Necromancer Prince Lawton, his lover, the half Orc barbarian and founding member of the League of Extraordinary Rage, Berklak, and their merry crew of mismatched otherworldly beings are off on an adventure, Iām mean, mission to find out whatās plaguing the Kingdom of Fasgard. Turns out, itās quite a lot.
So many mysteries , bodies, zombies, and magic gone awry.
Codyās having a blast rolling the dice in a serialized story thatās , in the authorās words, playing out in a ālighthearted, fun TTRPG vibeā. For those who donāt know what this is, itās a tabletop role-playing game. You grab paper, pencil or pens, and game is on with a bunch of people in various roles. Dungeon & Dragons being the hallmark here.
This has all the feels and more. I love the characters and, especially in this chapter, we get more growth and history along with the āevent a minute ā storyline. Dwarves and every aspect that even has a side dwarven element is just amazing. From the dwarven mead to their ability to accept any other being as a dwarf if they have grown up in a dwarven environment is incredible. We absolutely believe in these dwarves, yes, we do.
Armus and Inghramās relationship is looking intriguing, Darian, Frost (the Unbearded, which Iām still giggling about) and Tavia, all the crew members are developing further. So is the sexy bond between Lawton and Berklak.
Codyās expanding the boundaries of the darkness plaguing the Kingdom while giving us and the intrepid crew very little answers. Hopefully more will come soon in the next chapter.
Until then, enjoy these short wonderfully entertaining stories for the format as well as the spontaneity that it narratively captures so well!
I expected challenges along the way in this adventure, but I didnāt expect to come face to corpse with the work of another necromancer. It pains me, but I canāt let just anyone carry on creating potential wights and contagious zombies. Fortunately, I know exactly how to fix the problem, even if it drains me dry. Thankfully, I have a Berklak to help me recover.
Berklak:
Meadāthatās all I need. At least thatās what I think, until my little necromancer reaches for a weapon that could kill him, and I realize that I might need a little bit more in life than the drink of orcs. Itās a good thing Lawtonās ok with me setting boundaries, because I need him to be safe, whole, and energetic, even if I have to give him everything I am to make that happen.
I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc is a five chapter serial fantasy adventure with a light-hearted, fun TTRPG vibe. Expect big magic, lots of cuddles, plenty of steam, and a team of characters that might not get a natural 20 on every roll, but they make up for it with creative solutions to both magical and mundane problems.
What a stunner! Sara Dobie Bauerās recent release, Light from the Grave is such fabulous cornucopia of paranormal elements of powerful magical families, beautifully crafted characters textured with layers of darkness, grief, and death, set into the mossy, old southern landscape of Charleston, South Carolina. Bauerās plot is a thriller of horrifying beauty.
I was immediately entranced by the characters, the raw emotion that the author keeps pulling out of her scenes and how she can carry those heart wrenching memories over into a new situation that becomes an entirely different experience. One that may have humorous overtones.
Everyone here, each character, from childhood to adulthood, has experienced gut wrenching loss. And that pain, that overwhelming grief continues to haunt them deeply in various ways.
Dylan Quinnās lost his foster mother and heās unable to process her loss. Itās not the first or last deep grief heās had to deal with but itās the most devastating.
Bauerās nightmarish descriptions of Dylanās pain feels so real, the emotional turmoil and endless loop of mourning raw and believable. The power of the memories doesnāt have to be magical to make us feel what itās putting him through.
More subtle, and deadlier is Keller Rex. Keller too has deeply suffered, and ,in turn , caused unbelievable losses. Heās been sent to bring Dylan to the Zaine ancestral home in Charleston. What type of magical creature he is should be left to the story as itās so much a part of the powerful narrative.
But itās the growth and revelations that Kelleyās presence and the death of Vivian Zayne start to bring about in Dylan thatās brings the darkness and magic to this story.
I just wanted to jump in and start reading it again after I finished to see what Iād missed the first time around.
Thereās battles, zombies, crazy families, familiars (wish more had been done with the bobcats), and quite a few bittersweet moments. And a fierce young girl, Raven, who needs more page time, as sheās a great character on her own.
Actually, Light from the Grave by Sara Dobie Bauer is bursting with darkly detailed and fabulous scenes that make a reader want more than was left on the page. More of the characters in that army, more backgrounds, just more. Because what we did get was so imaginative and marvelous that we naturally needed more. Of everything and everyone.
Yes, this beautifully written and plotted book is a must read. Itās dark fiction and romance, just a reminder. So if grief, dying and death isnāt your thing, this might not be either.
Iām what nightmares are made of, but Iām not sure whoās more dangerous: him or me.
In the world of witches, Keller Rex is a legendary monsterāa dark sorcerer with a gift for suffering. He has long been the protector of the Zayne coven and their ancestral home in Charleston, South Carolina. When the family matriarch, Vivian Zayne, dies under mysterious circumstances, he is tasked with finding the only person who can open her sealed Book of Shadows: the son no one knew she had.
Dylan Quinn has never bothered to figure out why cats follow him everywhere, but itās been that way for as long as he can remember. After the unexpected passing of his adoptive mother, he had to make a new home for himself in small-town Ohio. Things have been quiet ever since, but lately, there are strange voices in his dreams and a sense of being watched.
When a striking Southern gent appears in town, Dylan welcomes the distraction. Keller is handsome and charming, but Dylan can tell thereās something else, something eerie about him. And he discovers he’s right, as Keller goes from being Dylanās seducerā¦ to his abductor.
Now back in Charleston, Dylanās newfound family is shocked when itās discovered his magical affinity is for death itself. Despite his fears, heāll need to learn to control his terrifying powers in order to open the Zayne Book of Shadows. He also needs to keep his coven safe, and time is running out. The estate’s protective wards expire on Halloween, and power-hungry witches from all over are ready to pounce.
While Dylanās awakening darkness threatens to overwhelm him, Keller finds himself confronted by feelings he thought long dead. Keller will do anything to protect his young necromancer and open Vivianās Book of Shadows, but the Zaynes are in for a surprise when Dylan resurrects someone he shouldnāt.
TA Moore, what a story! I love this so much! Although I feel I should put a titch of a warning out there for anyone looking for a feel good, cozy hearted romantic tale that they wonāt get the book theyāre looking for here.
A whopping fabulous story that has huge elements of horror, murder, mystery, and the paranormal. A bittersweetness and just plain bitterness, yes. All so beautifully written. But warm and fuzzy? Uh no.
But you kind of have to figure that goes hand in hand with a story whoās centered around a dead serial killer and his son who has to deal with the ramifications of the fatherās debts. Not that his son isnāt as morally ambiguous a figure as dear old dad. Heās just not a serial killer.
Not in the entirety of this collection or in any recent books Iāve read have I met as intriguing and layered a character as Ledger Conroy. Moore could write legions of stories about him and Wren and never be done.
Ledger, son of convicted killer, Bell Conroy, returned to dispose of the old family house and the ghastly things that his dad might have left hidden inside. Why? Because , considering what they are, they would bring a profit. Ledgerās in the business of selling darkness, in the form of items, to people and beings who can use them. Yes, magic is real. And dear old dad dealt with the worst.
Every paragraph, every page adds depth and clarity of purpose to our character and history. Even as we get more information, I begrudge the the space the author isnāt able to give to the small elements introduced to fill out Ledgerās backstory. I need to know more about that sister!
Then thereās Wren, an otherworldly figure in service to a truly horrifying creature. Iāll leave Earl to the book. Make no mistake, Earl is one of the scarier nightmares to haunt any narrative.
Wren is a very complex being. One whose relationship with Ledger grows them emotionally in an unexpected manner , but doesnāt change what or who they are fundamentally just as it doesnāt Ledger.
This aspect of the story is probably the most interesting part about this. Moore stays true to her creations, neither of them becoming something theyāre not but continuing to act /or emotionally maneuver within their respective personalities.
The plot is fantastic, a hunt for an object that belongs to Earl. Plus a short timetable and a horrific bargain that was made by Ledger. During this process, the Carnival of Mysteries is introduced and employed in a perfect way that not only is important to the game but has a profound impact on the outcome. Another exemplary usage of the overall theme.
There are several different storylines woven into the main theme of that have compelling endings, almost endings. Thereās a tenuous quality to them, a vagueness thatās so satisfying and horrifying because, thatās what this tale calls for. You wish it wasnāt so but how else would it end?
Ledger and Wren have made it clear of the present danger. Thatās the only spoiler Iāll give.
But what wouldnāt I give for Moore to send Ledger and Wren off on more murderous magical missions. Horror awaits. I hope the author is listening.
Iām highly recommending this to lovers of dark fiction and paranormal romance. I only wish I could rate it higher.
Spectacular cover. This collectionās artwork is amazing.
Carnival of Mysteries series:
ā Crow’s Fate by Kim Fieldingā¤ļø
ā Step Right Up by L.A. Witt
ā Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ā¤ļø
ā Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr
ā Go For The Company by Ander C. Larkā¤ļø
ā Roustabout by Morgan Briceā¤ļø
ā Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russellā¤ļø
ā Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis ā¤ļø
ā The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky
ā Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver
ā You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrillā„ļø
ā Sting in the Tail by TA Moore ā„ļøā„ļø
ā The Black Robe of Flanders by Sara Ellis
ā¦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25
The Carnival of Mysteries just arrived in Sutton County. They say if you cross the fortune tellerās palm with silver she can read your future like a map. Right now all Ledger Conroy wants to know is if he has a future.
Back in Sutton after over a decade, Ledgerās plan had been to bury his father–recently deceased convicted serial killer and less-well known warlock, Bell Conroy–clear the property, and then finally wash his hands of being a Conroy. Instead thereās a cured human heart in the larder, a pissed off pretty boy who is definitely not human at the door, and a debt to the devil that Ledgerās just inherited.
Devil. Monster. Something like that. Heād not asked for its pedigree
Whatever it was, it’s given Ledger a week to fulfill the terms of his fatherās contract. Or else heās never going to leave Sutton again. With pretty-boy Wren at his heels, more to make sure Ledger doesnāt skip town than to provide assistance, Ledger tries to track his fatherās sins across Sutton. The problem is thereās so many of them.
Ledger is faced with old grudges, a Sheriff that thinks Ledger knows more about his fatherās crimes than heās ever said (and isnāt wrong), and a dead man with a book shop. Not to mention the on-going distraction of Wren, who can’t decide whether to be a hindrance, a help, or just hot.
Luckily Ledger has a nose for this sort of work.
Sting in the Tail is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a dealer in dark collectibles, a man who’s NOT people, and a monster with a debt it expects to be paid.ā
ā Sting in the Tail: Carnival of Mysteries by TA Moore
Well, this made me exceptionally happy. In a collection about demons from hell finding a mate and a relationship, in whatever form that may take, I have a story where the characters are actually coming across as demonic. With a few minor exceptions. And hellās no vacation spot.
Amanda Meuwissenās tale of love and demons is an intriguing affair. I love it when a collection reacquaints me with an author I havenāt read in a while with outstanding results, and thatās what I found here.
Immediately the author gives us a compelling opening . Itās Avrielās 21st birthday and heās feeling a bit out of sorts, even for him. From beautifully detailed descriptions of the characters and their personalities and lives , the reader is intimately familiar with the situation as the story begins and understands the types of people involved. Avi is immediately real and grounded in his small group of friends and college town.
And when he dies, itās gut wrenching. Thatās not a spoiler. Itās in the blurb and how he changes into his true self. But are we still prepared for it? No.
Then thereās Marchosias, the demon imp, also known as Marc. Heās the other half of this incredibly complicated, emotional narrative. From the start, Marc has a surprising history and agenda that prompts a character development thatās both in keeping with his demonic tendencies and newfound sense of self worth. Itās an exceptional journey.
But itās done in tandem with the changes brought forth by the death and rebirth of Aviās demon nature. And the battles they face from the Princes of Hell.
Meuwissen was so clever in using the seven deadly sins as avatars for the Princes of Hell. How they manifested themselves in the earthly realm Iāll leave to the book as well as those formidable battles. Just outstanding on every level.
Even the other characters that support Avi and Marc are so good in their roles and depth of personality. The father who is just glimpsed until the later stages still has a strong sense of self. The cast is believable and grounded in emotion and real life, even given the paranormal nature of the situations.
Letās get to the part where thereās pain, blood, suffering, and death, because yes, these are demons. There may be a beauty in their brutality and otherworldly physicality but they are definitely demons. Itās reflected in the evolving relationship between Avi and Marc, the conflicted nature of their roles as Avi changes and Marc becomes more aware of his own feelings. Such an emotional connection and excellent element of this story.
Avi and Marc have decisions to make if possible. Thatās part of the amazing story and the authorās ability to create a great narrative. I wonāt spoil it but will say this is my favorite of the collection. And Iām delighted to have rediscovered this author once more.
Grab this one up if paranormal fiction and romances are your wheelhouse.
Check out the rest of the Possessive Love series! 15 books by 15 authors
ā¦ A Slice For My Demon by K.L. Hiers & Mozzarus Scout
ā Cuddly Demon by Aster Rae – DNF
ā My Demon Husband by Jax Stuart ā„ļø
ā Exercising A Demon by H.L Day ā„ļø
ā Drop Dead Demon by B. Ripley
ā The Demonās Dealbreaker by Delaney Rain
ā¦ My Demon Rebound by Ashlynn Mills
ā Curiosity Caught the Demon by Travis Beaudoin
ā¦ My Saintly Demon by RM Neill
ā¦ Terrible Lovely Demon by Odessa Hywell
ā Son of the Arch Demon by Amanda Meuwissen ā¤ļøā„ļø
Turning twenty-one is almost universally seen as the age of transformation, of coming into one’s own, reaching adulthood, and sometimes even as a symbol of death and rebirth. I never knew how literal that last part could be until, on my twenty-first birthday, I died and was resurrected as a demon.
Well, half-demon and would have died if I wasnāt prophesized to become the Antichrist and take over the world. All I wanted was to survive graduation, achieve my dream of becoming an artist, and maybe have Marc, the hot new guy who I thought liked me for me, be anything other than a lust demon hoping to guide me on my path to the apocalypse.
Marchosias
Occasionally, ya gotta make yer own destiny, my lovelies, so when I found a thin spot in the veil between Hell and earth, I leapt right through it. Sensing the soon-to-be successor to the throne of Hell, I insinuated myself on campus and into his life to await his awakening and fell to my knees in supplication once he did. Pity Avi is so set on denying his destiny.
But I can convince him. I will serve and aid and arouse my master in whatever manner necessary to get what I want. Iāve been an underling, a doormat, a lesser demon for far too long, and his path to glory is going to be mine.
Son of the Arch Demon is part of the MM paranormal romance collaboration Possessive Love.
Mayās Perfect Pixie series just took a decidedly darker turn in an already beautiful and layered world. Much like the vibrantly colored, glittery pixies the stories have been written about, Perfectly Charmed Pixie has at its heart, one Parsnip, a well known social pixie, as famous for his unusual aquamarine color as he is for his cable television series.
Yes, this story has a pixie dealing with his ongoing struggles with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and the very real consequences of his past. All by staring in a mirror. Plus Parsnip is fighting multiple internal and external battles here. With his fans and the Network over the expectations for his appearance, his insecurities, and his real fears for himself.
May has really outdone herself here. Because the series themes and world building just expanded in several quiet horrific ways.
Addiction to pixie dust has been mentioned before in the previous books but now we see the consequences. And worse . Because Parsley, Parsnipās brother, is running a recovery home for those pixies saved from trafficking operations. But thatās still a minor aspect of the narrative.
A huge one is the warlock, Vander Kines, a fantastic character. Guardian to a young brownie, Byx, Vander owns a small shop that makes magical charms and heās barely making ends meet. Mostly due to the fact heās got a strong moral compass and wonāt take jobs he feels is wrong or unlawful.
Vander and his ward, Byx, have a warm family relationship with a loss of a loved one that connects them. That beautiful dynamic carries over into the one that starts when Parsnips contacts Vander out of desperation.
Vander and Parsnips emotionally exist, at the beginning, outside of the circle of friends who form the basis of the strengths of the strange pairings here. But the subtle similarities in Parsnipās relationship and personality bring them together with pixies Phil and Peaches, along with their fated mates. I loved this journey and all the tiny elements that the author wove into it. Btw? Those hair clips of Byxās are incredible!
Mayās attention to detail, however, is never lost by the sheer texture and depth of the new storylines being added into the universe, the darkness that is now so much closer to the characters than we thought, and new awareness of old dangers brought to light.
The different Pixie relationships are loving and unusual, the many beings who are important to the inner circle are expanding their storyline, and a new realm has opened up.
Thereās so many key issues that May puts into play at various stages in the narrative that itās chilling watching how they slowly develop into something more complex and threatening than has ever been hinted at before. It happens with whispers and the occasional nod from the characters that something is definitely amiss and will need to be investigated. Or something even more serious.
I got delicious shivers and a whole new appreciation for this authorās style and craftsmanship in this book and series.
The fourth book has a title. Is it part of a new series or this one? Itās most definitely connected. I needs it now I do.
Not familiar with this author? This is a fabulous place to start, with this series. But they really must be read in the order they are written in because of the relationships and events that occur that are building the foundation.
If I could give higher ratings I would.
Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story (Perfect Pixie #3) by M. J. May is a must along with the prior stories!
Absolutely gorgeous covers!
Perfect Pixie:ā„ļø
ā Perfectly Imperfect Pixie #1
ā Perfectly Perfect Pixie #2
ā Perfectly Charmed Pixie #3
Next: and part of this series/universe
ā¦ Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendallās Story – late fall/winter 2023
Youthful arrogance and misplaced trust left Parsnipās once beautiful aqua colors little more than shades of muted gray. As a social pixie and host of a popular TV show, Parsnip desperately needs to fool everyone into believing heās that same, stunningly colorful creature. Warlock-made charms are all Parsnip needs to keep up the rouse. But the financial cost is high, and each activated charm steals more of his life force. Despite this, Parsnipās willing to pay any price. After all, who would want a faded pixie?
Everyone knows warlocks have no moral compass. But if thatās true, why does Vander Kines turn down more commissions than he accepts? Barely able to keep a roof over his head, his shop open, his brownie ward fed, and beer in the fridge, Vander should jump at the large sums of money clients are willing to throw in his direction. But no amount of cash is worth the cost of his soul, and his only true concern is keeping the young brownie safe.
When a magical mishap with Parsnipās warlock sends the pixie through Vanderās door, Vander refuses his request until he discovers Parsnip is his one and only. Now, he will go to any lengths to make Parsnip happyāeven trading his own life force in place of Parsnipās.
Unfortunately, Parsnip isnāt fooling everyone, and a witch with a vendetta is determined to expose his secret, and sheās willing to kill Vander and hand Parsnip over to his worst ogre nightmare to get what she wants.
True, unvarnished love is hard to find and sometimes even harder to accept. Having found it, Parsnipās willing to do anything to keep it safeā¦even if that means giving up his charmed life.
Perfectly Charmed Pixie is the third book in the Perfect Pixie series. It can be read as a stand alone but would be more enjoyable if the first two books in the series are read first.
Perfectly Charmed Pixie contains beautiful pixiesāno matter what their colors, an ornery yet clever brownie, a morally sound warlock, pixie dust addicted ogres, good and bad witches, a questionably reformed siren, more honeysuckle mead, magic, and finding your perfect, other half.
When Iām not even at 15% and all Iāve done is laugh so hard Iām crying and my sides are in stitches, you bet Iām giving the book a 5 star rating. Clueless Puckboy is right. And probably my favorite novel to date out of a bunch of crazy hockey stories from this pair of authors.
Ayri Quinn is fighting an adductor injury and doesnāt want his team trainers to know heās not as recovered as he says he is. Quinn is a character so adorable and funny that his issues, which arenāt humorous at all, have this reader snorting in laughter, because the authors have set up this situation and created him just so perfectly.
I love Quinn. Heās ferlect. Thatās something youāll get if you read the book btw. Stumbling over his words, blushing, intense, in his head , practically ferlect in every way.
The man watching Quinn and determined to help him before Quinnās stubbornness in refusing help derails his career is one Vance Landon. Vance is one of the trainers with Quinnās NHL team in Buffalo, NY and a great character foil for the younger man. A bit older, athletic , gay, and empathetic, Vanceās personality plays off Quinnās endearing character in a manner that is made to have the reader fall for them both. As we do.
Starting from a basis of professional concern and knowledge, the switch to attraction and recognition of their mutual interest is natural and believable. Itās often awkward and funny too.
But James and Finley go the adult route, and thatās including a lot of discussion about what a relationship would mean for the team and their future in hockey. All that goes along with spectacular descriptions of a hockey season in play. Buffalo is fighting for the playoffs and Stanley Cup, and the authors make the race vivid in the on the ice physical scenes.
And of course, itās not a great story if some, if not all, of the NHL Queer Collective make appearances in very memorable moments.
So, do I adore this story and couple? Absolutely. It and them made my day and night as I picked it up and read it through in one sitting. Filled with joy, a ton of laughter, and yes, some sexy moments, this is a favorite of mine.
Pick it up and see why itās on my reread pile! Highly recommended!
Straining my groin is bad enough. It puts my hockey career, my future, but even worse, my dignity on the line.
Having to get massages in that area from Vance Landon, one of the team trainers, is mortifying.
Itās impossible to hide my feelings toward him. If my constant blushing and bumbling doesnāt give it away, my body does.
Itās getting to the point where I wonder if hockey is even worth the embarrassment.
Trying to avoid him only makes him seek me out more. Heās determined to rehab my injury, but all I want is for him to leave me alone.
Or fall for me.
One or the other.
VANCE
Ayri Quinn isnāt your typical jock ā¦ except for the fact he refuses to admit when heās injured.
Iāve seen more than enough professional sportsmen lose the career they love due to injury, and Iām not having it happen again.
Especially not when the guy in question happens to be the sweetest, most awkward, innocent jock Iāve ever met.
When a night out leads to Quinn reinjuring himself, I create a care plan that keeps me hands on, literally. Unfortunately, working with him in close proximity brings all those feelings Iāve been trying to ignore to the surface.
I just need to get him better so he can be back on the ice and out of my bed.
Ah, my massage bed.
Because if this goes on any longer, I might mean my actual bed.
K Sterling has become a go to author for me and this book is an excellent example why. Nelson & MacIlwraith, the first in the Moon Murder Mysteries, is steeped in mythologies and cultural traditions. These myths and lores that enrich and at times horrify the characters and readers have been pulled from literary sources and the authorās incredible imagination.
To say the Celtic mythological tapestry Sterling has woven here works to enhance the themes, mysteries, and unique relationships is an understatement. It goes beyond that.
It starts with the unusual characters. FBI Agent Grady Nelson has been assigned the case of a missing girl, but told to āburyā the investigation by his superiors. Nelson, the son and grandson of famous agents, is a man out of favor with the FBI, a person they are looking to bury.
Weāve seen this type of character before but not Grady Nelson. Sterling has created in Nelson someone of unusual depths and qualities, submissive, unyielding in a hunt for the truth. Nelson is a dichotomy of traits and desires. And his growth here is unexpected and astonishing.
Nelson is paired with his complete opposite. Thatās the renowned and well connected Professor Lennox āNoxā MacIlwraith. Looking like a combination of goth musician, heās an archaeologist professor whoās consults in cases that have an occult or otherworldly nature. Which is what he has been working on. One exactly like the one Nelson isnāt supposed to investigate.
From a truly macabre starting point, Sterling launches a spectacular new series and couple. One missing girl becomes more, and the fact that each one is linked to local pagan communities and witchcraft just adds to the mystery.
Sterling builds on the menās hugely different lives and unusual interior mentalities to craft a relationship unlike any other. This overlays an increasingly horrifying investigation with a narrow timeline.
This story is amazing, terrifying, haunting, and extremely suspenseful. Itās no surprise that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
I canāt wait to see how the next episode in the menās relationship and journey will go.
If you love a fantasy story with highly developed and compelling characters and a world thatās equally layered, this is for you.
Moon Murder Mysteries:
ā¦ Nelson & MacIlwraith #1
Buy Link :
Blurb:
No one wants a witch for a partner.
Time is running out, and the deck is stacked against Professor Lennox āNoxā MacIlwraith. Six girls have been abducted, but the FBI doesnāt realize theyāre connected. Thereās also the matter of the dead girl in New Castle. She was found tied to a tree and Nox suspects one serial kidnapper and killer is responsible. An unorthodox expert on the occult, Nox is rumored to be a psychic and a witch. And a crackpot. The wily young professor has to prove heās not battyāor possibly a vampireāand that the cases are linked before the next full moon. If not, he fears the remaining girls will be sacrificed to a mythical god-king.
Everyone in the FBI hates Agent Grady Nelson. Heās failed to live up to his legendary fatherās reputation within the bureau and is almost universally despised for being an uptight do-gooder. Nelsonās ready to kiss whatās left of his career goodbye when heās ordered to work with the āsketchy professorā on what should be a nuisance case. The investigation turns into a professional minefield when Nox claims itās connected to an ancient Celtic cult. Rules are broken and lines are crossed as Nelson falls under Noxās spell and begins to suspect his partner might be a real witch.
Nox is a little bit witchcraft. Nelson is a little bit Federal Bureau. Together, theyāre a wickedly good team, but can they find the missing girls before itās too late? Nox is prepared to sacrifice his own career and his life to save them. Heād also like to save Nelson, but is Nox ready to sacrifice his heart too?
A Ruse To Unchain Us brings The Magi Accounts near the end of this incredible dark saga. Two more stories to follow and weāll see what happens to all the characters who have suffered and survived through this perilous, harrowing journey.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is emotionally draining and powerful in the wrenching scenes that Notaro delivers, one after the other, as the Ono-Nai tribe fights against government and witches alike to survive the battles against both and the tear in the universe. There are moments of such brutality and violence, common in this series, that hit you hard in the heart. As they should. Tissues should be issued along with the story.
Repeatedly, the author reminds the reader exactly whatās at stake, often graphic detail , what type of treatment the non humans have had to endure for decades. Along with the past traumatic history, thereās the current horrors they continue to endure, suffer under, as they battle to get their rights and freedoms.
As Notaro notes, read the trigger warnings because they definitely apply, as they have for the series. Torture, sexual assault and abuse (some off page) as children and adults , brutality , beatings, and horrific death is a common occurrence too. These beings have been and are continued to be subjected to the entire spectrum of the worst humankind is capable of simply because they arenāt human and are regarded as tools for the humans to use as they see fit.
To counter such agonizing moments and scenes, itās balanced with those of pride, found family, bonds of deep affection, friendship, and abiding love. All of which have had to endure the pain and horror of the world they live in and survive to come together as the strong forces we see now.
Cosmo Ono-Nai, Mads, Jude, and the rest of the Ono-Nai pack must deal with the toughest challenges yet their pride has faced when The Red Cloth ups itās attacks against the government and its citizens.
I wonāt spoil the high stakes and action that occurs here. Itās intense, fast paced, incredibly emotional, and very suspenseful. And yes, filled with love and pain too , because this is a battlefield and people/beings are hurt and sometimes they die.
Notaroās vision and realistic writing makes sure we donāt forget about the pain as well as the love, the loss that goes with the wins, such as they are. Itās raw, dark fiction and it rings so true.
Two more novels to go. Oneās a companion story, Logan and Haiden get a book of their own. And then onto the finale. I canāt imagine how the author will tie up all the characters and storylines still moving forward but Iām sure it will be amazing. Iāll be so sorry to see this series end.
What a fantastic journey itās been.
Until then, I highly recommend you read this series in the order itās written if you havenāt already done so. Then read the intensely powerful A Ruse to Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts #4) by Michele Notaro. Just a great example why this author is an auto read.
The Magi Accounts:
š¹The Scars That Bind Us #1
š¹The Shackles That Hold Us #2
š¹A Date To Impress Him #2.5
š¹A Purpose That Restores Us #3
š¹A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday
š¹An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magic Accounts 3.5
š¹A Ruse To Unchain Us: The Magi Accounts # 4
š¹A Heart To Revitalize Me #4.5 – September 20, 2024 (Logan and Haiden companion story)
Itās time to fight back, and by the goddess, I will help free my people.
The Cloaked Freeway is finally in a position to effect real change, and I want so badly to be a part of it. Since I was a little kid, itās been my dream to free my people from under the humanās rule. And now I have the chance to make that dream a reality.
But helping them means giving up so much. I have a family nowāa prideāand I donāt want to put them at risk. Luckily for me, my mate wants to be a part of the revolution, too, but that still leaves everyone else.
The world is turning into chaos around us and our family is being pulled in different directions, but I know one thing for sure. The Ono-Nais are fighters, and weāll do everything in our power to keep each other safe and help those around us.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is the fourth book in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. Itās recommended to read the series in order because the romance progresses through the series and it has an ongoing storyline, but there is NO cliffhanger.
*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.
A Ruse To Unchain Us brings The Magi Accounts near the end of this incredible dark saga. Two more stories to follow and weāll see what happens to all the characters who have suffered and survived through this perilous, harrowing journey.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is emotionally draining and powerful in the wrenching scenes that Notaro delivers, one after the other, as the Ono-Nai tribe fights against government and witches alike to survive the battles against both and the tear in the universe. There are moments of such brutality and violence, common in this series, that hit you hard in the heart. As they should. Tissues should be issued along with the story.
Repeatedly, the author reminds the reader exactly whatās at stake, often graphic detail , what type of treatment the non humans have had to endure for decades. Along with the past traumatic history, thereās the current horrors they continue to endure, suffer under, as they battle to get their rights and freedoms.
As Notaro notes, read the trigger warnings because they definitely apply, as they have for the series. Torture, sexual assault and abuse (some off page) as children and adults , brutality , beatings, and horrific death is a common occurrence too. These beings have been and are continued to be subjected to the entire spectrum of the worst humankind is capable of simply because they arenāt human and are regarded as tools for the humans to use as they see fit.
To counter such agonizing moments and scenes, itās balanced with those of pride, found family, bonds of deep affection, friendship, and abiding love. All of which have had to endure the pain and horror of the world they live in and survive to come together as the strong forces we see now.
Cosmo Ono-Nai, Mads, Jude, and the rest of the Ono-Nai pack must deal with the toughest challenges yet their pride has faced when The Red Cloth ups itās attacks against the government and its citizens.
I wonāt spoil the high stakes and action that occurs here. Itās intense, fast paced, incredibly emotional, and very suspenseful. And yes, filled with love and pain too , because this is a battlefield and people/beings are hurt and sometimes they die.
Notaroās vision and realistic writing makes sure we donāt forget about the pain as well as the love, the loss that goes with the wins, such as they are. Itās raw, dark fiction and it rings so true.
Two more novels to go. Oneās a companion story, Logan and Haiden get a book of their own. And then onto the finale. I canāt imagine how the author will tie up all the characters and storylines still moving forward but Iām sure it will be amazing. Iāll be so sorry to see this series end.
What a fantastic journey itās been.
Until then, I highly recommend you read this series in the order itās written if you havenāt already done so. Then read the intensely powerful A Ruse to Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts #4) by Michele Notaro. Just a great example why this author is an auto read.
The Magi Accounts:
š¹The Scars That Bind Us #1
š¹The Shackles That Hold Us #2
š¹A Date To Impress Him #2.5
š¹A Purpose That Restores Us #3
š¹A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday
š¹An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magic Accounts 3.5
š¹A Ruse To Unchain Us: The Magi Accounts # 4
š¹A Heart To Revitalize Me #4.5 – September 20, 2024 (Logan and Haiden companion story)
Itās time to fight back, and by the goddess, I will help free my people.
The Cloaked Freeway is finally in a position to effect real change, and I want so badly to be a part of it. Since I was a little kid, itās been my dream to free my people from under the humanās rule. And now I have the chance to make that dream a reality.
But helping them means giving up so much. I have a family nowāa prideāand I donāt want to put them at risk. Luckily for me, my mate wants to be a part of the revolution, too, but that still leaves everyone else.
The world is turning into chaos around us and our family is being pulled in different directions, but I know one thing for sure. The Ono-Nais are fighters, and weāll do everything in our power to keep each other safe and help those around us.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is the fourth book in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. Itās recommended to read the series in order because the romance progresses through the series and it has an ongoing storyline, but there is NO cliffhanger.
*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.
A Ruse To Unchain Us brings The Magi Accounts near the end of this incredible dark saga. Two more stories to follow and weāll see what happens to all the characters who have suffered and survived through this perilous, harrowing journey.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is emotionally draining and powerful in the wrenching scenes that Notaro delivers, one after the other, as the Ono-Nai tribe fights against government and witches alike to survive the battles against both and the tear in the universe. There are moments of such brutality and violence, common in this series, that hit you hard in the heart. As they should. Tissues should be issued along with the story.
Repeatedly, the author reminds the reader exactly whatās at stake, often graphic detail , what type of treatment the non humans have had to endure for decades. Along with the past traumatic history, thereās the current horrors they continue to endure, suffer under, as they battle to get their rights and freedoms.
As Notaro notes, read the trigger warnings because they definitely apply, as they have for the series. Torture, sexual assault and abuse (some off page) as children and adults , brutality , beatings, and horrific death is a common occurrence too. These beings have been and are continued to be subjected to the entire spectrum of the worst humankind is capable of simply because they arenāt human and are regarded as tools for the humans to use as they see fit.
To counter such agonizing moments and scenes, itās balanced with those of pride, found family, bonds of deep affection, friendship, and abiding love. All of which have had to endure the pain and horror of the world they live in and survive to come together as the strong forces we see now.
Cosmo Ono-Nai, Mads, Jude, and the rest of the Ono-Nai pack must deal with the toughest challenges yet their pride has faced when The Red Cloth ups itās attacks against the government and its citizens.
I wonāt spoil the high stakes and action that occurs here. Itās intense, fast paced, incredibly emotional, and very suspenseful. And yes, filled with love and pain too , because this is a battlefield and people/beings are hurt and sometimes they die.
Notaroās vision and realistic writing makes sure we donāt forget about the pain as well as the love, the loss that goes with the wins, such as they are. Itās raw, dark fiction and it rings so true.
Two more novels to go. Oneās a companion story, Logan and Haiden get a book of their own. And then onto the finale. I canāt imagine how the author will tie up all the characters and storylines still moving forward but Iām sure it will be amazing. Iāll be so sorry to see this series end.
What a fantastic journey itās been.
Until then, I highly recommend you read this series in the order itās written if you havenāt already done so. Then read the intensely powerful A Ruse to Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts #4) by Michele Notaro. Just a great example why this author is an auto read.
The Magi Accounts:
š¹The Scars That Bind Us #1
š¹The Shackles That Hold Us #2
š¹A Date To Impress Him #2.5
š¹A Purpose That Restores Us #3
š¹A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday
š¹An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magic Accounts 3.5
š¹A Ruse To Unchain Us: The Magi Accounts # 4
š¹A Heart To Revitalize Me #4.5 – September 20, 2024 (Logan and Haiden companion story)
Itās time to fight back, and by the goddess, I will help free my people.
The Cloaked Freeway is finally in a position to effect real change, and I want so badly to be a part of it. Since I was a little kid, itās been my dream to free my people from under the humanās rule. And now I have the chance to make that dream a reality.
But helping them means giving up so much. I have a family nowāa prideāand I donāt want to put them at risk. Luckily for me, my mate wants to be a part of the revolution, too, but that still leaves everyone else.
The world is turning into chaos around us and our family is being pulled in different directions, but I know one thing for sure. The Ono-Nais are fighters, and weāll do everything in our power to keep each other safe and help those around us.
A Ruse To Unchain Us is the fourth book in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. Itās recommended to read the series in order because the romance progresses through the series and it has an ongoing storyline, but there is NO cliffhanger.
*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.
