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Dragon's Gift: The Huntress #1-5
Dragon's Gift: The Huntress Complete Series
Join the adventure in this well-loved series. The boxed set includes all five books--the complete set!
Ancient Magic
Cass Clereaux is good at two things: finding treasure and killing demons. Lying low is a close third—but not because she wants to be good at hiding. Cass is a FireSoul, one of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of the dragon’s soul. On the surface, the perks are sweet—she has the power to find and steal any type of magical treasure, including the powers of other supernaturals.
But it doesn’t come without a price—stealing powers requires that she kill, and others would destroy her if they discover what she is. In a world full of magic, hiding her powers is the only way to survive. Finding magical artifacts is the only way to pay the bills. But it’s a dangerous job when you can’t use your magic.
When Aidan Merrick, the most powerful shifter in the city, hires her to find an ancient scroll, she doesn’t want to take the job. His immense amount of power reminds her of too much of murky memories from a past she can’t remember. But she has no choice. The scroll will reveal what she is. And if anyone finds out, she’s dead.
The boxed set includes four more books--Mirror Mage, Stolen Magic, Eternal Magic, & Infinite Magic--that follow Cass as she battles demons from her past and tries to keep the world from going down the toilet.
Ancient Magic features kick butt heroines, a hot hero, and otherworldly adventure.
Ancient Magic
Cass Clereaux is good at two things: finding treasure and killing demons. Lying low is a close third—but not because she wants to be good at hiding. Cass is a FireSoul, one of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of the dragon’s soul. On the surface, the perks are sweet—she has the power to find and steal any type of magical treasure, including the powers of other supernaturals.
But it doesn’t come without a price—stealing powers requires that she kill, and others would destroy her if they discover what she is. In a world full of magic, hiding her powers is the only way to survive. Finding magical artifacts is the only way to pay the bills. But it’s a dangerous job when you can’t use your magic.
When Aidan Merrick, the most powerful shifter in the city, hires her to find an ancient scroll, she doesn’t want to take the job. His immense amount of power reminds her of too much of murky memories from a past she can’t remember. But she has no choice. The scroll will reveal what she is. And if anyone finds out, she’s dead.
The boxed set includes four more books--Mirror Mage, Stolen Magic, Eternal Magic, & Infinite Magic--that follow Cass as she battles demons from her past and tries to keep the world from going down the toilet.
Ancient Magic features kick butt heroines, a hot hero, and otherworldly adventure.
868 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
1820 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
107 books4,394 followersFollow me!
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 30, 2017
I found it a bit repetitive but I think that could be mostly from reading the entire series in one big omnibus. Aiden was also too perfectly perfect.
December 6, 2022
If you like:
1. Kickass heroines that aren't annoying.
2. A love interest that isn't abusive.
3. Urban Fantasy with magic systems, factions and hierarchies.
4. Bonds between sisters and friends.
Then give this series a chance.
1. Kickass heroines that aren't annoying.
2. A love interest that isn't abusive.
3. Urban Fantasy with magic systems, factions and hierarchies.
4. Bonds between sisters and friends.
Then give this series a chance.
July 6, 2022
Started this series but wasn't hooked. Will try again later...
June 24, 2017
Ancient Magic – Waking up in the middle of nowhere with no memories except a few words among two other girls that you have no memory of would be horrifying in itself. Then to figure out you have powers that are forbidden would definitely make me want to run and hide. Cass, Nix, and Del become very strong women/sisters in a world that is strange and confusing to them in the beginning then when things start to take a turn and Aidan (The Origin himself) shows up things get even rockier. Cass and Aidan make a team to be reckoned with once Cass finally lets go even for a small amount of time. Linsey Hall grabbed me with The Mythean Arcana series and holds on tight with this one. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Mirror Mage – Nightmares of a past that she can't remember and when those nightmares become her present reality things get scarier than before. Del, Nix, Cass, Aiden, Conner, and Claire all come together to help save one little girl while Del, Nix, and Cass try to keep their secret. Things come to light but more things stay in mystery. Aiden and Cass start discovering each other more and more. Secrets can keep you safe but they can also get you captured, as Cass finds out quickly. The monster is lurking and the women want to find and destroy him. Linsey Hall keeps pulling me in deeper with this second book of the Dragon's Gift series.
Stolen Magic – I couldn't imagine losing 15 years of my memory and then very slowly getting it back. That, to me, would be torture in itself. Aiden, Cass, Nix, and Del make one heck of a team when they work together. Now on a mission to save the world the sisters find themselves piecing together not only their past but possibly the reason what the Monster is up to. Aiden and Cass start getting closer to each other and opening up to each other more. Linsey Hall has caught me in her web of words and hasn't let go yet. I can't wait for more in this series.
Eternal Magic – Aiden, Del, Nix, and now Connor and Claire teaming up to help Cass work together very well. Aiden and Cass are getting closer even through all the chaos that has become their life. Cass, Del, and Nix are finding uncovering more secrets of their forgotten past. Victor is getting ever closer. With secrets being revealed and more to unravel working together is the only way to go for this band of friends. Linsey Hall has kept me captured in this series straight from the beginning and I can't wait for more.
Infinite Magic – This is the ultimate battle and things are stacked against the six of them. The three sisters and their three friends work together like clockwork. Cass has come into her new powers and is afraid to let it loose on her enemy in fear of harming her family, but when push comes to shove she is a force to be reckoned with. Cass and Aidan have become a whole lot closer and the heat between them is flaming hot. Linsey Hall really put me inside her story and now I am wanting even more.
Mirror Mage – Nightmares of a past that she can't remember and when those nightmares become her present reality things get scarier than before. Del, Nix, Cass, Aiden, Conner, and Claire all come together to help save one little girl while Del, Nix, and Cass try to keep their secret. Things come to light but more things stay in mystery. Aiden and Cass start discovering each other more and more. Secrets can keep you safe but they can also get you captured, as Cass finds out quickly. The monster is lurking and the women want to find and destroy him. Linsey Hall keeps pulling me in deeper with this second book of the Dragon's Gift series.
Stolen Magic – I couldn't imagine losing 15 years of my memory and then very slowly getting it back. That, to me, would be torture in itself. Aiden, Cass, Nix, and Del make one heck of a team when they work together. Now on a mission to save the world the sisters find themselves piecing together not only their past but possibly the reason what the Monster is up to. Aiden and Cass start getting closer to each other and opening up to each other more. Linsey Hall has caught me in her web of words and hasn't let go yet. I can't wait for more in this series.
Eternal Magic – Aiden, Del, Nix, and now Connor and Claire teaming up to help Cass work together very well. Aiden and Cass are getting closer even through all the chaos that has become their life. Cass, Del, and Nix are finding uncovering more secrets of their forgotten past. Victor is getting ever closer. With secrets being revealed and more to unravel working together is the only way to go for this band of friends. Linsey Hall has kept me captured in this series straight from the beginning and I can't wait for more.
Infinite Magic – This is the ultimate battle and things are stacked against the six of them. The three sisters and their three friends work together like clockwork. Cass has come into her new powers and is afraid to let it loose on her enemy in fear of harming her family, but when push comes to shove she is a force to be reckoned with. Cass and Aidan have become a whole lot closer and the heat between them is flaming hot. Linsey Hall really put me inside her story and now I am wanting even more.
July 29, 2018
A single story here
I know this is several books, but it's really just a single book broke up into pieces. There is really only one bad guy and the fight against him through the entire books. Every time a book ended, I realized I would be upset if I had to wait for the next, as nothing is ever resolved like should happen in individual books in a series. It's all just chasing the baddie, fighting and losing until the end. We get an extremely tame and slow moving romance. While the h says she had meaningless flings between jobs, she teases this guy through most of the series. They could constantly die at any moment and she is sleeping with I him, just won't actually sleep with him if you know what I mean. If she had been a virgin, then I would understand. This just didn’t seem natural. On top of this the h was always doing stupid things then refusing to use her greatest strengths to get out of them. She really was her own worst enemy through the entire series. And a trove that's 3600 square foot space filled with weapons, leather jackets and boots is just crazy. That would literally be millions of jackets. Not sure how she affords that, nor how they each live in 400 square ft! I could have understood if maybe they halved the space so she had some living space and a decent shower! 2000 square ft is still a humongous trove! That 1/10th thing of living space just drove me bonkers every time I had to read about it, which was a lot. Err despite the many, many things that really got on my nerves here, the overall story was good and I liked all the rest of the characters. I just wasn't crazy about the main one.
I know this is several books, but it's really just a single book broke up into pieces. There is really only one bad guy and the fight against him through the entire books. Every time a book ended, I realized I would be upset if I had to wait for the next, as nothing is ever resolved like should happen in individual books in a series. It's all just chasing the baddie, fighting and losing until the end. We get an extremely tame and slow moving romance. While the h says she had meaningless flings between jobs, she teases this guy through most of the series. They could constantly die at any moment and she is sleeping with I him, just won't actually sleep with him if you know what I mean. If she had been a virgin, then I would understand. This just didn’t seem natural. On top of this the h was always doing stupid things then refusing to use her greatest strengths to get out of them. She really was her own worst enemy through the entire series. And a trove that's 3600 square foot space filled with weapons, leather jackets and boots is just crazy. That would literally be millions of jackets. Not sure how she affords that, nor how they each live in 400 square ft! I could have understood if maybe they halved the space so she had some living space and a decent shower! 2000 square ft is still a humongous trove! That 1/10th thing of living space just drove me bonkers every time I had to read about it, which was a lot. Err despite the many, many things that really got on my nerves here, the overall story was good and I liked all the rest of the characters. I just wasn't crazy about the main one.
October 8, 2017
Tough chicks
Cass and her sisters are tough chicks that have made something of their lives even though they remember nothing of their previous life. They had a good life but everything begins to change when Aiden comes into her life. I love how she reacts to his advances and I love that he doesn't give up on her. The characters are very well done and I really enjoyed Cass' story. Very curious how Dell will come back though.
Cass and her sisters are tough chicks that have made something of their lives even though they remember nothing of their previous life. They had a good life but everything begins to change when Aiden comes into her life. I love how she reacts to his advances and I love that he doesn't give up on her. The characters are very well done and I really enjoyed Cass' story. Very curious how Dell will come back though.
May 30, 2025
Great magic series! 5 books in this collection! Lots of cool magic and some terrifying evil magic as well. Well done with lots of great descriptions. It seems interesting that I see items from other magical fantasy books come alive in another series. 😊.
April 2, 2020
Ancient Magic is book one in Linsey Hall’s Dragons Gift: The Huntress series. It’s been five years since Hidden Magic the prequel and the girls Cass, Del and Nix are doing well, their business is booming and life is great, they have friends and apartments. This book is filled with so many different types of magic, shifters and demons. It’s action packed and full of adventure.
Cass, Nix and Del are rare FireSouls (they have parts of a Dragon’s soul) they are sort out by Order of the Magica or the Alpha Council cause of their ability to steal powers from other Supernaturals. They have been hiding from something or someone for 10 years, with no memory of their lives before the day they wake in a paddock at the age of 15, except for an urgent need to run and hide. Now the girls run a store called Ancient Magic which specialises in selling power imbued replica relics that Cass retrieves. When Cass is hired by a powerful Supernatural to retrieve a scroll that could jeopardise their lives and possibly get them exposed and imprisoned.
Cass is our lead in this series with appearances from Del and Nix. Cass is a powerful Mirror Mage but she has no control over her powers, so pretends she is weak as well as hiding the fact that she is a Firesoul. But hiding who she is is difficult when she is working close to the powerful hybrid Aidan who can sense her power. She doesn’t want to be near him or work with him as he makes her feel things but she must retrieve this Scroll as it details all Magical Creatures abilities and powers, which put her and her sisters lives in danger.
Aidan is a very powerful shifter, Elemental Magika plus more. He is powerful, rich, handsome and very intrigued and interested in Cass. Aidan wants to explore what’s going on between him and Cass but Cass is so scared of who she is that she wants to find the scroll and be done with him before her secret is revealed. Aidan can sense Cass posses strong magic, but doesn’t understand why she doesn’t use it, he is constantly asking her to use it, but she refuses.
I really enjoyed reading this and getting to go on this adventure with the characters. I read this book in one sitting and was hooked from the very beginning. I can’t wait to see how things heat up between Cass and Aidan now that things have been revealed.
Mirror Mage is book two in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. Mirror Magic continues on a week after where Ancient Magic ends, with Cass and Aidan on another relic hunt, and some training involved.
After Aidan reveals to Cass he knows she is a Firesoul he tried to convince her to train and learn to control her powers especially her Mirror Mage power to copy other Supernaturals powers. Cass is reluctant to use her powers as in the past every time she has tried something explodes but she is scared of being caught by the Order of the Magica or the Alpha Council, who will lock her up. But when Cass is called upon to help the Alpha Council she has no choice but to learn her powers as her life is dependent on not being caught, but the Monster who hunts her and her deirfiúr, Nix and Del, is behind the trouble the Shifters are dealing with.
This book was so freaking enjoyable, the adventures that Cass and Aidan take you on is action packed with magic, trust, friendship, bonds, loyalty and a little romance. We continue to follow Cass as she explores to control and learn her powers/abilities with the help from Aidan, who she just happens to have a crush on. We get to learn more about both Cass and Aidan’s pasts as their bond grows.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Stolen Magic.
Stolen Magic is book three in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This book continues on from Mirror Mage ends.
Cass, Aidan, Del and and Nix have once again managed to get themselves in danger with the monster lurking around trying to capture the girls. In this book Cass is able to recover more of her memories through nightmares but they are definitely nightmares and not something she wants to remember when she was younger and was being held captive along with her deirfiúr. With Cass finally excepting her FireSoul powers she is growing stronger and more confident with the continual help from Aidan the Origin.
When Dr Garriso and the museum are sucked in a portal along with the Chalice Cass and Aidan must do everything they can to retrieve them as Magic Bend is at risk of being destroyed, but trying to keep hidden from the Order of the Magica is going to be hard with them investing the portal.
I read this book in one sitting, it was addictive and action packed. I was on the edge of my seat anxiously turning each page wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Eternal Magic is book four in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This book continues on after the events of Stolen Magic.
Cass now has the Nullification powers after taking the power to stop the Monster/Victor’s portal to destroy Magic’s Bend. Along with Aidan, Del, Nix, Claire and Connor, Cass is going to go on an adventure that’s going to have her and her deirfiúr facing the Monster with new dangers, their pasts revealed and a prophecy exposed. Will Cass be able to get her powers back? Will they be able to defeat the Monster/Victor?
This series gets better with each book I read and now I’m getting a little sad as it’s coming to an end, I love Cass and Aidan. They relationship continues to grow and flourish, Aidan is so patient and perfect. Cass did seem to loose her kicka** creed a little in this book, as she was being a bit of a self-centred whiner with not having her powers. I understand she finally came to turns with having powers and using them, but it was like she was power hungry as she never had a problem with not using her powers before Aidan helped her see that her powers were not something to be afraid of. But when she took on the nullify power she carried on like it was the end of the world. I do sympathies with her but she just seemed to be too fixated on herself. Having said that I do still love Cass’ character and can’t wait to see what she has in store after the way this book ended.
Infinite Magic is the fifth and final book in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This continues on were Eternal Magic ends with Cass being locked up in the Order of Magica’s prison.
The finale we have all be waiting for between Cass, her deirfiúr, Aidan, Claire and Conner and the Monster/Victor is finally here. We have been building up to this battle for several books and it’s finale here.
This is conclusion has been highly anticipated and I feel like I was a little disappointed. We have gone through so much over the last 4.5 books with the girls and Aidan and it seemed as the ending was rushed. I still did enjoy the book and the conclusion but the finale battle just didn’t excite me as much as I had expected it to. Plus the loss didn’t seem to make as much as a dent as would have been expected, I know it was prophesied to not be the end and we know it’s not the end as the next series proves this, but I would have expected more distress and grievance. (Sorry very cryptic, don’t want to give anything away, but once you’ve read you’ll understand)
The characters were still fantastic as well as the few new people to join the team plus the extra beasts/monsters that made an appearance were wonderful to meet. I look forward to reading the other characters and their stories that follow in the next lot of series and hopefully we still get appearances from Cass and Aidan.
Cass, Nix and Del are rare FireSouls (they have parts of a Dragon’s soul) they are sort out by Order of the Magica or the Alpha Council cause of their ability to steal powers from other Supernaturals. They have been hiding from something or someone for 10 years, with no memory of their lives before the day they wake in a paddock at the age of 15, except for an urgent need to run and hide. Now the girls run a store called Ancient Magic which specialises in selling power imbued replica relics that Cass retrieves. When Cass is hired by a powerful Supernatural to retrieve a scroll that could jeopardise their lives and possibly get them exposed and imprisoned.
Cass is our lead in this series with appearances from Del and Nix. Cass is a powerful Mirror Mage but she has no control over her powers, so pretends she is weak as well as hiding the fact that she is a Firesoul. But hiding who she is is difficult when she is working close to the powerful hybrid Aidan who can sense her power. She doesn’t want to be near him or work with him as he makes her feel things but she must retrieve this Scroll as it details all Magical Creatures abilities and powers, which put her and her sisters lives in danger.
Aidan is a very powerful shifter, Elemental Magika plus more. He is powerful, rich, handsome and very intrigued and interested in Cass. Aidan wants to explore what’s going on between him and Cass but Cass is so scared of who she is that she wants to find the scroll and be done with him before her secret is revealed. Aidan can sense Cass posses strong magic, but doesn’t understand why she doesn’t use it, he is constantly asking her to use it, but she refuses.
I really enjoyed reading this and getting to go on this adventure with the characters. I read this book in one sitting and was hooked from the very beginning. I can’t wait to see how things heat up between Cass and Aidan now that things have been revealed.
Mirror Mage is book two in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. Mirror Magic continues on a week after where Ancient Magic ends, with Cass and Aidan on another relic hunt, and some training involved.
After Aidan reveals to Cass he knows she is a Firesoul he tried to convince her to train and learn to control her powers especially her Mirror Mage power to copy other Supernaturals powers. Cass is reluctant to use her powers as in the past every time she has tried something explodes but she is scared of being caught by the Order of the Magica or the Alpha Council, who will lock her up. But when Cass is called upon to help the Alpha Council she has no choice but to learn her powers as her life is dependent on not being caught, but the Monster who hunts her and her deirfiúr, Nix and Del, is behind the trouble the Shifters are dealing with.
This book was so freaking enjoyable, the adventures that Cass and Aidan take you on is action packed with magic, trust, friendship, bonds, loyalty and a little romance. We continue to follow Cass as she explores to control and learn her powers/abilities with the help from Aidan, who she just happens to have a crush on. We get to learn more about both Cass and Aidan’s pasts as their bond grows.
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Stolen Magic.
Stolen Magic is book three in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This book continues on from Mirror Mage ends.
Cass, Aidan, Del and and Nix have once again managed to get themselves in danger with the monster lurking around trying to capture the girls. In this book Cass is able to recover more of her memories through nightmares but they are definitely nightmares and not something she wants to remember when she was younger and was being held captive along with her deirfiúr. With Cass finally excepting her FireSoul powers she is growing stronger and more confident with the continual help from Aidan the Origin.
When Dr Garriso and the museum are sucked in a portal along with the Chalice Cass and Aidan must do everything they can to retrieve them as Magic Bend is at risk of being destroyed, but trying to keep hidden from the Order of the Magica is going to be hard with them investing the portal.
I read this book in one sitting, it was addictive and action packed. I was on the edge of my seat anxiously turning each page wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Eternal Magic is book four in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This book continues on after the events of Stolen Magic.
Cass now has the Nullification powers after taking the power to stop the Monster/Victor’s portal to destroy Magic’s Bend. Along with Aidan, Del, Nix, Claire and Connor, Cass is going to go on an adventure that’s going to have her and her deirfiúr facing the Monster with new dangers, their pasts revealed and a prophecy exposed. Will Cass be able to get her powers back? Will they be able to defeat the Monster/Victor?
This series gets better with each book I read and now I’m getting a little sad as it’s coming to an end, I love Cass and Aidan. They relationship continues to grow and flourish, Aidan is so patient and perfect. Cass did seem to loose her kicka** creed a little in this book, as she was being a bit of a self-centred whiner with not having her powers. I understand she finally came to turns with having powers and using them, but it was like she was power hungry as she never had a problem with not using her powers before Aidan helped her see that her powers were not something to be afraid of. But when she took on the nullify power she carried on like it was the end of the world. I do sympathies with her but she just seemed to be too fixated on herself. Having said that I do still love Cass’ character and can’t wait to see what she has in store after the way this book ended.
Infinite Magic is the fifth and final book in Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. This continues on were Eternal Magic ends with Cass being locked up in the Order of Magica’s prison.
The finale we have all be waiting for between Cass, her deirfiúr, Aidan, Claire and Conner and the Monster/Victor is finally here. We have been building up to this battle for several books and it’s finale here.
This is conclusion has been highly anticipated and I feel like I was a little disappointed. We have gone through so much over the last 4.5 books with the girls and Aidan and it seemed as the ending was rushed. I still did enjoy the book and the conclusion but the finale battle just didn’t excite me as much as I had expected it to. Plus the loss didn’t seem to make as much as a dent as would have been expected, I know it was prophesied to not be the end and we know it’s not the end as the next series proves this, but I would have expected more distress and grievance. (Sorry very cryptic, don’t want to give anything away, but once you’ve read you’ll understand)
The characters were still fantastic as well as the few new people to join the team plus the extra beasts/monsters that made an appearance were wonderful to meet. I look forward to reading the other characters and their stories that follow in the next lot of series and hopefully we still get appearances from Cass and Aidan.
October 30, 2021
An enjoyable if somewhat flawed modern fantasy. The storyline is fairly straightforward, although the characters and their motivations do add to the overall enjoyment of it. I do wonder why all the major magic organizations are in Ireland? But for all the minor quirks it is an enjoyable read.
June 25, 2019
2.5 Stars
My intent at the start of writing this review was to write a little about each of the books. After completing the series I’ve decided that’s impractical. I’ve also decided that trying to express my thoughts on this series without giving away much of the plot would also be impractical if not impossible. Which is why I’ve checked the little Spoilers box. So, read on at your own peril.
I think 2.5 stars is a fair grade from me for this series because I neither loved nor hated it. There is so much I liked about this series. The heroine Cass among the most. I loved Cass’s humanity. Despite the fact she’s a kick ass tomb raider who solves riddles, defeats bobby traps and deadly demons she really doesn’t consider herself a badass. She constantly tells herself she needs to get into better shape even as she scales sheer walls and engages demons in hand to hand combat. I liked her loyalty to her sisters of the heart Nix and Del. I liked that when she was faced with great challenges, she didn’t let her fear overcome her and her fighting spirit, or bravery along with her sharp mind would rise to the challenge. I liked the fact that she never took a life or powers from another without feeling a touch of often misplaced guilt. I like that she was a little quirky with her love of PBR and her drove of leather goods and weapons. That she had to fight her inner demons to be her better self like we all do. I enjoyed the smattering of pop culture references throughout the series from the obvious Indiana Jones references to even Kaliese and the G.O.T. I even liked the fact that even though she obviously wasn’t a virgin and her previous hook ups were just that, she didn’t just jump into bed with Aiden, recognizing that theirs had the potential to be an important relationship that required that she let it develop more before she gave herself physically to him. I did get a bit tired of reading about how ruggedly handsome and good Aiden was. The stories contained many interesting secondary characters beyond the Triumvirate of Cass, Nix and Dell and Aiden (if they can even be considered secondary characters). Beyond the bad players who were just plain evil, most of the secondary characters were multi-dimensional. The author built an interesting imaginary world full of magical people and creatures. Our heroes fought many, many exciting battles. So why only a mediocre rating?
The story is told entirely from Cassiopeia’s point of view. Too often it felt like she was just retelling events without any inflection or excitement to really draw me in and keep me on the edge of my seat. Too matter of fact. This occurred more often in the early books. Cass is a tomb raider traveling the magical world in search of long forgotten magical tombs for ancient magical items containing decaying magic. But the kicker is after traveling by plane, train, bus, camel or whatever to these remote locations to retrieve these items, she must then return them once Nix has created a replica and transferred the mainto it. Say what? Their BFF’s run a coffee/pastry/whiskey bar next door. Apparently, it’s not a problem to close the place up for frequent and long stretches in order to have Cass’s back while she and her sisters battle The Monster. How do you run a small business that way? Now let’s talk about the memory loss all three suffered so that they can’t remember anything before they woke up in a field in Ireland in their mid-teens. It’s never really explained why they suffer excruciating headaches whenever they try to remember their lives before that night. Why does only Cass experience nightmares that reveal little snippets of their past? The eventual reunion with her parents felt like it was lifted right out of the pages of Harry Potter. When our three heroines receive a boost in their powers at the Black Fort and discover they are Nix-Live, Del-Death and Cass-Magic, why is Cass the only one who feels the transformation with the tremendous boost to her magic? Speaking of, Cass is now one of the most powerful magica in the world yet how many times after she receives this power boost is she subdued and captured? In fact the entire battle (or lack thereof) where the three are ambushed and taken prisoner by Victor seemed far too easy. Why didn’t the same spells that nullified Cass’s and Aiden’s powers have the same effect on Victor’s? And OMG, how many spirit seers and mythical creatures did the author throw into the story towards the end? And finally, (and I’ll admit this had a large bearing on my final rating) what happened to poor Del? We’re assured she’s not dead but she hasn’t found her way back to Cass and Nix in Magic Bend. Also, now that Cass is the most powerful magica in the world, is she just going back to being a tomb raider? Now that we have learned Nix is Life, is she just going to continue to run Ancient Magic while Cass brings back the goods to sell? Cass finally getting around to telling Aiden she loves him was great but I needed to see more of how her life would go after the victory over evil.
My intent at the start of writing this review was to write a little about each of the books. After completing the series I’ve decided that’s impractical. I’ve also decided that trying to express my thoughts on this series without giving away much of the plot would also be impractical if not impossible. Which is why I’ve checked the little Spoilers box. So, read on at your own peril.
I think 2.5 stars is a fair grade from me for this series because I neither loved nor hated it. There is so much I liked about this series. The heroine Cass among the most. I loved Cass’s humanity. Despite the fact she’s a kick ass tomb raider who solves riddles, defeats bobby traps and deadly demons she really doesn’t consider herself a badass. She constantly tells herself she needs to get into better shape even as she scales sheer walls and engages demons in hand to hand combat. I liked her loyalty to her sisters of the heart Nix and Del. I liked that when she was faced with great challenges, she didn’t let her fear overcome her and her fighting spirit, or bravery along with her sharp mind would rise to the challenge. I liked the fact that she never took a life or powers from another without feeling a touch of often misplaced guilt. I like that she was a little quirky with her love of PBR and her drove of leather goods and weapons. That she had to fight her inner demons to be her better self like we all do. I enjoyed the smattering of pop culture references throughout the series from the obvious Indiana Jones references to even Kaliese and the G.O.T. I even liked the fact that even though she obviously wasn’t a virgin and her previous hook ups were just that, she didn’t just jump into bed with Aiden, recognizing that theirs had the potential to be an important relationship that required that she let it develop more before she gave herself physically to him. I did get a bit tired of reading about how ruggedly handsome and good Aiden was. The stories contained many interesting secondary characters beyond the Triumvirate of Cass, Nix and Dell and Aiden (if they can even be considered secondary characters). Beyond the bad players who were just plain evil, most of the secondary characters were multi-dimensional. The author built an interesting imaginary world full of magical people and creatures. Our heroes fought many, many exciting battles. So why only a mediocre rating?
The story is told entirely from Cassiopeia’s point of view. Too often it felt like she was just retelling events without any inflection or excitement to really draw me in and keep me on the edge of my seat. Too matter of fact. This occurred more often in the early books. Cass is a tomb raider traveling the magical world in search of long forgotten magical tombs for ancient magical items containing decaying magic. But the kicker is after traveling by plane, train, bus, camel or whatever to these remote locations to retrieve these items, she must then return them once Nix has created a replica and transferred the mainto it. Say what? Their BFF’s run a coffee/pastry/whiskey bar next door. Apparently, it’s not a problem to close the place up for frequent and long stretches in order to have Cass’s back while she and her sisters battle The Monster. How do you run a small business that way? Now let’s talk about the memory loss all three suffered so that they can’t remember anything before they woke up in a field in Ireland in their mid-teens. It’s never really explained why they suffer excruciating headaches whenever they try to remember their lives before that night. Why does only Cass experience nightmares that reveal little snippets of their past? The eventual reunion with her parents felt like it was lifted right out of the pages of Harry Potter. When our three heroines receive a boost in their powers at the Black Fort and discover they are Nix-Live, Del-Death and Cass-Magic, why is Cass the only one who feels the transformation with the tremendous boost to her magic? Speaking of, Cass is now one of the most powerful magica in the world yet how many times after she receives this power boost is she subdued and captured? In fact the entire battle (or lack thereof) where the three are ambushed and taken prisoner by Victor seemed far too easy. Why didn’t the same spells that nullified Cass’s and Aiden’s powers have the same effect on Victor’s? And OMG, how many spirit seers and mythical creatures did the author throw into the story towards the end? And finally, (and I’ll admit this had a large bearing on my final rating) what happened to poor Del? We’re assured she’s not dead but she hasn’t found her way back to Cass and Nix in Magic Bend. Also, now that Cass is the most powerful magica in the world, is she just going back to being a tomb raider? Now that we have learned Nix is Life, is she just going to continue to run Ancient Magic while Cass brings back the goods to sell? Cass finally getting around to telling Aiden she loves him was great but I needed to see more of how her life would go after the victory over evil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
I slammed through this in audiobook format in 1.2x speed because the narrator was lingering too long, I feel like I should note that. To start, I did mostly enjoy the series, enough to finish, so let's talk about what I liked first.
Our main character Cas has a supportive network of her sisters and her friends. Her boyfriend might be a little overprotective but not in that toxic way that so many dudes are written. He's genuinely a good guy. The ideas the world is built on are really interesting- the dragon powers that can steal others' magic, find treasure, and give the Fire Soul the compulsion to hoard treasure. I was interested in the various creatures, factions, rules and magic. I liked the way peoples' magic has its own unique sound, smell and taste.
So from everything I can find, it looks like all 5 of these books were released at the same time? But the whole series reads as if it were a draft. Like the author was compulsed to get it all out on paper before the ideas dissolved or something. It's all bare-bones.
For example, although I did just praise the author for the close-knit family/friends/bf, there is absolutely no conflict between any of these characters. Everyone agrees on everything, with beer as the sole exception. Nobody has hobbies or interests, there are almost no physical descriptions, so all the ally characters are kind of a nebulous cheerleading void.
They even say the same things- all the sisters call the villain and his minions bastards, on a frequent basis, like it's the only insult they know. "Are you all right?" and "Yeah" are repeated endlessly.
On the subject of repetition, Cas shivers. I didnt count and I don't have the ebook so I can't do a search, but if she shivers in this series less than 50 times I'll be shocked. If she's not shivering, she's grinning. Everyone is grinning. And any other descriptor word will be used several times on the same page.
The prose is basic. The author barely described any of the places they were in and relied heavily on stereotypes/references. No LGBTQIA+ rep and almost zero BIPOC rep, as far as I could tell. We went all over the world, though?
Also, Aidan is SO big and strong. This is mentioned every time he does anything. And Cas is smaller than him by comparison, so small. Even when Aidan has shapeshifted into a mouse, we must know that he is a bigger mouse.
At one point someone casually mentions that centaurs play football on spiritual TV- that's so interesting! Tell me more about any of that! No? Ok.
I wanted to love this; the FireSoul treasure-hunting concept grabbed me instantly. I just wish the author had fleshed things out more. I might go on to the rest of the books in this universe but if I do I'll give it a rest for a while. Respect to the author for the sheer volume of words written in such a short time, but also these books could do with some more polish.
Our main character Cas has a supportive network of her sisters and her friends. Her boyfriend might be a little overprotective but not in that toxic way that so many dudes are written. He's genuinely a good guy. The ideas the world is built on are really interesting- the dragon powers that can steal others' magic, find treasure, and give the Fire Soul the compulsion to hoard treasure. I was interested in the various creatures, factions, rules and magic. I liked the way peoples' magic has its own unique sound, smell and taste.
So from everything I can find, it looks like all 5 of these books were released at the same time? But the whole series reads as if it were a draft. Like the author was compulsed to get it all out on paper before the ideas dissolved or something. It's all bare-bones.
For example, although I did just praise the author for the close-knit family/friends/bf, there is absolutely no conflict between any of these characters. Everyone agrees on everything, with beer as the sole exception. Nobody has hobbies or interests, there are almost no physical descriptions, so all the ally characters are kind of a nebulous cheerleading void.
They even say the same things- all the sisters call the villain and his minions bastards, on a frequent basis, like it's the only insult they know. "Are you all right?" and "Yeah" are repeated endlessly.
On the subject of repetition, Cas shivers. I didnt count and I don't have the ebook so I can't do a search, but if she shivers in this series less than 50 times I'll be shocked. If she's not shivering, she's grinning. Everyone is grinning. And any other descriptor word will be used several times on the same page.
The prose is basic. The author barely described any of the places they were in and relied heavily on stereotypes/references. No LGBTQIA+ rep and almost zero BIPOC rep, as far as I could tell. We went all over the world, though?
Also, Aidan is SO big and strong. This is mentioned every time he does anything. And Cas is smaller than him by comparison, so small. Even when Aidan has shapeshifted into a mouse, we must know that he is a bigger mouse.
At one point someone casually mentions that centaurs play football on spiritual TV- that's so interesting! Tell me more about any of that! No? Ok.
I wanted to love this; the FireSoul treasure-hunting concept grabbed me instantly. I just wish the author had fleshed things out more. I might go on to the rest of the books in this universe but if I do I'll give it a rest for a while. Respect to the author for the sheer volume of words written in such a short time, but also these books could do with some more polish.
January 4, 2019
I listened to this series with Audible, and I think the narrator did a good job. She's a little one note, but she gave a solid performance. This boxset is all 5 books in the Huntress series, and I loved having the option to listen to all the books with one credit! It's a very long audio, but it was great to just jump right into the next book. There was a bit too much repetition at times, but each book was a fun, enjoyable read. Each book is from Cass' POV, and has a storyline the goes throughout the whole series, but each book has its own secondary storyline. Lots of action and adventure, which I love! Plus, tons of magic use and a sweet romance. The writing is a little basic, but I love the uniqueness. I reviewed each book individually on Amazon, and they all got 4 stars. With each book, Cass grows and matures. She's a tough cookie, and all her magic skills are awesome. Fun series! Definitely worth 1 credit! It looks like Cass' sisters also have a 5 book series, so I'll definitely listen to those! It'll be great to see the story evolve for each of them, and see what everyone is up to. I'm definitely looking forward to Del's books because they deal with the Underworld, which is always fun to read about!
October 17, 2023
Ancient Magic is the first book in this boxed set. I initially read Ancient Magic back in October 2016. I fell in love with Linsey Hall's Dragon's Gift series immediately. The rest of the series soon followed and before I knew it a few years had passed and I'd read all of the Dragon's Gift series. This boxed set focuses on Cass, AKA the Huntress. It contains the first 5 books of the series.
I was surprised at all I had forgotten and also things I misremembered. It was a joy to re-read these books. I don't remember now if all of these were available to read at the time I began the series or if I had to wait for some of them. Back then Linsey Hall released books at an incredible rate of 1 about every 5 weeks. I had forgotten about the ending of this book when I read the first of Del's books so I didn't immediately know why she was where she was. In case you haven't read these yet, I won't spoil it.
I will say I loved this series and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series again - at least the next 10 books. Fortunately, I have the boxed sets for Del and Nix's books.
I was surprised at all I had forgotten and also things I misremembered. It was a joy to re-read these books. I don't remember now if all of these were available to read at the time I began the series or if I had to wait for some of them. Back then Linsey Hall released books at an incredible rate of 1 about every 5 weeks. I had forgotten about the ending of this book when I read the first of Del's books so I didn't immediately know why she was where she was. In case you haven't read these yet, I won't spoil it.
I will say I loved this series and I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series again - at least the next 10 books. Fortunately, I have the boxed sets for Del and Nix's books.
May 5, 2019
Ok, so I accidentally started with the last couple of books in this world series. (Dragon's Gift: The Sorceress) - I was totally bummed that there were only 2 books out. And THEN I saw that there are SEVEN other small series' in this world for me to get lost in while I wait for the next one. I am so happy I stumbled across Linsey Hall! And I am very thankful she offers her books on KU!
The world building is good, the dialog is great, and the characters are interesting and believable. No being overly dramatic or overcompensating for the crazy stuff that happened in their past - and I have to say - there was some CRAZY stuff that they lived through. The main characters are well balanced and the supporting cast is cool. Some of the supporting cast in these first books get their own books later on (i.e. the book I mentioned above).
Looking forward to digging in to the rest of the books!
The world building is good, the dialog is great, and the characters are interesting and believable. No being overly dramatic or overcompensating for the crazy stuff that happened in their past - and I have to say - there was some CRAZY stuff that they lived through. The main characters are well balanced and the supporting cast is cool. Some of the supporting cast in these first books get their own books later on (i.e. the book I mentioned above).
Looking forward to digging in to the rest of the books!
Currently reading
July 14, 2018
January 11, 2018
I wanted to like these books a lot. I would say about 80% of the plot and characters really pulled me in and made me want more but the portions where the heroine would 'swoon' over the male lead was just too much, too often. This woman has raised herself despite very difficult odds, her and her sisters have kicked ass and taken names. I don't care how hot the guy is such woman would not react that way and to that degree. If it wasn't for that instead of a 'good' series it would have been 'great'.
June 4, 2020
I liked this series, the story and characters were well done, especially the male main character. He was supportive, smart, and treated the female main character with respect. So often the male MCs can be jerks before they get 'turned around by love'! I would have been annoyed at the cliff hanger endings of each book, however, if I hadn't got this whole series. Even at that, there is at least one more book in this series (which I'll get) but at least the main issue was resolved by the end of book 5. I do recommend this series, especially if you get the boxed set.
January 10, 2018
Meh
The lead characters were good, three dimensional beings, the world the author built was fun, but the relationships were two dimensional and the conflict rife with dues ex machina. The side characters were also two dimensional and all gushy about supporting the hero without any meaningful conflict over their own emotions. I wanted to love this series, as I liked the characters as I liked the setting and the world, but I found myself skimming it so I could get to the end.
The lead characters were good, three dimensional beings, the world the author built was fun, but the relationships were two dimensional and the conflict rife with dues ex machina. The side characters were also two dimensional and all gushy about supporting the hero without any meaningful conflict over their own emotions. I wanted to love this series, as I liked the characters as I liked the setting and the world, but I found myself skimming it so I could get to the end.
November 8, 2019
A New AuThor to Follow
This is such a great series and I love that she started another series with the girls. Cass was a major one in this series and the next series is about Del. This Dragon gift series is full of adventure, magic, fighting, good vs evil and a little romance. It kept me highly entertained that I neglected my housework😂. Thank you Lindsey Hall for making these books so entertaining.
This is such a great series and I love that she started another series with the girls. Cass was a major one in this series and the next series is about Del. This Dragon gift series is full of adventure, magic, fighting, good vs evil and a little romance. It kept me highly entertained that I neglected my housework😂. Thank you Lindsey Hall for making these books so entertaining.
January 4, 2018
Loved!
Wow, a fantasy world that accommodates the 'real' world and how humans don't know about the supernaturals. Love the real archeological references. Cass really goes through the ringer in each of the stories, but remains surrounded by her friends and 'sisters' the whole way. Can't wait to delve into Del's story next.
Wow, a fantasy world that accommodates the 'real' world and how humans don't know about the supernaturals. Love the real archeological references. Cass really goes through the ringer in each of the stories, but remains surrounded by her friends and 'sisters' the whole way. Can't wait to delve into Del's story next.
July 19, 2018
Great Series! This was my first Linsey Hall's books! This Series is well written, fast paced and entertaining! This is a huge Box Set and it's absolutely worth a credit. The narration was perfect and easy to listen. Laurel Schroeder has a so beautiful voice, perfect for this magical Series. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
September 4, 2019
Five Stars Without a Doubt
Loved every minute! The action, the romance, the loyalty of friends, the sudden desire for a PBR! Cass's dry sense of humor. The moment when you could almost see her hitting herself in the forehead and saying "dddaaaahhhh!" Watching her staying true to herself no matter how her magic pulled. Great piece of work! Thank you Me Hall.
Loved every minute! The action, the romance, the loyalty of friends, the sudden desire for a PBR! Cass's dry sense of humor. The moment when you could almost see her hitting herself in the forehead and saying "dddaaaahhhh!" Watching her staying true to herself no matter how her magic pulled. Great piece of work! Thank you Me Hall.
September 19, 2019
This series is an amazing, thrilling, and intense read. Cass, Nix and Del are FireSouls, who are feared by all Magica and shifters alike. Talk about a rollercoaster ride! WOW. It’s a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end. Absolutely loved this series – so very well written and executed. Really loved the depth the author went into with the characters and the world they live in. Very interesting and unexpected ending. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2020
I read all 5 books in 2 days. It's a wonderful story. Lindsey Hall is an awesome writer. I experienced her writing genius with the series about the 3 girls. This ons is about one of the girls and is just as filled with adventure (a lot of demons), friendship and romance.
I won't be specific because of spoilers, you know. But even if you've never read any of her books, this series about the Huntress is a good stand alone story. The 5 books are in a package and this makes it a lot easier to read than searching out each individual book and it's a lot cheaper too.
I won't be specific because of spoilers, you know. But even if you've never read any of her books, this series about the Huntress is a good stand alone story. The 5 books are in a package and this makes it a lot easier to read than searching out each individual book and it's a lot cheaper too.
July 30, 2017
Unclear from the beginning. Throwing new words at the reader without explaining what they are. Maybe I missed a prequel that could explain? If it is the case please let me know because I was very disappointed. Seems like a very good universe...
October 5, 2017
Definitely deserves 5 stars
I love her style of writing! It's absolutely captivating. Excellent dialogue, character development, well thought out plot that progresses nicely through the books. What more can a fantasy book lover ask for?
Can't wait to read the other series!
I love her style of writing! It's absolutely captivating. Excellent dialogue, character development, well thought out plot that progresses nicely through the books. What more can a fantasy book lover ask for?
Can't wait to read the other series!
December 25, 2017
Awesome
It was really useful to have all the books in one place instead of having to buy all of them. I really enjoyed the series and I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.
It was really useful to have all the books in one place instead of having to buy all of them. I really enjoyed the series and I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.
February 18, 2018
Absolutely love this series.
Characters are so well written that you feel like you are on the adventures right along with the Girls!!! The Dragon's Souls they share is phenomenal!!! Reading the whole set!!!
Characters are so well written that you feel like you are on the adventures right along with the Girls!!! The Dragon's Souls they share is phenomenal!!! Reading the whole set!!!
March 14, 2018
I can’t say enough about Cass. She’s fiercely protective and a badass to boot! Her ability to fight on after having a rough start is pretty cool. This is the second Linsey Hall series I’ve read and I’m excited to read more! Enjoy Cass and her deirfuir!
May 2, 2018
Some if the best books I've read in a long time. Had a hard time putting them down.
Great books. Can't wait to start the next ones. I will most definitely tell all my book reading friends about them.
Great books. Can't wait to start the next ones. I will most definitely tell all my book reading friends about them.
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