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Magic Emporium
Geoffrey the Very Strange
An outcast necromancer and a half-demon clerk need to save the world from seashell zombies. No pressure.
Everyone's always told Aspic that trouble can't help following him because of his heritage. Determined to put the lie to half-demon stereotypes, he's finally landed a good, quiet job as an herbalist's clerk where the owner trusts him to man the shop alone. What could go wrong selling coriander and thyme?
When Geoffrey first enters the shop, Aspic finds the little man's eccentric appearance startling, then intriguing. Geoffrey explains, in stops and starts, that he is a theoretical necromancer researching replacements for blood magic. His current line of inquiry involves seashells—do they have any in stock? Aspic's co-workers warn him that Geoffrey is a walking disaster, but he finds himself more and more drawn to a necromancer concerned with ethical death magic.
Aspic is with Geoffrey in his lab when he has his first success, but the results aren't at all what he was aiming for. Instead of raising the dead rabbit on his table, the ritual animates the seashell and rock spell components, which flee the lab and cause havoc. They soon discover that the spell-animated objects are "zombies" in that they can "infect" other inanimate things.
An unorthodox necromancer and an exasperated shop clerk are going to need some unconventional help to find a working de-animation spell before the world is overrun by zombie seashells and stones gone mad.
Geoffrey the Very Strange is part of the Magic Emporium series. Each book stands alone, but each one features an appearance by Marden’s Magic Emporium, a shop that can appear anywhere, but only once and only when someone’s in dire need.
This book contains theoretical necromancy, unexpected spell outcomes, some extraordinarily angry seashells, and a guaranteed HEA.
Everyone's always told Aspic that trouble can't help following him because of his heritage. Determined to put the lie to half-demon stereotypes, he's finally landed a good, quiet job as an herbalist's clerk where the owner trusts him to man the shop alone. What could go wrong selling coriander and thyme?
When Geoffrey first enters the shop, Aspic finds the little man's eccentric appearance startling, then intriguing. Geoffrey explains, in stops and starts, that he is a theoretical necromancer researching replacements for blood magic. His current line of inquiry involves seashells—do they have any in stock? Aspic's co-workers warn him that Geoffrey is a walking disaster, but he finds himself more and more drawn to a necromancer concerned with ethical death magic.
Aspic is with Geoffrey in his lab when he has his first success, but the results aren't at all what he was aiming for. Instead of raising the dead rabbit on his table, the ritual animates the seashell and rock spell components, which flee the lab and cause havoc. They soon discover that the spell-animated objects are "zombies" in that they can "infect" other inanimate things.
An unorthodox necromancer and an exasperated shop clerk are going to need some unconventional help to find a working de-animation spell before the world is overrun by zombie seashells and stones gone mad.
Geoffrey the Very Strange is part of the Magic Emporium series. Each book stands alone, but each one features an appearance by Marden’s Magic Emporium, a shop that can appear anywhere, but only once and only when someone’s in dire need.
This book contains theoretical necromancy, unexpected spell outcomes, some extraordinarily angry seashells, and a guaranteed HEA.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2021
96 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Angel Martinez
93 books677 followersAngel Martinez currently lives part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware and full time inside her head. She has one husband, one son, two cats, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
Angel's alter ego writes the all-ages science fiction - Sandra Stixrude.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 16, 2021
I got an ARC of this book. I asked for it because I usually enjoy this author, and also because the cover model's hair reminded me of the older kids I thought were cool when I was in grade school. How mistaken I was...
This is part of a shared-world series. This is the first one I read, although I do want to read the others. I don't think the order matters, and the Magic Emporium itself plays only a small role, so don't buy this expecting lots of time in a magic shop.
The book takes place in Merseton, a smallish town that is not perfect, but pretty nice, and notably more tolerant of supernatural creatures than the rest of world. They're still a little iffy about demons like our part-demon protagonist Aspic, whose horns and pink hair make it difficult to hide his heritage, but they give him the benefit of the doubt.
Also receiving the benefit of the doubt is socially awkward Geoffrey, who has decided to practice necromancy in a cave. After all, he's a sad orphan, and he's not doing any harm... Or at least he wasn't until a new spell proved unexpectedly effective and reanimated a bunch of unintended items! Um, you're going to have to pay for those, Geoffrey.
This story takes only a few days, during which Aspic and Geoffrey fall in love, fight undead seashells, and realize that they actually have friends. It's positive, cute and fluffy. Probably the lightest book with necromancy I've read.
If this book were a food it would be something dessert-like but reasonably healthy. A fruit salad with exotic fruit, for instance, or a sweet breakfast roll. Enjoy.
This is part of a shared-world series. This is the first one I read, although I do want to read the others. I don't think the order matters, and the Magic Emporium itself plays only a small role, so don't buy this expecting lots of time in a magic shop.
The book takes place in Merseton, a smallish town that is not perfect, but pretty nice, and notably more tolerant of supernatural creatures than the rest of world. They're still a little iffy about demons like our part-demon protagonist Aspic, whose horns and pink hair make it difficult to hide his heritage, but they give him the benefit of the doubt.
Also receiving the benefit of the doubt is socially awkward Geoffrey, who has decided to practice necromancy in a cave. After all, he's a sad orphan, and he's not doing any harm... Or at least he wasn't until a new spell proved unexpectedly effective and reanimated a bunch of unintended items! Um, you're going to have to pay for those, Geoffrey.
This story takes only a few days, during which Aspic and Geoffrey fall in love, fight undead seashells, and realize that they actually have friends. It's positive, cute and fluffy. Probably the lightest book with necromancy I've read.
If this book were a food it would be something dessert-like but reasonably healthy. A fruit salad with exotic fruit, for instance, or a sweet breakfast roll. Enjoy.
May 2, 2021
Fab, funny and refreshing
I love how Angel Martinez's brain works, her books are a joy to read and this is no exception.
Aspic is incredibly sweet and kind and Geoffrey is not only very strange, but adorably in need of people who believe in him.
Thankfully he has those, not only in his brilliant "not familiar" Cecil (who really is as good as a familiar) but his grandmother too.
When his experiments to raise the dead without needing to use blood and other horrible things like killing people, goes haywire, what comes next is a hilarious romp of old-fashioned adventures.
Loved it!
I love how Angel Martinez's brain works, her books are a joy to read and this is no exception.
Aspic is incredibly sweet and kind and Geoffrey is not only very strange, but adorably in need of people who believe in him.
Thankfully he has those, not only in his brilliant "not familiar" Cecil (who really is as good as a familiar) but his grandmother too.
When his experiments to raise the dead without needing to use blood and other horrible things like killing people, goes haywire, what comes next is a hilarious romp of old-fashioned adventures.
Loved it!
April 13, 2022
Wonderfully unique and sweet story of friendship and love!
This story took a bit to find its footing, but once that was established it was pure gold. Peopled by a slew of interesting and diverse characters, with two MCs that I came to adore. A truly fun and magnificent read!
This story took a bit to find its footing, but once that was established it was pure gold. Peopled by a slew of interesting and diverse characters, with two MCs that I came to adore. A truly fun and magnificent read!
Want to read
December 18, 2022Thank you for the gift, Jenn!
April 2, 2021
2.5 stars
I am a fan of this author bit I just could not connect to this story.
I am a fan of this author bit I just could not connect to this story.
April 26, 2021
I can say one thing for this book: it was well-named.
"Strange" is a good description for everyone and everything, not just Geoffrey, though, so it feels a little wrong to single him out. He's pretty normal for the vibe of this world.
Okay, so we have a kilt-wearing half-demon with hair the color and look of cotton candy, claws for hands, and a tail who falls for a necromancer who dresses like a homeless pimp with bad taste, has speech trouble and animates demon seashells that try to kill everyone.
You know, typical stuff!
All the weirdness aside, this book was sweet. Really sweet.
"Strange" is a good description for everyone and everything, not just Geoffrey, though, so it feels a little wrong to single him out. He's pretty normal for the vibe of this world.
Okay, so we have a kilt-wearing half-demon with hair the color and look of cotton candy, claws for hands, and a tail who falls for a necromancer who dresses like a homeless pimp with bad taste, has speech trouble and animates demon seashells that try to kill everyone.
You know, typical stuff!
All the weirdness aside, this book was sweet. Really sweet.
did-not-finish
August 15, 2025DNF at 6%. I want to like this but it's not capturing my attention. Maybe, someday. Or maybe never.
March 20, 2021
3.5 stars
Angel Martinez is excellent in creating weird universe with endearing creatures - this one is no exception. Aspic is a half demon, Geoffrey is a weather witch trying to be a necromancer. In between them there are several secondary characters from shadow imp to pixie. Then we have undead zombie shells (result of necromancy spells gone wrong). It was fun!
But the romance is lightning fast -- and that sort of ruins things for me.
Angel Martinez is excellent in creating weird universe with endearing creatures - this one is no exception. Aspic is a half demon, Geoffrey is a weather witch trying to be a necromancer. In between them there are several secondary characters from shadow imp to pixie. Then we have undead zombie shells (result of necromancy spells gone wrong). It was fun!
But the romance is lightning fast -- and that sort of ruins things for me.
March 18, 2021
I adore GEOFFREY THE VERY STRANGE. It’s such a fun read - sweet and fluffy with rather exciting stunts involving “the undead” and it couldn’t come at a more perfect time (for me to read)! There was almost no annoying characters here (underlined the word almost) and the pair of leading men - half-demon Aspic and necromancer-wannabe Geoffrey - were adorable in their own way.
Martinez always comes up with quirky characters and storyline; and this is no different. Aspic’s history made him shy and wary of people, especially witches while Geoffrey had always been an introvert and prone to blurting wrong words when nervous. Their first meeting wasn’t exactly stellar, but the attraction was undeniable which led to Aspic making effort to get close to Geoffrey. Despite the almost epic disaster, a relationship blossomed between them. And they united together when magic gone awry brought upon some sort of undead into their life.
This novella had me in stitches. Aspic and Geoffrey just so adorable! And I also loved most of the Merseton town-folks, their bickering and close-knit community. While entertaining, this is a fairly sort story for me. Both the action - magic and relationship wise - could have been expanded more. That’s reader greed speaking, I know 😆. But I truly wish for a longer narrative of these two. Fingers crossed (readers) get to see them again in a sequel or something someday. Who knows.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Martinez always comes up with quirky characters and storyline; and this is no different. Aspic’s history made him shy and wary of people, especially witches while Geoffrey had always been an introvert and prone to blurting wrong words when nervous. Their first meeting wasn’t exactly stellar, but the attraction was undeniable which led to Aspic making effort to get close to Geoffrey. Despite the almost epic disaster, a relationship blossomed between them. And they united together when magic gone awry brought upon some sort of undead into their life.
This novella had me in stitches. Aspic and Geoffrey just so adorable! And I also loved most of the Merseton town-folks, their bickering and close-knit community. While entertaining, this is a fairly sort story for me. Both the action - magic and relationship wise - could have been expanded more. That’s reader greed speaking, I know 😆. But I truly wish for a longer narrative of these two. Fingers crossed (readers) get to see them again in a sequel or something someday. Who knows.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 7, 2025why doesn't Goodreads have the updated illustrated cover oh my
anyway it had potential but the romance was so rushed
anyway it had potential but the romance was so rushed
August 6, 2021
This was really adorable! Some drama and adventure but mostly really, really adorable!
TAGS
-- Fantasy -- Necromancer/half demon pairing -- magic -- ever so sweet -- made me laugh -- lots of aww moments -- family & friends -- a kind of big oops moment -- LOVED the MCs... Geoffrey & Aspic -- some really great side characters (Cecil for one, he cracked me up) -- this was fun
March 3, 2021
Geoffrey the Very Strange by Angel Martinez ARC Review
This funny and sweet fantasy romance takes place in a world where paranormal beings are widely discriminated against. The small town of Mereston welcomes paranormal types—an exception to the poor treatment half demon Aspic has experienced all his life.
But even in this haven of tolerance Geoffrey the Necromancer raises a few eyebrows over his personal quirks, odd clothing choices and grumpy public persona. Not to mention fear that his necromancy studies inspire.
After the first few interactions, however, Aspic finds the grumpy, awkward, necromancer oddly adorable. And very smart. Remarkably benign considering his focus on death magic. For the first time in his life, Aspic is interested enough in someone to make the first move. His first attempts bounce off the armor of Geoffrey’s cluelessness. When he does get the message, Geoffrey is a bit guarded at first. He has been used, cast aside and mocked by Cormac the Pixie.
Geoffrey has social anxiety and the tendency to use malapropisms when stressed. After the traumatic loss of a pet he spends his days attempting to defeat death. His studies are slightly hampered by his refusal to hurt or kill anything, but the discovery of a rabbit dead by natural causes inspires him to experiment, not with the necromancer’s usual blood magic, but something more benign: seashell magic. What could possibly go wrong?
Aspic and Geoffrey are drawn together partly because they have both experienced the pain of negative stereotypes even in Mereston. Straightforward Aspic is not an evil, manipulating demon spawn sex machine. Geoffrey is not a dark mage working in blood and murder (although there are hints that practicing necromancy can change a person over time). They accept each other and share the loss of parents at a young age.
The town of Mereston and its people form a delightful supporting cast. I loved Mrs. Pickle, Aspic’s hedgehog-folk landlady, who collects strays at her boarding house, and Geoffrey’s white witch grandmother. Geoffrey’s (not-a-familiar) employee Cecil (a shadow imp) who works for grommets is another fun character. Like Aspic, I feel Mereston could be a fine place to stay.
The townspeople may be taken aback by their necromancer, but almost everyone here polite and kind, with the notable exception of Cormac, who lives at Mrs. Pickle’s boarding house along with Aspic and several others. I’m not sure how I feel about Cormac’s place in the story. It seems that there must be some unrevealed reason for his cruel behavior. Otherwise he just seems to exist to cause trouble. I guess the main characters get to demonstrate their own goodness through him as they feel sorry for him in the end despite his previous deeds and lack of any perceivable regret for those actions.
Geoffrey’s actions accidentally threaten Mereston’s inhabitants and he is forced to confront his career choices and attempt to put things right using all his innate intelligence and talents. I’m not sure how I regard his ultimate decision—could he have continued being a necromancer without causing further harm?—but he ends up being a valued and accepted member of his community, along with Aspic.
A fun, light read that touches on the heavier importance of acceptance and the harm caused by discrimination. I enjoyed it a lot and would gladly visit Mereston’s world again.
This funny and sweet fantasy romance takes place in a world where paranormal beings are widely discriminated against. The small town of Mereston welcomes paranormal types—an exception to the poor treatment half demon Aspic has experienced all his life.
But even in this haven of tolerance Geoffrey the Necromancer raises a few eyebrows over his personal quirks, odd clothing choices and grumpy public persona. Not to mention fear that his necromancy studies inspire.
After the first few interactions, however, Aspic finds the grumpy, awkward, necromancer oddly adorable. And very smart. Remarkably benign considering his focus on death magic. For the first time in his life, Aspic is interested enough in someone to make the first move. His first attempts bounce off the armor of Geoffrey’s cluelessness. When he does get the message, Geoffrey is a bit guarded at first. He has been used, cast aside and mocked by Cormac the Pixie.
Geoffrey has social anxiety and the tendency to use malapropisms when stressed. After the traumatic loss of a pet he spends his days attempting to defeat death. His studies are slightly hampered by his refusal to hurt or kill anything, but the discovery of a rabbit dead by natural causes inspires him to experiment, not with the necromancer’s usual blood magic, but something more benign: seashell magic. What could possibly go wrong?
Aspic and Geoffrey are drawn together partly because they have both experienced the pain of negative stereotypes even in Mereston. Straightforward Aspic is not an evil, manipulating demon spawn sex machine. Geoffrey is not a dark mage working in blood and murder (although there are hints that practicing necromancy can change a person over time). They accept each other and share the loss of parents at a young age.
The town of Mereston and its people form a delightful supporting cast. I loved Mrs. Pickle, Aspic’s hedgehog-folk landlady, who collects strays at her boarding house, and Geoffrey’s white witch grandmother. Geoffrey’s (not-a-familiar) employee Cecil (a shadow imp) who works for grommets is another fun character. Like Aspic, I feel Mereston could be a fine place to stay.
The townspeople may be taken aback by their necromancer, but almost everyone here polite and kind, with the notable exception of Cormac, who lives at Mrs. Pickle’s boarding house along with Aspic and several others. I’m not sure how I feel about Cormac’s place in the story. It seems that there must be some unrevealed reason for his cruel behavior. Otherwise he just seems to exist to cause trouble. I guess the main characters get to demonstrate their own goodness through him as they feel sorry for him in the end despite his previous deeds and lack of any perceivable regret for those actions.
Geoffrey’s actions accidentally threaten Mereston’s inhabitants and he is forced to confront his career choices and attempt to put things right using all his innate intelligence and talents. I’m not sure how I regard his ultimate decision—could he have continued being a necromancer without causing further harm?—but he ends up being a valued and accepted member of his community, along with Aspic.
A fun, light read that touches on the heavier importance of acceptance and the harm caused by discrimination. I enjoyed it a lot and would gladly visit Mereston’s world again.
March 18, 2021
This, for me, was the cutest book. I loved the MCs so much. Each having their own issues and trying to overcome them, but they get all flustered and shy and it was so sweet and adorable.
Geoffrey, to most everyone, was strange. I could see why. An elemental mage trying his hand at necromancy. And I get why he did it. To lose something so important to you, it’s heart wrenching. But what hurt me for Geoffrey even more, is the strain he was putting on himself. Yes, he was worrying family and such and even Aspic once he got involved. But he was so determined to do this and it not be by a bad way or anything of a sort. He was draining himself. Not taking care of himself and that hurt my heart for him.
And I love that Aspic got that about him too. He knew Geoffrey kind of needed a keeper. It’s a full time job and I’m glad that Aspic didn’t mind stepping in that role. He didn’t care about the quirks, the stuttering, the misused words. He cared for Geoffrey, every single flaw and all. And because of it, Geoffrey got to see what a real relationship and love was. Instead of the experience he had already had. That would have left me not wanting to be around people either. But karma is a you-know-what and I believe it was fixed.
I think what made it even better for me, were the town folk. Even though they knew Geoffrey was different, they still accepted him. Geoffrey might not have seen it, but they did. And they proved it when he needed them the most. And again, when they showed him that they wanted to be his friend. It was just a beautiful thing to see for this very shy man.
I loved this story so much. You just get wrapped up in it and can’t put it down and I love this series as well. It’s been such a blast to read so far, so don’t miss out on getting it.
Geoffrey, to most everyone, was strange. I could see why. An elemental mage trying his hand at necromancy. And I get why he did it. To lose something so important to you, it’s heart wrenching. But what hurt me for Geoffrey even more, is the strain he was putting on himself. Yes, he was worrying family and such and even Aspic once he got involved. But he was so determined to do this and it not be by a bad way or anything of a sort. He was draining himself. Not taking care of himself and that hurt my heart for him.
And I love that Aspic got that about him too. He knew Geoffrey kind of needed a keeper. It’s a full time job and I’m glad that Aspic didn’t mind stepping in that role. He didn’t care about the quirks, the stuttering, the misused words. He cared for Geoffrey, every single flaw and all. And because of it, Geoffrey got to see what a real relationship and love was. Instead of the experience he had already had. That would have left me not wanting to be around people either. But karma is a you-know-what and I believe it was fixed.
I think what made it even better for me, were the town folk. Even though they knew Geoffrey was different, they still accepted him. Geoffrey might not have seen it, but they did. And they proved it when he needed them the most. And again, when they showed him that they wanted to be his friend. It was just a beautiful thing to see for this very shy man.
I loved this story so much. You just get wrapped up in it and can’t put it down and I love this series as well. It’s been such a blast to read so far, so don’t miss out on getting it.
March 17, 2021
Martinez has this way of just writing the most adorable quirky characters and this book was absolutely no exception. I really just adored Aspic the pink haired half demon, who just wanted to be loved for who he was and not feared or studied; and Geoffrey, the very strange wannabe necromancer who was easily flustered and just so very alone. These two were so perfect together, although I am knocking a star for a little lack of relationship development, and I immensely enjoyed watching them realize that they weren't alone and they definitely were loved and could love in return. On top of that, I think one of the most enjoyable parts of this book was all the thoroughly developed and interesting side characters that made for a rather intriguing world. Definitely one of the best in the series, and one I highly recommend.
March 27, 2021
This book was a delightful introduction to Angel's work. Geoffrey is quirky but a sweetheart and Aspic is adorable all the way to his floofy pink hair. Together they're the perfect couple to face their shenanigans.
October 19, 2025
What a crazy, funny, sweet story. A weather witch trying to be a necromancer and a half demon make such a cute couple. But beware of zombie seashells! What a hoot.
March 19, 2021
Geoffrey the Very Strange is a delightful and wonderful addition to the Magic Emporium Universe. I love Angel Martinez's books and she has such a unique and amazing writing style. Every book I've read so far always has me chortling or tearing up. Geoffrey, Aspic, and the wonderful townspeople of Merseton had me chortling with delight at their antics. Geoffrey is known as the town weirdo because he's an elemental mage that wants to be a necromancer to resurrect the dead after he lost his beloved pet. He mixes up his words due to his shyness and his daily struggles. Aspic is a half demon who survived horrible purges, suffers from anxiety, and can't believe he found a new job in Merseton. When both of them meet, they can't stop thinking of the other even if their intial reaction was awkard and quirky. I loved both of them for all their quirks, their fears, and their worries. They need all the hugs and love and Merseton rose to the occasion! The town of Merseton is wonderful and came together to stand with Geoffrey and Aspic battle zombie seashells :) I hope the author expands this world because I would love to return to Merseton.
March 30, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a cute book. Geoffrey the Very Strange...that really is the perfect description for him, but he is also adorable in his own way. A necromancer that wants to find a successful spell without blood magic. Aspic is a half-demon, and has been run out of his previous homes and is concerned about standing out in his new home. They were completely adorable together. Geoffrey was awkward, especially when he stumbled over his words. But once Aspic started to figure out how he spoke, he just rolled with it. I liked how the secondary characters drew them both into friendships. It was a crazy, a bit wacky, but totally adorable story.
This was such a cute book. Geoffrey the Very Strange...that really is the perfect description for him, but he is also adorable in his own way. A necromancer that wants to find a successful spell without blood magic. Aspic is a half-demon, and has been run out of his previous homes and is concerned about standing out in his new home. They were completely adorable together. Geoffrey was awkward, especially when he stumbled over his words. But once Aspic started to figure out how he spoke, he just rolled with it. I liked how the secondary characters drew them both into friendships. It was a crazy, a bit wacky, but totally adorable story.
April 5, 2021
2.5 stars rounding down.
I have read 2 other stories of Angel's, one that I loved (Mage on the Hill) and the other that I liked quite well(Open for Business (Brandywine Investigations #1-3)) and I have to say that this story falls closer to the Open for Business review.
For 150pgs it felt longer, with the story going on and on, without having any traction. Aspic and Geoffrey's interactions were few, often monosyllabic so I can't see them falling in love and in bed as quickly as they did, especially for 2 pretty closed off individuals.
So yeah, this did not work for me.
I have read 2 other stories of Angel's, one that I loved (Mage on the Hill) and the other that I liked quite well(Open for Business (Brandywine Investigations #1-3)) and I have to say that this story falls closer to the Open for Business review.
For 150pgs it felt longer, with the story going on and on, without having any traction. Aspic and Geoffrey's interactions were few, often monosyllabic so I can't see them falling in love and in bed as quickly as they did, especially for 2 pretty closed off individuals.
So yeah, this did not work for me.
March 1, 2021
I had the opportunity to read this story early and I love it. There is something about Aspic that I really just connected with. And I really appreciate the fact that Geoffrey was allowed to be himself, messed up words and all. I think these two men were perfect for each other because it feels like they were meant to be. Each of them felt like they were outsiders and yet, it doesn’t take long before you see that much of what makes them feel like this is their own past and internal fears.
I think the only thing that keeps this from being a five star for me is how quickly the relationship actually developed. While it works and doesn’t have a massive impact on enjoyment, it just felt a tad bit rushed. But this is me and my hang ups with Insta-love.
I love Angel Martinez’s writing style and this is once again a fabulous and fun read with all the whit and magic I have come to expect from the author.
I think the only thing that keeps this from being a five star for me is how quickly the relationship actually developed. While it works and doesn’t have a massive impact on enjoyment, it just felt a tad bit rushed. But this is me and my hang ups with Insta-love.
I love Angel Martinez’s writing style and this is once again a fabulous and fun read with all the whit and magic I have come to expect from the author.
March 17, 2021
Another great book by Angel Martinez! I personally love oddball characters and mismatched couples! It makes things much more interesting in my opinion! You get to learn so much that way. Especially, since there are creatures in this book that I had honestly never heard of before. And you can never have too many demons/Demonspawn - or half, in this case - for me! I loved every bit of it, couldn't put it down! Geoffrey the Very Strange is Very Good! Do yourself a favor and get this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2021
A Magical Emporium novel. Set is a small quaint town which is a haven for magical creatures. Residing within its walls is Geoffrey a weather witch, come necromancer who is shy, tongue tied and word muddled, and has an obsession to raise the dead without blood magic. Self isolated, awkward and lonely he is befriended by Aspic a half demon who is kind, gentle and understanding. Love blossoms and the together they face an unusual zombie apocalypse from a spell gone wrong. Entertaining and easy to read.
December 16, 2025
Geoffrey is very strange and grumpy but endearing. I liked the story and the underlying plot was fun - if you can call zombie shells that. I liked all the characters and look forward to the next book.
While I liked the narrator, I felt there wasn’t much differentiation between characters, and when there was, I think the voices of Geoffrey and Aspect needed to be switched.
While I liked the narrator, I felt there wasn’t much differentiation between characters, and when there was, I think the voices of Geoffrey and Aspect needed to be switched.
July 11, 2021
Loved it!
Funny and touching and heartwarming. I want to live in Merest (spelling?) and be friends with the most amazing people ever written.
Funny and touching and heartwarming. I want to live in Merest (spelling?) and be friends with the most amazing people ever written.
March 27, 2021
Rating: 3 stars
I am usually a big fan of Angel Martinez but this book just fell flat for me. I didn’t really feel the connection to the two MCs and it just failed in comparison to her other books. All in all, it was okay and nothing special.
I am usually a big fan of Angel Martinez but this book just fell flat for me. I didn’t really feel the connection to the two MCs and it just failed in comparison to her other books. All in all, it was okay and nothing special.
March 18, 2021
What happens when a kind, cheerful demonspawn meets the town’s shy, eccentric necromancer? True love and the zombie shell apocalypse, apparently. This is such a wonderful book on any number of levels. The romance between Geoffrey and Aspic is sweet, with Aspic’s ability to see past Geoffrey’s defensive facade and Geoffrey (after a rough start) learning to value all the things about Aspic that no one has ever bothered to see before. Beyond their romance, there’s the absolutely amazing setting, a town full of magical beings who don’t quite fit in anywhere else but make up an eccentric, eclectic community so wonderful you can’t help but want to hear all of their stories. Extra points for tiny yet still terrifying birds of prey and snarky shadow imps just looking for a gig that pays decent grommets. On top of everything else, this book is part of “The Magic Emporium” collection, and frankly, the thought of a mysterious magic shop that has just exactly what you need, and offers it to you in the most bizarre way possible, which I cannot get enough of. For great world-building and complex, deeply sympathetic characters, give this book a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2021
How could I not read a book with a title like this? It’s also part of a series that I’m really enjoying. I will definitely be looking out for more of Angel Martinez’s writing as this book was a hoot to read. This is one of the best things about reading series like this where authors think up a world, or in this case a store, and then they all write books based on the idea and this then gives you a chance to find new authors who write books that you might like. I like this sub genre of mm romance where two characters who are oddball, hurt or otherwise different characters find each other and find that they fit together and can help to heal each other as well. Not only the main characters are written well in this book as I found going through the story I developed a very clear picture of the town and the people inhabiting it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy mm romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2021
Very sweet, as peculiar as the title suggests, and recommended if you are looking for a low-angst fantasy romance. Found family, traumatic childhood, idyllic town, fixing mistakes, and chock-full of wonderfully done consent. <3
March 18, 2021
4.5 stars -
Geoffrey was very strange, and sweet, and awkward. I loved him. In fact I loved all the characters but Cormac who deserved what he got. This was a fun story that made me smile.
Geoffrey was very strange, and sweet, and awkward. I loved him. In fact I loved all the characters but Cormac who deserved what he got. This was a fun story that made me smile.
January 4, 2025
Geoffrey the Very Strange (Merseton Tales 1)
By Angel Martinez
Mischief Corners Books, 2021
Five stars
This is the start of a series that promises to be both funny and full of heart. It is in a magical world—filled with supernatural beings, who are often mistreated in the larger human world. The village of Merseton has become a haven for those unwanted elsewhere, and its denizens are a mixed bag of shapes and sizes (including humans) who share one thing: compassion. That compassion, and the kindness it engenders, is at the core of what makes this story special.
Geoffrey Wurstuffen is from an ancient line of Merseton witches. He has decided that he wants to shy away from his inborn magic as a weather witch and find the secret to death-free necromancy. Geoffrey is an odd duck, for sure, but his family’s position in Merseton protects him. He works in a cave on the outskirts of town, and lives with his grandmother Tutti when he’s not there.
Aspic Caprice is a half-demon, with horns and a tail and a head full of bright pink hair. He was found and taken in by the town and understands that Merseton is even better than its growing reputation. He works in the lycan Talendon’s shop, and boards with other magical creatures at Mrs. Winkle’s house on the edge of the village.
Aspic meets Geoffrey when making a delivery to his cave/laboratory. It’s a classic sort of romance tale, related with joyous attention to the details of the book’s quirky characters. The central motif of the narrative is how people—or beings—can be harshly judged for their differences, with no basis for that judgment beyond the fact that they are different. It’s a familiar idea that resonates more and more in the world today. Geoffrey is weird in one way; while Aspic is weird in other ways. Not only must the town of Mereston embrace them and their oddities; but the two of them must forge a friendship because of their differences rather than despite them.
Martinez gives us wonderful details about many characters in the story, a picture which just gets richer and more complicated as each page turns. One of my favorites is Cecil, a shadow imp, who declares himself to be Geoffrey’s familiar, but who Geoffrey refers to simply as his guardian. Cecil is sly and amusing, but also wise and loyal—details that become important as the narrative unfolds.
I’ve already started on the next book in the series, and look forward to whatever will come next.
By Angel Martinez
Mischief Corners Books, 2021
Five stars
This is the start of a series that promises to be both funny and full of heart. It is in a magical world—filled with supernatural beings, who are often mistreated in the larger human world. The village of Merseton has become a haven for those unwanted elsewhere, and its denizens are a mixed bag of shapes and sizes (including humans) who share one thing: compassion. That compassion, and the kindness it engenders, is at the core of what makes this story special.
Geoffrey Wurstuffen is from an ancient line of Merseton witches. He has decided that he wants to shy away from his inborn magic as a weather witch and find the secret to death-free necromancy. Geoffrey is an odd duck, for sure, but his family’s position in Merseton protects him. He works in a cave on the outskirts of town, and lives with his grandmother Tutti when he’s not there.
Aspic Caprice is a half-demon, with horns and a tail and a head full of bright pink hair. He was found and taken in by the town and understands that Merseton is even better than its growing reputation. He works in the lycan Talendon’s shop, and boards with other magical creatures at Mrs. Winkle’s house on the edge of the village.
Aspic meets Geoffrey when making a delivery to his cave/laboratory. It’s a classic sort of romance tale, related with joyous attention to the details of the book’s quirky characters. The central motif of the narrative is how people—or beings—can be harshly judged for their differences, with no basis for that judgment beyond the fact that they are different. It’s a familiar idea that resonates more and more in the world today. Geoffrey is weird in one way; while Aspic is weird in other ways. Not only must the town of Mereston embrace them and their oddities; but the two of them must forge a friendship because of their differences rather than despite them.
Martinez gives us wonderful details about many characters in the story, a picture which just gets richer and more complicated as each page turns. One of my favorites is Cecil, a shadow imp, who declares himself to be Geoffrey’s familiar, but who Geoffrey refers to simply as his guardian. Cecil is sly and amusing, but also wise and loyal—details that become important as the narrative unfolds.
I’ve already started on the next book in the series, and look forward to whatever will come next.
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