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Regency Magicians #1
Spells and Sensibility
Theodore Burnett has never been a hero. He prefers comfort to combat-spells, and jam-slathered scones to muddy boots. Fortunately, as the youngest-ever head librarian at the Royal College of Wizardry, Theo can spend his days with books and bibliomancy in place of battle-magic or politics -- and in any case Napoleon’s been defeated and the war’s been won.
But now there’s a wounded captain of the Magicians’ Corps in Theo’s library. And he needs Theo’s help. And Theo can never resist a mystery, especially when that mystery’s tall and tempting and handsome.
Captain Henry Tourmaline, formerly of His Majesty’s Army and the Magicians’ Corps, requires assistance. He’s returned to London with scars on his body, soul, and heart -- war, after all, will do that to anyone. But one of those scars refuses to heal, a curse that’s slowly draining Henry’s magic and eventually his life. The physicians have no answers, so Henry turns to the College’s books ... and the College’s attractive head librarian. But the curse is unpredictable, and the last thing Henry wants is to drag someone else into the line of fire, particularly someone as kind and innocent and brilliant as Theo.
Theo wants to save Henry. Henry wants to keep Theo safe. Together, perhaps they can do both ... while uncovering a perilous secret behind a spell, a deadly puzzle in the archives, and their own heart’s desires.
But now there’s a wounded captain of the Magicians’ Corps in Theo’s library. And he needs Theo’s help. And Theo can never resist a mystery, especially when that mystery’s tall and tempting and handsome.
Captain Henry Tourmaline, formerly of His Majesty’s Army and the Magicians’ Corps, requires assistance. He’s returned to London with scars on his body, soul, and heart -- war, after all, will do that to anyone. But one of those scars refuses to heal, a curse that’s slowly draining Henry’s magic and eventually his life. The physicians have no answers, so Henry turns to the College’s books ... and the College’s attractive head librarian. But the curse is unpredictable, and the last thing Henry wants is to drag someone else into the line of fire, particularly someone as kind and innocent and brilliant as Theo.
Theo wants to save Henry. Henry wants to keep Theo safe. Together, perhaps they can do both ... while uncovering a perilous secret behind a spell, a deadly puzzle in the archives, and their own heart’s desires.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2022
68 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 7, 2022
Ok so here are my reasons for the my rating:
1 - They only just met and barely an hour later they each already start pining and whining internally over the other. Now I'm ok with some insta-lust or even insta-love but this was just insta-angst. Because of how quickly and without any kind of prepping for this couples attraction, I just couldn't feel their chemistry together.
2 - There was a lot of inner dialog that went on for pages. So much so that I would forget that they were even talking to each other or supposed to be doing something. I'd have to go back to see what they were even talking about or doing. It also made me wonder if they were just standing or sitting there with blank expressions while having these long internal conversations.
3 - Along with being long winded in their heads they were also very repetitive in their thoughts. I started to skim to get through these many occasions in the story.
4 - Not much really happens for most of this story. If they weren't in their own heads they were doing daily stuff like eating and showering. It was at the very end that anything exciting happened. But then bam the story is over with a loose ended hfn.
Aside from those reasons this was an ok read. It just could've been slimmed down some to me. As it turns out this is to be a trilogy. I may attempt to read (skim) the next book only to see if they catch some bad guys.
1 - They only just met and barely an hour later they each already start pining and whining internally over the other. Now I'm ok with some insta-lust or even insta-love but this was just insta-angst. Because of how quickly and without any kind of prepping for this couples attraction, I just couldn't feel their chemistry together.
2 - There was a lot of inner dialog that went on for pages. So much so that I would forget that they were even talking to each other or supposed to be doing something. I'd have to go back to see what they were even talking about or doing. It also made me wonder if they were just standing or sitting there with blank expressions while having these long internal conversations.
3 - Along with being long winded in their heads they were also very repetitive in their thoughts. I started to skim to get through these many occasions in the story.
4 - Not much really happens for most of this story. If they weren't in their own heads they were doing daily stuff like eating and showering. It was at the very end that anything exciting happened. But then bam the story is over with a loose ended hfn.
Aside from those reasons this was an ok read. It just could've been slimmed down some to me. As it turns out this is to be a trilogy. I may attempt to read (skim) the next book only to see if they catch some bad guys.
September 29, 2023
DNF ~10%
Alas, it was not for me. As is often the case (in my experience) with co-written books, I found one of the POVs to be really not great and paired with the fact that the pacing seemed pretty accelerated--it's a long book, but they're clearly already very much falling for each other in the first 10%--I just wasn't feeling it.
Alas, it was not for me. As is often the case (in my experience) with co-written books, I found one of the POVs to be really not great and paired with the fact that the pacing seemed pretty accelerated--it's a long book, but they're clearly already very much falling for each other in the first 10%--I just wasn't feeling it.
April 4, 2022
This started off so well ... a librarian-magician (who's a self-confessed socially awkward, not terribly athletic, obsessor over small tidy details) MC in a cute-meet with a disheveled red-headed war-hero spy/aide-de-camp magician! And I do like character-focused romances (thinking of some of my favs such as The Dandelion Clock) but it takes real skill to keep me engaged when almost 90% of the book revolves around the two MCs talking or thinking about each other.
Other reviews have mentioned the tendency toward repetition and I have to admit I did scream aloud in a few places when the words "on his knees" kept cropping up. Perhaps a more ruthless edit of about 60 pages and the addition of a few more interesting secondary characters in the first 150 pages would have ameliorated my urge to skip forward a few chapters at a time (which I didn't end up doing BTW). The final spell-breaking encounter sequence was good and I wish there was more instances of this; but I remain sufficiently interested in where the authors intend to take the MCs next in their quest to uncover black-art sorcery at play in the highest offices. 3.5 stars at best.
Other reviews have mentioned the tendency toward repetition and I have to admit I did scream aloud in a few places when the words "on his knees" kept cropping up. Perhaps a more ruthless edit of about 60 pages and the addition of a few more interesting secondary characters in the first 150 pages would have ameliorated my urge to skip forward a few chapters at a time (which I didn't end up doing BTW). The final spell-breaking encounter sequence was good and I wish there was more instances of this; but I remain sufficiently interested in where the authors intend to take the MCs next in their quest to uncover black-art sorcery at play in the highest offices. 3.5 stars at best.
June 27, 2025
This was a terrific read. I'm a confirmed KL Noone fan—her colour-rich imagery conjures up a remarkable depth of emotional impact; her characters are kind, thoughtful, and fathoms deep in love. Whatever she writes, I read.
Having said that, her imagery can be (on occasion) a little OTT and relentless. But in this collaboration with KS Murphy, Noone's imaginative descriptions were harnessed in service of an absolute belter of a plot, with two thoroughly sympathetic and rounded MCs. I am a total pushover for a nerdy MC, one who ruefully acknowledges that lovers will be put off by their passion for precision, but who still dedicates their life to creating order. Theo is IMHO just delightful (I say this as one who still cherishes their "Librarian" school badge); Henry takes a little longer to make a mark but his early & genuine appreciation of Theo's nature marks him out as a worthy MC.
The plot is fascinating, if unravelled only gradually. The HFN ending is...fine, if one wanted to stop reading there. But since this is one of my Books of 2024, I was straight into Chaos and Conjurations, and messaging the authors to find out when Book 3 would be available.
The writing partnership delivers humour, insight, romance and pace. Total winner & the strongest possible recommendation from me.
Having said that, her imagery can be (on occasion) a little OTT and relentless. But in this collaboration with KS Murphy, Noone's imaginative descriptions were harnessed in service of an absolute belter of a plot, with two thoroughly sympathetic and rounded MCs. I am a total pushover for a nerdy MC, one who ruefully acknowledges that lovers will be put off by their passion for precision, but who still dedicates their life to creating order. Theo is IMHO just delightful (I say this as one who still cherishes their "Librarian" school badge); Henry takes a little longer to make a mark but his early & genuine appreciation of Theo's nature marks him out as a worthy MC.
The plot is fascinating, if unravelled only gradually. The HFN ending is...fine, if one wanted to stop reading there. But since this is one of my Books of 2024, I was straight into Chaos and Conjurations, and messaging the authors to find out when Book 3 would be available.
The writing partnership delivers humour, insight, romance and pace. Total winner & the strongest possible recommendation from me.
dnf
April 25, 2023Dnf at 50%. Noone’s books and me are like water and oil. They feel repetitive and slow. I loved the characters, but both the prose and pacing are not working for me.
September 6, 2025
It pains me to say that I wasn't interested in anything or anyone except Henry's Curse. That was the only reason I finished the book at all. It shouldn't have been like this, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, their chemistry/dynamic or even the general plot and world the story was set in. Nothing really piqued my interest and unfortunately the conclusion to the “problem” wasn't particularly awesome either. Somehow it wasn't really worth finishing the book.
September 21, 2024
I enjoyed myself but there was also a bit where it was trying too hard to be poetic. They fell in love so quickly and with so much beautiful imagery. Am I intrigued enough to finish the series? Not sure.
March 18, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
I felt every page of this book. At over 350 pages, there is a lot of padding as scenes and conversations take place again and again — seen first through Theo’s eyes and then, a second time, through Henry’s. A lot of world building takes place in introspective inner monologues with everything spoon fed in a “tell, don’t show” buffet that left me full and unsatisfied at the same time. The relationship between Theo and Henry is much the same. Rather than having the relationship build over the three hundred odd pages, it happens so fast that I wondered if this was a world of fated mates with the two of them falling in love with one another almost in the first chapter. By the time he’s falling asleep in Theo’s borrowed bed, Henry is already dreaming of being his house husband. Henry knows, somehow, this librarian with little magic but a good, honest, and loyal heart will be the one to save him. And Theo knows, deep in his heart, that Henry (the spy fresh from the war) would never lie to him, wouldn’t bully him or judge him, and despite all that he’s been through is still a generous, loving, kind, and compassionate man.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
I felt every page of this book. At over 350 pages, there is a lot of padding as scenes and conversations take place again and again — seen first through Theo’s eyes and then, a second time, through Henry’s. A lot of world building takes place in introspective inner monologues with everything spoon fed in a “tell, don’t show” buffet that left me full and unsatisfied at the same time. The relationship between Theo and Henry is much the same. Rather than having the relationship build over the three hundred odd pages, it happens so fast that I wondered if this was a world of fated mates with the two of them falling in love with one another almost in the first chapter. By the time he’s falling asleep in Theo’s borrowed bed, Henry is already dreaming of being his house husband. Henry knows, somehow, this librarian with little magic but a good, honest, and loyal heart will be the one to save him. And Theo knows, deep in his heart, that Henry (the spy fresh from the war) would never lie to him, wouldn’t bully him or judge him, and despite all that he’s been through is still a generous, loving, kind, and compassionate man.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
March 21, 2022
Closer to 3.5 Stars . . .
Firstly, I really liked the MCs, their connection, their dialog, the way they fit together, all of the things. The world building was fascinating and I had no trouble digging in and feeling a part of the setting.
But, on to my big ol' but, there was SO much repetitive inner dialog. The language was lovely and all that but there was just an overdose of it and I'd get distracted by literally anything else and put the book down. Which is why it took a long time for me to get through. And that was a bummer because I did enjoy the overall arc and characters.
I'm intrigued on where the story will go in the next two installments, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get through if the style remains the same.
Firstly, I really liked the MCs, their connection, their dialog, the way they fit together, all of the things. The world building was fascinating and I had no trouble digging in and feeling a part of the setting.
But, on to my big ol' but, there was SO much repetitive inner dialog. The language was lovely and all that but there was just an overdose of it and I'd get distracted by literally anything else and put the book down. Which is why it took a long time for me to get through. And that was a bummer because I did enjoy the overall arc and characters.
I'm intrigued on where the story will go in the next two installments, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get through if the style remains the same.
March 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Very charming as-is, but I admit there’s a part of me that really wants the slow-burn version where the romance is the secondary plot because oh man is the magic stuff fascinating? Please tell me more? Also the great joy of period fiction is the politeness and manners and slowly growing intimacy, which this just jumps straight over. I’m incredibly intrigued by the authors’ note saying this is to be the first in a trilogy, so I think I’ll have to keep my eyes out.
Very charming as-is, but I admit there’s a part of me that really wants the slow-burn version where the romance is the secondary plot because oh man is the magic stuff fascinating? Please tell me more? Also the great joy of period fiction is the politeness and manners and slowly growing intimacy, which this just jumps straight over. I’m incredibly intrigued by the authors’ note saying this is to be the first in a trilogy, so I think I’ll have to keep my eyes out.
Read
November 10, 2022DNFing this at 52% for now. I started it, set it down, and haven’t really been able to get back in the swing of it whenever I’ve tried to pick it up again. From what I read it was very typical for KL Noone’s style, and I think I just haven’t been in the mood for that.
July 19, 2024
3.5 stars. I loved Theo and Henry and the caretaking, the crying, the tenderness, and the constant tea breaks. But the book was quite slow and often got meandering or repetitive, especially with the long inner monologues.
Read
April 4, 2022Repetitive inner dialogue drove me crazy. DNF @15%
July 24, 2022
What a lovely start to a trilogy!
July 25, 2022
4.5 stars, because it gets a bit repetitious and I'm never a fan of that. However, I do like the worldbuilding, and adore the characters and how sweetly they negotiate their power exchange dynamic. I'll certainly read the next book in this projected trilogy because I need to know what happens, though we end with a little breathing room. Good, since book 2 is not even up for pre-order yet.
April 6, 2022
I liked this story and basic components but... The characters have a LOT of internal dialog, much of it about each other. I find too much of it boring. More world & magic development, more interactions with other characters would help.
April 22, 2022
Well that was a nice surprise!!
When Theo Burnett discovers a disheveled and exhausted Henry Tourmaline asleep in his library, he’s a little outraged…but also a little intrigued. Theo’s position as Chief Librarian means that his work and his life line up in neat rows: everything’s tidy, orderly, and precisely where he wants them. Henry is anything but - he’s an engaging and quite charming former spy, who’s suffered a grievous injury that is slowly killing him. Theo is surprised to find that he wants nothing more than to unravel the mystery…and unravel Henry as well. As Theo and Henry work together to find a remedy to the dark spell that is draining Henry, sparks fly, and soon they fall hard for each other. However, both Theo and Henry know there’s a price to pay for the magic they must use….
Gotta love these guys! Fussy and pedantic Theo is a perfect foil for charismatic and pragmatic Henry. And it’s SO wonderful as they explore the bright dynamic between them. Yes, Theo likes giving orders, and Henry likes taking them, but it’s more the mindset behind that exchange that is revealed….Theo shows his love and caring by giving Henry a place where he can be supported. Henry loves Theo by surrendering his burdens.
If I had to quibble….there’s rather more navel-gazing than is perhaps necessary.
Also…it’s not quite clear if this is the first book of a set…..or not. It doesn’t end in a cliff-hanger, but rather at a logical pause…hopefully we’ll eventually find out Who Done It.
When Theo Burnett discovers a disheveled and exhausted Henry Tourmaline asleep in his library, he’s a little outraged…but also a little intrigued. Theo’s position as Chief Librarian means that his work and his life line up in neat rows: everything’s tidy, orderly, and precisely where he wants them. Henry is anything but - he’s an engaging and quite charming former spy, who’s suffered a grievous injury that is slowly killing him. Theo is surprised to find that he wants nothing more than to unravel the mystery…and unravel Henry as well. As Theo and Henry work together to find a remedy to the dark spell that is draining Henry, sparks fly, and soon they fall hard for each other. However, both Theo and Henry know there’s a price to pay for the magic they must use….
Gotta love these guys! Fussy and pedantic Theo is a perfect foil for charismatic and pragmatic Henry. And it’s SO wonderful as they explore the bright dynamic between them. Yes, Theo likes giving orders, and Henry likes taking them, but it’s more the mindset behind that exchange that is revealed….Theo shows his love and caring by giving Henry a place where he can be supported. Henry loves Theo by surrendering his burdens.
If I had to quibble….there’s rather more navel-gazing than is perhaps necessary.
Also…it’s not quite clear if this is the first book of a set…..or not. It doesn’t end in a cliff-hanger, but rather at a logical pause…hopefully we’ll eventually find out Who Done It.
February 9, 2022
I really liked this. I liked Theo and Henry, but especially Theo, with his obsessive compulsive disorder, and social introversion. It was lovely that Henry was able to handle that, with Theo’s limitations enhancing Henry’s desire to protect and help Theo, rather than turning him away. All of Theo’s instincts were also instantly tuned to helping and protecting Henry.
I liked the Regency setting, along with the magical College world Theo and Henry inhabited. As a keen reader and word person and a nature lover, I could relate to both of Theo and Henry’s special magical talents.
The plot also kept me interested all the way through.
The only negative was the repetitious thought processes of Theo and Henry, especially Henry. They constantly wondered how their relationship would develop, and if it would last. Over and over again. If that had have been edited down to occasional introspection instead of constant, this would get a five star plus rating from me. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the trilogy
I liked the Regency setting, along with the magical College world Theo and Henry inhabited. As a keen reader and word person and a nature lover, I could relate to both of Theo and Henry’s special magical talents.
The plot also kept me interested all the way through.
The only negative was the repetitious thought processes of Theo and Henry, especially Henry. They constantly wondered how their relationship would develop, and if it would last. Over and over again. If that had have been edited down to occasional introspection instead of constant, this would get a five star plus rating from me. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the trilogy
dnf
May 12, 2022Dnf at 44% - great ingredients but the execution just didn't work for me. Yes I would love to read about the romantic adventures of a squishy, bossy librarian with OCD in a magical Napoleonic setting, but unfortunately the beginning was super rushed and everything about the romance just felt artificial as a result. I know romance books can't be always realistic about how quickly people fall in love and I don't mind a bit of instant attraction, but this wanted me to believe in the existence of a deep mutual understanding of each other's personalities and quirks that comes from a long acquaintance, not from one awkward evening and a shared breakfast. This wasn't helped by the fact that the majority of the book is spent in the heads of the two main characters and the pining and angsting around quickly turned repetitive. I tried to just push through but I got to the point where I realised I'm skipping whole pages of internal monologue out of sheer boredom, and realised I'm reading this genre solely to have fun.
May 24, 2025
DNF at 18%. I so rarely DNF but this had sooooo much interior monologue in the first four chapters that my eyes started glazing over. Not even interesting monologue. It was all "oh he's cute but he'd never like me" and backstory exposition, very repetitive and dull. Also, this novel seems to be doing the thing where each character gets assigned a trait (here one of them is orderly and the other messy) and then everything they do corresponds to that one trait. As if that's all the personality needed. I've seen it in other romance novels and it never bodes well for characterisation.
Disappointed because I'd really liked a couple of other stories by Noone, and it's so very hard to find quality fantasy m/m romance books after one has read the usual suspects.
Disappointed because I'd really liked a couple of other stories by Noone, and it's so very hard to find quality fantasy m/m romance books after one has read the usual suspects.
September 3, 2022
***2.4***
This took some weird turns. When I started reading this book I didn't expect one of the MC's wanting to be used as a table for his partner to put his tea cup...
I like the general premise of the book, but I liked the idea more than the execution. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. There is a lot of inner monologuing and most is repetitive. I have to admit that I started skipping parts when they started off with content I've already read/heard before.
I'm also puzzled about the dead man.
This took some weird turns. When I started reading this book I didn't expect one of the MC's wanting to be used as a table for his partner to put his tea cup...
I like the general premise of the book, but I liked the idea more than the execution. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. There is a lot of inner monologuing and most is repetitive. I have to admit that I started skipping parts when they started off with content I've already read/heard before.
I'm also puzzled about the dead man.
May 16, 2023
I loved much of this, but the ending asks more questions than it answers. Since book 2 is published but no sign of book 3 yet, I think I'll hold off for now. Yes, I want to see these two entwine their lives, but I'd also like to know all the mysteries will be solved, so...back-burner for now!
February 3, 2022
I’m so happy this is going to be a trilogy!!
April 16, 2022
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 2 stars. This book puzzled me in many ways. I absolutely loved the m/c's, but that was about it. I will do my best to dissect my issues, and parse out other potential issues for those deciding whether or not to buy. I truly believe that a third of this book could have been edited oot due to excessive - descriptions plus repetitive tellings of facts, feelings, or thoughts Typically, the excessive descriptive writing is not an issue for me. I'm guessing it's being paired with all the repetition that made it such a struggle for me.
Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 4
Odds if not your genre = 1
Development of: =
*World = 3.5
*Characters = 3
*Plot = 1.5
What stood out (taking in consideration I've completed over 2000 m/m books) =
Sadly, how hard it was to get through despite really liking the characters and the premise.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid) Very little action but interesting characters. Must be patient, enjoy mild purple prose, and lots of inner dialog. A fondness for quirkiness in at least one character will help. Those that really like wounded war heroes should find something to like. There is some sex towards the end but it is not the focus of this book.
Warnings = Definitely in the realm of Insta-love, and in a world not built on fated mates. But, I felt this was actually handled quite well and believably so.
HFN/HEA = HFN, to set up 2nd book. Don't actually get to see it, but they feel solid. The end comes very quickly after the climax and there is no epilog.
Series Notes = 1st of a possible trilogy. Only one out as of April 2022
*Reading on? No, I really don't plan on it as of this time. I'm not sure I'll even try the authors again any time soon.
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
If the over describing could be toned down, and the repetition of info could be cut down from 4+ times, the writing itself is solid. These authors seem to put a lot of time and effort into the writing, but not as much in the actual story. At 40±% nothing has happened other than they have met, an agreement for help has been made, and lots of inner dialog. It does pick up some from there. But even the climax / resolution has a remote feel to it; instead of a real build up of tension.
This was also the only part that felt "a little muddy". I had to reread parts multiple times to become more clear on what happened. At the time, I felt I was still more inferring than understanding, but due to the repetitive nature of the writing; it did became more clear.
Personally, I thought I might throw my Kindle at the wall if I was told one more time how being a gentleman farmer and educated magician worked socially. Facts like this were often repeated 3 or more times. I know, because I started counting: Except for someone with severe memory loss, I cannot imagine why facts are repeated again and again. It was almost offensive; like how stupid do these authors believe that I am? It was almost a relief to learn one was a research writer, because at times that is how it felt - facts, facts, facts lithe bit of story. Somewhat reworded facts, facts, facts, then a little more story. There is one section where we are told a m/c has a thought, and it is another page and a half before we are told what that thought is. It was just so frustrating. If I hadn't liked the m/c's and the premise, this might have become the first book I DNF. That's with 2000+ m/m books read.
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves noted by other readers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Why rate the blurbs? :
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2022) was a 3.60 average for 1715 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 800 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
5. I'm really confused by reviews that consist of just 2 to 3 sentences - with no explanation or evidence. I'm even more baffled when it receives "likes". I'm unsure of how it is useful to others on whether or not to pick a book, for example: "It was a fun read". Umm okay... What made it fun? For that matter, what do you define as fun? Do not even get me started on people who have rated over a 1000 books with a 4.99 rating average. How is that helpful? And there's is absolutely no way that every book is above average great / 5 star read. Why even bother to rate books?
6. I am not a writer nor a wordsmith, but I am a passionate reader. I joined the m/m group years ago, but I mostly lurk. I like to ask questions, debate, and quite possibly play Devil's advocate - which is hard to do online, with unknown people - to whom you are also an unknown- and no body language is available to convey intent. Plus, true debates seems to be a lost art form where respect and even friendliness can be shown between those with fundamentally different opinions.
Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 4
Odds if not your genre = 1
Development of: =
*World = 3.5
*Characters = 3
*Plot = 1.5
What stood out (taking in consideration I've completed over 2000 m/m books) =
Sadly, how hard it was to get through despite really liking the characters and the premise.
Mood Type : Appeal to those looking for... (and /or those who should avoid) Very little action but interesting characters. Must be patient, enjoy mild purple prose, and lots of inner dialog. A fondness for quirkiness in at least one character will help. Those that really like wounded war heroes should find something to like. There is some sex towards the end but it is not the focus of this book.
Warnings = Definitely in the realm of Insta-love, and in a world not built on fated mates. But, I felt this was actually handled quite well and believably so.
HFN/HEA = HFN, to set up 2nd book. Don't actually get to see it, but they feel solid. The end comes very quickly after the climax and there is no epilog.
Series Notes = 1st of a possible trilogy. Only one out as of April 2022
*Reading on? No, I really don't plan on it as of this time. I'm not sure I'll even try the authors again any time soon.
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
If the over describing could be toned down, and the repetition of info could be cut down from 4+ times, the writing itself is solid. These authors seem to put a lot of time and effort into the writing, but not as much in the actual story. At 40±% nothing has happened other than they have met, an agreement for help has been made, and lots of inner dialog. It does pick up some from there. But even the climax / resolution has a remote feel to it; instead of a real build up of tension.
This was also the only part that felt "a little muddy". I had to reread parts multiple times to become more clear on what happened. At the time, I felt I was still more inferring than understanding, but due to the repetitive nature of the writing; it did became more clear.
Personally, I thought I might throw my Kindle at the wall if I was told one more time how being a gentleman farmer and educated magician worked socially. Facts like this were often repeated 3 or more times. I know, because I started counting: Except for someone with severe memory loss, I cannot imagine why facts are repeated again and again. It was almost offensive; like how stupid do these authors believe that I am? It was almost a relief to learn one was a research writer, because at times that is how it felt - facts, facts, facts lithe bit of story. Somewhat reworded facts, facts, facts, then a little more story. There is one section where we are told a m/c has a thought, and it is another page and a half before we are told what that thought is. It was just so frustrating. If I hadn't liked the m/c's and the premise, this might have become the first book I DNF. That's with 2000+ m/m books read.
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Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
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1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves noted by other readers
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Why rate the blurbs? :
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2022) was a 3.60 average for 1715 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 800 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
5. I'm really confused by reviews that consist of just 2 to 3 sentences - with no explanation or evidence. I'm even more baffled when it receives "likes". I'm unsure of how it is useful to others on whether or not to pick a book, for example: "It was a fun read". Umm okay... What made it fun? For that matter, what do you define as fun? Do not even get me started on people who have rated over a 1000 books with a 4.99 rating average. How is that helpful? And there's is absolutely no way that every book is above average great / 5 star read. Why even bother to rate books?
6. I am not a writer nor a wordsmith, but I am a passionate reader. I joined the m/m group years ago, but I mostly lurk. I like to ask questions, debate, and quite possibly play Devil's advocate - which is hard to do online, with unknown people - to whom you are also an unknown- and no body language is available to convey intent. Plus, true debates seems to be a lost art form where respect and even friendliness can be shown between those with fundamentally different opinions.
April 29, 2022
The story looked promising. Very nice story arc, interesting very likable MCs. Worldbuilding A+.
Just one problem - an ever-recurring hurricane of a single thought in the head of each of the heroes. Each of them had literally one single problem, and it kept spinning in his head. Over and over and over. Nothing else, all the time just the one thought. (Sigh)
As - one of the heroes goes to make tea – it was an affair for ten pages, constantly interrupting this task, thinking about his only problem.
If the heroes were overthinking things less (or at least taking valium) and devoting more time on the pages to the interesting world around, I'd like to read another book in this series. But reading the same boooooring one-problem on hundreds of pages, again and again, I will rather look at the drying paint on the neighbor's fence.
Just one problem - an ever-recurring hurricane of a single thought in the head of each of the heroes. Each of them had literally one single problem, and it kept spinning in his head. Over and over and over. Nothing else, all the time just the one thought. (Sigh)
As - one of the heroes goes to make tea – it was an affair for ten pages, constantly interrupting this task, thinking about his only problem.
If the heroes were overthinking things less (or at least taking valium) and devoting more time on the pages to the interesting world around, I'd like to read another book in this series. But reading the same boooooring one-problem on hundreds of pages, again and again, I will rather look at the drying paint on the neighbor's fence.
October 8, 2022
This novel starts a bit meh but gets stronger as it goes, and by the two-thirds point was really engaging and interesting. I like the alternate history of the Napoleonic Wars with magic (and also apparently with indoor plumbing), which then leads to a magical description of post-war PTSD. I love the different types of magic: word magic, earth magic. I’m especially intrigued by the plot complications at the end and will look forward to the next two volumes in the trilogy.
Reread: I liked this better the second time around, immediately absorbed into this alternative world of magical Napoleonic Wars. I thought both PTSD and OCD were described respectfully and empathetically, and it was altogether lovely.
Reread: I liked this better the second time around, immediately absorbed into this alternative world of magical Napoleonic Wars. I thought both PTSD and OCD were described respectfully and empathetically, and it was altogether lovely.
September 17, 2022
This did not work for me at all. Which is a shame because I enjoyed the other K.L. Noone books I read. Not sure if it's a dual author thing or just bad judgement.
Here's what doesn't work, the timing development of relationship feelings, it's all too fast and they know almost nothing about each other. Like there's a bit of possible simmering tension possible, but it was never properly engaged so it didn't work for me.
But more importantly the pacing of this book is way off. Absolutely fuck all happens. Like honestly this could have been a very short novella and been way more effective. Also, the fact that this is supposed to be a series? That series instead should have been a much better book.
Anyway, disappointing because it could have been interesting but isn't at all.
Here's what doesn't work, the timing development of relationship feelings, it's all too fast and they know almost nothing about each other. Like there's a bit of possible simmering tension possible, but it was never properly engaged so it didn't work for me.
But more importantly the pacing of this book is way off. Absolutely fuck all happens. Like honestly this could have been a very short novella and been way more effective. Also, the fact that this is supposed to be a series? That series instead should have been a much better book.
Anyway, disappointing because it could have been interesting but isn't at all.
January 5, 2025
This was pretty great with good tension crippled with a horrible ending. Why couldn’t this have ended with Henry learning to use his magic again and start recovering from the war? Why did this have to start a bunch of conspiracy nonsense against the college? It already laid great groundwork in the potential of Theo meeting Henry’s family (which was horribly rushed and made no sense) and Henry finding his place in the world again.
This should have been a self-contained story with a HFN ending. Instead we get this massive conspiracy looming over the ending to spin up a new trilogy. After finishing this, I just feel cheated.
This should have been a self-contained story with a HFN ending. Instead we get this massive conspiracy looming over the ending to spin up a new trilogy. After finishing this, I just feel cheated.
March 17, 2024
The only reason I dnfed this is because I don't like the bedroom dynamics, but otherwise this could have been a 5-star read for me. I'm quite sad and disliking myself a little bit for not being able to be more open minded.
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