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The DuPage Parish Mysteries #2
Cascade Hunger
Eli and Dag survived a monster.
Two monsters, in fact.
A year later, though, they’re still trying to settle into a ‘regular’ life. Dag is working hard in school. It’s not going great. Eli is working hard at…being a better Eli. He’s eating right. Most of the time. He’s thinking about exercise in healthy ways. He’s ok with how he looks, as long as he doesn’t walk past any mirrors.
He goes out some nights, though. He goes across the lake, back to Bragg, where the monsters were. And he’s not sure why. He’s not sure what keeps calling him back.
When a woman is brutally murdered and an eyewitness claims to have seen the killer transform into a mysterious light, Eli and Dag are forced to set aside their own problems and face a difficult truth: there is another monster out there. Worse, there doesn’t seem to be anybody else who can stop it from killing again.
But not all monsters are the same, as Eli and Dag discover. And the most dangerous monster might be the one who can give you what you’ve always wanted.
Two monsters, in fact.
A year later, though, they’re still trying to settle into a ‘regular’ life. Dag is working hard in school. It’s not going great. Eli is working hard at…being a better Eli. He’s eating right. Most of the time. He’s thinking about exercise in healthy ways. He’s ok with how he looks, as long as he doesn’t walk past any mirrors.
He goes out some nights, though. He goes across the lake, back to Bragg, where the monsters were. And he’s not sure why. He’s not sure what keeps calling him back.
When a woman is brutally murdered and an eyewitness claims to have seen the killer transform into a mysterious light, Eli and Dag are forced to set aside their own problems and face a difficult truth: there is another monster out there. Worse, there doesn’t seem to be anybody else who can stop it from killing again.
But not all monsters are the same, as Eli and Dag discover. And the most dangerous monster might be the one who can give you what you’ve always wanted.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2021
19 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
133 books1,804 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 16, 2022
Audiobook - 4.5 stars
Story - 4.25 spooky shit stars
I had fun listening to this book, Declan Winters did an excellent job giving the characters distinct voices and portraying emotions.
I was curious to see what book 2 would bring and like always Greg did not disappoint. After surviving the monsters in book 1. Eli and Dag are back trying to put those events behind them. But we all know once the spooky stuff is out, it is out. No burying it.
Eli - Oh boy, this guy needs to get into therapy ASAP. He has a lot of issues and those issues have other issues. I like him but he frustrated the hell out of me. He has done some tiny bit of growth since book 1 but still. Lawd! he can be a little prick when he wants to. His insecurities feels so real and I am glad that it is not something that is just glossed over.
Dag - Bless his patient heart. I like him a lot. In this book Dag is trying to adjust going back to school. The horror! It felt real, his fears were well documented. His parents are a great addition to this book. Their relationship is amazing.
Eli and Dag - Well these two understand each other. They belong together.
I loved the scenery descriptions. I am obsessed with Louisiana. I am so happy to take in all the little details of the place.
The mystery was interesting. It took me a while to get into it but after I did it was smooth sailing until the end. The monster though. Eww! Supernatural season 1 and 2 level of gross monsters.
Overall, I had so much fun listening to this book.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Story - 4.25 spooky shit stars
I had fun listening to this book, Declan Winters did an excellent job giving the characters distinct voices and portraying emotions.
I was curious to see what book 2 would bring and like always Greg did not disappoint. After surviving the monsters in book 1. Eli and Dag are back trying to put those events behind them. But we all know once the spooky stuff is out, it is out. No burying it.
Eli - Oh boy, this guy needs to get into therapy ASAP. He has a lot of issues and those issues have other issues. I like him but he frustrated the hell out of me. He has done some tiny bit of growth since book 1 but still. Lawd! he can be a little prick when he wants to. His insecurities feels so real and I am glad that it is not something that is just glossed over.
Dag - Bless his patient heart. I like him a lot. In this book Dag is trying to adjust going back to school. The horror! It felt real, his fears were well documented. His parents are a great addition to this book. Their relationship is amazing.
Eli and Dag - Well these two understand each other. They belong together.
I loved the scenery descriptions. I am obsessed with Louisiana. I am so happy to take in all the little details of the place.
The mystery was interesting. It took me a while to get into it but after I did it was smooth sailing until the end. The monster though. Eww! Supernatural season 1 and 2 level of gross monsters.
Overall, I had so much fun listening to this book.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2023
Audiobook review 12/5/23:
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
This series is even better this second time around. Declan Winters is an amazing narrator. The story was so full of twists and turns and the mythical monsters, or whatever you would call them, are different than anything I’ve read before.
The relationship between Eli and Dag is complicated but under the troubles and confidence issues the love is so strong and pure. Dagobert LeBlanc is the sweetest character ever! I may have said that in my review of the first book. He’s so patient and kind, he loves Eli so much and wants to protect him and also build him up.
Eli is fun and snarky, I love how he interacts with people. He is still dealing with many issues from his families deaths and the circumstances from the previous book. He wants to be better, especially for Dag, but he cannot get past his insecurities. When Dag’s ex-boyfriend shows up it causes Eli to doubt what Dag sees in him.
Lanny, Dag’s ex-boyfriend, is not the typical guy you want to hate. He screwed Dag over but he’s really sweet. I’m sad at his storyline, but not surprised, this is a Gregory Ashe book.
We don’t get as much of Dag’s parents in this one but what we get is solid gold! I can read an entire story about them!
They crack me up so much!
This series doesn’t get as much attention as a few others of Ashe’s but it’s just so, so good!
***********************************************************
Thank you Gregory Ashe for always having a book that I can escape into when I cannot get into any other book I try to read! I enjoyed this story and reading about Eli and Dag again. The setting, the myths, the monsters. This is typical Gregory Ashe with the characters that need major therapy but they take on monsters. I hope we get more in this series.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
This series is even better this second time around. Declan Winters is an amazing narrator. The story was so full of twists and turns and the mythical monsters, or whatever you would call them, are different than anything I’ve read before.
The relationship between Eli and Dag is complicated but under the troubles and confidence issues the love is so strong and pure. Dagobert LeBlanc is the sweetest character ever! I may have said that in my review of the first book. He’s so patient and kind, he loves Eli so much and wants to protect him and also build him up.
Eli is fun and snarky, I love how he interacts with people. He is still dealing with many issues from his families deaths and the circumstances from the previous book. He wants to be better, especially for Dag, but he cannot get past his insecurities. When Dag’s ex-boyfriend shows up it causes Eli to doubt what Dag sees in him.
Lanny, Dag’s ex-boyfriend, is not the typical guy you want to hate. He screwed Dag over but he’s really sweet. I’m sad at his storyline, but not surprised, this is a Gregory Ashe book.
We don’t get as much of Dag’s parents in this one but what we get is solid gold! I can read an entire story about them!
They crack me up so much!
This series doesn’t get as much attention as a few others of Ashe’s but it’s just so, so good!
***********************************************************
Thank you Gregory Ashe for always having a book that I can escape into when I cannot get into any other book I try to read! I enjoyed this story and reading about Eli and Dag again. The setting, the myths, the monsters. This is typical Gregory Ashe with the characters that need major therapy but they take on monsters. I hope we get more in this series.
July 8, 2023
I don't know why I waited so long to read this series. It's not the first time that I've tiptoed around the paranormal genre just to be reminded how much I enjoy it once I finally give in. But while the supernatural lore and mystery had my eyes glued to my Kindle, it was the human element of this story that made my mind whir and click.
There was a lot of emphasis on Eli's insecurities in this book and I loved the interesting way GA presented them, both through Eli's often skewed perceptions and the desires they created within him. It had been a year since the events in the first book, but Eli was still running, both literally and figuratively - from his past, from pain, from attachments, from the version of himself he saw each time he looked in the mirror and, more often than not, towards danger. His struggle with exercise addiction, disordered eating and body dysmorphia was especially heartbreaking for me. I have my own love/hate relationship with diet and exercise, so I could relate to each covert glance at the scale and extra set of crunches just as much as I could relate to a McDonald's binge and the subsequent guilt that followed. The clear difference between the way Eli saw himself and the way others saw him, and the way it affected him both mentally and physically, made me want to cry and scream and hug him all at once.
Poor Dag just wanted to make his flash cards and study and do well in school, preferably without his boyfriend - or whatever they were calling it - disappearing into the night. Between Eli constantly pulling a runner, his ex showing up out of nowhere to rekindle a long extinguished flame, his intrusive parents and another batch of dead bodies, his patience was stretched thin. But, in typical Dag fashion, gentle understanding and kindness won out over the lure of confrontation and he did what he always does - he tried to take care of everyone.
As far as the spooky factor, I thought this book amped it up a notch. I'm terrified of bodies of water in the dark and there was an entire scene in a bayou where the water was described as oil-slick black and I full on shuddered. I loved that the supernatural community got a little larger and that Dag's newly acquired zoology knowledge came in handy outside of the classroom. But my favorite part of this book was the softness at the end. Saying more would give too much away, but I loved the beautiful way it was handled. Dag and Eli are just too cute and should be protected at all costs, which is why they should probably consider moving out of Louisiana.
There was a lot of emphasis on Eli's insecurities in this book and I loved the interesting way GA presented them, both through Eli's often skewed perceptions and the desires they created within him. It had been a year since the events in the first book, but Eli was still running, both literally and figuratively - from his past, from pain, from attachments, from the version of himself he saw each time he looked in the mirror and, more often than not, towards danger. His struggle with exercise addiction, disordered eating and body dysmorphia was especially heartbreaking for me. I have my own love/hate relationship with diet and exercise, so I could relate to each covert glance at the scale and extra set of crunches just as much as I could relate to a McDonald's binge and the subsequent guilt that followed. The clear difference between the way Eli saw himself and the way others saw him, and the way it affected him both mentally and physically, made me want to cry and scream and hug him all at once.
Poor Dag just wanted to make his flash cards and study and do well in school, preferably without his boyfriend - or whatever they were calling it - disappearing into the night. Between Eli constantly pulling a runner, his ex showing up out of nowhere to rekindle a long extinguished flame, his intrusive parents and another batch of dead bodies, his patience was stretched thin. But, in typical Dag fashion, gentle understanding and kindness won out over the lure of confrontation and he did what he always does - he tried to take care of everyone.
As far as the spooky factor, I thought this book amped it up a notch. I'm terrified of bodies of water in the dark and there was an entire scene in a bayou where the water was described as oil-slick black and I full on shuddered. I loved that the supernatural community got a little larger and that Dag's newly acquired zoology knowledge came in handy outside of the classroom. But my favorite part of this book was the softness at the end. Saying more would give too much away, but I loved the beautiful way it was handled. Dag and Eli are just too cute and should be protected at all costs, which is why they should probably consider moving out of Louisiana.
December 14, 2021
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
The second book in Gregory Ashe’s DuPage Parish series of paranormal-with-a-horror-vibe mysteries, Cascade Hunger catches up with Elien Martel (who has reverted to going by his real name of Eli Martins) and Dagobert LeBlanc around a year after the events of Stray Fears. In that book, Eli and Dag discovered the existence of a supernatural being called a Hashok, a malevolent spirit that fed on pain and suffering, and which had been consuming negative energy from Eli – who, in addition to carrying around a shedload of guilt over the deaths of his parents and brother, struggles with body dysmorphia and self-esteem issues - for a long time without his being aware of it. Eli and Dag were able to defeat and destroy the Hashok – not without considerable risk to themselves – and now, a year later, we find them living together in the house they’ve bought, and getting on with their lives.
Well. Sort of.
After working for a few years as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Dag is now at college studying marine biology, and although he loves the subject, he’s struggling. And Eli… well, he’s still Eli. Sharp-tongued, prickly, damaged, and his own worst enemy at times, he loves Dag but can’t seem to stop himself from doing things he knows will hurt him. When the story begins, Eli seems to have fallen back to his old self-destructive ways, sneaking out of the house late at night and heading to Bragg where he wanders around and binge-eats and then calls Dag for a ride home. Eli knows it’s not good for him, he knows it upsets Dag (and how unfair it is of him to be calling so late when Dag has to get up early for college) but he just can’t seem to fight off the compulsion that draws him back there time and again.
Dag loves Eli very much, but he’s tired. Lack of sleep is affecting his college work, but Eli’s simultaneous skittishness and neediness can be just as exhausting. Even though they’ve lived together for a year, Eli isn’t willing to label what they are – their latest fight was over Dag’s use of the “b” word – and while Dag tries hard to be supportive and understanding (seriously, the man has the patience of a saint!) sometimes it’s hard.
Things between them are still a little bit awkward a couple of days after Eli’s latest night-time excursion when Dag is surprised by a phone call from his old sergeant at the Sheriff’s department, asking him for some information about a domestic – the first one he’d ever attended back when he was an eighteen-year-old rookie. Dag being Dag, he still has all his old notebooks and quickly finds the details of the case – a woman named Ivy had locked herself in the bathroom after being beaten by her boyfriend; Dag had taken the boyfriend in, but Ivy wouldn’t press charges and he had to be released. Now Ivy is dead – likely murdered – and the boyfriend is the prime suspect. But then Dag and Eli hear the sergeant make a comment to one of the other deputies about the “damn fireflies” and they’re both paralysed with shock. It’s been a year, but they still have nightmares about blue fireflies. Has the hashok returned? Or is there another one out there?
Well, I’m not telling – but Eli and Dag immediately set about finding out. Their investigations turn up more dead bodies, stories of lights that look like fireflies (but aren’t) across the bayou and tales of supernatural tricksters and spirits that can grant your heart’s desire – and throwing the proverbial spanner into the works is Lanny, Dag’s ex, who turns up out of the blue, supposedly to pay back the money he stole when he left, but clearly intent on getting Dag back.
The combination of folklore-inspired paranormal elements and Gregory Ashe’s customary brand of cleverly plotted mystery is a winning one, and as in Stray Fears, the author very skilfully juxtaposes the evils of his fictional supernatural entities with the real-life evil human beings perpetrate against each other every day. The encroaching sense of dread builds slowly right from the first page as Eli and Dag are pulled inexorably deeper into a hidden world full of evil spirits and monsters – and the climactic set pieces are tense and exciting.
But the thing I most adore about Mr. Ashe’s books is the fact that while his mysteries are clever, the people involved in them aren’t merely ciphers or character-types, they’re real people with real problems who are bumbling their way through life – as are most of us! – trying to do the right thing, trying to work out who they are and who they want to be and navigating relationships (not always successfully). They’re flawed, complex and they make mistakes – and yet they’re endearing and you can’t help but care about them even as sometimes you want to yell at them to pull their heads out of their arses! Dag and Eli are made from the same mould; being in a relationship doesn’t magically solve their problems and they obviously have some way to go, but their love for each other is never in doubt. I was pleased that the author has chosen to delve a little deeper in to Dag’s past in this book; he’s Mr. Even Keel a lot of the time, but he has his insecurities, too, and some of those come to the fore here as he struggles to process a past betrayal while also trying to be what Eli needs as he grapples with his own demons.
The only slightly false note struck in the book is Dag’s parents, who once again provide comic relief – but I found their enthusiasm (and nosiness) about Dag’s sex life a bit overdone and intrusive this time around. It’s wonderful that they’re so supportive, but I really felt Dag’s embarrassment, poor guy!
That’s my only quibble in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable combination of chills, thrills, humour, twisty plotting, and perfectly imperfect romance. Mr. Ashe said in his most recent newsletter that Cascade Hunger “launches the guys into official monster hunter territory”, and that this isn’t the last we’re going to see of them – which is definitely cause for celebration. I can’t wait to read more of their monster-hunting adventures!
The second book in Gregory Ashe’s DuPage Parish series of paranormal-with-a-horror-vibe mysteries, Cascade Hunger catches up with Elien Martel (who has reverted to going by his real name of Eli Martins) and Dagobert LeBlanc around a year after the events of Stray Fears. In that book, Eli and Dag discovered the existence of a supernatural being called a Hashok, a malevolent spirit that fed on pain and suffering, and which had been consuming negative energy from Eli – who, in addition to carrying around a shedload of guilt over the deaths of his parents and brother, struggles with body dysmorphia and self-esteem issues - for a long time without his being aware of it. Eli and Dag were able to defeat and destroy the Hashok – not without considerable risk to themselves – and now, a year later, we find them living together in the house they’ve bought, and getting on with their lives.
Well. Sort of.
After working for a few years as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Dag is now at college studying marine biology, and although he loves the subject, he’s struggling. And Eli… well, he’s still Eli. Sharp-tongued, prickly, damaged, and his own worst enemy at times, he loves Dag but can’t seem to stop himself from doing things he knows will hurt him. When the story begins, Eli seems to have fallen back to his old self-destructive ways, sneaking out of the house late at night and heading to Bragg where he wanders around and binge-eats and then calls Dag for a ride home. Eli knows it’s not good for him, he knows it upsets Dag (and how unfair it is of him to be calling so late when Dag has to get up early for college) but he just can’t seem to fight off the compulsion that draws him back there time and again.
Dag loves Eli very much, but he’s tired. Lack of sleep is affecting his college work, but Eli’s simultaneous skittishness and neediness can be just as exhausting. Even though they’ve lived together for a year, Eli isn’t willing to label what they are – their latest fight was over Dag’s use of the “b” word – and while Dag tries hard to be supportive and understanding (seriously, the man has the patience of a saint!) sometimes it’s hard.
Things between them are still a little bit awkward a couple of days after Eli’s latest night-time excursion when Dag is surprised by a phone call from his old sergeant at the Sheriff’s department, asking him for some information about a domestic – the first one he’d ever attended back when he was an eighteen-year-old rookie. Dag being Dag, he still has all his old notebooks and quickly finds the details of the case – a woman named Ivy had locked herself in the bathroom after being beaten by her boyfriend; Dag had taken the boyfriend in, but Ivy wouldn’t press charges and he had to be released. Now Ivy is dead – likely murdered – and the boyfriend is the prime suspect. But then Dag and Eli hear the sergeant make a comment to one of the other deputies about the “damn fireflies” and they’re both paralysed with shock. It’s been a year, but they still have nightmares about blue fireflies. Has the hashok returned? Or is there another one out there?
Well, I’m not telling – but Eli and Dag immediately set about finding out. Their investigations turn up more dead bodies, stories of lights that look like fireflies (but aren’t) across the bayou and tales of supernatural tricksters and spirits that can grant your heart’s desire – and throwing the proverbial spanner into the works is Lanny, Dag’s ex, who turns up out of the blue, supposedly to pay back the money he stole when he left, but clearly intent on getting Dag back.
The combination of folklore-inspired paranormal elements and Gregory Ashe’s customary brand of cleverly plotted mystery is a winning one, and as in Stray Fears, the author very skilfully juxtaposes the evils of his fictional supernatural entities with the real-life evil human beings perpetrate against each other every day. The encroaching sense of dread builds slowly right from the first page as Eli and Dag are pulled inexorably deeper into a hidden world full of evil spirits and monsters – and the climactic set pieces are tense and exciting.
But the thing I most adore about Mr. Ashe’s books is the fact that while his mysteries are clever, the people involved in them aren’t merely ciphers or character-types, they’re real people with real problems who are bumbling their way through life – as are most of us! – trying to do the right thing, trying to work out who they are and who they want to be and navigating relationships (not always successfully). They’re flawed, complex and they make mistakes – and yet they’re endearing and you can’t help but care about them even as sometimes you want to yell at them to pull their heads out of their arses! Dag and Eli are made from the same mould; being in a relationship doesn’t magically solve their problems and they obviously have some way to go, but their love for each other is never in doubt. I was pleased that the author has chosen to delve a little deeper in to Dag’s past in this book; he’s Mr. Even Keel a lot of the time, but he has his insecurities, too, and some of those come to the fore here as he struggles to process a past betrayal while also trying to be what Eli needs as he grapples with his own demons.
The only slightly false note struck in the book is Dag’s parents, who once again provide comic relief – but I found their enthusiasm (and nosiness) about Dag’s sex life a bit overdone and intrusive this time around. It’s wonderful that they’re so supportive, but I really felt Dag’s embarrassment, poor guy!
That’s my only quibble in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable combination of chills, thrills, humour, twisty plotting, and perfectly imperfect romance. Mr. Ashe said in his most recent newsletter that Cascade Hunger “launches the guys into official monster hunter territory”, and that this isn’t the last we’re going to see of them – which is definitely cause for celebration. I can’t wait to read more of their monster-hunting adventures!
November 5, 2021
One year after the events of Stray Fears, Eli and Dag are in a relationship and living together. Eli is still dealing with a truckload of emotional baggage and countless phycological issues and traumas. He's trying though. He's trying to be better. Maybe not just to become better, but to be a completely different Eli, with less body fat and no triggers, someone whom Dag deserves to be in love with.
Dag doesn't care for a different version of Eli though. Between focusing on his studies at the college and trying to handle Eli’s erratic behaviour to keep him safe, Dag is close to burnout, but since he's the best unofficial boyfriend in the world, his main priority is to keep Eli away from any harm and to make him happy. Even if it could cost him his dream.
The book is written in first-person POV, alternating between Eli and Dag and seeing the world with their eyes was the best part of this book. These characters grow on me page by page. I felt their pain and struggles, their love and obsessions. I loved Eli’s imperfect and relatable personality and also the fact that his issues with body image are not sure coated or downplayed.
The mystery is a bit confusing. Not much is given away in the first half of the book and I was convinced they're going to deal with a similar monster as the first book, which to be honest was a bit disappointing. But in the last few chapters, the story picks up again and quickly become fast-paced and action-packed. I liked the tight connection of the mystery to the psychics of the characters which once again was proof of the author's talent in creating characters and a plot that fit perfectly together.
And last but not least, Eli and Dag are super hot together. Dag and his display of vulnerability for Eli melted my heart. With grey hair, the kindest heart and a sexy body, Dag is my favourite character!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dag doesn't care for a different version of Eli though. Between focusing on his studies at the college and trying to handle Eli’s erratic behaviour to keep him safe, Dag is close to burnout, but since he's the best unofficial boyfriend in the world, his main priority is to keep Eli away from any harm and to make him happy. Even if it could cost him his dream.
The book is written in first-person POV, alternating between Eli and Dag and seeing the world with their eyes was the best part of this book. These characters grow on me page by page. I felt their pain and struggles, their love and obsessions. I loved Eli’s imperfect and relatable personality and also the fact that his issues with body image are not sure coated or downplayed.
The mystery is a bit confusing. Not much is given away in the first half of the book and I was convinced they're going to deal with a similar monster as the first book, which to be honest was a bit disappointing. But in the last few chapters, the story picks up again and quickly become fast-paced and action-packed. I liked the tight connection of the mystery to the psychics of the characters which once again was proof of the author's talent in creating characters and a plot that fit perfectly together.
And last but not least, Eli and Dag are super hot together. Dag and his display of vulnerability for Eli melted my heart. With grey hair, the kindest heart and a sexy body, Dag is my favourite character!
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Great paranormal mystery with magic and voodoo!!
I’m really enjoying Ashe’s foray into paranormal with this series.
Dag: I adore him. Absolutely adore him. How he puts up with Eli’s antics, I don’t know.
Eli: he annoys me. He makes me laugh. He surprises me. I don’t like him. I like him. He’s a very complex character, and in this story he grows a lot.
The plot: creepy, dark-ish, paranormal. Something is killing folks. Something that maybe looks like people the folks know. Dag and Eli get to the bottom of this mystery, all the while eluding danger. Bonus: visit to the bayou!
The narration was good—although sometimes I had a little trouble distinguishing between Eli and Dag.
I’m really enjoying Ashe’s foray into paranormal with this series.
Dag: I adore him. Absolutely adore him. How he puts up with Eli’s antics, I don’t know.
Eli: he annoys me. He makes me laugh. He surprises me. I don’t like him. I like him. He’s a very complex character, and in this story he grows a lot.
The plot: creepy, dark-ish, paranormal. Something is killing folks. Something that maybe looks like people the folks know. Dag and Eli get to the bottom of this mystery, all the while eluding danger. Bonus: visit to the bayou!
The narration was good—although sometimes I had a little trouble distinguishing between Eli and Dag.
January 13, 2023
Second read: 4 stars
I actually enjoyed this a lot more the second time. It’s probably cause I knew the reasons why for a lot of things that annoyed me when I first read the book. It meant I could over look a lot of stuff and I appreciated Dag and Eli’s love for each other a lot more too. The narrator does a great job as always.
3.5/5 stars
I was gonna round this down but the ending won me over lol
At the start I wasn’t sure how I felt about Dag and Eli’s relationship, I don’t know if they’re good for each other or not mainly because of some things Eli did and the way Dag would tell him he couldn’t do certain things. But I think it made more sense over time and I kinda get where they’re coming from.
I like that this is probably one of the only GA series where each book contains its own mystery and the relationship always ends on a happy note 😂 no cliffhangers here
I actually enjoyed this a lot more the second time. It’s probably cause I knew the reasons why for a lot of things that annoyed me when I first read the book. It meant I could over look a lot of stuff and I appreciated Dag and Eli’s love for each other a lot more too. The narrator does a great job as always.
3.5/5 stars
I was gonna round this down but the ending won me over lol
At the start I wasn’t sure how I felt about Dag and Eli’s relationship, I don’t know if they’re good for each other or not mainly because of some things Eli did and the way Dag would tell him he couldn’t do certain things. But I think it made more sense over time and I kinda get where they’re coming from.
I like that this is probably one of the only GA series where each book contains its own mystery and the relationship always ends on a happy note 😂 no cliffhangers here
March 15, 2023
This is really creepy and I'm really enjoying it! The plot is engaging, there's some new spooky elements, and boy oh boy are these two cursed. Eli is a supreme brat, and I'm glad we have a realistic relationship where everything isn't perfect or easy. Both leads have things they need to work on, they try to communicate, try to understand each other, and are doing their best. Also, their domestic homelife with Dag going back to school is very cute.
Slurs aren't something I personally like to read about, and it did get a little rough listening to them used throughout the story. It didn't really add anything to the storyline or characters for my personal reading experience, but I imagine they were included for some reason.
Again - excellent narration from Declan Winters. Really enjoying the dual POV as well!
Slurs aren't something I personally like to read about, and it did get a little rough listening to them used throughout the story. It didn't really add anything to the storyline or characters for my personal reading experience, but I imagine they were included for some reason.
Again - excellent narration from Declan Winters. Really enjoying the dual POV as well!
August 1, 2022
I'm a little conflicted about this one because I was so excited for a sequel after loving book one but then.. I was frustrated by how this started out. And then I got stuck, a week passed (maybe more..), and I was finally able to dive back in. And it's explained that the behaviours that were putting me off were behaviours that were being forced upon one of the MCs. So, like, I'm glad for that explanation.. but it still happened.
So obviously this wasn't as seamless an experience as the first in the series (my fault but also the book a little) but I will absolutely read on if more is to come -- I can't stay away from Ashe no matter what he puts me through.
So obviously this wasn't as seamless an experience as the first in the series (my fault but also the book a little) but I will absolutely read on if more is to come -- I can't stay away from Ashe no matter what he puts me through.
May 7, 2024
Literally had no idea what was going on half the time.
Dag. I am begging you. Learn to set a boundary for people not named Eli. Begging.
Thus far, this series is good by any reasonable standards but only fair by GA standards. If you're a GA newbie: don't start here.
Dag. I am begging you. Learn to set a boundary for people not named Eli. Begging.
Thus far, this series is good by any reasonable standards but only fair by GA standards. If you're a GA newbie: don't start here.
May 19, 2024
3.5, really. Had a hard time following the plot in this one, but I like the developments in Eli & Dag & their relationship, & GA continues to be able to write the hell out of setting & atmosphere. I wish I were more into the supernatural stuff here, but 🤷🏻♀️
January 24, 2026
3.5⭐️ I wasn’t quite as into the mystery of this one as the first book. The creature/entity seemed too similar. I would have liked to have seen a completely new/different plot line.
Also, I was sad to see Eli has gotten worse since the last book, in his behavior and self-destructive tendencies. I was really hoping to see some growth for him.
But ultimately, I guess it makes sense because the overarching theme of this series is how we’re insecure and unable to see ourselves as others see us, and how we can really be our own worst enemies.
Alas, the last book looks like it will give me what I want in regard to both these things.
Also, I was sad to see Eli has gotten worse since the last book, in his behavior and self-destructive tendencies. I was really hoping to see some growth for him.
But ultimately, I guess it makes sense because the overarching theme of this series is how we’re insecure and unable to see ourselves as others see us, and how we can really be our own worst enemies.
Alas, the last book looks like it will give me what I want in regard to both these things.
May 8, 2024
Bogged down by monsters.
Take better care of yourselves!
Quick, creepy, thoughtful.
Take better care of yourselves!
Quick, creepy, thoughtful.
July 7, 2022
Now, this is the kind of horror that I like! Subtle, atmospheric, with fear growing slow but steadily trough the story and with characters from whom I really care.
Dag and Eli are still struggling to make their relationship work, and Eli... shees! Eli seems to be sabotaging it most of the time. But, of course, there is a reason for it, and it isn't only the sudden apparition of Dag's ex, Lanny.
I love how we are all lead into the wrong conclusions and when the truth is finally out we don't feel cheated; everything makes sense and we understand a lot of behaviours and coincidences that weren't really coincidental.
I adore how Dag's parents are some kind of horrific, embarrassing comic relief and the perfect example of parents who love too much *dies laughing*
But mostly, I love Dag and Eli. I love their flaws and I love how they never give up. I love Dag's steadiness and the way in which he can be understanding but never taking any shit. I love Eli's love for Dag, how, even in his worst self-doubting moments he never doubts Dag. I love how they feel real and human; imperfects and fallible but always authentic.
I hope I won't have to wait another year for the next story, though :P
EDIT: Well, my wish didn't come true but I hope that we'll have a new book this October *fingers crossed*
I still love these characters fiercely. Ashe's characters are always flawed, always complex, and sometimes you want to hit them but no matter what, you 'get' them. They are human, they make mistakes and fuck things up but then they stand up, brush their clothes and carry on. They are no quitters.
And the monster here takes a lot of shapes: it's insecurity, it's mental illness, it's the gaze of the others... The killer becoming blue light? That's probably the least scary of all of them.
I really need more of Dag and Elian, we left them in a better place but I want to see how they are faring :)
Dag and Eli are still struggling to make their relationship work, and Eli... shees! Eli seems to be sabotaging it most of the time. But, of course, there is a reason for it, and it isn't only the sudden apparition of Dag's ex, Lanny.
I love how we are all lead into the wrong conclusions and when the truth is finally out we don't feel cheated; everything makes sense and we understand a lot of behaviours and coincidences that weren't really coincidental.
I adore how Dag's parents are some kind of horrific, embarrassing comic relief and the perfect example of parents who love too much *dies laughing*
But mostly, I love Dag and Eli. I love their flaws and I love how they never give up. I love Dag's steadiness and the way in which he can be understanding but never taking any shit. I love Eli's love for Dag, how, even in his worst self-doubting moments he never doubts Dag. I love how they feel real and human; imperfects and fallible but always authentic.
I hope I won't have to wait another year for the next story, though :P
EDIT: Well, my wish didn't come true but I hope that we'll have a new book this October *fingers crossed*
I still love these characters fiercely. Ashe's characters are always flawed, always complex, and sometimes you want to hit them but no matter what, you 'get' them. They are human, they make mistakes and fuck things up but then they stand up, brush their clothes and carry on. They are no quitters.
And the monster here takes a lot of shapes: it's insecurity, it's mental illness, it's the gaze of the others... The killer becoming blue light? That's probably the least scary of all of them.
I really need more of Dag and Elian, we left them in a better place but I want to see how they are faring :)
October 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this sequel to Stray Fears.
These particular books make me feel nostalgic for tv shows such as Eerie, Indiana or Goosebumps. I’ve always been a fan of the supernatural and enjoyed Gregory Ashes Hollow Folks series so I was very excited to be able to receive an ARC for Cascade Hunger.
Whilst there was a conclusion to the “big bad” in book 1, this book very much feels like a continuation in plot and in character development. Dag continues to be an absolute delight in the form of a gentle giant who wears his heart on his sleeve. It was good to see him deal with some of the emotions and experiences in his past whilst maintaining endless patience for Eli who continues to struggle with his own demons.
Hoping there we’ll be more from these 2 as it certainly seems light they have just started to scratch the surface of what lurks in the dark of DuPage .
These particular books make me feel nostalgic for tv shows such as Eerie, Indiana or Goosebumps. I’ve always been a fan of the supernatural and enjoyed Gregory Ashes Hollow Folks series so I was very excited to be able to receive an ARC for Cascade Hunger.
Whilst there was a conclusion to the “big bad” in book 1, this book very much feels like a continuation in plot and in character development. Dag continues to be an absolute delight in the form of a gentle giant who wears his heart on his sleeve. It was good to see him deal with some of the emotions and experiences in his past whilst maintaining endless patience for Eli who continues to struggle with his own demons.
Hoping there we’ll be more from these 2 as it certainly seems light they have just started to scratch the surface of what lurks in the dark of DuPage .
November 1, 2021
I like the paranormal aspects of this series. Super interesting creatures and plots. I don't really care for the couple though. Eli is too much. I don't care for him at all. I also can't stand Dag's parents, who I guess, are supposed to provide some comic relief to the rest of the seriousness. I find them ridiculously over the top and I don't think it's funny at all. I don't think I'll continue on with the series.
June 22, 2023
Here, I’d wake up next to Dag, his arm over me, or I’d walk in the door with the groceries and see where he’d left his textbook bristling with sticky notes, or I’d turn around, and the sunlight would be coming in at exactly the right angle, and I’d see the magnolia tree in the backyard blooming, and I’d be so happy that I thought something was wrong. A leaky valve. More than my body could hold.
But most of the time, I was dear old Eli Martins, which meant I was constitutionally incapable of happiness and wired for fucking up every good thing that came into my life.
My beef with this series is that the books are so damn short. 204 pages for a Gregory Ashe novel is like an appetizer, give me more!
But honestly, I really like this series. I am so fond of both Eli and Dag and Eli-and-Dag, hence I feel all this frustration when a book ends so soon. This one started great, laying down the foundation for all my favorite type of relationship drama that's classic of GA's writing and it was so refreshing and enjoyable to see how his Brat Extraordinaire and Ultimate Sweetheart couple dealt with them. I would take 100 pages more of that.
Eli acknowledges this in the book: there's literally no other man than Dag who'd deal with him in a long-term relationship. He's like Tinker Bell in that he's capable of dying of a lack attention but he's also wired to run away and hide the second he's acknowledged for his vulnerability, hurt, and insecurities. With the cardinal sin of this series is the books being so short, relatively we do not get too deep into Eli's psyche (plus the horror element is there to play as a mirror to the character's own fears and desires so you're meant to infer maybe more than usual) but he honestly might be one of my favorite GA characters in the way his tragedies, trauma response, and contradictions are all conceptualized. Or maybe it's a case of some of them (namely his body dysphoria and issues with food and self-worth) hitting too close to home.
And Dag is just so sweet, I don't even know what to say about him. My heart broke many times in this one for all the pain and grief he had to go through. He's unfazed by Eli's many harmless but - let's be real - annoying stunts but also so mindful and kind and caring about the ones that are actually hurting his boyfriend (or whatever they're calling it as Eli freaks out about that too). I'm usually annoyed by characters who are depicted as too good to be true but Dag is just so real in his gentleness. He's not Jesus Christ incarnated, he's just a guy who doesn't like to be yelled at but is gonna give you all the hugs and the hair-stroking you need once you calm down and explain why you were yelling.
tldr: I love them. I want more of them.
February 24, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised we got a sequel in this series! I don't think I've seen word whether they'll be more, but I might not be opposed? There is actually a short that was published that's post-Stray Fears in an anthology, but I'm not sure if it takes place before this book or after. I still need to read it. I love Dag and Eli, and I love that the stories in this series are paranormal and actually very creepy to read at night.
Content notes include homomisia, racism, racial slurs, murder, deaths, violence, and body dysmorphia.
While the events of Stray Fears ended with a pretty satisfying ending, this book explores what Eli and Dag's relationship is like afterwards. And if there's ANYONE who knows how to breathe new life into book relationships after characters get together, it's going to be Gregory Ashe. This story starts with Eli and Dag living together, and getting to know each other more as they try to navigate their newfound relationship. They're boyfriends, but they don't know how to say it or don't seem ready to give what they have a label yet.
I will say the beginning of this was very confusing at first because I had finished re-reading Stray Fears not too long before starting this one and I was like, who the FUCK is Eli? Turns out it's Elien with a new name to go with all the new changes in his life. Makes sense, just took me off-guard because I also famously forget blurbs after I read them.
Dag is navigating life after quitting the police force. The job was all he ever wanted, but his life goes in a different direction, and the people at the station kind of just wanted him out at the end. So, now he's in school again as a slightly older, returning college student, studying marine biology. I don't necessarily agree with the story here where it makes it sound like Dag hasn't been to school in 50 years and just makes him seem so out of touch with the other kids maybe 10 years younger than him? Dag is 28! He hasn't been out of college for THAT long. I don't know, it just seemed a little bit weird, but maybe this is usual for returning students.
Then there's Eli. Eli is a bit...self-destructive. I don't think he's fully recovered from the events with what happened with his parents and brother, and then what happened with his relationship with Richard in the first book. Sure, Eli went to therapy before, but he wasn't exactly taking it all too seriously. And it all went to hell anyways, so there's definitely some growing pains for Eli? He's definitely still feeling very self-conscious of the way he looks, which might be uncomfortable for some folks to read. The way this book is written (in first-person) adds another level to reading about Eli and how he feels in his body. He has body dysmorphia and an eating disorder that goes unaddressed for a very long time. Obviously, Dag does what he can, but Eli is also very good at hiding a lot from Dag, since Dag has his own things to deal with. It gets better at the end, but it's a rough journey there.
The paranormal aspect of this book is just as creepy as the first book, because you don't know what's happening or what's coming. I like that this differs than a normal mystery because the paranormal piece makes it so much harder to guess what's going to happen next in the story. That said, I am very sad about one of the deaths in the book and Dag just can't catch a break! I can't even say I liked the character at first, because of their history with Dag. But as the book wore on...I didn't hate that character as much? And then finding out what's been happening to them this entire time? IT MAKES ME SAD TO THINK ABOUT IT.
There are a lot of characters that get introduced from the jump and I don't know what it is, but I had kind of a rough time following who was who. That's the norm with Gregory Ashe books though? So, I just went with the flow and it's all vibes until the end when the culprit is revealed. I will say my favorite character is a reoccurring one - the librarian, Miss Kennedy. She's amazing and you can tell she's had enough of Eli and his questions. And quite frankly, I see where she's coming from. Then there's Dag's parents. They're super supportive of their son and love Eli like he's one of their own. But maybe they're sometimes too supportive? They provide much needed comedic relief to an otherwise very dark story and I appreciate their presence in Dag and Eli's lives.
Declan Winters is a pretty new narrator, I think? Or at least new under this name. I did listen to the first book in audio as a re-read, and I think he did a fabulous job. He has very subtle nuances to differentiate between's Dag's local boy southern accent, and Eli's...not. He transitions between all the characters well and I just really enjoyed his narration for this series. I hope to listen to more audiobooks from him!
I love that this book takes place near New Orleans and the spooky vibes really carry into this story. I'm happy with where this book leaves us with Eli and Dag, but I also hope we get to see more of them someday! The characters are fun and these books are a particularly good creepy read for spooky season!
***Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of the e-ARC and audiobook for review!!***
Content notes include homomisia, racism, racial slurs, murder, deaths, violence, and body dysmorphia.
While the events of Stray Fears ended with a pretty satisfying ending, this book explores what Eli and Dag's relationship is like afterwards. And if there's ANYONE who knows how to breathe new life into book relationships after characters get together, it's going to be Gregory Ashe. This story starts with Eli and Dag living together, and getting to know each other more as they try to navigate their newfound relationship. They're boyfriends, but they don't know how to say it or don't seem ready to give what they have a label yet.
I will say the beginning of this was very confusing at first because I had finished re-reading Stray Fears not too long before starting this one and I was like, who the FUCK is Eli? Turns out it's Elien with a new name to go with all the new changes in his life. Makes sense, just took me off-guard because I also famously forget blurbs after I read them.
Dag is navigating life after quitting the police force. The job was all he ever wanted, but his life goes in a different direction, and the people at the station kind of just wanted him out at the end. So, now he's in school again as a slightly older, returning college student, studying marine biology. I don't necessarily agree with the story here where it makes it sound like Dag hasn't been to school in 50 years and just makes him seem so out of touch with the other kids maybe 10 years younger than him? Dag is 28! He hasn't been out of college for THAT long. I don't know, it just seemed a little bit weird, but maybe this is usual for returning students.
Then there's Eli. Eli is a bit...self-destructive. I don't think he's fully recovered from the events with what happened with his parents and brother, and then what happened with his relationship with Richard in the first book. Sure, Eli went to therapy before, but he wasn't exactly taking it all too seriously. And it all went to hell anyways, so there's definitely some growing pains for Eli? He's definitely still feeling very self-conscious of the way he looks, which might be uncomfortable for some folks to read. The way this book is written (in first-person) adds another level to reading about Eli and how he feels in his body. He has body dysmorphia and an eating disorder that goes unaddressed for a very long time. Obviously, Dag does what he can, but Eli is also very good at hiding a lot from Dag, since Dag has his own things to deal with. It gets better at the end, but it's a rough journey there.
The paranormal aspect of this book is just as creepy as the first book, because you don't know what's happening or what's coming. I like that this differs than a normal mystery because the paranormal piece makes it so much harder to guess what's going to happen next in the story. That said, I am very sad about one of the deaths in the book and Dag just can't catch a break! I can't even say I liked the character at first, because of their history with Dag. But as the book wore on...I didn't hate that character as much? And then finding out what's been happening to them this entire time? IT MAKES ME SAD TO THINK ABOUT IT.
There are a lot of characters that get introduced from the jump and I don't know what it is, but I had kind of a rough time following who was who. That's the norm with Gregory Ashe books though? So, I just went with the flow and it's all vibes until the end when the culprit is revealed. I will say my favorite character is a reoccurring one - the librarian, Miss Kennedy. She's amazing and you can tell she's had enough of Eli and his questions. And quite frankly, I see where she's coming from. Then there's Dag's parents. They're super supportive of their son and love Eli like he's one of their own. But maybe they're sometimes too supportive? They provide much needed comedic relief to an otherwise very dark story and I appreciate their presence in Dag and Eli's lives.
Declan Winters is a pretty new narrator, I think? Or at least new under this name. I did listen to the first book in audio as a re-read, and I think he did a fabulous job. He has very subtle nuances to differentiate between's Dag's local boy southern accent, and Eli's...not. He transitions between all the characters well and I just really enjoyed his narration for this series. I hope to listen to more audiobooks from him!
I love that this book takes place near New Orleans and the spooky vibes really carry into this story. I'm happy with where this book leaves us with Eli and Dag, but I also hope we get to see more of them someday! The characters are fun and these books are a particularly good creepy read for spooky season!
***Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of the e-ARC and audiobook for review!!***
November 7, 2022
Loved the monster in this one! Dag and Eli are both still great; looking forward to reading more of them. The mystery was interesting, too - I figured out part of it about halfway through but there were still some great surprises I never would have thought of.
July 2, 2022
So while I wasn’t AS obsessed as I was with the first book, I’m really hoping there will be more in this series, cause I love where it’s going. I also love the fresh take on monsters and lore.
October 25, 2021
I received an ARC copy of Cascade Hunger, a book I've been eagerly waiting for since I knew it existed. I very much liked Eli, and especially Dagobert, from the first book of the Dupage Parish Mysteries series, and was happy to read about them again.
Cascade Hunger sees Dag and Eli living together in their new home, Dag struggling with his studies in marine biology and Eli struggling just trying to be himself, when they think they've come across an old supernatural foe that needs to be dealt with.
This book is filled with the usual Ashe-ian gift of building vibrant, yet complex, characters. Dag is his usual sweet self with the patience of an angel; Eli still reminds me of an ornery cat - pushy, touchy but still extremely needy. I liked the addition of Lanney who had the potential to become a great love-to-hate character, similar to Dulac of Gregory Ashe's Hazard and Somerset series (if he wasn't killed off, I mean).
I enjoyed the supernatural angle to this horror/mystery, although as horrors go it's fairly tame. However, it's still filled with the same build-up and twists familiar to Gregory Ashe's books. I liked learning a little more about New Orleans folk-lore and folk magic. I'm not sure what it says about me that I found the scene with the lutin charming rather than scary or unsettling.
Mostly what I like about this series is that the books deal with some big mental health issues. PTSD featured heavily in the first book Stray Fears; Cascade Hunger dealt more with Eli's body dismorphia and self-esteem issues. I felt gratified that the author didn't have a need for the characters to be magically fixed by the end of the story as some authors are wont to do. Ashe's characters are flawed and imperfect - and that's okay.
I only rated this book 4 stars mostly because of the evolution of Dag's parents, Hubert and Gloria. I thought they were super-cute in the first book, stumbling and fumbling their way through gay culture to be cheerleaders for their son. But in Cascade Hunger, they've become (in my opinion) over the top, inappropriate trope-y older people who over-share and really need to get off the internet.
However, I still loved this book, I recommend it to anyone who likes a supernatural mystery/horror or just enjoys Gregory Ashe writing, and I really hope there are more books to come in this series.
And once again, thank you to Gregory Ashe for the ARC copy of this book.
Cascade Hunger sees Dag and Eli living together in their new home, Dag struggling with his studies in marine biology and Eli struggling just trying to be himself, when they think they've come across an old supernatural foe that needs to be dealt with.
This book is filled with the usual Ashe-ian gift of building vibrant, yet complex, characters. Dag is his usual sweet self with the patience of an angel; Eli still reminds me of an ornery cat - pushy, touchy but still extremely needy. I liked the addition of Lanney who had the potential to become a great love-to-hate character, similar to Dulac of Gregory Ashe's Hazard and Somerset series (if he wasn't killed off, I mean).
I enjoyed the supernatural angle to this horror/mystery, although as horrors go it's fairly tame. However, it's still filled with the same build-up and twists familiar to Gregory Ashe's books. I liked learning a little more about New Orleans folk-lore and folk magic. I'm not sure what it says about me that I found the scene with the lutin charming rather than scary or unsettling.
Mostly what I like about this series is that the books deal with some big mental health issues. PTSD featured heavily in the first book Stray Fears; Cascade Hunger dealt more with Eli's body dismorphia and self-esteem issues. I felt gratified that the author didn't have a need for the characters to be magically fixed by the end of the story as some authors are wont to do. Ashe's characters are flawed and imperfect - and that's okay.
I only rated this book 4 stars mostly because of the evolution of Dag's parents, Hubert and Gloria. I thought they were super-cute in the first book, stumbling and fumbling their way through gay culture to be cheerleaders for their son. But in Cascade Hunger, they've become (in my opinion) over the top, inappropriate trope-y older people who over-share and really need to get off the internet.
However, I still loved this book, I recommend it to anyone who likes a supernatural mystery/horror or just enjoys Gregory Ashe writing, and I really hope there are more books to come in this series.
And once again, thank you to Gregory Ashe for the ARC copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
Another very good one! This series is very well-written - funny, suspenseful, sweet, and the setting is really vividly drawn.
I do however hate the parents with the fire of a million suns because the running joke that is 99% of their characters is one I deeply loathe.
I do however hate the parents with the fire of a million suns because the running joke that is 99% of their characters is one I deeply loathe.
March 31, 2022
These 2 are always in peril!
Dag and Eli are back to take care of another monster.
This one was a bit more scary to me and gave me serious anxiety. Lanny was a great bad guy. He also was so evilly innocent.
Dag’s parents are back and still torturing him with their brand of love and affection. Simply hilarious.
This ends well and I’m really hoping we get a part 3. I’m not ready to let go of Dag and Eli. They are wonderfully quirky characters!
Dag and Eli are back to take care of another monster.
This one was a bit more scary to me and gave me serious anxiety. Lanny was a great bad guy. He also was so evilly innocent.
Dag’s parents are back and still torturing him with their brand of love and affection. Simply hilarious.
This ends well and I’m really hoping we get a part 3. I’m not ready to let go of Dag and Eli. They are wonderfully quirky characters!
November 16, 2022
3,75/5
Ce second tome était sorti l'année dernière à la même période, mais je ne sais pas pourquoi, je ne l'avais pas lu... Je me le suis gardé du coup bien précieusement pour la parution de la suite de cette année.
Je me suis donc replongé dans la série en relisant le premier tome histoire de me remettre les idées en place, et honnêtement j'ai bien fait ^^
Ce second tome est dans la lignée du premier, avec cette fois, une nouvelle intrigue pour Eli et Dag.
Intrigue qui va faire écho avec la première, qui va amener certains éléments, des interrogations.
C'est un tome plaisant à lire. J'ai bien aimé l'intrigue, même si le rythme est assez différent du premier tome. Nous avons des personnages à la Gregory Ashe, Eli et Dag sont uniques en leur genre. J'aime la sensibilité de Eli, sa naïveté, ses inquiétudes, son humour, il me rappelle un peu Jem de The Lamb and the Lion ou aussi Theo de The First Quarto. Ce sont des personnages authentiques, avec leurs failles, leurs sensibilités, des personnages complexes, tout comme peut l'être leur relation, qu'on voit du coup évoluer. J'aime la façon dont l'auteur a de traité notamment le rapport au corps que peut avoir Eli.
J'ai aimé ce roman même si j'en attendais un peu plus je pense. Après, j'adore tout ce qu'écrit Gregory Ashe, il a un style bien à lui et j'aime sa façon d'intégrer le folklore et mythes dans cette série-là.
Je ne vais pas tarder à me plonger dans le tome suivant, j'ai hâte !
Ce second tome était sorti l'année dernière à la même période, mais je ne sais pas pourquoi, je ne l'avais pas lu... Je me le suis gardé du coup bien précieusement pour la parution de la suite de cette année.
Je me suis donc replongé dans la série en relisant le premier tome histoire de me remettre les idées en place, et honnêtement j'ai bien fait ^^
Ce second tome est dans la lignée du premier, avec cette fois, une nouvelle intrigue pour Eli et Dag.
Intrigue qui va faire écho avec la première, qui va amener certains éléments, des interrogations.
C'est un tome plaisant à lire. J'ai bien aimé l'intrigue, même si le rythme est assez différent du premier tome. Nous avons des personnages à la Gregory Ashe, Eli et Dag sont uniques en leur genre. J'aime la sensibilité de Eli, sa naïveté, ses inquiétudes, son humour, il me rappelle un peu Jem de The Lamb and the Lion ou aussi Theo de The First Quarto. Ce sont des personnages authentiques, avec leurs failles, leurs sensibilités, des personnages complexes, tout comme peut l'être leur relation, qu'on voit du coup évoluer. J'aime la façon dont l'auteur a de traité notamment le rapport au corps que peut avoir Eli.
J'ai aimé ce roman même si j'en attendais un peu plus je pense. Après, j'adore tout ce qu'écrit Gregory Ashe, il a un style bien à lui et j'aime sa façon d'intégrer le folklore et mythes dans cette série-là.
Je ne vais pas tarder à me plonger dans le tome suivant, j'ai hâte !
May 12, 2025
3.5
I like paranormal folk horror and this one was a pretty fun ride (I lowkey wish there was more mm folk horror). I especially liked the parts that took place in the juke joint, it was very atmospheric but otherwise there wasn’t anything in particular that really grabbed me. I’m looking forward to the next one though.
I like paranormal folk horror and this one was a pretty fun ride (I lowkey wish there was more mm folk horror). I especially liked the parts that took place in the juke joint, it was very atmospheric but otherwise there wasn’t anything in particular that really grabbed me. I’m looking forward to the next one though.
March 10, 2022
Another great installment, these two are the best. I hope Mr. Ashe never stops writing about them.
August 21, 2023
a perfectly fine read just to get more of these two… it’s just a shame that it only got truly good at the very very end.
November 8, 2024
This one's my favorite so far, primarily because these two guys make a bit of progress, but also because the 'bad guy' is so creepily weird. On to #3
June 13, 2022
Fine human beings and appropriately weird monsters
Gregory Ashe is a good plotter and writes human (usually frustrated with people they love) characters. I will follow them anywhere. Read the first one in this series first. Dab’s parents are archetypally awful and funny.
Gregory Ashe is a good plotter and writes human (usually frustrated with people they love) characters. I will follow them anywhere. Read the first one in this series first. Dab’s parents are archetypally awful and funny.
December 29, 2021
What PERFECT timing! I just finished Stray Fears (quite literally 30 mins ago from the time I’m typing this out) on audio and I am SO excited that this just came out! I swear I didn’t even know this was coming out this past week.
I am still in a rosy starry eyed bliss of Dag and Eli’s story so far. I was quite taken aback because I swear when I read the synopsis of Stray Fears, there was NO mention of Dag. I was confused as to who he was when he was initially introduced in the story. But so glad Eli and Dag exist in the same world. I mean I really love them individually and together but let’s be honest, I’m here to stan Dag. What’s not to love about him? The kindness, the gentle teasing, the love of whales (which I 100% share), the body positivity, the unending hunger, the compassion and kindness, the blushing, the cute tee shirts, how he tries to make Eli feel good in every way he can, the bravery, the way he won’t let Eli mistreat him but still being able to communicate his displeasure in the most polite and gentle way, and of course HIS PARENTS! Holy fuck, his parents are just 🤯🤯🤯 I can listen to them banter for hours. I cringe and die laughing whenever they pop up and I hope they do so a bunch more times in the series!
I also wonder how this type of story (sci-fi/paranormal) is going to be incorporated into the Wahredua universe or if we’ll see any cameos from our other boys. And whether if this type of story exists in those other worlds, if it’ll lead to opportunities for sci-fi elements to appear in future stories or other series. I am curious about it because I assume we are going to be seeing these two become amazing sleuths as we progress into the series and surely the sci-fi component will emerge again. In fact I mentioned in my last review that the initial story reminds me of the show “The Outsider” where this shapeless monster hunts people who are in great emotional pain and takes on the bodies of those it feast upon. And judging by the synopsis, we come to see this monster or it’s kin again. I mean how many of this god damn monster exist in New Orleans? Hasn’t a witch casted some extreme voodoo to make it fuck off? Where are those witches from American Horror Story Coven? 😂😂
In my review of the first boosk, I said I imagined Dag to look like Dave Annabel when he played Justin in Brothers & Sisters and he had that shaved hair cut and those specks of grey!
What I would love to see in this book? Obviously I am excited to get to explore Dag and his background and personality more. We’ve only seen the best possible version of him with close to zero flaws, so it would be great to see the raw and rougher sides of him. I want to see Eli be given more opportunities to step up and start to work through his shit and love himself more and gain confidence so he could be the partner I know he could be to Dag. I want them to slowly build their romance, which by the way has gone at a breakneck speed so far in comparison to other couples in Ashe’s world! Both exciting but nerve wrecking because I keep thinking fuck this is too good to be trueeee! Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, Sam and Rufus, Tean and Jem, Theo and Auggie really had to WORK for it. I mean Theo and Auggie are STILL working on it 😅
But regardless, I am beyond excited to hear this new story and I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out so I can experience the whole fantasy! Will update the review as I start to listen to the book! And I don’t mind giving this a premature 5 ⭐️ rating because not a single one of Ashe’s books have let me down and I suspect that this one won’t either! But I will say that if for some crazy reason this book isn’t up to par, I will give it an honest review and change my rating once I finish. But I highly doubt that!
I am still in a rosy starry eyed bliss of Dag and Eli’s story so far. I was quite taken aback because I swear when I read the synopsis of Stray Fears, there was NO mention of Dag. I was confused as to who he was when he was initially introduced in the story. But so glad Eli and Dag exist in the same world. I mean I really love them individually and together but let’s be honest, I’m here to stan Dag. What’s not to love about him? The kindness, the gentle teasing, the love of whales (which I 100% share), the body positivity, the unending hunger, the compassion and kindness, the blushing, the cute tee shirts, how he tries to make Eli feel good in every way he can, the bravery, the way he won’t let Eli mistreat him but still being able to communicate his displeasure in the most polite and gentle way, and of course HIS PARENTS! Holy fuck, his parents are just 🤯🤯🤯 I can listen to them banter for hours. I cringe and die laughing whenever they pop up and I hope they do so a bunch more times in the series!
I also wonder how this type of story (sci-fi/paranormal) is going to be incorporated into the Wahredua universe or if we’ll see any cameos from our other boys. And whether if this type of story exists in those other worlds, if it’ll lead to opportunities for sci-fi elements to appear in future stories or other series. I am curious about it because I assume we are going to be seeing these two become amazing sleuths as we progress into the series and surely the sci-fi component will emerge again. In fact I mentioned in my last review that the initial story reminds me of the show “The Outsider” where this shapeless monster hunts people who are in great emotional pain and takes on the bodies of those it feast upon. And judging by the synopsis, we come to see this monster or it’s kin again. I mean how many of this god damn monster exist in New Orleans? Hasn’t a witch casted some extreme voodoo to make it fuck off? Where are those witches from American Horror Story Coven? 😂😂
In my review of the first boosk, I said I imagined Dag to look like Dave Annabel when he played Justin in Brothers & Sisters and he had that shaved hair cut and those specks of grey!
What I would love to see in this book? Obviously I am excited to get to explore Dag and his background and personality more. We’ve only seen the best possible version of him with close to zero flaws, so it would be great to see the raw and rougher sides of him. I want to see Eli be given more opportunities to step up and start to work through his shit and love himself more and gain confidence so he could be the partner I know he could be to Dag. I want them to slowly build their romance, which by the way has gone at a breakneck speed so far in comparison to other couples in Ashe’s world! Both exciting but nerve wrecking because I keep thinking fuck this is too good to be trueeee! Hazard and Somers, North and Shaw, Sam and Rufus, Tean and Jem, Theo and Auggie really had to WORK for it. I mean Theo and Auggie are STILL working on it 😅
But regardless, I am beyond excited to hear this new story and I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out so I can experience the whole fantasy! Will update the review as I start to listen to the book! And I don’t mind giving this a premature 5 ⭐️ rating because not a single one of Ashe’s books have let me down and I suspect that this one won’t either! But I will say that if for some crazy reason this book isn’t up to par, I will give it an honest review and change my rating once I finish. But I highly doubt that!
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