Valentine Strange, late of his Majesty’s 21st Benhali Lancers, needs money. Happily, the wealthy Holy Orders of Harappu are desperate to retrieve the diadem of the Goddess Purya from an ancient temple deep in the mountainous jungle—an area Strange knows well from his days quelling rebellions. The pay is too good and the job seems too easy for Strange to refuse. But when Master Aleister Grimshaw, a dangerous witch from a traitorous lineage, joins the expedition, Strange begins to suspect that more is at stake than the retrieval of a mere relic.
Grimshaw knows an ancient evil surrounds the diadem— the same evil once hunted him and still haunts his mind. However, experience has taught him to keep his suspicions to himself or risk being denounced as a madman. Again.
Harried by curses, bandits and unnatural creatures, Strange and Grimshaw plunge onward. But when a demonic power wakes and the civilized world descends into revolution, their tenuous friendship is threatened as each man must face the destruction of the life he has known.
Strange Fortune – Josh Lanyon
December 1, 2009
Fantasy
307 pages, paperback
Blind Eye Books
Book received from publisher
If you read this blog regularly, it comes as no surprise when I say I am a big Josh Lanyon fan. He is known for clever, witty mystery male/male romance books. Strange Fortune is his first foray into fantasy, and it is an amazing one at that. While this book took a chapter or two to really get into, I ended up with a love of the two main characters and picture of the world stamped in my mind.
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!
Rating: Five Stars
I think that if I ever go for a book by him then it would be this book. I do love fantasy. Great review Mandi
Coolness review as always Mandi! Ive never read anything by him, but im intrigued to go look him up =D
Blodeuedd – I'm going to turn you into a Laynon fan!
Sparkly – Oh – you def need to read him. If you like fantasy then def this book. Otherwise he has a ton of m/m romance books out there.
Okay… I looked him up the other night… And I need somewhere to start with m/m books… Yea.. I am a virgin. ***squeaks that out softly so no one hears*** And between you and Erotic, you two have my interest piqued over here at what the fuss is over m/m books… So, yes, I will be going to check this out. Thanks for the great review Mandi!!!!
Hope you are having a great day honey!
You've recommended Josh Lanyon to me before. Since I love a good fantasy and you're rec's never steer me wrong I'm going to have to put this on my list. Great review!
This one is so going on my wishlist after your review Mandi ;) but I will try one of his M/M romance first – awh, dang, forgot wich one I have ordered – going to bookdep…
…found my title: Josh Lanyon Collected #1 about police detective Lt. Matthew Spain and reporter Nathan Doyle.
Great review, Mandi! Although, I doubt I'll read this one. I'm not a big fantasy reader, and since the romance part isn't prominent, it's probably not for me.
I do have one of this author's previous books though, and will hopefully get to it soon.
This is more of a fantasy than a MM tale?
Ok first order of business just noticed a new-ish pic of Gerard in a kilt, dear god I can't tell you how much this turns me on.
Moving onto Josh Lanyon, I want him, I need to read him, shame on me of putting this author off *slaps hand* Great review!
Cecile – I didn't realize you were a m/m virgin. Compiling a list – will email you!! :)
FV – yes, you must read Lanyon. My book pimp status will not be sealed until you read him for me.
Leontine – that one doesn't sound familiar..now I have to go check it out!
Barbara – I think you will like his other work..you will have to let me know.
KB – Yes, def more fantasy, although there is a romance and somewhat of a HEA. But if you are looking for big love scenes, you are not going to get it.
Smokinhot – Gerard in a kilt is a new addition…How I have gone this long w/o a pic of him on this site, I do not know.
Hey there, Mandi. Thank you very much for the review. And thanks for pointing out that this is first and foremost a fantasy novel — I truly don't want anyone to buy it and then be disappointed that it isn't…whatever they expected.
OH, but if anyone does plan on buying this– do it now before the 20th and get all those downloadable goodies I'm giving away.
Very intriguing… Great review, it definitely made me interested :)
btw… I heart Jean Claude too :P
Josh – thanks for stopping by.
Yes – For those interested – there are free goodies if you pre-order – just click on the link at the top of the review!
Larissa – LOL…just checking out your blog..it's fun! JC is pretty fine imo ;)
Fantasy and m/m? And well written? Sounds perfect to me :) Thank you Mandi for the review!
I must confess to not yet having read a Josh Lanyon book *hangs head* In my defense…well, I guess there is no defense. Once I have my iTouch *counts days until Xmas* the eBook world is my oyster :) So, should I start here or with the Adrian English books I have heard so much about?
Hi Orannia. The books are really, really different, so maybe Mandi can advise? If you like fantasy, I think (hope — fingers crossed) you'll enjoy Strange Fortune. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out.
Orianna – I think I remember you liking fantasy?? But I don't remember your tastes in m/m. So if you are a fantasy fan, I def recommend Strange Fortune!
I have to rec Adrien English series too because it is one of my favs ;) That is more mystery with an ongoing m/m romance throughout the series. (fifth book coming out next month)
This book sounds really good. You might convince me to try a m/m novel yet, Mandi! ;)
Heidenkind – Oh I will – I am confident of it. I will wear you down! Susisunshine (on Twitter) broke down today and bought LB Gregg and Heather (bookobsessed girl) bought Strange Fortune – both m/m virgins..muwahahahaha, I can't be stopped. ;)
Thank you Josh and Mandi! And yes, I adore fantasy :)
Hmmm, I think I'll start with Strange Fortune and then move on to the Adrian English books. I have a good friend reading the latter and she's really enjoying them. (They've brought her out of her book slump :) Plus, I like a good mystery and I really want to meet Jake, who I've heard so much about *grin*
Mandi – I honestly don't know what my tastes in m/m are…are their options? (Sorry, that sounds like a very silly question, but I'm a sort of newbie to the genre :)
Josh – all the best with the release of Strange Fortune! If I may ask, have you any plans to continue writing fantasy?
Orianna – I just wasn't sure if you were already a reader of m/m…that is what I meant. Some I've talked who have never read m/m want to try Strange Fortune because it is not super graphic.
Sorry to be confusing :)
So this was why everyone was talking about this book on twitter today! This may be the book for me to finally read a m/m romance..
Hey Colette :) Yes, we did have quite the convo on Twitter today about Strange Fortune :) If you are a fan of fantasy, this is definitely a good book to start with a m/m romance. I def recommend :)
Ahhh, thank you Mandi – for the explanation for for enquiring :) Yes, I've read m/m before *grin*
Hey Mandi!
While your review is inspiring, I don't think this book would be for me. One, I'm still not completely sold on m/m romance. And two, since this leans more towards fantasy rather than romance, that kind of nips in the bud for me.
Thanks for the recommendation!
;) VFG
Mandi… I will for your list! Yea, I am a m/m virgin. *have my head down* So, I will wait for your list. I feel like I am walking into a baby pool… waiting to see if I can swim on my own after this…
VFG – yep, I hear ya :) That is why I love visiting blogs before picking up books! :)
Cecile – I think I am going to do a virgin m/m post in the near future..I am curious to see how many of my readers have never read m/m. BTW – why is it we have not chatted on gmail..ALL day?!?
Great review, Mandi!
You are so right. the world is so well fleshed out. I love the relationship between Valentine and Aleister, but it was definitely a part of a much bigger story.
I love the fact that Strange Fortune is showing me a new side to JL's talents as a writer. Mystery, spec fic, m/m romance, and romantic suspense. Pretty awesome!
Another Josh winner Mandi…
This one shoud tide over a few Lanyon fan until the next book get here…
I like the tone of this book alot…
I wonder if Blind Eye Books has resistricted dates on shipping to the UK…
Thanks for the round up…
E.H>
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you make running a blog glance easy. The overall glance of your site is excellent, let alone the content material!