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The Bureau #1-3
The Bureau Volume 1: Corruption / Clay White / Creature
This collection contains the first three Bureau CORRUPTION Once a proud demon of the night sky who carried nightmares to humans, Tenrael has spent decades in captivity as the star attraction of a traveling carnival. He exists in miserable servitude to men who plunk down ten dollars to fulfill their dark desires. Charles Grimes is half human, half… something else. For fifteen years he’s worked for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, ridding the country of dangerous monsters. When his boss sends him to Kansas to chase a rumor about a captive demon, Charles figures it’s just another assignment. Until he meets Tenrael. CLAY WHITE Someone—or something—is murdering young men in San Francisco. Clay White has been fired from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs, but he’s determined to track down the killer. When he comes across a vampire named Marek, Clay assumes he’s caught the perp. But the encounter with Marek turns out to be more complicated than Clay expected, and it forces him to deal with his own troubled past and murky psyche. As Clay discovers, sometimes the truth doesn't come easy—and the monsters are not who we expect. CREATURE Alone in a cell and lacking memories of his past, John has no idea who—or what—he is. Alone on the streets of 1950s Los Angeles, Harry has far too many memories of his painful past and feels simply resignation in facing his empty future. When Harry is given a chance to achieve his only dream—to become an agent with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs—all he has to do is prove his worth. Yet nothing has ever come easy for him. Now he must offer himself and John as bait, enticing a man who wants to conquer death. But first he and John must learn what distinguishes a monster from a man—and what a monster truly wants.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2018
36 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
175 books1,303 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 15, 2018
‘The Bureau’ novellas deliver paranormal MM romances with a bit of a dark edge. The novellas have an overarching theme of acceptance and overcoming differences through love.
I would have enjoyed this collection regardless, but the excellent audiobook narration by Joel Leslie took it up a level. If you’re looking for an MM paranormal audiobook, I’d definately recommend ‘The Bureau: Volume 1’!
Corruption - 4 Stars
Tenrael, the demon who flew across the skies bringing nightmares, has spent decades enslaved, humiliated, and degraded.
My heart broke for Tenrael. Readers get a clear picture of the abuse he’s subjected to on a daily basis, and it definitely isn’t pretty.
There was nothing demonic about him. He was just broken. Tenrael yearned for only one thing - an end to his living nightmare.
Charles Grimes is half-human and works for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. He’s sent to deal with rumors of a captive demon, but instead finds himself entranced.
This isn’t a sweet love story. Both men are messed up, and there’s a huge power imbalance. Their relationship is just a bit twisted, built on dubious circumstances.
But there’s no doubt that Charles and Tenrael were meant for each other. Tenrael finds a reason to give up the freedom he so craved, and Charles has a reason to break his complacency.
Overall, this was a really good beginning to the series. It’s dark and just a tad haunting, but with enough romance to believe that Tenrael and Charles are on their way to a happy ever after.
Clay White - 2 Stars
After making a huge mistake, Clay was fired from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. But despite having no official role, he’s determined to find out who - or what - is going on a murdering spree in San Francisco.
His investigation brings him to Marek - an alluring vampire that Clay’s convinced is the culprit. But Marek turns all assumptions Clay had about vampires on their head.
Marek is self-assured and exudes sensuality. He’s also on the lookout for the murderer as well. Similar to book 1, the “beast” of the story was the more fascinating of the characters.
The feel of book 2 is different from ‘Corruption’. It’s set in modern times, and the focus isn’t on the relationship. I’d say Clay and Marek’s relationship plays second fiddle to the mystery plot for much of the book.
I wanted more of the romance. It’s clear that the two feel something for each other beyond sexual attraction, but it I didn’t feel like it was explored as much as it needed to be.
The murder mystery was entertaining, though I did have some unanswered questions by the end.
Overall, this novella just didn’t capture my imagination as I’d hoped it would.
Creature - 4 Stars
Tortured and imprisoned, John doesn’t know who he is or where he comes from. He only knows that he isn’t human, and that he longs for a life outside of his prison walls.
When down-on-his-luck Harry is presented with a chance to join the Bureau, he grudgingly takes on the task though he wants nothing to do with John.
John captured my heart right from the start. His heart may not beat, but he yearns for some semblance of a normal life. And he refuses to let his captors break him completely.
I could empathize with Harry too, though I wasn’t happy with how he initially treated John. But it didn’t take Harry long at all to begin treating John like he would another person, and not just as a thing.
The respect that Harry gives John becomes the basis of their relationship. John feels care and warmth for the first time in his memory, and Harry slowly learns that the “creature” is more human than the people who forced the two together.
For a short read, there was a fair bit of angst and poignancy. But it’s worth it, just to see John and Harry build each other up. They’re just so clearly meant for each other.
The mystery angle was engaging and added suspense, but the real star of ‘Creature’ is the romance between two broken men who make each other whole.
I would have enjoyed this collection regardless, but the excellent audiobook narration by Joel Leslie took it up a level. If you’re looking for an MM paranormal audiobook, I’d definately recommend ‘The Bureau: Volume 1’!
Corruption - 4 Stars
Tenrael, the demon who flew across the skies bringing nightmares, has spent decades enslaved, humiliated, and degraded.
My heart broke for Tenrael. Readers get a clear picture of the abuse he’s subjected to on a daily basis, and it definitely isn’t pretty.
There was nothing demonic about him. He was just broken. Tenrael yearned for only one thing - an end to his living nightmare.
Charles Grimes is half-human and works for the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. He’s sent to deal with rumors of a captive demon, but instead finds himself entranced.
This isn’t a sweet love story. Both men are messed up, and there’s a huge power imbalance. Their relationship is just a bit twisted, built on dubious circumstances.
But there’s no doubt that Charles and Tenrael were meant for each other. Tenrael finds a reason to give up the freedom he so craved, and Charles has a reason to break his complacency.
Overall, this was a really good beginning to the series. It’s dark and just a tad haunting, but with enough romance to believe that Tenrael and Charles are on their way to a happy ever after.
Clay White - 2 Stars
After making a huge mistake, Clay was fired from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs. But despite having no official role, he’s determined to find out who - or what - is going on a murdering spree in San Francisco.
His investigation brings him to Marek - an alluring vampire that Clay’s convinced is the culprit. But Marek turns all assumptions Clay had about vampires on their head.
Marek is self-assured and exudes sensuality. He’s also on the lookout for the murderer as well. Similar to book 1, the “beast” of the story was the more fascinating of the characters.
The feel of book 2 is different from ‘Corruption’. It’s set in modern times, and the focus isn’t on the relationship. I’d say Clay and Marek’s relationship plays second fiddle to the mystery plot for much of the book.
I wanted more of the romance. It’s clear that the two feel something for each other beyond sexual attraction, but it I didn’t feel like it was explored as much as it needed to be.
The murder mystery was entertaining, though I did have some unanswered questions by the end.
Overall, this novella just didn’t capture my imagination as I’d hoped it would.
Creature - 4 Stars
Tortured and imprisoned, John doesn’t know who he is or where he comes from. He only knows that he isn’t human, and that he longs for a life outside of his prison walls.
When down-on-his-luck Harry is presented with a chance to join the Bureau, he grudgingly takes on the task though he wants nothing to do with John.
John captured my heart right from the start. His heart may not beat, but he yearns for some semblance of a normal life. And he refuses to let his captors break him completely.
I could empathize with Harry too, though I wasn’t happy with how he initially treated John. But it didn’t take Harry long at all to begin treating John like he would another person, and not just as a thing.
The respect that Harry gives John becomes the basis of their relationship. John feels care and warmth for the first time in his memory, and Harry slowly learns that the “creature” is more human than the people who forced the two together.
For a short read, there was a fair bit of angst and poignancy. But it’s worth it, just to see John and Harry build each other up. They’re just so clearly meant for each other.
The mystery angle was engaging and added suspense, but the real star of ‘Creature’ is the romance between two broken men who make each other whole.
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July 23, 2023
Box of paranormal novellas. All about abused or lonely outsiders finding love and affection. Loved story 1 and 3.The short format meant insta-love, or at least quick romantic progress. The stories themselves were so good I didn't mind.
Summaries:
Summaries:
January 22, 2023
Review for book one, two and three (audio box-set)
CORRUPTION
3.25*** stars - The intensity of Tenrael’s abuse and more than dire situation really got to me, but honestly, the romance part was just meh. Maybe it was overall just a little too short to truly convey the romance between Tenrael and Charles, but I wasn’t feeling it and it was wrapped up way too quickly in the end.
CLAY WHITE
not feeling it so far. put on-hold.
CREATURE
CORRUPTION
3.25*** stars - The intensity of Tenrael’s abuse and more than dire situation really got to me, but honestly, the romance part was just meh. Maybe it was overall just a little too short to truly convey the romance between Tenrael and Charles, but I wasn’t feeling it and it was wrapped up way too quickly in the end.
CLAY WHITE
not feeling it so far. put on-hold.
CREATURE
June 9, 2023
Corruption - 2.5*
Really didn't like this on first go but picked the collection up free. Appreciate it more on this pass. There's a resonance and sense of other. Still too short to get much in tune with the characters, and a harshness to the coupling this is no hurt/comfort.
I'd like a little brightness, a flight, a free joy, a softness - but that's personal taste, can't deny it's an interesting verse and a well crafted novella.
Clay White - 1*
Um, this seemed to have a mystery/detective plot, but then didn't really. The previous characters make a show and completely over shadowed the new couple. Very insta-love. For a short story it felt too wordy. Forgettable.
Creature - 5*
Now this made me feel. This story made me stay up reading because I cared about the characters and what happened.
I think it's longer than the others and far from insta-insta. It references a book but better to start not knowing.
Really didn't like this on first go but picked the collection up free. Appreciate it more on this pass. There's a resonance and sense of other. Still too short to get much in tune with the characters, and a harshness to the coupling this is no hurt/comfort.
I'd like a little brightness, a flight, a free joy, a softness - but that's personal taste, can't deny it's an interesting verse and a well crafted novella.
Clay White - 1*
Um, this seemed to have a mystery/detective plot, but then didn't really. The previous characters make a show and completely over shadowed the new couple. Very insta-love. For a short story it felt too wordy. Forgettable.
Creature - 5*
Now this made me feel. This story made me stay up reading because I cared about the characters and what happened.
I think it's longer than the others and far from insta-insta. It references a book but better to start not knowing.
Read
April 23, 2018How about some paranormal with a touch of darkness?
This collection offers the first three Bureau novellas in one volume, and all royalties go to Doctors Without Borders.
This collection offers the first three Bureau novellas in one volume, and all royalties go to Doctors Without Borders.
November 18, 2018
The re-read was as captivating as when I read The Bureau stories for the first time :) :) :)
And still my favourite couple is Charles and his Ten ;)
Here are my original reviews:
- Corruption
- Clay White
- Creature
Highly recommended!!! Now I'm impatienly waiting for some more gritty, sexy and kinky stories ;)
And still my favourite couple is Charles and his Ten ;)
Here are my original reviews:
- Corruption
- Clay White
- Creature
Highly recommended!!! Now I'm impatienly waiting for some more gritty, sexy and kinky stories ;)
October 22, 2018
I have never been attracted to Movie Star gorgeous, so I was especially thrilled with Kim Fielding’s The Bureau.
Three stories, and three sets of sexy as hell, but non conventional heroes. Lovely stories, I want more!
Three stories, and three sets of sexy as hell, but non conventional heroes. Lovely stories, I want more!
May 14, 2023
Le bureau des affaires trans-espèces, dirigé pour son antenne locale par Townsend, homme semble-t'il aussi mystérieux que puissant, traite, comme son nom l'indique, d'affaires impliquant les créatures dites non humaines : vampires, métamorphes, démons, goules, ... Créé au départ pour protéger la population des créatures, son rôle a parfois tendance à s'inverser, posant la question de ce qui définit exactement un monstre.
Composé de 3 nouvelles, ce recueil va nous proposer de plonger au cœur du quotidien de certains des agents du Bureau, ou plutôt finalement, du moment où ils vont rencontrer leur moitié, leur âme sœur, qui leur fera prendre un nouveau départ et donnera un nouveau sens à leur vie.
La première nouvelle, Corruption, ne comporte que 4 chapitres et sert finalement de démarrage, de base, puisque nous allons y rencontrer Charles Grimes, mi-humain mi-autre chose..., agent expérimenté du Bureau, qui va devoir aller au Kansas pour enquêter sur la présence potentielle d'un démon. Et quand il va croiser le regard de Tenraël, ce démon brisé, il va prendre une décision plutôt surprenante.
Clay White, la deuxième nouvelle de 9 chapitres, porte le nom de l'agent du Bureau dont nous allons suivre l'histoire. Envoyé à San Francisco sur les traces d'un meurtrier qui draine ses victimes, de jeunes hommes gays, de leurs forces vitales, laissant un cadavre complétement vidé de tous ses fluides. Sa rencontre avec Marek, un séduisant vampire qu'il pensait être le coupable, va l'entrainer sur la piste d'un terrifiant meurtrier... et vers son destin.
Créature, la nouvelle la plus longue de ce recueil avec 16 chapitres, nous propose cette fois de faire la connaissance d'Harry, postulant malheureux à un job d'agent du Bureau. Mais Townsend le retrouve et lui propose une mission un peu particulière, une sorte de test d'embauche, non dénué de dangers. Le voilà donc parti pour Portland, où un homme semble vouloir vaincre la mort et se prend pour le Dr Frankenstein. Et quoi de mieux pour l'appater que d'envoyer un beau jeune homme et une créature identique à celle que le suspect semble vouloir créer. Sauf que Harry va découvrir que la créature malfaisante n'est pas celle que l'on pourrait croire au premier abord.
J'ai vraiment aimé ce recueil, qui nous plonge dans des ambiances un peu glauques, qui ne nous épargne pas grand chose en terme de bassesse et de cruauté humaine, et qui questionne sur la définition de la monstruosité. Si la première nouvelle est plutôt rapide, tant dans la narration que dans la formation du premier couple, elle sert de socle aux autres, puisque nous retrouvons chaque couple en filigrane dans les autres histoires, évoqué par Townsend, qui semble être le fil rouge de l'histoire, personnage aussi bienveillant avec ses agents que mystérieux dans ses pouvoirs et capacités.
J'ai été embarquée par cette atmosphère, les enquêtes qui se déroulent sont plutôt bien fichues, bien implantées dans leurs époques et j'ai passé un super moment.
Composé de 3 nouvelles, ce recueil va nous proposer de plonger au cœur du quotidien de certains des agents du Bureau, ou plutôt finalement, du moment où ils vont rencontrer leur moitié, leur âme sœur, qui leur fera prendre un nouveau départ et donnera un nouveau sens à leur vie.
La première nouvelle, Corruption, ne comporte que 4 chapitres et sert finalement de démarrage, de base, puisque nous allons y rencontrer Charles Grimes, mi-humain mi-autre chose..., agent expérimenté du Bureau, qui va devoir aller au Kansas pour enquêter sur la présence potentielle d'un démon. Et quand il va croiser le regard de Tenraël, ce démon brisé, il va prendre une décision plutôt surprenante.
Clay White, la deuxième nouvelle de 9 chapitres, porte le nom de l'agent du Bureau dont nous allons suivre l'histoire. Envoyé à San Francisco sur les traces d'un meurtrier qui draine ses victimes, de jeunes hommes gays, de leurs forces vitales, laissant un cadavre complétement vidé de tous ses fluides. Sa rencontre avec Marek, un séduisant vampire qu'il pensait être le coupable, va l'entrainer sur la piste d'un terrifiant meurtrier... et vers son destin.
Créature, la nouvelle la plus longue de ce recueil avec 16 chapitres, nous propose cette fois de faire la connaissance d'Harry, postulant malheureux à un job d'agent du Bureau. Mais Townsend le retrouve et lui propose une mission un peu particulière, une sorte de test d'embauche, non dénué de dangers. Le voilà donc parti pour Portland, où un homme semble vouloir vaincre la mort et se prend pour le Dr Frankenstein. Et quoi de mieux pour l'appater que d'envoyer un beau jeune homme et une créature identique à celle que le suspect semble vouloir créer. Sauf que Harry va découvrir que la créature malfaisante n'est pas celle que l'on pourrait croire au premier abord.
J'ai vraiment aimé ce recueil, qui nous plonge dans des ambiances un peu glauques, qui ne nous épargne pas grand chose en terme de bassesse et de cruauté humaine, et qui questionne sur la définition de la monstruosité. Si la première nouvelle est plutôt rapide, tant dans la narration que dans la formation du premier couple, elle sert de socle aux autres, puisque nous retrouvons chaque couple en filigrane dans les autres histoires, évoqué par Townsend, qui semble être le fil rouge de l'histoire, personnage aussi bienveillant avec ses agents que mystérieux dans ses pouvoirs et capacités.
J'ai été embarquée par cette atmosphère, les enquêtes qui se déroulent sont plutôt bien fichues, bien implantées dans leurs époques et j'ai passé un super moment.
January 6, 2020
These are absolutely delightful! Each of these men, whether human or demon or monster, are complex and flawed and utterly perfect. Their love stories are also gothic horror tales of the best sort. All three made me both smile and tear up. Beautifully written. It's heart-breaking how monstrous humanity can be, but fortunately some monsters are amazingly humane.
August 11, 2020
Great stories, great audio narration. I can't wait to get to listen to the rest of the series in audio, as well.
November 16, 2019
A half angel and a demon fall in love. While the first story mostly feels like a a pretty badly written Good Omens AU fanfic, the two next stories are longer and much more fleshed out. Each story feature agents from the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs and their meetings and dealings with demons, vampires, and a zombie, and the biggest monster of them all, other humans. I was surprised to find myself well entertained by the two longer stories and I came to actually like the characters and the universe Kim Fielding has created. Despite featuring quite a lot of torture and cruelty, the stories are sweet and focus on healing, the good conquering evil, and finding love in unusual places. As comfort food of the literary kind goes, this was quite enjoyable.
August 20, 2018
Raiting: 4.5 stars
4 stars for the first two stories and 5 stars for the last one.
I have read almost 2K MM books but John has become my favorite character of all times. <3
4 stars for the first two stories and 5 stars for the last one.
I have read almost 2K MM books but John has become my favorite character of all times. <3
July 17, 2021
4.75 stars
Overall I enjoyed Joel Leslie narration of the first three books of this series but Corruption pulled on my heart strings and I wanted to kill the men myself.
Overall I enjoyed Joel Leslie narration of the first three books of this series but Corruption pulled on my heart strings and I wanted to kill the men myself.
August 20, 2018
This is a collection of three stories that are set in the same alternate-universe Earth and include some of the same characters. In each story, one character has ties to a secret government agency, The Bureau, that investigates supernatural crimes. Overall, these stories are dark and focus a lot on the evil humans are capable of. So, content warning for This isn't my favorite Kim Fielding book, but urban fantasy isn't my favorite genre.
Also, one of the reasons I have read a lot of this author's books is that I really like the way she writes female side characters - as three-dimensional people - and that her characters generally treat and talk about women the same way. There aren't any important female characters in any of these stories, which is okay. But I really disliked the way a major character (the agents' boss) talked about women. I understand that his offhand remarks are appropriate to the time period, and perhaps his misogyny also serves to show that he is morally gray. But his attitude made me cringe.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie, and he did a great job, as always. I especially liked the voices he chose for the main characters in Creature.
1. Corruption - 3 stars. In the 1940s, a Bureau agent who is half-human and half-angel falls in love with a demon. It's kind of an insta-love story, without all that much development. I guess that Charles I liked it, though. These characters show up in the other two stories.
2. Clay White - 2.5 stars. An ex-agent falls in love with a vampire and they investigate a mystery. This story takes place in the present day and it's written in first person. I think the author was aiming for a noir feel. Maybe she didn't succeed or maybe it just isn't my thing, but this was my least favorite of the three.
3. Creature - 4.5 stars. In 1950, a prospective Bureau agent is tasked with investigating a Frankenstein-like scientist, and he falls in love with a man who is (more or less) a sentient zombie. This one is novella-length and my favorite of the three. The human character, Harry, thinks of himself as stupid; although I don't think he truly does lack intelligence, this story feels like a good portrait of a man who sees himself that way. The romance feels pretty natural, but it creeps me out a little bit, because John has never interacted with any human other than Harry. Still, their connection is very emotional, exactly what they both need, and I enjoyed the story.
Also, one of the reasons I have read a lot of this author's books is that I really like the way she writes female side characters - as three-dimensional people - and that her characters generally treat and talk about women the same way. There aren't any important female characters in any of these stories, which is okay. But I really disliked the way a major character (the agents' boss) talked about women. I understand that his offhand remarks are appropriate to the time period, and perhaps his misogyny also serves to show that he is morally gray. But his attitude made me cringe.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie, and he did a great job, as always. I especially liked the voices he chose for the main characters in Creature.
1. Corruption - 3 stars. In the 1940s, a Bureau agent who is half-human and half-angel falls in love with a demon. It's kind of an insta-love story, without all that much development. I guess that Charles I liked it, though. These characters show up in the other two stories.
2. Clay White - 2.5 stars. An ex-agent falls in love with a vampire and they investigate a mystery. This story takes place in the present day and it's written in first person. I think the author was aiming for a noir feel. Maybe she didn't succeed or maybe it just isn't my thing, but this was my least favorite of the three.
3. Creature - 4.5 stars. In 1950, a prospective Bureau agent is tasked with investigating a Frankenstein-like scientist, and he falls in love with a man who is (more or less) a sentient zombie. This one is novella-length and my favorite of the three. The human character, Harry, thinks of himself as stupid; although I don't think he truly does lack intelligence, this story feels like a good portrait of a man who sees himself that way. The romance feels pretty natural, but it creeps me out a little bit, because John has never interacted with any human other than Harry. Still, their connection is very emotional, exactly what they both need, and I enjoyed the story.
February 16, 2021
Fielding's stories of the men (I think there might be women but am not 100% sure) of the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs are unexpected and thought provoking. Each of the novellas contained in this compendium (Corruption in fact less than 50 pages) touched me in some little way but my favorite remains Creature - my heart broke reading John's desperate situation/plight.
I had actually read Conned last year and am glad I did so since it preludes these stories and sets the back story for the exacting, no-nonsense disturbing character of Townsend (head/chief of the Bureau). A couple of characters recur through these tales ... and in other Bureau books as well methinks. The M-M action is suitable spicy and they enhance rather than distract from the plots.
Through these stories we readers are asked to consider what we'd call a 'monster' - their inherent nature? ... their capacity for doing harm or good? By juxtaposing these hunted 'monsters' with the featured Bureau agents and other evil human beings ... the question is posed as to who is actually the monster in each tale. This proved a well-deserved 3.5 stars.
I had actually read Conned last year and am glad I did so since it preludes these stories and sets the back story for the exacting, no-nonsense disturbing character of Townsend (head/chief of the Bureau). A couple of characters recur through these tales ... and in other Bureau books as well methinks. The M-M action is suitable spicy and they enhance rather than distract from the plots.
Through these stories we readers are asked to consider what we'd call a 'monster' - their inherent nature? ... their capacity for doing harm or good? By juxtaposing these hunted 'monsters' with the featured Bureau agents and other evil human beings ... the question is posed as to who is actually the monster in each tale. This proved a well-deserved 3.5 stars.
April 14, 2020
Three novellas about "monsters" and how they're not actually monstrous.
A demon bound by a sick and twisted man who profits of his pain. A man, whose father may have been angelic, tasked with destroying the demon. When Charles Grimes finds Tenrael in a carnival and sees the hurt inflicted upon him, he realises that human can be the monsters...
When bodies turn up mummified, vampires are suspected. Clay White is a former Bureau agent and is determing to make up for past mistakes. Marek is a vampire, who knows that the horrific murders were not done by the hands of a vampire. The two work together and discover a deep desire for each other, but can they survive and find the killer before they become a victim themselves.
My favourite of the three novellas. Harry wants to join the Bureau, but his told he is too soft. However, he is given a chance of joining if he is able to uncover evidence that a certain man is trying to resurrect the dead. John is to be used as bait, as he has been resurrected himself. The Bureau view John as a monster, but as Harry and John spend more time together that viewpoint is quickly discredited.
CORRUPTION
A demon bound by a sick and twisted man who profits of his pain. A man, whose father may have been angelic, tasked with destroying the demon. When Charles Grimes finds Tenrael in a carnival and sees the hurt inflicted upon him, he realises that human can be the monsters...
CLAY WHITE
When bodies turn up mummified, vampires are suspected. Clay White is a former Bureau agent and is determing to make up for past mistakes. Marek is a vampire, who knows that the horrific murders were not done by the hands of a vampire. The two work together and discover a deep desire for each other, but can they survive and find the killer before they become a victim themselves.
CREATURE
My favourite of the three novellas. Harry wants to join the Bureau, but his told he is too soft. However, he is given a chance of joining if he is able to uncover evidence that a certain man is trying to resurrect the dead. John is to be used as bait, as he has been resurrected himself. The Bureau view John as a monster, but as Harry and John spend more time together that viewpoint is quickly discredited.
October 24, 2018
Boy I wish these individual books were longer as I want more! RTC
June 16, 2023
Book 3 was just lovely with the comparisons to Frankenstein. Joel Leslie did a great job with the audio
January 20, 2020
Meh. Shrug. Wondered off.
It was very basic and uninteresting. I was not offended or affronted. I might return to it one day if there is compelling reason.
It was very basic and uninteresting. I was not offended or affronted. I might return to it one day if there is compelling reason.
August 3, 2021
Pour la première lecture de mes vacances d’été, on ne peut pas dire que j’ai eu droit à une grande réussite. Je pensais pourtant avoir mis les chances de mon côté en plongeant dans ce que je croyais être une romance policière surnaturelle avec des créatures s’associant pour mener des enquêtes.
J’ai bien eu les associations de créature mais autant dire que l’accent était plutôt mis sur leurs relations sexuelles que sur tout autre aspect de leur coopération.
Je n’arrive d’ailleurs pas à me souvenir si Charles et Tenrael connaissent leur nom respectif avant de coucher ensemble, mais en tout cas, il s’agit de la première intrigue de ce tome et autant dire qu’il n’y a aucun mystère là dessous puisqu’il s’agit tout simplement d’une créature indéterminée (peut-être un demi-ange) qui libère un démon du cirque itinérant dans lequel il est torturé (grosse passion de l’auteure pour les tortures, c’est charmant par ailleurs).
Je pensais qu’après leur rencontre on allait par la suite les suivre au fil des ans pour les voir mener quelques enquêtes dans leur entreprise de détectives privés mais à la place, on passe à d’autres personnages dans les deux autres intrigues même s’ils viennent y faire une apparition, tout comme Townsend, le chef du Bureau qui donne son nom à ce recueil et qui semble lui aussi assez immortel.
Je n’ai rien contre le format en nouvelles, c’est un exercice difficile mais il permet souvent de grignoter quelques pages de lecture quand on n’a pas beaucoup de temps.
Le problème ici, c’est que tout est très rapide et que les personnages couchent ensemble sans même qu’on ait pu comprendre quelle était réellement l’intrigue.
Et c’est quand même fort dommage parce que si on passe les scènes de sexe, il y a une très bonne réflexion menée sur les notions de bien et de mal et sur ce qui peut distinguer les monstres et ceux qui les chassent.
Heureusement, la troisième nouvelle prend enfin un peu de temps et permet par la même occasion de comprendre ce qu’est vraiment le Bureau des Affaires Trans-Espèce. Elle nous propose même un peu de contexte et des personnages mieux développés qui ne s’envoient pas en l’air à chaque coin de rue. Du coup, malgré une relation qui m’a semblé un peu creepy, je suis contente d’avoir pu terminer sur celle-là et je me demande bien de quoi peuvent traiter les tomes suivants.
J’ai bien eu les associations de créature mais autant dire que l’accent était plutôt mis sur leurs relations sexuelles que sur tout autre aspect de leur coopération.
Je n’arrive d’ailleurs pas à me souvenir si Charles et Tenrael connaissent leur nom respectif avant de coucher ensemble, mais en tout cas, il s’agit de la première intrigue de ce tome et autant dire qu’il n’y a aucun mystère là dessous puisqu’il s’agit tout simplement d’une créature indéterminée (peut-être un demi-ange) qui libère un démon du cirque itinérant dans lequel il est torturé (grosse passion de l’auteure pour les tortures, c’est charmant par ailleurs).
Je pensais qu’après leur rencontre on allait par la suite les suivre au fil des ans pour les voir mener quelques enquêtes dans leur entreprise de détectives privés mais à la place, on passe à d’autres personnages dans les deux autres intrigues même s’ils viennent y faire une apparition, tout comme Townsend, le chef du Bureau qui donne son nom à ce recueil et qui semble lui aussi assez immortel.
Je n’ai rien contre le format en nouvelles, c’est un exercice difficile mais il permet souvent de grignoter quelques pages de lecture quand on n’a pas beaucoup de temps.
Le problème ici, c’est que tout est très rapide et que les personnages couchent ensemble sans même qu’on ait pu comprendre quelle était réellement l’intrigue.
Et c’est quand même fort dommage parce que si on passe les scènes de sexe, il y a une très bonne réflexion menée sur les notions de bien et de mal et sur ce qui peut distinguer les monstres et ceux qui les chassent.
Heureusement, la troisième nouvelle prend enfin un peu de temps et permet par la même occasion de comprendre ce qu’est vraiment le Bureau des Affaires Trans-Espèce. Elle nous propose même un peu de contexte et des personnages mieux développés qui ne s’envoient pas en l’air à chaque coin de rue. Du coup, malgré une relation qui m’a semblé un peu creepy, je suis contente d’avoir pu terminer sur celle-là et je me demande bien de quoi peuvent traiter les tomes suivants.
January 26, 2021
J’aime beaucoup l’auteure, la couverture m’a attiré pour le côté enquête et le résumé m’a rendu perplexe de prime abord. J’ai attendu quelques avis et ça avait l’air sympa malgré les formats courts. Pourtant mon avis aujourd’hui, sera en demi-teinte.
Le bureau des affaires trans-espèces est, comme vous vous en doutez, un bureau d’homme de loi qui gère le côté surnaturel. Ils sont là pour arrêter et tuer les démons, les êtres maléfiques. Sur trois premières enquêtes, nous assistons des membres du bureau sur diverses enquêtes. Mais les apparences peuvent être trompeuses.
C’est un régal de retrouver la plume de Kim Fielding. C’est une auteure que j’aime lire car sa plume coule et notre lecture devient rapidement addictive. On ne voit pas les pages passer. C’est souvent original et elle montre la force de son imagination encore une fois.
Concernant les histoires, elles sont bonnes. Pour ma part, c’est du jamais vu. Et quand certains regrettent la rapidité des romances, je les ai comprises sans soucis et acceptées. Le message derrière l’amour qui les lie par exemple est très beau. Chaque histoire a un lien sans le comprendre de suite. Le suspense est là et à la hauteur de nos espérances.
Que ce soit le premier couple qui tisse un lien en un regard. Peut-être pas par leurs natures ou simplement par leurs cœurs. Ou les deuxièmes qui ont particulièrement eu ma préférence. Ou les derniers qui nous montrent la beauté de l’amour dans de sombres aspects. Ils m’ont beaucoup touchés !
Alors vous allez me dire. Pourquoi ? Mon avis semble bon, donc pourquoi dire que mon avis sera mitigé ? Dans mon grand malheur, je n’ai pas d’explication. Je n’ai pas tellement été captivé par ma lecture, je me suis ennuyé et j’ai quelques fois lu en diagonale. Je ne suis peut être pas la cible. Je lirais pourtant la suite pour voir la finalité de ce lien entre chaque histoire. Mais je ne sais pas, cette histoire ne m’a rien inspiré.
Je comprends que ce roman puisse plaire alors je vous recommande de vous faire votre propre avis. Je n’aime pas ce sentiment car c’ est aussi pour moi l’incompréhension ! Mais y’a des fois ça ne n’explique pas. Alors qu’en pensez-vous ?
Le bureau des affaires trans-espèces est, comme vous vous en doutez, un bureau d’homme de loi qui gère le côté surnaturel. Ils sont là pour arrêter et tuer les démons, les êtres maléfiques. Sur trois premières enquêtes, nous assistons des membres du bureau sur diverses enquêtes. Mais les apparences peuvent être trompeuses.
C’est un régal de retrouver la plume de Kim Fielding. C’est une auteure que j’aime lire car sa plume coule et notre lecture devient rapidement addictive. On ne voit pas les pages passer. C’est souvent original et elle montre la force de son imagination encore une fois.
Concernant les histoires, elles sont bonnes. Pour ma part, c’est du jamais vu. Et quand certains regrettent la rapidité des romances, je les ai comprises sans soucis et acceptées. Le message derrière l’amour qui les lie par exemple est très beau. Chaque histoire a un lien sans le comprendre de suite. Le suspense est là et à la hauteur de nos espérances.
Que ce soit le premier couple qui tisse un lien en un regard. Peut-être pas par leurs natures ou simplement par leurs cœurs. Ou les deuxièmes qui ont particulièrement eu ma préférence. Ou les derniers qui nous montrent la beauté de l’amour dans de sombres aspects. Ils m’ont beaucoup touchés !
Alors vous allez me dire. Pourquoi ? Mon avis semble bon, donc pourquoi dire que mon avis sera mitigé ? Dans mon grand malheur, je n’ai pas d’explication. Je n’ai pas tellement été captivé par ma lecture, je me suis ennuyé et j’ai quelques fois lu en diagonale. Je ne suis peut être pas la cible. Je lirais pourtant la suite pour voir la finalité de ce lien entre chaque histoire. Mais je ne sais pas, cette histoire ne m’a rien inspiré.
Je comprends que ce roman puisse plaire alors je vous recommande de vous faire votre propre avis. Je n’aime pas ce sentiment car c’ est aussi pour moi l’incompréhension ! Mais y’a des fois ça ne n’explique pas. Alors qu’en pensez-vous ?
March 21, 2019
I read each of these stories separately as they came out and rated each five stars. But listening to them all together as a group with no span of time in between and seeing how they all tied together made them even better. Excellent narration, too.
April 9, 2021
Since this audiobook is a triptych of three previously released novellas It's probably appropriate to feature three mini-plot reviews:
Corruption - Though the year is never made clear, this tale has a bleak, 1940's “noir” feel that is evocative of the HBO series Carnivàle. Charles Grimes's is a demon hunter. As a Demi-angel his wings never seemed to really work, and at 18 he'd had them surgically removed. Other parts of his biology are tougher to conceal. A non smoking, abstemious, vegan because of his biology, Charles is tasked with finding and eliminating a demon reported to be on display at a traveling carny in Kansas. What he finds is a group of hucksters profiting by pedaling the right to “punish” & debase perhaps the most appealing creature Charles has ever encountered. Can Charles really destroy a creature who is so alluring and has been through so much hell already? Though the most graphic of the BDSM is described at a remove, the tangential action alone is hot enough to make this a one-handed read.
Clay White - In this modern era San Francisco based tale, burly Clay has been fired from the bureau but still feels he must stop a killing spree in San Francisco. When officials from the Bureau refuse to help him catch the killer, he turns to the aid of another ex-Bureau operative for backup. But can a demi-angel and his demon partner aid a disgraced, and all too human, bureau operative, with the aid of a surprisingly supportive vampire, take on a Silicon Valley monster charming enough to make the Bureau uninterested in stopping him? It was very satisfying to catch up with the couple we met in book one and to meet yet another “agent” with a taste for a supernaturally sexy denizen of the underworld. Though the sexual content in this tale is slightly more subdued than in the first tale, it's still... to slightly paraphrase Sam Spade “the stuff of wet dreams.”
Creature - in this early 50s era tale, Harry Low applied to join the Bureau but they weren't interested. Months after their refusal, when given this second-chance “trial assignment,” Harry has to question the nature of just what (and who) are the real monsters. The “monster” in this tale is a captive, possibly innocent, though we and the “monster” have no knowledge of what came before. Initially repulsive and hideous, as the creature is treated humanely, it becomes more human. Though never afforded much decency or love himself, Harry seems incapable of treating the creature inhumanely and that compassion soon begins to affect them both. This is the longest and perhaps the sweetest of the tales and at spots it's a tear-jerker. Consequently the graphic sex here is more limited than in either of the other two tales but the story will probably remain with me longer.
Oscar Wilde said 'Each Man kills the thing he loves.” And the cynical, outcast heroes in these tales are all killers. What they have in common is their down at the heels competence, and their “little left to lose” outlooks. What makes these stories compelling is the empathy that the reader gains when parts of each tale are told from the “monster's” point of view. While this format demands the reader consider... “just what makes a monster?” That ethical dilemma doesn't get in the way of the hot sexual nature of these tales. If hot action,and the allure of the “forbidden” appeals to you; and if you're open to reading of captivity, punishment, bondage, and pain mixed with pleasure, then this is a book for you. If you liked the movies Chinatown and the Maltese Falcon and if you're also a sucker for underdogs & tales of redemption, so much the better.
Narrator Joel Leslie projects a gruff, resigned, world weary quality to his voice that works amazingly well with the tales and characters he's presenting. His resignation alone, evokes much of the noir aspect of these tales, before the events even fully unfold. After hearing this, I'm even more curious to hear more of the wide variety of tales he's lent voice to.
Corruption - Though the year is never made clear, this tale has a bleak, 1940's “noir” feel that is evocative of the HBO series Carnivàle. Charles Grimes's is a demon hunter. As a Demi-angel his wings never seemed to really work, and at 18 he'd had them surgically removed. Other parts of his biology are tougher to conceal. A non smoking, abstemious, vegan because of his biology, Charles is tasked with finding and eliminating a demon reported to be on display at a traveling carny in Kansas. What he finds is a group of hucksters profiting by pedaling the right to “punish” & debase perhaps the most appealing creature Charles has ever encountered. Can Charles really destroy a creature who is so alluring and has been through so much hell already? Though the most graphic of the BDSM is described at a remove, the tangential action alone is hot enough to make this a one-handed read.
Clay White - In this modern era San Francisco based tale, burly Clay has been fired from the bureau but still feels he must stop a killing spree in San Francisco. When officials from the Bureau refuse to help him catch the killer, he turns to the aid of another ex-Bureau operative for backup. But can a demi-angel and his demon partner aid a disgraced, and all too human, bureau operative, with the aid of a surprisingly supportive vampire, take on a Silicon Valley monster charming enough to make the Bureau uninterested in stopping him? It was very satisfying to catch up with the couple we met in book one and to meet yet another “agent” with a taste for a supernaturally sexy denizen of the underworld. Though the sexual content in this tale is slightly more subdued than in the first tale, it's still... to slightly paraphrase Sam Spade “the stuff of wet dreams.”
Creature - in this early 50s era tale, Harry Low applied to join the Bureau but they weren't interested. Months after their refusal, when given this second-chance “trial assignment,” Harry has to question the nature of just what (and who) are the real monsters. The “monster” in this tale is a captive, possibly innocent, though we and the “monster” have no knowledge of what came before. Initially repulsive and hideous, as the creature is treated humanely, it becomes more human. Though never afforded much decency or love himself, Harry seems incapable of treating the creature inhumanely and that compassion soon begins to affect them both. This is the longest and perhaps the sweetest of the tales and at spots it's a tear-jerker. Consequently the graphic sex here is more limited than in either of the other two tales but the story will probably remain with me longer.
Oscar Wilde said 'Each Man kills the thing he loves.” And the cynical, outcast heroes in these tales are all killers. What they have in common is their down at the heels competence, and their “little left to lose” outlooks. What makes these stories compelling is the empathy that the reader gains when parts of each tale are told from the “monster's” point of view. While this format demands the reader consider... “just what makes a monster?” That ethical dilemma doesn't get in the way of the hot sexual nature of these tales. If hot action,and the allure of the “forbidden” appeals to you; and if you're open to reading of captivity, punishment, bondage, and pain mixed with pleasure, then this is a book for you. If you liked the movies Chinatown and the Maltese Falcon and if you're also a sucker for underdogs & tales of redemption, so much the better.
Narrator Joel Leslie projects a gruff, resigned, world weary quality to his voice that works amazingly well with the tales and characters he's presenting. His resignation alone, evokes much of the noir aspect of these tales, before the events even fully unfold. After hearing this, I'm even more curious to hear more of the wide variety of tales he's lent voice to.
July 30, 2018
I read each of these stories as they came out and loved them... now the audio version makes them even better!
Corruption is the first of the three books, and does take place first in the timeline. This one introduces us to the Bureau of Tran Species Affairs, the organization created to deal with the monsters in the world... Charles Grimes, who is not quite human himself, is sent by his boss Townsend, to kill a demon. What he finds is Tenreal, a demon who has been captured, sold, and tortured by humans for years. Instead of killing him, Charles..... well, you'll just have to read it!
Clay White may be the second book, but it's the last one in the timeline. Clay is no longer an agent with the Bureau, but after so many years he can't stop trying to save people. He's poking around in a club in San Francisco trying to locate what is killing young gay men. He meets Marek, an ancient vampire who helps him... in more ways than one! Clay gets some help from another source that I won't mention due to spoilers.
Then we have Creature, the final book in the collection, but the middle book in the timeline. And my favorite of the three! Harry has left his home looking for a better life in Los Angeles, and had hopes of becoming an agent for the Bureau, but as Townsend tells him, he's too soft. When he is at the end of his rope, Townsend offers him a chance to become an agent afterall. His mission is to attract the attention of a man who has been attempting to raise the dead and make a creature of sorts. Townsend sends Harry to Portland with a creature the Bureau has been storing for an unknown number of years. That creature turns out to be John... John changes over the few days the two are together, turning from an emaciated collection of bones and skin, to an intelligent, curious, caring partner for the lonely Harry. Harry is able to find Swann, the bad guy and.... you'll have to read it to find out what happens to Harry and John!
I went through an emotional rollercoaster ride with these books... I was disturbed and horrified to see what humans can do, both the Tenreal and John. I was distressed for Charles, Clay, and Harry, who while different, have a common bond of loneliness. Actually Tenreal, Marek, and John share that bond now that I think about it. All of these beings, human and otherwise, are all a mess! Then there was the happiness I felt at the end of each story. Without giving too much away, I will say that each story does have a good ending.
I was also interested in Townsend. He appears to be human, an obnoxious, smoking, drinking human, but he's been around a long time. What is he? We don't really know!
Kim Fielding is one of my favorite authors, and these three stories are excellent. While they do tie in together, they are clearly individual plots. Each has a beginning, middle, and happy ending, with background to the characters, a little sex, emotions, darkness, light, and bonding between the characters.
Then we have the narration.... Hello! It's Joel Leslie so it's perfection. His voices are amazing, each fit the character, in accent and intonation. Especially John, as he changes, so does his voice. Joel Leslie is able to put so much emotion and passion in his voice in every book he narrates, from college age men, to Australian ranchers, to British billionaires, to demons, vampires, and lonely humans. His passion for his craft is evident in every book he narrates.
I have both read and listened to these stories and can tell you they are wonderful, in whichever format you prefer!
Corruption is the first of the three books, and does take place first in the timeline. This one introduces us to the Bureau of Tran Species Affairs, the organization created to deal with the monsters in the world... Charles Grimes, who is not quite human himself, is sent by his boss Townsend, to kill a demon. What he finds is Tenreal, a demon who has been captured, sold, and tortured by humans for years. Instead of killing him, Charles..... well, you'll just have to read it!
Clay White may be the second book, but it's the last one in the timeline. Clay is no longer an agent with the Bureau, but after so many years he can't stop trying to save people. He's poking around in a club in San Francisco trying to locate what is killing young gay men. He meets Marek, an ancient vampire who helps him... in more ways than one! Clay gets some help from another source that I won't mention due to spoilers.
Then we have Creature, the final book in the collection, but the middle book in the timeline. And my favorite of the three! Harry has left his home looking for a better life in Los Angeles, and had hopes of becoming an agent for the Bureau, but as Townsend tells him, he's too soft. When he is at the end of his rope, Townsend offers him a chance to become an agent afterall. His mission is to attract the attention of a man who has been attempting to raise the dead and make a creature of sorts. Townsend sends Harry to Portland with a creature the Bureau has been storing for an unknown number of years. That creature turns out to be John... John changes over the few days the two are together, turning from an emaciated collection of bones and skin, to an intelligent, curious, caring partner for the lonely Harry. Harry is able to find Swann, the bad guy and.... you'll have to read it to find out what happens to Harry and John!
I went through an emotional rollercoaster ride with these books... I was disturbed and horrified to see what humans can do, both the Tenreal and John. I was distressed for Charles, Clay, and Harry, who while different, have a common bond of loneliness. Actually Tenreal, Marek, and John share that bond now that I think about it. All of these beings, human and otherwise, are all a mess! Then there was the happiness I felt at the end of each story. Without giving too much away, I will say that each story does have a good ending.
I was also interested in Townsend. He appears to be human, an obnoxious, smoking, drinking human, but he's been around a long time. What is he? We don't really know!
Kim Fielding is one of my favorite authors, and these three stories are excellent. While they do tie in together, they are clearly individual plots. Each has a beginning, middle, and happy ending, with background to the characters, a little sex, emotions, darkness, light, and bonding between the characters.
Then we have the narration.... Hello! It's Joel Leslie so it's perfection. His voices are amazing, each fit the character, in accent and intonation. Especially John, as he changes, so does his voice. Joel Leslie is able to put so much emotion and passion in his voice in every book he narrates, from college age men, to Australian ranchers, to British billionaires, to demons, vampires, and lonely humans. His passion for his craft is evident in every book he narrates.
I have both read and listened to these stories and can tell you they are wonderful, in whichever format you prefer!
July 25, 2018
Knowing Joel Leslie and Kim Fielding as talented narrator and author, respectively, this book promised to be a good one. I was poorly prepared for the whirlwind of emotions and intense rawness these three stories brought. At first I was sure that the first one is my favorite but by the end I knew that CREATURE was the one. I found a great deal of symbolism in this story, John was such an interesting relatable character. He was so gentle and sensitive, lyrical and with a beautiful view of the world around him.
Each story had it's own mystery, including the elusive time frame the story takes place at. This made the stories timeless in a way, with only small clues as to the year it takes place at. The Bureau is a fascinating, frightening agency and each story shows another view of it and the supernatural world fielding created.
In all three stories, the question of what is human is the main focus for the heroes, some human and some maybe not so much. Each story is well written, the characters well rounded ans intriguing. The connection between the stories is there but they are stand alones, each showing a new angle, creatures and range of emotions.
Joel Leslie brings a wide range of accents, tones of voice and emotion in his performance that infuse each character with life. He tackles daemons, vampires and cruel ignorant humans with the skill and finesse I have learned to associate with his performances.
There could not have been a better narrator to bring life the rich world Fielding created.
Each story had it's own mystery, including the elusive time frame the story takes place at. This made the stories timeless in a way, with only small clues as to the year it takes place at. The Bureau is a fascinating, frightening agency and each story shows another view of it and the supernatural world fielding created.
In all three stories, the question of what is human is the main focus for the heroes, some human and some maybe not so much. Each story is well written, the characters well rounded ans intriguing. The connection between the stories is there but they are stand alones, each showing a new angle, creatures and range of emotions.
Joel Leslie brings a wide range of accents, tones of voice and emotion in his performance that infuse each character with life. He tackles daemons, vampires and cruel ignorant humans with the skill and finesse I have learned to associate with his performances.
There could not have been a better narrator to bring life the rich world Fielding created.
October 11, 2018
“When things turn out all right, they call us heroes. When things turn to grief, they call us villains. Either way, we’re just people with some foolish ideas.””
Boi, I didn’t know I was that eager for interspecies romance and this book showed me how beautiful and interesting it is then gave me more than that.
The characters were always so intriguing, we never know 100% what they are, it adds mystery and charm to them and eerily made them more genuine. Each were broken in their way and to watch them met and find in each other more than a hunter or a monster but a friend and a lover, it was beautiful and exciting.
Tenderness, kindness, and mercy in such dark world was everything. A world with monstrous people doing things beyond cruelty to others for the only reason that this significant other has wings and horns, or fangs with a pale skin, or is a supposed Frankenstein. This book shows that humans can be monsters too.
I’m so hungry of this universe now. I need and hope for more.
Boi, I didn’t know I was that eager for interspecies romance and this book showed me how beautiful and interesting it is then gave me more than that.
The characters were always so intriguing, we never know 100% what they are, it adds mystery and charm to them and eerily made them more genuine. Each were broken in their way and to watch them met and find in each other more than a hunter or a monster but a friend and a lover, it was beautiful and exciting.
Tenderness, kindness, and mercy in such dark world was everything. A world with monstrous people doing things beyond cruelty to others for the only reason that this significant other has wings and horns, or fangs with a pale skin, or is a supposed Frankenstein. This book shows that humans can be monsters too.
I’m so hungry of this universe now. I need and hope for more.
January 8, 2022
Corruption - 3 stars. This was the shortest story in this collected volume, and while I enjoyed it I felt like it was a bit too short, I wish it had been given a bit more page space.
Clay White - 4 stars. Unlike the other two stories this was a contemporary, and it was my favorite of the three. I'm a sucker for vampires (pun not intended) and I really liked the main character in this one.
Creature - 3.5 stars. I had expected the titular creature to be more monstrous or non-human, but was disappointed in that regard. That aside, I still liked this story. It had more space for the relationship between the characters to develop than the other stories had, and I liked both the main characters and the romance.
Clay White - 4 stars. Unlike the other two stories this was a contemporary, and it was my favorite of the three. I'm a sucker for vampires (pun not intended) and I really liked the main character in this one.
Creature - 3.5 stars. I had expected the titular creature to be more monstrous or non-human, but was disappointed in that regard. That aside, I still liked this story. It had more space for the relationship between the characters to develop than the other stories had, and I liked both the main characters and the romance.
June 1, 2020
The Bureau: Volume 1 is a great collection of the first three paranormal stories from Kim Fields.
It presents: Corruption, Clay White, and Creature. Each story is eerie and introduces different characters that all become involved with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs.
Even though this is like a series the stories do not have to be read in order. The Bureau has something for all readers. Enjoy!
Volume 1 is also available on Audible with Joel Leslie doing a fantastic narration of all the tales.
It presents: Corruption, Clay White, and Creature. Each story is eerie and introduces different characters that all become involved with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs.
Even though this is like a series the stories do not have to be read in order. The Bureau has something for all readers. Enjoy!
Volume 1 is also available on Audible with Joel Leslie doing a fantastic narration of all the tales.
September 12, 2022
Huh. Did I realize this was three novellas going in? No, I did not. I enjoy that the stories are separate but still connected. It was hard to pick a time period for these. The second story felt more current but then we dipped back into the 50s and it was just a little confusing. Overall, the stories were lovely, though. Sometimes things were too easy or convenient, but it's fiction and I'm fine with that. I'll likely pick up the rest of the series eventually just to see if it all circles back to Grimes in the end.
January 10, 2024
These were okay, but I found them a little simple. The idea of the bureau was interesting, but everyone quit or wasn't in it to start with, so I don't feel like it ultimately played a very large role lmao they were mostly driven by very fast-moving romances. Actual literal insta-love in the case of the first one.
I liked the other book by this author I read, so I think I'll try another of their series, but I don't think I'll proceed with this one.
I liked the other book by this author I read, so I think I'll try another of their series, but I don't think I'll proceed with this one.
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