Hazard

West Hell Magic #1

by Devon Monk

Random Hazard has a stupid name and a terrible he’s a wizard.

Wizards aren’t allowed to play in the NHL, but Random Hazard will do anything for a chance to play pro hockey. When his teammate is about to get brained by a puck going fast enough to kill, Random has no choice but to use magic.
Yes, he saved the guy’s life, but he destroyed his own.
Kicked out of the NHL, the only thing left for him is West Hell, a freak league of shifters and drifters more blood sport than hockey.
Being the first wizard in a league full of monsters might get him killed. Or it just might finally prove that magic and hockey do mix...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Sports, Romance, Shapeshifters

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2018

About the author

Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.

Reviews

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining book about an alternate universe where wizards and shape-shifters live among humans, for the most part amicably. Of course, there are places that are human-only, because the paranormals have some real physical advantages, and one of those is in the top tier of professional sports, including hockey. Random Hazard has dreamed of the NHL since he was small, and he's only used his magic twice in his life, always fighting off the urges and conveniences it would offer, in order to be human and play in the human league. But a moment of choice, between outing himself as a wizard or letting a teammate be badly injured or killed, shows Hazard's true nature.

He's out, and sent to the league where the supernatural "freaks" still mix play and threat and fighting at a whole different level. For Hazard, it's the end of a lifelong dream. But his almost-brother, a wolf-shifter, is there, and some of his new team are good guys, and maybe he can make a new life out of it.

I really enjoyed the characters, the friendships, and the world-building. Hazard is straight, and there's a light touch of female romance interest, but it is more about his friendships with his teammates and rebuilding his life (and some external threats) than about romance. I'm really looking forward to another book in this series.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCITING fresh new read from one of my favorite urban fantasy authors, Devon Monk. It's easily can be simply a new-adult hockey contemporary fiction -- it has exhilarating hockey competitions, intense team rivalries, villain in form of a jackass of coach from the team nemesis, AWESOME FRIENDSHIP between the main characters, and a blossoming romance.

BUT Monk adds a new flavor to it by making this URBAN FANTASY, so we have wizards and shapeshifters too. Of course I read hockey paranormal/romance before, but this is not heavy on the romance, which is totally fine with me :). Also, it's nice that for once, an urban fantasy series that has nothing to do with the world ending.

I cannot wait to see how Hazard takes more control of his magic and be comfortable with it. I cannot wait to read about what stores ahead for Spark -- Hazard's best friend and practically his brother. I am CURIOUS about Graves, wanting to know what kind of shifter he is, and whether he has personal intimate relationship with the Coach *cough cough*. And I want to read the Thunderbirds winning the championship, people!!

Nope, no complaint what-so-ever :). A PERFECT read for me.

[Ay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing.

Why did I keep reading?

The guy is an idiot. The plot is driven by him being an idiot. The book was worsened by it being all through the idiot’s point of view, so the world building was resultantly a slog to get across, and actually the world wasn’t really built much, which affected my engagement with the book. The narrator is stupid, ignorant, self absorbed, short sighted and oblivious to everything, including the world he lives in, and completely lacks common sense or any sort of judgement.

Suspect this author may not be for me. I loathe her book receipe.

[Annie ~ Queer Books Unbound · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO. AWESOME!

Need book 2 asap! :D

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

*

It would save him. Save him.

Hazard is a fast paced and action packed Sports novel with a really cool world-building and an amazing set of characters. The story starts with a bang and the pace holds steady throughout the story, even as it moves through twists and new obstacles. There is also a little bit of romance, but this is very much a book focused on the main character, Hazard, and his love for hockey.

Devon Monk creates an intriguing universe with this series. The combination of magic and hockey is really well done and compelling. The humor, when combined with the characters’ relationships, truly makes the story shine. A really nice and unique read.

First things first, since this really threw me off halfway into the book because I’m so used to queer hockey novels I just assumed Hazard would fall in love with one of his male teammates: the little romance that is sprinkled through the plot is heterosexual! No male hockey players smooching each other in this novel. And there is very little romance at all, since the story very much focuses on the sport and team dynamics. :D

I really really loved all of the characters. Monk does an incredible job with writing them all as complex and layered individuals. There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding more than one character, and I really enjoy how it’s all explored throughout the story. Hazard is also a good narrator, if a bit terrible at making choices at times, and the internal conflict he goes through as he develops as a character is really well written.

The magic aspect, especially regarding Hazard, is also really interesting! I wish we’d gotten a little bit more info on just how powerful Hazard is, though. Even so, the way it seamlessly threads together with hockey is such a delight. Monk really does make this a unique and creative setting for the characters, especially with the way Hazard’s magic manifests.

Overall, Hazard is an unique and pretty entertaining read. The humor and amazing characters are amazing to read about, especially when combined with a plot filled with action and twists. There is little romance, but a lot of familial and platonic relationships that fill the novel with great and touching scenes. Definitely recommended to anyone looking for unique Urban Fantasy stories!

*

Series: #1 in the West Hell Magic series.
Beings: Wizards and shifters!
POV: Told from Hazard’s POV.
Content Warnings: None.
Instalove: Yup, but it’s really not the focus of the story.
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: I’d say so!
Up Next: Spark.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good series about a world where those with supernatural abilities aren't allowed to play in the NHL, so they play in paranormal-onlyl league. The first two books are about two brothers, a wizard and a werewolf, who are getting their start in the league.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aimed at teenagers,I think. I did finish but found it boring, which I wasn't expecting as I usually like this author. Kids might like it which is why I gave it 3 stars not 2. Some good hooks but they aren't developed and no character growth.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series about a hockey league for 'Marked'.

Random Hazard has everything he ever wanted within his grasp as he is a rookie drafted into the NHL, until a potentially fatal accident forces him to reveal his magic in order to save a fellow rookie's life. Excluded from the NHL Ran is tricked into trying out for the Portland Thunderbirds, a hockey league for shifters, sensitives and other magical beings.

Imagine Harry Potter as a twenty-two year old hockey player, a magical novice with immense talent, an anomaly, fighting his magic and you have may some idea of how this plays out. It's part bildungsroman, part sports romance, part urban fantasy with great characters and a fascinating piece of world-building and exploration of magic use. This promises to be a great series.

[Arshad Ahsanuddin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

An interesting world, and intriguing internal personal conflict for the MC to overcome. Otherwise, the book felt incomplete. At least six or seven personal character and plot threads set up, with no resolution. The book quite obviously sets up several character-specific novels to come, with an overarching plot arc of confronting corruption and evolution of the West Hell League into a proper hockey league, rather than a freakshow, symbolizing the acceptance of the Marked as valued members of society.

However, the resolution of the book remains a character arc resolution only, with the plot threads given minimal focus. This is a weakness, even in a character-driven series, and makes the book feel like a prologue rather than a complete novel, pure hook, rather than hook and line.

In the end, however, I will follow the series further, as I'm interested in the various characters. If I were a more cynical reader, I might even think that was the author's intent from the beginning. ;)

[M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess there is not enough male-centered books in the world, right?
I mean boiz need to read about boiz to enjoy a novel, they're not able to relate to a female protagonist.

[Carol (bookish_notes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was SO good and I read this all in one sitting. Why did no one tell me this book is ALL hockey? I love a good sports book, and this adds another level to it all because it’s about a wizard who gets kicked out of the NHL and joins the paranormal hockey league. He’s the first wizard in the league and there are cat and dog shifters, as well as those known as “sensitives” or people who are more attuned to magic.

I wouldn’t say this was a sports romance, but there IS a romance element to it. This is m/f but I didn’t really care for the romance in this book? It’s more of a side story that felt like it got shoved in than what you’d expect from reading romance books.

The sports element was A++ and I loved that the MC, Random, lived and BREATHED the sport. His mother handed over guardianship of him when he was younger and he has lived with his best friend, Duncan, and his mom and dad ever since. I loved the brotherly friendship between Duncan and Random, and can’t wait to see more of them in the next book!

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting evolution of magic in human's

I loved that hockey was such a big part of this book, and Ran's life. I do have to wonder how Random had never had a problem with displaying his powers whilst dreaming or having a nightmare before this. There wasn't much explanation over what magic can do, I'd like for more insight on that point to better understand how out of normal Random's powers truly are.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars)

I enjoyed this a lot more than I'd expected, but I should've known -- if it's Devon Monk, I'm gonna like it. I'm looking forward to the sequel featuring Duncan, Hazard's best friend & brother.

[Reanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost want to give this book 4 stars, but I can't quite get there. It is, I think, my favorite book by this author that I've read so far.

I actually like the main character, Hazard. He seems, most of the time, pretty reasonable and level-headed. I find that I can really sympathize with and even relate to his struggles with being afraid that people won't like him if they find out who he really is and other such things that he goes through throughout the story.

My favorite thing about this book is the family aspect with Hazard's adoptive family. They're all wonderful, and those parts are always so incredibly heart-warming.

There is a love story aspect which does feel a bit tacked-on, but nothing about it annoyed me or put me off at all, so I was fine with it.

I like most of the side characters pretty well, though with most of them, we don't really find out much about them. Which is okay, since it seems like they'll be expanded on in future books.

I liked that the book focused more on Hazard's personal issues with hockey and magic and his relationships with the other people and with his team and his place in the league, and the actual antagonists weren't there a great deal. I never like it when they were there, so I was glad that was kept fairly minimal.

Which sort of brings me to the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4. When Hazard is getting threats (or worse), he acts in a way that doesn't really make sense. He doesn't tell anyone about it until he's forced to, even when other people are affected, and even then he doesn't tell everything. He meets a mystery person without telling anyone or bringing anyone with him or trying to record the conversation. Basically, there are all these threats to him and he kinda seems to think that they'll just blow over and there's no point telling anyone (like his coach or brother) about them. Which is ... just stupid. There's no real reason for that approach, and it rings a bit false, like it's just there to make sure the conflict goes on longer than it might if he actually just got other people on his side involved.

So, I had a problem with that aspect, but for the most part, I enjoyed this book. I bought it with the second, so I plan to read that as well. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the format of having each book in the series be about a different person, but I guess we'll see how it goes. From the author's website, it looks like the next books will be about Thorn (the goalie) and Clay (the coach). I expect there will be a fifth book about Graves, and that may end the series. (Because book 1 is about Hazard, a wizard, a.k.a. first marked. Book 2 is about Spark, a werewolf, a.k.a. second marked. Book 3 = Thorn = sensitive = third marked. Book 4 = Clay = werecat = fourth marked. Book 5 = fifth marked = someone who has magic but is affected by it in random/unique/miscellaneous ways = Graves obviously has magic but uses it in a way that doesn't fit into any other established class.)

ETA: Okay, the author actually confirmed Graves as the final book back in July in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcVS_...

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued when I heard of this book coming out, hockey and wizards. Sure wasn't anything I've seen before and I was looking forward to trying it. I was also a bit leery because this author is hit or miss for me. I've tried a couple of her series and they didn't work for me, tried others and liked them. Going into this one I really hoped it fell into the later category!

I only know the very basics of hockey, but like the sport, wish I knew more. This book is heavy hockey, it is almost it's own character, but even if you are a bit clueless like me it won't matter, you soon will find yourself cheering for Random and his team.

For me this book was about Random finding his place in the world after he looses his dream, playing in the NHL, for doing the right thing. It's great that Random had a fantastic support system with the Sparks. The three of them were right there for Random giving support and helping direct him to a new dream. Duncan and Random were like brothers, often teasing each other, but the minute someone goes after the other, they fight back. As Random struggled with his wizard skills Duncan was right there, letting Random know things were going to be alright.

The hockey team and it's players were fun. We start at try-outs and go through playing during the season. You can see them trying to gel as a team, of course them being "special" were an added bonus. Not only do they have to play hockey, they also have to manage their beast, to not shift when things get intense during the game. That doesn't always work, making a couple of games super intense when there were tigers, lions, jaguars and wolves on the ice. When you throw in a wizard, things go from crazy to insane. Then there is the trouble that Random learned about towards the end of the book. It makes the fights on the ice look like a disagreement between toddlers. One thing is for sure, this book and hopefully the series will be a wild ride!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devon Monk is one of the few authors that is on my get-now list. As soon as I hear she has a new one out, it's in the shopping cart or loaded on the Nook. There are a few that I have on the shelf that I am doling out slowly to savor so I haven't read everything she's written. Yet. Savoring.....
Anyway this is a fun, fairly mellow UF by a favorite author and I am looking forward to the next one. I hope it comes out soon. I don't even dig hockey, but it didn't stop my enjoyment of this book. It was the magic that drew me in. The way it's described. Magic is music and color. How it affects Random when he channels it even though he's been hiding his ability pretty much his whole life.
I liked the way he felt guilty for using magic, for hiding magic from his family, for feeling the way he did when he got knocked out of his dream and had to take a substitute. Watching him accept his life, protect his family and friends and teammates and learn how to use his magic.
Really looking forward to the next in the series. I hope it's out soon, Devon!!
Definite recommend for this book and author!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review from my own personal copy.

Devon Monk has been a favorite of mine for years and now that a new series popped up I just had to read it. Random Hazard is a wizard... only for years he has suppressed it so that he can play in the normal NHL. After saving someone from death with his magic, his dreams of playing in the NHL are crumbled. Left now with his only option to play with West Hell league, but he still comes out amazing.
What did I like? This was a fun read which all of this author's books are fun. Not to mention unique as hell. Random was a super fun character and his sidekick Duncan made me laugh with little effort. There's also a tiny bit of romance for Random with a cute girlfriend Genevieve. It also looks like we will be getting Duncan's book next.
Would I buy this book? Yep, done. Bought a paperback too. I have bought pretty much every book by this author. I'm not lucky enough to become an advanced reader...
Thoughts for the author? The ending was abrupt in this book, and I felt like I needed more which I'm guessing your giving with another book. Still your a fav author!!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Combining hockey and urban fantasy was genius. I loved the characters and it felt like someone who enjoys hockey wrote the book. My disappointment comes from it being too short. I wanted to get more time with the secondary characters to flesh them out more. I felt like that started with Hazard’s adoptive parents but didn’t really get there. I also felt like this was Hazard’s book but there was not enough of a fleshed out development. His birth parents didn’t try to find him when he became famous? How did his league required training go? I liked the trainers and wanted more. Themed cake too soon and felt like everything was just tied up with a bow because a certain page number was reached.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sports based stories are not usually my thing, but Hazard was pretty good. I liked the world that the author created and the story for all that there wasn't a complicated plot (join team, learn control, defeat enemy etc) was fairly fast paced. The beginning and ending were also very nicely balanced. To be honest, Random's keeping of secrets, for lack of a better way of putting it, was very irritating. He had a phenomenal support system which he only accessed when he absolutely had to. And this lack of confiding caused so many problems. I know he's young (but not really) and eventually he did get his head out of his ass, but some of his choices/actions were incredibly aggravating.

[Lady Lioness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than re-read something, I went digging into my electronic TBR pile and found Hazard. This was very unique as it was primarily a sports romance with a magical hero struggling with his identity. It did split the focus sometimes, as I wanted more on the world-building, but I got hockey stuff instead.

In addition, I didn't feel the ending was fully resolved, and I expected a sequel, but the second book in the series is actually about the hero's bestie. I expect the threads from book 1 continue in book 2. I'll have to wait to find out, however, as the book is not available in any e-brary I have access to, and I'm not willing to spend $5.99 on it, because I'm not sure I'll like it. Fingers crossed it goes on sale soon!

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't really sure what to expect, because magic and hockey seemed to be an unusual pairing. I like Devon Monk and I like hockey, though, so I thought, "why not?" I hate writing reviews, so this isn't going to be particularly informative, but I wanted to say that I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next one. There are quite a few interesting directions this series could take, and there are an equal number of characters whose backstories I am curious about. If you're on the fence about it, give it a chance.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom series--have read it through three times--and this was *almost* as good. The characters were great. What's not to love about hockey! But I felt that the overall plot/story arc wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped. I think what was missing was... the stakes. The stakes weren't high enough. The story was more about Random learning to deal with what he was than about really bad things happening to everyone. :) Hard to explain. But I still liked the book and am going to buy the sequel.

[Jan van Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED it so much!!

I have read quite a few books by Devon Monk.

When I saw this being released by her I immediately thought to go for it and not hesitate for a second.

This is such an amazing new world to explore, although, with magic sorta still the same way it was with Allie Beckstrom, it comes with a price when using it. (Hello Dearie, *Rumple giggle*)

I totally recommend this book (series) if you already are a fan of Devon Monk.

I'm going to dive deep into SPARK, Book 2 of West Hell Magic!

[Una · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series. Random Hazard is trying out for the Colorado Avalanche, his life long dream--but he is a wizard, though not registered. An event during practice causes him to use his magic and pandemonium breaks out. The story follows his love of hockey and his trials of acceptance of his abilities. Add a bit of romance and you have a story I fully enjoyed. A full four stars and anxiously awaiting book number two.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not an awful book, but it's really not good either. There's a very high school boy vibe to me--I think maybe that's its ideal reader. There's other things I really WANT to read, so I'm moving on. Of course since it's in my kindle app on my phone, I may one day finish this out of desperation for reading material (stuck somewhere with just my phone) but until then, later Hazard.

p.s. I looooooooooooove her Allie Beckstrom series. Read that instead!

[annapi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combination I've never come across before - hockey, magic and shapeshifters. Random Hazard's only dream is to play in the NHL, and he's finally drafted. When in a split second decision he decides to save his teammate's life using magic, he knows he has destroyed his dream, because magic users are not allowed to play in the NHL. His secret now out, he is unexpectedly given a second chance at hockey when the rogue league of supernatural players recruits him to be the first wizard to ever play in the WHHL. If he doesn't get his magic under control, he might just be killed or worse, kill someone else.

This had its flaws, but I enjoyed it - it's hockey, after all! No, I'm not the kind of fan who enjoys a bloody fight in a game, but the author had fun with this one, with shapeshifters losing control in the heat of a game. I liked the characters and the relationships, the conflicts and the resolutions. Looking forward to the next book!

[Sho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know anything about hockey,however, since
it was combined with magic, the story made it interesting. I liked Duncan the main character's best friend better than the main character. I thought he was more interesting Random the main character, who was just so frustrating at times. But that made the story of him accepting himself so much better, i suppose.

[Mirren Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

so i really enjoyed the concept of this book and world created here but i found the MC incredibly annoying and too much of the 'wow you're so super strong and special, we've never seen anyone like you before'. I also really wasn't enjoying the romance which had zero feeling to it. This could have been great but just really really got on nerves :( DNFed at 50%

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I have read and enjoyed other series by Devon Monk. I am a hockey fan (go Blue Jackets!!) and I love paranormal/urban fantasy fiction, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around this book until I started reading it. It was fun! I felt the ending was a little rushed but I am looking forward to starting the next book later today.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romanceopoly owned board: paranormal w/ a bit of magic
Owned since 2018

This is an odd book. There’s a lot of hockey, a little romance that’s mostly at the end, and some magic. There’s not a big paranormal plot and Hazard doesn’t even figure that much out about his magic by the end. So I like this world, but I’m not sure what the goal of the book was.🧐