The Necromancer's Dilemma

By: SJ Himes

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's Summary

Even love can die without trust.

Angel's brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begins to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family?

Daniel Macavoy, Angel's new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought - especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt.

The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston's only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon's devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true - and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family.

Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

Contains male/male sexual content. Violence, gore, sex, vampires. A cute dragon and some snark. Okay, lots of snark.

©2017 Sheena Jolee Himes (P)2017 Sheena Jolee Himes

4.5 Stars

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed The Necromancer’s Dance and I have been impatiently waiting for the audio for The Necromancer’s Dilemma to be released.

SJ Himes’ world building is a combination of paranormal romance and urban fantasy that is really compelling. Combined with Joel Leslie’s character voices and emotional performance of the material and I am in listening heaven.

Told again from Angel’s POV The Necromancer’s Dilemma is full of action, sexy steaminess, engaging characters, and an engrossing storyline.

Joel Leslie’s narration is absolutely wonderful, captivating the listener with multiple character accents, including a typical Boston and lilting Irish, the pacing and tempo of the story is great, and the overall experience was highly enjoyable.

My only complaint about the story was the very end. There is a conversation between Angel and his brother, Isaac, that ends on what I think of as an emotional cliffhanger when Isaac admits something and the story abruptly cuts off before we get Angel’s reaction. I was honestly baffled and upset by it as it seemed, to me, to be a completely unnecessary way to end the story.

Nevertheless, overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story and audio performance as a whole and can easily recommend it. I’ll definitely be listening to it again!

I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great story Great narrator

Super engaging and hot story. Really accessible characters with senses of humor. Narrator is one of the best with awesome dialect work.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A excellent audio book.

This book is a satisfying comfort read. The story is solid and the romance is sweet.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Epic !

I don't think it's possible for Joel Leslie to make a bad audio. His variety of voices is astounding. Always an amazing experience.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good Second Installment-GREAT Voice Acting

Full disclosure: While I enjoyed this book, I’m pretty sure my enjoyment was enhanced quite a bit by Joel Leslie’s narration.

Many of the things I loved so much about the first book were present in the second in spades: the great world-building and learning more about how magic works in this world, great writing and fleshed out and interesting secondary characters that add depth to the narrative. Additionally, the book used multiple POVs, which gives an even greater understanding of the motivations and feelings of secondary characters, Isaac and Daniel and of the MC Simeon. On the downside, is the fact that even in Simeon’s POV, the reader still doesn’t learn much about him except for his extreme love for Angel. I hoped to learn more about Simeon’s character/history in the second book now that his and Angel’s relationship is established, and that he would become a character in his own right, not just the perfect vampire boyfriend. However, his POV focused almost exclusively on his mate bond and the feelings caused by it and by extension his affection for Angel's "fledglings", and while Simeon’s additional POV illustrates how well matched Angel and Simeon are, both being men with big hearts but predatory natures that are realized fully when protecting people, Simeon remains underdeveloped as a character.

While I loved most of the story and dialogue, I was a bit put off by the large amount of mate-bond inspired, hearts-in-the-eyes dialogue, something I feel is a common stumbling block in mate-bonding stories. The metaphysical enhancement of love and desire becomes so important that it almost becomes its own character as it pops up in every interaction between the MCs, especially in a book that changes POV; this is the point that Joel Leslie’s amazing narration became so important to the story for me. His accent work and voice acting in all the scenes, from action to exposition is so engaging that it helps give the proper emotional weight to words that may have felt bogged down by more mate-bond gooiness if I were simply reading them.

Fortunately, most readers probably don’t share that particular hang-up and will unreservedly enjoy this new and dangerous chapter in Angel’s life, which definitely showcases how almost ridiculously powerful he is. I think SJ Himes does a good job keeping him from being ALL powerful even though he is EXCEPTIONALLY talented, quick-witted and skilled in battle, by making sure he still has to rely on his allies' gifts and skills to survive most conflicts. The overall character beats and interactions and the story makes this a very enjoyable read. My own personal pet peeves and the reasoning behind the mystery at the core of the story (which I won’t discuss to avoid spoilers but did leave me scratching my head a bit at the antagonist's logic) are what kept this from being an unqualified, solid 4 star read for me.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

great sequal to the first book!

I was looking forward to this book because I read the first and was instantly hooked! This book really expanded on the plot from the first book The Necromancer’s Dance and brought new twists and turns to the lives and Angel, Simeon, Isaac and Daniel.
I loved the fact there are still new things to learn about Angel and Simeon’s relationship and powers. The new characters in this book were interesting, the mystery thrilling and complex. The only thing I don’t like is waiting for the next one to come out!
Audio narration was superb! Joel Leslie really outdid himself, I love the fact he raises his voice if the scene needs it, he owns the characters and breathe life into each word.

*This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bring on Book 3

I'm just writing a general quick review cause let's face it this is an addictive series so far and the other reviews cover things well. The characters are interesting, it's full of action and has the nerve to have a love story we care about. I really enjoyed it and can easily listen to again. Joel Leslie rules this narrator thing-I originally followed him to this author and glad I did. Keep them coming.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

You so don't want to miss this one!

This story just keeps getting better and better with each installment! The Necromancer's Dilemma is book 2 in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series and needs to be read/listen to in order and truly, you don't want to miss book 1, it's just amazing!

Angel, Simeon and the crew (Isaac, Daniel, Millie and Eroch, the most adorable dragon familiar) are back and they're better than ever. The story was interesting, funny and engaging, perfectly paced and intriguing and the writing was top-notch. SJ Himes has done a fabulous job creating a world that feels relatable, only with supernatural beings. I just can't get enough of it.

Joel Leslie is nothing less than perfect as Angel and he does an outstanding job with the other voices as well. This might very well be my favorite narration of his. He elevated SJ Himes already awesome writing and made it into a fantastic audiobook that I know I'll be listening to more than once!

Highly recommendable!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Wonderful story and narration

Another great story from SJ Himes. I love the world she has created I'm this series and can not wait for the next installment. Joel Leslie narrates well and really brings the characters alive.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

5-star Top Recommendation!

After reading the first book of this series, I immediately picked up The Necromancer's Dilemma to get my fix of Angel and Simeon. And yes, after finishing I am truly addicted to the series...well, at the very least to Angel and Simeon and their truly amazing bond.

SJ Himes continues the superior storytelling started in book one, and once again I found myself totally immersed in the Beacon Hill world to the point I was oblivious to everything around me. The relationship between Angel and Simeon continues to deepen, becoming even more passionate and sensual to the point that it will give you tingles...and have you desperately seeking out some ice and extra fans.

The excitement, action and suspense also continue, and these aspects of the story actually make up a good portion of the pages, and the heat between Angel in Simeon infiltrates everywhere-even in scenes that are distinctly non-romantic as their bond grows ever stronger. Add to that one incredibly adorable dragon (though don't let his diminutive appearance fool you), tension between Angel and his brother Isaac, and complications with Angel's apprentice Daniel and what you get is another fantastic story that really enhances the series.

And oh, I want more. I'm already going through withdrawals after finishing this book. In case you haven't already guessed, The Necromancer's Dilemma was another 5-star, top recommendation read for me, and it's cemented The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series as my favorite M/M paranormal romance series. You're not just getting steamy hot scenes between supernatural beings-you're also getting excellent, truly creative writing, characters who continue to evolve and develop, and little tidbits that as they show up pretty much guarantee we'll be getting more exceptional stories in the future. Recommended for M/M paranormal readers 18+ for adult language and explicit, searingly hot M/M sexual content.

The narration: I was thrilled when the author announced that Joel Leslie would be continuing to narrate this second book in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, and I was just as satisfied with his narration of The Necromancer’s Dilemma as I was with the first book. He did a perfect job of keeping the voices consistent from the first book, and I just can’t get enough of his interpretation of the characters. He brings them all to life so flawlessly, always making the listener feel like they are right there in the scene with the characters. Once again he’s delivered a 5-star narration, and I hope he continues on narrating this series as future books are released!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Fantastic Story beautifully written

Where does The Necromancer's Dilemma rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love this series, Hope there are more. It is in my top 5 books that I have listened too, outstanding.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Far to many to list, Angel Simeon, I love Milly's character, every character was written so very good. Poor Daniel's I felt for him very much. Milly's sass. I could go on, S J Himmes, has an awesome talent. I also like how Angel and Isaac learning how to be better brothers, watching Angel grow in his character.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I really enjoyed listening to Angel and Simeon how they both work so very well together. This book ticks all my boxes supernatural being, Spells magic, Vampers everything.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have done, I read book one in one sitting, this in two.

Any additional comments?

I hope there will be more as I loved this series, Leslie Joel's really get into his characters he is betraying. I cannot praise these books enough.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Brilliant Sequel

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.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

grèat book 2

book 2 just as good as first one. A unknown supernatural is abducting/killing both humans and supernaturals.
An interesting mystery. Charactures from book 1 contunue to develop and some interseting interactions between them. Don't mess with Angels loved ones! A grest ending but leaves you wanting to download book 3. Naration spot on. Loved it. Brings out the humour really well to.

Great mix

It's great love the naughty bits as much as the fiction part. Great gay novel

Loved it!

Really great story, book two was as good as book one, narration was spot on

Already wanting book 3

I loved this book. The author wrote a wonderful, interesting story and the narrator brought it to life with passion that was felt with every word - there's a reason he is one of my favourite narrators. I really hate having to wait for book 3 (at least I hope there will be a book 3) but, until then, I shall search out more SJ Himes or Joel Leslie stuff..

SJ Himes does it again

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, SJ Himes is an automatic buy for me and this book does not disappoint. The characters are wonderful, the story engaging and the romance make your toes curl.

What other book might you compare The Necromancer's Dilemma to, and why?

The Necromancer's Dance (book 1)

Which scene did you most enjoy?

It is impossible to just choose one, must have the whole book!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. Once you start you won't be able to stop