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teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
This is an imaginative take on magic police forces. I really liked Kavon and Darren’s relationship and their partnership. There are some good secondary characters, though I didn’t feel the bad guys were fleshed out enough. The story held my attention though and I’ll definitely continue the series.
sammy_lou's review against another edition
5.0
I'm really loving this series so far, especially the relationship between Darren and Kavon. The bond is beautiful to see in action, and it is cemented even more in this one. You can see the love between the two and how well they are starting to work together.
We have the appearance of Egyptian Shamans and learned about the Ifrit. You can guess what this means about Bennu and his rather amazing powers.
There are a few big revelations in this one, and only one surprised me. We also get some continuation of the case in the first book and see how things connect with that one. I love the big story going on, and I'm off to read the next one.
We have the appearance of Egyptian Shamans and learned about the Ifrit. You can guess what this means about Bennu and his rather amazing powers.
There are a few big revelations in this one, and only one surprised me. We also get some continuation of the case in the first book and see how things connect with that one. I love the big story going on, and I'm off to read the next one.
sarah_fodots's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
rubyn's review
I started reading this then I got sidetracked then I came back but it was slow going. I don’t know if the problem is me or the book because even with how intriguing the plot is, I’m easily losing interest and it’s annoying because I would really like to continue with the series but alas this might be the end for me.
The soul mates thing feels kinda superficial, I don’t feel the connection between the main characters, the secondary characters are also mistrusting and end up being villains. I don’t feel any team cohesion. Basically, nothing is adding up for me and it seems only Darren was keeping me going but it’s not enough.
The soul mates thing feels kinda superficial, I don’t feel the connection between the main characters, the secondary characters are also mistrusting and end up being villains. I don’t feel any team cohesion. Basically, nothing is adding up for me and it seems only Darren was keeping me going but it’s not enough.
pam_h's review against another edition
4.0
I just love how much these two genuinely like and respect each other. That is the whole basis for their relationship, and since that foundation was built from working together, it translates really clearly on the job.
I think that's why this series is working so well for me. The romance is still just a background detail with the main plot focus on their investigation work and the magic that entails, but they mesh so perfectly, both on and off the job, that it makes for a really pleasant read.
I still love the magical bits, but I require a certain amount of realism in the relationship, even in the midst of a complete urban fantasy, as these two really hit my sweet spot for compatible partnership. I agree with Kavon that someone's "moral fiber" can be sexy as hell :)
I think that's why this series is working so well for me. The romance is still just a background detail with the main plot focus on their investigation work and the magic that entails, but they mesh so perfectly, both on and off the job, that it makes for a really pleasant read.
I still love the magical bits, but I require a certain amount of realism in the relationship, even in the midst of a complete urban fantasy, as these two really hit my sweet spot for compatible partnership. I agree with Kavon that someone's "moral fiber" can be sexy as hell :)
kaje_harper's review
4.0
This second book in the series takes us deeper into the world of spirit guides and magic, including the ifrits who may represent an explanation for Darren's guide Bennu, and his unusual abilities. Kavon and Darren become more comfortable with each other and we get more backstory on each man. There is some heated sex (with a detour into a bit of powerplay/bondage) and an interesting mystery thread to follow.
I felt that there was a personal power imbalance still present between the guys that was addressed, but not really resolved, and then worsened again by some revelations toward the end of the book. That made me feel like the relationship wasn't as solid as it should have been for the level of commitment. But there is still time for kinks to be worked out, in every sense.
There are some good action scenes, some tender moments, and I didn't guess all the antagonists in advance. An enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to how it works out in the next book. The ending was a solid HFN, but there are plenty of threads left to be tied off.
I felt that there was a personal power imbalance still present between the guys that was addressed, but not really resolved, and then worsened again by some revelations toward the end of the book.
Spoiler
Darren is almost presented as being chosen and elevated as a sidekick for Kavon. Then the revelations about Bennu's link to Kavon, and Darren's own personal status, despite the effort to make it a compliment, felt more painful and diminishing than was acknowledged.There are some good action scenes, some tender moments, and I didn't guess all the antagonists in advance. An enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to how it works out in the next book. The ending was a solid HFN, but there are plenty of threads left to be tied off.
the_novel_approach's review
4.0
I’m so glad this trilogy came with an expedited release schedule. I would have really hated waiting for more than a month between releases. Lucky for all of us, all three books are out! And this trilogy is definitely worth the reading. So, without further ado, BOOK TWO!!
Derivation clocks chapters from both Darren and Kavon, so we get a mixed POV. It’s nice to a gain insights from both halves of their partnership. Darren also has more access to Kavon’s emotions through the magical bond they share, which means Kavon is much less mysterious than he was in the first book. It’s refreshing to see a partnership develop in which one character is more beta, while still treating each MC as an equal with important talents and strengths to offer to the relationship. Lyn Gala is exceptional at writing pairs like this, and Derivation is no different. Kavon’s and Darren’s personalities and needs dovetail nicely, so there’s not a lot of internal strife. Most of the pressure brought to bear on the couple comes from external sources.
Seeds of conspiracy that were planted in book one come to a head here, and Kavon is desperate to shield Darren, physically, magically and politically. Kavon’s devoted himself to hiding the extent of Darren’s access to his fledgling magical powers to keep Darren safe, and Darren is fully supporting Kavon’s lead. We see a lot of caring and partnership develop between the two here, and it’s really nice to watch their teamwork deepen and evolve.
The alternate universe continues to be new and interesting, with the spirit guides providing a fun twist on the magical concepts. I’m still enjoying all the detailed world building. My only complaint is that what could be a mystery/thriller plot is really more action/adventure. Instead of dropping clues and intrigue for the reader, more often, the key players are either unknowable (with no clues to identity provided), or known but distant, so the reader is only invited into the exposition and not the mystery. Mostly the reader is just along for the ride, which is okay. But I do really enjoy trying to figure out a good who-dunnit, and I miss having that opportunity here.
Overall, this is a solid book two. The series arc advances while still leaving pieces of the larger case Kavon and Darren are working on outstanding, to be addressed in book three. The characters continue to be likeable and sympathetic, developing in their magic and relationship. The alternative, magic-wielding universe is interesting and well designed, so it’s a pleasure to learn more about it. I’m looking forward to finding out what book three has in store.
Reviewed by Cassie for The Novel Approach Reviews
Derivation clocks chapters from both Darren and Kavon, so we get a mixed POV. It’s nice to a gain insights from both halves of their partnership. Darren also has more access to Kavon’s emotions through the magical bond they share, which means Kavon is much less mysterious than he was in the first book. It’s refreshing to see a partnership develop in which one character is more beta, while still treating each MC as an equal with important talents and strengths to offer to the relationship. Lyn Gala is exceptional at writing pairs like this, and Derivation is no different. Kavon’s and Darren’s personalities and needs dovetail nicely, so there’s not a lot of internal strife. Most of the pressure brought to bear on the couple comes from external sources.
Seeds of conspiracy that were planted in book one come to a head here, and Kavon is desperate to shield Darren, physically, magically and politically. Kavon’s devoted himself to hiding the extent of Darren’s access to his fledgling magical powers to keep Darren safe, and Darren is fully supporting Kavon’s lead. We see a lot of caring and partnership develop between the two here, and it’s really nice to watch their teamwork deepen and evolve.
The alternate universe continues to be new and interesting, with the spirit guides providing a fun twist on the magical concepts. I’m still enjoying all the detailed world building. My only complaint is that what could be a mystery/thriller plot is really more action/adventure. Instead of dropping clues and intrigue for the reader, more often, the key players are either unknowable (with no clues to identity provided), or known but distant, so the reader is only invited into the exposition and not the mystery. Mostly the reader is just along for the ride, which is okay. But I do really enjoy trying to figure out a good who-dunnit, and I miss having that opportunity here.
Overall, this is a solid book two. The series arc advances while still leaving pieces of the larger case Kavon and Darren are working on outstanding, to be addressed in book three. The characters continue to be likeable and sympathetic, developing in their magic and relationship. The alternative, magic-wielding universe is interesting and well designed, so it’s a pleasure to learn more about it. I’m looking forward to finding out what book three has in store.
Reviewed by Cassie for The Novel Approach Reviews
mrella's review against another edition
3.0
Too dry, what’s with the politics, power struggle and continuous lectures on all things shamanic. I didn’t feel love between the MCs, let alone a soulmate connection, it seemed more like co-workers with benefits and then even more benefits to advance the department’s crime-solving.
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