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Curious Physiologies: The LineFolk of London Book One
Not yet published
Expected 16 Feb 26Hannah 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.
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.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 16, 2026
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jay Neill
4 books15 followersJay 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ive just this minute finished reading this. What can I say? An absolutely fantastic world to dive into, intricately thought out and beautifully written with intriguing characters and a plot that makes it impossible to put down. Book one rounds off its storyline nicely and could easily be read as a standalone but I'm pretty sure most readers will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment just as I am to find out where they all go from here. I can see this series being a massive hit!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an absolutely fantastic read 5*.
I must admit I wasn't sure i would enjoy this one but my goodness i couldn't put it down.
It comes with a fair few twists and turns that you wont necessarily be expecting. Thank you so much Jay for allowing me to read this as an arc i can not wait to follow Hannah and the line folks story in book 2 .
I must admit I wasn't sure i would enjoy this one but my goodness i couldn't put it down.
It comes with a fair few twists and turns that you wont necessarily be expecting. Thank you so much Jay for allowing me to read this as an arc i can not wait to follow Hannah and the line folks story in book 2 .
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews