Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

A Draught of Ash and Wine by Kristin Jacques is the second book in the Midnight Guardians series. Johnathan has been experiencing some changes, and the growing pains have done more than give him claws. As he struggles to maintain violent instincts, he works to understand the supernatural bond that continues to grow between him and Vic, all while attempting to flee from a deadly enemy. The two have no way of knowing how close the Society is or how close their enemy is as they seek refuge in a sanctuary for supernatural creatures. Every moment they find peace is worth it, as the two are allowed to explore their connection. But for people like Johnathan, nowhere is truly safe. His only hope is to learn control over his abilities before disaster strikes again.

The relationship is the primary focus of the story, with the bond between Johnathan and Vic explored through attraction and romantic tension. The dynamic is everything you want in a romance, with the two leaning on and taking care of each other, effectively creating the feeling of them against society. Despite an enemy being in pursuit and Johnathan’s transformation struggles, the two find solace in moments, focusing on the romance. The quieter moments allow them to explore their connection and to find peace. The characters are easily distinct from one another, with Kristin Jacques using fine details to create two fully developed individuals. This is accomplished by capturing each one’s emotional states as they experience different struggles, with Johnathan going through his transformation and Vic pushing against the norms of the vampires. Lovely descriptions and word choices help readers understand what they are experiencing, especially Johnathan, who often speaks of uneasiness, complications, inhumanity, and feelings of being torn between his new and former self. Jacques uses precise phrases that create a historical backdrop and a tone similar to classic literature, with a romanticism to the language. The author takes an interesting approach to familiar supernatural creatures such as vampires and werewolves. Jacques provides subtle twists in the societal structures of these beings in how they interact with Johnathan and Vic. A Draught of Ash and Wine is a story of love and transformation with self-discovery, danger, supernatural creatures, and romance along the way.