Scan barcode
teresab78's review
4.0
lots of crazy going on…
Well, this was not quite what I was expecting. It’s not a romance although there is sex and potential for the future, this was far more urban fantasy. Dallas is a mess; a huge mess! I’m not sure how he functions as well as he does (spoiler: he doesn’t function well). There is definitely trauma in his past we don’t know about (yet) that will be key to knowing him better. There was a lot of action and danger. I liked Zane. Silas was another we don’t get to know well but I generally like him as well.
I am looking forward to see where this goes.
Well, this was not quite what I was expecting. It’s not a romance although there is sex and potential for the future, this was far more urban fantasy. Dallas is a mess; a huge mess! I’m not sure how he functions as well as he does (spoiler: he doesn’t function well). There is definitely trauma in his past we don’t know about (yet) that will be key to knowing him better. There was a lot of action and danger. I liked Zane. Silas was another we don’t get to know well but I generally like him as well.
I am looking forward to see where this goes.
indiekay's review against another edition
5.0
So I didn't realise this wasn't a complete story until I only had an hour left in the audiobook - hopefully the second one will come out soon!
This is interesting, because I was expecting it to be a romance book and it's not (again, hoping there will be a second book with more romance and that this is just a really long slow burn) BUT, while there's no romance, there are 2 graphic sex scenes between the MC and 2 different side characters, and 2 erotic vampire blood sucking scenes between the MC and his vampire bodyguard.
The synopsis also makes this book sound like it'll be sillier than it is - it does have its silly moments, but not too many, and it knows when to be serious. The humour was actually pretty much to my liking and I did laugh out loud a few times. It's very action-packed, and there's also never any info-dumping, the audience gets told new information only when we need to know it.
So yeah, if you're looking for a queer action-packed urban fantasy book, look no further.
ALSO, the main character has a landlord called Barnaby who is an asexual succubus that owns a antique erotica store, and I realised the character reminded me SO MUCH of Aziraphale from Good Omens that I just started picturing him being Aziraphale after a while. I just wanted to mention that here so anyone reading this review can also have that image in their heads when they read the book.
This is interesting, because I was expecting it to be a romance book and it's not (again, hoping there will be a second book with more romance and that this is just a really long slow burn) BUT, while there's no romance, there are 2 graphic sex scenes between the MC and 2 different side characters, and 2 erotic vampire blood sucking scenes between the MC and his vampire bodyguard.
The synopsis also makes this book sound like it'll be sillier than it is - it does have its silly moments, but not too many, and it knows when to be serious. The humour was actually pretty much to my liking and I did laugh out loud a few times. It's very action-packed, and there's also never any info-dumping, the audience gets told new information only when we need to know it.
So yeah, if you're looking for a queer action-packed urban fantasy book, look no further.
ALSO, the main character has a landlord called Barnaby who is an asexual succubus that owns a antique erotica store, and I realised the character reminded me SO MUCH of Aziraphale from Good Omens that I just started picturing him being Aziraphale after a while. I just wanted to mention that here so anyone reading this review can also have that image in their heads when they read the book.
margotreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
listener's review against another edition
5.0
Spicier than expected, but a great read! I like Barnaby, and the VA for the audiobook was great!
watanasriyakul's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
bluebeereads's review against another edition
5.0
Well, this was just a heap of fun. My first full-length book from this author and I can tell you already that I'm going to continue with her other books right away. Funny, at times over the top, action-filled, thrilling, and just steamy enough. I adore Dallas, the main character who is, quite frankly, a chaotic idiot at the best of times. I also love Zane, his vampire bodyguard that he did not sign up for, as well as Sias, the incubus. At this point I can't tell which way the romance is going to go, except that it is slow-burn. Whether Dallas will end up with Zane, Sias or both... I don't know and, frankly, it doesn't matter because I can go either way.
Suffice to say I quite enjoyed myself with this book and can't wait to dive into Maz' other books. Which I will right away. Because I must.
Suffice to say I quite enjoyed myself with this book and can't wait to dive into Maz' other books. Which I will right away. Because I must.
mxdeannaf's review against another edition
5.0
This was a masterclass in building an urban fantasy world with complex characters and a compelling storyline. Wilde is a weird kind of antihero - he’s a bit of a dick, but there’s hints of his background that start to explain why he is the way he is, and he’s funny and his struggles are relatable (in the weirdest ways). I think at this stage I’m very “Team Zane”. Sias makes my heart hurt for Wilde. Kevin is an enigma, and Barnaby is awesome. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes
sandidev's review against another edition
5.0
Great start to a new series
I enjoyed this book a lot. Dallas is a great character. It was an action packed funny story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Dallas is a great character. It was an action packed funny story and I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
liza5326's review against another edition
4.0
A wild and chaotic read that didn’t let up from the first page. The cast of characters are fascinating and we end on a HFN, so I am eager to see where things go. How can you not get excited about vampires, necromancy, jinns, and adventure? Especially at Halloween. This is a Maz Maddox book, so the humor is on point. I will be waiting oh so impatiently for the next installment!
rae_shutupandbookup's review against another edition
5.0
"I have a vampire servant." - Dallas
"Body. Guard." - Zane
Dallas Wilde is a professional contract killer and fish trainer who would also sell his own grandmother for cash. But one contract job ends up turning into a giant headache with baggage in the form of a grumpy Thrall! A little bit of an oops has Dallas suffering some consequences he should have known better about and avoided.
But maybe having a Thrall isn't so bad as Dallas ventures forth on his next contract, he can't sit around and not make money. Especially when his landlord is sweet enough in reminding him his rent is very late. Only as Dallas and the Thrall follow the trail of clues in search of a Jinn, they find more and more shady business dealings. Necromancy and more intricacies into the profession and craft are surfacing. Dallas just wanted a simple big pay out, but this contract is proving difficult.
"I've never been in a harem to a goddess before. Does she know I'm very gay?" - Dallas
"Every time you speak, I get a migraine." - Zane
This audiobook had me laughing out loud! Of course, at work it gets a little complicated when people look at you a little curiously. I love that a reading buddy of mine introduced me to this audiobook and this author! Dallas is a new favorite of mine and Kirt helped to really bring his character to life. Along with the other cast of the book! The banter in this read was just phenomenal and I wish I could quote all of Dallas' lines. I just love him so much! I thoroughly enjoyed this author's writing style!
Dallas has been cruising through his life as a contract killer and fish trainer, yes, they really exist and it's a rather fascinating thing! Trying to make as much money as he can and avoid his past trauma and feelings. Only everything comes to a halt when his last contract didn't end with a simple clean slate. Dallas finds out just what happens when you don't properly go through all the steps of properly killing a Necromancer, mind you he is a professional. . .
Dallas HATES vampires and now he has one attached to him. Dallas of course looking on the bright side and instantly thinking "manservant"! The Thrall (Zane) NOT being happy with the word choice or meaning. The two don't get along and their banter made me laugh out loud so many times. Enemies for sure that have to put up with one another and are tied together. Neither being able to severe the connection. I also don't think Dallas wants to cut their unlikely bond though you could form a drinking game with how many times he threatens to stab Zane!
On top of everything Dallas discovers he has some gnarly new powers. He doesn't want them at all just like he doesn't want to admit to his feelings toward a certain client. Dallas would rather lock everything away and mosey through life and contracts. Also, maybe getting his rent paid on time. . .
I loved the mystery in this book and the search for the Jinn. Discovering new clues along with making some head way with relationships. Dallas also digging into the underbelly of businessmen and the ugly dealings they try to hide. Paranormal crime solving with a lot of humor. Dallas is our only POV, and I fell in love with him and his internal monologue! I also love the take on vampires and how they come about and behave.
Read the TWs at the beginning of the book! Even though this book has a lot of comedy in it we deal with some heavy materials. There's language throughout the book, violence, bloodshed, and gore. Necromancy and magic relating to it is a main subject of the book. Descriptions of things and how Necromancers wield their powers. I loved the details and all the intricacies of it all! There's a vampire so expect blood receiving/taking. Usage of drugs and other recreational things.
Dallas has a high libido and isn't into relationships. You can tell something is forming along with high sexual tensions and physical responses to situations. I've heard rumors regarding a love triangle trope with this series, usually I don't go for the love triangle trope but with this book I absolutely LOVE all aspects of it. So even if it does turn out to be a love triangle I still want to continue. We do get MM action and some scenes with voyeurism and public events. Also, Dallas is a switch!
Barnaby is a favorite character of mine and I want to attend one of his lectures! Maybe help around his store and be swept up in his knowledge of some unique art. The main contract arc for this book ends with a HEA in a way, but you can tell there's a larger picture being formed. Some questions and loose ends that still need to be tied up and I am very ready for the next book! I have some theories about some possible future situations.
Enjoy this book in whatever form you prefer! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
"Body. Guard." - Zane
Dallas Wilde is a professional contract killer and fish trainer who would also sell his own grandmother for cash. But one contract job ends up turning into a giant headache with baggage in the form of a grumpy Thrall! A little bit of an oops has Dallas suffering some consequences he should have known better about and avoided.
But maybe having a Thrall isn't so bad as Dallas ventures forth on his next contract, he can't sit around and not make money. Especially when his landlord is sweet enough in reminding him his rent is very late. Only as Dallas and the Thrall follow the trail of clues in search of a Jinn, they find more and more shady business dealings. Necromancy and more intricacies into the profession and craft are surfacing. Dallas just wanted a simple big pay out, but this contract is proving difficult.
"I've never been in a harem to a goddess before. Does she know I'm very gay?" - Dallas
"Every time you speak, I get a migraine." - Zane
This audiobook had me laughing out loud! Of course, at work it gets a little complicated when people look at you a little curiously. I love that a reading buddy of mine introduced me to this audiobook and this author! Dallas is a new favorite of mine and Kirt helped to really bring his character to life. Along with the other cast of the book! The banter in this read was just phenomenal and I wish I could quote all of Dallas' lines. I just love him so much! I thoroughly enjoyed this author's writing style!
Dallas has been cruising through his life as a contract killer and fish trainer, yes, they really exist and it's a rather fascinating thing! Trying to make as much money as he can and avoid his past trauma and feelings. Only everything comes to a halt when his last contract didn't end with a simple clean slate. Dallas finds out just what happens when you don't properly go through all the steps of properly killing a Necromancer, mind you he is a professional. . .
Dallas HATES vampires and now he has one attached to him. Dallas of course looking on the bright side and instantly thinking "manservant"! The Thrall (Zane) NOT being happy with the word choice or meaning. The two don't get along and their banter made me laugh out loud so many times. Enemies for sure that have to put up with one another and are tied together. Neither being able to severe the connection. I also don't think Dallas wants to cut their unlikely bond though you could form a drinking game with how many times he threatens to stab Zane!
On top of everything Dallas discovers he has some gnarly new powers. He doesn't want them at all just like he doesn't want to admit to his feelings toward a certain client. Dallas would rather lock everything away and mosey through life and contracts. Also, maybe getting his rent paid on time. . .
I loved the mystery in this book and the search for the Jinn. Discovering new clues along with making some head way with relationships. Dallas also digging into the underbelly of businessmen and the ugly dealings they try to hide. Paranormal crime solving with a lot of humor. Dallas is our only POV, and I fell in love with him and his internal monologue! I also love the take on vampires and how they come about and behave.
Read the TWs at the beginning of the book! Even though this book has a lot of comedy in it we deal with some heavy materials. There's language throughout the book, violence, bloodshed, and gore. Necromancy and magic relating to it is a main subject of the book. Descriptions of things and how Necromancers wield their powers. I loved the details and all the intricacies of it all! There's a vampire so expect blood receiving/taking. Usage of drugs and other recreational things.
Dallas has a high libido and isn't into relationships. You can tell something is forming along with high sexual tensions and physical responses to situations. I've heard rumors regarding a love triangle trope with this series, usually I don't go for the love triangle trope but with this book I absolutely LOVE all aspects of it. So even if it does turn out to be a love triangle I still want to continue. We do get MM action and some scenes with voyeurism and public events. Also, Dallas is a switch!
Barnaby is a favorite character of mine and I want to attend one of his lectures! Maybe help around his store and be swept up in his knowledge of some unique art. The main contract arc for this book ends with a HEA in a way, but you can tell there's a larger picture being formed. Some questions and loose ends that still need to be tied up and I am very ready for the next book! I have some theories about some possible future situations.
Enjoy this book in whatever form you prefer! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com