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Magic for Hire #2

Ancient Magic

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Return to bestselling author Alexandra Ivy’s new Magic for Hire series, where the witches of a small New Jersey bookstore discover a secret dormant for centuries—and one woman unlocks the passion of a solitary heart . . .

The Vampire Cabal meets only under the direst circumstances. But since Skye Claremont’s coven proved wild magic has returned, the cabal has gathered in New York City to decide the fate of the powerful mages.

Skye doubts her oracular powers can help. After ten years indentured to a demon gang, paying off her father’s gambling debts with visions, her freedom has come despite her weak abilities, not because of them. But when her father sends a text to demand a meeting, she doesn’t need to read the future to know trouble will follow.

The demons want her to kidnap Micha, the reclusive, fearsome leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal. As if a low-voltage witch like her could succeed. But when Skye looks into Micha’s eyes, she sees certain doom if she doesn’t take him to their stronghold after all. Spellbound more by beauty and intrigue than magic, the vampire follows her into the dark of a demon cell. When the door slams behind them, they’ll have to unravel the tangled threads of prophecy and politics that make the way forward immeasurably dangerous. But it’s desire that could undo them both . . .

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2024

148 people are currently reading
3311 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra Ivy

141 books5,181 followers
I'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.

Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!

I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.

--From authors website--

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for PamG.
1,302 reviews1,042 followers
July 13, 2024
What an enchanting world Alexandra Ivy has created in the Magic for Hire series. Book two is Ancient Magic and features Skye Claremont and Micha. Urban fantasy, a mystery, a kidnapping, and a paranormal romance are combined into an enthralling storyline. The Vampire Cabal are investigating Skye’s friend Peri to determine whether she is a threat to vampires. However, someone is trying for a power grab.

Skye is a mage who has visions and whose father indentured her when she was young to pay off his gambling debts. When he returns and asks her to meet him, it turns into a trap. However, a vision tells her Micha must be kidnapped as her father’s debtholders desire.

Both Skye and Micha are well-defined characters with depth. A byproduct of Skye’s magic is that she can sense emotions which can be overwhelming at times. She tends to hide her emotions, has a rigid sense of integrity, is intelligent, courageous, stubborn, and has a high degree of curiosity. Micha is a scholar at heart. He’s self-controlled, stubborn, plans meticulously, and can be arrogant at times.

Action, suspense, and drama immediately pull readers into the story, which is well-written. The plot is twisty and flows well. There is the right amount of mystery, romance and creative twists to the paranormal to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. The descriptive writing doesn’t slow the pace, but enhances the reader’s experience. The world-building is excellent except I wanted to know more about the Gyre. Themes include trust, instant romance, betrayal, fear, greed, murder, kidnapping, found family, ruthless ambition, and much more.

Overall, this is a fast-paced and entertaining tale with great characterization and plenty of action that kept me engaged throughout the story. Whose story will be next?

Kensington Publishing – Lyrical Press and Alexandra Ivy provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 23, 2024.
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My 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
February 7, 2025
A politically-fraught meeting of powerful vampire rulers and a seer who envisions a fiery future if an insidious plot isn’t stopped. Alexandra Ivy continues to write stellar paranormal romance in an exciting, engaging new world full of all sorts of powerful supernaturals.

Ancient Magic is the second Magic for Hire entry and tells the sweet, generous-hearted seer mage, Skye’s romance story. It can standalone to some extent, but works best following Wild Magic when all the primary characters were introduced.

Skye’s a cursed gift at best and lesser in her eyes to her friends’ Maya and Peri’s abilities. Her own father sold her to a demon gang and she had to work off his debt. However, since being taken in by Maya and having a found family of sisters with her and Peri, Skye’s life has turned around.
Things are well until the Vampire Cabal reps come to NYC to look over Peri’s wild magic power and determine if she’s a threat. Suddenly Skye is getting a doom and gloom forecasting and she can’t keep her thoughts off the attractive vampire, Micha, from New Orleans. But then someone goes and kidnaps them and she sees that there are plots within plots going on. It will take all the mages working with the vamps to keep the end of the world at bay.

Skye and Micha’s early attraction brings them together on an adventure, but I was glad that it was also the slower burn sort since there really is so much going on. While this is Skye’s book, the narrative does flip to other characters like Maya, Peri, and Valen getting page time when events in the investigation proceed away from Skye and Micha.

I enjoyed their sexy sort of friends to lovers romance paired with the twists and turns of the supernatural action going on around and with them at the center. The drama is exterior and there is little conflict for this pair in their romance. Skye sees herself poorly and Micha works to show her that she is much more than she believes. Maya’s role was bigger in this latest and now I can’t wait for the vampire-hating lead mage to get her story.

Definitely recommend to those who enjoy old-school paranormal romance style.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 1.29.25.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,131 reviews85 followers
July 12, 2024
I was so happy to be back in the author’s newest series. I just loved Peri’s book, so I was sure I’d love this latest with Skye. She’s a very sweet character full of backbone and not to be trifled with. Add in the loner Micha, and this is a wild ride. I just enjoyed this so much. I’m also really looking forward to the next book with Maya, and I’m sure it’ll be really explosive considering how feisty she is. LOL! Very well-written, wonderful characters, and an action-packed adventure sure to please fans of this series as it did me. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,951 reviews63 followers
April 29, 2024
Ancient Magic🪄

I was completely bewitched with this story, which is the second book in the Magic for Hire series by A. Ivy. Skye is the main female character of this tale, whom we met in the previous book, and is friends with Peri and another mage, Maya🧙‍♀️

Peri’s magic has become a concern for the Cabal, the four ruling vampires and a couple of them have been sent to investigate whether they think she is a threat to them. Throwing a welcome party of sorts, Peri invites Skye to attend. An instant connection is formed when Skye and Micha see each other for the first time at the party. But being a mage as well as a seer, soon finds Skye in a tad of trouble when her past comes back to bite her and a little later a vision, which endangers everything they know and love. Her and Micha will have to stick together and fight to prevent her vision from coming to fruition😳

As mentioned a fantastic story which kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible❣️I can’t wait for the next book and I’m hoping to learn a bit more about Maya and their mysterious “Joe” who hangs around the Witches Brew.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy, for which I willingly leave my honest opinion❤️
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,421 reviews72 followers
Read
April 27, 2024
Title: Ancient Magic by Alexandra Ivy

Release Date: April, 23rd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


"Ancient Magic" by Alexandra Ivy is a captivating blend of romance and fantasy that will enchant readers from start to finish.

Set in a world where magic and mystery intertwine, the story follows Skye Claremont, a low-voltage witch burdened by her past indenturement to a demon gang.

As Skye navigates the dangerous politics of the supernatural world, she is tasked with a mission that seems impossible: kidnapping Micha, the formidable leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal.

The Vampire Cabal convenes only in dire circumstances, and with the resurgence of wild magic proven by Skye Claremont's coven, they gather in New York City to determine the fate of powerful mages.

As Skye and Micha embark on their perilous journey together, they find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways.The chemistry between Skye and Micha is palpable, and their journey is filled with twists and turns left me engaged.

This is a thrilling and immersive read that will appeal to fans Romantasy. With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and pulse-pounding plot, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.


Thank you to The Publisher Kensington Publishing | Lyrical Press , The Author Alexandra Ivy& NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for ꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂.
916 reviews33 followers
February 27, 2025
I am so disappointed. The way this book was written seems like it was by a completely different author. It is so godawful boring with THE MOST cookie cutter cutout MarySue FC. I had to go back and check if it was a new author. 😢 it isn’t. The whole setup of this girl going out in the rain in her cute little sundress to give muffins to the (not so homeless) homeless had me cringing so damn hard 🤦‍♀️ my god. I guess it’s supposed to reeealllyyyy emphasize the badness of the vampire guy. Damian? Lucifer? Richard? Who the fuck cares - I sure as hell don’t. Probably something super cringy like the best friend who is super tough and totally not getting setup for the next book and that other vampire.

Baddie MC with a goodie two shoes FC. Tale as old as time…. Or at least until the trope got completely obliterated by TikTok authors with a free subscription to ChatGBT (is it GHT? GPT? GOT? I never can remember and if u look at past reviews you’ll probably see lots of variations because I’m genuinely confused lol). Now I’m just tired of this overly used trope.

Anyways…. Very Sad. 😞

I listened on audible and the narrators voice of anyone with a 🍆 was atrocious so that really didn’t help the level of pure cringe 😬
3,125 reviews
July 23, 2024
Skye is a mage and seer who lives at the Witch’s Brew, a coffee shop, bookstore, and magic store. She was a slave for demons for ten years to pay off her father’s debts. Then he shows up and wants her help but she turns him down. Some demons kidnap her friend Clarissa, she’s forced to help them. She must get a demon into Valen, her best friends mate, lair. They are there to kidnap a very powerful vampire, Micha.
Micha is one of the powerful Cabal’s and is in town to help determine if Peri, Skye’s friend and Valen’s mate, is dangerous. When Skye shows up in his rooms with two other men, Micha knows there is trouble. Skye touches Micha and sees the future and it’s one that destroys the world.
Together Skye and Micha must stop a crazed demon and figure out who has betrayed the Cabal and all vampires. The connection between the two gets stronger and Micha has found his mate.

Great story. Action. Vampires. Witches. Micha is almost a recluse. Skye is a beautiful woman with magical powers. The chemistry between them is off the charts.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *
2,342 reviews85 followers
July 23, 2024
GENERAL INFO

Ancient Magic- Magic for Hire #2

Publication: 7-23-24, Read 7-23-24

Format: eBook, 325 pages

Source:  Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Press for this ARC💜 !  I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Setting: starts in New Jersey

Genre: urban fantasy, romance, mystery

Tropes: vampires/demons/witches

HEA/HFN ending: HFN

Epilogue Included: yes, setup for Maya's book

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Skye Claremont's friend and fortune teller Clarissa has been kidnapped by Lynx, a fairy. He blackmails her into capturing Micha-the recluse leader of the New Orleans vampire cabal. When Skye touches him she has a vision that he will die if he's not taken to Lynx's dungeon. Valen and Peri rule the NY Magic Gyre but someone is on a smear campaign to make the cabal believe Peri is too dangerous to be his mate. Following Lynx, Skye and Micha discover a bigger plot to end the world.

Amount of Sex In The Book: kissing and 1 sex scene in the last chapter

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Heroine: Skye Claremont-27, works at the Witches Brew in NJ. A seer who has visions of the future. Her father Howard's gambling debts made her an indentured servant to demons for 10 years. Now 15 years later, he contacts her to meet up which is just a setup with Lynx.

Hero: Micha-leader of the New Orleans cabal, loves books, more of a scholar than fighter. When he meets Skye and she has a vision about him, he vows to stick by her and protect her.

Side Characters: Peri and Valen-mated couple rule NY Gyre where someone wants to take his leadership; Joe-a mysterious figure who hangs around the Witch's Brew warn them as they are assigned tasks to complete from "The Benefactor" who protects them; Lynx-a fairy out to get an ancient sword "Tempest" to destroy vampires and control the world; Kane- vampire who tried to take Valen's territory.

H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO

OW/OM/Exes: n/a

AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Alexander Ivy- read Wild Magic and gave 4⭐

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 3 ⭐⭐⭐

Do You Recommend This Book: maybe

Will You Re-read This Book: no

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES: I wanted much more interaction between Skye and Micha. They were always on a mission being manipulated by Lynx. I enjoyed him more than the couple because he was mysterious, showed power, even though he was arrogant. Kane was another villain that I liked more than the main couple. He had a plan to overthrow Valen and had some depth to him. The Valen/Peri story featured Kane and Ambassador Azar (the big bad) which I didn't mind because it connected to Skye and Micha's journey. I was a little disappointed because I expected this book to match or exceed Wild Magic, and it just didn't. I still plan to read Maya's book Eternal Magic.
482 reviews17 followers
June 4, 2024
Ancient Magic is a story of betrayal and love. Contradictions sure but those two words suit this story of magic. The betrayal and the love go hand in hand as Skye’s love for her friends is weaponized to make her a pawn allowing for a great betrayal. Actually, I lied. This book is a story of power and the quest for it and how love can stop it. Both statements are true, but both are only a shadow of the tension in this story as Skye and Micha fall in love and fight to save both Gyres and the world. Skye, a semi powerful witch, at the beginning of the story sees herself as little more than a seer and a friend. As the story unfolds and her feelings for Micha strengths, she grows as a person and as a magic user coming into her own. Micha is the perfect mate for Skye. He is a strong and powerful vampire who doesn’t need to pound his chest and scream from the rooftops that he is strong. His strength comes from his magic but also from his knowledge and in that Skye matches him. That makes him the perfect alpha hero to stand beside a mage who thought her powers limited.
Betrayals run rampant throughout the story with demons seeking to weaponize the love. Valen and Peri from book 1 rule the New York Magic Gyre and together they face a threat both obvious and hidden. The hidden threat includes a low-level demon from Valen’s territory trying to make Peri look evil to overthrow them. More betrayal.
We also have plenty of action both of the mundane and the magical kind including the magic behind closed doors. Lynx, one of the villains, in this story was a bit of a contradiction. He wanted us to believe he was powerful and behind everything happening while he continued his quest for power, but I always felt like someone else was the puppet master. I won’t spoil that answer for you.
This book is well worth the read if you want to see magic conquer darkness and evil and what better magic to include than they magic of two hearts becoming one. I am curious about who will be the leading man in Maya’s story – another vampire from the Cabal like Gabriel, Joe who is not what he seems, the Benefactor or another hot guy. Guess I will have to wait until the next book for her happily ever after. For now, I am satisfied with another of the Witch’s Brew ladies getting theirs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Les Romantiques.
575 reviews21 followers
July 27, 2024
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ancient Magic is the second book in Alexandra Ivy's new series, Magic for Hire. My review of the first book can be found here : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The story picks up some time after the end of the first book and features Skye Claremont and Micha. It follows directly from the first book because, due to the ending of the previous one (which I won’t discuss here to avoid spoilers for readers who haven’t discovered it yet), an investigation must be conducted into Peri, our previous heroine.
To do this, several members of the Cabal visit Valen (our former hero), including Micha. Skye also goes to Peri’s place to support her. This is how our current heroes meet.
Micha is the first to see her and it can be said that he falls in love with her at first sight. He follows her when she isolates herself for a moment and this is how their story begins.
Very quickly, they are caught up in an adventure that is beyond them, notably with the "kidnapping" of the hero with the involuntary complicity of the heroine. At stake: avoiding the destruction of the world.
The summary is a bit clearer than the previous one but still vague, and I admit that I had a hard time starting the book because I was worried about how the heroine would possibly betray the hero. Note to self: continue to trust Alexandra Ivy. Lol

Lots of action, twists, and revelations pace this book. There are also several points of view: our heroes, but also Valen and Maya Rosen, the one who launched Witch’s Brew, the literary café where Peri and Skye work, and who will be the heroine of the last book (Eternal Magic, scheduled for 2025) and who absolutely hates vampires. I can’t wait to see what Alexandra has in store for her.

I won’t say more about Ancient Magic. You can read the novel on its own but I recommend reading the first one beforehand. Anyway, it’s not like there are 10 volumes to discover, is it?
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,257 reviews206 followers
July 17, 2024
ANCIENT MAGIC is the second instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s contemporary, adult MAGIC FOR HIRE paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is mage Skye Claremont, and vampire Micha’s story line. ANCIENT MAGIC can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Skye and Micha, ANCIENT MAGIC follows in the wake of another betrayal. Skye Claremont is a mage and as such was once imprisoned by a demon gang but trust came at a cost, and betrayal was once again threatening our story line heroine. Enter vampire Micha, who suspects all is not well with our story line heroine. An ancient fable has attracted the attention of the demons and vampires, and Skye may become a victim of someone else’s greed. As Skye and Micha find themselves searching for the truth, someone else is waiting to take everyone down.

The world building is detailed and complex. The reader is pulled into a world of ancients vying for control, and the possible of the rise of a once powerful being.

The slow building relationship between Micha and Skye is threatened by Skye’s inability to believe in herself, or in the idea that someone like Micha would be interested. As Micha’s need to protect continues to grow, our couple will work together to uncover the truth. The lone $ex scene is passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting supernatural characters: demons, fae, vampires, mage, and a couple of unknowns. We are reintroduced to Skye’s friends and ‘sisters’ Peri (Valen), Maya, and Joe, someone who is not quite whom he appears to be.

ANCIENT MAGIC is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and determination, ancients and magic, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is meticulous and engaging; the characters are determined, powerful and charismatic; the romance is subtle.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Carol.
1,232 reviews
August 11, 2025
3.5 Stars

Well I certainly liked this one better than the first book. Overall the story being told was just more interesting imo.

I liked Skye and I liked Micha.

What I haven't enjoyed about this series is the lazy romance vibes. The first book carried basically none at all and felt like an after thought, where this one carried strong "fated mates" vibes where they had some predestined bond upon meeting.

But here's the thing, the author never at any point in these first two books attempts to explain if these women are in fact the destined mates of these ancient vampires. Valen alluded to it, but never outright said as much but his feelings leaned heavily in that direction. Where as Micha basically admitted she was his mate outright with his thoughts and feelings. Yet, it bothered me so much that it was never clarified whether these vampires had destined mates and if these women were said mates to these men. Why hint at it or allude to some grand pull or bond to another person and not outright use the explanation or title of mate? It made no sense to me.

And tbh these books would be absolutely just fine without the afterthought sex scene at the very end. Book one did it, and so did this one. This one atleast built a little more of a bond between the MCs so it did feel as if Micha and Skye had feelings for one another (but still a bit ridiculous if they're not mates because it was absurdly quick with no real reason for any feelings) so their romance was a little more fulfilling. Which is why the last chapter sex scene feels useless and lame. I skimmed it just like the first book because by this point it has no purpose but to cement a relationship that already felt permanent by both MCs already.

But whatever. The surrounding plot and mystery characters are still a bit intriguing. I'm not much interested in Maya though so I might wrap this series up soon. For now I'm in no rush to read another book by this author.
Profile Image for Rolé - Hooked By That Book.
748 reviews25 followers
July 30, 2024


A kidnapping and a very cunning puzzle to solve form a thrilling backdrop to this action-packed fantasy romance.

We were immersed a little bit more in detail into this world of vampires, demons, witches, and more, but new players were also introduced and some of the history of this realm was revealed.
Micha and Skye were both quiet souls, going about their business without fanfare. They fit together quite well as a couple. Their chemistry was also more subdued, but no less powerful. Between the two of them they had more than enough determination and courage to see this threat stopped at all costs.

The author very cleverly hid the identity of the true villain in plain sight. Nail-biting action accompanied our heroes on this twisty quest to save the world from sure destruction. There were some vague but intriguing revelations about Maya’s mysterious Benefactor, and I can’t wait to find out more.

This is a fascinating series if you like fantasy romance. It’s best to read the books in order.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Adaiah.
183 reviews15 followers
July 25, 2024

Great plot twist and villians!

Skye Claremont, a seer and her mage sisters have drawn the attention of the Vampire Cabal because of an assumed threat to their power base. Several members from the Vampire Cabal arrive in New York to observe Valen, the brutally strong vampire and Peri, his powerful mage mate that can bring forth wild magic which is only equal to a dragons.

Someone's trying to undermine Valen's position by using Peri, and her power against him. Demons force Skye to get them inside Valen's lair by threatening a friend. Skye isn't worried because she plans on stopping them with magic. But things go wrong as Skye realizes that the Demons are after vampire Micha who rules New Orleans and the territories, and she's been setup as kidnapper and traitor. Micha decides to let the demons capture him so he can find out why they want the treaty between vampires, demons and dragons ended.

Plot within plots are reveled as well as who is really behind the political power play among the species. Micha and Skye work together to stop what's coming before it's to late for the entire world. Mica hasn't waited 1500 yrs. to find his mate to loose her to those that have gone mad in their thirst for power.
418 reviews
July 14, 2024
Ivy brings a slow burn romance filled with intrigue, mystery and magic. While both MC may like the to retreat to quiet shadows for their own reasons, both are more than they appear -- there's quick intelligence, observant, and persistent hidden behind the surface, all of which are needed to uncover the hidden enemy that has thrown them into danger and possibly put the world at risk as well. Micha is a nice break from the over the top, in your face, alpha hero (he's a very much "top-dog", just a more subtle, sneaky quiet version) and it's enjoyable to watch Sky keep him on his toes. We also continue to learn about the world the author has created for this series as the MC's friends (coven & cabal) work to uncover what happened to the MCs as well. Ivy balances humor and action through the story to keep a the plot moving at an entertaining pace. While this best read in conjunction with the 1st book, it is able to stand on it's own as well. The story comes to a satisfying ending, though some curiosity and anticipation is left for what's next.
3.5-4*s

ARC courtesy of Net Galley in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Profile Image for Erika | ErikasLiteraryLabryinth.
197 reviews28 followers
June 16, 2024
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


She’s done it again, I absolutely loved this book! Returning to the same world as Wild Magic, we get a different love story from Skye, a bubbly seer who has had trauma from being enslaved by demons and has risen above it and the vampire leader Mischa, who prefers solitude and books to the presence of others and channels some extraordinary power. Watch as they fall in love, all while preventing a Fairy from releasing dragons from their hibernation and bathing the world in fire. No biggie.

These books are super addicting and easy to read! I love how the characters feel fleshed out and you can tell the trauma of their backstory with it being forced down your throat. I wouldn’t really consider this a slow burn either. But when reading it I also didn’t think it was crazy fast, it fit the pace of the story. I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the third one. I already have my guess on who it’s going to be about!
Profile Image for LeeAnn.
1,821 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2024
"...while her magic might be amped by the power that hummed in the air and thundered beneath her feet, she had no desire to be the slave of a vampire. Or a demon. Not again."

This series has it all, fantasy lovers! Witches and mages and demons and vampires and dragons! I read the first book kind of by accident last year, and I knew I had to grab the NetGalley of book 2!

I was not disappointed! Thriller & romance collide in a magical - vaguely realistic - world with vibrant (and morally grey) characters. In fact, I probably enjoyed this one a bit more than book 1.

Let me just say, Micha's library puts The Beast's library to shame. "She turned in a slow circle, thoroughly enchanted. There had to be thousands of leather-bound books. Most of them so old the bindings would no doubt have crumbled to dust if the climate in the cavern wasn't carefully controlled."

"When you said you had a library, I had no idea it would be this."

Same, Skye. Same.
Profile Image for Kate.
215 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐️

Ancient Magic follows the main POV of Skye (one of Peri’s friends and mage from the Witch’s Brew). When four lead vampires of the Cabel come to New York to see if Peri is a threat to their power she enlists her friends for help. At the dinner party Peri invites Skye to she catches the eye of Micha (the head of the Cabal in New Orleans). After the party Skye gets forced into a scheme that could take Valen and Micha down.

Vampires, Mages, and Dragons! I could not put this book down. I was entranced from the very beginning. Literally on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. The slow burn romance is *chefs kiss*. There is adventure, mystery, and magic (what more could you ask for?)! The ending blew my mind! I adore this series so much! I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens !
99 reviews
June 23, 2024
Book 2 in the Magic for Hire series centers around Skye. After the events in book 1, where Peri's wild magic is unlocked, the vampire cabal meets at Valen's building to discuss the implications and events that have been popping up. Skye gets caught up in a plot that puts her in a sticky situation with the New Orleans vampire cabal leader Micha, who is attending the cabal meetings. To uncover the larger conspiracy and save the world, Micha and Skye must work together, while fighting their desire for each other. I enjoyed following Skye's story, there were a few twists that I did not expect. I also liked that we got to still see Peri and Valen in this book. Looking forward to reading Maya's story. Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessie.
42 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2024
3.25 stars

I feel like I got a little whiplash from this book. I did enjoy it yes but I feel like it left me wishing for more.

This story follows Skye through a mysterious adventure to protect an unexpected love interest and save the world.

I love seeing the three mages back on their shenanigans. I enjoyed more slow build on Joe from the last book. I still have many questions and theories about him.

The romance for me was confusing to say the least. It started like a good slow burn, embers in a fire, both attracted and fearing the unusual pairing. Then all the sudden it was as if someone doused the fire with lighter fluid and they’re kissing and professing their love to each other.

I love a good betrayal and this one did surprise me I loved that! I’m excited for more from this series!
207 reviews
March 12, 2025
Alert: This review has spoilers!

Ivy continues the story of three mages running a coffee shop by now following Skye, the youngest of the three. In this sequel, we learn how things work out for Peri & Valen. Peri is viewed as a threat against Valen's organization. Skye trying to be supportive of her friend and her new relationship, ends up being kidnapped, along with Micha, another member of Valen's organization. The kidnapping is a plot to destroy Valen's position and his relationship with Peri. Yet, it manages to build a relationship between Skye & Micha as well as prove Peri's value to the organization. This was a great book. There was so much revealed and still so much more unknown. Cannot wait to read part three to see how Ivy manages to wrap up this wonderful trilogy of sisterhood and romance.
Profile Image for claudia reads it all.
608 reviews11 followers
May 26, 2024
If there is a word for this series, it is "serviceable".

None of the characters are original or compelling, the tropes and plot devices are the same as in most fantasy books - witches vs vampires, fated mates, beauty and the beast (library included), etc.

Following the events in Wild Magic, we follow Skye, one of the witches who has a troubled past, having been indentured to demons for a decade. She meets Micha, the leader of the New Orleans vampires, whom she must take to Valen, the MMC from the previous book. They must, of course, work together so that the future Skye has foreseen does not come to pass.

This might be a good start for someone who has never read fantasy, but this is it for me and this series.
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,232 reviews
June 28, 2024
Loved this second book of the series! Bok one laid the groundwork and now this one takes us on a wild cross county romp. Skye and Micha are perfect for each other, once they let down their barriers about each others race.

We see some familiar faces in New York and then the bad guys take over and we learn a whole lot more about the paranormal world these characters live in. Lots of tension. Some mystery and intrigue. Love how the vampires ultimately rallied to help one of their own.

Great addition to the series! Looking forward to the 3rd book.

Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dani.
51 reviews
August 22, 2024
A delightful bite of magic

This book was a delightful bite of magic that incorporates the balance of what I would call different breeds in the fantasy realm to include mages, vampires, demons, dragons, and some oddball people. I love Alexandra's natural ability to transition well between characters and scenes, makes it easy to follow and understand all components of her book. While this book was focused on a character from a previous book, it did not take away from any of the characters from the beginning. In fact the author does an amazing job with her writing, that as the reader you feel present with all characters at all times.
Profile Image for Sarah Johnson.
309 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2024
Really great Urban Romance. It’s filled with adventure and backstabbing and a whole lot of who-dun-nit. I was kept guessing throughout the book on a number of things.

The romance was pretty low. It was mostly a partnership that evolved. Don’t get me wrong. There are sparks, it just takes a while to build.

All in all, if you like vampires, witches and fae with a dash of mystery, and some low key spice then this book is for you. I definitely recommend.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, Jul 23 2024, to post to retailers.
Profile Image for Cc.
1,228 reviews153 followers
Read
July 29, 2024
2.5 rounded up to 3 ⭐️'s

Needed editing, better plotting and actual showing not telling. If you get to the part where she smells lily's and then 2 pages later it's lilacs, you'll understand what I mean. Also, in the middle of the world "burning down" they stop to dance (literally on air) in his lair (that rhymed!! I'm a poet and didn't know it, lol, cheezy, I know, I know) and he utters this line "I suspected you were an angel from the moment I saw you". The cheeeez oooozzed. I hate oozing cheese. Despise it. KU
Profile Image for Donita Jones.
1,313 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2024
ANCIENT MAGIC (Magic for Hire book 2) by Alexandra Ivy
This is the second book of the new paranormal series by Ms Ivy.
Once again, she has a strong well written start with Valen, the vampire and Peri who is a mage. She was 16 before she came into her power, fleeing her home when she realized her mother was trying to kill her to absorb her power. Valen is in charge of the Gyre. When all the witches in her previous coven are dead including her mother, Peri goes investigating and Valen goes with her. This is 4 stars.
Profile Image for Mg Meredith.
511 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2024
Ancient Magic is a nice addition to this series filled with a quirky entertaining cast of supernatural characters each with their own agenda a well written fast paced drama filled storyline with a never-ending changing plot as unexpected surprise's are revealed keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next revelation will reveal.
I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,749 reviews52 followers
July 28, 2024
In a world with vampires ruling districts and mages wielding magic there are demons attempting a revolution. Skye and Micha clicked unexpectedly while getting caught up in a plan by a demon. Not only is the story whimsical with magic but a bit romantic and mysterious. The story takes a while to get through but it’s worth the wait. There are many intricate pieces and characters that twist together to weave a fascinating tale. I’ve enjoyed an early copy and wrote this review voluntarily.
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