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The LineFolk of London #1

Curious Physiologies: The LineFolk of London Book One

Hannah Chadwick is running from her past, but she just stumbled into London’s most dangerous secret.

A fierce, professional nurse, Hannah found herself unfairly blacklisted after speaking out against corporate misconduct. Desperate for work, she takes the job at a nondescript clinic just off Harley Street, treating patients with "rare conditions" for an eccentric abclynician named Julius Wayworthy.

But this isn't a normal medical practice. Hidden throughout the city, their world is defined by a mysterious energy source lurking in the tunnels of London's Tube. These are the LineFolk: thousands of creatures—from elegant haemovores to monstrous shapeshifters—who use the city’s network to conceal their true forms.

When Hannah witnesses her colleague, Axton Flynn, violently transform to save her life during a mugging, she learns two terrifying truths: she is a human working in a world of monsters, and her predecessor was brutally murdered.

Now, caught between the LineFolk’s lethal secrets and the growing curiosity of the Police, Hannah must quickly decide who she can trust. Because if Wayworthy hired her for a reason, that reason might just get her killed.

Welcome to the Underground. Don't stray from the lines.

If you like the London-based, bureaucratic magic of Ben Aaronovitch, the cynical, street-smart protagonists facing monstrous hidden societies like those of Jim Butcher, the intricate, darkly atmospheric worlds of China Miéville, and the fast-paced, magical underworld politics of Benedict Jacka, you'll love Curious Physiologies. The LineFolk of London series is a gripping descent into a hidden city within a city of myths and legends, hiding in plain sight.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

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About the author

Jay Neill

7 books25 followers
Jay Neill is a British author of high-concept Urban Fantasy, specialising in the collision of the mundane and the magical. After 25 years in the corporate sector, he switched to writing fiction to build worlds hidden just beneath our reality.

His published novel, The Terminus Of All Things, is a standalone urban portal fantasy that explores the concept of Endland, a chaotic, mirror-dystopia built from the obsolete remnants of our own world.

Jay’s upcoming series is The LineFolk of London, a separate venture into British mythology where all UK mythological creatures are forced to live within the restricted boundaries of the London Underground's Circle Line, surviving only by harnessing a unique magical energy source: Linether.

Jay’s witty, structured approach to modern fantasy has seen him compared to authors like Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London) for his use of real-world infrastructure and Robert Rankin for his eccentric, inventive British comedy and urban mythologising.

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5 stars
107 (41%)
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3 stars
35 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for K.
36 reviews
December 1, 2025
A fascinating and gripping urban fantasy about a secret subspecies living within London, using a magical power running underneath the Tube lines to allow them to integrate with society.

When nurse Hannah takes a job at a clinic that appears a little strange, she finds herself quickly absorbed into this secret culture she never knew of but quickly becomes her entire life.

And when she finds a secret map in one of the drawers of her desk, it sends her on a mission to discover the truth, one that could risk everything.

I absolutely loved discovering this brand new world through Hannah’s eyes.

The writing is smooth and flows naturally, the story is gripping, and the characters are fascinating.

For a single book, this story has so many facets. It was dark, and had gruesome descriptions of humans transforming into creatures most of us could only imagine in our nightmares, but it also had the lightness of friendship, and discovery, and curiosity, all while setting it wonderfully in our present day world and throwing in a few unexpected moments that literally made me laugh out loud.

An amazing story, an amazing world, and I can’t wait to read more!





Profile Image for Steve Kimmins.
545 reviews104 followers
August 26, 2026
I find myself drawn to Urban Fantasy set in London, my hometown. Mike Carey and Ben Aaronovitch have both written fantasy series based there that I’ve enjoyed.

This one uses the underground tube/metro system in contemporary London, where it acts as the conduit for magical powers that a secret few of the city’s inhabitants use. Rather unusual and the set up for this magical system, and how it’s used and by who, takes up a fair proportion of the book. I suspect that now this is out of the way later books in the series might flow rather faster from the outset. But it had to be done.

Given my selfish reason for using these London urban fantasies to reminisce on a complicated geography I was familiar with I was surprised to find this book didn’t dwell much on the details of the city. Plenty of city name checks but not much about them. So this book certainly isn’t a disguised tourist guide to London in the same way the other authors I mentioned earlier hang their story on a well described London backdrop. A bit disappointed in that aspect as any major city could have been used for this story - with the exception that one of the best known tube lines, the Circle Line (which runs around the inner city), is given major magical prominence.

I did like the main character, Hannah, who as an outsider to the magical content is our guide to discovering it as she uncovers it. Despite the unexpected and dangerous events she comes across she’s a very determined forthright character. I don’t often take to lead characters who hide or whimper when threatened and Hannah is quite the opposite.

For me, a mixed bag. Good lead character; a somewhat complicated magical system, though I’m now up to speed with it for the future; a reasonably exciting and tense plot.
3.5* though I’m confident that the future stories in the series will flow better now that introductions are out of the way (and reviews seem to support this).
Profile Image for Paul Rand.
Author 2 books13 followers
March 4, 2026
This book has a really interesting premise which has been well thought out - based around mythical creatures living in human form within the geographical area of London's circle line. To remain disguised as human, or in some cases to be able to use their special powers, they need to remain close to the paths of the underground lines, which are actually routes of linether which predate the tube network.
I particularly liked the characterisation of the various line folk, particularly the werecats who behaved like cats even when I'm human form. There was some great attention to detail. I also liked the way in which Mia and Flynn initially assumed Hannah must be linefolk as much as Hannah wasn't aware that they weren't human, and so the surprise and confusion happened in both directions.
I wanted to know more about the villain and their plans and motivation and although there were some interesting developments all the way through to the end, I felt the last few chapters were somewhat rushed and didn't have the same depth as the earlier ones. Still a great read though and Jay Neill clearly has a lot more up his sleeve for this world as book 2 is out soon and he's mapped out a five book series.
5 reviews
February 14, 2026
ARC - Review but goodreads had technical difficulties.
After reading Jay's short story at christmas introducing us to his world i was very excited to read Curious Physiologies! And I can honestly say he did not dissapoint, from world building to mood building Jay's ability to create and escalate was perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend to anyone who is even remotely tempted to take the dive ! Its most certainly worth it.
111 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2026

I loved every second of this book. The characters are exceptionally well developed, each with their own distinct personality and voice. Hannah, the main character, remains relatable throughout the entire story, which was a refreshing change. Even as the plot expands and the stakes rise, she still feels believable and easy to connect with.

The world-building is everything I have come to expect from Jay Neil. It is rich in detail without ever feeling overwhelming, with information woven naturally into the story rather than delivered through lengthy exposition. The different races take classic fantasy lore and give it a modern twist, creating something that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.

The foreshadowing was handled brilliantly. There were plenty of clues scattered throughout the story, while still leaving room for surprising twists and turns that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

I also appreciated that the book was not afraid to embrace darker moments. The gory and genuinely horrifying scenes were particularly effective because the narrative keeps you so firmly rooted in the characters’ perspective. Experiencing those moments through her eyes made them feel all the more impactful.

The dry humour was a wonderful touch and balanced the darker elements nicely. There is an overall sense of comfort to the book that makes it incredibly easy to settle into, even when the story takes a darker turn.

With something always happening on the page, whether through the plot, character interactions, or atmosphere, this was a very quick and engaging read. I devoured it in a matter of hours and cannot wait to continue the series.
83 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
A unique world set in London where inside of the circle line, the 'ouroborus' a whole world of magical, mythical and insane creatures hide in plain sight.


Hannah is down on her luck when she sees a job on a flyer, a nurse who blew the whistle on her old boss and is now blacklisted. Takes a job a quirky 'clynic' where she very quickly question what she has got her self into.


As the world of the OtherFolk or LineFolk starts to open up to her, she also discovers something else hiding just beneath the surface, secrets that she soon realised is a threat to dweller and LineFolk alike.


At first I didn't really connect with our FMC Hannah. She discovers this world and adjusts literally over night but the story itself was written very well, the world, lore and 'magic system' centered around this concept of the tube lines is really unique and Hannah grew on me as a character, especially as her supporting cast assembled.


This is part 1 and part 2 is due to drop in March I was lucky enough to be a part of the ARC read for part 1 due in early February. It's a really unique read that really sets up a curious world and I'm excited to explore more of it in the future.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 3, 2026
This is a fascinating exploration into the fantastical world of the linefolk.

the story follows Hannahs story of understanding what the linefolk are, and how she traverse's some curious aspects of a new job.

The story is thrilling and exciting, with many twists and turns - I found it to be fast paced and clear to follow characters and plot. If you know London you can feel like you are even more immersed within the locations within the circle line.

I came to read Jay's books having been a huge follower of Ben Aaronovitch especially his Rivers of London series and havent at all been disappointed.

Am thoroughly looking forward to seeing the follow editions of the linefolk of London series.
Profile Image for Matthew Phillips.
Author 3 books52 followers
September 9, 2026
I listened to the audiobook of this and it was excellent!
Great story, well written and brilliantly narrated.

Jay Neill's writing writing reminds me very much of ben Aaronovich, and evokes a similar feeling of familiarity when he writes about the parts of London that I know well. I especially enjoyed the plot twist at the end, but mostly because it confirmed a suspicion I had throughout the book. Nice to be proved right!
Profile Image for Peter Samuels.
61 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2026
Took a bit to get into and for me some of the writing was more YA , really picked up on the last third . Very enjoyable end and I will get to the rest of the series which I feel will get stronger as the series grows
Profile Image for Cat Treadwell.
Author 5 books140 followers
February 11, 2026
In these days of urban supernatural fantasy, it’s rare to come across a book that feels a new and fresh as ‘Curious Physiologies’. I heard about Jay Neill on social media and took a look at his first short story featuring the Linefolk, ‘The Angel of King’s Cross’. That felt like the training wheels for this story, in which all of the limitations of a new author have been stripped away - and it’s glorious to see!

I lived and worked in London for many years, and it’s a pleasure to revisit via the hands of an author who clearly knows his stuff. Everything felt so very real and familiar as I walked down streets that I knew well with our characters - I worked for a short time on Harley Street, and know exactly the buildings, the green spaces nearby, and of course the intrinsic power of the Tube map.

This is a London mythology that survives much as the regular folk do. The ‘monsters’ work hard to keep their families fed and housed, live in close communities of their own and generally Get On. Those dwellers within the M25 do look out for each other, and this condenses that attitude even more tightly into the Lines as they reach down the centuries from the Roman founding of Londinium to present day.

Protagonist Hannah is immensely likeable, as well as smart and ethical - unfortunately aspects of character that don’t always stand one in good stead in a cutthroat city. But this leads to a twist of fate which aligns her with the secret magics beneath the street, and now she must work with her new colleagues to help save that entire world.

‘Curious Physiologies’ starts relatively slowly, allowing us to get used to this alternate world as Hannah does (although you’ll no doubt find yourself guessing what’s going on from the moment a rather bullish patient appears at the door of the clynic). Before I knew it, I was speeding through the pages at the same time as not wanting the story to end. This is an adventure with action, chases, a covert policeman (yes, akin to Ben Aaronovitch, but very much his own person) and a battle against the power of Big Business that would fit any regular mainstream thriller perfectly.

This is a London I know and the people I wish I’d known when I was there. It’s so easy to imagine dryads still in the trees of Bloomsbury Square, and I often heard pigeons referred to as ‘pavement fairies’. I know this book will be lurking in the back of my mind next time I visit - that Tube platform heat, smell and screech have just a bit more meaning now, and I’ll be checking for trolls beneath Hammersmith Bridge.

Jay Neill takes a city full of unique magic and offers us a hand to join him there. I do hope you will. And I can’t wait for Book 2!

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the author, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Tess.
47 reviews
July 20, 2026
Just a little too bland predictable for my taste.

You know very quickly what this is and where it's going and, while I don't think that's always a negative quality for a paranormal/supernatural urban fantasy, I just didn't find this compulsively readable enough to carry me through so I think I'll be leaving the series here
Profile Image for rhia faith.
386 reviews
May 13, 2026
If you’re not reading this on a tube you’re missing out, just saying
5 reviews
May 26, 2026
A highly original tale of two worlds coexisting but not in perfect harmony. If that's piqued your curiosity then pick up a copy, it's a page turner!
Profile Image for READER VIEWS.
5,519 reviews456 followers
September 30, 2026
Curious Physiologies by Jay Neill is an atmospheric urban fantasy sure to delight fans of the genre. The first book in The Linefolk of London series has certainly inspired me to pick up the rest of the stories in this fresh take on some traditional myths.

Hannah Chadwick is a nurse who has been blacklisted from every hospital in London. Desperate for work, she answers an ad for a small clinic that’s definitely off the beaten path. Her job interview is, well… bizarre, as Julius Wayworthy asks only questions unrelated to her profession. He’s interested in her nature. Yes, red flags should be raised here—and they are, since Hannah is no fool. But she is desperate, so she decides to give this strange clinic and the even stranger Wayworthy a chance. You know… until she can find something better.

Day one in the clinic proves as strange as one might imagine. She’ll be working with Wayworthy and the younger Axton Flynn. She’s told not to use the title “Doctor” for them. Axton is the Apprentice (odd), and Wayworthy is the Master (odder). After a strange and unsettling day in the clinic, she only wants to go home, but is talked into joining Axton and his family for dinner. This seemingly benign event sets things in motion when Axton is forced to change into a seven-foot-tall feline to save Hannah from a mugging.

Wayworthy and Axton are now constrained to tell her the truth of the Linefolk, magical creatures who were nearly hunted to extinction by humans. They have been living a secret lifestyle, some underground and others in plain sight, but sworn to secrecy and to stay mostly within London’s Circle Line. Linether is their magical energy source. It flows through the Tube lines in certain areas of London, specifically in the Circle Line area.

Apparently, the Linefolk were the first to dig the tunnels in that area, which the Tube eventually inhabited. As long as the Linefolk are within the designated areas, many of them can maintain human form and live above ground. Crossing out of the Linether makes them change instantly into their magical forms, which could be anything from traditional shapeshifters (big cats, wolves, bears, etc.) to nymphs and more. If you can imagine it, it’s probably part of the Linefolk. The scary part is the things we can’t imagine that inhabit the darker areas and avoid even the mainstream Linefolk.

Hannah is a great character, with intelligence, drive, and a quick wit that helps dissipate some of the tension that comes from having creatures give chase. Wayworthy is also likable and brilliant, though he’s got that intense mind going in so many directions he doesn’t always provide all the necessary information. Axton and his family are adorable, although neither Axton nor his wife was initially personable. Both gave pretty negative first impressions.

There are also ancillary characters who add more than just a little personality to the plot. They add depth and humor. Some add that spine-tingling, skin-crawling sensation that has you distrusting them instantly. All are worthy of attention.

The plot is paced well, as the tension mounts and secrets are uncovered. Unexpected heroes will provide some of the brave acts needed to save the day from the bad actors with only their goals in mind. Themes of loyalty, strength, honor, resilience, and friendship are found within these pages of myths, legends, and nightmares roaming the London streets.

I found myself wishing for more of the backstories of the main characters. While they all displayed their unique personalities, it was obvious we had only scratched the surface. I also found I was missing a good romance for our heroine—not required for the genre, but something I personally hoped for. I suspect both will be coming in future episodes of The Linefolk of London series.

Altogether, Curious Physiologies by Jay Neill is a very enjoyable tale. Fans of urban fantasy, especially when myth collides with the modern world, will find this checks all their boxes. Paranormal readers and those who love Celtic, Welsh, and English legends will also find a home here. As for me, I’m picking up the rest of the series as well.

Profile Image for Babs Rudlin.
Author 6 books5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 16, 2026
BOOK REVIEW: Curious Physiologies (LineFolk of London #1)

Title: Curious Physiologies Author: Jay Neill Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

QUICK SUMMARY Hannah Chadwick is an absolute expert at self-sabotage. Having effectively torched her nursing career, she is down to her last lifeline: a flyer she literally rips off a wall. That flyer leads her to a mysterious clinic for the "LineFolk"—mythical creatures living in the shadows of the London Underground. It is a completely new world, with new skills and very real dangers right on her own doorstep.

WHAT I LOVED ✨ Characters: Hannah is so brilliantly relatable. Watching her navigate the shock of her first patient—a Minotaur!—was a highlight. Her internal battle between her professional duty and her sheer human curiosity felt so authentic and kept me hooked.

✨ Plot & Pacing: The story unfolds over just a handful of days, which keeps the pacing incredibly tight. I was so gripped that I devoured the first 17 chapters in a single sitting. It is an effortless, "just one more chapter" kind of read.

✨ Writing Style: Jay Neill’s prose is layered and evocative. I particularly loved the historical references, such as the Master remembering Queen Charlotte requesting the creation of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. It adds such a rich texture to the urban grit.

✨ Humour: There is a sharp, wicked edge to the humour here. Hannah’s self-recrimination and her internal monologue provided that perfect intellectual tone I adore.

✨ Emotional Stakes: This book hit me in unexpected ways. That deep connection translated into me sobbing by the end of the book. It is rare for a "fun" urban fantasy to have that much heart.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS?

Fans of Neverwhere or Rivers of London. Readers who want a smart, no-spice Urban Fantasy with a medical twist and a massive emotional payoff.

FINAL VERDICT A triumphant, 5-star dive into the shadows of the Jubilee line! Jay Neill has crafted a world that is as fascinating as it is dangerous. I was captured from the very first page and left emotionally wrecked (in the best way) by the last. I am very much looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for OldBird.
1,960 reviews
September 27, 2026
An interesting concept, but like a lot of urban fantasy mysteries the execution of it didn't really work for me.

There's usually a certain amount of written-for-TV-ness about this subgenre. Descriptions are vague, characters emotions are stated, their words spoken plainly. It made me think of how an actor would put emphasis on tone, expressions or gestures that really let us get a read on the character, and how I wished there were some kind of directions written for me to interpret their actions. I felt very lost when it came to working out the character of the characters, so to speak. I don't feel I understood any of them. I couldn't work out how Mia was speaking (posh and fast, information given later, though friendly? Sarcastically?) , or if Patel was being funny or just horrible about those who aren't "human". This is what kept me from feeling fully immersed in the story.

And it's an interesting story, if very info-heavy to get us up to speed on what's what in the world of the LineFolk. I love a good magical London Underground theme, and the idea of tracks running along some kind of ether ley line controlling where and how supernatural folk can live was a novel one. Maybe the plot could feel a tad predictable given the evident foreshadowing, but it's got the quirky British urban fantasy (sans romance) tone.

While it is intriguing, I didn't feel attached to the main characters and wasn't a fan of the big reveal at the end )

It might not be a series for me, but fans of Benedict Jacka or Ben Aaranovitch would likely appreciate this different (slightly medical) walk on the wilder side of London.
Profile Image for Sharron Joy Reads.
922 reviews47 followers
June 23, 2026
Curious Physiologies: The Linefolk of London Book One by Jay Neill
Peculiar Consequences: Book Two

Hidden under the streets of London through the tube lines exists a magical source of power that keeps a secret sub species hidden. Nurse Hannah needs a job so when she knocks on the door of a strange clinic that serves these LineFolk she soon becomes fascinated with this world and soon uncovers a plot that could cause chaos across the city.

An urban fantasy that is instantly engaging and moves at breakneck speed. Where Shapeshifters, Mages, Vampires, Trolls and others appear human in this zone but if they step outside the Lines they revert to their original appearance. With incredibly well drawn often eccentric characters that, in a few sentences you instantly know, an astonishing world cloaked and ancient and a gruesome conspiracy.

I loved Hannah, feisty and curious, entering a world she had walked past blind to her whole life. The Abclynician, Julius is peculiar but wise, Axton, the apprentice, careful and stubborn. Mia, his wife, loyal and brave as well as a cast of other LineFolk and a very special human from the Transport Police.

Book One - beds in the lore of the LineFolk and sees the main characters fighting a threat to their ability to hide in human form.

Book Two - the characters are established now and here we see the revitalisation of an horrific practice from Victorian times inflicted on the LineFolk by their own.
Author 1 book4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 21, 2026
I absolutely loved this story from start to finish, I read the angel of kings cross before this, and was granted the amazing honour of being one of the author's picks for this ARC read, 'The Line-Folk of London' is looking like it's going to be a great series, and genuinely can't wait for more, I have seen this gentleman author on Social media, and have had the privilege of interacting with him on some of them, an interesting and intelligent man, with great stories to tell, from the Terminus of all things, to this, I have found one of my favourite authors of recent years. Like many people, I have spent most of my reading time on traditionally published books, but some of these independently published authors are creating worlds worth getting lost in, and stories beyond belief, if you are in to lost folk-lore, and like a well known urban setting, these are the books for you, Jay Niell has pulled so many wonderful creatures from an almost forgotten history, put his own unique twist on them, and made them feel real, if I could write half as well as him, I would be a happy man, read this, read the Angel of Kings cross, and get lost in a world hidden in our own, definitely looking forward to the next one in this series, and hopefully a sequel to Terminus of all things as well
Profile Image for Armando Ramirez.
310 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Jay Neill’s Curious Physiologies is a darkly compelling dive into the hidden veins of London, where the ordinary and the uncanny intertwine beneath the city’s surface. I loved this eerie exploration of what might be lurking in the streets and tunnels, a world both unsettling and oddly beautiful.Neill’s narrative skill shines throughout the story. His level of detail, especially in describing the linefolk and their underground realm, is top notch. The world he builds may exist within the confines of the Tube, yet it feels vast and alive, full of history and shadowy possibility.Experiencing this mysterious world through the eyes of Hannah, who stumbles into it after taking a job out of necessity, is wonderfully refreshing. Though written in third person, the prose draws you so deeply into her perspective that it often feels like a seamless first person experience.If there’s any hesitation in giving a full five stars, it’s only because I occasionally wished for a bit more clarity about the rules and origins of this hidden world. Still, Curious Physiologies is a captivating and atmospheric read.
Profile Image for roseandflamereads.
143 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
SOLID (this was an ARC read) Hannah is a nurse who is desperate for work which leads her to an odd nursing job working for a peculiar man who is a doctor..... but doesn’t want to be called one. Very quickly she realizes that she is in a world which she knows nothing about and starts to learn that there are things in London that are hidden. A whole race of beings that are not considered human and she is working at a clinic to serve those non humans. Along the way she gets embroiled in a mystery that ultimately led to the death of the woman whose position she replaced and she finds her own life very much in danger.

This was a Super interesting story- I loved that this world doesn’t quite romanticize other types of beings like other fantasy I also might read, but takes kind of an academic approach to what goes bump in the night. I also loved the characters in the book and the concept of how magic affects London, and what has happened to those with magic (or non-human). Definitely recommend!

The next story is coming out this year I believe, which is great - can't wait to continue on after finishing the first book.
Profile Image for JK.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 20, 2026
From the very first pages, Curious Physiologies draws you in through Hannah’s perspective. We begin firmly grounded in everyday London, inhabiting the role of a “dweller” alongside her, before gradually being introduced to a hidden world where creatures and other beings exist in human form. Neill’s storytelling is immediately trustworthy and immersive - it didn’t take long for me to feel deeply invested in the linefolk, the trouble brewing in their world, and Hannah’s place within it all.

The character development is particularly impressive. I found myself equally engaged with all of the main characters as each of them undergoes meaningful, distinct changes. Reflecting on this now, it’s even more remarkable given that the book is under 300 pages. Creating a rich, layered world, a complex plot, and fully realized characters in that space is no small feat, yet the author pulls it off with confidence.

Overall, Curious Physiologies is a binge-worthy read that balances worldbuilding, character, and story with skill and care, and one that left me eager to spend more time in its universe.
Profile Image for Michaela Lernestam.
20 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2026


Curious Physiologies opens with the kind of scene that instantly tells you what you’re in for: dark, uneasy urban fantasy… with just enough bitey humour and snark to keep you smiling while you side-eye the shadows. From the first pages, Jay Neill sets a tone that feels distinctly London—muddy, sharp, busy, and slightly cursed in the way only a city can be.

Hannah (a nurse with a backbone and a bruised professional life) is at the end of her rope when she spots a job flyer in a coffee shop. That one ripped-off slip of paper is basically a trapdoor. One minute she’s trying to get a paycheck and keep her head above water; the next she’s headfirst in a hidden layer of the city where “normal” is a costume and the Underground is not just a transport system—it’s a boundary. A refuge. A hunting ground.

One thing really sold this for me is the character chemistry. It’s messy in the best way—charged, funny, occasionally frustrating, and always alive. The relationships don’t feel polished; they feel earned through tension, banter, missteps, and those small moments where someone chooses to stay. If you love a strong found family vibe—people who shouldn’t work together but somehow become each other’s safest place—you’ll be well fed here.

And the mythology? This is where the book gets extra fun. Neill plays with recognisable folklore beats, but he doesn’t just copy-paste familiar creatures into modern London. He twists them into something that feels both classic and newly unsettling, like you’re recognising a shape in the dark and only later realising it’s been smiling at you the whole time.

I’m rating this high because it delivered exactly what I want from urban fantasy: atmosphere, sharp dialogue, a dangerous hidden world, and characters with enough spark to light up the tunnels. If you ever see a job ad on a café board that seems a little too specific… maybe don’t read it. Or do. That’s how the best stories start.
Profile Image for Laura Squirrel .
48 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2026
I’ve been meaning to start this series for the longest time and I wish I had started it sooner.
It’s such an interesting concept and personally haven’t read anything similar to it. I really enjoyed it. A lot more than I thought I would. I thought it was going to be complicated to understand, but it wasn’t. Jay basically explained what curious physiologies was very early in the book and I’m quite thankful for that otherwise I wouldn’t have had a scooby about what was going on.

I really enjoyed the characters. They felt very down to earth even though the majority were Linefolk. I’m not sure how I thought their personalities would be or play out, but I enjoyed the similarities of humans. Learning who and what the Linefolk are is what really kept me reading and the unique way they stayed in their human forms.

The story itself flowed really well and there wasn’t any part where I was confused. I just had questions if anything that would then be answered in the next few chapters. Once you start reading this series, you won’t be able to stop. Once I finished this, I was straight onto the next book.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 19, 2026
I received an early e-copy of Curious Physiologies as part of the ARC team, and I really enjoyed it. It throws you straight into a modern London story with mystery, action, and a smart urban-fantasy twist.

Bringing classic monster types into present-day London is a bold choice, but it works here because the author blends the fantastical into the real world in a way that feels believable enough to buy in, without turning London into some totally different place.

The pacing is quick, the characters feel alive, and even when the cast gets a little busy, the story still moves smoothly. What I liked most is that the book actually closes its main story (no cheap cliffhanger), but still leaves you wanting the next one. The final turn with the protagonist genuinely surprised me, in a good way, and it sets up book two of the series really well.

I’ll be picking up the next book when it’s out.
41 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2026
This is a fantastic book to read,the story is interesting, intriguing and so well written,you never lose your way with the story as it's so beautifully paced.
All the characters are fleshed out perfectly giving you an insight to every single thing about their personality,that you cannot help connect with.
The area the story is set in being London is beautifully described,and even if you don't know London you could use the story as a map.
The main characters,side characters,are all described with such care and love that connecting with all them is so easy,with favourites soon getting into your mind that you cannot remove.
Overall this is simply a great story that is well written and flows with passion,knowledge and allows the reader to follow the story so easily that becomes a joy in reading to it's final conclusion.
A truly fantastic book and story that I personally enjoyed so much,that Iam starting book two straight away.
Profile Image for Sam Blakeley.
12 reviews
January 24, 2026
This is my second novel of Jay Neill’s, after The Terminus of All Things. He’s always engaging and entertaining on TikTok, which drove me to reading his debut - and I’ll come back for the next one too.

He’s creative, witty and plots well. His work will make you see the urban and ordinary in an entirely different light.

Curious Physiologies is a particularly engaging read, managing to tell a personal story with potentially international implications. A genuine page-turner!

Hannah makes for a great companion into the bizarre and intriguing world of the LineFolk, and Wayworthy has the twinkle-eyed charm of a true guide.

A small cast of characters and an elegant premise allow for this to be an enjoyable read which flies by in no time.

I received my copy thanks to Jay’s ARC program - I would recommend you buy Curious Physiologies and then sign up to be an ARC reader for book two.
Profile Image for CSwriteshorror.
Author 2 books
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 4, 2026
Hannah had lost another job. She had started to think that she wasn't meant to have work, when she ran across a flyer at her local coffee shop. The next day, she found herself in Wayworthy, a place where strange things happened and people weren't who they seemed. She works as a nurse, but in the strangest place she'd ever encountered. She soon learns that that everything about her city is not as it seems. Welcome to the Underground.

This book was very different from your usual fantasy novel and it was refreshing. I felt like the beginning was a little slow, but very quickly I was sucked in and couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! The end of this one was a surprise and I'm here for it! Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC ebook copy of this super fun novel.
30 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 7, 2026
This book felt like I was just peering into the lives of Hannah, Mia Flynn, and Patel.


A lot of urban fantasy books I have read tend to do a lot of telling and not enough showing. This book had a perfect balance, it gave me enough to satisfy my curiosity, but keeps me wanting more.

I love how all the characters are flawed, and seem so real its very refreshing when the characters feel imperfect because that what people are they flawed.

The linefolk we are introduced to are so unique yet feel so familar at the same time. I like how groteseque some of the Linefolk are.

i started reading this on 6th jan 2026 and finished it on 7th of january 2026. i loved every moment. of it

This is an arc review, however this is my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lucy Brighton.
Author 10 books52 followers
August 3, 2026
Curious Physiologies is a compelling and original urban fantasy that reimagines London through the hidden world of the Linefolk, a secret society sustained by ancient magic flowing beneath the Underground.
Following Hannah, a nurse drawn into this concealed community, the novel gradually unveils a richly imagined mythology populated by memorable characters and grounded in a vividly authentic London. The writing is engaging and atmospheric, balancing dark supernatural horror with humour, warmth, and genuine emotional depth.
Blending mystery, action, and imaginative world-building, Jay Neill has created a fresh addition to the urban fantasy genre. An immersive and highly entertaining read that leaves readers eager for the next instalment.
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