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The Hunter and the Spider #1
Strangers in the Night
An undercover demon Hunter questions his allegiance after he begins to develop feelings for the very pack he's been assigned to infiltrate.
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Where there’s demons, there’s bound to be demon hunters and in Brooklyn there’s no shortage of either.
Jasper Craig is a hunter at New York’s secret St. James Academy, and he’s one of the best. With superior strength, agility, and a handy ability to sense demonic energy, it’s like he was born for the job. Since he was orphaned at a young age, his parents took the secret of what, exactly, he is to their graves. And if his adoptive father knows, he’s not telling.
Crimson Apocalypse is one of New York’s oldest residents and the only known werespider in the north eastern United States. He’s the sort of guy who lives as fast as he talks and talks as fast as he drives, and if Jasper wants to get closer to the werespider he’s going to have to keep up. But getting closer might be dangerous in more ways than one and what Jasper learns may not be what he expects.
Strangers in the Night is a tense, action-filled urban fantasy. A story of self-discovery in a world where things are not always what they seem and the lines between good and evil are hard to draw.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2019
64 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Jeanmougin
8 books55 followersE.M. Jeanmougin started writing as a little kid and never stopped.
When not working on "The Hunter and the Spider" with co-writer Jay S. Wright, EM likes to write short stories and poetry. Favorite genres include cozy mysteries, classic whodunits, cheesy sci-fis, and campy fantasies. Other pastimes include tabletop games, video games, photography, coloring, doodling, sewing, and cinema.
Official Webpage:
www.hunterandspider.com
Follow On Amazon:
amazon.com/author/emjay
Buy us a Coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/jeanmouginwright
When not working on "The Hunter and the Spider" with co-writer Jay S. Wright, EM likes to write short stories and poetry. Favorite genres include cozy mysteries, classic whodunits, cheesy sci-fis, and campy fantasies. Other pastimes include tabletop games, video games, photography, coloring, doodling, sewing, and cinema.
Official Webpage:
www.hunterandspider.com
Follow On Amazon:
amazon.com/author/emjay
Buy us a Coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/jeanmouginwright
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 10, 2021
4.5 Stars
Review:
After reading so much urban fantasy, it's gotten harder to find books in the genre that stand out to me, but this one managed it and hit the spot very nicely!
I had never read about a werespider before, so that alone was fun. I actually am scared of spiders, so I'd be terrified to see Crimson in his giant spider form in real life, and those moments when his spider-ness would show through would probably creep me out, but imagining him in my head, chittering sweetly at Jasper, he was actually kinda cute. Scary but cute. And sexy, of course.
Speaking of... Crimson was a piece of work, and I loved it. He's one of those characters who would probably be insufferable in real life but is so fun to read about. All drunk and flirty and charming and obnoxious and sarcastic and quick-tempered. But he could also be soft and sweet. He's been alive a long time. He's suffered loss over and over. He's just trying to get by. He drinks a lot and sometimes has bouts of depression or something similar, highs and lows that last for days or weeks at a time. He's interesting and well-written, and I feel like there was a lot of thought put into his character and more depth than is immediately apparent.
Jasper was great too, in a different way. He's quiet and reserved. Not lacking in emotion or personality, just not someone who often has big reactions. He kind of analyzes situations and is quietly anxious sometimes, trying to figure out feelings and dynamics with other people that he doesn't always understand. He had a weirdly sheltered life growing up, in a way, adopted and raised to be a hunter. He had no friends except one he lost. His whole life has just been training and hunting. But he always cared about helping humans, and then, when he realizes not all demons are bad, he cares about helping the good demons too. He also proved to have more depth and complexity than I first realized.
There were also some likeable side characters. Alcander is an anxious, possibly agoraphobic vampire doctor who just wants to create a blood substitute so that humans won't have to be harmed or killed for vampires to survive. Max is a human struggling with the trauma of being kidnapped and introduced to the supernatural world in the brutal way that he was. Alan is kind of a jerk but maybe not as bad as he first seemed, and the little glimpse we got into his life made me feel for him.
I feel like all the characters had a lot of care and thought put into them and were written in a way that made them feel real and unique without their personalities or quirks being over-the-top.
I loved the slow burn romance between Jasper and Crimson! In most books I read, the characters seem to be in a relationship or in love within a couple weeks, but I really love when romance not only takes more pages in the book but also more time for the characters. I love when they actually spend a lot of time together and the feelings develop over a longer period of time, in this case a few months. It made the feelings really believable for me. I could feel things growing between them---even when Jasper didn't realize it yet---as they escaped danger together, had fun together, comforted each other, saved each others' lives. And even then, they continued to take things slow because it was what Jasper needed. There was also some delicious angst.
The plot didn't have a clear goal beyond the initial "Jasper pretends to befriend Crimson in order to take him down but then actually does befriend him and changes sides" premise, but I didn't mind. The plot had a lot of things happening, problems popping up from outside forces like the hunters and Crimson's exes, but it always kind of centered around the growing relationship between Jasper and Crimson and how Jasper's life was changing upon realizing not all demons (what they call supernaturals) are monsters. There was plenty of action and emotion and interestingness to keep me hooked.
The one small complaint I have is that I didn't understand why we needed extra POVs, especially multiple antagonist hunters. I didn't feel like they added anything, and jumping around during that one fight scene left me struggling to keep up. It's wasn't a big issue because the book was mostly Jasper and sometimes Crimson, but the few brief times we jumped to other characters threw me a bit.
Overall, this was a really great start to an urban fantasy series with complex characters, slow burn romance, action-packed fight scenes, and a scary but cute and sexy werespider!
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes slow burn mlm romance with a bit of angst, good ol' urban fantasy action, complex characters, love interests who are equal parts charming and obnoxious, and scary but cute werespiders!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
After reading so much urban fantasy, it's gotten harder to find books in the genre that stand out to me, but this one managed it and hit the spot very nicely!
I had never read about a werespider before, so that alone was fun. I actually am scared of spiders, so I'd be terrified to see Crimson in his giant spider form in real life, and those moments when his spider-ness would show through would probably creep me out, but imagining him in my head, chittering sweetly at Jasper, he was actually kinda cute. Scary but cute. And sexy, of course.
Speaking of... Crimson was a piece of work, and I loved it. He's one of those characters who would probably be insufferable in real life but is so fun to read about. All drunk and flirty and charming and obnoxious and sarcastic and quick-tempered. But he could also be soft and sweet. He's been alive a long time. He's suffered loss over and over. He's just trying to get by. He drinks a lot and sometimes has bouts of depression or something similar, highs and lows that last for days or weeks at a time. He's interesting and well-written, and I feel like there was a lot of thought put into his character and more depth than is immediately apparent.
Jasper was great too, in a different way. He's quiet and reserved. Not lacking in emotion or personality, just not someone who often has big reactions. He kind of analyzes situations and is quietly anxious sometimes, trying to figure out feelings and dynamics with other people that he doesn't always understand. He had a weirdly sheltered life growing up, in a way, adopted and raised to be a hunter. He had no friends except one he lost. His whole life has just been training and hunting. But he always cared about helping humans, and then, when he realizes not all demons are bad, he cares about helping the good demons too. He also proved to have more depth and complexity than I first realized.
There were also some likeable side characters. Alcander is an anxious, possibly agoraphobic vampire doctor who just wants to create a blood substitute so that humans won't have to be harmed or killed for vampires to survive. Max is a human struggling with the trauma of being kidnapped and introduced to the supernatural world in the brutal way that he was. Alan is kind of a jerk but maybe not as bad as he first seemed, and the little glimpse we got into his life made me feel for him.
I feel like all the characters had a lot of care and thought put into them and were written in a way that made them feel real and unique without their personalities or quirks being over-the-top.
I loved the slow burn romance between Jasper and Crimson! In most books I read, the characters seem to be in a relationship or in love within a couple weeks, but I really love when romance not only takes more pages in the book but also more time for the characters. I love when they actually spend a lot of time together and the feelings develop over a longer period of time, in this case a few months. It made the feelings really believable for me. I could feel things growing between them---even when Jasper didn't realize it yet---as they escaped danger together, had fun together, comforted each other, saved each others' lives. And even then, they continued to take things slow because it was what Jasper needed. There was also some delicious angst.
The plot didn't have a clear goal beyond the initial "Jasper pretends to befriend Crimson in order to take him down but then actually does befriend him and changes sides" premise, but I didn't mind. The plot had a lot of things happening, problems popping up from outside forces like the hunters and Crimson's exes, but it always kind of centered around the growing relationship between Jasper and Crimson and how Jasper's life was changing upon realizing not all demons (what they call supernaturals) are monsters. There was plenty of action and emotion and interestingness to keep me hooked.
The one small complaint I have is that I didn't understand why we needed extra POVs, especially multiple antagonist hunters. I didn't feel like they added anything, and jumping around during that one fight scene left me struggling to keep up. It's wasn't a big issue because the book was mostly Jasper and sometimes Crimson, but the few brief times we jumped to other characters threw me a bit.
Overall, this was a really great start to an urban fantasy series with complex characters, slow burn romance, action-packed fight scenes, and a scary but cute and sexy werespider!
*Rating: 4.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes slow burn mlm romance with a bit of angst, good ol' urban fantasy action, complex characters, love interests who are equal parts charming and obnoxious, and scary but cute werespiders!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
September 19, 2020
Solid 4 stars for me, even tho it was not a smooth ride. My head is still spinning from changing POVs, for one. Somewhat insta-love is another issue. But the tale itself is great.
I hope loose ends will be tied in book 2.
With much regret I am taking a star off to compensate for one of the authors’ cheekiness. I try not to encourage authors who boost their own rating. 😠
I hope loose ends will be tied in book 2.
With much regret I am taking a star off to compensate for one of the authors’ cheekiness. I try not to encourage authors who boost their own rating. 😠
May 11, 2020
This book in one sentence: A demon hunter goes undercover and befriends a manic-depressive werespider and germaphobic vampire.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
My recommendation: Even though this hunter/demon star-crossed lovers trope is pretty common, this one really stands out. It's pretty surprising that this is a debut from these two authors! The characters are complicated, sometimes unlikable, and their friendships develops slowly. Crimson is actually a monster and does actually eat people, so they don't just skip over that ethical dilemma by simply making him a "vegetarian" demon. I really liked how the author tackled the Crimson's age/immortality. He is a little bit anachronistic and has a hard time following trends, he has fallen in love before (many times) and has come to terms with the fact that his relationships are temporary and he will outlive his lovers. I feel like all the characters were really well written, even the secondary characters had a lot of personality. The world building was smooth and there weren't any long explanatory sections that interrupt the flow of the story. I will definitely read the sequel and I look forward to reading these authors' future works! Also, I absolutely love the cover... it managers to capture the characters and tone of the story really well and also stands out from other paranormal covers which I find tend to have all the same aesthetic.
Tropes: star-crossed-lovers, mystery parents, mayfly-december, cliffhanger
Content warnings: abduction, violence, mild gore
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
My recommendation: Even though this hunter/demon star-crossed lovers trope is pretty common, this one really stands out. It's pretty surprising that this is a debut from these two authors! The characters are complicated, sometimes unlikable, and their friendships develops slowly. Crimson is actually a monster and does actually eat people, so they don't just skip over that ethical dilemma by simply making him a "vegetarian" demon. I really liked how the author tackled the Crimson's age/immortality. He is a little bit anachronistic and has a hard time following trends, he has fallen in love before (many times) and has come to terms with the fact that his relationships are temporary and he will outlive his lovers. I feel like all the characters were really well written, even the secondary characters had a lot of personality. The world building was smooth and there weren't any long explanatory sections that interrupt the flow of the story. I will definitely read the sequel and I look forward to reading these authors' future works! Also, I absolutely love the cover... it managers to capture the characters and tone of the story really well and also stands out from other paranormal covers which I find tend to have all the same aesthetic.
Tropes: star-crossed-lovers, mystery parents, mayfly-december, cliffhanger
Content warnings: abduction, violence, mild gore
September 30, 2019
Coming out of hiding to say how much I liked this book! Frankly, you had me at werespiders :) but once I started reading it was hard to put down. Interesting relationships with characters that have a few flaws. A nice slow-burn romance that left me with a tear or two at the end. Plus enough action to keep things moving. Looking forward to the next one!
Want to read
January 11, 2023I actually read and enjoyed this when it first came out, but forgot to review it. I'll probably reread or at least skim at some point before reading the next book.
This is usually free or .99 cents at Amazon, definitely a bargain. (Haha, I bought it paperback without checking... That's ok, author pay is ridiculow.)
This is usually free or .99 cents at Amazon, definitely a bargain. (Haha, I bought it paperback without checking... That's ok, author pay is ridiculow.)
August 25, 2019
As one of the writers of this book, I love it and I hope other people like it too. I wrote the kind of book I wanted to read, that had all that good stuff I wanted: forbidden love, enemies to friends to lovers, a half-blood with a destiny, a tall, dark, sarcastic love interest, explosions and kisses. Looking forward to others experiencing it, and to writing the next one.
October 5, 2020
Guess I'm odd person out. I did enjoy it enough to see about #2- but I felt like it dragged in places and I didn't really connect with either character. They didn't have a lot of depth - even for all the pages devoted. I liked Al the best of all of them and the human guy (forgot his name already). I didn't really feel any romance - it felt urban fantasy all the way.
June 17, 2020
4 Stars!
*QUICKIE REVIEW ;)*
Man I am on a freaking roll!!! Strangers in the Night is another random paranormal/urban fantasy book I picked up on a whim! And this book was a blast! I mean one of our main characters is a were-spider named Crimson Apocalypse! Crimson Apocalypse! What a cool name.
What's it about? Well Strangers in the Night follows young demon hunter Jasper Craig who runs into the infamous were-spider named Crimson Apocalypse. And from there these two mens lives become intertwined.
What did i like? The characters! All of the major characters (Jasper, Crimson, Al, Max etc) introduced were really intriguing and I wanted more! For example I wanted more details on the ins and outs of what it means to be a vampire, or were-spider, or werewolf in this world. The character growth in Jasper was really neat to read because man this boy went from this naive almost innocent kid to an adult who could see the world in shades of grey. Crimson had so much more depth then I was expecting and I just want to give him a hug!! The action was pretty good as well and it kept the story moving forward.
The one thing I will say is this book is structured a bit weird. I saw a bit of a shift almost in the fist half and the second half. The first half it feels like it is just there to set things up almost? There's no clear goal other than Jasper and Crimson getting to know each other. The trip to Miami was a bit random because once the 50% mark hits its almost like that plot point just drops and is completely forgotten. Then the next half of the book there is just different side plots that pop up and get resolved every couple of chapters. So that threw off a bit but I love Crimson, Jasper, and Al so much I didn't really care. And after the ending I am so ready for the sequel!
If you're in the mood for a fun urban fantasy story that introduces a really cool world with intriguing characters Strangers in the Night is worth checking out!
*QUICKIE REVIEW ;)*
Man I am on a freaking roll!!! Strangers in the Night is another random paranormal/urban fantasy book I picked up on a whim! And this book was a blast! I mean one of our main characters is a were-spider named Crimson Apocalypse! Crimson Apocalypse! What a cool name.
What's it about? Well Strangers in the Night follows young demon hunter Jasper Craig who runs into the infamous were-spider named Crimson Apocalypse. And from there these two mens lives become intertwined.
What did i like? The characters! All of the major characters (Jasper, Crimson, Al, Max etc) introduced were really intriguing and I wanted more! For example I wanted more details on the ins and outs of what it means to be a vampire, or were-spider, or werewolf in this world. The character growth in Jasper was really neat to read because man this boy went from this naive almost innocent kid to an adult who could see the world in shades of grey. Crimson had so much more depth then I was expecting and I just want to give him a hug!! The action was pretty good as well and it kept the story moving forward.
The one thing I will say is this book is structured a bit weird. I saw a bit of a shift almost in the fist half and the second half. The first half it feels like it is just there to set things up almost? There's no clear goal other than Jasper and Crimson getting to know each other. The trip to Miami was a bit random because once the 50% mark hits its almost like that plot point just drops and is completely forgotten. Then the next half of the book there is just different side plots that pop up and get resolved every couple of chapters. So that threw off a bit but I love Crimson, Jasper, and Al so much I didn't really care. And after the ending I am so ready for the sequel!
If you're in the mood for a fun urban fantasy story that introduces a really cool world with intriguing characters Strangers in the Night is worth checking out!
June 6, 2020
So let's start with the werespider thing. I found it intriguing but some may some maybe grossed out by it. Crimson doesn't change that often and the details of the transformation aren't long and in depth. I actually wish there was more about him being a werespider and how those powers transfer as a human.
And don't get caught up in the label of "demon hunter." All supernatural creatures, were, fae, vampires, etc. are called demons. This isn't a demon/angel story.
Now for the fun part. It is a familiar story of hunter and creature starting off hating/mistrusting each other and slowly transforming into something more. This story handles it better than most. Jasper takes a while to get over his loathing and Crimson's eating habits, i.e. of liquidizing innocent humans, continues to give him problems. The change seems realistic. The slow-build is good.
There is action. After the summerlands, things pick up. The repeated visits to bars in the beginning becomes boring but there is much less of that later. Secrets are revealed, more questions, good character development and secondary characters add some fun.
Strangers in the Night has a slightly different flavor than many urban fantasies though the general outline is familiar. The characters are a strength here with some good action to keep things moving. I really would like to read the next in the series.
A werespider. Something different!
And don't get caught up in the label of "demon hunter." All supernatural creatures, were, fae, vampires, etc. are called demons. This isn't a demon/angel story.
Now for the fun part. It is a familiar story of hunter and creature starting off hating/mistrusting each other and slowly transforming into something more. This story handles it better than most. Jasper takes a while to get over his loathing and Crimson's eating habits, i.e. of liquidizing innocent humans, continues to give him problems. The change seems realistic. The slow-build is good.
There is action. After the summerlands, things pick up. The repeated visits to bars in the beginning becomes boring but there is much less of that later. Secrets are revealed, more questions, good character development and secondary characters add some fun.
Strangers in the Night has a slightly different flavor than many urban fantasies though the general outline is familiar. The characters are a strength here with some good action to keep things moving. I really would like to read the next in the series.
A werespider. Something different!
March 10, 2021
Wow! The action starts on page 1 and does not let up til the crushing end! I love how MCs Crim and Jazz are thrust into each others' orbit from opposite sides of 'the fight against evil' and then become so entangled in each others' lives that the boundaries start blurring between the definitions of good and evil; plus there's a nicely drawn out arc of attraction between them which kept me hoping they'd eventually get over their internal 'blocks'. Their fight sequences against 'demons' (were-folk, vampires etc) as well as 'hunter/agents' left me breathless ... and yes there is a lot of death and destruction. Quiet-spoken, IT savvy Alcander stands out amongst a host of secondary characters and is my favorite character actually. I cannot wait to get back into the paranormal urban fantasy world created by the authors. 4.5 stars.
March 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and I'll be please to read the sequel when it'll be published.
April 28, 2020
A murky but gleaming tale of two warriors on opposite sides of a war, who become friends with each other, before falling for each other, and then all of the consequences of such ensue. Jazz is an orphaned 18-year-old vampire hunter with a dark secret to his heritage that he is aware of, but unknowing of its full extent. After a chance meeting one night with the other protagonist Crimson, he is later sent to live with the Werespider in his home: to track his interactions, and learn what darker business he may be up to. As a prospective hunter at the St. Andrew's Academy in New York, Jasper is quick to accept. He looks to prove himself.
As the story progresses, Jazz quickly finds himself having his reinforced war mortality between the Hunters and the Demon Underworld in the USA coming under his own questioning. He sees more in the demons than his fellow hunters. He understand their plight, but still he is repulsed by what happens to "innocents" for them to survive. I mostly enjoyed the dynamic between Jazz and Crimson. I thought it was kind of like the one between Tsume and Toboe in Wolf's Rain, but Jazz kind of bothers me until he turns, so to say, in the Summerlands. During his mission I think he's too much like a puppydog when he wants to follow Crim on his business, but also a buzz kill when they go out drinking. As a vampire hunter, I would expected his personality to be more adaptable when on the job. It would have been a good opportunity I think, to coax secrets out of Crimson by being less of a wet blanket in public.
The Summerlands is where I think the story starts to shine its brightest. I enjoyed the noir setting of New York as a backdrop, and there were times I felt like I was really there, but I could have done with less repetitive bar hopping each night, and more scenes like the one at the Onyx. I know that's the climax, but I think more can be done with the murky settings for the sequel. Also too many scenes end with the characters going to sleep, and I think there are several unnecessary scene breaks.
The side characters like Alcander, Max, and Charlie really grew on me over time, but I don't think Max or Charlie had nearly enough background to justify their importance in the story. Max is a human trapped in the Summerlands when he stumbles into our heroes and escapes from a pack of demons hunting him. After that he goes back with them to NY, because I guess his normal life is totally over so he becomes a familiar. This could be expanded. Also, I think Jazz, Crim, and Al are back in NY for too long before Charlie tracks Jazz down, and this is only after the whole exchange with Shane and Folami.
Folami is a badass demon, and the fight with him leads to Jazz discovering the secret of his heritage, but retrospectively Crim and Charlie both already knew what he was, without having to be told. So with all of the Demon Guides Jazz claims to have read, I find it a little contradicting to his character that he had no idea what kind of demon he partially is. Lastly, the action is thrilling and intense, but there were several passages that were a bit jarring. I had to do some occasional re-reading during the more frantic scenes.
I certainly recommend this book, if you are into this genre and a story like this. I look forward to seeing how the sequel does. Well done EM & Jay.
As the story progresses, Jazz quickly finds himself having his reinforced war mortality between the Hunters and the Demon Underworld in the USA coming under his own questioning. He sees more in the demons than his fellow hunters. He understand their plight, but still he is repulsed by what happens to "innocents" for them to survive. I mostly enjoyed the dynamic between Jazz and Crimson. I thought it was kind of like the one between Tsume and Toboe in Wolf's Rain, but Jazz kind of bothers me until he turns, so to say, in the Summerlands. During his mission I think he's too much like a puppydog when he wants to follow Crim on his business, but also a buzz kill when they go out drinking. As a vampire hunter, I would expected his personality to be more adaptable when on the job. It would have been a good opportunity I think, to coax secrets out of Crimson by being less of a wet blanket in public.
The Summerlands is where I think the story starts to shine its brightest. I enjoyed the noir setting of New York as a backdrop, and there were times I felt like I was really there, but I could have done with less repetitive bar hopping each night, and more scenes like the one at the Onyx. I know that's the climax, but I think more can be done with the murky settings for the sequel. Also too many scenes end with the characters going to sleep, and I think there are several unnecessary scene breaks.
The side characters like Alcander, Max, and Charlie really grew on me over time, but I don't think Max or Charlie had nearly enough background to justify their importance in the story. Max is a human trapped in the Summerlands when he stumbles into our heroes and escapes from a pack of demons hunting him. After that he goes back with them to NY, because I guess his normal life is totally over so he becomes a familiar. This could be expanded. Also, I think Jazz, Crim, and Al are back in NY for too long before Charlie tracks Jazz down, and this is only after the whole exchange with Shane and Folami.
Folami is a badass demon, and the fight with him leads to Jazz discovering the secret of his heritage, but retrospectively Crim and Charlie both already knew what he was, without having to be told. So with all of the Demon Guides Jazz claims to have read, I find it a little contradicting to his character that he had no idea what kind of demon he partially is. Lastly, the action is thrilling and intense, but there were several passages that were a bit jarring. I had to do some occasional re-reading during the more frantic scenes.
I certainly recommend this book, if you are into this genre and a story like this. I look forward to seeing how the sequel does. Well done EM & Jay.
April 21, 2021
3.5
This had a strong start, sagged in the middle, and then ended well. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of it, even the saggy middle. I liked Jasper and Crimson (and Al and Max) a lot and loved the slow-SLOW burn of their relationship. But the book doesn't have one over-arching plot or villain to defeat, etc. It's mostly two people who meet, are given a reason to be thrown together, and then go about their daily lives together. It just so happens that those lives are quite exciting. It just felt like the middle went on a little too long and got a little too creative (ridiculous) before finally tapering off to a cliffhanger ending. I am jumping right into book two though, so I obviously liked it (even if I'm afraid of spiders and therefor a little horrified by the giant werespider).
This had a strong start, sagged in the middle, and then ended well. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of it, even the saggy middle. I liked Jasper and Crimson (and Al and Max) a lot and loved the slow-SLOW burn of their relationship. But the book doesn't have one over-arching plot or villain to defeat, etc. It's mostly two people who meet, are given a reason to be thrown together, and then go about their daily lives together. It just so happens that those lives are quite exciting. It just felt like the middle went on a little too long and got a little too creative (ridiculous) before finally tapering off to a cliffhanger ending. I am jumping right into book two though, so I obviously liked it (even if I'm afraid of spiders and therefor a little horrified by the giant werespider).
November 4, 2019
A tale of demons and demons hunters plus an undercover operation that leads to unexpected places.
I thought this was a tense action packed fantasy where the lines between good and bad were blurred (much the same as real life) and romance grows and dies (with a bit of a heavy heart). The central relationship and characters were all interesting / oddly believable.
The only flaw for me was that the writing could have been tighter (but that is probably just me).
If you enjoy fantasy fiction this is definitely worth a look.
I thought this was a tense action packed fantasy where the lines between good and bad were blurred (much the same as real life) and romance grows and dies (with a bit of a heavy heart). The central relationship and characters were all interesting / oddly believable.
The only flaw for me was that the writing could have been tighter (but that is probably just me).
If you enjoy fantasy fiction this is definitely worth a look.
September 17, 2022
*SCREAMS* *SOBS* *THROWS THE BOOK AGAINST THE WALL* *RIPS IT TO PIECES* *PUTS IT BACK TOGETHER*
BRILLIANT, INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, SHOW STOPPING, SPECTACULAR
Made me so excited, made me feel alive, then ripped my heart out and shredded it to pieces
This shit?? THIS SHIT???????? TEN OUT OF TEN, I'M GONNA RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE
Now I'm gonna go cry some more
Edit: the ending got me so distressed that I baked a cake lol
(such distression only happened like thrice in my life until now, so, uh, congratulations? 😂)
BRILLIANT, INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, SHOW STOPPING, SPECTACULAR
Made me so excited, made me feel alive, then ripped my heart out and shredded it to pieces
This shit?? THIS SHIT???????? TEN OUT OF TEN, I'M GONNA RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE
Now I'm gonna go cry some more
Edit: the ending got me so distressed that I baked a cake lol
(such distression only happened like thrice in my life until now, so, uh, congratulations? 😂)
December 29, 2022
DNF @ 28%.
At 28%, and 100 pages in, there’s nothing that’s happened that couldn’t have happened in half the pages it did. There is very vague plotting, and if it gets more substantial, we are obviously on a meandering journey to it.
At this point, there have been 3 POVs, which is ideally 2 more that I would like, and one more than I care to tolerate.
And since this is clearly not plot driven, you would assume that it is character driven. But unfortunately, there’s not too much character to these characters.
At 28%, and 100 pages in, there’s nothing that’s happened that couldn’t have happened in half the pages it did. There is very vague plotting, and if it gets more substantial, we are obviously on a meandering journey to it.
At this point, there have been 3 POVs, which is ideally 2 more that I would like, and one more than I care to tolerate.
And since this is clearly not plot driven, you would assume that it is character driven. But unfortunately, there’s not too much character to these characters.
zz-dnf
December 27, 2020DNF @ Way Too Early Too Judge. The were-spider character seems interesting, and the greater world-building at least has potential, but it starts with a very meandering, settle-in-for-the-duration pace, and I do not have that in me right now. You need to capture my attention quickly these days, and I was already trying to skim Chapter 1...
August 23, 2020
Really enjoyed this. But it ends on a cliffhanger! ARGH! Luckily the second book is out and I will be reading that soon.
Absolutely enthralling. Some moral and ethical concerns to be considered but overall, a most enjoyable story.
Absolutely enthralling. Some moral and ethical concerns to be considered but overall, a most enjoyable story.
August 31, 2020
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
I liked this -how do you make a spidershifter a romantic hero? Well, these authors did. Look forward to book #2.
I liked this -how do you make a spidershifter a romantic hero? Well, these authors did. Look forward to book #2.
December 18, 2020
This kind of reads like shadow hunters, whilst simultaneously being more and less trash lol
August 10, 2021
Not a fan of the cover but I love what's behind it.
Even though our main character is only 18, this is not a young adult book. Not even a new adult one. This is how I actually love my urban fantasy romances: a lot of action, great world building, witty/sarcastic characters who are capable of personal growth with a side of a little of a little heartbreaking romance with maybe one or two sex scenes. And Strangers in the Night brings it all. There were a few lough out loud lines, a few tears. It has everything to be great and it is.
The first clue that we are reading an adult book is the amount of gore. Also our main character never feels childish. Maybe a little shy or naive or timid or inexperienced but there is absolutely no teen drama in here. The romance is very very slow, thus feels totally realistic, and really sweet, also it is a lot tragic. But in the real world love does not conquer all, and I love to see that reflected in a book that's not a simple romance.
The plot may be the only thing that's lacking. Jasper goes undercover to suss out monsters, they travel all over the states with Crimson and his friend, they kill some monsters, they kill some people, come back to where they started, Jasper realizes that he is not as straight as he made himself behave... but in the end nothing significant changes and nothing world changing happens.
The world building is awesome. It is an alternate world that mostly is like ours but with monsters and magic. There are no info dumps about the differences in the world but we get to see it gradually as the plot unfolds and we get glimpses in the past through Crimson's eyes. There was not a moment where I felt like I didn't understand how this can be in this world.
My favorite part, the characters; they can make or break a book for me. The characters, even the secondary ones, are really well rounded but not in an in your face way. You can get to know them through their actions. No one ever says that Crimson has manic depression, but it's clear, or that Al has OCD and germophobia, but it is shown in his reactions, his motivations. Not to mention poor Jasper with so many issues in his young head that it's hard to count. None of them are perfect but all of them are trying their bests to be their best selves. This is inspiring, not the stories where people fall in love and have sex and it's over. So yeah, I loved all of the characters, even the bad ones.
The only thing I didn't like in this book is that Jasper picks up a lot of Crimson's bad habits. Drinking, smoking, recklessness... I get it, and it's totally in character, it just made me feel a bit icky.
But this is one of the best books I've read this year, or maybe even this decade. If you want actual story to your fantasy and like a little bit of romance on the side, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
Even though our main character is only 18, this is not a young adult book. Not even a new adult one. This is how I actually love my urban fantasy romances: a lot of action, great world building, witty/sarcastic characters who are capable of personal growth with a side of a little of a little heartbreaking romance with maybe one or two sex scenes. And Strangers in the Night brings it all. There were a few lough out loud lines, a few tears. It has everything to be great and it is.
The first clue that we are reading an adult book is the amount of gore. Also our main character never feels childish. Maybe a little shy or naive or timid or inexperienced but there is absolutely no teen drama in here. The romance is very very slow, thus feels totally realistic, and really sweet, also it is a lot tragic. But in the real world love does not conquer all, and I love to see that reflected in a book that's not a simple romance.
The plot may be the only thing that's lacking. Jasper goes undercover to suss out monsters, they travel all over the states with Crimson and his friend, they kill some monsters, they kill some people, come back to where they started, Jasper realizes that he is not as straight as he made himself behave... but in the end nothing significant changes and nothing world changing happens.
The world building is awesome. It is an alternate world that mostly is like ours but with monsters and magic. There are no info dumps about the differences in the world but we get to see it gradually as the plot unfolds and we get glimpses in the past through Crimson's eyes. There was not a moment where I felt like I didn't understand how this can be in this world.
My favorite part, the characters; they can make or break a book for me. The characters, even the secondary ones, are really well rounded but not in an in your face way. You can get to know them through their actions. No one ever says that Crimson has manic depression, but it's clear, or that Al has OCD and germophobia, but it is shown in his reactions, his motivations. Not to mention poor Jasper with so many issues in his young head that it's hard to count. None of them are perfect but all of them are trying their bests to be their best selves. This is inspiring, not the stories where people fall in love and have sex and it's over. So yeah, I loved all of the characters, even the bad ones.
The only thing I didn't like in this book is that Jasper picks up a lot of Crimson's bad habits. Drinking, smoking, recklessness... I get it, and it's totally in character, it just made me feel a bit icky.
But this is one of the best books I've read this year, or maybe even this decade. If you want actual story to your fantasy and like a little bit of romance on the side, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
November 9, 2019
The debut book for these two authors and it's the best urban fantasy lgbt fiction book I've read this year (it kind of makes me want to read Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series again). I finished it the other day and am still suffering a book hangover. In my spare time I keep thinking about all the things that have happened and possible scenarios for the sequel. Crimson, Alcander, and Jasper are very interesting characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. I enjoyed the fighting/action depicted in the book, the tidbits about the different factions and the world building. I liked that readers got to go along for the ride and see Crimson and Jasper go from strangers, to characters that tolerate each other to friends and finally take the next step to admitting there is feelings there. I also liked that Jasper who is a seasoned hunter is shown a new side to those he was taught to hunt and in turn Crimson is also changed by having Jasper in his life.
The way the book ended left me a bit sad but I have hope that Jasper and Crimson will be able to work everything out. I'm hoping Jasper's adoptive father will keep his end of the deal, Shane will get what's coming to him for what he did to Jasper and forced Crimson into. I'm also curious about what will happen with the Collector's daughter and I hope readers will get to learn more about Jasper, his powers and just get more background info about him.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The way the book ended left me a bit sad but I have hope that Jasper and Crimson will be able to work everything out. I'm hoping Jasper's adoptive father will keep his end of the deal, Shane will get what's coming to him for what he did to Jasper and forced Crimson into. I'm also curious about what will happen with the Collector's daughter and I hope readers will get to learn more about Jasper, his powers and just get more background info about him.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2020
I need the second book now...like right now!
For over an hour, I've been thinking about what I could write about this book and I still have no idea. If I ramble, sorry. This book was a step outside my comfort zone because, yeah, not a fan of spiders so a werespider? Wasn't sure how that would work out. Turns out, I had nothing to be worried about. Crimson does shift into his spider form a few times but it didn't bother me at all. Would I want to come face to face with him? Nope. Not a chance! But reading about it was pretty cool. I really enjoyed the action and the storyline. Jasper was likeable from the start. Crimson took some warming up to and at times he made me pretty mad, but I liked him a lot. The side characters were an eclectic bunch. I really liked Alcender and Max. Wasn't real fond of Alan. Abby was weird but alright in the end and though he was okay at first, I really grew to hate Charlie.
Crimson and Jasper's relationship builds so slowly, you start to wonder if it will ever happen. It builds so subtlety, I didn't even realize how badly I wanted them to be together until they were. And then it was incredible. But then the book ended and I was left in tears. So I need the next book. Right now! I need to know what happens to these guys. How many other demons and monsters (of the human kind) will they have to fight? Can they find a way to be together? And what else will we find out about Jasper's other half? I need to know!!!
For over an hour, I've been thinking about what I could write about this book and I still have no idea. If I ramble, sorry. This book was a step outside my comfort zone because, yeah, not a fan of spiders so a werespider? Wasn't sure how that would work out. Turns out, I had nothing to be worried about. Crimson does shift into his spider form a few times but it didn't bother me at all. Would I want to come face to face with him? Nope. Not a chance! But reading about it was pretty cool. I really enjoyed the action and the storyline. Jasper was likeable from the start. Crimson took some warming up to and at times he made me pretty mad, but I liked him a lot. The side characters were an eclectic bunch. I really liked Alcender and Max. Wasn't real fond of Alan. Abby was weird but alright in the end and though he was okay at first, I really grew to hate Charlie.
Crimson and Jasper's relationship builds so slowly, you start to wonder if it will ever happen. It builds so subtlety, I didn't even realize how badly I wanted them to be together until they were. And then it was incredible. But then the book ended and I was left in tears. So I need the next book. Right now! I need to know what happens to these guys. How many other demons and monsters (of the human kind) will they have to fight? Can they find a way to be together? And what else will we find out about Jasper's other half? I need to know!!!
August 9, 2021
"Werespider" kinda says it all. Never heard of one before, but it is certainly intriguing. The book is remarkably good for something that doesn't really seem to have a direction or ultimate destination in mind. Jasper is a Hunter for the human's. He hunts demons. Even though he seems to be part demon himself. Crimson is the 3000+yr old immortal werespider who drops out of the sky and helps to save him from a band of ravenous vampires. Charlie, is the foster dad that has raised Jasper as a hunter and convinces him to go undercover to spy on Crimson and garner information of other demons. Alcander is the cutest little vampire genius that's just begging to be kidnapped, AGAIN. The bulk of the book is either the characters messing around, or trying to figure out how they are going to save their companions or themselves from the forces that want to capture them, enslave them, or outright kill them. Slow slow burn love story is a bonus, and soul crushing ending/cliff hanger to carry you on to the next book. Love urban fantasy? This is spot on the book you want to read.
April 4, 2020
A friend asked "were-spider, it as bad as it sounds?
Actually no, it was pretty good i gave it 4⭐, i was leary about werespider too. You'd think that it was horror or a dark read. Instead, it was more a bildingsroman.
I think the were (Crinson) only shifts completely 2 or 3 times, i didnt find it a turn off at all. Even if his were form is a Shelob (LOTR) type of spider; he wasn't creepy at all. The book wasn't gory. I think there was a discriptive sentence or two during the last battle.
I'd recomend it, a good debut novel. Great world building, the younger mc although a bit naive and un-worldly doesn't feel YA. It's not a stand alone and ends with unfinished buisiness. Book 2 is already in the works.
It is definately a slow burn m/m romance. Tropes were used well, and often subverted. It has some humor and quirkiness to liven it.. I enjoyed it, would read again, and am looking forward to book 2.
Actually no, it was pretty good i gave it 4⭐, i was leary about werespider too. You'd think that it was horror or a dark read. Instead, it was more a bildingsroman.
I think the were (Crinson) only shifts completely 2 or 3 times, i didnt find it a turn off at all. Even if his were form is a Shelob (LOTR) type of spider; he wasn't creepy at all. The book wasn't gory. I think there was a discriptive sentence or two during the last battle.
I'd recomend it, a good debut novel. Great world building, the younger mc although a bit naive and un-worldly doesn't feel YA. It's not a stand alone and ends with unfinished buisiness. Book 2 is already in the works.
It is definately a slow burn m/m romance. Tropes were used well, and often subverted. It has some humor and quirkiness to liven it.. I enjoyed it, would read again, and am looking forward to book 2.
November 13, 2019
Read. This. Book.
What an absolute beauty of a book, the authors have created characters I am desperate to learn more about with real depth and relatable vulnerabilities.
The world created is both interesting and beautiful (the summer lands are a particular highlight) with twists and turns and fast passed action twinned perfectly with a heart wrenching slow burning MM love story.
I laughed, I cried, I loved it!
My only question is, how can I get my hands on the next book!
What an absolute beauty of a book, the authors have created characters I am desperate to learn more about with real depth and relatable vulnerabilities.
The world created is both interesting and beautiful (the summer lands are a particular highlight) with twists and turns and fast passed action twinned perfectly with a heart wrenching slow burning MM love story.
I laughed, I cried, I loved it!
My only question is, how can I get my hands on the next book!
March 17, 2020
absolutely loved this book.
just the concept of a werespider put this on the to read list.
having read it it goes on my best read shelf for 2020.
the story is rich and textured as much a fantasy as a mm read and so enjoyable when I finished I had to check when the next book in the series is going to be published (summer 2020), because I'll be waiting for it.
just the concept of a werespider put this on the to read list.
having read it it goes on my best read shelf for 2020.
the story is rich and textured as much a fantasy as a mm read and so enjoyable when I finished I had to check when the next book in the series is going to be published (summer 2020), because I'll be waiting for it.
October 21, 2020
A bit light on the romance side of things but definitely plenty of action. Unfortunately the book finishes on a cliff-hanger hence 1/2 a star off. I don't have time at the moment to read the next in the series so only hope I do remember to read it as this book was a great start to a new series and by authors I haven't read before.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
October 21, 2019
Who knew the world needed a were-spider but apparently we do. Two very unique protagonists meet, go on adventures, get into trouble repeatedly, discover friendship and a little love in between. With a name like 'Crimson Apocalypse', how can anything go wrong?! A very fun trippy story...
September 18, 2022
Great story!
I couldn't put this book down! There are tons of shifter books out there, but this is the first were spider I have ever seen. Totally fell in love with all the quirky characters, but Crimson was my favorite. Would recommend this book to everyone!!!
I couldn't put this book down! There are tons of shifter books out there, but this is the first were spider I have ever seen. Totally fell in love with all the quirky characters, but Crimson was my favorite. Would recommend this book to everyone!!!
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