The war isn’t over . . .With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.Worse, violent … fae.
Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.
Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.
“A Drop of Magic is a damned fun and original read, with sass, action, hot men, and a whole lot of magic.” —Diana Pharaoh Francis, author of the Diamond City Magic, Magicfall, and Horngate Witches series
About the author: Born and raised in Colorado, L. R. BRADEN makes her home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, precocious daughter, and psychotic cat. With degrees in both English literature and metalsmithing, she splits her time between writing and art. A Drop of Magic is her first novel.
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After the Faerie Wars, the world clings to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity. Someone is trafficking in illegal magical artifacts and metalsmith, Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae after her best friend is murdered. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent.
The first book in a new urban fantasy series is an original, riveting read that takes readers on an adventurous and thrilling ride. The characters are strong and full of vibrant life with some unique characteristics and personalities that readers draw readers into their story. The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping excitement with unexpected twists, all of which combine to keep readers on their toes and holding on to the edge of their seats with mysteries to clear up, surprising revelations, secrets being revealed and a bit of romance blossoming between Alex and James who has secrets of his own.
The author has created an original alter earth world with her own unique flair and elements that makes the read engaging, fun and exhilarating with all entertaining and cool characters that ensure that readers enjoy the experience and want more.
First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this is my first time reading this author, and I hope it won’t be my last.
Holy shiznet!!! This story was awesome. It grabbed me from the first page and held me within it’s grasp until the end. There was so much happening that I couldn’t put it down, I had to find out the ending. The characters were so realistic, (even for a paranormal read). I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
A DROP OF MAGIC by L.R. Braden is the first book in The Magicsmith supernatural suspense series. This is the debut novel by an author that is new to me. The female protagonist, Alex Blackwood is a metalsmith creating works of art in Colorado after a fragile peace between the Fae and humans. When her best friend is murdered and she is violently attacked, her life suddenly becomes fraught with danger, lies, stress and changes. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, her family, her friends and the Fae.
Alex is a likeable main character and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. However, after being attacked, she didn’t take the precautions that I would have expected. I wanted Alex to be a stronger protagonist. The secondary characters are not as well-developed, but the novel was relatively short. Hopefully, that growth and depth will occur as the series develops. They did enhance the story and they added to the story rather than detracting from it. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was excellent.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more in this fantasy series. If you enjoy supernatural suspense with a lot of action, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did.
Many thanks to BelleBooks, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Got the 1st one free, then purchased the next 2 it was so good.
Alex is a metalsmith and artist working part time in a book store to get by. The Fae Wars are over, and there’s an uneasy truce between humans and fae, but there are disturbing social parameters. Fae live on reservations and have to register the moment they step onto human lands. Half-fae must register as soon as they’re discovered, or they’re deported forthwith. And there’s a special police force that’s big on enforcement. So the paranormal skulk around in hiding…and maybe biding their time. Alex’s parents died during the war. The last thing she wants is a renewing of hostilities. But when her best friend is slain, she’s thrown right into the thick of things.
Alex is stalked and confronted by a bunch of fae people who want a mysterious magic box her friend died protecting. She has to discern friend from foe, and learns nothing–and no one–is what they seems. And she learns more about the fae world, and herself, than she ever wanted to. But once known, she can’t unknow it. There’s no going back to what was.
I loved this book so much! Alex is my favorite kind of heroine–snarky, spirited, imperfect. Her mistrust is understandable, but often misplaced. There were times when I got impatient, and exasperated, with her, because at times she was so dense and stubborn–but that’s when I knew the author did her job making the characters REAL. There is a wide cast of characters, both good, really bad, and everything in between. The worst were the human Purists, who are against everything non-human, period. (Parallels to reality slightly disturbing.) I loved the glaring cultural differences between the humans, fae, and weres. I loved how people had to reluctantly work together against a growing threat that imperiled all. And I hated that Alex had to keep secrets from her human friends, partly for their own protection and partly because she didn’t trust how they would react to her. I found that sad, if realistic.
I wouldn’t call this a romance, but I’m okay with that. Urban fantasy isn’t inherently a romance. There was enough going on that I didn’t miss it. I loved my introduction to this often dark, disturbing world, and can’t wait to get to the next installment in this series.
Loved A Drop of Magic, now half way through Courting Darkness and really enjoying being a part of this fantastic world opening up and this story with its wonderful characters deepen and grow, with lots of challenges and a number of fun and surprising twists along the way. Can’t wait to see where it’s going!
Alex Blackwood, a metalsmith artist, is pulled into the fae world when her best friend is killed. Her whole life quickly changes and gets dangerous. She fights fae, creates amazing art, and makes new friends and new enemies. I really liked Alex. She was strong and held up well with all the craziness that was being thrown at her. Her ability was interesting and unique as well. I can’t wait to see how she will wield in the future.
This world and characters are fascinating and intriguing. I was captivated quickly and couldn’t put the book down. There are also a lot of side characters that I want to know more about, especially James. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*
What a fantastical debut into the realm of fantasy fiction!
A Drop of Magic begins the way it intends to keep going
Fast-Paced Adventure
Suspenseful
Entertaining
The story begins with two strangers dropping by her studio to pay her a visit. This is the catalyst that sets off a domino effect that turns out to be a bit like Pandora’s box. Once the lid is cracked there is no stopping the truth from seeping forth.
Alex soon finds herself falling deeper and deeper into a world she was ill-prepared for and at times does not want to be a part of.
But never fear it looks as though she may have a couple “knights” to walk beside her.
Alex is my kind of heroine. She has just the right touch of goodness blended with “Oh why not”. She is a bit naive in the beginning but IMO this only makes her reactions to the revelations that are about to befall her more “real”. Her character grows as the story progresses and I for me that felt right. She wasn’t born a warrior she is an artist – she crafts and creates.
Being a first in series there is a lot going on. The author introduces us to the main cast some we get to know pretty well others we are just given a taste of. Enough to have us wanting more.
We are also provided glimpses of what is to come for our Alex as well as the occasional breadcrumb trail of possibilities.
This is a series so a little misdirection is expected – keeps you guessing.
Braden lays down a pretty solid foundation.
I am really curious to see what happens with our Lady and her protectors – will she pick just one or are we going geometric?
There are some areas that I felt needed a bit more “meat” to them. Again this is something I find common with first in series, a bit too much world or character introduction but not enough filling to make them/it substantial.
It does not detract from the story just leaves me with all kinds of questions and desperate to get to the next in series. Probably the point huh?
I was intrigued by this book, and I was excited to read it. This is the author’s debut title, but really I couldn’t tell. The characters were fascinating, the plot was rapid-paced, and I felt like I could see every scene like I was watching a movie. And, TBH, when I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it because it dragged a little. Once, though, we got to heart of the action, the book just flew by. The book was very original, and I can’t wait to read more in this universe, find out what happens to everyone including Alex’s cat, and what happens when Alex meets her family. Loved this book, and recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Alex loses a dear friend unveiling one secret after another. What an evocative, and at times chilling, tale featuring Fae, shifters and fanatics. I could not put it down until I was finished. I have to say the cat was a surprise at the end. Truly an unique story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The war between the Fae and humans is over. The Fae are now located on reservations and need a special pass to visit the human areas. Half-fae may live in the human areas but must be registered with the PTF (Paranatural Task Force). Artist Alex Blackwood is notified of the murder of her best friend, Aiden Daye. Her life is turned upside down following this news. Alex discovers she is half-fae and this has influenced her art. The murder of her best friend devastes Alex and she is determined to help find his murderer. This leads to much danger for Alex as well as many new revelations.
A Drop of Magic is the first book in author L.R. Braden’s Magicsmith series. This is a great story of murder, mystery and life choices. I really enjoyed the entertaining storyline and well-developed characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.