Loaned Magic

by Emma Shelford

Nobody messes with my magical library.

My back’s against the shelves, and a demon is hissing in my face. He’s a threat to the survival of the Library of the Realms. Once I pull out my throwing knives, he’ll hiss a different tune.

If I can escape, there’s only one hire a mysterious bounty hunter to eliminate the demon threat. I have skills—a librarian with otherworldly training is no pushover—but this problem is too big for me alone. Too bad I can’t stand the guy.

Sure, he helped me in a tight spot, but he rips pages out of books like they’re Post-its just to infuriate me. The insufferable hunter is the only one who’s met my demon problem. To keep my failure private, I’ll have to grit my teeth and work with him to thwart the demons. If they win, the ruling council will close the library for good.

On my watch? No way. My fairy godmother would roll over in her grave. It’s time to step out from the shelves and unleash the full power of my library’s magic.

Genres: Fantasy

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

About the author

Emma Shelford feels that life is only complete with healthy doses of magic, history, and science. Since these aren't often found in the same place, she created her own worlds where they happily coexist. If you catch her in person, she will eagerly discuss Lord of the Rings ad nauseam, why the ancient Sumerians are so cool, and the important role of phytoplankton in the ocean.

Emma is the author of the Nautilus Legends (a marine biologist discovers that mythical sea creatures are real), the Musings of Merlin Series (Merlin is immortal, forever young, and living in the modern day), and the Breenan Series (a young woman follows a mysterious stranger into an enchanting Otherworld).

Reviews

[M Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaned Magic is the first in a new series about a magical library, it's loyal patrons and intriguing staff. I think it's quite different to other books in the genre, making it an appealing read.

There's an Indiana Jones vibe about Eva, the FMC and head librarian, which was fun. I loved how she was written - dedicated to the library, extremely protective of it's books and focussed on expanding the catalogue. She has some awesome magical gear to help her and further the adventurer image, like a spelled bag of holding! Very cool! I liked the wardrobe and other accessories the author created for her....I know I'd love 'made for purpose' clothing like that.

Her first encounter with Voros, the MMC/bounty hunter, is one that understandably will give the horrors to readers when she finds him tearing a page out of book and then responding to her anger with " 'It’s just a book. Lighten up.' ". The dynamic between these two is fantastic.....lots of digs, gradual trust, competitive when it comes to physicality and knowledge.

I had fun spending time with the side characters. Because the author has crafted so many accessible worlds to the library the number of different races is extensive.....and I think will be even more so as the series progresses. The ones in this book are well crafted, solid and add a lot of scope for storyline development, which the author took full advantage of.

This story pulls from the whole emotional spectrum, making it relatable and layered, while burrowing deep into my heart. Several characters referred to their past (in ways that made me wonder if trauma was significant for them - "Showing chinks in my armor was how others found my soft spots to use to their advantage.") or just made vague comments. I wonder what the author plans to do with these vague histories and if that will be unpacked in future books because I really need to know what's behind these public faces!

I appreciate growth in characters and Ms Shelford has crafted a remarkable journey for Eva. I liked how she was open to learning from others and seemed to find good in most of the 'people' she met.

There's a complete story arc in this book but the author has given herself plenty of space to play for upcoming releases. Such an expansive world will be a sheer delight to revisit!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

“Not the mild-mannered librarian you like to pretend.”

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head librarian of the Earth branch of the library, Eva Benes must work with a Voros Thallan, the mysterious and sexy bounty hunter, to protect both the library and the many humans under a trance from demon’s hell bent on destruction. Eva is not the typical quiet librarian though and her alter ego Celia will either make or break her librarian career. Will Eva and Voros save everyone in time, or will the demons destroy both the library and Eva’s career at the same time?
Wonderful reading with extraordinary new worlds and fantastic characters. Love the growth and expansion as Eva learns that not everyone will take advantage of her faults and that she can lean on others from time to time for assistance. Also love that the author brought in characters from other beloved series Immortal Merlin and Magical Morgan and hope they are featured in future series as well. Great use of magical tools and fantastic imagery for both new species and other worlds! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this series as we explore more worlds and discover more about the realms!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Emma's books so when this one came out I knew it was a must read. I love to read and a book about a library that is accessible to multiple realms was a no brainer for me. Eva, the new head librarian, is a human running the library where magical beings come to read and research. She has grown up knowing about magic and now she has her dream job. On her first day she meets Voros Thallan, a bounty hunter, when he tears a page out of one of her library books. As you can imagine she was NOT amused. However Eva ends up needing Voros's help with a magical issue she unfortunately could not handle herself. Adventure ensues and now I want to read book two!

This is a world of library magic I could live in and be happy forever.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m all for finding new authors to enjoy even if I have way more than enough to keep me entertained. This is one such new-to-me author. I loved the idea about a secret library in a library (what reader doesn’t?!?), and I really liked the characters in this series starter. There were times where I thought the wording could be tightened up or changed a little, maybe, but this is a first book, and I know sometimes it takes a little to get in the groove. No matter about the first book “flaws,” I see so much potential; I can’t wait for the next. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[shadowarc13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review."
Loaned Magic is the first in a new series about a magical library, it's loyal patrons and intriguing staff. Eva and Voros a bountyhunter the part they meet and the building up between evolving the characters is beautiful. The library world is magnificent. There’s so much happening that you just can’t wait to read the next one about Eva and her magic library and the all the side histories that’s not much explained yet. So much I hope more will come. Put it on your tbr if u love magic worlds with a twist. 🙃

[Angie Burnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to the special section of the library, where you never know exactly what or who you will see!

This was an enjoyable read with an interesting world and characters. While the FMC drove me crazy with her need to do everything for herself, throughout the story she began to grow and truly discover the treasure trove of resources (paper and not) that surrounded her. I look forward to seeing where this story goes and the new adventures protecting the library will bring!!

[Kirsty Carruthers · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on libraries that I really clicked with. Plenty of character building and action. Little bit slow starting and quite a long book but it really picked up. Seems like it could be an exciting start to a good series with lots more to learn. Just a bit more world building please.
Don't tear pages out of books people!

[Jillian K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Really great start to a new series. That story is a crescendo. It starts a little slow to introduce you to things that will become important later on. It builds and builds until you are laughing like a loon, on the edge of your seat, with this great new world building page turner! I loved and highly recommend!!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaned Magic was such a refreshing surprise! The whole concept of a magical library tied to the human world felt unique, intriguing, and super easy to get lost in. I loved the mix of rules, councils, procedures, and all the behind-the-scenes magic politics—it made the world feel alive.

The characters were another highlight. You can feel the secrets simmering beneath the surface, and it left me wanting so much more from both of them. The “merry” twist on the magic system was clever and added charm to the chaos .

The dynamic between the librarian and the bounty hunter? Chaotic, tense, and so fun. I’m definitely excited to see what happens next in this world!

[Amys Book hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely amazing loved every page of this book
5 🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟