Strange Fortune is a standalone fantasy with a significant M/M romance sideplot written by Josh Lanyon. Originally released in 2009, this reformat and re-release is 324 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I am not a regular reader of romance, but I -am- a devotee of alternate worlds fantasies, and I was familiar with some of the author's previous work. I was also intrigued by the alternate Earth setting (based on India during the British Raj). It's a fantasy, so add some minor gods, old ones, a male witch, and a handsome cavalry officer, some artifacts of power, brooding political subterfuge, and stir well.
The author is adept at her craft; I never felt lost or that the pacing was too uneven. The story is told in alternating narrative around the two main characters. They're very different from one another; sensitive magician and brawny soldier of fortune. It is well written and engaging. I would definitely recommend it to fans of M/M fantasy romance and historical romance.
There are several love scenes but none are overtly explicit (I would catergorize them as R-rated). The dialogue is surprisingly well written. There are some elements of narcotic use, murder, claustrophobia triggers, mild (systemic) racism, and murder.
Four stars. Well written and definitely worth a look, especially for fans of the genre.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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