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Whyborne & Griffin #9
Draakenwood
Someone is killing members of the old families…and the evidence points to Whyborne.
Widdershins has been unusually quiet for months. But now a mysterious creature from the Outside is on the loose, assassinating members of the town’s old families by draining their blood. Whyborne and Griffin set out to solve the mystery—but as the evidence piles up, the police begin to suspect Whyborne himself is the murderer.
Now Whyborne must both clear his name and stop the horrors the monster threatens to unleash. His only hope: an alliance with his old enemies the Endicotts.
Because something terrible lurks in the Draakenwood, and it will stop at nothing to seize control of the maelstrom itself.
Draakenwood is the ninth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.
Widdershins has been unusually quiet for months. But now a mysterious creature from the Outside is on the loose, assassinating members of the town’s old families by draining their blood. Whyborne and Griffin set out to solve the mystery—but as the evidence piles up, the police begin to suspect Whyborne himself is the murderer.
Now Whyborne must both clear his name and stop the horrors the monster threatens to unleash. His only hope: an alliance with his old enemies the Endicotts.
Because something terrible lurks in the Draakenwood, and it will stop at nothing to seize control of the maelstrom itself.
Draakenwood is the ninth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2017
73 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,639 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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August 29, 2017Another terrific instalment. I really do envy the way Jordan develops her series arcs and the world. The ongoing W&G plot is thickening, the cast of characters is growing, it's all brilliant spooky fun. I particularly adore Persephone the nightmarish sea monster's romance with Miss Parkhurst, and also the maniac Librarian Death Squad.
For heaven's sake don't start here if you haven't read the series. Go to book 1 Widdershins, unplug the phone, and don't make any plans for the weekend.
For heaven's sake don't start here if you haven't read the series. Go to book 1 Widdershins, unplug the phone, and don't make any plans for the weekend.
November 5, 2019
4.5 stars
- Writing - fantastic as always, it keeps getting better.
-Whyborne- Clueless and Adorable.
-Griffin - The best boyfriend ever.
- Humor - On point, this one is hilarious.
-The rest - Amazing!!!
Thank you to my lovely buddy readers for taking this journey with me. It is so much fun discussing this series while reading.
- Writing - fantastic as always, it keeps getting better.
-Whyborne- Clueless and Adorable.
-Griffin - The best boyfriend ever.
- Humor - On point, this one is hilarious.
-The rest - Amazing!!!
Thank you to my lovely buddy readers for taking this journey with me. It is so much fun discussing this series while reading.
June 1, 2020
If you've stuck with the series so far, you will of course remember that back in Bloodline a message has been sent to the masters. No one knows exactly who they are, what they want, or why/how they left... but they're the looming Boogey-Man figure of the series.
As such, everything that happened ever since, is basically preparation for their arrival. And yet, 4 books later, we're still not any closer to finding out any more... ugh... substantial details about them.
Sure, we get an interesting mystery this time around as well. And for once it's not necessarily Whyborne that saves the day with a single-handed ground-breaking demonstration... and, ugh, you know, we do find out more about the Endincotts, and whatever they may be facing. Also, Ms. Lester is totally kickass, and I'm very pleased to have read Eidolon only recently.
So, yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to the two remaining books.
But... the main villain was rather disappointing. I mean, I had this entire creepy imagery in mind about the Man in the Woods, and was kind of expecting a much more shocking scene when the characters end up meeting him. As it is, Whyborne had apparently decided on his identity back in book 4, and everyone went with it. I'd have much rather wanted a more unexpected development here.
Score: 3.6/5 stars
Don't get me wrong, I liked the action a LOT. If it had been a movie, there would've been tonnes of popcorn consumed.
At the same time, all this anticipation is getting a bit tiresome. So much so, that even Whyborne and Griffin's relationship turned a bit too "flowery" for me. Or, you know, I'm just too much of a Grinch to appreciate all this lovey-dovey stuff.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
As such, everything that happened ever since, is basically preparation for their arrival. And yet, 4 books later, we're still not any closer to finding out any more... ugh... substantial details about them.
Sure, we get an interesting mystery this time around as well. And for once it's not necessarily Whyborne that saves the day with a single-handed ground-breaking demonstration... and, ugh, you know, we do find out more about the Endincotts, and whatever they may be facing. Also, Ms. Lester is totally kickass, and I'm very pleased to have read Eidolon only recently.
So, yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to the two remaining books.
But... the main villain was rather disappointing. I mean, I had this entire creepy imagery in mind about the Man in the Woods, and was kind of expecting a much more shocking scene when the characters end up meeting him. As it is, Whyborne had apparently decided on his identity back in book 4, and everyone went with it. I'd have much rather wanted a more unexpected development here.
Score: 3.6/5 stars
Don't get me wrong, I liked the action a LOT. If it had been a movie, there would've been tonnes of popcorn consumed.
At the same time, all this anticipation is getting a bit tiresome. So much so, that even Whyborne and Griffin's relationship turned a bit too "flowery" for me. Or, you know, I'm just too much of a Grinch to appreciate all this lovey-dovey stuff.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 8.5: Undertow
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
June 7, 2017
Amazing. This series hasn't lost any of its charm. Loved every word.
June 2, 2017
I adored this book for a lot of reasons. Let me explain...
One of the key elements in building a series is slowly evolving characters and in any slice of urban fantasy, powering up the magical elements so there's no stagnation in a character's abilities. There is a very fine balance between too much and not enough and Jordan L. Hawk is a master at this balance.
Whyborne and Griffin, are at their base level, the same people as the beginning of the books but as the series goes along, their personalities become almost saturated (for lack of a better word). They become more of who they are and Hawk weaves a tight storyline around this intensifying of character.
In some ways, this is a transition and reboot book because we, the reader, are being taken back to the beginning...to where everything started...to where Widdershins started... and this is to set the stage for greater things to come.
I loved this book. The plot in it is tight and there are a few characterization shifts I truly enjoyed. This book is a fine addition to the series but more importantly, key to exploring who Whyborne and Griffin are...and who they are going to be.
One of the key elements in building a series is slowly evolving characters and in any slice of urban fantasy, powering up the magical elements so there's no stagnation in a character's abilities. There is a very fine balance between too much and not enough and Jordan L. Hawk is a master at this balance.
Whyborne and Griffin, are at their base level, the same people as the beginning of the books but as the series goes along, their personalities become almost saturated (for lack of a better word). They become more of who they are and Hawk weaves a tight storyline around this intensifying of character.
In some ways, this is a transition and reboot book because we, the reader, are being taken back to the beginning...to where everything started...to where Widdershins started... and this is to set the stage for greater things to come.
I loved this book. The plot in it is tight and there are a few characterization shifts I truly enjoyed. This book is a fine addition to the series but more importantly, key to exploring who Whyborne and Griffin are...and who they are going to be.
July 13, 2018
4.5 Stars
Nine books in and this series remains as captivating as ever.
Naturally, there is evil afoot in Widdershins and Whyborne and Griffin once again find themselves in the centre of the madness and mayhem that is unfolding.
With members of the old families turning up inexplicably and gruesomely dead all over town, it’s up to Whyborne, Griffin, and their badass friends to throw themselves into this latest supernatural mystery, hopefully solving the case and saving the day, all while keeping themselves and others out of harm’s way.
As a group, they work tirelessly together to uncover the identities of the evil-doers, finding themselves confronted by increasingly horrifying dangers at every turn and coming face to face with the most deplorable and terrifying adversary they’ve encountered to date.
With each new book, this impressive series keeps evolving into something truly epic and awe-inspiring. The stakes are higher than ever, with story elements from across the series piecing themselves together as we near the final two books. The intensity may be growing, and the horrors may be mounting, but rest assured the series stays true to the excellent writing, brilliant characters, snappy humour, and heart-melting romance that readers have undoubtedly fallen in love with over the years.
As wonderful as this series remains, I’m honestly beginning to panic over the impending farewell. I don’t want to reach a day where I have to say goodbye to these characters and their epic story... but I guess that’s what re-reads are for.
Nine books in and this series remains as captivating as ever.
Naturally, there is evil afoot in Widdershins and Whyborne and Griffin once again find themselves in the centre of the madness and mayhem that is unfolding.
With members of the old families turning up inexplicably and gruesomely dead all over town, it’s up to Whyborne, Griffin, and their badass friends to throw themselves into this latest supernatural mystery, hopefully solving the case and saving the day, all while keeping themselves and others out of harm’s way.
As a group, they work tirelessly together to uncover the identities of the evil-doers, finding themselves confronted by increasingly horrifying dangers at every turn and coming face to face with the most deplorable and terrifying adversary they’ve encountered to date.
With each new book, this impressive series keeps evolving into something truly epic and awe-inspiring. The stakes are higher than ever, with story elements from across the series piecing themselves together as we near the final two books. The intensity may be growing, and the horrors may be mounting, but rest assured the series stays true to the excellent writing, brilliant characters, snappy humour, and heart-melting romance that readers have undoubtedly fallen in love with over the years.
As wonderful as this series remains, I’m honestly beginning to panic over the impending farewell. I don’t want to reach a day where I have to say goodbye to these characters and their epic story... but I guess that’s what re-reads are for.
June 20, 2020
4.5 Stars
There’s no point in rehashing the plot seeing as how this is book 9.
Just know that this time around, Whyborne and Griffin’s enemy takes on an even more personal bent bringing fresh new horror and tying together loose threads that started all the way back in the first book, Widdershins.
For historical paranormal supernatural enthusiasts this continues to deliver, and never fear as JLH consistently brings the emotions, feels, and sexy as well. Tense and wrought with suspense as the terror and gore’s ratcheted up a few more notches, all serving to propel family and friends to stand together and win together.
Again, impressive in scope and complexity. Two more books are supposedly left, and I both look forward to them and dread the ending of this wonderful adventure!
There’s no point in rehashing the plot seeing as how this is book 9.
Just know that this time around, Whyborne and Griffin’s enemy takes on an even more personal bent bringing fresh new horror and tying together loose threads that started all the way back in the first book, Widdershins.
For historical paranormal supernatural enthusiasts this continues to deliver, and never fear as JLH consistently brings the emotions, feels, and sexy as well. Tense and wrought with suspense as the terror and gore’s ratcheted up a few more notches, all serving to propel family and friends to stand together and win together.
Again, impressive in scope and complexity. Two more books are supposedly left, and I both look forward to them and dread the ending of this wonderful adventure!
July 28, 2018
Wow! Another exciting addition to the series. Things are heating up. There's a new threat and it's a shocker. The masters' return is still weighing on everyone's mind. Alliances are formed and the town is coming together. Widdershins knows its own.
Man...this has been one of the best series I've ever read. There's so many charming, interesting and sometimes scary characters you can't help but want to be a part of the town. Of course underneath it all is the great and powerful love for each other Whyborne and Griffin share.
On to the next...
Man...this has been one of the best series I've ever read. There's so many charming, interesting and sometimes scary characters you can't help but want to be a part of the town. Of course underneath it all is the great and powerful love for each other Whyborne and Griffin share.
On to the next...
November 5, 2019
4.5 stars. I have an emotional attachment to a couple of the earlier volumes of this series, but objectively I think this one has been the best written so far. I was engaged start to finish, and the characterizations were good across the board.
And a particular thing happened, that we've been waiting for for a couple of books now, and it was absolutely fucking hilarious and left me with face cramps from laughing. Perfection.
Home stretch now -- two left!
And a particular thing happened, that we've been waiting for for a couple of books now, and it was absolutely fucking hilarious and left me with face cramps from laughing. Perfection.
Home stretch now -- two left!
November 17, 2024
At the risk of being obnoxious and fangirling incessantly over a series...I'm going to take a few minutes to fangirl incessantly over this series. Because Jordan L. Hawk deserves ALL the praise.
*Although I continue to stubbornly defy the cover gods. #TeamOriginalWhyborneCoverModel and #TeamTheyNeverGotGriffinRight. So let's just go with MY preferred image of Griffin as a slightly shorter Sam Heughan with slightly darker hair:
Uh...where was I?!
Look, my review for Fallow pretty much sums it up. This series is chock-full of humor, adventure, mystery, magic, and passion. I find it not only remarkable but rare that it still so damn good. I never feel like reading the next book will be a chore. I never worry that I will be disappointed. I never expect to have anything other than a genuinely enjoyable reading experience.
In this installment, Whyborne, Griffin, and the team juggle a plot to frame Whyborne for murder, long-lost yet potentially untrustworthy relatives, and saving not only the town but humanity from monsters from the Outside. And the "defiling" of Whyborne's desk 🤪 As the story unfolded, it made me:
-Cackle loud and often, to the point where my husband - who is ordinarily very tolerant of my occasionally unhinged reading habits - gave me "the look"
-Want to cover my eyes and crawl under the covers
-Yell at my Kindle, even though it is an inanimate object that did nothing wrong
-Smile long and often
Let's see if we can't get some redemption for Niles, huh? I'm impressed with how far he's come.
If you like historicals with paranormal elements, wit, and plenty of heart, give this series a shot!
Read for SBTB January - March 2018 Quarterly Challenge: whatever you like.
*Although I continue to stubbornly defy the cover gods. #TeamOriginalWhyborneCoverModel and #TeamTheyNeverGotGriffinRight. So let's just go with MY preferred image of Griffin as a slightly shorter Sam Heughan with slightly darker hair:
Uh...where was I?!
Look, my review for Fallow pretty much sums it up. This series is chock-full of humor, adventure, mystery, magic, and passion. I find it not only remarkable but rare that it still so damn good. I never feel like reading the next book will be a chore. I never worry that I will be disappointed. I never expect to have anything other than a genuinely enjoyable reading experience.
In this installment, Whyborne, Griffin, and the team juggle a plot to frame Whyborne for murder, long-lost yet potentially untrustworthy relatives, and saving not only the town but humanity from monsters from the Outside. And the "defiling" of Whyborne's desk 🤪 As the story unfolded, it made me:
-Cackle loud and often, to the point where my husband - who is ordinarily very tolerant of my occasionally unhinged reading habits - gave me "the look"
-Want to cover my eyes and crawl under the covers
-Yell at my Kindle, even though it is an inanimate object that did nothing wrong
-Smile long and often
Let's see if we can't get some redemption for Niles, huh? I'm impressed with how far he's come.
If you like historicals with paranormal elements, wit, and plenty of heart, give this series a shot!
Read for SBTB January - March 2018 Quarterly Challenge: whatever you like.
November 5, 2019
Reread in 2019
4.5 stars, again
I’d forgotten almost everything about this book (except for the epic scene when ), but that actually worked in my favor because I got to enjoy the entire story like it was the first time all over again. And it was just as good.
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Original review in 2017:
4.5 stars
I can’t believe this series has almost reached 10 books and it keeps getting better.
Draakenwood was exactly what I needed after the less than impressive books I’ve read recently.
Whyborne and Griffin are as strong as ever, at this point it should go without saying, but I’m always impressed by Jordan L. Hawk’s ability to make characters and relationships grow without resorting to contrived drama. And it’s not only the main couple, but basically every relationship in the series, from Niles and Whyborne to Christine and Iskander.
Not much to say about the story, it moves the main arc along and is well-paced, with good secondary characters and a very promising set up for the following books.
The town of Widdershins is closing ranks and I can’t wait to see it in action again.
4.5 stars, again
I’d forgotten almost everything about this book (except for the epic scene when ), but that actually worked in my favor because I got to enjoy the entire story like it was the first time all over again. And it was just as good.
-------
Original review in 2017:
4.5 stars
I can’t believe this series has almost reached 10 books and it keeps getting better.
Draakenwood was exactly what I needed after the less than impressive books I’ve read recently.
Whyborne and Griffin are as strong as ever, at this point it should go without saying, but I’m always impressed by Jordan L. Hawk’s ability to make characters and relationships grow without resorting to contrived drama. And it’s not only the main couple, but basically every relationship in the series, from Niles and Whyborne to Christine and Iskander.
Not much to say about the story, it moves the main arc along and is well-paced, with good secondary characters and a very promising set up for the following books.
The town of Widdershins is closing ranks and I can’t wait to see it in action again.
June 15, 2017
This series continues to be a fun ride, with both sweet and amusing moments between our two guys, and some wonderful secondary characters. I love the Librarians, Miss Parkhurst & Persephone. I also appreciated seeing Whyborne's father become a more rounded character without being too completely reformed. The plot was high-action and dramatic, in a way that has become familiar for the series at this point. I loved the addition of the new police chief, and wished a bit more had been made of him - it was a new angle of stress on Whyborne, but eventually rather easily resolved. I also enjoyed the dual POV in this - seeing Whyborne through Griffin's eyes is always a pleasure.
Clearly there is more adventure yet to come, with the climactic confrontation still just a looming threat. It's a tribute to the author that she has kept us entertained through nine installments. And if the story arc of threat and resolution is becoming a bit predictable book to book, there are still the myriad of details that charm and entertain us, and make each book different. I'm looking forward to the next. Definitely a series to read in order, from book 1.
Clearly there is more adventure yet to come, with the climactic confrontation still just a looming threat. It's a tribute to the author that she has kept us entertained through nine installments. And if the story arc of threat and resolution is becoming a bit predictable book to book, there are still the myriad of details that charm and entertain us, and make each book different. I'm looking forward to the next. Definitely a series to read in order, from book 1.
November 7, 2020
It's totally no longer a romance in any shape or form. The sex scenes are less and less and extremely perfunctory. As such, I really can't give this 5 stars. I hope something changes in the next books or I might have to give this series a rest for a while.
3.5 stars rounded generously up.
3.5 stars rounded generously up.
June 21, 2017
coitus interruptus telefonicus
Poor Whyborne has a new bane in his life. The telephone. It did in fact have a central position in this plot in more ways than one.
Another welcome installment. This series continues to grow and I'll continue to read it.
an enjoyable read with Bev
November 7, 2019
Reread review 11/6/19:
I can't believe that I forgot pretty much everything about this book except for some bits and pieces near the end, but I don't mind because it was like reading it again for the first time. Which means that me, Whyborne and the desk all got to be traumatized together. Also, I didn't pick up on Christine's line about until this reread. LOL. That was an eye-opener.
As for Griffin's It doesn't detract from his characterization, of course; it just caused some confusion when it cropped up out of nowhere halfway through the series, but with that line by Whyborne here I can finally be at peace with it.
Finally, I'm saddened by the lack of Mr. Quinn fan art on the internet. He's so awesome. He deserves all the fan art! Somebody artistic, get on that please!
Thanks for another excellent, BR, everyone!
Original review 6/4/17:
I probably should've at least skimmed the previous book before reading this one, because I didn't remember it nearly as well as I thought I did. Thankfully, the author provides enough background info/reminders that I wasn't completely lost, as the plot is very much reliant on the events in Fallow.
This was a fun ride. I continue to be amazed that Ms. Hawk can keep these characters and this world fresh - and still be picking up steam for more down the road! Griffin and Ival's relationship is as strong as ever, there's a new police chief in town determined to "shake things up" and cause problems for our protags, and we've got the Endicotts back in town causing their own special brand of disturbance.
What I loved most about this, besides all the typical stuff, is how much Whyborne's relationship with his father has changed - and how his father himself has changed as a result of that. I never thought I'd actually like Niles, but he's come a long way from his first appearance in this series. Percival has also grown so much from the first book, and while he sometimes regrets the loss of his quiet simple life, he knows these changes are inevitable and can't be denied or ignored. I won't say any more on that though.
To end:
Librarians are the coolest.
I can't believe that I forgot pretty much everything about this book except for some bits and pieces near the end, but I don't mind because it was like reading it again for the first time. Which means that me, Whyborne and the desk all got to be traumatized together. Also, I didn't pick up on Christine's line about until this reread. LOL. That was an eye-opener.
As for Griffin's It doesn't detract from his characterization, of course; it just caused some confusion when it cropped up out of nowhere halfway through the series, but with that line by Whyborne here I can finally be at peace with it.
Finally, I'm saddened by the lack of Mr. Quinn fan art on the internet. He's so awesome. He deserves all the fan art! Somebody artistic, get on that please!
Thanks for another excellent, BR, everyone!
Original review 6/4/17:
I probably should've at least skimmed the previous book before reading this one, because I didn't remember it nearly as well as I thought I did. Thankfully, the author provides enough background info/reminders that I wasn't completely lost, as the plot is very much reliant on the events in Fallow.
This was a fun ride. I continue to be amazed that Ms. Hawk can keep these characters and this world fresh - and still be picking up steam for more down the road! Griffin and Ival's relationship is as strong as ever, there's a new police chief in town determined to "shake things up" and cause problems for our protags, and we've got the Endicotts back in town causing their own special brand of disturbance.
What I loved most about this, besides all the typical stuff, is how much Whyborne's relationship with his father has changed - and how his father himself has changed as a result of that. I never thought I'd actually like Niles, but he's come a long way from his first appearance in this series. Percival has also grown so much from the first book, and while he sometimes regrets the loss of his quiet simple life, he knows these changes are inevitable and can't be denied or ignored. I won't say any more on that though.
To end:
Librarians are the coolest.
June 5, 2025
3rd re-read June 2025
_____________
Of course I'm going to rate it 5 stars!! No matter how many books will come in this series I don't doubt I will love them all!! <3
_____________
Of course I'm going to rate it 5 stars!! No matter how many books will come in this series I don't doubt I will love them all!! <3
June 8, 2017
I don't know how this author keeps pulling these stories out, and keeping everything from getting stale. Giving the characters more power, but never making them feel over the top. Great job, as always.
June 13, 2017
The friendships, the archnemeses, the creatures - whatta twist in that department! - the jokes, and the shared experiences, they're all here. And, at this point, these people know each other as well as us'n readers do. Tis glorious, I tells ya, glorious.
This is set in Widdershins and it serves the story to perfection. We know this town, it's history and healthy set of idiosyncrasies - putting it mildly, I know - , and the people who are woven into every creepy corner, plush sitting room, and cozy kitchen they call home, or work, orrrrrrr dank pit from which they plot their attempted takeover of the magic that feeds them all.
Working together under the guiding hand of our beloved storyteller, I relished every one of Ival's "drat" or "oh dear" exclamations, Griffin's constantly working brain and his deep caring for Ival and all of their friends, Christine's badassery, Iskander's co-badassery, Persephone's filter-less way with the words, Maggie Parkhurst showing more of her true colors, and so much more.
Props to Christine, I love her so:
Q: "Do let me know when you need me to come stake your vampire for you.”
“It isn’t a vampire. It’s a...” I [Whyborne] cast about for a less lurid term. “Hematophage. A blood eater.”
“Vampire,” Christine whispered from the doorway. I leveled another glare at her, but she was already gone."/Q
Spoken like a true compadre. :D The friendship she and Ival share is full of teasing, loyalty, and love.
Speaking of, Ival and Grif are the most confident we've seen them in their love and caring for one another. In both thought and spoken word, the deep waters of their adoration and appreciation are ever present. The use of the term 'husband' is prevalent. And that's not a small thing.
Possibly more than any other book in this series, the humor abounds. I was snortling in scenes like the one quoted above, knowing smirks, and more teasing, moments of simultaneous embarrassment and empowerment, and inside jokes that will never get old... like Ival's endearing unruly hair. ;)
As usual, Hawk's ability in creating a sense of place that surrounds and interacts, with characters and readers alike, is delish. The trick in being a success in this department is incorporating connection, even emotion, and impact between the environment and the people. Hawk learned this long ago, and provides just the right mix.
Q: The cemetery gates loomed out of the fog. The sheen of ice clung to the weathered black iron, reflecting the light of our lanterns back at us. I urged the unhappy mules down the road running alongside the low stone wall. Even with the fog, entering through the gates seemed to court too much risk of discovery. /Q
I dunno aboutchu, but I'm biting my nails rightchere.
Short version of this review: everything we love about these people and their stories is running on full cylinders. Woot!
This is set in Widdershins and it serves the story to perfection. We know this town, it's history and healthy set of idiosyncrasies - putting it mildly, I know - , and the people who are woven into every creepy corner, plush sitting room, and cozy kitchen they call home, or work, orrrrrrr dank pit from which they plot their attempted takeover of the magic that feeds them all.
Working together under the guiding hand of our beloved storyteller, I relished every one of Ival's "drat" or "oh dear" exclamations, Griffin's constantly working brain and his deep caring for Ival and all of their friends, Christine's badassery, Iskander's co-badassery, Persephone's filter-less way with the words, Maggie Parkhurst showing more of her true colors, and so much more.
Props to Christine, I love her so:
Q: "Do let me know when you need me to come stake your vampire for you.”
“It isn’t a vampire. It’s a...” I [Whyborne] cast about for a less lurid term. “Hematophage. A blood eater.”
“Vampire,” Christine whispered from the doorway. I leveled another glare at her, but she was already gone."/Q
Spoken like a true compadre. :D The friendship she and Ival share is full of teasing, loyalty, and love.
Speaking of, Ival and Grif are the most confident we've seen them in their love and caring for one another. In both thought and spoken word, the deep waters of their adoration and appreciation are ever present. The use of the term 'husband' is prevalent. And that's not a small thing.
Possibly more than any other book in this series, the humor abounds. I was snortling in scenes like the one quoted above, knowing smirks, and more teasing, moments of simultaneous embarrassment and empowerment, and inside jokes that will never get old... like Ival's endearing unruly hair. ;)
As usual, Hawk's ability in creating a sense of place that surrounds and interacts, with characters and readers alike, is delish. The trick in being a success in this department is incorporating connection, even emotion, and impact between the environment and the people. Hawk learned this long ago, and provides just the right mix.
Q: The cemetery gates loomed out of the fog. The sheen of ice clung to the weathered black iron, reflecting the light of our lanterns back at us. I urged the unhappy mules down the road running alongside the low stone wall. Even with the fog, entering through the gates seemed to court too much risk of discovery. /Q
I dunno aboutchu, but I'm biting my nails rightchere.
Short version of this review: everything we love about these people and their stories is running on full cylinders. Woot!
May 27, 2024
Rating: 4.9* of five
The Publisher Says: Someone is killing members of the old families…and the evidence points to Whyborne.
Widdershins has been unusually quiet for months. But now a mysterious creature from the Outside is on the loose, assassinating members of the town’s old families by draining their blood. Whyborne and Griffin set out to solve the mystery—but as the evidence piles up, the police begin to suspect Whyborne himself is the murderer.
Now Whyborne must both clear his name and stop the horrors the monster threatens to unleash. His only hope: an alliance with his old enemies the Endicotts.
Because something terrible lurks in the Draakenwood, and it will stop at nothing to seize control of the maelstrom itself.
Draakenwood is the ninth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.
I purchased this book with my very own United States dollars...
... the same year that I realized I was losing out on DRCs because publishers realized I'd review books I bought for myself. Hence never having reviewed it before.
Oh myyy, as Takei would say. There's more than I expected in this ninth entry in the ongoing series. The ongoing plots never plod, but here they go from brisk trot to gallop both on the personal and overarching stakes fronts. Let me assure you that there is nothing series-drooping in this outing. I do most especially love the anachronistic way these men refer to their other halfs as "husbands"!
I was surprised and pleased that Whyborne's sister Persephone met her match. (Knock next time, you oaf!) I was also pleased that Whyborne Senior made such huge strides in his unwilling quest to become a decent human being. Streets to go, mind, but the growth curve is impressive. I like that redemption is still possible for even the worst of people in Author Hawk's world.
Speaking of worlds...Griffin continues to make Whyborne's miserable, first with that infernal rackety Oldsmobile, and this book with the ghastly newfangled telephone. Poor Whyborne, a fuddy-duddy at heart, is yoked by all-conquering love to a gadget-mad technophile. What's a man who is every inch a librarian in his soul to do?
Well, fight more evil, of course; the stakes are still there, the Endicotts have living relatives, Nyarlathotep isn't decisively defeated yet. Those hounds...!! And capable henches continue to abound. Christine, the ever-waspish, always faithful BFF, her husband Iskander (who is never that much limned, of course) and now Whyborne's librarian secretary Miss Parkhurst is in the family in every way. Really, isn't this the reason one reads series books? The stories are like our extended friend groups only easier to keep track of because they're in finished story arcs. Or about-to-be-finished story arcs...thinking of the Ketoi as truly underexplored arc-havers.
But here's the deal: The arcs all end. I wager that, if you start here (don't!), you'll feel the unnerved certainty that you've stumbled into a nest of nutjobs. Go back to #1, Widdershins, to get the place in the Cthuluverse and the dramatis personae straight. (So to speak.) I recommend them all, in order. Apart from my cavils over a certain inevitable monster-of-the-weekness and the double PoV in this story (out of keeping, not smoothly integrated), this story earns my smiling, loving approval.
The Publisher Says: Someone is killing members of the old families…and the evidence points to Whyborne.
Widdershins has been unusually quiet for months. But now a mysterious creature from the Outside is on the loose, assassinating members of the town’s old families by draining their blood. Whyborne and Griffin set out to solve the mystery—but as the evidence piles up, the police begin to suspect Whyborne himself is the murderer.
Now Whyborne must both clear his name and stop the horrors the monster threatens to unleash. His only hope: an alliance with his old enemies the Endicotts.
Because something terrible lurks in the Draakenwood, and it will stop at nothing to seize control of the maelstrom itself.
Draakenwood is the ninth book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.
I purchased this book with my very own United States dollars...
... the same year that I realized I was losing out on DRCs because publishers realized I'd review books I bought for myself. Hence never having reviewed it before.
Oh myyy, as Takei would say. There's more than I expected in this ninth entry in the ongoing series. The ongoing plots never plod, but here they go from brisk trot to gallop both on the personal and overarching stakes fronts. Let me assure you that there is nothing series-drooping in this outing. I do most especially love the anachronistic way these men refer to their other halfs as "husbands"!
I was surprised and pleased that Whyborne's sister Persephone met her match. (Knock next time, you oaf!) I was also pleased that Whyborne Senior made such huge strides in his unwilling quest to become a decent human being. Streets to go, mind, but the growth curve is impressive. I like that redemption is still possible for even the worst of people in Author Hawk's world.
Speaking of worlds...Griffin continues to make Whyborne's miserable, first with that infernal rackety Oldsmobile, and this book with the ghastly newfangled telephone. Poor Whyborne, a fuddy-duddy at heart, is yoked by all-conquering love to a gadget-mad technophile. What's a man who is every inch a librarian in his soul to do?
Well, fight more evil, of course; the stakes are still there, the Endicotts have living relatives, Nyarlathotep isn't decisively defeated yet. Those hounds...!! And capable henches continue to abound. Christine, the ever-waspish, always faithful BFF, her husband Iskander (who is never that much limned, of course) and now Whyborne's librarian secretary Miss Parkhurst is in the family in every way. Really, isn't this the reason one reads series books? The stories are like our extended friend groups only easier to keep track of because they're in finished story arcs. Or about-to-be-finished story arcs...thinking of the Ketoi as truly underexplored arc-havers.
But here's the deal: The arcs all end. I wager that, if you start here (don't!), you'll feel the unnerved certainty that you've stumbled into a nest of nutjobs. Go back to #1, Widdershins, to get the place in the Cthuluverse and the dramatis personae straight. (So to speak.) I recommend them all, in order. Apart from my cavils over a certain inevitable monster-of-the-weekness and the double PoV in this story (out of keeping, not smoothly integrated), this story earns my smiling, loving approval.
June 2, 2017
It’s kinda hard to believe that after 9 books in this series Jordan is still making it interesting. I’ve had some of the worse times with series in the last couple of months. I can always count on Jordan. She’s a favorite of mine for a reason. I haven’t been let down, and don’t plan on being let down either.
Draakenwood picks up a while after Fallow. The guys are living together at the turn of a new century. They are wonderful, and the telephone makes its big debut. They are still trying to figure out the Fideles. Whyborne is still trying to figure out what all he can do. As of late, he’s wondering about the next big thing all the while reminiscing on easier times with his husband. I love the gradual step that they take as partners. Hawk allows each guy to grow seperately and together which I think makes for a perfect recipe.
I like that each and every book has been different and the monsters seem to get scarier. I mean its some scary things in this story. I loved seeing Whyborne & his father relationship mending right in front of us. Neither will forget what happened in this past, but they need each other now more then ever.
I won’t give the plot away, but be prepared for it to go full steam ahead. I enjoyed the new characters and development for the next story.
Another wonderful installment of the series. Cannot wait for more from her. A definite recommend!
Draakenwood picks up a while after Fallow. The guys are living together at the turn of a new century. They are wonderful, and the telephone makes its big debut. They are still trying to figure out the Fideles. Whyborne is still trying to figure out what all he can do. As of late, he’s wondering about the next big thing all the while reminiscing on easier times with his husband. I love the gradual step that they take as partners. Hawk allows each guy to grow seperately and together which I think makes for a perfect recipe.
I like that each and every book has been different and the monsters seem to get scarier. I mean its some scary things in this story. I loved seeing Whyborne & his father relationship mending right in front of us. Neither will forget what happened in this past, but they need each other now more then ever.
I won’t give the plot away, but be prepared for it to go full steam ahead. I enjoyed the new characters and development for the next story.
Another wonderful installment of the series. Cannot wait for more from her. A definite recommend!
September 6, 2017
3.5 stars
It's a little more than okay read.
Truthfully, I have slightly lost interest in this series because I think it offers nothing new. It's book #9 but the plot feels like it has been used before (oh look, Stanford is back! The Endicotts too! No, the other Endicotts. And apparently Nyarlathotep still has plans. Who he is again? Can't remember). I will probably won't remember the plot on this one -- just like I don't remember the others.
Also, I'm used to read the novels from Whyborne's and the novellas from Griffin's. So to have the duo narratives from both Whyborne and Griffin is distracting.
Having said that, the part where Whyborne gets all irritated with telephone, or finally finding out about his sister and Miss Parkhust is endearingly funny. I may still read the next book, but without high level of enthusiasm I have with the early books.
It's a little more than okay read.
Truthfully, I have slightly lost interest in this series because I think it offers nothing new. It's book #9 but the plot feels like it has been used before (oh look, Stanford is back! The Endicotts too! No, the other Endicotts. And apparently Nyarlathotep still has plans. Who he is again? Can't remember). I will probably won't remember the plot on this one -- just like I don't remember the others.
Also, I'm used to read the novels from Whyborne's and the novellas from Griffin's. So to have the duo narratives from both Whyborne and Griffin is distracting.
Having said that, the part where Whyborne gets all irritated with telephone, or finally finding out about his sister and Miss Parkhust is endearingly funny. I may still read the next book, but without high level of enthusiasm I have with the early books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
My eyes are still wonky from an extended case of food poisoning. How that happened? I don’t know....all I know is that everthing is super blurry.
But enough of my gastrointestinal and ocular foibles.... whatvabout this hell of a book?
I admit to starting and stopping this several times. I was on vacation, active, getting interrupted and the slow pace of the delicious narration wasn’t doing it for me like normal.
Finally, yesterday, still in bed but looking at an entire day of lying in bed and hydrating, I started up again from the very beginning.
I don’t know what I was thinking earlier....this book ABSOLUTELY ROCKED!!!!! I think it’s my favorite of the series so far. So many parts from the past fell into play here including the Endicott’s, Whyborne’s monster-fighting cousins from across the pond, the old families, the Fidelis, the Man in the Woods, Whyborne’s past, the librarians (fuck, I love them!), and of course the ketoi and even the Umbrae.
New players included a ghastly vampire-like creature, a new police chief set in arresting Whyborne, the mysterious Draakenwood, half ghouls, dimension shifting hounds, rotting dragons, half-tenaed creatures, a mystery from Iskander’s past, and others I’m sure I’m forgetting.
This was one hell of a ride! The pattern of the murders wasn’t too difficult to figure out, but the who and why of it was a nice disgusting surprise!
I can’t wait for the next book and already so mistrustful of the Endicotts that I have no idea what secrets they have in store for our group of monster-fighters!
I’ve read all of these in AUDIOBOOK and I can not recommend them enough. The style and pacing just so fits this era, the characters, and Widdershins.
But enough of my gastrointestinal and ocular foibles.... whatvabout this hell of a book?
I admit to starting and stopping this several times. I was on vacation, active, getting interrupted and the slow pace of the delicious narration wasn’t doing it for me like normal.
Finally, yesterday, still in bed but looking at an entire day of lying in bed and hydrating, I started up again from the very beginning.
I don’t know what I was thinking earlier....this book ABSOLUTELY ROCKED!!!!! I think it’s my favorite of the series so far. So many parts from the past fell into play here including the Endicott’s, Whyborne’s monster-fighting cousins from across the pond, the old families, the Fidelis, the Man in the Woods, Whyborne’s past, the librarians (fuck, I love them!), and of course the ketoi and even the Umbrae.
New players included a ghastly vampire-like creature, a new police chief set in arresting Whyborne, the mysterious Draakenwood, half ghouls, dimension shifting hounds, rotting dragons, half-tenaed creatures, a mystery from Iskander’s past, and others I’m sure I’m forgetting.
This was one hell of a ride! The pattern of the murders wasn’t too difficult to figure out, but the who and why of it was a nice disgusting surprise!
I can’t wait for the next book and already so mistrustful of the Endicotts that I have no idea what secrets they have in store for our group of monster-fighters!
I’ve read all of these in AUDIOBOOK and I can not recommend them enough. The style and pacing just so fits this era, the characters, and Widdershins.
June 9, 2017
So damned good!
August 17, 2017
I can't get enough of these books!
January 11, 2020
4.5*
I think this series is getting better the longer it runs.
It’s exciting. Edge of the seat exciting at times. Straight onto the next one now.
I think this series is getting better the longer it runs.
It’s exciting. Edge of the seat exciting at times. Straight onto the next one now.
January 7, 2021
So che lo dico sempre ma quest’ultimo è il migliore della serie! Recensione completa sul BLOG !!!
Sono sempre più strabiliato da come Jordan riesca a creare ad ogni volume un nuovo mondo, un nuovo interesse e riesca a mantenere stabile e coerente una storia cosi immensa, con cosi tanti personaggi e cosi intricata.
Il suo modo di rapportarsi alla storia è quasi magico, come se raccontasse di fatti reali e ne facesse una sorta di cronaca.
Ad ogni modo non è il titolo conclusivo della serie ma è sicuramente in vista ormai il punto d'arrivo anche se potenzialmente potrebbe durare ancora per cento "episodi".
Ad ogni modo, l'aspetto migliore di questo libro per me è stato il fatto che si sono analizzati e affrontati i reali problemi e le reali conseguenze di tutto quello che è successo finora, non solo dal punto di vista, diciamo così, materiale ma anche come rapporti, come equilibri di potere e di come la società della città sia effettivamente organizzata e ripartita tra le antiche famiglie.
Sono sempre più strabiliato da come Jordan riesca a creare ad ogni volume un nuovo mondo, un nuovo interesse e riesca a mantenere stabile e coerente una storia cosi immensa, con cosi tanti personaggi e cosi intricata.
Il suo modo di rapportarsi alla storia è quasi magico, come se raccontasse di fatti reali e ne facesse una sorta di cronaca.
Ad ogni modo non è il titolo conclusivo della serie ma è sicuramente in vista ormai il punto d'arrivo anche se potenzialmente potrebbe durare ancora per cento "episodi".
Ad ogni modo, l'aspetto migliore di questo libro per me è stato il fatto che si sono analizzati e affrontati i reali problemi e le reali conseguenze di tutto quello che è successo finora, non solo dal punto di vista, diciamo così, materiale ma anche come rapporti, come equilibri di potere e di come la società della città sia effettivamente organizzata e ripartita tra le antiche famiglie.
January 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
December 15, 2020
Non avrei mai voluto la magia e i mostri.
Non volevo niente di tutto quello. Volevo una vita tranquilla con mio marito, il mio lavoro al museo e il mio gatto. Perché non potevano lasciarmi in pace e basta? La polizia, i Fideles, le vecchie famiglie, gli Endicott, tutti.
Come il numero sette (Maelstrom) ecco un episodio tutto azione e battaglie. Poteva non piacermi?
Tra i miei preferiti.
Sì, c'è meno spazio per l'amore dei nostri Ival e Griffin, ma è compensato da un grande coinvolgimento collettivo: Christine e Iskander, gli Endicott (!), la famiglia Whyborne in grande spolvero, creature marine e bibliotecari, stregoni e i soliti demoni che aspirano al grande ritorno, con tradizioni, giuramenti, maledizioni e tutto l'armamentario che anima la popolazione pazza che vive sopra al vortice e sa di appartenere a Widdershins.
Diciamo che è il momento di una grande riunione di famiglia, quella grande famiglia che si è via via allargata, sino a comprendere umani e ketoi (e un pochino anche le umbrae).
Molte le rese dei conti e molti pericoli all'orizzonte, in un crescendo continuo di ritmo che davvero non ti fa abbassare la guardia un momento.
Finalmente tanti tasselli trovano il loro giusto ruolo e la rete di linee arcane che attraversa il mondo non è solo una dimensione sconosciuta e infida, ma anche una notevole fonte di potere che si può imparare a decifrare.
Mi sono piaciuti tutti in questo episodio, raccontato come sempre attraverso gli occhi di Ival e di Griffin: a parte loro due, le ragazze sono favolose, dalla mia archeologa intrepida preferita alle guerriere ketoi alle segretarie timide, persino il vecchio patriarca Whyborne inizia a possedere un certo smalto autorevole e simpatico.
E ho ridacchiato, come al solito.
Quindi humour + tensione = un episodio da non perdere.
Non volevo niente di tutto quello. Volevo una vita tranquilla con mio marito, il mio lavoro al museo e il mio gatto. Perché non potevano lasciarmi in pace e basta? La polizia, i Fideles, le vecchie famiglie, gli Endicott, tutti.
Come il numero sette (Maelstrom) ecco un episodio tutto azione e battaglie. Poteva non piacermi?
Tra i miei preferiti.
Sì, c'è meno spazio per l'amore dei nostri Ival e Griffin, ma è compensato da un grande coinvolgimento collettivo: Christine e Iskander, gli Endicott (!), la famiglia Whyborne in grande spolvero, creature marine e bibliotecari, stregoni e i soliti demoni che aspirano al grande ritorno, con tradizioni, giuramenti, maledizioni e tutto l'armamentario che anima la popolazione pazza che vive sopra al vortice e sa di appartenere a Widdershins.
Diciamo che è il momento di una grande riunione di famiglia, quella grande famiglia che si è via via allargata, sino a comprendere umani e ketoi (e un pochino anche le umbrae).
Molte le rese dei conti e molti pericoli all'orizzonte, in un crescendo continuo di ritmo che davvero non ti fa abbassare la guardia un momento.
Finalmente tanti tasselli trovano il loro giusto ruolo e la rete di linee arcane che attraversa il mondo non è solo una dimensione sconosciuta e infida, ma anche una notevole fonte di potere che si può imparare a decifrare.
Mi sono piaciuti tutti in questo episodio, raccontato come sempre attraverso gli occhi di Ival e di Griffin: a parte loro due, le ragazze sono favolose, dalla mia archeologa intrepida preferita alle guerriere ketoi alle segretarie timide, persino il vecchio patriarca Whyborne inizia a possedere un certo smalto autorevole e simpatico.
E ho ridacchiato, come al solito.
Quindi humour + tensione = un episodio da non perdere.
June 2, 2017
We are now 9 books into the Whyborne & Griffin series and the books are still getting better and better. There are times when you can feel that a series should come to a conclusion, because the same things happen again and again. That is not the case with the WHyborne & Griffin series. There is so much life left in these books, I don't want to imagine an ending. EVER.
One of the reasons for that is that Jordan L. Hawk manages to add amazing twists and turns in every book that have far-reaching consequences for the story, the characters and how they see the world. If I look back at book one and what has happened since for these characters I have come to love, it is mind boggling. The game has changed again and again, yet all the parts readers love are still there. The twists and turns keep the story fresh and readers on their toes. Nothing is or stay long as it seems and it is so much fun to theorize about what will happen next.
The heart of the series are the wonderful characters we have come to love and that is one aspect that never changes, even as they or our perception of them does not stay the same.
There are three couples at the center of things: Whyborne and Griffin, Christine and Iskander as well as Miss. Parkhurst and Persephone (the newest couple).
Whyborne and Griffin, as main characters of this series, have experienced so much horror and pain that it is incredible to see their bond as strong as ever. The two men, now husbands in everything but law, have such a deep connection that NOTHING can rip them appart. Their affection and love is pure and indestructible, even after everything that has been revealed about the two men and the difficult choices they had to make.
Christine and Iskander's love has been a wonderful addition since book four. In the beginning I did not know if Iskander was there to stay, but I am glad he did, because Christine deserves someone like him and it makes me glad to see her happy. Even though their relatinship is very solid and beautiful and may be ready for the next step, there are still new things that can be explored about their past - especially with Iskander.
My perception of Miss Parkhurst changed the most over the course of the books. She was a tiny side character with a crush for Whyborne in the beginning, but after the wonderful F/F novella Undertow, it is impossible for me not to see her courageous heart and loyalty. Her connection with Whyborne's sister Persephone not only pushes the boundaries of society, but also breaks the boundaries between species. Persephone may look like a monster with razor sharp teeth, tentacles and orca skin, but while not quite human, she is a person with a strong heart filled with love. She is a true warrior, but her affection for Miss Parkhurst make her feel more 'human'. She really sees Maggie in a way her brother never did.
There are so many balls in the air going into this 9th book that in most series I would doubt the author was capable of juggling them all. But Jordan L. Hawk has earned my trust by never dropping a single one. We have the masters coming soon, with limited information abut who or what they are beyond their god-like powers and their ill-intent. We have the Maelstrom as rebellious entity connected to Whyborne and his sister and the entire town, We have the Fideles trying to prepare the world for the masters, we have the Endicotts who see Percival and Persephone as monsters and humans as collateral damage, We have the cult-like librarians, the Ketoi in their underwater kingdom and the mother of shadows looking after her children in her dark cave.
All of it, everything that has happened, is important for this book, especially as Whyborne and his friends prepare for the masters and the end of the world they might bring. Fighting these god-like creatures from the outside won't be easy and they can't do it alone. As powerful as Percival Whyborne has gotten from his first stumbling spells to being able to tap into the maelstrom for powerful sorcery, he never feels overpowered. All things considered, his knowledge about the unnatural world seems very limited in comparison to some of the more experienced people he meets on his journey. This fight is too big to fight alone or even with just his inner circle of friends, courageous as they might be.
I loved seeing so many threads come together in this book. The author has woven them together artfully to form something new and beautiful. If you love this series, you know you CAN NOT MISS this book (and truthfully, I hope you did not miss the wonderful F/F novella Undertow, either). The Whyborne & Griffin series is my favorite ongoing book series by one of my top 5 favorite authors and this latest entry is pure perfection for me. A MUST BUY! <3
One of the reasons for that is that Jordan L. Hawk manages to add amazing twists and turns in every book that have far-reaching consequences for the story, the characters and how they see the world. If I look back at book one and what has happened since for these characters I have come to love, it is mind boggling. The game has changed again and again, yet all the parts readers love are still there. The twists and turns keep the story fresh and readers on their toes. Nothing is or stay long as it seems and it is so much fun to theorize about what will happen next.
The heart of the series are the wonderful characters we have come to love and that is one aspect that never changes, even as they or our perception of them does not stay the same.
There are three couples at the center of things: Whyborne and Griffin, Christine and Iskander as well as Miss. Parkhurst and Persephone (the newest couple).
Whyborne and Griffin, as main characters of this series, have experienced so much horror and pain that it is incredible to see their bond as strong as ever. The two men, now husbands in everything but law, have such a deep connection that NOTHING can rip them appart. Their affection and love is pure and indestructible, even after everything that has been revealed about the two men and the difficult choices they had to make.
Christine and Iskander's love has been a wonderful addition since book four. In the beginning I did not know if Iskander was there to stay, but I am glad he did, because Christine deserves someone like him and it makes me glad to see her happy. Even though their relatinship is very solid and beautiful and may be ready for the next step, there are still new things that can be explored about their past - especially with Iskander.
My perception of Miss Parkhurst changed the most over the course of the books. She was a tiny side character with a crush for Whyborne in the beginning, but after the wonderful F/F novella Undertow, it is impossible for me not to see her courageous heart and loyalty. Her connection with Whyborne's sister Persephone not only pushes the boundaries of society, but also breaks the boundaries between species. Persephone may look like a monster with razor sharp teeth, tentacles and orca skin, but while not quite human, she is a person with a strong heart filled with love. She is a true warrior, but her affection for Miss Parkhurst make her feel more 'human'. She really sees Maggie in a way her brother never did.
There are so many balls in the air going into this 9th book that in most series I would doubt the author was capable of juggling them all. But Jordan L. Hawk has earned my trust by never dropping a single one. We have the masters coming soon, with limited information abut who or what they are beyond their god-like powers and their ill-intent. We have the Maelstrom as rebellious entity connected to Whyborne and his sister and the entire town, We have the Fideles trying to prepare the world for the masters, we have the Endicotts who see Percival and Persephone as monsters and humans as collateral damage, We have the cult-like librarians, the Ketoi in their underwater kingdom and the mother of shadows looking after her children in her dark cave.
All of it, everything that has happened, is important for this book, especially as Whyborne and his friends prepare for the masters and the end of the world they might bring. Fighting these god-like creatures from the outside won't be easy and they can't do it alone. As powerful as Percival Whyborne has gotten from his first stumbling spells to being able to tap into the maelstrom for powerful sorcery, he never feels overpowered. All things considered, his knowledge about the unnatural world seems very limited in comparison to some of the more experienced people he meets on his journey. This fight is too big to fight alone or even with just his inner circle of friends, courageous as they might be.
I loved seeing so many threads come together in this book. The author has woven them together artfully to form something new and beautiful. If you love this series, you know you CAN NOT MISS this book (and truthfully, I hope you did not miss the wonderful F/F novella Undertow, either). The Whyborne & Griffin series is my favorite ongoing book series by one of my top 5 favorite authors and this latest entry is pure perfection for me. A MUST BUY! <3
November 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
I don't know how JLH keeps churning them out at this quality level. So good, from start to finish. Nothing wasted, nothing superfluous. And if you think there is anything extraneous, I can pretty much bet you that it will be featured in a future installment since I'm really coming to think that she's got this series arc story-boarded to the minutest of details.
Percival was his usual cantankerous but steadfast self...his frustration at having to use a phone (and the car) are just hilarious. I mentioned in an update that - even though he said he preferred using a telegraph, where he didn't really have to deal with speaking to people - he'd probably loving texting. Well, after a suitably horrified expression of disbelief when confronted with typical text grammar!!! Also, the whole "desk incident" still gives me the giggles. It's a running gag all the way through to the last chapter once it's mentioned.
What I think I loved most about this installment was just how focused it was on family. I've completely forgiven Niles for anything wrong he's ever done or said to Eval. You will, too. But Griffin? His character was really fleshed out and developed even more. Oh man, hearing him claim Widdershins, coming into his own knowing he was chosen, wanted, brought to this city where he finally found a family to accept him & the love of a lifetime? *sniffles* I love how it's the NINTH novel and something important like that can still happen!
I know the plot is building to a confrontation with The Big Bad, and it feels like it's gonna be soon. I hope we get another couple books before that happens, though. I don't EVER want this ride to end!
(Also mentioned in an update: I desperately want a non-romance based adventure with the Ladysmith Librarians. Just a novella or two, chronically all the things they get themselves into when they aren't backing up our intrepid heroes/heroines during apocalyptic confrontations!)
I don't know how JLH keeps churning them out at this quality level. So good, from start to finish. Nothing wasted, nothing superfluous. And if you think there is anything extraneous, I can pretty much bet you that it will be featured in a future installment since I'm really coming to think that she's got this series arc story-boarded to the minutest of details.
Percival was his usual cantankerous but steadfast self...his frustration at having to use a phone (and the car) are just hilarious. I mentioned in an update that - even though he said he preferred using a telegraph, where he didn't really have to deal with speaking to people - he'd probably loving texting. Well, after a suitably horrified expression of disbelief when confronted with typical text grammar!!! Also, the whole "desk incident" still gives me the giggles. It's a running gag all the way through to the last chapter once it's mentioned.
What I think I loved most about this installment was just how focused it was on family. I've completely forgiven Niles for anything wrong he's ever done or said to Eval. You will, too. But Griffin? His character was really fleshed out and developed even more. Oh man, hearing him claim Widdershins, coming into his own knowing he was chosen, wanted, brought to this city where he finally found a family to accept him & the love of a lifetime? *sniffles* I love how it's the NINTH novel and something important like that can still happen!
I know the plot is building to a confrontation with The Big Bad, and it feels like it's gonna be soon. I hope we get another couple books before that happens, though. I don't EVER want this ride to end!
(Also mentioned in an update: I desperately want a non-romance based adventure with the Ladysmith Librarians. Just a novella or two, chronically all the things they get themselves into when they aren't backing up our intrepid heroes/heroines during apocalyptic confrontations!)
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