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Allie Beckstrom #7
Magic on the Line
Allison Beckstrom has willingly paid the price of pain to use magic, and has obeyed the rules of the Authority, the clandestine organization that makes-and enforces-all magic policy. But when the Authority's new boss, Bartholomew Wray, refuses to believe that the sudden rash of deaths in Portland might be caused by magic, Allie must choose to follow the Authority's rules, or turn against the very people for whom she's risked her life.
To stop the plague of dark magic spreading through the city, all that she values will be on the her magic, her memories, her life. Now, as dead magic users rise to feed upon the innocent and the people closest to her begin to fall, Allie is about to run out of options.
To stop the plague of dark magic spreading through the city, all that she values will be on the her magic, her memories, her life. Now, as dead magic users rise to feed upon the innocent and the people closest to her begin to fall, Allie is about to run out of options.
345 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
92 people are currently reading
1886 people want to read
About the author
Devon Monk
87 books2,059 followersDevon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 3, 2016
The seventh book in the Allie Beckstrom series and things aren't slowing down. The portland branch of the Authority is under new management - a Mr Barthlomew Wray. Wray is making things very difficult for Allie and friends. There's a lot going on for Allie she's always on the move trying to resolve the next problem which is good but somewhat annoying as she seems to feel that she alone is responsible for everyone around her - the Hounds, Zay, Shame, Violet, baby Daniel, Anthony, Victor, Maeave, Nola, Cody and Stone. I wished she'd realise that their adults who make their own decisions and stop feeling like she has to fix everything. She does get support from Hounds but I feel everyone else are too concerned with their own problems and only when Allie is hurt seriously do they help her.
Using magic is making Allie sick and the people of portland are dying due to infected magic. Allie is investigating this as the Authority (which is under Wray's control) are doing nothing.
The Hounds are brilliant and loyal to Allie following her in case she needs help. Shame and Terric have a complicated relationship I'm looking forward to see where Devon takes these too whether they stay friends or something more..either way I'd be happy as long as their's some sort of resolution between them.
Zayvion and Allie I don't know where to begin I felt heartsick reading how much Zayvion loved Chase and would always love her, how intense their relationship was and how Chase's death tore Zay up. Poor Allie she had to hear Zay say he would always love Chase. It's obvious Zay loves Allie but since Chase was introduced in the series early on it feels like Allie was just Zay's rebound who just so happens to be his soul complement. I don't mind someone having a past love but Zay still loves Chase and it does seem that his feelings for Chase are more than what he feels for Allie. In the last book Magic on the Hunt Allie's dad takes over her body and is killing Grayson (Chase's soul complement), Chase will die if Grayson is killed but her dad wants Grayson's dead.. Zayvion protects Chase/Grayson and Allie sees in Zayvions eyes her death, so basically Zay was close to killing Allie to save Chase even though Allie was innocent and her dad was the one trying to kill Greyson and therefore Chase. This is never addressed and Allie doesn't question that he was thinking of killing her so Chase would live. Allie loves Zay only but yet she has to live with Zay loving Chase and her forever.. that doesn't sit right with me. It's clear Allie loves Zay more than Zay loves her throughout the series she puts her own life at risk for him and while Zay does save Allie many times I can't remember him putting his life at risk for her. I just think she deserves more she's always having to fight for Zay and trying to get him to open up but he's just too closed off and puts distance between them all the time, I'd like Zay to fight for Allie and make and effort with her instead of Allie doing all the work. I'd also like him to get over Chase.
Moving on their's only 2 books left but so much is left unanswered and I'm worried things will still be left up in the air:
-What happened to Allie's mother? What happened between her mother and father? Where they soul complements? If they were how could he fall in love with Violet, aren't soul complements meant to be special?
-Why does her dad love Violet and his newborn son but feels no love for Allie? Why did the part of her dad she met in death seem to love her? Did the part of her dad that loved her die? If the dad in her head can love Violet and his newborn son so much why can't that part of him start to love Allie?
-Why was her dad not fond of her as a child? Why was she unwanted?
-What happened to her as a child when she nearly died? How did she put her dad's life at risk?
-Where are Zay's family? I can't remembered them being mentioned?
-Why did Allie have that extra magic inside her soul (the one she gave up to save Zay)?
-What's happened to Allie's memories as a child, in college and other times? Was she closed or was it because of the use of her magic? If it is because of magic why don't others lose their memory when using magic?
-Did Allie's dad try and stop Jingo Jingo when he found out he was a child molestor?
-Why did Allie's dad never tell her about the Authority? because I don't believe he did it to protect her as he doesn't care about her. When Allie is first possessed by her dead dad she knows his thoughts/intentions and she can feel that her dad would do anything to stay in her body even if it means killing her- so he doesn't care if she's dead or alive and he only cares now because if she dies now so will he. So I don't believe that he would have wanted to protect her from the authority because him not caring if Allie dies as long as he gets to live is not the action of a protective father.
-Why is Allie afraid to be in elevators? Did something happen to her in an elevator or has she always been claustrophobic?
-What's in Allie's box of dreams?
-Why are soul complements so special and meant to be together, when the love Allie's dad has for Violet and Zay has for Chase are so strong, undying and true?? What kind of difference is the love between Allies's dad/Violet, Zay/Chase and between soul complements because their doesn't seem to be any really.
There's probably a ton of other questions I have but with 2 books left are we going to get answers... I hope so I love love this series and have invested a lot time into it.
Using magic is making Allie sick and the people of portland are dying due to infected magic. Allie is investigating this as the Authority (which is under Wray's control) are doing nothing.
The Hounds are brilliant and loyal to Allie following her in case she needs help. Shame and Terric have a complicated relationship I'm looking forward to see where Devon takes these too whether they stay friends or something more..either way I'd be happy as long as their's some sort of resolution between them.
Zayvion and Allie I don't know where to begin I felt heartsick reading how much Zayvion loved Chase and would always love her, how intense their relationship was and how Chase's death tore Zay up. Poor Allie she had to hear Zay say he would always love Chase. It's obvious Zay loves Allie but since Chase was introduced in the series early on it feels like Allie was just Zay's rebound who just so happens to be his soul complement. I don't mind someone having a past love but Zay still loves Chase and it does seem that his feelings for Chase are more than what he feels for Allie. In the last book Magic on the Hunt Allie's dad takes over her body and is killing Grayson (Chase's soul complement), Chase will die if Grayson is killed but her dad wants Grayson's dead.. Zayvion protects Chase/Grayson and Allie sees in Zayvions eyes her death, so basically Zay was close to killing Allie to save Chase even though Allie was innocent and her dad was the one trying to kill Greyson and therefore Chase. This is never addressed and Allie doesn't question that he was thinking of killing her so Chase would live. Allie loves Zay only but yet she has to live with Zay loving Chase and her forever.. that doesn't sit right with me. It's clear Allie loves Zay more than Zay loves her throughout the series she puts her own life at risk for him and while Zay does save Allie many times I can't remember him putting his life at risk for her. I just think she deserves more she's always having to fight for Zay and trying to get him to open up but he's just too closed off and puts distance between them all the time, I'd like Zay to fight for Allie and make and effort with her instead of Allie doing all the work. I'd also like him to get over Chase.
Moving on their's only 2 books left but so much is left unanswered and I'm worried things will still be left up in the air:
-What happened to Allie's mother? What happened between her mother and father? Where they soul complements? If they were how could he fall in love with Violet, aren't soul complements meant to be special?
-Why does her dad love Violet and his newborn son but feels no love for Allie? Why did the part of her dad she met in death seem to love her? Did the part of her dad that loved her die? If the dad in her head can love Violet and his newborn son so much why can't that part of him start to love Allie?
-Why was her dad not fond of her as a child? Why was she unwanted?
-What happened to her as a child when she nearly died? How did she put her dad's life at risk?
-Where are Zay's family? I can't remembered them being mentioned?
-Why did Allie have that extra magic inside her soul (the one she gave up to save Zay)?
-What's happened to Allie's memories as a child, in college and other times? Was she closed or was it because of the use of her magic? If it is because of magic why don't others lose their memory when using magic?
-Did Allie's dad try and stop Jingo Jingo when he found out he was a child molestor?
-Why did Allie's dad never tell her about the Authority? because I don't believe he did it to protect her as he doesn't care about her. When Allie is first possessed by her dead dad she knows his thoughts/intentions and she can feel that her dad would do anything to stay in her body even if it means killing her- so he doesn't care if she's dead or alive and he only cares now because if she dies now so will he. So I don't believe that he would have wanted to protect her from the authority because him not caring if Allie dies as long as he gets to live is not the action of a protective father.
-Why is Allie afraid to be in elevators? Did something happen to her in an elevator or has she always been claustrophobic?
-What's in Allie's box of dreams?
-Why are soul complements so special and meant to be together, when the love Allie's dad has for Violet and Zay has for Chase are so strong, undying and true?? What kind of difference is the love between Allies's dad/Violet, Zay/Chase and between soul complements because their doesn't seem to be any really.
There's probably a ton of other questions I have but with 2 books left are we going to get answers... I hope so I love love this series and have invested a lot time into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2012
This is the seventh book in the Allie Beckstrom series. This book has some big changes in store for the characters as they pick up the pieces from the mess that was left after the previous book. I enjoyed it, but the beginning of the story is more of a transition...the end packs some serious awesomeness though. This is not a book to start the series on, go back and start at the beginning or you will be seriously confused. The next book will be titled Magic Without Mercy and is due for a April 2012 release.
With the mess that happened in the last book someone in the Authority has to take the blame and someone new has to be put into power. The new head of the Authority is a man named Bratholonew Wray and he has some dark past with current members of the Authority, he also seems determined to make Allie's life miserable. Then Allie starts getting sick when she uses magic and notices Veiled entering people on the streets. The people that the Veil enter get very sick, to the point that rumors of an epidemic of sorts are spreading throughout the city. Allie is convinced that the epidemic has something to do with magic being tainted but Bartholomew disagrees. Allie has some tough choices to make; will she go along with the Authority and watch the city die or will she go against the Authority and accept the consequences?
The first part of this book was a bit tedious but necessary, basically all the loose ends from the last book have to be tied up. People who caused trouble in the Authority must be Closed and the people around them have to cope with this. New leadership must be chosen and put in place. Allie has to try to get back to her own life taking care of the Hounds, dealing with her father in her head, that sort of stuff. All necessary to get the story moving the right way, but it made the story seem a bit aimless in the beginning.
Once Allie starts seeing the Veiled things really pick up. Allie finds herself in direct opposition to the Authority and both her and Zayvion have to make some big decisions. Both of them change a lot throughout this book. Allie becomes harder and has to do some things the old Allie would never have had the stomach to do. Zayvion starts to see more areas of grey versus everything as black and white, good and evil.
The end of the book totally blew me away and I am eager to see how everything falls out in the next book. So, although this series has never been one of those absolutely outstanding ones for me, it is a series that is consistently good and always engaging. I am still reading it seven books in so that says a lot!
Overall a wonderful addition to this series. I thought it started a bit slow with all the clean-up and transition that had to be done from the last book, but the second half of the book saw some huge changes for are characters and the ending was spectacular. I am dying to know what happens to all of our favorite characters in the next book, Magic without Mercy (to be released in April 2012).
With the mess that happened in the last book someone in the Authority has to take the blame and someone new has to be put into power. The new head of the Authority is a man named Bratholonew Wray and he has some dark past with current members of the Authority, he also seems determined to make Allie's life miserable. Then Allie starts getting sick when she uses magic and notices Veiled entering people on the streets. The people that the Veil enter get very sick, to the point that rumors of an epidemic of sorts are spreading throughout the city. Allie is convinced that the epidemic has something to do with magic being tainted but Bartholomew disagrees. Allie has some tough choices to make; will she go along with the Authority and watch the city die or will she go against the Authority and accept the consequences?
The first part of this book was a bit tedious but necessary, basically all the loose ends from the last book have to be tied up. People who caused trouble in the Authority must be Closed and the people around them have to cope with this. New leadership must be chosen and put in place. Allie has to try to get back to her own life taking care of the Hounds, dealing with her father in her head, that sort of stuff. All necessary to get the story moving the right way, but it made the story seem a bit aimless in the beginning.
Once Allie starts seeing the Veiled things really pick up. Allie finds herself in direct opposition to the Authority and both her and Zayvion have to make some big decisions. Both of them change a lot throughout this book. Allie becomes harder and has to do some things the old Allie would never have had the stomach to do. Zayvion starts to see more areas of grey versus everything as black and white, good and evil.
The end of the book totally blew me away and I am eager to see how everything falls out in the next book. So, although this series has never been one of those absolutely outstanding ones for me, it is a series that is consistently good and always engaging. I am still reading it seven books in so that says a lot!
Overall a wonderful addition to this series. I thought it started a bit slow with all the clean-up and transition that had to be done from the last book, but the second half of the book saw some huge changes for are characters and the ending was spectacular. I am dying to know what happens to all of our favorite characters in the next book, Magic without Mercy (to be released in April 2012).
July 26, 2018
This is Book 7 in an engrossing urban fantasy series, and Devon Monk does not disappoint!
October 28, 2011
Posted at http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
Wow.
Wow wow wowwow wow.
Magic on the Line by Devon Monk is the seventh installment in her Allie Beckstrom series and it’s just…wow. Devon said that things really ramp up in this one and boy was she not kidding!
In the last book, there were a couple cases of ‘oopsies’ and ‘who me?’ and maybe some ‘oh crap, did that just happen?’. Magic on the Line is the story of what happened within the Authority after these events took place. And let me tell you, it’s not good.
The book starts off with Allie meeting the new Head of the Authority – the magic governing body of sorts – and he is a bastard. Yes, I said it. I don’t trust him. He’s creepy and slimy and just an overall bad bad man. Bartholomew. Yuk. After her meeting with Bartholomew, Allie starts feeling sick every time she pulls on magic. That is one plot line in this story. There are also crazed Veiled that are maybe or maybe not possessing and infecting people, tainted magic sources, more stupid Authority bullshit, people being chased and running for their lives, a creepy but interesting new doctor character, important characters becoming fugitives AND important characters being Closed! *takes a deep breath* Seriously, this book is a ride.
Allie’s dad was ‘taken care of’ in the last book and I actually enjoyed reading him in this one. His aggressive nature was sort of starting to get on my nerves. But what Terric and Shame did really made daddy Beckstrom more tolerable. He actually surprised me in this book too. He was very helpful to Allie and didn’t push too much. I liked the direction Devon took with him.
Another character that surprised me was Zayvion. I always liked him but he’s so “this is just how it is”
when it came to his job with the Authority. I would never want his job. It must…well, it must suck to be him sometimes. But when he said (blank) and did (blank) I just lost it…in a very good way. I hooted and hollered and popped open the champagne. Okay, I didn’t do that last one because I didn’t have any champagne on hand, but if I did I totally would have popped it open. And of course, you’ll have to read the book to fill in the blanks because I want you all to be as shocked as I was. So so good!
Terric and Shame I can’t get enough of. Shame is always so funny and he has the kind of humor I love. Witty and super sarcastic. If I knew him in real life, I would always be laughing at what he says but I would also want to smack him for it. Terric is someone I love knowing a little more about with each book. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out for him. I want him to have a happy ending. And I want Shame to have one too.
I love Allie. Like, a lot. In each book she’s better and stronger. This book was no exception. She’s really coming into her own and is getting a good grasp at who and what she is. Devon does a great job with making Allie grow as a character without losing what made her so likable in the beginning.
In case I didn’t make it clear in the beginning of my review, I really REALLY enjoyed this installment. Fans of the series will NOT be disappointed. I was bouncing in my seat from the very beginning of this book and at about the 40% mark my jaw hit the floor and pretty much stayed there. Fans of Urban Fantasy books, if you have yet to try this series give it a go. Its unique premise and captivating characters make it a must try. And after reading this latest installment, you will be running to your calendars to circle April 3rd 2012 in big red pen because that’s when book eight, Magic Without Mercy, is due to hit shelves.
As for Magic on the Line, Devon does it again…and then some. This one will blow you away. It had everything I look for in an UF read. It will have everything you look for too.
Wow.
Wow wow wowwow wow.
Magic on the Line by Devon Monk is the seventh installment in her Allie Beckstrom series and it’s just…wow. Devon said that things really ramp up in this one and boy was she not kidding!
In the last book, there were a couple cases of ‘oopsies’ and ‘who me?’ and maybe some ‘oh crap, did that just happen?’. Magic on the Line is the story of what happened within the Authority after these events took place. And let me tell you, it’s not good.
The book starts off with Allie meeting the new Head of the Authority – the magic governing body of sorts – and he is a bastard. Yes, I said it. I don’t trust him. He’s creepy and slimy and just an overall bad bad man. Bartholomew. Yuk. After her meeting with Bartholomew, Allie starts feeling sick every time she pulls on magic. That is one plot line in this story. There are also crazed Veiled that are maybe or maybe not possessing and infecting people, tainted magic sources, more stupid Authority bullshit, people being chased and running for their lives, a creepy but interesting new doctor character, important characters becoming fugitives AND important characters being Closed! *takes a deep breath* Seriously, this book is a ride.
Allie’s dad was ‘taken care of’ in the last book and I actually enjoyed reading him in this one. His aggressive nature was sort of starting to get on my nerves. But what Terric and Shame did really made daddy Beckstrom more tolerable. He actually surprised me in this book too. He was very helpful to Allie and didn’t push too much. I liked the direction Devon took with him.
Another character that surprised me was Zayvion. I always liked him but he’s so “this is just how it is”
when it came to his job with the Authority. I would never want his job. It must…well, it must suck to be him sometimes. But when he said (blank) and did (blank) I just lost it…in a very good way. I hooted and hollered and popped open the champagne. Okay, I didn’t do that last one because I didn’t have any champagne on hand, but if I did I totally would have popped it open. And of course, you’ll have to read the book to fill in the blanks because I want you all to be as shocked as I was. So so good!
Terric and Shame I can’t get enough of. Shame is always so funny and he has the kind of humor I love. Witty and super sarcastic. If I knew him in real life, I would always be laughing at what he says but I would also want to smack him for it. Terric is someone I love knowing a little more about with each book. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out for him. I want him to have a happy ending. And I want Shame to have one too.
I love Allie. Like, a lot. In each book she’s better and stronger. This book was no exception. She’s really coming into her own and is getting a good grasp at who and what she is. Devon does a great job with making Allie grow as a character without losing what made her so likable in the beginning.
In case I didn’t make it clear in the beginning of my review, I really REALLY enjoyed this installment. Fans of the series will NOT be disappointed. I was bouncing in my seat from the very beginning of this book and at about the 40% mark my jaw hit the floor and pretty much stayed there. Fans of Urban Fantasy books, if you have yet to try this series give it a go. Its unique premise and captivating characters make it a must try. And after reading this latest installment, you will be running to your calendars to circle April 3rd 2012 in big red pen because that’s when book eight, Magic Without Mercy, is due to hit shelves.
As for Magic on the Line, Devon does it again…and then some. This one will blow you away. It had everything I look for in an UF read. It will have everything you look for too.
July 17, 2012
This book was slow to take off and had a different feel to the rest of the series. There was also too much time with Allie alone, no Shame, no Zayvion, and, frankly, that's too much Allie. For a woman who relies on her wits and Hounding skills to make a living, she's astoundingly slow on the uptake much of the time and stunningly stupid on occasion.
This book deals with the aftermath of the showdown with Leander and Isabelle. It takes a while for the real story to begin as Monk deals with the repercussions of the last book. When the story does start and Allie begins seeing the Veiled possessing people, it takes her ages to put two and two together. Countless times, she sees something practically labelled 'Clue' and walks right on past, commenting that it's weird and then dismissing it completely. So much for being such a spectacular Hound.
Magic is making Allie ill. She throws up and passes out when she casts, but Monk never explains why. It doesn't affect anyone else like this, so why Allie? The whole story is a bit slapdash. Different elements pop up and don't get explained or tied to the story later on.
There are some new characters, mostly unpleasant, untrustworthy magic users, and the Hounds get more of a look in. There are also some interesting scenes with Cody, but the rest of the regulars are somewhat sidelined in this story.
Allie doesn't hear from Zayvion for ages and never appears to think to contact him and let him know about the things that are happening to her. When she does see him, she self-righteously bitches him out about the things he's had to do in his role as guardian of the gates, even though she can feel his emotions, none of which are good.
Allie and her brain-squatting dad seem to have called a truce and actually work together without either one of them fighting the other. This works well in the story and it's nice to see Daniel without the venom Allie usually spits at him. Perhaps she'll finally learn not to see everything as simply black or white all the time.
Onto book 8...
This book deals with the aftermath of the showdown with Leander and Isabelle. It takes a while for the real story to begin as Monk deals with the repercussions of the last book. When the story does start and Allie begins seeing the Veiled possessing people, it takes her ages to put two and two together. Countless times, she sees something practically labelled 'Clue' and walks right on past, commenting that it's weird and then dismissing it completely. So much for being such a spectacular Hound.
Magic is making Allie ill. She throws up and passes out when she casts, but Monk never explains why. It doesn't affect anyone else like this, so why Allie? The whole story is a bit slapdash. Different elements pop up and don't get explained or tied to the story later on.
There are some new characters, mostly unpleasant, untrustworthy magic users, and the Hounds get more of a look in. There are also some interesting scenes with Cody, but the rest of the regulars are somewhat sidelined in this story.
Allie doesn't hear from Zayvion for ages and never appears to think to contact him and let him know about the things that are happening to her. When she does see him, she self-righteously bitches him out about the things he's had to do in his role as guardian of the gates, even though she can feel his emotions, none of which are good.
Allie and her brain-squatting dad seem to have called a truce and actually work together without either one of them fighting the other. This works well in the story and it's nice to see Daniel without the venom Allie usually spits at him. Perhaps she'll finally learn not to see everything as simply black or white all the time.
Onto book 8...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
4.5 Stars... Another page turner in this series that intrigues me more and more with every book... I love how we are witnessing the connection between Allie and the hounds intensify into a loyal friendship and ultimately a formidable force against the Authority… The relationships between this cast of characters are put to the test as they face betrayal and challenge their own moral compasses as they make decisions against a rising evil... Another heart pounding, action packed adventure that captivated me from the beginning:)
September 13, 2017
Another great book in a wonderful series! Loved the narration.
December 25, 2011
*Rating* 4.0
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Review*
Magic on the Line is the seventh installment in the Allie Beckstrom series and is pretty much a game changer for Allie and her friends. The Authority is in shambles, and there’s a new overseer in town making some major moves and problems for anyone who has been caught in the constant battles with Leander, Isabella, and their followers.
Bartholomew Bray, who is part of a group called the Watch, comes to town and subsequently throws his weight around to the point where only a few people are safe from his wrath. He forces several important characters to be “closed” so that they don’t remember anything about the Authority and brings back one of the vilest of characters of this series back, Jingo Jingo the child molester, killer, and traitor, to be part of the new Authority.
From the very onset to the ending, Bray was one of the most deliberately evil men I’ve had the displeasure of reading about. He hates Allie because of who her father is, and thus goes a long way in setting her up to take the fall for everything bad that happens. He even forces her into accepting a Truth spell, which reveals that Daniel Beckstrom still possesses a part of Allie’s brain. Bray and Daniel have a long history of hatred and distrust towards the other. Allie subsequently is forced to make a life or death choice where it concerns Bray.
Since the arrival of Bray, Allie has found that she doesn’t really know who she can trust except for maybe the Hounds who have made it their mission to be her constant guardians at all times of the day and night. Allie is seemingly always in a defensive mode, and treats others in a cynical manner as well as distrusting that they have her best interest at heart. You could say she was being realistic about her current surroundings and self-aware that not everyone has her best interests at heart including her own dead father who for most of the story is silent as a mouse.
Allie discovers that the Veiled, former magic users of some talent, are infecting those they touch with flu like symptoms. It ends up becoming an epidemic which without stopping will literally kill thousands of innocent people. Does Bray care about any of this?
Allie also finds that it is nearly impossible for her to do any sort of magic without getting really sick and passing out. For a person so used to doing magic as a Hound, this is devastating news.
Allie also gets to suffer through Zayvion’s mood swings as he prepares to go to Chase’s funeral. Ok, Ok, I get it. He still loves her, and always will. His words, not mine. It’s a wonder Allie has any patience when it comes to Zay’s mood swings and fits of rage. For most of the first half, Zay was a no show in Allie’s life because of actions he was forced to take for Bray and the Authority. Later, he seems almost reluctant to believe that Bray is anything but trying to clean up Portland’s Authority. Thankfully, when the chips are on the table and everyone is all in, Zay steps up to the plate and delivers a full house.
The one constant throughout this series is Allie’s feeling that she needs to do something for seemingly everyone she meets or gets involved with. She knows that Terric and Shame are having issues even though they are soul compliments. It seems she has to put her nose into their business to find a way to resolve their troubles.
Monk did an interesting twist with Terric which I’m not so sure wasn’t planned from the beginning of the series. I guess we shall see what happens next.
I am not going to complain about the ending or how it was left off. Although I am totally against cliffhangers, in this case, it works because of what happens to the characters at the end of the story. This seems to be a stepping point to a full scale war which has Allie, Zay, Shame, Maeve, Hayden, Victor, and Terric on one side. The Authority and possibly Leander, and Isabelle on the other for the well being and safety of the residents of Portland.
Magic Without Mercy, Allie Beckstrom #8, releases April 3, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Review*
Magic on the Line is the seventh installment in the Allie Beckstrom series and is pretty much a game changer for Allie and her friends. The Authority is in shambles, and there’s a new overseer in town making some major moves and problems for anyone who has been caught in the constant battles with Leander, Isabella, and their followers.
Bartholomew Bray, who is part of a group called the Watch, comes to town and subsequently throws his weight around to the point where only a few people are safe from his wrath. He forces several important characters to be “closed” so that they don’t remember anything about the Authority and brings back one of the vilest of characters of this series back, Jingo Jingo the child molester, killer, and traitor, to be part of the new Authority.
From the very onset to the ending, Bray was one of the most deliberately evil men I’ve had the displeasure of reading about. He hates Allie because of who her father is, and thus goes a long way in setting her up to take the fall for everything bad that happens. He even forces her into accepting a Truth spell, which reveals that Daniel Beckstrom still possesses a part of Allie’s brain. Bray and Daniel have a long history of hatred and distrust towards the other. Allie subsequently is forced to make a life or death choice where it concerns Bray.
Since the arrival of Bray, Allie has found that she doesn’t really know who she can trust except for maybe the Hounds who have made it their mission to be her constant guardians at all times of the day and night. Allie is seemingly always in a defensive mode, and treats others in a cynical manner as well as distrusting that they have her best interest at heart. You could say she was being realistic about her current surroundings and self-aware that not everyone has her best interests at heart including her own dead father who for most of the story is silent as a mouse.
Allie discovers that the Veiled, former magic users of some talent, are infecting those they touch with flu like symptoms. It ends up becoming an epidemic which without stopping will literally kill thousands of innocent people. Does Bray care about any of this?
Allie also finds that it is nearly impossible for her to do any sort of magic without getting really sick and passing out. For a person so used to doing magic as a Hound, this is devastating news.
Allie also gets to suffer through Zayvion’s mood swings as he prepares to go to Chase’s funeral. Ok, Ok, I get it. He still loves her, and always will. His words, not mine. It’s a wonder Allie has any patience when it comes to Zay’s mood swings and fits of rage. For most of the first half, Zay was a no show in Allie’s life because of actions he was forced to take for Bray and the Authority. Later, he seems almost reluctant to believe that Bray is anything but trying to clean up Portland’s Authority. Thankfully, when the chips are on the table and everyone is all in, Zay steps up to the plate and delivers a full house.
The one constant throughout this series is Allie’s feeling that she needs to do something for seemingly everyone she meets or gets involved with. She knows that Terric and Shame are having issues even though they are soul compliments. It seems she has to put her nose into their business to find a way to resolve their troubles.
Monk did an interesting twist with Terric which I’m not so sure wasn’t planned from the beginning of the series. I guess we shall see what happens next.
I am not going to complain about the ending or how it was left off. Although I am totally against cliffhangers, in this case, it works because of what happens to the characters at the end of the story. This seems to be a stepping point to a full scale war which has Allie, Zay, Shame, Maeve, Hayden, Victor, and Terric on one side. The Authority and possibly Leander, and Isabelle on the other for the well being and safety of the residents of Portland.
Magic Without Mercy, Allie Beckstrom #8, releases April 3, 2012
November 7, 2011
I am so glad I got to read this over the weekend - but it's really not a weekend book - it's more of a read in one day and lose a few hours of sleep because there is NO good place to stop reading to work on laundry, clean out the garden and hang out with the kids?? No I didn't want to stop -
This is the 7th book of Allie Beckstrom, and I’m STILL in love with this series!!!
Allie is at it again! She just amazes me with each book, when starting out in Magic to the Bone, she was a frail little thing - and now - she just blows my mind! She is even getting use to her dad living inside her head. and they're talking like they are friends instead of hating each other :)
The book starts off with Allie being called in to meet with the head of the Authority - Bartholomew Wray - This is one scary guy who has everyone running around with knots in their stomachs. And of course, he knew all about Allie.
The set Allie up with a Truth Spell that hurt her beyond necessary. When she stumbled out of the office and into Anthony. Now we all remember Anthony from a few books back when he was responsible for Pike's Death - no one really forgave him, but meeting up with him, and his mother, Allie felt a little sympathy for him, and told him to come to the Den and she'd help him learn the basics to hounding...
When she finally met up with Zayvion waiting for her *sigh * Zay - and of course through their connection with their Soul Compliments, and he knew right away something was wrong with her. She told him about her meeting with Bartholomew, and the painful truth spell. Spells shouldn't hurt like that, so they went to see Dr. Fisher - She was able to clean out the spell and make Allie feel better. Yeah :)
They made it to the grave site where the Authority was holding a memorial for Chase. Because she was Zay's ex-girlfriend, Zay had a lot of mixed feelings about being there. Sadness, loneliness, love for Chase that still lingered, as well as gratitude for Allie being there for him and the love and support she was giving him.
After the services, they all headed to the Den to hold a private party for Chase. She talked to a few people, then wondered her way back to Zayvion who was talking with Victor - Victor was telling Zay he needed to make sure he did what was right and followed all the laws of the Authority - no matter what...
Then he walked off. Grateful for being together, they both just looked out the big opened window down at the street and let their minds drift. That was until Allie saw something really weird. She poked at Zay to see if he was watching, and he was - a green flash of light was playing off a person down on the sidewalk, then all of a sudden, a Veiled had stepped out of the person's body - both Allie and Zayvion took off running down out of the building -
And that's where it all started :)
There is something Strange going on with the Veiled - or the Magic, or .. something - and people are dying left and right - Bartholomew didn't seem to want to deal with anything magic related - so what were they suppose to do?? If they were there to protect the innocent from magical harm ...
This was awesome - and Really REALLY Anxious to get to the next book - there is going to be some Great stuff going on with this group - and I'm really anxious to learn more about Dr. Collin's - he is the new Dr that Allie's dad recommended to look after Davy when he got bit by Anthony (Going to have to read about that part - wow!) But it seems like there is a lot of past with him and the Authroity - and he seems to know Allie too .. hummm...
February 27, 2015
I thought this installment of the Allie Beckstrom series kicked ass. It’s a major game changer for the characters I have come to know and love over the course of seven books now. The people are evolving. More enemies are revealing themselves. And things get worse for Allie than ever before. That poor woman just can’t catch a break.
The hits begin in chapter one and they just keep coming. The Authority now has new leadership and the new boss is sporting an obvious grudge for Allie and her friends. Her hardships begin with a painful interrogation and within hours, Allie has lost her ability to use magic.
Here’s the thing with that. Magic has been one of the only constants she has ever had. She had a crappy family, no money, a spotty memory, constant pain and only one friend. And magic. I hated it when she had to give up her magical reserves a few books back, but for Zayvion, I understood the sacrifice. But now, it’s like losing a limb –and for me, that hit hard.
Anyway, the new Authority boss is turning the organization upside down, and it affects almost everyone in Allie’s life. Where I found it most interesting, though, is how it hits Zayvion. One of the things I love best about him is the quiet sense of honor he carries with him. It’s terribly sad to see him struggle between his vows and his own sense of right and wrong. He is such a wonderfully complex character and is still one of my favorites. I love him as an individual and as part of the relationship with Allie. They give me so many feels.
I also continue to enjoy the dynamic between Shame and Terric. A whole new layer of that is unveiled here, which adds to the emotional confusion. And then there’s Daniel. He is… less awful here… almost helpful. I don’t know how I feel about that. We don’t have any new answers about him. And he can’t undo all that he has done to earn my hatred over the course of the series. So I guess that is all I have to say about that.
The climax is fantastic and we have returned to the cliffhangers of the early books. If I would have had to wait between these installments, I would have lost my mind.
Rating: B+
The hits begin in chapter one and they just keep coming. The Authority now has new leadership and the new boss is sporting an obvious grudge for Allie and her friends. Her hardships begin with a painful interrogation and within hours, Allie has lost her ability to use magic.
Here’s the thing with that. Magic has been one of the only constants she has ever had. She had a crappy family, no money, a spotty memory, constant pain and only one friend. And magic. I hated it when she had to give up her magical reserves a few books back, but for Zayvion, I understood the sacrifice. But now, it’s like losing a limb –and for me, that hit hard.
Anyway, the new Authority boss is turning the organization upside down, and it affects almost everyone in Allie’s life. Where I found it most interesting, though, is how it hits Zayvion. One of the things I love best about him is the quiet sense of honor he carries with him. It’s terribly sad to see him struggle between his vows and his own sense of right and wrong. He is such a wonderfully complex character and is still one of my favorites. I love him as an individual and as part of the relationship with Allie. They give me so many feels.
I also continue to enjoy the dynamic between Shame and Terric. A whole new layer of that is unveiled here, which adds to the emotional confusion. And then there’s Daniel. He is… less awful here… almost helpful. I don’t know how I feel about that. We don’t have any new answers about him. And he can’t undo all that he has done to earn my hatred over the course of the series. So I guess that is all I have to say about that.
The climax is fantastic and we have returned to the cliffhangers of the early books. If I would have had to wait between these installments, I would have lost my mind.
Rating: B+
November 14, 2011
I’ve got to hand it to Devon Monk: she scares the daylights out of me, in a really good way. Earlier this year she sent chills down my spine with the blood-and-steam magic of Dead Iron. The latest ALLIE BECKSTROM installment, Magic on the Line, is just as chilling, for at least three reasons:
One, something has gone terribly wrong with magic. Allie gets sick every time she tries to cast spells; and worse, one young acquaintance has died and another has become deathly ill from a mysterious ailment connected to the ghostly Veiled.
Secondly, the Authority is cracking down on the magical community of Portland after the chaos of the last few books. Monk creates a terrific vibe of paranoia and persecution as the new Portland overseer, Bartholomew Wray, begins a reign of terror.
Finally, the holes in Allie’s memory come back to haunt her when she hires the services of a mad scientist/doctor, and he seems to know her. Very well. Even though as far as she knows, she’s never met the man before.
In addition to being a spine-tingling read, Magic on the Line is a turning point for the series. Allie changes, becoming more hardened. Zayvion changes, as he weighs the letter and spirit of his oaths against the new Authority policies. And by the end of the book, Allie and her friends face a whole new set of challenges, without a lot of the advantages they previously had. It’ll be a very different series from here on out.
Magic on the Line is a great addition to the ALLIE BECKSTROM series; it advances the plot dramatically… and will have you looking over your shoulder for Veiled and creepy Authority goons.
One, something has gone terribly wrong with magic. Allie gets sick every time she tries to cast spells; and worse, one young acquaintance has died and another has become deathly ill from a mysterious ailment connected to the ghostly Veiled.
Secondly, the Authority is cracking down on the magical community of Portland after the chaos of the last few books. Monk creates a terrific vibe of paranoia and persecution as the new Portland overseer, Bartholomew Wray, begins a reign of terror.
Finally, the holes in Allie’s memory come back to haunt her when she hires the services of a mad scientist/doctor, and he seems to know her. Very well. Even though as far as she knows, she’s never met the man before.
In addition to being a spine-tingling read, Magic on the Line is a turning point for the series. Allie changes, becoming more hardened. Zayvion changes, as he weighs the letter and spirit of his oaths against the new Authority policies. And by the end of the book, Allie and her friends face a whole new set of challenges, without a lot of the advantages they previously had. It’ll be a very different series from here on out.
Magic on the Line is a great addition to the ALLIE BECKSTROM series; it advances the plot dramatically… and will have you looking over your shoulder for Veiled and creepy Authority goons.
November 7, 2011
Oh man, cliffhangers how I hate you!
Another fantastic read in the Allie Beckstrom series. What I love about these books is not only the believable characters and the snark and the fun, fast-paced action but that everything - everything - comes with a price attached. I'm not going to bother giving a summary of this book because if you're starting now I'd tell you to not bother and go straight to the beginning, pick that up, and go from there.
Overall this was yet another great book to add in to the series but somehow it felt a little weaker to me. I just kept thinking 'damn, Grant has everything, doesn't he?! And good thing he's such good friends with Allie so she can take advantage of that.' That was probably the one main thing that irked me in this particular story; Allie needed something and if it was mental she could go to her dad and if it was physical well, Grant has turned out to be quite beneficial in that regard.
With that little bit of snark aside I must admit that I powered through this book in one afternoon; I just couldn't put it down like all of the other Allie books. It was fun, it has a quick and action-filled storyline, things happened to people that I cared about, and there were more nasty people showing up to screw up Allie's life.
...but a cliffhanger? Really?! Ugh, I hate those so much! Now I have to wait until 2012 to see how Allie gets out of this predicament!! But you know what? I'll totally do it because I really want to know what happens next!!! And that should be praise enough.
Another fantastic read in the Allie Beckstrom series. What I love about these books is not only the believable characters and the snark and the fun, fast-paced action but that everything - everything - comes with a price attached. I'm not going to bother giving a summary of this book because if you're starting now I'd tell you to not bother and go straight to the beginning, pick that up, and go from there.
Overall this was yet another great book to add in to the series but somehow it felt a little weaker to me. I just kept thinking 'damn, Grant has everything, doesn't he?! And good thing he's such good friends with Allie so she can take advantage of that.' That was probably the one main thing that irked me in this particular story; Allie needed something and if it was mental she could go to her dad and if it was physical well, Grant has turned out to be quite beneficial in that regard.
With that little bit of snark aside I must admit that I powered through this book in one afternoon; I just couldn't put it down like all of the other Allie books. It was fun, it has a quick and action-filled storyline, things happened to people that I cared about, and there were more nasty people showing up to screw up Allie's life.
...but a cliffhanger? Really?! Ugh, I hate those so much! Now I have to wait until 2012 to see how Allie gets out of this predicament!! But you know what? I'll totally do it because I really want to know what happens next!!! And that should be praise enough.
October 31, 2011
If you have not read the first 6 books I think you would be a bit lost trying to start at book 7 MAGIC ON THE LINE. There is a lot of back story that you would have missed and needed to follow along with everything. The Allie Beckstrom series is fantastic though so you wouldn't be disappointed in starting it. All the books up to date have been fast paced, full of action, adventure and interesting story line's to keep you coming back for more.
As always I really enjoyed MAGIC ON THE LINE. It was a great continuation of the series. So much has happened to Allie in such a short time and things really kick up another notch by the end of the book. Zayvion and Allie continue to fit well together. There is a point in the book that he goes completely against what he has always said and stands beside Allie and his friends. I cant get enough of Allie's friends specifically Shame and Terric. Shame although in a funk continues to be someone that is always there when he is needed. Terric always surprises me with what he will put up with and his loyalty. Allie's father being in her head is kinda starting to grow on me. I still don't like him but he sure ends up helping out a lot in moments of need. I'm still really upset with the fact that Allie doesn't have her personal magic. I don't know why it gets to me so much but its a constant thought with me and I really want her to get it back. The book ends with Allie and her closest friends being in a pretty bad position. There is a lot to do to get there lives back and I'm going to be along for the new ride.
As always I really enjoyed MAGIC ON THE LINE. It was a great continuation of the series. So much has happened to Allie in such a short time and things really kick up another notch by the end of the book. Zayvion and Allie continue to fit well together. There is a point in the book that he goes completely against what he has always said and stands beside Allie and his friends. I cant get enough of Allie's friends specifically Shame and Terric. Shame although in a funk continues to be someone that is always there when he is needed. Terric always surprises me with what he will put up with and his loyalty. Allie's father being in her head is kinda starting to grow on me. I still don't like him but he sure ends up helping out a lot in moments of need. I'm still really upset with the fact that Allie doesn't have her personal magic. I don't know why it gets to me so much but its a constant thought with me and I really want her to get it back. The book ends with Allie and her closest friends being in a pretty bad position. There is a lot to do to get there lives back and I'm going to be along for the new ride.
September 16, 2012
Interesting book. I teared through the first five in the series to take a small break before reading the sixth, as it was a lot of Allie and a lot of Zay. Overall, the book was a bit slow to pick up, dealing with all kinds of loose ends. It definitely started to pick up and while the storyline and big ideas are really good, I'm a bit critical of the interpersonal relationships. I feel like Zay and Allie's relationship has been while strong, a bit off. Allie mentions that she feels it too, but why? The last book ended with her going into Hell to get him back, what kind of issues are we having now? Also, what's going on with Allies powers? I feel as though things weren't explained well or Monk's got some inconsistencies. Allie, who although lost her inner spark, was supposed to be filling up with magic regardless of the spark. What happened? I get that she can't handle doing magic or be around it, but I'm pretty sure the way Monk explained this filling up with magic business, it was independent of her spark...so what? My other big issue is her Dad, while it's kind of interesting, I always have felt like it's kind of a cop out, a deus ex machina if you will, where any issue in the plot or magical problem, let's ask good old Dad. Why doesn't Allie know more spells like the rest of the authority after training? Why does her Dad get to solve everything?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2016
Something has poisoned magic in Portland, with Allie herself getting sick every time she tries to use it, and the Veiled are possessing people and spreading a deadly infection throughout the city. Bartholomew Wray, who has taken over control of the Authority in Portland and whose uncompromising methods and bullying are not endearing him to anyone, refuses to believe in any such thing as magic poisoning and has no intention of doing anything about it. It's up to Allie and her allies to do find a way stop it - and a way to stop Bartholomew before he destroys everything the Authority is supposed to stand for.
This one's a gamechanger, with another extremely evil cliffhanger at the end. Lots of action, ever fluctuating loyalties and a lot of hard choices for all the characters at the center of the story - one of the best books in the series so far IMO.
This one's a gamechanger, with another extremely evil cliffhanger at the end. Lots of action, ever fluctuating loyalties and a lot of hard choices for all the characters at the center of the story - one of the best books in the series so far IMO.
December 2, 2015
I just realized I never wrote my reviews! I went through a complete overdrive and read all the books in 2 days. I was so book hungover after this series. In this one, I'm incredulous at what happens. Bartholomew Wray is an ASS. ASS I tell you. ASS. Allie is doing everything she can to save Portland. Her dead father's interference is disturbing. Like, really disturbing.
This world is so well designed. The plot is so complicated and the characters are amazing. This is a series which can't be read with gaps in between. This is a read one right after another.
This world is so well designed. The plot is so complicated and the characters are amazing. This is a series which can't be read with gaps in between. This is a read one right after another.
November 23, 2011
Excellent, as always. Still one of my very favorite series.
September 26, 2012
Gaaaaa that was the end? Must get the next book now now now!,,,
April 12, 2015
Seventh in the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series set in Portland and revolving around Allie, a Hound who can handle all magics.
My Take
And Allie starts up as she intends to go on: cocky and confident that she can handle anything, even if she doesn't know much of anything. I do hate her, so keep in mind that this is coloring my perceptions of her.
Oh, yeah, I'm with Allie on this one, and I love that she's called Wray on his officiousness. He's supposed to be supervising the Northwest region, and it may be a large geographic area, but it's not so big that the guy can't pop in to see how things are going more than once every five years. I mean, hullo? Pop into an area for two or three days, maybe even a whole week?? With, say eleven to twelve major cities in the area, he could cover this in three months.
Okay, Dumbo has been under a Truth spell before, and it's never hurt like this one. She doesn't trust Wray and hates Missy, so when she and Zayvion get to the doctor's, why is she downplaying what Missy did to her?? Allie really irritates me. She whines when she gets what she wants. She whines when it doesn't go her way. And now, when she has something legitimate to whine about, something that could be officially reported, that could maybe help oust this jerk, she pooh-poohs it?? WTF? I do like Zay's reaction to what Missy did. I can only hope she oversteps the line again.
When Bartholomew calls her in for another meeting, Allie is all self-important in her confidence. Yeah, that's right. She handled Bartholomew before, and she'll handle him again. Oh, please. She came out of that last meeting hurting, in pain, and unable to use her magic. She still can't use her magic and she thinks she can walk out of his office?? Jesus, what a lamebrain.
And Allie continues to disappoint. At that group meeting, she wants to leap up and protest immediately. Both Terric and her dad insist she wait until she has all the information, but no, why would she want to do that? How can she possibly show how stupid she is unless she does.
Crack me up! I'm not the only one who thinks Allie does stupid things. Her fellow Hounds think so too! I do like how honest they are. They appreciate all the efforts Allie has taken to make things easier for the Hounds — fulfilling Pike's dreams — and they want to be sure that no one kills their golden goose, lol.
Ooh, at last. Allie's been pushing to bring the Hounds in and everyone in the Authority has been totally against it. Now, with Chase's funeral, Shame is going to start mixing it up with them. The party is good, and I love seeing everyone mixing it up and getting on with each other. I'm hoping this will break the ice and lead to more interaction.
Whoa, seems that Zay had been working undercover in Lon Tragger/Trager's blood den. More revelations include Allie finding out that the Authority encompasses more than just the few fighters and Voices she's met. That there are businessmen, teachers, doctors, those working in civilian interface jobs (whatever that means); that there are over 100,000 of 'em in the Portland area. Which rather blows my mind. And I don't think much of them either. Where were they when the core cast of characters were fighting the wild magic storm?
I don't understand why Allie thinks she owes Ant a second chance? For what he did in Magic in the Blood , 2, I'd slap him down in a hurry.
Allie is also having problems with her magic. She can't use it without major pain, retching, and/or passing out. Does she tell anyone? Does she find out how to fix this? Why, no. What fun would that be? How ever could Monk infuse this story with drama if Allie weren't being her usual stupid self? Just to add to the fun, Allie can now see magic without having to cast Sight. When the news about this new flu comes out, does Allie make that connection with the people who are coughing when a Veiled one emerges form their body? This new thing the Veiled are doing? No. That would require intelligence.
Oh, boy, I kinda see why Daniel would have been so in love with Violet as I listen to her reasons for accepting the position of Voice for Flux. She's a little scary too.
Allie cannot make up her mind about Zay. She opposes everything, and I do mean everything. Someone says go ahead and get some food, and she's angry that someone is trying to order her around. Zay Closes so many memories, and she jumps all over him for not refusing to do it. God knows, she can't possibly slow that lame brain of hers down enough to realize the strategic importance of Zay being the Closer. Then he chooses to oppose the Authority, which Allie has been begging him to do. What's Allie's reaction? That's right. Why would you do that, Zay? Gimme a break. Or, even better, someone smack Allie around for me.
What is it with Bartholomew? If the Authority is this stupid in how it's set up oversight and in the type of people it puts into positions of authority, then I'm really surprised that a) anyone joins the Authority and b) that it's still around.
The Story
Wray is in town and flexing his cheesy muscles. He may represent the Authority, but he hasn't any respect for its rules. Especially when Bartholomew drops his bombs and we learn who he's had Closed and who will be the new Voices of Portland's Authority. The man is so obviously clueless. Until, that is, we find out what his true plans are.
The Characters
The claustrophobic Allie Beckstrom is a maverick within the Authority, if only because she doesn't cotton to authority. Her father, Daniel Beckstrom, is dead and possessing Allie's mind, when she lets him take over. Violet Beckstrom is her father's widow and has had her baby, Daniel. Kevin Cooper is her bodyguard, a member of the Authority, and in love with her. Stone is Allie's pet gargoyle and bodyguard. Nola Robbins is her best friend and fostering the Closed Cody Miller, the non-magic half of him anyway. Nola is also in a relationship with Paul Stotts.
Zayvion Jones is a Closer, a guardian of the gates, and in love with his Soul Complement, Allie. His best friend, Shamus Flynn, is a Death magic user and a Contrast with Allie.
The Authority
Portland Authority
Bartholomew Wray is the Portland Authority's overseer — and what an asshole! His two goons, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Ladd, are Contrasts. Maeve Flynn is the Voice for Blood and Shame's mother. She was also Allie's teacher. Melissa Whit is Wray's sadistic Blood user and does the vicious Truth spell on Allie. Dr. Fisher is the Authority medic and refuses to treat anyone not okayed by Bartholomew. Sunny is a Blood magic user with an interest in Davy. Victor Forsythe has been fired from the position of Voice for Faith, but he's still a Closer and Zay's boss. Carl and La. Tiffany Lowe is in marketing and the object of Shame's attention. And yeah, Shame knows that Tiffany will do anything and anyone to advance. Ethan Katz is Allie's dad's accountant who only crops up when things are calm.
Seattle Authority
Terric Conley, a graphic designer by day, is most likely Shame's Soul Complement but they avoid each other like the plague. He's a Closer and had been in the running for gate guardian, but Shame got caught up in a bad spell and ruined Terric for taking the job. Since Mikhail did some healing on him, Terric being near Shame seems to ease his pain. Joshua Romero and Nick Pavloski have gone back home. Closed.
Alaska Authority
Hayden is a Closer and Maeve's new boyfriend.
Authority members caught up in events in Magic on the Hunt, 6…
…include the Isabelle-possessed Sedra Miller who was the leader of the Authority, Sedra's bodyguard Dane Lannister, four solid Veiled which included the ex-con Roman Grimshaw, the assassinated leader of the Portland Authority Mikhail, the star-crossed ancient Soul Complements Isabelle and Leander, and Jingo Jingo, a Death magic user and Shame's boss who kidnapped Sedra.
Eli Collins, a.k.a., Collins the Cutter, is a rogue doctor with a specialty in magical injury who has been Closed by Victor and the Authority. His "experiments" went too far. But he may be Davy's only hope. Her dad says that he helped create many of the medical applications of his products as did Cody Miller. It's Hayden and Shame who reveal Collins' past. Yikes.
The Hounds are…
…magic users who can scent magic and track it back to the original users. This skill makes them very useful for the police and others who want to know who is messing with them magic-wise. Some of the Hounds include Davy Silvers, Sid Westerly, Bea Lufkin who wants roof parties (she Hounds the morgues), Jamar, Jack Quinn, and Theresa who does a lot of Hounding for Nike.
Anthony Bell is a wanna-be Hound, and he's got a lot of bootlicking to do after his actions in Magic in the Blood . Marta is his mother. Toya, who claims to be a friend of Jack's, and Karl are some new Hounds in the area.
Portland PD and the MERC is…
…Magical Enforcement Response Corps which is led by Detective Paul Stotts who has a bit of magic himself. Detective Makanie Love has worked with Allie before, as has his partner, Detective Mia Payne.
Grant Rhine owns Get Mugged, Allie's favorite coffeeshop, and the warehouse where Allie is leasing the two upper floors for the Hounds. The bottom floor is leased to a ghostbusting company. Huh, seems that Grant is gay and interested in Terric. Jula and Ryan are Grant's employees.
Contrasts are magic users who can combine magic but never know if it will backfire or strengthen each other. Closers are Faith magic users and the Authority's assassins. The magic discs that Daniel and Violet invented will hold magic and allow its use without the user having to endure the pain of using the magic. They are also being used to make the Veiled solid. The Veiled are parts of magic users who crave the taste of magic. If they get hold of you, they'll eat up your magic and you.
The Cover and Title
The cover is muted golden office buildings in the background and bluish grays and black in the forefront with the black-clad Allie standing with legs apart and arms held out from her sides. It's jeans and a crop top to reveal Allie's tattoos (and add a touch of sex) along with that katana she holds in one hand and the magic-spitting gun in the other.
The title is accurate, for Bartholomew Wray has put Magic on the Line.
My Take
And Allie starts up as she intends to go on: cocky and confident that she can handle anything, even if she doesn't know much of anything. I do hate her, so keep in mind that this is coloring my perceptions of her.
Oh, yeah, I'm with Allie on this one, and I love that she's called Wray on his officiousness. He's supposed to be supervising the Northwest region, and it may be a large geographic area, but it's not so big that the guy can't pop in to see how things are going more than once every five years. I mean, hullo? Pop into an area for two or three days, maybe even a whole week?? With, say eleven to twelve major cities in the area, he could cover this in three months.
Okay, Dumbo has been under a Truth spell before, and it's never hurt like this one. She doesn't trust Wray and hates Missy, so when she and Zayvion get to the doctor's, why is she downplaying what Missy did to her?? Allie really irritates me. She whines when she gets what she wants. She whines when it doesn't go her way. And now, when she has something legitimate to whine about, something that could be officially reported, that could maybe help oust this jerk, she pooh-poohs it?? WTF? I do like Zay's reaction to what Missy did. I can only hope she oversteps the line again.
When Bartholomew calls her in for another meeting, Allie is all self-important in her confidence. Yeah, that's right. She handled Bartholomew before, and she'll handle him again. Oh, please. She came out of that last meeting hurting, in pain, and unable to use her magic. She still can't use her magic and she thinks she can walk out of his office?? Jesus, what a lamebrain.
And Allie continues to disappoint. At that group meeting, she wants to leap up and protest immediately. Both Terric and her dad insist she wait until she has all the information, but no, why would she want to do that? How can she possibly show how stupid she is unless she does.
Crack me up! I'm not the only one who thinks Allie does stupid things. Her fellow Hounds think so too! I do like how honest they are. They appreciate all the efforts Allie has taken to make things easier for the Hounds — fulfilling Pike's dreams — and they want to be sure that no one kills their golden goose, lol.
Ooh, at last. Allie's been pushing to bring the Hounds in and everyone in the Authority has been totally against it. Now, with Chase's funeral, Shame is going to start mixing it up with them. The party is good, and I love seeing everyone mixing it up and getting on with each other. I'm hoping this will break the ice and lead to more interaction.
Whoa, seems that Zay had been working undercover in Lon Tragger/Trager's blood den. More revelations include Allie finding out that the Authority encompasses more than just the few fighters and Voices she's met. That there are businessmen, teachers, doctors, those working in civilian interface jobs (whatever that means); that there are over 100,000 of 'em in the Portland area. Which rather blows my mind. And I don't think much of them either. Where were they when the core cast of characters were fighting the wild magic storm?
I don't understand why Allie thinks she owes Ant a second chance? For what he did in Magic in the Blood , 2, I'd slap him down in a hurry.
Allie is also having problems with her magic. She can't use it without major pain, retching, and/or passing out. Does she tell anyone? Does she find out how to fix this? Why, no. What fun would that be? How ever could Monk infuse this story with drama if Allie weren't being her usual stupid self? Just to add to the fun, Allie can now see magic without having to cast Sight. When the news about this new flu comes out, does Allie make that connection with the people who are coughing when a Veiled one emerges form their body? This new thing the Veiled are doing? No. That would require intelligence.
Oh, boy, I kinda see why Daniel would have been so in love with Violet as I listen to her reasons for accepting the position of Voice for Flux. She's a little scary too.
Allie cannot make up her mind about Zay. She opposes everything, and I do mean everything. Someone says go ahead and get some food, and she's angry that someone is trying to order her around. Zay Closes so many memories, and she jumps all over him for not refusing to do it. God knows, she can't possibly slow that lame brain of hers down enough to realize the strategic importance of Zay being the Closer. Then he chooses to oppose the Authority, which Allie has been begging him to do. What's Allie's reaction? That's right. Why would you do that, Zay? Gimme a break. Or, even better, someone smack Allie around for me.
What is it with Bartholomew? If the Authority is this stupid in how it's set up oversight and in the type of people it puts into positions of authority, then I'm really surprised that a) anyone joins the Authority and b) that it's still around.
The Story
Wray is in town and flexing his cheesy muscles. He may represent the Authority, but he hasn't any respect for its rules. Especially when Bartholomew drops his bombs and we learn who he's had Closed and who will be the new Voices of Portland's Authority. The man is so obviously clueless. Until, that is, we find out what his true plans are.
The Characters
The claustrophobic Allie Beckstrom is a maverick within the Authority, if only because she doesn't cotton to authority. Her father, Daniel Beckstrom, is dead and possessing Allie's mind, when she lets him take over. Violet Beckstrom is her father's widow and has had her baby, Daniel. Kevin Cooper is her bodyguard, a member of the Authority, and in love with her. Stone is Allie's pet gargoyle and bodyguard. Nola Robbins is her best friend and fostering the Closed Cody Miller, the non-magic half of him anyway. Nola is also in a relationship with Paul Stotts.
Zayvion Jones is a Closer, a guardian of the gates, and in love with his Soul Complement, Allie. His best friend, Shamus Flynn, is a Death magic user and a Contrast with Allie.
The Authority
Portland Authority
Bartholomew Wray is the Portland Authority's overseer — and what an asshole! His two goons, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Ladd, are Contrasts. Maeve Flynn is the Voice for Blood and Shame's mother. She was also Allie's teacher. Melissa Whit is Wray's sadistic Blood user and does the vicious Truth spell on Allie. Dr. Fisher is the Authority medic and refuses to treat anyone not okayed by Bartholomew. Sunny is a Blood magic user with an interest in Davy. Victor Forsythe has been fired from the position of Voice for Faith, but he's still a Closer and Zay's boss. Carl and La. Tiffany Lowe is in marketing and the object of Shame's attention. And yeah, Shame knows that Tiffany will do anything and anyone to advance. Ethan Katz is Allie's dad's accountant who only crops up when things are calm.
Seattle Authority
Terric Conley, a graphic designer by day, is most likely Shame's Soul Complement but they avoid each other like the plague. He's a Closer and had been in the running for gate guardian, but Shame got caught up in a bad spell and ruined Terric for taking the job. Since Mikhail did some healing on him, Terric being near Shame seems to ease his pain. Joshua Romero and Nick Pavloski have gone back home. Closed.
Alaska Authority
Hayden is a Closer and Maeve's new boyfriend.
Authority members caught up in events in Magic on the Hunt, 6…
…include the Isabelle-possessed Sedra Miller who was the leader of the Authority, Sedra's bodyguard Dane Lannister, four solid Veiled which included the ex-con Roman Grimshaw, the assassinated leader of the Portland Authority Mikhail, the star-crossed ancient Soul Complements Isabelle and Leander, and Jingo Jingo, a Death magic user and Shame's boss who kidnapped Sedra.
Eli Collins, a.k.a., Collins the Cutter, is a rogue doctor with a specialty in magical injury who has been Closed by Victor and the Authority. His "experiments" went too far. But he may be Davy's only hope. Her dad says that he helped create many of the medical applications of his products as did Cody Miller. It's Hayden and Shame who reveal Collins' past. Yikes.
The Hounds are…
…magic users who can scent magic and track it back to the original users. This skill makes them very useful for the police and others who want to know who is messing with them magic-wise. Some of the Hounds include Davy Silvers, Sid Westerly, Bea Lufkin who wants roof parties (she Hounds the morgues), Jamar, Jack Quinn, and Theresa who does a lot of Hounding for Nike.
Anthony Bell is a wanna-be Hound, and he's got a lot of bootlicking to do after his actions in Magic in the Blood . Marta is his mother. Toya, who claims to be a friend of Jack's, and Karl are some new Hounds in the area.
Portland PD and the MERC is…
…Magical Enforcement Response Corps which is led by Detective Paul Stotts who has a bit of magic himself. Detective Makanie Love has worked with Allie before, as has his partner, Detective Mia Payne.
Grant Rhine owns Get Mugged, Allie's favorite coffeeshop, and the warehouse where Allie is leasing the two upper floors for the Hounds. The bottom floor is leased to a ghostbusting company. Huh, seems that Grant is gay and interested in Terric. Jula and Ryan are Grant's employees.
Contrasts are magic users who can combine magic but never know if it will backfire or strengthen each other. Closers are Faith magic users and the Authority's assassins. The magic discs that Daniel and Violet invented will hold magic and allow its use without the user having to endure the pain of using the magic. They are also being used to make the Veiled solid. The Veiled are parts of magic users who crave the taste of magic. If they get hold of you, they'll eat up your magic and you.
The Cover and Title
The cover is muted golden office buildings in the background and bluish grays and black in the forefront with the black-clad Allie standing with legs apart and arms held out from her sides. It's jeans and a crop top to reveal Allie's tattoos (and add a touch of sex) along with that katana she holds in one hand and the magic-spitting gun in the other.
The title is accurate, for Bartholomew Wray has put Magic on the Line.
January 10, 2021
Magic on the Line is the seventh book in the Allie Beckstrom series written by Devon Monk. It centers on Allison Angel "Allie" Beckstrom, a Hound, who solves cases of corporate espionage, black magic, ghostly apparitions, and dead spirits who want to come back to life.
With Portland's magical community already in upheaval, local leader Bartholomew Wray decides to completely overhaul the Portland Authority. His plans don't sit well with Allie, Zayvion "Zay" Jones, her lover and their friends Shamus "Shame" Flynn and Terric. Wray is also ignoring some incredibly suspicious magical events: undead magic users are possessing the living and several people are dying of magic poisoning. Allie refuses to stand by and do nothing, but using her own magic is making her ill.
Magic on the Line is written rather well. The narrative is dark and delicious and digs deep into the characters, their relationships, and the mysterious Authority. Characterization and plot get the reader through the installment, because there isn't much action in it – comparatively speaking. Monk masterfully writes the various personal relationships in the novel.
All in all, Magic on the Line is written rather well and is a good and promising continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
With Portland's magical community already in upheaval, local leader Bartholomew Wray decides to completely overhaul the Portland Authority. His plans don't sit well with Allie, Zayvion "Zay" Jones, her lover and their friends Shamus "Shame" Flynn and Terric. Wray is also ignoring some incredibly suspicious magical events: undead magic users are possessing the living and several people are dying of magic poisoning. Allie refuses to stand by and do nothing, but using her own magic is making her ill.
Magic on the Line is written rather well. The narrative is dark and delicious and digs deep into the characters, their relationships, and the mysterious Authority. Characterization and plot get the reader through the installment, because there isn't much action in it – comparatively speaking. Monk masterfully writes the various personal relationships in the novel.
All in all, Magic on the Line is written rather well and is a good and promising continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.
October 15, 2018
I really didn't like this book. Allie is still Allie...irritating, whiny, slow on the uptake Allie. Something is seriously wrong with her, but she just ignores it. Sigh. People throw clues about things in her past. She doesn't notice. The thing that bothered me the most was the takeover of The Authority by the OBVIOUSLY A BAD GUY Bartholomew Wray. The dude pretty much had a neon sign over his head saying "Totally a bad guy who wants to destroy you", but everybody just went along with him. The Authority supposedly stands for keeping people safe and making sure magic isn't used incorrectly, but they just LET HIM TAKE OVER!!!!! It made me so mad I almost didn't finish the book. I really dislike Zay now. He knew Bartholomew was evil, but he wiped the minds of some of his closest friends. He did it because he believes in the Authority. Really? This guy is destroying it. Then he suddenly just decides to quit. Could have done that before he erased their memories, right? The whole excuse of "somebody else would have hurt them doing it" was just lame. Big, bad-ass, Guardian of the Gate Zay couldn't find a way to help them. None of the supposed good guys lifted a finger! They wait till Wray has framed Allie and she has killed the ass to step up? UGH
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
Gosh there's a lot going on in this one!! There's a new 'sheriff' in town as head of the Authority, Allie's been zapped with something tainted that was in the truth spell cast by the new head's team biotch [I really hope that one gets what's coming to her] and Allie has enhanced reactions to magic which is an intriguing handicap added in. She has to learn to use non-magical and realizes how much she's come to depend on it. And how used to magic being in the world now that she has such a harsh reaction to it.
She has to work toward fixing what's going on with the tainted magic that's causing upheaval and the new Authority peeps aren't listening to the issue. She's used to working outside the box but this time it's even more problematic.
I continue to highly enjoy this series, especially now that I have taken the time to read/listen to them in order. This is the first one that isn't a re-read and left quite the cliffhanger. Thankfully #8 is in the library so will be listening to it next.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
She has to work toward fixing what's going on with the tainted magic that's causing upheaval and the new Authority peeps aren't listening to the issue. She's used to working outside the box but this time it's even more problematic.
I continue to highly enjoy this series, especially now that I have taken the time to read/listen to them in order. This is the first one that isn't a re-read and left quite the cliffhanger. Thankfully #8 is in the library so will be listening to it next.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.
December 26, 2021
Allie Beckstrom's world is falling apart and getting ready to explode!
So hang on its going to be a bumpy ride! The face of Authority is changing and not for the better! Magic is poisoned and innocents are dieing! Allie's world is changing and so will she if she wants to survive! A past she has forgotten threatens everyone she cares about! Her life long antagonist will be her strongest ally!
So hang on its going to be a bumpy ride! The face of Authority is changing and not for the better! Magic is poisoned and innocents are dieing! Allie's world is changing and so will she if she wants to survive! A past she has forgotten threatens everyone she cares about! Her life long antagonist will be her strongest ally!
June 10, 2017
Renegade life is pretty exciting, but it's too bad everything else is not great about this series. I couldn't even muster any feelings when Allie described Davy as a little brother. I'll probably search out the last two books, but purposefully spoiled myself to see how it would end. I also can't believe there is a flicking spin-off two-book series about Shame and Terric.
January 23, 2018
Wow, just wow. That was a lot of well everything happening. Bartholomew is an awful replacement for the head of the Portland authority and shows it early on. The changes he puts in place are not really shocking per say but horrible nonetheless.
There was not quite enough Zay, Shame and Terric in this book but there was more time with the hounds which I loved. Made for a pretty good trade off.
There was not quite enough Zay, Shame and Terric in this book but there was more time with the hounds which I loved. Made for a pretty good trade off.
July 19, 2017
Good entry in the series, though again...it's been so long since I read the first ones that it took some time for characters, events, etc to come back. LOVED the ending for the most part, though not sure I like where it's left them.
December 23, 2018
I give up. After taking a bit of time off after the previous book in the series, I tried this one. The "Cardboard evil characters in power get away with it until Allie happens to wander in" repeated plot is far too tired, trite and boring.
July 4, 2017
This book would have had an excellent review if it had been an entire book. However, it is part one of two. the storyline just stops mod crisis.
July 26, 2017
Great book, focusing on The Authority, it's leaders and bad blood from
years ago. This book was a little different, but, just as exciting.
years ago. This book was a little different, but, just as exciting.
January 3, 2018
Another cliffhanger and I have things to do before I can read the next book. UGH!!!!!
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