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Black Harbinger MC #1
Death Mask
Grim Misery, the President of the Black Harbinger Motorcycle Club, discovers a wounded warlock and four werepups aboard the club's LSD shipment. And the news keeps getting better and better. Not only is the warlock sitting on the edge of death, he's illegally bonded to the werepups, which could trigger a war with the werewolves—and he turns out to be Misery's estranged husband.
Years ago, Griffin turned Misery away to be with another warlock by the name of Marcheso Aldo. Misery left everything behind, even his family, but couldn't shake the heartbreak Griffin caused. With Griffin thrust back into Misery's life, he discovers things aren't as they seem... and everything is about to get much, much worse.
Years ago, Griffin turned Misery away to be with another warlock by the name of Marcheso Aldo. Misery left everything behind, even his family, but couldn't shake the heartbreak Griffin caused. With Griffin thrust back into Misery's life, he discovers things aren't as they seem... and everything is about to get much, much worse.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2016
3 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ander
36 books453 followersLexi has always been an avid reader and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her 80 pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lexiander.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9
Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1
Email: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 31, 2018
I had put off reading this one because I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance but I'm glad I gave it a chance. Things aren't always what they seem and it pays to take a risk sometimes.
Griffin broke Grim's heart years ago when he pushed him away. Grim took off and has made a name for himself with his MC. They are a family of rejects and misplaced preternaturals. But what happens when Griffin shows up severely wounded with werewolf pups bonded to him?
I'm a huge fan of Lexi Ander. I usually love what she writes. Something about her writing just grabs me. She's created a different world where preturnaturals live among humans who are none the wiser. There's some interesting characters who deserve stories. And, Griffin and Grim both deserve their happy ending. This was not a favorite of mine by Ander but I did like it. I will definitely read more in this series when she continues it.
Griffin broke Grim's heart years ago when he pushed him away. Grim took off and has made a name for himself with his MC. They are a family of rejects and misplaced preternaturals. But what happens when Griffin shows up severely wounded with werewolf pups bonded to him?
I'm a huge fan of Lexi Ander. I usually love what she writes. Something about her writing just grabs me. She's created a different world where preturnaturals live among humans who are none the wiser. There's some interesting characters who deserve stories. And, Griffin and Grim both deserve their happy ending. This was not a favorite of mine by Ander but I did like it. I will definitely read more in this series when she continues it.
March 28, 2017
Love how the different threads are all woven together to create something new and different, great ideas, fast paced plot, just want more
October 8, 2016
I didn’t manage to finish this book, and it was very sad, because the synopsis sounded so promising! The plot is great, or could be, but the writing is… no, the writing is not the problem, the problem is the narration.
Everything is over explained, or explained when it should be shown. I read half of the book, and they moved to another room once. That’s all. Griffin has a very tragic and agitated backstory. But he TELLS it, for half the part I read. Same for the hero. He just tells everything, but nothing happens in the characters. They are just discussing their backstory. Which is not fun, and really boring when you have 30 pages of a character remembering his past or speaking about something that happened or is happening. The thing with vampires and LSD is explained at least 5 times. It was not needed, since it was pretty easy to understand. Everything is like that, explained at least twice, like the author is behind you saying “get it, get it?” like yes, I got it, can you stop and get to the point now?
Moreover, it is written in the first person, but like a third person book would be written. I think that, in first-person narration, you can’t say thing like “I said, with my Irish accent.” It is so artificial it prevents immersion.
This book needs a lot of editing, or a rewriting. The author needs to show us what is happening, not to tell us that.
Everything is over explained, or explained when it should be shown. I read half of the book, and they moved to another room once. That’s all. Griffin has a very tragic and agitated backstory. But he TELLS it, for half the part I read. Same for the hero. He just tells everything, but nothing happens in the characters. They are just discussing their backstory. Which is not fun, and really boring when you have 30 pages of a character remembering his past or speaking about something that happened or is happening. The thing with vampires and LSD is explained at least 5 times. It was not needed, since it was pretty easy to understand. Everything is like that, explained at least twice, like the author is behind you saying “get it, get it?” like yes, I got it, can you stop and get to the point now?
Moreover, it is written in the first person, but like a third person book would be written. I think that, in first-person narration, you can’t say thing like “I said, with my Irish accent.” It is so artificial it prevents immersion.
This book needs a lot of editing, or a rewriting. The author needs to show us what is happening, not to tell us that.
November 15, 2016
I had to check my library spreadsheet to be sure, but yes, this is my first Lexi Ander book. It sure won't be the last.
The story sucked me right in...you should pardon the expression (or not)...from the opening: a shipment of LSD to the motorcycle club (not a gang, thank you very much), plus a dying warlock who's the estranged lover of the MC's president, and four very, very young werewolf pups who have formed a blood bond with the warlock. And all the MC members are preternatural (a much better word than paranormal, I think).
What a marvelously inventive universe Ms. Ander has created.
A vast amount of intriguing and unusual dangers and difficulties for the estranged men to overcome, but it isn't really a spoiler to say that eventually they do. But what a fun ride getting there.
It's worth the money.
Just my USD .02.
Eric
The story sucked me right in...you should pardon the expression (or not)...from the opening: a shipment of LSD to the motorcycle club (not a gang, thank you very much), plus a dying warlock who's the estranged lover of the MC's president, and four very, very young werewolf pups who have formed a blood bond with the warlock. And all the MC members are preternatural (a much better word than paranormal, I think).
What a marvelously inventive universe Ms. Ander has created.
A vast amount of intriguing and unusual dangers and difficulties for the estranged men to overcome, but it isn't really a spoiler to say that eventually they do. But what a fun ride getting there.
It's worth the money.
Just my USD .02.
Eric
May 3, 2018
This was my first MM in paperback form, courtesy of Lexi. I’ve so missed paper books. I loved Grim and Griffin and I’d love to read more about their family.
November 11, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.)
I liked this book and the characters that the author created for the story. The main character, Grim Misery, is the President of a motorcycle club made up of different types of beings, ranging from a Hedge Witch to I believe an Elf. The motorcycle club is the go between on an LSD pipeline providing LSD to vampires. In this story older vamps need to drink LSD laced human blood for longevity. Interested concept, but kind of mentioned as an aside, and not that crucial to the story. It is what, or I should say who, is in the truck with the LSD shipment that is important. Grim’s husband, Griffin, threw him out for another warlock over a hundred years ago, and Grim hasn’t seen him since. Now here he is in the back of the truck covered in blood with four baby werewolves.
I’m going to keep it real and be honest. For me, there were some definite holes in the world building in this one. I felt the entire way through the book that I might have picked up book two in a series, because I never really figured out what the Black Harbinger MC was all about and how the club worked. We learned it had a wide variety of beings as members, but only in snippets. Being a motorcycle guy, I’m always looking for reads that have motorcycles involved, and with paranormal aspects it makes it even better. But there wasn’t much of anything about the club or the motorcycles in this one at all.
Instead, we had a story about a lost love returning. That part was a good thing, but then we had lots of backstory about where he has been etc., that still in my opinion left the reader with tons of unanswered questions. For example, was Griffin in a warehouse across town the entire time he was held prisoner? I was quite confused. The book is listed as book one of a new series, so I’m guessing we might get more information in the next book.
As it stands I’m going to have to call this one as Good, or 3.0 on our scale. It had a lot of promise, but I felt a little let down by the actual execution. I liked the writer’s style, but there seemed to be way too much thrown at the reader…much of it rather vaguely…which detracted from the overall read.
I liked this book and the characters that the author created for the story. The main character, Grim Misery, is the President of a motorcycle club made up of different types of beings, ranging from a Hedge Witch to I believe an Elf. The motorcycle club is the go between on an LSD pipeline providing LSD to vampires. In this story older vamps need to drink LSD laced human blood for longevity. Interested concept, but kind of mentioned as an aside, and not that crucial to the story. It is what, or I should say who, is in the truck with the LSD shipment that is important. Grim’s husband, Griffin, threw him out for another warlock over a hundred years ago, and Grim hasn’t seen him since. Now here he is in the back of the truck covered in blood with four baby werewolves.
I’m going to keep it real and be honest. For me, there were some definite holes in the world building in this one. I felt the entire way through the book that I might have picked up book two in a series, because I never really figured out what the Black Harbinger MC was all about and how the club worked. We learned it had a wide variety of beings as members, but only in snippets. Being a motorcycle guy, I’m always looking for reads that have motorcycles involved, and with paranormal aspects it makes it even better. But there wasn’t much of anything about the club or the motorcycles in this one at all.
Instead, we had a story about a lost love returning. That part was a good thing, but then we had lots of backstory about where he has been etc., that still in my opinion left the reader with tons of unanswered questions. For example, was Griffin in a warehouse across town the entire time he was held prisoner? I was quite confused. The book is listed as book one of a new series, so I’m guessing we might get more information in the next book.
As it stands I’m going to have to call this one as Good, or 3.0 on our scale. It had a lot of promise, but I felt a little let down by the actual execution. I liked the writer’s style, but there seemed to be way too much thrown at the reader…much of it rather vaguely…which detracted from the overall read.
October 14, 2016
Book – Death Mask
Author – Lexi Ander
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
POV – 1st character, one character POV
Would I read it again – No.
Genre – LGBT, MC, Magick, Warlocks, Shifters, Were
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
This one didn't work for me. First off, it was a 1st person narrative told in 3rd person style, so everything was explained in a way that is only really suitable for a 3rd person POV. We found out more through a 1st person POV than should really be possible.
There was a whole lot of explanation and detail that was neither necessary or relevant, and often it was repeated far too many times for things that we didn't need to be reminded about so often. There was also a lot of strange wording and a really strong attempt to be as provocative as possible, right from the start, using just about every swear word they could think of within the first chapter alone. It all felt very forced and unnatural. There was also a whole lot of stereotypical descriptions – e.g. Griffin's skin, the name Grim Misery, Grim's Irish accent, Red Hoods and dressing up like a superhero.
There are numerous explanations of MC life and slang that were mostly obvious, but wasted nearly 40% of the story not explaining what “the grace” meant. There was also a very strong attempt to keep things hidden, to hint at things while never actually explaining anything or giving answers.
The story was there. It had fantastic potential and there were a few moments that were great. But the overall process of storytelling meant that the emotional impact was lost and the chemistry was much more lacking than it could have been.
Author – Lexi Ander
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
POV – 1st character, one character POV
Would I read it again – No.
Genre – LGBT, MC, Magick, Warlocks, Shifters, Were
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
This one didn't work for me. First off, it was a 1st person narrative told in 3rd person style, so everything was explained in a way that is only really suitable for a 3rd person POV. We found out more through a 1st person POV than should really be possible.
There was a whole lot of explanation and detail that was neither necessary or relevant, and often it was repeated far too many times for things that we didn't need to be reminded about so often. There was also a lot of strange wording and a really strong attempt to be as provocative as possible, right from the start, using just about every swear word they could think of within the first chapter alone. It all felt very forced and unnatural. There was also a whole lot of stereotypical descriptions – e.g. Griffin's skin, the name Grim Misery, Grim's Irish accent, Red Hoods and dressing up like a superhero.
There are numerous explanations of MC life and slang that were mostly obvious, but wasted nearly 40% of the story not explaining what “the grace” meant. There was also a very strong attempt to keep things hidden, to hint at things while never actually explaining anything or giving answers.
The story was there. It had fantastic potential and there were a few moments that were great. But the overall process of storytelling meant that the emotional impact was lost and the chemistry was much more lacking than it could have been.
November 28, 2021
Re-Read: April 2020
Rating: 4 stars
I really liked this book. I think my biggest problem with it was that we didn’t get to see things from Griffin’s perspective. Other than that it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating: 4 stars
I really liked this book. I think my biggest problem with it was that we didn’t get to see things from Griffin’s perspective. Other than that it was thoroughly enjoyable.
December 10, 2016
The beginning of this story up until the MC knowing the real reason of his husband leaving him decades ago was interesting. After that, it went flat and so boring that I skimmed most of it.
February 4, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.
December 13, 2017
All telling and no showing makes Death Mask a very dull story. When the best feature of, and almost the sole redeeming factor in, a book is the artwork of its cover, something really got wrong in the literary work. Here nothing coheres and hardly anything gels, because of the utterly incompetent handling of the POV, very choppy storytelling, and sheer incapacity to follow for any length of time whatever train of thought Mrs Ander is putting in Grim's mouth. Indeed perhaps the worst defect in this book lies in the signal illogic of the internal discourse the first-person narrator develops; instead of writing crisp sentences, Mrs Ander all too often rambles and end up obscuring or ridiculously undercutting the main gist of the central idea she was struggling with. The actual reason is most certainly that said idea from the start was truly childish or unworthy of being expanded: let me quote "after Cain left my quarters, promising to take Raymond with him, Griffin paced, shooting glares my way. It was as if he had stored energy that he couldn't get rid of. I imagined that being trapped in one's mind for years could leave you feeling stir-crazy, but I was sure this wasn't the case. Griffin, here in my territory, safe and angry, was both homey and a dream come true. In that instant, it didn't feel as if we'd spent decades apart. The scene, so reminiscent of our life before everything fell apart, made it hard to believe the past century had been a terrible dream. I allowed a bubble of joy to surface, and when he caught me grinning at him, his expression flitted from tenderness to a glower in seconds" ~ "I always suspected a were had helped to design the costumes for the modern werewolf films. Only alphas could take the form of the upright wolf. Describing the form as half-human was misleading because no human features were present. With their fur covered bodies, reverse articulated legs, and long tail, they could walk upright or run on all fours. Their faces were a shorter version of a wolf's snout that allowed them to speak, although the words were oft times guttural and hard to understand. The only thing that was humanlike was the massive paws that had claw-tipped fingers" (writers with a modicum of taste and literary chops do not leave such hideous sentences unrevised). No need to say that a full-length novel written in that style is not eligible to high honours in the grading.
January 6, 2018
An interesting cast of characters is introduced, particularly the main character, Grim. I think his husband, Griffin has the potential to be interesting too, although the other character that most caught my interest was the half-werewolf Lalios. The motorcycle club has a mix of non-humans from rough backgrounds who have come together to take care of their territory and each other, and have made themselves a new family. There's a lot of potential for future stories here.
The current story of Grim and Griffin and the werepups was entertaining and at times heartwrenching. I really liked Grim and his family, and who and what they were.
There were some technicalities with the writing that bothered me, like, given Grim's powers and healing abilities, why is he covered in scars? I also wasn't sure until almost the end of the book what country everybody was in. Grim had mentioned being from Ireland originally, and the name of the town they were in sounded oddly English to me, so I assumed England; much later he started talking about Boston and Ohio, and I had to rearrange what part of the world my mental picture was in.
Additionally, I found it improbable that out of all the places in the world the bad guy set up shop with Griffin just a few warehouses down from Grim's warehouse. That seems like too big a coincidence, and really bad planning for someone who's supposed to be so good at setting up traps he outwitted one of the angels of death.
So it's not the smoothest done book out there. But the ideas are great, and I'd like to see more of the people and their world. Overall the problems didn't outweigh the fun for me, and I'd be happy to read a sequel.
This has been an honest review in exchange for an ARC.
The current story of Grim and Griffin and the werepups was entertaining and at times heartwrenching. I really liked Grim and his family, and who and what they were.
There were some technicalities with the writing that bothered me, like, given Grim's powers and healing abilities, why is he covered in scars? I also wasn't sure until almost the end of the book what country everybody was in. Grim had mentioned being from Ireland originally, and the name of the town they were in sounded oddly English to me, so I assumed England; much later he started talking about Boston and Ohio, and I had to rearrange what part of the world my mental picture was in.
Additionally, I found it improbable that out of all the places in the world the bad guy set up shop with Griffin just a few warehouses down from Grim's warehouse. That seems like too big a coincidence, and really bad planning for someone who's supposed to be so good at setting up traps he outwitted one of the angels of death.
So it's not the smoothest done book out there. But the ideas are great, and I'd like to see more of the people and their world. Overall the problems didn't outweigh the fun for me, and I'd be happy to read a sequel.
This has been an honest review in exchange for an ARC.
January 10, 2018
This is a short novel written in the first person POV and it can be enjoyed in a single sitting. I got a HFN feeling about the ending. There are just so many strings floating around that this can't possibly be the end. I have high hopes for subsequent installments of this series.
There's a lot jam packed into this story. We have shifters, vampires and warlocks mixing with angels and motorcycle clubs. Werewolf pups and magic kinda pop up like whack-a-moles. It's like the universe is out of control and we need someone to come in and straighten it all out.
Enter our MC, Grim Misery. He's a reluctant hero with his own interesting past.
There are a few things that made me go, hmmmm. Griffin is black so I wonder about the interracial couple aspect. And, Griffin seems a little too knowledgeable about current day items. But, whatever, ya know? I'm willing to jump into a good paranormal story so I just let those details ride and woo yee, what a fun ride it was.
This is a really cool spin on the whole Grim reaper genre which sucked me in and didn't let go. Light on angst and romance, I totally enjoyed reading it and look forward to more stories in this universe.
*Copy provided for an honest review.
There's a lot jam packed into this story. We have shifters, vampires and warlocks mixing with angels and motorcycle clubs. Werewolf pups and magic kinda pop up like whack-a-moles. It's like the universe is out of control and we need someone to come in and straighten it all out.
Enter our MC, Grim Misery. He's a reluctant hero with his own interesting past.
There are a few things that made me go, hmmmm. Griffin is black so I wonder about the interracial couple aspect. And, Griffin seems a little too knowledgeable about current day items. But, whatever, ya know? I'm willing to jump into a good paranormal story so I just let those details ride and woo yee, what a fun ride it was.
This is a really cool spin on the whole Grim reaper genre which sucked me in and didn't let go. Light on angst and romance, I totally enjoyed reading it and look forward to more stories in this universe.
*Copy provided for an honest review.
January 2, 2018
I entered an ARC lottery with the promise a writing an honest review, because I had missed this book by Ms. Ander. Lucky me, I won. This is a great first book in a series. It involves both a motorcycle gang [not my favorite thing, but it works in context], and paranormal characters hidden in plain sight. I found that since the action centered on the main characters Grim Misery [great name] and Griffin, and not on how a motorcycle gang operates, I really liked this story. Both of the main characters have a significant backstory that weaves into the present to create a lot of tension. Each of the main characters have suffered due to choices they made to "protect" the other main character. I would definitely read the next book in this series in order to find out what happens to Grim and Griffin and the pups next.
January 23, 2018
Lexi Ander’s Death Mask was the first book I have read from this Author. And I was very intrigued with the premise of this book. Grim is the president of an MC in which he is working and taking care of the preternaturals needs. When Grim’s estranged husband, Griffin, shows up at death's door and with illegal werepups it tests his resolve and his heart. Griffin has always loved Grim even sacrificed himself to save his husband from an evil warlock. Now all he he needed was to prove to Grim that he will never leave him once he has found him again. The world that Lexi has created was beautiful and dark in and of itself. I felt I was an observer to the goings on in the club and felt the heartbreak each man had incurred in the name of Love. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more stories from Lexi.
January 21, 2018
unique look at the paranormal world with ours. It also reminds us what we see in are lives is skewed by our point of view and isn't always the truth.
what would you do if the man you loved turned you out for another and then shows up near death on your door decades later. If that ain't bad enough he brings more trouble then he's worth. Not to mention the family you also left behind. As the President of the biker club the Black Harbinger, Misery has to wade the all this emotional baggage to stop the hell thats about to fall on him and the Black Harbingers.
what would you do if the man you loved turned you out for another and then shows up near death on your door decades later. If that ain't bad enough he brings more trouble then he's worth. Not to mention the family you also left behind. As the President of the biker club the Black Harbinger, Misery has to wade the all this emotional baggage to stop the hell thats about to fall on him and the Black Harbingers.
November 12, 2016
From Magnolia Reviews: Five Petals
I enjoyed reading this story so much I had trouble putting it down. The characterizations and the plot were perfect and the second I realized this was going to be part of a series the bits that felt a little abrupt at the end started to make sense. I definitely recommend this book.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
I enjoyed reading this story so much I had trouble putting it down. The characterizations and the plot were perfect and the second I realized this was going to be part of a series the bits that felt a little abrupt at the end started to make sense. I definitely recommend this book.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
January 21, 2018
3.5 rounded to 4
I liked the story and was left wanting more. I wanted to know more about the secondary characters, where did they come from, what type of preternatural beings are they, how did they come to be in a MC club together? I wanted to know more about the MC club.
I'd enjoy reading more about these characters.
I liked the story and was left wanting more. I wanted to know more about the secondary characters, where did they come from, what type of preternatural beings are they, how did they come to be in a MC club together? I wanted to know more about the MC club.
I'd enjoy reading more about these characters.
December 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book, though I found some of the plot lines hard to believe. The world building was interesting, but not as well developed as in the author's science fiction stories.
September 19, 2023
The timing seems off and I'm no fan of first person, but the story is great. I'd love a sequel.
January 3, 2017
I so hope the next book in this series comes soon. Loved it.
October 27, 2016
Biker MC and Paranormal Romance... yep, I'm sold. Plus, I have enjoyed this author's sci-fi books and was oh so curious to see what she did with paranormal world building and plotting. I loved how this ended up meeting my expectations and also offered up what felt like a mystery along with the other elements.
Grim Misery is the president of the Black Harbingers MC. The man he loved turned him away for another and Grim left to get away from seeing Griffith with another man. For over a hundred years, Grim has wandered and finally found a home with the other paranormal misfits he calls brothers.
But his contentment is shattered when a drug shipment comes in and hidden amongst the crates is a passel of werewolf cubs all bonded with the nearly dead and bleeding warlock. The bonding is illegal and will bring werewolf wrath down on them, but the sorcerer is a whole new level of trouble because he's Grim's estranged husband, Griffith. But wait, it gets worse. Grim must unleash his long-hidden otherness against a powerful dark sorcerer and he might not be enough to protect all that he holds dear.
I find that this author has a gift for weaving creative new worlds and elements and this story was no exception. Her take on vampires, werewolves and more was not the usual thing. I loved especially what she did with Grim's backstory and race.
It was also interesting that Grim and Griffin were married and bonded in a time when it was dangerous to do so. I include their races since Griffin is a man of color, but also their supernatural races since Griffin is a warlock and most of those are at best gray magic, but usually dark magic users. The author didn't give them an instant return to love and trust, but both had to work through guilt, anger, and trust and also get to know and accept who they are now.
I also loved the camaraderie of MC brotherhood and the brotherhood of Grim's birth family. The MC characters are a motley crew of misfits who work together and have each other's backs. I can't wait to encounter more from the others in the books to follow.
It's a shorter piece presents the reader with quite a bit in this opening story of the series, but its not lacking, either. Fun blend of biker culture and paranormal with m/m romance.
I received this book from Less Than Three Press on Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Grim Misery is the president of the Black Harbingers MC. The man he loved turned him away for another and Grim left to get away from seeing Griffith with another man. For over a hundred years, Grim has wandered and finally found a home with the other paranormal misfits he calls brothers.
But his contentment is shattered when a drug shipment comes in and hidden amongst the crates is a passel of werewolf cubs all bonded with the nearly dead and bleeding warlock. The bonding is illegal and will bring werewolf wrath down on them, but the sorcerer is a whole new level of trouble because he's Grim's estranged husband, Griffith. But wait, it gets worse. Grim must unleash his long-hidden otherness against a powerful dark sorcerer and he might not be enough to protect all that he holds dear.
I find that this author has a gift for weaving creative new worlds and elements and this story was no exception. Her take on vampires, werewolves and more was not the usual thing. I loved especially what she did with Grim's backstory and race.
It was also interesting that Grim and Griffin were married and bonded in a time when it was dangerous to do so. I include their races since Griffin is a man of color, but also their supernatural races since Griffin is a warlock and most of those are at best gray magic, but usually dark magic users. The author didn't give them an instant return to love and trust, but both had to work through guilt, anger, and trust and also get to know and accept who they are now.
I also loved the camaraderie of MC brotherhood and the brotherhood of Grim's birth family. The MC characters are a motley crew of misfits who work together and have each other's backs. I can't wait to encounter more from the others in the books to follow.
It's a shorter piece presents the reader with quite a bit in this opening story of the series, but its not lacking, either. Fun blend of biker culture and paranormal with m/m romance.
I received this book from Less Than Three Press on Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Grim Misery has spent a long time hurting and being angry at his husband for leaving him. When Griffin shows up unexpectedly with werewolf cubs during a moment of vampire problems it’s not good. Unfortunately for Grim and Griffin things are much worse than they first appear. First things first, Griffin receives medical attention and Grim finds out the truth about where he’s been all these years. Grim’s life suddenly gets exponentially more complicated. The vampire and werewolf issues take a back seat to a scarily powerful mage Grim’s own father is unable to kill. Grim and Griffin have to decide how much of their own happiness and lives they’re willing to sacrifice for the betterment of mankind.
I enjoy Lexi Ander’s writing. I usually find her books to be entertaining, and this was no exception. I had mixed emotions about the plot. In many ways the problems were unsolvable, a higher power had to step in and save the day, and Grim and Griffin were left with less agency than they had at the start of the book. But I was entertained and wanted to keep reading. Any day of the week I’ll chose the story I want to read over one I find boring. Grim and Griffin are characters who feel like they’re just starting out in life in spite of a lifetime of complicated history, and much of that is down to the fact they are no longer who they once were. These men are meeting each other for the first time. These men are warily showing vulnerability to someone they don’t know in the hopes they will not be hurt again. That they’re doing so against a backdrop of potential war and disaster just makes the book that much more entertaining.
Grim Misery has spent a long time hurting and being angry at his husband for leaving him. When Griffin shows up unexpectedly with werewolf cubs during a moment of vampire problems it’s not good. Unfortunately for Grim and Griffin things are much worse than they first appear. First things first, Griffin receives medical attention and Grim finds out the truth about where he’s been all these years. Grim’s life suddenly gets exponentially more complicated. The vampire and werewolf issues take a back seat to a scarily powerful mage Grim’s own father is unable to kill. Grim and Griffin have to decide how much of their own happiness and lives they’re willing to sacrifice for the betterment of mankind.
I enjoy Lexi Ander’s writing. I usually find her books to be entertaining, and this was no exception. I had mixed emotions about the plot. In many ways the problems were unsolvable, a higher power had to step in and save the day, and Grim and Griffin were left with less agency than they had at the start of the book. But I was entertained and wanted to keep reading. Any day of the week I’ll chose the story I want to read over one I find boring. Grim and Griffin are characters who feel like they’re just starting out in life in spite of a lifetime of complicated history, and much of that is down to the fact they are no longer who they once were. These men are meeting each other for the first time. These men are warily showing vulnerability to someone they don’t know in the hopes they will not be hurt again. That they’re doing so against a backdrop of potential war and disaster just makes the book that much more entertaining.
December 16, 2016
Death Mask by Lexi Ander is an Urban Fantasy story, and gives you a world of magic in a contemporary setting. Grim Misery is the President of an motorcycle club. When he is informed that the latest transport of LSD is not only containing LSD but more his gut is telling him his life is about to change. And if his gut wasn’t telling him, the noises and blood coming from inside the transport would have done the same. Inside he finds his estranged husband covered in blood and clinging on to life.
Griffin wakes with the realisation that the werepups he was trying to protect, accidentaly bonded with him and lying in a bed in his husbands motorcycle club.He finally managed to escape from Marcheso Aldo and evil warlockk
Once Misery knows what Marcheso Aldo did to Griffin, himself and his family he is grief stricken and sets out to get rid of Marcheso’s threat once and for all.
Lexi Ander is telling a modern day fairy tale with Warlocks, were people, Vampires and, yeah Griffin is a warlock but what is Grim ? The Grim Reaper he is most definitely not.
In a setting of a pending threat of several packs and a Warlock on the loose Griffin and Misery are giving the chance to reconnect and love each other again.
The balance between action and story is well done with enough humour used to counterbalance the violence in the story. Pups on the loose are so much fun when weaving havoc around them.
Also the action and suspense used is making the story fun to read.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this for sure.
Griffin wakes with the realisation that the werepups he was trying to protect, accidentaly bonded with him and lying in a bed in his husbands motorcycle club.He finally managed to escape from Marcheso Aldo and evil warlockk
Once Misery knows what Marcheso Aldo did to Griffin, himself and his family he is grief stricken and sets out to get rid of Marcheso’s threat once and for all.
Lexi Ander is telling a modern day fairy tale with Warlocks, were people, Vampires and, yeah Griffin is a warlock but what is Grim ? The Grim Reaper he is most definitely not.
In a setting of a pending threat of several packs and a Warlock on the loose Griffin and Misery are giving the chance to reconnect and love each other again.
The balance between action and story is well done with enough humour used to counterbalance the violence in the story. Pups on the loose are so much fun when weaving havoc around them.
Also the action and suspense used is making the story fun to read.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this for sure.
March 11, 2017
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.5 Stars - Death Mask is a fantastic start to a new series by Lexi Ander. It mixes many different lore to give us a dynamic and interesting background for her characters; It was a fantastic mix of urban fantasy and mm romance. I loved the idea of the Red Hoods and the nod to Little Red Riding hood. That it is mixed with werewolves, elves, and angels make it that much more interesting.
I was sucked in to the story right away and couldn’t put it down – it’s a good thing it isn’t that long as otherwise my family might not have gotten supper! The length was just right for this story though. I definitely want more in this world – hopefully following Grim, Griffin and the werepups, though I would be happy to read about other members of the MC too.
I really enjoyed seeing things from Grim’s point of view. His internal voice was interesting. I also liked how Lexi handled giving us information that was necessary; she made it showing rather than telling and it didn’t feel like an info dump. There was a little repetition in information that could have been cleaned up, but I felt it was minor in the whole scheme of things.
I loved this story and look forward to the next installment!
4.5 Stars - Death Mask is a fantastic start to a new series by Lexi Ander. It mixes many different lore to give us a dynamic and interesting background for her characters; It was a fantastic mix of urban fantasy and mm romance. I loved the idea of the Red Hoods and the nod to Little Red Riding hood. That it is mixed with werewolves, elves, and angels make it that much more interesting.
I was sucked in to the story right away and couldn’t put it down – it’s a good thing it isn’t that long as otherwise my family might not have gotten supper! The length was just right for this story though. I definitely want more in this world – hopefully following Grim, Griffin and the werepups, though I would be happy to read about other members of the MC too.
I really enjoyed seeing things from Grim’s point of view. His internal voice was interesting. I also liked how Lexi handled giving us information that was necessary; she made it showing rather than telling and it didn’t feel like an info dump. There was a little repetition in information that could have been cleaned up, but I felt it was minor in the whole scheme of things.
I loved this story and look forward to the next installment!
November 12, 2016
Angels. Nephilim. Warlocks. Witches. Werewolves. Fay. Trolls. All those, and more, appear in this urban paranormal tale set in an alternate Earth I'd love to visit! I really enjoyed the fantastical world Lexi created in Death Mask. MC fiction is gaining in popularity, but I enjoyed the mix of otherworldly beings that fit in well with this gritty and dark tale. With just a few tidbits here and there of backstory to introduce the 'usual' types of creatures and how the misfits who make up Grim's club differ gave them a lot of depth. I really hope we'll get their stories in the future, and finding out how Grim and Griffin make out, especially with all those pups is a must.
If I had to point out one issue with the story, it would be that it felt like a much longer tale in a shorter package. I was very surprised as I started to reach the story climax because it felt like there was so much story we didn't get to 'see' even though it was made part of the story through narration. I know most devoted fans want to say, "More! More!" but in this case I think the rich world Lexi created would've been even better if we'd seen more of the scenes in actuality.
If I had to point out one issue with the story, it would be that it felt like a much longer tale in a shorter package. I was very surprised as I started to reach the story climax because it felt like there was so much story we didn't get to 'see' even though it was made part of the story through narration. I know most devoted fans want to say, "More! More!" but in this case I think the rich world Lexi created would've been even better if we'd seen more of the scenes in actuality.
October 29, 2016
So I have read everything this amazing author has put out and whether its a wolf shifter, space hero, or some other magical mystery they are always top notch amazing reads.
This time we are set in a modern day motor cycle club that is full of magical misfits. No one is really quite sure how any of them ended up where they are, no one really cares, they just know it works.
We've several players in this story, all centered around two MC's Misery, the leader of the club and his long sort of forgotten husband Griffin.
As with all of Lexi books, this one is packed with some amazing story telling. We've got love lost, love found, people pulling together for the greater good. And the cutest wolf puppies you've ever read about!
The way that Misery and Griffin relearn each other is heart warming. All while trying to deal with these outside forces.
We are left with a HFN. And I can't wait for book 2
This time we are set in a modern day motor cycle club that is full of magical misfits. No one is really quite sure how any of them ended up where they are, no one really cares, they just know it works.
We've several players in this story, all centered around two MC's Misery, the leader of the club and his long sort of forgotten husband Griffin.
As with all of Lexi books, this one is packed with some amazing story telling. We've got love lost, love found, people pulling together for the greater good. And the cutest wolf puppies you've ever read about!
The way that Misery and Griffin relearn each other is heart warming. All while trying to deal with these outside forces.
We are left with a HFN. And I can't wait for book 2
December 9, 2016
Death Mask is an exciting, fast-paced urban fantasy. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a strong fantasy/PNR with a bittersweet romance.
This is an engaging story with good pacing. I love how the working of magic is described. The details really pulled me into the story. This historical aspect of Grim and Griffin's story adds richness and depth.
Grim Misery is well-developed, with great personality. I would have liked to have seen a little more depth in the rest of the characters. The glimpses we’re given are great, and I’m sure most people would be fine with it as is. But for me, extra character development of Griffin and other side characters would have made me even more emotionally invested.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. And I would love to read more about Grim, Griffin and the rest of the Black Harbingers. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This is an engaging story with good pacing. I love how the working of magic is described. The details really pulled me into the story. This historical aspect of Grim and Griffin's story adds richness and depth.
Grim Misery is well-developed, with great personality. I would have liked to have seen a little more depth in the rest of the characters. The glimpses we’re given are great, and I’m sure most people would be fine with it as is. But for me, extra character development of Griffin and other side characters would have made me even more emotionally invested.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. And I would love to read more about Grim, Griffin and the rest of the Black Harbingers. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
December 18, 2016
What. Just... what.
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