Book Review - Blackwell by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor
In the late 1800s, handsome, wealthy New Englander, Magnus Blackwell, is the envy of all.
When Magnus meets Jacob O'Connor–a Harvard student from the working class–an unlikely friendship is forged. But their close bond is soon challenged by a captivating woman; a woman Magnus wants, but Jacob gets.
Devastated, Magnus seeks solace in a trip to New Orleans. After a chance meeting with Oscar Wilde, he becomes immersed in a world of depravity and brutality, inevitably becoming the inspiration for Dorian Gray. Armed with the forbidden magic of voodoo, he sets his sights on winning back the woman Jacob stole from him.
Amid the trappings of Victorian society, two men, bent on revenge, will lay the foundation for a curse that will forever alter their destinies.
Review of Blackwell
Lured in by the aesthetically pleasing cover, I took a chance and entered the caliginous world of Magnus Blackwell. Left emotionally jarred by the depravity within, I realized this was not a simplistic tale.
Written as the prequel to the Magnus Blackwell series, I began to read and get lost in a tenebrous microcosm, unlike any I had ever encountered. I entered the late 1800’s rich and opulent Victorian atmosphere. There was a stunning, wealthy Magnus Blackwell and his unlikely friend, the humble Jacob O’Connor. Both students in a prestigious architecture program, they formed an unstable bond.
Taking on the century-old story of jealous men and the woman in the center of it all, Weiss and Castor created a unique Victorian tale full of exceptional character development. Magnus is the epitome of malevolence, while Jacob is a picture of pure talent and heart. But, something goes horribly wrong. Even with the strong plotline, the tale transcends the superficial battle between good and evil. With two inciting events, Magnus begins to propel deeper into the dark recesses of his twisted mind.
Complete with purposeful plot development and strategic character placement, Weis and Astor stoked a flame within my mind. Darkly atmospheric, Blackwell contains the best elements of a noir mystery - black magic, dark romance, innocent love, and murderous revenge.
Blackwell is sure to ignite flames in the minds of those who enjoy dark stories from bygone eras, whether romance or mystery.
Enter at your own risk into the lush literary atmosphere of the opulent Victorian era, and wade through the dark sensual vibe of the Big Easy as you fall prey to the captivating tale this dynamic duo have spun.
Written as the prequel to the Magnus Blackwell series, I began to read and get lost in a tenebrous microcosm, unlike any I had ever encountered. I entered the late 1800’s rich and opulent Victorian atmosphere. There was a stunning, wealthy Magnus Blackwell and his unlikely friend, the humble Jacob O’Connor. Both students in a prestigious architecture program, they formed an unstable bond.
Taking on the century-old story of jealous men and the woman in the center of it all, Weiss and Castor created a unique Victorian tale full of exceptional character development. Magnus is the epitome of malevolence, while Jacob is a picture of pure talent and heart. But, something goes horribly wrong. Even with the strong plotline, the tale transcends the superficial battle between good and evil. With two inciting events, Magnus begins to propel deeper into the dark recesses of his twisted mind.
Complete with purposeful plot development and strategic character placement, Weis and Astor stoked a flame within my mind. Darkly atmospheric, Blackwell contains the best elements of a noir mystery - black magic, dark romance, innocent love, and murderous revenge.
Blackwell is sure to ignite flames in the minds of those who enjoy dark stories from bygone eras, whether romance or mystery.
Enter at your own risk into the lush literary atmosphere of the opulent Victorian era, and wade through the dark sensual vibe of the Big Easy as you fall prey to the captivating tale this dynamic duo have spun.
Read an Excerpt of Blackwell
“We all saw different spirits,” Emily surmised. “How is that possible?”
Katie rose from Jacob’s side. “We each saw the person we wanted to see. The person we felt most connected to on the other side.” She came around the table to Magnus, grinning like a proud peacock. “Do you still doubt my abilities?”
“No.” Magnus blew out a long breath. “I think we should not do this again, though. I got the impression what happened tonight may be only the beginning.”
“The beginning of what?” Emily pestered.
Magnus straightened his coat as he turned for the door. “Something very dangerous.”
Excerpt from Blackwell by Alexandrea Weis with Lucas Astor. Copyright © 2017 by Alexandrea Weis.
Reproduced with permission from Alexandrea Weis. All rights reserved.
About the Authors
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, CRRN, ONC, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable.
A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured animals. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Weis writes mysteries, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, action, historical, and romance. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association and the International Thriller Writers Association.
Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.”
~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)
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