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Wired For Magic

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* “Harry Potter meets Taken in this grown-up, high-tech thriller. Author Janet Roberts cleverly injects magic and romance into the world of cybersecurity." - Goodreads reviewer.

Rowan Campbell has a stalker. Only her magic can stop him.

Her stalker's obsession goes beyond Rowan's natural beauty: he wants to control the magic she struggles to admit she possesses. More than anything, Rowan longs for normalcy. But the stalker's unlimited resources and unrelenting pursuit force her to accept that leaning into her magic is the only path to a chance to free herself.

Angry and desperate, Rowan builds a plan to break free of her pursuer that requires her to come out of hiding, return home to America, and learn to use her inherited abilities. To do so, she'll enlist the help of her white hat hacker brother, Griff, and her aunt, the only living connection to her magic. Before she's ready to face her stalker, Rowan must evade capture, learn about her magical legacy, and accept that she can only prevail if she believes in herself and embraces her power.

Wired for Magic is the fast-paced story of a woman's journey to come to terms with her personal power in a battle for her life, freedom, and the chance to open a path to love.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2026

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About the author

Janet Roberts

5 books80 followers
Janet Roberts is a former global leader in cybersecurity education. Her fiction is set wholly or partially in Western PA, where her roots run deep. Her readers know to expect a female character who awakens to the discovery of her own inner strength while facing adversity. Her award-winning novel What Lies We Keep (2024) combined cybersecurity with domestic suspense and was the winnder of: 2024 Literary Titan Silver Award, Firebird Book Award, Pencraft Summer Awards for Literary Excellence -Suspense, and 2025 International Impact Book Awards - Contemporary Fiction/Realistic Fiction. It was a 2024 Finalist for the American Writing Awards’ Hawthorne Prize, 2024 American Fiction Awards – Best New Fiction, and 2024 American Book Fest Best Book Awards – Best New Fiction. Her poetry has been published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and in San Fedele Press’ Art in the Time of COVID-19. A member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Pennwriters, and Sisters in Crime, she lives in Pittsburgh. She loves travel, wandering through bookstores in other countries, reading on her porch swing, and sharing a bottle of wine with friends. Learn more about her at www.booksbyjanetroberts.com

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for BookishKB.
1,235 reviews345 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 29, 2026
⚡️🔮 Wired For Magic 🔮⚡️

📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was an interesting read and overall I did enjoy it. The premise pulled me in right away. Rowan’s situation felt urgent from the start, starting the book off strong.

That said, my biggest issue was the number of POVs. We were jumping around a lot, and it started to feel a bit scattered. Still a solid read.

✨ What to Expect
• Modern magic
• Stalker plot
• Multiple POVs
• Family ties
• Inherited power
• Protective siblings
_ _ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 3.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Thank you to Porch Swing Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for April Kline.
2 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 24, 2026
Wired for Magic by Janet Roberts is a new must-read! This book is an adventure from the very first page. I quickly became attached and started rooting for the strong protagonist, Rowan. I also loved the warm and eccentric Maya. We all need an Aunt Maya!

The dual settings of Wales and Pittsburgh might seem like an unlikely pair, but they both offer charm and detail to the story. The story is told from various character perspectives in wonderful (and not so wonderful) locations along the way.

No spoilers, but there are PLOT TWISTS! There is a sense of suspense in every chapter and enough surprises to keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning.

Beyond the shockers, this is a story about the power of women and the strength of family bonds. The book is anchored by a gorgeous sentiment: "Passing self-worth, knowledge, strength, and love from a mother to a daughter has its own special, eternal magic."

The strongest magic comes from the people we love ... but good stories have their own magic!
Profile Image for Karen Siddall.
Author 1 book129 followers
April 10, 2026
Fun mix of magic, high-tech, and suspense!

Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts is a fun mix of magic, high-tech, and suspense, making for an interesting and unique tale as a former supermodel deals with a billionaire stalker after her and her magical abilities. Rowan Campbell is tired of running from the thugs hired by high-tech mogul Jarrod Marrone. What started as an obsession with her beauty and presence has evolved to a determination to possess her and her, as yet untapped, magical abilities, which were passed down to her through her maternal line.

The story begins with Rowan on the run once again, narrowly escaping being snatched by two of Jarrod’s large minions in a London tube station. This time, however, Rowan has a plan to evade Marrone’s goons long enough to go to her Aunt Maya in Wales to finally learn about the magic she’s ignored all her life. From the context, it appears there is a lot of backstory to catch up on regarding Jarrod’s attempt to secure Rowan, so much so that I often felt like I was reading the second book in a series. Still, as the book progresses, bits and pieces are revealed to create a picture of obsession and a man with too much time on his hands and plenty of money to spend on unscrupulous plans.

The plot is chock-full of fun and interesting twists and coincidental connections. I liked how several of the women Rowan met on her journey continued to work on her behalf, even as literal strangers. The Welsh setting lent the story a fresh look and feel while still tapping into the ancient Celtic mythology that is usually associated with Ireland. The places Rowan visits are varied and vividly described, giving one the impression of having been there in person. I also enjoyed the Pittsburgh locations stateside, a big and vibrant city full of history, but not as overused as New York and others.

I recommend WIRED FOR MAGIC to readers who enjoy contemporary and suspense-filled fantasies.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,282 reviews123 followers
April 8, 2026
WIRED FOR MAGIC is an intriguing mix of hackers and magic. Rowan, a former model turned photographer, inherited magic from her mother, who unfortunately died before she could teach Rowan how to use it. Griff, Rowan's brother, is sceptical of the whole 'magic' thing, but does everything in his power to protect her from her stalker, Jarrod. He has been stalking Rowan for years, using his immense wealth and power, leading her to be forever on guard and on the run.

Those are the pure bones of the story, but there is so much more to it. I will admit, when I read that Celtic magic was involved, my mind immediately went to Ireland, which is where the majority of authors mean when they say 'Celtic'. Imagine my wonder and delight when it turned out to be Wales!!! The descriptions of Pentre Ifan were absolutely spot on, and the warmth of the Welsh personality was perfectly described and enacted, especially by Bron and Huw.

There is a slight romance element to the story, but it is secondary at best. Huw is definitely there as a supporting character, never taking the spotlight from Rowan.

The character arcs of all the main characters were brilliantly written, and the pacing was perfect. I was swept away in Rowan's struggles and determination. I loved sassy Aunt Maya and her outlook on life. Because I'm greedy, I would love to see more of this world, maybe from some of the secondary characters' points of view - Cat, I'm looking at you. And you too, Griff!

Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this story, from the first paragraph to the last. Definitely one of the best I've read, and I don't say that lightly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2026
Profile Image for Heather Dodge Martin.
41 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 17, 2026
A fashion model-turned-photographer must come to grips with the inherited magic within her to finally push back on her powerful stalker, reclaim her life, and step into her true destiny.

Picture a beautiful red-headed woman in a Stonehenge-like standing stone circle, the light from her cell phone competing with the light from the magically glowing pendant handed down by her mother.
Are you intrigued yet?
I was, by the whole experience of this high-tech-meets-Celtic-magic story.

Rowan, the main character, starts out keeping her head down in a subtly magic-augmented photography career, avoiding the powerful Jarrod, a creepy Elon-Musk-ish oligarch who wants to possess both her and her powers. (Without any spoilers, I’ll say that his story arc was satisfying to watch.) The story combines this cat-and-mouse game with Rowan’s journey to understand and accept her power, and be transformed by it, into an independent, ass-kicking, witchy woman who is strengthened by the support of the strong women who came before her.

There are also complicated family dynamics, a who-can-you-trust series of twists, and the lovely development of a romantic relationship.

And this:
“There’s a beauty in the passing of power from one woman to another over the centuries and on into time, even if that power isn't laced with magic like the women in my clan possess. Passing self-worth, knowledge, strength, and love from a mother to a daughter has its own special, eternal magic.”

This story rocks, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for some escapist fun.
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,505 reviews55 followers
April 20, 2026
"Someday you'll realize this is who you were born to be."

The title of this book was the first thing that drew me in, but once I started reading, there was no turning back. Reading Wired for Magic is like assembling a high-stakes jigsaw puzzle; as the pieces click into place, you become more and more obsessed with the story.

Rowan is running for her life, stalked by a shadow from her past. Guided by her departed mother’s warnings, she seeks out her Aunt Maya to finally master the magic she was born to wield. As she learns the weight of her incredible legacy, the stakes only get higher.

Jarod, the stalker, is relentless in his quest to take Rowan captive. The suspense of their cat-and-mouse game kept me on edge the entire time. I felt every bit of Rowan’s anxiety, constantly questioning who she could trust besides her brother Griffin and her Welsh aunt. To say I was fully invested in Rowan’s quest would be an understatement.

The multiple perspectives made the story easy to follow and gave me a deep look into everyone’s motivations. I absolutely loved the Celtic atmosphere and the non-stop tension as Rowan fought for her power, her freedom, and a chance at love. The ending was incredibly satisfying, yet I’m already desperate to return to this world.

Recommended for fans of high-stakes urban fantasy thrillers and readers who love a strong female lead discovering her power while outsmarting a relentless villain.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.3k reviews166 followers
April 23, 2026
4.5 upped to 5
This is my best review influenced by Vita Sackville-West's style:

I opened Wired for Magic with the calm assurance of a long‑time urban fantasy reader: I expected familiar patterns after years with Dresden’s dry humour and the geometric magic of Rivers of London.
Instead, the novel offers a quieter unease and a heroine who grows only when cornered, much like a houseplant that has decided to negotiate with the sun. Rowan’s magic rises through instinct and memory, which gives her journey a pleasant sense of rediscovery.
The thriller thread holds the story together. The stalker plot is handled with restraint, which keeps the tension sharp without tipping into theatrics. The mix of magic and technology works better than expected. The hacking scenes have a brisk rhythm, and the digital threats feel convincing without demanding technical devotion. The tone is gentler than Dresden and less procedural than Rivers of London, yet it still carries that familiar sense of the extraordinary waiting just out of sight, tapping its foot with mild impatience.
I finished the book with the impression of having witnessed a genuine transformation. It is a contemporary fantasy with heart, danger and a sly sense of humour. Readers who enjoy magic woven into everyday life will find it a rewarding choice.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for The Page Ladies Book Club.
2,158 reviews130 followers
April 24, 2026
✨What if the one thing you’re afraid of is the only thing that can save you?✨

Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts is a heartfelt, high-stakes journey about fear, identity, and stepping into your power.

Rowan’s story felt intensely personal. She isn’t your typical confident heroine; she's scared, overwhelmed, and desperate for a normal life. And honestly? That made me root for her even more. The tension builds quickly as her stalker’s obsession becomes more dangerous, pushing Rowan to confront the magic she’s spent her life trying to ignore.

What really pulled me in was the balance between suspense and emotional growth. The stakes are constantly rising, but at the core of it all is Rowan learning to trust herself. Watching her go from hiding to actively fighting back alongside her brilliant hacker brother Griff and her mysterious aunt was incredibly satisfying. The found family vibes mixed with magic and tech gave this story such a fresh, modern edge.

The pacing kept me hooked, especially as Rowan’s plan to reclaim her life unfolded. And while the danger feels very real, there’s also this warm thread of hope woven throughout reminding me that sometimes embracing who we are, even the messy, magical parts is the bravest thing we can do.

If you love stories with strong character growth, a touch of magic, and a gripping, slightly dark edge, this one absolutely delivers.

✨️Thank you, Partners in Crime Tours and Janet Roberts, for sharing Wired For Magic with me!
Profile Image for Jasie Reads.
367 reviews47 followers
May 4, 2026
Wired for Magic is a contemporary urban fantasy thriller written by the author Janet Roberts, published in March 2026. There’s something instantly gripping about a story that opens with a woman running—not just from danger, but from a part of herself. Rowan Campbell isn’t your typical confident heroine—she’s scared, overwhelmed, and just wants a normal life. That vulnerability makes her journey feel real, and you genuinely root for her as she’s forced to face both her stalker and the magic she’s been avoiding.





The plot moves fast, with a constant sense of tension. A powerful stalker obsessed with controlling both Rowan and her abilities keeps the stakes high throughout. I also really liked how the story blends tech and magic—Griff’s hacker angle adds a modern edge, while Aunt Maya brings warmth and depth to Rowan’s magical side. Their presence makes Rowan’s growth feel supported, not sudden.



What stood out for me was Rowan’s character development. Her transformation isn’t dramatic overnight—it’s gradual and messy, which makes it believable. The twists keep things engaging without feeling forced, and the emotional core of the story stays strong till the end.

Rating: 4.3/5 — magic, menace, and a main character you feel for

Final Verdict: A fast-paced, emotionally grounded fantasy with a relatable heroine and just the right mix of suspense and magic—definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Ashley Kanazawich .
169 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2026
I picked this book up because… magic. That’s usually enough to get my attention.

This was an interesting read for me, but definitely a bit slower paced than what I typically gravitate toward. It took about half the book for the main plot to really kick in, with a lot of time spent on backstory and setup in the beginning. Once things started moving, I found myself more engaged, but getting there felt a little drawn out.

The story is told through multiple points of view, including Rowan, her brother Griff, and her stalker, Jarrod.

Rowan was interesting to follow, especially with her tension between denying and being connected to her magical roots. Griff, on the other hand, was frustrating at times due to his constant doubt and refusal to fully believe her. And Jarrod’s perspective… definitely unsettling. Those chapters added a darker tone, but were also uncomfortable to read.

For me, the tone felt a bit mixed. There are several strong elements here, the stalker storyline, the tech side, and the generational magic. I found it hard to fully understand why Rowan avoided using her magic for so long given her situation.

That said, I did like the overall concept and the blend of magic with a more modern, suspense-driven story. It’s an interesting mix, especially for readers who enjoy multiple layers and perspectives.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,630 reviews79 followers
April 20, 2026
Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts is a fantasy/ mixed with suspense filled read by the author. Rowan Campbell is our FMC who has a stalker. She also has magical powers in this book which she doesn't want to admit to anyone.
I really liked the characters in this book, they were relatable and also as a reader you can become emotionally invested in them. The story takes place in two different places, Wales in the UK and also Pittsburgh in the USA. This makes it an interesting read as we go back and forth between the two places and also multiple pov's are told in this book. There are a lot of plot twists in the book to keep you engaged for quite some time while reading. The underlying message is about women and how strong we are, how strong our families can be also. Now onto the plot, Rowan is running from Jarrod who is a high tech media guy who is determined to possess Rowan and her magical abilities, which he did witness. Rowan is on the move in this book trying to escape Jarrod's minions that he sends to catch her. It seemed to me that this story takes place after another story if that makes sense, it is almost like the book is a second one in a series. So I was a bit confused while reading it. I would recommend this one to fans of thrillers and just tell you to read it slow in order to understand more of the story and not miss anything.
Profile Image for Wall-to-wall books - wendy.
1,084 reviews22 followers
April 15, 2026
MY THOUGHTS:
The first half is all about the history: getting to know the characters, their backstories, and the “who’s who and why” of it all. It takes its time, but the wait is worth it.

The second half is when the action really takes over. I loved being able to take the time to get to know Rowan and her brother Griff, and unfortunately Jarrod. He is the type of character who believes he’s entitled to anything and anyone, no matter the cost. You know he’s bad news right from the start, and the author absolutely nailed that portrayal.

The characters are laid out for us right away. We know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are… Well except for one and I suspected them right away. I guess it was my "Spidey sense". But I also suspected other people who ended up surprising me.

Rowan was a true superhero especially the last quarter of the book. My favorite part of the book of course! I do hope that this is not the last that we will see her. I loved her as a person and a character.

All in all, this was a great read: full of action and tension, strong character development, and a sweet, satisfying ending.


I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an e-copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
Profile Image for Ann Howley.
Author 3 books47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
Harry Potter meets Taken in this grown-up, high-tech thriller. Author Janet Roberts cleverly injects magic and romance into the world of cybersecurity.

Former supermodel turned photographer, Rowan, has been hiding and running for years from a powerful CEO, Jarrod, who obsesses over her, believing the ancient magic she possesses will help him consolidate his power. Rowan has never fully understood her magic, but when she falls in love with a brilliant Welsh app developer, Huw, she knows that she will never be free to start a life with him until she confronts and defeats her tormentor. When Jarrod kidnaps her, Rowan finally fights back and embraces her power with the help of her white hat hacker brother, her mystical aunt, and her beloved mother’s ethereal presence.

Wired for Magic is a satisfying story that combines old magic and new technology to deliver a message about enduring love.
Profile Image for Melanie Ollila.
381 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2026
I had the opportunity to read an ARC copy courtesy of Partners In Crime. I signed up for this book because I was looking forward to a story based in magical realism.

This book has a wonderful character arc for Rowan as she comes into the realization of her powers passed through generations of women in her family.

It is a mix of magic and tech as the tech mogul is stalking Rowan to capture her for her powers. This becomes a chase against time, exposing family secrets and future purposes.

The book started a little slow for me, took a bit to wrap my head around the characters, get into the rhythm of the three POVS. Jarrod’s obsession with Rowan leaves opportunities to a prequel as well as the past experiences with Rowan’s mother. By the time I was mid way in there was a solid flow and I wanted to get to the end to see what would happen.

Overall, an entertaining read with a bit of magical powers.
Profile Image for Jill Caugherty.
Author 2 books122 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
This unique cybersecurity thriller introduces three compelling points of view: Rowan, an ex-supermodel with magical powers who's fleeing a stalker; Jarrod, the narcissistic tech CEO who wants to possess Rowan and her powers; and Griff, Rowan's tech-savvy brother and biggest supporter, who does everything in his power to help her.

Guided by the powers and wisdom of her aunt and dead mother, Rowan must ultimately decide whether to embrace the magical abilities that she's been eager to flee, even as she flees her stalker. Full of surprise twists, this page-turning fantasy, action-adventure, and women's fiction novel is, at heart, about the enduring love of family: the strong bond between siblings and between mothers and daughters.

As Rowan herself acknowledges, "Passing self-worth, knowledge, strength, and love from a mother to a daughter has its own special, eternal magic."
Profile Image for Joan Fernandez.
Author 3 books61 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
Janet Roberts has delivered a true page-turner with Wired for Magic. It’s a brilliant cyber-urban fantasy genre-mashup. A confident high-stakes cyber-thriller and soulful magical journey all at once. The 'cyber intrigue' is pulse-pounding, with hackers and criminals racing to perfect a massive fraud scheme, but the heart of the story is Rowen.

Watching Rowen discover her maternal magical lineage—guided by the standing stones of Wales and the inner voices of female ancestors—is empowering. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story about a young woman accepting her innate physical and spiritual power to fight back against a very modern evil. Toss in a lovely thread of true love and non-stop adventure, and you have a book that is impossible to put down. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy and twisty tech-thrillers alike!
Profile Image for Jan Heidrich-Rice.
Author 2 books26 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 8, 2026
A page-turning female-led urban fantasy thriller.

I loved this book’s beautiful Welsh setting and its mystical Celtic vibes. When a stalker is interested in controlling Rowan Campbell, she leans into honing her newly discovered powers of independence, love, and magic passed along to her by past generations of strong, determined women.

This book has a lot happening, including complex family dynamics, a possible new love, and plot twists aplenty. I especially enjoyed reading about the close relationship Rowan has with her tech-whiz brother—a nod from Roberts’ to family and her own cybersecurity background.
Profile Image for Virginia McCullough.
Author 50 books644 followers
March 31, 2026
There’s something intriguing about a photographer roaming the world on assignment while working around her need to hide from the man who quite literally wants to control her ancient magical power. Coming from a line of women with mystical powers isn’t easy, but Rowan will never find peace until she battles her enemy and owns her power to use her way. The story has a haunting Celtic mystical atmosphere, centuries old, combined with the most up-to-date cyber technology. It seems to me, Roberts' compelling characters meet the task of making the subgenre of "tech meets mysticism" work well. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Skylar Keeton.
221 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2026
Book Review
Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Porch Swing Publishing, LLC for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was overall a really good read, I would have given it a solid 5 but there were to many POV's that it seemed scattered and I got a little lost while reading and had to reread certain parts just to make sense of everything.
#WiredForMagic #NetGalley
Profile Image for Mary Thompson.
7 reviews
April 14, 2026
Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts

Wired For Magic does not disappoint! From the moment I started, I could not stop. This is a story about a woman who finds out how to use and control the magic within her to save and free herself from a sinister stalker. Great story with the love, warmth and some cyber security.
Profile Image for Kathryn Dodson.
Author 9 books143 followers
April 7, 2026
Wired for Magic by Janet Roberts is a technothriller that spans two continents and throws in a healthy dose of magic. It's rare to come across a book that combines a high-tech edge and ancient lore. The characters are well-developed, and the book will keep you turning the pages.
Profile Image for Susan Foster.
97 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2026
Janet Roberts hit on a winning combination when she wove a mother’s love, magic, some Welsh culture, suspense, and cybersecurity into the unique plot of this enjoyable thriller. I’m impressed!
Profile Image for Gabi Coatsworth.
Author 9 books206 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 1, 2026
Wired for Magic may be hard to classify, but don’t let that stop you from grabbing a copy as soon as you can. It’s a mixture of hi-tech thriller and magic, with great characters and a little romance too. Plus, the narrative straddles two countries, the USA and Wales, which made it even more intriguing for me. The plot moves along at a clip, and it kept me turning the pages instead of tackling my to-do list. Well worth it!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews