from the previous two. They were not focused on one big and dangerous NHE, instead we are focused on the telepath and his quest to avenge the wrongs done to him as a child. I like that this was a bit different from the previous series and it showed how vengeance can easily make someone do evil if they are not careful. The whole situation with Ryan was very emotional because he just wants his freedom and to keep the others safe. I liked that John was able to have a conversation with Ryan and get through to him. I will admit though, some aspects of this ending were very surprising for me after everything these two had been through.
While I did enjoy this series, I think I didn’t love this one as much as the previous series and that was all because the relationship aspect was missing for most of the story. We barely get to see John, Caleb and Gray working together on this case, nor do they really spend any time together as just a couple. It was honestly disappointing after the previous series, but I did like seeing them finally working together in this one to stop Ryan.
Overall, while I had some issues with this series, I still really enjoyed it. Caleb, Gray, and John continue to be a fantastic couple and I look forward to their return in series 4, especially after this ending.
TW: Injustice, gaslighting, human experimentation, governmental corruption, murder, violence, blood, house fire, poisoning, and mind control.
November 4, 2024
This was a fast paced ending to series 3 that never really gave the reader or characters time to breathe.
I really enjoyed it; although most of the big reveals happened in previous books, there were still some more twists and turns to be had.
My only gripe is the ending was a bit too fast; I would have liked a bit more downtime for the characters - John has a lot to process from the last few books, and he never really gets a chance to do this.
That said, I am looking forward to where the characters go next into part 4.
I really enjoyed it; although most of the big reveals happened in previous books, there were still some more twists and turns to be had.
My only gripe is the ending was a bit too fast; I would have liked a bit more downtime for the characters - John has a lot to process from the last few books, and he never really gets a chance to do this.
That said, I am looking forward to where the characters go next into part 4.
August 23, 2025
Avenger of Sins roars back with everything that makes the Spectr series addictive—relentless action, sizzling chemistry, and emotional stakes that cut deep. The pacing is fierce, the magic vivid, and every twist pushes the story into darker, sharper territory. Hawk hits the perfect balance of grit and heat. It’s a thrilling, satisfying ride that stands among the series’ best.
October 19, 2024
Great end to the third part of this series. Looks like the next series of this long-running series will be the last unfortunately. Spectr continues to be the enemy and this one had several sad scenes but was touching.
October 19, 2024
story line: ****
main characters: *****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: *****
Absolutely worth waiting for. Gripping finale to series 3.
main characters: *****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: *****
Absolutely worth waiting for. Gripping finale to series 3.
October 19, 2024
A satisfying end to another great season!!
October 22, 2024
4.5 Stars.
Wow, that was awesome. I might write more tomorrow, if the urge strikes. Loved it, though.
Wow, that was awesome. I might write more tomorrow, if the urge strikes. Loved it, though.
October 26, 2024
This book was worth all the waiting. Fantastic finale to the third series with a grand hook for the fourth set.
November 3, 2024
Sooooooo long since the last book that I forgot a lot. Not bothering to re-read the three series all over again either. Hopefully the next book will be out before another year and a half.
November 11, 2024
4.5 Stars.
September 6, 2025
What an ending!
This is the end of SPECTR series 3, and let me tell you it was an exciting ride. Imm very excited to hear series 4 will be coming out.
Stay tuned, and happy hunting!
This is the end of SPECTR series 3, and let me tell you it was an exciting ride. Imm very excited to hear series 4 will be coming out.
Stay tuned, and happy hunting!
October 22, 2024
I've read Patreon ARC and it was. So. Good. Like all the other books on series #3, the pace of the plot was relentless and there isn't a wasted second here. No downtime unless you consider a sex scene as downtime. I've read it in one sitting and it was ridiculously easy.
The single complaint I have is not about the plot per se but about the behavior of one side character who really does not deliver this time. Indira Kaniyar, I'm talking about you.
The single complaint I have is not about the plot per se but about the behavior of one side character who really does not deliver this time. Indira Kaniyar, I'm talking about you.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews