Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
One hundred years ago, a sheriff’s posse killed dark warlock Rhyfel Gremory, but his witch-disciples escaped, and their magic made them nearly immortal. To keep their power, each year one of the witch-disciples kills a descendant of one of the men in the posse, a twelve-year cycle that has cost dozens of lives, including that of Seth Tanner’s brother, Jesse.
Seth Tanner uncovers the cycle of ritual killings that feeds the power of the witch-disciples, and he’s hell bent on getting vengeance for Jesse and stopping the murders. His fledgling romantic relationship with Evan Malone complicates his mission, but Seth can’t walk away. Seth and Evan are learning to navigate their partnership—as lovers and monster hunters—while they chase down the next witch-disciple and avoid attracting the wrong kind of attention.
When the hunt takes Seth and Evan to Pittsburgh on the trail of the next killer, they’ll have to save the intended victim and take down the powerful witch. If the skills they possess and the bond between them isn’t enough, the evil will remain unchallenged, and more people will die…
Note: Includes mention of past domestic violence and stalking
Again, another really strong outing from Morgan Brice and her narrator of choice Kale Williams. I am hardpressed to say which of this author’s series I love more, especially since they are all interconnected and I switch back and forth between the latest stories at will. That includes eBook and audio versions.
Dark Rivers (Witchbane #2) by Morgan Brice and Kale Williams (Narrator) demonstrates a growth in every level for this series from the character development and the couple’s relationship to moving the overall series arc forward. Dark Rivers picks up shortly after the events of the first story that set everything into motion. Here they are on the trail of the next witch disciple and his prey while working on their very new partnership, both as a romantic duo and as a working team.
Brice is careful to keep Seth and Evan’s relationship front and center while still maintaining a focus on the highly suspenseful search for the powerful witch, those helping him, and all the while trying to keep the man designated as the next sacrifice alive. This is a huge goal, often bringing in new elements of magic and the paranormal, new characters and old from various other series, and visits to sites around the city they are in. Location is everything.
It all works. The suspense builds slowly until your skin is crawling and you can’t wait until the big denouement!
Kale Williams’ excellent narration, his host of voices and range of emotions carries us effortlessly along this paranormal adventure, through the romance and horror, through the meticulous research for clues and the mad rush at the end. It’s a joy and pleasure to listen to and a thrill as well.
This is terrific characterizations, sharp plotting, tight suspense, and an overall arc that just keeps getting better and better. All narrated by Kale Williams who’s voice keeps me throughly entertained.
I highly recommend this audio and the entire series. Love a marvelous paranormal? Here’s one to check out!
Cover art is terrific. Love the models that standin for Seth and Evan. Great job.
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Audio Book Details:
Listening Time: 7 hrs., 17 min.
Twelve years ago, Daniel McCafferty walked away from the man he loved without a backward glance. He threw himself into his father’s business as heir apparent of their vicious criminal empire in Manchester. Forced to deny who he was, who he loved, he buried himself in work and drink.
Edward Peach is a fourteen-year-old wizard who receives a letter that he has been accepted into the prestigious Prymoutekhny Wizards Academy for Boys, in the faraway land of Aradia. His parents are overjoyed, but he feels reluctant to leave his family, friends, and his comfy cottage in the English coastal village of Manley. As term begins, Edward adjusts to life in his new school, dealing with bullies, strict teachers, and challenging wizardry classes. He is almost ready to give up when he falls in love with a charismatic, privileged boy-and talented wizard-named Mr. Andreas. Prymoutekhny is a school that has still not opened up to same-sex attraction, so he must keep his feelings secret. Soon, Edward and the impressive boy realize their deep attraction for each other. This causes immediate controversy in the school, as they are the first two boys from feuding houses to come together-especially in a school where house rivalry can end in murder.He is then put to the ultimate test as he must risk being with the boy he loves even at the cost of his own life!
Mark Vincent, spy with the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security, has become the lover of Quinton Mann, spook with the CIA. With what’s going on in both their organizations, can two such diverse men maintain any kind of relationship?
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 