Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Strange Fortune” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Strange Fortune

Josh Lanyon (Goodreads Author)

3.74 · Rating details · 1,605 ratings · 147 reviews

Valentine Strange, late of his Majesty’s 21st Benhali Lancers, needs money. Happily, the wealthy Holy Orders of Harappu are desperate to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya from an ancient temple deep in the mountainous jungle—an area Strange knows well from his days quelling rebellions. The pay is too good and the job seems too easy for Strange to refuse. But when Ma ...more

Get A Copy

Paperback, 313 pages

Published December 2009 by Blind Eye Books (first published 2009)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Strange Fortune, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Strange Fortune

Lists with This Book

Best Fantasy Books with Gay Main Characters

913 books — 2,261 voters

Best Gay Fantasy Romance

714 books — 1,423 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 3.74 ·

Rating details

· 1,605 ratings · 147 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Strange Fortune

May 25, 2012 ttg rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviews, m-m, challenge-read

Strange Fortune is probably the biggest departure for Lanyon, a fantasy adventure novel about two very different men, one witch, one soldier, who are forced to journey together to retrieve a religious artifact, and along the way, discover a far more sinister plot with potential world-ending consequences.

The story is set in an AU world, but Lanyon’s fantasy setting is heavily inspired by turn-of-the-century India under Britain’s colonial rule. In this story, ruling Alba is trying to maintain its ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 17, 2017 ⚣Michaelle⚣ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: to-listen-previously-read, fantasy-magic-paranormal, m-m-romance, lgbt, z-sfrcwinter2016-17

4.5 Stars

Holy shit. That was absolutely nothing like anything I've ever read by Josh Lanyon, and while it is definitely not my genre...it was still really entertaining. Kind of like reading Indiana Jones. If the plots of all 3 movies (we don't count the last one) also happened in a Fantasy dimension with all sorts of magic, spells, rituals, archaic gods, some cray-cray priests, divine prophecy and a plot to basically bring death to the entire world - plus the handful of misfits that try to stop ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Apr 28, 2010 Nikyta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: injury-recovery, bubbles-safe, historical, scifi-fantasy, little-or-no-smexing, magic, m-m, samhain-publishing, suspense, mercenaries-bounty-hunters

This was a great book. It had a feel of historical to it but it was also fantasy which I loved.

I liked Valentine because he had such a dark humor. He was amused by the littlest thing and instead of being angry at something he'd get amused by it. Of course, he did get angry but most of the time he was pretty laid back. I loved Aleister, though. He understood Val's humor but he was also quiet and stayed to himself. People thought he was crazy all because he'd start ranting about weird things but ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 23, 2014 Martin rated it really liked it

I enjoyed that book quite a lot. It was the first gay themed fantasy adventure story I've read that did not focus on the romance. I enjoy gay characters a lot, so I appreciate having them in a fresh environment like this one.
I loved the world building, it was very unique and believable - and quite colorful!

I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. It was my first Josh Lanyon, by the way.

Oh, there was one huge detail missing in the book!!
No spoiler intended, but WHO is Major Strange actually?! ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Mar 26, 2011 Cleon Lee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, all-time-favorite

Action packed, intense, and adventure filled novel. I am really glad that the romance is secondary to the adventure, I am quite bored with too much romance now. I love that the romance built slowly, and I am doubly glad to read they could restrain themselves and enjoyed simple intimacy whenever they can. It's not all about sex. This novel reads like an epic journey & adventure. There is so much going on, but it doesn't feel rushed at all.

This fantasy world is so unlike any other fantasy story I ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Feb 03, 2010 Feliz rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, fantasy, historical

This fantasy is once again proof of Josh Lanyons great writing skills. Colorful and brilliant like a Persian Carpet, this story, set in an alternative reality colonial India could have flowed from the quill of a Kipling or a Kaye. Far eastern lore interwoven with fascinating magic makes an exquisite backdrop for the love story between a grizzled soldier and a young yet jaded witch.

And since Josh Lanyon wrote this, the plot contains a solid, gripping mystery complete with a deliciously nutty vil ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 25, 2018 Box of Bees rated it liked it

Shelves: read-police-military, read-magic, read-superpowers, read-fantasy-paranormal

If I was rating this in terms of quality, I would probably give it a 4. But unfortunately, it didn't work as well as it could have for me. I found it a bit slow and not as immersive as I would have liked. I didn't particularly connect with the characters and I didn't see much connection between them, nor did I really understand their motivations. We only got a little information, for example, on Valentine's background, so I didn't really feel why Valentine Strange was so loyal to the maintenance ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Dec 26, 2020 suebee ~Always Reading~ rated it it was ok

Shelves: arc, magical-stuff, netgalley

I was a bit lost during this entire book. The setting was strange and I could not understand where this was taking place. It seems as if there is a world that is fantasy but with real elements and it just baffled me. I thought I was getting into the story once the characters set off on their quest to find a diadem but the book just dragged with never-ending babble that I felt did not need to be included in the story.

I also did not feel a connection between the characters. Valentine Strange did n ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 25, 2020 Darlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: josh-lanyon, my-favorites, 2020-book-challenge

What a great book! I can't believe I left this on my bookshelf for so long! You're missing a wonderful book if you don't get the chance to read it. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2009 Mandi rated it it was amazing

If you read this blog regularly, it comes as no surprise when I say I am a big Josh Lanyon fan. He is known for clever, witty mystery male/male romance books. Strange Fortune is his first foray into fantasy, and it is an amazing one at that. While this book took a chapter or two to really get into, I ended up with a love of the two main characters and picture of the world stamped in my mind.

Valentine Strange is in desperate need of money having bad luck at the gaming tables recently. His fortune If you read this blog regularly, it comes as no surprise when I say I am a big Josh Lanyon fan. He is known for clever, witty mystery male/male romance books. Strange Fortune is his first foray into fantasy, and it is an amazing one at that. While this book took a chapter or two to really get into, I ended up with a love of the two main characters and picture of the world stamped in my mind.

Valentine Strange is in desperate need of money having bad luck at the gaming tables recently. His fortune changes however when he is propositioned by The Holy Order, more specifically Brahman Warrick. He asks Strange, who has a reputation of a man who knows how to get things done, to go on a mission – retrieve an ancient diadem belonging to the goddess of Purya, one that The Holy Order will pay Strange for handsomely and allow him to pay off all his debts. Strange has never heard of this diadem, but according to Warrick, after Purya defeated monsters and demons, she forged this diadem to be worn by her successor the next time the world was in danger. Strange isn’t necessarily buying this tale, but for the right price, he will find truth in any story. This is a dangerous mission though – having to journey into the White Mountains, so he demands all of his money upfront. Warrick also decides to send Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with Strange to help if needed, but Warrick has ulterior motives. Warrick doesn’t think Grimshaw is mentally stable, and thinks he needs a break from the Holy Order.

Grimshaw comes from a trueblood family, one that conspired in a mutiny against Strange’s people. Although Grimshaw saw his own father and grandfather executed for their crimes, Strange saw many more terrible things done to his people during that time. They set off with history already clouding their trust. Grimshaw is just as “excited” as Strange to go on this mission, but Warrick is giving him no choice.

They set off with an unknown road ahead of them. Much distrust swirls around Grimshaw because he is a witch and his powers are not trusted. They soon realize, they not only have assassins following their trail, but heir own laborers attempt mutiny. Strange soon concludes that retrieving this diadem is not as straight forward as Warrick assumed it to be. Once they reach the monastery where Warrick promised the diadem to be located, Strange and Grimshaw realize there is much more going on. Strange also realizes his basic intentions of keeping Grimshaw safe, have turned into a much more stronger desire. Having been in a relationship with a woman previously, his feelings for Grimshaw come as a bit of a surprise, and Strange soon finds himself trying to keep Grimshaw safe, no matter the cost.

I could probably write a five page summary for Strange Fortune, but that is because Josh Lanyon puts that much detail into this story. Valentine Strange is the type of character I love – cocky, finding himself in continuous trouble, and more concerned with his polo ponies or weapons than anything of significance. In the beginning, all he truly cares about is finding the diadem to uphold his part of the bargain, but that is before he meets Grimshaw. The witch is a mysterious one – he keeps to himself, and performs spells at night which keeps everyone on edge since magic is not trusted. Strange likes a mystery and finds Grimshaw’s riddled answers and secret ways antagonizing but it keeps him on his toes. Grimshaw is lonely, and finds talking to Strange a great source of relief and a friendship develops. They soon learn they really have only each other to trust, as the others plot and uprise against them.The romance unfolds very slowly, Grimshaw falling a little faster in love. Strange always has in the back of his mind the question of whether Grimshaw is glamouring him, but it is more of a defensive thought, since he hasn’t been with a man in a long time. These two really become allies first in this mission as their friendship is tested, especially on Strange’s part. At one point in the journey, Grimshaw is unconscious for two days, and Strange never once thinks of leaving him behind, even though it puts him more at risk.

I think for those Josh Lanyon fans out there, and for those who have never read him, it needs to be stressed that this is foremost a fantasy book. Those anticipating the big romance scene may be disappointed – if that is the only thing you are waiting for. Yes there is romance, but it is not written in your face. Rather, it quietly surfaces in the story as Grimshaw and Strange go on their journey.

Their journey to retrieve the diadem becomes very complex and many twists are thrown at the reader. My only criticism is that in some parts it does become a bit slow, but at he same time, this story would not be what it is without the meticulous world building Josh Lanyon has included.

Strange Fortune is much different from his m/m romance books he is known for, but it is a fun, exhilarating change and I hope it isn’t the last of this world we have seen! ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Oct 10, 2010 Elisa Rolle added it · review of another edition

I will start this review up front: I’m not so fond of fantasy novel and neither so much of “quest” type of adventures. So why I read Strange Fortune that is the quintessence of both the above genres? Since I trust Josh Lanyon and his characters; it’s strange but whatever he is writing a mystery, a romance or a fantasy (and Strange Fortune is his first foray in the fantasy genre), I’m always sure that I will find two men that are unique for their story. Above all, these men are unexpected and wel I will start this review up front: I’m not so fond of fantasy novel and neither so much of “quest” type of adventures. So why I read Strange Fortune that is the quintessence of both the above genres? Since I trust Josh Lanyon and his characters; it’s strange but whatever he is writing a mystery, a romance or a fantasy (and Strange Fortune is his first foray in the fantasy genre), I’m always sure that I will find two men that are unique for their story. Above all, these men are unexpected and well-rounded, with their strenghts and faults; but they are also familiar, since there will be always the dashing one and the more brooding.

Major Valentine Strange and Master Aleister Grimshaw are apparently at the opposite, but right for this reason they click together in the right way. In dept up to his neck, and maybe more, Valentine Strange needs a bit of fortune, and the mission to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya seems an easy one. Unwilling companion to Valentine is Aleister, trueblood and witch, apparently the wise man in comparison to Valentine and instead the one who will almost lose his mind.

The fantasy world Josh Lanyon recreates is completely visionary, but in a way has its roots in the real medieval times: Major Strange is in a mission for the church, Master Grimshaw’s previous lover is now a priest, the one who hires Valentine. Religion, myths and witchcraft mix together to move and control the known world.

Another familiar trait that links these characters with the previous ones from the same author is the apparently contraposition between “straight” Valentine and “gay” Aleister. Valentine is planning to marry, true, more for convenience than love, but I didn’t read him as a gay in the closet; until he meets Aleister and he develops feelings for him, Valentine is not gay; maybe he is not fully straight, and sincerely he questions his feelings for Aleister more since they are ruining his second option to gain money, than for a real moral opposition to them.

Maybe for this reason, or maybe since, sincerely, Josh Lanyon writes romance, and not erotica, the sex scenes are of the old fashioned style, the ones happening behind a closed door, and to only one, necessary to the story, the fulcrum of the romance, the reader is invited.

I read different opinion on this novel, and the most common trend was, this is an unusual novel for Josh Lanyon, something his fans could love or hate, but they have to read it with an open mind, since it’s different from the usual… I disagree. Aside from the fantasy genre, the only novelty I found, this is a typical story by Josh Lanyon: the characters are what holds the story; the romance is subdued but romantic; the relationship between the two men is “quietly” passionate, meaning that there are no burst of passion but nevertheless there is love; sometime the stronger man, Valentine, seems to be more the protector than the lover, but in the end it will be Aleister who will wrap up the story. So where is the unexpected in this story? What is that could ring wrong to the usual readers of Josh Lanyon? As I said, the fantasy setting.

The fantasy setting is good, I maybe am not a fan, but just only the fact that I read it is a point to it. What I usually don’t like of the fantasy genre are the long descriptions to allow the reader to “fall into” the mood, into the new world, but that is exactly what the fans of the genre love. As I said, I found it easier since some points were familiar, and indeed this is not only a fantasy but also a quest, and so the long descriptions allow the reader to follow the main characters in their quest; what the reader and the characters will learn along the travel is that the real quest is not what they were expecting to be and when they will reach their destination, they will discover that the travel is yet only at the beginning.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/193556000X/?... ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 16, 2014 Ami marked it as my-issues-not-yours · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-historical-medieval-steampunk, mm-fantasy-pnr-futuristic-scifi

** A BOYS IN OUR BOOKS SPRING CLEANING REVIEW **

Okay, a disclaimer first, I did NOT finish this book. I made it around 50% and decided to give up. But let me say this upfront: this is NOT the book’s fault. I repeat, NOT the book’s fault. High-fantasy is not my genre and I always have difficulties enjoying it, M/M or otherwise. When it comes to fantasy, I can count the number of authors I can read on one hand…

What I can say is … this is a different kind of story from Josh Lanyon who usually write ** A BOYS IN OUR BOOKS SPRING CLEANING REVIEW **

Okay, a disclaimer first, I did NOT finish this book. I made it around 50% and decided to give up. But let me say this upfront: this is NOT the book’s fault. I repeat, NOT the book’s fault. High-fantasy is not my genre and I always have difficulties enjoying it, M/M or otherwise. When it comes to fantasy, I can count the number of authors I can read on one hand…

What I can say is … this is a different kind of story from Josh Lanyon who usually writes contemporary. It combines fantasy elements with a dash of historical, where two men go on a quest to retrieve a dadem. The world building might not be all out new – it has a touch of Indian setting – but it still feels quite rich in offering. The romance is typical Lanyon’s, there seems to be a disagreement between the two men at first and they need time to build their attraction. In fact, until I stopped around half way, there wasn’t a single kiss happening yet *haha*. So yes, high in fantasy and adventure but rather low in the romance department.

Unfortunately, it was difficult for me to get into the story. Again, the combination of this being a high fantasy and my reluctance of the genre in the first place made me feel disconnected with the world and characters from the very beginning. I think the switch genre from what I am used to from Josh Lanyon’s stories also contributes to my struggle – maybe my brain perceives Lanyon with a contemporary setting and it was difficult to think of his stories otherwise.

There were a few times when I thought I could get into it, especially when Strange and Grimshaw started conversing – but a few minutes later, I found myself being pulled away again. I couldn’t find a steady ground in which I could enjoy. The longer I tried, the more the words became gibberish in my head. Definitely an issue that was my own.

Then why the hell did I buy the book in the first place, you say? Well, it was early 2010, I was on a high with the genre (I started reading MM in 2009), I was deliriously in love with the Adrien English series by Josh Lanyon – so you could say that it was an impulsive buy (in paperback no less). Of course after the book arrived a few weeks later (hey, I live in Indonesia!) I realized that I never read fantasy, decided to shelf it … and voila, it had gathering dust since then. At least now I have given it a try, I know that high fantasy is still not my favorite genre, and I can FINALLY take this off my TBR list and chuck it as “impulsive buy that sadly doesn’t work” *lol*

So, don’t let my review be the basis of your judgment. You can see that Tracy, the “fantasy lover” in our team gave this her high praise. So, if you love fantasy and quest adventure with a relationship that slowly builds, I think you should give this one a try. I am just not the target reader of this book.

RATING: MNY (ME NOT YOU) ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 11, 2010 Alan rated it liked it

Book Review: Strange Fortune by Josh Lanyon

Reviewed by Alan Chin
Publisher: Blind Eye Books
ISBN 978-1-935560-00-5

Valentine Strange is delighted to accept a job from the Holy Order to find and retrieve an antique diadem of the Goddess Purya from somewhere in the distant White Mountains. Although the mountains are filled with bandits and scoundrels, this soldier of fortune has little fear of anything short of not being paid for his services. But when the Holy Order insists that Master Aleister Grim Book Review: Strange Fortune by Josh Lanyon

Reviewed by Alan Chin
Publisher: Blind Eye Books
ISBN 978-1-935560-00-5

Valentine Strange is delighted to accept a job from the Holy Order to find and retrieve an antique diadem of the Goddess Purya from somewhere in the distant White Mountains. Although the mountains are filled with bandits and scoundrels, this soldier of fortune has little fear of anything short of not being paid for his services. But when the Holy Order insists that Master Aleister Grimshaw, a witch with a history of insanity, join the expedition, Strange realizes there is more at stake than the retrieval of a relic.

As the small band begins their search, Strange and Grimshaw forge a tenuous friendship. But they are followed, step by step, not only by bandits, but by a demonic power more powerful than anyone could imagine. When the stakes are raised well beyond the danger level and they are betrayed at every turn, they are forced to rely on each other for survival. Finding the diadem could spell doom for Strange and Grimshaw, or could it be their only hope of survival?

Strange Fortune is a rollicking good read – interesting characters, fast paced, rich descriptions, and action that kept me turning pages. It’s a fun read. Adventurous and romantic. Lanyon has created a wonderful world of magic and spirits and spells and romance. It is a winner.

I stumbled over a few issues that I felt kept this marvelous story from being a great one. A minor annoyance was it held a dozen more misspellings and missing words than I’m used to seeing. The book could certainly use a more careful copyeditor.

A more troublesome issue was the story’s time setting. Although the author clearly created a unique setting, the physical setting seems to be taken from early twentieth century India, yet the customs and beliefs of the characters seems to indicate ancient times, when Holy Orders ruled, witches were common and people worshiped demons. For me, it seemed to disconnect. One minute they were worshiping idols, the next Grimshaw was checking the time on his wrist-watch or firing his rife. And the language the characters often used – such as “the bottom line is” – is really quite modern. I just kept getting the impression, that if the author had paid closer attention to keep the language and the physical setting in ancient times (bows and arrows instead of rifles) this would have been a great read, rather than a very good read.

Still, my few minor issues aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to everyone.
...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2009 Eve rated it it was amazing

Proof that Josh Lanyon can write pretty much any genre (well... that's not to say I want him to write het romance!) and it will be brilliant. While breaking new grounds with his first fantasy novel, he keeps his trademark wits and sharpness. There's great chemistry between the two lead characters, and real conflicts, emotional turmoil, and a great adventure/mystery to make it difficult to put down the book. Not to mention flawless characterisation and structure (the devil is in the detail). I ca ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jun 28, 2018 KimberlyRose rated it liked it

Shelves: fic-historical, fic-romance-gay, fic-action-adventure, fic-present-day-lit-magical-realism, fic-health-issues-disease-stigma, own-nope-library-interloan, fic-fantasy-high

3.5 stars
Nothing Lanyon has written since The Adrien English series has been as wholly enjoyable. Good thing that was my introduction to Lanyon. Start there, I assure you it's solid mystery, sexual tension, and character development, and exquisite--exquisite!--reward for all three.
Strange Fortune is not without its charm though. It's an alternate historical (think British occupied India of the late 19th century) that includes fascinating mystical elements, but the characters feel like thin redoe ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 06, 2020 Sam (Hissing Potatoes) rated it did not like it

Shelves: projecttbr, projectsams, read-in-2020, tag-dnf, tag-queer, genre-fantasy

Emotionless, dimensionless characters. Amateur writing style in need of proofreading. Constant delves into infodumping or introspection that made any attempt at steady pacing impossible. Generic evil supernatural antagonist.

Cut-and-paste of the British occupation of India into this fantasy world replete with racism and colonialist attitudes, not just in the characters but clearly from the writer's perspective as well (the historical "sources" about India Lanyon listed to inform this fantasy worl ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 08, 2014 Vastine Bondurant rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love Josh Lanyon's writing, particularly his historical romance. But I had never heard of this book, 'Strange Fortune', until a friend recommended it.

I'm at a loss as how to review it. Sometimes a book is just too beautiful---prose, imagery, tension, romance, sensuality---and my limited vocabulary is just that...too limited.

First of all, the MC's, former soldier Valentine Strange and witch...yes, witch...Aleister Grimshaw were two of the most memorable, perfect characters ever. Particularly, I love Josh Lanyon's writing, particularly his historical romance. But I had never heard of this book, 'Strange Fortune', until a friend recommended it.

I'm at a loss as how to review it. Sometimes a book is just too beautiful---prose, imagery, tension, romance, sensuality---and my limited vocabulary is just that...too limited.

First of all, the MC's, former soldier Valentine Strange and witch...yes, witch...Aleister Grimshaw were two of the most memorable, perfect characters ever. Particularly, for this reader, the luscious witch Grimshaw. Oh, sugar. Hell's bells.

I could write a lengthy essay just on Grimsaw alone, his appeal to me. When a character is clearly described physically as not outstanding (in Grimshaw's case, he's called bony, skinny) and yet the author spins him into a painfully beautiful presence that the reader falls head over heels for, right along with the fictional love interest. Well, Aleister Grimshaw was one of those cases. Mild, quiet, a deceptionally delicate persona melded inside a powerful and quite cabable man. I found him incredibly sensual.

Major Strange was a rousing Indiana Jones type. Fearless. Handsome. Rugged. Big hearted, though---especially when that heart of his tangled with the mysterious, mesmerizing witch.

The scenery is out of this world beautiful. Lush, ancient, mystical, haunting. The supporting characters wonderfully drawn to such real-life images, it was as though watching them in a film.

No plot sharing from me except to say the storyline is intense in a nail-biting sort of way.

And let me tell you, sugar. When John Lanyon writes an intimate scene, get ready. You will be aroused. One scene in particular. A secluded natural pool at the foot of a waterfall. Oh, gods. Nipple rings, navel rings, touching, lovely men's bodies. Sensuality off the charts.

As I said, I'd never heard of this book, although I adore Lanyon. It's no exception to the author's fabulous story telling. Just a might off his beaten bath. But TRY this path. Really. Try it. You will not be sorry. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 14, 2014 Barb ~rede-2-read~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2014, favorites, fantasy-or-paranormal

An excellent story from Josh Lanyon, definitely different from his others. I don't usually like fantasy but this one was so rich in detail, complex, interesting and intriguing that I just couldn't put it down.

Valentine Strange is a soldier, but he's also a gambler, and as the book opens he's in so much debt that he agrees to take on a job for the Holy Order to find a diadem, a jeweled crown belonging to a past god. Aleistair Grimshaw is a witch, a master of magic and is the person appointed by ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 26, 2013 Seregil rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, slash-fantasy

4.5 stars. Recommending it to y'all.
Awesome adventure, filled with magic, quests for artefacts, ancient gods, saving the world and gunfights :)
It's set in an interesting fantasy world influenced by colonial India and it's one of those gems of the MM genre that value plot over smut.
Not giving it 5 stars because I was dying for a bit more romance. Despite me being a critic of overly romantic stories I do want a good chemistry between the main characters. (view spoiler) ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 04, 2010 Cat rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy, mm, swords, magic, reincarnation, religion, gods

Strange Fortune was an odd read for me. At times I was loving it and then other times I had to force myself to read through the pages. I flipped back and forth the entire time I was reading so when I came to the end I didn't really know if I liked it or disliked it.

I think the biggest issues I had with this story was the lack of relationship driven events and lack of character development. The world and its religions and societies seemed to have been worked on far more then the characters themse ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 04, 2011 Alyosha rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, adventure, agents-cops-soldiers-warriors, friends-to-lovers, deception-betrayal-lies, witches-wizards-magicians-etc

Wow, if I already wasn't a fan of Lanyon's fantasy novels, I'd be one now.

Strange Fortune has to be one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. The fact that it also has a m/m romance is a plus. SF has everything a good fantasy novel ought to have, intriguing, peculiar heroes with great chemistry and unusual dynamics between them, well crafted world, exciting adventure, dangerous voyages, a hunt for an ancient artifact, magic, curses, scary gods/demons, fights, a great battle, miracles a ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 15, 2015 Zoe rated it really liked it

Shelves: lgbt

Not sure if this is quite my cup of book. It's a bit Indiana Jones-y. If Indie was gay. And Indian.
But it's a well crafted fantasy story nonetheless. Quite different from anything else I've read from this author.
The world building is excellent. It conveys everything you need to know to build a mental picture of the place and it's history, without being overwhelmingly wordy and descriptive. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 18, 2011 MG rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, love, sweet, dynamic-duo, funny, historical-fantasy, m-m, magic, india, witches

Overall, a sweet, funny adventure story, featuring two likable characters with great chemistry. 9/10

SUMMARY: In an alternate world British-India, Major Valentine Strange (formerly of the Benhali Lancers) is a mercenary who owes a lot of money to a lot of people, including his fiancee, the fabulously wealthy Isabella Hyde. So when beautiful Brahman Warrick of the Holy Orders offers him two hundred thousand rupees to go to a temple and retrieve a goddess' diadem, he jumps at the opportunity. What ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jul 03, 2018 Toofan rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-book, mm, josh-lanyon

Audiobook: audio quality: good ; Narration: good
Unfortunately the story wasn't very original, I'm sure I have read roughly similar stories and Lanyon dragged out the part taking place at the temple, which was unfortunately the most unoriginal part of the story, too much. In addition, some of the Conflict resolutions were too simplistic for a book that is not aimed at children.
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Charly rated it really liked it

A decent adventure story

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The story has an exotic feel to it. Many of the characters are larger-than-life (without falling into the realm of caricature), the setting is unusual and mysterious, and the events are fantastical and, for the most part, exciting. (see cons below also)
- It took a while for me to figure out whether the setting was historical or fantasy, which is a mark of a good fantasy setting, in A decent adventure story

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The story has an exotic feel to it. Many of the characters are larger-than-life (without falling into the realm of caricature), the setting is unusual and mysterious, and the events are fantastical and, for the most part, exciting. (see cons below also)
- It took a while for me to figure out whether the setting was historical or fantasy, which is a mark of a good fantasy setting, in my opinion--that it mimics real life so well that it seems real itself.
- This is an example of a story in which the two men dislike each other at the beginning and only very gradually learn to like each other. In many “enemies to lovers” stories, the transition seems forced or too fast to me; here it was believably slow and incremental. First dislike, then indifference, then tolerance, then amusement, then friendship, and then at last, romantic interest.
- There’s some dry humor in the exposition that amused me. Strange thinks at one point late in the story, when he and Grimshaw are already quite attached to each other emotionally, “For personal reasons he would prefer that Aleister not be killed….His own survival was also of some interest.”

CONS:
- The story drags in several places. The journey to the monastery is long, the time spent AT the monastery is long, and the final battle/showdown is long.
- The sex isn’t graphic at all, which is often totally fine with me--some writers don’t enjoy writing scenes like that and some readers don’t enjoy reading them. I was a little disappointed with this story, though, because we get some teasing scenes with a decent amount of detail, but when the guys finally go all the way, we see nothing. It seemed as though the author was setting me up for some bedroom scenes with at least as much detail as the teasing scenes, and then I was let down because I felt that he didn’t follow through.
- I’ve read a lot of stories in this genre, and the vast majority of them are terribly edited. It still shocks me when I read sentences that have obvious errors in them, though: “We’re lucky the lot of us go with it”; “And he fairly sure the end was near” (missing words--“didn’t” and “was,” respectively). I don’t understand how that sort of thing doesn’t get noticed before a book is published.

Overall comments: I thought this was a pretty good adventure story, but I wouldn’t recommend it for people who are looking for a lot of romance. The romantic relationship here is secondary to the plot, and the characters are so busy fighting for their lives that they don’t have time for much sweetness or passion. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2012 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: good, slashreaders, series

Slash Readers: "Strange Fortune", is very much a fantasy novel situated in a fully formed and functioning world all it's own. We, the readers are quickly introduced to the two main characters Major Valentine Strange a cynical soldier of fortune in need of money. Despite his views on the church and religion Strange takes the job that is offered and the assigned companion from the church who is sent with him one Aleister Grimshaw. However, Aleister is more than just a witch he is the last son of a Slash Readers: "Strange Fortune", is very much a fantasy novel situated in a fully formed and functioning world all it's own. We, the readers are quickly introduced to the two main characters Major Valentine Strange a cynical soldier of fortune in need of money. Despite his views on the church and religion Strange takes the job that is offered and the assigned companion from the church who is sent with him one Aleister Grimshaw. However, Aleister is more than just a witch he is the last son of a family of traitors and the last survivor of the original excavation of the old temple. The world that they live in is a world on the edge, precariously balanced and ready to fall.

While, with Lanyon's other works I found this book well written it was not as good as I wanted it to be. I came to the opinion today as I was thinking about it, that the reason was this: I was not given enough of the two main characters together. They both seem to care about each other and there are moments where love is implied. However, on the whole there was not enough tension built up for the sequences of events in the end to have the greatest affect on me as the reader. I wanted to be shown a little more instead of told how these two felt and interacted with each other on a personal level.

I also found myself wanting to know Isabella Hyde a little more. She seemed to be an important character especially at the end but the majority of our knowledge about her is cast from Strange's point of view. We only see or hear her at a couple of points. I felt like she played a key part but we don't really know her except as a shadow character.

That being said, on the whole this was a very tame novel. There was pretty much one sex scene and a few other intimate moments of one shape or form. While, I'm not saying Strange and Aleister need to jump each other at ever corner, I wanted a little more. Lol, but yeah. So if you're looking for a good fantasy read without a lot of sex but a few intimate moments then this is a good place to start. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Katharina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Loved it! Great story, great world, great characters with great chemistry.

It's more a fantasy/adventure story than romance - actually the romance is on the slow burner for a long while, but that's kind of expected in a Josh Lanyon story :) The world building is original, coherent, and thorough - if rather regionally focused since we don't get a lot of information about the world outside the country/general area the story plays in. The prose is fluid, easy to read, with glimpses of humour and th ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 23, 2014 JR rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone who loves a great action adventure mystery

Shelves: romance, scifi-fantasy, favorites, mystery, military, action-adventure

This blindsided me, but in a good way. Don't know why I was shocked, because once again Mr. Lanyon has written a well crafted mystery. This time it is an action adventure set in an alternative world.

Valentine Strange is ex-military, who is commissioned to find a diadem of an ancient god. He is forced to take a witch, by the name of Master Aleister Grimshaw. There are rumors about Alesiter suggesting he is quite mad and evil. The two forge and unlikely alliance which leads to an even more unli ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2009 Sarah rated it really liked it

Strange Fortune by Josh Lanyon was a great fantasy read. I did find it a little difficult to get into initially, but after a couple of chapters I was totally sucked in. Unique world building aside, it was the characters and their budding attraction that kept me engrossed. I liked Valentine Strange and his lithe good looks, snippy comebacks and that he did not suffer fools gladly. He was a good foil for Aleister, who seemed rather vulnerable at times. Not in such a way that was irritating to read ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 12, 2010 Snowtulip rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Snowtulip by: glossedcurls

Shelves: m-m, fantasy

I enjoy being fully immersed in a story. Strange Fortune did that for me immediately in the first chapter. At once all my senses were utilized with Lanyon's imagery that continued throughout the book. The action was well paced and kept me coming back for more.

My favorite part of the book is Aleister, my heart just clung to him. His personal history has impacted his character and actions that you really feel for him and want something good for him. Enter Val, the something good for him. I loved w ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Fantasy

227 users

Romance > M M Romance

137 users

Romance

54 users

Fantasy > Magic

40 users

LGBT > Gay

27 users

Historical

21 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

19 users

LGBT

19 users

Mystery

17 users

Fiction

13 users

See top shelves…

About Josh Lanyon

Josh Lanyon

4,551 followers

Josh Lanyon is the author of over sixty titles of classic Male/Male fiction featuring twisty mystery, kickass adventure and unapologetic man-on-man romance.

Her work has been translated into eleven languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first male/male title to be published by Harlequin Mondadori, the largest romance publisher in Italy. Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the f ...more