Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
E
ven 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.
One element I have always loved to find in my stories is the “found family”, a family cobbled together not of blood relatives (although some may be related) but by those of the heart and loyalty and friendship. Connections made so strong that overtime those people and beings in that group have formed a tight-knit bond that is family. Such a “found family is starting to form here in The Necromancer’s Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2) by S.J. Himes. The basic foundation is the remnants of the powerful Salvatore family, two magical brothers, all that was left of the massacre of the last Blood War in Boston. There was the necromancer Angel who brought about the end of the Blood Wars by a mighty spell that killed those who destroyed his family and all the assassin vampires and associated family. And there was young traumatized Isaac Salvatore, the youngest brother who denied his magic and ran from his past. Right into a bottle.
What incredible, believable and haunted characters.
What a foundation!
Attached to Angel, starting in The Necromancer’s Dance, is one of the Elders of the City, Vampire Simeon. Simeon comes with his own family, including the complex Master of the City, Constantine Batiste. who figures largely in every story and overall arc. There’s Dame Mildred ‘Milly’ Fontaine, Angel’s best friend and fellow teacher of the magical arts (and formidable personage) and now we add Daniel Macavoy and of course Eroch, Angel’s familiar. Lord Cian Brennan, the fae will follow. Slowly and surely a family is being built, relationships and bonds, found, , moved toward, strengthened and interwoven. Honestly, each book is better than the last.
Here we have a continuation of Angel and Simeon’s relationship. They continue to figure out who they are to each other, how the bond works, and more about the roles each plays within the city and the dynamics upon their own romance. It’s fascinating as Angel has little patience for answers and little time with all the mysteries and murder needing his attention. There is also Daniel who he considers family and needs his attention along with Isaac.
Himes builds the anguish and suspense up skillfully, there’s humor but then it’s on to the main story thread and plot points that have you up reading all night to get to the end. And oh what an end. Yes,a bit of a cliffhanger. Luckily I had book 3,The Necromancer’s Reckoning already in hand, and just kept on going. What a jaw-dropping series! I couldn’t sleep my head was full of characters and thoughts and wth was Himes doing ! lol I love this series so!
If you love urban fantasy, mystery, romance, magic, even dragons and vampires, well, this is the series for you. I love it and absolutely recommend this and all the stories which should be read in the order they were written. Well written, amazing characters, outstanding plots, and over the top suspense and romance! Don’t miss out!
Cover art is good and brands the series. Just wish for something a little more magical.
Sales Links: Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 213 pages
Published July 1st 2016 by SJ Himes
Original TitleThe Necromancer’s Dilemma
Edition Language English
SeriesThe Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2
settingBoston, Massachusetts (United States)
Massachusetts (United States)
The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series – Goodreads links
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 