Review: The Kayan's Mage by Jess Buffett

Title: The Kayan's Mage (Hunter Clan #1)
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Length: 102 pages

Grade: B


BLURB:

Sawyer McLeod lost his family and his entire Guild, except his twin, seven years ago. Now almost twenty-one, he is coming to the age to receive his abilities as a Mage. Unfortunately there are others who will stop at nothing to see the brothers don’t survive that long.

When Jake Hunter, Kayan for a Clan of Wolf Shifters living in Australia, finally finds his true-mate, he doesn’t expect it to be in the midst of a brutal attack. Through omissions of truth, misunderstandings, and fear, Jake struggles to prove to Sawyer that he can trust him.

When Sawyer is finally willing to give Jake a chance, a ghost from the past returns to destroy everything they have built together. Will they be able to overcome the foe long thought gone, or will it be the end for the Kayan’s Mage?

MY REVIEW


A great start to what looks to be an exciting series from new author Jess Buffett. Twins Sawyer and Riley have been on the run since their entire family was murdered seven years ago by evil vampires. Sawyer is about to come into his Mage powers when he's attacked, then saved by Alpha wolf Jake Hunter. Realizing they are mates, Jake takes Sawyer back to his compound so the two men can learn more about each other. But dark forces are brewing and threaten their new-found happiness.

What I liked about this book was the slow build between Sawyer and Jake. This story wasn't Insta-Love mates, who then have OMG-amazing-sex which segues into a happily ever after. No, Ms. Buffett took her time with the initial get together of the two main characters and allowed the build-up to progress organically, especially after bad guys attacked Sawyer. However, once she does that, then came a rush of happily ever after plot points which seemed to me to unfortunately rush the ending. Up until that happened, this was an A- book, but the "heteronormal" ending didn't seem to fit the previous chapters which were romantic and sweet.

Another great part of this book was that Sawyer was kick-ass. He's no TSTL simpering man waiting for his Alpha to save him, he's a powerful Mage coming into his own. A dynamic character in his own right and when paired with Jake, they make a formidable couple. Plus, his relationship with his twin, Riley was wonderful. (I cannot wait for Riley's story, Riley's Vampire Prince to be released on May 11, 2013!) Add on some interesting world-building and you have a very enjoyable read.

Recommended for all paranormal lovers who like complex characters, intriguing plots, secondary characters who will knock your socks off and leave you panting for more; plus a wonderful love story that brings something fresh and new to the genre. I am looking forward to more from Ms. Buffett in this universe!