Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies Book 3)

I don't want to write this review because it would mean the story of Lucien and Stephen is over and though I feel like we got the ending they deserve I'm also selfish and I already miss them. Miss the interaction between them, the way their relationship built up. With the difference in their status, their personality and what each brings into the relationship. There is something that WORKS between them even if you wouldn't guess that. As usual Stephen is over-worked and though Lucien generally understands that for Stephen he IS his job, he is more than just frustrated because he can see what it does to him. He wants him ALIVE and WELL and it doesn't seem like his job will be allowing that for long. He is tired of London and the restrictions that are always there around them but he WON'T give Stephen up no matter what even when Stephen himself is (almost) willing to let them go when everything becomes overwhelming. There is just too much to DO and so little time to do it in. Stephen's prodigy Jenny Saint is accused of stealing, and it becomes worse when she supposedly steals The Magpie Lord's ring which is powerful but also HIGHLY sentimental for him. When he realizes her alibi is a relationship between her and Frank Merrick he basically loses it. His partner Esther has her own reasons for taking a little break from using magic and her job in general which leaves Stephen almost on his own to deal with horrible deaths of policemen. But besides all that there is one thing he promised Lucien he would do and well, sort of "forgot" with all the things on his mind - Lady Elise Bruton. Remember her? In the first book she was the only survivor from the coven who tried to take charge of the Magpie Lord's power (meaning Lucien's blood..). It feels like no one is on his side. Though he has Lucien, what he wants, what he offers Stephen freely - his love, his arms around him and also his help - is something Stephen is still struggling to accept. Which frustrated Lucien enough to blow up a punching bag. Wait, what? Yeah.. there is also something wrong or rather TOO powerful going on in the magical connection between them. In the end the Magpie Lord's power - THEIR power - was always in working together. In being one, in trusting in one another and that's what it takes for them to unravel all the little bit and pieces together - the cop killer, the thief, the missing ring, the Council's irresponsible behavior towards the justiciaries, the power shift between them and last but not least their final nemesis. I'm heart broken to let this book and series go. I'm so glad we'll have 3 more books even if not of these two (maybe we'll get a little appearance? pretty please?). I loved everything about the relationship of these two. The way they connected, how their relationship evolved. Though I'm not a big fan of D/s it felt like with them it simply worked and I could understand why sexually Stephen needed to let go at exactly the point Lucien needed to be the leader, to call the shots (which interestingly enough was a shift from their behavior outside their bed chamber). I think that in the long run though it would still be their "thing" it might change with the way their relationship evolved and both men realizes what they need from one another and what they are willing to give and change in themselves to make this relationship work. Final words - this series is a MUST READ. It has everything anyone would even need - A beautiful relationship buildup of too strong characters. Banter galore between more than just them. Hilarious moments to highlight and laugh just thinking about them again. Mystery and action. A very interesting and different setup in Victorian London filled with magic. A MASTER PIECE. These two have been MY joy. Feast of Stephen: Like in the previous novels, this is an extra bonus epilogue of our two favorite MCs including Merrick and Jenny Saint (now Merrick's significant other). I think it was originally published on it's own but as it seems it's added on the very end on the current edition. Ever wondered what a low key day would be like for these two couples? Be prepared for a TREAT. FINALLY the four of them go to the retreat Lucien have promised to take Stephen and there they spend a fun evening together, getting to know each other a bit better and get used to living together. Jenny is really sweet, I wish we got more of her (together with Merrick!), she might be a bit intimidated by our Lord Crane but I think it won't take her long to loosen up once she sees how he is in person. We get another story of the guys back from their time in the far east as well as the sexy times Stephen promised to sometime try with Lucien. At the very end there is a promise of the story of Jonah Pastern. He was a sort of a villain in this one though it was easy to see he wasn't mean or cruel about it. His story is told in Jackdaw (I'll be getting into it ASAP). More @ Ultra Meital Reviews.

This has been a fantastic series and certainly Flight has all the elements that we've come to expect from :K.J. Charles: brilliant dialogue, humor, great characters, scalding sex, and gruesome magical deaths. This was the only book that felt too short though it is the same length as the others. This is partially just my disappointment at seeing a great series come to a close but also a lingering sense that wrapping up matters for this plot and this couple needed a longer book to really do it justice. It is so far from a ruinous problem as to feel like nothing more than a peevish quibble. I knocked off a star purely in comparison with the other two volumes which I liked slightly more. Altogether, I could not recommend this series more highly, and in fact included it on my "desert island" list a short while ago. I was overjoyed to see that there will be more stories set in the Magpie world, as I really could not bear to see the last of Stephen, Crane, Esther, Jenny, Merrick et al.

The writing is tight in this story. Concise, meaty and clever. More than once I had the urge to start reading aloud just so I could hear the words. Subtle and yet demanding of my full attention, exciting and lovely and sexy. Before I get to characters and plot, I must start with the tattoos. They continue to play an important and, most excitingly, ever changing role. Not just as a part of the story but as an expression of the continuing evolution in Crane and Stephen’s relationship, revealing the changes in each of them, changes they feel as a couple, as well as changes in their powers, supernatural and not. They’re my favorite common thread (ok, there is one other, more on… him, later) throughout all of the stories in this series. Instead of ever coming close to resembling a gimmick, they are an important part of this universe. One of the beating hearts within these books. There are no plot holes to speak of within this story. No dangling bits are left in question, except those of the best kind, of course. Anything left unresolved is simply a part of the natural progression of the connection between Lucien and Stephen. Speaking of, Crane and Stephen are sigh-worthy, equally matched – except when they’re not, by choice, and that is utterly delicious – and they’re intelligent, silly, and simply besotted with each other. There is so much more to their story, despite already having made it through three novels and a couple of short stories. I really enjoy the fact that it’s Crane who is the first to state his desires when it comes to their future, and that it’s Stephen who feels torn and overwhelmed, uncertain. It lends itself to very real and natural feeling conflict and tension. Which, of course, leads to oh so satisfying progress. Continuing on that, the dialogue rings very true, very real. It feels right in relation to the personalities for all of the characters, both main and supporting, and that translates into boat loads of investment for me as the reader. I want to know what happens, I worry about what might happen, I hope it all happens. The action scenes are fantastically constructed and well placed. None felt superfluous. They all helped move the story forward, no interruptions, and always managed to reveal something unexpected. I continue to contend that all-out action scenes, with multiple players, are very challenging to convey logically. Every character has to act and react in ways that make sense, not just emotionally but, physically. To keep it all straight in one’s mind as a reader necessitates that level of difficulty multiplied times ten for the author, in my book. Now then, back to that “one other” common thread throughout these books that I simply adore, cannot do without and gave me quite a scare in this one: Merrick. Ah, Merrick. Awwww, Merrick! I love that we learn much more about his personality in this story. He became and is now a multi-dimensional character for me. He’s not “just” the snarky savior for Lucien, and now Stephen. He’s that steady heartbeat you hear in the background, all while mayhem, confusion, and tension are swirling around London and its peculiarities, including its residents. ;) Lucien and Stephen made me growl, in the best way. Sexy, intimate, demanding and frantic. They’re both thinking more and more in terms of “us” as opposed to “me” when it comes to imagining their future. Not just imagining but working to make those desires a reality. There is so much to grab onto in this book. Handfuls, armloads of tension and gore and sexy and doubt and victory. This third installment of this series has definitely earned its place on my best of 2014 shelf.

4.5 stars - I love this series, and sometimes I get carried away when I go back and think of the Magpie Lord journey over the three books, and what’s transpired for poor overworked Stephen and his demanding, entitled, and sexily supportive Lord Crane, and what terrible things they have survived, including attacks by hair(!!!), killer giant rats, invading spirits, and a group of merciless warlocks that want nothing more than to rip the Magpie Lord’s power from Crane’s bones. So how was book 3? Well, did you like book 1 and 2? Because if you did, then you’re going to like book 3. It’s a similar style and tone, still surprising with some shocking turns (as the villains are very villainy!!), similar wit and sexy banter between Stephen and Crane as they push-pull each other about their relationship, about keeping secrets, and about whether committing to each other is what’s best for them, especially since being gay is still illegal in Victorian England. (But even with the fear of the Law or blackmail, these two can’t stay away from each other, thankfully for us hungry readers.) Also, like in past books, you will find some more hot sexy times as Stephen leaves his obligations outside the bedroom, and willingly surrenders control to his Lord. Have you not read book 1 or 2 yet? *Then don’t start here.* It would be a crime against your possible reading pleasure to jump in at this point. What I would recommend is to go try book 1, especially if you’re a fan of historicals and paranormal, since Charles’ world is a mix of dangerous magic and Victorian morals, with a grateful dash of face-punching, thanks to always-good-back-up manservant Merrick and the not-really-all-that-noble Crane. Was it a perfect read? No. There’s one development where I shared Stephen’s shock, and it felt less organic than other parts of the series. As a reader, I didn’t “buy it,” and it did feel like a convenient move to comfortably pair other characters off. But even with that point, it was still easy to be carried along with the story’s quick pace and plot. How do I feel about the series overall? I think it’s a stellar trilogy, and if there are no more novels, I think it is reads great as is, and any reader who has enjoyed the ride thus far with Stephen and Crane should feel good about the ending these two so much deserve after all that they have survived. What’s next? There actually IS a new Magpie story coming in early 2015, but it’s labeled A Charm of Magpies 2.5, so is set technically before this volume. Also, early next year, there is Jackdaw, which is a related book that follows a secondary character from this volume and his adventures, and by the hints in the blurb, we may also see some Magpie Lord sightings there as well. Would I read more of this series? Of course! I’m a greedy reader and if the next book was just Stephen and Crane talking about the weather (“Looks like rain.” “That it does.”) I’d pick it up in a heartbeat, but end of the day, even for this greedy reader, this journey settles very well in this volume, and I think other greedy readers will be quite pleased. Review first posted to the Boys in our Books blog.

*Originally reviewed on BackPorchReader[dot]com 1/20/2016. Visit for more reviews and recommendations!* I'm afraid I may have used up all my words in my reviews of the other books for how much I love this series. I should have held something back...because this? I think this one's the best. The best part, I think, is that it wasn't all wine & roses for Lord Crane and his Stephen. While they're still very much in love, there are a few frustrations they have to work out and a bit of strife ensues. Things are said. Some awful things. During all that there's trouble brewing. The villains are villainous and they don't hesitate to get down to their nasty business. They never seem to schedule their villainy for suitable times, do they? This all culminates into an epic showdown of good versus evil that I thought was brilliantly executed--mainly because of the number of people involved. There was a ton of simultaneous action carried out by people we've met, personalities we know and the choreography of this whirling dervish of a skirmish was quite excellent. The writing and storytelling were, as usual, superb. The pages are full of little nuggets of British humor that is quick and droll, cutting and sardonic. And again with the creative curses and witty comebacks that had me rolling in laughter. Now I want to know where K.J. Charles gets this stuff. Does she keep an Excel spreadsheet? A Rolodex, perhaps? Are her walls covered in sticky notes? Whatever--I don't think she's used the same one twice. This is yet another series I could live in. More characters I want to keep--the side characters too! For a chick who has a hard time admitting enjoyment of historicals and paranormals, I gotta tell ya, this series has been a whole lotta fun. Also, I just found out there are more books in the Magpie World. MORE BOOKS! Awesome, because I'm not ready to leave. What do you know of the jackdaw?

𝙵𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚜 “Stephen is the best man among you by a ten-yard start, and he’s a pointlessly self-sacrificing, prideful idiot two steps from a nervous collapse.” _______________ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In this final conclusion for the Charm of Magpies, Stephen really must choose between sacrificing himself for his work and cultivating boundaries so he can invest in his relationship with Mr. Crane, and overall himself. He’s so loyal and his loyalty is horrifically being abused. We go along with Mr. Day on his journey of choosing for himself what’s good and letting go of what isn’t. Lucien absolutely adores Stephen and their relationship continues to grow and deepen. He is learning to back off and allow Stephen room to say yes or no. Their communication improves and commitment to one another solidifies. I really enjoyed the plot, it brought the entire series full circle and set up the series with a new character later to be seen in his own book. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, the personal struggles of daily responsibilities, and the hard work put into a relationship to maintain health. The side characters were enjoyable and added good humor to Mr. Crane’s already sassy role. If you have made it this far, then you know that the magic involved in the plot is so wild and delicious, and adds the perfect amount of wonder to an already captivating story. The writing style and said humor is *chefs kiss* And the intimacy and spice made my toes curl. I adore this series to pieces and cannot wait to re-read it.

I’ve been putting off reading this one because I couldn’t face the end. And now… *gross sobbing* It’s over! What’ll I do without my kinky dandy? I was going to say this is the best one of the series but then I looked at my reviews for the first two and realized I gave them 5 stars too! Duh, I’m going with 5 on this one but I feel restricted. I'd much prefer to go with 7 or 12. Crane and Stephen haven’t been together all that long but they are so devoted to each other and that shines through right from the beginning. I truly in my heart of hearts believe they are soul mates and that crazy Magpie Lord may have even had a hand in bringing them together. The events that transpire in this book only cemented my feels on this. The case in this one kept me guessing. I’ve loved the whole magpie tattoo thing since it started happening, but the extra meaning behind it in this one satisfied my inner perv while also managing to be sweet with a hint of poignancy. I was also delighted to find out the name of the guy who showed up in Rag and Bone! Bad boy is bad. He *might* need a spanking to deal with some of that sass. Merrick is still his usual snarky self. I’ve loved his friendship with Crane from the beginning. He may be Crane's henchman, but that doesn’t preclude him from giving Crane the business nor does it mean Crane’s exempt from an ass whooping. “You can’t work the stove, can you?” “I’m the eighth Earl Crane and the twelfth Viscount Fortunegate. I don’t have to work the stove.” Crane is a lot of things-he's a bit pompous, exceedingly blunt and a whole lot vain, but he's loyal. What I like best about him is even if he disagrees or fights with those he loves it never occurs to him that they would ever not be in his life. It's probably part arrogance and part his domineering nature, but I find his lack of timidity refreshing. Now, there are few things I like better than kink and a size difference, but you add in some dirty talk, a dandy and face melting sex and... I read a lot of kink and there are a lot of permutations of doms, but Crane is that rare breed that is absolutely not going to be topped from the bottom. They are playful, cheeky and quick witted with a lot of innuendos bandied about between them, but Crane is always in control. And Stephen loves it. In the bedroom or hall or wherever, but Stephen is not a shrinking violet outside of their kinky shenanigans. He loved Stephen's bloody-minded determination, enraging though it often was, and his terrifying powers, and his fierce, fragile pride, but he loved them all the more when Stephen set them aside and surrendered utterly, giving himself to Crane without reserve. There sex was so ON FIYYYYYAHHHHH that I had pancake eyes and *may* have burst into song... Blood, sugar BAYYYYYBEEEE He's magik. Sing it with me! And... there went my face. My face melted right off my face. "Two for joy. That would do very well indeed."

Booo, I'm so sad to have finished this series, I loved the dynamics of Lucian and Stephen, (with special mention of Merrick, plus several supporting characters) and will miss them terribly, but hello spin-off series with a new character we met in this book. This book is the best of the series, I can see how far KG Charles has come in writing intimacy and emotions throughout this being one of her earlier series written. I didn't reach the same heights of satisfaction with the earlier books in this series, that I did with the Society of Gentlemen series, and I'll put it down to writing experience gained with each book written. Having said that, the Magpie series has been such a fun ride, and so worth it to get to the magnificence of this book, which I really didn't want to end. What's not to love? A supernatural murder mystery, magic, KJ . Charles's masterful dry wit that had me sniggering into almost every page turned, the swoon-worthy romance of an established couple moving forward... with a bit of angst drama thrown in due to circumstances. And the sex scenes turned up the heat several notches. I highly recommend these books, everyone who reads historical romance should have KJ Charles on their must read list.

Really excellent series of Victorian magic murder mystery

Définitivement le meilleur des trois! On poursuit l'intrigue commencée dans le tome 1 et on a enfin les réponses à nos questions en suspend! Toutefois, ce n'est pas le dernier tome car l'histoire continue avec un tome 4 donc le personnage principal sera Jonah.

Just like the first two books in this series, this story is great! A great end to a great trilogy. Would highly recommend this series!

Das ist das dritte Buch in der Serie um Lord Crane, den Magpie-Lord, und Stephen Day. Und nicht zu vergessen, Merrick. Die Bücher sind ausserordentlich gut geschrieben, KJ Charles hat die Fähigkeit, mit Worten eine Welt zu schaffen, die einen in ihren Bann zieht. Auch dieser Band ist keine Ausnahme. Es läuft nicht alles rund für Crane und Stephen; sie haben teilweise sehr unterschiedliche Erwartungen, was ihre Beziehung anbelangt. KJ Charles benutzt dies nicht, um - wie leider so gerne gehandhabt - einen Spannungsbogen in Form einer Trennung o.ä. zu konstruieren; die beiden verhalten sich wie erwachsene Personen und reden über ihre Differenzen. Die Anforderungen an Stephen nehmen ständig zu; aufgrund des üblichen Personalmangels, Esther fühlt sich nicht wohl, und dann erscheint - zusätzlich zu dem ganz akuten Drama - noch eine Person aus der Vergangenheit, die leider doch noch nicht vergessen werden kann. All dies wird von KJ Charles nahtlos zusammengefügt zu einer spannenden Geschichte; es gibt keine Löcher im Plot, keine losen Enden, und der gewohnte Humor scheint nach wie vor durch. KJ Charles ist eine ausserordentlich talentierte Autorin; ihre Bücher sind ein absolutes Lesevergnügen. Unbedingte Kaufempfehlung.

A wonderful conclusion to a thrilling series! I really loved every second of this. I could barely put it down!