An Ancient Egyptian spell opens the door to a soul-sucking evil.
Fay Olwen is still adjusting to life as one of a couple. She never expected to have a sexy leopard-were cuddling her at midnight in his huge bed in his gorgeous villa on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. But here she is, in love and in luck--finally! There's not a demon in sight.
Pity she can't say the same about the invading djinn.
Somebody is stealing weres' dream essences, enslaving their spirits to create living zombies. As Steve receives a quest to save the were community, Fay discovers that he has a whole other life she knew nothing about. Rather than being a solitary mercenary, Steve has family, friends and an inherited responsibility: the Suzerainty. What place is there for a banished mage in his life?
What place? Kicking ass, wielding magic and learning the wild magic that is the mate-bond.
*** "Djinn Justice" is for fans of paranormal romance who like their adventures filled with humor and heart. It can easily be read as a stand-alone novel, although the novella "Demon Hunter" tells the story of how Fay and Steve got together.
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
*** I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
I read Demon Hunter earlier this year and really enjoyed it (like *really* enjoyed it), so I was thrilled to find that Djinn Justice revisited Steve the were-leopard and Fay the mage in another (though very separate) episode of their story. This book begins 2 weeks after Demon Hunter ends, with Fay and Steve on holiday for some much needed R&R (well deserved considering they'd just saved the world). But, they're interrupted by a tricky djinn called Uncle who sets them on a quest to find out why there is a mage stealing were-animal souls. All this is really good. Fay meets Steve's were-family, particularly his grandparents who are rather on the frosty side of welcoming, and travels to his home city in Alexandria, the city of the Suzerain. What I liked about this book is the developing relationship between Steve and Fay - this is done really well. I like how Jenny Schwartz writes action and I find her very much at ease with writing paranormal. What I didn't enjoy so much is that I felt the book gets bogged down in explanation of the paranormal elements. There is a lot of description of magic, were's, (why were's aren't affected by magic but how a mage can 'magic' the world around them); there's collegium description; djinn description; rogue-mage description/explanation, and it's just too much for me. Other readers might find it necessary or enjoy this. For me, I'm there in the paranormal world and I don't need that much time/space dedicated to explanation of the magic elements... so I wanted more action and more story. That said, there is a great scene where Fay 'magics' the world around the grumpy leader of the were-wolves, to prove a point. This is a classic 'show' not 'tell' and it works well. Fay is a very considered character. She's been trained that way and so it is entirely in keeping with her character that she will question what she is doing and she will think things through as she goes... but she does this too much for me. That internal questioning about other character's motivations, possible outcomes, what might happen to the souls in the amulet etc etc... it just goes too long, it's too much, and it slowed the book too much for me. But then, because she is a wonderful writer, I found Jenny Schwartz 'gems' like this one, that kept me reading and kept me invested in the outcome:
"Demoralising," Steve agreed. "The energy felt warped and it seemed to choke a person, as if we were breathing in depression."
I love that line! I've been trying to work out why Demon Hunter was a better read for me and I think it's down to two things: the villain, and the pace. I believed in the Demon and the threat of it to both the characters and the world more in Demon Hunter, than I do in Djinn Justice. There's a double-pronged evil with the Jackal and the rogue mage in Djinn Justice, and Fay and Steve have to defeat both - but I was never convinced of the threat and I'm not sure why. I wonder whether a POV of the Jackal might have helped? If I'd had a greater sense of his evil and his desires than what we receive via the third-hand perspective of the captured rogue, I might have believed in him as the big bad all the more. This might have helped me have more intensity and investment in this story, and in the characters.
So, 3.5 stars for Djinn Justice for me, with thanks to the author for an early copy of the book to review.
The two main characters - Fay and Steve, wove their spell on this reader in book one of The Collegium series, Demon Hunter, and it just continued throughout Djinn Justice. Loved them together and you could just imagine the energy flowing between the two of them - the descriptives are that good - good enough it gave this reader goosebumps :) Steve's Uncle's commanding appearances were at times funny and definitely worth the read and the interactions between each of the family members were just as memorable :) Steve and Fay are as combustible as ever and this reader relished another fabulous story with these two main characters and the cheekiness between each of them was adorable :D Action packed with twists throughout the story that kept this reader busy putting the puzzle pieces together - and when the action began, it did not stop. Breathless battles, passionate stolen moments and a phenomenal story with depth that had me glued to the pages. Djinn Justice can be read as a standalone read, but for the full effect of the series and it's characters, catch up with Fay and Steve in book one of The Collegium series, Demon Hunter. Review copy received from the Author
Tried my hardest so I could get to the other novels, but
DNF at 86%. I just couldn’t anymore. I resented the hell out of Fay. She’s another boring stereotype of ‘I’m the powerfullest and I have to fight so hard to prove it”. Overpowered characters with no flaws are dull
Also, Fay’s magic is very poorly explained. She can magic things here and there and just seems to be able to do whatever she wants.
The were-animals get a massively raw deal in these books. ‘Unable to be affected by magic’ except this book is literally about how magic affects them. And of course that doesn’t apply to Fay either. She assaults them with magic, doesn’t even need to protect herself when they retaliate and then we’re supposed to believe that they now resect her.
And seriously, let’s focus on Steve, it’s his test but really it’s Fay’s. He’s merely the backdrop to show how amazing she is.
I hoped to get through the book and enjoy the others because I liked some of the author’s other books. But I’m not wasting anymore of my life on this.
Djinn Justice is the second book in The Collegium Series by Jenny Schwartz. Here I discovered a fun, fast-moving mix of urban fantasy, romance, and action, set in a world where supernatural beings - from demon hunters to dragon knights - live alongside humans. Over the seven books, you meet a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks, loyalties, and love stories, all tied together by the mysterious and sometimes politically messy Collegium. There are magical battles and plenty of supernatural drama, but the heart of the stories lies in the relationships - friendships, romances, and even the rivalries - and the way trust and betrayal shape them. The Collegium itself is a great backdrop, acting as both a safe haven and a source of trouble. Each book has its own self-contained adventure and romance, but they all connect to paint a bigger picture of a world that keeps expanding. Perfect for readers who like their fantasy worlds bustling with magic, danger, and a touch of sass. Happy Reading…
I love Miss Schwartz writing and usually enjoy the world building and attention to detail without crazy info dumps. however, I really struggled at times with continuity when it came to the relationship between our leads. While the plot was solid; the magic system, family drama and at times even the conversations between characters were so confusing. Like, either things weren’t quite lined up, there were typos or stuff just didn’t make sense. I hate to leave a poor review and I plan to continue this series but I really hope these issues are fixed as the series progress. Now to book #3!
Once again, another action packed story and a great page-turner. Fay and Steve’s strengths and weaknesses balanced each other perfectly. This story focused on their partnership proving that there’s more to their relationship than pure romance. Magic, humour, danger, a little naughtiness – it’s all there much to this reader’s delight. As the story mentioned, you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but go on, you know you want to. ;) And there’s a third in the series to come. :)
Leaving NYC via portal, makes travel a bit fantastic - no jet lag and energy to “get busy” - but, there are still inconveniences, like a djinn who just drops in.
Then, Uncle insists Fay meet the family, and it is all about the changing of the guard. And, what a doozy of a change.
More tests , more translocation, more danger. But, Steve and Fay are up to the challenge.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Fun characters, lots of action, drama, the plot moves smoothly, and it has a HEA. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Steve is to be the next judge of serious crimes among the were folk. He has found his mate in a female wizard, now they must stand a trial to prove they are worthy of the position. Can't wait for the next book.
Enjoyed this story. Steve and Fay are barely recovered from their first adventure when they are called home to the Fort . Uncle Djinn has decided that Steve is ready to be tested and the test is deadly. Kill
And the adventures continue. While Fay & Steve try to settle into being a pair, Steve's responsibilities interrupt them. Fay's introduction to his family gets a little complicated but that's when the fun starts
If you haven't read the first book, it will help you understand the relationship background of our two main characters. They are so loyal to each other despite all of the things trying to separate them. Ms. Schwartz did a fantastic job with this story, the romance was swoon worthy and the action was spot on!
Thank you Ms. Schwartz !!! I had a great time w/Fay and Steve and while I know we're on to new characters now I hope we see them again in future books ;) you've taught me a lot and given me things to think about in the PRN universe .. Thank you ;) On to book 3 !
This book was a fabulous read with lots of loving, action, surprises, and suspense! I loved every word written and can't wait to read book 3 Dragon Knight, as soon as I'm done giving this unsolicited review! Definitely a 5 star book, as was Book 1 in the Collegium series!
Halfway between a 6/10:Good light-weight read, well done & a 7/10:Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
Love the world. Love the characters. But at times the story seems abrupt, skipping details and rushing on to the next challenge. Still, I'll be reading on. Surprisingly pleased it's new characters in the next one, despite loving both Fay & Steve.
It's is very rare nowadays to find a book written with such an abundance of vocabulary that the story carries you away. This was definitely a joy to read.