Rating: 3.75🌈
Although Rinda Elliot has co authored stories with a writer, Jocelynn Drake, on my auto read list, this is the first book I think I’ve read of hers. It’s the beginning of a new paranormal soulmates series and I enjoyed Basilisk, the first book.
The series central premise is an otherworldly security agency headed by an ancient sorcerer, Xavier, whose employees will be finding their soulmates, story by story.
Magical beings, here called Preternaturals, exist side by side with an unaware human society. There’s a vague history that is relayed by Xavier about the past and conflicts but it’s not well explored.
Basilisk is the first book and I would expect more world building from Elliott in letting the reader understand the universe in which these characters coexist. Because while beings like Bain get a wonderful description and fully developed history, he seems not to realize himself the extent of the universe he lives in despite the long years he’s lived.
And the reason why Clive Manning, human accountant, proves to be so special needs further explanation as well. I hopeful that these elements will become further developed in the stories to come.
The relationship between Clive and Bain was full of chemistry and felt believable. Although that short time and dramatic aspect of their relationship didn’t ring true towards the end of the story. Communication had been key up until then between them. And the villain got wrapped up too easily without much resolution.
I enjoyed Basilisk. I liked the characters and the series premise while thinking it needs more world building and further development. I’ll definitely be checking out the next book in the series when it’s available.
If you’re a fan of the author and this trope, definitely check out this book and series.
Buy link
Basilisk (Mystic Guardians Book 1)
Blurb
As a basilisk, Bain Ophion has lived over two hundred years. For the last ten, he’s worked for his best friend, a sorcerer who runs Protective Solutions. Bain loves his work as a bodyguard and especially loves proving his skills when clients take one look at him and doubt. Yeah, he may dress flashy and have androgynous looks, but he also comes with preternatural strength. Humans don’t know that, though. Because, like all his fellow bodyguards, he uses a glamour to hide what doesn’t blend. Most humans aren’t ready to know about the supernatural world around them, but he’s about to learn that there are a few who are special.
Clive Manning has no idea which of his new clients is threatening his life, but when they send someone to break into his home, he knows he can’t handle this alone. He lives a perfectly ordered life and works from home for a reason. Lifelong fear. He calls Protective Solutions and hires a bodyguard, and when that man shows up, Clive is shocked. He expected something like a man in black and instead, he got a rockstar.
But Clive is highly attracted to this colorful bodyguard and soon Bain proves he’s very good at his job…among other things.
Basilisk is a long novella with a sexy shapeshifter who’s stunned by his fierce attraction to an uptight accountant and the accountant who learns his lifetime of fear had good reason.
- Publication date: September 28, 2024
- Language: English
- Print length: 148 pages
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 