Tag: magic

Review: Buried Mage (Fledgling God #4) by Michael Taggert

Rating: 5 🌈

Well, this just got way more fabulous and complicated!

Buried Mage immediately corrects the one issue I had with Gathering Mage, and that’s where the author had divided that section of his 2-part story. He’d gone past their arrival home and into new events when it made sense to stop at their arrival.

Buried Mage has at the beginning the Cliffs Notes versions of the preceding books to catch you up if you need a refresh and then we ( and those fantastic characters) all together, start at the moment when Sandy and Jason return from the Gathering, having come through stronger and with new powers due to the trials and events that occurred there.

It’s time for them to get caught up with everything and everyone who was left behind at the House. It’s a great way too , for the author to reacquaint the readers with all the characters who were missing for a story, except for a mention or two.

Now with one celebration, it’s found family time , and we get to embrace our fondness for them and the quirky House as well . Plus we get to meet another Companion. Mr. Tubbles, Tyler’s worn and torn older cat. He’s a real enigma.

But soon Jason and the House of Louisville are off and running as they, with Jason as the spark , start to experiment with new forms of combat, enhancing it with their own magic abilities , including runes they make, experimenting through techniques they picked up with glasswork. Great stuff here. This is so simplified because the book ‘s elements regarding this are fun, and complex. I enjoyed every bit . Those who want a boom and the magic wand does the trick?

Hmmm , no. This really isn’t the book or series for you. Why?

All this is described in fascinating, wildly imaginative details! The characters are excited about what’s happening, and we’re along with them every step of the way, as they fail and as they finally succeed.

Taggert has quite the imagination and it’s full of humor. His grannies, his ass blasters, the miners and surfer dudes! Love each and every one! Plus the respect that Jason shows his creations. I’m hoping that really comes into play further down the series because that’s such a joyous element.

Naturally, the villains, Marius and Karl, that have been lurking the past novels come back horrifically here. They are some very nasty pieces of work .

No spoilers but again some incredible scenes, Jason goes through terrifying trials that shove him up into the growth he needs , essentially, to power up. But , wow, painful. Very gripping and so well written that it keeps us on the edge til it’s over.

Truly, the synopsis just can’t do justice to what you’re going to find inside this story. It’s a bit like saying “oh, Moby Dick? Ah yeah, it’s got a whale.”

Buried Mage has at the least …a magical sword that wants to be a vase, zombies students, evil villains, adorable cats, tiny Magical Grannies who suck up magic, a House that gives you a family and everything you want…for a price. And so much more.

I will say we get a great conclusion to this 2-book mini arc and a very fun slide which will start the next 2 book arc (that’s the format the author seems to prefer).

This series, which has a fifth book coming, is addicting. It’s ever expanding universe, a growing cast of amazing people and beings who continue to develop personally and in their relationships.

I’m so sold!

That means I’m highly recommending the entire series to date, which should be read in the order they were written.

Happy Reading!

Fledgling God series:

✓ Misfit Mage #1

✓ Melee Mage #2

✓ Gathering Mage #3

✓ Buried Mage #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showBuried Mage (Fledgling God #4) by Michael Taggart – Goodreads

on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SX74NM6

Synopsis:

The Gathering only lasted for seven days, but it ended up being a lot more of an adventure than Jason had expected. Now it’s time to head home, and Jason is excited to sleep in his own bed and hang out with John, Tyler, and Annabeth again.

Jason learned a lot, and he’s eager to put that knowledge to use. If his ideas work, it could totally revolutionize how Sandy and the crew make charms—allowing them to heal, train, and defend the House even better than before.

So when the rotten mages show up, Jason is still feeling confident in himself and his new knowledge.

He has a new shield. He’s fought for his life in the arena. His matrix is much denser than before.

He’s a warrior mage now and stronger than ever before.

What could possibly go wrong?

Review: Fluke and the Frontier Farce (Fantastic Fluke #4) by Sam Burns

Rating: 5🌈💫

You know when you read a book that’s so clever, so fantastically crafted, so beautifully ingenious that when the “aha” moments hit you , you’re both giggling AND gobsmacked because you love it so much , you appreciate the writer’s artistry, well, you just didn’t see it coming?

That’s the entire Fluke and the Frontier Farce (Fantastic Fluke #4) by Sam Burns! I’ve read it twice now and with each new reading, I’ve found different elements I missed and new aspects to admire and think about. In fact , this maybe my favorite Sam Burns series yet, and that’s saying a lot!

This novel has a main element of time travel, no surprise there as it’s in the description. But anything more should absolutely not be said. This is a book that must be read!

It’s the penultimate book in the series (yes I know I said that before) but the author starts tying up the series storylines in some of the most amazing and incredibly satisfying ways. Ones I didn’t even realize needed resolution get a finalization they needed and deserved. Truly wonderful and often emotional as well.

And that’s the other thing here that Burns never let’s go of, that her characters, their relationships and growth is the key to this series. Yes it’s about magic and mystery but it’s heart is it’s people. They are who we’ve come to love and they’re lives and loves are who we’re invested in.

That’s never more clear here that when it’s family and love that comes together to make things happen!

I’ll say no more!

Fluke and the Frontier Farce , the fourth novel in Sam Burns’ Fantastic Fluke series is magnificent! It’s one of the best fantasy stories this year in one of my favorite series! It’s so imaginative, the storylines are incredibly clever, and the characters are ones I’m well certain not to be ready to let go of by the end of the Finale.

Usually I might say a book is too short, or sometimes a tad longish. But Fluke and the Frontier Farce is exactly as long as it had to be!

I don’t need to tell you what that means do I?

Highly recommend this, the series, and the author! Binge read it in order before the finale comes out! I should be done rereading this by then!

The Fantastic Fluke Series -4 of 5:

✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1

✓ Fluke and the Failthless Father #2

✓ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3

✓ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4

◦ Fluke and the Fantastic Finale #5 – August 25, 2022 release date

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesThe Fantastic Fluke Series by Sam Burns – Goodreads

Synopsis:

It’s been a long year for Sage and his friends, and all of Junction, California, and it’s not over yet.

Freddy’s school of magic is still a mystery, and figuring it out would be enough work, but the investigation leads them to the mysterious coded notes of Junction’s long-dead first magical artist, and then to the last place any of them ever expected to end up: the nineteenth century. Worse yet, when they get there Fluke is missing, and Sage isn’t sure he can get back home without his best friend.

Now—or is it then?—they just need to find Fluke, decode the notes, avoid changing the past, dodge evil Uncle Jonathon and the shady French nobleman at his side, and maybe most importantly, find their way home.

But there’s more in the past than trouble, and Gideon might want to stay there with his wife. If Sage has to leave him behind, is it worth returning to his own time at all?

Review: A Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts #2) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4.75🌈

This series just gets better. Nazri Noor takes the plot of two young magical people find love while doing amazing things to save the world. Sounds simple, right?

But in Arcane Hearts nothing is simple, even falling in love.

The first story saw Noor establish the sad histories of Jackson Pryde, and his next door neighbor Xander Wright. Jackson, a artificer who lost his parents in an explosion that saw the loss as well all his Guild, was first at odds with his old childhood friend. Xander is a mage who’s parents and college have a awful future planned out for him. But a joint quest and several murders soon saw their friendship renewed and then turned into something more. Now they’re in love and working together to uncover the basis of the purple threat that’s killing people.

Noor laid out his wildly fascinating universe, with its amazing Black Market who’s ability to move itself effortlessly onto new locations just by placing new doorways is endlessly entertaining. It opens up the characters and storylines to endless possibilities about new countries and mythologies to encounter. I love this!

Here the door goes to Japan and we meet some endearing tree spirits and one goddess from Mt Fuji. Culturally, Noor has thrown his narrative door wide open with his moving Black Market and it’s terrific.

The author has paid close attention to his characters as well. Their characters are developing more depth as their relationship is deepening. As they learn more about each other, they bring out more growth personally. It’s great to see.

There’s also a circle of friends that’s continuing to expand. Another master of a Guild, more friends pulled in by events or acts of kindness. A foundation of another sort of family comes together. Just as a bigger enemy is found that threatens the world.

The book ends as a small battle is eon knowing a bigger one is coming. Absolutely satisfying and I’m ready for the next book!

I’m so happy to have found this author and series. I’m recommending both! Read them in the order they are written in order to understand the series of events and the character development.

Arcane Hearts series:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

✓ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

◦ An Iron Fist #3

◦ A Velvet Glove #4

https://www.amazon.com › Stroke-B…A Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts Book 2) – Kindle edition – Amazon.com

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Stroke of Brilliance (Arcane Hearts #2) by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Synopsis:

The fragrance of chaos. The flavor of terror. The color of madness.

Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright are loving a life of hunting and harvesting rare reagents wherever the Black Market travels. But a routine trip to visit Japanese tree spirits turns up something sinister: two crystal shards, embedded in the bodies of wild animals. They’re familiar, glimmering, violet… like splinters of amethyst.

But that’s not all. Two rival guilds are in strife, Jack and Xander caught in a crossfire of spells and slander. SEER and its hundred eyes are still watching their every move. And then there’s the matter of meeting Xander’s parents, perhaps Jackson’s deadliest challenge to date.

The Chrysanthemyst’s return is the least of their problems.

A Stroke of Brilliance is a 70,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world 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 Stroke of Brilliance today.

Review: Nixing the End of the World by Alice Winters

Rating: 3 🌈

I love Alice Winters. I love urban fantasy. I usually love Alice Winters urban fantasy romances. So why was Nixing the End of the World by Alice Winters, while entertaining, not wholly enjoyable?

That’s a question that has really been bothering me.

The story has Winters usual elements. A interesting plot, a likable main, albeit clueless character in Nix, some fascinating other beings the circle around him. But for me I believe the issue started immediately, and it’s built within the story. It’s that old problem of honor, trust, friendship, and betrayal.

Here it becomes my issue with the book. Why? Because fundamental to this story is breaking the trust of someone who is supposed to be so close to you, they’re almost a sibling. It’s is done here often, with all the processes at times of a person crumpling a bag of chips, and with the expectations that that person will immediately forgive you. Every single time.

Knows a person for most their lives, lies to them about the things that are essential to saving them, puts them in danger. Says basically oops. Over and over.

A number of characters. To Nix.

So what’s the message here a reader is to take away? While absorbing all the stuff about the new fantasy world, the characters, travel and Nix’s mission… we get that everyone close to Nix essentially lies to him all the time, betrays him, has since he can remember. And the reader is supposed to connect with any or all of them?

Um no.

I don’t find anyone of them, outside of the cat and so called horse with antlers halfway personable.

His best friend since early childhood is probably the worst of them all. She consistently betrays his trust, has actually been a fraud in all their lives, and then no matter what she’s done, expects their relationship to continue on the same and instant forgiveness.

Which she gets.

The author apparently discarding the impact all the revelations would actually make on a person. Instead treating these issues as trivial notions, or something to be given mention but emotionally impactful? Narratively not.

There’s exciting battles, mages and magic. A touch of romance. And the journey continues on with the note that Nix will still need to save the world.

All very well.

But first, there’s a foundation that needs to be fixed and more then a few characters in need of a make over in order for me to find this a place to be comfortable in.

I left this story, as I entered it. Unconnected and uninvolved in anyone’s lives and how the journey will out in the end.

If they don’t care that they can’t depend on those closest to them, why should I? Therein lies the crux.

If this seems like a story for you, continue forward. For me? I’m stopping here.

https://www.goodreads.com › showNixing the End of the World by Alice Winters – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair
The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.

Nixing the End of the World contains a flaming “horse” with antlers who inexplicably appears when needed (or not), an interfering BFF who didn’t really mean to light the trunk on fire, a six-toed cat that looks like he put a claw in a socket, and an incubus who just wants a smoothie without anyone losing their clothes.

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..