Magic Forsaken

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue #1

by Kenley Davidson

I used to be human.
Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Magic, Fae, Shapeshifters

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2024

About the author

Kenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.

Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.

Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.

Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com

Reviews

[Stephanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

No surprise here—I loved Magic Forsaken. I only put it down for our Thanksgiving festivities yesterday, then stayed up way, way past my bedtime to finish. After reading The Dragons of 23rd Street series, I wanted more of these amazing characters, and Kenley delivered. Kira and Draven make a few appearances, although earth elemental Faris and Kira’s brother Callum (who’s also the shapeshifter king) get a bit more of the spotlight. But the main focus of this story is Raine, precious Raine. I could relate to her desire to do so much for so many—and her fear. She’s a lovely character surrounded by intrigue; she has quite the backstory. And the new ensemble characters in this book—Kes, Logan, and Ari—are an absolute delight. I gasped; I cried; I laughed so hard I snorted. This story was dark, mysterious, humorous, and magical, and I think you’re gonna love it too.

Content: mentions of abuse; panic attacks; and a few instances of mild language (I counted 12)

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited when I heard about this new series by Ms. Davidson. I really enjoyed the prequel series (Dragon Chained), she did a great job writing this book as a standalone. The original series is also a lot of fun so you'll want to read the as well as those characters do show up in this one.

I thought this was a fun read, I liked the characters and storyline. It kept me entertained and wondering what would happen next. It was a good set up for the rest of the series.

If you're a fan of Urban Fantasy or KM Sheas UF series, you'll definitely enjoy this one! I can't wait for book two!

Content Rated PG
Romance: Clean - mild, hinting at something in the future, no kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild, fighting and mild talk of death

[M]

Dropped at 21%. Raine is just unbelievably stupid thus far and based on the powers she's showcased well on her way to being an overpowered Mary Sue.

The line that made me drop this book "And most important of all, what had happened to the kitten?"

Raine has repeatedly mentioned that if anyone finds out what she is or about her powers any of the supernatural factions will kill her. She has 2 children and a half fae woman depending on her for survival. She lost control of her incredibly dangerous magic she has apparently kept tightly leashed twice in one night. She attacked a random group of humans because she couldn't control herself. She also drew the attention of about 5 leaders of different supernatural factions but the most important thing on her mind is what happened to a kitten that she last saw safely in the arms of a dragon king. Nope sorry that is my breaking point for ridiculous behavior.

Definitely done with this book and will likely not read the original series.

[~♥*Marianna*♥~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has a good set up but one by one the events of the book don’t click right. It might be a pacing issue. I’m not into it.

DNF 48%

[Constance Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have something of an insatiable craving for great clean urban fantasy. Now, I have read a ton of good ones, but I read them, then they're over, and instead of satisfying that craving, I'm left longing for amazing UF more than ever.

Which means when one of my favorite authors drops a new UF book, you can bet I one click. And then I inhale it.

Magic Forsaken is the first in a new trilogy from Kenley Davidson, and it's so beyond incredible that I'm re-reading it ASAP despite reading an early copy all of a week ago. Yes, it is just that good.

I was drawn in by Raine's emotional distress and stakes immediately. Despite it taking time for the full breadth of her secrets to unfold, her desire to protect her little found family is intense and heartfelt and made me absolutely love her from the very beginning.

Callum is a fantastic love interest, and I really enjoyed seeing him in his role is king of the shifters. He's no nonsense but secretly a cinnamon roll, and I melted over his kindness(toward Raine and toward others) MULTIPLE times throughout the story. Absolutely swoon-worthy, y'all.

The tension starts high but ramps at a delicious steady pace until the end almost broke my heart, but Kenley did that thing where she somehow brilliantly tied everything together while leaving enough to carry over into book 2. I will be bingeing that one as soon as it releases too.

This book is just... amazing. So emotional, so swoony, so sweet and funny and intense. So all the best things. It may feel premature to say from only reading one out of the three books, but it's up there for my top three favorite UF of all time.

While I absolutely adored Kenley's first urban fantasy trilogy, Dragon of 23rd Street, it is in no way required reading before starting this story. There are returning characters, but if you're wanting to dive right into this one, don't worry about the other trilogy. You can circle back; it's great too.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun New Series

I wasn’t sure about starting a new series when I will have to wait a couple of months for the third and final book, but now that I’ve learned it is actually a sequel series, I feel better. While I suspected there may be other stories already told in this world, I wasn’t sure until the author note at the end, so you can definitely start at this book and figure things out easily enough. This has a fun cast of characters, good tension, and protective family elements. I’m looking forward to keep reading!

[Blue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dropped 28%
Tapping out. The only reason I tolerate clean romance or painfully slow burn and don’t even get the satisfaction of an on page sex scene is the world building. That’s it. There is no world building in the book, I felt like the author is relying on previous books which it shouldn’t because it meant to be a separate trilogy (I think). I’m being told FMC is powerful, but all I’m seeing is undisciplined and untrained person that does stupid things because she’s overcome with fury lmao while going on and on wanting to protect her group. I can’t connect with her to understand her reasoning for doing stupid things. I don’t like reading flashbacks but I think this could have benefited from it or even a prologue so we can glimpse into what the FMC went through to actually care for her.

[Madelyn- The Squeaky Clean Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me I want more please!

Okay just WOW this book is so good!
Like excuse me while I just take 5-10 business days to think about all the little intricate things and how beautiful this was crafted and all of the foreshadowing and everything.
Just wow.

Masterfully written.

And don't even get me started on our main characters who I'm not obsessed with. I need ten more books with them please.

💋Just flirting (I know, so sad that there wasn't kissing 😭)
⚠️Mention of previous torture off page, injuries, danger
🤬Mild language

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenley Davidson is quickly becoming one of my go to authors, so I was really excited to start reading “Magic Forsaken.” And even though my expectations were high, it was somehow better than I’d dreamed it would be!

From the very beginning, the reader can tell that that Raine, our heroine, has a lot of secrets. She has a horrid past that she’s on the run from, and she’s determined to do anything to make sure the people she loves are safe.

I instantly liked Raine. She was a very fierce woman, and her snarky comments were highly entertaining. I loved how she was able to start learning to trust, and her chemistry with her boss, who happens to be a dragon shifter, was absolutely sizzling.

Honestly, I haven’t read an urban fantasy novel in a while, but I really enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the plot twists and suspenseful scenes, and after that ending, I’m so ready for book two! I highly recommend!

[Amena · Rating 5 out of 5]

ties in well with the earlier series

Magic Forsaken ties in really well with the earlier series, and the plot and character dynamics are great. I appreciated the stand the FMC took toward the end.

[Kysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thinking I would 3 ⭐️ this read. But then that last bit of the book had me reading with bated breath. And then a certain dragon shifter made me swoon a little. I’m very much hoping for some progression there in book 2!

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I absolutely loved this book, and I cannot wait for the next one! I highly recommend this amazing urban fantasy!

Content:
Mild swearing

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

[tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book reminded me why I used to love urban fantasies

[Brittnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single POV

•Dragon shifters
•Elemental magic
•On the run
•Protective MCs
•Found family
•Takes place in: Oklahoma

[T.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the original dragon series and this spin off does not disappoint! I love the characters, the complexity of the story, and the oh-so-subtle romance. :) Unexpectedly, it reads like a warrior girl anthem for the abused. I wish I didn't have to wait for book 2; I want it NOW! :D

[Orianna Blesi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 33%

I wanted to like this one, but it feels like it’s written by a teenager. Nothing wrong with that, really, just not to my taste. The action scenes were a bore to read, things happened but also nothing happened. The back and forth internal monologue was exhausting. Just another book where the FMC doesn’t know what she’s capable of and tries to contain her magic even though everyone she’s met is telling her that’s impossible. Also the pacing annoyed me, almost every second of time was accounted for, so it didn’t feel authentic. Also, here is a message, copy and pasted, from the antagonist to Callum, that was written in the building the Symposium is going to be held in. (I don’t really think that’s the right label for the what’s happening, ‘Conclave’ would’ve been better).

DEATH TO THE TRAITOR’S
END THE SYMPOSIUM OR DIE
THE HUMAN’S WILL KNEEL
BEFORE THERE RIGHTFUL RULERS
IDRIAS POWER WILL RISE AGAIN
AND THOSE WHO STAND IN
HER WAY WILL BURN!

Needless to say, all the typos in this message were enough to end the book for me. I’m happy others liked it, but again, definitely not for me.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

A plot that keeps developing

I have read books from this author before and had high hopes for this trilogy but the simple fact is it the story is confused of what it even is suppost to be. The main charater starts out in the beginning scared and seems to have ptsd responses from what she has experienced in the past in addition to powers she has never used. Despite this within a few chapters she is now not shying away from danger and is using her magic at a greater level without an ounce of training. As for the ML he came off as mean and scary but within a few chapter changed his tune around her with excusable reasoning. Also while her other books have been clean reads this one has cussing.

[Noelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I literally skimmed through this whole book.
I kept thinking it would get better but it didn't.

Listen, the premise is good! The characters and the ideas where great that got me hooked.

The execution !!! That is what this story was lacking. it felt all over the place with a lot of information just thrown at you while the story kept going . I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters or their power or mystery. It just let me wanting more ...

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile and well-written book from Ms. Davidson (as always)

Note: I'm not sure if I needed to read The Dragon of 23rd Street to fully understand what's going on in this book. But there were a few items that had me confused, and I don't feel like they've been explained yet, so hopefully they'll be delved into a little bit more in subsequent books. Things like the fae queen and exactly what she was doing and why. But more so about Kes and her role in the whole thing. Blake wants her because she's the only one who can do what he needs...but what is her power exactly? I did find this book more clandestine with its details than Kenley's previous books. But, to be fair, many of those were standalone, and this book was predicated on secrecy. Raine is trying to keep everything about their lives hush-hush, so she's not exactly going to think out all the necessary details for us readers. Also, I know in the book description, it says Callum is her new worst enemy. But other than their initial encounter, I never really got the feeling that these two were enemies (from either side). Raine was cautious and legitimately concerned, but I never felt like there was real animosity between them. He's certainly a potential danger to her, but so are all of the kings and queens she meets, including one earth elemental I won't name as a king in the review.

Now to the crux of the story. Despite the above note, I loved this book. Kenley is wonderful at the slow-burn (and in this book, I mean slow burn. There is no romance in this book - we get a one sided view of Raine's feelings for Callum as they start to grow and see Callum's drive to protect Raine, but there are no outright 'traditional' romantic moments between them). Kenley excels at showing two characters learning each other and growing to care for one another. Which also makes a HEA more believable as they have built a relationship of something solid. There was no insta-love, or even lust (which I normally only find believable when it's a fated-mates trope anyway). Raine acknowledges that Callum is unreasonably attractive, but she's more focused on her family and surviving than on how good-looking her new boss is. Callum voices at one point exactly why he wants Raine to attend a banquet with him, and they are same reasons why he himself would fall for her, things that have developed over the first half of the book. So it was cool to get a glimpse into his head, even though the book is told from Raine's perspective. There was a large cast of characters, and I didn't have trouble remembering any of them, or telling any of them apart, which is a feat. I even liked most of them too (sorry Anjelica, I'm sure you mean well, but your haughty attitude didn't endear you to me). Raine was realistic and believable. I understood the reasons behind all of her decisions, and didn't find her overbearing or annoying or unreasonable. She's driven fully by her past trauma and her need to protect those she now sees as family. I think she's a great character. My biggest complaint, honestly, was the lack of resolution at the end and the fact that I now have to wait for the rest of the story. Which for the record, is always a good thing for the author to have elicited.

Urban fantasies are not usually my go to (which is the only reason I haven't read the Dragon Street series yet. But when I was offered a Kenley ARC I couldn't turn it down. It's always a gift and a pleasure to read her work and I will definitely be checking out the other series now because I need Kira's story.

My only reason for docking one star was that I was a bit confused at times, and even though I know that's part of the story, it was a bit distracting and slightly hindered my enjoyment (but only slightly), definitely recommend this book and any other book by Ms. Davidson.

[Margaryta · Rating 3 out of 5]

After all emotions and thoughts have finally settled in, I changed my initial rating from 4 to 3 stars.

The story behind my choice of a book is that I was in a mood for a PNR, for something like "Moon Called", I tried “Slave to Sensation” and failed miserably, then I tried "Shift", still no luck, so my next choice, “Magic Forsaken”, was a pleasant surprise.

Must admit that the first 50-60% of the book made the strongest impression, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. It’s a fast-paced book, which can be a hit or miss. The events described in book 1 happened within, it seems, the period of one week. We are following Raine, a survivor and now a runaway, who's in dare need of a job a place to start anew, but with her rather unusual appearance it's hard to go unnoticed and stay under the radar. Her heart is in the right place, and she wants to protect those she saved. The heroine ends up in a city controlled by Faris Langsgrave, an earth elemental, and the fun begins. Throughout the book, the readers will be figuring out what's Raine hiding and why things are the way they are. The book has gargoyles, fae, shapeshifters and all sorts of paranormal folk.

The mysterious villain was introduced in the very end of the book, but they didn't seem as scary as we were made to believe he was, and that part fell flat for me. Besides, the author opted for a “miscommunication trope”, which, unfortunately, is a common thing in romance novels.

I liked the sense of humour, and regrdless of the horrible things that happened in the heroine’s life, it’s more of a hopeful and a lighthearted read. Besides, this is probably the first romantasy & PNR book where I’m actually looking forward to conforming my suspicions about Raine and Callum being mates, I literally can’t wait!

#KindleUnlimited

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed there characters in this book, particularly Raine, who has magic but no idea of the real extent of it because the magic isn't hers. At least not originally. She was born human but magic was forced into her from others as an experiment. But she escaped with a few others and they are looking for a place of safety. She thinks she may have found it in a place of neutrality for those of magic. But just as she starts a new job she catches the eye of the shapeshifter king. He wants her on his staff for upcoming symposium. The only problem is that someone is trying to sabotage the symposium and if anyone finds out about her and the others, the dragon king will be the first one in line to burn her to embers...

This book is strong on found family. Raine is a born protector and is determined to do anything she can to keep her family, all escapees from an experiment station, safe. I like that though she is powerful she really doesn't know what she can do yet. She has kept it bottled up for so long and feels guilty about using it because of its source. And the trauma she suffered from being abused and experimented on comes out at times in panic attacks. She makes a lot of mistakes but she also has a lot of room for growth. The other characters in her found family have their own strengths and are cute, but so far they aren't really strong characters yet.

Then there is the dragon king. There is a lot of attraction between Raine and him. He has a strong protection streak which can make him overbearing but he is trying not to be so with Raine. They make a good pair. But if he finds out her secrets it will bring down everything he is trying to achieve. There is a lot of trust issues and miscommunications between the two but based on very real situations. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.

A good storyline, characters and action makes this a very good urban fantasy that I look forward to continuing.

[Jagged · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3

So close to a really good book.

First off, this was reading very, very close to the Green Griphon book. Similar backstory, right down to experimented on kids forming a family on the run and a dragon.
I was wondering which book was written first, and well, it wasn't this one. We even have Griphons in here. But that's about where the similarities end, thank goodness.

The world building is absent. The magical politics is vague and barely touched upon. The plot needs work. This read like it wanted to be a who done it, but that doesn't work when you don't know all of the players. The motives were also very flimsy.
There are some breadcrumbs, but they're used later to support massive info dumps rather than weaving a clearly thought-out narrative.
And the magic isn't defined at all.
The need to not have violence while having incredibly powerful beings holds this book back a lot. The reasoning is not suitable to the world, and it lowers the stakes in this book to nonexistent. It's also incredibly unbelievable.

But, the relationship building was good. Our main characters actually talked about their misunderstandings and grievances rather than stew in silence and make stupid, rash decisions. And what do you know? You can still achieve angst while having open dialogue. It also made their budding romance believable and achievable while not relying on the bond they clearly have or instalove. Even though the trust building is pretty one-sided.

I laughed a few times. And I even got some feels, so it's not a complete surface level book, but it's not incredibly deep either.
The ending was boring. I don't think that plot arc needed to be extended. There's so much more to explore that would be better.
But it's not horribly written, and it's entertaining. I did enjoy the read.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

-this is the first book in a trilogy and must be read in order

*this trilogy occurs after the events in Kenley Davidson’s Dragon of 23rd Street trilogy (starts with Dragon Chained). This trilogy could be read on it’s own, but it’d be more enjoyable to read the Dragon of 23rd Street trilogy first

-this is told from Raine’s point of view

-there are about 11 curse words (two words with a total of 11 uses between them)

-it is mentioned that characters were experimented on (various ages; past events)

Review:

I really enjoyed the Dragon of 23rd Street trilogy and have been so excited that Kenley was planning on writing more books in this world. And Magic Forsaken has lived up to that anticipation! I loved getting to see characters from the original trilogy and what Raine thought of them/their methods. I loved that there were so many questions running through my mind about Raine’s motivations and past as hints were given. It kept me at the edge of my seat ready to learn anything more than I’d already been given. I also loved how protective Raine and Callum were of each other and others they cared about!

I can’t wait to get to book 2 now! 😍

Summary:

Raine has been on the run for months since having escaped the prison she’d been held in against her will. When she gets to Oklahoma City, Raine hopes that she’s found a safe place to land and stay under the radar. But hope has rarely been on her side.

Upon finding a job that won’t ask questions that could put her back in danger, Raine finds herself in the middle of a whole new set of problems. Because she caught the attention of none other than the new king of the shifters: Callum-ro-Deverin. And with his plans while in town, it’s even more so the last situation Raine wants to be in…

[Rashelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I have previously read The Dragon of 23rd Street series which is recommended before reading this one because it carries on from that series. It has most of the characters and history from those books that give more background. Although not absolutely necessary to understand all the events of this book. This is set in a fantasy world of Idrians or fantasy races of shifters, elementals, fae, dragons, sprites and many more.

From the beginning of the book, you start to know Raine Kendrick who is escaping the law with two kids and a fae girl that she is trying to protect. She is seeking the Shadow King, Faris Lansgrave, for sanctuary from those that are out to get her. Instead she is hired by the Shifter King, Callum-ro-Deverin, who is a dragon. Raine and her family have been through so much and just want a place to call home. It seems that finally she is given a second chance in life and she can assist in bringing protection to those like her against humans and Idrians. Although Raine realizes she may have too many secrets that need to be kept or the people helping her and the friends she has developed, won't be anymore. And now a saboteur is threatening to stop the laws and protection Raine seeks. Will she save her small developed family and run? Or will she still protect those who may turn on her?

This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. It touches on some traumatic memories of abuse/torture but does not give specific details, just enough to understand Raine and escapees history. I would highly recommend it as there were no sex scenes or profanity.

[Orangetails · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest and say that urban fantasy isn't always my fave genre, but this one made me more of a believer. It combines the strength of Kenley Davidson's backstory building with the sassiness of modern characters, so it was a treat to read. Raine is caring and fierce while struggling to hide her trauma and fears, but her broken pieces combine beautifully with Callum's, who is a stubborn mess that is somehow charming as much as he is blunt. I liked how these two were very much in sync with each other when it came to protective instincts, although I do think they were a little to starry-eyed for just book one. (However, I also did not have an insanely hot dragon in front of me, so perhaps Raine's quick infatuation is understandable.)
Beyond the characters and the romance, I also enjoyed the plot, although it took a while for me to truly appreciate it. At first, things feel very cut-and-dry, but I should have known that's never the case with Kenley Davidson's work. The real reason behind the Symposium and the forces threatening to stop it were a wonderful twist, although it did tug at my heartstrings. (To put it simply, Raine is caught between a rock and a hard place, and either path would have had noble intentions.) The story was well-executed overall.
Bit by bit, this book sucked me in until I was eagerly anticipating my lunch break so I could read it. Another excellent read for this year—if you like urban fantasy, sassy heroines, and grumpy heroes, you won't be able to put this book down!

Note: although this book is clean of graphic violence, spice, etc. it does have some swearing. Reader discretion advised.

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Note: this series follows on from the Dragon of 23rd Street series; read that first for some context and explanation of characters, and their history.

Raine has been on the run for a long time, along with her two wards, and her fae friend. Each of them are victims of the former Idrian queen Elayara, and it’s a past that Raine has to keep secret, for fear of attack.
It’s a surprise then, when she finds herself working for the dragon king of the shifters, Callum. There’s a symposium in town, where all the Idrian otherworlders will meet to discuss things surrounding their future, and Raine has been asked by Callum to help.
It’s a dangerous job, but it could be the very thing Raine needs to make a difference, for herself, and her family…

This series picks up no long after the events in The Dragon of 23rd Street series, where the Idrian refugees are now having to face the consequences of the actions their deposed queen took.
Fans of that series will be glad to see Kira, Draven, and Faris again, as well as a few other familiar faces, including Kira’s brothers; one of whom actually takes a central role in this story.
We have a new “bad guy”, a new “issue” within the Idrian world to deal with, and a few new faces; but much like the first series, we have a lot of intriguing characters, a fast paced and action filled story, and the subtle hints of a slow burn romance.

It’s an engaging tale, that urban fantasy fans will enjoy; especially those who have enjoyed the first series in this world, and who enjoy low or no spice stories.

[Book Keeper]

I made it to about 32% in this book and had to quit. Why, because the main female character made me want to throttle her.

Not only is she powerful and special, but she refuses to use that power. I TRIED to understand her situation and to understand why she wouldn't want to use that power. But she has children to protect. Regardless of her personal feelings about it, she is making herself and the kids sitting ducks.

Also, I get that you are defensive, distrusting, and paranoid. I get it! Her background makes me forgiving in a lot of ways, but then she is lashing out at people. She is clearly not fooling anyone with her "meek" behavior, because she clearly has no self control and no control of their mouth. I am not surprised that she has a target on her back. She isn't making smart decisions, she is making impulsive decisions. Which makes me believe she has barely survived by dumb luck and a stubborn streak of a cockroach.

With all that being said. When she began to argue with Callum about how she would not stay behind in a dangerous situation, I couldn't do it anymore.

No, girl-- you ran headlong into a dark building, with no weapons. Then you proceeded to trip down the stairs, roll your ankle (within two minutes), and AGAIN had no other way of protecting yourself. Yet you are trying to make it seem like Callum is a chauvinist for telling you to "stay put, until he comes back".

Nope, I'm out. You clearly have more pride than sense and expect the victim card to carry you through this whole story. I'm out.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up until I finished this book because I did not want to set it down. I enjoyed it SO much. I have not read the previous trilogy with Kira in it but I don’t feel like I’ve missed much, although I’m definitely going to go and read it after this series. The author is still able to give us enough background and character development that I feel like I know the characters that appeared in other series.

The characters are just so good! Sometimes strong, snarky FMCs just come off bratty and rude. Fighting just so they can get the last word type of feel. Raine was not that character. She was strong but so vulnerable. I loved that she fought back when she felt she was in the right, and never out of selfishness but a sense of duty and protection. She was the kind of FMC I cannot get enough of. There was so much to her character. Her weaknesses were well written as well. Callum I don’t feel like know as well but I still adored his character. He’s a strong, alpha type. A king. Yet he can still recognize when he’s wrong. When he’s made a mistake. And the two of them together. Swoon. The banter, it was so fun!

The plot and storyline. This author is so good at building a world I just want to dive into. A world where I want books for all of the characters because they are all so engaging. The way Raine received the magic, the fear of being discovered. Her mixed emotions about the power. All of it. So dang good! I immediately got book 2 and am trying to pace myself because I really need to sleep tonight.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Main character Raine is super suspicious of everything, clearly she has had a lot of life experiences that have conditioned her to have little trust of anyone. It was nice to see her trust unfolding as the book went on. I had no idea what supernatural character she was at first and was positing that she was a werewolf but I think her identity isn’t so easily pinned down although Ms Davidson has revealed bits and pieces throughout this first book.

I recall Ms Davidson introducing Callum somewhat briefly in the Dragon series and also one of her short stories, interesting to see a different side to him.

Family dynamics between Faris, Kira, Draven and Callum are funny. Actually it made me want to go back and read the Dragon series again to get better context of the dragon family dynamics.
My favourite quote - “Someday I’m just going to eat him” - haha. Callum on Draven, I think.

It is kind of cute the way Raine tries to wriggle out of uncomfortable relationship situations. Reminded me of KM Shea books actually, all the female protagonists have a similar profile. Mouthy and unafraid of powerful male love interest

This first book centred around trying to figure out who is sabotaging the dragon/supernatural community’s efforts to lay down some laws. I was quite intrigued to find out the saboteur’s identity.

Already can’t wait for the next two installments!