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The Augur, #1
Seeing Death
FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE L.M. SOMERTON
Book one in The Augur series
Some futures were never meant to be seen.
At eighteen, Bryn Ashton is preparing for a new chapter at Harvard, if fate doesn’t intervene. An orphan raised in a group home, he has spent his life fearing the moment a latent gene, mutated by a past virus, might awaken supernatural abilities. He could transform into a lupine or sanguine, but when a blood test confirms he is neither, his world shifts. Instead of wolf or vamp, Bryn is revealed to be an augur. His eyes glow green, his psychic abilities emerge, and suddenly his future is no longer his to control.
Three years later, Bryn is partnered with Detective Gunnar Ericson, a lupine with enhanced abilities of his own. As an augur, Bryn can read memories and glimpse the future, making him an invaluable part of high-stakes investigations. But his rarity also makes him a target, and Gunnar is more than just a partner—he’s Bryn’s protector.
As they navigate complex cases, their connection grows. But their partnership will be tested in ways they never expected. With a dangerous investigation unfolding, their relationship must take a back seat—even if they survive one killer, another is always waiting.
Book one in The Augur series
Some futures were never meant to be seen.
At eighteen, Bryn Ashton is preparing for a new chapter at Harvard, if fate doesn’t intervene. An orphan raised in a group home, he has spent his life fearing the moment a latent gene, mutated by a past virus, might awaken supernatural abilities. He could transform into a lupine or sanguine, but when a blood test confirms he is neither, his world shifts. Instead of wolf or vamp, Bryn is revealed to be an augur. His eyes glow green, his psychic abilities emerge, and suddenly his future is no longer his to control.
Three years later, Bryn is partnered with Detective Gunnar Ericson, a lupine with enhanced abilities of his own. As an augur, Bryn can read memories and glimpse the future, making him an invaluable part of high-stakes investigations. But his rarity also makes him a target, and Gunnar is more than just a partner—he’s Bryn’s protector.
As they navigate complex cases, their connection grows. But their partnership will be tested in ways they never expected. With a dangerous investigation unfolding, their relationship must take a back seat—even if they survive one killer, another is always waiting.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
About the author
L.M. Somerton
78 books180 followersLucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She's fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2025
4.5 stars. Intriguing world building, with a genetic change to wolf or vampire for a number of 18 year olds. Bryn is a really rare exception - he becomes an auger, able to sense truth, memories, and hints of the future in people he touches. After an awful training program, he is partnered with detective Gunnar (a wolf). There are a wide range of criminals they work on, all very different and interesting throughout. The growing relationship between Bryn and Gunnar really felt like something special. I'm really looking forward to more books.
September 6, 2025
I'm pretty sure this is my first read from L.M Somerton, and it's clear I have some catching up to do on their back catalogue... not from this story, but from how good it is! The world building in this was really well done, and the characters were really interesting. I want to know more about Bryn's lost years, although we already know they were pretty horrific. Gunnar is very much the energetic, playful, and protective companion. All of the side characters are also interesting, and the villains are definitely villaining in this. Looking forward to more!
December 24, 2025
Good general story but I had a small problem with the pacing, and I skimmed the end and the epilogue.
September 18, 2025
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 5 hearts.
On the brink of going to college, Bryn had aspirations of being a Biochemist and joining the team that helped discover a cure for the virus that took his parents. However, wishing and getting can be different paths. What getting-got was, special abilities, an attachment to the security services and a wolf partner/protector in Gunnar Ericson. Now, people either want to keep or kill him.
The blurb suggests that Seeing Death is a juicy read – and it was. From the first page, I was hooked, and I am very much looking forward to future investigations. The story is different because Bryn and Gunnar get involved in many police cases – they do their part, then move on. It is different, and I like different.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Bryn and Gunnar. Worldbuilding revolves around many places and people one would imagine the police encountering. One thing I’ve always loved about this author is the level of description, which is perfect for my taste. It is just enough to imagine the scene without being overly detailed.
Gunnar is a wolf who doesn’t morph into a wolf. He has all the wolf instincts and attributes, including protectiveness, strength, appetite, speed, hairiness and more. Bryn is somewhat the opposite. In recent years, Bryn has also had little choice over what he does, where or with whom. He lives in the free world, but has no freedom, and Gunnar is enough of a rebel to try to give Bryn what he needs. Bryn’s defense mechanism is sarcasm, which leads to some superb banter between the two.
Because Bryn and Gunnar’s lives are filled with lots of case-solving consultations with an arc that reaches over at least this book into the next, the drama is kept at a page-turning, high level, and just about anything can be expected at any time. There are some interesting extended cast members, too, which I look forward to seeing more of.
I was thrilled to receive Seeing Death to review, excited to read it, and my anticipation is already growing for what the future holds for the series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
On the brink of going to college, Bryn had aspirations of being a Biochemist and joining the team that helped discover a cure for the virus that took his parents. However, wishing and getting can be different paths. What getting-got was, special abilities, an attachment to the security services and a wolf partner/protector in Gunnar Ericson. Now, people either want to keep or kill him.
The blurb suggests that Seeing Death is a juicy read – and it was. From the first page, I was hooked, and I am very much looking forward to future investigations. The story is different because Bryn and Gunnar get involved in many police cases – they do their part, then move on. It is different, and I like different.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Bryn and Gunnar. Worldbuilding revolves around many places and people one would imagine the police encountering. One thing I’ve always loved about this author is the level of description, which is perfect for my taste. It is just enough to imagine the scene without being overly detailed.
Gunnar is a wolf who doesn’t morph into a wolf. He has all the wolf instincts and attributes, including protectiveness, strength, appetite, speed, hairiness and more. Bryn is somewhat the opposite. In recent years, Bryn has also had little choice over what he does, where or with whom. He lives in the free world, but has no freedom, and Gunnar is enough of a rebel to try to give Bryn what he needs. Bryn’s defense mechanism is sarcasm, which leads to some superb banter between the two.
Because Bryn and Gunnar’s lives are filled with lots of case-solving consultations with an arc that reaches over at least this book into the next, the drama is kept at a page-turning, high level, and just about anything can be expected at any time. There are some interesting extended cast members, too, which I look forward to seeing more of.
I was thrilled to receive Seeing Death to review, excited to read it, and my anticipation is already growing for what the future holds for the series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
September 11, 2025
This was a fun book with some intriguing ideas and an action-oriented storyline even though I didn't feel as if it completely reached its potential, thus I'd probably rank it as a 3.5 star read rounded up to 4.
The idea of a gene mutation affecting humanity was an interesting world building move. Bryn discovers that he is an augur, a psychic of sorts, when he turns 18 and undergoes training to make use of his abilities. After his training ends, he's paired with Gunnar Erickson, a werewolf detective, to solve cases that can make use of his special abilities. They're quite successful but find themselves challenged by a mysterious serial killer in the Boston area.
The characters are sketched out fairly well, particularly Bryn, and their relationship progresses in a fairly believable manner. The cases the two men tackle are interesting and there are a number of villains and plot twists that make for an entertaining read. My main issue is that I felt that Gunnar's character wasn't really used to his full potential and didn't really "detect" - he ended up being more of a babysitter for Bryn and relied a bit too much on the augur's abilities, in my opinion.
One minor quibble I had in the storytelling was that the story was set in Boston, but there were a number of moments where the author's nationality came through with certain British sayings and terms. For example, I don't know many Americans who refer to the flashlight app on their phone as a torch app. A small issue to be sure, but it was there just enough to take me out of the narrative.
Still, it was an entertaining read with a nice balance of action and mystery, and I'm interested in seeing where the author takes the characters in the next book.
The idea of a gene mutation affecting humanity was an interesting world building move. Bryn discovers that he is an augur, a psychic of sorts, when he turns 18 and undergoes training to make use of his abilities. After his training ends, he's paired with Gunnar Erickson, a werewolf detective, to solve cases that can make use of his special abilities. They're quite successful but find themselves challenged by a mysterious serial killer in the Boston area.
The characters are sketched out fairly well, particularly Bryn, and their relationship progresses in a fairly believable manner. The cases the two men tackle are interesting and there are a number of villains and plot twists that make for an entertaining read. My main issue is that I felt that Gunnar's character wasn't really used to his full potential and didn't really "detect" - he ended up being more of a babysitter for Bryn and relied a bit too much on the augur's abilities, in my opinion.
One minor quibble I had in the storytelling was that the story was set in Boston, but there were a number of moments where the author's nationality came through with certain British sayings and terms. For example, I don't know many Americans who refer to the flashlight app on their phone as a torch app. A small issue to be sure, but it was there just enough to take me out of the narrative.
Still, it was an entertaining read with a nice balance of action and mystery, and I'm interested in seeing where the author takes the characters in the next book.
September 9, 2025
SEEING DEATH is the first book in The Augur series, and we begin with Bryn on the eve of his 18th birthday. The world has changed from how we know it, and now a gene changes in some people at the exact time they turn eighteen. Bryn thinks he's okay as he just has a headache, but it all goes belly-up when it turns out to be a rare gene. Gunnar is a lupine detective who gets seconded to be Bryn's partner when Bryn finishes his three years of training.
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2025
The slow-burning relationship between these two is simply magnificent! They start as strangers, but quickly become more, without anything happening. They tease each other in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. Not only them, but you also have Warden and Emmett. The relationship between all four of them is perfect, and Talbot is there for a dose of sweetness in case you need it. You also have Agent Bell, who has a dry wit and works well with Gunnar and Bryn.
The story is left wide open, although this instalment comes to a satisfactory conclusion for now. Gunnar and Bryn have now kissed. Warden is subtly staking his claim. And I want more! From all of them! This was a brilliant introduction to their world, and I can't wait to return to it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2025
August 23, 2025
I have long admired L.M. Somerton as an author so I was thrilled when I was given an ARC of Seeing Death, book one in her new Augur series. Her Investigating Love series is a go-to series when I want revisit something with good storylines and fabulous characters. Seeing Death did not disappoint me.
You would have seen that in this series a virus can awaken a mutant gene and cause the appearance of supernatural abilities. Bryn is an Augur, one of only a small handful who has the ability to read memories and see the future. He is very valuable to both both sides of the law. He is trained and then partnered with Gunnar who has lupine characteristics. He can run, has an enhanced sense of smell and hearing, and he is a police officer. Gunnar still investigates crimes but he is also tasked with protecting Bryn.
I loved the relationship which is developing between Bryn and Gunnar. They are attracted to each other and their personalities really work well together. I loved the banter between them and the story itself kept me engaged.
Seeing Death does not end in a cliffhanger but I know that I am already anticipating the release of the next book. I don't know when this will happen but I am waiting.
You would have seen that in this series a virus can awaken a mutant gene and cause the appearance of supernatural abilities. Bryn is an Augur, one of only a small handful who has the ability to read memories and see the future. He is very valuable to both both sides of the law. He is trained and then partnered with Gunnar who has lupine characteristics. He can run, has an enhanced sense of smell and hearing, and he is a police officer. Gunnar still investigates crimes but he is also tasked with protecting Bryn.
I loved the relationship which is developing between Bryn and Gunnar. They are attracted to each other and their personalities really work well together. I loved the banter between them and the story itself kept me engaged.
Seeing Death does not end in a cliffhanger but I know that I am already anticipating the release of the next book. I don't know when this will happen but I am waiting.
September 12, 2025
Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem
I realized while hanging out with Bryn and Gunnar, I have a soft spot for snarky little brats 😆
I have so many questions about Bryn's training and the vamp I would like to stake...
Warden, at first, I didn't like him at all, but under all the dominant bluster, he is a softie
Gunnar is just cuddly adorable. Perfect protector for Bryn. He needs someone solely in his corner
A lot of investigating and mystery is going on, and some supernatural tricks to help our guys catch the evil doers, all while Bryn and Gunnar are fighting (not really hard) their growing attraction.
The romance definitely took a back seat to the detecting, but the attraction and resulting tension were ever-present
Great cast of characters!
From their blushing assistant to the rescued (I don't want to spoil it for you), each of the characters brought so much to the story.
Humor. A bit of angst. Friendship.
Great world-building, though I do want to know about the virus, the training, who made the laws... weird stuff 😁
This has been added to my one-click series
*There are some graphic moments with the murders and all, and a bit of darker discussions concerning the past, in case those are triggers for you.
I realized while hanging out with Bryn and Gunnar, I have a soft spot for snarky little brats 😆
I have so many questions about Bryn's training and the vamp I would like to stake...
Warden, at first, I didn't like him at all, but under all the dominant bluster, he is a softie
Gunnar is just cuddly adorable. Perfect protector for Bryn. He needs someone solely in his corner
A lot of investigating and mystery is going on, and some supernatural tricks to help our guys catch the evil doers, all while Bryn and Gunnar are fighting (not really hard) their growing attraction.
The romance definitely took a back seat to the detecting, but the attraction and resulting tension were ever-present
Great cast of characters!
From their blushing assistant to the rescued (I don't want to spoil it for you), each of the characters brought so much to the story.
Humor. A bit of angst. Friendship.
Great world-building, though I do want to know about the virus, the training, who made the laws... weird stuff 😁
This has been added to my one-click series
*There are some graphic moments with the murders and all, and a bit of darker discussions concerning the past, in case those are triggers for you.
September 4, 2025
Augur…to serve as an omen or promise of; foreshadow
Bryn is an Augar, he can read memories and sees glimpses of the future. Not the life he envisioned but he would make the best of the situation because he really had no choice. Gunnar, a Lupine, was an effective cop. He certainly didn’t expect to be partnered with an Augar. When he became Bryn’s partner he was told, “Stubborn doesn’t begin to describe him. I’ve met less obstinate granite boulders.” Gunnar figures he’s up to the task but he hadn’t realized just how much Bryn would test his resolve.
This is one of those books thats hard to give a review for without ruining the surprises. It had so much going for it. I liked the world the author created. Both Bryn and Gunnar carried the story equally. I liked Emmett and even though Warden seemed like he was going to be a pain, I liked him too. Interesting bad guys added to the overall satisfaction. I thought the mystery of the Walmart killer was very inventive. It was a slow burn still managed to have some heat.
I would definitely recommend it. This author never seems to disappoint.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Bryn is an Augar, he can read memories and sees glimpses of the future. Not the life he envisioned but he would make the best of the situation because he really had no choice. Gunnar, a Lupine, was an effective cop. He certainly didn’t expect to be partnered with an Augar. When he became Bryn’s partner he was told, “Stubborn doesn’t begin to describe him. I’ve met less obstinate granite boulders.” Gunnar figures he’s up to the task but he hadn’t realized just how much Bryn would test his resolve.
This is one of those books thats hard to give a review for without ruining the surprises. It had so much going for it. I liked the world the author created. Both Bryn and Gunnar carried the story equally. I liked Emmett and even though Warden seemed like he was going to be a pain, I liked him too. Interesting bad guys added to the overall satisfaction. I thought the mystery of the Walmart killer was very inventive. It was a slow burn still managed to have some heat.
I would definitely recommend it. This author never seems to disappoint.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Read
September 12, 2025In this book, the world-building takes a slightly different turn, with our main characters—a werewolf and a psychic—off on an adventurous case to catch a killer terrorizing the Boston area. Bryn is finding his footing, while working alongside Gunner, who keeps sending mixed signals. Despite their different perspectives and personal standards, it’s impossible not to get drawn into the rabbit hole of this story. The tension, mystery, and their dynamic make this an addictive read from start to finish.
September 16, 2025
I enjoy a good paranormal romance, so when I read the blurb for the book, I was in. As stated, Bryn is an augur, and he’s spent the last three years undergoing the brutal training that has left him a quiet and mistrustful man. Now his abilities will be used by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies specializing in capturing criminals. Gunnar is a local detective and a lupine, assigned by his boss to protect Bryn.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-edX
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-edX
January 13, 2026
Seeing
This book caught me by surprise. I will give it a 4/5. Bryn has a rare gift that allows him to feel truth in people and read their future. He is tapped to be used in law enforcement. Gunnar is his keeper. The two men work well together and stop some truly evil people. But then they must deal with the growing feelings they have for each other. Will these feelings get in the way of their job?
This book caught me by surprise. I will give it a 4/5. Bryn has a rare gift that allows him to feel truth in people and read their future. He is tapped to be used in law enforcement. Gunnar is his keeper. The two men work well together and stop some truly evil people. But then they must deal with the growing feelings they have for each other. Will these feelings get in the way of their job?
September 9, 2025
I really like the characters. I think this will be a great team. I’m interested in seeing where Somerton takes Bryn and the gang in the future. Bryn’s got a heart of gold and the magic touch so you know he’s going to be getting into all kinds of trouble.
“Thank you, Totally Entwined, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Book Promotions. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Totally Entwined, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Book Promotions. All opinions are my own.”
December 28, 2025
Hmm, that’s a no from me - DNF at 70%.
I’m just not vibing with this book. There are massive info dumps, and the main characters talk to each other like they’re either kids or stuck in the longest therapy session in history.
There’s no chemistry, no banter, no real detective work, nothing to keep my attention from wandering.
I’m just not vibing with this book. There are massive info dumps, and the main characters talk to each other like they’re either kids or stuck in the longest therapy session in history.
There’s no chemistry, no banter, no real detective work, nothing to keep my attention from wandering.
September 15, 2025
Good Start
This is a good start to what looks like will be an interesting series. I wasn't sure how things would go in the beginning but the story really pulled me in. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is a good start to what looks like will be an interesting series. I wasn't sure how things would go in the beginning but the story really pulled me in. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 12, 2025
A fantastic start to the series.
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My Full Blog Review Link
December 12, 2025
Wow, this book was intense. This is only the first book in this series, still an amazing start in to this world. I loved it whole.
December 17, 2025
The Title of the book doesn't comply with the story plot. It was an enjoyable read
January 1, 2026
Interesting start... looking forward to getting into this series!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews