Find the Jinn

Woah, that was a wild ride. So much fun, if somewhat weird and gory. Perfect for Halloween. Let's get this out of the way first, this isn't a romance. Or it isn't a romance yet. It's book one of three and there are threads of 2 or possibly 3 potential end game romances but I'm not clear where it's going yet. I'd like it to include Zane, either Dallas/Zane or Dallas/Zane/Sias. Told 1st person from Dallas' pov, this was a blast. Dallas is a complicated character and I think he is hiding some pretty big reveals from the reader (and Zane) regarding his past. Zane was my favourite character by far. How the the undead Thrall was the most human of them all is a testament to how screwed up the other characters were. Can't wait for the next book.

Well, that was completely non-stop fun! From the very first scene of Find the Jinn, Maz Maddox doesn't stop with the creative characters and their zany interactions. All manner of paranormals, with a vast variety of abilities make for a very enjoyable listen. Kirt Graves executes a marvelous performance in the audio edition of Find the Jinn. His dry delivery is the perfect complement to Maddox's wacky sense of humor. Lovely!

A Joyfully Jay review. Story: 4.25⭐️ Audio: 4.25⭐️ Dallas Wilde is a chaotic, somewhat charming asshole (with a bit of a death wish and danger kink) who drowns his traumatic past under bad decisions, sex, and altering substances. When he takes out a powerful necromancer, Dallas inherits necromancy powers and a vampire Thrall bodyguard named Zane; given the horrific glimpses into his past and how much Dallas DESPISES necromancers and vampires, acquiring necromancy powers and being bonded to a vampire is rage inducing, nightmare fuel. Neither man is thrilled by the new arrangement, but Dallas can’t worry about it because he’s been hired by his incubus client/f*ck buddy, Sias Llon’nai, to kill the jinn who crossed him. As good as he is at killing and quick thinking, Dallas is impulsive and finds trouble no matter what he’s doing. He also hates dealing with unpleasantness, so instead of listening to Zane and learning about his new powers, he only takes in information when it’s pretty much life or death—a dangerous habit when finding the jinn turns deadly. Find the Jinn is fast-paced and wild fun with a complicated main character and fascinating potential. Dallas is an hunter turned assassin-cum fish trainer who bit off more than he could chew when he killed an extremely powerful necromancer. When powerful necromancers are killed, their abilities are only returned to the void from which they arise when the proper rituals are done; otherwise, they transfer to whoever killed the necromancer, fine print Dallas failed to read. Dallas is his own worst enemy and is as infuriating as he is interesting. The only connection Dallas allows himself is with his best friend Kevin—the beta fish. He’s allergic to deep emotion and runs away from the emotional and/or complicated faster than Usain Bolt. Being unable to run away from his bond with Zane and his nightmares being on a hair trigger makes him even more reckless and avoidant, and Zane is forced to save him from himself many times. As a Thrall, Zane was created from the void centuries ago for the sole purpose of guarding his necromancer masters and has only known servitude. So despite being stuck protecting the hunter he was doing his best to kill the day before and who has no regard for his personal safety, Zane is level-headed, rational, and accepting, though his more measured grumpiness and resignation in the face of such a disturbing situation may stem more from being a slave rather than his personality. Given the fast pace, the story being in first person from Dallas’ POV, and Dallas’ hatred of vampires, the reader doesn’t learn much about Zane (other than that he is extraordinarily long-suffering), but like with many of the characters, there are glimpses of compassion and softness (and a fondness for a rat-shaped kitten) under the external hardness constantly on show in this world. The world building is solid urban fantasy with humans and demons living together and deities being the source of power and magic. The demons have magic based on their species and some humans are magic practitioners as well. Vampires are thought to be extinct, though I have to wonder if it’s a concerted government effort to keep that myth alive, as the necromancer Dallas killed had plenty of bloodthirsty, mindless vampires known as Grunts and at least one cop was attacked and almost turned by one. As the action takes place over the span of a few days, the pacing is breakneck, but there is plenty of Dallas interacting with the world to get a good feel for the setting, secondary characters, and how Dallas navigates his life. The turmoil caused by Dallas’ history, the whispers of sadistic pleasure from Dallas’ necromantic powers and bond with Zane, as well as the unexpected and unwanted arousal that occurs when feeding Zane are fascinating (and will hopefully have more space to be explored in the next book). Additionally, Dallas’ nascent feelings for Sias and hints that Sias cares about Dallas are intriguing. From Dallas’ perspective, the pair have a straightforward sex and assassinations relationship, and Dallas doesn’t know what to do with the idea that he or Sias may actually care about one another and he is very Scarlett O’Hara about it all. Romance isn’t the focus and, as there are no couples/triads established in the story, there isn’t an HFN, but the promise for more is there. This whirlwind of chaos and Maddox’s cheeky, dark humor are captured well by Kirt Graves’ narration. Since Dallas does his best to not do emotions and most of the characters are just as guarded and unfazed, there isn’t much on display, but Graves makes the most of what Dallas shows behinds his laissez-faire attitude, Zane’s stoicism, and Sais’ cultured coolness. I commiserated with every “you’re an idiot/child” Zane uttered and the moments of emotional realness and vulnerability from Dallas and other characters. I look forward to seeing where their next adventure takes them and listening to Graves’ performance of the mayhem.

Finding the Jinn is the first book in the Wilde Contracts series. I loved this book and thought it was a unique take on the vampire/necromancy lore. There was a point in the book where I thought some secondary characters who made a brief appearance must have a story somewhere, and to my delight I found out that there’s a short prequel novella to this series that I’m going to read soon. The world building is really interesting. Like I mentioned earlier, the author had a unique take on vampires and I think it’s really fascinating. I enjoyed all the characters and the plot was fun and fast paced with Maz Maddox’s signature humor and zaniness. Although the steam is high in this book, this feels like a slow burn romance that’s a bit unconventional. I really like the set up for the romance, but it may not be to everyone’s taste. This has to be one of my favorite Maz Maddox books. Kirt Graves does a wonderful job with the audiobook narration. I love how he brought the characters to life. The audiobook production was well done.

This was surprisingly fun! The humor throughout this worked for me; it was dark and dry, which is always a good time. Vampire bodyguard and assassin who, gasp, inadvertently becomes bonded to the creature he kills. The bantering and bickering of the two of them binded to each other really did add to the story. Warning to romance readers: the lead MC has explicit sex with multiple other people throughout this book, and this appears to be a slow burn and mystery of who the actual LI will be. No HFN or HEA at the moment. The plotline and shenanigans in this are entertaining enough that the lack of romance worked, if that makes any sense. There's some murder, some incubus's, horny magic, and a fish named Kevin who is beloved by his owner. Lots of sass, plenty of bickering, an assassin who says whatever is on his mind. Kirt Graves did an excellent job narrating. It takes a bit of skill to make bickering with yourself sound realistic and humorous.

Hilarious MM Paranormal Where do I begin? Quirky, funny and such a great listen/read. Dallas Wilde, the contract killer, gets a contract to kill a necromancer; he said the necromancer had a tie to a vampire, which transfers to Dallas after he kills his target. Life from there gets more entertaining. I can't wait for the next book in the series, as there has to be more. I highly recommend it. The narration by Kirt Graves was on point, with great voices and was very easy to listen to; I did speed up to 1.30 on Audiobooks.com Find the Jinn Wilde Contracts Series, Book 1 By: Maz Maddox Narrated by: Kirt Graves Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins ❤❤❤❤❤ Overall

WoW! I absofreakinglutely loved it! I’m very much reminded of how I felt when I first read Smash & Grab. Maz knows how to pull a reader into the story and keep their interest until the very last word. I have no idea where Dallas is headed next and I cannot wait to see where this Wilde ride ends. *snickers* I laughed at Dallas’s antics, I cried at Kevin’s harrowing experience, and I loved Zane and Sias as well. I really hope three certain “people” get together eventually. Editing to add that I listened to the audiobook and fell in love all over again. Kirt’s narration is awesome. Highly recommend. I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Kirt Graves narration is perfect for Dallas's character. It has that laid back vibe but it also fully aware of the danger that he's constantly in. Excellent narration that really brought the story to life. So, this has to be one of the stranger books that I've read, purely because there's so much to take in and the world building isn't fully formed before we go off on a crazy journey with a human turned necromancer and his inherited vampire Thrall. Dallas does not have his life together. That's my main impression but it's admirable the way he determinedly puts one foot in front of the other to solve his case so he can get paid, pay his overdue rent and buy more toys for his hunting arsenal. I very much love his 'friendship' with Kevin, weird but oddly touching. When he discovers that he has a vampire Thrall basically attached to him, it's not great. I'm guessing he has bad history there but there's very little information given there, something I hope we get more of in the next book. Their relationship definitely starts out as enemies and slowly meanders its way to frenemies. Dallas isn't all that nice to Zane and I mostly felt sorry for the guy having to put up with Dallas, hopefully things improve there as they work more together and develop the bond that they unknowingly went into. Sias seems to be an important character to Dallas. An incubus who he has a standing arrangement with with possibly more happening there that Dallas realises. I'm would be very interested in an occasional POV from Sias and Zane to see what they think of Dallas and everything that goes on. The mystery aspect is quite interesting with how they move from one clue to the other, often using illegal sources/ methods to get information. It brought the three men to work together which was fun in the end, all showing off their sparkling personalities but you can see potential there. It did take me a while to get into the story. I think, because we dive straight into an action scene before another and then another, with no building up of the world that has been created - is it supernatural, dystopian, urban fantasy etc and who knows what about who? I'm interested to read book two to see how the relationships develop between all of the characters involved.

I am a huge Kirt Graves fan and his takes on Dallas, Zane and Sias are awesome! Dallas might be my new favorite character. He is wonderfully irreverent and much more complex than he wants to be. Slow burn romances are not always my thing. Patience is not my best virtue, but is the romance is slow this story is not. It did not stop and I am in desperate need for book two. Also, don't let it fool you... there are plenty of burn up the pages moments.

4 stars for the narrator Kirt Graves is one of my top fav narrators you can always rely on him to deliver a solid performance. I do think a few of the voices were a little too similar but his delivery was smooth. 3 stars for the story Dallas Wilde is an assassin. He has been hired by Sias to find and kill a Jinn who has done him wrong. Dallas runs into a lot of issues, including dealing with a thrall he has managed to tie to him. Overall it was an ok read. I did feel like I was thrown into a book already a few chapters in. Looks likes there is a short before this one. I think it needs to be read but I didn't see it available anywhere. When we enter this book there's a lot going on and it feels like maybe the other books has more about who Dallas Wilde is. Maybe this is the reason for my disconnect with him. I don't understand his story and why he is the way he is. I didn't find him to be a likable. Also, for a hired assassin he seemed to run into a lot of problems that always left him with bruises. My biggest niggle that I had though was with something being tagged as MM Romance but there being absolutely no romance in it. Dallas basically pops a boner for anyone he finds hot. The closest personal connection he has is with his pet fish Kevin. So yeah, no romance will be found in this book. The best character was Zane. He is worth coming back for more. I'd love to find out more about him. I did like the world the author introduced. The connection with him and Dallas and how it all works is the most intriguing part of the story. Basically give me everything Zane

Why am I just now finding this author?! He is pure genius mixed with humor and originality! His characters were entertaining, even Kevin’s feisty little self. And, the plot!! I normally don’t like paranormal, but Maz gained a fan. Kirt Graves does a masterly job bringing each character to life, on his own, with numerous personalities. I was taken aback with his remarkable performance, his ability to noticeably differentiate between every person, giving them their own unique voice. Now, I have to admit, that semi-orgy was perfection at its finest! Dallas and Sias’ chemistry was enough to entice anyone, adding in Zane’s bloodsucking euphemism, and we have an intense, passionate smut scene!! Although, I must admit I was kind of bummed that the building sexual tension between a baby necromancer and his personal tethered vampire hasn’t progressed, but there’s still ample opportunity for a connection to occur.

I got sucked into this book from the very first words. Dallas is a little bit crazy! Eh, maybe a lot crazy. But it makes for a great book. The whole scene leading up to the necromancer made me laugh so hard. Dallas doesn’t really know what to make of his situation but he knows he has a job to do. I laughed so much with these characters. Poor Dallas can’t seem to catch a break and his “bodyguard” would rather fight him than protect him. I have decided that I love Zane. Also, who knew fish had such attitude? I have definitely settled in for the long haul. I can’t wait to see where this one goes. I also adore Kirt Graves!!! He does such an amazing job when he narrates a book. I really enjoyed listening to this.