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Diamond City Magic #1
Trace of Magic
Even the most powerful tracers can’t track you if the magical trace you leave behind is too old. But I can track almost anything, even dead trace. That makes me a unicorn, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Lock Ness Monster all rolled into one. In a word, I am unique. A very special snowflake. And if anyone ever finds out, I’ll be dead or a slave to one of the Tyet criminal factions.
Riley Hollis has quietly traced kidnapped children and quietly tipped the cops to their whereabouts one too many times. Now she’s on the radar of Detective Clay Price, a cop in the pocket of a powerful magic Tyet faction. When he blackmails her into doing a dangerous trace for him, Riley will have to break every rule that keeps her safe. Or become a Tyet pawn in a deadly, magical war.
Riley Hollis has quietly traced kidnapped children and quietly tipped the cops to their whereabouts one too many times. Now she’s on the radar of Detective Clay Price, a cop in the pocket of a powerful magic Tyet faction. When he blackmails her into doing a dangerous trace for him, Riley will have to break every rule that keeps her safe. Or become a Tyet pawn in a deadly, magical war.
236 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2014
159 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Diana Pharaoh Francis
44 books760 followersI was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
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December 28, 2018
Update: Has someone noticed their reviews disappearing from the feed? I noticed that if I don't log in, my review of trace of magic disappears from the list (at the moment 3 pages long) of ratings/reviews. It's nowhere. Only if I filter the reviews with the ratings or the text-only it appears again. (I wonder if it's because the one star or the dnf status...)
Dnf at 40% and run back at Amazon for a refund.
I like my books hard and gritty, and the sample had convinced me that this book was it. Unfortunately after a few chapters the story went downhill or rather down the Himalaya. ..for how steep was that road...
The author decided that she was writing a romance after all, not UF, and the worst kind of: where the women don't think, they are the stupidest around. They have a vajajay and she rules! So she keeps lusting after him in all situations, including the scene were a friend has been tortured, full of blood, in front of his fiancee, who happens to be her sister. classy and realistic.
So after hitting the readers on the head telling them she's unique, she has to hide, she's running from the mob...what does she do in the first frigging chapters? She shags him of course, never mind he is a crooked cop in the payroll of the mafia. Never mind he has blackmailed her, tagged her like a dog with a magical gps...twice, the second time after sex. And what does this heroine do? Shags him again of course! Who cares?
But then character coherence doesn't work here. Her family has hidden her all her life, and what does her sister? An half-assed attempt to convince to let it go, followed the morning after by a push in the other direction.
I don't know, maybe this book was going to be really great in its second half. But I need a heroine I can root for or at least respect. Above all if the hero is an asshole. Moreover as a reader I need an author's respect, some one who writes, even romance, without forgetting the rules. Some one who doesn't take shortcuts.
Mystery and romance rarely work together, above all when romance is the name of the game. It takes one hell of a story to keep both on. This isn't.
Mystery needs tight story, good red herrings in the other characters, some serious plotting (actually romance might too..), but here we have very few of this. The rhythm is slashed by the lust (as I said in the middle of harsh situations she thinks of his ass or such). The description of the FBI agents, above all the woman, is both unprofessional and difficult to accept. We are told that the city is corrupted, not that the world is. If the rest of the world is "normal" (in terms of this world-building), then I would expect it to work normally. They are caricature.
Moreover, we are constantly repeated that she's not stupid at all. (Well of course it's her pov :D). The problem is: she is. Not only she sleeps with the enemy, but she doesn't think. Her sister's ex-fiancée went missing, kidnapped after being tortured. It's crystal clear that the break-up was fake, but even if not, it's shouted that she's still in his life. It can be detected easily both through magical and mundane means. Well, I don't know you, but after it's clear both the mob and the FBI want the man and seem to have no scruples I would have tried to protect my sister in some way.
Neither the heroine nor the hero thought to warn her or protect her. Maybe later in the story this has a meaning. Here - tough -it made me think poorly of the plot. Again, focus on shagging, not on sleuthing.
Notice there is a couple of missing words.
I'd like to remind you all that this review tells you my experience with the book, not its real worth :)
Dnf at 40% and run back at Amazon for a refund.
I like my books hard and gritty, and the sample had convinced me that this book was it. Unfortunately after a few chapters the story went downhill or rather down the Himalaya. ..for how steep was that road...
The author decided that she was writing a romance after all, not UF, and the worst kind of: where the women don't think, they are the stupidest around. They have a vajajay and she rules! So she keeps lusting after him in all situations, including the scene were a friend has been tortured, full of blood, in front of his fiancee, who happens to be her sister. classy and realistic.
So after hitting the readers on the head telling them she's unique, she has to hide, she's running from the mob...what does she do in the first frigging chapters? She shags him of course, never mind he is a crooked cop in the payroll of the mafia. Never mind he has blackmailed her, tagged her like a dog with a magical gps...twice, the second time after sex. And what does this heroine do? Shags him again of course! Who cares?
But then character coherence doesn't work here. Her family has hidden her all her life, and what does her sister? An half-assed attempt to convince to let it go, followed the morning after by a push in the other direction.
I don't know, maybe this book was going to be really great in its second half. But I need a heroine I can root for or at least respect. Above all if the hero is an asshole. Moreover as a reader I need an author's respect, some one who writes, even romance, without forgetting the rules. Some one who doesn't take shortcuts.
Mystery and romance rarely work together, above all when romance is the name of the game. It takes one hell of a story to keep both on. This isn't.
Mystery needs tight story, good red herrings in the other characters, some serious plotting (actually romance might too..), but here we have very few of this. The rhythm is slashed by the lust (as I said in the middle of harsh situations she thinks of his ass or such). The description of the FBI agents, above all the woman, is both unprofessional and difficult to accept. We are told that the city is corrupted, not that the world is. If the rest of the world is "normal" (in terms of this world-building), then I would expect it to work normally. They are caricature.
Moreover, we are constantly repeated that she's not stupid at all. (Well of course it's her pov :D). The problem is: she is. Not only she sleeps with the enemy, but she doesn't think. Her sister's ex-fiancée went missing, kidnapped after being tortured. It's crystal clear that the break-up was fake, but even if not, it's shouted that she's still in his life. It can be detected easily both through magical and mundane means. Well, I don't know you, but after it's clear both the mob and the FBI want the man and seem to have no scruples I would have tried to protect my sister in some way.
Neither the heroine nor the hero thought to warn her or protect her. Maybe later in the story this has a meaning. Here - tough -it made me think poorly of the plot. Again, focus on shagging, not on sleuthing.
Notice there is a couple of missing words.
I'd like to remind you all that this review tells you my experience with the book, not its real worth :)
June 24, 2017
Any UF following White Hot was going to pale in comparison. However, this was a really good, entertaining, read, with an interesting world, magic system, and characters. Might even read the next one :0)
March 13, 2017
I really really wanted to love this book! The magic system of tracers and haunters and dreamers, etc... was very unique and the setting was super cool - a caldera for heaven's sake! And the world building was so well done - plenty of conflict and problems! But I just couldn't connect with the characters.
The book is an urban fantasy written in first person POV and the main protagonist has some seriously powerful skills. However, there's too much telling and not enough showing. And then there's the guy and I didn't feel any chemistry between the two - it was awkward and forced and, if I didn't know any better, I'd think this was a first book. There is such a difference between the expert world building and the clunky characterization. I'm guessing that this is Francis' first urban fantasy.
And what bugged me the most
The book is an urban fantasy written in first person POV and the main protagonist has some seriously powerful skills. However, there's too much telling and not enough showing. And then there's the guy and I didn't feel any chemistry between the two - it was awkward and forced and, if I didn't know any better, I'd think this was a first book. There is such a difference between the expert world building and the clunky characterization. I'm guessing that this is Francis' first urban fantasy.
And what bugged me the most
December 2, 2019
Trace of Magic is book one in the Diamond City Magic series by Diana Pharaoh Francis Narrated by Elizabeth Phillips.
This is my first taste of this author and narrator. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I became sucked into the action, mysteries, and magic presented in Trace of Magic.
The world is interesting. We have people with different magical abilities. Our heroine Riley is a Tracer which means she can follow someone’s trace and see where they’ve been in the past. Though she is much much stronger then she lets on. Her power needs to stay a secret; because if it comes out on how powerful she is the mob will come after her.
Detective Clay Price known as a dirty cop. He’s in the pocket of the mob as an enforcer. Most of the people are on the take. Clay is actually a pretty good cop and his connections are intriguing. He needs a trace done, off the record, so in comes Riley.
Their is more then one mystery going on this novel. I enjoyed the story. It’s full of action. I was in grossed in Riley’s magic, in the hunt for a missing friend, and the other mysteries introduced. Riley was a great character and uncovering her past and what her magic can do is fascinating. Price was another decent character and his connection to the mob was captivating.
I will say I was surprised with how quickly Riley sleeps with Price. Also I’m surprised with how much she reveals about herself to him after they sleep together. I did have trouble believing Price was falling fast for Riley; especially after we learn about his previous engagement. Their was something about their relationship or lack of that bothered me. I can’t put my finger on it, but something. Maybe it was just to fast.
The secondary characters are great and I’d like to learn more about them. Trace of Magic was a good start. I’m pumped to continue the series. I even went out and bought Edge of Dreams as soon as I finished this one.
Narration: This is my first taste of Elizabeth Phillips. I think she did a great job. Her voices are distinctive and I liked them. I would recommend her and this book.
Rated: 4 Stars
This is my first taste of this author and narrator. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I became sucked into the action, mysteries, and magic presented in Trace of Magic.
The world is interesting. We have people with different magical abilities. Our heroine Riley is a Tracer which means she can follow someone’s trace and see where they’ve been in the past. Though she is much much stronger then she lets on. Her power needs to stay a secret; because if it comes out on how powerful she is the mob will come after her.
Detective Clay Price known as a dirty cop. He’s in the pocket of the mob as an enforcer. Most of the people are on the take. Clay is actually a pretty good cop and his connections are intriguing. He needs a trace done, off the record, so in comes Riley.
Their is more then one mystery going on this novel. I enjoyed the story. It’s full of action. I was in grossed in Riley’s magic, in the hunt for a missing friend, and the other mysteries introduced. Riley was a great character and uncovering her past and what her magic can do is fascinating. Price was another decent character and his connection to the mob was captivating.
I will say I was surprised with how quickly Riley sleeps with Price. Also I’m surprised with how much she reveals about herself to him after they sleep together. I did have trouble believing Price was falling fast for Riley; especially after we learn about his previous engagement. Their was something about their relationship or lack of that bothered me. I can’t put my finger on it, but something. Maybe it was just to fast.
The secondary characters are great and I’d like to learn more about them. Trace of Magic was a good start. I’m pumped to continue the series. I even went out and bought Edge of Dreams as soon as I finished this one.
Narration: This is my first taste of Elizabeth Phillips. I think she did a great job. Her voices are distinctive and I liked them. I would recommend her and this book.
Rated: 4 Stars
July 9, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
I love it when I pick up a new-to-me series (with several books already released) and then enjoying it so much. Because that means I have sequels to catch up and it always excites me. YAY!
That what happened here... I had this book for a while now but never picked it up until this weekend. Took a random decision out of so many to-read books on my list. I think I tend to have good experience with stories involving magic! Because I got immersed immediately into the story.
Started with a "simple" premise: Riley's almost brother-in-law disappearing, blood in his apartment. Riley had to work together with Clay Price, a handsome-grumpy detective (who, by the way, also part of the criminal organization in charge of Diamond City, which made him sort of Riley's enemy) to find him. Of course there were more to it, including guns and sinister FBI agents, and Riley having to decide whether she succumbed to his feeling towards Price or to trust him with her life.
The world-built of Diamond City -- and having the players introduced one by one -- INTRIGUED me. As well as the powers that these characters have: tracers, haunters, dreamers, travelers, healers... Of course the sizzling tension between Riley and Price helped too; can't help it, I love this kind of set-up *lol*.
Despite the quick timeline that happened, Francis seemed to make it like Riley and Price had done the mating dance for a long time ... like this book was culmination of so many unresolved tensions between the two. LOVED it ^^
I did think that Riley spent a little too much time either fainted, losing blood, or vomiting though. But maybe it was because she hadn't been able to use her power too much, or to control it to the best of her ability. I look forward to see how she deals with it.
There are already three books released after this, I can't WAIT to read them all!!
I love it when I pick up a new-to-me series (with several books already released) and then enjoying it so much. Because that means I have sequels to catch up and it always excites me. YAY!
That what happened here... I had this book for a while now but never picked it up until this weekend. Took a random decision out of so many to-read books on my list. I think I tend to have good experience with stories involving magic! Because I got immersed immediately into the story.
Started with a "simple" premise: Riley's almost brother-in-law disappearing, blood in his apartment. Riley had to work together with Clay Price, a handsome-grumpy detective (who, by the way, also part of the criminal organization in charge of Diamond City, which made him sort of Riley's enemy) to find him. Of course there were more to it, including guns and sinister FBI agents, and Riley having to decide whether she succumbed to his feeling towards Price or to trust him with her life.
The world-built of Diamond City -- and having the players introduced one by one -- INTRIGUED me. As well as the powers that these characters have: tracers, haunters, dreamers, travelers, healers... Of course the sizzling tension between Riley and Price helped too; can't help it, I love this kind of set-up *lol*.
Despite the quick timeline that happened, Francis seemed to make it like Riley and Price had done the mating dance for a long time ... like this book was culmination of so many unresolved tensions between the two. LOVED it ^^
I did think that Riley spent a little too much time either fainted, losing blood, or vomiting though. But maybe it was because she hadn't been able to use her power too much, or to control it to the best of her ability. I look forward to see how she deals with it.
There are already three books released after this, I can't WAIT to read them all!!
May 31, 2016
'Trace of Magic' by Diane Pharaoh Francis hits the sweet spot between romantic urban fantasy, detecting and action is a fast paced exciting read imbued with both wit and humor. Her main character Riley Hollis is a quick thinking firebrand who rocks her world and this fusion of magic and mayhem is nearly unputdownable. Coupled with some extensive world building, this first book in a brand new series is a fast paced exciting read.
Riley is a tracer, who uses her magical ability to follow the magical trace left by people who disappear. Hiding beneath the radar and keeping her superior magical abilities a secret, because the Tyet, the local mob killed her mother, she ekes out an existence finding the lost.
Now Clay Price, a cop, who also works for the hated Tyet, comes to her with an assignment because he wants someone outside the usual channels. Price thinks Riley is a hack, a minor league talent, that he can use without alerting others. Meanwhile, Hollis's sister wants Riley to find Josh, her on again boyfriend who has disappeared. Riley is forced into helping Price because she does not want to reveal her power and they join forces, but Price soon discovers that Riley is much more powerful that he or anyone else knew.
The fireworks between the two characters is only matched by the fireworks and action. Riley proves her mettle and gradually reveals her power to Price and others. But besides the romantic sparks between Riley and Price and the action, Francis is quick with an artfully turned phrase and humor.
This book is the real deal.
Excellent urban fantasy read.
Riley is a tracer, who uses her magical ability to follow the magical trace left by people who disappear. Hiding beneath the radar and keeping her superior magical abilities a secret, because the Tyet, the local mob killed her mother, she ekes out an existence finding the lost.
Now Clay Price, a cop, who also works for the hated Tyet, comes to her with an assignment because he wants someone outside the usual channels. Price thinks Riley is a hack, a minor league talent, that he can use without alerting others. Meanwhile, Hollis's sister wants Riley to find Josh, her on again boyfriend who has disappeared. Riley is forced into helping Price because she does not want to reveal her power and they join forces, but Price soon discovers that Riley is much more powerful that he or anyone else knew.
The fireworks between the two characters is only matched by the fireworks and action. Riley proves her mettle and gradually reveals her power to Price and others. But besides the romantic sparks between Riley and Price and the action, Francis is quick with an artfully turned phrase and humor.
This book is the real deal.
Excellent urban fantasy read.
Read
August 20, 2022After reading the series ender, Scatter of Light (great ending by the way), I decided to do a reread and purchased my own copy of this book (which I originally read as an ARC). I've read alot of UF in the the eight years since this was first published but - even though I still had the same problems with the romance as I did on the original read - I still enjoyed this. Trace of Magic was one of the early UF books that tried to blend PNR and UF, but suffered from not stretching out the romance a bit - it would have benefited from holding off the sexy times until the second book (and at a time when the MC wasn't just barely off of Death's doorstep.) The world building and set up for the characters and the overarching plot are still interesting enough that I'd have still continued on with my reread even if I hadn't already bought the next book, Edge of Dreams.
Original ARC 2014 unpaid review. 3.5 stars - I enjoyed this new series starter, the magical world at the mercy of crime syndicates was setup well. And I liked the leading lady, who can do more with her talent for tracing people and had spent her life helping to find missing people while trying to avoid catching notice of those gangs.
To be honest, there are things associated with the romance part of the story that I normally wouldn't forgive: sexy times when the heroine is healing after being wounded, 'I love yous' that come within a day or two of the leads actually getting to know each other (they needed to have started out with a bit more history) but for some reason I was able to let that slide past and still enjoy this. My willingness to allow some leeway is probably that I came in expecting UF, and I wasn't expecting a lot from the romantic elements - and since she doesn't really have reason to trust the black hat (or at best gray hat) leading man it just adds another conflict to keep our heroine off balance.
So I liked this and may have to pull the author's other series off the pile while I am waiting for the next book.
ARC via NetGalley.
Original ARC 2014 unpaid review. 3.5 stars - I enjoyed this new series starter, the magical world at the mercy of crime syndicates was setup well. And I liked the leading lady, who can do more with her talent for tracing people and had spent her life helping to find missing people while trying to avoid catching notice of those gangs.
To be honest, there are things associated with the romance part of the story that I normally wouldn't forgive: sexy times when the heroine is healing after being wounded, 'I love yous' that come within a day or two of the leads actually getting to know each other (they needed to have started out with a bit more history) but for some reason I was able to let that slide past and still enjoy this. My willingness to allow some leeway is probably that I came in expecting UF, and I wasn't expecting a lot from the romantic elements - and since she doesn't really have reason to trust the black hat (or at best gray hat) leading man it just adds another conflict to keep our heroine off balance.
So I liked this and may have to pull the author's other series off the pile while I am waiting for the next book.
ARC via NetGalley.
September 1, 2014
It's really hard to get excited about a book when you can see the ending 1/3rd of the way through the book.
I love the authors writing style, but this book didn't do it for me. I like the suspense to be built up in layers in a book - makes the cake so much more interesting! I felt too much time was devoted to building up the two main characters, and not enough pages given to building up the secondary cast (the layers). I would put this book in the urban romance genre rather than urban fantasy. I've read about 80% of the book, but not sure if I can finish it. I much prefer the author's Horngate Witches series to this one.
I love the authors writing style, but this book didn't do it for me. I like the suspense to be built up in layers in a book - makes the cake so much more interesting! I felt too much time was devoted to building up the two main characters, and not enough pages given to building up the secondary cast (the layers). I would put this book in the urban romance genre rather than urban fantasy. I've read about 80% of the book, but not sure if I can finish it. I much prefer the author's Horngate Witches series to this one.
August 31, 2014
**** WARNING: REVIEW CONTAINS SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES ********
I admit to being a huge fan (subtext: Groupie) and have been waiting for a new book in the Horngate witches series for ages, so when I saw she had started a new series (BUY THE BOOK) i ran out to get it as fast as my little legs could carry me.
So were we disappointed NO WE WERE NOT !! it was fabulous (BUY THE BOOK)
action packed read.
Set in a city that has a wild west feel, we meet Riley Hollis (BUY THE BOOK) who is hiding her true powers from the gangs that control the city, while trying to help others. I don't want to give too much away but as the story goes (BUY THE BOOK)when you try hide something the chances are you will be forced to reveal all. Anyway Riley lives up to her potential meets a guy who she shouldn't love and generally kicks butt (BUY THE BOOK) just my kind of read.
What more can I say but BUUUUUY THE DAMN BOOK !!!!
I admit to being a huge fan (subtext: Groupie) and have been waiting for a new book in the Horngate witches series for ages, so when I saw she had started a new series (BUY THE BOOK) i ran out to get it as fast as my little legs could carry me.
So were we disappointed NO WE WERE NOT !! it was fabulous (BUY THE BOOK)
action packed read.
Set in a city that has a wild west feel, we meet Riley Hollis (BUY THE BOOK) who is hiding her true powers from the gangs that control the city, while trying to help others. I don't want to give too much away but as the story goes (BUY THE BOOK)when you try hide something the chances are you will be forced to reveal all. Anyway Riley lives up to her potential meets a guy who she shouldn't love and generally kicks butt (BUY THE BOOK) just my kind of read.
What more can I say but BUUUUUY THE DAMN BOOK !!!!
November 24, 2014
Riley has been hiding her skills forever and it was really easy to see why as TRACE OF MAGIC played out. It was hard to know what to think about Clay. He was a huge mystery and every time you think you know him another wrench is thrown out there. I really enjoyed their tension and slow romance. The flow of the story was great and it was easy to fall into it.
I hate to say it, but I hated the ending. It was a huge bummer after all that the characters went through and sacrificed to stay alive and solve the mystery that was thrown out there. I will be reading book 2 JUST to make sure things get back on track and throw the book across the room if it doesn't.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I hate to say it, but I hated the ending. It was a huge bummer after all that the characters went through and sacrificed to stay alive and solve the mystery that was thrown out there. I will be reading book 2 JUST to make sure things get back on track and throw the book across the room if it doesn't.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2014
The first book of Diana Pharaoh Francis's new Diamond City Magic series. An excellent story of magic, action and attraction. If you love Urban Fantasy, you should definitely check this one out.
March 4, 2017
Interesting magic setup and world premise.
Not the most likable couple though. Pretty grim with semi humorous snark interspersed.
Not the most likable couple though. Pretty grim with semi humorous snark interspersed.
January 5, 2016
The heroine Riley Hollis was supposed be the most powerful tracer yet. But somehow I still have my doubts. Sure, she seem to be able to do things that "supposedly" that other tracers cannot do. But in reality Riley Hollis have spend majorly of the book being hurt, a lot. Which seriously undermined her supposed powerfulness, let along uniqueness.
At the beginning I have this horrible image of Clay Price, which was base on Riley's own description. Riley didn't trust any legal authority, but she thought Clay was not a dirty agent. After some situation she decided to team up with Clay. Then somehow once they started interact with each other, all I am read was how much she lusted after Clay. And even thought Riley and Clay were suppose be on the quest of finding Josh, their romance kind of take over it. Something else really bother me was how Clay has the most weird, but at the same time lack of dialogs in this book.
Overall I was expecting a decent world building, and actions. Instead the clichéd romance seem to be the main focus of the book, not to mention, very little character building. Sure, the magics were interesting, but after reading this book, I still haven't got a clue of this world. With the way this book was left off, I am not sure if I would be reading the next one.
Happy Reading! XO
May 16, 2016
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I’ve heard great things about Diana Pharaoh Francis for a long time from Berls from Fantasy is More Fun, so when I finally got a chance to review one of her audiobooks, I jumped at the chance. I didn’t really know much about this book going it. I had not read any reviews, only the blurb from Goodreads. I will say, that I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed it.
This is a world where you have people with different magical abilities. Riley Hollis is a Tracer. She can follow someone’s trace and see where they’ve been in the past. She is much stronger than she lets on though. If some of the powerful people figured out how powerful she really was, she would become a target. Most people can only track someone’s trace for a short time. Riley can track someone’s trace back forever and even after they died.
Detective Clay Price is known as a dirty cop. He is in the pocket of the mob as an enforcer. However, when he isn’t doing the mob’s work, he is actually a pretty good cop. He needs someone to do a trace for him, but doesn’t want it to be on the record with the police or the mob, so he comes to Riley. He makes her an offer she can’t refuse to work for him. Then her sister calls in hysterics because her boyfriend’s place is in disarray. Price and and Riley work together to find out what happened to the boyfriend. They find out it is all tied together.
I really enjoyed this story. It was full of action. I liked the magic. Riley is a great character that is full of sass. Price is decent character, better than I thought he would be, seeing that he was part of the mob and all. I was a little surprised that Riley gives in and sleeps with him as quickly as she did. She also starts to reveal more and more about herself to him faster than I would’ve thought, even after sleeping with him. There are also some really great side characters in this story that I would like to learn more about.
It was a pretty good start to the series. I would like to see the second book and see where this series goes. It has promise. The second book isn’t available on audio yet. I don’t know if it will be or not. I’ll have to wait a bit and see.
Narration
This is my first audiobook with Elizabeth Phillips. I will say that I thought she did a great job. I has no issues with any of the voices, male or female. I was always able to distinguish between the characters. I did listen at an increased speed, but that is normal for me. I would recommend her for more books.
I’ve heard great things about Diana Pharaoh Francis for a long time from Berls from Fantasy is More Fun, so when I finally got a chance to review one of her audiobooks, I jumped at the chance. I didn’t really know much about this book going it. I had not read any reviews, only the blurb from Goodreads. I will say, that I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed it.
This is a world where you have people with different magical abilities. Riley Hollis is a Tracer. She can follow someone’s trace and see where they’ve been in the past. She is much stronger than she lets on though. If some of the powerful people figured out how powerful she really was, she would become a target. Most people can only track someone’s trace for a short time. Riley can track someone’s trace back forever and even after they died.
Detective Clay Price is known as a dirty cop. He is in the pocket of the mob as an enforcer. However, when he isn’t doing the mob’s work, he is actually a pretty good cop. He needs someone to do a trace for him, but doesn’t want it to be on the record with the police or the mob, so he comes to Riley. He makes her an offer she can’t refuse to work for him. Then her sister calls in hysterics because her boyfriend’s place is in disarray. Price and and Riley work together to find out what happened to the boyfriend. They find out it is all tied together.
I really enjoyed this story. It was full of action. I liked the magic. Riley is a great character that is full of sass. Price is decent character, better than I thought he would be, seeing that he was part of the mob and all. I was a little surprised that Riley gives in and sleeps with him as quickly as she did. She also starts to reveal more and more about herself to him faster than I would’ve thought, even after sleeping with him. There are also some really great side characters in this story that I would like to learn more about.
It was a pretty good start to the series. I would like to see the second book and see where this series goes. It has promise. The second book isn’t available on audio yet. I don’t know if it will be or not. I’ll have to wait a bit and see.
Narration
This is my first audiobook with Elizabeth Phillips. I will say that I thought she did a great job. I has no issues with any of the voices, male or female. I was always able to distinguish between the characters. I did listen at an increased speed, but that is normal for me. I would recommend her for more books.
November 4, 2014
Strong start to a new series!I'm split between calling this an urban fantasy, but it's got a lot of the paranormal romance elements as well. You have very strong world building along with great mystery that usually you only find in an urban fantasy. However, you've also got a good deal of romance which is more PNR. It's just a good mash-up, the storyline always stays in focus though.The world building was pretty awesome, from the inventiveness of the talents, to the bad guys and beyond it had a very original feel to it.
Riley is a strong heroine with a smart@ss streak I do appreciate. She has a bit of a tragic past which of course fuels her to save children from monsters, and keeps her stuck in the city. Clay is a detective that plays both sides of the fence, he's not really good or bad, but lingers in the middle. He irked me, he was kinda a jerk the entire book so he didn't win any points there. I think the most interesting character would have to be Price, he's got a twisted past and serious mob connections which ranks him up there.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a great start to a series and look forward to reading the upcoming books. I'd recommend it to fans of Jaye Wells and Kim Harrions, and those who like a kick of romance.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Riley is a strong heroine with a smart@ss streak I do appreciate. She has a bit of a tragic past which of course fuels her to save children from monsters, and keeps her stuck in the city. Clay is a detective that plays both sides of the fence, he's not really good or bad, but lingers in the middle. He irked me, he was kinda a jerk the entire book so he didn't win any points there. I think the most interesting character would have to be Price, he's got a twisted past and serious mob connections which ranks him up there.
Altogether, I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a great start to a series and look forward to reading the upcoming books. I'd recommend it to fans of Jaye Wells and Kim Harrions, and those who like a kick of romance.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
I really wanted this novel to be well written, but no matter how long I kept reading it it just didn't get any better. If anything it got worse and worse. What starts off as a really interesting concept branches itself off into a very poorly written romance novel. My first impression of this book was of an enjoyable fantastical romp into another fantasy realm. Instead I got something more along the lines of a badly paced romantic farce. And what really makes me angry is that this idea had so much potential! It could have turned out to be so much better then it is, but instead it ended up falling flat. I can't decide whether I want to give the next book a try or pass it up altogether. It's going to take me a few days to come to a decision.
September 15, 2015
This was a fun start to a series, a new magical world with mafioso magicians running things. A tough and talented girl trying to stay under their radar. Sort of gritty and then a little romance thrown in there. Kind of insta-lovey, but not ridiculous. Looking forward to the next one as she looks to be growing into a new player in this world. There are some things still to figure out, and it is hazy who is good vs bad, or maybe just the better of two evils! Action over info dumps, but you know enough to get what is going on, and be tantalized to learn more.
August 30, 2014
This is Francis's best yet. It has a kick-ass heroine, a strong but lovable hero, each with a host of believable problems, secrets, and difficult relatives. The plot is tight and packed with action, the mystery is tantalizing, and it was impossible for me to tear my nose out of the book until I finished. It doesn't end on a cliff-hanger, but several important story arcs remain unresolved at the end. I'll be waiting impatiently for the sequel.
September 18, 2014
Despite excellent world building, Trace of Magic offered a weak follow-the-numbers plot and the worst kind of insertion-fantasy explicit "romance". There's a far better book hiding in ToM than the one delivered to my kindle and it's a pity the author chose to try to appeal to the lowest denominator of readers.
May 2, 2022
Really enjoyed the first four books of this series. The world building was pretty cool (I mean, living in a caldera, getting 20+ feet of snow at a time - I’m bitching if we get 1 foot, and the different types of magic), and the side characters were awesome. I thought the romance was a little rushed, and the constant thoughts of not being able to trust Price got a little old. I check the author’s blog, and saw that she posted a few months ago that the next book should be out in a few months, so hopefully that will happen soon bc I’m excited to see where the series goes.
August 15, 2021
New author for me. Loved the story, the descriptions were super, and I am anxious to read book two.
January 7, 2015
Usually when I see a book that is critically acclaimed I take all of the hoopla with a grain of salt. Publishers and other authors will declare how wonderful a book is without really considering it from most reader's perspective. However, when I see a book that has been place in so many of my Goodreads friends ' to read' shelves I willingly give it a try. Needless to say, I trust my friends over the critic's reviews. With that being said let me say that I just loved "Trace of Magic." This book was spectacular and had me frantically hooked.
Riley Hollis is a tracker, a magically inclined individual who can read traces of humans and then find them. However, she is extremely special because her abilities are far greater than the normal tracker because she can trace dead traces and nullify almost any magic. So, she is careful, staying off the radar and hiding her unique skill set especially from the likes of Detective Clay Price who not only works for the police but the dirty Tyet syndicate. They push diamonds, drugs and have their hands in all manner of crime. However, when kids go missing she risks everything to get them back.
When Riley attempts to locate a missing mother and child she falls under the radar of Price. He seeks her out to locate a missing man and refuses to allow her to wiggle out of it. Unfortunately, before they can begin the trace Riley receives an hysterical phone call from her sister, Taylor, seeking her help. Her ex-fiancee, Josh, is missing and all signs points to a very violent attack. Price insists on helping Riley locate Josh, she cautiously goes about tracking him. She must hide her abilities from Price that is until they both fall under attack from the Tyet, the FBI and most importantly, love.
People let me tell you Diana Pharaoh Francis knows how to write action scenes as well as world building. I also loved the inner turmoil the characters experience as they war with their feelings and common sense. There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If I had a complaint it would be that at times I felt that author have too many long winded explanations but not enough to interfere with my reading enjoyment. Trust me when I say you will definitely want to put this book on your ' to read' list.
Riley Hollis is a tracker, a magically inclined individual who can read traces of humans and then find them. However, she is extremely special because her abilities are far greater than the normal tracker because she can trace dead traces and nullify almost any magic. So, she is careful, staying off the radar and hiding her unique skill set especially from the likes of Detective Clay Price who not only works for the police but the dirty Tyet syndicate. They push diamonds, drugs and have their hands in all manner of crime. However, when kids go missing she risks everything to get them back.
When Riley attempts to locate a missing mother and child she falls under the radar of Price. He seeks her out to locate a missing man and refuses to allow her to wiggle out of it. Unfortunately, before they can begin the trace Riley receives an hysterical phone call from her sister, Taylor, seeking her help. Her ex-fiancee, Josh, is missing and all signs points to a very violent attack. Price insists on helping Riley locate Josh, she cautiously goes about tracking him. She must hide her abilities from Price that is until they both fall under attack from the Tyet, the FBI and most importantly, love.
People let me tell you Diana Pharaoh Francis knows how to write action scenes as well as world building. I also loved the inner turmoil the characters experience as they war with their feelings and common sense. There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If I had a complaint it would be that at times I felt that author have too many long winded explanations but not enough to interfere with my reading enjoyment. Trust me when I say you will definitely want to put this book on your ' to read' list.
October 11, 2014
3.5 stars
Riley Hollis is a tracer, someone who can see where people have been and follow their magical trail, but she's also something more: she's more talented than most tracers, and doesn't want to be tied into the local Mob-style gangs, so it's necessary to keep everything low key. Unfortunately for her, a clash with Detective Clay Price and a family crisis results in more exposure than she'd like.
There's mystery - the deaths of her parents - and romance, and some heresy (who puts sugar directly in a teapot?), but overall she's a strong character with a network of friends, family and trusted coworkers. She's not an action-movie heroine, able to perform parkour shortly after being shot/stabbed while making quipping terrible puns, and Diana Pharaoh Francis has a touch of humor reminding me a little of Kevin Hearne at times. (At least, there was one thing that reminded me very strongly of guilt ferrets.)
I expected this to be more UF with a splash of romance, but it soon became obvious that it's really paranormal romance. (Either that or Price has some sort of magical allure which turns Riley's brain off.) Think of it as Devon Monk crossed with Laura Anne Gilman with a less subtle romance element and you won't be far wrong.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Riley Hollis is a tracer, someone who can see where people have been and follow their magical trail, but she's also something more: she's more talented than most tracers, and doesn't want to be tied into the local Mob-style gangs, so it's necessary to keep everything low key. Unfortunately for her, a clash with Detective Clay Price and a family crisis results in more exposure than she'd like.
There's mystery - the deaths of her parents - and romance, and some heresy (who puts sugar directly in a teapot?), but overall she's a strong character with a network of friends, family and trusted coworkers. She's not an action-movie heroine, able to perform parkour shortly after being shot/stabbed while making quipping terrible puns, and Diana Pharaoh Francis has a touch of humor reminding me a little of Kevin Hearne at times. (At least, there was one thing that reminded me very strongly of guilt ferrets.)
I expected this to be more UF with a splash of romance, but it soon became obvious that it's really paranormal romance. (Either that or Price has some sort of magical allure which turns Riley's brain off.) Think of it as Devon Monk crossed with Laura Anne Gilman with a less subtle romance element and you won't be far wrong.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2015
Just finished this wonderful book. With a perfect mix of adventure, action, romance, and magic. Which kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is beautifully written and the characters are real-like. Stubborn and like-able. I love the tension and uncertain love between Riley and Price. The constant need to protect each other was cute. Now we just need some questions answered that were left alone for us. But soon enough I'll be reading book 2 so that's all good! I enjoyed this book way too much and I give it a 5/5 stars!
October 13, 2014
If I think about it too much, it would be pretty easy for me to start nitpicking this book and listing all its flaws. Ignoring that, I really enjoyed reading it, and thought it was a good start of a new series. I didn't much care for the romance, and felt like the love came way too quick. But that seems to be normal for romance books, which this partly is. The magic system, and fantasy part of the book was interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes.
November 15, 2015
Trace of Magic was one of my favorite reads this year. A thrilling mix of magic and romance set against one of the most compelling alternative history worlds I've run across. The world-building makes accepting the magic easy (along with an urge to go look for this place--it is that real!) The story moves at a roller-coaster pace with characters who pulled me into the action because I cared so much about them!
October 16, 2014
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley. I really loved this book. I loved the world she created. I could just picture the houses with at least 2 stories because of the snowfall. The only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 was because I like more urban fantasy with less romance. That being said, I am still rooting for Riley and her happily ever after. I will absolutely continue this series!!
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October 19, 2016didn't finish this, unfortunately. was really looking forward to an enjoyable paranormal/urban fantasy mystery/crime-solver book. i was enjoying it a lot until the love interest came along, and then bam, insta-lust. unfortunately, their relationship is a pretty big part. it really took me out of it and i started getting bored.
May 31, 2015
Good book, interesting premise and world. Still more to discover, so I'll read the next. It's a 4 on fantasy/paranormal story, but 3 for the excessive cheesy romance and the fact that the "heroine" rarely had pants on. Are you really a heroine if you are never wearing pants?
October 6, 2014
I loved the setting and the pacing. OMG. Also that ending...
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