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A review by mikkareads
Hexbreaker by Jordan L. Hawk
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Romance novels very rarely resonate with me. That's why I'm all the more delighted when I come across a book that combines everything: an original story, vibrant characters, a beautiful writing style, a dash of humor, and romance that truly tugs at the heartstrings. For me, «Hexbreaker» offers precisely this rare and wonderful blend, a romantasy with historical flair and an unusual magic system.
The novel introduces readers to a magical version of our 19th century, populated by ordinary humans, witches (which can be male or female) and 'familiars' – shape-shifters, capable of assuming a specific animal form. When a familiar and a witch form a lifelong magical bond, the witch's powers intensify significantly, bringing prestige, power, professional opportunities and wealth. While every familiar has a destined soulmate, it all too often happens that a familiar is captured and forcibly, irrevocably bound to a different witch. Unbound familiars are treated as property or pets, deprived of rights.
When familiar Cicero meets policeman Tom Halloran, he's dismayed to feel an instant flash of recognition. Really? His witch is a *copper*, a brute without culture? Cicero knows all too well what can happen when a familiar is bound to a violent man. Aware that as a regular human, Tom cannot recognize the connection for what it is, Cicero tries to hide it. Too bad that he is drafted to help with a case, because familiars have been going berserk and attacking people with teeth and claws…
The main characters endeared themselves to me quickly, as both are lovable in their own ways: calm, serious Tom and charming, flamboyant Cicero. Initially, they approach each other with mutual distrust; their love story doesn't unfold without significant problems and setbacks. But they have a chemistry that defies their pre-conceived notions.
It's fantasy, it's a love story, it's smut – but it's also a gripping mystery with unexpected twists. The writing quickly won me over with its dense atmosphere and vivid imagery. The love story struck me as beautiful and touching. Yes, it's a bit cheesy at times, but it's sweet and often lightened by a touch of humor.
The novel introduces readers to a magical version of our 19th century, populated by ordinary humans, witches (which can be male or female) and 'familiars' – shape-shifters, capable of assuming a specific animal form. When a familiar and a witch form a lifelong magical bond, the witch's powers intensify significantly, bringing prestige, power, professional opportunities and wealth. While every familiar has a destined soulmate, it all too often happens that a familiar is captured and forcibly, irrevocably bound to a different witch. Unbound familiars are treated as property or pets, deprived of rights.
When familiar Cicero meets policeman Tom Halloran, he's dismayed to feel an instant flash of recognition. Really? His witch is a *copper*, a brute without culture? Cicero knows all too well what can happen when a familiar is bound to a violent man. Aware that as a regular human, Tom cannot recognize the connection for what it is, Cicero tries to hide it. Too bad that he is drafted to help with a case, because familiars have been going berserk and attacking people with teeth and claws…
The main characters endeared themselves to me quickly, as both are lovable in their own ways: calm, serious Tom and charming, flamboyant Cicero. Initially, they approach each other with mutual distrust; their love story doesn't unfold without significant problems and setbacks. But they have a chemistry that defies their pre-conceived notions.
It's fantasy, it's a love story, it's smut – but it's also a gripping mystery with unexpected twists. The writing quickly won me over with its dense atmosphere and vivid imagery. The love story struck me as beautiful and touching. Yes, it's a bit cheesy at times, but it's sweet and often lightened by a touch of humor.