Title: Stray Magic
Author: Kelly Meding
Series: Strays #1
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source: Edelweiss
Format: eArc
Release Date: June 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much. I must admit I was wary about accepting it for review as the author is new to me, but after reading the blurb, I accepted the publisher’s offer. I am so happy I did. I have been on the hunt for a good Urban Fantasy and this fed my desires.
Shiloh is a US Para Marshall with the paranormal investigation unit. She just completed a dangerous mission and hoped to have some downtime with her boyfriend. However, when vampires took a trailer park of residents hostage, her plans had to take a back seat. On arriving on the scene, she would discover her boss missing and has the second in command she was next in line to lead the investigation in the mysterious disappearance of vampires and werewolves. Little did she know the danger and intrigue she and her team would face when they stepped in to solve the mystery behind the disappearance.
The story was well written. From start to finish, it held my attention. There were a few moments where I felt I was missing something but after a while, I put the pieces together, which led me on an intense journey.
The world the author introduced me to was fun, imaginative and addictive. I could not get enough. Imagine living in a world surrounded by vampires, werewolves, skin walkers, djinns, incubus, goddesses, fairies and so many more supernatural beings. Then there were the mixed breeds, magic both good and bad. Necromancy was the main course served in this fantastical world. Intriguing indeed.
The action scenes and the events leading up had me on edge and sometimes I feared for the teams safety. I loved the mystery angle, which I thought was well done. I was on pins and needles trying to figure out who was responsible for the upheaval in the supernatural world and what was their end game. There were a few surprises along the way, which has me turning the pages, as I was eager to discover what was coming next.
Character development was on point. I enjoyed meeting the characters, but my favorites were Shiloh a half djinn and Tennyson a master vampire. The thing I admired about these two is their willingness to make personal sacrifices for those closest to them and to achieve the greater good. What made them relatable was the fact despite their powerful capabilities they each had their flaws. Shiloh had her insecurities regarding her position as a leader, but she proved to be the right person for the job. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, which, was fun, intense and dangerous.
I appreciated the ending, cliffhanger free. However, the teams’ job is far from over as the werewolves are still missing.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Fans of Urban Fantasy would enjoy this book. I found it enjoyable and cannot wait to get my hand on the next book in the series.
Shiloh Harrison was hoping for a few days off to recover from a particularly nasty assignment, preferably with the help of the talented hands (and, well, the rest of his body too) of her sexy boyfriend, Vincent. But when a group of vampires takes an entire trailer park hostage, there’s nothing to do but make her apologies and get to the scene. Such is the life of a Federal Marshal in the Paranormal Investigators Unit.
Yet this isn’t like her typical track-and-nab case: something is going on that has vampires scared, and it takes all her strength not to imagine what could frighten such powerful creatures. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have that option. Her boss is MIA, someone is snatching vampires, and there’s a ticking clock that can only end one way: a bloodbath.
Unless she can stop it
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Oh that sounds really good. I do love a book with vampires and other creatures.
I read something by ages ago…I think. I should read this too
I’ve seen this one around and it looks interesting! I think it’s something I would enjoy, and I love that there isn’t a cliffhanger. I like when books can stand on their own even when they’re part of a series. Thanks for sharing!
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
You are welcome Linda. Thanks for stopping by.
Oho! Yes, you did find an intriguing one. Love the blend of paranormal and mystery that you describe. Neat that she’s half-djinn.
Yes, it was intriguing indeed. I can’t wait to see what the next book has to offer.
This sounds really good. Thanks Nadene
Wow! Sounds like a great mix of fantasy and mystery, and gload you enjoyed it! Hugs…RO
It was indeed.
Just peeking in to say hello and Happy Thursday! RO
Everyone is loving this one. I’m curious to try as well!
I hope you do give it a try.
I didn’t even know Harper Collins have a “Harper Voyage” division (lol). Great review! I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Anne and thanks for stopping by.
Of course!
So far I’ve seen nothing but great reviews for this one, I definitely want to add it to my pile this summer.
I hope you get the chance to read it.
I have it added to my wishlist. I love good UF!
I hope you enjoy it.
Wasn’t this one great?! I grabbed this one on a whim and couldn’t put it down. I loved Shiloh and Tennyson as well. Glad you enjoyed it!
Yes it was, Carole. I am glad I accepted a copy for review.