Werewolf and private investigator Nick Pardoner has a second job that he works part time. When he runs into vampire Alex, Nick knows he has to do his job, which is to slay the vamp. He can't seem to do it, though, and Alex ends up invading his life, and forming an uneasy alliance with him when things go terribly wrong. On the run, and trying to save Alex from forces far larger than they are, Nick and Alex form a friendship that might just be more enduring than anything in Nick's life. With the help of a dedicated cop, and other unlikely friends, Nick and Alex try to stay alive, and try to figure out what their new relationship means. Can they make it through to find out if Alex's life is worth saving?
I was inspired to read this book because it was recommended on several asexual (and one aromantic) books lists. One such list mentionned the author had specifically stated a character was asexual despite not being specifically mentionned in the book.
Had I not been told before reading that one character was asexual, I would have never guessed it. I assume the character is the werewolf however I find his portrayal of asexuality unclear. If anything I would say he is demi-sexual and definitely NOT aromantic. Being told the character was asexual, his equivocal consent during sex scenes and the vampire's ability to control his mind made me really uncomfortable with what was happening between the characters sexually. Frankly, it prevented me from enjoying fully what was a good story and funny characters.
The kindle version I bought had two short novels and a few short "extras" at the end. I felt throughout the book that this was meant to be a collection of stories centring around the two main characters and what I had purchased was only a small part of that collection. To date there isn't any more from the author but despite my earlier comments I enjoyed reading the book and would love to read more.
The characters were funny and easy-going the cases were interesting. It made for a short and fun read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fun, paranormal stories and doesn't have a problem with non-heterosexual characters. (I would advise you to look elsewhere if you're primarily looking for a story with an asexual character however...)
The Pardoner's Tale is an unusual and very funny story about a werewolf PI and his vampire sidekick. I read this book for the first time several years ago (in July 2008) and didn't like it then. I have no idea how I could have missed the tongue-in-cheek humor and the quirky characters. While this isn't a romance, it's a pretty good mystery and a fun character study. Bubbles (Dane) recently asked why I gave the book 1 star - and since I couldn't remember, I read it again and adjusted the rating.
Nick is, in many ways, a stereotypical PI. Except that he is a werewolf and has a very interesting side business on top of the 'visible' office. Alex is an entirely unexpected, and largely unwanted, additon to Nick's life. Interestingly, Nick sees something in the other man that stops him from killing the guy and the two end up being friends. Not that either of them would ever admit that - and this is half the fun of the book.
If you're looking for an unusual story, a mystery with lots of humor mixed in and some very stubborn men, you might like this book.
It did take me a couple of pages to get into the story but once I did I really enjoyed it. While the plot is not particularly original, it's very well executed and some of the details put an interesting twist on the story.
I particularly loved the characterization and the author mixed the action with humor and the growing attachment between the characters very well. The resolution was a little rushed and anticlimactic, but what makes the story special is the characters and their interaction and that worked for me. While the action subplot was resolved, the ending was open but I think there's a sequel already published. Definitely recommended.
I found this book in a list of novels with 'asexual characters'.
The cover is dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. But dont let that put you off. This is a quirky, fun (at times) rather violent (at other times) story about a werewolf and a vampire (and it breaks more than a few 'conventions' about vampires )
It was a refreshing, punchy novel that had more than a touch of humour and two very enjoyable characters. And although this is listed as m/m romance it isnt, really. So far it comes across, on the surface, as just a friendship, but the subtext goes much deeper than that. Lovely writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This review does not cover the second book in the series (Ace of Wands) which is included in the Kindle download. I will review that separately at a later date.
Four and a half stars rounded down for the dreadful cover!! Come on..... This book deserves something MUCH less twee!
This was an amazing book. Although defeating the Big Bad is a simple premise, it's executed very well. resulting in an exciting page turner. I also loved Nicholas's voice; it's the perfect the combination of honest yet unreliable. This made him very relatable and me very interested in reading his story. If that's not enough, the mechanics of trapping demons get extra points for originality.
This is a little strange but funny creepy tale. The Everyday Spectres are always very interesting stories, usually paranormal with a twist, for how much a twist can be in paranormal genre.
Nicholas Pardoner is a PI and a werewolf. Actually his werewolf side is not a bonus for his work, giving him a lot of problem with an ultrasensitive smell and a lot of pain when he changes. Plus he has uncontrollable angry attack when he is emotional unstable. One of his task as shifter PI is to kill all the vampires around. There is not a specific in this task, and so when he is off duty and see a new vampire, he plans his attack. But the vampire, Alex, is not our usual vampire. Actually he is a pretty good buddy and an unwilling Nicholas ends up living with him. Why? Even Nicholas doesn't know. Maybe is a pack question: Alex becomes pack for Nicholas.
It's hate and love between Nicholas and Alex. Same age and same interest make them two compatible roommate, but sex seems not to enter in the list of thing they have in common. Plus a demon is hunting Alex, and Nicholas and Alex find themselves running. During the journey they bond tightens, but love still remains outside of the term.
The Pardoner's Tale is not an usual paranormal novel. Alex is not the classical vampire by night type. Actually he has no problem with the sun light and can eat everything he wants. And Nicholas is not the classical werewolf who is more at comfort in wolf form than in human one, au contraire he avoids to shift if he can. And Alex and Nicholas's life is not glamour and easy, they live in shitty apartment, eating in cheap restaurant and dealing with bills and lack of stability.
The story is not very long, less than 85 pages, and I think it doesn't have a real end: I don't know what will happen to Nicholas and Alex, what will be their life, if they will have a life together. Actually I didn't even know if Nicholas and Alex in the end are a couple... or if Nicholas is even gay! But well, more than the end of the story, it's interesting all the setting and the characters and their background... I think they are good materials for something more, maybe a second book?
I read this in about three hours. There were a few things that bothered me, but they were all technical. Kindle version had minor formatting errors and the ending felt rushed and not paced well. As if the author was just desperate to just finish and did it rushed.
The characters themselves were very enjoyable and the relationship flows normally for the most part. It was just a fun read. Could not put it down.
Funny, engaging and likeable characters. I really enjoyed this novel about a werewolf and a vampire becoming friends and maybe more. Something that surprised me was the underwhelming powers of the supernatural. It was interesting to read about beings that lived amongst humans but were just a bit more powerful.
I am somewhat disappointed, did not like the ending- too rushed. the story feels like the first chapter of many and it's not -completed, concluded ... - Not Enough.