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The Dark Choir #1
The Curse Merchant
Dorian Lake spent years cornering the Baltimore hex-crafting market, using his skills at the hermetic arts to exact karmic justice for those whom the system has failed.
He keeps his magic clean and free of soul-corrupting Netherwork, thus avoiding both the karmic blow-back of his practice and the notice of the Presidium, a powerful cabal of practitioners that polices the esoteric arts in America. However, when an unscrupulous Netherworker interferes with both his business and his personal life, Dorian’s disarming charisma and hermetic savvy may not be enough to keep his soul out of jeopardy.
His rival, a soul monger named Neil Osterhaus, wouldn’t be such a problem were it not for Carmen, Dorian’s captivating ex-lover. After two years’ absence Carmen arrives at Dorian’s doorstep with a problem: she sold her soul to Osterhaus, and has only two weeks to buy it back. Hoping to win back Carmen’s affections, Dorian must find a replacement soul without tainting his own.
As Dorian descends into the shadows of Baltimore’s underworld, he must decide how low he is willing to stoop in order to save Carmen from eternal damnation… with the Presidium watching, waiting for him to cross the line.
He keeps his magic clean and free of soul-corrupting Netherwork, thus avoiding both the karmic blow-back of his practice and the notice of the Presidium, a powerful cabal of practitioners that polices the esoteric arts in America. However, when an unscrupulous Netherworker interferes with both his business and his personal life, Dorian’s disarming charisma and hermetic savvy may not be enough to keep his soul out of jeopardy.
His rival, a soul monger named Neil Osterhaus, wouldn’t be such a problem were it not for Carmen, Dorian’s captivating ex-lover. After two years’ absence Carmen arrives at Dorian’s doorstep with a problem: she sold her soul to Osterhaus, and has only two weeks to buy it back. Hoping to win back Carmen’s affections, Dorian must find a replacement soul without tainting his own.
As Dorian descends into the shadows of Baltimore’s underworld, he must decide how low he is willing to stoop in order to save Carmen from eternal damnation… with the Presidium watching, waiting for him to cross the line.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2012
172 people are currently reading
1018 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 11, 2017
The Curse Merchant (The Dark Choir #1) by J.P. Sloan is a darn good read! Dorian works at a shop making hexes and charms, doesn't get into the black stuff, the Netherwork. He wants to keep his soul. His ex-girlfriend comes back into his life with a problem, claims only he can fix, his problems are just starting. He is too kind hearted...she sold her soul and she wants him to get her out of it. It is really an exciting book and full of twists and turns and great fantasy! Never dull!
maybe
February 6, 2017Free on amazon.co.uk at the time of posting, with a much better cover too.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-Mercha...
November 3, 2014
There’s nothing quite so clarifying as a gun to the head.
After Dorian Lake manages to disarm his disgruntled ex-client, he takes a long, hard look at his life, and he doesn’t like what he sees. Ever since he broke up with the beautiful Carmen, it’s as though he’s been in a fog. He has lost touch with his friends, avoided his club, neglected his tenants, and let his main business--charms and hexes-- collapse into decay. Dorian is determined to reinvent his life, starting with a brand new wealthy, influential, and highly political client. But when a woman stumbles up to his door after selling her soul to a necromancer, Dorian suddenly finds himself bartering with necromancers, being tracked by the Presidium, and considering some seriously dark roads that he promised himself he’d never take.
One of the dangers of reviewing books about snarky supernatural detectives--and one I’m always happy to fall into, to the chagrin of several commenters-- is comparing every urban fantasy to the Dresden Files.
In this case?
Alienated mentor who died in a peculiarly gruesome fashion? Check.
Constantly over-exoticised seductive Hispanic love interest? Check.
Clear-cut in-universe distinction between “good” practitioners and “bad” ones? Check.
Self-important, self-righteous, vaguely threatening governing magical body? Check.
Shop selling magic, operated out in the open within a masquerade world? Check, although I don’t think it’s in the phone book.
But The Curse Merchant really isn’t just yet another Dresden Files clone.
Plus, the story takes place in Baltimore. A charmworker in Charm City? Priceless.
Although the story may start out like any other such urban fantasy, it soon swoops into rather new territory, at least in my experience. In Dorian’s world, there are two main forms of magic: “karmic”-powered hexes and curses, and the even darker arts of Netherwork. Netherwork, magic derived from ancient and malevolent beings that Dorian refers to as the Dark Choir, is paid for in a variety of ways, including human souls. And thus the gentle art of soul-mongering, with which Dorian is about to become all too familiar. When you dig too deeply into Netherwork, the shadows start hunting you.
Dorian Lake isn’t quite the standard protagonist. For one thing, he’s a complete dick. Although he fulfils the standard impoverished supernatural detective schtick, he was born an upperclass silver spoon twat, and he hasn’t lost his snobbery. He can be demanding, jealous, and needy, and he cries at the drop of a hat. Despite his self-righteous complacency, I found his particular brand of magic to be downright low-level evil. Personally, I think the whole “karma” and “Cosmos” business is a crock. In the opening scene, we discover that he, with the help of karma and the cosmos, gave a woman an eating disorder at the behest of her ex-boyfriend. His main business consists of such unsavory hexes, yet he still considers himself to be a “good guy.” Like all self-proclaimed “good guys,” he’s a pretentious, self-righteous prick, and I experienced a somewhat Schadenfreude-laced glee as his karmic kicks start coming. All the same, in a weird way, I rather liked him. He's considered a jerk within the novel, so my reaction was probably intended. I definitely enjoyed his narrative voice, and my disapproval of Dorian only heightened the relish of his situation. In my view, Dorian is a bad guy, but he’s an interesting one.
Despite the upperclass protagonist, The Curse Merchant really captures the heart of hardboiled/noir. It’s rather like a Lawrence Block novel garnished with supernatural shenanigans. However, the book also reflects some of the less savory aspects of the genre. The few non-white-male characters tend to be casually stereotyped and exoticised. Carmen, Dorian’s ex-girlfriend, is constantly exoticised, her personality and choices often labeled by gender and race, e.g. “her Latina pride” or her “typical pissed of Latina posture.” The Arabic and African-American characters are as heavily stereotyped as the rest.
The Curse Merchant is a romp, an adventure, packed with deliciously ironic twists and turns. It’s not precisely introspective, and it’s not going to leave you with any deep thoughts to ponder, but it’s a fast and fun read. Best of all, it terminated with an ending that I definitely didn’t expect, and it left me cackling.
So, Dorian, even though I think you’re an asshole, even though I pretty much think you deserve everything you get, count me in for your next adventure, because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Excerpted from my review on BookLikes, which contains additional comments and spoilers that I was too lazy to copy over.
~~I received this ebook through NetGalley from the publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, in exchange for my honest review. ~~
After Dorian Lake manages to disarm his disgruntled ex-client, he takes a long, hard look at his life, and he doesn’t like what he sees. Ever since he broke up with the beautiful Carmen, it’s as though he’s been in a fog. He has lost touch with his friends, avoided his club, neglected his tenants, and let his main business--charms and hexes-- collapse into decay. Dorian is determined to reinvent his life, starting with a brand new wealthy, influential, and highly political client. But when a woman stumbles up to his door after selling her soul to a necromancer, Dorian suddenly finds himself bartering with necromancers, being tracked by the Presidium, and considering some seriously dark roads that he promised himself he’d never take.
One of the dangers of reviewing books about snarky supernatural detectives--and one I’m always happy to fall into, to the chagrin of several commenters-- is comparing every urban fantasy to the Dresden Files.
In this case?
Alienated mentor who died in a peculiarly gruesome fashion? Check.
Constantly over-exoticised seductive Hispanic love interest? Check.
Clear-cut in-universe distinction between “good” practitioners and “bad” ones? Check.
Self-important, self-righteous, vaguely threatening governing magical body? Check.
Shop selling magic, operated out in the open within a masquerade world? Check, although I don’t think it’s in the phone book.
But The Curse Merchant really isn’t just yet another Dresden Files clone.
Plus, the story takes place in Baltimore. A charmworker in Charm City? Priceless.
Although the story may start out like any other such urban fantasy, it soon swoops into rather new territory, at least in my experience. In Dorian’s world, there are two main forms of magic: “karmic”-powered hexes and curses, and the even darker arts of Netherwork. Netherwork, magic derived from ancient and malevolent beings that Dorian refers to as the Dark Choir, is paid for in a variety of ways, including human souls. And thus the gentle art of soul-mongering, with which Dorian is about to become all too familiar. When you dig too deeply into Netherwork, the shadows start hunting you.
Dorian Lake isn’t quite the standard protagonist. For one thing, he’s a complete dick. Although he fulfils the standard impoverished supernatural detective schtick, he was born an upperclass silver spoon twat, and he hasn’t lost his snobbery. He can be demanding, jealous, and needy, and he cries at the drop of a hat. Despite his self-righteous complacency, I found his particular brand of magic to be downright low-level evil. Personally, I think the whole “karma” and “Cosmos” business is a crock. In the opening scene, we discover that he, with the help of karma and the cosmos, gave a woman an eating disorder at the behest of her ex-boyfriend. His main business consists of such unsavory hexes, yet he still considers himself to be a “good guy.” Like all self-proclaimed “good guys,” he’s a pretentious, self-righteous prick, and I experienced a somewhat Schadenfreude-laced glee as his karmic kicks start coming. All the same, in a weird way, I rather liked him. He's considered a jerk within the novel, so my reaction was probably intended. I definitely enjoyed his narrative voice, and my disapproval of Dorian only heightened the relish of his situation. In my view, Dorian is a bad guy, but he’s an interesting one.
Despite the upperclass protagonist, The Curse Merchant really captures the heart of hardboiled/noir. It’s rather like a Lawrence Block novel garnished with supernatural shenanigans. However, the book also reflects some of the less savory aspects of the genre. The few non-white-male characters tend to be casually stereotyped and exoticised. Carmen, Dorian’s ex-girlfriend, is constantly exoticised, her personality and choices often labeled by gender and race, e.g. “her Latina pride” or her “typical pissed of Latina posture.” The Arabic and African-American characters are as heavily stereotyped as the rest.
The Curse Merchant is a romp, an adventure, packed with deliciously ironic twists and turns. It’s not precisely introspective, and it’s not going to leave you with any deep thoughts to ponder, but it’s a fast and fun read. Best of all, it terminated with an ending that I definitely didn’t expect, and it left me cackling.
So, Dorian, even though I think you’re an asshole, even though I pretty much think you deserve everything you get, count me in for your next adventure, because I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Excerpted from my review on BookLikes, which contains additional comments and spoilers that I was too lazy to copy over.
~~I received this ebook through NetGalley from the publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, in exchange for my honest review. ~~
April 9, 2015
In Baltimore, Dorian Lake was once the man to see about charms and hexes. Previously unrivaled in his hermetic business, charm peddler Dorian snaps out of his fog to realize things have changed dramatically from what little he remembers. Dorian has spent the better part of the last two years in the equivalent of a fugue state -- he broke up with what he considered the love of his life, ruining her life in the process, and neglected both his remaining friends and clientele. Luckily, or unluckily, a gun to the face is more than enough to bring Dorian back to the present.
Dorian has one rule concerning his business -- he doesn't deal in Netherwork, the dark aspect of the magic business. Never has, never will. He even goes so far as to store his inherited Netherwork Library locked inside a cage inside a storage facility, safely away from his home. There can never be too many locks where it pertains to the Library. As Dorian slowly comes around to the fact that he's been neglecting all aspects of his life, he starts to pick up the pieces and takes on some new work. Unfortunately, some of this new work not only involves someone from his past, but skirts the line between clean magic and Netherwork. Dorian has quite a number of choices to make, all of them looking grim and possibly tainting both what was once a squeaky-clean business, and himself in the process.
In this tale that centers around magic, charms, curses, and hexes, author JP Sloan weaves in some magic of his own. I loved the aspect of Dorian working so hard to keep his magic free from the dark but as the story progressed, it got harder and harder for him to do so. Something I also appreciated -- as Dorian spirals down the dark path, surprisingly he became almost a better person. More caring certainly, definitely focused on both helping those around him and insuring justice, both karmic and political, are exacted. I liked this contradiction so very much and really appreciated the effort Sloan put in to making sure Dorian didn't go the route one would expect.
There is also a fair share of both allies and enemies, some more surprising than others. As Dorian deals with a new rival in the magic business, he learns who he can trust amidst a sea of betrayal. He walks away with a surprising new friend and I'm hoping said friend makes an appearance in books to come in the Dark Choir series. But let's be honest -- I don't just want to see the good guys, I want to see the person who truly screwed Julian over and also more of the Dark Choir itself (themselves?). Quite an intriguing aspect, call them demons, call them shadows from Hell, I'm not quite sure, but I certainly want more from the bad side of Netherwork.
I definitely recommend this first book in the Dark Choir series to lovers of urban fantasy, specifically those who appreciate tales of magic with smartass narrators. I quite liked The Curse Merchant and am definitely looking forward to see where Sloan takes Dorian in the next installment, The Curse Servant.
**Many thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dorian has one rule concerning his business -- he doesn't deal in Netherwork, the dark aspect of the magic business. Never has, never will. He even goes so far as to store his inherited Netherwork Library locked inside a cage inside a storage facility, safely away from his home. There can never be too many locks where it pertains to the Library. As Dorian slowly comes around to the fact that he's been neglecting all aspects of his life, he starts to pick up the pieces and takes on some new work. Unfortunately, some of this new work not only involves someone from his past, but skirts the line between clean magic and Netherwork. Dorian has quite a number of choices to make, all of them looking grim and possibly tainting both what was once a squeaky-clean business, and himself in the process.
In this tale that centers around magic, charms, curses, and hexes, author JP Sloan weaves in some magic of his own. I loved the aspect of Dorian working so hard to keep his magic free from the dark but as the story progressed, it got harder and harder for him to do so. Something I also appreciated -- as Dorian spirals down the dark path, surprisingly he became almost a better person. More caring certainly, definitely focused on both helping those around him and insuring justice, both karmic and political, are exacted. I liked this contradiction so very much and really appreciated the effort Sloan put in to making sure Dorian didn't go the route one would expect.
There is also a fair share of both allies and enemies, some more surprising than others. As Dorian deals with a new rival in the magic business, he learns who he can trust amidst a sea of betrayal. He walks away with a surprising new friend and I'm hoping said friend makes an appearance in books to come in the Dark Choir series. But let's be honest -- I don't just want to see the good guys, I want to see the person who truly screwed Julian over and also more of the Dark Choir itself (themselves?). Quite an intriguing aspect, call them demons, call them shadows from Hell, I'm not quite sure, but I certainly want more from the bad side of Netherwork.
I definitely recommend this first book in the Dark Choir series to lovers of urban fantasy, specifically those who appreciate tales of magic with smartass narrators. I quite liked The Curse Merchant and am definitely looking forward to see where Sloan takes Dorian in the next installment, The Curse Servant.
**Many thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2015
The Curse Merchant by J P Sloan is a 2014 Curiosity Quills publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once upon a time I read a lot of Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy novels. I had begun to collect the Dresden files novels here and there with the intention of reading them in order. However, I began to burn out on Urban Fantasy and as a result I never started that series. In fact, I rarely read Urban Fantasy anymore. Apparently there are enough similarities between the Dresden series and this book, that many people mentioned it in their reviews. So, I felt like I was a little out of the loop and perhaps out of my element here. I hope I “got” what the author was trying to express.
You can read the synopsis yourself, but here is a brief setup-
There is a good side, if you will, in the magical realm and a dark side too. Dorian works on the good side, keeping his nose clean and off the radar of the Presidium. He deals in the hex's and charm's department, but do not suggest his hexes are curses. After a two year hiatus of sorts, Dorian gets a wake up call by way of a near death experience. He pulls his head out and realizes he has no idea what is going on in his world, can't remember events, or people and struggles to shake off the fog. But, an ex- girlfriend, Carmen, shakes him wide awake when she confesses she has sold her soul and only has two weeks to rectify the situation. Since Dorian practically threw her under a bus at one point in time, and he still wants to get back on her good side, he agrees to help her.
My thoughts-
Dorian's character is an enigma to me in a lot of ways. Do I like him? Root for him? Feel empathy of him? Not especially. He is a wise cracking, snarky guy who has lived on easy street his whole life so that perhaps takes away a certain edge he needed when he had to make deals with the baddies, all of whom had their own agendas. His attitude was a little off putting to me at times, but he grew on me as the story progressed. Still, he was often too understated and unemotional. So, if you are looking for the kick butt, alpha male sort this isn't it. That is not to say there is no action or that the story is dull. The plot was an interesting one, the characters were well developed, and there could have been a slight underlying meaning when politics enters the picture. The story has lots of imagination, is atmospheric, and if it stays on track could make a long and successful series. I was not at all certain how to feel about how things were wrapped up with this one. I was unsettled I guess, so if we see this story continue in future installments I would certainly want an update on Dorian. This book reminded me of all the things I enjoyed about Urban Fantasy. Overall this one gets 4 stars.
Once upon a time I read a lot of Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy novels. I had begun to collect the Dresden files novels here and there with the intention of reading them in order. However, I began to burn out on Urban Fantasy and as a result I never started that series. In fact, I rarely read Urban Fantasy anymore. Apparently there are enough similarities between the Dresden series and this book, that many people mentioned it in their reviews. So, I felt like I was a little out of the loop and perhaps out of my element here. I hope I “got” what the author was trying to express.
You can read the synopsis yourself, but here is a brief setup-
There is a good side, if you will, in the magical realm and a dark side too. Dorian works on the good side, keeping his nose clean and off the radar of the Presidium. He deals in the hex's and charm's department, but do not suggest his hexes are curses. After a two year hiatus of sorts, Dorian gets a wake up call by way of a near death experience. He pulls his head out and realizes he has no idea what is going on in his world, can't remember events, or people and struggles to shake off the fog. But, an ex- girlfriend, Carmen, shakes him wide awake when she confesses she has sold her soul and only has two weeks to rectify the situation. Since Dorian practically threw her under a bus at one point in time, and he still wants to get back on her good side, he agrees to help her.
My thoughts-
Dorian's character is an enigma to me in a lot of ways. Do I like him? Root for him? Feel empathy of him? Not especially. He is a wise cracking, snarky guy who has lived on easy street his whole life so that perhaps takes away a certain edge he needed when he had to make deals with the baddies, all of whom had their own agendas. His attitude was a little off putting to me at times, but he grew on me as the story progressed. Still, he was often too understated and unemotional. So, if you are looking for the kick butt, alpha male sort this isn't it. That is not to say there is no action or that the story is dull. The plot was an interesting one, the characters were well developed, and there could have been a slight underlying meaning when politics enters the picture. The story has lots of imagination, is atmospheric, and if it stays on track could make a long and successful series. I was not at all certain how to feel about how things were wrapped up with this one. I was unsettled I guess, so if we see this story continue in future installments I would certainly want an update on Dorian. This book reminded me of all the things I enjoyed about Urban Fantasy. Overall this one gets 4 stars.
January 3, 2013
The Curse Merchant is the first book in this new series by J.P. Sloan. First I have to say that I absolutely loved it! The Story base is very interesting in some people live their life everyday practicing voodoo. The way J.P. describes everything is so accurate I am sure he did a lot of research into the arts. Dorian Lake has spent his time crafting justice using the arts but never ever crossing the line. He knows he is being watched by the council and the minute he steps out of line he knows they will punish him. So he spends his day and nights helping people get the justice they want never ever crossing the line. That is until one day when his ex-lover Carmen comes into the shop to ask for his help.
Dorian still in love with Carmen agrees to help her. See she has sold her soul to his rival Neil and has two weeks to get it back or find a replacement. Crap where do you find a replacement soul? Who in their right mind would want to do that? Everyone has their price and Dorian will do anything to save Carmen even though she does not deserve his help. Dorian spends day and night searching for a replacement soul and trying not to cross the line because the council is watching him like a hawk. Plus if things could not get any worse Neil and Dorian are enemies and Neil will stop at nothing to see Dorian fail and have his soul taken.
What will happen to Carmen? Will Dorian find a replacement soul for her? Will Neil except it as payment? Will Carmen and Dorian get back together as a couple? There was so many questions running through my head as I finished reading this book that I need book two like ASAP! Come along and enjoy a voodoo ride!
Dorian still in love with Carmen agrees to help her. See she has sold her soul to his rival Neil and has two weeks to get it back or find a replacement. Crap where do you find a replacement soul? Who in their right mind would want to do that? Everyone has their price and Dorian will do anything to save Carmen even though she does not deserve his help. Dorian spends day and night searching for a replacement soul and trying not to cross the line because the council is watching him like a hawk. Plus if things could not get any worse Neil and Dorian are enemies and Neil will stop at nothing to see Dorian fail and have his soul taken.
What will happen to Carmen? Will Dorian find a replacement soul for her? Will Neil except it as payment? Will Carmen and Dorian get back together as a couple? There was so many questions running through my head as I finished reading this book that I need book two like ASAP! Come along and enjoy a voodoo ride!
September 17, 2014
See this and other reviews at To Each Their Own Reviews.com
This cover is *spot on,* because Dorian has this worldweary thing going on, as though a weight is pressing down on him right from the start of the book - and it never lets up. A sense of impending doom oozes through each page - it's never entirely clear how Dorian is going to stumble through, well, everything.
Mind, Dorian is fantastic. He knows his stuff, but his stuff is quickly established as the very tip of the iceberg. I loved this! I've griped before about how we never get to see the very start of urban fantasy main character careers - BOOM! Consider that complaint fully answered here. I also adored Dorian's attitude. He's smart enough to realize that things would probably be easier if he was, say, a little more reserved and polite, but he can't manage that. And it's so entertaining to see how he's both rewarded and punished for it.
There are some other great characters in this story, though Dorian really has center stage the entire time. Neil Osterhaus has a bit of a generic old creepy guy vibe going on but Carmen, Dorian's ex, is a firecracker, and Osterhaus' muscle, Malosi , is an amusing presence. I love the way he acts as a litmus for how Osterhaus will react to Dorian's antics.
I also liked the way that other characters brought in new paranormal elements. Dorian's hex and charm business is cool, and we get some great details on how that works - but we also get references to other forms of magic, including witches, soul mongering and Netherwork. I was a little on the fence about that particular term, but it grew on me. There's a rich well of the paranormal here and I look forward to learning more about it.
Beyond the atmospheric writing, a compelling male protagonist, a wealth of paranormal components and an entertaining cast of secondary characters, The Curse Merchant is also an excellent story. There's some early cues that hint at the larger story, and I do think you need to have some faith that the novel will get there and that explanations are forthcoming. Please rest assured that if you read the book, you'll be satisfied on these fronts. Though clearly the start of a series, The Curse Merchant doesn't leave any niggling questions about the events that happen within it. I was so excited when I finished the last page of the book - because I knew I'd found a new urban fantasy series to happily add to my shelves! If only book two was already out....
Bottom line:
Completely worth a read, the only problem I see with reading The Curse Merchant is that you'll be stuck waiting for book two in the Dark Choir series.
5 stars
For fans of hexes and charms, urban fantasy, male protagonists
This cover is *spot on,* because Dorian has this worldweary thing going on, as though a weight is pressing down on him right from the start of the book - and it never lets up. A sense of impending doom oozes through each page - it's never entirely clear how Dorian is going to stumble through, well, everything.
Mind, Dorian is fantastic. He knows his stuff, but his stuff is quickly established as the very tip of the iceberg. I loved this! I've griped before about how we never get to see the very start of urban fantasy main character careers - BOOM! Consider that complaint fully answered here. I also adored Dorian's attitude. He's smart enough to realize that things would probably be easier if he was, say, a little more reserved and polite, but he can't manage that. And it's so entertaining to see how he's both rewarded and punished for it.
There are some other great characters in this story, though Dorian really has center stage the entire time. Neil Osterhaus has a bit of a generic old creepy guy vibe going on but Carmen, Dorian's ex, is a firecracker, and Osterhaus' muscle, Malosi , is an amusing presence. I love the way he acts as a litmus for how Osterhaus will react to Dorian's antics.
I also liked the way that other characters brought in new paranormal elements. Dorian's hex and charm business is cool, and we get some great details on how that works - but we also get references to other forms of magic, including witches, soul mongering and Netherwork. I was a little on the fence about that particular term, but it grew on me. There's a rich well of the paranormal here and I look forward to learning more about it.
Beyond the atmospheric writing, a compelling male protagonist, a wealth of paranormal components and an entertaining cast of secondary characters, The Curse Merchant is also an excellent story. There's some early cues that hint at the larger story, and I do think you need to have some faith that the novel will get there and that explanations are forthcoming. Please rest assured that if you read the book, you'll be satisfied on these fronts. Though clearly the start of a series, The Curse Merchant doesn't leave any niggling questions about the events that happen within it. I was so excited when I finished the last page of the book - because I knew I'd found a new urban fantasy series to happily add to my shelves! If only book two was already out....
Bottom line:
Completely worth a read, the only problem I see with reading The Curse Merchant is that you'll be stuck waiting for book two in the Dark Choir series.
5 stars
For fans of hexes and charms, urban fantasy, male protagonists
March 4, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
This book had one of the most refreshing acknowledgements I read for a long time:
I'd like to the City of Baltimore for being creepy enough to inspire this series.
Note: I've never been to Baltimore so I can't comment on that.
Another thing I won't be doing is comparing this series to the Dresden Files. I've heard about it, of course, but I've never read the books (yet). Come to think about it, I haven't read that much urban fantasy all together. This all caused my view of The Curse Merchant to be a relatively fresh one. And I liked it.
Dorian Lake has his business selling hexes and charms to a selected clientèle using karma-magic. Unfortunately, this can backfire sometimes as a gun is being pointed at his head right at the beginning of the book. Although at first it didn't really looked like the story was going anywhere, this changes after a special friend confides to Dorian that she's sold her soul to another practitioner. One with roots in the Netherwork, a strange and dark ancient power not to be toyed with.
Dorian considers himself to be one of the good guys as he's not involved in the Soul magic. And although he does try to save a rape victim, he's usually just egocentric and it's far from black-and-white. After all, he does put spells (okay, hexes and charms) on people just because he's getting paid (a lot) to do so. He's not very likeable either, but not necessarily in an annoying way. After the death of his parents and his mysterious magical training in England (I see what you did there) he seems to be quite content with himself.
The story was entertaining, even though I still don't really feel like I have an idea how this magic system works. The writing fitted the story, and reminded me a bit of another Urban Fantasy series I read (Seventeen). The sequel, The Curse Servant, happens to be my next book! I hope I will enjoy it as much as I did this one.
The Curse Merchant is the first book in the Dark Choir Series. The second book is The Curse Servant.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This book had one of the most refreshing acknowledgements I read for a long time:
I'd like to the City of Baltimore for being creepy enough to inspire this series.
Note: I've never been to Baltimore so I can't comment on that.
Another thing I won't be doing is comparing this series to the Dresden Files. I've heard about it, of course, but I've never read the books (yet). Come to think about it, I haven't read that much urban fantasy all together. This all caused my view of The Curse Merchant to be a relatively fresh one. And I liked it.
Dorian Lake has his business selling hexes and charms to a selected clientèle using karma-magic. Unfortunately, this can backfire sometimes as a gun is being pointed at his head right at the beginning of the book. Although at first it didn't really looked like the story was going anywhere, this changes after a special friend confides to Dorian that she's sold her soul to another practitioner. One with roots in the Netherwork, a strange and dark ancient power not to be toyed with.
Dorian considers himself to be one of the good guys as he's not involved in the Soul magic. And although he does try to save a rape victim, he's usually just egocentric and it's far from black-and-white. After all, he does put spells (okay, hexes and charms) on people just because he's getting paid (a lot) to do so. He's not very likeable either, but not necessarily in an annoying way. After the death of his parents and his mysterious magical training in England (I see what you did there) he seems to be quite content with himself.
The story was entertaining, even though I still don't really feel like I have an idea how this magic system works. The writing fitted the story, and reminded me a bit of another Urban Fantasy series I read (Seventeen). The sequel, The Curse Servant, happens to be my next book! I hope I will enjoy it as much as I did this one.
The Curse Merchant is the first book in the Dark Choir Series. The second book is The Curse Servant.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 19, 2013
If you are looking for a book that manages to engage on every level, brings a different approach and attitude to the working of magic and ancient forces, and has a main character with heart and integrity – this is the book for you. Dorian is a practitioner who crafts charms and hexes in the city of Baltimore. His hexes and charms are fueled by karma – karma of the recipient of the charm, and can work for good or bad depending on the personal history of the charm recipient.
Through a series of missed connections and unexpected twists, Dorian is convinced to help retrieve the soul of a former lover from a Soul Merchant in the city, and this decision brings Dorian into a series of personal choices and decisions that were, as recently as a month prior, an anathema to him.
With the tension building as the deadlines run down and the pressure builds, watch Dorian outwit, outmaneuver and outthink the lesser skilled practitioner, as he makes decisions that will alter his life forever.
A beautifully crafted story with the character of Dorian being both uniquely voiced and incredibly detailed. Rich in history and research, with glimpses into the actual craft as well as the price and cost of each charm cast, the craft is not voodoo or Santeria – it is far older and more basic, drawing on the essential forces and ancient beings that are often forgotten. With an eye for explaining the elemental nature of the magical powers, and clear delineations of costs, we are able to watch Dorian manipulate forces to his ends.
As the first in a series, this book has it all. A protagonist that is relatable and likeable, with an endpoint in this book that only ends one chapter in Dorian’s quest while leaving room for more.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Through a series of missed connections and unexpected twists, Dorian is convinced to help retrieve the soul of a former lover from a Soul Merchant in the city, and this decision brings Dorian into a series of personal choices and decisions that were, as recently as a month prior, an anathema to him.
With the tension building as the deadlines run down and the pressure builds, watch Dorian outwit, outmaneuver and outthink the lesser skilled practitioner, as he makes decisions that will alter his life forever.
A beautifully crafted story with the character of Dorian being both uniquely voiced and incredibly detailed. Rich in history and research, with glimpses into the actual craft as well as the price and cost of each charm cast, the craft is not voodoo or Santeria – it is far older and more basic, drawing on the essential forces and ancient beings that are often forgotten. With an eye for explaining the elemental nature of the magical powers, and clear delineations of costs, we are able to watch Dorian manipulate forces to his ends.
As the first in a series, this book has it all. A protagonist that is relatable and likeable, with an endpoint in this book that only ends one chapter in Dorian’s quest while leaving room for more.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 6, 2017
I started off on this book wondering if it would hold my attention. First chapter felt a little sluggish, but I held on because it definitely wasn't bad. Oh, but I am glad I did. Little did I know that the next day I would be well into the second book in this series, and raving about it to anyone who would listen. My friend who swears by Jim Butcher? Hey, you HAVE to read this. My co-worker who loves Kim Harrison? Buy it now! It not only is on par with some of the more well recognized greats, I feel it exceeds many of the overblown standbys.
Fresh characters, a well worn comfortable trope told in a new, self deprecating style through the eyes of a reluctant hero. Out to save his own ass? Definitely. More concerned about those he calls friends? Absolutely. Dorian Lake may not be the worlds idea of a hero, but he's sure going to be one of the most interesting ones. I can't wait to continue this ride!
~ George, 5 Stars
Fresh characters, a well worn comfortable trope told in a new, self deprecating style through the eyes of a reluctant hero. Out to save his own ass? Definitely. More concerned about those he calls friends? Absolutely. Dorian Lake may not be the worlds idea of a hero, but he's sure going to be one of the most interesting ones. I can't wait to continue this ride!
~ George, 5 Stars
October 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this urban fantasy novel! Dorian sells hexes and charms to select clients and avoids shady Netherwork, but is unavoidably dragged into it when he learns his ex-girlfriend's soul is in the hands of his rival.
This is a page-turning read with great characters and an excellent series set-up - I thought the paranormal aspect was unique in the genre. Fans of the Dresden Files series are sure to enjoy The Curse Merchant!
This is a page-turning read with great characters and an excellent series set-up - I thought the paranormal aspect was unique in the genre. Fans of the Dresden Files series are sure to enjoy The Curse Merchant!
December 22, 2014
J.P. Sloan successfully created my favorite kind of magical story, one that could be real. Dorian's magic was so well thought out and grounded in reality, Dorian could actually exist out there somewhere. If I have any complaint it's that the guy on the cover makes me sad. He really needs a nap. :) Looking forward to the sequel!
February 14, 2017
Fun new urban fantasy. Really enjoying the world building so far. Seems interesting and unique, with lots of room for depth and growth. The characters didn't start winning me over until about halfway through the book, but that's typical for series like this. Will definitely read the next one.
Recommended for fans of Dresden, though I think The Dark Choir actually starts out stronger than the Files.
Note: The version I have has different cover art, quite nice. The cover art on the Goodreads version here is hideous. Don't judge a book by its cover!
Recommended for fans of Dresden, though I think The Dark Choir actually starts out stronger than the Files.
Note: The version I have has different cover art, quite nice. The cover art on the Goodreads version here is hideous. Don't judge a book by its cover!
April 25, 2018
This is a great start to this series. The st9ry is creative, intriguing, and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. This book does a nice job of setting things up for future books. I do recommend reading this series in order. I didn’t realize I read book two first, things make a little more sense now. It will be interesting to see where things go with this series.
April 11, 2015
The Curse Merchant, as far as I can tell, is the first published novel by J.P. Sloan, and it is the first part of the Dark Choir series, which promises to comprise of six parts, made up by two trilogies: The Curse trilogy and the Dark trilogy.
The Dark Choir series follows the life of Dorian Lake, an hex and charms merchant who gets embroiled into the dark side of magic, despite his best efforts.
The publishers describe the series as follows:
That is indeed a very accurate synopsis of what this first book contains.
I absolutely loved this novel and devoured it. I loved everything about it, and in particular I could not help but feel for Dorian - with his big mouth and best intentions. I also loved the cover - I think it truly captured the essence of our protagonist.
The writing is captivating, as it introduces us to Dorian's world, a world of magic and high powered figures, and their links to politics. An absolute page turner.
If you love well written urban fantasy this is a must. I simply cannot wait to read the next chapter in Dorian's life - The Curse Servant - I am veritably hooked.
BooksChatter
The Dark Choir series follows the life of Dorian Lake, an hex and charms merchant who gets embroiled into the dark side of magic, despite his best efforts.
The publishers describe the series as follows:
"Down each dark alley, in the city basements, in the shadows of each building and monument lurks a host older than Mankind. They feed on souls and suffering. Throughout human history hermetic practitioners have attempted to harness their power, often to their own damnation. It is said that the rocks and trees will cry out the praises of God… but in the center of the world there is a Dark Choir, full of time, whose song is the doom of Man.
Baltimore socialite Dorian Lake was captured by the societies of hermetic practitioners at an early age. He keeps his practice clean of Netherwork, the sinister arts that call upon infernal forces. His world is filled with powerful enemies, both on the streets and in the seats of power. Dorian’s wit and charisma keep him just safe enough to survive, but every day he plies his trade is a day closer to an inevitable confrontation with the Dark Choir."
That is indeed a very accurate synopsis of what this first book contains.
I absolutely loved this novel and devoured it. I loved everything about it, and in particular I could not help but feel for Dorian - with his big mouth and best intentions. I also loved the cover - I think it truly captured the essence of our protagonist.
The writing is captivating, as it introduces us to Dorian's world, a world of magic and high powered figures, and their links to politics. An absolute page turner.
If you love well written urban fantasy this is a must. I simply cannot wait to read the next chapter in Dorian's life - The Curse Servant - I am veritably hooked.
BooksChatter
October 14, 2014
The Curse Merchant, J.P. Sloan
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal
Dorian, he has this kind of careworn, cynical front going on, but as we get to know the man behind the facade we see he’s really a genuinely nice guy, he’s ready to help people – not just because it’s his job and they’re paying him, but because he really wants to make their lives better. He stays on the side of “clean” magic, that which depends on the goodness or otherwise of the user of his charms, and he’s very anti the Dark side, the type which carries great power but at the cost of his soul. I loved the description of his charms and hexes, and the way he explained how they were tailored to the user.
He seems to have been letting things slide though in both his business and personal life over the last couple of years, and it comes to a head when he’s threatened at gunpoint by an angry lady. It proves a catalyst for change, and he starts to look at how he’s living his life, and begin picking up his work again. That brings him to the attention of a local Netherworker. Dorian knows he’s far more skilled that Osterhaus but is shocked by how much of his work the man has picked up. Never the less he’s back now, and not stepping down. Then some things happen that lead him into danger and the temptations of Netherwork – his old girlfriend Carmen needs his help, and he still feels bad about their acrimonious breakup.
Its a fun read, full of interesting snippets of the history of magic interwoven with descriptions of the spells used. Its not a fast paced novel, and takes the time to thoroughly embed in the scene the various characters that we’ll meet in later books. I’d rather it be that way than a series start with a fast pace that leaves reader wondering “what? who? how?” A solid foundation works well, and the roots for a great series are here IMO. I love the whole idea of magic being attainable by study and not just a few select people with talent. Dorian makes for a great lead, and the side characters of Abe his tenant, Ben from the club, Osterhaus his business rival, Julian from the Mayor’s office are all people I hope will be in future reads. I’ll be looking for more from Dorian and JP Sloan.
Stars: I’m hovering between four and five...Four and a half it is.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
Genre: Sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal
Dorian, he has this kind of careworn, cynical front going on, but as we get to know the man behind the facade we see he’s really a genuinely nice guy, he’s ready to help people – not just because it’s his job and they’re paying him, but because he really wants to make their lives better. He stays on the side of “clean” magic, that which depends on the goodness or otherwise of the user of his charms, and he’s very anti the Dark side, the type which carries great power but at the cost of his soul. I loved the description of his charms and hexes, and the way he explained how they were tailored to the user.
He seems to have been letting things slide though in both his business and personal life over the last couple of years, and it comes to a head when he’s threatened at gunpoint by an angry lady. It proves a catalyst for change, and he starts to look at how he’s living his life, and begin picking up his work again. That brings him to the attention of a local Netherworker. Dorian knows he’s far more skilled that Osterhaus but is shocked by how much of his work the man has picked up. Never the less he’s back now, and not stepping down. Then some things happen that lead him into danger and the temptations of Netherwork – his old girlfriend Carmen needs his help, and he still feels bad about their acrimonious breakup.
Its a fun read, full of interesting snippets of the history of magic interwoven with descriptions of the spells used. Its not a fast paced novel, and takes the time to thoroughly embed in the scene the various characters that we’ll meet in later books. I’d rather it be that way than a series start with a fast pace that leaves reader wondering “what? who? how?” A solid foundation works well, and the roots for a great series are here IMO. I love the whole idea of magic being attainable by study and not just a few select people with talent. Dorian makes for a great lead, and the side characters of Abe his tenant, Ben from the club, Osterhaus his business rival, Julian from the Mayor’s office are all people I hope will be in future reads. I’ll be looking for more from Dorian and JP Sloan.
Stars: I’m hovering between four and five...Four and a half it is.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
March 7, 2015
What I liked: Normally stories are seen from the eyes of the people with good intentions, and that's where this one differed originally. Dorian isn't all that much of a "good guy," he does some pretty nasty stuff that he believes is okay to do since what he does is "karmatic balance" to the people his clients want hexed. So that right there was something that made me much more interested in reading this book when I realized that though he may consider himself a "good guy" that he's really not. He gives off the way he was raised in the upperclass by the way he talks about people he meets without knowing them, and judging people by their heritage, but while that gave insight into him as a character, it also made me both dislike and like him oddly enough. He's that morally grey character who while I don't really like him, and sometimes he pulls moves that I really don't like, it made him an interesting character.
What I didn't like: Like I said, while I like Dorian, I also really don't like him and that's with how he judges people based on the way they look and their heritage. Carmen, for example, is of Latina heritage and he says a lot of things like "her Latina pride" and one about something about her angry posture being Latina. It bothered me because he was so judgmental and such because of a characters heritage. But I mean, other than the way Dorian came off sometimes there wasn't anything I could say I didn't like.
Overall Review: Dorian is an interesting character that, while he does get his karmatic backlash for everything, I will follow on with the second book to see what happens to him and see how he manages to reverse what happens to him by the end of this book. He makes for a different kind of view since this book starts out with him in a terrible place and though by the end his situation is better, it's still not all that great for him.
Recommend?: This was a good book, it kept my attention and was certainly something that I enjoyed overall. I'll definitely be continuing on to find out what happens to Dorian next.
What I didn't like: Like I said, while I like Dorian, I also really don't like him and that's with how he judges people based on the way they look and their heritage. Carmen, for example, is of Latina heritage and he says a lot of things like "her Latina pride" and one about something about her angry posture being Latina. It bothered me because he was so judgmental and such because of a characters heritage. But I mean, other than the way Dorian came off sometimes there wasn't anything I could say I didn't like.
Overall Review: Dorian is an interesting character that, while he does get his karmatic backlash for everything, I will follow on with the second book to see what happens to him and see how he manages to reverse what happens to him by the end of this book. He makes for a different kind of view since this book starts out with him in a terrible place and though by the end his situation is better, it's still not all that great for him.
Recommend?: This was a good book, it kept my attention and was certainly something that I enjoyed overall. I'll definitely be continuing on to find out what happens to Dorian next.
February 12, 2013
What’s a little magic and mayhem without some fun! I love that Dorian’s little charms are based on karma… That is, to be exact, the karma of the person buying them for use! So let me just say, if you have some seriously bad karma coming up on you, maybe you might want to steer clear! LOL I thought that this was so fresh and surprising. No one has really written that yet. I also love Dorian’s wit and quirky attitude.
Dorian’s on a mission to help retrieve a soul of an “old friend”- yeah I’ll say it that way LOL- and in the process, he has to watch his step, as the council is watching him. plus, the help friend mission means going up against his enemy and competition. Things get real crazy here. I feel like poor Dorian really doesn’t get enough sleep LOL I’ve seen this book compared to Harry Dresden’s series, and I do see some similarities, but I also see some uniquness, which is another reason I love it! Plus, Dorian seems a little more ornery than Mr Dresden. I really like his character.
There is also some excellent suspense. I gotta say, I had several questions going though my head while reading trying to figure out all the answers! The world building and research that was put into this story made it so much more real. Everything seems to flow and mesh well. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two, as this is a fantastic start to a new series. You know I normally say I don’t like big info dumps- well, this story has a ton of description, but it never felt like that because it was written excellently. It felt like you were learning the back story, and not have random info thrown at you… This is a major A+ for me!
I really enjoyed it, and I really look forward to reading more and more! GIMME GIMME book 2, quick! HA! % DELICIOUSLY MAGICAL PAWS from me!
Dorian’s on a mission to help retrieve a soul of an “old friend”- yeah I’ll say it that way LOL- and in the process, he has to watch his step, as the council is watching him. plus, the help friend mission means going up against his enemy and competition. Things get real crazy here. I feel like poor Dorian really doesn’t get enough sleep LOL I’ve seen this book compared to Harry Dresden’s series, and I do see some similarities, but I also see some uniquness, which is another reason I love it! Plus, Dorian seems a little more ornery than Mr Dresden. I really like his character.
There is also some excellent suspense. I gotta say, I had several questions going though my head while reading trying to figure out all the answers! The world building and research that was put into this story made it so much more real. Everything seems to flow and mesh well. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two, as this is a fantastic start to a new series. You know I normally say I don’t like big info dumps- well, this story has a ton of description, but it never felt like that because it was written excellently. It felt like you were learning the back story, and not have random info thrown at you… This is a major A+ for me!
I really enjoyed it, and I really look forward to reading more and more! GIMME GIMME book 2, quick! HA! % DELICIOUSLY MAGICAL PAWS from me!
April 10, 2017
Hellbound Heart?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or feint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Curse Servant!
Dorian is just lost. No matter what he does or where he looks his brain just refuses to focus... It's like living in a fugue state, almost... And on top of that are the crippling migraines he feels whenever he looks at something wrong or thinks just a little too hard. Suffice it to say he can't remember his last good day... Or even a semi decent one for that matter! His business is even suffering, so when an irate woman accosts him and he can't remember her, let alone what he supposedly hexed her with ... He realizes he has to change and start being more present no matter the cost! He is the only charm and hex guy in Charm City after all! It is time he practiced his craft and really started helping Karma along again!
This urban supernatural fantasy is definitely one of a kind! Packed full of mystery and intrigue so dark and twisted it keeps the suspense and thrills amped through the roof! Gritty and dark, the action and adventure only serve as background for the actual storyline. Mainly is is about coming to terms with your Fate and living the best life you can despite the circumstances you have to contend with. We could all learn something from Dorian's no nonsense take charge attitude when dealt a truly rotten hand! I cannot wait to read the next installment of the breath stealing new series!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy gritty noir urban fantasies with a humorous antihero who never gives up and never gives in, filled with action, drama, humor, thrills, chills, horror, suspense, mystery, intrigue, mayhem and a dash of romance :)
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or feint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read The Curse Servant!
Dorian is just lost. No matter what he does or where he looks his brain just refuses to focus... It's like living in a fugue state, almost... And on top of that are the crippling migraines he feels whenever he looks at something wrong or thinks just a little too hard. Suffice it to say he can't remember his last good day... Or even a semi decent one for that matter! His business is even suffering, so when an irate woman accosts him and he can't remember her, let alone what he supposedly hexed her with ... He realizes he has to change and start being more present no matter the cost! He is the only charm and hex guy in Charm City after all! It is time he practiced his craft and really started helping Karma along again!
This urban supernatural fantasy is definitely one of a kind! Packed full of mystery and intrigue so dark and twisted it keeps the suspense and thrills amped through the roof! Gritty and dark, the action and adventure only serve as background for the actual storyline. Mainly is is about coming to terms with your Fate and living the best life you can despite the circumstances you have to contend with. We could all learn something from Dorian's no nonsense take charge attitude when dealt a truly rotten hand! I cannot wait to read the next installment of the breath stealing new series!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy gritty noir urban fantasies with a humorous antihero who never gives up and never gives in, filled with action, drama, humor, thrills, chills, horror, suspense, mystery, intrigue, mayhem and a dash of romance :)
September 22, 2014
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Dorian Lake has spent the last two years in a fog. Neglecting everything and everyone in his life seems really off to him, but he brushes it aside and attempts to get his life out of neutral. Things have been happening while he’s been lollygagging around and as he starts picking up clients for his hexes and charms again he begins to realize how much he’s missed. Why can’t he remember? When his ex-girlfriend comes to him for help, he does what he can, but he can’t help but wonder what Carmon has gotten him involved in.
I like Dorian. He reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden and Harry is one of my most favorite book characters. However, I do not like his fascination or absorption with Carmon. I do not like her. At all. The book starts off slowly and I’m wondering what the hell is wrong with Dorian. He seems to be missing months and months of memory and not only does it not bother him, he doesn’t try to figure out why until well into the book. I was beginning to think I had missed something and I was on the verge of irritation. However, as he starts to wake up and smell the roses, things really start cooking for him on many burners and with the help of some friends he figures shit out about the last two years.
All-in-all this is a great read about magic (both light and dark) that features a smartass hero, a few shady individuals and some excellent secondary characters. I’d definitely walk in Dorian’s world some more.
Dorian Lake has spent the last two years in a fog. Neglecting everything and everyone in his life seems really off to him, but he brushes it aside and attempts to get his life out of neutral. Things have been happening while he’s been lollygagging around and as he starts picking up clients for his hexes and charms again he begins to realize how much he’s missed. Why can’t he remember? When his ex-girlfriend comes to him for help, he does what he can, but he can’t help but wonder what Carmon has gotten him involved in.
I like Dorian. He reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden and Harry is one of my most favorite book characters. However, I do not like his fascination or absorption with Carmon. I do not like her. At all. The book starts off slowly and I’m wondering what the hell is wrong with Dorian. He seems to be missing months and months of memory and not only does it not bother him, he doesn’t try to figure out why until well into the book. I was beginning to think I had missed something and I was on the verge of irritation. However, as he starts to wake up and smell the roses, things really start cooking for him on many burners and with the help of some friends he figures shit out about the last two years.
All-in-all this is a great read about magic (both light and dark) that features a smartass hero, a few shady individuals and some excellent secondary characters. I’d definitely walk in Dorian’s world some more.
December 31, 2012
review soon; Blog Tour Stop Jan. 1
Review of The Curse Merchant by J. P. Sloan
5 stars
I almost am at a loss for words to describe this so excellent novel. Suspension of disbelief was immediate and unconscious: accepting “our” consensus reality as one in which magic is rather widely practiced, accepted, and utilized as a personal, professional, and politicial tool, was simple. I never had to stop to think “Hey, is this real?” because it just was REAL. The evolution and revelation of character throughout this story is outstanding, not just in the case of the protagonist, but also of secondary characters, such as his ex-girlfriend and his best male friend. Every character is three-dimensional, with depths and heights of her or his own, and even those whose deeds aren’t pretty (and sometimes actually evil) are comprehensible.
I am so thankful this is the first of a series (The Dark Choir) because I really want to follow the progress of protagonist Dorian Lake, formerly practitioner of Hexes and Charms, now “Curse Merchant.”
I received an e-book copy from the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
I received an e-book copy from author in return for my fair and impartial review
Review of The Curse Merchant by J. P. Sloan
5 stars
I almost am at a loss for words to describe this so excellent novel. Suspension of disbelief was immediate and unconscious: accepting “our” consensus reality as one in which magic is rather widely practiced, accepted, and utilized as a personal, professional, and politicial tool, was simple. I never had to stop to think “Hey, is this real?” because it just was REAL. The evolution and revelation of character throughout this story is outstanding, not just in the case of the protagonist, but also of secondary characters, such as his ex-girlfriend and his best male friend. Every character is three-dimensional, with depths and heights of her or his own, and even those whose deeds aren’t pretty (and sometimes actually evil) are comprehensible.
I am so thankful this is the first of a series (The Dark Choir) because I really want to follow the progress of protagonist Dorian Lake, formerly practitioner of Hexes and Charms, now “Curse Merchant.”
I received an e-book copy from the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
I received an e-book copy from author in return for my fair and impartial review
September 18, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book in return for my honest review, and as a part of the Curiosity Quills Tour. I have to say, fans of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" will probably love this series!
Dorian is a wise-cracking hexes and charms merchant (not curses!), who we meet whilst he has a gun to his head. Understandably, he has to explain just what it is he does, and his explanations for how his karmic justice works sold me. How cool would it be to help karma along when someone you know has wronged you? And like any good protagonist, you can't always say you agree with what they do, or how they feel, but you can understand where they're coming from.
CURSE MERCHANT is part of the DARK CHOIR series and its found a fan in me!
Dorian is a wise-cracking hexes and charms merchant (not curses!), who we meet whilst he has a gun to his head. Understandably, he has to explain just what it is he does, and his explanations for how his karmic justice works sold me. How cool would it be to help karma along when someone you know has wronged you? And like any good protagonist, you can't always say you agree with what they do, or how they feel, but you can understand where they're coming from.
CURSE MERCHANT is part of the DARK CHOIR series and its found a fan in me!
September 19, 2014
Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com
'The Curse Merchant' is an excellent urban fantasy novel, one with a compelling plot and the main character that I came to love within the first chapter. I enjoyed the writing style that made me kept turning the pages. Dorian's hex bussiness was very interesting and I'll wait eagerly to find out what will happen next. It's a shame that the second book in this series is not out yet!
Thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
'The Curse Merchant' is an excellent urban fantasy novel, one with a compelling plot and the main character that I came to love within the first chapter. I enjoyed the writing style that made me kept turning the pages. Dorian's hex bussiness was very interesting and I'll wait eagerly to find out what will happen next. It's a shame that the second book in this series is not out yet!
Thanks to Curiosity Quills Press for sending me an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2016
Grabbed this while looking for something fun and fast. Turns out I couldn't read it fast enough! Action, humor, and all that magic, I'm more than pleased to have found this tale and am very anxious to read more of what Dorian will face next. A well told Urban Fantasy indeed and a prime example why this is one of my favorite genres.
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April 9, 2017Interesting new take on the genre
Picked this up out of curiousity. Glad I did. Dorian is a hex and charm slinger having a bad day. His day, hs week is about to get so much worse. Mr Sloan's take on the genre is fresh, fast paced and filled with enough esoterica to prove he did his research. A name to watch and a series to read.
Picked this up out of curiousity. Glad I did. Dorian is a hex and charm slinger having a bad day. His day, hs week is about to get so much worse. Mr Sloan's take on the genre is fresh, fast paced and filled with enough esoterica to prove he did his research. A name to watch and a series to read.
March 24, 2017
Mystical mystery in Baltimore
I don't generally care for antiheroes, or would-be heroes who turn to evil means even for good purposes (the ends do NOT justify the means, guys!), but Dorian Lake is a peculiarly charming antihero, a strange mix of cynicism and naivete, brashness and cluelessness, and even though he makes some truly repulsive choices over the course of the novel, somehow one keeps rooting for him to get his act together and figure things out.
The story moves along at a good pace, never lagging, layering on levels of mystery and intrigue like the delicious layers of a parfait. The writing is solid, the world complex and interesting. If the book has a weakness, it's the paucity of interesting female characters. It makes sense: Dorian's is very much a male-dominated world. Still, it would be nice to see some cool ladies in there too. Maybe in the next book?
I don't generally care for antiheroes, or would-be heroes who turn to evil means even for good purposes (the ends do NOT justify the means, guys!), but Dorian Lake is a peculiarly charming antihero, a strange mix of cynicism and naivete, brashness and cluelessness, and even though he makes some truly repulsive choices over the course of the novel, somehow one keeps rooting for him to get his act together and figure things out.
The story moves along at a good pace, never lagging, layering on levels of mystery and intrigue like the delicious layers of a parfait. The writing is solid, the world complex and interesting. If the book has a weakness, it's the paucity of interesting female characters. It makes sense: Dorian's is very much a male-dominated world. Still, it would be nice to see some cool ladies in there too. Maybe in the next book?
May 5, 2018
There’s nothing quite so clarifying as a gun to the head. After Dorian Lake manages to disarm his disgruntled ex-client, he takes a long, hard look at his life, and he doesn’t like what he sees. Ever since he broke up with the beautiful Carmen, it’s as though he’s been in a fog. He has lost touch with his friends, avoided his club, neglected his tenants, and let his main business--charms and hexes-- collapse into decay. Dorian is determined to reinvent his life, starting with a brand new wealthy, influential, and highly political client. But when Carmen stumbles up to his door after selling her soul, Dorian suddenly finds himself bartering for her soul, trying to exchange for another soul, being tracked by the Presidium, and considering some seriously dark roads that he promised himself he’d never take.
November 10, 2017
It took awhile for me to get into this book. Dorian is not the kind of guy you want to like and that is part of the point of the book (I think) but it is still hard to read sometimes. In the end I did end up enjoying the story and most of the other characters. It definitely reminded me of Dresden but it is also very much NOT the Dresden stories.
Dorian is an orphan, trained by an older practitioner who was knowledgeable in the dark arts but Dorian doesn't touch it. His mouth gets him into more trouble than he can handle and he has a weakness for damsels in distress - even when he should clearly walk away. And he has friends that help him even though he probably doesn't deserve it.
All of this leads to a fun story that isn't entirely predictable and is quite amusing overall.
Dorian is an orphan, trained by an older practitioner who was knowledgeable in the dark arts but Dorian doesn't touch it. His mouth gets him into more trouble than he can handle and he has a weakness for damsels in distress - even when he should clearly walk away. And he has friends that help him even though he probably doesn't deserve it.
All of this leads to a fun story that isn't entirely predictable and is quite amusing overall.
May 5, 2018
Not my usual type of book to read I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Hexes and charms served up by a snarky, wise cracking magic user. Throw in character development, some fight scenes and SOUL MAGIC and you have yourself one hell of a story. It definitely had me hooked and I loved all the one liners dripping in sarcasm. Cant wait to read the next one.
November 4, 2017
Enjoyed.. RTC!
Moderator Pick (Mine) for Group Read November 2017 with Fallen Into Tijan Books
Moderator Pick (Mine) for Group Read November 2017 with Fallen Into Tijan Books
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