31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Strange Fortune - Josh Layon, November 27, 2009
This review is from: Strange Fortune (Paperback)
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!
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW, November 20, 2009
This review is from: Strange Fortune (Paperback)
I just got the book yesterday and read straight through the Night. That is another great story by Josh Lanyon, the storytelling is flawless. The Heroes have their little flaws just so much that they are interesting. I like the wity and sometimes sarcastic dialogues, but this is something one is expecting in Lanyons books. The lovestory is sweet and even if there are not so many sex scenes, I didn`t miss them. That books is a keeper and I am really waiting for a sequel. I am curious what might be behind this hills too
Highly recommendable read !!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who'd 'a thunk?, November 24, 2009
This review is from: Strange Fortune (Paperback)
Well, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this novel. Fantasy is certainly not something I expected from Josh Lanyon and, being hesitant to try something so different when I love the mysteries he writes, I cracked this book open with trepidation. For some reason - maybe precisely because of the newness of it - I found it difficult to connect and believe in the characters. I wasn't being sucked into the story as has happened with every other Lanyon work I've read. Then ... magic! I don't know precisely how the story changes, or maybe I stopped thinking about the strangeness of Lanyon + fantasy, but suddenly I could not put the book down. I became completely absorbed in the story by the time I was finished, and I will keep my fingers crossed for a sequel. I would love nothing better than to read more about the adventures of Master Grimshaw and Valentine Strange.
If you're iffy about the whole fantasy thing I'd say take the plunge and go for it because Josh Lanyon delivers like he has in all his works and this is another one to love.
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