Ancient Magic (Magic for Hire 2) by Alexandra Ivy-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters/Indigo paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date. July 23, 2024

The Vampire Cabal meets only under the direst circumstances. But since Skye Claremont’s coven proved wild magic has returned, the cabal has gathered in New York City to decide the fate of the powerful mages.

Skye doubts her oracular powers can help. After ten years indentured to a demon gang, paying off her father’s gambling debts with visions, her freedom has come despite her weak abilities, not because of them. But when her father sends a text to demand a meeting, she doesn’t need to read the future to know trouble will follow.

The demons want her to kidnap Micha, the reclusive, fearsome leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal. As if a low-voltage witch like her could succeed. But when Skye looks into Micha’s eyes, she sees certain doom if she doesn’t take him to their stronghold after all. Spellbound more by beauty and intrigue than magic, the vampire follows her into the dark of a demon cell. When the door slams behind them, they’ll have to unravel the tangled threads of prophecy and politics that make the way forward immeasurably dangerous. But it’s desire that could undo them both .

•••••

REVIEW:ANCIENT MAGIC is the second instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult MAGIC FOR HIRE paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is mage Skye Claremont, and vampire Micha’s story line. ANCIENT MAGIC can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Skye and Micha, ANCIENT MAGIC follows in the wake of another betrayal. Skye Claremont is a mage and as such was once imprisoned by a demon gang but trust came at a cost, and betrayal was once again threatening our story line heroine. Enter vampire Micha, who suspects all is not well with our story line heroine. An ancient fable has attracted the attention of the demons and vampires, and Skye may become a victim of someone else’s greed. As Skye and Micha find themselves searching for the truth, someone else is waiting to take everyone down.

The world building is detailed and complex. The reader is pulled into a world of ancients vying for control, and the possible of the rise of a once powerful being.

The slow building relationship between Micha and Skye is threatened by Skye’s inability to believe in herself, or in the idea that someone like Micha would be interested. As Micha’s need to protect continues to grow, our couple will work together to uncover the truth. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting supernatural characters: demons, fae, vampires, mage, and a couple of unknowns. We are reintroduced to Skye’s friends and ‘sisters’ Peri (Valen), Maya, and Joe, someone who is not quite whom he appears to be.

ANCIENT MAGIC is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and determination, ancients and magic, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is meticulous and engaging; the characters are determined, powerful and charismatic; the romance is subtle.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WILD MAGIC

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy