Motherducking Magic

Bad Magic Bounty Hunter #1

by Michelle Fox

(Note: At one point Goodreads had unified the short story prequel and the novel and some people were upset that the short story was short. Motherducking Magic is a full length novel. Just so no one is confused about the reviews that are still incorrectly attributed to this title on Goodreads.)

I'm the worst. Seriously. Ask anyone and they'll tell you, "Sylvie Orion is the world's worst witch." But being a supernatural bounty hunter requires more smarts than magic. So put that on your wand and suck it, beyotches.

When my latest client—a kleptomaniac werewolf—disappears, I'm on the hunt to drag him to justice. It should be a simple track ‘em and cuff ‘em operation, but this is me we're talking about.

Next thing I know, I have a vampire sidekick, am left for dead in a ditch, and piss off half of Shifter Nation. It's not fun, but it's all survivable right up until I'm accused of being in cahoots with my skip trace to steal Witchdom's most wanted magical relic.

Everyone thinks I have it. And the bad guys are on me like a bad acne hex. If they get this relic? Hell will look like paradise.

Forget the werewolf, I've got to find that relic and clear my name, or die trying.

Stephanie Plum meets Twilight in this full length urban fantasy novel!

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance, Mystery

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2020

About the author

A USA Today & NY Times bestselling author, Michelle Fox lives in the Midwest with her husband, kids, the occasional exchange student and two, sweetly disobedient dogs. She loves fantasy and romance, which makes writing paranormal romance a natural fit.

In her spare time, she's been known to shake her bon-bon at Zumba, make spectacular cheesecakes, hoard vintage costume jewelry and eat way too much ice cream (Ben and Jerry’s Karamel Sutra for the win!).

Subscribe to her mailing list for free reads, exclusive sneak peeks and giveaways: http://bit.ly/18LJx38

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sylvie is a wisecracking witch with a sense of humor who makes the reader want to root for her from the first page.

Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ducking good time

A ducking cute plot, with lots of magical mayhem and mishaps! Great characters, lots of exciting misadventures, confusion and chaos! It will keep you guessing and rooting for the underdog, er witch!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fun read! How can you not love the self-described "world's worst witch"?
And what's up with that hunky cop? I can't wait to see what Sylvie gets up to next.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, short must read that will keep you laughing! This is great to take while waiting for an appointment or when you need a quick, fun pick-me-up :D With a totally unique storyline & a kick-ass heroine that you’ll cheer for, and awesome descriptions with a twist, that will keep readers engaged & turning pages. I can honestly recommend this to adult fans of fiction and I look forward to more from Ms. Fox!

[Nae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genres, settings, categories, themes: fantasy, paranormal (shapeshifters, witches, vampires), born again through the ages

💗 Tropes: 💗
> Coming of Age
> Quest

POV: 1st person, h's perspective

Series/Sequencing Style: 1st in a dynamic series; cliffhanger - left with questions, not a standalone
understanding series types: dynamic, static, anthology - source 1, source 2

Format: audiobook

🔽🔽🔽

Overall ratings

~ Characters ~ 1.5/5 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑
~ Pacing ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Plot ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 potential for the series, but this book itself was more like a 2/5
~ Action ~ 4/5 for attempt 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑, 2/5 for execution 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
~ Writing ~ 3.75/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

~ Depth & tone (light & fun --> more serious, addresses heavier topics?): light

🔽🔽🔽

❗CW/Triggers:❗gore, violence, TSTL h

🔽🔽🔽

📝 Review/Notes 📝

Silly & campy, but now I want to read the 2nd one. I found the h TSTL, so hopefully she gets better.

I wonder how old she is supposed to be bc it reads like YA/new adult.

Still, a quick enough read and entertaining enough that I’m going for the 2nd (Motherducking Witches). Hopefully there’s some character growth and sizzle in that one. No romance yet, though it feels like the groundwork is being laid for it with her and the vampire.

It’s weird because this reminds me of trying to get a bounty hunter character off the ground in a first novel (like Stephanie Plum), but then it completely switches into this super old (timeline-wise) thing with reborn generations and origin characters (a first witch, first vampire, first shifter). I like a mashup, but something felt awkward in this.

Some things I found lacking:

• The relationships and interactions between characters are lackluster and kind of all over the place.

• It felt to me like this entire intro book could have been shortened into the first half of a book, with the sequel finishing it, and this was to drag it out into multiple books. It showed potential, but needed more.

• Got sick of 'duck' and 'ducking' being repeated too much, like okay, we get the thing.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherducking Magic is a full-blown edge-of-your-seat thriller with more thrills and twist and turns than you can count. Packed with plenty of intriguing mystery, laugh-out-loud moments, and unforgettable dashed of warmth, this story will have you completely enthralled and thoroughly entertained. I couldn't put this book down except when I was forced to part with it because real life came rushing in. Otherwise, I couldn't get enough of this fun and exciting story!

Sylvie finds herself facing just another day in her life when she is handed an assignment that goes from bad to worse. What happened next is nothing she can ever explain even to herself on the best of days. Just when she realizes she is in over head, a mysterious stranger crosses her path and surprisingly offers to help. When her boss comes demanding results, she knows she can use all the help she can get. Will Sylvie be able to close this case just like all of the others she has worked, or will this one prove to something so much more then she ever bargained for in this job?

I enjoyed getting to know Sylvie and all of the little quirks in her life. She always found a way to enjoy her life or at least keep things under control while others tried to upend her world at every turn. With no question, I rooted her for ever steps of the way through this story. There is no telling what book 3 will bring, but I an't wait to find out!

Michelle Fox has entertained and delighted me with this wonderful series! It's originality and creativity has won my heart without even trying. Everything about this story was fun, exiting, and made me anxious to find out what happened next. Do not miss out on this wonderful series that is sure to capture your heart and have you smiling in no time.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Paranormal-y Romantic

Motherducking Magic begins the Bad Magic Bounty Hunter with a story that was fun, engaging, and in many ways sets up the rest of the series to come.

When the main character tells you (and I quote): “I’m the worst. Seriously. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, “Sylvie Orion is the world’s worst witch.” in the first line of the Cover Blurb, well, you’d best believe them ‘cos it is true. Sylvie has very little witchy powers, but that doesn’t stop her from being a kick-butt and take names, type of paranormal bounty hunter. And she’s off on a chase for a werewolf who jumped and ran… and Sylvie had no clue what she was about to get involved with on this jumper chase.

I had fun with this one — although it does sort of end on an almost cliffhanger (which normally puts me off the book or returning to the series right then) really, this time is more of a “waiting for what comes next” ending, I can’t really call it happy for now, but it’s close.

There is more to Sylvie than meets the eye as she’s about to find out through chasing down a werewolf, finding an ancient relic, dodging a persistent vampire, and, oh, yeah, being hunted herself by Shifter Nation. There are questions left unanswered but you’ll find them in Motherducking Witches, and there’s no wait for that book is out already.

I enjoyed myself in this world, I will pick up the next to wrap up this current storyline – and I don’t know if there will be more titles, so I’ll make up my mind on continuing with this when that becomes apparent. Because there is a mystery involved here I’m being vague on purpose.

I own a Kindle edition of Motherducking Magic.

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the prequel novella in my race to complete my reading challenge last year and really liked it, so thought I would give the first full book in this series a go and I was not disappointed. The first chapter is, however, that same novella again, so I skipped that one.

Sylvie Orion is the worst witch in the world ever! She has very little magic and has to rely on charms instead, but working as a bounty hunter means those charms get put to good use. This time, one of her previous hunts, a werewolf, has gone on the run again and it is up to her to track him down. The High Priestess witch demands that Sylvie brings him in and the valuable relic that he has stolen in less than 24 hours! Now that might be doable for any other witch, but for Sylvie...not so much!

She manages to track him down (or so she thinks) only to find a vampire in his place. A vampire who also wants to find Sheridon for reasons of his own. Together they join forces, but things take a turn for the worse when Sylvie is arrested for stealing the relic is trying to get back from the elusive werewolf. Suddenly, Sylvie is on the run, sometimes helped out by the vampire Vitor and secrets are starting to be revealed as to why Sylvie has very little magical power. She has to do whatever she can to stay below the radar whilst still hunting the dangerous werewolf and avoiding the Council Guard that the High Priestess has sent after her!

I liked Sylvie, even if she was a witch of little power. She definitely made up for it in terms of sarkiness and wit! There's definitely more at play here than just a missing relic and a werewolf! Going straight on to read the next book in the series to find out what!

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bounty hunter Sylvie is on the trail of a shifter who skipped out on bail. Since her magic is weak, she must rely on charms she's purchased, a tracking spell, and her own grit and determination. In this instance, however, things quickly go off the rails. A vampire, who's also searching for the missing shifter, throws his hat in with Sylvie's search. As if having a tag-along isn't annoying enough, Sylvie soon learns the shifter has stolen a powerful magic relic that the High Priestess of the Witch Council will literally kill to get back. When the shifter's trail grows cold, Sylvie is accused of being in cahoots with him. Now she has the Council guards on her own tail, and she's having to rethink just who the villains are in this drama.

The story started out lighthearted and humorous. I enjoyed Sylvie's sarcastic wit and her ability to get things done with the limited amount of magic she has. However, as the story progressed, things took a darker turn. And then...it ended. WTF? The author had a "please don't hate me for the cliffie" note at the end, but yeah. I'm not feeling too charitable at the moment.

I was ready to give this a solid four, but I'm annoyed enough at the ending to bump it down to a three.

[KimReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the plot and decently funny. Pretty good plot wise due to it being pretty face-pace and to the plot. It didn’t drag on for a long time like a lot of authors do to draw the plot out so I was content about that while reading. The ebook I read had 165 pages, which is a short read yet perfect and enjoyable. This ebook I read was on the kindle and had a lot of errors with grammar and sentence structure, which lead me to give it four stars because it didn’t look like an editor read through it properly. Mistakes happen, but I know that I wouldn’t want to own a physical copy of a book that had this many errors. I hope others brought this to the author’s attention.

There was a part that Sylvie foolishly did something that lead her to be horribly weak-minded during a conversation with her own mother. I didn’t like that. To just give in after being stuck and you’d think an actual mother would act differently. I know I wouldn’t have bent backwards like she did after call.

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

[Dew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duck down

Several years ago the author offered a free copy of the first book in this series. Unfortunately, it was not a book. It was the first chapter of this book - no more than one could already read as the teaser. It was not an accurate representation of the book in as much as it involved Sylvie having a run-in with a former high-school bully. It was goofy to the point of absurdity, turning off readers, myself included.

Although the duck-thing never pays off, the rest of the book and the follow up are perfect for skimming when one is in the mood for insubstantial fluff. It’s the kind of book that I wish Pippa Grant were writing whenever I let myself get lured into trying yet another of her absurdist treatises because at least these books have plots and likable characters.

[Aditi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was too much going on in the book and that end result was not for me.
At the on set the Stephanie plum meets discovery of witches was harder, but I hoped the ingredients would mix well together and become something great
Unfortunately the book approached reincarnation without calling it reincarnation. There was also the idea of the same soul being transferred from person to person. However if you transfer someone else's soul into a 20 something year old, is she still her, or another person? It's one thing to transfer memories but souls... Not for me
Also if she was reincarnated every generation then shouldn't there be more word of this. I mean the shifters knew of this.
Also when the were wolf good a were lion pregnant, knowing it was taboo then shrugged and said I will make sure she is taken care of but she isn't my mate ... So many problems with this.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Which Witch???

Being the lousiest witch on the planet sucks and that's just what that hot vamp I encountered while trying to catch that thieving werewolf did! See I'm a bounty hunter and that's just about all I can do since my magic sucks, I catch the supernatural runners for the witch counsel.

My mom is a very powerful witch, my bloodline is very powerful, so I don't know why I'm such a dud and why one of the most powerful witches on the counsel wants my soul... I suck so why? Maybe that thieving werewolf can tell me since this all revolves around that relic he stole?

Can't wait to read on what happens to Sylvie.

Warning, beep, beep, beep.......Cliff Hanger....grrrrrr lol Great story, so worth it!

[Andrea Dehart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Bad Magic Bounty Hunter series. Just like the first book it was excellently written. I laughed, cried, and could not put the book down until I was finished. this book continues the story of Sylvie Orion. the story also reveals a few secrets but also gives us more questions that need to be answered. every chapter I was left wanting to read the next chapter just to see where this story was going. This book does end with a cliffhanger but thankfully the third book is set to come out really soon so you don't have to wait too long to read what is going to happen next to our heroine Sylvie Orion. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Regina Marie O Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Oh wow,what a fantastic start to this series, Sylvie is a bounty hunter for the supernaturals,she doesn't have much magic but she has has plenty of sass and confidence,she is one kickass woman,then things start taking a wrong turn in her world all starting with Thorne jumping bail, Sylvie ends up going on a wild adventure that has plenty of ups and down,secrets are revealed about who she really is meant to be,now she's been held prisoner by the shifters,leaving you wondering how she'll get out of this situation,it does end on a cliffhanger but book 2 is available so go ahead read on, cause I know I am😉

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phone ate my review. Basically, it's silly fun. It doesn't take itself seriously, and I appreciated that.

I had a bad day. These laughs helped me out. I bought it without reading the description bc anything with the D-word is fun by me.

It's short, but it us also half the price of the next book. The first chapter was apparently a short story. I don't normally like short books, but this was funny. I'd call it a novella instead of a book, honestly.

I'm getting the second book, and I really hope it isn't ad short as this one was, but if it's a continuation of this one, I'm sure I'll enjoy it :)

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fighters story with a giant side of funny...

Sylvie has so much heart. She has been ridiculed and made to feel less than her whole life. Yet, she compensates every way she can. She learns work arounds, she buys spells, uses human weapons, and makes the most of her life. She never gives up. I admire her spunk. This well written story plants us firmly in Sylvie’s life, I couldn’t help sympathizing with her. I laughed, I got so mad I could have thrown my ereader, and I was inspired by the perseverance of a good person, even a make believe person. Great read.

[Samantha Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for free for an honest review. Thought it was fabulous book! Loved the story line! Sylvia's
story was great and kept me on the edge of my seat. She is a go hard and never give up type that I could totally relate to and because of this I had a hard time putting the book down and kept wanting to read all night. There were tons of literal laugh out loud moments that had my kids thinking I was insane. Those usually make for the best books in my opinion. It is definitely worth the read.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Magical Bounty Hunter Premise – 3.5 stars

I am a big fan of Michelle Fox, but this one did not quite do it for me. I sometime labor over witch stories, but this was a bit over the top with the struggle with her magic and purchasing charms. I also found it a bit more “slap stick” than funny. The farting familiar for a dog is not my brand of humor. Once I got into the story it flowed, when I felt the story was the main focus rather than all the magical pratfalls.

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Witch, First Vampire, First Shifter

Sophie has little to no magic. Her mother is powerful, so her line holds magic, she was just not blessed. She has a job of bounty hunter for the Council. When one of her bounties skips on a $50k bond, Sophie is determined to catch him. During this search, she meets Vitol , a vampire. Much more is at play though. A relic is stolen and the High Priestess recruits Sophie to find it.
A lot of mystery and subterfuge is running in the background of this story. Sophie is injured and you will not believe who saved her!

[MandyViolete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There was a note about a cliffhanger but to be honest I felt like the ending wasn’t really that cliffy- it leaves off at a great pausing point and of course you’ll want to read the next book to see what happens next, but it isn’t a “strangle the author why did she leave me this way” kind of ending. Amazing characters and a great fun read! Especially with all of the serious going on, this is the PERFECT book to relax and get out of your head space for a bit.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ducking good story. I love Sylvie. She knows how bad her magic is but instead looks at what she is good at and takes control. Well at least some control when there are supes everywhere. Witches, vampires and shifters of all types are going at it for control. Who to trust when even your own mother has no confidence in you? The story does end in a cliffhanger and I so need the next book now. And if you want to know all about ducking you will just have to read to find out.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-deprecating witch bounty hunter, Sylvie heads out on a routine pick up and finds all kinds of trouble. Think escapee escaping, a run-in with a vampire who just hangs on, oh, and don't forget being accused of stealing an invaluable witchy relic that could cause all kinds of trouble in the wrong hands. Just gotta find out whose hands those are.

Another adventure with her that is filled with danger, humor and so much more.

[Doty Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is starting out with Thorne- AKA bail jumper- Sylvie ends up going after him not to lose her money on him.
Drawn into a wild adventure that has plenty of ups and down,secrets are revealed, allies, friends, and frenimies.
discovering the truth, about who she really is meant to be. Now she's been held prisoner by the shifters -they claim it is to help her, leaving you to wonder how she'll get out of this mess trust or not to trust. Ends on a cliffhanger.cant wait for next book

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been provided with a copy of Motherducking Magic from the author for an impartial review. This is the first book in the Bad Bounty Hunter series and I just loved getting to enter this new world. This book wasn’t bad it was just slow at times and I’m not a big fan of how it ended. I’ve never liked cliffhangers and this one ends on one. Other than that it was a really enjoyable book with some interesting characters.

[Kelly Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really enjoying this book. It's witty, irreverent, and fast paced, with a main character you can't help but like.
Then I got to the last couple of chapters. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, and this one is more disatisfying than most. The ending left me disappointed, a bit angry, and not in the least interested in spending money or time finding out what happens next.
It's really a shame, it had such potential.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved the prequel, then you will go totally head over heels for this book!! What an awesome book one. I love how Sylvie thinks of herself as the worst witch but at the same time she can solve every problem. I hope this series is very, very long so I can keep reading about sylvie for years and years!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvie is witty and unpredictably funny. Witch turned bounty hunter whose Werewolf bounty jumps bond. This leads to a series of events including meeting a handsome vampire, being held prisoner, being hunted and people possibly wanting to kill her. Has a cliff hanger ending but all the best series do!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun new PNR series featuring Sylvie Orion - defective witch and kick-booty bounty hunter. I'm realty enjoying the storyline, the characters, the laughs, and the danger. I can't wait to see what Sylvie gets into next.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Sylvie is determined, irreverent and fun. Her magic isn't much but she has the gumption to barrel through what life throws at her. Had to laugh at her superstitious reaction to any mention of Freya. Her dog just makes me shudder. Fast paced fun read. I received an advanced copy of this book and freely leave this honest review.