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Arcane History #3
The Wizard Hunt
Everything has a consequence.
Bringing magic back into the world was bound to attract some attention, but researcher Charles Graham never expected to be trapped in the middle of an arcane arms race that might decide the victor of the First World War in the streets of Toronto.
In the wake of hard decisions, Charles must salvage friendships and allies, all the while keeping ahead of mysterious forces wanting to drag him to war.
No one ever said magic was easy.
Bringing magic back into the world was bound to attract some attention, but researcher Charles Graham never expected to be trapped in the middle of an arcane arms race that might decide the victor of the First World War in the streets of Toronto.
In the wake of hard decisions, Charles must salvage friendships and allies, all the while keeping ahead of mysterious forces wanting to drag him to war.
No one ever said magic was easy.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2020
9 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 4, 2022
I was going to give this 4 stars despite its problems with anachronistic vocabulary and typos. Then, at 98%, there was a typo so egregious, and so mood-busting, that I said to hell with it. Three stars for you, you woefully under-edited slab of otherwise interesting paranormal historical. I mean, I had goosebumps, literal goosebumps, the scene was so creepy and so compelling — and then typo #631 (okay, I didn't count, but it could have been) was farted out onto the page, rendering the text into nonsense. It threw me out of the moment, broke my immersion, ruined the scene, destroyed the grand finale, and seriously, to hell with it.
Authors, get your books proofread before you try to sell them to unsuspecting readers. If I read the next in the series — and it's a big if — I will not be buying it. I'll borrow it from KU instead. If. If.
________
Edited to add: The form these typos took was insidious. They weren't misspellings. Usually they were missed words. So I'd have to reread a sentence, trying to figure out what it was supposed to say, and what word needed to be added where, in order to make it actually say that. And then wonder, did I get it right? Or was there a different word in a different place that would make the sentence work better? Was I understanding the author's intention correctly? I was stopped in my tracks every time it happened, thrown out of the story, troubleshooting instead of reading. Over and over and over and OVER.
But the final typo was worse, because it was a wrong word used, rather than a missing word. A sentence started with "My" when it should have been "I." So that sentence made no sense — at a crucial point in the story! When I was so deeply immersed that it was like physically tripping over a bump in the sidewalk.
So many typos. No quality control. So lazy. I am so pissed.
Authors, get your books proofread before you try to sell them to unsuspecting readers. If I read the next in the series — and it's a big if — I will not be buying it. I'll borrow it from KU instead. If. If.
________
Edited to add: The form these typos took was insidious. They weren't misspellings. Usually they were missed words. So I'd have to reread a sentence, trying to figure out what it was supposed to say, and what word needed to be added where, in order to make it actually say that. And then wonder, did I get it right? Or was there a different word in a different place that would make the sentence work better? Was I understanding the author's intention correctly? I was stopped in my tracks every time it happened, thrown out of the story, troubleshooting instead of reading. Over and over and over and OVER.
But the final typo was worse, because it was a wrong word used, rather than a missing word. A sentence started with "My" when it should have been "I." So that sentence made no sense — at a crucial point in the story! When I was so deeply immersed that it was like physically tripping over a bump in the sidewalk.
So many typos. No quality control. So lazy. I am so pissed.
June 5, 2022
I think I'm done with Charlie. I was liking this book a lot, but then I reached the 99% mark and Charlie did something so stupid that we were back in book 1. All the growing the character had done, ruined, so, I don't have enough patience for this, taking into consideration I've never warmed up to him. Don't get me wrong. He is interesting enough. He is so deliciously flawed that's very interesing read about him, but... I'm fed up with his "I know better" actitude and him focusing in things that aren't useful instead of focusin in what it's important.
Thank you Teal for the company, it's been fantastic reading this with you, and Linda and Ele for adding to the discussion.
Thank you Teal for the company, it's been fantastic reading this with you, and Linda and Ele for adding to the discussion.
April 24, 2020
I hate giving this awesome book 4 stars, but the author’s own rating should even it out. When he removes his, I will up mine.
April 16, 2022
Wizard Hunt (Arcane History 3)
By Scott Thrower
Published by the author, 2020
Four stars
Charles and Henry have their own house at last. Henry keeps plugging away at his medical degree as the war in Europe churns on and the body count rises. Jane the weredog and Suarez the invisible man help Charles in tracking down and stopping wildcard practitioners of magic. Is this a job? A career? Charles isn’t quite sure, but since he’s the one who let magic back into the world by letting a god out of a box, he feels it’s his duty.
Then, it seems that the various people touched by magic in Toronto since Benedict’s release are starting to disappear, and not all of them by their own volition. Charlie and his little troop need to figure out what’s happening. Somebody big and well-organized is behind what’s going on, and Charlie realizes that, in the middle of a war, that’s not going to be a good thing.
Scott Thrower’s take on magic, and the way he spins his story out of that intriguing approach to magic as power, makes for a fascinating story, replete with action and harrowing possibilities. All around him, Scott sees the consequences of his releasing magic back into the world; but the god himself, the slim blond man known simply as Benedict, emerges in this book as a puzzling, enigmatic character.
I have the fourth book in the series loaded on my Kindle and ready to read. Each one of these tales has been gripping and interesting. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
If only Scott Thrower would learn to use “me” and “I” correctly.
By Scott Thrower
Published by the author, 2020
Four stars
Charles and Henry have their own house at last. Henry keeps plugging away at his medical degree as the war in Europe churns on and the body count rises. Jane the weredog and Suarez the invisible man help Charles in tracking down and stopping wildcard practitioners of magic. Is this a job? A career? Charles isn’t quite sure, but since he’s the one who let magic back into the world by letting a god out of a box, he feels it’s his duty.
Then, it seems that the various people touched by magic in Toronto since Benedict’s release are starting to disappear, and not all of them by their own volition. Charlie and his little troop need to figure out what’s happening. Somebody big and well-organized is behind what’s going on, and Charlie realizes that, in the middle of a war, that’s not going to be a good thing.
Scott Thrower’s take on magic, and the way he spins his story out of that intriguing approach to magic as power, makes for a fascinating story, replete with action and harrowing possibilities. All around him, Scott sees the consequences of his releasing magic back into the world; but the god himself, the slim blond man known simply as Benedict, emerges in this book as a puzzling, enigmatic character.
I have the fourth book in the series loaded on my Kindle and ready to read. Each one of these tales has been gripping and interesting. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
If only Scott Thrower would learn to use “me” and “I” correctly.
June 16, 2024
This book is chock-full of consequences. I didn't like where it ended, but I already own #4 so it's not as 'bad' as it could've been. :) Charlie has learned some things, learns some new things, tries hard to keep things from going catastropically worse.
Have book 4 ready to go if you read this one.
Have book 4 ready to go if you read this one.
March 6, 2020
Amazing writer! So much talent packed in to this magical epic story! I was hooked from book #1! I just don't have anything negative to say about this series.
I loved everything about it, the mystery, the characters, the romance!! Especially the romance. *sigh* Charlie and Henry... they're just two people hopelessly in love with each other but the world (and the Germans, the government, their landlady for godsake) kept getting in their way..! 😂
I hope this series will be a long one. It has been an amazing journey since book 1 and the story just gets more interesting as the series progresses.
Also, I'm baffled that this book is not more popular. MORE PEOPLE SHOULD READ THIS AMAZING HIDDEN GEM!
I can't wait for book #4! And book #5, #6, #11! 😁😍
I loved everything about it, the mystery, the characters, the romance!! Especially the romance. *sigh* Charlie and Henry... they're just two people hopelessly in love with each other but the world (and the Germans, the government, their landlady for godsake) kept getting in their way..! 😂
I hope this series will be a long one. It has been an amazing journey since book 1 and the story just gets more interesting as the series progresses.
Also, I'm baffled that this book is not more popular. MORE PEOPLE SHOULD READ THIS AMAZING HIDDEN GEM!
I can't wait for book #4! And book #5, #6, #11! 😁😍
April 18, 2021
Oh. My. God!!
I had presumed this would be a trilogy but this book has ended with a cliffhanger and I'm desperate to know what will happen next to MCs Charlie and Henry.
I've enjoyed each book more as the series has progressed. WW1 has still not concluded (I think timeline-wise, the plot lands somewhere between 1916 and 1917) and Canada (Toronto) is still providing combat support to Britain. Henry is still torn between staying to support Charlie with his 'mission' and enlisting to provide medical support/expertise on the battlefront. But the enemy has now come to Toronto to enlist Charlie's help with yet another mystical artifact.
This book opens with Charlie and Henry having formed an unlikely 'Scooby-gang' with Vincent Suarez and Jane - acting as a sort of community anti-magical crime patrol. The author does an excellent job immersing readers into early 20th century Toronto slum environs and the action is fast-paced as always. However, the main mystery of this book comes from our MCs discovering magic-users across the city have been disappearing or 'taken-in-the-night' by men in suits and black vehicles. Naturally, further investigation leads same men in black back to their very doorstep; men seemingly impervious to magical blows or mortal wounds. Mr Thrower is very good at escalating dramatic excitement and ramping up the 'danger-will-robinson' factor, with this book featuring kidnapping, blackmail, interrogations, betrayals, double-agents and one black summoned entity from beyond.
Secondary characters from earlier books such as Betty and the Mindles make brief appearances but the enigmatic Simon Pestle and Benedict (the unleashed god) continue to have strong roles to play. A couple of interesting new characters (Grace Lougheed and Mickey) also show much promise as future contributors to Charlie's cause in keeping unleashed 'wild' magic from being gathered/exploited by greedy, power-hungry hands. As with previous books, whilst Charlie and Henry share an undeniable love for each other, readers are not privy to 'bedroom action' of any sort between the two. I just enjoy this series as pure action-fantasy (featuring gay MCs).
So going back to my "Oh.My.God" pronouncement ... I would be "quite put out" (should I borrow from Miss Manner's phrase-book) if this is how the author ends things. There are numerous plot threads unresolved ... the possibility of a truly nasty deity being accidentally unleashed upon a world already shaken/impacted by magical mayhem and international warfare. The ramification/impact of the Canadian government's secret Magical Containment Force (MCF) as a major new player. And Charlie unilaterally making yet another epic decision that could destroy his relationship with Henry.
I am just barely appeased by the author's apologetic confession in his starting acknowledgements that he'd "developed a taste for [this series] that might prove hard to shake". I'm taking that to mean "stay tuned - more to come". Oh let that be so!
UPDATE: Just found book 4 - released 15 Dec 2020
I had presumed this would be a trilogy but this book has ended with a cliffhanger and I'm desperate to know what will happen next to MCs Charlie and Henry.
I've enjoyed each book more as the series has progressed. WW1 has still not concluded (I think timeline-wise, the plot lands somewhere between 1916 and 1917) and Canada (Toronto) is still providing combat support to Britain. Henry is still torn between staying to support Charlie with his 'mission' and enlisting to provide medical support/expertise on the battlefront. But the enemy has now come to Toronto to enlist Charlie's help with yet another mystical artifact.
This book opens with Charlie and Henry having formed an unlikely 'Scooby-gang' with Vincent Suarez and Jane - acting as a sort of community anti-magical crime patrol. The author does an excellent job immersing readers into early 20th century Toronto slum environs and the action is fast-paced as always. However, the main mystery of this book comes from our MCs discovering magic-users across the city have been disappearing or 'taken-in-the-night' by men in suits and black vehicles. Naturally, further investigation leads same men in black back to their very doorstep; men seemingly impervious to magical blows or mortal wounds. Mr Thrower is very good at escalating dramatic excitement and ramping up the 'danger-will-robinson' factor, with this book featuring kidnapping, blackmail, interrogations, betrayals, double-agents and one black summoned entity from beyond.
Secondary characters from earlier books such as Betty and the Mindles make brief appearances but the enigmatic Simon Pestle and Benedict (the unleashed god) continue to have strong roles to play. A couple of interesting new characters (Grace Lougheed and Mickey) also show much promise as future contributors to Charlie's cause in keeping unleashed 'wild' magic from being gathered/exploited by greedy, power-hungry hands. As with previous books, whilst Charlie and Henry share an undeniable love for each other, readers are not privy to 'bedroom action' of any sort between the two. I just enjoy this series as pure action-fantasy (featuring gay MCs).
So going back to my "Oh.My.God" pronouncement ... I would be "quite put out" (should I borrow from Miss Manner's phrase-book) if this is how the author ends things. There are numerous plot threads unresolved ... the possibility of a truly nasty deity being accidentally unleashed upon a world already shaken/impacted by magical mayhem and international warfare. The ramification/impact of the Canadian government's secret Magical Containment Force (MCF) as a major new player. And Charlie unilaterally making yet another epic decision that could destroy his relationship with Henry.
I am just barely appeased by the author's apologetic confession in his starting acknowledgements that he'd "developed a taste for [this series] that might prove hard to shake". I'm taking that to mean "stay tuned - more to come". Oh let that be so!
UPDATE: Just found book 4 - released 15 Dec 2020
March 10, 2020
Cliffhanger
I am waiting impatiently for the next book. This one was so good. This series keeps getting better. I am so broken hearted for poor Henry.
I am waiting impatiently for the next book. This one was so good. This series keeps getting better. I am so broken hearted for poor Henry.
May 8, 2020
This story didn't pull me in as much as the first (which I like very much). The characters seemed sort of washed out and the romantic relationship really drifts. I might eventually come back to re-read and re-assess it.
February 3, 2020
Oh Charlie
Impatiently waiting for book 4 the day after book 3 was released!
Really enjoying this series, looking forward to more.
Impatiently waiting for book 4 the day after book 3 was released!
Really enjoying this series, looking forward to more.
February 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book
I have read the first two and I’m hooked. This one broke my heart. You guys need to read this. You won’t be disappointed
I have read the first two and I’m hooked. This one broke my heart. You guys need to read this. You won’t be disappointed
March 28, 2021
This book was better than #2. I liked this one a lot more, but I'm loving this series a lot less as we move away from book #1. Book #1 just had *something* to it that grabbed me. If you took book #1 out of the series and gave me just #2-#4, I don't think I'd have read past a few pages.
Charlie:
Henry:
I liked that this book's plot addressed the fact that the government would get involved. I'm not a huge fan of how that played out (), and I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities ().
Charlie:
Henry:
I liked that this book's plot addressed the fact that the government would get involved. I'm not a huge fan of how that played out (), and I feel like there were a lot of missed opportunities ().
July 23, 2022
More twists than a bagful of binding screws!
Arcane History Book 3 begins satisfyingly at a logical progression from Book 2, and then launches into a joy ride of unpredictable events. Heroes are villains, villains are double agents, and just about every bend and fork takes you someplace unexpected. The whole while, magic's reintroduction to the world continues to be a chiefly academic race, which is such an original spin.
Charlie and Henry's initially idyllic relationship (for a closeted couple in 1916) faces more challenges and melancholy, which is sad, but so true to life given the circumstances.
Thrower's writing continues to be exciting and engaging with distinctly developed characters. One thing really striking about this book, at least in the Kindle edition, is the poor proofing. I get the feeling that proofreading was left to spell check, and there are sentences that were edited incompletely, often enough to detract from a really smooth read. The first two books in the series were pretty flawless and professional, so it was a surprise in this one.
Arcane History Book 3 begins satisfyingly at a logical progression from Book 2, and then launches into a joy ride of unpredictable events. Heroes are villains, villains are double agents, and just about every bend and fork takes you someplace unexpected. The whole while, magic's reintroduction to the world continues to be a chiefly academic race, which is such an original spin.
Charlie and Henry's initially idyllic relationship (for a closeted couple in 1916) faces more challenges and melancholy, which is sad, but so true to life given the circumstances.
Thrower's writing continues to be exciting and engaging with distinctly developed characters. One thing really striking about this book, at least in the Kindle edition, is the poor proofing. I get the feeling that proofreading was left to spell check, and there are sentences that were edited incompletely, often enough to detract from a really smooth read. The first two books in the series were pretty flawless and professional, so it was a surprise in this one.
September 9, 2020
Better than part two, though I did miss the connection to the previous book. I mean, book 2 ends with a very clear need for action in the near future. I really thought this would pick up where "Elemental" left off, but it didn't. It took place a few months later but it seemed like the actions from book 2 didn't have any consequences any longer.
Also, the editing could have been a little better.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. I wonder if this is the final book of the series or if there will be more. The ending is somehow very open and yet very final all at once.
Also, the editing could have been a little better.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the book. I wonder if this is the final book of the series or if there will be more. The ending is somehow very open and yet very final all at once.
February 11, 2021
Oh, this was excellent! The storyline was fabulous, thrilling and fully advancing the plot. Charlie has grown so much, has matured and become a better man.
We see this happening through the whole book and it's more evident in his last battle against the German wizard, and it's glorious.
And I finally see the romance, I finally see Charlie really caring for Henry and putting him first.
I can't wait to read the next book!
We see this happening through the whole book and it's more evident in his last battle against the German wizard, and it's glorious.
And I finally see the romance, I finally see Charlie really caring for Henry and putting him first.
I can't wait to read the next book!
June 13, 2020
M/M adventure
I don't know if you read the reviews, but Scott, you need to write faster! I mean it, you can't leave me hanging! I'm in tears right now!
Ok so this guy has supreme world building and charismatic characters. Please read this series! Nothing I can say will do this justice. Just read it for yourself. You won't be sorry!
I don't know if you read the reviews, but Scott, you need to write faster! I mean it, you can't leave me hanging! I'm in tears right now!
Ok so this guy has supreme world building and charismatic characters. Please read this series! Nothing I can say will do this justice. Just read it for yourself. You won't be sorry!
July 13, 2020
Such a great story
I just discovered this series a couple of days ago and I can’t stop asking why it took so long, and why there are so few reviews so far.
This is book 3 and the stakes are getting higher, magic and war wise, but the emotional load is the strongest element for me. Charlie and Henry’s love story is just so beautifully written it hurts.
Can’t wait for book 4.
I just discovered this series a couple of days ago and I can’t stop asking why it took so long, and why there are so few reviews so far.
This is book 3 and the stakes are getting higher, magic and war wise, but the emotional load is the strongest element for me. Charlie and Henry’s love story is just so beautifully written it hurts.
Can’t wait for book 4.
December 29, 2020
Oh lordy, I didn't expect that ending! I'm telling myself that Henry will still find a way to track Charlie down, but I then again...who knows what will happen! Also, I really want Benedict and Pestle to meet...I have a feeling either sparks will fly or they will hate each other from the first moment.
Anywho, this was another nice addition to the series and I look forward to reading the next one.
Anywho, this was another nice addition to the series and I look forward to reading the next one.
May 16, 2020
Loved this!
As with the first two books, this one takes off and doesn’t stop! So many wonderful characters, good guys (and gals) as well as bad. This is the kind of series I truly enjoy. I’m looking forward to reading more!! Well done Scott Thrower!! Thank you for an amazing read.
As with the first two books, this one takes off and doesn’t stop! So many wonderful characters, good guys (and gals) as well as bad. This is the kind of series I truly enjoy. I’m looking forward to reading more!! Well done Scott Thrower!! Thank you for an amazing read.
May 25, 2021
Excellent
I’m very buried in this magical world created in these books. I’m looking forward to the fourth one. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little paranormal reading. The books are very very well written
I’m very buried in this magical world created in these books. I’m looking forward to the fourth one. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little paranormal reading. The books are very very well written
November 14, 2020
A great step in the series
It’s great to see the characters reach a certain kind of fruition. I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
It’s great to see the characters reach a certain kind of fruition. I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2022
loved it
I loved all of the book in the series but especially this one. It was not predictable. I loved the ending, sometimes people just don't live happily ever after.
I loved all of the book in the series but especially this one. It was not predictable. I loved the ending, sometimes people just don't live happily ever after.
January 23, 2023
Interesting concept though a little complicated in places. Well written with likeable characters. The historical aspect is very interesting especially the medical references.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews