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Dark is the Night #2
A Hymn in the Silence
Since graduating from Whisperwood School for Boys, William has found a sense of normalcy in his life with James. He has a steady (albeit secret) relationship, a home, and a job—even if it doesn’t pay the greatest. Nevermind that he lacks James’ reckless bravery when it comes to dealing with spirits; he does his best and it hasn’t killed him thus far. When a new client calls on their expertise in solving a grisly multiple homicide, William resists. They’re spirit hunters, not detectives. But the money is too much to pass up when they don’t know when their next meal will be, and soon they’re arriving at Evenbury Manor, nestled in a close-knit rural community, ready to investigate. They're in over their heads, but in very different ways than William could have anticipated. The hills are filled with creatures far more dangerous than any they've ever encountered, and their usual tactics aren’t working. On top of his renewed struggles with his addiction, William is left to fend for himself against the dead to protect not only the community, but the person in the world that’s most important to him.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2018
29 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Kelley York
23 books604 followersKelley resides off the coast of Northern California with her wife, dogs, cats, and birds. In addition to writing, she has her A.S. in Anthropology, and is a graphic designer with a successful book cover design business called Sleepy Fox Studio. She spends her spare time playing video games and tabletop games like the nerd she is. Her specialty is LGBT+ fiction, usually with a dark twist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 16, 2018
While I liked this, I didn’t like it as much as the first book. And I know exactly why.
The first book is told from the 1st person POV of James. James’ head was quite a joy to be in. He was happy and an overall positive person. Now this second book is told from Willam’s POV, and while I really liked him in both books, it was quite exhausting being in his head.
William had a laudunum addicion, and he hadn’t been able to quit yet. The reason for this was because he was such an anxious person. He had all these fears and doubt and was quite negative about everything.
What I also disliked in this was how things seemed to be rocky between James and William. They had a big fight in this, and I wasn’t happy with how it all went down.
What really appealed to me in the first book was the whole atmosphere of the school they were at. And the ghosts of course. Here is was different. While I liked the mystery they were trying to solve, I wasn’t a fan of the big reveal.
I felt as if William was quite the depressing person and he dragged the whole story down. It is also mentioned several times how William didn’t like the ghost hunting they did. Why would he do something he didn’t like? Yes, for James, but I wouldn’t say that’s very healthy for their relationship.
What also bothered me was the fact that William was attracted to Adelia. He did assure James that James was the love of his life, but I never like to read about my MCs being attracted to other people in my books. I’m not even sure why it was included. Apparently Adelia will play some role in future books, so I got why she was there, but not why William had to be attracted to her in the first place. Total turn-off for me.
It had its good moment I have to admit, but it wasn’t nearly as good as the first book.
The first book is told from the 1st person POV of James. James’ head was quite a joy to be in. He was happy and an overall positive person. Now this second book is told from Willam’s POV, and while I really liked him in both books, it was quite exhausting being in his head.
William had a laudunum addicion, and he hadn’t been able to quit yet. The reason for this was because he was such an anxious person. He had all these fears and doubt and was quite negative about everything.
What I also disliked in this was how things seemed to be rocky between James and William. They had a big fight in this, and I wasn’t happy with how it all went down.
What really appealed to me in the first book was the whole atmosphere of the school they were at. And the ghosts of course. Here is was different. While I liked the mystery they were trying to solve, I wasn’t a fan of the big reveal.
I felt as if William was quite the depressing person and he dragged the whole story down. It is also mentioned several times how William didn’t like the ghost hunting they did. Why would he do something he didn’t like? Yes, for James, but I wouldn’t say that’s very healthy for their relationship.
What also bothered me was the fact that William was attracted to Adelia. He did assure James that James was the love of his life, but I never like to read about my MCs being attracted to other people in my books. I’m not even sure why it was included. Apparently Adelia will play some role in future books, so I got why she was there, but not why William had to be attracted to her in the first place. Total turn-off for me.
It had its good moment I have to admit, but it wasn’t nearly as good as the first book.
April 26, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“I’m ashamed of many things in my life and myself, but my love for James is not one of them. No, my reflex to remain so tight-lipped stems from the desperate desire to protect James. To protect us.”
Ah, there was something so comforting about reuniting with James and William in A Hymn in the Silence. And while I did not enjoy it as much as the first part, the two of them are honestly, such a cute and endearing couple, that whenever they're together, I have a silly smile on my face, and whenever they're forced apart, my heart aches for them to work it out.
Set three years after the first part and told entirely in William's POV, we accompany these two on their latest paranormal investigation that resolves around the mysterious grisly deaths of an entire family in a rural village. With plenty of chilling danger that haunts them from both the spirit world and the human world, James and William find themselves entangled in a horrific crime that not only shatters the family who's hired them, but endangers the foundation of their own relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this - William's POV is VERY MUCH DIFFERENT than James - very self-doubting, very self-deprecating due to his continuous dependency on laudunam, very quiet in expressing his emotions openly, but still very much in love with James. And to see how he handled certain situations with James by his side and without, how he fought demons and spirits with his own innate abilities was a refreshing change.
I do admit, though, that this story was a lot more religious and less spooky than the last - the creepy factor was definitely lacking. Not that it made my reading any less enjoyable, but I wasn't chilled to the bone with the arrival of the spirits or their violent attacks. I also realized after that with hymn being in the title, the church would be a key element in the case, and with the many instances where our paranormal investigators used scripture and holy water to subdue the demons, it should have been expected; especially since their own beliefs were also tested in the end.
I also loved that the writers didn't shy away from showing that 'not everything is a bed of roses' for the two of them. They've had their ups and downs in the past, and on this case, it bubbled into an outburst that very much threatened their future. It was how with such honesty, with such candid and with so much openness and love that the two of them addressed it - without spite or ill will, was so beautiful to witness. ❤️❤️ How they were so respective of their limits - and still mature enough to talk about their issues concerning each other was so very realistic and believable.
“Very insistent tonight, aren’t you?”
“Have you seen yourself? No one could possibly blame me.”
“Flatterer.” His eyes are positively shining with want as he ducks in to kiss me. It drags some of the annoyance right out of me and I lean into him, head swimming.
“Not at all; I’m just a man hopelessly attracted to the love of his life,” I mumble.
“You’re so sweet.”
At first I was a bit concerned why it was repeatedly mentioned at how hard they were working to keep their relationship a secret as it was a time when their relationship was strictly frowned upon. It was not till the climax and how we see that it played such a pivotal part to the mystery, did I realize that it had been intentional.
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.”
“—To the level of every day’s most quiet need, by sun and candle light.”
And the poetry! I loved that it was such an integral part of who they were - that when James was ghostly possessed, William recited one of the few poems that stayed in his heart for so long - one of the best scenes, imo - because they had both been hurting before then, and William couldn't properly convey how much he meant to him. And James - ah James 😍 He will always have such a hold on my heart. He's honestly such a likable character - so full of just love to give and always happy to receive - he really does care so very much about William. 🥹🥹
Even to the point that he has to use hurtful words to let him know how much he's hurting himself, William - and myself - never doubted at how much he genuinely cared for him. 🥰🥰 Their playful flirtations and even their heartfelt emotions were written so well - it just gives me so much contentment when the writing flows. Even if the story might not be as appealing, if it expresses clearly the feelings that the characters wish to convey, then that's the best achievement ever.
“You are my everything, James. For as much as I struggle, as difficult as things are for me that are so simple for everyone else—I’d not trade you for any such normalcy. You are what makes me want to be a better man. I’m sorry I’ve been failing at that.”
🥺🥺🥺
I also appreciated that the supporting cast played a more pivotal part in the plot; having Virgil return was a welcome addition to their team and I grew fond of Adelia Wakefield and her determination and stead-fast resolve. And while the ghosts were not as spooky as before, my heart did ache for each of the tormented souls. And while the mystery was solved, but NOT resolved, I'm very much curious to see how what part this particular case will play in the future installments. 👀👀
“I’m ashamed of many things in my life and myself, but my love for James is not one of them. No, my reflex to remain so tight-lipped stems from the desperate desire to protect James. To protect us.”
Ah, there was something so comforting about reuniting with James and William in A Hymn in the Silence. And while I did not enjoy it as much as the first part, the two of them are honestly, such a cute and endearing couple, that whenever they're together, I have a silly smile on my face, and whenever they're forced apart, my heart aches for them to work it out.
Set three years after the first part and told entirely in William's POV, we accompany these two on their latest paranormal investigation that resolves around the mysterious grisly deaths of an entire family in a rural village. With plenty of chilling danger that haunts them from both the spirit world and the human world, James and William find themselves entangled in a horrific crime that not only shatters the family who's hired them, but endangers the foundation of their own relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this - William's POV is VERY MUCH DIFFERENT than James - very self-doubting, very self-deprecating due to his continuous dependency on laudunam, very quiet in expressing his emotions openly, but still very much in love with James. And to see how he handled certain situations with James by his side and without, how he fought demons and spirits with his own innate abilities was a refreshing change.
I do admit, though, that this story was a lot more religious and less spooky than the last - the creepy factor was definitely lacking. Not that it made my reading any less enjoyable, but I wasn't chilled to the bone with the arrival of the spirits or their violent attacks. I also realized after that with hymn being in the title, the church would be a key element in the case, and with the many instances where our paranormal investigators used scripture and holy water to subdue the demons, it should have been expected; especially since their own beliefs were also tested in the end.
I also loved that the writers didn't shy away from showing that 'not everything is a bed of roses' for the two of them. They've had their ups and downs in the past, and on this case, it bubbled into an outburst that very much threatened their future. It was how with such honesty, with such candid and with so much openness and love that the two of them addressed it - without spite or ill will, was so beautiful to witness. ❤️❤️ How they were so respective of their limits - and still mature enough to talk about their issues concerning each other was so very realistic and believable.
“Very insistent tonight, aren’t you?”
“Have you seen yourself? No one could possibly blame me.”
“Flatterer.” His eyes are positively shining with want as he ducks in to kiss me. It drags some of the annoyance right out of me and I lean into him, head swimming.
“Not at all; I’m just a man hopelessly attracted to the love of his life,” I mumble.
“You’re so sweet.”
At first I was a bit concerned why it was repeatedly mentioned at how hard they were working to keep their relationship a secret as it was a time when their relationship was strictly frowned upon. It was not till the climax and how we see that it played such a pivotal part to the mystery, did I realize that it had been intentional.
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.”
“—To the level of every day’s most quiet need, by sun and candle light.”
And the poetry! I loved that it was such an integral part of who they were - that when James was ghostly possessed, William recited one of the few poems that stayed in his heart for so long - one of the best scenes, imo - because they had both been hurting before then, and William couldn't properly convey how much he meant to him. And James - ah James 😍 He will always have such a hold on my heart. He's honestly such a likable character - so full of just love to give and always happy to receive - he really does care so very much about William. 🥹🥹
Even to the point that he has to use hurtful words to let him know how much he's hurting himself, William - and myself - never doubted at how much he genuinely cared for him. 🥰🥰 Their playful flirtations and even their heartfelt emotions were written so well - it just gives me so much contentment when the writing flows. Even if the story might not be as appealing, if it expresses clearly the feelings that the characters wish to convey, then that's the best achievement ever.
“You are my everything, James. For as much as I struggle, as difficult as things are for me that are so simple for everyone else—I’d not trade you for any such normalcy. You are what makes me want to be a better man. I’m sorry I’ve been failing at that.”
🥺🥺🥺
I also appreciated that the supporting cast played a more pivotal part in the plot; having Virgil return was a welcome addition to their team and I grew fond of Adelia Wakefield and her determination and stead-fast resolve. And while the ghosts were not as spooky as before, my heart did ache for each of the tormented souls. And while the mystery was solved, but NOT resolved, I'm very much curious to see how what part this particular case will play in the future installments. 👀👀
April 12, 2024
Not quite as scary as book 1, but still a very well written ghost/horror(ish) mystery.
Remember James and William from book 1? Set around the end of the 19th century, two young men attending Whisperwood, solving the ghostly murder mysteries, and falling in love with each other at a time where homosexuality was a crime? The book that made it hard for me to fall asleep because I’m not very good when it comes to dealing with ghosts and possession?
Well, they’re not at school any more, and they’ve made a business out of dealing with ghosts. And this time, they’re called to drive the gruesome murder of a family in Buckinghamshire - so unusual that the resident Lord suspects something supernatural at work.
It’s… good. I loved meeting Virgil again, and Lady Adelia was a great addition. What I didn’t care for so much: we only get William’s pov. I missed being in James’ head, too, and knowing what he’s thinking. On top of that - even if it’s only mentioned briefly - I wasn’t a fan of William being attracted to Adelia. Call me old fashioned, but once one of “my” couples is established, they’re not allowed to be attracted to anyone else. Sue me 😅
What was interesting: seeing William deal with his laudanum addiction, back in a time where you didn’t have things like AA meetings or drug addiction counselling.
As for the murder mystery: I’ve been pretty sure early on who behind it all, but I still had fun reading it.
One thing I wasn’t a fan of, but got used to: they switched the narrator from Kale Williams to Joel Leslie. And while I know that many of you love him, he’s just not good with “young” voices in my opinion. He usually has a “younger” voice for one of his main characters, and a more mature, deeper, slightly asthmatic/breathless sounding one for the other main character. And that’s just not a good fit here when both are supposed to be in their early twenties.
But maybe I’m just nitpicking because I’ve been looking forward to Kale Williams 😬
Still: a good book, but I’d recommend to read the previous one to understand the ghostly business they’re dealing with.
Remember James and William from book 1? Set around the end of the 19th century, two young men attending Whisperwood, solving the ghostly murder mysteries, and falling in love with each other at a time where homosexuality was a crime? The book that made it hard for me to fall asleep because I’m not very good when it comes to dealing with ghosts and possession?
Well, they’re not at school any more, and they’ve made a business out of dealing with ghosts. And this time, they’re called to drive the gruesome murder of a family in Buckinghamshire - so unusual that the resident Lord suspects something supernatural at work.
It’s… good. I loved meeting Virgil again, and Lady Adelia was a great addition. What I didn’t care for so much: we only get William’s pov. I missed being in James’ head, too, and knowing what he’s thinking. On top of that - even if it’s only mentioned briefly - I wasn’t a fan of William being attracted to Adelia. Call me old fashioned, but once one of “my” couples is established, they’re not allowed to be attracted to anyone else. Sue me 😅
What was interesting: seeing William deal with his laudanum addiction, back in a time where you didn’t have things like AA meetings or drug addiction counselling.
As for the murder mystery: I’ve been pretty sure early on who behind it all, but I still had fun reading it.
One thing I wasn’t a fan of, but got used to: they switched the narrator from Kale Williams to Joel Leslie. And while I know that many of you love him, he’s just not good with “young” voices in my opinion. He usually has a “younger” voice for one of his main characters, and a more mature, deeper, slightly asthmatic/breathless sounding one for the other main character. And that’s just not a good fit here when both are supposed to be in their early twenties.
But maybe I’m just nitpicking because I’ve been looking forward to Kale Williams 😬
Still: a good book, but I’d recommend to read the previous one to understand the ghostly business they’re dealing with.
May 23, 2023
4.25 stars ... Not *quite* as gripping as the first book of the series but delicious fun still! Definitely recommended for anyone that enjoyed the first story. 👍😁👍
January 15, 2019
In this second historical-paranormal-mystery, James and William have graduated and found themselves a good situation - they're living together in a house far enough out of town to allow their secret relationship, and working for a psychic whose clients will pay for their ghost-hunting talents. Their job hasn't been safe, but it has been interesting, and earned enough to live on. Their mentor is supportive, and their mistakes haven't killed them yet.
A new case of bizarre and bloody murders at a remote farm comes their way. The client, wealthy owner of a nearby mansion, seems like a decent man, and the money is appealing, but there's evil lurking that didn't hesitate at killing an infant. The townsfolk, and local preacher, aren't too happy to have strange men from the city meddling in their affairs, and the stakes are life and death. William is still struggling with his addiction to laudanum, and it's a distraction that could have terrible consequences.
The first book was narrated by James, with his buoyant and determined POV. This one is narrated by William, who is more introspective and far less sure of himself. His addiction and worries sometimes threaten to overwhelm him, and he's not sure he'll be able to step up to the demands on him. This book feels darker, because of the tone of his voice. The problems they face here also feel bigger, more adult and with wider consequences. They argue, and are still figuring their relationship out, which I liked as realistic in these two young men just launching into adulthood.
The crime is resolved by the end of this story, but clearly the main characters have a distance to go in their lives. I wasn't crazy about the POV switch teaser at the end, but I am definitely onboard for more of this series.
A new case of bizarre and bloody murders at a remote farm comes their way. The client, wealthy owner of a nearby mansion, seems like a decent man, and the money is appealing, but there's evil lurking that didn't hesitate at killing an infant. The townsfolk, and local preacher, aren't too happy to have strange men from the city meddling in their affairs, and the stakes are life and death. William is still struggling with his addiction to laudanum, and it's a distraction that could have terrible consequences.
The first book was narrated by James, with his buoyant and determined POV. This one is narrated by William, who is more introspective and far less sure of himself. His addiction and worries sometimes threaten to overwhelm him, and he's not sure he'll be able to step up to the demands on him. This book feels darker, because of the tone of his voice. The problems they face here also feel bigger, more adult and with wider consequences. They argue, and are still figuring their relationship out, which I liked as realistic in these two young men just launching into adulthood.
The crime is resolved by the end of this story, but clearly the main characters have a distance to go in their lives. I wasn't crazy about the POV switch teaser at the end, but I am definitely onboard for more of this series.
December 15, 2020
I think there’s a common misconception about books in that if you take a long time to finish them, that must mean you don’t like them.
That may be true for some stories, but it absolutely was *not* the case for A Hymm in the Silence. I apologize for taking forever in getting this review out, but I love this series and the characters so much, I purposely read it slowly (maybe a little too slowly... whoops) because I didn’t want to let it go. 😭
I said a similar thing upon reading book #1, but this series has... literally everything. Historical fiction that’s easy to read and fun to go along with; mysteries and horror and ghostly possessions; and a forbidden type of romance that, rather than being cringey and cliché, had me rooting for the characters all along the way (and of course that could be because I already adore them, but what can I say? I officially claim them as my boys 😂). And I love that, because I think characters in a historical setting who have to hide their relationship because of historical prejudices is officially my favorite kind of forbidden relationship. And, I said the same thing in my review to the first book, but this series covers such a wide range of genres and has such likable characters that I think it could definitely appeal to an incredibly wide range of readers.
Back when I interviewed authors Kelley York and Rowan Altwood, I included a question for the character William in my interview. In that question, I asked what William would do if he found himself among the supernatural without James around. In their answer, York and Altwood promised that I would find out in the second book to their series, and it most definitely did not disappoint. While the first book was in James’ POV, this book is in William’s, and I found that I loved his narration just as much, if not even a tiny bit more, as I did James’. William is the ‘quieter’ of the pair, but A Hymm in the Silence really sees him stepping up and defending himself, and I loved that. He is an incredibly well-developed character, and I think that especially shows with his narration in this second installment of the series.
While the first book took place while James and William were Juniors at their boarding school, A Hymm in the Silence takes place two or three years down the road, and I loved how smoothly the transition from book #1 to book #2 managed to bridge that gap. James and William are still the same characters that you fall in love with while they’re still at boarding school, but — as I said above, especially with William — they have a new, appreciated maturity about them. Especially because this book shows their first real, major argument — you can easily detect the new stress they’ve been put under as they’re now slightly older, and their problems become slightly less juvenile. (Not that ghostly possession is necessarily a ‘juvenile’ problem, but, hey. Their handling of it comes much easier).
And, of course, I cannot end this review without talking about the incredible supporting characters surrounding the second book. While James and William were still at boarding school, they had some slight help from the other boys, but I think A Hymm in the Silence goes just a tiny step further than A Light Amongst Shadows did in developing the supporting characters almost as much as James and William. All of the supporting characters in this book — Adelia, Virgil (who makes a reappearance from book #1), Reverend Thomas, and, heck, even Adelia’s father — have their own individuality and problems, and it definitely shows. If I were to give the supporting characters in A Light Amongst Shadows an A, I would give the supporting characters in A Hymm in the Silence an A+.
Honestly, I could gush on about these characters forever, but I think I’ll stop it here. Just know that I love this book, I love this series (except the ending makes me question if James and William will be in the next book??! *flails*), I maaaay or may not be thinking about rereading the first book, and, God, I really wish indie books were more popular, especially among people my age, because I neeeed someone to gush about these characters with me. 😭
(James and William may or may not be my Indie OTP — shhh).
That may be true for some stories, but it absolutely was *not* the case for A Hymm in the Silence. I apologize for taking forever in getting this review out, but I love this series and the characters so much, I purposely read it slowly (maybe a little too slowly... whoops) because I didn’t want to let it go. 😭
I said a similar thing upon reading book #1, but this series has... literally everything. Historical fiction that’s easy to read and fun to go along with; mysteries and horror and ghostly possessions; and a forbidden type of romance that, rather than being cringey and cliché, had me rooting for the characters all along the way (and of course that could be because I already adore them, but what can I say? I officially claim them as my boys 😂). And I love that, because I think characters in a historical setting who have to hide their relationship because of historical prejudices is officially my favorite kind of forbidden relationship. And, I said the same thing in my review to the first book, but this series covers such a wide range of genres and has such likable characters that I think it could definitely appeal to an incredibly wide range of readers.
Back when I interviewed authors Kelley York and Rowan Altwood, I included a question for the character William in my interview. In that question, I asked what William would do if he found himself among the supernatural without James around. In their answer, York and Altwood promised that I would find out in the second book to their series, and it most definitely did not disappoint. While the first book was in James’ POV, this book is in William’s, and I found that I loved his narration just as much, if not even a tiny bit more, as I did James’. William is the ‘quieter’ of the pair, but A Hymm in the Silence really sees him stepping up and defending himself, and I loved that. He is an incredibly well-developed character, and I think that especially shows with his narration in this second installment of the series.
While the first book took place while James and William were Juniors at their boarding school, A Hymm in the Silence takes place two or three years down the road, and I loved how smoothly the transition from book #1 to book #2 managed to bridge that gap. James and William are still the same characters that you fall in love with while they’re still at boarding school, but — as I said above, especially with William — they have a new, appreciated maturity about them. Especially because this book shows their first real, major argument — you can easily detect the new stress they’ve been put under as they’re now slightly older, and their problems become slightly less juvenile. (Not that ghostly possession is necessarily a ‘juvenile’ problem, but, hey. Their handling of it comes much easier).
And, of course, I cannot end this review without talking about the incredible supporting characters surrounding the second book. While James and William were still at boarding school, they had some slight help from the other boys, but I think A Hymm in the Silence goes just a tiny step further than A Light Amongst Shadows did in developing the supporting characters almost as much as James and William. All of the supporting characters in this book — Adelia, Virgil (who makes a reappearance from book #1), Reverend Thomas, and, heck, even Adelia’s father — have their own individuality and problems, and it definitely shows. If I were to give the supporting characters in A Light Amongst Shadows an A, I would give the supporting characters in A Hymm in the Silence an A+.
Honestly, I could gush on about these characters forever, but I think I’ll stop it here. Just know that I love this book, I love this series (except the ending makes me question if James and William will be in the next book??! *flails*), I maaaay or may not be thinking about rereading the first book, and, God, I really wish indie books were more popular, especially among people my age, because I neeeed someone to gush about these characters with me. 😭
(James and William may or may not be my Indie OTP — shhh).
April 21, 2020
Ok so on the one hand, gay love cured ghosts yes two unpossessed thumbs up. I did INDEED read the majority of this in one sitting and it is taking an act of WILL not to just inhale the other book immediately because in the quarantine times it is important to have things to look forward to and also I need to read like 300 more pages of weird alien physics and VR computer games about the instability of time and space (If future me can’t remember what I’m talking about: The Three Body Problem.)
This book followed well off the first, but is more clearly part of a series as opposed to a self contained story and it suffered somewhat from that. For instance, as an avid devourer of supernatural stories, one of my pet peeves is the reliance on Christian iconography as the one true thing to get rid of evil. I wish more stories would acknowledge iconography as a symbol for faith in general, and then allow what that faith is/the relevant symbols and banishment chants to change for the person. (Should I, an apathiest engineer, be able to fight ghosts with the period table? Yes! But also, we’ve established, being hella gay already gives me +5 against ghosts so it’s a moot point.). Back on topic! Throughout the book, our main character struggles to remember Christian prayers to banish ghosts because he doesn’t really believe in them – but they still work for him. Later, he uses a poem with deep importance to him to interrupt a ghost and the plot becomes about whether or not he believes in himself to exorcise ghosts I was like hey! Are they doing the thing?! Turns out – no? At least, it appears not as he goes back to Christian prayer after that. I honestly can’t tell if this is meant to be developed more later.
*Slams back through the door I closed a second ago* OH HEY WAIT, don’t let me forget to praise the EMOTIONAL CONSISTANCY AND CONTINUITY that this book pulled off re: a bunch of shit from the first book. That gives me hope that my issues with some of the plot lines that didn’t really feel satisfactorily resolved here will come up later.
(Content warnings for this book include: our main POV character struggling with addiction and references to past sexual abuse)
This book followed well off the first, but is more clearly part of a series as opposed to a self contained story and it suffered somewhat from that. For instance, as an avid devourer of supernatural stories, one of my pet peeves is the reliance on Christian iconography as the one true thing to get rid of evil. I wish more stories would acknowledge iconography as a symbol for faith in general, and then allow what that faith is/the relevant symbols and banishment chants to change for the person. (Should I, an apathiest engineer, be able to fight ghosts with the period table? Yes! But also, we’ve established, being hella gay already gives me +5 against ghosts so it’s a moot point.). Back on topic! Throughout the book, our main character struggles to remember Christian prayers to banish ghosts because he doesn’t really believe in them – but they still work for him. Later, he uses a poem with deep importance to him to interrupt a ghost and the plot becomes about whether or not he believes in himself to exorcise ghosts I was like hey! Are they doing the thing?! Turns out – no? At least, it appears not as he goes back to Christian prayer after that. I honestly can’t tell if this is meant to be developed more later.
*Slams back through the door I closed a second ago* OH HEY WAIT, don’t let me forget to praise the EMOTIONAL CONSISTANCY AND CONTINUITY that this book pulled off re: a bunch of shit from the first book. That gives me hope that my issues with some of the plot lines that didn’t really feel satisfactorily resolved here will come up later.
(Content warnings for this book include: our main POV character struggling with addiction and references to past sexual abuse)
November 12, 2019
Audio Review-
Overal 5*
Story 5*
Performance 5*
Couldn't have asked for more!
When I heard Joel Leslie was going to be narrating this book, giving life to sweet William, I was sooo beyond excited- I was completely thrilled! Mr. Leslie is one of my favorite narrators, he never fails to bring all the feels to his performances, and I just knew he'd be perfect for sweet, vulnerable William...and he was! I don't think there's another narrator out there who could have done William justice, to be honest. He brought all the uncertainty and vulnerability that I love about William to his performance, and it just made me fall in love all over again.
I will definitely be adding ALAS and AHitS to my relisten rotation!
***
This book was perfection! I fell in love with James and William in A Light Amongst Shadows (one of my favorite books of the year!) and was so happy to learn that we’d be getting more of their story, as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I had no idea, though, that A Hymn in the Silence was the book I needed! And that I needed it in William’s point of view. Oh how I loved being inside his head.
As he and James take on the biggest job of their short career as spirit hunters, nothing could have prepared him for the trials and tribulations they’d be put through- both professionally and personally. William made me FEEL so much, for him and for James, and for everything they went through. Not only was the mystery they were hired to solve keeping me on edge, but William’s uncertainty and vulnerability made my heart hurt for him. And while battling the very real demons set on hurting anyone in its path, with James in the forefront, William was dealing with his own struggles when it came to his addiction, which was once again starting to get the best of him.
I really loved this story, maybe even a touch more than I did A Light Amongst Shadows! The world building in this book was stellar, the story-telling so totally engaging, and William and James completely endearing. I was so wrapped up in these two, in their crazy, creepy, dangerous adventures, it was hard to put this book down. And even now that it’s been a couple of days since I’ve finished, I’m finding it hard to let go.
Overal 5*
Story 5*
Performance 5*
Couldn't have asked for more!
When I heard Joel Leslie was going to be narrating this book, giving life to sweet William, I was sooo beyond excited- I was completely thrilled! Mr. Leslie is one of my favorite narrators, he never fails to bring all the feels to his performances, and I just knew he'd be perfect for sweet, vulnerable William...and he was! I don't think there's another narrator out there who could have done William justice, to be honest. He brought all the uncertainty and vulnerability that I love about William to his performance, and it just made me fall in love all over again.
I will definitely be adding ALAS and AHitS to my relisten rotation!
***
This book was perfection! I fell in love with James and William in A Light Amongst Shadows (one of my favorite books of the year!) and was so happy to learn that we’d be getting more of their story, as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I had no idea, though, that A Hymn in the Silence was the book I needed! And that I needed it in William’s point of view. Oh how I loved being inside his head.
As he and James take on the biggest job of their short career as spirit hunters, nothing could have prepared him for the trials and tribulations they’d be put through- both professionally and personally. William made me FEEL so much, for him and for James, and for everything they went through. Not only was the mystery they were hired to solve keeping me on edge, but William’s uncertainty and vulnerability made my heart hurt for him. And while battling the very real demons set on hurting anyone in its path, with James in the forefront, William was dealing with his own struggles when it came to his addiction, which was once again starting to get the best of him.
I really loved this story, maybe even a touch more than I did A Light Amongst Shadows! The world building in this book was stellar, the story-telling so totally engaging, and William and James completely endearing. I was so wrapped up in these two, in their crazy, creepy, dangerous adventures, it was hard to put this book down. And even now that it’s been a couple of days since I’ve finished, I’m finding it hard to let go.
April 4, 2025
Just as good as the first book! <3
November 1, 2018
I don’t know if I have ever read such a perfect story for Halloween on actual Halloween before. This was it!
Set around three years after the events of the first book this one is in William POV.
Ok folks I adore these two - James and William are now in my top ten cutest ever couples. I love seeing established couples facing stuff together, in this case the
The paranormal happenings in this installment were as scary as the events at school in bk1, the writing continues being tight and engaging and the story flew - so much so that I started and finished the same day staying up way past my bedtime.
The authors also seem to have set themselves up for at least one more book which would be a much appreciated addition to this story.
Like in book 1 the authors pair the paranormal events with rather dark themes - here addiction and mental health issues - without ever becoming patronising to either their characters or the readers. There is commentary on the absurdity of religion and the people who abuse faith to pass judgement on others - this was rather well done I think and I felt it echoed some very recognisable contemporary event.
This book is, like is brother, historical however I still find it impossible to say which time it is set in as the story, the characters become so central to the narration that they seem to spun their own time bubble. I guess it is somewhere in the 19th century but without date marks I couldn't tell you. This did not bother me at all as the story is so enjoyable and the characters so adorable and charming that I really did not care whether their language was age or attire was age appropriate or not.
I do hope there'll be more books around these characters, in the meantime this is highly recommended.
Set around three years after the events of the first book this one is in William POV.
Ok folks I adore these two - James and William are now in my top ten cutest ever couples. I love seeing established couples facing stuff together, in this case the
The paranormal happenings in this installment were as scary as the events at school in bk1, the writing continues being tight and engaging and the story flew - so much so that I started and finished the same day staying up way past my bedtime.
The authors also seem to have set themselves up for at least one more book which would be a much appreciated addition to this story.
Like in book 1 the authors pair the paranormal events with rather dark themes - here addiction and mental health issues - without ever becoming patronising to either their characters or the readers. There is commentary on the absurdity of religion and the people who abuse faith to pass judgement on others - this was rather well done I think and I felt it echoed some very recognisable contemporary event.
This book is, like is brother, historical however I still find it impossible to say which time it is set in as the story, the characters become so central to the narration that they seem to spun their own time bubble. I guess it is somewhere in the 19th century but without date marks I couldn't tell you. This did not bother me at all as the story is so enjoyable and the characters so adorable and charming that I really did not care whether their language was age or attire was age appropriate or not.
I do hope there'll be more books around these characters, in the meantime this is highly recommended.
April 6, 2023
Uhm I loved this?! It legitimately spooked me to the point I had to read it with the lights on.
The whole storyline kept me hooked the entire time. I adored James and William together. I hurt for William and his struggles and insecurities. I really just had the time of my life reading this.
The whole storyline kept me hooked the entire time. I adored James and William together. I hurt for William and his struggles and insecurities. I really just had the time of my life reading this.
October 31, 2018
I’m going to cut straight to the chase: If you have ever worried that a sequel to a book you fell in love with couldn’t possibly live up to all that had come before it, you’ll understand how much I attempted to maintain realistic expectations of A Hymn in the Silence. This book, however, is utter perfection and not only solidified my love of James Spencer and William Esher, but it has propelled authors Kelley York and Rowan Altwood onto a very short list of authors whose work I will read, blurb unseen.
At the end of A Light Amongst Shadows, after the horrific events during James and William’s third year at Whisperwood School for Boys had been resolved but which had also left its share of scars as lifelong place markers for the terror that had unfolded there, York and Altwood led readers to an Epilogue which found James and William in a new home as well as on the cusp of a new income source. The fascination with spiritualism during the Victorian Era is a well-documented reality and serves as the foundation for our heroes to scrape out a living together, working for a medium who also happens to be the aunt of their former classmate Preston Alexander. When Mrs. Bennett offers James and William a new assignment, one for which they would be most handsomely rewarded if successful, it presents several conflicts, not the least of which includes they aren’t detectives and, secondly, this will be a test of William’s commitment to this line of work, if not his commitment to James as well. But, money often speaks volumes and is the ultimate temptress, especially when it’s scarce, so into the fray they jump.
One of the singular highlights of York and Altwood’s collaboration on this series is their ability to draw every scene, whether it be terrifying or sedate or romantic, in such a way that one can’t help but be drawn into the story visually or emotionally, or both, simultaneously. Their work is clever, intricate, and detailed, though never in a way that reads as anything but fast paced and purely entertaining. And if one happens to learn something along the way, well, we are all the more enriched for the experience. Not to be outdone, however, is their gift for characterization and the seemingly effortless ability to draw their readers into the lives of the people who populate this series. James and William are flawed and each come from families that are the direct cause of the challenges they work to overcome, and I appreciate that the authors avoided the handy love-conquers-all fix to the personal issues they face. James and William still each battle their own proverbial demons but rather than weakening them, it only serves to illustrate their strength and courage and will to survive, especially in the face of William’s addiction to laudanum and the additional temptation of alcohol to further help him cope.
As this story unfolds on a quiet estate in a pastoral village, the horrors that are exposed are brilliant and chilling. The disappearance of two townspeople coupled with the inexplicable murder of a family, young children included, becomes fertile ground for the authors’ imagination, the motive and means of the crime being ghastly and chilling. There are many heart pounding moments during this investigation filled with ghosts and demons and the walking dead, which tested James’ and William’s resolve and skills as well as their relationship. They are single-hearted, without question, but there are also insecurities that continue to weigh on them. In this novel, we see events through William’s eyes, we learn more about his addiction and a childhood that continues to haunt him, and it only made me love him all the more.
The success that York and Altwood achieved in leading their readers into this novel at the end of Book One is once again accomplished in A Hymn of Silence when Preston takes over the narration. What at first might seem a puzzling narrative transition instead becomes a thoroughly enticing lead-in to the next adventure in the series, when Preston volunteers to carry out a job for his aunt and also offers up some significant news about Benjamin Pritchard—the man Preston happens to have feelings for which go far deeper than mere friendship. There is more danger ahead and more mystery and mayhem as well, as is guaranteed by certain events which I won’t mention but will say have paved a clear way towards the overall arc of the series.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
At the end of A Light Amongst Shadows, after the horrific events during James and William’s third year at Whisperwood School for Boys had been resolved but which had also left its share of scars as lifelong place markers for the terror that had unfolded there, York and Altwood led readers to an Epilogue which found James and William in a new home as well as on the cusp of a new income source. The fascination with spiritualism during the Victorian Era is a well-documented reality and serves as the foundation for our heroes to scrape out a living together, working for a medium who also happens to be the aunt of their former classmate Preston Alexander. When Mrs. Bennett offers James and William a new assignment, one for which they would be most handsomely rewarded if successful, it presents several conflicts, not the least of which includes they aren’t detectives and, secondly, this will be a test of William’s commitment to this line of work, if not his commitment to James as well. But, money often speaks volumes and is the ultimate temptress, especially when it’s scarce, so into the fray they jump.
One of the singular highlights of York and Altwood’s collaboration on this series is their ability to draw every scene, whether it be terrifying or sedate or romantic, in such a way that one can’t help but be drawn into the story visually or emotionally, or both, simultaneously. Their work is clever, intricate, and detailed, though never in a way that reads as anything but fast paced and purely entertaining. And if one happens to learn something along the way, well, we are all the more enriched for the experience. Not to be outdone, however, is their gift for characterization and the seemingly effortless ability to draw their readers into the lives of the people who populate this series. James and William are flawed and each come from families that are the direct cause of the challenges they work to overcome, and I appreciate that the authors avoided the handy love-conquers-all fix to the personal issues they face. James and William still each battle their own proverbial demons but rather than weakening them, it only serves to illustrate their strength and courage and will to survive, especially in the face of William’s addiction to laudanum and the additional temptation of alcohol to further help him cope.
As this story unfolds on a quiet estate in a pastoral village, the horrors that are exposed are brilliant and chilling. The disappearance of two townspeople coupled with the inexplicable murder of a family, young children included, becomes fertile ground for the authors’ imagination, the motive and means of the crime being ghastly and chilling. There are many heart pounding moments during this investigation filled with ghosts and demons and the walking dead, which tested James’ and William’s resolve and skills as well as their relationship. They are single-hearted, without question, but there are also insecurities that continue to weigh on them. In this novel, we see events through William’s eyes, we learn more about his addiction and a childhood that continues to haunt him, and it only made me love him all the more.
The success that York and Altwood achieved in leading their readers into this novel at the end of Book One is once again accomplished in A Hymn of Silence when Preston takes over the narration. What at first might seem a puzzling narrative transition instead becomes a thoroughly enticing lead-in to the next adventure in the series, when Preston volunteers to carry out a job for his aunt and also offers up some significant news about Benjamin Pritchard—the man Preston happens to have feelings for which go far deeper than mere friendship. There is more danger ahead and more mystery and mayhem as well, as is guaranteed by certain events which I won’t mention but will say have paved a clear way towards the overall arc of the series.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
February 16, 2025
What a disappointment. The first book in this series was fun and hit some high notes, but this one was just the opposite. One of my critiques of the first book was that the dialogue between the two teenage protagonists sometimes felt too mature. This book, however, swings too far the other way—the two young adult men sound more like infatuated teenagers than young men in a dangerous, high-stakes situation.
In fact, the entire love story between them was over the top and got in the way of the actual plot, making their characters feel less believable. They’re supposedly terrified of anyone discovering their relationship, yet the way James describes their love is so excessive that it’s almost laughable that anyone could have missed it. When other characters finally acknowledge knowing, it’s not a moment of relief or admiration —it’s more of a "duh, what took you so long?" moment that makes me question their observational skills elsewhere in the story.
To be fair, part of my frustration may come from the audiobook narration. The voice the actor used for William—a breathy, faux-aristocratic affectation—reminded me of Thurston Howell from Gilligan’s Island, making him sound artificial and exaggerated.
As for the story itself, it was okay but far too long. The book could have been a chapter shorter just by deleting every instance of the word "darling." Near the end, every time the narrator announced another chapter, I found myself thinking, "Another one?" And don’t even get me started on the final chapter, which suddenly introduces a brand-new narrator out of nowhere.
What I loved about the first book was that the romance was a side note. It was a compelling story with two main characters who happened to be gay. This one, however, felt more like a love-fest between two infatuated men who just so happened to be ghost-hunting on the side.
In fact, the entire love story between them was over the top and got in the way of the actual plot, making their characters feel less believable. They’re supposedly terrified of anyone discovering their relationship, yet the way James describes their love is so excessive that it’s almost laughable that anyone could have missed it. When other characters finally acknowledge knowing, it’s not a moment of relief or admiration —it’s more of a "duh, what took you so long?" moment that makes me question their observational skills elsewhere in the story.
To be fair, part of my frustration may come from the audiobook narration. The voice the actor used for William—a breathy, faux-aristocratic affectation—reminded me of Thurston Howell from Gilligan’s Island, making him sound artificial and exaggerated.
As for the story itself, it was okay but far too long. The book could have been a chapter shorter just by deleting every instance of the word "darling." Near the end, every time the narrator announced another chapter, I found myself thinking, "Another one?" And don’t even get me started on the final chapter, which suddenly introduces a brand-new narrator out of nowhere.
What I loved about the first book was that the romance was a side note. It was a compelling story with two main characters who happened to be gay. This one, however, felt more like a love-fest between two infatuated men who just so happened to be ghost-hunting on the side.
May 5, 2019
2.75
Dnf @ 70%
The atmosphere that i loved in book 1 wasnt there. Also the thrill wasnt there. The fear wasnt there. Should have just made book 1 a stand alone novel
Dnf @ 70%
The atmosphere that i loved in book 1 wasnt there. Also the thrill wasnt there. The fear wasnt there. Should have just made book 1 a stand alone novel
July 17, 2023
I liked this story a lot. I thought it was a proper detective story with a bit more paranormal stuff happening in between. It was also really nice to read about James and William's relationship again. They are such a good couple. The patience and determination they have for each other and their job is incredible. I also loved to see Virgil again in this book. And the ending with Preston and Benji was such a good setup for the next book.
Yet I missed the gut-wrenching sucker punch I experienced in the first book.
Yet I missed the gut-wrenching sucker punch I experienced in the first book.
August 22, 2020
As I said in my last update this really was like a gay historical ghost whisper. Only with two male leads who I LOVE VERY MUCH. I didn’t realise how much I missed William and James. This story was exciting. It was wonderful to see them back in action- and a little bit older, considering they’re now adults.
I loved William’s narration and my heart broke anytime he referred to himself as not good enough. The plot was hella creepy and there were times I stopped reading at night, just because I got freaked out. I do appreciate a good horror story though.
I adored the side characters but I was skeptic of Adelia at first, she turned out to be really well developed and SO FREAKING BADASS!! Yes girl you live your dream!! Don’t let no man tell you what to do!
I’m curious about the last chapter and it has me even more excited to continue on with this series.
I loved William’s narration and my heart broke anytime he referred to himself as not good enough. The plot was hella creepy and there were times I stopped reading at night, just because I got freaked out. I do appreciate a good horror story though.
I adored the side characters but I was skeptic of Adelia at first, she turned out to be really well developed and SO FREAKING BADASS!! Yes girl you live your dream!! Don’t let no man tell you what to do!
I’m curious about the last chapter and it has me even more excited to continue on with this series.
October 31, 2020
Plenty of spooky ghosts and creepy things, perfect for reading on Halloween.
May 4, 2022
Nice to see the story from William's POV. More ghosts, more mystery. Guessed the culprit. Curious about the order, shame the bad guy escaped. I liked Addy and V, they were fun. Can't remember Preston or Benji, so may need to re-read before moving onto their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
“Because it got better. Because there you were, and you made it better. You made me better, sweetheart.”
The second book didn’t dissapoint me. I love James and William together, and I’m happy the sequel is from William’s POV.
I would love, if we got to know more about The Order, but I’m really excited, what will happen in the next book.
The second book didn’t dissapoint me. I love James and William together, and I’m happy the sequel is from William’s POV.
I would love, if we got to know more about The Order, but I’m really excited, what will happen in the next book.
November 3, 2018
I read this directly after the 1st book, and this worked really well. It still has no real feeling of time about it, but that really was the only issue I had.
Told form William's POV this time the boys are off to investigate a murder, that turns into so much more, in this book the issue of William's addiction is much more apparent, and overall it's a darker book that the previous one, touching on why both William and James behave the way they do.
The paranormal plot was, as before, exciting and well plotted but also served to emphasise William, in particulars, issues.
While the ending resolved the paranormal elements of the plot, I was left wondering what will happen to William and James, not something I usually feel after two books in a series, so I'm really looking forward to more.
Told form William's POV this time the boys are off to investigate a murder, that turns into so much more, in this book the issue of William's addiction is much more apparent, and overall it's a darker book that the previous one, touching on why both William and James behave the way they do.
The paranormal plot was, as before, exciting and well plotted but also served to emphasise William, in particulars, issues.
While the ending resolved the paranormal elements of the plot, I was left wondering what will happen to William and James, not something I usually feel after two books in a series, so I'm really looking forward to more.
May 15, 2019
Waiting for more of this wonderful world you have built for our pleasure.
Not very patently waiting though. More, More, More, More. :)
Not very patently waiting though. More, More, More, More. :)
Read
May 28, 2023unfortunately, the words "codependent" and "codependency" didn't exist back in 1871 and were only used to describe relationships after 1984, so there's really no hope for James & William
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
Again, not sure this read is strictly a 5 stars, but it honestly made me so happy that I can't bring myself to round it down to 4. I am so in love with James and William.
Last book had us follow James in his new school, as he investigated the disappearance of his best friend while falling in love with William. Here, the narration is from William's POV as they both have graduated and live together. They're both working as ghost case investigators, when a murder case takes them on an adventure in the countryside. An entire family has been gruesomely murdered, and the Lord thinks it is the doing of evil ghosts...
The investigation was interesting. Again, not really the most intricate mystery, as most of it is suspense and action-filled, but enjoyable still. I like how this book sets a future plot for maybe a sequel? At this point I'll take any crumbs of William and James that I can.
William's voice is softer than James' and we get more insight into his anxiety, neurodivergence and how it ties back to his laudanum addiction. It was adorable to see James, the narrator in A Light Amongst Shadows through the eyes of William. They're both so ridiculously in love with each other, and I am absolutely here for it - the dear Williams, the sweethearts and the darlings, the secretive touches and the kisses when no one is looking... I was swooning. They have their own issues, from James' recklessness to William's dependence on drugs and alcohol, but I love how they never give up on each other. These issues have not been solved yet, but they're a work in progress and their love is so pure I can't help but hope they will work through everything together. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of them working through the start of their relationship together, but ey I'm good with anything.
The side cast, mainly Lady Adelia and Virgil, were great as well. Adelia is this beautiful, unconventional woman who wants to be a detective. She has an open-mind and a playful heart and she was so damn lovely. I love how Virgil, a side character from book 1 I liked but didn't really know much about, got his spotlight here... and got to fall in love with the awesome, kickass Adelia. I want more of them, just like I want more of William and James. And after that epilogue, I can't wait to read about Benjamin and Preston. I have no idea if the series is completed and I sure hope it isn't because I am not ready to let these characters go, I am so whipped.
“You give me a headache.”
“Give me about fifteen minutes and I can take that headache away,” he says with a suggestive grin.
I snatch my coat and turn to him. “By medicating me? How kind of you.”
His brows lift sharply. “Goodness. We’re calling that medicating now?”
My cheeks warm as I step closer, carding my fingers through his hair. “You’re an absolute beast, you realise. Be on your best behaviour tonight and perhaps we’ll sneak away early.”
James gives me his best ‘good boy’ smile as he stands. “On my mother’s life. Do I look presentable?”
I take a moment to admire him, smoothing the lapels of his jacket. “You look like the sort of man I could fall in love with.”
His eyes widen a fraction and then narrow. “I’m going to kick my own arse.”
Last book had us follow James in his new school, as he investigated the disappearance of his best friend while falling in love with William. Here, the narration is from William's POV as they both have graduated and live together. They're both working as ghost case investigators, when a murder case takes them on an adventure in the countryside. An entire family has been gruesomely murdered, and the Lord thinks it is the doing of evil ghosts...
The investigation was interesting. Again, not really the most intricate mystery, as most of it is suspense and action-filled, but enjoyable still. I like how this book sets a future plot for maybe a sequel? At this point I'll take any crumbs of William and James that I can.
“Very insistent tonight, aren’t you?”
“Have you seen yourself? No one could possibly blame me.”
“Flatterer.” His eyes are positively shining with want as he ducks in to kiss me. It drags some of the annoyance right out of me and I lean into him, head swimming.
“Not at all; I’m just a man hopelessly attracted to the love of his life,” I mumble.
“You’re so sweet.” His lips travelling across my cheek, down my jaw, mouthing lazily at my throat. I begin to lose myself in that, eyes shut, head tipped. A part of me is forgetting just why James is dressed again.”
William's voice is softer than James' and we get more insight into his anxiety, neurodivergence and how it ties back to his laudanum addiction. It was adorable to see James, the narrator in A Light Amongst Shadows through the eyes of William. They're both so ridiculously in love with each other, and I am absolutely here for it - the dear Williams, the sweethearts and the darlings, the secretive touches and the kisses when no one is looking... I was swooning. They have their own issues, from James' recklessness to William's dependence on drugs and alcohol, but I love how they never give up on each other. These issues have not been solved yet, but they're a work in progress and their love is so pure I can't help but hope they will work through everything together. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of them working through the start of their relationship together, but ey I'm good with anything.
“James tips his chin up, defiant. “Even if they did, I would simply steal dear William out of the country where no one would find us. I worked awfully hard to get him, you know, and I’ll not allow anyone to separate us now.”
I can’t take my eyes off this ridiculous man of mine. Were we not subjected to an audience, I’d be kissing him senseless. As it is, I can’t help but squeeze his hand tight, and I suspect the look on my face is utterly sappy and adoring and my cheeks are undoubtedly cherry-red. He has that effect on me more than I’d care to admit.”
The side cast, mainly Lady Adelia and Virgil, were great as well. Adelia is this beautiful, unconventional woman who wants to be a detective. She has an open-mind and a playful heart and she was so damn lovely. I love how Virgil, a side character from book 1 I liked but didn't really know much about, got his spotlight here... and got to fall in love with the awesome, kickass Adelia. I want more of them, just like I want more of William and James. And after that epilogue, I can't wait to read about Benjamin and Preston. I have no idea if the series is completed and I sure hope it isn't because I am not ready to let these characters go, I am so whipped.
October 15, 2024
“Because it got better. Because there you were, and you made it better. You made me better, sweetheart.”
"I'd not trade you for any such normalcy. [...] You and your ridiculous business names and poetry and eating biscuits in bed..."
Oh my god.
This book was... a lot. First, it scared me to the point I had to read it only by daylight (there was something I've been scared of my entire life 😰), then my irrational fear was overshadowed by anxiety. I was having a bad day yesterday, and I started reading it for comfort, because despite the scary parts, I find James and William's relationship very comforting... but things happened in the book that made my anxiety double, so I cried myself to sleep 👌 such perfect timing... BUT! I finished it today and GOD, I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!
"A Hymn in The Night" is set a couple of years after "A Light Amongst Shadows," so no more school for us, but the wide, haunted world, as William and James are called to solve a grisly murder which may—or may not—be supernatural.
This time, the story is told through William's POV, which differs quite a bit from James's. His POV is darker, more difficult to be in, but I found it very relatable at times, especially when it came to William's social anxiety and his opinions on religion. Because this book is actually very religious, in the best way, which is, of course, borderline heretical. There are quite a few moments in which William challenges the idea of God and religion, but there is one specific scene that had me scream in delight. That scene is related to the use of poetry within the book. If you know, you know.
As for James and William's relationship, as I said, I find it incredibly comforting, and their intimacy, domesticity, and old-married-couple bickering was absolutely EVERYTHING. There were so many moments in which I either burst out laughing or had butterflies in my stomach 🖤
Lastly, I loved meeting some of the old characters from book 1 and loved meeting Adelia for the first time. I'm very excited to read the rest of the series ✨️
July 12, 2019
“There is nothing in the world quite like James’ kisses. They possess the ability to be so careful and loving while eager and passionate all at once.”
This story is as captivating and even more eerie as the first one. My love for James and William has grown tenfold. They have the sweetest and one of the more trusting relationship I’ve ever read. Always there for one and other in the good as in and the bad. Love being in William POV and get to understand him a bit better! That ending caught me off guard and makes me want to read the other one right away!
This story is as captivating and even more eerie as the first one. My love for James and William has grown tenfold. They have the sweetest and one of the more trusting relationship I’ve ever read. Always there for one and other in the good as in and the bad. Love being in William POV and get to understand him a bit better! That ending caught me off guard and makes me want to read the other one right away!
December 28, 2019
Definitely spooky! This book was full of intrigue and great period details. William wasn't my favorite from book one, but I'm glad I finished this one. Great side characters and an interesting mystery made this well worth reading.
October 9, 2020
This one hurt my heart a bit more.
November 3, 2018
5 Stars!
Okay, so I'll be the first one to tell you I'm a wuss when it comes to horror anything (just ask my daughters), but as I've recently discovered, maybe it doesn't apply to books as much as to movies. Perhaps I'm a more visual person or something? *shrugs* I have no clue. However, both this book and the first in the series, A Light Amongst Shadows—which you totally should read if you haven't already, not only because it's amazing, but because we meet James and William there and you don't want to miss out on the start of their love story—are pretty scary and I stayed up until 4:20am this morning finishing it, despite me having to wake up at 4:40.
AHitS is the continuation of the Dark is the Night series and it starts 6 months after James and William graduate and start working with their friend Preston's aunt, who is a medium and has been training them to hunt and vanquish ghosts, spirits, demons and the like. William is still dependent on laudanum (and hard liquor) to get by, although James is in charge of doling out the former. My heart broke for William that he has to rely on that to be able to interact with others. James is his usual sweet and happy self, but it's obvious he's not a boy any longer and he can stand up for himself, even against William. The love between them is palpable and stronger than ever, even when things get difficult between them, you just know they are going to do their best effort to make it.
As I was chatting with my co-blogger Tracy, one of the things I like best when I read a historical book is to be privy of all the things men had to do to be together. It generally was a secret, seeing that if the wrong person found out and told on them, they ran the risk of imprisonment or even death. In William and James' case, their closest friends know that they're together and they try to be as inconspicuous as they can, but sometimes their youthful disposition and the love they feel for each other play against them. It was sweet that they would share these little but meaningful gestures like a kiss on the forehead, or calling the other darling or dear, or just exchanging a look that could mean anything to others but was everything to them. It was just lovely... and kind of reckless when they risked exposing themselves.
I adored Adelia and of course, it was delightful catching up with Virgil and I'm really intrigued about Preston and Benjamin. Are we getting their story next? Please say yes. *makes puppy eyes*
The book had several twists and turns and some came as a huge surprise, and there were some loose ends so I'm hoping this isn't the last we're seeing of William and James. I'm really intrigued by what The Order really is and about Thomas, too. As villains go, he was a tridimensional, kind of fanatically evil religious one, very believable in his role. And I so didn't see the part about Adelia's father coming either.
Ms. Altwood and Ms. York are certainly a formidable writing team, be it YA like the first book or a story with a more adult feel to it like A Hymn in the Silence, it was a masterfully constructed one, the world building and the execution were a thing of beauty and I can't recommend both books enough.
*** Copy provided to the reviewer via Booksprout for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Okay, so I'll be the first one to tell you I'm a wuss when it comes to horror anything (just ask my daughters), but as I've recently discovered, maybe it doesn't apply to books as much as to movies. Perhaps I'm a more visual person or something? *shrugs* I have no clue. However, both this book and the first in the series, A Light Amongst Shadows—which you totally should read if you haven't already, not only because it's amazing, but because we meet James and William there and you don't want to miss out on the start of their love story—are pretty scary and I stayed up until 4:20am this morning finishing it, despite me having to wake up at 4:40.
AHitS is the continuation of the Dark is the Night series and it starts 6 months after James and William graduate and start working with their friend Preston's aunt, who is a medium and has been training them to hunt and vanquish ghosts, spirits, demons and the like. William is still dependent on laudanum (and hard liquor) to get by, although James is in charge of doling out the former. My heart broke for William that he has to rely on that to be able to interact with others. James is his usual sweet and happy self, but it's obvious he's not a boy any longer and he can stand up for himself, even against William. The love between them is palpable and stronger than ever, even when things get difficult between them, you just know they are going to do their best effort to make it.
As I was chatting with my co-blogger Tracy, one of the things I like best when I read a historical book is to be privy of all the things men had to do to be together. It generally was a secret, seeing that if the wrong person found out and told on them, they ran the risk of imprisonment or even death. In William and James' case, their closest friends know that they're together and they try to be as inconspicuous as they can, but sometimes their youthful disposition and the love they feel for each other play against them. It was sweet that they would share these little but meaningful gestures like a kiss on the forehead, or calling the other darling or dear, or just exchanging a look that could mean anything to others but was everything to them. It was just lovely... and kind of reckless when they risked exposing themselves.
I adored Adelia and of course, it was delightful catching up with Virgil and I'm really intrigued about Preston and Benjamin. Are we getting their story next? Please say yes. *makes puppy eyes*
The book had several twists and turns and some came as a huge surprise, and there were some loose ends so I'm hoping this isn't the last we're seeing of William and James. I'm really intrigued by what The Order really is and about Thomas, too. As villains go, he was a tridimensional, kind of fanatically evil religious one, very believable in his role. And I so didn't see the part about Adelia's father coming either.
Ms. Altwood and Ms. York are certainly a formidable writing team, be it YA like the first book or a story with a more adult feel to it like A Hymn in the Silence, it was a masterfully constructed one, the world building and the execution were a thing of beauty and I can't recommend both books enough.
*** Copy provided to the reviewer via Booksprout for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
March 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
Joel Leslie is my comfort narrator and this book proves that he could read me a truly harrowing thriller and I would still find it cozy!
I really enjoy sequels with the same couple and seeing how relationships develop. This particular pairing is so ripe for that because the characters are coming of age, and we finished the last book with still plenty of growth to do.
The mystery was deeply satisfying and (holy shit) terrifying.
Joel Leslie is my comfort narrator and this book proves that he could read me a truly harrowing thriller and I would still find it cozy!
I really enjoy sequels with the same couple and seeing how relationships develop. This particular pairing is so ripe for that because the characters are coming of age, and we finished the last book with still plenty of growth to do.
The mystery was deeply satisfying and (holy shit) terrifying.
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