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The Realm of False Gods #1
Untethered Magic
Today's 1.Escape from underground cell 2.Recruit snarky d-bag werewolf to help 3.Invade demon realm and rescue a girl
For wizard detective, Otto Schneider, magic has always kept him out of trouble. Now it's working in reverse ...
... and he's just started the fight of his life. There's an ancient secret buried in the Earth's past and he just uncovered it.
Magical beings once ruled over us until their betrayed leader made a death curse with his final breath. Banished from the realm of man for over four thousand years, the curse is weakening, and these beings, these ... demons, are coming back to rule the Earth once more.
They are powerful, immortal, and unstoppable, but they don't know everything.
They left some of their magic behind and their return has sparked an awakening.
Heroes will rise ...
For wizard detective, Otto Schneider, magic has always kept him out of trouble. Now it's working in reverse ...
... and he's just started the fight of his life. There's an ancient secret buried in the Earth's past and he just uncovered it.
Magical beings once ruled over us until their betrayed leader made a death curse with his final breath. Banished from the realm of man for over four thousand years, the curse is weakening, and these beings, these ... demons, are coming back to rule the Earth once more.
They are powerful, immortal, and unstoppable, but they don't know everything.
They left some of their magic behind and their return has sparked an awakening.
Heroes will rise ...
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2020
1628 people are currently reading
1718 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
540 books791 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 3, 2020
53%
Got half way through but it was just a bit repetitive. It started off alright, but it wasn't really good enough to hold my attention. I realised it felt like a chore to read rather than a pleasure.
Got half way through but it was just a bit repetitive. It started off alright, but it wasn't really good enough to hold my attention. I realised it felt like a chore to read rather than a pleasure.
May 31, 2025
Otto Schneider, ein Zauberer aus Bremen, rettet Heike vor einem Dämon namens Daniel... Derb-flacher Humor. Sehr einfach geschrieben (mag an der Übersetzung liegen?). Keine Fantasy-Elemente, die man nicht schon so oder so Ähnlich wo anders gelesen hätte. Zieht sich etwas in die Länge. Warum gibt es aller 2-3 Sätze einen neuen Absatz? Wirkt manchmal etwas, als hätte es ChatGPT geschrieben.
Würde ja wie immer was zitieren, aber am Ehesten müsste man mehrere Seiten hier reinkopieren, um aufzuzeigen, dass da einfach fast nichts passiert.
Würde ja wie immer was zitieren, aber am Ehesten müsste man mehrere Seiten hier reinkopieren, um aufzuzeigen, dass da einfach fast nichts passiert.
March 6, 2020
What a book! I totally LOVED it!
I really had fun reading this book, it was a good laugh and very entertaining!
It is made up of some good old fashioned magical mayhem, plus some great slapstick, and snarky comedy. Overflowing with grisly monsters, demons, portals, and magicians; this book covers all the angles. I found myself laughing a lot during my time reading it, it was such a fun read!
I loved how the author played the characters off one another. The funny looks I was getting from my family because I was laughing spontaneosly, was funny in and of itself. I do love a bit of lighthearted comedy!
In this story, the wizard, Otto Schneide, seeks out missing persons for a living. The persons he goes after have been taken away from their homes and familie by grisly creatures after dark, and have simply vanished.The police are totally baffled.
Otto has personal reasons for seeking these missing people.
He seeks a specific man, one whom he believes did something to his wife. The man with the striking blue eyes is responsible for putting Otto's wife in hospital. Otto only caught a brief glimpse of the man in his wife's bedroom but that was enough. Whoever this stranger was, he did something that caused Otto's wife to slip into a coma. Otto wasn't quick enough to grab the man in his wifes room, before he dropped his Otto's wife and stepped backwards through what Otto could only describe as a portal of some kind. Now Otto seeks the man whilst at the same time looking for the other missing people who are being taken through portals, and whose families are not being taken seriously when they explain all this to the police.
I really loved this book because it's exciting and full of action. I love reading about magical battles and wasn't disappointed when I read this book as it is chock full of magical action. Otto is a cool character. He is a magician, but is self taught because he has never met another magically gifted person anywhere. When he teams up with a giant of a man who refuses to tell Otto his name, and who has a huge secret of his own, one that he is trying hard to hide; that is when things star to get really exciting!
Chased by a secret organisation who seem to have a great interest in his magical abilities, Otto searches for the missing people.
Along the way he comes across an evil, and more powerful magician who is involved in the abductions; and who thrashes Otto with his far superior magical control.
I could go on and on about this brilliant book.
I loved the slapstick eliments in the story, there are some really funny, truly giggle worthy scenes. I laughed so much when a huge brute of a creature goes to kick in a solid wooden door, and just as he puts all his effort into it, the door opens; causing him to squeal like a little girl and do an undignified version of the splits, for some reason the image that produced in my head made me laugh till tears rolled down my face. As the start of a new series, I must admit I'm totally hooked.
If you are looking for a book that will grab your attention, is a smooth easy read, and has comedy throughout the story, I would say go for it, as this will definitely be a fun read!
July 19, 2025
Hat gute Ideen, bin gespannt, wie es weitergeht
March 6, 2020
My Name is Otto Schneider and I am a wizard. I think.
When a missing person case brings me into contact with the only other supernatural creature I have ever seen, it’s not long before I am ass-deep in trouble.
The police don’t like me, there’s a clandestine organisation who want me to join them, and what might be a demon trying to catch me. When I refuse to play ball with any of them, my life starts to get tough, but I had no idea how low they might stoop to force my hand.
Soon they will find out just how badly they underestimated me.
Somehow, I need to escape captivity, cross to a mysterious demon realm, rescue a girl, and find my way back. Easy, right? It might be if they hadn’t confiscated my wand.
Thankfully, I’m not alone, I have a powerful werewolf as an ally. If only he wasn’t such an annoying, snarky d-bag.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these and see where the author takes us on this journey!!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
When a missing person case brings me into contact with the only other supernatural creature I have ever seen, it’s not long before I am ass-deep in trouble.
The police don’t like me, there’s a clandestine organisation who want me to join them, and what might be a demon trying to catch me. When I refuse to play ball with any of them, my life starts to get tough, but I had no idea how low they might stoop to force my hand.
Soon they will find out just how badly they underestimated me.
Somehow, I need to escape captivity, cross to a mysterious demon realm, rescue a girl, and find my way back. Easy, right? It might be if they hadn’t confiscated my wand.
Thankfully, I’m not alone, I have a powerful werewolf as an ally. If only he wasn’t such an annoying, snarky d-bag.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these and see where the author takes us on this journey!!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review
March 17, 2024
It's not a bad book. It's written with attention to detail, no glaring plot holes, and the writer did well giving each character a voice. The story is interesting, and the twists are satisfying. My only complaint is that the writer could have done better with the exposition - I don't need to be led, bullet point by bullet point - through a character's traits and abilities. Some of the literary flow was sacrificed to make things plain, but it threw me off.
November 21, 2024
Untethered Magic by Steve Higgs is the first book in The Realm of False Gods series. Wizard Otto Schneider comes to the rescue when demons are killing and kidnapping humans. An entertaining and fast paced fantasy with great characters. I especially liked Derek the werewolf who was a lot of fun. It is just that I am not really a fan of urban fantasy and all the different creatures take a bit of getting used to.
February 12, 2025
Meh… alright I didn’t give this one much of a chance but after chapter 1 I knew it wasn’t for me.
Too much prior experience with the Orlando Sanchez, Richard Kadrey & Jim Butcher to not find this derivative.
Maybe another time I’ll revisit it & see how it falls then.
Too much prior experience with the Orlando Sanchez, Richard Kadrey & Jim Butcher to not find this derivative.
Maybe another time I’ll revisit it & see how it falls then.
February 18, 2020
Otto Schneider is a licensed private detective in Bremen, Germany with an edge — he has magical abilities that help him solve cases — and has just located the body of a missing man whose family hired Otto to find. As with other recent cases, he notes the young man has a single suction wound to his neck, but as he prepares to call the police, he notices an ugly goblin-like creature prowling the street and a battle ensues. Just as the police arrive, the goblin sweeps its hand to summon a wall of shimmering air and steps backward, leaving Otto alone on the cold dark street to face the skeptical Bremen police.
The young man is the most recent victim in a spate of inexplicable murders, all killed by a single small suction wound to the neck. Detective Sergeant Schenk ridicules Otto’s veiled explanations and tries to rope him into admitting guilt, but another of Otto’s gifts is that he can tell the angry detective is lying about his confirmation of Otto’s guilt. He leaves the station a free, if suspected, man, but shortly afterward a senior officer, Detective Lieutenant Heike Dressler, knocks on his door to reveal she believes Otto — she witnessed magic as a child — and wants to bring him on board as a consultant.
What they discover defies imagination: the veil between the mortal and immortal world is weakening, and supernaturals are crossing back and forth to kill and kidnap humans, as well as generally wreak havoc. The creatures, known as shilt, are often accompanied by a well-dressed older human, Edward, who is the familiar of Daniel, a senior demon. As it turns out, Otto is all too well-acquainted with Daniel: he found him standing over the body of his comatose wife, Kerstin, nine months earlier.
When several humans, including Heike, a teenaged girl, and a junior police officer, Nieswand, are kidnapped by Daniel, he and a recent otherworldly acquaintance, Zachary, travel into the immortal realm to rescue the hostages, shocking those in power with his advanced abilities. However, he must make a deal with a demon – literally – to save his friend and the girl, one that will cost him dearly, but his conscience won’t permit him to act otherwise.
After dealing mockingly with the paranormal in the Blue Moon series, Steve Higgs formally advances into that well-trod territory in his first novel of the new Realm of False Gods series. Otto’s initial quest promises adventure, daring, and not-so-simple human decency and bravery, in a series not to be missed.
The young man is the most recent victim in a spate of inexplicable murders, all killed by a single small suction wound to the neck. Detective Sergeant Schenk ridicules Otto’s veiled explanations and tries to rope him into admitting guilt, but another of Otto’s gifts is that he can tell the angry detective is lying about his confirmation of Otto’s guilt. He leaves the station a free, if suspected, man, but shortly afterward a senior officer, Detective Lieutenant Heike Dressler, knocks on his door to reveal she believes Otto — she witnessed magic as a child — and wants to bring him on board as a consultant.
What they discover defies imagination: the veil between the mortal and immortal world is weakening, and supernaturals are crossing back and forth to kill and kidnap humans, as well as generally wreak havoc. The creatures, known as shilt, are often accompanied by a well-dressed older human, Edward, who is the familiar of Daniel, a senior demon. As it turns out, Otto is all too well-acquainted with Daniel: he found him standing over the body of his comatose wife, Kerstin, nine months earlier.
When several humans, including Heike, a teenaged girl, and a junior police officer, Nieswand, are kidnapped by Daniel, he and a recent otherworldly acquaintance, Zachary, travel into the immortal realm to rescue the hostages, shocking those in power with his advanced abilities. However, he must make a deal with a demon – literally – to save his friend and the girl, one that will cost him dearly, but his conscience won’t permit him to act otherwise.
After dealing mockingly with the paranormal in the Blue Moon series, Steve Higgs formally advances into that well-trod territory in his first novel of the new Realm of False Gods series. Otto’s initial quest promises adventure, daring, and not-so-simple human decency and bravery, in a series not to be missed.
February 27, 2025
Really good characters and well written
Well! That was different - but then again maybe not. What is was, was a fantastic read, very enjoyable. I loved all the characters and it was a page turner as I needed to know what happened next. Looking forward to book 2
Well! That was different - but then again maybe not. What is was, was a fantastic read, very enjoyable. I loved all the characters and it was a page turner as I needed to know what happened next. Looking forward to book 2
February 25, 2025
Making this story a short book, more like a novella, was a good choice. I simply don't see how you could make more from this story and setup.
September 18, 2025
absolutely loving this!
March 21, 2024
Wonderful and Wild!
This wonderful and wild new series has me hooked. I really love these kind of books especially when the hero is still learning about their powers and how to use them for good. Plus our new hero Otto, seems to fall into this category very well, so following his adventures is just plain fun. Not to give anything away I can say that the author knows very well how to paint the pictures in my head so I can realize the characters easier and follow the action.... Thanks again to Mr Higgs and I can't wait to start the next book.
This wonderful and wild new series has me hooked. I really love these kind of books especially when the hero is still learning about their powers and how to use them for good. Plus our new hero Otto, seems to fall into this category very well, so following his adventures is just plain fun. Not to give anything away I can say that the author knows very well how to paint the pictures in my head so I can realize the characters easier and follow the action.... Thanks again to Mr Higgs and I can't wait to start the next book.
Read
October 21, 2025No, no estoy leyendo esto.
Estoy leyendo algo que no está publicado y uso algo de páginas similares para que me "cuente" el numero de páginas. Y este lo "uso" diversas veces si las páginas de cada uno de los que leo que no están publicados concuerdan aprox.
Por cierto:
El #3, me ha encantado. Espero que se publique más pronto que tarde. 9,5/10
El #4, ñé
El #5, pinta bastante bien. Se desinfla al final. 7/10
El #6, ñé
El #7, surrealismo puro. De tan absurdo, no he podido dejar de leer hasta acabarlo. Pero el final pierde mucho.
Estoy leyendo algo que no está publicado y uso algo de páginas similares para que me "cuente" el numero de páginas. Y este lo "uso" diversas veces si las páginas de cada uno de los que leo que no están publicados concuerdan aprox.
Por cierto:
El #3, me ha encantado. Espero que se publique más pronto que tarde. 9,5/10
El #4, ñé
El #5, pinta bastante bien. Se desinfla al final. 7/10
El #6, ñé
El #7, surrealismo puro. De tan absurdo, no he podido dejar de leer hasta acabarlo. Pero el final pierde mucho.
March 13, 2025
I applaud the imagination, and I did want to know what happens next. The characters were mostly interesting, if a little disjointed. It feels like an early piece and really needs a skilled editor. I initially thought it had been slightly awkwardly translated into English until I looked up the author - he’s English, though the book is set in Germany. There were some good turns of phrase but I wish he used less exposition and let his readers figure it for themselves a bit. Here’s a classic example: “‘What’s the scoop, Berkeley?’ she asked, addressing the officer by name.” Yes, I could work out she addressed him by name. It’s written right there. Or how about “The hole was seven hundred millimetres in each direction”. Really? Do I have to be an engineer to understand this plot point about cutting through a door? 2.5 stars.
August 14, 2025
Bored
Too much 'padding' not enough action. As well this idea of a wizard private eye has already been superbly covered by Jim Butcher in The Dresden Files.
Too much 'padding' not enough action. As well this idea of a wizard private eye has already been superbly covered by Jim Butcher in The Dresden Files.
January 28, 2025
Went into this book with zero expectations.
Got me hooked with the first chapter. Great book. Great characters. Finished in a day. What more needs to be said :)
Got me hooked with the first chapter. Great book. Great characters. Finished in a day. What more needs to be said :)
January 14, 2024
Been searching for a read like this!
Recently I've read some fun, original fantasy/ Scifi stories worth good premise but most are horribly adulterated with heavy romance.. (not terrible if the story is very solid) but all too many are destroyed with pages of pornografic descriptions that destroy the story... I'm no prude... but if I want sex I know where to get it...
This story if, original, exciting, compelling...and...
Family friendly..
The characters are intriguing, the premise is fresh and original reminiscent of The Hollows
Recently I've read some fun, original fantasy/ Scifi stories worth good premise but most are horribly adulterated with heavy romance.. (not terrible if the story is very solid) but all too many are destroyed with pages of pornografic descriptions that destroy the story... I'm no prude... but if I want sex I know where to get it...
This story if, original, exciting, compelling...and...
Family friendly..
The characters are intriguing, the premise is fresh and original reminiscent of The Hollows
March 15, 2022
While I found the story dragged a little bit, I like the world that is being revealed in this series. The plot is interesting and I greatly enjoyed the main character meeting "the werewolf". I also found it interesting that this is set in Bremen, Germany and not somewhere in the US or UK as 99% of urban fantasy books are.
September 19, 2023
Pretty standard first person urban fantasy, reminiscent of Butcher's Dresden books. Totally plot driven with little character development. But gripping and very entertaining! Our Hero is improbably lucky and inventive and keeps defeating obviously superior opponents. Nevertheless it was a lot of fun and I'll probably read the next one.
September 10, 2023
Good Read if Magic is Your Thing
the magical man learns his craft on the fly too quickly for an individual with no understanding of what the situation is he has become involved. How he will be able to prevail without help just isn't very reasonable.
the magical man learns his craft on the fly too quickly for an individual with no understanding of what the situation is he has become involved. How he will be able to prevail without help just isn't very reasonable.
December 23, 2023
Good start to a series. Looking forward to the next episode
Good flow to the story, no unnecessary frills and padding to interrupt my concentration. I like that the story was completed yet we know there is more to come.
Good flow to the story, no unnecessary frills and padding to interrupt my concentration. I like that the story was completed yet we know there is more to come.
March 13, 2024
I read this as it was being marketed as Pratchett-esque. Not remotely on the same level but I'm continuing with the next book in the series in the hope that it will be better than this first one as there's plenty of potential there.
June 7, 2024
meh
A nice enough story.
On the other hand, I get it you’re tired Otto.
Things just appeared too easy. This story could be fleshed out a bit more and it would be worth my time to crack open the second book.
A nice enough story.
On the other hand, I get it you’re tired Otto.
Things just appeared too easy. This story could be fleshed out a bit more and it would be worth my time to crack open the second book.
April 26, 2025
DNF @ 10%.
Annoying characters and of course the MC is the only one who can save the world (or Bremen at least)... BTW, detective sergeant is not a rank in the German police force.
Annoying characters and of course the MC is the only one who can save the world (or Bremen at least)... BTW, detective sergeant is not a rank in the German police force.
February 9, 2023
I originally got this as a freebie in early 2022 while looking to branch out from a very space opera-heavy reading diet. This filled the bill admirably when I eventually read it, although I struggled a little trying to decide what niche this filled: is "fantasy wizard-detective mystery" a thing? (Maybe not?)
Whichever genre this is, it was funny and engaging. I appreciated the German references and little cultural touches sprinkled through the book. I also liked that the protagonist: (a) is a German named Otto because of course he is, and (b) starts the story in a soap bubble of competence and invincibility that gets popped pretty quickly, leaving him to come to grips with that. What starts out as a missing persons investigation quickly gets much more complicated, and Otto has to run pretty fast just to keep up.
Along the way, Otto acquires sidekicks in the form of a Bremen police detective and a werewolf with an attitude problem. These become key allies in Otto’s struggles with, in no particular order: the rest of the Bremen police, who do not find him particularly amusing; a secret organization masquerading as a different group of police who really, really want Otto to join them; and assorted beings sporting various levels and combinations of evil, lethal skills and “dark triad” personality traits. Most of these are supernatural creatures, although,interestingly enough some regular(ish) humans are thrown in.
The writing was surprisingly good, at least relative to my usual SFF reading fare. Higgs does a nice job providing enough detail to set the scene without slipping into narrative overkill. His word use is solid: there are few uses (3) of my least-favorite word, “smirk” -- and all of them describe the actual facial expression rather than being stand-ins for more complex, nuanced and thus indescribable emotions. On the whole, the book did a good job of keeping my attention and immersion, although neither the plot nor the characters break lots of new ground. The plot in particular had a deus ex machina vibe that was a little heavy-handed, but sported enough nuance and twists and flashes of dry humor to stay interesting.
Total: 7/10 (3.5, rounded to 4 stars)
September 1, 2025
Stilted and unconvincing dialogue- a police chief "...I beg you, take fair warning. Often as not the criminal gets the vigilante, not the other way around. And when the vigilante wins, the cops arrest them anyway. But you're a licensed detective, so you know this already."
Really? A police chief? rambling on about how it might all go wrong? So many better, succinct and more impactful ways to say the same thing but no, go for weak wordy blandness. Then repeat it-
"Just be careful, Herr Schneider. I would hate to find you falling victim of your own good intentions. There were two more victims last night while you were locked up here."
FFS, it makes no sense. He should be threatening to sue for wrongful arrest, the police are not his friends! What could he possibly want from them, except to be left alone?
Instead we get word count with no care for whether any of the words count.
Magic is always a problem- how come it isn't just undefeatable. It's always inconsistent, one minute a flash knocks everything down, the next for no obvious reason it bounces off. And, of course, no one can believe it. Not only because of bland, unconvincing, dull claims but because, well, they just have to not believe it for reasons of tension. Or something.
"When you cannot solve this, or you begin to accept that you are not dealing with a man, call me. I won't even charge you."
Yep, that will do it.
Magic artefacts- the compass that instantly points in the direction of whoever he wants to find. Somehow. Except when it spins he knows they're no longer on earth. Makes sense.
He's got a nice car, though, I mean who wouldn't want an Audi A8. I wonder how autobiographical this is or maybe just wishful thinking.
Then he can't use his magic powers to stop himself being arrested because they would find something to charge him with if he caused them any harm at all. Er, yes, of course they would. But mainly because they weren't ready to see what he could do because, I'm guessing, it would be no fun if they all suddenly believed in magic and fell in with him.
A couple of chapters in and we're still waiting for something funny. We were promised something funny, I want something funny. Or at least an attempt at something funny.
Then another failure to demonstrate his magic at an entirely appropriate time and we're at the end of the free sample. With no desire to buy the rest of the book.
Really? A police chief? rambling on about how it might all go wrong? So many better, succinct and more impactful ways to say the same thing but no, go for weak wordy blandness. Then repeat it-
"Just be careful, Herr Schneider. I would hate to find you falling victim of your own good intentions. There were two more victims last night while you were locked up here."
FFS, it makes no sense. He should be threatening to sue for wrongful arrest, the police are not his friends! What could he possibly want from them, except to be left alone?
Instead we get word count with no care for whether any of the words count.
Magic is always a problem- how come it isn't just undefeatable. It's always inconsistent, one minute a flash knocks everything down, the next for no obvious reason it bounces off. And, of course, no one can believe it. Not only because of bland, unconvincing, dull claims but because, well, they just have to not believe it for reasons of tension. Or something.
"When you cannot solve this, or you begin to accept that you are not dealing with a man, call me. I won't even charge you."
Yep, that will do it.
Magic artefacts- the compass that instantly points in the direction of whoever he wants to find. Somehow. Except when it spins he knows they're no longer on earth. Makes sense.
He's got a nice car, though, I mean who wouldn't want an Audi A8. I wonder how autobiographical this is or maybe just wishful thinking.
Then he can't use his magic powers to stop himself being arrested because they would find something to charge him with if he caused them any harm at all. Er, yes, of course they would. But mainly because they weren't ready to see what he could do because, I'm guessing, it would be no fun if they all suddenly believed in magic and fell in with him.
A couple of chapters in and we're still waiting for something funny. We were promised something funny, I want something funny. Or at least an attempt at something funny.
Then another failure to demonstrate his magic at an entirely appropriate time and we're at the end of the free sample. With no desire to buy the rest of the book.
April 1, 2020
This is book 1 of A wizard in Bremen Part 1 in The Realm of False Gods. The story takes place in the German town of Bremen. This is the same town where the Brothers Grimm placed their fairy tale of "Town Musicians of Bremen”. Not that they have anything to do with each other, but it did stop me trying to figure out where I knew Bremen Germany from.
Everyone knows that magic isn’t real. Everyone, that is, except for those, like Otto, who have some supernatural powers. When odd events start happening in Bremen, Otto who’s a private detective and specializes in finding missing persons begins to look a little closer at what’s going on. Only when he does, those behind those odds events begin to look a little closer at Otto.
Of course, there’s a whole lot more that happens throughout this book and I’m definitely recommending that if you like Urban Fantasy, you need to read this book. And go ahead and get Book 2 Unleashed Magic while you at it. You’re going to want to dive right into that one as soon as you’ve finished this one.
Steve Higgs is a fantastic writer. He has the ability to keep the reader totally engrossed in the story and you just want more. And just wait, he’ll give it to you.
Everyone knows that magic isn’t real. Everyone, that is, except for those, like Otto, who have some supernatural powers. When odd events start happening in Bremen, Otto who’s a private detective and specializes in finding missing persons begins to look a little closer at what’s going on. Only when he does, those behind those odds events begin to look a little closer at Otto.
Of course, there’s a whole lot more that happens throughout this book and I’m definitely recommending that if you like Urban Fantasy, you need to read this book. And go ahead and get Book 2 Unleashed Magic while you at it. You’re going to want to dive right into that one as soon as you’ve finished this one.
Steve Higgs is a fantastic writer. He has the ability to keep the reader totally engrossed in the story and you just want more. And just wait, he’ll give it to you.
March 5, 2025
I came across this book when a friend saw it advertised as a new series for fans of Pratchett and asked me if I’d ever heard of it. Given our mutual love of Terry Pratchett was what bonded us in the first place, we were both intrigued. But I’m the one with a KU subcription and some time on my hands so i was the one to check it out.
This is nothing like Pratchett. Whoever decided to advertise it that way has clearly never read Discworld and possibly not even this book. This is much more along the lines of Jim Butcher (as others have said) and likening it to Pratchett (RIP) is frankly an insult to Pratchett’s name and vast body of work. This isn’t a bad book, it got a bit long toward the end when i just wanted it all to be over but I still read it and (most importantly) finished it.
But the writing style got to be a bit repetitive, it needed a nice clean up with a thorough edit and the lack of contractions when people spoke was really off putting. But the story wasn’t bad and it had some decent world building going for it.
Will i read the next one? Probably. But i think I’d have enjoyed this a lot more going in thinking Butcher and not Pratchett.
This is nothing like Pratchett. Whoever decided to advertise it that way has clearly never read Discworld and possibly not even this book. This is much more along the lines of Jim Butcher (as others have said) and likening it to Pratchett (RIP) is frankly an insult to Pratchett’s name and vast body of work. This isn’t a bad book, it got a bit long toward the end when i just wanted it all to be over but I still read it and (most importantly) finished it.
But the writing style got to be a bit repetitive, it needed a nice clean up with a thorough edit and the lack of contractions when people spoke was really off putting. But the story wasn’t bad and it had some decent world building going for it.
Will i read the next one? Probably. But i think I’d have enjoyed this a lot more going in thinking Butcher and not Pratchett.
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