White Trash Warlock

This book came up as recommended after I read The Tarot Sequence by K.D. Edwards, both being urban fantasy, both having queer rep 🌈

This was great! Fast paced and lovely. The story is so creepy with cutesy bits thrown in. 5 mins in and Adam is in a soulmate AU fanfic ✨ While simultaneously fighting the demons of his past (aka his family). The elves were hilarious. There were some reveals that were so juicy 👀 Vic's family wins the best family award 💕

This book is sponsored by driving 🚗 There's way too many cars, people driving cars, cars getting the crap beat out of them, car theft, thinking about car repairs.

This is an interesting book with an interesting world. I kinda wish there was more explanation, but I was able to understand everything for the most part.
There is a slight love triangle going on, but I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the romance bit since it seems way way too quick. I get that magic is taking place here and things, but ehhhh idk.

I do plan on reading the next.

This wasn't bad, but it also wasn't what I wanted from it.

There's a sense of emotional manipulation in this that I don't like, that nothing is what seems but in a cheap way. I kind of like the magic system, and I kind of like Adam, Vic and his family, Sue, Argent, and Silver, but I don't think I will keep reading the series. It has potential but is misused.

This was good in parts but very average on the whole. With a better balance between fantasy and love story the writing had the potential to be an interesting addition to urban fantasy. You won't be missing much

I really really loved reading this. I was reminded of The Raven Cycle and that's a HIGH compliment. I do wish it had been more tightly edited (weird repetitions of character details, some kind of strange narrative meanderings, whyyyy are gay cops of color such a troopeeee  etc) but I had a great time. 


 

Interesting read! Went in with just reading the first couple sentences of the synopsis, wondering what this “Sight” was (and what the title means and how it ties in with the plot!). Fun concepts of spirits, elves, wanting to belong, and some (or more like a lot? lol) romance (M/M). Jumping right into the sequel!

White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton is an awesome urban fantasy novel. Adam's Sister-in-Law is in trouble when a mysterious spirit appears over Denver, bringing him from Oklahoma to Colorado to try and save the day. Featuring a queer protagonist, this was a delightfully fun story exploring family, relationships, and plenty of magic. Perfect for fans of Kevin Hearne's The Iron Druid Chronicles. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For more of my reviews, check out my blog.

God, I just love a good urban fantasy/paranormal romance book. White Trash Warlock hit ALL my buttons in the best possible way. Adam Binder is a scruffy dirt-poor magic user who does his best to try and save a bunch of innocents from a horrible entity that's formed in a Chicago hospital. There's leprechauns, elves, dwarves, time twisty things, Death itself and all sorts of cool characters.

This book is GAY, gay, gay in the best way. It's not subtle, it's not underhanded, it's not hidden, read-between the lines like some books are. This is gay romance, and it's done GOOD. There's even the typical paranormal romance love triangle thing going on.

I'm DEFINITELY here to stay for this series. Can't wait to read the next.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/6aL0KfwJis4

Going into this book i didn't know what to expect. The title seemed as though it was poking fun at itself and perhaps the whole thing would be some bad take on impoverished folk playing D&D. But do not let the title fool you. It's not that at all.

This is an ‘rural-fantasy' about Magic, spirit realms, and a young queer man who is cast away and put into a psych ward by his small-town family for his magical ‘sight' abilities to see into the spirit realm . He then has to work on re-building those burned bridges with his family who he dropped contact with in order to save his sister-in-law at the request of his older brother. Along the was we follow Adam as he comes to terms with who he is personally as well as magically. Alternating his site on a whim between the real-world and the magical realms really played well to add intrigue to the world around him.

The story is a bit funny here and there just to keep you engages and warm up to the characters, it keeps the story feeling fresh and enjoyable. The writing really takes you places with the use of synesthesia where our Main Character associates colors to moods and smells to magical objects that really immerse you in the story.

There is quite a cast of characters that appear in this story including reapers, Manticors, Elves, and even Leprechauns. They were all done really well, each with their own emotions and motives that they play to.

All in all I feel that this is really a well-rounded and solid story that possibly suffers from a poor title. I would recommend that you check it out.

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S WHITE TRASH WARLOCK ABOUT?
Adam Binder has the Sight. He can see mystical/magical beings, forces, phenomena. He can't do much beyond that—he's pretty lightweight in magical terms. But it's enough that it messes up his childhood—he's always looking at and responding to things that only he can see. A family that can't—won't?—see what he says worries for him and tries to get him to abandon this. After his father deserts the family and his brother becomes “The Man of the House,” they try to get him help and eventually put him in a treatment facility.

We don't learn a lot about the facility, but it seems to be something right out of Cuckoo's Nest. However, he does meet someone there who teaches him how the magical world works and how to use his meager abilities. He leaves the facility when he turned eighteen and now scrapes by doing car repairs for neighbors while he scours the area for items that seem to be produced by a Warlock. He's convinced that the Warlock is—or will lead him to—his father, and then will understand how he got these abilities.

Meanwhile, his brother, Bobby, having done his duty for his brother got out of their small Southern town, went to college, and is now Robert J. Binder, M.D. in Denver. Robert's wife has had a couple of miscarriages and isn't coping well with them—he's a shell of her former, vibrant self—and really should be getting professional treatment (I'm not sure why Robert has lost confidence in the profession). It wouldn't have done any good, mind you, but he still should've tried—but as the book opens, Robert Sees something attached to his wife. Realizing he's out of his depth, he calls Adam and asks for help.

Adam's clues to the Warlock are also leading him to Denver, so he goes—killing two birds and one transcontinental drive, you could say. Once he arrives in Denver, he Sees that Annie is possessed by some sort of magical being that's running amok through the city. We learn after a bit that this 98 lb. magical weakling is just the David necessary to take down this magical Goliath (yeah, it seems counter-intuitive, but that's part of what makes it work).

He has to make alliances with some of the local Guardians (magical beings tasked with guarding an area) for aid, but ultimately it's Adam versus the Big Bad for the safety of Denver.

ADAM AND ROBERT
This relationship is the most interesting thing in the book to me—there's plenty of competition for that, I should add—the Guardians, the nature and origin of the Big Bad, Adam's abilities, are a few examples. But it's the brothers that captured my attention.

To start with, locking your brother up and never once visiting him to see how miserable the conditions were and how lousy the treatment was going, is not a great way to endear yourself to him. Robert would say he just wants what's best for his brother, and was (and is) just looking out for him. He doesn't understand why Adam just doesn't get an education, find a respectable job and settle down to start a family—you know, be normal.

They grew up poor. Their father physically abused them and did not provide for the family at all. Their mother managed to keep them alive, but that's about it—she was more than ready to let Bobby take over when it was time—and only signed the papers committing Adam because Bobby told her to.

Their horrific childhood left scars on both of them (physical—I assume—and mental). What happened to Adam made things worse for him, and the relationship is apathetic at best, and downright antagonistic at its worst.

Still, Robert knows who to call when he needs help. And Adam responds. They won't admit it, but they need each other. Just neither is willing to pay the price to admit it, or do the work to restore the relationship in any way.

Yes, defeating the Big Bad seems to be what the book is about, but it all hinges on this relationship. I loved the dynamic, the dysfunction, and how that played out.

THE WORLDBUILDING
I'm not going to describe it, it wouldn't be fair to the novel (and I wouldn't do that great a job at it). Ditto for the magic system.

The magic system reminds me of others I've encountered (more in traditional Fantasy than in Urban Fantasies), but Slayton's take on it is pretty intriguing and fresh. His worldbuilding is very developed, it's been a long time since I saw something this well-thought-out and constructed in the first book of a series. Both are commendable.

THE SPOILER-Y THINGS I'M NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT
So, the things I most want to discuss about this book are all things that are either spoilers or I'd have to spoil something to talk about. Which is pretty annoying. A couple of examples:

There's someone I fully expected to develop and/or reveal magic abilities from the moment we meet them up until the point it's clear that won't happen. I'm happy that Slayton zagged there when I was waiting for him to zig. Also, I thought the way he pulled it off was really well done.

There's a supernatural being that we're introduced to—but don't really get to see at work. I've seen this type in multiple TV series and books over the years. I've never, ever, ever, ever found it done successfully. Most of the time, I want to throw a shoe at the TV or the book across the room (timing has denied me the temptation to hurl one of these books at a fitting TV show—probably saving me from having to replace something). Slayton's approach just might be the exception to the rule. It has good potential, but it'll take at least one more book to know this for sure.

THE THINGS THAT FRUSTRATED ME
The fact that the most interesting part of the book (see above) was the least developed and explored. One honest conversation—or even a half-way honest conversation that gets cut off shortly before it finishes—and we could've seen some really strong development in these two as people and their relationship. Sure, it's probably realistic that we didn't get it. It's a narrative choice to push it further to help with tension. I see and accept that, too. I can probably come up with a couple of other reasons to not give the reader that. That doesn't mean I wasn't frustrated by not getting it. It's just not anything to hold against the book.

The romance on the other hand? Yeah, I think I'm going to. I've seen some references to it being a triangle (which would be reason enough to not be interested), but I think it's more of someone not letting go of something that's over than it is a viable option. On the other hand—the viable option . . . how do I say this? Adam himself wonders if it's an organic, natural interest in each other, or if it's magically-induced. I think the text is pretty clear that it's the latter. Which makes it less a love story and more of two people coming to accept something that's a fait accompli (even if they're both not aware that's the case).

Lastly, the way the book ends—both in stopping The Big Bad and launching into the second novel. I'm not complaining about what happens, just the way that Slayton told it. It felt to me* like as Slatyon's gearing up to start the endgame portion of the novel, he's continuing to plant the seeds for the second book/an ongoing arc that takes more than just two books to resolve, and gets so interested in that arc that he rushed the final 25-30% (or so) of the novel so he could get on to writing the stuff he was really interested in.

I was reading a hard copy, so I knew exactly how many pages were left in the novel, and my reaction was still, “Wait, what? That's it?”

* I want to stress that I don't think Slayton actually did this, it just felt like it.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHITE TRASH WARLOCK?
At this point, it may sound like I'm down on the novel. I'm not. As I've noted before, it takes more words to talk about a problem/frustration than it does to say something complimentary. Which really bothers me, but such is language, I guess. “The way that __ hides among the humans and gets Adam the access to __ that he needs to figure things out is pretty entertaining and cleverly done.” Especially without filling in those blanks, it's hard to make that as large as the paragraph about the love story.

I liked the book. I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I didn't like it as much as many other people did, based on the blog posts I've read since I finished. But I liked it.

I'm also plenty curious as to what happens next and I'm curious about Slayton's development as a writer—does he figure out a better way to pace a novel and to wrap things up? (I'm betting he does). I liked the world he set up and the magic system (systems?) at work, and would like to see them both explored more—I really want to see more Guardians. There's a rawness to the writing that makes it feel more natural than a lot of UF. There's a brokenness—as well as a resiliency—to the characters that is compelling and draws you in. There's nothing but potential for growth here and the series has a strong foundation.

I kept flashing back to last year's Burn the Dark while reading this, they seem to come from a similar place and have a similar aesthetic. I'm glad to see Urban Fantasy like this (I'm sure there are precursors that I'm not thinking of at the moment), it makes me think that the genre is going to stay interesting.







My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

White Trash Warlock is a hell of a good urban fantasy that stands heads above most stories in the genre. If you are looking for a story that incorporates realistic characters, good pacing, an exciting magic system, and LGBTQIA representation. This is the book for you.

“People aren't less just because they don't live the way you do.”

“I didn't say that,” Robert said.

“You think it,” Adam said. “You think we're all trash because we don't have nice cars and ugly houses. Life isn't just about money.”

I am someone who has read extensively in urban fantasy. It had been my choice genre until about three years ago when I became more interested in dark fantasy and graphic novels. I have read hundreds upon hundreds of books in the genre. Many follow a very formulaic structure. The main character is plucky but down on their luck, or they probably do investigations of some sort and are either a wizard, warlock, or witch. Sometimes even a druid like in the great Kevin Hearne novels, The Iron Druid Chronicles. Plot-wise, there is a massive problem with the protagonist's city or family. Usually, a big baddie comes to kill magic practitioners or the protagonist's family and friends. Or protagonist must go through some transformation and become something else. It can be formulaic, but I don't mind that. It is part of the joy of the genre; not every author has to reinvent the wheel to tell an engaging and thought-provoking story. I bring this up because while White Trash Warlock does have some of the genre's more formulaic tropes and tendencies. i.e., a big bad boss that only the protagonist can kill, but at no time when reading White Trash Warlock did I feel it was stale. Quite the contrary, Slayton took some formulaic tropes and twisted them around a bit. He made something that could be an old hat, exciting.

The plot of the story rolls out thus. Adam Binder is a sensitive man. Sensitive in being able to feel the energies of the paranormal. He has a gift or a curse, depending on how you view it. This sensitivity rules his life, and he tries to work around it; he is often overwhelmed by the energies and feelings of masses of people. “Adam Binder hasn't spoken to his brother in years, not since Bobby had him committed to a psych ward for hearing voices.” Being committed causes great turmoil between Bobby and Adam, as it should. Something dark and murderous possesses Bobby's wife, Adam comes to Colorado from rural Oklahoma to see if he can help. This dark thing that is infecting people in the city is a power unlike anything Adam has ever seen, and to survive, he must call on energies above his paygrade. Plus, there is a great love triangle and banter with immortals of all sorts.

“He wants to help you. It's okay to ask for things, Adam. It's okay to need or want things for yourself.”

Adam is brash and egotistical at times, but at other times he is calm and broken. The author does an excellent job of walking the line of not being too much of either quality. It adds authenticity to Adam's character. Furthermore, Adam and his brother Robert's backstory and family drama are infinitely more in-depth than the usual passing mention of a troubled past. Their pasts have defined who they are. It shows in the way they talk and interact with each other. I connected with these characters in ways that I did not from authors like Laurell K. Hamilton or Jim Butcher's urban fantasy. We learn about the backstory of the main characters Anita and Dresden in those series, but it takes a lot of time and books to make the connection that White Trash Warlock sought to make right away. That makes White Trash Warlock stand above its contemporaries in the urban fantasy genre.

The pacing of the tale is smooth, with action and bits of horror in all the right spots. My only complaint about the story was it was too short. I wanted more from author David Slayton. Not a bad complaint to have, and I am desperately hoping for a sequel as the story ends in the perfect spot to jump into another book.

“Bobby gripped his fork. “I just want you to be happy, Adam, to be-“

“Normal. I know,” Adam said, trying to keep calm. “But I'm not normal, Bobby. And I don't want to be. Stop trying to fix me.”

Also, author David Slayton wrote and is essential to mention that Adam Binder lives in a state of food insecurity. It is quite the contrast to his brother Bobby, a doctor who lives a very fluffy life in a big house where he never has to worry about what he will eat next. Adam also has been witness to and been the victim of domestic violence. Adam is also gay and has faced discrimination from his family. All of these aspects of Adam's life enhance Adam's character and give it, again, authenticity. None of the writing that Slayton did regarding these aspects of Adam's life come off preachy or forced. It feels like Slayton touched on all these things with great sensitivity and understanding.

So, if you dig urban fantasy that is deep, well written. It has excellent characters, pacing, and plot, and an authentic lead protagonist White Trash Warlock is for you. It is a hell of a good book.

Growing up is difficult for many. Growing up poor worsens it. Adam Lee Binder is Oklahoma trailer trash. The low class of society, which most don't give a fuck about. Adam has been able use the Sight to see the other side; the spirit realm and other planes since he was a child and it happened frequently growing older and to every day in his teens. This causes strain on his family resulting in tense relationships. His own brother and mom locked him up in a psychiatric facility, which they think was good for him. It wasn't. Years have passed and college aged Adam is flung back into his estranged older brother's life. He has to save his possessed sister in law. Lives are at stake and his life will never be the same.

Urban fantasy often has middle to upper class protagonists. This is extremely prevalent in YA. You rarely see rural , lower class or poor protagonists in adult and YA urban fantasy. And queer and this case gay protagonists even less. I love how Adam's social and financial situation colored this book. Slayton crafted a highly traumatized young man with a past who perservers and tries to remain kind. Adam really is a cinnamon roll but boy is he broken. You feel for Adam , want to hug him and say everything will be okay. I immediately liked him on page one and fell more in love chapter by chapter.

Every queer experience is unique and every person is different. Adam is real and was real reading his story. I love how Adam felt like a real guy, had sexual urges but wasn't a horndog. He's fully fleshed person. I would be his friend no doubt. You feel that Slayton cares for every character he created. From smaller to more important.


Every being Adam encountered had a life when they were off and on the page. You jump into action from the get go. Every character is important and helps reveal the story or is revealed throughout the book. The pace slows down at parts to help build character but is never boring and always important.


The love story between Adam and his lover past and present builds organically. You understand why they are a thing. And why Adam has doubts with both because of things and power beyond his control. I love how Adam is low powered. This means winning and defeating his enemies won't be easy. Adam being over powered is less of a thing.Adam has to work with other beings to get things done. Beings that are sneaky. Don't mess with the Fae is all I'm saying. I adore Argent and Silver , high fae , who are maybe or not friends. Magic has a price and Adam really pays for it. I know he will grow stronger, build stronger relationships and heal. Be less broken in his story. I'm in for the ride and thank you Slayton for creating Adam Lee Binder.


Cover talk: It is standard with urban fantasy to have the lead or leads on the cover. I expected it but change is good. I still love the first mentioned cover style. The green and purple fit perfect together. It depicts a scene and I'm looking forward what will depicted the following books