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Luca:
I’ve lived my life in the pursuit of justice. I worked my way from the police academy to detective to the leader of the organized crime task force. Then six weeks ago all that career momentum came to a screeching halt after someone set off a car bomb across the street from L.L. Security. That event changed everything for me. Six weeks of fear, looking over my shoulder, and pretending my world hasn’t crumbled down around my ears. Sometimes I wish I’d never heard of L.L. Security, sometimes I’m glad I at least know how dangerous this world really is. I may be the only detective who can see the wings on the body in my crime scene, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to find the guy’s killer even if my Captain keeps trying to erase my memories with magic.
Auggie:
Something is wrong with my roommate, but every time I ask, Luca says he’s fine. I want him to confide in me, but expecting him to talk to me when I’ve been hiding secrets from him for years seems a bit hypocritical. I have enough patience to wait until he’s ready to talk. The Chimera inside me isn’t in a hurry to mate him anyway, at least not until he comes home tasting just right. Luca kissed someone else and now the beast inside me is ready to take them both and make them mine.
Tio:
After my father sold my brother to the youngest prince of Morgaine, the Elven Realm, I thought it would take me a decade at least to buy him back, but my employer tussled with the wrong Headsman—well, Headsmen. Erroll’s execution relieves me of the contract I had with him, but it puts me and my brothers in infinitely more danger. My father is coming, one of my brothers won’t talk to me, the other doesn’t know who I am, and controlling my extra arms has become an exercise in futility; kissing Chimeras is not normal for me. I promise.
Pass is a MMM, gay, fated mates, paranormal romance featuring three good-to-the-core non-humans in the Diviner’s Game universe. It features an HFN for these three characters and a cliffhanger ending of the overarching plot of the Shattered Pawns Trilogy. Includes plenty of 18+ fun with tentacles. Best if read after the Diviner’s Game trilogy starting with Bishop to Knight One.
I’ve lived my life in the pursuit of justice. I worked my way from the police academy to detective to the leader of the organized crime task force. Then six weeks ago all that career momentum came to a screeching halt after someone set off a car bomb across the street from L.L. Security. That event changed everything for me. Six weeks of fear, looking over my shoulder, and pretending my world hasn’t crumbled down around my ears. Sometimes I wish I’d never heard of L.L. Security, sometimes I’m glad I at least know how dangerous this world really is. I may be the only detective who can see the wings on the body in my crime scene, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to find the guy’s killer even if my Captain keeps trying to erase my memories with magic.
Auggie:
Something is wrong with my roommate, but every time I ask, Luca says he’s fine. I want him to confide in me, but expecting him to talk to me when I’ve been hiding secrets from him for years seems a bit hypocritical. I have enough patience to wait until he’s ready to talk. The Chimera inside me isn’t in a hurry to mate him anyway, at least not until he comes home tasting just right. Luca kissed someone else and now the beast inside me is ready to take them both and make them mine.
Tio:
After my father sold my brother to the youngest prince of Morgaine, the Elven Realm, I thought it would take me a decade at least to buy him back, but my employer tussled with the wrong Headsman—well, Headsmen. Erroll’s execution relieves me of the contract I had with him, but it puts me and my brothers in infinitely more danger. My father is coming, one of my brothers won’t talk to me, the other doesn’t know who I am, and controlling my extra arms has become an exercise in futility; kissing Chimeras is not normal for me. I promise.
Pass is a MMM, gay, fated mates, paranormal romance featuring three good-to-the-core non-humans in the Diviner’s Game universe. It features an HFN for these three characters and a cliffhanger ending of the overarching plot of the Shattered Pawns Trilogy. Includes plenty of 18+ fun with tentacles. Best if read after the Diviner’s Game trilogy starting with Bishop to Knight One.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2021
About the author
Jennifer Cody
51 books746 followersJennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 23, 2021
Another great addition to the world Jennifer Cody has created. I loved Luca, Auggie and especially Tio. He broke my heart at times, but I loved his carefree almost innocent ways. We get to see a few of our favorites from the Diviner's Game series and meet a few new ones/relationships. Can't wait for those. Be warned, if you haven't figured it out, it ends in a cliffy. And it's frustrating lol.
March 6, 2022
Tio is my chaos baby
I was intrigued and charmed by Tio throughout the Diviner’s Game trilogy, so I was thrilled to finally get to his book. Of course he needs two mates to keep up with his chaotic self lol. I loved all three of them and how they balanced each other out, but Tio is the one who kept me laughing. Oh, and the things he can do with those chaos arms (think tentacles ha ha)!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat (and even brought me to tears at one point), and I can’t wait to find out what happens next (because yes, there’s a definite cliffhanger here)!
I was intrigued and charmed by Tio throughout the Diviner’s Game trilogy, so I was thrilled to finally get to his book. Of course he needs two mates to keep up with his chaotic self lol. I loved all three of them and how they balanced each other out, but Tio is the one who kept me laughing. Oh, and the things he can do with those chaos arms (think tentacles ha ha)!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat (and even brought me to tears at one point), and I can’t wait to find out what happens next (because yes, there’s a definite cliffhanger here)!
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March 6, 20265 ⭐️
This series is a spinoff of the Diviner’s Game series.
Tio, Luca, and Auggie… what a trio!
This book was an amazing start to this series. Everything is in the same universe as the one in the Diviner’s Game, and it was set shortly after the whole thing ended there.
To start off with the plot, it was very engaging and interesting. When I felt that there was something missing, I knew that it would all be explained later on in the series. I felt like it’s going to be way more complicated than the main series, which is just delightful! Just had to trust the process!
Now for the romance part, THESE THREE ARE SO CUTE I can’t 😍
I loved that Luca and Auggie already knew each other. It was better that way so they can work together to be with Tio, which is the one that needed the reassurance the most. I loved how cute and sweet and SUPPORTIVE and HOT and vulnerable they were together ❤️
I can keep going on and on about everything in this book, but I don’t like spoilers, and there is so much that I don’t even know where to start.
As usual, I loved all the side characters, and I got to know more about them and the ones from the original series.
This series is a spinoff of the Diviner’s Game series.
Tio, Luca, and Auggie… what a trio!
This book was an amazing start to this series. Everything is in the same universe as the one in the Diviner’s Game, and it was set shortly after the whole thing ended there.
To start off with the plot, it was very engaging and interesting. When I felt that there was something missing, I knew that it would all be explained later on in the series. I felt like it’s going to be way more complicated than the main series, which is just delightful! Just had to trust the process!
Now for the romance part, THESE THREE ARE SO CUTE I can’t 😍
I loved that Luca and Auggie already knew each other. It was better that way so they can work together to be with Tio, which is the one that needed the reassurance the most. I loved how cute and sweet and SUPPORTIVE and HOT and vulnerable they were together ❤️
I can keep going on and on about everything in this book, but I don’t like spoilers, and there is so much that I don’t even know where to start.
As usual, I loved all the side characters, and I got to know more about them and the ones from the original series.
June 21, 2021
Jennifer Cody has a very special superpower as an author: the ability to draw a reader into a story, despite that individual being in a horrible reading slump. That is a truly beautiful talent! Before picking up Pass, I’d been in a novel funk for months! I was rereading comfort books because I wanted to read something but didn’t have the desire to try something new. With Jen having such an amazing superpower, I’m now interested in losing myself in the world of fiction once more.
From the very beginning of the Diviner’s Game series, I was intrigued by the Chaos Eater, Tio. As a matter of fact, just the other day, I was telling Jen that I’ve liked him from the start because he kept me wondering. Was he an asshole? Or was he an awesome asshole? The answer is the latter! Tio is an interesting mash-up of a troublemaker with a lot of heart. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves, even if he’s got to cause some chaos to do it. Ever heard the expression you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet? That is Tio Aquino.
Luca Chavez was another interesting character the moment he strolled onto the page. The way he was written left me wondering whether he was going to be a meddlesome pain in the ass for everyone or if he was going to somehow become involved as a good guy. He was this human poking his nose where it didn’t belong because it was his job to dig up dirt on the Hub. Then something strange happens. A man comes in to wipe all knowledge of the non-human happenings from the human minds...and it doesn’t work on Luca. He finds it strange and worries if it’s discovered something awful will happen to him. Little does he know he’s about to be sucked into the world of non-humans for good.
Then we have Auggie De León. He’s this great big, beardy teddy bear of a man you just want to cuddle. Luca and he have been great friends since they met when Auggie started working with Luca’s sister, Selena. Auggie is this sweet man who’s encouraged Luca to chase his dreams and do what makes him happy. They ended up buying a house together as roommates, becoming dedicated friends in it for the long haul. Only, there’s a little bit of a secret Auggie’s been keeping from Luca, one that’ll change everything irrevocably.
Put all three of these contrasting characters together, melding all of their personalities, and you’ve got one amazing threesome. As a throuple, they learn the ways of fated mates, different non-human cultures, and how, as one, they create something magnificent. Add to that a bushel of love, a splash action, two heaping scoops of friends and family, and a dash of intrusive antagonists and you have one hell of a story! The kind of store that grabs hold of you tight, refusing to let you go.
Jennifer is such an amazing author. I really love how she’s created this captivating world for her readers to fall into. One with magic, mythical creatures, gods, goddesses, and an intriguing flair for the dramatic. This was a wonderful spin-off to her Diviner’s Game series. The plot was enthralling and sexy! The heat between Tio, Luca, and Auggie was phenomenal. Their relationship is laced with so much love, tenderness, acceptance, and strength...it pulls you in like a siren’s song.
I would highly recommend this first installment of the Shattered Pawns series to anyone interested in wonderful storytelling that involves more than can be imagined. I’d insist anyone who enjoyed the Diviner’s Game series give this spin-off a chance. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Luca, Auggie, and Tio’s story. Just be warned that this ends with an HFN that leaves you dying to know what happens next.
From the very beginning of the Diviner’s Game series, I was intrigued by the Chaos Eater, Tio. As a matter of fact, just the other day, I was telling Jen that I’ve liked him from the start because he kept me wondering. Was he an asshole? Or was he an awesome asshole? The answer is the latter! Tio is an interesting mash-up of a troublemaker with a lot of heart. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves, even if he’s got to cause some chaos to do it. Ever heard the expression you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet? That is Tio Aquino.
Luca Chavez was another interesting character the moment he strolled onto the page. The way he was written left me wondering whether he was going to be a meddlesome pain in the ass for everyone or if he was going to somehow become involved as a good guy. He was this human poking his nose where it didn’t belong because it was his job to dig up dirt on the Hub. Then something strange happens. A man comes in to wipe all knowledge of the non-human happenings from the human minds...and it doesn’t work on Luca. He finds it strange and worries if it’s discovered something awful will happen to him. Little does he know he’s about to be sucked into the world of non-humans for good.
Then we have Auggie De León. He’s this great big, beardy teddy bear of a man you just want to cuddle. Luca and he have been great friends since they met when Auggie started working with Luca’s sister, Selena. Auggie is this sweet man who’s encouraged Luca to chase his dreams and do what makes him happy. They ended up buying a house together as roommates, becoming dedicated friends in it for the long haul. Only, there’s a little bit of a secret Auggie’s been keeping from Luca, one that’ll change everything irrevocably.
Put all three of these contrasting characters together, melding all of their personalities, and you’ve got one amazing threesome. As a throuple, they learn the ways of fated mates, different non-human cultures, and how, as one, they create something magnificent. Add to that a bushel of love, a splash action, two heaping scoops of friends and family, and a dash of intrusive antagonists and you have one hell of a story! The kind of store that grabs hold of you tight, refusing to let you go.
Jennifer is such an amazing author. I really love how she’s created this captivating world for her readers to fall into. One with magic, mythical creatures, gods, goddesses, and an intriguing flair for the dramatic. This was a wonderful spin-off to her Diviner’s Game series. The plot was enthralling and sexy! The heat between Tio, Luca, and Auggie was phenomenal. Their relationship is laced with so much love, tenderness, acceptance, and strength...it pulls you in like a siren’s song.
I would highly recommend this first installment of the Shattered Pawns series to anyone interested in wonderful storytelling that involves more than can be imagined. I’d insist anyone who enjoyed the Diviner’s Game series give this spin-off a chance. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with Luca, Auggie, and Tio’s story. Just be warned that this ends with an HFN that leaves you dying to know what happens next.
May 14, 2021
Jennifer Cody has done it again with Pass. This new series does a magnificent job as a stand-alone, but also is a wonderful continuation of the Diviner's Game Universe.
Pass will make you smile and feel all the things. Honestly, if Jennifer Cody isn't on your one-click author list, you should definitely re-consider that decision!
I was so excited to experience Tio's story, I absolutely adored him in the Diviner's Game series and it was great to get to know him better and see more sides to the Chaos Eater. Jennifer Cody does an incredibly job of creating a world that is rich and diverse, with characters who aren't perfect but don't shy away from their flaws. Like Cody's other books, I didn't want it to end, but was excited by the fact that once I finished, I could dive right back in, starting all over again.
I cannot wait to see what is instore with the rest of this series!
Pass will make you smile and feel all the things. Honestly, if Jennifer Cody isn't on your one-click author list, you should definitely re-consider that decision!
I was so excited to experience Tio's story, I absolutely adored him in the Diviner's Game series and it was great to get to know him better and see more sides to the Chaos Eater. Jennifer Cody does an incredibly job of creating a world that is rich and diverse, with characters who aren't perfect but don't shy away from their flaws. Like Cody's other books, I didn't want it to end, but was excited by the fact that once I finished, I could dive right back in, starting all over again.
I cannot wait to see what is instore with the rest of this series!
September 16, 2024
Reviewing soon.
March 27, 2022
I have to say I'm disappointed with this book/series. It's lacking the charm, pizzazz, and questions from the diviners game series. I'm mildly curious about who done it, or rather why they did it, however the multitude of all the other fun questions that she puts in her other books are just set out on the table for you to look at. Oh Kim and Ryan are engaged and Ryan is a ******. Ok... I would have enjoyed it more seeing it unfold, finding out about Ryan, and enjoying the feelings of them getting together. Which is what happened in diviners game. Yes, you got the idea that these guys were inevitably getting together but there were questions!! So many questions! Clearly Gage and Loki weren't together but why did this happen and does this guy know about that wrt the other one??? There were so many questions and untangling it was so fun. I feel like I have all the info here in this book and it's boooring. All the missing questions and meat of the story are filled with lots of sex and talk of fated mates and making the bond (side note, that's not really my thing but with a good story I don't care... Here I cared).
Tio is the only thing I found at all entertaining.
Now, I will say that if I had started with this series I would have rated it higher (I'm glad I didn't because, spoilers). But after Diviners and The Trouble with Dating a Murderer (both of which I LOVED), I found this disappointing. DNF.
Tio is the only thing I found at all entertaining.
Now, I will say that if I had started with this series I would have rated it higher (I'm glad I didn't because, spoilers). But after Diviners and The Trouble with Dating a Murderer (both of which I LOVED), I found this disappointing. DNF.
July 1, 2022
I recently read a book by this author I enjoyed (the trouble with dating a mass murderer), so I searched for other books by her. I regret that impulse greatly :(
I didn’t read the series this book spins off from because it’s focus is a romance between a step-dad/son. I decided to skip it because I don’t like age-gaps but I especially do not like power imbalances (the father-son relationship l, even if not related by blood, implies that power differential that makes a romance between them icky with the idea of “grooming” popping up and all those questionable consent concepts. Ick).
Instead, I started with this book, being assured by the blurb that it could be read as a stand-alone. So, instead of the step dad/son ickiness I avoided from the previous trilogy, I got a side dish of [bio]uncle-nephew incest romance in secondary characters. Double-ick. Now, I do realize that these were all adults and they are magical god/paranormal/maybe-immortal beings. But why go there? Why keep calling up the familial relationship? I didn’t sign up for that type of book.
The next book in this trilogy focuses on that incest couple as well as extreme BDSM that includes knife/blood play. I’m definitely not reading it.
I wish this book/series hadn’t been so extreme with the kinks and taboos. I’m curious about the whole gods killing gods and how the war in Houston is going to go - but there is only so much I can skim and skip while still being able to keep up with the plot. This series is not worth it.
The main characters were ok and somewhat similar to the book I read and liked by this author. But beyond the major ick factors already noted, this book was bloated with way too many sex scenes and characters thinking about sex instead of plot relevant stuff, an army of characters that was too much to remember (from the previous trilogy), and overly visually-dependent descriptions (of clothing and makeup). It was too much to picture in my head and why did I need to picture that much detail of the costumes worn to attend a ceremony when those costumes are irrelevant to what happened at the ceremony anyway?
I didn’t read the series this book spins off from because it’s focus is a romance between a step-dad/son. I decided to skip it because I don’t like age-gaps but I especially do not like power imbalances (the father-son relationship l, even if not related by blood, implies that power differential that makes a romance between them icky with the idea of “grooming” popping up and all those questionable consent concepts. Ick).
Instead, I started with this book, being assured by the blurb that it could be read as a stand-alone. So, instead of the step dad/son ickiness I avoided from the previous trilogy, I got a side dish of [bio]uncle-nephew incest romance in secondary characters. Double-ick. Now, I do realize that these were all adults and they are magical god/paranormal/maybe-immortal beings. But why go there? Why keep calling up the familial relationship? I didn’t sign up for that type of book.
The next book in this trilogy focuses on that incest couple as well as extreme BDSM that includes knife/blood play. I’m definitely not reading it.
I wish this book/series hadn’t been so extreme with the kinks and taboos. I’m curious about the whole gods killing gods and how the war in Houston is going to go - but there is only so much I can skim and skip while still being able to keep up with the plot. This series is not worth it.
The main characters were ok and somewhat similar to the book I read and liked by this author. But beyond the major ick factors already noted, this book was bloated with way too many sex scenes and characters thinking about sex instead of plot relevant stuff, an army of characters that was too much to remember (from the previous trilogy), and overly visually-dependent descriptions (of clothing and makeup). It was too much to picture in my head and why did I need to picture that much detail of the costumes worn to attend a ceremony when those costumes are irrelevant to what happened at the ceremony anyway?
October 3, 2022
I fell in such love with this fascinating urban fantasy world that I devoured this trilogy soon after finishing the first one, Diviner’s Game. A previous antihero, Tio, is now solidly in the hero camp, and I loved getting to experience his perspective. He’s insane in the sort of chaotic good way that I adore. We also better get to know a human who has accidentally been dragged into this secret world, a Houston cop unaffected by memory-wiping spells. Luca’s world blows wide open at the same time he finally takes the next relationship step with roommate Auggie—but only because Luca also makes out with Tio.
This sounds complicated, but the sweet romance that develops between all three men is probably the most straightforward part of this book. On the external conflict side, a serial killer is stalking a particular group of supernatural creatures in the Houston area, and Tio and Luca are tasked with solving the mystery. The scope of the problem quickly grows in scale when members of Tio’s extended family get involved, because nothing is simple where gods are concerned. The overarching plot of this series feels very much like a war compared with the “game” of the previous trilogy. Cody keeps the reader from feeling too overwhelmed by centering the action on Tio, Luca, and Auggie and balancing the stress of the external conflict with the joyfully obsessive love that binds them together in another unique spin on the “fated mates” concept.
Plenty of familiar faces from the previous trilogy also involve themselves in the plot. Since the “gathering of forces” conceit is one of my favorite fictional tropes, I was riveted until the very end—especially since the story all boils down to high-powered family drama. The bonds between Tio, Luca, and Auggie hold solid at the end of this book, but Cody brings back a storytelling element that kept me hooked last time, too. We may be party to the climactic ending of this tale, but only from a limited perspective. Because I had the feeling (and I was right) that we were going back to the beginning of the story in the next book.
This sounds complicated, but the sweet romance that develops between all three men is probably the most straightforward part of this book. On the external conflict side, a serial killer is stalking a particular group of supernatural creatures in the Houston area, and Tio and Luca are tasked with solving the mystery. The scope of the problem quickly grows in scale when members of Tio’s extended family get involved, because nothing is simple where gods are concerned. The overarching plot of this series feels very much like a war compared with the “game” of the previous trilogy. Cody keeps the reader from feeling too overwhelmed by centering the action on Tio, Luca, and Auggie and balancing the stress of the external conflict with the joyfully obsessive love that binds them together in another unique spin on the “fated mates” concept.
Plenty of familiar faces from the previous trilogy also involve themselves in the plot. Since the “gathering of forces” conceit is one of my favorite fictional tropes, I was riveted until the very end—especially since the story all boils down to high-powered family drama. The bonds between Tio, Luca, and Auggie hold solid at the end of this book, but Cody brings back a storytelling element that kept me hooked last time, too. We may be party to the climactic ending of this tale, but only from a limited perspective. Because I had the feeling (and I was right) that we were going back to the beginning of the story in the next book.
May 17, 2021
En passant, who's going to survive this game!
A pawn is one of the most valuable pieces on a chessboard, War is coming!
Pass, Shattered Pawns book 1 is the sequel series to Diviners Game trilogy. The events in Pass starts not long after Queen to King Three and continues the story on, one diviners game has ended, but what has fate got in store for all these characters we have gotten to know. Pass focuses on three characters Tio the chaos eater, and him finding his two mates Auggie the fire griffin shifter and Luca the police detective, human hmmmm. Along the way we encounter lots of characters from the first trilogy who help or hinder and we get to meet other new characters as well. The world building and plot in these books are spot on, they build up and up, twists and turns and gasps building to a climax, that we never saw coming.
Pixies are dying, they are being deformed made into larger human sizes ones, Luca was on the case and like all the supernatural cases he's seen in the last few months the chief calls them all in and there goes everyone's memory again. Luca has been seeing things he can't believe, but though everyone else has been mind wiped, he's kept his memories, is he human after all. His roommate is Auggie, where he's been pretending to be his fake boyfriend, but things take a turn for the real when Tio comes in on the scene, Auggie loves Luca but has been waiting for his other mate to appear and for the right moment.
Tio's father is Set the god, and war is coming to Houston, can Tio, Auggie, Lucca and their family and friends protect everyone they love. You'll have to read and find out, I would recommend this book and the Diviners series, it's best to read them in order so you can get to know what went on before, how they got to this point, what different species there is, but there's a recap at the beginning of Pass as well if you just want to jump right in.
Wait! I forgot to mention there's tentacles! The book contains, romance, adventure, fun, fantasy, detectives, mythology, sex and magic and tentacles and Tentacles. I can't wait for the next book.
A pawn is one of the most valuable pieces on a chessboard, War is coming!
Pass, Shattered Pawns book 1 is the sequel series to Diviners Game trilogy. The events in Pass starts not long after Queen to King Three and continues the story on, one diviners game has ended, but what has fate got in store for all these characters we have gotten to know. Pass focuses on three characters Tio the chaos eater, and him finding his two mates Auggie the fire griffin shifter and Luca the police detective, human hmmmm. Along the way we encounter lots of characters from the first trilogy who help or hinder and we get to meet other new characters as well. The world building and plot in these books are spot on, they build up and up, twists and turns and gasps building to a climax, that we never saw coming.
Pixies are dying, they are being deformed made into larger human sizes ones, Luca was on the case and like all the supernatural cases he's seen in the last few months the chief calls them all in and there goes everyone's memory again. Luca has been seeing things he can't believe, but though everyone else has been mind wiped, he's kept his memories, is he human after all. His roommate is Auggie, where he's been pretending to be his fake boyfriend, but things take a turn for the real when Tio comes in on the scene, Auggie loves Luca but has been waiting for his other mate to appear and for the right moment.
Tio's father is Set the god, and war is coming to Houston, can Tio, Auggie, Lucca and their family and friends protect everyone they love. You'll have to read and find out, I would recommend this book and the Diviners series, it's best to read them in order so you can get to know what went on before, how they got to this point, what different species there is, but there's a recap at the beginning of Pass as well if you just want to jump right in.
Wait! I forgot to mention there's tentacles! The book contains, romance, adventure, fun, fantasy, detectives, mythology, sex and magic and tentacles and Tentacles. I can't wait for the next book.
July 20, 2022
I'm honestly a bit disappointed. I kept wishing for Tio to have his own book ans was glad when I found out he had one in the spin-off. This didn't really feel like a book just for the couple since there were already formed couples in this book that are just to be introduced in the next books. Idk, I wanted it to be the three's time to shine, ans maybe push the side characters to the side a bit more because they're literally SIDE CHARACTERS.
I would've loved it if it had more angst, what Tio's been through totally deserves an angsty or at least intense plot. I liked that he was always positive, but I hated that he dismisses negative emotion quickly. I guess it makes sense since the Void can suck in any intense emotion, but doesn't it only afftect others around him???
Idk what to say about Auggie ans Luca. They're great, but I guess a bit typical. I didn't mind it, they were caring lovers, it just didn't make me feel like what they had was out of the blue. Well, I guess they had the whole “Whoever heard of a tame Chaos Eater? The same person mated to a
disciplined Unicorn.” thing going on.
I get that I need to read book 2 to see what'd happen after the intense battle, but I kinda wish all three of the shined more, not them sharing the spot light with the side characters. He's Deejay Aquino's biological brother, for fuck's sake! Even when Matt took charge, Deejay still has that "main" character vibe to him that I wish Tio and his mates radiated more.
Overall, glad Tio has a book, but it's a bit underwhelming at times. Tio would always have a special place in my heart tho, Lol.
I would've loved it if it had more angst, what Tio's been through totally deserves an angsty or at least intense plot. I liked that he was always positive, but I hated that he dismisses negative emotion quickly. I guess it makes sense since the Void can suck in any intense emotion, but doesn't it only afftect others around him???
Idk what to say about Auggie ans Luca. They're great, but I guess a bit typical. I didn't mind it, they were caring lovers, it just didn't make me feel like what they had was out of the blue. Well, I guess they had the whole “Whoever heard of a tame Chaos Eater? The same person mated to a
disciplined Unicorn.” thing going on.
I get that I need to read book 2 to see what'd happen after the intense battle, but I kinda wish all three of the shined more, not them sharing the spot light with the side characters. He's Deejay Aquino's biological brother, for fuck's sake! Even when Matt took charge, Deejay still has that "main" character vibe to him that I wish Tio and his mates radiated more.
Overall, glad Tio has a book, but it's a bit underwhelming at times. Tio would always have a special place in my heart tho, Lol.
May 12, 2021
ARC received for an honest review.
Luca is a police detective that sees what he's not supposed to see. He's roommates with Auggie and would like to be more. One visit to the grocery store and he runs in Tio the chaos eater. When Tio kisses Luca it sets off a set of events that have Luca, Auggie and Tio mated and loving it. Luca starts investigating a case of dead pixies and Auggie and Tio soon begin to help. This soon becomes a huge deal with family and Gods and who is on the side of good and right.
This is the first book in the Shattered Pawns trilogy but it has characters first seen in the Diviners trilogy, so it's best to read those first; although, I think you can enjoy starting here also. The world building, characters and story are phenomenal. The chemistry between all the characters, especially the trio is really good. I felt like these characters really cared about each other and that the love between the three was real. The sex is HOT! I really liked Tio in this book; whereas in the Diviners trilogy he was a bit of a pain. I can't wait to read books 2 & 3 or anything by this author if I'm honest. I highly recommend this book and this author. If you haven't read this author before, don't be on the fence, start now you won't be disappointed.
Luca is a police detective that sees what he's not supposed to see. He's roommates with Auggie and would like to be more. One visit to the grocery store and he runs in Tio the chaos eater. When Tio kisses Luca it sets off a set of events that have Luca, Auggie and Tio mated and loving it. Luca starts investigating a case of dead pixies and Auggie and Tio soon begin to help. This soon becomes a huge deal with family and Gods and who is on the side of good and right.
This is the first book in the Shattered Pawns trilogy but it has characters first seen in the Diviners trilogy, so it's best to read those first; although, I think you can enjoy starting here also. The world building, characters and story are phenomenal. The chemistry between all the characters, especially the trio is really good. I felt like these characters really cared about each other and that the love between the three was real. The sex is HOT! I really liked Tio in this book; whereas in the Diviners trilogy he was a bit of a pain. I can't wait to read books 2 & 3 or anything by this author if I'm honest. I highly recommend this book and this author. If you haven't read this author before, don't be on the fence, start now you won't be disappointed.
May 15, 2021
This book truly has it all. It starts off with a rescue and a crime scene, and then we head into our main characters hooking up. Luca, Auggie, and Tio are all amazing and lovable characters. They come together and it’s all steam and sweetness. I loved them, but I have to admit for a hot second I was worried - where was the edge-of-your-seat intrigue and mystery and intrigue that showed up in The Diviner’s Game?
Don’t worry - all the excitement, action, and bad guys you could want showed up. The author got our guys in a solid place together before they needed to take on a few minor deities. The plot unfolds with page-turning action, and as much as I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, I also didn’t want it to end. I loved spending time with the characters and being back in the amazing world Cody has created.
Now, this does come with a cliffhanger warning; however, I personally felt this was totally a HFN book. The guys are in a good place when we leave them (*giggle* they’re having a REALLY good time). The main plot line is unresolved, and there is a character I feel some concern about (not one of our main characters), but I have total faith all the good guys will get their HEAs by the end of the series.
Is it June yet?
Don’t worry - all the excitement, action, and bad guys you could want showed up. The author got our guys in a solid place together before they needed to take on a few minor deities. The plot unfolds with page-turning action, and as much as I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, I also didn’t want it to end. I loved spending time with the characters and being back in the amazing world Cody has created.
Now, this does come with a cliffhanger warning; however, I personally felt this was totally a HFN book. The guys are in a good place when we leave them (*giggle* they’re having a REALLY good time). The main plot line is unresolved, and there is a character I feel some concern about (not one of our main characters), but I have total faith all the good guys will get their HEAs by the end of the series.
Is it June yet?
May 28, 2021
Jennifer Cody does it again and completely blows away expectations on how she would build on the amazing world in the Diviner's Game trilogy. (And yes, you definitely want to read those first to have the backstory and experience). Set a couple of months after Diviner's Game, this book follows Tio, the Chaos Eater we all love to hate... hate to love?... and a surprising twist of him having two fated mates. Luca, who we've met before as a human detective investigating the Hub, and Auggie, who is new to us. Luca just doesn't happen to be as human as we thought; Tio immediately recognizes his nature. Auggie is a Fire Griffin (Phoenix and Lion mix) with a very protective, loving caretaker nature.
As their relationship grows, they're all hired by the Hub to investigate murders and try to track down another Chaos Eater in Houston. The plot begins.
This book involves a game of gods and the action is centered around the Houston Hub. And it's shaping up to be quite the game.
So much more is revealed about the characters, other non-human types, and the world that satisfaction is guaranteed. But add in this new, wonderfully complex plot and satisfaction becomes addiction. I cannot wait until the next book!
As their relationship grows, they're all hired by the Hub to investigate murders and try to track down another Chaos Eater in Houston. The plot begins.
This book involves a game of gods and the action is centered around the Houston Hub. And it's shaping up to be quite the game.
So much more is revealed about the characters, other non-human types, and the world that satisfaction is guaranteed. But add in this new, wonderfully complex plot and satisfaction becomes addiction. I cannot wait until the next book!
May 23, 2021
I was very excited to see that Jennifer Cody was beginning a new series based on some of the fascinating characters we met in the Diviner's Game Trilogy. Jennifer has a real talent for creating complex worlds and putting everything together beautifully. I loves how she weaves the mystery and suspense through the story. I was very glad to be able to return to Houston and see some old favorites as well as meeting some new.
Pass introduces us to Auggie and brings back Luca and Tio to form a throuple. I loved Tio from the trilogy and was interested in learning more about Luca from the brief moments we saw him in the first series. I do not read a lot of MMM+ but I did enjoy reading about these three. They were hot and fit together very well. I will anxiously be awaiting the next installment to see how eveything continues to play out.
It is necessary to read The Diviner's Trilogy first before attempting to delve into this one. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves mystery, suspense, fantasy, and romance all rolled into one.
**I received an ARC for my honest review of this book.
Pass introduces us to Auggie and brings back Luca and Tio to form a throuple. I loved Tio from the trilogy and was interested in learning more about Luca from the brief moments we saw him in the first series. I do not read a lot of MMM+ but I did enjoy reading about these three. They were hot and fit together very well. I will anxiously be awaiting the next installment to see how eveything continues to play out.
It is necessary to read The Diviner's Trilogy first before attempting to delve into this one. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves mystery, suspense, fantasy, and romance all rolled into one.
**I received an ARC for my honest review of this book.
May 16, 2021
This spin off series from the first Diviner’s Game trilogy picks up pretty soon after the last book in that series ends. This book focuses on Two of the side characters (Tio and Luca) from that trilogy, and introduces a new character, Auggie, as their third mate.
We learn new background information about Tio, completely new information about Luca, and see the relationship development between the three MCs. New characters are introduced, the Egyptian gods Set, and Anubis make appearances, along with several minor deities from various pantheons. The way Jennifer Cody weaves the varying religions together is nothing short of masterful.
The sex scenes are hot (did I mention Tio has tentacles?), and I always appreciate that this authors books avoid the “miscommunication trope” between the MCs in the relationship development. The story is HFN due to the overarching storyline and ends on the verge of an epic war. I look forward to the other two books in this series!
We learn new background information about Tio, completely new information about Luca, and see the relationship development between the three MCs. New characters are introduced, the Egyptian gods Set, and Anubis make appearances, along with several minor deities from various pantheons. The way Jennifer Cody weaves the varying religions together is nothing short of masterful.
The sex scenes are hot (did I mention Tio has tentacles?), and I always appreciate that this authors books avoid the “miscommunication trope” between the MCs in the relationship development. The story is HFN due to the overarching storyline and ends on the verge of an epic war. I look forward to the other two books in this series!
May 18, 2021
This book starts shortly after the end of the events in Queen to King Three( 3rd book of the first diviner's trilogy) and continues to focus on the Houston Hub and its denizens. Many previous characters pop up in the novel, so reading the previous trilogy is strongly recommended.
This time we get to find out some of Tio the chaos-eater's secrets. In the first trilogy he was forced into acting as a pawn for the bed guy, and his loyalties were murky.
This time Tio gets to be the hero, and he is so fun.
I loved Tio, Luca and Auggie, as their love story is low-angst and really sweet. However, the baddies are bigger, and meaner and oh so much sneaker this time around..
The love story ends with a HFN but the plot continues into the next novel, Capture.
I received an ARC copy in return for this review but all opinions are my own.
This time we get to find out some of Tio the chaos-eater's secrets. In the first trilogy he was forced into acting as a pawn for the bed guy, and his loyalties were murky.
This time Tio gets to be the hero, and he is so fun.
I loved Tio, Luca and Auggie, as their love story is low-angst and really sweet. However, the baddies are bigger, and meaner and oh so much sneaker this time around..
The love story ends with a HFN but the plot continues into the next novel, Capture.
I received an ARC copy in return for this review but all opinions are my own.
November 10, 2022
"Pass" received TWO AND A HALF stars.
The story was definitely more interesting at the end.
Though I enjoyed Luca, Auggie, and Tio’s relationship I was more interested in the story when Qis and Monet were on the page.
RIP Tio’s Babies 😥
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The story was definitely more interesting at the end.
Though I enjoyed Luca, Auggie, and Tio’s relationship I was more interested in the story when Qis and Monet were on the page.
RIP Tio’s Babies 😥
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
This series is an offshoot of the Diviner's Game Trilogy (which I highly enjoyed and can't recommend enough.)
So far this series is not appealing to me. First, it has so many new characters and names mentioned that it was hard for me to keep track. Not the characters from the Diviner's series, but in ADDITION to those characters. At least a dozen...no more...new names thrown out there. Some were only mentioned once or twice, as in the brothers of one of the main characters. The plot was a bit jumbled. Someone is killing Pixies. And also Tio's evil Dad is in town and...it goes on and on. There was too much to follow this time.
And it ended with a cliffhanger. Boo!!! I hate cliffhangers!
For all it's faults it was well written, no typos or glaring mistakes. And I did like the dynamic between the three MCs. So a 3 star for me.
So far this series is not appealing to me. First, it has so many new characters and names mentioned that it was hard for me to keep track. Not the characters from the Diviner's series, but in ADDITION to those characters. At least a dozen...no more...new names thrown out there. Some were only mentioned once or twice, as in the brothers of one of the main characters. The plot was a bit jumbled. Someone is killing Pixies. And also Tio's evil Dad is in town and...it goes on and on. There was too much to follow this time.
And it ended with a cliffhanger. Boo!!! I hate cliffhangers!
For all it's faults it was well written, no typos or glaring mistakes. And I did like the dynamic between the three MCs. So a 3 star for me.
May 15, 2021
Jennifer Cody does a remarkable job of continuing the Diviners world in the first instalment of the Shattered Pawns trilogy. It has characters from the Diviners but also works as a standalone. Once again, the world building and the characters are remarkably detailed and well-developed. There is potential to be overloaded with too much information but the author manages to unfold the story just right. Tio, Auggie and Luca are absolute fire together! Their chemistry is off the charts and the love between them is so deep. Tio, especially, is a joy to read about. He is utter chaos and it’s just perfection! There is so much steam, action, mystery and suspense, and so many unanswered questions. There is a solid HFN for the trio, and I cannot wait for more from this series!
May 15, 2021
If I already had a crush on Tio since the Diviner's series, this book has only made it stronger! He's so adorable and funny, he has a huge heart for someone who doesn't have one (anatomically speaking). With Auggie and Luca, they have a perfect dynamic for a trio, i loved their connexion (and all their sexy times 🔥🔥🔥) . It was also nice to discover more about Luca and see him have a HFN with his mates.
I love the universe in which this book evolves, it is well built, incredibly detailed and brings so many possibilities for the rest of the Series. I can't wait to know more about some of the new characters that were introduced in this books and continue to follow those I already enjoy spending time with!
I love the universe in which this book evolves, it is well built, incredibly detailed and brings so many possibilities for the rest of the Series. I can't wait to know more about some of the new characters that were introduced in this books and continue to follow those I already enjoy spending time with!
November 23, 2021
Heartbreaking
I’m not sure that I understand the epilogue. While we don’t know Anni well, I’m not sure that I believe that his character would really make that choice. Was it despair?
Set seems to be rather monumentally stupid. He is so focused on getting whatever revenge, and power that he’s been seeking that he doesn’t seem to realize that he’s forging the alliance that will be his downfall. Sure he’s a god, and has a Diviner who has no ethics, but he is basically forcing the whole of the Firmament, every other Diviner in existence (who are individually, and together, much more powerful), and all of the other major characters to unite against him. This includes 3 Prime World Eaters who loathe him. Does he even have an endgame here?
I’m not sure that I understand the epilogue. While we don’t know Anni well, I’m not sure that I believe that his character would really make that choice. Was it despair?
Set seems to be rather monumentally stupid. He is so focused on getting whatever revenge, and power that he’s been seeking that he doesn’t seem to realize that he’s forging the alliance that will be his downfall. Sure he’s a god, and has a Diviner who has no ethics, but he is basically forcing the whole of the Firmament, every other Diviner in existence (who are individually, and together, much more powerful), and all of the other major characters to unite against him. This includes 3 Prime World Eaters who loathe him. Does he even have an endgame here?
February 20, 2022
Worth the wait
I knew I wasn't wrong in liking Tio in the previous trilogy. He might be mischievous, making things up as he goes and thrives on chaos but he's also funny and protective of those he loves even if he hides it well.
When he an roommates Luca and Auggie all meet in one day it's the beginning of their lives as fated mates but it also sets things in motion that will end in a epic battle.
For Luca it's crash course into the world of magic and for Auggie it's finally time to let his non human half show himself to the man he has loved for a long time and the Chaos Eater that he immediately falls in love with.
Family, friends, love and fight between good and bad in one great book
I knew I wasn't wrong in liking Tio in the previous trilogy. He might be mischievous, making things up as he goes and thrives on chaos but he's also funny and protective of those he loves even if he hides it well.
When he an roommates Luca and Auggie all meet in one day it's the beginning of their lives as fated mates but it also sets things in motion that will end in a epic battle.
For Luca it's crash course into the world of magic and for Auggie it's finally time to let his non human half show himself to the man he has loved for a long time and the Chaos Eater that he immediately falls in love with.
Family, friends, love and fight between good and bad in one great book
January 9, 2024
After finishing The Diviner’s Game series, this one started off with a bang. I loved Tio in the other series and I am happy to see him as a main character here. When Luca started showing frequently over the other series I knew he would somehow be relevant althiught I didn’t know how.
War has come to Houston and our boys are ready for the fight. I liked seeing Deejay and Tio repairing their relationship but I really wanted a scene where Deejay finds out about his brothers. I also missed seeing Luca confronting his family over the fact his mother and brother knew about his unicorn side and hid it from him. I feel this is an important point and it brushed aside among the dozens of brothers and family relations in the story.
War has come to Houston and our boys are ready for the fight. I liked seeing Deejay and Tio repairing their relationship but I really wanted a scene where Deejay finds out about his brothers. I also missed seeing Luca confronting his family over the fact his mother and brother knew about his unicorn side and hid it from him. I feel this is an important point and it brushed aside among the dozens of brothers and family relations in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2021
A fantasy adventure with game changing twists, and with some incredibly hot under the collar action. Tio was so cheeky and a bit of a scamp, Auggie and Luca were in for a massive surprise when secrets were revealed and they all meet, some very delicious times were had but ah man my heart was shattered at the end after all the action but we were left with a seed of hope that things weren't what they seemed. I am so invested and enthralled by this series and utterly bereft at the ending but enamoured with the storytelling and skillful way this author weaves egyptian gods, steamy/heartfelt moments and complex men.
May 29, 2022
It actually wasn't worse than the previous books, I just really had enough of the pda, the mate thing and the pointless sex scenes. Not to mention the utterly uninteresting characters.
I really wanted to read about Tio, and I really liked him, but he alone wasn't enough to bring this book up to at least the good chategory. Auggie and Luca were bland, the other characters didn't even had two dimensions and even Tio who in theory was devoted to his mentally suffering brother only thought about him a few times and never wondered if he was okay.
So in the end I just don't care what happens with the gods going to war, no more fated mates to me. It just makes me slightly nauseaus and disturbed.
I really wanted to read about Tio, and I really liked him, but he alone wasn't enough to bring this book up to at least the good chategory. Auggie and Luca were bland, the other characters didn't even had two dimensions and even Tio who in theory was devoted to his mentally suffering brother only thought about him a few times and never wondered if he was okay.
So in the end I just don't care what happens with the gods going to war, no more fated mates to me. It just makes me slightly nauseaus and disturbed.
August 14, 2023
A beautiful tragedy
This book was absolutely amazing. It was surprisingly even better than all of the Diviner games. The romantic atmosphere was perfect and the way way the fates connected those three souls was perfection. The emotional aspect was the usual rollercoaster of pain, fear, worry, grief, hope, courage, joy, happiness, excitement, familial bonds, and of course love (lots and lots of love). I thank every literature diety that Jennifer Cody became an author and that I was blessed to stumble upon her books. I recommend her to anyone who has a love of fantasy stories surrounding every single mythical legend of every nation.
This book was absolutely amazing. It was surprisingly even better than all of the Diviner games. The romantic atmosphere was perfect and the way way the fates connected those three souls was perfection. The emotional aspect was the usual rollercoaster of pain, fear, worry, grief, hope, courage, joy, happiness, excitement, familial bonds, and of course love (lots and lots of love). I thank every literature diety that Jennifer Cody became an author and that I was blessed to stumble upon her books. I recommend her to anyone who has a love of fantasy stories surrounding every single mythical legend of every nation.
May 17, 2021
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE DIVINER SERIES.
With that being said, another great setup for a trilogy. So many characters to keep straight, you may need a notepad by your side. The MCs are amazing together, and the relationship between them is HOT. Eagerly looking forward to the next 2 books, because I desperately need to know how this whole situation works out. This is not an easy read, no real TW, just complicated plot twists and tons of storyline. The author's mind is a wonder to behold.
With that being said, another great setup for a trilogy. So many characters to keep straight, you may need a notepad by your side. The MCs are amazing together, and the relationship between them is HOT. Eagerly looking forward to the next 2 books, because I desperately need to know how this whole situation works out. This is not an easy read, no real TW, just complicated plot twists and tons of storyline. The author's mind is a wonder to behold.
July 1, 2021
After reading the Diviner's Game trilogy I had high hopes for this new series. It did not disappoint! I am totally hooked. I will one click anything by this author!
The world building in this story is amazing. There is romance, heat, intrigue, and action. I don't even mind the cliffhanger. I know the next book will be worth it!
I love that we got to get to know Luca and Tio better. I was definitely curious about them from the previous trilogy. Auggie, Tio, and Luca are just so wonderful together. I also, appreciate checking back in with previous characters.
The world building in this story is amazing. There is romance, heat, intrigue, and action. I don't even mind the cliffhanger. I know the next book will be worth it!
I love that we got to get to know Luca and Tio better. I was definitely curious about them from the previous trilogy. Auggie, Tio, and Luca are just so wonderful together. I also, appreciate checking back in with previous characters.
July 23, 2022
O.M.G. [includes spoilers]
Just no! No! The whole thing just imploded at the end and it is chaos, I can't see how on earth the next two books can possibly fix it. There is literally a note from the author at the end saying "trust me".
Up until then, this book was pretty good, I loved Too finally getting his mates and Luca and Auggie are great together. Even though I am not a fan of MMM this thrupling did seem to make sense, they all complement each other in different ways.
I recommend reading it, but expect to read book 2 straight afterwards. Because, oh my gods.
Just no! No! The whole thing just imploded at the end and it is chaos, I can't see how on earth the next two books can possibly fix it. There is literally a note from the author at the end saying "trust me".
Up until then, this book was pretty good, I loved Too finally getting his mates and Luca and Auggie are great together. Even though I am not a fan of MMM this thrupling did seem to make sense, they all complement each other in different ways.
I recommend reading it, but expect to read book 2 straight afterwards. Because, oh my gods.
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