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Whyborne & Griffin #8.5
Undertow
This novella takes place at the same time as events in Fallow (Whyborne & Griffin 8).
Shy secretary Maggie Parkhurst knows there’s nothing special about her. She’s neither sorceress, nor fighter, nor scholar. What could she possibly have to offer Persephone, the chieftess of the inhuman ketoi—and the woman Maggie’s fallen in love with?
After Maggie’s friend Irene goes missing under mysterious circumstances, she has no choice but to turn to Persephone for help. When the trail leads to a shadowy acting troupe, they discover a plot that stretches much farther than a single vanished woman.
But when a dark truth is revealed, Maggie must choose between a man from her past…and the impossible yearnings of her heart.
Shy secretary Maggie Parkhurst knows there’s nothing special about her. She’s neither sorceress, nor fighter, nor scholar. What could she possibly have to offer Persephone, the chieftess of the inhuman ketoi—and the woman Maggie’s fallen in love with?
After Maggie’s friend Irene goes missing under mysterious circumstances, she has no choice but to turn to Persephone for help. When the trail leads to a shadowy acting troupe, they discover a plot that stretches much farther than a single vanished woman.
But when a dark truth is revealed, Maggie must choose between a man from her past…and the impossible yearnings of her heart.
90 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2017
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
82 books2,559 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
June 1, 2020
As the "main gang" bustles off to help Griffin investigate his creepy hometown (see: Fallow), Ms. Parkhurst is left behind to suffer in silence. The universe however, seems quite keen on keeping her lovesick moping time to a minimum. At least, when it comes to Dr. Whyborne.
First, she gets pestered by the odd head librarian, who makes no secret of his fanboy-ing over Dr. Whyborne. Then, Maggie's old childhood friend shows up, ready to pop the question. And let's not forget the sleepless nights, when she gets to ponder her very own affections for a certain ketoi chieftain.
I was expecting a short little interlude similar to Eidolon, but instead got a decent-sized mystery, that neatly fits into the main storyline. Now, before you get too excited, the whole thing is still only about 100 pages long. Nevertheless, having Persephone's brand of badassery save the day, is a welcome change.
As far as character development goes, my absolute favorite has to be Mr. Quinn. His matter-of-fact way with words just cracks me up:
Persephone and Maggie are of course adorable together, but I'd have been just as happy with a more euphemstic approach to their relationship: femme-slash is just not my thing.
Score: 3/5 stars
Story-wise: Undertow is definitely a must-read, if only to fill in some of the blanks. Character-wise: Mr. Quinn rules! And it's always nice to see that Whyborne and Griffin are not the only heroes in the series.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
First, she gets pestered by the odd head librarian, who makes no secret of his fanboy-ing over Dr. Whyborne. Then, Maggie's old childhood friend shows up, ready to pop the question. And let's not forget the sleepless nights, when she gets to ponder her very own affections for a certain ketoi chieftain.
I was expecting a short little interlude similar to Eidolon, but instead got a decent-sized mystery, that neatly fits into the main storyline. Now, before you get too excited, the whole thing is still only about 100 pages long. Nevertheless, having Persephone's brand of badassery save the day, is a welcome change.
As far as character development goes, my absolute favorite has to be Mr. Quinn. His matter-of-fact way with words just cracks me up:
“You think I should go to Persephone and ask her for help?”
“It is much more difficult to contact her, for those of us of the land,” [Mr. Quinn] mused. “But if I sacrifice one of the junior librarians on the night of the new moon, near the reef…”
Persephone and Maggie are of course adorable together, but I'd have been just as happy with a more euphemstic approach to their relationship: femme-slash is just not my thing.
Score: 3/5 stars
Story-wise: Undertow is definitely a must-read, if only to fill in some of the blanks. Character-wise: Mr. Quinn rules! And it's always nice to see that Whyborne and Griffin are not the only heroes in the series.
============================================
Review of book 1: Widdershins
Review of book 1.5: Eidolon
Review of book 2: Threshold
Review of book 3: Stormhaven
Review of book 3.5: Remnant: A Caldwell & Feximal/Whyborne & Griffin Mystery
Review of book 4: Necropolis
Review of book 5: Bloodline
Review of book 6: Hoarfrost
Review of book 7: Maelstrom
Review of book 8: Fallow
Review of book 9: Draakenwood
Review of book 10: Balefire
Review of book 11: Deosil
July 26, 2018
This was a sweet story mixed with some action that our two heroines find themselves in the middle of. I have always loved Miss Parkhurst. I was happy to see her get a little bit of happiness in her life. I love Persephone too and her methods of courtship *gag* lol.
This was my first FF read. It was definitely sweet and hot. I enjoyed it but I'm not sure FF is something I would pick up on regular basis but I loved this little split off from the action with Whyborne & Griffin.
This was my first FF read. It was definitely sweet and hot. I enjoyed it but I'm not sure FF is something I would pick up on regular basis but I loved this little split off from the action with Whyborne & Griffin.
February 12, 2017
After reading this, I think I might be a lesbian... or a shark-toothed mermaid. Either way, this was great fun and a welcome addition to my favorite series of not-always m/m adventure stories. If you're a devoted W&G fan this is a must-read.
Read
February 4, 2017Vastly enjoyable, very funny at points, f/f in the Whyborne and Griffin world. I will never tire of the paramilitary librarians and the deadpan humour is brilliant. Sweet, hot, and tentacular.
July 9, 2018
3.5 Stars
Undertow runs parallel to the events in Fallow, this time featuring Whyborne’s ketoi sister, Persephone, and his adoring secretary, Maggie Parkhurst.
The two women have been dancing around each other since they first met and it was a lot of fun to watch them grow closer here, as they joined forces to fight yet another of Widdershins diabolical foes.
Ms. Parkhurst is ever the sweet and endearing character and I’m so glad we got to witness her love story with Persephone first hand. Persephone is always a great character to follow, too, with her shark-like features and her playful and eager personality, she’s absolutely adoring of Maggie and it’s so sweet to see. She’s also fierce and powerful - a perfect female counterpart to the wonders of Whyborne himself.
I’d be remiss not to mention how tickled I am by Mr. Quinn and the badass librarians of Widdershins. The guy is super creepy, no doubt, but undeniably hilarious in his awkward manner and sometimes ruthless disposition. His character is a lot of fun and I certainly hope he gets more page time in the next instalments.
Overall, this was a welcomed little addition to an always fabulous series, but no surprises there!
Undertow runs parallel to the events in Fallow, this time featuring Whyborne’s ketoi sister, Persephone, and his adoring secretary, Maggie Parkhurst.
The two women have been dancing around each other since they first met and it was a lot of fun to watch them grow closer here, as they joined forces to fight yet another of Widdershins diabolical foes.
Ms. Parkhurst is ever the sweet and endearing character and I’m so glad we got to witness her love story with Persephone first hand. Persephone is always a great character to follow, too, with her shark-like features and her playful and eager personality, she’s absolutely adoring of Maggie and it’s so sweet to see. She’s also fierce and powerful - a perfect female counterpart to the wonders of Whyborne himself.
I’d be remiss not to mention how tickled I am by Mr. Quinn and the badass librarians of Widdershins. The guy is super creepy, no doubt, but undeniably hilarious in his awkward manner and sometimes ruthless disposition. His character is a lot of fun and I certainly hope he gets more page time in the next instalments.
Overall, this was a welcomed little addition to an always fabulous series, but no surprises there!
July 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
My first FF and most likely my last. Lol.
This by no means is a remark on Hawk’s wonderful writing but lady bits do nothing for me. However, absolutely essential if you’re a reading-in-series-order purist, as this further propels the main story arc quite nicely.
As always, full of action and never short on the horror nor the feels, the love between Ms. Parkhurst and Persephone was sweet, silly, and swoony (and yes, explicit) - just like Whyborne and Griffin!
Really, a must read for those who love this series as much as I do!
My first FF and most likely my last. Lol.
This by no means is a remark on Hawk’s wonderful writing but lady bits do nothing for me. However, absolutely essential if you’re a reading-in-series-order purist, as this further propels the main story arc quite nicely.
As always, full of action and never short on the horror nor the feels, the love between Ms. Parkhurst and Persephone was sweet, silly, and swoony (and yes, explicit) - just like Whyborne and Griffin!
Really, a must read for those who love this series as much as I do!
February 6, 2017
I love how Hawk did this, how she gave us Maggie and Persephone. We got them and we also got a look at our beloved friends from the other books.
There is no way but to end this with:
Librarians Forever
Fits slot 17. of my reading challenge - A book involving a mythical creature
May 28, 2018
I completely forgot to write this review. Oops.
I liked seeing Maggie Parkhurst get some at last! Go Maggie, blow down that closet door and grab what you want. Especially since what you want wants you right back.
I like this series so much and wish we lived in an Iridium Age of Screen SF instead of merely a Platinum Age. We'd see this series of books on our screens in a blink. So much lovely backstory, so much exciting action...this shorter entry included, and with the added bonus of more facetime for Persephone. I love Persephone.
And since I've now read the first few chapters of Draakenwood, faithless to my self-promise to savor slowly the last unread moments of the series, this spoiler becomes relevant:
I liked seeing Maggie Parkhurst get some at last! Go Maggie, blow down that closet door and grab what you want. Especially since what you want wants you right back.
I like this series so much and wish we lived in an Iridium Age of Screen SF instead of merely a Platinum Age. We'd see this series of books on our screens in a blink. So much lovely backstory, so much exciting action...this shorter entry included, and with the added bonus of more facetime for Persephone. I love Persephone.
And since I've now read the first few chapters of Draakenwood, faithless to my self-promise to savor slowly the last unread moments of the series, this spoiler becomes relevant:
February 3, 2018
4.5 “I’m garbage for any and everything related to Whyborne and Griffin” stars rounded up.
“I want to strip away these coverings you land dwellers hide inside, so I can see you. I want to touch you until you sing my name.”
What do you get when you read a Jordan L. Hawk story?
-Humor. Sometimes chuckles. Sometimes cackles. But you are ALWAYS guaranteed laughs.
-Adventure.
-Passion.
-Maaagic!
Awkward confession time: I found Persephone adorable. Yes, a shark-toothed sea creature with fins affixed to her limbs and tentacles in lieu of hair was utterly adorable. Persephone is undoubtedly fierce and formidable - she is a chieftess, after all - but she also exhibits a playfulness, a sweetness, a protectiveness toward Maggie that made me goey inside. And while leaving squid on someone's windowsill in the middle of the night may not be the, uh, best courting method, she gets an A for effort.
The story unfolds from Maggie's (who I will forever see as Miss Parkhurst) perspective, and although her personality is distinct from Whyborne's, there were similarities that made her especially endearing. While she is shy and often unsure of herself, she also demonstrates extraordinary courage and a willingness to fight for those she cares for and what is right. And her random musings on Whyborne and Griffin's relationship?
Say it with me, people: "She is so adorably clueless."
I so can't wait for that reveal.
Followers of the Whyborne & Griffin series shouldn't miss this. And if you're not a follower of the series, you need to get with the program (just ignore the creepy new covers). I’ve been delaying reading Draakenwood because it's inconceivable not to have a Whyborne and Griffin novel waiting for me...but that's what re-reads are for, right?
Read for SBTB January - March 2018 Quarterly Challenge: a novella.
“I want to strip away these coverings you land dwellers hide inside, so I can see you. I want to touch you until you sing my name.”
What do you get when you read a Jordan L. Hawk story?
-Humor. Sometimes chuckles. Sometimes cackles. But you are ALWAYS guaranteed laughs.
-Adventure.
-Passion.
-Maaagic!
Awkward confession time: I found Persephone adorable. Yes, a shark-toothed sea creature with fins affixed to her limbs and tentacles in lieu of hair was utterly adorable. Persephone is undoubtedly fierce and formidable - she is a chieftess, after all - but she also exhibits a playfulness, a sweetness, a protectiveness toward Maggie that made me goey inside. And while leaving squid on someone's windowsill in the middle of the night may not be the, uh, best courting method, she gets an A for effort.
The story unfolds from Maggie's (who I will forever see as Miss Parkhurst) perspective, and although her personality is distinct from Whyborne's, there were similarities that made her especially endearing. While she is shy and often unsure of herself, she also demonstrates extraordinary courage and a willingness to fight for those she cares for and what is right. And her random musings on Whyborne and Griffin's relationship?
Say it with me, people: "She is so adorably clueless."
I so can't wait for that reveal.
Followers of the Whyborne & Griffin series shouldn't miss this. And if you're not a follower of the series, you need to get with the program (just ignore the creepy new covers). I’ve been delaying reading Draakenwood because it's inconceivable not to have a Whyborne and Griffin novel waiting for me...but that's what re-reads are for, right?
Read for SBTB January - March 2018 Quarterly Challenge: a novella.
May 16, 2019
This was a wonderful glimpse into life of Maggie Parkhurst, Whyborne's loyal secretary. I loved her side of story, the way she regarded Whyborne and Griffin's relationship was so adorable. I really enjoyed her musings about Persephone and how she felt about her. Mr. Quinn was another quirky character who added hilarity the story.
As always there was magic and danger but this time there was a bit of tentacle intimacy involved. It was my first time, and I was rather intrigued. It didn't phase me that it was FF. I love Widdershins and all its inhabitants be they human or other. So I really liked looking at Whyborne through Maggie's eyes, especially since her affections changed to that of his sister Persephone. Short but very satisfying story! I recommend it!
As always there was magic and danger but this time there was a bit of tentacle intimacy involved. It was my first time, and I was rather intrigued. It didn't phase me that it was FF. I love Widdershins and all its inhabitants be they human or other. So I really liked looking at Whyborne through Maggie's eyes, especially since her affections changed to that of his sister Persephone. Short but very satisfying story! I recommend it!
October 4, 2024
This was way better than I’d expected. I’m not a fan of F/F at all and nearly skipped the. But since I’m addicted to rest of the series I didn’t want to miss anything.
I’m glad I gave in since it’s a fab little addition to the series. As for the F/F bits after a while I just skimmed them.
I’m glad I gave in since it’s a fab little addition to the series. As for the F/F bits after a while I just skimmed them.
July 19, 2024
3.5 stars
So I ended up reading this in the Tales of Widdershins book. Since it was included and I didn't have the excuse of not owning it, I figured I'd give a whirl.
I wasn't expecting to ever read this one, but I ended up enjoying it. Well, most of it. I'm still not thrilled at the idea of all those sharp teeth and claws near or in certain sensitive areas. I can't say Hawk has ever successfully sold me on the idea that there are humans who would willingly bang uglies with sea monsters. I mean, the smell alone... But that aside (and I did mostly skip that scene) I did like seeing this from Maggie's POV. She's always been a favorite but oft overlooked character in the series, so it was nice to see how she's handling all this, learning about magic and the ketoi and everything else. She's sweet, yes, but also very smart (when it's not about her employer's love life) and capable at getting things done on her own, even if she doesn't quite believe that about herself at first. And seeing Mr. Quinn is always a treat, even when he's being weird and creepy in Whyborne's office while Whyborne is gone. (I do NOT want to know what he did with that handkerchief.)
Initial "review":
I know my limits. I like Maggie and want to see her find love, and Persephone is fun. I do want to read more f/f, but not when one of those "f"s is a fish with shark teeth that can rip Maggie to shreds and covered in scales that can cut Maggie to, well, shreds. Fish don't even have the same anatomy down there, do they? IDK. I don't want to know.
So I'm happy these two are finding love, somehow, however improbably. I hope Maggie stocks up on disinfectant and bandages and tartar sauce. Maybe she can get one of those floor-to-ceiling fish tanks for Persephone so she can sleep over sometime.
But I'm gonna sit this one out.
So I ended up reading this in the Tales of Widdershins book. Since it was included and I didn't have the excuse of not owning it, I figured I'd give a whirl.
I wasn't expecting to ever read this one, but I ended up enjoying it. Well, most of it. I'm still not thrilled at the idea of all those sharp teeth and claws near or in certain sensitive areas. I can't say Hawk has ever successfully sold me on the idea that there are humans who would willingly bang uglies with sea monsters. I mean, the smell alone... But that aside (and I did mostly skip that scene) I did like seeing this from Maggie's POV. She's always been a favorite but oft overlooked character in the series, so it was nice to see how she's handling all this, learning about magic and the ketoi and everything else. She's sweet, yes, but also very smart (when it's not about her employer's love life) and capable at getting things done on her own, even if she doesn't quite believe that about herself at first. And seeing Mr. Quinn is always a treat, even when he's being weird and creepy in Whyborne's office while Whyborne is gone. (I do NOT want to know what he did with that handkerchief.)
Initial "review":
I know my limits. I like Maggie and want to see her find love, and Persephone is fun. I do want to read more f/f, but not when one of those "f"s is a fish with shark teeth that can rip Maggie to shreds and covered in scales that can cut Maggie to, well, shreds. Fish don't even have the same anatomy down there, do they? IDK. I don't want to know.
So I'm happy these two are finding love, somehow, however improbably. I hope Maggie stocks up on disinfectant and bandages and tartar sauce. Maybe she can get one of those floor-to-ceiling fish tanks for Persephone so she can sleep over sometime.
But I'm gonna sit this one out.
May 31, 2018
***3.5 Stars***
A fun FF addition to the Whyborne & Griffin series!
This takes place concurrently with Fallow. Here we see Ms. Maggie Parkhurst, Whyborne’s secretary, battling the Fidelis alongside Persephone, Whyborne’s ketoi sister.
They both hold their own against their enemies and declare their love for each other along the way.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this relationship will fit in with the rest of the gang in the following books.
A fun FF addition to the Whyborne & Griffin series!
This takes place concurrently with Fallow. Here we see Ms. Maggie Parkhurst, Whyborne’s secretary, battling the Fidelis alongside Persephone, Whyborne’s ketoi sister.
They both hold their own against their enemies and declare their love for each other along the way.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this relationship will fit in with the rest of the gang in the following books.
March 1, 2020
Undertow is a novella set in the Whyborne & Griffin series. The great thing about this one is that we finally get to hear Miss Parkhurst’s voice and see her get into her own. Add to this Persephone, and let’s not forget the Librarian, Mr Quinn! Oh, and the story is a good one too :0)
October 23, 2019
Not bad but... I would have prefer this being about the boys or even Christine and Kander... I think Maggie is cute and I love Persephone, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't enough.
I liked Mr. Quinn here... I have a theory about him, let's see if I'm right.
I liked Mr. Quinn here... I have a theory about him, let's see if I'm right.
June 10, 2020
4.5 stars. It was humorous, mysterious, and oh so exciting! I enjoyed Maggie's POV way too much. Although I'm not usually a fan of ff romance, Persephone proved to be the badass barbarian sea goddess we all knew her to be. I am convinced now more than ever that I NEED more of Mr. Quinn and his legion of librarians in the future. Their quirky, dark charm is a perfect reflection of Winddershins. I am once again in awe of the fleshed out world of dark arts and paranormal lore Hawk has created.
April 26, 2019
"Percival is stupid," Persephone muttered. "And he has stupid hair." She glanced at me. "Not like your hair, Maggie."
This is an entire novella told from the pov of Maggie Parkhurt, Whyborne's secretary at the Ladysmith museum. Up until the last book we only ever saw her through the eyes of Whyborne whenever she worked alongside him at the museum and would help him with his visitors or bring him coffee. For the longest time Maggie had this intense crush oh Whyborne and she would blush furiously whenever he would even talk to her.
Only that changed entirely until Persephone came into her life, Whyborne's twin sister. Being a ketoi (a sort of shark people), and a leader of her people, Persephone is the complete opposite from her brother. Maggie finds herself drawn to the woman who sings above the sea and who leaves a jellyfish outside of her window.
She grinned. "You like it." The grin faded slightly becoming something else as her eyes swept over my form. "Land women wear far too much clothing. But the blue is pretty with your eyes."
Maggie is inexperienced when it comes to relationships, but it's clear to her that her feelings for Persephone are more than friendship. Only Maggie has no clue how to go about it, especially since Persephone is ketoi. It doesn't help at all that Maggie is incredibly shy. She can only try.
"What do you think, Maggie?" she whispered, so close I could feel her breath on my mouth. "Am I a monster?"
This novella was over in a flash which saddened me somewhat. It was incredibly sweet and I was grinning profusely from the beginning till the end because of how freaking adorable Persephone and Maggie are together. They're each others first, which makes everything about this new for them. Still this novella was what I needed it to be and I'm super thankful that Jordan L. Hawk has taken the time to write this for everyone who is a huge fan of her series. Thank you!
I loved the way she laughed, the way she tugged on my hair with hers, the way she grinned when she made a comment on my manner of dress.
Books in the series:
1.) Widdershins ★★★★★
1.5.) Eidolon ★★★★★
2.) Treshold ★★★★
3.) Stormhaven ★★★★★
3.4.) Carousel ★★★★
3.5.) Remnant ★★★
4.) Necropolis ★★★★★
5.) Bloodline ★★★★★
6.) Hoarfrost ★★★★★
7.) Maelstrom ★★★★★
8.) Fallow ★★★★
↠ Genre:Paranormal, Historic, LGTBIA
↠ Pov: First Person - Female
↠ Type: Book 8.5 out of 11 of the Whyborn & Griffin Series
↠ Rating: 5 stars
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June 17, 2020
What a short little treat.
So glad to get this little snippet into Persephone our resident mermaid AKA warrior of the ocean and Ms Maggie, Ival's secretary.
Some interspecies sexy time, done quite well... not surprised since Hawk is quite adept at writing intimate scenes.
They're very adorable together.
So glad to get this little snippet into Persephone our resident mermaid AKA warrior of the ocean and Ms Maggie, Ival's secretary.
Some interspecies sexy time, done quite well... not surprised since Hawk is quite adept at writing intimate scenes.
They're very adorable together.
February 10, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
Confession: I have NO impression on Maggie Parkhurst whatsoever *laugh*. Seriously, the only thing I remembered about her was her crush to Whyborne and that she gave him that scarf(?). But that was it. I didn't remember her having any feeling for Penelope in the previous book.
I do need to make a note; somehow for me, Maggie's voice sounds so much like Whyborne! I just couldn't separate her being a "female" voice, if that makes any sense to you?
But overall, I was happy with this. Probably because of Persephone, mostly. She is a bad-ass!! I loved her having more scenes, FINALLY, and to have another awesome female character other than Christine. I also thought Persephone's way to woo Maggie to be adorable!! Even if Maggie isn't really happy with it *lol* ()
The sex scene ... I skimmed those. I don't read a lot of sex scenes to begin with, but I also admit that F/F sex still makes me a bit uncomfortable. Too many words that squeak me out ... especially related to women's nether regions.
Part of my Personal Challenge 2017 ; Category 3: F/F Romance
Confession: I have NO impression on Maggie Parkhurst whatsoever *laugh*. Seriously, the only thing I remembered about her was her crush to Whyborne and that she gave him that scarf(?). But that was it. I didn't remember her having any feeling for Penelope in the previous book.
I do need to make a note; somehow for me, Maggie's voice sounds so much like Whyborne! I just couldn't separate her being a "female" voice, if that makes any sense to you?
But overall, I was happy with this. Probably because of Persephone, mostly. She is a bad-ass!! I loved her having more scenes, FINALLY, and to have another awesome female character other than Christine. I also thought Persephone's way to woo Maggie to be adorable!! Even if Maggie isn't really happy with it *lol* ()
The sex scene ... I skimmed those. I don't read a lot of sex scenes to begin with, but I also admit that F/F sex still makes me a bit uncomfortable. Too many words that squeak me out ... especially related to women's nether regions.
Part of my Personal Challenge 2017 ; Category 3: F/F Romance
February 17, 2019
I'm going to be honest: I absolutely skipped the sex scenes in this because, well, shark/orca/fish. Maybe Hawk managed to de-emphasize anything to do with the shark/orca/fish factor to a degree that I could have tolerated it, but all of that is so central to Persephone that I'm not sure how that could be done. So, skip, skip, skip for me.
That being said, I was so ecstatic to see Miss Parkhurst finally getting her own special happiness after seeing her affections for our beloved Whyborne go so spectacularly astray. I've always liked Maggie and felt sad that she was so totally getting the short end of the stick when she was being so earnest (and Whyborne, you are very thick). I also loved to see her come into herself and her own abilities and self-confidence. AND it was fun to see some of what's going on in Widdershins from a little less of the Center Stage perspective.
That being said, I was so ecstatic to see Miss Parkhurst finally getting her own special happiness after seeing her affections for our beloved Whyborne go so spectacularly astray. I've always liked Maggie and felt sad that she was so totally getting the short end of the stick when she was being so earnest (and Whyborne, you are very thick). I also loved to see her come into herself and her own abilities and self-confidence. AND it was fun to see some of what's going on in Widdershins from a little less of the Center Stage perspective.
February 6, 2017
2.5 stars
I was leary going into this because human/non-human pairings don't work for me. Since I love this series & this world, I was hoping this would be the exception for me. It wasn't. All the talk of fins & gills & her "orca like skin" made me spend the entire book chanting "Please no tentacle porn. please no tentacle porn." Spoiler alert......there was tentacle porn. Totally not my jam.
The overall plot was also just ok. Not sure if it was truly just meh or if it was my sea creature phobia. This story gave new meaning to the word "Octopussy". 0_0.
I was leary going into this because human/non-human pairings don't work for me. Since I love this series & this world, I was hoping this would be the exception for me. It wasn't. All the talk of fins & gills & her "orca like skin" made me spend the entire book chanting "Please no tentacle porn. please no tentacle porn." Spoiler alert......there was tentacle porn. Totally not my jam.
The overall plot was also just ok. Not sure if it was truly just meh or if it was my sea creature phobia. This story gave new meaning to the word "Octopussy". 0_0.
January 24, 2017
Great little story with Persephone and a badass Miss Maggie Parkhurst. Loved the deadpan humour too, and that the nutty librarians also made an appearance...I definitely think Mr Quinn has hidden something deep in the tunnels of the Ladysmith museum.... 4 stars.
October 6, 2017
This novella is a bit sillier than most of the W&G series, but I really enjoyed the silliness nonetheless. Maggie, Whyborne's secretary who's had a crush on him since forever, has been unable to get her mind off the *other* Whyborne twin since she's seen her.
This is a love story between two women, one of whom is a humanoid shark creature with pointy teeth and tentacle hair. And while I, personally, would be intimidated, Maggie isn't.
It's also a story about people killing other people, revenge, sorcerers and so on. And it's quite fun.
This is a love story between two women, one of whom is a humanoid shark creature with pointy teeth and tentacle hair. And while I, personally, would be intimidated, Maggie isn't.
It's also a story about people killing other people, revenge, sorcerers and so on. And it's quite fun.
April 9, 2017
If this book had not come out today (1/20/17), it would've been an unrelentingly depressing day for me. Instead, I spent most of the day reading it and smiling dreamily.
I still can't really believe that these two are a couple and that there is actually a book about them. It's amazing. There is so much to love; I'm seriously giddy. This book is not only a sweet and epic love story, but also, there are a lot of wonderful details about life in Widdershins, as well as an exciting plot. Mr. Quinn plays a big role, and Maggie's perception of the town is very interesting to see.
There are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments between Maggie and Persephone. This is a friends-to-lovers kind of plot; Persephone makes a few funny mistakes, but also, they banter with each other a lot. I also laughed at a lot of Maggie's thoughts about Whyborne & Griffin.
I absolutely loved this - definitely a new favorite. I'm so grateful it exists!
I still can't really believe that these two are a couple and that there is actually a book about them. It's amazing. There is so much to love; I'm seriously giddy. This book is not only a sweet and epic love story, but also, there are a lot of wonderful details about life in Widdershins, as well as an exciting plot. Mr. Quinn plays a big role, and Maggie's perception of the town is very interesting to see.
There are a lot of laugh-out-loud moments between Maggie and Persephone. This is a friends-to-lovers kind of plot; Persephone makes a few funny mistakes, but also, they banter with each other a lot. I also laughed at a lot of Maggie's thoughts about Whyborne & Griffin.
I absolutely loved this - definitely a new favorite. I'm so grateful it exists!
August 7, 2017
Warning this may contain spoilers but nothing major for the novella but major for other previous books. Please do not read if you haven't read any of the other books. :)
Oh wow oh wow this was a whole lot of unexpected. I went in imagining it just to be the love story with Maggie and Persephone but God it was so much more than that. I loved every second I spent reading this book. I didn't realize how much I missed the world of Widdershins until I'm back again. I've being trying my very hardest to put Fallow to the back of my mind. Not because I didn't like it or anything but because I loved it. I've found when I'm following a series that continues each year I like to imagine what's going to happen next. With the Whyborne and Griffin books I don't want to do that. I guess because the fun of it was spoiled last year when I read a new release in a series I've loved for years and it was awful. Ever since I've been trying to leave unfinished series to the back of my mind and see what excitements the author brings.
With that being said Undertow was one big excitement that I honestly didn't expect. I've shipped Persephone and Maggie since their first meeting. I was ecstatic when I found out about Undertow. This novella was awesome.
Maggie was such a admiring and sweet character. Persephone has always been one of my favorites since her arrival in Bloodline. The overall story is really heating. Jordan L Hawk really brought her A game and I cannot wait for the next book.
I really hope Persephone and Maggie have more of a part now and though I love Whyborne and Griffin I wouldn't mind, Persephone and Maggie taking the stage every once in awhile. I really loved them. Also Christine and Iskander. My only disappointment, well it's not really a disappointment, I just miss her was no Christine. My favorite.
Overall it was a brilliant novella and now more than ever I'm counting down the days until the release of the next book. On a side note,I don't know whether I'm creeped out by Mr Quinn or love him because he killed a load of bad guys with a freaking dictionary. You know what that sentence speaks for itself I love him.
I adored watching Persephone and Maggie shine I wouldn't mind more books about them in the future. Also I hope Maggie finds out Whyborne and Griffin are actually married in the next book - not just really good friends. Her innocence was so sweet. The same for Whyborne I cannot wait to see his reaction to Maggie and Persephone.
Oh wow oh wow this was a whole lot of unexpected. I went in imagining it just to be the love story with Maggie and Persephone but God it was so much more than that. I loved every second I spent reading this book. I didn't realize how much I missed the world of Widdershins until I'm back again. I've being trying my very hardest to put Fallow to the back of my mind. Not because I didn't like it or anything but because I loved it. I've found when I'm following a series that continues each year I like to imagine what's going to happen next. With the Whyborne and Griffin books I don't want to do that. I guess because the fun of it was spoiled last year when I read a new release in a series I've loved for years and it was awful. Ever since I've been trying to leave unfinished series to the back of my mind and see what excitements the author brings.
With that being said Undertow was one big excitement that I honestly didn't expect. I've shipped Persephone and Maggie since their first meeting. I was ecstatic when I found out about Undertow. This novella was awesome.
Maggie was such a admiring and sweet character. Persephone has always been one of my favorites since her arrival in Bloodline. The overall story is really heating. Jordan L Hawk really brought her A game and I cannot wait for the next book.
I really hope Persephone and Maggie have more of a part now and though I love Whyborne and Griffin I wouldn't mind, Persephone and Maggie taking the stage every once in awhile. I really loved them. Also Christine and Iskander. My only disappointment, well it's not really a disappointment, I just miss her was no Christine. My favorite.
Overall it was a brilliant novella and now more than ever I'm counting down the days until the release of the next book. On a side note,I don't know whether I'm creeped out by Mr Quinn or love him because he killed a load of bad guys with a freaking dictionary. You know what that sentence speaks for itself I love him.
I adored watching Persephone and Maggie shine I wouldn't mind more books about them in the future. Also I hope Maggie finds out Whyborne and Griffin are actually married in the next book - not just really good friends. Her innocence was so sweet. The same for Whyborne I cannot wait to see his reaction to Maggie and Persephone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Maggie's story! I'm so excited we got UNDERTOW because god poor Maggie has been pining after the completely oblivious Whyborne for years now. Maggie and Persephone were really cute together and I loved the moment with the squid. I hope we see more of them as a couple in the last books of the series. Also shout out to the Librarian militia squad who showed up to save the day.
February 15, 2018
Lovely! It was spectacular to see more of Persephone and Maggie. I was so excited about that particular development and seeing them get together was fabulous. This was my first ever FF and I loved it. Although I really hope there are better adjectives than 'petals' and 'pearl' in future ones. 😐
February 7, 2017
Loved it! Of course. ;) Maggie and Persephone were so much fun. <3 Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
May 2, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/06/02/...
Rating: 4.5 Stars - perfection is only half a step away
Rating: 4.5 Stars - perfection is only half a step away
April 1, 2017
This is creepy villains, supernatural forces, extraordinary humans, complex creatures, great action scenes, and all of the rest of what are the fantastic ingredients in this world of Widdershins.
This takes a bit of time to build, but it works, especially in terms of Maggie, our Miss Parkhurst, and the arc through which her story travels. We learn about how she came to be in Widdershins, experience her intelligence, and watch as her innate strengths gain power and momentum.
Hawk doesn't spend much time setting the scene in terms of what we already know about Maggie. It seems a statement of the obvs, but we already know a decent amount about her through the eyes of many others. That we begin to get more of a sense of who she is from the beginning, it allows for the slow build without it feeling as if there's deliberate, aka annoying, delay in the natural progression of Maggie and her story.
I do wish there'd be more of Persephone. She's the epitome of intriguing and, despite her growing role in the last few Ival and Grif stories, I want more. It made the story feel uneven at times, that there wasn't more of her. A tease for future stories? Hmmm? ;)
This leads me to my next thought, and hope: this could become a robust series on its own. Maggie and Persephone would have their own adventures, in multiple locations, as well as time in Widdershins, both with and without Ival and Grif and the gang. Both of these women have so much more to share, with us and each other. Part of me was expecting Whyborne and Griffin to show up, but it wouldn't have worked. This is all about Maggie and Persephone.
Best supporting character statuette goes to: Mr. Quinn. What's his dealio, fo reals? He presents as one of the "good guys" but has some... obvious yet still unseen tendencies.
Also, wait til Ival and Grif find out about Maggie and Persephone! Talk about opportunities for awkward, sweet, humor, and much more.
This passage goes to the heart of Maggie's journey in this story:
Q: Oh God, Persephone. Why hadn’t I just taken the initiative once in my life and told her how I felt? That I’d fallen in love with her. And maybe she would have laughed, but at least I wouldn’t be sitting here with regret like a stone in my chest, crushing the breath out of me.
I dashed the tears impatiently away. Now wasn’t the time to crumble. If the worst had happened, if Persephone hadn’t made it, then the ketoi would have no idea of the plot against them. Which meant I had to get out of here and find help. /Q
This is an important, entertaining, and enticing further expansion of Widdershins and the characters within whom we adore. :)
This takes a bit of time to build, but it works, especially in terms of Maggie, our Miss Parkhurst, and the arc through which her story travels. We learn about how she came to be in Widdershins, experience her intelligence, and watch as her innate strengths gain power and momentum.
Hawk doesn't spend much time setting the scene in terms of what we already know about Maggie. It seems a statement of the obvs, but we already know a decent amount about her through the eyes of many others. That we begin to get more of a sense of who she is from the beginning, it allows for the slow build without it feeling as if there's deliberate, aka annoying, delay in the natural progression of Maggie and her story.
I do wish there'd be more of Persephone. She's the epitome of intriguing and, despite her growing role in the last few Ival and Grif stories, I want more. It made the story feel uneven at times, that there wasn't more of her. A tease for future stories? Hmmm? ;)
This leads me to my next thought, and hope: this could become a robust series on its own. Maggie and Persephone would have their own adventures, in multiple locations, as well as time in Widdershins, both with and without Ival and Grif and the gang. Both of these women have so much more to share, with us and each other. Part of me was expecting Whyborne and Griffin to show up, but it wouldn't have worked. This is all about Maggie and Persephone.
Best supporting character statuette goes to: Mr. Quinn. What's his dealio, fo reals? He presents as one of the "good guys" but has some... obvious yet still unseen tendencies.
Also, wait til Ival and Grif find out about Maggie and Persephone! Talk about opportunities for awkward, sweet, humor, and much more.
This passage goes to the heart of Maggie's journey in this story:
Q: Oh God, Persephone. Why hadn’t I just taken the initiative once in my life and told her how I felt? That I’d fallen in love with her. And maybe she would have laughed, but at least I wouldn’t be sitting here with regret like a stone in my chest, crushing the breath out of me.
I dashed the tears impatiently away. Now wasn’t the time to crumble. If the worst had happened, if Persephone hadn’t made it, then the ketoi would have no idea of the plot against them. Which meant I had to get out of here and find help. /Q
This is an important, entertaining, and enticing further expansion of Widdershins and the characters within whom we adore. :)
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