Reviewed by Sarina

TITLE: The Necromancer’s Dilemma

SERIES: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2

AUTHOR: S.J. Himes

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 213 pages

RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2016

BLURB:

Even love can die without trust. Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begin to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?

Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt. The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.

Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

REVIEW:

After taking care of the vampire out to destroy him and his brother, Angel is back to his usual routine of teaching while helping the police out on the side. With a new apprentice of his own and his brother finally back home where he belongs, things should be settling down but life has never been that easy for Angel so why should it start now? When a seemingly random murder turns out to be the work of a serial killer instead, Angel offers his assistance without hesitation but when the killer strikes a little too close to home, finding the one responsible becomes less about justice and more about protecting those Angel’s claimed as his. With Daniel’s father causing trouble and Isaac still hesitant about opening up, Angel will have to rely on Simeon, and their fledgling bond, more than ever if he wants to make it out of this one alive.

Its official, this series will totally be going in my re-read pile. :D. I just love the characters, the setting, and especially the various paranormal groups and how they coexist with the human population. This sequel was every bit as good as the first book and I was just as riveted to its pages, not wanting to put it down until I was done. The story was just as entertaining as the previous book, as well; the different aspects of the story were woven together so very well and I was never bored. I also just love how the people continue to evolve; Angel’s character continues to amaze with what he’s capable of doing and the secondary characters keep becoming more interesting, too. Case in point: Isaac. Seriously, what he revealed at the end of the book was so shocking I felt about as floored as Angel did.

This was a great story and has just whetted my appetite for more! I’m so glad the third book should be out by the end of the year because I’m not sure what I’d do if I had to wait longer than that to find out what happens next. There was also a quick bonus story at the end that acts as an intermission of sorts between books two and three that I enjoyed and was pleasantly surprised to see. All in all this was a fantastic read that I’ll happily recommend. If you enjoy urban fantasy or paranormal books, I’d totally give this book, and its predecessor, a try!

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

S.J. Himes

Amazon