Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway
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Description:
There Be Monsters Here. . .
It’s not as great as you’d think, living in a tourist town that’s known as “the most magical place in America.” Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.
I try to keep out of it. I’ve got my mom’s bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.
But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend’s pawn shop, and I have to make a call–get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn’t. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I’m stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I’m going to end up just like her. .
Review:
Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep is the 1st book in her new YA Black Blade series. When I found out that Estep was writing a new YA series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I devoured this book in one day, and am thrilled to say Jennifer Estep has another winner. I loved loved Cold Burn of Magic. For those of you who are not into YA, I think you would enjoy this series, since to me this book can be enjoyed by adults also.
The wonderful thing about Estep’s writing is that she creates some fabulous characters. One of the best heroines is Gin Blanco from her Elemental Assassins series. Cold Burn of Magic will introduce a wonderful new heroine, who can be a young version of Gin Blanco.
Lila Merriweather is our heroine and what a great one. Lila has lived alone for many years, after her mother was murdered. She lives in a hidden room in the basement of a library, and makes decent money being a thief, stealing from the rich for her family friend, Mo. Cloudburst Falls is a magical town run by the powerful magical families. There are a number of families that are competitive with each other, but work together to control humans. Lila tries to steer clear of these families, since becoming noticed would be dangerous.
While at Mo’s shop, Lila finds herself helping three people from an attack. In doing so, she unhappily is forced to take a job with the Sinclair family. Lila will be guarding Devon, our hero, which creates emotional turmoil for her, as it brings back memories of her mother.
What follows is an exciting and wonderful story of Lila discovering life with the powerful and rich Sinclair family, and her growing feelings for Devon, whom she likes but wants no part of any relationship. We get to meet other families, especially the evil Draconis family. There are also unseen monsters to keep your distance from. There are many twists and turns, as well as betrayals that Lila will be in the forefront to protect Devon. I can’t tell too much more, as it would be spoilers. I was hooked in this story from the start, and could not put it down. The last half of the book was pulse pounding, as Lila had to face so many obstacles. As we raced toward the end, there were some surprises.
Cold Burn of Magic was a fascinating read, and I cannot wait for the next book. Jennifer Estep is a wonderful writer, who creates great stories and fantastic characters. I loved Lila, Devon, Felix, Oscar and Claudia. The world-building in this story was so well done, it flowed seamlessly. Thank you Jennifer Estep for this wonderful new series.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
Jennifer’s Publisher is graciously offering an ARC of Cold Burn of Magic, a Bookmark and a Pen to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
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