What do you think?
Rate this book
Strange Fortune
Valentine Strange, late of his Majesty’s 21st Benhali Lancers, needs money. Happily, the wealthy Holy Orders of Harappu are desperate to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya from an ancient temple deep in the mountainous jungle—an area Strange knows well from his days quelling rebellions. The pay is too good and the job seems too easy for Strange to refuse. But when Master Aleister Grimshaw, a dangerous witch from a traitorous lineage, joins the expedition, Strange begins to suspect that more is at stake than the retrieval of a mere relic.
Grimshaw knows an ancient evil surrounds the diadem— the same evil once hunted him and still haunts his mind. However, experience has taught him to keep his suspicions to himself or risk being denounced as a madman. Again.
Harried by curses, bandits and unnatural creatures, Strange and Grimshaw plunge onward. But when a demonic power wakes and the civilized world descends into revolution, their tenuous friendship is threatened as each man must face the destruction of the life he has known.
Grimshaw knows an ancient evil surrounds the diadem— the same evil once hunted him and still haunts his mind. However, experience has taught him to keep his suspicions to himself or risk being denounced as a madman. Again.
Harried by curses, bandits and unnatural creatures, Strange and Grimshaw plunge onward. But when a demonic power wakes and the civilized world descends into revolution, their tenuous friendship is threatened as each man must face the destruction of the life he has known.
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
37 people are currently reading
1427 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,418 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
February 7, 2017
4.5 Stars
Holy shit. That was absolutely nothing like anything I've ever read by Josh Lanyon, and while it is definitely not my genre...it was still really entertaining. Kind of like reading Indiana Jones. If the plots of all 3 movies (we don't count the last one) also happened in a Fantasy dimension with all sorts of magic, spells, rituals, archaic gods, some cray-cray priests, divine prophecy and a plot to basically bring death to the entire world - plus the handful of misfits that try to stop it.
So yeah. If that's your thing then OMG read this.
(Also, you can tell I don't read many Fantasy-based books because I had to create a shelf for this book!! Now I have to go back and re-shelf all the ones with magic that I originally grouped in with Paranormal...)
Holy shit. That was absolutely nothing like anything I've ever read by Josh Lanyon, and while it is definitely not my genre...it was still really entertaining. Kind of like reading Indiana Jones. If the plots of all 3 movies (we don't count the last one) also happened in a Fantasy dimension with all sorts of magic, spells, rituals, archaic gods, some cray-cray priests, divine prophecy and a plot to basically bring death to the entire world - plus the handful of misfits that try to stop it.
So yeah. If that's your thing then OMG read this.
(Also, you can tell I don't read many Fantasy-based books because I had to create a shelf for this book!! Now I have to go back and re-shelf all the ones with magic that I originally grouped in with Paranormal...)
February 23, 2025
Strange Fortune was a lot different from the other books by Josh Lanyon that I've read, and it's up there with some of my favourites from her (behind The Adrien English Mysteries of course, nothing than top them).
It's an Indiana Jones-esque adventure story with a bit of romance thrown in as a treat. We're following Valentine Strange and Aleister Grimshaw as they travel into danger to obtain a diadem, thought by most to be just a legend. The reason they are hired/ordered to get the diadem is vague, but the danger surrounding it, and now them, quickly suggests a more sinister reason.
While the romance is secondary to the plot, I really enjoyed it and our time spend following Strange and Grimshaw.
This book was released a while ago so I know the chances of a sequel are slim but I would really enjoy another book set in this world following these two. I feel like there was a lot left to learn and explore here.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't know if I have to put this disclaimer as I ended up picking up the audiobook myself... anyway haha
It's an Indiana Jones-esque adventure story with a bit of romance thrown in as a treat. We're following Valentine Strange and Aleister Grimshaw as they travel into danger to obtain a diadem, thought by most to be just a legend. The reason they are hired/ordered to get the diadem is vague, but the danger surrounding it, and now them, quickly suggests a more sinister reason.
While the romance is secondary to the plot, I really enjoyed it and our time spend following Strange and Grimshaw.
This book was released a while ago so I know the chances of a sequel are slim but I would really enjoy another book set in this world following these two. I feel like there was a lot left to learn and explore here.
Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I don't know if I have to put this disclaimer as I ended up picking up the audiobook myself... anyway haha
February 25, 2013
Strange Fortune is probably the biggest departure for Lanyon, a fantasy adventure novel about two very different men, one witch, one soldier, who are forced to journey together to retrieve a religious artifact, and along the way, discover a far more sinister plot with potential world-ending consequences.
The story is set in an AU world, but Lanyon’s fantasy setting is heavily inspired by turn-of-the-century India under Britain’s colonial rule. In this story, ruling Alba is trying to maintain its control over the colonized Hidush, and any talk of mutiny or displeasure of the ruling government is treason.
The MCs--Major Valentine Strange, seasoned soldier and heavy gambler, and Aleister Grimshaw, a powerful witch haunted by fits of madness, are both sympathetic and interesting. Their relationship at first is based on mistrust and irritation with each other, but that slowly burns away as they realize that to get home, they’ll have to rely on each other, and in doing so, they unearth something far deeper between them than either had expected.
Lanyon told the story from both MCs’ perspectives, which is a nice change since he often writes from one sole perspective, and it gives the reader a glimpse inside each character’s thinking (while still allowing the reader an idea of when an MC’s narration is somewhat unreliable. Like when Valentine’s attraction and feelings for Aleister grow, but he keeps thinking inwardly that any romantic thoughts must be because Aleister bewitched him. Yeah, that must be it...bewitchment.)
I was also kind of enjoying the book because it’s so different from Lanyon’s other works. It’s his most fantastical, way more than The Darkling Thrush or his story in Irregulars. It’s the longest of his works, at over 300 pages (which at times it felt very leisurely-paced, but it was still enjoyable to read.) It has quite a few action scenes, sword and gun fights, magic spells, etc. The romance is a very slow burn. (Not as slow as Fatal Shadows, but it’s up there on the list.) The few scenes of intimacy are either non-explicit or off-page.
Lanyon’s usual focus on murder mysteries comes to play here mostly in the way that he unravels the pieces to the larger puzzle that plays out over the novel, slowly drawing out the reasons behind Strange and Grimshaw’s quest for the diadem.
Like Lanyon’s other books, the writing is very clean and well put-together. There were a few tics that he usually steadfastly avoids (like using nouns instead of pronouns, “the younger man”, “the witch”) but overall his writing is smooth enough that it didn’t jar me out.
Because it lacked so many of the usual Lanyon-isms, outside of the MC pairing of strong fighting MC and learned bookish MC, it would have been easy for me to not know that this was a Lanyon work, and just think it was by someone else who, like Lanyon, was a good writer.
My main quibbles are that it did feel a little slow during the first half, but overall I enjoyed the chance to read a longer novel by him. I also almost wish that he went balls-out and created a completely new fantasy setting rather than have a setting that is so recognizable. I kept mentally comparing the faux colonized India with details from real colonized India. (This might be a more personal reader issue though, since I didn’t really dig the faux Russia and Japan references in the fantasy-steampunk novel Havemercy either. I find it can be distracting, but that’s just me.) This distraction by the setting did lessen though as I got further into the novel, either because I was so used to it, or the story was rich enough that I stopped caring (and stopped mentally comparing.)
I was a little worried at first since the story focused on two “white” MCs in a colonized faux-India, and I wondered if I was going to read something fantasy-orientalist and it kind of started that way for me, but Lanyon moved it into an interesting direction, and I appreciated the story’s trajectory and how the MCs were both participants in shifting Hidush’s future as well as bystanders
Strange Fortune is a very solid fantasy read, and I definitely recommend it if you like m/m fantasy. (And it’s also a safe book to read on a crowded plane or bus since it’s not explicit.) If you love Lanyon, but don’t like fantastical elements, I say maybe give it a shot since it does have Lanyon’s smooth writing, so it may still work for you.
Long story short--good fantasy story, very different from Lanyon’s usual work, but still enjoyable.
The story is set in an AU world, but Lanyon’s fantasy setting is heavily inspired by turn-of-the-century India under Britain’s colonial rule. In this story, ruling Alba is trying to maintain its control over the colonized Hidush, and any talk of mutiny or displeasure of the ruling government is treason.
The MCs--Major Valentine Strange, seasoned soldier and heavy gambler, and Aleister Grimshaw, a powerful witch haunted by fits of madness, are both sympathetic and interesting. Their relationship at first is based on mistrust and irritation with each other, but that slowly burns away as they realize that to get home, they’ll have to rely on each other, and in doing so, they unearth something far deeper between them than either had expected.
Lanyon told the story from both MCs’ perspectives, which is a nice change since he often writes from one sole perspective, and it gives the reader a glimpse inside each character’s thinking (while still allowing the reader an idea of when an MC’s narration is somewhat unreliable. Like when Valentine’s attraction and feelings for Aleister grow, but he keeps thinking inwardly that any romantic thoughts must be because Aleister bewitched him. Yeah, that must be it...bewitchment.)
I was also kind of enjoying the book because it’s so different from Lanyon’s other works. It’s his most fantastical, way more than The Darkling Thrush or his story in Irregulars. It’s the longest of his works, at over 300 pages (which at times it felt very leisurely-paced, but it was still enjoyable to read.) It has quite a few action scenes, sword and gun fights, magic spells, etc. The romance is a very slow burn. (Not as slow as Fatal Shadows, but it’s up there on the list.) The few scenes of intimacy are either non-explicit or off-page.
Lanyon’s usual focus on murder mysteries comes to play here mostly in the way that he unravels the pieces to the larger puzzle that plays out over the novel, slowly drawing out the reasons behind Strange and Grimshaw’s quest for the diadem.
Like Lanyon’s other books, the writing is very clean and well put-together. There were a few tics that he usually steadfastly avoids (like using nouns instead of pronouns, “the younger man”, “the witch”) but overall his writing is smooth enough that it didn’t jar me out.
Because it lacked so many of the usual Lanyon-isms, outside of the MC pairing of strong fighting MC and learned bookish MC, it would have been easy for me to not know that this was a Lanyon work, and just think it was by someone else who, like Lanyon, was a good writer.
My main quibbles are that it did feel a little slow during the first half, but overall I enjoyed the chance to read a longer novel by him. I also almost wish that he went balls-out and created a completely new fantasy setting rather than have a setting that is so recognizable. I kept mentally comparing the faux colonized India with details from real colonized India. (This might be a more personal reader issue though, since I didn’t really dig the faux Russia and Japan references in the fantasy-steampunk novel Havemercy either. I find it can be distracting, but that’s just me.) This distraction by the setting did lessen though as I got further into the novel, either because I was so used to it, or the story was rich enough that I stopped caring (and stopped mentally comparing.)
I was a little worried at first since the story focused on two “white” MCs in a colonized faux-India, and I wondered if I was going to read something fantasy-orientalist and it kind of started that way for me, but Lanyon moved it into an interesting direction, and I appreciated the story’s trajectory and how the MCs were both participants in shifting Hidush’s future as well as bystanders
Strange Fortune is a very solid fantasy read, and I definitely recommend it if you like m/m fantasy. (And it’s also a safe book to read on a crowded plane or bus since it’s not explicit.) If you love Lanyon, but don’t like fantastical elements, I say maybe give it a shot since it does have Lanyon’s smooth writing, so it may still work for you.
Long story short--good fantasy story, very different from Lanyon’s usual work, but still enjoyable.
March 10, 2011
This was a great book. It had a feel of historical to it but it was also fantasy which I loved.
I liked Valentine because he had such a dark humor. He was amused by the littlest thing and instead of being angry at something he'd get amused by it. Of course, he did get angry but most of the time he was pretty laid back. I loved Aleister, though. He understood Val's humor but he was also quiet and stayed to himself. People thought he was crazy all because he'd start ranting about weird things but in actuality he was just speaking of all the things he saw and learned because of his powers. He was also not well liked because he was a witch, which everyone thinks is unreliable and no one trusts.
I loved the journey Val and Ali go on and all the things they encounter from betraying bearers, masked priests, bandits, bad weather, demon possessions and weak friends. It was quite interesting and I loved it. I couldn't help but laugh at certain times but I also was hanging on the edge of my seat at other times. While the romance is light, it still is there it's just slightly hidden. After all, the book is focused around the journey and not the romance.
The only thing I had a problem with was how Val was called in the book. His name is Major Valentine Strange but throughout the whole book, even when it was in his POV and he was talking about himself, he'd call himself Strange. It kind of irked me a tad because for some reason it threw me off my rhythm while I was reading. I can't explain why although I do find it strange that the blurb calls him 'Val' but in the book he's only ever 'Strange' until Aleister starts calling him Val every once and a while.
Overall, though, this was a great book and I think fantasy buffs will truly like it. It's detailed and well-written and I'll be eagerly awaiting a sequel if there is ever one... Which I hope there will be. Lol.
I liked Valentine because he had such a dark humor. He was amused by the littlest thing and instead of being angry at something he'd get amused by it. Of course, he did get angry but most of the time he was pretty laid back. I loved Aleister, though. He understood Val's humor but he was also quiet and stayed to himself. People thought he was crazy all because he'd start ranting about weird things but in actuality he was just speaking of all the things he saw and learned because of his powers. He was also not well liked because he was a witch, which everyone thinks is unreliable and no one trusts.
I loved the journey Val and Ali go on and all the things they encounter from betraying bearers, masked priests, bandits, bad weather, demon possessions and weak friends. It was quite interesting and I loved it. I couldn't help but laugh at certain times but I also was hanging on the edge of my seat at other times. While the romance is light, it still is there it's just slightly hidden. After all, the book is focused around the journey and not the romance.
The only thing I had a problem with was how Val was called in the book. His name is Major Valentine Strange but throughout the whole book, even when it was in his POV and he was talking about himself, he'd call himself Strange. It kind of irked me a tad because for some reason it threw me off my rhythm while I was reading. I can't explain why although I do find it strange that the blurb calls him 'Val' but in the book he's only ever 'Strange' until Aleister starts calling him Val every once and a while.
Overall, though, this was a great book and I think fantasy buffs will truly like it. It's detailed and well-written and I'll be eagerly awaiting a sequel if there is ever one... Which I hope there will be. Lol.
July 31, 2014
I enjoyed that book quite a lot. It was the first gay themed fantasy adventure story I've read that did not focus on the romance. I enjoy gay characters a lot, so I appreciate having them in a fresh environment like this one.
I loved the world building, it was very unique and believable - and quite colorful!
I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. It was my first Josh Lanyon, by the way.
Oh, there was one huge detail missing in the book!!
No spoiler intended, but WHO is Major Strange actually?! That question was never answered. I desperately wanted to know his real name!!
I loved the world building, it was very unique and believable - and quite colorful!
I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. It was my first Josh Lanyon, by the way.
Oh, there was one huge detail missing in the book!!
No spoiler intended, but WHO is Major Strange actually?! That question was never answered. I desperately wanted to know his real name!!
read-sample-didn-t-buy
December 27, 2022I think this was Josh's first attempt at epic fantasy and it showed. Very clunky exposition in the sample caused me to put it down and never attempt it again.
May 3, 2011
Action packed, intense, and adventure filled novel. I am really glad that the romance is secondary to the adventure, I am quite bored with too much romance now. I love that the romance built slowly, and I am doubly glad to read they could restrain themselves and enjoyed simple intimacy whenever they can. It's not all about sex. This novel reads like an epic journey & adventure. There is so much going on, but it doesn't feel rushed at all.
This fantasy world is so unlike any other fantasy story I've read. I applaud you for taking chances with building a world that is similar, but not quite the same as India in the past. It is certainly very refreshing after fae, elves, and such. (and I am guilty for writing them. lol)
This fantasy world is so unlike any other fantasy story I've read. I applaud you for taking chances with building a world that is similar, but not quite the same as India in the past. It is certainly very refreshing after fae, elves, and such. (and I am guilty for writing them. lol)
January 27, 2016
This fantasy is once again proof of Josh Lanyons great writing skills. Colorful and brilliant like a Persian Carpet, this story, set in an alternative reality colonial India could have flowed from the quill of a Kipling or a Kaye. Far eastern lore interwoven with fascinating magic makes an exquisite backdrop for the love story between a grizzled soldier and a young yet jaded witch.
And since Josh Lanyon wrote this, the plot contains a solid, gripping mystery complete with a deliciously nutty villain and a good deal of mischievous humor.
Highly recommended!
And since Josh Lanyon wrote this, the plot contains a solid, gripping mystery complete with a deliciously nutty villain and a good deal of mischievous humor.
Highly recommended!
December 27, 2020
I was a bit lost during this entire book. The setting was strange and I could not understand where this was taking place. It seems as if there is a world that is fantasy but with real elements and it just baffled me. I thought I was getting into the story once the characters set off on their quest to find a diadem but the book just dragged with never-ending babble that I felt did not need to be included in the story.
I also did not feel a connection between the characters. Valentine Strange did not even seem to like Aleister Grimshaw for most of the book. Once they did come together it was glossed over and left a rather empty feeling.
This is not usually a genre I read but when it’s done well I thoroughly enjoy it. Unfortunately this was not executed well enough for me to enjoy it.
ARC received via NetGalley for review
I also did not feel a connection between the characters. Valentine Strange did not even seem to like Aleister Grimshaw for most of the book. Once they did come together it was glossed over and left a rather empty feeling.
This is not usually a genre I read but when it’s done well I thoroughly enjoy it. Unfortunately this was not executed well enough for me to enjoy it.
ARC received via NetGalley for review
September 26, 2018
If I was rating this in terms of quality, I would probably give it a 4. But unfortunately, it didn't work as well as it could have for me. I found it a bit slow and not as immersive as I would have liked. I didn't particularly connect with the characters and I didn't see much connection between them, nor did I really understand their motivations. We only got a little information, for example, on Valentine's background, so I didn't really feel why Valentine Strange was so loyal to the maintenance of the military and social order.
Regarding the setting, it seemed to be some sort of fantasy version of colonial India. I feel it could have been more effective if it was either just set in colonial India (with magical elements) or set in a completely imaginary place and time. I could have also used more background on the socio-political landscape. We were kind of thrown into without explanation, which is often good if you gain an understanding of what's going on through context, but I was never 100% certain of the history of the conflict between the groups and the stakes particular individuals had.
The plot was kind of interesting, but dragged a bit in the last quarter. On the whole it wasn't my favorite Josh Lanyon (and really didn't feel like one at all - particularly listening to the vry British-y audiobook), but I'm glad I read it.
Regarding the setting, it seemed to be some sort of fantasy version of colonial India. I feel it could have been more effective if it was either just set in colonial India (with magical elements) or set in a completely imaginary place and time. I could have also used more background on the socio-political landscape. We were kind of thrown into without explanation, which is often good if you gain an understanding of what's going on through context, but I was never 100% certain of the history of the conflict between the groups and the stakes particular individuals had.
The plot was kind of interesting, but dragged a bit in the last quarter. On the whole it wasn't my favorite Josh Lanyon (and really didn't feel like one at all - particularly listening to the vry British-y audiobook), but I'm glad I read it.
September 25, 2020
What a great book! I can't believe I left this on my bookshelf for so long! You're missing a wonderful book if you don't get the chance to read it.
November 18, 2009
If you read this blog regularly, it comes as no surprise when I say I am a big Josh Lanyon fan. He is known for clever, witty mystery male/male romance books. Strange Fortune is his first foray into fantasy, and it is an amazing one at that. While this book took a chapter or two to really get into, I ended up with a love of the two main characters and picture of the world stamped in my mind.
Valentine Strange is in desperate need of money having bad luck at the gaming tables recently. His fortune changes however when he is propositioned by The Holy Order, more specifically Brahman Warrick. He asks Strange, who has a reputation of a man who knows how to get things done, to go on a mission – retrieve an ancient diadem belonging to the goddess of Purya, one that The Holy Order will pay Strange for handsomely and allow him to pay off all his debts. Strange has never heard of this diadem, but according to Warrick, after Purya defeated monsters and demons, she forged this diadem to be worn by her successor the next time the world was in danger. Strange isn’t necessarily buying this tale, but for the right price, he will find truth in any story. This is a dangerous mission though – having to journey into the White Mountains, so he demands all of his money upfront. Warrick also decides to send Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with Strange to help if needed, but Warrick has ulterior motives. Warrick doesn’t think Grimshaw is mentally stable, and thinks he needs a break from the Holy Order.
Grimshaw comes from a trueblood family, one that conspired in a mutiny against Strange’s people. Although Grimshaw saw his own father and grandfather executed for their crimes, Strange saw many more terrible things done to his people during that time. They set off with history already clouding their trust. Grimshaw is just as “excited” as Strange to go on this mission, but Warrick is giving him no choice.
They set off with an unknown road ahead of them. Much distrust swirls around Grimshaw because he is a witch and his powers are not trusted. They soon realize, they not only have assassins following their trail, but heir own laborers attempt mutiny. Strange soon concludes that retrieving this diadem is not as straight forward as Warrick assumed it to be. Once they reach the monastery where Warrick promised the diadem to be located, Strange and Grimshaw realize there is much more going on. Strange also realizes his basic intentions of keeping Grimshaw safe, have turned into a much more stronger desire. Having been in a relationship with a woman previously, his feelings for Grimshaw come as a bit of a surprise, and Strange soon finds himself trying to keep Grimshaw safe, no matter the cost.
I could probably write a five page summary for Strange Fortune, but that is because Josh Lanyon puts that much detail into this story. Valentine Strange is the type of character I love – cocky, finding himself in continuous trouble, and more concerned with his polo ponies or weapons than anything of significance. In the beginning, all he truly cares about is finding the diadem to uphold his part of the bargain, but that is before he meets Grimshaw. The witch is a mysterious one – he keeps to himself, and performs spells at night which keeps everyone on edge since magic is not trusted. Strange likes a mystery and finds Grimshaw’s riddled answers and secret ways antagonizing but it keeps him on his toes. Grimshaw is lonely, and finds talking to Strange a great source of relief and a friendship develops. They soon learn they really have only each other to trust, as the others plot and uprise against them.The romance unfolds very slowly, Grimshaw falling a little faster in love. Strange always has in the back of his mind the question of whether Grimshaw is glamouring him, but it is more of a defensive thought, since he hasn’t been with a man in a long time. These two really become allies first in this mission as their friendship is tested, especially on Strange’s part. At one point in the journey, Grimshaw is unconscious for two days, and Strange never once thinks of leaving him behind, even though it puts him more at risk.
I think for those Josh Lanyon fans out there, and for those who have never read him, it needs to be stressed that this is foremost a fantasy book. Those anticipating the big romance scene may be disappointed – if that is the only thing you are waiting for. Yes there is romance, but it is not written in your face. Rather, it quietly surfaces in the story as Grimshaw and Strange go on their journey.
Their journey to retrieve the diadem becomes very complex and many twists are thrown at the reader. My only criticism is that in some parts it does become a bit slow, but at he same time, this story would not be what it is without the meticulous world building Josh Lanyon has included.
Strange Fortune is much different from his m/m romance books he is known for, but it is a fun, exhilarating change and I hope it isn’t the last of this world we have seen!
Valentine Strange is in desperate need of money having bad luck at the gaming tables recently. His fortune changes however when he is propositioned by The Holy Order, more specifically Brahman Warrick. He asks Strange, who has a reputation of a man who knows how to get things done, to go on a mission – retrieve an ancient diadem belonging to the goddess of Purya, one that The Holy Order will pay Strange for handsomely and allow him to pay off all his debts. Strange has never heard of this diadem, but according to Warrick, after Purya defeated monsters and demons, she forged this diadem to be worn by her successor the next time the world was in danger. Strange isn’t necessarily buying this tale, but for the right price, he will find truth in any story. This is a dangerous mission though – having to journey into the White Mountains, so he demands all of his money upfront. Warrick also decides to send Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with Strange to help if needed, but Warrick has ulterior motives. Warrick doesn’t think Grimshaw is mentally stable, and thinks he needs a break from the Holy Order.
Grimshaw comes from a trueblood family, one that conspired in a mutiny against Strange’s people. Although Grimshaw saw his own father and grandfather executed for their crimes, Strange saw many more terrible things done to his people during that time. They set off with history already clouding their trust. Grimshaw is just as “excited” as Strange to go on this mission, but Warrick is giving him no choice.
They set off with an unknown road ahead of them. Much distrust swirls around Grimshaw because he is a witch and his powers are not trusted. They soon realize, they not only have assassins following their trail, but heir own laborers attempt mutiny. Strange soon concludes that retrieving this diadem is not as straight forward as Warrick assumed it to be. Once they reach the monastery where Warrick promised the diadem to be located, Strange and Grimshaw realize there is much more going on. Strange also realizes his basic intentions of keeping Grimshaw safe, have turned into a much more stronger desire. Having been in a relationship with a woman previously, his feelings for Grimshaw come as a bit of a surprise, and Strange soon finds himself trying to keep Grimshaw safe, no matter the cost.
I could probably write a five page summary for Strange Fortune, but that is because Josh Lanyon puts that much detail into this story. Valentine Strange is the type of character I love – cocky, finding himself in continuous trouble, and more concerned with his polo ponies or weapons than anything of significance. In the beginning, all he truly cares about is finding the diadem to uphold his part of the bargain, but that is before he meets Grimshaw. The witch is a mysterious one – he keeps to himself, and performs spells at night which keeps everyone on edge since magic is not trusted. Strange likes a mystery and finds Grimshaw’s riddled answers and secret ways antagonizing but it keeps him on his toes. Grimshaw is lonely, and finds talking to Strange a great source of relief and a friendship develops. They soon learn they really have only each other to trust, as the others plot and uprise against them.The romance unfolds very slowly, Grimshaw falling a little faster in love. Strange always has in the back of his mind the question of whether Grimshaw is glamouring him, but it is more of a defensive thought, since he hasn’t been with a man in a long time. These two really become allies first in this mission as their friendship is tested, especially on Strange’s part. At one point in the journey, Grimshaw is unconscious for two days, and Strange never once thinks of leaving him behind, even though it puts him more at risk.
I think for those Josh Lanyon fans out there, and for those who have never read him, it needs to be stressed that this is foremost a fantasy book. Those anticipating the big romance scene may be disappointed – if that is the only thing you are waiting for. Yes there is romance, but it is not written in your face. Rather, it quietly surfaces in the story as Grimshaw and Strange go on their journey.
Their journey to retrieve the diadem becomes very complex and many twists are thrown at the reader. My only criticism is that in some parts it does become a bit slow, but at he same time, this story would not be what it is without the meticulous world building Josh Lanyon has included.
Strange Fortune is much different from his m/m romance books he is known for, but it is a fun, exhilarating change and I hope it isn’t the last of this world we have seen!
Read
October 10, 2010I will start this review up front: I’m not so fond of fantasy novel and neither so much of “quest” type of adventures. So why I read Strange Fortune that is the quintessence of both the above genres? Since I trust Josh Lanyon and his characters; it’s strange but whatever he is writing a mystery, a romance or a fantasy (and Strange Fortune is his first foray in the fantasy genre), I’m always sure that I will find two men that are unique for their story. Above all, these men are unexpected and well-rounded, with their strenghts and faults; but they are also familiar, since there will be always the dashing one and the more brooding.
Major Valentine Strange and Master Aleister Grimshaw are apparently at the opposite, but right for this reason they click together in the right way. In dept up to his neck, and maybe more, Valentine Strange needs a bit of fortune, and the mission to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya seems an easy one. Unwilling companion to Valentine is Aleister, trueblood and witch, apparently the wise man in comparison to Valentine and instead the one who will almost lose his mind.
The fantasy world Josh Lanyon recreates is completely visionary, but in a way has its roots in the real medieval times: Major Strange is in a mission for the church, Master Grimshaw’s previous lover is now a priest, the one who hires Valentine. Religion, myths and witchcraft mix together to move and control the known world.
Another familiar trait that links these characters with the previous ones from the same author is the apparently contraposition between “straight” Valentine and “gay” Aleister. Valentine is planning to marry, true, more for convenience than love, but I didn’t read him as a gay in the closet; until he meets Aleister and he develops feelings for him, Valentine is not gay; maybe he is not fully straight, and sincerely he questions his feelings for Aleister more since they are ruining his second option to gain money, than for a real moral opposition to them.
Maybe for this reason, or maybe since, sincerely, Josh Lanyon writes romance, and not erotica, the sex scenes are of the old fashioned style, the ones happening behind a closed door, and to only one, necessary to the story, the fulcrum of the romance, the reader is invited.
I read different opinion on this novel, and the most common trend was, this is an unusual novel for Josh Lanyon, something his fans could love or hate, but they have to read it with an open mind, since it’s different from the usual… I disagree. Aside from the fantasy genre, the only novelty I found, this is a typical story by Josh Lanyon: the characters are what holds the story; the romance is subdued but romantic; the relationship between the two men is “quietly” passionate, meaning that there are no burst of passion but nevertheless there is love; sometime the stronger man, Valentine, seems to be more the protector than the lover, but in the end it will be Aleister who will wrap up the story. So where is the unexpected in this story? What is that could ring wrong to the usual readers of Josh Lanyon? As I said, the fantasy setting.
The fantasy setting is good, I maybe am not a fan, but just only the fact that I read it is a point to it. What I usually don’t like of the fantasy genre are the long descriptions to allow the reader to “fall into” the mood, into the new world, but that is exactly what the fans of the genre love. As I said, I found it easier since some points were familiar, and indeed this is not only a fantasy but also a quest, and so the long descriptions allow the reader to follow the main characters in their quest; what the reader and the characters will learn along the travel is that the real quest is not what they were expecting to be and when they will reach their destination, they will discover that the travel is yet only at the beginning.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193556000X/?...
Major Valentine Strange and Master Aleister Grimshaw are apparently at the opposite, but right for this reason they click together in the right way. In dept up to his neck, and maybe more, Valentine Strange needs a bit of fortune, and the mission to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya seems an easy one. Unwilling companion to Valentine is Aleister, trueblood and witch, apparently the wise man in comparison to Valentine and instead the one who will almost lose his mind.
The fantasy world Josh Lanyon recreates is completely visionary, but in a way has its roots in the real medieval times: Major Strange is in a mission for the church, Master Grimshaw’s previous lover is now a priest, the one who hires Valentine. Religion, myths and witchcraft mix together to move and control the known world.
Another familiar trait that links these characters with the previous ones from the same author is the apparently contraposition between “straight” Valentine and “gay” Aleister. Valentine is planning to marry, true, more for convenience than love, but I didn’t read him as a gay in the closet; until he meets Aleister and he develops feelings for him, Valentine is not gay; maybe he is not fully straight, and sincerely he questions his feelings for Aleister more since they are ruining his second option to gain money, than for a real moral opposition to them.
Maybe for this reason, or maybe since, sincerely, Josh Lanyon writes romance, and not erotica, the sex scenes are of the old fashioned style, the ones happening behind a closed door, and to only one, necessary to the story, the fulcrum of the romance, the reader is invited.
I read different opinion on this novel, and the most common trend was, this is an unusual novel for Josh Lanyon, something his fans could love or hate, but they have to read it with an open mind, since it’s different from the usual… I disagree. Aside from the fantasy genre, the only novelty I found, this is a typical story by Josh Lanyon: the characters are what holds the story; the romance is subdued but romantic; the relationship between the two men is “quietly” passionate, meaning that there are no burst of passion but nevertheless there is love; sometime the stronger man, Valentine, seems to be more the protector than the lover, but in the end it will be Aleister who will wrap up the story. So where is the unexpected in this story? What is that could ring wrong to the usual readers of Josh Lanyon? As I said, the fantasy setting.
The fantasy setting is good, I maybe am not a fan, but just only the fact that I read it is a point to it. What I usually don’t like of the fantasy genre are the long descriptions to allow the reader to “fall into” the mood, into the new world, but that is exactly what the fans of the genre love. As I said, I found it easier since some points were familiar, and indeed this is not only a fantasy but also a quest, and so the long descriptions allow the reader to follow the main characters in their quest; what the reader and the characters will learn along the travel is that the real quest is not what they were expecting to be and when they will reach their destination, they will discover that the travel is yet only at the beginning.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193556000X/?...
my-issues-not-yours
June 2, 2020** A BOYS IN OUR BOOKS SPRING CLEANING REVIEW **
Okay, a disclaimer first, I did NOT finish this book. I made it around 50% and decided to give up. But let me say this upfront: this is NOT the book’s fault. I repeat, NOT the book’s fault. High-fantasy is not my genre and I always have difficulties enjoying it, M/M or otherwise. When it comes to fantasy, I can count the number of authors I can read on one hand…
What I can say is … this is a different kind of story from Josh Lanyon who usually writes contemporary. It combines fantasy elements with a dash of historical, where two men go on a quest to retrieve a dadem. The world building might not be all out new – it has a touch of Indian setting – but it still feels quite rich in offering. The romance is typical Lanyon’s, there seems to be a disagreement between the two men at first and they need time to build their attraction. In fact, until I stopped around half way, there wasn’t a single kiss happening yet *haha*. So yes, high in fantasy and adventure but rather low in the romance department.
Unfortunately, it was difficult for me to get into the story. Again, the combination of this being a high fantasy and my reluctance of the genre in the first place made me feel disconnected with the world and characters from the very beginning. I think the switch genre from what I am used to from Josh Lanyon’s stories also contributes to my struggle – maybe my brain perceives Lanyon with a contemporary setting and it was difficult to think of his stories otherwise.
There were a few times when I thought I could get into it, especially when Strange and Grimshaw started conversing – but a few minutes later, I found myself being pulled away again. I couldn’t find a steady ground in which I could enjoy. The longer I tried, the more the words became gibberish in my head. Definitely an issue that was my own.
Then why the hell did I buy the book in the first place, you say? Well, it was early 2010, I was on a high with the genre (I started reading MM in 2009), I was deliriously in love with the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon – so you could say that it was an impulsive buy (in paperback no less). Of course after the book arrived a few weeks later (hey, I live in Indonesia!) I realized that I never read fantasy, decided to shelf it … and voila, it had gathering dust since then. At least now I have given it a try, I know that high fantasy is still not my favorite genre, and I can FINALLY take this off my TBR list and chuck it as “impulsive buy that sadly doesn’t work” *lol*
So, don’t let my review be the basis of your judgment. You can see that Tracy, the “fantasy lover” in our team gave this her high praise. So, if you love fantasy and quest adventure with a relationship that slowly builds, I think you should give this one a try. I am just not the target reader of this book.
RATING: MNY (ME NOT YOU)
Okay, a disclaimer first, I did NOT finish this book. I made it around 50% and decided to give up. But let me say this upfront: this is NOT the book’s fault. I repeat, NOT the book’s fault. High-fantasy is not my genre and I always have difficulties enjoying it, M/M or otherwise. When it comes to fantasy, I can count the number of authors I can read on one hand…
What I can say is … this is a different kind of story from Josh Lanyon who usually writes contemporary. It combines fantasy elements with a dash of historical, where two men go on a quest to retrieve a dadem. The world building might not be all out new – it has a touch of Indian setting – but it still feels quite rich in offering. The romance is typical Lanyon’s, there seems to be a disagreement between the two men at first and they need time to build their attraction. In fact, until I stopped around half way, there wasn’t a single kiss happening yet *haha*. So yes, high in fantasy and adventure but rather low in the romance department.
Unfortunately, it was difficult for me to get into the story. Again, the combination of this being a high fantasy and my reluctance of the genre in the first place made me feel disconnected with the world and characters from the very beginning. I think the switch genre from what I am used to from Josh Lanyon’s stories also contributes to my struggle – maybe my brain perceives Lanyon with a contemporary setting and it was difficult to think of his stories otherwise.
There were a few times when I thought I could get into it, especially when Strange and Grimshaw started conversing – but a few minutes later, I found myself being pulled away again. I couldn’t find a steady ground in which I could enjoy. The longer I tried, the more the words became gibberish in my head. Definitely an issue that was my own.
Then why the hell did I buy the book in the first place, you say? Well, it was early 2010, I was on a high with the genre (I started reading MM in 2009), I was deliriously in love with the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon – so you could say that it was an impulsive buy (in paperback no less). Of course after the book arrived a few weeks later (hey, I live in Indonesia!) I realized that I never read fantasy, decided to shelf it … and voila, it had gathering dust since then. At least now I have given it a try, I know that high fantasy is still not my favorite genre, and I can FINALLY take this off my TBR list and chuck it as “impulsive buy that sadly doesn’t work” *lol*
So, don’t let my review be the basis of your judgment. You can see that Tracy, the “fantasy lover” in our team gave this her high praise. So, if you love fantasy and quest adventure with a relationship that slowly builds, I think you should give this one a try. I am just not the target reader of this book.
RATING: MNY (ME NOT YOU)
April 11, 2010
Book Review: Strange Fortune by Josh Lanyon
Reviewed by Alan Chin
Publisher: Blind Eye Books
ISBN 978-1-935560-00-5
Valentine Strange is delighted to accept a job from the Holy Order to find and retrieve an antique diadem of the Goddess Purya from somewhere in the distant White Mountains. Although the mountains are filled with bandits and scoundrels, this soldier of fortune has little fear of anything short of not being paid for his services. But when the Holy Order insists that Master Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with a history of insanity, join the expedition, Strange realizes there is more at stake than the retrieval of a relic.
As the small band begins their search, Strange and Grimshaw forge a tenuous friendship. But they are followed, step by step, not only by bandits, but by a demonic power more powerful than anyone could imagine. When the stakes are raised well beyond the danger level and they are betrayed at every turn, they are forced to rely on each other for survival. Finding the diadem could spell doom for Strange and Grimshaw, or could it be their only hope of survival?
Strange Fortune is a rollicking good read – interesting characters, fast paced, rich descriptions, and action that kept me turning pages. It’s a fun read. Adventurous and romantic. Lanyon has created a wonderful world of magic and spirits and spells and romance. It is a winner.
I stumbled over a few issues that I felt kept this marvelous story from being a great one. A minor annoyance was it held a dozen more misspellings and missing words than I’m used to seeing. The book could certainly use a more careful copyeditor.
A more troublesome issue was the story’s time setting. Although the author clearly created a unique setting, the physical setting seems to be taken from early twentieth century India, yet the customs and beliefs of the characters seems to indicate ancient times, when Holy Orders ruled, witches were common and people worshiped demons. For me, it seemed to disconnect. One minute they were worshiping idols, the next Grimshaw was checking the time on his wrist-watch or firing his rife. And the language the characters often used – such as “the bottom line is” – is really quite modern. I just kept getting the impression, that if the author had paid closer attention to keep the language and the physical setting in ancient times (bows and arrows instead of rifles) this would have been a great read, rather than a very good read.
Still, my few minor issues aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by Alan Chin
Publisher: Blind Eye Books
ISBN 978-1-935560-00-5
Valentine Strange is delighted to accept a job from the Holy Order to find and retrieve an antique diadem of the Goddess Purya from somewhere in the distant White Mountains. Although the mountains are filled with bandits and scoundrels, this soldier of fortune has little fear of anything short of not being paid for his services. But when the Holy Order insists that Master Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with a history of insanity, join the expedition, Strange realizes there is more at stake than the retrieval of a relic.
As the small band begins their search, Strange and Grimshaw forge a tenuous friendship. But they are followed, step by step, not only by bandits, but by a demonic power more powerful than anyone could imagine. When the stakes are raised well beyond the danger level and they are betrayed at every turn, they are forced to rely on each other for survival. Finding the diadem could spell doom for Strange and Grimshaw, or could it be their only hope of survival?
Strange Fortune is a rollicking good read – interesting characters, fast paced, rich descriptions, and action that kept me turning pages. It’s a fun read. Adventurous and romantic. Lanyon has created a wonderful world of magic and spirits and spells and romance. It is a winner.
I stumbled over a few issues that I felt kept this marvelous story from being a great one. A minor annoyance was it held a dozen more misspellings and missing words than I’m used to seeing. The book could certainly use a more careful copyeditor.
A more troublesome issue was the story’s time setting. Although the author clearly created a unique setting, the physical setting seems to be taken from early twentieth century India, yet the customs and beliefs of the characters seems to indicate ancient times, when Holy Orders ruled, witches were common and people worshiped demons. For me, it seemed to disconnect. One minute they were worshiping idols, the next Grimshaw was checking the time on his wrist-watch or firing his rife. And the language the characters often used – such as “the bottom line is” – is really quite modern. I just kept getting the impression, that if the author had paid closer attention to keep the language and the physical setting in ancient times (bows and arrows instead of rifles) this would have been a great read, rather than a very good read.
Still, my few minor issues aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to everyone.
September 7, 2022
I know Josh Lanyon as the Queen of classical m/m mysteries. "Strange Fortune" however which is set in an alternate world resembling colonial India is a very different fare. Going into this it's best to accept the world building without questioning everything. Not every detail gets explained - but does it really need to be? Despite the exotic and adventurous background that reminds readers of Indiana Jones-Stories, the main point of this fantasy adventure m/m story are the characters. Both Strange and Grimshaw are very interesting characters. I liked the romance as well but if you are waiting for plenty of hot sex you might be disappointed. It takes quite a time for Strange and Grimshaw to find together and only at the end it is clear that yes, this is love.
Speaking of the end, I thought it offered plenty of opportunity to continue the story of Strange and Grimshaw. Not sure if Josh Lanyon originally had plans for a series or just wanted an open door, but I would definitely have been on board for more of this.
Speaking of the end, I thought it offered plenty of opportunity to continue the story of Strange and Grimshaw. Not sure if Josh Lanyon originally had plans for a series or just wanted an open door, but I would definitely have been on board for more of this.
November 24, 2009
Proof that Josh Lanyon can write pretty much any genre (well... that's not to say I want him to write het romance!) and it will be brilliant. While breaking new grounds with his first fantasy novel, he keeps his trademark wits and sharpness. There's great chemistry between the two lead characters, and real conflicts, emotional turmoil, and a great adventure/mystery to make it difficult to put down the book. Not to mention flawless characterisation and structure (the devil is in the detail). I can see this fantasy world in my mind and I can see the voices of the characters, it's an exciting story to get lost in.
June 6, 2020
Emotionless, dimensionless characters. Amateur writing style in need of proofreading. Constant delves into infodumping or introspection that made any attempt at steady pacing impossible. Generic evil supernatural antagonist.
Cut-and-paste of the British occupation of India into this fantasy world replete with racism and colonialist attitudes, not just in the characters but clearly from the writer's perspective as well (the historical "sources" about India Lanyon listed to inform this fantasy world came entirely from the writings of one British military man, and the bias infuses every aspect of this book).
Cut-and-paste of the British occupation of India into this fantasy world replete with racism and colonialist attitudes, not just in the characters but clearly from the writer's perspective as well (the historical "sources" about India Lanyon listed to inform this fantasy world came entirely from the writings of one British military man, and the bias infuses every aspect of this book).
March 27, 2021
the plot was really good, magic and old horror set in a Victorian English/Indian Empire parallel world. Compelling fantasy novel about two disparate people on a quest to save their world. More emotional than I was expecting and long enough to be world building.
June 29, 2018
3.5 stars
Nothing Lanyon has written since The Adrien English series has been as wholly enjoyable. Good thing that was my introduction to Lanyon. Start there, I assure you it's solid mystery, sexual tension, and character development, and exquisite--exquisite!--reward for all three.
Strange Fortune is not without its charm though. It's an alternate historical (think British occupied India of the late 19th century) that includes fascinating mystical elements, but the characters feel like thin redoes of the Adrian English dynamic. I enjoyed this quest tale, I surely did, but the romance and round character development was slightly unfulfilling, or lacklustre.
Still, definitely worth reading.
Nothing Lanyon has written since The Adrien English series has been as wholly enjoyable. Good thing that was my introduction to Lanyon. Start there, I assure you it's solid mystery, sexual tension, and character development, and exquisite--exquisite!--reward for all three.
Strange Fortune is not without its charm though. It's an alternate historical (think British occupied India of the late 19th century) that includes fascinating mystical elements, but the characters feel like thin redoes of the Adrian English dynamic. I enjoyed this quest tale, I surely did, but the romance and round character development was slightly unfulfilling, or lacklustre.
Still, definitely worth reading.
November 29, 2023
Okay so I was really unsure about this one, but honestly it hooked me and didn’t let go.
Very light on the romance but high on adventure. Fans of uncharted would get a huge kick out of this.
Didn’t like how it felt like it ended abruptly but otherwise I very much enjoyed this one!
Very light on the romance but high on adventure. Fans of uncharted would get a huge kick out of this.
Didn’t like how it felt like it ended abruptly but otherwise I very much enjoyed this one!
July 8, 2014
I love Josh Lanyon's writing, particularly his historical romance. But I had never heard of this book, 'Strange Fortune', until a friend recommended it.
I'm at a loss as how to review it. Sometimes a book is just too beautiful---prose, imagery, tension, romance, sensuality---and my limited vocabulary is just that...too limited.
First of all, the MC's, former soldier Valentine Strange and witch...yes, witch...Aleister Grimshaw were two of the most memorable, perfect characters ever. Particularly, for this reader, the luscious witch Grimshaw. Oh, sugar. Hell's bells.
I could write a lengthy essay just on Grimsaw alone, his appeal to me. When a character is clearly described physically as not outstanding (in Grimshaw's case, he's called bony, skinny) and yet the author spins him into a painfully beautiful presence that the reader falls head over heels for, right along with the fictional love interest. Well, Aleister Grimshaw was one of those cases. Mild, quiet, a deceptionally delicate persona melded inside a powerful and quite cabable man. I found him incredibly sensual.
Major Strange was a rousing Indiana Jones type. Fearless. Handsome. Rugged. Big hearted, though---especially when that heart of his tangled with the mysterious, mesmerizing witch.
The scenery is out of this world beautiful. Lush, ancient, mystical, haunting. The supporting characters wonderfully drawn to such real-life images, it was as though watching them in a film.
No plot sharing from me except to say the storyline is intense in a nail-biting sort of way.
And let me tell you, sugar. When John Lanyon writes an intimate scene, get ready. You will be aroused. One scene in particular. A secluded natural pool at the foot of a waterfall. Oh, gods. Nipple rings, navel rings, touching, lovely men's bodies. Sensuality off the charts.
As I said, I'd never heard of this book, although I adore Lanyon. It's no exception to the author's fabulous story telling. Just a might off his beaten bath. But TRY this path. Really. Try it. You will not be sorry.
I'm at a loss as how to review it. Sometimes a book is just too beautiful---prose, imagery, tension, romance, sensuality---and my limited vocabulary is just that...too limited.
First of all, the MC's, former soldier Valentine Strange and witch...yes, witch...Aleister Grimshaw were two of the most memorable, perfect characters ever. Particularly, for this reader, the luscious witch Grimshaw. Oh, sugar. Hell's bells.
I could write a lengthy essay just on Grimsaw alone, his appeal to me. When a character is clearly described physically as not outstanding (in Grimshaw's case, he's called bony, skinny) and yet the author spins him into a painfully beautiful presence that the reader falls head over heels for, right along with the fictional love interest. Well, Aleister Grimshaw was one of those cases. Mild, quiet, a deceptionally delicate persona melded inside a powerful and quite cabable man. I found him incredibly sensual.
Major Strange was a rousing Indiana Jones type. Fearless. Handsome. Rugged. Big hearted, though---especially when that heart of his tangled with the mysterious, mesmerizing witch.
The scenery is out of this world beautiful. Lush, ancient, mystical, haunting. The supporting characters wonderfully drawn to such real-life images, it was as though watching them in a film.
No plot sharing from me except to say the storyline is intense in a nail-biting sort of way.
And let me tell you, sugar. When John Lanyon writes an intimate scene, get ready. You will be aroused. One scene in particular. A secluded natural pool at the foot of a waterfall. Oh, gods. Nipple rings, navel rings, touching, lovely men's bodies. Sensuality off the charts.
As I said, I'd never heard of this book, although I adore Lanyon. It's no exception to the author's fabulous story telling. Just a might off his beaten bath. But TRY this path. Really. Try it. You will not be sorry.
August 27, 2016
An excellent story from Josh Lanyon, definitely different from his others. I don't usually like fantasy but this one was so rich in detail, complex, interesting and intriguing that I just couldn't put it down.
Valentine Strange is a soldier, but he's also a gambler, and as the book opens he's in so much debt that he agrees to take on a job for the Holy Order to find a diadem, a jeweled crown belonging to a past god. Aleistair Grimshaw is a witch, a master of magic and is the person appointed by the Holy Order to accompany Strange on his quest.
Their journey is complicated and fraught with danger but they do manage to retrieve the diadem, only to lose it on the way back. Aleistair lost his conscious mind during the journey and is almost catatonic on the way back. Apparently Venavir, one of the first gods who is usually only whispered about as a legend, is attempting to make a come back using Aleistair's body as his vessel to accomplish this.
The men manage to make their escape back to their homeland but Strange is convinced to set out one more time to try to find the lost diadem and he finally convinces Grimshaw to go with him. The next adventure that awaits this pair is even more harried and dangerous and ultimately there's a showdown between Aleistair and Venavir when Venavir makes his move to end the world.
The story is so much more complex than I've described it here and I loved the way Mr. Lanyon just kept moving it along, keeping it interesting and exciting and building toward a very suspenseful climax. And, oh yes, our two heroes do get at least a HFN. Excellent story, highly recommend.
Valentine Strange is a soldier, but he's also a gambler, and as the book opens he's in so much debt that he agrees to take on a job for the Holy Order to find a diadem, a jeweled crown belonging to a past god. Aleistair Grimshaw is a witch, a master of magic and is the person appointed by the Holy Order to accompany Strange on his quest.
Their journey is complicated and fraught with danger but they do manage to retrieve the diadem, only to lose it on the way back. Aleistair lost his conscious mind during the journey and is almost catatonic on the way back. Apparently Venavir, one of the first gods who is usually only whispered about as a legend, is attempting to make a come back using Aleistair's body as his vessel to accomplish this.
The men manage to make their escape back to their homeland but Strange is convinced to set out one more time to try to find the lost diadem and he finally convinces Grimshaw to go with him. The next adventure that awaits this pair is even more harried and dangerous and ultimately there's a showdown between Aleistair and Venavir when Venavir makes his move to end the world.
The story is so much more complex than I've described it here and I loved the way Mr. Lanyon just kept moving it along, keeping it interesting and exciting and building toward a very suspenseful climax. And, oh yes, our two heroes do get at least a HFN. Excellent story, highly recommend.
December 26, 2013
4.5 stars. Recommending it to y'all.
Awesome adventure, filled with magic, quests for artefacts, ancient gods, saving the world and gunfights :)
It's set in an interesting fantasy world influenced by colonial India and it's one of those gems of the MM genre that value plot over smut.
Not giving it 5 stars because I was dying for a bit more romance. Despite me being a critic of overly romantic stories I do want a good chemistry between the main characters. On the other hand that was very "manly" behaviour (and they really stayed in character), so I can't say it should have been different. I just would have liked it to be different :D Book rating is a subjective business :)
Awesome adventure, filled with magic, quests for artefacts, ancient gods, saving the world and gunfights :)
It's set in an interesting fantasy world influenced by colonial India and it's one of those gems of the MM genre that value plot over smut.
Not giving it 5 stars because I was dying for a bit more romance. Despite me being a critic of overly romantic stories I do want a good chemistry between the main characters. On the other hand that was very "manly" behaviour (and they really stayed in character), so I can't say it should have been different. I just would have liked it to be different :D Book rating is a subjective business :)
July 17, 2011
Strange Fortune was an odd read for me. At times I was loving it and then other times I had to force myself to read through the pages. I flipped back and forth the entire time I was reading so when I came to the end I didn't really know if I liked it or disliked it.
I think the biggest issues I had with this story was the lack of relationship driven events and lack of character development. The world and its religions and societies seemed to have been worked on far more then the characters themselves so when the book ended I didn't have any kind of emotional connection to the characters.
Whether or not you prefer one over the other is a personal preference entirely so I would say that if most of your likes coincide with mine then you'll probably have the same trouble I did with this novel.
I think the biggest issues I had with this story was the lack of relationship driven events and lack of character development. The world and its religions and societies seemed to have been worked on far more then the characters themselves so when the book ended I didn't have any kind of emotional connection to the characters.
Whether or not you prefer one over the other is a personal preference entirely so I would say that if most of your likes coincide with mine then you'll probably have the same trouble I did with this novel.
April 15, 2011
Wow, if I already wasn't a fan of Lanyon's fantasy novels, I'd be one now.
Strange Fortune has to be one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. The fact that it also has a m/m romance is a plus. SF has everything a good fantasy novel ought to have, intriguing, peculiar heroes with great chemistry and unusual dynamics between them, well crafted world, exciting adventure, dangerous voyages, a hunt for an ancient artifact, magic, curses, scary gods/demons, fights, a great battle, miracles and love.
The "ending" was perfect and left me craving for more. I'd love to read more about Aleister and Strange's adventures. 5 + stars
Strange Fortune has to be one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. The fact that it also has a m/m romance is a plus. SF has everything a good fantasy novel ought to have, intriguing, peculiar heroes with great chemistry and unusual dynamics between them, well crafted world, exciting adventure, dangerous voyages, a hunt for an ancient artifact, magic, curses, scary gods/demons, fights, a great battle, miracles and love.
The "ending" was perfect and left me craving for more. I'd love to read more about Aleister and Strange's adventures. 5 + stars
February 16, 2015
Not sure if this is quite my cup of book. It's a bit Indiana Jones-y. If Indie was gay. And Indian.
But it's a well crafted fantasy story nonetheless. Quite different from anything else I've read from this author.
The world building is excellent. It conveys everything you need to know to build a mental picture of the place and it's history, without being overwhelmingly wordy and descriptive.
But it's a well crafted fantasy story nonetheless. Quite different from anything else I've read from this author.
The world building is excellent. It conveys everything you need to know to build a mental picture of the place and it's history, without being overwhelmingly wordy and descriptive.
September 28, 2014
Overall, a sweet, funny adventure story, featuring two likable characters with great chemistry. 9/10
SUMMARY: In an alternate world British-India, Major Valentine Strange (formerly of the Benhali Lancers) is a mercenary who owes a lot of money to a lot of people, including his fiancee, the fabulously wealthy Isabella Hyde. So when beautiful Brahman Warrick of the Holy Orders offers him two hundred thousand rupees to go to a temple and retrieve a goddess' diadem, he jumps at the opportunity. What he didn't bargain for are mutinous bearers, insane monks/nuns, blood-drinking demons trying to be reincarnated, and his church-mandated companion, the bewitching and slightly insane witch Aleister Grimshaw. Will they be able to successfully get their hands on this magical artifact? Will Val be able to prevent, well, everyone from killing Ali? And whose diadem is this, really?
This struck me as a little more old-school adventure story than fantasy: it has traipses through jungles, bracing shootouts and tiger encounters, and that old genre favorite, having one of the characters mistaken for a god by primitives. As such, I didn't question the magic system or the world building the way I usually do. Josh Lanyon doesn't try to explain why casting a handful of dust at a cyclone would cut it in half. It just does. And it works in this particular story. Heck, I liked it, and I don't say that often.
And I found a lot of other things to like in Strange Fortune. First and foremost, the characters.
Aleister is trueblood Alban (read: British) but he was born and bred in Hidushi (read: India). In fact, his father and grandfather were so invested in their adopted country that they'd joined a revolution against the Alban government and were executed when the revolution failed. Ali is now a witch who serves the church, but everyone is suspicious of him: the government because of his family history, and the natives because of his witchiness. It doesn't help that he keeps mostly to himself and is prone to random hysterics about rivers of blood and horrible things lurking around. But he does try to be good. He's a love. And he's got pretty eyelashes, which Val always fixates on.
On the other hand, Valentine is an incorrigible gambler and skeptic, with a broad and merciless streak of common sense. He won his appointment to the army through a game of chance, and is more in love with his fiancee's wealth than his fiancee (to be fair, though, he's genuinely fond of her). He's the charming rogue kind of guy, with a lot of sentimental moments.
Put them together, and you get funny. Like for example, there's this one time when Aleister waxes hysterical about a Presence that is watching them, waiting in the darkness. "It knows my name," Ali chokes out, flashing wide, puppy dog eyes. At which Val responds equally seriously, "Well, I guess it must have heard someone address you."
I love this kind of thing. Even without the romance angle, they have that kind of buddy-chemistry that makes it so fun to follow their interactions: like Kirk and Spock, Holmes and Watson, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. But of course, I also loved the romance angle. It's very sweet, very gradual, with exquisite build-up.
The plot doesn't let up either. If tigers aren't attacking, and "faithful" bearers aren't absconding with the supplies, then someone's being abducted by monks and forcibly promoted to minor god. Not highly original or strictly politically correct, but good clean fun.
And here's another thing I'm a sucker for: the old legend of someone who had to choose between love and everything else. This is the kind of thing I find really romantic.
I was a little disappointed with the climax. What is up with all these books I've been reading lately, where the major magical battle is always seen from the eyes of someone who doesn't completely understand what's going on?
There was a missing something for me here, and once I finished reading it, as much as I loved it, I couldn't rate it five stars. I really can't tell what it is. It just didn't give me that satisfied, I-just-had-a-hugely-delicious-meal-and-I'm-stuffed kind of feeling. It feels like it needs a Book Two.
But overall, a sweet, funny adventure story, featuring two likable characters with great chemistry. I'd give it a 9/10. Pish, I'm beginning to hate star-ratings. They're so arbitrary.
SUMMARY: In an alternate world British-India, Major Valentine Strange (formerly of the Benhali Lancers) is a mercenary who owes a lot of money to a lot of people, including his fiancee, the fabulously wealthy Isabella Hyde. So when beautiful Brahman Warrick of the Holy Orders offers him two hundred thousand rupees to go to a temple and retrieve a goddess' diadem, he jumps at the opportunity. What he didn't bargain for are mutinous bearers, insane monks/nuns, blood-drinking demons trying to be reincarnated, and his church-mandated companion, the bewitching and slightly insane witch Aleister Grimshaw. Will they be able to successfully get their hands on this magical artifact? Will Val be able to prevent, well, everyone from killing Ali? And whose diadem is this, really?
This struck me as a little more old-school adventure story than fantasy: it has traipses through jungles, bracing shootouts and tiger encounters, and that old genre favorite, having one of the characters mistaken for a god by primitives. As such, I didn't question the magic system or the world building the way I usually do. Josh Lanyon doesn't try to explain why casting a handful of dust at a cyclone would cut it in half. It just does. And it works in this particular story. Heck, I liked it, and I don't say that often.
And I found a lot of other things to like in Strange Fortune. First and foremost, the characters.
Aleister is trueblood Alban (read: British) but he was born and bred in Hidushi (read: India). In fact, his father and grandfather were so invested in their adopted country that they'd joined a revolution against the Alban government and were executed when the revolution failed. Ali is now a witch who serves the church, but everyone is suspicious of him: the government because of his family history, and the natives because of his witchiness. It doesn't help that he keeps mostly to himself and is prone to random hysterics about rivers of blood and horrible things lurking around. But he does try to be good. He's a love. And he's got pretty eyelashes, which Val always fixates on.
On the other hand, Valentine is an incorrigible gambler and skeptic, with a broad and merciless streak of common sense. He won his appointment to the army through a game of chance, and is more in love with his fiancee's wealth than his fiancee (to be fair, though, he's genuinely fond of her). He's the charming rogue kind of guy, with a lot of sentimental moments.
Put them together, and you get funny. Like for example, there's this one time when Aleister waxes hysterical about a Presence that is watching them, waiting in the darkness. "It knows my name," Ali chokes out, flashing wide, puppy dog eyes. At which Val responds equally seriously, "Well, I guess it must have heard someone address you."
I love this kind of thing. Even without the romance angle, they have that kind of buddy-chemistry that makes it so fun to follow their interactions: like Kirk and Spock, Holmes and Watson, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. But of course, I also loved the romance angle. It's very sweet, very gradual, with exquisite build-up.
The plot doesn't let up either. If tigers aren't attacking, and "faithful" bearers aren't absconding with the supplies, then someone's being abducted by monks and forcibly promoted to minor god. Not highly original or strictly politically correct, but good clean fun.
And here's another thing I'm a sucker for: the old legend of someone who had to choose between love and everything else. This is the kind of thing I find really romantic.
I was a little disappointed with the climax. What is up with all these books I've been reading lately, where the major magical battle is always seen from the eyes of someone who doesn't completely understand what's going on?
There was a missing something for me here, and once I finished reading it, as much as I loved it, I couldn't rate it five stars. I really can't tell what it is. It just didn't give me that satisfied, I-just-had-a-hugely-delicious-meal-and-I'm-stuffed kind of feeling. It feels like it needs a Book Two.
But overall, a sweet, funny adventure story, featuring two likable characters with great chemistry. I'd give it a 9/10. Pish, I'm beginning to hate star-ratings. They're so arbitrary.
July 3, 2018
Audiobook: audio quality: good ; Narration: good
Unfortunately the story wasn't very original, I'm sure I have read roughly similar stories and Lanyon dragged out the part taking place at the temple, which was unfortunately the most unoriginal part of the story, too much. In addition, some of the Conflict resolutions were too simplistic for a book that is not aimed at children.
Unfortunately the story wasn't very original, I'm sure I have read roughly similar stories and Lanyon dragged out the part taking place at the temple, which was unfortunately the most unoriginal part of the story, too much. In addition, some of the Conflict resolutions were too simplistic for a book that is not aimed at children.
October 31, 2012
A decent adventure story
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- The story has an exotic feel to it. Many of the characters are larger-than-life (without falling into the realm of caricature), the setting is unusual and mysterious, and the events are fantastical and, for the most part, exciting. (see cons below also)
- It took a while for me to figure out whether the setting was historical or fantasy, which is a mark of a good fantasy setting, in my opinion--that it mimics real life so well that it seems real itself.
- This is an example of a story in which the two men dislike each other at the beginning and only very gradually learn to like each other. In many “enemies to lovers” stories, the transition seems forced or too fast to me; here it was believably slow and incremental. First dislike, then indifference, then tolerance, then amusement, then friendship, and then at last, romantic interest.
- There’s some dry humor in the exposition that amused me. Strange thinks at one point late in the story, when he and Grimshaw are already quite attached to each other emotionally, “For personal reasons he would prefer that Aleister not be killed….His own survival was also of some interest.”
CONS:
- The story drags in several places. The journey to the monastery is long, the time spent AT the monastery is long, and the final battle/showdown is long.
- The sex isn’t graphic at all, which is often totally fine with me--some writers don’t enjoy writing scenes like that and some readers don’t enjoy reading them. I was a little disappointed with this story, though, because we get some teasing scenes with a decent amount of detail, but when the guys finally go all the way, we see nothing. It seemed as though the author was setting me up for some bedroom scenes with at least as much detail as the teasing scenes, and then I was let down because I felt that he didn’t follow through.
- I’ve read a lot of stories in this genre, and the vast majority of them are terribly edited. It still shocks me when I read sentences that have obvious errors in them, though: “We’re lucky the lot of us go with it”; “And he fairly sure the end was near” (missing words--“didn’t” and “was,” respectively). I don’t understand how that sort of thing doesn’t get noticed before a book is published.
Overall comments: I thought this was a pretty good adventure story, but I wouldn’t recommend it for people who are looking for a lot of romance. The romantic relationship here is secondary to the plot, and the characters are so busy fighting for their lives that they don’t have time for much sweetness or passion.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- The story has an exotic feel to it. Many of the characters are larger-than-life (without falling into the realm of caricature), the setting is unusual and mysterious, and the events are fantastical and, for the most part, exciting. (see cons below also)
- It took a while for me to figure out whether the setting was historical or fantasy, which is a mark of a good fantasy setting, in my opinion--that it mimics real life so well that it seems real itself.
- This is an example of a story in which the two men dislike each other at the beginning and only very gradually learn to like each other. In many “enemies to lovers” stories, the transition seems forced or too fast to me; here it was believably slow and incremental. First dislike, then indifference, then tolerance, then amusement, then friendship, and then at last, romantic interest.
- There’s some dry humor in the exposition that amused me. Strange thinks at one point late in the story, when he and Grimshaw are already quite attached to each other emotionally, “For personal reasons he would prefer that Aleister not be killed….His own survival was also of some interest.”
CONS:
- The story drags in several places. The journey to the monastery is long, the time spent AT the monastery is long, and the final battle/showdown is long.
- The sex isn’t graphic at all, which is often totally fine with me--some writers don’t enjoy writing scenes like that and some readers don’t enjoy reading them. I was a little disappointed with this story, though, because we get some teasing scenes with a decent amount of detail, but when the guys finally go all the way, we see nothing. It seemed as though the author was setting me up for some bedroom scenes with at least as much detail as the teasing scenes, and then I was let down because I felt that he didn’t follow through.
- I’ve read a lot of stories in this genre, and the vast majority of them are terribly edited. It still shocks me when I read sentences that have obvious errors in them, though: “We’re lucky the lot of us go with it”; “And he fairly sure the end was near” (missing words--“didn’t” and “was,” respectively). I don’t understand how that sort of thing doesn’t get noticed before a book is published.
Overall comments: I thought this was a pretty good adventure story, but I wouldn’t recommend it for people who are looking for a lot of romance. The romantic relationship here is secondary to the plot, and the characters are so busy fighting for their lives that they don’t have time for much sweetness or passion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews