Reviews

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles (audiobook narrated by Cornell Collins)
☀️☀️☀️⛅

Happy Pride Month! This dark and humourous historical romance was an enjoyable palate cleanser of a book.

The opening scene of this book is harrowing, but Charles balances the dark gothic elements skillfully with humour and sexual tension. I found the mystery and the investigation intriguing, and the ending ultimately satisfying, though I would have appreciated a bit more detail on the magic system itself and how it operates.

Crane and Day are both interesting characters whose banter is enjoyable, especially when portrayed in audiobook form by Collins. I do wish their relationship was fleshed out a bit more, as the progression felt rushed. Merrick was an entertaining support character, but the others including the villain definitely could have used some more page time to help the reveal towards the end feel earned.

I had a good time listening to this and will endeavour to continue the trilogy - hopefully we get some more world building and relationship growth in the next installment.

"'I am in the process of nailing Mr Humphrey Griffin to the wall so thoroughly that future generations will mistake him for a tapestry. Currently, he is under the impression that his cooperation may incline me not to press for a lengthy prison sentence for embezzlement, malpractice, extortion, and perjury.'
'Will it?'
Crane smiled. "Not pleasantly, no, but it scarcely matters.'"

2h2a2n's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

rorarots's review against another edition

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1.0

it's so bad. the magic system is so bland and ill explored. the sex is comically unreal and embarrassing to read. the writing is clunky. miss kj charles what is this.

one star for the characters and readability. it was a fun mindless read regardless.

kangaroo1990's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

blurrypetals's review against another edition

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4.0

This is absolutely what I am currently in the mood for reading: fun, exciting paranormal mysteries with a sprinkle of ~~super gay~~ romance thrown in for good measure. It was exciting, it was funny, it was sexy, and I am so here for the long haul as long as this level of quality remains throughout the rest of the series.

I would talk about some of the finer points here, but this book was so short and sweet that I fear if I talk too much about it here, I'd risk ruining it. Just take my word that if you like fantasy paranormal mysteries with a heaping portion of gay romance on the side, this will be your shit. I know it's my shit. Hot damn.

The only true reason this is a 4 and not a 5 is because it's just too short for me to truly sink my teeth into it. The length is a plus, but I would have liked a little more character development and perhaps a tad slower of a burn on the romance for this to earn that fifth and final star, but I love 4's! There's nothing really wrong with a 4! So onward we go!

emailkatieinstead's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

5.0

animar19's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This was a fun and quick read!

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