Audiobook Review: The Necromancer's Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes

Even love can die without trust.

Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begin to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?

Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.

The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.

Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

Listening Length: 7 hours and 47 minutes
Narrator: Joel Leslie

Guest Reviewer: R *A Reader Obsessed*

I must say that this is fast becoming a favorite, showcasing a top notch urban fantasy that boasts sorcerers, vampires, trolls, fae lords, and last but not least, a squee worthy, small, but spunky dragon. This continues to play on my nostalgia for when I gobbled up series like Sookie Stackhouse, Anita Blake, and Mercy Thompson. If you liked those stories, I don’t think you’ll have any complaint about this at all.

Basically, this is the continuation of the life and times of Angel, new mate to elder vampire Simeon. Their bond is a bit tenuous, slowly evolving and gaining strength, not quite permanent and solidified. Such a bond between a necromancer and a vampire has never been formed, and it’s sure to have unknown repercussions and consequences. As Angel and Simeon deal with their amazing new abilities that definitely increase their status, such developments also set them up as targets for all sorts of unwanted attention. It doesn’t help when their lives and powers are further tested as humans, and supernatural alike, start showing up brutally and ritualistically murdered, suggesting a threat with evil, dark intent. Of course, they’re the only ones capable and possibly powerful enough to address such a formidable foe.

What I enjoyed the most was the additional world building, the exploration into Angel’s abilities, and don’t forget, the evolving relationships he has with not only Simeon, but also with his younger brother, Isaac, and his new apprentice from a rival clan, Daniel. This was full of magical action and adventure, with some really yummy claiming smex. No complaints here!

Again, like its predecessor, Necromancer’s Dance, this was narrated by Joel Leslie. I admit he is not my favorite narrator, as he brings very over the top interpretations and accents to all of the characters, inducing the occasional eye roll, brow raise, and wincing at his various dramatics. However, thankfully the powerful and engaging storytelling overshadows the negatives of the audio, and I eagerly look forward to the next book! SJ Himes can’t write fast enough!!

Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Wizard by the Sea by Anna Wineheart

On his tenth birthday, Connor trips over a wizard on the shore. Amidst glowing clovers and roses drawn in the sand, the wizard shelters him from the rain and promises to teach him magic. Three years later, they meet again, and Connor becomes his student.

Yates has never been a mentor—he doesn't deserve the privilege. But Connor comes to him after a tragedy, broken and helpless, and stays for years. Without realizing it, they fall in love. Yates knows he shouldn't: he has shaped this boy into a man. At a loss, he pretends not to notice Connor's affections... until his nineteenth birthday, when they celebrate a hard-won victory and give in to desire. Ashamed, Yates banishes his student, leaving a hole in both their hearts.

Four years later and still lonely, a tidal wave sweeps Connor back into Yates' life. When they meet again, he discovers that Yates has withheld secrets from him, secrets that could change his life. Their past is fractured, their future uncertain. But the one thing Connor knows is that he's always loved the wizard by the sea.

Holy moly did I love this book. It's different than the main run of books out there and I truly enjoyed that fact. 

Connor is just a child when he meets Yates for the first time, thereafter he sees the Wizard by the Sea on a regular - if infrequent - basis over the coming years. The story follows the development of their relationship. It's not a quick development, not a rush from boy and man to adult lovers. It is slow. It is believable. It fucking well broke my heart a trillion times.

Yates starts as Connor's sometimes friend. A huge influence on Connor, awakening something inside that Connor didn't know existed. He'd not been told that magic ran in his fathers family, his father had none and viewed it as a  bad thing. They were simple people, a fisherman and his wife and son. They lived a hard but uncomplicated life. Yates offered something different to Connor, something beyond that which the boy already knew.

The friendship became more important to Connor as tragic events took place, as his father turned to alcohol, as the life he'd known thus far changed and slipped away. Eventually Yates became mentor and Connor apprentice. Feelings were growing with each passing year; Yates was determined to deny them though.

This is front and centre a love story. A love of family. A love of friendship. Of mentor. And finally of man and man. it is a love story that is repeatedly denied. That is given then taken - because of circumstance and fear and honour and a million different reasons. 

There is a timeless quality to this story, it is impossible to set it in a time or place, I felt. It was ethereal. Yet it was also remarkably solid. The characters were so true and defined and honest it gave the story an anchor. I loved both Yates and Connor, they were interesting and real. I waned to know them more - and with each page turned I did. Connor particularly I felt I understood. His heart was mine during this story.; every scratch and bruise and tiny bit of love and warmth it received I felt with every part of my own heart.

I also, despite him being flawed, had a real soft spot for Connor's father. I liked that he didn't judge his son. He didn't worry about Yates' age or the fact that he was male. He had his own struggle and was far, far from perfect but again he felt real and despite everything I know he did love his son.

My kindle has loads of notes for this story - most of them saying things like go ahead, break my heart! Anna Wineheart is a new to me author but I will certainly be looking out for books by her in the future.

A copy of this book was given in return for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.