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The Hexologists #2
A Tangle of Time
From one of the most exciting and original voices in fantasy comes the second book following the adventures of the Hexologists, Iz and Warren Wilby, as they tackle a case that could redefine the nature of magic itself. As the nation’s foremost investigators of the paranormal, Isolde and Warren Wilby are accustomed to bumping up against things that go bump in the night. They have made quite a name for themselves as the detectives of the uncanny, the monstrous, the strange. After a decade of wedded bliss and dozens of fantastical adventures, there is little in the world that can still surprise them. But when a famous artist dies under suspicious circumstances, Isolde finds herself investigating a murder that may not have happened, and a crime scene that seems to shift beneath her feet. Not one to be easily thwarted, Isolde is compelled to take greater and greater risks in pursuit of her elusive answers. Meanwhile, the laws that govern magic appear to be breaking, and those cracks are spreading to the everyday world. The mystery will carry the devoted duo to seedy underworlds, enchanted gardens, and subterranean military zoos. Old friends will come to the Wilbies’ aid as they infiltrate secret societies, battle vicious imps, and flee from a pack of venomous wolves. Equipped with Isolde’s hexes, Warren’s muscle, and an enchanted bag full of magical relics, the Hexologists will have to risk life and limb to unravel the riddle at the heart of A Tangle of Time. For more from Josiah Bancroft, check The Books of Babel Senlin Ascends The Arm of the Sphinx The Hod King The Fall of Babel The Hexologists The Hexologists
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2025
141 people are currently reading
1659 people want to read
About the author
Josiah Bancroft
18 books3,666 followersBefore settling down to write fantasy novels, Josiah Bancroft was a poet, college instructor, and aspiring comic book artist. When he is not writing, he enjoys recording the Crit Faced podcast with his authorial friends, drawing the world of the Tower, and cooking dinner without a recipe. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Sharon, their daughter Maddie, and their two rabbits, Mabel and Chaplin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
August 17, 2025
Extremely fun, witty, and addictive full of (ill) manners, mystery, and shenanigans.
Husband and wife Warren and Isolde Wilby have a strange relationship. First of all, they are complete opposites. Extroverted, caring, people-pleasing Warren and blunt, unconventional, introverted Isolde.
Not to mention, they have a friendly dragon in their bag who has become Warren’s cooking companion, his eager taster, and their unlikely friend.
Furthermore, they are city’s foremost investigators of the paranormal. A power couple if I have ever read one.
After a suicide of a prominent artist, Isolde feels guilty for not offering her assistance faster.
Not all is at it seems and strange feelings of Deja vu are putting Isolde off.
”Splendor is uneven and convoluted and fleeting. Give me wrinkles! Give me puckers! Give me scars and errant hairs and any bit of evidence that one has not wasted their life swaddled up like an infant, waiting to be shifted from the crib to the casket. We weren’t meant to be preserved. We are flowers! We bud, we blossom, we wilt, and we die, and all of it has beauty. All of it!”
This was filled with strange random asides that would be annoying had it not been written cleverly by Bancroft’s clever hands.
This was filled with wit, insults, and love. I love how weak Warren and Isolde complement each other. How easily they have learnt to slot in to each others preferences.
My major gripe:
The last 20%. In fact, I wasn’t a huge fan of the overarching plot and was more there for the characters and their interactions. But the last 20%? Bancroft lost me there and didn’t regain me. I strongly disliked the plot device (one I have expressed my distaste for from the start of my reviewing).
Whilst the ending sets up for another instalment (which I will be reading) I felt really unsatisfied with this as a story if you consider only the plot and the point of the book.
Arc gifted by Orbit.
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Husband and wife Warren and Isolde Wilby have a strange relationship. First of all, they are complete opposites. Extroverted, caring, people-pleasing Warren and blunt, unconventional, introverted Isolde.
Not to mention, they have a friendly dragon in their bag who has become Warren’s cooking companion, his eager taster, and their unlikely friend.
Furthermore, they are city’s foremost investigators of the paranormal. A power couple if I have ever read one.
After a suicide of a prominent artist, Isolde feels guilty for not offering her assistance faster.
Not all is at it seems and strange feelings of Deja vu are putting Isolde off.
”Splendor is uneven and convoluted and fleeting. Give me wrinkles! Give me puckers! Give me scars and errant hairs and any bit of evidence that one has not wasted their life swaddled up like an infant, waiting to be shifted from the crib to the casket. We weren’t meant to be preserved. We are flowers! We bud, we blossom, we wilt, and we die, and all of it has beauty. All of it!”
This was filled with strange random asides that would be annoying had it not been written cleverly by Bancroft’s clever hands.
This was filled with wit, insults, and love. I love how weak Warren and Isolde complement each other. How easily they have learnt to slot in to each others preferences.
My major gripe:
The last 20%. In fact, I wasn’t a huge fan of the overarching plot and was more there for the characters and their interactions. But the last 20%? Bancroft lost me there and didn’t regain me. I strongly disliked the plot device (one I have expressed my distaste for from the start of my reviewing).
Whilst the ending sets up for another instalment (which I will be reading) I felt really unsatisfied with this as a story if you consider only the plot and the point of the book.
Arc gifted by Orbit.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
August 29, 2025
Go on– take a bite and try this series.
5 Ways I’d short-pitch this.
>>> dusts off old marketing hat<<<
1. Think – Tainted Cup series had a baby with Emily Wilde.
2. It’s wildly fun while feeling cozy. There is serious stakes but there is the BEST cinnamon roll MMC. Warren and I would be bff’s if he wasn’t a fictional character. 😅
3. If you liked Harry Potter’s “Undetectable Bag”- you be smitten with this bag. 🥰 🐉🐐
4. This book will make you smarter. I heavily relied on the dictionary app on my kindle.
5. Do judge this book by cover. It’s awesome inside and out.
Bancroft continues to surprise and delight in this magical mystery-filled world. No book 2 slump! (Yesssssss!)
I did miss listening to the audio narration, but super grateful for this ARC.
4.5/5
5 Ways I’d short-pitch this.
>>> dusts off old marketing hat<<<
1. Think – Tainted Cup series had a baby with Emily Wilde.
2. It’s wildly fun while feeling cozy. There is serious stakes but there is the BEST cinnamon roll MMC. Warren and I would be bff’s if he wasn’t a fictional character. 😅
3. If you liked Harry Potter’s “Undetectable Bag”- you be smitten with this bag. 🥰 🐉🐐
4. This book will make you smarter. I heavily relied on the dictionary app on my kindle.
5. Do judge this book by cover. It’s awesome inside and out.
Bancroft continues to surprise and delight in this magical mystery-filled world. No book 2 slump! (Yesssssss!)
I did miss listening to the audio narration, but super grateful for this ARC.
4.5/5
September 22, 2025
Josiah Bancroft writes so well that it almost annoys me. And I mean that in the best possible way. I fell in love with his work when I cracked open the first of his ‘Babel’ series a few years ago (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), and while at the end of that series, he was meandering a bit, he never stopped enchanting me with his prose, charming me with his wonderful characters and world-building, and surprising me with delightful twists and turns that never left me quite where I thought I would be landing by the last page. If my experience with this second ‘Hexologists’ book (my review of the first here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) is anything to go by, he’ll stay at the top of my ‘must buy now’ list of authors for a long time.
We are reunited with Isolde and Warren, easily one of the most wonderful fictional couples I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. When this new chapter of their storied lives begins, Isolde is worried: an artist has been corresponding with her about hexes for her work, but Isolde has reasons to believe that something is not quite right, and when she decides to pay a quick visit to the aforementioned artist, what she finds instead is a crime scene. But that’s not all! As she is trying to make sense of what happened to her pen pal, a strange phenomenon takes a hold of the Wilbies, and suddenly, all of reality seems to have shifted, with unexpected and deeply concerning consequences. What is going on? How can portals suddenly move or disappear? Who is trying to hide what?
I am keeping it brief because there are so many wonderful and mysterious strands to this story, and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone interested. What I can tell you is that if you enjoyed the first book of this series, you will love this one as well! The pacing is perfect, and makes it very hard to put the book down, the twists and turns are dizzying but very satisfying, and of course the beautiful prose and the sharp wit will keep you entertained and enchanted. Seriously, I would sell a kidney to write this well.
If you like clever mysteries, a good dose of stylish urban fantasy world-building and engaging characters, run, don’t walk, to get theses books! And get the 'Babel' series as well, while you are at it!
We are reunited with Isolde and Warren, easily one of the most wonderful fictional couples I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. When this new chapter of their storied lives begins, Isolde is worried: an artist has been corresponding with her about hexes for her work, but Isolde has reasons to believe that something is not quite right, and when she decides to pay a quick visit to the aforementioned artist, what she finds instead is a crime scene. But that’s not all! As she is trying to make sense of what happened to her pen pal, a strange phenomenon takes a hold of the Wilbies, and suddenly, all of reality seems to have shifted, with unexpected and deeply concerning consequences. What is going on? How can portals suddenly move or disappear? Who is trying to hide what?
I am keeping it brief because there are so many wonderful and mysterious strands to this story, and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone interested. What I can tell you is that if you enjoyed the first book of this series, you will love this one as well! The pacing is perfect, and makes it very hard to put the book down, the twists and turns are dizzying but very satisfying, and of course the beautiful prose and the sharp wit will keep you entertained and enchanted. Seriously, I would sell a kidney to write this well.
If you like clever mysteries, a good dose of stylish urban fantasy world-building and engaging characters, run, don’t walk, to get theses books! And get the 'Babel' series as well, while you are at it!
November 24, 2025
Another amazing magical adventure with the Hexologists. This time the stakes are even bigger and the magic more real.
July 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book! I loved the first book, I was super excited to get approved an ARC for A Tangle of Time.
You do not necessarily have to read the first book to enjoy A Tangle of Time, but I would recommend reading it just because I loved book 1 and it introduces you to the characters. But if you have not read book 1 in a while, you are fine to go ahead and jump into this one!
Similar to book 1, this book follows a mystery to be solved by our married duo Isolde and Warren. Isolde is a hexologist and Warrant is her support/ encourager. Isolde has come across a murder and feels duty bound to solve it, but every time she is close to solving it, the facts some how are changed/hidden (hence the tangle of time). So Isolde is forced to constantly reevaluate the situation. She consults old ‘friends’ (I don’t think she really has any friends per se), and magical creatures to try to get answers.
While I did really enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book. I had a harder time seeing the relevance of some of the scenes, but once the ending was revealed, it started to make more sense. This is one of those books where you almost need to read it a second time to really appreciate it. The ending definitely threw me for a loop. I did not expect it at all.
My main complaints was all the sexual reference scenes of Isolde and Warren. It got to be a little too much and it was happening just about every time there were near each other. Irt was completely unnecessary to the story. I also felt like Warren was not as useful as he was in the first book. He felt like an accessory to Isolde or a trinket. He was apparently only useful for cooking and cleaning… I get the gender roles were swapped, but it was a brought up constantly.
I really do love Josiah Bancroft’s writing, he writes in such a unique and descriptive way that you can constantly picture what is happening. I enjoy his books and I do look forward to the third book!
You do not necessarily have to read the first book to enjoy A Tangle of Time, but I would recommend reading it just because I loved book 1 and it introduces you to the characters. But if you have not read book 1 in a while, you are fine to go ahead and jump into this one!
Similar to book 1, this book follows a mystery to be solved by our married duo Isolde and Warren. Isolde is a hexologist and Warrant is her support/ encourager. Isolde has come across a murder and feels duty bound to solve it, but every time she is close to solving it, the facts some how are changed/hidden (hence the tangle of time). So Isolde is forced to constantly reevaluate the situation. She consults old ‘friends’ (I don’t think she really has any friends per se), and magical creatures to try to get answers.
While I did really enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first book. I had a harder time seeing the relevance of some of the scenes, but once the ending was revealed, it started to make more sense. This is one of those books where you almost need to read it a second time to really appreciate it. The ending definitely threw me for a loop. I did not expect it at all.
My main complaints was all the sexual reference scenes of Isolde and Warren. It got to be a little too much and it was happening just about every time there were near each other. Irt was completely unnecessary to the story. I also felt like Warren was not as useful as he was in the first book. He felt like an accessory to Isolde or a trinket. He was apparently only useful for cooking and cleaning… I get the gender roles were swapped, but it was a brought up constantly.
I really do love Josiah Bancroft’s writing, he writes in such a unique and descriptive way that you can constantly picture what is happening. I enjoy his books and I do look forward to the third book!
September 2, 2025
DNF at 20%
I liked the first couple chapters and getting reacquainted with the beloved Isolde and Warren Wilby, but it quickly fell flat for me past that. I struggled with just finishing a chapter and only held through to 20% because that's my unofficial rule to read through before DNFing it.
The plot was going no where. A whole lot of nothing doing except recounting some past adventures and not much at all in making any headway investigating the mystery. I also wasn't a fan of the "let me tell this story to draw your attention to this particular thing/item because I'm going to use it in a later chapter to advance the plot ever so slightly" thing that happened a couple times in the chunk I read.
I requested a copy of the ARC on NetGalley from the publisher, Orbit, and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
I liked the first couple chapters and getting reacquainted with the beloved Isolde and Warren Wilby, but it quickly fell flat for me past that. I struggled with just finishing a chapter and only held through to 20% because that's my unofficial rule to read through before DNFing it.
The plot was going no where. A whole lot of nothing doing except recounting some past adventures and not much at all in making any headway investigating the mystery. I also wasn't a fan of the "let me tell this story to draw your attention to this particular thing/item because I'm going to use it in a later chapter to advance the plot ever so slightly" thing that happened a couple times in the chunk I read.
I requested a copy of the ARC on NetGalley from the publisher, Orbit, and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
August 30, 2025
I really liked the first book in The Hexologists, a hybrid of mystery and gaslamp fantasy. Unfortunately I didn't like the second book as much. Bancroft's writing remains excellent and the world is fascinating and atmospheric. Furthermore the quirky character of War is still likeable and funny most of the times but..
The book's focus is all over the place. The mystery, which is at best serviceable, feels like an afterthought. The author spends too much time in details about the life of the life of the protagonists, so much so that it feels more like a cozy fantasy book (the first book had a much nicer balance IMO). That hurt the pacing for me and until the last 20% (when at last things pick up) I found it pretty slow The secondary characters are paper thin and ultimately forgetable. Also Iz the female protagonist, is not the most likeable character and I had a hard time caring for her troubles. As I mentioned above the mystery was just ok and a bit predictable.
On it's own it was an ok book to pass your time, but I think that there was potential in the first book for something much better.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Uk for providing me with an Arc.
The book's focus is all over the place. The mystery, which is at best serviceable, feels like an afterthought. The author spends too much time in details about the life of the life of the protagonists, so much so that it feels more like a cozy fantasy book (the first book had a much nicer balance IMO). That hurt the pacing for me and until the last 20% (when at last things pick up) I found it pretty slow The secondary characters are paper thin and ultimately forgetable. Also Iz the female protagonist, is not the most likeable character and I had a hard time caring for her troubles. As I mentioned above the mystery was just ok and a bit predictable.
On it's own it was an ok book to pass your time, but I think that there was potential in the first book for something much better.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Uk for providing me with an Arc.
September 8, 2025
I absolutely adored the second installment of The Hexologists even more than the first! Don't get me wrong, book 1 was exceptional, but this one really solidified this series as one that I'll actively seek out new release dates and pester my friends to read it! You can start with Book 2 if you wish as the important history is highlighted so you won't be lost.
What I Loved:
The main characters. As with Book 1, the couple, Isolde and Warren, are just amazing together. This isn't a love story, but the main characters are a husband and wife investigative team and their love is so real I can feel it. I literally love their love. And they make me laugh so I love them too!
While I love them together, they both have a uniqueness that makes them individually appealing.
The murder mystery. This one was a doozy. Danger lurking in every corner, the culprit one step ahead. I can't divulge too much without spoilers.
The magic. We were introduced to hexology through Isolde in the series debut, but she made discoveries in during this story that really furthered the magic system.
The wit and humor. Guys, this author is brilliant and funny and healthy doses of those gifts are poured into the novel.
Last but not least I have to mention Felivox, the delightful dragon, who is able to communicate with the Wilbys through a portal.
I highly recommend this book! Bump it to the top of your TBR!
What I Loved:
The main characters. As with Book 1, the couple, Isolde and Warren, are just amazing together. This isn't a love story, but the main characters are a husband and wife investigative team and their love is so real I can feel it. I literally love their love. And they make me laugh so I love them too!
While I love them together, they both have a uniqueness that makes them individually appealing.
The murder mystery. This one was a doozy. Danger lurking in every corner, the culprit one step ahead. I can't divulge too much without spoilers.
The magic. We were introduced to hexology through Isolde in the series debut, but she made discoveries in during this story that really furthered the magic system.
The wit and humor. Guys, this author is brilliant and funny and healthy doses of those gifts are poured into the novel.
Last but not least I have to mention Felivox, the delightful dragon, who is able to communicate with the Wilbys through a portal.
I highly recommend this book! Bump it to the top of your TBR!
December 18, 2025
Fun, inventive, and almost aggressively whimsical. I always enjoy Josiah Bancroft, but feel like maybe Isolde & Warren Wilby are given something of a disservice by being in a novel-length format. I feel like they're better in smaller doses; as Warren would be the first to say, if you've got a particularly rich dish it's better served in smaller portions.
December 18, 2025
A broken moon, birds with teeth, and a lost dragon? Is and War have their work cut out for them!
Actual Rating: 4.5
My favorite black cat-golden retriever married couple strikes again! I entered this blindly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Bancroft plays with time in this second installment. Honestly, the longer I sit with this title, the more confident I am in my conviction that A Tangle of Time's plotting is superior to that of The Hexologists. With that said, while the path these characters walked along was fresh with unexpected events, the overall end reveal/solution to the puzzle was very easy to determine early on. Put another way: the destination was obvious, but the route on how to get there? Less so.
Highly recommended series for anyone who enjoys fantasy mysteries, light academia, and lots of humor. I am very much looking forward to book 3!
Actual Rating: 4.5
My favorite black cat-golden retriever married couple strikes again! I entered this blindly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Bancroft plays with time in this second installment. Honestly, the longer I sit with this title, the more confident I am in my conviction that A Tangle of Time's plotting is superior to that of The Hexologists. With that said, while the path these characters walked along was fresh with unexpected events, the overall end reveal/solution to the puzzle was very easy to determine early on. Put another way: the destination was obvious, but the route on how to get there? Less so.
Highly recommended series for anyone who enjoys fantasy mysteries, light academia, and lots of humor. I am very much looking forward to book 3!
September 9, 2025
I love the Wilbies! Another Sherlock & Watson-esque escapade!
This series is so fun because it’s vaguely a magical version of our own world. There’s so much that feels familiar and then BOOM super cool Magic. I love Isolde so much because she’s so brash and confident - and I wholeheartedly agree with her sentiment that she doesn’t care who she offends as long as she’s right. And Warren is the himbo husband of our dreams.
Honestly I could read like 100 of their adventures. I love them all so much.
Thank you to NetGalley, Josiah Bancroft, and Orbit for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This series is so fun because it’s vaguely a magical version of our own world. There’s so much that feels familiar and then BOOM super cool Magic. I love Isolde so much because she’s so brash and confident - and I wholeheartedly agree with her sentiment that she doesn’t care who she offends as long as she’s right. And Warren is the himbo husband of our dreams.
Honestly I could read like 100 of their adventures. I love them all so much.
Thank you to NetGalley, Josiah Bancroft, and Orbit for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
Absolute banger of a sequel
September 1, 2025
Isolde is still my favorite and I still love the relationship dynamic between her and Warren.
But unfortunately, this fell flat for me--especially compared to the first installment. There's just....so much happening that doesn't really impact the main plot? There are several chapters that are literally just Warren going off on tangents about past adventures and past events that have nothing to do with the story at hand. It's as though there were a lot of stories the author WANTED to tell, and instead of picking one and really developing it, we got a series of vignettes loosely tied together with the concept of a plot instead.
The stakes are much lower in this one compared to the first--this one feels far more "cozy fantasy" and less "fantasy where we really need to get to the point" despite being about a murder. The prose is still top tier and I love the banter and the writing style--it's prosy without being cumbersome--but my kingdom for an overarching plot, I am begging.
If there is a third installment, I'll definitely read it because I love Isolde and Warren, but I'm definitely a bit let down with this one overall.
But unfortunately, this fell flat for me--especially compared to the first installment. There's just....so much happening that doesn't really impact the main plot? There are several chapters that are literally just Warren going off on tangents about past adventures and past events that have nothing to do with the story at hand. It's as though there were a lot of stories the author WANTED to tell, and instead of picking one and really developing it, we got a series of vignettes loosely tied together with the concept of a plot instead.
The stakes are much lower in this one compared to the first--this one feels far more "cozy fantasy" and less "fantasy where we really need to get to the point" despite being about a murder. The prose is still top tier and I love the banter and the writing style--it's prosy without being cumbersome--but my kingdom for an overarching plot, I am begging.
If there is a third installment, I'll definitely read it because I love Isolde and Warren, but I'm definitely a bit let down with this one overall.
September 20, 2025
2.5 stars.
I really loved the first book of this series, but this one was a little to messy for me to focus on it.
I really love the world, magical system, and characters, but it felt like the author wanted to get to many fantastical scenarios into one book that it went off plot to often and had me wondering what was the point of it all, while making the murderer blatantly obvious upon the first meeting.
So in the end it was just okay for me, I will try the next book if there is one though.
I really loved the first book of this series, but this one was a little to messy for me to focus on it.
I really love the world, magical system, and characters, but it felt like the author wanted to get to many fantastical scenarios into one book that it went off plot to often and had me wondering what was the point of it all, while making the murderer blatantly obvious upon the first meeting.
So in the end it was just okay for me, I will try the next book if there is one though.
netgalley-tbr
May 23, 2025Show it to me Rachel
September 22, 2025
A nice and cozy read perfectly fitting for autumn. It started out a little weak, became so good and engaging towards the middle, but then unfortunately fizzled out with the ending. Iz and Warren are still the amazing duo they were in the first book, the writing is great, I just thought the mystery was much weaker this time around. And the world that I thought felt so alive after only 300 pages in the first one, this time felt smaller and didn't introduce much that was new despite being 100 pages longer.
August 17, 2025
superstardrifter.com
This is the continuing story of Isolde and Warren Wilby, investigators of the paranormal, and adorable husband and wife team.
I absolutely love a book that has an established couple as its protagonists. Isolde and Warren are absolutely adorable together, and their endless support of each other makes them so easy to just latch onto and read about into the wee hours. There were several spots in the novel that highlighted Iz and War's love for each other. It was heartwarming.
The mystery of this one stayed mysterious for me. I didn't guess the ending or anything like that. The ending was an absolute roller coaster. The 'Tangle of Time' was a really interesting concept in the world of hexegy, I read the second half of the book in one sitting (something I haven't done in too long a while) because I couldn't put it down.
Suffice to say that I absolutely loved this volume of The Hexologists. I am quite excited to see what comes next for Isolde and Warren Wilby!
This is the continuing story of Isolde and Warren Wilby, investigators of the paranormal, and adorable husband and wife team.
I absolutely love a book that has an established couple as its protagonists. Isolde and Warren are absolutely adorable together, and their endless support of each other makes them so easy to just latch onto and read about into the wee hours. There were several spots in the novel that highlighted Iz and War's love for each other. It was heartwarming.
The mystery of this one stayed mysterious for me. I didn't guess the ending or anything like that. The ending was an absolute roller coaster. The 'Tangle of Time' was a really interesting concept in the world of hexegy, I read the second half of the book in one sitting (something I haven't done in too long a while) because I couldn't put it down.
Suffice to say that I absolutely loved this volume of The Hexologists. I am quite excited to see what comes next for Isolde and Warren Wilby!
September 23, 2025
The second installment in Josiah Bancroft's "The Hexologists" series, A Tangle of Time continues the journeys of husband and wife mystery-solving duo Isolde and Warren Wilby as they look to solve a murder that confounds logic and suggests magic... but what kind?
The strength of this series is in the characterization of Isolde and Warren, who make a lovely couple and complementary team. Warren is outgoing, charismatic, level headed, and good-natured. Isolde is introverted, slightly batty in a daughter-of-academics kind of way, blunt, and analytical. It's an Odd Couple sort of match-up but it's clear they're perfectly suited for each other Iz in particular has more than a little resemblance to Marya from his earlier "Books of Babel" series, which I devoured.
There's an epicurean dragon in a bag of holding, a magic system that's only slightly fleshed out (hexology is one of several branches of magic and implied to be the least of all of them, but the others don't get anything beyond minor lip service), and a mystery that drives the plot. It's all cozy but fun. People who like cozy fantasy mysteries with compelling characters will like this series.
That said, the plot gets all "timey-wimey" at the end and that's where Bancroft loses me in this book. In fact, I have some serious questions about where the Wilbies end up at the end, how they got there, and what this means for the rest of the series.
I quite enjoyed the first book, The Hexologists. I'm less sold on this one, but I do not regret spending more time with the Wilbies this summer.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.
The strength of this series is in the characterization of Isolde and Warren, who make a lovely couple and complementary team. Warren is outgoing, charismatic, level headed, and good-natured. Isolde is introverted, slightly batty in a daughter-of-academics kind of way, blunt, and analytical. It's an Odd Couple sort of match-up but it's clear they're perfectly suited for each other Iz in particular has more than a little resemblance to Marya from his earlier "Books of Babel" series, which I devoured.
There's an epicurean dragon in a bag of holding, a magic system that's only slightly fleshed out (hexology is one of several branches of magic and implied to be the least of all of them, but the others don't get anything beyond minor lip service), and a mystery that drives the plot. It's all cozy but fun. People who like cozy fantasy mysteries with compelling characters will like this series.
That said, the plot gets all "timey-wimey" at the end and that's where Bancroft loses me in this book. In fact, I have some serious questions about where the Wilbies end up at the end, how they got there, and what this means for the rest of the series.
I quite enjoyed the first book, The Hexologists. I'm less sold on this one, but I do not regret spending more time with the Wilbies this summer.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2025
The 2nd fabulous tale in the wonderful world building of Josiah Bancroft. Iz and Warren is as great a couple as Nick and Nora(Google it) Only their mysteries involve magic. And instead of a dog, Iz and Warren have a dragon. You also will get to use the dictionary feature on your E-reader as Bancroft likes to find obscure words to sprinkle throughout the story.
Want to read
April 8, 2025I keep checking this book to see the date of publishing. Politely very seated. *Edit: i just saw that it comes out in September this year. Let me see where/how i can sell a kidney for an ARC.
October 17, 2025
our amorus "Mutt & Jeff" sleuths are back on the case when an artist who asked for advice turns up dead. we are treated to more seedy city life, backstory, interesting characters, and imaginative world building as our daring duo try to get to the truth and solve the murder.
along the way, they are being thwarted by a mysterious force that resets the clock and wipes their memory. however, not cleanly. will the remnants of their efforts be enough the solve the mystery... and perhaps save their world as they know it?
Another fun, well-written who-done-it that will keep you guessing (and, at times, confused). the audio book was well read and added to the depth of the experience.
along the way, they are being thwarted by a mysterious force that resets the clock and wipes their memory. however, not cleanly. will the remnants of their efforts be enough the solve the mystery... and perhaps save their world as they know it?
Another fun, well-written who-done-it that will keep you guessing (and, at times, confused). the audio book was well read and added to the depth of the experience.
December 2, 2025
4.25
It's possible that I WANT to like this series more than I actually enjoy it while I'm reading it. I felt like this book took twice as long to read as it should have.
To be clear, it's not bad! Iz and Warren Wilby are charming, it's refreshing to follow a happily married couple, and the historical/magical setting is fun. It's just sort of like listening to a lively melody on the piano that keeps up the same peppy tune to the point that you start to ask yourself if maybe you're listening to a player piano on a very short loop. The audiobook might contribute to this feeling, since the narrator maintains a whimsical attitude pretty consistently and seems to only allow little flecks of genuine emotion in some of the dialogue.
My friend who read the last book in the series with me joked that for Hexologists they don't use hexes very much, and mostly rely on their magic deus ex machina bag. I've assured them that this book does use more hexes, at least in the first half. There's also old-school investigation that mostly involves sneaking into places and chatting with people. The way that time played into the mystery was neat, it reminded me a little of The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso.
Content Warnings:
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Drug abuse, Sexual content
It's possible that I WANT to like this series more than I actually enjoy it while I'm reading it. I felt like this book took twice as long to read as it should have.
To be clear, it's not bad! Iz and Warren Wilby are charming, it's refreshing to follow a happily married couple, and the historical/magical setting is fun. It's just sort of like listening to a lively melody on the piano that keeps up the same peppy tune to the point that you start to ask yourself if maybe you're listening to a player piano on a very short loop. The audiobook might contribute to this feeling, since the narrator maintains a whimsical attitude pretty consistently and seems to only allow little flecks of genuine emotion in some of the dialogue.
My friend who read the last book in the series with me joked that for Hexologists they don't use hexes very much, and mostly rely on their magic deus ex machina bag. I've assured them that this book does use more hexes, at least in the first half. There's also old-school investigation that mostly involves sneaking into places and chatting with people. The way that time played into the mystery was neat, it reminded me a little of The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso.
Content Warnings:
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Drug abuse, Sexual content
July 1, 2025
What a strong follow up to the first book in the series! Iz & Warren make such an excellent duo and their banter helps to offset the more serious moments.
The story we follow in this book was so engaging, I enjoyed it much more than the first book. The time disruptions kept me guessing and wondering what's next, while also giving an explanation to some of the stranger aspects of the world. I will be interested to see how the events in this book carry over to the finale.
TY Netgalley & Orbit for the advanced copy!
The story we follow in this book was so engaging, I enjoyed it much more than the first book. The time disruptions kept me guessing and wondering what's next, while also giving an explanation to some of the stranger aspects of the world. I will be interested to see how the events in this book carry over to the finale.
TY Netgalley & Orbit for the advanced copy!
August 24, 2025
A Tangle of Time is book 2 in the Hexologists series.
Isolde and Warren Wilby are the Hexologists, a husband and wife team who solve crimes involving magic.
The story starts when the couple are at the theatre. On their way to a dinner, Isolde wants to check in on a client, a famous artist who is being threatened. At the clients studio, there's no reply, so Isolde breaks in and finds they're too late.
The story goes back to the theatre where Isolde has a feeling of deja vu...
I enjoyed this, but when it got into the time-manipulation, I found my concentration wandering.
The ending was quite satisfying, and finished where I'm guessing book 3 will carry on.
These are a fun, witty read, and I'm glad that we got some more Felivox - the dragon who lives in a magic portmanteau.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
Isolde and Warren Wilby are the Hexologists, a husband and wife team who solve crimes involving magic.
The story starts when the couple are at the theatre. On their way to a dinner, Isolde wants to check in on a client, a famous artist who is being threatened. At the clients studio, there's no reply, so Isolde breaks in and finds they're too late.
The story goes back to the theatre where Isolde has a feeling of deja vu...
I enjoyed this, but when it got into the time-manipulation, I found my concentration wandering.
The ending was quite satisfying, and finished where I'm guessing book 3 will carry on.
These are a fun, witty read, and I'm glad that we got some more Felivox - the dragon who lives in a magic portmanteau.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
September 5, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.
I think this is better than the first, but like the first something about Bancroft’s style just doesn’t quite line up with the kind of books these are. It’s entertaining, the prose is pretty and sometimes even beautiful, and the mystery was satisfying.
And yet. And yet.
I think this is better than the first, but like the first something about Bancroft’s style just doesn’t quite line up with the kind of books these are. It’s entertaining, the prose is pretty and sometimes even beautiful, and the mystery was satisfying.
And yet. And yet.
August 12, 2025
4.5 rounded up
I loved this second installment of the Hexologists trilogy. Josiah Bancroft always seems to know exactly the type of book that I need.
Characters: 5/5 - Bancroft has a particular knack for writing brilliant characters that stand out on their own and in your mind.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/5 - The atmosphere and settings were always vividly clear as if we were right there with Iz and Warren - even when travelling through time and other dimensions.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - The first half of the book was a bit hard for me to follow along. I had a hard time keeping track of all the threads. But once they started coming together, it was smooth sailing.
Plot: 4.5/5 - I have the same critique for plot as writing style. It was hard to follow at the beginning but became easier as the pieces started clicking together and I saw how everything was fitting together.
Intrigue: 5/5 - Ironically, partly because of the way the beginning was written with all the pieces felt separate - I was intrigued on how they would all come together, having faith in Bancroft’s writing that he would bring them all together (which he does!). I had intrigue throughout the entire book.
Logic: 4.5/5 - At first I had a lot of questions (mostly how does this all relate to each other, as it felt like separate unrelated threads at first), but they were answered as I continued to read.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was just what I needed at the time and I can’t wait for book 3!
Total: 33.5/7 = 4.7
I loved this second installment of the Hexologists trilogy. Josiah Bancroft always seems to know exactly the type of book that I need.
Characters: 5/5 - Bancroft has a particular knack for writing brilliant characters that stand out on their own and in your mind.
Atmosphere/Setting: 5/5 - The atmosphere and settings were always vividly clear as if we were right there with Iz and Warren - even when travelling through time and other dimensions.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - The first half of the book was a bit hard for me to follow along. I had a hard time keeping track of all the threads. But once they started coming together, it was smooth sailing.
Plot: 4.5/5 - I have the same critique for plot as writing style. It was hard to follow at the beginning but became easier as the pieces started clicking together and I saw how everything was fitting together.
Intrigue: 5/5 - Ironically, partly because of the way the beginning was written with all the pieces felt separate - I was intrigued on how they would all come together, having faith in Bancroft’s writing that he would bring them all together (which he does!). I had intrigue throughout the entire book.
Logic: 4.5/5 - At first I had a lot of questions (mostly how does this all relate to each other, as it felt like separate unrelated threads at first), but they were answered as I continued to read.
Enjoyment: 5/5 - I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was just what I needed at the time and I can’t wait for book 3!
Total: 33.5/7 = 4.7
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this, although I think I probably preferred the first book in the series. The plot does have a tendency to get a bit sidetracked with subplots, which are entertaining in their own right, but it can sometimes feel a bit disconnected from the main mystery. It It quickly becomes clear that the murderer has some ability to travel in time, which makes it challenging to investigate them since if the investigators get too close then they can just rewrite recent history to nullify that progress. I think that plot device, and the unintended consequences of their meddling with history, are the most interesting parts of the story.
October 7, 2025
A decent read! I do enjoy the world and magic system of this series and love a good whodunit. The plot was definitely slow/dragging in parts and I had a hard time staying engaged, particularly in the beginning. But the overall story was clever and the ending was very satisfying. I also appreciate the witty and insightful prose, as well as the plethora of GRE vocabulary words. My main gripe (other than the slow plot) was that Warren, while a wonderful character and husband, had little agency in this one and I wish he could’ve been given more to do than just cook and clean and provide an avenue for Iz to explain everything.
I’m still very interested in learning about Silas and am looking forward to the next book!
I’m still very interested in learning about Silas and am looking forward to the next book!
October 11, 2025
5 stars!
I can confidently say that not only is A Tangle of Time on par with the first book, it surpasses it! It astounds me that Bancroft is able to endow this story with a cozy feel while simultaneously upping the stakes. I'm not kidding; he pulls out all the stops and kicks this world into overdrive. Those last few chapters had me flipping through the pages so fast! His prose and imagination are the perfect blend. The visions and scenes he was able to evoke in my mind's eye were stunning. If you're a visual reader like me you are in for a treat! Iz and Warren are so realized and complement each other beautifully. Bancroft makes it easy to not only be invested in the each of them but their relationship as well. The world and the mythology are so rich I want to relish in them both. That's why when the story allows us to breathe and playfully stroll through the Wilbies lives or Bancroft delves deeper into lore I am all for it!
I don't usually care for blurbs on book covers. However, I must agree with the blurbs of this one. Bancroft is indeed a magician and a gift to the fantasy genre. If you are a fan of fantasy mysteries you are doing yourself a disservice in not picking up this series!!
"That's what we have - a gorgeous fleeting muddle, which I wouldn't trade for anything. Besides, perfection doesn't exist- just ask any perfectionist, then listen to them itemize their complaints. They spend their lives reaching past blemished joy and bruised beauty just so they can get a better grip on their disappointment. What a waste!"
I can confidently say that not only is A Tangle of Time on par with the first book, it surpasses it! It astounds me that Bancroft is able to endow this story with a cozy feel while simultaneously upping the stakes. I'm not kidding; he pulls out all the stops and kicks this world into overdrive. Those last few chapters had me flipping through the pages so fast! His prose and imagination are the perfect blend. The visions and scenes he was able to evoke in my mind's eye were stunning. If you're a visual reader like me you are in for a treat! Iz and Warren are so realized and complement each other beautifully. Bancroft makes it easy to not only be invested in the each of them but their relationship as well. The world and the mythology are so rich I want to relish in them both. That's why when the story allows us to breathe and playfully stroll through the Wilbies lives or Bancroft delves deeper into lore I am all for it!
I don't usually care for blurbs on book covers. However, I must agree with the blurbs of this one. Bancroft is indeed a magician and a gift to the fantasy genre. If you are a fan of fantasy mysteries you are doing yourself a disservice in not picking up this series!!
"That's what we have - a gorgeous fleeting muddle, which I wouldn't trade for anything. Besides, perfection doesn't exist- just ask any perfectionist, then listen to them itemize their complaints. They spend their lives reaching past blemished joy and bruised beauty just so they can get a better grip on their disappointment. What a waste!"
November 10, 2025
Free eARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
I was so excited to be approved for this ARC as I really enjoyed the first book in this series. We follow the continuing adventures of happily married Hexologists Iz and Warren Wilby as they investigate magical mishaps- this universe continues to be well-built, and I enjoy this whimsical urban fantasy style. Unfortunately, this book suffers from a particular dislike of mine, time travel as a major plot point.
Spoilers ahead: the main villain is able to time travel, and I find it incredibly frustrating in this mystery that every time our detectives discover a clue, the culprit rewinds time so that they un-discover it. Thus, there's not any real mystery solving work, Iz discovers the culprit because he decides to reveal himself. (Also, it was really obvious to me the whole time who the bad guy is). On top of that, the resolution of the plot is that the time winds back far enough that Iz never does the trigger action that allows the bad guy to discover the ability to time travel, so the events of the entire book are undone, leaving me feeling that this whole book was ultimately purposeless.
Spoilers over-
Ultimately, I enjoy this universe and the characters, and the continuing development of the overarching mystery of the disappearance of Iz's father, but the time travel plot in this book made it feel like an exercise in futility. I think I'll be back for the next book, but this kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was so excited to be approved for this ARC as I really enjoyed the first book in this series. We follow the continuing adventures of happily married Hexologists Iz and Warren Wilby as they investigate magical mishaps- this universe continues to be well-built, and I enjoy this whimsical urban fantasy style. Unfortunately, this book suffers from a particular dislike of mine, time travel as a major plot point.
Spoilers ahead: the main villain is able to time travel, and I find it incredibly frustrating in this mystery that every time our detectives discover a clue, the culprit rewinds time so that they un-discover it. Thus, there's not any real mystery solving work, Iz discovers the culprit because he decides to reveal himself. (Also, it was really obvious to me the whole time who the bad guy is). On top of that, the resolution of the plot is that the time winds back far enough that Iz never does the trigger action that allows the bad guy to discover the ability to time travel, so the events of the entire book are undone, leaving me feeling that this whole book was ultimately purposeless.
Spoilers over-
Ultimately, I enjoy this universe and the characters, and the continuing development of the overarching mystery of the disappearance of Iz's father, but the time travel plot in this book made it feel like an exercise in futility. I think I'll be back for the next book, but this kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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