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Diviner's Game #2
Knight to Castle Two
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Loki:
Surviving as a human in the world of Non-Humans means that every breath I’ve taken for twelve years could have been my last. If the Demons don’t kill me, the Elves just might. Or my brother could. I love him, but I love him too much, and I’ve known since I was a kid I didn’t feel all that brotherly toward him. We might not share genetics, but that’s no excuse. I could probably hide these feelings if he didn’t return them. I work non-stop to keep myself out of temptations claws, but as his birthday draws closer, the will to keep my hands off fractures more and more. The only thing binding me to my hands-off rule is a contract I have with a Diviner, but that might not be enough.
Gage:
My brother has never laid a finger on me, but as my powers grow, so does my need to connect. I can burn every inch of his skin, but my powers keep growing, and just burning him isn’t enough anymore. I need to connect, I need to push my fire into him with panting, heaving, heavy, delicious strokes. I need to get inside him, but we have a contract to fulfill and I can’t take the man I own until the Diviner gets what he wants. I might implode while I wait; I might burn the world to ash if someone takes Loki from me before I get to taste all of him; I might just do both for the fun of it. The dragon within thinks this world burns for him, and I haven’t yet found proof it doesn’t.
Knight to Castle Two is a 95k Step-Brothers MM paranormal romance.
Trigger warnings include: on-page portrayal of inexplicit adult and non-graphic child prostitution, on-page descriptive violence, and no-safe-word D/s elements. This is an obsessive love romance with a lot of fire between these step-brothers. In this family, the boys have tragic backstories.
Loki:
Surviving as a human in the world of Non-Humans means that every breath I’ve taken for twelve years could have been my last. If the Demons don’t kill me, the Elves just might. Or my brother could. I love him, but I love him too much, and I’ve known since I was a kid I didn’t feel all that brotherly toward him. We might not share genetics, but that’s no excuse. I could probably hide these feelings if he didn’t return them. I work non-stop to keep myself out of temptations claws, but as his birthday draws closer, the will to keep my hands off fractures more and more. The only thing binding me to my hands-off rule is a contract I have with a Diviner, but that might not be enough.
Gage:
My brother has never laid a finger on me, but as my powers grow, so does my need to connect. I can burn every inch of his skin, but my powers keep growing, and just burning him isn’t enough anymore. I need to connect, I need to push my fire into him with panting, heaving, heavy, delicious strokes. I need to get inside him, but we have a contract to fulfill and I can’t take the man I own until the Diviner gets what he wants. I might implode while I wait; I might burn the world to ash if someone takes Loki from me before I get to taste all of him; I might just do both for the fun of it. The dragon within thinks this world burns for him, and I haven’t yet found proof it doesn’t.
Knight to Castle Two is a 95k Step-Brothers MM paranormal romance.
Trigger warnings include: on-page portrayal of inexplicit adult and non-graphic child prostitution, on-page descriptive violence, and no-safe-word D/s elements. This is an obsessive love romance with a lot of fire between these step-brothers. In this family, the boys have tragic backstories.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
100 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Cody
47 books711 followersJennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 1, 2021
This one was hard for me. I didn't like it as much as book 1. It took me a while to read it. I stopped about halfway through and started something else before coming back to it later.
A lot of it had to do with my own pet peeves. I'm not a fan of books where one of the mc's continues prostitution after meeting or being with the other mc. And before anyone comes at me, I do realize why Loki did what he did and continued even after Gage got older and he knew what Gage was to him. It doesn't mean I have to like it. I don't find it romantic at all, and these two had the potential to be one of my favorite, romantic couples. I loved them together and what they were to each other. They were hot, even when they couldn't be together like they wanted. But I absolutely HATED Loki continued working up until Gage's birthday. Not to mention the fact Gage knew about it and had to heal him at times, afterwards. It ruined all the good feelings for me. Had I known going into it that he would continued through the whole book, I probably wouldn't have read it. I try not to read books I know I won't particularly like, but I loved the first one and really wanted Loki & Gage's story.
I also didn't like they don't actually get to be together until the end. Again, a personal pet peeve. I kept reading, hoping it would happen soon.
All that being said, I liked getting their POV's and a little more insight into what is going on with Chanda's plan. I'm definitely interested in his and Robbie's book. So far, Deejay and Matt are my favorite 🤷♀️.
A lot of it had to do with my own pet peeves. I'm not a fan of books where one of the mc's continues prostitution after meeting or being with the other mc. And before anyone comes at me, I do realize why Loki did what he did and continued even after Gage got older and he knew what Gage was to him. It doesn't mean I have to like it. I don't find it romantic at all, and these two had the potential to be one of my favorite, romantic couples. I loved them together and what they were to each other. They were hot, even when they couldn't be together like they wanted. But I absolutely HATED Loki continued working up until Gage's birthday. Not to mention the fact Gage knew about it and had to heal him at times, afterwards. It ruined all the good feelings for me. Had I known going into it that he would continued through the whole book, I probably wouldn't have read it. I try not to read books I know I won't particularly like, but I loved the first one and really wanted Loki & Gage's story.
I also didn't like they don't actually get to be together until the end. Again, a personal pet peeve. I kept reading, hoping it would happen soon.
All that being said, I liked getting their POV's and a little more insight into what is going on with Chanda's plan. I'm definitely interested in his and Robbie's book. So far, Deejay and Matt are my favorite 🤷♀️.
March 14, 2023
There was much in this book (in the series) that could have been included in the first book that would have made the second book less confusing. Things are explained here but many questions are still left unanswered. (What were Chanda's motives for endangering the entire Aquino family? What is Robbie's true species? We still do not know why Matt and the Aquino family were targets of the Siren and/or Errol.) AND, I don't care if the author kept insisting that Gage and Loki wait until Gage's 18th birthday before they consummated their relationship, they ALREADY had been having sexual relations throughout Gage's late adolescence. ALL of the foreplay and spontaneous ejaculations were sexual in nature. This was a very thinly disguised story of two men - one adult and one minor engaging in sexual activity. The first book also had similar themes of adult/minor attractions. AND the third book appears to have the same theme! What is with this author????? Can't any of the adults get together to form bonding relationships? It's creepy and I found it to be disturbing.
October 3, 2024
Read 2021
Sad to say, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. There were several issues I had.
Loki and Gage, were raised as brothers, but they're not blood related. The fact that they get in a romantic relationship doesn't bother me a bit. They obviously loved & cared for each other.
It's unusual that the younger brother, Gage, is a top and dominant. He's in high school.
Loki, is a bottom and wears makeup. He works for the Houston Hub of the Non-Human Community, and is known as the Headsman aka The Beast. He fights in a cage, and either kills or beats up non-humans. He's also a prostitute.
The story was fairly interesting. I read until near the end, when I got tired of it and was ready for it to be over. Then I had to push myself to finish.
I got extremely tired of the MCs counting down the days until Gage's 18th birthday, when they could finally have sex and Loki could stop being a prostitute. They wouldn't have sex even though:
🅰 Gage is considered an adult by the magical community.
🅱 Gage needs to have sex with Loki to have control over his magical ability. Gage has to suffer and spend hours in an abandoned warehouse to expend his power, until his birthday when he can finally get some help.
As far as Loki being a prostitute. His sexual encounters are off-page, but it continued until the 89% mark and is mentioned frequently! Even AFTER the MCs learn that they have a soul bond, and will be together forever. 😠
․․․𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙠𝙞'𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮｡
He had to start when he was 12-years-old, and now he's 24. Why does he continue? For the money, of course. They've saved at least $500,000, but it's not enough. 😠
Here's an excerpt to show how Loki feels:
"I’ve done what I’ve had to do to make sure Gage can do what he wants to do. He knows this. I know this. It doesn’t erase the pain of knowing the person you love fucks other people every night. It doesn’t make the wait less difficult."
While there's plenty of licking and orgasms, they don't have penetrative sex until the 96% mark.
It wasn't worth the wait.
Like book 1, there are little to no physical descriptions and indistinct MCs. I was often confused as to who was talking.
317 F-words + many other swear words
Edited to Add: After learning that book 3 has even more bad language, I won't be reading it. The series isn't good enough to put up with it.
Sad to say, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. There were several issues I had.
Loki and Gage, were raised as brothers, but they're not blood related. The fact that they get in a romantic relationship doesn't bother me a bit. They obviously loved & cared for each other.
It's unusual that the younger brother, Gage, is a top and dominant. He's in high school.
Loki, is a bottom and wears makeup. He works for the Houston Hub of the Non-Human Community, and is known as the Headsman aka The Beast. He fights in a cage, and either kills or beats up non-humans. He's also a prostitute.
The story was fairly interesting. I read until near the end, when I got tired of it and was ready for it to be over. Then I had to push myself to finish.
I got extremely tired of the MCs counting down the days until Gage's 18th birthday, when they could finally have sex and Loki could stop being a prostitute. They wouldn't have sex even though:
🅰 Gage is considered an adult by the magical community.
🅱 Gage needs to have sex with Loki to have control over his magical ability. Gage has to suffer and spend hours in an abandoned warehouse to expend his power, until his birthday when he can finally get some help.
As far as Loki being a prostitute. His sexual encounters are off-page, but it continued until the 89% mark and is mentioned frequently! Even AFTER the MCs learn that they have a soul bond, and will be together forever. 😠
․․․𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙠𝙞'𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮｡
He had to start when he was 12-years-old, and now he's 24. Why does he continue? For the money, of course. They've saved at least $500,000, but it's not enough. 😠
Here's an excerpt to show how Loki feels:
"I’ve done what I’ve had to do to make sure Gage can do what he wants to do. He knows this. I know this. It doesn’t erase the pain of knowing the person you love fucks other people every night. It doesn’t make the wait less difficult."
While there's plenty of licking and orgasms, they don't have penetrative sex until the 96% mark.
It wasn't worth the wait.
Like book 1, there are little to no physical descriptions and indistinct MCs. I was often confused as to who was talking.
317 F-words + many other swear words
Edited to Add: After learning that book 3 has even more bad language, I won't be reading it. The series isn't good enough to put up with it.
January 6, 2021
Jennifer Cody delivered another brilliant addition to the Diviner's Game series with Knight to Castle Two. I thoroughly enjoyed Deejay and Matt's book, but Loki and Gage's story made Bishop to Knight One take a back seat. The effortless way Jen dances around the edge of forbidden love calls to me like a siren's song. It's an irresistible pull that would surely end me, but the temptation of taboo is well worth the risk. The fact that Loki and Gage are brothers and doing the dirty? Super hot! But, don't go jumping to conclusions! There's no blood between these two gorgeous fellas. They're actually step-brothers who are closer than blood could have ever made them, and I’m living for the obsessive love they share!
While reading Bishop to Knight One I had the impression that Loki was this stonecold badass. The kind who takes names and kicks asses without question or hesitation. In a sense, he is that guy. But, there is so much more to him that you discover in his and Gage’s book. The picture of Loki in my head was of him being this ripped beast of a man who could snuff you out with a death glare at fifty paces. I saw him wearing sexy leather gear, swords strapped to his back, and with a no-nonsense sort of personality. You know what I mean right? Like, the sort of guy who doesn’t ever smile because it’s something so foreign for him he might pull a muscle? Yeah, well, I was wrong.
Loki IS the badass I pictured, with a few alterations like his sexy makeup, but he’s so much more than that! He’s a human working as the Headsman for the non-human Hub in Houston. Each night, he gets in the Cage with non-human offenders to meet out corporal punishment and death sentences for beings who violate the law. He is a tough guy mentally, emotionally, and physically. After dragging his busted ass out of the Cage each night, he recoups and spends the rest of his night earning a living on his back as a sex worker. Loki does all of this to earn as much money as possible to provide a good life for his brother. He wants Gage to attend Cambridge, wants him to get a degree in something he loves, and he wants his brother to be happy. And, there’s this incredibly sweet side to Loki only Gage sees. As the older brother, he’s felt it was his job to look out for Gage. Starting as a child, Loki’s did everything he could to protect Gage and provide for them, even going out at the tender age of twelve to sell his body to pay bills.
I thought Gage was going to be the submissive main character in their twisted love story. Perhaps I assumed, with Loki being such a beast, Gage would be the softer of the two. Maybe I thought he’d be the submissive younger brother in love with the older brother he worships. I also thought he was going to be smaller than Loki. In my mind, Loki was this big bruiser and Gage was a smaller, lean muscled guy. I don’t know why I thought these things and it doesn’t really matter. Because, my lovelies, I was terribly wrong! Gage is bigger than Loki by a few inches. He’s also the more dominant and controlling of the two. Gage is the one people need to watch out for in terms of who’s scarier. You see, Gage is a non-human guy. And, not only is he non-human, he’s Dragonspawn. He’s the type of being who would terrify other non-humans if they had any idea of what he was. He has a volatile power swirling within him trying to get out and the only one who can gentle his inner beast is Loki, the man he loves. To top that off, I’d like to point out it’s a good thing Gage has decent morals. He would be a scary, dangerous person if he had rotten integrity. His abilities, jealousy, protective side when it comes to Loki, and his burning desire would make for an explosive cocktail of hell he could, and would, rain down on everyone otherwise.
I’ve never read a book that’s surprised me so much in such a wonderful way! With the flirty way Jen touches on the pseudo-incest, the sexy possessiveness, the love, and devotion for each other, I was hooked from the beginning. But, the thing that blew my mind the most was how my perspective of the characters changed as I really got to know them. The bits and pieces we were given in book one hinted at what these characters were like. But in Knight to Castle Two we find out who these men really are. We learn about their hearts, hopes, dreams, desires, and most of all, we learn about what their willing to do and endure to love one another. I honestly adored this book. I love Gage a whole bunch, but Loki stole my heart. All of the horrendous things he’s endured in his life for him and Gage makes Loki an incredible character.
Jen is a fantastic author! She’s dived right into the m/m pool of glistening, sexy goodness and she’s making quite the splash for this reader. If you enjoyed the first Diviner’s Game novel, the snippets of Loki and Gage we saw in the first book, the taboo aspect of Knight to Castle Two, the mythical side of the series, and/or Jen’s writing style, give the book a go! You won’t be disappointed!
While reading Bishop to Knight One I had the impression that Loki was this stonecold badass. The kind who takes names and kicks asses without question or hesitation. In a sense, he is that guy. But, there is so much more to him that you discover in his and Gage’s book. The picture of Loki in my head was of him being this ripped beast of a man who could snuff you out with a death glare at fifty paces. I saw him wearing sexy leather gear, swords strapped to his back, and with a no-nonsense sort of personality. You know what I mean right? Like, the sort of guy who doesn’t ever smile because it’s something so foreign for him he might pull a muscle? Yeah, well, I was wrong.
Loki IS the badass I pictured, with a few alterations like his sexy makeup, but he’s so much more than that! He’s a human working as the Headsman for the non-human Hub in Houston. Each night, he gets in the Cage with non-human offenders to meet out corporal punishment and death sentences for beings who violate the law. He is a tough guy mentally, emotionally, and physically. After dragging his busted ass out of the Cage each night, he recoups and spends the rest of his night earning a living on his back as a sex worker. Loki does all of this to earn as much money as possible to provide a good life for his brother. He wants Gage to attend Cambridge, wants him to get a degree in something he loves, and he wants his brother to be happy. And, there’s this incredibly sweet side to Loki only Gage sees. As the older brother, he’s felt it was his job to look out for Gage. Starting as a child, Loki’s did everything he could to protect Gage and provide for them, even going out at the tender age of twelve to sell his body to pay bills.
I thought Gage was going to be the submissive main character in their twisted love story. Perhaps I assumed, with Loki being such a beast, Gage would be the softer of the two. Maybe I thought he’d be the submissive younger brother in love with the older brother he worships. I also thought he was going to be smaller than Loki. In my mind, Loki was this big bruiser and Gage was a smaller, lean muscled guy. I don’t know why I thought these things and it doesn’t really matter. Because, my lovelies, I was terribly wrong! Gage is bigger than Loki by a few inches. He’s also the more dominant and controlling of the two. Gage is the one people need to watch out for in terms of who’s scarier. You see, Gage is a non-human guy. And, not only is he non-human, he’s Dragonspawn. He’s the type of being who would terrify other non-humans if they had any idea of what he was. He has a volatile power swirling within him trying to get out and the only one who can gentle his inner beast is Loki, the man he loves. To top that off, I’d like to point out it’s a good thing Gage has decent morals. He would be a scary, dangerous person if he had rotten integrity. His abilities, jealousy, protective side when it comes to Loki, and his burning desire would make for an explosive cocktail of hell he could, and would, rain down on everyone otherwise.
I’ve never read a book that’s surprised me so much in such a wonderful way! With the flirty way Jen touches on the pseudo-incest, the sexy possessiveness, the love, and devotion for each other, I was hooked from the beginning. But, the thing that blew my mind the most was how my perspective of the characters changed as I really got to know them. The bits and pieces we were given in book one hinted at what these characters were like. But in Knight to Castle Two we find out who these men really are. We learn about their hearts, hopes, dreams, desires, and most of all, we learn about what their willing to do and endure to love one another. I honestly adored this book. I love Gage a whole bunch, but Loki stole my heart. All of the horrendous things he’s endured in his life for him and Gage makes Loki an incredible character.
Jen is a fantastic author! She’s dived right into the m/m pool of glistening, sexy goodness and she’s making quite the splash for this reader. If you enjoyed the first Diviner’s Game novel, the snippets of Loki and Gage we saw in the first book, the taboo aspect of Knight to Castle Two, the mythical side of the series, and/or Jen’s writing style, give the book a go! You won’t be disappointed!
March 9, 2022
There was a lot to love about this couple, but the hard times just went and on and on and on and on......etc. I'm not judging at all, but I had a hard time understanding the attraction at first. I understand it is slightly taboo, and I've read books with a similar taboo nature, but the MCs usually don't grow up together the entire time. Loki was with Gage from his birth on. I just can't personally relate to changing someone's diapers to falling in love with them. However, it got better with the different species explanations and I let that go. However, the book is so filled with such dark times, and Loki suffers so much torture and prostitutes himself to raise Gage, and it was too much for me. I needed more than 1 chapter of happiness as an ending. This series is very interesting, and I hope the last book is not so dark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2021
The world the author has created completely sucks you in, and I could not put this book down! I think this surpasses the first book (which I loved). If you didn’t read it, do that now! They both have amazing world building, swoon-worthy and likable MCs, a fantastic set of secondary characters, and an action packed plot line. I also really loved that we got an epilogue with this book. We may not have the third book yet, but we know everyone will get their HEA.
I adored Gage and Loki, and this book was very much focused on them. Their love, their dedication, their loyalty... so awesome. Loki is willing to suffer for Gage, and Gage is willing to burn the world for Loki. They need no one else and will sacrifice everything for each other. They have their perfect future planned out and they will not let anything stand in their way. And how Gage heals Loki? So smoking hot (pun intended lol).
Usually parallel timelines drive me nuts, and I tend to stay away from books that do that. This author did an amazing job with it though. There is literally so much happening that nothing felt like I was going back and repeating things, and if anything it makes me want to go back and reread book one with the added knowledge I have from book two.
Slight spoilers:
I loved getting a better look at the machinations of Chanda (I predicted he was still loyal to the MCs of book one, and I hold with that prediction!), and I cannot wait for the third book to come out! Tal got me a little annoyed, but he redeemed himself, and I’m still hoping for some love for him somewhere along the line too.
I adored Gage and Loki, and this book was very much focused on them. Their love, their dedication, their loyalty... so awesome. Loki is willing to suffer for Gage, and Gage is willing to burn the world for Loki. They need no one else and will sacrifice everything for each other. They have their perfect future planned out and they will not let anything stand in their way. And how Gage heals Loki? So smoking hot (pun intended lol).
Usually parallel timelines drive me nuts, and I tend to stay away from books that do that. This author did an amazing job with it though. There is literally so much happening that nothing felt like I was going back and repeating things, and if anything it makes me want to go back and reread book one with the added knowledge I have from book two.
Slight spoilers:
I loved getting a better look at the machinations of Chanda (I predicted he was still loyal to the MCs of book one, and I hold with that prediction!), and I cannot wait for the third book to come out! Tal got me a little annoyed, but he redeemed himself, and I’m still hoping for some love for him somewhere along the line too.
October 22, 2021
This is book 2 of the trilogy and features Loki and Gage. They are stepbrothers and Loki raised Gage alone when Gage was 6. You get to read how Loki is the headsman for the non-humans even though he is human. Gage is a half dragon and as he gets closer to his 18th birthday, he is having a hard time controlling his fire. I loved this pseudo taboo story and the love they have for each other.
I received a copy of this book for my review
I received a copy of this book for my review
October 24, 2021
What a ride!
Jennifer Cody managed to write an intensely erotic story while maintaining the urgency of the story arc.
You can read this book without reading the first book in the series, but I recommend reading them in order, even though the action happens concurrently. I will read the third one because I am now a fan of Cody's work, but it would not be necessary to do so to be satisfied with the end of this one.
Jennifer Cody managed to write an intensely erotic story while maintaining the urgency of the story arc.
You can read this book without reading the first book in the series, but I recommend reading them in order, even though the action happens concurrently. I will read the third one because I am now a fan of Cody's work, but it would not be necessary to do so to be satisfied with the end of this one.
March 31, 2022
Oh the games
There are so many games and puzzles and machinations going on in this story.
I liked seeing stuff we saw before, but from a different person's perspective.
There are so many games and puzzles and machinations going on in this story.
I liked seeing stuff we saw before, but from a different person's perspective.
November 28, 2022
Even better than the 1st one
December 28, 2025
Second installment in the Diviner's Game Trilogy. This one centers around the Loki the Headsman, the Enforcer for the local paranormal community and Gage, his not related by blood stepbrother.
It's set in the exact same timeline as the first book, but told from this couple's perspective. I can't really say too much without giving things away. But its smokin' hot and I was invested in the HEA both these MCs deserved.
A solid 5 ++++
It's set in the exact same timeline as the first book, but told from this couple's perspective. I can't really say too much without giving things away. But its smokin' hot and I was invested in the HEA both these MCs deserved.
A solid 5 ++++
August 3, 2023
KNIGHT TO CASTLE TWO is the second book in the Diviner's Game trilogy and this time we find out just what's going on with human Headsman, Loki, and his step-brother Drakon, Gage.
We met with Loki and Gage in book one, and this one runs on a parallel time, so we see some of the same events but from their eyes instead. This is incredibly hard to do but excellently executed by Jennifer Cody.
Loki and Gage are as close as two people can be, but DO NOT share blood. They are not related in any way, apart from being step-brothers. Their relationship might raise a few eyebrows but is not incestuous in any way. What it is though, is hot as hell! Loki is a leather-wearing, kick-ass, take no s**t Headsman, but Gage is the force in their relationship. I loved seeing what makes both of them tick.
A little bit more of the intrigue is unravelled in this book, but not enough for me! I guess I'll just have to read the third book to find out the whole story. Oh, what a shame. The pacing is just as perfect as the first book, and I also loved seeing Matt and Deejay through someone else's eyes too.
What a fantastic trilogy this is turning out to be. Two down, one to go, and I honestly can't wait. Absolutely recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 12, 2021
We met with Loki and Gage in book one, and this one runs on a parallel time, so we see some of the same events but from their eyes instead. This is incredibly hard to do but excellently executed by Jennifer Cody.
Loki and Gage are as close as two people can be, but DO NOT share blood. They are not related in any way, apart from being step-brothers. Their relationship might raise a few eyebrows but is not incestuous in any way. What it is though, is hot as hell! Loki is a leather-wearing, kick-ass, take no s**t Headsman, but Gage is the force in their relationship. I loved seeing what makes both of them tick.
A little bit more of the intrigue is unravelled in this book, but not enough for me! I guess I'll just have to read the third book to find out the whole story. Oh, what a shame. The pacing is just as perfect as the first book, and I also loved seeing Matt and Deejay through someone else's eyes too.
What a fantastic trilogy this is turning out to be. Two down, one to go, and I honestly can't wait. Absolutely recommended!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 12, 2021
January 3, 2021
I am really enjoying these books. The first book had a lot of background information to set the scene for any future books, and I cannot express how much I absolutely love all the details. This book is fantastic! I fell in love with Deejay and Matt in the last book, but Loki and Gage blew me away with how devoted they are to each other.
Loki is the current headsman of the Houston Hub for non-human creatures. However, Loki is a known human, and he is the executioner in the "cage" most nights. He has done everything that he can to protect and care for his step-brother since he was a very young teenager. His dad married Gage's mother a month or so before she had him, and he grew up believing that he was the protector for his little brother. He loves Gage with everything he has and will do anything for Gage. After his dad died and his step-mom became unfit, he did anything he could to keep Gage healthy, happy, and whole. Including prostituting himself just to ensure that his brother had food/clothes/toys. At the hub, he's first the headsman and second a prostitute. He has a contract with Loretta, the head of the hub, to be her headsman and prostitute up until Gage's 18th birthday. After that, he plans to retire from prostitution because Gage will finally be legally old enough for them to be together. But until he's of age, Loki has strict boundaries he will not cross, and he knows that once he and Gage are intimate that he will never touch anyone else again.
Gage is a dragonspawn but because of the hatred for his kind, he and Loki have kept that fact a secret. Gage is only a few weeks from his 18th birthday when we start this book, and he is struggling to hold on till his birthday. As a dragon, he needs to burn off his extra "energy" but he can't do that unless he has someone he can be intimate with, and while he and Loki love each other, they refuse to cross that boundary until after Gage is legally old enough to engage in anything physical.
This book starts before Deejay and Matt's book and overlaps with a lot of the things in that book, BUT it's done to show the reader the details from Loki and Gage's point of view. Don't be mistaken, it is not boring, It is very enlightening and I personally cannot wait to see what happens in book 3. At the end of book 1, we suspected something was up because a character we had started to love seemed to be so evil! (yes Chanda) but after having read this book we get to see his interactions with Loki and Gage. I am so incredibly excited to see where these books go, and I hope we get to see lots more books from this author!!!
If you haven't read these two books! Go get the 1st one and start reading! They are phenomenal!!!
Loki is the current headsman of the Houston Hub for non-human creatures. However, Loki is a known human, and he is the executioner in the "cage" most nights. He has done everything that he can to protect and care for his step-brother since he was a very young teenager. His dad married Gage's mother a month or so before she had him, and he grew up believing that he was the protector for his little brother. He loves Gage with everything he has and will do anything for Gage. After his dad died and his step-mom became unfit, he did anything he could to keep Gage healthy, happy, and whole. Including prostituting himself just to ensure that his brother had food/clothes/toys. At the hub, he's first the headsman and second a prostitute. He has a contract with Loretta, the head of the hub, to be her headsman and prostitute up until Gage's 18th birthday. After that, he plans to retire from prostitution because Gage will finally be legally old enough for them to be together. But until he's of age, Loki has strict boundaries he will not cross, and he knows that once he and Gage are intimate that he will never touch anyone else again.
Gage is a dragonspawn but because of the hatred for his kind, he and Loki have kept that fact a secret. Gage is only a few weeks from his 18th birthday when we start this book, and he is struggling to hold on till his birthday. As a dragon, he needs to burn off his extra "energy" but he can't do that unless he has someone he can be intimate with, and while he and Loki love each other, they refuse to cross that boundary until after Gage is legally old enough to engage in anything physical.
This book starts before Deejay and Matt's book and overlaps with a lot of the things in that book, BUT it's done to show the reader the details from Loki and Gage's point of view. Don't be mistaken, it is not boring, It is very enlightening and I personally cannot wait to see what happens in book 3. At the end of book 1, we suspected something was up because a character we had started to love seemed to be so evil! (yes Chanda) but after having read this book we get to see his interactions with Loki and Gage. I am so incredibly excited to see where these books go, and I hope we get to see lots more books from this author!!!
If you haven't read these two books! Go get the 1st one and start reading! They are phenomenal!!!
April 29, 2022
“Call me, and I will come running as far and as fast as I need to. I am your brother and soon I will be your lover—I am the man you call when you need help. I don’t care if I have to hide in a fucking cave afterward, if there’s a bounty on my head, if I have to hide the bodies. Promise me you will call.”
They’re not blood related brothers, ya’ll. Not that I have a problem with that. If I’m reading 2 consenting adults then all is right in the world. But I’m sure some of ya’ll might feel better knowing they share no DNA. They’re step brothers though. 😆 But anyway, that passage is hot as heck, and so are Loki and Gage. Especially Gage, since he’s a literal dragon and naturally burns hot. The two of them are soul mates through and through. Bonded for life, even before they have a choice. Absolutely beautiful reading about them.
Besides that, the WORLD BUILDING! Holy heck. I’m new to the Jennifer Cody party; just read the first Murder Sprees & Mute Decrees book recently and figured I’d give another book by this author a try. Since those books are absolutely off the wall hilarious and crazy, I thought I was getting something similar with the Diviner’s Game series. But no. Nope nope nope nope nope. Does it have funny parts? Absolutely. But is that what it’s all about? Not at all. Seriously, the world building in this series is phenomenal. Lots of details, but not too much that you get bored. It’s just the right amount to throw you into exactly what every place a character walks into looks like, to easily imagine what each non-human looks like, and to truly appreciate the whirlwind fuckdom that is the Diviner’s Game. I can’t even imagine all of the research, or background reading that Jennifer Cody did. Unless all of this shit is stuff already naturally known? I mean kudos for having an endless supply of facts about everything known to the world. Truly. Like what isn’t in these books? I have so much gosh darn appreciation for all the work that must have gone into this.
Anyway, I always end up going on some random endless love proclamation when I love a book. 😆 I’ll just say this was amazing, and I’m loving working on the intricately designed game that’s happening here. Soooo many questions I had at the end of book 1, and quite a bit got answered here in book 2 (I had literal moments of ahhhhhhhhhh, yes that), but I have more questions and am eager to move on to book 3. Especially after that epilogue. ❤️
They’re not blood related brothers, ya’ll. Not that I have a problem with that. If I’m reading 2 consenting adults then all is right in the world. But I’m sure some of ya’ll might feel better knowing they share no DNA. They’re step brothers though. 😆 But anyway, that passage is hot as heck, and so are Loki and Gage. Especially Gage, since he’s a literal dragon and naturally burns hot. The two of them are soul mates through and through. Bonded for life, even before they have a choice. Absolutely beautiful reading about them.
Besides that, the WORLD BUILDING! Holy heck. I’m new to the Jennifer Cody party; just read the first Murder Sprees & Mute Decrees book recently and figured I’d give another book by this author a try. Since those books are absolutely off the wall hilarious and crazy, I thought I was getting something similar with the Diviner’s Game series. But no. Nope nope nope nope nope. Does it have funny parts? Absolutely. But is that what it’s all about? Not at all. Seriously, the world building in this series is phenomenal. Lots of details, but not too much that you get bored. It’s just the right amount to throw you into exactly what every place a character walks into looks like, to easily imagine what each non-human looks like, and to truly appreciate the whirlwind fuckdom that is the Diviner’s Game. I can’t even imagine all of the research, or background reading that Jennifer Cody did. Unless all of this shit is stuff already naturally known? I mean kudos for having an endless supply of facts about everything known to the world. Truly. Like what isn’t in these books? I have so much gosh darn appreciation for all the work that must have gone into this.
Anyway, I always end up going on some random endless love proclamation when I love a book. 😆 I’ll just say this was amazing, and I’m loving working on the intricately designed game that’s happening here. Soooo many questions I had at the end of book 1, and quite a bit got answered here in book 2 (I had literal moments of ahhhhhhhhhh, yes that), but I have more questions and am eager to move on to book 3. Especially after that epilogue. ❤️
February 12, 2021
What I Liked…
I have read all three books in the series back to back as part of this post. I wholeheartedly enjoyed each one. There is a lot to unpack in this series, but admittedly, Jennifer Cody did it and did it well.
The novels are set in our modern-day world, with non-humans around us and interacting with us on a daily basis. The only reason we do not see them is the secrecy laws that non-humans follow. This leads to a believable world with schools, malls, and even police interactions. It does not take much to be pulled into this world Jennifer created.
Yes, the books are long. But they follow the developing relationships across three couples, one in each book. I loved how the author described them as being “acceptably taboo” relationships. An adult pseudo-step-uncle/nephew (-ish) relationship, an unrelated stepbrother romance, and a teacher/student romance. Each of the books shows the initial attraction, resistance, logic building, then ultimately the true development of the relationship…including some hot physical scenes.
Overarching this whole series is this paranormal chess match. Clearly, someone is behind the scenes pulling strings, causing drama, making mistakes, handicapping, and strategizing. You see it in the first two books, but it becomes front and center in book three: Queen to King Three.
One of the things I REALLY enjoyed about this series is that each of the three books is set at the exact same thing. So the events of the first novel happen in the second and third. BUT, from those characters’ point of view and their behind the scenes actions (and romance buildings). This really created a multi-dimensional storyline.
The Bottomline…
I mentioned that this is a long series. Over 1,000 pages in total. However, TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
Disclaimer: I did receive the book (all of them) from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review.
Check out the full review, author the author, coffee talk, and more at BookGemz.com.
I have read all three books in the series back to back as part of this post. I wholeheartedly enjoyed each one. There is a lot to unpack in this series, but admittedly, Jennifer Cody did it and did it well.
The novels are set in our modern-day world, with non-humans around us and interacting with us on a daily basis. The only reason we do not see them is the secrecy laws that non-humans follow. This leads to a believable world with schools, malls, and even police interactions. It does not take much to be pulled into this world Jennifer created.
Yes, the books are long. But they follow the developing relationships across three couples, one in each book. I loved how the author described them as being “acceptably taboo” relationships. An adult pseudo-step-uncle/nephew (-ish) relationship, an unrelated stepbrother romance, and a teacher/student romance. Each of the books shows the initial attraction, resistance, logic building, then ultimately the true development of the relationship…including some hot physical scenes.
Overarching this whole series is this paranormal chess match. Clearly, someone is behind the scenes pulling strings, causing drama, making mistakes, handicapping, and strategizing. You see it in the first two books, but it becomes front and center in book three: Queen to King Three.
One of the things I REALLY enjoyed about this series is that each of the three books is set at the exact same thing. So the events of the first novel happen in the second and third. BUT, from those characters’ point of view and their behind the scenes actions (and romance buildings). This really created a multi-dimensional storyline.
The Bottomline…
I mentioned that this is a long series. Over 1,000 pages in total. However, TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
Disclaimer: I did receive the book (all of them) from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I received no compensation for this review.
Check out the full review, author the author, coffee talk, and more at BookGemz.com.
September 29, 2021
Wow, let me start by saying this series needs to be completely read together to gather how brilliant it really is. Each book alone is good but when you read all 3 you see how truly interwoven the stories are and it really does read like an elaborate chess match. There were so many types of magical creatures it was fascinating as the story went continued to unravel and I am eager to read the next series once it is complete and I hope it is as amazing as this was.
Bishop to Knight One is the beginning of the game the Diviners play and is centered around Deejay and Matt. Both of these MCs are compassionate and loving with darkness to them as well. Each of the characters for the series are introduced, it is easy to make assumptions based on how the game plays out and what you think you know but it is just the beginning.
Knight to Castle Two is adding another layer to the Diviners Game and expands on Gage and Loki and boy oh boy are they HOT. I hate all the pain Loki went through but I loved how possessive Gage was and seeing his inner Drakon come free. I loved this book in the series and I wish they could have had their physical comfort sooner but when you think about the fact the book plays out in a timeframe of about a month it is not so bad.
Queen to King Three is the conclusion to the Diviners Chess Match and there is so much at stake. This book is Chanda (the Diviner) and Robbie. Poor Chanda is trying to save everyone, and he really redeems himself when you see why he had to make the moves he did in the previous books. Robbie really comes out of his shell when he is with Chanda and I was surprised he was so dominate. There are some loose ends that I would have liked answers to such as when was going on with Colt and Kendall. This book is what really drives home how much layering there was to these books and it truly blew my mind.
This was a really great series and I can’t stress enough that you should really all 3 books to truly get how amazing this series is and how involved the game really was.
Bishop to Knight One is the beginning of the game the Diviners play and is centered around Deejay and Matt. Both of these MCs are compassionate and loving with darkness to them as well. Each of the characters for the series are introduced, it is easy to make assumptions based on how the game plays out and what you think you know but it is just the beginning.
Knight to Castle Two is adding another layer to the Diviners Game and expands on Gage and Loki and boy oh boy are they HOT. I hate all the pain Loki went through but I loved how possessive Gage was and seeing his inner Drakon come free. I loved this book in the series and I wish they could have had their physical comfort sooner but when you think about the fact the book plays out in a timeframe of about a month it is not so bad.
Queen to King Three is the conclusion to the Diviners Chess Match and there is so much at stake. This book is Chanda (the Diviner) and Robbie. Poor Chanda is trying to save everyone, and he really redeems himself when you see why he had to make the moves he did in the previous books. Robbie really comes out of his shell when he is with Chanda and I was surprised he was so dominate. There are some loose ends that I would have liked answers to such as when was going on with Colt and Kendall. This book is what really drives home how much layering there was to these books and it truly blew my mind.
This was a really great series and I can’t stress enough that you should really all 3 books to truly get how amazing this series is and how involved the game really was.
May 23, 2021
This is book 2 in the series, and you really need to read book 1 to full enjoy it!
Book 2 follows Loki and Gage, the Headsman of the HUB and his younger brother (technically, step-brother). The same overarching storyline exists in this book, but from the perspective of the these unique MCs, while adding in detail specific to their lives and situation.
Loki is human, but is extremely skilled in combat through meditation and trance, which has made him the extremely successful Headsman of the HUB for years. His sole goal in life is to make sure his brother has everything and they never experience poverty ever again. From the moment Gage was born, Loki has loved him with his entire being, even raising Gage since Loki was 12.
Gage is non-human, Dragonspawn, brilliant, dominant, and in love with his brother. He just needs to make it a few more weeks til he's 18 so there's no chance of Loki getting in trouble if their relationship evolves. But his Dragon is getting stronger, his fire is getting hotter, and he's finding it harder and harder to keep his powers under control.
Through the craziness going on in Houston and the HUB that we saw in Book 1, these two have their own parts to play and challenges to overcome. Threats to their lives, the possibility of losing control of his powers, and other players bent on hurting them, the two brothers have to dig deep and rely on others (even though they are fiercely independent) to achieve their goals to get Gage off to college and move to a new place where they can start their new lives.
This series is phenomenal. Book 1 was ultimately a great book (I had some challenges in the first few chapters due to information overload) but with book 2 layered on top to add extra dimension, this whole world is becoming a favorite. I'm looking forward to diving into Book 3. The author has created a very addictive, detailed, unique world with well developed characters with so much depth to them.
Book 2 follows Loki and Gage, the Headsman of the HUB and his younger brother (technically, step-brother). The same overarching storyline exists in this book, but from the perspective of the these unique MCs, while adding in detail specific to their lives and situation.
Loki is human, but is extremely skilled in combat through meditation and trance, which has made him the extremely successful Headsman of the HUB for years. His sole goal in life is to make sure his brother has everything and they never experience poverty ever again. From the moment Gage was born, Loki has loved him with his entire being, even raising Gage since Loki was 12.
Gage is non-human, Dragonspawn, brilliant, dominant, and in love with his brother. He just needs to make it a few more weeks til he's 18 so there's no chance of Loki getting in trouble if their relationship evolves. But his Dragon is getting stronger, his fire is getting hotter, and he's finding it harder and harder to keep his powers under control.
Through the craziness going on in Houston and the HUB that we saw in Book 1, these two have their own parts to play and challenges to overcome. Threats to their lives, the possibility of losing control of his powers, and other players bent on hurting them, the two brothers have to dig deep and rely on others (even though they are fiercely independent) to achieve their goals to get Gage off to college and move to a new place where they can start their new lives.
This series is phenomenal. Book 1 was ultimately a great book (I had some challenges in the first few chapters due to information overload) but with book 2 layered on top to add extra dimension, this whole world is becoming a favorite. I'm looking forward to diving into Book 3. The author has created a very addictive, detailed, unique world with well developed characters with so much depth to them.
July 19, 2022
Another amazing story
The world building in this series is excellent and the twists and machinations still have me wary two books in, do I really know who are the good guys and bad guys? I am not sure, it could turn on its head.
Thoroughly good read though, I couldn't put it down, it was at times uncomfortable, at times heartwarming. I was really invested in the characters, if they were hurt or threatened, I would be on the edge of my seat and I usually shy away from characters with grey areas around morals, I think the author does a great job at connecting the reader to them.
[Spoilers and trigger warning]
Yes, this series, this book particularly, coasts the edge of the very taboo. This book involves a guy two weeks before his 18th birthday trying to keep his hands off his legal guardian. When and where I grew up, the legal age of consent was 16, but I could see it bothering others a lot more, if that is a trigger, don't read it.
Men marrying/pursuing their female "wards" is a classic theme in historical literature when females had little rights afforded them but the author turns this on its head quite neatly, making it more palatable for a modern audience.
The real taboo is the familial connection, I think the author does a great job of creating enough of a connection to make it feel taboo whilst also being very clear that it isn't actually incest.
All in all, I think it is an interesting moral question to explore, especially with the loss of the traditional nuclear family in western society, where exactly that line is, is less solid in the modern family and could cause a lot of heartache to those in the midst of it, if they all took differing positions. It isn't a trope I am going to follow, but I am intrigued to see what taboos this author comes up with next.
The world building in this series is excellent and the twists and machinations still have me wary two books in, do I really know who are the good guys and bad guys? I am not sure, it could turn on its head.
Thoroughly good read though, I couldn't put it down, it was at times uncomfortable, at times heartwarming. I was really invested in the characters, if they were hurt or threatened, I would be on the edge of my seat and I usually shy away from characters with grey areas around morals, I think the author does a great job at connecting the reader to them.
[Spoilers and trigger warning]
Yes, this series, this book particularly, coasts the edge of the very taboo. This book involves a guy two weeks before his 18th birthday trying to keep his hands off his legal guardian. When and where I grew up, the legal age of consent was 16, but I could see it bothering others a lot more, if that is a trigger, don't read it.
Men marrying/pursuing their female "wards" is a classic theme in historical literature when females had little rights afforded them but the author turns this on its head quite neatly, making it more palatable for a modern audience.
The real taboo is the familial connection, I think the author does a great job of creating enough of a connection to make it feel taboo whilst also being very clear that it isn't actually incest.
All in all, I think it is an interesting moral question to explore, especially with the loss of the traditional nuclear family in western society, where exactly that line is, is less solid in the modern family and could cause a lot of heartache to those in the midst of it, if they all took differing positions. It isn't a trope I am going to follow, but I am intrigued to see what taboos this author comes up with next.
September 8, 2022
I mentioned at the end of my review of the previous book in this trilogy that I originally had a few ideas of where this series might go. I did not expect it to go back to the very beginning of the story! The events of this book interact and overlap closely with those in Bishop to Knight One, which is always a neat trick. Technically, we already know how this story ends—but Loki and Gage play very different roles, revealing multiple layers to this trilogy’s over-arcing plot. Along the way, we also learn more about the characters of Loki and Gage and how what the other Houston non-humans assume about their Headsman could not be farther from the truth.
It is possible for morally gray characters in a complicated relationship to also be absolutely adorable, and Loki and Gage manage this in spades. Their romance arc does not follow the expected genre beats for multiple reasons, but I found myself completely invested in their story and character development. So many authors employ the “fated mates” trope as an excuse for insta-love, but Cody leans into her amazing world-building to create a unique take on the concept. What would be viewed as an obsessive and unhealthy codependent connection in a contemporary romance can’t be judged by the same rules here, because Loki and Gage aren’t human. When they’re not being adorable, this pair is also incredibly hot, even when Cody once again bucks genre expectations by blurring the definitions of sex.
I’m learning that this is not a series about good guys. It’s even better, in that it’s a story about well-developed characters doing good things in a world with some vastly different ideas about good versus evil. Cody may be writing paranormal romance, but her creativity and storytelling ability officially make her one of my favorite overall urban fantasy authors.
It is possible for morally gray characters in a complicated relationship to also be absolutely adorable, and Loki and Gage manage this in spades. Their romance arc does not follow the expected genre beats for multiple reasons, but I found myself completely invested in their story and character development. So many authors employ the “fated mates” trope as an excuse for insta-love, but Cody leans into her amazing world-building to create a unique take on the concept. What would be viewed as an obsessive and unhealthy codependent connection in a contemporary romance can’t be judged by the same rules here, because Loki and Gage aren’t human. When they’re not being adorable, this pair is also incredibly hot, even when Cody once again bucks genre expectations by blurring the definitions of sex.
I’m learning that this is not a series about good guys. It’s even better, in that it’s a story about well-developed characters doing good things in a world with some vastly different ideas about good versus evil. Cody may be writing paranormal romance, but her creativity and storytelling ability officially make her one of my favorite overall urban fantasy authors.
November 8, 2022
Remember all those questions I still had at the end of the first book in this series? Turns out, this book actually answers a couple of them! Which is great.
What is less great, is that it is basically the same story I read in the first book, only through the eyes of two new characters, Loki and Gage (whom we have met already in the first book). Now, don't get me wrong. I love Loki and Gage and their slightly taboo relationship! But I don't like reading the same story twice. Even though there were new moments and you couldn't predict everything, the overall story arc was the same, so a lot of moments were already mapped out. And guess what, we probably get to do the same in the third book, expect hopefully by then we will finally get the whole picture.
So even though this was a steamy, lovely, action packed read, I still felt cheated because it was not a new story. Also, the whole story felt like giant tease, with Loki and Gage counting down the days until they can finally be together. I was being edged alongside these characters for so long, I was ready to just skip to the end because I couldn't take it any longer ;)
I kept wondering if the author couldn't have merged these 3 books together somehow. Or maybe weave the 1 and 2 book together? Having read both, I'm not really sure we needed the first book to spoil the surprises for the second. But, I'm not the author and I'm sure Jennifer thought this out.
I will probably still read the last book to get the whole story, but it might be a while.
What is less great, is that it is basically the same story I read in the first book, only through the eyes of two new characters, Loki and Gage (whom we have met already in the first book). Now, don't get me wrong. I love Loki and Gage and their slightly taboo relationship! But I don't like reading the same story twice. Even though there were new moments and you couldn't predict everything, the overall story arc was the same, so a lot of moments were already mapped out. And guess what, we probably get to do the same in the third book, expect hopefully by then we will finally get the whole picture.
So even though this was a steamy, lovely, action packed read, I still felt cheated because it was not a new story. Also, the whole story felt like giant tease, with Loki and Gage counting down the days until they can finally be together. I was being edged alongside these characters for so long, I was ready to just skip to the end because I couldn't take it any longer ;)
I kept wondering if the author couldn't have merged these 3 books together somehow. Or maybe weave the 1 and 2 book together? Having read both, I'm not really sure we needed the first book to spoil the surprises for the second. But, I'm not the author and I'm sure Jennifer thought this out.
I will probably still read the last book to get the whole story, but it might be a while.
July 28, 2023
Love this pairing, hate this story
This was strange. I have read plently of series with book take place during the same period. It is often really nice to see the difference in perspectives. However, when that happens we are usually graced with no information that adds to the story. This didn't do that. Sure, this gave a bit more insight into the world but it didn't add as much as I had hoped. Mostly I had wanted for this to explain a bit more about Chandra and Tio. Instead we got a remix of the first book. I do like the couple but they are missing something. Honestly, the first books couple was missing a few things as well. I like a good insta-love but it went fast. This one we at least know that they have cared for each other for years but we don't see them react much. Most of their scenes revolve around them plotting and burning. None of the huild up you would expect from a romance. If it wasnt for the fact that they are clearly a couple I would assume them to be strangers with how little they actually comminucate. Also, I know chandra book is coming up. I can't see him being redeemed as thaf lack of communication turned him into one of the first people in this book. He manipulated others and caused innocent people to die.
This was strange. I have read plently of series with book take place during the same period. It is often really nice to see the difference in perspectives. However, when that happens we are usually graced with no information that adds to the story. This didn't do that. Sure, this gave a bit more insight into the world but it didn't add as much as I had hoped. Mostly I had wanted for this to explain a bit more about Chandra and Tio. Instead we got a remix of the first book. I do like the couple but they are missing something. Honestly, the first books couple was missing a few things as well. I like a good insta-love but it went fast. This one we at least know that they have cared for each other for years but we don't see them react much. Most of their scenes revolve around them plotting and burning. None of the huild up you would expect from a romance. If it wasnt for the fact that they are clearly a couple I would assume them to be strangers with how little they actually comminucate. Also, I know chandra book is coming up. I can't see him being redeemed as thaf lack of communication turned him into one of the first people in this book. He manipulated others and caused innocent people to die.
October 31, 2022
"Knight to Castle Two" received THREE AND A HALF stars.
I loved the sexual tension between Gage and Loki. ❤️🔥 It’s what kept me turning pages.
I’m not a fan of a series which each new book follows the same plot line/timeline as the previous ones. It makes binging the series a “meh” experience since a lot of the scenes are the same as previous books just with a different POV and the ending has sort of already been established in the first novel. I assume (sort of dread that) Book 3 will be the same, but I want to read about Robbie and Chandra’s romance so … 🤷🏼♀️
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
I loved the sexual tension between Gage and Loki. ❤️🔥 It’s what kept me turning pages.
I’m not a fan of a series which each new book follows the same plot line/timeline as the previous ones. It makes binging the series a “meh” experience since a lot of the scenes are the same as previous books just with a different POV and the ending has sort of already been established in the first novel. I assume (sort of dread that) Book 3 will be the same, but I want to read about Robbie and Chandra’s romance so … 🤷🏼♀️
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
November 13, 2021
Loved Gage so much!
I was confused about Loki through much of this book. I hadn’t, at all, picked up on the fact that he was completely human in the last book, so that fact threw me for a bit of a loop. I do find it to be highly unlikely that Loki could be the Headsman for several years, being fully human, and never once encountering a criminal who has some training as a fighter. Yes, he trained and had skills, but was Matt truly alone in being a non-human with an interest in fighting and martial arts who found himself on the wrong side of paranormal law?
Gage was the highlight of this book for me. I loved his control and how that shaped his dominance over Loki. His soul housed a completely amoral being, and yet Gage had a will of iron, and an unwavering sense of his own right and wrong.
It will be interesting to see where this goes, what kind of paranormal that Robbie is, and what is up with the Diviners playing these games.
I was confused about Loki through much of this book. I hadn’t, at all, picked up on the fact that he was completely human in the last book, so that fact threw me for a bit of a loop. I do find it to be highly unlikely that Loki could be the Headsman for several years, being fully human, and never once encountering a criminal who has some training as a fighter. Yes, he trained and had skills, but was Matt truly alone in being a non-human with an interest in fighting and martial arts who found himself on the wrong side of paranormal law?
Gage was the highlight of this book for me. I loved his control and how that shaped his dominance over Loki. His soul housed a completely amoral being, and yet Gage had a will of iron, and an unwavering sense of his own right and wrong.
It will be interesting to see where this goes, what kind of paranormal that Robbie is, and what is up with the Diviners playing these games.
October 24, 2021
Book two in the Diviner’s Game series focuses on Loki and Gage, and adds new depth, context, and detail to the storyline first laid out in book one, although there are still many, many (ok, now even more) questions to be answered, and I’m looking forward to finally figuring out Chanda’s deal in book three. Here, however, is Loki and Gage’s time to shine, and they do, through a kind of deep, intense, “will withstand anything which is good because it needs to” type of love. They’ve been through a lot (heed the tragic backstories warning) and Loki in particular has made hard choices in order to do what’s best for Gage. I didn’t find this to be a particularly easy read— there are dark themes and moments— but it was rewarding, to learn more about who these two are and what they mean to each other.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2021
A great new addition to the trilogy. I liked that Loki, despite his name, is actually human. There are, again, taboo situations, but for me that just adds to the story. This felt real. Loki's actions and the trials they go to just keep you turning pages, waiting to see if they can fulfill their desire to be together. I really fell in love with Loki and Gage, and I think you will too. Getting to know them better was wonderful, and their drive and loyalty to each other was absolutely heart-warming, despite some heart-pounding and gut-wrenching moments in the book. Definitely not your typical love story, but one I would say feels more real than the fairy-tale ones you often find in the romance genre. Definitely recommend and looking forward to the final book!
March 10, 2022
rerun
Some scenes revisit what we saw in the first book. Gage gets a big power boost, moving from a smart ass teen to a scary ass dragon.
Morally gray characters, totally wrapped up in each other, to the exclusion of all else.
A bit difficult to suspend disbelief, the characters are all overpowered, way more mature than their years, and still wrestling with human age of consent laws. Couldn’t they move to a country where age of consent was 16? They speak so many languages, gage is a genius in many other ways: spend a few years in Europe rather than murdering people in cage fights.
Also, Loki was a sex worker at 15, where is the Hub’s zero tolerance for child endangerment when he was selling himself to feed his brother?
Some scenes revisit what we saw in the first book. Gage gets a big power boost, moving from a smart ass teen to a scary ass dragon.
Morally gray characters, totally wrapped up in each other, to the exclusion of all else.
A bit difficult to suspend disbelief, the characters are all overpowered, way more mature than their years, and still wrestling with human age of consent laws. Couldn’t they move to a country where age of consent was 16? They speak so many languages, gage is a genius in many other ways: spend a few years in Europe rather than murdering people in cage fights.
Also, Loki was a sex worker at 15, where is the Hub’s zero tolerance for child endangerment when he was selling himself to feed his brother?
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed the second installment in this series. The story takes place at the same time as the first but focuses on Loki and Gage. It's definitely not just a repeat of the first book from a different perspective, though. Loki and Gage's background is heartbreaking, especially as you slowly discover the things Loki had to do to take care of Gage. Their bond is fierce and deep, and it's clear from the beginning that they will do whatever is necessary to keep each other happy and safe.
I loved Matt and DeeJay (more Matt than DeeJay, if I'm being honest) and their sweet relationship, but Loki and Gage are seriously hot. And not just because of Gage's fire. I'm very much looking forward to Robbie and Chanda's story.
*I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Matt and DeeJay (more Matt than DeeJay, if I'm being honest) and their sweet relationship, but Loki and Gage are seriously hot. And not just because of Gage's fire. I'm very much looking forward to Robbie and Chanda's story.
*I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2022
In a lot of ways this book is better than the first one. The relationship here is based on love, passion, shared experiences, and actual tender moments. The main characters are more interesting. Still this book wasn't able to reach the great category for me either.
While Loki and Gage are more interesting than Matt and Deejay, they are just not good people. It's admirable how Loki overcame his past experiences but because of this I didn't feel much sympathy for him. And Gage is just not a good person. His obsession and codepence makes me unable to relate to him.
The story is still interesting, but it's the same story, so not as much as before. But I still love the action parts.
While Loki and Gage are more interesting than Matt and Deejay, they are just not good people. It's admirable how Loki overcame his past experiences but because of this I didn't feel much sympathy for him. And Gage is just not a good person. His obsession and codepence makes me unable to relate to him.
The story is still interesting, but it's the same story, so not as much as before. But I still love the action parts.
May 6, 2023
As I mentioned in my review of the first book, to be fair, there was some decent world-building in this book and the writing is ok. However, the near incestuous relationship between the MCs was just gross. I mean, they are still calling each other brother while they are having a sexual relationship, and incidentally, while explicitly waiting for the younger to be legal. The older raised the younger from a baby. That’s just not ok, and you don’t get a pass because the younger MC is a reincarnated old soul, particularly since neither of them knew that initially and the illegality of the age difference is a plot point. I found it distasteful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2021
Tough one for me
This book was more like three stars for me, but I added a star because I’m pretty sure this book just wasn’t for me. I’m not fond of books that tell the same story as another book in the series from other characters perspective, and that is what this book is. I adored the first book and this one made me frustrated and I ended up skimming most of it. I’m really hoping the third book continues the story instead of rehashing from yet another set of characters point of view.
This book was more like three stars for me, but I added a star because I’m pretty sure this book just wasn’t for me. I’m not fond of books that tell the same story as another book in the series from other characters perspective, and that is what this book is. I adored the first book and this one made me frustrated and I ended up skimming most of it. I’m really hoping the third book continues the story instead of rehashing from yet another set of characters point of view.
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