Review : A Touch of Fever (Arcane Hearts #1) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4🌈

A Touch of Fever is the first story in the Arcane Hearts series by Nazri Noor. He’s a new author for me and I’m definitely going to look forward to more from him in the future.

I enjoyed my time with these characters and this universe. Noor does an excellent job creating a world we want to know more about, especially the Black Market. It’s a place that moves itself, it’s new destination known only to itself. What a exciting concept.

Our main characters, which I think will grow over the next couple of books to include a sort of found family, is especially fascinating. We have a mage with a haunting future, Xander Wright. Our main hero, the artificer Jackson Pryde, who just might be something more. We have a witch Beatrice and a Guardian who I’ll let you read about. That’s part of the story.

There’s a small quest, a bigger mystery, some murders, and finally a larger adventure looming on the horizon.

If there wasn’t some on the page sex, very hot btw, I’d say this was the perfect YA series.

Noor has written terrific relatable characters, one’s dealing with issues of self worth, family responsibilities, the burden of duty, the pain of loss, and inadequacy. It’s tough being young sometimes. And Noor captures that.

Which is why I think that it’s a YA novel is everything but that it has sex scenes . It’s a terrific story either way.

I’m definitely on my way to the next in the series. And recommending this book now.

Arcane Hearts series:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

◦ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

◦ An Iron Fist #3

◦ A Velvet Glove #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Touch of Fever (Arcane Hearts, #1) by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What do you do when you can’t cast spells? You make your own magic.

Jackson Pryde was never great at wielding magic. Instead, he works as an artificer, crafting enchanted devices in the Black Market, a shadowy bazaar of wonders. But Xander Wright, the mouthy, pretentious mage next door, hates all the hammering in Jackson’s workshop.

When a chance assignment forces them to team up, they discover a terrifying predicament. Something is driving members of the magical community into murderous rages. Jackson and Xander must combine might and magic to find the source of the Fever and stop it. Can they put aside their differences long enough to end the Fever, or will they succumb to its bloodthirsty curse?

A Touch of Fever is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, best friends turned bitter enemies, as they navigate an adventure filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience A Touch of Fever today.

Review: A Gilded Iron Blade ( San Amara Investigations #3) by Kai Butler

Rating: 4.75🌈

A Gilded Iron Blade is a gripping story where you absolutely must have read all the preceding books in the series. There’s just no way Kai Butler can bring a new reader up to date within this ever expanding, utterly complicated universe and series arc in a story and still carry out their vision for the book.

I’m a total fan of this series and sometimes it’s a task, albeit a very happy one, for me to remember all the various characters, the politics (on Earth and in the other Realms), the amazingly labyrinthine character histories and relationship dynamics. Plus , thanks to a author with a flexible and imaginative mind, each story is a dramatic and emotionally exciting journey to a higher new stage of development for everyone involved.

It’s normally a more frightening one as well.

In A Gilded Iron Blade, Parker Ferro, has assumed , unwillingly, the all important title and role of the Windrose, high judge and arbitrator for the Other Realms, one’s that now include the Dark one. As well as the one tasked with making sure nothing happens to new The World Tree which is still reestablishing itself with its portals and enemies.

Parker Ferro is one of the most intriguing characters I’ve read. His history is tortured and still much as mystery to himself and others. His dysfunctional childhood impacts all his relationships and decisions, often for the worst. And yet just when you may want to throttle him (Butler’s characters feel totally alive that you believe in them), then he sees in something or someone a greater pain , or makes a step forward in his growth that shows such utter emotional depth you’ve confounded and committed even greater to his journey. Wherever that’s taking him, you, and those around him.

And it’s quite a group of found family he’s gathering up there as well. Not just his conflicted Detective boyfriend, Nick, an alchemist who’s family has a way of negatively impacting their lives as well as Nick’s career.

A Gilded Iron Blade follows the events from the battle for the World Tree , new and old enemies, new storylines and characters.

Layers upon layers. No things aren’t getting any easier for anyone. In fact, there’s a character death here. It’s logical but it’s not any less devastating.

Kai Butler is ramping up the excitement, the suspense, and the heart stopping events as new mysteries are just about to appear.

This was an awesome, wildly entertaining, imaginative, and gripping story. It was emotional and I was invested in Parker’s growth, as well as his many relationships with Nick, and his family.

I can’t wait for the next book to be released.

Until then, I’m highly recommending this series and story. Read them in the order they are written to understand the events and characters histories and relationships.

San Amara Investigations Series:

◦ A Haunting at Midnight #0.5

◦ A Debt Unpaid #0.75

✓ Wormwood Summer #1

✓ A Belated Burial #1.5

✓ The Oak Wood Throne #2

✓ A Gilded Iron Blade #3

◦ A Shattered Silver Crown #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Gilded Iron Blade (San Amaro Investigations #3) by Kai Butler – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Saving the city was supposed to be the hard part…

Parker Ferro can’t catch a break. After saving San Amaro from destruction for the second time and reconciling with his boyfriend, his current plans are to relax on his couch until his ears stop ringing.

Unfortunately, the thousand realms he just saved have a way of yanking him back into service and the dead have come back to haunt him. When he’s called in by the SAPD to consult on the murder of an anti-paranormals protestor killed with fae magic, Parker is caught up in an intricate political web that was spun long before he was ever born.

Now Parker has to unravel the mystery behind the murder and untangle old family secrets before irreversible damage is done to his new friends and alliances. At least this time, he’ll hopefully have some help…

A Gilded Iron Blade is a 100k MM urban fantasy with a HFN and an ongoing storyline.

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: 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: 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.

Review: Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco (Fantastic Fluke #3) by Sam Burns

Rating: 5🌈💫

Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco is the penultimate novel in Sam Burns four book Fantastic Fluke series and it’s terrific.

As the author starts to do the arduous task of both ramping up the expectations for the expected magical thrown down and accompanying revelations she also has to start , however slowly, pulling together all the loose plot threads and tidying up her narrative house as it were.

The weight carried by the penultimate story is much like that of the second novel. It’s subtle, often without the shine and glory of the finale, but with huge responsibilities for the characters and plot.

Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco Carrie’s that weight with ease, bringing new information on our main characters magical abilities to light as well as delving deep into the past that created both their ancestry and the dire issues they all face currently.

It does so through action packed scenes, quiet moments of reflection, and quirky communal times spent eating pizza amidst laughter and love. It shows us found family at its most supportive and it’s ability to continue to grow and connect to allow others within its warm embrace.

I’ve come to absolutely love this group of beings, people, familiars, mages, what have you. What a remarkable family of well defined individuals Burns has created for us to love and connect with.

And a plot that seems to want to transcend both time and realities, if the Convergence has anything to say about it.

It’s hard to believe the author has chosen to end this series at four novel. I could easily have spent a shelf of stories here.

The next will be out in February 2022. Until then I absolutely recommend reading this entire series in the order they are written for characters growth and plot development.

That cover like all the rest is astonishing.

The Fantastic Fluke Series -4 of 4:

✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1

✓ Fluke and the Failthless Father #2

✓ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3

◦ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4 – coming in February 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showFluke and the Faultline Fiasco by Sam Burns – Goodreads

Synopsis:

When an earthquake shakes up Sage’s night, his instinct is to forget about it. They live in California—quakes happen. But this one sends the consciousness that lives in the ley lines running to him in fear, so he and his gunslinger boyfriend set out to investigate. What they uncover is a century-old plot to destroy not only the ley lines, but the city of Junction itself.

Now, they’re in a race against an unknown adversary who wants to annihilate everything they love, and the only man with the answers is Sage’s long-dead Uncle Jonathon. Good thing they only have to read his journals, not deal with the insufferable jerk in person.

Between a heist to steal a magic artifact, Uncle Jonathon’s bigoted ramblings, and one surprise after another from his allies, can Sage find what he needs to save Junction?

Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco is third in its series, so if you haven’t read a Fluke book before, you should definitely start with book one, The Fantastic Fluke. The Faultline Fiasco is a 65k word novel that follows the continuing adventures of Sage, Fluke, Gideon, and their whole family, as they try to save the world. Or at least Southern California..

Review: Blood(Scales ‘n’ Spells (#4) by A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4 🌈✨

Blood, book 4 in A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake’s Scales ‘n’ Spells series, feels like the first story that brings both sides of the mage/dragon union into the tale as equal partners.

Here we get Sora’s full background and family history that folds in with mages as a whole. It’s interesting and a perspective the reader is well familiar with.

Along side the mage pov, is Ravi, the blue Wind Dragon that was adopted during the War by the Burkhard Clan. In the previous stories, the dragons have had or told less about themselves in each book versus the amount of space given their mates.

In Blood , both Sora and Ravi have equal time, narratively speaking. Probably because Ravi’s unusual past makes him a more noteworthy subject for a bigger share of the story. And he does well by it.

This is also a bigger book dramatically in terms of widening the scope of the themes and arc storytelling. Let’s just say the cast gets much bigger almost overnight!

I adore the impulsive Ravi and find the more responsible Sora a treat as well as a great compliment to him. The chemistry works.

I enjoy this series and story for its entertainment value. Plus dragons!

However, the new big plot elements also left a few equally noticeable plot holes. Ones at least large enough I thought several small dragons could fly through.

It’s hard to explain without giving the entire plot and storyline revelations away but the use of the impulsive (and young) Ravi to go chase after, boo hisss, the bad guys?

It’s something that strikes me as merely the authors ploy to raise the drama quotient from point A to point W, not because it makes any logical sense when looking at all the characters and story components the authors just laid down.

That’s frustrating because surely another way could have been found around all that. Sigh. Plot caverns make me crazy.

What this story does right? A gorgeous bonding ceremony that again was lacking in previous novels. It was moving and magical. Lovely.

I found Blood and Ravi and Sora to be a winner. Might be my favorite yet of the series.

I’m recommending it to all those who enjoy dragons and fantasy.

Scales ‘n’ Spells series:

✓ Origins

✓ Breath

✓ Wish: a Novella

◦ Blood

◦ Embers

https://www.goodreads.com › showBlood (Scales ‘N’ Spells, #3) by A.J. Sherwood | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Secret identities are hard to keep.

Sora finds this to be doubly true after meeting the struggling Burkhard Clan and the mischievous Ravi. The wind dragon has stolen his breath, and heart, away. Sora suspects he might have found his mate.

But his inability to be truthful with Ravi eats at Sora. When the Jaeggi attack, Sora can’t keep his secrets any longer. Not when Ravi is in the center of the war raging around them.

He has to reveal who he really is. It’s the only way to be with Ravi and give the Burkhards the help they need.

Sora’s secret could tip the scales to save them all.

Tags:

There’s tropes, and then there’s this book, Ravi has impulse issues, in Ravi’s defense he was left unsupervised, you’re only in trouble if you get caught, secret identity, only Ravi could have a meet-cute like this, Ravi attempts romance, it’s bad, no its really really bad, thank god for it, bored mages get into stuff, mothers with an agenda, hurt/comfort, somehow the comfort part involves tacos, Ravi is a corruptive influence, Sora is a willing corruptee, chaos incarnate, protective mate, bad guys ramp it up to the next level, Sora has an ace up his sleeve, and is not afraid to use it, Bat-Ravi

Review: Fluke and the Faithless Father (Fantastic Fluke #2) by Sam Burns

Rating: 5 🌈💫

After reading The Fantastic Fluke I had to immediately go to the next in the series to see what happens next. Imagine how surprised I was to find this (and probably all the other books) flow seamlessly from one to another.

The beginning here is exactly the last paragraphs of the ending of the first book so the narrative continues perfectly, picking up where the events left everyone evaluating how to go forward.

All the characters I have gotten to love, and a few I despise, are back. The interpersonal relationships are deepening. And the character growth and magical revelations just connect me even more closely with mage Sage McKinley, and his incredible found family that includes his cowboy mage (former ghost) boyfriend Gideon, his fabulous mage grandmother Iris McKinley and her staff/family as well as Rufus her familiar, Sage’s BFF and store partner Beez, Freddy, and last but never ever least … the amazing familiar Fluke the fox! Unfortunately there’s still Sage’s dads who are both a huge part of this story.

Both of them had enormous roles in damaging and traumatizing Sage, a element that has continued into the present. His biological father has remained in the bookstore Sage inherited, albeit in ghostly form, to taunt him daily, not content to have been just a miserable, horrible father to Sage while living.

The man Sage had loved and thought of as his real father and family, until he watched him murder his mother, is behind bars, convicted of the same murder that almost took Sage’s life too. And left him traumatized.

Both men and Sage’s past return here with real emotional impact.

I love found family stories and Burns is building a remarkable one while crafting a urban fantasy arc full of magic and mystery and quite a few murders.

Throw in how much damage a parent can inflict on a child’s personality by abuse, neglect, or, stunningly, unforeseen betrayal and murder, as Burns gives us a heartbreaking portrait of damaged adolescence and survival. And not just Sage’s.

Fluke and The Faithless Father is such a great story because of perseverance and strength and even grace shown by those under such awful conditions here. And the way in which they all triumph as they head to the next challenges.

It made me want to go back to the beginning and meet them all again, to see what I may have missed, recapture their wonderful spirits, before we head onto the next step.

I can already tell this is a journey I’ll want to take again with this remarkable family.

I’m highly recommending this book and series.

Again, a glorious cover.

The Fantastic Fluke Series:

✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1

✓ Fluke and the Faithless Father #2

◦ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3

◦ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4 – coming in 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showFluke and the Faithless Father by Sam Burns – Goodreads

Synopsis:

After escaping a murderer and resurrecting his boyfriend, Sage figures he deserves a little time to recover.

Unfortunately, life is rarely fair.

So instead of a break, he gets to deal with a magical law enforcement rookie asking uncomfortable questions about his brush with death. The quaesitor is acting downright suspicious. Or is it suspiciously?

Things go from awkward to dangerous when the man who murdered Sage’s mother is released from prison, and soon after there’s a break-in at the bookstore. The situation escalates so fast that Sage is afraid he’s going to end up with whiplash. Or worse, end up dead. He wanted a break, but not a permanent one.

Fluke and the Faithless Father is a direct sequel to The Fantastic Fluke, and should not be read first. It is an ~85k word novel that follows the continuing adventures of Sage, Fluke, Gideon, and their whole family, found and otherwise.

Review: The Fantastic Fluke by Sam Burns

Rating: 5🌈💫

The first in a series, The Fantastic Fluke is another one of those magical tales that author Sam Burns writes so beautifully.

From the opening sentence and our introduction to mage Sage McKinley, we have an immediate understanding of this man’s current situation, his thoughts on his past, his present predicament, even his self image. It’s intimate and concise. And it serves as both a foundation and way to connect the reader emotionally to Sage.

How could it not? Then we get thrown further afterwards as it gets more evidenced that this story is firmly bound to the magical world by ghosts, mages, familiars and murders most supernatural!

Not all the great characters are human, some are delightfully foxy! Or ghostly! Burns has built this story around multiple magical murder mysteries (alliteration is not a key), fantastic layered characters, and a romance.

The story is so well plotted that it moves along smoothly, all the elements coming together at the end for a perfect “aha” revelation or two!

I was just captivated the entire story. Whether it was Sage’s ghastly adolescence, the trauma he endured, or his future path that was happening , whether he wanted it or not. Magic was coming for him.

The Fantastic Fluke is just the first of The Fantastic Fluke series by Sam Burns. I can’t wait to read on and see where this journey takes Sage and his companions.

I’m highly recommending this. And the author, Sam Burns.

And btw? That cover is gorgeous! Love it.

The Fantastic Fluke Series:

✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1

◦ Fluke and the Failthless Father #2

◦ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3

◦ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4 – coming in 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fantastic Fluke #1 – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A lost fox. A gorgeous ghost. And an unlikely partnership to stop a murderer.

Since his mother’s murder, Sage McKinley doesn’t live, he exists. His weak magic has made him an outcast, shadowing his life with self-doubt. All that changes when the spirit of a gunslinger appears in his bookstore with a message that will flip Sage’s world upside down. According to the mesmerizing apparition, a powerful magic lies within Sage… if he can find a way to tap into it.

But dastardly threats accompany this untapped power. Bodies are piling high as a killer hunts for the secrets of the mage that now course through Sage’s veins. Can Sage find the confidence to embrace all he’s capable of? Or will the next life snuffed out be his own?

Review: Breath (Scales ‘n’ Spells (#2) by A.J. Sherwood and Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4 🌈

Breath is the second book in Sherwood and Drake’s fantasy series and it takes the series off to Finland, Poland..a tiny travelogue of countries really, in search of new mages and Dragon mates for the Burkhard Fire Clan. The path taken through Riga, then Wrocław is so descriptive and charming that you scramble to Google it. Locations are always a plus here.

However with both Origin and now Breath, there was an underlying element that tugged at me when I finished both stories and it took this book to figure out what it was.

I like the fantasy arc the authors have established and the mystery of the enemy mages to overcome. Nor have I mislaid the aspect of the Lost Clans the authors only mentioned in the beginning. All good.

I do like that the story concentrates on the mage for most of the novel. Here it’s Tori Taavi. He’s lived a miserable life in a hidden village that’s pretty much a matriarchal homophobic society where only the females who test out magically are valued, males who do are valued solely as mates to procreate and anyone else is considered worthless. Tori fell in the later as gay and someone who did work magic under their rigid guidelines.

Both Sherwood and Drake do a fantastic job in creating a sympathetic and relatable personality in Tori. He’s so easy to connect with, that making him our window into the story and his personal journey into a new world of hope is amazing. I’m with him and his tale of love and growth all the way.

In fact Tori’s emotional tale overpowers everything here. Baldewin, the sweet giant of a red fire dragon, definitely comes in second as a narrator instead of on equal standing. Same for Baldewin’s story. It’s Tori’s book really, not that I mind. He’s a great character. Much like the first book belonged to Cameron, Cassie, and Ha Na instead of King Alric.

But shouldn’t it be at least more uh… dragon sided too?

Right now it’s all about the mages but we learn very little about dragons here.

That’s part of the issue that’s been troubling me. Dragons, for all the castles and verbiage given to them here, have, little natural history or foundation. So there’s a magical incubator. Great! How does it work?why, other than the war basics, don’t we really know much about dragons here?

The mate ceremony is over before you know it . Which considering that it’s what all the drama and wars were/are fought over, wouldn’t you expect something more uh noteworthy? Here that’s the section that feels the most incomplete. When it should be the most uplifting and important.

And it was that way for both stories. So I see a pattern emerging here.

Great mage characters and their storyline. Lesser dragons characters with a rushed ending.

Thankfully Tori was so great that I really enjoyed his journey and thought Baldewin made a lovely mate for him.

Now onto the novella, Wish.

I’m recommending this because the characters are terrific and fantasy is always my jam.

Read them in the order they are written.

Scales ‘n’ Spells series:

✓ Origins

✓ Breath

◦ Wish: a Novella

◦ Blood

◦ Embers

https://www.goodreads.com › showBreath (Scales ‘N’ Spells #2) by A.J. Sherwood – Goodreads

A Mage’s List for Freedom:

1. Escape his evil, controlling clan.

2. Get a job.

3. Work magic on HIS terms.

4. Avoid all dragons.

Tori was doing great until sexy dragon Baldewin interfered.

Between the little gifts, constant protection, and the steadfast confidence from the overgrown lizard, Tori wonders if maybe that last step needs revising. He has no chance to consider it.

Not before trouble called Jaeggi REALLY hits. Now he’s on the road trip from hell to the one place he’d never thought would be a safe haven. A clan of dragons.

Assuming they make it, that is.

Tags:

Dragon shifters, mages, fated mates, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers, not mpreg, interracial couple, road trip, No Flying, nope not even with a dragon, dwarf hunting in Poland, Tori needs allll the hugs, Baldewin is happy to supply them, dragons are ninjas, attempted kidnapping, mages being BAMF, insecurity, trust issues, Tori is an arse, Baldewin is adorable, Cassie is over it, virgin character, but not for long fufufufu, dysfunctional family, family of choice, magical realism, cuuuuudles, the authors regret nothing.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: