Review by Heather C.
TITLE: Threshold (Book #2)
SERIES: Whyborne & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jordan L. Hawk
BLURB: Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.
Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.
Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?
For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.
REVIEW:
Spoilers for Widdershins
I have been impatiently waiting for this book to come out ever since I read Widdershins a few months ago. I love the world here that Jordan has created: alternate historical with some paranormal elements…and this one leans more towards the science fiction side. I think the uniqueness is one of the things I love the most…well, that and Whyborne and Griffin!
Whyborne and Griffin are back…and so is Christine. I don’t think this takes place much long after Widdershins, because Whyborne and Griffin’s relationship is still pretty new and not 100% secure. Whyborne is still dabbling with the “sorcery” behind Griffin’s back, and Griffin is still doing his PI gig. So, when Whyborne’s father wants to hire Griffin for a job, how do you think that will go over? Especially after Mr. Whyborne tried to have Griffin killed!
The mystery: There are some “strange happenings” going on in a mine that Mr. Whyborne has investments in located in a place called Threshold, West Virginia; strange accidents, sabotaged equipment, and disappearing people to name a few. Some people blame it on an outlaw gang, but those superstitious miners have other ideas. So when they start threatening to strike, Mr. Whyborne decides to send someone down there to investigate, and he knows Griffin believes in all of the things that may go bump in the night. Remember how he tried to have him killed?
Anyway, Whyborne, Griffin, and their kick-ass, side-kick Christine, hop on a train and head to Threshold. Upon arrival, Griffin is confronted with his past in the form of Elliot Manning, a former lover and also the person who committed him to the madhouse. Elliot happens to be one of the Pinkertons hired to keep the miners in line, and will be Griffin and Whyborne’s go-to man in aiding their investigation. Hmm, how do you think Whyborne will react to Griffin and Elliot’s reunion?! And what the hell is going on in the Threshold Mine?!
So…
What did I love about this book?
The Characters: Whyborne and Griffin are so endearing and adorable and sweet. Some may say “overly sweet”, but I love them!! And I also love how Christine is always at the ready to play the beard when she needs to. Plus, I love the banter between these three.
The Progression of the Relationship: I didn’t think there was as much smexy-time in this book as there was in the first; of course, they weren’t exactly in the safest place to be getting hot and heavy. Don’t misunderstand me, these guys are still HOT, and I could really feel how much they were in love with each other, with the hidden touches and secret smiles. My heart just fluttered every time Griffin called him “Ival”. I loved how this book brought out both of their biggest insecurities: Whyborne is so insecure about is looks, and Griffin fears that he is unworthy because of his roots and his past. But they are both so very, very wrong. I liked how we got to see them overcome a pretty big quarrel. Don’t worry, there was absolutely no infidelity here…I totally freaked out when I read the blurb!
The Setting: While it was completely different from the dark alleys and creepy museum we got in Widdershins, it was still just as vivid; from the coal dust to the colorful prostitutes to the scary dark woods.
The Investigation: I loved how Whyborne was really doing most of the work, even though Griffin was the hired PI. Honestly, I don’t think Griffin did much of anything except for constantly rescuing Whyborne. And then there was Christine, who always had her gun at the ready.
The Bad Guys: Or should I say “bad creatures”? I never in a million years would have expected that. Even when the tales were told, I didn’t believe it to be the truth. Not until I saw it, er, read it with my own eyes. Bravo, Jordan, for that creativeness. I don’t want to spoiler anything, but I will say that I don’t think the mystery here was as well-spun or as complicated as it was in the first book.
What do I hope to see in the future?
More Sorcery: Contrary to what Griffin wants, I would like to see Whyborne increase his skills at the spells. Not saying I want Whyborne to go all crazy and dark or anything! Just that I love those parts in the books when Whyborne uses power.
This series is unique and different and quickly becoming one of my favorites. I recommend giving it a try.
Heather’s Rating: 
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BUY LINK FOR WIDDERSHINS (Book #1): Book Store
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Heather C. is one of the official reviewers on The Blog of Sid Love
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From what I read of the excerpt it was very good.I was also wondering how you came up with the Idea for the story.
Hi Toni,
Thank you! I grew up reading a lot of the old pulp-style science fiction and horror stories, and I have a deep fondness for those sort of wild adventures with cults and strange creatures. It’s definitely a big influence on all my books, but especially the W&G series.
As for how I came up with the idea for Threshold, I wanted to get Whyborne out of Widdershins for once (we’ll be back there for the third book!), and started thinking about railroads and steam engines and coal…and then wondered what might be hiding in the hills where it’s mined. 🙂
Another fantastic review Heather!
Thanks Kyle!
This is one of my favorite series. And I LOVE the covers!
Thanks Heather, and thank you so much for doing a pre-release review. I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
I loved Widdershins!!! I absolutely cannot wait to read Threshold!
Thanks, Crissy! 🙂
Now I really want to know what the “creatures” are ..
Löni – leo.v.s at aol dot com
I’ve just bought the ebook and the audio for Widdershins, really looking forward to reading it.
Enjoy, Josie! I think Julian did an amazing job on the audio version. 🙂
Enjoyed your review Heather. Just finished listening to the audio of Widdershins, which had me falling for Whyborne and Griffin even harder than I already had! I am so stoked for the release of Threshold 😀
I can’t wait!!! I must get a lot of work done this weekend to make up for the day next week I won’t get anything done.
*hugs* Thank, Alica!
Excellent review Heather…as usual.
Out of all of this I am loving the bit saying “…except for saving constantly saving Whyborne ofcourse…” Oh I love that. I am looking forward to this now just because of that. 🙂
Whyborne did most of the saving in book one, so at least we know Griffin won’t have to develop a complex about it now, lol. ;D
Jbst
strive4bst(AT) yahoo(Dot) com
I really like the sound of this series with magic and investigation. Congrats for getting such a great review.
Thanks! 🙂
Trix
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
I’ve heard great things about this series!
Urbanista
brendurbanist at gmail dot com
SHREEEEEIK! I am desperately poor, but I robbed a train to buy all but one of Jordan L. Hawk’s creative, inventive, and irresistible books. I loved Widdershins in an almost pathological way…needed counseling. I cannot WAIT to read Threshold. Thanks!
You sound like me! I’ve only read these two by Jordan but I have 2 others already loaded on my kindle. Yay!
Don’t rob any trains! They might send Griffin to track you down. Or maybe that’s an incentive. 😉 *hugs*
Debby
debby236@gmail.com
I wonder what is going on as well. Sounds like an intriguing read. Thanks for sharing.
Name*: Penumbra
Email ID*: penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com
Message to the author: Very nice cover 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
sally
halliday.sally@yahoo.co.uk
Fab cover
Thanks, Sally!
[…] Pre-release Review: Threshold by Jordan L. Hawk & GIVEAWAY! […]
Fab review. Not a series Ive read but after reading the review its going up the list. 😉
Thanks, Macky!
Review:
I snatched this one up without reading the free sample first, and I rarely ever do that. However, I did read Widdershins and I liked it enough to give it four stars. I figured I’d be in for another four star book. Man, was this a surprise.
For one, Christine really grew on me in this one. I wasn’t particularly fond of her in the first book; she struck me as the inevitable female supporting character cliche, although much better fleshed out than many other characters of her kind. In this book, she shines. To the point where you wish you had a Christine of your own. I mean, the lady kicks ass in every way you can imagine, and she does it with a dry sort of humor that many of us wish we possessed. By the end of the book I was in love with her. I do fall in love relatively often while reading m/m romance but NEVER with a female character.
I was glad to see some faults in Griffin. He was just so freaking perfect in the first book that I spent a lot of time being anxious for Whyborne. The introduction of the ex lover definitely shook things up without overwhelming the story line. It also served to expose some of Griffin’s insecurities which in turn made him more likeable as a character. I spent a lot of time being anxious for Whyborne in this book too; the man is a trouble magnet! But the way he develops in this story is astounding. You can see him finally come out of his shell and become the man we all knew he was from the beginning. He’s such a sweet and faithful guy; it was so awesome to see him kick some ass while staying true to who he is as a person.
The story line itself was just as imaginative and complex as the first one. A definite page turner. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you liked the action in the first book, this one will blow you away. And it flows so smoothly, it’s a pleasure to read.
The sex scenes. Holy crap. There was this one, with the storm raging outside; I don’t want to ruin it for anyone so I won’t say any more than that. But I swear, my Kindle got too hot to touch. The temperature in my room went up at least ten degrees.
All in all, I really, really enjoyed this. I do hope there will be another Whyborne & Griffin book coming out at some point. I got really attached to these guys. And Christine. Oh please, let’s have more of Christine 🙂