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R'iyah Family Archives #2
A Mage's Guide to Aussie Terrors
One ghost from the past.
Two unknown Australian monsters eating people.
Three men who won’t let either problem win.
Tags:
Familiars of choice, healing old wounds, Australian mythology, yes Nico and Wicky are in Australia, that goes about as well as anyone expects, giant amphibians of unusual size, even the MAD research department is stumped, Wicky may have summoned Godzilla, in his defense he was left unsupervised, conversations via air guitar, the next time they have to travel to a different continent Bel is drugging Nico first
Two unknown Australian monsters eating people.
Three men who won’t let either problem win.
Tags:
Familiars of choice, healing old wounds, Australian mythology, yes Nico and Wicky are in Australia, that goes about as well as anyone expects, giant amphibians of unusual size, even the MAD research department is stumped, Wicky may have summoned Godzilla, in his defense he was left unsupervised, conversations via air guitar, the next time they have to travel to a different continent Bel is drugging Nico first
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2022
213 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
79 books1,929 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 6, 2022
While the story was okay, it never really excited me that much.
I liked seeing Nico and Wicky together again, especially with the addition of the hell hounds, but no matter how hard I tried, I was still slightly... bored.
The continued usage of the (cringey) "Bel Bel" and "Ruby" pet names wasn't a plus, either.
My favorite parts were Bel finally getting some closure with his first aborted familiar, then said familiar getting his well-deserved comeuppance.
But overall, 3 fairly blah stars. 😞
June 17, 2023
I knew it. Being neighbors was always in the cards.
Talk about foreshadowing...also note to self, "be confident while casting" I didn't think being nervous would cost so much.
What's up with the salamanders?
Talk about foreshadowing...also note to self, "be confident while casting" I didn't think being nervous would cost so much.
What's up with the salamanders?
November 29, 2022
Audiobook Review
I'm loving the 3 narrators.
Technically it's four but I'm not counting Wicky unless he becomes a partner. Though I am hoping he hooks up with Granddaddy Demon.
In this one the fellas travel to Australia to fight unknown (but not giant frogs, alas) creatures who are eating humans.
While there Bel runs into his first familiar and finally gets closure. Bel, Nico, and Garen all become closer and that just warms the heart.
At the end of this one, Wicky moves next door to the group and shenanigans ensue.
I loved the triple narration. I know it has to be more expensive but it works so well. Tim, Greg, Michael, and Cooper did a good job.
_______________________________
Oh my goodness...
Lets be clear, I inhaled this story in one day. It was just that good.
So this picks up right after the first and Bel, Nico, and Garen have finished training for MAD and get shipped off to Australia to get rid of a couple of monsters. I was greatly disappointed in the fact that they were not giant frogs. Maybe next time.
I still have issues with Bel's age. The only thing I agreed with Spencer about was the mages age when he was summoned. I too would be upset at being told I was gonna be a partner to a literal child. Yes he was smart, but was still a kid. He was also raised by horrible parents, making him vulnerable. But if I had to read another line about how come Nico wasn't summoned first, I was gonna scream. We got it he was in a relationship.
(insert eye roll emoji)
(I'm too lazy to put in real images)
Now I have to give a shout out for the amount of sexytimes these three had. I'm not going to lie, there is usually not a lot of it in Sherwood's stories so I was very happy to get this amount.
I do gotta ask, why the weird pov from Wicky? Don't get me wrong, I love him but I was truly lost as to why it happened and can I please ask that Wicky gets together with granddaddy or joins the triad?
I'm loving the 3 narrators.
Technically it's four but I'm not counting Wicky unless he becomes a partner. Though I am hoping he hooks up with Granddaddy Demon.
In this one the fellas travel to Australia to fight unknown (but not giant frogs, alas) creatures who are eating humans.
While there Bel runs into his first familiar and finally gets closure. Bel, Nico, and Garen all become closer and that just warms the heart.
At the end of this one, Wicky moves next door to the group and shenanigans ensue.
I loved the triple narration. I know it has to be more expensive but it works so well. Tim, Greg, Michael, and Cooper did a good job.
_______________________________
Oh my goodness...
Lets be clear, I inhaled this story in one day. It was just that good.
So this picks up right after the first and Bel, Nico, and Garen have finished training for MAD and get shipped off to Australia to get rid of a couple of monsters. I was greatly disappointed in the fact that they were not giant frogs. Maybe next time.
I still have issues with Bel's age. The only thing I agreed with Spencer about was the mages age when he was summoned. I too would be upset at being told I was gonna be a partner to a literal child. Yes he was smart, but was still a kid. He was also raised by horrible parents, making him vulnerable. But if I had to read another line about how come Nico wasn't summoned first, I was gonna scream. We got it he was in a relationship.
(insert eye roll emoji)
(I'm too lazy to put in real images)
Now I have to give a shout out for the amount of sexytimes these three had. I'm not going to lie, there is usually not a lot of it in Sherwood's stories so I was very happy to get this amount.
I do gotta ask, why the weird pov from Wicky? Don't get me wrong, I love him but I was truly lost as to why it happened and can I please ask that Wicky gets together with granddaddy or joins the triad?
May 12, 2024
Just as chaotic as the first book, this was set in Australia with Bel, Nico, Garen and the gang hunting down swamp lizard monsters and confronting someone very unwelcome from Bel’s past…
Loved more chaos from Wicky and Nico and lots of MMM sexytimes!
The only reason this one lost a star was simply because I started to find the characters a little caricature-ish after a while. IDK, didn’t love it as much as book one (although I know I’m in the minority!) but still a really great read!
Loved more chaos from Wicky and Nico and lots of MMM sexytimes!
The only reason this one lost a star was simply because I started to find the characters a little caricature-ish after a while. IDK, didn’t love it as much as book one (although I know I’m in the minority!) but still a really great read!
February 6, 2025
This was fine, really it was, but at no point was I excited about this series like I had expected I would be 😔 The reviews were so high and my hopes were too, but sadly, I came away not OMG LOVING it. Like I said, everything was perfectly fine. I'm not sure I can say more because my feelings are that mid about it. I'm rounding up from 3.5* to 4* because the audio was excellent and the story was entertaining enough. If it wasn't for the audio though, I'm not sure I would have made it through 😭
November 3, 2023
Highly entertaining. Bel, Garen and Nico are so fun to read about.
July 16, 2022
I was disappointed by this one. There's always the risk of unbearable cringe when American authors write a sequel set in Australia. In this case, there was a thankful lack of cringe, but the story was almost completely devoid of anything at all connected to Australia. The descriptions weren't in any way recognisable as Australia, and it didn't sound like there was even the slightest amount of research done into the location (e.g. landscape descriptions, sense of location, or even factual things like there would not be wild koalas in the Northern Territory where the Robertson Barracks is located. There are, of course, an abundance of crocodiles, yet no suggestion that the giant river lizard they're hunting might be in some way related???) The other baffling thing was the almost complete absence of Aboriginal people. There was one passing acknowledgement that the local Aboriginal people exist at 78% into the book, and then at 96% they finally get around to asking "hey, we found this, do you know what it is?". Surely, in the face of a major natural threat that you don't have a written record for, you would start by asking the local Elders? Even more so when, in the course of the story, you find evidence that local people had interacted with the creature in question the last time it emerged? Such lazy, lazy, lazy writing. Also, if something's eating campers wouldn't you absolutely be making contact with the communities that camp along the river? In summary, don't set books in a real location if you can't be bothered to do the bare minimum to research about that location.
July 9, 2022
I fell kind of middle of the road about this book. On one hand, I did like it. On the other, I didn't like it anywhere near as much as I'd hoped or expected. The throuple here is super cute. As with book one, I really liked the three men individually and together. I liked how they brought balance to each-other and each of the other's relationship with the third. It did make me laugh and the writing is perfectly readable (though a few phrases got recycled a few too many times) and editing seems clean.
However, Sherwood took what worked in book one and turned it up until it was just too much and turned silly. I liked Nico (and Wicky's) chaotic energy, but it's turned into a schtick here and it just felt like a joke. I loved Garen in book one, but he's a shadow of himself in this book...so is Bel for that matter. I thought the whole running into his ex and healing past traumas was ham-handed and lacked subtly and the sex scenes seemed more focused on the mechanics of three men together than any sort emotional connection.
All in all, it was cute and not a bad read. But maybe not the overall winner I had hoped for.
However, Sherwood took what worked in book one and turned it up until it was just too much and turned silly. I liked Nico (and Wicky's) chaotic energy, but it's turned into a schtick here and it just felt like a joke. I loved Garen in book one, but he's a shadow of himself in this book...so is Bel for that matter. I thought the whole running into his ex and healing past traumas was ham-handed and lacked subtly and the sex scenes seemed more focused on the mechanics of three men together than any sort emotional connection.
All in all, it was cute and not a bad read. But maybe not the overall winner I had hoped for.
December 23, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5
I really like Bel, Nico, and Garen, and I love how there isn't any drama within their relationship or over them being poly which they all accepted very easily in book 1. Wicky is also great and I love his friendship with Nico.
However, the story dragged for me and I found myself bored with a lot of it, sadly. Spencer was way over the top Evil, and I could've done without him though it was nice to see Bel get some closure.
I really like Bel, Nico, and Garen, and I love how there isn't any drama within their relationship or over them being poly which they all accepted very easily in book 1. Wicky is also great and I love his friendship with Nico.
However, the story dragged for me and I found myself bored with a lot of it, sadly. Spencer was way over the top Evil, and I could've done without him though it was nice to see Bel get some closure.
May 31, 2024
3.25 - reread!
July 7, 2022
I loved book 1, but I think I loved this one more. I'd have to go back and do a reread of that one to be sure lol.
Facing Bel's past (aka Spencer), while facing a new mystery with his men! We get shenanigans, we get romance, we get conflict, we get adventure... I loved it so much!
Facing Bel's past (aka Spencer), while facing a new mystery with his men! We get shenanigans, we get romance, we get conflict, we get adventure... I loved it so much!
September 11, 2022
The good
+ Garen going stoney to protect Bel from Spencer
+ Nico and Garen's protectiveness over Bel
+ Nico making clear he does risky things, but not without thinking about it first
+ Fighting a conjured Godzilla as anger management and training assignment
+ Nico being a badass overall
+ The traid showing each other affection regardless of their surroundings
+ Wicky taking care of Garen and Nico when they really needed an outlet
+
+
+
+ Next book is about Wicky! I was informed of the possibility of shipping him with Bel's grandfather, and I am completely on board with that
The neutral
o I would've liked a little more affection between Garen and Nico. It seems most affection circled around Bel, but those two are in love too and deserve to show it
o There was still no real explanation for why Bel's magic had summoned Spencer. He had the physical skills, but mentally/emotionally he was not a good familiar at all. So, why?
The bad
- Bel was offended that 20 year old Spencer didn't find 16 year old Bel attractive, which was... problematic? I mean, love can build over time. And a 20 year old not finding a 16 year old attractive sounds pretty legit to me. I mean, the other possibility would've been worse for sure
- My favorite guy Garen still got less action than Nico, I think. It's probably because he has more of a role in the last line of defense before Bel, and Nico has more of an offensive-defensive role, but I still felt Garen's gargoyle genes were not used to their full potential
Quotes
x "Something's wrong in Australia." "Something's always wrong in Australia."
x [Nico and Wicky plotting for Australia] "Kangaroos." "Absolutely, that's happening."
I was wavering between four and five stars, because Garen is my favorite and I wanted even more Garen. Now their story seems to be over, even though they'll probably be frequent side characters in Wicky's book. However, I devoured this book in one sitting, so I went with five stars anyway. It's just that good. Would definitely recommend the series!
+ Garen going stoney to protect Bel from Spencer
+ Nico and Garen's protectiveness over Bel
+ Nico making clear he does risky things, but not without thinking about it first
+ Fighting a conjured Godzilla as anger management and training assignment
+ Nico being a badass overall
+ The traid showing each other affection regardless of their surroundings
+ Wicky taking care of Garen and Nico when they really needed an outlet
+
+
+
+ Next book is about Wicky! I was informed of the possibility of shipping him with Bel's grandfather, and I am completely on board with that
The neutral
o I would've liked a little more affection between Garen and Nico. It seems most affection circled around Bel, but those two are in love too and deserve to show it
o There was still no real explanation for why Bel's magic had summoned Spencer. He had the physical skills, but mentally/emotionally he was not a good familiar at all. So, why?
The bad
- Bel was offended that 20 year old Spencer didn't find 16 year old Bel attractive, which was... problematic? I mean, love can build over time. And a 20 year old not finding a 16 year old attractive sounds pretty legit to me. I mean, the other possibility would've been worse for sure
- My favorite guy Garen still got less action than Nico, I think. It's probably because he has more of a role in the last line of defense before Bel, and Nico has more of an offensive-defensive role, but I still felt Garen's gargoyle genes were not used to their full potential
Quotes
x "Something's wrong in Australia." "Something's always wrong in Australia."
x [Nico and Wicky plotting for Australia] "Kangaroos." "Absolutely, that's happening."
I was wavering between four and five stars, because Garen is my favorite and I wanted even more Garen. Now their story seems to be over, even though they'll probably be frequent side characters in Wicky's book. However, I devoured this book in one sitting, so I went with five stars anyway. It's just that good. Would definitely recommend the series!
December 7, 2023
Fantastic
Bel, Garen, and Nico have such a great relationship. They really lift each other up and support each other. Bel may be the center of the relationship, but they are all so important to the relationship. It wouldn't work with any of them missing.
Confronting monsters and the past at the same time can be hard, but our boys did it.
Bel, Garen, and Nico have such a great relationship. They really lift each other up and support each other. Bel may be the center of the relationship, but they are all so important to the relationship. It wouldn't work with any of them missing.
Confronting monsters and the past at the same time can be hard, but our boys did it.
November 10, 2022
I didn't like this one nearly as much as the first. A lot of it seemed to be repetition for the sake of filler. It could have used some paring down.
Nico and Wicky are a hoot, and make all the rest worth it.
Nico and Wicky are a hoot, and make all the rest worth it.
July 16, 2022
The heat got to me when reading this one. Didn't do a recap so took a while to get to grips with whose who. Spencer. The guy was pathetically worthless and jealous on the top of that. What an idiot. I did like how no one liked him. The whole threat at the end and him still being alive to carry out said threat not so much.
Garen was steadfast and protective, Bel was healing and Nicco was trouble as usual, with Wicky along for the ride. The godzilla conjuring was great and I enjoyed how in sync the two of them are. Looking forward to Wicky's story. Favorite part was them getting drunk and them holding Nicco back when Spencer went too far. The hellhounds were adorable.
Garen was steadfast and protective, Bel was healing and Nicco was trouble as usual, with Wicky along for the ride. The godzilla conjuring was great and I enjoyed how in sync the two of them are. Looking forward to Wicky's story. Favorite part was them getting drunk and them holding Nicco back when Spencer went too far. The hellhounds were adorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed the book and story. It was nice to see Bel, Garen and Nico again and the shennanigs they got up to. It is sweet to see the interaction and I loved the monster story. I love this world as a whole and look forward to seing more.
However…. I did not like the constant Spencer angle. He was set-up as the cartoony villain that had no redeeming element whatsoever and served only to make Garen and Nico shine.
I think I would have liked it more if there was a redeeming element that made Spencer seem more real and make the story more real.
Now a large part of the story focussed on him and not on the story as a whole, meaning it lagged and dragged at points. And also took away from other characters. We knew the marines were there, but only because we were told.
I think, maybe (guessing here), there was a little too much pressure on the author due to the succes of the first book.
However…. I did not like the constant Spencer angle. He was set-up as the cartoony villain that had no redeeming element whatsoever and served only to make Garen and Nico shine.
I think I would have liked it more if there was a redeeming element that made Spencer seem more real and make the story more real.
Now a large part of the story focussed on him and not on the story as a whole, meaning it lagged and dragged at points. And also took away from other characters. We knew the marines were there, but only because we were told.
I think, maybe (guessing here), there was a little too much pressure on the author due to the succes of the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
This was just as much fun as the first book. I hated Spencer from the moment they made mention of him. We get the complete story from Bel on what happened & how it really affected him. Spencer was a total jackass his hatred was so OTT. This was not an easy battle with the monsters they were so very deadly. Nico still makes me so very tired :)
June 25, 2022
This was just absurd as the first book with somewhat less angst, at least after the first bit. which seems designed to get the tears of sympathy going. and then the zany adventure happens mixed with some angst and then healing.
If one is looking for a distraction this would do nicely.
If one is looking for a distraction this would do nicely.
September 3, 2023
So much ado about nothing
This story was mostly about Bel's coming to terms with his first familiar's bad behavior and eventual bond breaking. The story rehashes the event over and over and over, however the author never makes it sound as traumatic as Bel's character wants you to believe it was. Additionally, why send the characters to Australia? This story could just as well have taken place back in the USA. The author never utilized anything that Australia is known for - deadly snakes, giant spiders, kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef, surfing, etc. There was hardly a mention of anything related to Australia. The giant blobby amphibians were ridiculous as a magic threat. This story lacked grit. And Bel's human familiar, Nico, acts like a pre-teen child most of the time - HE'S A 30 YEAR OLD GROWN-A** MAN! His antics grow old fast and it becomes annoying. I know the author is trying to add levity to the stories but adults doing adult things, and speaking like adults, can be humorous, too. I just found this story to be too much about nothing of interest.
This story was mostly about Bel's coming to terms with his first familiar's bad behavior and eventual bond breaking. The story rehashes the event over and over and over, however the author never makes it sound as traumatic as Bel's character wants you to believe it was. Additionally, why send the characters to Australia? This story could just as well have taken place back in the USA. The author never utilized anything that Australia is known for - deadly snakes, giant spiders, kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef, surfing, etc. There was hardly a mention of anything related to Australia. The giant blobby amphibians were ridiculous as a magic threat. This story lacked grit. And Bel's human familiar, Nico, acts like a pre-teen child most of the time - HE'S A 30 YEAR OLD GROWN-A** MAN! His antics grow old fast and it becomes annoying. I know the author is trying to add levity to the stories but adults doing adult things, and speaking like adults, can be humorous, too. I just found this story to be too much about nothing of interest.
February 18, 2023
So much fun. Its crazy, but totally worth reading / listening to. I really enjoyed revisiting the mage's and their familiars etc. It took me a little to work it out again, but it all slotted into place very quickly for the MCs Bel, Nico & Garan :) And Wicky was fabulous.
I also appreciated that the author's research (or experience) knew the name of the Army base in Darwin! Like revisiting it to a small degree ;)
4 Narrators! Tim Paige, Greg Boudreaux, Michael Ferriauolo, Cooper North. All terrific :)
I also appreciated that the author's research (or experience) knew the name of the Army base in Darwin! Like revisiting it to a small degree ;)
4 Narrators! Tim Paige, Greg Boudreaux, Michael Ferriauolo, Cooper North. All terrific :)
June 30, 2023
These guys really do have a special spot in my heart. There's just something about the way they work together that makes me melt.
If chasing monsters in the Aussie outback isn't hard enough, in this story Bel is faced with some hard and unpleasant issues. Needless to say he overcomes them with the unwavering support of his two familiars and the rest of his team.
This series is going from strength to strength. I'm loving the way the author can blend just the right amount of humour with the action/adventure side of things and I can't wait to see what they get up to next!
If chasing monsters in the Aussie outback isn't hard enough, in this story Bel is faced with some hard and unpleasant issues. Needless to say he overcomes them with the unwavering support of his two familiars and the rest of his team.
This series is going from strength to strength. I'm loving the way the author can blend just the right amount of humour with the action/adventure side of things and I can't wait to see what they get up to next!
July 16, 2022
great fun down under.
I really like these three! This had action and danger, but also some closure for Bel. The monster was interesting, Wicky and Nico make great best friends and it was highly amusing to read their antics, while Nico, Bel, and Garen balanced each other perfectly.
Definitely want more!
I really like these three! This had action and danger, but also some closure for Bel. The monster was interesting, Wicky and Nico make great best friends and it was highly amusing to read their antics, while Nico, Bel, and Garen balanced each other perfectly.
Definitely want more!
June 29, 2022
Yassss!
Unknown monsters, I mean it's Australia how bad can it be(cough, cough) ahem... Nico, Wicky and Godzilla, enough said... unnecessary drama, in the form of a *use Mobius, Samuel L Jackson voice here*.... and lots of laughs, love and sexiness, because these characters embody it all.
Unknown monsters, I mean it's Australia how bad can it be(cough, cough) ahem... Nico, Wicky and Godzilla, enough said... unnecessary drama, in the form of a *use Mobius, Samuel L Jackson voice here*.... and lots of laughs, love and sexiness, because these characters embody it all.
June 27, 2022
Loved it, still cringe when any character says ‘sex you up’ though.
July 19, 2022
I wasn't as captivated by this as I was by the first one in the series, but it was okay.
August 2, 2022
FINALLY! Book 2 arrived!
And it was everything I hoped it would be after I LOVED book 1 so much.
Sadly it wasn't as good, but it was still SOOO much fun <3
And it was everything I hoped it would be after I LOVED book 1 so much.
Sadly it wasn't as good, but it was still SOOO much fun <3
November 19, 2022
Couldn't get into it until the audio came out.
December 1, 2022
Loved this duology it's so much fun !!
July 1, 2022
I enjoyed this overall, although it took me awhile to refresh my memory as to who all the characters are as the whole crew is called to Australia so they are a team of 7, the same from the previous book and you have to kind of get back in the groove of who is who and their skills. It was sweet to see Bel with his in-laws and be accepted when his own parents rejected him.
It was a cool monster and there is a while subplot of the ex didn't really do it for me although it allowed Bel to get closure, on the whole it was a fun read and I like to read monster adventures. A fun series.
It was a cool monster and there is a while subplot of the ex didn't really do it for me although it allowed Bel to get closure, on the whole it was a fun read and I like to read monster adventures. A fun series.
Read
June 9, 2023Godzilla!! and more Bel, Garen, and Nico. i love how the story brought Bel full circle. the plot was so predictable, i just knew the ex was going to make an apperance, but damn if i didn't enjoy reading every word. this really is a comfort series. there is tension for the caracters bit not the readers. the writing is light and witty and you just know the happily ever after is coming and you are not disappointed. i think this series is going to go on my comfort reads book shelf.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews