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The LineFolk of London #3
Unusual Afflictions
London is a city of secrets, but some secrets are too sick to stay hidden.
For centuries, the LineFolk—werecats, nymphs, and other creatures of myth—have survived in the shadows of the Underground, bound to the magical linether that keeps them human. But the fragile peace of the safezones is about to shatter.
When a young nymph collapses on the doorstep of the clynic, nurse Hannah Chadwick thinks she’s dealing with a simple human infection. She’s wrong. Within hours, the clynic is besieged by sick LineFolk, and the symptoms are as varied as they are terrifying.
As the mysterious plague spreads like wildfire across the Ouroboros, Hannah and Flynn must abandon their sanctuary for a makeshift field hospital in the heart of the City. But with resources dwindling and the body count rising, the abclynician’s dated Victorian methods are no longer enough.
With Detective Sergeant Patel torn between his duty to London and his feelings for Hannah, and a desperate Mia considering a bargain with her estranged, power-hungry father, the stakes have never been higher. If Hannah can't master her growing powers to find a cure, the LineFolk face two equally grim total extinction, or a public exposure that will change London forever.
The LineFolk are failing. And the cure might be deadlier than the disease.
For centuries, the LineFolk—werecats, nymphs, and other creatures of myth—have survived in the shadows of the Underground, bound to the magical linether that keeps them human. But the fragile peace of the safezones is about to shatter.
When a young nymph collapses on the doorstep of the clynic, nurse Hannah Chadwick thinks she’s dealing with a simple human infection. She’s wrong. Within hours, the clynic is besieged by sick LineFolk, and the symptoms are as varied as they are terrifying.
As the mysterious plague spreads like wildfire across the Ouroboros, Hannah and Flynn must abandon their sanctuary for a makeshift field hospital in the heart of the City. But with resources dwindling and the body count rising, the abclynician’s dated Victorian methods are no longer enough.
With Detective Sergeant Patel torn between his duty to London and his feelings for Hannah, and a desperate Mia considering a bargain with her estranged, power-hungry father, the stakes have never been higher. If Hannah can't master her growing powers to find a cure, the LineFolk face two equally grim total extinction, or a public exposure that will change London forever.
The LineFolk are failing. And the cure might be deadlier than the disease.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Jay Neill
7 books25 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 16, 2026
Unusual Afflictions is my favourite book in the LineFolk series so far. The twists were beautifully foreshadowed yet still managed to surprise me, while the cameos from other books and the additional lore answered some of the questions I had after reading Peculiar Consequences. At the same time, I’m now left with even more huge questions about how this series is going to culminate.
This was a true ‘shit’s hit the fan’ book, and that was probably my favourite part. Just when you think the characters couldn’t possibly go through any more… they did. And, of course, I loved every second of it, while also feeling incredibly bad for everyone involved.
Another thing I really enjoyed was how characters from The Angel of King’s Cross and The Lord of Sloane Square made appearances throughout the book. Having read The Angel of King’s Cross before starting the main series and then going rogue and reading The Lord of Sloane Square after finishing book one, I can confirm that being reckless like me and ignoring Jay’s author notes does still work in terms of the reading order. Sorry, Jay.
Grubb gets a special mention alongside Hannah because their interactions were some of my favourite parts of the book. I went through every possible emotion with these two and I am absolutely dying for more.
November can’t come soon enough!
This was a true ‘shit’s hit the fan’ book, and that was probably my favourite part. Just when you think the characters couldn’t possibly go through any more… they did. And, of course, I loved every second of it, while also feeling incredibly bad for everyone involved.
Another thing I really enjoyed was how characters from The Angel of King’s Cross and The Lord of Sloane Square made appearances throughout the book. Having read The Angel of King’s Cross before starting the main series and then going rogue and reading The Lord of Sloane Square after finishing book one, I can confirm that being reckless like me and ignoring Jay’s author notes does still work in terms of the reading order. Sorry, Jay.
Grubb gets a special mention alongside Hannah because their interactions were some of my favourite parts of the book. I went through every possible emotion with these two and I am absolutely dying for more.
November can’t come soon enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, where do I start, fist of all, I have been a loyal fan of Jay Neill's work, and his Linefolk of London series has continued to amaze me, curious physiologies was a great read, peculiar consequences was even better, and he has done it again, unusual afflictions beats them both, the growth of this world, and the whole urban fantasy setting is beautifully crafted, the improbably amazing, mixed with the real world environments are spectacular, even if you have never been to London, you will know where you are going if you do, especially after reading these books, as for the latest installment, I have one word, Amazing, I don't say this lightly, one of the top 5 independently published authors I have had the pleasure of reading, and speaking with directly, great guy, even better author, I would 100% recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy, or any kind of fantasy, following the continuous evolution of the main characters, they feel like people I already know, and I for one, am looking forward to book 4 of this great and growing series, and one more thing, please don't stop, not at book 5, just keep this world alive for us, it's a great escape and beautifully written, thank you, and I need the next one yesterday
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanx to Jay Neill for trusting me with this ARC Copy.
Unusual Afflictions is the third book in the LineFolk of London series , an urban fantasy set in London.
Can you imagine living your everyday life full of the same ,often, boring and repetitive things and taking the metro to and from work every day, always the same ... Totally unknowing of the mythical creature sitting in the seat next to you or walking behind you in the street. They have managed to stay hidden for so long, but is that about to change ?
I've always been fascinated by myths and lore, and i love how Neill manages to take those myths that's been told in so many ways already and rewrite them in a new and believable way, creating a feeling of something well known and yet new and exiting. In the third book of the series we get to explore a bit more of the backstories of some of the characters and we are also given a bit more understanding of their powers as the story continues to become more and complex. It was also a bit more of an emotional rollercoaster compared to the first two books as it both made me shout U bastard! and make my eyes tear up in short succession.
I can't recommend this series enough
Unusual Afflictions is the third book in the LineFolk of London series , an urban fantasy set in London.
Can you imagine living your everyday life full of the same ,often, boring and repetitive things and taking the metro to and from work every day, always the same ... Totally unknowing of the mythical creature sitting in the seat next to you or walking behind you in the street. They have managed to stay hidden for so long, but is that about to change ?
I've always been fascinated by myths and lore, and i love how Neill manages to take those myths that's been told in so many ways already and rewrite them in a new and believable way, creating a feeling of something well known and yet new and exiting. In the third book of the series we get to explore a bit more of the backstories of some of the characters and we are also given a bit more understanding of their powers as the story continues to become more and complex. It was also a bit more of an emotional rollercoaster compared to the first two books as it both made me shout U bastard! and make my eyes tear up in short succession.
I can't recommend this series enough
July 13, 2026
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 is peculiar but wise, the apprentice, careful and stubborn, his wife, loyal and brave as well as a cast of other LineFolk and a very special human from the Transport Police.
Book Three - a deadly virus affects the LineFolk as the humans get closer to knowing of their existence. As old enemies resurface and shaky alliances are formed will Hannah find out who she really is?
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 is peculiar but wise, the apprentice, careful and stubborn, his wife, loyal and brave as well as a cast of other LineFolk and a very special human from the Transport Police.
Book Three - a deadly virus affects the LineFolk as the humans get closer to knowing of their existence. As old enemies resurface and shaky alliances are formed will Hannah find out who she really is?
June 8, 2026
This latest book in *The Linefolk of London* series once again demonstrates Jay's writing talent. The series just keeps getting better with every book. It's hard to create a completely believable fantasy world, but Neill pulls it off with flying colors. His worldbuilding is perfect. The balance between plot-driven and character-driven storytelling remains well-balanced. Neill's books are a delight to read.
Something I've been looking forward to ever since I started reading the series was to see the characters from the prequel return, and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the distant past. Since I'm a total background junkie—because I think that's what brings a story to life and gives it depth—I want more of that.
It's hard to put the book down. The plot is so gripping, and it's so easy to relate to the characters. The plague among the Linefolk brings back memories of COVID years, which deepens the emotional investment in the story. The cliffhanger at the end is going to make it really hard to wait until the next book.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It's one of the best urban fantasy series out there today. a must-read.
Something I've been looking forward to ever since I started reading the series was to see the characters from the prequel return, and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the distant past. Since I'm a total background junkie—because I think that's what brings a story to life and gives it depth—I want more of that.
It's hard to put the book down. The plot is so gripping, and it's so easy to relate to the characters. The plague among the Linefolk brings back memories of COVID years, which deepens the emotional investment in the story. The cliffhanger at the end is going to make it really hard to wait until the next book.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It's one of the best urban fantasy series out there today. a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series gets better with every book and has been a fantastic read. I finished this book in just three days because I couldn't put it down. I'm obsessed with how it ended—I never saw that ending coming, and now I desperately need the next book.
The flashbacks are woven seamlessly into the storyline, adding depth and emotion without disrupting the pace. The final five chapters completely shocked me, and I was left speechless by the conclusion. This series has always embraced its darker themes, but the ending took that darkness to another level in the best possible way.
The consequences of the characters' actions feel significant and have a lasting impact on the overall story. I found myself deeply invested in every character, and the way Jay writes flawed, complex individuals is truly impressive. Their struggles, mistakes, and growth make them feel incredibly real.
Overall, this was an amazing book and another outstanding addition to an already brilliant series. I can't wait to see what happens next
The flashbacks are woven seamlessly into the storyline, adding depth and emotion without disrupting the pace. The final five chapters completely shocked me, and I was left speechless by the conclusion. This series has always embraced its darker themes, but the ending took that darkness to another level in the best possible way.
The consequences of the characters' actions feel significant and have a lasting impact on the overall story. I found myself deeply invested in every character, and the way Jay writes flawed, complex individuals is truly impressive. Their struggles, mistakes, and growth make them feel incredibly real.
Overall, this was an amazing book and another outstanding addition to an already brilliant series. I can't wait to see what happens next
August 26, 2026
I started reading this straight after book two. This book really was a turning point in the Linefolk series for me. The story became so much more intense with a real feeling of uncertainty that anything would be resolved.
With the characters not having solutions that were easy to work out or handed to them, their personalities really shined through in this book. New and returning. They became even more humanised through Jay’s writing.
This book was so hard to stop reading. It was definitely the one that I couldn’t put down or stop thinking about. If I woke up through the night, I’d start reading it. If I had ten minutes with nothing to do, I started reading. I would go from reading a chapter or two, to suddenly reading a good chunk of the book.
Then, once I got to the last third, I really didn’t want to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed this book the most so far in the series. I’m a little sad that we’re already halfway to the series finishing but it’s a fantastic series.
Bring on book four in November, I’m ready.
With the characters not having solutions that were easy to work out or handed to them, their personalities really shined through in this book. New and returning. They became even more humanised through Jay’s writing.
This book was so hard to stop reading. It was definitely the one that I couldn’t put down or stop thinking about. If I woke up through the night, I’d start reading it. If I had ten minutes with nothing to do, I started reading. I would go from reading a chapter or two, to suddenly reading a good chunk of the book.
Then, once I got to the last third, I really didn’t want to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed this book the most so far in the series. I’m a little sad that we’re already halfway to the series finishing but it’s a fantastic series.
Bring on book four in November, I’m ready.
June 11, 2026
As a paranormal fan with a love of urban fantasy, the LineFolk of London series has quickly become my “I need the next one immediately” series. Each book has grown in terms of plot, character growth, and the subject matters covered.
Reading them is like a symphony growing in tension, and I feel like we just experienced the tutti. What will the coda have in store for Hannah and the rest of the LineFolk?
Reading them is like a symphony growing in tension, and I feel like we just experienced the tutti. What will the coda have in store for Hannah and the rest of the LineFolk?
June 13, 2026
Unusual Afflictions
Book 3 of The Linefolk of London continues an excellent series. A mysterious virus is attacking Linefolk and we learn a little more about Julius and his brother William and of Julius’ antipathy to Trevillian Grub. Hannah continues to develop her mysterious abilities and we meet some new and important characters. Jay Neill writes in such a way that his characters are brought into reality.
Book 3 of The Linefolk of London continues an excellent series. A mysterious virus is attacking Linefolk and we learn a little more about Julius and his brother William and of Julius’ antipathy to Trevillian Grub. Hannah continues to develop her mysterious abilities and we meet some new and important characters. Jay Neill writes in such a way that his characters are brought into reality.
August 3, 2026
Wow. I think this was my favorite book in the series so far - it kept me hooked from start to finish, and once again, Neill navigates the balance between plot and character with precision, as the spread of a virus drives the story's nonstop action and we see how Hannah's response continue to shape who she's becoming. A thoroughly engaging read in a fantastic series, and I look forward to reading the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been hooked and gripped by every single book in this series and this was no different.
The hidden secrets and unsuspecting turns in the book were amazing where you thought it was going it did not. An absolute 5* read again now I desperately need to find out what happens next because this series is by far my absolute favourite thing I have read this year.
The hidden secrets and unsuspecting turns in the book were amazing where you thought it was going it did not. An absolute 5* read again now I desperately need to find out what happens next because this series is by far my absolute favourite thing I have read this year.
June 19, 2026
The LineFolk universe keeps getting richer, and while I occasionally felt caught in a whirlwind of wonderfully imaginative creatures and storylines, it all came together brilliantly by the end. Jay's ability to weave London's history and folklore into this hidden world continues to impress, and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
October 3, 2026
Some interesting developments, more characters, back story, and further mystery around what or who Hannah is. For me, this story didn't quite hold my attention as much as book 2, but it's still part of what's becoming a great canon of books about fascinating world.
June 26, 2026
Unusual story , can’t wait for the next one
June 22, 2026
Number four please
August 24, 2026
Kind of confusing but I want to know what happens in the series!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews