The Necromancer's Dilemma: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer, Book 2

With an Elder vampire as boyfriend, a pet dragon as familiar, the son of his traditional enemy as apprentice and a sulky fire sorcerer as a brother, Angelus Salvatore's life is busy enough, thank you. He does not need a creepy stalker, a murderous troll-hybrid set to smash him, a serial killer threatening both magical and non-magical population, and a rogue fae on the loose. But somehow he has all that and then some…The second book of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series is as good as the first one… Or even better. To the thrilling adventures of non-nonsense and powerful Angel, we have to add new characters who are gaining importance, his brother Isaac and David, his apprentice. Isaac is still mourning the death of his boyfriend, Gregg, but there is a hint at something which sounds really promising for him in the future (I love the fact that Batiste won't be able to use his charm on him), and David is still lost after the traumatizing events he went through the previous book. And of course, we cannot forget about the amazing Wee Beastie, Eroch, and his ability to be cute as hell, as well as really dangerous and lethal (ask the pigeons trying to survive in Beacon Hill). I want one for myself, please.As for Angel and Simeon, their bond strengthens while their relationship evolves. I loved the mystery, and I kind of felt sorry for the bad guy at the end. I guess there is no excuse for doing something wrong, even if it is done for good reasons.This series has been a wonderful discovery. It is highly recommendable for lovers of paranormal

I have to say I was waiting to pounce on this book when it came out. After the amazing opportunity to review The Necromancer’s Dance, I fell in love with Angel and Simeon. The biggest worry I had was would The Necromancer’s Dilemma measure up to the high standard before it.And the answer would be a definite HELL YEAH!This book allows us to see Angel struggle with the changes he, his family and his magic are going through now that he is bonding with Simeon. As their bond strengthens, so does Angel’s magic. He fears what happens when his surge in power is revealed to Simeon. And Simeon, confident in their bond, sees those he thought most important before Angel, wishing to use their love for gain. As both men work through these issues, their love continues to grow and strengthen and, oh my word, lead to hot steamy sex…And even while dealing with all of these changes, they work to save Daniel from his past, Milly from a troll hybrid ex husband and Boston from a serial killer fueled by love and desperation. Oh and, a creepy stalking wizard too handsy for his own good. We also learn what has been keeping Isaac from embracing Angel fully and what Eroch’s passion is (hint: roasted flying rodents). Plus, there’s a bonus short where Eroch shows he isn’t just a cute little familiar.I’ve already said it, but this book was everything I was hoping it would be, then it jumped the track and gave me so much more. If you haven’t already started this series, seriously, grab these books and start reading! Ms. Himes, you’ve done it again! Thank you.

In the second book of “The Beacon Hill Sorcerer” series, SJ Himes brings us back into her world of modern-day Boston, in which supernatural beings coexist with everybody else. Once again, she manages to create an intensely emotional, action-filled story while giving us characters who are endearing and interesting. At the center of the story once more is Angel Salvatore, the most powerful sorcerer on the region and the only necromancer in the East. At just shy of 30, Angel is hotheaded and compassionate in equal parts. He now lives in his Beacon Hill apartment with his vampire mate, Simeon, his younger brother Isaac, and his apprentice, Daniel Macavoy.Oh yes, and then there’s Eroch, the tiny dragon who was sent to kill him but is now his familiar.The danger in the second book of any series set in a new world is that it will just be more of the same. With the novelty gone, the second book must deliver on deeper character development and advancing the overarching narrative. Himes does this admirably. I really love Angel and Simeon, as a couple whose complex personal and magical traits complement and enhance each other. The book follows their growth as a unique mated pair in the magical world. Angel’s family was destroyed by vampires, and he is known as a proficient and violent vampire killer; so the love between him and Simeon is being watched as closely as any celebrity couple in Hollywood.Himes also takes us deeper into the wider world of magical beings, focusing on a series of murders that the police completely misinterpret until they ask Angel’s opinion. Now it’s not just wizards and vampires, and Angel’s attempts to live a quiet life as a magic teacher with his friend and mentor Millie are knocked asunder by an increasingly disturbing series of events that disrupt his daily routine and threaten the safety of his new family.The necromancer’s dilemma of the title is nothing coy or clever; it is Angel’s daily fight to restrain his anger and use his power (to borrow a phrase from police departments everywhere) to protect and to serve. Still deeply scarred by the violence of his adolescence that left him orphaned, raising his younger brother, Angel is both arrogant about his abilities and frightened of the potential consequences of his power. Himes makes sure that we understand him to be something even rarer in the magical world than a necromancer: a big-hearted and forgiving necromancer for whom doing the right thing is more important than victory. He struggles to understand his younger brother, while encouraging his under-developed magical capabilities. He frets about Daniel, whose own family was responsible for his family’s destruction. For all his power, Angel is desperately in need of both love and a normal life.Himes brings the actual Boston into her magical universe, and it’s that sort of double-edged reality/fantasy intermix that makes these books so appealing. Her writing skill is what makes them a pleasure to read. Even the requisite lovemaking between Angel and Simeon is deftly knitted into the overall narrative, and she has the good sense to make the couple’s overt mushiness the subject of teasing. There is a quiet, wry sense of humor that pervades these books, and that gives them a savor that sets them apart and makes the reader hunger for moreBook three in the series is coming. And not a moment too soon.

Another enjoyable read. Part of a series so it really is best to read these in order to get the most out of the storyline.Angel and Simeon's relationship is growing stronger and steadier. These two fit together so well, in more ways than one. Their home is filling up too with Isaac and Daniel moving in and there is Eroch, Angel's familiar, who is cute, protective and has a couple of surprises hidden under his wings!There is more drama and murders to solve and the action, in one form or another, doesn't seem to stop.To be honest, I thought Angel would get annoying because of his snarkiness and attitude. I have gone off characters who have been like that in other reads. Not this time though. He is a very likeable character and his interactions with his family and close friends (of which there aren't many) often show his caring and protective side. The snarkiness is directed to where it needs to be.Book three seems to have been a long time coming and having just finished this one I'm diving straight into that. I'm pleased to say that so far, the character's voices sound the same and already there is trouble, although that doesn't come as too much of a surprise in Angel's world.

What can I say to do justice to this story. I loved book and this sequel was just as great. Angel and Simeon are now in a relationship, Isaac (Angel’s brother) is living with them along with Daniel Angel’s apprentice. A lot is captured in this book. The bond between Angel and Simeon becomes clearer and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. Daniel’s father comes back into the story as a side thread to the main mystery of the murders and catching the serial killer. So much to keep me entertained and left me wanting more. There is a cliffhanger at the end and I really want to know what happens next. My favourite character is Angel’s dragon familiar Eroch. It is brilliant the way he is sentient and is at war with the pigeons.Joel Leslie's narration is superb. Beautiful deep Irish tone for Simeon and the non nonsense Boston accent for Angel is wonderful. When Joel narrates I can close my eyes and be transported into the story. While the main characters are outstanding it's the attention given to the side characters that makes Joel such an awesome narrator.I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Another great read from this author and after the bombshell at the end of this book I can't wait until book 3 comes out in winter time. Angel and Simeon are investigating murders that have a ritual feel to them. Milly encounters her ex husband again in not very pleasant circumstances. Daniel finds himself in big trouble with his crazy father and of course Angel gets a surprise when his familiar changes. The book is fast paced with a great plot line and a fantastic ending. Highly recommended.

This series is shaping up well. Firstly I have to say the editing is better than book one, but still far from perfect. The story carries on in a similar vein to the first but I found there wasn't a great connection between the MC's. We were told they loved each other, I just didn't see it. Overall though a good follow up to book 1 and hope we see even more improvement with book 3.

Normally sequels tend to not be as good as the original... but not with this oneI loved the sequel and especially the pigeon eating dragon! LOLThe book is highly amusing and personally I can't wait for the next book in the series!