Strange Magic: Part One

Strange Magic #1

by Michelle Mankin

Billy Blade is a hardworking, hard living, razor sharp musical force. Mysterious behind his dark shades, the rough around the edges Texan mesmerizes with his haunting harmonica and tantalizes with his dangerous looks and smooth country charm. His latest album is topping the charts. He’s the newly crowned King of the Bacchus Krewe. He’s definitely living the rock star dream.
Exotic Creole beauty Thyme Bellerose couldn’t be more content. She has it all. An adoring grandmother. A handsome Tulane medical student beau. A satisfying job in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Her life is as rich as the ice cream she creates. She’s got everything under control.
But control is an illusion. Dreams can turn into nightmares. And now during Mardi Gras, otherworldly powers stand ready to shape their destinies in ways they could never imagine.
Shadow and light. Magic and mystery. Reality and myth. All come together in a place where rules bend and lines blur. Even those between life and death.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary

Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

About the author

MICHELLE MANKIN is the New York Times bestselling author of over 40 romance novels.
Romance that Rocks.
Her individual books are FREE in kindleunlimited. Link to them on her author page on Amazon:
http://author.to/MyAuthorPage
BRUTAL STRENGTH trilogy
completed series
TEMPEST
a fan favorite and a completed series
FIND ME
a completed trilogy
ROCK STARS, SURF AND SECOND CHANCES
a completed series
STORM is a #1 bestselling standalone spin-off from the Rockstars, Surf, and Second Chances series
GIRLS RANKING THE ROCK STARS (Rock F*ck Club)
a completed series
IN HIS EYES is a standalone spin-off from the RFC
ONCE UPON A ROCK STAR
4 books planned ending with The Right Song
ADDY"S ROLLERCOASTER ROMANCE
Getting it Wrong
Getting it Right
NO QUARTER
Hot Summer School Night
Breaking Her Bad
MAGIC series
a completed paranormal series

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why have I not heard raving, squeeing, and cheering about this author?? The world and people she's created are amazing! Easily, one of the best 'first in a series' I've read, and easily one of the best series in the fantasy genre!


"The boundaries which divide life from death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?" - Edgar Allan Poe

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book – Strange Magic : Part One and Two
Author – Michelle Mankin
Publication Date – 1/22/15 (#1) – 2/5/15 (#2)
Genre – Paranormal Rocker Romance
Type – 2 Part Series
Cliffhanger – Yes (1 going into 2)
Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
This review is combined for both books…



I have to start this off by saying that I am not being biased because of Beta Reading this book, nor that Michelle is such a sweet buddy of mine. She knows that I am honest and I was honest while reading and did have some issues with the first read through.  So enough said about that and let’s get on to the review.

I had no clue when I started reading this that it was going to have so much of a paranormal aspect to it.  But not what you are thinking…this is about ghosts and the other world that exists in ours.  What a great story aspect as it is set in New Orleans and I can’t think of any other place better than NOLA for a story like this to be set.



So Michelle mixes a sexy rocker god with a beautiful paranormal ghost and twists a tale around the two of them. She takes a man who doesn’t believe and converts him to do anything necessary in order to bring Thyme into his existence. Then she takes Thyme who only believed in the one true love of her life and turns her around to give love a second chance with Billy.

I have to say that yeah, I may be partial to Michelle’s books but she nailed this…and mixed these genres up perfectly.



Even if you aren’t a big fan of the paranormal…this one is different – so give it a try.

Re-Cap
Billy is a star with his harmonica – but something strange happens when he plays it.  Something so strange that it doesn’t faze him much when the ghost of Thyme shows up in his new rental.  But who is she and why is the attraction so strong between the two of them?

Set in NOLA during the Mardi Gras…enjoy the magical and mesmerizing aspects of the city while reading a tantalizing romance.




Reason for Reading – Author request/Beta Read
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam –  4 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 4 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would Read More from Author? DEFINITELY
Recommend To – anyone who loves romance with a twist of the paranormal

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 "There's more to you than meets the eye." Stars!

Strange Magic is the first work of Michelle Mankin’s that I have read. I have to say I am pretty impressed. From the interesting characters, the vibrantly descriptive writing, and the immersive storytelling it took me no time at all to plough through this short, but extremely enjoyable novella.



I might be on the slow road to ruin but I didn’t have a death wish.

Told from the POV’s of ex bull-riding come, country rock singing sensation Billy Blade, and New Orleans, Ice Cream Parlor owner Thyme Bellerose’s or Ty Boo for short. This is a story that starts with the beginnings to the now infamous and unforgettable, Hurricane Katrina.

”The darkness is gathering over the city.”

I loved the way Michelle linked these two characters together, they do not know each other from Adam, but their connection is unique to say the least. I spent a good 80% trying to work out how she would link them, and boy she didn’t do it by halves!



A great albeit a little creepy (in a good way) start, I am looking forward to seeing where Billy and Ty Boo’s story goes.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Mankin. This lady rocks at classics with a rock-n-roll spin and just straight-up rock-n-roll stories. Strange Magic is a bit different. It's paranormal, and that's just for starters. Mankin though, proves she just plain rocks at storytelling.

Strange Magic is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with Katrina barreling towards the coast. Then it weaves in some Roman mythology, a little voodoo, and a few characters who are perfectly at home in NOLA. Yeah, Mankin's created quite a unique world within the confines of NOLA. And she inhabited it with captivating characters. The result is fabulous.

In this first volume, we meet our MCs, Billy Blade and Thyme Bellerose, but this part of the story mainly involves Thyme. She's a sweetheart, genuine and compassionate. What she ends up enduring is unthinkable -- the why behind it is fascinating.

I can't think of a better setting than NOLA for a story like this one. That Katrina is about to strike added to the ominous feel. Mankin did an incredible job of creating a mythology and an atmosphere that feed into one another so well.

I honestly have no inkling as to where this story will end up. But I'm dying to unravel the mystery.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Magic part one has me hooked! Wow! I need part two now! This has all the making of what has started out as a fantastical paranormal story in the heart of New Orleans. This book will take you to the streets of New Orleans where you will fall in love with Thyme and her unique Creole heritage and the sights and sounds of the bountiful Louisiana. This book introduces us to a country star named Billy Blade who is hot sexy and knows how to work a crowd with his amazing talent. This is a first paranormal book for Mankin but she can write anything because as much as I love her rocking romances this paranormal book is sure to please and I can't wait to get my hands on part two!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SIGC26I and it is free! Also free on Barnes and Noble and ITunes


For more indie author reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com

[Frankie Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice cream. Voodoo. Immortals.

A tasty teaser to Michelle Mankin's latest series set in NOLA and an offshoot of her other series, Black Cat Records. This captured the mystical aspect of The Big Easy perfectly, brooding, mysterious, seductive, addictive. I love the supernatural aspects she employed in STRANGE MAGIC P1, it ended with a big fat WTF! WHAT NOW?! that its impossible NOT to grab part2 asap. Man oh man, what a cliffie!

[Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE RIGHT NOW!!!! Strange Magic - Part 1 - FREE - http://amzn.to/1EZDA4B

I finished an advanced copy of Part One this morning .... all I have to say is get ready to buy this one. I LOVED it. I am convinced that Michelle Mankin can write in any genre she wants to and be golden. I am sucked in and can't wait for Part 2! Ahh how I LOVE a good paranormal read <3

Full Review to Come!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Posted on Rabid Reads as two reviews.
Part one:
Thyme is a beautiful young woman that works in her grandmother’s ice cream shop. She has a serious boyfriend and a good life. But someone is wanting her to sell the ice cream shop because it sits on prime real estate. Leon is a very strange man, and used to getting what he wants. When he realizes that there is something different about Thyme, it doesn’t bode well for her, to say the least.

Thyme is the kind of character that was almost a total innocent. The people in her life love her mostly, and she is just a good person. She adores her boyfriend, Shane, and he adores her right back. She completely embraces her life in New Orleans. Shane is rich, and a medical student. He has a mother that doesn’t approve of Thyme due to the side of town she lives in, and her bi-racial heritage. I loved that he didn’t care what his mother thought.

The prologue of this novella, is all about Billy a superstar country/pop singer on tour with his band. He has his own supernatural ability. When the prologue was over and the novella actually began, it jumped to Thyme’s story, and left Billy behind.

The Thyme part of the story starts pretty normally until Leon comes into the picture. You realize that he is very evil, and actually gradually realize that there is something supernatural going on. Of course since it is in New Orleans, that’s pretty much a given.

I ended up really loving this story until the end, when I read the massive cliffhanger. That’s probably the fastest I have ever bought a follow up book. I had to know what was happening. I highly recommend this novella, and as of my writing this, it is free, so moving on to the next book doesn’t hurt the pocketbook quite as bad. Keep in mind, there is quite a bit of violence, horrific at times, so it is an adult read for that reason.

Part 2
This one starts out ten years after the end of part one. Billy Blade is on vacation until his next country music concert, and has picked New Orleans for a place to both rest and take part in the Mardi Gras celebrations. He has rented an apartment, and it’s not long before he realizes that it’s haunted by a beautiful young woman. Thyme died ten years before, and haunts the apartment she shared in life with her grandmother. This is the beginning of Billy and Thyme’s love story. A ghost love story not your thing? This is very different I promise you, and well worth the read.

As in part one, I loved the character of Thyme. Even as a ghost, she hasn’t lost her caring personality, and her capacity to love. Only the object of her love is no longer Shane, but instead Billy. Shane is no longer in the picture-and that’s a whole other story which I won’t go into. Billy is a country mega star, but really down to earth. He’s had his own tragedy in the past. I really loved Billy as well, and the romance between them was so sweet and tragic, you know because she’s dead and all, and is what is known as a shade in this supernatural world. The villain of this story, as in the first part, is Leon. He is the embodiment of evil itself, and not human. To make it even more interesting, Zeus and Hades also show up in this installment.

New Orleans as a setting of a supernatural story is perfect. This takes it one step further, and puts the opening to the Underworld there. The Underworld depicted here is so different, and I found it fascinating-not something I usually am while reading stories featuring mythology. In this world, vampires, shades, demon dogs..the list goes on and on, all reside in the Underworld during the day, and spend their nights up above. That is just part of the excellent world building by this author. And there is quite a bit of world building-always a good thing in my opinion. There’s even a glossary at the end if you need any further explanation. While I didn’t need it with this book, there sure have been a few books that I wished had one!

As in part one, there are plenty of obstacles to overcome, villains to fight, and lot of new characters are introduced-most of which figure prominently, and either further the story or add to the main characters back story.

To me, this was a wonderful paranormal romance. It had all the elements I need in one, the supernatural couple, good sexy times, the paranormal elements, problems to overcome, fantastic world building, and just as important, no cliffhanger. Pretty perfect.

Recommended for adult paranormal romance fans. 4.5 stars rounded up.(RabidReads.com)
·

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange Magic part one has me hooked! Wow! I need part two now! This has all the making of what has started out as a fantastical paranormal story in the heart of New Orleans. This book will take you to the streets of New Orleans where you will fall in love with Thyme and her unique Creole heritage and the sights and sounds of the bountiful Louisiana. This book introduces us to a country star named Billy Blade who is hot sexy and knows how to work a crowd with his amazing talent. This is a first paranormal book for Mankin but she can write anything because as much as I love her rocking romances this paranormal book is sure to please and I can't wait to get my hands on part two!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SIGC26I and it is free! Also free on Barnes and Noble and ITunes


For more indie author reviews: Myindieauthorfix.com

Strange Magic Part two is the most unique paranormal book I have ever read! I love paranormal and this book is like most of Mankin's other books with a hot sexy country singer named Billy Blade, it is modern but with a twist this book blends today with the mystical past. The main female character is unique in her own right, she is a creole beauty a sweet sensual girl named Thyme Bellerose. In a wink of an eye the story will transform you into a magical world filled with intrigue and mystery, it is as if it started on a black and white TV and then becomes this amazing technicolor world in which we meet the most unique fantastical characters. The book is so detailed that you will feel as if you are walking the cobblestone streets of New Orleans and smell the rich aroma of the beautiful bountiful city that it truly is. Must read 5- magical stars! Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RU3NNX6
For a limited time Strange Magic part 1 is only .99 cents http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SIGC26I
Book trailer: http://youtu.be/tll-Eaw2KFs

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we have another of those books I hate trying to review. The characters were great, the plots was great, the story was original but the writing was terribly verbose as too many of the last few books I have read seem to have been.

The story of Billy and Thyme was great, things kept happening that keep you stressed a bit, you wonder how things can possibly work out, but the writing was a bit lacking (that means a bit not a lot) it needed tighter writing that could have shaved about 50 pages off this book with absolutely no loss should have been the job of a good editor.

The "big evil guy" was done well since you really hated him but the beginnings to this story was pretty brutal and I felt like justice was not really done but since all of these guys are "immortal" it makes it kinda hard to judge.

I should mention a really GOOD thing which was no teasers left or cliffhangers for the next book, seems like few authors know how to do this anymore.

Bottom Line: Loved the story, loved the characters, hated the pages that droned on and forced me to scan a bit. The sex was done pretty well until late in the book where 2 sex scenes seemed like they took about 3 chapters (more scanning) . The ending was done well and fell into that favorite category "I never saw that coming" even though it did seem a bit rushed it was still good. 4 Stars for a good story and highly recommended with the above caveats.

[Michelle Mankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SIGC26I

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Strange Magic. It's absolutely named correctly... Thyme is about to turn 21. She lives with her Mamere ever since kindergarten when her mother dropped her off and disappeared. She met Shane, who was in 5th grade at the time. He was adopted. They have been inseparable ever since and are in love. Leon Johnson, a very creepy man, is trying to get Thyme and her Grandmother to sell Chantelle Grace, which is their ice cream shop where they make homemade ice cream. He is also overly friendly with Thyme, and not in a nice way. So, this is in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with Katrina making her way towards the coast.
There is something very special about Thyme. Her Mamere, as per her instructions from Thyme's mother, has a lot to tell her about one her 21st birthday. But Leon knows too and kidnaps both Thyme and Shane.........Now, you have to read it yourself to see all of what he does and what becomes of Shane and Thyme..... I'm going to part two right now, can't wait to continue this.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Orleans. Voodoo. Katrina. Ice cream. Love. Pain. Immortal souls.

Strange Magic is beautifully written, full of vivid imagery & each chapter begins w/ a fitting quote. Part one of the story opens with Billy Blade, country/rock star with a very ... special ... talent. We see that he's at the top but also near rock bottom. He's a very intriguing character for sure! Soon, we shift over to Thyme's POV, and we see that she also has some special talents, although she doesn't realize it quite yet. She loves her town, her gramma, her ice cream shop. And she loves Shane. What will she do for that love?

This is quite a dark story, and still I'm very interested in how part 2 will play out! : )

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very character driven story written in Ms. Mankin's special way. The characters are lovable, realistic and intriguing! Billy's rock n' roll lifestyle is seamlessly woven into the storied city of Thyme Bellerose's beloved New Orleans. The history, the lore, the sights and the sounds of the city are a character in their own. I was totally transported into this book and it leaves me VERY excited for Part 2 (and a trip to NOLA)!

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mythological story of Billy & Thyme. I must admit it took me a little bit of time to follow what was happening but when it all started to click I was hooked. It's a beautiful story and it is quite long but held my interest throughout. I'm actually excited to find out what happens in book 2 and the other members.

[Rhonda Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story that accurately captures the magical essence of one of my favorite towns--New Orleans. This was a great introduction to a fascinating paranormal and I look forward to reading the conclusion!!! A solid 4.5 stars!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2022)! 🎁

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ends on a Cliffhanger...okay story so far. Interested to see tie-in and where the story goes.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combined reviews from Strange Magic Parts 1 and 2 (previously released in 2 parts).

I'm a huge fan of Mankin. This lady rocks at classics with a rock-n-roll spin and just straight-up rock-n-roll stories. Strange Magic is a bit different. It's paranormal, and that's just for starters. Mankin though, proves she just plain rocks at storytelling.

Strange Magic is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with Katrina barreling towards the coast. Then it weaves in some Roman mythology, a little voodoo, and a few characters who are perfectly at home in NOLA. Yeah, Mankin's created quite a unique world within the confines of NOLA. And she inhabited it with captivating characters. The result is fabulous.

In this first volume, we meet our MCs, Billy Blade and Thyme Bellerose, but this part of the story mainly involves Thyme. She's a sweetheart, genuine and compassionate. What she ends up enduring is unthinkable -- the why behind it is fascinating.

I can't think of a better setting than NOLA for a story like this one. That Katrina is about to strike added to the ominous feel. Mankin did an incredible job of creating a mythology and an atmosphere that feed into one another so well.

I honestly have no inkling as to where this story will end up. But I'm dying to unravel the mystery.

**

Wow! What an ending for Billy and Thyme. What a world Mankin has created!

In this final installment of Strange Magic (but only the beginning of the series!) we learn more about Billy Blade and his connection to Thyme. We also learn more about about the Immortals and what they're up to. Strange Magic is an incredible story about second chances at love but it's so much more. Mankin created a fantastic mythological world, set in New Orleans, and is really setting the stage for what comes next.

I liked how Mankin used circumstances in her mythological world to mirror ones in our own. The battle lines have been drawn and change is a comin'. I also liked the comparison between the Mississippi River -- caring for her people, healing them -- and Thyme's mother, doing the same.

Mankin demonstrates her remarkable talent as she deftly incorporated her mythological world -- the In Between -- into that of New Orleans. I knew she could create kickass, realistic rock worlds. Here, she proved she's equally able to conjure a world of imagination -- one with bioluminescent waterfalls and duality demons. A world populated with Zeus, Hades, Ares, and Bacchus -- gods who set the rules that are being called into question.

At it's heart, though, is the love story. Both Billy and Thyme had love and lost it. Both were "dead" until they found one another. All the elements Mankin surrounded Billy and Thyme with -- poetry and music -- were a delight. Their end is not the end and I'm eager to see where things go from here.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't knew much about Strange Magic before reading it, so I went in almost blind. I had read a few reviews of the book and everyone seemed to enjoy it and it was free, so I decided to grab my copy. Let me start by saying there's a reaosn for that part one, as that's exactly what this book feels like, it feels like I only got part of the story and it isn't complete without the other parts.

The book starts with a prologue and the whole book I kept wondering what the relevance was, we get to know quite a lot about this Billy guy and then never see him during the rest of the story. I had no idea how this connected I am sure it will become obvious later on, but I wanted to see the connecting earlier. I just felt like the prologue was standing apart from the story and that bugged me. Then after the prologue we start with a chapter from Thyme her perspective and we stay in that perspective until the end of the story.

I am still not sure how exactly I feel about Strange Magic, it wasn't a bad book and I certainly enjoyed parts of the story, mostly the parts before the shit hit the fan. There are some hints of supernatural things being there in the world, but really subtle and then towards the end big things happen and it was just strange. I think the word strange magic certainly fit. The story was a bit predictable, although I didn't expect how weird the story would get after the magic got revealed.

Thyme seemed like a nice character and I liked how she worked in an ice cream shop, she seemed to enjoy her life. She had a nice boyfriend, even though his mom didn't like her. Her grandma was a sweetie and Thyme seemed to enjoy her life. I also liked how she described New Orleans, it sounds like a beautiful place how she describes it.

I can't say there really is any world building in this book beside setting the stage. There are hints of more and towards the end some things get revealed, but I still feel like it's only the beginning and there's more knowledge needed for things to really fit into place.

To conclude: mostly this book left me feeling meh. There were some parts I liked and there were some strange parts. The prologue seemed to stand apart from the rest of the story and I kept waiting for it to connect to the main storyline. I did like Thyme and she seemed to have a nice life, until she found out about the paranormal. I don't think I will be continuing this series, but I did like the author her writing style. The story just didn't grip me enough to want to know more.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever the bond was between this broken man and an invisible girl, it transformed into something much more substantial and significant during those quiet hours before the break of the New Orleans’ dawn.
**

I am going to be a tad bit honest with you. Not that I am never not honest in my reviews. But I am sad to say that I almost gave up on this book. Not for the fact that it was poorly written or wasn’t holding its own. Nope. It was the mere fact of where I thought it was going with a certain character. A character I am not fond of in any story, in any light. The very thought of him turns my stomach. We humans know him as Satan.

But you know what I did? I pushed through. I got past that part and in the end I am so very glad I did. Because the story really did turn around and went somewhere I wasn’t expecting. It was such a great, great read.

Ok, now that I got that confession off my chest I can continue on. Let me start with Thyme. First of all, I adore that name. Wish I would have thought of it for one of my girls. It is beautiful and different. And it fit her character perfectly. She is just a wonderful character that got a bad lot in life. But a character that handled it better than anyone else would have.

I loved the idea that we get a sneak peek here and there of Mankin’s Black Cat Records series. A series most of us is familiar with. You are familiar with it right? If not, go read them soon!! But I will mention the great thing is it didn’t overwhelm this book. In fact, it was kind of like a sweet secret being whispered to those who have read the series before. Just knowing it’s there is the fun part.

What else? Oh yes!! I mentioned Billy, right? I didn’t? Oh wow. You may not like him quite at first. He will definitely have to grow on you if you are not a fan of the womanizing man in books. Yes, I was put off with him at first and then I realized that over a short period of time I was starting to like him. And then loving him. Who wouldn’t love a man that over a couple days was turning his life around for the better.

All in all, I adore this book. I look forward to starting DREAM MAGIC next and seeing what is to come. Mankin, you did a great job and it was wonderfully done. 5 Stars!

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely intrigued by this book. I am not a pnr fan at all but Michelle Mankin has managed to beautifully combine her love of rock and roll with the spirit world and has made me a true believer!

The story, with New Orleans as a canvas so to speak, is actually two in one in that we get Billy Blade, sexy rocker who can sense, feel spirits around him, especially onstage. He isn't quite sure why and it kind of freaks him out just the same. He lays the groundwork for the true crux of this first part of Strange Magic, which is a step back to some years prior and the story of Thyme Bellerose.

Thyme Bellerose, the consummate heroine: loyal to a fault, loves her family and only wants the best for her fiance Shane Lamar. But a 'chance' encounter that isn't quite so coincidental threatens both her life and her world as she knows it.

Her beautiful yet haunting violet eyes are the key in my opinion to how Billy and Thyme's paths intersect. Their story has only just begun and by the end of part one I was clamoring for so much more!

I was riveted by this storyline and the way it caught my attention. I honestly didn't know what to expect and was happily surprised that anything even remotely paranormal could captivate me this much.

The author continues to step up her game and write stories with heart that you can't but help fall in love with each and everytime. She pays attention to detail and you feel as much a part of the story as the main characters.

The wait for book 2 won't be long thank goodness...here in February just in time for Mardi Gras.

5 stars of Strange Magic indeed.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is one serial that you will certainly be in for a bumpy ride with as you are plunged into a world filled with ghosts, demons and musical magic and of course this book is set in one of my favourite places in America - New Orleans - though I've never visited there yet, it is definitely on my bucket list to visit due to it's rich history and of course Mardi Gras season. Strange Magic starts off with one of my favourite book themes - Music with Billy Blade, a new and upcoming Country Singer. We learn that he has a gift or curse depending how you view it , that when he plays his harmonica - the tune raises the dead . During one of the songs he catches a glimpse of a girl asking for his help with Violet eyes.
The book then flips to introducing a new character and one who becomes the main character for Strange Magic Part #1 Thyme Bellarose , she lives in New Orleans with her grandmother after her mother dumped her when she was young and works with her making the best and most creative Ice-Cream in all of New Orleans, when I was reading some of the flavours - I could feel my mouth starting to water. We learn she has a boyfriend named Shane and that Thyme keeps being asked to sell by the Hot Spot owner Leon - whom as soon as I read his name and his description I could envision a creepy and sleazy guy who as I read the scenes he starred in, he made my skin crawl. Thyme discovers she is different and that she is needed for a ritual and discovers the identity of her father. As soon as I turned the last page, I went and one-clicked the next part as this is one book that I could not put down. Another fine job by writer extraodinaire Michelle Mankin.

[Samantha Kurtz of Sammy's Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars From Sammy's Book Obsession


MY THOUGHTS~

I was provided with a Review Copy/ARC for review.

Well, that confirms it -Author Michelle Mankin can write ANY genre and make me a fan! Let me start by saying that I do. not. read. paranormal. period. But....then one of my favorite authors writes a PRN that kind of goes along with her previous series' and well, what's a girl to do? Push my reservations aside and read it, of course! I can now say that I'm glad I took the chance!
Strange Magic (part 1) completely enthralled me, confused me and totally took me out of my "normal" romance comfort zone. I'm still thinking about it days later. Even though, in my mind, I can't let myself believe that some of the characters in the book could actually exist in real life, I did however, let myself get immersed in the story and actually wonder "what if?". That right there, proves what a talented author Michelle Mankin is! She rocks!
The writing in the book was top notch, as I've come to look forward to with Author Michelle Mankin. She is exceedingly ingenious in her field! Her characters are always so well developed, as they are in this book as well.
Seriously people, even if you aren't a regular PNR fan, give Strange Magic a try. Even if it's not "your thing", you won't walk away unimpressed. I can't wait for Part 2 and I've never said anything like that about a PRN read before!

[Lakshmi C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Magic has given a makeover to stories with mythological elements. It is dark, twisted and filled with evil. The Gods and immortals in the story are not benevolent or kind. Most are self serving or in hiding. They operate under an archaic code which encourages prejudice, brutality and power plays. It had beautiful prose which brought the story to life and enhanced the emotional experience of the reader. The story had an even pace which pulls you deeper, builds atmosphere but doesn’t drag at any point.
Billy Blade is a rockstar and Thyme is an ice cream maker. Both lead characters are trapped and disenchanted with the life they know. They try to hope for something better but are unable to see a way out. You feel their hope, fear and despair with every development or setback. The romance between Billy and Thyme is slow, filled with sweet, tender moments and compassion.
The villain is really, really easy to hate, something I don’t say often. He is a stranger to mercy & remorse, focused on his plans, destroying anything that stands in his way.
This has to be one of the most beautifully written books I have read this year. I'm waiting eagerly for the sequel.
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[April Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie in the making!

To say Michelle Mankin is a fantastic writer does not even begin to correctly describe her. She is an exquisite art with the ability to paint a detailed portrait of a world filled with beauty and history. She does this not with paint, but with her words.
I was completely sucked into the city of New Orleans, as I walked beside Thyme, an energetic, loving, Creole woman. She loves her town and family business. Completely in love with her fiancee and her life as a whole. That is until the unthinkable happens and Thyme finds herself in a world she never thought could be real. Can she find a way to escape a place that wants her dead?

We met the sexy Billy Blade as he tries to ride out his train wreck of a life with music. But something's missing and his harmonica brings him fear. The glimpse of haunting violet eyes are calling to him, but what do they want? And who do they belong too?

Warning the end will have you cursing but the wait shouldn't be too long!

Strange Magic will keep you holding your breathe with suspense and you being for more!

[Kimberly Schaaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful surprise from an author that I have truly grown to love so much. I have read every book that Ms. Mankin has published and have loved every single one of them. When I heard that she was slated to release something a little out of her comfort zone, I was honestly not sure what to expect. She has written the rocker romance so beautifully, how could she possibly tackle something DIFFERENT!?

Strange Magic gripped me from the beginning. I thought for sure, from the beginning that we were getting another rocker romance that she was going to try to weave some magic/paranormal into. While I was already entranced by Mr. Billy Blade himself...she goes ahead and throws us into the all so exciting and magical world that is NOLA.

Thyme is such a strong character. She knows something's different, she feels it, but can't place it. The world that Michelle paints as the story continues is beautiful, and scary, and I just can't wait to get my hands on part two!!!

Well done, Michelle, and I am super proud of you for this amazing addition to your writing repertoire!!

[Jennifer Sons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all! It's New Orleans meets paranormal with the right amount of love, suspense, special powers & hurricanes! It's a novella with a big punch! Being from Louisiana & knowing the area being described, I felt like I was on those NOLA streets! Mrs Mankin did a great job researching the area & heritage. I do wish that Billy would have been discussed more than just the very beginning but I know he's coming in book #2!

I like Thyme! She's head over hills for her guy, Shane! I was left wanting more from them but as the story took a sudden turn, I was left silently pleading with the devil himself! This book was action packed & loaded with lots of NOLA heritage! I'm anxious to see how Billy & Thyme are connected & how the story ends!

[Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1M4pS9h

All I have to say is get ready to buy this one. I LOVED it. I am convinced that Michelle Mankin can write in any genre she wants to and it will be golden. I am sucked in and can't wait for Dream Magic! Ahh how I LOVE a good paranormal read <3

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowee! I loved this! I'm so looking forward to book #2 and finding out what happens.