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Arcane Hearts #2
A Stroke of Brilliance
The fragrance of chaos. The flavor of terror. The color of madness.
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are loving a life of hunting and harvesting rare reagents wherever the Black Market travels. But a routine trip to visit Japanese tree spirits turns up something sinister: two crystal shards, embedded in the bodies of wild animals. They’re familiar, glimmering, violet… like splinters of amethyst.
But that’s not all. Two rival guilds are in strife, Jack and Xander caught in a crossfire of spells and slander. SEER and its hundred eyes are still watching their every move. And then there’s the matter of meeting Xander’s parents, perhaps Jackson’s deadliest challenge to date.
The Chrysanthemyst’s return is the least of their problems.
A Stroke of Brilliance is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Stroke of Brilliance today.
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are loving a life of hunting and harvesting rare reagents wherever the Black Market travels. But a routine trip to visit Japanese tree spirits turns up something sinister: two crystal shards, embedded in the bodies of wild animals. They’re familiar, glimmering, violet… like splinters of amethyst.
But that’s not all. Two rival guilds are in strife, Jack and Xander caught in a crossfire of spells and slander. SEER and its hundred eyes are still watching their every move. And then there’s the matter of meeting Xander’s parents, perhaps Jackson’s deadliest challenge to date.
The Chrysanthemyst’s return is the least of their problems.
A Stroke of Brilliance is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Stroke of Brilliance today.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
83 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books393 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 14, 2025
I love that the Black Market has changed its location and tunneled to Osaka this time, giving Jackson and Xander new adventures, with new magical creatures and god to encounter, in addition to making some new friends. This volume is more fun and has better plot than the first.
October 26, 2023
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals.
Nazri Noor’s Arcane Hearts series of snarky, sexy, action-packed urban fantasy novels continues with A Stroke of Brilliance, which picks up shortly after A Touch of Feverends. In that book, the author did a great job of setting up and introducing listeners to the fascinating and imaginative universe of the Black Market – a dimension that travels from place to place, enabling its inhabitants to go through portals into ‘our’ world – of creating a couple of complex, likeable leads and of setting up an intriguing overarching plotline for the series.
Note: There are spoilers for AToF in this review.
The series’ PoV character is Jackson Pryde, a smart-talking artificer whose parents were killed in an explosion that also destroyed the entirety of the Artificer’s Guild. Artificers are born without much magical ability but with the talent for creating devices that amplify the little magic they have, and Jackson, who still feels his loss keenly but mostly covers it up with layers of wise-assery, is now working on something he hopes will restore his fortunes as well as a more widespread respect for the craft. For years, Jackson has been at loggerheads with his former best friend, Xander Wright, a mage destined for incandescence (a state achieved only by the most powerful); but after teaming up to solve several murders, Jackson and Xander rediscovered their friendship and finally admitted and acted on the frustrated attraction which had been simmering between them for so long.
Jackson ekes out a living by fulfilling commissions from the various guilds, hunting for valuable materials and reagents they need in their work in exchange for a fee – or, as he terms it, the “Keep Jackson Alive Fund.” He’s always undertaken these quests alone, but now Xander often accompanies him – which pleases Jackson a lot; not only because he likes the company but also ecause it gets Xander out of his study and away from all his stuffy mage books! When A Stroke of Brilliance begins, Jackson has received a commission from The Circle of a Thousand Hands – the guild of scribes and scroll-makers – to bring back some Japanese Pine Resin, and on the way, he and Xander have stopped off to help a kindly wood spirit and her family with a spot of gardening. They’re taking a break when a wounded and terrified fawn bursts in to the clearing; Xander spots a wound on one of the animal’s back legs and with Jackson’s help, pulls out a splinter- a piece of purple crystal that looks suspiciously like the shard of a Chrysanthemist.
Returning to the Black Market with the Resin and the other crystal shards they found, Jackson and Xander make their way to the Thousand Hands, where Kaoru, the Guild Master, hints at there being some “unfortunate” goings on at the Ringing Hollow – the guild of glassblowers. There’s clearly some bad blood between the two guilds, but Jackson isn’t convinced he and Xander should be the ones to look into it. Xander, however, thinks leaving it to SEER (magical law enforcement) would be a mistake, so Jackson reluctantly agrees to go to the Ringing Hollow to scope things out after he’s dropped off the shards at home to see what Lore (the Artificer’s Intelligence built by his father) can discover about them.
When Jackson and Xander arrive at the Ringing Hollow, they receive a distinctly frosty reception from the Second Voice, the guild’s second-in-command, but their conversation is interrupted by the news of an explosion down in the main foundry. Before the messenger can say much more, however, the Second Voice shuts her down and immediately attempts to play down the incident as nothing more than an occupational hazard of working with extreme temperatures and molten glass. It’s obviously a lie – and when Reza Arshad, the infuriatingly handsome and, well, just plain infuriating SEER operative who got mixed up in the murder investigation in the previous book turns up to tell Jackson and Xander that he, too, suspects something is amiss, and even offers to share information with them if they’ll reciprocate with whatever they find out, they’re more convinced than ever that there is something seriously wrong.
A Stroke of Brilliance is a terrific follow-up to the first book. The plotting is tight and the questions and the tensions mount as we head into an action-packed climax with Jackson, Xander and their friends and allies facing a deadly foe the like of which they’ve not seen before, and whose origin is still shrouded in mystery. The world-building is excellent as we get to know more about the various guilds and the way they and the Black Market operate; the concept of a moveable dimension opens up all sorts of possibilities and settings for future stories, and I love that. I’m also loving the central relationship between Jackson and Xander; it’s fun and sexy and full of affection, with an underlying tenderness that comes through strongly despite Jackson’s frequent admonishments to himself not to go overboard with the sappy. (He’s so far gone…) They’re obviously crazy about each other, they work well together and have a great way of bouncing off each other – and I always love a couple for whom snark is a way of expressing affection ;) That isn’t to say they don’t have obstacles to overcome, and in this book we meet two of them – Xander’s overbearing and frankly awful parents – but they’re working through them together and are solid as a couple.
The author introduces some interesting new characters and the recurring ones are becoming more fully fleshed out; there’s a nice element of found family to the story, too, all the more poignant because Jackson has lost his (there’s a beautiful moment when he remembers his parents and how much they loved and laughed together).
Zachary Johnson delivers another fabulous performance that combines considerable technical skill with a lot of warmth and heart. Jackson is a great character; he’s outwardly confident and often brash but he loves fiercely and carefully guards the inner vulnerability he very rarely lets others see. He’s a romantic at heart – although he’d probably die before admitting it! – and Mr. Johnson absolutely nails every single facet of his character – his insecurities, his warmth, his humour – and the banter with Xander and smart-arse remarks are timed perfectly. Xander’s wit and new-found playfulness are on point, too, and the conflict he experiences between his desire to follow his own path and to fulfil his parents’ expectations is skilfully conveyed. The secondary cast is appropriately portrayed and clearly differentiated (I love his portrayal of Lore), although there are a couple of female characters I couldn’t have identified as such had it not been made clear in the text. That’s my only criticism though – otherwise, it’s a wonderfully engaged and animated performance that was an absolute delight to listen to.
A Stroke of Brilliance is an inventive, fast-moving story and the narration is superb – wonderful entertainment all round. As I write this review, book three, An Iron Fist , is waiting for me in my Audible library, and I’m off to listen to it!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Nazri Noor’s Arcane Hearts series of snarky, sexy, action-packed urban fantasy novels continues with A Stroke of Brilliance, which picks up shortly after A Touch of Feverends. In that book, the author did a great job of setting up and introducing listeners to the fascinating and imaginative universe of the Black Market – a dimension that travels from place to place, enabling its inhabitants to go through portals into ‘our’ world – of creating a couple of complex, likeable leads and of setting up an intriguing overarching plotline for the series.
Note: There are spoilers for AToF in this review.
The series’ PoV character is Jackson Pryde, a smart-talking artificer whose parents were killed in an explosion that also destroyed the entirety of the Artificer’s Guild. Artificers are born without much magical ability but with the talent for creating devices that amplify the little magic they have, and Jackson, who still feels his loss keenly but mostly covers it up with layers of wise-assery, is now working on something he hopes will restore his fortunes as well as a more widespread respect for the craft. For years, Jackson has been at loggerheads with his former best friend, Xander Wright, a mage destined for incandescence (a state achieved only by the most powerful); but after teaming up to solve several murders, Jackson and Xander rediscovered their friendship and finally admitted and acted on the frustrated attraction which had been simmering between them for so long.
Jackson ekes out a living by fulfilling commissions from the various guilds, hunting for valuable materials and reagents they need in their work in exchange for a fee – or, as he terms it, the “Keep Jackson Alive Fund.” He’s always undertaken these quests alone, but now Xander often accompanies him – which pleases Jackson a lot; not only because he likes the company but also ecause it gets Xander out of his study and away from all his stuffy mage books! When A Stroke of Brilliance begins, Jackson has received a commission from The Circle of a Thousand Hands – the guild of scribes and scroll-makers – to bring back some Japanese Pine Resin, and on the way, he and Xander have stopped off to help a kindly wood spirit and her family with a spot of gardening. They’re taking a break when a wounded and terrified fawn bursts in to the clearing; Xander spots a wound on one of the animal’s back legs and with Jackson’s help, pulls out a splinter- a piece of purple crystal that looks suspiciously like the shard of a Chrysanthemist.
Returning to the Black Market with the Resin and the other crystal shards they found, Jackson and Xander make their way to the Thousand Hands, where Kaoru, the Guild Master, hints at there being some “unfortunate” goings on at the Ringing Hollow – the guild of glassblowers. There’s clearly some bad blood between the two guilds, but Jackson isn’t convinced he and Xander should be the ones to look into it. Xander, however, thinks leaving it to SEER (magical law enforcement) would be a mistake, so Jackson reluctantly agrees to go to the Ringing Hollow to scope things out after he’s dropped off the shards at home to see what Lore (the Artificer’s Intelligence built by his father) can discover about them.
When Jackson and Xander arrive at the Ringing Hollow, they receive a distinctly frosty reception from the Second Voice, the guild’s second-in-command, but their conversation is interrupted by the news of an explosion down in the main foundry. Before the messenger can say much more, however, the Second Voice shuts her down and immediately attempts to play down the incident as nothing more than an occupational hazard of working with extreme temperatures and molten glass. It’s obviously a lie – and when Reza Arshad, the infuriatingly handsome and, well, just plain infuriating SEER operative who got mixed up in the murder investigation in the previous book turns up to tell Jackson and Xander that he, too, suspects something is amiss, and even offers to share information with them if they’ll reciprocate with whatever they find out, they’re more convinced than ever that there is something seriously wrong.
A Stroke of Brilliance is a terrific follow-up to the first book. The plotting is tight and the questions and the tensions mount as we head into an action-packed climax with Jackson, Xander and their friends and allies facing a deadly foe the like of which they’ve not seen before, and whose origin is still shrouded in mystery. The world-building is excellent as we get to know more about the various guilds and the way they and the Black Market operate; the concept of a moveable dimension opens up all sorts of possibilities and settings for future stories, and I love that. I’m also loving the central relationship between Jackson and Xander; it’s fun and sexy and full of affection, with an underlying tenderness that comes through strongly despite Jackson’s frequent admonishments to himself not to go overboard with the sappy. (He’s so far gone…) They’re obviously crazy about each other, they work well together and have a great way of bouncing off each other – and I always love a couple for whom snark is a way of expressing affection ;) That isn’t to say they don’t have obstacles to overcome, and in this book we meet two of them – Xander’s overbearing and frankly awful parents – but they’re working through them together and are solid as a couple.
The author introduces some interesting new characters and the recurring ones are becoming more fully fleshed out; there’s a nice element of found family to the story, too, all the more poignant because Jackson has lost his (there’s a beautiful moment when he remembers his parents and how much they loved and laughed together).
Zachary Johnson delivers another fabulous performance that combines considerable technical skill with a lot of warmth and heart. Jackson is a great character; he’s outwardly confident and often brash but he loves fiercely and carefully guards the inner vulnerability he very rarely lets others see. He’s a romantic at heart – although he’d probably die before admitting it! – and Mr. Johnson absolutely nails every single facet of his character – his insecurities, his warmth, his humour – and the banter with Xander and smart-arse remarks are timed perfectly. Xander’s wit and new-found playfulness are on point, too, and the conflict he experiences between his desire to follow his own path and to fulfil his parents’ expectations is skilfully conveyed. The secondary cast is appropriately portrayed and clearly differentiated (I love his portrayal of Lore), although there are a couple of female characters I couldn’t have identified as such had it not been made clear in the text. That’s my only criticism though – otherwise, it’s a wonderfully engaged and animated performance that was an absolute delight to listen to.
A Stroke of Brilliance is an inventive, fast-moving story and the narration is superb – wonderful entertainment all round. As I write this review, book three, An Iron Fist , is waiting for me in my Audible library, and I’m off to listen to it!
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
October 21, 2021
Hmmm, maybe the sparks that I felt in the first book has diminished? Jack and Xander are solid as a couple, but I wasn't too interested with the "repeat" problem of dangerous . Also, there wasn't any significant development of Jack's magic and his Gauntlet which frustrated me. I did love the part with Lore () though
February 9, 2022
Romance, humour, snarky commentary, and magical mayhem - what's not to love?
This second book in the series was just as much fun as the first one, and I'm already looking forward to the next. Jackson and Xander have settled into a solid relationship now - one not without a variety of problems, but blessedly devoid of unnecessary drama - and I'm really enjoying their romance, even more so now than at the beginning, the introduction of the two guilds the boys deal with here adds another intriguing aspect to the worldbuilding, and some interesting new characters are introduced. I certainly hope we'll see more of Kaoru.
All in all, another quick and wildly entertaining read. I'll take more of the same, please!
This second book in the series was just as much fun as the first one, and I'm already looking forward to the next. Jackson and Xander have settled into a solid relationship now - one not without a variety of problems, but blessedly devoid of unnecessary drama - and I'm really enjoying their romance, even more so now than at the beginning, the introduction of the two guilds the boys deal with here adds another intriguing aspect to the worldbuilding, and some interesting new characters are introduced. I certainly hope we'll see more of Kaoru.
All in all, another quick and wildly entertaining read. I'll take more of the same, please!
January 7, 2022
Oh, I really liked this one ... even more than the first. I think it is an interesting plot with the Christantenums.
Let's see what happens next
Let's see what happens next
February 21, 2022
Excellent storyline, wonderful characters
Rating: 4.75🌈
This series just gets better. Nazri Noor takes the plot of two young magical people find love while doing amazing things to save the world. Sounds simple, right?
But in Arcane Hearts nothing is simple, even falling in love.
The first story saw Noor establish the sad histories of Jackson Pryde, and his next door neighbor Xander Wright. Jackson, a artificer who lost his parents in an explosion that saw the loss as well all his Guild, was first at odds with his old childhood friend. Xander is a mage who’s parents and college have a awful future planned out for him. But a joint quest and several murders soon saw their friendship renewed and then turned into something more. Now they’re in love and working together to uncover the basis of the purple threat that’s killing people.
Noor laid out his wildly fascinating universe, with its amazing Black Market who’s ability to move itself effortlessly onto new locations just by placing new doorways is endlessly entertaining. It opens up the characters and storylines to endless possibilities about new countries and mythologies to encounter. I love this!
Here the door goes to Japan and we meet some endearing tree spirits and one goddess from Mt Fuji. Culturally, Noor has thrown his narrative door wide open with his moving Black Market and it’s terrific.
The author has paid close attention to his characters as well. Their characters are developing more depth as their relationship is deepening. As they learn more about each other, they bring out more growth personally. It’s great to see.
There’s also a circle of friends that’s continuing to expand. Another master of a Guild, more friends pulled in by events or acts of kindness. A foundation of another sort of family comes together. Just as a bigger enemy is found that threatens the world.
The book ends as a small battle is eon knowing a bigger one is coming. Absolutely satisfying and I’m ready for the next book!
I’m so happy to have found this author and series. I’m recommending both! Read them in the order they are written in order to understand the series of events and the character development
Rating: 4.75🌈
This series just gets better. Nazri Noor takes the plot of two young magical people find love while doing amazing things to save the world. Sounds simple, right?
But in Arcane Hearts nothing is simple, even falling in love.
The first story saw Noor establish the sad histories of Jackson Pryde, and his next door neighbor Xander Wright. Jackson, a artificer who lost his parents in an explosion that saw the loss as well all his Guild, was first at odds with his old childhood friend. Xander is a mage who’s parents and college have a awful future planned out for him. But a joint quest and several murders soon saw their friendship renewed and then turned into something more. Now they’re in love and working together to uncover the basis of the purple threat that’s killing people.
Noor laid out his wildly fascinating universe, with its amazing Black Market who’s ability to move itself effortlessly onto new locations just by placing new doorways is endlessly entertaining. It opens up the characters and storylines to endless possibilities about new countries and mythologies to encounter. I love this!
Here the door goes to Japan and we meet some endearing tree spirits and one goddess from Mt Fuji. Culturally, Noor has thrown his narrative door wide open with his moving Black Market and it’s terrific.
The author has paid close attention to his characters as well. Their characters are developing more depth as their relationship is deepening. As they learn more about each other, they bring out more growth personally. It’s great to see.
There’s also a circle of friends that’s continuing to expand. Another master of a Guild, more friends pulled in by events or acts of kindness. A foundation of another sort of family comes together. Just as a bigger enemy is found that threatens the world.
The book ends as a small battle is eon knowing a bigger one is coming. Absolutely satisfying and I’m ready for the next book!
I’m so happy to have found this author and series. I’m recommending both! Read them in the order they are written in order to understand the series of events and the character development
February 3, 2022
More Fascinating Greatness! Outstanding Story & Audible Listen🎧
A Stroke of Brilliance
Arcane Hearts, Book 2
By: Nazri Noor
Narrated by: Zachary Johnson
Nazri Noor pens another brilliantly fascinating novel set in his “Arcane Hearts” world, it is the second book of the series and I highly recommend starting with the first book “A Touch of Fever”, not only is it an amazing story but it lays the foundation for the series and introduces you to key characters, the two leads, Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright, and two of my favorite characters. Jackson and Xander make a great team hunting & harvesting rare reagents and once again they stumble on something evil and all is not right in the magical world. They are determined to get to the root of the evil crystals, but there are some road bumps along the way. This is a well-written and cleverly plotted story, Nazri Noor does an amazing job balancing several genres in his novel and aces them all. The dialogue is brilliant and there is plenty of drama, humor, mystery, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional ones and a sweet romance. The phenomenal world building and character development continues, I have to give a shout out to Lore and Xander, won’t spoil it, but loved what is happening with Lore, also loved seeing Xander stand up for himself with the Wrights. Nazri Noor, thank you for another fabulous, action packed story, it is great to visit and spend time in this fascinating and imaginative world you created.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Zachary Johnson continues to do an outstanding job bringing these characters and their stories to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he portrays, gives each their own unique voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. I love how he takes each role and makes it his own, sounding believable and just as I picture the characters to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, handles the witty dialogue with ease and lands the snarky humor effortlessly, never missing a beat. Zachary Johnson is versatile voice artist and an entertaining storyteller. Thank you for another amazing listen.
A Stroke of Brilliance
Arcane Hearts, Book 2
By: Nazri Noor
Narrated by: Zachary Johnson
Nazri Noor pens another brilliantly fascinating novel set in his “Arcane Hearts” world, it is the second book of the series and I highly recommend starting with the first book “A Touch of Fever”, not only is it an amazing story but it lays the foundation for the series and introduces you to key characters, the two leads, Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright, and two of my favorite characters. Jackson and Xander make a great team hunting & harvesting rare reagents and once again they stumble on something evil and all is not right in the magical world. They are determined to get to the root of the evil crystals, but there are some road bumps along the way. This is a well-written and cleverly plotted story, Nazri Noor does an amazing job balancing several genres in his novel and aces them all. The dialogue is brilliant and there is plenty of drama, humor, mystery, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional ones and a sweet romance. The phenomenal world building and character development continues, I have to give a shout out to Lore and Xander, won’t spoil it, but loved what is happening with Lore, also loved seeing Xander stand up for himself with the Wrights. Nazri Noor, thank you for another fabulous, action packed story, it is great to visit and spend time in this fascinating and imaginative world you created.
🎧📚🎧 And for the wonderful narration, Zachary Johnson continues to do an outstanding job bringing these characters and their stories to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he portrays, gives each their own unique voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. I love how he takes each role and makes it his own, sounding believable and just as I picture the characters to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, handles the witty dialogue with ease and lands the snarky humor effortlessly, never missing a beat. Zachary Johnson is versatile voice artist and an entertaining storyteller. Thank you for another amazing listen.
February 10, 2023
Family expectations
While this book starts with a more settled feeling between Jackson and Xander, it is so very soon in their relationship and many tests are yet to come. This happens very quickly as a new exposure of something much like the chrysanthemyst appears and the two find themselves at the centre of a dispute between guilds and SEER attention.
The plans that Xander's parents had for him to become Incandescent still weigh heavy. As the two meet more Grayhaven graduates there is a continued uncertainty around this school and those that come out from there, with lots of evidence of the pressure and expectations put upon them creating an interesting set of adults. Choosing to move away from those expectations of both the school and parents is not easy. The question of where Xander will go from here is front and centre again and it will clearly continue to have an impact as the current effects can't be changed.
There is a feeling now in this second book of a larger overall story coming forward. The immediate concerns of this story are resolved, no cliffhanger left dangling. However, it is clear that larger things are going on, with interactions with Gods and continued incursions into the Black Market and the larger world that threaten everyone. It will be intriguing to see where this all goes and watch as Jackson and Xander continue to navigate it together.
While this book starts with a more settled feeling between Jackson and Xander, it is so very soon in their relationship and many tests are yet to come. This happens very quickly as a new exposure of something much like the chrysanthemyst appears and the two find themselves at the centre of a dispute between guilds and SEER attention.
The plans that Xander's parents had for him to become Incandescent still weigh heavy. As the two meet more Grayhaven graduates there is a continued uncertainty around this school and those that come out from there, with lots of evidence of the pressure and expectations put upon them creating an interesting set of adults. Choosing to move away from those expectations of both the school and parents is not easy. The question of where Xander will go from here is front and centre again and it will clearly continue to have an impact as the current effects can't be changed.
There is a feeling now in this second book of a larger overall story coming forward. The immediate concerns of this story are resolved, no cliffhanger left dangling. However, it is clear that larger things are going on, with interactions with Gods and continued incursions into the Black Market and the larger world that threaten everyone. It will be intriguing to see where this all goes and watch as Jackson and Xander continue to navigate it together.
October 13, 2021
Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright live their lives hunting and harvesting rare reagents but on a trip to visit some Japanese tree spirits they encounter two crystal shards embedded into the bodies of word animals - they appear familiar as they are violet like amethyst just like the Chrysanthemyst. When they get home they find two rival guilds in strife and Jack and Xander get caught in the crossfire of spells and even slander which s not great as SEER is still watching their every move. The Jackson has to handle his deadliest challenge ever - meeting Xander's parents which makes the crystals appear as the least of their worries. Can they come out of all these complications intact and still together?
Gosh - so much happened to the guys in this book. I loved the shards in this story and the way that they were removed. The interaction with the leaders of the guilds and their personalities were interesting and their magic was fun. It was great to see the relationship between Jackson and Xander develop and that they were admitting their feelings for each other more. Well written plus easy to read, feel and understand. Loving the way this series is developing. Contains explicit M/M sexual content.
Gosh - so much happened to the guys in this book. I loved the shards in this story and the way that they were removed. The interaction with the leaders of the guilds and their personalities were interesting and their magic was fun. It was great to see the relationship between Jackson and Xander develop and that they were admitting their feelings for each other more. Well written plus easy to read, feel and understand. Loving the way this series is developing. Contains explicit M/M sexual content.
October 15, 2021
A Stroke of Brilliance: Arcane Hearts Book 2 by Nazri Noor continues Jackson Pryde’s story.
This story has a lot of action, just like Nazri’s other series, and we learn a lot more about the guilds and their structure in this world. Jackson and Xander’s relationship also grows as they learn more about each other. It is so cute just how adorable Jack is around Xander.
Nazri also includes some interesting food comments. For example, before even finishing the book I ordered the ingredients for onigiri and wow…maple leaf tempura.
We also learn more about Lore and just what Jackson’s parents had in mind when they built him. (I really like Lore). Lore’s actions remind me of all those discussions I had with other Star Trek fans about just what constitutes sentience.
I just loved the ending and I am really looking forward to the next story.
To sum things up, this is a great story, with a great plot, interesting characters, and interesting magic that is all set in an amazing and intricate world.
This story has a lot of action, just like Nazri’s other series, and we learn a lot more about the guilds and their structure in this world. Jackson and Xander’s relationship also grows as they learn more about each other. It is so cute just how adorable Jack is around Xander.
Nazri also includes some interesting food comments. For example, before even finishing the book I ordered the ingredients for onigiri and wow…maple leaf tempura.
We also learn more about Lore and just what Jackson’s parents had in mind when they built him. (I really like Lore). Lore’s actions remind me of all those discussions I had with other Star Trek fans about just what constitutes sentience.
I just loved the ending and I am really looking forward to the next story.
To sum things up, this is a great story, with a great plot, interesting characters, and interesting magic that is all set in an amazing and intricate world.
December 17, 2021
This novel picks up shortly after the first novel left off. Jackson and Xander have settled into a solid relationship. Rumours of trouble at one of the guilds reaches Jackson, and he can't help but get involved.
I really like this novel. The romantic tension is lessened, but I think that's necessary and makes sense with the way their relationship developed. I also feel that this allowed the focus of the novel to shift to deeper character building. New characters are introduced and I found that recurring characters from the previous novel were fleshed out more overall, which I think will allow for a richer reading experience as the series continues.
In addition, the drama of Jackson and Xander's relationship shifts to external factors, which seems appropriate as they are very much in the honeymoon phase with each other (and I like that they're getting one of those!)
I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this novel via the author.
I really like this novel. The romantic tension is lessened, but I think that's necessary and makes sense with the way their relationship developed. I also feel that this allowed the focus of the novel to shift to deeper character building. New characters are introduced and I found that recurring characters from the previous novel were fleshed out more overall, which I think will allow for a richer reading experience as the series continues.
In addition, the drama of Jackson and Xander's relationship shifts to external factors, which seems appropriate as they are very much in the honeymoon phase with each other (and I like that they're getting one of those!)
I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
I received a free copy of this novel via the author.
February 17, 2023
A Stroke of Brilliance is the second book in the Arcane Hearts series, a wonderful paranormal series with incredible worldbuilding. I highly suggest reading the first book in the series first – this series has an overarching plot and follows the same characters.
Oh. My. Gosh. I was not expecting where the plot went and I was so happy I am continuing this wild ride with Jackson and Xander. The plot is thickening – this mystery with the crystals and flowers is really intriguing. I enjoyed learning more about the guilds and their politics. Plus, all the side characters are just fantastic – rich and fascinating personalities.
The audiobook was narrated by Zachary Johnson who did a fantastic job. I love how versatile his voice is and he did a great job with performing the book. The audiobook production was well done.
Oh. My. Gosh. I was not expecting where the plot went and I was so happy I am continuing this wild ride with Jackson and Xander. The plot is thickening – this mystery with the crystals and flowers is really intriguing. I enjoyed learning more about the guilds and their politics. Plus, all the side characters are just fantastic – rich and fascinating personalities.
The audiobook was narrated by Zachary Johnson who did a fantastic job. I love how versatile his voice is and he did a great job with performing the book. The audiobook production was well done.
October 15, 2021
The first book in this series, "A Touch of Fever," was an excellent introduction to this series, but I think I like this second book even more. Jackson and Xander find mysterious things going on in the glass guild, with "accidents" happening. The Seer, Reza is after Jackson and he is taken into custody. The purple crystals, "Chrysanthemysts are being found everywhere and vicious crystal creatures are being made. Xander and his parents are at odds and Lore begins to find himself. An exciting adventure with magic galore, new friends and a growing relationship between Xander and Jackson. Some really hot sex and you have the whole package. Well worth the read. Can't wait until next one is out as Jackson and Xander are quickly becoming my two favorite characters to read about. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
May 10, 2022
Jackson X Xander part 2. The romance is well establish in this volume and the boys are sloppily, goofily, in love. The crystals remain the main "bad guy" but this time the spotlight is shared by Xander's parents who are essentially driving him to Incandescence and still expect him to produce an heir while he's burning away all the human parts of himself. We meet some new character as well as reuniting with some from the first book. Heat level hasn't really changed since the first volume, but since the romance is fairly secondary this round, it seems a bit forced. Jackson does seem to grow in skill through this volume however and I found that very satisfying. Unfortunately Zephyr is only mentioned in passing.
February 16, 2022
I'm so enjoying this series 😍
I'm so enjoying this series 😍
Jackson and Alexander Wright (I love hearing his full name) are still growing with their relationship and still falling into adventures. They're still tracking the source of the chrysanthemist crystals and dealing with guild members. As added facet, we get to meet Alexander Wright's parents (I don't like them). As with the first book, there's a great storyline, humour, heat. Looking forward to the next book.
Zachary Johnson - I don't know how much more I can say about how good he is and how brilliant he is for this series. Loved his performance!!!
I'm so enjoying this series 😍
Jackson and Alexander Wright (I love hearing his full name) are still growing with their relationship and still falling into adventures. They're still tracking the source of the chrysanthemist crystals and dealing with guild members. As added facet, we get to meet Alexander Wright's parents (I don't like them). As with the first book, there's a great storyline, humour, heat. Looking forward to the next book.
Zachary Johnson - I don't know how much more I can say about how good he is and how brilliant he is for this series. Loved his performance!!!
February 12, 2023
This book toed the line expertly between being an entertaining romp and still having enough weight to make you actually care about the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Jackson and Xander are both sort of nerds in their own unique ways and they are a lot of fun together. Jackson is an amusing narrator, I especially enjoy some of his side comments. Honestly the only thing that took off a star was the typos. For example there are a couple of instances where a zero was used in place of an “O”.
March 18, 2023
This is a fun, relatively low-angst Urban Fantasy series, so right up my alley. The MCs have terrific banter, and a great rapport6. The continuing mystery of the ChrysanthemistsÆ origin is intriguing.
I like how the Balck Market moves to diffrent locations so the readers can be introduced to different lore from the world. This stop: Japan. Xander’s parents are the worst. Reza is growing on me, but he’s still a bit pompous. Next stop: Norway.
I like how the Balck Market moves to diffrent locations so the readers can be introduced to different lore from the world. This stop: Japan. Xander’s parents are the worst. Reza is growing on me, but he’s still a bit pompous. Next stop: Norway.
October 12, 2023
HUGE improvement! Some might say massive.
Ok, same great storytelling and a huge evolution in the quality of writing are turning this into a series seriously worth reading. Noor still has a ways to go, it’s still a bit juvenile in the writing quality, but the difference is certainly more dramatic than mere night and day.
The characters are fun and the mystery continues to deepen. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Ok, same great storytelling and a huge evolution in the quality of writing are turning this into a series seriously worth reading. Noor still has a ways to go, it’s still a bit juvenile in the writing quality, but the difference is certainly more dramatic than mere night and day.
The characters are fun and the mystery continues to deepen. I’m looking forward to the next book.
July 5, 2025
Urban Fantasy. Second Book in series. First Person PoV. M/M romance. Spicey scenes. HFN ending. No cliffhanger, but part of an ongoing series that must be read in order.
Jackson Pryde and "Xander" Wright, now a couple, embarked on a mission to Japan for the Scrib Guild (the Circle of a Thousand Hands) to retrieve resin. There, they reunited with Jackson's old friends, some tree spirits. During their time in Japan, they helped a fawn wounded by a crystal that strikingly resembled petals from the Chysanthemyst flower, a significant element from their previous adventure.
When they return to the Black Market, they discover there is bad blood between the scribes and another Guild, The Ringing Hollow (those who deal in glass blowing and related magical objects).
Jackson and Xander attempt to mend fences, and navigate the minefield that is Xander' parents ambition for their son, which is to become an incandescent and not the partner to a low magic artifact tinkerer.
Jackson's got quite an eclectic group of friends. There's Preston, one of the rare artifact makers who survived the same accident that killed Jackson's parents. Then there's Reza, an officer with SEER, the Black Market's police force. And Beatrice, a talented seamstress who crafts magical garments. Finally, there's LORE, an artificial intelligence that manifests as a floating crystal, who can provide needed information at a moment's notice, much like DATA from Star Trek.
The conflicts central to this book are resolved, but the mystery of the dangerous flower and crystals persists.
Jackson Pryde and "Xander" Wright, now a couple, embarked on a mission to Japan for the Scrib Guild (the Circle of a Thousand Hands) to retrieve resin. There, they reunited with Jackson's old friends, some tree spirits. During their time in Japan, they helped a fawn wounded by a crystal that strikingly resembled petals from the Chysanthemyst flower, a significant element from their previous adventure.
When they return to the Black Market, they discover there is bad blood between the scribes and another Guild, The Ringing Hollow (those who deal in glass blowing and related magical objects).
Jackson and Xander attempt to mend fences, and navigate the minefield that is Xander' parents ambition for their son, which is to become an incandescent and not the partner to a low magic artifact tinkerer.
Jackson's got quite an eclectic group of friends. There's Preston, one of the rare artifact makers who survived the same accident that killed Jackson's parents. Then there's Reza, an officer with SEER, the Black Market's police force. And Beatrice, a talented seamstress who crafts magical garments. Finally, there's LORE, an artificial intelligence that manifests as a floating crystal, who can provide needed information at a moment's notice, much like DATA from Star Trek.
The conflicts central to this book are resolved, but the mystery of the dangerous flower and crystals persists.
September 3, 2025
A Stroke of Brilliance hits the ground running, doubling down on Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright’s crackling banter, chemistry, and high-jinks magic. The Black Market backdrop stays vivid and itinerant, giving their rivals-to-lovers dynamic room to spark while the stakes climb. Noor keeps the pace brisk and inventive. It’s a solid sequel that confidently expands the Arcane Hearts world and leaves you ready for book three.
October 20, 2021
The boys are back
The second installment and it just keeps getting better. The action is great but what I love the most about this series is the beautiful friendship between Xander and Jackson. Their love story is so natural and real. And that’s the magic of all of Nazri’s books. He makes you fall in love with the characters.
The second installment and it just keeps getting better. The action is great but what I love the most about this series is the beautiful friendship between Xander and Jackson. Their love story is so natural and real. And that’s the magic of all of Nazri’s books. He makes you fall in love with the characters.
January 22, 2023
Story B
Narration A-
Another fun adventure for Jack, Zander and his growing band of friends. I enjoyed the continuing saga of the crystals, and the progress in their relationship. I will definitely pick up the next book.
Zachary Johnson continues to do a great job with the narration, keeping all the unique voices separate.
Narration A-
Another fun adventure for Jack, Zander and his growing band of friends. I enjoyed the continuing saga of the crystals, and the progress in their relationship. I will definitely pick up the next book.
Zachary Johnson continues to do a great job with the narration, keeping all the unique voices separate.
May 13, 2023
Gotta say how much I just enjoy the hell out of this world. It's sweet, silly, and charming; full of characters who, even if occasionally a bit thin (Beatrice), are as relatable and endearing as they are likeable. There's no ground being broken here, and no aspiration to Literature (gods forbid) - just good spinning of the yarn.
October 25, 2021
A nice follow-up
Read the book in one setting. Jackson is still a great character, but I'm still not into the Xander/Jackson ship.
This book seemed to be setting up later stories, but it felt like we didn't get a lot of resolution.
Read the book in one setting. Jackson is still a great character, but I'm still not into the Xander/Jackson ship.
This book seemed to be setting up later stories, but it felt like we didn't get a lot of resolution.
October 15, 2021
I love these guys!
These sexy magical bois and their friends are amazing. Another adventure, drama, battles, and such awesome sex! Not too much but soooooo hot!
These sexy magical bois and their friends are amazing. Another adventure, drama, battles, and such awesome sex! Not too much but soooooo hot!
May 20, 2022
Journey
The journey continue with all the trouble happening in the black market. Will they truly understand the crystal.can't wait for next book and what xander will do
The journey continue with all the trouble happening in the black market. Will they truly understand the crystal.can't wait for next book and what xander will do
October 3, 2022
Good read
It keeps me coming back for more. I will be sad when it's over. But til then on to number 3.
It keeps me coming back for more. I will be sad when it's over. But til then on to number 3.
January 18, 2023
Talk about the next step
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