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Allie Beckstrom #6
Magic on the Hunt
In the secret lockup of the Authority, the council that decides what can and can't be done with magic, an undead magic user has possessed one of the prisoners. He wants his freedom-and then some. Now Allie Beckstrom and her lover, Zayvion, are the first line of defense against the chaos he's about to unleash on the city of Portland...
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2011
97 people are currently reading
2187 people want to read
About the author
Devon Monk
88 books2,062 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 167 reviews
February 3, 2012
I found Zay to be an almost completely different character in this book and I am getting a bit tired of the never ending complicated plots, particularly those of Allie's father. I would like to see a some resolution and a break of more than 3 days before Allie is thrown into yet another save the world from the dire magic situation which is linked to the previous 500 other times. Rather than more twists caused by her father's complicated plotting I would like to see Allie get some real concrete information and act on her own initiative rather than it all be more of her father's complicated manipulations. Would also love to see Allie get some of her memory back (or at least get some control of her life back). Also I hate the Authority and the way they run around wiping the memories of everyone they deem not important enough to retain the memory of magic. I think the hounds and Stotts deserve to know what going on and am therefore not completely comfortable with Allie's obedience to them (but I understand why she does) I am less understanding of Zay's blind obedience. As always I love Shame.
February 25, 2016
My problem with these books remain all these years later, things happen to Allie. She doesn't do enough. She's a narrator while everyone else does the heavy work and then every now and then she does some magic- I mean her father does some magic using her body. She's just not a good heroine.
April 6, 2011
They say there is no rest for the weary and this holds true as Allie and Zayvion can't ever seem to catch a break. With only three days of rest since the last book's fiasco, and Zay's almost death, they get attacked. This is only the start of a whirlwind of catastrophes that threaten everything they have worked so hard to protect. A very dangerous undead man has found a body to possess down in the depths of the Authority's maximum security prison. Between tracking down the man that attacked them, and cleaning up the mess the possessed is making, Allie and Zayvion can barely hold things together. Luckily they have a little help from Terric and Shame, but even they might not be enough to stop what is coming.
From the start, Allie and Zayvion have been warned to keep some semblance of a distance from each other, as being soul complements can be extremely dangerous. In this book they get a further glance as to why that is. I think that as time goes on it will become even more difficult for them to keep their souls separate. I could be slightly delusional, but A, I don't think they will ever lose the ability to separate themselves if they join again, and B, I just don't think they will take the crazy train like the rest of the soul complements they have known. They just really seem to have a connection that will beat the odds, and somehow get the happily ever after that has been denied to so many others. One can only hope.
Things that have been hidden are really starting to unravel, and the ones responsible for the insane mess the Authority has been dealing with recently have finally been revealed. To be honest I had some suspicions early on as to who was truly behind things, but even so some of the revelations still caught me off guard. So many people were really not who everyone thought they were. The good guys are actually bad and some of the bad ones are actually trying to do good. Everything has been shaken up, and the repercussions will have to be dealt with. Things have been escalating for several books, even now that Allie and friends know who is actually to blame, they are still a long way from being able to stop everything once and for all.
I really loved this book, and how everything seems to be coming together, or at least a little more clear. I've had the sense that the past few books have been leading to something big, and while I am not quite sure we have seen that "big" thing yet, I think this book really paved the way. The only thing that worries me about this is that could also mean that the series is starting to wind down. I certainly hope that isn't the case as I love these characters too much to say goodbye to them yet. Congratulations to Ms. Monk for yet another great installment in the fantastic Allie Beckstrom series.
From the start, Allie and Zayvion have been warned to keep some semblance of a distance from each other, as being soul complements can be extremely dangerous. In this book they get a further glance as to why that is. I think that as time goes on it will become even more difficult for them to keep their souls separate. I could be slightly delusional, but A, I don't think they will ever lose the ability to separate themselves if they join again, and B, I just don't think they will take the crazy train like the rest of the soul complements they have known. They just really seem to have a connection that will beat the odds, and somehow get the happily ever after that has been denied to so many others. One can only hope.
Things that have been hidden are really starting to unravel, and the ones responsible for the insane mess the Authority has been dealing with recently have finally been revealed. To be honest I had some suspicions early on as to who was truly behind things, but even so some of the revelations still caught me off guard. So many people were really not who everyone thought they were. The good guys are actually bad and some of the bad ones are actually trying to do good. Everything has been shaken up, and the repercussions will have to be dealt with. Things have been escalating for several books, even now that Allie and friends know who is actually to blame, they are still a long way from being able to stop everything once and for all.
I really loved this book, and how everything seems to be coming together, or at least a little more clear. I've had the sense that the past few books have been leading to something big, and while I am not quite sure we have seen that "big" thing yet, I think this book really paved the way. The only thing that worries me about this is that could also mean that the series is starting to wind down. I certainly hope that isn't the case as I love these characters too much to say goodbye to them yet. Congratulations to Ms. Monk for yet another great installment in the fantastic Allie Beckstrom series.
July 16, 2018
4.5 Stars... I just love getting lost in these books... The characters are incredibly vibrant and rich in their personalities, abilities, and storylines that you instantly feel a connection with them and fully experience their emotional journeys... Devon Monk has created such a unique and captivating world of magic that enthralls her readers spectacularly... This is one series that I am so happy to have discovered this year and eagerly anticipate each read:)
June 8, 2025
Non-stop action as usual, this next 📖book in the series did not disappoint. I think Shame is my favourite character in all the books, and I also love the hounds and how Allie cares for them. Looking forward to the next 📖book.
A Pop of Joy reading challenge-Joy To the World (a 📖book someone gave you🫵)
A Pop of Joy reading challenge-Joy To the World (a 📖book someone gave you🫵)
December 13, 2018
More... onto the next book.
April 5, 2011
If you all recall, in my review for the previous book, Magic at the Gate, I mentioned that I felt as though I was reading a ‘book 2’ in a UF series because I felt as though we were being set up for a change in direction to the story. Well, I was right…and I really like where Devon Monk’s Allie Beckstrom series seems to be headed!
Page one, you are witnessing bliss. You feel peace with and for Allie and Zayvion for the first time in probably two books, maybe more. Then suddenly Pow! You are hit in the face with a “whoa” and a “wtf” that is just the beginning of the ride you will be on until pretty much the end of the book. This is not unusual really for these books, but the last book also had lots of information in it. This time, it’s mostly action and “where is this all going” mixed with snark remarks and incredible magic.
There is one part of these stories that was starting to get a little tiring for me and that’s the parts surrounding Allie and her dad. Early on in Magic on the Hunt, this was addressed and I’m really pleased with what’s happened. That is all I am going to say. Okay, just one more thing: Yay for Allie!
And for those of you who are fans of Shame (and hell, who isn’t) you will not be disappointed in this one. There is lots of Shame. In fact, I would say that there is an abundance of Shame. And Terric’s there too, of course. I would love to eventually know more about them and their freaky/special little bond, but for now, I’m content with what I read.
In this series, Allie works as a Hound. She tracks the signatures of magic users who have been naughty. We’ve witnessed her Hound in previous volumes, but in Magic on the Hunt, we really get a good look at how she does it. I found it fascinating how Devon wrote those scenes. They, once again, remind me how much I love these unique aspects of this series and how talented this author is.
One more thing that made me remember that we are dealing with a talented writer is my feelings for dear old Dad, Daniel Beckstrom. He’s an ass. No, scratch that. He’s a selfish prick. But you get a teensy glimpse at his ‘father’ side in this book. And even though I can’t stand the guy and am still a little confused as to what his angle really is in all of this, I felt a little sad for him in the end. About what he’s missing out on. We’ll see how I feel after reading the next book though…lol.
Overall, I was very very happy with this installment. In fact, I feel it’s my favorite of the bunch so far. The turn that the story arc takes is good and I am looking forward to seeing where it takes us. Allie is still a wonderful heroine. She seemed stronger this time around. Maybe she’s finally growing into herself as a strong magic user? We’ll see I suppose when Magic on the Line comes out hopefully November 2011.
Page one, you are witnessing bliss. You feel peace with and for Allie and Zayvion for the first time in probably two books, maybe more. Then suddenly Pow! You are hit in the face with a “whoa” and a “wtf” that is just the beginning of the ride you will be on until pretty much the end of the book. This is not unusual really for these books, but the last book also had lots of information in it. This time, it’s mostly action and “where is this all going” mixed with snark remarks and incredible magic.
There is one part of these stories that was starting to get a little tiring for me and that’s the parts surrounding Allie and her dad. Early on in Magic on the Hunt, this was addressed and I’m really pleased with what’s happened. That is all I am going to say. Okay, just one more thing: Yay for Allie!
And for those of you who are fans of Shame (and hell, who isn’t) you will not be disappointed in this one. There is lots of Shame. In fact, I would say that there is an abundance of Shame. And Terric’s there too, of course. I would love to eventually know more about them and their freaky/special little bond, but for now, I’m content with what I read.
In this series, Allie works as a Hound. She tracks the signatures of magic users who have been naughty. We’ve witnessed her Hound in previous volumes, but in Magic on the Hunt, we really get a good look at how she does it. I found it fascinating how Devon wrote those scenes. They, once again, remind me how much I love these unique aspects of this series and how talented this author is.
One more thing that made me remember that we are dealing with a talented writer is my feelings for dear old Dad, Daniel Beckstrom. He’s an ass. No, scratch that. He’s a selfish prick. But you get a teensy glimpse at his ‘father’ side in this book. And even though I can’t stand the guy and am still a little confused as to what his angle really is in all of this, I felt a little sad for him in the end. About what he’s missing out on. We’ll see how I feel after reading the next book though…lol.
Overall, I was very very happy with this installment. In fact, I feel it’s my favorite of the bunch so far. The turn that the story arc takes is good and I am looking forward to seeing where it takes us. Allie is still a wonderful heroine. She seemed stronger this time around. Maybe she’s finally growing into herself as a strong magic user? We’ll see I suppose when Magic on the Line comes out hopefully November 2011.
February 21, 2015
I feel like I absolutely flew through this book. The reason: basically non-stop action. While the last installment kind of dragged, this sixth book in the Allie Beckstrom series barely gives you a moment to breathe between the trials and tribulations of the main characters. The book actually starts with a well-deserved basking in the Allie and Zayvion reunion, but it only lasts for a very short while. In virtually no time, they’re brought to their knees and the hits just keep on coming.
A lot builds on what we have learned about the original Soul Compliments, Isabelle and Leander, as well as the volatile history of Sedra and Mikhail. (If you don’t know what I am talking about, this story is NOT the place to jump into the series. These books really build on one another and you can’t enjoy it much if you are totally lost.) We got much of that foundation during Magic at the Gate and Devon Monk was really setting the stage for us here. We learn quickly the identity of the shadow man is who has been skulking around –and his mission is nothing I would I have figured out on my own.
So Allie, Zay, Shame and Terric are trying to hunt him down, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. They’re also after Dane (Sedra’s old bodyguard) who has now tried to kill Allie twice –and successfully killed her dad. Oh! And speaking of her dad, this plot is progressing a bit. I think Allie and Daniel are becoming a bit more sympathetic to one another. But frankly, I want more. I want to know the details about how he was split in the last book. I want to know HOW he became such a bastard (though I have my theories.) I want him to realize and regret what a horrible parent –what a horrible human– he is… and manifest some way other than in Allie’s head.
The Soul Compliment thing is a very big theme here. And there are a lot of dark rumblings about what that connection could mean for Allie and Zayvion. Let me be clear. These two must stay together. Even though Zay kind of irked me in a couple of scenes in this book by overriding Allie, I still love him. This couple hits my happy buttons and I believe in their love.
One other thing of note, Monk is really good with her twists and turns. I am never really sure who the good guys and bad guys are. It’s a little frustrating, but largely impressive in how she manages to keep surprising me.
A good installment for existing fans of the series.
Rating: B
A lot builds on what we have learned about the original Soul Compliments, Isabelle and Leander, as well as the volatile history of Sedra and Mikhail. (If you don’t know what I am talking about, this story is NOT the place to jump into the series. These books really build on one another and you can’t enjoy it much if you are totally lost.) We got much of that foundation during Magic at the Gate and Devon Monk was really setting the stage for us here. We learn quickly the identity of the shadow man is who has been skulking around –and his mission is nothing I would I have figured out on my own.
So Allie, Zay, Shame and Terric are trying to hunt him down, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. They’re also after Dane (Sedra’s old bodyguard) who has now tried to kill Allie twice –and successfully killed her dad. Oh! And speaking of her dad, this plot is progressing a bit. I think Allie and Daniel are becoming a bit more sympathetic to one another. But frankly, I want more. I want to know the details about how he was split in the last book. I want to know HOW he became such a bastard (though I have my theories.) I want him to realize and regret what a horrible parent –what a horrible human– he is… and manifest some way other than in Allie’s head.
The Soul Compliment thing is a very big theme here. And there are a lot of dark rumblings about what that connection could mean for Allie and Zayvion. Let me be clear. These two must stay together. Even though Zay kind of irked me in a couple of scenes in this book by overriding Allie, I still love him. This couple hits my happy buttons and I believe in their love.
One other thing of note, Monk is really good with her twists and turns. I am never really sure who the good guys and bad guys are. It’s a little frustrating, but largely impressive in how she manages to keep surprising me.
A good installment for existing fans of the series.
Rating: B
April 11, 2011
I had a love/not love (but never 'hate') relationship with this book as I was reading it. I've enjoyed the Allie Beckstrom books since the beginning of the series. They're well-written, smartly plotted and have fully alive characters, and this one was no different. That, however, was also the cause of my unease with it. The series is starting to feel a little formulaic, at this point. You have the ghastly villain, the teamwork and cameraderie of the hunt for said villain, the things-keep-getting-worse section, and then the big final battle. I'll still get the next book, but I'm hoping for something a little different next time.
April 9, 2015
Sixth in the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series set in Portland and revolving around Allie, a self-important Hound.
My Take
Monk uses a first person point-of-view so we get full exposure to Allie's self-importance. And yeah, she's tough. She doesn't need to Proxy her pain, although we have to suffer listening to all the pain she has to endure. Trope, trope, trope, trope…trope, trope…
Allie's heart is in the right place even if her brain doesn't engage as often as you would expect from her character. She has a bad habit of leaping into anything whether she knows what she's doing or not and isn't concerned with how her actions will hinder or hurt her friends. Well, she's always concerned afterwards when they are hurt and she realizes it's her fault. Somehow, the girl never learns.
She's a pain as well about the cavalier approach the Authority has about Closing. Yeah, it's wrong that the Authority seems to Close people as casually as if they were eating potato chips, but Allie endangers her friends too often as she argues about it. And she also goes on at Zayvion about his Closing people. She never stops to consider underlying issues, whether it's about Closing, diplomacy, tact, the concept of making a move that puts you in a more powerful position, controlling the damage, gaining background knowledge that might explain it, nothin'.
Monk states that Shame and Terric have a connection ever since Terric used a combination of magics to save Shame's life in Magic on the Storm , 4. Although I seem to recall that they've been sharing a connection since the start of the series due to the high probability that they're Soul Complements. Of course, I could be projecting my irritation with Monk about that detail.
I know, I know. If I'm so irritated with Monk and Allie, why am I reading this? It's that series-long question about what Daniel's plans are. I wanna know if he's as black as he paints himself or if there actually is a glimmer of good guy buried under all his posturing. I also like the warmth and hominess of most of the characters and their interactions. That and I do like the series premise; I do not like Allie.
Jesus, Dane says he and Allie's father have the same approach to a problem: "Use, discard, destroy". Yep. That sounds like Allie's dad all right.
I do want to believe Daniel and his loftier stated goal, but he's such a scum sucking liar that he makes it impossible. And then he wonders why his daughter fights him on everything.
I do have to agree with Allie about the Hounds, and I'm curious to know why no one ever addresses the reasons why the Authority no longer has Hounds in its roster. I haven't much respect for the Authority. They're so interested in their own small areas and following the rules that they can't think outside the box. How is it that they've never seen the children's ghosts that are always around Jingo Jingo?
Oh, NO! Nola tells Allie she's selling the farm, and Allie gets all upset about it. It's been a refuge for her. Whatever will she do without Nola having that farm for her to retreat to? So, she's got all this money she inherited from her dad. Buy that damn farm!
Another thing that bugs me is how much the Authority sits on its hands. They have resources they refuse to use. Anything they learn, anything that needs to be done, Allie and crew are told to stand down. Let the adults handle it. Which they don't. Allie and her friends get into a bad situation, one they were specifically told not to do. But they gain life-changing knowledge. Without their actions no one would know what had happened until it was way too late. So what does the Authority focus on? That they went against orders. Oy.
Another thing. After we learn that the Portland Authority is just one fish in a big pond, I start wondering why the other cities/regions aren't pitching in to help. Sure, I know that Monk has already told us that the cities are independent, but magic isn't going to limit itself to that one city. It'll affect all the others too. And what's happening in Portland is not exactly a minor upset.
Oopsies, Nola finds out how much Allie has been holding back from her.
The Story
It's a short rest for Allie and Zayvion, now that the more experienced members of the Authority have locked the solid Veiled away in the secret prison.
Now if only people didn't keep escaping…
The Characters
The claustrophobic Allie Beckstrom is her father's heir and has the ability to work all the branches of magic. If only she knew how. Unlucky for her, her father took possession of her mind and occasionally wrests control of her body from her. Daniel is her dead (and disgusting) father who doesn't care who he steps on to gain immortality and power. He does seem to love Violet Beckstrom, though. That's his pregnant widow with whom Kevin Cooper, her bodyguard and Authority member, is in love. Stone is a gargoyle, an Animate, that Allie brought to life. Now he stacks anything in her apartment and keeps an eye on her.
Nola Robbins is Allie's non-magic using best friend. Cody Miller is half the person he used to be, part of the "punishment" for being a crooked Hand in Magic to the Bone , 1, and Nola is fostering him. His other half, his spirit half, is with Mama Rositto in Saint Johns. Nola is also dating Stotts.
Zayvion Jones is her Soul Complement and the guardian of the gate with the same ability to wield magics.
The Authority is…
…a secret organization that polices all magic users. Too bad they don't have anyone to police the ruling Voices, the Watch, or the Ward! Every region in the country, the world, has two overseers, a Watch, and a Ward. Bartholomew Wray is the Northwest Watch and his boss is Sam Arch, the Ward. They have the power to Close everyone in Portland.
The Portland Authority is…
…in turmoil with all the events so far. Rebellion amongst its members, betrayal. Possession. Victor Forsythe is the Voice for Faith and a Closer, Maeve Flynn is the Voice for Blood and the Blood well of magic is located under her inn, Dr. Fisher is the Authority medic, and Shamus Flynn is Maeve's son and a user of Death magic. Daniel is impressed with his abilities. Sedra Miller is the kidnapped Head of the Authority. Melba Maide is the Beckstrom Enterprise lawyer and a member of the Authority along with Sunny and Carl and La, the twins.
The Seattle Authority is…
…sitting by, waiting to see what happens, although some of their members have come to help in Portland. Hayden is probably going to be Shamus' stepdad; Daniel had killed Maeve's husband, Hugh. Terric is Shame's Soul Complement although they haven't been tested. Worse, Shame wants nothing to do with Terric. Carl and Nik. The three Georgia sisters came down to help, and we finally learn the name of two of them, Savannah and Atlanta. It's only been five books. Flo Hill is an amazing teacher.
The other prisoners who escaped include Henry Aslund and Jakob Single. There's a third person, but their records were wiped, but Joshua thinks it may be Roman Grimshaw, the last guardian of the gate.
The Hounds are…
…magic users who scent magic and can track it back to the person who cast the spell. They're in demand by the police, morgues, corporations, and more. Only they don't Proxy their magic and the pain involved finds many of them resorting to extremes to deal with it. The Hounds Davy Silvers trusts include Sid, Jamar Legare, Bea, Jack Quinn, Theresa Garcia, and Dahlia, well, besides Allie. Bonnie is another Hound.
The Portland PD and MERC is…
…the Magical Enforcement Response Corps which is responsible for crimes involving magic. Detective Paul Stotts heads this division up. Garnet, Julian, and Roberts are his team. Officer Makanie Love is one of the cops who has worked with Allie in the past.
Betrayers in Magic on the Storm.
Dane Lanister had been Sedra's bodyguard who disappeared after Magic on the Storm. Jingo Jingo was Shame's boss and is a Death magic user. Seems he was also watching over the Death well since he was the cemetery's groundskeeper.
The now-dead Mikhail, the previous leader of the Authority, was married to Sedra.
Leander followed Allie through the gate from death and has been wreaking havoc on the Authority and the world. He and his Soul Complement had been a distant myth come true.
Grant owns Allie's favorite coffeeshop, Get Mugged, and he's her landlord for the warehouse next door. Jula and Ryan are two of his employees. We met Mama Rositto in Magic to the Bone , 1. She is James Hoskil's mother; her husband, Perry Hoskil, had been Daniel's business partner before Daniel forced him out of the business.
The Veiled are…
…fragments of magic users that are still hanging around and are attracted to magic, to eat it. The solid Veiled shouldn't exist, and they're near impossible to kill. All thanks to Daniel and Violet's magic disks.
Closers are the assassins. They also Close people's minds, able to select memories, remove the ability to do magic, kill, and open gates. To Proxy a spell is to cause someone else to endure the pain of the magic you are using. A Disbursement is a spell the user casts choosing what kind of pain to suffer for using magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover is golden browns with a classical-looking observatory in the background, mountains sloping upwards on either side, a glowing circle of runes in the sky, and a jean-clad Allie in a black cropped tank top (just what the Allie who wears lots and lots of layers would not be wearing), a katana balanced over her left shoulder as she looks back over her shoulder at us.
The title is the main activity as Allie, Zay, and Shame go for a Magic on the Hunt for n'er-do-wells.
My Take
Monk uses a first person point-of-view so we get full exposure to Allie's self-importance. And yeah, she's tough. She doesn't need to Proxy her pain, although we have to suffer listening to all the pain she has to endure. Trope, trope, trope, trope…trope, trope…
Allie's heart is in the right place even if her brain doesn't engage as often as you would expect from her character. She has a bad habit of leaping into anything whether she knows what she's doing or not and isn't concerned with how her actions will hinder or hurt her friends. Well, she's always concerned afterwards when they are hurt and she realizes it's her fault. Somehow, the girl never learns.
She's a pain as well about the cavalier approach the Authority has about Closing. Yeah, it's wrong that the Authority seems to Close people as casually as if they were eating potato chips, but Allie endangers her friends too often as she argues about it. And she also goes on at Zayvion about his Closing people. She never stops to consider underlying issues, whether it's about Closing, diplomacy, tact, the concept of making a move that puts you in a more powerful position, controlling the damage, gaining background knowledge that might explain it, nothin'.
Monk states that Shame and Terric have a connection ever since Terric used a combination of magics to save Shame's life in Magic on the Storm , 4. Although I seem to recall that they've been sharing a connection since the start of the series due to the high probability that they're Soul Complements. Of course, I could be projecting my irritation with Monk about that detail.
I know, I know. If I'm so irritated with Monk and Allie, why am I reading this? It's that series-long question about what Daniel's plans are. I wanna know if he's as black as he paints himself or if there actually is a glimmer of good guy buried under all his posturing. I also like the warmth and hominess of most of the characters and their interactions. That and I do like the series premise; I do not like Allie.
Jesus, Dane says he and Allie's father have the same approach to a problem: "Use, discard, destroy". Yep. That sounds like Allie's dad all right.
I do want to believe Daniel and his loftier stated goal, but he's such a scum sucking liar that he makes it impossible. And then he wonders why his daughter fights him on everything.
I do have to agree with Allie about the Hounds, and I'm curious to know why no one ever addresses the reasons why the Authority no longer has Hounds in its roster. I haven't much respect for the Authority. They're so interested in their own small areas and following the rules that they can't think outside the box. How is it that they've never seen the children's ghosts that are always around Jingo Jingo?
Oh, NO! Nola tells Allie she's selling the farm, and Allie gets all upset about it. It's been a refuge for her. Whatever will she do without Nola having that farm for her to retreat to? So, she's got all this money she inherited from her dad. Buy that damn farm!
Another thing that bugs me is how much the Authority sits on its hands. They have resources they refuse to use. Anything they learn, anything that needs to be done, Allie and crew are told to stand down. Let the adults handle it. Which they don't. Allie and her friends get into a bad situation, one they were specifically told not to do. But they gain life-changing knowledge. Without their actions no one would know what had happened until it was way too late. So what does the Authority focus on? That they went against orders. Oy.
Another thing. After we learn that the Portland Authority is just one fish in a big pond, I start wondering why the other cities/regions aren't pitching in to help. Sure, I know that Monk has already told us that the cities are independent, but magic isn't going to limit itself to that one city. It'll affect all the others too. And what's happening in Portland is not exactly a minor upset.
Oopsies, Nola finds out how much Allie has been holding back from her.
The Story
It's a short rest for Allie and Zayvion, now that the more experienced members of the Authority have locked the solid Veiled away in the secret prison.
Now if only people didn't keep escaping…
The Characters
The claustrophobic Allie Beckstrom is her father's heir and has the ability to work all the branches of magic. If only she knew how. Unlucky for her, her father took possession of her mind and occasionally wrests control of her body from her. Daniel is her dead (and disgusting) father who doesn't care who he steps on to gain immortality and power. He does seem to love Violet Beckstrom, though. That's his pregnant widow with whom Kevin Cooper, her bodyguard and Authority member, is in love. Stone is a gargoyle, an Animate, that Allie brought to life. Now he stacks anything in her apartment and keeps an eye on her.
Nola Robbins is Allie's non-magic using best friend. Cody Miller is half the person he used to be, part of the "punishment" for being a crooked Hand in Magic to the Bone , 1, and Nola is fostering him. His other half, his spirit half, is with Mama Rositto in Saint Johns. Nola is also dating Stotts.
Zayvion Jones is her Soul Complement and the guardian of the gate with the same ability to wield magics.
The Authority is…
…a secret organization that polices all magic users. Too bad they don't have anyone to police the ruling Voices, the Watch, or the Ward! Every region in the country, the world, has two overseers, a Watch, and a Ward. Bartholomew Wray is the Northwest Watch and his boss is Sam Arch, the Ward. They have the power to Close everyone in Portland.
The Portland Authority is…
…in turmoil with all the events so far. Rebellion amongst its members, betrayal. Possession. Victor Forsythe is the Voice for Faith and a Closer, Maeve Flynn is the Voice for Blood and the Blood well of magic is located under her inn, Dr. Fisher is the Authority medic, and Shamus Flynn is Maeve's son and a user of Death magic. Daniel is impressed with his abilities. Sedra Miller is the kidnapped Head of the Authority. Melba Maide is the Beckstrom Enterprise lawyer and a member of the Authority along with Sunny and Carl and La, the twins.
The Seattle Authority is…
…sitting by, waiting to see what happens, although some of their members have come to help in Portland. Hayden is probably going to be Shamus' stepdad; Daniel had killed Maeve's husband, Hugh. Terric is Shame's Soul Complement although they haven't been tested. Worse, Shame wants nothing to do with Terric. Carl and Nik. The three Georgia sisters came down to help, and we finally learn the name of two of them, Savannah and Atlanta. It's only been five books. Flo Hill is an amazing teacher.
The other prisoners who escaped include Henry Aslund and Jakob Single. There's a third person, but their records were wiped, but Joshua thinks it may be Roman Grimshaw, the last guardian of the gate.
The Hounds are…
…magic users who scent magic and can track it back to the person who cast the spell. They're in demand by the police, morgues, corporations, and more. Only they don't Proxy their magic and the pain involved finds many of them resorting to extremes to deal with it. The Hounds Davy Silvers trusts include Sid, Jamar Legare, Bea, Jack Quinn, Theresa Garcia, and Dahlia, well, besides Allie. Bonnie is another Hound.
The Portland PD and MERC is…
…the Magical Enforcement Response Corps which is responsible for crimes involving magic. Detective Paul Stotts heads this division up. Garnet, Julian, and Roberts are his team. Officer Makanie Love is one of the cops who has worked with Allie in the past.
Betrayers in Magic on the Storm.
Dane Lanister had been Sedra's bodyguard who disappeared after Magic on the Storm. Jingo Jingo was Shame's boss and is a Death magic user. Seems he was also watching over the Death well since he was the cemetery's groundskeeper.
The now-dead Mikhail, the previous leader of the Authority, was married to Sedra.
Leander followed Allie through the gate from death and has been wreaking havoc on the Authority and the world. He and his Soul Complement had been a distant myth come true.
Grant owns Allie's favorite coffeeshop, Get Mugged, and he's her landlord for the warehouse next door. Jula and Ryan are two of his employees. We met Mama Rositto in Magic to the Bone , 1. She is James Hoskil's mother; her husband, Perry Hoskil, had been Daniel's business partner before Daniel forced him out of the business.
The Veiled are…
…fragments of magic users that are still hanging around and are attracted to magic, to eat it. The solid Veiled shouldn't exist, and they're near impossible to kill. All thanks to Daniel and Violet's magic disks.
Closers are the assassins. They also Close people's minds, able to select memories, remove the ability to do magic, kill, and open gates. To Proxy a spell is to cause someone else to endure the pain of the magic you are using. A Disbursement is a spell the user casts choosing what kind of pain to suffer for using magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover is golden browns with a classical-looking observatory in the background, mountains sloping upwards on either side, a glowing circle of runes in the sky, and a jean-clad Allie in a black cropped tank top (just what the Allie who wears lots and lots of layers would not be wearing), a katana balanced over her left shoulder as she looks back over her shoulder at us.
The title is the main activity as Allie, Zay, and Shame go for a Magic on the Hunt for n'er-do-wells.
April 10, 2011
Devon Monk, you made me cry! Okay, so they were tears of joy. The book was awesome. I fell in love with Allie and Zayvion during ‘Magic to the Bone’ and Shame and Terric endeared themselves to me with ‘Magic in the Shadow’ and ‘Magic on the Storm.’ Has it really been 6 books already? It just is not long enough. Thank goodness the series is still going.
Quick Look (for my full review visit http://sistersunedited.blogspot.com)
Highlights:
*Allie is still kicking butt throughout the book next to her lover and soul compliment, Zayvion.
*Their bond is still strong and much needed during the book to help balance the wrongs that were done.
*Allie and Daddy Beckstrom seem to get along better thanks to Victor.
*Shame and Terric add the comic relief needed amongst all the action.
*Baby Backstrom makes first appearance. Excitement and tears abound.
*Most shocked by Mikhail! He is the Black Knight of this book. I know SHOCKING!
Warnings:
*You might want tissues handy towards the end. I admit I did cry. I can't help it being a Mom of 2 and 1 on the way.
This book is hard to set down because it is action packed in every page. Pizza is what's for dinner.
Favorite Quotes:
"And it's just a hunt?" Bea asked. "Just tracking the guy down, or are we going to have to do a little covering up of our own?"
Had she just told me she was willing to kill someone and cover it up? She gave me a happy smile, but that glint in her eyes told me that, yes, she'd just offered to off someone."
"Dad pressed against my mind. Please, Allison. Let me, just this once, hold my son.
I shouldn't. Nothing good ever came from letting my father have his way. But I could feel his love for this baby. And even if he couldn't love me, I knew that at this moment, before the baby could grow up and become a disappointment to him, he truly loved him.
I slowly stepped away from the front of my mind, letting him fill that space, letting him feel through my hands, see through my eyes.
"He's amazing," Dad said through me. "You're amazing." He looked up at Violet, and she smiled."
"I glanced up at Zay, then walked over to stand next to him.
"You look good with a baby in your arms," he murmured.
I took his hand, careful with his fingers that were still wrapped in tape.
"Don't get your hopes up, Jones. I'm not the settling-down type."
"Want to bet on that?" he asked.
"Sure." I made a fist; so did he. We pumped three times.
I threw paper. Zayvion threw scissors.
I'd lost. Startled, I looked up at him. "Two out of three?"
Zay grinned. So did I."
Quick Look (for my full review visit http://sistersunedited.blogspot.com)
Highlights:
*Allie is still kicking butt throughout the book next to her lover and soul compliment, Zayvion.
*Their bond is still strong and much needed during the book to help balance the wrongs that were done.
*Allie and Daddy Beckstrom seem to get along better thanks to Victor.
*Shame and Terric add the comic relief needed amongst all the action.
*Baby Backstrom makes first appearance. Excitement and tears abound.
*Most shocked by Mikhail! He is the Black Knight of this book. I know SHOCKING!
Warnings:
*You might want tissues handy towards the end. I admit I did cry. I can't help it being a Mom of 2 and 1 on the way.
This book is hard to set down because it is action packed in every page. Pizza is what's for dinner.
Favorite Quotes:
"And it's just a hunt?" Bea asked. "Just tracking the guy down, or are we going to have to do a little covering up of our own?"
Had she just told me she was willing to kill someone and cover it up? She gave me a happy smile, but that glint in her eyes told me that, yes, she'd just offered to off someone."
"Dad pressed against my mind. Please, Allison. Let me, just this once, hold my son.
I shouldn't. Nothing good ever came from letting my father have his way. But I could feel his love for this baby. And even if he couldn't love me, I knew that at this moment, before the baby could grow up and become a disappointment to him, he truly loved him.
I slowly stepped away from the front of my mind, letting him fill that space, letting him feel through my hands, see through my eyes.
"He's amazing," Dad said through me. "You're amazing." He looked up at Violet, and she smiled."
"I glanced up at Zay, then walked over to stand next to him.
"You look good with a baby in your arms," he murmured.
I took his hand, careful with his fingers that were still wrapped in tape.
"Don't get your hopes up, Jones. I'm not the settling-down type."
"Want to bet on that?" he asked.
"Sure." I made a fist; so did he. We pumped three times.
I threw paper. Zayvion threw scissors.
I'd lost. Startled, I looked up at him. "Two out of three?"
Zay grinned. So did I."
April 28, 2011
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Bought
AUTHOR: Devon Monk
PUBLISHER: Feiwel & Friends
MY BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com
QUICK THOUGHTS:
Oh how much I love Devon Monks’ Allie Beckstrom series. I have never missed a beat with her amazing Urban Fantasy. Once again Allie and the gang are trying to track down some magical baddies, with the head of the Authority missing a lot of chaos is happening. Allie is still dealing with her father possessing her body and with all the danger that lies ahead; it’s actually a good thing he’s there. This is one series that I can’t get enough of and I really love how kick butt Allie is.
REVIEW:
Book number 6 in the series, I swear sometimes I feel the need to wrap Allie in bubble wrap to keep her safe. She is always in the middle of the magic craziness and she doesn’t always get out unharmed.
Allie is a strong lead character and having her father possessing her body is not an easy thing to get use to. Her father was pretty powerful and knew some tricks that make Allie that much stronger. She lost a bit of magic in the last book but gained something else from the death side of things. I felt bad for her this time around because she is the protective type and when her friends are in trouble she really tries her best to protect them, sometimes asking for her father to help out. But no matter what she does sometimes people she loves get hurt.
Zayvion is back of course; Allies lover and magical man extraordinaire, he and his crew Terric and Shame are working for the Authority. They are to take down an undead magic user who is determined to possess a body. Meaning he will stop at nothing to do so and with them in the way a lot injuries are sure to follow. Zavyion frustrated me a bit this time around because as much as he loves Allie he really puts her down sometimes like she’s a child and she is definitely not. I’m waiting for the day when she gets crazy powerful.
Shame and Terric are big key characters this time around and I love it. Their bickering and sarcasm I can’t get enough of. Shame always wants some whiskey, where Terric is always making sure Shame doesn’t do anything stupid. They are a fantastic pair.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with lots of violence but not gruesome. If you’re a fan of Jennifer Estep and Chloe Neill you’ll love this series! I highly recommend this, so what are you waiting for!
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Bought
AUTHOR: Devon Monk
PUBLISHER: Feiwel & Friends
MY BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com
QUICK THOUGHTS:
Oh how much I love Devon Monks’ Allie Beckstrom series. I have never missed a beat with her amazing Urban Fantasy. Once again Allie and the gang are trying to track down some magical baddies, with the head of the Authority missing a lot of chaos is happening. Allie is still dealing with her father possessing her body and with all the danger that lies ahead; it’s actually a good thing he’s there. This is one series that I can’t get enough of and I really love how kick butt Allie is.
REVIEW:
Book number 6 in the series, I swear sometimes I feel the need to wrap Allie in bubble wrap to keep her safe. She is always in the middle of the magic craziness and she doesn’t always get out unharmed.
Allie is a strong lead character and having her father possessing her body is not an easy thing to get use to. Her father was pretty powerful and knew some tricks that make Allie that much stronger. She lost a bit of magic in the last book but gained something else from the death side of things. I felt bad for her this time around because she is the protective type and when her friends are in trouble she really tries her best to protect them, sometimes asking for her father to help out. But no matter what she does sometimes people she loves get hurt.
Zayvion is back of course; Allies lover and magical man extraordinaire, he and his crew Terric and Shame are working for the Authority. They are to take down an undead magic user who is determined to possess a body. Meaning he will stop at nothing to do so and with them in the way a lot injuries are sure to follow. Zavyion frustrated me a bit this time around because as much as he loves Allie he really puts her down sometimes like she’s a child and she is definitely not. I’m waiting for the day when she gets crazy powerful.
Shame and Terric are big key characters this time around and I love it. Their bickering and sarcasm I can’t get enough of. Shame always wants some whiskey, where Terric is always making sure Shame doesn’t do anything stupid. They are a fantastic pair.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with lots of violence but not gruesome. If you’re a fan of Jennifer Estep and Chloe Neill you’ll love this series! I highly recommend this, so what are you waiting for!
May 2, 2011
And Allie and Zayvion do it again :) I was not disappointed at all! I LOVE this series!
I wish there was more Stone in there - but I'm happy to see he has mastered Jinga :) One of my favorite block games with my kids - even though I suck at it :)
Allie, Zayvion and Shame and Terrik are back - well Terrik is mostly trying to follow the rules (of course) but once Shame stops obeying the rules, Terrik has no excuse but to follow and help clean up after his mess :)
Allie and Zay and Shame head out to the secret prison that only the Authority knows about (and Shame, and Allie's dad) to find Leander (an undead magic user soul) while there, 3 of the prisoners escape, and the head of the Authority is coming to town to find out why everything is falling apart in Portland.
It's Zayvion's job to find the prisoners and bring them back.. before the Authority takes them to trial and "Close" Victor and Mauve (the only Authority's Voices Left) and start fresh with new members of the Authority
We have gone through 5 books before this one, and each one we get to know more and more about the magic wells that are under the city, we have learned that people must proxies their magic (each little spell costs a little pain). We have learned from the Magic Storm that the spirits/souls can walk around unattached to a body, but must have a body to cast magic - some of the greatest magic users are coming back and looking for revenge.
We know that Allie's Dad is still possessing her body and can take over her body and mind at will, but in this book, he lets her have the lead a lot more, and takes a side step next to her so they are both working together.
In this book, it's more of the same - they're throwing around magic and mouthing off to the authorities - but it still keeps getting better and better with each book.
Allie and Zayvion are still my favorite couple - but I think Shame and Terrik are the best Soul Complements :) They really know how to throw their magic around :) And their personalities are just so different, it's fun to watch them bicker all the time , just to disagree on everything... even when they agree :)
There was a lot of action in this book - lots of possessed bodies and people not knowing who is whom anymore - I got confused a little over the end, But it fell into place when everything was over .. Or Is it??
I wish there was more Stone in there - but I'm happy to see he has mastered Jinga :) One of my favorite block games with my kids - even though I suck at it :)
Allie, Zayvion and Shame and Terrik are back - well Terrik is mostly trying to follow the rules (of course) but once Shame stops obeying the rules, Terrik has no excuse but to follow and help clean up after his mess :)
Allie and Zay and Shame head out to the secret prison that only the Authority knows about (and Shame, and Allie's dad) to find Leander (an undead magic user soul) while there, 3 of the prisoners escape, and the head of the Authority is coming to town to find out why everything is falling apart in Portland.
It's Zayvion's job to find the prisoners and bring them back.. before the Authority takes them to trial and "Close" Victor and Mauve (the only Authority's Voices Left) and start fresh with new members of the Authority
We have gone through 5 books before this one, and each one we get to know more and more about the magic wells that are under the city, we have learned that people must proxies their magic (each little spell costs a little pain). We have learned from the Magic Storm that the spirits/souls can walk around unattached to a body, but must have a body to cast magic - some of the greatest magic users are coming back and looking for revenge.
We know that Allie's Dad is still possessing her body and can take over her body and mind at will, but in this book, he lets her have the lead a lot more, and takes a side step next to her so they are both working together.
In this book, it's more of the same - they're throwing around magic and mouthing off to the authorities - but it still keeps getting better and better with each book.
Allie and Zayvion are still my favorite couple - but I think Shame and Terrik are the best Soul Complements :) They really know how to throw their magic around :) And their personalities are just so different, it's fun to watch them bicker all the time , just to disagree on everything... even when they agree :)
There was a lot of action in this book - lots of possessed bodies and people not knowing who is whom anymore - I got confused a little over the end, But it fell into place when everything was over .. Or Is it??
May 1, 2012
SPOILERS!!!!
Magic on the Hunt; the hunt being EVERYONE bad we've read about so far. But mostly Leander and Isabel...
I still love the series so far as well as all the characters (flaws and all).. but this book really irritated the crap out of me.. I really wanted to throw my book across the room at the end of the prison scene.. How dare Zay get so mad at all for that. He never really SHOWS his feelings about Allie in any real way, yet he shows great feelings toward Chase (the bitch who helped KILL HIM!!!) And of course, typical, Allie just 'goes with it'.. Forces herself to understand that he loved her blah blah blah.. I would have understood the way Allie treated the situation better had Chase and her boyfriend not actually KILLED Zay.. but they did.. and he still got extremely upset about what happened.. I still find Zay and Allie's relationship strange. STILL only physical..
Her dad is STILL in her head, though MUCH more helpful. I love that he is now spelled to do everything Allie tells him to. The part that bothers me is that she never has him do anything.. well, nothing worth doing. sure she has him help during their hunts and whatnot.. but the important stuff she just blows off. Like the fact that she has reason to be at least 98% sure that he's the one that's been wiping her memories, but she never asks him about it. She could make him give them back, but she never thinks about it. (obviously her memory loss doesn't piss her off as much as she says).
Things are FINALLY starting to unravel and get figured out, only to twist back up and become more confusing again. And Allie is completely scatterbrained. Sure she has memory loss, but the stuff she remembers, she still gets funky about. She's really good at 1+1, but she can't seem to figure out 2+2 to save her life. She's funny and smart and when she's hounding, she does a really great job.. BUT, when it's important stuff, she never has a clue, even though she'd know if she just thought about it for 5 minutes.
Allie STILL doesn't have a mode of transportation, (irritating)..
The humor in the series is still GREAT!!.. I love the characters and their personalities. And they all mesh so well together. Though I found some parts extremely irritating in this book, I'm still a huge fan.
Magic on the Hunt; the hunt being EVERYONE bad we've read about so far. But mostly Leander and Isabel...
I still love the series so far as well as all the characters (flaws and all).. but this book really irritated the crap out of me.. I really wanted to throw my book across the room at the end of the prison scene.. How dare Zay get so mad at all for that. He never really SHOWS his feelings about Allie in any real way, yet he shows great feelings toward Chase (the bitch who helped KILL HIM!!!) And of course, typical, Allie just 'goes with it'.. Forces herself to understand that he loved her blah blah blah.. I would have understood the way Allie treated the situation better had Chase and her boyfriend not actually KILLED Zay.. but they did.. and he still got extremely upset about what happened.. I still find Zay and Allie's relationship strange. STILL only physical..
Her dad is STILL in her head, though MUCH more helpful. I love that he is now spelled to do everything Allie tells him to. The part that bothers me is that she never has him do anything.. well, nothing worth doing. sure she has him help during their hunts and whatnot.. but the important stuff she just blows off. Like the fact that she has reason to be at least 98% sure that he's the one that's been wiping her memories, but she never asks him about it. She could make him give them back, but she never thinks about it. (obviously her memory loss doesn't piss her off as much as she says).
Things are FINALLY starting to unravel and get figured out, only to twist back up and become more confusing again. And Allie is completely scatterbrained. Sure she has memory loss, but the stuff she remembers, she still gets funky about. She's really good at 1+1, but she can't seem to figure out 2+2 to save her life. She's funny and smart and when she's hounding, she does a really great job.. BUT, when it's important stuff, she never has a clue, even though she'd know if she just thought about it for 5 minutes.
Allie STILL doesn't have a mode of transportation, (irritating)..
The humor in the series is still GREAT!!.. I love the characters and their personalities. And they all mesh so well together. Though I found some parts extremely irritating in this book, I'm still a huge fan.
May 28, 2011
This series is just so addictive by each book. This one easily becomes my favorite so far, because of four reasons
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
1) More information is revealed, most importantly about Leander and Isabelle, and their evil plan. It's getting clearer and the same time the problem that Allie and her friends must face just get escalated. Not to mention, there seems to be new "leaders" emerge, with the change in the Authority. I also like the progress that Allie has with her Dad. This time, she is able to take control. Daniel makes me unease. I still don't know his true agenda. However, there are few moments that make me feel that Daniel is just a human, being ripped of his happiness -- especially near the end, with Violet having the baby boy.
2) Zavyion is back!! I miss him so much in book #4 and #5. He has been part the gang, that it feels weird without him around. I know that he is acting like a jerk several times here, but at the same time, I can understand his frustration. He was practically dead (and Allie went all to the death to save him) and now he was shot and couldn't protect his girl. His city is falling apart. Of course the guy loses it. I'm glad that Allie stands her ground. They might fight but they know that they're still strong. Hey, even the most loving couple fights sometimes.
3) Allie and her Hounds. It's so good to see Allie taking charge of the Hounds and use them to track Dane.
4) THE BEST OF ALL, SHAME AND TERRIC!!! I'm shipping them so hard, it borders near obsession. I'm just happy that I read this series altogether because I can read how Shame and Terric's relationship progress. Sure, sure, they're not a couple (Shame said he wasn't gay), but the bond that they have is just as strong IF they're a couple. I'm glad that Shame no longer runs whenever Terric is in the shame room. Not to mention that small gesture in the end, after the extreme situation that the two men must face when Mikhail possesses Shame's body to fight Leander/Isabelle. Now, if only Shame gets over his denial, that even untested, Terric is his true Soul Complement (just like Allie and Zay), and Terric kisses him senseles ... I will be a happy girl *lol*
Of course now I have to wait until November for book #7. Damn it!
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
1) More information is revealed, most importantly about Leander and Isabelle, and their evil plan. It's getting clearer and the same time the problem that Allie and her friends must face just get escalated. Not to mention, there seems to be new "leaders" emerge, with the change in the Authority. I also like the progress that Allie has with her Dad. This time, she is able to take control. Daniel makes me unease. I still don't know his true agenda. However, there are few moments that make me feel that Daniel is just a human, being ripped of his happiness -- especially near the end, with Violet having the baby boy.
2) Zavyion is back!! I miss him so much in book #4 and #5. He has been part the gang, that it feels weird without him around. I know that he is acting like a jerk several times here, but at the same time, I can understand his frustration. He was practically dead (and Allie went all to the death to save him) and now he was shot and couldn't protect his girl. His city is falling apart. Of course the guy loses it. I'm glad that Allie stands her ground. They might fight but they know that they're still strong. Hey, even the most loving couple fights sometimes.
3) Allie and her Hounds. It's so good to see Allie taking charge of the Hounds and use them to track Dane.
4) THE BEST OF ALL, SHAME AND TERRIC!!! I'm shipping them so hard, it borders near obsession. I'm just happy that I read this series altogether because I can read how Shame and Terric's relationship progress. Sure, sure, they're not a couple (Shame said he wasn't gay), but the bond that they have is just as strong IF they're a couple. I'm glad that Shame no longer runs whenever Terric is in the shame room. Not to mention that small gesture in the end, after the extreme situation that the two men must face when Mikhail possesses Shame's body to fight Leander/Isabelle. Now, if only Shame gets over his denial, that even untested, Terric is his true Soul Complement (just like Allie and Zay), and Terric kisses him senseles ... I will be a happy girl *lol*
Of course now I have to wait until November for book #7. Damn it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2012
About 2 books ago, I realized why I had stopped reading after book 1, and then kept reading later on after finishing book 2...
I HATE THIS AUTHOR!!! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of this book, I am hung on the plot. But Zay is weird... Allie is in control of her father... And what is the only thing she does with that control... the things the Authority wants her to do.
This girl is the ULITMATE sub, I mean she is broken, on sooo many levels.
Her father has been molding her, she finds this out in this book, and she is too worried about their petty squabbles of finding this woman who has never given her the slightest bit of kindness...
Yep. Cause this is the same girl who when learning she had her father on perma influence she had that gleam in her eye. lol.
There are things about her mother, why she left, what the accident when she was 5 was, everything. Her father has all this info... And what does allie do, worry about her friend who lives literally 600 miles away, and told her she needs a dog, that she didn't mention something.
Ok. WOW, ALLIE YOUR ONE EVIL Biotch.
lol. I don't know, Allie can pretty much do what ever she wants. The authority isn't gonna be closing anyone, specifically no one with as much detail to memory retention, as she has.
First thing on the table, if I loose 5 mins of time, this goes to the media. Video on an introduction to MAGIC! ;p
As big of a deal as the authority might be, they are morons, why is it that even I can realize you need people in key positions not only on the defense attorney side of things, but you also need politicians as well as members in seedier sides, such as the hounds, and police.
The hounds would be great, create and deputize a group of 10-15 hounds per welled area.
While it does, increase the members of the authority it also gives fluidity. The ability to know, not only when a rouge magician is casting, but be in the position to tell the police exactly what you want told.
;p
I HATE THIS AUTHOR!!! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the idea of this book, I am hung on the plot. But Zay is weird... Allie is in control of her father... And what is the only thing she does with that control... the things the Authority wants her to do.
This girl is the ULITMATE sub, I mean she is broken, on sooo many levels.
Her father has been molding her, she finds this out in this book, and she is too worried about their petty squabbles of finding this woman who has never given her the slightest bit of kindness...
Yep. Cause this is the same girl who when learning she had her father on perma influence she had that gleam in her eye. lol.
There are things about her mother, why she left, what the accident when she was 5 was, everything. Her father has all this info... And what does allie do, worry about her friend who lives literally 600 miles away, and told her she needs a dog, that she didn't mention something.
Ok. WOW, ALLIE YOUR ONE EVIL Biotch.
lol. I don't know, Allie can pretty much do what ever she wants. The authority isn't gonna be closing anyone, specifically no one with as much detail to memory retention, as she has.
First thing on the table, if I loose 5 mins of time, this goes to the media. Video on an introduction to MAGIC! ;p
As big of a deal as the authority might be, they are morons, why is it that even I can realize you need people in key positions not only on the defense attorney side of things, but you also need politicians as well as members in seedier sides, such as the hounds, and police.
The hounds would be great, create and deputize a group of 10-15 hounds per welled area.
While it does, increase the members of the authority it also gives fluidity. The ability to know, not only when a rouge magician is casting, but be in the position to tell the police exactly what you want told.
;p
May 30, 2011
The Allie Beckstrom series has been a well loved favorite personally for The BookWhisperer over the past few years. Allie is a very entertaining character; that while obviously not bullet proof she has the courage and power of even the strongest characters. With the circumstance of the fifth book I had concerns as the the future of Allie and Zay, and just what would be the repercussions of giving her magic for his life. It appears with this novel that she is not at a disadvantage with the lack of some of her own power. Although, much of this could be contributed to the fact that Allie s father is taking up residence in her body. Allie seems to be learning even more magic with the help of her father. I am beginning to wonder if he is truly the monster that we have believed over the past five books. The Allie Beckstrom series is more action packed novels with a slightly twist of romance. Zay and Allie continue to love and fight their way through the novels, but at times the lack of intimacy can be frustrating. Zay is a very closed character that true emotion is shown few and far between. This novel was a slightly slower pace than the past novels. I am fairly concerned that this is a preview as to the direction of future novels, and hope that the next novel restores my faith.
February 5, 2022
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Magic to the Bone: ★★★★☆
#2 Magic in the Blood: ★★★☆☆
#3 Magic in the Shadows: ★★★☆☆
#4 Magic on the Storm: ★★★☆☆
#5 Magic at the Gate: ★★☆☆☆
#6 Magic on the Hunt (this book): ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
#1 Magic to the Bone: ★★★★☆
#2 Magic in the Blood: ★★★☆☆
#3 Magic in the Shadows: ★★★☆☆
#4 Magic on the Storm: ★★★☆☆
#5 Magic at the Gate: ★★☆☆☆
#6 Magic on the Hunt (this book): ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
June 3, 2014
I've been away from the series too long and couldn't get into the story until more than halfway thru. But it's a good read and resolved some issues.
January 3, 2021
Magic on the Hunt is the sixth 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.
Things go from bad to worse in Allie Beckstrom's life, as she continues her uneasy relationship with the Authority, the organization that regulates the use of magic in the world. In the aftermath of the battle that may have ripped the Authority apart, Allie and her lover, Zayvion "Zay" Jones, are looking for a little rest.
Zayvion is still recovering from his time in Death's realm, saved only by Allie's jumping through the gate to save him and giving up a part of her natural magic. Unfortunately, rest is not what they’re going to get. The leader of the Portland chapter of the Authority is being held hostage, and the search for her leads Allie, Zayvion, and their friends to a prison where only the worst and most powerful wizards are held.
There, they find one of the prisoners possessed by a powerful undead wizard who wants to unleash all manner of chaos on the world. In trying to prevent that, Allie and the rest discover some unpleasant truths about the state of magic use and those who control it – the Authority may be coming apart at the seams.
Magic on the Hunt is written rather well. Monk builds the relationships in this series with an intoxicating mix of humor and emotion – relationships grow and change without a single sour note and Monk does it extremely well. The narrative is filled with great prose, characters, and action. Monk has been doing a better job of informing readers of events in previous books without slowing things down for the readers who have been with the series since the beginning.
All in all, Magic on the Hunt 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.
Things go from bad to worse in Allie Beckstrom's life, as she continues her uneasy relationship with the Authority, the organization that regulates the use of magic in the world. In the aftermath of the battle that may have ripped the Authority apart, Allie and her lover, Zayvion "Zay" Jones, are looking for a little rest.
Zayvion is still recovering from his time in Death's realm, saved only by Allie's jumping through the gate to save him and giving up a part of her natural magic. Unfortunately, rest is not what they’re going to get. The leader of the Portland chapter of the Authority is being held hostage, and the search for her leads Allie, Zayvion, and their friends to a prison where only the worst and most powerful wizards are held.
There, they find one of the prisoners possessed by a powerful undead wizard who wants to unleash all manner of chaos on the world. In trying to prevent that, Allie and the rest discover some unpleasant truths about the state of magic use and those who control it – the Authority may be coming apart at the seams.
Magic on the Hunt is written rather well. Monk builds the relationships in this series with an intoxicating mix of humor and emotion – relationships grow and change without a single sour note and Monk does it extremely well. The narrative is filled with great prose, characters, and action. Monk has been doing a better job of informing readers of events in previous books without slowing things down for the readers who have been with the series since the beginning.
All in all, Magic on the Hunt 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.
November 28, 2024
3.5 stars
This was almost nonstop action. There was lots of near death but no bedside vigil. I didn’t like that in this one, Allie wasn’t as powerful as the others nor as knowledgeable. She almost never had the answers unless they came from her father inside her. She helped save the day, emphasis on helped, but didn’t really do anything special or on her own. She actually seemed liked she was in the background for a lot if it. She didn’t even lose any memory.
I liked the characters. I wish the other soul complement, the heterosexual males, were willing to be together. It’s supposedly because one didn’t want to hurt the other but it feels homophobic. I want them to get together and fall in love. But that’s my jam. There were obviously lots of strong women who weren’t obsessed with high heels, but no minorities mentioned. I believe Zan is darker skinned but I remember that from book one so I’m not sure.
The ending was sudden and a big part of the outcome was completely in the background; someone told Allie what had happened when she wasn’t around. It was a lot.
(It’s very odd that the author doesn’t use contractions.)
Overall the book was fine as was the plot, but it lacked any pizzazz for lack of a better word. It felt like the same old thing, not adding much to the story and not utilizing the main character enough.
I’ll read the next one but I hope it’s more interesting.
I really like this reader, Emily Durante. She’s narrated other series that I’ve read.
This was almost nonstop action. There was lots of near death but no bedside vigil. I didn’t like that in this one, Allie wasn’t as powerful as the others nor as knowledgeable. She almost never had the answers unless they came from her father inside her. She helped save the day, emphasis on helped, but didn’t really do anything special or on her own. She actually seemed liked she was in the background for a lot if it. She didn’t even lose any memory.
I liked the characters. I wish the other soul complement, the heterosexual males, were willing to be together. It’s supposedly because one didn’t want to hurt the other but it feels homophobic. I want them to get together and fall in love. But that’s my jam. There were obviously lots of strong women who weren’t obsessed with high heels, but no minorities mentioned. I believe Zan is darker skinned but I remember that from book one so I’m not sure.
The ending was sudden and a big part of the outcome was completely in the background; someone told Allie what had happened when she wasn’t around. It was a lot.
(It’s very odd that the author doesn’t use contractions.)
Overall the book was fine as was the plot, but it lacked any pizzazz for lack of a better word. It felt like the same old thing, not adding much to the story and not utilizing the main character enough.
I’ll read the next one but I hope it’s more interesting.
I really like this reader, Emily Durante. She’s narrated other series that I’ve read.
October 13, 2018
I've been trying for a while to figure out why these books irritate me. I love the idea. The world is different and exciting. Something just rubs me the wrong way. I think I've finally hit on the problem...Allie. She's just an awful heroine. She's stupid, for one thing. There are so many "clues" in her memories that things aren't what they seem, but she ignores them. She jumps into situations thinking she knows best even if she has NO idea what's going on. This leads to my second problem with her. She's selfish. She seems to need to be the "hero" even if she puts other people in danger. Allie Beckstrom is so wrapped up in Allie Beckstrom that she can't see anything or anyone else. She hates her father without even thinking about WHY he acts the way he does. He started out a good dad. What happened? He is somehow split into two ghosts. Why? She doesn't spare a thought for it. The biggest problem I have with her is that she hates her father for trying to control her, but obeys "The Authority" who are controlling everyone! They are KILLING PEOPLE and erasing their minds, but she's willing to go along with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2018
3* +/-
Allie is driving me crazy. More often than not she is TSTL but the book itself improved somehow. It only took 6 books but hey, better late than never. Story itself is nice and interesting enough but when it comes to the part where Allie character is written, it seems like the author let that part write some teenager. A teenager that didn't read the rest of the story. What she is doing or rather what she isn't doing is making my brain itch.
Like I said story is interesting, but it has glaring inconsistencies, plus plot is all over the place, like Monk had suddenly an idea while writing so she run with it, only to forget about it later so it's hunging there,with no apparent reason or purpose. It makes the story lose many interesting aspects.
I'm giving this book more than 2* because of the rest of the characters. They made me read this series. Allie character by herself would make me quit this books on the first installment.
Allie is driving me crazy. More often than not she is TSTL but the book itself improved somehow. It only took 6 books but hey, better late than never. Story itself is nice and interesting enough but when it comes to the part where Allie character is written, it seems like the author let that part write some teenager. A teenager that didn't read the rest of the story. What she is doing or rather what she isn't doing is making my brain itch.
Like I said story is interesting, but it has glaring inconsistencies, plus plot is all over the place, like Monk had suddenly an idea while writing so she run with it, only to forget about it later so it's hunging there,with no apparent reason or purpose. It makes the story lose many interesting aspects.
I'm giving this book more than 2* because of the rest of the characters. They made me read this series. Allie character by herself would make me quit this books on the first installment.
October 7, 2011
Members of the Authority help Allie quarantine her father's spirit so that he cannot keep taking control of her at will. Shame and Terric, "untested" soul mates, prove to be a true pair in the fight scenes and their aftermath. Zay goes vigilante with Shame, Terric and Allie, breaking from his absolute, unquestioning obedience to the Authority in previous novels.
Allie decides to bring the Hounds into the search for Leander, is the biggest bad magic users have ever faced down. We begin to find out whether Allie and Zay could be as powerful together as Leander and Isabelle had been, five hundred years before. Like Shame and Terric, they seem to have enough strength of self identity to resist the temptation to merge completely, which led to the insanity of Leander and Isabelle, as well as the less powerful Chase and Greyson. On the whole, the book does a great job of tidying up aspects that had been frustrating: Shame's childish sulking, Terric's martyred mooning, Allie's separate allegiances to the Hounds and the Authority, Zay's inflexibility. Excellent. Even Victor is being (temporarily?) shelved it seems to open the way for dynamic new plot developments.
As for the secondary cast, who make the urban fantasy so rich, Nola and Cody come to Portland where Stotts, Nola's boyfriend, is a high ranking detective in the magical enforcement division of the city's police force, known as MERC. The organization doesn't factor into plot developments other than the reassurance for a freaked out Allie that Nola and Cody are in good hands. The more convincing factor is that Stone finds Cody, who it turns out created him, and the protective gargoyle saves him from an attack by Leander. Allie and the reader by extension don't worry about Cody after that.
Mikhail becomes a crucial player in the novel's climax, when our four main characters, the former guardian of the gate, Mikhail and Daniel face down Leander at the Well of Life in a do or die (in some cases, again) situation. For now, the spirits of Mikhail and Daniel appear to be a misunderstood force for the greater good. The exoneration of Sedra doesn't entirely work if one thinks back to what we see of her before Leaner and Isabelle are introduced to the plot.
I'm pretty much fine with suspending disbelief here. It feels as though Monk received a new contract and room to expand the series beyond its original limits. Good by me. I enjoy reading them.
That said, some narrative quibbles annoy me. Allie could *become* magic and on her own make it do things beyond the small consciousness of most magic practitioners. Her status as a savant and her small magic are not explicitly locked together as being one and the same. It's frustrating that we've regressed from Allie as special snowflake to Allie as rookie trailing behind Zay, Shame and Terric, and who only does something spectacular now if her father is in control, wielding his immense knowledge of magic, rather than some rule-defying off the map beauty that Allie and Cody managed to do.
Somewhat related: characters keep puzzling over the amount of activity in St John's; readers of the series know from book one that a huge hidden well of magic exists there. In book six, we're still listening to characters say "gosh, that's weird." Obviously we're not supposed to forget about Mama's hidden magic, but it's frustrating to have a placeholder and nothing else. We have intimations of machinations by Daniel, Mikhail and Jingo Jingo; some counterpoint hints about Mama's game would do me for one a lot of good. It feels too chauvinist, the way Allie, Maeve, Mama and Sadira, heck, even Violette, aren't in the forefront of power dynamics.
But hey, my frustrations with Shame, Terric and Zay have been smoothed out with developments in this novel, so it is quite possible that my grumbling about other things will also be sorted out as the plot continues to develop.
Lovin' the series.
Allie decides to bring the Hounds into the search for Leander, is the biggest bad magic users have ever faced down. We begin to find out whether Allie and Zay could be as powerful together as Leander and Isabelle had been, five hundred years before. Like Shame and Terric, they seem to have enough strength of self identity to resist the temptation to merge completely, which led to the insanity of Leander and Isabelle, as well as the less powerful Chase and Greyson. On the whole, the book does a great job of tidying up aspects that had been frustrating: Shame's childish sulking, Terric's martyred mooning, Allie's separate allegiances to the Hounds and the Authority, Zay's inflexibility. Excellent. Even Victor is being (temporarily?) shelved it seems to open the way for dynamic new plot developments.
As for the secondary cast, who make the urban fantasy so rich, Nola and Cody come to Portland where Stotts, Nola's boyfriend, is a high ranking detective in the magical enforcement division of the city's police force, known as MERC. The organization doesn't factor into plot developments other than the reassurance for a freaked out Allie that Nola and Cody are in good hands. The more convincing factor is that Stone finds Cody, who it turns out created him, and the protective gargoyle saves him from an attack by Leander. Allie and the reader by extension don't worry about Cody after that.
Mikhail becomes a crucial player in the novel's climax, when our four main characters, the former guardian of the gate, Mikhail and Daniel face down Leander at the Well of Life in a do or die (in some cases, again) situation. For now, the spirits of Mikhail and Daniel appear to be a misunderstood force for the greater good. The exoneration of Sedra doesn't entirely work if one thinks back to what we see of her before Leaner and Isabelle are introduced to the plot.
I'm pretty much fine with suspending disbelief here. It feels as though Monk received a new contract and room to expand the series beyond its original limits. Good by me. I enjoy reading them.
That said, some narrative quibbles annoy me. Allie could *become* magic and on her own make it do things beyond the small consciousness of most magic practitioners. Her status as a savant and her small magic are not explicitly locked together as being one and the same. It's frustrating that we've regressed from Allie as special snowflake to Allie as rookie trailing behind Zay, Shame and Terric, and who only does something spectacular now if her father is in control, wielding his immense knowledge of magic, rather than some rule-defying off the map beauty that Allie and Cody managed to do.
Somewhat related: characters keep puzzling over the amount of activity in St John's; readers of the series know from book one that a huge hidden well of magic exists there. In book six, we're still listening to characters say "gosh, that's weird." Obviously we're not supposed to forget about Mama's hidden magic, but it's frustrating to have a placeholder and nothing else. We have intimations of machinations by Daniel, Mikhail and Jingo Jingo; some counterpoint hints about Mama's game would do me for one a lot of good. It feels too chauvinist, the way Allie, Maeve, Mama and Sadira, heck, even Violette, aren't in the forefront of power dynamics.
But hey, my frustrations with Shame, Terric and Zay have been smoothed out with developments in this novel, so it is quite possible that my grumbling about other things will also be sorted out as the plot continues to develop.
Lovin' the series.
August 3, 2020
I like the Universe, I like the characters, and I like the story, but when our clueless heroes spend 3/4 of the book hunting the bad guy whose location I figured out 200 pages earlier, it gets a bit frustrating to accept that these people need to be in control/charge of anything, much less something as dangerous as magic.
All these books seem to have those one or two things that just make you shake your head and think either, 'that's annoying', or 'are people really that stupid/clueless'.
A tourist attraction seems a odd and poor place to house a magical prison.
All these books seem to have those one or two things that just make you shake your head and think either, 'that's annoying', or 'are people really that stupid/clueless'.
A tourist attraction seems a odd and poor place to house a magical prison.
September 9, 2024
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s fast paced and full of action. It has some really snappy dialogue, that had me laughing so hard, I thought I would loose control of my bladder. Book four is my favorite so far. I am disappointment that not all the books are available in e-book form and I do not have the last book in the series as an e-book. This fact alone may keep me from rereading the series, despite my enjoyment as I’m trying to eliminate all Physical books, unless I rate them five stars.
June 10, 2017
Better now that it's all coming to a head, but as others have also said, the biggest obstacle in this series is Allie and even Zayvion in terms of their consistency and growth or lack thereof. I think this series would work better if it was condensed--the plot isn't being given enough room to breathe and develop. At the same time, how quickly it moves is more or less why I keep reading these books?
Read
December 22, 2021Can't walk away from this series, totally enthralled!
Addictive is a mild expression of the magic Devon Monk envelopes you in when you read her books! The stories and characters seem to have a life of their own! Unexpected twists and turns, surprises around each corner, you find yourself in a world that is ever evolving!
Addictive is a mild expression of the magic Devon Monk envelopes you in when you read her books! The stories and characters seem to have a life of their own! Unexpected twists and turns, surprises around each corner, you find yourself in a world that is ever evolving!
March 9, 2024
Fast, entertaining read, but a little stagnant. There doesn’t seem to be much character growth from the previous book, with the exception of Daniel, especially at the end. There was a lot of combat magic in this one, and it felt very much like a D&D game (or what I imagine one would feel like, having never played). Still, I’ll check out the next one.
January 13, 2018
I just really enjoyed this book in the series. Action filled. Some interesting information comes to light about what has been going on in the authority. Monsters are fought, friendships are tested. Just a good book all around.
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