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The Dark Choir #2
The Curse Servant
The one person standing between Hell… and an innocent girl… is a man without a soul.
A regular life isn’t in the cards for Dorian Lake, but with his charm-crafting business invigorated, and the prospect of a serious relationship within his grasp, life is closer to normal than Dorian could ever expect. In the heat of the Baltimore mayoral campaign, Dorian has managed to balance his arrangements with Deputy Mayor Julian Bright with his search to find his lost soul. Dorian soon learns of a Netherworker, the head of a dangerous West Coast cabal, who might be able to find and return his soul. The price? Just one curse.
Sounds easy… but nothing ever is for Dorian. A dark presence arrives in the city, hell-bent on finding Dorian’s soul first. Innocents are caught in the crossfire, and Dorian finds it harder to keep his commitments to Bright. When the fight gets personal, and the entity hits too close to home, Dorian must rely on those he trusts the least to save the ones he loves. As he tests the limits of his hermetic skills to defeat this new enemy, will Dorian lose his one chance to avoid damnation?
A regular life isn’t in the cards for Dorian Lake, but with his charm-crafting business invigorated, and the prospect of a serious relationship within his grasp, life is closer to normal than Dorian could ever expect. In the heat of the Baltimore mayoral campaign, Dorian has managed to balance his arrangements with Deputy Mayor Julian Bright with his search to find his lost soul. Dorian soon learns of a Netherworker, the head of a dangerous West Coast cabal, who might be able to find and return his soul. The price? Just one curse.
Sounds easy… but nothing ever is for Dorian. A dark presence arrives in the city, hell-bent on finding Dorian’s soul first. Innocents are caught in the crossfire, and Dorian finds it harder to keep his commitments to Bright. When the fight gets personal, and the entity hits too close to home, Dorian must rely on those he trusts the least to save the ones he loves. As he tests the limits of his hermetic skills to defeat this new enemy, will Dorian lose his one chance to avoid damnation?
287 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2015
9 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Sloan
15 books85 followersJ.P. Sloan is a speculative fiction author … primarily of urban fantasy, horror and several shades between. His writing explores the strangeness in that which is familiar, at times stretching the limits of the human experience, or only hinting at the monsters lurking under your bed.
A Louisiana native, Sloan relocated to the vineyards and cow pastures of Central Maryland after Hurricane Katrina, where he lives with his wife and son. During the day he commutes to the city of Baltimore, a setting which inspires much of his writing.
In his spare time, Sloan enjoys wine-making and homebrewing, and is a certified beer judge.
A Louisiana native, Sloan relocated to the vineyards and cow pastures of Central Maryland after Hurricane Katrina, where he lives with his wife and son. During the day he commutes to the city of Baltimore, a setting which inspires much of his writing.
In his spare time, Sloan enjoys wine-making and homebrewing, and is a certified beer judge.
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March 10, 2015
The Curse Servant by J. P. Sloan is a 2015 Curiosity Quills publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Last week I finished The Curse Merchant, the first book in this series and admitted I would like to see where the series went and touch base with Dorian somewhere down the road. Well, it was my good fortune to have been invited to participate in the VBT for this second book. So, I was able to touch base with Dorian much sooner than I had anticipated. AWESOME!
If you recall, Dorian's soul has been sort of.... misplaced, if you will. Naturally, Dorian wants to get it back, and there are people who are willing to help him do that , but of course all of them have a hidden agenda. In the meantime, Dorian is witness to a rash of what appears to be brief demon possessions. When one hits really close to home, and decides to linger on for awhile, Dorian must pull out all the stops to figure out what is going on and why. Of course, Julian and the mayor figure prominently in the story too, as the campaign heats up and the usual political mudslinging gets out of hand.
I am so happy to say this book was just as good as the first one, actually a little better. The first book lays down the ground work introducing us to the main players and is the segue way into the series as a whole. This second book gave a clearer picture of Dorian, and while I was not all that fond of his attitude much of the time in the first book, I have seen some marked improvements in this second installment.
“Carmody stared at me from under his hat. I brandished the vial. ' You don't think I'll do it?'
'I think you're not ready to murder someone. And I think beneath this finely crafted veneer of sarcasm is decent man who still thinks the good guys ought to beat the bad guys when the show's over and the credits roll'”
This book has non-stop action and suspense, a cleverly crafted plot with interesting descriptions of Dorian's work, as well as the introduction of some new characters I think will add some sexual tension and maybe a little romance to the story in the future. There is a lot going on here, so be sure you have put aside a little time for this one, because once you start the book you will not want to put it down until you have finished it. Yep, I read it one sitting!
4.5 rounded to 5
Last week I finished The Curse Merchant, the first book in this series and admitted I would like to see where the series went and touch base with Dorian somewhere down the road. Well, it was my good fortune to have been invited to participate in the VBT for this second book. So, I was able to touch base with Dorian much sooner than I had anticipated. AWESOME!
If you recall, Dorian's soul has been sort of.... misplaced, if you will. Naturally, Dorian wants to get it back, and there are people who are willing to help him do that , but of course all of them have a hidden agenda. In the meantime, Dorian is witness to a rash of what appears to be brief demon possessions. When one hits really close to home, and decides to linger on for awhile, Dorian must pull out all the stops to figure out what is going on and why. Of course, Julian and the mayor figure prominently in the story too, as the campaign heats up and the usual political mudslinging gets out of hand.
I am so happy to say this book was just as good as the first one, actually a little better. The first book lays down the ground work introducing us to the main players and is the segue way into the series as a whole. This second book gave a clearer picture of Dorian, and while I was not all that fond of his attitude much of the time in the first book, I have seen some marked improvements in this second installment.
“Carmody stared at me from under his hat. I brandished the vial. ' You don't think I'll do it?'
'I think you're not ready to murder someone. And I think beneath this finely crafted veneer of sarcasm is decent man who still thinks the good guys ought to beat the bad guys when the show's over and the credits roll'”
This book has non-stop action and suspense, a cleverly crafted plot with interesting descriptions of Dorian's work, as well as the introduction of some new characters I think will add some sexual tension and maybe a little romance to the story in the future. There is a lot going on here, so be sure you have put aside a little time for this one, because once you start the book you will not want to put it down until you have finished it. Yep, I read it one sitting!
4.5 rounded to 5
March 10, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I recently read and reviewed the first book in this series as well; you can find it here. Today, I'm part of the blog tour promoting the second book, The Curse Servant.
I'll try to keep the spoilers down as much as possible, however there may be some minor spoilers for the first book.
A few months have passed since the first book, and as I'd only read The Curse Merchant very recently everything was still clear from the beginning. Dorian's life seems to stabilize at the beginning of the book, only to be disrupted again when women around him start getting attacked by demons. When his friend Edgar's daughter is the victim, Dorian won't stop until he has her cured.
Like I said before, I'm not overly experienced when it comes to Urban Fantasy series, so I'm not able to compare it with let's say The Harry Dresden Files about which I've heard a lot but never read. I've quite enjoyed myself with this series so far. They are what I like to call snackbooks. Some nice and fast to read without having to concentrate on it too much. Those are very nice every now and then.
Dorian is still very egocentric even though he tries to help a young girl. He's not a likeable character, but not so bad that I like to hate him either. I didn't find him really annoying, but I can see that some people might.
I didn't like the story in this book as much as the other one. It's basically the demon possession and city politics. I hope the next one will be a bit more interesting again. I also hope to get more answers about the magic system. Exactly what is the Presidium? Why is there a war going on outside the Presidium's territory? Why is that territory not covering all of the US? Why are demons hunting his soul?
I will be reading the next book in this series!
The Curse Servant is the second book in the Dark Choir series. The first book is The Curse Merchant.
Thanks to the publisher Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I recently read and reviewed the first book in this series as well; you can find it here. Today, I'm part of the blog tour promoting the second book, The Curse Servant.
I'll try to keep the spoilers down as much as possible, however there may be some minor spoilers for the first book.
A few months have passed since the first book, and as I'd only read The Curse Merchant very recently everything was still clear from the beginning. Dorian's life seems to stabilize at the beginning of the book, only to be disrupted again when women around him start getting attacked by demons. When his friend Edgar's daughter is the victim, Dorian won't stop until he has her cured.
Like I said before, I'm not overly experienced when it comes to Urban Fantasy series, so I'm not able to compare it with let's say The Harry Dresden Files about which I've heard a lot but never read. I've quite enjoyed myself with this series so far. They are what I like to call snackbooks. Some nice and fast to read without having to concentrate on it too much. Those are very nice every now and then.
Dorian is still very egocentric even though he tries to help a young girl. He's not a likeable character, but not so bad that I like to hate him either. I didn't find him really annoying, but I can see that some people might.
I didn't like the story in this book as much as the other one. It's basically the demon possession and city politics. I hope the next one will be a bit more interesting again. I also hope to get more answers about the magic system. Exactly what is the Presidium? Why is there a war going on outside the Presidium's territory? Why is that territory not covering all of the US? Why are demons hunting his soul?
I will be reading the next book in this series!
The Curse Servant is the second book in the Dark Choir series. The first book is The Curse Merchant.
Thanks to the publisher Curiosity Quills Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2015
Sloan takes the reader deeper into a urban fantasy that feels fully three-dimensional. The fantastic elements all stand firm on an underpinning of background that allow easy suspension of disbelief. He portrays the magic, demons, mysticism, rituals, cliques and cabals in as 'realistic' a way as one could. Not being much of a scholar of the occult myself, I can't say if he's crafted a thoroughly believable fantasy or done an enormous amount of research into actual spiritualism, but whatever it is--it worked. I slipped with ease into the story, glued to the book while metaphorically biting my nails while I hoped Dorian found a way to save the young girl's soul.
I read the first book in this series some time ago, but the world is rich and detailed enough to where I picked right back up where I left off. Sloan adds enough reminders of previous events without overburdening with flashback. Dorian is a character reminiscent of House MD, a bit of an ass, an egoist (to a fault), but on the inside he's looking for the most 'right' thing to do.
If I had to say anything bad about this story (trying not to express this thought with too much of a spoiler) Dorian makes a decision regarding his soul which feels a bit repetitious with what happened in the first book. I am looking forward to the third in the series.
I read the first book in this series some time ago, but the world is rich and detailed enough to where I picked right back up where I left off. Sloan adds enough reminders of previous events without overburdening with flashback. Dorian is a character reminiscent of House MD, a bit of an ass, an egoist (to a fault), but on the inside he's looking for the most 'right' thing to do.
If I had to say anything bad about this story (trying not to express this thought with too much of a spoiler) Dorian makes a decision regarding his soul which feels a bit repetitious with what happened in the first book. I am looking forward to the third in the series.
April 6, 2015
"Instead of the usual political organ-grinders at the campaign headquarters, I found a soccer mom duct taped to a chair, foaming at the mouth."The events of Curse Merchant may have landed Dorian Lake with a steady job providing hexes and charms for a mayoral campaign, but they also left him too distracted to actually get his work done. Battles over political slogans and housing zones pale a little in light of Dorian’s hunt for a way to restore a stolen soul. However, when Julian summons Dorian to exorcise a demon from one of the campaign volunteers, he realizes that the campaign’s political demons may not be metaphorical after all. The demon doesn’t stop there: all too soon, the magical and political battles start hitting closer and closer to home. With the help of a west-coast necromancer, his magical crisis can be solved in one swoop. The price? Just one little death curse.
As with The Curse Merchant, I gobbled up The Curse Servant and can’t wait for more. J.P. Sloan has a way of writing that just gets me hooked, and it’s all the more impressive given the personality of Dorian himself. Dorian is the type of guy you love to hate: he’s a silver-spoon trust-fund kid who often seems unaware of his deep disconnect from reality. At one point, he has to decide between betraying those who depend upon him and “poverty”--where “poverty” is defined as possibly needing to get his next Audi pre-owned. (Poor baby.) And then there’s his way of wooing women. As his prospective girlfriend says when he brings her to his club on their first date:
"Your ex. She worked here, didn't she? You said she was a high-priced call girl. They have girls who work here, don't they?Dorian has an impressive way of talking himself into absolutely gutless, nasty actions while still managing to convince himself of his own righteousness. As he puts it:
I stiffened and simply nodded.
She sucked in a breath. "And you thought this would be a good idea?"
"It's weird, isn't it?"
"You brought me on our first official date to a bordello where you met your ex-girlfriend. Why would that be weird?"
"I shook my head as I realized I was putting serious thought into cursing a man with a spell from the very book I was giving him. It was a dick move, but it was my best chance at dodging my fate. I would have to be an idiot not to try."
Even though I spent about half the book detesting Dorian, I still liked him. It’s hard to explain. Part of it is the wry narrative voice, but I think a lot of the rest is the sheer novelty. Dorian definitely isn’t your cookie-cutter noir hero. He may think he suffers in silence, but that’s mostly because his definition of “silence” doesn’t match the dictionary’s. I suspect that the secret to the story’s captivating charm is the unpredictability. Unlike most urban fantasy protagonists, there’s always a real and measurable chance that Dorian won’t do the right thing. It not only adds suspense to the narrative, but also heightens the relief and enjoyment of the moments when he steps forward to do what should be done.
My biggest complaint with the series remains the worldbuilding, specifically the magic. Dorian’s magic emanates from karmic payouts from the ill-defined Cosmos, which apparently can be manipulated by incantations and arcane drawings. Given the clear religiosity of the magical setup, it’s amazing how idiosyncratic the Cosmos’s idea of “right” and “wrong” actually is. Killing people with magic may be naughty, but killing people in any other way or handing them over for someone else to do the dirty work is just fine. While every person has a soul which can be stolen, traded, and eaten by the demonic beings that Dorian calls the Dark Choir, it’s not really clear what the soul actually is. It clearly doesn’t store personality or agency, and its main utility seems to be protection against the shadowy Dark Choir’s attempt to devour the body as well as the soul. I’m losing hope that the series will clean up its magical setup, but despite this and some rather hackneyed elements of the plot, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book.
Despite my general contention that every series should be readable in order of library availability, I'd strongly advise reading The Curse Merchant first. Almost all of the characters and plot elements of The Curse Servant were set up in the first book, to the point that I wished I still had my copy to refresh my memory on the various political machinations. If you're looking for a new urban fantasy series with a truly unpredictable protagonist, look no further. As for me, I've definitely got the next book on my to-read list.
**Note: quotes are taken from an uncorrected advanced reader copy and may not reflect the final wording. However, I believe they speak to the character of the novel as a whole.**
~~I received this ebook through Netgalley from the publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, in exchange for my honest review.~~
Cross-posted on BookLikes.
September 28, 2015
I was lucky enough to pick up The Curse Servant through Netgalley just after I finished The Curse Merchant, which I found was a very entertaining book with some great dark humor. My review of the first book can be found here.
The sequel picks up approximately a couple of months after the previous book ended, or so it seems.
Dorian has picked up his pieces and is finally getting into the groove of his new life. He is of course still in the middle of seeking a way to retrieve his lost soul too.
~ "A man once told me if I make the desires of the flesh my focus, then I'll succumb to them. I'm trying to focus on the things that are a little more permanent."
He now continues to work for the Mayor (on a steady payroll) and when he gets a lead on a possible solution to his soul problem, as well as an actual date, everything seems to be falling into place. However, nothing ever is that easy and when he gets called in to witness a strange possession of a person close to him, it becomes a race against the clock to fit the pieces together.
Our hero not only has to face that, but also has to watch for blackmail threats, property trouble and his fellow practitioners. All in all, some important decisions need to be made causing him some major sleepless nights.
Ches is a refreshing addition to this book too. I was unsure how she would fit in to this puzzle but with all the intrigue it is very hard to not suspect any one of the characters of foul play.
~ "It's a date." Ches stepped inside, leaving mu bewildered face mug-deep in coffee. It was. It was totally a date. How did this even happen?
I loved this installment just as much as the previous. Whilst we do not make a whole lot of progress in finding Dorian's soul, it nevertheless feels like a bigger journey. It's great how everyday struggles and the supernatural come together and intertwine in Dorian's life. The urban tone draws you right in and makes it very easy to visualize it all happening in front of your eyes.
And ever thought you had something completely figured out until you get your wrist slapped for assuming? Yeah.. that.. Let me tell you, im sporting one blue wrist.
There where however also one or two 'issues' I had with the story. And this is mainly from a parental point of view. Poor Ellen gets pulled for a major ride and the parents reactions to this where just not what I think any actual parent would have.
It is a great part of the story but also made me cringe. The impression this series has given me is that it is based on true reactions from the characters and that just didn't mash up to great and ultimately why I have this book a 4 star rating instead of 5.
Conclusion:
I think it was a good second book and am very much looking forward to the third, although there is no news as to when that will be and what it's going to be called or if it is going to take more then 3 to find his soul..
March 12, 2015
Dorian Lake's charm-crafting business has been invigorated and financially he's better off than before. Unfortunately, his soul is still floating around somewhere in the Netherworld, and the Dark Choir is looking for it. It is essential that he gets his hands on it before it's caught and devoured by these forces. Until then, a regular life isn't in the cards for Dorian.
When his best friend's daughter, Elle, is caught in the crossfire, he's suddenly all that stands between Hell and the girl's eternal damnation. Dorian soon learns of a Netherworker, the head of a dangerous West Coast cabal, might be able to find and return his soul & save the girl. The price? Just one curse. One that means he might lose his one chance to avoid damnation.
It would seem that his own karma is conspiring against him, because every action draws him one step closer to his own demise. Perhaps that makes me a sadist, but I enjoyed his predicament;-)
J.P. Sloan has developed characters filled with depth and personality. I found it easy to become attached to characters, as well as learn to despise others. Interestingly, Dorian's barista is one of the more interesting new additions, and it will be interesting to see if they can overcome some of the hurdles that they have to overcome to enter into a successful partnership.
All in all, The Curse Servant was entertaining and easy to read, it was also better than the first.
I give it 3.75 stars.
When his best friend's daughter, Elle, is caught in the crossfire, he's suddenly all that stands between Hell and the girl's eternal damnation. Dorian soon learns of a Netherworker, the head of a dangerous West Coast cabal, might be able to find and return his soul & save the girl. The price? Just one curse. One that means he might lose his one chance to avoid damnation.
It would seem that his own karma is conspiring against him, because every action draws him one step closer to his own demise. Perhaps that makes me a sadist, but I enjoyed his predicament;-)
J.P. Sloan has developed characters filled with depth and personality. I found it easy to become attached to characters, as well as learn to despise others. Interestingly, Dorian's barista is one of the more interesting new additions, and it will be interesting to see if they can overcome some of the hurdles that they have to overcome to enter into a successful partnership.
All in all, The Curse Servant was entertaining and easy to read, it was also better than the first.
I give it 3.75 stars.
July 24, 2017
Inexplicably charming a-hole Dorian Lake returns. His last misadventure landed him in some pretty hot water, and in typical Dorian-ish fashion, now all his efforts to fix things only make them worse, an apparently endless tangle of complications and badness.
Part of the fun of these books is watching Dorian flail as he tries to do the right thing, decides to do the wrong thing, and somehow eventually lucks into doing even better than he could have planned. Additional props to the unique magic system and the interesting world-building. Refreshingly, Dorian doesn't fight werewolves or sexy vampires; his foes and problems, even the magical ones, are human. I would definitely be happy to see more in this setting, and will read any more books in the series that Mr Sloan is willing to write.
Part of the fun of these books is watching Dorian flail as he tries to do the right thing, decides to do the wrong thing, and somehow eventually lucks into doing even better than he could have planned. Additional props to the unique magic system and the interesting world-building. Refreshingly, Dorian doesn't fight werewolves or sexy vampires; his foes and problems, even the magical ones, are human. I would definitely be happy to see more in this setting, and will read any more books in the series that Mr Sloan is willing to write.
March 4, 2015
The Curse Servant, J.P. Sloan
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal,
Well, I loved the first book, so was pleased to see Dorian’s world once again. I’m one of those people who don’t find it hard to believe in the possibility of the paranormal, so I can relate to this world easily. Maybe I’m open minded, or maybe I’m just gullible.... but to me J P Sloan’s world is just like the one we live in, except with an extra, mostly hidden, dimension. Throughout history the idea of magic has been considered and believed in to different degrees. In a way its no more impossible to think it could be real that it is to believe in the concept of God – any God or God( s ).
Anyway, at the end of the last book Dorian had lost his soul and is desperate to get it back. Poor Dorian, he’s a good guy, tries to keep his hands clean, not to do harm, and yet somehow he’s a magnet for trouble. Once again his actions lead to more danger and disaster. On the track of his soul he comes into contract with some Practitioners who aren't so bothered as he is about the morality of what they do. Sadly there’s always people like that, who want the gain today and worry about the future later. Even though he tries to keep on the right side of Karma he gets thrust over to the Dark side by circumstances. And seeing and knowing what he does, would anyone else who cares about people have taken a different decision.
Its a great read, starting from a simple search for the return of his soul, he somehow stumbles into some Dark magic, that puts all those around him into real danger. Politics rears its ugly side too – he’d only joined the Mayor’s team as a job, to boost his finances, and yet its pulled him into some awful circumstances, and its hard to know who to trust. I love the way everything builds on what’s gone before, what starts off simple becomes complex, and of course just how narrow this part of the world is, with everyone knowing each other. Dorian has a very fine line to tread, and trust is something he needs to be very careful of.
I feel I’ve got to grips more now of the particular flavour of magic these books use. Its complex and I love reading about the practicalities Dorian uses when making a hex, the actual ingredients used, the sigils written etc, and it’s clear JP has either great personal knowledge of this Craft, or has done an incredible amount of research. I know a few terms from other books, and when I found an unfamiliar word or term I used the kindle look-up function and found its all genuine, that he hasn’t just thrown in mumbo-jumbo sounding words and terms to make it look good, but used genuine terminology and formulae. It makes reading it a treat because I can feel I’m there, and I’m wanting things to go well as I really like Dorian – and his friends Edgar, Wren and the kids. I often stay away from books written by men, not because of sexism but simply I’ve found very often they get complex in areas that simply don’t interest me, and much of the story just goes over my head. This book though, and the one before, is perfect for me, enough complexities of plot and method to keep me interested, a hint of romance, lots of twists and turns that led me right down the wrong roads!! I really didn’t see what was coming – and I love to be surprised, especially once it all comes out and I can look back and see little clues I missed. I’d happily re read this and the first book again.
Stars: Five, a great read and I hope there’s more to come.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
August 15, 2017
I think I should start this review with a little confession: I don't read out of chronological order. However, that doesn't mean that I do end up doing that. Which is what happened with this book. The Curse Servant is actually the second book in a series featuring Dorian Lake, a hermetic charm and hex expert.
Phew! Now that it's out of my system, I'm happy to say that I wasn't the least bit confused! That's right, you are safe to read starting with this book if you want. You aren't going to be confused. J.P. Sloan did a great job seamlessly placing magic in a rather normal world without having to put too much exposition or confusing new reader. I was not only able to follow what was going on, gather what happened in the previous book, but I was also able to feel a connection with his characters. A serious feat.
There were two thoughts that came to mind the moment I started reading, The Curse Servant: 1. Serious creep factor! 2. Reminds me of Constantine.
Now, I don't mean comic Constantine or Keanu Reeves Constantine. I mean the TV Show. Sadly, I'm not well versed in the comic series, but I fell in love with the British demonologist when the show was airing. That said, J.P. Sloan's Dorian Lake reminded me of Constantine. He had a smartass snarky way of telling people off and a way to go against the rules while still being able to keep certain morals. Yes, his morality was put to a series of tests. Yes, he never really got a break. The only thing I'd say that wasn't Constantine, was the fact that Dorian Lake doesn't seem jaded. Not yet, anyways.
With this little connection, I fell in love with Dorian. I felt for him. I wanted him to be happy. I wanted the people he called family to be happy. I didn't want any of the bad things that were happening to ruin what world he was trying to cultivate. As a reader, I relished in the bad things.
J.P. Sloan made an epic that I'm am not only going to keep reading, but also get hard copies of. That's right, this man will be placed in my bookshelf next to the faves. And, that's saying something.
He weaves a twisty web of politics and magic. We have the internal politics of the magic world and the politics of our natural world. Each one has an agenda with the other and Dorian Lake is put in the middle of it all. As if this wasn't enough on his plate, Dorian is dealing with trying to find his soul which is missing in a limbo like world called Nether (not new news, he lost it in The Curse Merchant). On top of all of that, he is dealing with something out of his control that has taken over a little girl he considers a sister. Yep, his life sucks.
Nothing gets me more excited than a snarky man trying to do the right thing and being pitted into political intrigue with demonic like forces. If this isn't a winner, I don't know what is.
Phew! Now that it's out of my system, I'm happy to say that I wasn't the least bit confused! That's right, you are safe to read starting with this book if you want. You aren't going to be confused. J.P. Sloan did a great job seamlessly placing magic in a rather normal world without having to put too much exposition or confusing new reader. I was not only able to follow what was going on, gather what happened in the previous book, but I was also able to feel a connection with his characters. A serious feat.
There were two thoughts that came to mind the moment I started reading, The Curse Servant: 1. Serious creep factor! 2. Reminds me of Constantine.
Now, I don't mean comic Constantine or Keanu Reeves Constantine. I mean the TV Show. Sadly, I'm not well versed in the comic series, but I fell in love with the British demonologist when the show was airing. That said, J.P. Sloan's Dorian Lake reminded me of Constantine. He had a smartass snarky way of telling people off and a way to go against the rules while still being able to keep certain morals. Yes, his morality was put to a series of tests. Yes, he never really got a break. The only thing I'd say that wasn't Constantine, was the fact that Dorian Lake doesn't seem jaded. Not yet, anyways.
With this little connection, I fell in love with Dorian. I felt for him. I wanted him to be happy. I wanted the people he called family to be happy. I didn't want any of the bad things that were happening to ruin what world he was trying to cultivate. As a reader, I relished in the bad things.
J.P. Sloan made an epic that I'm am not only going to keep reading, but also get hard copies of. That's right, this man will be placed in my bookshelf next to the faves. And, that's saying something.
He weaves a twisty web of politics and magic. We have the internal politics of the magic world and the politics of our natural world. Each one has an agenda with the other and Dorian Lake is put in the middle of it all. As if this wasn't enough on his plate, Dorian is dealing with trying to find his soul which is missing in a limbo like world called Nether (not new news, he lost it in The Curse Merchant). On top of all of that, he is dealing with something out of his control that has taken over a little girl he considers a sister. Yep, his life sucks.
Nothing gets me more excited than a snarky man trying to do the right thing and being pitted into political intrigue with demonic like forces. If this isn't a winner, I don't know what is.
April 13, 2015
Life for Dorian Lake is finally looking up. While his charm business took quite a hit from his mental absence, he's finally managed to snag a job with a steady paycheck. On paper he's a grassroots campaigner for Mayor Sullivan, working under Julian Bright, but his paycheck comes solely because of his hermetic powers and what that can do to help the Mayor to stay in office. As is the way for Dorian, his new job attracts his fair share of enemies, mostly from Sullivan's opponent in the mayoral race. Sooner is still gunning for the position of Mayor and he's got quite a few unsavory, ruthless people in his pocket -- people that are willing to make Dorian's life a living hell.
Aside from the political drama, Dorian still has his little problem of not having his soul. Because of that, he's starting to see the shadows. The Dark Choir wants Dorian and are making their presence known more than ever. With known and unknown enemies at play, Dorian has his hands full. Unfortunately, he has to take on one more responsibility before he can figure out his soul problem -- his best friend's daughter is in need of some serious help. Help that only Dorian seems qualified to handle.
In the previous book of this series, Dorian made one heck of a deal that resulted in his soul being taken from him. The Curse Servant continues that particular plot thread, only with a much more sinister tone. The Dark Choir comes out to play a bit more in this installment and I'm hoping the next book has much more from the dark side. I also liked that despite things looking up for Dorian where it concerns his business and even his love life, he can't seem to escape betrayal. There is always someone lying to him it seems, always someone out there trying to take advantage of poor D-Lake, and I like how that doesn't necessarily jade him. Deep down, Dorian is a do-gooder, he's quite caring and wants to do the right thing, even if his attitude doesn't always convey that. He's also still struggling with the Netherwork side to magic and it's starting to become a constant battle.
The Curse Servant was a great second installment in the Dark Choir series that really left me wanting the next installment now. I am very intrigued with Dorian's struggle with the dark side of magic and his choice of not venturing into it, despite his lack of a soul. I will certainly be waiting most impatiently for the third book in this series, which I do hope is coming soon.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Aside from the political drama, Dorian still has his little problem of not having his soul. Because of that, he's starting to see the shadows. The Dark Choir wants Dorian and are making their presence known more than ever. With known and unknown enemies at play, Dorian has his hands full. Unfortunately, he has to take on one more responsibility before he can figure out his soul problem -- his best friend's daughter is in need of some serious help. Help that only Dorian seems qualified to handle.
In the previous book of this series, Dorian made one heck of a deal that resulted in his soul being taken from him. The Curse Servant continues that particular plot thread, only with a much more sinister tone. The Dark Choir comes out to play a bit more in this installment and I'm hoping the next book has much more from the dark side. I also liked that despite things looking up for Dorian where it concerns his business and even his love life, he can't seem to escape betrayal. There is always someone lying to him it seems, always someone out there trying to take advantage of poor D-Lake, and I like how that doesn't necessarily jade him. Deep down, Dorian is a do-gooder, he's quite caring and wants to do the right thing, even if his attitude doesn't always convey that. He's also still struggling with the Netherwork side to magic and it's starting to become a constant battle.
The Curse Servant was a great second installment in the Dark Choir series that really left me wanting the next installment now. I am very intrigued with Dorian's struggle with the dark side of magic and his choice of not venturing into it, despite his lack of a soul. I will certainly be waiting most impatiently for the third book in this series, which I do hope is coming soon.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 29, 2015
So after reading the first book, The Curse Merchant, I wanted to see where this was going to continue. Dorian Lake is a fascinating guy with some fun quirks. He curses and hexes, makes charms, and he sure has some lady drama LOL He also has his own personal drama with his soul not being with him. So when an offer turns up to help him find his soul before some big bad does, he is hesitant but knows he needs to do this.
Dorian is such an interesting character. He always seems mean and sassy, but he's actually quite soft hearted and I think he'd be hilarious in real life, though he'd probably get beat up! He's struggling with his friend who's the mayor's campaign guy, because ladies keep getting possessed and threatening him. Then he meets a guy who tells him he knows of a girl who can help him get his soul back. And then his best friend's daughter's life gets put on the line for his soul, things heat up. His friends, Julian, Ben, Edgar, they know about his soul, they just don't know exactly how bad this is because Dorian tries to hide it. He'll do almost anything to keep his friends and family safe. And we meet Elle, the little girl, and oh boy is that gunna tear you up. And Dorian is always willing to sacrifice for others.
The writing is well done. It's mysterious, full of magic, and suspense, and has some great action. And though you probably should read book one, you could read book two without trouble of knowing things from book one. The author adds just the right amount of back story to keep you in the loop without info dumps. It's an emotional book, and you'll want to follow Dorian along with his friends for more. The characters are so real and believable and I know I am going to want more. I can't wait to read the next book! 5 MAGICAL PAWS!
Dorian is such an interesting character. He always seems mean and sassy, but he's actually quite soft hearted and I think he'd be hilarious in real life, though he'd probably get beat up! He's struggling with his friend who's the mayor's campaign guy, because ladies keep getting possessed and threatening him. Then he meets a guy who tells him he knows of a girl who can help him get his soul back. And then his best friend's daughter's life gets put on the line for his soul, things heat up. His friends, Julian, Ben, Edgar, they know about his soul, they just don't know exactly how bad this is because Dorian tries to hide it. He'll do almost anything to keep his friends and family safe. And we meet Elle, the little girl, and oh boy is that gunna tear you up. And Dorian is always willing to sacrifice for others.
The writing is well done. It's mysterious, full of magic, and suspense, and has some great action. And though you probably should read book one, you could read book two without trouble of knowing things from book one. The author adds just the right amount of back story to keep you in the loop without info dumps. It's an emotional book, and you'll want to follow Dorian along with his friends for more. The characters are so real and believable and I know I am going to want more. I can't wait to read the next book! 5 MAGICAL PAWS!
March 11, 2015
Forgive me if am mistaken, but I believe that it was Cornell Woolrich who stated that one of his favorite ways to write a thriller was to take a character who was, for instance, a doctor. Being a doctor wasn’t what they did, it was who they were. Then throw that character into the deep end, and watch them as they got out, using the characteristics they defined them.
That seems to me like an excellent way to describe The Curse Servant, and The Curse Merchant, the first two books in an exciting new paranormal series by J. P. Sloan.
Dorian Lake is a Hex Merchant. It’s just what he does, but what he is. Mr. Sloan takes Dorian, who has a penchant for talking before he thinks, and piles a heap of problems on his lap. He’s assisting a political campaign, protecting a stack of dangerous supernatural books, trying to be a decent inner-city landlord, and maybe has lost his soul. There is a secret organization tracking his every move, and he’s got girl problems as well. That’s without giving away any plot spoilers.
These books are narrated by Lake, and his voice is spot-on, funny, smart, a bit of a wise-ass, but clearly caring for his friends, and trying with all his might to do the right thing. I am not always the biggest fan of series, but I am looking forward to the next book by J, P, Sloan.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http//www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
That seems to me like an excellent way to describe The Curse Servant, and The Curse Merchant, the first two books in an exciting new paranormal series by J. P. Sloan.
Dorian Lake is a Hex Merchant. It’s just what he does, but what he is. Mr. Sloan takes Dorian, who has a penchant for talking before he thinks, and piles a heap of problems on his lap. He’s assisting a political campaign, protecting a stack of dangerous supernatural books, trying to be a decent inner-city landlord, and maybe has lost his soul. There is a secret organization tracking his every move, and he’s got girl problems as well. That’s without giving away any plot spoilers.
These books are narrated by Lake, and his voice is spot-on, funny, smart, a bit of a wise-ass, but clearly caring for his friends, and trying with all his might to do the right thing. I am not always the biggest fan of series, but I am looking forward to the next book by J, P, Sloan.
Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http//www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com
March 11, 2015
What I Thought:
This book was absolutely brilliant. Whilst you can easily read this book as a stand-alone, I highly recommend you read the entire series (that means those to come as well), as you get a lot of detail in the first book. Though this book is still excellent without the first, the extra depth makes it even better.
I really loved the writing style of Sloan. I genuinely felt as though I was a part of the world he had created. Between soul searching and falling in love, you still have time to squeeze in a good bit of action, with a curse or two.
Sloan has developed characters filled with depth and personality. I found it easy to become attached to characters, as well as learn to despise others. I felt as though I was a part of the action, mixed up in their crazy world, trying to sort out a situation that only seems to get worse.
Sloan provided us with a great read that perfectly blends moments of action and slow moments of love and friendship. It makes the book seem even more real. You get that stop-go feeling you get everyday, especially when there is something you just have to get done, similar to Dorian - ok, it doesn't involve chasing a soul, but you get the picture.
I really loved this book and the entire series thus far. I highly recommend giving it a go. The style, depth, pace, character development and urban fantasy plot are written so well you won't be able to put the book down. Trust me.
March 16, 2015
Soulless charm crafter Dorian Lake is dealing with the aftermath of losing his soul as well as trying to live up to his committments to Deputy Mayor Julian Bright and build his business. He has rental property issues, a possible relationship prospect, and shadows to deal with when his best friends' daughter is caught in the crossfire of the supernatural gunning for him. Now it's a race to save her before the entity eats her soul.
Once more unto the breach with Dorian. I said in my review of The Curse Merchant that Dorian reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden and he does. I think its the snarky humor along with the running around like a chicken with its head cut off aspect while trying to solve a mystery so as to come up with a solution. Since Harry is one of my favorite characers I quite enjoy waching Dorian run around. The writing is excellent, I love the characters, there is lots of interesting magic, a mystery to solve and a romantic interest. The plot is like Goldilocks and the Three Bears...not too much, not too little, but just right. The overall arc is solved and yet I know that the Dorian's story has not ended. I am intrigued. I look forward to seeing where Dorian is heading, what he will do, what he will come up against and who will enter and exit his life.
Once more unto the breach with Dorian. I said in my review of The Curse Merchant that Dorian reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden and he does. I think its the snarky humor along with the running around like a chicken with its head cut off aspect while trying to solve a mystery so as to come up with a solution. Since Harry is one of my favorite characers I quite enjoy waching Dorian run around. The writing is excellent, I love the characters, there is lots of interesting magic, a mystery to solve and a romantic interest. The plot is like Goldilocks and the Three Bears...not too much, not too little, but just right. The overall arc is solved and yet I know that the Dorian's story has not ended. I am intrigued. I look forward to seeing where Dorian is heading, what he will do, what he will come up against and who will enter and exit his life.
March 1, 2015
Another brilliant book by Mr. Sloan
Once more Mr. Sloan has created a page turning story filled with characters who are not only believable, they are people you grow to care about, or as the case may be - characters you grow to dislike with the same intensity. The person the story revolves around, Dorian Lake, is a curse merchant with a conscience. The author, Mr. Sloan, has crafted a story with many layers. Each turn of the page peels back another tantalizing clue as to who or what type of magical entity Dorian must deal with. The author clearly has - as Dorian says - been in 'the life' and is familiar with magical theory and practice or he has done a considerable amount of homework to familiarize himself with hermetic and esoteric schools of thought. He writes about magical practise with genuine believability. the main character, Dorian, not only has the task of locating his soul (which he managed to accidentally lose while trying to help a friend in the first book of the series) he must also fight to protect his friends who are in many ways the only family he has. Definitely a 'must read', but I'm warning you, you will fall under the author's spell and become shamelessly addicted to the series!
Once more Mr. Sloan has created a page turning story filled with characters who are not only believable, they are people you grow to care about, or as the case may be - characters you grow to dislike with the same intensity. The person the story revolves around, Dorian Lake, is a curse merchant with a conscience. The author, Mr. Sloan, has crafted a story with many layers. Each turn of the page peels back another tantalizing clue as to who or what type of magical entity Dorian must deal with. The author clearly has - as Dorian says - been in 'the life' and is familiar with magical theory and practice or he has done a considerable amount of homework to familiarize himself with hermetic and esoteric schools of thought. He writes about magical practise with genuine believability. the main character, Dorian, not only has the task of locating his soul (which he managed to accidentally lose while trying to help a friend in the first book of the series) he must also fight to protect his friends who are in many ways the only family he has. Definitely a 'must read', but I'm warning you, you will fall under the author's spell and become shamelessly addicted to the series!
March 8, 2015
What I liked: This book takes what happened to Dorian at the end of The Curse Merchant and shows us whats happened to Dorian since then. It starts off with a bit of a bang for Dorian, and as the story progresses Dorian ends up getting mixed up with exactly what he had been trying to avoid, Netherwork. And he may have found a girl he can really like in Ches. Yet there's also the fact he has someone he has to save and this takes a lot more digging to find out how than I had expected which I liked.
What I didn't like: Some parts felt paced too fast or too slow to me for what was happening at certain points in the book.
Overall Review: I think one of the great things about this book is that you can read this book without having to read the first one with very little confusion since many of the things that happened in the first book were alluded to within this book as well when it needed to be brought up. Dorian has changed quite a bit since the first book and I can't wait to see how he ends up in the next after everything in this book!
Recommend?: This was a really good follow up to The Curse Merchant and I'm wondering just what will happen in the next book!
What I didn't like: Some parts felt paced too fast or too slow to me for what was happening at certain points in the book.
Overall Review: I think one of the great things about this book is that you can read this book without having to read the first one with very little confusion since many of the things that happened in the first book were alluded to within this book as well when it needed to be brought up. Dorian has changed quite a bit since the first book and I can't wait to see how he ends up in the next after everything in this book!
Recommend?: This was a really good follow up to The Curse Merchant and I'm wondering just what will happen in the next book!
December 28, 2016
Really enjoyed the book. A couple editing issues but the story was so good that I was pulled right back in.
April 21, 2017
This is the second in this series about Dorian Lake, a charming fellow. That is, he produces charms and hexes for his clients thus making a living, sort of. But he has to supplement his income with some rental property and an occasional toe-dip into nether magic--this is not a good magic. As a result of using netherworld curses, Dorian has lost his soul, but is actively trying to get it back again. For a soulless guy, he's pretty nice.
The daughter (Elle) of his friends, Edgar and Wren, is possessed by something, and whatever it is, it does not like Dorian Lake in the least. But the consequence of Elle's possession is killing her and Dorian has to fix it. Since he doesn't possess the particular required skill, he's got to bargain for it from another magic worker. But she wants a certain person who she expects Dorian to deliver to her in exchange for ridding Elle of the demonic presence.
It gets complicated fast with other people after other things requiring Dorian to do some less than ethical swapping around. He ultimately also wants to find and restore his own soul.
No reason to go any further with the plot. You'll just have to read the book. Oh, right. Be sure to read The Curse Merchant (book 1 of the series) to get yourself settled into the urban magic served up by J.P. Sloan.
I really like Sloan's descriptions and use of magic, hexes, spells, curses, and possessions. While I recognize some of the arcane use (what fantasy reader wouldn't?), Sloan is spot on in taking all the magic practices and using them in an updated environment.
Despite the series title, The Dark Choir, the books aren't dark at all. More like fast moving adventure with Dorian Lake running through trying to fix things, and having to get really creative doing it.
The books are hard to describe, but that's a good thing. You won't get your typical wizards and wands, but something quite different. The only thing I can compare them to is Jim Butcher's "The Dresden Files." Just start reading them, okay?
Since I had purchased and reviewed the first book in the series, Curiosity Quills Press, gave me a free copy of this book for an honest review. Okay, I'll confess, they gave me the third one as well. If it was a bribe, then it worked out beautifully for me. I would have bought the books myself anyway.
The daughter (Elle) of his friends, Edgar and Wren, is possessed by something, and whatever it is, it does not like Dorian Lake in the least. But the consequence of Elle's possession is killing her and Dorian has to fix it. Since he doesn't possess the particular required skill, he's got to bargain for it from another magic worker. But she wants a certain person who she expects Dorian to deliver to her in exchange for ridding Elle of the demonic presence.
It gets complicated fast with other people after other things requiring Dorian to do some less than ethical swapping around. He ultimately also wants to find and restore his own soul.
No reason to go any further with the plot. You'll just have to read the book. Oh, right. Be sure to read The Curse Merchant (book 1 of the series) to get yourself settled into the urban magic served up by J.P. Sloan.
I really like Sloan's descriptions and use of magic, hexes, spells, curses, and possessions. While I recognize some of the arcane use (what fantasy reader wouldn't?), Sloan is spot on in taking all the magic practices and using them in an updated environment.
Despite the series title, The Dark Choir, the books aren't dark at all. More like fast moving adventure with Dorian Lake running through trying to fix things, and having to get really creative doing it.
The books are hard to describe, but that's a good thing. You won't get your typical wizards and wands, but something quite different. The only thing I can compare them to is Jim Butcher's "The Dresden Files." Just start reading them, okay?
Since I had purchased and reviewed the first book in the series, Curiosity Quills Press, gave me a free copy of this book for an honest review. Okay, I'll confess, they gave me the third one as well. If it was a bribe, then it worked out beautifully for me. I would have bought the books myself anyway.
April 6, 2017
I jumped straight into book two, because the first one grabbed me and refused to let me go. This series is so refreshing. Wonderful secondary characters, engaging plots, and an over arching theme that keeps you hanging on book after book. The stakes felt higher in this one, as the lives hanging in the balance were innocent, and their plights even more heartbreaking.
The twists and turns caught me completely off guard as Dorian tracks down the one responsible for harming one of the few people he genuinely cares about. Meanwhile, he's trying to find a solution for those depending on him in more ways than one, and as I read about his selfless sacrifice for their benefit, I realized I admired him even more as this under-appreciated hero he has become.
While the minor plot points settle up, the ending leaves the bigger plot open ended, so while I found momentary satisfaction, I couldn't wait to dive straight into book three. ~ George, 5 Stars
The twists and turns caught me completely off guard as Dorian tracks down the one responsible for harming one of the few people he genuinely cares about. Meanwhile, he's trying to find a solution for those depending on him in more ways than one, and as I read about his selfless sacrifice for their benefit, I realized I admired him even more as this under-appreciated hero he has become.
While the minor plot points settle up, the ending leaves the bigger plot open ended, so while I found momentary satisfaction, I couldn't wait to dive straight into book three. ~ George, 5 Stars
May 5, 2018
The second installment of this series picks up where the last one left off, Dorian Lake the main character is in the middle of a cluster F*ck, thinking he fixed everything in the last book he was sorely mistaken. Now he is on the move to save his friends daughters' life from some crazy magic. There's other craziness going on all around him, but as usual Dorian rises to the occasion...But can he save everyone including himself? Read the book to find out, you wont be disappointed!
April 23, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed this story. There is plenty of action, an intriguing story, and characters I wanted to get to know. I wish I had read the first book in this series before reading this one. I think a few things would have made a little more sense. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
April 25, 2018
Thrilling
Things get darker and desperate in this thrilling sequel. I loved how on the edge of my seat I was the whole way through. There were unexpected twists and turns that added to the mystery.
I can’t wait to discover more about this world and the characters as well.
Things get darker and desperate in this thrilling sequel. I loved how on the edge of my seat I was the whole way through. There were unexpected twists and turns that added to the mystery.
I can’t wait to discover more about this world and the characters as well.
March 5, 2015
“The one person standing between Hell…and an innocent girl…is a man without a soul.”
The second book in this series definitely does not disappoint! I was more than happy to read and review THE CURSE SERVANT, the second in the Dorian Lake series…the first of the series had surprisingly stayed in my hand from start until finish, as did this one.
Admittedly, I was invited to review the book by its publisher in exchange for a free e-copy, but I would have been thrilled to review it in any case. I never thought I would enjoy a book from the urban fantasy genre, let alone a series. But I guess you could say I’ve been hexed...
At just a bit over 300 pages, this book is a really easy, quick read. Don’t think for a minute however that each page isn’t full from top to bottom of attention-worthy text. It truly is well worth adding to your library.
In this second novel, Dorian Lake continues his work as a seller of “hexes and charms for select clientele” throughout the Baltimore area. He’s working closely with the incumbent mayor’s campaign manager to see that he is re-elected. Dorian’s job is to protect the mayor’s karma, but in the end he invests much more than a few bits of magic. Dorian’s encounters with McCarthy, a major challenge to Mayor Sullivan’s incumbency, are a welcome added spin to the storyline, as are Dorian’s intertwined interactions with his tenants.
Still jaded by the soul-sacrificing love he experienced in this book’s prequel (The Curse Merchant), Dorian is hesitant to fall for the barista who catches his eye and captures his attention as she serves his coffee each morning. As with any relationship, trust has to be earned, and Francesca, aka Ches, has a very difficult path to follow to gain Dorian’s trust and win his heart.
The hurdles Ches throws up herself along the way really don’t help any. In the end, however, it is agreed that the only way to keep her trustworthy is as a lifelong student…with Dorian as her teacher.
I found myself experiencing very real feelings of relief, happiness, anger, anxiety, sadness and hope while reading THE CURSE SERVANT. I was angry when the servitor would not relinquish Elle…she’s just a little girl! I was sad that Dorian’s soul remained influx, but happy that he was willing to once again sacrifice his very soul to save someone else. I was anxious about Dorian’s relationship with Ches, and hoping in the end that it doesn’t turn into just exactly what is feared it might become.
As I said with his Sloan’s first book of the series, magic and its environment is not easily believable to most. Yet again, Sloan presents this story with characters, settings, and a language that makes every part you read seem as though it was really happening right in that moment in the world around you.
THE CURSE SERVANT is well-written, with a modern appeal to a much broader audience, including a crossover of die-hard fans of the sci-fi fiction and historical fiction genres. Just my second full read of the year, but I still give it 4 ½ stars out of 5.
June 14, 2015
I wish to thank Curiosity Quills Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book via Netgalley.
I loved this book. A refreshingly wonderful new urban fantasy series that breaks the cookie cutter format that’s engulfed this genre in recent years.
This is the second in a series, and I didn’t actually know that when I first began reading it. Quickly caught up on this fact and so went and bought the first book to read it first. Yes, this series is that good. Rather than mooch myself free books I bought it! Well worth it too.
I won’t go into the plotline as that’s what reading the book is all about. Instead I will say this is an excellent follow on from the first book in the series The Curse Merchant and I feel actually improves on the first book, which is why it got a higher score. The first book was a little shaky as if Mr Sloan was still finding his footing in this world of his. By the second book he had it all sorted and this book is a much firmer, confident book. Not that the first book was bad, as it is a great read too, but I found the writing in the second book stronger.
Being the sort of person who gets frustrated if I suss a book’s plotline out too early I really enjoyed the red herrings thrown at you in this book. Especially as, by the time I’d come to my conclusion as to what was going on, I was doubting myself… thanks to said crimson fish! Well done.
It also got my ‘one more chapter’ mantra going into the wee hours, which is always the sign of a highly enjoyable read.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Very big yes. Though will suggest they read The Curse Merchant first, just so you know what it’s all about.
I really look forward to reading the next in this series and have already been suggesting it to people who are looking for a new urban fantasy series to get hook on.
The only downside is, again, the swearing. Not a biggie, but a tad annoying at times. I guess I swear less than I thought I did. I blame my kids. ;-)
Love this book, encourage you to get the first book in the series too. If you like good urban fantasy that doesn’t require sex scenes, love triangles/ romance, sparkly vampires of the usual cookie cutter rubbish to sell it – you will love this series!
I loved this book. A refreshingly wonderful new urban fantasy series that breaks the cookie cutter format that’s engulfed this genre in recent years.
This is the second in a series, and I didn’t actually know that when I first began reading it. Quickly caught up on this fact and so went and bought the first book to read it first. Yes, this series is that good. Rather than mooch myself free books I bought it! Well worth it too.
I won’t go into the plotline as that’s what reading the book is all about. Instead I will say this is an excellent follow on from the first book in the series The Curse Merchant and I feel actually improves on the first book, which is why it got a higher score. The first book was a little shaky as if Mr Sloan was still finding his footing in this world of his. By the second book he had it all sorted and this book is a much firmer, confident book. Not that the first book was bad, as it is a great read too, but I found the writing in the second book stronger.
Being the sort of person who gets frustrated if I suss a book’s plotline out too early I really enjoyed the red herrings thrown at you in this book. Especially as, by the time I’d come to my conclusion as to what was going on, I was doubting myself… thanks to said crimson fish! Well done.
It also got my ‘one more chapter’ mantra going into the wee hours, which is always the sign of a highly enjoyable read.
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Very big yes. Though will suggest they read The Curse Merchant first, just so you know what it’s all about.
I really look forward to reading the next in this series and have already been suggesting it to people who are looking for a new urban fantasy series to get hook on.
The only downside is, again, the swearing. Not a biggie, but a tad annoying at times. I guess I swear less than I thought I did. I blame my kids. ;-)
Love this book, encourage you to get the first book in the series too. If you like good urban fantasy that doesn’t require sex scenes, love triangles/ romance, sparkly vampires of the usual cookie cutter rubbish to sell it – you will love this series!
March 6, 2015
A much, much better book than the series debut ‘The Curse Merchant’ and to be fair that ‘is’ how things are meant to work.
Once again our central character is Dorian Lake a practitioner of hexes and charms, and once again he finds himself falling for a woman he barely knows.
I like Dorian Lake, on the surface he looks like a smart ass, but he has the same preoccupations as the rest of us and he is a big ole fluffy teddy bear at heart. If we were to meet in person we would be firm friends.
In the books opening Dorian has two problems, how does he incorporate the cute coffee shop waitress Ches that he has been flirting with into his unconventional life and, then there is the small problem that he was left with at the close of the first book, his soul on holiday without any baggage, how is he supposed to get it to come home?
I thought he was certainly very chipper for a guy without a soul, yep, he can see and sense the dark forces around him straining and eager to rip him apart but all of his angst was internal. Although his friends and significant others, Edgar, Wren, Julian and Ben know about his souls holiday apartment let, he doesn’t really let them in on his fears.
When something attaches itself to three females in succession two of whom are extremely close to him he has to wonder if his time is up. When the entity starts to kill his best friend’s daughter it is a race against time to save her life.
There were instances where I arrived at the scene way before the narrative or the protagonist, but I don’t see that as a weakness but a strength. Better to have a story that allows your imagination to cast off in wild tangents than one that bores you stupid leaving you with no desire to find out what happens next.
When Dorian does manage to connect the dots he deals with it with remarkable integrity, putting his adopted ‘family’ above all else, who wouldn’t want to be firm friends with a guy like that.
An extremely strong central character and a couple of clear future goals I can only see this series going from strength to strength.
Long may it continue.
Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Urthwild
Once again our central character is Dorian Lake a practitioner of hexes and charms, and once again he finds himself falling for a woman he barely knows.
I like Dorian Lake, on the surface he looks like a smart ass, but he has the same preoccupations as the rest of us and he is a big ole fluffy teddy bear at heart. If we were to meet in person we would be firm friends.
In the books opening Dorian has two problems, how does he incorporate the cute coffee shop waitress Ches that he has been flirting with into his unconventional life and, then there is the small problem that he was left with at the close of the first book, his soul on holiday without any baggage, how is he supposed to get it to come home?
I thought he was certainly very chipper for a guy without a soul, yep, he can see and sense the dark forces around him straining and eager to rip him apart but all of his angst was internal. Although his friends and significant others, Edgar, Wren, Julian and Ben know about his souls holiday apartment let, he doesn’t really let them in on his fears.
When something attaches itself to three females in succession two of whom are extremely close to him he has to wonder if his time is up. When the entity starts to kill his best friend’s daughter it is a race against time to save her life.
There were instances where I arrived at the scene way before the narrative or the protagonist, but I don’t see that as a weakness but a strength. Better to have a story that allows your imagination to cast off in wild tangents than one that bores you stupid leaving you with no desire to find out what happens next.
When Dorian does manage to connect the dots he deals with it with remarkable integrity, putting his adopted ‘family’ above all else, who wouldn’t want to be firm friends with a guy like that.
An extremely strong central character and a couple of clear future goals I can only see this series going from strength to strength.
Long may it continue.
Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Urthwild
March 23, 2015
Dorian Lake, a practitioner of Hermetic Arts, makes his living two ways...He's the owner of several rental properties and he works alongside a campaign manager providing charms and/or hexes to help the good guy politician come out on top.
Everything seems to go along swimmingly, including his morning chats with the coffee waitress, Ches, until he notices a shadowy figure stalking him. Someone like you or I might not pay much heed to the shadows but Dorian is missing something that might keep him safe...his soul.
Things in Dorian's life begin to take a turn for absolute worse as one psychotic episode turns into three separate possessions, the last one landing inside close family friend Elle, a twelve year old girl. The campaign hits the rocks and his tenants are looking at losing their homes...
Concerned that his mortal is life fading, Dorian continues the search for his soul while fighting against the tides to save Elle, the campaign and the "heart" of the city.
The Curse Servant was a thrill ride that had me turning both the pages of the book and the pages of the internet (for a quick search on the hermetic arts). Dorian is an excellent character with tons of brass and wit, whose softer side is revealed when loved ones are threatened. Each character Dorian meets is just as interesting as the one before and as the story unfolds the pieces fit together in a very surprising way.
I read this book as a stand alone and it works very well that way. BUT there is a book prior to this in which you can learn how Dorian lost his soul. I highly recommend adding both to your to-read list!
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Merchant-...
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Servant-D...
Everything seems to go along swimmingly, including his morning chats with the coffee waitress, Ches, until he notices a shadowy figure stalking him. Someone like you or I might not pay much heed to the shadows but Dorian is missing something that might keep him safe...his soul.
Things in Dorian's life begin to take a turn for absolute worse as one psychotic episode turns into three separate possessions, the last one landing inside close family friend Elle, a twelve year old girl. The campaign hits the rocks and his tenants are looking at losing their homes...
Concerned that his mortal is life fading, Dorian continues the search for his soul while fighting against the tides to save Elle, the campaign and the "heart" of the city.
The Curse Servant was a thrill ride that had me turning both the pages of the book and the pages of the internet (for a quick search on the hermetic arts). Dorian is an excellent character with tons of brass and wit, whose softer side is revealed when loved ones are threatened. Each character Dorian meets is just as interesting as the one before and as the story unfolds the pieces fit together in a very surprising way.
I read this book as a stand alone and it works very well that way. BUT there is a book prior to this in which you can learn how Dorian lost his soul. I highly recommend adding both to your to-read list!
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Merchant-...
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Servant-D...
March 4, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the first book in this series, I was happy to have the opportunity to read the second. I did still find a lot of similarities with the series of the Dresden Files, but I still found this book a really easy, quick read.
Dorian was an interesting character and it was good to know more about him and the work he was doing. This book and the previous one did almost make me feel like I was being put into the storyline partway through. I think it would have been good to know how Dorian met the people he knew that were family friends, like Edgar and Wren.
It was interesting to see Dorian’s relationship with Elle and Eddie and there were a couple of things that made me smile when Elle was interacting with Ces.
I also liked that Dorian was trying to do the right thing, even when it was difficult. He was very similar to Harry Dresden, but still a likable hero. And I could believe in him and get behind him as a character.
The minor characters in the book were interesting and I liked seeing the play of politics in this book, both human and supernatural. I would have also liked to see more of the karmic power in the hexes.
I did start feeling really sorry for Elle during the course of the book and I liked the protective nature of her parents. I did think that one of the last things in the book came across as a bit too much for ‘convenience sake’.
This book was entertaining and easy to read. It would be good to read more books in this series and see where Dorian goes next.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the first book in this series, I was happy to have the opportunity to read the second. I did still find a lot of similarities with the series of the Dresden Files, but I still found this book a really easy, quick read.
Dorian was an interesting character and it was good to know more about him and the work he was doing. This book and the previous one did almost make me feel like I was being put into the storyline partway through. I think it would have been good to know how Dorian met the people he knew that were family friends, like Edgar and Wren.
It was interesting to see Dorian’s relationship with Elle and Eddie and there were a couple of things that made me smile when Elle was interacting with Ces.
I also liked that Dorian was trying to do the right thing, even when it was difficult. He was very similar to Harry Dresden, but still a likable hero. And I could believe in him and get behind him as a character.
The minor characters in the book were interesting and I liked seeing the play of politics in this book, both human and supernatural. I would have also liked to see more of the karmic power in the hexes.
I did start feeling really sorry for Elle during the course of the book and I liked the protective nature of her parents. I did think that one of the last things in the book came across as a bit too much for ‘convenience sake’.
This book was entertaining and easy to read. It would be good to read more books in this series and see where Dorian goes next.
October 2, 2015
Critical rating: 6/7 but only because I very rarely give 7/7
TLDR: This is an amazing, compact story that is really just fantastic.
After the cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I wanted to reserve my judgement and praise until I had read more. And the second story is just as well-written as the first. The narrative and plot is engaging and well-paced, the characters are very real, and don't get me started on how real his world feels.
The magic brings in so many elements of Wiccan herbalism and Eastern energy that I wonder about the spiritual leanings of the author. He's either had first-hand experience with these traditions or he's done extensive research (maybe both).
Even the Christian pastor and priest are treated with dignity despite not being Dorian's cup of tea. Either of these characters could have become a demi-antagonist or superficial foil to the main characters but neither were! And their beliefs on the matter were treated with dignity (and apparently the same amount of research) as other less-traditional religions as well!
Mr. Sloan, I could kiss you for that alone!
I recommend this book, and all others in this series, to anyone interested in fantasy in general let alone magical realism.
TLDR: This is an amazing, compact story that is really just fantastic.
After the cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I wanted to reserve my judgement and praise until I had read more. And the second story is just as well-written as the first. The narrative and plot is engaging and well-paced, the characters are very real, and don't get me started on how real his world feels.
The magic brings in so many elements of Wiccan herbalism and Eastern energy that I wonder about the spiritual leanings of the author. He's either had first-hand experience with these traditions or he's done extensive research (maybe both).
Even the Christian pastor and priest are treated with dignity despite not being Dorian's cup of tea. Either of these characters could have become a demi-antagonist or superficial foil to the main characters but neither were! And their beliefs on the matter were treated with dignity (and apparently the same amount of research) as other less-traditional religions as well!
Mr. Sloan, I could kiss you for that alone!
I recommend this book, and all others in this series, to anyone interested in fantasy in general let alone magical realism.
July 6, 2015
Dorian Lake is back in the sophomore installment of the Curse series. He still is looking for a way to reinstate his soul, but in the meantime, he still has bills to pay, hexes to make, a candidate to help win, and a land developer to defeat. When he finds out of a Netherworker who might help him reclaim his soul, he is optimistic until all she wants in return is a curse. Can he really do it? What is going on with the recent rash of demon possessions? Or is that what it really is? Dorian Lake is more than up to all his tasks…except maybe for the girl trouble.
I haven’t been as excited for a new series since the Dresden Files as I have with this series. A friend’s review led me to the first one, The Curse Merchant, and I read it in one setting. Her second review clued me in to the fact that the second one was out and I was really excited to see the series continued. Again, I read it in one setting. Mr. Sloan’s books have it all: nice world-building, characters that are fully fleshed out, wonderful plots, and great writing. There is humor, battle scenes, character development. Everything. Please, please get this book and the first one. Love it!
Copy provided by netgalley.
I haven’t been as excited for a new series since the Dresden Files as I have with this series. A friend’s review led me to the first one, The Curse Merchant, and I read it in one setting. Her second review clued me in to the fact that the second one was out and I was really excited to see the series continued. Again, I read it in one setting. Mr. Sloan’s books have it all: nice world-building, characters that are fully fleshed out, wonderful plots, and great writing. There is humor, battle scenes, character development. Everything. Please, please get this book and the first one. Love it!
Copy provided by netgalley.
March 4, 2015
Please click this to see my review for book 2 in this series and to check out my Book Blog!
You definitely need to read both books in the series at least I feel that you need to read both books. After finishing the first book I immediately started the second one because I loved the main character Dorian. The world that the author created is original, believable, and captivating. I like the storyline of the second book better than the first cause it was much more enjoyable and much more adventurous. This is a must read series for those who love paranormal, mystery, and simply just a really well written book. The characters are realistic and relatable. The plot twists and arcs will keep your interests peeked! I recommend this series to everyone, go out and get your copies today!
You definitely need to read both books in the series at least I feel that you need to read both books. After finishing the first book I immediately started the second one because I loved the main character Dorian. The world that the author created is original, believable, and captivating. I like the storyline of the second book better than the first cause it was much more enjoyable and much more adventurous. This is a must read series for those who love paranormal, mystery, and simply just a really well written book. The characters are realistic and relatable. The plot twists and arcs will keep your interests peeked! I recommend this series to everyone, go out and get your copies today!
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