Maelstrom

Title: Maelstrom
Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Publisher: Jordan L. Hawk
Release Date: December 11, 2015
Genre(s): Historical paranormal; M/M romance
Page Count: 268
Reviewed by: Alissa
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Between his father’s sudden—and rather suspicious—generosity, and his own rash promise to help Christine plan her wedding, Percival Endicott Whyborne has quite enough to worry about. But when the donation of a mysterious codex to the Ladysmith Museum draws the attention of a murderous cult, Whyborne finds himself in a race against time to unlock its secrets first.

Griffin has a case of his own: the disappearance of an historic map, which quickly escalates to murder. Someone is sacrificing men in dark rituals—and all the clues lead back to the museum.

With their friends Christine and Iskander, Whyborne and Griffin must discover the cult’s true goal before it’s too late. For dark forces are afoot at the very heart of the museum, and they want more than Whyborne’s codex.

They want his life.

Brilliant. Magical. 5 “feels like coming home” stars.

I only have one question after finishing Jordan L. Hawk’s seventh outing in the world that is Whyborne&Griffin. HOW? How the hell does she do it? Time after time of writing perfection. Ms. Hawk is able to write historical paranormal like nobody’s business. She is able to seamlessly entwine the lives of these amazing characters with past plot lines and turn them into something new. Twists and turns that I did not see coming. Needless to say, I was quite happy with these turn of events. I was like a kitty cat lapping up a bowl of cream.

*assume there are spoilers ahead*

maelstrom – a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river; a situation of state of confused movement or violent turmoil

As the title proclaims … something is afoot in the town of Widdershins. Not something new mind you but a continuation of events that have been ongoing during this amazing series. It felt so damn good to be with Whyborne&Griffin again. Reading about these two along with the amazing cast of secondary characters (both beloved and loathed) was like coming home. To your comfortable bed with it’s nice clean sheets. Now, don’t think that means you had a peaceful night’s sleep because Maelstrom is full of adventure, sexy goodness, and plot twists that leave your mouth hanging open. If it’s possible, I fell even more in love with Whyborne&Griffin.

The story opens with our heroes at a gala at the museum. Whyborne agrees to looks at some texts donated to the library by the husband of his late sister. To see if any of the texts are nefarious … which of course they are. The opening also highlights the tension between Whyborne and his associate Bradley Osborne. I just knew Bradley was up to no good. And just before Whyborne lets him have it, Griffin arrives to calm him down.

“But I could see the fire in you. So bright. Trembling. Begging for release.” …. “The fire just waiting for the right moment to erupt into a blaze. Watching you keep it so tamped down in public, so in control, knowing none of them guess I’d have you on your knees, begging me to fuck your mouth.”

GAH! Griffin and the dirty talk is so freakin’ HOT. And the scene that follows …. it was I who went up in flames. The intimate moments between Whyborne&Griffin have not become boring or predictable. These two burn brighter, hotter than ever.

After the night of the gala, the story focuses on a certain text that has ties to past plots of the previous books. Someone tries unsuccessfully (then successfully) to steal the book in question. In the mean time, Griffin takes a new case that the reader later finds out is tied to those wanting the text. Add in the new addition to the family, Griffin’s new motorcar (Whyborne’s reaction is priceless … “I’ll be a widower by sundown.”) and the planning of the nuptials between the amazing Dr. Christine Putnum and Iskander and you have a tale that was made for the ages.

There was so much deliciousness in Maelstrom. The ongoing tumultuous relationship with Whyborne and his father is revisited. Whyborne and his ongoing insecurities is heartbreaking … the feeling like he will never be good enough, that he is not or never will be normal, continue to haunt him. And Griffin’s love for Percy has only grown stronger. Griffin would do anything for his Ival. Ms. Hawk can still write the scary and creepy that has you turning the page so fast you get whiplash. Some series can become predictable and boring but not Whyborne&Griffin. Just when I thought “I knew it!”, Jordan proves me wrong and does something bloody brilliant. I never saw it coming. And as it happens … it’s one of my worst nightmares come to life on page. *cue the applause*

By the end, all is right in Widdershins again. Well, as right as a town can be with a maelstrom underneath it. Because although our heroes survive yet another adventure, Jordan leaves insight as to where the next tale is going. I can hardly wait. It will be spectacular, I just know it.

I highly recommend to fans of the series. To paranormal lovers. To lovers of historical. To anyone who wants to read a bloody brilliant book. Because let me tell you this … Jordan L. Hawk’s writing is a thing of beauty. Run. Don’t walk. And get this book right the hell now.

So, so good.

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