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Spirit Mage's Journey #1
Demon Dance and Other Disasters
I’m Katy Brown, a tracker.
Since my parents were murdered, I’ve survived by tracking down the dangerous and the lost—rogue vampires and werewolves, missing children, runaway dogs, even deadbeat spouses. If it pays the rent, I’ll find it.
But then a master mage offered me a very different job—track down a wizard summoning demons. The reward? All my heart’s desire.
This mission is darker, deadlier, and more twisted than anything I’ve faced before.
Join me on a high-stakes mission where the reward could change my life—or cost me everything.
Since my parents were murdered, I’ve survived by tracking down the dangerous and the lost—rogue vampires and werewolves, missing children, runaway dogs, even deadbeat spouses. If it pays the rent, I’ll find it.
But then a master mage offered me a very different job—track down a wizard summoning demons. The reward? All my heart’s desire.
This mission is darker, deadlier, and more twisted than anything I’ve faced before.
Join me on a high-stakes mission where the reward could change my life—or cost me everything.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2024
477 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
42 books949 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 24, 2025
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This one was a miss for me. The biggest issue was the main character’s age, she’s supposed to be 16, but it's just not believeable. She’s treated like an elite, hyper competent agent solving cases that grown adults can’t handle, and it just didn’t track. The adults constantly praised her intelligence, and her responses were things like, “I really love the library and learning.” For context, she has been homeless for the last couple of years and hasn’t been in school…
On top of that, she was sexualized a lot throughout the book, which made for a very uncomfortable reading experience.
The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, and a lot of plot points just didn’t make sense. Also, the audiobook narration felt flat and read more like a script than a performance.
This could have been semi decent if the FMC was an appropriate age.
✨ What to Expect
• Demon hunting
• Spirit magic
• Rogue summoners
• Lone wolf FMC
• Urban fantasy worldbuilding
🎧 Audio Score: 2.5 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
📅 Pub Date: July 15, 2025
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
This one was a miss for me. The biggest issue was the main character’s age, she’s supposed to be 16, but it's just not believeable. She’s treated like an elite, hyper competent agent solving cases that grown adults can’t handle, and it just didn’t track. The adults constantly praised her intelligence, and her responses were things like, “I really love the library and learning.” For context, she has been homeless for the last couple of years and hasn’t been in school…
On top of that, she was sexualized a lot throughout the book, which made for a very uncomfortable reading experience.
The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, and a lot of plot points just didn’t make sense. Also, the audiobook narration felt flat and read more like a script than a performance.
This could have been semi decent if the FMC was an appropriate age.
✨ What to Expect
• Demon hunting
• Spirit magic
• Rogue summoners
• Lone wolf FMC
• Urban fantasy worldbuilding
🎧 Audio Score: 2.5 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Solo
📅 Pub Date: July 15, 2025
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2024
Excellent Story
I loved this book.
The main character was one of my favorite things about this story. She was only 16 but having been a street kid she didn't act her age. I loved how she was cynical and suspicious but still cared about others. I am a sucker for the bad@ss but secretly soft character types.
I also really enjoyed the magic and discovering with the main character what she was and what she could do. Plus, the found family trope, pacing that kept me engaged and the setting were other aspects that I liked.
I would recommend this book to urban fantasy lovers.
I loved this book.
The main character was one of my favorite things about this story. She was only 16 but having been a street kid she didn't act her age. I loved how she was cynical and suspicious but still cared about others. I am a sucker for the bad@ss but secretly soft character types.
I also really enjoyed the magic and discovering with the main character what she was and what she could do. Plus, the found family trope, pacing that kept me engaged and the setting were other aspects that I liked.
I would recommend this book to urban fantasy lovers.
July 14, 2025
(Advance Listening Copy (ALC) courtesy of NetGalley and Tantor Audio.)
Rating: 3.5⭐
Although this is a book about a teen MC, it is written for adults. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this approach, but it does come with challenges. This one struggled to strike the right balance with its formerly-unhoused, sixteen-year-old MC.
On the one hand, the author clearly did research into the experiences of homeless youth. You can see genuine care in the narrative. For example, the main character struggles to set aside habits developed when she was on the streets, even after finding a secure housing situation and adults who show her care. This feels very true to those experiences.
However, where the book faltered for me was in how often the narrative circled back to sex. The MC constantly thought about how hot everyone was, how everyone who met her wanted to sleep with her, how everyone wanted to sleep with her *fourteen-year-old* friend. Even though there was no on-page sex in this book, the constant return to sex was a lot to get through.
That said, the plot itself is solid. The beats landed well, and I was invested in where the story was going. Loved the smart subversion of certain tropes, such as a nearby magical school that the main character didn’t end up attending. That's a first for me.
The world-building shows promise, and I’m curious to see how things evolve in future installments.
🎧 AUDIO-SPECIFIC:
The narration was solid throughout. Nothing in particular stood out, but that’s not a negative. In fact, I prefer it when a narrator carries the story effortlessly without calling attention to themselves. This was one of those performances: smooth, well-paced, and easy to stay with.
TL;DR:
A teen protagonist in a gritty adult fantasy, with plot development but some uncomfortable tonal moments along the way. I’ll be continuing the series, but with an eye on how it handles its themes in the future.
Rating: 3.5⭐
Although this is a book about a teen MC, it is written for adults. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this approach, but it does come with challenges. This one struggled to strike the right balance with its formerly-unhoused, sixteen-year-old MC.
On the one hand, the author clearly did research into the experiences of homeless youth. You can see genuine care in the narrative. For example, the main character struggles to set aside habits developed when she was on the streets, even after finding a secure housing situation and adults who show her care. This feels very true to those experiences.
However, where the book faltered for me was in how often the narrative circled back to sex. The MC constantly thought about how hot everyone was, how everyone who met her wanted to sleep with her, how everyone wanted to sleep with her *fourteen-year-old* friend. Even though there was no on-page sex in this book, the constant return to sex was a lot to get through.
That said, the plot itself is solid. The beats landed well, and I was invested in where the story was going. Loved the smart subversion of certain tropes, such as a nearby magical school that the main character didn’t end up attending. That's a first for me.
The world-building shows promise, and I’m curious to see how things evolve in future installments.
🎧 AUDIO-SPECIFIC:
The narration was solid throughout. Nothing in particular stood out, but that’s not a negative. In fact, I prefer it when a narrator carries the story effortlessly without calling attention to themselves. This was one of those performances: smooth, well-paced, and easy to stay with.
TL;DR:
A teen protagonist in a gritty adult fantasy, with plot development but some uncomfortable tonal moments along the way. I’ll be continuing the series, but with an eye on how it handles its themes in the future.
November 6, 2024
"Demon Dance and Other Disasters" is an outstanding start to a new series. I was mesmerized by the storyline from the very first page. I will also say that this is a quick read as well; yet, nothing was left out nor was the plot rushed.
Kaitlyn Dunne aka Katy Brown is a sixteen year old girl orphaned mage who has been living on her own for two years. Unlike many street kids, she has found a way to make a living by being a tracker and getting paid for the targets by the local Guild. She manages to keep a small apartment and eek out a living and a way to keep fed.
While hunting down a notorious vampire, Katy manages to stab her with her father's knife and one of the few possessions she has left of him. Unfortunately, the vamp falls into the river and Katy is unsure if she is dead, alive and she certainly believes she will be unable to get the reward. However, luck is on her side when a man named Master Greenwood approaches her in a restaurant. He returns her father's weapon and tells her that he knew her mother and father. He offers to train her in her magic and sets up an appointment to meet with her the next day.
Kaitlyn meets with Greenwood and two others who ask her questions and test her honesty and abilities. Greenwood places her training in the hands of his daughter, Dierdre. She explains things to Katy and begins showing her the rope. There is a demon attacking the city and Greenwood wants Kaitlyn to assist in capturing it and discovering who is behind summoning it.
As Kaitlyn goes about her investigation, we learn the fate of other kids living on the streets. Let's just say that it isn't pretty! Yet, no matter how little she has, she manages to try to protect them and feed them whenever possible. She is definitely a protagonist I truly get behind. There are also a lot of creepy antagonist in this read that are truly unsavory. Not only that, the action scenes are pretty good as well. Ms. Kingsolver reveal just enough about Kaitlyn to make us want to know more. I must confess, I really want to know more about her grandmother and trust future installments with provide more information.
When I started my quest for a new read, I was not really looking for a YA book. However, this is more of a new adult feel than YA. If you are looking for a new series to add to your "to read list" I highly recommend this book.
Kaitlyn Dunne aka Katy Brown is a sixteen year old girl orphaned mage who has been living on her own for two years. Unlike many street kids, she has found a way to make a living by being a tracker and getting paid for the targets by the local Guild. She manages to keep a small apartment and eek out a living and a way to keep fed.
While hunting down a notorious vampire, Katy manages to stab her with her father's knife and one of the few possessions she has left of him. Unfortunately, the vamp falls into the river and Katy is unsure if she is dead, alive and she certainly believes she will be unable to get the reward. However, luck is on her side when a man named Master Greenwood approaches her in a restaurant. He returns her father's weapon and tells her that he knew her mother and father. He offers to train her in her magic and sets up an appointment to meet with her the next day.
Kaitlyn meets with Greenwood and two others who ask her questions and test her honesty and abilities. Greenwood places her training in the hands of his daughter, Dierdre. She explains things to Katy and begins showing her the rope. There is a demon attacking the city and Greenwood wants Kaitlyn to assist in capturing it and discovering who is behind summoning it.
As Kaitlyn goes about her investigation, we learn the fate of other kids living on the streets. Let's just say that it isn't pretty! Yet, no matter how little she has, she manages to try to protect them and feed them whenever possible. She is definitely a protagonist I truly get behind. There are also a lot of creepy antagonist in this read that are truly unsavory. Not only that, the action scenes are pretty good as well. Ms. Kingsolver reveal just enough about Kaitlyn to make us want to know more. I must confess, I really want to know more about her grandmother and trust future installments with provide more information.
When I started my quest for a new read, I was not really looking for a YA book. However, this is more of a new adult feel than YA. If you are looking for a new series to add to your "to read list" I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2024
3.5 stars
Wow, this one took me by surprise.
This book is a mystery urban fantasy about a destitute sixteen-year-old girl investigating demon invocations.
First, I might say, the name of this book is very misleading. Demon Dance and Other Disasters imply something lively and pleasant, something light. Well, this book isn't light at all, in fact if you are the kind of person who needs trigger warnings I would suggest to search before reading this one. There is no demon dancing, but there are a lot of descriptions of what is like to be a minor living on the streets. There is so much about hunger, the constant fear of being hurt physically and specially sexually, and the most awful things that you must do to survive.
The writing is dry, which further promote the seriousness of the topic of poverty and abandonment. It also reflects the personality of the main character Katy as someone apathetic and jaded. I think the writing is quite good for this type of story. Serious topics are often introduced as something trite and trivial, for it is the way that the MC sees the world and the banality of the violence that these street kids endure every day.
There were points that I didn't love, or I thought weren't executed well. I think Katy situation with her parents were underdeveloped and implausible. She lived with happy parents till the age of fourteen, until they were brutally murdered, an event that destroyed her stability and lead to her living on the streets, yet it seems she barely cares for them at all. It's never mentioned she misses them, and she is never reminiscing about the fond memories she had with them. It feels they are just a plot point to lead her to the beginning of the story.
The plot, per se, of the mystery at hand is nothing amazing or incredible intricate, but I think the way it was handled was very interesting. There is no magical shortcuts or super intuition, like there usually is in urban fantasy detective stories. When something happens, there are several theories to be worked with, and when more clues are introduced, the MC slowly finds herself closer to the truth. I do think that the MC and her crew were infuriatingly reactive. They never had a plan, they were always waiting for the next attack to do something, and by that I mean running around in the hopes of finding something relevant. Even the MC gets mad at some point and points this out, so I suppose this is more of a problem of the world building than it is of the plot.
The world building is very loosely tied, I would say. I appreciate the author avoiding gigantic info dumps, but I fear that some basic things should have been introduced early on to avoid confusion. By page 100 I still didn't know if the human populace knew or didn't about the existence of magic.
Still, I think this book have way more good things than bad. I would be willing to try a second book of this series, for sure.
Wow, this one took me by surprise.
This book is a mystery urban fantasy about a destitute sixteen-year-old girl investigating demon invocations.
First, I might say, the name of this book is very misleading. Demon Dance and Other Disasters imply something lively and pleasant, something light. Well, this book isn't light at all, in fact if you are the kind of person who needs trigger warnings I would suggest to search before reading this one. There is no demon dancing, but there are a lot of descriptions of what is like to be a minor living on the streets. There is so much about hunger, the constant fear of being hurt physically and specially sexually, and the most awful things that you must do to survive.
The writing is dry, which further promote the seriousness of the topic of poverty and abandonment. It also reflects the personality of the main character Katy as someone apathetic and jaded. I think the writing is quite good for this type of story. Serious topics are often introduced as something trite and trivial, for it is the way that the MC sees the world and the banality of the violence that these street kids endure every day.
There were points that I didn't love, or I thought weren't executed well. I think Katy situation with her parents were underdeveloped and implausible. She lived with happy parents till the age of fourteen, until they were brutally murdered, an event that destroyed her stability and lead to her living on the streets, yet it seems she barely cares for them at all. It's never mentioned she misses them, and she is never reminiscing about the fond memories she had with them. It feels they are just a plot point to lead her to the beginning of the story.
The plot, per se, of the mystery at hand is nothing amazing or incredible intricate, but I think the way it was handled was very interesting. There is no magical shortcuts or super intuition, like there usually is in urban fantasy detective stories. When something happens, there are several theories to be worked with, and when more clues are introduced, the MC slowly finds herself closer to the truth. I do think that the MC and her crew were infuriatingly reactive. They never had a plan, they were always waiting for the next attack to do something, and by that I mean running around in the hopes of finding something relevant. Even the MC gets mad at some point and points this out, so I suppose this is more of a problem of the world building than it is of the plot.
The world building is very loosely tied, I would say. I appreciate the author avoiding gigantic info dumps, but I fear that some basic things should have been introduced early on to avoid confusion. By page 100 I still didn't know if the human populace knew or didn't about the existence of magic.
Still, I think this book have way more good things than bad. I would be willing to try a second book of this series, for sure.
August 19, 2024
Good
As a homeless teen, Katy had a slight advantage over her friends- she was bigger, better trained, and had the ability to wield magic.
The magic allowed her to track people, fugitives, missing children, and more, which got her off the street, and it’s her magic that brings her to the attention of the guild.
With a demon running around Queen City, the guild want her to try and track the summoner; but that’s not all. The guild heads want to train her, because Katy’s magic is rare, and powerful…
This is book one in a new series, which takes place in the same world as the author’s Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series (events of which are loosely referenced, but not to the point where you have to have read it first).
We meet Katy, our sixteen year old mage, who is wise beyond her years, and observant enough to survive on her own for the past couple of years.
Along with Katy, we meet a number of homeless youths, some powerful mages in the guild, and some side characters somewhere in between.
While I wouldn’t call this a very dark urban fantasy, it does tread some rather dark roads. Katy’s age, and those of the other street kids, means that those sensitive to certain topics should definitely read the trigger warnings. This book doesn’t sugarcoat the bad things that may happen to them, which gives it a feeling of realism that makes the story particularly good.
It’s an engaging read, with some very likeable characters, and the promise of an intriguing future for our heroine. There’s a lot of action, magic, and adventure throughout the book, with the relieving feeling that at least some people out there are good. Despite the heroine’s age, this isn’t a young adult read, the topics are definitely mature, as are many of the situations faced in the book. It’s also not a romance, at least there are no romantic situations in which our heroine finds herself, I have no idea where the future will lead!
Instead, this is an entertaining Urban Fantasy, with an intriguing team of characters, some enjoyable magical antics, and a promising future I’m looking forward to reading about.
As a homeless teen, Katy had a slight advantage over her friends- she was bigger, better trained, and had the ability to wield magic.
The magic allowed her to track people, fugitives, missing children, and more, which got her off the street, and it’s her magic that brings her to the attention of the guild.
With a demon running around Queen City, the guild want her to try and track the summoner; but that’s not all. The guild heads want to train her, because Katy’s magic is rare, and powerful…
This is book one in a new series, which takes place in the same world as the author’s Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series (events of which are loosely referenced, but not to the point where you have to have read it first).
We meet Katy, our sixteen year old mage, who is wise beyond her years, and observant enough to survive on her own for the past couple of years.
Along with Katy, we meet a number of homeless youths, some powerful mages in the guild, and some side characters somewhere in between.
While I wouldn’t call this a very dark urban fantasy, it does tread some rather dark roads. Katy’s age, and those of the other street kids, means that those sensitive to certain topics should definitely read the trigger warnings. This book doesn’t sugarcoat the bad things that may happen to them, which gives it a feeling of realism that makes the story particularly good.
It’s an engaging read, with some very likeable characters, and the promise of an intriguing future for our heroine. There’s a lot of action, magic, and adventure throughout the book, with the relieving feeling that at least some people out there are good. Despite the heroine’s age, this isn’t a young adult read, the topics are definitely mature, as are many of the situations faced in the book. It’s also not a romance, at least there are no romantic situations in which our heroine finds herself, I have no idea where the future will lead!
Instead, this is an entertaining Urban Fantasy, with an intriguing team of characters, some enjoyable magical antics, and a promising future I’m looking forward to reading about.
July 17, 2025
Gripping Start to a Promising Series
This is my first introduction to the author and it is an excellent and compelling beginning to the series! The story dives straight into a dark and dangerous world, with a heroine who’s had no choice but to grow up far too quickly.
It’s heartbreaking to see that after losing her parents, Katy is abandoned by the rest of her family at just 14. She was left to survive on her own. Now at 16, she works as a tracker, tackling dangerous, adult-level jobs in a brutal world.
There’s a deeply unsettling element to how older men view her, especially when the story reminds me of how young she still is. But she knows the risks, and she faces them with her head held high.
W
hile the main character is a teenager, this book didn’t feel like a typical young adult story. The tone is darker, the stakes feel real, and the emotional weight is heavy. Katy is independent and resilient, but she’s also inexperienced in a way—both in terms of her magical abilities and her understanding of the supernatural world she’s navigating. That balance between competence and vulnerability makes the story compelling.
The narration is another highlight. The narrator's voice is engaging and easy to listen to, with excellent differentiation between characters, bringing the cast to life in a way that enhances the story.
The plot is fast-paced, and while it incorporates familiar urban fantasy elements, the execution feels fresh and original. There's a sense of danger and unpredictability that keeps the tension high throughout. I’m eager to see where Katy’s journey leads her next.
ARC received by NetGalley.
This is my first introduction to the author and it is an excellent and compelling beginning to the series! The story dives straight into a dark and dangerous world, with a heroine who’s had no choice but to grow up far too quickly.
It’s heartbreaking to see that after losing her parents, Katy is abandoned by the rest of her family at just 14. She was left to survive on her own. Now at 16, she works as a tracker, tackling dangerous, adult-level jobs in a brutal world.
There’s a deeply unsettling element to how older men view her, especially when the story reminds me of how young she still is. But she knows the risks, and she faces them with her head held high.
W
hile the main character is a teenager, this book didn’t feel like a typical young adult story. The tone is darker, the stakes feel real, and the emotional weight is heavy. Katy is independent and resilient, but she’s also inexperienced in a way—both in terms of her magical abilities and her understanding of the supernatural world she’s navigating. That balance between competence and vulnerability makes the story compelling.
The narration is another highlight. The narrator's voice is engaging and easy to listen to, with excellent differentiation between characters, bringing the cast to life in a way that enhances the story.
The plot is fast-paced, and while it incorporates familiar urban fantasy elements, the execution feels fresh and original. There's a sense of danger and unpredictability that keeps the tension high throughout. I’m eager to see where Katy’s journey leads her next.
ARC received by NetGalley.
August 20, 2024
(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.)
3.75
MC is 16, but as the blurb says, its an adult not a young adult book.
Also as the blurb highlights, if you want a light read, do not choose this one of the authors books!
I liked the MC and other characters and the world and look forward to reading the next instalment.
First time read the author's work?: No -- (I've rated some of the author's other series higher than this book - my favourite series being The Chameleon. )
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes (The only series by this author that I wouldn't recommend is the Telepathic Clan.)
------------
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. :-)
3.75
MC is 16, but as the blurb says, its an adult not a young adult book.
Also as the blurb highlights, if you want a light read, do not choose this one of the authors books!
I liked the MC and other characters and the world and look forward to reading the next instalment.
First time read the author's work?: No -- (I've rated some of the author's other series higher than this book - my favourite series being The Chameleon. )
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes (The only series by this author that I wouldn't recommend is the Telepathic Clan.)
------------
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. :-)
July 17, 2025
4.5 Stars
This was my surprise book of the week this week. This was an audio ARC of a brand-new series that centered around a 16 year old girl -Kaitlyn Dunne. Kaitlyn's parents were mages and were killed by vampires when she was 14 years old and she has been surviving on her own ever since. She has magical abilities, but she has not been guild trained and is kind of "winging it" as she uses her tracking abilities and magic skills to pick up bounties offered by the mage guild.
The world is a world of magic with mages, vampires, witches, and of course...demons. She finally comes to the attention of someone important at the Guild and they realize that she is EXTREMELY talented and is a unique and very rare Spirit Mage. All of this occurs at the same time that there are some crazy happenings at the Mage Guild.
A rogue demon summoner is on the loose and with her skills, Kaitlyn ends up being thrown into the deep end of the pool in the search for the summoner. There is nonstop action and drama as we follow her on her journey discovering just what exactly she is capable of doing.
The audio narration was perfectly done as the narrator -Arielle DeLisle- came across wonderfully well as the voice of a teen. This was a really quick and easy listen that flowed easily and kept your interest throughout the entire book. I am definitely interested in continuing with this series when the next book comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on July 15, 2025.
This was my surprise book of the week this week. This was an audio ARC of a brand-new series that centered around a 16 year old girl -Kaitlyn Dunne. Kaitlyn's parents were mages and were killed by vampires when she was 14 years old and she has been surviving on her own ever since. She has magical abilities, but she has not been guild trained and is kind of "winging it" as she uses her tracking abilities and magic skills to pick up bounties offered by the mage guild.
The world is a world of magic with mages, vampires, witches, and of course...demons. She finally comes to the attention of someone important at the Guild and they realize that she is EXTREMELY talented and is a unique and very rare Spirit Mage. All of this occurs at the same time that there are some crazy happenings at the Mage Guild.
A rogue demon summoner is on the loose and with her skills, Kaitlyn ends up being thrown into the deep end of the pool in the search for the summoner. There is nonstop action and drama as we follow her on her journey discovering just what exactly she is capable of doing.
The audio narration was perfectly done as the narrator -Arielle DeLisle- came across wonderfully well as the voice of a teen. This was a really quick and easy listen that flowed easily and kept your interest throughout the entire book. I am definitely interested in continuing with this series when the next book comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this audio ARC. This book will be out for publication on July 15, 2025.
August 22, 2024
It’s like the best chocolate cake: a little bitter, really dark, and completely amazing
I was kind of dreading what this book would be since I’ve read a couple really superficial demon-flavored books lately, but I read it anyway since I love how the author puts together a story. I’m so glad that I did.
No joke and fair warning, this is not a rose-colored glasses version of street kids. But those very real details are able to make the story of a 16-year-old street kid resonate to a 50-something woman. While there are elements of a mystery here, this is more a personal journey of growth and discovery with exciting things that happen along the way.
BR has a fairly spare and dry style so there isn’t a lot of page time given to florid descriptions or character monologues and the plot moves briskly along. The whole cast of supporting characters are mostly just sketched in at this point, but it’s clear that they are far more than 2D placeholders.
This book is clearly the first in a series that I’m excited to read. The characters are interesting and engaging and there are enough open questions to pique my interest for more while clearly closing all of the details for this particular episode. And it does all of this while pointing an unadorned lens at a segment of society that most of us would choose not to see - and does it without making me squirm but does make me wonder how I could maybe help.
I was kind of dreading what this book would be since I’ve read a couple really superficial demon-flavored books lately, but I read it anyway since I love how the author puts together a story. I’m so glad that I did.
No joke and fair warning, this is not a rose-colored glasses version of street kids. But those very real details are able to make the story of a 16-year-old street kid resonate to a 50-something woman. While there are elements of a mystery here, this is more a personal journey of growth and discovery with exciting things that happen along the way.
BR has a fairly spare and dry style so there isn’t a lot of page time given to florid descriptions or character monologues and the plot moves briskly along. The whole cast of supporting characters are mostly just sketched in at this point, but it’s clear that they are far more than 2D placeholders.
This book is clearly the first in a series that I’m excited to read. The characters are interesting and engaging and there are enough open questions to pique my interest for more while clearly closing all of the details for this particular episode. And it does all of this while pointing an unadorned lens at a segment of society that most of us would choose not to see - and does it without making me squirm but does make me wonder how I could maybe help.
January 3, 2025
3.5 stars. Interesting new-to-me author. I’m mixed regarding this book, but overall I enjoyed it. Kaitlyn Dunne aka Katy Brown is a 16yo orphan. Having been orphaned at 14 and living on the streets for a little over a year before finding a small room to rent, Katy knows what the dark side of life has to offer. She tries to stay on the good side as she navigates the streets for her survival. But after killing a powerful vampire she has gained the attention of The Guild, a powerful mage school/organization. She gets pulled in for training and also tasked with helping find someone who has started summoning demons. The story continues.
What worked for me: 1) interesting story, interesting characters. The storyline was relatively tight and the characters were interesting and varied in age, culture, and background.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Her age. Katy didn’t act like a 16 year old, even in her down time. The only explanation we get is other characters saying she’s old for her age. Other ya novels do a better job of having teens with ya outlooks and still keeping the age thing relevant. In this book, all teens acted like early 20s. 2) Why would they have an untrained teen tracking the summoner? It didn’t make any sense that their best & brightest couldn’t but the 16yo with the 14yo and the random Native American could. It just was so random.
All in all, it was okay. Not great, but better than meh. I’ll read the next one.
What worked for me: 1) interesting story, interesting characters. The storyline was relatively tight and the characters were interesting and varied in age, culture, and background.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Her age. Katy didn’t act like a 16 year old, even in her down time. The only explanation we get is other characters saying she’s old for her age. Other ya novels do a better job of having teens with ya outlooks and still keeping the age thing relevant. In this book, all teens acted like early 20s. 2) Why would they have an untrained teen tracking the summoner? It didn’t make any sense that their best & brightest couldn’t but the 16yo with the 14yo and the random Native American could. It just was so random.
All in all, it was okay. Not great, but better than meh. I’ll read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
⚔️ Calling all Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans! Meet Katy - a mage/tracker/bounty hunter. Note that although our FMC is 16, this book definitely is written for a mature audience. It is action packed and though there is no “on screen” sexual content, there are references to sexual violence and pedophiles.
⚔️Our MC has been homeless at various points in her backstory, so these issues do align with the harsh realities a homeless teen may face. Other issues such as food scarcity are covered as well.
⚔️Overall, I’d suggest a review of the content warnings to see if this book is for you. There was enough magical content, mystery, twists and turns to the plot to keep my attention. Katy’s adventures included finding a missing girl, tracking rogue vampires as well as tracking a demon summoner.
⚔️The narrator was phenomenal and did a great job at keeping the story engaging.
⚔️I’d score this as a 3.5/5 listen for me. I don’t think this subject matter and content was a fit for me, but may be a book others would enjoy. It has high marks on Goodreads as of the writing of this review.
⚔️I am thankful to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and author BR Kingsolver for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this AudioBook. All opinions are my own.
⚔️Audiobook Release Date = July 15, 2025
⚔️Our MC has been homeless at various points in her backstory, so these issues do align with the harsh realities a homeless teen may face. Other issues such as food scarcity are covered as well.
⚔️Overall, I’d suggest a review of the content warnings to see if this book is for you. There was enough magical content, mystery, twists and turns to the plot to keep my attention. Katy’s adventures included finding a missing girl, tracking rogue vampires as well as tracking a demon summoner.
⚔️The narrator was phenomenal and did a great job at keeping the story engaging.
⚔️I’d score this as a 3.5/5 listen for me. I don’t think this subject matter and content was a fit for me, but may be a book others would enjoy. It has high marks on Goodreads as of the writing of this review.
⚔️I am thankful to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and author BR Kingsolver for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this AudioBook. All opinions are my own.
⚔️Audiobook Release Date = July 15, 2025
September 2, 2025
I was provided with an an advanced reader copy of this book in audio format free of charge from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The Narration for this audiobook is brilliant and really works hard to bring the story and its characters to life.
Honestly it was the title that caught my attention. I couldn't help but wonder what would be more disasterous than dancing with deamons?
add to that the cover art of a young girl weilding a big sword and I had to know what the story was. I was not disappointed.
Katy Brown is a tracker she uses her innate magic to track down pretty much anything from lost dogs to rogue vamps if it pays rent and puts food in her belly she'll find it. She's not picky at all.
When a Master Mage of the Guild approaches her with an offer to track a mage who is summoning deamons.. she hesitates for a moment but then decides that if she can pull it off she can name her price.
This story is fast paced and fun. It has vibes that remind me of both Kate Daniels and Jayne Yellowrock So if you enjoyed those you will totally enjoy this.
It took me about 48 hours to listen start to finish. I feel that this would be a perfect read for the run up to halloween as it does have some spooky moments.
The Narration for this audiobook is brilliant and really works hard to bring the story and its characters to life.
Honestly it was the title that caught my attention. I couldn't help but wonder what would be more disasterous than dancing with deamons?
add to that the cover art of a young girl weilding a big sword and I had to know what the story was. I was not disappointed.
Katy Brown is a tracker she uses her innate magic to track down pretty much anything from lost dogs to rogue vamps if it pays rent and puts food in her belly she'll find it. She's not picky at all.
When a Master Mage of the Guild approaches her with an offer to track a mage who is summoning deamons.. she hesitates for a moment but then decides that if she can pull it off she can name her price.
This story is fast paced and fun. It has vibes that remind me of both Kate Daniels and Jayne Yellowrock So if you enjoyed those you will totally enjoy this.
It took me about 48 hours to listen start to finish. I feel that this would be a perfect read for the run up to halloween as it does have some spooky moments.
October 31, 2024
A few other reviewers have mentioned this. This is an adult themed book with plenty of very dark topics, graphic violence, and trigger warnings. The MC is 16 years old but acts more like 30. So this doesn't routinely read as a YA book. There are quite a few parts to the book that gave me pause.
I know Katy was 16, but she lost her parents at 14 so was on the streets for 2 years. I don't understand why there are times it seems like she never attended school and has no magic training as far as history or basic information. Wouldn't that training have started when she was 13 since she said that's when she started training with her father for her abilities? Also, no emotions about loss of her parents. It was just presented as one more thing in her life. There was more emotion and energy spent when talking about the horrible things her grandparents did instead. Maybe since they were still alive and around?
I am interested in the next book.
I know Katy was 16, but she lost her parents at 14 so was on the streets for 2 years. I don't understand why there are times it seems like she never attended school and has no magic training as far as history or basic information. Wouldn't that training have started when she was 13 since she said that's when she started training with her father for her abilities? Also, no emotions about loss of her parents. It was just presented as one more thing in her life. There was more emotion and energy spent when talking about the horrible things her grandparents did instead. Maybe since they were still alive and around?
I am interested in the next book.
July 19, 2025
Ignore the cover -- the story is FANTASTIC!
Despite having a 16yo protagonist, the story is for adults. CW, there is a lot of discussion about the realities of teen homelessness, including mentions of underage sex workers, living with a pedophile as the alternative to living on the street, substance use, etc. It's not just there for shock value, and it's empathetically written, so it didn't bother me, but I know it won't be for everyone.
The worldbuilding is really cool, magic users and magical humanoids are long lived, and that impacts the story. If you want to know something about a hundred years ago, you can find someone and ask. If you want to know why two people are mad at each other, you might have to go back pretty far to find out.
It took me a while to get into the story, but by the end of the book I was itching for the second! It can't come soon enough.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy, all opinions are my own.
Despite having a 16yo protagonist, the story is for adults. CW, there is a lot of discussion about the realities of teen homelessness, including mentions of underage sex workers, living with a pedophile as the alternative to living on the street, substance use, etc. It's not just there for shock value, and it's empathetically written, so it didn't bother me, but I know it won't be for everyone.
The worldbuilding is really cool, magic users and magical humanoids are long lived, and that impacts the story. If you want to know something about a hundred years ago, you can find someone and ask. If you want to know why two people are mad at each other, you might have to go back pretty far to find out.
It took me a while to get into the story, but by the end of the book I was itching for the second! It can't come soon enough.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy, all opinions are my own.
August 19, 2024
Exciting and thoughtful!
First book of a new series! BR Kingsolver never disappoints either.
Our MC Katy, is a former homeless orphan. She's also just sixteen. She has magic, is a tracker( bounty hunter type) and her own little apartment. She scores a big bounty and comes to the attention of the Guild.
Someone(s) have been very naughty as well, summoning demons, cause earthquakes, and sacrificing people.
Can our MC use her powerful, but not formally trained gifts to help the problem? You betcha, but there's a lot to do to get to that point.
One other thing, and it makes you think. This book highlights kidd on the street, orphans and runaways, and brings to light a systemic problem in our society. It shows the dangers and trials these kids face. Please research and help if you can. No one, especially kids, deserve to live on the street.
First book of a new series! BR Kingsolver never disappoints either.
Our MC Katy, is a former homeless orphan. She's also just sixteen. She has magic, is a tracker( bounty hunter type) and her own little apartment. She scores a big bounty and comes to the attention of the Guild.
Someone(s) have been very naughty as well, summoning demons, cause earthquakes, and sacrificing people.
Can our MC use her powerful, but not formally trained gifts to help the problem? You betcha, but there's a lot to do to get to that point.
One other thing, and it makes you think. This book highlights kidd on the street, orphans and runaways, and brings to light a systemic problem in our society. It shows the dangers and trials these kids face. Please research and help if you can. No one, especially kids, deserve to live on the street.
August 23, 2024
One of the best authors in the genre. This is a must read.
Katy is a tracker and orphan who has seen some things in her short life. Scoring an assignment to take out an ancient vampire would feed her for a while and keep a roof over her head. And then she is summoned to the Mage guild by a master and is given a test which will change her life. But first there is a demon loose in Queen City and earthquakes are occurring along with unusual tornados. All this must be related and does not bode well in keeping magic on the down low. And now she is being mentored by a Mage and is in the middle of it all. This is a heartbreaking honest and sometimes brutal depiction of what thousands of teens are living each day, but with a magical twist. I have read every series by this author and this series has started off with a bang.
Katy is a tracker and orphan who has seen some things in her short life. Scoring an assignment to take out an ancient vampire would feed her for a while and keep a roof over her head. And then she is summoned to the Mage guild by a master and is given a test which will change her life. But first there is a demon loose in Queen City and earthquakes are occurring along with unusual tornados. All this must be related and does not bode well in keeping magic on the down low. And now she is being mentored by a Mage and is in the middle of it all. This is a heartbreaking honest and sometimes brutal depiction of what thousands of teens are living each day, but with a magical twist. I have read every series by this author and this series has started off with a bang.
October 1, 2024
While I found the world intriguing, I struggled hard with the characters and the writing.
I honestly almost DNF'd after the first couple chapters, because it is all about how every man wants the FMC and how attractive they find her....oh and she's just 16. While I appreciate the focus on what a lot/most/all females go through with unwanted attention, reading about it gets old fast (the theme continues throughout the book).
I personally think the book would have been better if the FMC were older, she's plenty mature for her age, but her age makes a lot of what happens in the plot seem unlikely.
I did appreciate the focus the author put on the street kids and street people in general. It's heart breaking and eye opening.
While I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, continuing the series isn't for me.
I honestly almost DNF'd after the first couple chapters, because it is all about how every man wants the FMC and how attractive they find her....oh and she's just 16. While I appreciate the focus on what a lot/most/all females go through with unwanted attention, reading about it gets old fast (the theme continues throughout the book).
I personally think the book would have been better if the FMC were older, she's plenty mature for her age, but her age makes a lot of what happens in the plot seem unlikely.
I did appreciate the focus the author put on the street kids and street people in general. It's heart breaking and eye opening.
While I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, continuing the series isn't for me.
February 7, 2025
Young Adult Heroine Growing on the Streets
Kingsolver is strong on world building and does a great job orienting the reader to the magic system without exposition. Her young protagonist is definitely more responsible than a girl her age should be, but with good reason. Almost all the brutality happens offscreen, so to speak, and despite the characters being worldly wise about the sex trade and other kinds of predators that prey on homeless kids, like pedophiles, the protagonist seems to have only "kissed a boy."
The magic and mythos of this world is nicely organized, and the visual elements that Kingsolver introduces provide an intuitive approach that helps the reader grasp what could be quite complex. While this is the first book of a series, a reader could comfortably consider it one and done, given its conclusion of the initial story arc.
Kingsolver is strong on world building and does a great job orienting the reader to the magic system without exposition. Her young protagonist is definitely more responsible than a girl her age should be, but with good reason. Almost all the brutality happens offscreen, so to speak, and despite the characters being worldly wise about the sex trade and other kinds of predators that prey on homeless kids, like pedophiles, the protagonist seems to have only "kissed a boy."
The magic and mythos of this world is nicely organized, and the visual elements that Kingsolver introduces provide an intuitive approach that helps the reader grasp what could be quite complex. While this is the first book of a series, a reader could comfortably consider it one and done, given its conclusion of the initial story arc.
August 21, 2024
awesome
I don't tend to read young adult as much anymore but as I love the author I picked it up....and read till past 2 and couldn't keep my eyes open. Lol... Finished it this morning. I'm so glad to see a book 1 and look forward to the next book
I love Kaitlyn. It was most likely an easy read because she'd been on her own so long she really was an adult, but you could still see the child in her, the knowledge and acceptance of what she was missing, and the want to trust when the opportunity was in front of her. In saying this I felt this first book wasn't really her growing but more those around her accepting her, her strength, and teaching her how to find and better utilize her abilities.
I don't tend to read young adult as much anymore but as I love the author I picked it up....and read till past 2 and couldn't keep my eyes open. Lol... Finished it this morning. I'm so glad to see a book 1 and look forward to the next book
I love Kaitlyn. It was most likely an easy read because she'd been on her own so long she really was an adult, but you could still see the child in her, the knowledge and acceptance of what she was missing, and the want to trust when the opportunity was in front of her. In saying this I felt this first book wasn't really her growing but more those around her accepting her, her strength, and teaching her how to find and better utilize her abilities.
September 1, 2024
Brilliant - the best book of the year, 2024
It only takes a few sentences for you to realise that what you’re reading has grabbed you and you are unable to escape its clutches. Demon Dance by BR Kingsolver is up there if not better than het other books. This is a series that has everything. There is fantasy of a high degree, there are relationships that everyone should experience and then there is the social conscience, this painful education applies to every country in the whole world wide and yet we are often shielded from it by our own ignorance or the not wanting to know about it because we just don’t care. Demon Dance is going to be a fantastic fantasy series that I will be following, please join me.
It only takes a few sentences for you to realise that what you’re reading has grabbed you and you are unable to escape its clutches. Demon Dance by BR Kingsolver is up there if not better than het other books. This is a series that has everything. There is fantasy of a high degree, there are relationships that everyone should experience and then there is the social conscience, this painful education applies to every country in the whole world wide and yet we are often shielded from it by our own ignorance or the not wanting to know about it because we just don’t care. Demon Dance is going to be a fantastic fantasy series that I will be following, please join me.
September 14, 2024
Extremely Dark
This book has potential and I think I liked it?
But also, it opened a deep, dark hole of horror in my soul at the thought of hundreds of thousands of children living on the streets subject to pedophiles and other predators. Maybe it was worse bc the author turned my hometown of Denver into a fictionalized fantasy hell.
Who cares about witches, wizards, and demons when you read the almost jaded, blasé way the 16 yo FMC describes the possibly of rape.
I’d like to see where this series goes. But I may have to have a class of wine and a Disney movie after. Since it seems the author has a point to make about children on the streets, maybe they could put a link to where to donate to help such causes?
This book has potential and I think I liked it?
But also, it opened a deep, dark hole of horror in my soul at the thought of hundreds of thousands of children living on the streets subject to pedophiles and other predators. Maybe it was worse bc the author turned my hometown of Denver into a fictionalized fantasy hell.
Who cares about witches, wizards, and demons when you read the almost jaded, blasé way the 16 yo FMC describes the possibly of rape.
I’d like to see where this series goes. But I may have to have a class of wine and a Disney movie after. Since it seems the author has a point to make about children on the streets, maybe they could put a link to where to donate to help such causes?
November 27, 2025
Inventive storytelling, as usual.
One of the things I like about BR Kingsolvers books is the unusual characters that she gives rise to, and allows us to observe their personal growth as the stories progress. Her books tug at the heartstrings of her readers and still has a good smattering of battles to enjoy. I've been a street brawler and a martial artist , so I appreciate the violent capabilities of her heroines, as well as a poet with a 167 IQ that applauds the philosophies of magic and the applications of science (as in Magitech). For me, reading is like breathing, I could not live without either, and, at 72, I intend to enjoy both for as long as I live. Buon Fortuna!
One of the things I like about BR Kingsolvers books is the unusual characters that she gives rise to, and allows us to observe their personal growth as the stories progress. Her books tug at the heartstrings of her readers and still has a good smattering of battles to enjoy. I've been a street brawler and a martial artist , so I appreciate the violent capabilities of her heroines, as well as a poet with a 167 IQ that applauds the philosophies of magic and the applications of science (as in Magitech). For me, reading is like breathing, I could not live without either, and, at 72, I intend to enjoy both for as long as I live. Buon Fortuna!
October 12, 2024
Dancing around living
This book is well written and didn't shirk from describing the lives these young people lived on the streets. The dangers and how being naive was more frightening. Our young heroine was one of those whose parents were murdered when she was young, twelve years old. She found magic was easy and trained herself. No schooling or mentoring to gain mastery of her. The demon summoned was her first look into the murky world of sacrifices and destruction, and the end of life it left in its wake upset her. The book ended with a new world for street children and herself. Safety and security with future promise.
Loved it.
This book is well written and didn't shirk from describing the lives these young people lived on the streets. The dangers and how being naive was more frightening. Our young heroine was one of those whose parents were murdered when she was young, twelve years old. She found magic was easy and trained herself. No schooling or mentoring to gain mastery of her. The demon summoned was her first look into the murky world of sacrifices and destruction, and the end of life it left in its wake upset her. The book ended with a new world for street children and herself. Safety and security with future promise.
Loved it.
August 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love that BR Kingsolver jumps right into the story and completes the world building while telling the story to keep the pace moving.
I love Kaitlyn's character, she understands the plight that the homeless children face and the things they have to endure to stay alive. Kaitlyn uses this understanding to help them survive and show them empathy.
I can't wait to read the second book in the Spirit Mage's Journey series, when it has been written and published.
Arielle DeLisle did a great job narrating this story and I hope they will narrate the rest of the series.
I love Kaitlyn's character, she understands the plight that the homeless children face and the things they have to endure to stay alive. Kaitlyn uses this understanding to help them survive and show them empathy.
I can't wait to read the second book in the Spirit Mage's Journey series, when it has been written and published.
Arielle DeLisle did a great job narrating this story and I hope they will narrate the rest of the series.
August 18, 2024
The Truer Female Harry Potter
Why would I compare this to Harry Potter (HP)? Because there are more than a few similarities. Why truer? Well, Katy actually was a street kid after her parents were killed and her grandparents robbed and abandoned her. Also, she's pretty special. Not just her magic, which, WOW, can wait to learn more about that but also she's not bitter cynical sure, and she knows too much about the evil side of human nature but she still protects and cares for others. Her heart survived.
This is a good book, read it.
Why would I compare this to Harry Potter (HP)? Because there are more than a few similarities. Why truer? Well, Katy actually was a street kid after her parents were killed and her grandparents robbed and abandoned her. Also, she's pretty special. Not just her magic, which, WOW, can wait to learn more about that but also she's not bitter cynical sure, and she knows too much about the evil side of human nature but she still protects and cares for others. Her heart survived.
This is a good book, read it.
August 19, 2024
WOW
I have really come to love BRK's books. At risk to my grumpy old man card, I enjoy the light hearted moments, the action sequences, the supernatural elements, and all the very strong Women. Yes her main characters can kick booty with the best of them, but they are never afraid to show emotions and fears. One of my favorites by her is a charming romance with a few twisted elements, "I will sing for my dinner". Keep writing BKR, you even have fans of grumpy old men in their seventh decade.
I have really come to love BRK's books. At risk to my grumpy old man card, I enjoy the light hearted moments, the action sequences, the supernatural elements, and all the very strong Women. Yes her main characters can kick booty with the best of them, but they are never afraid to show emotions and fears. One of my favorites by her is a charming romance with a few twisted elements, "I will sing for my dinner". Keep writing BKR, you even have fans of grumpy old men in their seventh decade.
August 20, 2024
Another winner from a great author! If you like urban fantasy, that is!
I've probably read all of this author's books, and I've yet to read a bad one. She lays a solid foundation for the storyline and the characters. She presents the MC in such a way that you have empathy for her.
The only problem I had was that one of the main villains was way too obvious way too early. I hope that future works in the series are a little more nuanced and that the plot twists have just that. More twists that keep us guessing.
Now, when is your next book coming out? I can't wait!
I've probably read all of this author's books, and I've yet to read a bad one. She lays a solid foundation for the storyline and the characters. She presents the MC in such a way that you have empathy for her.
The only problem I had was that one of the main villains was way too obvious way too early. I hope that future works in the series are a little more nuanced and that the plot twists have just that. More twists that keep us guessing.
Now, when is your next book coming out? I can't wait!
September 1, 2024
A trip to a familiar world
I have been reading (and rereading) many books by this Author over the last few years, and was excited yet again to see new stuff.
Imagine my surprise to learn it takes place in a close or same world as Rosie O’Grady’s place — but in a different city.
A young, tough street kid who has made a bare niche for herself is the star this time. She ends up in a situation that is far bigger than she is, but it is killing the other street kids and she won’t stand for that.
An excellent addition.
I have been reading (and rereading) many books by this Author over the last few years, and was excited yet again to see new stuff.
Imagine my surprise to learn it takes place in a close or same world as Rosie O’Grady’s place — but in a different city.
A young, tough street kid who has made a bare niche for herself is the star this time. She ends up in a situation that is far bigger than she is, but it is killing the other street kids and she won’t stand for that.
An excellent addition.
September 1, 2024
One of Kingsolver’s best, yet
With this story, Kingsolver has introduced readers to a complex, magical, deeply dark, layered world. Katy may be my favorite of BR’s heroines, as well. She is relatable, utterly human, damaged, strong, determined, smart, and worthy of respect. I feel like our real world would be a better place with several Katy clones scattered about, like magical guides.
I cannot wait to read the next book and see where Katy and the rest of this colorful cast of characters go, next.
With this story, Kingsolver has introduced readers to a complex, magical, deeply dark, layered world. Katy may be my favorite of BR’s heroines, as well. She is relatable, utterly human, damaged, strong, determined, smart, and worthy of respect. I feel like our real world would be a better place with several Katy clones scattered about, like magical guides.
I cannot wait to read the next book and see where Katy and the rest of this colorful cast of characters go, next.
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