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Drakethorn Legal #1
A Witch's Legacy
When you piss off the high and mighty some get righteously angry.
By day, Anastasia "Stacy" Drakethorn wields her Juris Doctorate as a blade of justice, carving through the corruption festering in the heart of the city. An attorney with a keen mind for the law and a fierce heart for the underdog, she's determined to level the playing field against a system designed to favor the rich, the powerful, and the corrupt.
By night, there’s another side to the story.
In the shadowed alleys where legal arguments falter and the scales of justice are unbalanced, a whisper emerges of a vigilante who scares even those who walk in the shadows. When you piss her off, you might learn she can do more than just send you to jail.
Haunted by a legacy she tried to escape, Stacy is drawn into the dark world her family name commands. Her father is a force of nature with secrets of his own, and a past that's catching up fast.
From the glossy heights of skyscrapers to the grit of the streets, when the system fails, will Stacy succumb to the dark side her heritage often demands?
The courtroom may set the stage, but in the alleys and night, justice has a new hero.
Set in the near future where AI has become integrated with society, A Witch’s Legacy is a gritty urban fantasy story that explores what happens when the justice system fails the city it serves.
By day, Anastasia "Stacy" Drakethorn wields her Juris Doctorate as a blade of justice, carving through the corruption festering in the heart of the city. An attorney with a keen mind for the law and a fierce heart for the underdog, she's determined to level the playing field against a system designed to favor the rich, the powerful, and the corrupt.
By night, there’s another side to the story.
In the shadowed alleys where legal arguments falter and the scales of justice are unbalanced, a whisper emerges of a vigilante who scares even those who walk in the shadows. When you piss her off, you might learn she can do more than just send you to jail.
Haunted by a legacy she tried to escape, Stacy is drawn into the dark world her family name commands. Her father is a force of nature with secrets of his own, and a past that's catching up fast.
From the glossy heights of skyscrapers to the grit of the streets, when the system fails, will Stacy succumb to the dark side her heritage often demands?
The courtroom may set the stage, but in the alleys and night, justice has a new hero.
Set in the near future where AI has become integrated with society, A Witch’s Legacy is a gritty urban fantasy story that explores what happens when the justice system fails the city it serves.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2024
453 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Campbell
46 books20 followersLibrarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database. This profile may contain works from multiple authors.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 23, 2024
Review of books 1 to 3:
I was not really sure if I would like this or not. The idea of reading through pages of legal and court room bullshit did not really appeal to me.
Well, it turned out that I really liked the three books I have read so far.
First of all, the blurb above, from the first book, is not really that representative for the actual story in that book. But then, this is one of those book where Anderle has stuck his name on it as well as the actual writer and Anderle is a businessman first and writer second so he writes what he thinks will sell books and doesn’t really care if it doesn’t reflect reality.
Luckily the story is much better than the deceptive blurb makes it out to be. First of all, the vigilante crap, Stacy is completely unaware of her real ancestry and powers. This is actually what makes me like the book because it is one of those “Surprise you are a Xxx” stories. Or in this case “Surprise you are a Xxx… and a Yyy.
The first book(s) are really about her finding out who and what she is and her ancestry. I really liked this.
The first book had quite a bit of legal and court room bullshit but it gradually diminishes as the story continues which, in my personal option, is good.
I do like the main protagonist and although her father is portrayed as a bit of a villain at first this is eventually turned around and he as well becomes quite likable.
Of course there are various despicable scumbags splattered around the story. Some are more like props just to have a reason to dispense some justice, others are a wee bit more long lasting and important for the overall story arc.
Overall, I quite liked these three books. I particularly like that there’s some real progression when it comes to Stacy’s powers yet it is not overly rushed. At the end of the third book the mystery of how powerful she actually is is still there.
Also, I like that, so far, the author did not go the route of peddling a bunch of woke green agenda but gave her, not only a decent, but a cool car.
So, obviously, this is series I will continue reading.
I was not really sure if I would like this or not. The idea of reading through pages of legal and court room bullshit did not really appeal to me.
Well, it turned out that I really liked the three books I have read so far.
First of all, the blurb above, from the first book, is not really that representative for the actual story in that book. But then, this is one of those book where Anderle has stuck his name on it as well as the actual writer and Anderle is a businessman first and writer second so he writes what he thinks will sell books and doesn’t really care if it doesn’t reflect reality.
Luckily the story is much better than the deceptive blurb makes it out to be. First of all, the vigilante crap, Stacy is completely unaware of her real ancestry and powers. This is actually what makes me like the book because it is one of those “Surprise you are a Xxx” stories. Or in this case “Surprise you are a Xxx… and a Yyy.
The first book(s) are really about her finding out who and what she is and her ancestry. I really liked this.
The first book had quite a bit of legal and court room bullshit but it gradually diminishes as the story continues which, in my personal option, is good.
I do like the main protagonist and although her father is portrayed as a bit of a villain at first this is eventually turned around and he as well becomes quite likable.
Of course there are various despicable scumbags splattered around the story. Some are more like props just to have a reason to dispense some justice, others are a wee bit more long lasting and important for the overall story arc.
Overall, I quite liked these three books. I particularly like that there’s some real progression when it comes to Stacy’s powers yet it is not overly rushed. At the end of the third book the mystery of how powerful she actually is is still there.
Also, I like that, so far, the author did not go the route of peddling a bunch of woke green agenda but gave her, not only a decent, but a cool car.
So, obviously, this is series I will continue reading.
April 21, 2024
Don’t let the cover fool you
I ALMOST skipped over this book. The cover is so unbelievably dull and uninspired that I assumed the book would be as well.
Fortunately, the publisher let out a small snippet as a teaser, and it worked. I was hooked.
Isabella Campbell has an “interesting” narrative style, relying heavily on well researched points and more detail than is typical in an urban fantasy, but never crossing the line into too much detail. I can’t quite put my finger on it yet, that element of her writing style that is uniquely hers. I suppose I’ll just have to read more of her stuff so I can figure it out.
With all the earmarks of a thriller or historical mystery (alla Dan Brown), This is a very fast-paced novel, in spite of which we really don’t seem to get very far. But that’s just a drawback to fast pacing - a lot happens, the result of which is little forward progress.
Nicely, however, it all feels very organic and natural to the story rather than coming across as manipulative. All in all, I’m rather impressed with Ms Campbell’s CV talent and am thoroughly looking forward to reading more.
Now, to return to the cover art, my apologies to the artist for my rather blunt and possibly mean commentary, especially since I, myself, can’t even draw an accurate stick figure let alone produce something recognizably human. But truly, the image on the cover feels completely divorced from the text. A better image would have been of her in Court or perhaps peering around the corner of a building watching a grey sedan. IMHO, The imagery should highlight the deep mystery she faces more than her battles.
I ALMOST skipped over this book. The cover is so unbelievably dull and uninspired that I assumed the book would be as well.
Fortunately, the publisher let out a small snippet as a teaser, and it worked. I was hooked.
Isabella Campbell has an “interesting” narrative style, relying heavily on well researched points and more detail than is typical in an urban fantasy, but never crossing the line into too much detail. I can’t quite put my finger on it yet, that element of her writing style that is uniquely hers. I suppose I’ll just have to read more of her stuff so I can figure it out.
With all the earmarks of a thriller or historical mystery (alla Dan Brown), This is a very fast-paced novel, in spite of which we really don’t seem to get very far. But that’s just a drawback to fast pacing - a lot happens, the result of which is little forward progress.
Nicely, however, it all feels very organic and natural to the story rather than coming across as manipulative. All in all, I’m rather impressed with Ms Campbell’s CV talent and am thoroughly looking forward to reading more.
Now, to return to the cover art, my apologies to the artist for my rather blunt and possibly mean commentary, especially since I, myself, can’t even draw an accurate stick figure let alone produce something recognizably human. But truly, the image on the cover feels completely divorced from the text. A better image would have been of her in Court or perhaps peering around the corner of a building watching a grey sedan. IMHO, The imagery should highlight the deep mystery she faces more than her battles.
September 11, 2024
I do love a bit of courtroom drama and I do enjoy reading how attorneys try to pull a fast one. As is the case here, Anastasia Drake, real name Drakethorn squaring off against sleezeball Leonard Solos, and I could actually feel her ire emanating from the pages. She is hellbent on making it on her own, without her prestigious family name and wealth. A great MC, Anastasia is someone I'd like in my camp, a true bleeding heart, helping her clients, justice, is what she seeks. Very honourable, but hell, she needs to earn for her services too. Only now she has to control not only the courtroom, but the emergence of something within her.
Easy, uncomplicated, becomes a thing of the past few Stacey as a whole new world opens up to her. And courtroom jostling are the least of her problems now as she gets a handle on who she is, what she is. But danger lurks in the form of Victor and Lenny, her very life is at stake. I enjoyed the relationship she has with her friend Jenna, the introduction of Amy and I loved meeting Ethan, he's arrogantly suave. Just his reaction, not his true self, which he conceals. Before you decide this is this all lawyers, judges etc, it definitely isn't....there a lot lurking beneath the surface, surprising things lurking. There's a huge mafia type element to the story, an overbearing father, who's not who he appears to be, soooo many secrets, and best of all, a discovery that's unusual to say the least. A quick and easy read, albeit a bit predictable, which didn't deter in the slightest, fast paced, very entertaining, as I expect with all Michael Anderle's corroborations.
June 6, 2024
Stacy Drake was a great Lawyer and fought for the ones in real need. But that wasn’t all she was.
Stacy Drake was the front that Anastasia used to have a normal life. One that gave her the chance to be herself not just the Drakenthorne heir. She is the one that earned her degree. Not just have it handed to her because of her families money. Or her father’s prestige as an humanitarian. It’s her that has earned the right to say she is a great lawyer. But it is her that has something else going on. She is the one that lost her memory of how those men who had been paid to attack her had been killed but her clothes had blood on them when she woke up the next morning But her Dad will have the answers so I guess she has to start there.
Stacy isn’t going to like the answers or the start of her growing pains she has to go through. After all she can’t run from what it really means to be the Drakenthorne heir or her Mother’d daughter.
Stacy Drake was the front that Anastasia used to have a normal life. One that gave her the chance to be herself not just the Drakenthorne heir. She is the one that earned her degree. Not just have it handed to her because of her families money. Or her father’s prestige as an humanitarian. It’s her that has earned the right to say she is a great lawyer. But it is her that has something else going on. She is the one that lost her memory of how those men who had been paid to attack her had been killed but her clothes had blood on them when she woke up the next morning But her Dad will have the answers so I guess she has to start there.
Stacy isn’t going to like the answers or the start of her growing pains she has to go through. After all she can’t run from what it really means to be the Drakenthorne heir or her Mother’d daughter.
April 17, 2024
legal scenes are terrible, paranormal story pretty good
I am a lawyer and for that reason, can’t bear to watch TV shows about lawyers. I am Perfectly happy to suspend disbelief for paranormal fiction, but not for the rule of law. People who don’t care that you can’t confuse legal issues (which judges decide) with fact issues (which juries decide) will be happy with the story progression and maybe even vaguely impressed with references to the federal rules of evidence—in what had to be a state court property dispute-so ouch, ouch, ouch. But I couldn’t bear it. However, the father daughter relationship was well developed, and there are some good things about the book. If you care about legal realism, skip it. Too bad they couldn’t have a real trial lawyer review it for them.
I am a lawyer and for that reason, can’t bear to watch TV shows about lawyers. I am Perfectly happy to suspend disbelief for paranormal fiction, but not for the rule of law. People who don’t care that you can’t confuse legal issues (which judges decide) with fact issues (which juries decide) will be happy with the story progression and maybe even vaguely impressed with references to the federal rules of evidence—in what had to be a state court property dispute-so ouch, ouch, ouch. But I couldn’t bear it. However, the father daughter relationship was well developed, and there are some good things about the book. If you care about legal realism, skip it. Too bad they couldn’t have a real trial lawyer review it for them.
May 10, 2024
WOW! Magic, it's real, swirls, thrills and poof, the magik dragon. Paranormal anyone?
Action is non-stop cohesive and believable. Characters all have substance with established camaraderie and rapport. The main character is open to new and improved ways of life; ready and seriously interested in helping others achieve, as well as flourish despite murderous opposition towards herself because of the encouragement, outreach and professional service she provides to better others lives within their communities. Experience the wonders of the paranormal and the secrets hidden deep within from the comfort of your own warded mansion. Where the only blast of scorching hot fire is from your fireplace and maybe 🔥hot-n-spicy Chinese Suashuaine 🍱 take out. 🐉 🐲 PottsvillePA_05102024.
Action is non-stop cohesive and believable. Characters all have substance with established camaraderie and rapport. The main character is open to new and improved ways of life; ready and seriously interested in helping others achieve, as well as flourish despite murderous opposition towards herself because of the encouragement, outreach and professional service she provides to better others lives within their communities. Experience the wonders of the paranormal and the secrets hidden deep within from the comfort of your own warded mansion. Where the only blast of scorching hot fire is from your fireplace and maybe 🔥hot-n-spicy Chinese Suashuaine 🍱 take out. 🐉 🐲 PottsvillePA_05102024.
September 27, 2024
Interesting new series. Some ups and downs in the plot progression and a couple WTFs but overall, a fun read and good into to a new family and group of characters. I enjoyed the legal battles, and the wins were very satisfying. I had some issues with the way the relationship between Stacy and Amy evolved and the scene at the docks was a huge WTF - it made no sense based on what we had been provided about Stacy up to that point. A couple possible romance candidates have been introduced. I really appreciate the rebirth of her relationship with her father and look forward to more. I just hope this series doesn't get bogged down into the minutia to pull "one more book" out of it.
May 5, 2025
good
I really like Stacey in this book. She is a lawyer, but she seems to be fighting for the people that most need a lawyer against dirty criminals like Lenny, the dirty lawyer that she’s fighting against in court. For some reason, Lenny does not like Stacy and is trying to have her killed, but it’s not working out very well. Stacy is learning about her family legacy and has decided to learn more about it from her father. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
I really like Stacey in this book. She is a lawyer, but she seems to be fighting for the people that most need a lawyer against dirty criminals like Lenny, the dirty lawyer that she’s fighting against in court. For some reason, Lenny does not like Stacy and is trying to have her killed, but it’s not working out very well. Stacy is learning about her family legacy and has decided to learn more about it from her father. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
July 21, 2024
A legal PNR? I’m in!
Found this while looking for something completely different, and I wasn’t disappointed. I flew through this, and I really enjoyed not just the characters, but the legal investigations and courtroom drama we got. Loved the revelations regarding the whole dragon situation (trying not to spoil anything), and seeing the antagonists getting their knickers in a twist when a young female lawyer stands up to them. Onwards to book two.
Found this while looking for something completely different, and I wasn’t disappointed. I flew through this, and I really enjoyed not just the characters, but the legal investigations and courtroom drama we got. Loved the revelations regarding the whole dragon situation (trying not to spoil anything), and seeing the antagonists getting their knickers in a twist when a young female lawyer stands up to them. Onwards to book two.
April 30, 2024
Drake or Drakethorn
Stacy Drake is a 26 year old lawyer in New York City. She has a rich family, but shortened her name from Drakethorn to Drake so she was accepted on her merit not her name.
But she is swimming in deep dangerous waters and Drake is not just part of her name.
Lots of action and surprises.
Eagerly awaiting the next book.
Stacy Drake is a 26 year old lawyer in New York City. She has a rich family, but shortened her name from Drakethorn to Drake so she was accepted on her merit not her name.
But she is swimming in deep dangerous waters and Drake is not just part of her name.
Lots of action and surprises.
Eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 2, 2024
Overall, this is a really good book. The MC is interesting and develops as the story goes on. However, it is slow to get going - nothing really picks up until about halfway through. And then it ends just when things were starting to get good. I also feel like I am missing some backstory. That may be fleshed out more as the series goes on.
May 6, 2024
Good book, loved the characters
This was a good book, I loved the characters and all the action and adventure they got into. The universe looks to be interesting and detailed, the magic, were creatures, etc all help add details and make the book very enjoyable. I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
This was a good book, I loved the characters and all the action and adventure they got into. The universe looks to be interesting and detailed, the magic, were creatures, etc all help add details and make the book very enjoyable. I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
May 12, 2024
Annoyingly good
The book was well written with good characters and storyline. However, the quotes from other authors at the beginning of each chapter was a stupid inclusion. They add nothing to the story. Also it took until the end of the book to see any development of the main characters dragon side. I know Isabel can do better.
The book was well written with good characters and storyline. However, the quotes from other authors at the beginning of each chapter was a stupid inclusion. They add nothing to the story. Also it took until the end of the book to see any development of the main characters dragon side. I know Isabel can do better.
May 16, 2024
OMG....A Dragon Lawyer
I usually avoid books about lawyers and trials, I thought they were just not my thing. Apparently, they just need to be dragons and have magic to get my full attention. I loved this book and chomping at the bit for more. You will not be disappointed in this series.
I usually avoid books about lawyers and trials, I thought they were just not my thing. Apparently, they just need to be dragons and have magic to get my full attention. I loved this book and chomping at the bit for more. You will not be disappointed in this series.
June 7, 2024
Enjoyable read.
Very interesting and entertaining story, as all collaborations with Michael Anderle always seem to be.
So, honourable attorney, Stacey Drake discovers her paranormal roots, just in time to take on the cities big bads.
Plenty of excitement, with possible future romantic interests, this has me turning the pages. Now for book two.
Very interesting and entertaining story, as all collaborations with Michael Anderle always seem to be.
So, honourable attorney, Stacey Drake discovers her paranormal roots, just in time to take on the cities big bads.
Plenty of excitement, with possible future romantic interests, this has me turning the pages. Now for book two.
April 25, 2024
I enjoyed reading this story
Stacy is a lawyer who champions the underdog. However constantly thwarting the desires of the powerful can have consequences. Stacy is about to discover she has an ace in her genes. Look forward to Stacy's enlightenment
Stacy is a lawyer who champions the underdog. However constantly thwarting the desires of the powerful can have consequences. Stacy is about to discover she has an ace in her genes. Look forward to Stacy's enlightenment
July 1, 2024
A train ride
A slow start, but quickly speeds up as it develops, like a hectic train ride. A great start to what bodes to be an excellent series. Really looking forward to catching this train to adventure and fun.
A slow start, but quickly speeds up as it develops, like a hectic train ride. A great start to what bodes to be an excellent series. Really looking forward to catching this train to adventure and fun.
April 7, 2025
Stacy
One moment, Stacy was a lawyer winning a case the next she finds out she is a dragon and a witch. She is a late bloomer to get her gift, so now she is having to learn while literally fighting for her life while helping her clients.
One moment, Stacy was a lawyer winning a case the next she finds out she is a dragon and a witch. She is a late bloomer to get her gift, so now she is having to learn while literally fighting for her life while helping her clients.
April 16, 2024
Really quite enchanting
Delightful and leaves you feeling quite refreshed. A strong female main character with a strong sense of justice. I can't wait for another.
Delightful and leaves you feeling quite refreshed. A strong female main character with a strong sense of justice. I can't wait for another.
August 15, 2024
A Witch’s Legacy
This was an action filled book. I like all the characters. It keeps you interested throughout the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
This was an action filled book. I like all the characters. It keeps you interested throughout the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
November 3, 2024
I like this book
I really liked this story. Good characters and good plot. A lawyer that is a good person nice work. And the best part of this is that she is a dragon and a witch!
I really liked this story. Good characters and good plot. A lawyer that is a good person nice work. And the best part of this is that she is a dragon and a witch!
March 29, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Ready for book 2..
Great characters that you get invested in their storylines -- I love the story!
Dragons? Witches? Werewolves?
How did she miss them all as a kid?
Great characters that you get invested in their storylines -- I love the story!
Dragons? Witches? Werewolves?
How did she miss them all as a kid?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews