The Hexologists
Josiah Bancroft


CAWPILE SCORE
C-10
A-8
W-9
P-8
I-9
L-9
E-10
TOTAL-9/10

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CAWPILE
Characters
I absolutely love the characters in this book.
Warren—Love his personality that he loves to cook and that he sometimes has a bit of a scary side.
Isolde IZ—her obsession with figuring things out and the love that She and Warren share together was amazing.
Old Geb
Princess Constance
Horace Alman
Victor Cholmondeley
Dr. Luella Timmons-Wilby
Professor Silas Wilby
Turdus Feliovox—Just hilarious Dragon

Atmosphere
The feel of the city and the pollution was real and everpresent and the scenes describing the places they visited really worked for me.

Writing
Josiah’s writing in this book was amazing. It had so many hilarious parts that had me laughing hard at silly jokes, and then turn to some serious thinking

Plot
Great plot with lots of twists, turns, and stumbling blocks to keep me entertained the whole time I was reading it and guessing with the characters who was responsible for what.

Investment
Loved every minute of reading this book. Very funny. Very hard to put down especially after 75%

Logic
Everything followed the rules that it should. And was easy to follow without me having to concoct loops for it to work.

Enjoyment
Absolutely amazing book. So much fun. I’m so glad this is the start of a series, I can’t wait for more adventures of the Hexologists

Misc
Small Sherlock Holmes Vibes mixed with Warehouse 13 vibes.
Humor was amazing
Dragon Tug of War
Great opening line. The king wishes to be cooked alive,” the royal secretary said
The love that Warren and Iz show each other. Maybe a bit too frequent reminder that they have lots of loud sex, but I’m not really complaining.

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I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/

This author has never met a simile or metaphor he did not like. So it took me a chapter or two to really start to get into this book. It has a classic dry whit to it and an extremely creative descriptive style that can be frustrating but is ultimately compelling. Our story follows the detecting skills of a married duo of hexologists. They are quite an unusual pair, deeply in love and definitely annoyed at working for the crown un this assignment. They must solve a case of who is blackmailing the King. This story has fascinating characters, superb whit and convoluted plots. Just when you think the story is done it jerks to the side and starts anew. It may have been the humor but I was remined of the author Terry Pratchett more than once whilst reading it. Because of the language usage and the aforementioned heavily used simile and metaphors this book may not be for everyone. It is not a quick or even sometimes easy read. But it is worth the effort and makes for a deeply enjoyable read. Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

This was a first for me: reading an already married couple as the stars of a supernatural-investigating fantasy & did I like it!

Author Josiah Bancroft offers a rich imagination in The Hexologists, writing an unpredictable tale flush with mystery & mayhem.

Our protagonists Warren & Iz have a fascinating, loving dynamic, each bringing things to the table that make the other feel secure despite how formidable/unflappable they might appear to others at first glance.

The book opens with a member of the king’s staff approaching Iz & Warren with the mystery of the king-who-has-apparently-gone-mad. Iz & Warren are Hexologists, which is a form of magic—& they decide to take the case even though it’s not their usual cup of tea.

Mysteries abound in this book & though it becomes a bit convoluted, it was fun & engaging & I enjoyed following their investigation with its many twists & turns (& its moments of humor) a great deal.

The ending started dragging for me somewhat but this is an entertaining book written by someone who clearly delights in the genre & I really enjoyed it.

4⭐️. Out 09/26.

CWs: please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess' white hand holds the ebook in a forest. A waterfall and trees are in the background.]

This book is unfortunately a dnf for me but I think I will be in the minority here. I just never felt connected to the characters which made it hard to be invested in the story. Dnf at 40 percent so I did really try. I wish there would have been more backstory on the characters early on.

My heart grew 2 sizes the day I found out Josiah Bancroft was releasing another book. A brand new fantasy outside of the Tower of Babel series, a series that consisted of 4 books. I was filled with absolute glee when more details came out about The Hexologists and I became even happier when I got the opportunity to review this one early for my YouTube subscribers.

As soon as I started reading this, I got those Senlin Ascends feelings though I did want this to distinguish itself from his previous book, Josiah Bancrofts writing is still so recognizable and unique. It can absolutely throw a new reader off but it made me happy. I am a Bancroft veteran since this is my 5th book by him, you gotta go in expecting insanely detailed writing. It’s very posh and indignant, and smart. Kind of like our main characters.

We are quickly introduced to, well, the Hexologists, a husband and wife pairing, which by the way The banter between our 2 main characters is just so funny and lovely. husband and wife comedy to the max and not in a bickery complainy sort of way either. They are informed my the kings secretary that the king has not been himself in fact he seems on the verge of madness and he’s begging for there help as they have consulted with medical professionals who are stumped so why not ask the 2 people who deal with magical mysteries. Plus apparently someone is claiming to be the kings son so just another hard task to add to the list. They reluctantly accept. but not without consequences as it seems someone is trying to stop them from finding answers.

Not only is Hexology used clearly to help them with the mystery but they have all kinds of magical stuff in their arsenal like a bag that has a portal in it to some storehouse so they can pull out artifacts and charms, very Mary Poppins like. I did have a hard time pinpointing a time period that this world feels inspired by but I got 1920s vibes and I got the same steampunk feel as Tower of Babel. Bancroft definitely extended that here which I didn’t mind. It works so well in this environment.

While the earliest pages do start out slow, it reminded me of an onion – in the best kind of way, as I hate onions – in that every layer I peeled back, aka every page I turned, added more and more depth, eventually growing into the best version of the idea at the heart of it of the story and I was getting it, understanding it. Absolutely adored this.

It was exciting and cozy at the same time?? It is set in a different world, in the country of Luthland, but it held enough familiar elements and markers of technological advancement as well as societal habits that I could identify inspiration from about 3 different eras and 2 locations, (bit of New York bit of London). This has the wonderful result of us being taken to another world, and being able to immerse ourselves in it IMMEDIATELY because we can already imagine what it all looks sounds and smells like. Details like the Alchemy Factories and the Carp Snow, UGH THE CARP SNOW, made this world it's own distinct place that I cannot wait to dive back into!
After reading so many romances with questionable and even toxic couples, it is SUCH a relief to have a healthy supportive couple who is absolutely mad for each other on the page.
The mystery took several turns, the Wilbys found more clues more evidence more information, and the main question refocused enough while still keeping the whole story in reach. I was never bored, never impatient to figure out the ending, never annoyed or tired. I was anxious as heck at certain parts, but in the good way that tells you you care about these characters and very very badly wish for them to be okay.
Plus, (drumroll please) there's a character dictionary AND a glossary at the end! I screamed with joy upon the discovery of both, and they definitely came in handy!
I am excited for the next book and only mildly outraged that I will have to wait for it!

Thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review

First off thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for the ARC!

This book was truly the most fun I’ve had in a while, which is saying something because I’ve been on quite the roll with my choice of reading material lately. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Bancroft crafts an engaging mystery set in an intriguing world that had my attention from the first page and never loosened its grip. His writing style is full of gorgeous imagery and biting wit, it very much reminded me of Hitchhiker’s Guide and Terry Pratchett. I laughed out loud, I was hanging from the edge of my seat, etc. It was such a truly fantastic time that my only complaint is that I wish there were more bc I read it so fast. Lucky me, it’s a series! Though it’s worth saying that even as a first book it stands plenty well on its own. Definitely a strong contender for a, if not the, favorite of the year.

Bancroft has written a pair of characters that managed to immediately endear themselves to me. They felt real and lived in and the type of people that I would LOVE to be friends with. Warren in particular has such a kind heart that any critique of him being a flat or one dimensional character just don’t seem fair to me. He’s a simple man who loves his wife goddamnit. Leave him be.

The world building and magic system could be a textbook in and of itself but the book never feels bogged down by its footing in a well developed internal history. I’m sure it’ll only be more interesting as the series continues and we learn more.

4.5 stars, rounded up. I wasn’t sure how much I would like this book, being unfamiliar with the author’s past work, but this was so entertaining! The world of the Wilbys was fascinating.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding, although my copy didn’t have the map (which I think would’ve been beneficial), and the lore of the world was super cool. I would’ve enjoyed a bit more context on some parts but think that’s subjective to me.

My favorite aspect was the dynamic of the Wilbys, Isolde & Warren. They swapped the expectations with a homemaker husband and a professional spouse - I thought they were such an interesting pair and I actively rooted for them.

Overall I devoured this book and look forward to future installments!

Thank you to NetGalley, Josiah Bancroft, and Orbit Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

This twisty magical mystery will definitely leave you guessing until the end. I enjoyed the magic systems set up by Bancroft in this world. In fact, I would've liked delving into the various branches of magic that were largely described as extinct. I almost wish this had been a second book in a series or that there was a prequel to this story.
The couple at the center of the story (Iz and Warren) are very charming and adorably devoted to one another. I was invested in their investigation and it was a pleasure to read about their interactions.
The quirky, funny moments sometimes landed for me and sometimes they fell flat. (My personal preference is for less humor.)
I would recommend this book for the urban fantasy setting, the clever and good hearted main protags, and fans of detective stories.
I look forward to reading Josiah Bancroft's highly praised Books of Babel series.
Thank you to Orbit for the ARC.

A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Orbit Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book starts off with a bang. It’s hilarious and the first chapter absolutely made me want to continue. I was intrigued from the first page and had really high hopes - but it just never grabbed me or kept me captivated.

The best way I can describe the disconnect in this book, is it feels like a book in the middle of a series. It feels like I should already know some of these characters and their investigations, and not that this is the first introduction to them. We meet Isolde (Iz) and Warren (War) but so much of their “investigation” is simply “ask person A - (brief background about person A) - Person A decides they like them - answer” and then rinse and repeat. It REALLY feels like this book is taking place in an already established world, and that I should already have a basis for what’s going on. The fact that I don’t really made reading this book difficult for me. (I even double-checked that I wasn’t amiss in my understanding that this was a new series, and not a continuation, I felt so lost the entire time.)

For a mystery novel about private investigators, there honestly was little actually investigating going on, to be honest. A good portion of this book felt like reading a walking simulator where you’ve already done all the side-quests so when you talk to the person they ONLY give you plot relevant information. The issue is, we (the reader) have not seen these side-quests but instead we’re briefly told about them as if we should already know. This kind of makes the stakes never feel relevant when we’re reading, nor does it give adequate background on the main characters or the person/creature they’re talking to - it just makes the entire thing feel pointless to read.

The writing is whimsical, and the world is interesting, but sometimes it felt like things were added simply to BE whimsical, and not because they were needed in the story. The dragon in the bag was only there for either a deus ex machina save, or to occasionally make funny quips and I felt nothing would have been lost if it was removed. The issue is that there are multiple instances of either something happening or a character that could also be described in a similar way. Personally, at no point did I feel that something was both plot relevant and necessary, and never not that it was mostly added forshock or humor value.

It’s hard to describe, but I think this book would have been more fun to read if Iz and War were already characters we cared about, and not where this was supposed to be our first introduction to them. This book would have worked as the third or fourth in a series of their investigations, where you technically don’t have to read them in order but when stuff is mentioned you can go “oh I remember that happening in the last book!” rather than it feeling like pointless info-dumping to make you care about something you’ve never read about.

The twist ending at the end didn’t really make me interested in continuing, instead it kind of made me feel like everything I just read for the past hundred pages was pointless? Which is NOT the feeling I should have with a twist ending for a mystery novel - but instead it kind of felt less like it was finishing up the plot in this book and setting up the next, but instead it was making everything that happened in this book pointless and then never actually solves the issue it starts with.

I feel bad that I didn’t enjoy this novel, especially as I can see I’m in the minority for this. I think you should still check out this book, because it was never bad or poorly written, and it does have a lot of funny moments, it just never clicked for me as I read it.

THE HEXOLOGISTS is like a clever and bewitching combo of the HARRY POTTER universe (especially FANTASTIC BEASTS) and Nick and Nora's escapades from THE THIN MAN. I am so happy this book exists because it is positively joyous. Magic battles! Talking dragons! Carp snow! Victorian-ish mystery! What's not to love? I had a big dumb smile on my face the whole time I read it. I adored the titular Hexologists, Iz and Warren, and their extremely loving and respectful relationship. It was such a nice change of pace to experience their kind and sweet romance after reading many modern Romantasy books where the couples are toxic and full of despair. I love those books too, don't get me wrong, but it was really refreshing to read about a lived-in, comfy married couple who look out for one another.

This was my first Josiah Bancroft book and I'm going to add the rest of his novels to my TBR stat. His prose is as light as a lavender macaron and just as delicious to encounter. Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for this ARC! I am grateful to have this series and the rest of Josiah Bancroft's books in my life now.

Iz Wilby is adamant that she will never work for the Crown. And, in Josiah Bancroft’s novel, The Hexologists, we learn just why Iz resists taking the job pitched to her by the king’s secretary. What starts as a relatively simple case of finding out if a blackmailer really is the king’s illegitimate child turns into a deadly game of magic and skullduggery. Thankfully for us readers, it’s enormously entertaining to watch it all unfold.

Iz Wilby and her husband, Warren, make their living solving small mysteries, generally cases that no one else can solve. Unlike other detectives who can puzzle out the impossible, Iz and Warren rely on magic to find invisible clues, question ghosts, and other methods that would send Holmes straight to the asylum. (They also turn to Iz’s mother, a librarian extraordinaire, more than once—which pleased me no end. I love seeing a fellow librarian in fiction.) The mystery is The Hexologists is nice and twisty, too, which provides a solid foundation for all the flights of imagination on display here.

Not only does The Hexologists offer a great mystery and an even better setting, it also serves as a fantastic opener for what I hope is a long series. Each of the bits of magic Iz deploys and every new clue the Wilbies uncover offers a glimpse at an incredibly rich world. I wanted to know more about everything in this book, even though it was definitely a satisfying read on its own.

Readers looking for a magical weekend or an escape from a humdrum week should definitely pick this one up.

Low stakes detective mysteries (whodunnits) set in a magical world, with magic-aided detectives who are also an impressively functional, middle aged married people: this was exactly what I needed to relax after a high stakes epic drama. I love all sorts of books, but sometimes I feel that it’s easier to spot an epic when the mood is for it, than to find its counterpart in terms of smaller scope/ambition - a solidly engaging low-stakes story (where things also happen, mind you; I feel that literary equivalent of chill asmr books are still easy to spot and procure). This is one of that for sure; it’s my first Bankroft, and I’m pleased with the discovery.

Thanks to #Netgalley for the advance copy of #theHexologists.

Every singular sentence of The Hexologists is overly long and stuffed with superfluous, puckish, recondite adjectives. When I started my study of this book, it was daunting and snagged my focus on its myriad of dictional flourishes. However, the more I read the more I was endeared to the writing style; I was savoring the paragraphs like cradling a welcome, sapid lemon drop on my tongue.
(That's what reading this book is like.)

This is the story of Isolde and Warren, a married couple who solve crimes. Isolde is a powerful Hexologist, a sharp investigator, and completely lacking in tact. Warren carries her bag (magical), and befriends everyone they meet. I loved their odd-couple dynamic, which is entertaining as it is wholesome.

The drama of this story comes almost entirely from the mystery they are solving: whether a man could be the hidden son of the king. Along the way they get caught up in magical battles and business tycoons, make trips to the mother-in-law and dangerous dimensions. The mystery is done quite well, with a well balanced sprinkling of clues and false-leads along the way.

A review including this book will be on my Youtube channel and Goodreads in the coming weeks, @ChloeFrizzle.
Thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

It’s such a huge disappointment that I didn’t enjoy this book. I was so excited to receive an early copy from the same author who wrote Books of Babel, which I admit have not read yet but heard wonderful things.

While the book was whimsical and has a nice prose, I felt the book didn’t hit the mark, even with the characters witty banter and their successful happy marriage.

I’m not sure if my expectations were just too high but the plot itself felt like it dragged for quite a while and somewhat hard to get through.

This book follows a married couple who investigate the paranormal, called hexologists. I absolutely loved the dynamic between them! They are a case of opposites attract but obviously they balance each other because of it. The writing was very clever and humorous as well. I hadn’t read Josiah Bancroft before and found his writing style enjoyable. The adventures the couple went on were engaging and I liked the mystery. Sometimes the prose got lengthy and I would find myself skimming - it was beautiful writing but I found myself just wanting to get on with the plot!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft in exchange for an honest review. This book is one of the most fun fantasy reading experiences I’ve had all year. The Hexologists is basically Sherlock Holmes meets whimsical urban fantasy. Our main characters are a married couple of paranormal investigators, Isolde and Warren Wilby, who are tasked to explore a mystery within their city’s royal family. The characters were one of the biggest strengths of this novel for me. First of all, Felivox the gourmand dragon is a new favorite character for me. Iz and War’s healthy and loving relationship was so refreshing as well. Reading how much they liked and respected each other made the scenes where they kick ass together that much better. I really appreciated having the cast of characters listed in the beginning of the book, as well as the glossary in the back because the book drops you right into the middle of the action. I was tripped up by the plot at times, but these lists helped to navigate the many characters and plot twists. The writing in general is quite strong and fun to read; I enjoyed how the author played with language and furthered the book’s whimsical tone. The worldbuilding that went into this novel is abundantly clear, and it makes me excited to read the next books in the series. My absolute favorite part of the book was the setting. The descriptions of the city of Berbiton were so vivid, I felt like I was there. It has a sort of British turn of the century vibe which I am a sucker for. I might seek out the final published version of the book at my library just to see what the map will look like. I think you’d like this book if you enjoyed the Athena Club series by Theodora Goss. I’ve never read Senlin Ascends, so I can’t say how it compares, but I will definitely be seeking out the next book in the Hexologists series when it comes out.

The Hexologists was such a charming read. It has a delightful cast of characters, creative world building, and a twisty mystery. Married magical investigators, Isolde and Warren, are asked to investigate a mysterious letter addressed to the king, claiming to be from his rightful heir. Seems simple enough, except the king is very ill, an antiroyalist gang stands in the way, and a flock of birds warn them to stay away. Iz and Warren find truths are hardest to uncover when the secrets went to their keeper's graves. Oh and then there's a dragon. Really, where would the fun be if it were easy?

There are so many components to this story that brought me joy (and giggling), but none quite so much as Iz and Warren's love for each other. The level of care and trust they have with each other is such a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. Plus the witty banter!

The fantasy elements were also a smashing success for me. Grandad and Felivox especially. It was just so whimsical and fun. But really so many fun magical elements including wizards, squids, golems, ghouls, and more.

As fun as this was, there were parts where the wordiness took me out of the moment, usually to google a definition, and I found that it just made the pacing a little off for me some of the time.

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Josiah Bancroft, Orbit Books for the eARC. #netgalley

4.5 stars

Isolde is brash and forward and speaks without much care for feelings most of the time. Warren is her counterpoint, softening her edges, though he himself looks like a terrifying bouncer/linebacker/butcher. Warren is a sweet teddy bear who will give you hot cocoa and a warm blanket on cold winter day. Isolde will destroy your self-confidence without even really trying. You may assume she is an unlikeable character, but she is really quite likeable.

The book starts out quite whimsically. The king wants to bake himself into a cake. I was thinking that maybe this would be a play on that blackbird pie king rhyme that I used to know when I was small. I had expectations for the book to be a bit more silly, and it was silly. It was quite humorously silly, but the story was done quite well. It was simultaneously silly and gripping, which is a pleasant combination. There were a few times when I thought I knew whodoneit, but I did not, in fact, know who had done it.

Included is one dragon-in-a-bag who is absolutely delightful, some sort of squid-based transport, and a lot of really cool magic.

I really enjoyed the prose. Nearly every sentence seems to have been carefully crafted, but it doesn't come off too flowery. Sometimes you read a book, and the language in it is just a bit much, like the author had a word-a-day calendar and damnit they were going to get their money's worth. This book has many words, as most books do, and a goodly portion of them I needed to look up.

Here is a list of some of the words I had to look up. It is not all of them. I had to look up many words.
antefix
sloe-black
caldera
springhouse
raddled
gyre
fossors
alluvium
wenge
funicular
capacious
dandled
dishabille
feretory
commodious
effete
blenched
spermatic
pastiche
celesta

You may look at this list and roll your eyes a bit, but I promise it doesn't come off as excessive or snobbish or anything negative. Every word fits, and the words help set the vibe. After all, Isolde is much smarter than you or I, so of course her book would be full of shit I need to look up. You may, on the other hand, look at the list and just feel bad that my vocabulary is so lackluster, which is fair.

If you like reading whimsical fantasy with interesting magic systems and emotional luggage dwelling dragons, you should give this a try. If you like Charlie N Holmberg, you will probably like this. It has a lot of the same vibes.

The ending has me intrigued for the next one, which I will most definitely be reading.

How does Josiah Bancroft fare once he leaves the comfortable confines of the Tower of Babel? Pretty well, in fact! Bancroft leans into the charming voice and delightful prose that brought The Books of Babel to life in order to kickstart this delightful new series.

Bancroft effortlessly establishes the new setting, the stakes, the lovable main characters, and the magic system all while employing his trademark wordplay flourishes and clever turns of phrase. The Hexologists shares plenty of structural DNA with his previous novels, so longtime fans will surely feel right at home while Bancroft charts a slightly different course here.

While I initially felt that a 5-star review would be in order, the story lost some steam in the back half and I was not wholly invested in the mystery at the heart of things, so we settled into a very solid 4.0. Our lead pair, Iz and Warren, are a great duo and I hope to follow their adventures for several more books to come!