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City of Crows #6
Spell Caster
Cal Kinsey’s back on the beat, but nothing is the same.
After discovering a startling secret about his own history, Cal’s been forced to split his time between honing new skills and healing old wounds. So when what appears to be a routine supernatural murder drags him out of the DSI office and onto the streets once again, Cal is initially overjoyed at the prospect of returning to some sense of “normal.”
His hopes are dashed, however, when the seemingly simple crime suddenly morphs into a violent murder spree that leaves bloody bodies scattered across Aurora. With scant clues to the perpetrator’s motives and identity, Cal and his teammates find themselves in a race against time to stop a magic practitioner hellbent on killing anyone related to a man that everyone at DSI was hoping they’d be allowed to forget.
But in the supernatural community, old wounds always reopen and old enemies always rear their heads again in the ugliest of ways. And while Cal now has more power at his disposal than ever before, the adversary pitted against him this time around may just be unstoppable.
Spell Caster is the sixth book in the action-packed City of Crows urban fantasy series.
After discovering a startling secret about his own history, Cal’s been forced to split his time between honing new skills and healing old wounds. So when what appears to be a routine supernatural murder drags him out of the DSI office and onto the streets once again, Cal is initially overjoyed at the prospect of returning to some sense of “normal.”
His hopes are dashed, however, when the seemingly simple crime suddenly morphs into a violent murder spree that leaves bloody bodies scattered across Aurora. With scant clues to the perpetrator’s motives and identity, Cal and his teammates find themselves in a race against time to stop a magic practitioner hellbent on killing anyone related to a man that everyone at DSI was hoping they’d be allowed to forget.
But in the supernatural community, old wounds always reopen and old enemies always rear their heads again in the ugliest of ways. And while Cal now has more power at his disposal than ever before, the adversary pitted against him this time around may just be unstoppable.
Spell Caster is the sixth book in the action-packed City of Crows urban fantasy series.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
64 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Clara Coulson
27 books247 followersClara Coulson is an author of action-packed urban fantasy and paranormal thriller novels with sarcastic main characters and supernaturally empowered villains.
Currently living in the Middle of Nowhere, Virginia, Clara spends most of her time dreaming up bizarre paranormal scenarios and adapting them into novels and reading through the enormous backlog of books on her shelves.
Clara likes silly cats, pepperoni pizza, and collecting an absurd number of notebooks and BIC pens that she has no real use for.
Currently living in the Middle of Nowhere, Virginia, Clara spends most of her time dreaming up bizarre paranormal scenarios and adapting them into novels and reading through the enormous backlog of books on her shelves.
Clara likes silly cats, pepperoni pizza, and collecting an absurd number of notebooks and BIC pens that she has no real use for.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 9, 2018
4 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
I feel terrible for Cal. This poor man has been kidnapped multiple times, tortured, assaulted with mind magic, and injured more times than I can count. He has PTSD and anxiety/panic attacks, and it's no wonder. He's constantly ending up in no-win situations with tough decisions to make that leave him wracked with guilt, and although he has had some good things to help him through (like his teammates/friends/partner), the problems, secrets, and dangers in his life just seem to be piling up. And he doesn't deserve any of it because he's a genuine, caring person who tries to be the best he can be, even if he does take it too far sometimes by taking on things that aren't his responsibility or his fault. I just want to give him a hug and then wave a magic wand to make things all better for him.
Anyway... This was another great book in the series. Another action-packed story with twists and turns and mysteries and magic. Each book is fast-paced with great characters, diversity, and oftentimes relevance to the real world. I don't know whether there's an overarching plot goal beyond stopping the various bad supernatural groups that Cal and the DSI have uncovered or what the end game might be, but there was a pretty big change at the end of this book that might shake things up quite a bit for the foreseeable future. I missed Cooper and Erica again, but I understand why they still weren't around, and I think both of them will be back in the story eventually, if not very soon.
We also got to learn more about how magic works in this world, how the witches, wizards, and magic practitioners use it, and that was cool. It was really interesting and detailed and clearly thought-out.
Overall, another great addition to this urban fantasy series, even if it did leave my heart breaking for poor Cal!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Clara Coulson's City of Crows Series. Anyone who likes action-packed urban fantasy, supernatural creatures, a hilariously snarky but also realistic and compassionate protag, and touching friendships/team dynamics.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the author. This has not influenced my review.*
I feel terrible for Cal. This poor man has been kidnapped multiple times, tortured, assaulted with mind magic, and injured more times than I can count. He has PTSD and anxiety/panic attacks, and it's no wonder. He's constantly ending up in no-win situations with tough decisions to make that leave him wracked with guilt, and although he has had some good things to help him through (like his teammates/friends/partner), the problems, secrets, and dangers in his life just seem to be piling up. And he doesn't deserve any of it because he's a genuine, caring person who tries to be the best he can be, even if he does take it too far sometimes by taking on things that aren't his responsibility or his fault. I just want to give him a hug and then wave a magic wand to make things all better for him.
Anyway... This was another great book in the series. Another action-packed story with twists and turns and mysteries and magic. Each book is fast-paced with great characters, diversity, and oftentimes relevance to the real world. I don't know whether there's an overarching plot goal beyond stopping the various bad supernatural groups that Cal and the DSI have uncovered or what the end game might be, but there was a pretty big change at the end of this book that might shake things up quite a bit for the foreseeable future. I missed Cooper and Erica again, but I understand why they still weren't around, and I think both of them will be back in the story eventually, if not very soon.
We also got to learn more about how magic works in this world, how the witches, wizards, and magic practitioners use it, and that was cool. It was really interesting and detailed and clearly thought-out.
Overall, another great addition to this urban fantasy series, even if it did leave my heart breaking for poor Cal!
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1-5 in Clara Coulson's City of Crows Series. Anyone who likes action-packed urban fantasy, supernatural creatures, a hilariously snarky but also realistic and compassionate protag, and touching friendships/team dynamics.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 12, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
In hindsight, I should've known that almost ALL of the High Court -- or organization of power -- in urban fantasy tends to be, well, rather corrupt, aren't they? *sigh* Anyway, I feel like this one is a 'bridge' kind of book for the next "arc".
We have Cal learning to cast spells, we have introduction of what has been going on behind the scene of ICM, we even FINALLY have fae characters stepping forward, in addition to new knowledge that Cal uncovers, thanks to his connection to Foley and Lucian.
Looking forward to Dawn Slayer!
In hindsight, I should've known that almost ALL of the High Court -- or organization of power -- in urban fantasy tends to be, well, rather corrupt, aren't they? *sigh* Anyway, I feel like this one is a 'bridge' kind of book for the next "arc".
We have Cal learning to cast spells, we have introduction of what has been going on behind the scene of ICM, we even FINALLY have fae characters stepping forward, in addition to new knowledge that Cal uncovers, thanks to his connection to Foley and Lucian.
Looking forward to Dawn Slayer!
November 5, 2018
I’ve been a fan of this series ever since I read the first book. I loved Cal from the beginning, and the turn the series has taken just makes me love him more. In this sixth book, poor Cal is trying to hide how powerful a magic user he is while trying to master its use. Of course, bad things won’t stop happening so he has to use his great power to stop a terrible event from happening. What contortions does he have to go through to stop a murder of a two year old child? We get the same thing in this one we always do with a book in this series: great action, fun, plot, and writing. And that ending! I can’t wait to see what will come next for poor Cal; does he really need to be beat up in every book?!? LOL! I really highly recommend this book and series! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 5, 2018
Another great addition to this series
I can't say enough about how much I enjoy this series.
The ICM always seems to both underestimate Cal and how useful he could be as a resource. I can't wait to see how he will be able to work around his new restrictions to their consternation.
I also can't wait to read the next installment of the series.
I can't say enough about how much I enjoy this series.
The ICM always seems to both underestimate Cal and how useful he could be as a resource. I can't wait to see how he will be able to work around his new restrictions to their consternation.
I also can't wait to read the next installment of the series.
April 24, 2019
This author manages to be both clever and intriguing, which is not an easy feat. She also seems to know the value of a well-telegraphed feint, as opposed to a bludgeon. I enjoyed this series more than I expected to, and I look forward to the next book with anticipation.
November 26, 2018
"Goodbye, Michigan. Hello, Siberia"
How come those two sentences made me squeee....
How come those two sentences made me squeee....
November 24, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 4.5 stars, rounded down mostly for nitpicky things.
Blurb = 3.5
My Genre Scale = 4.5
Odds if not your genre = 3.5
Development of: = (Probably skewed because have been reading (or rereading) back to back.
*World = 4.5
*Characters = 4
*Plot = 5
What stood out = The deal made with Targus and the planning to get there. The result was expected, but not the how etc...
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = No romance, supernatural action /adventure with a mid-twenties hero maturing through saving a child, his town, and his team all while trying to prevent a supernatural World War.
Warnings = The description of injuries can be gruesome at times but was much better in this book than previous ones.
HFN/HEA = Nope, not yet
Series Notes = #6 of 8 currently out as of Nov. 2021, but my impression is more are/were planned.
*Reading on? Yes, most definitely
*Reading back to back? Yes
*Can be easily read without the previous? This one is probably an okay one to read without the previous books; previous supporting and minor characters are explained but also less prevalent to the overall book. Though, it is definitely not a "standalone" . With the continued major shift in direction, this might be a good place to pick up the series for anyone not interested in reading the prior books.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
In a lot of ways, I think the writing is getting better and better; even if I personally am not fond of all the shifts / changes.
I do have one minor and one major "bone to pick":
I do think the timeline from book to book can feel confusing, because it feels like a ton of time has passed; when within the story only a couple of days may pass. Then, from book to book we are given only a brief sentence explaining the lapse of time between the 2.
I also feel that how Cal has handled his missing boyfriend feels a little calm and out of character for him. I think that Cooper being out of touch for so long (even if he's in Siberia with network issues) would have caused more concern and possibly more action on Cal's part. It's been at least a month (per the mention that a month has passed between the events of the last book and this one) if not closer to 2 months +. This is the man he loves; that was sent to Siberia as punishment for helping Cal, and it takes his hand being forced for him to go looking? I understand he has a new power to learn and deal with, plus continued DSI issues - but really?
I still really enjoyed this book overall, and look forward to him hopefully meeting up with Call eventually in the next.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Blurb = 3.5
My Genre Scale = 4.5
Odds if not your genre = 3.5
Development of: = (Probably skewed because have been reading (or rereading) back to back.
*World = 4.5
*Characters = 4
*Plot = 5
What stood out = The deal made with Targus and the planning to get there. The result was expected, but not the how etc...
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = No romance, supernatural action /adventure with a mid-twenties hero maturing through saving a child, his town, and his team all while trying to prevent a supernatural World War.
Warnings = The description of injuries can be gruesome at times but was much better in this book than previous ones.
HFN/HEA = Nope, not yet
Series Notes = #6 of 8 currently out as of Nov. 2021, but my impression is more are/were planned.
*Reading on? Yes, most definitely
*Reading back to back? Yes
*Can be easily read without the previous? This one is probably an okay one to read without the previous books; previous supporting and minor characters are explained but also less prevalent to the overall book. Though, it is definitely not a "standalone" . With the continued major shift in direction, this might be a good place to pick up the series for anyone not interested in reading the prior books.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
In a lot of ways, I think the writing is getting better and better; even if I personally am not fond of all the shifts / changes.
I do have one minor and one major "bone to pick":
I do think the timeline from book to book can feel confusing, because it feels like a ton of time has passed; when within the story only a couple of days may pass. Then, from book to book we are given only a brief sentence explaining the lapse of time between the 2.
I also feel that how Cal has handled his missing boyfriend feels a little calm and out of character for him. I think that Cooper being out of touch for so long (even if he's in Siberia with network issues) would have caused more concern and possibly more action on Cal's part. It's been at least a month (per the mention that a month has passed between the events of the last book and this one) if not closer to 2 months +. This is the man he loves; that was sent to Siberia as punishment for helping Cal, and it takes his hand being forced for him to go looking? I understand he has a new power to learn and deal with, plus continued DSI issues - but really?
I still really enjoyed this book overall, and look forward to him hopefully meeting up with Call eventually in the next.
***************
I am way off my usual rate of reading over the last 11+ years. Real life has hit hard this year. Most recently with the death of my mother, and I had just been getting back into the swing of things. More upheaval appears to be on the horizon, but it has as much potential to be good as bad. I have no idea what that means for the rate of my reading and reviewing, but we will see...
***************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
December 24, 2018
The series that gets better and better!
I do not believe how much I enjoy each and every book in this series. I also can’t believe how much each book gets better. This book grabs you by the throat and won’t let go until the last page.
Cal Kinsey is struggling to learn magic without a teacher and in secret in order to preserve his job and prevent DSI and ICM coming to political blows. No major practitioner can work with DSI and Cal knows that is exactly what he is.
Cal is still missing his boyfriend Cooper and feels lonely and uncertain about himself and his actions but he still keeps trying to do the right thing for the people of Aurora, his home town. He puts his life on the line, alongside his fellow DSI officers, and tries to keep the civilian populace safe from magical threats, even when faced with a dangerously cunning magical opponent.
The plot in this book and in the overall arc of the story of the series is gripping. I love Cal Kinsey and his friends and colleagues. I love how he makes alliances and works to do the best he can with the resources he has available but always feels like it is not enough in anyone gets hurt. He has the mix of arrogance and uncertainty you see in many young people, because they haven’t quite found their way yet. They haven’t accepted that they don’t have all the answers and shouldn’t expect it of themselves.
I really can’t wait for the next book in this series, especially as they just seem to get better and better.
I do not believe how much I enjoy each and every book in this series. I also can’t believe how much each book gets better. This book grabs you by the throat and won’t let go until the last page.
Cal Kinsey is struggling to learn magic without a teacher and in secret in order to preserve his job and prevent DSI and ICM coming to political blows. No major practitioner can work with DSI and Cal knows that is exactly what he is.
Cal is still missing his boyfriend Cooper and feels lonely and uncertain about himself and his actions but he still keeps trying to do the right thing for the people of Aurora, his home town. He puts his life on the line, alongside his fellow DSI officers, and tries to keep the civilian populace safe from magical threats, even when faced with a dangerously cunning magical opponent.
The plot in this book and in the overall arc of the story of the series is gripping. I love Cal Kinsey and his friends and colleagues. I love how he makes alliances and works to do the best he can with the resources he has available but always feels like it is not enough in anyone gets hurt. He has the mix of arrogance and uncertainty you see in many young people, because they haven’t quite found their way yet. They haven’t accepted that they don’t have all the answers and shouldn’t expect it of themselves.
I really can’t wait for the next book in this series, especially as they just seem to get better and better.
May 22, 2019
At first it looks like a simple case for Cal and team but alas that is not to be and the hint of an old enemy involvement has them all terrified for the their continued existence. With his secret not very secret and the team all very protective of him, he in turn is determined not to let them get hurt either and will do anything to protect them, even if it means major consequences for him personally. Old enemies and allies alike further the plot that is happening deep in the superntraul underground, things so big, even DSI cannot take them on without help. The conspiracy plot thickens and Cal once more has to take n a lot alone. He proves himself to be a worthy hero and one I feel like I know as well as family now! Learning his new powers on the one hand fast and at others frustratingly slowly, it is also entertaining and the laughs keep coming along with the tears. An ending that had me so sad but I know that Cal is going to pick and still be making a difference. Hopefully he will get to kick some ass in the next book.
November 4, 2018
Cal is finally coming into his own with his magic, but now has to suppress it with rings when at work in order not to be detected. A brutal murder and Cal's team is at it again. Except it's not one murder, but a whole team is wiped out and a toddler is in jeopardy. Fighting against a brutal invisible force and its practitioner, they must find the reason for the murders. Cal is smart though and his team figure it out. Now they have to figure out how to stop the threat without loosing anymore people. Cal also is worried about Cooper. He hasn't heard from him yet and he is loosing patients with that whole situation too. A book that is exciting and full of tension, fear and angst along with a big dose of violence. This whole series has kept me on the edge of my seat. I know others with enjoy it too. The characters are strong, the plots are solid and well thought out and keeps the reader interested throughout the books. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
December 4, 2018
I continue to enjoy Clara Coulson’s “City of Crows” series. After the events in Day Killer, Cal has to be careful. Revelations could mean the end of the line for Cal Kinsey. Zombies are just the start of Spell Caster. Cal reunites with an old friend, but in a world subject to Fae whim and politics, who can be trusted?
Can Cal stay out of the Emberverse for once? The Methuselah Group, The Black Knights, and the High Fae Court continue to be the bane of Cal’s existence. You start to feel sorry for the guy. When will Cal get a break?
Spell Caster is another action-packed tale with twisty turns and mysterious magician machinations. Just like the five books before it, Spell Caster is fast-paced with realistic characters with a diverse cast that lifts the veil to our own world. I look forward to Dawn Slayer next year. Five stars for Spell Caster.
Can Cal stay out of the Emberverse for once? The Methuselah Group, The Black Knights, and the High Fae Court continue to be the bane of Cal’s existence. You start to feel sorry for the guy. When will Cal get a break?
Spell Caster is another action-packed tale with twisty turns and mysterious magician machinations. Just like the five books before it, Spell Caster is fast-paced with realistic characters with a diverse cast that lifts the veil to our own world. I look forward to Dawn Slayer next year. Five stars for Spell Caster.
September 30, 2021
Cal still can't seem to avoid getting into trouble that pushes the boundaries of his skill sets, but he is learning to manage the unexpected a bit better.
This was another intense read that kept me up way past bedtime. I am enjoying the variety of antagonists that show up in each story. I also appreciate the way the plot focuses on interesting political and social issues that are often misunderstood or disregarded.
The end is a little bit of an emotional shock, but not entirely unexpected. I am a bit relieved that I have two more volumes to read because I don't want this series to end.
This was another intense read that kept me up way past bedtime. I am enjoying the variety of antagonists that show up in each story. I also appreciate the way the plot focuses on interesting political and social issues that are often misunderstood or disregarded.
The end is a little bit of an emotional shock, but not entirely unexpected. I am a bit relieved that I have two more volumes to read because I don't want this series to end.
June 20, 2019
Spell Caster continues the story of Calvin Kinsey and is not quite as heartfelt as the other five books, but is still a lot of fun. As he comes into his magical powers, he still keeps tangling with more powerful villains and gets beaten up. He is getting better at keeping his friends alive though -- good thing!
One more book and a novella and Cal will be put away for a while -- at least till the next book if there is one.
One more book and a novella and Cal will be put away for a while -- at least till the next book if there is one.
May 7, 2020
Least loved but still amazing
Still awesome book. Everything I love about the series: action, schemes, humor, more action, and a dose of epic. Still though, liked this one less than most of the others. Mostly for the info dump. It's necessary and interesting, but it is alot. The world building in this series is just incredible and with great world building comes the occasional info dump. Loved it though. The book the series and CAL. LOVE CAL!
Still awesome book. Everything I love about the series: action, schemes, humor, more action, and a dose of epic. Still though, liked this one less than most of the others. Mostly for the info dump. It's necessary and interesting, but it is alot. The world building in this series is just incredible and with great world building comes the occasional info dump. Loved it though. The book the series and CAL. LOVE CAL!
June 27, 2019
Fantastic Series
I love Cal Kinsey!! Clara Coulson has written such a great series and you just can’t wait to literally turn the page to see what happens next. The story is written in first person but Cal is such a brilliant and flawed character you can’t help but to root for him. Strongly recommend this entire series.
I love Cal Kinsey!! Clara Coulson has written such a great series and you just can’t wait to literally turn the page to see what happens next. The story is written in first person but Cal is such a brilliant and flawed character you can’t help but to root for him. Strongly recommend this entire series.
May 6, 2022
I should like this book. It’s what I’ve wanted to read urban fantasy with a queer male lead. However, something has been off about this whole series for me. Something that’s bothered me immensely. Took me 6 books to realize it: Copaganda. It’s literally everywhere once you start to look for it. So yea I’m done with this series. It didn’t give me what I wanted.
April 13, 2020
Cal's life is getting messier with each new book. He found out he has magic and isn't actually human. Wow, he's life is really messy at the moment. And missing Cooper so much it's painful. Ending was surprisingly logical, I liked it. His mom was a really cool lady.
November 11, 2018
Book six in the series and it just doesn’t let up. How many scrapes can the lad get into for gods sake. This is why I just love urban fantasy. Cannot wait for the next one. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2021
Good series about a cop who works in a supernatural investigation department in Aurora, Michigan.
November 14, 2018
And the hits just keep on happening for Cal. Wow! What a book. Well, at least it looks like we’ll seep Cooper and Erica again in the next.
Great series. Now to wait.......patiently.........wait..........
Great series. Now to wait.......patiently.........wait..........
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews