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Jak & Leander #2
Weapons & Wonders
Working on a military contract isn’t what Jak wanted, but he tries to look on the bright side. Enchanting several mechanical dragons is an exciting prospect, and more importantly, the project allows him to stay close to Leander. They’re even living together, but making excuses for it to Leander’s family and everyone else. Jak knows society is unaccepting, but he’s growing increasingly frustrated at the need to hide their relationship.
Leander still can’t believe flirty, popular Jak chose him. Their romantic partnership is unlike anything he’s experienced before, and a small part of Leander is worried Jak will grow tired of him.
When plans for the newest dragon go missing, suspicion falls on Jak, and Leander is terrified his lover will be taken from him. Then sabotage strikes the project, and it becomes clear a spy is in their midst. Far worse things are on the horizon, and this time Jak can’t run away. To keep Leander and his family safe, Jak is forced to make a terrible choice.
Leander still can’t believe flirty, popular Jak chose him. Their romantic partnership is unlike anything he’s experienced before, and a small part of Leander is worried Jak will grow tired of him.
When plans for the newest dragon go missing, suspicion falls on Jak, and Leander is terrified his lover will be taken from him. Then sabotage strikes the project, and it becomes clear a spy is in their midst. Far worse things are on the horizon, and this time Jak can’t run away. To keep Leander and his family safe, Jak is forced to make a terrible choice.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
25 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Devin Harnois
27 books82 followersDevin Harnois has several published novels and he’d have more if he spent less time on Twitter and playing Dragon Age. Most of his books involve magic, monsters, and hope. They're also getting progressively more queer. He collects skull items and only a strong will prevents his apartment from being overrun by them.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
In second grade he wrote his first story, a romance about two mice falling in love. He still has the original draft.
Devin lives in Minneapolis.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 4, 2020
Practically Perfect in Every Way!
I absolutely ADORED book one of this series and this 2nd book just took off and flew! Well the spirit-animated clockwork dragons did anyway! The author added to his world-building from book one and perfectly balanced the fantasy and romance aspects of this book. I love that Leander is growing and getting braver, (Jak is rubbing off on him self confidence-wise and of course LITERALLY! LOL) Even though they are an "established couple" the heat between them is still SCORCHING HOT! Norrington is a hoot! I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next!
I absolutely ADORED book one of this series and this 2nd book just took off and flew! Well the spirit-animated clockwork dragons did anyway! The author added to his world-building from book one and perfectly balanced the fantasy and romance aspects of this book. I love that Leander is growing and getting braver, (Jak is rubbing off on him self confidence-wise and of course LITERALLY! LOL) Even though they are an "established couple" the heat between them is still SCORCHING HOT! Norrington is a hoot! I can't wait to see where the author takes this series next!
May 13, 2020
To begin, I do recommend reading ‘Mages & Mechanisms’ first, as ‘Weapons & Wonders’ picks up right where book one leaves off. Jak and Leader are now employed full-time – albeit by the government, they have the protection of the baroness, and Leander’s family is financially secure. However, it’s during the move from the baroness’s mansion to their own newly built house on her estate that things begin to go awry.
Many of my observations from book one still stand – I continue to enjoy the steampunk aspect and the balance between magic and science. Where book two differentiates itself from book one, is a stronger emphasis on Jak’s magical abilities. In this installment, Jak is engaging in university-sanctioned duels, he has set up a practice ring on the baroness’s grounds, and there are more magical descriptions between duels and enchanting the dragons. So more magic, fewer mechanisms.
The plot is a mystery around who stole the plans for the dragons. I thought this became buried in the secondary plot of Jak and Leander’s continuing romance and would have liked to have seen the two subjects flipped. For myself, Leander seemed to spend and inordinate amount of time worrying about his status in society, his family’s status in society, and his relationship with Jak. I wanted to gently nudge the author and say, “I got it! He’s worried! Let’s find the plans for the dragons!”
I did note that there seemed to be more description of “steampunk” in this one – from a worker discussing gearing with Leander, to the magical gizmos on Jak’s and Amelia’s clothes at the university ball. I really like small touches like that to help make the world of steampunk pop!
Overall, an engaging second installment in a series that continues the romance between Jak and Leander, explores Jak’s magical abilities, brings to life some beautiful dragons, and entertains a light mystery while keeping in the theme of Regency and science fiction that is steampunk.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Many of my observations from book one still stand – I continue to enjoy the steampunk aspect and the balance between magic and science. Where book two differentiates itself from book one, is a stronger emphasis on Jak’s magical abilities. In this installment, Jak is engaging in university-sanctioned duels, he has set up a practice ring on the baroness’s grounds, and there are more magical descriptions between duels and enchanting the dragons. So more magic, fewer mechanisms.
The plot is a mystery around who stole the plans for the dragons. I thought this became buried in the secondary plot of Jak and Leander’s continuing romance and would have liked to have seen the two subjects flipped. For myself, Leander seemed to spend and inordinate amount of time worrying about his status in society, his family’s status in society, and his relationship with Jak. I wanted to gently nudge the author and say, “I got it! He’s worried! Let’s find the plans for the dragons!”
I did note that there seemed to be more description of “steampunk” in this one – from a worker discussing gearing with Leander, to the magical gizmos on Jak’s and Amelia’s clothes at the university ball. I really like small touches like that to help make the world of steampunk pop!
Overall, an engaging second installment in a series that continues the romance between Jak and Leander, explores Jak’s magical abilities, brings to life some beautiful dragons, and entertains a light mystery while keeping in the theme of Regency and science fiction that is steampunk.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 8, 2020
What's more exciting than one steampunk dragon? Well several steampunk dragons of course...
or at least it is as far as Jak and Leander are concerned...except when those dragons are being created to use as weapons in a war.
When Jak and Leander formed their partnership to create enchanted pets for people neither of them ever envisioned a dragon being among their creations but that's exactly what happened in "Mages & Mechanisms" book one of Devin Harnois's series "Jak & Leander" and now here in "Weapons & Wonders" Jak and Leander find themselves tied to a military contract to create not one but six enchanted, mechanical dragons and they also soon discover that not only do others want their plans for the dragons but the limits that they'll go to in order to stop Jak and Leander from creating them are not only dangerous but could be down right deadly.
I definitely enjoyed this second book in the 'Jak & Leander' series more than the previous book and I think for me it was due mostly to the fact that at times the story seemed to be a bit more focused on the mystery and intrigue surrounding the dragons that Jak and Leander have been contracted to create for the military and at this point in Jak & Leander's relationship having the focus off of their personal relationship for a bit just seemed right. I honestly felt like it would have been like watching a lot of gears spinning if this hadn't been the case...however, there were still times when the focus of the story clearly shifted to bring Jake and Leander back into the spotlight for a bit and I very much enjoyed those times as well, especially towards the end when the changes and growth that they were each making individually and as a couple was more evident.
Along with the intrigue of stolen dragon plans and sabotage to their workshop where they were creating the new dragons there were some minor plot lines that created a bit of additional interest in the story without taking the story over or making things unnecessarily confusing.
The dragons are definitely one of my favorite things in these stories. I admit it I'm quite enchanted with the idea of a magically enchanted, mechanical dragon and I really, really like how Jak goes about finding a spirit to enchant the dragon. This along with the glimpses of each dragon's unique personality...which I think would readily lend itself to a story or two that was maybe a bit more dragon focused...just a suggestion from a dragon loving reader.
So, while I may not be quite as enthusiastic about this series as I had expected to be. Neither am I anywhere close to wanting to give up. The writing is good and there are still so many things that could be explored in this steampunk world that I've got my fingers crossed that the author has at least one or two more stories planned for Jak & Leander.
After all I did like the first story and I've enjoyed this one even more so I'm thinking that things are getting better and it's too soon to give up on Jak and Leander or their enchanted mechanical dragons...especially if there're more dragons to come.
*************************
An ARC of " Weapons & Wonder" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
or at least it is as far as Jak and Leander are concerned...except when those dragons are being created to use as weapons in a war.
When Jak and Leander formed their partnership to create enchanted pets for people neither of them ever envisioned a dragon being among their creations but that's exactly what happened in "Mages & Mechanisms" book one of Devin Harnois's series "Jak & Leander" and now here in "Weapons & Wonders" Jak and Leander find themselves tied to a military contract to create not one but six enchanted, mechanical dragons and they also soon discover that not only do others want their plans for the dragons but the limits that they'll go to in order to stop Jak and Leander from creating them are not only dangerous but could be down right deadly.
I definitely enjoyed this second book in the 'Jak & Leander' series more than the previous book and I think for me it was due mostly to the fact that at times the story seemed to be a bit more focused on the mystery and intrigue surrounding the dragons that Jak and Leander have been contracted to create for the military and at this point in Jak & Leander's relationship having the focus off of their personal relationship for a bit just seemed right. I honestly felt like it would have been like watching a lot of gears spinning if this hadn't been the case...however, there were still times when the focus of the story clearly shifted to bring Jake and Leander back into the spotlight for a bit and I very much enjoyed those times as well, especially towards the end when the changes and growth that they were each making individually and as a couple was more evident.
Along with the intrigue of stolen dragon plans and sabotage to their workshop where they were creating the new dragons there were some minor plot lines that created a bit of additional interest in the story without taking the story over or making things unnecessarily confusing.
The dragons are definitely one of my favorite things in these stories. I admit it I'm quite enchanted with the idea of a magically enchanted, mechanical dragon and I really, really like how Jak goes about finding a spirit to enchant the dragon. This along with the glimpses of each dragon's unique personality...which I think would readily lend itself to a story or two that was maybe a bit more dragon focused...just a suggestion from a dragon loving reader.
So, while I may not be quite as enthusiastic about this series as I had expected to be. Neither am I anywhere close to wanting to give up. The writing is good and there are still so many things that could be explored in this steampunk world that I've got my fingers crossed that the author has at least one or two more stories planned for Jak & Leander.
After all I did like the first story and I've enjoyed this one even more so I'm thinking that things are getting better and it's too soon to give up on Jak and Leander or their enchanted mechanical dragons...especially if there're more dragons to come.
*************************
An ARC of " Weapons & Wonder" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
I wish the mystery/intrigue regarding the stolen building/engineering plans had more substance to them. There was only one significant battle/engagement involving the mechanical dragons toward the end and the threat/drama levels regarding accusations of espionage were played down to such a degree that I can only consider this as fantasy extra-lite with a heavy emphasis toward M-M romance/sex. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
August 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this, the world building is wonderful as are Jak and Leander. The dragons are so cool! I love Leander's family and their growing circle of friends. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series and I am looking forward to reading more from this author overall.
May 12, 2020
I really am enjoying this series for several reasons. Although I’m not a huge fan of steampunk, I do often enjoy it, if it’s done right. I enjoy the way things work, like the inner workings of a clock from back in the day. Nowadays, it’s so much easier, but the intricate work that went into things back then and even some things now, is incredible. And I love to see the way other people interpret that. And I really think Devin has hit it out of the park with this series.
Leander wanted nothing more than to up the class of his family and help bring them a better life. And since he’s met Jak, they’ve definitely moved up in the world. Being the first to invent some of the things they have, they not only have the money for making these pieces, but the infamy that comes with it. But it’s harder for Leander, because he’s not as good with people as Jak is, and he’s terrified their relationship could hurt his family in the long run. But he’s also terrified he will lose Jak because they have to stay so closeted. But now things are getting worse in other ways. Someone is stealing their designs for what they are making for the military and they are very quick to try to point the finger at Jak. And now someone has tried to kill them and destroy the project they are working on. With danger lurking at every turn, Jak and Leander have to learn to navigate things in a way that they both can be happy and in a way that no one else gets hurt.
I hate that people are not accepting of those relationships that are different. It drives me bonkers. It’s so stupid. People should be free to love who they want, without repercussions. And we think it’s bad today, imagine what it was like back then. When your life could literally be on the line. Or the lives of your family. It’s not a whole lot better nowadays, but at least in some ways it is. Not many, sad to say. But what I love about Jak is that even though it hurts him at times to have to hide, he’s not willing to give Leander up. He doesn’t understand the conservative way Leander is. He never will. Not that he begrudges Leander. He loves him, and that’s obvious in all they do. But Jak is a free spirit. Always has been. He doesn’t care if you’re man or woman, he’s interested in you for who you are. Which is how it should be. But for Leander, it’s harder because of his family. The scandal could desperately hurt his family and their status, making them paupers or beggars. And he doesn’t want that for them. But any relationship is about compromise. And Leander is finally learning to compromise a bit. Learning to open up a bit more to those he knows he can trust with their secret. So he doesn’t feel like he’s letting Jak down.
I love too, how hard they work together. And how well. Yeah, Jak can be a bit of a wild child, but they work so seamlessly together. With the creations they’ve come up with, it’s been fascinating to see how they create what they do. It’s been amazing. And I love how the author had them working together to do what they are.
It’s truly a fascinating series. I recommend it so much.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Leander wanted nothing more than to up the class of his family and help bring them a better life. And since he’s met Jak, they’ve definitely moved up in the world. Being the first to invent some of the things they have, they not only have the money for making these pieces, but the infamy that comes with it. But it’s harder for Leander, because he’s not as good with people as Jak is, and he’s terrified their relationship could hurt his family in the long run. But he’s also terrified he will lose Jak because they have to stay so closeted. But now things are getting worse in other ways. Someone is stealing their designs for what they are making for the military and they are very quick to try to point the finger at Jak. And now someone has tried to kill them and destroy the project they are working on. With danger lurking at every turn, Jak and Leander have to learn to navigate things in a way that they both can be happy and in a way that no one else gets hurt.
I hate that people are not accepting of those relationships that are different. It drives me bonkers. It’s so stupid. People should be free to love who they want, without repercussions. And we think it’s bad today, imagine what it was like back then. When your life could literally be on the line. Or the lives of your family. It’s not a whole lot better nowadays, but at least in some ways it is. Not many, sad to say. But what I love about Jak is that even though it hurts him at times to have to hide, he’s not willing to give Leander up. He doesn’t understand the conservative way Leander is. He never will. Not that he begrudges Leander. He loves him, and that’s obvious in all they do. But Jak is a free spirit. Always has been. He doesn’t care if you’re man or woman, he’s interested in you for who you are. Which is how it should be. But for Leander, it’s harder because of his family. The scandal could desperately hurt his family and their status, making them paupers or beggars. And he doesn’t want that for them. But any relationship is about compromise. And Leander is finally learning to compromise a bit. Learning to open up a bit more to those he knows he can trust with their secret. So he doesn’t feel like he’s letting Jak down.
I love too, how hard they work together. And how well. Yeah, Jak can be a bit of a wild child, but they work so seamlessly together. With the creations they’ve come up with, it’s been fascinating to see how they create what they do. It’s been amazing. And I love how the author had them working together to do what they are.
It’s truly a fascinating series. I recommend it so much.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
August 24, 2020
Better than the first: about GR 3.7, Amazon 4.2. A quick read with action and romance
Read via KU borrow, but I definitely liked this one more than the first (which I bought while free): more dragons (each with their own personality), more honesty and sweet emotion (I'm even warming more to the somewhat spoiled Baroness), a bit of whodunnit (spying and sabotage — luckily w/o any fatalities), and a dramatic action climax (followed by a satisfying denouement). Leander even finally gets past most of his insecurity.
Really, the only quibble I had was re. the section where Jak enchants the third dragon. It's told from Leander's PoV, unlike both prior experiences, but it didn't quite work for me. We didn't get to see what Sage's spirit was like pre-embodiment, and the spectator narration felt a bit flat and redundant, with Leander just thinking over what we already knew about Jak's non-coercive methods, as if Wind Dancer's enchantment hadn't just happened earlier in this very book. Still, that's hardly an egregious flaw.
I didn't spot ANY proofreading errors.
Oh, perhaps I should mention that the last 4% is an excerpt from the author's unrelated M/M fantasy _Shadowmancer_ again.
I'll be watching for a sale to buy it for my own, for reread sometime. It's got another fine cover, btw, which may be superficial, but does make me more eager to have it adorning my virtual shelves.
Read via KU borrow, but I definitely liked this one more than the first (which I bought while free): more dragons (each with their own personality), more honesty and sweet emotion (I'm even warming more to the somewhat spoiled Baroness), a bit of whodunnit (spying and sabotage — luckily w/o any fatalities), and a dramatic action climax (followed by a satisfying denouement). Leander even finally gets past most of his insecurity.
Really, the only quibble I had was re. the section where Jak enchants the third dragon. It's told from Leander's PoV, unlike both prior experiences, but it didn't quite work for me. We didn't get to see what Sage's spirit was like pre-embodiment, and the spectator narration felt a bit flat and redundant, with Leander just thinking over what we already knew about Jak's non-coercive methods, as if Wind Dancer's enchantment hadn't just happened earlier in this very book. Still, that's hardly an egregious flaw.
I didn't spot ANY proofreading errors.
Oh, perhaps I should mention that the last 4% is an excerpt from the author's unrelated M/M fantasy _Shadowmancer_ again.
I'll be watching for a sale to buy it for my own, for reread sometime. It's got another fine cover, btw, which may be superficial, but does make me more eager to have it adorning my virtual shelves.
May 25, 2020
I think I liked the first story just a little better than this one, but still an excellent sequel to Mages & Mechanisms. Jak is a little more settled into life in this restrictive country here, but Leander is still very much afraid of anyone finding out about their relationship. There are a few lovely places where he finds unexpected family, which helps to calm some of his fears. Also, mechanical dragons inhabited by powerful spirits makes me think of The Legend of Korra. Just saying...
May 18, 2020
Jak and Leander return in this second book now under military contract to build intelligent mechanical dragon for the protection of the nation. Jak fights to come to terms with his past when he's invited to a dinner at the magical university and Leander demands to remain closeted for the protection of his family. Two new dragons are in the process of being built, and there is a spy amongst the workers. Drama, romance, and a few sweet moments between the "who done it." An interesting steampunk world with a bit of intrigue and a bevy of flirting.
October 15, 2020
It was a nice follow-up to the collaboration between a nervous mechanical toymaker (Leander) and a flashy wizard (Jak). Leaner still worries about repercussions to himself and his family if his sexual relationship with Jak is revealed. The two get a new commission to build dragon weapons for the military, but there's theft and sabotage. Jak enjoys showing off his fighting prowess. Leander still hasn't come out to his family, but is beginning to loosen up just a bit.
July 28, 2020
The only thing better than a great series opener is an equally good sequel. Loved seeing Jak and Leander's relationship develop (albeit slooowly - Did I want to shout at both of them at various times? You bet. But hey, we're getting somewhere, so it's all good.), and getting to see the dragons in action was awesome. Definitely hoping to see a lot more from this world in future.
October 14, 2020
Highly entertaining and a good follow up to book 1. I especially liked the moral dilemma Jak was facing and the way he became a much better human being and not just an opportunist his character was portrayed in the first book.
I was a bit annoyed with Leander but I can understand his fears to hurt his family in any way.
I'm impressed and looking forward to read other books by this author.
I was a bit annoyed with Leander but I can understand his fears to hurt his family in any way.
I'm impressed and looking forward to read other books by this author.
May 15, 2020
this is really interesting... intriquing and curious.. it keeps me guessing which is a lot of fun. i enjoy the characters and their stories.. i like this series a lot and cant wait to see what happens next
May 27, 2020
I didn't quite enjoy this as much as I did the first one, I'm not sure if it was just my mood or the book itself, but I did like it enough that I'll still happily read further books with these characters or just set in this world.
June 26, 2020
A good sequel
My only complaint about this is that Lee's inability to loosen up. I see that it is changing, but he starts to appear whiny about it. Jak is awesome as always and the Baroness is growing on me. Looking forward to more.
My only complaint about this is that Lee's inability to loosen up. I see that it is changing, but he starts to appear whiny about it. Jak is awesome as always and the Baroness is growing on me. Looking forward to more.
February 21, 2021
Just as much fun as the first but more satisfying because you know the characters better. I didn't love that the solution to the mystery felt so perfunctory, but it made sense, so it's a minor annoyance rather than a real complaint.
December 6, 2020
Dragons!
I enjoyed the dragons but spots were a little slow. Overall a good story and I’ll pickup the next in series when it comes out!
I enjoyed the dragons but spots were a little slow. Overall a good story and I’ll pickup the next in series when it comes out!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews