Crimson Spellscape

The Archives of Innah McLeod #1

by Jina S. Bazzar

In the town of Gold Fields, evil wears a friendly mask, blood doesn’t always run red, and fire doesn’t always burn.

Eight-year-old Innah McLeod witnessed a nightmare that shattered her innocence and left her with supernatural abilities.
For years, she uses these gifts in service of law enforcement, spying on the dregs of the supernatural community. But when her partner and mentor falls in the line of duty, Innah’s only wish is to retreat to the country and the solace of beautiful sunsets.
Now, Captain Bradshaw wants her back. If she accepts this one assignment, he will release her from her contract. Unable to refuse, Innah finds herself undercover in the town where she lost more than she ever knew.

She knows the drills—go in, identify the members, get out. But Gold Fields is home to a dangerous cult, one that brings the past knocking on her door and awakens old nightmares.

Once, Innah McLeod faced unspeakable horrors. In the town of Gold Fields, she will step into that darkness anew, where the line between savior and sacrifice hangs by a thread.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2024

About the author

Jina S. Bazzar is a Palestinian author, born and raised in Brazil.
Like most writers, her love of books began at a young age. Unlike most writers, she never aspired to become one.
It was only years after she became blind that she tried her hand at writing, giving voice to all the wild, rambling thoughts in her mind.
She now lives in Palestine with her family, taking inspiration from the smallest things in life. When she’s not writing or networking on social media, you can find her in the kitchen, baking while listening to (often very loud) music.
Find writing updates at:
linktree/jina_bazzar

Reviews

[Misty's Book Space · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this bool by the author in exchange for my honest review. If you've been following me for any amount of time you've seen me talk about this authors books before. I've read several at this point and haven't found one I didn't like. I think this was a great first book in a series. We are immediately thrown into the story which I love and learn about things along the way. We have a strong female main character, humans with supernatural abilities, paranormal creatures, a murder mystery and an agency a lot like the FBI that is tracking a cult. They know the cult is responsible for the murders but they don't know who is in the cult or why they are killing these people. The reveal at the end came as a surprise to me. I definitely didn't see that one coming. The only thing I have to complain about is that I wish there was more information on the cult and why the leader did what they did. Like we know what they wanted but why did they want it so bad. I loved the action and there's potential for a future romance in the books to come which I totally wouldn't be mad about. This was another hit for me by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supernatural abilities, paranormal creatures, mysterious murders, and a paranormal FBI style agency tracking a dangerous cult. I loved the action and mystery of this, and the vibes of the undercover human with an affinity for magic/realm travel who has a complicated and mysterious past. It had great twists and turns, and the beginning of a potential building romance. Loved the strong female lead, and the fantasy worldbuilding. Can't wait to read more of Innah's adventures.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innah has worked in law enforcement for years but after her mentor and partner is killed in the line of duty Innah comes to the decision that she must turn away from that life and quits her job. When her ex boss insists that she do one last job after which he will release her from all obligations and she will be free to live the life she wants Innah reluctantly accepts. When she travels to the town of Gold Field she knows her assignment to go in and identify the members of the cult, report back and that's it. Unfortunately she can't just turn her back when lives are in danger and kids are being snatched. Its a great read and a real page turner, I loved it.

[S Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an urban fantasy set in a world similar to ours only where around half the population have magical or elemental powers. There are multiple realms or dimensions that are connected and a few people, like the FMC, can cross over between them. The FMC is a retired detective from their version of the FBI and is asked to investigate one last case—something connected to her former mentor/partner’s death. Not only is magic involved but so are witch covens, blood sacrifices, shifters, and lots of people with secrets they do not want shared. I really enjoyed the relationship development between the FMC and MMC—their back and forth was really well written (no romance or spice yet). The book is a little police procedural, a little mystery, and a whole lot of occult summoning.

I really liked the story and am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. I ended up giving it four solid stars, rather than five, for two reasons:

#1–I think this book would have benefited from a character list or glossary. Much like all first books in a new series, authors throw out a lot of terms and names that readers are supposed to pick up. You can figure out what you need to along the way, but a glossary would have helped me catch on to story elements more quickly I think. Or maybe some kind of statement in the book’s summary describing the realms?

#2–We never learn much about the Grosh—those that live in the Zavari realm that are being pulled into the FMC’s world through the dark rituals. It was difficult for me to figure out how high the stakes were for the Grosh world with these summoning and the relationship between the Grosh king and the FMC was muddled. The author mentioned about half way through the book that the Grosh were like the jinn and that helped me better understand their world, but only because I had read a lot of other books featuring the jinn or djinn.

I don’t think these will be issues in the next books since the author did explain more about these connections in the last 1/4 or so of book one. This world has a lot of promise and I would encourage anyone to check out this book!

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dana C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innah McLeod was out of the agency when her partner/mentor died. Without her, the case had no traction, her mentor's work unfinished. So, despite the trauma that it dug up for her, seeing images that still haunt her waking and sleeping moments, she has no choice but to dive back in.

She finds herself in a small town, following leads that take her into the middle of the conflict she was supposed to survey.

I loved this book. From the first minute, I was hooked on Innah's story and her voice. Jina is so good at writing bada$$ female characters that have their noses to the grindstone and sharp minds that don't miss any details.
The world building is awesome, adding a layer to the world we live in that feels like a natural addition, blending it seamlessly with modern culture. The plot twisted and turned in ways I didn't expect, and all of it was so fast-paced and easy to read that I breezed through it.

Add this one to your list! This is one author that is an automatic buy for me!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innah McLeod is taking a stroll when she happens upon a dead body. Innah recognizes the woman. Something strange is going on. What happened to the woman? Innah is a woman with supernatural abilities she received when she was eight when she witnessed something horrible.

Innah goes undercover to solve the mystery of the dead woman. How did this woman end up dead in the middle of the forest? Innah’s job is not to find out what happened to the woman, no her job is only to identify the ones who were responsible.

Innah must return to the town of Gold Field where her horrible dangers occurred all those years ago. She must face her monster once again. What happened to Innah? How did she end up with supernatural abilities? What are her supernatural skills?

Crimson Spellscape is full of surprises that had me racing to the end to find out what they were. The town of Gold Field has many secrets that it is trying to hold on to. The mystery alone is enough to keep those pages turning not to mention the many twists and turns it keeps throwing out.

Crimson Spellscape is a great start and introduction to The Archives Of Innah McLeod. I can’t wait to read more from this world to see what else lies beneath it all.

Grab a copy of Crimson Spellscape today!

[E. Billups · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Crimson Spellscape," Jina Bazzar once again demonstrates her exceptional world-building prowess, crafting a captivating sci-fi mystery that pulls readers into its intricate web of intrigue.

At the heart of the story is Innah McLeod, a protagonist gifted with extraordinary abilities. When a series of cult-like murders strikes close to home, Innah's unique talents become instrumental in aiding law enforcement to unravel these dreadful crimes.

Bazzar's vivid imagination shines as she constructs a multiverse of worlds atop worlds connected by mysterious portals. These "holes" allow Innah to slip between realms populated by fantastical beings with supernatural powers, adding depth and wonder to the narrative.

The author's skill in blending genres is evident, seamlessly weaving elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery into a cohesive and engaging plot. The result is a richly textured story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

"Crimson Spellscape" is a thrilling start to what promises to be an exciting series. With its intricate plot, fascinating characters, and immersive world-building, this novel leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment, "The Grosh Affair," and the future adventures of Innah McLeod.

[Courtney Denelsbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, clever, and creative, Crimson Spellscape has 90s cop show vibes in a paranormal, fantasy setting. Innah struggles with memories of her own traumatic childhood while trying to solve a case disturbingly close to her own past. Told in first person, the reader experiences the story through Innah’s eyes: the clues, mysteries, pain, humor, and hope. If you’ve ever read any of Bazaar’s other works, you’ll recognize a complicated, strong female MC who pushes past what she believes she’s capable of. Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, paranormal, suspense, and mysteries.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Innah. While she has a traumatic past that could have made her many things, she comes across as very likeable, someone you would enjoy being friends with. This is a slow burn story, plot and backstory included, but it actually worked quite well for me. You get to know Innah and her relationship with those around her. Her history with the Grosh King was both a bit scary and tragic. And I'm intrigued to see where things lead with Hawthorne. 4.5 stars

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 this was a fast past book. The only reason it’s not 4 stars is Innah herself. She was extreme at times and that made her a bit tiresome l. However, for the most part she is a tough and smart investigator. Overall it’s a good book and worth the read.

[Jina Bazzar]

Preorder links are up!
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHQMP11
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTHQMP11
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CTHQMP11
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CTHQMP11
DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CTHQMP11
FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0CTHQMP11
IN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CTHQMP11
NL: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0CTHQMP11
ES: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0CTHQMP11

[Selkie Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always excites me when Jina releases a new book and this is no exception.

The whole story is fast, but perfectly paced. Yay for another strong female lead!! In this book Innah is a woman who isn't all she appears and does it oh, so well!

I absolutely devoured this book and it kept me up well into the night reading it and trying to find out what happens next.

The world building is outstanding as always! The characters well rounded.

I cannot wait for the next instalment of this series. Till then it will stay on my mind in eager anticipation!!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my friend Gyprof Ny, I got to experience this coruscating author, and a tale fascinating me from the onset.
What a cool way to start a book! Such dire occurrences, told almost as though they're meaningless, as though detached, really impacted on me big time. I could feel that underlying trauma had in her. Monday's sure didn't look healthy for Innah McLeod. A former agent for the Federal Arcane Bureau of Investigations, retired since the death of her partner, receives a visitor who forces her back into service. Granted, he had a good reason to ask for her help, a mysterious cult was sacrificing people and their agents alongside. But he's not the only flash from the past to rope her in, there's another, one who had hurt Innah, cast her out.

What I felt for Innah was her pain, her uncertainty in events from her past, the betrayal she felt at the hands of Kushim, the nightmares. Even though she's mundane, with no magic in her, she's unique, her abilities are unique. I loved how well the author exposed her, layer by layer, and like peeling an onion, the tears welled up in me the more the layers were discarded. I enjoyed the slow unravelling as opposed to a dump of info, one brick at a time building up to a magnificent structure, to be admired in it's strength and resilience. And besides, how could one not love a character who had a cat called Bonkers???

This is a complexly woven tale, of a past Innah has no knowledge of, of rituals, of different dimensions, mystery shrouded like a vice and an evil that has everyone baffled. What an interesting conceptual magical world this author has built, creatures of every kind, magical and mundane humans, deception and secrets, a burning need to know of one's past. Exceptional in the telling, exceptional in the "normality" if presenting this tale, it felt so real, it felt palpable. The characters too are complex, and many, eloquently penned, again, so realistic in their portrayal and reasonings. Hawthorn, just who is he? I was very curious to know more about his rather disapproving stance which Innah, he's very intriguing. So is Kushim, lord of his realm, at risk because of his bond to Innah. The author did such a superb task of concealing why the different realms has similar missing people, one knew there was a connection, just not the how or the why. In fact, Ms Bazzar presented me with a superb story, cacooned in mystery that Agatha Christie would be proud of, so different to the same old, captivating me, engrossing me, having me completely vested in the outcome, in Innah, and how this would all unravel, where it would end up. But boy was I in for a major, major surprise at the end! Like OMG! REALLY???? Excellent read! Highly highly recommended!

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Spellscape is a fascinatingly imaginative story - a blend of urban fantasy and mild sci-fi/fantasy elements. It's an engaging mix of character and plot driven narrative, and amusingly, there's a behemoth of a cat as an animal companion!

Innah, our FMC, has a past that will hold readers' attention as pieces of it are revealed slowly. I found her to have a very strong personality, to be solid in her morals and determined to do what feels right to her. I really enjoyed watching her push back against authority figures when they stepped too close to her boundaries! She certainly has plenty of grit and I was cheering her on from the beginning of the book.

She shares parts of her past with another MC, although that connection only becomes clear later in the book. It builds empathy and a humourous bond between them that, to me, contributes to a strengthening of the storyline and intriguing character development as the narrative progressed.

The author is very proficient at creative and original worldbuilding, and uses absorbing prose and a considered tone to keep readers immersed.

Innah maintains her positivity throughout, and in spite of, the climax and it's consequences. This attitude and the unresolved parts of the story arc leave the way open for the next book, which I am very much looking forward to.

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - just, wow.

The MC, Innah McLeod, is a (semi-) mundane working in a supernatural agency. She’s the only one. And because of it, there’s a tad bit of resentment about it. She has a rather twisted past with bits and pieces of background that come out as I’m reading. (Great worldbuilding btw). I don’t want to say much about the background because I think it really does best coming out slowly. I will, however, say her background and training makes her definitely not a mundane and definitely able to take care of herself and pursue leads as she does her best to do What’s Right and maybe not Her Job.

Her connections with others and the care she feels is what makes her such an intriguing character for me (and her cat, Bonkers, too – but that’s just me.)

The supporting characters are interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing them further developed. As I don’t think I’ve seen in reviewed here before, I believe it’s appropriate for a wide variety of readers due to its lack of all that graphic language, scenes, etc.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)


First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Angel Heliogram · Rating 5 out of 5]

i picked up a few free ebooks on Amazon that were the first in a series, and this was by far the best! Such a great read, so glad I gave it a shot. It's always great when you find a gem. You really felt the soul weariness of this character. The story was so well crafted. I actually loved how mundane her undercover life was at times, blending into small town life, it made the investigation feel so authentic, especially when the adrenalised moments hit—and you always felt the tension brewing and building no matter what was happening.
The world-building was interesting, the magic system fascinating. I enjoyed the potential love interest as well, these days it is rare for authors to get the balance right. Here, he appeared almost at random, maintained a mysterious edge, obviously powerful, wasn't really predictable, yet still built an interesting connection and clearly had a lot of secrets. On top of all that, he was kind to the female lead.
The story set up some interesting mysteries.
Will definitely purchase the next in the series, and look forward to reading it!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible! A well written, action filled adventure where we meet Innah McLeod a mundane or is she? What we do know is that she thought she was done with the agency until they dragged her kicking and screaming back in and now she’s undercover in Gold Fields looking to find the members of a very dangerous cult and has her world turned upside down. Innah is a fantastic character, strong, loyal and is a total bad ass as she faces unknown dangers and threats with total disregard for her own safety. It’s an exciting read full of pain, magic, mystery, suspense and also hope. Brimming with twists and turns and incredible world building, this had me hooked from the very first page and eager for the next book!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually enjoyed the storyline

I wasn't sure at first but decided to download the book, and what do you know, I actually enjoyed it. I only wish it was longer as I believe it was less than 200 pages.

Innah is an interesting FMC. I think Hawthorne will be the MMC. At least from what I've read.

There's action, there's moments that will tug at your heartstrings, and best of all, a storyline with good plots.

I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book

What a brilliant book ! i was hooked from the first page the main character was a bit broken and had a terrible time in her childhood but she still kept her humanity the other characters were also well thought out too the storyline really worked this author has wrote a brilliant book a very very well earned 5 stars I would have given a 100 if I could

[Amy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a read. The storyline is both original and captivating. It pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let go. The details and character development really brought the story to life. Definitely recommend.

[Lori Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Mystery and paranormal

She goes undercover to research and find clues. It was supposed to be observing but Innah could not stand by. Loved the intrigue and mystery. Fun and great development in the characters and storyline. Enjoying this new series!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Dimholt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great urban fantasy that sucks you right in. So far, my favourite book by Jina. She has this fantastic ability to create characters that feel so alive. They dig themselves into my brain and refuse to leave. I adored the mixture of action, lore, cults, and compelling characters in this book. Highly recommend!

(I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC copy of this book - and I’ve just finished an ARC for the sequel and let me tell you, you will love that one too!)

[Melissa Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She continues to write excellent books

I like this author. The FMC has an intriguing backstory. I like the cat, (always a plus for me).

I plan to read all of her books.

[Bernie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first of 2 creative books

I re-downloaded this so I could post a review. It’s a good read, well crafted and creative. Worth investing your time.

[Mag · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short but plenty eventful, Ms Bazzar’s writing style is right up my street.
Can’t wait to see what happens to Innah (and Hawthorn?) next.