Widdershins: Whyborne & Griffin Book 1, Jordan L. Hawk

Magic always has a lovely way of complicating life.  I always wish I knew what that felt like.  What I really liked about this book was that it wasn't just stopping bad magic users, it wasn't just someone discovering magic talent in themselves, and it wasn't just about finding out magic exists at all.  It was all of that and more with Whyborne experiencing it all along with coming to terms with his past, accepting a brand new possibility for his future, and that he struggled with how to use the power he found.  He was a completely genuine, awkwardly endearing, vulnerably wonderful man.  He made this story engaging and un-put-downable.

There were times that his second guessing and insecurities became a little much, but those moments were fleeting, thank goodness.  More often than not he was clever, used his intellect and drive, and intelligently caught onto clues that gave them all a little better insight into what may be going on and the implications of it all.  There were a few clues and intimations that were pretty obvious to me but weren't discovered until it was staring them in the face, but that's pretty common in most mysteries because if they had the answers as quick as the reader could predict them it wouldn't be much of a story, so I wasn't too bothered by it.  Except in one instance with the grave placements and the history "lesson".  That should have been as obvious to Whyborne as it was to me, I mean, I'd excuse a little denial, but not the complete lack of dot connecting on his part until it was nearly too late.

For Griffin's part, since we never got his perspective, we were left guessing right along with Whyborne as to his intentions, feelings, and hopes.  We get a good sense of him through his forced confessions and revelations, but I do wish I had more from him.  I wanted more of his feelings, more opening naturally to Whyborne rather than being forced to because he's backed into a corner.  His vulnerabilities make him likable, I just want to really know him.  His feelings for Whyborne sometimes come across in the unguarded moments when Whyborne sees a softer look before he doubts and disregards them as well as in his passion during their more intimate times, but I don't think it's enough to convince me of the depth and reality of them.

The underlying attraction between Whyborne and Griffin was recognized but didn't progress for quite a long time.  I loved that it felt like a natural progression for them and for the times.  While there were still secrets and unsaid feelings and insecurities, it was steamy and genuine.  Their reconciliation was fraught with all kinds of crazy because of when it occurred.  Once the action settled down and they had their conversation it was clear they were on a great path to building something strong, lasting, and important.  I'm absolutely eager to find out where they go from here, especially since there's some relationship drama that's coming according to the synopsis for book two.

*99¢ on Amazon!

A reclusive scholar. A private detective. And a book of spells that could destroy the world.

Love is dangerous. Ever since the tragic death of the friend he adored, Percival Endicott Whyborne has ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. Instead, he spends his days studying dead languages at the museum where he works. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible.

Griffin left the Pinkertons after the death of his partner. Now in business for himself, he must investigate the murder of a wealthy young man. His only clue: an encrypted book that once belonged to the victim.

As the investigation draws them closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. But when they uncover evidence of a powerful cult determined to rule the world, Whyborne must choose: to remain safely alone, or to risk everything for the man he loves.