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Carnival of Mysteries
Magic Escaping
Alan
I didn't think two cars slowing down behind me as I jogged along our country road were a problem. I'm just an ordinary third-grade teacher. Well, also a sorcerer, but I don't really use my powers. Even when my familiar, Sunny, said, "I don't like this," and winged off to fetch my boyfriend, I wasn't really expecting trouble. But then guys with guns jumped out and "arrested" me. Now I'm locked in a prison hours away from home, my magic is suppressed by a blocking bracelet, and they laugh when I ask to see a lawyer. Scary stuff, but Sunny's no ordinary bird and Jason will never stop trying to find me. I just hope they arrive in time. I just hope they arrive…
Jason
As a small-town firefighter, I've had my share of terrifying moments, but watching Alan be grabbed and driven off in an unmarked car is high on that list. Especially when the agency that supposedly arrested him tells our lawyer they've never heard of Alan and have no idea where he is. That's not an arrest, it's an abduction.
I'm no superhero and Alan's friends are two Healers, an elderly and confused sorcerer, and a small bird. But we're not going to just sit around and let anything happen to the man we all love. And in a stroke of luck, Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries has appeared again. If Errante's willing to help us, we'll have a far better chance of rescuing Alan. But if the Carnival's here, with its power and wild magic, that also means the stakes may be higher than any of us realized.
This sequel to Magic Burning features a kidnapped schoolteacher, a furious boyfriend, a mouthy bird, and a desperate mission to save far more than just one man.
Content warnings for abduction, violence, and loss.
I didn't think two cars slowing down behind me as I jogged along our country road were a problem. I'm just an ordinary third-grade teacher. Well, also a sorcerer, but I don't really use my powers. Even when my familiar, Sunny, said, "I don't like this," and winged off to fetch my boyfriend, I wasn't really expecting trouble. But then guys with guns jumped out and "arrested" me. Now I'm locked in a prison hours away from home, my magic is suppressed by a blocking bracelet, and they laugh when I ask to see a lawyer. Scary stuff, but Sunny's no ordinary bird and Jason will never stop trying to find me. I just hope they arrive in time. I just hope they arrive…
Jason
As a small-town firefighter, I've had my share of terrifying moments, but watching Alan be grabbed and driven off in an unmarked car is high on that list. Especially when the agency that supposedly arrested him tells our lawyer they've never heard of Alan and have no idea where he is. That's not an arrest, it's an abduction.
I'm no superhero and Alan's friends are two Healers, an elderly and confused sorcerer, and a small bird. But we're not going to just sit around and let anything happen to the man we all love. And in a stroke of luck, Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries has appeared again. If Errante's willing to help us, we'll have a far better chance of rescuing Alan. But if the Carnival's here, with its power and wild magic, that also means the stakes may be higher than any of us realized.
This sequel to Magic Burning features a kidnapped schoolteacher, a furious boyfriend, a mouthy bird, and a desperate mission to save far more than just one man.
Content warnings for abduction, violence, and loss.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2024
7 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
92 books2,729 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 24, 2024
I'm giving this four stars because while I'm glad I read it, it didn't feel as cohesive as the first one (Magic Burning). I'm still making my way through the Necromancer series, but that tie-in was cool. I really like the author's take on familiars. And, the bad guys were awful and the creepy thing was very creepy!
August 16, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Magic Escaping is the sequel to Kaje Harper’s Magic Burning and you really need to read that one first in order to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships here. Magic Burning was one of the books in the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author shared world series and Magic Escaping has a direct relationship with the carnival, which makes an appearance in a far more significant way than it previously did.
This book jumps straight into the action and moves quickly and smoothly most of the time. The story is strong and actually more in depth and intense than Magic Burning. As a result, I enjoyed Magic Escaping more. There are some big moments and some heartbreaking ones, but on the whole, it is a well-balanced novel.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Magic Escaping is the sequel to Kaje Harper’s Magic Burning and you really need to read that one first in order to fully appreciate the characters and their relationships here. Magic Burning was one of the books in the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author shared world series and Magic Escaping has a direct relationship with the carnival, which makes an appearance in a far more significant way than it previously did.
This book jumps straight into the action and moves quickly and smoothly most of the time. The story is strong and actually more in depth and intense than Magic Burning. As a result, I enjoyed Magic Escaping more. There are some big moments and some heartbreaking ones, but on the whole, it is a well-balanced novel.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2024
B / 4 stars
Magic Escaping is the sequel to 2023’s Magic Burning , Kaje Harper’s entry in the first set of Carnival of Mysteries stories. In that book we met elementary school teacher Alan Hiranchai – who is also an unregistered sorcerer – and his familiar, a snarky, opinionated and talkative conure named Sunny - and watched Alan fall in love with the gorgeous but closeted firefighter, Jason Miller. Even though the Carnival of Mysteries novels can be read in any order, I’d advise reading Magic Burning before this one, as it contains important information about the magical world in which the stories take place and you’ll have a better grasp of the relationship dynamics.
Magic Escaping opens a few months after the events of the previous book, and we’re thrown straight into the action as Sunny frantically flies to a sleeping Jason to tell him that Alan, out on his morning run, has been accosted by a group of men in suits. Half-asleep, Jason pulls on some clothes and hurries to follow Sunny to where Alan is indeed surrounded by a bunch of burly guys in uniforms who are clearly armed. When they spot Jason, they warn him to stay back; one flashes a badge indicating he’s from NSEP, National Sorcery Enforcement and Protection, and then informs Alan he’s under arrest for unauthorised use of magic. Jason watches helplessly as Alan is cuffed – not using regular cuffs, but a single metal band that suppresses a sorcerer’s magic – pushed into the back of an SUV and driven away. As the cars leave, Jason sees Sunny catch up with them and then disappear – he’s used short range teleportation to get inside the car. At least Sunny will be able to find out where Alan has been taken.
Still stunned at what’s happened, Jason calls Erin, Alan’s best friend, to ask for help and advice, but she’s as much in the dark as Jason is. He heads over to her place – where she lives with Dale, a young healer she is training, and Sylvester, Alan’s former magical tutor who is, sadly, slowly sliding into dementia – so they can decide what to do next. On the advice of Jasper Jones, probably the most powerful sorcerer in existence, they seek out a lawyer versed in magic-related legal procedures, but when his enquiries turn up nothing but a denial of any knowledge of Alan’s arrest or his whereabouts, Jason realises that if they want to get Alan back, they’re going to have to do it without help and totally under the radar.
According to Sunny, Alan has been imprisoned in a very remote and very secure location near the Canadian border. Friends Darien and Silas (from the author’s Necromancer series, and who made cameo appeareances in the previous book) suggest Jason should contact Zahira, a sorcerer from LA whose special talents could prove useful, to ask if she’s willing to help them. That done, Jason, Erin, Dale and Sylvester head out, determined to mount a rescue attempt. They know that won’t be the end of their problems, though. Onve they’ve got Alan out, they will have to keep him out of the clutches of whoever had him abducted – and whoever ordered that clearly had a reason beyond his simply being unregistered. As Sunny feeds back information from his short visits to Alan’s cell, Jason learns that Alan isn’t the only sorcerer being held at the facility – and from the look of things, the people at the compound are getting ready to make their move.
The first half of the story consists of chapters alternating between Alan, stuck in his cell, but trying to find out what might be going on, and Jason and the crew forming their rescue plans. Given they can’t simply return home afterwards, their second most pressing issue is working out where they can go to lie low afterwards, so when Sunny arrives with the news that the Carnival has reappeared locally, Jason has an idea. The Carnival of Mysteries is a place of deep, wild magic with a powerful magical barrier around it – if they can get Alan in, surely he’ll be safe there while they take a minute to catch their breath and work out how to stop the plot to unleash a truly destructive entity on the magical community.
Magic Escaping is an exciting story that moves at a swift pace and in which the writing is engaging and assured. I really liked that we get to spend time inside the Carnival this time around, meeting some of its performers and travelling with it to other worlds in the multiverse, and I liked seeing Alan really coming into his own and gaining more control over his magical talents. His romance with Jason is already solid, but in this story, they realise that they want a forever future together and that as much as they already love each other, they also need the other in their lives. That said, this is much more of an action/adventure yarn than it is a romance, which was fine by me because it’s a really good story.
The worldbuilding is strong, with a solid history (which I believe is an extension of the author’s Necromancer series) and magical heirarchy. I enjoyed the friendships – old and new – in the story and catching up with Erin and Dale – there’s a hint at a possible future romance for Dale (although it’s only a hint), and I really liked Zahira - who adds a no-nonsense, kick-ass element to the team – and her familiar, Coal, who makes a good foil for Sunny. I also want to mention the way Sylvester is written; dementia is a cruel, cruel thing, and Ms. Harper writes very sensitively about what’s happening to him and shows that, no matter what, he’s kept his sense of humour and his sense of what’s right. She does a great job of keeping tensions running high as we head into the dramatic, nail-biting finale, in which our heroes have to face down the bad guys and save the magical world.
Magic Escaping is an entertaining, action-packed read from start to finish and I’m happy to recommend it.
Magic Escaping is the sequel to 2023’s Magic Burning , Kaje Harper’s entry in the first set of Carnival of Mysteries stories. In that book we met elementary school teacher Alan Hiranchai – who is also an unregistered sorcerer – and his familiar, a snarky, opinionated and talkative conure named Sunny - and watched Alan fall in love with the gorgeous but closeted firefighter, Jason Miller. Even though the Carnival of Mysteries novels can be read in any order, I’d advise reading Magic Burning before this one, as it contains important information about the magical world in which the stories take place and you’ll have a better grasp of the relationship dynamics.
Magic Escaping opens a few months after the events of the previous book, and we’re thrown straight into the action as Sunny frantically flies to a sleeping Jason to tell him that Alan, out on his morning run, has been accosted by a group of men in suits. Half-asleep, Jason pulls on some clothes and hurries to follow Sunny to where Alan is indeed surrounded by a bunch of burly guys in uniforms who are clearly armed. When they spot Jason, they warn him to stay back; one flashes a badge indicating he’s from NSEP, National Sorcery Enforcement and Protection, and then informs Alan he’s under arrest for unauthorised use of magic. Jason watches helplessly as Alan is cuffed – not using regular cuffs, but a single metal band that suppresses a sorcerer’s magic – pushed into the back of an SUV and driven away. As the cars leave, Jason sees Sunny catch up with them and then disappear – he’s used short range teleportation to get inside the car. At least Sunny will be able to find out where Alan has been taken.
Still stunned at what’s happened, Jason calls Erin, Alan’s best friend, to ask for help and advice, but she’s as much in the dark as Jason is. He heads over to her place – where she lives with Dale, a young healer she is training, and Sylvester, Alan’s former magical tutor who is, sadly, slowly sliding into dementia – so they can decide what to do next. On the advice of Jasper Jones, probably the most powerful sorcerer in existence, they seek out a lawyer versed in magic-related legal procedures, but when his enquiries turn up nothing but a denial of any knowledge of Alan’s arrest or his whereabouts, Jason realises that if they want to get Alan back, they’re going to have to do it without help and totally under the radar.
According to Sunny, Alan has been imprisoned in a very remote and very secure location near the Canadian border. Friends Darien and Silas (from the author’s Necromancer series, and who made cameo appeareances in the previous book) suggest Jason should contact Zahira, a sorcerer from LA whose special talents could prove useful, to ask if she’s willing to help them. That done, Jason, Erin, Dale and Sylvester head out, determined to mount a rescue attempt. They know that won’t be the end of their problems, though. Onve they’ve got Alan out, they will have to keep him out of the clutches of whoever had him abducted – and whoever ordered that clearly had a reason beyond his simply being unregistered. As Sunny feeds back information from his short visits to Alan’s cell, Jason learns that Alan isn’t the only sorcerer being held at the facility – and from the look of things, the people at the compound are getting ready to make their move.
The first half of the story consists of chapters alternating between Alan, stuck in his cell, but trying to find out what might be going on, and Jason and the crew forming their rescue plans. Given they can’t simply return home afterwards, their second most pressing issue is working out where they can go to lie low afterwards, so when Sunny arrives with the news that the Carnival has reappeared locally, Jason has an idea. The Carnival of Mysteries is a place of deep, wild magic with a powerful magical barrier around it – if they can get Alan in, surely he’ll be safe there while they take a minute to catch their breath and work out how to stop the plot to unleash a truly destructive entity on the magical community.
Magic Escaping is an exciting story that moves at a swift pace and in which the writing is engaging and assured. I really liked that we get to spend time inside the Carnival this time around, meeting some of its performers and travelling with it to other worlds in the multiverse, and I liked seeing Alan really coming into his own and gaining more control over his magical talents. His romance with Jason is already solid, but in this story, they realise that they want a forever future together and that as much as they already love each other, they also need the other in their lives. That said, this is much more of an action/adventure yarn than it is a romance, which was fine by me because it’s a really good story.
The worldbuilding is strong, with a solid history (which I believe is an extension of the author’s Necromancer series) and magical heirarchy. I enjoyed the friendships – old and new – in the story and catching up with Erin and Dale – there’s a hint at a possible future romance for Dale (although it’s only a hint), and I really liked Zahira - who adds a no-nonsense, kick-ass element to the team – and her familiar, Coal, who makes a good foil for Sunny. I also want to mention the way Sylvester is written; dementia is a cruel, cruel thing, and Ms. Harper writes very sensitively about what’s happening to him and shows that, no matter what, he’s kept his sense of humour and his sense of what’s right. She does a great job of keeping tensions running high as we head into the dramatic, nail-biting finale, in which our heroes have to face down the bad guys and save the magical world.
Magic Escaping is an entertaining, action-packed read from start to finish and I’m happy to recommend it.
July 30, 2024
I remember saying on my review of the first book that it was exciting, refreshing yet also familiar. And it applies to this book as well. It has a new cast, a modern setting and different problems than what the necromancer people faced, yet it is still a known world with some well know faces (if you've read the necromancer series, which I do recommend as I really liked it). And yet there is a familiar warmth to the way the found family works, and the familiars, and the magical chaos.
Plus the newness that the carnival brings. That is very much exciting
Plus the newness that the carnival brings. That is very much exciting
August 14, 2024
He is jogging with them when two cars slow behind them both. They escape but he does not bother and now he is in trouble. He is held in a prison cell with a magic blocking bracelet on. Now he needs to hope he will get saved by them. Will they find him? Why is he there? What is going to happen? See how he gets on
August 15, 2024
I liked the first book, so I was glad that we got another one with Jason and Alan
And it was really good.
The story was interesting ... and unfortunately, it's totally believable. I can imagine that prejudices and the hunger for power is reason for such a scheme.
The story was well done and the characters beautifully drawn.
I really liked this installment of this series
And it was really good.
The story was interesting ... and unfortunately, it's totally believable. I can imagine that prejudices and the hunger for power is reason for such a scheme.
The story was well done and the characters beautifully drawn.
I really liked this installment of this series
December 20, 2024
wonderful sequel to Magic Burning
I love this pair! This book was full of adventure, danger, found family, and love. I’ve loved this world since I first met Darien and Silas in the necromancer series. Alan and Jason’s story is just as good. I also loved how Kaje Harper integrated the Carnival again. Highly recommend!
I love this pair! This book was full of adventure, danger, found family, and love. I’ve loved this world since I first met Darien and Silas in the necromancer series. Alan and Jason’s story is just as good. I also loved how Kaje Harper integrated the Carnival again. Highly recommend!
August 16, 2024
Action-packed and had me guessing at every turn. Excellent world building. Great MCs. Entertaining SC. To me, this book had it all. But then again, if Kaje Harper writes it, I'll love it. Getting cameo appearances from her Necromancer Series is an added bonus for me.
I loved where this book left Alan and Jason. However, if Alan and Jason would get their own series, I would definitely be one happy reader.
I loved where this book left Alan and Jason. However, if Alan and Jason would get their own series, I would definitely be one happy reader.
August 21, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 5 hearts.
Was he kidnapped or arrested? Either way, Alan was taken at gunpoint with his lover, Jason, as a witness. Thankfully, Alan has friends. Sunny, his familiar hitches a ride with Alan while Jason calls everyone he knows to create hell. The question is, who will listen, who can act, and what the devil is going on?
Magic Escaping is part of the Carnival of Mysteries shared world series. Many novels in this multi-author group are standalone tales, but Magic Escaping is Kaje Harpers' sequel to Magic Burning – both are recommended reading.
From page one, Magic Escaping was a dramatic, eventful, and captivating read – a thrilling and emotional ride from beginning to end.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Alan and Jason, and there is a lovely extra from Sunny at the end. The world-building was perfect for my reading tastes. There was enough to form a picture, balanced beautifully with the emotions and narrative between the characters. And OMG, what dialogue. I have rarely read anything so flawless, either characteristically or situationally.
The relationship between Alan and Jason was established in Magic Burning. In this instance, their connection is given even more depth and the levels they are prepared to go to in the name of love and protection were a pleasure to read.
Between the kidnapping, rescue, love, danger, the elusive Carnival of Mysteries, magic, bad guys, bullets, and a whole load of other drama is the beautiful dynamic between the band of friends and familiars that make up the group out to help Alan.
I loved all the characters (good and bad); they were so well-written. Roxi is utterly adorable, but besides Alan and Jason, the page lit up when Sylvester and Sunny were around. Sylvester has dementia. One minute, he was lucid, others not so much – but regardless of his state of mind, his character was sublime. Everything about him had me smiling one minute and in tears the next. As for Alan’s familiar Sunny, he is snarky, brave, blunt, and wise, all wrapped in feathers. There is so much I could say about these two, but I don’t want to spoil the discovery that awaits.
Magic Escaping ticked every element in my ‘I want’ box. Every ‘I’ was dotted, and ‘T’ crossed. For me, this book was a masterpiece and will proudly take a place in my favs of all time.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Was he kidnapped or arrested? Either way, Alan was taken at gunpoint with his lover, Jason, as a witness. Thankfully, Alan has friends. Sunny, his familiar hitches a ride with Alan while Jason calls everyone he knows to create hell. The question is, who will listen, who can act, and what the devil is going on?
Magic Escaping is part of the Carnival of Mysteries shared world series. Many novels in this multi-author group are standalone tales, but Magic Escaping is Kaje Harpers' sequel to Magic Burning – both are recommended reading.
From page one, Magic Escaping was a dramatic, eventful, and captivating read – a thrilling and emotional ride from beginning to end.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Alan and Jason, and there is a lovely extra from Sunny at the end. The world-building was perfect for my reading tastes. There was enough to form a picture, balanced beautifully with the emotions and narrative between the characters. And OMG, what dialogue. I have rarely read anything so flawless, either characteristically or situationally.
The relationship between Alan and Jason was established in Magic Burning. In this instance, their connection is given even more depth and the levels they are prepared to go to in the name of love and protection were a pleasure to read.
Between the kidnapping, rescue, love, danger, the elusive Carnival of Mysteries, magic, bad guys, bullets, and a whole load of other drama is the beautiful dynamic between the band of friends and familiars that make up the group out to help Alan.
I loved all the characters (good and bad); they were so well-written. Roxi is utterly adorable, but besides Alan and Jason, the page lit up when Sylvester and Sunny were around. Sylvester has dementia. One minute, he was lucid, others not so much – but regardless of his state of mind, his character was sublime. Everything about him had me smiling one minute and in tears the next. As for Alan’s familiar Sunny, he is snarky, brave, blunt, and wise, all wrapped in feathers. There is so much I could say about these two, but I don’t want to spoil the discovery that awaits.
Magic Escaping ticked every element in my ‘I want’ box. Every ‘I’ was dotted, and ‘T’ crossed. For me, this book was a masterpiece and will proudly take a place in my favs of all time.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
August 7, 2024
What a ride!
This book starts hard and keeps up that pace through much of the book with only a couple of moments to breathe. Some of those moments, interestingly, come with Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries. I paid attention during Kaje’s first book, Magic Burning, but this time the detail for the carnival was far more detailed and, I admit fascinating. I’m not going to give anything away – but I think readers will be blown away by the cleverness factored into this story. I imagine the other books in the series are just as interesting and creative.
Okay…Alan the sorcerer has been kidnapped. Jason, his human boyfriend, of course, is not going to sit back and just wait for…Alan to be able to make his phone call…? Sunny, Alan’s familiar isn’t sitting back either. Clever bird. A little sarcastic, a little witty, and just loads of laughs.
Right…kidnapping. No one – not even Alan’s magic friends – seems to know how to help. So it’s up to Jason, Erin, Dale, and Sylvester. Erin and Dale are healers while Sylvester is Alan’s former sorcerer mentor. Every time he appears on the page, my heart breaks a little more. Sylvester is slipping into dementia – anyone who’s ever witnessed that happen to a loved one knows how painful it can be. That this rapid-fire story is told with such poignancy speaks to Kaje’s talent as a writer. And yes, I shed tears.
So the bad guys are also an arm of Homeland Security…how are Jason and his ragtag bunch supposed to rescue Alan? Well, grab a new friend, pick up a turncoat, and march on. Then, when that isn’t enough to save the day, just keep right on going.
I love where the climax takes place. Such beauty mixed with such destruction. I love how acquaintanceships can turn into friendships and allyships. I love how beauty can come from blackness. Kaje’s deft hand is all over this long and amazing book.
Now, I briefly mentioned Sunny. While Jason and Alan are getting their happy ending, the little clever bird is up to mischief. Including teaching Roxi all the wrong lessons. But what’s a familiar to do? I really wish I’d seen the end result of his, uh, effort.
I don’t know if this will be the last book – Jason and Alan are pretty set with their HEA. Of course Dale and his new friend might just need a book and the unicorn…yeah, the unicorn.
Loved it.
This book starts hard and keeps up that pace through much of the book with only a couple of moments to breathe. Some of those moments, interestingly, come with Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries. I paid attention during Kaje’s first book, Magic Burning, but this time the detail for the carnival was far more detailed and, I admit fascinating. I’m not going to give anything away – but I think readers will be blown away by the cleverness factored into this story. I imagine the other books in the series are just as interesting and creative.
Okay…Alan the sorcerer has been kidnapped. Jason, his human boyfriend, of course, is not going to sit back and just wait for…Alan to be able to make his phone call…? Sunny, Alan’s familiar isn’t sitting back either. Clever bird. A little sarcastic, a little witty, and just loads of laughs.
Right…kidnapping. No one – not even Alan’s magic friends – seems to know how to help. So it’s up to Jason, Erin, Dale, and Sylvester. Erin and Dale are healers while Sylvester is Alan’s former sorcerer mentor. Every time he appears on the page, my heart breaks a little more. Sylvester is slipping into dementia – anyone who’s ever witnessed that happen to a loved one knows how painful it can be. That this rapid-fire story is told with such poignancy speaks to Kaje’s talent as a writer. And yes, I shed tears.
So the bad guys are also an arm of Homeland Security…how are Jason and his ragtag bunch supposed to rescue Alan? Well, grab a new friend, pick up a turncoat, and march on. Then, when that isn’t enough to save the day, just keep right on going.
I love where the climax takes place. Such beauty mixed with such destruction. I love how acquaintanceships can turn into friendships and allyships. I love how beauty can come from blackness. Kaje’s deft hand is all over this long and amazing book.
Now, I briefly mentioned Sunny. While Jason and Alan are getting their happy ending, the little clever bird is up to mischief. Including teaching Roxi all the wrong lessons. But what’s a familiar to do? I really wish I’d seen the end result of his, uh, effort.
I don’t know if this will be the last book – Jason and Alan are pretty set with their HEA. Of course Dale and his new friend might just need a book and the unicorn…yeah, the unicorn.
Loved it.
August 16, 2024
Stronger Together
Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries is back, and with it, another story about school teacher and sorcerer Alan, his firefighter boyfriend Jason and Alan's familiar - a loudmouth conure * not a parrot *called Sunny.
I loved the first book when these two got together. Now we have Jason see Alan Hiranchai, a Thai-American and unregistered sorcerer, abducted off the street and no one admitting they have him.
He's 'under arrest' by the 'National Sorcery Enforcement and Protection' and wearing a bracelet that blocks his magic, so Sunny may be his only hope.
Faced down by four goons, Jason is out of his league.
He calls on Sylvester, Alan’s old mentor, who whilst knowledgeable wears a cuff himself due to memory and cognitive issues, Erin, a healer works as a nurse and her assistant Dale. Like the Sorcerer equivalent of the Scooby Gang.
There is no hope for escape in the prison he's brought to, but focusing on his friends, Jason and his familiar, helps keep some of the terror at bay, despite the obvious prejudice he faces.
Meanwhile Jason is determined to help his boyfriend even if it means legal counsel as the first logical step, and magic high flyers as the next.
The carnival is "a place of magic. Deep, wild magic," and having helped them before, Jason is hopeful Errante might do so again.
This feels like a metaphor for refugee or asylum seeker camps here, where anyone can be held without charges. The tension, the fear, the intimidation tactics and threats are all visible.
Darien and Silas, legends of the Upheavals have a cameo in the book as do other characters. They send sorcerer Zahira, to help the gang, and It's clear early on there's a bigger conspiracy at play.
There's a lot of action and fighting the bag guys in this one, but there's also some very poignant moments, tender scenes, romance, grief, laughter and spice.
The familiars however are the highlight of the book, especially Sunny who is a practical joker. Impressive for a small bird.
I loved this one and I hope we get to see more, with new stories for Dale, Kevin and newbie Royal.
Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries is back, and with it, another story about school teacher and sorcerer Alan, his firefighter boyfriend Jason and Alan's familiar - a loudmouth conure * not a parrot *called Sunny.
I loved the first book when these two got together. Now we have Jason see Alan Hiranchai, a Thai-American and unregistered sorcerer, abducted off the street and no one admitting they have him.
He's 'under arrest' by the 'National Sorcery Enforcement and Protection' and wearing a bracelet that blocks his magic, so Sunny may be his only hope.
Faced down by four goons, Jason is out of his league.
He calls on Sylvester, Alan’s old mentor, who whilst knowledgeable wears a cuff himself due to memory and cognitive issues, Erin, a healer works as a nurse and her assistant Dale. Like the Sorcerer equivalent of the Scooby Gang.
There is no hope for escape in the prison he's brought to, but focusing on his friends, Jason and his familiar, helps keep some of the terror at bay, despite the obvious prejudice he faces.
Meanwhile Jason is determined to help his boyfriend even if it means legal counsel as the first logical step, and magic high flyers as the next.
The carnival is "a place of magic. Deep, wild magic," and having helped them before, Jason is hopeful Errante might do so again.
This feels like a metaphor for refugee or asylum seeker camps here, where anyone can be held without charges. The tension, the fear, the intimidation tactics and threats are all visible.
Darien and Silas, legends of the Upheavals have a cameo in the book as do other characters. They send sorcerer Zahira, to help the gang, and It's clear early on there's a bigger conspiracy at play.
There's a lot of action and fighting the bag guys in this one, but there's also some very poignant moments, tender scenes, romance, grief, laughter and spice.
The familiars however are the highlight of the book, especially Sunny who is a practical joker. Impressive for a small bird.
I loved this one and I hope we get to see more, with new stories for Dale, Kevin and newbie Royal.
August 28, 2024
'Magic Escaping' (Carnival of Mysteries)
by Kaje Harper
A sequel to the book 'Magic Burning' in this same 'Carnival of Mysteries' series...and, Wowza! it's a doozy!
First you gotta read Book 1, or this won't make sense. Trust me. Besides, that book will blow yer socks off, too!
Great series, fabulous story-telling in both of these Kaje Harper's books.
Yep...you have a hot-as-fire (sometimes literally) MM love story between a firefighter (human), on the down-low, and a middle school teacher (Thai & magic) who's also gay, but not closeted and not quite as innocent as he appears... considering he's an "unregistered" magic user that most humans aren't supposed to know about...there are laws.
As a continuation of the first book, this one is just as wonderful and includes more appearances by the mysterious Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries!
There are also some new characters, some of whom are obviously evil, and maybe a bit starkers to boot. Plus several intriguing new "good guys", and another on-the-fence young human guy that we're not too sure about...yet. Neither is he.
Wildly chaotic plot, ranging from silly to deadly serious, the pendulum swinging crazily between them, and all over the map!
This tale involves more magic users, new-found friends and a couple new familiars, plus HomeLand Security, FBI, local cops, a hidden prison, and a dark & evil "entity".
Welp, as old-time actress Bette Davis once famously said, "Buckle up; you're in for a bumpy ride!" (or was it "bumpy night", lol). Either way, it's a rollar-coaster of a ride! Some harrowing incidents await...
Engaging, well-written storyline with characters that seem so real, even with the hidden magic, cause you never know...it just might be true!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
by Kaje Harper
A sequel to the book 'Magic Burning' in this same 'Carnival of Mysteries' series...and, Wowza! it's a doozy!
First you gotta read Book 1, or this won't make sense. Trust me. Besides, that book will blow yer socks off, too!
Great series, fabulous story-telling in both of these Kaje Harper's books.
Yep...you have a hot-as-fire (sometimes literally) MM love story between a firefighter (human), on the down-low, and a middle school teacher (Thai & magic) who's also gay, but not closeted and not quite as innocent as he appears... considering he's an "unregistered" magic user that most humans aren't supposed to know about...there are laws.
As a continuation of the first book, this one is just as wonderful and includes more appearances by the mysterious Errante Ame's Carnival of Mysteries!
There are also some new characters, some of whom are obviously evil, and maybe a bit starkers to boot. Plus several intriguing new "good guys", and another on-the-fence young human guy that we're not too sure about...yet. Neither is he.
Wildly chaotic plot, ranging from silly to deadly serious, the pendulum swinging crazily between them, and all over the map!
This tale involves more magic users, new-found friends and a couple new familiars, plus HomeLand Security, FBI, local cops, a hidden prison, and a dark & evil "entity".
Welp, as old-time actress Bette Davis once famously said, "Buckle up; you're in for a bumpy ride!" (or was it "bumpy night", lol). Either way, it's a rollar-coaster of a ride! Some harrowing incidents await...
Engaging, well-written storyline with characters that seem so real, even with the hidden magic, cause you never know...it just might be true!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
August 11, 2024
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Oooooh Magic Escaping was sooooo gripping!! I was legit frightened by how the govt agencies could just take Alan and make him disappear, while his loved ones got manipulated and lied to, and legal recourse failed them by being part of the system of corruption. The realness of this hit me in the chest, making Alan's false imprisonment feel personal and I was glued to my Kindle, invested to the teeth!
There was so much happening in this book and i loved every second of it. It was just as charming and love-filled, whimsical and wonderful as Magic Burning, but because the front half was loaded with more high stakes intensity, this installment had me by the throat more times than not! I felt Jason's terror, felt Alan's family's spinning wheels and helplessness, their aloneness in their fear for Alan's safety. Not knowing who to trust because of who took their boy in the first place!
Luckily Errante Ame’s brilliant Carnival popped up when they needed some mega supernatural help, and i srsly cannot get enough of this vibe! I honestly didn't think i would be soooooo into it, but Harper's characterizations and immersive writing style created such a dynamic, thoroughly engaging atmosphere of mystery and magic, that it was impossible not to be enchanted by the energy!
This was a great sequel to Magic Burning which was all kinds of quirky, sweet and sexy fun, but I very much enjoyed Magic Escaping's depth and layers of excitement a lot more! I was moved to tears quite a few times, especially that last quarter! Super happy that Harper was my introduction to the Carnival of Mysteries series because i think she's a fantastic writer, and her contribution to this multi-author series has been a wildly successful, entertaining and exceptional one!
Oooooh Magic Escaping was sooooo gripping!! I was legit frightened by how the govt agencies could just take Alan and make him disappear, while his loved ones got manipulated and lied to, and legal recourse failed them by being part of the system of corruption. The realness of this hit me in the chest, making Alan's false imprisonment feel personal and I was glued to my Kindle, invested to the teeth!
There was so much happening in this book and i loved every second of it. It was just as charming and love-filled, whimsical and wonderful as Magic Burning, but because the front half was loaded with more high stakes intensity, this installment had me by the throat more times than not! I felt Jason's terror, felt Alan's family's spinning wheels and helplessness, their aloneness in their fear for Alan's safety. Not knowing who to trust because of who took their boy in the first place!
Luckily Errante Ame’s brilliant Carnival popped up when they needed some mega supernatural help, and i srsly cannot get enough of this vibe! I honestly didn't think i would be soooooo into it, but Harper's characterizations and immersive writing style created such a dynamic, thoroughly engaging atmosphere of mystery and magic, that it was impossible not to be enchanted by the energy!
This was a great sequel to Magic Burning which was all kinds of quirky, sweet and sexy fun, but I very much enjoyed Magic Escaping's depth and layers of excitement a lot more! I was moved to tears quite a few times, especially that last quarter! Super happy that Harper was my introduction to the Carnival of Mysteries series because i think she's a fantastic writer, and her contribution to this multi-author series has been a wildly successful, entertaining and exceptional one!
August 7, 2024
Well, you know a book is going to be pretty thrilling when the first thing that happens is a MC get kidnapped. And so it goes, as Alan gets snatched off the street while Jason watches, helpless. Jason, of course, runs to their posse for help, and Erin, Daryl, Sylvester, and our favorite familiar Sunny do not disappoint. We encounter other old friends as well, and make some new ones.
Together, the band of sorcerers, healers, familiars – and Jason – must find Alan, rescue him, unravel a sinister plot, and save the world. This is a long book because a lot happens, but it never feels long – Kaje’s writing is, as ever, engaging and fast-paced. And the ending is just as sweet as can be. It’s got dual POV, and of course Errante Ames and the Carnival of Mysteries play a pivotal role. I loved watching Alan and Jason realize that not only do they like living together, they can’t live without each other, and the other characters got a bit more page time and fleshing out in this book. Not a stand-alone, it’s vital to have read the first book in order to understand what’s going on here. In addition, it only makes sense – the meet cute for Jason and Alan alone is worth it. Kaje has definitely penned yet another winner.
Together, the band of sorcerers, healers, familiars – and Jason – must find Alan, rescue him, unravel a sinister plot, and save the world. This is a long book because a lot happens, but it never feels long – Kaje’s writing is, as ever, engaging and fast-paced. And the ending is just as sweet as can be. It’s got dual POV, and of course Errante Ames and the Carnival of Mysteries play a pivotal role. I loved watching Alan and Jason realize that not only do they like living together, they can’t live without each other, and the other characters got a bit more page time and fleshing out in this book. Not a stand-alone, it’s vital to have read the first book in order to understand what’s going on here. In addition, it only makes sense – the meet cute for Jason and Alan alone is worth it. Kaje has definitely penned yet another winner.
August 14, 2024
Magic Escaping begins with Alan on his daily run and finding himself kidnapped. Despite his protests, he is not allowed an explanation, nor an attorney. From there, the action only intensifies. Jason tries to help but against guns there is nothing he can do. Now, Alan finds himself locked up with a bracelet that takes away his magic. Jason is not done as he and Alan has friends and soon, they all set out to rescue him. In addition to Jason, there are two healers, a confused sorcerer, and a small bird. The Carnival of Mysteries appears at the most opportune times. They do get some help along the way and they are quite formidable.
Magic Escaping has everything you want in a book. There is devoted love, fantastic friends and family as well evil bad guys and maybe one who isn’t. This was a story of friends (or family) and a small snarky bird that will not give up, not matter the odds. It will grab you and keep you reading, frantically turning the pages to see what happens. The ending is perfect. As you can see, it does indeed have everything you want, including that amazing Carnival of Mysteries. Don’t miss this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my very own opinion.
Magic Escaping has everything you want in a book. There is devoted love, fantastic friends and family as well evil bad guys and maybe one who isn’t. This was a story of friends (or family) and a small snarky bird that will not give up, not matter the odds. It will grab you and keep you reading, frantically turning the pages to see what happens. The ending is perfect. As you can see, it does indeed have everything you want, including that amazing Carnival of Mysteries. Don’t miss this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my very own opinion.
August 22, 2024
I loved the Alan and Jason’s first adventure and enjoyed catching up with them, and the carnival again. I enjoyed how everyone played their part in the rescue and dealing with the bad guys. Anyone going up against the carnival is very foolish indeed!
I love Alan and Jason’s relationship, and how they never give up on each other. Their HEA in this story is very well earned. I like how he’s come into his magic, and how that grows with this story. Jason’s acceptance of Alan’s world, and how much he’s accepted it all is wonderful. These two are a great match.
Their friends and found family play a huge part in the story. I enjoyed meeting the new characters, and hope that we will get Dale’s story at some point. They need their own HEA. I was sad to say goodbye to one of the characters, but thought it was a fitting one. Sunny, as always steals the show. Love him.
The action scenes are tense and exciting, and the stakes high. I liked that they can’t save anyone, that taking down the bad guys isn’t easy and comes with a great cost. I also liked the redemption of one character, and the hint of his future with another.
The carnival rocks. I loved seeing Errante and Rafe again.
I love Alan and Jason’s relationship, and how they never give up on each other. Their HEA in this story is very well earned. I like how he’s come into his magic, and how that grows with this story. Jason’s acceptance of Alan’s world, and how much he’s accepted it all is wonderful. These two are a great match.
Their friends and found family play a huge part in the story. I enjoyed meeting the new characters, and hope that we will get Dale’s story at some point. They need their own HEA. I was sad to say goodbye to one of the characters, but thought it was a fitting one. Sunny, as always steals the show. Love him.
The action scenes are tense and exciting, and the stakes high. I liked that they can’t save anyone, that taking down the bad guys isn’t easy and comes with a great cost. I also liked the redemption of one character, and the hint of his future with another.
The carnival rocks. I loved seeing Errante and Rafe again.
August 16, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up. Warning: While this is part of a series of standalones with only one thing in common, it is also the sequel to the previous Carnival of Mysteries book by the same author, Magic Burning. If you read this without reading its predecessor, you will not understand head or tail of what’s happening.
If there’s one thing Kaje Harper does brilliantly, it’s urban fantasy romance. Her Necromancer series had me hooked from start to finish and is one of the few series I actually re-read in order rather than picking and choosing my favourite bits. So of course I’m always super eager to read any books set in the same world. This one took Alan and Jason’s story forward so smoothly, with great plot drama but also banter (snarky familiars >>> snarky people). It also somehow managed to incorporate some found family bits and a lovely redemption arc and more. Best of all, we actually learned more about the Carnival of Mysteries and the enigmatic Errante. But yeah. Read this, and before that read Magic Burning (which is this book’s prequel), and preferably also read the Necromancer books because they’re all amazing.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
If there’s one thing Kaje Harper does brilliantly, it’s urban fantasy romance. Her Necromancer series had me hooked from start to finish and is one of the few series I actually re-read in order rather than picking and choosing my favourite bits. So of course I’m always super eager to read any books set in the same world. This one took Alan and Jason’s story forward so smoothly, with great plot drama but also banter (snarky familiars >>> snarky people). It also somehow managed to incorporate some found family bits and a lovely redemption arc and more. Best of all, we actually learned more about the Carnival of Mysteries and the enigmatic Errante. But yeah. Read this, and before that read Magic Burning (which is this book’s prequel), and preferably also read the Necromancer books because they’re all amazing.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 15, 2024
Great story! Alan, is a school teacher who rarely uses his magic. He is 'arrested' while out jogging. He becomes suspicious when none of the usual arrest protocols are followed and his captors laugh at him. Jason, Alan's boyfriend is a firefighter, so he's no stranger to danger. He tries to follow up on Alan's 'arrest' but become suspicious when he is stonewalled by lies. When the Carnival shows up, Jason thinks he may get help from Errante. Jason, mobilize Alan's 'crew' to help with a rescue/escape. There are complications, mysteries and unanswered questions to keep the reader engaged, rivited and on the edge of our seats gripping our kindles straining our knuckles. The Carnival, does it's thing but nothing is easy. Great series. Excellent characters, dangerous but lots of fun. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2024
The sequel to Magic Burning, Magic Escaping is for sure not a stand alone. Don’t start this if you haven’t read the first one - it will be so confusing in my opinion. But also, just go ahead and read the first one because both stories are a great mix of banter and crazy characters and, of course, magic. It’s not so much the plot line that you have to be able to follow as much as it is the references to the previous plot line or events, as well as the difference between establishing a relationship and an established relationship. Either way, this is a great sequel that is definitely as good as the first not just for the plot, but the side characters (including Sunny the familiar) that make it an overall enjoyable read. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of magic/PNL but I do keep coming back to these!
August 23, 2024
The adventures of Jason and Alan continue in this sequel to "Magic Burning", with the suspense once again center stage in the story. Alan's misadventures, Jason's heroic actions, ably and of course magically assisted by the usual cast of characters, most notably Sunny, are highly engaging and entertaining. Jason's and Alan's newly-minted relationship is put through the ultimate test, but of course, they survive with help from their friends and familiars, as well as from Errante Ames and the mysterious carnival that seems to appear just when they need it most. And despite the heartbreaking loss that Alan, Erin, and Dale in particular must endure, the lovers' HEA is finally secured after the bad guys are defeated. Even if that defeat was a little bit too easy--given how every other victory they had was so hard won--I was happy to accept it because the rest of the story was rewarding.
July 27, 2024
This is the sequel to Magic Burning and part of the Carnival of Mysteries series. Alan and Jason are living together and loving it when Alan is kidnapped while out on a jog. Jason scrambles the troops to help find and rescue Alan. Lots of craziness ensues and rescues happen. Alan and Jason need Errante and the carnivals help again.
I really liked this book and it's perfect balance of fantasy/romance. Alan and Jason have really good chemistry and great friends too. The story is good and had me hooked from page one. There's suspense, romance, and some sorrow. Alan gets better control of his magic. The baddies get what they deserve and someone gets redemption. I highly recommend this book, this author and the whole Carnival of Mysteries series.
I really liked this book and it's perfect balance of fantasy/romance. Alan and Jason have really good chemistry and great friends too. The story is good and had me hooked from page one. There's suspense, romance, and some sorrow. Alan gets better control of his magic. The baddies get what they deserve and someone gets redemption. I highly recommend this book, this author and the whole Carnival of Mysteries series.
August 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this continuation of Alan (mage/schoolteacher) and Jason (human firefighter)'s love story and adventures. Here Alan is kidnapped by a shadowy group, and Jason and friends hurry to rescue him. It's a great story, with a few twists and surprises, the appearance of the Carnival of mysteries, and of course, Alan's snarky familiar, Sunny. One of the things I loved most about this book is the wonderful way Ms. Harper takes as much care developing and detailing the secondary characters as she does the MCs. There are no one-dimensional characters here. This is a continuing story, so you should read Magic Burning before you start this one. They are both excellent books.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 12, 2024
I love the Carnival of Mysteries multi-author series, and I love Kaje Harper's writing, so I greatly enjoyed Magic Escaping. We get to check in on Jason, Alan, and Sunny as they navigate some seriously challenging circumstances including a kidnapping by a shady government agency and an evil plot.
If you enjoy lots of magical world building, snarky familiars, sweet side characters, evil plots unfolding and thwarted, and steadfast m/m love, you'll enjoy this book.
I do wish I understood more about Alan's abilities and his encounter in the forest.
Required prior reading: Magic Burning, Kaje Harper
Recommended prior reading: Gods and Monsters, Rachel Langella
If you enjoy lots of magical world building, snarky familiars, sweet side characters, evil plots unfolding and thwarted, and steadfast m/m love, you'll enjoy this book.
I do wish I understood more about Alan's abilities and his encounter in the forest.
Required prior reading: Magic Burning, Kaje Harper
Recommended prior reading: Gods and Monsters, Rachel Langella
August 13, 2024
Continuation of Alan and Jason’s story
Alan is kidnapped and it’s on Jason and Sunny to save the man they love. Along with family, they all set about rescuing Alan.
Some action, surprises, and a bit of utter sadness. A couple of new allies and an adorable new familiar made this book enjoyable.
Sunny is a Conure (either a large parakeet or small parrot). However there is nothing small about Sunny. He is a wonderful bit of fabulousness.
I have liked every Carnival of Mysteries that I’ve read and this one is no exception. I was excited to see a second series of the books.
I received an arc of this book.
Alan is kidnapped and it’s on Jason and Sunny to save the man they love. Along with family, they all set about rescuing Alan.
Some action, surprises, and a bit of utter sadness. A couple of new allies and an adorable new familiar made this book enjoyable.
Sunny is a Conure (either a large parakeet or small parrot). However there is nothing small about Sunny. He is a wonderful bit of fabulousness.
I have liked every Carnival of Mysteries that I’ve read and this one is no exception. I was excited to see a second series of the books.
I received an arc of this book.
August 14, 2024
I just finished Magic Escaping, and it was a wonderful read that kept you on edge throughout the story as Jason works to rescue Alan who had been abducted on his early morning run. Alan is then taken away to facility that is illegally holding many sorcerers captive that had been kidnapped. This is the second book in the series, and it held me riveted as secrets are revealed and evil people are served their comeuppance. I don’t want to give the plot away but encourage you to dive in and read the story and be swept away to a world of magic, family, found family, and an unexpected but wonderful ending that will warm your heart.
August 15, 2024
I adored this sequel to Magic Burning. It was a well written page-turner with excellent world building. I was happy to read more about Jason and Alan as well as all the familiars, their friends and their (found) families. All of the characters are very well developed. The plot is so intriguing - Alan gets kidnapped at the beginning and we don't know by whom or what for - and the action, humour and romance in the book are captivating. It's especially fun when additional sorcerers and the magical carnival get involved. A must-read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2024
Follow up completes the story
Kaje Harper started this story with Magic Burning and completes it with this follow up part. I’m glad that she did instead of cutting the story down to one book. Alan and Jason are two interesting characters and I loved reading their story but even the side characters are interesting and well thought out. The plot is fairly straightforward with good against bad although the Carnival of Mysteries gives us some really good mysteries this time. From the beginning with Alan getting kidnapped we are taken on a marvelous magical adventure by Ms Harper and I for one enjoyed the ride, except I would have liked some cotton candy.
Kaje Harper started this story with Magic Burning and completes it with this follow up part. I’m glad that she did instead of cutting the story down to one book. Alan and Jason are two interesting characters and I loved reading their story but even the side characters are interesting and well thought out. The plot is fairly straightforward with good against bad although the Carnival of Mysteries gives us some really good mysteries this time. From the beginning with Alan getting kidnapped we are taken on a marvelous magical adventure by Ms Harper and I for one enjoyed the ride, except I would have liked some cotton candy.
July 27, 2024
Alan and Jason are now living together, so Sunny can immediately update Jason as events go downhill from the very beginning of the book. Jason ends up with a great team helping him work the problems as they pop up, but I felt antsy until they managed to get Alan back. I liked how the Carnival is utilized this go-around and the little details that eventually helped them win over the bad guys.
Overall, this is a really good sequel to Magic Burning. The familiars are great and I would read more with these guys. Go, Sunny!!
I noted about half a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.
Overall, this is a really good sequel to Magic Burning. The familiars are great and I would read more with these guys. Go, Sunny!!
I noted about half a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.
August 13, 2024
This book is a rollercoaster in all the best ways. The plot is tightly woven, the stakes are high, the characters are vibrant and beautifully drawn. The events of the story deserve to be experienced on their own terms, so I won’t spoil them here, but I will say that it’s ridiculously easy to get caught up in the sequence as it unfolds. A seriously immersive entry in the carnival of mysteries series, which already has one of my favorite premises of all time.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 15, 2024
We are back with the carnival of mysteries series and this is the sequel to Magic burning which was the first story about Alan and Jason. Alan is kidnapped and Jason is determined to get him back so he calls on their friends to help and the carnival is also back again so hopefully Errante is also willing to help as well. This story kept my attention from the beginning to the end and was full of mystery, action and adventure but it was also emotional in parts as well but of course they succeeded in rescuing Alan and him and Jason get their Hea and make more new friends along the way. Looking forward to reading what comes next from this author.
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