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Illegal Magic
What do you get when you mix magic & lawyers? More than you bargained for. Lani's family has magic. Her friends have magic. Even the plants in her community are magical. But Lani's powers never manifest, and she's tired of feeling like the odd one out. So she goes to law school and does her best to fit in with the non-magical world. Too bad her first client is a geeky vampire. And her second client is an evil sorcerer. And her smoking hot one night stand doesn't remember her name. If Lani survives her first week of work, she's gonna seriously consider a career change.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2011
30 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 16, 2019
As the only non-magical person among her family and friends, Lani Goldspell often feels left out in her own community and has decided to embark on a "normal" career that doesn't requure any magical talent. Her first week as an associate in a law firm, however, somehow ends up involving a whole lot more magical shenanigans than expected.
Cutesy, quirky, and often very, very silly - which is fine if you're entertained by very silly things, but my patience with the silly stuff ran out after a few chapters and by the end, pretty much all of the characters were just getting on my nerves.
Cutesy, quirky, and often very, very silly - which is fine if you're entertained by very silly things, but my patience with the silly stuff ran out after a few chapters and by the end, pretty much all of the characters were just getting on my nerves.
August 12, 2012
In spite of the fact that I rarely read romance and generally prefer my novels bleak and soul-sucking, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Illegal Magic, like its protagonist, is endearing and frequently hilarious. While its tone is lighthearted and often zany, Illegal Magic nevertheless has an interesting plot with mystery elements and twists that careful readers will really enjoy.
The premise is interesting--a girl from a wizarding family with no magical powers of her own trying to navigate the mundane working world--and the novel builds well on it, creating an engaging, dynamic setting with just enough weirdness to be interesting and just enough normalcy to still be accessible.
Illegal Magic is easy to read in the best sense of the words: you can sit back and enjoy the book without ever stumbling or having to reread a section.
Anyone who enjoys fun, lighthearted romance should enjoy this book, even if they don't normally read paranormal romance. The reverse is true--anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially in the vein of Harry Potter, would enjoy this book, even if they don't usually enjoy romance. The book isn't weighed down by the tropes of either genre.
A quick, fun, thoroughly amusing read.
Illegal Magic, like its protagonist, is endearing and frequently hilarious. While its tone is lighthearted and often zany, Illegal Magic nevertheless has an interesting plot with mystery elements and twists that careful readers will really enjoy.
The premise is interesting--a girl from a wizarding family with no magical powers of her own trying to navigate the mundane working world--and the novel builds well on it, creating an engaging, dynamic setting with just enough weirdness to be interesting and just enough normalcy to still be accessible.
Illegal Magic is easy to read in the best sense of the words: you can sit back and enjoy the book without ever stumbling or having to reread a section.
Anyone who enjoys fun, lighthearted romance should enjoy this book, even if they don't normally read paranormal romance. The reverse is true--anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially in the vein of Harry Potter, would enjoy this book, even if they don't usually enjoy romance. The book isn't weighed down by the tropes of either genre.
A quick, fun, thoroughly amusing read.
December 18, 2011
First book--and possibly first novel in a new UF-lite series. This book features Alann--aka Lani--Goldspell, the only non-magical person in her family--a family famous for its powerful magic. So Lani decides to just make the best of her life and go with a non-magic job--lawyer. In the first week, she meets a hot guy--who can't remember her name--has her first client--a truly geeky vampire, gets involved with a slum lord, who might possibly have an evil artifact and be sacrificing the residents of his apartment building to gain more power, is given a talking plant and, oh yes, her para-legal is a pixie. . .
Some of the humour was a little forced, but, for a first novel and first in a series, this was surprisingly well done.
Some of the humour was a little forced, but, for a first novel and first in a series, this was surprisingly well done.
July 2, 2012
It is quite flighty and often it seems as if the author has more thoughts on a page than a bunny can shake its tail, but that I think was also the charm of it. With a little more depth and character development this could be a great little series.
The paradox of the main character being of course the fact that she has no magic and never will have any, but all things magical and supernatural seem to be drawn to her.
The chapter that explained the Council and the various job descriptions of said council members was too drawn out, over complicated and in danger of being boring.
The foundation of a good concept has been poured and I hope this author can build a stronger story the next time round.
The paradox of the main character being of course the fact that she has no magic and never will have any, but all things magical and supernatural seem to be drawn to her.
The chapter that explained the Council and the various job descriptions of said council members was too drawn out, over complicated and in danger of being boring.
The foundation of a good concept has been poured and I hope this author can build a stronger story the next time round.
July 26, 2012
A law office and magic are an unusual combination that works well in this novel. The characters are interesting, although the main character is a bit whiny at times. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
December 20, 2011
Very funny. I loved the idea of a refugee from the witchy world trying to make it in corporate legal America.
June 9, 2012
Fun and quirky. Nice, enjoyable, light read with a twist of a magical person trying to "pass" as non-magical. Cute
June 10, 2012
Enthralling story - could use a little polish, but definitely worth the read.
August 11, 2017
Urban fantasy fun
I really liked this book. I just finished reading a series and was looking for something fun and this was definetly it. The characters are warm and sassy and charming. The story is solid and a quick read.
I really liked this book. I just finished reading a series and was looking for something fun and this was definetly it. The characters are warm and sassy and charming. The story is solid and a quick read.
April 7, 2022
good read
It started out a little slow but got better towards the middle of the book. The story line got more mysterious and started to grab your interest.
It started out a little slow but got better towards the middle of the book. The story line got more mysterious and started to grab your interest.
May 3, 2015
Illegal Magic starts with a magical bash. Lani's family pulls out the works for a no-holds-bared party to celebrate her success at becoming a lawyer. Spells, mythical creatures and lost inhibitions abound. It was like Harry Potter on crack. There was a serious moment in which I paused and thought, "oh, this is gonna be BAD." Lucky, after the first chapter or so it settled down, though it still reminded me of a grown up Happy Potter. Lani's parents could easily have been Molly and Arthur Weasly. Ron was a baker named Kalvin. Hermine was actually some odd amalgamation of Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom (a pretty, spacey gardener named Dana), and good 'ol Harry was still brave in the face of danger, even if he did have breasts and no magic.
This is not a book that takes itself seriously, nor should it be taken too seriously by any reader. Look too deeply and you start to wonder how exactly the magic users could live practically among the rest of humanity and not know what a car is or that grocery stores exist. Plus, a number of the plots elements are bare substructures with no substance. Why exactly is Fellion following Lani around incessantly, for example? I spent 95% of the book thinking that he didn't even remember her. But if you are willing to suspend your critical thinking for the duration of the story it is extremely funny. Poor Lani's perpetual frustration, sharp tongue, and insane surrounding are pure joy.
I also really appreciated that Blakely It was far more satisfying that way.
This is obviously the first of a series. A number of threads were left open for further development. I'm looking forward to the continuation.
This is not a book that takes itself seriously, nor should it be taken too seriously by any reader. Look too deeply and you start to wonder how exactly the magic users could live practically among the rest of humanity and not know what a car is or that grocery stores exist. Plus, a number of the plots elements are bare substructures with no substance. Why exactly is Fellion following Lani around incessantly, for example? I spent 95% of the book thinking that he didn't even remember her. But if you are willing to suspend your critical thinking for the duration of the story it is extremely funny. Poor Lani's perpetual frustration, sharp tongue, and insane surrounding are pure joy.
I also really appreciated that Blakely It was far more satisfying that way.
This is obviously the first of a series. A number of threads were left open for further development. I'm looking forward to the continuation.
October 19, 2012
It's definitely much better than some free e-books I've downloaded. This one is a charming story that features a funny heroine-- the unmagical Lani, member of a strong magical family in a very magical community. To say that Lani feels out of place in her magical world is an understatement, especially when she didn't manifest anything magical at all. She strives to have a life outside in the mundane world instead, and ends up finishing law school and being accepted at a law firm. It turns out this firm has its eyes on her for a time, suspecting she was connected to the "supernatural" side of life. The firm intends to branch out its services to those who belong out of the ordinary, and they believe Lani is the right person for the job.
The author has created a well-structured magical culture. As hilarious as most of the scenes are, the author has also contrived seriously chilling scenes. Lani's first case immediately put her in harm's way. The Council has sent the Protectors to retrieve a dangerous artifact that Lani has seen her client wearing-- the Soulcatcher's Gem, last used by the banished ancient and evil sorceress Tarabelle. But the danger is not solely from Tarabelle who wants to complete her evil plan by sucking the life out of Lani. The Protectors will come intent only to destroy Tarabelle's lair, never mind the innocents trapped in Tarabelle's clutches, including Lani. One unnerving reference from the book I'd like to share:
"Good, like Evil, is a moral absolute. And like Evil, Good will crush any obstacle in it's path." ; Lani "knows better than to believe that Good is any safer or more comfortable to be around than Evil." ; "...because Good is willing to sacrifice a few for the sake of many."
This book has a great assortment of personable characters like Lani & her brother Drew. Friends Kal, Dara, & Kerra are good supports. I loved the character Armand-- if there's a geeky, scary vampire then he's it!-- and his love affair with Becky. The bad guys are giving me the willies which makes it cool. Happy to give 4 stars for an entertaining read!
The author has created a well-structured magical culture. As hilarious as most of the scenes are, the author has also contrived seriously chilling scenes. Lani's first case immediately put her in harm's way. The Council has sent the Protectors to retrieve a dangerous artifact that Lani has seen her client wearing-- the Soulcatcher's Gem, last used by the banished ancient and evil sorceress Tarabelle. But the danger is not solely from Tarabelle who wants to complete her evil plan by sucking the life out of Lani. The Protectors will come intent only to destroy Tarabelle's lair, never mind the innocents trapped in Tarabelle's clutches, including Lani. One unnerving reference from the book I'd like to share:
"Good, like Evil, is a moral absolute. And like Evil, Good will crush any obstacle in it's path." ; Lani "knows better than to believe that Good is any safer or more comfortable to be around than Evil." ; "...because Good is willing to sacrifice a few for the sake of many."
This book has a great assortment of personable characters like Lani & her brother Drew. Friends Kal, Dara, & Kerra are good supports. I loved the character Armand-- if there's a geeky, scary vampire then he's it!-- and his love affair with Becky. The bad guys are giving me the willies which makes it cool. Happy to give 4 stars for an entertaining read!
May 19, 2014
The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’. (Notice the two important words... OPINION and RATING)
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
May 28, 2015
This is a debut novel, but you wouldn't know it. The author has a solid handle on writing craft and a natural talent for storytelling. I loved it! The heroine, Lani, reminds me of a smart Stephanie Plum. In Illegal Magic, Lani has grown up in magical family but didn't inherit the magic gene herself. She's well adjusted, sort of, and has decided to join the mortal world and become a lawyer. Her magical friends and family aren't ready to leave her without support as she starts her new life so adapting to this strange new world isn't quite as easy as Lani thought. Ms Blakely is a funny and fresh new voice in the sweet urban fantasy genre. Hopefully, Illegal Magic is book 1 of a series and the next book will be out soon - she's on my watch list for sure. If you like Victoria Laurie or Gerry Bartlett, you'll love this one. Illegal Magic
January 19, 2013
Good read but lacking depth in the character and the world building. I am still unsure how the magical community stays hidden if in fact they are. I am still confused on how they can be so clueless about the rest of the world, like Lani not recognizing a hearse when she buys one and yet going to college and becoming a lawyer, and yet still live in it and not be recognized as different.
It seems like they should be more to the book like how Lani came to be the only non-magical person in her family. How Fallion seemed to slip and say he was a very powerful magician at one time but now he's not. Where did Tarabelle go if she wasn't destroyed? I assume there will be another book or the author has left out some majorly interesting pieces go to waste.
All in all I would say it was a decent book but it was missing that all important spark to me.
It seems like they should be more to the book like how Lani came to be the only non-magical person in her family. How Fallion seemed to slip and say he was a very powerful magician at one time but now he's not. Where did Tarabelle go if she wasn't destroyed? I assume there will be another book or the author has left out some majorly interesting pieces go to waste.
All in all I would say it was a decent book but it was missing that all important spark to me.
March 7, 2013
This was a fun read! The part I loved most was the voice...the protagonist is a very real person in the midst of unreal situations, with a down to earth attitude about the whole thing. So glad I found this, because I enjoyed the hell out of it. I'll be doing a longer review, but if you're looking for urban fantasy (contemporary, magic mixed with modern type fantasy) that's also a cozy mystery (as opposed to blood, guts, gore, etc.) with a bit of snark, look no further. Refreshing voice, light read, a fantasy world thrown in the middle of ours, and a hint of sexy/steamy here and there...what's not to like?
July 17, 2012
When I first started this book I was like "oh well... another of these typical books featuring a female heroine... " but when I continued reading, I soon was to find out, that Lani is SO not the typical heroine... and thats what made me like her!
And I want a second part!! Why is there no second Part? :(
And I want a second part!! Why is there no second Part? :(
March 7, 2013
There were a lot of interesting characters but Lani kind of got on my nerves. She's supposed to be this smart lawyer but she completely misses a lot of things and acts dumb frequently. I would have liked her to be a little less goofy. I think Fallion was interesting and I kind of hoped there would be more divulged about him but apparently there is no sequel so . . .
June 1, 2013
I purchased this hoping I would enjoy as much as Kati MacAlister's Aisling Grey series. Not even close. Not brilliantly written, the magic isn't well thought through, and disappointing ending - apparently all the protagonist needed was sex with the hero and everything would be OK. Disappointing, but quick to read.
December 19, 2011
ILLEGAL MAGIC was a fun read. Something a little different from my usual fare, but it was adventurous and light, humorous without being silly, and well-written. I think a little magic could do us all a little good. Thank you, Arlene Blakely.
June 5, 2011
This book was entertaining enough to finish but I'm tired of comedy that relies on the stupidity of the main character.
November 13, 2011
I was skeptical in the beginning, but warmed to the protagonist as the story unfolded. This story was hilariously brilliant. I hope more is on the way.
October 18, 2012
The plot was good, but many of the secondary characters seemed like stereotypes or caricatures.
October 7, 2013
Started it went up to chapter 4. Just don't know what this is but I am not interested in it. I WILL NOT READ IT.
Humor...where?
Rmoved from e-reader.
Humor...where?
Rmoved from e-reader.
May 26, 2012
The book kind of reminded me of an episode of Charmed. It was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it.
June 11, 2012
It was a cute story, I'm looking forward to more by this author
July 1, 2012
Could have used a little more substance, but overall, entertaining.
July 14, 2012
Great read. Fun fast read. Interesting characters. I can't wait to read more from this author.
July 25, 2012
Really fun and flirty read. Will certainly be looking out for more from Arlene Blakely.
September 3, 2012
Review is up at the blog; www.bearmountainbooks.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews