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Jak & Leander #1
Mages & Mechanisms
Leander Weatherford doesn’t want a mage, but he needs one. Enchanted mechanical animals are all the rage among the upper classes, and selling them will save his struggling family business. Enter Jak, whose enchanting ability is second only to his talent for flirting. It’s dangerous to keep such a tempting man close, but Leander can’t resist—in more ways than one.
Jak needs money to continue his aimless life of running. A partnership with Leander provides both income and a lovely diversion. Their masterful creations catch the attention of an eccentric baroness who offers them an enormous sum for an ambitious project—a full-scale mechanical dragon.
Swept into a life rubbing elbows with nobility, Leander is pleased but overwhelmed. Spending both workdays and evenings with Jak, he finds himself drawing closer to the charming mage. But Jak is hiding a dangerous secret, and the truth could tear them apart.
Jak needs money to continue his aimless life of running. A partnership with Leander provides both income and a lovely diversion. Their masterful creations catch the attention of an eccentric baroness who offers them an enormous sum for an ambitious project—a full-scale mechanical dragon.
Swept into a life rubbing elbows with nobility, Leander is pleased but overwhelmed. Spending both workdays and evenings with Jak, he finds himself drawing closer to the charming mage. But Jak is hiding a dangerous secret, and the truth could tear them apart.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
About the author
Devin Harnois
27 books81 followersDevin Harnois has several published novels and he’d have more if he spent less time on Twitter and playing Dragon Age. Most of his books involve magic, monsters, and hope. They're also getting progressively more queer. He collects skull items and only a strong will prevents his apartment from being overrun by them.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Shelved as 'freebie'
July 16, 2020Currently *FREE* on Amazon, 2020-07-15:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
June 19, 2018
I am totally blown away by this book... the author managed to perfectly balance the steampunk fantasy with the m/m romance such that is reads beautifully as both. The two storylines are so deftly intertwined that no part of the book feels like just one or the other. The world the author has created is not only incredibly complex, but the way he weaves magic with the mechanical is genius. as for those that people his world he has created a cast of characters truly fit to live in his world. The two MCs are wonderful, especially together... apart neither is whole, yet together they each complement the other in the ways that together makes them each stronger. I literally CAN not wait till the second book is published and I get to read it!!!!
June 15, 2018
In this steampunk/fantasy fusion, Leander Weatherford–a maker of mechanical animals–is in desperate need of money. With the sudden popularity of mechanical animals that have been enchanted to act/react just like the real thing, his shop has lost a lot of customers. The only way out Leander sees is to hire a mage to enchant his works, with an agreement to split the profits. But with a history that involves the death of his mother at the hands of foreign mages in the not-so-far-past war, Leander hates that he has to do it. Even when the mage who answers his advertisement turns out to be the devilishly handsome Jak. Especially since Jak has a history of his own…not that he is telling anyone.
A lot of the set-up, characters, and universe building in this world really worked for me. It was easy to sink into this steampunk-ish fantasy, and while there were certainly times I thought it was going to get a lot darker than it ended up being, it was a good ride from start to finish. I found the way that Leander’s society is structured to be kinda fascinating, and I’m really glad to know that the sequel will continue this story because I would love to know more about this world and how it functions. The creation of the mechanical animals was also pretty dang cool. And, hey, clockwork dragons that can fly?…oh, yeah, I’m totally all over that (even if the payoff wasn’t all it could have been).
However I just couldn’t get away from the fact that I disliked a lot of what Jak says and does. He has one of those kinds of personalities that just rubs me the wrong way. He is very carefree, but in a way that feels more like he doesn’t care about the consequences…because he is not going to be the one stuck with them. I think we were supposed to on his side a lot, especially when he is pushing back at society in regards to how they handle homosexuality–but it came off feeling like, to me, as if he just wandered into this society, deemed it unacceptable without really understanding they whys and the hows, and continually pushes Leander to break his societies rules without any care for how it could ruin Leander or his family. And every time Leander tries to explain why he doesn’t want to dance with him in public, or that they don’t have the social standing to protect them if they act as a couple in front of everyone, Jak gets all bitchy about it or shrugs it off like Leander just doesn’t know how to have fun. It was very frustrating. I’m all for Jak wanting to change the society and push the boundaries so that he can be with Leander…but he is also constantly talking about “when he leaves,” without really coming to grips with the fact that if Leander does do what Jak wants he could very well end up losing everything, and Jak will just be off on another adventure with hardly a scratch on him.
That just made it very hard for me to be on his side.
I think that while I liked the lighthearted tone of the book on one hand, I think a lot of the problems could have been avoided or at least softened if the story had taken a bit darker tone. Jak would have had to face some real consequences for the shit he does, the whole dragon subplot would have had a bit more bite, and some of the issues brought up in the last chapter–which I assume are going to play a big role in the book two–would have had a bit more weight to them. As it is the story felt a bit too soft around the edges half the time, so it didn’t have nearly as big of an impact as it could have. I’m not saying it was a bad story, or that I didn’t enjoy it for the most part, but I can see the parts that held it back from being truly great. I’m hopeful for the sequel though, and am really interested to see where this story ends up going.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
A lot of the set-up, characters, and universe building in this world really worked for me. It was easy to sink into this steampunk-ish fantasy, and while there were certainly times I thought it was going to get a lot darker than it ended up being, it was a good ride from start to finish. I found the way that Leander’s society is structured to be kinda fascinating, and I’m really glad to know that the sequel will continue this story because I would love to know more about this world and how it functions. The creation of the mechanical animals was also pretty dang cool. And, hey, clockwork dragons that can fly?…oh, yeah, I’m totally all over that (even if the payoff wasn’t all it could have been).
However I just couldn’t get away from the fact that I disliked a lot of what Jak says and does. He has one of those kinds of personalities that just rubs me the wrong way. He is very carefree, but in a way that feels more like he doesn’t care about the consequences…because he is not going to be the one stuck with them. I think we were supposed to on his side a lot, especially when he is pushing back at society in regards to how they handle homosexuality–but it came off feeling like, to me, as if he just wandered into this society, deemed it unacceptable without really understanding they whys and the hows, and continually pushes Leander to break his societies rules without any care for how it could ruin Leander or his family. And every time Leander tries to explain why he doesn’t want to dance with him in public, or that they don’t have the social standing to protect them if they act as a couple in front of everyone, Jak gets all bitchy about it or shrugs it off like Leander just doesn’t know how to have fun. It was very frustrating. I’m all for Jak wanting to change the society and push the boundaries so that he can be with Leander…but he is also constantly talking about “when he leaves,” without really coming to grips with the fact that if Leander does do what Jak wants he could very well end up losing everything, and Jak will just be off on another adventure with hardly a scratch on him.
That just made it very hard for me to be on his side.
I think that while I liked the lighthearted tone of the book on one hand, I think a lot of the problems could have been avoided or at least softened if the story had taken a bit darker tone. Jak would have had to face some real consequences for the shit he does, the whole dragon subplot would have had a bit more bite, and some of the issues brought up in the last chapter–which I assume are going to play a big role in the book two–would have had a bit more weight to them. As it is the story felt a bit too soft around the edges half the time, so it didn’t have nearly as big of an impact as it could have. I’m not saying it was a bad story, or that I didn’t enjoy it for the most part, but I can see the parts that held it back from being truly great. I’m hopeful for the sequel though, and am really interested to see where this story ends up going.
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 25, 2020
3.5
The world the author creates is a kind of Regency AU complete with steampunk and magic. We start our adventure in Leander's shop where he's waiting if a mage is answering his job offering. On the one hand he's feeling uneasy about magic because he lost his mother in the last war due to a magical attack but on the other hand his business is suffering because as good as his mechanical inventions are he can't deliver to the latest hype which is about spirited clockwork pets. Without those he can't support his family, is probably loosing the shop and falls down the social tier or even into a lesser caste.
So with the first chapter the complete world is unfolding and it doesn't need a lot of explanation. It's not the easiest world to live in and that is becoming even more clear with Jak entering the scene, flirtatious, impulsive Jak hiding his own troubled past behind a mask of charming carelessness. Together they are quite a team though completely different characters they complement each other which is most obvious on the business side of their partnership. The private, personal side is more complicated. You see Leander is a fussy gentleman, aware of his class and its restrictions and so deeply in the closet that I sometimes wonder what Jak sees in him. At first he's obviously a challenge and later even more tempting because he comes with the package of a loving family and is certainly a good looking guy but I still don't get it why he falls into that relationship so fast. Unfortunately the author doesn't help me understand or better: let me feel the romantic attraction. So what we get at the end of the book is only a polite HFN.
Reading the setup of an empire at the brink of another war, a repressed population, a bored and nabob rich nobility, mages subduing spirits, mechanics able to create even fire breathing dragons and in the middle of it all an unlikely pair of guys slowly falling for each other while trying hard to keep their life threatening secrets … I would have expect a grand adventure, intrigue and angst and was always waiting for the villain to appear or some secret society to pull the strings but it isn't what we get. While it's a complete story how Leander and Jak create a clockwork dragon and the danger to fulfill the whim of an eccentric baroness it still felt more like an introduction of something bigger to come … the place is set, let the games begin. So I hope for the next book.
The world the author creates is a kind of Regency AU complete with steampunk and magic. We start our adventure in Leander's shop where he's waiting if a mage is answering his job offering. On the one hand he's feeling uneasy about magic because he lost his mother in the last war due to a magical attack but on the other hand his business is suffering because as good as his mechanical inventions are he can't deliver to the latest hype which is about spirited clockwork pets. Without those he can't support his family, is probably loosing the shop and falls down the social tier or even into a lesser caste.
So with the first chapter the complete world is unfolding and it doesn't need a lot of explanation. It's not the easiest world to live in and that is becoming even more clear with Jak entering the scene, flirtatious, impulsive Jak hiding his own troubled past behind a mask of charming carelessness. Together they are quite a team though completely different characters they complement each other which is most obvious on the business side of their partnership. The private, personal side is more complicated. You see Leander is a fussy gentleman, aware of his class and its restrictions and so deeply in the closet that I sometimes wonder what Jak sees in him. At first he's obviously a challenge and later even more tempting because he comes with the package of a loving family and is certainly a good looking guy but I still don't get it why he falls into that relationship so fast. Unfortunately the author doesn't help me understand or better: let me feel the romantic attraction. So what we get at the end of the book is only a polite HFN.
Reading the setup of an empire at the brink of another war, a repressed population, a bored and nabob rich nobility, mages subduing spirits, mechanics able to create even fire breathing dragons and in the middle of it all an unlikely pair of guys slowly falling for each other while trying hard to keep their life threatening secrets … I would have expect a grand adventure, intrigue and angst and was always waiting for the villain to appear or some secret society to pull the strings but it isn't what we get. While it's a complete story how Leander and Jak create a clockwork dragon and the danger to fulfill the whim of an eccentric baroness it still felt more like an introduction of something bigger to come … the place is set, let the games begin. So I hope for the next book.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 14, 2020DNF @ 30%
This only looks like I read more than my other DNF from this morning, but that's really only because it's a third of the length as that one.
I'm really not trying to be difficult, but I wasn't feeling this one either. The world building was decent enough and I really liked the concept, but the relationship "building" felt superficial at best. The MCs are both nice and all, but I didn't feel any connection between them. The plot was also on the rushed side, which maybe was on purpose but I couldn't settle into the book.
This only looks like I read more than my other DNF from this morning, but that's really only because it's a third of the length as that one.
I'm really not trying to be difficult, but I wasn't feeling this one either. The world building was decent enough and I really liked the concept, but the relationship "building" felt superficial at best. The MCs are both nice and all, but I didn't feel any connection between them. The plot was also on the rushed side, which maybe was on purpose but I couldn't settle into the book.
May 18, 2019
Okay, yeah...after reading this I'm putting more of new-to-ME author Devin's adult MM titles on my TBR shelf. (And maybe a couple of the YA/LGBTQ ones, too.)
Lovely world-building here and I loved the MCs; I hope the next one is coming soon!
Lovely world-building here and I loved the MCs; I hope the next one is coming soon!
May 8, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down...because still no 1/2 stars here on GR. Full review to follow soonish!
What's better than dragons? Why steampunk dragons of course...
I have a weakness for dragons and for steampunk but when the two are combined...well, saying no isn't really an option for me. however, I am also a wee bit fussy when it comes to these things...so, more often than not I can be disappointed.
However, while I wouldn't label "Mages & Mechanisms" as disappointing I have to admit that for me there just seemed to be something missing and I'm not even sure I can put my finger on what that something is...so, let's talk about what wasn't missing...
Characters...of course we have our MCs, Jak and Leander. Two very different men. Leander is quiet and he lives by the rules. He wants to secure a better station in society for his family, to be able to provide for them. Jak is bold and brash, not only does he not live by the rules, he lives to break, skirt the edges of and bend every one that he can. Yet these two men are inexplicably drawn to each other and for better or worse they form a business partnership that could be the making or breaking of all that they want and hold dear.
Leander's a machinist of the highest skill...his workmanship is exquisite and Jak's a mage who's powers are very possibly the answer to Leander's prayers.
In a time when mechanical pets are all the rage Leander's creations are possibly without parallel or at least they would be if he could just find a mage to enchant them and give them life...enter Jak and thus a business partnership is born.
So we've got characters, we've got the start of an intriguing storyline, we've got some seriously interesting world building going on...so where did things fall short for me...well..
Let's start with Jak...Jak just didn't seem to have any sense of self preservation. For someone who was suppose to be flying under the radar so to speak, he was just a bit to out there. On one hand we're given to understand that Jak needs to not garner attention and yet, nearly every action he takes screams 'look at me' and for the most part it's not something he's doing accidentally or without intent. He frequently felt like the matador waving his red cape at a very angry bull. For the most part this seemed more deliberate than accidental, which left me wondering just how much danger he was really in?
The only other thing about this story that really niggled at me was that when it came to Jak and Leander as a couple...well...I just wasn't quite feeling it. That's not to say that I won't but at the moment it's hasn't happened for me, but I'm not feeling like the match is unrealistic either so there's always a chance that something will click into place for me, but in the meantime, I am liking the story and what's happening and really there's steampunk and a dragon so for me there's always hope and so many possibilities...
*************************
A copy of 'Mages & Mechanisms' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
What's better than dragons? Why steampunk dragons of course...
I have a weakness for dragons and for steampunk but when the two are combined...well, saying no isn't really an option for me. however, I am also a wee bit fussy when it comes to these things...so, more often than not I can be disappointed.
However, while I wouldn't label "Mages & Mechanisms" as disappointing I have to admit that for me there just seemed to be something missing and I'm not even sure I can put my finger on what that something is...so, let's talk about what wasn't missing...
Characters...of course we have our MCs, Jak and Leander. Two very different men. Leander is quiet and he lives by the rules. He wants to secure a better station in society for his family, to be able to provide for them. Jak is bold and brash, not only does he not live by the rules, he lives to break, skirt the edges of and bend every one that he can. Yet these two men are inexplicably drawn to each other and for better or worse they form a business partnership that could be the making or breaking of all that they want and hold dear.
Leander's a machinist of the highest skill...his workmanship is exquisite and Jak's a mage who's powers are very possibly the answer to Leander's prayers.
In a time when mechanical pets are all the rage Leander's creations are possibly without parallel or at least they would be if he could just find a mage to enchant them and give them life...enter Jak and thus a business partnership is born.
So we've got characters, we've got the start of an intriguing storyline, we've got some seriously interesting world building going on...so where did things fall short for me...well..
Let's start with Jak...Jak just didn't seem to have any sense of self preservation. For someone who was suppose to be flying under the radar so to speak, he was just a bit to out there. On one hand we're given to understand that Jak needs to not garner attention and yet, nearly every action he takes screams 'look at me' and for the most part it's not something he's doing accidentally or without intent. He frequently felt like the matador waving his red cape at a very angry bull. For the most part this seemed more deliberate than accidental, which left me wondering just how much danger he was really in?
The only other thing about this story that really niggled at me was that when it came to Jak and Leander as a couple...well...I just wasn't quite feeling it. That's not to say that I won't but at the moment it's hasn't happened for me, but I'm not feeling like the match is unrealistic either so there's always a chance that something will click into place for me, but in the meantime, I am liking the story and what's happening and really there's steampunk and a dragon so for me there's always hope and so many possibilities...
*************************
A copy of 'Mages & Mechanisms' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2018
3.5 stars This is a fantasy read with Jak as mage and Leander as creator of mechanical animals.
The animals need some magic and Jak is the Mage for it.
Jak, funny, witty and the biggest flirt and Leander a shy, timid man, they do like each other.
After a upper class baroness give them the biggest order ever, they just can’t resist. They have to build a dragon together, it will be well paid, with this money Leander can give his family what they need.
So far so good... only Jak has a big secret nobody knows of....
A somewhat sweet read. It plays in the nineteenth century. The flirtatious Jak did lighten up the story, he was fun, Leander was shy and a bit stiff, he wants nobody to know what they did behind closed doors. The tension was well done also how they act behind those doors.
Nicely written story, the environments were well done, the story was enough developed for this part. Luckily there will be a follow up.
When you love some enchanting magic this is one.
Kindly received an arc from the author
The animals need some magic and Jak is the Mage for it.
Jak, funny, witty and the biggest flirt and Leander a shy, timid man, they do like each other.
After a upper class baroness give them the biggest order ever, they just can’t resist. They have to build a dragon together, it will be well paid, with this money Leander can give his family what they need.
So far so good... only Jak has a big secret nobody knows of....
A somewhat sweet read. It plays in the nineteenth century. The flirtatious Jak did lighten up the story, he was fun, Leander was shy and a bit stiff, he wants nobody to know what they did behind closed doors. The tension was well done also how they act behind those doors.
Nicely written story, the environments were well done, the story was enough developed for this part. Luckily there will be a follow up.
When you love some enchanting magic this is one.
Kindly received an arc from the author
August 29, 2020
While fairly short at only 187 Pages, Mages & Mechanisms was a fantastic start to this Fantasy Steampunk series.
The first compliment I must give is that the plot concept felt incredibly unique. I can’t say I’ve ever read a book featuring a character that makes mechanical devices from clocks to a wide variety of mechanical creatures.
But the paranormal, magical elements that Devin Harnois added to this story by having a character with the ability to place spirits inside these mechanical creatures and bring them to life, in a way, made it an even more fascinating concept.
I think this could’ve used a bit more worldbuilding outside of simply explaining the levels of the class system but for the length of the first book, Harnois definitely managed to at least get me hooked on the world he has started creating.
I’m going to be honest, while I enjoyed both of the main characters, the romance between them wasn’t my favorite part of this book. I more so fell in love with the plot itself and the building of the mechanical dragon.
I enjoyed getting to know Leander’s family and how Jak developed a close relationship with all of them as well.
I think there’s great potential for Jak and Leander to develop a deeper relationship throughout this series but at the moment it seems simply lust driven and I’m not quite sure they’re on the same page about what they want in relationship (what with Leander’s shame of his sexuality).
Will I be continuing this series?
I’m certainly interested in continuing with this series and I think Harnois did an excellent job of setting up the plot for the next book, Weapons & Wonders, at the end of this first one.
The first compliment I must give is that the plot concept felt incredibly unique. I can’t say I’ve ever read a book featuring a character that makes mechanical devices from clocks to a wide variety of mechanical creatures.
But the paranormal, magical elements that Devin Harnois added to this story by having a character with the ability to place spirits inside these mechanical creatures and bring them to life, in a way, made it an even more fascinating concept.
I think this could’ve used a bit more worldbuilding outside of simply explaining the levels of the class system but for the length of the first book, Harnois definitely managed to at least get me hooked on the world he has started creating.
I’m going to be honest, while I enjoyed both of the main characters, the romance between them wasn’t my favorite part of this book. I more so fell in love with the plot itself and the building of the mechanical dragon.
I enjoyed getting to know Leander’s family and how Jak developed a close relationship with all of them as well.
I think there’s great potential for Jak and Leander to develop a deeper relationship throughout this series but at the moment it seems simply lust driven and I’m not quite sure they’re on the same page about what they want in relationship (what with Leander’s shame of his sexuality).
Will I be continuing this series?
I’m certainly interested in continuing with this series and I think Harnois did an excellent job of setting up the plot for the next book, Weapons & Wonders, at the end of this first one.
May 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this and the world building was very interesting. There weren't a lot of steampunk but enough to keep it interesting. It was a quick read and I will definitely read the next one in the series.
Both the MC's had their quirks that drove me a little bit crazy. Jak was a little bit too casual about everything and never really looked at things from Leander's point of view. He very quickly decided he didn't like the "rules" of the society he found himself in and never worried much about the consequences of his actions. He just always figured he'd be leaving so it didn't matter yet he was continually pushing Leander to make big changes and he'd get upset when Leander didn't agree. He didn't really look at the consequences for Leander and all that he would lose. Leander however is a little too caught up in status and that could be a little frustrating as well.
I think I expected it to be a little darker than it was and I wanted a little more from the dragon subplot but maybe that will happen with the next book.
Both the MC's had their quirks that drove me a little bit crazy. Jak was a little bit too casual about everything and never really looked at things from Leander's point of view. He very quickly decided he didn't like the "rules" of the society he found himself in and never worried much about the consequences of his actions. He just always figured he'd be leaving so it didn't matter yet he was continually pushing Leander to make big changes and he'd get upset when Leander didn't agree. He didn't really look at the consequences for Leander and all that he would lose. Leander however is a little too caught up in status and that could be a little frustrating as well.
I think I expected it to be a little darker than it was and I wanted a little more from the dragon subplot but maybe that will happen with the next book.
May 3, 2020
I quite enjoyed this foray into steampunk – and coming from the science fiction genre, I admit I’m quite picky when it comes to the steampunk subgenre. I thought the author was able to convey the magic that steampunk contains while keeping the focus on the romance between Jak and Leander. This made for a little gem of a read.
For myself, a handful of items would have elevated this first book a couple of steps – there are descriptions of the baroness’s clothes, the billowing “trousers” and her ball gown, details of Jak’s colorful clothes, but it rather ends there. Steampunk is, in a great part, about the clothes and I would have liked just a bit more elaboration as to adornment.
The other item is, in a society that places an emphasis on hierarchy and titles, and with Jak wanting to keep a low(er) profile, it didn’t make sense for Jak to omit some kind of honorific. Yes, it is understood that mages are quirky individuals, but the emphasis on titles and honorifics is just as important to the world building.
Finally, Leander begins the story in fear of mages and the power that mages wield, but other than getting to know Jak sexually, I didn’t get a sense of Leander’s personal transformation that no, mages aren’t scary people. I didn’t get a true impression of Jak helping to lessen that fear beyond the bedroom liaisons.
Those were my quirk points. Overall, I thought Leander’s worry and hesitations about his sexuality were well written and appropriate to his situation, I liked the family aspect and the worry about the family’s future status, and I liked the baroness’s brusque no-nonsense attitude. As for Jak and Leander’s evolving relationship – it was just that, it evolved and I do appreciate when emotion is grown in romance books.
So overall, for a first book in a series, this was fun, interesting, and delightful. Recommended if you like a bit of Regency in your books, combined with a dash of science fiction.
NOTE: This book review is cross posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.
For myself, a handful of items would have elevated this first book a couple of steps – there are descriptions of the baroness’s clothes, the billowing “trousers” and her ball gown, details of Jak’s colorful clothes, but it rather ends there. Steampunk is, in a great part, about the clothes and I would have liked just a bit more elaboration as to adornment.
The other item is, in a society that places an emphasis on hierarchy and titles, and with Jak wanting to keep a low(er) profile, it didn’t make sense for Jak to omit some kind of honorific. Yes, it is understood that mages are quirky individuals, but the emphasis on titles and honorifics is just as important to the world building.
Finally, Leander begins the story in fear of mages and the power that mages wield, but other than getting to know Jak sexually, I didn’t get a sense of Leander’s personal transformation that no, mages aren’t scary people. I didn’t get a true impression of Jak helping to lessen that fear beyond the bedroom liaisons.
Those were my quirk points. Overall, I thought Leander’s worry and hesitations about his sexuality were well written and appropriate to his situation, I liked the family aspect and the worry about the family’s future status, and I liked the baroness’s brusque no-nonsense attitude. As for Jak and Leander’s evolving relationship – it was just that, it evolved and I do appreciate when emotion is grown in romance books.
So overall, for a first book in a series, this was fun, interesting, and delightful. Recommended if you like a bit of Regency in your books, combined with a dash of science fiction.
NOTE: This book review is cross posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.
Read
August 5, 2020First, let's get this out of the way:
Woo, woo, Minnesota residents represent, woo woo! Devin Harnois and I could have tea together, if we knew where in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area each other lived!
*cough cough* Anyway, with that out of the way, one thing that readers should be award of is that this book absolutely feels like the start of a series (and it says it's Jak & Leander Book 1, so I believe it is the start of a series). It doesn't end on a cliffhanger like some series books do, but it feels like there is more that needs to be told in the story.
I really liked the world-building of the story. I particular liked watching Jak trying to figure how to to adapt to a culture that he didn't understand with rules that didn't make sense to him, compared to Leander who accepted the culture's rules as just the way things were.
I also really liked that all of the characters had flaws that caused them issues throughout the book, and that sometimes these flaws were seen as something that society has imposed on them rather than things they had fully failed at themselves. Like, was incredibly unsettling, and glorious in it's unsettlingness.
The relationship between Leander and Jak did happen a little fast for my taste, though, and I wasn't sure I felt the chemistry between the two of them the way I would have liked because of it.
I received an ARC copy of this review for free from the author.
Woo, woo, Minnesota residents represent, woo woo! Devin Harnois and I could have tea together, if we knew where in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area each other lived!
*cough cough* Anyway, with that out of the way, one thing that readers should be award of is that this book absolutely feels like the start of a series (and it says it's Jak & Leander Book 1, so I believe it is the start of a series). It doesn't end on a cliffhanger like some series books do, but it feels like there is more that needs to be told in the story.
I really liked the world-building of the story. I particular liked watching Jak trying to figure how to to adapt to a culture that he didn't understand with rules that didn't make sense to him, compared to Leander who accepted the culture's rules as just the way things were.
I also really liked that all of the characters had flaws that caused them issues throughout the book, and that sometimes these flaws were seen as something that society has imposed on them rather than things they had fully failed at themselves. Like, was incredibly unsettling, and glorious in it's unsettlingness.
The relationship between Leander and Jak did happen a little fast for my taste, though, and I wasn't sure I felt the chemistry between the two of them the way I would have liked because of it.
I received an ARC copy of this review for free from the author.
January 2, 2020
Great start to a new series with an author who's new to me! I need to look up more by him -- even his YA books have great titles, so I have high hopes. Excellent world building, and although Jak has a much more relaxed speech pattern than most of the people around him, it makes sense for his personality and situation.
December 3, 2020
4.25 stars
Jak was charming and Leander was adorable. I loved the mechanical companions and that they had personality. It was an easy read with colourful situations and characters. I will definitely continue the series.
Jak was charming and Leander was adorable. I loved the mechanical companions and that they had personality. It was an easy read with colourful situations and characters. I will definitely continue the series.
July 24, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Clockwork is no longer as fashionable as it used to be. Today people want something more; they want magic animals, metal dogs that can bark, wind-up monkeys that can climb, and gilded birds that can fly as well as, if not better than, the real thing, made of silver and gold and bright, colorful gems. In order to protect his family from their slow, downward spiral of poverty, Leander decides it’s time to put aside his prejudices and hire a mage. Enter Jak, with his foreign manners, strange powers, and a bright, charming smile that makes Leander’s heart run like a rabbit.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Clockwork is no longer as fashionable as it used to be. Today people want something more; they want magic animals, metal dogs that can bark, wind-up monkeys that can climb, and gilded birds that can fly as well as, if not better than, the real thing, made of silver and gold and bright, colorful gems. In order to protect his family from their slow, downward spiral of poverty, Leander decides it’s time to put aside his prejudices and hire a mage. Enter Jak, with his foreign manners, strange powers, and a bright, charming smile that makes Leander’s heart run like a rabbit.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
May 16, 2020
Some pretty serious meh for this one. Just...tedious details and uncomfortable social situations, and unlikely characterization, and too much period inconsistency with the language.
And I’m not too picky about only using period language or double-checking that your idioms existed in your time period, and this was magic+steampunk, anyway, so which decade was that again? But I do ask for a certain consistency in the language and style that an author chooses, and it really seemed like this author couldn’t quite decide, and I kept getting tossed out of the story for all the apparent verbal anachronisms.
And I’m not too picky about only using period language or double-checking that your idioms existed in your time period, and this was magic+steampunk, anyway, so which decade was that again? But I do ask for a certain consistency in the language and style that an author chooses, and it really seemed like this author couldn’t quite decide, and I kept getting tossed out of the story for all the apparent verbal anachronisms.
April 5, 2020
I wish we could've got more of the MCs working together than going to fancy balls. It seemed they only got intimate whenever they went partying. And intimacy isn't only about sex so... I was on the verge of DNFing this a couple of times but at the end the story picked up.
A sequel is on the works, I might read it.
A sequel is on the works, I might read it.
March 20, 2019
★★★☆☆½ ~ 3.5 Stars
Wasn't on top of it to write the review but I will read more of the series. Good combination of steampunk and fantasy and fun characters.
Wasn't on top of it to write the review but I will read more of the series. Good combination of steampunk and fantasy and fun characters.
September 18, 2020
I live an orderly life so my mind can wander with imagination. So I can create. Without stability, I feel adrift and uncertain. — Leander Weatherford
Mages & Mechanisms is a lot of fun. The way it is written is effective. For half the story Jak hides his past from the reader. Drops hints but nothing concrete, the pieces are there to be put together but that is for the reader. I like but didn't love the plot, it works with quite a lot of tropes but that isn't a bad thing. But I really do like the magic lore, opposite magic used to disrupt the spell. The ending is good it does stand alone if need be but leads well into the sequel. I have no intention to read Weapons & Wonders at this point.
Alright so my fave character in the book is easily Baroness Wilhelmina Norrington, the best lines in the book are all hers. This is a strange thing for me, given this is mlm and the female characters are usually not much or simply plot drivers. But the Baroness both drives the plot and makes me laugh. She is whip-smart, super intuitive, direct and loyal. She likes her men and her fancy things. Her commission piece which I won't spoil... Yes please my god. She is basically what I wish I was in steampunk. Well off and eccentric. The Baroness is every woman who reads these novels. At sometimes she felt almost Mary Sueish, but she has realistic flaws she does use people, her loyalty is tied to their usefulness. She's also possibly a soft coded bi with a preference for men. Or maybe just shiny things. Jak in particular. Look I love her. Have another quote...
Capable of such destruction and reason? Certainly she must be female. — Baroness Wilhelmina Norrington
The male leads, Jak and Leander are great. Mage Jak is charming, bright loud and slightly secretive. We know some of is secrets but not all of them from the start. He charms the reader as he charms the Weatherford family. Silver is adorable, they are so cute, that spirit is something else. Their bond with Jak and the Weatherfords is very sweet. Mechanist Leander is Jak's opposite shy, creative and family orientated. He knows his station and stays within it. He fights his attraction due to cultural pressures and his history with mages. I liked his attraction to Jak's power, the jealousy. The rest of the support cast are comfortable, familial. They are tropey but this is only 150ish pages.
Can I say the lack of physical description for the characters is a choice. Not including them (other than Jak is stunningly attractive Leander is cute) allows people to project see what is that to them. The cover is the only place you get an indication of their intended appearance. I read on kindle, you don't really see the cover. Jak could easily carry Asian specifically Japanese characteristics. With the name Leander, it's likely western European. And his society is repressed in a way I would expect in a culture based on the right period of England.
As an aside there is a teaser for Snowmancer which looks wonderful. Ayodele & Marius look so easy to fall in love with, the ray of sunshine and the broken man. Reviews and ratings are divisive at this point.
To all the creators who make “frivolous” art that brings joy into an often harsh world. — Devin Harnois (the Dedication)
A representative gif:
March 6, 2020
Magic, clockwork animals, Victorian era attitudes. This is steampunk at it's finest. Leander makes clockwork animals, and comes to the decision that if he's going to keep the family business afloat and his younger siblings in school, he's going to have to hire a mage to enchant the clockworks and bring them to life. Enter Jak, mage/rogue/flirt, and recent desserter of an opposing army. He enchants Silver, the cat, and gets the job. The duo quickly go from rags to riches, business partners to lovers. Then a Baroness shows up asking them to make her a full scale clockwork dragon. Rich world and storytelling, with colorful and sympathetic characters. A sweet romance. Loved it.
June 28, 2018
I'm always excited to try new steampunk. This ended up being more magic than steampunk, though, and I found the ending to be a little . . . sad or something. But it's certainly well-written, and there's plenty of potential for future adventures.
July 25, 2020
Who wouldn't like an enchanted clockwork animal to show off to their friends? Combining steampunk, fantasy and M/M romance, this was a very cute and quick read, though Leander definitely wasn't the only one occasionally exasperated at Jak's casual attitude towards potential consequences of his actions.
Want to read
November 5, 201911/5/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D64JMMD/...
June 21, 2020
3.5-4/5
Interesting story and characters. I enjoyed the fantasy aspect of it as well.
Interesting story and characters. I enjoyed the fantasy aspect of it as well.
August 20, 2020
A steampunk magic AU with a shy and stubborn clockmaker and a flamboyant and charming mage. The characters got on my nerves at times for failing to communicate properly but it was a fun story.
January 10, 2020
The book was ok, but not much more.
I did like the characters and the book was fun, for the most part, but...
-the worldbuilding seemed thoughtless and generic. It was a basic, Victorian-England style fantasy world, even though it was obviously not exactly our earth, since the country names where different. But the characters spoke pretty modern english, where swearing, dirty talking in a modern way etc. It was also not really steampunk, there was just Magic added to the mix.
It just didn't feel like the author was actually creating a unique world instead of just writing down whatever came to mind.
- the romance felt flat. While I liked the initial chemistry just fine, I thought they ended up in bed too fast and then it just stagnated. There where some enjoyable sex scenes, but I felt the emotional connection wasn't explored enough, which just made the end too sudden and pretty unsatisfactory, considering all the compromises that had to be made.
- the great drama at the end was pretty much just squeezed in there. It was resolved both too easy and too harshly, as in that it was not a great end for the characters. That may have to do with the fact, that the book is billed as part 1 of a series, but it doesn't look as if there's a sequel lined up yet.
I really enjoyed the first third of the book the most, before they went to build the dragon, when it was more about the small shop, Leander and his family and Jak being a fun flirt and not about court functions and arrogant nobility, but maybe that's just my personal taste.
I did like the characters and the book was fun, for the most part, but...
-the worldbuilding seemed thoughtless and generic. It was a basic, Victorian-England style fantasy world, even though it was obviously not exactly our earth, since the country names where different. But the characters spoke pretty modern english, where swearing, dirty talking in a modern way etc. It was also not really steampunk, there was just Magic added to the mix.
It just didn't feel like the author was actually creating a unique world instead of just writing down whatever came to mind.
- the romance felt flat. While I liked the initial chemistry just fine, I thought they ended up in bed too fast and then it just stagnated. There where some enjoyable sex scenes, but I felt the emotional connection wasn't explored enough, which just made the end too sudden and pretty unsatisfactory, considering all the compromises that had to be made.
- the great drama at the end was pretty much just squeezed in there. It was resolved both too easy and too harshly, as in that it was not a great end for the characters. That may have to do with the fact, that the book is billed as part 1 of a series, but it doesn't look as if there's a sequel lined up yet.
I really enjoyed the first third of the book the most, before they went to build the dragon, when it was more about the small shop, Leander and his family and Jak being a fun flirt and not about court functions and arrogant nobility, but maybe that's just my personal taste.
March 4, 2020
A sort of steampunkish magical fantasy, this was a good book and an easy read.
The characters are likeable, the story easy to follow, and sex scenes (which can take over too many m/m stories) are restrained.
I generally prefer more world-building and character development, but that's not a flaw in the book, just my personal preference. I see this is tagged as #1 so maybe there will be additional books to let us explore more of this interesting world.
The characters are likeable, the story easy to follow, and sex scenes (which can take over too many m/m stories) are restrained.
I generally prefer more world-building and character development, but that's not a flaw in the book, just my personal preference. I see this is tagged as #1 so maybe there will be additional books to let us explore more of this interesting world.
December 7, 2019
I was more interested in why the baroness wanted a dragon (though apparently it really was "just to be fancy," which was really disappointing, I definitely was expected a more complicated motivation) than I was in the Jak/Leander relationship. Considering this is a romance novel, and I'm usually all about that shit, that's really saying something about their lack of chemistry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
2.75 - I liked the premise of mechanical animals, but the characters seemed flat with no depth. The play was easy to guess from very early in the book and I also wanted more descriptions of environments and people. Just didn’t feel vibrant.
May 11, 2023
2.5 stars.
This book... infuriated me 😂 I hate this thing some authors do when they create a high fantasy, but it feels more like urban fantasy with a few things changed in the background. Sorcery of Thorns did it, and this one does it, too. Outside of certain phrases, it's JUST Victorian London. There is NO depth to anybody except maybe Jak and the Baroness, and honestly, Leander is just plain detestable.
He just annoyed me at first for how unwilling he was to do anything. I have severe anxiety, too, and I would understand his hesitance to do some things if he displayed any sort of passion towards his own craft, but we don't even spend any time or focus on the actual creations he makes. It's all so flat, just like his cute little family that's clearly just there to present this contrast to a wild, solo traveler like Jak, but have no personalities or depth to them either.
Even when Leander comes to visit Jak in prison and there's the strong possibility that he'll be killed soon, Leander is more concerned that the guard will see them holding hands. Wow, what a self-serving character. And it wouldn't have bothered me so much if there was any growth, but he stays this insufferable for the entire story. I admit I liked the way he decided to save Jak at the end despite the costs, but a) it comes out of nowhere, and b) it's in the last two chapters that he finally grows a spine. That's waaaay too late in the day. When he found out Jak lied about his license, he dismissed EVERYTHING Jak did and risked for him, and didn't even try giving him the benefit of the doubt. I get he felt hurt, but to scream at him and act all wounded even as Jak was getting taken away to who knows where? Even Jak had his unlikeable moments where it felt like he went back on his growth. Like after he brought the dragon to life and didn't care about who it might kill? He only went after it because Leander made him feel guilty about it, not any moral compass. Oh, but he respected the spirits' genders so he's... a good guy, I guess?
The writing is pretty bad. The story seems like it's set sometime in the 1800s, and yet people constantly talked like they would in the modern day, especially Jak. It's not progressive, it's just jarring. I ended up liking the Baroness because she was tough in spite of the time period she was in, but the way Jak's written, it just ignores all those rules, so it just constantly yanks me out of the story. It's just not very good, in my opinion.
This book... infuriated me 😂 I hate this thing some authors do when they create a high fantasy, but it feels more like urban fantasy with a few things changed in the background. Sorcery of Thorns did it, and this one does it, too. Outside of certain phrases, it's JUST Victorian London. There is NO depth to anybody except maybe Jak and the Baroness, and honestly, Leander is just plain detestable.
He just annoyed me at first for how unwilling he was to do anything. I have severe anxiety, too, and I would understand his hesitance to do some things if he displayed any sort of passion towards his own craft, but we don't even spend any time or focus on the actual creations he makes. It's all so flat, just like his cute little family that's clearly just there to present this contrast to a wild, solo traveler like Jak, but have no personalities or depth to them either.
Even when Leander comes to visit Jak in prison and there's the strong possibility that he'll be killed soon, Leander is more concerned that the guard will see them holding hands. Wow, what a self-serving character. And it wouldn't have bothered me so much if there was any growth, but he stays this insufferable for the entire story. I admit I liked the way he decided to save Jak at the end despite the costs, but a) it comes out of nowhere, and b) it's in the last two chapters that he finally grows a spine. That's waaaay too late in the day. When he found out Jak lied about his license, he dismissed EVERYTHING Jak did and risked for him, and didn't even try giving him the benefit of the doubt. I get he felt hurt, but to scream at him and act all wounded even as Jak was getting taken away to who knows where? Even Jak had his unlikeable moments where it felt like he went back on his growth. Like after he brought the dragon to life and didn't care about who it might kill? He only went after it because Leander made him feel guilty about it, not any moral compass. Oh, but he respected the spirits' genders so he's... a good guy, I guess?
The writing is pretty bad. The story seems like it's set sometime in the 1800s, and yet people constantly talked like they would in the modern day, especially Jak. It's not progressive, it's just jarring. I ended up liking the Baroness because she was tough in spite of the time period she was in, but the way Jak's written, it just ignores all those rules, so it just constantly yanks me out of the story. It's just not very good, in my opinion.
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