Review: Hammered (Legacy of Magic #1) by Lindsey Buroker

Rating: 4⭐️

This author is a favorite of mine so when I saw this series, I automatically grabbed up the first story in this urban fantasy series.

The draw for me? The main character, a magical hammer-swinging half dwarf, Matti Puletasi, a Seattle native who runs a house renovation company. She’s unique in her personality and characteristics. No swords or lithe body. Instead she’s got an extremely strong, sturdy body, one that swings both that huge magical dwarf weapon or a heavy construction tool with ease. 

Shes happy flipping houses with her other paranormal besties until the latest project house comes with a dead body, a mysterious object in the basement and new enemies. 

Matti is interesting in her background and,definitely her character makeup. The design that the author gifted her with separates her from so many other fae or otherworldly main characters I’ve read lately. 

But this is missing something. Chemistry or energy from the narrative. There’s no real spark between Matti and the elf assassin, who I really had trouble getting into. 

And the story dragged, feeling more “as told to “ than an actual action adventure plot thread. 

This book and series take place within the Death Before Dragons universe and the characters from that series have roles here.

Have I read it? No, maybe it would have made a difference. Because I didn’t connect with those characters either or know what their agenda was. It felt as though they were strong arming Matty unfairly here. 

The And there’s multiple storylines that popped up out of nowhere. And without much grounding laid out for it, it was just one more thing that was missing layers here.

Best part of this? Definitely Matti Puletasi. Loved the idea of her being a house flipper in Seattle, as well as a part powerlifting dwarf who wields a hammer (extremely proficiently) instead of the usual sword and spells. 

More like her please! And great cover!

Legacy of Magic (8 book series)

Hammered #1

Betrayed #2

Trolled #3

Tested #4

Wrenched #5

Fused #6

Wanted #7

Cursed #8

Buy link

        Hammered (Legacy of Magic Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Seattle native Matti Puletasi has the strength of a bear, the stamina of an ox, and a magical hammer inherited from her dwarven mother.

She’s happy renovating homes and occasionally thumping bad guys until she learns of a mysterious artifact hidden under the house she’s working on. Everybody from humans to orcs to werewolves wants it, and they’re willing to kill to get it. Things go from bad to worse when someone frames her for murder.

The only person interested in helping her is a haughty elf assassin from another realm. He’s handsome, powerful, and deadly, but he’s got an agenda of his own. She dare not trust him—or be attracted to him.

But if she can’t clear her name, the assassin will be the least of her worries.

~

Set in the same world as Death Before Dragons, the Legacy of Magic series is perfect for urban fantasy fans who enjoy adventure, snarky humor, and slow-burn romance with badass elves who should not be trusted. Pick up Book 1, Hammered, today!

Lindsay Buroker

Publication date

November 9, 2022

Language

‎English

Book 1 of 8

Legacy of Magic

Review: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

Rating: 4.5⭐️

This is a side book in the Empyrean series.  It’s 13 stories taking place at Basgiath War College during Threshing Day for various characters and their dragons. 

Each story happens at different timelines, which includes noted spoilers for certain books. Beautiful artful and dragon history at the beginning of each story just adds to the overall richness. Characters include Xaden Riorson, Rhiannon Matthias, Dain Aetos, Liam Mairi, Ridoc Gamlyn, Sawyer Henrick, Garrick Tavis, Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran, Mira Sorrengail, Brennan Sorrengail, Aaric Graycastle, and Sloane Mairi.

Watching each of them on Threshing Day, as they meet and bond with their dragons is a variety of experiences, some incredibly bittersweet if you are familiar with the characters and series. 

I definitely recommend it and enjoyed it. And loved the artwork. 

Best read after Onyx Storm #3. 

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 Fourth Wing

Book #2 Iron Flame

Book #3 Onyx Storm

Book #3.5 Threshing Day / story collection 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThreshing Day: Return to the Empyrean world with thirteen stories starring your favourite …

Blurb 

Welcome to Threshing Day, the brutal, high-stakes trial where would-be riders at Basgiath War College fight to earn the bond of a dragon or die trying. Amid ruthless competition and dragon fire, these thirteen cadets must survive a battlefield where desperate rivals will do anything to gain an advantage and dragons decide one’s ultimate fate—and where a single choice can forge a rider…or destroy them.

Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader. Rhiannon Matthias, the clever friend. Dain Aetos, the dutiful rule-follower. Liam Mairi, the kindhearted protector. Ridoc Gamlyn, the jokester. Sawyer Henrick, the underdog. Garrick Tavis, the dependable aide. Imogen Cardulo, the impulsive fighter. Bodhi Durran, the second-in-command. Mira Sorrengail, the fearless rider. Brennan Sorrengail, the brilliant tactician. Aaric Graycastle, the restless royal. Sloane Mairi, the determined sister.

On Threshing Day, there’s only one rule: don’t die.

The ebook edition of Threshing Day features fifteen beautiful original black-and-white illustrations by artist Joe Requeza. 

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.

Reading Order:

Book #1 Fourth Wing

Book #2 Iron Flame

Book #3 Onyx Storm

Though Threshing Day can be enjoyed as an introduction to the series, due to contained spoilers, it is best read after Onyx Storm.

Entangled: Red Tower Books

Publication date

September 29, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

208 pages

Review: Spark The Flames (Secret of the Syphon Book 1) by Ivy Asher

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Spark the Flames begins with the main character of Ever Tenebrae on the run, having just escaped from a long imprisonment and horrific captivity.  

The situation is dire, recapture is imminent and I’m hooked. The writing is so good that we’re right there in this scene with her. 

I’m not going further. Read the book. But this sort of storytelling is what makes Spark the Flames such a compelling and entertaining read. 

The character of Ever is a great one. Traumatized, cursed, scarred, yet determined to survive and save her people by any means necessary, her narrative is a compelling one.  It’s a plot line that the more that’s revealed about her, her painful past history and damaged character, the more engaged the reader becomes in her and her dangerous journey. 

Especially as she lands in the hands of The Horde and their dragon kingdom of powerful species, where there’s an enormous danger to her. In ways she can’t control or anticipate. 

One of them is the King’s second son, Aeson, whose interest in Ever goes beyond the political into something more. They’re dynamic and all the other characters and plot lines that figure around hidden agendas, mysteries, and the curse affecting Ever’s people. 

This is a fabulous story, layered, fast paced, full of action, adventure, mystery and dragons. 

And that cliffhanger ending! Wonderful. Plus the second book is out so the reader can immediately see how it plays out. 

Highly recommended. 

Cover Design: David Gardias, Best Selling Covers Editing: Polished Perfection 

Map Design: Fictive Designs

Secret of the Syphon: 

Spark the Flames #1

Ignite the Inferno #2

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: Secret of the Syphon 

Blurb 

When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe.

I learned that the hard way when my kith and kindred were slaughtered right before my eyes.

Everyone thinks the wyverns and the sorcai did it, but I know the truth.

I’ve been hiding from The Horde ever since, existing under their radar, surviving.

And then one day, they find me…he finds me. Aeson Noctis, the king’s second son and my new captor.

Aeson thinks he can force me back to Paragon City. He thinks he can use me and claim my power for his own.

But the dragons should’ve been more careful about who they let inside their city. I’m not some weak little pawn. I’m here looking for answers.

I’m here looking for revenge.

When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe. I know because I am one, and now I’m going to make The Horde pay for what they’ve done.

They thought they killed all the Syphons.

They thought they hunted down every one.

They thought wrong.

March 21, 2025

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

File size

8.3 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

504 pages

Page Flip

Enabled

Book 1 of 2

Secret of the Syphon

Review: Web of Vows and Vengeance: (The Hirathean Path Book 1) by Aria Ashbrook

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I believe this was a BookTok read that went viral when it first appeared. It’s Aria Ashbrook’s first series and story and it’s actually a very terrific story. 

Novels one through three are released, so it’s easy to binge read right through all the events that happen to the main characters and the magical foundation that the author is creating. 

A word of caution, Ashbrook crafts meaningful relationships between her characters that come to mean something to the reader. That will also bring about some heartbreaking moments and scenarios because she’s also not afraid to do away with important characters if she thinks that the narrative calls for it. 

That’s a clue. 

People who the reader has come to care about won’t make it through to the end of the story. This one or the next. And it will break your heart. 

The types of magic is a major storyline that continues throughout the series, even the mystery of the lack of is part of it. There’s even a found family aspect to this that I love even more. 

I wasn’t prepared for this to get as complicated as Ashbrook builds it into as it develops, something I appreciated. 

The relationship I feel worked against that was with both her sister and the prince. In both cases, an aspect of naïveté from Rose, someone who dealt in the slums and survived being stripped of her magic, felt unrealistic. 

For Rose, a person who has suffered unimaginable loss, physical deprivation, been orphaned, there’s instances during the trials where her personality seems stripped of those experiences. It robs her of character reasonable depth and gives her less credibility. 

But then again there’s moments where she’s fighting for herself and her new friends, trying to figure out how to win without any powers, and it’s fantastic. 

Prince Kyor? He’s the lesser well written character here. It does get somewhat better.However, he’s the standard over jealous, over protective, over everything male figure who wants to control everything, including not letting her make her own decisions. So over these types of MMC . 

There’s LGBT characters/couples here. But , with spoilers for this, each couple ends badly, starting with one here. I found this aspect of the series surprising. I wonder if there’s a longer path forward for them. 

I’m highly recommending this. I’ve read through the series and am having to wait for book 4 next spring. 

Cover design by Christian Bentulan.

The Hirathean Path:

Veil of Web and Ruin – prequel 

Web of Vows and Vengeance #1

Vows of Blood and Deception #2

Blood of Truth and Traitors #3

Truth of Fate and Destiny #4 – May 5,2027

Buy link

 Book 1 of 4: The Hirathean Path 

Blurb 

THE BOOKTOK ROMANTASY READERS CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT

A viral BookTok sensation featuring deadly trials, divine magic, a bonded dire wolf, and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance.

Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Throne of Glass.

“They say vengeance is a blade best kept sharp, and my dagger has been honed with every betrayal.”

BOOKTOK IS OBSESSED:
“This will be the next book to blow up on BookTok. I don’t say that lightly.” — Miranda @Probably Off Reading
“For the BookTok girlies in a reading slump, I raise you Web of Vows and Vengeance.” — Jaimee Johnson @thtgrlreads
“Giving Fourth Wing vibes… I could not put this book down.” — Kaila Anttila @Kaila.books

TROPES:

  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Deadly Trials
  • Slow-Burn Romance
  • Underdog Heroine
  • Brooding Royal MMC
  • Forced Proximity
  • Gods & Goddesses

STRIPPED OF POWER. FUELLED BY VENGEANCE.

She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.

When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.

Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.

And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?

Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.

Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.

This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.

AWARD-WINNING ROMANTASY:

Best Fantasy — Independent Publisher Book Awards 2026

Best Fantasy Romance — BookFest Awards 2026

Best Fantasy Read — Pascify Con Awards 2026

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

February 27, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

File size

6.7 MB

Screen Reader

Supported

Enhanced typesetting

Enabled

X-Ray

Not Enabled

Word Wise

Enabled

Print length

542 pages

ISBN-13

978-1916833630

Page Flip

Enabled

Book 1 of 4

The Hirathean Path

Review: Fastening the Grave (Kali James Book 1) by L.A. McBride

Rating: 3.5⭐️

It’s the introduction to Kali James, a setup novel and it takes its time getting there. Specifically, spending so much time on the fact that she’s a costume designer and wears vintage styles and expensive clothing. So instead of building layers of world foundation or setting, we get clothing. A little bit would have been fine. 

Kali is unaware of the fact she’s a necromancer, so the whole ghosts following her everywhere or asking for help while she ignores them, seems a bit ludicrous. That it takes a witch to say basically “ hey, hon, you’re a necromancer” feels far fetched . 

There’s a murder, mystery and a goat shifter who gets her own series. For me , I find her annoying because she’s got little history but takes zero responsibility for her actions. So the author doesn’t give us much reason to connect with her.

I’ll give it another book but there’s so many more out there that read similar to this that it’s not a standout in my opinion. 

Reluctant paranormal finds out there’s a whole different world out there. Plus she’s got a goat shifter bff. Investigates murder mystery. And ghosts!

Them’s the facts. Check it out if you’re game. 

Cover Artist: Original Book Cover Designs

KALI JAMES SERIES 

Book 1: Fastening the Grave 

Book 2: Threading the Bones 

Book 3: Stitching the Talisman 

Book 4: Gathering the Dead

Buy link 

        Fastening the Grave (Kali James Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Two things are impossible to walk away from: death and vintage clothing. Trust me. I’ve tried. 

Moving across the country and opening a costume shop was supposed to be my chance for a normal life. What I wanted was a fresh start, one where the biggest danger would be a carelessly wielded sewing needle.

What I got was the ghost of a murdered reporter demanding justice, a stony-eyed enforcer I’m not sure I can trust, and a power I can’t control. Oh and my new goat shifter BFF? Hell-bent on trouble.

Now, my hunt for the killer threatens to expose a supernatural community determined to safeguard its secrecy at any cost. My only chance to survive is to embrace the legacy I’ve spent my life running from.

Fastening the Grave is the first book in the completed Kali James series, featuring a reluctant necromancer who finds herself in a world of werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. If you like your urban fantasy with quirky characters, a side of supernatural mystery, and an opposites attract slow-burn romance, this is the book for you.

Review: The Last Valkyrie (The Last Valkyrie Trilogy Book 1) by Karina Espinosa

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Karina Espinosa has a terrific trilogy in her Last Valkyrie series. It starts with Raven Romero, the last Valkyrie left on earth when all the other Valkyries sealed themselves away in Valhalla, leaving the despised mortal humans to their fates. 

Raven now lives on doubting her choice to remain behind, subsisting on sex, drugs, and alcohol, her wings torn off in a self inflicted rage. Her warrior’s life locked in away in a box that she has no intention of opening. 

The author gives the reader Raven‘s past in alternating chapters, some that should come with trigger warnings. Especially an early chapter where Raven’s induction into Valkyrie life includes a graphic non-consensual threesome forced upon her by an older woman. FYI. 

Her earthly quiet existence starts to unravel when a body is found with runes carved into it, a message meant for her. And old enemies are appearing wanting her magical sword. 

The story is full of Norse mythology, twisted tales and betrayals. I like the author’s own use of cultural references within the established mythology. I do wish she’d explored the strained dynamics between the Valkyries and the power imbalance there. 

However, it’s implied throughout most of their relationships and storylines. The toxicity of Odin and the unquestioning nature of the Valkyries following his orders is everywhere. 

Especially in Raven’s history. It’s a perspective that you can view Raven as someone who has been indoctrinated into a godlike cult since a small child. Taught by abusive methods to insure that their “Father’s” rules and wishes are followed without question. Deaths, Wars, whatever he wants. Favorite’s are “blessed His attentions. 

Then come his absence, and his mysterious abandonment. And things fall apart.

Raven’s actions on Earth reflect a person who is isolated from the only family and foundation she’s known. Even if she’s the cause of her situation. It’s a raw and believable character. 

And as events go sideways and it looks like she’s at the center of a new otherworldly disaster targeting humanity. 

The trauma, the fast paced action, and the complexity of the relationships between the different characters are all well crafted. Espinosa’s narrative twists and flows as hidden agendas are revealed and Raven fights her long held beliefs to see what is true about the people and paths open up to her.

If sex scenes, blood shed and raw material isn’t your thing, this might not be the best read for you. 

Well done and about to get better. 

Cover design by © Orina Kafe

The Last Valkyrie Trilogy (3 book series)

The Last Valkyrie #1

The Sword of Souls #2

The Rise of the Valkyries #3

Buy link 

        The Last Valkyrie (The Last Valkyrie Trilogy Book 1)

    

Blurb 

She tore out her own wings. She can’t outrun what she is.

Raven Romero used to be Odin’s favorite — a valkyrie, a warrior, a daughter of Asgard. Now she pours cheap whiskey at a dive bar in Portland, sleeps off her hangovers, and keeps her head down among the humans she was once sworn to protect. The wings are gone. She burned them off herself. As far as Raven’s concerned, the gods can rot.

Then a body turns up carved with ancient runes — a message meant for her — and the quiet little life she built starts to unravel. The dead won’t stay buried, an old enemy is moving in the shadows, and a stolen sword could crack the nine realms wide open.

The only one watching her back is Fen: infuriating, magnetic, and far more dangerous than the bad-boy charm lets on. Raven swore she was done with gods, monsters, and men who growl when they’re angry. She was wrong about all three.

To stop what’s coming, the last valkyrie will have to pick up the blade she swore she’d never wield again.

Perfect for fans of snarky, hard-drinking heroines, Norse mythology with teeth, and a slow burn that bites. The first in a completed urban fantasy romance trilogy.

K.E. Media Enterprises, LLC

Publication date

August 3, 2018

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 1 of 3

The Last Valkyrie Trilogy

Review: The Rising Wave (The Rising Wave #0.5) by Michelle Diener

Rating: 3.75⭐️

The Rising Wave is the prequel story to the first book of this series, setting out the characters and the series arc. 

Ava is a princess of unusual magical abilities who’s been imprisoned for years in a castle and now seems destined to die shortly because of her captor’s agenda. A new prisoner, Luc, changes her plans for escape to include himself and together they flee the prison and that kingdom.

That’s the short story. 

The more in depth version goes into their backgrounds, growing relationship, her magical powers which are highly sought after by multiple kingdoms, and the wars that are going on which Luc is a major part of. 

I liked several aspects of this story. The unusual magical system is interesting, although after thinking about it overnight it also raises many questions about its uses. Part of this is that I just don’t sew. The idea of using thread and sewing patterns into fabric as vehicles for magical powers is unusual. I don’t think I’ve read this before the way it’s used here. However, afterwards, I did find myself wondering how useful this would be in instances where the mage or witch doesn’t have time to stop and stitch whatever pattern is needed. Even the simplest item takes time with needles and threads. As in “oh no, I need to stop and sew a dog(s) on fabric “. Yes, indeed. That happened. 

I can’t imagine it. Standing still, let alone on the run. Or is that just me? Too subtle ? Give me a kaboom spell? Stitch a kaboom? Idk many questions.

The other thing is the rushed romantic aspect of the story. They meet up as brutalized prisoners, each hiding their own secrets. They’re on the run. And it’s instant love? 

Made zero sense to me. As well as the author not building a relationship or solid foundation for this. There’s books to come so any instant love could happen later as well. 

So some parts work. Others not so much. 

I’ll be interested in seeing what the magic system does in different events and how Ava is going to handle it. 

The Rising Wave (4 book series)

The Rising Wave #0.5 prequel 

The Turncoat King: (Includes The Rising Wave Prequel Novella

The Threadbare Queen #2

Fate’s Arrow #3

Truth’s Blade #4

Buy link 

 Related to: The Rising Wave 

Blurb 

A princess intent on escape . . . Ava has everything ready for her last chance at escape from her years’ long imprisonment. She knows if she doesn’t succeed this time, she will die. When an injured warlord is thrown into her cell with her, upsetting her plans, she faces a dilemma . . . leave him to die or try to take him with her.

A warlord intent on rebellion . . . Luc may lead a rebel army, but now he’s at the mercy of his enemies, and they have no mercy to give. All except the woman imprisoned with him. She not only has mercy, she has a plan to escape. He just has to convince her to let him come along . . .

A partnership forged in adversity . . . Unable to leave him behind, Ava includes Luc in her plans, but escaping the castle where her cousin has imprisoned her is only the first step. Hunted by their enemies, she and Luc will have to trust each other, no matter how many secrets they’re keeping.

NOTE: THE RISING WAVE was first published as part of Warlords, Witches & Wolves: A Fantasy Realms Anthology in November 2020. It is the prequel novella to the Rising Wave series and is followed by THE TURNCOAT KING.

Eclipse

Publication date

March 10, 2021

Language

‎English

Print length

111 pages

Review: Resting Witch Face (Journals of Forbidden Witchery #1) by Maya Daniels 

Rating: 4⭐️

I picked this up because I thought the title was clever. The rest of the series are also terrific word plays. 

Maya Daniels’ book introduces Hazel Byrne, a witch from the prestigious Byrnes family, the only one who doesn’t have any powers. Maya is the last of her powerful line, her parents deceased, and she’s been brought up by her grandmother, the head of the political magical coven in charge. 

Hazel is a tough character to connect with. She’s young, quick to act and quicker to anger. Impulsive, clothed in the latest high fashion, the author wants the reader to see her as an engaging personality but often portrays her in scene after scene whining and acting like an entitled child. So just the opposite happens. 

We’re told she and her best friend Sissily, were bullied horrendously as children by others in the coven, which resulted in Hazel’s current attitude. But we don’t see enough evidence or any of the dynamics to make it real. 

The grandmother’s relationship with Hazel doesn’t ground the reader either. 

There’s enough fast paced drama and action that the story moves quickly. And new elements are layered in to keep the reader’s attention going.  

The character development will be key here in this series. Hazel is going to have to grow past this stage she’s in here to remain a relatable character imo. 

Check it out if you like urban fantasy mystery and young woman main characters with witchcraft elements. 

Chronicles of Forbidden Witchery (4 book series)

Resting Witch Face #1

Pitch A Witch #

Witch Please #3

Payback is a Witch #4

Buy link

 

        Resting Witch Face: An Urban Fantasy with a snarky witch too powerful to hide (Chronicles of Forbidden Witchery Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I didn’t mean to unleash hell. But here we are.

I was born into the Byrne bloodline—pure witch royalty. Too bad the universe skipped me when it handed out actual powers. No spells. No spark. Just attitude, fists, and a resting witch face sharp enough to cut glass.

With zero spells to my name, I became the coven’s best demon-slayer just to prove I wasn’t useless. Spoiler: no one was impressed.

My grandmother looked at me like I was a broken heirloom. The other witches either pitied me or wanted me gone. Only Sissily—my loud, loyal, batcrap best friend—stuck by me.

I’m Hazel Byrne, and magical disappointment was kind of my thing.
Right up until I blew up the coven library.

That little disaster woke something inside me. Turns out I wasn’t powerless—I was sealed. Bound by blood pacts and buried secrets. And now that my magic’s out, every supernatural creep with a grudge wants a piece of me.

Now demons are circling, the coven’s in chaos, and I’m not sure if the magic inside me will save us—or tear everything apart.

If fierce witches, feral magic, and unhinged best friends are your thing, you’ll love Resting Witch Face. It’s the explosive first book in the Chronicles of Forbidden Witchery, a paranormal women’s fiction and urban fantasy series packed with chaos, heart, and hexed high drama.

Vinci Books

Publication date

June 9, 2021

Edition

1st

Language

‎English

Print length

236 pages

Book 1 of 4

Chronicles of Forbidden Witchery

Review: Pork Pie Pandemonium: Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers Recipe 1 by Steve Higgs

Rating: 3.75⭐️

Yes, the German Shepherd on the exquisite cover trapped me once again, along with the “must have” note that the dog doesn’t die.

The setup is really good . 

There are multiple terrific aspects of this book. Higgs does a wonderful job in bringing his main character of Albert Smith to life. 

Higgs has crafted Albert Smith’s character so beautifully that we see him . A once tall man, now stooped in his age, struggling with his aged body and his retirement. But it’s as a recent widower of one year, the loss of his beloved wife of decades that’s left him with an empty house that’s prompted him to set off.

Albert, when we meet him is engaged in a cooking class. Aged 75, a retired detective superintendent from Kent, he decided after his wife’s death to attack his bucket list of taking a trip to learn to make his favorite foods , some of the British Isles famous meals.

 

He’s in Melton now learning to make their famous pork pies. And he’s got company. A recently acquired German Shepherd dog called Rex Harrison. 

Part of getting away from home and away from his grown children’s oversight was the acquisition of an assistance dog to accompany him, that ensure that his family would be agreeable to his plans. 

I liked the murder, the location, the investigation and even learning how the famous Molton pork pies are made. Interesting and it makes the whole story credible in this aspect. 

Less believable and more problematic is how the author uses a two character perspective and, unfortunately, an unrealistic view of an assistance dog, especially one who was once a trained in police work. 

Albert Smith is great as the narrator of his new journey through baking adventures but to include Rex’s perspective is a error, imo, of the author’s that the story and more likely the series doesn’t recover from.

Rex is never treated like an assistant animal. Here in the US, people who are lucky enough to have one, go through extensive training, as does the animal. Separately and together. It’s an extraordinary partnership. 

Here Rex, a police dog, who’s dismissed after training because of his attitude ( another poorly written element) is purchased online. I have no words for this. No training whatsoever. Here’s your dog. Which is not only dismissive of the actual trained dogs but the service they provide for the people and organizations. 

The entire story has Albert ignoring Rex’s “tells” about the crime and criminals which the reader hears from Rex’s pov. And we also then have repeated as well as Albert stumbles away from whatever Rex is trying to direct him to. Consistently frustrating for dog and reader. 

Does this change? No. This relationship stays much the same. I’m not sure why. Does Britain not have the same level of respect or training with assistance animals that we do here? 

Anyway, I was less interested in the fact that it was about British food than about how the investigation was handled and the dog/human interaction between Rex and Albert developed. 

So this has its good points and those that made it clear that it’s probably not for me. 

Elements that are of interest to others include the fact that each book visits a new location to learn about and cook a different famous dish.

Lancashire hotpot, Eton mess, Eccles cakes, Cumberland sausages . And The Melton Mowbray pork pie .Each book includes a different location and dish. As well as a murder and recipe at the end.

If the dog aspects don’t bother you as much as they do me, check it out. 

Along with writer Steve Higgs’ note about how the book came about and the inspiration behind the characters, he’s added a real plus for those fond of British food.

Don’t miss out on the recipe and history of The Melton Mowbray pork pie at the end of this book. Great idea. 

I do love the covers although I can’t find an artist credited. 

Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers (16 book series) complete series 

Pork Pie Pandemonium #1

Bakewell Tart Bludgeoning #2

Buy link

        Pork Pie Pandemonium: Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers Recipe 1

    

Blurb 

When a retired detective with a nose for trouble wanders into a town hiding a deadly secret …

‘When Steve Higgs writes, he hits it out of the park. I find myself laughing out loud and often.’

** Complete Series. Read every book (the dog doesn’t die) **

Melton Mowbray is world famous for its pork pies, but beneath the façade lies an undercurrent of lies and deceit, and Albert Smith just saw something that made him curious.

The operation hiding in plain sight is worth a lot of money. The kind of money people will kill to protect and now they need to make him vanish.

Quietly. Permanently.

Good luck with that. Albert spent decades taking down criminals and his mind is as sharp as it ever was.

Get ready for pandemonium.

‘This series has it all; everything I want in a story and series … humour, suspense, and colourful characters. It’s one of my top all-time favourite series.’

This series of books contains no cussing and no graphic descriptions of violence or bedroom activities. It is suitable for all ages.

May 29, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

218 pages

Book 1 of 16

Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers

Review: Magick For Hire: The Complete First Trilogy: An Urban Fantasy PI Thriller (Knightstorm Arcane Investigations) by G. J. Ogden and Sabrina Vale

Rating: 3.5⭐️

I thought this would be a complete trilogy but it’s not. It’s just the first 3 part section to a longer multi sectional storyline arc. 

The three books included here are

Shadowed Relics #1

Twisted Fae #2

Infernal Gate #3

Astrid Knightstorm is a powerful earth mage who is called on to solve paranormal mysteries around the world. Her familiar is a brain of an ancient dark sorcereress in a jar and her assistant is a Fae who does her researches and handles all inquiries for her small business. 

It’s a good premise and works well for the most part. The beginning novel is terrific, has interesting characters and gives you a good idea of what Astrid’s life is like. 

But it starts to go off by the second novel. The issue primarily falls into the relationship between Ember, her Fae assistant, who takes zero responsibility for her own actions in and out the Fae Realm, and Astrid. Astrid seems to feel she is responsible for everyone’s problems and actions, even though they are not only adults but perhaps beings older than she is.  Accountably exists nowhere really here and that’s extremely difficult to accept as a reader. 

This carries over to her unpleasant brother who remains a character who is someone who is underwhelming and one-dimensional. 

That’s the biggest issue with the trilogy. It’s a fast paced action adventure urban fantasy. But low on character development and any real believable character growth and interactions. 

Elements thrown in for plot twists but given little narrative depth or explanation. 

So read it for the action sequences and adventure scenes. Not for the characters. Or if you follow the authors. 

Buy link

 Collects books from: Knightstorm Arcane Investigations 

Blurb 

Astrid Knightstorm is a wizard private investigator who handles the cases no one else will touch. Her clients include fae, werewolves, vampires, and creatures that slip between worlds. Being a tough Texan helps, but it’s her wits and command of Earth Magick that keep her alive in a world where supernatural threats lurk in every shadow.

When ancient artifacts fall into the wrong hands, demonic forces tear at the edges of reality, and fae politics ignite dangerous rivalries, Astrid is pulled into conflicts that reach from Austin to the Vatican to realms most mortals never survive. Each case draws her deeper into a hidden war involving dark alchemy, unstable boundaries between worlds, and a power determined to unravel time itself.

With unlikely allies at her side, including a fae assistant, a werewolf, and the family she thought she lost, Astrid must confront monsters, destiny, and the secrets of her own past.

Some cases test your skills. Some threaten the world. And some force you to face the truth about who you are.

Magick For Hire: The Complete First Trilogy brings together the first three novels of the Knightstorm Arcane Investigations series, this action packed urban fantasy saga delivers a snarky wizard detective, supernatural mysteries, and a world where Magick hides in plain sight.

Ogden Media Ltd

Publication date

January 6, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

807 pages