No Magic? No Problem

Kira Steele #1

by Blair Daniels

I come from a long line of Hunters -- people with supernatural abilities to keep the world's evil at bay. My aunt can smell demons. My mom can turn invisible. My sister can fly.

Me? I was born ordinary. Normal. The most "supernatural" thing I can do is wiggle my ears.

But the National Institute for Monster Prevention doesn't know that. They offer me a job: kill the world's biggest baddies in exchange for a six-figure salary.

I don't want to lie. But I have bills to pay.

What could possibly go wrong?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2019

Reviews

[S Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! Such a delightful heroine & fun plot line. I’m eager to read the following books & see how things continue to develop. Just the right balance of humour & intrigue.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good world setup. Girl with no magic trying to get along, but not a depressing poor me story, its light and moves along.

[Pat M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about witches and magic. They are fun and you never know what is going to happen next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family is famous for hunting monsters. I'm famous for eating too many nachos.
I come from a famous family of monster hunters. All my relatives have amazing magical powers—my aunt can smell demons. My mom can shoot poison darts from her hands. My sister can fly.
Me? I was born ordinary. Normal. The most "supernatural" thing I can do is wiggle my ears.
But the National Institute for Monster Prevention doesn't know that. They offer me a job: kill the world's biggest baddies in exchange for a six-figure salary.
I don't want to lie. But I have bills to pay.
What could possibly go wrong?

This was a brilliant read!
Lots of everything in this one including ZOMBIES!!!!
Well written plot and story line that had me hooked from the very start.
Love how well the characters have been written and fleshed out.
I don't know if this will be turned into a series or not but if it is I will be so happy to read more of these!!
Loved it and recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vbloemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kira Steele was born into a family of Hunters, all of them had the same crescent shaped birth mark, except for Kira. Kira was born with no visible birthmark. She went to college and then started working for a magical company, writing code for spells. The job was okay but Kira dreamed of having a better one and more pay. She longed to get out of her dingy apartment and live a better life. Little did she know that an opportunity was going to drop into her life that would change it in many ways. She received a letter from the National Institute of Monster Prevention(NIMP) about a job offer as a Hunter. Hunter's needed to have magic and she knew she didn't have any but what could an interview hurt. What a shock she received when the interview was more of a "you're hired immediately" situation. NIMP was in desperate need of help and with her families reputation of being great Hunters, they figured she would be too. She tried to tell them it wouldn't be possible, but they wouldn't listen. She started immediately and so did the trouble. One of her team members finally recognized that she had no magic, but he arranged for her to have weapons lessons. Maybe she would be able to make it with just that, but she wasn't sure this was the best idea either. Unfortunately, on her second day at work, another team member took her to the floor where all the captured monsters were caged. With no real powers she was powerless to help stop what she had started accidentally. The two were able to escape into the elevator, with a third person that only Kira could see. What she didn't know is that this would be the start of a very big mess that she would feel fully responsible for and would also need to help end. Having no magic, or so she thought, Kira would struggle with her decision to join NIMP and with what was going on around her. Would she really be of any use and how was it possible only she saw the man on the elevator? This was a really action-packed and interesting story. It was enjoyable to read and see the struggles and self discovery that Kira went through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katelyn Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I've learned about urban fantasy books is to judge them by what they are. Is this kind of a weird universe where people do weird things? Yes! But that's what it is, and operating within that framework, this is a really fun read. Kira Steel definitely falls into the category of heroine that I've been seeing a lot in the last couple of years: the Unexpectedly Un-Magical. You know-- she's supposed to have great powers, but she doesn't, so she's a huge disappointment who has to get by on her wits and ass-kicking abilities alone. That can either be very frustrating (oh, woe is me and my un-magical life!) or very satisfying (who needs magic when you've got These Hands?), and this book had a little of both. Kira definitely started out feeling sorry for herself, but she got it together and proceeded to kick some monster ass, just as one might hope. There were two little tropey bits that dialed back my enjoyment, namely the insta-love with her dhampir coworker (who casually slow-dances in a bar with their brand-new colleague?) and the fact that she Does Have Magic After All (though let's be real-- we all saw that coming). Not that the latter is as much a weakness as it is a Third-Act Cliche that you would almost be disappointed to be denied, but it's still a little too predictable. And urban fantasy just Be Like That sometimes!

All in all, I've been a Blair Daniels fan from Way Back, and this is my first time reading something of hers other than horror! I think she acquits herself well, and while it might have a few genre-typical snags and moments of predictability, it's early days for Daniels and urban fantasy. I have full faith that it will only get better from here.

Thanks to Booksprout for the ARC! My review is unbiased-- obviously, or it would've been 5 stars and none of this persnickety business about tropes and cliches.

[Nina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Magic, No Problem by Blair Daniels is an urban fantasy adventure about a young woman named Kira, who is a member of a powerful magical family. Most of Kira’s family are all monster hunters who work for the NIMP (National Institute for Monster Prevention) but are embarrassed by Kira who has no magical powers. Then one day, a letter comes to Kira that invites her to work at the NIMP. She goes to the NIMP office and ends up with a job as a monster hunter. This book is a non stop adventure with lots of dangerous and humorous situations. It features a wonderful heroine who is willing to put her life on the line to save others. I love the way its full of magic and mayhem on every page with a little bit of romance on the side. This is the perfect paranormal urban fantasy for anyone looking to read a great story. No Magic, No Problem is an adventure filled with magical mayhem.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

For twenty-three years Kira has lived in the shadow of the women of her family line. All Kira has ever wanted was to be able to hunt monsters, but born without the family birthmark and no magic to boot, she has no hope of a chance, until she receives an invite from the National Institute of Monster Prevention. This is her chance to prove herself before they can kick her out! But things go wrong from day one. And are worse on day two! Trouble has been set free and Kira and her new friends and teammates have their hands full. This is a wonderful young adult paranormal fantasy with a little bit of romance. Very nice!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I am so glad I decided to give it a go. This is a first read for me by this author but I will be ordering book 2 (yay it is a series!) I overslept when reading this book because I couldnt put it down so stayed up far too late reading it! From the first paragraph I knew I was going to enjoy it, it had everything.... action, suspense, humour , and dont forget the zombies! Also there was a little bit of romance thrown in in the form of Gavin, a half human/half vampire. A wonderfully original story

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Magic? No Problem is the first book in the new Kira Steele series and the first I have read by this author. This was a very entertaining book to read, with great characters and a terrific storyline. Taking on supernatural monsters while knowing that she has no magical abilities gives us a new heroine to cheer for. This story has danger, suspense, romance, and courage. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also this author is new to me, and I hope it won't be my last.

Wow! This story was a little slow at first, but eventually picked up. I felt bad for Kira, living in a world of magic, having a powerful family, but having no magic of her own. But she persevered and that's what counts. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up

[B3AUT1FUL PH03N1X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review. I love reading books that have people with magical abilities, and this book was really good. It kept my attention, the characters were interesting, and the plot twists kept me reading. I would recommend this book for those people that always feel out of place. This book shows there is something special in everyone, and will keep you guessing until the end.

[Adena Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been tempted to misrepresent myself on a job application for that dream job - who hasn't? It is just that this book gives new meaning to the term "lying on a job application". Let your mind run wild contemplating just what could happen if you lied to get a job as a monster hunter. My mind is boggling at the realization that Blair Daniels has not even scratched the surface of "what could be". Kira, is the money really worth this?

[William Howe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ineffectual

One of the worst female characters I have read. Lies, lacks agency, refuses responsibility, allows others to define her...I cannot find a single trait that makes me believe she has value.

This is not about a heroine; this is about a weak person.

I would give it 1 star except the prose is adequate. It may be a crime against women, but it’s not a crime against writing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. It had mystery, suspense, wit, romance, and, of course, the supernatural! If you love Buffy, you need to check this out. If you don't love Buffy, you need to rethink your life, but you also need to read this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Magic? No Problem (Kira Steele Book 1) by Blair Daniels this was an amazing read. This is book number one in an amazing start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy in their stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one started out a bit slow, but it continued to build and before I knew it, I was done and wanting more!!! Omg, does this book rock like wild dog in a dog house! Kira Steele stole me and I'm not looking back!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Mavigliano · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

The blurb made the book look interesting. Started out introducing the characters, ok, the action is coming...NOPE. This book is uninspired, just a long boring story about a boring heroine. I read over half way through and still wasn't invested in the book, I was practically forcing myself to read.

[Jennifer Laird-Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book to read, I enjoyed the characters. Kira Steele doesn't have magic or so her family believes. But she shows everyone she has skills. I look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. A witch with no power from a long line of monster hunters. Everyone has powers except her. What will she do? Read the book and find out. You won't be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I loved it so much. I fell in love with all the eccentric characters. There was so much action and magic. Wow! I can;t wait for book two to come out. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be well written with enjoyable characters. The story kept me drawn in and interested throughout. I recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as ARC. Like the premise of the book. Love the characters. Really can't wait to read what happens in the next book. More please...

[cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

received a copy as an ARC and loved the book got through it in one sitting just loved it the characters where amazing and the plot was super easy to follow a must read in my book

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

cool story, cool premise. ordinary girl, just getting by, offered a job based on her name, unqualified, but desperate, n calamity ensues

[Lori Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Blair did an exceptional job.....I loved the story, it grabs you and holds on til the end ...awesome !!!

[Tayra Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally worth the time to read. Every page will have you enthralled and panting for more. Let’s not forget mention the chemistry of these two. You can really feel the passion.