Lexie Arden has a loving husband, a thriving business, and consults with the New Orleans Police Dept on murder cases. Kalfu has given her everything she desires, but challengers to her authority are closing in. Her dark secret remains hidden from everyone except Magnus. He sees the evil growing stronger, changing her, and hurting her marriage. If Lexie doesn’t rid herself of Kalfu’s influence … influence soon, the consequences will be irreversible.
When she unexpectedly inherits a cottage in the swamp, she uncovers a library of rare books on voodoo. Their spells can reverse the dark lord’s hold and set right the balance between darkness and light. But such magic requires a great sacrifice; one Lexie isn’t willing to make.
With the shadow spirits and raging voodoo gods vying for her attention, Lexie is on the verge of losing everything—her husband, her power, Magnus, and possibly, her life.
The battle for control of the mambo’s soul is about to begin.
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Seize leaves me in two minds. On one hand, it’s well written, the characters are well fleshed out, and the general story line is interesting.
On the other hand, the amount of angst in this book made me want to set it aside. Poor Lexie is just hit with one challenge after another, without any time to recover in-between.
I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of angst, or even a lot of conflict. This story, then, isn’t really for me. But, three books in, I’m invested in the characters. I want to know they get happily ever afters, so I’ll probably read the next book(s) as well.
And speaking of characters, I found Lexie much less sympathetic in Seize. Kalfu and Damballah are both dicks in their own way, and Maman Brigitte is a stone-cold bitch. I’m certainly eager to see more of Magnus, who seems to improve with each book, and Antoine, who seems like a total sweetheart — I really hope he doesn’t turn out to be terrible.
If you’re OK with angst and conflict, then I’d certainly recommend Seize. But if you like your stories a bit less rocky, you may want to steer clear of this one.
SEIZE is the third full-length instalment in Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor’s contemporary, adult MAGNUS BLACKWELL paranormal, Voodoo, thriller series focusing on New Orlean’s Voodoo Mambo Lexie Arden, and her spirit guide Magnus Blackwell. SEIZE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book two BOUND.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Lexie and Magnus) SEIZE focuses on Lexie Arden’s foray into the world of black magic, powerful spirits, Voodoo priests and priestesses, and the fight for power and control. Lexie Arden is not representative of the Voodoo world but chosen by the late Mambo, Lexie must learn to navigate a world of which she knows nothing about but a world in which she continues to battle between good and evil. As the dark battles the light within our story line heroine, in the form of Damballah (The Sky Father/ Primordial Creator of Life) and Kalfu (Master of malevolent spirits/ controls the evil aspects of Voodoo), Lexie discovers that she is no longer able to trust the spirits sent to guide her on her journey. Manipulation, lies, betrayal and revenge find our heroine riding the edge of control, a control that is slowly leaning towards the evil and the dark.
SEIZE and the Magnus Blackwell series continues to pull from the Haitian and African practise of Voodoo and the spiritual folkways of those who follow and believe. An infinitely detailed and complex series, Magnus Blackwell focuses on passion and power, magic and mayhem, and the spirits desperate to move on, or take control. The premise is dramatic, enticing and intriguing; the characters are colorful, energetic, powerful and bold. A blend of spiritual nepotism, and a belief system focusing on evil, retribution, and omnipotent power wherein our heroine is caught between good and evil, and Magnus is caught between this world and the Other.
This is quickly becoming one of my all time favorite series: the spellbinding suspense, the intrigue, the way the characters come to life on the page and hold you in the power, the vivid depiction of the swap, the city, the rituals and so much more. To say this book holds you in it’s grasp from start to finish is an understatement. But I simply don’t have the words to describe hypnotic hold the series will have you under as you read this gripping story.
Magus and Lexie are still on the path to ridding the darkness (Kalfu) from her, consulting with the NOPD on a series of murders and holding off those who seek to remove her as Mambo. While dealing with the satanic style murders Lexie inherits a cottage in the swamps. The cottage brings her a sense of calm as well as troubles. In the cottage is a library the holds the secrets and spells of prior Voodoo spirits. A place that Kalfu can’t reach her even though the rest of the home is shrouded by Kalfu and his darkness. But will she find the secrets she needs and in time? There are a lot of twists and turns in the storyline that will keep you on your toes. As the tale unfolds we meet new characters as well as a few returning from previous books, but who can Lexie trust beside her charismatic spirit guide, Magnus? Will they find a way to rid Lexie and the city of New Orleans of the darkness? Will Lexie finally come clean with Will and if so what happens?
Seize is a phenomenal addition to the Magnus Blackwell series. The story is powerful, stirring and very well written with characters that are intense and very vividly portrayed. In my humble opinion, the authors have done a masterful job with a riveting storyline and fascinating characters.
My only regret is that I can’t give this book/series more than 5 stars. This is a total must read and I offer it two Huge Thumbs Up. My best advice would be to grab this series up, curl up on the couch or in your easy chair and be prepared for one mesmerizing time.
Three murders have occurred. On the surface, there are no links between the victims, except for the fact they all owned property in the French Quarter. Oh, and the manner of dying. See, they have been mutilated and carved into ribbons. Additionally, Voodoo symbols have been carved into what skin was there.
Lucky for Lexie, Emile the NOPD detective, has asked her to help him solve the cases. As Lexie and Magnus look upon the latest victim’s remains, they quickly realize dark forces are at play here. The cold darkness that only means powerful dark forces are growing and menacing the inhabitants of the French Quarter.
This book is the continuation of Lexie’s journey as the new Mambo of New Orleans. Although she has achieved fame and followers, her circumstances are still perilous. She is still very green and unsure of her power. The dark and light that reside within her continue to battle for control. Her marriage is in trouble, her sanity can be next. She has sacrificed to keep her husband Will alive and now she realizes she may have to come clean with him about what she gave up in order to keep him alive.
Gripping and scary, this is my favorite ghost series ever!
I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the authors for sharing a copy with me.
Another outstanding installation in the Magnus Blackwell series. Again, this story puts you under it’s spell and shows no sign of releasing you from it’s clutches any time soon. Lexie and Magnus continue to find a way to get rid of the darkness inside of her but when murders of local business people begin, things start to get a little more complicated, especially since the bodies have been carved with strange markings. Lexie tries her best to help the police in solving these murders, but while investigating things, she begins to bring herself deeper into the darkness that surrounds the area. Soon she finds that she can trust no one; no one except for Will and Magnus. But because she trusted someone she shouldn’t have, Magnus is gone. Now Lexie will have to fight to get him back.
This story has quite a few surprises, twists and a few moments that will make you gasp. New supporting characters enter into this story, some are friends and others are not. But you will definitely recognize the ones from the previous book. And these characters; they are so very well written and so very complex.
The storyline is brilliant! It captures you attention from the very first paragraph and holds your attention making it hard to put down until you finish. The description of the city, the swamp, the homes; both old and new are so remarkably detailed that you are able to envision them quite well in your mind’s eye.
An outstanding read and I cannot recommend this book (this series) highly enough. 5 stars are not nearly enough for this book!