Buried Secrets

The War for Magic #3

by P.A. Mason

Three months vanished through a gate. I came out an orc-murderer, an Earth fugitive, and the Elven Council’s favorite problem.

To live, I submit to orc law and a rite that binds me to their dead, branding me with a legacy I never the matriarch’s memories of the ancient paths between worlds.

That knowledge could end the war. It could also rip three worlds apart.

Back on Earth, the sun’s out, the magic’s wild, and I’m hunted in my own backyard. Leylandir and I finally stop pretending it’s just the mission between us… and then blood and duty tear him away.

It’s probably for the best, because every path to sealing the gates ends at the same forgone conclusion. Save the worlds and lose him on the other side of the multiverse.

They trained me to survive war. They never prepared me to win peace by breaking my own heart.

The heart-punch third installment in War for Magic—slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, near‑future military grit, and ancient gates that don’t care what they cost.

Genres: Magic

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2026

About the author

Paula Mason is an author from Australia who can’t quite decide if magic should be used for solving small-town mysteries, fighting dragons, or surviving a near-future war zone—so she writes all the things.

By day, Paula is a social worker with a deep grounding in social justice and a fascination with how culture, identity, and resilience help people navigate the messier parts of being human. Regardless of the genre, you can always count on two things: there will be magic (and usually witches), and there will be a story about people finding their way through the wreckage we call life.

Connect with Paula:

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

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

Amazon - amazon.com/author/pamason

www.pamasonauthor.com

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: **Buried Secrets**
Author: P.A. Mason
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Date Finished: 29/05/2026
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: The third book in this series, and I truly believe it's my favourite fantasy series of the year so far. The plot remains fast-paced and full of surprises, keeping the momentum strong throughout. We’re introduced to another realm of magic through the Orcs, whose social structure is completely different from that of Earth and the Elven Council.
The Orcs have been shaped by survival, and there are even a few enjoyable Aussie references woven into their culture. The depth of magical lore that the author draws upon is incredible, particularly in the way magic intertwines with modern weaponry and urban technology.
The growth of the main characters never becomes tiresome, and you find yourself constantly rooting for them to achieve their goals. However, it was the ending that truly had me on the edge of my seat, I went through every emotion imaginable.
It’s refreshing to see such original concepts being forged, and this instalment has only strengthened my love for the series.

[TheVampireBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is definitely getting firm ground under her feet as the story progresses. It's getting better and better. The contrast of greedy military world of humans and magical worlds of other species is unusual and very refreshing. In this installment we get to meet orcs and so far they are my favourite. Their culture is interesting and very different :-D. The main couple may finally have the heart to heart we've been waiting for and some weird evil sh*t is going to happen, letting us sitting at the edges of our seats.
The problem is that the whole series isn't out yet and that the audio version I stumbled across on the author's youtube channel doesn't do the books justice. The robotic voice devoid of any emotion isn't even trying to sound different for different "people" so it is quite an unnerving experience.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re at the third book in the series, and Wow what another fantastic book in the series. Following the story Leylandir and Asha and boy are they put through it again and again. We have meet some new characters some nice (the aunties) some not so nice (Government employees).

I am so intrigued about what’s going to happen next, and I have really enjoyed this installment and would recommend it’s added to your TBR list.

I received this arc from the author and this is my honest opinion

P.A. Mason

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re at the third book in the series, and what a third installment it is. We are back with Leylandir and Asha, and boy are they lead through the wringer. They must find the other gate on Earth to shut them all down, and in their search, they stir up a hornet’s nest. We meet some new characters, which I really liked, and we learned some new information about both main characters. I am intrigued about what’s going to happen next, and I really enjoyed this latest installment. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Carlie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This random series I found on YouTube is holding up so well omg. Had to wait a week or so for this audiobook after finishing the second book so now I’m SCREWED unless the author already has the fourth book locked and loaded. Very well thought out major story arc for fantasy while still being a standout from other fantasy series I’ve read.

[Michaela C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep switching between feeling annoyed this series is so long and being glad I still have new books to listen to. I'm listening to this on YouTube and really love the story, the slow burn is starting to get old though. I would be happier if the next one was more about the dynamics between the people and less high stakes and wars.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Asha is an earthquake mixed with a hurricane, a force that can cause upheaval on an inter dimensional level. I wonder if she isn’t just a hybrid, but a hybrid combining all four worlds. It would explain a lot. This book is exciting, thrilling, and touching. I loved reading it.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. We're getting to see a lot of the orc world in this book, as another gate is found. However, the goal of closing all the gates may be changing as the dwarves are the next world to need help.

[Emily P · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay the author has decided we're in an interdimentional world so we get a higher rating. also points for using the niche Aussie knowledge she has even though the AI intonation was way off

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice twist right at the end but we need the next book.
There are some slow parts but it's a nice YA fantasy

[Leila D'Annunzio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so so sorry but the magic orgasmic feeling that killed her family really took me out I... I can't