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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Reanimator's Soul delivers an engaging mystery and a loveable main couple.
This time, necromancer/ medical examiner Oliver and undead investigator Felipe find themselves investigating a medical institute targeting people with magical powers to 'fix' them.
As this series is set in a kind of alternative Victorian-era New York, the Institute for the Betterment of the Soul is clearly based on the pseudo-medicine and real asylums of that time period, and Jorgensen really captures that sinister vibe.
However, whilst the mystery is interesting, it's Felipe and Oliver that are the core of this book. Both themselves and their relationship are tested in this story, in particular by the appearance of two very different characters, Oliver's ex and Felipe's daughter. This allows a deeper delve into both of their pasts and insecurities, and it was great to see them communicate and care for each other throughout.
With Oliver, Jorgensen writes a compassionate portrayal of autism, showing how it affects him and can at times be disabling to him, whilst emphasising that it does not make him unlovable or unreasonable, and also showing the sides of it that bring him contentment.
My investment in these characters and the mystery meant I flew through the final third, anxiously reading on due to my concern for the characters (including a side character I really wanted to make it out alright!)
Overall, a great sequel that I highly recommend to anyone wanting a queer historical fantasy!
This time, necromancer/ medical examiner Oliver and undead investigator Felipe find themselves investigating a medical institute targeting people with magical powers to 'fix' them.
As this series is set in a kind of alternative Victorian-era New York, the Institute for the Betterment of the Soul is clearly based on the pseudo-medicine and real asylums of that time period, and Jorgensen really captures that sinister vibe.
However, whilst the mystery is interesting, it's Felipe and Oliver that are the core of this book. Both themselves and their relationship are tested in this story, in particular by the appearance of two very different characters, Oliver's ex and Felipe's daughter. This allows a deeper delve into both of their pasts and insecurities, and it was great to see them communicate and care for each other throughout.
With Oliver, Jorgensen writes a compassionate portrayal of autism, showing how it affects him and can at times be disabling to him, whilst emphasising that it does not make him unlovable or unreasonable, and also showing the sides of it that bring him contentment.
My investment in these characters and the mystery meant I flew through the final third, anxiously reading on due to my concern for the characters (including a side character I really wanted to make it out alright!)
Overall, a great sequel that I highly recommend to anyone wanting a queer historical fantasy!
I loved the first book in this series, and Felipe and Oliver are delightful together. This book felt more tense and stressful than book one, both with the ~conversion therapy but for magic~ murder mystery plot, but also with Oliver’s doubts about how unlovable he must be. He also is forced to work with one of his exs, who sucks, and repeatedly encourages Oliver’s worries that Felipe obviously is going to tire of being stuck with him, and leave eventually. I didn’t really enjoy being stuck in that headspace for so much of Oliver’s chapters, but at least anytime we switch over to Felipe, there is no doubt that he loves Oliver and doesn’t secretly hate his autistic traits.
I can’t wait to continue the series, and am eagerly anticipating book three.
I can’t wait to continue the series, and am eagerly anticipating book three.
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
MM, Historical (1890s), PNR, 3rd Dual POV
Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict -External
Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top
Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change
Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), Late 30s, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom,Able to See in the Dark
ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive
Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Dealing with an Asshole Ex
Sex Notes:Blowjob, Lube Use, Fingering, Prostate Stimulation, Handjob, Swallowing
CWs:Gore, Blood, Violence, Murder, Descriptions of Dead Bodies/Autopsies, Ableism Toward Autistic People, Discussion of Past Sexual Assault, Period Specific Homophobia and Language, Medical Abuse, Conversion Therapy, Panic Attacks, Implied and Briefly Depicted Child Abuse, Autism Related Relationship Difficulties, Interactions with an Abusive Ex, Autistic Shutdown/Meltdown
Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved
Status: Non-KU, Same Couple Series, Third Act Conflict -
Oliver: Autistic, Necromancer, Medical Examiner (Mortuary) for the Paranormal Society, Trained Doctor, 37 Yrs Old, Can Smell Magic, Top
Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Stimming (Pacing, Hand Flapping, Rocking), Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Acute Senses, Difficulty with Tone, Scripting, Wears the Same Clothes Every Day, Experiences Selective Mutism, Uses AAC (Notes), Sexual Difficulties with Touch, Same Food, Enjoys Routines, Takes Things Literally, Struggles with Change
Filipe: ADHD, POC (Hispanic), Late 30s, Investigator for the Paranormal Society, Self Healing Ability, In a Lavender Marriage, Has a Teenage Daughter, Greying Hair, Dark Circles Around Eyes, Eats to Fuel His Healing Ability, Bottom,
ADHD Notes: Hyperfocus, Risk Taking, Masking, Excitable, Quick to Anger, Drinks to Cope, Restless, Impulsive
Notes: Existing Relationship, Found Family, 1890s New York, Murder Mystery, Magical Bond, Paranormals Out in the Open, Queer-Normative and Gender-diverse Normative Within the Paranormal Society, Dealing with an Asshole Ex
Sex Notes:
CWs:
Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Re-read October 2024 (exactly one year to the day of my first go around!) in anticipation of book three - still as amazing as I remembered, but even better with the fresh context of the book one re-read beforehand. Love these characters so much and can't wait to have a new story in just a few days. Definitely recommend reading the first two somewhat closely, as there is some crossover and pieces tying the two together that enhance the reading experience, which I anticipate I'll also be glad I did when the next one drops. Hoping Kara decides to write 30 more books about these two because Oliver & Felipe are perfect. (I know that's not their plan, but a girl can dream!!!)
I'm not sure what happened between book one and two, but despite being somewhat lukewarm on the first, I absolutely LOVED this one. I think I'm going to have to go back and do a reassessment of book one because wow am I totally invested in these characters. I have to first praise the author for not falling into cliche/expected plot traps - there was a point at which I was convinced Oliver would be going undercover alone in this very corrupt medical facility, but thankfully that wasn't the case. All of the plotting was really smart and well-paced, and I was just so relieved to have something really different to dig into. As for what really worked for me overall with this entry, it's 100% Oliver and Felipe - they feel much more established here and are able to be comfortable in their relationship while also having insecurities and the opportunity for discovery and growth, both together and individually. This is a rare relationship where the tension isn't built around miscommunication or secrets, but is just incredibly tender and supportive. I wish everyone wrote consent like this also - each of them has certain particularities and traumas that affect their interactions with people, and I love that with each other there is constant communication and support. Because they're more established as a couple, we get to explore some insecurities as well as learn more about each of their pasts, which in Oliver's case in particular was very illuminating. Each of them had a central internal issue in this book, but rather than spend the entire time keeping it to themselves, they were able to bring it to the other and work through it together. The supportive vibes are simply immaculate. I just loved all of the relationship and character work here. On top of that, the mystery was interesting and went places I didn't expect, which is somewhat rare for someone who reads a lot and feels like plot beats become fairly predictable. Not so here, and I was really intrigued by the set up for what is still to come. I do wish I had re-read book one closer to when I read this because there were a few plot things I felt like I was missing, but I will definitely be doing a full reread of both before the next one comes out. Never thought I'd love a book about a necromancer so much but when Oliver said he'd rather go to a cemetary for a picnic than a park, I felt that. Felipe, protect him at all costs.
I'm not sure what happened between book one and two, but despite being somewhat lukewarm on the first, I absolutely LOVED this one. I think I'm going to have to go back and do a reassessment of book one because wow am I totally invested in these characters. I have to first praise the author for not falling into cliche/expected plot traps - there was a point at which I was convinced Oliver would be going undercover alone in this very corrupt medical facility, but thankfully that wasn't the case. All of the plotting was really smart and well-paced, and I was just so relieved to have something really different to dig into. As for what really worked for me overall with this entry, it's 100% Oliver and Felipe - they feel much more established here and are able to be comfortable in their relationship while also having insecurities and the opportunity for discovery and growth, both together and individually. This is a rare relationship where the tension isn't built around miscommunication or secrets, but is just incredibly tender and supportive. I wish everyone wrote consent like this also - each of them has certain particularities and traumas that affect their interactions with people, and I love that with each other there is constant communication and support. Because they're more established as a couple, we get to explore some insecurities as well as learn more about each of their pasts, which in Oliver's case in particular was very illuminating. Each of them had a central internal issue in this book, but rather than spend the entire time keeping it to themselves, they were able to bring it to the other and work through it together. The supportive vibes are simply immaculate. I just loved all of the relationship and character work here. On top of that, the mystery was interesting and went places I didn't expect, which is somewhat rare for someone who reads a lot and feels like plot beats become fairly predictable. Not so here, and I was really intrigued by the set up for what is still to come. I do wish I had re-read book one closer to when I read this because there were a few plot things I felt like I was missing, but I will definitely be doing a full reread of both before the next one comes out. Never thought I'd love a book about a necromancer so much but when Oliver said he'd rather go to a cemetary for a picnic than a park, I felt that. Felipe, protect him at all costs.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love this book, it's a really great follow-up to Reanimator's Heart.
This is a continuation of Oliver's and Felipe's story and I think you'd be missing out on a lot if you skip the first book, so read that first.
What is so amazing about this one?
The main characters are lovely and their relationships are evolving - it's not the kind of mystery/romance where the characters get together in the first book and every next one is simply a new mystery to solve. There is a new mystery, but there are also consequences of what happened in the first book. Felipe decided to keep secrets from his daughter and her mothers, now he has to navigate their relationship without making them suspicious, while dealing with his guilt and the question of what kind of father/person in general does he want to be. There are some things he and Oliver don't feel comfortable talking about but they work through that and it's immensely satisfying. There is no misunderstanding for the drama, but there are two people who want to be their best selves and don't want to worry the other person. It's such a joy, reading two characters who are so clearly in love and so clearly willing to put work into their relationship.
This is a very queer book. There are two men in a loving, commited relationship, one of which has a daughter raised by two mothers - being queer is the norm in Oliver and Felipe's familial/social circle and I'm so happy for them having that kind of support. In my experience, this is not a given in historical novels, queer characters are often relatively alone, their identity is kept secret for their own safety - but here there is a community and acceptance. There is a world outside of that, sure, but we are clearly looking from inside the community out, not the other way around.
Kara Jorgensen writes amazing background characters that are very easy to root for: there is Gwen, Agatha and Luisa whom we know from the first book, but a new character introduced in this one kept me on the edge of my seat as I was really, really worried for his safety. And also I like him and would love to read more about him.
The intrigue is enjoyable, and builds on top of the the first book - we don't have the full picture yet, but what we've got is more sinister and more mysterious that it seemed to me after reading Reanimator's Heart. I can say that I have no clue what will be the resolution and I'm looking forward to reading the next part of the intrigue and getting more puzzle pieces in place. To be clear, there is a resolution to this book, it's just also clear that we don't know everything yet.
Oliver being autistic is such an important part of this character, he is a fleshed-out, complicated human whose life is sometimes made more difficult and sometimes easier by his neurodivergence. As an autistic queer person myself, I love reading about him, I don't see myself represented much, but Oliver is a great example of representation well done. And I love that he is not seen as burden, which is a fear known very well to me and many others like myself. He gives me hope.
Huge thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a continuation of Oliver's and Felipe's story and I think you'd be missing out on a lot if you skip the first book, so read that first.
What is so amazing about this one?
The main characters are lovely and their relationships are evolving - it's not the kind of mystery/romance where the characters get together in the first book and every next one is simply a new mystery to solve. There is a new mystery, but there are also consequences of what happened in the first book. Felipe decided to keep secrets from his daughter and her mothers, now he has to navigate their relationship without making them suspicious, while dealing with his guilt and the question of what kind of father/person in general does he want to be. There are some things he and Oliver don't feel comfortable talking about but they work through that and it's immensely satisfying. There is no misunderstanding for the drama, but there are two people who want to be their best selves and don't want to worry the other person. It's such a joy, reading two characters who are so clearly in love and so clearly willing to put work into their relationship.
This is a very queer book. There are two men in a loving, commited relationship, one of which has a daughter raised by two mothers - being queer is the norm in Oliver and Felipe's familial/social circle and I'm so happy for them having that kind of support. In my experience, this is not a given in historical novels, queer characters are often relatively alone, their identity is kept secret for their own safety - but here there is a community and acceptance. There is a world outside of that, sure, but we are clearly looking from inside the community out, not the other way around.
Kara Jorgensen writes amazing background characters that are very easy to root for: there is Gwen, Agatha and Luisa whom we know from the first book, but a new character introduced in this one kept me on the edge of my seat as I was really, really worried for his safety. And also I like him and would love to read more about him.
The intrigue is enjoyable, and builds on top of the the first book - we don't have the full picture yet, but what we've got is more sinister and more mysterious that it seemed to me after reading Reanimator's Heart. I can say that I have no clue what will be the resolution and I'm looking forward to reading the next part of the intrigue and getting more puzzle pieces in place. To be clear, there is a resolution to this book, it's just also clear that we don't know everything yet.
Oliver being autistic is such an important part of this character, he is a fleshed-out, complicated human whose life is sometimes made more difficult and sometimes easier by his neurodivergence. As an autistic queer person myself, I love reading about him, I don't see myself represented much, but Oliver is a great example of representation well done. And I love that he is not seen as burden, which is a fear known very well to me and many others like myself. He gives me hope.
Huge thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was so good! I was excited to get back to Oliver and Felipe and see how things were going for our heroes.
As most mysteries begin, we start with a dead body. Oliver, recently allowed to return to full work after the events of the first novel, and Felipe, newly half-retired, are given the case. But things are more complicated than an unclaimed corpse. Soon they find themselves working with Oliver's ex and diving deeper into an "anti-vice" institute.
The mystery in this one was good. I yelled at the book at one reveal and enjoyed watching the pieces come together. I wish the resolution would have been drawn out a bit more, but overall it was satisfying.
The main strength of this book is the relationship between Oliver and Felipe. At this point they have only been a couple for five months, following some pretty harrowing events from the first book. My favorite part is that while they have a deep love for each other, things are not perfect for them all the time. They are both older, established adults trying to build a life together- on top of the trauma from the first book! There are going to be difficulties, insecurities, doubts. And the author does not shy away from them. I found this to be incredibly realistic.
Also, the way they are there for each other and support one another when they are hurting is beautiful.
The continued building of the world and Oliver's magic is fascinating. I'm excited to see where things go as more books in the series come out.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy.
As most mysteries begin, we start with a dead body. Oliver, recently allowed to return to full work after the events of the first novel, and Felipe, newly half-retired, are given the case. But things are more complicated than an unclaimed corpse. Soon they find themselves working with Oliver's ex and diving deeper into an "anti-vice" institute.
The mystery in this one was good. I yelled at the book at one reveal and enjoyed watching the pieces come together. I wish the resolution would have been drawn out a bit more, but overall it was satisfying.
The main strength of this book is the relationship between Oliver and Felipe. At this point they have only been a couple for five months, following some pretty harrowing events from the first book. My favorite part is that while they have a deep love for each other, things are not perfect for them all the time. They are both older, established adults trying to build a life together- on top of the trauma from the first book! There are going to be difficulties, insecurities, doubts. And the author does not shy away from them. I found this to be incredibly realistic.
Also, the way they are there for each other and support one another when they are hurting is beautiful.
The continued building of the world and Oliver's magic is fascinating. I'm excited to see where things go as more books in the series come out.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy.