Elaine White's Life in Books

Book – Warlock in Training (Studies in Demonology #1)
Author – T.J. Nichols
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 226
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – YES!!
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Supernatural


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine


Warnings: an orgy (explicit and with MF and MM partners) as well as pain play, cutting (for blood sacrifice and pleasure, not for pain) and some instances of violence

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Part of a Series

Wow...the feels in this book!

First off, I just want to give T.J. Nichols a huge shout out from a big series-lover in thanks for marking this as a series. All too often, I've seen books with no warning that it's part of a series and I end up frustrated when I get to the end only to find it's a huge cliffhanger or it doesn't answer the questions I need answered. There was no issue here.

As well as the warnings on both the publisher's website and the Goodreads page that this was book 1 of a series, I knew by about 70% that there was no way all that needed to be told in this story would fit into the space left, so I was prepared in advance for the slightly-cliffhangery ending.

Still, I really feel that it answered all of my questions and rounded off the story that had been told adequately. Though there's still so much more to tell, it didn't end in that cliffhanger where you're right in the middle of something important and it just stops dead. This is a well rounded ending to a complete, if more complex and continuing, storyline.

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Right from the beginning, I was in awe of just how captivating and intriguing this story was. From line 1 I was interested in Angus and his story, then when Saka was introduced I was practically vibrating with exciting because the two together were just gold! Pure genius!

What was so great about them together was the intense chemistry right from their first look. Every tiny interaction was laced with so much feeling and depth that it was impossible not to love them together.

I really loved the fact that this wasn't your typical Master/Slave relationship. It didn't go the way of a Dom/sub relationship either. It was simply a matter of Angus gaining a demon that he expected to be his magical-slave, only to find that Saka was in the same position, expecting a human-warlock-slave to help him save his world. The way they find a balance with each other is charming and contained just the right amount of give and take between the demon and warlock. What made it even better was the free exchange of appreciation, knowledge and respect.

The story itself was so unique. The world-building required was immense, but I never felt bogged down by too much information or concepts that I couldn't understand or that were never explained. Every foreign concept was explained in a relatable, reasonable way that appeared just when it was needed and when it made the most sense. The little nuances of how different the worlds were became a constantly bleed through reminder of just how different that made Angus and Saka from each other, without being in your face or sounding repetitive. I also really loved that Saka's tail made multiple appearances without being intrusive. These subtle reminders really added to the integrity of the world-building and the sensation of being in the world with the characters.

Angus started this story as any other disgruntled teenager, who didn't want to be where he was and had a tricky family life that made him want to rebel. As the story unfolded, not only did he grow immensely but he found himself by finding Saka. The way that Saka showed respect and a willingness to accept Angus into his life and world was perhaps the pivotal thing that really showed Angus that it was time to not only grow up but also to show the same respect in return. I really felt that, finally, Angus had found someone he could talk to, who understood him and who didn't see him as the weirdo freak or have expectations that he couldn't fulfill.

Saka was...charming. Brilliant. Amazing. I could gush forever about this bossy demon who stole Angus' (and my!) heart. His knowledge and the way he treated Angus made our time in Demonside exciting and rippling with tension. The way that he helped Angus find his feet and himself was amazingly gentle, but also very hot.

Terrance was an interesting side character and I can really see why he was needed, even though he wasn't particularly powerful or progressive for the story. He had a quiet, human-charm about him that drew Angus into some pretty well crafted love-triangle confusion and made him question everything.

I'll freely admit that I cried and I was moved multiple times. To be fair and not give too much away, I'm only going to mark that points where I couldn't hold back any more:
“Let me die in Saka's bed.”
“Run and don't look back.”
“The greater tribe wanted him to live.”
“I don't want another warlock. I want you.”
“You have a place here.”
Yup, that's right. I cried at all five of those moments, for good reasons. But to find out why, you'll have to read it. But you should be doing that anyway.

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Overall

With a well plotted, exceptionally written and unique storyline, T.J. Nichols impressed me to no end. Not only is this story intriguing and the characters thrillingly engaging, but it was an excellent first foray into their novel writing (as I've only read a short story before.) I will eagerly be returning to more of their work. There is a perfect balance of detail, action and description that allows the reader to sink deep into the story and the world, without feeling any more out of place than Angus first felt when he entered Demonside.

Powerful. Moving. Stunning.

This will be getting added to my paperback collection the minute it's released. And I'll be first in line to read book 2, Rogue in the Making.

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Favourite Quote

“The uncertain young man who Saka had dragged across the void had died out on the sand, and in his place was a warlock who knew what he wanted.”