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Relic Guardians #1
Ancient Magic
Relic Guardian. Defender of Mankind. Witch.
Magic is real - but you knew that, right?
I'm Zoe Stark, and the last thing I need after saving London from a possessed African mask is the theft of another magical artefact - one that's far more deadly.
When Kukulkan's Skull is found and promptly stolen, it's up to me to recover this legendary relic before its demonic powers are unleashed upon mankind.
With the Day of the Dead, and the zenith of the skull's devastating powers fast approaching, I'm out of luck and out of time.
Not knowing who to trust or where to turn for help, it's up to me to save the world, but first, I have to save myself.
Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced contemporary fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action and kick-ass characters. Start the adventure today.
The Relic Guardians Series:
Ancient Magic
Hidden Magic
Cursed Magic
Gathered Magic
Short Stories:
Devious Magic (available free with every book in the series)
Rogue Magic
Stolen Magic
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2017
59 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cowley
60 books202 followers✒️ Romantic Fantasy with courageous heroines, protective heroes, and endearing found families to sweep you away... ✨️
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
Meg Cowley is a USA Today bestselling fantasy author from England. Meg writes slow burn steamy epic fantasy romances with courageous and vulnerable heroines, protective and brooding heroes, and lovable and welcoming found family in stories that will steal your heart long after the last page.
Meg's favourite past times are reading, hiking, and cooking. She can usually be found curled up with a cup of tea and a riveting fantasy romance book, cooking up a fantasy-book worthy feast, or out walking the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire dreaming up her next story.
Visit www.megcowley.com to find out more, discover Meg’s books, find exclusive reader bonus content, and join her Romantasy Fellowship newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 27, 2021
The tagline for this book says:
'Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced urban fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action, and kick-ass characters.'
And this is exactly what we get.
A legendary relic with the death powers of a god is stolen.
Zoe Stark, a Magicai and magical relic hunter is sent to recover it from deep within the ancient Mexican jungles. On the tracks of a cold trail of murder and magic, Zoe teams up with her Mexican counterpart Juan and they try their damnedest to locate the artefact, before the one who stole it decides to unleash it's devastating power.
Failing is not an option because that would doom millions of innocent lives, so Zoe and Juan must make sure that doesn't happen.
Fast-paced and full of edge of the seat action, this little tale is one that would look perfect on the big screen - Indiana Jones style. Only with magic runes and spells casted, instead of knives thrown and guns blazing. Though we do get quite a few guns blazing too over here.
The plot is tight, the pace is great and the setting is downright fabulous. As for the characters, Zoe is a pretty cool female lead. Smart, snarky and easy to root for. The rest of the cast however, villain included, don't seem fully fleshed out. But that is probably expected taking into account the smaller page count and action-packed plot.
Intrigue, magic and excitement, alongside a certain charm that will have you hooked from the very first page - this book has it all.
It's a very entertaining page turner any fantasy adventure fan out there is bound to finish in just a sitting and want more.
'Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced urban fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action, and kick-ass characters.'
And this is exactly what we get.
A legendary relic with the death powers of a god is stolen.
Zoe Stark, a Magicai and magical relic hunter is sent to recover it from deep within the ancient Mexican jungles. On the tracks of a cold trail of murder and magic, Zoe teams up with her Mexican counterpart Juan and they try their damnedest to locate the artefact, before the one who stole it decides to unleash it's devastating power.
Failing is not an option because that would doom millions of innocent lives, so Zoe and Juan must make sure that doesn't happen.
Fast-paced and full of edge of the seat action, this little tale is one that would look perfect on the big screen - Indiana Jones style. Only with magic runes and spells casted, instead of knives thrown and guns blazing. Though we do get quite a few guns blazing too over here.
The plot is tight, the pace is great and the setting is downright fabulous. As for the characters, Zoe is a pretty cool female lead. Smart, snarky and easy to root for. The rest of the cast however, villain included, don't seem fully fleshed out. But that is probably expected taking into account the smaller page count and action-packed plot.
Intrigue, magic and excitement, alongside a certain charm that will have you hooked from the very first page - this book has it all.
It's a very entertaining page turner any fantasy adventure fan out there is bound to finish in just a sitting and want more.
June 15, 2019
Wow I just love the fast paced action in this urban fantasy novel, the first book in the series Relic Guardians and I also love the kick-ass heroine Zoe Stark who is so full of spunk and take no BS from anyone. However sometimes her reckless actions get her secret department into trouble as they really should stay secret but she keeps drawing attention to them. This book full of adventure and magic and a run for your life kind of action, which should really be turned into a movie as it is something one would expect to see in a 007 film but better, as the heroine is a woman. The descriptive world building really draws us into Mayan Mexico and one can just feel the lively vibe of the Mexican people and their hot blooded actions. A very enjoyable and tense book where Zoe and her counterpart colleague Juan try their damnedest to locate the stolen relic of Kukulkan the serpent god of Chichen Itza which in the wrong hands could cause devastation. Both Zoe and Juan are magicai so quiet powerful, however the criminal mastermind behind the theft is also a very powerful magicai and very arrogant to boot! I know I will enjoy reading the rest of this adventure series.
June 7, 2017
I loved the concept of looking for artifacts, that they are magical in nature makes it even more fun. Zoe Stark is a kick ass character who is independent with a go getter attitude. I'm looking forward to more books in this series as it is an attention grabber. Thanks to the authors, Meg Cowley and Victoria DeLuis for a really good series.
July 16, 2017
Fantastic book!
Many a time when reading a new author I find it make cake several chapters to like or understand the authors style.
From the first sentence I was completely drawn into this book . Almost immediately I was drawn into this book. All of the characters are well-developed. The plot was realistic and slightly complex and I did not see until it was shown who the bad characters were . I do not give away any of the plot in any review. But if you open this book be prepared to finish it and one go . Therefore I suggest getting a glass of wine your coffee your water and sit down and enjoy..
Many a time when reading a new author I find it make cake several chapters to like or understand the authors style.
From the first sentence I was completely drawn into this book . Almost immediately I was drawn into this book. All of the characters are well-developed. The plot was realistic and slightly complex and I did not see until it was shown who the bad characters were . I do not give away any of the plot in any review. But if you open this book be prepared to finish it and one go . Therefore I suggest getting a glass of wine your coffee your water and sit down and enjoy..
July 16, 2017
Quick, fun read.
Kicks.. heroine who, interestingly is not always the strongest person in the story, just the most stubborn. Non-stop action and an. Interesting world'view. I would like to see this author do longer books with greater character development. Look forward to more from this author.
Kicks.. heroine who, interestingly is not always the strongest person in the story, just the most stubborn. Non-stop action and an. Interesting world'view. I would like to see this author do longer books with greater character development. Look forward to more from this author.
June 14, 2017
*I received free copies in exchange for an honest review.*
The marketing blurb on Amazon says of Ancient Magic: ‘Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced urban fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action, and kick-ass characters.’ For once you CAN believe the hype, because this is exactly what you are getting.
Just like Indiana Jones, the main character Zoe Stark is a relic hunter and her mission is to locate and retrieve ancient artefacts to preserve them for posterity, and from the hands of evildoers who will misuse them. The difference is that Zoe Stark is a ‘Magicai’ (she has magical powers), and the artefacts in question are powerfully magical (is that really a difference? Ark of the Covenant anyone?!) Still, Zoe is less bullwhip and pistol, and more magic shields and melting weapons with her mind.
It goes without saying (but I will) that it is great to see a female lead in an action/adventure role, and Zoe really does lead…her male sidekick is along for the ride, but Zoe is the driving force and decision-maker, and he trusts her expertise and judgement. There were hints of James Bond here too, with diplomatic incidents, interrupted beach holidays, and the possibility of more than one conquest falling at her feet (although unlike dear James, Zoe shows a modicum of self-control and focuses on the job at hand rather than diverting into romantic dalliances!).
The focus, as mentioned, being on the action means that the magic is almost incidental, and therefore there is more to uncover about how the Magicai society functions alongside but secret from ‘the Ordinaries’, and how the magic itself operates. We pick up during events that magic can be pulled from leylines and used or stored according to need, but I am interested to find out more about its limitations and inherent rules; information which I expect will develop over the course of the series.
Unfortunately I now need to note a major complaint about Rogue Magic, a short story set in the same world as Ancient Magic and bringing in Zoe as a minor character:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!
Rogue Magic would make a great first chapter of another Zoe adventure, with Jamie as a different and more feisty male sidekick, but as a short story it just wasn’t enough; I was left needing more. I was excited by the idea of Pandora’s Box and the potentially devastating problems it could cause in the wrong hands, and the character of Jamie is good fun; I could see how he’d pair nicely with the more businesslike Zoe for a traditional mismatched-buddy adventure. I refuse to accept that there is not more to come from this set up…it’s just too good!
Overall Ancient Magic was a great start to a promising series, and fans of Indie, Lara, magic and Meg Cowley / Victoria DeLuis are all advised to check it out. Watch out though! It ends with a teaser that will have you reaching straight for the next book…!
The marketing blurb on Amazon says of Ancient Magic: ‘Fans of Lara Croft and Indiana Jones will enjoy this fast-paced urban fantasy adventure series filled with magic, action, and kick-ass characters.’ For once you CAN believe the hype, because this is exactly what you are getting.
Just like Indiana Jones, the main character Zoe Stark is a relic hunter and her mission is to locate and retrieve ancient artefacts to preserve them for posterity, and from the hands of evildoers who will misuse them. The difference is that Zoe Stark is a ‘Magicai’ (she has magical powers), and the artefacts in question are powerfully magical (is that really a difference? Ark of the Covenant anyone?!) Still, Zoe is less bullwhip and pistol, and more magic shields and melting weapons with her mind.
It goes without saying (but I will) that it is great to see a female lead in an action/adventure role, and Zoe really does lead…her male sidekick is along for the ride, but Zoe is the driving force and decision-maker, and he trusts her expertise and judgement. There were hints of James Bond here too, with diplomatic incidents, interrupted beach holidays, and the possibility of more than one conquest falling at her feet (although unlike dear James, Zoe shows a modicum of self-control and focuses on the job at hand rather than diverting into romantic dalliances!).
The focus, as mentioned, being on the action means that the magic is almost incidental, and therefore there is more to uncover about how the Magicai society functions alongside but secret from ‘the Ordinaries’, and how the magic itself operates. We pick up during events that magic can be pulled from leylines and used or stored according to need, but I am interested to find out more about its limitations and inherent rules; information which I expect will develop over the course of the series.
Unfortunately I now need to note a major complaint about Rogue Magic, a short story set in the same world as Ancient Magic and bringing in Zoe as a minor character:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!
Rogue Magic would make a great first chapter of another Zoe adventure, with Jamie as a different and more feisty male sidekick, but as a short story it just wasn’t enough; I was left needing more. I was excited by the idea of Pandora’s Box and the potentially devastating problems it could cause in the wrong hands, and the character of Jamie is good fun; I could see how he’d pair nicely with the more businesslike Zoe for a traditional mismatched-buddy adventure. I refuse to accept that there is not more to come from this set up…it’s just too good!
Overall Ancient Magic was a great start to a promising series, and fans of Indie, Lara, magic and Meg Cowley / Victoria DeLuis are all advised to check it out. Watch out though! It ends with a teaser that will have you reaching straight for the next book…!
July 12, 2017
Yeah! I really like this world of magic. Can't wait to read more!
June 14, 2017
I literally could not put this book down until I was finished. It is one of the best fantasy adventure books I have read for a while! The authors work fitted together seamlessly, so you could sense no difference in writing style, leading to a smooth and pleasurable reading experience, with realistic and vivid characters. The plot keeps you on your toes the whole way through, with twists and turns and snippets of ancient legends and relics masterfully created by the authors, all with the undercurrent of a magical 'underworld' which is kept secret from the normal human dwellers in the story. This book succeeds at keeping you hooked until the very finish- and then you are left wanting more! I will definitely be awaiting the following books with baited breath!
I would highly recommend to adults and older children alike as I feel both will enjoy it- and there is no 'bad language' contained in the pages either which has stopped me letting my son read books before!
I would highly recommend to adults and older children alike as I feel both will enjoy it- and there is no 'bad language' contained in the pages either which has stopped me letting my son read books before!
June 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book, it was different, I like that it is going to have more books but there are really no ties to where the character is! So you know you will get to travel somewhere new next book! I am very interested in the next installment!
June 14, 2017
A fast-paced journey through the ancient ruins, jungles and dodgy warehouses of Mexico. The strengths of this book lie in the tight plotting and the evocative descriptions that give a clear picture of the setting. Zoe is a great kick-ass heroine and although there isn't much development of her character throughout the book, that's to be expected based on the style and length of the book. I received an advanced reader copy of the book and really enjoyed reading it. A light, quick piece of escapism from the real world!
If you like action-adventure stories with a splash of magic, you'll love this new novella from these two great fantasy authors.
If you like action-adventure stories with a splash of magic, you'll love this new novella from these two great fantasy authors.
June 14, 2017
This review contains my personal feelings about the book. No spoilers.
Zoe Stark, professional relic hunter. She dives right into dangerous adventures. A cool heroine. I do not read a !of of urban fantasy, but this book has a spark to it that draws you in immediately to the story, the characters, action, adventure and "magic". The book moves at a great pace. I commend the authors Meg Cowley and Victoria DeLuis on doing a good job. I will be reading the next book as soon as it becomes available.
Zoe Stark, professional relic hunter. She dives right into dangerous adventures. A cool heroine. I do not read a !of of urban fantasy, but this book has a spark to it that draws you in immediately to the story, the characters, action, adventure and "magic". The book moves at a great pace. I commend the authors Meg Cowley and Victoria DeLuis on doing a good job. I will be reading the next book as soon as it becomes available.
June 12, 2017
Another great book in a hard to put down series .If you love tomb raider Laura Croft and Indiana Jones then this series of books are a must have for your collections.A fast moving story to have you on the edge of your seat.A Brilliant piece of writing from Meg and Victoria.
June 6, 2019
Fantastic way to start a series. It is an exciting and heart-pounding story. I adore Zoe. She has just enough snark with her intelligence and ingenuity to make her easy relate to. There is also plenty of intrigue and magic throughout. It leaves Zoe with trusted friends in Mexico. I was really impressed with everything about this story. I could visualize the scenery and the characters, I could feel the fear and tension from them and imagined the magical fighting. It was really intriguing and exciting. I will be reading the series.
June 6, 2019
This book was really good. It is action packed with far amount of magic and mythology. Zoe is asked to go to Mexico due to an old Mayan artifact that was stolen at archeology site.She teams up with Juan to find out who stole a powerful artifact. The trail of magic and deception keeps this story moving fast. I really enjoyed the storyline. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. I highly recommend reading this book. I found it to a the right mix of magic and Mayan culture.
September 2, 2017
The magic of the ancient god Kukulkan, and the mystery of the Mayans. An intriguing tale of history, legend, greed and bravery.
August 26, 2017
This book was great, filled with myth and magic. Meg has created an interesting character in Zoe Stark, one that I really liked and could identify with. It gave you a snapshot of Zoe's life which was great but also hinted at a life and missions beyond the job she was working on in the book. This raised many question, questions I look forward to finding answers to in the coming series. Can't wait to read the next book...
August 27, 2017
I very much enjoyed reading this short but very entertaining story. I have read many of Meg Cowley's books and she does not disappoint. This is a very well written story. I often found myself drifting into my own imagination becoming Zoe's character and riding along in her adventures. When I was younger I had thought about becoming an archeologist but digging in the dirt did not appeal to me. Experiencing it through these stories is way better especially with magic involved!
August 5, 2017
Kindle Unlimited but got it on a freebie day, felt as if just thrown in to the story, as if something prequel {maybe one of the short stories listed below was prequel of sorts or maybe both}, and such words as 'furore' were weird {double checked, saw only the spelling of furor}, and in places it seemed to be talking about something as if I should have known and in other places it dragged. Shame, I was fully prepared to really like this book but it wasn't anything I expected from the blurb{s} and all.The grapics/pictures here and there were interesting, but would have been more insersting if could have actually seen them decently, so basically squiggles. Rogue magic is listed in one place as 0.5 yet in another as 2.5, and can't even find listing for Stolen Magic short story.
Can a cursed relic be saved from the clutches of evil before it is used to wreak devastation?Kukulkan’s Skull should never have existed; nothing more than a legendary relic with the death powers of a god. Deep in the ancient Mexican jungles, it has been found… and stolen.Zoe Stark, witch and magical relic hunter, must discover who the true enemy is in time to save the skull from being used for great evil.Time is running out, for the Day of the Dead fast approaches, when the skull will be at the zenith of its devastating power. Zoe finds much more is at stake as she chases a cold trail of murder and magic.Her own life is in danger as the mastermind behind the theft silences those who get too close, but she cannot give up, for to fail, would be to doom millions of innocent lives.If Zoe fails, the skull’s first victim will be her...
Ancient Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 1)
Hidden Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 2)
Cursed Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 3) {currently pre-order}
Plus the short stories
Rogue Magic (Relic Guardians 0.5) Rogue Magic (Relic Guardians, #2.5)
Stolen Magic {no idea where this one is supposed to be number wise}
Can a cursed relic be saved from the clutches of evil before it is used to wreak devastation?Kukulkan’s Skull should never have existed; nothing more than a legendary relic with the death powers of a god. Deep in the ancient Mexican jungles, it has been found… and stolen.Zoe Stark, witch and magical relic hunter, must discover who the true enemy is in time to save the skull from being used for great evil.Time is running out, for the Day of the Dead fast approaches, when the skull will be at the zenith of its devastating power. Zoe finds much more is at stake as she chases a cold trail of murder and magic.Her own life is in danger as the mastermind behind the theft silences those who get too close, but she cannot give up, for to fail, would be to doom millions of innocent lives.If Zoe fails, the skull’s first victim will be her...
Ancient Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 1)
Hidden Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 2)
Cursed Magic: A Ley Line World Urban Fantasy Adventure (Relic Guardians Book 3) {currently pre-order}
Plus the short stories
Rogue Magic (Relic Guardians 0.5) Rogue Magic (Relic Guardians, #2.5)
Stolen Magic {no idea where this one is supposed to be number wise}
March 31, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Zoe Stark is a relic investigator, this time hired to a case that takes place in Mexico. Dangerous situations are afoot, both magical and not. I would recommend this book to readers that are fans of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, with equal shares of action and magical presence.
August 12, 2019
Ancient Magic (Relic Guardians, #1), my seventh read from author Meg Cowley and the third in the last 5 days. Wonderful characters, detailed settings, entertaining storyline. Very good read! I look forward to the next book in the series, Hidden Magic. Now I need the find Devious Magic (Relic Guardians, #.5) (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 24, 2017
Ancient Magic was a fun, quick read. I really enjoyed the originality of the story and Zoe Stark is a very like-able heroine. In her search for a Mayan skull, Zoe meets Juan who is also an enjoyable character.
The writing was very easy to follow and it drew you into the story. My biggest complaint would be that the bad guy felt very generic. But I will continue to read this series! If you enjoy Tomb Raider or stories that involve searching for ancient artifacts, you will love this book!
The writing was very easy to follow and it drew you into the story. My biggest complaint would be that the bad guy felt very generic. But I will continue to read this series! If you enjoy Tomb Raider or stories that involve searching for ancient artifacts, you will love this book!
January 4, 2018
Cool story
Great story strong female lead character. Similar to tumor raider action-packed intriguing stories. Well thought out and put together very entertaining and will keep your interest from beginning to end. Check them out
Great story strong female lead character. Similar to tumor raider action-packed intriguing stories. Well thought out and put together very entertaining and will keep your interest from beginning to end. Check them out
November 22, 2017
Witches , Wizards and Ancient Gods
Zoe teams up with Juan in Mexico to recover stolen artifacts. Even though they are both experienced relic hunters, the ancient magic of a long dead God may just be the death of them. Another great read from Meg Cowley who is a new author making her way in the world if great story telling.
Zoe teams up with Juan in Mexico to recover stolen artifacts. Even though they are both experienced relic hunters, the ancient magic of a long dead God may just be the death of them. Another great read from Meg Cowley who is a new author making her way in the world if great story telling.
October 22, 2017
Ancient Magic
Very entertaining adventure. I felt it needed to be a bit longer so that the tension of some of the situations could, perhaps, be drawn out a little. Also the story sometimes seemed to move a little too fast. Otherwise very enjoyable
Very entertaining adventure. I felt it needed to be a bit longer so that the tension of some of the situations could, perhaps, be drawn out a little. Also the story sometimes seemed to move a little too fast. Otherwise very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews