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The Burke Misadventures #1
Stray Dogs
The Burke Siblings are damn good at what they do. And what they do? Well that isn’t any good at all.
As wet work operators for the Order of Magic, the Burkes pay a high price to use their magic. For years, they threw themselves into the Order’s dirty work, cleaning up messes that the Nine liked to pretend didn’t exist.
But all that has changed. Someone in Black Ops has decided that the Burke siblings are a liability. And when the Order’s most accomplished killer comes after them, it doesn’t take an elementalist to figure out they’ve been burned.
Old friends won’t take their calls, so the Burkes turn to an old enemy instead — a shapeshifter whose quicksilver support leads to a transformation in Ed and a showdown well above Des’s weight class…
STRAY DOGS is a queer author’s love letter to Urban Fantasy, for fans of SUPERNATURAL , GIDEON THE NINTH , and THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY .
As wet work operators for the Order of Magic, the Burkes pay a high price to use their magic. For years, they threw themselves into the Order’s dirty work, cleaning up messes that the Nine liked to pretend didn’t exist.
But all that has changed. Someone in Black Ops has decided that the Burke siblings are a liability. And when the Order’s most accomplished killer comes after them, it doesn’t take an elementalist to figure out they’ve been burned.
Old friends won’t take their calls, so the Burkes turn to an old enemy instead — a shapeshifter whose quicksilver support leads to a transformation in Ed and a showdown well above Des’s weight class…
STRAY DOGS is a queer author’s love letter to Urban Fantasy, for fans of SUPERNATURAL , GIDEON THE NINTH , and THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY .
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2020
21 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 7, 2021
I'm always on the lookout for more queer fantasy, so when the author offered me a copy of this for review, I was happy to accept.
I can't exactly say what my mood was when I started reading this, but something about the seriously gritty and dark tone really hit home with me. To be sure, this is not a book for the faint of heart. Multiple different characters are maimed, losing limbs and fingers. Other characters die entirely. It's as gruesome as you would expect from a pair of characters on the run from a mercenary organization. I must have been reading too much fluffy stuff lately, because I was drawn in by the darkness like nothing else. The magic system was also just thought out enough for me to understand basic mechanics and what was at stake without giant paragraphs of exposition.
The main siblings themselves feel very dynamic and heartfelt. It's rare that I read about characters I can truly term morally gray, but Desmond Burke is definitely up there. And his love and protectiveness over his sibling is heart-warming... even as they're basically murdering people to protect each other. I will admit that Des has some issues with his siblings gender identity. Nothing overtly transphobic, but there is a level of "I don't understand" that might get under your skin if you've dealt with anything like it in the real world.
As for the younger Burke sibling, I adored their arc. A lot of the books I've read with trans characters are after they've already realized and accepted their identity. This was the first time I read a book where the character was realizing their transness on the page. Watching things click the first time they shapeshift into the feminine form was engrossing to watch.
Since the character is realizing their identity mid-book, they do spend a lot of the story going by the name of pronouns of the gender they were assigned at birth, despite having the deep-seated feeling of wrongness. They are still figuring things out, so this isn't meant to be framed as misgendering or deadnaming, but rather a step in the process. However, if you are a trans or questioning reader, it may be difficult for you to get through. Or it could be validating to see your own personal struggles on the page. It's all up to reader discretion.
Plot wise, I found the final battle scene particularly engrossing. There was a surprise twist that genuinely got me and that doesn't happen often. The emotions were incredibly high and the very ending had yet a couple more surprises that set up the next book well.
If you're looking for a cute and wholesome book about a queer awakening, this probably isn't the one for you. But if you're looking for a bloody race to survive with disaster queers figuring it out as they go, I would highly suggest it.
I can't exactly say what my mood was when I started reading this, but something about the seriously gritty and dark tone really hit home with me. To be sure, this is not a book for the faint of heart. Multiple different characters are maimed, losing limbs and fingers. Other characters die entirely. It's as gruesome as you would expect from a pair of characters on the run from a mercenary organization. I must have been reading too much fluffy stuff lately, because I was drawn in by the darkness like nothing else. The magic system was also just thought out enough for me to understand basic mechanics and what was at stake without giant paragraphs of exposition.
The main siblings themselves feel very dynamic and heartfelt. It's rare that I read about characters I can truly term morally gray, but Desmond Burke is definitely up there. And his love and protectiveness over his sibling is heart-warming... even as they're basically murdering people to protect each other. I will admit that Des has some issues with his siblings gender identity. Nothing overtly transphobic, but there is a level of "I don't understand" that might get under your skin if you've dealt with anything like it in the real world.
As for the younger Burke sibling, I adored their arc. A lot of the books I've read with trans characters are after they've already realized and accepted their identity. This was the first time I read a book where the character was realizing their transness on the page. Watching things click the first time they shapeshift into the feminine form was engrossing to watch.
Since the character is realizing their identity mid-book, they do spend a lot of the story going by the name of pronouns of the gender they were assigned at birth, despite having the deep-seated feeling of wrongness. They are still figuring things out, so this isn't meant to be framed as misgendering or deadnaming, but rather a step in the process. However, if you are a trans or questioning reader, it may be difficult for you to get through. Or it could be validating to see your own personal struggles on the page. It's all up to reader discretion.
Plot wise, I found the final battle scene particularly engrossing. There was a surprise twist that genuinely got me and that doesn't happen often. The emotions were incredibly high and the very ending had yet a couple more surprises that set up the next book well.
If you're looking for a cute and wholesome book about a queer awakening, this probably isn't the one for you. But if you're looking for a bloody race to survive with disaster queers figuring it out as they go, I would highly suggest it.
April 5, 2024
Look, it bothers me that these books appear in my bookshelf and are the only ones NOT rated. So, clearly I'm going to do the tacky thing and give them 5 stars. Best book ever.
August 11, 2023
3.5⭐⭐⭐✨
Overall this an enjoyable read, on the surface it is a standard urban fantasy novel with POVs of brothers Desmond and Ed who work their magic by taking out dangerous or renegade Mages for a black-ops group. The Black operatives themselves work under the umbrella group of a political, powerful group of Mages called the Nine. When they find themselves on the wrong side of their black-ops boss they discover assassin's have been sent to take them out and also find that their boss has been using them off the books so the Nine would also happily see them dead. Old friends won't help them or even see them so they have to resort to extreme measures to get rid of a seemingly invincible killer and get their old boss in front of the Nine. This is done by going to a shape shifter where Ed changes his male body into a female one and one in which he finally feels comfortable with his identity. This is where the book shines, this is not a simple fix where Ed lives happily ever after in his new body, rather, just like real life it is way more complex. The shape shift is short lasting but each time Ed shifts it has more impact on both him/her and their brother. Having both POVs is so good as it shows how each brother deal with the changes that are happening - physical, emotional, acceptance and how it impacts on their lives and their magic.
I work for a Gender Minorities group here in NZ and so I have been a small part in the lives of people transitioning & Stray Dogs is one book that shines a realistic light on their journeys. Freya Faust is an author I will be looking forward to reading more of.
**also for those that DON'T want romance then this a book for you.
Overall this an enjoyable read, on the surface it is a standard urban fantasy novel with POVs of brothers Desmond and Ed who work their magic by taking out dangerous or renegade Mages for a black-ops group. The Black operatives themselves work under the umbrella group of a political, powerful group of Mages called the Nine. When they find themselves on the wrong side of their black-ops boss they discover assassin's have been sent to take them out and also find that their boss has been using them off the books so the Nine would also happily see them dead. Old friends won't help them or even see them so they have to resort to extreme measures to get rid of a seemingly invincible killer and get their old boss in front of the Nine. This is done by going to a shape shifter where Ed changes his male body into a female one and one in which he finally feels comfortable with his identity. This is where the book shines, this is not a simple fix where Ed lives happily ever after in his new body, rather, just like real life it is way more complex. The shape shift is short lasting but each time Ed shifts it has more impact on both him/her and their brother. Having both POVs is so good as it shows how each brother deal with the changes that are happening - physical, emotional, acceptance and how it impacts on their lives and their magic.
I work for a Gender Minorities group here in NZ and so I have been a small part in the lives of people transitioning & Stray Dogs is one book that shines a realistic light on their journeys. Freya Faust is an author I will be looking forward to reading more of.
**also for those that DON'T want romance then this a book for you.
Want to read
March 11, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
Young mercs working for the modern Order of Magic come to pick up a healer who’s been turning down work, only to find him waving a gun at the ledge of a building.
This one starts with action and voice, and although it suspends its action in favor of 1st person narration for a few pages, once we get to the real introduction of what’s going on, this becomes really interesting.
A little man on a ledge pointing a gun at a brother and sister who are there with him for reasons we don’t know is something, but a healer who’s been flaking on work for a secret magical Order is fantastical.
But it is also what the story is actually about, and when delivered in the noiry voice of Faust’s less-than-sympathetic MC, makes this opening jump out to me.
The dialogue is pointed and effective. Each character is distinct. We’re learning about the magic in this world, but without being overwhelmed, and we’re presented with an intriguing mystery right away.
Our MC working with her apparently earnest brother, contrasting with her own hard-heartedness, was a nice touch for me. Having a partner that is also a family member introduces all kinds of possibilities for motivation and tension.
This is spirited, has a great sense of voice, LGBTQ+ rep, and I’m interested to see just what’s gone wrong with this healer who works the dayshift as a janitor. I’m eager to meet more of Faust’s secret Order characters. I’m in.
Young mercs working for the modern Order of Magic come to pick up a healer who’s been turning down work, only to find him waving a gun at the ledge of a building.
This one starts with action and voice, and although it suspends its action in favor of 1st person narration for a few pages, once we get to the real introduction of what’s going on, this becomes really interesting.
A little man on a ledge pointing a gun at a brother and sister who are there with him for reasons we don’t know is something, but a healer who’s been flaking on work for a secret magical Order is fantastical.
But it is also what the story is actually about, and when delivered in the noiry voice of Faust’s less-than-sympathetic MC, makes this opening jump out to me.
The dialogue is pointed and effective. Each character is distinct. We’re learning about the magic in this world, but without being overwhelmed, and we’re presented with an intriguing mystery right away.
Our MC working with her apparently earnest brother, contrasting with her own hard-heartedness, was a nice touch for me. Having a partner that is also a family member introduces all kinds of possibilities for motivation and tension.
This is spirited, has a great sense of voice, LGBTQ+ rep, and I’m interested to see just what’s gone wrong with this healer who works the dayshift as a janitor. I’m eager to meet more of Faust’s secret Order characters. I’m in.
January 2, 2022
I received an Audible code for this in return for a fair review, so here goes:
Stray Dogs was described by the author as something for fans of the Dresden Files. While I can understand the comparison, I think that in many ways it sells both series short. They both are urban fantasy, filled with snark-to-snark combat, but this book lacks a lot of the noir influence that is part of the Dresden Files charm. You can see early on the influence that series projects- the somewhat hidden nature of magic, the Warden expies inflicting punishments for breaking rules practitioners may not know exist, and similar topics when it comes to the White Council equivalent. This story, however, is less about the one wizard who occasionally runs into problems with the Magic Police, and more about what would happen if someone (or a group of someones) decided to Do Something about the problem.
All of this is not to say, however, that Stray Dogs is lacking in charms of its own. The relationships between the Burke siblings is well done, with a realistic blending of sibling rivalry, protectiveness, and a general "nobody messes with my family but me" attitude. The fact that the narration swaps back and forth between the two helps keep things firmly cemented, especially as the younger sibling goes through a gender change for spoilery reasons leading to a realization about herself. The older brother's difficulty in handling this change could be unpleasant for some readers, but I found that the back-and-forth nature of the storytelling helped make sure that this was handled as well as it could be if the topic of a sibling transitioning is going to be done without outright acceptance. The magic system wasn't overly detailed in a Sanderson way, thankfully, but was consistent internally and felt realistic in how it was used and applied.
The two biggest complaints that could be made about this book are that the pacing is inconsistent, and that some of the character relationships depend on backstory that we don't really know about. In regards to the problems with pacing, the story starts in media res, but then goes sideways for a bit before getting back on a through line that will drive the rest of the book. That introduction feels a bit like a false start, but can be powered through without too much of a problem. Later on, the ebb and flow of conflict and resolution seems rushed in places and drawn out in others. This single novel could probably have been done as two books, or just a longer version of itself, and benefited from the breathing room that the narrative would gain. The character relationships part is partially the same issue: the side characters relationships to the protagonists is pretty vital to the story, but the lack of direct knowledge of their conflicts and history left me feeling a little blah. I could not quite reconcile the relationships on the page with what little I know from the exposition, and this may also be a part of the pacing/short length mentioned already. A few more chapters dealing with the shifter mage, their handler, and some of the other players would probably have smoothed things out a bit.
As for what was handled really well: Already mentioned is the sibling relationship, which was great. The general level of snark and casual insult slinging felt natural. The action scenes were well done, leaving me little doubt as to what was happening without bogging the scenes down with excessive description. I really liked that serious injuries couldn't just be magicked away, which helps keep the tension high. This isn't quite Malazan or The First Law, but it also isn't an urban fantasy series where you assume things won't have consequences. I also would say that Morgan's transition was well done, from an outsider's perspective, even if it was highly telegraphed from the outset. The emotional impact of the gender change magic leading to a moment of frission seemed to capture a sentiment often described, so hats off to the author on that regard. Writing an actual transition into a story feels like walking into a minefield of claims about misrepresentation, pandering, or just general rabble-rousing, and in this case I don't think anyone has to worry about explosions and carnage.
I'm hoping book two shows up in Audible sooner rather than later, and look forward to more of where these two characters go.
Stray Dogs was described by the author as something for fans of the Dresden Files. While I can understand the comparison, I think that in many ways it sells both series short. They both are urban fantasy, filled with snark-to-snark combat, but this book lacks a lot of the noir influence that is part of the Dresden Files charm. You can see early on the influence that series projects- the somewhat hidden nature of magic, the Warden expies inflicting punishments for breaking rules practitioners may not know exist, and similar topics when it comes to the White Council equivalent. This story, however, is less about the one wizard who occasionally runs into problems with the Magic Police, and more about what would happen if someone (or a group of someones) decided to Do Something about the problem.
All of this is not to say, however, that Stray Dogs is lacking in charms of its own. The relationships between the Burke siblings is well done, with a realistic blending of sibling rivalry, protectiveness, and a general "nobody messes with my family but me" attitude. The fact that the narration swaps back and forth between the two helps keep things firmly cemented, especially as the younger sibling goes through a gender change for spoilery reasons leading to a realization about herself. The older brother's difficulty in handling this change could be unpleasant for some readers, but I found that the back-and-forth nature of the storytelling helped make sure that this was handled as well as it could be if the topic of a sibling transitioning is going to be done without outright acceptance. The magic system wasn't overly detailed in a Sanderson way, thankfully, but was consistent internally and felt realistic in how it was used and applied.
The two biggest complaints that could be made about this book are that the pacing is inconsistent, and that some of the character relationships depend on backstory that we don't really know about. In regards to the problems with pacing, the story starts in media res, but then goes sideways for a bit before getting back on a through line that will drive the rest of the book. That introduction feels a bit like a false start, but can be powered through without too much of a problem. Later on, the ebb and flow of conflict and resolution seems rushed in places and drawn out in others. This single novel could probably have been done as two books, or just a longer version of itself, and benefited from the breathing room that the narrative would gain. The character relationships part is partially the same issue: the side characters relationships to the protagonists is pretty vital to the story, but the lack of direct knowledge of their conflicts and history left me feeling a little blah. I could not quite reconcile the relationships on the page with what little I know from the exposition, and this may also be a part of the pacing/short length mentioned already. A few more chapters dealing with the shifter mage, their handler, and some of the other players would probably have smoothed things out a bit.
As for what was handled really well: Already mentioned is the sibling relationship, which was great. The general level of snark and casual insult slinging felt natural. The action scenes were well done, leaving me little doubt as to what was happening without bogging the scenes down with excessive description. I really liked that serious injuries couldn't just be magicked away, which helps keep the tension high. This isn't quite Malazan or The First Law, but it also isn't an urban fantasy series where you assume things won't have consequences. I also would say that Morgan's transition was well done, from an outsider's perspective, even if it was highly telegraphed from the outset. The emotional impact of the gender change magic leading to a moment of frission seemed to capture a sentiment often described, so hats off to the author on that regard. Writing an actual transition into a story feels like walking into a minefield of claims about misrepresentation, pandering, or just general rabble-rousing, and in this case I don't think anyone has to worry about explosions and carnage.
I'm hoping book two shows up in Audible sooner rather than later, and look forward to more of where these two characters go.
September 6, 2020
The strength of a family-based novel lies in its heart. The bond between siblings – and agency overthrowing accomplices – holds more than the Burke twins together. It is the gravitational force holding together this magic-infused survival story, and easily the best part of the book. Relationships, and the emotions they inspire, fuel not just the novel, but magic itself. High octane reactionary anger allows one sibling to spout gouts of flame, while the other must calmly work to overcome such urges and ground himself to maintain illusionary images or even invisibility.
But familial relationships aren't the only type to be had in the anti-hero stands against the corrupt bureaucracy to survive tale. The blossoming relationship between Morgan (Known early on as Ed) Burke and Lara is, in its own right, another touchstone of the novel. Connecting two kindred souls with the awakening of Morgan’s exploration of self through the shapeshifter’s powers. Lara’s immediate and uncompromising support of Morgan, having recognized the sudden internal awakening upon being shapeshifted from a male designated body into a female one, is wonderfully executed by the author and is a highlight of the book.
Which is not just a story of relationships, but change as well. Sudden, unexpected, and life-altering change. As magical black ops twins Desmond and Morgan Burke suddenly find a relentless and seemingly unstoppable Assassin has been tasked by their former handler to put them down.
Without anyone to turn to for help but the anti-establishment shapeshifter Lara, the Burkes rely on the only thing they’ve known as groomed killers for a shady off the books branch of the magic and bureaucratic Order and set out to kidnap their handler and expose the Black Ops.
But change comes from within, as well as without, as Ed Burke finds when shapeshifted into female form for the sake of disguise. Finding herself immediately at home in the altered body, Morgan explores the awakened sense of euphoria and begins a journey in self-discovery. Meanwhile, Desmond the eldest and subtly caring and protective Burke struggles to keep his inner peace and cool head, allowing him to use his brand of illusionary magic abilities, in the middle of this seemingly sudden development. Now, this is something that could have been handled very poorly, even in a very trans-positive book this type of character could easily go too far or become hard to stomach. Especially with chapters from this character's point of view. However, I applaud the author’s deft and careful navigation of this theme, Desmond’s point-of-view as a brother to Morgan conveys the unease of a sudden shift in dynamics without being phobic or unnecessarily distressing if a little tense. His arc does satisfyingly close during the final standoff at the novel’s culmination.
All told, Stray Dogs is a Debut novel to be proud of. Of course, as with any debut, it has its jagged edges and spattering of cliches. But it is also not without its clear and definite moments of hilarity, sincerity, and charm that mark a storyteller in the making. So, come for the cool magic and anti-establishment vibes, but you may find
But familial relationships aren't the only type to be had in the anti-hero stands against the corrupt bureaucracy to survive tale. The blossoming relationship between Morgan (Known early on as Ed) Burke and Lara is, in its own right, another touchstone of the novel. Connecting two kindred souls with the awakening of Morgan’s exploration of self through the shapeshifter’s powers. Lara’s immediate and uncompromising support of Morgan, having recognized the sudden internal awakening upon being shapeshifted from a male designated body into a female one, is wonderfully executed by the author and is a highlight of the book.
Which is not just a story of relationships, but change as well. Sudden, unexpected, and life-altering change. As magical black ops twins Desmond and Morgan Burke suddenly find a relentless and seemingly unstoppable Assassin has been tasked by their former handler to put them down.
Without anyone to turn to for help but the anti-establishment shapeshifter Lara, the Burkes rely on the only thing they’ve known as groomed killers for a shady off the books branch of the magic and bureaucratic Order and set out to kidnap their handler and expose the Black Ops.
But change comes from within, as well as without, as Ed Burke finds when shapeshifted into female form for the sake of disguise. Finding herself immediately at home in the altered body, Morgan explores the awakened sense of euphoria and begins a journey in self-discovery. Meanwhile, Desmond the eldest and subtly caring and protective Burke struggles to keep his inner peace and cool head, allowing him to use his brand of illusionary magic abilities, in the middle of this seemingly sudden development. Now, this is something that could have been handled very poorly, even in a very trans-positive book this type of character could easily go too far or become hard to stomach. Especially with chapters from this character's point of view. However, I applaud the author’s deft and careful navigation of this theme, Desmond’s point-of-view as a brother to Morgan conveys the unease of a sudden shift in dynamics without being phobic or unnecessarily distressing if a little tense. His arc does satisfyingly close during the final standoff at the novel’s culmination.
All told, Stray Dogs is a Debut novel to be proud of. Of course, as with any debut, it has its jagged edges and spattering of cliches. But it is also not without its clear and definite moments of hilarity, sincerity, and charm that mark a storyteller in the making. So, come for the cool magic and anti-establishment vibes, but you may find
September 3, 2020
I didn't know what to expect beyond the understanding I was getting an Urban Fantasy book, a genre I love. I figured I'd casually read it over the next few days, enjoying it on my downtime. Instead, I couldn’t put the book down. Sure, it hits all the buttons of an action-packed, magic-slinging story, and well written one at that, but in so many ways it exhibits much more. The author threaded the world with interesting pieces that made up the engrossing whole: dynamic characters, mysterious organizations, you name it. Reading it was like watching the first John Wick and wondering about this extraordinary setting you only get a glimpse of. I trust more will come into light over the rest of the series, in fact I look forward to it. But my favorite aspect had to be the relationship between the Burke siblings. Watching them grow over the course of the novel, considering Ed/Morgan's transition, had me tearing up. Thank goodness for the hysterical pop culture references to keep me chuckling. So that brings me back to what I think is one of the strongest points of this book. Quite frankly the fantasy book world needs more champions for the LGBT community, and I think Stray Dogs hits the mark. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, but pick up a copy and see for yourself. You won't regret it.
January 27, 2023
This is very much a dark urban fantasy; hidden magic, killers for hire, and some pretty brutal scenes. But in amongst all of that, it is also a tale of survival, of sibling love (which is very endearing to read), and of self discovery. Of finding out what all of those background feelings actually meant, and realising that perhaps there is indeed something else that you want - that one might indeed be trans.
For a style of story that I don't usually read, I rather enjoyed this one. In amongst the darker aspects there was humour, plenty of pop culture references, and while the main characters are very much anti-heroes, Morgan really is a sweet soul. Their struggles, the decisions that they had to made, and learning more about the world, it was an engaging read, one that I didn't want to put down, and one that I am happy to have purchased. Definitely recommend, and looking forward to seeing where the series takes them.
For a style of story that I don't usually read, I rather enjoyed this one. In amongst the darker aspects there was humour, plenty of pop culture references, and while the main characters are very much anti-heroes, Morgan really is a sweet soul. Their struggles, the decisions that they had to made, and learning more about the world, it was an engaging read, one that I didn't want to put down, and one that I am happy to have purchased. Definitely recommend, and looking forward to seeing where the series takes them.
September 12, 2020
This is a great debut novel, urban fantasy is a genre I deeply appreciate a ride through and Faust's narration really exemplified the fun the genre can bring to a story. Having your protagonists referring to a character with a different disparaging title drawn from all over geekdom is a great time.
The two PoV characters were really well pulled off, offering a notably different perspective that really enhanced their relationship and the narrative as a whole. The choices made of when to switch PoV's were excellently done to give depth and subtlety to the story's flow. It was also an exceptionally well done case of a relatives interpretation of their family member transitioning.
Speaking of, the trans elements of the story were pulled off very well and speak to Faust's ability to convey a complex emotional space with authenticity.
Superb Job!
The two PoV characters were really well pulled off, offering a notably different perspective that really enhanced their relationship and the narrative as a whole. The choices made of when to switch PoV's were excellently done to give depth and subtlety to the story's flow. It was also an exceptionally well done case of a relatives interpretation of their family member transitioning.
Speaking of, the trans elements of the story were pulled off very well and speak to Faust's ability to convey a complex emotional space with authenticity.
Superb Job!
February 26, 2022
This book is weird fiction I’d say.
I went in blind.
Book is about two brothers/mages who have insane magic.
Also a secondary aspect of the younger brother going through a gender crisis. They meet a shifter who helps make him into a female for short periods of time.
The narration was good duel narration.
3 star listen
Hea? Not really there isn’t major romance vibes in this one
World building? This was really well done! We meet many characters and I found them all interesting.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review
I went in blind.
Book is about two brothers/mages who have insane magic.
Also a secondary aspect of the younger brother going through a gender crisis. They meet a shifter who helps make him into a female for short periods of time.
The narration was good duel narration.
3 star listen
Hea? Not really there isn’t major romance vibes in this one
World building? This was really well done! We meet many characters and I found them all interesting.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review
June 3, 2021
Good Read
Nice to see an entry in the Urban Fantasy genre like this! Contains the gritty action we love, the plots and intrigue, but with a distinct lack of cliches. If this is the urban fantasy of the future, color me intrigued.
Our protagonists are flawed but likeable, and although it was a little heavy on references and dragged in the middle, hit a great conclusion. Looking forward to book 2
Nice to see an entry in the Urban Fantasy genre like this! Contains the gritty action we love, the plots and intrigue, but with a distinct lack of cliches. If this is the urban fantasy of the future, color me intrigued.
Our protagonists are flawed but likeable, and although it was a little heavy on references and dragged in the middle, hit a great conclusion. Looking forward to book 2
October 25, 2020
Didn’t know what to expect but this urban fantasy was just fantastic! A well written exciting storyline that was enjoyable and magical to read! I loved the dynamics between the siblings, loved the action, the drama, the humour and wit, the author has done a great job with this!
November 25, 2023
Loved this debut novel!! The concept was awesome, but there were a lot of distracting grammatical errors.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews