Twisted Truths

The War for Magic #2

by P.A. Mason

Stranded in a realm of ancient magic with an enigmatic elf warrior was never part of the plan.

When I chose to save Leylandir from execution, I thought I was preventing an injustice. Now I'm trapped on his world, where nothing is as simple as it seems. As we journey through a landscape of crystal cities and strange creatures, I find myself drawn into a web of political intrigue, family secrets, and magic that calls to something deep within my blood.

But the closer Leylandir and I become, the more dangerous our situation grows. The Elven Council's most ruthless agent is hunting us, ancient artifacts pulse with mysterious power, and every day I spend here is another day I can't fix the chaos I left behind on Earth. But when betrayal strikes from where I least expect it, I discover I may be within reach of the very thing that might end this damn war and put our worlds back together again.

Now I must cling to old loyalties, or embrace a destiny that terrifies me.

The thrilling second installment in the War for Magic series continues this enemies-to-lovers military fantasy, where ancient magic meets modern warfare and nothing is quite what it seems. Perfect for fans of Martha Wells and Ilona Andrews who love complex characters, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes magical intrigue.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2025

About the author

Paula Mason is an author based in regional Victoria, Australia, and creator of Gretchen's (Mis)Adventures. She enjoys fantastical stories and faraway places as her creative outlet from her busy day job and (even busier) family.

By day Paula is a social worker and has a deep grounding in social justice and Child Protection. She works within her local Aboriginal community and is keenly interested in reconciliation and restorative justice.

To connect on social media you can find Paula over at the following platforms;

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pamasonauthor/

BookBub - bookbub.com/profile/p-a-mason

Amazon - amazon.com/author/pamason

www.pamasonauthor.com

Reviews

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second installment in a series that's more urban fantasy than the usual cozies by one of my favorite authors. Asha is a human soldier with an unknown magical background who is on the run with her former prisoner, an elf named Leylandir. The entire background of his imprisonment and her attempt to learn more about why he's on earth is off, but when there's an attack on the prison, she decides to stay with him and gets transported to his elf world. That's where this story starts, as they're being hunted by both worlds and the bad guys are as likely to be the government as not. Gradually both sides of the story come out and the characters are found to be neither all good or all bad, but just making the best of a bad situation. They're well drawn and you repeatedly change your mind about how you feel about their actions. These are not cookie-cutter tropes but well balanced people you care about.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an author that’s fairly new to me, and this book highlights why I think she’s a keeper. This is the second book in a new series, and the stakes have really ramped up, Asha and Leylandir are on the run from certain factions, and I loved all the revelations in this one, especially the ones about poor Leylandir’s life. I loved this book even more than the first one, and I’m definitely going to read the next one to find how…well, read it for yourself. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[TheVampireBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the first book I didn't want to continue the story but thankfully I did becasue the story is actually getting better. I feel like the author is getting firmer ground on storytelling as the series progresses.
The world is finally getting described properly, there are interesting characters thrown into the mix (also cute "pet" companions) and Asha with Laylandir have the character development they deserve. There's lot of action involved, still many mysteries to unravel and I'm actually looking forward to the third book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good second edition to the storyline. I really enjoyed Asha and Leylandir’s journey in the Elvin world. Though at some points I did find myself having to think about what location they were talking about sometimes as some of the cities/places had names that started with an A. There was more action/adventure in this book and I’m looking forward to what comes next.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just I thought things escalated quickly…they escalated again. I don’t know how Asha could deal with this. Under threat, shot at, captured, shot at, attacked by wyverns, attacked by wyverns again, and many other things. Not only that, she is much more than she first thought. And now this new threat? I can’t wait to find out! I loved this book!

[Carlie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the first one. I thought it would be only two books but when a whole new plot point opened up two chapters from the end…. Oh BROTHER. I need to stop getting swindled into these long fantasy series!!!! Extremely slow burn and PG but I’ve been listening while working so I don’t need anything crazy hehehe

[Emily P · Rating 2 out of 5]

the inconsistencies in this just made me kinda mad. Like the guy doesn't know idioms I don't know why you insist of using slang with him...
Also wtf is this world building they have used the words multiverse and planets but there's also portals how does this even work
If I wasn't listening to this for free on you've I don't know if I would of finished it

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an absolutely brilliant storyline. does she believe what the elf is telling her or continue ignoring him. this book is loaded with well written action scenes and truths of allegiance.
I will write no more for fear of giving spoilers.
I totally recommend this book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story that will have you wanting to read as quickly as possible. Saving someone but getting stuck in a different world wasn’t part of the plan. Don’t miss out once this book is released

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story, intricate plot with lots of threads weaving in, but for me very unsettling to read. So much fighting. However I still want to know how it ends. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Fos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook

Asha and Laylandir

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

looking forward to the next book!

[alewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story, the plot it’s different than most but the repetitions of some facts or phrases is bothering me, it’s taking me out of the immersion of the story