The Boy I Loved. (Christian and Craig Novellas Book 1)

One King's Way

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Okay, so a 3. Where do I bloody shrimping start? Okay, let's begin with the mind-bloggling stuff. It is downright amazing, astounding and flabbergasting. And most wondrous, too. And Sworn to the Night is where it all gloriously comes together in a most, um, you know, glorious way and stuff. By the way, my Little Barnacles, although it is true that this book can be read as a standalone view spoiler [ my Little One did and even had the nerve to rate the book 5 bloody shrimping stars!

Even Batty Batman thinks it's a bad idea. Anyway , here I was, reading the first half quarter few chapters of the book and hysterically fangirling like a year-old maniac on acid getting slightly enthusiastic about it all. Then the novelty starting wearing off a little. Okay, so Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler's not her real name cameo got my exoskeleton all tingly and hot and super titillated and stuff, too. Same thing for Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler's not her real name either cameo. Still, something wasn't really working for me here.

You know, the kind of story that usually makes me unleash my super smooth dance moves on you and stuff. What can I say, rhythm is me. Soooooooo , at this point you're probably wondering what the fish went so wrong with this book that I ended up giving it such a despicable rating. Oh well, I'll give you a most fascinating explanation anyway. I'm kind and generous like that. Let's be disgustingly honest here: I am not a fan of police procedurals.

They're almost as boring as barnacle porn don't ask. And even though there is more to this book than this, the heart of the plot is still a criminal investigation with cops doing cop things and stuff. Okay, so this not your average investigation, since it involves spoiler spoiler spoiler, but still.

Captivated by it I was not. It's my boyfriend Sandman Slim's home away from home! Go me and stuff! Another problem is that the plot moves sloooooooowly. At a much slower pace than what Schaefer has accustomed us to, anyway. Also, some events were too predictable. Also also, less action. Also also also, I kept waiting for Schaefer to surprise me with one of his wicked twists , as he usually does, but it never happened.

Well, okay, so it did happen. Only I wish it hadn't. Because the twist in question is nearly identical to one in Cold Spectrum. Now that really did surprise the fish out of me. I mean, this is like Ilona Andrews using the same twist twice. Bloody shrimping unimaginable, does not compute, I understand not and stuff. Okay, so I have a problem with two of the characters in this story. And a major one at that. Top 3 mega pet peeves and stuff. I hate it hate it hate it. Of course there are dominant personalities that tend to overshadow more passive ones, but this was just too bloody shrimping much , if you ask me and even if you don't.

Ask me, I mean. Okayyy, I can't go on without going all spoiler-crazy on your lovely asses pincers, so here goes: Marie is a total, complete, utter doormat. It's one of the most pathetic, revolting, infuriating things ever. I swear, I've seen barnacles less compliant that she is don't ask. She never questions anything Nessa tells her, or asks her to do. Never ever not once absolutely not. I swear, the girl gives the word "submissive" a whole new dimension. In Revanche Cycle , Mari e was also a bit submissive but she was mostly manipulated by Nessa. Here, she always does the witch's bitch's bidding most willingly, no questions asked, " oh yeah sure I'll do whatever deranged thing you tell me to who cares about the consequences I love acting as a total airhead yay and stuff.

That should tell you something right there. In a Craig Schaefer book.

I'm pretty sure I read there was a law against that somewhere, actually. Can't remember what country it was, though. Papua New Guinea, maybe? Yeah, that must be it. I hear they're pretty strict with that kind of stuff over there. But I ever so slightly digress. Anyway, I'm not talking about ALL the villains in the book here, just some of them.

And yes, they are deliciously wicked and sick and twisted and fished up , but they are…just that. There is no complexity there. And that kinda sorta sucks. Even some of the good not-as-bad secondary characters lacked depth , for fish's sake! What the fishing fish is going on here?! Is this the end of the world and no one told me or something? Bloody shrimping hell , now I'm thinking I should have rated this book 3 stars instead of 3. The more my two grey cells overheat, the lower my rating goes. Okay, let's see if I can remember enough cool stuff about this book so that instantaneous spawning of little stars will ensue.

You can do this! List of random yet slightly fabulous and stupendous Sworn to the Night stuff: Marie reads Glen Cook. Now if that isn't worth a star rating alone, I don't know what is a Glen Cook book maybe? Hmm, quite possibly, yes. The more eyeballs, the merrier. Ergo, my rating just went up again. Just keeping my pincers crossed that, um, you know, stuff will get better in book 2. Much much much MUCH better. But hey, no pressure, Craig Schaefer. No pressure at all. I still lurves you, Mr S. To be released on January 5, !!!!! And look at that cover!!!! I'm slightly excited not much, though!!!!

View all 17 comments. May 26, Emma rated it liked it. Set in the same world and forming part of the overarching storyline that links all three series, this features Marie Reinhart, an NYPD Detective we met in HB book Glass Predator and, Nessa Roth, a college professor with a troubled mind. Their love-at-first-sight meeting brings chaos to their ordered but unfulfilling lives, throwing them into the fight for the future of the whole world.

Is the big final battle going to be in this series, spread out between them, or individualised by main character, which means three separate versions of the same ending? All revealed in previous instalments. Of course, there is an almost independent storyline in this book that probably feels understandable as a standalone, but which is enhanced by things that have already happened.

Everything is slowly, slowly step-by-step, with zero surprises, and little real action. The twist is even reused from Cold Spectrum. Now character is where it really lost points for me. Separately, these two women do ok. But together, what we have is one super dominant woman and her knight, I mean slave.

Now this is no doubt a personal preference thing but I cannot stand it when a woman who seems to be confident, competent, and full of agency, a Detective no less, suddenly morphs into this dithery, where-am-I, who-am-I, can-I-go-for-a-wee-miss?? Ink production and distribution is explored some more. The larger story, that Great Theatre production with its repetition of Roles and Lives over the ages, is ever more tantalisingly revealed.

In any case, I need to know what comes next. Damn you and your addictive world, Schaefer. View all 5 comments. Feb 24, Milda Page Runner rated it it was amazing Shelves: Women who refuse to submit have always been called that and worse. Like goosebumps over my skin awesome. For full disclosure goosebumps could be due to my cold, but still — a great read. Highly recommended to all fantasy and UF readers. There is one caveat — you sort of need to read Daniel Faust, Harmony Black and Revanche Cycle first to get the full scope.

A memory, a scene from one of her favorite books, sparked an idea. The blade that did this was incredibly sharp. He reached for the severed arm and looked to Marie. Times when one profound act sets a string of dominoes in motion. Once the dominoes start to fall, all you can do is roll along, swept up in the tide. Might not see the trigger event when it happens. Humanity has spent centuries trying to impose order upon the wild. To pave over the forests with cities, to replace nature in all of its beautiful chaos with rules and regulations that serve only the powerful and keep everyone else in chains.

But a witch cares nothing for the authority of men. And that is why they hate us. Every generation of women has their own special numbing agent. Only difference being, they popped pills behind the bathroom door while we took our particular vice public. We are told, day in and day out, by advertisements and television shows, that gathering to drink wine is simply what women do. Jan 02, Mihir rated it it was amazing. Read my interview with Craig Schaefer about the stunning cover art and the book's genre. Carolyn mentions that it's a fairy tale and a fairly grim one at that but nevertheless accedes to her captor's wishes.

We are then brought back to the past or present depending on again your perspective wherein we meet Marie Reinhart, an NYPD detective currently hunting a missing prostitute called "Baby blue". Eagle eyed readers might remember that we first have encountered Marie and her partner Tony in Glass Predator Harmony Black 3 but that was only a small taste.

Within this book we get to meet her fully, a determined cop who's haunted by her very tragic past Revanche Cycle readers might have a solid inkling about this who looks out for the small guy with an obsession. Teased by her roomate and her partner for her love of the simplistic fantasy volumes by Carolyn Saunders that she has devoured from her teenage years, Marie is nevertheless no less focussed on her job but some in her department don't look at it the same way. Nessa has been trying to figure out her life's purpose and her skills but is stymied within her personal and professional lives by a variety of agents.

Things take an interesting turn wherein Marie makes her way to Vanessa's home and the two characters meet each other for the first time in this lifetime. This is where the metaphorical sparks begin, of course this isn't your typical love story. Hell I'm not even sure that we can it a love story, is it love if two characters are fated to be together even if for a short time? That's a fundamental question posed in this story, are these characters truly their own or are they marionettes dancing to the tune of the "cosmic story".

As far as I can, the answer to the former part is a resounding yes, they are their own people and their love is something that neither of them can explain but they feel just right for each other. This book is solidly about characters and none shine brighter than Nessa and Marie. Infact it's Nessa who truly gets to shine as we get to see her transformation from a meak mouse into the terrifying Owl we have seen and met before. Previously when we meet Nessa in the Revanche Cycle, she seemed like a onenote villain and it's to Craig's credit that she becomes a terrifying person but one that readers get attached to.

In this book as well, we get to see her descent into the Owl and it's a terrifying one. Make no mistake, Nessa is no hero and she makes no qualms about it. She and Marie have been brought together and taken apart violently over and ad infinitum. We even get to see a scene play out that was previously featured in the Revanche Cycle and it was a delight to read. For newer readers it will give them a background as to what happened before and give seasoned readers a clue as to what comes next. Marie also takes center stage in this story and she's as terrifying as ever.

Mari Renault was her previous reincarnation and as the warrior suffering from PTSD and yet striving to achieve an ideal, she stole reader's hearts including mine. She was the hero that the world didn't deserve but yet needed. The characters who met her were bemused but no less inspired. Marie is very much in Mari's mould as the "cosmic story" dictates but is still an endearing character. When we meet her, we get to see her determination, her hard-edged obsession with the law whom she sees as her liege and possibly her transformation. There are other characters in the play and I won't reveal them but safe to say that there are other witches in the fray and I can't wait to read more on the main one.

There are also some memorable cameo appearances from Daniel Faust, Harmony Black and a couple of other minor but important characters from the other series. Lastly as is the case with other Craig Schaefer books, characterization remains a solid point and readers will have their favorites namely a NYC librarian who's cute and badass all the same. This book doesn't feature all out action sequences like the Harmony Black series or the noir plot twists of the Daniel Faust ones.

But make no mistake, this volume is no less effective than either one of them. This book is a slow burn and one wherein the consequences are the same if not worse. I loved how the author set up the story and then let it unspool and unspool it does in quite a horrific way. As mentioned in the blurb, there's a potential serial killer hunting prostitutes but the truth is much worse. I loved how the author explored this angle and then tied it to the Network and also to elements that have bubbled up to the surface in the recent Harmony Black books.

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We also get a clearer look into the production of "Ink" the designer drug that has been mentioned extensively in the Daniel Faust volumes. I've even gotten used to his weird accent for Caitlin! Mar 08, Milda Page Runner rated it really liked it Shelves: You familiar with the concept? Easily the best book of the series. It closes several storylines, and at the same time, leaves the reader hanging, begging for more. The best part of this book was the growth of Daniel himself.

Dec 18, Mihir rated it it was amazing. With this being the sixth book, I'll have to discuss some plot and character details which will be spoiler-ific in a mostly minor way for the preceding volumes so be warned. He plans to start with a new identity and is laying down the foundation for it when he finds out that Damien Ecko is gunning for him. All of this while the Chicago mob is making moves on the Las Vegas scene and it's up to Jennifer and her fellow gang affiliates to thwart them. Faust is forced to take counter measures against Ecko, help out Jennifer and will have to finally take a stand and figure out what does he want to do with his life.

What I can say is that this is the book that reveals so much more about background series arc that has only been hinted at so far. In fact I would say that this is the book that overwhelmingly ties together all of the author's published series so far the Daniel Faust books, the Harmony Black series as well as The Revanche Cycle. So far within all of the previous books, Faust has been reacting to things and his failures have started adding up.

This is the book wherein all of his mistakes comes to roost and Faust will have to determine what type of person he wishes to be.

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Whether he wishes to invoke the castle doctrine and defend those he loves and protect what he cherishes. As always is the case, Danielis front and center of the story but we get to see him realize his mistakes. After five and half books worth of horrific shenanigans this book is ultimately about the first solid transformation that Daniel Faust takes.

The character cast is a suitably wide one and yet even with the singular, limited POV. The author is able to showcase a wide variety of folks with an equally wide variety of reasons for the things that they do. With this volume, the horror aspect is played down a little and considering how the author has been generous with this facet, this was a tad surprising.

This book also serves as the arc conclusion to the Damien Ecko plot introduced in book four A Plain-Dealing Villain and similar to the first three books, we get another trilogy ending that will sit right with most of the fans. This book is chronologically set after the events of Red Knight Falling and features a small clue about possible events occurring in Glass Predator book 3 of the Harmony Black series and it hints at further co-mingling of plots and characters down the line. Another point of note, this book doesn't really bring to an end to the Cheshire Smile's plots as I think he's going to be around for a longer while and possibly might be one of the ultimate big bad of the universe that the author is writing.

There's a subplot to this book that's very meta and is done splendidly. For me this part of the book was the best part as it revealed a lot of the future. I believe this section ties in to the whole grand plan for the series and so readers will have to be on the lookout for it. For most fans of this series, this book will be the big payoff as a lot of things get resolved while things are set into motion that will have plot ramifications further down the line.

This book also features a nice tip of the hat to The White Gold Score which while chronologically being book 1. It reintroduces us to characters featured in the novella and readers who have read The White Gold Score will really love to the see the sequel to the fight featured in it. Lastly this book brings to a grand conclusion to the events that have been in motion since A Plain-Dealing Villain. However one important plot thread regarding Caitlin is left hanging.

This book also highlights an important point about a future trilogy that the author is planning and most readers of the Revanche Cycle should be able to spot it. That would be my only pseudo-complaint about the book. The Castle Doctrine brings to a strong conclusion to the Damien Ecko trilogy and as for Faust, it heralds a new beginning for him.

The Castle Doctrine is a slim volume which packs more of a punch than you might expect. So like me you can then be hooked onto the wonderfully addictive universe that Craig Schaefer is crafting quietly and solidly. Let's talk about resurrection, Daniel Faust style. After events of the previous book, Faust has lost everything. They're bringing the fight to him. Is he going to take it lying down? Of course not, he's the guy!. This series is superb. No wishy-washy characters here. Everyone is made of grit and steel. Characters and plot are fully fleshed out, and Schaefer expertly weaves it all together, creating Let's talk about resurrection, Daniel Faust style.

Characters and plot are fully fleshed out, and Schaefer expertly weaves it all together, creating the perfect crescendo. Down and dirty, bullet to the head, urban fantasy. A genre must read. Dec 22, Desinka rated it it was amazing. How can this series keep being so good? May 26, Eric rated it really liked it Shelves: Out of prison and back in Vegas, Daniel Faust is trying to lie low. The biggest difference is the characters. He made a series of bad decisions and seemed intent on self-destruction. At times I found myself agreeing with some of the characters who got on to Daniel for being aimless and lacking direction.

Craig Schaefer brought him back in the second half though, which made up for my initial irritation. As always, there is plenty of action, and it is brutal and bloody. Schaefer raises the bar in this one, bringing even bigger and more inventive scenes. One particular sequence toward the end was particularly memorable. As has become a trend in this series, the epilogue showed a twist that sets up the next book. Overall, the book delivers for fans of the series and those looking for a fun, quick read with plenty of action.

Aug 24, Jason rated it it was amazing Shelves: I confess that the whole urban fantasy series has become my guilty pleasure reads. My love for the genre elevates everything I read. I only know that right now, I cannot seem to get enough from a genre filled with everyt 5 Stars The Castle Doctrine by Craig Schaefer is a terrific book and the sixth and in the Daniel Faust series. I only know that right now, I cannot seem to get enough from a genre filled with everything from ghosts and spirits, to Wolves and vamps, Gods and Demons, and sorcerers and cops.

Our main protagonist Daniel Faust is a sorcerer, a Thief, and pretty much not a good guy. He is however perfect for our lead role. Faust is not 'PG'. I loved the pacing, the world building, and the magic.

'Any Other Name' author Craig Johnson discusses his Walt Longmire series

I only wish that there was more. Caitlyn is a fantastic character and she pretty much steals all the pages that she is on. These are not good people. The Castle Doctrine can be summed up by saying that it is the darkest, dirtiest, and most graphic of the series, and oh yeah it is the best so far. The writing was great as usual and made for an easy page Turner. A real guilty pleasure of mine. I love the characters, the magic, and the dark grit. I am a fanboy of the urban fantasy genre and of Craig Schaefer. I'm not sure why but I didn't like this one as much as the last two.

I think my bad mood was the issue. Parts of this were bleak, so that and my piss poor mood just weren't mixing. Nonetheless this was still a damn good book. Faust definitely had the odds stacked against him. All his past deeds were coming back to bite him in the ass. As always he finds a way of getting himself in more trouble while managing to save the day. It's ironic that his determination to do what's right has turned him in I'm not sure why but I didn't like this one as much as the last two.

It's ironic that his determination to do what's right has turned him into a bad guy. The saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions most definitely applies to him. This time around Faust finally decided to take control of his fate instead of just dealing with shit as it came his way. I'm beginning to think there is more to Daniel Faust. He's gotten out of too many tricky situations and has too many high profile people interested in him to be a run of the mill sorcerer.

IDK what to think of Caitlin.

The seed was set in book 3 to cast doubt on her intentions. I desperately want to trust her. The chances of a woman like her being interested in a guy like him are slim. There was one scene in this book where she was talking to him. It could have been nothing, but it almost seemed like she was trying put him under a spell. The epilogue was shocking as hell! Who would have thought?

What is her interest in him anyway and what are her ultimate goals? I hope it won't be much longer until the next book is out. Fresh out of prison, Daniel Faust must survive a powerful necromancer and an all-out mob war, with a little help from his friends, of course.

The Long Way Down

The latest installment in the series, I love how Schaefer manages to keep building the stakes while somehow making it still feel personal. Most of the familiar faces of the series return here and, as usual, their interactions remain a highlight for me. The Vegas setting is still wonderfully described and I can picture scenes well. I enjoy Schaefer's straight Fresh out of prison, Daniel Faust must survive a powerful necromancer and an all-out mob war, with a little help from his friends, of course.

I enjoy Schaefer's straightforward style that's descriptive without slowing things down much, if at all. Recommended to fans of the series and I look forward to continuing Faust's journey. Oct 07, Donald rated it it was amazing Shelves: I really don't know how Schaefer can keep churning out such high-quality urban fantasy at such an insane pace, but I'm damned glad he is. This is very much a transition book, with Daniel finally having to face the consequences of many of his actions in previous books. This can be a hard thing for authors to tackle, as it usually precedes a shift in the sorts of stories they are telling - essentially, it represents the author moving out of his or her comfort zone.

Schaefer handles it beautifully, I really don't know how Schaefer can keep churning out such high-quality urban fantasy at such an insane pace, but I'm damned glad he is. Schaefer handles it beautifully, and I, for one, cannot wait for the next book. Jan 19, Lukasz rated it really liked it Shelves: The Castle Doctrine is, so far, my favorite Faust novels.

Together with his old pal Damien Ecko and his army of zombies and Chicago mob prepared to burn Las Vegas. There's a strong meta subplot to this book — at least parts of the overarching plot are revealed.

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Firstly this book is quite dark. We finally see Daniel for who he can be — a cruel cold-blooded killer. And yet I still like the guy. Also, the way plots of his other series converge with Faust series is done skillfully. Perhaps the sheriff will soon have business with the Census Bureau. He has plenty to keep him busy in the meantime. A former college football lineman at USC, Vietnam veteran, and recent widower, Longmire remains a decent man despite wide-ranging knowledge of humanity at its worst. Each book takes place in a season, meaning the sheriff has aged less than three years over the course of 10 novels.

Set in the contemporary West, the books and the show delve into poverty, human trafficking, polygamy, fracking, and, frequently, the still-uneasy relationship between whites and Native Americans. Lest all of this sound too clinical, Johnson is anything but. Amplified by the flashing red lights of the railroad-crossing barrier, the brief flicker of orange glowed, reinforcing the impression that he was the devil and that the deal I had struck with him was venal and binding.

The sights and sounds of the West come alive in the Longmire series. Walt Longmire often says little, works too much, and has a stubborn streak as wide as the Great Plains. Johnson, too, enjoys the ridiculous: Dental work, minus the anesthetic, describes the feeling many novelists ascribe to Hollywood adaptations. Johnson stands among the few writers who have enjoyed the experience. A standout cast helps, too. Henry often arrives to save Walt from both criminals and himself.

On seeing his novels turned into a TV show: I just happened to fall in with a really wonderful group of people. But I know these characters. And I think it was just a lot easier for them to kind of keep me on the payroll and I was there if they had any questions about Wyoming or sheriffing or the Northern Cheyenne or a lot of the things the show uses from the books. On following the arc of the novels: As a general rule, they really have followed the characters and the tone of the books. Generally, my books are , pages long.

They do a pretty miraculous job. I use that as my homework writing the books. After you write books for a while, you kind of become like a horse handicapper. You start recognizing which story will go the distance.

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