Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Weapon & Wonders
SERIES: Jak & Leander #2
AUTHOR: Devin Harnois
PUBLISHER: October Night Publishing
LENGTH: 201 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020
BLURB:
Working on a military contract isn’t what Jak wanted, but he tries to look on the bright side. Enchanting several mechanical dragons is an exciting prospect, and more importantly, the project allows him to stay close to Leander. They’re even living together, but making excuses for it to Leander’s family and everyone else. Jak knows society is unaccepting, but he’s growing increasingly frustrated at the need to hide their relationship.
Leander still can’t believe flirty, popular Jak chose him. Their romantic partnership is unlike anything he’s experienced before, and a small part of Leander is worried Jak will grow tired of him.
When plans for the newest dragon go missing, suspicion falls on Jak, and Leander is terrified his lover will be taken from him. Then sabotage strikes the project, and it becomes clear a spy is in their midst. Far worse things are on the horizon, and this time Jak can’t run away. To keep Leander and his family safe, Jak is forced to make a terrible choice.
REVIEW:
I really am enjoying this series for several reasons. Although I’m not a huge fan of steampunk, I do often enjoy it, if it’s done right. I enjoy the way things work, like the inner workings of a clock from back in the day. Nowadays, it’s so much easier, but the intricate work that went into things back then and even some things now, is incredible. And I love to see the way other people interpret that. And I really think Devin has hit it out of the park with this series.
Leander wanted nothing more than to up the class of his family and help bring them a better life. And since he’s met Jak, they’ve definitely moved up in the world. Being the first to invent some of the things they have, they not only have the money for making these pieces, but the infamy that comes with it. But it’s harder for Leander, because he’s not as good with people as Jak is, and he’s terrified their relationship could hurt his family in the long run. But he’s also terrified he will lose Jak because they have to stay so closeted. But now things are getting worse in other ways. Someone is stealing their designs for what they are making for the military and they are very quick to try to point the finger at Jak. And now someone has tried to kill them and destroy the project they are working on. With danger lurking at every turn, Jak and Leander have to learn to navigate things in a way that they both can be happy and in a way that no one else gets hurt.
I hate that people are not accepting of those relationships that are different. It drives me bonkers. It’s so stupid. People should be free to love who they want, without repercussions. And we think it’s bad today, imagine what it was like back then. When your life could literally be on the line. Or the lives of your family. It’s not a whole lot better nowadays, but at least in some ways it is. Not many, sad to say. But what I love about Jak is that even though it hurts him at times to have to hide, he’s not willing to give Leander up. He doesn’t understand the conservative way Leander is. He never will. Not that he begrudges Leander. He loves him, and that’s obvious in all they do. But Jak is a free spirit. Always has been. He doesn’t care if you’re man or woman, he’s interested in you for who you are. Which is how it should be. But for Leander, it’s harder because of his family. The scandal could desperately hurt his family and their status, making them paupers or beggars. And he doesn’t want that for them. But any relationship is about compromise. And Leander is finally learning to compromise a bit. Learning to open up a bit more to those he knows he can trust with their secret. So he doesn’t feel like he’s letting Jak down.
I love too, how hard they work together. And how well. Yeah, Jak can be a bit of a wild child, but they work so seamlessly together. With the creations they’ve come up with, it’s been fascinating to see how they create what they do. It’s been amazing. And I love how the author had them working together to do what they are.
It’s truly a fascinating series. I recommend it so much.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: