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Cori at Large #1
Relics: Found-Family Urban Fantasy
After the world merged with the realms, Cori Munroe thought she was finished. She isn’t. The only adult human with no gift at all, Cori is an oddity—but she’s also the one human the beings behind the Avalon Accords actually trust. In memory of those who died to save her, she agrees to serve as their envoy to the rest of the world.
But when realms merged, it brought more than one change. Long-sleeping treasures are waking up with the power to drown cities, sway crowds, and topple governments. Pushed by the council and human opportunists alike, she finds herself juggling paperwork and the search for items from stories. From international corridors to hidden hoards, Cori races a faceless collector, outmaneuvers power-hungry leaders, and protects the family she chose…all while Carelian watches her back and a catastrophe-magnet reputation dogs every step. Book one of a high-stakes, globe-trotting trilogy.
Then the tides of wonder rise again, and old treasures begin to stir. Some are beautiful, some are baffling, and a few could cause real trouble if handled without care. Between meetings, museum basements, and chats over tea, Cori pieces together stories, follows gentle clues, and checks in on the people who depend on her—including a very large, very protective friend who thinks snacks solve most problems. But others might be hunting the same prizes—and getting there first. The wrong hands could bend free will on a national scale. The price of failure? Not just war, but the loss of humanity’s voice in its own future.
She’ll need steady nerves, good manners, and the family she’s chosen to see her through.
But when realms merged, it brought more than one change. Long-sleeping treasures are waking up with the power to drown cities, sway crowds, and topple governments. Pushed by the council and human opportunists alike, she finds herself juggling paperwork and the search for items from stories. From international corridors to hidden hoards, Cori races a faceless collector, outmaneuvers power-hungry leaders, and protects the family she chose…all while Carelian watches her back and a catastrophe-magnet reputation dogs every step. Book one of a high-stakes, globe-trotting trilogy.
Then the tides of wonder rise again, and old treasures begin to stir. Some are beautiful, some are baffling, and a few could cause real trouble if handled without care. Between meetings, museum basements, and chats over tea, Cori pieces together stories, follows gentle clues, and checks in on the people who depend on her—including a very large, very protective friend who thinks snacks solve most problems. But others might be hunting the same prizes—and getting there first. The wrong hands could bend free will on a national scale. The price of failure? Not just war, but the loss of humanity’s voice in its own future.
She’ll need steady nerves, good manners, and the family she’s chosen to see her through.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2026
About the author
Mel Todd
83 books215 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 18, 2026
The epilogue we needed!
I loved how this follows the changes from the twisted luck series. My heart hurt for Carelian at the end 😭.
I loved the sneak peaks at how seemingly but benign things that happened during the twisted series had long reaching effects, even the smallish details (looking at you Charles).
Looking forward to seeing how this trilogy unfolds.
I loved how this follows the changes from the twisted luck series. My heart hurt for Carelian at the end 😭.
I loved the sneak peaks at how seemingly but benign things that happened during the twisted series had long reaching effects, even the smallish details (looking at you Charles).
Looking forward to seeing how this trilogy unfolds.
February 17, 2026
Cori is back
No long a Merlin, Cori is back with no magic and looming responsibility was she tries to smooth the integration of two worlds was an Ambassador. Very much a political story, Cori, her familiar, family and friends continue her trouble driven existence.
No long a Merlin, Cori is back with no magic and looming responsibility was she tries to smooth the integration of two worlds was an Ambassador. Very much a political story, Cori, her familiar, family and friends continue her trouble driven existence.
February 18, 2026
yay! cori is back! so ready for more adventures
February 18, 2026
Solid story Amazing tale
Great story. Mel Todd writes characters you can really get a grip on. People ( in all forms) you will love and those you will despise.
Great story. Mel Todd writes characters you can really get a grip on. People ( in all forms) you will love and those you will despise.
February 17, 2026
excellent
I loved the first series with Cori, and am really enjoying this second series. Just finished book 1, and already can’t wait for book 2.
I loved the first series with Cori, and am really enjoying this second series. Just finished book 1, and already can’t wait for book 2.
February 22, 2026
A Lot of Good Parts But Also Very Irritating
I really enjoy Ms Todd’s writing style, character development and overall storytelling.
However, I really don’t enjoy a main character who is in a position where she should be at least above average in intelligence and ability to be observant, and yet misses or dismisses SO MANY clear indications of a problem. To be fair, many people are like that. The current political scene will show that, if nothing else had.
So this is my own pet peeve. I can’t give examples without spoilers, so the most that I will say is that people always give one clues as to their character and sometimes even their general intentions. One should be alert to them. Take them seriously. Don’t explain them away.
I would have given the book five stars but for this issue. I took two stars off because I don’t like to be annoyed by books I am reading. Also to be fair, the issues I had are not going to annoy everyone. Mel Todd’s books are generally good, but man, there just has to be a way to have a good plot without making the MC be stupid only at convenient times for the story. I have read books by writers who do develop a plot that allows for a good story without stupidity.
Full disclosure: this review is being written by someone who always dislikes the MC putting themselves into danger by doing something obviously stupid. I’m fine with them getting into danger because of something they could not have known or couldn’t help. Just can’t stand the doofus decision trope. So if you don’t mind these sorts of things, go you.
Will I read more of Mel Todd’s books? Probably. There are a lot of things I really like about her writing (see opening paragraph). And I did like this book. It’s just that the aforementioned annoyances lessened that enjoyment.
I really enjoy Ms Todd’s writing style, character development and overall storytelling.
However, I really don’t enjoy a main character who is in a position where she should be at least above average in intelligence and ability to be observant, and yet misses or dismisses SO MANY clear indications of a problem. To be fair, many people are like that. The current political scene will show that, if nothing else had.
So this is my own pet peeve. I can’t give examples without spoilers, so the most that I will say is that people always give one clues as to their character and sometimes even their general intentions. One should be alert to them. Take them seriously. Don’t explain them away.
I would have given the book five stars but for this issue. I took two stars off because I don’t like to be annoyed by books I am reading. Also to be fair, the issues I had are not going to annoy everyone. Mel Todd’s books are generally good, but man, there just has to be a way to have a good plot without making the MC be stupid only at convenient times for the story. I have read books by writers who do develop a plot that allows for a good story without stupidity.
Full disclosure: this review is being written by someone who always dislikes the MC putting themselves into danger by doing something obviously stupid. I’m fine with them getting into danger because of something they could not have known or couldn’t help. Just can’t stand the doofus decision trope. So if you don’t mind these sorts of things, go you.
Will I read more of Mel Todd’s books? Probably. There are a lot of things I really like about her writing (see opening paragraph). And I did like this book. It’s just that the aforementioned annoyances lessened that enjoyment.
February 22, 2026
yet another phenomenal read!
I was so excited to open my kindle and see this on my recommended list. I had turned off kindle notifications due to kindle going a bit kray kray with the emails lately and hadn’t realised Mel Todd was extending her Cori series further, and like all the others I was unable to put this down until I finished it. Cori is such a relatable and likeable character, full of personality quirks that endear her to the reader and a storyline that keeps you interested.
I was so excited to open my kindle and see this on my recommended list. I had turned off kindle notifications due to kindle going a bit kray kray with the emails lately and hadn’t realised Mel Todd was extending her Cori series further, and like all the others I was unable to put this down until I finished it. Cori is such a relatable and likeable character, full of personality quirks that endear her to the reader and a storyline that keeps you interested.
March 8, 2026
Another Banger.
If you’ve read the Luck series then you’re in for a treat. A gripping new turn of events for Cori Munroe. Her familiar, family, & friends have got her back as she adjusts to being Ambassador to the Avalon Nations instead of Magic’s. Well worth the read! Hijinks ensue as old enchanted relics begin to reawaken. Why is this Cori’s problem? Read and find out.
If you’ve read the Luck series then you’re in for a treat. A gripping new turn of events for Cori Munroe. Her familiar, family, & friends have got her back as she adjusts to being Ambassador to the Avalon Nations instead of Magic’s. Well worth the read! Hijinks ensue as old enchanted relics begin to reawaken. Why is this Cori’s problem? Read and find out.
February 24, 2026
Cori is back in action!
I loved this novel! Cori is older & navigates her two worlds in ways only she can. Mel Todd has written a wonderful “post-quel” to the “Balance” novels. I’m looking forward to the next one.
I loved this novel! Cori is older & navigates her two worlds in ways only she can. Mel Todd has written a wonderful “post-quel” to the “Balance” novels. I’m looking forward to the next one.
March 10, 2026
DNF at 4%
This is listed as book 1 of a series but is clearly a spin off of another series. I had to stop reading at 4% in because I was completely lost to the characters and different beings etc. This is definitely not a stand alone novel.
This is listed as book 1 of a series but is clearly a spin off of another series. I had to stop reading at 4% in because I was completely lost to the characters and different beings etc. This is definitely not a stand alone novel.
March 24, 2026
A ripe roaring ride
I enjoyed this roller coaster story. I enjoy the characters, the friendships and love of family in all its forms. I’m looking forward to Cori taking on all the evils that threaten this new world.
I enjoyed this roller coaster story. I enjoy the characters, the friendships and love of family in all its forms. I’m looking forward to Cori taking on all the evils that threaten this new world.
February 24, 2026
Another great Cori and Carelian novel
I love Cori and Carelian and am so glad to see their story continuing. Looking forward to the next two in the series... and hopefully more after that!
I love Cori and Carelian and am so glad to see their story continuing. Looking forward to the next two in the series... and hopefully more after that!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews