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Blood Magic #1
The HighFire Crown
It’s an offer she can’t refuse.
Jacquelyn Denna Knight, the best wizard detective in the city, is about to be evicted from her haunted apartment, and she just choked on the job that was going to pay her rent.
She hates that she let the money get away from her, but the satin-skirted vampire that escaped out the bordello window worries her more.
When a distraught—and obscenely wealthy—elf calls Jax at midnight to hire her for an intriguing job, she grabs the opportunity with both hands…
But what Jax doesn’t know is that this case is going to unravel her life.
She’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be.
As Jax speeds down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, she’ll have to put everything on the line.
Will she be able to use her unique brand of magic to save the Realm?
***
A breakneck-paced mix of urban fantasy, irreverent humor and detective noir.
Fans of The Dresden Files and Jessica Jones will burn through this addictive urban fantasy series.
Get it now.
***
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
988 people are currently reading
2225 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Lawrence
144 books361 followersAmazon bestselling, genre-hopping, kickass-female-protagonist-loving author.
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www.jt-lawrence.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
February 29, 2020
2.75
This book kind of felt like a runaway train.
There was a constant go, go, go franticness to the story that left me a little exhausted. I felt like we never got a break, and just kept jumping from one crazy moment to the next with out any breathing room to get into the overall story - let alone much actual character development.
We’re barely introduced to the heroine, we keep learning new facets to her powers, we keep getting introduced to new tech, and creatures, and the world building is a little muddled. It wasn't until we were specifically told that the supernatural world was meant to be hidden that I realized that humans didn't really know what was going on – Also, there were so many supernatural species constantly popping up that a lot of things just felt like they were given to us in info dumps.
The h is meant to be a wizard vampire hunter but we have 4 or so cases she's dragged into going on at once, and when the twins called her all I could think was Jesus another one?? I kept wondering why everyone was asking for her help in particular because I don't think she considered herself to be a detective- at least it wasn't stated she was?
Plus-There was an attempted rape scene that is brushed off rather quickly, and the romance with the random stalker guy was a little strange and rushed- so yeah I don't think this one was for me
This book kind of felt like a runaway train.
There was a constant go, go, go franticness to the story that left me a little exhausted. I felt like we never got a break, and just kept jumping from one crazy moment to the next with out any breathing room to get into the overall story - let alone much actual character development.
We’re barely introduced to the heroine, we keep learning new facets to her powers, we keep getting introduced to new tech, and creatures, and the world building is a little muddled. It wasn't until we were specifically told that the supernatural world was meant to be hidden that I realized that humans didn't really know what was going on – Also, there were so many supernatural species constantly popping up that a lot of things just felt like they were given to us in info dumps.
The h is meant to be a wizard vampire hunter but we have 4 or so cases she's dragged into going on at once, and when the twins called her all I could think was Jesus another one?? I kept wondering why everyone was asking for her help in particular because I don't think she considered herself to be a detective- at least it wasn't stated she was?
Plus-There was an attempted rape scene that is brushed off rather quickly, and the romance with the random stalker guy was a little strange and rushed- so yeah I don't think this one was for me
September 16, 2020
Well, first things first...
Pros:
*Jax is funny
* There are some interesting characters
* It isn't that long
* There is scope for improvement
Cons:
*Jax says she is the best paranormal/wizard investigator/detective, though it doesn't seem to be the case.
*She gets beaten up every chance she gets.
*I would have expected her to have at least some fighting skills or training, considering her profession.
* She almost always needs to be saved, sometimes even by magical ferrets.
* In spite of having a hard life (no spoilers) and going to an 'Academy' (her words, not mine), she uses only a handful of 'spells' repeatedly, time and again.
* She is supposed to have some 'special brand of magic' but I didn't see it. The magical ferret, I felt, was more talented than her.
*She harbours weird fantasies about a man she literally just met. Its believable to some extent, as she is too busy to have a social/dating life.
Overall, it wasn't a complete waste of time for me. I enjoyed it at times and thought it was worth finishing. Some of the characters were interesting and I would have liked to know more about 'Ghost'. But I wouldn't be going for the second part, at least not anytime soon.
Pros:
*Jax is funny
* There are some interesting characters
* It isn't that long
* There is scope for improvement
Cons:
*Jax says she is the best paranormal/wizard investigator/detective, though it doesn't seem to be the case.
*She gets beaten up every chance she gets.
*I would have expected her to have at least some fighting skills or training, considering her profession.
* She almost always needs to be saved, sometimes even by magical ferrets.
* In spite of having a hard life (no spoilers) and going to an 'Academy' (her words, not mine), she uses only a handful of 'spells' repeatedly, time and again.
* She is supposed to have some 'special brand of magic' but I didn't see it. The magical ferret, I felt, was more talented than her.
*She harbours weird fantasies about a man she literally just met. Its believable to some extent, as she is too busy to have a social/dating life.
Overall, it wasn't a complete waste of time for me. I enjoyed it at times and thought it was worth finishing. Some of the characters were interesting and I would have liked to know more about 'Ghost'. But I wouldn't be going for the second part, at least not anytime soon.
January 21, 2021
There were a lot of events happening but I felt they were all being dumped on the plate of supposedly Level 10 Wizard aka Jax aka The most powerful wizard in existence (Although the evidence didn't point so).
I couldn't get into the chemistry that the MC had with the other characters. I liked only the Ghost in the book. And Gizmo, the ferret. (I love ferrets since Nevada Baylor series!)
The rest of the characters as well as the plot felt very bland and UNinteresting to me.
I couldn't get into the chemistry that the MC had with the other characters. I liked only the Ghost in the book. And Gizmo, the ferret. (I love ferrets since Nevada Baylor series!)
The rest of the characters as well as the plot felt very bland and UNinteresting to me.
November 8, 2018
Vampires and goblins and orcs, oh my!
What a fun romp! The HighFire crown is urban fantasy which breaks the mold. Fast paced and action packed.
What a fun romp! The HighFire crown is urban fantasy which breaks the mold. Fast paced and action packed.
October 31, 2018
Witty, gripping, and leaves you wanting the next book. I found myself laughing often and unable to put it down for long. I will never be able to see a pickle without imaging it as described I'm the story, and I cannot wait for book number 2!
October 30, 2018
Wow I loved this book and it is so different to JT Lawrence's other books but her style of writing shines through.
Jax is a wizard and a PI too, she seems to have 2 or 3 cases on at the moment and then there is the fact that she is about to be evicted by an Orc who is her landlord so she has to take on the extra jobs. She is a butt kicking, fearless wizard who doesn't seem to think she has any limits but she does sail very close to the wind. I loved the fast paced and slightly over the top way the book started and the short chapters made it so easy to fly though. I loved the way the plot all came together in the middle and then exploded again, I would make sure you have plenty of time to read it through as you will not want to put it down. I am sure I will keep going back to this as I loved it so much.
I really hope there is more to come from Jax.
Jax is a wizard and a PI too, she seems to have 2 or 3 cases on at the moment and then there is the fact that she is about to be evicted by an Orc who is her landlord so she has to take on the extra jobs. She is a butt kicking, fearless wizard who doesn't seem to think she has any limits but she does sail very close to the wind. I loved the fast paced and slightly over the top way the book started and the short chapters made it so easy to fly though. I loved the way the plot all came together in the middle and then exploded again, I would make sure you have plenty of time to read it through as you will not want to put it down. I am sure I will keep going back to this as I loved it so much.
I really hope there is more to come from Jax.
November 12, 2018
Just ok
This didn’t gel with me. Max never appealed so it was hard to care. None of the supporting cast become appealing either.
This didn’t gel with me. Max never appealed so it was hard to care. None of the supporting cast become appealing either.
September 18, 2019
$0.99 Kindle sale for the Blood Magic Omnibus: Books 1-6, September 2019.
November 15, 2018
2.5
Shouldn't it be called Pain Magic?
An exhausting adventure with just too much going on to handle.
I enjoyed it some and may try the second because I think there is potential to improve.
Shouldn't it be called Pain Magic?
An exhausting adventure with just too much going on to handle.
I enjoyed it some and may try the second because I think there is potential to improve.
October 29, 2018
ONE EXTREMELY PHENOMENAL READ!!!
Ok, people, I'm not gonna lie. I don't believe there are words in any language that can express how much I love this freaking awesome read. Wow! Lawrence totally nailed this bad boy to the max. This one hard hitting, fast paced, action packed, nailbiting, spine tingling, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, pulse racing, nerve racking, page turning bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs, along with a few bumps and glitches that make for one thrilling experience. You never know what's coming until it slaps you in the face. HARD! I read it 3 times already and plan to read it again. Yep! It's that freaking awesome. The characters are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. You feel what they feel, all the good the bad and the ugly. I love the heroine, she's one kick-ass, butt stomping, nail ya to the wall kinda person. The personalities are unique with qualities that flow along smoothly as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so realistic and graphically detailed you have no problem picturing each scenario as it plays off one another perfectly. Lawrence did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Remarkable job Lawrence, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Ok, people, I'm not gonna lie. I don't believe there are words in any language that can express how much I love this freaking awesome read. Wow! Lawrence totally nailed this bad boy to the max. This one hard hitting, fast paced, action packed, nailbiting, spine tingling, adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, pulse racing, nerve racking, page turning bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs, along with a few bumps and glitches that make for one thrilling experience. You never know what's coming until it slaps you in the face. HARD! I read it 3 times already and plan to read it again. Yep! It's that freaking awesome. The characters are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. You feel what they feel, all the good the bad and the ugly. I love the heroine, she's one kick-ass, butt stomping, nail ya to the wall kinda person. The personalities are unique with qualities that flow along smoothly as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so realistic and graphically detailed you have no problem picturing each scenario as it plays off one another perfectly. Lawrence did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Remarkable job Lawrence, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
May 23, 2024
This book was all over the place. At times it was so hard to follow. Stuck with it but has put me off reading the rest. Gave up on book 2 didn't finish.
November 17, 2018
Action from the first sentence. A ton going on.
Gets a little wordy at times, but luckily I love words.
I just don't get the Darrick thing, maybe book 2 will shed some light.
Gets a little wordy at times, but luckily I love words.
I just don't get the Darrick thing, maybe book 2 will shed some light.
November 12, 2018
Enjoyable book
Really enjoyed the book, easy going smooth paced story with interweaving sub plots. Just the detective story I was looking for. Ready to move Onto the next in the series.
Really enjoyed the book, easy going smooth paced story with interweaving sub plots. Just the detective story I was looking for. Ready to move Onto the next in the series.
December 10, 2018
I received this book as an ARC from the author. Fast paced and action packed from start to finish. I absolutely loved the humor of each character brought in there own unique way( Jax being my fav). Most definitely a must read.
February 18, 2019
Very witty and entertaining!
Very witty. Tongue in cheek comedy. Lots of magical creatures like Elves, orcs, goblins, a ferret, ghosts, vampires, . All required the attention of the paranormal private-eye wizard, Jacquelyn or Jax. With no money, two months behind in rent, no food, her landlord changed the locks on her apartment, what’s she going to do? Soon she is hired by two young boys to find out who killed their wizard father. She suspects a certain vampire but how is she going to catch her? Then she is hired by the local rich elf to find his Highfire Crown that was stolen from a very protected room in his palace. But before she can do much work on that case she also is visited by tho local Don’s wife to find out who is threatening her husband. Well she can’t very well turn down that job. So many twists in this story finds Jax in dire situations but these authors have a way to make it comical. This is great entertainment.
Very witty. Tongue in cheek comedy. Lots of magical creatures like Elves, orcs, goblins, a ferret, ghosts, vampires, . All required the attention of the paranormal private-eye wizard, Jacquelyn or Jax. With no money, two months behind in rent, no food, her landlord changed the locks on her apartment, what’s she going to do? Soon she is hired by two young boys to find out who killed their wizard father. She suspects a certain vampire but how is she going to catch her? Then she is hired by the local rich elf to find his Highfire Crown that was stolen from a very protected room in his palace. But before she can do much work on that case she also is visited by tho local Don’s wife to find out who is threatening her husband. Well she can’t very well turn down that job. So many twists in this story finds Jax in dire situations but these authors have a way to make it comical. This is great entertainment.
November 5, 2018
Wonderful
I loved it. She is a badass wizard on the hunt for vampires. What’s not to like? Keep it up Ms Lawrence. Brava!!
I loved it. She is a badass wizard on the hunt for vampires. What’s not to like? Keep it up Ms Lawrence. Brava!!
November 27, 2024
This book had a lot of issues for me. I liked the story. My biggest problem is there was so much plot and very little character development. The plot was just too overwhelming. At one point I think she had 4 cases that were all supposed to be a priority and that’s just not possible. There was no breathing room, no room to understand the characters. Just action after action, a continually high adrenaline story that ended up falling flat. If you were to ask me about a character there wouldn’t be much for me to tell you. What I do know is the love interest felt forced. She meet him, when he saves her and she’d only seen glimpses in the past so she thought he was a stalker. The second time she sees him, again while saving her ass she passes out thinking how badly she wanted to be wrapped around him while sleeping. I think that sums up there relationship.
Jax was supposed to be the strongest witch and best PI around yet she was constantly dying or crying so hard she had nothing left to give. Which brings me to one of the biggest pet peeves for me in this book. It seems like many of the phrases were recycled or reused so much it became off putting. The worst was parkour. Really she parkoured into a car. YOU MEAN SHE JUMPED JUST SAY JUMPED. And all I could hear when I read parkour was Schmidt from New Girl screaming PARKOUR as he tries to flip off the wall. That’s what I pictured over and over and over again. I can’t tell you how many times that word was used.
Jax was supposed to be the strongest witch and best PI around yet she was constantly dying or crying so hard she had nothing left to give. Which brings me to one of the biggest pet peeves for me in this book. It seems like many of the phrases were recycled or reused so much it became off putting. The worst was parkour. Really she parkoured into a car. YOU MEAN SHE JUMPED JUST SAY JUMPED. And all I could hear when I read parkour was Schmidt from New Girl screaming PARKOUR as he tries to flip off the wall. That’s what I pictured over and over and over again. I can’t tell you how many times that word was used.
February 9, 2019
Quirky
Yes an interesting story about the complete world of fantasy characters. Main character is good and noble and fights for justice. The way the story is told is refreshing and different.
Yes an interesting story about the complete world of fantasy characters. Main character is good and noble and fights for justice. The way the story is told is refreshing and different.
November 12, 2018
A good story
A really enjoyable reading experience! I liked the characters, and the original spin on the supernatural, but most of all, I really liked that it was (loosely) happening in Johannesburg. It was funny reading about the snacks (Cheese Curls! Nik Naks!) and the Jozi streets.
A really enjoyable reading experience! I liked the characters, and the original spin on the supernatural, but most of all, I really liked that it was (loosely) happening in Johannesburg. It was funny reading about the snacks (Cheese Curls! Nik Naks!) and the Jozi streets.
July 29, 2025
I have had this series in my TBR for longer than is comfortable, and if you squint just so, you can see me kicking myself soundly! Because THIS series, THIS author, deserved to be top of the pile! Not only did I love her writing style, so easy to devour, which I did, and it immediately took me into the depth of the book, AND it's also set in SOUTH AFRICA! Yes....in places I'm familiar with, with phrasing I'm familiar with, can you hear my sigh of contentment? Johannesburg, or Jozi as we locals like to call it, is a unique city in real life, a dicitomy of, well, just about everything and to capture the realness so succinctly, was simply sublime (oops, alliteration not intentional) and The Rainbow Nation, in this case, consists of humans, Elves, Orcs, Wizards, Fae, Goblins and a variety of supernaturals. The author's prose has a lightness to it which is very engaging, it's extremely comical, while at the same time hardcore and quite gory at times, but filled to the brim with glorious action and intrigue. Her descriptions, her entire "assortment" of words, hit the spot just right, articulate, strikingly picturesque, here's one example, "the fresh air turned my naked skin to braille". Awesome, right???
Don't you love it when a book hooks you from the first sentence? That's what this book did to me, straight into action, straight into the footsteps of a fierce, badassed Jacquelyn. I knew from the beginning I was going to love the MC, I just didn't realise how much.. I mean, hello, she had a tat of a vampire bite on her neck and she lives with a ghost..... oh and she swears in Latin...She's so cool, her own words describe her to a T, "A cynical paranoid hexter with a penchant for straight talk and quick and dirty magic" Yep, definitely my kinda gal! Although, the author gave me dribblings of the trauma Jax has suffered as a child, inserted in key points throughout the book, so I was alternating between wanting to "high five" Jax and hug her. The reason why she loathed vampires becomes clear, why she became a vampire becomes clear. I was thoroughly taken with the characters, Morgan, Jack's bff, a cop, who's head of the Scorpions, a special ops task force and not one to mess with, she's really ballsy...no wait! That would be Jax.... One thing leaves no doubt, Ms Lawrence's females aren't the meek, mild garden variety, they're tough cookies, utterly believable in their stance too. Another I adored was Ferra, a dwarf and Jax's foster mum, who only has unconditional love for Jax. And I do have to mention, a stalker, yes, he stalks Jax but he aids her too. The enigma of the century! I'm dying to discover what his deal is.
It all starts with Jax on the hunt for a killer vamp, then Morgan brings her in on a case, then a hoity-toity Elf engages her services, then a deadly Orc Mafia Madam "forces" her to take on HER case, geez, from zilch money making to flush with ...well, flush with mysteries! And danger! A dead woman who looks remarkably like Jax, a stolen crown from a Fort Knox type of place and a wife who professes her husband is in danger. The Crown turns out to be central point in this story, but nothing as I would have expected, it was a wowza discovery moment for me. Gosh did I love the way Jax dealt with these... requests. The events that emerge like shadows behind trees, just unbelievably paced, and unexampled, stunning! These events leave Jax fighting for her life but they also gain her the coolest pet, a ferret called Gizmo. Who's more than just a normal ferret...Gee whiz, but does the plot thickens! Adrenaline spiking, blood draining from face thicken! The author led me on such a merry ride, up the highest mountain and to the depths of the very ocean, not knowing where she would let me land, THAT'S how I felt! But what a journey, OMG, I've just become a JT Lawrence junkie!
Oh my word was this a magnificent magical read! In every sense! I found myself gulping in air in the final few chapters, I just couldn't breathe properly. I know what I do need, I need to find out what happens, I flipping need more! The magic system of this book is another one of a kind awesome, unexpected and totally maverick. The thrill of this read, the immaculate pacing and world building, had me stopping only to bring out the big guns, that being to grab my jar of Black Cat peanut butter and a spoon, my go to comfort "snack" when I'm reading a book that has me completely under it's spell, that has me riveted from start to finish and HECK this one certainly did! I was just as Jax had mentioned, I was indeed "a bee stuck in it's own honey" unable, nor willing, to extract myself from the read. A jar of peanut butter and this book later, I was well and truly sated! I do know that the next time I go to Illovo, to a coffeehouse there, I'm going to be very much on alert for Goblins! My parting words to Ms Lawrence, Liefling, dit was UITSTEKEND!!!
Don't you love it when a book hooks you from the first sentence? That's what this book did to me, straight into action, straight into the footsteps of a fierce, badassed Jacquelyn. I knew from the beginning I was going to love the MC, I just didn't realise how much.. I mean, hello, she had a tat of a vampire bite on her neck and she lives with a ghost..... oh and she swears in Latin...She's so cool, her own words describe her to a T, "A cynical paranoid hexter with a penchant for straight talk and quick and dirty magic" Yep, definitely my kinda gal! Although, the author gave me dribblings of the trauma Jax has suffered as a child, inserted in key points throughout the book, so I was alternating between wanting to "high five" Jax and hug her. The reason why she loathed vampires becomes clear, why she became a vampire becomes clear. I was thoroughly taken with the characters, Morgan, Jack's bff, a cop, who's head of the Scorpions, a special ops task force and not one to mess with, she's really ballsy...no wait! That would be Jax.... One thing leaves no doubt, Ms Lawrence's females aren't the meek, mild garden variety, they're tough cookies, utterly believable in their stance too. Another I adored was Ferra, a dwarf and Jax's foster mum, who only has unconditional love for Jax. And I do have to mention, a stalker, yes, he stalks Jax but he aids her too. The enigma of the century! I'm dying to discover what his deal is.
It all starts with Jax on the hunt for a killer vamp, then Morgan brings her in on a case, then a hoity-toity Elf engages her services, then a deadly Orc Mafia Madam "forces" her to take on HER case, geez, from zilch money making to flush with ...well, flush with mysteries! And danger! A dead woman who looks remarkably like Jax, a stolen crown from a Fort Knox type of place and a wife who professes her husband is in danger. The Crown turns out to be central point in this story, but nothing as I would have expected, it was a wowza discovery moment for me. Gosh did I love the way Jax dealt with these... requests. The events that emerge like shadows behind trees, just unbelievably paced, and unexampled, stunning! These events leave Jax fighting for her life but they also gain her the coolest pet, a ferret called Gizmo. Who's more than just a normal ferret...Gee whiz, but does the plot thickens! Adrenaline spiking, blood draining from face thicken! The author led me on such a merry ride, up the highest mountain and to the depths of the very ocean, not knowing where she would let me land, THAT'S how I felt! But what a journey, OMG, I've just become a JT Lawrence junkie!
Oh my word was this a magnificent magical read! In every sense! I found myself gulping in air in the final few chapters, I just couldn't breathe properly. I know what I do need, I need to find out what happens, I flipping need more! The magic system of this book is another one of a kind awesome, unexpected and totally maverick. The thrill of this read, the immaculate pacing and world building, had me stopping only to bring out the big guns, that being to grab my jar of Black Cat peanut butter and a spoon, my go to comfort "snack" when I'm reading a book that has me completely under it's spell, that has me riveted from start to finish and HECK this one certainly did! I was just as Jax had mentioned, I was indeed "a bee stuck in it's own honey" unable, nor willing, to extract myself from the read. A jar of peanut butter and this book later, I was well and truly sated! I do know that the next time I go to Illovo, to a coffeehouse there, I'm going to be very much on alert for Goblins! My parting words to Ms Lawrence, Liefling, dit was UITSTEKEND!!!
September 27, 2019
Fancy some action-packed sleuthing in a paranormal-infused Jo'berg? Buckle up, kiddo, Jax the Wizard's here to show you the ropes... Once she's solved a murder or two, found a stolen magical artifact, worked out just who wants the biggest orcish mobster dead, avoided death-by-vampire, and accidentally adopted an albino ferret which is more magical than it appears.
It is indeed a long and convoluted narrative that has literally every fantasy thing thrown at it, and yet amazingly enough everything sticks. The underground magical world known as The Realm is so well meshed together it was hard not to believe in it. Selfish elves, sneaky goblins, thuggish orcs, scheming vampires, wizards, shifters... Pick a paranormal species and it's there somewhere, buried within the grit of the city. It could have had a bit more physical description of the locations rather than relying on assumptions of urban/suburban scenes, but that's being picky.
Jax is your usual gruff hero- sorry, heroine - with an allergy to life admin and a habit of being a little too nice for her own good (unless your a vampire, naturally). Now while I liked her as a jokey narrative voice, most of the time I couldn't buy that she was, well, female. Apart from a few female-only incidents (do male PIs ever get sexually molested by a person who spikes their drink?) she seems more like a male author trying to logic out what a female butt-kicker would be thinking in those circumstances. On reflection, she reads very much like co-author M.J. Kraus' own hero from Death Magic; quirky, amused by and aware of their own failings while also reveling in their clever insights into magical life. Think also Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus or Tim Waggoner's Nekropolis hero Matt Richter. I guess I just didn't get how she shrugged off a lot of near-violent encounters as quickly as she did, nor how she suddenly starts thinking it'd be nice if a guy who's stalking her would just hold her close while she sleeps. She doesn't seem to do emotion much beyond telling us bluntly a feeling (or vomiting). She hasn't even gone semi-PNR by describing him as handsome in any way... Or describing him much at all to be honest, expect his deep voice and, erm, stalker tendencies. Don't get me wrong, she's amusing, but perhaps just not relatable in the way I expected her to be.
There's plenty of mystery to go round, and of course you should never doubt the interconnectedness of all things. While I did enjoy it, I'm a little disappointed that it wasn't a mystery that a reader unfamiliar with the world could work out alongside Jax. It relies heavily on her asides of "oh yes, there's this thing about the magical underworld that I shall only now tell you" or that she just happened to know someone from her past who'd help/hinder her cause. Every now and then you could spot a tiny speck of foreshadowing, but until those asides there was no way of putting the pieces together. It's one of those "just roll with it" mysteries rather than one that allows you to play along. Again, think Alex Verus, only easier to follow.
I do want to read more of Jax's story, mostly because this is one big setup for a series as much as anything else. The world building is nicely done, and those little loose threads about Jax's past, her mysterious stalker, her newfound friendships, and the underground war that's brewing, all look set to make this a more layered story than first meets the eye.
It is indeed a long and convoluted narrative that has literally every fantasy thing thrown at it, and yet amazingly enough everything sticks. The underground magical world known as The Realm is so well meshed together it was hard not to believe in it. Selfish elves, sneaky goblins, thuggish orcs, scheming vampires, wizards, shifters... Pick a paranormal species and it's there somewhere, buried within the grit of the city. It could have had a bit more physical description of the locations rather than relying on assumptions of urban/suburban scenes, but that's being picky.
Jax is your usual gruff hero- sorry, heroine - with an allergy to life admin and a habit of being a little too nice for her own good (unless your a vampire, naturally). Now while I liked her as a jokey narrative voice, most of the time I couldn't buy that she was, well, female. Apart from a few female-only incidents (do male PIs ever get sexually molested by a person who spikes their drink?) she seems more like a male author trying to logic out what a female butt-kicker would be thinking in those circumstances. On reflection, she reads very much like co-author M.J. Kraus' own hero from Death Magic; quirky, amused by and aware of their own failings while also reveling in their clever insights into magical life. Think also Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus or Tim Waggoner's Nekropolis hero Matt Richter. I guess I just didn't get how she shrugged off a lot of near-violent encounters as quickly as she did, nor how she suddenly starts thinking it'd be nice if a guy who's stalking her would just hold her close while she sleeps. She doesn't seem to do emotion much beyond telling us bluntly a feeling (or vomiting). She hasn't even gone semi-PNR by describing him as handsome in any way... Or describing him much at all to be honest, expect his deep voice and, erm, stalker tendencies. Don't get me wrong, she's amusing, but perhaps just not relatable in the way I expected her to be.
There's plenty of mystery to go round, and of course you should never doubt the interconnectedness of all things. While I did enjoy it, I'm a little disappointed that it wasn't a mystery that a reader unfamiliar with the world could work out alongside Jax. It relies heavily on her asides of "oh yes, there's this thing about the magical underworld that I shall only now tell you" or that she just happened to know someone from her past who'd help/hinder her cause. Every now and then you could spot a tiny speck of foreshadowing, but until those asides there was no way of putting the pieces together. It's one of those "just roll with it" mysteries rather than one that allows you to play along. Again, think Alex Verus, only easier to follow.
I do want to read more of Jax's story, mostly because this is one big setup for a series as much as anything else. The world building is nicely done, and those little loose threads about Jax's past, her mysterious stalker, her newfound friendships, and the underground war that's brewing, all look set to make this a more layered story than first meets the eye.
December 14, 2019
There’s a lot to like about this new series by Lawrence and Kraus. Jacqueline Knight is a hard driving wizard detective whose magic is driven by her emotions. This simple statement really helps the credibility of the story, because in most adventures, even though our heroes are exhausted, they somehow manage to find the strength to keep going. Strong emotions like anger, hate and fear often grow worse as the hero is run down and this made Knight suddenly finding the strength to keep fighting really believable.
There is also a nice mixture of modern world and hidden magical world. The idea is not original, but the world building worked for me here and kept up my interest in learning about Knight’s realm.
The mystery was also a good one. Lots of things happening. Many of them end up being related—no surprise there—but how they become related kept my interest building throughout the story.
I do have a couple of very minor complaints. One is that we keep getting told that Knight is the best wizard detective around. She clearly has a superb reputation. And yet she’s two months behind on her rent and I found those two things didn’t quite go together. Maybe if only poor people thought she was good, but everyone knows who she is and wants her to work on cases for them. In addition, and this is a bit unfair of me, there is a big unresolved problem at the end which is clearly intended to drive the next book in the series. When I read a book that acts like a detective story, I expect the mystery resolved even if the bigger problems continue into the next novel. Obviously the authors disagreed with me here. Which is their right. It’s their story and despite these small complaints it’s a good one.
I received this book from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
There is also a nice mixture of modern world and hidden magical world. The idea is not original, but the world building worked for me here and kept up my interest in learning about Knight’s realm.
The mystery was also a good one. Lots of things happening. Many of them end up being related—no surprise there—but how they become related kept my interest building throughout the story.
I do have a couple of very minor complaints. One is that we keep getting told that Knight is the best wizard detective around. She clearly has a superb reputation. And yet she’s two months behind on her rent and I found those two things didn’t quite go together. Maybe if only poor people thought she was good, but everyone knows who she is and wants her to work on cases for them. In addition, and this is a bit unfair of me, there is a big unresolved problem at the end which is clearly intended to drive the next book in the series. When I read a book that acts like a detective story, I expect the mystery resolved even if the bigger problems continue into the next novel. Obviously the authors disagreed with me here. Which is their right. It’s their story and despite these small complaints it’s a good one.
I received this book from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
March 5, 2019
Set on 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa - you instinctively think that the only Fiction that could be possibly written about is the lack of crime but this Urban fantasy is next level and a great, let-your-hair-down kind of read. The colloquialism of nik naks and Jozi is a nice touch for us South Africans.
Jax is a crime-fighting wizard and PI who hunts for vampires, has a ghost for a room mate and dwarf as a motherly companion.
There a lot of great components to the book, it is so easy to read and I could not put it down. Literally 4 hours and I was done, wanting more.
If you watched Bright, Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel and read Harry Potter - there are some consistencies and overlapping that will really jump out at you. I am a huge fan of all of them and this made me love the book even more. Geek Mode Engaged!
One thing I was bothered by was the seemingly invincibility of Jax and the situations that transpire, but this is possibly explained in Book 2 and I guess I will have to read it!
Similarly with Darick, the mysterious stalker/soon-to-be lover I am sure, with a past that intertwines with Jax - his "perfect" timing and abilities are annoying along with Jax's "I am a strong independent wizard for the last 20 years but one withered stare from Darik and im his" kind of vibe, was very off putting. But once again, am sure will be explained in the next novel and hope that the relationship lives up to my expectation.
If you are a lover of any Fantasy, not even urban fantasy - give this a read. Hands down one of the better books I have read, and definitely one of the best Fiction I have read from a South African author.
*Must be noted that it was written in American English*
Jax is a crime-fighting wizard and PI who hunts for vampires, has a ghost for a room mate and dwarf as a motherly companion.
There a lot of great components to the book, it is so easy to read and I could not put it down. Literally 4 hours and I was done, wanting more.
If you watched Bright, Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel and read Harry Potter - there are some consistencies and overlapping that will really jump out at you. I am a huge fan of all of them and this made me love the book even more. Geek Mode Engaged!
One thing I was bothered by was the seemingly invincibility of Jax and the situations that transpire, but this is possibly explained in Book 2 and I guess I will have to read it!
Similarly with Darick, the mysterious stalker/soon-to-be lover I am sure, with a past that intertwines with Jax - his "perfect" timing and abilities are annoying along with Jax's "I am a strong independent wizard for the last 20 years but one withered stare from Darik and im his" kind of vibe, was very off putting. But once again, am sure will be explained in the next novel and hope that the relationship lives up to my expectation.
If you are a lover of any Fantasy, not even urban fantasy - give this a read. Hands down one of the better books I have read, and definitely one of the best Fiction I have read from a South African author.
*Must be noted that it was written in American English*
April 26, 2025
I'll go with 2.5 rounded down
Well, this is one way to write a story.
Just smash through with never-ending missions that are loosely tied together and don't slow down. This way, you won't have to worry about pesky details like character development, world building, magic rules, or explanations. You don't even have to bother with connections between characters because your readers will be too busy trying to keep up with what the fuck is going on now.
Even better, there's no time to drop breadcrumbs for connecting the dots later; you can just have the main character guess these things to keep the story going.
The romance can also just come out of nowhere. There is no need to build it. It'll just make sense because there's no time to think about it.
Also, the plot can just be a cluster fuck of random shenanigans that can be tied together along the way with flimsy reasoning.
All that aside, it was actually pretty entertaining. Jax has the bones of an interesting character. If Lawrence took a breath to flesh her out, she'd be wonderful.
The story had potential, too. This was really rushed, so it didn't have a pace. There were opportunities to build the world, build the political structure, build the plot, but Lawrence was on speed, I guess, and the story missed out on being woven into a fully formed plot with characters to attach to.
I'll try the next one to see if the writing improves.
Well, this is one way to write a story.
Just smash through with never-ending missions that are loosely tied together and don't slow down. This way, you won't have to worry about pesky details like character development, world building, magic rules, or explanations. You don't even have to bother with connections between characters because your readers will be too busy trying to keep up with what the fuck is going on now.
Even better, there's no time to drop breadcrumbs for connecting the dots later; you can just have the main character guess these things to keep the story going.
The romance can also just come out of nowhere. There is no need to build it. It'll just make sense because there's no time to think about it.
Also, the plot can just be a cluster fuck of random shenanigans that can be tied together along the way with flimsy reasoning.
All that aside, it was actually pretty entertaining. Jax has the bones of an interesting character. If Lawrence took a breath to flesh her out, she'd be wonderful.
The story had potential, too. This was really rushed, so it didn't have a pace. There were opportunities to build the world, build the political structure, build the plot, but Lawrence was on speed, I guess, and the story missed out on being woven into a fully formed plot with characters to attach to.
I'll try the next one to see if the writing improves.
September 12, 2022
"The Highfire Crown" gets off to a galloping start and it never slows down. It is endlessly inventive, quite funny in parts, and has more plots than it can handle.
Its strengths are also a weakness, a lot of the time there is so much happening that you feel breathless reading it.
The authors wrote:- "Jax was like a genie in a bottle in that every time I sat down to get some words on the page, she was ready to play … and play we did! We had so much fun writing about wizards, elves, orcs, vampires and goblins ...."
Perhaps if there had been a little less fun and a general tightening up of the material it would have been a better book.
But, as it stands it is a good read and I felt that the final third, in which various strands come together, was top notch.
Jacquelyn 'Jax' Denna Knight is a wizard detective in Johannesburg (it doesn't really feature and the book could have set in any urban area). She's behind on her rent and there's nothing lucrative on the horizon.
Suddenly she is in high demand, and ever increasing risk, as she investigates a series of cases - who has stolen the Highfire Crown, why are wizards going AWOL, who is following her, how to fix her killer crossbow, etc., etc.
It was a 3 Star book most of the way but the way in which everything was wrapped up, leaving just enough for the next book in the series, was impressive.
3.5 Stars raised to 4 Stars.
Its strengths are also a weakness, a lot of the time there is so much happening that you feel breathless reading it.
The authors wrote:- "Jax was like a genie in a bottle in that every time I sat down to get some words on the page, she was ready to play … and play we did! We had so much fun writing about wizards, elves, orcs, vampires and goblins ...."
Perhaps if there had been a little less fun and a general tightening up of the material it would have been a better book.
But, as it stands it is a good read and I felt that the final third, in which various strands come together, was top notch.
Jacquelyn 'Jax' Denna Knight is a wizard detective in Johannesburg (it doesn't really feature and the book could have set in any urban area). She's behind on her rent and there's nothing lucrative on the horizon.
Suddenly she is in high demand, and ever increasing risk, as she investigates a series of cases - who has stolen the Highfire Crown, why are wizards going AWOL, who is following her, how to fix her killer crossbow, etc., etc.
It was a 3 Star book most of the way but the way in which everything was wrapped up, leaving just enough for the next book in the series, was impressive.
3.5 Stars raised to 4 Stars.
January 17, 2020
There are a number of common traits in many urban fantasy novels and this one checks off quite a few of them with the main character being a supernaturally-powered, financially hard-up, snarky detective with a tragic past, but the character comes across as far more than just that checklist of tropes and heads up an entertaining and varied cast of supernatural characters. I'm not fully convinced by her practically having a catchphrase to go with her powers though.
The setting for this book is something that could have set it more apart from others in the genre with it being set in Johannesburg rather than London or one of the major American cities, but I didn't find the difference to be that significant as it came across as the author telling us the setting more than showing us, although maybe those more familiar with the setting would appreciate the differences more.
The narration of this book was a definite strength, serving to help to further build the main character and also to enhance supernatural feel of the supporting cast too.
Overall, a fast-paced and enjoyable introduction to this series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
The setting for this book is something that could have set it more apart from others in the genre with it being set in Johannesburg rather than London or one of the major American cities, but I didn't find the difference to be that significant as it came across as the author telling us the setting more than showing us, although maybe those more familiar with the setting would appreciate the differences more.
The narration of this book was a definite strength, serving to help to further build the main character and also to enhance supernatural feel of the supporting cast too.
Overall, a fast-paced and enjoyable introduction to this series.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
April 6, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
Good world building. Interesting mix of characters. I liked that it was set in Johannesburg, it made a nice change.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Good world building. Interesting mix of characters. I liked that it was set in Johannesburg, it made a nice change.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 5, 2025
After seeing the ads for this one in FB over and over and finding it on sale for 99 cents Kindle I thought I'd try it. DNF.
Part of that is that I'm not a fan of urban fantasy with a high level of supernatural creatures — a goblin amusement park, and elf subdivision, orc bars and the protagonist has an orc landlord. And none of the humans notice. That's a matter of taste and not a criticism of the book.
What is a criticism: this is set in Johannesberg (Lawrence is a South African expat) but it could as easily be NYC, Chicago, Detroit .... it's interchangeable with any other urban fantasy setting.
Also a criticism: Lawrence knows the beats of down on their luck, dead broke PI protagonists and the requisite snarky voice of an urban fantasy PI, but it feels more like ticking off boxes (rent is unpaid, Jax enjoys a good stiff drink, etc.) than anything else. There's nothing under the hardboiled voice.
Minor criticism: "orc mafia" is a standard descriptor (any ethnic organized crime group gets labeled a mafia) but making them (apparently) Italians as well as orcs is ... weird. Not in a good way.
Part of that is that I'm not a fan of urban fantasy with a high level of supernatural creatures — a goblin amusement park, and elf subdivision, orc bars and the protagonist has an orc landlord. And none of the humans notice. That's a matter of taste and not a criticism of the book.
What is a criticism: this is set in Johannesberg (Lawrence is a South African expat) but it could as easily be NYC, Chicago, Detroit .... it's interchangeable with any other urban fantasy setting.
Also a criticism: Lawrence knows the beats of down on their luck, dead broke PI protagonists and the requisite snarky voice of an urban fantasy PI, but it feels more like ticking off boxes (rent is unpaid, Jax enjoys a good stiff drink, etc.) than anything else. There's nothing under the hardboiled voice.
Minor criticism: "orc mafia" is a standard descriptor (any ethnic organized crime group gets labeled a mafia) but making them (apparently) Italians as well as orcs is ... weird. Not in a good way.
November 5, 2018
A little slow to start but then the action is non-stop! If you like the Dresden Files (which I loved), you will like this book.
"Jacquelyn Denna Knight is the best wizard detective in the city. She also has the worst luck.
Her vile orc landlord is about to evict her from her haunted apartment, and she just choked on the job that was going to pay her rent. She hates that she let the money get away from her, but the satin-skirted vampire that escaped out the bordello window worries her more.
When one of the most influential elves in the Realm calls her at midnight to hire her for a job, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.
What she doesn’t know is that the new case is going to unravel her life, and she’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be. It’s also going to speed her down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, where she’ll have to put everything on the line to save the Realm."
I like that it is a fully contained story, but part of a series - can't wait to read the next book!
"Jacquelyn Denna Knight is the best wizard detective in the city. She also has the worst luck.
Her vile orc landlord is about to evict her from her haunted apartment, and she just choked on the job that was going to pay her rent. She hates that she let the money get away from her, but the satin-skirted vampire that escaped out the bordello window worries her more.
When one of the most influential elves in the Realm calls her at midnight to hire her for a job, it’s an offer she can’t refuse.
What she doesn’t know is that the new case is going to unravel her life, and she’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be. It’s also going to speed her down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, where she’ll have to put everything on the line to save the Realm."
I like that it is a fully contained story, but part of a series - can't wait to read the next book!
February 6, 2020
Good
This was one of the better urban fantasy books I have read in a while.
We’re thrust into a world, which is somewhat confusing at first glimpse. Since we are reading from the heroine’s POV, that seems to be fairly standard- who thinks about how the world is set up after all? This particular world, is the hidden, magical realm in Johannesburg (a fairly unusual location to begin with). Our heroine is a wizard, her background as complex as it is diverse.
We start out, hitting the ground running and it’s pretty much non stop action from there on. With complex plot twists, an unfinished storyline, and a couple of missing characters, you can easily guess that a reader will want to read more.
I would have loved to have a little more understanding of our heroine, her background and back story were only partly revealed. I would also have loved a little more understanding of the magical realm, maybe as an appendix, but neither of these detracted from a good, fast paced story.
This was one of the better urban fantasy books I have read in a while.
We’re thrust into a world, which is somewhat confusing at first glimpse. Since we are reading from the heroine’s POV, that seems to be fairly standard- who thinks about how the world is set up after all? This particular world, is the hidden, magical realm in Johannesburg (a fairly unusual location to begin with). Our heroine is a wizard, her background as complex as it is diverse.
We start out, hitting the ground running and it’s pretty much non stop action from there on. With complex plot twists, an unfinished storyline, and a couple of missing characters, you can easily guess that a reader will want to read more.
I would have loved to have a little more understanding of our heroine, her background and back story were only partly revealed. I would also have loved a little more understanding of the magical realm, maybe as an appendix, but neither of these detracted from a good, fast paced story.
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