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Rath & Rune #2
Unseen
Librarian Sebastian Rath and his lover Vesper Rune are tasked with seeking and containing the evil Books of the Bound. But one of the Books has been freed from its prison—and is in the hands of a killer.
As more bodies turn up, Sebastian finds himself tempted to use forbidden magic to locate the Book and stop the murderer. And when an unexpected connection to the necromancers who created the Books is revealed, Sebastian must choose just how far he’ll go to right the wrongs of the past—even if it means endangering his own future.
As more bodies turn up, Sebastian finds himself tempted to use forbidden magic to locate the Book and stop the murderer. And when an unexpected connection to the necromancers who created the Books is revealed, Sebastian must choose just how far he’ll go to right the wrongs of the past—even if it means endangering his own future.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
82 books2,560 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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November 15, 2021Second outing for the librarian/tentacle monster combo in this Widdershins spinoff series. I really like the world and the Librarians. The romance isn't really at the forefront here, as Vesper and Sebastian seem pretty solid (I dare say things may change...), so this is all about adventures in necromancy, body horror, and unfortunate relatives. Great fun.
May 23, 2024
3.5 Stars
A solid sequel to this new spinoff from creator of Whyborne & Griffin!
This is by no means a standalone as there is an overabundance of characters, past and present that populate this story, along with new players (both good and bad) that have been introduced.
Regardless, the setting of Widdershins holds a special place in my heart, and I love the fact that there’s no extra exposition needed to explain the strange happenings that go on all the time as the eclectic citizens that inhabit this town know they come from a dark twisted history and that in itself, forms a general acceptance of the macabre and potential for evil awfulness that lurks around every corner.
When gruesomely and meticulously carved victims start to pile up, Sebastian and Vesper have no choice but to investigate because it all seems suspiciously tied to the four evil books whose existence they discovered in Unhallowed. Though one book is safe and magically bound to Sebastian, another seems to have reared its ugly head, allowing for terrible powerful magic to be wrought. Along with their eccentric librarian brethren, Seb and Ves desperately search to find the second book, as well as a way to destroy them all.
Consistently steeped in horror which for some reason always shocks me, JLH also brings the gore and the terror and the efforts of those hell bent on world domination and the depraved ways they go about obtaining it. Rest assured, the romance is more fleshed out, the supporting cast continues to feature strong female characters, and no doubt there’s a story arc brewing with many dangling threads left that will continue to compel me to read the next installment when it comes!!
Rath & Rune
1. Unhallowed - 3.5 Stars
2. Unseen - 3.5 Stars
3. Unknown - 3.5 Stars
A solid sequel to this new spinoff from creator of Whyborne & Griffin!
This is by no means a standalone as there is an overabundance of characters, past and present that populate this story, along with new players (both good and bad) that have been introduced.
Regardless, the setting of Widdershins holds a special place in my heart, and I love the fact that there’s no extra exposition needed to explain the strange happenings that go on all the time as the eclectic citizens that inhabit this town know they come from a dark twisted history and that in itself, forms a general acceptance of the macabre and potential for evil awfulness that lurks around every corner.
When gruesomely and meticulously carved victims start to pile up, Sebastian and Vesper have no choice but to investigate because it all seems suspiciously tied to the four evil books whose existence they discovered in Unhallowed. Though one book is safe and magically bound to Sebastian, another seems to have reared its ugly head, allowing for terrible powerful magic to be wrought. Along with their eccentric librarian brethren, Seb and Ves desperately search to find the second book, as well as a way to destroy them all.
Consistently steeped in horror which for some reason always shocks me, JLH also brings the gore and the terror and the efforts of those hell bent on world domination and the depraved ways they go about obtaining it. Rest assured, the romance is more fleshed out, the supporting cast continues to feature strong female characters, and no doubt there’s a story arc brewing with many dangling threads left that will continue to compel me to read the next installment when it comes!!
Rath & Rune
1. Unhallowed - 3.5 Stars
2. Unseen - 3.5 Stars
3. Unknown - 3.5 Stars
September 30, 2024
This second installment of the Rath and Rune series has our protagonists running around looking for the next creepy book from the list. With a bit of romance, some serious relationship-talk, and a whole lot of action-packed sleuthing scenes, we are yet again off on a new adventure.
Reading the first installment of the series last year, I remember having been very excited to get back to Widdershins, with all its creepy and fantastic appeal. Yet even then, I had been chiefly on the lookout for cameos of characters from the Whyborne and Griffin series... and that's still the case. Rather unfortunate, as the current cast of characters is stubbornly set on having fairly few interactions with them. Even Mr. Quinn, with his macabre humor, is relegated to a rather minor role.
The sleuthing felt very awkward, and obvious, despite everyone being aware of the need for secrecy. I don't understand how no one told Sebastian to stop giving out his real full name AND place of employment. To be fair, the one time everyone agreed to do this, Sebastian managed to bungle it up almost immediately, so maybe they knew? The even weirder thing was how it didn't even occur to him to lie.
The hints of eventually needing to fight enemies on multiple fronts were handled well, especially as I had been fearing several communication issues when Ves and Noct's estranged family showed up. So having the exact opposite happen was a nice surprise, though perhaps a bit on the nose with how textbook-perfect people's reactions were.
Yet for all the healthy relationship advice, and the politically-correct appreciation going round, my favorite part of this story, were Ves and Sebastian's many tentacled hugs. Yes, I am one of those weirdoes who doesn't mind the tentaclera-- er sex. You can blame the insane amount of hentai and yaoi that I've consumed, which have desensitized me to its problematic aspects. And I also liked how nicely Ves' tentacles fit into a romantic atmosphere, with Sebastian's love of hugs. Or is that just a euphemism for fetish?
Score: 3/5 stars
I really appreciated how much the author tried to avoid all romantic clichés in Vesper and Sebastian's relationship, although their obliviousness about the secondary romantic pairing was completely ridiculous. They'd look at the signs, and then very carefully proceed to draw all the wrong conclusions.
The storyline is definitely getting more and more intriguing, especially with the big reveal about Sebastian's ancestry. Still I'm worried that the books are starting to veer towards a rather predictable formula, intent on leaving most of the reveals to the end, creating an overall impression of rushed resolution.
===================
Review of book 1: Unhallowed
Review of book 3: Unknown
Reading the first installment of the series last year, I remember having been very excited to get back to Widdershins, with all its creepy and fantastic appeal. Yet even then, I had been chiefly on the lookout for cameos of characters from the Whyborne and Griffin series... and that's still the case. Rather unfortunate, as the current cast of characters is stubbornly set on having fairly few interactions with them. Even Mr. Quinn, with his macabre humor, is relegated to a rather minor role.
The sleuthing felt very awkward, and obvious, despite everyone being aware of the need for secrecy. I don't understand how no one told Sebastian to stop giving out his real full name AND place of employment. To be fair, the one time everyone agreed to do this, Sebastian managed to bungle it up almost immediately, so maybe they knew? The even weirder thing was how it didn't even occur to him to lie.
The hints of eventually needing to fight enemies on multiple fronts were handled well, especially as I had been fearing several communication issues when Ves and Noct's estranged family showed up. So having the exact opposite happen was a nice surprise, though perhaps a bit on the nose with how textbook-perfect people's reactions were.
Yet for all the healthy relationship advice, and the politically-correct appreciation going round, my favorite part of this story, were Ves and Sebastian's many tentacled hugs. Yes, I am one of those weirdoes who doesn't mind the tentacle
Score: 3/5 stars
I really appreciated how much the author tried to avoid all romantic clichés in Vesper and Sebastian's relationship, although their obliviousness about the secondary romantic pairing was completely ridiculous. They'd look at the signs, and then very carefully proceed to draw all the wrong conclusions.
The storyline is definitely getting more and more intriguing, especially with the big reveal about Sebastian's ancestry. Still I'm worried that the books are starting to veer towards a rather predictable formula, intent on leaving most of the reveals to the end, creating an overall impression of rushed resolution.
===================
Review of book 1: Unhallowed
Review of book 3: Unknown
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 5, 2024Let's just chalk this one up to "It's not the book, it's me." 🤷🏻♂️
DNF @ 75%
DNF @ 75%
November 28, 2021
Back in Widdershins for another bumpy ride with the librarians and their tentacles books, and being back in this crazy charming town is always a pleasure.
Even though I realized what was going on from early on, so there wasn’t that much of a surprise when the characters caught up and it was “revealed”, I enjoyed it anyway for the characters and the whole package. , but this book raised a lot of other questions that will hopefully be answered later in the series.
Aside from the obvious, , what I’m most interested in is Ves and Noct’s
I was a little disappointed in Irene’s character, she isn’t bad, but she didn’t shine as much as I expected. That was a bit of a letdown, although partially compensated by the pleasant surprise of Mortimer proving himself to be one of the best secondary characters, which I didn’t expect after liking him so little in the first book and at the beginning of this one.
Many apologies and thanks to Gabi, Linda, Rosa and Teal for waiting so patiently while I slowed our BR down to a sloth pace—I hope life won’t interfere so much with my reading time when the third book comes around.
Even though I realized what was going on from early on, so there wasn’t that much of a surprise when the characters caught up and it was “revealed”, I enjoyed it anyway for the characters and the whole package. , but this book raised a lot of other questions that will hopefully be answered later in the series.
Aside from the obvious, , what I’m most interested in is Ves and Noct’s
I was a little disappointed in Irene’s character, she isn’t bad, but she didn’t shine as much as I expected. That was a bit of a letdown, although partially compensated by the pleasant surprise of Mortimer proving himself to be one of the best secondary characters, which I didn’t expect after liking him so little in the first book and at the beginning of this one.
Many apologies and thanks to Gabi, Linda, Rosa and Teal for waiting so patiently while I slowed our BR down to a sloth pace—I hope life won’t interfere so much with my reading time when the third book comes around.
December 14, 2021
3.5 Stars
At this point, although this wasn’t my personal favourite story, I’m still pretty happy to just throw my money at every new Hawk book that comes my way.
Hawk’s writing quality, as always, is impeccable, crafting another rich and immersive historically-set romance, featuring the most enthralling (and sometimes downright gruesome) supernatural/gothic elements imaginable. Seriously, I’d be hard pressed to think of another writer in the M/M romance community that nails these particular themes and genres better, Hawk is just that good!
And that’s not even to mention the deftly drawn characters and the intricate relationship dynamics constantly at play. Here, although parts of the plot fell slightly short for me—mostly due to the obviousness of the “bad guy” and the subsequent time it took for the characters to identify them—the relationships between the series cast remained the strongest, most engaging part of the story.
Whether the focus was on the leads, Sebastian and Vesper, or on the variety of other wonderful side characters, like my darling Noct and badass Irene, the story continued to captivate from start to finish simply because everyone involved was so damn appealing.
Now, two books into this Whyborne and Griffin spin-off series, the larger plot is building into something extremely complex and fascinating, and I’m sure, as we read on, stakes will continue to rise and lives and loves will hang in the balance in Widdershins once again... and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it plays out!
At this point, although this wasn’t my personal favourite story, I’m still pretty happy to just throw my money at every new Hawk book that comes my way.
Hawk’s writing quality, as always, is impeccable, crafting another rich and immersive historically-set romance, featuring the most enthralling (and sometimes downright gruesome) supernatural/gothic elements imaginable. Seriously, I’d be hard pressed to think of another writer in the M/M romance community that nails these particular themes and genres better, Hawk is just that good!
And that’s not even to mention the deftly drawn characters and the intricate relationship dynamics constantly at play. Here, although parts of the plot fell slightly short for me—mostly due to the obviousness of the “bad guy” and the subsequent time it took for the characters to identify them—the relationships between the series cast remained the strongest, most engaging part of the story.
Whether the focus was on the leads, Sebastian and Vesper, or on the variety of other wonderful side characters, like my darling Noct and badass Irene, the story continued to captivate from start to finish simply because everyone involved was so damn appealing.
Now, two books into this Whyborne and Griffin spin-off series, the larger plot is building into something extremely complex and fascinating, and I’m sure, as we read on, stakes will continue to rise and lives and loves will hang in the balance in Widdershins once again... and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it plays out!
June 23, 2022
It was a good book, but unfortunately not as good as the first book in the series.
What I missed was romance. Of course, Ves and Sebastian are already a couple. And because I don't like when in the second book in the series a couple who fell in love with each other in the first book start arguing, I did not miss that. But I missed any further development in their relationship. The next level maybe. Or I'd like to see why these two fit together so well. I missed that a bit.
I also honestly admit that I read the previous book in this series some time ago and I don't remember much about the plot. It was not a very big problem, but I think it would be easier for me if I remembered well what happened before. The events in this book are to some extent a continuation of what happened in the previous one.
The plot is fine. The stakes are high and there are also some twists and turns. Although many things were fairly easy to predict. But due to the lack of a love story, I don't think I was that much interested in the plot. Mystery alone was unfortunately not enough for me.
I wondered how the issue of Mortimer and Irene's engagement would be resolved. In my opinion, it turned out quite well, although maybe a bit too candy sweet.
After all, it was a good book. I always appreciate this author for the distinctiveness of the stories he creates. His world is unique. I will no doubt read the next book in this series as well. I like all these characters.
What I missed was romance. Of course, Ves and Sebastian are already a couple. And because I don't like when in the second book in the series a couple who fell in love with each other in the first book start arguing, I did not miss that. But I missed any further development in their relationship. The next level maybe. Or I'd like to see why these two fit together so well. I missed that a bit.
I also honestly admit that I read the previous book in this series some time ago and I don't remember much about the plot. It was not a very big problem, but I think it would be easier for me if I remembered well what happened before. The events in this book are to some extent a continuation of what happened in the previous one.
The plot is fine. The stakes are high and there are also some twists and turns. Although many things were fairly easy to predict. But due to the lack of a love story, I don't think I was that much interested in the plot. Mystery alone was unfortunately not enough for me.
I wondered how the issue of Mortimer and Irene's engagement would be resolved. In my opinion, it turned out quite well, although maybe a bit too candy sweet.
After all, it was a good book. I always appreciate this author for the distinctiveness of the stories he creates. His world is unique. I will no doubt read the next book in this series as well. I like all these characters.
November 24, 2021
3.75 stars, rounded up
It took awhile for this get going, but the second half really kicked it up a notch. A bit predictable, but not in a bad way. There's still a lot of questions unanswered and there's a new threat on top of the ongoing hunt for the Books of the Bound and . The reveals about the Books here were chilling and the
The romance was a bit on the back burner here, except for a couple of sex scenes, so I wasn't really able to connect to it, and I'm not feeling either, though I'm sure I'm on my own amongst my BRers on that. I was really impressed by the development that Mortimer got in this book. All the characters so far have been rather muted compared to the characters in W&G, who jumped off the page the instant they each appeared, and so far Mortimer is the only one who has really gotten any significant development, and he's a side character. I feel like in his attempt to not lean too heavily on W&G for this series, Hawk hasn't put his signature touch on the characters. Also, this needed more Mr. Quinn. When are we getting his origin story? 🤭
The plot was intriguing once it got going. It had plenty of icky moments, so if you're squeamish, keep that in mind. The horror wasn't quite to the level of W&G either, but it was still chilling and disturbing, and the potential is there for this to get really complicated really fast.
It took awhile for this get going, but the second half really kicked it up a notch. A bit predictable, but not in a bad way. There's still a lot of questions unanswered and there's a new threat on top of the ongoing hunt for the Books of the Bound and . The reveals about the Books here were chilling and the
The romance was a bit on the back burner here, except for a couple of sex scenes, so I wasn't really able to connect to it, and I'm not feeling either, though I'm sure I'm on my own amongst my BRers on that. I was really impressed by the development that Mortimer got in this book. All the characters so far have been rather muted compared to the characters in W&G, who jumped off the page the instant they each appeared, and so far Mortimer is the only one who has really gotten any significant development, and he's a side character. I feel like in his attempt to not lean too heavily on W&G for this series, Hawk hasn't put his signature touch on the characters. Also, this needed more Mr. Quinn. When are we getting his origin story? 🤭
The plot was intriguing once it got going. It had plenty of icky moments, so if you're squeamish, keep that in mind. The horror wasn't quite to the level of W&G either, but it was still chilling and disturbing, and the potential is there for this to get really complicated really fast.
November 24, 2021
This one was just what I needed. After a bad string of mediocre books, finally I'm back in Widdershins.
I liked the plot despite suspecting since early on what was going on with the murders. This one is also a bit gruesome at times, not as bad as it could have been (nothing near what I read in La novia gitana), but still pretty disturbing. I like where things are going in the general direction though this one opens a lot of questions. I also liked how Mortimer character grew here, I couldn't stand him before but I liked him very much after the events of this book. I hope he keeps like that in the next one. And I'm looking forward to .
So, this was an interesting adition to the series and I'm looking forward to discuss some of this points with my fellow BReaders.
I liked the plot despite suspecting since early on what was going on with the murders. This one is also a bit gruesome at times, not as bad as it could have been (nothing near what I read in La novia gitana), but still pretty disturbing. I like where things are going in the general direction though this one opens a lot of questions. I also liked how Mortimer character grew here, I couldn't stand him before but I liked him very much after the events of this book. I hope he keeps like that in the next one. And I'm looking forward to .
So, this was an interesting adition to the series and I'm looking forward to discuss some of this points with my fellow BReaders.
October 10, 2021
Warning: spoilers for Unhallowed (but you should read that first anyway)
I didn't realize how much I had missed Jordan L Hawk's distinct voice until I started reading this book. He is so generous to his characters even as he is putting them through horrifying, life-threatening adventures. Just like our favorite half-ketoi sorcerer Whyborne, Hawk makes sure his MCs are seen and loved for who they are.
This installment of the series finds Vesper and Sebastian trying to locate the second of the evil Books of the Bound, whose disappearance may have been linked to the fiery death of Sebastian's mother. At the same time, a series of gruesome murders seem to be targeting one of the Widdershins founding families. There are not one, not two, but three separate Bad Guys with nefarious intent, including an unwelcome blast from Ves' past.
Fortunately Ves and Sebastian are facing these challenges together. Ves may still question how Sebastian can love a monster like him (Sebastian's response is "more tentacle sex, please") and Sebastian worries that Ves might have grander ambitions than a humble archivist, but they talk things out and don't let their insecurities threaten their relationship. I was already Ves' #1 fan, but now that Sebastian is bound to the Book of the Breath, he is discovering some unexpected powers that make him a more complex and interesting character. Ves' brother Noct and Sebastian's BFF Irene have important roles to play and their personalities are starting to come into clearer focus. I was tempted to think of of Irene as "Christine Putnam plus magic minus guns" - but she is very much her own person, with a different approach to life and the distinct family baggage of being an Endicott.
There are several Widdershins Easter eggs, but this series is clearly strong enough to stand on its own. Hawk's release frequency has dropped in the past few years, primarily due to our world starting to look even crazier than Widdershins, but I hope he is able to keep the momentum going and gift his fans with Rath & Rune #3 sooner rather than later.
I didn't realize how much I had missed Jordan L Hawk's distinct voice until I started reading this book. He is so generous to his characters even as he is putting them through horrifying, life-threatening adventures. Just like our favorite half-ketoi sorcerer Whyborne, Hawk makes sure his MCs are seen and loved for who they are.
This installment of the series finds Vesper and Sebastian trying to locate the second of the evil Books of the Bound, whose disappearance may have been linked to the fiery death of Sebastian's mother. At the same time, a series of gruesome murders seem to be targeting one of the Widdershins founding families. There are not one, not two, but three separate Bad Guys with nefarious intent, including an unwelcome blast from Ves' past.
Fortunately Ves and Sebastian are facing these challenges together. Ves may still question how Sebastian can love a monster like him (Sebastian's response is "more tentacle sex, please") and Sebastian worries that Ves might have grander ambitions than a humble archivist, but they talk things out and don't let their insecurities threaten their relationship. I was already Ves' #1 fan, but now that Sebastian is bound to the Book of the Breath, he is discovering some unexpected powers that make him a more complex and interesting character. Ves' brother Noct and Sebastian's BFF Irene have important roles to play and their personalities are starting to come into clearer focus. I was tempted to think of of Irene as "Christine Putnam plus magic minus guns" - but she is very much her own person, with a different approach to life and the distinct family baggage of being an Endicott.
There are several Widdershins Easter eggs, but this series is clearly strong enough to stand on its own. Hawk's release frequency has dropped in the past few years, primarily due to our world starting to look even crazier than Widdershins, but I hope he is able to keep the momentum going and gift his fans with Rath & Rune #3 sooner rather than later.
June 21, 2023
4.5 Stars! So good!
I loved this second book in the series more than the first! (Not a standalone).
What happens here is lots of action. Mutilated and deformed bodies start appearing in Widdershins. Sebastian and Ves believe it’s connected to the Book of Flesh. Who has it and what are they doing with it?
On the relationship front, Sebastian and Ves become closer & have sexy times with tentacles.
Can’t wait for the next one!
I loved this second book in the series more than the first! (Not a standalone).
What happens here is lots of action. Mutilated and deformed bodies start appearing in Widdershins. Sebastian and Ves believe it’s connected to the Book of Flesh. Who has it and what are they doing with it?
On the relationship front, Sebastian and Ves become closer & have sexy times with tentacles.
Can’t wait for the next one!
August 6, 2023
08/06/2023 reread
Loved it! Loved it! The story continued with Ves and Seb's search for forbidden books and delved deeper into old Widdershins families. There was action, suspense, magic and plenty of tentacle cuddles. I loved the author entwining . I enjoyed this book as much as the first.
Loved it! Loved it! The story continued with Ves and Seb's search for forbidden books and delved deeper into old Widdershins families. There was action, suspense, magic and plenty of tentacle cuddles. I loved the author entwining . I enjoyed this book as much as the first.
November 12, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Unseen is the second book in Jordan L. Hawk’s Rath and Rune series, a spinoff set in the world of the author’s incredible Whyborne & Griffin series. These books follow a new couple in Sebastian and Vesper and focus on the librarians as they work to contain the Books of the Bound. The story picks up soon after Unhallowed left off, shifting focus to the second missing book, and the stories really are best read in sequence. While the first book was found within the library, the others have been hidden other places and tracking them down isn’t easy. But the series of murders begin to offer a clue as how someone might be using the book, so the men set about to find the wielder, with the help of some of the fellow librarians. There is a nice sense of suspense and excitement here, particularly as the mystery hits its climax. I appreciate the way that Hawk has built upon much of the Widdershins’ lore here, but given these books a distinct investigation and storyline for these new characters.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Unseen is the second book in Jordan L. Hawk’s Rath and Rune series, a spinoff set in the world of the author’s incredible Whyborne & Griffin series. These books follow a new couple in Sebastian and Vesper and focus on the librarians as they work to contain the Books of the Bound. The story picks up soon after Unhallowed left off, shifting focus to the second missing book, and the stories really are best read in sequence. While the first book was found within the library, the others have been hidden other places and tracking them down isn’t easy. But the series of murders begin to offer a clue as how someone might be using the book, so the men set about to find the wielder, with the help of some of the fellow librarians. There is a nice sense of suspense and excitement here, particularly as the mystery hits its climax. I appreciate the way that Hawk has built upon much of the Widdershins’ lore here, but given these books a distinct investigation and storyline for these new characters.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 12, 2021
Until Jordan L. Hawk, I’ve never enjoyed goosebumps from fear. In fact, I avoided scary movies like the plague. Yet Unseen is as frightfully sublime as Unhallowed, the first novel in his Rath & Rune series, both set in the early 1900s. Please read them in order to understand the increasingly complex plot and, of course, to get full pleasure from both.
On page one, where Sebastian Rath attends a murdered person’s funeral because the deceased was once a friend and co-worker, before betraying Sebastian. Thus, we know we can trust Sebastian’s ethics. Both he and Vesper Rune, his human-like, but tentacled lover, are employees of a library dedicated to neutralizing dark magic. They are searching for four magical books that were created by a necromancer in the mid 1800s to bring about mankind’s destruction.
Vesper’s brother, Noc, who has too many tentacles to pass as human, is another employee, along with an important cast of side characters. In fact the library was built as a container for these evil objects. Unfortunately, in book 1, Unhallowed, Sebastian had to bind himself to one of the books to contain its evil, and has no idea how this may imperil him.
What’s worse, as teens Vesper and Noc ran from their mother and grandfather, who lead a sect of the necromancers. And Grandpa has just reappeared, along with a sorceress, implying they also want the evil books destroyed. Are they lying? I don’t know… which made my skin crawl. And yet, the true magic for someone like me? As my stomach turned, I was compelled to read on
What held my interest, as gruesome details of dismemberment were divulged? It was the strength and gentleness, the obvious consideration between Vesper and Sebastian. While both men deal with horrors inflicted by their ancestors, Sebastian reminds Vesper, “‘we aren’t them. We can make different, better choices.’” These two guys don’t simply love one another. They inspire acts of courage and kindness beyond themselves.
Plus, Jordan L. Hawk always adds a dash of humor at just the right moments to restore my own humanity. Like, when Sebastian takes a walk thinking,“Birds sang in the trees, and perfume from the manicured flower beds in front of many of the houses scented the air. A beautiful day to confirm he was descended from evil necromancers.” Or when Vesper is jealous upon meeting one of Sebastian’s former one-night-stands, and Sebastian reassures his lover. “‘He doesn’t give nearly as good hugs. Not enough arms.’” Oh yeah, the things those tentacles can accomplish!
Then there’s Jordan L. Hawk’s wonderful prose. For example, here’s Vesper recalling his upbringing at the hand of a mother, who said “‘Hardship hones us, Vesper, as a whetstone homes a knife…and we are keen blades indeed.’” In contrast, here is his take away. “Hardship was no lofty improvement of the soul; it was just suffering.” Thus I understand why he sees Sebastian as his solace, and notes with admiration, “Sebastian was capable of enjoying himself without care, letting people come briefly into his life and then never concerning himself once they parted.” One man’s foibles is the next man’s healing.
Throughout this book I was conscious of Nietzsche’s famous quote, “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.” I love Sebastian and Vesper for being role models of how to meet our enemies without compromising our values.
With Unseen, Jordan L. Hawk has elegantly brought another chapter of Rath & Rune to a most cringe-worthy, yet sweetly satisfying close. I nervously salivate, awaiting more of Sebastian and Vesper’s troubles and travails.
On page one, where Sebastian Rath attends a murdered person’s funeral because the deceased was once a friend and co-worker, before betraying Sebastian. Thus, we know we can trust Sebastian’s ethics. Both he and Vesper Rune, his human-like, but tentacled lover, are employees of a library dedicated to neutralizing dark magic. They are searching for four magical books that were created by a necromancer in the mid 1800s to bring about mankind’s destruction.
Vesper’s brother, Noc, who has too many tentacles to pass as human, is another employee, along with an important cast of side characters. In fact the library was built as a container for these evil objects. Unfortunately, in book 1, Unhallowed, Sebastian had to bind himself to one of the books to contain its evil, and has no idea how this may imperil him.
What’s worse, as teens Vesper and Noc ran from their mother and grandfather, who lead a sect of the necromancers. And Grandpa has just reappeared, along with a sorceress, implying they also want the evil books destroyed. Are they lying? I don’t know… which made my skin crawl. And yet, the true magic for someone like me? As my stomach turned, I was compelled to read on
What held my interest, as gruesome details of dismemberment were divulged? It was the strength and gentleness, the obvious consideration between Vesper and Sebastian. While both men deal with horrors inflicted by their ancestors, Sebastian reminds Vesper, “‘we aren’t them. We can make different, better choices.’” These two guys don’t simply love one another. They inspire acts of courage and kindness beyond themselves.
Plus, Jordan L. Hawk always adds a dash of humor at just the right moments to restore my own humanity. Like, when Sebastian takes a walk thinking,“Birds sang in the trees, and perfume from the manicured flower beds in front of many of the houses scented the air. A beautiful day to confirm he was descended from evil necromancers.” Or when Vesper is jealous upon meeting one of Sebastian’s former one-night-stands, and Sebastian reassures his lover. “‘He doesn’t give nearly as good hugs. Not enough arms.’” Oh yeah, the things those tentacles can accomplish!
Then there’s Jordan L. Hawk’s wonderful prose. For example, here’s Vesper recalling his upbringing at the hand of a mother, who said “‘Hardship hones us, Vesper, as a whetstone homes a knife…and we are keen blades indeed.’” In contrast, here is his take away. “Hardship was no lofty improvement of the soul; it was just suffering.” Thus I understand why he sees Sebastian as his solace, and notes with admiration, “Sebastian was capable of enjoying himself without care, letting people come briefly into his life and then never concerning himself once they parted.” One man’s foibles is the next man’s healing.
Throughout this book I was conscious of Nietzsche’s famous quote, “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.” I love Sebastian and Vesper for being role models of how to meet our enemies without compromising our values.
With Unseen, Jordan L. Hawk has elegantly brought another chapter of Rath & Rune to a most cringe-worthy, yet sweetly satisfying close. I nervously salivate, awaiting more of Sebastian and Vesper’s troubles and travails.
November 26, 2021
So.....I want to love this series. But I don’t. I’m not committed to the love story and while all the characters are nice enough none really stand out. I started reading this, got to about 25% and then literally forgot I was reading it and started something else. It wasn’t until I saw it comes across someone else’s feed that I remembered and I went back to finish it. I feel like that sums it all up.
November 25, 2021
4.5
Do you know when a book, or if you're really lucky, a series, feels so warm and lovely and utterly right that it gives you the feeling of being finally home? That's Widdershins for me. I'll be the first to admit that none of the previous Widdershins books, nor this new series, are perfect: I haven't actually read a book I'd be confident enough to say is perfect. But, nevertheless, Jordan's newest series, and the one following Whyborne and Griffin, are so utterly magical and lovely that they always feel like home.
I'm pretty sure Jordan L. Hawk is a magician: his writing, his characters, the way his characters interact with one another and with magic, the over-the-top, utterly absurd and ridiculous town that Widdershins is, everything is wonderful and magical and clever and masterfully constructed. Everything weaves together seamlessly. I'll always be eternally grateful I discovered his books and the warm, lovely feeling they give me. And "Unseen" was just as good at transmitting that same feeling as any of Jordan's previous books.
I loved it: it was like a breath of fresh air, coming back to Widdershins (finally) and getting to follow Sebastian and Ves on yet another one of their adventures. And it is a very gruesome, very grisly adventure that involves corpses and murderes and arcane, powerful magic that nobody seems to understand, and the omnipresent (and as usual, very weird) Mr. Quinn, as is typical of everything Widdershins.
I loved all of the main characters so much and Sebastian and Ves' love story is as romantic and lovely (and hot: tentacles have many interesting perks) as I remembered. Irene and Noct were fantastic (I'll seriously riot if anything were to happen to Noct: he's my absolute favourite and needs to be protected at all costs) and I even ended up appreciating Mortimer. I didn't actually remember much of the plot of the previous book, apart from tentacles and horrific books and Ves and Noct's horrible family, but it was quite easy to catch onto what was happening and remember (nearly) everything. I'm so so looking forward to reading the third book, even though I'm worried it will rip out my heart, especially after the events at the end of this book. I'll be (im)patiently waiting for it.
Do you know when a book, or if you're really lucky, a series, feels so warm and lovely and utterly right that it gives you the feeling of being finally home? That's Widdershins for me. I'll be the first to admit that none of the previous Widdershins books, nor this new series, are perfect: I haven't actually read a book I'd be confident enough to say is perfect. But, nevertheless, Jordan's newest series, and the one following Whyborne and Griffin, are so utterly magical and lovely that they always feel like home.
I'm pretty sure Jordan L. Hawk is a magician: his writing, his characters, the way his characters interact with one another and with magic, the over-the-top, utterly absurd and ridiculous town that Widdershins is, everything is wonderful and magical and clever and masterfully constructed. Everything weaves together seamlessly. I'll always be eternally grateful I discovered his books and the warm, lovely feeling they give me. And "Unseen" was just as good at transmitting that same feeling as any of Jordan's previous books.
I loved it: it was like a breath of fresh air, coming back to Widdershins (finally) and getting to follow Sebastian and Ves on yet another one of their adventures. And it is a very gruesome, very grisly adventure that involves corpses and murderes and arcane, powerful magic that nobody seems to understand, and the omnipresent (and as usual, very weird) Mr. Quinn, as is typical of everything Widdershins.
I loved all of the main characters so much and Sebastian and Ves' love story is as romantic and lovely (and hot: tentacles have many interesting perks) as I remembered. Irene and Noct were fantastic (I'll seriously riot if anything were to happen to Noct: he's my absolute favourite and needs to be protected at all costs) and I even ended up appreciating Mortimer. I didn't actually remember much of the plot of the previous book, apart from tentacles and horrific books and Ves and Noct's horrible family, but it was quite easy to catch onto what was happening and remember (nearly) everything. I'm so so looking forward to reading the third book, even though I'm worried it will rip out my heart, especially after the events at the end of this book. I'll be (im)patiently waiting for it.
November 18, 2021
It was a great book and I'm glad I read the first one a couple of weeks ago.
For me it was a surprise that Ves' and Noct's mother and grandfather are still alive. And I really, really, really want to know what they are up to. It's obvious they're planing something. They don't want the books? Or are they waiting until Ves, Sebastian and the others found all of them? But why would they let Sebastian be bound to them? It's all so confusing and I need more input!
So, there are deaths. And they are related to the Waite Family. Mortimer is an a** as usual, but he does come around at the end (or the middle).
The deaths are quite disturbing. But it's quite clear who murdered these poor guys early in the book. It's interesting how "the old families" are always hungry for power and use the arcane arts to their (evil) advantage.
As it turned out the people in the Books of breath, flesh etc. are related to the Rath Family. Sebastian and his sister found that very disturbing (as would I). My theory is, that this is the reason why Sebastian can be bound to the books without going crazy. He seems to gain magical power, but he doesn't hear voices like Dormgoole did (and went crazy because of it and actually died at the end).
Sebastians dream at the end was quite disturbing. Just because I don't know what the siblings are planing. Do they want to do something good or are they in the books, because they are truly evil.....I need the whole story. Fast.
All in all I loved the plot. I made some notes and in between there was often a "They are so cute together" (Sebastian and Ves of course).
And Irene and Noct are in love. And I have no idea how Ves and Sebastian didn't see it. It was obvious from the first chapter they appeared together.
4,7 Stars. And more please. :)
For me it was a surprise that Ves' and Noct's mother and grandfather are still alive. And I really, really, really want to know what they are up to. It's obvious they're planing something. They don't want the books? Or are they waiting until Ves, Sebastian and the others found all of them? But why would they let Sebastian be bound to them? It's all so confusing and I need more input!
So, there are deaths. And they are related to the Waite Family. Mortimer is an a** as usual, but he does come around at the end (or the middle).
The deaths are quite disturbing. But it's quite clear who murdered these poor guys early in the book. It's interesting how "the old families" are always hungry for power and use the arcane arts to their (evil) advantage.
As it turned out the people in the Books of breath, flesh etc. are related to the Rath Family. Sebastian and his sister found that very disturbing (as would I). My theory is, that this is the reason why Sebastian can be bound to the books without going crazy. He seems to gain magical power, but he doesn't hear voices like Dormgoole did (and went crazy because of it and actually died at the end).
Sebastians dream at the end was quite disturbing. Just because I don't know what the siblings are planing. Do they want to do something good or are they in the books, because they are truly evil.....I need the whole story. Fast.
All in all I loved the plot. I made some notes and in between there was often a "They are so cute together" (Sebastian and Ves of course).
And Irene and Noct are in love. And I have no idea how Ves and Sebastian didn't see it. It was obvious from the first chapter they appeared together.
4,7 Stars. And more please. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
4,5
I loved Widdershins and now I'm in love with these series.
I loved Widdershins and now I'm in love with these series.
April 8, 2022
Audio came out and I couldn't be happier. Visiting my favorite dark young boys is always a treat, but hearing them is a different level of delight! A must for any Widdershins fan.
October 8, 2021
I love this series so much, Ves and Noct have my whole heart!
This book is about family of the flesh which, if you read the first book, you know isn't always a good thing.
This book is about family of the flesh which, if you read the first book, you know isn't always a good thing.
June 19, 2023
Ok. So when I downloaded the first book in this series I was looking for steampunk magical/horror with a nice romantic subplot and no, I did not realise that the pretty pattern on the book cover was tentacles.
And this isn't an attempt to shame people who are into tentacles or out myself as a tentacle-appreciator! I'm still not a fan and those scenes were skipped over pretty quickly. How-ev-er, I did like the first book and here I am, enjoying the second book even more.
Jordan L. Hawk is so good at writing the kind of Lovecraftian body horror that repels and compels in equal measure. With the romance tidied away in the first book: Unseen has even more guts, gore, creeping dread and what-the-fuckery. I'm not normally a big horror fan but this kind of horror I could eat with a spoon.
So yes, here I am reading tentacle horror/romance and loving (nearly) every moment.
And this isn't an attempt to shame people who are into tentacles or out myself as a tentacle-appreciator! I'm still not a fan and those scenes were skipped over pretty quickly. How-ev-er, I did like the first book and here I am, enjoying the second book even more.
Jordan L. Hawk is so good at writing the kind of Lovecraftian body horror that repels and compels in equal measure. With the romance tidied away in the first book: Unseen has even more guts, gore, creeping dread and what-the-fuckery. I'm not normally a big horror fan but this kind of horror I could eat with a spoon.
So yes, here I am reading tentacle horror/romance and loving (nearly) every moment.
November 15, 2021
I belatedly saw that there was a Patreon ARC available as of a month ago or so, and read that just after the book appeared in the published version. I saw a few small typos, but I'm sure they were fixed prior to publication.
I'm leaning toward 4 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. I'll credit the extra half star to that sweet little tentacle monster Nocturn.
It was obvious to me why the murders were occurring long before I usually realize such things. I hoped the protagonists and their allies would pick up on it quickly, but that would have made for a much shorter book.
I'm leaning toward 4 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. I'll credit the extra half star to that sweet little tentacle monster Nocturn.
It was obvious to me why the murders were occurring long before I usually realize such things. I hoped the protagonists and their allies would pick up on it quickly, but that would have made for a much shorter book.
November 14, 2021
So this was the actual book that had been recommended to me. (The previous 2 / 12 were just because I couldn’t start in the middle.)
Anyway, eldritch but pure cinnamon rolls are the actual best and the librarians of the Ladysmith are a delight.
Anyway, eldritch but pure cinnamon rolls are the actual best and the librarians of the Ladysmith are a delight.
November 22, 2021
Great follow-up to Unhallowed. Book 2 of the Books of the Bound, the Book of Flesh, is now secured [thank goodness 🥳] and also bound to Sebastian...who has discovered some pretty dreadful and unwelcome things about his families past and his mother's death. Ves and Noct's grandfather and mother make their way to Widdershins unfortunately...necromancy runs riot amongst the impoverished citizens of the town and bodies start to pile up. Mortimer Waite learns just what it is to feel like a poor relation and Irene Endicott finally realises that she and Mortimer are not well-suited.
Book 3, Unknown, eagerly awaited.
Book 3, Unknown, eagerly awaited.
January 25, 2022
Why? Why? Why do I keep doing this to myself? I know things are going to get gross, disgusting, and downright horrible, but I read them anyways... grrr
Widdershins is consistent if nothing else! Ms. Hawk never lets us down. We get great characters and a wonderful story... we just have to be prepared for the worse and then realize that we were nowhere close to being prepared for what Ms. Hawk had in store for us!
Widdershins is consistent if nothing else! Ms. Hawk never lets us down. We get great characters and a wonderful story... we just have to be prepared for the worse and then realize that we were nowhere close to being prepared for what Ms. Hawk had in store for us!
August 29, 2022
4.45 stars
This one was much ickier than the previous book, although somehow the author can make me happy to read horror...how does he do that?! I adore how Bonnie and her brood treat their Uncle Noct and Uncle Ves -- both of them need the love and care of good people! I love how much Ves and Sebastian support each other, but they're both a little blind to things that are kinda obvious? Still, I'm enjoying the hell out of all these characters!
This one was much ickier than the previous book, although somehow the author can make me happy to read horror...how does he do that?! I adore how Bonnie and her brood treat their Uncle Noct and Uncle Ves -- both of them need the love and care of good people! I love how much Ves and Sebastian support each other, but they're both a little blind to things that are kinda obvious? Still, I'm enjoying the hell out of all these characters!
July 14, 2023
re-read
This was a fun follow-up to Unhallowed!
I really enjoyed the revelation of Ves and Noct's family being alive. I know there were hints of it in the last book, but having it confirmed from an unbiased source that wasn't Fagerlie was fun - especially with Ora Rune showing up in the middle of the library.
I also really appreciated the forthright communication between Ves and Sebastian throughout the book. Not only was the communication clear with the revelations of Ves's family being alive and potentially an issue, Sebastian also communicated his concerns about not being enough for Ves very well, as he did his newly discovered sorcerous powers. I appreciate the fact that we didn't fall into the miscommunication trope right after the two of them got together in the last book - it was fun to subvert that issue.
The investigation was a little awkward and amateur, but it worked out because it was meant to be that way. I don't think we're meant to think that Ves, Sebastian, and their team are crack investigators like with Griffin in the Widdershins series - rather, they're sort of stumbling around in the dark, and that's exactly what we got.
The secondary romance between Noct and Irene was cute, though I do agree with Mortimer that Ves and Sebastian were rather blind when it came to the two of them - the attraction and the attempt to hide it was rather obvious. And as for Mortimer, he may quickly become one of my favorite side characters - he's nowhere near as bad as he was in the first book and I might even say that he was actually a rather fun character in this one!
I can't wait to see where the plot with the Books of the Bound is going, now that
Overall, 4/5 stars for this one!
This was a fun follow-up to Unhallowed!
I really enjoyed the revelation of Ves and Noct's family being alive. I know there were hints of it in the last book, but having it confirmed from an unbiased source that wasn't Fagerlie was fun - especially with Ora Rune showing up in the middle of the library.
I also really appreciated the forthright communication between Ves and Sebastian throughout the book. Not only was the communication clear with the revelations of Ves's family being alive and potentially an issue, Sebastian also communicated his concerns about not being enough for Ves very well, as he did his newly discovered sorcerous powers. I appreciate the fact that we didn't fall into the miscommunication trope right after the two of them got together in the last book - it was fun to subvert that issue.
The investigation was a little awkward and amateur, but it worked out because it was meant to be that way. I don't think we're meant to think that Ves, Sebastian, and their team are crack investigators like with Griffin in the Widdershins series - rather, they're sort of stumbling around in the dark, and that's exactly what we got.
The secondary romance between Noct and Irene was cute, though I do agree with Mortimer that Ves and Sebastian were rather blind when it came to the two of them - the attraction and the attempt to hide it was rather obvious. And as for Mortimer, he may quickly become one of my favorite side characters - he's nowhere near as bad as he was in the first book and I might even say that he was actually a rather fun character in this one!
I can't wait to see where the plot with the Books of the Bound is going, now that
Overall, 4/5 stars for this one!
May 8, 2022
Unseen (Rath and Rune, 2)
By Jordan L. Hawk
Published by the author, 2020
Four stars
Widdershins knows its own, a theme that worked as well for the original Widdershins series as it does for this one. This strange, magic-soaked city in Massachusetts, has drawn seekers of magic since its founding in the 17th century. Its old families are rich and corrupt, and sometimes evil, but always arrogant. Underneath a veneer of civility, darkness seethes. Much of the city’s complexity seems to be at home in the Ladysmith Museum and its labyrinthine library, where Sebastian Rath works as an archivist, and Vesper Rune as a binder.
The gruesome story that unfolds in this second book of the series continues Sebastian and Vesper’s quest to find and neutralize four sinister books made from the bodies of four magical siblings. Sebastian is already bound to one of those books—something he did in order to save the people he loves and possibly the city itself. Vesper, for all his semi-monstrous power, has no clue about these books. He and his even more monstrous little brother, Nocturn, only know that they have been pawns in a magical game all their lives, and have found shelter and family in Widdershins.
The people who start turning up dead seem to be tied to one of the old families. Then people who should be dead start turning up alive.
Hawk has a wonderful way of setting the stage and playing out the yarn of her storyline. At the warm center of this increasingly creepy tale is the love Sebastian feels for Vesper—a love that promises to save these two young men from the dark magic that swirls around them. The Rath family seem to be a bright light for the Rune siblings, but it becomes clear that there will be no easy road to happiness and safety.
Fast-paced, and with the appealing steampunk quality of early-20th-century America as a backdrop, this is a gripping page-turner, and an enticing continuation of what will surely be another epic series.
By Jordan L. Hawk
Published by the author, 2020
Four stars
Widdershins knows its own, a theme that worked as well for the original Widdershins series as it does for this one. This strange, magic-soaked city in Massachusetts, has drawn seekers of magic since its founding in the 17th century. Its old families are rich and corrupt, and sometimes evil, but always arrogant. Underneath a veneer of civility, darkness seethes. Much of the city’s complexity seems to be at home in the Ladysmith Museum and its labyrinthine library, where Sebastian Rath works as an archivist, and Vesper Rune as a binder.
The gruesome story that unfolds in this second book of the series continues Sebastian and Vesper’s quest to find and neutralize four sinister books made from the bodies of four magical siblings. Sebastian is already bound to one of those books—something he did in order to save the people he loves and possibly the city itself. Vesper, for all his semi-monstrous power, has no clue about these books. He and his even more monstrous little brother, Nocturn, only know that they have been pawns in a magical game all their lives, and have found shelter and family in Widdershins.
The people who start turning up dead seem to be tied to one of the old families. Then people who should be dead start turning up alive.
Hawk has a wonderful way of setting the stage and playing out the yarn of her storyline. At the warm center of this increasingly creepy tale is the love Sebastian feels for Vesper—a love that promises to save these two young men from the dark magic that swirls around them. The Rath family seem to be a bright light for the Rune siblings, but it becomes clear that there will be no easy road to happiness and safety.
Fast-paced, and with the appealing steampunk quality of early-20th-century America as a backdrop, this is a gripping page-turner, and an enticing continuation of what will surely be another epic series.
November 13, 2021
The problem with Jordan L Hawk’s books is that they finish. They’re just over, and now what am I supposed to do with my life until the next one comes out?
I loved this. It’s such an excellent continuation of the first in the series, and of the Widdershins stories in general. We get to see Ves and Sebastian grow in their relationship; we get more of Irene and Noct, and we get a smattering of Mr Quinn being delightfully Mr Quinn-like. Like all Jordan’s main characters, they’re all so easy to love. He just makes you care so much, so quickly, and then makes you spend the rest of the book terrified that there’s going to be some tragic ending. I mean, it’s a paranormal romance series, I’m confident about my HEA and trust Jordan to get them there, but he’s far too good at making us worry along the way.
The plot picks up the thread from where we left it in book one, throwing in some new familial problems along the way. It’s fast-paced and unputdownable - another thing Jordan is excellent at: end of chapter cliffhangers – and I won’t say too much here, but I’m really enjoying how well crafted the plot is.
Final note: I love getting to return to Widdershins. It really is my favourite fictional horrible murder town.
I loved this. It’s such an excellent continuation of the first in the series, and of the Widdershins stories in general. We get to see Ves and Sebastian grow in their relationship; we get more of Irene and Noct, and we get a smattering of Mr Quinn being delightfully Mr Quinn-like. Like all Jordan’s main characters, they’re all so easy to love. He just makes you care so much, so quickly, and then makes you spend the rest of the book terrified that there’s going to be some tragic ending. I mean, it’s a paranormal romance series, I’m confident about my HEA and trust Jordan to get them there, but he’s far too good at making us worry along the way.
The plot picks up the thread from where we left it in book one, throwing in some new familial problems along the way. It’s fast-paced and unputdownable - another thing Jordan is excellent at: end of chapter cliffhangers – and I won’t say too much here, but I’m really enjoying how well crafted the plot is.
Final note: I love getting to return to Widdershins. It really is my favourite fictional horrible murder town.
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