Pre-release Review: Threshold by Jordan L. Hawk

Review by Heather C.

TITLE: Threshold (Book #2)
SERIES: Whyborne & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jordan L. Hawk
BLURB: Introverted scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne wants nothing more than to live quietly with his lover, ex-Pinkerton detective Griffin Flaherty. Unfortunately, Whyborne’s railroad tycoon father has other ideas, namely hiring Griffin to investigate mysterious events at a coal mine.

Whyborne, Griffin, and their friend Christine travel to Threshold Mountain, a place of dark legend even before the mine burrowed into its heart. A contingent of Pinkertons—including Griffin’s ex-lover Elliot—already guard the mine. But Griffin knows better than anyone just how unprepared the detectives are to face the otherworldly forces threatening them.

Soon, Whyborne and Griffin are on the trail of mysterious disappearances, deadly accidents, and whispered secrets. Is Elliot an ally, or does he only want to rekindle his relationship with Griffin? And if so, how can Whyborne possibly hope to compete with the stunningly handsome Pinkerton—especially when Griffin is hiding secrets about his past?

For in a town where friends become enemies and horror lurks behind a human mask, Whyborne can’t afford to trust anything—including his own heart.

REVIEW:

Spoilers for Widdershins

I have been impatiently waiting for this book to come out ever since I read Widdershins a few months ago.  I love the world here that Jordan has created: alternate historical with some paranormal elements…and this one leans more towards the science fiction side.  I think the uniqueness is one of the things I love the most…well, that and Whyborne and Griffin!

Whyborne and Griffin are back…and so is Christine.  I don’t think this takes place much long after Widdershins, because Whyborne and Griffin’s relationship is still pretty new and not 100% secure. Whyborne is still dabbling with the “sorcery” behind Griffin’s back, and Griffin is still doing his PI gig.  So, when Whyborne’s father wants to hire Griffin for a job, how do you think that will go over?  Especially after Mr. Whyborne tried to have Griffin killed!

The mystery: There are some “strange happenings” going on in a mine that Mr. Whyborne has investments in located in a place called Threshold, West Virginia; strange accidents, sabotaged equipment, and disappearing people to name a few.  Some people blame it on an outlaw gang, but those superstitious miners have other ideas.  So when they start threatening to strike, Mr. Whyborne decides to send someone down there to investigate, and he knows Griffin believes in all of the things that may go bump in the night.  Remember how he tried to have him killed?

Anyway, Whyborne, Griffin, and their kick-ass, side-kick Christine, hop on a train and head to Threshold.  Upon arrival, Griffin is confronted with his past in the form of Elliot Manning, a former lover and also the person who committed him to the madhouse.  Elliot happens to be one of the Pinkertons hired to keep the miners in line, and will be Griffin and Whyborne’s go-to man in aiding their investigation.  Hmm, how do you think Whyborne will react to Griffin and Elliot’s reunion?!  And what the hell is going on in the Threshold Mine?!

So…

What did I love about this book?

The Characters: Whyborne and Griffin are so endearing and adorable and sweet.  Some may say “overly sweet”, but I love them!!  And I also love how Christine is always at the ready to play the beard when she needs to.  Plus, I love the banter between these three.

The Progression of the Relationship: I didn’t think there was as much smexy-time in this book as there was in the first; of course, they weren’t exactly in the safest place to be getting hot and heavy. Don’t misunderstand me, these guys are still HOT, and I could really feel how much they were in love with each other, with the hidden touches and secret smiles.  My heart just fluttered every time Griffin called him “Ival”. I loved how this book brought out both of their biggest insecurities: Whyborne is so insecure about is looks, and Griffin fears that he is unworthy because of his roots and his past.  But they are both so very, very wrong.  I liked how we got to see them overcome a pretty big quarrel.  Don’t worry, there was absolutely no infidelity here…I totally freaked out when I read the blurb!

The Setting: While it was completely different from the dark alleys and creepy museum we got in Widdershins, it was still just as vivid; from the coal dust to the colorful prostitutes to the scary dark woods.

The Investigation:  I loved how Whyborne was really doing most of the work, even though Griffin was the hired PI.  Honestly, I don’t think Griffin did much of anything except for constantly rescuing Whyborne.  And then there was Christine, who always had her gun at the ready.

The Bad Guys: Or should I say “bad creatures”? I never in a million years would have expected that.  Even when the tales were told, I didn’t believe it to be the truth.  Not until I saw it, er, read it with my own eyes.  Bravo, Jordan, for that creativeness. I don’t want to spoiler anything, but I will say that I don’t think the mystery here was as well-spun or as complicated as it was in the first book.

What do I hope to see in the future? 

More Sorcery:  Contrary to what Griffin wants, I would like to see Whyborne increase his skills at the spells. Not saying I want Whyborne to go all crazy and dark or anything!  Just that I love those parts in the books when Whyborne uses power.

This series is unique and different and quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I recommend giving it a try.

Heather’s Rating:

BUY LINK: Book Store

BUY LINK FOR WIDDERSHINS (Book #1): Book Store

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Heather C. is one of the official reviewers on The Blog of Sid Love
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