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The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #6
The Necromancer's War
SJ Himes writing as Sheena Jolie brings the newest adventure in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series . . .
Angel Salvatore has been through one supernatural war, and it nearly took everything from him.
Over a decade later, the High Council of Sorcery is coming for Angel and all he holds dear—his found family and friends, and the city he calls home. His beloved mate Simeon at his side, Angel confronts ghosts from his family's past, and a reawakening of memories of the worst day of his life. Nothing and no one is safe as the High Council moves against Angel and his loved ones. New allies and old friends join Angel on his side of the brewing conflict, all preparing for the battles to come, while a new enemy comes to Boston, bringing ancient magic and monsters in his wake.
The rising potential of an international war is brewing in Boston, and the infamous necromancer of Beacon Hill will need all his allies, skills, and lessons learned to keep his mate, family, and his future safe.
Angel Salvatore has been through one supernatural war, and it nearly took everything from him.
Over a decade later, the High Council of Sorcery is coming for Angel and all he holds dear—his found family and friends, and the city he calls home. His beloved mate Simeon at his side, Angel confronts ghosts from his family's past, and a reawakening of memories of the worst day of his life. Nothing and no one is safe as the High Council moves against Angel and his loved ones. New allies and old friends join Angel on his side of the brewing conflict, all preparing for the battles to come, while a new enemy comes to Boston, bringing ancient magic and monsters in his wake.
The rising potential of an international war is brewing in Boston, and the infamous necromancer of Beacon Hill will need all his allies, skills, and lessons learned to keep his mate, family, and his future safe.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 6, 2024
149 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Sheena Jolie
14 books293 followersSheena Jolie is the new name for bestselling author SJ Himes. New name, same great books.
Sheena lives in MidCoast Maine with their two cats, Wolf and Silfur, close enough to the ocean to see seagulls harassing tourists. When not writing, Sheena is junk journaling, painting, reading, or cooking.
Sheena writes urban and epic fantasy romance, and all their MCs are queer, and that's on purpose. Most of their works are under SJ Himes, but over the course of 2022, they'll be moved to Sheena Jolie.
Twitter: @WriterSJHimes
Tiktok: @sjhimes
Instagram: @authorsjhimes
Sheena lives in MidCoast Maine with their two cats, Wolf and Silfur, close enough to the ocean to see seagulls harassing tourists. When not writing, Sheena is junk journaling, painting, reading, or cooking.
Sheena writes urban and epic fantasy romance, and all their MCs are queer, and that's on purpose. Most of their works are under SJ Himes, but over the course of 2022, they'll be moved to Sheena Jolie.
Twitter: @WriterSJHimes
Tiktok: @sjhimes
Instagram: @authorsjhimes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 9, 2024
Decent enough continuation of this 'verse and story, but things are starting to feel a little overcrowded. While this is primarily Angel & Simeon's story, all of the other characters are very prominent and feature heavily, many getting their own POV sections throughout in a way that ended up feeling a little clunky. The plot here really needed a heavy edit to tighten things up, as the pacing was all over the place--the whole thing felt a little self-indulgent. I'll probably keep reading, but the story is losing steam for me.
March 1, 2025
Ugh...this is why I should write a review immediately after reading because I forget everything! I will say I remember thinking that this just seemed more of a filler book. Stuff happens to move the overall plot along, but there was quite a bit of recalling of past events when I was aching for something new. I still enjoyed it because duh! Simeon and Angel and, of course, Eroch, but it didn't feel like a lot happened. I loved getting to see some other characters but the multiple POV changes aren't necessarily my favorite.
I'm still a huge fan of the series, though, and would read 100 more books if it lasted that long. I love Jolie's writing overall and love the characters they've created. I cannot WAIT for Cian's book. I love me a villain finding love and redemption.
I'm still a huge fan of the series, though, and would read 100 more books if it lasted that long. I love Jolie's writing overall and love the characters they've created. I cannot WAIT for Cian's book. I love me a villain finding love and redemption.
June 7, 2024
I was looking forward to the continuation of this series for a couple of years and loved getting back to the Necromancer of Boston world. Lots of things are in play, and Angel and his family are in the midst of it all. The book is not a stand-alone. You need to read and at least like the previous books in the series.
The book has an assembled cast and multiple POVs. In addition to the familiar characters, there are some new faces. While some are a great addition (Ignacio, Ashwin, Leo, Remy, and Celyn), others (werewolves) felt like a distraction.
Cain's POV was an absolute highlight of this book - he has an interesting personality and distinctive voice. Plus, everything related to the sidhe mound is fascinating. I loved how he took care of Eroch, who is always a delight. Cain's book can't be here soon enough.
The book has an assembled cast and multiple POVs. In addition to the familiar characters, there are some new faces. While some are a great addition (Ignacio, Ashwin, Leo, Remy, and Celyn), others (werewolves) felt like a distraction.
Cain's POV was an absolute highlight of this book - he has an interesting personality and distinctive voice. Plus, everything related to the sidhe mound is fascinating. I loved how he took care of Eroch, who is always a delight. Cain's book can't be here soon enough.
June 29, 2024
⭐︎
3.5 stars rounded up
⭐︎
So...I didn't love this as much as I wanted to - was hoping to.
I rounded up instead of down, honestly, because I still love this series overall and I still enjoy all our cast of characters, this family that has formed in this world.
But this book suffered, in my opinion, for focusing so much on the other characters on top of Angel and Simeon.
This is supposed to be their book. But where was the focus on them? Aside from like...3 (fairly brief) sex scenes and some talking surrounding them, these two never really got a focus on them.
Like yes, I love the other characters, our other couples, but this was supposed to be Angel and Simeon focused, no?
But instead it was basically an ensemble book with a slight lean in Angel and Simeon's direction...sometimes.
Like? Why?
And when it focused on other characters it was mostly just plot happening and we could have gotten that in Angel and Simeon's POV - seriously, sometimes the POV change was with Angel and Simeon there or near there. And if they weren't around, it's not like what was going on was all that important to the plot, to be honest.
Like as much as I love and enjoy these other characters...I didn't need or want their POV. I was expecting a heavy Angel and Simeon focus amongst this war starting.
Which, is interesting enough. But I expected a more 50/50 balance. I wanted a more 50/50 balance. Instead it was more like 80 percent plot, 20 percent relationships (and like 10 percent Angel and Simeon's relationship).
It was too much plot, not enough relationship focus.
Although another reason for my round up is because the climax did deliver on excitement. The plot was as exciting as the relationship and I was so invested in it.
But otherwise it's like...oh my god, why are we focusing on these characters or those characters, why has this become an ensemble book and not a return to our OG couple? And yes, Angel and Simeon had small moments here and there outside of the brief scenes of focus on them, but that's all they were - moments.
It just felt like this author had so much plot, but didn't know much of what to do with Angel and Simeon as a couple, so they just had very few moments between the moments of plot, plot, plot. And like...if that's the case, don't make them the focus again? Like as much as I love these two, it's pretty clear the author couldn't think of enough for them as a couple to be the focus again, and so have so many other POV's on top of theirs, and so much focus on the plot. Like there's been other POV's here and there in past books in this series, but never to this degree. It was too much.
Like there were good bonding moments between this family, or between a couple, or between Angel and Simeon, and then it got interrupted by the High Council shit and I just didn't care. Like why are you cutting off this fun stuff for more annoying, and kinda boring High Council stuff? Like oh no, they're trying to capture and/or kill someone, what a surprise 🙄. The only time the High Council plot was interesting was the climax when the real shit, the coming war, actually moved forward and got started.
So...yeah. A little bit disappointing, this installment. I expected Angel and Simeon focus - at least 50% - and got barely anything. And then just too much plot in general with too much focus on all the other characters.
I do like Cian and the ending has got me quite intrigued for his book - and will he turn out to be demisexual or grayasexual or still not all that interested in sex but not minding of it? - so I'm excited for that, for sure.
But as it is, this installment could have been done quite a bit differently. Even if it just kept the main focus on Angel and Simeon but most of the plot the same, I was have given it a much higher rating. Or this could have just been Cian's book, to be honest.
Nothing happened in Angel and Simeon's relationship aside from them being happy and together - which, I am of course happy about, but still - so was any focus on them all that needed? I don't know about that.
Still, this is Angel and Simeon and I'm gonna enjoy whatever I get of them. And I still love all these characters, so while at times the POV switch made this slower reading than I would have liked, I also didn't hate it as I would have if I didn't know and love these characters.
So it gets points just for that alone. This established world, characters, romances, worked in this books favor. Otherwise, it...honestly would have gotten an even lower rating from me. Maybe 2.5 or 3 stars, even. The established relationships, characters and plot helped save this book from any dislike of it.
But still, it was slow enough with all the POV changes and too much plot, and not enough focus on Angel and Simeon, for me to give this 3.5 stars overall.
I hope this picks back up with Cian's book next, and that I can give it a higher rating. I'm excited and hopeful for that.
So until the next one...
My Ratings for The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series:
🔆 The Necromancer's Dance: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Dilemma: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Reckoning: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A History of Trouble: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Mastering the Flames: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Love Springs Eternal: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Blood Omen: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's War: 3.5 stars
🔆 The Edge of Fate: TBR
So...I didn't love this as much as I wanted to - was hoping to.
I rounded up instead of down, honestly, because I still love this series overall and I still enjoy all our cast of characters, this family that has formed in this world.
But this book suffered, in my opinion, for focusing so much on the other characters on top of Angel and Simeon.
This is supposed to be their book. But where was the focus on them? Aside from like...3 (fairly brief) sex scenes and some talking surrounding them, these two never really got a focus on them.
Like yes, I love the other characters, our other couples, but this was supposed to be Angel and Simeon focused, no?
But instead it was basically an ensemble book with a slight lean in Angel and Simeon's direction...sometimes.
Like? Why?
And when it focused on other characters it was mostly just plot happening and we could have gotten that in Angel and Simeon's POV - seriously, sometimes the POV change was with Angel and Simeon there or near there. And if they weren't around, it's not like what was going on was all that important to the plot, to be honest.
Like as much as I love and enjoy these other characters...I didn't need or want their POV. I was expecting a heavy Angel and Simeon focus amongst this war starting.
Which, is interesting enough. But I expected a more 50/50 balance. I wanted a more 50/50 balance. Instead it was more like 80 percent plot, 20 percent relationships (and like 10 percent Angel and Simeon's relationship).
It was too much plot, not enough relationship focus.
Although another reason for my round up is because the climax did deliver on excitement. The plot was as exciting as the relationship and I was so invested in it.
But otherwise it's like...oh my god, why are we focusing on these characters or those characters, why has this become an ensemble book and not a return to our OG couple? And yes, Angel and Simeon had small moments here and there outside of the brief scenes of focus on them, but that's all they were - moments.
It just felt like this author had so much plot, but didn't know much of what to do with Angel and Simeon as a couple, so they just had very few moments between the moments of plot, plot, plot. And like...if that's the case, don't make them the focus again? Like as much as I love these two, it's pretty clear the author couldn't think of enough for them as a couple to be the focus again, and so have so many other POV's on top of theirs, and so much focus on the plot. Like there's been other POV's here and there in past books in this series, but never to this degree. It was too much.
Like there were good bonding moments between this family, or between a couple, or between Angel and Simeon, and then it got interrupted by the High Council shit and I just didn't care. Like why are you cutting off this fun stuff for more annoying, and kinda boring High Council stuff? Like oh no, they're trying to capture and/or kill someone, what a surprise 🙄. The only time the High Council plot was interesting was the climax when the real shit, the coming war, actually moved forward and got started.
So...yeah. A little bit disappointing, this installment. I expected Angel and Simeon focus - at least 50% - and got barely anything. And then just too much plot in general with too much focus on all the other characters.
I do like Cian and the ending has got me quite intrigued for his book - and will he turn out to be demisexual or grayasexual or still not all that interested in sex but not minding of it? - so I'm excited for that, for sure.
But as it is, this installment could have been done quite a bit differently. Even if it just kept the main focus on Angel and Simeon but most of the plot the same, I was have given it a much higher rating. Or this could have just been Cian's book, to be honest.
Nothing happened in Angel and Simeon's relationship aside from them being happy and together - which, I am of course happy about, but still - so was any focus on them all that needed? I don't know about that.
Still, this is Angel and Simeon and I'm gonna enjoy whatever I get of them. And I still love all these characters, so while at times the POV switch made this slower reading than I would have liked, I also didn't hate it as I would have if I didn't know and love these characters.
So it gets points just for that alone. This established world, characters, romances, worked in this books favor. Otherwise, it...honestly would have gotten an even lower rating from me. Maybe 2.5 or 3 stars, even. The established relationships, characters and plot helped save this book from any dislike of it.
But still, it was slow enough with all the POV changes and too much plot, and not enough focus on Angel and Simeon, for me to give this 3.5 stars overall.
I hope this picks back up with Cian's book next, and that I can give it a higher rating. I'm excited and hopeful for that.
So until the next one...
My Ratings for The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series:
🔆 The Necromancer's Dance: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Dilemma: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Reckoning: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A History of Trouble: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Mastering the Flames: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Love Springs Eternal: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Blood Omen: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's War: 3.5 stars
🔆 The Edge of Fate: TBR
July 26, 2024
What a ride! I loved the multiple POVs, and was glad it has a satisfying explanation as to where the heck Ignacio has been. Now we'll just have to impatiently wait for the next book (where we'll hopefully get Cian's HEA 🥰 and see Angel finally finish off those evil High Council buggers!!! 💀)
June 9, 2024
This book was so frustrating. The last book ended with a huge cliffhanger and I was so excited to have that mystery solved. It wasn't explained until 60% of the way through the book, and even then, minimal details were provided and it was FLIMSY. Instead, we spent most of the book watching vampires cook and mooning over sappy mate interactions.
This book is told from the point of view of eleven characters: Angel, Simeon, Eroch, Constantine, Isaac, Damien, Cian, Rael, Ignacio, Celyn, and Ashwin. It's too many and completely unnecessary, except that the author uses it as a way to share the thoughts of all of these characters, rather than crafting a story that shows us the characters' motivations.
Another gripe about this book is the title. The "war" doesn't get started until 87% of the way through the book. This felt more like high school kids playing pranks on each other than any kind of war. Plus, the chracters do not take any defensive actions against the Council, they hide behind their wards and act surprised when the Council forces their way in.
Seriously, Angel already went viral in an earlier book. Record the Council murdering people and put that shit on the internet so that the rest of the world knows what is going on. Or maybe set a few booby traps outside of the wards. Angel thinks he was raised to be a warrior but his strategic thinking is juvenile - he continually reacts to actions by the Council without making any moves himself.
Every single time that Milly appears on page, her entire outfit is described. Other characters do not get this treatment and it seems like the author is desparate to describe women's fashion using the ONLY female side character.
Almost everything about this book felt off - the pacing, the cast of characters, the plot. The one amazing thing about this book is the character growth in Eroch. He's fucking adorable and I love how brave and strong he is. But he's the only character growing in strength and maturity!
This book is told from the point of view of eleven characters: Angel, Simeon, Eroch, Constantine, Isaac, Damien, Cian, Rael, Ignacio, Celyn, and Ashwin. It's too many and completely unnecessary, except that the author uses it as a way to share the thoughts of all of these characters, rather than crafting a story that shows us the characters' motivations.
Another gripe about this book is the title. The "war" doesn't get started until 87% of the way through the book. This felt more like high school kids playing pranks on each other than any kind of war. Plus, the chracters do not take any defensive actions against the Council, they hide behind their wards and act surprised when the Council forces their way in.
Seriously, Angel already went viral in an earlier book. Record the Council murdering people and put that shit on the internet so that the rest of the world knows what is going on. Or maybe set a few booby traps outside of the wards. Angel thinks he was raised to be a warrior but his strategic thinking is juvenile - he continually reacts to actions by the Council without making any moves himself.
Every single time that Milly appears on page, her entire outfit is described. Other characters do not get this treatment and it seems like the author is desparate to describe women's fashion using the ONLY female side character.
Almost everything about this book felt off - the pacing, the cast of characters, the plot. The one amazing thing about this book is the character growth in Eroch. He's fucking adorable and I love how brave and strong he is. But he's the only character growing in strength and maturity!
May 9, 2025
I love this series! The tension is ratcheting up as the High Council of Sorcery has shown up in Boston and is trying to throw their weight around. They're willing to do anything to get what they want and it puts them in direct conflict with Angel and his friends. They're clearly terrified of the power that Angel could wield if he chose to. But the last thing Angel is going to do is back down. He protects those he cares about and is not without resources.
The group of people Angel has pulled around him now are just all awesome. I love seeing them all interact with each other. This story has Angel and his brother having to face a lot of the trauma of their past while also having to keep moving forward. Their men are their to support them and having family show up they thought long dead only serve to bring a lot of it to a head.
The battle has been joined and the war is about to be waged and I'm here for it!
The group of people Angel has pulled around him now are just all awesome. I love seeing them all interact with each other. This story has Angel and his brother having to face a lot of the trauma of their past while also having to keep moving forward. Their men are their to support them and having family show up they thought long dead only serve to bring a lot of it to a head.
The battle has been joined and the war is about to be waged and I'm here for it!
May 28, 2024
This is not a standalone book as there is far too much following on from previous books. Lots of threads from different books in the series are starting to come together here and I am absolutely here for it! I loved seeing all the characters from previous books come together as well as Angel finally being able to process some things from his past.
This is a fantastic addition to the series! It begins right after book 5 finishes, with the end of book 6 slotting neatly into place shortly thereafter. This series is incredibly well plotted for story and timeline and this book shows that off wonderfully. There is plenty happening, and as usual Angel and Simeon barely get time for a breather before the next thing hits them. It’s hard to review this book without raving about it as I want to because then there would be spoilers galore. So I’m going to leave it at - this book rocks! Go read it!
This is a fantastic addition to the series! It begins right after book 5 finishes, with the end of book 6 slotting neatly into place shortly thereafter. This series is incredibly well plotted for story and timeline and this book shows that off wonderfully. There is plenty happening, and as usual Angel and Simeon barely get time for a breather before the next thing hits them. It’s hard to review this book without raving about it as I want to because then there would be spoilers galore. So I’m going to leave it at - this book rocks! Go read it!
June 6, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Necromancer’s War is the 7th book in Sheena Jolie’s amazing Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. This series features a growing found family and a connected storyline and readers will want to be familiar with past books to get maximum enjoyment here. We also got a big reveal at the end of book 6, Love Springs Eternal, and this book and my review will spoil that reveal. I can’t recommend this series highly enough, so I suggest starting at the beginning if you are interested in these fantastic books.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Necromancer’s War is the 7th book in Sheena Jolie’s amazing Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. This series features a growing found family and a connected storyline and readers will want to be familiar with past books to get maximum enjoyment here. We also got a big reveal at the end of book 6, Love Springs Eternal, and this book and my review will spoil that reveal. I can’t recommend this series highly enough, so I suggest starting at the beginning if you are interested in these fantastic books.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 8, 2025
I love this set of characters so much a d even if this was supposed to be Angel and Simeon's book, I loved having chapters from other characters POV. Especially chapters from Cian's pov. He intrigues me so much and I can't wait for his book
I'm really curious and furious about the villain, but I really want them gone asap, I want the characters to be happy, to go on vacation, to have family time without the bad people interrupting every single time!!
I'm really curious and furious about the villain, but I really want them gone asap, I want the characters to be happy, to go on vacation, to have family time without the bad people interrupting every single time!!
July 21, 2024
3.5 stars
I am happy to be back in the world of The Beacon Hill sorcerer series but the cast have because way too big for my taste, there are just too many characters involve and some of them are mostly in the background. Love the new bound between Eroch the dragon and Cian.
Full review to come
I am happy to be back in the world of The Beacon Hill sorcerer series but the cast have because way too big for my taste, there are just too many characters involve and some of them are mostly in the background. Love the new bound between Eroch the dragon and Cian.
Full review to come
August 28, 2024
4.5 stars
June 16, 2025
I loved this series when I started, and rated the first three books five stars. Angel's growth and storyline was fascinating and he was such an interesting character. He and Simeon were made for each other. Unfortunately, the quality of the writing started getting worse after the third book and The Necromancer's War has been the worst so far. Did the editor go on vacation?
I was looking forward to the conclusion or at least major developments in Angel's fight against the council. I thought this book would be 70% adventure plot and 30% character driven. Instead, we got 80% of fillers, 15% giggling and making out between various couples, and 5% action adventure that's relevant to the plot.
It was tiring how every single secondary character had to have an immortal sweeping love story that were basically pale carbon copies of Angel and Simeon's relationship and bond. It felt so unnecessary. The necromancer that the series was named after was increasingly sidelined by subplots about other characters and about a dozen POVs.
Angel was still mostly badass, which was a relief, but the sexual moments during inappropriate times were just strange. There was a very emotional part where he had to face the deaths of immediate family members for the first time after more than a decade. He was almost catatonic with grief, which was absolutely understandable. And Simeon's solution to make him feel better was sex? Whatever happened to emotional support? Love is not all about sex. A lot of sex is great, but there are moments when people have other needs. But the author is determined to make us believe that Angel and Simeon walk around with permanent mindless hard-ons when their relationship is supposed to be a lot more than that. It's like the author was determined to make Angel one dimensional, when the first three books were all about him being a complex well-rounded character. The funny part is that Angel and Simeon are still the most sensible couple in the whole series.
There was a part where Cian glamored himself to be invisible because he didn't want to deal with the other characters chattering and giggling about their mates while preparing for a picnic when they were supposed to be preparing for imminent battle. I sympathized with Cian so much at thay moment. The author turned the dynamic of the other characters into a high school romcom. Like we're supposed to believe thay these ancient beings and powerful mages would behave and interact like teenagers in a Sweet Valley High book. If I drank a shot every time someone mentioned "mate" and giggled, I would have died of alcohol poisoning.
It was also unnecessarily distracting when the author attempted to use human constructs of gender identity and sexuality and apply them to 200,000 year old beings who are not even human. The sex ed parts of the book felt forced. I'm liberal as can be but this is supposed to be an urban romantasy, not a classroom. It was laughable when the author put a label on Cian. The most ancient non-human character (along with Rory) who has always done whatever he wanted in hundreds of thousands of years was supposed to give a shit about human labels.
God, I have so many complaints. Lol. It was just so disappointing. I should have stopped at book 3.
Cian is probably my favorite character after Angel but I won't be reading the next books. I have a feeling that it would be even more atrocious than this one, and I would rather think of Cian the way he has been so far.
I was looking forward to the conclusion or at least major developments in Angel's fight against the council. I thought this book would be 70% adventure plot and 30% character driven. Instead, we got 80% of fillers, 15% giggling and making out between various couples, and 5% action adventure that's relevant to the plot.
It was tiring how every single secondary character had to have an immortal sweeping love story that were basically pale carbon copies of Angel and Simeon's relationship and bond. It felt so unnecessary. The necromancer that the series was named after was increasingly sidelined by subplots about other characters and about a dozen POVs.
Angel was still mostly badass, which was a relief, but the sexual moments during inappropriate times were just strange. There was a very emotional part where he had to face the deaths of immediate family members for the first time after more than a decade. He was almost catatonic with grief, which was absolutely understandable. And Simeon's solution to make him feel better was sex? Whatever happened to emotional support? Love is not all about sex. A lot of sex is great, but there are moments when people have other needs. But the author is determined to make us believe that Angel and Simeon walk around with permanent mindless hard-ons when their relationship is supposed to be a lot more than that. It's like the author was determined to make Angel one dimensional, when the first three books were all about him being a complex well-rounded character. The funny part is that Angel and Simeon are still the most sensible couple in the whole series.
There was a part where Cian glamored himself to be invisible because he didn't want to deal with the other characters chattering and giggling about their mates while preparing for a picnic when they were supposed to be preparing for imminent battle. I sympathized with Cian so much at thay moment. The author turned the dynamic of the other characters into a high school romcom. Like we're supposed to believe thay these ancient beings and powerful mages would behave and interact like teenagers in a Sweet Valley High book. If I drank a shot every time someone mentioned "mate" and giggled, I would have died of alcohol poisoning.
It was also unnecessarily distracting when the author attempted to use human constructs of gender identity and sexuality and apply them to 200,000 year old beings who are not even human. The sex ed parts of the book felt forced. I'm liberal as can be but this is supposed to be an urban romantasy, not a classroom. It was laughable when the author put a label on Cian. The most ancient non-human character (along with Rory) who has always done whatever he wanted in hundreds of thousands of years was supposed to give a shit about human labels.
God, I have so many complaints. Lol. It was just so disappointing. I should have stopped at book 3.
Cian is probably my favorite character after Angel but I won't be reading the next books. I have a feeling that it would be even more atrocious than this one, and I would rather think of Cian the way he has been so far.
June 10, 2024
Amazing
I absolutely loved this story. I loved everything about it. I enjoyed the writing style. I enjoyed how the chapters were broken up, and told from each person s POV. Eroch cracked me up, as well as Cian. Angel's snark is legendary, and Simeon's patience and love knows no bounds. Gah! They are so freaking cute together!
I absolutely loved this story. I loved everything about it. I enjoyed the writing style. I enjoyed how the chapters were broken up, and told from each person s POV. Eroch cracked me up, as well as Cian. Angel's snark is legendary, and Simeon's patience and love knows no bounds. Gah! They are so freaking cute together!
June 17, 2024
Worth the wait
I’ve reread the earlier books so much that this is probably one of my top 5 favourite series of all time and each book just kept building on the overall story that just kept me interested and intrigued and wanting more.
This instalment was definitely worth the wait. It gave answers that had been burning for a while and it didn’t disappoint! (I’m trying not to give spoilers here so forgive me for being vague). I loved the explanation - it was acceptable and logical and fit in with the story. I really didn’t know where the author was going with it and often times big secrets tended to turn into a flop. I’m happy to report that this one didn’t!
I can’t believe the next (and final?) instalment will be next year *wails*
I’ve reread the earlier books so much that this is probably one of my top 5 favourite series of all time and each book just kept building on the overall story that just kept me interested and intrigued and wanting more.
This instalment was definitely worth the wait. It gave answers that had been burning for a while and it didn’t disappoint! (I’m trying not to give spoilers here so forgive me for being vague). I loved the explanation - it was acceptable and logical and fit in with the story. I really didn’t know where the author was going with it and often times big secrets tended to turn into a flop. I’m happy to report that this one didn’t!
I can’t believe the next (and final?) instalment will be next year *wails*
June 28, 2024
I could, in fact, write a whole ass essay about everything that is wrong with this book, but the sheer amount of joy and excitement I have about some of these characters is canceling out everything else.
October 13, 2025
Ok I’m done with this series. The books are getting far too long for their diminishing content.
+ we get far too many repeats for my liking. I had to refrain throwing my kindle after reading one more time about Simeon’s scent of mint chocolate among other things.
+ we get far too many repeats for my liking. I had to refrain throwing my kindle after reading one more time about Simeon’s scent of mint chocolate among other things.
October 9, 2025
SO DAMN GOOD!!!!
June 5, 2024
The Necromancer’s War is a solid addition to The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. With palpable emotions and non-stop action, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The main antagonist, although larger and more cunning than Malis in book 3, gives the impression of being a henchman rather than the boss engaged in a war, which is somewhat disappointing given the title.
Despite this small downside, Jolie's writing is as captivating as ever. They have a unique ability to create characters that seem real and situations that keep you engaged. Some of the highlights of this book are the deep quotes that make you think long after you've finished reading.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mix of MM romance, magic, paranormal, and urban fantasy. It's a must for all fans of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series.
There a full non-spoiler version of this review here
Despite this small downside, Jolie's writing is as captivating as ever. They have a unique ability to create characters that seem real and situations that keep you engaged. Some of the highlights of this book are the deep quotes that make you think long after you've finished reading.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mix of MM romance, magic, paranormal, and urban fantasy. It's a must for all fans of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series.
There a full non-spoiler version of this review here
June 10, 2024
2.5 annoyed stars. This was a whole lot of everything. Too much recapping. Too many POVs. Too little moving forward.
June 19, 2024
Regrettably, this was probably my least favourite instalment of the infinite arcana saga so far.
Frankly, nothing really happens. And by nothing, I mean the “war”, which starts at 87% and lasts a grand total of ~12 pages.
Way too many POVs thin out time that could have been spent on characters we love and care about from previous instalments. While young Leo may have an interesting part to play in the future, Ashwin, Ignacio, Rael, Jameson, and Scylla are A LOT.
In particular, Millie and Isaac get virtually no screentime in this book. In fact, I think the only mentions of Millie in this whole book are the detailed descriptions of her hair and outfit literally every time she enters the room.
Obviously still obsessed with Angel and Simeon. Eroch and Cian also becoming fast favourites!
(also what the heck happened to that “package” that Constans retrieved that was made to seem so important at the start of the book!?)
TLDR: will keep reading but hoping things will pick up the pace a bit in Cian’s story.
Frankly, nothing really happens. And by nothing, I mean the “war”, which starts at 87% and lasts a grand total of ~12 pages.
Way too many POVs thin out time that could have been spent on characters we love and care about from previous instalments. While young Leo may have an interesting part to play in the future, Ashwin, Ignacio, Rael, Jameson, and Scylla are A LOT.
In particular, Millie and Isaac get virtually no screentime in this book. In fact, I think the only mentions of Millie in this whole book are the detailed descriptions of her hair and outfit literally every time she enters the room.
Obviously still obsessed with Angel and Simeon. Eroch and Cian also becoming fast favourites!
(also what the heck happened to that “package” that Constans retrieved that was made to seem so important at the start of the book!?)
TLDR: will keep reading but hoping things will pick up the pace a bit in Cian’s story.
December 30, 2025
I adored this book and didn't want it to end. I loved that even though the focus was back on Angel and Simeon, we also got POVs of the other characters we've come to know and love from across the series, even Eroch! Looking forward to Cian's book next.
June 10, 2024
CW and CNs at the end.
I’ve been anticipating this book since the whopper of a cliffhanger in the previous one and holy wow this didn’t disappoint. This cast of characters is so dear to me and I’ve loved watching them all face some truly bananas challenges. This book, that really signals the beginning of a final epic chapter, was such fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
What is important to know about this book is that it is the first of a set that spans the final stages of this story. Angel and his motley crew of absurdly powerful beings are gearing up for the fight of their lives and this installment showcases the Salvatore clan slowly prepping for the coming war. On top of their strategic planning, they must also contend with the enemy testing their boundaries, and I never enjoy myself more than when these characters deal with threats with ruthless efficiency. But perhaps what this book really showcases is how this family deals with some long ignored wounds and starts a necessary process of healing. It was interesting–and heartbreaking–to watch Angel finally deal with his grief and the trauma he had been pushing down for so long. Even powerful and sarcastic necromancers have their breaking point and I loved seeing Angel’s poor broken heart finally mend with the ever gentle support of Simeon and the rest of his family.
Some other highlights that I enjoyed:
✨Cian’s absolute chill vibes that thrives in chaos.
✨Eroch being even more adorable and precious than ever. Our baby dragon is so grown up now!
✨Danny and Rory being the cutest newlyweds.
✨The family dynamics that are slowly growing across different generations of Salvatores.
✨Zombie dinosaurs. ‘Nuff said.
✨Angel losing his patience and doing impressive necromancer things because honestly the audacity of threatening his family!
If you are familiar with this series then I highly recommend reading this newest chapter of the story which is full of the same themes we already know and love (and then some!). And if you are new to Angel and the gang, then absolutely check out the whole series, beginning with *The Necromance’s Dance*.
CWs: grief; discussions and memories of past violent deaths of family members; brief mentions of past substance abuse; violence, gore and death
CNs: This is a urban fantasy romance and is part of a series that needs to be read in order. This particular book is multi POV between several main characters and is largely an ensemble book. This book is also moderate-to-high heat and contains several on-page sex scenes including scenes with a vampire that involve biting and some blood play.
I’ve been anticipating this book since the whopper of a cliffhanger in the previous one and holy wow this didn’t disappoint. This cast of characters is so dear to me and I’ve loved watching them all face some truly bananas challenges. This book, that really signals the beginning of a final epic chapter, was such fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
What is important to know about this book is that it is the first of a set that spans the final stages of this story. Angel and his motley crew of absurdly powerful beings are gearing up for the fight of their lives and this installment showcases the Salvatore clan slowly prepping for the coming war. On top of their strategic planning, they must also contend with the enemy testing their boundaries, and I never enjoy myself more than when these characters deal with threats with ruthless efficiency. But perhaps what this book really showcases is how this family deals with some long ignored wounds and starts a necessary process of healing. It was interesting–and heartbreaking–to watch Angel finally deal with his grief and the trauma he had been pushing down for so long. Even powerful and sarcastic necromancers have their breaking point and I loved seeing Angel’s poor broken heart finally mend with the ever gentle support of Simeon and the rest of his family.
Some other highlights that I enjoyed:
✨Cian’s absolute chill vibes that thrives in chaos.
✨Eroch being even more adorable and precious than ever. Our baby dragon is so grown up now!
✨Danny and Rory being the cutest newlyweds.
✨The family dynamics that are slowly growing across different generations of Salvatores.
✨Zombie dinosaurs. ‘Nuff said.
✨Angel losing his patience and doing impressive necromancer things because honestly the audacity of threatening his family!
If you are familiar with this series then I highly recommend reading this newest chapter of the story which is full of the same themes we already know and love (and then some!). And if you are new to Angel and the gang, then absolutely check out the whole series, beginning with *The Necromance’s Dance*.
CWs: grief; discussions and memories of past violent deaths of family members; brief mentions of past substance abuse; violence, gore and death
CNs: This is a urban fantasy romance and is part of a series that needs to be read in order. This particular book is multi POV between several main characters and is largely an ensemble book. This book is also moderate-to-high heat and contains several on-page sex scenes including scenes with a vampire that involve biting and some blood play.
April 27, 2025
The Necromancer’s War (Beacon Hill Sorcerer 6)
By Sheena Jolie
Published by the author, 2024
Five stars
The fantasy world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer is rich and wild. This, the sixth of nine books, makes no pretense of grounding the story in a realistic Boston, and the Salvatore mansion, brooding above the ocean, is about as logical as Collinwood was in the old television series Dark Shadows.
But the story is a weirdly wonderful examination of found-family dynamics, focused entirely on the endlessly patient and compassionate necromancer, Angelus Salvatore (savior angel), known to his family and friends as Angel.
The quiet domestic life Angel seeks to live with his Celtic vampire Simeon is literally under attack from the European High Council of Sorcery, who can’t seem to deal with the idea of a necromancer so powerful—or a family that grows increasingly powerful with each addition. Oh, did I mention the dragon, Eroch?
Angel and his little brother Isaac’s relationships make them dangerously powerful, but the appearance of their supposedly-long-dead great-grandfather, Ignacio Salvatore. Trapped in Spain during the massacre of the Salvatore clan that unleashed Angel’s powers when he was only twenty, Ignacio, also has a powerful ancient vampire, Ashwin Metcalfe. Together they have a human child, Leandro (known as Leo) who himself is a budding necromancer. The paranoid and power-hungry High Council can’t imagine a family with such power not trying to take over the world, and this sets the stage for the first battle of what will clearly be another magical war.
For all the action, it is really all the people that the author introduces to us in this book that are the most fun. On top of the three vampire/sorcerer super couples, there are the ancient High Sidhe fae princes, Cian and Rory, one of whom is married to Angel’s adopted sorcerer son, Daniel. Cian is magically bound to Angel for a thousand years, in punishment for crimes committed in an earlier book while lost without his twin. (You have to read the earlier book to understand exactly what that’s all about.)
Yet, there they all are, using unimaginable fae power to help keep this sprawling family safe and comfortable. Angel has no desire to grab power for his own importance, but he will stop at nothing to keep the people he cares about safe.
Jolie brings the narrative to a satisfying conclusion, while making it clear that the war sought by the High Council has just begun. A surprise revelation at the very end suggests the direction of book 8 (which I’ll get to as soon as I can). It’s an emotional roller coaster for sure, but worth every minute of angst.
By Sheena Jolie
Published by the author, 2024
Five stars
The fantasy world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer is rich and wild. This, the sixth of nine books, makes no pretense of grounding the story in a realistic Boston, and the Salvatore mansion, brooding above the ocean, is about as logical as Collinwood was in the old television series Dark Shadows.
But the story is a weirdly wonderful examination of found-family dynamics, focused entirely on the endlessly patient and compassionate necromancer, Angelus Salvatore (savior angel), known to his family and friends as Angel.
The quiet domestic life Angel seeks to live with his Celtic vampire Simeon is literally under attack from the European High Council of Sorcery, who can’t seem to deal with the idea of a necromancer so powerful—or a family that grows increasingly powerful with each addition. Oh, did I mention the dragon, Eroch?
Angel and his little brother Isaac’s relationships make them dangerously powerful, but the appearance of their supposedly-long-dead great-grandfather, Ignacio Salvatore. Trapped in Spain during the massacre of the Salvatore clan that unleashed Angel’s powers when he was only twenty, Ignacio, also has a powerful ancient vampire, Ashwin Metcalfe. Together they have a human child, Leandro (known as Leo) who himself is a budding necromancer. The paranoid and power-hungry High Council can’t imagine a family with such power not trying to take over the world, and this sets the stage for the first battle of what will clearly be another magical war.
For all the action, it is really all the people that the author introduces to us in this book that are the most fun. On top of the three vampire/sorcerer super couples, there are the ancient High Sidhe fae princes, Cian and Rory, one of whom is married to Angel’s adopted sorcerer son, Daniel. Cian is magically bound to Angel for a thousand years, in punishment for crimes committed in an earlier book while lost without his twin. (You have to read the earlier book to understand exactly what that’s all about.)
Yet, there they all are, using unimaginable fae power to help keep this sprawling family safe and comfortable. Angel has no desire to grab power for his own importance, but he will stop at nothing to keep the people he cares about safe.
Jolie brings the narrative to a satisfying conclusion, while making it clear that the war sought by the High Council has just begun. A surprise revelation at the very end suggests the direction of book 8 (which I’ll get to as soon as I can). It’s an emotional roller coaster for sure, but worth every minute of angst.
July 5, 2024
Love this series and its characters. That being said there were too many POVs. Someone counted 11? You were not only in the heads if our main couple but also Ignatios, Cs, Erochs, Constantines, in one omni POV and I'm not sure but I feel like we were in Isaacs one too as well as some of the newer ones? So while I loved it I felt a bit disconnected, with some exceptions, as the characters, the main couple, didn’t seem to have enough page time to really get in deep.
Also the plot felt a but slow. I asked myself while reading, why some or another chapter was included and what it brought to the table. Only to get more POVs in? I don't want to "spoil" anything so I cannot write about all the scenes that made me question, sadly. Like, I later understood, a few chapters and head jumps later, that the goal was to put them in a place in the end so that they were introduced to an enemy. But again, I asked myself if it was necessary, when in the end he only spoke a few sentences before driving off.
Some scenes felt as though they only existed to give page time to the new apprentice. Like packing a bag for Milly... why, this could have been handled with a sentence. Angel came through the gateway from Millies apartment, still mulling over the events "Go help her pack, she is going to stay with us for a while." -or something like that.
The battle felt a but underwhelming after the whole build-up over the nigh entirety of the book because everything happened in one place and not in different locations on the grounds. So this was the moment where the change in POV would be amazing to get the full picture if the battle were spread out and we were just hopping from mind to mind seeing what already happened from another perspective in the same place right outside. Thus making the whole battle feel small to me and not the grand affair it was supposed to be.
There were some great emotional moments, where you got a glimpse of the past without the flashback but all the emotional turmoil. The end was surprising too and not how I imagined everything going forward, but maybe it is how I thought and the end was a distraction - Cian.
All in all I'm still a fan of this universe and all the MC's and simply can't wait what's going to happen next. Also, my god do I LOVE Eroch! Everyone should have a little trouble like him.
Also the plot felt a but slow. I asked myself while reading, why some or another chapter was included and what it brought to the table. Only to get more POVs in? I don't want to "spoil" anything so I cannot write about all the scenes that made me question, sadly. Like, I later understood, a few chapters and head jumps later, that the goal was to put them in a place in the end so that they were introduced to an enemy. But again, I asked myself if it was necessary, when in the end he only spoke a few sentences before driving off.
Some scenes felt as though they only existed to give page time to the new apprentice. Like packing a bag for Milly... why, this could have been handled with a sentence. Angel came through the gateway from Millies apartment, still mulling over the events "Go help her pack, she is going to stay with us for a while." -or something like that.
The battle felt a but underwhelming after the whole build-up over the nigh entirety of the book because everything happened in one place and not in different locations on the grounds. So this was the moment where the change in POV would be amazing to get the full picture if the battle were spread out and we were just hopping from mind to mind seeing what already happened from another perspective in the same place right outside. Thus making the whole battle feel small to me and not the grand affair it was supposed to be.
There were some great emotional moments, where you got a glimpse of the past without the flashback but all the emotional turmoil. The end was surprising too and not how I imagined everything going forward, but maybe it is how I thought and the end was a distraction - Cian.
All in all I'm still a fan of this universe and all the MC's and simply can't wait what's going to happen next. Also, my god do I LOVE Eroch! Everyone should have a little trouble like him.
August 31, 2024
I reread all the previous books before I returned to this fabulous universe, and it was so worth it!
I was so excited to get another book about Angel and Simeon!
Things are definitely getting dicey with the High Council of Sorcery returning to Boston to make things difficult for Angel. Angel’s powers are unsurpassed, and it’s not something the corrupt Council can ignore. Not even talking about all the powerful people Angel has been 'collecting' and making them his found family. I loved them all for sticking with Angel despite so much danger.
Cian is proving himself again and again in this instalment, showing his kind side (love his relationship with Eroch, the dragon baby!) and helping out with the moving underhill (what a fabulous idea!) when things get dangerous. I can’t wait for his book which will be the next! Lots of snark here, too!
The plot is fast paced with one threat or another thrown at Angel and his dearest. I always love to see him using his powers, ruthless on some occasions, kind on others. Tbh, I thought this was the last book in the series, with Angel in a face off with the Council, and although that happens to some extent, the War is clearly nowhere near done!
It was also an absolute delight to find Angel and Simeon rock solid, growing more and more into their mate bond and making most of it. And yes, they're still as hot as ever! And so loving! The same goes for the other couples of the previous books, Isaac and Constans, and Daniel and Rory.
My major niggle in this book is the constantly changing POV. I really don’t mind multi POV in books, it often gives a ‘movie vibe’ with people’s POV changing from scene to scene.
However, I found some chapters within one POV too short, giving the plot a slightly disjointed feel at times.
I also think there might be just too many POVs here, with everyone connected to Angel getting their say, including Eroch, the dragon. (not that I minded being in his head! And yes, I fist-bumped because - for once- I predicted his first word correctly! 😂)
Still, a great instalment in this series.
So much incredible imagination!
Already looking forward to the next book!
I was so excited to get another book about Angel and Simeon!
Things are definitely getting dicey with the High Council of Sorcery returning to Boston to make things difficult for Angel. Angel’s powers are unsurpassed, and it’s not something the corrupt Council can ignore. Not even talking about all the powerful people Angel has been 'collecting' and making them his found family. I loved them all for sticking with Angel despite so much danger.
Cian is proving himself again and again in this instalment, showing his kind side (love his relationship with Eroch, the dragon baby!) and helping out with the moving underhill (what a fabulous idea!) when things get dangerous. I can’t wait for his book which will be the next! Lots of snark here, too!
The plot is fast paced with one threat or another thrown at Angel and his dearest. I always love to see him using his powers, ruthless on some occasions, kind on others. Tbh, I thought this was the last book in the series, with Angel in a face off with the Council, and although that happens to some extent, the War is clearly nowhere near done!
It was also an absolute delight to find Angel and Simeon rock solid, growing more and more into their mate bond and making most of it. And yes, they're still as hot as ever! And so loving! The same goes for the other couples of the previous books, Isaac and Constans, and Daniel and Rory.
My major niggle in this book is the constantly changing POV. I really don’t mind multi POV in books, it often gives a ‘movie vibe’ with people’s POV changing from scene to scene.
However, I found some chapters within one POV too short, giving the plot a slightly disjointed feel at times.
I also think there might be just too many POVs here, with everyone connected to Angel getting their say, including Eroch, the dragon. (not that I minded being in his head! And yes, I fist-bumped because - for once- I predicted his first word correctly! 😂)
Still, a great instalment in this series.
So much incredible imagination!
Already looking forward to the next book!
June 6, 2024
TL;DR: Those who enjoy romance with supernatural elements will love this series, and I cannot recommend it enough. Plenty of plot, well-drawn characters (and a baby dragon!), mysteries to solve, humor, joy and grief, explosive battles: the life and times of the Sorcerer of Beacon Hill.
This book is best enjoyed if you’ve read the novellas Blood Omen (part of the series) and Wolfsbane (first of the Werewolves of Boston spin-off). The author naturally introduces the ‘new’ characters, so you’ll be able to follow the story either way, but the back stories in the novellas bring these characters to life. It’s a treat to see them get pulled into the gravity well that is Angel Salvatore!
In Necromancer’s War, Angel is dealing with the emotional repercussions of the events that ended Book 5, Love Springs Eternal. He must reconcile his family’s bloody past and safeguard its precarious future, all the while balancing his increasing responsibilities to an adorable dragon with growing pains, his soulmate Simeon and the Boston Blood Clan, and High Court Sidhe identical twins along with their treasure, which people have killed for in the past.
When Angel accepts a new apprentice, he learns that nobody he cares for is safe from the fascistic High Council of Sorcery. The Council covets all Angel holds dear, and battle lines are drawn. This is not a series finale, oh no! Just the opening salvo of the war to come
This book includes the slices-of-life I enjoyed in the previous books—more Eroch POVs!—while ramping up tensions with the Council. We see the gruesome consequences of the Council’s internal rot and greed. We learn more about Vampire history and mate bonds, particularly Necromancer mates! We get Cian POVs as he adjusts to living instead of just surviving, setting us up for the next book with Cian, The Edge of Fate! As usual, we get a little teaser in the final chapter.
Alas, ‘patience’ should be a four-letter word! I can’t wait for more!
Note: I received an unedited e-ARC from the author, though this did not impact my review.
This book is best enjoyed if you’ve read the novellas Blood Omen (part of the series) and Wolfsbane (first of the Werewolves of Boston spin-off). The author naturally introduces the ‘new’ characters, so you’ll be able to follow the story either way, but the back stories in the novellas bring these characters to life. It’s a treat to see them get pulled into the gravity well that is Angel Salvatore!
In Necromancer’s War, Angel is dealing with the emotional repercussions of the events that ended Book 5, Love Springs Eternal. He must reconcile his family’s bloody past and safeguard its precarious future, all the while balancing his increasing responsibilities to an adorable dragon with growing pains, his soulmate Simeon and the Boston Blood Clan, and High Court Sidhe identical twins along with their treasure, which people have killed for in the past.
When Angel accepts a new apprentice, he learns that nobody he cares for is safe from the fascistic High Council of Sorcery. The Council covets all Angel holds dear, and battle lines are drawn. This is not a series finale, oh no! Just the opening salvo of the war to come
This book includes the slices-of-life I enjoyed in the previous books—more Eroch POVs!—while ramping up tensions with the Council. We see the gruesome consequences of the Council’s internal rot and greed. We learn more about Vampire history and mate bonds, particularly Necromancer mates! We get Cian POVs as he adjusts to living instead of just surviving, setting us up for the next book with Cian, The Edge of Fate! As usual, we get a little teaser in the final chapter.
Alas, ‘patience’ should be a four-letter word! I can’t wait for more!
Note: I received an unedited e-ARC from the author, though this did not impact my review.
June 10, 2024
It seems so long ago since the last book in this series, however it was so easy to jump back in. I love the characters in this series, they are all so different yet they fit together so well.
This is one series that I cannot get enough of, if you haven't read it then go to book one and start from there, I guarantee you will love it. It has a little of everything, action, magic, creatures of myth and legend and lots of hot loving for those MM lovers.
The story is told thru various characters point of view so you can get every angle of the story and not miss a thing. The action starts pretty quickly and chaos pursues from there. There is magic, were creatures, and vampires. Necromancy, a rare gift amongest magic users is the power that the main character in this series possesses and he is considered the most powerful and scariest mage in Boston, possibly in the entire US (the world?). Now that he is mated to a vampire that is part of a very powerful bloodclan, his power is a never-ending well and he has become a target of the council of magic users. They don't like the idea of someone more powerful then them walking about and will stop at nothing to obtain that power or eliminate it.
Angel, along with his family, mate and friends, must fight to protect the lives they've built and everything they hold dear. Alone, each is powerful in their on right, but together they are formidable. Having so much to lose makes them even more so.
The storyline is well written and the world building and characters make it an easy escape from reality and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves magic and paranormal stories, however you must love the MM world as well, as each main male character is paired with a same sex mate and there are graphic intimate scenes thruout the story.
That being said it is a great series and I cannot wait for the next.
This is one series that I cannot get enough of, if you haven't read it then go to book one and start from there, I guarantee you will love it. It has a little of everything, action, magic, creatures of myth and legend and lots of hot loving for those MM lovers.
The story is told thru various characters point of view so you can get every angle of the story and not miss a thing. The action starts pretty quickly and chaos pursues from there. There is magic, were creatures, and vampires. Necromancy, a rare gift amongest magic users is the power that the main character in this series possesses and he is considered the most powerful and scariest mage in Boston, possibly in the entire US (the world?). Now that he is mated to a vampire that is part of a very powerful bloodclan, his power is a never-ending well and he has become a target of the council of magic users. They don't like the idea of someone more powerful then them walking about and will stop at nothing to obtain that power or eliminate it.
Angel, along with his family, mate and friends, must fight to protect the lives they've built and everything they hold dear. Alone, each is powerful in their on right, but together they are formidable. Having so much to lose makes them even more so.
The storyline is well written and the world building and characters make it an easy escape from reality and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves magic and paranormal stories, however you must love the MM world as well, as each main male character is paired with a same sex mate and there are graphic intimate scenes thruout the story.
That being said it is a great series and I cannot wait for the next.
June 9, 2024
Meh
I’ve eagerly awaited the continuation of this series and was really looking forward to the story going back to our central couple, Angel and Simeon. Though the main story mostly revolved around Angel and Simeon there were lots of chapters from the perspective of the other characters which helped to connect everyone’s storylines. But a few new characters in this book felt pretty pointless other than to promote some of the author’s other books / novellas.
The actual plot of the book was ok but very slow moving. This book definitely just felt like a way to draw out the final battle which easily could have been in this book. There were over 400 pages of lots of waiting around and playing with a dragon just for there to be one battle that was pretty boring.
This author can be really confusing to me. There were 200 pages of build up to Angel and Ignacio having a big blowout fight only for the actual discussion to make very little sense and then have the most emotional and heart wrenching scene of the entire book immediately after. I feel like where the author tries to write drama and emotion it falls flat but when the characters are left to really shine through their distinct personalities and subtle dialogue, the books are amazing. It’s a huge contradiction and very frustrating.
Despite all of this I’m of course going to eagerly await the last book in the series. And I am sort of curious about Cian getting his chance at love after seeing a lot more of him in this book, but I really hope the book still includes many chapters from the other’s perspective or the final book is going to be very disappointing.
Tropes: Multiple POV, Part of a Series, Found Family, Mystery/Suspense, Battle Magic, Zombies, Dragons
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
I’ve eagerly awaited the continuation of this series and was really looking forward to the story going back to our central couple, Angel and Simeon. Though the main story mostly revolved around Angel and Simeon there were lots of chapters from the perspective of the other characters which helped to connect everyone’s storylines. But a few new characters in this book felt pretty pointless other than to promote some of the author’s other books / novellas.
The actual plot of the book was ok but very slow moving. This book definitely just felt like a way to draw out the final battle which easily could have been in this book. There were over 400 pages of lots of waiting around and playing with a dragon just for there to be one battle that was pretty boring.
This author can be really confusing to me. There were 200 pages of build up to Angel and Ignacio having a big blowout fight only for the actual discussion to make very little sense and then have the most emotional and heart wrenching scene of the entire book immediately after. I feel like where the author tries to write drama and emotion it falls flat but when the characters are left to really shine through their distinct personalities and subtle dialogue, the books are amazing. It’s a huge contradiction and very frustrating.
Despite all of this I’m of course going to eagerly await the last book in the series. And I am sort of curious about Cian getting his chance at love after seeing a lot more of him in this book, but I really hope the book still includes many chapters from the other’s perspective or the final book is going to be very disappointing.
Tropes: Multiple POV, Part of a Series, Found Family, Mystery/Suspense, Battle Magic, Zombies, Dragons
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
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July 9, 2024Conflicted
Beacon Hill has long been a comfort read for me as I greatly enjoy the series. The return of the ever extending cast and new characters from some of the short stories was enjoyable to see.
However I feel like the story used too many points of view and too many abrupt scene changes to make the story flow as well as some of the past stories have. Part of the disjointed feeling came from the fact that several of the scenes from side characters lasted only a page or two before abruptly changing to a different couple often times several hours later.
The other from the fact that there were many scenes that felt as if their only purpose was to set up either the next book (several of Cian's scenes) or an upcoming plot point. While there is no inherent issue with setting up your trip books or plot lines in the same story, when you are rapidly changing points of view and breaking up the story in small side segments it becomes much more noticeable and feels like the only reason to switch to those characters was to set up a further scene not to tell its own story of that moment.
Much of Cian's scenes for example seemed to be setting up a sort of 'redemption' arc for him in this book despite the fact that Danny and Rory's story did a lot already to show him in his rebalanced state along with his upcoming book giving him future room for development without it feeling as inorganic and squeezed in as it did here between the overarching plot against the council in this story.
Overall I don't think the story was bad and I did enjoy reading it, however I do hope the next book will move back to a more limited points of view as I feel the writing greatly benefits from it. As someone who is asexual myself I am greatly looking forward to Cian's book and the representation that it will offer that feels often overlooked in the lgbtqia+ romance genre.
Beacon Hill has long been a comfort read for me as I greatly enjoy the series. The return of the ever extending cast and new characters from some of the short stories was enjoyable to see.
However I feel like the story used too many points of view and too many abrupt scene changes to make the story flow as well as some of the past stories have. Part of the disjointed feeling came from the fact that several of the scenes from side characters lasted only a page or two before abruptly changing to a different couple often times several hours later.
The other from the fact that there were many scenes that felt as if their only purpose was to set up either the next book (several of Cian's scenes) or an upcoming plot point. While there is no inherent issue with setting up your trip books or plot lines in the same story, when you are rapidly changing points of view and breaking up the story in small side segments it becomes much more noticeable and feels like the only reason to switch to those characters was to set up a further scene not to tell its own story of that moment.
Much of Cian's scenes for example seemed to be setting up a sort of 'redemption' arc for him in this book despite the fact that Danny and Rory's story did a lot already to show him in his rebalanced state along with his upcoming book giving him future room for development without it feeling as inorganic and squeezed in as it did here between the overarching plot against the council in this story.
Overall I don't think the story was bad and I did enjoy reading it, however I do hope the next book will move back to a more limited points of view as I feel the writing greatly benefits from it. As someone who is asexual myself I am greatly looking forward to Cian's book and the representation that it will offer that feels often overlooked in the lgbtqia+ romance genre.
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