I'm a first time reader of Lana Melyan and Magic in Me is an immersive continuation of the Queen of Gates series that expertly weaves together small-town mysteries, family legacies, and dark magic and kept me glued to the pages. If you're someone who loves a story packed with high stakes, gripping supernatural challenges, and a strong protagonist battling her inner demons—both literally and figuratively—this book is a must-read.
The story picks up with our heroine, who arrives in Whispering Pines with a singular focus: to avenge her father's death. But what she uncovers is far more than she bargained for. Melyan does a fantastic job portraying the frustration and determination of a character who’s out of her depth, especially when the enemy she’s after is not flesh and blood, but a demonic spirit. This struggle to understand and combat her family’s deadly past keeps you turning the pages, eager to discover what secrets Whispering Pines holds.
One of the most engaging aspects of Magic in Me is the exploration of the protagonist’s family legacy. Both her father and her mother were caught in this dark magical world, and Melyan delves deep into the mystery of how her mother once kept the town safe from these spirits. It feels like a race against time as she tries to unearth her mother's secrets, making the search for the grimoire both personal and urgent.
Enter the demon—rude, frustrating, and undeniably alluring. I love how Melyan gives us this complex, morally gray character to add tension and unpredictability. His arrival not only challenges her mission but also her emotions. He’s the one holding the knowledge she needs to stop the spirits, and their dynamic crackles with tension. He holds power over her, not only with the information she seeks but in the way he gets under her skin. Their interactions are magnetic, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each scene they shared.
Melyan also manages to craft a rich, atmospheric setting in Whispering Pines, a town where danger feels ever-present and the boundaries between the supernatural and real world are tantalizingly thin. It’s a place where history weighs heavily on its inhabitants, and the idea that one misstep can unleash hellish forces adds an ominous layer to the story.
The book masterfully balances moments of action with introspection. The protagonist’s internal struggle—knowing that she might have been the one to cause this catastrophe and the burden of fixing it—is beautifully woven into the narrative. You feel her sense of responsibility, her fear of failure, and the burning drive to succeed where her parents couldn't.
Magic in Me is perfect for readers who love a blend of dark magic, family mystery, and a protagonist learning to harness her power in a world fraught with danger. Lana Melyan’s skill in creating tension and building a complex supernatural world is evident in this second book, making it a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat read. If you’re a fan of stories where legacy and magic collide, this book will leave you eager for more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.