I enjoyed that book quite a lot. It was the first gay themed fantasy adventure story I've read that did not focus on the romance. I enjoy gay characters a lot, so I appreciate having them in a fresh environment like this one. I loved the world building, it was very unique and believable - and quite colorful!I'm really glad I gave this book a chance. It was my first Josh Lanyon, by the way.Oh, there was one huge detail missing in the book!!No spoiler intended, but WHO is Major Strange actually?! That question was never answered. I desperately wanted to know his real name!! I love Josh Lanyon's writing, particularly his historical romance. But I had never heard of this book, 'Strange Fortune', until a friend recommended it. I'm at a loss as how to review it. Sometimes a book is just too beautiful---prose, imagery, tension, romance, sensuality---and my limited vocabulary is just that...too limited. First of all, the MC's, former soldier Valentine Strange and witch...yes, witch...Aleister Grimshaw were two of the most memorable, perfect characters ever. Particularly, for this reader, the luscious witch Grimshaw. Oh, sugar. Hell's bells. I could write a lengthy essay just on Grimsaw alone, his appeal to me. When a character is clearly described physically as not outstanding (in Grimshaw's case, he's called bony, skinny) and yet the author spins him into a painfully beautiful presence that the reader falls head over heels for, right along with the fictional love interest. Well, Aleister Grimshaw was one of those cases. Mild, quiet, a deceptionally delicate persona melded inside a powerful and quite cabable man. I found him incredibly sensual. Major Strange was a rousing Indiana Jones type. Fearless. Handsome. Rugged. Big hearted, though---especially when that heart of his tangled with the mysterious, mesmerizing witch. The scenery is out of this world beautiful. Lush, ancient, mystical, haunting. The supporting characters wonderfully drawn to such real-life images, it was as though watching them in a film. No plot sharing from me except to say the storyline is intense in a nail-biting sort of way. And let me tell you, sugar. When John Lanyon writes an intimate scene, get ready. You will be aroused. One scene in particular. A secluded natural pool at the foot of a waterfall. Oh, gods. Nipple rings, navel rings, touching, lovely men's bodies. Sensuality off the charts. As I said, I'd never heard of this book, although I adore Lanyon. It's no exception to the author's fabulous story telling. Just a might off his beaten bath. But TRY this path. Really. Try it. You will not be sorry.
What do You think about Strange Fortune (2009)?
Interesting story but not one of my favorite Lanyon reads. I should stick to Adrien & Jake!!
—Angela
Great world building, great story, lovable characters, the romance part got a bit short.
—jessie
Good story, well done, not as good as Fatal Shadows.
—Mari
Awesome fantasy adventure. Lanyon is amazing.
—jenny
