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Babylon Boy #1
Hex Work: Babylon Boy Book One
My name is Jonah Carrow, and it’s been 300 days since I laid a hex.
OK, Jonah Carrow isn’t actually an alcoholic. But there’s no support group of lapsed hex-slingers in Jerusalem, so he’s got to make do. He goes for the bad coffee and the reminder that he just has to take normal one day at a time. Unfortunately, his past isn’t willing to go down without a fight. A chance encounter with a desperate Deborah Slater, and a warning that ‘they’re watching’, pulls Jonah back into the world he’d tried to leave behind. Now he has to navigate ghosts, curses, and the hottest bad idea warlock he’s ever met…all without a single hex to his name. But nobody ever said normal was easy. Not to Jonah anyhow.
OK, Jonah Carrow isn’t actually an alcoholic. But there’s no support group of lapsed hex-slingers in Jerusalem, so he’s got to make do. He goes for the bad coffee and the reminder that he just has to take normal one day at a time. Unfortunately, his past isn’t willing to go down without a fight. A chance encounter with a desperate Deborah Slater, and a warning that ‘they’re watching’, pulls Jonah back into the world he’d tried to leave behind. Now he has to navigate ghosts, curses, and the hottest bad idea warlock he’s ever met…all without a single hex to his name. But nobody ever said normal was easy. Not to Jonah anyhow.
125 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2021
9 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Moore
45 books390 followersTA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. As her grandmother always said, ‘she’d laugh at a bad thing that one’, mind you, that was the pot calling the kettle black. TA Moore studied History, Irish mythology, English at University, mostly because she has always loved a good story. She has worked as a journalist, a finance manager, and in the arts sectors before she finally gave in to a lifelong desire to write.
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 20, 2022
4 Hearts
Now, I’m no TA Moore expert, but what I’ve consistently found so far is that she creates unique worlds and set ups, leaving some things to the imagination, some things to infer. Despite some nebulousness that is just this side of frustrating (or maybe because of it) this was quite the compelling read, spurring me to finish this in almost one go.
This is a world of magic but it’s not the kind of magic that is benign or kind and is done for good. It’s the kind that has consequences which can be dangerous and often demands a price that many can’t pay.
Jonah knows too well the repercussions of throwing hexes and despite being very adept at it, he’s determined to lead a magic free life, treating his compulsion like an addiction. He’s just minding his own business, trying to hide from his infamous family legacy when he’s unwillingly made a person of interest as he’s approached by an off kilter stranger. This sets in motion coming to the attention of the local magical mafia biker gang, and Jonah soon finds himself a target of some deadly curse where he must bargain for his life, drawing him deeper into a world he’s trying to avoid, where temptation is a constant struggle against his self imposed abstinence.
Ensue a dark twisty story with snarky suspense and some grisly horror as Jonah must find answers for those he doesn’t want to associate with. There’s a couple romantic options here too, where neither evolves past a promise of a date or a kiss, but I’m finding that Moore does brewing sexual tension like nobody’s business, and I’m all here for it! It remains to be seen if this becomes a triangle or not.
Overall, this touches on addiction, religion, the morally gray areas of action and thought. This thing has layers, steeped in mystery, curses, family legends, and pervasive secrets. Moore once again brings this first act to a good conclusion but there's a promise for more in store for Jonah and his personal struggles. I’m invested, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next installment!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Now, I’m no TA Moore expert, but what I’ve consistently found so far is that she creates unique worlds and set ups, leaving some things to the imagination, some things to infer. Despite some nebulousness that is just this side of frustrating (or maybe because of it) this was quite the compelling read, spurring me to finish this in almost one go.
This is a world of magic but it’s not the kind of magic that is benign or kind and is done for good. It’s the kind that has consequences which can be dangerous and often demands a price that many can’t pay.
Jonah knows too well the repercussions of throwing hexes and despite being very adept at it, he’s determined to lead a magic free life, treating his compulsion like an addiction. He’s just minding his own business, trying to hide from his infamous family legacy when he’s unwillingly made a person of interest as he’s approached by an off kilter stranger. This sets in motion coming to the attention of the local magical mafia biker gang, and Jonah soon finds himself a target of some deadly curse where he must bargain for his life, drawing him deeper into a world he’s trying to avoid, where temptation is a constant struggle against his self imposed abstinence.
Ensue a dark twisty story with snarky suspense and some grisly horror as Jonah must find answers for those he doesn’t want to associate with. There’s a couple romantic options here too, where neither evolves past a promise of a date or a kiss, but I’m finding that Moore does brewing sexual tension like nobody’s business, and I’m all here for it! It remains to be seen if this becomes a triangle or not.
Overall, this touches on addiction, religion, the morally gray areas of action and thought. This thing has layers, steeped in mystery, curses, family legends, and pervasive secrets. Moore once again brings this first act to a good conclusion but there's a promise for more in store for Jonah and his personal struggles. I’m invested, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next installment!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
January 16, 2022
I have.... no idea what I just read. Like seriously, I'm so confused.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars
T.A. Moore is one of only a handful of auto-buy authors for me. She's brilliant at suggesting background with the smallest of throwaway remarks, and good at eliciting sympathy for her morally-ambivalent MCs. She's an author who trusts her readers to read between the lines - really flattering!
I should also add that she's quite outstanding at describing horror in domestic terms. Here, the undead hag retching whisky over her victims has fag-ends matted in her hair. Ugh, ugh.
The story is the first of a trilogy (I think) but is relatively self-contained, with Jonah Carrow a laconic hard-bitten ex-hexer trying to stay out of trouble. Then there's this blonde... He's this century's Sam Spade, with all the dry wit and downbeat charm of a young Humprey Bogart. I enjoyed him a lot.
Having said all that, this is a short piece (about 38500 words), which puts a lot of pressure on even TAM's light touch on background and her MC's laconic style. Both would have benefited from quite a bit more room to breathe. I did struggle from time to time with the implications of what was clearly meant to be an important throwaway remark. The climax, in particular, took a couple of readings to get clear. It won't stop me pre-ordering Book 2, though.
T.A. Moore is one of only a handful of auto-buy authors for me. She's brilliant at suggesting background with the smallest of throwaway remarks, and good at eliciting sympathy for her morally-ambivalent MCs. She's an author who trusts her readers to read between the lines - really flattering!
I should also add that she's quite outstanding at describing horror in domestic terms. Here, the undead hag retching whisky over her victims has fag-ends matted in her hair. Ugh, ugh.
The story is the first of a trilogy (I think) but is relatively self-contained, with Jonah Carrow a laconic hard-bitten ex-hexer trying to stay out of trouble. Then there's this blonde... He's this century's Sam Spade, with all the dry wit and downbeat charm of a young Humprey Bogart. I enjoyed him a lot.
Having said all that, this is a short piece (about 38500 words), which puts a lot of pressure on even TAM's light touch on background and her MC's laconic style. Both would have benefited from quite a bit more room to breathe. I did struggle from time to time with the implications of what was clearly meant to be an important throwaway remark. The climax, in particular, took a couple of readings to get clear. It won't stop me pre-ordering Book 2, though.
November 17, 2021
ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
Jonah Carrow is a hex slinger from Babylon hiding out in Jerusalem. He's going to AA meetings because there's no hex slinger meetings. While there he meets Deborah who brings mystery with her tales of a conference in Vegas and a stripper.
Luke is the AA meetings leader. He works for the police in the forensics department and is two years sober. He's a non-magic person caught in a situation he's not prepared to deal with.
Shiloh is the son of the local hex group's leader. He's following Deborah and comes across Jonah. He wants information he thinks Jonah has and he wants something else as well.
This is a hard book for me to review. I felt like there was a prequel I missed or something wasn't being said that needed to be said. There were questions unanswered yet I don't even know what the questions are. I know confusing, right!?! I read this book twice and I'm still confused. There's no backstory on most of the characters and the ones that give some backstory it's very little. It's probably because the book is short that the story isn't fully flushed out. I didn't feel intrigued enough to want to read more either. Maybe it'll be a good read for others but it missed me. Shrugs!
Jonah Carrow is a hex slinger from Babylon hiding out in Jerusalem. He's going to AA meetings because there's no hex slinger meetings. While there he meets Deborah who brings mystery with her tales of a conference in Vegas and a stripper.
Luke is the AA meetings leader. He works for the police in the forensics department and is two years sober. He's a non-magic person caught in a situation he's not prepared to deal with.
Shiloh is the son of the local hex group's leader. He's following Deborah and comes across Jonah. He wants information he thinks Jonah has and he wants something else as well.
This is a hard book for me to review. I felt like there was a prequel I missed or something wasn't being said that needed to be said. There were questions unanswered yet I don't even know what the questions are. I know confusing, right!?! I read this book twice and I'm still confused. There's no backstory on most of the characters and the ones that give some backstory it's very little. It's probably because the book is short that the story isn't fully flushed out. I didn't feel intrigued enough to want to read more either. Maybe it'll be a good read for others but it missed me. Shrugs!
November 27, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
The central theme of Hex Work might be “Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself.”
It’s not merely that Jonah Carrow has to resist turning his truck down the road to temptation – and his family’s home place in Babylon, Pennsylvania – every single day, but that something happened when he left home a year ago that made him swear off using his family gift. A gift for casting – and warding off – hexes.
We may not know what went wrong – at least not yet – but we are riding along with Jonah as his old life does its best to drag him back under its spell. Literally.
A woman enlists his help in a way that seems so random and nebulous that he isn’t exactly sure what it’s about. Not until the people who are chasing her drag him in for a little “chat” about ghosties and ghoulies and just how many of them are going to be set upon him if he doesn’t figure out what she’s up to. Or why she stole something nasty from them. Or both.
Everyone thinks he doesn’t know what it’s all about. Because he’s left his home, his name and his reputation behind in the hopes of making a new start – or outrunning his own ghosts. Except the ghost of his brother who haunts his front yard at night. He’s stuck with that one. Why? We don’t exactly know. Yet.
And even though this wasn’t initially his fight, his circus or his monkeys, by the time he solves the supernatural mystery that stalks Jerusalem (PA) he’s right back in the thick of it. Even if he has, at least so far, still managed to resist falling off the hex wagon.
It’s only a matter of time – and the things that stalk the night have plenty of that.
Escape Rating A-: I was looking for something, let’s say.a bit less complicated after a long weekend reading marathon (because reasons). Not that I expected the characters in the book to be in an uncomplicated situation – from that perspective the more messed up the better. Rather I was looking for something where the story would suck me right in and take my mind away – not tie it up in knots that I wouldn’t be able to unravel for hours or days later.
Urban fantasy has always been my go-to when I want a world to slip right into, and Hex Work certainly fulfilled all my dark, dirty magical expectations. Although, at least so far as this series starter goes, all of the dirt is quite literally dirt. Grave dirt. Not the other kind – at least not yet. This series may eventually switch from urban fantasy to paranormal romance at some point – but neither it nor Jonah are there yet.
The story of Hex Work is told from Jonah’s first-person perspective. We’re inside his head and it’s a pretty damn snarky place to be, which is just fine as one of the things I love about urban fantasy is that it is generally snarky as hell – and sometimes snarky IN hell- and Jonah is no exception.
So we know what he’s thinking in the moment, and we see what he’s struggling with. But we also see that there are plenty of shadowy places in his past that he’s definitely, absolutely, obsessively trying his best NOT to think about. The places that I really hope this series goes as it continues.
Right here and right now, Jonah is in a kind of limbo. He’s sworn he’s not going to lay another hex. He’s left Babylon in order to get away from the supernatural world. But it’s found him. The story is of his struggle to get to the bottom of the grave that the hag that is chasing him pulled itself out of, so he can maybe get back to that fresh start he’s working on.
Only to discover that even though the hag has been laid to rest and the mystery has been solved, he’s still neck deep in the supernatural – and not getting out. We’re left wondering if, in his heart of hearts, he truly wants to.
This reader certainly doesn’t want him to at all. The magic of this world is fascinating, both simple and complex by turns. It feels like it’s been drawn right out of myths and legends and has been hiding in plain sight all along. (It also feels a bit like Midnight Crossroads, so if you liked either the book series or the TV series you’ll probably love this.)
Jonah himself has secrets that I’m itching to discover. I can’t wait to see what trouble finds him next!
The central theme of Hex Work might be “Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself.”
It’s not merely that Jonah Carrow has to resist turning his truck down the road to temptation – and his family’s home place in Babylon, Pennsylvania – every single day, but that something happened when he left home a year ago that made him swear off using his family gift. A gift for casting – and warding off – hexes.
We may not know what went wrong – at least not yet – but we are riding along with Jonah as his old life does its best to drag him back under its spell. Literally.
A woman enlists his help in a way that seems so random and nebulous that he isn’t exactly sure what it’s about. Not until the people who are chasing her drag him in for a little “chat” about ghosties and ghoulies and just how many of them are going to be set upon him if he doesn’t figure out what she’s up to. Or why she stole something nasty from them. Or both.
Everyone thinks he doesn’t know what it’s all about. Because he’s left his home, his name and his reputation behind in the hopes of making a new start – or outrunning his own ghosts. Except the ghost of his brother who haunts his front yard at night. He’s stuck with that one. Why? We don’t exactly know. Yet.
And even though this wasn’t initially his fight, his circus or his monkeys, by the time he solves the supernatural mystery that stalks Jerusalem (PA) he’s right back in the thick of it. Even if he has, at least so far, still managed to resist falling off the hex wagon.
It’s only a matter of time – and the things that stalk the night have plenty of that.
Escape Rating A-: I was looking for something, let’s say.a bit less complicated after a long weekend reading marathon (because reasons). Not that I expected the characters in the book to be in an uncomplicated situation – from that perspective the more messed up the better. Rather I was looking for something where the story would suck me right in and take my mind away – not tie it up in knots that I wouldn’t be able to unravel for hours or days later.
Urban fantasy has always been my go-to when I want a world to slip right into, and Hex Work certainly fulfilled all my dark, dirty magical expectations. Although, at least so far as this series starter goes, all of the dirt is quite literally dirt. Grave dirt. Not the other kind – at least not yet. This series may eventually switch from urban fantasy to paranormal romance at some point – but neither it nor Jonah are there yet.
The story of Hex Work is told from Jonah’s first-person perspective. We’re inside his head and it’s a pretty damn snarky place to be, which is just fine as one of the things I love about urban fantasy is that it is generally snarky as hell – and sometimes snarky IN hell- and Jonah is no exception.
So we know what he’s thinking in the moment, and we see what he’s struggling with. But we also see that there are plenty of shadowy places in his past that he’s definitely, absolutely, obsessively trying his best NOT to think about. The places that I really hope this series goes as it continues.
Right here and right now, Jonah is in a kind of limbo. He’s sworn he’s not going to lay another hex. He’s left Babylon in order to get away from the supernatural world. But it’s found him. The story is of his struggle to get to the bottom of the grave that the hag that is chasing him pulled itself out of, so he can maybe get back to that fresh start he’s working on.
Only to discover that even though the hag has been laid to rest and the mystery has been solved, he’s still neck deep in the supernatural – and not getting out. We’re left wondering if, in his heart of hearts, he truly wants to.
This reader certainly doesn’t want him to at all. The magic of this world is fascinating, both simple and complex by turns. It feels like it’s been drawn right out of myths and legends and has been hiding in plain sight all along. (It also feels a bit like Midnight Crossroads, so if you liked either the book series or the TV series you’ll probably love this.)
Jonah himself has secrets that I’m itching to discover. I can’t wait to see what trouble finds him next!
November 23, 2021
I was very lucky to be provided a copy of HexWork early, in exchange for promising to post a review. Good or bad. As far as openings go, it didn't start with quite the same bang as Shift Work and Liar, Liar. But then again my two favourite series from the author - Digging Up Bones and Wolf Winter - didn't open up with a bang either, but it still stole time (where did my day go??) and resonated in my mind long after. What you get with TA Moore are original worlds - often dark and twisty - with great pacing, excellent dialogue and great sensitivity in the way the main characters are drawn. And HexWork looks to be no exception. It pulls you in and I consumed this in one sitting! At only 136 pages, Book 1 sets up the premise well enough, but leaves you hanging in terms of the story line and characters; similar to the pacing in the Night Shift series. So, I won't truly know if I'll love the series until I've read them all. But the different take on magic, originality and the set up with the dynamic between Jonah (MC), Luke and Shiloh has definitely got me waiting for Book 2 with interest!
February 3, 2022
2 out of 5? (Probably lower but I'm in a charitable mood this morning)
I've read other books by T.A. Moore and enjoyed them, but I did not care for Hex Work. It was very superficial and quite obscure. Back stories are hinted at but not in any way sufficient to elucidate what is happening in the story. Magic exists but it's "rules" aren't explained (I never imagined a day that I'd kill for an info-dump). There's a mystery - but even once it's "solved" you're still left wondering what happened and why. Jonah Carrow is just too opaque of an MC to care about him or anything happening around him.
This landed slightly below 'meh' for me. Not bad enough to induce rage-reading or dnfing, but not good enough to make me pick up the next book in the series, either.
I've read other books by T.A. Moore and enjoyed them, but I did not care for Hex Work. It was very superficial and quite obscure. Back stories are hinted at but not in any way sufficient to elucidate what is happening in the story. Magic exists but it's "rules" aren't explained (I never imagined a day that I'd kill for an info-dump). There's a mystery - but even once it's "solved" you're still left wondering what happened and why. Jonah Carrow is just too opaque of an MC to care about him or anything happening around him.
This landed slightly below 'meh' for me. Not bad enough to induce rage-reading or dnfing, but not good enough to make me pick up the next book in the series, either.
December 31, 2021
This was just really confusing. I felt like I missed a lot and it was the first chapter. Was there a prequel or something that I missed? I just couldn't get into it, because I had no clue what was even going on.
December 2, 2021
T.A Moore has such a unique imagination! I love her works and was very lucky to score an ARC copy of this latest release. Now that I have read the book I intend to start over to make sure I didn't miss anything on the first read.
This book is an MM book but don't expect romance or sexy scenes...maybe in book 2 or 3!! I will definitely read the next book in the series when available. I also look forward to the audio that I dearly hope will be made in the not too distant future.
I highly recommend this book for those who love the MM and paranormal genres.
This book is an MM book but don't expect romance or sexy scenes...maybe in book 2 or 3!! I will definitely read the next book in the series when available. I also look forward to the audio that I dearly hope will be made in the not too distant future.
I highly recommend this book for those who love the MM and paranormal genres.
November 22, 2021
Hex Works is a mix of interesting, confusing and mystery. The story is told from the POV of Jonah Carrow who has been attempting to make a new life for himself in the normal world, unfortunately once you’ve been exposed to the paranormal, it’s hard to not see it nor does it willing want to let you go. Thus, despite his efforts, he finds himself being pulled back into it and we get to go along for the ride. The world the author has created seems be unique and complex and you get the sense the author (and Jonah) has a good handle/understanding of it although the reader is only given bits and pieces as Jonah struggles to find a way to help without teetering over the edge back into the past he’s tried to escape. Is those bits of insight into the worldbuilding that help make the story interesting but also confusing at the same time as you know that there are bits of likely important information that, while Jonah has it, you don’t. Jonah is a reluctant hero in a plot that has moves a little slow at first but with several twists that will keep you wondering just who needs his help and who is trouble. While there is no romance in this story, there is introduction of a couple possible future relationship entanglements. Jonah in the ends does resolve the current issue, but we are left with several questions and possibilities for future books.
Arc courtesy of the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Arc courtesy of the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 15, 2021
I was gifted my copy of this book.
I am, or try to be, as honest about my book feelings as I can be, when writing my review. And its THESE sorts of reviews I struggle the most with.
The ones that leave me feeling out of sorts, and with questions. Questions that I mostly don't know how to voice! And I hate that I can't, you know it pains me deeply that I can't voice my book feelings the way I want to!
I struggled with this one. Mostly for one reason and one reason alone.
Jonah himself. Given as Jonah is the only one given a voice, it made for hard work. Jonah has lot to say, and what he does say is well written and well delivered.
But It's what he does NOT say, that made things difficult for me. He says a lot of random throw away comments, that made me go back to see if I missed anything. Not uncommon for me, I speed read at best, so if a book makes me slow down and concentrate, that's usually a good thing. Here, however, those comments were made and I did NOT miss anything. It became clear to me, at least, that i wasn't going to get a full explanation about many things, and it kinda put me off. I was constantly doubling back, and it made it hard work.
The ending confused me a bit too.
Will I read more in this series? Probably not. Will I read more from Ms Moore? Absolutely!
So, I'm sorry, Ms Moore, for taking so long to read this, but Jonah really wasn't for me.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I am, or try to be, as honest about my book feelings as I can be, when writing my review. And its THESE sorts of reviews I struggle the most with.
The ones that leave me feeling out of sorts, and with questions. Questions that I mostly don't know how to voice! And I hate that I can't, you know it pains me deeply that I can't voice my book feelings the way I want to!
I struggled with this one. Mostly for one reason and one reason alone.
Jonah himself. Given as Jonah is the only one given a voice, it made for hard work. Jonah has lot to say, and what he does say is well written and well delivered.
But It's what he does NOT say, that made things difficult for me. He says a lot of random throw away comments, that made me go back to see if I missed anything. Not uncommon for me, I speed read at best, so if a book makes me slow down and concentrate, that's usually a good thing. Here, however, those comments were made and I did NOT miss anything. It became clear to me, at least, that i wasn't going to get a full explanation about many things, and it kinda put me off. I was constantly doubling back, and it made it hard work.
The ending confused me a bit too.
Will I read more in this series? Probably not. Will I read more from Ms Moore? Absolutely!
So, I'm sorry, Ms Moore, for taking so long to read this, but Jonah really wasn't for me.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
November 24, 2021
Jonah tried hard to escape his past and heritage but unfortunately they follow. He'll need to accept it and make the best of it whether he likes it or not.
First, you should be avare that this is not a romance. It's a paranormal horror story with a lot of gore featuring gay characters. There are two possibilities so far that could be Jonahs' love interest in the future. I'm saying so far, because although the plot in this installment is mostly resolved, his story will continue in the books to come. I love this author and the writing is good as usual. She created a very original paranormal world unlike any other I've read so far, so this book kept my attention from the page one, although it got me frustrated at some points. Sometimes the authors train of thought is hard to follow. She has the whole picture, but we don't - we are only fed bits and pieces of Jonah's world at a time, so it's sometimes difficult to make sense of what's happening - I actually had to reread some passages to figure it out. I really think this book needs a prequel or maybe better a prologue, but it's too late for that. If you are a fan of her Wolf's winter series you'll like this one. I truly hope that the next book is coming soon because I really need to find out what happens next.
First, you should be avare that this is not a romance. It's a paranormal horror story with a lot of gore featuring gay characters. There are two possibilities so far that could be Jonahs' love interest in the future. I'm saying so far, because although the plot in this installment is mostly resolved, his story will continue in the books to come. I love this author and the writing is good as usual. She created a very original paranormal world unlike any other I've read so far, so this book kept my attention from the page one, although it got me frustrated at some points. Sometimes the authors train of thought is hard to follow. She has the whole picture, but we don't - we are only fed bits and pieces of Jonah's world at a time, so it's sometimes difficult to make sense of what's happening - I actually had to reread some passages to figure it out. I really think this book needs a prequel or maybe better a prologue, but it's too late for that. If you are a fan of her Wolf's winter series you'll like this one. I truly hope that the next book is coming soon because I really need to find out what happens next.
November 23, 2021
This was a good story for Halloween as the finale was set in a graveyard and was quite gruesome!
I thought the pace and tension were excellent - I read in one sitting - and there were lots of unexpected but satisfying twists in the story as it unfolded.
This particular book was very clearly ‘setting the scene’ for a future series. I was left with so many unanswered questions. It did a good job of whetting my appetite for more - but this is when I want to move on at once to the next installment!
Lots of breadcrumbs have been laid.
I hope all of those trails get followed up.
Jonah and his dead brother have what sounds like a tragic family past, there are two possible future ‘romantic’ partners for Jonah as well as twelve favors to be returned - and, in addition, a mysterious sealed box...
I can’t wait! 😉
I thought the pace and tension were excellent - I read in one sitting - and there were lots of unexpected but satisfying twists in the story as it unfolded.
This particular book was very clearly ‘setting the scene’ for a future series. I was left with so many unanswered questions. It did a good job of whetting my appetite for more - but this is when I want to move on at once to the next installment!
Lots of breadcrumbs have been laid.
I hope all of those trails get followed up.
Jonah and his dead brother have what sounds like a tragic family past, there are two possible future ‘romantic’ partners for Jonah as well as twelve favors to be returned - and, in addition, a mysterious sealed box...
I can’t wait! 😉
November 21, 2021
Hmm. So, before I get into my review, I did enjoy this. However, a part of me would really like Moore to return to some of her ongoing series.
Anyway! This took me awhile to get into. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed it - however, it does feel like a prologue, rather than a whole story, and I'm left with more questions than any answers. I'm very excited to see where it goes, and like all of Moore's worlds, this one feels well built and comprehensive. Hopefully there won't be a long wait for more, because I feel like there was a LOT of detail, and I'm going to forget it all! Honestly, it might even be worth waiting until the series is complete and binging it, because I was deeply disappointed when Hex Work ended so quickly!
Anyway! This took me awhile to get into. Once I got into it, I really enjoyed it - however, it does feel like a prologue, rather than a whole story, and I'm left with more questions than any answers. I'm very excited to see where it goes, and like all of Moore's worlds, this one feels well built and comprehensive. Hopefully there won't be a long wait for more, because I feel like there was a LOT of detail, and I'm going to forget it all! Honestly, it might even be worth waiting until the series is complete and binging it, because I was deeply disappointed when Hex Work ended so quickly!
November 23, 2021
The book was interesting, but seemed as if there could have been more of a back story. Perhaps the next will explain more about what Jonah does. Jonah attends AA meetings to find support for his remaining hex free. There he meets Luke, who guns the meeting, and Deborah who has a few secrets of her own. Meeting these people and Shiloh, gets Jonah involved peripherally with hex again. Tasked with gaining information, Jonah becomes involved despite c wishing to be away from this life. For both Jonah and the reader there are questions both answered and unresolved. Will look forward to the next installment.
November 23, 2021
Just coming off her awesome paranormal trilogy Shift Work, Ms. Moore has once again jumped in to another paranormal idea with this beginning novella prequel; which has me hooked.
Jonah has fled his hometown of Babylon and is at a AA meeting. Not an alcoholic but at least it’s a support group….He has almost made a year not doing hexes or magic. But this town of Jerusalem is looking like it might not happen.
Ms Moore has a way with horror, and this town looks like she will relish Jonah stopping there. We are assaulted with death, ghosts and bloodshed and this prequel is only 136 pages.
Glad to begin this ride and see where Jonah and Ms Moore take us….Great Start!!!
Jonah has fled his hometown of Babylon and is at a AA meeting. Not an alcoholic but at least it’s a support group….He has almost made a year not doing hexes or magic. But this town of Jerusalem is looking like it might not happen.
Ms Moore has a way with horror, and this town looks like she will relish Jonah stopping there. We are assaulted with death, ghosts and bloodshed and this prequel is only 136 pages.
Glad to begin this ride and see where Jonah and Ms Moore take us….Great Start!!!
June 18, 2024
Staying on "the wagon" has never been more dangerous. Jonah was just trying to stay sober from throwing hexes when life kicked over the shaky house of cards he'd built. I understand Luke not wanting the thing chasing him to be real but I really wanted to smack him when he pulled the horror movie cliche move 🤦♀️, all Jonah asked was for him to stay inside and sit tight while he tried to figure out how to help him. It was a good thing Luke was cute because his survival instincts needed some help. I can't wait to see what trouble darkens Jonah's doorstep next.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
November 22, 2021
This is hard to review. By the end of the book we know very little about many things introduced. This is not a romance in any sense. It was macabre and unrelenting in its darkness. I’m not sure who the potential love interest will be as we have two very different men who it could be.
However, it was well written and creative. It’s not a rehashing of common ideas. I’m just not sure it is for me. I may read the next when it comes out but I’ll have to see.
If you liked Dog Days and the rest in that series, you’ll probably like this.
However, it was well written and creative. It’s not a rehashing of common ideas. I’m just not sure it is for me. I may read the next when it comes out but I’ll have to see.
If you liked Dog Days and the rest in that series, you’ll probably like this.
November 29, 2021
“Hex Work” by TA Moore is yet another wonderful addition to her ripping good tales of the macabre.
The story begins at an AA meeting in the town of Jerusalem, Pennsylvania. Attending the meeting is Jonah Carrow, last in the line of multi-generational practitioners of magic, and whom it should be noted, is not an alcoholic. No, he’s using AA meetings as a means to not lay any hexes and is currently at 300 days. He picked the wrong meeting, because by the end of the evening he had been inexorably sucked into a local supernatural Armageddon. The story is well paced with wonderful word building, and I so look forward to additional books on this series.
The story begins at an AA meeting in the town of Jerusalem, Pennsylvania. Attending the meeting is Jonah Carrow, last in the line of multi-generational practitioners of magic, and whom it should be noted, is not an alcoholic. No, he’s using AA meetings as a means to not lay any hexes and is currently at 300 days. He picked the wrong meeting, because by the end of the evening he had been inexorably sucked into a local supernatural Armageddon. The story is well paced with wonderful word building, and I so look forward to additional books on this series.
November 9, 2024
A gay male hex witch has escaped from his community and has given up practicing magic. Trouble finds him anyway. There are some guys he's attracted to, and a couple of kisses are given or received. That's as far as MM romance went for the main character. Most of the story concerns him cleaning up other people's messes.
Lots of blood and gore. I felt dirty after finishing this book.
Typos: "say" for "saw," "cut" for "coat," "hags" for "hag's" (it was a possessive--the scream wasn't the hag's).
Lots of blood and gore. I felt dirty after finishing this book.
Typos: "say" for "saw," "cut" for "coat," "hags" for "hag's" (it was a possessive--the scream wasn't the hag's).
November 24, 2021
Hex Work is a very mysterious, action-packed, scary intense book. It is seen from Jonah Carrow's point of view and he's a hex slinger. The book will have you guessing and on the edge of your seat. I was a little confused at first but the deeper I got into the book I started enjoying it and I'm looking forward to the next book. I want to see what will transpire between Jonah and his brother.
December 4, 2021
I’m not generally a fan of mysteries where the reader has no chance to solve the ostensible puzzle, and I still didn’t like that setup here, but I’m intrigued enough by this concept that I’m willing to tentatively chalk that up to first book world-building. hopefully this actually becomes a series and isn’t just a one-off…
January 19, 2022
I seem to have liked this more than most. Great writing, interesting worldbuilding and magic, combined with a believable love interest. I really like how the writer has such a range of ideas for the paranormal world and each story is different- yet has a believable mm romantic story running through it. Love her stuff.
November 23, 2021
T.A. Moore does a tremendous job with her world building.
There is mystery, magic, unspeakable horror that pulls the reader into this world.
Jonah is such an intriguing character.
I was left with many questions and I am eager for the next installment in this series.
There is mystery, magic, unspeakable horror that pulls the reader into this world.
Jonah is such an intriguing character.
I was left with many questions and I am eager for the next installment in this series.
December 2, 2021
All About the Hex
A wonderful start to a new series, I love the characters. An interesting mix of witches that will Hex and one that is trying not to Hex. I really loved reading it.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A wonderful start to a new series, I love the characters. An interesting mix of witches that will Hex and one that is trying not to Hex. I really loved reading it.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 8, 2022
Maybe not the right book for my reading mood at the time but the atmosphere of this book was just unrelentingly grim. Lots of hints at a mysterious past that I assume will get resolved in further in the series but not enough character development in this book to really keep me interested.
February 27, 2022
I'm not entirely sure what genre this is, but there is definitely some horror in there. Not my usual scene.
But well-written, interesting characters, atmospheric and complex yet plausible.
Looking forward to the next!
But well-written, interesting characters, atmospheric and complex yet plausible.
Looking forward to the next!
May 19, 2022
Wanted more.
October 8, 2022
Well written and fast paced, this book was a wild ride through a dark and dangerous world. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and intrigue and look forward to more.
January 25, 2023
Enjoyable paranormal mystery, that is well written with likable characters.
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