Absolutely fantastic! The pacing was on point, the characters are relatable and lovable. Action packed and plot driven, the best kind of book!

Where to start?!?!! I LOVE this book. ADORE it. Right from the start you’re swept into Alvin’s world, as well as his character, both of which (you guessed it) I loved and adored.
The plot, characters, world building, humour, emotion wrap you up in this brilliant story about Alvin, a self conscious young man who strives to be brave, useful, skilled and loved.
The pacing is on point to give you an almost constant but not overwhelming desire to know what the next page will bring, to find out what will happen next all whilst rooting for the MC along the way.
I laughed, chuckled, gasped and much more reading this book, all with an almost constant smile on my face…I can safely say I’ve NEVER read a book that brought me so many positive feelings.

The authors writing style and the way he brings Alvin and the characters to life, as if you’re there with them is extraordinary. You feel like you know him so well and you’re urging him on to success throughout. I connected so well to the MC, understood him so well, unlike any book I’ve read before. Pure genius on the authors part. I shall also say this: brackets are my new favourite thing (!!!)

The book is allegorical as well, and when thinking deeper about it, it touches your heart even further. Themes of self acceptance (or the struggle of not being able to) and otherness and the use of certain language and self image turned into plot devices/ character aspects is both subtle and genius and only adds to a really great story. Even where you don’t think deeper into the book, it’s a great, emotional, epically paced story that deserves fame and to be read by millions! And to think it’s a debut novel !

The only note to the author I have is this: The end of chapter 10 - How could you do that to our Alvin?! ;)
If you want to know, check out the book. But BE WARNED, before you even get to chapter 10 you’ll be hooked!

Posted to Goodreads 9/3/25 with five stars.

NetGalley ARC. This book is so much lighter in tone than the dark cover indicates, in the best possible way! It has a more contemporary romcom voice than the darkness I was expecting, though dark things certainly happen.

Alvin is an out-of-shape incubus in San Francisco who has a moral objection to feeding on people, so he never has, which means he can’t tap into most of his powers. He’s working as an assistant to a magical human and dreams of one day being a paranormal investigator like her, but first he has to deal with the elven knight trying to take advantage of the little magic he does have to help him steal a magical old pocket watch. The watch ends up containing Collin, the most adorable ghost, and Alvin can’t bring himself to give up the watch. He and Collin quickly get closer while keeping one step ahead of the creatures who want the watch, trying to rescue a missing girl from vampires, and keeping the truth of Alvin’s non-humanness from the hot monster hunter who keeps helping them out.

Such a fun world (I especially liked the video-game-like overlays that Collin can show Alvin so he knows what to do next) and strong characters. I liked Collin’s sunshine vibes and appreciated Alvin’s realistic insecurities being punctuated with moments of real strength. Strong plot and pacing and dialogue and everything :)

Cliffhanger alert, but I’m all in for book 2, which per the author will be released the same day as book 1!

Wow! What a story…. I absolutely loved falling into Alvin’s world. I enjoyed each of the different characters for different reasons. Absolutely loved the Druid aspect and scenes. Cannot wait to read book 2 of this wonderful duology. Thankyou for allowing me to read and review this brilliant ARC

I thought this was a fabulous book. I really enjoyed the writing style. It's very informal, almost YA sounding, but this definitely isn't a YA book. It's written how I speak, which I enjoyed immensely. I found the plot interesting, and I was engaged for the entire book. I didn't once check to see how much was left. Alvin was a great character, who cared about everyone ahead of himself, even to the point of 'hey, um, be careful!'. Rafa was amazing, and I have hopes of where things go. However, I also adored Collin and have an idea how I want that to play out. So I guess we'll see! I am going on immediately to book two, as basically everything was left unresolved. I cannot wait to see how things turn out!