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Border Magic Series
Shadows On The Border
Sequel to Lost in Time
Newspaper reporter Lew Tyler and his lover, Detective Alec Carter, are working out the parameters of their new relationship. Meanwhile, time traveler Lew is trying to decide whether he wants to stay in the 1920s or find a way to get back to 2016, and Alec doesn’t know if he can bear the vulnerability of being in love with someone who uses such dangerous magic.
Fenn is a Hunter from the Outlands, come through the Border to search for the murderous Creature and its offspring at the behest of the Ternants, who maintain the balance between Fenn’s world and ours. Fenn strikes a bond with Sergeant Will Grant, Alec’s second in command, who is keen to learn more about his own magical abilities. As time goes on, Will grows keen to learn more about Fenn, as well.
Fenn has their own painful secret, and when they appear to have betrayed the team and goes missing in London, Will is devastated. He has to choose between following his heart or following his duty.
Moving through the contrasting rich and poor areas of post-First World War London from West End hotels to the London docklands, the men need to work together to capture the Creature ... and choose who – and what -- is important enough to hold on to and what they may need to give up to make that happen.
Newspaper reporter Lew Tyler and his lover, Detective Alec Carter, are working out the parameters of their new relationship. Meanwhile, time traveler Lew is trying to decide whether he wants to stay in the 1920s or find a way to get back to 2016, and Alec doesn’t know if he can bear the vulnerability of being in love with someone who uses such dangerous magic.
Fenn is a Hunter from the Outlands, come through the Border to search for the murderous Creature and its offspring at the behest of the Ternants, who maintain the balance between Fenn’s world and ours. Fenn strikes a bond with Sergeant Will Grant, Alec’s second in command, who is keen to learn more about his own magical abilities. As time goes on, Will grows keen to learn more about Fenn, as well.
Fenn has their own painful secret, and when they appear to have betrayed the team and goes missing in London, Will is devastated. He has to choose between following his heart or following his duty.
Moving through the contrasting rich and poor areas of post-First World War London from West End hotels to the London docklands, the men need to work together to capture the Creature ... and choose who – and what -- is important enough to hold on to and what they may need to give up to make that happen.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Lester
28 books152 followersWriter of queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense. Lives in the South West of England with Mr AL, two children, a badly behaved dachshund, a terrifying cat and some hens. Likes gardening but doesn't really have time or energy. Not musical. Doesn't much like telly. Non-binary. Chronically disabled. Has tedious fits.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 20, 2019
I have to hope that this series isn’t finished. For now it’s at a suitable pause but I need to know what happened to Will and Fenn, even if it’s only in another short story. I’d also like more about the couple from The Gate and how Arthur’s book (because I have to believe that is Arthur’s book) ended up in junk shop for Mira to find. And I want to know if Lew and Alec manage to track down any of the descendants of Kelly’s acquaintances.
Obviously, none of what I’ve said above will make any sense to you if you’ve not read the books in this series, but hopefully it will show the impact these stories have had on me that I want to know more about these people.
This story, Shadows on the Border, is not a standalone and can’t under any circumstances be read that way. It’s a part two, to Lost in Time’s part one, and I honestly believe that they should have been produced as one novel. Neither are particularly long in themselves, and this would have prevented the cliffhanger in both mystery and relationship that end the first book. That said I read them one after the other (starting with The Gate, although that isn’t entirely necessary) and without reading anything else in between.
I liked the pretty much everything about these books. The characters, the premise, the murder storyline, the 1920’s post war setting and even the gentle love story between Alec and Lew and the even subtler one between Fenn and Will Grant. That said, the books aren’t without their issues. The cliffhanger at the end of book 1 I personally find infuriating but might not bother others. There were quite a few typos in both books, not just the ARC, but I find this is the norm for that publisher. My biggest issue was with the timeline in both books. It read as though additional chapters had been added at a later date but the timeline not adjusted. However all of these things are minor irritations.
If you’re looking for an interesting time travel story with an urban fantasy (or is it scifi, I’m not great with the distinctions in this sort of situation) storyline and a gentle, low key gay romance then you need look no further.
Obviously, none of what I’ve said above will make any sense to you if you’ve not read the books in this series, but hopefully it will show the impact these stories have had on me that I want to know more about these people.
This story, Shadows on the Border, is not a standalone and can’t under any circumstances be read that way. It’s a part two, to Lost in Time’s part one, and I honestly believe that they should have been produced as one novel. Neither are particularly long in themselves, and this would have prevented the cliffhanger in both mystery and relationship that end the first book. That said I read them one after the other (starting with The Gate, although that isn’t entirely necessary) and without reading anything else in between.
I liked the pretty much everything about these books. The characters, the premise, the murder storyline, the 1920’s post war setting and even the gentle love story between Alec and Lew and the even subtler one between Fenn and Will Grant. That said, the books aren’t without their issues. The cliffhanger at the end of book 1 I personally find infuriating but might not bother others. There were quite a few typos in both books, not just the ARC, but I find this is the norm for that publisher. My biggest issue was with the timeline in both books. It read as though additional chapters had been added at a later date but the timeline not adjusted. However all of these things are minor irritations.
If you’re looking for an interesting time travel story with an urban fantasy (or is it scifi, I’m not great with the distinctions in this sort of situation) storyline and a gentle, low key gay romance then you need look no further.
September 19, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
August 25, 2020
Ugh, this was a disappointment, I'm sad. Probably 3.5 stars because I did still enjoy it.
This felt like the editing was skipped or very minimal. It often contradicted itself, sometimes on the same page within a paragraph, but also as part of the overall storyline. Plus there were a lot of misused words and spelling errors. It also couldn't seem to decide where to focus the story and situations or characters would be mentioned, be part of the story, and then dropped until there was a line or two about them.
I do love the characters and the world building, but this was definitely the weakest of the three main books. I was also a little bothered by the fact that Fenn was referred to differently all the time, it made sense within the story I suppose, but this isn't the real world so deciding to just use they/them even if that wasn't common at the time seems like it would have been fine. Finally this author seems to have a problem with finishing their books in a satisfactory manner, I don't know if maybe it was all one story that was chopped into different books, but it's not like a cliffhanger, it's just kind of unfinished.
Again though, I loved seeing more of Alec and Lew, and Will and Fen as well as the secondary characters, and this wonderful, interesting world. I just wish more care had been taken.
This felt like the editing was skipped or very minimal. It often contradicted itself, sometimes on the same page within a paragraph, but also as part of the overall storyline. Plus there were a lot of misused words and spelling errors. It also couldn't seem to decide where to focus the story and situations or characters would be mentioned, be part of the story, and then dropped until there was a line or two about them.
I do love the characters and the world building, but this was definitely the weakest of the three main books. I was also a little bothered by the fact that Fenn was referred to differently all the time, it made sense within the story I suppose, but this isn't the real world so deciding to just use they/them even if that wasn't common at the time seems like it would have been fine. Finally this author seems to have a problem with finishing their books in a satisfactory manner, I don't know if maybe it was all one story that was chopped into different books, but it's not like a cliffhanger, it's just kind of unfinished.
Again though, I loved seeing more of Alec and Lew, and Will and Fen as well as the secondary characters, and this wonderful, interesting world. I just wish more care had been taken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
I enjoyed this even more than the first one! Full review to come soon.
March 11, 2019
In 2016, the world has split and “The Border” is a protection against “The Outlands” where “Creatures” seeking energy lurk. Certain humans have an ability called “The Pull” and are known as “Workers”. Workers keep “The Border” repaired. “The Border” is power and danger, if misused a person could find themselves in situations beyond their control.
Ellison “Lew” Tyler crossed “The Border” in 2016 in search of his foster sister Mira, he found himself in the year 1919 in London. Three years later Lew is still in London and still works for The Pictorial Examiner and also the police. With the help of Kelly Finn, Lew has become more knowledgeable about early 1900’s in England and he’s also learned that there’s more to “The Pull” than he thought. Lew still finds himself adjusting to the past but he’s well aware of what’s to come in the future. He’s formed new friendships in this strange new era and one happens to be with the brooding Detective Inspector Alec Carter. Their first meeting did not go so well. As time has gone by they’ve become closer, but there’s still a fragility to their slow growing and secretive relationship. Along with homicides caused by the creature “Carnas”, Alec is still worried that Lew will leave and go back to 2016. He also fears Lew because of “The Power” and what he’s experienced since the police force now has a division called “The Peculiar” that he oversees.
While Sergeant William Grant is searching for a murderer he comes across a strange being that has crossed “The Border”. Zenn, is an Officer of the Law and protector for “The Border”. He has come in search of the creature that’s been causing havoc in London. Zenn is certainly an oddity, elf like and has no gender. Zenn sheds even more interesting facts about what goes on behind “The Border” and “The Power” that he possesses. When it’s brought to forefront what Zenn’s goal is Alec, Lew and Grant have no choice but to help Zenn.
A.L. Lester takes us back in time, to the early 1900’s in London. The descriptions of the streets of London, dress and verbiage really paint a vivid picture of the time period. The storyline is packed with danger, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi and mystery. There’s an abundance of solid characters and each have interesting stories to be told. I thought the author handled Zenns’ non-gender very carefully, with how the others perceived it. The author also focused on the strange and new discoveries about “The Border” and “The Pull” and how all the characters are in some way affected by it.
Although, Alec and Lew’s relationship is sweetly subtle through out the story, there comes a point in the story when the emotions run high and it’s a beautiful moment. I’m very curious about what’s going to happened with William Grant and Zenn as there seems to be more than a connection between them.
I got hooked on the novella, teaser, titled “The Gate”. It’s a short read that introduces the mysterious “Gate”, Matty, his brother Arthur, Rob and Lin of the Frem. From there, the first novel created from “The Gate” is “Lost In Time” where we first meet Lew and Mira and how they find themselves in 1919 London and what power “The Border” and “The Pull” have on people and strange things to come. The cover art for each of these books, tells a story set back in time.
I don’t know what A.L. Lester has planned but I would definitely invest in another novel from “The Border”. There’s so many characters and so much going on, there’s still a great potential for more to come!
Ellison “Lew” Tyler crossed “The Border” in 2016 in search of his foster sister Mira, he found himself in the year 1919 in London. Three years later Lew is still in London and still works for The Pictorial Examiner and also the police. With the help of Kelly Finn, Lew has become more knowledgeable about early 1900’s in England and he’s also learned that there’s more to “The Pull” than he thought. Lew still finds himself adjusting to the past but he’s well aware of what’s to come in the future. He’s formed new friendships in this strange new era and one happens to be with the brooding Detective Inspector Alec Carter. Their first meeting did not go so well. As time has gone by they’ve become closer, but there’s still a fragility to their slow growing and secretive relationship. Along with homicides caused by the creature “Carnas”, Alec is still worried that Lew will leave and go back to 2016. He also fears Lew because of “The Power” and what he’s experienced since the police force now has a division called “The Peculiar” that he oversees.
While Sergeant William Grant is searching for a murderer he comes across a strange being that has crossed “The Border”. Zenn, is an Officer of the Law and protector for “The Border”. He has come in search of the creature that’s been causing havoc in London. Zenn is certainly an oddity, elf like and has no gender. Zenn sheds even more interesting facts about what goes on behind “The Border” and “The Power” that he possesses. When it’s brought to forefront what Zenn’s goal is Alec, Lew and Grant have no choice but to help Zenn.
A.L. Lester takes us back in time, to the early 1900’s in London. The descriptions of the streets of London, dress and verbiage really paint a vivid picture of the time period. The storyline is packed with danger, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi and mystery. There’s an abundance of solid characters and each have interesting stories to be told. I thought the author handled Zenns’ non-gender very carefully, with how the others perceived it. The author also focused on the strange and new discoveries about “The Border” and “The Pull” and how all the characters are in some way affected by it.
Although, Alec and Lew’s relationship is sweetly subtle through out the story, there comes a point in the story when the emotions run high and it’s a beautiful moment. I’m very curious about what’s going to happened with William Grant and Zenn as there seems to be more than a connection between them.
I got hooked on the novella, teaser, titled “The Gate”. It’s a short read that introduces the mysterious “Gate”, Matty, his brother Arthur, Rob and Lin of the Frem. From there, the first novel created from “The Gate” is “Lost In Time” where we first meet Lew and Mira and how they find themselves in 1919 London and what power “The Border” and “The Pull” have on people and strange things to come. The cover art for each of these books, tells a story set back in time.
I don’t know what A.L. Lester has planned but I would definitely invest in another novel from “The Border”. There’s so many characters and so much going on, there’s still a great potential for more to come!
April 29, 2019
Shadows on the Border picks up where Lost in Time left off, so I would suggest reading the series in order. I love the 1920s feel and descriptions of this story—as with the other books in the series. It made for a very visual reading experience, which added to my enjoyment. I also love the fantasy part of this series, and the description of the ‘working’.
I was already invested in Lew and Alec’s story from book 1, and enjoyed seeing Will’s perspective in this story, and learning more about him. I hope we see more of Will in future books as he’s interesting and grows such a lot in this story.
Fenn’s part in this story brought with it more world building about what lies beyond the gate, and in their world, rather than just 1920s London. I thought their fluid sexuality added to the story and also showed the different sensibilities between the 1920s—who want to learn but have no experience to base it in—and time travellers, who of course are a lot more clued up.
I love the time travel element in this, as it gives a different perspective on the story, with Alec’s present day is the 1920s, and Lew is from 2016 which is Alec’s future. I really felt for Alec trying to deal with the fact that Lew is from the future, which also, of course, brings up their different views on their relationship. Alec is very much a closeted man which he needs to be in the 1920s as it’s illegal to be in a homosexual relationship while Lew is used to not having to hide who he is. I also like that Lew is still adjusting to being in his past, rather than just fitting in without any problem. His struggle felt very realistic. I enjoyed the insight into his and Mira’s friendship too, and the flashbacks to their life in 2016. I thought the descriptions in those scenes were very vivid. Alec’s feeling of isolation because he’s not a worker feels very real, and I liked that he didn’t just take it all in his stride.
I also liked that the Camas’ perspective is included in this story. It gives a very alien point of view, and I could feel its urge to survive.
I thought this book was very much about choices. Mira needs to choose between her voice and being a worker. Fenn has choices to make, although they have been put in an impossible situation by those who sent them to retrieve the Camas. Lew has to choose between returning to his own time, and his life in the past with Alec. As an aside on that one, those guys really needed to talk to each other! I thought both their character flaws added a lot to them as characters, and I loved both of them for their fears and doubts.
I’d recommend Shadows on the Border to readers who enjoy historical based fantasies, time travel, in depth world building, and realistic characters. I got invested in their story very quickly, and hope there are more books to come in this series.
I was already invested in Lew and Alec’s story from book 1, and enjoyed seeing Will’s perspective in this story, and learning more about him. I hope we see more of Will in future books as he’s interesting and grows such a lot in this story.
Fenn’s part in this story brought with it more world building about what lies beyond the gate, and in their world, rather than just 1920s London. I thought their fluid sexuality added to the story and also showed the different sensibilities between the 1920s—who want to learn but have no experience to base it in—and time travellers, who of course are a lot more clued up.
I love the time travel element in this, as it gives a different perspective on the story, with Alec’s present day is the 1920s, and Lew is from 2016 which is Alec’s future. I really felt for Alec trying to deal with the fact that Lew is from the future, which also, of course, brings up their different views on their relationship. Alec is very much a closeted man which he needs to be in the 1920s as it’s illegal to be in a homosexual relationship while Lew is used to not having to hide who he is. I also like that Lew is still adjusting to being in his past, rather than just fitting in without any problem. His struggle felt very realistic. I enjoyed the insight into his and Mira’s friendship too, and the flashbacks to their life in 2016. I thought the descriptions in those scenes were very vivid. Alec’s feeling of isolation because he’s not a worker feels very real, and I liked that he didn’t just take it all in his stride.
I also liked that the Camas’ perspective is included in this story. It gives a very alien point of view, and I could feel its urge to survive.
I thought this book was very much about choices. Mira needs to choose between her voice and being a worker. Fenn has choices to make, although they have been put in an impossible situation by those who sent them to retrieve the Camas. Lew has to choose between returning to his own time, and his life in the past with Alec. As an aside on that one, those guys really needed to talk to each other! I thought both their character flaws added a lot to them as characters, and I loved both of them for their fears and doubts.
I’d recommend Shadows on the Border to readers who enjoy historical based fantasies, time travel, in depth world building, and realistic characters. I got invested in their story very quickly, and hope there are more books to come in this series.
October 16, 2023
2.5 Stars
This is a tricky book/series to review for me.
I want to start with how much I loved these characters. I really did enjoy them. I wanted to learn more about them. I wanted to find out how they would grow and develop and react to the things happening around them. I wanted to see if/how Alec and Lew would work things out. And that was... kind of the problem? It felt like all of the development for them (and everyone else) happened off page.
And maybe the problem is that romance wasn't the point of the book, and I was just trying to get orange juice from an apple. That's entirely possible.
The set up for the magical rules and the world building were interesting, but at the end of this book, I didn't find myself invested enough in Will and Fenn to want to go on to the next book- especially since the storyline for Lew and Alec is pretty much tied up in this one.
This is a tricky book/series to review for me.
I want to start with how much I loved these characters. I really did enjoy them. I wanted to learn more about them. I wanted to find out how they would grow and develop and react to the things happening around them. I wanted to see if/how Alec and Lew would work things out. And that was... kind of the problem? It felt like all of the development for them (and everyone else) happened off page.
And maybe the problem is that romance wasn't the point of the book, and I was just trying to get orange juice from an apple. That's entirely possible.
The set up for the magical rules and the world building were interesting, but at the end of this book, I didn't find myself invested enough in Will and Fenn to want to go on to the next book- especially since the storyline for Lew and Alec is pretty much tied up in this one.
November 9, 2019
So I'm not going to say too much about Shadows on the Borders because not only do I not want to spoil this story I don't want to risk spoiling the first book, Lost in Time. I will say that as much as I loved the first entry and the free short, The Gate, which introduces you to the Lost in Time world, I think I loved Shadows even more. Not a statement I often make when it comes to a series, sure I usually like the following entries as well but rarely better.
Lew and Alec are adjusting though they aren't what I would call "settled" in their lives, which I always find welcoming to see couples continue to grow both together and individually and let's face it when one of the pair is from 2016 and the other is from 1919 there is always going to be growth😉, no matter when they end up. Fenn and Will are another intriguing pairing that made an interesting addition to this time-travel world of magic that is throughout the Lost in Time series.
I still love the blending of paranormal, mystery, historical, and romance. When stories have time-travel or paranormal elements sometimes history isn't explored well or even an alternative universe is created but the post-war fears and growth of the early 1920s is not only well written but at times you almost forget that you are sitting in 2019 reading the story of the past. I was able to lose myself in the pages so deeply that I almost expected to look up and find my television gone. Are there a few liberties taken? Of course, Shadows is a time-travel/paranormal story afterall but you can still feel the author's healthy respect for the past.
One last thing: this really is a series that must be read in order, perhaps the free short, The Gate doesn't have to be read first but Lost in Time definitely needs to be experienced before jumping into Shadows on the Border. I sure hope this isn't the last we've seen of this world by AL Lester but if it is, the friendship, the romance, the mystery, the time-travel adjusting, the history . . . well it's all here and will definitely be one I enjoy and re-visit again.
Lew and Alec are adjusting though they aren't what I would call "settled" in their lives, which I always find welcoming to see couples continue to grow both together and individually and let's face it when one of the pair is from 2016 and the other is from 1919 there is always going to be growth😉, no matter when they end up. Fenn and Will are another intriguing pairing that made an interesting addition to this time-travel world of magic that is throughout the Lost in Time series.
I still love the blending of paranormal, mystery, historical, and romance. When stories have time-travel or paranormal elements sometimes history isn't explored well or even an alternative universe is created but the post-war fears and growth of the early 1920s is not only well written but at times you almost forget that you are sitting in 2019 reading the story of the past. I was able to lose myself in the pages so deeply that I almost expected to look up and find my television gone. Are there a few liberties taken? Of course, Shadows is a time-travel/paranormal story afterall but you can still feel the author's healthy respect for the past.
One last thing: this really is a series that must be read in order, perhaps the free short, The Gate doesn't have to be read first but Lost in Time definitely needs to be experienced before jumping into Shadows on the Border. I sure hope this isn't the last we've seen of this world by AL Lester but if it is, the friendship, the romance, the mystery, the time-travel adjusting, the history . . . well it's all here and will definitely be one I enjoy and re-visit again.
February 6, 2023
This is a really great continuation of the Border Magic series! We get a lot more time with the characters, which I really enjoyed, and the world was expanded in some very interesting ways.
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The major new addition from the first book is the introduction of Fenn, a being from the Outlands who has their own agenda. They were a great addition to the story, connecting the main characters to the Border in a new way.
It was lovely to see Lew and Alec’s relationship progress, although I would have liked a little more airtime for them to really see that gradual build-up happen ‘on-screen’. While we did get a fair chunk of Border-related plot, the main themes in this book were between the characters themselves, with Mira and Lew both having to make the decision as to which time period they wanted to live in.
Now that the world is a bit more established (and I was very happy that some of the more confusing elements of the first book were cleared up in this one), we also got to see how Lew copes living in the 1920s as a 21st Century man. Little details, such as how he still automatically goes outside to smoke, really helped to tie the different elements of his life together.
I can’t wait to see the conclusion of these characters’ stories in the final book!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The major new addition from the first book is the introduction of Fenn, a being from the Outlands who has their own agenda. They were a great addition to the story, connecting the main characters to the Border in a new way.
It was lovely to see Lew and Alec’s relationship progress, although I would have liked a little more airtime for them to really see that gradual build-up happen ‘on-screen’. While we did get a fair chunk of Border-related plot, the main themes in this book were between the characters themselves, with Mira and Lew both having to make the decision as to which time period they wanted to live in.
Now that the world is a bit more established (and I was very happy that some of the more confusing elements of the first book were cleared up in this one), we also got to see how Lew copes living in the 1920s as a 21st Century man. Little details, such as how he still automatically goes outside to smoke, really helped to tie the different elements of his life together.
I can’t wait to see the conclusion of these characters’ stories in the final book!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
November 28, 2021
Shadows on the Border continues and deepens the action at the end of Lost in Time. The Creature is still on the loose in 1920s London after having followed Lew through the magical Border. The human workers are on its tail, but are unexpectedly joined by a hunter from the other side. Fenn has passed through the Shimmer in order to track down and return the mysterious Creature to the Outlands, though their motivations are in question. Shadows at the Border continues to blend the action and intrigue of a historical mystery with the fantastical, and can be at its most intriguing when exposing the "flip side" of those who occupy the other side of the Border. The audio is well-done and very entertaining.
Disclaimer: I received an audio copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an audio copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2020
I also enjoyed a lot seeing the way the relationship between all the characters keep evolving. Seeing Lew and Carter both wanting more, but afraid of what the other want was heart-breaking. And Carter! He is such a great man, desperately wanting for Carter to stay, but keeping himself in silence because he wants Carter's happiness more. ♥
I also enjoyed very much the slow, gentle build between Will and Fenn. So beautiful.
But, oh, there is so much I still want to know! But I particularly need to know what happened to Will and Fenn, and I want to know more about what's going on beyond the border and how it will impact humans. Yes, I can't wait for more :)
Callum Hale does an excellent job with the narration.
December 21, 2020
At the end of Lost In Time, we left Lew and Alec just getting to know each other, just starting to understand the border magic, and still coming to terms with the deadly borderland creature loose in 1920s London. In Shadows On The Border, we see Lew and Alec settle into their dangerous liaison and we meet Fenn who has come through the border to track the creature. I loved this, it was absolutely riveting and deeply satisfying. Much more about the magic and the creature are explained, more magic is used, and the constraints of the time on Lew and Alec’s relationship are well explored. Callum Hale gives a great narrative performance, providing clearly distinct voices for all the main characters, including Fenn.
May 9, 2019
Having read another of A.L. Lester's books (LOst in Time) I was ready to read this and wasnt disappointed.
The follow on from Lost in Time and the relationship between the lovers is developing. I love the historical details, especially the police detail (I was once a police officer myself) and about attitudes in the 1920's.
Nice characters, but I really like the historical aspect and think A.L. Lester should be working on more historical stories - God knows there are plenty of real tales of the 1920's attitude to same sex relationships which would make great classic tales if the author was interested in reworking them.
The follow on from Lost in Time and the relationship between the lovers is developing. I love the historical details, especially the police detail (I was once a police officer myself) and about attitudes in the 1920's.
Nice characters, but I really like the historical aspect and think A.L. Lester should be working on more historical stories - God knows there are plenty of real tales of the 1920's attitude to same sex relationships which would make great classic tales if the author was interested in reworking them.
November 12, 2020
As wonderful as the first book
I loved revisiting Lew and Alec, and this whole world. This take om magic feels fresh and unique, the world building is magnificent. I liked getting to know Will better and Fenn is such an interesting character
I'm not going to write more for fear of spoling, but I very much recommend this book, however it's not a stand alone, you have to read/listen to book one first!
The end reaches a point where the story line could end, but I very much hope it doesn't! I want more of Lew, Alec, Will, and Fenn!
I listened to the audiobook and Callum Hale's narration was flawless as usual.
I loved revisiting Lew and Alec, and this whole world. This take om magic feels fresh and unique, the world building is magnificent. I liked getting to know Will better and Fenn is such an interesting character
I'm not going to write more for fear of spoling, but I very much recommend this book, however it's not a stand alone, you have to read/listen to book one first!
The end reaches a point where the story line could end, but I very much hope it doesn't! I want more of Lew, Alec, Will, and Fenn!
I listened to the audiobook and Callum Hale's narration was flawless as usual.
October 31, 2021
an audio review
Shadows on the Border is Book 2 in the Lost in Time series and needs to be enjoyed in order. This is a wonderfully written story that continues on as Lew, Alec, and Grant are joined by Fenn, a non binary Hunter who has come through the Border in search of the Creature to save their sibling. Things don't go as planned and tough decisions need to be made. This is an enjoyable addition to this wonderful world of magic and I look forward to diving into the next book. Definitely recommend.
Narrator Callum Hale does another fabulous job in this series. He really is a joy to listen to.
Shadows on the Border is Book 2 in the Lost in Time series and needs to be enjoyed in order. This is a wonderfully written story that continues on as Lew, Alec, and Grant are joined by Fenn, a non binary Hunter who has come through the Border in search of the Creature to save their sibling. Things don't go as planned and tough decisions need to be made. This is an enjoyable addition to this wonderful world of magic and I look forward to diving into the next book. Definitely recommend.
Narrator Callum Hale does another fabulous job in this series. He really is a joy to listen to.
March 7, 2019
Lew and Alec are still searching for the creature that has been terrorizing London. They are joined in the search by Will (a police officer that has the pull), and Fenn, a being from the other side of the border. Fenn wants to capture it and return it to its home. Everyone else wants it dead.
This book is just as strange as the first one. Interesting take on time travel and magic. It had nice primary and secondary characters, an almost gothic feel to the story, and a good mystery but it just never really came together for me.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
This book is just as strange as the first one. Interesting take on time travel and magic. It had nice primary and secondary characters, an almost gothic feel to the story, and a good mystery but it just never really came together for me.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
April 8, 2019
The second book in the series picks up where the first book left off. The author once again delivers an interesting time travel story filled with magic and love. She does a great job describing the scenes in vivid detail and keeping you reading to the end with all the suspense and action throughout. I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 29, 2019
I enjoyed the second book in this series. This is not a stand alone Lost in Time needs to be read so you have an understanding of the story line. This is a well written and suspenseful time travel story with lots of magic and mayhem. The author is so descriptive you feel like you are back in 1900's London fighting the evil from The Border with Lew and Alex. Looking forward to book 3 and how the relationships develop.
December 14, 2019
The second (full length) book in the series is set in the same post-WW1 setting (slightly alternate given the fantasy elements introduced in earlier books) as a direct plot continuation. The focus is broadened to include a new character (of unclear gender) who is hunting the malevolent creature. Murder and mayhem continue leading up to a final showdown at the 'bottom of the garden' LOL! Cannot wait for the next instalment!
March 12, 2019
The author has written another exciting, fascinating, raw, gritty, slow burning, intriguing, and totally awesome story filled with mystery, magic, madness, mayhem, monsters and time travel that pulled me in from the very first page.
Read
July 18, 2020Continues from where book 1 left off, basically. Lew is worried about Mira, Will Grant encounters a being from the other side of the "Border," and the sympathetic human characters are fairly baffled.
October 6, 2023
Listened to the audiobook on Scribd.
Why aren't more people reading these books? Not only are they awesome, with very tangible characters, such a unique magic system and amazing historical detail, BUT the audiobooks are SO WELL DONE!
Why aren't more people reading these books? Not only are they awesome, with very tangible characters, such a unique magic system and amazing historical detail, BUT the audiobooks are SO WELL DONE!
December 14, 2021
*audiobook review* In this second part of the Lost in Time story arc, a hunter from the the other side shows up to find the creature and take it back, with Alec's squad's assistance... I have found this story very engrossing despite its leisurely pace, and I enjoy the slow burn romance between Lew and Alec, which yearns to be defined. As the "middle" book, the plot is brought forward and set up for the final chapter, which I am looking forward to listening to very soon! Narration by Callum Hale is pleasant throughout.
June 12, 2020
I received an advance review copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Book and Audio:
Shadows on the Border is narrated by Callum Hale, same as Lost in Time was, and the quality of the narration is exactly as perfect as it was in the previous book.
All the characters are back from Lost in Time, and they are represented during the narration with full of care, attention and tenderness. But along with Lew and Alec, Will Grant also get his fair share of the spotlight with the new introduced character, Fenn from the Border who is used as a new source of information, Fenn is the one expanding the other characters’ (and of course the readers’) understanding about the world.
The emotional roller-coaster will certainly make your heart hurt for the characters regardless of reading the book or listening to the audio – but the audio will bring the experience to its fullest. Callum is a wizard as he makes you feel everything the characters feel during their ordeals and adventures, you can feel the laughter or see the tears, hear the little trembles of fear or sadness in their voices. In Callum’s narration you can hear all the emotions evoked by the fear of an uncertain future or the lingering traumas of the war, and of course the happiness when the circumstances let the characters to… be happy or easy with each other.
Check out the full review on my blog: https://hundredmoors.com/2020/06/12/2...
Book and Audio:
Shadows on the Border is narrated by Callum Hale, same as Lost in Time was, and the quality of the narration is exactly as perfect as it was in the previous book.
All the characters are back from Lost in Time, and they are represented during the narration with full of care, attention and tenderness. But along with Lew and Alec, Will Grant also get his fair share of the spotlight with the new introduced character, Fenn from the Border who is used as a new source of information, Fenn is the one expanding the other characters’ (and of course the readers’) understanding about the world.
The emotional roller-coaster will certainly make your heart hurt for the characters regardless of reading the book or listening to the audio – but the audio will bring the experience to its fullest. Callum is a wizard as he makes you feel everything the characters feel during their ordeals and adventures, you can feel the laughter or see the tears, hear the little trembles of fear or sadness in their voices. In Callum’s narration you can hear all the emotions evoked by the fear of an uncertain future or the lingering traumas of the war, and of course the happiness when the circumstances let the characters to… be happy or easy with each other.
Check out the full review on my blog: https://hundredmoors.com/2020/06/12/2...
December 16, 2020
Book 2 of the series focuses on the start of a gay/non-binary relationship
Shadows on the Border continues the story of Lew and Alec, and further develops Will Grant's character by introducing a non-binary character, Fenn. In the first book, Lew, in 2016, follows his foster sister back in time. Both are able to draw energy from the Border, a nearly impenetrable boundary between dimensions that the siblings have an affinity for manipulating. Back in post-World War 1 London, confused and disoriented, they encounter a creature that followed them through the Border. Lew, a young, aspiring journalist, meets Alec, a WW1 vet who is now working as a detective in London's Wapping neighborhood, and they eventually start a clandestine relationship.
In this second book if the series, Fenn appears in London from the mysterious other dimension, intent on taking the creature back home. Before that can happen, Will Grant, Alec's sergeant, stumbles on Fenn. Although unable to decide if Fenn is male or female, Will takes Fenn in upon discovering that the creature is back. After another horrific set of murders, Fenn, Lew, Alec and Will set off to find, and stop, the creature, a task complicated by a secret Fenn has yet to share.
Shadows on the Border continues the story of Lew and Alec, and further develops Will Grant's character by introducing a non-binary character, Fenn. In the first book, Lew, in 2016, follows his foster sister back in time. Both are able to draw energy from the Border, a nearly impenetrable boundary between dimensions that the siblings have an affinity for manipulating. Back in post-World War 1 London, confused and disoriented, they encounter a creature that followed them through the Border. Lew, a young, aspiring journalist, meets Alec, a WW1 vet who is now working as a detective in London's Wapping neighborhood, and they eventually start a clandestine relationship.
In this second book if the series, Fenn appears in London from the mysterious other dimension, intent on taking the creature back home. Before that can happen, Will Grant, Alec's sergeant, stumbles on Fenn. Although unable to decide if Fenn is male or female, Will takes Fenn in upon discovering that the creature is back. After another horrific set of murders, Fenn, Lew, Alec and Will set off to find, and stop, the creature, a task complicated by a secret Fenn has yet to share.
January 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book & was riveted throughout it all, starting the next book IMMEDIATELY, because I was so invested in every aspect.
I would have liked to have seen more of the intimate moments between Alec and Lew, not just sexual, but just the development of their relationship in the earlier stages following the conclusion of the previous book. There were some moments, good ones too, but more would've been nice. The same goes for time that Will spent with Fenn, though the time that they were together in this book was MUCH shorter than what Alec & Lew have had, by far. So there's still time for them.
I was confused here & there with the timeline, figuring out how much time had passed between the last book & this one and what had happened in between, but eventually, I think I got it & was able to just go with the flow.
All that being said, I still highly recommend this book and the series.
The narration by Callum Hale continued to be excellent. I'm sad now that this portion of the series in audio is now done. (And even though I've already dived into The Hunted & the Hind, which is only in print, I wouldn't mind listening to that one & experiencing it again if it does end up in audio. Just sayin'.)
I would have liked to have seen more of the intimate moments between Alec and Lew, not just sexual, but just the development of their relationship in the earlier stages following the conclusion of the previous book. There were some moments, good ones too, but more would've been nice. The same goes for time that Will spent with Fenn, though the time that they were together in this book was MUCH shorter than what Alec & Lew have had, by far. So there's still time for them.
I was confused here & there with the timeline, figuring out how much time had passed between the last book & this one and what had happened in between, but eventually, I think I got it & was able to just go with the flow.
All that being said, I still highly recommend this book and the series.
The narration by Callum Hale continued to be excellent. I'm sad now that this portion of the series in audio is now done. (And even though I've already dived into The Hunted & the Hind, which is only in print, I wouldn't mind listening to that one & experiencing it again if it does end up in audio. Just sayin'.)
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