Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin Book 10)

“I’m really just a fellow who gets paid to translate what other people find.” In the penultimate book in the Whyborne and Griffin series, we see the absurdity of Percival Endicott Whyborne’s self-deprecation. Jordan Hawk takes us over the top, to great effect, visually and emotionally. In the course of this series we’ve watched the meek, beaten-down Whyborne gradually rise up, both through the gradual realization of his magical powers, and through his love for the ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty. But Whyborne has never become an egotist, full of himself and arrogant in his new-found power. He has ever been forgiving of his misbegotten family, and endlessly caring and grateful for the friendship of his colleague Christine and her husband Iskander. All Percival really wants is for things to go back to normal, so he can sit in his office at the Ladysmith Museum and translate fragments of long-dead languages. He wants his home and his cat and his husband. Fate has other plans for Whyborne. Even as he and his cohort try to prepare themselves for the expected return of an alien master race to rule the earth, others continue to distract him from his work. This time the ruthless and arrogant Endicotts, cousins of Whyborne through his non-human mother, show up in Widdershins to seek his help. Something bad has happened at Balefire Manor, the Endicott stronghold off the Cornish coast. Knowing that the Endicotts have something he needs, Percival agrees, and then concedes when his beloved, his mother and his friends all insist on joining him. They are definitely all for one and one for all, this group, and that’s one of the core pleasures of this book. Whyborne is not a hero alone; he is part of a team, each with different skills, each of whom is essential for the success of the others. The action is even more operatically violent and cinematic in its visual descriptions than any of the previous books in the series. I was blown away by the last few chapters, my emotions stretched to breaking as I fretted about this gang of oddballs whom I’ve grown to care about as I’ve read the series. There is plenty of tragedy and redemption here, and a grand confrontations of good and evil that satisfies the soul. You really can’t ask for much more in a book like this. The world of Widdershins has always been a little off for me. However, despite the long-since-jumped-the-shark plotline of the series, and the not-quite-careful-enough quasi-historical world Hawk creates (I’m a curator and a scholar of the 19th century, and thus pretty hard to please), I cannot help but be drawn to Hawk’s wonderful characters and carefully drawn emotion. Even the sinister Niles Whyborne, selfish patriarch of the Whyborne financial dynasty, has evolved into a complex, layered character. The proto-feminist feistiness of Christine Putnam-Barnett is endlessly appealing; the tomboy archaeologist who finds love with a half-English Egyptian. Whyborne’s half-human mother, Heliabel, and his rediscovered twin sister Persephone, provide a surreal, alien love for our gentle hero, providing him with the kind of happy family he has never experienced otherwise. And, of course, Griffin Flaherty, the brash, masculine detective-for-hire, who falls for the disheveled, brilliant, and timid curator, and becomes the center of his being—the essential romantic hero who sweeps the damsel away to happy ever after. The fact that Whyborne is both a man and has all the real power just makes Hawk’s twisted romantic model all the more piquant. I look forward to the final book in the series, but know that I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Widdershins and its denizens.

This is definitely not a standalone. Go back and start at book one – please. I think book 7 is the latest you can pick up the series. If you’ve made it so far, this is a great addition to the tale of Whybourne and Griffin. Whybourne and Griffin, Christine and Iskander, and Heliabel (!!) travel to the Endicott ancestral island to face whatever evil creature has cut it off from the outside world. “Whatever” doesn’t indicate that the evil creatures are fungible. It does mean that they don’t know which evil creature they will face until they arrive. The conflict takes up much of the book. There are no pauses, leaving the reader feeling as embattled as the protagonists. The enemies they face are more gruesome than ever. Tentacle faces. Giant rat creatures. There are some off notes. Christine declares that she will be a better mother than the Creator. Really? That’s a pretty low bar. Saving the world isn’t enough? The poignant moments are far more common. Griffin contemplates that what he’s going to miss the most are the small moments he spends with Whybourne. Heliabel remembers her children and grandchildren. This may be the best book in the series.

Ten is a solid, round number, so I thought this would be the final book in the series. I was disappointed that the grand finale didn’t look like it would take place in the city of Widdershins, but I figured out early in the story that this was not the end of the series. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it looks like book 11 will be the end instead. As usual, Hawk does a fantastic job of blending horror and action. Meeting the Endicott clan on their own ground was fraught with tension and surprises. They finally get their due, and I definitely pity them for it. Everyone comes close to death on more than one occasion, secrets are revealed, and there are creepy/scary moments galore. I don’t think I could adore Christina any more than I already do, but the stand-out character in this story is Whyborne’s mother Heliabel. I love that she is living the full life that was denied her for far too long. If I ever complained that this Lovecraftian-inspired series didn’t have enough tentacles, this installment makes up for that lack in spades. Every evil that is banished reveals a greater foe to be fought, and Whyborne, Griffin, and their friends make a solid team that I hope will be up to the task.

WOWZA! After everything that happened in Draakenwood with the Endicotts and Rupert's request, Whybourne and Gang have to go save his awful cousins in Balefire. I truly loathe the Endicotts. They're the worse sort of pure bloods with no great love for hybrids and abominations which is ironic given their true beginnings with their ancestor. More secrets are unfolded and told with the Endicotts, the Seeker, and the Keeper. What they discover inside the old stronghold of the Endicotts' ancestral home is truly horrifying as the Seeker of Truth made a dark pact with the Old Masters to try and save as many of his family as he could. Whybourne meets the father of Theo and Fiona and he truly is a horrid, ghastly little old man who gave in to his fears and sacrificed members of his family to a fate worse than death. It was a wonderful audiobook narrated by Julian full of twists and turns as we follow Whybourne and the gang inside Balefire! Stay tuned for the finale!

I had buy-in before even opening this book: it's set in gloriously mystical Cornwall. *happy sigh* Course, my buy-in originated with book one of this series, Widdershins, and these characters in one of the best trios in modern fiction, and the ceaseless imagination of Jordan Hawk. This story is all about the magic and adventure and danger, and the further building of this chosen family despite the horror and loss surrounding them this trip. Well, yes, they technically go on a hop across the pond, but it's not filled dancing all night and sleeping all day. The rats and rat bath turds have their gross, selfish, deadly agenda and our Widdershins gang is determined to save the world from it. Hawk's ability to give us action adventure in a vein similar to our beloved Indiana Jones is on fiyah: the adrenalized crescendos, the craftily placed respites that afford the smallest opportunities of breath catching, and of course the complete surrounding of us by the full blown perilous atmosphere in which our all too human superheroes attempt to defeat the magical baddies. On the flip side, we do get less of the personal side of things. There are moments that made me cackle, awwww, and maintain my love for these people, but they're supporting characters, as it were, to the plot. Christine is still the end all be all of bada$$er¥, with mama bear Heliabel right on her cudgel-wielding heels. Their baldly evident love for their peeps is motivational and swoony. This isn't the most well-penned collection of word type things from Hawk and their lengthy collection of works, but it also doesn't matter: their continued trend of trying new things, allowing these characters to progress, learn, fail, and love, and willingness to share all of this with us farrrr outweigh any bumps in the practicality of presentation. Even more, those blips are beautifully shoved aside with moments like this: Q: I expanded my focus, searching for Morgen. For a moment, I thought I’d made a mistake, missed her passing. But she hung like a wisp in the abyss of light, barely more substantial than a thought. /Q Gah! I love Ival and Grif and this entire Widdershins world, and this is a hella exciting next chapter in it. Having fun while reading: you betchur sweet bippy!

Wow, what a book! It just keeps getting better and better! Ms Hawk has outdone herself again. I loved every page. If I tried to describe any part of it in this review it would be one huge spoiler. But I can say one thing - amazing! What was different about this one was the fact that it had less downtime for Whyborne and the crew - from about 30% of the book you just pull on your big boy/girl panties, put on your seat belt and hold on! It's a roller coaster of an adventure! So detailed you can picture it all in your mind. Some secrets are revealed, more mysteries uncovered but yet so many new questions you want to know answers to. When the book ends you want to know when the next (and the last book *ugly angry tears*) will come out. Thrilling, fast-paced, fascinating magical journey! I highly recommend it! Enough said! P.S. Christine stole part of the show per the norm. :-)

Do I need to say that I love this series? And this book is simply one of the best in it. Whyborn and Griffin's relationship is well established, solid and firm, and it's so easy to see their love burn through all their thoughts and interactions! Christine and Iskander's relationship isn't less strong, but they are facing some changes BABY!!!! Whyborn's godchild!. So most of the tension in this book comes from the plot. And believe me, it's more than enough. The Endicotts come to collect a favour, and our four main characters are heading to Cornwall with Heilabel acting as an ambassador for the Ketoi. From this point onwards, the story rushes into a breath-taking adventure filled with horror and desperation. I won't go over the plot, because IMHO, it's better when everything comes as a surprise, but I'll tell you this: everything is set for the final confrontation. And final it will be, as next will be the last book in this series. I understand why, but that didn't stop me from being almost crushed when I read that final note at the end of the book. I'm really going to miss these characters :(

It's time for Whyborne to make good on his promise to help his Endicott relatives recover the family manor and once that is done he will recieve the key that will help him decipher the Wisborg Codex so he can defeat the masters. With Griffin, Iskander and Christine at his side, Whyborne makes the trip but what he learns on this mission may not be what he expected. No one knows what the future holds but destiny on the other hand may already be written but will it bring happiness or heartache? I really don't know what I can say about Balefire that I haven't already said in reviews for the other entries in the Whyborne & Griffin series, but I'll try. I really love how both boys have grown throughout their journey. Whyborne has become more confident without losing his quietness, I hate to use the word "innocence" because he has seen so much evil but he still retains that part of him that borders on naivete. As for Griffin, well he has always been the more outspoken of the two but he has become more accepting of Whyborne's powers and embraced his own gift. As for Christine and Kander, well they just keep on trucking with their friendship to the boys, love for each other, determination to help good prevail over evil, and all the while doing it with wit and wisdom. I can't imagine anyone not loving Christine's pluckiness but one scene that really stood out for me was even in the face of possible death she was livid over Whyborne's reckless destruction of an archeological find. I don't think her outrage even lasted a full page but it stood out and was a perfect example of what makes Christine tick and why she has become a fan favorite. She may be a secondary character with sidekick aspects but there is nothing secondary or sidekicky about her. Heliabel is along for the journey as the ketoi "ambassador" which I thought was a delightful touch. She's been around the whole series but I don't think we've ever seen this much of her in one entry. Watching her step into a motherly role to everyone was lovely, especially Christine. Now, their talks may not be something we seen on page all the time but you just know they were emotional, straight to the point, and exactly what they both needed. I'll admit I missed Persephone and Miss Parkhurst but it was only right that they stayed in Widdershins to "hold the fort" as it were. Balefire is a brilliant entry in Whyborne & Griffin series and the idea that there will be only one more breaks my heart but I know that Jordan L Hawk will bring it to a conclusion we'll never forget. So if you haven't started Whyborne & Griffin's journey than there's no better time to start and if you are a W&G follower than you certainly don't want to miss this one.

Well, Whyborne and Griffin and company could do no wrong for me. So, even if imho “Balefire” was not as gripping as “Draakenwood” I still love it. The book add pieces of clue into the secret and mystery that Ival had been searching for, an unlikely allies formed. Hawk certainly gave me nightmare with the sort of cursed forms some people suffered in this entry, but what else is new. I even found myself feel sorry for such a horrid character (you can guess of whom I referred to) for the nightmare they got themselves in. It helped how among those gloomy and depressing scenes Hawk managed to imbue humor on the pages, especially as wonted to happen when Christine and/or Persephone were in picture. Those really lifted up the mood in unexpected times. The character development is interesting not only for our MCs, but also the supporting and unlikely casts. With one book left in the story, and with underlying trouble still unresolved in “Balefire,” I’m eager to see how this whole series would conclude.

Hawk continues to surprise and delight. Mystery, mayhem, danger and betrayal. Whyborne should have really known better. Well he did, it's just Hawk's talent for pirouetting into near chaos while we grab for a hand rail,(any hand rail!). A trip to Endicott England to assist the kin who want him dead Whyborne (and Griffin ) can't seem to say no. Hawks heroes, plus the matriarch, come to assist the Endicotts in a "mess of their own making". Scenic and awesome, thrilling and frightening. This one is as good as the rest. Thank you, again Mr. Hawk.

“I’m really just a fellow who gets paid to translate what other people find.” In the penultimate book in the Whyborne and Griffin series, we see the absurdity of Percival Endicott Whyborne’s self-deprecation. Jordan Hawk takes us over the top, to great effect, visually and emotionally. In the course of this series we’ve watched the meek, beaten-down Whyborne gradually rise up, both through the gradual realization of his magical powers, and through his love for the ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty. But Whyborne has never become an egotist, full of himself and arrogant in his new-found power. He has ever been forgiving of his misbegotten family, and endlessly caring and grateful for the friendship of his colleague Christine and her husband Iskander. All Percival really wants is for things to go back to normal, so he can sit in his office at the Ladysmith Museum and translate fragments of long-dead languages. He wants his home and his cat and his husband. Fate has other plans for Whyborne. Even as he and his cohort try to prepare themselves for the expected return of an alien master race to rule the earth, others continue to distract him from his work. This time the ruthless and arrogant Endicotts, cousins of Whyborne through his non-human mother, show up in Widdershins to seek his help. Something bad has happened at Balefire Manor, the Endicott stronghold off the Cornish coast. Knowing that the Endicotts have something he needs, Percival agrees, and then concedes when his beloved, his mother and his friends all insist on joining him. They are definitely all for one and one for all, this group, and that’s one of the core pleasures of this book. Whyborne is not a hero alone; he is part of a team, each with different skills, each of whom is essential for the success of the others. The action is even more operatically violent and cinematic in its visual descriptions than any of the previous books in the series. I was blown away by the last few chapters, my emotions stretched to breaking as I fretted about this gang of oddballs whom I’ve grown to care about as I’ve read the series. There is plenty of tragedy and redemption here, and a grand confrontations of good and evil that satisfies the soul. You really can’t ask for much more in a book like this. The world of Widdershins has always been a little off for me. However, despite the long-since-jumped-the-shark plotline of the series, and the not-quite-careful-enough quasi-historical world Hawk creates (I’m a curator and a scholar of the 19th century, and thus pretty hard to please), I cannot help but be drawn to Hawk’s wonderful characters and carefully drawn emotion. Even the sinister Niles Whyborne, selfish patriarch of the Whyborne financial dynasty, has evolved into a complex, layered character. The proto-feminist feistiness of Christine Putnam-Barnett is endlessly appealing; the tomboy archaeologist who finds love with a half-English Egyptian. Whyborne’s half-human mother, Heliabel, and his rediscovered twin sister Persephone, provide a surreal, alien love for our gentle hero, providing him with the kind of happy family he has never experienced otherwise. And, of course, Griffin Flaherty, the brash, masculine detective-for-hire, who falls for the disheveled, brilliant, and timid curator, and becomes the center of his being—the essential romantic hero who sweeps the damsel away to happy ever after. The fact that Whyborne is both a man and has all the real power just makes Hawk’s twisted romantic model all the more piquant. I look forward to the final book in the series, but know that I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Widdershins and its denizens.

This is definitely not a standalone. Go back and start at book one – please. I think book 7 is the latest you can pick up the series. If you’ve made it so far, this is a great addition to the tale of Whybourne and Griffin. Whybourne and Griffin, Christine and Iskander, and Heliabel (!!) travel to the Endicott ancestral island to face whatever evil creature has cut it off from the outside world. “Whatever” doesn’t indicate that the evil creatures are fungible. It does mean that they don’t know which evil creature they will face until they arrive. The conflict takes up much of the book. There are no pauses, leaving the reader feeling as embattled as the protagonists. The enemies they face are more gruesome than ever. Tentacle faces. Giant rat creatures. There are some off notes. Christine declares that she will be a better mother than the Creator. Really? That’s a pretty low bar. Saving the world isn’t enough? The poignant moments are far more common. Griffin contemplates that what he’s going to miss the most are the small moments he spends with Whybourne. Heliabel remembers her children and grandchildren. This may be the best book in the series.

Ten is a solid, round number, so I thought this would be the final book in the series. I was disappointed that the grand finale didn’t look like it would take place in the city of Widdershins, but I figured out early in the story that this was not the end of the series. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it looks like book 11 will be the end instead. As usual, Hawk does a fantastic job of blending horror and action. Meeting the Endicott clan on their own ground was fraught with tension and surprises. They finally get their due, and I definitely pity them for it. Everyone comes close to death on more than one occasion, secrets are revealed, and there are creepy/scary moments galore. I don’t think I could adore Christina any more than I already do, but the stand-out character in this story is Whyborne’s mother Heliabel. I love that she is living the full life that was denied her for far too long. If I ever complained that this Lovecraftian-inspired series didn’t have enough tentacles, this installment makes up for that lack in spades. Every evil that is banished reveals a greater foe to be fought, and Whyborne, Griffin, and their friends make a solid team that I hope will be up to the task.

WOWZA! After everything that happened in Draakenwood with the Endicotts and Rupert's request, Whybourne and Gang have to go save his awful cousins in Balefire. I truly loathe the Endicotts. They're the worse sort of pure bloods with no great love for hybrids and abominations which is ironic given their true beginnings with their ancestor. More secrets are unfolded and told with the Endicotts, the Seeker, and the Keeper. What they discover inside the old stronghold of the Endicotts' ancestral home is truly horrifying as the Seeker of Truth made a dark pact with the Old Masters to try and save as many of his family as he could. Whybourne meets the father of Theo and Fiona and he truly is a horrid, ghastly little old man who gave in to his fears and sacrificed members of his family to a fate worse than death. It was a wonderful audiobook narrated by Julian full of twists and turns as we follow Whybourne and the gang inside Balefire! Stay tuned for the finale!

I had buy-in before even opening this book: it's set in gloriously mystical Cornwall. *happy sigh* Course, my buy-in originated with book one of this series, Widdershins, and these characters in one of the best trios in modern fiction, and the ceaseless imagination of Jordan Hawk. This story is all about the magic and adventure and danger, and the further building of this chosen family despite the horror and loss surrounding them this trip. Well, yes, they technically go on a hop across the pond, but it's not filled dancing all night and sleeping all day. The rats and rat bath turds have their gross, selfish, deadly agenda and our Widdershins gang is determined to save the world from it. Hawk's ability to give us action adventure in a vein similar to our beloved Indiana Jones is on fiyah: the adrenalized crescendos, the craftily placed respites that afford the smallest opportunities of breath catching, and of course the complete surrounding of us by the full blown perilous atmosphere in which our all too human superheroes attempt to defeat the magical baddies. On the flip side, we do get less of the personal side of things. There are moments that made me cackle, awwww, and maintain my love for these people, but they're supporting characters, as it were, to the plot. Christine is still the end all be all of bada$$er¥, with mama bear Heliabel right on her cudgel-wielding heels. Their baldly evident love for their peeps is motivational and swoony. This isn't the most well-penned collection of word type things from Hawk and their lengthy collection of works, but it also doesn't matter: their continued trend of trying new things, allowing these characters to progress, learn, fail, and love, and willingness to share all of this with us farrrr outweigh any bumps in the practicality of presentation. Even more, those blips are beautifully shoved aside with moments like this: Q: I expanded my focus, searching for Morgen. For a moment, I thought I’d made a mistake, missed her passing. But she hung like a wisp in the abyss of light, barely more substantial than a thought. /Q Gah! I love Ival and Grif and this entire Widdershins world, and this is a hella exciting next chapter in it. Having fun while reading: you betchur sweet bippy!

Wow, what a book! It just keeps getting better and better! Ms Hawk has outdone herself again. I loved every page. If I tried to describe any part of it in this review it would be one huge spoiler. But I can say one thing - amazing! What was different about this one was the fact that it had less downtime for Whyborne and the crew - from about 30% of the book you just pull on your big boy/girl panties, put on your seat belt and hold on! It's a roller coaster of an adventure! So detailed you can picture it all in your mind. Some secrets are revealed, more mysteries uncovered but yet so many new questions you want to know answers to. When the book ends you want to know when the next (and the last book *ugly angry tears*) will come out. Thrilling, fast-paced, fascinating magical journey! I highly recommend it! Enough said! P.S. Christine stole part of the show per the norm. :-)

Do I need to say that I love this series? And this book is simply one of the best in it. Whyborn and Griffin's relationship is well established, solid and firm, and it's so easy to see their love burn through all their thoughts and interactions! Christine and Iskander's relationship isn't less strong, but they are facing some changes BABY!!!! Whyborn's godchild!. So most of the tension in this book comes from the plot. And believe me, it's more than enough. The Endicotts come to collect a favour, and our four main characters are heading to Cornwall with Heilabel acting as an ambassador for the Ketoi. From this point onwards, the story rushes into a breath-taking adventure filled with horror and desperation. I won't go over the plot, because IMHO, it's better when everything comes as a surprise, but I'll tell you this: everything is set for the final confrontation. And final it will be, as next will be the last book in this series. I understand why, but that didn't stop me from being almost crushed when I read that final note at the end of the book. I'm really going to miss these characters :(

It's time for Whyborne to make good on his promise to help his Endicott relatives recover the family manor and once that is done he will recieve the key that will help him decipher the Wisborg Codex so he can defeat the masters. With Griffin, Iskander and Christine at his side, Whyborne makes the trip but what he learns on this mission may not be what he expected. No one knows what the future holds but destiny on the other hand may already be written but will it bring happiness or heartache? I really don't know what I can say about Balefire that I haven't already said in reviews for the other entries in the Whyborne & Griffin series, but I'll try. I really love how both boys have grown throughout their journey. Whyborne has become more confident without losing his quietness, I hate to use the word "innocence" because he has seen so much evil but he still retains that part of him that borders on naivete. As for Griffin, well he has always been the more outspoken of the two but he has become more accepting of Whyborne's powers and embraced his own gift. As for Christine and Kander, well they just keep on trucking with their friendship to the boys, love for each other, determination to help good prevail over evil, and all the while doing it with wit and wisdom. I can't imagine anyone not loving Christine's pluckiness but one scene that really stood out for me was even in the face of possible death she was livid over Whyborne's reckless destruction of an archeological find. I don't think her outrage even lasted a full page but it stood out and was a perfect example of what makes Christine tick and why she has become a fan favorite. She may be a secondary character with sidekick aspects but there is nothing secondary or sidekicky about her. Heliabel is along for the journey as the ketoi "ambassador" which I thought was a delightful touch. She's been around the whole series but I don't think we've ever seen this much of her in one entry. Watching her step into a motherly role to everyone was lovely, especially Christine. Now, their talks may not be something we seen on page all the time but you just know they were emotional, straight to the point, and exactly what they both needed. I'll admit I missed Persephone and Miss Parkhurst but it was only right that they stayed in Widdershins to "hold the fort" as it were. Balefire is a brilliant entry in Whyborne & Griffin series and the idea that there will be only one more breaks my heart but I know that Jordan L Hawk will bring it to a conclusion we'll never forget. So if you haven't started Whyborne & Griffin's journey than there's no better time to start and if you are a W&G follower than you certainly don't want to miss this one.

Well, Whyborne and Griffin and company could do no wrong for me. So, even if imho “Balefire” was not as gripping as “Draakenwood” I still love it. The book add pieces of clue into the secret and mystery that Ival had been searching for, an unlikely allies formed. Hawk certainly gave me nightmare with the sort of cursed forms some people suffered in this entry, but what else is new. I even found myself feel sorry for such a horrid character (you can guess of whom I referred to) for the nightmare they got themselves in. It helped how among those gloomy and depressing scenes Hawk managed to imbue humor on the pages, especially as wonted to happen when Christine and/or Persephone were in picture. Those really lifted up the mood in unexpected times. The character development is interesting not only for our MCs, but also the supporting and unlikely casts. With one book left in the story, and with underlying trouble still unresolved in “Balefire,” I’m eager to see how this whole series would conclude.

Hawk continues to surprise and delight. Mystery, mayhem, danger and betrayal. Whyborne should have really known better. Well he did, it's just Hawk's talent for pirouetting into near chaos while we grab for a hand rail,(any hand rail!). A trip to Endicott England to assist the kin who want him dead Whyborne (and Griffin ) can't seem to say no. Hawks heroes, plus the matriarch, come to assist the Endicotts in a "mess of their own making". Scenic and awesome, thrilling and frightening. This one is as good as the rest. Thank you, again Mr. Hawk.

Like always, Hawk’s writing is excellent. In Balefire, they chose plot advancement over romance, which I am not complaining about. Hawk is great at writing romance, but now that Griffon & Percival are more established characters with an established relationship, I’m also happy to read a good story that furthers the overarching plot line. If you’ve been following the story for its uniqueness & a love of its quirky characters, you will enjoy this installment despite the fact it’s light on sex.

It as always was a great continuation of the series. The book is filled with a fast paced action and adventure. The story moves at a good pace, so you never feel bored. Of course the m/m romance is a great addition that we as the audience have come to enjoy. There are great highs and lows on the rollercoaster of adventure. The characters are wonderfull and well written. It sets up the next book up really well with a great amount of suspense. I highly recommend reading this book and this series.

It's been almost a year since the last installment (book 9) so I had to go back a bit to remember where we were in the story line. Didn't take long: this series is one of my favorite (as Jordan is one of my favorite authors) ... it's a must read for me. This was an interesting adventure, taking the M/Cs out of their comfort zone and into the fire, so to speak. Lots of action ... low on the M/M (fits into the story ... not story built around it) ... I was wondering if this was the last one but yeah! There's one more ... (SPOILERS) the old masters haven't come back yet and now that everyone important is with the M/Cs back at home, I imagine the last book will deal with this war. I can't wait! Hopefully, won't be another year! But that would give me time to re-read the series so book 10 (the final one ... boo) will wrap it all up. This is an excellent series if you like magic and a parallel old world to ours. I enjoyed this book: nice to have familiar characters back again.

I hadn't heard of this series until book six or seven and I did not want to commit. So, I ignored it until a month or so ago. Starting with the first book in the series the flight has been nothing short of wondrous. Dive into the world and discover fantastic characters, humor, insight, and that bit of mystery leaving you with an appetite for more.

Hawk writes the best horror-romance books. The villains are appropriately evil and awful, justice is meted out appropriately, and our ragtag family continues to grow. There's only one more book to come in the series, and I think that's wise. We know these characters so well now that it's hard for Hawk to take them in any direction that's surprising. Still, this was a very entertaining read and I look forward to seeing how Hawk sticks the landing in Book 11!

Wow. I have read, loved, and absolutely cherished every single one of the novels (and novellas) in the Whyborne and Griffin series. I love the kinship between Christine and Ival, particularly when their relationship takes on deeper depths later in the novel. My absolute favorite line, that I won't quote for spoilers, brings these two characters so much closer in a very queer, very honest way via Heliabel to Christine. I did not predict the turns the novel takes in the later half, and I felt they were absolutely perfect for the series. I believe he's wrong about the maelstrom--at least, I'm hoping he is. Please, please, please continue writing. I know the next novel is the last, but I keep wishing it were otherwise. Saying goodbye to Ival and Griffin will be like saying goodbye to fond friends that I will miss dearly--they were a huge part of my teenage and YA years!

Gah, I absolutely adore Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, and Iskander. The friendship, chosen family, and romantic love between them always brightens my soul to read. As for the story, so much is coming to a head! I love all the mythology and the history and how tied together all these seemingly random threads are. It’s so amazing seeing it all come together and seeing this group of misfits continually save the world. I’m sad to know the next book is the finale of W&G but I also cannot wait to see what’s going to happen; this book sets things up to be super exciting and edge-of-your-seat.

Jordan has lovingly given us another brilliantly told story of one of my most beloved literary characters. Whyborne & Griffin are magical, literally. We root them. Cry with them. Hope for the best as they face the Outside's most evil and potentially the world's ending worst! One more to go, let's see what unthinkable nastiness Jordan has in-store for Widdershins and our other intrepid characters.

I Love this series, the mythology, the charachters, the way the author weaves them together towards a final story. I could have happily read more stories about Oval, Griffin, Christina, Iskander, the Ketoi, but sadly only one more, I cry. I could've seen my self years and years from now enjoying a new story, but alas not to be. If you enjoy a great story, well written characters, interwoven with mythology, them get this series

The Widdershins Series is the very best and Balefire just continues that streak! Whyborne and Griffin, the heroes of this series never fail to capture our hearts and our attention as their adventures unfold! This is M/M romance at it's highest level, with Superb writing giving us plenty of action and mystery along with a deep and tender love between our two heroes! Enjoy!

I am always thrilled to see another book in the continuing story of Whyborne & Griffin and this one did not disappoint. Balefire is a crazy swirl of magic and mayhem and Christine wielding a cudgel! Good gad! Look out Masters. Our heroes are not going to go quietly!

I’m completely in love with this series! Balefire introduces us to more of the Endicotts and Ketoi. I loved reading more about Whyborne’s mother. Griffin is just as wonderful and you can feel the love these two share. A wonderful addition to the series! Can’t wait to read what Jordan L. Hawk has in store for us!!

Gosh! This was just so good! I'm really not happy about that blurb at the end that says the conclusion is coming in the next book, though. Darn it! I want more of their adventures. Love the mystery and the relationships between people and the magic and everything about these stories. They make me laugh and cry and I can't believe it's all coming to an end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I have enjoyed all the books in this series. I am sad that it will be coming to an end soon. It's so hard to find an author and a series you can really enjoy as much as the Whyborne & Griffin series. I eagerly await the next story.

This is best book in the series. I stayed up until one am to finish it. Hawk does not disappoint. I do not want to say much about it, because I am not a spoiler. If you love the Widdershins series, you will love this book. I can hardly wait for the next book!

The last several books in the series were just mediocre for me but this one is fantastic. Highly recommend to fans of Whybourne and Griffin

I adore this series beyond what words can express. I must say this is an excellent installment to it. There's action, love and humor with my favorite magical duo. Really this book does not disappoint.

This story is about friends, true love, and family bonds. My favorite female character is Christine, who can kick butt with the rest if the guys. If you love exciting stories with magic, arcane power, and enchanted items, this story is for you.

This is such a wonderful series, every book is so inventive and kickass. I love these two men and i love all the other characters as well.

Grand and complex as always. I’m a little scared, however by the short blurb at the end. Conclude? As in the final book in this series? I hope not. Perhaps the final in this particular thread but I truly hope there will occasionally be more Widdershins novels beyond the next one!

This is a great series and evey book build more upon the world and the relationships in it.

I love this series and own every one in kindle and also paperback. It’s so entertaining and fun.

Please, keep this series alive. I love the characters!!!

I really like reading HP Lovecraft and I love this series. If you are a fan of Lovecraft this is the series for you. It's amazing! By far one of my favorite book series!

This has been one of the best series I have ever read. Combining the Lovecraft mythology with historically accurate depictions from 1900-1902, it has become a living series in my life. I just wish I had a Christine for my board meetings!

This story was the best of the series. Ival and Griffin have become an incredible couple and one I hope to follow for many more adventures.

This is a wonderful historical paranormal series with wonderful characters. Recency fans who also like gay paranormal stories should adore these books. I can't wait for number 11!

Great thimble. Not like thimble I grew up with. This is a great thimble to use when sewing thick material and nylon.

This author always delivers! Gawd her imagination has no bounds. I can't believe book 11 will be the last! I'm not ready...

I just love ❤️ Whyborne and Griffin! I will keep buying every book as long as the author keeps writing.

I devoured this installment, and now wait with bated breath for the conclusion. Is there any higher praise than barely cotained impatience? Keep up the great work Jordan!

Like all of the past books, i loved this one so much and I cant wait for the next one! I also love that Hawk writes such scary monsters.

Packed with action. Very nice. I just miss the peaceful times a little. And Niles. Can't wait to see a monster that Christine would produce.

Great book!

thoroughly enjoyable

A great addition to the series. I am looking forward to/dreading the last one, but bring it on!

What more can be said? The characters, dialogue, and plot are all exquisitely crafted. Hawk has skillfully woven a penultimate entry for the series!

This story was exciting. I couldn’t put it down until the end.

Love this entire series!

Another great book in this series! All great characters and I liked that Whyborne's mother had a bigger part then past books.

loved the story

I am sad it is coming to an end

(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes) This is one of my favorite series. I love Whyborne and Griffin and their wild supernatural journeys. Book ten is no different. I loved it as usual. In Balefire, Whyborne, Griffin, Christine and Iskander are off on a rescue mission to help the Endicotts. As you all probably remember if you’ve been reading the series, it wasn’t that long ago that there were members of that branch of Whyborne’s family that were trying to kill him. But things have changed over the last couple books and now the Endicotts desperately need Whyborne’s expertise, as well as help with the other side of Whyborne’s family, who are ancient enemies of the Endicotts. When Whyborne’s mother joins the party journeying to a remote part of Cornwall, it is hoped those ancient enemies might be able to help get the Endicott’s home back from the unknown parties that have seized it. As with all of Ms. Hawk’s books, nothing is ever as it seems, and there is much more to the Endicott’s dilemma that anyone knows. The group members are all in for a wild ride. Ancient evil is alive and well on the remote island where the mansion stands. It will take all of Whyborne’s powers to combat it. Enough spoilers. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and highly recommend the entire series. I would not say that any of the books are necessarily standalones. I would recommend starting with book one and working your way through the entire series so that you understand who everyone is and all the background we’ve received in the previous nine books. I’m sad to say that there was something about ‘the conclusion’ of the Whyborne and Griffin story being in the eleventh and final book. ☹ Pick up the series today and get reading if you haven’t already. If you’re up to date, grab this one. It won’t disappoint.

4.5 star review originally posted over at Just Love Reviews Review contains spoilers for previous books. This isn’t going to contain any book-specific spoilers but in order to talk about some parts of it I will have to include some spoilers of previous books. This book is too closely tied to previous plots to completely avoid this, but now you have the push you need to go read the rest of the series! With most of the previous books (first five) I think you could get away with reading them as one offs and be fine. However, the later books should be read as part of the series or you are going to be very lost and confused. This book is the culmination of the Endicotts, the ketois, and the other plotlines built up in the other 9 books. The only thing Hawk really needs to have them do now is fight the Masters (and WIN!?). Balefire had way less interpersonal/family tension than the other books. I appreciated this because they are getting serious about the escalation of the conflicts with the Masters, maelstrom, and everything else the other books have been building up to. However, I think at times the fun banter and relationships/friendships we have grown to love kind of got pushed back a bit in favor of action. This is fine for me because I like that there was less romance and personal drama, but I know that a lot of people really enjoyed that about the previous books. The characters are still the characters we all love, but they are focused on doing battle, and it was nice to see everyone come together to try and save the world. I also think this made the book feel faster-paced, and it was done in a blink of an eye once I got into it! Out of all of the books this one was the most action-packed. The beginning has some explication, and them going to Balefire, but once they arrive it’s nonstop action and fighting. Very well written action and fighting, mind you but it is still more than we’ve seen in the previous books. This one had less of the build up and mystery, and more of the gang just getting things done! It was a wonderful bridge between the previous books and what is probably going to be an epic battle against the Masters in the next one. One thing I really have to mention is that Hawk did a wonderful job explaining everything. In this book she seamlessly reintroduces the group’s history with the maelstrom, Endicotts, etc, without it sounding like it was someone just reciting facts. She made it a natural part of the storyline, and it really helped me keep up with the plots because each book has had a lot going on, and I find it hard to recall specifics. This helped me enjoy the book more because I didn’t have to keep trying to remember stuff. If you’ve like the previous books in the series you will for sure like this one. It was a satisfying read and had a lot of things get solved that had been hinted at. There were finally more answers than questions, and I recommend picking this up if you are invested in the series. You won’t be disappointed. Per the end notes there will be one more book until the series is concluded. I’ll be sad to see it go! *I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Oh my goodness!!!! Well, I had heard that the Whyborne & Griffin series was starting to wrap up and there was a very climactic feel to this book. So far each book has had it’s own villain of sorts to fight and conquer with a “big bad” looming in the later books. Well, the big bad is so near, I can taste the fear. I didn’t mean for that to rhyme. 😉 Even as the town of Widdershins awaits the arrival of ancient evils, Whyborne’s family members request his help in England. (I must mention that I love the way the series hops locations showing us different parts of the world.) Leaving his twin Persephone behind to guard the town while he and Griffin and their friends Christine and Iskander go to help the Endicott family, Whyborne goes to help and also to retrieve some information that he hopes will be helpful in defeating the impending monsters. I don’t know if there is more I can really say about the main characters, Percival and Griffin. They have grown throughout the series, and I think they have reached who they are meant to be. Whyborne has become comfortable with himself, as a gay man, as the son of the wealthy and sometimes ruthless Niles Whyborne, as a sorcerer, and as someone not quite human. Griffin has faced down the monsters in his past and formed a sort of relationship with them, realizing he is stronger than he ever thought. Even though they have reached this point and have grown in confidence, there is no doubt they need each other. They work together so well and love each other even better. Iskander and Christine, though, do have some changes coming up. Even though they would be considered secondary characters in terms of the love story between Griffin and Percival, their roles in the series are instrumental. You can’t have this series without them. Or without Percival’s family – his mom, his dad, and his sister and her girlfriend. Griffin’s family even plays a big role in the series. It’s an ensemble cast of characters each needed to make this series as great as it is. With the news Christine brings, there is a growth in her relationship with Whyborne’s mother. And since her own mom wasn’t a very good one, it was so awesome to see her discover she has a new family altogether. I don’t know how things are going to go down in the next book, but this book was very eventful. There were times where I felt frustrated. There was a very real sense of danger, that someone could die in this book, and the fight they were fighting felt futile. Most of the Endicott family didn’t even appreciate their help. I spent a good amount of time worrying for their safety (and still worry) even though I also knew that the author would get them past this battle in order to fight what’s to come. There were also times when I felt my heart warm at seeing the love shared between the characters. Because of the emotions the author allowed me to feel with and for the characters, this is definitely a must read. The whole series is a must read. I can’t wait for the next book.

About Us Contact Us Links Book Reviews Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin Book 10) by Jordan L. Hawk at Widdershins Press Genre Gay / Historical / Urban Fantasy / 19th Century / Psychic Powers / Magic / Romance / Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Reviewed by Lena Grey on 13-July-2018 Book Blurb Whyborne’s Endicott relatives have returned to collect on the promise he made to help them take back their ancestral manor from an evil cult. In exchange, they’ll give him the key to deciphering the Wisborg Codex, which Whyborne needs to learn how to stop the masters. To that end, Whyborne, his husband Griffin, and their friends Iskander and Christine travel to a small island off the coast of Cornwall. But when they arrive at Balefire Manor, Whyborne must not only face the evil within the ancient mansion, but the painful truth about his own destiny. Book Review “With a family like mine, who needs enemies.” ~ unknown Dealing with families can be tricky at best, but when Whyborne's cousin, Rupert Endicott, asks for a meeting about an urgent family matter, Whyborne is torn. His history with his mother's side of the family has been anything but smooth. In fact, his cousins, Theo and Fiona Endicott, tried to kill Whyborne! Regardless, Rupert is still family and Whyborne, if only out of courtesy, consents to meet with Rupert. Christine, Iskander, Griffin, and Whyborne all go to meet Cousin Rupert to see what he has to say. When they arrive, they learn that Rupert's news has to do with Balefire Manor, the Endicott family seat on Can Moreth. Several months ago, the extended family lost all contact with the estate. No one has been able to get in and no one has left. Rupert is there to enlist Whyborne to help reclaim the family seat. After weighing the pros and cons, Whyborne and his ragtag group, including Whyborne's mother, Heilabel, because the Ketoid branch of the family is involved as well, accompany Rupert. Meeting with the rest of the Endicott clan doesn't go smoothly. They think of Whyborne as an abomination and don't want to trust him, but considering what they are up against, they know they need him. Begrudgingly, they accept his help. When they get near the island, they realize why no one has been able to get near Balefire; it is surrounded by magic. It takes all the knowledge and energy that Wyborne and the Endicotts have to break through the barrier. Even so, Whyborne and his entourage are the only ones to do so. They almost drown and their sailing vessel is destroyed. The rest of their fleet is either wiped out or not permitted entry. It's up to Whyborne's group alone to take back Balefire Manor, and they all realize how dangerous it is going to be. With each story in this series, I wonder what Jordan is going to come up with next, but 'Balefire' is a doozy. Yes, it has the usual accoutrement of action, adventure, abominations, and magic, but along with it is woven in the theme of family loyalty, whether it be by blood or design, and the importance of it. It may seem like an odd combination, but it's been an ongoing message in this series. Not only Whyborne and Griffin, but also his blood family, his father, mother, sister, and infamous brother, along with his chosen family including Christine and Iskander, but, in this book, also involving the Endicotts, the extended family on his mother's side. This is one thing that makes the series so outstanding, that, as trying as they are sometimes, Whyborne understands the importance of family and that wisdom often ties everything else together. Thanks, Jordan, for another unforgettable addition to Whyborne and Griffin's tale. Originally posted at Rainbow Book Reviews.

5 *****Stars Review by Gloria Lakritz Sr Reviewer for the Paranormal Romance Guild Seriously, Book 10?? I do not think I could ever tire reading stories in this wonderful series! Jordan Hawk has built a wonderful world of paranormal history, characters we love and arch enemies we fight in every book. Wybornne and Griffin are a solid pair we hold dear. We have followed them from the beginning, learning their fears, their strengths, and their absolute adoration of each other. The added family of the fearless; Christine and her husband Iskander, Wybornne’s Mother and Sister add a tremendous amount to the storyline too. Balefire has not disappointed me; the fight goes on with our search for information to fight our enemy. I must say, Ms. Hawk has not spared the horror, gore and excitement for her readers this trip, evidenced by my bloody bitten lip and my wet palms, received while reading this adventure. It scares me silly about what the finale might be, what Wybornne could become, as we get deeper and deeper. I await Book 11…….Nervously….. Again Ms Hawk….amazing

I absolutely loved this book! Well, I love all of these books in this series. I thought Balefire was a great addition to this series, and we continue to learn more about this world and more about the characters. Balefire was full of action, twists and turns, and I loved every second while I was reading it. I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series if you have not read them yet!

What can I say, it was awesome! They’re all awesome. Everything she writes is awesome! If you’re not already reading this series, get on it!

4.5 stars from me. Things are really hotting up now with only one more story to go 😭 in the series. Not a lot of time for romance in this one, the gang are much too busy trying to stop Nyarlothotep from summoning the Masters, and agree to a 'request' from those blooming untrustworthy Endicotts to travel to the Isles of Scilly [right off the bottom of Cornwall]. Ival discovers an ally to help him channel the arcane energy around Balefire and the redoubtable Christine has some special news. I will really miss this series when the time comes....but don't we say that about all of our faves 😕

So the adventure continues for Whyborne, Griffin and co. Not much time for are main protagonists to be romantic as they fight for the existence of all but an important book in the series for pulling some key themes together. The tension is slowly racked up as the Endicotts from both sides of the pond unite to fight an old enemy. However as always things are not as straightforward as they appear on the surface and people will be asked what they are willing to relinquish to have some semblance of peace for all. Christine as always is highly entertaining. Poor Eskander and Whyborne!

A series I thoroughly enjoy! Every single book has been a treasure that I reread and savour. Other reviewers are far more eloquent so I won’t compete other than to say what an amazing world full of fantastic and flawed characters Jordan L Hawk has created. I will continue to buy both books and audiobooks until the world has been saved by our favourites, Whyborne, Griffin, Christine, Xander, et al!

An excellent, well written emotional roller coaster, filed with adventure, thrilling heroics, nasty evil enemies, pathos and intrigue. Touched as always with Jordan's particular brand of humor and romance. i couldn't put this down, to the point i sacrificed sleep.

I have read all the books in this Whyborne and Griffin series. Not one of them has not come up the first book. I'm not sure if there is just one more to come

Wow what a great story and for me the best out of a fantastic series. Whyborne finally faces his greatest enemy and it's not the Endicotts. I can't wait for the next and possibly last book in this series

I like this series of books, its begining to stretch out a bit but still hanging in there. like a lot of books and films now a days a lot of virtue signalling going on.

Fabulous series Will re-read the whole series at a later date Has been a great journey thatI would recommend. Thanks