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Twisted Luck #7
Unbalanced Luck
Freedom and a chance to live, right?
Cori Munroe just wants to enjoy her life after her Draft service has completed. The kids are delightful, her home life is good, but as always, trouble finds her.
Rips between Earth and the realms are appearing and she seems to be to the only mage that can easily close them. When Esmere calls her to attend the council, something she thought she was well clear of, she finds herself forced to take up a position as Lord of Earth.
With the council expecting her as the Herald of Magic to stop the rips, Earth freaking out and preparing military responses to the rips, Cori finds herself caught in the middle between old friends in the structures of power and new friends in the realms.
Can Cori find the answers to the Undoing and stop this before something unforgivable is done? Or will she and her family be caught in the middle of a war between Magic and Earth? How high will the cost get?
Cori Munroe just wants to enjoy her life after her Draft service has completed. The kids are delightful, her home life is good, but as always, trouble finds her.
Rips between Earth and the realms are appearing and she seems to be to the only mage that can easily close them. When Esmere calls her to attend the council, something she thought she was well clear of, she finds herself forced to take up a position as Lord of Earth.
With the council expecting her as the Herald of Magic to stop the rips, Earth freaking out and preparing military responses to the rips, Cori finds herself caught in the middle between old friends in the structures of power and new friends in the realms.
Can Cori find the answers to the Undoing and stop this before something unforgivable is done? Or will she and her family be caught in the middle of a war between Magic and Earth? How high will the cost get?
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2023
127 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
82 books210 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 22, 2023
Great plot, long series
I have enjoyed the series and the world is fascinating. However as with all long series, I start to get tired of the characters and how certain things are portrayed. For example, the main characters relationship with her "partners" is clearly a sister relationship. The marriage the author has them enter made zero sense. If they needed a formal rutual to bond ( which love doesn't require but our insecure heroine seemed to need) a coven would have made more sense. I also disliked that all the men/males in the book were either weak or nuetuered (in that they seemed to have no sexuality) although I conceed this lack of sexuality could just be coming from the main character herself. Anyway I am more than ready for the last book. Plot has been interesting and it's been a decent read. It will interest me to see if the main character does anything to actually change some of the archaic laws in the story. So far, she has remained content in her own little world. Kind of disappointing.
I have enjoyed the series and the world is fascinating. However as with all long series, I start to get tired of the characters and how certain things are portrayed. For example, the main characters relationship with her "partners" is clearly a sister relationship. The marriage the author has them enter made zero sense. If they needed a formal rutual to bond ( which love doesn't require but our insecure heroine seemed to need) a coven would have made more sense. I also disliked that all the men/males in the book were either weak or nuetuered (in that they seemed to have no sexuality) although I conceed this lack of sexuality could just be coming from the main character herself. Anyway I am more than ready for the last book. Plot has been interesting and it's been a decent read. It will interest me to see if the main character does anything to actually change some of the archaic laws in the story. So far, she has remained content in her own little world. Kind of disappointing.
February 1, 2025
4.75⭐
The plot of the rips drags a long time through book 7-8. The ending is worth it, though. Corie is continuing to learn about the realms and how humans are different. It's also nice that each book is a few years apart, so things move both quick and she is able to develop as a person.
The plot of the rips drags a long time through book 7-8. The ending is worth it, though. Corie is continuing to learn about the realms and how humans are different. It's also nice that each book is a few years apart, so things move both quick and she is able to develop as a person.
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March 30, 2024https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
Cori Munroe from Twisted Luck is asexual!
Cori Munroe from Twisted Luck is asexual!
August 10, 2023
What does the most powerful mage have to do, to have a quiet vacation?
This story is set in an alternative Earth with mages, familiars and other magical creatures. It contains lots of humour and suspense. Cori Monroe has finished her draft requirement of 10 years government service and is looking forward to a long rest and a vacation. She is unfortunately thwarted when rifts of a significant size start opening up throughout the world, often letting dangerous magical creatures onto Earth’s plane. Her responsibilities are further increased when she is expected to serve as a Lord for Earth at the Council for Magical Beings. Lastly, she is expected by her government and by this council to solve the problem of the rifts, as it is her duty as Magic’s Herald to do so. This, in spite of the fact that she has no knowledge of how to do so. Even a simple fishing trip between responsibilities becomes dangerous when a rip opens beneath the boat and a kraken like monster steps through. Now, Cori’s frustration reaches new limits.
This story is set in an alternative Earth with mages, familiars and other magical creatures. It contains lots of humour and suspense. Cori Monroe has finished her draft requirement of 10 years government service and is looking forward to a long rest and a vacation. She is unfortunately thwarted when rifts of a significant size start opening up throughout the world, often letting dangerous magical creatures onto Earth’s plane. Her responsibilities are further increased when she is expected to serve as a Lord for Earth at the Council for Magical Beings. Lastly, she is expected by her government and by this council to solve the problem of the rifts, as it is her duty as Magic’s Herald to do so. This, in spite of the fact that she has no knowledge of how to do so. Even a simple fishing trip between responsibilities becomes dangerous when a rip opens beneath the boat and a kraken like monster steps through. Now, Cori’s frustration reaches new limits.
May 27, 2023
Spectacular new entry in the Twisted Luck series
This series is addictive as we follow Cori through her life. In this 7th book she has finished her draft and received her full inheritance. You'd think her life would calm down wouldn't you? But no, with planar rips opening everywhere, denizens of the Realms squeezing onto the Earth plane, and twin kidlets adding their own brand of chaos, its clear that boredom is never going to be Cori's problem. This is a wonderful story that regularly surprises the reader. Highest recommendation!!
This series is addictive as we follow Cori through her life. In this 7th book she has finished her draft and received her full inheritance. You'd think her life would calm down wouldn't you? But no, with planar rips opening everywhere, denizens of the Realms squeezing onto the Earth plane, and twin kidlets adding their own brand of chaos, its clear that boredom is never going to be Cori's problem. This is a wonderful story that regularly surprises the reader. Highest recommendation!!
May 27, 2023
It's a cliffy but it's a great read
It's six years later in series and Cori has finally completed her draft. While she just wants to enjoy her retirement, things are ramping up between the realms and she's the one that's been designated to fix things.
This book is all about defining the problem, which does eventually happen, but you'll have to wait for Balanced Luck to see it all work out.
It's six years later in series and Cori has finally completed her draft. While she just wants to enjoy her retirement, things are ramping up between the realms and she's the one that's been designated to fix things.
This book is all about defining the problem, which does eventually happen, but you'll have to wait for Balanced Luck to see it all work out.
May 27, 2023
Loved this book!
I absolutely loved this book! I loved Cori coming more into her independence but not changing her essential character. Mel Todd has created an amazing urban fantasy world and I am so glad I have gotten the chance to experience it! Now I have to go back and read the entire series again because I love it so much.
I absolutely loved this book! I loved Cori coming more into her independence but not changing her essential character. Mel Todd has created an amazing urban fantasy world and I am so glad I have gotten the chance to experience it! Now I have to go back and read the entire series again because I love it so much.
May 29, 2023
Worth the wait, a lot of story with a punch
Cori and crew keep getting more and more memorable. Tying together so many mythological creatures and stories in an urban fantasy is always fun when done well and this series hits all the checkboxes. The had part now is waiting for book 8.
Cori and crew keep getting more and more memorable. Tying together so many mythological creatures and stories in an urban fantasy is always fun when done well and this series hits all the checkboxes. The had part now is waiting for book 8.
December 31, 2024
I finally got around to finishing this book but, due to getting a sudden crochet project - my daughter wanted me to create another Jumper for her, in the same brand, but different colour palette of yarn, that I'd made for her 3 years ago - it took longer than expected!
Sadly, this means that I'm just 1 book short in my yearly reading goal but, as book seven, just like the six books before it, was an awesome read, and full of mystery, plus rips that are releasing extremely dangerous denizens from the various Chaos, Order, and Spirit Realms, onto an unsuspecting Earth, it seems that Cori is now tasked with stopping them, before the Earth declares war on those Realms!
This was just as, if not more so, an absorbing story than the previous ones, and I'm finding it fascinating to find out just why the Phoenix, Brix, has such a hatred of Humanity, and especially Heralds of Magic, with poor Cori getting the worst of it all!
Once I read the reason, I could only hope that Cori, her family, and many friends of all descriptions, can find the answer to her burning question: just what is she supposed to do, to prevent all-out war between Earth, and the Realms?
For that, I need to go on to the final book of the Twisted Luck series: 'Balanced Luck', to find out and, as I've got book eight already loaded onto my Kindle, I'm going on immediately, in order to find out and, once I've finished this final offering, I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about both this final book, and the complete series!
Sadly, this means that I'm just 1 book short in my yearly reading goal but, as book seven, just like the six books before it, was an awesome read, and full of mystery, plus rips that are releasing extremely dangerous denizens from the various Chaos, Order, and Spirit Realms, onto an unsuspecting Earth, it seems that Cori is now tasked with stopping them, before the Earth declares war on those Realms!
This was just as, if not more so, an absorbing story than the previous ones, and I'm finding it fascinating to find out just why the Phoenix, Brix, has such a hatred of Humanity, and especially Heralds of Magic, with poor Cori getting the worst of it all!
Once I read the reason, I could only hope that Cori, her family, and many friends of all descriptions, can find the answer to her burning question: just what is she supposed to do, to prevent all-out war between Earth, and the Realms?
For that, I need to go on to the final book of the Twisted Luck series: 'Balanced Luck', to find out and, as I've got book eight already loaded onto my Kindle, I'm going on immediately, in order to find out and, once I've finished this final offering, I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about both this final book, and the complete series!
February 25, 2025
Brilliant is just too mundane…..
….to describe just how truly astounding this series is!
Set in a current fairly contemporary version of earth, Magic exists and is an everyday fact of life. Several different historical events occurred (or didn’t) for example; the Native American Peoples have sequestered themselves away from the influence of today’s society.
Cori Monroe is a magic user, a Double Merlin, meaning she’s at the top of everyone’s game. The ability to manifest and manipulate magic occurs around puberty. The emergence itself can be devastating, Cori’s magic emerged earlier than usual playing in the local park her twin did not survive the event. In their grief her parents essentially shunned her. The events of that day left her with a double portion of magic her own and her twin’s.
Set in the US the government has installed a program by which they will fund the education of magic users and when complete the indebted mage must perform a period of government service called The Draft.
For Cori, the obligation of the Draft is finally done and on her first week of supposed freedom an inter dimensional rift opens in the middle of the city. Cori rushes headlong into danger to close the rift. It’s not long before startling facts about the rifts become clear. It’s just as well that Cori has so much free time the rifts start becoming more frequent.
….to describe just how truly astounding this series is!
Set in a current fairly contemporary version of earth, Magic exists and is an everyday fact of life. Several different historical events occurred (or didn’t) for example; the Native American Peoples have sequestered themselves away from the influence of today’s society.
Cori Monroe is a magic user, a Double Merlin, meaning she’s at the top of everyone’s game. The ability to manifest and manipulate magic occurs around puberty. The emergence itself can be devastating, Cori’s magic emerged earlier than usual playing in the local park her twin did not survive the event. In their grief her parents essentially shunned her. The events of that day left her with a double portion of magic her own and her twin’s.
Set in the US the government has installed a program by which they will fund the education of magic users and when complete the indebted mage must perform a period of government service called The Draft.
For Cori, the obligation of the Draft is finally done and on her first week of supposed freedom an inter dimensional rift opens in the middle of the city. Cori rushes headlong into danger to close the rift. It’s not long before startling facts about the rifts become clear. It’s just as well that Cori has so much free time the rifts start becoming more frequent.
September 23, 2023
Had to keep reading
TWISTED LUCK series has been a very good read. Honestly, I just couldn't stop. The characters and their development are so good. For example, Indira enters the story as a sort of a beautiful woman assigned to seduce the main character, Cori. Cori, who is looking for guidance, sees the artful beauty that is Indrira but feels nothing more than distrust. As the years pass and their relationship changes, Cori has a conversation about what she would give to protect the life of Indira, who is now in her sixties. The span of time for this series is decades, and each character changes beautifully throughout.
The quality of the writing is well formed, descriptive, artistic, and unexpectedly creative. I cannot imagine how Mal Todd is going to bring the series to a close with only one more - the final - book. But in two months I'll find out.
TWISTED LUCK series has been a very good read. Honestly, I just couldn't stop. The characters and their development are so good. For example, Indira enters the story as a sort of a beautiful woman assigned to seduce the main character, Cori. Cori, who is looking for guidance, sees the artful beauty that is Indrira but feels nothing more than distrust. As the years pass and their relationship changes, Cori has a conversation about what she would give to protect the life of Indira, who is now in her sixties. The span of time for this series is decades, and each character changes beautifully throughout.
The quality of the writing is well formed, descriptive, artistic, and unexpectedly creative. I cannot imagine how Mal Todd is going to bring the series to a close with only one more - the final - book. But in two months I'll find out.
May 27, 2023
Continued on exvellemce
I have loved this series since I found it and have read it several times stopping !y life to devour each new book upon its release. Todd has creative a vibrant and realistic world with relatable characters, most loveable. She weaves magic with logic and reason in the plot and actions that flows seamlessly. No "hunh?" Moments that leave you wondering about plot arcs. Personally I beco! e so absorbed in the story that when disrupted it takes me a few seconds to settle back into my own life.
To author Mel todd: I understand book 8 ends this series, but I would ask you to please continue this world, retaining its characters into a new or different direction.
I have loved this series since I found it and have read it several times stopping !y life to devour each new book upon its release. Todd has creative a vibrant and realistic world with relatable characters, most loveable. She weaves magic with logic and reason in the plot and actions that flows seamlessly. No "hunh?" Moments that leave you wondering about plot arcs. Personally I beco! e so absorbed in the story that when disrupted it takes me a few seconds to settle back into my own life.
To author Mel todd: I understand book 8 ends this series, but I would ask you to please continue this world, retaining its characters into a new or different direction.
Read
June 19, 20233.75+ PN adventure, clean, episodic
Enjoyable series exploring the importance of friends, family, and understanding no one is our of the web of life and our actions affect others, even if we do not know it at the time. Greed is a sin for a reason, so too should be self-absorption. Ignorance (not knowing) is not the same as stupid (contemptuous ignorance) no matter what the thesaurus tells you. Yet both often involve in part, laziness, self -absorption. This is a cautionary tale exploring these ideas and how all our actions effect our world.
Hope to read the rest of this series and will be sad when it ends.
*Honest feedback from a KU subscriber.
Enjoyable series exploring the importance of friends, family, and understanding no one is our of the web of life and our actions affect others, even if we do not know it at the time. Greed is a sin for a reason, so too should be self-absorption. Ignorance (not knowing) is not the same as stupid (contemptuous ignorance) no matter what the thesaurus tells you. Yet both often involve in part, laziness, self -absorption. This is a cautionary tale exploring these ideas and how all our actions effect our world.
Hope to read the rest of this series and will be sad when it ends.
*Honest feedback from a KU subscriber.
September 8, 2024
Are you ready to dive into a world of thrilling fantasy and captivating adventure? Join us at www.BookNookCorner.com, where I share my thoughts on Mel Todd's magical novel ** Unbalanced Luck **. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, my blog review will explore the depths of its enchanting twists and turns. Don't miss out—click over to BookNookCorner.com , and let's unravel the magic of ** Unbalanced Luck ** together!
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July 5, 2023
My Review.
I have read all the books in this series so far. This last book seemed a little drawn out. A lot of the situations seemed repeated over and over just using a different set of words. There were no real surprises and the plot became very predictable after a while. As an avid reader I expected more. I usually look forward to the next book, but not so much this time if it continues in this manner.
I have read all the books in this series so far. This last book seemed a little drawn out. A lot of the situations seemed repeated over and over just using a different set of words. There were no real surprises and the plot became very predictable after a while. As an avid reader I expected more. I usually look forward to the next book, but not so much this time if it continues in this manner.
December 23, 2023
I love these stories. Full of magic, emotion and tension they grab you from the first page and will not let go, The writing is superb and characters are hugely engaging, the creatures are thrilling, dangerous and full of machinations and the world building exceptional. Autumn Juliet is the perfect narrator for this series bringing the story a life of its own. My only complaint is I have to wait for the next one.
September 7, 2025
A fascinating magical alternate history urban fantasy
Cori has to deal with the magical council, but there are those who do not want humans to succeed. As the dangers rise, Cori and her small group work to make sure that humans in all of the realms survive. I love the characters, the plotting, the very intricate magical system, and much more about these books. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
Cori has to deal with the magical council, but there are those who do not want humans to succeed. As the dangers rise, Cori and her small group work to make sure that humans in all of the realms survive. I love the characters, the plotting, the very intricate magical system, and much more about these books. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
June 7, 2023
Five stars for the pure elegance of the world building and complex interactions between the Denizen and Earth inhabitants. Cori has "grown up" however; she still maintains an innocence and bewildered naivety sometimes. Very detailed plot lines that pull from all previous books. It will be very interesting to see how the author finishes the series in the next book.
August 13, 2023
What a terrific story! I know a bit of Atlantis but this could be real!
I have no way of knowing if there will be another sequel. However, Mel Todd took the idea to a hopeful conclusion!
This was a rollercoaster ride and I have enjoyed ever dip and high rise. A masterful story and certainly, in my opinion extremely well worth the reading!!
I have no way of knowing if there will be another sequel. However, Mel Todd took the idea to a hopeful conclusion!
This was a rollercoaster ride and I have enjoyed ever dip and high rise. A masterful story and certainly, in my opinion extremely well worth the reading!!
October 29, 2024
Pleased that the typos and other errors from earlier books are fully gone, or at least unnoticeable to me! This book took me a while to get through because a) it’s the second to last book and I’m not ready to be done; and b) it had an ominous vibe and I was really worried about where it was going. The cliffhanger doesn’t make me feel any better! Glad the last book is available to me immediately.
July 31, 2025
Can’t put this down!
I can’t put the series down, but I don’t want it to end! I’m afraid it will end soon:-(
This book made me think of how often people make assumptions, or hold onto hatred, bound in their own experience of the past rather than at them in the present. It’s an excellent underpinning story for anyone to learn.
I can’t put the series down, but I don’t want it to end! I’m afraid it will end soon:-(
This book made me think of how often people make assumptions, or hold onto hatred, bound in their own experience of the past rather than at them in the present. It’s an excellent underpinning story for anyone to learn.
May 27, 2023
Fantastic:)
And there will be more in the universe after the last book in the series!
Mel Todd: “I have at least one, if not more stand alone novels planned, including one for Scott Randolph and his start as a Rogue Mage Hunter. Plus a trilogy called Noble’s Luck that is placed in the late 1800s.”
And there will be more in the universe after the last book in the series!
Mel Todd: “I have at least one, if not more stand alone novels planned, including one for Scott Randolph and his start as a Rogue Mage Hunter. Plus a trilogy called Noble’s Luck that is placed in the late 1800s.”
May 30, 2023
Whoa what a cliffhanger for the finale
I am loving where it's all going to go.
I did wonder how old the twins were going to get and how the years might run.
You can have chaos at the zoo with preschoolers just because of who they are.
I am loving where it's all going to go.
I did wonder how old the twins were going to get and how the years might run.
You can have chaos at the zoo with preschoolers just because of who they are.
May 30, 2023
Amazeballs!!
I read this book in one day staying up waaaay past my bedtime! Cori’s such as appealing lead & her growth into her power has been a mesmerizing read over these 7 books. Can’t wait for the final book out on Nov 3rd!
I read this book in one day staying up waaaay past my bedtime! Cori’s such as appealing lead & her growth into her power has been a mesmerizing read over these 7 books. Can’t wait for the final book out on Nov 3rd!
June 2, 2023
Great sense of escalation
You get to see how Cori has grown and changed through her story. Watching the pages left drop as things got more complicated and Cori steps up to positions she's avoided is enthralling.
You get to see how Cori has grown and changed through her story. Watching the pages left drop as things got more complicated and Cori steps up to positions she's avoided is enthralling.
June 12, 2023
Such an excellent series
Do yourself a favor and pick up all these books. The personal growth of the main character plus excellent world building!! If I were a better reviewer everyone would be happily hunkered down with this series.
Do yourself a favor and pick up all these books. The personal growth of the main character plus excellent world building!! If I were a better reviewer everyone would be happily hunkered down with this series.
July 13, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better. I could barely put it down and now I can't wait for the next book.
"My days of explaining myself or being intimidated had faded to almost nonexistent after surviving a plane crash and giving birth."
"My days of explaining myself or being intimidated had faded to almost nonexistent after surviving a plane crash and giving birth."
December 4, 2024
intricate
I love this series. The characters are well written, and the storyline is fantastic. I love the twist on Atlantis and why it can no longer be found. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I love this series. The characters are well written, and the storyline is fantastic. I love the twist on Atlantis and why it can no longer be found. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
April 22, 2025
Good reading
Looks like the series is coming to an end, at least I thought I saw something that said that it was 8 books long. It is a good series. I will be a little sad when I get to the end. Can't wait to see how it ends, and if there will be/ is another series in this world.
Looks like the series is coming to an end, at least I thought I saw something that said that it was 8 books long. It is a good series. I will be a little sad when I get to the end. Can't wait to see how it ends, and if there will be/ is another series in this world.
May 28, 2023
Awesome
What a great book. Can’t wait for the next one! Cori should be enjoying the a nice break after getting out the the draft but with her luck that just isn’t going to happen. Hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did and hope the next one comes fast!
What a great book. Can’t wait for the next one! Cori should be enjoying the a nice break after getting out the the draft but with her luck that just isn’t going to happen. Hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did and hope the next one comes fast!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews