Category: Fantasy

Review: Gathering Mage ( Fledgling God #3) by Michael Taggert

Rating: 4.75🌈

The third installment in Michael Taggert’s Fledgling God series is out and Gathering Mage is an absolute delight of a fantasy adventure tale!

Epic doesn’t begin to describe Jason and Sandy’s adventures at the Gathering, an enormous conference of the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world , including all the mages and supernatural beings get together. They network, talk regulations, issues…bring up collective problems. It’s an important event, especially for such a young House as House Louisville.

With all the problems facing the House at home, only Sandy and Jason are able to go and represent their house. Thinks newbs headed to NYC for the first time. Or Paris for that matter. You get my drift.

They have no idea what’s in store.

Now if you’re a reader who likes no explanation about their magic other than Kazaam, poof, and the magical spell has done its job, well this isn’t the book or series for you.

However, if you enjoy imaginative interpretations of a magical process, or a highly creative twist on magic, right down to the cellular level, including cute minute characters, dive right in! Taggert runs happily amuck with his magical processes, his highly creative philosophies on runes and magical power. It’s fascinating and it’s uses through Jason and Sandy here , especially Jason, keep us riveted to the story!

Both Jason and Sandy under go enormous amounts of growth here. Some are humorous, some are through some stunning emotional moments. We range from everything from lively hedge wars to intimate moments with llama centaurs and glassblowing to a final heartwarming Circle Dance.

There’s so much here. So many great memorable characters. The llama centaurs especially, that entire nation and element! Great characters, beautifully written scenes, fantastic descriptions…. Be still my heart!

Taggert gives Sandy’s journey an excellent amount of narrative time . She’s so important to Jason and their partnership. I was glad to feel that I never felt her part was less than his.

Gathering Mage was another one of those 2am finishes. I wasn’t going to put it down until it was done.

Michael Taggert has chosen an unusual format for this series in that none of these books end. They just….stop. Or perhaps I should say pause.

And the next starts immediately right where this one stops.

So it’s as if a reader has a divided book chopped into two and it’s missing the other half. Gathering Mage is sort of finished. They are home. But that last page is one where you’re going to turn into the next….

That’s the only reason this isn’t getting a 5 rating. Had it ended with them going through the portal? Awesome. I’d think brilliant.

But this is very close.

I’m highly recommending it and the first two.

I love the attention to details, one’s that don’t exist of course! But that so much fun! Can’t wait for more!

Fledgling God series:

Misfit Mage #1

Melee Mage #2

Gathering Mage #3

https://www.amazon.com › Gatherin…Gathering Mage: Fledgling God: book 3 – Kindle edition – Amazon.com

Synopsis:

Jason is getting ready to have the adventure of his life!

He and Sandy are heading to the Gathering, which is a conference where the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world network, talk about problems and solutions facing the Houses, and learn a few things.

Jason is going just to support Sandy, and figures he’ll have a mildly interesting time and be home soon. Instead, he gets poisoned, fights for his life, meets a whole new nation, learns the history and secrets of runes, has a cosmic encounter, makes many new friends, and finally gets in touch with his godhood.

It’s a wild ride, so make sure you have snacks, a comfy blanket, hot chocolate, a lap cat/dog/bunny of choice, and get ready for some fun!

Review: Stop Kidding Around (Magical Mates #2) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Stop Kidding Around is the second book in Macy Blake’s Magical Mates series and it’s another winner. It gives us plenty of drama and action while still managing to remain focused on a developing small family group , formed by a human teacher and three wolf shifters, two of which are adorable children.

Toby Sanders, the teacher, is such an amazing new character. He’s one of the two povs the story is told from and his is the most refreshing and hilarious. As a human with no idea the supernatural world exists, Toby’s introduction is abrupt and his reaction is everything!

Can we relate? Why yes we can!

For me, Toby’s perspective and character just makes this book. Macy has written a honest, personable, highly intelligent man who’s still hesitant to believe in love for himself. I absolutely Toby. He’s so relatable.

Watching him communicate and open up himself to others and being a part of a family and pack? Incredible.

Brook , the wolf shifter who patiently talks with Toby, communicating the new world around him, and their mate bond? Just as amazing and beautiful.

So too the little girls/wolf shifters, Marigold and Daisy.

There’s other important characters in play here. Most have been referred to or have had huge parts to play in other stories, their own or others in The Chosen universe. Some like the orphan Jeremy , a big element here, might have an interesting future ahead. Just another reason I’m loving this series.

The only issue I had here is that with all the many storylines at work, when it came time to pull them all together, some felt a bit rushed. I felt as though I was missing some of the pieces of the puzzle for a few of the mystery segments at the end. The explanation didn’t seem to cover everything that occurred.

However, the romance, the mate bond, the communication ( a huge thing with me) the children, it made it just plain magical. Love this couple and children.

Magical Mates is a great addition to The Chosen universe and I hope it continues.

I’m recommending both stories written so far! Red them in the order they were written.

Magical Mates:

✓ All Kidding Aside #1

✓ Stop Kidding Around #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStop Kidding Around (Magical Mates #2) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas.

When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward.

Shifters are real… and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.

Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have–loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous–or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of…
But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself?

As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.

Review: The Lady Under The Lake (Quest Investigations #3) by E.J. Russell

Rating: 4.75🌈

There’s just so much to love about this third installment in Russell’s Quest Investigations series! It’s even more convoluted then ever with all the supernatural laws and politics involved, that’s not even looking at all the individuals who have major parts to play at the drama here.

This is mega supernatural melodrama… with all that entails. Some comedy, usually supplied by the antics of Jordan and his Hellhound Doop. But here there’s also some real tragedy and trauma to digest. The characters who have come to Matt as well as those around him, are dealing with incredibly painful memories and emotionally damaging issues.

Domestic violence and spousal abuse that’s an assumed right due to tradition and species. Child abuse, abandonment, and kidnapping are major elements of this tale.

Note: descriptions of past events for the above.

From one request to find a child, sets off an explosion of old traumatic memories and new repercussions that effects so many Matt has ties with.

The writing is crisp, the action swift paced, characterizations outstanding, and a tale packed full of the full range of emotions.

The humor is there. But so many scenes that will move you. One of a dust filled room, tiny cradle will surely have you in tears.

As always, I’m left wanting more. I’d probably be thrilled if these stories were 300k longer as I’d linger in each room, wanting more dialogue and exposition.

Ah well, guess I’ll have to be satisfied with the next novel coming in March!

I’m happily recommending this story but read the entire series in the order it’s written for relationship development and overall series arc plot line. It’s amazing.

Plus it’s all part of the author’s Mythmatched universe. So it helps to have read those stories beforehand for some background knowledge if possible.

If not, there’s an entire universe to explore as well.

Quest Investigations Series:

✓ Five Dead Herrings #1

✓ The Hound of the Burgervilles #2

✓ The Lady Under The Lake #3

◦ Death on Denial- March 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Lady Under the Lake by E.J. Russell – Goodreads

Synopsis:

This client is all wet…

After receiving a hot tip on the whereabouts of my almost-boyfriend’s nearly-ex-husband (hey, I told you—it’s complicated!), I thought my love life was finally coming up for air. But when we stake out the remote lake, it’s not the ex who surfaces.

It’s the Faerie King’s long-missing mother (and I mean really long, as in double-digit centuries), and she wants to hire Quest Investigations. Since one of my bosses is the king’s brother, he has a tsunami of…feelings about her as a potential client, and refuses to take the case. Instead, he passes it to me.

Yes! However…

Should I be thrilled at the vote of confidence or suspicious that he’s tossing me in the deep end without a life preserver, the better to punish the woman who abandoned her kid all those years ago?

You know what? It doesn’t matter. I may be Quest’s token human, but I’ve proven I can get the job done, so I dive right in. Then the lady explains what she wants me to do: find her missing child.

Seriously? I expected more of a challenge. All I have to do is introduce her to the king and bingo, case closed. But when she says, “Not that one,” this little family drama threatens to send ripples throughout the supernatural community—especially with my boss in over his head as the prime suspect in a fae kidnapping.

As if things weren’t complicated enough… Remember that nearly-ex? When he shows up and muddies the waters, I’m faced with a choice: I can solve this case or I can finally hook my almost-boyfriend.

Dammit.

The Lady Under the Lake is the third in the Quest Investigations M/M mystery series, a spinoff of E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched paranormal rom-com story world. It contains no on-page sex or violence, and although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance. The series is best read in order.

Review: All Kidding Aside (Magical Mates #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4 .5🌈

I recently reviewed Logan, the first book in Macy Blake’s new series. In that story, Orsen Riggs , a bear shifter and his adorable son came to help with the new additions and renovations to Logan’s team’s office and pack dwelling.

In a short time, they made an indelible impression. So I was thrilled to find I could read Orsen’s romance and the tale of his family.

It’s part of the Chosen interlocking group of series that Blake has ongoing that includes Logan’s series as well.

But honestly, adorable shifter kids and mates? I’m in!

The kids were a part of a drama from another series/novels but enough of their history was related here that we had a foundation. Kids kidnapped, hurt, saved, now heading under the one Alpha and clan who saved them.

Exciting and sets up a fantastic groundwork for future stories as the kids are all different shifters.

There is nothing more connectable or endearing then small beings needing families and love. Macy Blake does an outstanding job of giving us children who are not are believable but have the ability to jump instantly into our hearts.

Add onto that two men with a mate connection each is unsure about, a child they both “feel “ is somehow theirs… and you have a heartfelt storyline that pulls you in with multiple elements.

And it’s not just that child in need of a family…..

There’s a compound full. With dangers lurking outside.

Yes, I loved this.

Magical Mates:

✓ All Kidding Aside #1

◦ Stop Kidding Around #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showAll Kidding Aside (Magical Mates #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Building houses for a pack of orphans might lead one griffin to find his heart’s home.Victor Eastaughffe knows three things for a fact:-He does not have a mate.-He does not like children.-His duty is to his griffin clan. When Victor meets Orsen Riggs, a scruffy bear shifter, and little Gus, an orphaned red panda cub, his orderly, structured world becomes messy and chaotic. All the things he once held true suddenly don’t make sense. Asked to help the Smith pack navigate the difficult world of shifter politics, Victor realizes he might not know himself as well as he thought.

Magic is in the air, and it’s making him long for things he never wanted before. But duty comes before all else, even at a price Victor no longer wants to pay.

Review: Melee Mage (Fledgling God #2) by Michael Taggert

Rating: 4.25🌈

That fun, fantastical, and magical Fledgling God series ride is back in its second book, Melee Mage! Yes, Jason and his found family have a huge battle coming and it’s time to learn to do a rumble the magical way! Or is it?

Michael Taggert expounds on the limitations of magic or the concept of relying on just one type of “sense” to protect yourself and the ones you care about.

As usual, it’s the approach that’s… un hem… novel.

Jason has had several life threatening beatings, and magic hasn’t been always the answer in the end. Tyler puts forth the idea that they, Jason and Annabeth, need martial arts training using Wing Chun. This immediately sent me using Google fu… and found an entire ancient discipline devoted to a defensive martial arts. ….*calling now*

Anyway, this turns into one incredible section of Melee Mage, with the House getting involved in their training, a Mr Sparkles…lots of humor and interesting ways to move the characters forward in their physical journey and closeness.

Meanwhile, other elements are still factoring in, new magic, characters, theories about souls, and more fears from outside mages needing power.

Every gain in stability and growth, either of new power or personal levels of awareness, is balanced by an increase in danger and numbers coming for them. A very scary and fragile situation.

This story ends a bit abruptly that leaves us wanting to reach for that next installment that isn’t available as yet. Not exactly a cliffhanger but close.

It leaves one major plot thread unresolved while happily tying up a couple of other ones. However, as a series should, the arc questions float nicely above and around the situations here, keeping us very aware there’s some wild potential angles a coming!

I’m looking forward to seeing how our happily reunited and focused found family will handle what’s ahead.

Fledgling God series:

Misfit Mage #1

Melee Mage #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showMelee Mage (Fledgling God #2) by Michael Taggart – Goodreads

Synopsis:

After getting punched in the face by a golem, Jason discovers he desperately needs two things: a much better offense and a much better defense.

To a hammer, everything looks like a nail, and to a mage, everything is solved with magic. That is, unless your magic is small and restricted like Jason’s. Since he can’t use charms, create shields or throw fireballs, he needs to find a different way to win battles.

Fortunately, Tyler is back, and as a Natural, he is ready to teach Jason the Way of the Fist. Among other things. (Nudge nudge, wink wink)

And he’ll need all the help he can get, because with Isobel gone, the Louisville Mages are in disarray. That should have been the end of the threat to Jason, his friends, and the House. But she left behind a terrible legacy, and now there is a battle royale for power.

As the last person standing, Jason must find a way to defend the House and get his friends back on their feet. If he can’t do it with magic, then he’ll have to do it as a fighter. He will have to become the Melee Mage.

Characters:

Housemates /found family

Jason Cole

Annabeth Sarah Matz- hears magic through music

John. Aka Lain Rankin MacRae Part Mountain Troll

Sandy Felton Head of House

Tyler, good incubus – bit of a enigma

Bermuda. The Kitten!

Review: Broken Warrior ( The Weavers Circle #1) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott

Rating: 3.25 🌈

The combination of a great cover and a fantasy author who’s stories I’d enjoyed brought me to Broken Warrior, the first in The Weavers Circle series by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott.

I found the premise of the series arc really interesting and full of potential. The idea that long ago a tear was created between worlds to allow another species access to our world to steal energy and resources to give to their dying one. A battle to seal the tear and save our world began, including the use of immortal warriors.

Well not exactly. They die , then are resurrected, looking exactly the same, minus the memories and groovy clothes of the era they died in. Then, slowly, in a magical “I can’t help myself “ way start to travel to a southern mansion to start to gather together and battle again.

So far they haven’t been really good at this. They’ve died a lot of times. Only to return and do it again.

Interesting elements. A pull to a certain region. A internal “recognition “ factor that allows each warrior to know instinctively that another is his missing brother in arms. A neat idea that thrown away in the first book by a actual photo. SMH! No don’t need a to feel my new bro is around here, I know what he actually looks like to recognize him. Sigh.

There’s a handyman that’s clueless to all the strange hunky men gathering in the gorgeous mansion he’s been hired to renovate by the three older women…cough… goddesses….

While the characters are likable, the part of the story that’s basically a instant love romance between Clay Green, Earth Warrior, and Dane Briggs, handyman, feels rushed and incomplete. It’s more that Dane has a part to play, less than he feels like half of a HEA.

As I said, there’s sections I like, others that make little sense other than it’s what was needed to move the plot along. The men were told to do this, naturally they did that which made zero sense so the plot ended up at point zed.

Things done like that are narratively frustrating. Characters, their personalities, especially within a plot should make sense. You’d think they’d leave notes for themselves. Tried this, big fail. Note to self. Don’t do that again, and btw…no one liked my mullet.

You know… important stuff.

Nopes.

The characters that had the best chemistry were the two ‘brother warriors’ found in this story. They were easily the best friends and characters here. You got to thinking I’d ship them and not the handyman.

Baer Manning, the Animal Warrior, is adorable. You’re not wrong in thinking he’s destined for Clay Green, but alas and alack , no. And if you’ve noticed a pattern with the names you’re not wrong there either.

Clay Green: Earth Warrior plus Dane

Baer Manning: Animal Warrior..grrr you great big ol bear you.

Grey Ackles: Soul Warrior

The three women who are the goddesses are interesting and likable. Not a whole lot of information on them as yet .

Honestly, not sure if I’m going forward. Towards the end Clay and Baer found a photo of all of the warriors before the last and unsuccessful battle, showing that they do in fact always look identical in every new life, minus a Fu Manchu mustache or two.

Now , as the both remark, they know EXACTLY what their missing warriors look like.

Soooooooo

Baer’s book is next.

Wild Warrior. Where according to the long description, it’s where Baer meets an adorable guy because he’s MISTAKEN him for one of his missing brothers.

You know, the ones on the picture he’s seen so he knows exactly what they look like plus all Warriors know who the other is by a Internal “bro alarm”.

So I’m thinking… um no. I’ll think I’ll quietly move on.

But you may be totally fascinated by how this all shakes out. Let me know.

The Weavers Circle series:

Broken Warrior #1

Wild Warrior #2

Blind Warrior #3

Tangled Warrior #4

Storm Warrior #5

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Weavers Circle #1 – Broken Warrior – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Clay Green:

A brotherhood? Monsters? Goddesses? Magic?

The world has become a strange place.

After a life on the run, Clay Green is rescued by a crazy old lady with a shotgun and an even crazier story about monsters, goddesses, and a secret brotherhood.

Gifted with the power of the earth, Clay must locate his missing “brothers” before invading monsters can destroy everything.

As if that’s not enough to contend with, Clay can’t keep his hands off the man trying to rebuild the house he’s temporarily living in.

Dane Briggs

Something strange is going on…

Dane knew restoring the old house wasn’t going to be an easy job, but at least none of the clients were going to be underfoot. Since losing his wife and child, the only way Dane can keep going is to focus on the work.

But that focus crumbles the second Clay appears covered in blood and barely hanging on to life.

Mystery and danger cling to Clay and the other men who suddenly show up. A smart person would walk away.

Dane chucks smart out the window in favor of hungry kisses and the silken slide of skin against skin. He doesn’t understand what’s happening, but there’s no question that Clay needs him.

He’s just not sure his heart can survive being broken again if something happens to Clay.

Broken Warrior is the first book in The Weavers Circle series. It includes fast-paced action, explosions, hurt/comfort, sexy times, animal shenanigans, wounded hearts, three crazy old ladies, and magic!

Review: Gideon (Chosen Champions #2) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5

Gideon was a better tale, probably because so much of the exposition had been dealt with in Logan’s book that we’re familiar with most of the characters here.

We get the relationships happening and the new dynamics at play around the Warehouse, the headquarters for Logan’s team and new pack.

With a foundation set, a mystery arc laid out for us (again in Logan’s story), Gideon is ready for his next step forward.

For that, it’s also a trip back … towards his past with Taj, the incubus who broke his heart. We met Taj during the big investigation and now we learn the circumstances behind his conditions on this side of the Seal.

Sometimes it’s a tough thing getting a couples chemistry right, especially if it’s needed to be combustible immediately. That’s certainly not a issue here. Taj and Gideon are that romantic incendiary pair that also manages to be tragic and trapped in their past. They make this story.

Taj comes with a human best friend , Erich, who’s ignorant of the supernaturals around him, including Taj. A pair, like adopted brothers, Erich is a character we see a lot of.

The arc mystery started in the first story continues here, building its elements and characters through most investigations and cases. It’s the one aspect that’s adding on the danger and suspense in each book without giving any answers so far.

What is happening is that Logan’s family and pack is growing. Both supernatural and human beings by story and mate.

This was a terrific story and romance. I love seeing everyone and the steps forward they had taken. Including therapy for Bailey, and that his recovery is a process. Great job.

Next up is Aleron. Unfortunately, that’s not til March 22, 2022. I’ll be waiting.

I may check out some of the other connected series.

I’m definitely recommending the Chosen Champions, both stories. Read them in the order they were written.

Chosen Champions series:

✓ Logan #1

✓ Gideon #2

◦ Aleron #3 – coming March 22, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showGideon (Chosen Champions #2) by Macy Blake | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Gideon is a centuries-old vampire warrior with a broken heart…

Which is why he’s vowed never to risk it again. Instead, he’s channeled his passion and his legendary self-control into becoming a skilled protector — one who’s promised to wield his sword alongside a young wolf shifter leader on a mission from the mysterious Oracle to protect the human realm against the broken magic that threatens its very existence. He’s doing just fine without love, thank you very much… at least until his incubus ex reappears in his life.

Taj is an incubus without a home…

And that is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Banished to the human realm, Taj is learning the hard way that survival is for the fittest and, um… he’s not as fit as he thought he was. Not when his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Still, it’s only when another incubus is involved in a series of brutal attacks and Taj’s ex, Gideon, rides to the rescue that Taj learns just how dangerous this human realm might be to his life… and to his heart.

But although the fire between Gideon and Taj burns hotter than ever, they’ll need to break through the wall of secrets that divides them if they want a chance to set things right…

A second chance for the human realm.

A second chance at finding a home in the welcoming arms of their new pack.

And a second chance at building a future… together.

Review: Logan (Chosen Champions #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.25 🌈

Once again I seem to have stumbled onto a new author and new series with quite a few established characters, and a solid fantasy foundation set in place by multiple series that were released prior to this one. It’s a prospect that’s full of potential for a long and happy reader relationship if I love what I find here.

Turns out I do.

Blake gives her readers the essentials of her world building here at the beginning. The magical seal, the now divided realms with the human realm now hosting, without humanities knowledge , a wide spectrum of supernatural beings caught unawares when the door home “slammed shut”as it were.

It’s how those are doing here and who’s monitoring them that’s the series. And the prior ones as far as I can tell.

Blake breaks down her different series into factions dealing with this huge closure between worlds. I’m still a little vague on the Chosen Champions thing and how they factor into the big picture. Maybe that’s coming.

Logan starts the beginning of the Chosen Champions. Each of the supernaturals who are already a secret police team are individuals that have made appearances elsewhere in other series.

Since I’m new to it all, I can say it doesn’t make a huge difference not to have read those stories prior to this one. It’s other parts of each man’s/beings past that will become a pivotal storyline in each novel.

For Logan, it’s his pack-less status, the history behind that, and his lack of mate. Those huge issues drive him emotionally, including denying his instincts as a Alpha to form a pack.

Macy Blake has a interesting group of supernaturals as Logan’s friends and team. From a dragon, a griffin, a vampire, a wolf from another family, and an enigmatic boss who’s only heard but never seen, it’s a tight knit grab bag of talents and history.

Bailey Cairn on the other hand is all human, a talented chef, exhausted student about to graduate with a business degree, loyal friend, and a bit insecure about himself.

Blake’s characters are well crafted, and relatable, whether they’re human or supernatural. Bailey comes with a small close group of college friends who’ve formed a found family amongst themselves with Bailey as the centering force. We soon find ourselves as familiar with this small human “family “ as we are with Logan’s team.

A linked series of horrific attacks pull both groups together.

A two person pov format works very well , especially in a story with a suspense element. Blake gives each character plenty of narrative time to explore their personality, history, and current situation before moving to the other person. It moves between them as needed while remaining balanced.

Blake does tackle the damage past trauma inflicts on a person and the continuing pain it carries. I appreciate that’s an element the author carries from one story to the next. These men understand how attacks this brutal traumatize people and bring up therapy to try to heal the pain within.

There’s humor to allay the suspense, sexy heat to go along with high action. Logan is an exciting, fast-paced supernatural romance. I enjoyed it immensely.

Moving now to Gideon! That’s the sexy vampire in Logan’s pack….

I’m thrilled to find a new series and author! I’m recommending both

Chosen Champions series:

✓ Logan #1

◦ Gideon #2

◦ Aleron #3 – coming March 22, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showLogan (Chosen Champions #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Logan Moore is a leader without a pack…

And after the rejection he faced from his last pack, he’s not sure he wants one. But when a mysterious benefactor he nicknames The Oracle offers Logan the chance to use his military expertise to lead a group of misfit shifters to protect the creatures of the magical realm, Logan’s wolf won’t allow him to say no.

Bailey Cairn is a man without a protector…

And for the entirety of his very human life, he hasn’t needed one. But when his friend is attacked at a bar, sweet, caretaker Bailey is drawn into a world he hadn’t known existed. A world full of secrets, and magic. A world full of danger… and gorgeous, protective Logan.

But if Bailey and Logan want to break the chains of the past, they’ll have to learn to trust each other and themselves, and start to believe in things that are bigger than they are…

That magic exists.

That packs are about more than blood ties.

That sometimes true love is a matter of fate.

And that heroes aren’t made…they’re Chosen.

Review: Misfit Mage (Fledgling God #1) by Michael Taggert

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Misfit Mage, the first book in the Fledgling God series by Michael Taggert , is a brutal, vastly entertaining, and imaginative introduction to this new to me author and great universe.

A world where the supernaturals are ruthlessly hunting for power or power sources, with methods brutal, cruel, and often final, those recently awakened to those powers don’t have long to grow into them. Often too weak to survive, they are easy prey , power fodder for those stronger then themselves.

But the mundane world hasn’t a clue such viciousness exists.

Taggert creates one young man about to find out in the worst manner possible, exactly how close the magical world exists to his.

Jason Cole is a survivor. He’s also inventive, amusing, kind, and emotionally a walking soul bruise. His past has left him damaged but scrappy. In short, Jason is someone we can easily connect with.

And we do. Especially as Jason is put through rather a lot. Physically and emotionally. But mostly physically. When I say parts of this book are brutal, I mean it. Jason is attacked and the descriptions are harsh and raw. He takes a real beating. More than once. On the page. So if this is a issue or trigger , be prepared to skip over this section.

What you will delight in? The magic here. Taggert doesn’t just have a character wave a hand … and then there’s magic. Nope!

This author decided to go into the mechanics of his magic, which is fascinating. It’s on a cellular level plus there’s another element that’s tonal. So many outstanding magical threads here. Plus Taggert does so without taking away any of the wonder and awesomeness that makes a urban fantasy so unforgettable.

Taggert gives us matrixes, dancing pink cells, magical flying Grannies with Dustbusters, zooming Red energy Dots with feathers, Miniature Magical Miners, and so much more. It’s incredibly entertaining, vastly amusing, and so inventive that as a reader I’m just waiting to see what Taggert and his characters come up with next!

There’s a found family being established within a sentient House, a foundation of magic and history that’s slowly being rolled out too.

Oh there’s cats and kittens. Kittens are Life. And hugely important as characters. You will adore them, especially one.

It’s almost as though we get a magical cultural smorgasbord in some respects to entertain us. For me it absolutely works. I can envision it and it makes me laugh.

Misfit Mage is primarily concerned with Jason’s intro into his new world and the people that will become his found family. It’s also his first real look at its realities and the enemies he and his friends face.

A harsh new yet amazing world. One that gets steadily better as we advance into the next installment, Melee Mage.

I’m steadfast in my love for this small group of people who are still revealing themselves and growing their powers. So it’s a winner and one I’m definitely recommending!

Fledgling God series:

Misfit Mage #1

Melee Mage #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showFledgling God #1 – Misfit Mage – Goodreads

Synopsis:

He went searching for a fresh start. He didn’t expect to find unusual friends, fierce enemies, and primal powers.

Jason thought that it was the end of his life after being hunted and attacked by a band of ruthless thugs. Instead, he tapped into the source of creation and emerged from his Death Experience with magical powers.

As a new mage, Jason finds himself part of a wonderful – and dangerous – new supernatural world. He also finds himself in the middle of a mage war as he becomes part of an unlikely group of protectors who are defending a mystical mansion from those who want to destroy it.

Jason has little power, and the band of misfits are on the losing side, until he discovers he can see and manipulate magic at a remarkable level. What he detects begins his journey into discovering how his new powers really work, and just might be the edge that they need to survive.

If you like witty dialogue, diverse characters, magic that feels real, and intense action, then you will love this LGBTQ urban fantasy. Buy Misfit Mage today and step into a new enchanted world.

Review: Embers (Scales ‘n’ Spells #5) by A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.5🌈

Embers is the fifth and as far as I can tell, the finale book in the Scales ‘n’ Spells series by A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake. It’s also my favorite as it’s also the one that feels the most successful In balancing out both sides of the series arc. That of dragons and mages.

Where all the other stories have been mage heavy in their narrative, leaving little space for their dragons to be little other than a story support for the mage it’s focused on, here non-binary mage Nikki and red fire dragon Gunter have equal story time. Gunter’s role in Nikki’s road to trust and healing is well documented as is Nikki’s in Gunter’s re-emergence into dragon society. This partnership and it’s growth, while stated in other novels, is clearly shown in operation here and it makes the book.

In fact, Nikki is one of my favorite characters. I appreciate the care that’s taken by all castle inhabitants to ask what pronouns Nikki wants to use and the hilarious interchange with drunk gender fluid dragon Lir during a party.

That dragons are pansexual and accepting of the spectrum of sexuality is a major theme in the series. The fact that Nikki is non binary and should be treated exactly as everyone else as they see no issues with differences in sexuality or gender is also key. To Nikki’s past ( and other mages treatment from their own clans and families) to the way in which they’ve been valued outside of dragon society.

The authors do a wonderful job with this aspect of their series and this novel. So I was a bit disappointed to see that a line editor missed a crucial error here during the dragon game night scene:

“….dungeon,” called out a familiar voice above the din,

and Nikki had to swallow back his laughter.”

Surely, of all mistakes, something like that should have been caught. When it’s been impressed upon everyone that’s their pronouns are they/them.

There are some very good action scenes, thrilling and suspenseful towards the end where there’s a cinematic fiery battle. But , here’s the thing, do the authors want us to treat this final chapter where there’s multiple injuries, deaths, explosions!

Drama!

But on the flip side … giggling? Some jokes and inconsequential banter. And neither seems to fit particularly well with the other. It’s as though the authors couldn’t decide what atmosphere or overall tone to go for, lighthearted fun or deadly drama, so they did both.

Let’s have sooo many dying…. But I’ll giggle too. Hmmmmm no. If I was the writers, I might have rethought that.

A element I did like? I had wondered previously about the lack of dragon information, background knowledge, including that of the incubators. That bit of knowledge gets filled in here nicely. Babies! And happy endings.

The Scales ‘n’ Spells series was a entertaining urban fantasy series, saving the best til last.

I enjoyed it and will recommend it.

Scales ‘n’ Spells series:

✓ Origins

✓ Breath

✓ Wish: a Novella

✓ Blood

✓ Embers

https://www.goodreads.com › showEmbers (Scales ‘N’ Spells, #4) by A.J. Sherwood – Goodreads

Once upon a time, there was a stunningly gorgeous mage named Nikki.

They were trapped by evil, horrible Jaeggi mages for ten long years until they were rescued by the brave dragon named Gunter.

The grumpy red knight swept in, carrying them off to a fair castle, where they lived happily ever after.

That’s how the story’s supposed to go, anyway. Nikki would really like to have that fairytale ending, please and thank you.

It’s too bad Gunter is oblivious and the Jaeggi are interfering. Nikki may just have to cook up some explosions to help both situations along, because they’re determined to get their happily ever after.

Is there a magic how-to guide on things that go boom?

Tags:
non-binary MC, Grumpy and Sunshine, it’s basically the air we breathe, Gunter needs a hug, Nikki likes to give them, crippling crush at first sight, Nikki has trust issues, for good reason, Nikki’s determined, Gunter is oblivious, mis-used poetry, Alric and Gunter are once again banned from drinking together, ever, schmoop, wall sex, the tongue thing is awesome, all hail Gunter’s tongue, violence, because bad guys, Nikki feels that explosions are an appropriate response to everything, Cameron and Nikki are explosion buddies, Nikki has mixed feelings on high heels, fairytales do come true.