A Drop of Magic

L. R. Braden

Jul 2019 · The Magicsmith Book 1 · Bell Bridge Books

About this ebook

2020 First Horizon Award Winner For Science Fiction/Fantasy Category

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 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.

Ratings and reviews

Three and a half stars. Alex Blackwood works in a bookstore and is also a metalsmith in her spare time, having some success selling her art in a local art gallery. Following the Faerie Wars all fae have to be registered and live on a reservation unless they have a special licence to live outside but tensions remain high between the fae and the humans. A serial killer is on the loose, apparently randomly targeting unrelated people, and one of Alex's best friends has been murdered. It turns out her friend may have been half-fae and in possession of some mysterious fae artefact. Indeed, it turns out that all the victims were half-fae, entrusted with fae artifacts - is someone trying to amass power or start another war? Soon Alex is embroiled in trying to track down the killer and avenge her friend's death, but not everyone is as they seem - who can she trust? I thought this had some potential as the start of a new series, the world building of a contemporary world in which the fae are out in the open (although hidden by glamours) but other paranormal creatures are still considered myths was good. I liked the various factions and not knowing who to trust. However, I can already foresee at least a love-triangle if not a love-square with some of the characters - apparently everyone finds Alex irresistible and she already possesses special talents (sigh). Also, there was so much world-building that at times concepts were just thrown into the mix and not really explored further - maybe they will be the main thrust of the second book? I will definitely look out for the second book to see how this series develops. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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.

great start to new series