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Warders #5
Il fulcro
I guardiani degli abissi. Libro 5.
Di giorno Marcus Roth è uno dei migliori avvocati penalisti e di notte è un assassino di demoni, ma è solo uno fra i cinque guardiani: non è importante per nessuno, tranne che per Joseph Locke, il suo focolare. O così crede erroneamente Marcus.
Durante un viaggio a Lexington, Kentucky, per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno di Joe, questa opinione cambia quando Marcus scopre, senza volerlo, una minaccia di origine soprannaturale che finisce per rivelare la sua vera identità di guardiano ai familiari di Joe. Dovendo affrontare un traditore, i demoni e il ritorno di un vecchio nemico, Marcus deve mettere in secondo piano i propri sentimenti per salvare i suoi amici, anche se con quella scelta potrebbe perdere per sempre l’uomo che ama. Anche sopravvivere a questa dura prova potrebbe non essere abbastanza, se Marcus non perdonerà se stesso e non sarà disposto a capire che il suo focolare e il resto del suo gruppo non possono fare a meno di lui.
Di giorno Marcus Roth è uno dei migliori avvocati penalisti e di notte è un assassino di demoni, ma è solo uno fra i cinque guardiani: non è importante per nessuno, tranne che per Joseph Locke, il suo focolare. O così crede erroneamente Marcus.
Durante un viaggio a Lexington, Kentucky, per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno di Joe, questa opinione cambia quando Marcus scopre, senza volerlo, una minaccia di origine soprannaturale che finisce per rivelare la sua vera identità di guardiano ai familiari di Joe. Dovendo affrontare un traditore, i demoni e il ritorno di un vecchio nemico, Marcus deve mettere in secondo piano i propri sentimenti per salvare i suoi amici, anche se con quella scelta potrebbe perdere per sempre l’uomo che ama. Anche sopravvivere a questa dura prova potrebbe non essere abbastanza, se Marcus non perdonerà se stesso e non sarà disposto a capire che il suo focolare e il resto del suo gruppo non possono fare a meno di lui.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2011
69 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,015 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 30, 2024
4 Stars
I didn’t think I’d be excited to get to Marcus’s story, but as it so happens, his turned out to be my personal favourite of the series, which was a very pleasant surprise indeed.
Marcus and Joe have been partners for coming on six years. As one of five demon-fighting Warders of San Francisco, Marcus feels beyond blessed to have found an epic love with Joe, his treasured hearth — a Warder simply isn’t as grounded or as strong without the love and support of a hearth.
When they travel to Kentucky for Joe’s grandpa’s birthday, they come across unexpected demon-related trouble that threatens the safety of Joe’s family. Marcus is determined to do everything in his sword-wielding power to protect Joe and his in-laws, calling in help from his fellow Warders, Malic, Leith, Ryan and Jackson, to kick some demon ass and make this place safe again for those Marcus cares about.
The danger is high in this one and there were a few couch-gripping moments that had me worry about the safety and survival of these five Warders I’ve come to know and love over the course of the series. But rest assured, as dicey as things got towards the action-packed second half of the story, everything worked out for all the Warders and their hearths. Phew!
I’m not usually one to enjoy stories about established couples, preferring instead to witness a couple's initial romance unfold, yet I found myself perfectly content to read about long-term lovers Marcus and Joe. These two were so deeply in love and there was no doubt in my mind about the strength of their connection throughout this story. I also loved that they were an interracial couple, with Marcus being a fabulously sexy and kick-ass African-American lead. Joe’s blindness also added an extra element, particularly because he was such a strong and independent character, being more the caretaker in his and Marcus’s relationship dynamic.
I enjoyed this instalment and it was great to see all the characters share page time together, as this was truly a fun, thrilling, paranormal romance, ensemble piece.
I didn’t think I’d be excited to get to Marcus’s story, but as it so happens, his turned out to be my personal favourite of the series, which was a very pleasant surprise indeed.
Marcus and Joe have been partners for coming on six years. As one of five demon-fighting Warders of San Francisco, Marcus feels beyond blessed to have found an epic love with Joe, his treasured hearth — a Warder simply isn’t as grounded or as strong without the love and support of a hearth.
When they travel to Kentucky for Joe’s grandpa’s birthday, they come across unexpected demon-related trouble that threatens the safety of Joe’s family. Marcus is determined to do everything in his sword-wielding power to protect Joe and his in-laws, calling in help from his fellow Warders, Malic, Leith, Ryan and Jackson, to kick some demon ass and make this place safe again for those Marcus cares about.
The danger is high in this one and there were a few couch-gripping moments that had me worry about the safety and survival of these five Warders I’ve come to know and love over the course of the series. But rest assured, as dicey as things got towards the action-packed second half of the story, everything worked out for all the Warders and their hearths. Phew!
I’m not usually one to enjoy stories about established couples, preferring instead to witness a couple's initial romance unfold, yet I found myself perfectly content to read about long-term lovers Marcus and Joe. These two were so deeply in love and there was no doubt in my mind about the strength of their connection throughout this story. I also loved that they were an interracial couple, with Marcus being a fabulously sexy and kick-ass African-American lead. Joe’s blindness also added an extra element, particularly because he was such a strong and independent character, being more the caretaker in his and Marcus’s relationship dynamic.
I enjoyed this instalment and it was great to see all the characters share page time together, as this was truly a fun, thrilling, paranormal romance, ensemble piece.
November 23, 2012
Recently there has been discussion about the way m/m romance portrays gay men. As Isa noted, I believe that m/m romance is not necessarily, or usually, about gay men at all. M/m is a stage set, where men, woman, and non-binary-gendered people can play with ideas of relationships and gender roles. Mary Calmes' Warder series is a classic case-in-point. It has zero to do with gay men; it is about homemaking.
Calmes addresses the problematic issue of the traditional association of women with the private domestic sphere. By making all the characters male she gives us a chance to re-examine what it means to make a home.
The problem was that another warder could not provide a sanctuary. Another warder could not provide a home, a place where you were loved and cared for and welcomed with open arms. If two warders were together, they would fight side by side, go home, and fuck all the adrenaline out of their systems. But afterward, when that was done, when the pulse-pounding rush had dissipated and you needed to be held and kissed and even be something as simple as fed, you were both looking at the other, waiting for them to deliver. A warder, simply put, needed a caretaker, and another warder could never be that.
Coming home bruised and bloody, carrying the weight of what I’d seen with me — the gore, the horror — I was normally not even capable of speech. But I was met at the door each and every time by a man who gave me a quick kiss before having me step onto a garbage bag to strip off everything from head to toe and then pointing me toward the shower. As I lurched through our living room, I could feel the warmth of our home, smell the food, and hear the soft music . . . It was all so comforting that sometimes, just for a second, I thought I would fall apart. But he would check my progress, put a hand on the small of my back or give my ass a pat or take my hand, and lead me to the shower. And then he’d leave me under the steaming water, and all of it, the blood, the memory, and the pain, would just roll off me, down the drain. (loc 1127)
After I battle with the evil forces of paperwork, email, and departmental meetings all day I want that too.
3.5 stars, rounded up for the warm, cozy, comfort-read factor
Calmes addresses the problematic issue of the traditional association of women with the private domestic sphere. By making all the characters male she gives us a chance to re-examine what it means to make a home.
The problem was that another warder could not provide a sanctuary. Another warder could not provide a home, a place where you were loved and cared for and welcomed with open arms. If two warders were together, they would fight side by side, go home, and fuck all the adrenaline out of their systems. But afterward, when that was done, when the pulse-pounding rush had dissipated and you needed to be held and kissed and even be something as simple as fed, you were both looking at the other, waiting for them to deliver. A warder, simply put, needed a caretaker, and another warder could never be that.
Coming home bruised and bloody, carrying the weight of what I’d seen with me — the gore, the horror — I was normally not even capable of speech. But I was met at the door each and every time by a man who gave me a quick kiss before having me step onto a garbage bag to strip off everything from head to toe and then pointing me toward the shower. As I lurched through our living room, I could feel the warmth of our home, smell the food, and hear the soft music . . . It was all so comforting that sometimes, just for a second, I thought I would fall apart. But he would check my progress, put a hand on the small of my back or give my ass a pat or take my hand, and lead me to the shower. And then he’d leave me under the steaming water, and all of it, the blood, the memory, and the pain, would just roll off me, down the drain. (loc 1127)
After I battle with the evil forces of paperwork, email, and departmental meetings all day I want that too.
3.5 stars, rounded up for the warm, cozy, comfort-read factor
February 23, 2023
My heart! Jeez! Mary doesn't often bring the darkness but here she really brought it.
Poor Joe. Poor Marcus. Poor everyone, including me!
I think I am bumping my rating of this one up too.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
No complaints. This was a bit darker or scarier or just different than the others. I was scared more than once honestly.
It still had everything that makes Mary's books, well, Mary's books but it scared me.
I found it interesting to meet other Warders. Not all Warders are the same, for real.
On to the last one!
Poor Joe. Poor Marcus. Poor everyone, including me!
I think I am bumping my rating of this one up too.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
No complaints. This was a bit darker or scarier or just different than the others. I was scared more than once honestly.
It still had everything that makes Mary's books, well, Mary's books but it scared me.
I found it interesting to meet other Warders. Not all Warders are the same, for real.
On to the last one!
February 25, 2023
3.5
Had to have this 2nd read to be prepared for the next book of this series because I probably forgot a lot in the last 8 years.
What can I say, I liked it still but it's a lot more straight forward than I prefer these days. Everything happens quite fast and the confrontation with Moira was not exactely a let-down but not really the kind of boss fight I would have expected. It's more the aftermath of that fight that was emotionally fulfilling in a Mary Calmes way. I so hope The Warders of 2023 are going to be a bit more complex.
Had to have this 2nd read to be prepared for the next book of this series because I probably forgot a lot in the last 8 years.
What can I say, I liked it still but it's a lot more straight forward than I prefer these days. Everything happens quite fast and the confrontation with Moira was not exactely a let-down but not really the kind of boss fight I would have expected. It's more the aftermath of that fight that was emotionally fulfilling in a Mary Calmes way. I so hope The Warders of 2023 are going to be a bit more complex.
d-n-f
July 28, 2021DNF at 50% cuz it’s stupid.
June 2, 2020
I liked this one the least. Joe Locke was so annoying, I could barely stand him. Marcus Roth was only marginally better. I was all set on giving this 3 stars when the wtf*ckery with Marcus started about 70% of the book. It was convoluted, weird and didn't do anything for the story. After that I couldn't wait to finish. I found the warder's meeting in the end cringe worthy and so overly sweet that my teeth hurt instead of uplifting and funny as the author no doubt intended. I usually favor Ms Calmes work but this one was just not my cup of tea. Meh. Sorry...
November 21, 2019
My favorite so far.
Joe is amazing & the perfect hearth for Marcus.
I snot cried and laughed myself to hiccups.
Joe is amazing & the perfect hearth for Marcus.
I snot cried and laughed myself to hiccups.
October 31, 2011
Mary's Warder universe is a stunning combination of kick-ass fun and almost winsome heartbreak. She's so good at showing us the intricacies and distinct characters within a multi-cast ensemble that the moments when all of the warders get together are both rollicking and joyous. We REMEMBER Ryan and Julian, so when we see Ryan dressed up in an impossible outfit for an op, we can laugh in layers, having all of his backstory in our minds, because we know who he is. That being said, Marcus and Joe are perhaps her most nuanced, understated couple of the five warders. Marcus is quietly self-effacing, all of his confidence is in his actions, and his absolute vulnerable hearted devotion to his hearth is incredibly touching. Joe on the other hand is a feisty, fearless man who is so confident in his lover that it is only his lover's shame that undoes him. I enjoyed this fifth book in the series very much, and I am selfish enough to look forward to seeing more of the five of them together.
December 12, 2018
3 e 1/2
“Siamo tutti uniti insieme in questo, tutti noi, guardiani e focolari e siamo un’unica famiglia, vero?” chiesi.“Lo siamo, adesso.” Emise un respiro tremante. “ Perché sei a casa.”"
C'era una volta un Guardiano che non pensava di essere speciale o importante, che pensava di essere facilmente sostituibile per il suo gruppo di amici/colleghi. Per questo si lanciava in missioni suicide senza grande riguardo e solo quando accadde la TRAGEDIA ( o quasi XD) capì che lui era amato, anzi di più: era l'anima della sua famiglia acquisita! Seguono fette di prosciutto che cadono dagli occhi e romanticismo e giubilo a gogo XD Se questo breve ma accurato riassunto vi sembra stranamente familiare è perché quest'ultimo volume della serie ha una trama di fondo praticamente uguale a quella di Malic XD Insomma, la Calmes ha raschiato il fondo del barile e ha riciclato, cosa un poco triste perché di spunti per creare qualcosa di nuovo ce ne erano in abbondanza, (a partire magari dal cliché del tipo "i parenti del mio ragazzo che conosco or ora mi odiano") considerando che l'adorabile coppia Marcus/Joe non solo sono la coppia più consolidata e di lunga data del gruppo (cosa che rende ancora meno credibile la faccenda "non conto nulla per nessuno" XD) ma oltre ai classici problemi "il mio ragazzo è un guerriero soprannaturale" hanno dalla loro anche il fatto di essere una coppia interrazziale e la cecità di Joe...insomma materiale in abbondanza XD Comunque la storia seppur banale è sempre godibile, io e la Calmes ormai abbiamo una lunga relazione di amore infrangibile XD
“Siamo tutti uniti insieme in questo, tutti noi, guardiani e focolari e siamo un’unica famiglia, vero?” chiesi.“Lo siamo, adesso.” Emise un respiro tremante. “ Perché sei a casa.”"
C'era una volta un Guardiano che non pensava di essere speciale o importante, che pensava di essere facilmente sostituibile per il suo gruppo di amici/colleghi. Per questo si lanciava in missioni suicide senza grande riguardo e solo quando accadde la TRAGEDIA ( o quasi XD) capì che lui era amato, anzi di più: era l'anima della sua famiglia acquisita! Seguono fette di prosciutto che cadono dagli occhi e romanticismo e giubilo a gogo XD Se questo breve ma accurato riassunto vi sembra stranamente familiare è perché quest'ultimo volume della serie ha una trama di fondo praticamente uguale a quella di Malic XD Insomma, la Calmes ha raschiato il fondo del barile e ha riciclato, cosa un poco triste perché di spunti per creare qualcosa di nuovo ce ne erano in abbondanza, (a partire magari dal cliché del tipo "i parenti del mio ragazzo che conosco or ora mi odiano") considerando che l'adorabile coppia Marcus/Joe non solo sono la coppia più consolidata e di lunga data del gruppo (cosa che rende ancora meno credibile la faccenda "non conto nulla per nessuno" XD) ma oltre ai classici problemi "il mio ragazzo è un guerriero soprannaturale" hanno dalla loro anche il fatto di essere una coppia interrazziale e la cecità di Joe...insomma materiale in abbondanza XD Comunque la storia seppur banale è sempre godibile, io e la Calmes ormai abbiamo una lunga relazione di amore infrangibile XD
November 13, 2020
3.75 stars
I liked this one the best out of the series so far, and in this one it showcases the established couple.
Marcus and Joe’s relationship worked well for me. They still weren’t perfect but well suited.
A lot happened in this instalment and I was enjoying the different aspects.
The narrator has grown on me as I didn’t find him as bad this time around
I liked this one the best out of the series so far, and in this one it showcases the established couple.
Marcus and Joe’s relationship worked well for me. They still weren’t perfect but well suited.
A lot happened in this instalment and I was enjoying the different aspects.
The narrator has grown on me as I didn’t find him as bad this time around
November 28, 2015
I liked this story, but I didn't really like the writing. I loved the previous books, but I somehow found that this book had a lot of repetition. I think it could've been way shorter if the characters weren't introduced continuously. I had to go back to the first book to see if that one was written the same way, but since all the characters were new, it fit. I know I have bad memory and need to be reminded of who's who, but characters were being introduced the same way at least twice, not even using a different attribute. Other than that, the story was good =)
March 25, 2017
Re-read 3/25/17: One of my favorites in this series. Marcus and Joe are an established couple, but their bond is tested when demons cause trouble in Joe's hometown in Lexington, Kentucky.
June 6, 2016
Read this one first and only realised half way through that it was a series. Oops.
February 5, 2019
Ho gli occhi a cuoricino. Bello, bello, bello.
Marcus, o Marat, avvocato di giorno e guardiano di notte deve andare con Joe, il suo compagno e focolare, dalla famiglia di quest’ultimo in Kentucky per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno. Per impegni di lavoro Marcus parte qualche giorno dopo Joe e quando i due piccioncini si rincontreranno in aeroporto il focolare di Marat si comporterà da brontolone, ma l’amore che li lega è profondo e si percepisce che hanno sentito la mancanza l’uno dell’altro. Mentre sono soli Joe racconta a Marcus che nei giorni passati due “persone” si sono presentate al negozio del padre e non aveva capito cosa volessero ma inavvertitamente ne ha toccato uno e lo aveva bruciato, quindi erano Demoni! Marcus chiama subito la squadra al telefono e racconta il fatto, subito i compagni arrivano da lui per scoprire cosa sta succedendo e per proteggere la famiglia del suo focolare.
Devo dire che anche la storia di Marcus è stata bella, dolce ed intensa, ti conquista dolcemente. Joe sembra la parte più debole della coppia a causa della sua fisicità e cecità, ma ci dimostrerà che sarà lui il più forte. Mentre Marcus avrà una crisi profonda e come uomo darà il “meglio” di sé… non vi dico altro per non spoilerare, ma arriverete ad avere voglia di dargli una mazzata sulla testa, anche se la reazione di Joe è spettacolare. Quindi signore/i, avete voglia di tornare dai nostri guardiani? Si? Allora buona lettura
Marcus, o Marat, avvocato di giorno e guardiano di notte deve andare con Joe, il suo compagno e focolare, dalla famiglia di quest’ultimo in Kentucky per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno. Per impegni di lavoro Marcus parte qualche giorno dopo Joe e quando i due piccioncini si rincontreranno in aeroporto il focolare di Marat si comporterà da brontolone, ma l’amore che li lega è profondo e si percepisce che hanno sentito la mancanza l’uno dell’altro. Mentre sono soli Joe racconta a Marcus che nei giorni passati due “persone” si sono presentate al negozio del padre e non aveva capito cosa volessero ma inavvertitamente ne ha toccato uno e lo aveva bruciato, quindi erano Demoni! Marcus chiama subito la squadra al telefono e racconta il fatto, subito i compagni arrivano da lui per scoprire cosa sta succedendo e per proteggere la famiglia del suo focolare.
Devo dire che anche la storia di Marcus è stata bella, dolce ed intensa, ti conquista dolcemente. Joe sembra la parte più debole della coppia a causa della sua fisicità e cecità, ma ci dimostrerà che sarà lui il più forte. Mentre Marcus avrà una crisi profonda e come uomo darà il “meglio” di sé… non vi dico altro per non spoilerare, ma arriverete ad avere voglia di dargli una mazzata sulla testa, anche se la reazione di Joe è spettacolare. Quindi signore/i, avete voglia di tornare dai nostri guardiani? Si? Allora buona lettura
January 21, 2020
Great story. Listened to this on Audible. Narrator was excellent Paul Morey. So far I think this is the best one.
Sharon
Sharon
January 5, 2019
Full Review http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/09/16...
Book:
This is book 3 of the Warder Series, so by now you know that each town has Warders who protect the city from demons and things that go bump in the night. Each Warder has a Hearth. The Hearth is important because most “regular humans” have their energy drained by spending too much time around a Warder and end up hurt or worse. When a Warder meets a human who isn’t drained by them, they can potentially be their Hearth, or someone they can live with and love, their caretaker after they return from fighting evil.
In book three, Marcus has already found his Hearth, Joe, and the two are with Joe’s family in Kentucky for Joe’s grandfather’s birthday. While there, Marcus discovers that Joe’s dad is being shaken down by a demon and a corrupt Warder. He steps in to fix things after enlisting the help of the other Warders and ends up nearly losing his life.
After months of recovery he makes his way back to Joe, but he fears Joe may no longer want him, since he put himself at risk rather than save himself for Joe.
In the end, after much drama, the pair is stronger than ever and the entire “Clutch” of Warders is even stronger than before.
I really enjoyed the entire Warder series. I loved the relationships between Hearth and Warder and between the Warders themselves. The demons they fight are scary and the “action” in each book is always exciting. In this book the drama is extra scary, but also really funny. All the Warders have to go clubbing (essentially) to gain admittance to the demon they are hunting and that scene was hilarious.
Joe is snarky and sweetly needy, a fantastic juxtaposition for Marcus’ steadfast devotion and leadership. Joe’s family is funny and understanding and serves as a great anchor for the pair. The rest of the Warders look up to Marcus and their devotion to him is touching.
There is a fair amount of awesomely hot sex – Mary Calmes writes some of the hottest sex scenes around- but the love the two share is what makes this story stand out. Joe and Marcus already love one another, though the relationship is tested, we get to see them function as an already involved couple more often than not.
I believe you could read each book as a stand alone, but reading the entire series in order makes each book resonate more.
I highly recommend this book and the series, and give it a 4.5 of 5 stars.
Audio:
Paul Morey narrates this and the last book in the series and I know and love him from some of his previous narrations. Apparently the other books are narrated by someone different and they didn’t get quite as good reviews as did Paul.
Paul did his standard excellent job. I thought it was funny that Joe (the smaller man) had the deeper voice of the two, but other than that I enjoyed his variations on the different characters and love his general cadence and timbre.
I would definitely recommend this book on Audio and enjoy this narrator a lot.
I give the narration a 4.5 of 5 stars as well, for an overall 4.5 of 5 stars.
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*
Book:
This is book 3 of the Warder Series, so by now you know that each town has Warders who protect the city from demons and things that go bump in the night. Each Warder has a Hearth. The Hearth is important because most “regular humans” have their energy drained by spending too much time around a Warder and end up hurt or worse. When a Warder meets a human who isn’t drained by them, they can potentially be their Hearth, or someone they can live with and love, their caretaker after they return from fighting evil.
In book three, Marcus has already found his Hearth, Joe, and the two are with Joe’s family in Kentucky for Joe’s grandfather’s birthday. While there, Marcus discovers that Joe’s dad is being shaken down by a demon and a corrupt Warder. He steps in to fix things after enlisting the help of the other Warders and ends up nearly losing his life.
After months of recovery he makes his way back to Joe, but he fears Joe may no longer want him, since he put himself at risk rather than save himself for Joe.
In the end, after much drama, the pair is stronger than ever and the entire “Clutch” of Warders is even stronger than before.
I really enjoyed the entire Warder series. I loved the relationships between Hearth and Warder and between the Warders themselves. The demons they fight are scary and the “action” in each book is always exciting. In this book the drama is extra scary, but also really funny. All the Warders have to go clubbing (essentially) to gain admittance to the demon they are hunting and that scene was hilarious.
Joe is snarky and sweetly needy, a fantastic juxtaposition for Marcus’ steadfast devotion and leadership. Joe’s family is funny and understanding and serves as a great anchor for the pair. The rest of the Warders look up to Marcus and their devotion to him is touching.
There is a fair amount of awesomely hot sex – Mary Calmes writes some of the hottest sex scenes around- but the love the two share is what makes this story stand out. Joe and Marcus already love one another, though the relationship is tested, we get to see them function as an already involved couple more often than not.
I believe you could read each book as a stand alone, but reading the entire series in order makes each book resonate more.
I highly recommend this book and the series, and give it a 4.5 of 5 stars.
Audio:
Paul Morey narrates this and the last book in the series and I know and love him from some of his previous narrations. Apparently the other books are narrated by someone different and they didn’t get quite as good reviews as did Paul.
Paul did his standard excellent job. I thought it was funny that Joe (the smaller man) had the deeper voice of the two, but other than that I enjoyed his variations on the different characters and love his general cadence and timbre.
I would definitely recommend this book on Audio and enjoy this narrator a lot.
I give the narration a 4.5 of 5 stars as well, for an overall 4.5 of 5 stars.
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*
December 30, 2016
Review will be included in a full Volume review of Warders: Volume 2.
~
This is, perhaps, the second best story in all the series (with Sinnerman taking first place).
Again, there was the issue with 1st person POV not being informative enough – a theme that is persistent in all the stories of this series. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. This one took 3 pages for us to get Marcus' name. Though knowing that it was a warder who was a lawyer helped point me in the right direction, it takes far too long to find out who the POV is for, even taking until page 2 for us to find out it's Joseph's warder mate.
Marcus and Joe are only our second established couple of the series, but I love them. I actually believed their relationship more than Simon and Leith's, which made a little more sense when we found out here (though not during Simon and Leith's story, as far as I can remember) that they'd only been together less than a year. Marcus and Joe, however, have had six years together and that was obvious from the way they worked as such a cohesive team and how much more organic and natural their relationship was. Joe was my favourite, especially with the way that he reacted to Marcus. Being a gay, interracial couple in a small 'hick' town, while Joe is blind and Marcus is black, could have spelled so much trouble, even with Joe's family. But the way he handled it was beautifully done.
I was proud, but also sad, to see the way Joe handled being around his cousin Kyle, and to learn their history. Proud because he was still strong, he hadn't let that incident define him or destroy him, but sad because he could never escape that memory with Kyle at every family gathering. At the same time, I loved the way he turned to Marcus for protection, so trusting and so sure that he'd be there. Joe sees Marcus so clearly, despite being blind. He knows and trusts everything about him, the same way that Marcus does with Joe. So when their relationship hit that rocky patch near the end, I almost died! It just wasn't fair. But then it was worked through, screamed through and resolved and I felt whole again.
The whole thing was just a master class in beautiful storytelling and masterful planning.
~
Favourite Quote
““A warder has to be able to return to his hearth and home to be cared for and find sanctuary and draw power. I understand my role, and it's as vital to me as it is to you. I love you and I know my value. But I can't leave my family in danger, and I know you can't, either. So let's handle this and then go home so you can fight alongside your brothers.”
He was decisive and firm and absolute. It was hard to contain my love for him, because really, the man was phenomenal.
“Just say, 'Yes, Joe, I agree.'”
“Yes, Joe, I agree,” I sighed.
“I go with you, Marcus. Don't be stupid.”
Of course he did.”
~
This is, perhaps, the second best story in all the series (with Sinnerman taking first place).
Again, there was the issue with 1st person POV not being informative enough – a theme that is persistent in all the stories of this series. Unless you can remember each character by name and their association with the others in the story, then it takes far too long to learn who the 1st person POV is actually from. This one took 3 pages for us to get Marcus' name. Though knowing that it was a warder who was a lawyer helped point me in the right direction, it takes far too long to find out who the POV is for, even taking until page 2 for us to find out it's Joseph's warder mate.
Marcus and Joe are only our second established couple of the series, but I love them. I actually believed their relationship more than Simon and Leith's, which made a little more sense when we found out here (though not during Simon and Leith's story, as far as I can remember) that they'd only been together less than a year. Marcus and Joe, however, have had six years together and that was obvious from the way they worked as such a cohesive team and how much more organic and natural their relationship was. Joe was my favourite, especially with the way that he reacted to Marcus. Being a gay, interracial couple in a small 'hick' town, while Joe is blind and Marcus is black, could have spelled so much trouble, even with Joe's family. But the way he handled it was beautifully done.
I was proud, but also sad, to see the way Joe handled being around his cousin Kyle, and to learn their history. Proud because he was still strong, he hadn't let that incident define him or destroy him, but sad because he could never escape that memory with Kyle at every family gathering. At the same time, I loved the way he turned to Marcus for protection, so trusting and so sure that he'd be there. Joe sees Marcus so clearly, despite being blind. He knows and trusts everything about him, the same way that Marcus does with Joe. So when their relationship hit that rocky patch near the end, I almost died! It just wasn't fair. But then it was worked through, screamed through and resolved and I felt whole again.
The whole thing was just a master class in beautiful storytelling and masterful planning.
~
Favourite Quote
““A warder has to be able to return to his hearth and home to be cared for and find sanctuary and draw power. I understand my role, and it's as vital to me as it is to you. I love you and I know my value. But I can't leave my family in danger, and I know you can't, either. So let's handle this and then go home so you can fight alongside your brothers.”
He was decisive and firm and absolute. It was hard to contain my love for him, because really, the man was phenomenal.
“Just say, 'Yes, Joe, I agree.'”
“Yes, Joe, I agree,” I sighed.
“I go with you, Marcus. Don't be stupid.”
Of course he did.”
January 8, 2018
One of my favorites in this series, I especially like Joe. The part where he's drunk and angry at everybody in the end made me laugh!
March 6, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4.5 Stars
Narration 4.5 Stars
This is my favourite of the series so far. Great story, longer than the previous books and a new narrator.
Joe is a fabulous character. He has been with his partner for almost six years and has been everything a hearth needs to be and more. He is blind but fiercely independent and his love for Marcus Roth jumps off the page.
Marcus is successful in his career, loving in his home and he is the lynch pin in the group of warders he fights alongside. When a mission to take out a group of demons goes wrong Marcus is left alone and scared and ends up pushing away everyone that cares about him including Joe. His guilt at putting his friends before the man he loves is eating him up until he is too scared to face anyone.
Nexus is the book that pulls on your heartstrings the heaviest out of all the books in the series. The reasons that Marcus gives for hiding away don’t resonate with Joe, all he feels is the devastation and loss of Marcus not coming for him as soon as he got home. After the heart break comes the making up and then Marcus must face the rest of his friends and it is only then that he truly realises how important he is to the rest of his family.
Narration Review:
There was such a difference in the narration that Paul Morey gave to the previous books in the series. Clear, precise and with the right emotions he was an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Story 4.5 Stars
Narration 4.5 Stars
This is my favourite of the series so far. Great story, longer than the previous books and a new narrator.
Joe is a fabulous character. He has been with his partner for almost six years and has been everything a hearth needs to be and more. He is blind but fiercely independent and his love for Marcus Roth jumps off the page.
Marcus is successful in his career, loving in his home and he is the lynch pin in the group of warders he fights alongside. When a mission to take out a group of demons goes wrong Marcus is left alone and scared and ends up pushing away everyone that cares about him including Joe. His guilt at putting his friends before the man he loves is eating him up until he is too scared to face anyone.
Nexus is the book that pulls on your heartstrings the heaviest out of all the books in the series. The reasons that Marcus gives for hiding away don’t resonate with Joe, all he feels is the devastation and loss of Marcus not coming for him as soon as he got home. After the heart break comes the making up and then Marcus must face the rest of his friends and it is only then that he truly realises how important he is to the rest of his family.
Narration Review:
There was such a difference in the narration that Paul Morey gave to the previous books in the series. Clear, precise and with the right emotions he was an absolute pleasure to listen to.
February 2, 2016
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Finalmente in questo capitolo della saga conosciamo meglio la coppia più longeva tra i guardiani di San Francisco, dato che i due stanno assieme da più di cinque anni. Marcus è il guardiano a cui tutti si affidano con fiducia e che è sempre stato vicino e disponibile per i suoi amici; di Joe, il suo focolare, finora avevamo solo sentito parlare per il suo caratteraccio leggendario e la sua gelosia nei confronti del compagno. In questo libro i due si recano a Lexington per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno di Joe. La famiglia del giovane ha accolto da subito Marcus come un figlio e ha sempre dato ai due tutto il suo sostegno. Non stupisce quindi che, quando una minaccia mette a rischio la sua nuova famiglia, Marcus dia tutto se stesso per aiutarli; non stupisce nemmeno che i suoi "colleghi" intervengano in soccorso e che lo spirito di squadra si dimostri ancora una volta fortissimo e vincente.
Questa serie mi ha ormai stregato e, anche se il mio preferito rimane comunque "Peccatore", ho apprezzato moltissimo anche "Il Fulcro". Amo molto la coralità di questa storia e la solidità di Marcus, oltre all'incredibile bellezza (dentro e fuori!) di Joe.
Finalmente in questo capitolo della saga conosciamo meglio la coppia più longeva tra i guardiani di San Francisco, dato che i due stanno assieme da più di cinque anni. Marcus è il guardiano a cui tutti si affidano con fiducia e che è sempre stato vicino e disponibile per i suoi amici; di Joe, il suo focolare, finora avevamo solo sentito parlare per il suo caratteraccio leggendario e la sua gelosia nei confronti del compagno. In questo libro i due si recano a Lexington per festeggiare il compleanno del nonno di Joe. La famiglia del giovane ha accolto da subito Marcus come un figlio e ha sempre dato ai due tutto il suo sostegno. Non stupisce quindi che, quando una minaccia mette a rischio la sua nuova famiglia, Marcus dia tutto se stesso per aiutarli; non stupisce nemmeno che i suoi "colleghi" intervengano in soccorso e che lo spirito di squadra si dimostri ancora una volta fortissimo e vincente.
Questa serie mi ha ormai stregato e, anche se il mio preferito rimane comunque "Peccatore", ho apprezzato moltissimo anche "Il Fulcro". Amo molto la coralità di questa storia e la solidità di Marcus, oltre all'incredibile bellezza (dentro e fuori!) di Joe.
November 24, 2011
This is a great look at an extended relationship between a warder and hearth. Marcus and Joe have been together for 6years, but even then doubts can creep in when it's crunch time. Both of their reactions are understandable and believable. It was great to see all of the guys working together and pull together in the end so Marcus could see what he means to all of them. I would say it's a great end to the series, but I'm not sure it's the end since I know Cherish Your Name is out. I suspect Mary will find excuses to revisit the guys on several occasions. And I won't be the least bit unhappy if that occurs. I love all the possessive growliness in these guys.
October 17, 2012
I have been saving this one for when I needed a Mary Calmes fix.
I like this series, they are all sort of the same, but still different enough to keep it interesting.
I loved Joe, he is so independent and grumpy but loving and supportive.
I liked Marcus, but I did have a bit of an issue with him being a HUGE idiot near the end! I think Jael should have kicked him in the rear right away, not even asked him, just called Joe and the others!
I like this series, they are all sort of the same, but still different enough to keep it interesting.
I loved Joe, he is so independent and grumpy but loving and supportive.
I liked Marcus, but I did have a bit of an issue with him being a HUGE idiot near the end! I think Jael should have kicked him in the rear right away, not even asked him, just called Joe and the others!
April 24, 2017
On the surface this series is about the totally hot warders and their equally hot hearths. However, each book manages to include an important lesson for each couple involved.
Nexus centers around Marcus. He is the oldest warder and with his leadership skills, the others look up to him. When the clutch has its back against the wall and it is matter of life and death, Marcus takes the lead. His decision haunts him. Marcus can't face Joey his hearth and his fellow warders. He thinks he has let them down.
Families aren't always made up of the people who share our DNA. Families also include the people we choose, love and bond with. Marcus learns the lesson after much pain and suffering. He is also reminded that FAMILY means you don't have to be perfect.
Nexus centers around Marcus. He is the oldest warder and with his leadership skills, the others look up to him. When the clutch has its back against the wall and it is matter of life and death, Marcus takes the lead. His decision haunts him. Marcus can't face Joey his hearth and his fellow warders. He thinks he has let them down.
Families aren't always made up of the people who share our DNA. Families also include the people we choose, love and bond with. Marcus learns the lesson after much pain and suffering. He is also reminded that FAMILY means you don't have to be perfect.
May 12, 2014
Yet another really great book in the series and this was definitely the more angsty book yet. Marcus and Joe were just, they just worked so well together. I liked a lot of things about this book and it was close to perfect really. But then Marcus did what he did, which was understandable, but it was still annoying and it meant I enjoyed the book a little less than I could have.
It was nice to see all the guys throughout this one and it almost felt like a final book. Not that it's a bad thing, but that was just the feeling I got from this book and if I hadn't already known about the last book, I would definitely have presumed this was it.
It was nice to see all the guys throughout this one and it almost felt like a final book. Not that it's a bad thing, but that was just the feeling I got from this book and if I hadn't already known about the last book, I would definitely have presumed this was it.
December 11, 2014
Oh this book!! I SOBBED during that last quarter of it! OMG! My poor heart! I loved it sfm, tho! My favorite of them all! I can't stop exclaiming!! I adored Joe and Marcus! Goodness!! I can't believe how much I liked this idea of Warders. And the whole hearth thing just brought me to my knees. And then the demons and the kyrie. All of it really did it for me. If you want to try a different type of paranormal MM, I recommend this. I loved the quick resolutions. The steamy hot sex. All of it really buttered my biscuits. Read these for good quickies.
April 12, 2012
"Use your words, Marcus." Too fuckin' adorable. This was such a wonderful book! Lots of tenderness between Marcus and Joe. Something you don't find in a lot of books, at least not the way that Mary Calmes wrote it for these two. It pulled a few tear outta me, I tell ya what. The Warders and their hearths are well matched. Their Sentinel knows how to pick 'em because they are a family-together, not individual. This was good, this was good.
October 28, 2011
3.5 stars. Good paranormal m/m romance about lawyer and warder Marcus going to Kentucky with his hearth, Joe, to visit Joe's family, never expecting to run into demons while there. While I did enjoy this, at times I felt simultaneously as if I was missing part of the story, yet was being rushed through the story.
October 28, 2011
3.5 - I will always read books from this series. It was interesting to see how other Sentinels handle their Warders. I love Marcus and Joey, they are unique and watching them 6 years into their relationship was nice. As for the story, I felt left out in some parts, maybe even rushed through this story. Oh and Marcus, you big dumb teddy bear - these people are your family!!!
November 27, 2020
Original review and second read both 3.5 stars.
Original review...
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one although towards the end I wanted to smack Marcus a bit. Also, the stories would work so much better (in my opinion) if they were a bit longer.
Original review...
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one although towards the end I wanted to smack Marcus a bit. Also, the stories would work so much better (in my opinion) if they were a bit longer.
August 26, 2016
Cute story but not my favorite in the series. It was about an established couple with a strong relationship. I liked Marcus and Joe, as well as Joe's family. It was nice to see the other Warders and their hearths.
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