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Hexworld #3
Hexslayer
Horse shifter Nick has one never trust a witch.
Nick has devoted his life to making his saloon a safe haven for the feral familiars of New York. So when a brutal killer slaughters a feral under his protection, Nick has no choice but to try and catch the murderer. Even if that means bonding with a handsome Irish witch.
Officer Jamie MacDougal came back from the war in Cuba missing part of a leg and most of his heart. After his former lover becomes one of the killer’s victims, Jamie will do anything to solve the case.
Nick comes to Jamie with a after making a temporary bond, they will work together to stop the murders. Once the killer is caught, they walk away and never see one another again.
It sounds simple enough. But the passion that flares between the two men won’t be so easily extinguished. And if Nick can’t learn to trust his witch, he stands to lose everything—including his life.
Nick has devoted his life to making his saloon a safe haven for the feral familiars of New York. So when a brutal killer slaughters a feral under his protection, Nick has no choice but to try and catch the murderer. Even if that means bonding with a handsome Irish witch.
Officer Jamie MacDougal came back from the war in Cuba missing part of a leg and most of his heart. After his former lover becomes one of the killer’s victims, Jamie will do anything to solve the case.
Nick comes to Jamie with a after making a temporary bond, they will work together to stop the murders. Once the killer is caught, they walk away and never see one another again.
It sounds simple enough. But the passion that flares between the two men won’t be so easily extinguished. And if Nick can’t learn to trust his witch, he stands to lose everything—including his life.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2017
63 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,634 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
June 19, 2018
I was disappointed not to like this book more. It's very well written, and the world building is as fantastic as ever, but Nick just isn't a likable character and I had a hard time warming up to him. He's defensive, suspicious, and rude; granted, he has reasons, but the piss-poor attitude got old.
Jamie was a good guy, though, mourning his dead lover and trying to break through Nick's walls.
I wish there had been a stronger focus on the relationship. This series is plot driven, but the romance in Hexslayer felt like a forgotten side dish. The mystery was a little convoluted and more than a little gruesome.
I have enjoyed this series very much, but it still doesn't feel finished. The HEAs are always tainted by danger lurking around every corner.
Jamie was a good guy, though, mourning his dead lover and trying to break through Nick's walls.
I wish there had been a stronger focus on the relationship. This series is plot driven, but the romance in Hexslayer felt like a forgotten side dish. The mystery was a little convoluted and more than a little gruesome.
I have enjoyed this series very much, but it still doesn't feel finished. The HEAs are always tainted by danger lurking around every corner.
August 20, 2018
Real Rating: 3.8* of five
An entertaining read, befouled by six (6) w-bombs, one extra heinous because it occurs midway through a sexual encounter. I mean! How the hell is one supposed to maintain an erection while some goofball w-verbs? Mr. Softee pretty much guaranteed.
Anyway, the story itself builds out Hexworld more completely. We learn that there are seven popes; we learn the ancience of familiars' existence with a reference to Altamira's cave paintings...an explanation of their odd actions that's just flat genius! We're "treated" to an expanded take on the plight of the familiars. We're shown why so many familiars are same-sex couples.
And the story itself? Well...I wasn't thrilled. Nick, the angry stallion, got old fast. His witch, Jamie, puts up with being lied to, manipulated, abused physically and emotionally, and absorbs with stunning rapidity the fact that "he didn't mean it."
Um. Yeah...no. The man's a classic narcissistic abuser. The last-minute conversion/forgiveness isn't thrilling to me. But Nick's conversion to decency at least an admission that he wasn't a great guy to begin with. Rook, his brother, doesn't seem to be anywhere near critical enough of Nick's rage's effects of those around him.
I felt parts of the tale were rushed, eg the smuggled ferals, the quasi-redemption of a duplicitous relative; I suppose this is inevitable when publishing a book in this category where 100,000 words is way past the norm of 70,000. I'm also pleased that so many of the previous couples in the series get the screen time that they do. It's not a lot but it's used to reinforce the interconnectedness of problem-solving activities in this world. No one, nor any couple-unit, is required to rely solely on their own resources...IF they can get their issues out of the way of asking for help. Nick, angry stallion that he is, learns that lesson very late but very effectively.
I have nothing but happy feelings about the nature, identity, and fate of the baddies.
So there it is...more to like than to frown at, more to applaud than to censure. Hexworld is a terrific creation. Not every hero is blemish-free, not every villain is a wicked mustachio-twirling caricature. And in the middle of it all are men trying their damnedest to grab and hold some happiness, spread some kindness, and sit in the sunshine with their loved ones, absorbing the world's sweetness.
An entertaining read, befouled by six (6) w-bombs, one extra heinous because it occurs midway through a sexual encounter. I mean! How the hell is one supposed to maintain an erection while some goofball w-verbs? Mr. Softee pretty much guaranteed.
Anyway, the story itself builds out Hexworld more completely. We learn that there are seven popes; we learn the ancience of familiars' existence with a reference to Altamira's cave paintings...an explanation of their odd actions that's just flat genius! We're "treated" to an expanded take on the plight of the familiars. We're shown why so many familiars are same-sex couples.
And the story itself? Well...I wasn't thrilled. Nick, the angry stallion, got old fast. His witch, Jamie, puts up with being lied to, manipulated, abused physically and emotionally, and absorbs with stunning rapidity the fact that "he didn't mean it."
Um. Yeah...no. The man's a classic narcissistic abuser. The last-minute conversion/forgiveness isn't thrilling to me. But Nick's conversion to decency at least an admission that he wasn't a great guy to begin with. Rook, his brother, doesn't seem to be anywhere near critical enough of Nick's rage's effects of those around him.
I felt parts of the tale were rushed, eg the smuggled ferals, the quasi-redemption of a duplicitous relative; I suppose this is inevitable when publishing a book in this category where 100,000 words is way past the norm of 70,000. I'm also pleased that so many of the previous couples in the series get the screen time that they do. It's not a lot but it's used to reinforce the interconnectedness of problem-solving activities in this world. No one, nor any couple-unit, is required to rely solely on their own resources...IF they can get their issues out of the way of asking for help. Nick, angry stallion that he is, learns that lesson very late but very effectively.
I have nothing but happy feelings about the nature, identity, and fate of the baddies.
So there it is...more to like than to frown at, more to applaud than to censure. Hexworld is a terrific creation. Not every hero is blemish-free, not every villain is a wicked mustachio-twirling caricature. And in the middle of it all are men trying their damnedest to grab and hold some happiness, spread some kindness, and sit in the sunshine with their loved ones, absorbing the world's sweetness.
August 30, 2020
A witch-and-police-hating familiar teams up with the nicest witch policeman, so he can solve a grisly murder. Everything points to it becoming one of the (nineteenth) century's biggest mistake, but romance fans will be delighted to hear that things turn out just fine. An awfully cliched kinda fine, but fine nonetheless.
I had quite a few reservations when I started this book. For all that Nick's image was definitely that of a very yummy alpha male, his constant snubbing of witches (their bonded familiars included) had never excited me. And Jamie's battle scars raised all sorts of preemptive alarms in my mind. All in all, things promised to veer into gloomy territory real damn fast... yet somehow they never quite get there.
As expected, Nick's hatred of witches was just as annoying as I had feared, but his unwilling liking of Jamie was way too adorable to resist. Then there was Jamie, whose gloomy war hero impression (dead lover included) was hardly likable, but his cheeky flirting with Nick totally had me swooning on the spot.
Score: 3/5 stars
Expecting yet another politically correct and gloomy romance, I was surprised by how much I ended up liking the two main characters. Their chemistry was off the charts, even with Jamie's fetish for questionable odours. Add to that some rather unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and an the bonus scene extravaganza of famous New York City sights: I found myself basking in a serious bout of nostalgia.
All in all, I'm now cautiously excited for the sequel.
==========================
Review of book 0.5: The 13th Hex
Review of book 1: Hexbreaker
Review of book 2: Hexmaker
Review of book 2.5: A Christmas Hex
Review of book 3.5: Wild Wild Hex
I had quite a few reservations when I started this book. For all that Nick's image was definitely that of a very yummy alpha male, his constant snubbing of witches (their bonded familiars included) had never excited me. And Jamie's battle scars raised all sorts of preemptive alarms in my mind. All in all, things promised to veer into gloomy territory real damn fast... yet somehow they never quite get there.
As expected, Nick's hatred of witches was just as annoying as I had feared, but his unwilling liking of Jamie was way too adorable to resist. Then there was Jamie, whose gloomy war hero impression (dead lover included) was hardly likable, but his cheeky flirting with Nick totally had me swooning on the spot.
Score: 3/5 stars
Expecting yet another politically correct and gloomy romance, I was surprised by how much I ended up liking the two main characters. Their chemistry was off the charts, even with Jamie's fetish for questionable odours. Add to that some rather unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and an the bonus scene extravaganza of famous New York City sights: I found myself basking in a serious bout of nostalgia.
All in all, I'm now cautiously excited for the sequel.
==========================
Review of book 0.5: The 13th Hex
Review of book 1: Hexbreaker
Review of book 2: Hexmaker
Review of book 2.5: A Christmas Hex
Review of book 3.5: Wild Wild Hex
October 15, 2017
I really enjoyed seeing Nick - the witch-hating horse shifter - find a witch he couldn't manage not to like. His witch, although he struggles not to admit that. The romance is warm as it develops, and simultaneously Jamie's eyes are opened to unpleasant truths he had been shielded from. Truths which in turn help him see the world through Nick's point of view, even as he fills a lonely void in Nick's life.
There is a lot of action in this book. It works well, and keeps things exciting, although a few little tropes about the villains at the end nagged me. I did love seeing Nick realize the ways he'd have to interact with Jamie, to be effective when it counted. The stakes are high, and the plot drove the story forward.
The world-building here echoes some of our own worst fears for the future, with oppression of a minority getting worse through a combination of religious fanaticism and underlying money and cynical economic drives. I think that parallel actually pushed me away from the story a bit - I'm bruised enough at heart with the real world to try to dodge similar pain in my fiction. For other readers, it may be an appeal instead.
I think this was my favorite in the series, and look forward (if slightly apprehensively) to the next one.
There is a lot of action in this book. It works well, and keeps things exciting, although a few little tropes about the villains at the end nagged me. I did love seeing Nick realize the ways he'd have to interact with Jamie, to be effective when it counted. The stakes are high, and the plot drove the story forward.
The world-building here echoes some of our own worst fears for the future, with oppression of a minority getting worse through a combination of religious fanaticism and underlying money and cynical economic drives. I think that parallel actually pushed me away from the story a bit - I'm bruised enough at heart with the real world to try to dodge similar pain in my fiction. For other readers, it may be an appeal instead.
I think this was my favorite in the series, and look forward (if slightly apprehensively) to the next one.
October 11, 2017
Nick, the horse familiar, has never hidden his despise over witches as well as the Metropolitan Witch Police detectives. Nick feels that witches has robbed him from his family, that witches only use familiars for their magic and easily abuse them. Then ferals are getting murdered and MWP doesn't put it as priority.
In order to investigate this properly, Nick needs to have MPW resources at his disposal. But to do this, he has to join the department, even if that means Nick has to bond with a witch detective. Unfortunately, the available unbonded witch detective, Jamie MacDougal, the Rough Rider war hero happens to also be well, Nick's witch ...
I was pretty excited when I first saw the blurb for this book -- I mean, it's always FUN when a character is put down on his/her level from that high tower he/she sits *grin*. Jamie pretty much destroys Nick's perception towards witches. The way he reacts towards the murdered ferals, the way that he asks about the treatment towards familiars ... well, let's just say I was happily murmured "Oh how the mighty falls" as the relationship develops between Nick and Jamie.
I liked the murder cases too -- while the villain and the motive is a bit cliché but in overall I thought it was a good follow-up to the development from the previous books.
Basically, this universe EXCITES me ... more so than the Widdershins universe, which I have become a bit tired of lately. I can't wait to read other upcoming couples. When is Isaac's turn?!?
In order to investigate this properly, Nick needs to have MPW resources at his disposal. But to do this, he has to join the department, even if that means Nick has to bond with a witch detective. Unfortunately, the available unbonded witch detective, Jamie MacDougal, the Rough Rider war hero happens to also be well, Nick's witch ...
I was pretty excited when I first saw the blurb for this book -- I mean, it's always FUN when a character is put down on his/her level from that high tower he/she sits *grin*. Jamie pretty much destroys Nick's perception towards witches. The way he reacts towards the murdered ferals, the way that he asks about the treatment towards familiars ... well, let's just say I was happily murmured "Oh how the mighty falls" as the relationship develops between Nick and Jamie.
I liked the murder cases too -- while the villain and the motive is a bit cliché but in overall I thought it was a good follow-up to the development from the previous books.
Basically, this universe EXCITES me ... more so than the Widdershins universe, which I have become a bit tired of lately. I can't wait to read other upcoming couples. When is Isaac's turn?!?
October 7, 2017
Another great installment in this world of familiars and witches. I like Nicks character so I'm glad he got his own book and Jamie seemed like a good match. These two had more of a friendship bond, once Nick got over the whole witch issue, than a heated romance and I missed that chemistry. Of course the whole team became involved and the drama of blood hexes and crazy cults continues. It was an enjoyable read, not quite the Cisero / Tom combo, but I'm thinking no other book in this series will be like that one ! Certainly worth continuing this series 😊
February 12, 2018
I didn't like Nick much before this book, and it took me a while to warm up to him even in his own book lol I understood where he was coming from and why he was being an ass all the time, but I still didn't like him much.
Jamie is an absolute sweetheart! And probably the only man in the world who would put up with Nick. Seriously, the man deserves a medal!
Everything came together really nicely in this book. The story unfolded leisurely and with just the right rhythm, and it made sense for the characters.
This series is so good and getting better with each book!
Jamie is an absolute sweetheart! And probably the only man in the world who would put up with Nick. Seriously, the man deserves a medal!
Everything came together really nicely in this book. The story unfolded leisurely and with just the right rhythm, and it made sense for the characters.
This series is so good and getting better with each book!
April 12, 2019
Another Hexworld book by Jordan L. Hawk, and another home-run for the historical, paranormal genre! This series ages like a fine wine. Each novel, each short story, progressively takes on more and more elements of this fantastical world, wholly immersing the reader in the experience of a lifetime.
The over-arcing plot of the series grows more intense in Hexslayer. After the epic events of Hexmaker, familiars are being side-eyed by society, politicians, religious groups, and police like never before. Those unfortunate enough to transform into what New York City now deems "dangerous familiars" are immediately hauled to jail for the "safety and well-being of others." And this is where we join Nick, a horse familiar and Rook's brother, who cares for the unloved, unwanted, or independent familiars in the city. As the owner of Caballus, a familiars' only bar and tenement, Nick has given up all of his own hopes, dreams, and chances at love, to assume the role of protector. It has hardened him, angered him, and made Nick fiercely distrustful of any and all witches.
Which is why the romance with Jamie MacDougal, an officer with the Metropolitan Witch Police, makes for such a wild ride! Circumstances involving murdered feral familiars, tied to both Jamie and Nick, force the two to temporarily bond in order to get MWP approval to inspect the mysterious deaths. But Nick refuses to be broken by a witch, especially one who was a rough rider, and Jamie isn't about to let a hardass like Nick boss him around or pity him like the rest of society does, due to his missing leg.
Jordan's romantic subplot in this book is stunning. These incredibly complex, deeply emotional men are strong-willed, courageous, and willing to show one another parts of themselves they've hidden from the world. Their tenderness and simple acceptance of one another soothes a real human ache-- a need to be loved for exactly who we are and nothing more. And Jordan nails that aspect.
I can wax endless poetic about this series, but I promise it comes from a place of pure honestly. Every note and beat of Hexslayer is necessary in Jordan's building of this epic, magnum opus.
The over-arcing plot of the series grows more intense in Hexslayer. After the epic events of Hexmaker, familiars are being side-eyed by society, politicians, religious groups, and police like never before. Those unfortunate enough to transform into what New York City now deems "dangerous familiars" are immediately hauled to jail for the "safety and well-being of others." And this is where we join Nick, a horse familiar and Rook's brother, who cares for the unloved, unwanted, or independent familiars in the city. As the owner of Caballus, a familiars' only bar and tenement, Nick has given up all of his own hopes, dreams, and chances at love, to assume the role of protector. It has hardened him, angered him, and made Nick fiercely distrustful of any and all witches.
Which is why the romance with Jamie MacDougal, an officer with the Metropolitan Witch Police, makes for such a wild ride! Circumstances involving murdered feral familiars, tied to both Jamie and Nick, force the two to temporarily bond in order to get MWP approval to inspect the mysterious deaths. But Nick refuses to be broken by a witch, especially one who was a rough rider, and Jamie isn't about to let a hardass like Nick boss him around or pity him like the rest of society does, due to his missing leg.
Jordan's romantic subplot in this book is stunning. These incredibly complex, deeply emotional men are strong-willed, courageous, and willing to show one another parts of themselves they've hidden from the world. Their tenderness and simple acceptance of one another soothes a real human ache-- a need to be loved for exactly who we are and nothing more. And Jordan nails that aspect.
I can wax endless poetic about this series, but I promise it comes from a place of pure honestly. Every note and beat of Hexslayer is necessary in Jordan's building of this epic, magnum opus.
January 14, 2019
Another fantastic urban steampunk fantasy from Hawk
The Hexworld series is like no other I've read and it manages to combine a number of tropes into a seamless experience.
In this, Rook's brother Nick, a horse familiar, finds his witch in MWP copper Jamie, who lost a leg during a disastrous campaign in Cuba.
Part historical, part urban fantasy, total Steampunk, Jordan L Hawk creates a truly unique New York setting in which dangerous men plot behind the scenes.
This one was fairly creepy, had a seriously unexpected final twist and was utterly brilliant. I can't say more than that really!
The Hexworld series is like no other I've read and it manages to combine a number of tropes into a seamless experience.
In this, Rook's brother Nick, a horse familiar, finds his witch in MWP copper Jamie, who lost a leg during a disastrous campaign in Cuba.
Part historical, part urban fantasy, total Steampunk, Jordan L Hawk creates a truly unique New York setting in which dangerous men plot behind the scenes.
This one was fairly creepy, had a seriously unexpected final twist and was utterly brilliant. I can't say more than that really!
May 15, 2021
Nick was not an easy character to like. He did grow on me, though. He tried so hard to keep himself closed off, and for much of the time we've known him, we've only seen him through the eyes of his brother and the others at the Coven, so we didn't really see Nick. Once he found his witch, he tried even harder to keep his distance -- not just a witch, but a copper, too!! -- but unlike Nick, Jamie is really easy to love, and Nick didn't stand a chance. Jamie also didn't have an issue calling Nick on his bullshit, so it worked out.
December 30, 2017
I love this series!!!
Horse shifter Nick is definitely not an easy character and I'm so glad that he found his witch in patient Jamie.
The investigation they had to solve was interesting, the whole plot captivating.
And the audio, wow, the narrator Tristan James turned this great story into a fantastic one!!!
I really hope there'll be soon the next book in this series!
4,5 stars
Horse shifter Nick is definitely not an easy character and I'm so glad that he found his witch in patient Jamie.
The investigation they had to solve was interesting, the whole plot captivating.
And the audio, wow, the narrator Tristan James turned this great story into a fantastic one!!!
I really hope there'll be soon the next book in this series!
4,5 stars
November 16, 2017
4.5* This saga never lets me down!!!
It has an interesting story, set in the gorgeous world built since book 0.5! The previous main characters are very present and is so nice to see them again :)
In this one, I must say that Nick was a difficult character xD Jamie is so sweet and adorable so you want to kick Nick when he was been rude with him at first!! But their relationships developes in a very good pace and is well mixed with the mystery plot of the book!
Can´t wait to read the next one *v*!!
It has an interesting story, set in the gorgeous world built since book 0.5! The previous main characters are very present and is so nice to see them again :)
In this one, I must say that Nick was a difficult character xD Jamie is so sweet and adorable so you want to kick Nick when he was been rude with him at first!! But their relationships developes in a very good pace and is well mixed with the mystery plot of the book!
Can´t wait to read the next one *v*!!
May 21, 2018
4.2 Stars
I wish there was a bit more romance detailed between Nick & Jamie...but I do so love this series because of the world of possibilities it contains. I hope Isaac has a story coming up soon!
That said, this one hit hard - specifically the bits about minorities, religion & the power of money...just as Kaje Harper said in her review. The bits in this book about people in power setting things in motion in order to fan the flames of fear-mongers & scare the people to give into those who'd take our freedoms reflect all too accurately some of the unforgivable positions we see from our so-called "leaders" right now. That's just so depressing. And as much as I have hope that it will change, it won't happen in 4 years.
So, it's hard to divorce current politricks from those in this book and I think that's a good thing; after all, I prefer realism in even the fantasy stories I choose to read. Sometimes, though, I just want a little more escapism.
Merged review:
Audio Rating: 4.2 Stars
(No change)
I wish there was a bit more romance detailed between Nick & Jamie...but I do so love this series because of the world of possibilities it contains. I hope Isaac has a story coming up soon!
That said, this one hit hard - specifically the bits about minorities, religion & the power of money...just as Kaje Harper said in her review. The bits in this book about people in power setting things in motion in order to fan the flames of fear-mongers & scare the people to give into those who'd take our freedoms reflect all too accurately some of the unforgivable positions we see from our so-called "leaders" right now. That's just so depressing. And as much as I have hope that it will change, it won't happen in 4 years.
So, it's hard to divorce current politricks from those in this book and I think that's a good thing; after all, I prefer realism in even the fantasy stories I choose to read. Sometimes, though, I just want a little more escapism.
Merged review:
Audio Rating: 4.2 Stars
(No change)
February 1, 2023
Scrivo questa recensione sull’onda delle emozioni che mi ha trasmesso questo terzo libro della serie, ho chiuso il mio kindle qualche minuto fa e non ho esitato nemmeno un attimo ad aprire il pc per mettere nero su bianco i miei sentimenti per questa nuova coppia di protagonisti che mi hanno strappato l’anima più dei precedenti. Nick, il cavallo e Jamie, lo stregone si sono aperti subito una breccia nel mio cuore. Le loro sofferenze e le loro tribolazioni me li hanno resi subito molto cari. Quanti di voi hanno letto i libri precedenti ricorderanno sicuramente il personaggio di Nick, un famiglio libero proprietario di un bar e di un palazzo che affitta solo a famigli liberi, ovvero tutti coloro che non vogliono unirsi ad uno stregone e vivere la loro vita senza assoggettamenti di sorta. Per Nick, infatti, la relazione tra un famiglio e il proprio stregone è solo una questione di soprusi illimitati dove i famigli non fanno altro che soffrire ed è per questo che l’uomo è da sempre in lite con il fratello che, invece, ha scelto di unirsi al suo stregone per amore e di essere un poliziotto della PMM, la polizia magica. Nick, ha giurato di essere sempre libero e di aiutare tutti coloro che hanno deciso di seguire il suo esempio ma non è facile soprattutto dopo gli ultimi eventi disastrosi che vedono i famigli liberi essere sempre più perseguitati e maltrattati. La situazione, poi, sembra precipitare del tutto quando il famiglio aquila che lo aiutava a far uscire dalla città i famigli in pericolo viene trovato assassinato in modo brutale all’interno di Central Park. Il modus operandi di questo assassino sembra avere a che fare con la magia ma la PMM è troppo impegnata sul altri fronti per preoccuparsi di un semplice famiglio libero morto. A Nick ribolle il sangue nelle vene al pensiero di essere così poco considerati dal resto del mondo ed è per questo che incurante del pericolo cui va incontro decide di legarsi momentaneamente a Jamie, un poliziotto stregone che ha conosciuto proprio in occasione del ritrovamento del corpo del famiglio aquila per far luce su quanto accaduto
Jamie, tornato dalla guerra senza più una gamba e con il cuore a pezzi è entrato a far parte della PMM in qualità di poliziotto addetto al recupero dei cadaveri. Non aspira a diventare detective anche perché per farlo dovrebbe legarsi ad un famiglio e, al momento non ne ha nessuno voglia. Ora, davanti ad un corpo massacrato all’interno di Central Park è sconvolto, era convinto che il famiglio di cui era innamorato fosse morto un anno prima durante una missione top secret, invece, il suo corpo è steso proprio lì, davanti ai suoi occhi ed è morto solo da poche ore. Quando si rende conto che nessuno muoverà un dito per trovare il colpevole accetta la proposta di unirsi temporaneamente ad un famiglio deciso quanto lui a venire a capo della verità senza rendersi conto di essere il suo stregone.
Ed è così che inizia la loro storia, non si vogliono sul serio, Jamie piange ancora l’uomo che credeva di aver seppellito un anno prima, Nick non ha alcuna intenzione di essere l’animaletto da compagnia di uno stregone che lo userebbe solo per la sua magia, eppure…, eppure è innegabile che provino attrazione, che tra loro scalpita qualcosa a cui nessuno dei due vorrebbe dare seguito, Jamie troppo sconvolto e Nick troppo ribelle per scendere a compromessi e, soprattutto, entrambi troppo timorosi di affidare i loro cuori a qualcuno che potrebbe calpestarli.
Ebbene, ancora una volta Jordan L. Hawk ha saputo mescolare così bene la parte paranormale a quella suspense da dare un risultato più che perfetto. Più andavo avanti nella lettura e più il mistero si infittiva senza che io riuscissi a capire se dietro tutto il sangue versato vi fosse un uomo, uno stregone o un’entità con uno scopo nefasto capace di mettere a ferro e fuoco una città e lo stesso corpo di polizia magica. Ma quello che ho amato di più in questo libro è stata la relazione tra questi due uomini che nella vita hanno dato e perso tanto senza mai ricevere nulla in cambio. Jamie, che con la sua menomazione viene considerato da tutti uno storpio che da solo non sarebbe in grado di fare nulla e Nick che con il suo modo di fare è sempre quello che aiuta gli altri ma ha timore di chiedere aiuto a sua volta per paura di non riceverlo. Da soli non sono altro che due anime ferite dalla vita che li ha messi alla prova molte volte ma forse, insieme, potrebbero aspirare a diventare altro. Ci riusciranno? Vi invito a scoprirlo con la certezza che loro due sapranno ritagliarsi un posticino nel vostro cuore come è successo a me.
Jamie, tornato dalla guerra senza più una gamba e con il cuore a pezzi è entrato a far parte della PMM in qualità di poliziotto addetto al recupero dei cadaveri. Non aspira a diventare detective anche perché per farlo dovrebbe legarsi ad un famiglio e, al momento non ne ha nessuno voglia. Ora, davanti ad un corpo massacrato all’interno di Central Park è sconvolto, era convinto che il famiglio di cui era innamorato fosse morto un anno prima durante una missione top secret, invece, il suo corpo è steso proprio lì, davanti ai suoi occhi ed è morto solo da poche ore. Quando si rende conto che nessuno muoverà un dito per trovare il colpevole accetta la proposta di unirsi temporaneamente ad un famiglio deciso quanto lui a venire a capo della verità senza rendersi conto di essere il suo stregone.
Ed è così che inizia la loro storia, non si vogliono sul serio, Jamie piange ancora l’uomo che credeva di aver seppellito un anno prima, Nick non ha alcuna intenzione di essere l’animaletto da compagnia di uno stregone che lo userebbe solo per la sua magia, eppure…, eppure è innegabile che provino attrazione, che tra loro scalpita qualcosa a cui nessuno dei due vorrebbe dare seguito, Jamie troppo sconvolto e Nick troppo ribelle per scendere a compromessi e, soprattutto, entrambi troppo timorosi di affidare i loro cuori a qualcuno che potrebbe calpestarli.
Ebbene, ancora una volta Jordan L. Hawk ha saputo mescolare così bene la parte paranormale a quella suspense da dare un risultato più che perfetto. Più andavo avanti nella lettura e più il mistero si infittiva senza che io riuscissi a capire se dietro tutto il sangue versato vi fosse un uomo, uno stregone o un’entità con uno scopo nefasto capace di mettere a ferro e fuoco una città e lo stesso corpo di polizia magica. Ma quello che ho amato di più in questo libro è stata la relazione tra questi due uomini che nella vita hanno dato e perso tanto senza mai ricevere nulla in cambio. Jamie, che con la sua menomazione viene considerato da tutti uno storpio che da solo non sarebbe in grado di fare nulla e Nick che con il suo modo di fare è sempre quello che aiuta gli altri ma ha timore di chiedere aiuto a sua volta per paura di non riceverlo. Da soli non sono altro che due anime ferite dalla vita che li ha messi alla prova molte volte ma forse, insieme, potrebbero aspirare a diventare altro. Ci riusciranno? Vi invito a scoprirlo con la certezza che loro due sapranno ritagliarsi un posticino nel vostro cuore come è successo a me.
October 6, 2017
If there is one thing that has been perfectly clear over the last few books, it is that Nick, horse familiar and brother to Rook, is not a fan of witches. He doesn’t want to talk to witches, work with witches, or be in the same room with one. He sure as hell doesn’t want to become some witch’s familiar. Which is all fine and dandy…except some crazy person is killing feral familiars in Central Park and the only way the damn crimes are going to be investigated is if Nick bonds with Jamie MacDougal, a witch in the MWP. And it might be his idea, and it might only last for the course of the investigation, but it doesn’t make Nick any happier. He just knows that he can’t stand by and watch familiars get killed–and the police completely ignore it–if he wants to be able to look himself in the mirror ever again.
So he gets Jamie to agree to a temporary bond. Despite his better judgement. Despite his distrust of witches. And most definitely despite the inconvenient fact that Jamie is Nick’s witch. As in, he is nearly damn perfect for Nick in almost every way. Except for the whole witch part. Which means that Jamie is the one witch Nick must absolutely not fall for.
I was really excited when I realized that this book was going to be Nick’s story. He has played small parts in the last several Hexworld books, and I must admit that I’ve been more than ready to see Nick fall on his horsey ass over some witch. I figured it was going to be damn fun to see the familiar fight tooth and hoof against his attraction to his witch, only to end up realizing that he might not have all the answers in the world when it comes to those of the witchy persuasion.
And I was right about that, because this book was just about everything I wanted out of it.
I quite adore this series, with its wonderful blend of history and magic. Once again we are in early 20th century New York, amidst a growing discontent between the non-magical parts of the populous and the witches and familiars that keep the magic coming. After the events of last book I was pretty sure that things were not going to be going well for familiars in this story. And they really aren’t. Laws are now tightening on what unbound familiars can do, and the Dangerous Familiars Squad is cracking down on any familiar deemed too aggressive to be free amongst the general populous. Needless to say, Nick is not a fan.
Which, in the Rules of Romance, probably almost guaranteed that Jamie was the one who makes Nick go against all his tightly held beliefs. Not only is Jamie a member of the MWP–which would earn Nick’s ire all on its own–but Jamie’s uncle is one of the lead officers on the DFS. Watching them clash over this, and their different beliefs on how familiars and witches should behave, was a lot of fun. And I really liked that I kinda got both sides on this. I mostly agree with Nick, to be honest, but I can see how Jamie, who was raised by his uncle to respect authority and follow rule and order, can see the laws and their enforcement as the correct way to go about things. Both Nick and Jamie have to learn to reevaluate their beliefs, and it might not be easy, but it does make for good reading.
While I might have spent the majority of the book thinking Nick was a bit of a horse’s arse, he was also written sympathetically enough that I cared about him. Despite my desire to remove the three foot plank form his ass and use it to beat some civility into him. And I really love Jamie and the way he has to continually fight everyone around him to see that just because he lost part of his leg in the war, that doesn’t make him useless or in need of constant pity. Nick’s easy acceptance of Jamie’s disability and the way he viewed Jamie as an annoying witch–and not as the “broken” witch–did a lot to endear him to me.
On the whole this is a damn good book. I’ve yet to come across a story in this series that I would not happily reread, and I can’t wait to get more. The only slight issue I have with this story is that I kinda figured out who the killer was early on, but there were plenty of unseen twists to make up for that in the end. I’ve highly recommended every book in this series so far, and I’m not about to stop now. Pick this one up as soon as possible.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
So he gets Jamie to agree to a temporary bond. Despite his better judgement. Despite his distrust of witches. And most definitely despite the inconvenient fact that Jamie is Nick’s witch. As in, he is nearly damn perfect for Nick in almost every way. Except for the whole witch part. Which means that Jamie is the one witch Nick must absolutely not fall for.
I was really excited when I realized that this book was going to be Nick’s story. He has played small parts in the last several Hexworld books, and I must admit that I’ve been more than ready to see Nick fall on his horsey ass over some witch. I figured it was going to be damn fun to see the familiar fight tooth and hoof against his attraction to his witch, only to end up realizing that he might not have all the answers in the world when it comes to those of the witchy persuasion.
And I was right about that, because this book was just about everything I wanted out of it.
I quite adore this series, with its wonderful blend of history and magic. Once again we are in early 20th century New York, amidst a growing discontent between the non-magical parts of the populous and the witches and familiars that keep the magic coming. After the events of last book I was pretty sure that things were not going to be going well for familiars in this story. And they really aren’t. Laws are now tightening on what unbound familiars can do, and the Dangerous Familiars Squad is cracking down on any familiar deemed too aggressive to be free amongst the general populous. Needless to say, Nick is not a fan.
Which, in the Rules of Romance, probably almost guaranteed that Jamie was the one who makes Nick go against all his tightly held beliefs. Not only is Jamie a member of the MWP–which would earn Nick’s ire all on its own–but Jamie’s uncle is one of the lead officers on the DFS. Watching them clash over this, and their different beliefs on how familiars and witches should behave, was a lot of fun. And I really liked that I kinda got both sides on this. I mostly agree with Nick, to be honest, but I can see how Jamie, who was raised by his uncle to respect authority and follow rule and order, can see the laws and their enforcement as the correct way to go about things. Both Nick and Jamie have to learn to reevaluate their beliefs, and it might not be easy, but it does make for good reading.
While I might have spent the majority of the book thinking Nick was a bit of a horse’s arse, he was also written sympathetically enough that I cared about him. Despite my desire to remove the three foot plank form his ass and use it to beat some civility into him. And I really love Jamie and the way he has to continually fight everyone around him to see that just because he lost part of his leg in the war, that doesn’t make him useless or in need of constant pity. Nick’s easy acceptance of Jamie’s disability and the way he viewed Jamie as an annoying witch–and not as the “broken” witch–did a lot to endear him to me.
On the whole this is a damn good book. I’ve yet to come across a story in this series that I would not happily reread, and I can’t wait to get more. The only slight issue I have with this story is that I kinda figured out who the killer was early on, but there were plenty of unseen twists to make up for that in the end. I’ve highly recommended every book in this series so far, and I’m not about to stop now. Pick this one up as soon as possible.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 6, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Hexslayer is the third full-length book in Jordan L. Hawk’s incredible Hexworld series. I probably sound like a broken record, because every time I review one of Hawk’s books I say the same thing. The book is amazing. ALL her books are amazing. If you aren’t reading this series, you should be. If you are reading it, don’t pass go and buy this right now. Honestly, I have many favorite authors, but there are few who deliver as consistently fabulous work, time and again, as Jordan L. Hawk, and this story is no exception. What it comes down to every time for me with Hawk’s work is the excellent world building, the great romance, and the mix of paranormal and suspense that work seamlessly together.
So first off, I am crazy for the world building here. I love this magical version of New York City she has created, with a witch police force, all kinds of unusual shifters, and the clever use of magic. Hawk manages to capture all these wonderful details about real historical aspects of the time period. For example, much of this book takes place in Central Park, and Hawk just brings it to life with great details about the setting at that time. Then she combines that real life setting with the magical world she has created, and it just works so well. I particularly like how Hawk has carried over the series thread running through all the books about the big picture politics and issues facing the witches and familiars, but still wraps each story up nicely on its own.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Hexslayer is the third full-length book in Jordan L. Hawk’s incredible Hexworld series. I probably sound like a broken record, because every time I review one of Hawk’s books I say the same thing. The book is amazing. ALL her books are amazing. If you aren’t reading this series, you should be. If you are reading it, don’t pass go and buy this right now. Honestly, I have many favorite authors, but there are few who deliver as consistently fabulous work, time and again, as Jordan L. Hawk, and this story is no exception. What it comes down to every time for me with Hawk’s work is the excellent world building, the great romance, and the mix of paranormal and suspense that work seamlessly together.
So first off, I am crazy for the world building here. I love this magical version of New York City she has created, with a witch police force, all kinds of unusual shifters, and the clever use of magic. Hawk manages to capture all these wonderful details about real historical aspects of the time period. For example, much of this book takes place in Central Park, and Hawk just brings it to life with great details about the setting at that time. Then she combines that real life setting with the magical world she has created, and it just works so well. I particularly like how Hawk has carried over the series thread running through all the books about the big picture politics and issues facing the witches and familiars, but still wraps each story up nicely on its own.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 8, 2017
This book!!!! It was everything. Hawk never disappoints. I mean the story was so heavily featured with an actual plot plot for this series. Not that the other ones haven't been, but this one had alot of grit in it. Nick finally gets his love and book. Ornery stubborn as this horse, Nick. He finds his match in the last person he'd ever want. Jamie MacDogual, MWP policeman and witch. Two things Nick abhors the most. This is definitely a longer book in the series compared to the others. A lot of things took place. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. My only issue was the ending. Bit abrupt in the Nick & Jamie sense. I mean, the fight the good fight and we get maybe 3 pages of them at the end. I'm not looking for full chapters of what's to come, but I definitely wanted more.
I admire Nick and everything he's stood for. He has his personal beliefs and the reasons for all his reservations with the police and witches. His past plays a big part of how he moves in & out the world. Nick is up against the wall in his crusade for the familiars in his world. He's a major play in the Familiar world in New York. He's also a major pain for the cops and the bad guys in this book. He has to bite the bullet and do something he didn't think he'd ever do. Bond with a witch. Not any witch, but his mate. The one person that is going to unlock his magic together through their bond. Jamie MacDogual is his mate. Jamie has his own reservations. He's trying to live up to the war hero. It isn't that he doesn't want to be it, but the truth and who he is now is different. I loved that Jamie was a listener. He was really adamant about seeing both sides since he's involved so much.
Their progression together isn't easy. Nick fights his attraction every step of the way. Jamie realizes his feelings for Nick is only about Nick. I thought the story was really well thought out. It was written amazingly. Oh my goodness, I got to see some of my favorites like Rook, Cicero & Mal. Issac, I cannot wait for his book. Hawk's work is always impressive and really well written. She continues to execute her work as amazing as ever.
I admire Nick and everything he's stood for. He has his personal beliefs and the reasons for all his reservations with the police and witches. His past plays a big part of how he moves in & out the world. Nick is up against the wall in his crusade for the familiars in his world. He's a major play in the Familiar world in New York. He's also a major pain for the cops and the bad guys in this book. He has to bite the bullet and do something he didn't think he'd ever do. Bond with a witch. Not any witch, but his mate. The one person that is going to unlock his magic together through their bond. Jamie MacDogual is his mate. Jamie has his own reservations. He's trying to live up to the war hero. It isn't that he doesn't want to be it, but the truth and who he is now is different. I loved that Jamie was a listener. He was really adamant about seeing both sides since he's involved so much.
Their progression together isn't easy. Nick fights his attraction every step of the way. Jamie realizes his feelings for Nick is only about Nick. I thought the story was really well thought out. It was written amazingly. Oh my goodness, I got to see some of my favorites like Rook, Cicero & Mal. Issac, I cannot wait for his book. Hawk's work is always impressive and really well written. She continues to execute her work as amazing as ever.
January 29, 2019
I'm in love with this series. The world building and the story arc is just amazing. We finally get Nick's story. I know he does not come across as a likable character, but I have a soft spot for these bad boy. In fact, he might just be the most selfless character in this series. He basically live his whole life dedicated to saving and rescuing feral in the city, providing them with a sanctuary. Despite, his overbearing attitude and fight provoking tendency and 'I hate all witches', I really like him and I'm just so happy that he finally found his own witch.
Jamie is a war vet that returned home with a broken leg and currently working for the MWP. Despite his experience with death and carnage, he still have a naivety and goodness in him. His view is very black and white and he follow the rules, a total opposite from Nick. Nick might seems like a bully and doesn't trust Jamie at all, but Jamie goodness and patience really did tame the wild horse. Seeing Rook's reaction to the changes in his grumpy, cynical brother is just icing on the cake.
Nick and Jamie formed a temporary bond to investigate the murders of feral in the city that was being ignored by the higher ups. As usual, the suspense is well crafted that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Something horrible is at works and I can't put it down until the final page. I just discovered this series this month and went through all 3 books. I'm so ready for the 4th book to be release in a week time.
Jamie is a war vet that returned home with a broken leg and currently working for the MWP. Despite his experience with death and carnage, he still have a naivety and goodness in him. His view is very black and white and he follow the rules, a total opposite from Nick. Nick might seems like a bully and doesn't trust Jamie at all, but Jamie goodness and patience really did tame the wild horse. Seeing Rook's reaction to the changes in his grumpy, cynical brother is just icing on the cake.
Nick and Jamie formed a temporary bond to investigate the murders of feral in the city that was being ignored by the higher ups. As usual, the suspense is well crafted that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Something horrible is at works and I can't put it down until the final page. I just discovered this series this month and went through all 3 books. I'm so ready for the 4th book to be release in a week time.
November 8, 2017
3.7 Stars.
This third book in the Hexworld series was darker and angstier than previous ones. The storyline involved serial killings of familiars in Central Park alongside religious anti-familiar fervor and laws.
The MCs, brought together by a desire to solve a murder, started out with an antagonistic relationship. Nick, a feral familiar who works to help other ferals is very anti witches. He is brother to Rook, who we’ve met in previous books. He teams up with Jamie, a veteran of the Spanish American war now working as a driver for the MWP. The two agree to bond temporarily. Nick keeps the secret that Jamie is His witch.
Although the MCs were interesting, I didn’t feel chemistry between them. I also missed the bit of humor and lightness in previous books brought in by the bevy of witches and familiars living and working at the coven.
Still, I enjoyed this book and thought the relationship between radical religious groups and the government timely, as were the growing hostilities against an already marginalized group of individuals. Although historical and fictional in this book, I could not help but see reflections of our society today.
This third book in the Hexworld series was darker and angstier than previous ones. The storyline involved serial killings of familiars in Central Park alongside religious anti-familiar fervor and laws.
The MCs, brought together by a desire to solve a murder, started out with an antagonistic relationship. Nick, a feral familiar who works to help other ferals is very anti witches. He is brother to Rook, who we’ve met in previous books. He teams up with Jamie, a veteran of the Spanish American war now working as a driver for the MWP. The two agree to bond temporarily. Nick keeps the secret that Jamie is His witch.
Although the MCs were interesting, I didn’t feel chemistry between them. I also missed the bit of humor and lightness in previous books brought in by the bevy of witches and familiars living and working at the coven.
Still, I enjoyed this book and thought the relationship between radical religious groups and the government timely, as were the growing hostilities against an already marginalized group of individuals. Although historical and fictional in this book, I could not help but see reflections of our society today.
April 20, 2018
Story: 4 stars
I think this one is the best in the series so far.
The mystery was really engaging and exiting. Jamie and Nick were exasperating, and had their tstl moments. (though I do understand why they fell for the obvious traps - Jamie is too trusting and loyal, and Nick to vulnerable to any familiars in need).
In all, this series isn't my favorite by the author, but I still love it.
Audio: 3 stars
The narrator though.. I don't really like him. He has a nice voice and is pleasant to listen to, but he has a couple of character voices and he mixes them up easily. Not the MC's (though there was also the accent mix-up in Hexbreaker), but the rest of the NWP crew... At times I couldn't differentiate between them at all. I'm not sure if it's the narrator or if it's just me not being a native speaker, but it managed to really confuse me out of the story a few times.
Final verdict: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I think this one is the best in the series so far.
The mystery was really engaging and exiting. Jamie and Nick were exasperating, and had their tstl moments. (though I do understand why they fell for the obvious traps - Jamie is too trusting and loyal, and Nick to vulnerable to any familiars in need).
In all, this series isn't my favorite by the author, but I still love it.
Audio: 3 stars
The narrator though.. I don't really like him. He has a nice voice and is pleasant to listen to, but he has a couple of character voices and he mixes them up easily. Not the MC's (though there was also the accent mix-up in Hexbreaker), but the rest of the NWP crew... At times I couldn't differentiate between them at all. I'm not sure if it's the narrator or if it's just me not being a native speaker, but it managed to really confuse me out of the story a few times.
Final verdict: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
January 29, 2023
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
In questo terzo volume della serie, ritroviamo i precedenti protagonisti e incontriamo nuovi personaggi, come Jamie MacDougal, assunto dalla PMM (la Polizia Magica Metropolitana) dopo aver partecipato a una guerra all’estero, che lo ha rimandato a casa come un eroe storpio e vittima di continua compassione da parte di tutti: amici, familiari, conoscenti.
La sua gamba di legno è sì un impedimento, ma Jamie è un uomo valoroso, coraggioso, dedito al lavoro e per niente propenso a farsi compatire. Il suo affetto per lo zio che lo ha allevato è grandissimo, al pari del rispetto che nutre per lui. Dato che l’uomo lavora per la polizia umana, è intenzione di Jamie renderlo orgoglioso intraprendendo una carriera nella PMM come mago, anche se non ancora accoppiato con un famiglio, cosa che gli permetterebbe di sfruttare il suo potenziale magico e di progredire di grado.
Quello che Jamie non si aspetta è di avere a che fare con il famiglio Nick, fratello del corvo Rook, che abbiamo già conosciuto in passato.
Continua sul nostro blog!
In questo terzo volume della serie, ritroviamo i precedenti protagonisti e incontriamo nuovi personaggi, come Jamie MacDougal, assunto dalla PMM (la Polizia Magica Metropolitana) dopo aver partecipato a una guerra all’estero, che lo ha rimandato a casa come un eroe storpio e vittima di continua compassione da parte di tutti: amici, familiari, conoscenti.
La sua gamba di legno è sì un impedimento, ma Jamie è un uomo valoroso, coraggioso, dedito al lavoro e per niente propenso a farsi compatire. Il suo affetto per lo zio che lo ha allevato è grandissimo, al pari del rispetto che nutre per lui. Dato che l’uomo lavora per la polizia umana, è intenzione di Jamie renderlo orgoglioso intraprendendo una carriera nella PMM come mago, anche se non ancora accoppiato con un famiglio, cosa che gli permetterebbe di sfruttare il suo potenziale magico e di progredire di grado.
Quello che Jamie non si aspetta è di avere a che fare con il famiglio Nick, fratello del corvo Rook, che abbiamo già conosciuto in passato.
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 14, 2021
Another fantastic addition to this fabulous series!
*wild clapping*
I loved Nick and in all his stubborn glory.
I loved Jamie and all his sudden surprises.
And I especially loved them together. *happy sigh*
The plot continues to thicken with this series and I simply can't get enough!!
A little gory but just enough to give me the shivers.
Can't wait for the next one!!
*wild clapping*
I loved Nick and in all his stubborn glory.
I loved Jamie and all his sudden surprises.
And I especially loved them together. *happy sigh*
The plot continues to thicken with this series and I simply can't get enough!!
A little gory but just enough to give me the shivers.
Can't wait for the next one!!
October 8, 2017
Cicero remains my fave, but Jamie's a lovely lad. A good read.
February 18, 2018
The mystery and intensity of this series keeps growing more and more and I LOVE IT.
Of course the narration made it more so. Tristan James is just a gem. He nailed this performance perfectly as usual.
Jamie was such a strong character despite all he’d been through. He gave as good as he got which was particularly true when it came to Nick. He wasn’t forceful, No, but he didn’t let himself be pushed around / bullied by Nick.
Speaking of Nick, he annoyed me in the initial stages of the book because I kept wondering why he was so damn rude and angry all the time. It became clearer why as the story went on .
Additionally , as I began to understand his thought processes and motives, I began to warm up to him.
The writing here was impeccable as usual. There was no way to predict how the story would go and the final showdown both thrilled and terrified me in equal measure while keeping me on the edge of my seat all throughout.
I’m definitely continuing this series till it’s final book no doubt. I do wonder if Isaac’s book is next. Doesn’t matter to me though, if Tristan James does the audio, I’m listening to it. Period. :D
Of course the narration made it more so. Tristan James is just a gem. He nailed this performance perfectly as usual.
Jamie was such a strong character despite all he’d been through. He gave as good as he got which was particularly true when it came to Nick. He wasn’t forceful, No, but he didn’t let himself be pushed around / bullied by Nick.
Speaking of Nick, he annoyed me in the initial stages of the book because I kept wondering why he was so damn rude and angry all the time. It became clearer why as the story went on .
Additionally , as I began to understand his thought processes and motives, I began to warm up to him.
The writing here was impeccable as usual. There was no way to predict how the story would go and the final showdown both thrilled and terrified me in equal measure while keeping me on the edge of my seat all throughout.
I’m definitely continuing this series till it’s final book no doubt. I do wonder if Isaac’s book is next. Doesn’t matter to me though, if Tristan James does the audio, I’m listening to it. Period. :D
February 5, 2023
Appassionate e coinvolgente.
Gli intrigi si infittiscono, le scoperte sorprendono e i due protagonisti commuovono, sia per la loro storia personale che per l'evoluzione dei loro sentimenti.
Un intreccio incalzante, che crea una tensione crescente e che crea le condizioni per una storia d'amore tormentata quanto basta per catturare la mia attenzione e dolce quanto serve per conquistarmi.
Il ritmo narrativo è intenso, lo stile accattivante e adattissimo al periodo storico cui si riferisce, la resa italiana curata.
Davvero bello!
4 stelle e mezzo
Hugs&kisses
Gli intrigi si infittiscono, le scoperte sorprendono e i due protagonisti commuovono, sia per la loro storia personale che per l'evoluzione dei loro sentimenti.
Un intreccio incalzante, che crea una tensione crescente e che crea le condizioni per una storia d'amore tormentata quanto basta per catturare la mia attenzione e dolce quanto serve per conquistarmi.
Il ritmo narrativo è intenso, lo stile accattivante e adattissimo al periodo storico cui si riferisce, la resa italiana curata.
Davvero bello!
4 stelle e mezzo
Hugs&kisses
November 8, 2017
Love this series, so darn creative with characters I really feel for and action that keeps my pulse beating faster. The romance was slow burn and very rewarding for this romance reader. I recommend the audio, read to perfection by Tristan James.
October 14, 2017
Being a pathological reader can sometimes put me at a disadvantage, that disadvantage being the challenge of finding something fresh and new that not only entertains but impresses upon my jaded reality an inventiveness or a twist that sets the book apart from the usual. Jordan L. Hawk is not only an author who strives, and succeeds, to offer readers unique stories set in some sort of fresh-hell mystery and dangerous dramatic arc, but she also continues to deliver those stories through characters who are charming, flawed, cheeky, otherworldly, every so often a bit broken, and manages to make me fall in love with them. I know there are more than a few Whyborne & Griffin fans out there who’ll vehemently disagree with me on this, but I have to say that the Hexworld series is my favorite, hands down, of this author’s overall outstanding body of work.
Nick is a character I’ve wanted to know better since the moment he was first introduced as Rook’s rather caustic older brother. Nick’s status as an unbonded horse familiar means he’s a feral who was always somewhat at risk of being force-bonded with a witch against his will, and it’s at his saloon, Caballus—what a great name. Yeah, I googled it—that his trouble begins in this novel. Nick isn’t above breaking the rules when it comes down to protecting other ferals from a new Public Safety and Security Act that makes being unbonded against the law, and he’s taken to running a sort of underground railroad that puts him in even greater danger if he’s caught. The implications of being a feral has some real-world connotations to it too, in the systemic discrimination against and indiscriminate mistreatment of unbonded familiars and their being gathered up and sent to the Menagerie. Part Alcatraz and part Azkaban, as I pictured it in my imagination, it’s a horrendous place where the unbonded go in and never come out. Or, if they do, it’s not because they’ve been paroled.
When Jamie is introduced, it doesn’t take long to realize that he’s of one mind with the law in regards to the new Pemberton Act, which makes him Nick’s foe by default. Jamie is also a witch (strike two) who works for the Metropolitan Witch Police (strike three), and he’s nephew to the head of the Dangerous Familiars Squad (he’s out). Things are bound to be antagonistic between them, but it’s familiarity that breeds a growing empathy for Jamie. And it’s a serial killer that breeds a growing terror among familiars, sending Nick straight into enemy territory to work with an MWP that’s been, by and large, ordered to focus on a bigger case. It’s only ferals dying after all… And this sends a reluctant Nick straight into Jamie’s arms as their investigation into the murders and the dark hexes carries on.
Once again, Jordan L. Hawk makes the setting and atmosphere of this novel come to life, as if it is itself a character that shifts and sets the tone and mood of each scene simply by being present in the narrative. It’s some powerful good scribing when you can ‘feel’ a scene through the author’s choice of words, and it’s one of the things that makes this author’s books so much fun to read—the ability to disconnect from reality amidst the sights and sounds and smells of another world, and then emerge on the other side of it with more characters to love. I always love the animal mannerisms that emerge from the human side of her familiars, as well. It’s such a fun method of layering their characters with distinction.
Jamie’s backstory lends a note of heartbreak to the storyline, one that made me wish we’d got to know his ex-lover a bit more intimately before he died. We also get a much clearer picture of the overall series arc in Hexslayer, which promises to be exciting, compelling and will surely breed more death and mayhem before Hawk types The End on this series.
I loved this book, it’s right up there with Hexbreaker as my favorite so far, and it was great, as always, to get glimpses of Rook and Dominic, Cicero and Tom, and Mal and Owen. Isaac and Bill Quigley also get a scene or three as the investigation into the murders continues, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll feature in their own novel. Which I’m hoping is a thing. It’s a thing, right? It must be a thing.
Watching Nick’s reluctant feelings for Jamie emerge, and Jamie’s eventual awakening, a quite rude awakening at that, which highlighted how, albeit unintentionally, he’d been contributing to the bitter inequalities and harsh truths of life as an unbonded familiar, and how the laws which are presented as protection are the false face of laws that allow the persecution of peaceable ferals, was the romantic affirmation that love prevails over even the most twisted evil.
Hexslayer is yet more conclusive proof that fiction is better than reality, and I hope it never gets old for this author to hear praises sung for her characters and the extraordinary worlds she creates. It doesn’t seem as if that’s going to end anytime soon. Leastwise, not by me.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Nick is a character I’ve wanted to know better since the moment he was first introduced as Rook’s rather caustic older brother. Nick’s status as an unbonded horse familiar means he’s a feral who was always somewhat at risk of being force-bonded with a witch against his will, and it’s at his saloon, Caballus—what a great name. Yeah, I googled it—that his trouble begins in this novel. Nick isn’t above breaking the rules when it comes down to protecting other ferals from a new Public Safety and Security Act that makes being unbonded against the law, and he’s taken to running a sort of underground railroad that puts him in even greater danger if he’s caught. The implications of being a feral has some real-world connotations to it too, in the systemic discrimination against and indiscriminate mistreatment of unbonded familiars and their being gathered up and sent to the Menagerie. Part Alcatraz and part Azkaban, as I pictured it in my imagination, it’s a horrendous place where the unbonded go in and never come out. Or, if they do, it’s not because they’ve been paroled.
When Jamie is introduced, it doesn’t take long to realize that he’s of one mind with the law in regards to the new Pemberton Act, which makes him Nick’s foe by default. Jamie is also a witch (strike two) who works for the Metropolitan Witch Police (strike three), and he’s nephew to the head of the Dangerous Familiars Squad (he’s out). Things are bound to be antagonistic between them, but it’s familiarity that breeds a growing empathy for Jamie. And it’s a serial killer that breeds a growing terror among familiars, sending Nick straight into enemy territory to work with an MWP that’s been, by and large, ordered to focus on a bigger case. It’s only ferals dying after all… And this sends a reluctant Nick straight into Jamie’s arms as their investigation into the murders and the dark hexes carries on.
Once again, Jordan L. Hawk makes the setting and atmosphere of this novel come to life, as if it is itself a character that shifts and sets the tone and mood of each scene simply by being present in the narrative. It’s some powerful good scribing when you can ‘feel’ a scene through the author’s choice of words, and it’s one of the things that makes this author’s books so much fun to read—the ability to disconnect from reality amidst the sights and sounds and smells of another world, and then emerge on the other side of it with more characters to love. I always love the animal mannerisms that emerge from the human side of her familiars, as well. It’s such a fun method of layering their characters with distinction.
Jamie’s backstory lends a note of heartbreak to the storyline, one that made me wish we’d got to know his ex-lover a bit more intimately before he died. We also get a much clearer picture of the overall series arc in Hexslayer, which promises to be exciting, compelling and will surely breed more death and mayhem before Hawk types The End on this series.
I loved this book, it’s right up there with Hexbreaker as my favorite so far, and it was great, as always, to get glimpses of Rook and Dominic, Cicero and Tom, and Mal and Owen. Isaac and Bill Quigley also get a scene or three as the investigation into the murders continues, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll feature in their own novel. Which I’m hoping is a thing. It’s a thing, right? It must be a thing.
Watching Nick’s reluctant feelings for Jamie emerge, and Jamie’s eventual awakening, a quite rude awakening at that, which highlighted how, albeit unintentionally, he’d been contributing to the bitter inequalities and harsh truths of life as an unbonded familiar, and how the laws which are presented as protection are the false face of laws that allow the persecution of peaceable ferals, was the romantic affirmation that love prevails over even the most twisted evil.
Hexslayer is yet more conclusive proof that fiction is better than reality, and I hope it never gets old for this author to hear praises sung for her characters and the extraordinary worlds she creates. It doesn’t seem as if that’s going to end anytime soon. Leastwise, not by me.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
November 17, 2021
HEXSLAYER was a great continuation of this series though it also shows the deteriorating trust between familiars, witches, and humans and I’m curious to see how the last book will resolve some of these issues. The relationship in this one is more contentious because Nick, a horse familiar, absolutely hates witches and he’s quite the horse's ass (pun intended) for a large portion of the book. While he has very real and traumatic reasons for feeling the way he does it did mean that I never really warmed to his character until the very end. Especially because I loved Jamie, who is such an open book, so it was hard to see him be hurt by Nick’s attitude and words. That being said, I can’t recommend this series enough if you love paranormal romance with a historical setting.
Content Warning: on page police brutality and intimidation (not Jamie)
Content Warning: on page police brutality and intimidation (not Jamie)
October 29, 2017
Of all of Jordan L. Hawk’s worlds, I think I like Hexworld the best. Maybe it’s because it’s a world very familiar to me as a student of the Gilded Age in America. That’s a pretty small niche, admittedly, but it allows me to see just how careful Hawk is in creating a world where magic is an uncomfortable truth, and in which witches need familiars, although familiars are not treated as fully human beings. Hawk brings turn-of-the-20th-century New York into high relief, interweaving the world of magic into the world of American social history. It is intense and compelling.
Magic has always been. It is written into the history of the ancient Romans; it was part of the Spanish Inquisition; it is enshrined in the laws of the United States regulating witchcraft and the relationships between witches and familiars. Magic is as essential to American life as industry and politics. And yet there are those, religious reformers, who continue to see magic as evil (think: Salem, 1692) and who carry on a reactionary fight against the sexually liberated familiars and the witches with whom they bond. The seeking of political power is as American as apple pie and magic itself is both the target and the tool to achieve it.
New York City, and in this case Central Park, is a key player in Hawk’s Hexworld. Even as the Metropolitan Witch Police are being pushed to control the black market in illegal hexes, they are drawn into a series of gruesome murders in Central Park. As a pattern emerges, Dominic (the Hexmaker) and his crow familiar Rook are forced to look for help. Jamie, a young witch who rode up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt’s Roughriders just the year before, is enlisted to work with Rook’s brother Nicholas—a massive warhorse familiar. Nick is known as a protector of the unbonded familiars in New York. He and Jamie together they can provide the assistance that the Witch Police need to do all the work they need to do. Trouble is, Nick hates witches for their unjust treatment of familiars. Even more complicating is the fact that, when he meets Jamie, he realizes to his horror, that Jamie is his witch, the witch with whom he is meant to bond.
Race, class, orientation, politics, power—all these ingredients come together to make for a page-turner of a novel that will keep your heart in your throat even as it provides you with a vivid understanding of an American past that is uncomfortably real in spite of the fantasy at its center. This is a romance, but it is much more than that. Hexslayer is a fantastic installment in what is fast becoming one of the most interesting paranormal series in my experience.
Magic has always been. It is written into the history of the ancient Romans; it was part of the Spanish Inquisition; it is enshrined in the laws of the United States regulating witchcraft and the relationships between witches and familiars. Magic is as essential to American life as industry and politics. And yet there are those, religious reformers, who continue to see magic as evil (think: Salem, 1692) and who carry on a reactionary fight against the sexually liberated familiars and the witches with whom they bond. The seeking of political power is as American as apple pie and magic itself is both the target and the tool to achieve it.
New York City, and in this case Central Park, is a key player in Hawk’s Hexworld. Even as the Metropolitan Witch Police are being pushed to control the black market in illegal hexes, they are drawn into a series of gruesome murders in Central Park. As a pattern emerges, Dominic (the Hexmaker) and his crow familiar Rook are forced to look for help. Jamie, a young witch who rode up San Juan Hill with Teddy Roosevelt’s Roughriders just the year before, is enlisted to work with Rook’s brother Nicholas—a massive warhorse familiar. Nick is known as a protector of the unbonded familiars in New York. He and Jamie together they can provide the assistance that the Witch Police need to do all the work they need to do. Trouble is, Nick hates witches for their unjust treatment of familiars. Even more complicating is the fact that, when he meets Jamie, he realizes to his horror, that Jamie is his witch, the witch with whom he is meant to bond.
Race, class, orientation, politics, power—all these ingredients come together to make for a page-turner of a novel that will keep your heart in your throat even as it provides you with a vivid understanding of an American past that is uncomfortably real in spite of the fantasy at its center. This is a romance, but it is much more than that. Hexslayer is a fantastic installment in what is fast becoming one of the most interesting paranormal series in my experience.
May 11, 2019
MMRG Bingo Free Space
I adore this series I love the setting/period of gilded age NYC and if memory serves, I’ve given everything else I have read a resounding 5-stars. This time around the characterization was still excellent, but the personalities of the two mc’s were flat. The personalities suited the characters based on their back stories, but I think the protagonists in this installment would have been more enjoyable if they had been paired with an counterpart with more vibrancy to their personalities rather than each other.
I think this quibble is more my personal preferences. I resoundingly recco this series. If anyone wants to test the waters, I think the introductory novella, The 13th Hex is available for $ .99. This 50-something page novella does a really excellent job of setting up the series. Try it!
I adore this series I love the setting/period of gilded age NYC and if memory serves, I’ve given everything else I have read a resounding 5-stars. This time around the characterization was still excellent, but the personalities of the two mc’s were flat. The personalities suited the characters based on their back stories, but I think the protagonists in this installment would have been more enjoyable if they had been paired with an counterpart with more vibrancy to their personalities rather than each other.
I think this quibble is more my personal preferences. I resoundingly recco this series. If anyone wants to test the waters, I think the introductory novella, The 13th Hex is available for $ .99. This 50-something page novella does a really excellent job of setting up the series. Try it!
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