Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Daniel Barker’s seizures have made everyday life difficult, and they’re only getting worse. Affording treatment? Not easy when he’s limited in the jobs he can obtain. Body-snatching isn’t his preferred occupation, but with an employer like Henry Glass, he can’t complain. His life is held together by threads, and so the entrance of the charming, extroverted, gorgeous Theseus Blackthorn is the last thing Daniel needs to shake things up…so why can’t he stay away?
Dark Horse is a novella and the second in The Resurrectionist series.
The Review
Daniel Barker survived a traumatic brain injury, which brought on epileptic episodes. The first episode caused him to lose his job, and made society look at him differently. For two years he’s dealt with his illness and made his own way. He’s independent, doesn’t want anyone to have to share his burden, and blames himself. He’s made his own business as a resurrectionist, and has those he can depend on to get the job done, like Lucas Walker.
Even though times are frustrating for Daniel, he always has time to meet up with his friends, Lucas Walker and Jasper Rees, at the Rusty Duck.
Dr. Henry Glass has also come to the pub, and wonders why Lucas is running the other way. He asks Daniel to deliver a package to Lucas. Then a redhead that Daniel spied comes to their table, and he seems know Henry.
Once he’s back at his room, Daniel thinks about all the types he has bedded in the past, and none of them left him with feeling like Theseus Blackthorne – the redhead – did.
Bad news hits home for Daniel and Glass, as Lucas has been arrested. Glass has to be cautious about getting involved. Daniel has one friend he can depend on – Jasper Rees. He heads to the Sun and Stars whorehouse, where Jasper lives and works.
Daniel can’t enter the jail because he will be arrested, so Jasper steps up and helps to find out about Lucas. While he waits for Jasper, Daniel heads to London National Hospital to get his medication. He hates going there, as he’s usually poked and prodded by numerous doctors, only to hear the same thing: “untreatable, incurable and just live with it.” And now they tell him to find a private doctor, which Daniel can’t afford.
When Jasper and Daniel have no word from Lucas, they have to turn to Henry Glass. And there’s one other person who might make a difference – Theseus Blackthorne. It all takes a toll on Daniel, and he neglects himself. What will happen to him, and will Lucas be freed from jail?
York hits it out of the park with Dark Horse, the second book in the “Resurrectionists” series, a heartfelt and beautifully written story.
I loved the passages between Jasper Rees and Daniel Barker, as they discuss “what defines a person.” And the scenes between Daniel and Theseus are romantic and steamy. They seem made for each other, both are snarky and the banter between them is fun. Theseus is smart, rich and spoiled but he has a big heart. Daniel feels he doesn’t hold a candle to Theseus, especially with his illness.
Jasper Rees and Eli Thomas add some intrigue to the storyline, and it’s very mysterious. I hope they get a story of their own.
I highly recommend Dark Horse, a well-crafted tale of two men from different walks of life in the Victorian age. The story intersects with the first book, Glass Castles, so I suggest reading it first. It introduces Henry Glass and Lucas Walker, and their relationship, along with Daniel Barker and Jasper Rees.
I love York’s writing, and am looking forward to the next book in the “Resurrectionists” series.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
