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Hidden Magic
No matter the world, life can be dangerous. Be they wizards and shamans, assassins, or everyday people, Hidden Magic tells their stories about escape, consequences, and most of all, magic.
From Earth cities and fantastical new worlds comes twenty-six stories where heroes grapple with the seen and unseen in order to save themselves, their families, and often the world. This collection features:
Elderly antiques experts interacting with souls
Shamans growing outlawed magic
Baby chimeras battling for their lives
Children sprouting fluffy tails
A king’s boat thrown off-course
A perfect life coming at a not-so-perfect cost
Vikings defending a village against the unseen
A lone shifter atoning for his past mistakes
Trolls and pixies tumbling through the doorway to another world
And more!
Fans of Patricia Briggs and Tamsyn Muir will love Hidden Magic, first of the Magic Underground trilogy of anthologies… Get it today!
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2020
52 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Kucsera
54 books507 followersMelinda Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels, and books when not being kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional characters demanding their stories be told. She leaves the running of her newsletter to a cast of loveable characters who are far better at engaging in magical mayhem than in effectively marketing the books they star in. They also run her website, https://melindakucsera.com.
Get the only 100% character-run newsletter of its kind. Fictional characters hijacked it and every week, they take readers behind and between the scenes. Add a dash of fantastic fun to your inbox, sign up at:
http://www.mkucsera.com/CharactersWel...
Get the only 100% character-run newsletter of its kind. Fictional characters hijacked it and every week, they take readers behind and between the scenes. Add a dash of fantastic fun to your inbox, sign up at:
http://www.mkucsera.com/CharactersWel...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 26, 2020
This review is for the story, A Veil is Parted, by Anela Deen that is located within this anthology.
Although this story is short, there is a ton of wealth to uncover here. The writing was intense and exciting, and the action filled beginning sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down! There is a lot of story here, with a host of magical races (fairies, pixies, trolls) including much information about their cultures and the war that they are embroiled in. The lush writing style flowed perfectly and kept the story moving.
I also absolutely loved the characters! The main female protagonist, Jessa, felt very real to me. She was strong and brave but she also made mistakes and doubted herself. And Simith was so adorable! I loved the scenes where Jessa explained to him how the human world worked.
Here is a small example of some of the witty dialogue between Jessa and Simith:
“I thought my kind didn’t exist here.”
“It doesn’t, but we do have stories. Fairytales.”
“Fairytales.” That seemed to amuse him. “How are we imagined in them?”
“As fluttery things. Lots of bright color and glitter.”
“And I have insufficient sparkle?”
See? Super adorable.
All in all, this was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review! :)
Although this story is short, there is a ton of wealth to uncover here. The writing was intense and exciting, and the action filled beginning sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down! There is a lot of story here, with a host of magical races (fairies, pixies, trolls) including much information about their cultures and the war that they are embroiled in. The lush writing style flowed perfectly and kept the story moving.
I also absolutely loved the characters! The main female protagonist, Jessa, felt very real to me. She was strong and brave but she also made mistakes and doubted herself. And Simith was so adorable! I loved the scenes where Jessa explained to him how the human world worked.
Here is a small example of some of the witty dialogue between Jessa and Simith:
“I thought my kind didn’t exist here.”
“It doesn’t, but we do have stories. Fairytales.”
“Fairytales.” That seemed to amuse him. “How are we imagined in them?”
“As fluttery things. Lots of bright color and glitter.”
“And I have insufficient sparkle?”
See? Super adorable.
All in all, this was a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review! :)
January 9, 2020
Hey everyone! In this anthology series, I get to write a story in response to Ursula K. LeGuin's "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," and it's pretty sweet as you read it, and it gets darker the more you think about it.
Very happy to be teaming up with so many other talented authors in this one as well! Can't wait to see what all of you think!
Very happy to be teaming up with so many other talented authors in this one as well! Can't wait to see what all of you think!
March 15, 2020
I'm reviewing The Mail-Order Witch Episode 1 in the first anthology, Hidden Magic. It's a cozy magical mystery about a witch named Ettie who wants to help people, but she's finding it hard to be accepted in the community. Her husband, Roman, wants to see her succeed and purchases a store for her, which she names Ettie’s Enchanted Effects. There's a religious lady who looks after the church across from Ettie's store who is prejudiced against magical people. Things only get harder when an entire class of second-graders sprout tails and she gets blamed. There’s a bit of a resolution, but the mystery continues in Episode 2 in the second anthology, Wayward Magic.
I'm also reviewing the short narrative serial, “The Ones Who See,” by C.S. Johnson in Hidden Magic. This is a thought-provoking coming-of-age story about a utopian society that is hiding a dark secret. There’s a girl named Skyla who is in the process of saying goodbye to her childhood and embracing her new status as a contributing community member. However, the young man that Skyla likes wants her to see what the community has been hiding. What she sees is so disturbing that she makes a resolution to fight for change. The story will continue in “The Ones Who Fight” in Wayward Magic.
I'm also reviewing the short narrative serial, “The Ones Who See,” by C.S. Johnson in Hidden Magic. This is a thought-provoking coming-of-age story about a utopian society that is hiding a dark secret. There’s a girl named Skyla who is in the process of saying goodbye to her childhood and embracing her new status as a contributing community member. However, the young man that Skyla likes wants her to see what the community has been hiding. What she sees is so disturbing that she makes a resolution to fight for change. The story will continue in “The Ones Who Fight” in Wayward Magic.
March 3, 2020
I love a good anthology and this is looking to be a great one! So far I have read The Hunter by H.B. Lyne and this novella is just awesome! It’s gripping and engaging and has some great characters whom I hope to see more of in the full length follow ups and I can’t wait to explore more of this world!
March 2, 2020
I love anthologies!!! This is a great collection of works, I got this for HB Lynes The Hunter😍 was well written and great characters! Loved the story flow🥰 I enjoyed several authors this is a great way to experience alot of different styles!
March 8, 2020
Hidden Magic (Magic Underground Anthologies Book 1) is the first in a “trilogy” of anthologies, with each author writing three linked stories, one for each volume. It’s a really neat format. Some of these stories take place in pre-existing worlds, but they’re made to stand alone from that. I had no trouble making sense of all of them.
The only authors in here I was already familiar with were Lee French and Erik Kort, who wrote a story that fits into their Greatest Sin world (although it doesn’t involve the main characters of those books). That series happens to be one of my favorites, and The Greatest Sin: A Sacrifice of Blood lived up to my high expectations. Teenaged Algie and his Grandma Katona are practicing magic and playing chess when murderous thieves break into their mansion. Algie has been taught his whole life that killing is the greatest sin, but in order to keep his grandmother alive, he’s going to have to do more than run away. This was a riveting story, and I was able to really empathize with Algie’s despair at the idea of having to kill. The authors managed to get it across so well. (In most stories where a character is reluctant to kill when it seems the only way out, it’s hard to imagine how they struggle against it for so long. Here, I could get it.)
Anela Deen’s A Veil is Parted is another excellent story. Jessa stumbles across the existence of a whole other world of beings, and nearly dies when she gets in the way of a battle. There are some unexpected twists to what’s going on, and events get quite tense.
H.B. Lyne’s The Hunter was an engrossing tale of veteran Felix Jones. He’s going to a support group for veterans when his sister, who was supposed to go for emotional support, never shows up–and her phone number is out of order, and he can no longer remember where she lived. He’s neither the first nor the last person to suffer a bizarre loss of memory regarding part of the city, which seems to have disappeared. As he struggles to figure out what’s going on, he comes across a group of shapeshifters who are looking into the same thing. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Will he be able to get into the missing part of the city? Can he save his sister? Felix is not wholly a likable character, but he’s understandably damaged and willing to do whatever it takes to get his sister back. I’m curious to see where this one goes in the next two volumes.
The Catch, by Gwendolyn Woodschild, is an intriguing story of Viking Brandur and his Jarl wife, Torhild. When Brandur, who prefers the life of a simple fisherman, returns to find his village under attack by invisible forces, he ends up setting out to find his grandmother. She lives in the woods, and has a reputation of having supernatural abilities. Brandur finds out that these abilities have been passed down to him, and he gets a crash course in interacting with the souls of the dead. But will he be in time to save his village? I like the characters in here. Brandur and Torhild in particular are layered and interesting. I’d like to find out what happens to them next.
The Druid’s Heir is Tiffany Shand’s story of Rhiannon (Ann) Valeran, the archdruid’s heir. She has a guard and friend named Edward who wishes he could be more than that to her, two half-brothers (their father seems well-known for his many affairs–some with very ill-considered partners–and this is treated with odd glibness), and a doting, if perhaps stifling, father. Her father is working to put together a treaty that would bring peace to the various lands, but of course not everyone wants that. A mysterious seer tells Ann her house will fall, and she rushes to figure out what might threaten her family. Edward and Ann are very good characters, and I look forward to finding out what happens to them next. This tale was a little rough around the edges, but it was still gripping to read.
Leah W. Van Dinther’s The Amethyst Window introduces us to Carol Conley, who can see spirits associated with objects. When she visits her supplier to look for new items to buy, she meets Mr. Fred Archegon. The spirits are terrified of him, but he seems so elegant, friendly, and nice! The characters in this one are really interesting; Freddie is genuinely charming and a little bit forbidding, while Carol is a sweet lady who isn’t sure who to trust, or what to do about Archegon. I’m very curious to see where this one goes!
The Mark of the Red God, by Majanka Verstraete, is another favorite from this collection. Saleyna had the mark of the Red God branded into her forehead as a child in order to subdue her outlawed magic. The priests of the Red God still persecute magic-users, looking for reasons to kill them. If they knew that some of Saleyna’s empathy abilities remained, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. Saleyna doesn’t want to join in the quiet resistance against the priests, but her brother is in over his head and in order to save him, she agrees to infiltrate the priesthood as a new acolyte. I found this world intriguing and gripping, and I very much want to see where it goes next.
Amaskan, by Raven Oak, is a story about brother-and-sister pair Bredych and Shendra. The Order of Amaska is an order of trained killers, but they serve at the behest of the king and carry out “Justice.” Shendra thinks that murder is murder and thus wrong, but the Order picked her up out of the gutter and she feels she has no other choice than to finish her final trial and move on to the next stage of her training. Her trial, however, involves killing the madam of a brothel who’s believed to be involved in human trafficking. The woman has seemed fairly untouchable so far, and Shendra really doesn’t want to kill anyone, so naturally things go terribly wrong. I’m very curious to see how things continue from where this left off.
The Mail-Order Witch, by Joynell Schultz, was a sweet, cosy, and fun story. Ettie is a witch and a mail-order bride. Arranged marriages like hers and Roman’s aren’t unusual in their magical community, as pairing off with normal humans dilutes the magic in their bloodlines, and Roman’s a warlock. I like how they’re falling in love with each other, and how Roman sticks with Ettie even when people start to believe she’s cursed the children of the town into growing foxes’ tails. This is a fun little mystery that wraps up enough to stand on its own, while leaving plenty of questions for the further stories.
There are some negatives in this anthology. One story that seems set in a fantasy-land uses terms like “kamikaze” and “sword of Damocles,” which are cultural references from the real world, and thus jarringly out of place. Some of the stories have bizarre pacing, cartoonish action sequences, or stilted dialogue. One names its comic-book villain “Count Repugnian,” which is far too on-the-nose. One character we’re supposed to like muses on how much he wants his sons back, and then seems to indicate that one is trans, so suddenly he seemed much less likable since apparently he wants to reverse that. One story is apparently based on a philosophy piece, and unfortunately it shows–the philosophical parts of things make the story unbelievable as a fantasy story.
One princess pretty much spends her entire story doing nothing, having amorphous things happen around her, with no agency on her part. Some authors spend too much time trying to tell us what everyone feels, when they should just let us see it for ourselves. Other authors spend too much time on irrelevant details to the story, working in too much background information and taking away from the urgency. One witchy main character we’re supposed to identify with comes across more as the mean popular girl from high school, and she just isn’t very likable, even when she’s the wronged party. (Also, I’m not fond of the “I’m not good at social stuff but somehow I’m dating the most popular guy in the school” trope.) Another story has way too many weirdly hostile characters for no apparent reason. It doesn’t feel natural at all.
Some of the stories I haven’t called out by name do have some excellent action sequences, however. Overall I really enjoyed this anthology, and I look forward to reading the next two.
Content note for “Ariana’s Hope” by H.M. Jones: it involves body-policing of and lechery toward a thirteen-year-old girl. General content note: there are some mild sexual situations and some blood and death.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/03/r...
The only authors in here I was already familiar with were Lee French and Erik Kort, who wrote a story that fits into their Greatest Sin world (although it doesn’t involve the main characters of those books). That series happens to be one of my favorites, and The Greatest Sin: A Sacrifice of Blood lived up to my high expectations. Teenaged Algie and his Grandma Katona are practicing magic and playing chess when murderous thieves break into their mansion. Algie has been taught his whole life that killing is the greatest sin, but in order to keep his grandmother alive, he’s going to have to do more than run away. This was a riveting story, and I was able to really empathize with Algie’s despair at the idea of having to kill. The authors managed to get it across so well. (In most stories where a character is reluctant to kill when it seems the only way out, it’s hard to imagine how they struggle against it for so long. Here, I could get it.)
Anela Deen’s A Veil is Parted is another excellent story. Jessa stumbles across the existence of a whole other world of beings, and nearly dies when she gets in the way of a battle. There are some unexpected twists to what’s going on, and events get quite tense.
H.B. Lyne’s The Hunter was an engrossing tale of veteran Felix Jones. He’s going to a support group for veterans when his sister, who was supposed to go for emotional support, never shows up–and her phone number is out of order, and he can no longer remember where she lived. He’s neither the first nor the last person to suffer a bizarre loss of memory regarding part of the city, which seems to have disappeared. As he struggles to figure out what’s going on, he comes across a group of shapeshifters who are looking into the same thing. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? Will he be able to get into the missing part of the city? Can he save his sister? Felix is not wholly a likable character, but he’s understandably damaged and willing to do whatever it takes to get his sister back. I’m curious to see where this one goes in the next two volumes.
The Catch, by Gwendolyn Woodschild, is an intriguing story of Viking Brandur and his Jarl wife, Torhild. When Brandur, who prefers the life of a simple fisherman, returns to find his village under attack by invisible forces, he ends up setting out to find his grandmother. She lives in the woods, and has a reputation of having supernatural abilities. Brandur finds out that these abilities have been passed down to him, and he gets a crash course in interacting with the souls of the dead. But will he be in time to save his village? I like the characters in here. Brandur and Torhild in particular are layered and interesting. I’d like to find out what happens to them next.
The Druid’s Heir is Tiffany Shand’s story of Rhiannon (Ann) Valeran, the archdruid’s heir. She has a guard and friend named Edward who wishes he could be more than that to her, two half-brothers (their father seems well-known for his many affairs–some with very ill-considered partners–and this is treated with odd glibness), and a doting, if perhaps stifling, father. Her father is working to put together a treaty that would bring peace to the various lands, but of course not everyone wants that. A mysterious seer tells Ann her house will fall, and she rushes to figure out what might threaten her family. Edward and Ann are very good characters, and I look forward to finding out what happens to them next. This tale was a little rough around the edges, but it was still gripping to read.
Leah W. Van Dinther’s The Amethyst Window introduces us to Carol Conley, who can see spirits associated with objects. When she visits her supplier to look for new items to buy, she meets Mr. Fred Archegon. The spirits are terrified of him, but he seems so elegant, friendly, and nice! The characters in this one are really interesting; Freddie is genuinely charming and a little bit forbidding, while Carol is a sweet lady who isn’t sure who to trust, or what to do about Archegon. I’m very curious to see where this one goes!
The Mark of the Red God, by Majanka Verstraete, is another favorite from this collection. Saleyna had the mark of the Red God branded into her forehead as a child in order to subdue her outlawed magic. The priests of the Red God still persecute magic-users, looking for reasons to kill them. If they knew that some of Saleyna’s empathy abilities remained, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. Saleyna doesn’t want to join in the quiet resistance against the priests, but her brother is in over his head and in order to save him, she agrees to infiltrate the priesthood as a new acolyte. I found this world intriguing and gripping, and I very much want to see where it goes next.
Amaskan, by Raven Oak, is a story about brother-and-sister pair Bredych and Shendra. The Order of Amaska is an order of trained killers, but they serve at the behest of the king and carry out “Justice.” Shendra thinks that murder is murder and thus wrong, but the Order picked her up out of the gutter and she feels she has no other choice than to finish her final trial and move on to the next stage of her training. Her trial, however, involves killing the madam of a brothel who’s believed to be involved in human trafficking. The woman has seemed fairly untouchable so far, and Shendra really doesn’t want to kill anyone, so naturally things go terribly wrong. I’m very curious to see how things continue from where this left off.
The Mail-Order Witch, by Joynell Schultz, was a sweet, cosy, and fun story. Ettie is a witch and a mail-order bride. Arranged marriages like hers and Roman’s aren’t unusual in their magical community, as pairing off with normal humans dilutes the magic in their bloodlines, and Roman’s a warlock. I like how they’re falling in love with each other, and how Roman sticks with Ettie even when people start to believe she’s cursed the children of the town into growing foxes’ tails. This is a fun little mystery that wraps up enough to stand on its own, while leaving plenty of questions for the further stories.
There are some negatives in this anthology. One story that seems set in a fantasy-land uses terms like “kamikaze” and “sword of Damocles,” which are cultural references from the real world, and thus jarringly out of place. Some of the stories have bizarre pacing, cartoonish action sequences, or stilted dialogue. One names its comic-book villain “Count Repugnian,” which is far too on-the-nose. One character we’re supposed to like muses on how much he wants his sons back, and then seems to indicate that one is trans, so suddenly he seemed much less likable since apparently he wants to reverse that. One story is apparently based on a philosophy piece, and unfortunately it shows–the philosophical parts of things make the story unbelievable as a fantasy story.
One princess pretty much spends her entire story doing nothing, having amorphous things happen around her, with no agency on her part. Some authors spend too much time trying to tell us what everyone feels, when they should just let us see it for ourselves. Other authors spend too much time on irrelevant details to the story, working in too much background information and taking away from the urgency. One witchy main character we’re supposed to identify with comes across more as the mean popular girl from high school, and she just isn’t very likable, even when she’s the wronged party. (Also, I’m not fond of the “I’m not good at social stuff but somehow I’m dating the most popular guy in the school” trope.) Another story has way too many weirdly hostile characters for no apparent reason. It doesn’t feel natural at all.
Some of the stories I haven’t called out by name do have some excellent action sequences, however. Overall I really enjoyed this anthology, and I look forward to reading the next two.
Content note for “Ariana’s Hope” by H.M. Jones: it involves body-policing of and lechery toward a thirteen-year-old girl. General content note: there are some mild sexual situations and some blood and death.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/03/r...
March 8, 2020
This review is for "Six Hooves" by Stephen Wallace, which I had the opportunity to read through Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
It's difficult for me to get into an epic fantasy without the backdrop of worldbuilding behind it. I think this is because many of the epic fantasy authors I've read in the past have over 100,000 words in their first book arsenal, so a short story of epic proportions had me suspect. Seriously, how do you fit so much of a world in one novella anyway?!
That being said, I think "Six Hooves" does its job surprisingly well, even for a short story epic fantasy.
The story is part of the Hidden Magic anthology, and works in a magic system based on religion and belief. It revolves around two interesting characters, Al'rashal (a centaur) and Urkjorman (a minotaur), a wife-and-husband monster duo out to protect a set of Wayfarers on a pilgrimage. It takes place in a land of desert sands, and honestly, the author paints well enough a picture that you could almost see the setting itself.
I liked the premise of the adventure. I liked that the two main characters (and Eihn, the third minor POV) were monsters and thus shunned from regular human society. Even the gnomes had their misgivings over hiring Al and Urk as bodyguards, but they found the necessity considering both are pretty much powerhouses. They were both pretty darn indestructible throughout the story, you almost wish there was a weakness to them. (I mean, there was...but I won't get into that...)
My only caveat was the magic system itself. I know it was based on a sort of religion that was mentioned and returned to throughout the story (a marriage of powers between the monsters and the...gnomes? Or humans?), but it definitely had holes to the workings of the actual magic. Did the magic work on blind faith? Did the magic only work on gnomes and monsters? Then where did the spellcaster get his magic and why can't he get his power off of the same source? What are the rules of this magic? Too many questions, I suppose, could have been answered in a longer epic.
All the same, "Six Hooves" was a good read, and not too taxing as far as the plot goes. It wasn't the most riveting adventure I've come across, but worth reading for Al and Urk's numerous quips to each other, if nothing else.
It's difficult for me to get into an epic fantasy without the backdrop of worldbuilding behind it. I think this is because many of the epic fantasy authors I've read in the past have over 100,000 words in their first book arsenal, so a short story of epic proportions had me suspect. Seriously, how do you fit so much of a world in one novella anyway?!
That being said, I think "Six Hooves" does its job surprisingly well, even for a short story epic fantasy.
The story is part of the Hidden Magic anthology, and works in a magic system based on religion and belief. It revolves around two interesting characters, Al'rashal (a centaur) and Urkjorman (a minotaur), a wife-and-husband monster duo out to protect a set of Wayfarers on a pilgrimage. It takes place in a land of desert sands, and honestly, the author paints well enough a picture that you could almost see the setting itself.
I liked the premise of the adventure. I liked that the two main characters (and Eihn, the third minor POV) were monsters and thus shunned from regular human society. Even the gnomes had their misgivings over hiring Al and Urk as bodyguards, but they found the necessity considering both are pretty much powerhouses. They were both pretty darn indestructible throughout the story, you almost wish there was a weakness to them. (I mean, there was...but I won't get into that...)
My only caveat was the magic system itself. I know it was based on a sort of religion that was mentioned and returned to throughout the story (a marriage of powers between the monsters and the...gnomes? Or humans?), but it definitely had holes to the workings of the actual magic. Did the magic work on blind faith? Did the magic only work on gnomes and monsters? Then where did the spellcaster get his magic and why can't he get his power off of the same source? What are the rules of this magic? Too many questions, I suppose, could have been answered in a longer epic.
All the same, "Six Hooves" was a good read, and not too taxing as far as the plot goes. It wasn't the most riveting adventure I've come across, but worth reading for Al and Urk's numerous quips to each other, if nothing else.
March 8, 2020
Content warnings:
This review is for Anela Deen's "A Veil is Parted," though given the quality of the story, I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of the anthology once it's out! This is the first in a three-part novella series that will be published in the Hidden Magic anthologies. I grew up reading early-90s portal fantasies – where someone from the real world ends up in a magical land, or vice versa – so I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for them, and the novella definitely hit all the high notes of that subgenre.
Simith, a pixie knight, has known war for so long that he’s not sure he can remember anything else. But he knows the only hope for peace is to negotiate with the trolls in secret, but when he’s ambushed and injured, he’s forced to flee to a land he’s never seen before – and one completely without magic. Jessa, reeling from the latest event to shake her world, is heading back from a costume party when she runs into Simith and his attackers. Rescuing him is possibly the stupidest thing she’s ever done – or perhaps it’s the smartest. Because things aren’t exactly what they seem, and more than pixies and trolls have found their way to rural Michigan.
Simith’s never heard of humans before, and while Jessa’s been told fairy tales, seeing them with her own eyes is something completely different. My favorite parts were Simith and Jessa’s conversations, and her attempts to explain the human world to him. Jessa’s life changed eighteen months before, and since then she’s been wrapped in a haze of grief, unable to find anything that makes her feel anymore – well, except for an encounter with a visiting professor, but that’s left with with another unexpected complication. Simith is fighting his own demons. After his village was razed to the ground by trolls, he joined the fairy legions to fight against them. But a decade later, it still seems peace is no closer, and he’s beginning to have doubts about his commanders’ true intentions, fed by grief of his own. So despite coming from very different backgrounds, they recognize something kindred in each other.
While the book stars the common fairy tale characters – pixies, fae, trolls, fairies, even a pooka reference! – they’ve got enough of a spin on them to make it feel fresh. The pacing is tight, and quite a bit happens for such a short novella. It’s very easy to gobble up the whole thing in one reading – or, at least, it was hard for me to put down, and that’s what happened! While the main plot line is wrapped up, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’m definitely looking forward to the next novella.
Overall, this is my second Anela Deen book, and I’ll definitely be back for more!
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review is for Anela Deen's "A Veil is Parted," though given the quality of the story, I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of the anthology once it's out! This is the first in a three-part novella series that will be published in the Hidden Magic anthologies. I grew up reading early-90s portal fantasies – where someone from the real world ends up in a magical land, or vice versa – so I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for them, and the novella definitely hit all the high notes of that subgenre.
Simith, a pixie knight, has known war for so long that he’s not sure he can remember anything else. But he knows the only hope for peace is to negotiate with the trolls in secret, but when he’s ambushed and injured, he’s forced to flee to a land he’s never seen before – and one completely without magic. Jessa, reeling from the latest event to shake her world, is heading back from a costume party when she runs into Simith and his attackers. Rescuing him is possibly the stupidest thing she’s ever done – or perhaps it’s the smartest. Because things aren’t exactly what they seem, and more than pixies and trolls have found their way to rural Michigan.
“She didn’t know anything about war, but she understood the look in his eyes; the devouring grief, the vanishing self. She, too, had seen the stranger staring back from the mirror.”
Simith’s never heard of humans before, and while Jessa’s been told fairy tales, seeing them with her own eyes is something completely different. My favorite parts were Simith and Jessa’s conversations, and her attempts to explain the human world to him. Jessa’s life changed eighteen months before, and since then she’s been wrapped in a haze of grief, unable to find anything that makes her feel anymore – well, except for an encounter with a visiting professor, but that’s left with with another unexpected complication. Simith is fighting his own demons. After his village was razed to the ground by trolls, he joined the fairy legions to fight against them. But a decade later, it still seems peace is no closer, and he’s beginning to have doubts about his commanders’ true intentions, fed by grief of his own. So despite coming from very different backgrounds, they recognize something kindred in each other.
“I don’t often contemplate mythical creatures, but I wouldn’t have thought pixies would be so…”
He shifted the weight-laden table behind a few crates. “Yes?”
She waggled her fingers, adjectives abandoning her utterly. “Sturdy.”
While the book stars the common fairy tale characters – pixies, fae, trolls, fairies, even a pooka reference! – they’ve got enough of a spin on them to make it feel fresh. The pacing is tight, and quite a bit happens for such a short novella. It’s very easy to gobble up the whole thing in one reading – or, at least, it was hard for me to put down, and that’s what happened! While the main plot line is wrapped up, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I’m definitely looking forward to the next novella.
Overall, this is my second Anela Deen book, and I’ll definitely be back for more!
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 16, 2020
ONE ACTION PACKED ANTHOLOGY!!!
Thrilling! These immensely talented, gifted and imaginative authors presents an incredibly sensational anthology, presenting arresting storylines and gripping plots, melding this gem together sleek, shiny and tight. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a roaring tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering denouement. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and delivering one block busting delight. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Heating up the chemistry, elevating the attraction, witnessing the sizzle flowing through the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, until you feel the electrifying hum through your veins. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Thrilling! These immensely talented, gifted and imaginative authors presents an incredibly sensational anthology, presenting arresting storylines and gripping plots, melding this gem together sleek, shiny and tight. The dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this gem into a roaring tempest, blasting it into a tailspin with a life-altering denouement. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and delivering one block busting delight. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Heating up the chemistry, elevating the attraction, witnessing the sizzle flowing through the pages, alluring and mesmerizing, until you feel the electrifying hum through your veins. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow smoothly transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job guys, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
March 9, 2020
*** Reviewing "THE MAIL ORDER WITCH - EPISODE 1" by Joynell Schultz ***
Magic was dying out in the world because pure magic blood has been slowly diluted with mortal blood over time. So Ettie arranged to become a mail order bride to marry a pure-blood warlock in Watersedge to do their part in keeping magic alive. However, Ettie has been having trouble finding a job. Since mortals knew all about witches now, they felt somewhat threatened and sort of avoided them. Roman thinks he has found a solution. He covered Ettie’s eyes and led her to a surprise he has for her. When he let her see again, she was in a small empty store with dusty shelves and not at all sure what she was supposed to find here. It certainly wouldn’t work as an office for her hoped-for social worker clients! But Roman explained that mortals only came to them for a quick magic solution that would be useful to them. This way, with a little shop of magic items for sale, they will come here for their quick solution and, as she helps them find the perfect enchanted item, she can also help actually solve their real-life problems as she talks with them. They’ll get social work expertise from a witch and not be the wiser. She can use her expertise to help them. And it’s a good way to get to know each other and develop trusted friendships. Her mind had already filled the shelves, envisioning everything she would need. They had only known each other for three months, and yet Roman chose the perfect solution for her!
But when the “Ettie’s Enchanted Effects” finally opens to sell enchanted items to the curious but skeptical town full of mortals, and the entire second grade class sprouts fluffy tails, the town immediately blames Ettie and her new business. Did Ettie really cause that to occur? Or is something more sinister going on in Watersedge?
Magic was dying out in the world because pure magic blood has been slowly diluted with mortal blood over time. So Ettie arranged to become a mail order bride to marry a pure-blood warlock in Watersedge to do their part in keeping magic alive. However, Ettie has been having trouble finding a job. Since mortals knew all about witches now, they felt somewhat threatened and sort of avoided them. Roman thinks he has found a solution. He covered Ettie’s eyes and led her to a surprise he has for her. When he let her see again, she was in a small empty store with dusty shelves and not at all sure what she was supposed to find here. It certainly wouldn’t work as an office for her hoped-for social worker clients! But Roman explained that mortals only came to them for a quick magic solution that would be useful to them. This way, with a little shop of magic items for sale, they will come here for their quick solution and, as she helps them find the perfect enchanted item, she can also help actually solve their real-life problems as she talks with them. They’ll get social work expertise from a witch and not be the wiser. She can use her expertise to help them. And it’s a good way to get to know each other and develop trusted friendships. Her mind had already filled the shelves, envisioning everything she would need. They had only known each other for three months, and yet Roman chose the perfect solution for her!
But when the “Ettie’s Enchanted Effects” finally opens to sell enchanted items to the curious but skeptical town full of mortals, and the entire second grade class sprouts fluffy tails, the town immediately blames Ettie and her new business. Did Ettie really cause that to occur? Or is something more sinister going on in Watersedge?
March 9, 2020
If you possess magic, a death sentence awaits.
Spell of Wings and Glass by Melinda Kucsera
If you possess magic, a death sentence awaits.
We are in a time and place where magic is illegal, and death is a consequence if you are magical. Nulthir is a warlock corrections officer hiding his magical abilities. As a child, he rescued Thing (a magical creature) who he treats as a pet. Time passes, move forward to the current day and place. Thing has a female mate, Amal. They have two offspring, Crispin and Mixie. Crispin has a mate, Thistle (she's pregnant). Mixie has an offspring, Furball, and her mate, Yarn. Nulthir will do anything to protect Thing and all of his extended family.
At this point, in my mind, I clue dark, ominous music. Nulthir is walking the dark underground prison halls when he hears Furball's tiny voice. While searching to find him to return him to a safe space, a freezing, life-draining presence attacks Nulthir, rendering him prostrate and unconscious. Can he save Furball, or will it be necessary for Thing's family to rescue both of them?
I am looking forward to more of this enchanting tale in the rest of the series. I received this book as a free ARC.
March 8, 2020
My review is for The Mail Order Witch by Joynell Schultz. Roman and Ettie, witch and warlock, married by hooking up through mail order, to continue their magical line and keep it pure. She is bored, living in a human town that knows there are paranormal beings makes it hard to get a job. Roman being the good husband he is helps her to start her own business selling enchanted items. Things go downhill from the beginning, the town is split, some want her there and some don't, those that don't are doing everything they can to get her shut down. Join Ettie and Roman on their adventure to succeed despite the opposition of some. No murders, no bad magic, no cursing, no sex, all in all a nice little paranormal cozy. I will definitely read more in this series. I received a ARC from Booksprout and am leaving an honest review.
March 11, 2020
I liked the concept of this set on anthologies. And this is set 1 with some cool authors I have read and heard about. A great way to try out some authors easily. I personally have already read the following so far early.
Melinda Kucsera - Spell of Wings and Glass was a fun story. It had a bit of mystery and suspense that kept me reading to see what was going on. Fun to visit Nulthir, Thing and everyone again. Just fun to guess what might be happening and see how they get out of the jam they are in.
Tiffany Shand - Druid's Heir was also interesting to read. It follows Ann when her family was still in power and we meet her dad as he does King things. Edward shows up too. Just an interesting short story with the characters from this series.
Melinda Kucsera - Spell of Wings and Glass was a fun story. It had a bit of mystery and suspense that kept me reading to see what was going on. Fun to visit Nulthir, Thing and everyone again. Just fun to guess what might be happening and see how they get out of the jam they are in.
Tiffany Shand - Druid's Heir was also interesting to read. It follows Ann when her family was still in power and we meet her dad as he does King things. Edward shows up too. Just an interesting short story with the characters from this series.
September 8, 2020
Fun and/or terrifying.
I really enjoyed this first collection, still anxious for many (OK probably all!) of those in it. I have read some of the authors before, and recommend checking these out. On to #2!
I really enjoyed this first collection, still anxious for many (OK probably all!) of those in it. I have read some of the authors before, and recommend checking these out. On to #2!
March 15, 2020
Really enjoyed this exciting, action packed, heart racing adventure filled set of stories with interesting charters, witty dialog and exciting twists and turns. A thrilling read from beginning to end.
March 9, 2020
A review of The Mail-Order Witch by Joynell Schultz
Ettie, the mail-order witch, is settling down to life with her warlock husband Roman, a real sweetheart who buys her a shop so she can open a magic store. So far, so good, until a nasty neighbour accuses Ettie of casting a spell on her lovely little boy who has befriended Ettie. The trouble spreads and Ettie and Roman try to solve the mystery of who has cursed the town's muggle children.
As always with Joy's books, this is well-written with interesting characters, and it's entertaining, warm and funny, but with a serious underlying issue which in this case is prejudice against those with magic, a fear of the unknown. I love her work because it brings a smile while making me think and this is no exception.
Ettie, the mail-order witch, is settling down to life with her warlock husband Roman, a real sweetheart who buys her a shop so she can open a magic store. So far, so good, until a nasty neighbour accuses Ettie of casting a spell on her lovely little boy who has befriended Ettie. The trouble spreads and Ettie and Roman try to solve the mystery of who has cursed the town's muggle children.
As always with Joy's books, this is well-written with interesting characters, and it's entertaining, warm and funny, but with a serious underlying issue which in this case is prejudice against those with magic, a fear of the unknown. I love her work because it brings a smile while making me think and this is no exception.
March 14, 2020
Loved it heaps
Oh my gosh SO many wonderful tales!
There's sass, quirkiness, bits to love.
Each tale is so wonderfully told it's a very pleasant time away from reality.
Definitely one for the personal library.
Oh my gosh SO many wonderful tales!
There's sass, quirkiness, bits to love.
Each tale is so wonderfully told it's a very pleasant time away from reality.
Definitely one for the personal library.
March 13, 2020
Have not read all the books in this anthology, but the one by Joynell Schultz, is a great read. I felt it was a bit too short. Ettie and her husband Roman find what caused the problem in the town but not who caused it, will have to read the next book.
March 9, 2020
This review is for Spell of Wings & Glass by Melinda Kucsera.
It is very interesting to see the under the mountain world from a point of view other than Sarn or Ran. And fabulous new creatures. I want one for myself! I can't wait until the next set of stories to get the next installment. I love this world and its characters. Melinda really brings them to life such that you would like to meet and talk with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is very interesting to see the under the mountain world from a point of view other than Sarn or Ran. And fabulous new creatures. I want one for myself! I can't wait until the next set of stories to get the next installment. I love this world and its characters. Melinda really brings them to life such that you would like to meet and talk with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2020
I am reviewing the story Magic Underground by C.S. Johnson. For me, this story is very unusual & thought-provoking. I found it very mystical & didn't understand until I got to the last part. Ms. Johnson certainly has quite an imagination. I received a free copy from the author. This is my voluntary review.
February 28, 2020
This review is specifically for The Hunter, by H.B. Lyne. I received an ARC of The Hunter for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.
Let me begin by saying that I'm not usually a fan of novellas. I like time to really fall into a story and dig deep, and I generally find that novellas leave me wanting, which I find frustrating. HOWEVER, I thoroughly enjoyed this novella - my first ever story from H.B. Lyne. And while it left me wanting, I mean that in an entirely good way. The Hunter is a prequel to Lyne's Shifters of Caerton series, and upon finishing this novella, I immediately added that series to my TBR list.
Lyne has an amazing knack with imagery, and from the first page the scents of rain, whiskey, cigarettes and despair are almost tangible. She even made me kind of LIKE Felix who has many anti-hero characteristics. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of the anti-hero, and I have trouble connecting with them, but Lyne did an amazing job of crafting a character who, while not wholly likeable at the start, is entirely relatable. I also applaud her realistic treatment of PTSD and, even within the limited bounds of a novella, she beautifully developed not only the character of Felix, but the world around him. She seems to have, dare I say, a hidden magic, when it comes to crafting stories?
I can't recommend this novella enough, and I can't wait to read the others in the anthology as well.
Let me begin by saying that I'm not usually a fan of novellas. I like time to really fall into a story and dig deep, and I generally find that novellas leave me wanting, which I find frustrating. HOWEVER, I thoroughly enjoyed this novella - my first ever story from H.B. Lyne. And while it left me wanting, I mean that in an entirely good way. The Hunter is a prequel to Lyne's Shifters of Caerton series, and upon finishing this novella, I immediately added that series to my TBR list.
Lyne has an amazing knack with imagery, and from the first page the scents of rain, whiskey, cigarettes and despair are almost tangible. She even made me kind of LIKE Felix who has many anti-hero characteristics. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of the anti-hero, and I have trouble connecting with them, but Lyne did an amazing job of crafting a character who, while not wholly likeable at the start, is entirely relatable. I also applaud her realistic treatment of PTSD and, even within the limited bounds of a novella, she beautifully developed not only the character of Felix, but the world around him. She seems to have, dare I say, a hidden magic, when it comes to crafting stories?
I can't recommend this novella enough, and I can't wait to read the others in the anthology as well.
March 10, 2020
I am reviewing the ARC for "Anela Deen's story A Veil Is Parted"
I quite enjoyed this first part of the story and I am looking forward the next part , it had interesting storyline and kept me Interested i like books that involve mystical/ fairytale creatures. It had a lot of information for such a short story but not overwhelming so.
I quite enjoyed this first part of the story and I am looking forward the next part , it had interesting storyline and kept me Interested i like books that involve mystical/ fairytale creatures. It had a lot of information for such a short story but not overwhelming so.
March 10, 2020
I love the stories in this anthology especially the one written by toasha-jiordano .
It's a great read and a bargain deal to get so many stories for such a good price.
It's a great read and a bargain deal to get so many stories for such a good price.
March 3, 2020
I have a love hate for anthologies. I really enjoy them because you get quick reads and introductions to stories/series. But, a lot leave you unsatisfied as it tends to be hard to write a book with three dimensional characters and a story line with so few pages.
The Hunter is a prequel to Lyne's Shifters of Caerton series by H. B. Lyne. I enjoyed the main character and her personality. She may not have been the most likable person, but she was entertaining and relatable. You don't get much on the world build, but just enough to give you an idea of what you are working with, which is fine because, again, we are working with a prequel and I expect more details to be added in the full length installments in the series.
With what you get, it was an engaging story that leaves you wanting to explore this world and the characters in it more, which I suppose is the purpose of this anthology.
The Hunter is a prequel to Lyne's Shifters of Caerton series by H. B. Lyne. I enjoyed the main character and her personality. She may not have been the most likable person, but she was entertaining and relatable. You don't get much on the world build, but just enough to give you an idea of what you are working with, which is fine because, again, we are working with a prequel and I expect more details to be added in the full length installments in the series.
With what you get, it was an engaging story that leaves you wanting to explore this world and the characters in it more, which I suppose is the purpose of this anthology.
March 8, 2020
This story grabbed me at the first line and carried me away through a great book Hats off to the wonderful authors involved in this endeavor. I love this set. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes books
February 27, 2020
Hidden Magic (Magic Underground Anthologies Book 1) is a wonderful start to a brand new series of books cause this is number one and has a lot of different authors that wrote this book and I loved reading this book. I can not wait to see what will be in book number two and I highly recommend this book to all.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
February 28, 2020
Joynell Schultz, The Mail-Order Witch, Episode 1
This review is for Joynell Schultz, The Mail-Order Witch, Episode 1.
A pure 100% witch has decided that she needs to marry another 100% witch so as not to dilute the magic so she goes the mail order bride route. Her new husband lives in a non-magical town that frowns upon magic. And when the second grade class sprouts fox tails, it really doesn't help their cause! And the fact that Ettie runs a shop that sells magical items doesn't help either. But no one would hire her, she had to do something!! Love the character development and the other townspeople. I'm looking forward to Episode 2 as some questions are not answered at the end.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
This review is for Joynell Schultz, The Mail-Order Witch, Episode 1.
A pure 100% witch has decided that she needs to marry another 100% witch so as not to dilute the magic so she goes the mail order bride route. Her new husband lives in a non-magical town that frowns upon magic. And when the second grade class sprouts fox tails, it really doesn't help their cause! And the fact that Ettie runs a shop that sells magical items doesn't help either. But no one would hire her, she had to do something!! Love the character development and the other townspeople. I'm looking forward to Episode 2 as some questions are not answered at the end.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
March 5, 2020
It grabs you from the first line to the last! Not what I expected... At. All. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
I received this little gem as an ARC for my honest opinion and review. HAPPY READING!!
I received this little gem as an ARC for my honest opinion and review. HAPPY READING!!
March 5, 2020
The variety of stories in this book are wonderful. Loved Mail Order Bride, it was really fun. You will enjoy the stories. Try this book and be wowed.
February 29, 2020
I recieved a copy of 'Hidden Magic' by H.B Lynne to review. My opinions are my own!
Disclaimer I have not read the whole anthology, just one story.
I don't normally read short stories or novellas as I feel they aren't long enough to get into the "world". This story however really throws you into the world head first. It was immediately engaging and you really get a feel for "Felix' the main character very quickly. It is of course still short but it's being a great set up for the rest if the story and I can't wait to see how it will turn out and to read other books in this world.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer I have not read the whole anthology, just one story.
I don't normally read short stories or novellas as I feel they aren't long enough to get into the "world". This story however really throws you into the world head first. It was immediately engaging and you really get a feel for "Felix' the main character very quickly. It is of course still short but it's being a great set up for the rest if the story and I can't wait to see how it will turn out and to read other books in this world.
Enjoy!
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