"I see you," I murmured, once he let me speak again. "And I love what I see. More than I would ever have thought possible." 
 It's amazing that eight books and four shorts into the Whyborne and Griffin series, I'M still so into it. I've been taking my sweet time reading this series because I like the comfort of knowing that another book awaits me. And that I will get completely, thoroughly, utterly lost in it. 
 This series has it all. 
 Humor: IN SPADES. Christine's one (sometimes two) liners slay me. So do Whyborne's snark and hilarious (sometimes unintentionally so) anti-social musings and meanderings. 
 Adventure: Whether we're getting rough and rugged in Alaska or gliding through a glittering ballroom in wonderfully creepy Widdershins, there is much suspense to be found. 
 History: I love historicals but kinda sorta got tired of Regency England (surprise, surprise). I really appreciate how Hawk intersperses bits and pieces about archaeology, linguistics, and life in turn-of-the-century America. 
 Mystery: The twists and turns keep me glued to the page. Even when you know the villain, you're on the edge of your seat. 
 Magic: Whether it's the spells or sea creatures, the world-building is rich and unique. It doesn't get muddied or messy, which often happens in long-running series. Whether Hawk planned this all from the very beginning (in which case, GEESH and KUDOS) or makes it up on the fly, it works. 
 Romance: Whyborne and Griffin are endearing and enduring. An unlikely pairing that, in actuality, couldn't be more likely. And they are STILL steaming up my Kindle. I appreciate that they have the occasional insecurities and hesitations yet remain unquestioningly devoted and loyal to one another. 
 Throwing in with my fellow reviewers who miss the old Whyborne cover model. Lordy, he was effing pretty and perfect and exactly how I imagined him. I don't feel like they've ever "gotten" Griffin, though. The old model looked like Peter Dinklage and while I enjoy him as an actor, he isn't exactly what I pictured. New model isn't it, either. Oh well. 
 Inching closer to a read of Draakenwood, but I'm still not ready to have no W&G books on the horizon.