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My name is Thomas Wright. I’ve been on the run from the Council of Mages for as long as I can remember. You’d have to ask the Council why, because I have a long memory and don’t know what I or my parents did wrong. 

I had everything figured out at one point. Then, I broke one of my own rules.  I had drinks and there was this woman – my main rule is no women, connections and entanglements – it makes for a lonely existence. Now I’m running for my life from the world’s foremost assassin.  He is thought to be immortal, which would make killing him a little tougher than I’d hoped.

My nomadic existence has led me to my becoming a prepper. A mage prepper. I can inscribe runes into ordinary objects to give them extraordinary power. I can also see up to five seconds into the future, which comes in handy when you challenge a young rogue alpha werewolf.

That scrape was worth it. Not only was I granted my own accorded pack territory, but rescuing that fairy from the Alpha earned me one of my closest friends. When she’s not spewing pop culture references, there are glitter bombs and snark. Another close friend is the Sheriff, and just thinking about her has me wanting to break my own rules.  

Topping my “to do” list, though, are divining the future to stay alive and solving my parents’ murder. Maybe some payback, though the chips are stacked against me.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2017

117 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Boyd Craven

57 books173 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
142 (56%)
4 stars
86 (34%)
3 stars
15 (6%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,463 reviews26 followers
December 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this one, but I'm going a little nuts with all the unanswered questions. Tom's story was interesting and the characters were charming and unique, but even at the end of this you never really know which characters can be trusted. The final battle scene moved a bit too quickly for me and I didn't like that he was knocked out for what seems to be the most interesting parts which means the reader misses it since this is in a first person pov. Otherwise I loved the book and look forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Robin.
154 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2020
This was an Kindle Unlimited find--the best thing about KU is making it easier to take a chance on new authors and I'm glad I did in this case. I don't usually do positive reviews since there are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews whether a story merits it or not. But I make exceptions when there's something particular that stands out for me in a story.

This is not the typical paranormal/sci-fi story but in a good way. There are a few WTF plot holes and it could use a proof read (which is why I knocked off a star), but overall the writing is solid. What stood out for me is the main character and the world building--a male protagonist was a refreshing change. He's a well-rounded character with unusual talents and skills but limited in a way that keeps the story interesting. There really aren't any noticeable tropes used, the supernatural elements don't fall back on cliches but they're within the norm (the werewolves are werewolves but the characters aren't one-dimensional; the fairy is just a trip but still a fae; etc). The pacing of the plot was pretty decent--every time I had to stop reading for real life interruptions, I kept checking the time and trying to finish 'one more chapter.' The way runes are used are unique; I've seen Rune magic used as a device in other paranormal fiction but this carved its own path. By the time I finished this story, I had enjoyed the trip well enough to jump right in to book 2 and was up way too late immersed in the story.
22 reviews
July 17, 2019
Great start to hopefully a long series

I really really enjoyed this book. Sadly, I passed it over a few times. However, I’m really glad I decided to give it a shot. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. It has magic and werewolves and fairies and guns and a little love story. I really hope this turns into a series. I’ve already purchased book two and I hope it doesn’t end there! Give it a shot if you like Dresdin files or professor croft. This book sits nicely with those stories.
102 reviews
May 27, 2019
I love this book!

The author has created the best combo of prepping and magic a girl could ask for. I’m in love with urban fantasy all over again. The characters are vivid and appear fully formed in my head. The adventure is fun and fast-paced, but with lots of picture-drawing details. This is Dresden files meets prepper fiction, and I’m so ready for book 2. Please keep,this series going for as long as the characters allow!
Profile Image for Curtis.
776 reviews20 followers
November 27, 2017
Good Characters

Good characters, action, and editing make this story a spiffy little gem. The plot is good, but the characters are what really sell it. There are too many unknowns and presumptions in place, but it’s also book #1, so I’m hopeful the next book can flesh things out more, and at a slower pace. A nice read. Recommended.
339 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2017
Good

Plenty of twists and turns good characters dialogue a few laughs and overall certainly an above average start to hopefully a wonderful new series. I would rate this as up there with the best of the genre, certainly better than most of what you normally come across.
44 reviews
September 4, 2017
Wow. Great writing and keeps you guessing

Couldn't put it down. Great style of writing where the reading just flows. Can't wait for the next installment. Please don't leave us waiting too long
Profile Image for Bobby Dees.
21 reviews
September 5, 2017
Boyd Craven has made me return to the magic books that I read years ago. This book was so fun to read. Had me laughing in so many places. Full of action, betrayal and sarcasm. I really hope we will get more books with these wonderful characters.
12 reviews
October 9, 2017
Very clever

An 88 yro paranoid seer on the run, for good reason, picks up a couple of packs by challenging Alphas and a fairy sidekick with a honey addiction on his quest to find his parents killers and why he's been hunted. Great story and characters. Can't wait for next one.
114 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2017
Excellent

I can't wait to read more of the series. This story has a lot of twists and turns,
keeping you on your toes. The characters are well thought out and interesting. I am delighted to find a new author to follow through what I hope is a long series!!
Profile Image for Ghostwatcher11.
17 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2018
Gramma needs working on

Only problem I had was the gramma it needs to be looked at. There isn't much to ruin your reading. I loved the characters and the development of them. This story had me finishing it in a day because I couldn't put it down. This is an awesome read.
257 reviews
August 17, 2025
Entertaining

Wasn't bad. MC feels pretty weak compared to all the side characters. Plot devices and dues ex save the day every time which is frustrating. Don't understand the "she fried to kill me twice but were still friends.
Profile Image for Kelly.
157 reviews
August 28, 2017
Gritty and Humorous

Recommended Read. I look forward to the next installments. I think a series no less than ten is in the future.
Profile Image for Donna Shields.
12 reviews
September 2, 2017
Boyd Craven does it again!

A total departure from Distopian fiction and not a genre that ever interested me much but I REALLY enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Debbie.
22 reviews
September 6, 2017
I really liked this book. I can't wait for the next one. Good job!
79 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2017
Good read

I liked the characters and plot. Good magic and fight scenes. Will read next book. Great job and fun to read.

Profile Image for Sheila L.
77 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2017
Loved it, disappointed I couldnt find the second book. I hate having to wait for a series. absolutely hate it. but, looks like i will have to wait anyway *grumble**grumble*
548 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2018
Great Read

I wasn't sure I would like this book, but was pleasantly surprised by the great action, creativity and characters.
Definitely worth buying.
69 reviews
July 30, 2018
Very entertaining!

I love to read books with a new twist on magic! I can’t wait to get my hands on more of the series!
Profile Image for Vickii Bendit.
214 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2018
Fun book

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book. Craven has fabricated a tale full of humor and imagination. A great story to while away the day with.
3 reviews
January 1, 2018
I liked it for the most part but for being as old as he is suppose to be he is not very smart and kind of an jerk.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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