The Official Description: It’s 1847, New York.
William Matthias Hallett is a fashionable dandy of the Manhattan social set. His life is laid out before him: a world of soirees, riches, and luxury. Yet all he wants to do is find an adventure so deliciously wicked that it will satiate his soul for an eternity.
Disguised in a lower-class manner, into the notorious Five Points he goes, seeking that spark of adventure. That is until it greets him in the form of his old schoolmates from Dartmouth College—a pair of Mohawk warriors who will up-end his world and all he knew it to be forever.
Just the facts: Original, paranormal, historical, lots of intrigue and action!
Completely engaging paranormal adventure! – Kinzie Things
My thoughts bit: At first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read another book by SA Collins… as I didn’t enjoy the first book I read by this author. But! With this novel, I would say that Collins is in his wheelhouse! This is a fantastic tale with excellent world-building. More than anything, what I enjoyed most about this novel was that it was something I hadn’t read before in any way! It’s completely original and engaging and very well written!
William Matthias Hallett is a dandy living in Manhatten. One night he’s bitten by the curiosity bug and follows some suspicious-looking characters. And this is the decision that begins the change that comes over his existence. This world… this sort of parallel universe that Collins has created is the strength of his story. In this world, the human race is running on a parallel timeline. The Mohawk people are more than just an American Indian people.. they are “guardians”. For centuries they have protected humans from threats and honed their paranormal skills.
Collins has woven in the Mohawk culture respectfully and creatively. In fact, the novel opens with a mythic tale regarding the origins of belief for the guardians. The writing is graceful and well thought out and I love the way the Mohawk culture and history is woven into the story throughout.
The three main characters are all fully developed and interesting in their own right. William finds himself suddenly emerged into a world and a battle he didn’t even know existed when he is reunited with an old friend from school. Jacob and William were like brothers in school… and he trust him implicitly even when he finds out Jacob isn’t who he claimed to be.
William also stumbles into an emotional and psychic bond with Joss… one of the Mohawk guardians. While there’s a prophecy about Joss and his skill… William is lead by his heart and his curiosity. He tries to trust his instincts as he makes decisions that could affect his life and the life of those around him. The battle that’s raging has far-reaching implications and I hope that this series continues along its beginning path!
A solid beginning to a series that looks to be enjoyable and engaging.
Things You May Want To Know: Please be aware, I’m by no means an expert on what may or may not have the potential to disturb people. I simply list things that I think a reader might want to be aware of. In this book: (SPOILERS) graphic violence and gore, brief descriptions of child prostitution, family discord
Readalikes: Other stories that are similar or give the same feel.
- Spellbound (Magic in Manhattan #1) by Allie Therin
- A Mage’s Power (The Inquisition Trilogy #1) by Casey Wolfe
- Time Turns (Out of Time #4) by C.B. Lewis
Links: Goodreads // The Author // The Publisher
I received an ARC of Beware Mohawks Bearing Gifts by S.A. Collins from NineStar press via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kinzie Things 