Tag Archives: Magic

Gone with the Witch by Annette Blair

Overview
Image result for book cover gone with the witch annette blair

Title: Gone with the Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Triplet Witch Trilogy #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Dates read: 6th – 15th February 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: “Sounded like a great party.”

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Synopsis

The Cartwright triplets – harmony, Destiny, and Storm – are psychic sirens who use their magic for good and their looks for seduction…

Shelter…
Beautiful bad girl Storm Cartwright can be charming when she wants to be. So when she hears the sound of a baby crying every time she’s near Aiden McCloud, she turns on the charm. Because she’s sure the weeping means a child is in need – and that the handsome antiques restorer is the key to finding that helpless child…

…In a Storm.
From the start, Aiden is attracted to Storm. Yet this gorgeous goth girl wont’ stop talking baby nonsense. then Storm sets up a seductive trap, kidnapping him in his very own RV! While Storm follows the sound of the cries, something magical starts happening between her and Aiden. But can they keep the magic alive once Storm finally finds what she’s looking for?

Thoughts

Absolutely adore the idea of having triplets which each have a power in the past, present and future. For Storm, her knowledge and power in the present finally come into use in this story. And I loved it. The ability to track down and save children in danger is kind of amazing. And I love that although she’s completely wrapped up in the present, moments of her past are highlighted as she struggles to find her happily ever after.

Although I really adored this story, it did take me a little while to get into it. Unlike Sex and the Psychic Witch, this didn’t really jump off to an insanely quick start. Probably a little bit insane though… considering it starts with Storm kidnapping Aiden and taking him on an adventure that he is completely not expecting. Still, it didn’t sweep me up like the first book of this series. About six chapters in, it suddenly took off and I was swept away.

Both Aiden and Storm have weird little hang ups in this tale. Although I just found Aiden’s weird. I completely got where Storm was coming from with some of her reluctance. Aiden on the other hand, it felt like he just subscribed to the whole idea of commitment-phobe. Without actually having some serious history which led him to that. I may just be being a little judgy though…

I absolutely adored the ending of this story. Not only are Aiden and Storm close to her sisters (I can’t imagine the triplet being separated), but Storm has also found the children she wanted to rescue. Plus, there is this whole team of psychics who choose to give their time to the finding and rescuing of lost children… of all kinds.

 <- Sex and the Psychic Witch ReviewNever Been Witched Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

Overview
Image result for book cover sex and the psychic witch

Title: Sex and the Psychic Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Triplet Witch Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Dates read: 1st – 5th February 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Paxton started his jet-powered Eurocopter and winked.

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Synopsis

Introducing the Cartwright sisters – Harmony, Destiny, and Storm – triplets and unstoppable psychic seductresses…

She could touch the past…
As the buyer for her sister’s vintage curio shop, Harmony finds her job a challenge, since she has the ability to read objects and learn things about their former owners – even their deepest, darkest secrets. Now, a Celtic ring depicting a man’s empty embrace has led her to the Paxton castle on the coast of Salem, Massachusetts.

He needed her presence…
King Paxton has inherited a haunted money pit of a castle. He must get rid of it before he’s cursed with the same bad luck that has plagued his family for generations. But out of nowhere, a leggy blonde walks in and stop construction, insisting that a witch haunts the place. What Harmony finds is an angry ghost, a disgruntled renovation crew, and a man who could use a harmonic convergence…

Thoughts

Annette Blair is one of those authors that just writes some incredibly sweet, cute, easy readers. And I always forget how much I love her work until the next time I pick up a novel. Sex and the Psychic Witch has a little more sass than her Accidental Witch Trilogy. But in the best way possible – I love Harmony’s ability to stand up for herself in spite of everything she’s put up against.

There is something fun and mystical about twins and triplets, particularly triplets since there is the Triple Aspect of the Goddess and all… but I don’t get to read about them much in my many, many books. I love that this is a trilogy based solely on a set of triplets, each finding their own way to a happily ever after and love. Plus, you can already tell who they’re each going to pair up with. And I do really love the fact that they’re each going to end up with a man who is in his own trio-friendship. It works beautifully – I know that my sister’s eventual partner is going to have to make friends with mine, and I can’t imagine that extra connectivity of being a triplet.

Harmony is an absolute spitfire. I love her penchant for ironic tees. Her ability to give King the message loud and clear, according to what she wears and find a way to hold onto her own identity. Even when she’s being partnered with a man who is ramrod straight, domineering and unwilling to yield. Plus, there’s the whole added complication of an angry ghost.

Sex and the Psychic Witch is a great little love story. But, what I love even more is the fact that there is a supernatural mayday. The preceding trilogy, Accidental Witch Trilogy touched on witchcraft, but it didn’t really use it as a major storyline. This trilogy is going to be quite different, probably because the triplets actually embrace their powers and find a way to work it into their daily lives.

 <- The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe ReviewGone with the Witch Review ->

Image source: Amazon

To Become a Sorcerer by Darrell Schweitzer

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: To Become a Sorcerer
Author: Darrell Schweitzer
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1991
5th sentence, 74th page: There was little to do that night.

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Synopsis

His Dad was a sorcerer, so how did he become one? And what will it take to make his son walk in his footsteps?

Thoughts

There are four acts to this story. Or chapters. But, to me, they kind of read like the more traditional acts used in the telling of a story.

The first act is all about losing family. About having that love and losing it. About the confusion that this brings along for a young child.

The second act talks more about sorcery. About being set on the path towards sorcery and the journey that that takes you on.

The third act, is really about going into the belly of the beast. Specifically, it’s about actually succumbing to the need for power and going on a journey into sorcery.

Finally, the fourth and final act is the epic battle in which all secrets and plans are revealed.

I enjoyed this unique set up and journey. And I would love to see how this was formed into a full-length novel.

<- Seven Drops of BloodNo. 252 Rue M. le Prince ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Master of Chaos by Michael Moorcock

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: Master of Chaos
Author: Michael Moorcock
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Magic
Dates read: 8th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1964
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ll try this, lady.”

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Synopsis

He is the conqueror of lands. The sword of the Queen. But even this castle and its mistress might be too much for the newly appointed Master of Chaos.

Thoughts

When I think of dark fantasy, I think of some incredibly twisty, crazy stories. Ones that have a sense of darkness that you can’t shake. Yet, this story didn’t quite have that feeling of darkness. It was a little bit more light and entertaining. With just a hint of darkness behind the storyline. I love that it’s a story which features trickery as the central battle. One that wins the day in the end.

This story features a castle which protects itself from invaders and conquerors. Just by showing someone their greatest fears. It’s intense, engaging and very, very interesting. I’m not sure what I would be shown if this happened to me. Probably a lot of snakes running around everywhere. (Slithering. Whatever, you get my drift.)

At the beginning of this short story, I found it quite confusing. But, as the story unfolded, I started to gain a little more understanding. And it suddenly became kind of amazing. Definitely a story which I’m going to enjoy reading again, as I discover more and more of this storyline.

<- The Rite StuffSeven Drops of Blood ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

“…Or Forever Hold Your Peace” by Susan Krinard

Overview
Image result for my big fat supernatural wedding book cover

Title: “…Or Forever Hold Your Peace
Author: Susan Krinard
In: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Magic, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Olivia frowned and studied him more carefully, sinking deeper into her Talent as an Anatomist.

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Synopsis

It’s the marriage of the season. Until a man objects, and then falls to his death. The bride goes missing and the groom and friends discover a secret that will shock everyone.

Thoughts

I’ve never really understood why people are happy to have that unless anyone objects part in their wedding vowels. If I had that in mine and someone objected, I’d probably want to march right up and sock them. I’ve also never been to a wedding that has that in the ceremony. But, it does make for a good literary tactic. Something that adds a nice sense of drama and suspense. Plus, the perfect moment for a spurned lover, crazy person, whatever to interrupt the proceedings.

There was a sense of completing the circle in this story – it starts and ends with pretty much the same scene. Just the final part there is a little more understanding about who the bride actually is. I really loved how this was a full circle – there was a bit of a humorous, poetic sense to the tale. And a much needed sense of closure that I don’t often find in short stories.

I’m so excited that this is part of a series. As I was reading it, I was hoping that it was – there was just something really interesting and fun about the world that was being built. Although, the series is just another short story… still, I get to revisit Kit and Olivia!

 <- A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher ReviewMy Big Fat Supernatural Wedding Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

Overview
Image result for book cover dragon blood patricia briggs

Title: Dragon Blood
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Hurog Duology #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: DragonsMagic, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 30th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Her tail curled around her front paws and she purred when my eyes met hers.

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Synopsis

CALL TO REBELLION

Ward, ruler of Hurog, is striving to restore his lands and people to prosperity, wanting nothing more than a quiet life. But when an old friend, escaping from high King Jakoven’s torturers, seeks refuge in his keep, Ward can no longer ignore the growing rebellion against the tyrannical High King. He realizes that he cannot stand aside – he must join with the rebels.

However, Jakoven has a secret weapon with which he intends to crush the rebellion: Farsonsbane, a magical artifact that has destroyed entire cities. But first, Jakoven needs blood to awaken it. Dragon’s blood. The very blood that courses through Ward’s veins…

Thoughts

I have read this before. So I didn’t think I’d get as insanely hooked… I read the whole book in one day. While I was trying to write a paper. Probably not the best book to sink my literary teeth into if I’m being honest with myself…

Although Dragon Bones would have been fine as a standalone, I’m really glad that Briggs decided to revisit this world. There is just something about Ward and Hurog that makes it difficult to walk away. Plus, interestingly, it is the only one of her series thus far that features a male lead. Yes, there is still a strong, independent woman in this story. But it’s written from Ward’s POV and more so about him. Tisala is his love interest.

Dragon Blood is a fantastic end to this duology. Not only do you feel like Ward and Tisala get to live happily ever after. Their country and peoples’ are finally safe from a tyrannical king and an ancient artefact that could kill them all is also destroyed. A very good, easy happy ending that still lets you know that everyone continues to live and fight their battles – after all, dragons, bandits and magic are still heavy in the air.

If I was asked to describe in one sentence why I love this story so much… I wouldn’t be able to answer the question. As with all of Patricia Briggs’ books, there is something about the writing, the character building and the battles that Ward overcomes that make it impossible not to love the tale. Add in a heavy dose of dragons and medieval sword fight… I’m kind of sad that I read through it so quickly… again. I read this in one day last time too…

 <- Dragon Bones ReviewMore Patricia Briggs reviews ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Projected Girl by Lavie Tidhar

Overview
naked-city

Title: The Projected Girl
Author: Lavie Tidhar
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Magical realism, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 31st October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: And someone told on her.

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Synopsis

What happens when a magicians assistant truly disappears? Where did she go? Can a young Jewish boy finally solve the mystery?

Thoughts

This was a bit of a detective story. Not overtly, but the journey to find out what happened to the girl and whether the magician was guilty or not. Why did the girl disappear? It was a series of small questions that you wanted to know the answer to, but didn’t wrap you up in its power like many of the other detective series I’ve read do.

This was a great tying together of the past and the present. I’m noticing that I’m really enjoying stories which do this in a seamless way, and The Projected Girl actually moves to the top of the list for this. There is a young boy who, in reading a magician’s diary finds out that they’re connected to his family. And it could somehow answer some of the questions he just didn’t know to ask.

The Projected Girl explores Jewish culture and faith, their ties to family. It’s not a faith that I read much about, unless it has to do with the holocaust, so it was a lot of fun to do so. Especially late at night when I was a little bit overwhelmed by all the sadness in the world.

 <- Weston Walks ReviewThe Way Station Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

Trinity Blue by Eve Silver

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: Trinity Blue
Author: Eve Silver
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 19th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “Killed?” she echoed.

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Synopsis

Jen’s new handyman arrives just as a spate of murders rocks her town. He’s connected somehow, but she’s not quite sure… yet. It isn’t until her powers finally bloom that everything falls into place.

Thoughts

This is just an easy, fun reader. It’s not intense. It’s not overly memorable. Just easy and fun. And just a little bit cute. Alright, in some moments more than a little bit. Although there is a murder or two… so maybe not so cute…

I really like Jen’s character in this. She has a number of secrets, but they don’t seem as dark as some of the other stories that I’ve read recently. She also has a great backbone and almost perfect instincts. From the very beginning she trusts Daemon, and you know that this is a safely placed trust. Even if others are questioning it a little.

As a short story, I breezed through this and then didn’t really find it memorable. But, as I’m writing this review, I realise how much I loved the storyline. I think that it would make an amazing novel-length story. Yet, alas, it wasn’t. And now I must move on and find something that rings the same intriguing bells in my crazy little literary brain.

 <- The Tuesday Enchantress ReviewGrace of Small Magics Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Naughtiest Cherub by Kevin Hearne

Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: The Naughtiest Cherub
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #8.8
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th September 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: By all reports, more hellish than other places on the human plane.

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Synopsis

Loki has entered the terrifying bowls of hell to try and make a deal with Lucifer. But will the Prince of Darkness be open to the discussion? Or will he just be another adversary in Loki’s quest?

Thoughts

I love the partnership of Loki and Lucifer in this story. It’s not a mix of mythologies I’ve seen much of before. And the interplay between the two was hilarious, sassy and incredibly witty. It also set up a reality in which the different mythos of the world interplay a lot more succinctly and neatly than any other series I’ve come across before.

Loki is probably one of my favourite villains in any mythology retelling. Although he is traditionally a trickster, he is also the one who tends to equalise others. The fact that Lucifer refuses to play ball with him and acts as an equaliser of his own was a really nice bit of karmic poetry. And it sets up the battles which I’m sure are about to come in this series.

The Naughtiest Cherub is a great short story which sets you up in a world that I personally can’t wait to sink my teeth into. If this is how the villains battle one another, I can’t wait to see how they interact with the “good guys”.

<- KissThe Resurrectionist ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Sixty-Six Seconds by Craig Schaefer

Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: Sixty-Six Seconds
Author: Craig Schaefer
Series: Daniel Faust Companion
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 16th September 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: At all?

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Synopsis

What happens when two warring factions meet up? Nothing good. A blood bath is likely to be in the next sixty-six seconds…

Thoughts

I liked how all of the moments in this story were measured in short bursts of time. Almost as though each moment was actually worth sixty-six seconds and it was only in those short periods of time which the tale could be told. Breaking up the time and storyline in this way created an incredibly fast paced and intense short story. One that had me racing along with it every step of the way.

This was quite a graphic story of death and bloodshed. And a heck of a lot of assassination. I didn’t quite understand many of the backstory of this tale, but I know that I liked the goriness of it. And want to read more. There is nothing like a grey hero to spice up a storyline… and a lot of murky motives to make it seriously impossible to put down.

The revealing of motives at the end of this tale was somewhat surprising. Although I didn’t really think to question why the lead was hunting people, I just assumed that it was part of a greater organisation. Revealing the actual reasons of why and the conspiracy behind it… it made me intrigued as to the rest of the story. There is nothing like a good conspiracy to draw me into a new series…

 <- Nigsu Ga Tesgu ReviewKiss Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster