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Happenstance and Bron #1
The Soul Engine
Be careful what you wish for...
Nick Morgan knows there’s no magic in the world, no matter how much he wants to believe. Magic is for suckers, but fortunately, for his job as a sham fortune teller to Hollywood’s fading stars, there are plenty of those around.
When somebody starts peddling a new miracle beauty potion to the town’s never-ending supply of wannabe actors, Nick’s suspicious. But his suspicion becomes terror when it turns the niece of his best client horrifically ugly and kills her right in front of his eyes.
While tracking down the source of the potion, Nick encounters Bron, a mysterious young woman who’s as troubled about the stuff as he is. But as he joins forces with her to investigate, Nick is about to learn some shocking truths - not just about the potion, but about his own history.
The Soul Engine is the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy series set in the world of the Amazon best-selling Alastair Stone Chronicles. You don't need to be familiar with the Stone Chronicles to enjoy the Happenstance and Bron series.
If you like sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy that proves men and women can be buddies without becoming lovers, check it out today!
Nick Morgan knows there’s no magic in the world, no matter how much he wants to believe. Magic is for suckers, but fortunately, for his job as a sham fortune teller to Hollywood’s fading stars, there are plenty of those around.
When somebody starts peddling a new miracle beauty potion to the town’s never-ending supply of wannabe actors, Nick’s suspicious. But his suspicion becomes terror when it turns the niece of his best client horrifically ugly and kills her right in front of his eyes.
While tracking down the source of the potion, Nick encounters Bron, a mysterious young woman who’s as troubled about the stuff as he is. But as he joins forces with her to investigate, Nick is about to learn some shocking truths - not just about the potion, but about his own history.
The Soul Engine is the first book in an exciting new urban fantasy series set in the world of the Amazon best-selling Alastair Stone Chronicles. You don't need to be familiar with the Stone Chronicles to enjoy the Happenstance and Bron series.
If you like sharp, fast-paced urban fantasy that proves men and women can be buddies without becoming lovers, check it out today!
- GenresUrban Fantasy
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2020
115 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
R.L. King
70 books334 followersR. L. King is the author of the Amazon-bestselling urban fantasy series The Alastair Stone Chronicles.
When not doing her best to make life difficult for her characters, she works as a software technical writer for a large Silicon Valley database company.
She also freelances for Catalyst Game Labs, publisher of the popular roleplaying game Shadowrun, where she's contributed fiction and game material to numerous sourcebooks and one full-length adventure, "On the Run," which was included as part of the 2012 Origins-Award-winning "Runners' Toolkit."
Her first novel in the Shadowrun universe, "Borrowed Time," was published in Spring 2015. She's working on her second Shadowrun novel, "Veiled Extraction," which will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.
When not writing or working, she enjoys hanging out with her very understanding spouse and her small herd of cats, and watching way too much Doctor Who.
When not doing her best to make life difficult for her characters, she works as a software technical writer for a large Silicon Valley database company.
She also freelances for Catalyst Game Labs, publisher of the popular roleplaying game Shadowrun, where she's contributed fiction and game material to numerous sourcebooks and one full-length adventure, "On the Run," which was included as part of the 2012 Origins-Award-winning "Runners' Toolkit."
Her first novel in the Shadowrun universe, "Borrowed Time," was published in Spring 2015. She's working on her second Shadowrun novel, "Veiled Extraction," which will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.
When not writing or working, she enjoys hanging out with her very understanding spouse and her small herd of cats, and watching way too much Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 17, 2020
This was an unexpected treat. While the set up is a bit on the long side, I really like Nick Morgan, the MC of this new series. He's quick, intelligent, is open to new ideas, and fun. To cover the bills, he entertains older ladies with his Tarot Readings (for entertainment purposes only, of course) and has a life long fascination with the occult, paranormal, magic, etc.
His world gets turned on its head when he loses a friend to a potion that turns out to be dangerous and loses another when he disappears without a trace. Nick sets out to find out what happened to his friends and meets Bron Broome, another person who's lost a friend to the same potion, and they strike up an uneasy partnership. Soon enough, the pair are on the tracks of supernatural fiends Up To No Good ™, and Nick's about to discover there's more to his past and his new friend than he ever expected.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
**Special unexpected bonus:
His world gets turned on its head when he loses a friend to a potion that turns out to be dangerous and loses another when he disappears without a trace. Nick sets out to find out what happened to his friends and meets Bron Broome, another person who's lost a friend to the same potion, and they strike up an uneasy partnership. Soon enough, the pair are on the tracks of supernatural fiends Up To No Good ™, and Nick's about to discover there's more to his past and his new friend than he ever expected.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
**Special unexpected bonus:
May 23, 2021
Start of a good series. Some reviews I read, said it started off slow before picking up. If you're waiting for Nick & Bron to connect with each other, then yes to slow start; if you're waiting for magic to begin, then yes again; If you're waiting for the action, the intrique, & the "what in the world?", then no, there was no slow start. Book moved along very nicely, with you gaining an unterstanding of Nick Morgan before he gets sucked into a world beyond his imagination, to an appreciation of how well he handles what is thrown him, to "what now?".
When someone starts peddeling a beauty potion, which one of Nick's client's niece starts using when suddenly she gets the "ugglies" before dying right before his eyes after drinking the potion. Just before she swallows the potion, Nick could have sworn it was a different color, something is definitely of kilter here
Then he finds out a good friend of his is also using the potion & when he suddenly disappears, Nick starts investigating to find him. Things just go downhill from there, as he digs deeper into a world he never knew existed. Life will never be the same for him again. I'd already downloaded book 2 & book 3 before finishing this one.
When someone starts peddeling a beauty potion, which one of Nick's client's niece starts using when suddenly she gets the "ugglies" before dying right before his eyes after drinking the potion. Just before she swallows the potion, Nick could have sworn it was a different color, something is definitely of kilter here
Then he finds out a good friend of his is also using the potion & when he suddenly disappears, Nick starts investigating to find him. Things just go downhill from there, as he digs deeper into a world he never knew existed. Life will never be the same for him again. I'd already downloaded book 2 & book 3 before finishing this one.
May 22, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
Set in the same world as the Alistair Stone Chronicles, you do not have to have read those first to understand this book. I've still to try the ASC series.
I liked the MC.
I liked the other characters.
I liked the world.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
Set in the same world as the Alistair Stone Chronicles, you do not have to have read those first to understand this book. I've still to try the ASC series.
I liked the MC.
I liked the other characters.
I liked the world.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
March 17, 2020
Give it a chance
I'm a big fan of the Alister Stone series, read all of them and have never been disappointed. I found this new series to be a lot slower to get into but it did pick up and moved quickly in the second half of the book. There are still a lot of unanswered questions. There is a lot to love about Allister Stone , a powerful intelligent mage who has a strong sense of justice, in his own way he is a super hero. The hero in this series, Nick Morgan, is an entirely different character ( he reads fortunes for a living for entertainment purposes only) and I have decided to reserve judgement until I read the next book on what I think of this new series. I'm kind of sorry the new series didn't center around Jason and Amber ( his wolf hybrid wife).
I'm a big fan of the Alister Stone series, read all of them and have never been disappointed. I found this new series to be a lot slower to get into but it did pick up and moved quickly in the second half of the book. There are still a lot of unanswered questions. There is a lot to love about Allister Stone , a powerful intelligent mage who has a strong sense of justice, in his own way he is a super hero. The hero in this series, Nick Morgan, is an entirely different character ( he reads fortunes for a living for entertainment purposes only) and I have decided to reserve judgement until I read the next book on what I think of this new series. I'm kind of sorry the new series didn't center around Jason and Amber ( his wolf hybrid wife).
February 19, 2020
Yet again a mesmerising story
Having become addicted to the stone series, I gave this a try hoping that it would captivate me as much as Alistair Stone has, it did not disappoint and I now find I’m as impatient for the next book, as I am stone.
I really don’t want to say much about its contents because it’s worth discovering for yourself. If you love magic, suspense and a bloody good storyline.
You will not be disappointed. Enjoy imagining magic is real.
Having become addicted to the stone series, I gave this a try hoping that it would captivate me as much as Alistair Stone has, it did not disappoint and I now find I’m as impatient for the next book, as I am stone.
I really don’t want to say much about its contents because it’s worth discovering for yourself. If you love magic, suspense and a bloody good storyline.
You will not be disappointed. Enjoy imagining magic is real.
February 20, 2020
Fantastic new series!
Okay, it started a little slow, but when the action and plot became clear, it was worth the wait. If I'm going to like a book, I have to like the main characters, and I really like Nick and Bron. Can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold in the next book. Well done, R.L. King!
Okay, it started a little slow, but when the action and plot became clear, it was worth the wait. If I'm going to like a book, I have to like the main characters, and I really like Nick and Bron. Can't wait to see how the story continues to unfold in the next book. Well done, R.L. King!
March 6, 2020
Another enticingly good series has begun!
RL has created another intriguing series in the Stoneiverse. This introduction to her latest magic wielders has a balanced pace between background and on-going plot. Excited to see where H&B go and eagerly awaiting the next installment. I just hope RL has time to rest so we can live in her universe for many years to come!
RL has created another intriguing series in the Stoneiverse. This introduction to her latest magic wielders has a balanced pace between background and on-going plot. Excited to see where H&B go and eagerly awaiting the next installment. I just hope RL has time to rest so we can live in her universe for many years to come!
March 8, 2020
Great new characters
This was a great beginning to a new story. I really like Nick and Bron, and was really interested to find out what was going on. Having read the Alastair Stone books, I knew some of the setup before they did, and it was fun to see them figure it out. I’m looking forward to more!
This was a great beginning to a new story. I really like Nick and Bron, and was really interested to find out what was going on. Having read the Alastair Stone books, I knew some of the setup before they did, and it was fun to see them figure it out. I’m looking forward to more!
April 10, 2020
Loved it!
I really enjoyed the Alastair Stone series and after I had read them all, was looking for something else to read. I decided to try this because I enjoyed the author. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book. If you're a fan of Dr. Stone, you'll find this book just as appealing.
I really enjoyed the Alastair Stone series and after I had read them all, was looking for something else to read. I decided to try this because I enjoyed the author. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book. If you're a fan of Dr. Stone, you'll find this book just as appealing.
May 1, 2020
Quite Good
This story started out really slowly for me. I tried to read it a few times but couldn't stick with it. Luckily I saw a posting I the author's group by someone who had the same problem as me, so I decided to try again and I'm glad I did. This turned out to be a really good book an I am looking forward to the second one.
This story started out really slowly for me. I tried to read it a few times but couldn't stick with it. Luckily I saw a posting I the author's group by someone who had the same problem as me, so I decided to try again and I'm glad I did. This turned out to be a really good book an I am looking forward to the second one.
May 2, 2023
Slow to start
I really love the Alastair Stone Chronicles, so I thought that I'd enjoy this series from the same author. Having just finished the first book, I did enjoy it, but it was so slow to get going that I nearly gave up several times.
I am going to continue with the second book, but I hope it's not as slow.
I really love the Alastair Stone Chronicles, so I thought that I'd enjoy this series from the same author. Having just finished the first book, I did enjoy it, but it was so slow to get going that I nearly gave up several times.
I am going to continue with the second book, but I hope it's not as slow.
February 20, 2020
This series is already a great offshoot of the Alastair Stone Chronicles! The beginning was a bit slow, but once it got going, I couldn't have put it down even if I'd wanted to. I'm curious to see where the series goes in terms of Stone himself, and how British and American mages interact.
March 5, 2020
Great beginning to a series!
I loved this book. I love R. L. King. She builds world's for me to play in.
This latest world is fast and dangerous. And it's a hero I can identify with. One who almost wets his pants when things get hairy. Can't wait for more.
I loved this book. I love R. L. King. She builds world's for me to play in.
This latest world is fast and dangerous. And it's a hero I can identify with. One who almost wets his pants when things get hairy. Can't wait for more.
March 16, 2020
Wonderful New Story!!
The new characters and storyline are quite intriguing! I really like Nick and his buddies, both new and old!
The mystery (s) are quite well done, as are the reveals.
I could barely put the book down once I began and cannot wait for the next installment!
The new characters and storyline are quite intriguing! I really like Nick and his buddies, both new and old!
The mystery (s) are quite well done, as are the reveals.
I could barely put the book down once I began and cannot wait for the next installment!
April 24, 2020
So good!
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book at first,but I decided to keep reading and I'm glad did!it turned out to be a really dread like all her books.... Can't wait to read the next one!
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book at first,but I decided to keep reading and I'm glad did!it turned out to be a really dread like all her books.... Can't wait to read the next one!
July 26, 2020
I am a huge R.L. King fan. This book fell flat for me. The first person narrative seemed clunky in both this book and the Verity book. I found the lead narrator to be unbelievable and a little whiny. I am hoping the the next book is better.
September 23, 2020
A good start
It's an interesting concept that I won't spoil for readers. The action is as good as the Stone series but even though these are completely different characters, the book still feels like an Alistair Stone book. We'll see how that changes as new stories come out.
It's an interesting concept that I won't spoil for readers. The action is as good as the Stone series but even though these are completely different characters, the book still feels like an Alistair Stone book. We'll see how that changes as new stories come out.
March 9, 2025
Starts out slow but..,
one of the main characters is named Nick Morgan. He is pretty unlikable at first. The first 8 or so chapters kinda plod along but hang in there it's well worth it
one of the main characters is named Nick Morgan. He is pretty unlikable at first. The first 8 or so chapters kinda plod along but hang in there it's well worth it
February 22, 2020
A great start
I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Nick's magical world.
I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about Nick's magical world.
February 28, 2020
This was a good first book of a new series. It was a bit slow in the beginning while developing the main character's background. However, once the story line was revealed the plot came together. So far I like the primary characters, Nick & Bron, even though I have no idea how this duo will fit together in the future.
The author has a proven story telling track record with her Alastair Stone Chronicles so I'm very optimistic of the coming books.
The author has a proven story telling track record with her Alastair Stone Chronicles so I'm very optimistic of the coming books.
February 25, 2020
Good book! I'm interested in seeing how it ties into the world of Alistair Stone.
February 29, 2020
Excellent
I can't wait to see where this series goes, and where the characters fit into the larger Professor Stone universe!
I can't wait to see where this series goes, and where the characters fit into the larger Professor Stone universe!
March 14, 2020
Really fun!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the give and between Nick and Bron. It was a very enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the give and between Nick and Bron. It was a very enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next one.
July 16, 2020
Standing ovation! Encore!! More! More!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
August 5, 2020
Great start to a new series. Will definitely be reading the rest.
April 3, 2020
Audible Version was great!
May 4, 2020
Fun New Series
So, I’m a pretty big fan of the Stone novels, so it was good to see a new series from King, Although this book takes place in the same mage world as Stone, it’s very different. I definitely look forward to seeing where this series will go.
So, I’m a pretty big fan of the Stone novels, so it was good to see a new series from King, Although this book takes place in the same mage world as Stone, it’s very different. I definitely look forward to seeing where this series will go.
April 23, 2020
A good edition to the universe of Alastair Stone
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews