A (Non) Comprehensive Guide to Sea Serpents: Sorcerer's Grimoire, Book 1

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 2,653 ratings

Price: 29.66

Last update: 09-10-2024


About this item

Two new apprentices. One charming engineer. A potential battle with both sea serpents and evil sorcerers.

When Sorcerer Adrien Danvers takes on a job that leads him into the slums of England, he never imagined he'd end up with not one but two apprentices. Despite his doubts about himself, he's the only chance the two pre-teens have to escape their hellish life.

When Sir Hugh Quartermain contracts him to deal with the mysterious circumstances surrounding his home on the Isle of Man, Adrien finds the more time they spend together, the more his walls come down around the beguiling engineer—an unusual occurrence and a terrifying prospect.

As it turns out, this case is about to take a turn—a battle with both beast and man, the ultimate test of Adrien's willingness to accept help. When he does, Hugh proves to be a fierce protector and friend, more so than Adrien could've ever bargained for, and he finds himself longing for something he shouldn't.

Falling for his new friend is not a complication Adrien needs. (His matchmaking apprentices disagree.)


Top reviews from the United States

Kindle-Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sorcerer meets engineer in quest to defeat sea serpent, 5+ stars!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023
This is a great start to a new series, I am completely blown away. The world is set at the beginning of an industrialization era, with poverty and class differences. Magic and wizards are a normal part of the world, while engineers are the newcomers. This story is set primarily in the Isle of Man and London. There is no link to other series. It is an adventure and suspense romance, and as is often the case with AJ Sherwood's stories, the emphasis is on the (really great) storyline and relationships. The romance part comes second and in this particular story it is even less (perhaps below 1 flame). The characters are well-rounded and very likable. I really liked how the characters and relationships grow throughout the story. Usually I run through a story, but this story slowed me down and made me take the time to give it the attention it deserves and stretch it out as long as possible. It really was a joy to read. No high angst, but emotions to match the story. No cliffhanger, I very much look forward to reading the next one.
If you are familiar with AJ's stories: the story is not really comparable to others, but for me this one is more like Four point contact than Jon's mysteries. Highly recommended!
Kaiden
5.0 out of 5 stars so dang cute!
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
I’m not usually a fan of period pieces, especially ones set in England, but this one blew me away. The characters are fleshed out, lovable, relatable, and not over explained. The story is engaging, vast, and builds upon itself very nicely.
The boys are sweet as can be and add a ton to the story without taking over.
This first book focuses on building their friendship but I have high hopes for book 2.
I highly recommend this book.
Arune77
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024
Not my favorite of her series (the Knight and Sorcerer one) but I enjoyed the world building of how magic works and the found family themes. Did not enjoy the archaic law baning homosexuality.
TSF
5.0 out of 5 stars SO good on multiple levels.
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2023
If you’re a fan of the author Jane Austen you may love this story as much as I do.

First I’m so excited there’s going to be a sequel!!!!!

Ok so this has similar qualities ticJane Austen in that it’s a sloooooooowwww burn. Like there’s not even a kiss in this first book. BUT! There are so many good things happen and the sexual tension and romantic tension are so well done it’s worth it.

The 1st 3rd to 1/2 of the book is about how the main character finds 2 apprentices and they work on becoming a found family which is really beautiful in and of itself.

When the 2 MC’s meet they’re instantly attracted to each other but this is a regency era where being gay can get you arrested. Now I don’t normally like that type of thing in my stories but for the time period I get the reason for it.

So there’s a cat and mouse game if the 2 MC’s continually doing sweet things for the other and they slowly realize there might be something they could explore romantically between each other by the time the book ends.

I love this story bc there was so much going on besides the romance. There was a mystery to solve apprentices that are treated like sons to love and educate. That’s not even mentioning the cool magic and how powerful Adrien is and all the super cool things he can do.

This story is a great combination of found family, adventure, magic and romance. The writing was so well done I’m sending out good energy to this author that they’re able to get the sequel out ASAP lol.

Honestly it was so good even though I have KU I may but it bc I KNOW I’m going to want to read it again.
M Schulz
5.0 out of 5 stars So good!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
Beautifully paced! Engaging characters! Very cozy, really. I very much enjoyed this book, and it's very slow burn romance. Highly recommend!
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully soft and full of found family
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
This book is a dose of serotonin. Solid magical alternate universe with sweet familial & romantic relationship building balanced out by fun action scenes.
Tony Williamson Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars A most light hearted read
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
This is a great read and full of great characters. A sorcerer with a great of gold despite how he had been mistreated takes in 2 boys from the street. One may be more powerful than he when trained. Grand adventure awaits them.
Mokee
4.0 out of 5 stars Good but nothing like I expected
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023
Why was I surprised? Because this is a serious novel. There really were no laughing moments. I personally have no triggers but there were several things that broke my heart. They were handled well but you still know and feel what they’ve been through.
The setting, or world, was harder to imagine. We’re told in the synopsis that it takes place after WW1 but there were really no descriptions of what it was like. Magic and its social acceptance or limits aren’t discussed so when we’re told that Danvers is strong there wasn’t anything to compare it to.
The story expects you to understand all of this so I was a little lost for the first third then it became less important once we meet Hugh.
Initially told from Danvers point of view we later get chapters from Hugh's POV and small glimpses into what the apprentice is thinking.
I gave this book four stars because overall it is interesting and well written. It’s not a favorite nor do I think I’d read it again. I’m hoping the next book will be better as I’ll know what to expect from the outset. It is still worth a read.

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