Hidden Magic

Ancient Magic #1

by Stephany Wallace

How would you feel if you discovered magic was real, and the kind of powers that until now you’ve only read about are actually part of this world?

Cynwrig "Cyn" Bressall is a Celtic warrior with the unique ability to harness and wield Druid magic in a way never before seen. Making him the only Druid Warrior to ever exist. After surviving a horrible night that began the extinction of his race, Cyn has spent the last two thousand years searching for the only man that can lead the Order of the Druids and mend the scars marring his soul. Instead, his quest leads him to a woman whose essence is unlike anything he's ever felt.

Orphaned as a baby and raised by her loving but over protective grandfather, twenty-three year old Briana "Bri" Anwell has led an isolated life. Friendless and stuck in a job with no prospect, the self proclaimed flower child finds solace in her only friends. Books. And imagines an adventurous life in a magical world where anything is possible.

So when a sexy stranger suddenly appears in her world as though he stepped out of her favorite story, she dismisses him as a figment of her imagination. But soon she realizes he's so much more than he seems.

He signifies everything she's fantasized about, but is there a place for her in his extraordinary world?

Genres: Magic, Fantasy, Paranormal

476 pages, ebook

First published October 14, 2016

About the author

Stephany Wallace is an International Bestselling Author of Young Adult and New Adult Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy. She has multiple bestselling series including Dynasty of Blood, The Winter Court Chronicles, and Curse of the Lycan.
 
Stephany writes about headstrong, quirky, bad-ass heroines, and their swoon worthy, alpha male, sweet, or sexy nerdy heroes. She loves writing about Vampires, Dragons, Wolf Shifters, Witches, and creating incredibly vivid worlds that capture you from the very first page, and leave you wanting more.

Steph's Reading list:

Ancient Magic Series
*An Urban Fantasy Romance.*
Hidden Magic, Book 1
Renewed Magic, Book 2
Unwanted Magic, Eisha’s story, Book 3
Worthy of Magic, Art’s story, Book 4
Absolute Magic, Book 5

The Winter Court Chronicles
*A Fae & Dragons Fantasy Romance .*
Forgotten Kingdom, Book 1
Broken Kingdom, Book 2
Everlasting Kingdom, Book 3
Dragons of the Temple. Avra’s Story,
and the exclusive beginning of their war, Book 4
Secret Kingdom. Theo’s Story
and the series conclusion, Book 5

The Curse of the Lycan
*A Wolf Shifters, Fated Mates Romance.*
Beast of Shadow & Light, Book 1
Slayer of Hope & Sorrow, Book 2
Knight of Iron & Stone, Book 3
Queen of War & Peace, Book 4
Gustav & Zelin’s Story
Wolf Prince, Book 5
Dark Wolf, Book 6

Dynasty of Blood Saga
*A Vampire Romance.*
Cursed by Darkness, Book 1
Claimed by Darkness, Book 2
Consumed by Darkness, Book 3
Countess of Darkness, Book 4 with bonus story:
Cursed by Christmas, A Christmas Story.


Witches of Fire & Ice
*A Fated Soul Mates Paranormal Romance.*
Evil Little Witch, Grimoire 1
Lost Little Witch, Grimoire 2
Pure Little Witch, Grimoire 3 (Coming 2023)

Supernatural Taskforce Academy
*An Academy Series, Paranormal Romance from Authors
J.L Weil & Stephany Wallace.*
Scorpion Blood, Mission 1
Mystique Blaze, Mission 2
Immortal Shift, Mission 3

Darkling Penitentiary Series
*A Fae, Enemies-to-Lovers Romance*
Phantom Assassin, Part 1
Dark Phoenix, Part 2 (Coming Soon)
God of the Realms, Part 3 (Coming Soon)

Rise of the Dragon Master
*A Dragon Riders UF/Paranormal Romance*
Dragon Eye, Book 1
Dragon Rider, Book 2
Dragon Master, Book 3
Dragon Throne Part One, Book 4
Dragon Throne Part Two, Book 5

Wings of Change
*A Fae Romance Novella*
(Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited)

Queen of the Fallen
*An Angels Reverse Harem Romance*
Standalone
(Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited)

Wolf Bait
A Wolf Shifter Romance Novella
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Reviews

[L.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a debut novel, Hidden Magic exceeded my expectations. I think Stephany Wallace has a lot of promise in the NA (warning: there are indeed some steamy scenes!) PNR/fantasy genre. She has created an interesting world of Druids, and a plotline that pulls in the reader and then drops a revelation/cliffhanger combo (don't worry, not a throw-your-kindle-at-the-wall kind) that sets up for book 2 quite well. I anticipate enjoying the rest of the trilogy, too, and hope that we learn more about Druidic magic as that is what I still have the most questions about! I found it quite tough to get into the book at the beginning due to repetitive phrasing/awkward word choices (the word "dimple" became tiresome) and seemingly 1-D characters though the lively personality of the side characters made me giggle a number of times, BUT it's worth to get passed the slow start because as the hero, Cyn, and the heroine, Bri fall for each other (which, though I'm not a fan of instalove, was pretty cute) things really pick up and by the last quarter of the book, I was flying through the pages just trying to keep up with everything that was happening! (And no, I'm not going to say any more about the 'everything' as half of the anticipation/excitement comes from the intrigue and shock of the plot-twists). Worry, hope, tragedy, fear, love, betrayal, triumph, heartbreak; I felt like I was stepping through millions of magical portals of emotion with my heart and brain just trying to keep up with the drama and romance.

[Genieinachanelbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hotness get ready to melt like butter U will totally want a Devilishly handsome Druid of UR own! ;) Hidden Magic is my dream read come to life a Beautifully crafted Sinfully sweet romance that will keep U under it's sexy spell! Full of magic mystery epic adventure and wickedly funny humor this story pulled me in and didn't let go I stayed up all with my heart racing and a big goofy smile on my face devouring every delicious page and never wanted it to end! I would love to see HM made into a movie!!

Cyn & Briana's chemistry is fun sassy N heart meltingly sweet they are without a doubt my new fave book couple!

Stephany Wallace is amazing I can't believe this is her first book 5 Stars is not enough! I'm completely addicted can't wait for the next book dying for more!!!

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely adore this book and absolutely can not wait to read book two. I was gripped from if not page one, then page two. I have always loved the story of the Druid’s, and this story just reignited that passion, as well as the passion of their love for Mother Earth, which I have always loved myself. Bri & Cyn’s characters are rich and warm and their love is true & inspiring. The only issue I had was that I don’t understand why Lia starts to call Bri, Linda. I know in Spanish Linda means pretty, but I don’t get how she decided to use that as a nickname. Overall I will be highly recommending this book to fantasy readers & anyone I think may enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read the blurb, “*The Ancient Magic Series is a riveting adventure, and paranormal romance about a quirky girl, a heartthrob Druid Warrior, and an extraordinary mystical world“ and just had to read this book! Well written I was captured from the start with a fantastic storyline that is filled with action, adventure, magic, romance and has a really really wicked sense of humour! I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read book 2!

[Deborah Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Ancient Magic series and I loved it! Stephany has created an amazing mystical/fantasy young adult series and I was hooked the minute I started reading. This book is well written, fast paced, action packed and grabs your attention right from the beginning and keeps you in suspense until the very last page. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book of the series!

[Ioana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been some time since I have been looking for a book with Celtic/Druid connection. When I discovered this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. And boy, it was a great decision! This book has everything :romance, action, druid warriors and a female lead that discovers herself and grows as the narrative is progressing.
I truly liked this books and I recommend it to anyone who wants a great read! I hope the sequel will be released soon!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📖

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynfully Delicious

I loved it. What can I say, I'm a sucker for great books. This story will capture your heart and soul. The synopsis does a great job of describing this book so I won't give anything else away but I recommend you read it. What a gripping story, and so well written. The plot just draws you in and the characters are so realistic. Probably the best book I've read all year. It captivated my heart from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I love Bri, she's funny and witty, romantic and Omg she talks to herself and speaks her mind unintentionally! Cyn is a Druid warrior and mouth watering, jaw dropping Hot! I can't get enough of him. So much knowledge was poured into these pages it's unbelievable. In the beginning I thought it was Cyn who was sheltered and broken but in the end it was Bri who found herself. What a magical Journey! Grab your tissues, hide yourself away and enjoy because this book will take you on a journey like no other. I can't wait to read what comes next!

[Veronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with saying just how much I loved this book! It's a first book published by this author and it's incredible. It's uncovering the world of fascinating celtic magic and brave and earth loving druids who know how to protect their own people. I love how the author created all characters. Love Bri and her little quirks, she's beautiful and adorable but also very strong and determined. Cyn is this mysterious, brave, magically skilled and extremely handsome druid/warrior who can tell you amazing details about his world and using Gealic language on top of this all. We have also crazy Lia, really funny Art and amazing Eisha. This book is taking you in amazing journey through all the most beautiful and breathtaking places in the world. Description is so detailed you feel like you are there in pure tranquillity. I've been through all range of emotions while reading this book and I can't wait for another!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 & 1/2 stars rounded up to 3 just for the unique concept of this story.
This is such a unique concept, that had so much potential to be excellent. The first 50% was so boring I absolutely hated it. I realize it’s the world building, but still so boring, I almost quit the book several times because it wasn’t holding my attention. So at least there’s decent world building... At maybe 40% there were some hints that something was about to happen- the only reason I plodded on. Then, Finally, Ta-dah! The book picks up some pace & excitement -enough to hold my interest at this point & quit contemplating quitting, & it’s about dam time. I usually won’t continue reading past 35-40% if it doesn’t hold my attention. Life’s to short & busy with way too many books on my TBR list to force myself thru a boring book.

The Hero, Cyn, is great, if a bit too perfect, too good, too sweet, so sexy, & so tortured by guilt. The heroine, Bri/Briana/Brina/Linda (see below for the reason for Linda) was a love/hate thing for me. Her good moments were great, but her bad moments were worse & it seemed like there was more bad than good, which did not make me like her. She felt more like a 15 year old than a 24 year old lawyer.

The thing that really ruined it for me about this book (& I picked this up from Amazon- published -so this was NOT an ARC with an excuse), was that the editing, Proof-reading, Omega/Alpha/Beta readers failed this author. Even just in the Acknowledgements, there were a bunch of spelling errors. I feel like there was a bunch of repetitiveness, to the first 50%, that could have been trimmed or incorporated/blended into the remaining 50% of the story to eliminate or trim down the length of boring world building that the editor/Alpha/Omega/Beta readers should have suggested, that alone would have made a huge difference for my reading enjoyment. Then there were a HUGE amount of misspellings, extra words, mixed up words, wrong words, etc, used that took away from the book as a whole. Then there was a HUGE glitch where Bri’s friend, Lia, keeps calling her Linda starting around the 45% point, not just once or twice! Maybe I zoned out & missed a reason for that wrong name useage (at least 16 times, maybe more) but I will not go back to search thru again to find out. This dis-service as a whole to this author really hurt the total enjoyment factor for me. This is definitely not a book I would ever re-read or even want to pick up the next book in the series.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything a paranormal romance needed to capture me from the very beginning. Briana, a young woman who was orphaned as an infant, has been protected from the world by her grandfather. She was homeschooled, attended college, and is has become an environmental attorney. She finally gets her first job, but it isn't everything she wished it would be. Then, she begins to sense a presence that has her feeling uneasy but curious.

Cynwrig is a strong druid warrior who has been fighting for a milenia to protect his people from the evil that wishes to take their magic to become immortal and fulfill their greedy wishes, even at the price of the lives of his people. Now, as he searches for the one who used to lead them, he finds himself drawn to the essence of another, Briana, and he is finding it hard to fight his attraction to her.

He doesn't understand the hold she has on him, nor does she understand the one he has on her. But when their lives collide, things happen that neither one of them could have predicted. And all of it will change their lives forever.

It was fun and exciting to enter this world the author built. I found myself on the edge of my seat, wondering how this couple was going to overcome the obstacles that continuously appeared in front of them. There were moments that made me laugh, some that made me want to shake some sense into the characters, and some that had me in tears. I enjoyed this adventure so much that I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Jamie Mazzanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "Cynfully Delicious" Magical must read Paranormal Romance

I Loved this Book!!! I have say this is an Epic Read that you will not be Disappointed if you Read it. It had Intense, Magical, Captivating, Beautiful, Passionate Love scenes that took my Breath away & made me feel like Cyn was talking to me. The Adventure's, Twists & Turns of this Book kept me Engrossed & on my Toe's. I went through an Emotional Rollercoaster with the Character's that I could feel it deep inside me. This story was Extremely Descriptive that I felt like I was right there with all the Character's going through everything with them & even feeling everything they did. It was so Addicting that I would force myself to stay awake just so I could find out what happened next. I will say this book ends on a cliffhanger, but it such an Amazing cliffhanger that I look forward to Reading the rest of this Series. If the rest of this Series is as Phenomenal, Unique & Romantic as this Book I am definitely in for an Exciting Adventure.

[Nicole Vanadia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Great read. The book was a little slow to start but definitely picked up once the main characters met. The writing was superb, flowed well, and the POV changes were handled great. Both main characters had their own growth and build up. I loved how both remained consistent and true to their character. Bri didn't experience as much growth but she is significantly younger and less "damaged" than Cyn. The world building was by far the best aspect of the book. I really understood who the Druids were, their beliefs, how their magic worked, and the general world they lived in. It was beautifully woven into the real world. The relationship between Bri and Cyn was adorable yet also steamy. Even if it was a tad cheesy, which I expect from the genre and era Cyn grew up in, it didn't detract from the book. I can't wait to read the next in this series. Amazing start. Highly recommend for those who enjoy Romantic Fantasy/Magick stories.

[Michelle Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bri was-orphaned as a child and raised by her grandfather. She was sheltered. They moved many places to stay safe, but Bri didn’t understand why. Bri only had one Friend and that was Amelia who she met by working. Then one day things changed.

Cyn a Druid warrior with the unique magic abilities had also faced similiar trauma as Bri, but his trauma was the Romans destroying his people. That night always bothered him and he had been searching for the man who was like a father, but also could lead the people.

One day Bri felt a presence and it kept coming back, until he revealed who he truly was. Cyn took Bri on adventures and made her feel loved and a woman to be desired.

Until one day everything changes? Would Cyn find the man who treated him like a son?

Must read!!!

[carrie thackston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. Bri is a sheltered woman living with her grandpa. She craves connection to nature and people. She doesn't understand the danger she is in. She meets Cyn, a Celtic warrior, and their souls connect. The beginning is a little slow, but with any new book or series you need the information to set up the story. After about 30% the story flew by. It was an easy and interesting story to follow. I was on pins and needle waiting for Cyn to meet grandpa. I just knew it was going to be emotional and it was. I could really feel the connection and love between Cyn and Bri. I could feel the love between the other main characters. I love stories that have this kind of emotional pull. The author has a real talent at making me feel what they felt. I laughed (especially with the dimple licking) and cried (especially at the end). Very engaging, looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Angie Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The hallucination thing is just too much

Briana comes across as an airhead, a really big airhead. The way she believes with every fiber of her being for such a long time that he's a hallucination is more weird and unrealistic than entertaining. It was cute at first, but it soon became annoying and didn't make sense. I get that she's been sheltered, but really? You'd have to literally be a touch crazy to go as far as she did. I stopped reading at around 38% because she was making me roll my rolls too often to stay interested. She was acting like a child, not a 23yr old woman. What grown woman would make dates with what she thinks is a figment of her imagination, unless they have a few screws loose? I just don't get it.

[Jemimah Decker-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the debut novel from Stephany Wallace and I have to say that for her first ever book it is a very well written and engaging. She has definitely exceeded my expectations for what I expected from her first novel.
It drew me in right from the get go and kept me enthralled throughout. It is a NA paranormal romance so be prepared for some steamy scenes (there is a clean version available if that is what you prefer).
There were definitely some laugh out loud moments for me as I love how some of the characters are portrayed. The main female, Bri, talks out loud to herself and has internal dialogues with herself (I actually do this too which is why I laughed so much). You may think that would be annoying to read, but Stephany Wallace has written it so well that its not at all and you find yourself connecting to Bri.
The lead male, Cyn, well what can I say? He is HOT (yes with capitals) He is a 2000 year old warrior druid, who doesn't look a day over 25 and with some amazing dimples that I was wishing I could just reach through the pages and touch (amongst other things).
The story is also very well thought out and planned and the descriptions of the places visited in the book made me feel like I was actually there.
I'm looking forward to reading the next part of the journey in this series and seeing what Stephany Wallace brings us next. I definitely enjoyed this book.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Just a heads up for potential readers, you may feel a bit put off by the opening segments of this book. I nearly gave up on it because I felt I couldn't 'get into' the story line. Thanks goodness I kept reading!

This story is magical, enlightening, whimsical and just plain tugs at your emotions in many sections. Druids and magic are definitely the main focus in most parts of this book, and the descriptions used by the writer make the environment in this book so easy to picture. Simply beautiful. I'd recommend this book to readers that are fans of magic and druids, and enjoy the idea of picturing fantastic world views in their minds.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

I'm torn on this book. On the one hand I couldn't stop reading because the storyline was just good enough that you had to know how it ended, on the other hand when you're half way through the book and all you've essentially read is Cyn shows up, Bri thinks he's a figment of her imagination, they talk, and she goes to work you kind of want to stop reading it. I'm also not a fan of characters from other series' names being dropped. The last few chapters were good but the my Godess stuff was way overdone. The series has potential so I'll read the second book and see if it gets less redundant and the storyline develops a little better.

[Sue M. Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this first book in the series we encounter a young woman whose grandfather raised and sheltered her for most of her life. Then a young man appears in her life that she at first believes he is a figment of her imagination. She attributes this figment as a result of her loneliness. Soon all that changes and things are not what they seem. Soon some will pay the price for keeping secrets well hidden even from those who need to know it most. A great start to what promises to be a great series. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Laurie Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unbelievable, it took me a little while. once I was hooked I couldn't put it down. When I put it down, I was just drawn to it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone over 16. It was Great. The love of a grandpa. 2 souls destined for each other. A healer, a protector, a lover. I wish I could tell you what is in the book. I can't do it justice. I will say it again read it!!!! Thank you Stephany Wallace for such a well written book. I am off to the next book in the series, hope to see you on the flipside.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

Although it starts of seemingly disconnected among characters with a slow beginning, I loved the Celtic mythology mixed in with the modern world.

The characters of Cyn and Bri are both intriguing and fun, while Cyn brings with him the persona of a mysterious swoon worthy Celtic Druid - plus did I mention he’s immortal?

It contains both enough mystery to get the plot going, enough paranormal to be interesting, and an awesome romance.

Would highly recommend for fans of Celtic myth reads.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job of building the world of the Druids and the world of Briana before their lives hit such a pivotal point. This level of complex development can be overwhelming but being able to sprinkle sections focusing on Cyn’s and Briana’s love story helped to move the story forward. There were a couple of surprises and twists that came along the way and a really enjoyable, from a reader’s standpoint, climatic fight scene which helped to bridge the path to Briana’s new world. I can’t wait to see how Briana navigates this world that is so new for her.

[Debora Coghill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It took me a little bit to get into but once it picked up I was unable to put it down! I love the world Stephany Wallace has created! I really enjoyed the dual perspectives, and I have to say I really love how Bri is shaping up as a character! This book has ups and downs, twists and turns! I am ready for the next one!!

[Danielle Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great!! Cyn and Bri are amazing. This story has so many good elements. There is action and adventure and love and romance. I love how the past meets the present and the twists that come with it. Bri is such a sweetheart but really starts to make her stand and the next book will definitely give us the fierce person she really is!

[Lientjie Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Favorite 😍

My 1st written review of all the books I've ever read. I usually just give stars, but with this book only stars does not justify how good it is. A beautiful love story that makes you wish it to be real. Gripping from the word go & taking you on magical & emotional journies like no other. Never thought Druids would become my thing.

[Tiana Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a debut novel I wasnt expecting J.K. Rowling type work, but Stephany blew my mind. I love her work. I love her take on the druids (maybe even a little more than Ednah *shhh*) The story line was fantastic and I want the second book already!

[Karen Dubose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I love it

It took me a few minutes to read this book, but that was because lice got in the way. Once I was able to sit down and read it, I couldn't put it down. Thank you Stephany for taking me away from reality

[Danielle Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!

I loved it! Happy, sad, romantically sweet! Bri and Cyn are wonderful! You can't help but feel for Bri and connect to her. She is the most relatable character ever! I can't wait to read more about Bri and Cyn!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!!!

I can't believe I waited so long to start the series. The love story between Bri and Cynn outd totally swoon worthy! The story line is wonderful. I struggled to put it down to do adult stuff....lol. I can't wait to start book 2!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful beginning of a series!

This is my first Druid book...and I love it! Such a brilliantly written story. I was on the edge of my seat reading it! Many surprises and I’m sure the next book will bring even more! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!