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The Fantastic Fluke #2
Fluke and the Faithless Father
After escaping a murderer and resurrecting his boyfriend, Sage figures he deserves a little time to recover.
Unfortunately, life is rarely fair.
So instead of a break, he gets to deal with a magical law enforcement rookie asking uncomfortable questions about his brush with death. The quaesitor is acting downright suspicious. Or is it suspiciously?
Things go from awkward to dangerous when the man who murdered Sage’s mother is released from prison, and soon after there's a break-in at the bookstore. The situation escalates so fast that Sage is afraid he's going to end up with whiplash. Or worse, end up dead. He wanted a break, but not a permanent one.
Fluke and the Faithless Father is a direct sequel to The Fantastic Fluke, and should not be read first. It is an ~85k word novel that follows the continuing adventures of Sage, Fluke, Gideon, and their whole family, found and otherwise.
Unfortunately, life is rarely fair.
So instead of a break, he gets to deal with a magical law enforcement rookie asking uncomfortable questions about his brush with death. The quaesitor is acting downright suspicious. Or is it suspiciously?
Things go from awkward to dangerous when the man who murdered Sage’s mother is released from prison, and soon after there's a break-in at the bookstore. The situation escalates so fast that Sage is afraid he's going to end up with whiplash. Or worse, end up dead. He wanted a break, but not a permanent one.
Fluke and the Faithless Father is a direct sequel to The Fantastic Fluke, and should not be read first. It is an ~85k word novel that follows the continuing adventures of Sage, Fluke, Gideon, and their whole family, found and otherwise.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2021
203 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 3, 2023
Some 5 star ratings come in as a surprise. Like this one.
I mean - whoever read my previous review, knows that while I thought it was ok and quite entertaining, I was a bit generous rating it with 4 stars because I cut it some slack, seeing as it was the first book of a fantasy series. And I haven’t been overly happy with Joel Leslie as a narrator, because he didn’t fit the image I had of Sage at all.
Like. Not even a bit.
And the voice he gave Gideon was a bit… asthmatic?
But anyway. All things changed here.
First of all, switching to Zachary Johnson, the new narrator, was a PERFECT choice. And yes, I did write that with capital letters because I can’t emphasise it enough: the wrong narrator can ruin a book, but at the same time, a good one adds so many layers to it that you’re tempted to shower with AirPods in your ears. And I refuse to answer your question if I actually did that.
Ok I did not, but the shower was a very quick one.
So : Kati, if you read this: you were right. Zachary is one to keep an eye on.
But I digress.
So if even after my not overly enthusiastic review of book one, you’re tempted to start with book 2- don’t do it. This book starts right where book 1 left, and the story wouldn’t make any sense without the previous one.
Here, Sage and Gideon are dragged into the investigation of David’s death (David, who’s been a member of the “magic police”, and who tried killing Sage because he’s a “witch” who uses arcane magic. ) Not knowing whom they can trust, the attacks on Sage increase while he still struggles to learn how to use his newfound abilities.
I won’t spoil the plot, even if the outcome was a tiny bit predictable, but you won’t hear me complain - it was so well written, I couldn’t put it down and even if I KNEW Sage won’t die, I still sat on the edge of my seat and (figuratively) chew my nails.
I loved being part of Sage’s thought process, and his self deprecating sense of humour. And I loved Gideon and their relationship - and yes, we do get some 🔥🔥🔥, but it’s not the primary focus of this book.
The world building is excellent, the plot gripping, the side characters (and Fluke the foxy familiar) very well written - and now excuse me while I jump in head first into the next book because I NEED to know what’s on that flash drive 😆
I mean - whoever read my previous review, knows that while I thought it was ok and quite entertaining, I was a bit generous rating it with 4 stars because I cut it some slack, seeing as it was the first book of a fantasy series. And I haven’t been overly happy with Joel Leslie as a narrator, because he didn’t fit the image I had of Sage at all.
Like. Not even a bit.
And the voice he gave Gideon was a bit… asthmatic?
But anyway. All things changed here.
First of all, switching to Zachary Johnson, the new narrator, was a PERFECT choice. And yes, I did write that with capital letters because I can’t emphasise it enough: the wrong narrator can ruin a book, but at the same time, a good one adds so many layers to it that you’re tempted to shower with AirPods in your ears. And I refuse to answer your question if I actually did that.
Ok I did not, but the shower was a very quick one.
So : Kati, if you read this: you were right. Zachary is one to keep an eye on.
But I digress.
So if even after my not overly enthusiastic review of book one, you’re tempted to start with book 2- don’t do it. This book starts right where book 1 left, and the story wouldn’t make any sense without the previous one.
Here, Sage and Gideon are dragged into the investigation of David’s death (David, who’s been a member of the “magic police”, and who tried killing Sage because he’s a “witch” who uses arcane magic. ) Not knowing whom they can trust, the attacks on Sage increase while he still struggles to learn how to use his newfound abilities.
I won’t spoil the plot, even if the outcome was a tiny bit predictable, but you won’t hear me complain - it was so well written, I couldn’t put it down and even if I KNEW Sage won’t die, I still sat on the edge of my seat and (figuratively) chew my nails.
I loved being part of Sage’s thought process, and his self deprecating sense of humour. And I loved Gideon and their relationship - and yes, we do get some 🔥🔥🔥, but it’s not the primary focus of this book.
The world building is excellent, the plot gripping, the side characters (and Fluke the foxy familiar) very well written - and now excuse me while I jump in head first into the next book because I NEED to know what’s on that flash drive 😆
February 1, 2021
This second entry in Sam Burns' urban fantasy paranormal romance is just as good as the first and it ramps up the tensions perfectly.
Sage is happily settling into life with his resurrected former ghostly boyfriend Gideon and his delightful foxy familiar Fluke when a new quaesitor comes to ask questions about the death of her colleague David.
As the reader knows, he was shot by Gideon after he tried to kill Sage for being an arcane mage and as he tries to avoid giving anything away, more shocking news comes to rock them to the core - his mother's murderer has been released on parole.
With this complex and complicated plot, which I'm not going to touch on at all as I don't wish to spoil anyone's enjoyment of it unfolding, Sam gives the reader a run through a gamut of emotions!
There's the awwwww of Sage and Gideon happily settling into domestic bliss, there's anger at Sage's utterly horrible father, whose ghost is still haunting the bookstore and being an absolute arse, and there's trepidation as the dangers draw ever closer.
We also get to meet Sage's intriguing, and somewhat roguish, cousin Freddy and it soon becomes clear he's cut from an entirely different cloth than his snobbish and nasty father Roger, not that Gideon is impressed with his flirty nature 😁
As the threats build up from all side, Sage finds himself cut off from everything and at the hands of more of the dangerous Believers Cult, who think arcane magic is heresy and want to see it - and everyone practising it - eradicated.
Help comes from a surprising quarter and I am so desperate now to find out just what happened to make that come about and just what will happen next!
This series is rapidly shaping up to be one of my favourites in its genre and book three can't come soon enough for me!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and biased review
Sage is happily settling into life with his resurrected former ghostly boyfriend Gideon and his delightful foxy familiar Fluke when a new quaesitor comes to ask questions about the death of her colleague David.
As the reader knows, he was shot by Gideon after he tried to kill Sage for being an arcane mage and as he tries to avoid giving anything away, more shocking news comes to rock them to the core - his mother's murderer has been released on parole.
With this complex and complicated plot, which I'm not going to touch on at all as I don't wish to spoil anyone's enjoyment of it unfolding, Sam gives the reader a run through a gamut of emotions!
There's the awwwww of Sage and Gideon happily settling into domestic bliss, there's anger at Sage's utterly horrible father, whose ghost is still haunting the bookstore and being an absolute arse, and there's trepidation as the dangers draw ever closer.
We also get to meet Sage's intriguing, and somewhat roguish, cousin Freddy and it soon becomes clear he's cut from an entirely different cloth than his snobbish and nasty father Roger, not that Gideon is impressed with his flirty nature 😁
As the threats build up from all side, Sage finds himself cut off from everything and at the hands of more of the dangerous Believers Cult, who think arcane magic is heresy and want to see it - and everyone practising it - eradicated.
Help comes from a surprising quarter and I am so desperate now to find out just what happened to make that come about and just what will happen next!
This series is rapidly shaping up to be one of my favourites in its genre and book three can't come soon enough for me!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and biased review
September 21, 2025
Fascinating!!!
The plot developed well, the actions scenes were incredible, the characters were rich and intriguing, the main characters were soooo cute, the love making scene was exceptional, truly beautiful, the mystery grabbed me from the start, some things I’ve got it right, others were really surprising, I was really entertained, congratulations to Sam Burns!!!!
I also have this book on Audible, for this sequel, the narrator was Zachary Johnson, beautiful job, gorgeous and sexy voice, very good performance! Kudos!
4⭐️
The plot developed well, the actions scenes were incredible, the characters were rich and intriguing, the main characters were soooo cute, the love making scene was exceptional, truly beautiful, the mystery grabbed me from the start, some things I’ve got it right, others were really surprising, I was really entertained, congratulations to Sam Burns!!!!
I also have this book on Audible, for this sequel, the narrator was Zachary Johnson, beautiful job, gorgeous and sexy voice, very good performance! Kudos!
4⭐️
February 11, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Fluke and the Faithless Father is the second book in Sam Burn’s fabulous Fantastic Fluke series. I went absolutely crazy for the first book, so I was thrilled to hear that Burns was turning it into a series. One of the things I really loved about Fantastic Fluke was the way Sage goes from isolated and alone to having this wonderful support system of people who love and care for him. I really love these characters and so enjoy watching them all together. There is a great sense of fun and sweetness to these books, even as the situations are intense. And so much of that is the way this group interacts and looks out for each other.
As with the first story, I gobbled this book right up. I just love the tone and the feel of this series. I find it fun and engaging and I really love the characters. This was another great installment and I am very much looking forward to more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Fluke and the Faithless Father is the second book in Sam Burn’s fabulous Fantastic Fluke series. I went absolutely crazy for the first book, so I was thrilled to hear that Burns was turning it into a series. One of the things I really loved about Fantastic Fluke was the way Sage goes from isolated and alone to having this wonderful support system of people who love and care for him. I really love these characters and so enjoy watching them all together. There is a great sense of fun and sweetness to these books, even as the situations are intense. And so much of that is the way this group interacts and looks out for each other.
As with the first story, I gobbled this book right up. I just love the tone and the feel of this series. I find it fun and engaging and I really love the characters. This was another great installment and I am very much looking forward to more.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 5, 2021
I liked this one more than the first. I love Sage. It was still lacking in the romance department. We're told how much they love each other etc., but we're never shown why. I have no idea what attracts one to the other, and we only get Sage's POV. So these books are really urban fantasy with a side of gay characters. It says something that I still liked it.
August 13, 2021
This book continues immediately after the events at the end of the first book so there were still a lot of moving parts with regards to the investigations into the happenings at Sage's childhood home as well Gideon getting used to the 21st century as a "refugee" from the past.
Evil, crazy people were still trying to kill Sage in this book ; making him doubt everyone. Honestly, I could sympathise with him because aside from Bez, Gideon and Iris, he really couldn't trust anyone because anyone could be part of that cult.
This was coupled with him now getting the hang of his powers.
The story didn't really give us more than we knew in book one about & just threw more little light on the Quaesitors but I still enjoyed reading it because of the great writing and the depth of characters existing and new brought to the story in expected and unexpected ways.
Speaking of characters, I still wanted to smack that arrogant, overgrown baby with a bloated sense of self importance (Roger) and wanted to reach out and strangle that psychopathic Father of Sage's. Anytime I saw either in page, I saw red and therein lay my only issue with this book. I however liked Freddy and thought Jordan was possibly the dumbest law enforcement person ever. Yes, as you can tell I'm.still annoyed with her.
My only issue was with how the conclusion with Sage's father was handled. I'm not really satisfied with such mild retribution for callousness in books I read. Especially with the extent of the evil that man displayed. I believe he should've be made to suffer more of a repercussion and not that painless act.
Another thing that was left open ended was the thing with Alan. I'm assuming it was done deliberately so we'd cover that over the course of the series but it really threw me and I hope it's explained better in subsequent books.
All in all though, this was another solid book in a series that I'm thoroughly enjoying for its word building, humour and heart. I will certainly be reading the next.
*Copy provided by author in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review *
Evil, crazy people were still trying to kill Sage in this book ; making him doubt everyone. Honestly, I could sympathise with him because aside from Bez, Gideon and Iris, he really couldn't trust anyone because anyone could be part of that cult.
This was coupled with him now getting the hang of his powers.
The story didn't really give us more than we knew in book one about & just threw more little light on the Quaesitors but I still enjoyed reading it because of the great writing and the depth of characters existing and new brought to the story in expected and unexpected ways.
Speaking of characters, I still wanted to smack that arrogant, overgrown baby with a bloated sense of self importance (Roger) and wanted to reach out and strangle that psychopathic Father of Sage's. Anytime I saw either in page, I saw red and therein lay my only issue with this book. I however liked Freddy and thought Jordan was possibly the dumbest law enforcement person ever. Yes, as you can tell I'm.still annoyed with her.
My only issue was with how the conclusion with Sage's father was handled. I'm not really satisfied with such mild retribution for callousness in books I read. Especially with the extent of the evil that man displayed. I believe he should've be made to suffer more of a repercussion and not that painless act.
Another thing that was left open ended was the thing with Alan. I'm assuming it was done deliberately so we'd cover that over the course of the series but it really threw me and I hope it's explained better in subsequent books.
All in all though, this was another solid book in a series that I'm thoroughly enjoying for its word building, humour and heart. I will certainly be reading the next.
*Copy provided by author in Exchange for An Honest and Unbiased Review *
February 25, 2021
3.5 stars.
May 25, 2025
4.5 Stars
Consistency entertaining. I couldn’t put it down except when I had to for real life stuff…rude.
I only wished for a bit more romance. Sage and Gideon are so fresh and new I would like a bit more of those relationship-building moments.
All the characters are so wonderful. Choosing to ignore the pointless age gap.
Consistency entertaining. I couldn’t put it down except when I had to for real life stuff…rude.
I only wished for a bit more romance. Sage and Gideon are so fresh and new I would like a bit more of those relationship-building moments.
All the characters are so wonderful. Choosing to ignore the pointless age gap.
February 12, 2021
Burns may be a graduate of the Stephen King school of writing. You know King, and the other alum Dean Koontz? They’re the kind of authors who think economy of words is blasphemy. Why say it in 10 words when you can say it in 200! Everything, and I mean everything, is described in excruciating detail. Even everyday minutia is dissected extensively. Inner musing ramble endlessly. Simple scene setting will leave you exhausted as you learn everything from the weather, the texture of the carpet, the colour of the doors, the disrepair of the locale, Sage’s mood, Gideon’s apparent mood, Fluke’s mannerisms, what everyone’s wearing, where everyone’s standing, who’s looking at whom. There are no small characters for Burns, everyone deserves a fully fleshed description and back story, even if they’re just delivering a chair.
I get setting the scene but this beyond the pale. Never more so than the interminable third act? Typically books have a beginning a middle and an end. There is no middle in this book, it had to be cut to make way for an ending that went on F O R E V E R !!!
That said, this is an interesting book. I did read it right through (albeit skipping huge sections and, seemingly, not missing anything except for Sage’s in-depth examination of how he feels about steel doors or something). There isn’t, however, enough of a plot for a series. This is just Burns dragging out a nugget of a story into six seasons and a movie.
So three stars because Burns writes well, if not indulgently, and there is a semi interesting story but the tedium is setting in. Two books and the plot has barely advanced. Burns needs to be careful of making the Joss Whedon Firefly error (taking so long to get going the audience loses interest).
I get setting the scene but this beyond the pale. Never more so than the interminable third act? Typically books have a beginning a middle and an end. There is no middle in this book, it had to be cut to make way for an ending that went on F O R E V E R !!!
That said, this is an interesting book. I did read it right through (albeit skipping huge sections and, seemingly, not missing anything except for Sage’s in-depth examination of how he feels about steel doors or something). There isn’t, however, enough of a plot for a series. This is just Burns dragging out a nugget of a story into six seasons and a movie.
So three stars because Burns writes well, if not indulgently, and there is a semi interesting story but the tedium is setting in. Two books and the plot has barely advanced. Burns needs to be careful of making the Joss Whedon Firefly error (taking so long to get going the audience loses interest).
February 11, 2021
While I quite enjoyed the first book in this series, Burns definitely kicked it up a notch with this book and I was completely smitten. There’s quite a bit of action and intrigue, and the whole motley crew of characters is really coming together in such a fun way. Sage is dealing with a lot, but as he’s coming into his own, and with the help of Gideon, Iris, Beez, Fluke, and some new faces he’s always able to conquer everything thrown his way. There’s plenty of plot twists, some past plot lines tied up, and enough action, romance, and of course magic to keep me wanting more and more in this series. This book definitely does not suffer from a sophomore slump, and seems to be ramping up to something pretty spectacular, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
September 20, 2021
Must have more...
Another soft cliffhanger ending, but I'm not mad because book 3's already out. I'm enjoying the story with its twists and turns I didn't see coming. Definitely diving right into the next book.
Another soft cliffhanger ending, but I'm not mad because book 3's already out. I'm enjoying the story with its twists and turns I didn't see coming. Definitely diving right into the next book.
June 14, 2025
4,75 stars
Just as good as book one.
It seems, that Sage is not destined to just be able to sit back and enjoy all the new family he made in book 1.
The Believers, aka the horrific cult/organisation that believes arcane mages are evil, are still out there trying to eradicate anyone who can access leylines. And it seems there’s plenty of them, and you never know where.
This leaves us with an exciting plot, lots of danger for Sage (I was biting my fingernails in the last third of the book!) and everyone he loves.
There’s lots of other good plot developments, like …
… Sage and Gideon’s romance which blossoms further as they clean up certain issues between them. These two are sigh-worthy, and throwing Freddy, Sage’s cousin, into the action was a lot of fun!
… Sage dealing with both his awful fathers. Well, I’m holding my judgement on Alan and can’t wait to see what’s on the that hard drive!!! And good riddance of John!
… Sage and Iris, his grandmother, are just heartwarming and very amusing together.
… I simply just love Beez! Such a great character.
... And not to forget FLUKE! I just adore him and all his antics, his loyalty and cleverness.
Now, that the plot thickens, I’m really looking forward to see where it’s all going. Great writing and lots of tension and excitement!
Excellent series so far!
(and that little knock-off the 5 stars rating is mainly for some little events that did not make 100% sense to me, but it isn’t even worth mentioning)
Just as good as book one.
It seems, that Sage is not destined to just be able to sit back and enjoy all the new family he made in book 1.
The Believers, aka the horrific cult/organisation that believes arcane mages are evil, are still out there trying to eradicate anyone who can access leylines. And it seems there’s plenty of them, and you never know where.
This leaves us with an exciting plot, lots of danger for Sage (I was biting my fingernails in the last third of the book!) and everyone he loves.
There’s lots of other good plot developments, like …
… Sage and Gideon’s romance which blossoms further as they clean up certain issues between them. These two are sigh-worthy, and throwing Freddy, Sage’s cousin, into the action was a lot of fun!
… Sage dealing with both his awful fathers. Well, I’m holding my judgement on Alan and can’t wait to see what’s on the that hard drive!!! And good riddance of John!
… Sage and Iris, his grandmother, are just heartwarming and very amusing together.
… I simply just love Beez! Such a great character.
... And not to forget FLUKE! I just adore him and all his antics, his loyalty and cleverness.
Now, that the plot thickens, I’m really looking forward to see where it’s all going. Great writing and lots of tension and excitement!
Excellent series so far!
(and that little knock-off the 5 stars rating is mainly for some little events that did not make 100% sense to me, but it isn’t even worth mentioning)
February 4, 2024
4.5/5 — This one was perhaps a tiny bit less good than the first part, but in my opinion the same rating is still appropriate.
As in book one the characters were fantastic. And because we get to know them better in this book I fell in love with every single one of them even more. I especially loved the feeling of family and unconditional support and loyalty.
The only reason why this book was maybe a tiny little bit more on the 4 stars side is because the plot didn’t really pick up until about halfway through — maybe 60% in or so. But it did get especially good then so I’m a happy woman.
As in book one the characters were fantastic. And because we get to know them better in this book I fell in love with every single one of them even more. I especially loved the feeling of family and unconditional support and loyalty.
The only reason why this book was maybe a tiny little bit more on the 4 stars side is because the plot didn’t really pick up until about halfway through — maybe 60% in or so. But it did get especially good then so I’m a happy woman.
September 6, 2025
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this one even more than I did book 1. I feel like the story and world has hit its stride and both the romance and Gideon's teaching of Sage were more fleshed out. At least I felt more here. Loving the series so far!
I enjoyed this one even more than I did book 1. I feel like the story and world has hit its stride and both the romance and Gideon's teaching of Sage were more fleshed out. At least I felt more here. Loving the series so far!
September 11, 2021
A warning - readers should avail themselves of the Glossary found at the very start (it helps).
I found my attention wandering fairly early on as the plot continues directly on from the end of the The Fantastic Fluke, whereby MC Sage gets to focus more on living his new life post 'resurrection' of the love of his life Gideon and having rediscovered family support from his maternal grandmother. To be honest, this was a little dull ... despite some annoying investigations into Sage's part of the death of a Quaesitor (magic enforcement) from the first book and some threat/damage to himself and his bookshop business.
The author should have dragged out Gideon's 'resurrection' saga over more titles and given a greater anticipation to the emotional / romantic connection between the MCs. As is, all Gideon's physical incarnation has done is to have him go all 'He-man' with protective growls and jealous piques ... which got tedious really quickly. I wish there was more of Gideon's teaching/mentoring of Sage regarding accessing and controlling his powers from the three converged ley-lines in the town of Junction - sadly not much of this. All that 'father' plotline ended up being very ho-hum as well since there was hardly any physical engagement with either of both Sage's parental figures until the end.
Honestly, I would have had a better reading experience by skipping to the last few chapters from about the 15% mark of the book; at the very best a 2 star rating.
I found my attention wandering fairly early on as the plot continues directly on from the end of the The Fantastic Fluke, whereby MC Sage gets to focus more on living his new life post 'resurrection' of the love of his life Gideon and having rediscovered family support from his maternal grandmother. To be honest, this was a little dull ... despite some annoying investigations into Sage's part of the death of a Quaesitor (magic enforcement) from the first book and some threat/damage to himself and his bookshop business.
The author should have dragged out Gideon's 'resurrection' saga over more titles and given a greater anticipation to the emotional / romantic connection between the MCs. As is, all Gideon's physical incarnation has done is to have him go all 'He-man' with protective growls and jealous piques ... which got tedious really quickly. I wish there was more of Gideon's teaching/mentoring of Sage regarding accessing and controlling his powers from the three converged ley-lines in the town of Junction - sadly not much of this. All that 'father' plotline ended up being very ho-hum as well since there was hardly any physical engagement with either of both Sage's parental figures until the end.
Honestly, I would have had a better reading experience by skipping to the last few chapters from about the 15% mark of the book; at the very best a 2 star rating.
January 4, 2022
3.5-4 stars
This was very entertaining and I was hooked from the start.
I will say the Freddie addition was odd with how he was crushing on Sage… his cousin…. But ehh I get it was suppose to lighten the mood, to make it as a joke.
Some of this was predictable and I do think it was written well enough that I didn’t care.
I think to make this book stronger we could have gotten Gideon’s POV, since this whole series is in Sages POV. Having a dual POV would make this to me more well rounded, and maybe understand the arcane magic more since that was pretty much Gideons purpose to teach Sage all about it.
Overall a good read, but if you are looking for lots of romance, unfortunately this isn’t the book/series for you, there is one sex scene at the end and the romance isn’t the main focus of the book. I do think that it works for this series, so I wasn’t mad about not a lot of romance.
Also I was surprised to find out this book was narrated by Zachary Johnson rather than Joel Leslie, who narrated book one. I do think Zachary did a good job narrating, while Joel is one of my favorite narrators, I do think Zachary did this book justice.
I am excited for book three which I am waiting for the narration before I go in to that.
This was very entertaining and I was hooked from the start.
I will say the Freddie addition was odd with how he was crushing on Sage… his cousin…. But ehh I get it was suppose to lighten the mood, to make it as a joke.
Some of this was predictable and I do think it was written well enough that I didn’t care.
I think to make this book stronger we could have gotten Gideon’s POV, since this whole series is in Sages POV. Having a dual POV would make this to me more well rounded, and maybe understand the arcane magic more since that was pretty much Gideons purpose to teach Sage all about it.
Overall a good read, but if you are looking for lots of romance, unfortunately this isn’t the book/series for you, there is one sex scene at the end and the romance isn’t the main focus of the book. I do think that it works for this series, so I wasn’t mad about not a lot of romance.
Also I was surprised to find out this book was narrated by Zachary Johnson rather than Joel Leslie, who narrated book one. I do think Zachary did a good job narrating, while Joel is one of my favorite narrators, I do think Zachary did this book justice.
I am excited for book three which I am waiting for the narration before I go in to that.
August 25, 2021
3.5 rounded down
Enjoyable update to the series! I did want a bit more from the romance side of things--the plot has a lot going on and the result is that we don't actually get to see a lot of Gideon and Sage settling into their relationship or really deeply connecting, and the steam factor on this one is pretty low. I enjoyed the furthering of the magical world here, but it didn't quite go deep enough for me, though I still liked it quite a lot!
Enjoyable update to the series! I did want a bit more from the romance side of things--the plot has a lot going on and the result is that we don't actually get to see a lot of Gideon and Sage settling into their relationship or really deeply connecting, and the steam factor on this one is pretty low. I enjoyed the furthering of the magical world here, but it didn't quite go deep enough for me, though I still liked it quite a lot!
November 7, 2022
Original review February 19, 2021:
Fluke and the Faithless Father picks up right where The Fantastic Fluke ends and once again, I love the characters, concept and world. This time however, I feel the execution was better. That said, I still wish there would have been more in depth relationship development between Sage and Gideon.
Confusingly, while I think I enjoyed book 1 more than book 2, I’m giving book 2 a higher rating. As I said, I feel the execution was more solid so the story felt more fleshed out.
I enjoyed this one.
4 stars for level of enjoyment
4 stars for execution
3.5 stars for relationship development between Sage and Gideon
4.5 stars for relationship development between Sage and his family (Grandmother Iris and Cousin Freddy)
Overall rating: 4 stars
As someone who has a terrible memory, even though it was only 4 months between reading books 1 and 2, I did have trouble remembering details. It feels like book 3 (if there’s more in the series) will be heavily reliant on what has come before, just as book 2 was heavily reliant on what preceded it. I will likely read books 1 and 2 again before starting 3. While I didn’t really feel like I missed anything for having previous details feel fuzzy in my memory, I think I will benefit from the refresher and will likely enjoy whatever comes next more for having it all fresh in my mind.
Edited to add November 7, 2022 after rereading in preparation to finish the series:
I enjoyed Fluke and the Faithless Father at least as much this time as the first time I read it. While I won’t say I disagree with First Read Me about the relationship development between Sage and Gideon, if I were writing an original review right now, those original observations would not have crossed my mind.
I’m really enjoying this series.
Fluke and the Faithless Father picks up right where The Fantastic Fluke ends and once again, I love the characters, concept and world. This time however, I feel the execution was better. That said, I still wish there would have been more in depth relationship development between Sage and Gideon.
Confusingly, while I think I enjoyed book 1 more than book 2, I’m giving book 2 a higher rating. As I said, I feel the execution was more solid so the story felt more fleshed out.
I enjoyed this one.
4 stars for level of enjoyment
4 stars for execution
3.5 stars for relationship development between Sage and Gideon
4.5 stars for relationship development between Sage and his family (Grandmother Iris and Cousin Freddy)
Overall rating: 4 stars
As someone who has a terrible memory, even though it was only 4 months between reading books 1 and 2, I did have trouble remembering details. It feels like book 3 (if there’s more in the series) will be heavily reliant on what has come before, just as book 2 was heavily reliant on what preceded it. I will likely read books 1 and 2 again before starting 3. While I didn’t really feel like I missed anything for having previous details feel fuzzy in my memory, I think I will benefit from the refresher and will likely enjoy whatever comes next more for having it all fresh in my mind.
Edited to add November 7, 2022 after rereading in preparation to finish the series:
I enjoyed Fluke and the Faithless Father at least as much this time as the first time I read it. While I won’t say I disagree with First Read Me about the relationship development between Sage and Gideon, if I were writing an original review right now, those original observations would not have crossed my mind.
I’m really enjoying this series.
May 7, 2022
Huh..
This was an ok story. There was nothing wrong with it exactly, but something changed between the first one and this one. I started this in audio but ended up switching to the ebook cause I just could not get into it.
In this episode, Fluke and his really ding dong of a master Sage, and Gideon spend most of the book knowing that Sage was gonna be kidnapped. It was unending and really boring. When it finally happened I got excited cause I thought maybe something was going to happen at last. What I got was what was supposedly a torture scene with a side of comedy? Don't get me wrong, I love Alice Winter and enjoy OTT scenes that are funny, but this lacked the funny part. It wasn't dark enough to make the comedy stand out.
I think this is one series that would benefit greatly with a second POV. Especially when Sage got kidnapped. I mean we knew nothing about whether anyone even knew he was taken. It was just assumed.
The great thing was that the bio dad was removed. Though thankfully he didn't show up during the story, his removal was anticlimactic.
This was an ok story. There was nothing wrong with it exactly, but something changed between the first one and this one. I started this in audio but ended up switching to the ebook cause I just could not get into it.
In this episode, Fluke and his really ding dong of a master Sage, and Gideon spend most of the book knowing that Sage was gonna be kidnapped. It was unending and really boring. When it finally happened I got excited cause I thought maybe something was going to happen at last. What I got was what was supposedly a torture scene with a side of comedy? Don't get me wrong, I love Alice Winter and enjoy OTT scenes that are funny, but this lacked the funny part. It wasn't dark enough to make the comedy stand out.
I think this is one series that would benefit greatly with a second POV. Especially when Sage got kidnapped. I mean we knew nothing about whether anyone even knew he was taken. It was just assumed.
The great thing was that the bio dad was removed. Though thankfully he didn't show up during the story, his removal was anticlimactic.
June 12, 2021
A second wonderful one! I hope we see more books in this series, because it's honestly amazing!
May 25, 2021
Ultimately a very satisfying book 2! There's progress with the murder threat, with romance, with ongoing relationships and new ones, and a bit more convergence data. I look forward to book 3. The plot is good, if a bit slow at first. I continue to be annoyed that the father wasn't dealt with ASAP, but that's just me. Sage is a whole different personality. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll very likely enjoy this one.
CW: past violence, on-page violence, on-page kidnapping and torture (not as gruesome as it could've been).
I'm not giving it a fifth star for several reasons, all stemming from one issue; this needed an edit to catch repetition, of usually needless description of feelings or conclusions. Chapter 5 is the worst for this failure, but there are many instances littered through the final chapters as well. Editing is hard, which is why a good editor is worth her weight in whatever commodity she values most. When you write a book, you are only providing part of a reader's experience. The book's appearance, and how well-edited it is, completes the whole, and when any part of those is missing, we notice. We may not all care, but we notice. I hope book 3 gets some edit-love.
CW: past violence, on-page violence, on-page kidnapping and torture (not as gruesome as it could've been).
I'm not giving it a fifth star for several reasons, all stemming from one issue; this needed an edit to catch repetition, of usually needless description of feelings or conclusions. Chapter 5 is the worst for this failure, but there are many instances littered through the final chapters as well. Editing is hard, which is why a good editor is worth her weight in whatever commodity she values most. When you write a book, you are only providing part of a reader's experience. The book's appearance, and how well-edited it is, completes the whole, and when any part of those is missing, we notice. We may not all care, but we notice. I hope book 3 gets some edit-love.
January 6, 2023
Due to the 'cliffhanger' at the end of book one, this book starts up right where the first book leaves off.
Sage is happy with his newly resurrected ghost boyfriend. Gideon is getting used to being human again. Beez is happy to be part of the shop. Iris is a kick ass grandma still...we even get to meet Sage's weirdly flirty cousin Freddy.
And then Jordan Maines comes in and starts poking around to investigate the death of David. She is his replacement and has been tasked with figuring out if Sage had anything to do with his death.
I really enjoyed book two as much as I enjoyed the first. I like these characters a lot and the writing is pretty funny at times. There felt like much higher stakes in this book which was pretty cool. I enjoyed this one probably more than the first because of how obvious most of what happened in the first was to me. I'm excited to read the rest of this series.
Sage is happy with his newly resurrected ghost boyfriend. Gideon is getting used to being human again. Beez is happy to be part of the shop. Iris is a kick ass grandma still...we even get to meet Sage's weirdly flirty cousin Freddy.
And then Jordan Maines comes in and starts poking around to investigate the death of David. She is his replacement and has been tasked with figuring out if Sage had anything to do with his death.
I really enjoyed book two as much as I enjoyed the first. I like these characters a lot and the writing is pretty funny at times. There felt like much higher stakes in this book which was pretty cool. I enjoyed this one probably more than the first because of how obvious most of what happened in the first was to me. I'm excited to read the rest of this series.
July 19, 2021
Finally finished. Even given the distractions of TV shows, movies and whatnots, coming back to it after almost a month break was like no time was lost.
Writing and the plotline was pretty great, but at times Sage's ramblings almost grated on my nerves. And he was a little TSTL, given that he already made known his distrust of the aurora aureum, and the giant red flag when he went to the office, he still decided to go after Jordan to return her tablet. The other thing I was disappointed about is that the buildup to Sage being the most powerful arcane mage in existence, and yet it was not much explored.
Loved the extended cast, though I had initial misgivings about his cousin Freddy. I do hope Jordan and Freddy will reappear in the next one, as Sage's growing list of allies.
Really enjoyable, and a grateful pick-me-up from the ok reads and duds I been picking up since the start of the year.
Writing and the plotline was pretty great, but at times Sage's ramblings almost grated on my nerves. And he was a little TSTL, given that he already made known his distrust of the aurora aureum, and the giant red flag when he went to the office, he still decided to go after Jordan to return her tablet. The other thing I was disappointed about is that the buildup to Sage being the most powerful arcane mage in existence, and yet it was not much explored.
Loved the extended cast, though I had initial misgivings about his cousin Freddy. I do hope Jordan and Freddy will reappear in the next one, as Sage's growing list of allies.
Really enjoyable, and a grateful pick-me-up from the ok reads and duds I been picking up since the start of the year.
April 30, 2021
as good as the first ... hopefully there will be another one out soon
September 21, 2021
I liked the second book in this series just as much as the first! The plot had a lot of moving parts and the pacing was fast. Poor Sage and his gang couldn't seem to catch a break, but I enjoyed all the family dynamics when they did find time to relax. I found the ending to be highly satisfying and look forward to reading the next book soon!
February 4, 2021
OK, so my love for this series is kinda ridicules it has so much to offer but I want to talk about Sage.
Sage is a kind of damaged but tough as nails pseudo-woobie I absolutely adore because he's so relatable. He's so full of sarcasm and cynicism to help armor himself against the world, but his inner voice is so vulnerable and full of self doubt. Anyone who grew up with that kind of trauma, let alone having a narcissist as a care giver, would have to grow up fast in order to survive while at the same time find themselves almost innocent and almost wide eyed at the world.
Sage just can't believe he has this found family, and his fear and mistrust battle with his immense desire to connect with others is just so... gah! I really enjoyed watching Sage marvel at his growing found family, and slowly letting himself have this, have them.
I freaking loved Freddy the sexual harassing jerk! I am so interested at seeing Sage and Freddy's relationship grow because they have SO MUCH in common in regards to awful fathers. I'm banking that a lot of his swagger is him also coping and shielding himself.
Fluke remains the literal best and Gideon doubles down on being and utter BAMF and great boyfriend. What else can I say? I finished book two reeling from the action and intrigue and savoring the lovely hopeful ending but what really hit me was how much Sage grew as a person.
ARC received from author for an honest review.
January 23, 2023
Ok. I may not have liked this one quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still dang enjoyable.
In “Fluke and the Faithless Father” we have the same cast of delightful characters (plus one or two more), which is great. It’s in the continuation of the plot from the first book, that this one takes a turn towards spinning towards the over-the-top fantastical (but only in as much as a fantasy book about magic and familiars, that doesn’t take itself too seriously, can ever be “over the top.”)
One thing I really did like about “Faithless Father” is that by the end, Burns ties up almost all of the plot threads she introduced in the first book. We still don’t know who or what the driving force behind the villains is, but the reader is left in a good place, and we know where our MC and his adorable fox will be looking next.
P.S. I almost took off another star for the decrease in Fluke the fox time in “Faithless Father.” I want Fluke! Give me more Fluke!!
In “Fluke and the Faithless Father” we have the same cast of delightful characters (plus one or two more), which is great. It’s in the continuation of the plot from the first book, that this one takes a turn towards spinning towards the over-the-top fantastical (but only in as much as a fantasy book about magic and familiars, that doesn’t take itself too seriously, can ever be “over the top.”)
One thing I really did like about “Faithless Father” is that by the end, Burns ties up almost all of the plot threads she introduced in the first book. We still don’t know who or what the driving force behind the villains is, but the reader is left in a good place, and we know where our MC and his adorable fox will be looking next.
P.S. I almost took off another star for the decrease in Fluke the fox time in “Faithless Father.” I want Fluke! Give me more Fluke!!
February 6, 2021
It’s fluke-tastic, fluke-mazing!!!
“You’re a man I trust to have powerful magic.” Wow and wow, this book took my breath away. I loved seeing Sage grow as a mage—even though I think we’ve only seen a tiny bit of what he’s capable of—and watching his and Gideon’s relationship deepen made my heart chirp with happiness, especially when someone shows his possessiveness. Fluke, of course, is an adorable but fierce “drama fox” and I’ve never been happier that in addition to his stalwart Gideon, Sage has the formidable Beez and Iris by his side. Action-packed and full of twists, you NEED to read it and experience it all for yourself. Brilliant and clever with phenomenal world-building, I want more of everything and can’t wait to see what adventures await the incredible Fluke, Sage and Gideon.
“You’re a man I trust to have powerful magic.” Wow and wow, this book took my breath away. I loved seeing Sage grow as a mage—even though I think we’ve only seen a tiny bit of what he’s capable of—and watching his and Gideon’s relationship deepen made my heart chirp with happiness, especially when someone shows his possessiveness. Fluke, of course, is an adorable but fierce “drama fox” and I’ve never been happier that in addition to his stalwart Gideon, Sage has the formidable Beez and Iris by his side. Action-packed and full of twists, you NEED to read it and experience it all for yourself. Brilliant and clever with phenomenal world-building, I want more of everything and can’t wait to see what adventures await the incredible Fluke, Sage and Gideon.
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