An Unnatural Vice

A Book Review

Impressions

My first time reading this author, and I am going back to the well. Her descriptive language pulled me into the world of a London that has fascinated me. This is a view of the raw, unvarnished realities of a time when monochrome morality was worsened by pollution, leaden fog, and “poor houses”.  I am in London. Slipping and sliding on fog-wet pavers and stepping onto high kerbs.

This writing developed beautifully with its careful transition to faith fulfillment and an unrepentant love between two men who are polar opposites.

Seduction

“The sane, sensible, lawyer part of Nathaniel’s mind was screaming Danger! But it was being drowned out by the blood pounding in his ears. Lazarus’s slightly parted lips, those wicked eyes, the scruffy half-grown beard, all of those were making his mouth dry, but it was the sheer unrelenting will of the man opposite him that was turning attraction into urgent need.” – An Unnatural Vice

Halfway through the read, and my favorite character is Justin Lazarus. His seduction of Nathaniel is haunting. Justin’s jaunty arrogance that belies self-hate and extreme cynicism, for me, was heart-stealing. It seems Nathaniel’s notice of the charlatan’s unusual and perhaps uncanny good looks begins this tale of love and self-discovery. This was a story that began in a drawing room on Hanging Sword Alley, and it began nicely for me.

It is one thing to include the jargon of the period and culture, and another thing entirely to weave it into the reading in ways that add ambiance. It is wonderful to receive an education while being seduced by the book's covers.

Of course, this is also a tale that never seems to grow old, the seemingly endless breach between the obstinacy of conservative ideologies versus the preachers of neo-progression

Story/Plot/Conflict

Something is definitely afoot when bodies are showing up at his friend’s door, and family heads are mysteriously committing suicide. Of course, it’s in Victorian England where upstanding people do these things when scandal knocks at the door. But the wealthy journalist and family friend Nathaniel decides to right the wrongs and, in the process, finds his world reshaped.

He must obtain the assistance of the London Seer.  Born of the gutter and abandoned at birth, Justin Lazarus is a self-made man who profits as an unapologetic liar and cheat. Preying on the lonely and bereft, he enters Nathaniel Roy’s life. Antagonism, mutual want, and uncontrolled passions change them both…but at what cost?

My Main Characterizations

Nathaniel Roy (Nathan Royston). He is rich, powerful, large in stature, and filled to the brim with conservatism. Nathaniel felt only contempt for this charlatan who would use the pain of others’ loss as a tool to extort money.  But his empty heart is rapidly filling with the scent of Justin.

Justin Lazarus, slight of build with uncanny grey eyes, exemplifies how a man coming of age in the wretched slums can find his own path to fame and riches. Unapologetic love allows him to escape self-destruction and discover self-worth.

Critiques

Put simply…this is good stuff and a good read. Thank you, K.J. Charles