White Trash Warlock (The Adam Binder Novels #1)

Its interestingdespite my abiding love of fantasy, and though you could, perhaps, characterize the greatest movie ever made (okay, well, my favorite movie of all time, anyway)that would be Ghostbusters, for those of you havent been paying attentionas urban fantasy, I have not read especially deeply into that particular (sub)genre. And, to the extent that I have, its been forays into stories more like the brilliant The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep than, say, the works of Laurell K. Hamilton or Jim Butcher.

So, I cant say for sure whether Slaytons debut is typical of the genre, though given that the book bounces betwixt the backwoods of rural Oklahoma and more traditionally urban environs in Colorado, it may be more accurate to call it rurban fantasy (I would say urbal fantasy, but, aurally speaking, that implies the ingestion of substances unnecessary for the enjoyment of this tale). I can say, however, that its absolutely fantastic.

Slayton pulls off the exceedingly difficult feat of smoothly integrating the fantastical elements of his world into the real world, creating a cast of complex and compelling characters (not to mention one heck of a love triangle), devising an engaging magic system, and spooling out plot at just the right pace. Despite ending at just the right spot for the story, the book ended far too quickly for my liking. I want more, dammit, and, thankfully, Slayton will fulfill that wish with subsequent sequels.

If you dig fantasy thats down-to-earth but epic in scope, characters who are flawed but fascinating, and smooth prose that drives the story forward without distracting from it, White Trash Warlock is well worth a read. If you dont like those things, I mean, what even are you?

One other thing worth noting, because its something I love about the inclusiveness of fantasy as a genre (warning: Im about to get all soapboxy). Im a privileged straight white guy who grew up middle class in the suburbs. My family never faced food insecurity. I never witnessed domestic violence. And, Ive never faced the heartache and discrimination of being LGBTQ+ (or in any other underrepresented group) in a family or society that distances itself from, disrespects, or otherwise dehumanizes anyone who doesnt conform to whatever that family/society considers acceptable.

But, reading about characters whose lived experiences differ so greatly from mine didnt diminish my enjoyment of the story in the slightest. On the contrary, it enhanced it, offered me new insight, and reminded me yet again that when we forge a bond through a shared love or passion for somethingfantasy stories, in this casewe can bring our truest and most authentic selves to the table and raise the level of enjoyment and engagement for everyone. Okay, Im off my soapbox now.

Bottom line: this is a heck of an entertaining yarn. Bring on the sequel!

This book was a surprise of the very best kind and Im in absolute awe of the world-building. Its hands down the most original story Ive read in a long time. Its gritty and harsh, but at the same time its all magic and limitless possibilities.

Its not often I get the feeling of stepping into a whole new universe when immersing myself in a story. Sure, each book is a small world of its own, but the imperative word there is small. And theres nothing small about White Trash Warlock.

White Trash Warlock is hard to describe. Maybe because its such an original story within such an original world. There are all these parallel worlds/planes inhabited by different (magical) beings. And Adam, with his limited ability, can pass through to one of them. This setting pretty much makes anything possible which is awesome. Theres simply no way of knowing what will happen next and I love it.

The story is very plot-driven. Even though theres this angst-filled backdrop with Adam having been betrayed by both his family and his lover, the emotional drama is mostly pushed aside by back-to-back action. Usually, I prefer character-driven stories, but I still fell completely in love with this read.

This isnt a romance set in a supernatural universe (unfortunately since Im all about the love). This is a fantasy with a small side order of romance. I would have liked more focus on Adams romantic relationship(s) past and present. But Ill take what I can get and Ill be more than happy with it. But the fact that nothing was really concluded in this book left me a bit itchy. Its not a cliff-hanger per se, the direct plot with the possession was resolved, but all the good stuff, the relationship between the brothers, the former lover and the present prospect, it was all left hanging in the air.

Buuut This is the start of a series so I guess its par for the course. And I can tell from this first installment that this series will be an epic one.

So, I cant recommend this book highly enough. Its just brilliant.

I am always on the lookout for LGBT urban fantasy (surprisingly hard to find) and I am so excited WHITE TRASH WARLOCK is the first in a series. I fell in love with the main character Adam from the first chapter. His older brother Bobby gets a few POV chapters and while it took me longer to symptathize with him, it was worth it in the end. The spirit world where the elves live was a refreshing new spin on the “fae otherworld.” There were other magical creatures like gnomes and leprechauns. The development of the romance between Adam and the love interest was unique; there was magic involved which in some ways sped up their feelings for each other, but at the same time it was really nice to see Adam interacting with another person in such a wholesome, positive manner when Adam’s own family is crappy to him most of the time.

TW: homophobia, child abuse (backstory)

I read this one day. That is not something I often do anymore. The only fault I can think of is that it just came out, so I cant immediately move on to the next book. The characters fleshed out and engaging, even the ones we only meet briefly. The world is rich and full, and well conveyed without clunky exposition. I felt immersed without ever feeling lost. The relationships feel real and natural. A great book to get sucked into, and I cant wait for the next one. This is an author Im keeping my eye on!

White Trash Warlock is the gay, Southern American response to traditional real-world fantasy books. Theres no cupboard under the stairs, magical school, or fated (probably straight) romance. Instead, Adam lives in a trailer park, spent his teenage years in a psych ward, and the closest hes had to a love interest is a handsome elf who disappeared without explanation.

But more than a unique urban fantasy with a Southern flair, White Trash Warlock has a touch of horror, mystery, and m/m romance. I couldnt help but think this book is also a rather personal story, with moments of comedy, sorrow, and personal growth.

Adam is a likeable and relatable protagonist, full of good intentions while also battling his own, less literal demons. He has a complicated family dynamic to deal with: his brother and mother admitted him to a psychiatric facility for hearing voices as a teenager, despite being more or less aware of the existence of magic. While there is a pleasant absence of homophobia in the story, Slayton explores Adams feelings of being an outsider through his magical abilities and the beliefs of his family, which I think a lot of LGBT folk and people in general can relate to. I loved seeing Adams relationships and sense of self-worth evolve throughout the story.

Slaytons magical realm is a hodgepodge of mythological creatures and spirits, loosely governed by Guardian towers that are tethered to the corporeal world. Adam visits the other side a few times throughout the book, however it feels like Slayton still has much to reveal.

White Trash Warlock is a unique and inclusive fantasy story with unpredictable surprises and a nicely constructed climax. Its the first instalment in The Adam Binder Novels, which Ill definitely be keeping up with for as long as Slayter writes them.

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