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smuttymcbookface's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Earl Lucien Crane hires a shamn, Stephen Day, to save him from what he believes to be a curse. Despite a dark familial history, where Crane's father destroyed Day's parents' lives, he agrees to help, and finds himself pulled into evil plans much larger than he initially realised.
This was a great book with a well-written paranormal plot, and steaming tension that culminated nicely. The mystery unravelled beautifully, with a satisfying culminating fight.
My two biggest gripes with this were: how quick everything moved (some parts felt much too rushed); and a difficulty in following all the different players and what they were doing in the fight scenes.
This was a great book with a well-written paranormal plot, and steaming tension that culminated nicely. The mystery unravelled beautifully, with a satisfying culminating fight.
My two biggest gripes with this were: how quick everything moved (some parts felt much too rushed); and a difficulty in following all the different players and what they were doing in the fight scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Murder, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent, Sexual content, Suicide, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Incest, and Adult/minor relationship
ladythana's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Animal death, Blood, Suicide attempt, Violence, Classism, Death of parent, Body horror, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Rape, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Incest, and Sexual violence
sucralose's review
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
need more
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual content
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, and Incest
numerous_bees's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Not as polished as Charles' later works, but I won't hold the linear flow of time against her.
The plot got a bit convoluted towards the end, with new names being introduced and connections being made which relied on information the reader isn't privy to, which is a little disappointing, but ties into what I consider one of the book's strengths: that the hidden world of magic is barely glimpsed despite being the driving force of the plot. Crane isn't the type of man who asks theoretical questions and Steven doesn't take time to painstakingly detail his everyday reality and the end result is that the story feels like a slice from a larger, pre-existing universe instead of (as I believe it is) the first venture into this world.
Something that bears mentioning is that there is a lot of talk about rape. Nothing occurs onscreen, but Crane's late brother was apparently able to abuse women with absolute impunity - I don't know how true to the time period this is, but it was uncomfortable that the characters glossed over the man's repeated assaults (in the case ofSteven's mother , barely mentioning her assault and focusing on the later, unrelated, damage to her husband's reputation). It made later encounters between Steven and Crane take on an odd tone, especially in the short story that cane with my edition. It is within the context of a somewhat dom/sub relationship and both charcaters explicity acknowledge that Steven could stop Crane if he wanted to, but - for all the tension previously wrung out of Crane not being like his brother - it made me uncomfortable that, when his physically smaller lover says (but doesn't necessarily mean) "no", Crane manhandles him into compliance without so much as checking in with him.
Nonetheless, I do like Steven, Crane, and Merrick, and - while this story is complete - I'm glad this is the first of a trilogy because I'd like to spend more time with the characters and exploring the world.
The plot got a bit convoluted towards the end, with new names being introduced and connections being made which relied on information the reader isn't privy to, which is a little disappointing, but ties into what I consider one of the book's strengths: that the hidden world of magic is barely glimpsed despite being the driving force of the plot. Crane isn't the type of man who asks theoretical questions and Steven doesn't take time to painstakingly detail his everyday reality and the end result is that the story feels like a slice from a larger, pre-existing universe instead of (as I believe it is) the first venture into this world.
Something that bears mentioning is that there is a lot of talk about rape. Nothing occurs onscreen, but Crane's late brother was apparently able to abuse women with absolute impunity - I don't know how true to the time period this is, but it was uncomfortable that the characters glossed over the man's repeated assaults (in the case of
Nonetheless, I do like Steven, Crane, and Merrick, and - while this story is complete - I'm glad this is the first of a trilogy because I'd like to spend more time with the characters and exploring the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death, Death, Incest, Death of parent, Rape, and Suicide
Minor: Sexual harassment, Antisemitism, Alcohol, and Homophobia
madscientistcat's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Rape and Homophobia
venetiana's review
This felt way less tall & smol than ... ableist? Also kinda dubcon, not a fan (tbh quite disappointed after having read other KJ Charles things).
What's great is the atmosphere.
P.S. Please heed (all) the CWs, seriously.
What's great is the atmosphere.
P.S. Please heed (all) the CWs, seriously.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Ableism, Blood, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Rape, Self harm, Gore, and Violence
brenn_a_boo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A fun, fast-paced read that reminded me a bit of Dresden Files, but make it gay. You have the tattooed lord who has been living in exhile for 20 years, the rough and tumble yet loyal manservant, and then the lawman magic-user who acts as a judge/jury/executioner for evil warlocks. You have a cursed house, a group of mysterious murderers, some snobbish class issues, and the blatant attraction between the two protagonists. While I enjoyed the magic system and the bold characterizations, I'm not sure if I liked it enough to read book 2. The sex was a bit boring, and over too quickly. This was a quick read, and very satisfying for it's entertainment value, but perhaps not worth a reread.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Incest, and Suicide
tankytoon's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Having read KJ Charles before, I wasn't disappointed with the first installment of the "Charm of the Magpies" series.
Lucien and Stephen couldn't be more opposite of each other. The former, a domineering but reluctant Lord who towers most people and is blessed with good looks, while the latter is pale and petite like a mouse, and in his own words, very unremarkable.
Their worlds wouldn't have collided if it were not for a favor from a mutual friend. Stephen's services were requested to solve and cure the mysterious ailment suffered by the Lord Crane. Despite being ruined by Crane's family, Stephen feels obligated to help his archenemy.
I loved how Stephen had an open mind and did not let the wrongdoings of Crane's father and brother prevent him from taking his own measure of Lucien. Reminds me of the quote:
The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
For his part, Crane is trying his best to make things right by ridding himself of bad influence, and dispelling untruths that have been spread by his predecessors. He is the antithesis of "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
This book about evil warlocks, harnessing powers, finding who's trying to kill who, is exciting but at the same time disturbing, with some gory descriptions of unnatural possessions but it is the charm of the Magpie Lord.
Lucien and Stephen couldn't be more opposite of each other. The former, a domineering but reluctant Lord who towers most people and is blessed with good looks, while the latter is pale and petite like a mouse, and in his own words, very unremarkable.
Their worlds wouldn't have collided if it were not for a favor from a mutual friend. Stephen's services were requested to solve and cure the mysterious ailment suffered by the Lord Crane. Despite being ruined by Crane's family, Stephen feels obligated to help his archenemy.
I loved how Stephen had an open mind and did not let the wrongdoings of Crane's father and brother prevent him from taking his own measure of Lucien. Reminds me of the quote:
The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
For his part, Crane is trying his best to make things right by ridding himself of bad influence, and dispelling untruths that have been spread by his predecessors. He is the antithesis of "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
This book about evil warlocks, harnessing powers, finding who's trying to kill who, is exciting but at the same time disturbing, with some gory descriptions of unnatural possessions but it is the charm of the Magpie Lord.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Vomit, and Blood
Minor: Incest
searchingforhappilyeverafter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Magic, magpies, humor, mystery, and spookiness abound in KJ Charles’s The Magpie Lord, the first book in her Charm of Magpies series!
Lucien Vaudrey, the new Lord Crane, has returned to England after inheriting an earldom. It seems he’s also inherited his family’s enemies and deadly curses. He needs magical assistance as soon as possible, so that he can get everything in order and return to his home in Shanghai. Enter magician Stephen Day, who hates the Vaudrey family. His job, however, is to deal with supernatural threats. As he is helping Lucien, Stephen discovers that they are in a lot of danger, both from outside forces and from their undeniable attraction to each other.
KJ Charles's words captivated me from the start! I am very easily scared and avoid all things horror. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which starts off with a bit of spooky paranormal activity. The fact that I could not put it down despite the potential of being scared out of my mind really says a lot about how much I loved this story, the author's writing style, and the worldbuilding. I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next. There were a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue that provided a nice balance. To top it off, the way that Stephen and Lucien reluctantly fell for each other was absolutely charming and full of delicious tension, making me eager to read more about their love story. I'm so glad the rest of the books in the series are already out, so I can dive into those soon!
Lucien Vaudrey, the new Lord Crane, has returned to England after inheriting an earldom. It seems he’s also inherited his family’s enemies and deadly curses. He needs magical assistance as soon as possible, so that he can get everything in order and return to his home in Shanghai. Enter magician Stephen Day, who hates the Vaudrey family. His job, however, is to deal with supernatural threats. As he is helping Lucien, Stephen discovers that they are in a lot of danger, both from outside forces and from their undeniable attraction to each other.
KJ Charles's words captivated me from the start! I am very easily scared and avoid all things horror. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which starts off with a bit of spooky paranormal activity. The fact that I could not put it down despite the potential of being scared out of my mind really says a lot about how much I loved this story, the author's writing style, and the worldbuilding. I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next. There were a lot of laugh-out-loud moments and witty dialogue that provided a nice balance. To top it off, the way that Stephen and Lucien reluctantly fell for each other was absolutely charming and full of delicious tension, making me eager to read more about their love story. I'm so glad the rest of the books in the series are already out, so I can dive into those soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and Incest
Minor: Antisemitism
pvbobrien's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual content
Moderate: Incest, Violence, Murder, Gore, and Homophobia
Minor: Classism, Sexual violence, Antisemitism, Rape, Fire/Fire injury, and Pregnancy