Deep Magic

The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #10

by Christine Pope

His magic is older than time. But can it save her life?

Hayley McAllister thought she was safe, tucked away in tiny, unassuming Payson, Arizona. Her parents disagree and send her to stay in Jerome, where they hope their witch clan’s elders will be able to shield Hayley and her unusual gift from Joaquin Escobar, the dark user of magic who has taken over the Santiago clan in California.

As Hayley settles into her brother Brandon’s apartment in Jerome, she encounters temptation personified — the hunk next door. An insanely handsome Greek god of a warlock.

From the moment Levi meets Hayley, her serene blue eyes and quick smile weave a spell that has nothing to do with her magical talent — an ability to amplify any witch or warlock’s power with just a touch. Their attraction needs no amplification, but Levi’s high-octane, not-of-this-world powers are tested when Escobar’s demons attack.

The McAllister clan is strong, but it’s clear that even with Hayley’s signal boost, their wards may not keep Joaquin Escobar from opening a demonic portal to pluck her from their very midst. Unless Levi takes one last-ditch chance that would save Hayley’s life...but might cost his own.

Genres: Fiction, Paranormal

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2017

About the author

A native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.

While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.

After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.

Reviews

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so pleased that Christine Pope's "Deep Magic" has Levi McAllister having his own story. Levi is the otherworldly being that Zoe Sandoval created from the void to be her future consort. I always wondered whatever happened to him. Well, the McAllister Clan took him under their wings and adopted him as part of their family. And then from beneath of it all there is the love story, where true love always wins no matter who or where you are. But most importantly new characters being introduced like Hayley and Brandon McAllister makes the entire plot even more attention grabbing. The twists and turns were exceptional with very descriptive settings. But I'm left wondering what the future will bring for Levi McAllister and Hayley McAllister. Will true love prevail future challenges for them both? Only Christine knows and hopefully she will bring these two lovebirds back again and satisfy my curious mind. I love of all of the books in this series, including this latest one, which is a must read and does not disappoint. However, you must start at the very beginning of the series to fully understand and enjoy the entire concept of the series and learn how Christine keeps it all fresh and new with each book...Great job Christine !!!

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay!!!! Levi finally gets his HEA. After being pulled from another dimension when Zoe was trying to create her perfect mate, Levi finally stepped aside when it was clear he was not her mate. He has been adopted into the McAllister Clan and is quickly adapting to life on Earth.

Hayley's parents are hovering over her every move with all the shenanigans afoot. She is sent off to live with her brother, Brandon and soon meets his next door neighbour, Levi. Levi is taken with Hayley and they soon begin taking in the sights. But will Hayley still be so accepting of Levi when she realises that he is not from Earth? Will his multi-faceted skill set make him a target, especially with Hayley's talent amplifying his own, or will she become a target herself?

I loved reading about this clan, which just grows and grows! Brandon's talent is so practical! Levi could become quite omnipotent if he so desired but he is level headed and quite self effacing. Hayley was a great character. Not everyone would use her talent benevolently, so she is wise to keep it under wraps.

Awaiting the next in the series with bated breath!

[KATHY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep Magic (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill - Book 13)

This story lets us meet Hayley McAllister, a young witch, who her parents want to keep safe, from the evils of the Santiago Clan in California. So she is shipped to Jerome, where brother Brandon lives, so he can help keep her safe. Now Hayley's magical gift doesn't seem like much, as it will only strengthen some other witch or warlocks power.
Levi McAllister lives now in Jerome too, in the same building as Brandon. Levi may look human, but he is not of this world. Anyway, so no surprise that Hayley and Levi hook up and soon become more then just neighbors.
Their peaceful lives are soon disrupted by evil creatures called from another plane of existence by the new escaped prisoner, Matias Escobar.
The story does move slowly, but there is a lot of scary action later in the book. The McAllister, Wilcox and de la Paz wizarding families are being attacked, most especially the McAllister's and it is up to Hayley and Levi to try and stop both human and demons alike.

Another enjoyable addition to the series.

Kathy Barber Doyle - 3/6/2019

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 13th installment of the Witches of Cleopatra Hill, I feel that the author has returned to her masterful story telling. In some of the more recent additions to the series, I wasn't as excited about the storyline or as invested in the characters. But this book breaks the trend. I was glad to see Levi get his own story, and to learn more about him. Since he is not really human, or warlock for that matter, we didn't really get to know much about him. I didn't think the character of Hayley was as developed as it could be, but she was likable. And I found the tension and peril of the storyline propelling me along quickly. I did think that in one scene the two put themselves in danger needlessly, but it was a minor point. I enjoyed catching up with Connor and Angela, also. As usual, Christine Pope delivers on a great story, expertly written and free of any error. Overall, a very good read.

[Ik · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the unrealistic romances in these books, they make for decent and quick summer reads. Levi is great and Hayley is nice too. I don't like the new demon angle or the ongoing Escobar feud. Also, the world views portrayed in the books disturb me. In this one, there's a comversation where they state that a young woman is better equipped to handle rape and mind control than a younger girl from previous books, since the woman had this happen to her before and because she's older. I'm sorry if you think the world works that way, but it should've been edited out of the books or not put in in the first place.

[Raewynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the Witches of Cleopatra Hill books and this one, Deep Magic, is no exception.

There is something satisfying about reading a long series like this. You get to know the characters and their extended family and friends, or enemies.

Christine Pope is a master of twisting all of these threads into an exciting and captivating story and leaving you wondering.....what is next??

Well done again Christine.

[Ms Joanne Alderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Another gripping story in this series. I really love how characters reappear when you least expect it. I'm now waiting with baited breath for the next one.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow enjoyed this one looking forward to the next

[Linda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!