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Blood Magic #2
The Dream Drinker
Why would a butler gatecrash a wizard funeral?
It sounds like the first line of a joke, but what Jax sees when she gets to Abarim Manor is as serious as a heart attack.
The butler’s employer, old wizard Blimaex Abarim, is being slowly tortured to death by contagious black magic, and she needs to stop the person responsible.
Jax’s sleuthing will lead her into jeopardy at every turn as she has to navigate the shifting terrain of the Realm, including dealing with treacherous orcs, magical apothecary coffin-dodgers, dark arts night markets, and the ever present evil in human hearts.
Add to the mix a rosé-swilling ghost in a gimp suit who refuses to leave the wizard detective alone, and Jax has more on her plate than a buffet dinner at The Copper Cog, Ferra’s steampunk pub for magical creatures.
To find and stop The Dream Drinker Jax will traverse the darkest, most dangerous parts of the Realm…
and just when she thinks it couldn’t possibly get any worse, the bloodthirsty vampires show up, and they want revenge.
***
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.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2018
About the author
J.T. Lawrence
140 books370 followersAmazon bestselling, genre-hopping, kickass-female-protagonist-loving author.
Follow me here, on Amazon, or on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jt-la...
www.jt-lawrence.com
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www.jt-lawrence.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 8, 2025
I really want to like this series but she just keeps getting overpowered and beat up over and over. It’s like her magic and fighting skills are negligible. I think I would have liked this better if it was a straight mystery/ detective series without the fantasy/magic. The action and mystery part of the book works and is nonstop from start to finish, it’s fast paced and makes for a good reading that aspect.
September 21, 2019
3.5 stars
October 1, 2019
I accidentally read this book first, so there were a few missing pieces for me, but it was so well written I thought it was alluding to a mystery that wasn't solved yet. I've bounced back to book one and can't wait to devour this series. I always love the snark of JTs characters and their cleverness. This is a real joy to read.
April 21, 2021
The story continues. This picks up where the first one left off. Chick still isn't getting any sleep. Gizmo vanished in a pocket realm and is presumed dead. Darick is MIA.
But her pot plant is growing like never before. Jax doesn't give it much of thought until - oh yeah. The highfire crown. She's somehow still connected to it or her plant would be a dead twig on the sill. The vampires still want the crown and they're pretty sure she's got it. A wizard crashes the funeral of one of the wizards she found dead in book one. She still hasn't found the serial killer and there's a ghost who isn't too happy about that.
Not sure if the pace slowed a tick or I'm used to it, but this story didn't seem quite the frenzy the first one was. I've already dipped into book three. The serial killer case strings along in the background of all three books, connecting them. In that respect it's a little like an episodic story, but entirely too long for that, I think. Love the metaphors.
But her pot plant is growing like never before. Jax doesn't give it much of thought until - oh yeah. The highfire crown. She's somehow still connected to it or her plant would be a dead twig on the sill. The vampires still want the crown and they're pretty sure she's got it. A wizard crashes the funeral of one of the wizards she found dead in book one. She still hasn't found the serial killer and there's a ghost who isn't too happy about that.
Not sure if the pace slowed a tick or I'm used to it, but this story didn't seem quite the frenzy the first one was. I've already dipped into book three. The serial killer case strings along in the background of all three books, connecting them. In that respect it's a little like an episodic story, but entirely too long for that, I think. Love the metaphors.
November 16, 2018
I was given an ARC for an honest review, and my honest review is that it's another 5 star review for JT! I've yet to to read a book of hers I don't love.
I am loving this series of books, and cannot wait to read the rest and find out what happens to Jax in the magical realm that is Jo'Burg, as she pursues the vile vampires, and deals with whatever else is thrown at her, with her trusty wand and pimped up crossbow, whilst dealing with her ghostly roommate, and her feelings for the mysterious Darick.
And on the subject of Darick, what an ending!!! Left me salivating for more.....
I am loving this series of books, and cannot wait to read the rest and find out what happens to Jax in the magical realm that is Jo'Burg, as she pursues the vile vampires, and deals with whatever else is thrown at her, with her trusty wand and pimped up crossbow, whilst dealing with her ghostly roommate, and her feelings for the mysterious Darick.
And on the subject of Darick, what an ending!!! Left me salivating for more.....
November 18, 2018
So good!!
Oh man!! Another awesome book ! I now wait for book 3 as patiently as possible!! Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down.
Oh man!! Another awesome book ! I now wait for book 3 as patiently as possible!! Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down.
March 19, 2020
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one, but it was still a very entertaining fantasy world to read. I just think I read it at the wrong time in my life. I need to restart this series from the beginning as there were things I did not remember from the first book and I think that is what was causing some of my confusion during this book.
March 21, 2020
Audiobook review
Magic & Wizards- what’s not to love. Lost myself in this fab tale. JT Lawrence creates magical lands to carry you away.
Narrator was great too, kept the tale carrying along perfectly.
Magic & Wizards- what’s not to love. Lost myself in this fab tale. JT Lawrence creates magical lands to carry you away.
Narrator was great too, kept the tale carrying along perfectly.
March 30, 2020
A brilliant book 2 in this series and in its own right. The Dream Drinker picks up directly from the end of Highfire Crown - I loved that it does - and, without abandoning any of characters and quirks that made book 1 so enjoyable, takes on new twists and turns without a hitch.
In summary, this has been a fantastic, fast, engaging read. I finished the book in less than a day, and can't wait for book 3!
Edit - Audiobook Review
The Dream Drinker works very well both as a sequel to The Highfire Crown and as a story in its own right. Following directly on the events from Book 1, the mechanism for a new mystery blends in seamlessly with everything else that's going on. Jax's ongoing problem with the serial killer continues and deepens in complexity in this book, as does her relationship with key players in this tangled web.
Roshina Ratnam's narration, as always, is well-executed and well suited to the material she's working with. I enjoyed this all immensely, and look forward to what the rest of the series will bring.
Highly recommended.
In summary, this has been a fantastic, fast, engaging read. I finished the book in less than a day, and can't wait for book 3!
Edit - Audiobook Review
The Dream Drinker works very well both as a sequel to The Highfire Crown and as a story in its own right. Following directly on the events from Book 1, the mechanism for a new mystery blends in seamlessly with everything else that's going on. Jax's ongoing problem with the serial killer continues and deepens in complexity in this book, as does her relationship with key players in this tangled web.
Roshina Ratnam's narration, as always, is well-executed and well suited to the material she's working with. I enjoyed this all immensely, and look forward to what the rest of the series will bring.
Highly recommended.
April 26, 2025
These are getting good. A 3 to me is a good book. Free on Kindle Unlimited. The only thing I don’t like is she will go over a day without eating or sleeping and just keep going. I hate that shit. Like I get it you’re a badass but also you can’t actually fight and run and sling magic around if you’re not at least napping.
September 20, 2019
Good story. A little confused right now on who the good and bad guys are. I have a feeling not is all as it seems. Why is Darick always disappearing and just reappearing after Jax nearly has a catastrophe. Who is Lysander and is there a common link between him and Darick?
October 30, 2019
Another great instalment of the Blood Magic series! Jax is a great character who just wants to do the right thing, even when it gets her into trouble!
October 7, 2019
If I'm honest, I'm a little disappointed that the writing in this book wasn't as strong as the first.
The plot should have been a straight forward mystery - an elderly wizard is being killed slowly, and his butler has asked heroine Jax to find out how and put a stop to it. Still shell-shocked from the events of The HighFire Crown, she's ready to push herself into service once again to take her mind off things. Oh yeah, then there's the problem of the dead women, the V-Cult, the missing Crown, an AWOL ferret, and some vampires hitting up a historical railway...
Alas, that main thread about the elderly wizard felt flat. The mystery took an age to solve despite the clues being handed to her on a plate. She literally witnessed Blimaex being hurt in a certain way, but didn't think to check on it until later. Let's face it, Jax must be the only paranormal PI in Jo'Berg if she's considered the best. The underlying story arc about the V-Cult got a look in, but not much. Everything happens very fast, with the odd interlude where Jax fills us in on a need-to-know lore tidbit or hint about her mysterious past. All the plot points seemed spread too thinly to really have impact, and the resolution (of those that are actually resolved) felt tacked on as an afterthought.
The side characters still aren't very well established (they're barely present), and Jax doesn't seem too consistent either. I really don't buy her relationship with Darick. This is my main example of how the writing isn't working for me: it feels like it's written for TV. Actors could express their budding feelings with body language, tone, inflection... But in a book, it needs to be done with words. Unfortunately the way it's written feels like it's a relationship going through the motions because romance has to happen in an urban fantasy when a guy and a girl meet. Even though in this case they've barely met, and when they do briefly interact there's no chemistry. Jax just tells us she has feelings. She also still reads more like a male character to me, which is sort of weird.
All in all, this actually left me more frustrated and confused than the first book despite there seeming to be more of a singular central narrative. I wished it would concentrate more on what was important to telling that story rather than drifting off on tangents.
-Read as part of the Blood Magic Box Set-
The plot should have been a straight forward mystery - an elderly wizard is being killed slowly, and his butler has asked heroine Jax to find out how and put a stop to it. Still shell-shocked from the events of The HighFire Crown, she's ready to push herself into service once again to take her mind off things. Oh yeah, then there's the problem of the dead women, the V-Cult, the missing Crown, an AWOL ferret, and some vampires hitting up a historical railway...
Alas, that main thread about the elderly wizard felt flat. The mystery took an age to solve despite the clues being handed to her on a plate. She literally witnessed Blimaex being hurt in a certain way, but didn't think to check on it until later. Let's face it, Jax must be the only paranormal PI in Jo'Berg if she's considered the best. The underlying story arc about the V-Cult got a look in, but not much. Everything happens very fast, with the odd interlude where Jax fills us in on a need-to-know lore tidbit or hint about her mysterious past. All the plot points seemed spread too thinly to really have impact, and the resolution (of those that are actually resolved) felt tacked on as an afterthought.
The side characters still aren't very well established (they're barely present), and Jax doesn't seem too consistent either. I really don't buy her relationship with Darick. This is my main example of how the writing isn't working for me: it feels like it's written for TV. Actors could express their budding feelings with body language, tone, inflection... But in a book, it needs to be done with words. Unfortunately the way it's written feels like it's a relationship going through the motions because romance has to happen in an urban fantasy when a guy and a girl meet. Even though in this case they've barely met, and when they do briefly interact there's no chemistry. Jax just tells us she has feelings. She also still reads more like a male character to me, which is sort of weird.
All in all, this actually left me more frustrated and confused than the first book despite there seeming to be more of a singular central narrative. I wished it would concentrate more on what was important to telling that story rather than drifting off on tangents.
-Read as part of the Blood Magic Box Set-
March 14, 2020
After that cliffhanger ending in book one (Highfire Crown), I was more than ready to dive into book two (Dream Drinker), so I could get right back to the wonderful story-arc in the Blood Magic series!
There's lots of action, and our protagonist (Jax) is a totally kickbutt woman, who has a Sweet, Magical Motorcycle for her "ride"! Despite all that, I honestly hafta say that I've not quite warmed up to Jax, and I'm not sure why... The story is told in first person, and sometimes I find that type of narrative a bit off-putting, or I suppose it could be, the number of times Jax mentioned "the magic burned through my body" or "my body" (this)/"my body" (that), or some extremely minor variation thereof. That number was truly cringeworthy... once or twice is fine, but after that look for some Dang Synonyms! I know that JT Lawrence wrote this under a deadline, but her editor should have caught this and set it right, that's what the author pays them for!
So that's the nitpicky stuff... again, the storyline is lots o' fun, and I do believe that Jax's character is growing and evolving as she finds friends that she can trust.
And, Oh Yes, I really need to know what happens next!
There's lots of action, and our protagonist (Jax) is a totally kickbutt woman, who has a Sweet, Magical Motorcycle for her "ride"! Despite all that, I honestly hafta say that I've not quite warmed up to Jax, and I'm not sure why... The story is told in first person, and sometimes I find that type of narrative a bit off-putting, or I suppose it could be, the number of times Jax mentioned "the magic burned through my body" or "my body" (this)/"my body" (that), or some extremely minor variation thereof. That number was truly cringeworthy... once or twice is fine, but after that look for some Dang Synonyms! I know that JT Lawrence wrote this under a deadline, but her editor should have caught this and set it right, that's what the author pays them for!
So that's the nitpicky stuff... again, the storyline is lots o' fun, and I do believe that Jax's character is growing and evolving as she finds friends that she can trust.
And, Oh Yes, I really need to know what happens next!
December 1, 2018
ONE INCREDIBLY EXCITING ADVENTURE!!!
Wow! Talk about kickin' it up a bit. This is one action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, nailbiting, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few unexpected surprises as well as unpredictable circumstances make for thrilling experience. The drama, nerve racking, spine tingling, mystery, danger and suspense increases steadily as the tension spirals while the plot thickens. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. With such graphically detailed descriptions it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Lawrence did a remarkable job bringing this read to life. Fantastic job Lawrence, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Wow! Talk about kickin' it up a bit. This is one action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, nailbiting, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few unexpected surprises as well as unpredictable circumstances make for thrilling experience. The drama, nerve racking, spine tingling, mystery, danger and suspense increases steadily as the tension spirals while the plot thickens. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. With such graphically detailed descriptions it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Lawrence did a remarkable job bringing this read to life. Fantastic job Lawrence, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
February 20, 2026
Jax is approached at a funeral by a butler who needs her help, his employer, a wizard, is slowly being killed by magic.
Jax agrees to help even though she is already looking for a serial killer, and hoping that Gizmo returns. She also has an orc guard at her apartment; the previous Orc leader wanted her guarded after she tried to stop his assassination. His successor is keeping the promise.
Jax has a lot happening in this book, she has to deal with the goblins, check out forbidden potions, and more.
Darick keeps showing up and she still knows nothing about him.
There is a lot of action, magic, mystery, surprises, suspense, humour and an interesting ending.
The characters are fairly believable although with Jax being a PI, I do wonder about her acceptance of Darick.
This is a good read, a little dark in places but thoroughly enjoyable.
Jax agrees to help even though she is already looking for a serial killer, and hoping that Gizmo returns. She also has an orc guard at her apartment; the previous Orc leader wanted her guarded after she tried to stop his assassination. His successor is keeping the promise.
Jax has a lot happening in this book, she has to deal with the goblins, check out forbidden potions, and more.
Darick keeps showing up and she still knows nothing about him.
There is a lot of action, magic, mystery, surprises, suspense, humour and an interesting ending.
The characters are fairly believable although with Jax being a PI, I do wonder about her acceptance of Darick.
This is a good read, a little dark in places but thoroughly enjoyable.
April 14, 2020
This is an absolutely fabulous series - if you like adult urban fantasy this is for you! No teenage angst, no insta love, just a kick ass heroine, a fabulous cast of side characters, the brilliant setting of Johannesburg and an author who knows how to combine humour, sass, originality, imagination and action into a fun fantasy page-turner.
The narration by Roshina Ratnam was highly enjoyable as well.
The narration by Roshina Ratnam was highly enjoyable as well.
May 30, 2020
Great Paranormal series
I really enjoyed the second book in the Blood Magic series. Jax finds out that the vampires know who her parents were and other details about her that she doesn’t know. She saves a wizard on the council from his brother who practices black magic and makes progress on finding the killer of 9 women who look like her but hasn’t yet solved the case. Can’t wait to next book in 5e series.
I really enjoyed the second book in the Blood Magic series. Jax finds out that the vampires know who her parents were and other details about her that she doesn’t know. She saves a wizard on the council from his brother who practices black magic and makes progress on finding the killer of 9 women who look like her but hasn’t yet solved the case. Can’t wait to next book in 5e series.
November 12, 2021
This is the second in the series, and like the first there is a lot going on! I would recommend reading them in order.
It definitely flowed well from the first book, continuing on the plot and intriguing the reader. I do really enjoy the characters and think they are well thought out.
The story is fun and flows well, it doesn't take long to read either. I still recommend this series and look forward to reading more.
It definitely flowed well from the first book, continuing on the plot and intriguing the reader. I do really enjoy the characters and think they are well thought out.
The story is fun and flows well, it doesn't take long to read either. I still recommend this series and look forward to reading more.
December 21, 2024
Dream Drinker was an action packed read that I devoured in one day. I am loving this series featuring detective wizard Jax and following her journey as she tries to solve cases with magic and supernatural creatures. I really am looking forward to see if Jax learns more about her parents and also I really would like to know about her mysterious stalker, Derrick.
I would definitely recommend reading this book!
I would definitely recommend reading this book!
April 14, 2021
This is a great series - I have the box set. The Dream Drinker continues the story of Jax, a paranormal private detective, fighting battles on many fronts. There's plenty of action, thoughts, feelings and a definite sense of humour.
I don't give spoilers so will just say that it's well-written, fast-paced with brilliant storytelling.
Recommended.
I don't give spoilers so will just say that it's well-written, fast-paced with brilliant storytelling.
Recommended.
February 26, 2026
What did he do?
A great read this book ends on a cliff hanger but some bad guys are dead they just keep showing up. I have read another linked series that is after this one but I read in wrong order asha's series. I did find them very similar a little too much so, but I still enjoying the journey
A great read this book ends on a cliff hanger but some bad guys are dead they just keep showing up. I have read another linked series that is after this one but I read in wrong order asha's series. I did find them very similar a little too much so, but I still enjoying the journey
January 2, 2019
The Dream Drinker.... What a captivating read!!!!
Jax is a character that keeps growing. She encounters so many variables that make her want to give up but she just keeps going!
Cannot wait for the rest of these books!
Jax is a character that keeps growing. She encounters so many variables that make her want to give up but she just keeps going!
Cannot wait for the rest of these books!
May 11, 2020
This story was not as good as the first one; things that I found humorous then were encountered so often they became a tad irritating (especially with the narration). The premise and execution was okay, but by the time I got to the end, I had trouble remembering much of the story. Prior reviews recommend this series to fans of Dresden and Jessica Jones ... but it just doesn't live up to that billing. Structurally you can see the similarity; but the quality is worlds apart.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 3, 2020
It wasn't bad but it wasn't as good as the first book. A few parts dragged on with what just seemed like filler-nothing worthwhile to the story. It didn't feel like there was a real story here. The white/black rabbit storyline felt more like a quick byline. I hope the next book is better.
December 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this second book in the series. There were fewer battles and more adventures. The pace is as frantic as ever and I'm starting to get really curious about Darick and Lysander. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm glad I already own book 3!
January 29, 2026
3.5 really
Still enjoying it as a quick read, but the second book in the series added way more questions than answers, and tied very few things up at the end. None of the characters got fleshed out any further. Hopefully that changes as the series goes on, as there is a lot of potential.
Still enjoying it as a quick read, but the second book in the series added way more questions than answers, and tied very few things up at the end. None of the characters got fleshed out any further. Hopefully that changes as the series goes on, as there is a lot of potential.
November 18, 2018
This book was even better than the first. Cannot wait for the next one. I just love the characters and cannot wait to read more.
February 12, 2019
Book 2
A brave young witch who never sleeps and get herself into so much trouble trying to solve many different crimes at the one time. Fast paced and fascinating..
A brave young witch who never sleeps and get herself into so much trouble trying to solve many different crimes at the one time. Fast paced and fascinating..
July 5, 2019
It Just Gets Better
Fascinating characters and world. Magic, mayhem, and sleep deprivation to go please! This second book will keep the reader riveted until the end.
Fascinating characters and world. Magic, mayhem, and sleep deprivation to go please! This second book will keep the reader riveted until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews