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The Pride #2
Lion's Tail
Control the booze. Control the magic. Control Chicago.
Sam Cunningham just wants a quiet life with his lover, the cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti. But that hope is dashed when a member of Mickey Sullivan’s gang dies inside the Gatti family’s speakeasy.
Sullivan wants Sam to work for him, deciphering long-forgotten hexes as part of his illegal hexworks operation. At the same time, a corrupt prohibition agent demands Sam and Alistair investigate the gang member’s murder. Caught between gangster and agent, they must walk a fine line just to stay alive.
Because the sinister forces behind the killing are still out there, and now they have Sam in their sights…
Sam Cunningham just wants a quiet life with his lover, the cheetah-shifter Alistair Gatti. But that hope is dashed when a member of Mickey Sullivan’s gang dies inside the Gatti family’s speakeasy.
Sullivan wants Sam to work for him, deciphering long-forgotten hexes as part of his illegal hexworks operation. At the same time, a corrupt prohibition agent demands Sam and Alistair investigate the gang member’s murder. Caught between gangster and agent, they must walk a fine line just to stay alive.
Because the sinister forces behind the killing are still out there, and now they have Sam in their sights…
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2024
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
86 books2,664 followersJordan L. Hawk writes queer fiction with a helping of eldritch monsters and things that go bump in the night. He's best known for the award-winning Whyborne & Griffin series. He lurks in the forests of Massachusetts, but can be lured out with pizza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 17, 2024
4.5
Broken men in a country without dreams. It's still a film noir setting but without the obligatory femme fatale. On the contrary, the women here are much more sane and down-to-earth than the men with one or the other exception, of course.
Alistair is still caught in his war trauma and thus the main reason for his and Sam's standstill. It doesn't help that Sam while feeling that he now belongs with his new family and trusts in his and Alistair's relationship, can't help feeling inadequate. It's not exactly a healthy setting for a romance and to make it worse, it's also a world where the fight for survival doesn't leave any room for fighting for your happiness out of your own. But what are dangerous threats and challenging quests for, if not to push the MCs to forget their shortcomings and fight for the ones they love. At the end they get their little piece of happiness, nothing world-changing but a big step for them as a couple.
I still enjoy Hawk's ability to create a world out of real-world facts, fantastic elements and movie
archetypes and that it all comes together for something unique. Yes, I struggled a bit with Alistair's inability to recognize what has to be done and also with Sam's naive kindness and his submissive reactions to his despicable family but that also makes them real characters, so I only scold Sam quietly and won't kick Alistair in the butt to make him do the right thing … and keep my fingers crossed that it's not the last book in this series (would have been easier if I could see an overall story arc but I didn't), that we don't have to wait for the next book as long as we had for this one and that Hawk finds a way to somehow refer to his other Hexworld series.
Broken men in a country without dreams. It's still a film noir setting but without the obligatory femme fatale. On the contrary, the women here are much more sane and down-to-earth than the men with one or the other exception, of course.
Alistair is still caught in his war trauma and thus the main reason for his and Sam's standstill. It doesn't help that Sam while feeling that he now belongs with his new family and trusts in his and Alistair's relationship, can't help feeling inadequate. It's not exactly a healthy setting for a romance and to make it worse, it's also a world where the fight for survival doesn't leave any room for fighting for your happiness out of your own. But what are dangerous threats and challenging quests for, if not to push the MCs to forget their shortcomings and fight for the ones they love. At the end they get their little piece of happiness, nothing world-changing but a big step for them as a couple.
I still enjoy Hawk's ability to create a world out of real-world facts, fantastic elements and movie
archetypes and that it all comes together for something unique. Yes, I struggled a bit with Alistair's inability to recognize what has to be done and also with Sam's naive kindness and his submissive reactions to his despicable family but that also makes them real characters, so I only scold Sam quietly and won't kick Alistair in the butt to make him do the right thing … and keep my fingers crossed that it's not the last book in this series (would have been easier if I could see an overall story arc but I didn't), that we don't have to wait for the next book as long as we had for this one and that Hawk finds a way to somehow refer to his other Hexworld series.
December 24, 2024
I expected more from this second book. The world and characters are still interesting, but some aspects of the characters and relationship development really bothered me, and they didn’t make for a pleasant reading experience.
In the first book, I liked a lot that Sam held his ground and didn’t let Alistair decide for him, and that’s still the case here, but I really didn’t appreciate the contrived drama that derived from
The ending saved things a little and, in the hope that Sam and Alistair turned a corner and will stop acting this stupidly in the future, I reconsidered my decision to drop the series. We’ll see if they’re worthy of this second chance.
The plot wasn’t bad, I guessed the person responsible for Bobby’s death not too early in the book and aside from some confusion about , it kept me interested.
In the first book, I liked a lot that Sam held his ground and didn’t let Alistair decide for him, and that’s still the case here, but I really didn’t appreciate the contrived drama that derived from
The ending saved things a little and, in the hope that Sam and Alistair turned a corner and will stop acting this stupidly in the future, I reconsidered my decision to drop the series. We’ll see if they’re worthy of this second chance.
The plot wasn’t bad, I guessed the person responsible for Bobby’s death not too early in the book and aside from some confusion about , it kept me interested.
December 24, 2024
I enjoyed this new book in The Pride universe, but not at the same level as the first one. There were some things I wasn't happy about I was invested in the mystery from the beginning, I knew there was something fishy , and despite the culprit being obvious, I was eager to know when Sam would put two and two together
This was a good stopping point, but I wouldn't mind to read more in this same universe if I get to read it with my awesome BRead friend again.
This was a good stopping point, but I wouldn't mind to read more in this same universe if I get to read it with my awesome BRead friend again.
May 2, 2026
While The Pride is my least favorite series by Jordan Hawk, I am enjoying it overall, and The Lion's Tail is a pretty solid addition.
The 1920s Chicago setting is well-captured (if shifters and magic were real), featuring bootlegging, gangs in suits, shootouts, and corrupt cops and federal prohibition agents. Everyone has an agenda and most seem to have an 'ends justify the means' mentality.
Sam is coming out of his shell and finding his footing in Chicago as a hexman, working for Sullivan. He's good at it, he's enjoying it, and he's finally gaining confidence, but he's still far too trusting. He sees good in people, even when it isn't there, and doesn't really spot when others are using him.
Sam's vile, abusive family really did a number on him when he was growing up and once they discover he's still alive they heap on even more guilt. I loathed Sam’s family for their abusive and entitled behavior. I wished that Sam would finally stand up for himself, both with them and with those who would use him as a means to an end .
Alistair is also making some personal progress. Oh, he's still broody and grumpy, but he's thoroughly in love with Sam and it shows. Does he want to bond with Sam? Yep. Does he actually have the courage to do it? Eh.. And that hesitation gives Sam doubts, too. Because Sam doubts, even a little bit, he makes some really dumb choices.
I wanted 2 things to happen in "The Pride". One, for Sam to stand up for himself and two, for Sam and Alistair to actually talk to one another instead of dancing around the whole bonding issue. That avoidance really annoyed me after a bit.
I'm off to start book 3, now. We'll see how it fares.
The 1920s Chicago setting is well-captured (if shifters and magic were real), featuring bootlegging, gangs in suits, shootouts, and corrupt cops and federal prohibition agents. Everyone has an agenda and most seem to have an 'ends justify the means' mentality.
Sam is coming out of his shell and finding his footing in Chicago as a hexman, working for Sullivan. He's good at it, he's enjoying it, and he's finally gaining confidence, but he's still far too trusting. He sees good in people, even when it isn't there, and doesn't really spot when others are using him.
Sam's vile, abusive family really did a number on him when he was growing up and once they discover he's still alive they heap on even more guilt. I loathed Sam’s family for their abusive and entitled behavior. I wished that Sam would finally stand up for himself, both with them and with those who would use him as a means to an end .
Alistair is also making some personal progress. Oh, he's still broody and grumpy, but he's thoroughly in love with Sam and it shows. Does he want to bond with Sam? Yep. Does he actually have the courage to do it? Eh.. And that hesitation gives Sam doubts, too. Because Sam doubts, even a little bit, he makes some really dumb choices.
I wanted 2 things to happen in "The Pride". One, for Sam to stand up for himself and two, for Sam and Alistair to actually talk to one another instead of dancing around the whole bonding issue. That avoidance really annoyed me after a bit.
I'm off to start book 3, now. We'll see how it fares.
August 19, 2024
2.5 stars
I loved the first book of this series - but this one lost its charm. I realized I didn't care about the business side of the Prohibition era (all those talks about the alcohol quality and such were lost on me). And Alistair's possessive attitude but unwillingness to bond because of his fear annoyed me to the very end. Even Sam's preciousness couldn't save this book for me. I think I'll skip the next one.
I loved the first book of this series - but this one lost its charm. I realized I didn't care about the business side of the Prohibition era (all those talks about the alcohol quality and such were lost on me). And Alistair's possessive attitude but unwillingness to bond because of his fear annoyed me to the very end. Even Sam's preciousness couldn't save this book for me. I think I'll skip the next one.
August 23, 2024
3.5⭐
This one was a bit of a disappointment. I might even be a tiny bit generous for the 3.5 stars, but I really enjoy Hawk's writing in general, so I find it hard to drop the score lower.
Sam was horribly neglected, verbally and financially abused little thing in the first book. We saw him grow some backbone, but here he's eventually ready to throw his whole new great life away again, and it is pretty infuriating. But it's not the only problem in this book.
While the setting is nice and there are many lovely and interesting things, even though they're perhaps a bit on the predictable side, this story isn't paced well. All the huge changes happen in just a few days, and the main characters remain rather clueless throughout the book, until everything just implodes in the last chapters, and then the story ends somewhat abruptly.
Alistair was nice here and the villain was pretty good but I would have wanted to get to know them better. The rushed ending didn't really do them justice.
This one was a bit of a disappointment. I might even be a tiny bit generous for the 3.5 stars, but I really enjoy Hawk's writing in general, so I find it hard to drop the score lower.
Sam was horribly neglected, verbally and financially abused little thing in the first book. We saw him grow some backbone, but here he's eventually ready to throw his whole new great life away again, and it is pretty infuriating. But it's not the only problem in this book.
While the setting is nice and there are many lovely and interesting things, even though they're perhaps a bit on the predictable side, this story isn't paced well. All the huge changes happen in just a few days, and the main characters remain rather clueless throughout the book, until everything just implodes in the last chapters, and then the story ends somewhat abruptly.
Alistair was nice here and the villain was pretty good but I would have wanted to get to know them better. The rushed ending didn't really do them justice.
Read
May 13, 2025DNF at 15%, because I am not enjoying either character, and the plot is too slow for me to ignore that problem.
August 10, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Lion’s Tail is the second book in The Pride series by Jordan L. Hawk, an exciting historical paranormal series set in the same world as the author’s Hexworld series. This book continues Sam and Alistair’s story started in Blind Tiger, and while you could maybe jump in here if you are familiar with Hawk’s Hexworld, ideally this one is read in order. It has been over three years since the first book came out, so I did refresh myself a bit reading my review for Blind Tiger, but I was surprised how easily I slipped back into this world and these characters.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Lion’s Tail is the second book in The Pride series by Jordan L. Hawk, an exciting historical paranormal series set in the same world as the author’s Hexworld series. This book continues Sam and Alistair’s story started in Blind Tiger, and while you could maybe jump in here if you are familiar with Hawk’s Hexworld, ideally this one is read in order. It has been over three years since the first book came out, so I did refresh myself a bit reading my review for Blind Tiger, but I was surprised how easily I slipped back into this world and these characters.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 13, 2024
I'm kinda bummed. While this was by no means a bad book, it frustrated me. Sam was naive and easily manipulated. That coupled with continued lack of communication between him and Alistair (on Sam's end this time) lead to me shouting at the book (at least in my head LOL). Alistair on the other hand, showed some growth of character.
There is a part of the story near the end that, while on point for the author, I wasn't quite expecting. It changed the tone of the series from a fun but dangerous 1920's paranormal rum runner story to something more macabre.
If there is another book in the series, I'll definitely read it, but I hope Sam wises up.
There is a part of the story near the end that, while on point for the author, I wasn't quite expecting. It changed the tone of the series from a fun but dangerous 1920's paranormal rum runner story to something more macabre.
If there is another book in the series, I'll definitely read it, but I hope Sam wises up.
0-mm-borrowed-kindle-unlimited
June 6, 2021Definitely definitely want want WANT :-D!!!
April 30, 2026
I went in blind and the book basically tossed me into a back room like, “Figure it out.” Sam’s anxious, Alistair’s held together with trauma and attitude, and Chicago’s magic scene acts like it’s got beef with me. Still works. I caught the vibe fast, felt the danger, and the romance hits because it’s two guys trying to be soft in a city that keeps swinging.
July 17, 2024
This book is great. I actually liked it better than Blind Tiger. The background of Chicago in the 20s is more detailed, getting much more into the various gang conflicts and other historical details. I really liked the tie-ins between hexes and historical alchemy, and really liked the expanded discussion of how hexwork happens. Sam is gaining some more confidence, which I loved. Although of course I did still want to shake him, Alistair, or both at various points throughout the book.
The book is a lovely journey of Sam learning what family should really be like, with a scattering of betrayal, gun fights, and body horror to keep things interesting.
The book is a lovely journey of Sam learning what family should really be like, with a scattering of betrayal, gun fights, and body horror to keep things interesting.
October 2, 2024
Not as good as the first in the series but still enjoyable. I did find the ending a bit abrupt, after all the build up to a certain event it kind of was over and finished very quicky 😅
I'll still be reading more in this series of Hawk writes anything else. Love the Hexworld series!
I'll still be reading more in this series of Hawk writes anything else. Love the Hexworld series!
May 11, 2025
3,5/5
I enjoyed this second book in the Pride series. However Sam was a bit too naive and trusting for my taste; I wanted to shake him sometimes!
I enjoyed this second book in the Pride series. However Sam was a bit too naive and trusting for my taste; I wanted to shake him sometimes!
December 29, 2025
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews.
My review for this book definitely comes pretty late after first listening to the story on audiobook. I had good intentions to review, but when too much time passed, I needed a relisten to refresh my memory. And it was great entering back into this world of hexes, and witches, and familiar shifters.
Sam has gone through a lot in his life. His family’s constant criticism of all that he is, the death of his brother, his cousin being murdered in his home while Sam slept outside. He met a group of shifters who run a speakeasy, and helped fight off the crime boss. And in all of that craziness, he discovers that he is a hexmaker, a witch. And he falls in love with Alistair, one of the shifters at The Pride (the speakeasy I mentioned.)
After solving his cousin’s murder. Sam decides to stay in Chicago and takes up residence in his cousin’s house. He knows he’s on borrowed time and that his cousin’s family will eventually kick him out. It’s time for him and Alistair to find a place of their own, only Alistair is hesitant. About everything. We know that Alistair lost his witch and the pain of it makes him unwilling to bond with Sam so that they can use their abilities together. It also seems to make him hesitant to leave the pride, the found family that makes him feel safe, to venture out with Sam in their new life as a couple.
Until there is some competition for Sam’s magic, Sam takes a job with a crime family in order to finance his new life in Chicago. He is paired with a shifter who is working on a special hex for the mob man. It is meant to be a healing hex and the idea of it is especially important to Sam after he finds out his mother is on her deathbed. Despite pleas from his family to come home so they can continue to use and abuse him, Sam stays in Chicago to work on the hex.
But working with the mob is fraught with corrupt individuals, and the value of this healing hex leaves Sam’s life in serious peril . I don’t want to give away what happens, but it’s safe to say that Alistair is regretful for not bonding with Sam to help him. All is not lost and the bad guy is taken care of. Relationships are made stronger. But it is harrowing. In the end, Sam is still working for the crime syndicate. He has come so far from who he was in the first book of this series, though. He has gained confidence in his abilities and it helps him have confidence in communicating what he wants to his family and to Alistair. I’d say it all worked out for the best and I can’t wait to see what happens for him next.
As far as the narration goes, Greg Tremblay is perfect. His narrations are an autobuy for me and I definitely recommend this book and the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
My review for this book definitely comes pretty late after first listening to the story on audiobook. I had good intentions to review, but when too much time passed, I needed a relisten to refresh my memory. And it was great entering back into this world of hexes, and witches, and familiar shifters.
Sam has gone through a lot in his life. His family’s constant criticism of all that he is, the death of his brother, his cousin being murdered in his home while Sam slept outside. He met a group of shifters who run a speakeasy, and helped fight off the crime boss. And in all of that craziness, he discovers that he is a hexmaker, a witch. And he falls in love with Alistair, one of the shifters at The Pride (the speakeasy I mentioned.)
After solving his cousin’s murder. Sam decides to stay in Chicago and takes up residence in his cousin’s house. He knows he’s on borrowed time and that his cousin’s family will eventually kick him out. It’s time for him and Alistair to find a place of their own, only Alistair is hesitant. About everything. We know that Alistair lost his witch and the pain of it makes him unwilling to bond with Sam so that they can use their abilities together. It also seems to make him hesitant to leave the pride, the found family that makes him feel safe, to venture out with Sam in their new life as a couple.
Until there is some competition for Sam’s magic, Sam takes a job with a crime family in order to finance his new life in Chicago. He is paired with a shifter who is working on a special hex for the mob man. It is meant to be a healing hex and the idea of it is especially important to Sam after he finds out his mother is on her deathbed. Despite pleas from his family to come home so they can continue to use and abuse him, Sam stays in Chicago to work on the hex.
But working with the mob is fraught with corrupt individuals, and the value of this healing hex leaves Sam’s life in serious peril . I don’t want to give away what happens, but it’s safe to say that Alistair is regretful for not bonding with Sam to help him. All is not lost and the bad guy is taken care of. Relationships are made stronger. But it is harrowing. In the end, Sam is still working for the crime syndicate. He has come so far from who he was in the first book of this series, though. He has gained confidence in his abilities and it helps him have confidence in communicating what he wants to his family and to Alistair. I’d say it all worked out for the best and I can’t wait to see what happens for him next.
As far as the narration goes, Greg Tremblay is perfect. His narrations are an autobuy for me and I definitely recommend this book and the series.
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
September 30, 2024
I remember reading Blind Tiger when my mom was in the hospital in 2021 and how much de-stressing the story gave me. It blends several of my faves: paranormal, historical(prohibition, 1920s, post-WW1 to be precise), romance, and loads of mayhem. I can't deny that I've been waiting on pins and needles ever since for another story from The Pride but I also know authors can only give us the stories when the characters are ready to tell them. So yes, it's been a bit of a wait but oh so worth every single painstakingly aching second of it😉.
Lion's Tail is one of the best follow-up stories I've read in a long time. Sam and Alistair are just as yummy as I remember. Alistair is a bit overprotective but never in a malicious way so despite a few times of wanting to smack him upside the back of the head and telling him to chill, I loved that he cared so much. Sam is finally finding his place, although at times it seems he is still not quite suited for the mayhem around him but then he says or does something and you realize that perhaps he isn't quite as out of his depth as you might think.
Sam's family plays a part in this entry and boy, talk about characters I wanted to . . . well let's be ladylike here and say they aren't exactly what I call "good stock" and leave it at that😉. Where as the found family that makes up the cast at the Pride speakeasy, they are "good stock" and have Sam and Alistair's back.
As to the mystery element of Lion's Tail? Well no spoilers here but it kept me guessing upto the reveal, not completely on the who but definitely the why and how. I got shivers just thinking about it as I type this, heebiejeebies but perfect for Halloweeny reading.
The Pride is a spinoff of the author's Hexworld series. Even though you need to read Blind Tiger before Lion's Tail you really wouldn't have to read Hexworld first. There are some hex-terminology that might smooth over a bit if you read Hexworld but by no means is it a necessity. I do highly recommend checking out Hexworld for it's brilliant storytelling and world-building but you wouldn't have to do so before Blind and Lion.
However you choose to read them, Jordan L Hawk is a master of paranormal mayhem, so you will definitely enjoy the world they've created.
Lion's Tail is one of the best follow-up stories I've read in a long time. Sam and Alistair are just as yummy as I remember. Alistair is a bit overprotective but never in a malicious way so despite a few times of wanting to smack him upside the back of the head and telling him to chill, I loved that he cared so much. Sam is finally finding his place, although at times it seems he is still not quite suited for the mayhem around him but then he says or does something and you realize that perhaps he isn't quite as out of his depth as you might think.
Sam's family plays a part in this entry and boy, talk about characters I wanted to . . . well let's be ladylike here and say they aren't exactly what I call "good stock" and leave it at that😉. Where as the found family that makes up the cast at the Pride speakeasy, they are "good stock" and have Sam and Alistair's back.
As to the mystery element of Lion's Tail? Well no spoilers here but it kept me guessing upto the reveal, not completely on the who but definitely the why and how. I got shivers just thinking about it as I type this, heebiejeebies but perfect for Halloweeny reading.
The Pride is a spinoff of the author's Hexworld series. Even though you need to read Blind Tiger before Lion's Tail you really wouldn't have to read Hexworld first. There are some hex-terminology that might smooth over a bit if you read Hexworld but by no means is it a necessity. I do highly recommend checking out Hexworld for it's brilliant storytelling and world-building but you wouldn't have to do so before Blind and Lion.
However you choose to read them, Jordan L Hawk is a master of paranormal mayhem, so you will definitely enjoy the world they've created.
January 3, 2025
(I am ping ponging between a three star and a four star rating. Even a 3.5 would cause me to round up to a four and I just don't know! This is one of the hardest books for me to rate in quite a while!)
I'm not gelling 100% with this book and it might be partially my fault. See, I didn't reread the first book in the series before going after this one. So where that has left me is not knowing what Sam and Alistair see in each other and being somewhat feed up with their minor disagreements and squabbles.
Because in this book, they are already an established couple - though not an established witch/familiar pair. Which does something a little weird for me. I both like that (because I like the more logical, lack of soul mates vibe) and dislike it (because I feel a little like they are meshing real well as a couple for me and the lack of this connection actually makes them feel a little more distant to each other to me).
I do have a vague memory of them not being a favorite pairing for me from the first book, too. (And, to be honest, I don't think I'm ever going to like Sam.) I'm just not fully behind them as a couple and as the excitement of them getting together has worn off, I think that is coming to the forefront.
I do still love the 20's Prohibition era setting, though. And all the slang. The slang is super cool. (I also want to say that someone got splifficated instead of boringly saying they got drunk.)
AND I thought I had things figured out and I go, yeah, Hawk is an author that would go this creepy. But then I get the reveal and I'm like, no, Hawk's an author to go even creepier!
Honestly, I think this is one of the reasons I like his books so much, because I don't like horror books, but his books walk right up to that line of 'I enjoy this' without ever crossing over into the 'I don't enjoy this' and I actually find myself enjoying the general creepiness that is offered in his books.
I'm not gelling 100% with this book and it might be partially my fault. See, I didn't reread the first book in the series before going after this one. So where that has left me is not knowing what Sam and Alistair see in each other and being somewhat feed up with their minor disagreements and squabbles.
Because in this book, they are already an established couple - though not an established witch/familiar pair. Which does something a little weird for me. I both like that (because I like the more logical, lack of soul mates vibe) and dislike it (because I feel a little like they are meshing real well as a couple for me and the lack of this connection actually makes them feel a little more distant to each other to me).
I do have a vague memory of them not being a favorite pairing for me from the first book, too. (And, to be honest, I don't think I'm ever going to like Sam.) I'm just not fully behind them as a couple and as the excitement of them getting together has worn off, I think that is coming to the forefront.
I do still love the 20's Prohibition era setting, though. And all the slang. The slang is super cool. (I also want to say that someone got splifficated instead of boringly saying they got drunk.)
AND I thought I had things figured out and I go, yeah, Hawk is an author that would go this creepy. But then I get the reveal and I'm like, no, Hawk's an author to go even creepier!
Honestly, I think this is one of the reasons I like his books so much, because I don't like horror books, but his books walk right up to that line of 'I enjoy this' without ever crossing over into the 'I don't enjoy this' and I actually find myself enjoying the general creepiness that is offered in his books.
October 8, 2024
Lion’s Tale (The Pride, book 2)
By Jordan L. Hawk
Published by the author, 2024
Five stars
Set in 1924 Chicago, in Hawk’s fascinating “Hexworld,” Lion's Tail is filled with witches and magic and animal-shifter familiars who bond with them for life—and sometimes for love.
This second book carries on the story of Alistair Gatti, a cheetah shifter who has found a family of choice with a group of big-cat shifters in a speakeasy called The Pride. Alistair has found “his” witch in Sam Cunningham, a young man who fled an emotionally abusive family in small-town midwestern America.
But Alistair has not bonded with Sam, over lingering anguish at the loss of his first witch in the aftermath of horrors of World War I. That resistance on Alistair’s part is at the center of this story, in which the Gatti family run afoul of a crooked Prohibition officer and a vicious witch mobster.
The characters, especially Alistair and Sam, are wonderfully drawn; but the whirl of other players in this drama are equally interesting. The moral ambiguity of Prohibition-era Chicago is intense…the grandiosity of the rich mobster bosses are an American archetype, played out expertly against the background of a world filled with hexes and magic. The Gatti family (gatti being Italian for ‘cats’) are technically criminals—but they’re really a family of outsiders serving their community (and nobody today thinks Prohibition was a good idea, right?).
My bias in favor of these books is because of my lifelong love of cheetahs (of all the big cats—they can purr, and can nearly be domesticated). But more than this, Hawk’s world of hexmakers, incorporating magic into the most mundane parts of modern life, as well as its use as a tool of war, creates a vivid realm both familiar and tantalizingly alien.
By Jordan L. Hawk
Published by the author, 2024
Five stars
Set in 1924 Chicago, in Hawk’s fascinating “Hexworld,” Lion's Tail is filled with witches and magic and animal-shifter familiars who bond with them for life—and sometimes for love.
This second book carries on the story of Alistair Gatti, a cheetah shifter who has found a family of choice with a group of big-cat shifters in a speakeasy called The Pride. Alistair has found “his” witch in Sam Cunningham, a young man who fled an emotionally abusive family in small-town midwestern America.
But Alistair has not bonded with Sam, over lingering anguish at the loss of his first witch in the aftermath of horrors of World War I. That resistance on Alistair’s part is at the center of this story, in which the Gatti family run afoul of a crooked Prohibition officer and a vicious witch mobster.
The characters, especially Alistair and Sam, are wonderfully drawn; but the whirl of other players in this drama are equally interesting. The moral ambiguity of Prohibition-era Chicago is intense…the grandiosity of the rich mobster bosses are an American archetype, played out expertly against the background of a world filled with hexes and magic. The Gatti family (gatti being Italian for ‘cats’) are technically criminals—but they’re really a family of outsiders serving their community (and nobody today thinks Prohibition was a good idea, right?).
My bias in favor of these books is because of my lifelong love of cheetahs (of all the big cats—they can purr, and can nearly be domesticated). But more than this, Hawk’s world of hexmakers, incorporating magic into the most mundane parts of modern life, as well as its use as a tool of war, creates a vivid realm both familiar and tantalizingly alien.
November 5, 2024
Hi. Hello. This was amazing (just as I knew it would be).
I regret to say that it's been a while since I read book one, but my memory of the events came back quickly with the subtle reminders included in this one. Sam and Alistair continue to be wonderful together (though, oh my gods, just SPEAK TO EACH OTHER PLEASE. ahem. sorry). The new characters introduced and the chaos that ensued kept me turning pages. Blind Tiger made me buy a bunch of books about prohibition-era Chicago and Lion's Tail might be what kicks my butt into finally reading the last of them.
Another spectacular book by a favorite author. I truly hope there's more in store in the greater hexworld.
I regret to say that it's been a while since I read book one, but my memory of the events came back quickly with the subtle reminders included in this one. Sam and Alistair continue to be wonderful together (though, oh my gods, just SPEAK TO EACH OTHER PLEASE. ahem. sorry). The new characters introduced and the chaos that ensued kept me turning pages. Blind Tiger made me buy a bunch of books about prohibition-era Chicago and Lion's Tail might be what kicks my butt into finally reading the last of them.
Another spectacular book by a favorite author. I truly hope there's more in store in the greater hexworld.
February 1, 2026
I read the first book a while ago, so it took me a bit to get into the characters again. As I have also read the author's other works set in the same universe, I was familiar with the magic system, which was a good thing as this book assumes that the reader is, and doesn't go into too much detail of how witches, familiars and hexes work.
I liked the story and the setting - however I wanted more from the romance, especially from Sam.
I am interested to know where this series is going, and I do like that it is keeping it's focus on the same couple
I liked the story and the setting - however I wanted more from the romance, especially from Sam.
I am interested to know where this series is going, and I do like that it is keeping it's focus on the same couple
July 14, 2024
I've read Patreon ARC and it was lovely, really. A highly enjoyable read. The complex, round main characters, the fast paced plot, the attention to detail in the historical setting, the struggles and dilemmas in the relationship, the memorable side characters - all of it was nicely done according to Hawk's unique style and high standards. The single flaw here was the predictability of the murder mystery. If you're familiar with Hawk's style you'd solve it by the middle of the book.
August 17, 2024
Wow! The author I love is back. I had my doubts after several recent books that didn't work for me but it feels like the author got their groove back.
I love the Hexword universe and extending it to prohibition era in Chicago makes it very interesting and exciting.
I liked it better than Blind Tiger, writing was tight and fast-pacedkeeping me on the edge of a seat the entire story.
Looking forward to the next in series.
I love the Hexword universe and extending it to prohibition era in Chicago makes it very interesting and exciting.
I liked it better than Blind Tiger, writing was tight and fast-pacedkeeping me on the edge of a seat the entire story.
Looking forward to the next in series.
January 13, 2025
Oh my god...shut up! Shut up! I am one of those queer folks who feels strongly that useless bigoted family members should be launched into the sun. And that includes Sam's raggedy ass family. I don't give a fuck what happens to his mother or the remainder of his family. Like...just die. I couldn't fucking stand reading Sam whine and cry and weep about his family. Again. Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
I can't think of the last time I cared this little about the potential death of a main character.
I can't think of the last time I cared this little about the potential death of a main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 11, 2025DNF around halfway through the audiobook.
I really enjoyed the first in this series and was looking forward to this one, but even Greg Boudreaux couldn't save it for me. Both MCs were just making some irritating & nonsensical choices for the sake of the plot/drama, and it annoyed me enough that I didn't want to keep going.
I don't usually give up on audiobooks I've paid for, so maybe I'll come back to it someday. We'll see.
I really enjoyed the first in this series and was looking forward to this one, but even Greg Boudreaux couldn't save it for me. Both MCs were just making some irritating & nonsensical choices for the sake of the plot/drama, and it annoyed me enough that I didn't want to keep going.
I don't usually give up on audiobooks I've paid for, so maybe I'll come back to it someday. We'll see.
August 11, 2024
I loved this world in book 1 and was eager to revsiit it. The stakes are even higher for Sam and Alastair now, physically and emotionally. The central mystery of the plot was well executed, with some fun surprises. Characters development didn't shine quite as bright as expected, and I was still itching for a better handle on the world, but the door is open for another book and I would still sign right up.
August 15, 2024
Its been quite a while since book 1 but I found I could remember what happened and so didn't need a refresher before starting this book.
I tend to read and accept things, not think too deeply about things and therefore I didn't feel the frustrations some of my GR friends seem to have had whilst reading this.
I tend to read and accept things, not think too deeply about things and therefore I didn't feel the frustrations some of my GR friends seem to have had whilst reading this.
September 20, 2024
Enjoyable continuation of the series, with a bit more about hex-making in this one compared to the previous book. You see a bit less of some of the rest of the characters at The Pride, it seems to be focused more heavily on Alistair and Sam, particularly Sam's new hex-making work and his family back at home. A good read and a great series so far.
November 7, 2024
This is a solid follow-up to the first book. As usual with JLH, it was well paced. The characters are still working through their various issues. I wish Sam's relationships with his co-workers were better developed and I occasionally got the various villian-y side characters confused. I continue to enjoy the Prohibition setting and I liked the link between alchemy and hexes.
May 28, 2025
Sam and Alistair continue their adventures in the mash up world of 1920's Chicago gangland during prohibition crossed with shifters and hex magic.
Sam continues to be coerced by others but does grow some back bone when the chips are down.
His family continue to be a horrid thorn in his side - not sure we are finished with them yet.
Alistair finally comes to the right conclusion!!!
Sam continues to be coerced by others but does grow some back bone when the chips are down.
His family continue to be a horrid thorn in his side - not sure we are finished with them yet.
Alistair finally comes to the right conclusion!!!
January 1, 2026
Yay! I finally finished! This was a Christmas present from 2024 that I picked up and put down multiple times this year. I really enjoy the world building of this series. It's hard to pull off historical fantasy but I fully buy this world.
Like the first one, the mystery is easy and Sam & Alistair are fine. It's not going to give you brain rot, but I do enjoy these books.
Like the first one, the mystery is easy and Sam & Alistair are fine. It's not going to give you brain rot, but I do enjoy these books.
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