What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Gentlemen #1
Caballeros Desalmados
Belimai Sykes es muchas cosas: pródigo, descendiente de demonios antiguos, criatura de oscuras tentaciones y poderes excepcionales, y un hombre con un pasado cruel y una peligrosa adicción.
También es el único hombre al que el capitán William Harper podrá acudir cuando tenga que vérselas con una serie de horripilantes asesinatos. Pero el señor Sykes no trabaja gratis, y la compañía de Belimai le costará al capitán Harper mucho más que su reputación.
Desde las opulentas mansiones de la aristocracia, donde un baño de oro oculta una trama de vivisección y brujería, hasta los humeantes barrios marginales de Quinto Infierno, el capitán Harper habrá de pelear por la justicia… y por su propia vida.
Sus enemigos son multitud, y su único aliado, un demonio al que conoce demasiado bien. Tales son los peligros de tratar con los desalmados.
También es el único hombre al que el capitán William Harper podrá acudir cuando tenga que vérselas con una serie de horripilantes asesinatos. Pero el señor Sykes no trabaja gratis, y la compañía de Belimai le costará al capitán Harper mucho más que su reputación.
Desde las opulentas mansiones de la aristocracia, donde un baño de oro oculta una trama de vivisección y brujería, hasta los humeantes barrios marginales de Quinto Infierno, el capitán Harper habrá de pelear por la justicia… y por su propia vida.
Sus enemigos son multitud, y su único aliado, un demonio al que conoce demasiado bien. Tales son los peligros de tratar con los desalmados.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
88 people are currently reading
6720 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
December 20, 2020
5 Stars!
I’ve not read a lot from Hale, but I’ve been consistently impressed with the writing and especially, the unique world building that is present in all of her stories. Admittedly, I’m typically not one for “demons” in my books, but in this world the definition is not traditional, and I was thrilled to realize that this shares the same setting as that of The Counterfeit Viscount which I greatly enjoyed. Here is an absolutely wondrous dark fantasy that depicts a society that is starkly and socially divided between humans and the half demon “prodigals” who have very little rights or privileges.
There’s two separate intertwined stories that bring ruined, drug addicted prodigal Belimai, in contact with law enforcement priest Captain Harper. Part one is mainly a missing persons mystery as Harper employs Belimai’s help in finding his sister, and the second story focuses on Harper being neck deep in corruption and cover ups, ultimately endangering Harper’s position as an Inquisitor as he tries to save Belimai from being wrongly targeted for a crime he didn’t commit.
This is definitely atmospheric storytelling. A heavy weight is felt not only in the set up but also the growing feelings between Belimai and Harper, where friendship is barely tolerated and love cannot, and will not, be accepted.
Nothing is rushed here. This is layered and complex. The romance is never overt, and any small gains were oh so satisfying and eagerly gobbled up. Apparently, while I’m always up for explicit romance, I also straddle the other end of the line, reveling in stories that are rife with the insecurity and doubt, doling out small morsels of goodness, the tinier the better and more impactful, each taken and treasured dearly.
If I regularly reread books, this would be on automatic rotation. This was a wholly satisfying and rare win for me this year!
I’ve not read a lot from Hale, but I’ve been consistently impressed with the writing and especially, the unique world building that is present in all of her stories. Admittedly, I’m typically not one for “demons” in my books, but in this world the definition is not traditional, and I was thrilled to realize that this shares the same setting as that of The Counterfeit Viscount which I greatly enjoyed. Here is an absolutely wondrous dark fantasy that depicts a society that is starkly and socially divided between humans and the half demon “prodigals” who have very little rights or privileges.
There’s two separate intertwined stories that bring ruined, drug addicted prodigal Belimai, in contact with law enforcement priest Captain Harper. Part one is mainly a missing persons mystery as Harper employs Belimai’s help in finding his sister, and the second story focuses on Harper being neck deep in corruption and cover ups, ultimately endangering Harper’s position as an Inquisitor as he tries to save Belimai from being wrongly targeted for a crime he didn’t commit.
This is definitely atmospheric storytelling. A heavy weight is felt not only in the set up but also the growing feelings between Belimai and Harper, where friendship is barely tolerated and love cannot, and will not, be accepted.
Nothing is rushed here. This is layered and complex. The romance is never overt, and any small gains were oh so satisfying and eagerly gobbled up. Apparently, while I’m always up for explicit romance, I also straddle the other end of the line, reveling in stories that are rife with the insecurity and doubt, doling out small morsels of goodness, the tinier the better and more impactful, each taken and treasured dearly.
If I regularly reread books, this would be on automatic rotation. This was a wholly satisfying and rare win for me this year!
September 27, 2019
Audio 4 stars
Story 3.5 It's me not the book stars
I’m pretty sure this is my first Steampunk read, and that maybe the reason why I spent a good part of the story confused. Confused, but not bored. There was enough action and violence to keep me interested, not to mention I really enjoyed Ginn Hale’s writing.
This is one of those stories were the romance takes a backseat to the investigation, and there's not much relationship development. But I liked the idea of a demon and a priest/investigator falling in love. Although, I couldn’t feel the full effect of their connection, I liked them together. I’m sure if this was a series, I’d fall in love with them more and more as a couple.
I find it hard to leave any kind of coherent review. This book was like looking at a piece of art that I really like looking at but can’t find the words to express all the reasons why (I did mention I was confused, right?). Maybe after a reread/listen (or several), that light bulb above my head will turn on. *shrugs*
I am excited that there will be more audiobooks by the author coming out this year.
Story 3.5 It's me not the book stars
I’m pretty sure this is my first Steampunk read, and that maybe the reason why I spent a good part of the story confused. Confused, but not bored. There was enough action and violence to keep me interested, not to mention I really enjoyed Ginn Hale’s writing.
This is one of those stories were the romance takes a backseat to the investigation, and there's not much relationship development. But I liked the idea of a demon and a priest/investigator falling in love. Although, I couldn’t feel the full effect of their connection, I liked them together. I’m sure if this was a series, I’d fall in love with them more and more as a couple.
I find it hard to leave any kind of coherent review. This book was like looking at a piece of art that I really like looking at but can’t find the words to express all the reasons why (I did mention I was confused, right?). Maybe after a reread/listen (or several), that light bulb above my head will turn on. *shrugs*
I am excited that there will be more audiobooks by the author coming out this year.
October 19, 2008
It's a long time since I've relished a book this much -- or had that sense of having lost myself in another world. Hale's marvellous creation of a Barrie-esque AU England and her wonderful characters held me spell-bound for an entire evening. I was very sorry when it ended as I could have followed the adventures of Captain Harper and Belimai Sykes very contentedly for another 300 pages.
October 18, 2022
DEMONIOS, ADICCIONES Y TORTURAS!
(Ay, que la luna en Halloween nos la a vuelto un tanto sádica😱)
ASE.SINATOS, INQUISICIÓN Y UN TOQUE DE MAGIA DEMONIACA😈.
(Ay, santa Cachucha, escúpeme en Bora Bora, que solo le falta un aquelarre para que todos salgamos ardiendo🥴)
A VER, NO NOS ESTRESEMOS...🙄 o SÍ, PORQUE ESTE SERÍA EL COCTEL PERFECTO PARA DESCRIBIR ESTA HISTORIA🔥 ES MÁS, YO LE AÑADIRÍA UNA CEREZA BAÑADA CON UN TOQUE DE SANGRE Y DE ROMANCE LGBTI
Y SI POR ESAS COSAS TE QUEDAS CON GANAS DE MÁS, SEGURO QUE PODRÍAMOS AÑADIRLE TAMBIÉN UNAS GOTAS DE AMBROSÍA, DE OSCURIDAD Y DE PASIÓN...🍒🔥
(Ay, que la luna en Halloween nos la a vuelto un tanto sádica😱)
ASE.SINATOS, INQUISICIÓN Y UN TOQUE DE MAGIA DEMONIACA😈.
(Ay, santa Cachucha, escúpeme en Bora Bora, que solo le falta un aquelarre para que todos salgamos ardiendo🥴)
A VER, NO NOS ESTRESEMOS...🙄 o SÍ, PORQUE ESTE SERÍA EL COCTEL PERFECTO PARA DESCRIBIR ESTA HISTORIA🔥 ES MÁS, YO LE AÑADIRÍA UNA CEREZA BAÑADA CON UN TOQUE DE SANGRE Y DE ROMANCE LGBTI
Y SI POR ESAS COSAS TE QUEDAS CON GANAS DE MÁS, SEGURO QUE PODRÍAMOS AÑADIRLE TAMBIÉN UNAS GOTAS DE AMBROSÍA, DE OSCURIDAD Y DE PASIÓN...🍒🔥
March 25, 2016
Final rating: 4/5 stars
But, .
I can only describe this book as interesting. This is how I felt even after finishing it. And don't forget about the bonus sequel short stories (Mr. Sykes and the Noble Muse and Mr. Harper and the Christmas Stocking), because both were equally amusing and it was wonderful to read about both of them years later.
This book literally has 2 books inside - it was like reading a dulogy split by parts.
First part is about Belimai Sykes, told from the first Point of View.
The second part is about Captain William Harper, told from third POV.
First part of the book is dark - very very dark. One of the main characters, Belimai, is absolutely broken - and even more disturbing is that this part is in first point of view - you are literally in his head. He is depressed (but actually doesn't care about anything anymore, not even his life), he wastes his life away with drinks and especially one sort of a drug that was once forced on him while he was tortured. And then he gets involved to investigate a disappearance, that ended up being more than he bargained for.
The second book however, is a bit lighter, as it is from Harper's POV - he is a contrast to Belimai. But not even he is a saint. This part is about his family, and he felt in it, and also his relationship with Belimai and what he thinks of him. This part of the book dealt with corruption and how being at the wrong place in the wrong time can be deadly for people you love.
Both parts were equally interesting, and of course, both parts focused more on the character of the "book" so it was better to get the complete image of the characters.
But, seriously, don't forget to read the short stories! They are lovely! (Which is kinda funny, considering that this book is dark type). Just their names make me crack.
Also, for those bothered with insta-lust, insta-love: there is insta-lust here, but characters very quickly dismiss it as influence of drinking and distraught. But it somehow did fit into the story, and it wasn't out of the blue once you get Harper's side of the story.
In the Holy Capitol Crowncross live humans and Prodigals. Prodigals are the descendant of ancient demons, and a number of them are gifted with rare powers. But they are also under control by the Inquisition - no one of them really wants to be on their radar. They are known to be very cruel to Prodigals, even for nothing, so the high number of them live in Hells Below. Prodigals have black long nails, bright eyes and sharp teeth.
Belimai Sykes is a a Prodigal, who lives of his own choice in Crowncross, wasting away his life, drinking and drugging his life away and assisting people who have his contact cards. One day, The Inquisition captain, William Harper, and his brother in law Edward Talbott, knock on his door needing assistance for finding a missing person.
Harper's sister Joan disappeared, and the only person they have in custody may be able to tell them where she is - Roffcale, the person who contacted Joan by letters. Belimai's task would be to go into the Inquisition and ask Roffcale about Joan, because he may talk to one of his own kind. When they set the price and rules, Belimai and Harper went to see Roffcale, only to find him brutally murdered.
After a while, they get closer to Joan - while also finding connections with series of murders. And they start to realize that they influence each other for better and for worse.
◈ Belimai Sykes is an addict, who feels that he passed the point of no return. Because he was caught once by Inquisition, and tortured for months he became addicted to drug they used and now wastes his life away in city that is particularly dangerous for his own kind.
He is no longer the same person, and for him it was better to never return where he belonged before, and all because he took his promises seriously.
And the longer Harper and Belimai are together, the more they realize that they don't really know anything about each other. Harper is hiding, and Belimai is deeply private person.
◈ William Harper is a nobleman who started working in Inquisition because it would be a way to bring him closer to his family, and something else. But he is not afraid to use force when people he feels responsibility for are in danger. But when his sister went missing, he started losing sleep, stopped eating and kept bringing himself to the brink of exhaustion. Even worse is that he keeps omitting something from Edward: Joan was in relationship with Roffcale, and it is the last thing he wants to tell Edward, especially when she could be dead like her lover.
◈ Others: There is Edward, who is kind man who is very accepting, but when it comes to his wife, he is willing to do whatever he can. Sariel knew Belimai in his "past life", before Belimai was captured. And finally, there is the mysterious Joan. Is she kidnapped, killed, or missing by her own choice? And what is her connection to several murdered Prodigals.
{I personally liked both side characters, even when they appeared for a short time.}
Wicked, dark, gory story about devils and humans, about injustice and justice, about faith and secrets and interesting gentlemen who affect each other with their ideologies and influence.
You know what I loved the most about those short stories I mentioned above? It shows how much Belimai progressed and changed, and how he recovered. It's like a fitting epilogue continuation and was much appreciated.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: First POV, 1 character; Third POV, 1 character.
⚠ Triggers: does insta-lust counts? Drugs, gore, torture
⚠ Love triangle: No
⚠ Angst: Yes
⚠ Supernatural: Yes, devils
⚠ Explicit content: Yes, but very rarely
⚠ Ending type:
⚠ Recommended: Depends, if you want dark and interesting stories, yes.
⚠ Note: Read bonus sequel short stories after you finish this book: Mr. Sykes and the Noble Muse and Mr. Harper and the Christmas Stocking
Some romances end more badly than others.
But, .
I can only describe this book as interesting. This is how I felt even after finishing it. And don't forget about the bonus sequel short stories (Mr. Sykes and the Noble Muse and Mr. Harper and the Christmas Stocking), because both were equally amusing and it was wonderful to read about both of them years later.
This book literally has 2 books inside - it was like reading a dulogy split by parts.
First part is about Belimai Sykes, told from the first Point of View.
The second part is about Captain William Harper, told from third POV.
First part of the book is dark - very very dark. One of the main characters, Belimai, is absolutely broken - and even more disturbing is that this part is in first point of view - you are literally in his head. He is depressed (but actually doesn't care about anything anymore, not even his life), he wastes his life away with drinks and especially one sort of a drug that was once forced on him while he was tortured. And then he gets involved to investigate a disappearance, that ended up being more than he bargained for.
The second book however, is a bit lighter, as it is from Harper's POV - he is a contrast to Belimai. But not even he is a saint. This part is about his family, and he felt in it, and also his relationship with Belimai and what he thinks of him. This part of the book dealt with corruption and how being at the wrong place in the wrong time can be deadly for people you love.
Both parts were equally interesting, and of course, both parts focused more on the character of the "book" so it was better to get the complete image of the characters.
But, seriously, don't forget to read the short stories! They are lovely! (Which is kinda funny, considering that this book is dark type). Just their names make me crack.
Also, for those bothered with insta-lust, insta-love: there is insta-lust here, but characters very quickly dismiss it as influence of drinking and distraught. But it somehow did fit into the story, and it wasn't out of the blue once you get Harper's side of the story.
► STORY:
In the Holy Capitol Crowncross live humans and Prodigals. Prodigals are the descendant of ancient demons, and a number of them are gifted with rare powers. But they are also under control by the Inquisition - no one of them really wants to be on their radar. They are known to be very cruel to Prodigals, even for nothing, so the high number of them live in Hells Below. Prodigals have black long nails, bright eyes and sharp teeth.
Some optimistic bishop had christened the place Hopetown. Anyone who had ever gone there called it Hells Below. That summed it up well enough.
It might have been beautiful three hundred years ago when the Covenant of Redemption had brought my fallen ancestors up from Damnation. They abandoned their great kingdom of endless darkness in exchange for the promise of Salvation for themselves and their descendants.
Belimai Sykes is a a Prodigal, who lives of his own choice in Crowncross, wasting away his life, drinking and drugging his life away and assisting people who have his contact cards. One day, The Inquisition captain, William Harper, and his brother in law Edward Talbott, knock on his door needing assistance for finding a missing person.
Harper's sister Joan disappeared, and the only person they have in custody may be able to tell them where she is - Roffcale, the person who contacted Joan by letters. Belimai's task would be to go into the Inquisition and ask Roffcale about Joan, because he may talk to one of his own kind. When they set the price and rules, Belimai and Harper went to see Roffcale, only to find him brutally murdered.
After a while, they get closer to Joan - while also finding connections with series of murders. And they start to realize that they influence each other for better and for worse.
► CHARACTERS:
◈ Belimai Sykes is an addict, who feels that he passed the point of no return. Because he was caught once by Inquisition, and tortured for months he became addicted to drug they used and now wastes his life away in city that is particularly dangerous for his own kind.
My kindness, my calm, even my careless ease. Ophorium made me their perfect lover because it erased the truth of what I was.
He is no longer the same person, and for him it was better to never return where he belonged before, and all because he took his promises seriously.
By my nature, I am a creature caught in the grip of my desires. At times they make me unwise, but it has never been in me to deny them.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
"You really are quite unique, aren't you, Mr. Sykes?" he said.
Harper's words satisfied me strangely. If he had complimented my wild black hair or my butter-colored eyes, I would have thought he was mocking me and hated him for it. If he had called me twisted or perverse, I would have secretly thought of jabbing him in the eye. But somehow he had known just the right words to give me a burst of warmth. I glanced ahead to the street number on one of the gray shale houses, deliberately ignoring Harper so that he would not know how his words pleased me.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
I didn't want to die. Too much had been taken from me already. My life was all I had to claim.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Harper wanted to offer some comfort, but he knew that Belimai wouldn't accept it. There was some deep perversity about Belimai that made him despise kindness. He avoided compliments as if they were collection notices. Sympathy simply made him furious.
And the longer Harper and Belimai are together, the more they realize that they don't really know anything about each other. Harper is hiding, and Belimai is deeply private person.
◈ William Harper is a nobleman who started working in Inquisition because it would be a way to bring him closer to his family, and something else. But he is not afraid to use force when people he feels responsibility for are in danger. But when his sister went missing, he started losing sleep, stopped eating and kept bringing himself to the brink of exhaustion. Even worse is that he keeps omitting something from Edward: Joan was in relationship with Roffcale, and it is the last thing he wants to tell Edward, especially when she could be dead like her lover.
What was it that Harper wanted to hide so badly that he wouldn't even reveal himself in his own home? There were no personal photographs or paintings on the walls. There were no telling details, no books or childhood keepsakes, anywhere that I could see.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
"You should've had me do it." Harper squeezed the cut, trying to stop the bleeding. Belimai hissed at him.
"What are you doing?"
"Stopping the bleeding. You apply pressure," Harper said.
"What kind of cretin are you? Haven't you ever heard of kissing it and making it better?"
"You have to be joking," Harper replied.
"No, it works. You put it in your mouth and suck on it."
"I thought only children did that."
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
He didn't know when exactly he had lost his hold on that life. Small, corrosive deceptions had steadily eaten away at his innocence.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
“Tell me." Edward had to raise his voice a little. "Do you live by the principle that what people don't know can't hurt them?"
"No," Harper replied. "What people don't know can't hurt me.”
◈ Others: There is Edward, who is kind man who is very accepting, but when it comes to his wife, he is willing to do whatever he can. Sariel knew Belimai in his "past life", before Belimai was captured. And finally, there is the mysterious Joan. Is she kidnapped, killed, or missing by her own choice? And what is her connection to several murdered Prodigals.
I had no feeling for her. My only contact with her had come through the men around her. I had read Peter Roffcale's letters, listened to Edward Talbott's despair, and joined Harper in his search for her. I only felt her presence in the ruined wake of her disappearance. Roffcale had died. Edward Talbott had been willing to spend every coin he had to see her returned. Harper had hardly eaten or slept. I wondered how she could have inspired such love. What kind of creature was she?
{I personally liked both side characters, even when they appeared for a short time.}
► OVERALL:
Wicked, dark, gory story about devils and humans, about injustice and justice, about faith and secrets and interesting gentlemen who affect each other with their ideologies and influence.
You know what I loved the most about those short stories I mentioned above? It shows how much Belimai progressed and changed, and how he recovered. It's like a fitting epilogue continuation and was much appreciated.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: First POV, 1 character; Third POV, 1 character.
⚠ Triggers: does insta-lust counts? Drugs, gore, torture
⚠ Love triangle: No
⚠ Angst: Yes
⚠ Supernatural: Yes, devils
⚠ Explicit content: Yes, but very rarely
⚠ Ending type:
⚠ Recommended: Depends, if you want dark and interesting stories, yes.
⚠ Note: Read bonus sequel short stories after you finish this book: Mr. Sykes and the Noble Muse and Mr. Harper and the Christmas Stocking
September 27, 2015
Liked the world, the story, the characters and the POV which was dual so we got to see both characters from inside and out and Hale ably shows that how we see ourselves is not how others see us. With all the questions I had, Hale made me curious, interested to read more immediately, but she did answer them so I'm good.
This book should totally be read together with the following two shorts. They satisfied the more I needed as in the book the romance, the intimacy remains a bit fade to black, a ball of love to be protected, kept away from dangerous prying eyes. With the shorts we are allowed to see more of the intimacy. So my rating includes them.
http://itsaboutthebook.com/2015/07/13...
http://blindeyebooks.com/extras/
BR with a lot of great girls
March 16, 2011
Centuries ago the fallen angels accepted certain legal restrictions in order to get out of Hell and live on earth. Now their diminished descendants are second-class citizens, living in a ghetto and scapegoated by the Inquisition. Responsible for policing crime as well as heresy, the Inquisition uses torture and drugs to extract confessions, and is subject to little external control.
Belimai Sykes ran afoul of the Inquisition years ago and was never the same. Thus, he is less than pleased to have one of their officers knock at his door. But Captain Harper's sister is missing, and the last thing he wants is to draw official attention to her affairs with demons...
Structurally, this is really two novellas with the same protagonists, but Hale does have some carry-over from the first story's events in the second part, realistically portraying how the past, and especially its deceptions, exert continued influence.
Fun, sympathetic characters, original setting, and smart, fast-paced plots balancing traditional action-fantasy elements like prison breaks and sneaking into castles make this a pleasure to read.
Belimai Sykes ran afoul of the Inquisition years ago and was never the same. Thus, he is less than pleased to have one of their officers knock at his door. But Captain Harper's sister is missing, and the last thing he wants is to draw official attention to her affairs with demons...
Structurally, this is really two novellas with the same protagonists, but Hale does have some carry-over from the first story's events in the second part, realistically portraying how the past, and especially its deceptions, exert continued influence.
Fun, sympathetic characters, original setting, and smart, fast-paced plots balancing traditional action-fantasy elements like prison breaks and sneaking into castles make this a pleasure to read.
June 12, 2016
While reading, I have found so many great paragraphs and sentences. I loved the words that Ginn Hale used in her book. It is full of atmosphere, depth, and wit. She created two unique and absolutely loveable characters with Belimai and Harper.
WICKED GENTLEMEN is separated into two parts, two cases, but tells us the one story of how Belimai and Harper meet and ultimately find a future together. The first part is told from Belimai's POV, the second from Harper's, and I thought this devision was really well done and thought out. In my opinion this contributed to the story overall and to the insight into both characters, because we got both the outside and inside view of them.
I don't want to tell you much more, definitely not about the creative world Ginn Hale created, because the not-knowing will heighten the reading experience. There were really great secondary characters and background stories, the romance between Belimai and Harper was gentle and sweet, slow and cautious. In a way, also very different to what I've read before. Subtle.
“Is it bad?” Harper caught Belimai’s hand to inspect the cut.
“No,” Belimai replied. “I’m just starting to get the shakes.”
“You should’ve had me do it.” Harper squeezed the cut, trying to stop the bleeding. Belimai hissed at him.
“What are you doing?”
“Stopping the bleeding. You apply pressure,” Harper said.
“What kind of cretin are you? Haven’t you ever heard of kissing it and making it better?”
“You have to be joking,” Harper replied.
“No, it works. You put it in your mouth and suck on it.”
“I thought only children did that.” Harper started to laugh, then noticed Belimai’s narrowed eyes. “All right then, I’ll do it if you’d like.”
He pressed his lips against Belimai’s finger and then gently kissed the small cut.
This book made me happy and had me captivated and generally this was just a perfect match for me. Recommended.
You can find more quotes and some thoughts in the spoiler from during my reading time:
WICKED GENTLEMEN is separated into two parts, two cases, but tells us the one story of how Belimai and Harper meet and ultimately find a future together. The first part is told from Belimai's POV, the second from Harper's, and I thought this devision was really well done and thought out. In my opinion this contributed to the story overall and to the insight into both characters, because we got both the outside and inside view of them.
I don't want to tell you much more, definitely not about the creative world Ginn Hale created, because the not-knowing will heighten the reading experience. There were really great secondary characters and background stories, the romance between Belimai and Harper was gentle and sweet, slow and cautious. In a way, also very different to what I've read before. Subtle.
“Is it bad?” Harper caught Belimai’s hand to inspect the cut.
“No,” Belimai replied. “I’m just starting to get the shakes.”
“You should’ve had me do it.” Harper squeezed the cut, trying to stop the bleeding. Belimai hissed at him.
“What are you doing?”
“Stopping the bleeding. You apply pressure,” Harper said.
“What kind of cretin are you? Haven’t you ever heard of kissing it and making it better?”
“You have to be joking,” Harper replied.
“No, it works. You put it in your mouth and suck on it.”
“I thought only children did that.” Harper started to laugh, then noticed Belimai’s narrowed eyes. “All right then, I’ll do it if you’d like.”
He pressed his lips against Belimai’s finger and then gently kissed the small cut.
This book made me happy and had me captivated and generally this was just a perfect match for me. Recommended.
You can find more quotes and some thoughts in the spoiler from during my reading time:
July 2, 2021
Story- 4.5 ⭐
Audiobook-5 ⭐(Anthony Ferguson)
This is the first time GR has found a good recommendation and a hidden gem for me. The cover of the book described it as a steampunk and gothic-fairy tale but I would like to call it a dark fantasy with a heavy/light touch of MM romance.
The book is set in a world where the descendants of fallen angels are treated as second class citizens and are called 'prodigals'. Humans who enjoy a lot of privileges have created Inquisition centres to punish/torture wrongdoing prodigals. Belimai Sykes is one such prodigal who had a horrible experience with the Inquisition centre. Now he is an addict and lives alone in the capital. Captain Harper is an inquisitor(priest) and meets Belimai when he was searching for his lost step-sister.
Structure wise it's two novellas interconnected with common MCs and some secondary characters. But these two stories together present the whole picture of injustice and later world-building in this imaginary universe. This is one of the books where Action is more prominent than romance because most of the love-making happens off-page (Bummer, I know😌). Plus, you will not get a cheesy declaration from two men who are not supposed to even walk together. But, whatever we get to see in their small deeds, unsaid things and mutual commitment to take risks are more than enough to justify their HEA.
Yes, the book has a great plot and MCs but what makes this book so special is the writing. It's beautiful and captivating and makes you shiver when you read about the living conditions of ghettos and 'down' or the tortures of Inquisition centres.
A must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy and world-building.
Audiobook-5 ⭐(Anthony Ferguson)
This is the first time GR has found a good recommendation and a hidden gem for me. The cover of the book described it as a steampunk and gothic-fairy tale but I would like to call it a dark fantasy with a heavy/light touch of MM romance.
The book is set in a world where the descendants of fallen angels are treated as second class citizens and are called 'prodigals'. Humans who enjoy a lot of privileges have created Inquisition centres to punish/torture wrongdoing prodigals. Belimai Sykes is one such prodigal who had a horrible experience with the Inquisition centre. Now he is an addict and lives alone in the capital. Captain Harper is an inquisitor(priest) and meets Belimai when he was searching for his lost step-sister.
Structure wise it's two novellas interconnected with common MCs and some secondary characters. But these two stories together present the whole picture of injustice and later world-building in this imaginary universe. This is one of the books where Action is more prominent than romance because most of the love-making happens off-page (Bummer, I know😌). Plus, you will not get a cheesy declaration from two men who are not supposed to even walk together. But, whatever we get to see in their small deeds, unsaid things and mutual commitment to take risks are more than enough to justify their HEA.
Yes, the book has a great plot and MCs but what makes this book so special is the writing. It's beautiful and captivating and makes you shiver when you read about the living conditions of ghettos and 'down' or the tortures of Inquisition centres.
A must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy and world-building.
June 23, 2016
I read many good reviews before decoding to give this book a try and as I started to read, I could see why there are so many positive comments. This book is in two parts and the second part was my favorite. The world-building is simply amazing and very unique. The characters are complex and easy to love. This is a sweet love story in a very dark world where there is plenty of violence, torture, addiction, religious fanaticism and prejudice. But even in a world such as this one, there is always always hope. I simply wish to read more stories from this very very well-written universe.
October 12, 2010
First comment: this book is the winner of an award (the Gaylactic Spectrum Award for Best Novel-2008) 
... and deserve it!
This unique fantasy M/M book is divided in two stories, with the same characters, but different storyteller.
Book one
the first part of this book is a deep immersion on Belimai thoughts and feelings.
Belimai is a tormented "Prodigal", aka, a half demon. That's all... can't say more. You will discover, at Belimai will, his past and pains. With his unstoppable sarcasm he will let you know every horror of his past, and I guess that you, like me, will love him.
I enjoy the mystery that started right away on the first page. Harper, a inquisitor captain, pay Belimai to help him to find his missing sister. An inquisitor is the equivalent of a cop division against prodigals, and obviously the worst nightmare of any prodigal, but Belimai. He simply don't care, and his addiction to drug is his motive to take the job.
What I adore reading this first part? Belimai physical description.
I love his demon appearance... his black nails, pale skin, yellow bright eyes... So horrible and sensual at the same time! I admire fantasy books with fantastic world perfectly described and this book is one of the few that demonstrate a great imagination. I loved the explanation of demons rising from hell to stay with us, humans, and what happen to their descendants.
Great character, wonderful story and certainly marvelous writing. Worth of 5 stars just by this part.
Book two
By far is my favorite part of the book. Now will be Harper the narrator of the book. Again there will be a lot of action, and finally more passion between the two characters. Don't expect long romantic scenes (there is NO sex scene description, just to be very clear), and this is why I like so much this second part of the story. The tame and sweet passion between this two strong and lone man grow with each page, in a perfect speed.
Epiloge
Very quick and again Belimai is the narrator. I refuse to spoil the story telling if there is or not a happy end... I can say that in my opinion it was a perfect end... To a perfect book.
Enjoy the reading, and watch out... hell is empty, and demons live in your world...
BTW, my Belimai
(image from the graphic novel "Sandman" by Neil Gaiman)
... and deserve it! This unique fantasy M/M book is divided in two stories, with the same characters, but different storyteller.
Book one
the first part of this book is a deep immersion on Belimai thoughts and feelings.
Belimai is a tormented "Prodigal", aka, a half demon. That's all... can't say more. You will discover, at Belimai will, his past and pains. With his unstoppable sarcasm he will let you know every horror of his past, and I guess that you, like me, will love him.
I enjoy the mystery that started right away on the first page. Harper, a inquisitor captain, pay Belimai to help him to find his missing sister. An inquisitor is the equivalent of a cop division against prodigals, and obviously the worst nightmare of any prodigal, but Belimai. He simply don't care, and his addiction to drug is his motive to take the job.
What I adore reading this first part? Belimai physical description.
I love his demon appearance... his black nails, pale skin, yellow bright eyes... So horrible and sensual at the same time! I admire fantasy books with fantastic world perfectly described and this book is one of the few that demonstrate a great imagination. I loved the explanation of demons rising from hell to stay with us, humans, and what happen to their descendants.
Great character, wonderful story and certainly marvelous writing. Worth of 5 stars just by this part.
Book two
By far is my favorite part of the book. Now will be Harper the narrator of the book. Again there will be a lot of action, and finally more passion between the two characters. Don't expect long romantic scenes (there is NO sex scene description, just to be very clear), and this is why I like so much this second part of the story. The tame and sweet passion between this two strong and lone man grow with each page, in a perfect speed.
Epiloge
Very quick and again Belimai is the narrator. I refuse to spoil the story telling if there is or not a happy end... I can say that in my opinion it was a perfect end... To a perfect book.
Enjoy the reading, and watch out... hell is empty, and demons live in your world...
BTW, my Belimai
(image from the graphic novel "Sandman" by Neil Gaiman)
November 9, 2021
This book had so much to offer. I loved the world-building, even though I struggled with it at first. But yet again I had to remind myself to try and not label it, box it into a category. I thought it was historical, because they were traveling with carriages and had dirt roads, but everything else seemed to be modern: the buildings, the way they were speaking. And then I thought it was post-apocalyptic, but discarded that idea as well. And then I was just going with the flow, accepted things as they were offered. Then after I finished, came here to GR, and found out it's steampunk. Duh! It's Ginn Hale, of course! I dunno why I didn't think of that.
So anyway. It grabbed me instantly with this mysterious, smoky vibe. And the whole idea of the story, I was so fascinated.
The characters were not perfect heroes without a flaw. I appreciated that they took matters into their own hands and weren't apologetic about the outcome. Not every reader would like the way justice was served in this story.
There's two parts to this book. The first is about Belimai who is a demon who suffered a lot. And you would think that the whole book would be about him and his road to redemption and his HEA. Well, it's not. It's actually about Harper, though we only get his pov in the second part. But it is his journey all along and Belimai is just... a wake-up call for him. To realize all that is wrong with his world and that it needs fixing.
I was totally entranced.
Oh and btw. if anyone is like me and only read Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 from the author, here is your warning. This book is nothing like that one.
So anyway. It grabbed me instantly with this mysterious, smoky vibe. And the whole idea of the story, I was so fascinated.
The characters were not perfect heroes without a flaw. I appreciated that they took matters into their own hands and weren't apologetic about the outcome. Not every reader would like the way justice was served in this story.
There's two parts to this book. The first is about Belimai who is a demon who suffered a lot. And you would think that the whole book would be about him and his road to redemption and his HEA. Well, it's not. It's actually about Harper, though we only get his pov in the second part. But it is his journey all along and Belimai is just... a wake-up call for him. To realize all that is wrong with his world and that it needs fixing.
I was totally entranced.
Oh and btw. if anyone is like me and only read Lord of the White Hell, Book 1 from the author, here is your warning. This book is nothing like that one.
February 18, 2014
Aah, Wicked Gentlemen …what a treat this is. Brutal murderings, a dark and gritty world, mystery, violence, demons, vengeance and addiction. Tis just my thing.
Ginn Hale’s imagination and inventiveness is, as always an awesome thing to behold. She creates a world where demons or prodigals now live under oppression in a city of night built under the city of men – she calls it Hells Below, and the atmosphere is repressive, dark or at best, gas lit. The streets above are crooked and the smell of piss and baked bread, vanilla and horse tweaks my nose such is the realism of her descriptive wording.
Wicked Gentlemen is a story in two books; the first is about a set of gruesome murders and an investigation, told from Belimai’s POV. The pace is fast and the thrill of the mystery is, well …thrilling (sorry, Ginn Hale I am not). The second book is told from Captain Harper’s POV and it’s about vengeance, healing and romance.
Belimai is a self-exiled prodigal demon who is called on by Captain Harper to help with an investigation into the murders of other prodigal demons. His self-flagellating dispirited character with nuance of demon is magnetic. I loved his darkness, his cynical snark and his flaws; plus he has the coolest demon ability ever! Harper is light to Belimai’s dark – a perfect if somewhat hesitant match.
To me, the strength of this novel is the joy of reading the words of a true wordsmith. Hale builds worlds and people with such scope and depth that it’s no effort at all to fall into them head first; just like you would if presented with a vat of cherry chocolate mousse and not, in reality, the filthy smelly streets of a foreign world inhabited by demons and madmen. Her writing enthrals and excites me because there is always something between the lines to discover.
Just read this from the demon Belamai’s POV, see how subtly Hale reveals his personality, delicately exposing his wickedness…
“I held the shot glass up and watched the way the liquid distorted the image of Captain Harper’s face. There was something fascinating about the way it flawed his features. It only took a tiny shift, just a curve of glass, to ruin him.”
An innocent observation, jealousy, admiration or a subtle threat? Either way, it lends itself beautifully in revealing the darkness within Belimai… it’s beautiful to me.
So why not five stars? As much as I loved this world and its characters something in the romantic development between book 1 and 2 was missing, I felt like I missed its evolution into the something more. I found myself disappointed that the ending reached such a logical, slightly anticlimactic conclusion. I didn’t want it to end so neatly, I wanted more of something else, something like Wow! But still; Ginn Hale is a Goddess and I shall continue my eternal worship of her talent.
Recommended for everyone, even if you don’t read fantasy or paranormal. Read it because it is a rare author who can give you this…
Ginn Hale’s imagination and inventiveness is, as always an awesome thing to behold. She creates a world where demons or prodigals now live under oppression in a city of night built under the city of men – she calls it Hells Below, and the atmosphere is repressive, dark or at best, gas lit. The streets above are crooked and the smell of piss and baked bread, vanilla and horse tweaks my nose such is the realism of her descriptive wording.
Wicked Gentlemen is a story in two books; the first is about a set of gruesome murders and an investigation, told from Belimai’s POV. The pace is fast and the thrill of the mystery is, well …thrilling (sorry, Ginn Hale I am not). The second book is told from Captain Harper’s POV and it’s about vengeance, healing and romance.
Belimai is a self-exiled prodigal demon who is called on by Captain Harper to help with an investigation into the murders of other prodigal demons. His self-flagellating dispirited character with nuance of demon is magnetic. I loved his darkness, his cynical snark and his flaws; plus he has the coolest demon ability ever! Harper is light to Belimai’s dark – a perfect if somewhat hesitant match.
To me, the strength of this novel is the joy of reading the words of a true wordsmith. Hale builds worlds and people with such scope and depth that it’s no effort at all to fall into them head first; just like you would if presented with a vat of cherry chocolate mousse and not, in reality, the filthy smelly streets of a foreign world inhabited by demons and madmen. Her writing enthrals and excites me because there is always something between the lines to discover.
Just read this from the demon Belamai’s POV, see how subtly Hale reveals his personality, delicately exposing his wickedness…
“I held the shot glass up and watched the way the liquid distorted the image of Captain Harper’s face. There was something fascinating about the way it flawed his features. It only took a tiny shift, just a curve of glass, to ruin him.”
An innocent observation, jealousy, admiration or a subtle threat? Either way, it lends itself beautifully in revealing the darkness within Belimai… it’s beautiful to me.
So why not five stars? As much as I loved this world and its characters something in the romantic development between book 1 and 2 was missing, I felt like I missed its evolution into the something more. I found myself disappointed that the ending reached such a logical, slightly anticlimactic conclusion. I didn’t want it to end so neatly, I wanted more of something else, something like Wow! But still; Ginn Hale is a Goddess and I shall continue my eternal worship of her talent.
Recommended for everyone, even if you don’t read fantasy or paranormal. Read it because it is a rare author who can give you this…
Read
November 25, 2022dnf @ 25%
October 26, 2024
Update: 10/13/24
I still think this is an excellent book but I wouldn’t wax quite as poetic as much now. I suspect the reason is that the quantity of quality M/M books has increased and I currently read a lot that blow me away.
But the plot was still very good and the world building superb. The MCs were awesome and real and unique. The situation they were in felt untenable until the end. I wish she had written a sequel. I would have read it in a heartbeat.
Original review:
Wow. This was amazing. This was true literature, the beauty of the prose still lingers with me. It's made me doubt my own abilities as a writer.
It also had everything I love: unique world building in a modern fantasy framework (as opposed to epic or high fantasy), suspense, murder, mayhem, a broken protagonist, characters that are unique and that I love, unusual theme, etc. I had no idea how they would get to a point where anything worked out at the end, right up until the epilogue.
My favorite character, Belimai isn't in the second half as much but other than that, that section was in some ways even better than the first. I want a sequel very very very much.
I loved the thing with the hat. You'll just have to read it to see what I mean.
The book is really funny, too. Here are some of my favorite quotes (and she even breaks some writing rules and it doesn't matter).
And Nicole Kimberling edited it and her daughter made the cover (or mother or sister or some guy with a girl's name).
Read this book, read it, read it, read it, read it.
Happy ending?
I still think this is an excellent book but I wouldn’t wax quite as poetic as much now. I suspect the reason is that the quantity of quality M/M books has increased and I currently read a lot that blow me away.
But the plot was still very good and the world building superb. The MCs were awesome and real and unique. The situation they were in felt untenable until the end. I wish she had written a sequel. I would have read it in a heartbeat.
Original review:
Wow. This was amazing. This was true literature, the beauty of the prose still lingers with me. It's made me doubt my own abilities as a writer.
It also had everything I love: unique world building in a modern fantasy framework (as opposed to epic or high fantasy), suspense, murder, mayhem, a broken protagonist, characters that are unique and that I love, unusual theme, etc. I had no idea how they would get to a point where anything worked out at the end, right up until the epilogue.
My favorite character, Belimai isn't in the second half as much but other than that, that section was in some ways even better than the first. I want a sequel very very very much.
I loved the thing with the hat. You'll just have to read it to see what I mean.
The book is really funny, too. Here are some of my favorite quotes (and she even breaks some writing rules and it doesn't matter).
"Your rooms look good," Harper said, "Did you paint the walls white?"
"No. I just washed them."
"Hmm..." --pg. 211
No matter who came through the door, the secretary seemed to have a form for him to fill out. I had completed mine in the first minute of entering the room by simply leaving the questions unanswered and printing my name at the top of the page in the kind of deformed, clumsy script that screamed of illiteracy.
At that time I had thought I was clever for so deftly eluding the paperwork, but now I regretted it. At least filling the form out would have used up a little of the empty time I now had. I might have been able to amuse myself by writing in deliberately obtuse answers and a few outright lies. --pg. 80
(Their big romantic scene done in their very low-key way.)
And Nicole Kimberling edited it and her daughter made the cover (or mother or sister or some guy with a girl's name).
Read this book, read it, read it, read it, read it.
Happy ending?
December 12, 2010
I fell in love with this book! I loved the world, absolutely adored the characters. They are so wonderfully imperfect and at the same time that's what makes you like them. Their relationship was hot and intense, even if the book was almost chaste.
The book has a very dark atmosphere, but it's not claustrophobic, even if there are a lot of moments when the two characters are confined in small spaces. There are many themes - violence, torture, addiction, religious fanaticism, prejudice, you name it - but I never felt constricted. The characters are so involved in their own survival, which they pursue in a very no-fuss way, that the obstacles they have to face are almost a given and they are overcome with such practicality that the read feels light.
The first part of the book is written in the first person point-of-view (the prodigal Belimai's). The second part is written in the third person point-of-view (the Inquisition captain Harper's). Both men have an enthralling way to let us enter their intimate feelings, without disclosing them to each other. They belong to different "species", but they are very similar, especially in their willingness to sacrifice themselves for others. The world around them is deceitful, there's a lot of morality display, but very little inner virtue, and Belimai and Harper fight to retain their integrity.
There's so much to say, I don't even know where to begin. All I know is that Harper and Belimai are now in my thoughts together with all those characters that I've loved so much that I began to care for them, and I hope there will be more of their adventures in the future.
The book has a very dark atmosphere, but it's not claustrophobic, even if there are a lot of moments when the two characters are confined in small spaces. There are many themes - violence, torture, addiction, religious fanaticism, prejudice, you name it - but I never felt constricted. The characters are so involved in their own survival, which they pursue in a very no-fuss way, that the obstacles they have to face are almost a given and they are overcome with such practicality that the read feels light.
The first part of the book is written in the first person point-of-view (the prodigal Belimai's). The second part is written in the third person point-of-view (the Inquisition captain Harper's). Both men have an enthralling way to let us enter their intimate feelings, without disclosing them to each other. They belong to different "species", but they are very similar, especially in their willingness to sacrifice themselves for others. The world around them is deceitful, there's a lot of morality display, but very little inner virtue, and Belimai and Harper fight to retain their integrity.
There's so much to say, I don't even know where to begin. All I know is that Harper and Belimai are now in my thoughts together with all those characters that I've loved so much that I began to care for them, and I hope there will be more of their adventures in the future.
February 6, 2017
1,5 stars.
I'm sorry, I can't help it, this book really landed somewhere between "I didn't like it" and "it was (kinda) okay" for me. I wanted to say "maybe I would have liked it better if I had read it in 2007" but then I thought about other books written even earlier than I liked just fine - so, no. It just didn't work for me.
I liked the idea of the world in this book; and that's it.
The writing was terribly pretentious. The plot was... well, it was there, but it felt very accidental. And Belimai was not charismatic enough to make up for the big zero in the place of the other part of the romance, Harper. The thing is I could easily imagine how it all could work, if I was given just a little more. As it was, Harper was so... he was not unlikable, it's just that there was nothing to like him for. His personality was dormant for so long that by the time (well into the second half of the book) I started getting to know him better, I already didn't care. And so, their romance was zero, too. It felt like I was supposed to root for them just because it was m/m romance and I'm supposed to care about the relationship of the main characters.I didn't. I didn't feel any chemistry, any attraction, any reason for Belimai and Harper to be together.
So, nothing for me in this book.
I'm sorry, I can't help it, this book really landed somewhere between "I didn't like it" and "it was (kinda) okay" for me. I wanted to say "maybe I would have liked it better if I had read it in 2007" but then I thought about other books written even earlier than I liked just fine - so, no. It just didn't work for me.
I liked the idea of the world in this book; and that's it.
The writing was terribly pretentious. The plot was... well, it was there, but it felt very accidental. And Belimai was not charismatic enough to make up for the big zero in the place of the other part of the romance, Harper. The thing is I could easily imagine how it all could work, if I was given just a little more. As it was, Harper was so... he was not unlikable, it's just that there was nothing to like him for. His personality was dormant for so long that by the time (well into the second half of the book) I started getting to know him better, I already didn't care. And so, their romance was zero, too. It felt like I was supposed to root for them just because it was m/m romance and I'm supposed to care about the relationship of the main characters.I didn't. I didn't feel any chemistry, any attraction, any reason for Belimai and Harper to be together.
So, nothing for me in this book.
February 23, 2021
4.5
The world of 'Wicked Gentleman' could be such a beautiful place after the demons left Hell and bent their knees for the Cross but wonder of wonders the Lord of Hell were sincere while mankind remained mankind.
So the winner takes it all and over the following centuries the demonic magic diminished and believe froze into dogma venomed by supremacy and corrupted by greed. The demon descendants were forced into ghetto and the inquisition raised its ugly head. So this is the base case starting the book at aVictorian kind of city where slums and palaces are divided only by a cesspit of a river. It's a dark world that leaves no place for innocence and kindness always comes with a price.
So there is no surprise that the romance is only on the passenger seat while it's a steampunk film noir version of a mystery driving the story. Especially during the first part which is told from Belimai's point of view, descendant of demons, victim of the inquisition and cynic addict. Reluctantly he's accepting a job to support the search for the missing sister of a captain of the Inquisition. That search becomes so much more and not only because of a drunken night of sex with said captain but both men are marked by their past, so the next morning starts with barely tolerance. It's only in the 2nd part which brings Harper's view and the next intertwined case that's showing the underlying progress, the tiny scraps of something deeper, treasured signs of something that isn't broken and is waiting to be alive again.
It's an atmospheric read, complex and with a heavy weight darkness that even a tiny spark of light is showing an impact and admitting that you might have lied when you said that you didn't care feels like the biggest declaration of love. I really could, no, want to read more of that.
The world of 'Wicked Gentleman' could be such a beautiful place after the demons left Hell and bent their knees for the Cross but wonder of wonders the Lord of Hell were sincere while mankind remained mankind.
So the winner takes it all and over the following centuries the demonic magic diminished and believe froze into dogma venomed by supremacy and corrupted by greed. The demon descendants were forced into ghetto and the inquisition raised its ugly head. So this is the base case starting the book at aVictorian kind of city where slums and palaces are divided only by a cesspit of a river. It's a dark world that leaves no place for innocence and kindness always comes with a price.
So there is no surprise that the romance is only on the passenger seat while it's a steampunk film noir version of a mystery driving the story. Especially during the first part which is told from Belimai's point of view, descendant of demons, victim of the inquisition and cynic addict. Reluctantly he's accepting a job to support the search for the missing sister of a captain of the Inquisition. That search becomes so much more and not only because of a drunken night of sex with said captain but both men are marked by their past, so the next morning starts with barely tolerance. It's only in the 2nd part which brings Harper's view and the next intertwined case that's showing the underlying progress, the tiny scraps of something deeper, treasured signs of something that isn't broken and is waiting to be alive again.
It's an atmospheric read, complex and with a heavy weight darkness that even a tiny spark of light is showing an impact and admitting that you might have lied when you said that you didn't care feels like the biggest declaration of love. I really could, no, want to read more of that.
January 13, 2022
Sparse prose and deftly drawn characters that pack a punch. To be reread soon...
* * * * *
REREAD: February 2021
Taking several weeks to finish a 200-page novel, something I used to be able to do in a matter of days, is the new normal now.
Anyhow, this is still a pretty damn good read. I had forgotten almost everything about it, except for the main characters, so the reread was like the first read--still impressive and quite enjoyable.
This book is actually two connecting novellas, each told from the POV of one of the leads, telling one linear story. Reading it again made me realize the novella length--between 10,000 to 40,000 words--is the perfect length for my squirrel-like concentration.
Review with spoilers to be posted soon.
* * * * *
I left it too long and now don't recall the finer details of this story, details that I had meant to record to help with the whole recalling thing.
Oh, well. Guess it's time for another reread.
* * * * *
REREAD: February 2021
Taking several weeks to finish a 200-page novel, something I used to be able to do in a matter of days, is the new normal now.
Anyhow, this is still a pretty damn good read. I had forgotten almost everything about it, except for the main characters, so the reread was like the first read--still impressive and quite enjoyable.
This book is actually two connecting novellas, each told from the POV of one of the leads, telling one linear story. Reading it again made me realize the novella length--between 10,000 to 40,000 words--is the perfect length for my squirrel-like concentration.
Review with spoilers to be posted soon.
* * * * *
I left it too long and now don't recall the finer details of this story, details that I had meant to record to help with the whole recalling thing.
Oh, well. Guess it's time for another reread.
September 28, 2015
I was a bit wary of this book. A while ago I gave Rifters a try and it kind of stalled after 1,5 books. Too much ... exuberant prose, not enough psychological "grip" on the characters, I guess.
I know, I know, I have to keep reading until book 3 at least (or so I've heard) and I will, just not now.
So, while the prose was not entirely different here it worked because it was Belimai's voice. And Belimai's voice, let me tell you, was just wonderful. A deeply personal, unique, sensual voice. I was drawn in and loved being inside his head, seeing/smelling other people through his heightened senses - and never once was jolted out of the unique flavor, even though the premise actually offered quite a few pitfalls for pretentiousness or wackiness.
For example when Belimai finally gets his fix and likens the feeling of the high to the feeling of euphoria during his childhood:
"Two hours later the night blossomed. The sky unfolded in rich waves of purple and blue velvet. Breezes traced pale violet ribbons through the darkness. Tiny buds of glittering stars burst into brilliant illuminations. I pushed my window open and leaned out. The moon spread its light across my face and bare chest. Wind rolled up through my hair and stroked my skin.
When I had been a child, every night had seemed as lush and wondrous as this".
That's a masterful and quite powerful way of both conjuring up the sensual magic of the night in the readers mind and simultanously making the draw and the spell of the drug visceral. If I had the lost euphoria of childhood at mundane things within reach with a little help of a syringe, I would be eternally tempted, too. Good stuff.
And then, in the second part of the book the comparably sparse prose captured Harper's personality equally deftly.
There were some fabulous parts to it, I loved the grittiness of the world,
There were some details of their slowly developing intimacy that really did something to me:
Yes, I really enjoyed this on many different levels.
January 24, 2020
This had so much potential for something good, so I’m almost sad it was wasted on a mediocre story with characters that were never really fleshed out and a plot so thin you could see through it like glass. There was a whole world full of ideas that were never taken advantage of. It wasn’t badly written per se, just... not interesting.
December 12, 2013
"Even the most degraded and ruined Prodigal is still closer to divinity than are any of us born of Adam's flesh."
Original rating: 3 stars
After rereading (12/12/13): 4 stars
I couldn't appreciate Wicked Gentlemen on my first read, because I had just finished Ginn Hale's Lord of the White Hell series and wanted a similar story. When Wicked Gentlemen gave me something different, I couldn't appreciate the story for what it was. After just finishing my first reread, I was able to enjoy the story a lot more than my first attempt.
In this steam punk, fantasy world, there is a ruling body known as the Inquisition. The Inquisition seem to be a governing body that enforces laws and prosecutes criminals. It just so happens to be that many of these criminals are Prodigals, or in other words: demons. In this overcast world where interrogation and torture by conventional and unique means (i.e. the prayer engines) are used by the Inquisition, Ginn Hale leads us on an adventure between two men. You have William Harper, a captain of the Inquisition - a priest who does not believe, and Belimai Sykes, a Prodigal who is living life through the euphoria of drug addiction caused by torturous means of the Inquisition.
The first half of the story is told from Belimai's first person POV. It deals with a mystery involving Harper's missing sister, Joan. We also learn about Belimai's past while exploring his current intrigue with Harper.
The second half of the story is told from Harper's third person POV. A good portion of it has Harper and Belimai apart. This is also the part when emotions finally spark and my romantic M/M heart flutters. While the romance is subtle in Wicked Gentlemen, it is no less beautiful to see how two very different men can work together.
I think even if I didn't enjoy the plot and characters, Ginn Hale's lyrical prose would have been enough to entertain my inner bookworm. The opening paragraph is a great example of this:
Absolutely stunning. Now, I just got to wait for her to release the Christmas coda for this book.
Original rating: 3 stars
After rereading (12/12/13): 4 stars
I couldn't appreciate Wicked Gentlemen on my first read, because I had just finished Ginn Hale's Lord of the White Hell series and wanted a similar story. When Wicked Gentlemen gave me something different, I couldn't appreciate the story for what it was. After just finishing my first reread, I was able to enjoy the story a lot more than my first attempt.
In this steam punk, fantasy world, there is a ruling body known as the Inquisition. The Inquisition seem to be a governing body that enforces laws and prosecutes criminals. It just so happens to be that many of these criminals are Prodigals, or in other words: demons. In this overcast world where interrogation and torture by conventional and unique means (i.e. the prayer engines) are used by the Inquisition, Ginn Hale leads us on an adventure between two men. You have William Harper, a captain of the Inquisition - a priest who does not believe, and Belimai Sykes, a Prodigal who is living life through the euphoria of drug addiction caused by torturous means of the Inquisition.
The first half of the story is told from Belimai's first person POV. It deals with a mystery involving Harper's missing sister, Joan. We also learn about Belimai's past while exploring his current intrigue with Harper.
The second half of the story is told from Harper's third person POV. A good portion of it has Harper and Belimai apart. This is also the part when emotions finally spark and my romantic M/M heart flutters. While the romance is subtle in Wicked Gentlemen, it is no less beautiful to see how two very different men can work together.
I think even if I didn't enjoy the plot and characters, Ginn Hale's lyrical prose would have been enough to entertain my inner bookworm. The opening paragraph is a great example of this:
The night hung in tatters. Gas streetlamps chewed at the darkness. Candles cast dull halos through the dirty windows of the tenements across the street. Heavy purple clouds pumped up from smoke stacks and patterned the sky like ugly patches on a black velvet curtain. A few fireflies blinked from what corners of blackness remained.
Absolutely stunning. Now, I just got to wait for her to release the Christmas coda for this book.
September 29, 2015
To start I’ll say I wouldn’t have picked this up on my own. I decided to read it as part of a BR even though after reading the blurb I hadn’t any clue as to what it was really going to be about.
Book 1 – ends at 46%.
Well….I myself am questioning all the 5 star reviews at this point. While somewhat intriguing the end of this book found me with more questions than answered. Sure I got the who of the investigation but not so much the whys. I think the biggest draw to most probably is Belimai Sykes but I couldn’t see the seduction. At best his description was that of a drug addicted prodigal, his appearance described as unkempt at best, unattractive possibly. I was unsure. I imagined a scowling, lying, pessimist.
Honestly no one else from the book grabbed my attention either. Not Joan, not Harper, not even Sariel.
Book 2 – Harper’s book
This book was strange. I can’t figure out if it was good strange or bad strange. I think the problems I had initially sorted themselves out. Harper was a priest with no religion who admits to basically joining the Inquisition because he wanted to be able to freely take a prodigal lover. His attraction is also explainable as his step-father was prodigal and his sister half. His devils were once angels argument made me believe the redeeming qualities he found in Belimai. Belimai was loyal…probably to a fault. Once I saw him through Harpers eyes I did start thinking back and realized while he liked to stir up a little trouble, he really hadn’t done anyone wrong that I could see. He helped another prodigal unknown to him evade the Inquisition. He kept his mouth shut under extreme torture and threat of bodily harm.
I thought the whole book was weird, but when it ended, I was smiling and hoped they found a nice life out in the country.
Book 1 – ends at 46%.
Well….I myself am questioning all the 5 star reviews at this point. While somewhat intriguing the end of this book found me with more questions than answered. Sure I got the who of the investigation but not so much the whys. I think the biggest draw to most probably is Belimai Sykes but I couldn’t see the seduction. At best his description was that of a drug addicted prodigal, his appearance described as unkempt at best, unattractive possibly. I was unsure. I imagined a scowling, lying, pessimist.
Honestly no one else from the book grabbed my attention either. Not Joan, not Harper, not even Sariel.
Book 2 – Harper’s book
This book was strange. I can’t figure out if it was good strange or bad strange. I think the problems I had initially sorted themselves out. Harper was a priest with no religion who admits to basically joining the Inquisition because he wanted to be able to freely take a prodigal lover. His attraction is also explainable as his step-father was prodigal and his sister half. His devils were once angels argument made me believe the redeeming qualities he found in Belimai. Belimai was loyal…probably to a fault. Once I saw him through Harpers eyes I did start thinking back and realized while he liked to stir up a little trouble, he really hadn’t done anyone wrong that I could see. He helped another prodigal unknown to him evade the Inquisition. He kept his mouth shut under extreme torture and threat of bodily harm.
I thought the whole book was weird, but when it ended, I was smiling and hoped they found a nice life out in the country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2013
4,5 stars
It would have been a 5 stars rating if I had had my fill of the murders plot lines, but I revelled in this world, in every street, every alley, windowsill, roof-top, every dark corner and gas lamp from White Chapel to Hell’s Bellow.
I fell for Belimai and the “Flower of Evil” texture of his thoughts, all dark melancholy, self-loathing and opium induced poetry. I liked that it wasn’t overplayed and that the sounds, scents and touch he is so attuned to, brought as much grittiness as reverie.
I liked Harper for being flawed, loving Belimai, pulling him out of his torpor and bringing the sarcasm out of him. His book is an easier - but less focused - read that I enjoyed mostly for their interactions.
One favourite quote and I’ll leave it at that:
”“His long fingers stretched out in graceful curves. They were like virgin bodies, utterly untouched, even by the sun.
The urge to drag one of my black nails across the back of Harper’s hand brushed through my thoughts. When I reached out and carefully touched one of Harper’s fingers, I almost expected to see a dirty yellow stain left behind, but the skin remained flawless”.
It would have been a 5 stars rating if I had had my fill of the murders plot lines, but I revelled in this world, in every street, every alley, windowsill, roof-top, every dark corner and gas lamp from White Chapel to Hell’s Bellow.
I fell for Belimai and the “Flower of Evil” texture of his thoughts, all dark melancholy, self-loathing and opium induced poetry. I liked that it wasn’t overplayed and that the sounds, scents and touch he is so attuned to, brought as much grittiness as reverie.
I liked Harper for being flawed, loving Belimai, pulling him out of his torpor and bringing the sarcasm out of him. His book is an easier - but less focused - read that I enjoyed mostly for their interactions.
One favourite quote and I’ll leave it at that:
”“His long fingers stretched out in graceful curves. They were like virgin bodies, utterly untouched, even by the sun.
The urge to drag one of my black nails across the back of Harper’s hand brushed through my thoughts. When I reached out and carefully touched one of Harper’s fingers, I almost expected to see a dirty yellow stain left behind, but the skin remained flawless”.
July 25, 2013
Oh my, so much goodness in packed in this little book. Mystery, deception, intrigue, gore, addiction, demons, injustice, revenge, redemption and flying. The flying is totally cool. And from it all, the unlikely pairing of Harper and Belimai. They have a guarded, yet genuine connection and their repartee is most enjoyable. I hope to see more of these two (I heard a rumor!).
December 11, 2018
"Chapter 1
The night hung in tatters. Gas streetlamps chewed at the darkness... Heavy purple clouds pumped up from smoke stacks and patterned the sky like ugly patches on a black velvet curtain. A few fireflies blinked from what corners of blackness remained.
A pair of them invaded the darkness of my rooms. I watched them flicker, darting through their insectile courtship. They swooped past my face, circled, and then alighted inside the fold of my shirtsleeve.
They crept close to one another, brilliant desire flashing through their tiny bodies. Their antennae touched and quivered. The female firefly reached out and stroked the male. He rushed into her embrace. Holding him close, she crushed her powerful mandibles through his head. Their flickering bodies blinked in perfect unison as she devoured him.
Some romances end more badly than others."
Many of the books I've read recently are unmemorable. Not necessarily badly written, but little more than functionally written.
And then there's the first page of "Wicked Gentlemen".
It's a bravura performance: terrific writing of such richness that it's nearly cloying. Except it's offset by the gritty characterisation (despised "lower-race" outcast abandons himself to the drug addiction he was forced into during months of torture), the mystery plot and a tentative unexpected romance.
The book's loosely set in a very AU England, where, many generations ago, "the Covenant of Redemption had brought my fallen ancestors up from Damnation. They abandoned their great kingdom of endless darkness in exchange for the promise of Salvation for themselves and their descendants. [But now] the carved temples and catacombs that had once been a city of hope had decayed into dank ghetto;...vast caverns gaped wide with tenement houses and ore sluices. The children of hell’s greatest lords had been bred down into coal miners."
Now, their descendants - demon-spawn like Belimai Sykes - are subject to the whims of Inquisitors such as William Harper.
"Death came by slow degrees on the hard metal tables of the Confessional rooms. It was done with simple questions and endless patience. Unlike the depictions in protest flyers, the Houses of Inquisition did not flow with rivers of blood. The walls were not stained with gore or hung with rusted hooks. The Houses were holy places. They were quiet, clean, and bright. Even the Confessional rooms were subdued and calm. The Inquisitors and Confessors never taunted or screamed threats. They asked politely for everything. The silver knives, nails, and prayer engines were merely devices with which they sought absolute truth. All they demanded was complete honesty."
The plot is relatively straightforward (Belimai & Harper get to the bottom of two successive demon vs human mysteries) and enjoyable (particularly the set-piece climax to the second half). Belimai's jaundiced view and sardonic observations lighten the tone too.
"Most of the Bankers I had seen were soft pillows of men. They traveled in chubby little clusters like summer clouds drifting across the sky."
But it's Belimai's tortured soul making a slow understated connection with Harper's upright Inquisitor that provides the emotional heft of the book.
"I stared at him, trying to think of what I would do if I chose not to join him. I wasn’t such a delicate creature that I would simply wither and die of sorrow. I could survive losing him; I just wouldn’t want to."
Make sure to follow up on the free epilogues on Ginn Hale's site, too.
Superb world-building, great writing and strong characters: thoroughly recommended.
January 14, 2025
This is not really my genre, steampunk fantasy religion, all big no-nos for me as a rule. The results. Absolutely amazing. Yeah yeah, never say never. Belimai is a drug addicted Prodigal (demons no longer live in hell and are "people") and Harper is a priest, aka cop. The cops use torture in the name of religion to generally get confessions from people, often Prodigals. However Harper and Belimai end up teaming up to catch some serial killers who are preying on Prodigals, Belimai nearly getting killed in the process. This is a two part book and in the second, Harper stumbles across a murder that is being covered up by his boss and soon he's a wanted man himself, and he and Belimai are trying to find evidence to convict the bad guy, escape from the police and Balimai is trying to get off drugs. You also get to find out more about Harper and what makes him tick. It's hard to put it all here but it's gritty, graphic, sad, sweet in it's way. It's kind of like a super gritty crime drama on TV with a romance thrown in. All I can say is read it. It's not that graphic either and I'm trying to convince my teen she should read it.
December 14, 2023
This was a really interesting world - one MC is a descendant of demons, doesn't work well with the light, has some magicky elements, has a darker vibe. The other MC is an inquisitor/religious captain. Enemies at the core.
There's an intriguing plot situation going on, some religious shenanigans, world building. Overall, just a really interesting read. I am hesitant to call this a genre romance though. There's a strong romantic element throughout the story, but the plot takes the forefront.
Also POV change midway between MCs and 1st to 3rd person - it worked in the audio, no clue how it would do on page.
Also also, this narrator sounds like John Oliver and I loved it lol.
There's an intriguing plot situation going on, some religious shenanigans, world building. Overall, just a really interesting read. I am hesitant to call this a genre romance though. There's a strong romantic element throughout the story, but the plot takes the forefront.
Also POV change midway between MCs and 1st to 3rd person - it worked in the audio, no clue how it would do on page.
Also also, this narrator sounds like John Oliver and I loved it lol.
February 2, 2014
Wonderfully spare prose as vivid as any riot, paced with the sure hand of a true storyteller. The switch in perspective is distracting, but also impressive.
September 3, 2013
2.75* rounded up to 3*
This book left me feeling disjointed, as if there had to be a much larger tapestry, but someone chopped it off at the edges. The result didn't bowl me over, it left me with sort of a meh-feeling. Or maybe I'm just over fantasy as a genre.
The prose irritated the bloody hell out of me, it was so narcissistic and self-important at times, I was completely distracted. True, it got a bit better towards the end, but then the harm was already done. I'd been distanced from the story.
The story itself was sort of facile: a token mystery, which came to its logical conclusion. Some of the characters stood out for me, Edward for instance, but generally I couldn't care much for any of them.
I had hoped for more about the inquisition, for a deeper look at torture and torturers, but funnily this again completely disappointed in that department, much like already TA had.
It wasn't an entirely bad read, it wasn't really an excellent one either. It reminded me at times vaguely of Swords and Deviltry, but wasn't even a tenth as well written and done.
However, rec'd for fans of fantasy, devils and steampunk.
This book left me feeling disjointed, as if there had to be a much larger tapestry, but someone chopped it off at the edges. The result didn't bowl me over, it left me with sort of a meh-feeling. Or maybe I'm just over fantasy as a genre.
The prose irritated the bloody hell out of me, it was so narcissistic and self-important at times, I was completely distracted. True, it got a bit better towards the end, but then the harm was already done. I'd been distanced from the story.
The story itself was sort of facile: a token mystery, which came to its logical conclusion. Some of the characters stood out for me, Edward for instance, but generally I couldn't care much for any of them.
I had hoped for more about the inquisition, for a deeper look at torture and torturers, but funnily this again completely disappointed in that department, much like already TA had.
It wasn't an entirely bad read, it wasn't really an excellent one either. It reminded me at times vaguely of Swords and Deviltry, but wasn't even a tenth as well written and done.
However, rec'd for fans of fantasy, devils and steampunk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews