Rowan McBride

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Ace is a professional card player, who plays private games against people who want to play the best. The man that he is playing against is out of money, so he wagers his man. Ace doesn't like the idea, but he also doesn't like his opponent, and plans to set the man free when he wins. Ace does win, and attempts to set the man free, but he doesn't want to be. When Ace asks his name, the man says that he doesn't have one, and that his owners need to name him, so Ace calls him Spade. Spade doesn't have anywhere to go, so Ace takes him home. He notices that there is something a little weird about Spade, but then the man who schooled Ace to the ways of gamblers comes back to town, and Ace is focused on winning the game and getting revenge.

What I liked: Ace and Spade. I liked that they actually got to know one another in a short period of time. I also liked how much Ace liked his uncle, and how he always tried to do the right thing.

What I didn't like: it felt as though there was so much more story to tell. I also didn't like how Ace became unscrupulous when he found out Spade's secret and went back on his word.… (meer)

Kynthos, so glad you convinced me to read this story!

The way it ends doesn't feel 100% finished, but the ending is somewhat satisfying, if cliffhang-y.

And now - on the world building conundrum.

It was made very clear that the story is set in modern times, in our everyday reality, the only "fantasy" element being Jeremy's profound growth.

So, instead of concentrating on men's interaction, I was worried about Jonah losing his job and his house (at least make him live off some trust fund, not rich, but carefree, so we don't have to have it nagging). I was puzzled why Jeremy's parents couldn't call police, like any sensible adult in this reality would do. No other neighbours, co-workers, employer raised an alarm. I know I am overthinking, but give me a world, and I will think about it and try to incorporate it into the story... right? O.o In this case it distracted me and pulled me out of the story at least a couple of times :/

I will take Kari Gregg anytime.

Still the story was pretty good and well written and I would love for the sequel to come out. Sometime soon :)… (meer)