Jackdaw
K.J. Charles’ Jackdaw is a masterful addition to the A Charm of Magpies world, a historical fantasy romance that weaves together heart-wrenching emotion, complex characters, and a richly imagined alternate Victorian setting. Published in 2015, this standalone novel follows the story of Jonah Pastern and Ben Spenser, two deeply flawed and human characters whose journey from betrayal to redemption is as compelling as it is emotionally resonant. With its blend of romance, magic, and moral ambiguity, Jackdaw is a testament to Charles’ skill in crafting stories that are both thrilling and profoundly moving.
A Gripping Premise and Complex Characters
The story centers on Jonah Pastern, a magician, windwalker, and professional thief, and Ben Spenser, a former police constable whose life was shattered by Jonah’s betrayal. For six months, they shared a passionate and secret love, only for Jonah’s actions—using his windwalking abilities to commit crimes and escaping custody by exploiting Ben’s feelings—to leave Ben jailed, disgraced, and alone. When the story begins, Ben is driven by a burning desire for revenge, while Jonah, a character introduced as a villain in Flight of Magpies, is on the run, his motives shrouded in mystery. The tension between Ben’s anger and their undeniable connection sets the stage for a second-chance romance that is anything but predictable.
What makes Jackdaw stand out is Charles’ ability to transform Jonah from a seemingly amoral antagonist into a deeply sympathetic figure. Reviewers consistently praise Jonah’s complexity—his childlike impulsiveness, his charm, and his gradual unveiling as a man driven by desperation rather than malice. Ben, on the other hand, is the grounded counterpoint, a man of principle whose pain and resilience make him instantly relatable. Their chemistry is electric, marked by moments of tenderness and anguish that had me tearing up more than once. Charles excels at showing why these two men belong together, highlighting their complementary strengths—Jonah’s spontaneity and Ben’s steadfastness—and their shared vulnerability.
A Masterclass in Emotional Storytelling
Jackdaw is not an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one. The narrative alternates between the present, where Ben and Jonah are forced to confront their past, and flashbacks to their earlier, happier days. These glimpses of their love story—before it all went wrong—are heart-wrenching, making their current estrangement all the more poignant. Charles doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship, including a scene of dubious consent that has sparked discussion among readers. Yet, as many reviews note, this moment is handled with intention, meant to disturb and provoke thought about power dynamics and redemption in romantic fiction. It adds depth to Ben’s journey, as he grapples with his anger, love, and the moral complexities of forgiving someone who caused him so much pain.
The emotional stakes are high throughout, with both characters facing external threats—police, magical justiciars, and dangerous enemies with grudges—as well as their internal struggles. The theme of running, both literal (Jonah’s windwalking) and metaphorical (fleeing from consequences), is woven beautifully into the narrative. As one reviewer poignantly quoted, “I’ve stopped running.” “You fell?” “I landed.” This exchange captures the essence of their journey: a hard-fought arrival at a place of mutual trust and love.
A Vivid World and Fresh Perspectives
Set in the same universe as A Charm of Magpies, Jackdaw offers a fresh perspective by focusing on ordinary men rather than the more privileged or magically powerful Stephen Day and Lord Crane. The shift to a rural Cornish village, away from the bustling danger of London, grounds the story in a quieter, more intimate setting. This rustic backdrop contrasts with the high-stakes magic and danger, creating a sense of sanctuary that mirrors Ben and Jonah’s quest for peace. Fans of the original series will delight in seeing familiar characters like Stephen, Crane, Merrick, and Jenny Saint from a new angle—sometimes as antagonists, which adds a thrilling layer of moral ambiguity. Charles’ ability to make readers root for Ben and Jonah, even against beloved characters, is a testament to her storytelling prowess.
The magical elements, particularly Jonah’s windwalking, are vividly described and add a whimsical yet dangerous edge to the story. Unlike the more gruesome magic in the Magpies series, the paranormal aspects here are charming and well-integrated, enhancing the romance without overwhelming it. The world feels alive, gritty, and immersive, with Charles’ signature attention to historical detail bringing Victorian England to life.
Why Jackdaw Shines
Jackdaw is a triumph of character-driven storytelling. Charles takes a character who could easily have remained a villain and crafts a redemption arc that feels earned and authentic. The romance is intense and believable, with Ben and Jonah’s love shining through their flaws and mistakes. The pacing is relentless, balancing action, drama, and quiet moments of intimacy that linger long after the final page. At 189 pages, the novel is concise yet feels complete, delivering a satisfying conclusion that ties into the broader Magpies world while standing on its own.
For readers new to K.J. Charles, Jackdaw is accessible as a standalone, though it’s enriched by familiarity with the A Charm of Magpies series. For fans, it’s a delightful return to a beloved world, offering a fresh perspective and a new couple to root for. The novel’s exploration of themes like forgiveness, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions elevates it beyond a typical romance, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally rich read.
Final Thoughts
Jackdaw is a shining example of why K.J. Charles is a standout in historical romance. It’s a story of two broken men finding their way back to each other, set against a backdrop of magic, danger, and a beautifully realized Victorian world. Jonah and Ben’s journey is raw, romantic, and deeply human, making Jackdaw a must-read for fans of queer romance, historical fantasy, or simply great storytelling. I highly recommend diving into this book for its unforgettable characters, heart-wrenching emotion, and the promise of a hard-earned happily ever after.
You can buy Jackdaw by KJ Charles with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4jd4I94
A Gripping Premise and Complex Characters
The story centers on Jonah Pastern, a magician, windwalker, and professional thief, and Ben Spenser, a former police constable whose life was shattered by Jonah’s betrayal. For six months, they shared a passionate and secret love, only for Jonah’s actions—using his windwalking abilities to commit crimes and escaping custody by exploiting Ben’s feelings—to leave Ben jailed, disgraced, and alone. When the story begins, Ben is driven by a burning desire for revenge, while Jonah, a character introduced as a villain in Flight of Magpies, is on the run, his motives shrouded in mystery. The tension between Ben’s anger and their undeniable connection sets the stage for a second-chance romance that is anything but predictable.
What makes Jackdaw stand out is Charles’ ability to transform Jonah from a seemingly amoral antagonist into a deeply sympathetic figure. Reviewers consistently praise Jonah’s complexity—his childlike impulsiveness, his charm, and his gradual unveiling as a man driven by desperation rather than malice. Ben, on the other hand, is the grounded counterpoint, a man of principle whose pain and resilience make him instantly relatable. Their chemistry is electric, marked by moments of tenderness and anguish that had me tearing up more than once. Charles excels at showing why these two men belong together, highlighting their complementary strengths—Jonah’s spontaneity and Ben’s steadfastness—and their shared vulnerability.
A Masterclass in Emotional Storytelling
Jackdaw is not an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one. The narrative alternates between the present, where Ben and Jonah are forced to confront their past, and flashbacks to their earlier, happier days. These glimpses of their love story—before it all went wrong—are heart-wrenching, making their current estrangement all the more poignant. Charles doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship, including a scene of dubious consent that has sparked discussion among readers. Yet, as many reviews note, this moment is handled with intention, meant to disturb and provoke thought about power dynamics and redemption in romantic fiction. It adds depth to Ben’s journey, as he grapples with his anger, love, and the moral complexities of forgiving someone who caused him so much pain.
The emotional stakes are high throughout, with both characters facing external threats—police, magical justiciars, and dangerous enemies with grudges—as well as their internal struggles. The theme of running, both literal (Jonah’s windwalking) and metaphorical (fleeing from consequences), is woven beautifully into the narrative. As one reviewer poignantly quoted, “I’ve stopped running.” “You fell?” “I landed.” This exchange captures the essence of their journey: a hard-fought arrival at a place of mutual trust and love.
A Vivid World and Fresh Perspectives
Set in the same universe as A Charm of Magpies, Jackdaw offers a fresh perspective by focusing on ordinary men rather than the more privileged or magically powerful Stephen Day and Lord Crane. The shift to a rural Cornish village, away from the bustling danger of London, grounds the story in a quieter, more intimate setting. This rustic backdrop contrasts with the high-stakes magic and danger, creating a sense of sanctuary that mirrors Ben and Jonah’s quest for peace. Fans of the original series will delight in seeing familiar characters like Stephen, Crane, Merrick, and Jenny Saint from a new angle—sometimes as antagonists, which adds a thrilling layer of moral ambiguity. Charles’ ability to make readers root for Ben and Jonah, even against beloved characters, is a testament to her storytelling prowess.
The magical elements, particularly Jonah’s windwalking, are vividly described and add a whimsical yet dangerous edge to the story. Unlike the more gruesome magic in the Magpies series, the paranormal aspects here are charming and well-integrated, enhancing the romance without overwhelming it. The world feels alive, gritty, and immersive, with Charles’ signature attention to historical detail bringing Victorian England to life.
Why Jackdaw Shines
Jackdaw is a triumph of character-driven storytelling. Charles takes a character who could easily have remained a villain and crafts a redemption arc that feels earned and authentic. The romance is intense and believable, with Ben and Jonah’s love shining through their flaws and mistakes. The pacing is relentless, balancing action, drama, and quiet moments of intimacy that linger long after the final page. At 189 pages, the novel is concise yet feels complete, delivering a satisfying conclusion that ties into the broader Magpies world while standing on its own.
For readers new to K.J. Charles, Jackdaw is accessible as a standalone, though it’s enriched by familiarity with the A Charm of Magpies series. For fans, it’s a delightful return to a beloved world, offering a fresh perspective and a new couple to root for. The novel’s exploration of themes like forgiveness, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions elevates it beyond a typical romance, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally rich read.
Final Thoughts
Jackdaw is a shining example of why K.J. Charles is a standout in historical romance. It’s a story of two broken men finding their way back to each other, set against a backdrop of magic, danger, and a beautifully realized Victorian world. Jonah and Ben’s journey is raw, romantic, and deeply human, making Jackdaw a must-read for fans of queer romance, historical fantasy, or simply great storytelling. I highly recommend diving into this book for its unforgettable characters, heart-wrenching emotion, and the promise of a hard-earned happily ever after.
You can buy Jackdaw by KJ Charles with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4jd4I94
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