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SPECTR Series 2 #5
Shaker of Earth
Charleston is reeling beneath the onslaught of demons unleashed by the vampire spirit Drugoy and his human host Yuri. Alone and drained almost to the point of death, Gray and Caleb must make their way across a city gone mad in hopes of putting an end to Yuri and Dru. But the other drakul isn’t the only enemy they have to worry about.
After the death of a rogue agent at Gray’s teeth, John’s faith in his lovers has been badly shaken. But when SPECTR Chief Barillo orders the vampire destroyed by any means possible, John and his allies find themselves in a race to find Gray and Caleb before their fellow SPECTR agents.
Because their only hope of stopping Yuri and Dru is by working together. And if they fail to unite, the streets of Charleston will run red with blood.
After the death of a rogue agent at Gray’s teeth, John’s faith in his lovers has been badly shaken. But when SPECTR Chief Barillo orders the vampire destroyed by any means possible, John and his allies find themselves in a race to find Gray and Caleb before their fellow SPECTR agents.
Because their only hope of stopping Yuri and Dru is by working together. And if they fail to unite, the streets of Charleston will run red with blood.
117 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2018
About the author
Jordan L. Hawk
82 books2,384 followersJordan L. Hawk is a trans author from North Carolina. Childhood tales of mountain ghosts and mysterious creatures gave him a life-long love of things that go bump in the night. When he isn’t writing, he brews his own beer and tries to keep the cats from destroying the house. His best-selling Whyborne & Griffin series (beginning with Widdershins) can be found in print, ebook, and audiobook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 22, 2018
*scrrreeeeams* SPECTR 2 is finished!!! *Runs off to read Mocker of Ravens* *dustcloud*
*edit*
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series 2, posted on each novella in this series, because I am wiped out.
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, .
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*
*edit*
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series 2, posted on each novella in this series, because I am wiped out.
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, .
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*
September 14, 2018
It’s not the fall that kills you…it’s the landing.
Caleb and Gray have lost everything. SPECTR is gunning for them, literally. Yuri and Drugoy have betrayed them. And worst of all, John told them to leave and never come back. They have been in some dark places before, but stuck to the earth with rebar and chains, after Dru had bled them almost dry, is probably as close to a permanent end as they have ever gotten.
And if that isn’t bad enough, Dru and Yuri have unleashed hell onto Charleston, infecting dozens upon dozens of people with NHEs as they wreak havoc on the city. With the city in chaos and no hope of backup, Caleb and Gray must find a way to stop the drakul before everything they hold dear is left in blood and ash. Because even if John never wishes to see them again, Caleb and Gray refuse to let him fall to anyone’s hand.
Back after one hell of a cliffhanger, Shaker of Earth uses the last book in the SPECTR second series to throw everything at our three main characters. Jam packed with action, this story feels very much like the finale episode of a TV show’s season. Not a great place to pick up the series for the first time, but instead a reward for everyone who has stuck with the series as it has grown over the previous ten books. All three of our MCs are forced to fight tooth, nail, and gun with a wide array of NHEs as well as Dru and Yuri. Lives are on the line, and with the guys separated it quickly becomes clear that this time a happy ending might just be too much to hope for. That being the case, each scene draws the reader in, and keeps them there with bated breath, as each second can end in catastrophe.
But that doesn’t mean the book doesn’t know when to take a breath. Interspersed between fights with Grendels, werewolves, and Dru, there are moments where the story takes time to make sure that the reader still has reasons to care. I especially liked the scenes with family from the car. They not only brought some levity to the story, but added a much needed human element. Readers are going to care about John, Gray, and Caleb no matter what, but having a group of people who need to be defended added an extra bit of tension and weight to the fights that connect to them.
While I don’t think this book on its own is perfect, as a final chapter to this series it was great. I would suggest rereading at least Breaker of Chains before picking this one up, though, since this is the culmination of all the major events in that story.
Having greatly enjoyed both Series 1 & 2, I’m thrilled to know that a Series 3 is in the offing. And after the ending in this book, I’m very curious about how things are going to play out in this new situation. Until then, I’m happy to report that this series closes out with a bang you are not gonna want to miss.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 4, 2019
4.5 Stars
Wow, that was an amazing end to SPECTR 2! I spent a whole lot of series 2 feeling hella unsettled. I didn't like the secrets nor the deceptions and wanting Barillo to be eaten by Gray was a persistent desire, throughout the series. There was so much uncertainty between Caleb, Gray, and John that I just feel spent.
Shaker of Earth was an exciting read. My heart was shattered by the ending of Breaker of Chains but I was at the edge of my seat watching the events unfold; hoping and trusting that everything would be ok. I can tell you yes, everything works out between Caleb, Grey, and John, but Charleston will never be the same again. I think that holds true for our guys, too. And me, for that matter...
Wow, that was an amazing end to SPECTR 2! I spent a whole lot of series 2 feeling hella unsettled. I didn't like the secrets nor the deceptions and wanting Barillo to be eaten by Gray was a persistent desire, throughout the series. There was so much uncertainty between Caleb, Gray, and John that I just feel spent.
Shaker of Earth was an exciting read. My heart was shattered by the ending of Breaker of Chains but I was at the edge of my seat watching the events unfold; hoping and trusting that everything would be ok. I can tell you yes, everything works out between Caleb, Grey, and John, but Charleston will never be the same again. I think that holds true for our guys, too. And me, for that matter...
September 18, 2018
Yup, an instabuy... really enjoy this series and look forward to the new direction Caleb, Gray & John are heading. No spoilers ...... but Thank god those workplace bullying fuckers have seen better days and our delightful trio can move on in peace ! Gray can now eat all the “baddies” he wants !
Read
April 8, 2020
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Shaker of Earth marks another epic showdown. Charleston is overrun by all kinds of demons summoned by Drugoy and Yuri. Caleb and Gray are badly hurt from their previous fight, but somehow and someway they need to find them and stop them before they kill everyone in town. Before they kill everyone they love.
John for his part doesn’t know what to believe. On the one hand Gray did kill a SPECTR agent, a dirty one for sure, but he still killed him – and drank his blood. On the other hand he still loves them both, and they just possibly were provoked. However he does not have the time to dwell on that as his hometown is going to hell in a handbasket and Chief Barillo has given a kill order for Gray.
I loved how Gray and Caleb managed to get new followers during the riots, they were entertaining. But it was also nice to see some people gave them a chance, believed they wouldn’t hurt them and actively stayed in their orbit. I also loved how SPECTR finally organised against Drugoy, some was the enemy of my enemy spiel, but some of them believed in Gray and Caleb and wanted to help.
We got a new treat from Brad Langer this time – an accent! I loved it, not sure what to think about the person the accent was attached to, but I might keep an open mind, after all everyone deserves a second chance. I have to say he did portray a pissed off director really well. I could see her spitting fire (figuratively) in front of me, feeling like I was in the hot seat trying to explain why and how things went to hell.
This book was a trip beginning to end, and a fitting end to the series it was, and while it is the end to this particular story arc, it’s not the end of the gang. So onto the next series it is.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
October 14, 2021
SHAKER OF EARTH was a fantastic, action packed conclusion to the second SPECTR series. It was quite the emotional roller-coaster as Caleb, Gray, and John fight to protect Charleston alongside precious few allies. After everything they've been through I'm happy to see the way this one was ended, because if anyone deserved peace and freedom it's Caleb and Gray. I can't wait to read about John, Caleb, and Gray's next adventure.
November 2, 2020
Wow, what a showdown!!
And now I'm happy again and excited to see what’s up next for John, Caleb and Gray in the SPECTR series 3! :)
4.5 stars
And now I'm happy again and excited to see what’s up next for John, Caleb and Gray in the SPECTR series 3! :)
4.5 stars
December 8, 2018
This was a satisfying end to this arc in the story of Caleb, Gray, and John. I'm really happy to know that there will be more to come. I'm actually really enjoying the way this series is structured. It's kinda like a serial story with shorter installments, but they're all fulfilling.
After the ending to the last story in this arc the world was crashing down. This was a fast paced race of destruction and reconnection. I was dying right along with Caleb and Gray at the end of the story. John needed to get back with his boys and realize how awful he'd treated them. Of course everything coming to a head in this story was just as crazy as was expected.
Love this story! Can't wait to see the next arc to begin.
After the ending to the last story in this arc the world was crashing down. This was a fast paced race of destruction and reconnection. I was dying right along with Caleb and Gray at the end of the story. John needed to get back with his boys and realize how awful he'd treated them. Of course everything coming to a head in this story was just as crazy as was expected.
Love this story! Can't wait to see the next arc to begin.
August 25, 2018
I've read Patreon's ARC. If I have to summarize my experience, it would be "highly enjoyable, but...".
This installment is written and executed like an action movie, with few breaks on the action. Technically, it is beautifully done. Fast and intense, but with small stops for humor, banter and romance that were so sorely missing in the previous book. When you leave out the execution and focus on the plot itself, or more precisely, on the motives and behavior of the heroes and (especially) the villains, well... there's a problem there. The problem began originally in the previous book, so if you've enjoyed it maybe it wouldn't bother you so much. It did bother me. I've felt the author had dug such a deep hole in the previous book, that climbing out of it had been... less graceful than usual (major spoilers ahead, so if you did not read the book, go on and do it. If you got this far on the series you'd most likely enjoy it).
This installment is written and executed like an action movie, with few breaks on the action. Technically, it is beautifully done. Fast and intense, but with small stops for humor, banter and romance that were so sorely missing in the previous book. When you leave out the execution and focus on the plot itself, or more precisely, on the motives and behavior of the heroes and (especially) the villains, well... there's a problem there. The problem began originally in the previous book, so if you've enjoyed it maybe it wouldn't bother you so much. It did bother me. I've felt the author had dug such a deep hole in the previous book, that climbing out of it had been... less graceful than usual (major spoilers ahead, so if you did not read the book, go on and do it. If you got this far on the series you'd most likely enjoy it).
December 12, 2020
For a Non-human Entity Gray's sense of humour is really interesting. He feels all the emotions so clearly maybe much more than Caleb. Their love for John is so pure. It tugs my heart when Gray feels insecure about John, it shows a very vulnerable side which one normally doesn't see in a NHE. Can't wait to start fhe next series !
September 15, 2018
Non-stop excitement. I can't wait to see where Jordan takes Caleb/Gray and John in the next series. This one is going to be hard to best.
September 15, 2018
Great!
I loved it and did not want it to end!!! I cannot wait for the next books to come out.
I loved it and did not want it to end!!! I cannot wait for the next books to come out.
December 18, 2018
The conclusion to the second offbranch of the series. As always well written, but short, and the characters are separated quite a bit. I really liked the new family and finally hope they are getting away from the annoying SPECTR environment a bit. Will be happy when the third series comes out.
July 29, 2019
This rating is for all of series 2!
June 22, 2020
Great way to end this arc of the series! I really enjoyed it although John and Caleb/Gray were separated for much of this book. Lots of action and a satisfying way to tie up all the loose ends.
September 17, 2018
I could not put this book down. I practically read it in one sitting! So exciting, and even though Caleb, Gray, and John spend so much time apart, the times together make it worth it.
This was a great conclusion to this story arc. I love this series and eagerly await the third part.
This was a great conclusion to this story arc. I love this series and eagerly await the third part.
September 1, 2018
Super entertaining. Full review to come.
And praise the book gods for new covers for this series!
And praise the book gods for new covers for this series!
October 9, 2018
Oh, this was so good. I swear it was nail-biting from the first page to the last. I lost track of the times I was freaking out, worried about how Caleb/Gray and John would get out of a horrible situation. The climax of the story had my heart pounding as I tried to read faster than my eyes would go.
I love where the book ended, and the fact that there will be a SPECTR Series 3 makes me a very happy person.
I love where the book ended, and the fact that there will be a SPECTR Series 3 makes me a very happy person.
September 16, 2018
After the last book's cliffhanger, I'm deeply relieved at how everything got resolved and am very much looking forward to series 3.
September 15, 2018
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The cover – I don’t always talk about covers, but the author just created new ones for the series and they are worth mentioning. I liked the previous covers, but there is something cleaner about the new images. I feel like I get a better idea of what the characters are supposed to look like. The stories are what matters, but I do believe the new covers are more pleasing to the eye.
The story – When I finished reading the previous book, Breaker of Chains, I was out of my mind with the need to know how Gray, Caleb, and John would handle the situation they found themselves in. I needed this book as soon as possible, and Jordan L. Hawk didn’t make us wait too long. Thank goodness!!
At the end of Breaker of Chains, I didn’t know what would become of Caleb and Gray. Their situation was dire! I was so keyed up inside that the ease in which they escaped death was a little bit of a let down. It’s hard to say that because I don’t want in any way to make this book sound like it’s not good. It was great. And not one moment that could be considered boring. Though Gray and Caleb were rescued fairly easy, they still had to deal with a crazed, powerful drakul they used to think was their friend, SPECTR was against them, and they had no reason to hope their relationship with John could be worked out.
This story is a non stop action scene. Every time that I thought Gray and Caleb were in prime condition, something would knock them back down. Whether it was Yuri/Drugoy, or a non-human entity (NHE) that possessed some random bystander, or a corrupt SPECTR agent who would rather see them die than reveal his mistakes. It seemed like Gray and Caleb couldn’t get a break. While Yuri and his counterpart, Drugo, were damaged in some fights, they seemed like they would come out the winner at times, so needless to say, I was freaking out a bit while reading the book. Even to the end, there was some uncertainty.
I haven’t mentioned John much, so let me remedy that. John is a wonderful character. He loves both Caleb and Gray, which is good because they share a body. And up until the last book he has taken their side and backed them up at ever turn. Yuri and Drugoy did more damage than just physical to John, Caleb, and Gray. Their machinations did damage to the trust between the three main characters. John’s desire to keep the peace at his job played a part in the problems between all three of them too. He was willing to sacrifice Caleb and Gray’s happiness and (without knowing) their safety at risk in order to not make waves. John does realize his faults, though. A very mean spirited part of me wanted even more guilt from him, but ultimately I had to forgive him because he is just one of those truly good characters.
A few side characters were also important in this story. I liked Karl, an empath that helped John out. Zahira, the SPECTR agent that worked with John, Gray, and Caleb in the past is in this book and she is always a great character. I feel like her ethnicity adds more depth to the story. And she is one of the few women shown to work for the agency. And a surprise return from a character that was a supporter of Gray and Caleb, who luckily shows up just in time to help save the day. This author’s works are not only great because of the main characters, but also the ones that she surrounds them with. I always wish I could be one of them.
The end of this story has new paths and jobs in store for the group. It is calm and quiet for the most part, but I know that the author has plans for more series inside this larger series. I will miss some of the other secondary characters that made series 2 what it was, but I absolutely can’t wait to find out where Gray, Caleb, and John will go in the next book(s). For all that things seem like a happy for now, I know that this author will entertain us with a lot more action and suspense to come. I definitely can’t recommend this book or series enough.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
The cover – I don’t always talk about covers, but the author just created new ones for the series and they are worth mentioning. I liked the previous covers, but there is something cleaner about the new images. I feel like I get a better idea of what the characters are supposed to look like. The stories are what matters, but I do believe the new covers are more pleasing to the eye.
The story – When I finished reading the previous book, Breaker of Chains, I was out of my mind with the need to know how Gray, Caleb, and John would handle the situation they found themselves in. I needed this book as soon as possible, and Jordan L. Hawk didn’t make us wait too long. Thank goodness!!
At the end of Breaker of Chains, I didn’t know what would become of Caleb and Gray. Their situation was dire! I was so keyed up inside that the ease in which they escaped death was a little bit of a let down. It’s hard to say that because I don’t want in any way to make this book sound like it’s not good. It was great. And not one moment that could be considered boring. Though Gray and Caleb were rescued fairly easy, they still had to deal with a crazed, powerful drakul they used to think was their friend, SPECTR was against them, and they had no reason to hope their relationship with John could be worked out.
This story is a non stop action scene. Every time that I thought Gray and Caleb were in prime condition, something would knock them back down. Whether it was Yuri/Drugoy, or a non-human entity (NHE) that possessed some random bystander, or a corrupt SPECTR agent who would rather see them die than reveal his mistakes. It seemed like Gray and Caleb couldn’t get a break. While Yuri and his counterpart, Drugo, were damaged in some fights, they seemed like they would come out the winner at times, so needless to say, I was freaking out a bit while reading the book. Even to the end, there was some uncertainty.
I haven’t mentioned John much, so let me remedy that. John is a wonderful character. He loves both Caleb and Gray, which is good because they share a body. And up until the last book he has taken their side and backed them up at ever turn. Yuri and Drugoy did more damage than just physical to John, Caleb, and Gray. Their machinations did damage to the trust between the three main characters. John’s desire to keep the peace at his job played a part in the problems between all three of them too. He was willing to sacrifice Caleb and Gray’s happiness and (without knowing) their safety at risk in order to not make waves. John does realize his faults, though. A very mean spirited part of me wanted even more guilt from him, but ultimately I had to forgive him because he is just one of those truly good characters.
A few side characters were also important in this story. I liked Karl, an empath that helped John out. Zahira, the SPECTR agent that worked with John, Gray, and Caleb in the past is in this book and she is always a great character. I feel like her ethnicity adds more depth to the story. And she is one of the few women shown to work for the agency. And a surprise return from a character that was a supporter of Gray and Caleb, who luckily shows up just in time to help save the day. This author’s works are not only great because of the main characters, but also the ones that she surrounds them with. I always wish I could be one of them.
The end of this story has new paths and jobs in store for the group. It is calm and quiet for the most part, but I know that the author has plans for more series inside this larger series. I will miss some of the other secondary characters that made series 2 what it was, but I absolutely can’t wait to find out where Gray, Caleb, and John will go in the next book(s). For all that things seem like a happy for now, I know that this author will entertain us with a lot more action and suspense to come. I definitely can’t recommend this book or series enough.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
September 15, 2018
I'm amazed by Ms. Hawk's talent. She totally does it for me with every book I've read.
This book is low on romance but high on much needed action-adventures after previous installment that has ended in cliffhanger.
We were left with Caleb/Gray at the death door and Yuri/Drugoy(means The Other/Different in Russian) on rampage in Charleston and humans are in a mortal peril of being overtaken by NHEs Drugoy is pulling from the ethereal plain and pushing into human hosts without discrimination.
I was on the nail-biting, edge of a seat ride the entire time through the last page.
I never knew what will happen next, will Caleb/Gray get a chance to reconcile with John, who repudiated them because they drained the dirty SPECTR agent and broke the honor-code of the agency that John holds above everything else.
Will Yuri/Drugoy get rid of John and Zahira while they are vulnerable with Caleb/Gray incapacitated or will they be able to fight back with their limited paranormal skills?
Will Caleb/Gray be able to save human family they picked on the way while searching for Yuri/Dru or their efforts are futile against something that's stronger than Caleb/Gray?
There were very tender/humane moments while the action was in full speed that made this tale close and personal instead of abstract fight among alien monsters.
I'm in awe of this turn of events and can dismiss a couple of things that did not make sense.
Like why would Barillo try to destroy the only thing that stood between humanity and total destruction by Yuri/Dru? Even if he is one of Yuri's Renfields, he is still a local SPECTR director and in charge of protecting civilians against the NHEs.
Renfields are not blind followers here, they still have a mind of their own.
Why would Kaniyar let Barillo's prejudice ruin the agency's most successful partnership of field agents and alienate the most important asset they had?
Why would she interfere and save Caleb/Gray from Barillo and not let Gray feed to restore his strength first, when the means are easily available, and draw his blood later?
Leaving Caleb/Grey week and even more vulnerable when Yuri/Dru can wreck more havoc on the city and attack SPECTR headquarters is not very smart or tactically sound.
Why would Isabelle follow Yuri/Dru blindly, bomb SPECTR headquarters when she is aware that civilians are hiding there and only stopping her support when she learns that her sister was one of the victims?
Nonetheless, this book is a perfect end to the series and feels like a non-stop action movie on page.
I'm exited that series 3 are in the making and can't wait for the continuation of John and Caleb/Gray adventures.
I hope that Zahira will be appointed as their handler since she is the only one who truly cares and is able and willing to help when the need arises.
This book is low on romance but high on much needed action-adventures after previous installment that has ended in cliffhanger.
We were left with Caleb/Gray at the death door and Yuri/Drugoy(means The Other/Different in Russian) on rampage in Charleston and humans are in a mortal peril of being overtaken by NHEs Drugoy is pulling from the ethereal plain and pushing into human hosts without discrimination.
I was on the nail-biting, edge of a seat ride the entire time through the last page.
I never knew what will happen next, will Caleb/Gray get a chance to reconcile with John, who repudiated them because they drained the dirty SPECTR agent and broke the honor-code of the agency that John holds above everything else.
Will Yuri/Drugoy get rid of John and Zahira while they are vulnerable with Caleb/Gray incapacitated or will they be able to fight back with their limited paranormal skills?
Will Caleb/Gray be able to save human family they picked on the way while searching for Yuri/Dru or their efforts are futile against something that's stronger than Caleb/Gray?
There were very tender/humane moments while the action was in full speed that made this tale close and personal instead of abstract fight among alien monsters.
I'm in awe of this turn of events and can dismiss a couple of things that did not make sense.
Like why would Barillo try to destroy the only thing that stood between humanity and total destruction by Yuri/Dru? Even if he is one of Yuri's Renfields, he is still a local SPECTR director and in charge of protecting civilians against the NHEs.
Renfields are not blind followers here, they still have a mind of their own.
Why would Kaniyar let Barillo's prejudice ruin the agency's most successful partnership of field agents and alienate the most important asset they had?
Why would she interfere and save Caleb/Gray from Barillo and not let Gray feed to restore his strength first, when the means are easily available, and draw his blood later?
Leaving Caleb/Grey week and even more vulnerable when Yuri/Dru can wreck more havoc on the city and attack SPECTR headquarters is not very smart or tactically sound.
Why would Isabelle follow Yuri/Dru blindly, bomb SPECTR headquarters when she is aware that civilians are hiding there and only stopping her support when she learns that her sister was one of the victims?
Nonetheless, this book is a perfect end to the series and feels like a non-stop action movie on page.
I'm exited that series 3 are in the making and can't wait for the continuation of John and Caleb/Gray adventures.
I hope that Zahira will be appointed as their handler since she is the only one who truly cares and is able and willing to help when the need arises.
October 23, 2018
Shaker of Earth cannot be read as a standalone and the reader needs to have read the previous books in the series. The WHOLE series – One and Two.
In my review of Breaker of Chairs, I ended with the statement: Dear Ms. Hawk – please don’t make me wait a YEAR to find out what happens!
Ms. Hawk came through in less than a year AND with an installment that was fast paced, engaging, and (in my humble opinion) brought out the best in all our favorite characters.
Shaker of Earth picks up right where Breaker of Chains ends. Caleb/Gray are feeling betrayed by John’s rejection after a Massive Misunderstanding. Now, John did walk in on Gray eating Eriksson, but hey…there was a deamon involved. Still Caleb/Gray know they must take down Drugoy/Yuri before the Earth Drakul destroys everything in his quest for revenge.
John and Zahira continue to stand up for Gray in the face of fear, bigotry and sexism. John – slowly – realizes how much he was trying to put Gray into a proverbial box in an attempt to smooth over poor internal relations with SPECTR. He sincerely regrets his final words to Caleb and Gray, and only hopes he’ll have the time to make amends.
As I noted above, Shaker of Earth moves smartly along. This was almost a “read in one sitting book” for me (alas, it was late, I was tired, I fell asleep and it wasn’t the book's fault).
Plot-wise, character-wise; everything came together in a most satisfactory manner for me. The antagonists had their proverbial butts kicked, we had reconciliation, we had old favorite characters making a re-appearance (to help with butt-kicking), the humor was back, and we had farewells.
Ooo…I left that one hanging vaguely, didn’t I? Hehehehe.
My two minor complaints are: I would have liked to have seen more from Zahria. I really liked her character, her rapport with Caleb/Gray, and her attitude. I felt she was relegated to the back seat in this one, and I would have preferred to have seen her in a stronger role.
I also felt the intimate moment between John, Caleb and Gray as they were reunited at SPECTR was…off. Everyone stinks of smoke, blood and ichor, Caleb/Gray just came back from the dead, they’re on a cement floor in an exorcism room, everyone is exhausted – and they have sex. I can’t think of a more un-sexy situation or place. The scene just didn’t work for me.
Ultimately I thought this was perhaps the strongest book in Series 2 and I can see myself reading this again in the near future.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
In my review of Breaker of Chairs, I ended with the statement: Dear Ms. Hawk – please don’t make me wait a YEAR to find out what happens!
Ms. Hawk came through in less than a year AND with an installment that was fast paced, engaging, and (in my humble opinion) brought out the best in all our favorite characters.
Shaker of Earth picks up right where Breaker of Chains ends. Caleb/Gray are feeling betrayed by John’s rejection after a Massive Misunderstanding. Now, John did walk in on Gray eating Eriksson, but hey…there was a deamon involved. Still Caleb/Gray know they must take down Drugoy/Yuri before the Earth Drakul destroys everything in his quest for revenge.
John and Zahira continue to stand up for Gray in the face of fear, bigotry and sexism. John – slowly – realizes how much he was trying to put Gray into a proverbial box in an attempt to smooth over poor internal relations with SPECTR. He sincerely regrets his final words to Caleb and Gray, and only hopes he’ll have the time to make amends.
As I noted above, Shaker of Earth moves smartly along. This was almost a “read in one sitting book” for me (alas, it was late, I was tired, I fell asleep and it wasn’t the book's fault).
Plot-wise, character-wise; everything came together in a most satisfactory manner for me. The antagonists had their proverbial butts kicked, we had reconciliation, we had old favorite characters making a re-appearance (to help with butt-kicking), the humor was back, and we had farewells.
Ooo…I left that one hanging vaguely, didn’t I? Hehehehe.
My two minor complaints are: I would have liked to have seen more from Zahria. I really liked her character, her rapport with Caleb/Gray, and her attitude. I felt she was relegated to the back seat in this one, and I would have preferred to have seen her in a stronger role.
I also felt the intimate moment between John, Caleb and Gray as they were reunited at SPECTR was…off. Everyone stinks of smoke, blood and ichor, Caleb/Gray just came back from the dead, they’re on a cement floor in an exorcism room, everyone is exhausted – and they have sex. I can’t think of a more un-sexy situation or place. The scene just didn’t work for me.
Ultimately I thought this was perhaps the strongest book in Series 2 and I can see myself reading this again in the near future.
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
October 4, 2019
This was a brilliant conclusion, with near-nonstop excitement. At least four stars, despite the painful doubt that comes between our leads for a while. Since I thought that the boxed set, SPECTR: The Complete Second Series, where I read these stories, wasn't on Goodreads yet, I decided to paste my review of Series 2 as a whole here on S2-#5.
Another excellent story-arc from JLH, filled with excitement, suspense, and emotion.
I posted individual Goodreads reviews of S2-#1–S2-#4, and plan to do the same for #5, but here's my overview. This boxed set wasn't yet listed on GR when I last checked (a few hours ago), so I guess this review will be just on Amazon for the moment.
There's a lot of thrilling action, but also so much more, enriching the stories. I went down maybe half a star because (A) book 4 of 5 is one screaming humdinger of a cliffhanger, and (B) our guys spend too much time hiding things from each other, despite their deep and passionate love.
Nevertheless, it's very plausible and sympathetic, given the complicated circumstances they find themselves in. Caleb and Gray chafe under the restrictions placed on them, so when they finally meet a pair like themselves (not until the third book, BTW), it's natural that they'd leap at the chance to spend time with someone who understands. Only maybe Yuri and Drugoy don't appreciate mortals and the ephemeral joys of the world the way Gray has come to do, nor the ethical obligations Caleb reluctantly realizes he now believes in.
There are several changes throughout this set, at work and in their personal lives. New supporting characters and human antagonists are introduced. New types of demonic non-humans, from different mythological traditions, prove challenging in the first couple novellas/short novels. Then their world, and eventually all of Charleston, is turned upside down, including a painful estrangement between John and his lovers.
I'll give a semi-spoiler, though, and reassure you that these books may have gory violence, but they don't leave readers with a romantic tragedy: the ending is a hopeful one.
Now I'm back to the agonizing wait for the *next* series to be complete — though if there's a two-halves option again, without a cliffhanger ending the first section, I may do that next time.
Another excellent story-arc from JLH, filled with excitement, suspense, and emotion.
I posted individual Goodreads reviews of S2-#1–S2-#4, and plan to do the same for #5, but here's my overview. This boxed set wasn't yet listed on GR when I last checked (a few hours ago), so I guess this review will be just on Amazon for the moment.
There's a lot of thrilling action, but also so much more, enriching the stories. I went down maybe half a star because (A) book 4 of 5 is one screaming humdinger of a cliffhanger, and (B) our guys spend too much time hiding things from each other, despite their deep and passionate love.
Nevertheless, it's very plausible and sympathetic, given the complicated circumstances they find themselves in. Caleb and Gray chafe under the restrictions placed on them, so when they finally meet a pair like themselves (not until the third book, BTW), it's natural that they'd leap at the chance to spend time with someone who understands. Only maybe Yuri and Drugoy don't appreciate mortals and the ephemeral joys of the world the way Gray has come to do, nor the ethical obligations Caleb reluctantly realizes he now believes in.
There are several changes throughout this set, at work and in their personal lives. New supporting characters and human antagonists are introduced. New types of demonic non-humans, from different mythological traditions, prove challenging in the first couple novellas/short novels. Then their world, and eventually all of Charleston, is turned upside down, including a painful estrangement between John and his lovers.
I'll give a semi-spoiler, though, and reassure you that these books may have gory violence, but they don't leave readers with a romantic tragedy: the ending is a hopeful one.
Now I'm back to the agonizing wait for the *next* series to be complete — though if there's a two-halves option again, without a cliffhanger ending the first section, I may do that next time.
November 16, 2019
An amazing ending to this most recent arc of stories for SPECTR and our favourite agents!
In many a way this series has been even harder on Caleb, Grey, and John. Caleb has been slowly trying to build a life again and has had it systematically ripped away by Yuri machinations until he has been left feeling alone and trapped. Grey has stayed for his two loves but is confused by the human actions and feels trapped by all of the human expectations and the need to stay in one place following orders. John has seen his work family slip away and now has had his trust shattered in the two men he thought he could always trust. It has battered and beaten them, and the question was whether or not they had finally been broken.
Caleb and Grey have lost the love of their life but they can't let Charleston burn. Through their pain (both emotional and physical) they are still determined to find and stop Yuri and Drugoy. It makes the two of them truly consider who they are and how they have changed in their time together and in their time with John. Yuri and Drugoy see nothing wrong with using humans and discarding them, but despite being the same Caleb and Grey don't feel way. As they try to consider surviving past this incident it makes a question for what it means for them moving forward.
John was shattered by the incident at the end of the last story, but still not ready to turn in Caleb and Grey. It felt a culmination of all he had been warned of, the men that he loved going off the rails with drinking blood all while leaving John for someone more like them. That fear had him lashing out at them. In the aftermath, learning of what had happened with Yuri and Drugoy as well as the attempt on their life he now regrets all that happened. Yet the two men are gone and Charleston is burning, so there may be no chance to reconcile with each other.
All the initial hope of the ending of the first series seems to be burning in this last book. Betrayal of SPECTR, or Yuri, of yet another drakul shows that this is not the way that works for these men. Finding a solution for all of the problems seems impossible but the most important thing is to mend what has been broken in the relationships and work from there. Many changes mark this and the slow recovery depends on first stopping Yuri and Drugoy to find a way beyond all that has been lost.
In many a way this series has been even harder on Caleb, Grey, and John. Caleb has been slowly trying to build a life again and has had it systematically ripped away by Yuri machinations until he has been left feeling alone and trapped. Grey has stayed for his two loves but is confused by the human actions and feels trapped by all of the human expectations and the need to stay in one place following orders. John has seen his work family slip away and now has had his trust shattered in the two men he thought he could always trust. It has battered and beaten them, and the question was whether or not they had finally been broken.
Caleb and Grey have lost the love of their life but they can't let Charleston burn. Through their pain (both emotional and physical) they are still determined to find and stop Yuri and Drugoy. It makes the two of them truly consider who they are and how they have changed in their time together and in their time with John. Yuri and Drugoy see nothing wrong with using humans and discarding them, but despite being the same Caleb and Grey don't feel way. As they try to consider surviving past this incident it makes a question for what it means for them moving forward.
John was shattered by the incident at the end of the last story, but still not ready to turn in Caleb and Grey. It felt a culmination of all he had been warned of, the men that he loved going off the rails with drinking blood all while leaving John for someone more like them. That fear had him lashing out at them. In the aftermath, learning of what had happened with Yuri and Drugoy as well as the attempt on their life he now regrets all that happened. Yet the two men are gone and Charleston is burning, so there may be no chance to reconcile with each other.
All the initial hope of the ending of the first series seems to be burning in this last book. Betrayal of SPECTR, or Yuri, of yet another drakul shows that this is not the way that works for these men. Finding a solution for all of the problems seems impossible but the most important thing is to mend what has been broken in the relationships and work from there. Many changes mark this and the slow recovery depends on first stopping Yuri and Drugoy to find a way beyond all that has been lost.
April 13, 2021
Well that's a wrap up for you. Pretty good also.
I didn't love this like the first 2 book in this second series because it had the come to a "battles to end all battles", and those battle came a few times, which we've seen before in SPECTR 1. I was actually expecting something like this here too. Along with these, there is a little down time where we get a little vindication, of course, for which we've been waiting for the last 2 books. So there is a predictability factor for one, though it is done in a different way this time around and has a different cause for certain.
So the enjoyment is all about the cause which we have been seeing coming for a while and so we wonder how is it going to go down and what explanation will we get. I think it was pretty well reasoned That both John and Caleb question the other's trust was well done also. Put in a couple, just a couple hot erotic scenes and it carries the rest of story.
So if that was it, a predictability on general plot, I would have given it a 5 but... there were two glaring irritations for me. 1. and 2. If Caleb is down, and we have a unstoppable force, That pretty much stopped me from being able to love this. Don't get me wrong it is really good and the ending is great as it is wrapped up (again) for John and Caleb. I'm really happy with the direction, for the time being.
4 solid
I didn't love this like the first 2 book in this second series because it had the come to a "battles to end all battles", and those battle came a few times, which we've seen before in SPECTR 1. I was actually expecting something like this here too. Along with these, there is a little down time where we get a little vindication, of course, for which we've been waiting for the last 2 books. So there is a predictability factor for one, though it is done in a different way this time around and has a different cause for certain.
So the enjoyment is all about the cause which we have been seeing coming for a while and so we wonder how is it going to go down and what explanation will we get. I think it was pretty well reasoned That both John and Caleb question the other's trust was well done also. Put in a couple, just a couple hot erotic scenes and it carries the rest of story.
So if that was it, a predictability on general plot, I would have given it a 5 but... there were two glaring irritations for me. 1. and 2. If Caleb is down, and we have a unstoppable force, That pretty much stopped me from being able to love this. Don't get me wrong it is really good and the ending is great as it is wrapped up (again) for John and Caleb. I'm really happy with the direction, for the time being.
4 solid
August 23, 2018
4.5 rounded up for this one, I think. I enjoyed it, and there was a lot of action-adventure, but there was also a sex scene sandwiched in there at an unlikely time, considering the protagonists' low levels of energy and lack of sleep at that point. A number of loose ends/plot threads were tied up nicely, but there's the promise that there will still be plenty of adventures for Caleb/Gray and John to get into in the third series.
I felt like there was some "this person has to do this in this order to move the plot along" but I also felt like in general the more familiar characters acted and reacted in the ways one would expect, given their personalities. Some of the SPECTR personnel who are usually more in the background showed bits of their inner lives, and I could picture them going along having their own lives and doing their own things outside of work.
There was some character growth for Caleb (and Gray), in realizing the value of human life. There was also character growth for John, in realizing that he'd been trying to turn Caleb/Gray into an office worker who could put up with a very bad boss and some evil coworkers. John belatedly realized that he shouldn't have tried to do that and should have listened to Caleb and Gray about how that kind of existence was no good for them. (Not a good environment for anyone, really, but particularly not something Caleb/Gray were suited for.)
In one novella, Caleb/Gray kept getting the equivalent of the sort of damage Wolverine would get every few issues in the "Uncanny X-Men" comic books. (I read them in the 1980s.)
There wasn't a whole lot of time for the core characters to do processing of their various emotional issues with each other, but they got their feelings across to each other and figured out what each person and/or entity had been thinking about the situations. There was a good bit of "I was mad/hurt, but now I understand better and will process it all at another time -- if I survive -- because we've got to kill monsters now." The emotional arcs weren't particularly subtle, but the action-adventure aspects of the novella were at the forefront as far as dramatic things happening.
I read an Patreon ARC of the story, but was not obligated to review it.
I felt like there was some "this person has to do this in this order to move the plot along" but I also felt like in general the more familiar characters acted and reacted in the ways one would expect, given their personalities. Some of the SPECTR personnel who are usually more in the background showed bits of their inner lives, and I could picture them going along having their own lives and doing their own things outside of work.
There was some character growth for Caleb (and Gray), in realizing the value of human life. There was also character growth for John, in realizing that he'd been trying to turn Caleb/Gray into an office worker who could put up with a very bad boss and some evil coworkers. John belatedly realized that he shouldn't have tried to do that and should have listened to Caleb and Gray about how that kind of existence was no good for them. (Not a good environment for anyone, really, but particularly not something Caleb/Gray were suited for.)
In one novella, Caleb/Gray kept getting the equivalent of the sort of damage Wolverine would get every few issues in the "Uncanny X-Men" comic books. (I read them in the 1980s.)
There wasn't a whole lot of time for the core characters to do processing of their various emotional issues with each other, but they got their feelings across to each other and figured out what each person and/or entity had been thinking about the situations. There was a good bit of "I was mad/hurt, but now I understand better and will process it all at another time -- if I survive -- because we've got to kill monsters now." The emotional arcs weren't particularly subtle, but the action-adventure aspects of the novella were at the forefront as far as dramatic things happening.
I read an Patreon ARC of the story, but was not obligated to review it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
Aaaahhhh - we start with the boys at their lowest ebb. Betrayal upon betrayal. John has told them he doesn’t want to see them again after witnessing them kill another agent. They tried to fight Drugoi and lost. And he left them staked and chained. But Drugoi wants Grey to see the destruction he has wrought for him, so he doesn’t entirely kill the other drakul.
Big mistake.
Meanwhile Yuri is an exorcist; it’s a fearsome combination. An exorcist who can pull creatures through the veil and feed them to his drakul other half. No wonder he survived so long encased in the concrete trap. He starts dragging NHE in and stuffing them into human bodies.
And of course, it is Grey’s ability to value life and humans that makes all the difference. He values his people: John and Zahira and would never hurt them.
As the city burns, Caleb/Grey rescue an Indian family. They follow him along like ducklings asking him painful questions… ‘do you have a love you follow over the centuries?’ the teen girl asks him. Grey says yes, and it’s John, not Drugoi. [ha! Take that, evil dude]
John, conflicted is starting to put all the pieces together and knows how much SPECTR, their boss, and John have not valued Grey properly, not as an asset and not as a partner.
This one just hurt.
And already two episodes into series 3 *rubs hands* bring it on.
5 stars
Big mistake.
Meanwhile Yuri is an exorcist; it’s a fearsome combination. An exorcist who can pull creatures through the veil and feed them to his drakul other half. No wonder he survived so long encased in the concrete trap. He starts dragging NHE in and stuffing them into human bodies.
And of course, it is Grey’s ability to value life and humans that makes all the difference. He values his people: John and Zahira and would never hurt them.
As the city burns, Caleb/Grey rescue an Indian family. They follow him along like ducklings asking him painful questions… ‘do you have a love you follow over the centuries?’ the teen girl asks him. Grey says yes, and it’s John, not Drugoi. [ha! Take that, evil dude]
John, conflicted is starting to put all the pieces together and knows how much SPECTR, their boss, and John have not valued Grey properly, not as an asset and not as a partner.
This one just hurt.
And already two episodes into series 3 *rubs hands* bring it on.
5 stars
December 29, 2022
3.5 stars. M/M (effectively M/M/M) paranormal romance series.
This the final book in the story arc for series 2.
I have mixed feelings about this one. Everything that was meticulously been building up over at least the last 2 books was hastily swept away.
There are a few of glaring plot holes that I can’t get past: 1) how can Kaniyar not protect her ‘most valuable’ asset all along? I get that John dropped the ball but she fucked up with her choice and didn’t even bother to do something as basic as spy to ensure things are under control! 2) why would Yuri let things get this far?! There is no way that such open confrontation is an intelligent move by someone who can spin such intricate webs and not consider the type of wrath it would elicit from any and all governments. 3) how can Caleb and Gray who had barely recovered fall again so quickly in line especially with an order that will hobble them even more?!!
I don’t think it was necessary to torch everything just to set up for series 3. Frankly a setup that should have been from day 1 in this series!!!
This the final book in the story arc for series 2.
I have mixed feelings about this one. Everything that was meticulously been building up over at least the last 2 books was hastily swept away.
There are a few of glaring plot holes that I can’t get past: 1) how can Kaniyar not protect her ‘most valuable’ asset all along? I get that John dropped the ball but she fucked up with her choice and didn’t even bother to do something as basic as spy to ensure things are under control! 2) why would Yuri let things get this far?! There is no way that such open confrontation is an intelligent move by someone who can spin such intricate webs and not consider the type of wrath it would elicit from any and all governments. 3) how can Caleb and Gray who had barely recovered fall again so quickly in line especially with an order that will hobble them even more?!!
I don’t think it was necessary to torch everything just to set up for series 3. Frankly a setup that should have been from day 1 in this series!!!
September 5, 2018
After the events of ‘Breaker of Chains’, I honestly had no idea how Gray, Caleb, and John would be able to come back together as a team or honestly even how they’d survive.
I am always surprised at the twists and turns the SPECTR books take and this was no exception. The characters really help drive the story forward to the breathtaking climax of the second series.
I was thrilled to see a few old favorite characters back for the end of this story and finally getting some closure on Barillo. Talk about a character I loved to hate.
I’m trying to review without spoilers while also trying to come back down from the emotional rollercoaster this story sent me on. This series is one of my all-time favorites and Jordan L Hawk continues to outdo themself with every book and I’m eagerly awaiting the start of series 3!
I am always surprised at the twists and turns the SPECTR books take and this was no exception. The characters really help drive the story forward to the breathtaking climax of the second series.
I was thrilled to see a few old favorite characters back for the end of this story and finally getting some closure on Barillo. Talk about a character I loved to hate.
I’m trying to review without spoilers while also trying to come back down from the emotional rollercoaster this story sent me on. This series is one of my all-time favorites and Jordan L Hawk continues to outdo themself with every book and I’m eagerly awaiting the start of series 3!
June 1, 2019
So most of my feelings about the first series still apply: I don't like xeno and I wasn't convinced by either of John's relationships. But the sex-to-plot proportion I found way more to my taste in the second series than the first. I don't know though; I kind of wanted Caleb-and-Gray to go off with Yuri-and-Drugoy for a bit; why did they have to be so over-the-top evil? I liked Zahira, but I guess we're sort of done with her? And I liked Deacon a lot too -- honestly, I liked pretty much anyone who wasn't John. I will certainly read the third series as well when it's complete, but this remains not-my-favorite of the author's work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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