Review – Dealing with Mapinguari and Dogged Engineers (The Sorceror’s Grimoire, Book 2) by AJ Sherwood (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy/Steampunk/Romance
Length: 213 pages
Publisher:‎ Independently published
Release Date: March 8, 2024
ASIN: B0CSB1K44G
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in The Sorceror’s Grimoire series
Source: Borrowed ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 5/5 stars

“As Shakespeare once said, the course of true love never did run smooth.

Since parting with Adrien after their first case, Hugh Quartermain has committed himself to one fact: he wants Adrien. With the months’ long trip to Brazil ahead of them, Hugh should have no problem confessing, right?

The problem is the universe seems determined to thwart Hugh. Between creatures terrorizing his worksite, bothersome Americans, and not having any alone time with Adrien, Hugh’s foiled at every turn. When Hugh does get Adrien one-on-one, his advances always hit the wall Adrien refuses to lower, but the rare flare of desire in Adrien’s gaze motivates him to keep trying.

Come hell or highwater, Hugh will confess to Adrien. He just has to figure out how first.”

Series Info/Source: This is the second book in The Sorceror’s Grimoire series. I borrowed this on ebook from Kindle Unlimited.

Thoughts: I loved this book just as much, if not more, than the first book in this series. This is a wonderful cozy fantasy with some action, adventure, and quite a bit of romance.

Hugh has convinced Adrien and Adrien’s wards to accompany him to Brazil to hunt down and secure a rare mineral. The team initially sent either disappeared or told tales of a ferocious Mapinguari that had made its home in the area. Along the way Hugh hopes to confess his romantic intentions to Adrien but Adrien isn’t making it easy. Hugh also hopes to start training his new apprentice. Adrien hopes that this travel will be an excellent experience for his wards as well… if he can just keep them safe and alive.

This book is mainly a romance but doesn’t skimp on the plot, magic, or adventure. I love how kind the characters are to each other and love watching Adrien build himself a new family as well as make amends with his birth family. Watching Hugh trying to navigate romancing Adrien is hilarious, especially when Adrien’s pre-teen wards step in to help. There is a lot of humor and a lot of caring and love in this story.

Now, that isn’t to say there isn’t adventure and magic as well. The journey to Brazil ends up having perils of its own and, once they get there, it will take all of Adrien’s considerable magical skill to keep everyone alive and safe.

I enjoyed the characters and how they interact immensely. I also enjoyed the adventure to an exotic location and learning about the monsters that inhabit that area. The magic and action are well done, and the plot is fairly simple but also entertaining.

This is just a fun and feel good read. It’s easy to read, flows well, and is highly entertaining while leaving you feel positive and happy. I sincerely hope we get more books in this series.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this and hope there are more books in this series. This is such a funny, feel-good read with romance, adventure, magic, and a wonderful sense of family. I definitely plan to check out more of Sherwood’s books; I had no idea she was such a prolific author. She also writes under numerous different pen names, and I plan to check out her steampunk books soon (written under the name Honor Raconteur).