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Modern Magick #9
Alchemy and Argent
It’s all very well deciding to build the means to save British magick. Top marks for ambitious goals! But there are one or two obstacles in the way.
For one, said means does not yet exist, and it’ll take a genius to sort that one out. Luckily, we’ve got one of those. We call him Orlando.
For another, nothing at all can be built without materials, and no common-or-garden commodities will do. It’s got to be silver. The impossibly rare, virtually extinct kind.
This one’s on me, Val and Jay.
So it’s down into the depths of history in search of the answer. Could the crackpot alchemists of ages past really turn lead into magickal silver?
Everyone says it’s impossible. But if we can’t find a way to conquer the impossible, what’s to become of magick?
For one, said means does not yet exist, and it’ll take a genius to sort that one out. Luckily, we’ve got one of those. We call him Orlando.
For another, nothing at all can be built without materials, and no common-or-garden commodities will do. It’s got to be silver. The impossibly rare, virtually extinct kind.
This one’s on me, Val and Jay.
So it’s down into the depths of history in search of the answer. Could the crackpot alchemists of ages past really turn lead into magickal silver?
Everyone says it’s impossible. But if we can’t find a way to conquer the impossible, what’s to become of magick?
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
26 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte E. English
77 books353 followersEnglish both by name and nationality, Charlotte hasn’t permitted emigration to the Netherlands to change her essential Britishness. She writes colourful fantasy novels over copious quantities of tea, and rarely misses an opportunity to apologise for something. Spanning the spectrum from light to dark, her works include the Draykon Series, Modern Magick, The Malykant Mysteries and the Tales of Aylfenhame.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 27, 2022
Slow but interesting
So, in all fairness this volume was quite a bit slower than any of the previous ones and could be closer to a 4 star. However, even without much action/excitement around the plot in this one, it does bring again many interesting details around the main characters (especially Jay) and magick in general. For that, plus an intriguing hint at what's coming next makes it a 5 star in my book :D
So, in all fairness this volume was quite a bit slower than any of the previous ones and could be closer to a 4 star. However, even without much action/excitement around the plot in this one, it does bring again many interesting details around the main characters (especially Jay) and magick in general. For that, plus an intriguing hint at what's coming next makes it a 5 star in my book :D
September 7, 2021
Another twist with much more banter and silliness.
July 8, 2022
Another interesting read from Charlotte E. English! I can see that they are definitely getting better at ending the books as they dont feel as choppy of an end as the first couple did. I am, however, still experiencing the issue with words trying to sound smart, but just end up sounding pompous. A lot of these words feel forced and take you out of the reading flow; sometimes a simpler word is more effective! As I noticed the word modifying issue immediately in the first book, I was hit with a similar realisation in this one: damn this author really enjoys italics, huh? 😂😂
The second half really picked up, in my opinion. The excitement and suspense in slowly finding out the secrets of argent as well as the characters' own speculations was really fun to read! I felt like I was having the eureka moment with the;, a sign of good character building, I think. I'm anxiously anticipatng how the Merlin storyline will progress. I'm always excited to see Welsh and Celtic ties and tales; one of a few reasons why I loved the Yllanfalen in the past couple books!
The second half really picked up, in my opinion. The excitement and suspense in slowly finding out the secrets of argent as well as the characters' own speculations was really fun to read! I felt like I was having the eureka moment with the;, a sign of good character building, I think. I'm anxiously anticipatng how the Merlin storyline will progress. I'm always excited to see Welsh and Celtic ties and tales; one of a few reasons why I loved the Yllanfalen in the past couple books!
December 18, 2020
Arggghhhh, only one book to go! I don't want this series to end!
October 5, 2023
Not as good as the all the other ones… still good tho!
I took so long because the other audio books aren’t out yet…
I took so long because the other audio books aren’t out yet…
September 6, 2019
A really compelling mystery, with very creepy elements in just the right amounts. It made me want to explore this world right along with Ves and Val to find the answers. We get to see more of Jay (whom I have a huge crush on... if Ves never wants him, can I have him?), and see him performing some painfully awkward attempts at flirting, which are not even noticed as such.
The Modern Magick books have varied greatly in tone: some have been more on the funny side; some more light, some faster-paced or slower, some darker, some more whimsical, and some more focused on the mystery aspects. I think that's one of the many things I love: you don't know when you sit down, which it will be. But all of them have great wit and humor, some mystery, and wonderful, charmingly flawed characters who you would love to sit down to a meal with. This book is no exception: the more I get to know these characters, the more I want to know them. They are truly becoming good friends.
The Modern Magick books have varied greatly in tone: some have been more on the funny side; some more light, some faster-paced or slower, some darker, some more whimsical, and some more focused on the mystery aspects. I think that's one of the many things I love: you don't know when you sit down, which it will be. But all of them have great wit and humor, some mystery, and wonderful, charmingly flawed characters who you would love to sit down to a meal with. This book is no exception: the more I get to know these characters, the more I want to know them. They are truly becoming good friends.
December 5, 2019
Argh! I'm so addicted to this series and it ends way too quickly - my only gripe!
We learn SO much about Jay in this instalment and I honestly had a surprised Pikachu face by the time we got to Chapter 9. Wow... who would have guessed?
I was really struck when Ves was studying Jay when she thought he wasn't paying attention that this series so far has spanned several weeks. Dang... so much has happened in such a short time.
We learn SO much about Jay in this instalment and I honestly had a surprised Pikachu face by the time we got to Chapter 9. Wow... who would have guessed?
I was really struck when Ves was studying Jay when she thought he wasn't paying attention that this series so far has spanned several weeks. Dang... so much has happened in such a short time.
August 23, 2019
Love, love, love this series! In this one, Ves, Jay, and Val are researching the ways and means of saving British Magick by diving into history and searching for clues in the writing and experiments of those who may or may not be crackpots. Ves is one of my favorite characters and as usual, the human and non-human magical supporting cast are just a delight. I enjoy the world building, the dialog, and the story line with the generous portion of humor and action thrown in. This series is best read in order and it's worth every page. Yes, I'm gushing, that's how much I like this!
February 14, 2021
At the beginning of this adventure, you see Ves spending a lot of time doing research in the library and you begin to think that how can this be good when all they face are roadblocks in library work? Then they find a couple of VERY thin threads to follow and they are off. This story does reveal a lot of unknown information about Jay and some of the details that make him so special.
I do have a notable issue, however, there are several references to Cicily's grandfather that are noted as father and it gets a bit confusing.
I do have a notable issue, however, there are several references to Cicily's grandfather that are noted as father and it gets a bit confusing.
November 18, 2019
Anyone who has read my reviews knows I am hopelessly hooked on Charlotte English's magick. This book just yanked the line again. Loved it. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews