A review by roksyreads
A Mage's Guide to Human Familiars by A.J. Sherwood

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

Bel Adams, Mage, needs a familiar, but after his first summoning resulted in a failed bond, he fears being rejected yet again. Nico di Rossi, Army Ranger, needs a new direction in life, and being summoned as a familiar is exactly the change of pace and sense of purpose he’s been looking for. Garen Delarosa, Secret Service, needs his former lover, Nico, back in his life. Working together just might be the second chance they all need—if they’re brave enough to take it.

This was my first encounter with A.J. Sherwood, and what a delightful encounter it proved to be! A Mage’s Guide to Human Familiars is a lighthearted, funny, and adventurous story that features a wonderfully diverse cast of characters and an engaging urban fantasy setting. The resolution at the end felt a little rushed and perhaps a little too easy, but I didn’t mind as the story centres primarily on the characters and their individual journeys. The budding romance between the three MMCs—Bel, Nico, and Garen—is a tantalising slow burn woven into a tale of new love, second chances, and self-discovery. Each is loveable in his own ways, and the banter between them and the secondary characters was a treat to read. For a shorter novel, there’s a great blend of emotional, sweet, sexy, and humorous moments, with MMC Nico—who is best described as a blend of energetic and goofy golden retriever and german shepherd guard dog—featuring especially in the latter category. I can’t wait to see what mischief he, Bel, and Garen get up to in the second novel, A Mage’s Guide to Aussie Terrors.