Rainbow Book Reviews
This second supernatural adventure featuring Tristan, a “private investigator of paranormal incidents” who was cast out by the official guild of mages, is set in the Prague of an alternate reality. It is a world where Latin is the language used for international communication, “official” magic is strictly licensed, and only a few have the talent to become mages. Tristan has fallen in lust with Jarek, an incubus originating in Gomorrah, and wants to free him from his contract as an escort. To accomplish this, he has to “do a favor” for an influential art and antiquities dealer, a baron by the name of Ambrosius Schwarzenstein. It turns out to be the investigation of a mysterious, fear-induced death and is anything but straightforward. The idea of a supernatural mystery is an interesting one, and in a world where magic and secrets are the order of the day, it makes sense to have investigators with somewhat unusual abilities. While the case is cleverly and creepily constructed, watching it unfold is at least as interesting as observing how Tristan and Jarek become more closely acquainted. Jarek’s abilities as an incubus are entertaining and lead to some extremely hot scenes. But they now have to learn to work together outside the bedroom, and building trust is an essential part of that. The fact is that Tristan might need to work for the somewhat dark Baron Schwarzenstein for a year and a day and become just as indentured as Jarek (albeit while being paid a regular income and not having to sell his body). It means that they won’t be able to travel the world for another year, and Tristan isn’t sure Jarek will like that. There are other sudden obstacles and unexpected details as well, and it doesn’t make things easier for Tristan. Decisions, decisions! If you like creepy supernatural murder mysteries, if two strangers learning to work together for a common goal are your thing, and if you’ve been waiting for the next installment of this story, then you might like this novella that reveals more of what Tristan and Jarek are up to. This second supernatural adventure featuring Tristan, a “private investigator of paranormal incidents” who was cast out by the official guild of mages, is set in the Prague of an alternate reality. It is a world where Latin is the language used for international communication, “official” magic is strictly licensed, and only a few have the talent to become mages. Tristan has fallen in lust with Jarek, an incubus originating in Gomorrah, and wants to free him from his contract as an escort. To accomplish this, he has to “do a favor” for an influential art and antiquities dealer, a baron by the name of Ambrosius Schwarzenstein. It turns out to be the investigation of a mysterious, fear-induced death and is anything but straightforward. The idea of a supernatural mystery is an interesting one, and in a world where magic and secrets are the order of the day, it makes sense to have investigators with somewhat unusual abilities. While the case is cleverly and creepily constructed, watching it unfold is at least as interesting as observing how Tristan and Jarek become more closely acquainted. Jarek’s abilities as an incubus are entertaining and lead to some extremely hot scenes. But they now have to learn to work together outside the bedroom, and building trust is an essential part of that. The fact is that Tristan might need to work for the somewhat dark Baron Schwarzenstein for a year and a day and become just as indentured as Jarek (albeit while being paid a regular income and not having to sell his body). It means that they won’t be able to travel the world for another year, and Tristan isn’t sure Jarek will like that. There are other sudden obstacles and unexpected details as well, and it doesn’t make things easier for Tristan. Decisions, decisions! If you like creepy supernatural murder mysteries, if two strangers learning to work together for a common goal are your thing, and if you’ve been waiting for the next installment of this story, then you might like this novella that reveals more of what Tristan and Jarek are up to.
