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SPECTR Series 2 #4
Breaker of Chains
Big changes are afoot at SPECTR. John Starkweather, once a hotshot field agent, is now benched. Instead of chasing down demons during Charleston's biggest outbreak, he's stuck interviewing exorcists about a previous case. But what at first seems like a busywork assignment takes a darker turn, as John begins to suspect the increase in possessions might not be coincidence, but part of an unseen conspiracy.
The vampire spirit Gray was made to hunt demons and drink their blood. He and his human host, Caleb Jansen, ought to be at the forefront of SPECTR's field team. But their new partners refuse to let Gray use any of his abilities, let alone actually hunt and fight.
Fortunately, Caleb and Gray have allies outside of SPECTR: the only other living drakul, Drugoy and his host Yuri Azarov. Yuri and Dru live by no mortal's rules, and they can show Caleb and Gray how to do the same…depending on how far they're willing to go.
Because breaking the rules comes with a cost, and the price of Caleb and Gray's freedom may be the life of the man they love.
The vampire spirit Gray was made to hunt demons and drink their blood. He and his human host, Caleb Jansen, ought to be at the forefront of SPECTR's field team. But their new partners refuse to let Gray use any of his abilities, let alone actually hunt and fight.
Fortunately, Caleb and Gray have allies outside of SPECTR: the only other living drakul, Drugoy and his host Yuri Azarov. Yuri and Dru live by no mortal's rules, and they can show Caleb and Gray how to do the same…depending on how far they're willing to go.
Because breaking the rules comes with a cost, and the price of Caleb and Gray's freedom may be the life of the man they love.
117 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2018
28 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
84 books2,642 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 82 reviews
April 7, 2018
Oh sweet mercy! I am equal parts ecstatic and exasperated. Seems like a familiar feeling with this series. I couldn’t download this baby fast enough and power read it in one dose. BUT! I was stomping my feet and pulling off a spectacular temper tantrum by the end. My inner child/needy greedy reader was having a meltdown. Because…..we have another brutal cliffhanger! Why oh why must you torture us so Hawk? Okay, I’ll admit I’m eager for my next torture session but, you’re killing me. Seriously. This cliffy was…especially hard. I wasn’t left with the typical book buzz this series gives me. I found myself biting my lip and wringing my hands. I’m…nervous and upset and jonesing for the next installment.
Breaker of Chains has a different tone than the previous books. They are still doing their thing and rocking it but…not as a unit. John is stressed, Gray is frustrated and Caleb is…wearing a suit! Say what? Yeah, things are out of whack. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good, really good, but I found it more stressful than any of the other books in the series. Almost as if, the heat has been cranked up to an uncomfortable level rather than the pleasant burn of the other books. Things have shifted and are unsettled. The unpredictability is nerve-wracking. And, I can’t wait for more!!
What's to like: Slipping back into the SPECTR world fills me with a giddy joy and excitement that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. If you enjoy PNR and haven’t found this series yet, you are sorely missing out. Start at the beginning. This isn’t a standalone and should be consumed in the proper order. This world is unbelievably amazing. This particular segment was longer than the last and I was glad we had a hearty serving. I’ve missed them and found myself soaking up their quirks and unique dynamic. I’ll admit I’m not thrilled the guys have been separated at work. I understand why…but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. *grumbles with Gray* My heart hurt for Caleb and I agreed with Gray’s sentiment more than once. The last book introduced new faces and I was looking forward to getting to know “them”. We get closer to Dru and Yuri but I’m leery and undecided if I’m a fan or not. However, I have no doubt Hawk will give me what I need in the next book. So far this series has been a sure thing and as long as I settle into my patience chair, it’s all good. Honestly, book patience isn’t my strongest suit. But sacrifices must be made and if waiting is one of them, count me in for the long haul.
What's to love: Gray. And Caleb. And John. I just love them to pieces. As I mentioned this one hurt a bit more. They are being pulled and pushed and begin to weaken. Witnessing them fade from the invincible triangle they have been was tough. I prefer to see them fly but sometimes you have to fall before you soar. As with any lengthy series conflict is necessary to drive them forward. When the turmoil is “in-house” I get fussy. But you know what they say about makeup sex? *gulp* They are so hot now, I’m afraid my kindle will catch fire in the next book. It’s going to be okay. They will be fine…better than. I say this because I believe deep in my heart they are destined for the best happily ever after in paranormal history. Yep. It’s gonna be epic. Has anybody heard when the next book is coming? Please pass it along when you do! I will have to clear my schedule for another bookfest. Everything stops when a SPECTR book comes out, these guys top off my need-to-read-now shelf. #spectrobsessed
Beware of: New players throw a kink in the circle or errr, triangle. And it’s not a welcome kink in my opinion. The team has been broken up and I missed them working together. I also missed Zahira, she’s not as active in this book. And yes, don’t forget about the bloody cliffhanger. Regardless of any grumbles, plan on a sensational story. It’s so good. Ohh, and of course there’s some gore. But that’s to be expected by now.
This book is for: PNR fans, Hawk fans and SPECTR fans. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating…..you might want to wait until the series is finished if cliffhangers aren’t your thing. AND…if you haven’t begun this extraordinary journey yet, you really really should.
Book UNfunk
Breaker of Chains has a different tone than the previous books. They are still doing their thing and rocking it but…not as a unit. John is stressed, Gray is frustrated and Caleb is…wearing a suit! Say what? Yeah, things are out of whack. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good, really good, but I found it more stressful than any of the other books in the series. Almost as if, the heat has been cranked up to an uncomfortable level rather than the pleasant burn of the other books. Things have shifted and are unsettled. The unpredictability is nerve-wracking. And, I can’t wait for more!!
What's to like: Slipping back into the SPECTR world fills me with a giddy joy and excitement that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. If you enjoy PNR and haven’t found this series yet, you are sorely missing out. Start at the beginning. This isn’t a standalone and should be consumed in the proper order. This world is unbelievably amazing. This particular segment was longer than the last and I was glad we had a hearty serving. I’ve missed them and found myself soaking up their quirks and unique dynamic. I’ll admit I’m not thrilled the guys have been separated at work. I understand why…but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. *grumbles with Gray* My heart hurt for Caleb and I agreed with Gray’s sentiment more than once. The last book introduced new faces and I was looking forward to getting to know “them”. We get closer to Dru and Yuri but I’m leery and undecided if I’m a fan or not. However, I have no doubt Hawk will give me what I need in the next book. So far this series has been a sure thing and as long as I settle into my patience chair, it’s all good. Honestly, book patience isn’t my strongest suit. But sacrifices must be made and if waiting is one of them, count me in for the long haul.
What's to love: Gray. And Caleb. And John. I just love them to pieces. As I mentioned this one hurt a bit more. They are being pulled and pushed and begin to weaken. Witnessing them fade from the invincible triangle they have been was tough. I prefer to see them fly but sometimes you have to fall before you soar. As with any lengthy series conflict is necessary to drive them forward. When the turmoil is “in-house” I get fussy. But you know what they say about makeup sex? *gulp* They are so hot now, I’m afraid my kindle will catch fire in the next book. It’s going to be okay. They will be fine…better than. I say this because I believe deep in my heart they are destined for the best happily ever after in paranormal history. Yep. It’s gonna be epic. Has anybody heard when the next book is coming? Please pass it along when you do! I will have to clear my schedule for another bookfest. Everything stops when a SPECTR book comes out, these guys top off my need-to-read-now shelf. #spectrobsessed
Beware of: New players throw a kink in the circle or errr, triangle. And it’s not a welcome kink in my opinion. The team has been broken up and I missed them working together. I also missed Zahira, she’s not as active in this book. And yes, don’t forget about the bloody cliffhanger. Regardless of any grumbles, plan on a sensational story. It’s so good. Ohh, and of course there’s some gore. But that’s to be expected by now.
This book is for: PNR fans, Hawk fans and SPECTR fans. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating…..you might want to wait until the series is finished if cliffhangers aren’t your thing. AND…if you haven’t begun this extraordinary journey yet, you really really should.
Book UNfunk
March 8, 2018
A spectacular, heart-pounding rollercoaster ride of a book from one of the best paranormal writers in the genre.
There comes a point in a series when a writer has to basically level up the action and tension. And for the SPECTR books, THIS is that book. Hawk not only delivers twists and turns but also a great foil of a bad guy and a fantastic who-is-on-what-side puzzle.
Gorgeous writing as usual and once again, Hawk sculpts out the perfect imperfect characters with action-packed scenes.
I cannot wait for the next book, especially since I have no idea where this is going but damn, I really want to get there.
There comes a point in a series when a writer has to basically level up the action and tension. And for the SPECTR books, THIS is that book. Hawk not only delivers twists and turns but also a great foil of a bad guy and a fantastic who-is-on-what-side puzzle.
Gorgeous writing as usual and once again, Hawk sculpts out the perfect imperfect characters with action-packed scenes.
I cannot wait for the next book, especially since I have no idea where this is going but damn, I really want to get there.
March 17, 2018
Seriously it had to end like that !!!! I love this story, John, Caleb & Grey and their unique relationship. The continued struggling with the ridiculous rules and leash their boss had put on them so I was ever so excited when Caleb grew some balls and basically told them to FUCK RIGHT OFF. Of course there is never any peace for these guys so the ending was unexpected- I mean really ... more shit ?
Ok so no spoilers but I trust these guys to sort this shit out in the next book !
Ok so no spoilers but I trust these guys to sort this shit out in the next book !
June 7, 2020
Well, it seems like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong with our MCs here. SPECTR is no longer the agency either (+Grey) thought they'd joined and I think I was just as frustrated as Caleb/Grey with the new restrictions, many of them a Catch-22.
Ends on a cliffhanger, again, and I might just have to listen to the next one later today!
Ends on a cliffhanger, again, and I might just have to listen to the next one later today!
April 2, 2020
this was motherfuckin EXPLOSIVE and i have so many emotions
September 22, 2018
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series 2, posted on each novella in this series, because I am wiped out.
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, .
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, .
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*
April 20, 2024
It's ok...I'm ok....just crying over BREAKER OF CHAINS and how emotional this book was. My heart is breaking for Caleb and Gray after everything they've gone through and all the people who have hurt them just for being different. And that cliffhanger is not helping!
So many story lines came together in the last 10% and it was a serious roller-coaster of a ride! I don't know how this is all going to end but it's going to be emotional I'm sure.
Content Warning: workplace harassment
So many story lines came together in the last 10% and it was a serious roller-coaster of a ride! I don't know how this is all going to end but it's going to be emotional I'm sure.
Content Warning: workplace harassment
April 8, 2020
Audiobook reviewYou know, sometimes it’s good to come (way) late to a party – or series. This way I don’t have to wait for books to be published, and that mother of all cliffhangers didn’t bother me as much as I can just go right for the next story. But boy was it a doozy. So do your sanity a favour, make sure you have the time to go directly for Shaker of Earth, don’t pass go, no waiting, go right for the book.
Things are definitely getting complicated in Breaker of Chains. There are many players and agendas that clashes, and if things were tense before it’s been nothing compared to the tension in this book. The demon outbreak is still going strong in town and the agents in SPECTR are overworked and overwhelmed trying to stop them all. Caleb and Gray are frustrated with being side-lined, watching the mayhem when they could have helped. John too have been benched from fieldwork. Once a dedicated agent, now a pariah at the office, and to add insult to injury he’s no longer partnered with his lovers. Then there was Yuri and Drugoy, the only other living drakul and host. They’ve been bonded much longer than Gray and Caleb, and understandably they are curious and have many, many questions...
Breaker of Chains was by far the most intense book in the series so far. The stakes have never been higher and there were a lot of twists and turns, strings that tied together into one horrible picture. This is a book that will have your imagination run wild, your heart pounding and you might even shed a tear or two. And it’s all worth it.
This is the kind of narration that we’ve come to expect and love from Brad Langer. The voices, the intensity, the feelings. It was great! Caleb’s sadness of having lost his friends was so palpable in Langer voice and he made you feel that despair. And also John’s feeling of being left out, from work, from all things Yuri. I just realised something when trying to find moments that stood out. They were all emotional and negative emotions at that; sadness, loneliness, longing, fear. Rarely, if ever, are these happy books, it’s one disaster after the other, one blow following the next. There is love here, definitely, but it’s not at the forefront. I don’t love the series any less for it, because this is one rollercoaster of a series.
Things are building towards a final show down and judging by the events in this book, the world might want to take cover.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 5, 2018
Rounded up to 3.5 stars.
Breaker of Chains cannot be read as a standalone and the reader needs to have read the previous books in the series. The WHOLE series.
One word: Cliffhanger.
Premise of the book is John has been assigned to doing interviews. Zahira is on desk duty, and Calab is stuck with two arrogant asshats who are determined to put Calab in his place and in a suit. Gray is not happy, but is willing to cope with the indignities and insults so long as they don’t hurt John and Zahira.
Meanwhile, Calab befriends Yuri and Drugoy, another human/drakul who speaks of hunting together and of friendship based on their unique situation. John feels Calab slipping away, lured by the icy haired Russian like the Sirens lured the cruise ship in Charleston Bay.
And then everything goes pear-shaped, sideways, and just generally implodes.
Which is where the reader is left HANGING.
So now I am a tich annoyed. In this latest installment I felt the characters lost their quirky sense of humor, we continue to have the over the top animosity from fellow SPECTR agents, and the paranormal manifestation rather than being “oh, that’s kinda interesting” turned into some kind of horror feast. Literally. I didn’t spell that wrong.
Then lordy oh lordy, we have the world’s biggest Misunderstanding between Calab, Gray and John yet. Not merely a “Oh blessed Sekhmet, what have you done?" but a full blown rejection of everything they’ve built to date.
I’ll maintain I still (mostly) enjoy this series because the books aren’t overly complicated, I like the characters, there is enough tension to keep me interested, and the premise is interesting. But I feel like everything has hopped on the crazy train and all the carefully constructed relationships and quirkiness is flying off the tracks. Which I’m not so thrilled about.
For those of you who have been following this series, I’m honestly not sure what you’re are going to think of this latest installment. I'm still not sure what I think of this latest installment...
Dear Ms. Hawk – please don’t make me wait a YEAR to find out what happens!
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
Breaker of Chains cannot be read as a standalone and the reader needs to have read the previous books in the series. The WHOLE series.
One word: Cliffhanger.
Premise of the book is John has been assigned to doing interviews. Zahira is on desk duty, and Calab is stuck with two arrogant asshats who are determined to put Calab in his place and in a suit. Gray is not happy, but is willing to cope with the indignities and insults so long as they don’t hurt John and Zahira.
Meanwhile, Calab befriends Yuri and Drugoy, another human/drakul who speaks of hunting together and of friendship based on their unique situation. John feels Calab slipping away, lured by the icy haired Russian like the Sirens lured the cruise ship in Charleston Bay.
And then everything goes pear-shaped, sideways, and just generally implodes.
Which is where the reader is left HANGING.
So now I am a tich annoyed. In this latest installment I felt the characters lost their quirky sense of humor, we continue to have the over the top animosity from fellow SPECTR agents, and the paranormal manifestation rather than being “oh, that’s kinda interesting” turned into some kind of horror feast. Literally. I didn’t spell that wrong.
Then lordy oh lordy, we have the world’s biggest Misunderstanding between Calab, Gray and John yet. Not merely a “Oh blessed Sekhmet, what have you done?" but a full blown rejection of everything they’ve built to date.
I’ll maintain I still (mostly) enjoy this series because the books aren’t overly complicated, I like the characters, there is enough tension to keep me interested, and the premise is interesting. But I feel like everything has hopped on the crazy train and all the carefully constructed relationships and quirkiness is flying off the tracks. Which I’m not so thrilled about.
For those of you who have been following this series, I’m honestly not sure what you’re are going to think of this latest installment. I'm still not sure what I think of this latest installment...
Dear Ms. Hawk – please don’t make me wait a YEAR to find out what happens!
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
June 27, 2018
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
March 18, 2018
I need the next book NOW. Noooooowwwww.
I'll write a more thougthful review when i'm on my laptop. Phones suck for this.
Just a thing- if you haven't read this series, please consider it. I truly believe it's one of the best ever.
I'll write a more thougthful review when i'm on my laptop. Phones suck for this.
Just a thing- if you haven't read this series, please consider it. I truly believe it's one of the best ever.
March 17, 2018
It’s seven years bad luck to break a mirror…wonder what you get for breaking someone’s heart?
As this second series nears it’s end, we are left even more in chaos than before. The team is broken up: John has to deal with a career that has hit a brick wall (going 100 mph), Caleb has to deal with new partners who are gunning for him (probably literally), and Gray is put on a no-demon diet (mortal nonsense!). And that is just the mess at work. At home John is feeling betrayed by Caleb and Gray’s lies, while they are increasingly feeling the strain of trying to be something that they are not in order to protect what they love. There are no easy answers for any of it, and with a city that is filling to the brink with NHE’s, they don’t have the time to try. They can only hope the camel’s back can handle a few more straws.
Well…this is going to be short. Not because I don’t have a lot to say about this book–believe me, I have so many words…and most of them are for a certain author–but because just about everything I want to talk about in regards to this story are spoilers. Which makes writing a review a bit tough. But I’ll give a go.
First off…that goddamn freaking cliffhanger. Man, that is going to kill everyone. I know it just about did me in. I’m tempted to send Jordan Hawk grumpy cat gifs for the next two months because of the ending of this story. Don’t get me wrong, I freaking loved it, but my heart can only take so much this month and that has been maxed out by real life shit. Having to wait who knows how long for the next book in the series is cruel and unusual torture.
Secondly…some of it I saw coming, some I didn’t. I started off this second series with a few predictions, and while we are not at the end so I can’t call anything for certain, there are enough of both that I’m feeling pretty good. I think this series only has one more entry to go, so going into the final story I think we are in an excellent place in regards to certain characters and their arcs. And I really love that this one was able to still pull on my heartstrings. Really, really, hard.
Goddamn cliffhanger.
Mostly what I got for you is this: if you’ve been loving these stories, I think you are going to love this. The end will make you want to plaster Jordan Hawk’s house with photocopies of grumpy vampires though. Just warning ya.
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.
As this second series nears it’s end, we are left even more in chaos than before. The team is broken up: John has to deal with a career that has hit a brick wall (going 100 mph), Caleb has to deal with new partners who are gunning for him (probably literally), and Gray is put on a no-demon diet (mortal nonsense!). And that is just the mess at work. At home John is feeling betrayed by Caleb and Gray’s lies, while they are increasingly feeling the strain of trying to be something that they are not in order to protect what they love. There are no easy answers for any of it, and with a city that is filling to the brink with NHE’s, they don’t have the time to try. They can only hope the camel’s back can handle a few more straws.
Well…this is going to be short. Not because I don’t have a lot to say about this book–believe me, I have so many words…and most of them are for a certain author–but because just about everything I want to talk about in regards to this story are spoilers. Which makes writing a review a bit tough. But I’ll give a go.
First off…that goddamn freaking cliffhanger. Man, that is going to kill everyone. I know it just about did me in. I’m tempted to send Jordan Hawk grumpy cat gifs for the next two months because of the ending of this story. Don’t get me wrong, I freaking loved it, but my heart can only take so much this month and that has been maxed out by real life shit. Having to wait who knows how long for the next book in the series is cruel and unusual torture.
Secondly…some of it I saw coming, some I didn’t. I started off this second series with a few predictions, and while we are not at the end so I can’t call anything for certain, there are enough of both that I’m feeling pretty good. I think this series only has one more entry to go, so going into the final story I think we are in an excellent place in regards to certain characters and their arcs. And I really love that this one was able to still pull on my heartstrings. Really, really, hard.
Goddamn cliffhanger.
Mostly what I got for you is this: if you’ve been loving these stories, I think you are going to love this. The end will make you want to plaster Jordan Hawk’s house with photocopies of grumpy vampires though. Just warning ya.
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.
September 6, 2018
When last I saw my guys, Caleb/Gray had kept information from John regarding the only other living drakul, Yuri/Drugoy. They had a really good reason seeing that if SPECTR found out, Yuri/Drugoy would have been hunted until they were captured and imprisoned, and Caleb/Gray figured John didn’t need to be keeping a secret that would make him liable. John was already in enough trouble with the district chief, so Caleb/Gray assumed (HA!) their little white lies to him wouldn’t hurt. Until John came face to face with Yuri/Drugoy.
John is stuck interviewing exorcists in order to figure out who helped the grendel (from the previous installment) enter this plane and cause so much destruction. Of course, the university staff and alums are all so horribly embarrassed to be brought to light (never mind all the dead bodies from the grendel’s death spree) that the district chief blames it all on John and his “disgusting drakul”. I swear my guys can’t get a break! They deserve respect for all they do, not this constant condemnation. And poor Caleb/Gray are reduced to working with two of the most offensive agents there who won’t allow Gray to manifest and have ordered Caleb to wear a suit.
It broke my heart to watch Caleb/Gray spending more time with Yuri/Drugoy and John worrying that he was losing them. I understood from Caleb/Gray’s perspective that they wanted some answers from the only other living drakul pair, but I still didn’t like it. The author certainly had me worried as well, although I could feel this story continuing up, up, and farther up, and I couldn’t wait to see the crescendo. Jordan L. Hawk has been building this arc ever since she began SPECTR 2 and I had a feeling that ‘Breaker Of Chains’ was going to let everything explode.
“You are wrong,” Gray told Drugoy. “Five thousand years have taught me every life is of consequence. You say mortals live short lives. You pretend our love for John must be less because his days will come to an end. But there is never any moment but now. This moment, this second, this breath, matters as much as any other in all of history. What we choose to do with it matters as much as any other choice.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
John is stuck interviewing exorcists in order to figure out who helped the grendel (from the previous installment) enter this plane and cause so much destruction. Of course, the university staff and alums are all so horribly embarrassed to be brought to light (never mind all the dead bodies from the grendel’s death spree) that the district chief blames it all on John and his “disgusting drakul”. I swear my guys can’t get a break! They deserve respect for all they do, not this constant condemnation. And poor Caleb/Gray are reduced to working with two of the most offensive agents there who won’t allow Gray to manifest and have ordered Caleb to wear a suit.
It broke my heart to watch Caleb/Gray spending more time with Yuri/Drugoy and John worrying that he was losing them. I understood from Caleb/Gray’s perspective that they wanted some answers from the only other living drakul pair, but I still didn’t like it. The author certainly had me worried as well, although I could feel this story continuing up, up, and farther up, and I couldn’t wait to see the crescendo. Jordan L. Hawk has been building this arc ever since she began SPECTR 2 and I had a feeling that ‘Breaker Of Chains’ was going to let everything explode.
“You are wrong,” Gray told Drugoy. “Five thousand years have taught me every life is of consequence. You say mortals live short lives. You pretend our love for John must be less because his days will come to an end. But there is never any moment but now. This moment, this second, this breath, matters as much as any other in all of history. What we choose to do with it matters as much as any other choice.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
November 1, 2020
No no no no no!!! What a rollercoaster and then that cliffhanger ending! No time to write more here, I need to read book 5 right now! There has to be a good ending!!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 5, 2020
Audiobook 3⭐️⭐️⭐️....
Story 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️....
The one where EVERYTHING IMPLODES!!! If you haven’t read this series, remedy that!!
As a reader/listener you know that things have slowly been going downhill for a few books and you want to jump into the story and slap some sense into Caleb, Gray and John!
I hate that some of the downhill slide is their fault through lack of communication. Others are also to blame here: boss, co-workers, and other outside forces. Ackk!!
I need to finish this storyline cause I’m hanging off a cliff!
My rec? Yessssssss!
Story 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️....
The one where EVERYTHING IMPLODES!!! If you haven’t read this series, remedy that!!
As a reader/listener you know that things have slowly been going downhill for a few books and you want to jump into the story and slap some sense into Caleb, Gray and John!
I hate that some of the downhill slide is their fault through lack of communication. Others are also to blame here: boss, co-workers, and other outside forces. Ackk!!
I need to finish this storyline cause I’m hanging off a cliff!
My rec? Yessssssss!
March 19, 2018
Big changes are afoot everywhere! There’s an I don’t even know what to do with all of these feelings right now moment at the end of Breaker of Chains. We’ve all been there, that best kind of book hangover stage where you stare into space so hard and so long you can almost see the fourth dimension. I love when a book leaves me so shook that I can’t find the words to express it. This is one big hangover shook-me-to-the-core kind of read, and here’s the kicker: I can’t even tell you why. Not because I don’t know why but because I don’t want to spoil a single thing for you.
I’m not sure if I owe this to my own obtuseness or to Jordan L. Hawk’s craftiness, but I didn’t recognize, until it was staring me in the face, how much of what has come before has been building up to this crucial and heart-wrenching moment. We romance lovers tend to forget that the beginning of a relationship doesn’t spell the end of issues to overcome, and that’s especially true here. Obviously I knew there was going to be a critical arc in the storyline—this is a JLH book, after all—but here is not where I expected to be left. The emotional sucker punch Hawk delivers to readers in Breaker of Chains is on point and succeeds in exposing a single imperative in the series arc: it shows us beyond the shadow of a doubt that Caleb and Gray living an existence that straddles two such diametrically opposed realities, each of those realities leaving them more and more isolated, would be the catalyst that compels them into actions and decisions that they believe they can weigh against John and their love for him—a miscalculation that invites serious repercussions and caused me to see, from a new angle, Grayleb as the ‘other’ they truly are. Caleb and Gray have always had a certain sangfroid about them, which is why I love them as drakul and host, but there’s never been any mistaking that their passion runs right alongside it, their passion for John as well as their passion for ridding their world of paranormal entities, not on SPECTR’s behalf but on behalf of Gray’s bloodlust—the term ‘crime of passion’ exists for a reason.
Caleb and Gray are both angered by being handcuffed to SPECTR and then pulled away from John and Zahira to work with a couple of agents whose loathing of them is anything but subtle. Their discovering another host and drakul (with whom Gray has a history) might have been the answer to Grayleb’s loneliness and disgruntlement, if that meeting hadn’t instead become the pin in the hand grenade that was pulled and now leaves so much devastation in its wake. This is where this novella is spot-on; it presents Grayleb’s discontentment, offers them options, and then shows readers how the gift of choice comes with great power, and if not handled with great responsibility, it can cause utter chaos.
This -verse looms large with all manner of spooks and ghouls and otherworldly beings, and I remain impressed by the addition of every new creature-character summoned from the annals of mythology. Breaker of Chains ends in a massive cliffhanger, in case my vagueness didn’t make that obvious, and I’m left alternately cursing the author and cheering that this series installment left me a wreck. When an author steps aside and allows their characters the freedom to make me love them and tie me up in a tangled mess of feelings, I’m all in. If there’s anything I have faith in, it’s that Hawk will find a way to right a world that’s been turned upside and inside out. After all, there’s empirical evidence that there’s always a method to this author’s literary madness.
As every series has a transition book in the three-act-structure that bridges Act I to Act III, that very much feels like this book. Bigger things are afoot in Charleston, obstacles that seem insurmountable at the moment, but I have absolute trust that the resolution will be both deft and well worth the wait. Now, if that wait could be just a little shorter…. Breaker of Chains is yet another excellent addition to one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and I remain in awe of the -verse and in love with its characters. As ever, I’m #TeamGrayleb.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
I’m not sure if I owe this to my own obtuseness or to Jordan L. Hawk’s craftiness, but I didn’t recognize, until it was staring me in the face, how much of what has come before has been building up to this crucial and heart-wrenching moment. We romance lovers tend to forget that the beginning of a relationship doesn’t spell the end of issues to overcome, and that’s especially true here. Obviously I knew there was going to be a critical arc in the storyline—this is a JLH book, after all—but here is not where I expected to be left. The emotional sucker punch Hawk delivers to readers in Breaker of Chains is on point and succeeds in exposing a single imperative in the series arc: it shows us beyond the shadow of a doubt that Caleb and Gray living an existence that straddles two such diametrically opposed realities, each of those realities leaving them more and more isolated, would be the catalyst that compels them into actions and decisions that they believe they can weigh against John and their love for him—a miscalculation that invites serious repercussions and caused me to see, from a new angle, Grayleb as the ‘other’ they truly are. Caleb and Gray have always had a certain sangfroid about them, which is why I love them as drakul and host, but there’s never been any mistaking that their passion runs right alongside it, their passion for John as well as their passion for ridding their world of paranormal entities, not on SPECTR’s behalf but on behalf of Gray’s bloodlust—the term ‘crime of passion’ exists for a reason.
Caleb and Gray are both angered by being handcuffed to SPECTR and then pulled away from John and Zahira to work with a couple of agents whose loathing of them is anything but subtle. Their discovering another host and drakul (with whom Gray has a history) might have been the answer to Grayleb’s loneliness and disgruntlement, if that meeting hadn’t instead become the pin in the hand grenade that was pulled and now leaves so much devastation in its wake. This is where this novella is spot-on; it presents Grayleb’s discontentment, offers them options, and then shows readers how the gift of choice comes with great power, and if not handled with great responsibility, it can cause utter chaos.
This -verse looms large with all manner of spooks and ghouls and otherworldly beings, and I remain impressed by the addition of every new creature-character summoned from the annals of mythology. Breaker of Chains ends in a massive cliffhanger, in case my vagueness didn’t make that obvious, and I’m left alternately cursing the author and cheering that this series installment left me a wreck. When an author steps aside and allows their characters the freedom to make me love them and tie me up in a tangled mess of feelings, I’m all in. If there’s anything I have faith in, it’s that Hawk will find a way to right a world that’s been turned upside and inside out. After all, there’s empirical evidence that there’s always a method to this author’s literary madness.
As every series has a transition book in the three-act-structure that bridges Act I to Act III, that very much feels like this book. Bigger things are afoot in Charleston, obstacles that seem insurmountable at the moment, but I have absolute trust that the resolution will be both deft and well worth the wait. Now, if that wait could be just a little shorter…. Breaker of Chains is yet another excellent addition to one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and I remain in awe of the -verse and in love with its characters. As ever, I’m #TeamGrayleb.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
March 16, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Breaker of Chains is the fourth book in the second season of Jordan L. Hawk’s amazing SPECTR series. I absolutely adore this urban fantasy/paranormal series and found this book a great turning point in the second season. The first few books this season have been rough as Caleb and John struggle in the aftermath of the Ft. Sumter attack. Rather than being seen as heroes, they are feared and hated for the part they played. As a result, the men have found themselves sidelined at SPECTR, particularly since their boss can’t stand them. So it has been rough going for the guys and I enjoyed seeing things start to turn the corner here.
The title of this episode is Breaker of Chains and perfectly describes this story. The men have been hamstrung, forced to sit on the sidelines and out of the action. Caleb is not even allowed to let Gray out, let alone let him help hunt. Their partnership is broken up, they are all being set aside, and no one is happy. But Yuri and Drugoy are there, tempting Caleb and Gray, showing them what life can be like if they just ignore the chains of the mortal world and do what they please. So Caleb is really torn here, part of him wanting what they offer, and other part knowing that taking that kind of action puts John at risk. And Caleb and Gray love John more than anything in the world. So the story is about that conflict, between keeping things safe and falling in line, and taking action that could give them what they want, but also jeopardize everything. I won’t spoil things, but I will say that this one has more of a cliffhanger ending than any of the previous books as things go too far in a lot of ways. If you heard someone screaming at midnight a few days ago, it was probably me when I realized the book was over!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Breaker of Chains is the fourth book in the second season of Jordan L. Hawk’s amazing SPECTR series. I absolutely adore this urban fantasy/paranormal series and found this book a great turning point in the second season. The first few books this season have been rough as Caleb and John struggle in the aftermath of the Ft. Sumter attack. Rather than being seen as heroes, they are feared and hated for the part they played. As a result, the men have found themselves sidelined at SPECTR, particularly since their boss can’t stand them. So it has been rough going for the guys and I enjoyed seeing things start to turn the corner here.
The title of this episode is Breaker of Chains and perfectly describes this story. The men have been hamstrung, forced to sit on the sidelines and out of the action. Caleb is not even allowed to let Gray out, let alone let him help hunt. Their partnership is broken up, they are all being set aside, and no one is happy. But Yuri and Drugoy are there, tempting Caleb and Gray, showing them what life can be like if they just ignore the chains of the mortal world and do what they please. So Caleb is really torn here, part of him wanting what they offer, and other part knowing that taking that kind of action puts John at risk. And Caleb and Gray love John more than anything in the world. So the story is about that conflict, between keeping things safe and falling in line, and taking action that could give them what they want, but also jeopardize everything. I won’t spoil things, but I will say that this one has more of a cliffhanger ending than any of the previous books as things go too far in a lot of ways. If you heard someone screaming at midnight a few days ago, it was probably me when I realized the book was over!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 4, 2018
Wow.
I was more than correct about Yuri/Dru, but ... that ending! How am I supposed to wait for the next installment?
Heartbreaking in a way I don't often find JLH's books, I felt Caleb's, Gray's, and John's pain. This was also Action packed from beginning to end, to put so much emotion amidst so much happening is quite the skill, and one of the reasons I love JLH's writing.
My heart's still pounding. Again. Wow.
I was more than correct about Yuri/Dru, but ... that ending! How am I supposed to wait for the next installment?
Heartbreaking in a way I don't often find JLH's books, I felt Caleb's, Gray's, and John's pain. This was also Action packed from beginning to end, to put so much emotion amidst so much happening is quite the skill, and one of the reasons I love JLH's writing.
My heart's still pounding. Again. Wow.
June 6, 2020
For the last couple of books you could see the problems getting bigger and bigger and as a reader you knew everything was going to blow up but it still shocked me the way it happened. This book was so exciting and that cliffhanger.... Must read the next book now.
July 24, 2018
WTF.
Major nasty and shitty cliffhanger.
Just feel wrung out now.
Uhh. Poor Caleb n Gray.
Life will suck until I get to read more
😢 😘
Major nasty and shitty cliffhanger.
Just feel wrung out now.
Uhh. Poor Caleb n Gray.
Life will suck until I get to read more
😢 😘
own-but-not-read-yet
November 20, 2019Thank you Santa's jilted lover, lol. :) I love this gift. <3
April 17, 2022
I never expected to finish A Jordan L. Hawk's book feeling this angry and upset. The way I see it, the writer methodically demolished everything he worked so hard to build in the previous books on the series. Literally stuck his fangs into the series and leeched it of anything that had made it worth reading. This criticism goes way beyond any single plot decision, although there are plenty to criticize; it's the entire theme and atmosphere of the book. SPECTR has always been based on a delicate balance between the strongly negative aspects (horror, gore and cynicism) and the positive (romance and humor). This balance was completely shattered in this book. You can probably guess which side won.
In the previous books, violence, gore and cynicism always served the plot and were used carefully; this is not the case here. It seems sometimes the writer is throwing them around just for shock value. The romance and humor are nigh nonexistent; the three MCs barely communicate outside the bedroom along the entire plot (well, the two that share the same head do not count).
If you're going to read this one you'd better prepare a nice pile of fluff to read afterwards.
In the previous books, violence, gore and cynicism always served the plot and were used carefully; this is not the case here. It seems sometimes the writer is throwing them around just for shock value. The romance and humor are nigh nonexistent; the three MCs barely communicate outside the bedroom along the entire plot (well, the two that share the same head do not count).
If you're going to read this one you'd better prepare a nice pile of fluff to read afterwards.
October 8, 2024
I've always loved this series - but we still don't need cliffhangers. Unfortunately we get one. And, unfortunately it looks like the next book is the last of this revamped series. John is a bit too untrusting at the end and there is a rift, but there's a big change with Gray and Caleb's new friend that becomes a large change on some of the places I thought this might be going. And SPECTR is such an annoying place to work, how can either of them stand it? Ugh. Full review to come.
June 11, 2025
2nd re-read June 2025
March 16, 2018
Arg!!! Warning - if you hate cliffhangers, buy this book but do t read it until the next one is out!!!!
I love, love, love this series. It is gritty, dark, and full of action, and yet there is also love and loyalty. Our main (couple?) are on rocky ground with the discovery of a second drakul and the goings on at work.
I love Gray and his unique view of the world. I felt for all three with the mess everything seemed to be in.
But the end!!! I CANNOT wait for the next instalment!!!! (Please write faster!)
I love, love, love this series. It is gritty, dark, and full of action, and yet there is also love and loyalty. Our main (couple?) are on rocky ground with the discovery of a second drakul and the goings on at work.
I love Gray and his unique view of the world. I felt for all three with the mess everything seemed to be in.
But the end!!! I CANNOT wait for the next instalment!!!! (Please write faster!)
March 29, 2018
Good enough installment.
It was in the same style as the others, the progress feels a bit slow.
It is like one of those old novels in 30 pieces that were printed in magazines or newspapers. Drawn out stories.
And this felt very drawn out.
Still a good read.
It was in the same style as the others, the progress feels a bit slow.
It is like one of those old novels in 30 pieces that were printed in magazines or newspapers. Drawn out stories.
And this felt very drawn out.
Still a good read.
September 22, 2018
I don't think I've ever been in this much pain while reading a romance, and I actually like angst. Wow
Also fair warning, this one has a pretty bad cliffhanger, so make sure to have the next book ready
Also fair warning, this one has a pretty bad cliffhanger, so make sure to have the next book ready
August 14, 2024
4.5⭐
The last two books don't stand alone, and since it's been a few weeks I read them, I'm a bit unsure what happened in which. But lots of things happen! And lots of things go all sideways here.
It's good. Not the absolute best of Jordan L. Hawk but your quality stuff.
The last two books don't stand alone, and since it's been a few weeks I read them, I'm a bit unsure what happened in which. But lots of things happen! And lots of things go all sideways here.
It's good. Not the absolute best of Jordan L. Hawk but your quality stuff.
May 28, 2018
Holy crap! My mind is screaming, "NOOOOOO!" I don't like cliffhangers, and this one has a BIG one. Can I just say I hope the next book comes out relatively soon? (Please come out soon.) This one is going to plague me until I see what happens next.
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July 12, 2019
Awesome continuation of the series. It was very turbulent and gripping, and although I'm really sad about Caleb/Gray and John's situation right now I think it was a good decision to shake things up to further the story and I'm sure things will get better. My suspicion about Yuri and Dru were right which is also tragic but again makes for a good and exciting story. This installment ends with a cliffhanger so hopefully the next one will be released soon, I can't wait to get my hands on it.
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