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Wicklow College of Arcane Arts #2
The Revenge Game
Alice Henderson was a legend at Wicklow College long before she took a header three and a half stories from her apartment window to the sidewalk below.
Savanna Robinson has only been teaching at Wicklow College of the Arcane Arts for two months, and the body count is already alarming. Her friend, Kelly Grace, is ghost writing Alice’s memoir—filled with illicit affairs and covert espionage while working for the CIA. And upon her death, the CIA appears, demanding all of Alice’s papers and the half-written book. Then the International Council of Magical Practitioners gets involved. But Alice’s isn’t the last murder to cast its shadow on Wicklow.
Savanna Robinson has only been teaching at Wicklow College of the Arcane Arts for two months, and the body count is already alarming. Her friend, Kelly Grace, is ghost writing Alice’s memoir—filled with illicit affairs and covert espionage while working for the CIA. And upon her death, the CIA appears, demanding all of Alice’s papers and the half-written book. Then the International Council of Magical Practitioners gets involved. But Alice’s isn’t the last murder to cast its shadow on Wicklow.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2023
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
41 books957 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 18, 2023
Good second mystery in the series! This time, there's a surprise twist in the murder of a former CIA agent!
June 20, 2023
good
There’s another murder at Wicklow College, this time the victim is a former government agent who was working on her biography with Savanna’s friend Kelly.
When Kelly appears to be getting blamed for it, Savanna steps in to investigate, and it’s not long before the pool of suspects widens, and more deaths confuse the issues.
We discover a little more about Savanna again in this one, because she’s most definitely a secretive, dark horse type. We also get to spend a little more time with a different intriguing gentleman, which changes the potential romance landscape a little from book one, but not in a terrible way.
The world it is all set in is very intriguing, and I suspect it is the same world as some of the author’s other urban fantasy books, but it’s been a while since I read those, so I can’t be sure.
There’s a heaping helping of mystery, quite a bit of magic, and of course some action and adventure in this one, which combine to keep the reader engaged, and it ends with a definite hook that makes me hope that maybe, just maybe, we might get another book in this series soon!
An entertaining read, this is a good series for the urban fantasy fan who enjoys a mature heroine with secrets and a shadowy past.
There’s another murder at Wicklow College, this time the victim is a former government agent who was working on her biography with Savanna’s friend Kelly.
When Kelly appears to be getting blamed for it, Savanna steps in to investigate, and it’s not long before the pool of suspects widens, and more deaths confuse the issues.
We discover a little more about Savanna again in this one, because she’s most definitely a secretive, dark horse type. We also get to spend a little more time with a different intriguing gentleman, which changes the potential romance landscape a little from book one, but not in a terrible way.
The world it is all set in is very intriguing, and I suspect it is the same world as some of the author’s other urban fantasy books, but it’s been a while since I read those, so I can’t be sure.
There’s a heaping helping of mystery, quite a bit of magic, and of course some action and adventure in this one, which combine to keep the reader engaged, and it ends with a definite hook that makes me hope that maybe, just maybe, we might get another book in this series soon!
An entertaining read, this is a good series for the urban fantasy fan who enjoys a mature heroine with secrets and a shadowy past.
June 29, 2023
Big improvement on the first book.
This book showed a great improvement in character development, dialogue, and world building from the first book. The first book was the only book that I have read by this author that I found disappointing. The dialogue seemed stilted, the main character came off as pompous, and there were some plot holes that were confusing. There is none of that in this book. Here it's as though the author has hit her stride, is comfortable with the world she has created and its inhabitants. The story flows easily carrying the reader onward in this hard-to-put-down book. It is very enjoyable reading!
This book showed a great improvement in character development, dialogue, and world building from the first book. The first book was the only book that I have read by this author that I found disappointing. The dialogue seemed stilted, the main character came off as pompous, and there were some plot holes that were confusing. There is none of that in this book. Here it's as though the author has hit her stride, is comfortable with the world she has created and its inhabitants. The story flows easily carrying the reader onward in this hard-to-put-down book. It is very enjoyable reading!
June 18, 2023
A well crafted murder mystery with magical elements!
BR Kingsolver has to be one of, if not the best, writers of urban fantasy. This series, as are most of her works in this genre, is set in a world where magic is known and accepted. The MC is a teacher at a witches college with 2 doctorates who also is insatiably curious. So, when murders start piling up at the college and in the town of Wicklow, and her friend Kelly is targeted, she has a vested interest in solving the crimes.
BR Kingsolver has to be one of, if not the best, writers of urban fantasy. This series, as are most of her works in this genre, is set in a world where magic is known and accepted. The MC is a teacher at a witches college with 2 doctorates who also is insatiably curious. So, when murders start piling up at the college and in the town of Wicklow, and her friend Kelly is targeted, she has a vested interest in solving the crimes.
July 5, 2023
More twists than a cork screw!
Is this a murder mystery, a reveal of another CIA cock up, or Urban Fantasy tale? As usual with BR Kingsolver (BRK) the lead character, Dr. Robinson practitioner with power is sent headlong into another murder happening and she has been there less than a college year. Yet again as always the lead character is a strong independent female who can be harmful if pressed. From my experience it is better to reread the previous novel to refresh your brain cells as to who is who. Enjoy.
Is this a murder mystery, a reveal of another CIA cock up, or Urban Fantasy tale? As usual with BR Kingsolver (BRK) the lead character, Dr. Robinson practitioner with power is sent headlong into another murder happening and she has been there less than a college year. Yet again as always the lead character is a strong independent female who can be harmful if pressed. From my experience it is better to reread the previous novel to refresh your brain cells as to who is who. Enjoy.
June 16, 2023
Great mystery
This is a great series. I like how the world building is deftly mixed into the narrative and not crammed into two boring pages of nothing but facts. The mystery is the main part and the magic is really treated as part of the background. I thoroughly enjoyed bathe first book and the second did not disappoint.
I have read other stories by this author and enjoyed them as well.
This is a great series. I like how the world building is deftly mixed into the narrative and not crammed into two boring pages of nothing but facts. The mystery is the main part and the magic is really treated as part of the background. I thoroughly enjoyed bathe first book and the second did not disappoint.
I have read other stories by this author and enjoyed them as well.
June 20, 2023
Let’s do revisit gold ol’ Wicklow College.
I thoroughly enjoyed book one of this, now, series and was hoping for a sequel or more. The characters and world are fantastic and the mystery portion of the novel is a first rate thriller. That we have arcane arts and a supernatural world also is just icing on the cake. Savanah is a first rate professor and a wonderful detective aside from being a kick ass magic user. Can’t wait for more.
I thoroughly enjoyed book one of this, now, series and was hoping for a sequel or more. The characters and world are fantastic and the mystery portion of the novel is a first rate thriller. That we have arcane arts and a supernatural world also is just icing on the cake. Savanah is a first rate professor and a wonderful detective aside from being a kick ass magic user. Can’t wait for more.
September 9, 2024
This was okay. I liked the first book in the series a bit more, and this second book was fine. It was just nothing particularly special.
The characters were good, the story was fine and the magic world was also fine.
I liked it, I finished it, and as I got the audio book from my library for free I'm not going to complain about it. I wouldn't have paid to read this, but from the library it was a good way to help pass my daily commute.
The characters were good, the story was fine and the magic world was also fine.
I liked it, I finished it, and as I got the audio book from my library for free I'm not going to complain about it. I wouldn't have paid to read this, but from the library it was a good way to help pass my daily commute.
June 12, 2023
Most enjoyable.
A good sequel to The Gambler Grimoire. A dead professor with CIA ties brings a number of people with ties to her past to Wicklow.
There some interesting hints of history that diverges from our timeline and a few hints about Savannah past.
I look forward to another sequel.
A good sequel to The Gambler Grimoire. A dead professor with CIA ties brings a number of people with ties to her past to Wicklow.
There some interesting hints of history that diverges from our timeline and a few hints about Savannah past.
I look forward to another sequel.
June 12, 2023
Very good read. Enjoyable sequel to the first book. Characters are getting better defined, especially Savanna. Seems she can be either very good or very scary. Good story line. While the CIA was part of the plot, the main focus was on South America. Liked the way the story ended. Let’s see how that develops. Highly recommended.
June 13, 2023
always a great story
I really enjoy everything that BR Kingsolver writes. The world building and characters are mostly done, the storyline and dialogue, entertaining, and I always know I’m going to enjoy my time with the story. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I really enjoy everything that BR Kingsolver writes. The world building and characters are mostly done, the storyline and dialogue, entertaining, and I always know I’m going to enjoy my time with the story. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
June 13, 2023
This was such a fun read
I had a great time with this book. Lots of baddies, but also lots of confusion about who did what. The dialogue was well-written, the meals sounded scrumptious, a hint of danger and a murder to solve. Glorious! I very much enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in this world.
I had a great time with this book. Lots of baddies, but also lots of confusion about who did what. The dialogue was well-written, the meals sounded scrumptious, a hint of danger and a murder to solve. Glorious! I very much enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more in this world.
June 14, 2023
Magic, mystery and politics
Interesting murder mystery number 2 at a private college for magic users. Kingsolver has a gift for characters and there are a lot of them. Overall, the mysteries end up being pretty straight forward but the book is still an enjoyable, ranbling read.
Interesting murder mystery number 2 at a private college for magic users. Kingsolver has a gift for characters and there are a lot of them. Overall, the mysteries end up being pretty straight forward but the book is still an enjoyable, ranbling read.
June 15, 2023
fun series
I really enjoy this author’s work. The stories are engaging and the characters are appealing. I appreciate that this author has her work properly edited to avoid obvious word processing errors and irritating grammar mistakes. The books are easy to read because they are well-written.
I really enjoy this author’s work. The stories are engaging and the characters are appealing. I appreciate that this author has her work properly edited to avoid obvious word processing errors and irritating grammar mistakes. The books are easy to read because they are well-written.
June 18, 2023
4.5*
The best parts of this series are the mysteries.
I like the MC, but I was hoping for more personality development for her in this second entry and it mostly didn’t happen. On the other hand, the mystery in this book is wonderfully complex and its resolution suitably satisfying.
The best parts of this series are the mysteries.
I like the MC, but I was hoping for more personality development for her in this second entry and it mostly didn’t happen. On the other hand, the mystery in this book is wonderfully complex and its resolution suitably satisfying.
July 1, 2023
Kingsolver is a routinely good author to follow. Solid Book 2 in the series. I found it better set up and involved more main character development as well as more information about Savanna's powers and abilities. A little bit of romance - very subtle as well as a bit of a surprise with the solution to the murders.
July 6, 2023
the pieces of the puzzle…
I have read a multitude of Kingsolver books. I kept
Shuffling all of the characters, drama, fact, and assumptions with this story, it just never felt balanced. It wasn’t exciting. The magic was dim.
Hopefully it’s a fact presentation toward the next book in the series. Everybody needs a crazy mother.
I have read a multitude of Kingsolver books. I kept
Shuffling all of the characters, drama, fact, and assumptions with this story, it just never felt balanced. It wasn’t exciting. The magic was dim.
Hopefully it’s a fact presentation toward the next book in the series. Everybody needs a crazy mother.
July 15, 2023
excellent whodunnit
Lots of plot twists and excitement in this second book of what I hope becomes a long series. Along with the mystery there are background bits of world building that make this urban fantasy stand out in the genre. Enjoyed every moment of reading this, and glad I had time free to finish it without having to wait.
Lots of plot twists and excitement in this second book of what I hope becomes a long series. Along with the mystery there are background bits of world building that make this urban fantasy stand out in the genre. Enjoyed every moment of reading this, and glad I had time free to finish it without having to wait.
August 27, 2023
A winner
I put off reading this although I had pre-ordered it and received on date of publication. Maybe I was trying to hoard the experience. Anyway, I read it cover to cover in less than a day once I started. This book kept me engaged with characters and plot. I’m very much hoping we get to meet the heroine’s mother in the next book.
I put off reading this although I had pre-ordered it and received on date of publication. Maybe I was trying to hoard the experience. Anyway, I read it cover to cover in less than a day once I started. This book kept me engaged with characters and plot. I’m very much hoping we get to meet the heroine’s mother in the next book.
September 14, 2024
The Revenge Game
An excellent magical mystery. Savannah a college professor at a magical college gets tangled up in a murder of a retired professor and spy. Her book notes causing causing great alarm in the CIA, and now higher ups. It is a great read. Looking forward to more books by this author.
An excellent magical mystery. Savannah a college professor at a magical college gets tangled up in a murder of a retired professor and spy. Her book notes causing causing great alarm in the CIA, and now higher ups. It is a great read. Looking forward to more books by this author.
September 25, 2024
could barely put it down to sleep
Typical of BR Kingsolvers work, I had a hard time closing the book to sleep, do actual work, etc. the story really pulls you in and you need to find out what will happen next. Love her kick ass heroines who are smart, funny, successful and still feminine.
Typical of BR Kingsolvers work, I had a hard time closing the book to sleep, do actual work, etc. the story really pulls you in and you need to find out what will happen next. Love her kick ass heroines who are smart, funny, successful and still feminine.
November 22, 2024
Nice easy read
BR 's books are always enjoyable. A nice easy read. Nothing too deep or sneaky. We know who the good guys and the bad guys are. But the characters are likeable. The dialog is fun.
Great to read when you just want to relax and enjoy some time in a more interesting world with more interesting people.
BR 's books are always enjoyable. A nice easy read. Nothing too deep or sneaky. We know who the good guys and the bad guys are. But the characters are likeable. The dialog is fun.
Great to read when you just want to relax and enjoy some time in a more interesting world with more interesting people.
June 11, 2023
A fun ride with lots of twists and turns
A great book. It's well written and fun. The twists and turns worked. I would highly recommend.
The characters stayed true to themselves and to their world.
A great book. It's well written and fun. The twists and turns worked. I would highly recommend.
The characters stayed true to themselves and to their world.
June 13, 2023
A murder mystery with tons of twists
The second novel in this series does not disappoint. I love the way that BR Kingsolver blends a good murder conspiracy with a magic. The magic adds to the how, why, and what. The murder mystery is well developed as well.
The second novel in this series does not disappoint. I love the way that BR Kingsolver blends a good murder conspiracy with a magic. The magic adds to the how, why, and what. The murder mystery is well developed as well.
June 13, 2023
Good as the first
Just as good as the first. The author eviserates the tropes while telling a fun cosy mystery. I love the characters and the hints of the alternative world they live in.
Just as good as the first. The author eviserates the tropes while telling a fun cosy mystery. I love the characters and the hints of the alternative world they live in.
June 15, 2023
This one is actually the sequel to The Gambler Grimoire, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Still maybe not as much as the Rosie O'Grady series, but still a very good read. Even better than the first one.
Definitely can recommend this one.
Definitely can recommend this one.
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June 17, 2023Great
I love B.R. Kingsolvers books whether it is college professor or a bartender or a grey witch. Every book I have read of hers have been very well written and full of adventure . I am looking forward to the next book.
I love B.R. Kingsolvers books whether it is college professor or a bartender or a grey witch. Every book I have read of hers have been very well written and full of adventure . I am looking forward to the next book.
June 22, 2023
Term-Time Murder—with witches and the CIA
Another gripping mystery by BR Kingsolver, who usually writes fantasy. But she is superb at traditional mystery, with an accomplished professor-detective-witch. A great read.
Another gripping mystery by BR Kingsolver, who usually writes fantasy. But she is superb at traditional mystery, with an accomplished professor-detective-witch. A great read.
July 13, 2023
Good series
I am enjoying this series. Main character is a professor at a magical college, and no its not like Harry Potter. Enjoyed the mystery, and characters are well written. Would recommend this series.
I am enjoying this series. Main character is a professor at a magical college, and no its not like Harry Potter. Enjoyed the mystery, and characters are well written. Would recommend this series.
September 25, 2023
Great reading
I'm really excited about the next book. Enjoyed book 2 immensely. Love the characters and the story was puzzling and fun to decipher. Can't wait to read the next installment.
I'm really excited about the next book. Enjoyed book 2 immensely. Love the characters and the story was puzzling and fun to decipher. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews