Stormhaven (Whyborne & Griffin Book 3)
Whyborne’s lover, dashing private detective Griffin Flaherty, agrees to prove Allan’s innocence. But when Allan is deemed insane and locked away in the Stormhaven Lunatic Asylum, Griffin finds himself reliving the horrifying memories of his own ordeal inside a madhouse.
Along with their friend Christine, the two men become drawn deeper and deeper into a dark web of conspiracy, magic, and murder. Their only clue: a missing artifact depicting an unknown god. Who stole the artifact, and why can’t Allan remember what happened? And what is the truth behind the terrible experiments conducted on Stormhaven’s forbidden fourth floor?
It will take all of Whyborne’s sorcery and Griffin’s derring-do to stop the murderers and save Allan. But first, they must survive an even greater challenge: a visit from Griffin’s family.
Stormhaven is the third book in the Whyborne & Griffin series, where magic, mystery, and m/m romance collide with Victorian era America.
Reviews (120)
An engaging series continues to engage...
Book three ... and while the paranormal detective work drives the plot, what drives my interest in these books is Jordan Hawk's deft handling of a late nineteenth century gay couple dealing with a hostile world. Percival Whybourne and Griffin Flaherty are great; each with his own soul, his own emotional baggage, his own scars. This time around it's Griffin's adoptive parents (with that whole history-based sad story) who arrive in Widdershins to complicate our heroes' lives. I loved the wacky plot. I love Dr. Putnam and her prescient feminism and staunch support of these two gay-before-gay-existed men. I loved Percival's growing courage in the face of his hateful father, and his gentle love for his fragile mother. But most of all I love the love of these men for each other. I'm a cultural historian by profession, and Hawk somehow manages to make this relationship feel authentic, correctly fixed in the context of a late 1800s America. Those of us who know gay history well (at least in my generation), know that couples like this existed - and Hawk makes us believe. Whybourne's nascent magical abilities are an ongoing source of pleasure and amusement. His character touches me. Keep it up Ms. Hawk - if only we could get it make into a TV series with Benedict Cumberbatch...
I'm hooked on this amazing series
But I really need to stop reading it late at night in the dark. I managed to creep myself out, big time. When my husband came up to bed, he scared the bejeebies out of me. I was so wrapped up in Whyborne's creepy dream. That boy gets himself into the craziest situations. But I love every minute of them. I totally lose myself in every book. I love how he and Griffin grow closer and closer with each book and how Whyborne gross more comfortable in his skin. I'm intrigued by his ability to cast spells and can't wait to see what else he learns to do. I might be a little biased because it takes place in Massachusetts but I love the historical elements combined with the paranormal. It's just so much fun to read. I liked that we got to see Griffin's family in this one even though they made me mad. And I'm loving how much more confident Whyborne is when he's confronting his father. I already can't wait for the next book.
More Whyborne & Griffin!
This third book in the Whyborne and Griffin series has our boys once again thrust headlong into danger. This book introduces the asylum, Stormhaven, which allows for some background info on Griffin's own stay in an asylum after his partner Glenn was killed and he left the Pinkertons. Poor Griffin...he takes a case where he ends up having to visit Stormhaven and it scares the hell out of him. One of my favorite things about Griffin is that he isn't afraid to show emotion, at least to Whyborne. He'll cry when he's sad and yell when he's angry. Having to go back into an asylum terrifies him but Whyborne is with him every step of the way. Whyborne is concerned about Griffin dealing with Stormhaven and refuses to let him go alone. After the events at Threshold, our boys have a stronger relationship and are determined to be there for one another in any way possible. Another problem is Griffin's family is in town to visit. Griffin has to make a choice as to whether or not he's going to hide his relationship with Whyborne from them, or tell them the truth and hope they love him enough to not let it bother them. Surprisingly enough, Whyborne's family doesn't really care about his inclinations. Well his brother does, but Stanford hates everything about Whyborne so he hardly counts. Whyborne's mother loves Griffin like a son and Whyborne's father could care less what his son gets up to as long as it doesn't cause a scandal. I really enjoyed this book and the obstacles it presented for Whyborne and Griffin. As always, the sex is hot yet also tender. Also, have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Griffin's nickname, Ival, for Whyborne when they're alone? Cause I freakin love it... With family drama, creepy asylums, and water gods, this book shows that our boys can overcome anything as long as they work together.
Another Fabulous Audiobook!
Stormhaven is brought to life by Julian's voice! As always, he does a wonderful job of narrating Ival, Christine, and Griffin. His Kansas accent when the Kerrs arrive was on point! This is the first time Ival sees visions of the Dweller in the Deep with hints of his own background (that we don't find out about until Bloodline Book 5). It's also the first time he hears the "Little Fish Little Fish" poem and his reaction was hilarious. "Good Lord, what an awful poem!" You can't help but feel sorry for Griffin as he once agains tries to win his parents' love and acceptance for loving another man. Their treatment of Cousin Ruth was absolutely maddening but I guess it's a product of their time. The lunatic asylum was really creepy and the treatment of those poor souls made me sad.
Whybourne Shows his Sorcerous Skill...
Once more into the breach... This time Whybourne and Griffin battle another cult, once which even the Brother of Whybourne's father has fought. When an artist employed by the museum is arrested for killing his uncle, his brother hires Griffin to prove him innocent. Their investigations take them to Stormhaven, the Widdershins insane asylum where the superintendent proves to be Dr. Zeidler, the same man who committed Griffin to an asylum out West. Naturally Griffin becomes more determined to prove Allan Tambling innocent and free him from Zeidler's cruelty, but his memory of what was done to him while he was incarcerated prove an obstacle to his plans., bringing on more nightmares and 'fits.' Another problem arises when Griffin's adoptive parents, the Kerrs, arrive from Kansas, bringing with them their adopteddaughter, whom it's quite obvious they would like Griffin to marry. Of course Griffin hides his relationship to Whybourne and matters are further complicated when Whybourne finds the young lady very amiable and Griffin seems to be paying her a great deal of attention.. Because of this, his own insecurities are brought out and he wonders if Griffin may intend to agree to his parents' plans. Whybourne reveals a great deal of strength during the latter part of the story when he's called upon to use his own knowledge of sorcery and the information found in the Arcanorum, to fight the "sweller in the deep," who turns out not to be what they expect. Another good entry. Interesting interpretation of Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos by the author, changing it into his own perspective, while making Widdershins into a "little Arhkam." The delving into Whybourne's mind as he fights the dweller as well as the cultists is interesting and gives him a chance to prove he's as strong as Griffin though mentally and not physically. Both men's weaknesses proves foils for their strengths as well as being a test of their love for each other. The interaction with Griffin's family is left open for future developments, though it appears with each adventure, Whybourne's ability to talk back to his father grows stronger. There's also a good amount of cliche-speak from the Kerrs to Christine about a 'woman's place,' and how they can't believe she's capable of running an archaeological dig because she's a female. Plenty of ruffled feathers there! This novel was purchased by the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
Still As Wonderful As The Last
Every book further I read in that series I expect has to fall in quality, because I rarely give 5* reviews, but I really think the author just shares my tastes in literature. In this installment's adventure, Whyborne's co-worker is accused of murdering his uncle in a fit of madness and is condemned to Stormhaven asylum. When Griffin takes the case, it quickly becomes apparent that nothing is what it seems. I really felt for poor Griffin in this one. We got more of an insight into his past, his family, and the horrors of his time committed to an asylum, and all of it was so, utterly heartbreaking. This book leaves you so happy for him that he found Whyborne to care for him when he needs someone to make him feel whole. Also, no spoilers, but that climax was incredibly dramatic and not at all what I expected (in the best way of course!)
Fantabulous!!!
Another fabulous book from Jordan L. Hawk. This time trouble finds Whyborne and Griffin not far from home. The simple murder case takes mysterious turns that lead to the halls of Stormhaven, Widdershins own lunatic asylum, which brings forth agonizing memories for Griffin. There is always someone with desire for world domination, and Whyborne, Griffin and Christine face off against a group of cultists with a deranged power hungry scientist at its head. Apart from the danger, Griffin's parents' visit puts a strain on their relationship since Griffin tries to conceal his affair with Whyborne. Even with all the efforts the house of cards tumbles spectacularly when Whyborne's life is in danger. There is anguish, pain and in the end loss by choice - but Whyborne has become Griffin's family and the love he has for him is endless, so the choice is no choice at all. I loved the humor (Christine as always was the Queen of sarcasm), I loved Griffin and Whyborne's relationship ups and downs, their continuous mutual support and how well they worked together. More of Griffin's past is revealed, and both men have to relive it to help Griffin purge it all out of his mind. The story is engrossing, intense and action-packed. I highly recommend it!
The ones I do find are often terrible stereotype ridden crap
This is a continuing story arc for the Whyborne & Griffin series. Do yourself a favor and start at book 1 because it's worth it. I have a hard time finding gay romance in the paranormal vein at all. The ones I do find are often terrible stereotype ridden crap. This is not like that. This series is well written, and seems to avoid a lot of the stereotypes you find with gay men in media. Whyborne is definitely a bit more effeminate, but he is not "the woman" in the relationship. Griffin is rougher, but still has his vulnerabilities, especially in this book. Both men are well rounded complex characters. I absolutely love Hawk's interpretation of Lovecraft's mythos, updated for the modern world and with the racism, classics, and the other 'ism's he often embedded into his stories. I think Hawk does a really good job showing how LGBT folks are often forced outside of polite society in that time period, and does a good job balancing the bigotry at the time, with her characters buoyant love affair.
Intense action and some heart-wrenching realism
The horrors of this book are once again an homage to those created by Lovecraft himself, and I continue to find absurd joy in heroes that would have completely pissed him off. At this point, I am thoroughly enamored by both Whyborne and Griffin, and Hawk continues to impress with their excellent character development. The drama of Griffin's life takes center-stage in this book, as his PTSD and rocky relationship with his own family are revealed. Both are handled with heart-wrenching realism. At the time of this reading, I still have seven books to go in this series. I look forward to seeing how these characters and this world develop, and the fact that I immediately purchased the next book after finishing is always the highest praise I can give.
Excellent Series
I read the whole series, sometimes finishing a book in a day because they are easy to read and very interesting. All the characters are well developed, and the scenes are described well enough to easily see them in my head. The sex scenes are hot :) and Whyborne and Griffin go through their ups and downs, each struggling with insecurities and fears; however, their relationship gets stronger in each book. The books are all very different, and each takes a different direction and shows a different magical species or different aspect of magic. Sadly... I finished them and I think I'll have to wait another 6 months for the next one :(
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