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Relic Guardians #0.5
Devious Magic
My day should have been over, but I couldn’t resist this job, even if recovering a haunted mask and babysitting a foolish professor seemed a bit beneath me at the time. Not to mention, having to deal with the unsuspecting staff at the British Archaeological Museum.
Imagine my surprise when I was confronted by a demonic entity, hell bent on talking my ears off, as well as causing mayhem in London. I’m not sure whose fate is worse: the possessed professor’s, or mine! This is more like a good day at the office.
Now, I’m in a race against time to free the professor from the spirit inside the mask – all whilst maintaining the Magical Order of Secrecy and making sure the clueless Ordinaries who keep getting in the way don’t stumble upon the magical underworld.
Easy. Right?
The mask has other ideas...
Imagine my surprise when I was confronted by a demonic entity, hell bent on talking my ears off, as well as causing mayhem in London. I’m not sure whose fate is worse: the possessed professor’s, or mine! This is more like a good day at the office.
Now, I’m in a race against time to free the professor from the spirit inside the mask – all whilst maintaining the Magical Order of Secrecy and making sure the clueless Ordinaries who keep getting in the way don’t stumble upon the magical underworld.
Easy. Right?
The mask has other ideas...
Unknown Binding
First published August 30, 2017
59 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cowley
60 books202 followers✒️ Romantic Fantasy with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and endearing found families to sweep you away... ✨️
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 14, 2017
What a well written, intense short story prequel. Meg Cowley certainly knows her business, filling those pages to overflowing with action. This is the first I've read of her series and I most definitely will be reading the rest. Zoe Stark is the kind of strong female lead that keeps this reader entranced. The small (short) size lends it to a lunchtime read, or if you're smarter than me you'll have the next book ready to go. A fabulous short journey, thanks Ms Cowley!
June 17, 2019
An excellent portrayal of what is to come in the following series of stories. I have read all but the last book and can say that this is but a brief glimpse into the life of Zoe and her magic abilities. Although this story could be a stand alone novelette, it is very entertaining. A fast read that can be digested during a lunch break or waiting in a doctors office. It will bring a smile on your face that may have those around you wondering what in the heck you were smiling about. ;-))
September 22, 2017
A haunted mask threatens the people in a museum. It is up to Zoe, witch and relic hunter to stop the entity from escaping and causing even more havoc.
This is a short but fun introduction of the characters in the series. It very much fits into the category of magical artifact hunting stories. Fans of Tomb Raider (Lara Croft), Indiana Jones, the Librarians, or Warehouse 13 should enjoy this story.
This is a short but fun introduction of the characters in the series. It very much fits into the category of magical artifact hunting stories. Fans of Tomb Raider (Lara Croft), Indiana Jones, the Librarians, or Warehouse 13 should enjoy this story.
December 17, 2017
Devious Magic was so short that I hadn't expected much from it. I finished reading it in less than 20 minutes, it was that short!
But contrary to my expectations, Devious Magic was almost every bit as enjoyable as a full length novel!
Zoe was a sassy, cool character and the magic scenes were well written, easy to understand and fun to read.
The ending was just perfect too.
Overall, it was a small, complete package and I loved it!
But contrary to my expectations, Devious Magic was almost every bit as enjoyable as a full length novel!
Zoe was a sassy, cool character and the magic scenes were well written, easy to understand and fun to read.
The ending was just perfect too.
Overall, it was a small, complete package and I loved it!
September 6, 2017
I enjoyed this short prequel story. It shows the two girls, Zoe and Hayley, meeting and their short interactions with each other and other people. This story may have been short but enjoyable all the same.
September 12, 2017
A really good prequel. I love the Zoe character and her budding friendship with Hayley. They are both dedicated archeologist and with magic thrown in, they will have to figure out how to deal with the Mask.
September 16, 2017
A magical start to a series of great reads. If you read Devious Magic it gives you a taste of a series of books you will not want to miss. A kick ass team who find missing artefacts and stop them causing mischief .A team who use magic to save the world.
September 9, 2017
A great wee story, with Zoe again fighting a magic spirit. This time tied to a African mask, which tries to take over someone else's life. Can't wait for the next one.
January 30, 2019
This is an enticing introduction to a new series.
The characters are well-drawn and definite .
My only regret is that it was too short; that
being said, however, it is an excellent job of
story-telling.
Well done !!
Phyllis S.
The characters are well-drawn and definite .
My only regret is that it was too short; that
being said, however, it is an excellent job of
story-telling.
Well done !!
Phyllis S.
February 4, 2018
This was a fun story. It reminded me a bit of the Librarian movie series or maybe a bit of Warehouse 13 and promises to be an entertaining book series. As an introduction to Zoe and Hayley, I will add that we barely meet Hayley. Zoe, however, is a delight. This was very quick paced with too little backstory on the historicity/mythology of the artifact. I hope her full-length books will provide that sort of information in addition to the engaging adventure. Overall, I found this quite enjoyable and look forward to reading additional books by the authors.
I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
I received a free copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
November 21, 2017
Devious Magic is a wonderful short story that made me want more! The heroine, Zoe Stark, reminds me of Lara Croft so much, and I am a huge Tomb Raider fan. Plus, she is a witch so add some magic and you have awesomeness.
Also, the writing was very engaging. I couldn’t stop reading, and it was over too soon. Based off of this story, I am so excited to start the series!
Also, the writing was very engaging. I couldn’t stop reading, and it was over too soon. Based off of this story, I am so excited to start the series!
January 13, 2018
Meg Cowley's writing style enthralls me and has me hooked early in her books. Devious Magic kept me turning the pages and wanting more. If you have not read Meg Cowley, you need to add her to your TBR. Devious Magic is The Librarian's meets Indiana Jones. A fun spirited tale.
October 1, 2018
When a newly acquired mask at a museum is feared to hold some magic that could impact ordinary people, containing the magic becomes a priority in Devious Magic by Victoria DeLuis and Meg Cowley.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
After a long day of work at the museum, Zoe Stark is called upon to recover a newly acquired mask that may be magical. When meeting with the professor who called for Zoe, she notices that something isn't right - namely that he's been possessed by a demonic entity that previously resided in the mask. Working quickly to bind the mask and free the professor, Zoe must also be mindful to keep the museum filled with people oblivious about the magic that surrounds them.
Rapidly paced and filled with plenty of action, the story is a quick and entertaining read that bases a world of magic in a familiar setting of London. The world presented is intriguing and is likely better developed and explored within the series; however, in this short story, it felt that too much of the focus was purely on the event of securing the mask, leaving the remainder of the world and the characters in underdeveloped.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
After a long day of work at the museum, Zoe Stark is called upon to recover a newly acquired mask that may be magical. When meeting with the professor who called for Zoe, she notices that something isn't right - namely that he's been possessed by a demonic entity that previously resided in the mask. Working quickly to bind the mask and free the professor, Zoe must also be mindful to keep the museum filled with people oblivious about the magic that surrounds them.
Rapidly paced and filled with plenty of action, the story is a quick and entertaining read that bases a world of magic in a familiar setting of London. The world presented is intriguing and is likely better developed and explored within the series; however, in this short story, it felt that too much of the focus was purely on the event of securing the mask, leaving the remainder of the world and the characters in underdeveloped.
July 22, 2018
A quick peek at a young lady that seems to be Lara Croft with the magic skills of Hermione Granger. A fun read.
Good enough that I will seek out the first book.
Read it!
Good enough that I will seek out the first book.
Read it!
January 5, 2020
You will fall in live with these characters and wish your friends were more like them! Constantly in trouble requiring magical saves, saving each other, and giving each other advice, ego boosts, and and good natured teasing. These are hard to put down once you start reading.
April 12, 2018
Nice quick half hour read. Everybody loves a bit of magic, but when it takes you over unaware that's so unfair.
Thnx for gifting me this to read, just about to read the next freebie
Thnx for gifting me this to read, just about to read the next freebie
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars
January 25, 2018
I enjoyed this short prequel story and look forward to reading more.
This is the first story by Meg Cowley I have read.
This is the first story by Meg Cowley I have read.
June 16, 2018
A fun read, full of magic and mayhem and ancient relics and dead spirits and of course the young kick-ass heroine of the story Zoe Stark. She goes to see a mask discovered in Ethiopia thinking she would be just boringly babysitting the Professor who found it when in fact she is confronted by the spirit of the mask who had taken possession of the Professor's body. Releasing the professor is a job which only Zoe the witch and magical relic hunter can perform. This is a short novel for all who enjoy urban fantasy novels imbued with magic and witches and who love a strong female heroine! Enjoy.
February 22, 2019
A (very) short story that shows the main character in action. She is magic and kicks ass. The other MC is mentioned, but I don't know anything about her. The villain is handled very easily, but there is some world building (though ley lines get mentioned over and over again) and the series seems like a fun Urban Fantasy. Does this make me want to pay for it? Probably not.
February 15, 2021
A short story.
Zoe is sent to take possession of a death mask - which might contain a long dead spirit.
A few typos but a fun book.
Zoe is sent to take possession of a death mask - which might contain a long dead spirit.
A few typos but a fun book.
Read
September 8, 2021Good read. Fast paced and an interesting read.
June 14, 2024
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
So, what did I like about it?
I really liked the synopsis for this book and although the co-author of Devious Magic, Meg Cowley, is a new-to-me author, I am already a fan of the Rune Witch Mysteries series written by Victoria DeLuis so I was looking forward to reading what they would create together. Devious Magic exceeded my expectations!
I enjoyed the writing style; the story was easy to read, I liked the pace as well as the way the plot developed and I thought the magic and action scenes were well written and easy to understand.
We had a small cast of human characters in this story – Zoe Stark, Professor Samuel Fabian and Hayley Bevan - but I was impressed with how quickly they became real in my mind; the prose used to describe the scenes and characters’ personalities cemented them in my imagination. I loved our heroine, Zoe Stark; this story proved she's intelligent, resourceful, has a witty side and can fight both physically and magically - exactly what I look for in a leading lady.
I am impressed with Victoria DeLuis and Meg Cowley’s ability to spin their tale, completely engrossing me in their world in so few pages; I enjoyed this fun story, it made me chuckle, kept me guessing, eager to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I loved everything about this book; the story itself, the fact that we also got a sample of Ancient MagicAncient Magic and, of course, that Devious Magic was free – how can you grumble at that!
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I loved this book; what a fantastic short story to kick off a new urban fantasy series! It's got everything that I look for in a 5 star story; action, mystery, an exciting story-line and humour. I have already added the next book Ancient Magic to my Amazon wish list!
There is no swearing, romance/sex or graphic violence in this book; I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy tales and are fans of The Librarian or Indiana Jones franchises.
Devious Magic is a free story given by Ms DeLuis for signing up to her newsletters but it’s also included as a free story when you buy any book in the Relic Guardians series.
So, what did I like about it?
I really liked the synopsis for this book and although the co-author of Devious Magic, Meg Cowley, is a new-to-me author, I am already a fan of the Rune Witch Mysteries series written by Victoria DeLuis so I was looking forward to reading what they would create together. Devious Magic exceeded my expectations!
I enjoyed the writing style; the story was easy to read, I liked the pace as well as the way the plot developed and I thought the magic and action scenes were well written and easy to understand.
We had a small cast of human characters in this story – Zoe Stark, Professor Samuel Fabian and Hayley Bevan - but I was impressed with how quickly they became real in my mind; the prose used to describe the scenes and characters’ personalities cemented them in my imagination. I loved our heroine, Zoe Stark; this story proved she's intelligent, resourceful, has a witty side and can fight both physically and magically - exactly what I look for in a leading lady.
I am impressed with Victoria DeLuis and Meg Cowley’s ability to spin their tale, completely engrossing me in their world in so few pages; I enjoyed this fun story, it made me chuckle, kept me guessing, eager to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I loved everything about this book; the story itself, the fact that we also got a sample of Ancient MagicAncient Magic and, of course, that Devious Magic was free – how can you grumble at that!
So, basically what I’m saying is...
I loved this book; what a fantastic short story to kick off a new urban fantasy series! It's got everything that I look for in a 5 star story; action, mystery, an exciting story-line and humour. I have already added the next book Ancient Magic to my Amazon wish list!
There is no swearing, romance/sex or graphic violence in this book; I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy tales and are fans of The Librarian or Indiana Jones franchises.
Devious Magic is a free story given by Ms DeLuis for signing up to her newsletters but it’s also included as a free story when you buy any book in the Relic Guardians series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews