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Wildcat Wizard #1
Blood Moon
Meet Arthur "The Hat" Salzman. Gangster. Wizard. Screwed.
When I was killed for the fifth time, and before breakfast, I knew for sure I'd made a terrible mistake.
It was meant to be a simple job. Steal item, deliver said item to my posh broker, get paid. Easy peasy wizard squeezy.
Blame it on the insomnia, my own greed, or maybe just stupidity, but I swear on my wand I didn't know what was in the bag. If I had, I'd never have got involved.
Soon, every gangster, spook, and magic abuser in the city wanted what I had. But they went too far, broke the Code. Backed up by my faery godmother, and a Stepford mom who's main goal in life was to be my sidekick, the body count escalated as the truth was revealed. And they all forgot one important thing.
The Hat's a goddamn Wildcat Wizard!
When I was killed for the fifth time, and before breakfast, I knew for sure I'd made a terrible mistake.
It was meant to be a simple job. Steal item, deliver said item to my posh broker, get paid. Easy peasy wizard squeezy.
Blame it on the insomnia, my own greed, or maybe just stupidity, but I swear on my wand I didn't know what was in the bag. If I had, I'd never have got involved.
Soon, every gangster, spook, and magic abuser in the city wanted what I had. But they went too far, broke the Code. Backed up by my faery godmother, and a Stepford mom who's main goal in life was to be my sidekick, the body count escalated as the truth was revealed. And they all forgot one important thing.
The Hat's a goddamn Wildcat Wizard!
322 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2016
498 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Al K. Line
84 books185 followersAl K. Line is a British author who lives in rural England with his wife, son, and dogs.
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 9, 2017
4.5 (5.0) stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I was riveted from the start, read the book in pretty much one sitting, and found myself rooting for an unlikely'hero'. The Hat is a thief and a wizard. He's a good guy at heart but will do what's necessary to survive in the criminal underworld. There's TONS of action in this book and a lot of characters die (hey, we're talking about a lot of criminals!). Sometimes the plot can stretch the bounds of reason but if you just roll with it, it is one wild ride.
Bottom line: I can't wait for book 2!
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I was riveted from the start, read the book in pretty much one sitting, and found myself rooting for an unlikely'hero'. The Hat is a thief and a wizard. He's a good guy at heart but will do what's necessary to survive in the criminal underworld. There's TONS of action in this book and a lot of characters die (hey, we're talking about a lot of criminals!). Sometimes the plot can stretch the bounds of reason but if you just roll with it, it is one wild ride.
Bottom line: I can't wait for book 2!
January 10, 2017
Excellent read
I like to read paranormal books especially when it is in the magical vein, so I've read many. This book however, stands out among them all as my new number one. Fast paced, witty and full of quirky characters it is a really fun story as well. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I like to read paranormal books especially when it is in the magical vein, so I've read many. This book however, stands out among them all as my new number one. Fast paced, witty and full of quirky characters it is a really fun story as well. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
December 13, 2016
Full disclosure – I received a free copy of this book from the author as part of his “A-Team” in exchange for an honest review.
Bad Moon Rising
Meet Arthur “The Hat” Salzman. A well-known wizard both within the magical and non-magical communities. When not obtaining obscure items of an arcane nature, The Hat is an insomniac single father of a teenager. After Arthur accepts a job to retrieve an unknown object stored inside a bag, complete with magic wards and a warning not to look inside, things start to go sideways.
Very sideways.
It appears that Nigel isn’t the only one wanting to get his hands on the item, some are even willing to kill for it. The more Arthur tries to off load the package and collect his payment, the deeper he gets and the more he learns that this bag houses an ancient evil that may better be left undisturbed. When his private and professional lives become intertwined with almost disastrous certainty, Arthur must rely on more than his wand and Faerie Godmother to deal with the contents and fall out of the mystery package.
Blood Moon is the first book in the “Wildcat Wizard” series by author Al K. Line and it is definitely one wild ride. From the opening scene where we meet Arthur practically hogtied to a speeding car in an attempt to evade what will be a seemingly never ending stream of baddies of all shapes, sizes and persuasions to the closing lines, the story starts fast and hardly lets up for a second. Arthur is the perfect “good” bad guy; a gangster with a heart and a sense of justice. A doting father who will stop at nothing to protect his daughter, George.
Arthur quickly grew on me because of his humanness which is a bit of a departure from the wizards and witches of Line’s other Urban Fantasy novels. Being a 40 -something with a teenage daughter, if you take away the magic, Faerie Godmother and the gift she bestowed upon him, Arthur could be your next-door neighbor. Just a regular guy trying to get on in the world, with friends and enemies; and like some of us, he finds it hard to tell the difference at times. Vicky the spastic hacker was a great bit of comic relief. One of Arthur’s closest friends, Vicky knows almost all of Arthur’s secrets, including Sasha and longs to be a part of his magical exploits. I would have to say that most of my loudest chuckles were at the expense of the sidekick fan-girl. The usual suspects are also present regarding magical, mythical and undead things, however they have been slightly re-imagined in such a way that will take your ideas about vampires and other beings and turn them upside down.
A great start with a brilliant new cast of characters. I look forward to delving further into The Hat’s world and meeting more friends, enemies and otherwise in the upcoming stories.
December 15, 2016
Arthur ‘The Hat’ Salzman is a gangster and a wizard. He’s asked by his ‘broker’ Nigel to do a simple job; retrieve an item, and deliver it unopened. Unfortunately, every gangster, human and nonhuman, also wants the item, and they’re willing to kill Arthur to get it. He’s been killed many times before, and even though the experience is unpleasant, he’s come back each time. This time, though, in their quest to obtain the ‘item,’ they threaten those he loves. They even subvert his sidekick, who betrays him, and then gets himself killed in the process.
A friend of Arthur’s, a single mom with children to care for, wants badly to be his sidekick, and now that the job is open, she presses her case. Not the best of times for a human untrained in magic or larceny to apply for the job, but what’s a wizard to do? Arthur is at sixes and sevens, with a shadowy organization, Cerebrus, and a group of vampires all on his case, he needs all the help he can get. So, he takes on a new sidekick, and with the help of his faery godmother (who happens to be the one who bestowed upon him the ability to come back to life) Arthur decides to use his wizardly powers to kick some serious butt.
Blood Moon by Al K. Line is book one in the Wildcat Wizard series, and if you’ve read Line’s Dark Magic Enforcer series, you have some idea of how this story unfolds. Unlike Faz Pound, a wizard who is the Dark Magic Enforcer, Arthur works on the other side of the law, but like Faz, he’s a man of principle, and one of his cardinal principles is, ‘don’t mess with my friends.’
Wizards, plain old human goons, monsters, and vampires all come together in a bloody romp across the English countryside in a story that will keep you flipping pages until the gory conclusion, and despite all the bloodshed, it’s also something of a rib tickler, as most of this author’s books are.
I can’t wait to see what Arthur gets up to next. I received a free copy of this book.
A friend of Arthur’s, a single mom with children to care for, wants badly to be his sidekick, and now that the job is open, she presses her case. Not the best of times for a human untrained in magic or larceny to apply for the job, but what’s a wizard to do? Arthur is at sixes and sevens, with a shadowy organization, Cerebrus, and a group of vampires all on his case, he needs all the help he can get. So, he takes on a new sidekick, and with the help of his faery godmother (who happens to be the one who bestowed upon him the ability to come back to life) Arthur decides to use his wizardly powers to kick some serious butt.
Blood Moon by Al K. Line is book one in the Wildcat Wizard series, and if you’ve read Line’s Dark Magic Enforcer series, you have some idea of how this story unfolds. Unlike Faz Pound, a wizard who is the Dark Magic Enforcer, Arthur works on the other side of the law, but like Faz, he’s a man of principle, and one of his cardinal principles is, ‘don’t mess with my friends.’
Wizards, plain old human goons, monsters, and vampires all come together in a bloody romp across the English countryside in a story that will keep you flipping pages until the gory conclusion, and despite all the bloodshed, it’s also something of a rib tickler, as most of this author’s books are.
I can’t wait to see what Arthur gets up to next. I received a free copy of this book.
August 22, 2017
This probably deserves a few more stars for being well written, having likable characters and the main character being a less than usual single dad anti-hero type but while all those things are true, I found myself incredibly bored reading this. There is a lot of cleverness - The Hat is an amusing man - but something about the entire thing just gave me sleepy eyes and it was a struggle to finish because what I really wanted to do was go find something more entertaining. I can't really put my finger on what was so bleh to me but bleh it was.
March 9, 2017
I've written the opposite about so many books over the years but this is the first time I can recall this happening. I enjoyed the story and the plot, but was very underwhelmed by the characters and the setting.
It's not a bad book, I enjoyed reading it.
But I have little to no desire to know anything more about any of the characters or the world they inhabit.
I know, weird.
It's not a bad book, I enjoyed reading it.
But I have little to no desire to know anything more about any of the characters or the world they inhabit.
I know, weird.
June 9, 2017
Clever repartee...
...does not make a novel. I was bored with the foolishness very quickly. I started to actively dislike the main character too soon. Pathetic. He's a thief who fell asleep on the job. Then did a terrible job getting away and got caught again. Just stupid.
...does not make a novel. I was bored with the foolishness very quickly. I started to actively dislike the main character too soon. Pathetic. He's a thief who fell asleep on the job. Then did a terrible job getting away and got caught again. Just stupid.
October 12, 2018
I loved the cover for this book and I actually found this through the third book in the series on Amazon. I thought the premise was intriguing and picked it up immediately. It takes all my favourite things and puts them together in one story.
I really liked the way the story was written and the POV it was told from. It was easy to read and Arthur grew on me as a reader as we went through his journey. The main character was also a different one than I am used too. Being an avid reader of YA most of the characters I meet are in their teens or early 20's so reading about a 40 something wizard with a teenage daughter was nice.
The combinations included in this book were woven neatly together and made everything flow. We first meet Arthur as he is tied up and in a difficult situation and evading tribe of bad guys. This is a fast-paced story that doesn't let up for a second and always has you on the edge of your seat. Our protagonist is the definition of anti-hero, and a doting father who will do anything to protect his daughter.
Overall, this book was a great read and has sections whoch left me laughing.
I really liked the way the story was written and the POV it was told from. It was easy to read and Arthur grew on me as a reader as we went through his journey. The main character was also a different one than I am used too. Being an avid reader of YA most of the characters I meet are in their teens or early 20's so reading about a 40 something wizard with a teenage daughter was nice.
The combinations included in this book were woven neatly together and made everything flow. We first meet Arthur as he is tied up and in a difficult situation and evading tribe of bad guys. This is a fast-paced story that doesn't let up for a second and always has you on the edge of your seat. Our protagonist is the definition of anti-hero, and a doting father who will do anything to protect his daughter.
Overall, this book was a great read and has sections whoch left me laughing.
March 31, 2024
3.5 – 4 Stars
Blood Moon is the first book in the Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. The complete series is available in a boxset, twelve books for the price of one #winning. What a great way to get your book-binge on.
The Wildcat Wizard Complete Collection Box Set contains the entire Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. It is an epic, original, and intriguing urban fantasy series - woven with wizards, vampires, magic, paranormal elements, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, humour, heists, quests, the supernatural, and interesting quirky characters.
The Hat is a great character, he’s a bit of an anti-hero, as he gets caught up in quite an adventure (or two) with a few heists, mobsters, criminals, villains, and dangerous and dramatic developments to contend with. Along with his fairy godmother, they take us on quite a ride- one you won’t forget anytime soon.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Al K. Line!
Blood Moon is the first book in the Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. The complete series is available in a boxset, twelve books for the price of one #winning. What a great way to get your book-binge on.
The Wildcat Wizard Complete Collection Box Set contains the entire Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. It is an epic, original, and intriguing urban fantasy series - woven with wizards, vampires, magic, paranormal elements, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, humour, heists, quests, the supernatural, and interesting quirky characters.
The Hat is a great character, he’s a bit of an anti-hero, as he gets caught up in quite an adventure (or two) with a few heists, mobsters, criminals, villains, and dangerous and dramatic developments to contend with. Along with his fairy godmother, they take us on quite a ride- one you won’t forget anytime soon.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Al K. Line!
February 4, 2022
Arthur “The Hat” Salzman is a magician and a thief. His latest job, however, has gone horribly wrong and it seems that he is not being paranoid because just about everyone really is trying to kill him.
The story was a bit half-baked, as was Arthur's character. "Blood Moon" should probably be seen more as a scene setter for further books than one to judge the series on ("Faery Dust", second in the series, sees a darker side of Arthur from the start).
What I did find interesting were the other characters, his fairy godmother Sasha (who has made him 'almost' immortal), his sidekick in waiting Vicky (she is definitely odd), his teen daughter George (she's waiting for her witchy power to emerge), and the seemingly monstrous Brains.
It's a fairly jolly romp which doesn't really pull the darker elements together.
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars
The story was a bit half-baked, as was Arthur's character. "Blood Moon" should probably be seen more as a scene setter for further books than one to judge the series on ("Faery Dust", second in the series, sees a darker side of Arthur from the start).
What I did find interesting were the other characters, his fairy godmother Sasha (who has made him 'almost' immortal), his sidekick in waiting Vicky (she is definitely odd), his teen daughter George (she's waiting for her witchy power to emerge), and the seemingly monstrous Brains.
It's a fairly jolly romp which doesn't really pull the darker elements together.
2.5 Stars raised to 3 Stars
April 2, 2018
I wasn't expecting to like this but wow.
I've started and walked away from too many books recently. I seem to try but about 20-30% in U just can't face going on. They're not bad, I just don't care enough about the characters to continue. I wasn't really optimistic about this.
But before I knew it, I loved this book. Arthur is mad, but you've got to like him. This book doesn't start, it roars into life and carries you with it. Absolutely spectacular. Characters who are real, who are well rounded, you care about them.
I
Maybe being a Daddy's girl helps too.
I am just going straight into the next book. I can't recommend this highly enough.
I've started and walked away from too many books recently. I seem to try but about 20-30% in U just can't face going on. They're not bad, I just don't care enough about the characters to continue. I wasn't really optimistic about this.
But before I knew it, I loved this book. Arthur is mad, but you've got to like him. This book doesn't start, it roars into life and carries you with it. Absolutely spectacular. Characters who are real, who are well rounded, you care about them.
I
Maybe being a Daddy's girl helps too.
I am just going straight into the next book. I can't recommend this highly enough.
August 13, 2019
3 1/2 stars. I was expecting a rough and tumble American wizard and to my surprise discovered a some what rough and tumble wizard single dad who adores his kid and lives on a farm in England. The book continued to meet some of my vague preconceived notions and but upset others.
It is an easy read, moves along, has clever dialog and quirky characters. The twists won't leave your mouth open in shock but they will upend some of your expectations. This is a nice antithesis to the prominent young woman MC urban fantasies out there without going to the sex-obsessed male.
It is an easy read, moves along, has clever dialog and quirky characters. The twists won't leave your mouth open in shock but they will upend some of your expectations. This is a nice antithesis to the prominent young woman MC urban fantasies out there without going to the sex-obsessed male.
January 18, 2018
I've always liked Al's voice & style. Overall, I enjoyed the book. But the thing that didn't work for me was the combination of bumbling crook and powerful wizard. I kept thinking as I was reading that the main character was the sort you'd meet at the beginning of a story and they were really the sidekick of the more powerful wizard. But nope.
And, frankly, that's a bit of a minor quibble. You should check this one out.
And, frankly, that's a bit of a minor quibble. You should check this one out.
August 10, 2017
I have to say I was little disappointed with this book . There really is nothing about any aspect of this that stands out. The plot, the characters, the setting.. all have been seen over and over in the genre. That said it was actually quite good. It may not be special or unique but that doesn't mean it isn't fun read.
September 23, 2017
Weird, bizarre, inventive, funny. A wizard who doesn't stay dead. Shape-shifters, vampires, a fairy godmother, and not a cliche in sight. I especially loved the revelation of the wizard's address - close to one of the top twenty most mispronounced place-names in Britain.
A good read.
A good read.
February 27, 2017
Worth the read
Well written great characters . A few parts were a tad slow but I'm looking forward to next book. The author is creative
Well written great characters . A few parts were a tad slow but I'm looking forward to next book. The author is creative
June 15, 2017
Good
The writing is better than the black spark novels at least. However I feel black spark as a character was much more interesting
The writing is better than the black spark novels at least. However I feel black spark as a character was much more interesting
August 11, 2017
Not bad but not Harry Dresden.
November 18, 2017
I enjoyed this read. A wizard, organized crime, shifters, and vampires, yes please. Bonus points for Mousehole Cornwall mention!!
March 30, 2018
Good read
Always enjoy a good wizard book and this was no exception. Well written story with lots of well written set pieces
Always enjoy a good wizard book and this was no exception. Well written story with lots of well written set pieces
October 9, 2018
Nope not for me.
February 7, 2019
It was okay. I need to read another to see if I'm hooked.
October 4, 2019
2.5 for it's wittiness...
June 16, 2024
Action and magic with a nice plot twist the end. Although I did feel the Hat was a little mentally wishy washy. Still, going to look at #2.
February 9, 2024
I found The Hat witty and full of charm. The plot wasn't crazy, but it got the job done. However, I think it is funny that it all started because of a small briefcase. I mean, it did end up being a big deal. The vampires were interesting, though they weren't exciting. Overall, I say it's a fast-paced, witty read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2017
Not bad
As a fan of the author's Black Spark series I thought I'd give this a go and its quite enjoyable. The characters feel familiar; I'm especially fond of Vicky, the plot moves nicely and the dialogue has an nice snap to it. All in all not bad and I shall be reading book 2.
As a fan of the author's Black Spark series I thought I'd give this a go and its quite enjoyable. The characters feel familiar; I'm especially fond of Vicky, the plot moves nicely and the dialogue has an nice snap to it. All in all not bad and I shall be reading book 2.
February 26, 2017
Fun
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
December 25, 2016
Demons and Vampires oh my!
Al's done it again, sucked me into a new world slightly more interesting than the Dark Enforcer series world dark and filled with proper baddies. Arthur the hat is a well developed character with some unusual quirks. Most unusual for a wildcat wizard a teenage daughter. Great read and disappointing that the waiting is so long for the next story.
Al's done it again, sucked me into a new world slightly more interesting than the Dark Enforcer series world dark and filled with proper baddies. Arthur the hat is a well developed character with some unusual quirks. Most unusual for a wildcat wizard a teenage daughter. Great read and disappointing that the waiting is so long for the next story.
December 12, 2016
This book is the first in a new series by the author of the Dark Magic Enforcer series and the Strangetown Magic series. From the moment I first started reading this new book, I was instantly hooked! The book featured Mr. Line’s characteristic humor, self-deprecation in the characters, and swift-moving plots that are always present in the series I’ve read by this talented author. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but this main character is my favorite so far in the books I’ve read by Mr. Line, and I really love Black Spark in the Dark Magic Enforcer series. How Arthur treats and feels about his hat is just a hoot, and it’s one of the reasons I really enjoyed this book. Silly, I know, but it just tickled my funny bone! There is some over-explanation of situations and feelings, but not enough to throw off enjoyment of this delightful book. If you need a light, funny, well-written urban fantasy book, look no further than this wonderful start to a new series. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.
February 6, 2017
Pretty Good
Not your usual urban fantasy book. Vampires are more tame and can enter homes without permission. Lots of action packed scenes.
Werewolves are portrayed as rare. Not usually the case in this genre.
Good for the first book. Not quite a five star rating.
Not your usual urban fantasy book. Vampires are more tame and can enter homes without permission. Lots of action packed scenes.
Werewolves are portrayed as rare. Not usually the case in this genre.
Good for the first book. Not quite a five star rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews