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Some problems you can’t solve with magick—and some you can.
After a homophobic pagan group rejected him, Lars Kendall is a solitary heathen on the Northern Path, loyal to the gods of the Norse pantheon. But being on his own sucks. So when he finally meets a mixed group of other queer witches and magick-users, it’s like finding family. If family involved exploring past lives and casting spells.
Rhys Turner quit a stressful job in the City after his high-strung boyfriend of six years walked out. He sold the expensive flat in central London and bought a run-down house out in the suburbs. Never mind that it needs walls knocked down, its garden landscaped, and what the hell is up with that carpet?
With his health failing, Rhys is desperate for a clean slate and a new start. He isn’t ready to fall in love with anybody, least of all the hunky builder who looks like he’s stepped out of a TV show about Vikings—tattoos, long hair, and all. But as strong and loyal as Lars is, he also has a very soft heart, which might be the hardest thing for Rhys to resist.
Note: This is a 73,000-word novel.
After a homophobic pagan group rejected him, Lars Kendall is a solitary heathen on the Northern Path, loyal to the gods of the Norse pantheon. But being on his own sucks. So when he finally meets a mixed group of other queer witches and magick-users, it’s like finding family. If family involved exploring past lives and casting spells.
Rhys Turner quit a stressful job in the City after his high-strung boyfriend of six years walked out. He sold the expensive flat in central London and bought a run-down house out in the suburbs. Never mind that it needs walls knocked down, its garden landscaped, and what the hell is up with that carpet?
With his health failing, Rhys is desperate for a clean slate and a new start. He isn’t ready to fall in love with anybody, least of all the hunky builder who looks like he’s stepped out of a TV show about Vikings—tattoos, long hair, and all. But as strong and loyal as Lars is, he also has a very soft heart, which might be the hardest thing for Rhys to resist.
Note: This is a 73,000-word novel.
235 pages, ebook
First published August 7, 2016
47 people are currently reading
1189 people want to read
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November 18, 2017
This book is sooooo different than what I thought it would be. This is my very first Aleksandr Voinov book and I’m glad this one is my first. My friends have been recommending me “Dark Soul” series for many times and I finally decided to give it a shot. But while I was browsing the author’s profile, somehow this one called me and that’s why I read this first. And it is really .. really different than what I thought it would be. 😌
Don’t expect spell casting, human changing frog kind of magick from the blurb of the book because Lars is not that kind of witch. He’s a pagan, a follower of northern path and Norse gods. He’s been kicked out of his old clique simply because of the fact that he’s gay. And now he’s joined a new group of queer witches and his life is doing pretty good, a self-employed successful contractor, good friends and a great house. And he wouldn’t imagine even in his wildest dream that he’d got involved in a very complicated soul searching and difficult relationship when he received a new job to refurbish the whole house from Rhys Turner.
Rhys is dying at the age of 42. He was a very successful and accomplished businessman, had a great partner and everything he wanted in life. When he found out that his health is in a dire and critical condition, he left everything .. I mean everything from his old life and moved to the suburb of London and decided to die alone. He’s accepted his fate and ready to die .. however, when he saw the contractor who’s supposed to refurbish his house, he not only wanted him to repair his house but also his heart. But the thing is he’s dying and very soon. Can he fight strong enough to overcome death and his own morbidity?
The storyline is very interesting but this won’t be everyone’s cuppa. I even feel like the book is more about soul searching, religions and ideologies than the actual romance. Slow paced, tender, heart aching and soothing in a strange way. It’s about discovering yourself and the very earth itself. This book gave me so much thoughts on life, death, God and gods. I was told that this is a very different style of Voinov’s usual works. I’m very intrigued and I’ll be sure to continue reading this series and other books of his. And for those who are afraid that our Lars and Rhys won’t get their HEA, they got a very very happy and merry HEA. So don’t worry .. 😊💜😉
4.5 soul searching, self learning stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Don’t expect spell casting, human changing frog kind of magick from the blurb of the book because Lars is not that kind of witch. He’s a pagan, a follower of northern path and Norse gods. He’s been kicked out of his old clique simply because of the fact that he’s gay. And now he’s joined a new group of queer witches and his life is doing pretty good, a self-employed successful contractor, good friends and a great house. And he wouldn’t imagine even in his wildest dream that he’d got involved in a very complicated soul searching and difficult relationship when he received a new job to refurbish the whole house from Rhys Turner.
Rhys is dying at the age of 42. He was a very successful and accomplished businessman, had a great partner and everything he wanted in life. When he found out that his health is in a dire and critical condition, he left everything .. I mean everything from his old life and moved to the suburb of London and decided to die alone. He’s accepted his fate and ready to die .. however, when he saw the contractor who’s supposed to refurbish his house, he not only wanted him to repair his house but also his heart. But the thing is he’s dying and very soon. Can he fight strong enough to overcome death and his own morbidity?
The storyline is very interesting but this won’t be everyone’s cuppa. I even feel like the book is more about soul searching, religions and ideologies than the actual romance. Slow paced, tender, heart aching and soothing in a strange way. It’s about discovering yourself and the very earth itself. This book gave me so much thoughts on life, death, God and gods. I was told that this is a very different style of Voinov’s usual works. I’m very intrigued and I’ll be sure to continue reading this series and other books of his. And for those who are afraid that our Lars and Rhys won’t get their HEA, they got a very very happy and merry HEA. So don’t worry .. 😊💜😉
4.5 soul searching, self learning stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 29, 2016
This story is more pagan exploration than romance. That said, there were some lovely erotic scenes. I have a familiarity with most of the concepts discussed, albeit at a lower level. Trust me, you've been around long enough and you've heard a variant of this at least once, usually satanists.
He’s the type that tells a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses he can’t talk right now, he has a virgin sacrifice on the altar.”
I wouldn't categorize it as proselytizing, but the focus of the story is Lars as a practitioner and how his life fits into it. The dream walking/astral traveling sequences were great, and the details are vivid.
I was expecting more romance and action--this is a very self-restrained plot. Additionally, I was caught off guard by the emotionally darker tone; it wasn't alluded to in the blurb and I had hoped for something lighter. Prior to reading the book I had shelved this as paranormal, it isn't. This is witchcraft as faith, not Harry Potter.
August 24, 2018
4 Stars
This was somewhat different – quirky and bewildering at times, but wholly unique and utterly charming.
The writing was superb, featuring a cast of genuine and likeable characters, all fully fleshed out and complex in both personality and motivations. Main and secondary characters alike, I really enjoyed all the players in this story.
I especially loved our hero Lars. A real old soul, Lars was sweet, resilient, and endearing. A young pagan man worshiping the old gods of Norse mythology, Lars believes strongly in his faith and is simply looking to live a good life, searching for like-minded friends and hoping for true love. Here, he finds all of that and more.
Although this had a major romance element, which I enjoyed greatly, following the growing relationship between Lars and his new business client Rhys – a slightly older man battling a life-threatening illness – I still felt this story was 100% Lars’ spiritual and emotional journey to love and enlightenment.
Interestingly, for a book featuring concepts of myth and magic, it surprisingly felt grounded in reality, which isn’t something you get the pleasure of experiencing often when reading stories with mystical themes and practices. Following Lars as he joins a group of witches of various pagan philosophies, the story heavily explores and reflects on the studies of Norse mythology and astrology (among others). A lot of the concepts and beliefs often went right over my head, but I still found the content fascinating nonetheless.
This was a win for me and I look forward to exploring the series further.
This was somewhat different – quirky and bewildering at times, but wholly unique and utterly charming.
The writing was superb, featuring a cast of genuine and likeable characters, all fully fleshed out and complex in both personality and motivations. Main and secondary characters alike, I really enjoyed all the players in this story.
I especially loved our hero Lars. A real old soul, Lars was sweet, resilient, and endearing. A young pagan man worshiping the old gods of Norse mythology, Lars believes strongly in his faith and is simply looking to live a good life, searching for like-minded friends and hoping for true love. Here, he finds all of that and more.
Although this had a major romance element, which I enjoyed greatly, following the growing relationship between Lars and his new business client Rhys – a slightly older man battling a life-threatening illness – I still felt this story was 100% Lars’ spiritual and emotional journey to love and enlightenment.
Interestingly, for a book featuring concepts of myth and magic, it surprisingly felt grounded in reality, which isn’t something you get the pleasure of experiencing often when reading stories with mystical themes and practices. Following Lars as he joins a group of witches of various pagan philosophies, the story heavily explores and reflects on the studies of Norse mythology and astrology (among others). A lot of the concepts and beliefs often went right over my head, but I still found the content fascinating nonetheless.
This was a win for me and I look forward to exploring the series further.
August 14, 2016
"Witches of London - Lars" is the unique story of a young contractor living in the outskirts of London who makes a living renovating run down estates for wealthy clients, turning old houses from the 70s into tasteful modern homes.
A little less known (even lesser known than his being gay) is the fact that he's also a follower of a pagan spirituality, believing in the Old Norse Gods he feels all around himself in nature - a small altar and wooden statues representing his gods being his way to connect himself with his faith.
As Fantasy-esque as this sounds, people like Lars do exist. And while most of us have probably only heard of Wicca, a pagan branch that somehow made it into pop culture since the 1990s, the spiritual beliefs that Lars and his fellow coven members follow are in fact based on real pagan groups that exist nowadays.
Lars not only worships the gods, but also tries to use the energy he draws from the Earth to have a positive impact on the people around him - much like a Christian would put his faith in a prayer.
So in this context, the story is far from Fantasy and rather touches spirituality and meditation/autogenous training which is open to anybody who is willing to actually sit down and shut up the many voices in our heads that everyday life puts there ;-)
When Lars is hired to renovate the house of terminally ill ex-banker Rhys, Lars not only tries to help the man by being there for him, but also by calling on his inner powers to help Rhys on a level that the man is not aware of.
Some parts of the story felt very spiritual and unusual for a m/m novel and I kind of wondered if it was a good idea to put these images into the heads of people who actually suffered from such a disease. But thankfully, Lars is following Rhys on his painful journey through a modern medical treatment - so this story does not portray a spontaneous healing as in a 'miracle of the gods'.
I found the spiritual aspect of this novel extremely well done and it sparked my own curiosity about these subjects.
Judging the book as a m/m romance, I am inclined to say that I absolutely loved Lars - his background, his mindset, his beliefs that were deeply spiritual, while he was still a young guy living in the 21st century who kept his cell phone in his back pocket while worshiping the gods. He was very relatable and had good morals and attitudes that I quickly grew to like.
Rhys on the other hand was a bit more complicated to relate to. Granted, he was suffering from a disease that might cost him his life, but I did not like his past, his former profession and his decisions regarding a relationship as a terminally ill gay man.
Had he been a healthy man in the prime of his life, I would probably not have liked him very much - and he would probably not have made a good match for Lars.
I am already curious about the other coven members, who we will get to see more of in subsequent books. Although I am already afraid of diving into Julian's head, to be honest, LOL.
As I truly value this book for its unique take on an alternative spiritual lifestyle, I would definitely rate Lars with 5 stars. May he live happily every after with Rhys - and enjoy the polar lights in Iceland ;-)
P.S.: And please give Tim his own book. A Russian character by Mr Voinov? I'd drop everything else to read THAT.
A little less known (even lesser known than his being gay) is the fact that he's also a follower of a pagan spirituality, believing in the Old Norse Gods he feels all around himself in nature - a small altar and wooden statues representing his gods being his way to connect himself with his faith.
As Fantasy-esque as this sounds, people like Lars do exist. And while most of us have probably only heard of Wicca, a pagan branch that somehow made it into pop culture since the 1990s, the spiritual beliefs that Lars and his fellow coven members follow are in fact based on real pagan groups that exist nowadays.
Lars not only worships the gods, but also tries to use the energy he draws from the Earth to have a positive impact on the people around him - much like a Christian would put his faith in a prayer.
So in this context, the story is far from Fantasy and rather touches spirituality and meditation/autogenous training which is open to anybody who is willing to actually sit down and shut up the many voices in our heads that everyday life puts there ;-)
When Lars is hired to renovate the house of terminally ill ex-banker Rhys, Lars not only tries to help the man by being there for him, but also by calling on his inner powers to help Rhys on a level that the man is not aware of.
Some parts of the story felt very spiritual and unusual for a m/m novel and I kind of wondered if it was a good idea to put these images into the heads of people who actually suffered from such a disease. But thankfully, Lars is following Rhys on his painful journey through a modern medical treatment - so this story does not portray a spontaneous healing as in a 'miracle of the gods'.
I found the spiritual aspect of this novel extremely well done and it sparked my own curiosity about these subjects.
Judging the book as a m/m romance, I am inclined to say that I absolutely loved Lars - his background, his mindset, his beliefs that were deeply spiritual, while he was still a young guy living in the 21st century who kept his cell phone in his back pocket while worshiping the gods. He was very relatable and had good morals and attitudes that I quickly grew to like.
Rhys on the other hand was a bit more complicated to relate to. Granted, he was suffering from a disease that might cost him his life, but I did not like his past, his former profession and his decisions regarding a relationship as a terminally ill gay man.
Had he been a healthy man in the prime of his life, I would probably not have liked him very much - and he would probably not have made a good match for Lars.
I am already curious about the other coven members, who we will get to see more of in subsequent books. Although I am already afraid of diving into Julian's head, to be honest, LOL.
As I truly value this book for its unique take on an alternative spiritual lifestyle, I would definitely rate Lars with 5 stars. May he live happily every after with Rhys - and enjoy the polar lights in Iceland ;-)
P.S.: And please give Tim his own book. A Russian character by Mr Voinov? I'd drop everything else to read THAT.
August 31, 2018
4 Stars
This is not some super/paranormal fantasy with magic and unreal creatures but quite the philosophical look on different practices of faith, interwoven very nicely with a lovely contemporary romance.
Lars is your average bloke, trying to find a community to belong to, a place to practice his paganism without rebuke or ridicule. He’s busy with his business renovating houses, playing on his strengths as a builder and a nurturer and is basically the epitome of a gentle giant who wouldn’t mind finding that special someone to love. When Lars lands a big job from the stunning Rhys, he does hope a little that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t misread that spark of interest he saw in the gorgeous man’s eyes.
In turn, Rhys is somewhat on a new lease in life. He’s not necessarily fatalistic but he is realistic with his current predicament, and he’s not going to say no to the bright light and unbelievable wonder that Lars is. These two connect wonderfully and easily, and their interactions and intimate dance were all very sexy and swoony.
This is no doubt full of spirituality and looks at various forms of non-Christian religion. I’m not gonna lie. These aspects are abundant and detailed and though it doesn’t garner a lot of interest personally, it never came off preachy to me which I greatly appreciated.
At its core though, this is all about Lars and Rhys and their beautiful journey. Both these characters were really really likeable (Lars especially) and though there was no flash and bang, there is a nice touch of twisty angsty that is short lived but plausible. Throw in a seriously romantic happy ending that induced a few tears out of my cold heart, all of which provided that much appreciated happy sigh of contentment and satisfaction!
This is not some super/paranormal fantasy with magic and unreal creatures but quite the philosophical look on different practices of faith, interwoven very nicely with a lovely contemporary romance.
Lars is your average bloke, trying to find a community to belong to, a place to practice his paganism without rebuke or ridicule. He’s busy with his business renovating houses, playing on his strengths as a builder and a nurturer and is basically the epitome of a gentle giant who wouldn’t mind finding that special someone to love. When Lars lands a big job from the stunning Rhys, he does hope a little that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t misread that spark of interest he saw in the gorgeous man’s eyes.
In turn, Rhys is somewhat on a new lease in life. He’s not necessarily fatalistic but he is realistic with his current predicament, and he’s not going to say no to the bright light and unbelievable wonder that Lars is. These two connect wonderfully and easily, and their interactions and intimate dance were all very sexy and swoony.
This is no doubt full of spirituality and looks at various forms of non-Christian religion. I’m not gonna lie. These aspects are abundant and detailed and though it doesn’t garner a lot of interest personally, it never came off preachy to me which I greatly appreciated.
At its core though, this is all about Lars and Rhys and their beautiful journey. Both these characters were really really likeable (Lars especially) and though there was no flash and bang, there is a nice touch of twisty angsty that is short lived but plausible. Throw in a seriously romantic happy ending that induced a few tears out of my cold heart, all of which provided that much appreciated happy sigh of contentment and satisfaction!
August 28, 2016
I'm totally biased but I loved this book.
The relationship between Lars and his fellow 'witches' was lovely, as they created their own version of a family, with shared and differing beliefs.
Lars and Rhys relationship also a wonderful balance between the spiritual and practical.
As usual there was no patronising of the reader, and I loved the sense of the different existing in such a suburban setting. You don't need to share Lars or the witches beliefs to enjoy any part of this book.
Cover is stunning.
Full review on blog here
The relationship between Lars and his fellow 'witches' was lovely, as they created their own version of a family, with shared and differing beliefs.
Lars and Rhys relationship also a wonderful balance between the spiritual and practical.
As usual there was no patronising of the reader, and I loved the sense of the different existing in such a suburban setting. You don't need to share Lars or the witches beliefs to enjoy any part of this book.
Cover is stunning.
Full review on blog here
August 12, 2016
So I have these two lives, right? The life of me as a pagan, with all my pagan friends – many of whom are queer – and that’s one side of things. Then I have the life of me as a reader of queer fiction, with many queer fiction reading (and writing) friends. And then you get a moment like this, where both of those worlds get to intersect, and you get to see how awesome it would be when a great writer combines realistic paganism with queer fiction.
For many of us pagans, this is exactly what it’s like. Quiet nods to deity. Offerings and getting together with friends and nothing you’d see in a television show, but still having plenty of profound moments that create growth, love, transformation and more. Also seeing a bunch of people with different practices getting together and talking easily about those practices, even though they don’t always sync up, struck me as being very true to real life.
Quite outside of that, I adored Lars as a main character and as the introduction to the Witches universe. He’s sweet and caring, he cooks hearty food and renovates homes. He is constantly drawn to the potential beauty in what others may see as rundown and ramshackle, which is why it’s not surprising that he stays with Rhys despite his severe illness, not only seeing so much beauty in him in the present, but also in the potential of what could be.
Lars and Rhys’ relationship was a fascinating one that explores what it can really be like when two people are dealing with an illness that makes itself part of a relationship by how huge and energy demanding it is. The hurt/comfort factor is wonderful - that's something I love to read in general and this book delivered. I liked that Rhys was realistically ill. He didn’t ‘have the illness’ during one scene, and then not at all during another (as a person with chronic illness, I get very tired of this with any kind of illness, including mental ones). He had a groundedness in how he approached his illness that I think a lot of sick people have and use, even as a defence or as a way to hold people away from them. Watching that play out and create conflict between Lars and Rhys was actually really satisfying for me on a personal level.
The other characters in the ensemble are also really interesting and you can sense a lot of room for development and story in future books. I liked Julian the most out of the group, not in a ‘I’d like to be your friend’ way, but in a ‘you have a really electrifying energy, and tend to charge scenes with a certain kind of dynamism’ way. I don’t think everyone will like him, but that’s what I love about him. Polarising characters are great at getting people invested, and he certainly hooked me in, while I was still getting to know Lars.
As for the magical side of things well, I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say it all felt very true to real life across the different practices I’ve had over the years. I think anyone living on one of the branches of the huge tree that is paganism will find something familiar here, and to read it in a fictional m/m love story, instead of in a non-fiction tome, strikes me as a very Bardic thing to be doing, and I am so here for this kind of storyweaving, which reaches out to folks regardless of their beliefs. Definitely recommended.
For many of us pagans, this is exactly what it’s like. Quiet nods to deity. Offerings and getting together with friends and nothing you’d see in a television show, but still having plenty of profound moments that create growth, love, transformation and more. Also seeing a bunch of people with different practices getting together and talking easily about those practices, even though they don’t always sync up, struck me as being very true to real life.
Quite outside of that, I adored Lars as a main character and as the introduction to the Witches universe. He’s sweet and caring, he cooks hearty food and renovates homes. He is constantly drawn to the potential beauty in what others may see as rundown and ramshackle, which is why it’s not surprising that he stays with Rhys despite his severe illness, not only seeing so much beauty in him in the present, but also in the potential of what could be.
Lars and Rhys’ relationship was a fascinating one that explores what it can really be like when two people are dealing with an illness that makes itself part of a relationship by how huge and energy demanding it is. The hurt/comfort factor is wonderful - that's something I love to read in general and this book delivered. I liked that Rhys was realistically ill. He didn’t ‘have the illness’ during one scene, and then not at all during another (as a person with chronic illness, I get very tired of this with any kind of illness, including mental ones). He had a groundedness in how he approached his illness that I think a lot of sick people have and use, even as a defence or as a way to hold people away from them. Watching that play out and create conflict between Lars and Rhys was actually really satisfying for me on a personal level.
The other characters in the ensemble are also really interesting and you can sense a lot of room for development and story in future books. I liked Julian the most out of the group, not in a ‘I’d like to be your friend’ way, but in a ‘you have a really electrifying energy, and tend to charge scenes with a certain kind of dynamism’ way. I don’t think everyone will like him, but that’s what I love about him. Polarising characters are great at getting people invested, and he certainly hooked me in, while I was still getting to know Lars.
As for the magical side of things well, I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say it all felt very true to real life across the different practices I’ve had over the years. I think anyone living on one of the branches of the huge tree that is paganism will find something familiar here, and to read it in a fictional m/m love story, instead of in a non-fiction tome, strikes me as a very Bardic thing to be doing, and I am so here for this kind of storyweaving, which reaches out to folks regardless of their beliefs. Definitely recommended.
August 10, 2016
Unusual book... But I liked it. I'm left with the desire to find a group of friends who have varied, in depth knowledge of different and unusual beliefs - and then make them camp in my backyard.
The personal relationship, as touching as it was, felt secondary to the mystic elements in this story. That's not to say that the relationship wasn't powerful. Rhys was heartbreakingly human in his journey and even when I hated his decisions, some part of me got them on a base level. In the end, we come in alone and go out alone (that's not a spoiler). If anyone is capable of joining that walk with a deathly ill person, it would be Lars. His steadfast decency, support, lack of ego and just goodness made him a joy to read. He put himself out there - "speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others...", he did that. I want a Lars. Or maybe I should be a Lars, who can say.
There are lots of secondary characters to mine in future stories - Krish, Lee and of course the debauched Julian. I'm looking forward to their books. (Not to exclude Manda and Sam but they are blissfully coupled already. I do love the women in this world, strong, supportive, loving - none of the bitch/madonna/whore stereotypes that sometimes creep into books).
In any event, I recommend this one. It's different - unique. And I love the author's turn of phrase. He's so good at his craft.
4.25 stars
The personal relationship, as touching as it was, felt secondary to the mystic elements in this story. That's not to say that the relationship wasn't powerful. Rhys was heartbreakingly human in his journey and even when I hated his decisions, some part of me got them on a base level. In the end, we come in alone and go out alone (that's not a spoiler). If anyone is capable of joining that walk with a deathly ill person, it would be Lars. His steadfast decency, support, lack of ego and just goodness made him a joy to read. He put himself out there - "speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others...", he did that. I want a Lars. Or maybe I should be a Lars, who can say.
There are lots of secondary characters to mine in future stories - Krish, Lee and of course the debauched Julian. I'm looking forward to their books. (Not to exclude Manda and Sam but they are blissfully coupled already. I do love the women in this world, strong, supportive, loving - none of the bitch/madonna/whore stereotypes that sometimes creep into books).
In any event, I recommend this one. It's different - unique. And I love the author's turn of phrase. He's so good at his craft.
4.25 stars
August 17, 2016
3.5 STARS!
Witches. Norse Gods. Sacrifices. Epic Cover, aaaaaannnd Mr. Voinov!
I was totally thrilled when I saw this book. How could you not be with that kind of cover? Then the blurb that goes with it isn't bad either, it definitely piqued my interest.. And it talks about witches! So my head was quick to imagine duels, casting spells or curses or wars or anything that goes Harry Potter realm. (dont laugh you, a child can dream yea?)
But..but..
It wasn't anything like that at all. Not at all. It's about Neo Paganism.
So its about this young contractor who pimp ruined/old houses to a modern or habitable ones. His names Lars, a pagan who worship the Norse Gods, you know Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya. He was cast out from his old coven for being gay.
Cause of that he found a group who was warm, friendly, diverse and offered him a family that he didn't find from the previous one despite of him being part of it longer. My fave is Julian, the guys just shameless & carefree, confident, funny and snarky and all that.. I hope he'll get his own book.
Anyway, so Lars got hired by this wealthy man Rhys Turner to fix a huge old house he bought for himself. Attraction was there at the first time they laid eyes on each other. I dig the way they send signals to each one which Lars was unsure what to make of, it seems unprofessional to hit on a client blah blah blah. But soon enough, they get it ON.
Then Lars found out Rhys has a terminable disease.
The book then evolved on Lars trying to find help from his witch friends and gods to help Rhys. He went on quests in dreams and stuff.
***
So there. Its quite hard what to make of this book. Its not heavy on the romance, not a lot of action either.. But a lot of strange pagan stuff that I dont understand.. But as a friend point out, spiritual stuff doesn't always make sense. So whatever.
Still, its interesting enough to finish the book. And the writings flawless and fluid too, not that I expect anything less from Mr. Voinov.
Witches. Norse Gods. Sacrifices. Epic Cover, aaaaaannnd Mr. Voinov!
I was totally thrilled when I saw this book. How could you not be with that kind of cover? Then the blurb that goes with it isn't bad either, it definitely piqued my interest.. And it talks about witches! So my head was quick to imagine duels, casting spells or curses or wars or anything that goes Harry Potter realm. (dont laugh you, a child can dream yea?)
But..but..
It wasn't anything like that at all. Not at all. It's about Neo Paganism.
So its about this young contractor who pimp ruined/old houses to a modern or habitable ones. His names Lars, a pagan who worship the Norse Gods, you know Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya. He was cast out from his old coven for being gay.
Cause of that he found a group who was warm, friendly, diverse and offered him a family that he didn't find from the previous one despite of him being part of it longer. My fave is Julian, the guys just shameless & carefree, confident, funny and snarky and all that.. I hope he'll get his own book.
Anyway, so Lars got hired by this wealthy man Rhys Turner to fix a huge old house he bought for himself. Attraction was there at the first time they laid eyes on each other. I dig the way they send signals to each one which Lars was unsure what to make of, it seems unprofessional to hit on a client blah blah blah. But soon enough, they get it ON.
Then Lars found out Rhys has a terminable disease.
The book then evolved on Lars trying to find help from his witch friends and gods to help Rhys. He went on quests in dreams and stuff.
***
So there. Its quite hard what to make of this book. Its not heavy on the romance, not a lot of action either.. But a lot of strange pagan stuff that I dont understand.. But as a friend point out, spiritual stuff doesn't always make sense. So whatever.
Still, its interesting enough to finish the book. And the writings flawless and fluid too, not that I expect anything less from Mr. Voinov.
Want to read
May 5, 2018Free at Kobo, 5/5/18
February 22, 2017
I loved this book - loved the Norse Gods, the astrology and the friendship. Lars & Rhys found an instant connection and this story was their journey of sacrifice and challenge. This was beautifully written and i thoroughly enjoyed the spiritual / other worldly element to this book.
September 2, 2016
Aleksandr Voinov brings us an unusual book about Lars, a pagan who is looking for a group of fellow queers pagans to interact with because the group he was part of threw him away because he's gay.
I don't know what i expected, honestly, but i wasn't disappointed. I don't consider myself neither atheist nor agnostic because i do believe there might be creatures and forces we are not aware of but i don't think there's a god or gods who give a shit about what we do down here. But my mom, for example, does believe about angels and energies and she *senses* them so she always tell me about weird things that happen to her regarding that; and I have a pagan friend with whom i discuss about occult stuff, magick, and gods. I really enjoy the topic in general and i was glad Voinov didn't turn this book about *How to pagan 101* or *Atheists suck, believers are better*, instead, we have a book that could be considered pagan inspirational that anyone can enjoy to read. However, many pagans (specially queer pagans) who are looking for a book to rainforce their faith will be grateful to find one here; actually i'm considering recommend this book to my pagan friend.
Though in the begining I didn't connect much with the characters in the end i liked them and see great potential in them specially with Julian and the witches ;). The darker tone regarding Rhys was absolutely unexpected and caught me off ward but it made the book be more a pagan inspirational book rather than urban fantasy.
Really enjoyed this one, Aleks a fav as always <3.
I don't know what i expected, honestly, but i wasn't disappointed. I don't consider myself neither atheist nor agnostic because i do believe there might be creatures and forces we are not aware of but i don't think there's a god or gods who give a shit about what we do down here. But my mom, for example, does believe about angels and energies and she *senses* them so she always tell me about weird things that happen to her regarding that; and I have a pagan friend with whom i discuss about occult stuff, magick, and gods. I really enjoy the topic in general and i was glad Voinov didn't turn this book about *How to pagan 101* or *Atheists suck, believers are better*, instead, we have a book that could be considered pagan inspirational that anyone can enjoy to read. However, many pagans (specially queer pagans) who are looking for a book to rainforce their faith will be grateful to find one here; actually i'm considering recommend this book to my pagan friend.
Though in the begining I didn't connect much with the characters in the end i liked them and see great potential in them specially with Julian and the witches ;). The darker tone regarding Rhys was absolutely unexpected and caught me off ward but it made the book be more a pagan inspirational book rather than urban fantasy.
Really enjoyed this one, Aleks a fav as always <3.
September 7, 2016
***3 Stars***
Review to come later!!
Review to come later!!
August 21, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about paganism or Norse gods. I know the names Odin and Loki from movies and TV but not why people pray to them for help or guidance. So, this gorgeous book from Aleksandr Voinov was not only enlightening, it was beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Lars is perfection. He’s hardworking, honest and loyal to the Norse gods he looks to for guidance on almost every matter. Raised by an unorthodox family, his knowledge of pop culture is practically nil but he can run a farm and work with his hands and makes a healthy living running his own home renovation business.
Rhys is a man reformed. After spending years working around the clock and chasing the almighty pound in London’s money markets, he suddenly finds himself jobless, alone and suffering from a potentially life-threatening illness. But that illness has brought him a certain amount of clarity and living (and dying) on his own terms has become paramount.
Watching the two men fall in love is wonderful. There is an immediate connection between the two of them, but it doesn’t feel premature or forced. Rather, it seems almost destined. Rhys has all but given up hope for a recovery, but Lars, with his gentleness, his honesty and his deeply held beliefs has other ideas and they involve invoking help from the gods to aid in Rhys’ recovery.
I am not a particularly religious person, but I find there is a simple beauty in the way Lars worships and how he lets that ground him, both physically and spiritually. I was fascinated, even charmed by his rituals and I loved the small group of witches that take him in and make him one of their own. Although they all have different practices, they meld quite beautifully together and I couldn’t help but think that this is what organized religion should really be about – respecting that each group approaches things differently, but that they all have one common goal: to be heard and understood by the Spirit or spirits they pray to.
Just putting out a little reassurance here; this book is not about preaching some sort of pagan gospel. Rather, it feels more magical than anything. I was fascinated by the whole thing, from the reliance on astrology, the use of tarot cards, the focus on grounding your spirit and your energy and the use of hypnotism to reach the gods. I was so intrigued that the romance between Lars and Rhys seemed almost like a bonus!
I have to say, that I didn’t expect such a tender book from this author and it was a most pleasant surprise. I’m hoping we will get Julian’s story next but really, a book featuring any of the group members would be great (although I’m still holding out for a Julian/Tim story. I think they’d be combustible in the best way). 4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about paganism or Norse gods. I know the names Odin and Loki from movies and TV but not why people pray to them for help or guidance. So, this gorgeous book from Aleksandr Voinov was not only enlightening, it was beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Lars is perfection. He’s hardworking, honest and loyal to the Norse gods he looks to for guidance on almost every matter. Raised by an unorthodox family, his knowledge of pop culture is practically nil but he can run a farm and work with his hands and makes a healthy living running his own home renovation business.
Rhys is a man reformed. After spending years working around the clock and chasing the almighty pound in London’s money markets, he suddenly finds himself jobless, alone and suffering from a potentially life-threatening illness. But that illness has brought him a certain amount of clarity and living (and dying) on his own terms has become paramount.
Watching the two men fall in love is wonderful. There is an immediate connection between the two of them, but it doesn’t feel premature or forced. Rather, it seems almost destined. Rhys has all but given up hope for a recovery, but Lars, with his gentleness, his honesty and his deeply held beliefs has other ideas and they involve invoking help from the gods to aid in Rhys’ recovery.
I am not a particularly religious person, but I find there is a simple beauty in the way Lars worships and how he lets that ground him, both physically and spiritually. I was fascinated, even charmed by his rituals and I loved the small group of witches that take him in and make him one of their own. Although they all have different practices, they meld quite beautifully together and I couldn’t help but think that this is what organized religion should really be about – respecting that each group approaches things differently, but that they all have one common goal: to be heard and understood by the Spirit or spirits they pray to.
Just putting out a little reassurance here; this book is not about preaching some sort of pagan gospel. Rather, it feels more magical than anything. I was fascinated by the whole thing, from the reliance on astrology, the use of tarot cards, the focus on grounding your spirit and your energy and the use of hypnotism to reach the gods. I was so intrigued that the romance between Lars and Rhys seemed almost like a bonus!
I have to say, that I didn’t expect such a tender book from this author and it was a most pleasant surprise. I’m hoping we will get Julian’s story next but really, a book featuring any of the group members would be great (although I’m still holding out for a Julian/Tim story. I think they’d be combustible in the best way). 4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
August 11, 2016
3.5 stars
This cover is everything!!
Outside of the cover, I'm really not sure how to write this review. I feel like two separate events were in place. One, was Lars finding people to worship with him without judging and accepting his beliefs. Two, was not meaning to fall for Rhys, but falling for him and having his spirituality be tested in a way that he didn't know could. Voinov weaves a completely different book from anything I've EVER read before. I was familiar with pagans in a sense (all kudos belong to Supernatural) LOL. I liked Lars as a character, a lover, and a friend. I've highlighted a ton of passages just trying to understand that he was putting out.
Learning about Lars beliefs were no different from my Christianity beliefs. In fact, I wondered alot of the same reasoning he did, the only difference was that he wasn't happy with the answers that were given to him. This story was enlightening for me, just reading about Lars and what he stands for was a new learning curve. I don't know what I thought about when I hear someone say they are praying to the Gods. For me Thor and Odin are just people I watch in Marvel movies. For Lars, it was a way of life. Everything he did was in relation to the Gods, from his worshiping, to his body, food, love and his daily living. It's no different then myself, but people treated him differently. Well he changed that and found a group of people who turned out to be the friends and guide for him in the knick of time. They were like a mitch match group of people with different beliefs who's common goal was believing in something that the majority doesn't. I liked each character different from one another. My favorite was Julian by far. Astrology is something I know next to nothing about besides what's in the paper. He had so many different aspects on the subject, and I felt like it was very informative. I'm hoping his story is next.
The second or subplot surrounding Rhys was really good. I don't know if I would classify this as a romance. I'm more conflicted about them as a couple. I didn't really connect with the coupling. I like where they were at the end of the story, it's kinda a HFN feeling. Rhys was an okay character. I don't know if I believe the actions that were in the story regarding his life and Lar's group but I'm not a believer. I do believe that it could have for people who live this lifestyle. I honestly don't know how to review it. I'm still having the thoughts in my head about the story. I liked it, but it's nowhere near average. I am looking forward to book two though.
This cover is everything!!
Outside of the cover, I'm really not sure how to write this review. I feel like two separate events were in place. One, was Lars finding people to worship with him without judging and accepting his beliefs. Two, was not meaning to fall for Rhys, but falling for him and having his spirituality be tested in a way that he didn't know could. Voinov weaves a completely different book from anything I've EVER read before. I was familiar with pagans in a sense (all kudos belong to Supernatural) LOL. I liked Lars as a character, a lover, and a friend. I've highlighted a ton of passages just trying to understand that he was putting out.
Learning about Lars beliefs were no different from my Christianity beliefs. In fact, I wondered alot of the same reasoning he did, the only difference was that he wasn't happy with the answers that were given to him. This story was enlightening for me, just reading about Lars and what he stands for was a new learning curve. I don't know what I thought about when I hear someone say they are praying to the Gods. For me Thor and Odin are just people I watch in Marvel movies. For Lars, it was a way of life. Everything he did was in relation to the Gods, from his worshiping, to his body, food, love and his daily living. It's no different then myself, but people treated him differently. Well he changed that and found a group of people who turned out to be the friends and guide for him in the knick of time. They were like a mitch match group of people with different beliefs who's common goal was believing in something that the majority doesn't. I liked each character different from one another. My favorite was Julian by far. Astrology is something I know next to nothing about besides what's in the paper. He had so many different aspects on the subject, and I felt like it was very informative. I'm hoping his story is next.
The second or subplot surrounding Rhys was really good. I don't know if I would classify this as a romance. I'm more conflicted about them as a couple. I didn't really connect with the coupling. I like where they were at the end of the story, it's kinda a HFN feeling. Rhys was an okay character. I don't know if I believe the actions that were in the story regarding his life and Lar's group but I'm not a believer. I do believe that it could have for people who live this lifestyle. I honestly don't know how to review it. I'm still having the thoughts in my head about the story. I liked it, but it's nowhere near average. I am looking forward to book two though.
August 27, 2016
Aleksandr Voinov remains one of my automatic go-to's. He may not write fast but he always writes quality. And he always writes characters, even at their most fantastic, are always relatably human. He also understands that LGBTQ doesn't automatically equate with a "white" default (and it would be capital if more M/M and LGBTQ authors got that representation matters). Moreover, his secondary characters are as interesting as the leads (hint hint Julian's story lol). But speaking of leads, Lars Kendall is the kind of alpha male that more romance books should be writing. Strength tempered with gentleness and kindness. In fact, there's something sweet and self-depreciating about the hunky construction worker that made me care for his happy ending, as well as care about him finding like-minded pagans who allowed him to grow. Not to mention, no genderfail with the female characters.
I especially enjoyed the slow burn romance between Lars and former high-powered finance exec Rhys. In the hands of a less skilled author, Rhys' behavior would have come off as selfishness, but here, he's sympathetic, even as if I wanted to smack him for being so obtuse and self-sacrificing. A part of me considered the story an HFN - Happily For Now - which considering the circumstances made perfect sense. I also enjoyed the pagan/non-traditional spirituality theme, which was handled with mounds of respect, even though Lars pointed out that even non-trad belief systems can bring their societal baggage with them. Witches of London - Lars left me with a warm smile and eager for the next book in the series.
I especially enjoyed the slow burn romance between Lars and former high-powered finance exec Rhys. In the hands of a less skilled author, Rhys' behavior would have come off as selfishness, but here, he's sympathetic, even as if I wanted to smack him for being so obtuse and self-sacrificing. A part of me considered the story an HFN - Happily For Now - which considering the circumstances made perfect sense. I also enjoyed the pagan/non-traditional spirituality theme, which was handled with mounds of respect, even though Lars pointed out that even non-trad belief systems can bring their societal baggage with them. Witches of London - Lars left me with a warm smile and eager for the next book in the series.
February 19, 2019
A really sweet romance with a strong emphasis on pagan practices, particularly those of Norse Asatru tradition.
Lars, the protagonist, is the kind of guy who can build or repair anything, but who also possess a strong nurturer streak. In other words, he totally reminds me of my husband. Consequently, I was in his corner at the story's onset and giving Rhys, his love interest, the side eye. "Don't you break his heart!"
Though there are sexy times, the romance is slow building and explores the consequences of falling in love with someone who is gravely ill. As Deadpool says, "Cancer is a shit-show." But, it's not a spoiler to say that there is a HEA--this is a romance novel after all. :D
Lars, the protagonist, is the kind of guy who can build or repair anything, but who also possess a strong nurturer streak. In other words, he totally reminds me of my husband. Consequently, I was in his corner at the story's onset and giving Rhys, his love interest, the side eye. "Don't you break his heart!"
Though there are sexy times, the romance is slow building and explores the consequences of falling in love with someone who is gravely ill. As Deadpool says, "Cancer is a shit-show." But, it's not a spoiler to say that there is a HEA--this is a romance novel after all. :D
August 14, 2016
I enjoyed it. Not a traditional "romance" by any means. I think the romantic portion is the back story while the story is more about Lars fully coming into his own. Very traditional for A.V. so I wouldn't expect anything else.
December 31, 2016
I have epic cover love!!!
Want to read
August 7, 2016Gorgeous cover.
October 9, 2019
I was kind of excruciatingly bored.
December 3, 2017
“I’ll spend every day of my life thanking your gods that they’ve sent you along when I needed you most“
There is more to beliefs of others, not just the one we were born with. Lars' faith in the Norse Gods, his spirituality without seeming preachy, and the glimpses we got of the other characters beliefs in the group he joined, really affected me. It made me feel some kind of connection to something that I don't normally feel when reading about traditional religions. And then Rhys' uncolored faith, in himself, in his relationship with Lars and with the goodness of people was so moving. The idea of getting his house in order would help put his body and mind in order is touching. “In Sanskrit, the body and the house are the same word.”
This is also a sad book, but treated with a moving, lyrical gentleness. Rhys is potentially fatally ill, but I didn't find it to be all depressing. Lars and Rhys' romance was powerful and developed quite nicely. However, I felt it as a secondary to the rituals elements. Pagan religious beliefs and cultures in today’s lifestyles influenced it the most. The narrative is Lars’ exploration of his spiritual beliefs.
My only niggle was that the ending is unnecessarily rushed too much, to be super good. I got the whole feeling of the two men learning about each other, learning about themselves, and learning to believe that what they have together could be permanent, though.
Three cheers for Aleksandr Voinov, who knows how to break a reader's heart, and then put it back together better than before. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around everything I learned.
Thank you my SS for my lovely gift! Let gifts flow, let gifts flow, let gifts flow..........
There is more to beliefs of others, not just the one we were born with. Lars' faith in the Norse Gods, his spirituality without seeming preachy, and the glimpses we got of the other characters beliefs in the group he joined, really affected me. It made me feel some kind of connection to something that I don't normally feel when reading about traditional religions. And then Rhys' uncolored faith, in himself, in his relationship with Lars and with the goodness of people was so moving. The idea of getting his house in order would help put his body and mind in order is touching. “In Sanskrit, the body and the house are the same word.”
This is also a sad book, but treated with a moving, lyrical gentleness. Rhys is potentially fatally ill, but I didn't find it to be all depressing. Lars and Rhys' romance was powerful and developed quite nicely. However, I felt it as a secondary to the rituals elements. Pagan religious beliefs and cultures in today’s lifestyles influenced it the most. The narrative is Lars’ exploration of his spiritual beliefs.
My only niggle was that the ending is unnecessarily rushed too much, to be super good. I got the whole feeling of the two men learning about each other, learning about themselves, and learning to believe that what they have together could be permanent, though.
Three cheers for Aleksandr Voinov, who knows how to break a reader's heart, and then put it back together better than before. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around everything I learned.
Thank you my SS for my lovely gift! Let gifts flow, let gifts flow, let gifts flow..........
August 22, 2016
Whimsical and quaint
I was very much invested with Lars and found him appealing in his solidness. I didn't feel as invested with Rhys though, I felt like he was literally slipping away from between my fingers. The connection between Lars and Rhys didn't feel as strong as it was told to be and I struggled to see them together. Maybe that is what I would have wanted from the story, more interaction, more connection.
I enjoyed many aspects of the story, I hated worrying about Rhys. I also feared how's I feel about altrnative treatments with serious ilness, but luckily Voinov did not take the story that route. I was quite frankly at awe in the beginning, but dissapointed with the middle. The ending kind of felt faded, there were no fire works but there were lights in the northern sky, so it was in a way suitable for the story.
I'm an atheist, but I also consider myself a spiritual person. Reading about wiccas and astrology was entertaining and made me wish it could be real. Just how wonderful would it be! No I just need to settle finding the magick of reality in my life.
I'll definitely read other books in the series when they come out. I especially look forward to Julian's story with his wicked sex magick and all.
I was very much invested with Lars and found him appealing in his solidness. I didn't feel as invested with Rhys though, I felt like he was literally slipping away from between my fingers. The connection between Lars and Rhys didn't feel as strong as it was told to be and I struggled to see them together. Maybe that is what I would have wanted from the story, more interaction, more connection.
I enjoyed many aspects of the story, I hated worrying about Rhys. I also feared how's I feel about altrnative treatments with serious ilness, but luckily Voinov did not take the story that route. I was quite frankly at awe in the beginning, but dissapointed with the middle. The ending kind of felt faded, there were no fire works but there were lights in the northern sky, so it was in a way suitable for the story.
I'm an atheist, but I also consider myself a spiritual person. Reading about wiccas and astrology was entertaining and made me wish it could be real. Just how wonderful would it be! No I just need to settle finding the magick of reality in my life.
I'll definitely read other books in the series when they come out. I especially look forward to Julian's story with his wicked sex magick and all.
Read
August 11, 2016It really is called "Witches of London - Lars", not "Lars". :)
August 28, 2016
Gorgeous story: tender and engaging.
Gushing review to follow on the blog
Full review at the blog: https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
Gushing review to follow on the blog
Full review at the blog: https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
Read
June 16, 2024The writing's competent, and Lars seems like a decent sort, ditto his friends, but I can't take the premise seriously in a non-fantasy setting. Plus the LI's ex was something in fossil fuels yet not a villain, so that's a bluescreen right there. No star rating as I'm clearly the wrong audience for this book (and, I think, for this writer).
January 15, 2018
I picked up this book shortly after reading Voinov's Return on Investment. The cover for this book was striking and the premise was interesting. So I was thrilled shortly after I started reading it and totally rode the squee train all the way to the end.
Let me begin by pointing out something that might be obvious to others who have read this author's books: the writing is beautiful. Voinov has a crisp style that lends itself to be descriptive without becoming overwhelming. For example, I'm not into home renovation or decoration. But the way that Voinov writes Lars redoing Rhys' house is fascinating.
An example of this is Lars (who is the POV character). He's a protag that, in a less talented author, would be annoying to read. He's got a sunny disposition mixed in with a positive worldview that is refreshing. Rhys was a perfect counterbalance: an extremely practical man who is also an atheist. Both characters were flawed and that made them more interesting.
This was reflected in how the A plot (Lars finding deeper ways to practice his religion) and the B plot (Lars and Rhys slowly falling for each other) worked with (instead of against) each other in a realistic and heartfelt way.
No matter which aspect of Lars' life we're looking at throughout the novel, it's all super interesting: Lars connecting with each individual member of his new coven, the honest and chill dynamic between Lars and Rhys (and how, despite it being a mostly easy-going relationship, reading about them was never boring), Lars ongoing journey in his worship of his gods. Everything is superbly balanced. Like, if you pick this book up for the M/M romance, you get that in spades but it's not the only focus. I truly appreciated that.
Another thing I liked was the depiction of witchcraft and paganism. Yes, there's a bit of the fantastical in what Lars and his friends believe but their faith also has a lot of the mundane among the rituals and visions.
Speaking of which, Lars' coven was EXCELLENT! Between the queerness, the POCs, and the well-developed female characters, it's easy to see why Lars felt so at home among them. Me being me, I was totally fascinated by Julian. #LOL
There are some darker moments in the story. I have to admit that I had to read the last page just to make sure [Character] would be OK.
TL;DR: A great entry into the Witches of London series. It juggles Lars and Rhys' romance and Lars' understanding of his pagan roots masterfully, Gets diversity rep right. This is one of the most well-rounded queer romances I've read in ages.
Let me begin by pointing out something that might be obvious to others who have read this author's books: the writing is beautiful. Voinov has a crisp style that lends itself to be descriptive without becoming overwhelming. For example, I'm not into home renovation or decoration. But the way that Voinov writes Lars redoing Rhys' house is fascinating.
An example of this is Lars (who is the POV character). He's a protag that, in a less talented author, would be annoying to read. He's got a sunny disposition mixed in with a positive worldview that is refreshing. Rhys was a perfect counterbalance: an extremely practical man who is also an atheist. Both characters were flawed and that made them more interesting.
This was reflected in how the A plot (Lars finding deeper ways to practice his religion) and the B plot (Lars and Rhys slowly falling for each other) worked with (instead of against) each other in a realistic and heartfelt way.
No matter which aspect of Lars' life we're looking at throughout the novel, it's all super interesting: Lars connecting with each individual member of his new coven, the honest and chill dynamic between Lars and Rhys (and how, despite it being a mostly easy-going relationship, reading about them was never boring), Lars ongoing journey in his worship of his gods. Everything is superbly balanced. Like, if you pick this book up for the M/M romance, you get that in spades but it's not the only focus. I truly appreciated that.
Another thing I liked was the depiction of witchcraft and paganism. Yes, there's a bit of the fantastical in what Lars and his friends believe but their faith also has a lot of the mundane among the rituals and visions.
Speaking of which, Lars' coven was EXCELLENT! Between the queerness, the POCs, and the well-developed female characters, it's easy to see why Lars felt so at home among them. Me being me, I was totally fascinated by Julian. #LOL
There are some darker moments in the story. I have to admit that I had to read the last page just to make sure [Character] would be OK.
TL;DR: A great entry into the Witches of London series. It juggles Lars and Rhys' romance and Lars' understanding of his pagan roots masterfully, Gets diversity rep right. This is one of the most well-rounded queer romances I've read in ages.
Read
August 30, 2016Sorry, book, this is totally on me.
I am a huge fan of Voinov, but there are some books I pull a complete blank on and can't engage despite trying.
This is one of those.
Great descriptions of spiritual journey and selfdiscovery through connection with nature, some very hot sex scenes and importance of emotional support- so if this is something that interests you, give it a go.
February 5, 2017
What's not to love about a strapping home renovator who follows Nordic pagan gods falling for a former financial who's an atheist? Loved this book. Loved the surprising combination of a British queer pagan community mixed with a M/M romance. Strong writing from Voinov. Looking forward to more stories from the other members of the coven. Glad Lars and Rhys have their HEA ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 5, 20185/5/18 Currently on sale for 99c FREE via book retailers
Still shows as 99c via Amazon US: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01JZX9VF...
Still shows as 99c via Amazon US: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01JZX9VF...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews