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Strange Taxonomy #1
Secunda
Patience Firmin has grown accustomed to her own company after her parents' passing. But one day, after a seemingly innocuous delivery, she becomes the host to a monstrous parasitic skull that needs her body to live. Somehow, despite this disruption to her normal life, Patience learns to adapt to her strange new partner.
As they work on establishing an emotional and physical relationship, the return of Patience's old suitor tests their new bond. Though indifferent to Patience's old flame at first, the skull grows concerned over his host's rekindled relationship with the easygoing guitarist. To top it all off, a dangerous, aloof hunter wants to take the skull for himself, and in his pursuit becomes entangled with Patience.
The monster, the musician, and the hunter; balancing the desires of each will send Patience on the emotional journey of a lifetime. In the company of these men, she discovers her own wants and needs-but is the cost of following her heart worth it?
As they work on establishing an emotional and physical relationship, the return of Patience's old suitor tests their new bond. Though indifferent to Patience's old flame at first, the skull grows concerned over his host's rekindled relationship with the easygoing guitarist. To top it all off, a dangerous, aloof hunter wants to take the skull for himself, and in his pursuit becomes entangled with Patience.
The monster, the musician, and the hunter; balancing the desires of each will send Patience on the emotional journey of a lifetime. In the company of these men, she discovers her own wants and needs-but is the cost of following her heart worth it?
404 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2020
23 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Kwan
13 books31 followersArtist, comic creator, and now author, Joanne enjoys crafting uncommon characters with honest emotions. Their stories are regularly seasoned with history, romance, or elements that may or may not be beyond reality. They live in California with their husband and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 21, 2023
4.5/5
This was a really good story. It felt like a fairytail, but if a fairytale was real and authentic. I really liked it. Patience was such a strong character, she grew so much. Her and Anax made such good partners, I'm happy they found each other.
Overall, I was really impressed, and would definitely recommend. The world was alternative history with magical and steampunk elements, but the writing flowed so well you weren't overwhelmed or trying to remember details.
I do slightly wish things weren't tied up so nicely with a marriage at the end. But I understand why the ending went in this direction and I am happy with everyone being happy. I just feel like this is one of those books where things didn't need to be wrapped up so perfectly for a hea.
This was a really good story. It felt like a fairytail, but if a fairytale was real and authentic. I really liked it. Patience was such a strong character, she grew so much. Her and Anax made such good partners, I'm happy they found each other.
Overall, I was really impressed, and would definitely recommend. The world was alternative history with magical and steampunk elements, but the writing flowed so well you weren't overwhelmed or trying to remember details.
I do slightly wish things weren't tied up so nicely with a marriage at the end. But I understand why the ending went in this direction and I am happy with everyone being happy. I just feel like this is one of those books where things didn't need to be wrapped up so perfectly for a hea.
March 21, 2021
Secunda is not at all what I was expecting it to be. And I mean this in both a good and (depending on the reader) not so good.
I was recommended it by a tiktok, and jumped the gun and bought it from the cover art of it alone.
In good, Anax is, by all means, a beast. He has a shred of sympathy, but we are constantly reminded that his needs come first for him. Patience is merely alive because of his curiosity.
It is both terrifying, but we are somewhat brainwashed with the concept of having familiarity with someone that we tend to overlook the twisted concepts of him.
I didn’t expect any sexual scenes in the book, but was delightfully surprised at it.
Although, up to this point, the author has an odd workaround with it.
Anax does not *technically have a physical body. Described as being a mist in different occasions. This is fine and honestly brings up interesting concepts, however the more sensual scenes are left a bit to be desired due to it. There isn’t much to describe, and it can sometimes feel jarring to enter the said scenes. Later in the book, upon introduction of Valon, intimacy flows better.
This may be a way of showing how Patience grows more confident with her own body. If it is, then very well done. But to me it felt a bit jarring at times.
The cottage core aspect of it all is probably my favorite part of the book. Cottage on the outskirts of the town, chickens and gardening. But there are more honest scenes like handling the outhouse. And although some may be put off by this, it is written in such a way that it pulled me into the story more. It does not romanticize the lifestyle, but it’s reality of it all makes the reader crave to see more about it. The slow growing of technology beyond Patience’s little world is fun to see.
*SPOILERS
My main nitpick is Anax’s character arc is somewhat rushed. It’s not bad, but I wish it was fleshed out more. Along with Valon’s departure feeling rushed, but that may be my own bias. I loved that man. I almost hope to see another work of him in his youth, or even his final year(s) with Iasis.
I also can’t help but wonder what would happen to Anax after Patience’s own death. Since this was a main theme, it makes me worry over what would happen to him after his life doners’ own departure. Maybe he passes as well, and I just missed that part.
(Or patience/Schuler will burn lavender upon his request, not wishing to continue his second life without them.)
I was recommended it by a tiktok, and jumped the gun and bought it from the cover art of it alone.
In good, Anax is, by all means, a beast. He has a shred of sympathy, but we are constantly reminded that his needs come first for him. Patience is merely alive because of his curiosity.
It is both terrifying, but we are somewhat brainwashed with the concept of having familiarity with someone that we tend to overlook the twisted concepts of him.
I didn’t expect any sexual scenes in the book, but was delightfully surprised at it.
Although, up to this point, the author has an odd workaround with it.
Anax does not *technically have a physical body. Described as being a mist in different occasions. This is fine and honestly brings up interesting concepts, however the more sensual scenes are left a bit to be desired due to it. There isn’t much to describe, and it can sometimes feel jarring to enter the said scenes. Later in the book, upon introduction of Valon, intimacy flows better.
This may be a way of showing how Patience grows more confident with her own body. If it is, then very well done. But to me it felt a bit jarring at times.
The cottage core aspect of it all is probably my favorite part of the book. Cottage on the outskirts of the town, chickens and gardening. But there are more honest scenes like handling the outhouse. And although some may be put off by this, it is written in such a way that it pulled me into the story more. It does not romanticize the lifestyle, but it’s reality of it all makes the reader crave to see more about it. The slow growing of technology beyond Patience’s little world is fun to see.
*SPOILERS
My main nitpick is Anax’s character arc is somewhat rushed. It’s not bad, but I wish it was fleshed out more. Along with Valon’s departure feeling rushed, but that may be my own bias. I loved that man. I almost hope to see another work of him in his youth, or even his final year(s) with Iasis.
I also can’t help but wonder what would happen to Anax after Patience’s own death. Since this was a main theme, it makes me worry over what would happen to him after his life doners’ own departure. Maybe he passes as well, and I just missed that part.
(Or patience/Schuler will burn lavender upon his request, not wishing to continue his second life without them.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
All I'm gonna say is that I'm very particular with what I like in my female leads and Patience has it all. And if she doesn't you bet your ass it will be a part of the character development. This book is amazing. It has a ton of well written smut, it has great characters and awesome plot. If you enjoy teratophilia then you will love this book. You can read it for free on Tapas or you can support the author by buying the ebook for like 3 bucks.
March 16, 2025
Come for the monsters and spice, stay for the beauty.
I treated myself to Secunda because I love monster romance, romantasy, and narratives with plenty of spice. The first chapter had me hooked on the unique concept, gorgeous worldbuilding, and human (yes, even the monster) characters.
Without spoilers, yes, this is a spicy book with plenty of delights. But it’s also a story of discovering oneself after grief and loss, of learning to find and honor oneself. Secunda takes the reader through an engaging narrative in a rich, lived-in world full of history, magic, and adventure. I’m not sure I’d exactly call the book ‘cozy’ but there is a tantalizingly cozy vibe in places as well as excitement, danger, and drama.
I finished the book deeply invested in the characters, eager for the sequel, and so damn pleased by the direction of the ending. I closed the book, looked at my partner and said: “That ending. A+, 5 stars.”
For readers of romance and/or erotica, I cannot recommend Kwan’s work enough. (Also, their art is stunning!)
I treated myself to Secunda because I love monster romance, romantasy, and narratives with plenty of spice. The first chapter had me hooked on the unique concept, gorgeous worldbuilding, and human (yes, even the monster) characters.
Without spoilers, yes, this is a spicy book with plenty of delights. But it’s also a story of discovering oneself after grief and loss, of learning to find and honor oneself. Secunda takes the reader through an engaging narrative in a rich, lived-in world full of history, magic, and adventure. I’m not sure I’d exactly call the book ‘cozy’ but there is a tantalizingly cozy vibe in places as well as excitement, danger, and drama.
I finished the book deeply invested in the characters, eager for the sequel, and so damn pleased by the direction of the ending. I closed the book, looked at my partner and said: “That ending. A+, 5 stars.”
For readers of romance and/or erotica, I cannot recommend Kwan’s work enough. (Also, their art is stunning!)
October 5, 2023
4.5 rounded up, this felt similar to a webtoon or manga (in the best way).
Polyam, Monster, Fantasy, 3rd Single POV
Status: Non-KU, (Free on Tapas), Reproduction - , Third Act Conflict -
Patience: Homesteader, Ostracized, Loner, 25 Yrs Old, Host to Anax, Left Half of Her Head has Burn Scars, Sexually Inexperienced
Anax: Parasitic Skull, Forms a Body Out of Mist (Tendrils and Claws), Possessive, Monstrous
Schuler: Musician, Middle Aged, Cinnamonroll, Pining After Patience
Valon: Monster Hunter, Bi, 50+ Yrs Old, Suffering Tremors, Antagonist
Notes: FMC Becomes Host to a Monstrous Parasitic Skull That Needs Her Body to Live, Homesteading, Forced Proximity, FMC Has a Period, Disabled MC isn't Magically Healed
Sex Notes:
CWs: Spoiler!
Polyam, Monster, Fantasy, 3rd Single POV
Status: Non-KU, (Free on Tapas), Reproduction - , Third Act Conflict -
Patience: Homesteader, Ostracized, Loner, 25 Yrs Old, Host to Anax, Left Half of Her Head has Burn Scars, Sexually Inexperienced
Anax: Parasitic Skull, Forms a Body Out of Mist (Tendrils and Claws), Possessive, Monstrous
Schuler: Musician, Middle Aged, Cinnamonroll, Pining After Patience
Valon: Monster Hunter, Bi, 50+ Yrs Old, Suffering Tremors, Antagonist
Notes: FMC Becomes Host to a Monstrous Parasitic Skull That Needs Her Body to Live, Homesteading, Forced Proximity, FMC Has a Period, Disabled MC isn't Magically Healed
Sex Notes:
CWs: Spoiler!
June 19, 2023
This might be the best monster romance novel I have ever read! The story was full of twists and turns that prevented me from putting down the book. It had so much heart, I cried and screamed several times. The historical elements were spot on too, the author clearly did their homework.
Failing to read this book would be a mistake, especially considering the author draws her own spicy art for the series. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Failing to read this book would be a mistake, especially considering the author draws her own spicy art for the series. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
October 4, 2023
This was very charming, I loved the setting and Anax was so loveable. Sometimes the writing was clunky and the intimate scenes were weird. Weird as in the author's preferred nomenclature and the abrupt, kind of mundane nature of them, like they were describing bodily functions or something.
Book cover bingo: MC in profile.
Book cover bingo: MC in profile.
December 15, 2024
This book was so strange, but it was so well written that I kept reading. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the characters. I loved the way Patience developed, and the way she took charge of the direction of her life.
Anax is such an unusual character. I felt the author did a fantastic job with him.
Anax is such an unusual character. I felt the author did a fantastic job with him.
September 18, 2025
Spicy, male female, 3rd person single point of view, paranormal romance. I don't know how I happened upon this book, but I'm so glad I did. Very charming and spicy with a fantastically interesting "monster" love interest. I was moved by the female character's circumstances and felt the author handled it believably. I look forward to reading the next book!
December 3, 2025
I appreciate how well written this book was! Patience was a great character and I enjoyed the little adventures she went on. What an IMAGINATIVE storyline involving Anax with nothing short of our lovely niche monster smut. 💀😂 Some of the smut definitely put me off, but that’s just personal preference. 🙃
March 31, 2025
Pleasantly enjoyed this self published work by a local author. The concept felt fresh, there was character development, the setting was immersive (maybe one day there will be a map!), and I look forward to reading more and supporting this author moving forward.
June 15, 2025
3.75
rip joanne
rip joanne
March 1, 2025
The character development for Patience was enjoyable to watch unfold. Also the author really knows how to paint a picture with words, if you are into monster romance books I'd give this book a read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews