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The Magicsmith #1
A Drop of Magic
2020 First Horizon Award Winner for Science Fiction/Fantasy Category
The war isn’t over . . .
With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.
Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.
Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.
The war isn’t over . . .
With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.
Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.
Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.
ebook
First published July 31, 2019
355 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
L.R. Braden
12 books406 followersL.R. Braden is the bestselling, multi-award-winning author of the Magicsmith and Rifter urban fantasy series, as well as several works of shorter fiction.
When not writing, she spends her time reading in a multitude of genres (speculative fiction is her favorite), playing games with her family, enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors, experimenting in the kitchen, and weaving metal into intricate chain mail jewelry that she sells in her Etsy shop, Wimsi Design.
Connect with her online at https://www.lrbraden.com
When not writing, she spends her time reading in a multitude of genres (speculative fiction is her favorite), playing games with her family, enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors, experimenting in the kitchen, and weaving metal into intricate chain mail jewelry that she sells in her Etsy shop, Wimsi Design.
Connect with her online at https://www.lrbraden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
June 3, 2020
A DROP OF MAGIC by L.R. Braden is the first book in The Magicsmith supernatural suspense series. This is the debut novel by an author that is new to me. The female protagonist, Alex Blackwood is a metalsmith creating works of art in Colorado after a fragile peace between the Fae and humans. When her best friend is murdered and she is violently attacked, her life suddenly becomes fraught with danger, lies, stress and changes. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, her family, her friends and the Fae.
Alex is a likeable main character and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. However, after being attacked, she didn’t take the precautions that I would have expected. I wanted Alex to be a stronger protagonist. The secondary characters are not as well-developed, but the novel was relatively short. Hopefully, that growth and depth will occur as the series develops. They did enhance the story and they added to the story rather than detracting from it. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was excellent.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more in this fantasy series. If you enjoy supernatural suspense with a lot of action, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did.
Many thanks to BelleBooks, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Alex is a likeable main character and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. However, after being attacked, she didn’t take the precautions that I would have expected. I wanted Alex to be a stronger protagonist. The secondary characters are not as well-developed, but the novel was relatively short. Hopefully, that growth and depth will occur as the series develops. They did enhance the story and they added to the story rather than detracting from it. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was excellent.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more in this fantasy series. If you enjoy supernatural suspense with a lot of action, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did.
Many thanks to BelleBooks, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
September 28, 2024
A Drop of Magic by L R Braden
The Magicsmith series #1. Urban Fantasy.
Metalsmith Alex Blackwood’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her best friend is murdered and he’s left her a dangerous artifact. Alex is forced to face a devastating revelation that not only was her friend half fae, she now has to face changes of who she is at her core. Suddenly there are people asking her questions about her past, her art and her friends. The wrong answer could get her sent away, or worse, dead.
A fast moving and complex urban fantasy that just touches the surface of this world and leaves more questions than answers. Who can she trust? Lots of secondary characters and twists that can be interpreted more than one way.
Cat! (I knew there was something special about Cat!)
Not really a cliffhanger as much as it’s not yet a complete story. I feel like I don’t have the answers yet.
The Magicsmith series #1. Urban Fantasy.
Metalsmith Alex Blackwood’s world is thrown into a tailspin when her best friend is murdered and he’s left her a dangerous artifact. Alex is forced to face a devastating revelation that not only was her friend half fae, she now has to face changes of who she is at her core. Suddenly there are people asking her questions about her past, her art and her friends. The wrong answer could get her sent away, or worse, dead.
A fast moving and complex urban fantasy that just touches the surface of this world and leaves more questions than answers. Who can she trust? Lots of secondary characters and twists that can be interpreted more than one way.
Cat! (I knew there was something special about Cat!)
Not really a cliffhanger as much as it’s not yet a complete story. I feel like I don’t have the answers yet.
July 16, 2019
A Drop of Magic is a new urban fantasy series by L.R. Braden. And, I will be delighted to add it to my must-read series list.
Alex discovers that one of her friends is murdered and their last act was calling Alex, leaving her racked with guilt for not answering his call. The mystery behind the murder sends Alex into detective mode, uncovering secrets about herself and her friends.
A Drop of Magic has lots of unexpected twist turns, a bunch of side of really fascinating secondary characters and side plots and great, original world building. Thumbs up for another debut suspense-filled fantasy. This is my first read from L.R. Braden but it won't be my last.
I received this ARC copy of A Drop of Magic BelleBooks, Inc. - Bell Bridge Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Drop of Magic is set for publication July 31, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: L.R. Braden
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
ISBN-10: 1611949416
ISBN-13: 978-1611949414
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Magic-Mag...
Barnes & Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dr...
Alex discovers that one of her friends is murdered and their last act was calling Alex, leaving her racked with guilt for not answering his call. The mystery behind the murder sends Alex into detective mode, uncovering secrets about herself and her friends.
A Drop of Magic has lots of unexpected twist turns, a bunch of side of really fascinating secondary characters and side plots and great, original world building. Thumbs up for another debut suspense-filled fantasy. This is my first read from L.R. Braden but it won't be my last.
I received this ARC copy of A Drop of Magic BelleBooks, Inc. - Bell Bridge Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. A Drop of Magic is set for publication July 31, 2019.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: L.R. Braden
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
ISBN-10: 1611949416
ISBN-13: 978-1611949414
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Drop-Magic-Mag...
Barnes & Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dr...
August 19, 2020
A good effort and an interesting introduction to a new UF world with fae, werewolves and other magic users. One of the mistakes new authors make quite a lot is telling not showing and there is a little of that here. Not quite an info-dump and it wasn't so bad as to turn me off continuing but it was there.
Three Stars but a good three stars with a promise of greatness as the author develops her craft.
Three Stars but a good three stars with a promise of greatness as the author develops her craft.
August 17, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I like to say that my favourite genre is Urban Fantasy, and when I look deep into my heart that is where my love lies. I love the interesting twists and overlays that authors put on a contemporary world. Then I love to see the stories and characters that the authors plonk down into the world they crafted. However, when I look at my reading history, you could be fooled into thinking that I barely have a passing interest in the UF genre. This is why I decided to pick up A Drop of Magic by L.R. Braden, I need to start trying new UF authors rather than just sticking with the ones I know and have an unhealthy level of love for.
Part of what attracted me to this book is that our heroine Alex was a metalsmith and an artist. I loved the concept of a heroine in a UF not being a warrior, but having a more creative bent. Like most UF's this book is told in first person. Which means that it is essential that you like the protagonist. However, although I didn’t dislike Alex, I also didn’t particularly feel a strong attachment to her either. I found her very…tepid and reactive. This did mean it took me while to really get invested into this book and it definitely suffered through a very slow start.
It’s depiction of the fae was very similar to that of Patricia Briggs with them as ruthlessly sly and extremely clever. The fae are key aspect of the world that Braden has created and I can’t wait to see how she uses them in this series. In fact, one of the things I liked about this book was the world that Braden created, there are a lot of possibilities and I look forward to seeing these come into fruition in future books.
Now, let's talk about romance. My favourite type of UF is UF where romance does play a role. In this book it looks like we may have the set up of a love triangle...maybe even a love square judging by how the book ended... I have mixed feelings about this. One half of me is really happy that there is a prospect of romance in the future, the other half is dreading having to put up with a love triangle. I don't like them. They never reflect well on any of the characters involved and I find myself getting very frustrated with the whole thing. However, maybe I am seeing things that aren't there, but I do plan on reading the next book in the series so I can find out.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 5, 2023
*Source* NetGalley/Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy, Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
A Drop of Magic, by debut author L.R. Braden, is the first installment in the authors The Magicsmith series. A Drop of Magic is the story about 28-year old protagonist Alyssandra (Alex) Blackwood who works as an artist specializing in metal sculptures. She lives in the mountains outside of Nederland, Colorado and shows her work at Souled Art Gallery in Boulder, Colorado where her friend James Abernathy is owner. As the story opens, Alex receives some unwelcome visitors looking for an engraved box which is supposed to be in her possession.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy, Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
A Drop of Magic, by debut author L.R. Braden, is the first installment in the authors The Magicsmith series. A Drop of Magic is the story about 28-year old protagonist Alyssandra (Alex) Blackwood who works as an artist specializing in metal sculptures. She lives in the mountains outside of Nederland, Colorado and shows her work at Souled Art Gallery in Boulder, Colorado where her friend James Abernathy is owner. As the story opens, Alex receives some unwelcome visitors looking for an engraved box which is supposed to be in her possession.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
January 17, 2021
Note - I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise for the book was excellent, but I didn't enjoy the book as much. Most of it was because of Alex. She was contrary, inconsistent, unlikeable, incompetent and not relatable. Her background and choices were not at all believable.
Also, the plot and the world building felt incomplete. There were just too many characters introduced without any context. For a woman who was supposedly alone, she had too many friends.
Overall, I didn't have the best experience with this book and I am not going to continue with the series.
The premise for the book was excellent, but I didn't enjoy the book as much. Most of it was because of Alex. She was contrary, inconsistent, unlikeable, incompetent and not relatable. Her background and choices were not at all believable.
Also, the plot and the world building felt incomplete. There were just too many characters introduced without any context. For a woman who was supposedly alone, she had too many friends.
Overall, I didn't have the best experience with this book and I am not going to continue with the series.
August 6, 2019
This was supposed to be my half hour bedside read before going off to sleep, but by the time I closed my kindle, I realized I had finished the book and it was 2am.
The story about humans and fae caught my fancy. The book coasted on my imagination as it narrated the realms of fae world intersecting with humans. War between the two had ended a decade ago, and they lived in an uncomfortable truce with the imposed rules after signing the peace treaty. But soon murders occurred, and Alex Blackwood, thought to be human but actually a half-fae, lost her best friend. With pure blood fae, Kai, she was forced into this investigation to get back a sealed artefact which would destroy world completely.
The author L. R. Braden, in her debut, has narrated a fascinating world. Alex, the main character, who liked to be alone, surprisingly had many who genuinely cared for her including her Cat. Every chapter showed how she was slowly embroiled in this whole quest. Her emotions coursed between pain and anger which sometimes felt off but was understandable. There were times I wished she would grow up, my only grouse. Past and present was mixed with rules of magic. World building added its own mystic aura. Braden's writing made it all easy to understand.
Few moments of choppy writing gave way to smooth action scenes and new twists. Romance was hinted at but thankfully didn't take over the story. Creatures other than fae and humans were amalgamated smoothly into the plot.
I never expected that this urban fantasy would take over my sleeping time, but I was so glad it did. It was hypnotic and exciting, and the action scenes caused me to imagine myself in that role. Blasting fun!
The story about humans and fae caught my fancy. The book coasted on my imagination as it narrated the realms of fae world intersecting with humans. War between the two had ended a decade ago, and they lived in an uncomfortable truce with the imposed rules after signing the peace treaty. But soon murders occurred, and Alex Blackwood, thought to be human but actually a half-fae, lost her best friend. With pure blood fae, Kai, she was forced into this investigation to get back a sealed artefact which would destroy world completely.
The author L. R. Braden, in her debut, has narrated a fascinating world. Alex, the main character, who liked to be alone, surprisingly had many who genuinely cared for her including her Cat. Every chapter showed how she was slowly embroiled in this whole quest. Her emotions coursed between pain and anger which sometimes felt off but was understandable. There were times I wished she would grow up, my only grouse. Past and present was mixed with rules of magic. World building added its own mystic aura. Braden's writing made it all easy to understand.
Few moments of choppy writing gave way to smooth action scenes and new twists. Romance was hinted at but thankfully didn't take over the story. Creatures other than fae and humans were amalgamated smoothly into the plot.
I never expected that this urban fantasy would take over my sleeping time, but I was so glad it did. It was hypnotic and exciting, and the action scenes caused me to imagine myself in that role. Blasting fun!
August 18, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this first book in a new Urban Fantasy series following Alex, an artist / metalsmith who is going to go after her best friend's murderer with the help of a fae named Kai. We meet a few secondary characters and the world created is interesting.
I thought the romance would be more developed in this book but I'm guessing the author wants to build it slowly over the three books planned for this series. It's a bit disappointing because I usually love having a romance in Urban Fantasy. Also, is it just me that felt like there might be more than one love interest? Mmh.
Overall, I liked A drop of magic and I thought it was a quick read. However, I'm not sure yet if I'll read the sequel Courting Darkness coming out in August. It wasn't a new favorite so I might stop here but we'll see.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
I enjoyed reading this first book in a new Urban Fantasy series following Alex, an artist / metalsmith who is going to go after her best friend's murderer with the help of a fae named Kai. We meet a few secondary characters and the world created is interesting.
I thought the romance would be more developed in this book but I'm guessing the author wants to build it slowly over the three books planned for this series. It's a bit disappointing because I usually love having a romance in Urban Fantasy. Also, is it just me that felt like there might be more than one love interest? Mmh.
Overall, I liked A drop of magic and I thought it was a quick read. However, I'm not sure yet if I'll read the sequel Courting Darkness coming out in August. It wasn't a new favorite so I might stop here but we'll see.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
August 30, 2019
3.5 stars
I like to say that my favourite genre is Urban Fantasy, and when I look deep into my heart that is where my love lies. I love the interesting twists and overlays that authors put on a contemporary world. Then I love to see the stories and characters that the authors plonk down into the world they crafted. However, when I look at my reading history, you could be fooled into thinking that I barely have a passing interest in the UF genre. This is why I decided to pick up A Drop of Magic by L.R. Braden, I need to start trying new UF authors rather than just sticking with the ones I know and have an unhealthy level of love for.
Part of what attracted me to this book is that our heroine Alex was a metalsmith and an artist. I loved the concept of a heroine in a UF not being a warrior, but having a more creative bent. Like most UF’s this book is told in first person. Which means that it is essential that you like the protagonist. However, although I didn’t dislike Alex, I also didn’t particularly feel a strong attachment to her either. I found her very…tepid and reactive. This did mean it took me while to really get invested into this book and it definitely suffered through a very slow start.
It’s depiction of the fae was very similar to that of Patricia Briggs with them as ruthlessly sly and extremely clever. The fae are key aspect of the world that Braden has created and I can’t wait to see how she uses them in this series. In fact, one of the things I liked about this book was the world that Braden created, there are a lot of possibilities and I look forward to seeing these come into fruition in future books.
Now, let’s talk about romance. My favourite type of UF is UF where romance does play a role. In this book it looks like we may have the set up of a love triangle…maybe even a love square judging by how the book ended… I have mixed feelings about this. One half of me is really happy that there is a prospect of romance in the future, the other half is dreading having to put up with a love triangle. I don’t like them. They never reflect well on any of the characters involved and I find myself getting very frustrated with the whole thing. However, maybe I am seeing things that aren’t there, but I do plan on reading the next book in the series so I can find out.
I like to say that my favourite genre is Urban Fantasy, and when I look deep into my heart that is where my love lies. I love the interesting twists and overlays that authors put on a contemporary world. Then I love to see the stories and characters that the authors plonk down into the world they crafted. However, when I look at my reading history, you could be fooled into thinking that I barely have a passing interest in the UF genre. This is why I decided to pick up A Drop of Magic by L.R. Braden, I need to start trying new UF authors rather than just sticking with the ones I know and have an unhealthy level of love for.
Part of what attracted me to this book is that our heroine Alex was a metalsmith and an artist. I loved the concept of a heroine in a UF not being a warrior, but having a more creative bent. Like most UF’s this book is told in first person. Which means that it is essential that you like the protagonist. However, although I didn’t dislike Alex, I also didn’t particularly feel a strong attachment to her either. I found her very…tepid and reactive. This did mean it took me while to really get invested into this book and it definitely suffered through a very slow start.
It’s depiction of the fae was very similar to that of Patricia Briggs with them as ruthlessly sly and extremely clever. The fae are key aspect of the world that Braden has created and I can’t wait to see how she uses them in this series. In fact, one of the things I liked about this book was the world that Braden created, there are a lot of possibilities and I look forward to seeing these come into fruition in future books.
Now, let’s talk about romance. My favourite type of UF is UF where romance does play a role. In this book it looks like we may have the set up of a love triangle…maybe even a love square judging by how the book ended… I have mixed feelings about this. One half of me is really happy that there is a prospect of romance in the future, the other half is dreading having to put up with a love triangle. I don’t like them. They never reflect well on any of the characters involved and I find myself getting very frustrated with the whole thing. However, maybe I am seeing things that aren’t there, but I do plan on reading the next book in the series so I can find out.
July 27, 2020
3.25⭐
This novel is L. R. Garden's debut and also the first of a new fantasy series.
Alex's friend is found murdered. Desperate to find answers, she is quick to jump into cahoots with a fae named Kai in order to get them. Along the way Alex learns a lot about herself as well as the people around her; the biggest thing she learns being how much those around her love and care for her.
There is a fair amount of action and surprises in this book, enough to make me want to continue the series. I felt the story was good but something felt incomplete. Hopefully this will get better with each book.
I recommend this book and would purchase it.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and BelleBooks Inc for an advanced review copy.
This novel is L. R. Garden's debut and also the first of a new fantasy series.
Alex's friend is found murdered. Desperate to find answers, she is quick to jump into cahoots with a fae named Kai in order to get them. Along the way Alex learns a lot about herself as well as the people around her; the biggest thing she learns being how much those around her love and care for her.
There is a fair amount of action and surprises in this book, enough to make me want to continue the series. I felt the story was good but something felt incomplete. Hopefully this will get better with each book.
I recommend this book and would purchase it.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and BelleBooks Inc for an advanced review copy.
April 15, 2020
3.25⭐
This novel is L. R. Garden's debut and also the first of a new fantasy series.
Alex's friend is found murdered. Desperate to find answers, she is quick to jump into cahoots with a fae named Kai in order to get them. Along the way Alex learns a lot about herself as well as the people around her; the biggest thing she learns being how much those around her love and care for her.
There is a fair amount of action and surprises in this book, enough to make me want to continue the series. I felt the story was good but something felt incomplete. Hopefully this will get better with each book.
I recommend this book and would purchase it.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and BelleBooks Inc for an advanced review copy.
This novel is L. R. Garden's debut and also the first of a new fantasy series.
Alex's friend is found murdered. Desperate to find answers, she is quick to jump into cahoots with a fae named Kai in order to get them. Along the way Alex learns a lot about herself as well as the people around her; the biggest thing she learns being how much those around her love and care for her.
There is a fair amount of action and surprises in this book, enough to make me want to continue the series. I felt the story was good but something felt incomplete. Hopefully this will get better with each book.
I recommend this book and would purchase it.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and BelleBooks Inc for an advanced review copy.
June 22, 2021
DNF at 70%
I couldn't keep my attention on it, and finally wondered "why on earth am I making myself get through this?"... so I bailed.
The FMC is an utter moron. That's really what it boils down to. This whole book is her running around like a stupid jackass looking for a thing that we were given an obvious location for in the first 10%. And on top of being a moron, I just don't like her. I don't like how she is with her friends. I don't like how she's surrounded by a lot of people who seem to know what is going on but share nothing with her (or maybe they tried and it didn't sink in? Like I said, she's a moron).
Meh. Great big meh. I'm a fast reader - like, when I pick up a book, I'm done in a day or two - and I've been working on this, trying to slog through, for a week. Meh.
I couldn't keep my attention on it, and finally wondered "why on earth am I making myself get through this?"... so I bailed.
The FMC is an utter moron. That's really what it boils down to. This whole book is her running around like a stupid jackass looking for a thing that we were given an obvious location for in the first 10%. And on top of being a moron, I just don't like her. I don't like how she is with her friends. I don't like how she's surrounded by a lot of people who seem to know what is going on but share nothing with her (or maybe they tried and it didn't sink in? Like I said, she's a moron).
Meh. Great big meh. I'm a fast reader - like, when I pick up a book, I'm done in a day or two - and I've been working on this, trying to slog through, for a week. Meh.
January 19, 2020
The blurb got me intriuged and the cover gave me a sort of a Sansa-vibe, so i think i had high hopes for this one. It was somewhat interesting in the start, but i felt after a while i wasn't intruiged anymore... the balooon kind of aired out so to speak, I didn't connect nor like any of the characters, and was a bit confused why so fantasy was pressed into one book, dragons, fae... and more... it felt a bit like too much? and sometimes i got confused and felt just meh about the story, nothing kept me wanting to find out how the book ended, even though i finished it.
September 29, 2019
Alex is a metalsmith and artist working part time in a book store to get by. The Fae Wars are over, and there's an uneasy truce between humans and fae, but there are disturbing social parameters. Fae live on reservations and have to register the moment they step onto human lands. Half-fae must register as soon as they're discovered, or they're deported forthwith. And there's a special police force that's big on enforcement. So the paranormal skulk around in hiding...and maybe biding their time. Alex's parents died during the war. The last thing she wants is a renewing of hostilities. But when her best friend is slain, she's thrown right into the thick of things.
Alex is stalked and confronted by a bunch of fae people who want a mysterious magic box her friend died protecting. She has to discern friend from foe, and learns nothing--and no one--is what they seems. And she learns more about the fae world, and herself, than she ever wanted to. But once known, she can't unknow it. There's no going back to what was.
I loved this book so much! Alex is my favorite kind of heroine--snarky, spirited, imperfect. Her mistrust is understandable, but often misplaced. There were times when I got impatient, and exasperated, with her, because at times she was so dense and stubborn--but that's when I knew the author did her job making the characters REAL. There is a wide cast of characters, both good, really bad, and everything in between. The worst were the human Purists, who are against everything non-human, period. (Parallels to reality slightly disturbing.) I loved the glaring cultural differences between the humans, fae, and weres. I loved how people had to reluctantly work together against a growing threat that imperiled all. And I hated that Alex had to keep secrets from her human friends, partly for their own protection and partly because she didn't trust how they would react to her. I found that sad, if realistic.
I wouldn't call this a romance, but I'm okay with that. Urban fantasy isn't inherently a romance. There was enough going on that I didn't miss it. I loved my introduction to this often dark, disturbing world, and can't wait to get to the next installment in this series.
Alex is stalked and confronted by a bunch of fae people who want a mysterious magic box her friend died protecting. She has to discern friend from foe, and learns nothing--and no one--is what they seems. And she learns more about the fae world, and herself, than she ever wanted to. But once known, she can't unknow it. There's no going back to what was.
I loved this book so much! Alex is my favorite kind of heroine--snarky, spirited, imperfect. Her mistrust is understandable, but often misplaced. There were times when I got impatient, and exasperated, with her, because at times she was so dense and stubborn--but that's when I knew the author did her job making the characters REAL. There is a wide cast of characters, both good, really bad, and everything in between. The worst were the human Purists, who are against everything non-human, period. (Parallels to reality slightly disturbing.) I loved the glaring cultural differences between the humans, fae, and weres. I loved how people had to reluctantly work together against a growing threat that imperiled all. And I hated that Alex had to keep secrets from her human friends, partly for their own protection and partly because she didn't trust how they would react to her. I found that sad, if realistic.
I wouldn't call this a romance, but I'm okay with that. Urban fantasy isn't inherently a romance. There was enough going on that I didn't miss it. I loved my introduction to this often dark, disturbing world, and can't wait to get to the next installment in this series.
January 10, 2020
I like this story, the blurb is unique & I’m enjoying it. I will continue the series.
September 4, 2019
i normally don't write reviews for books.
But i will for this one.
Rated at 2 1/2 stars
UF is one of my fave genres, I love everything to do with fae and supernaturals(weres/vamps etc) However this book was very "flat" to me. The plot premise was interesting but I feel like there wasn't much world building or at the very least it was kept very vague. To make it seem interesting, the author had one thing after another happening, it happened quickly but the downtime was really DOWN. I ended up starting skim pages and then skip them all together. mostly near the end of the book. Some things were very obvious too, like Cat.
This book was starting to feel too much like reverse harem to me as well and I tend to stay away from that genre because in all honesty, it bores me. Every time someone new came into the picture, it was, of course, a guy. none of the characters themselves in my opinion were very dynamic, they were all pretty flat.
And lastly, the romance. I love slow burning romances but i feel as if the author took way to long to introduce anything remotely romantic and while it was hinted at with James. I felt as if there were no real sparks? nothing that really jumped out. A bit to forced near the end too.
All in all, I don't really think I'll be reading the next book. A lot to do with the possible reverse harem or "love" triangle.
I apologize if this review is all over the place as I said above, I never really write them. Mostly because my grammar is a mess and I can't keep my thoughts straight.
But i will for this one.
Rated at 2 1/2 stars
UF is one of my fave genres, I love everything to do with fae and supernaturals(weres/vamps etc) However this book was very "flat" to me. The plot premise was interesting but I feel like there wasn't much world building or at the very least it was kept very vague. To make it seem interesting, the author had one thing after another happening, it happened quickly but the downtime was really DOWN. I ended up starting skim pages and then skip them all together. mostly near the end of the book. Some things were very obvious too, like Cat.
This book was starting to feel too much like reverse harem to me as well and I tend to stay away from that genre because in all honesty, it bores me. Every time someone new came into the picture, it was, of course, a guy. none of the characters themselves in my opinion were very dynamic, they were all pretty flat.
And lastly, the romance. I love slow burning romances but i feel as if the author took way to long to introduce anything remotely romantic and while it was hinted at with James. I felt as if there were no real sparks? nothing that really jumped out. A bit to forced near the end too.
All in all, I don't really think I'll be reading the next book. A lot to do with the possible reverse harem or "love" triangle.
I apologize if this review is all over the place as I said above, I never really write them. Mostly because my grammar is a mess and I can't keep my thoughts straight.
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December 13, 2021!!Discount alert!!
To celebrate the launch of my newest book, Demon Riding Shotgun, I'm discounting the first two books in my award-winning Magicsmith series!
That means you can grab A Drop of Magic for just .99 cents!
So if you've had this book sitting on your "Want to Read" shelf, there's no better time to start this bestselling, award-winning series!
To celebrate the launch of my newest book, Demon Riding Shotgun, I'm discounting the first two books in my award-winning Magicsmith series!
That means you can grab A Drop of Magic for just .99 cents!
So if you've had this book sitting on your "Want to Read" shelf, there's no better time to start this bestselling, award-winning series!
November 7, 2019
This is an outstanding debut novel. A very entertaining read with great characters and several unexpected twists.
August 29, 2020
A Drop of Magic by L.R. Braden was vividly descriptive and highly entertaining. Once I stepped into the world of Alex Blackwood and the Fae I simply could not put this novel down. The characters were bold and endearing with just the right amount of raw emotion and sass to keep me engaged.
After a sudden tragedy rocks Alex's life, a Pandora's box explodes and she is thrust into a new and dangerous world. Alex is bombarded by startling revelations of her past and those nearest and dearest to her. All her life she has survived by following one simple rule- Do not care! Alex swiftly learns life really doesn't care much about "rules" and kinda does its own thing.
As her quiet life is turned upside down by people who wanted to hurt, help, love and kill her, she learns that maybe the good guys aren't always that good, and the bad guys aren't always that bad.
I was impressed by the layers of intricacy developed by L.R. Braden and her ability to present a cadre of unique and entertaining characters without overwhelming the reader. Her characters were larger than life and lept off the pages straight into my heart. A drop of magic is a truly amazing novel that had me emotionally invested from the first chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley, BelleBooks Inc. and Bell ridge Books for providing me with an arc.
After a sudden tragedy rocks Alex's life, a Pandora's box explodes and she is thrust into a new and dangerous world. Alex is bombarded by startling revelations of her past and those nearest and dearest to her. All her life she has survived by following one simple rule- Do not care! Alex swiftly learns life really doesn't care much about "rules" and kinda does its own thing.
As her quiet life is turned upside down by people who wanted to hurt, help, love and kill her, she learns that maybe the good guys aren't always that good, and the bad guys aren't always that bad.
I was impressed by the layers of intricacy developed by L.R. Braden and her ability to present a cadre of unique and entertaining characters without overwhelming the reader. Her characters were larger than life and lept off the pages straight into my heart. A drop of magic is a truly amazing novel that had me emotionally invested from the first chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley, BelleBooks Inc. and Bell ridge Books for providing me with an arc.
September 18, 2019
Wow, what a rush!
A Drop of Magic was my first book by L.R. Braden so I had no idea was to expect and was very pleasantly surprised.
Alex Blackwood lives in a fictional version of Colorado that at first reminded me very much of a modern-day Carnival Row. The fae are OUT. As in "out of the paranormal closet". The story takes place 10 years after a war between the fae race and the human race. The humans were victorious. Now the fae and any mixed human/fae people are required to register, live on designated reservations, are only allowed certain jobs, require a visa any time they want to leave the reservation and face a heavy amount of prejudice from their human counterparts.
Alex's father was a Purist (aka anti-fae bigot) who joined the war and has subsequently gone missing since then. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was a teenager.
Alex managed to put herself through college and became best friends with her classmate David and his friend Aiden. The trio has been inseparable ever since.
But when Aiden is murdered secrets about her best friend come to light -- Aiden was an un-registered half-fae (a "halfer") and Alex is one too.
The more I read, the more the story went from "Carnival Row" to "Sookie Stackhouse" with all manner of fae, werewolves, shifters and (I suspect) a vampire (though we don't know for sure yet) all coming to either to help, hurt, love, or kill Alex Blackwood.
This story had so many twists and turns it kept me on the seat of my chair biting my nails until the very last page. As much as I love the Sookie Stackhouse series, I honestly like Braden's story-telling style and writing much better (No offense to Harris!)
Alex was just smarter and easier to like, and I liked that she was forced to confront her own prejudices and naivety.
While this wasn't a romance, there were PLENTY of hotties to root for and trying to guess which one Alex would hook up with in the end was of course part of the fun.
This book is a complete story with a complete ending --- Cliffhanger haters need not worry --- that just left a little something open for book two ~ And I can't wait to get my hands on it!
** I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**Reviewed for ILOVEVAMPIRENOVELS.COM **
A Drop of Magic was my first book by L.R. Braden so I had no idea was to expect and was very pleasantly surprised.
Alex Blackwood lives in a fictional version of Colorado that at first reminded me very much of a modern-day Carnival Row. The fae are OUT. As in "out of the paranormal closet". The story takes place 10 years after a war between the fae race and the human race. The humans were victorious. Now the fae and any mixed human/fae people are required to register, live on designated reservations, are only allowed certain jobs, require a visa any time they want to leave the reservation and face a heavy amount of prejudice from their human counterparts.
Alex's father was a Purist (aka anti-fae bigot) who joined the war and has subsequently gone missing since then. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was a teenager.
Alex managed to put herself through college and became best friends with her classmate David and his friend Aiden. The trio has been inseparable ever since.
But when Aiden is murdered secrets about her best friend come to light -- Aiden was an un-registered half-fae (a "halfer") and Alex is one too.
The more I read, the more the story went from "Carnival Row" to "Sookie Stackhouse" with all manner of fae, werewolves, shifters and (I suspect) a vampire (though we don't know for sure yet) all coming to either to help, hurt, love, or kill Alex Blackwood.
This story had so many twists and turns it kept me on the seat of my chair biting my nails until the very last page. As much as I love the Sookie Stackhouse series, I honestly like Braden's story-telling style and writing much better (No offense to Harris!)
Alex was just smarter and easier to like, and I liked that she was forced to confront her own prejudices and naivety.
While this wasn't a romance, there were PLENTY of hotties to root for and trying to guess which one Alex would hook up with in the end was of course part of the fun.
This book is a complete story with a complete ending --- Cliffhanger haters need not worry --- that just left a little something open for book two ~ And I can't wait to get my hands on it!
** I received a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**Reviewed for ILOVEVAMPIRENOVELS.COM **
October 2, 2024
A Drop of Magic is the first book in L.R. Braden's The Magicsmith series. It was my first time reading a book by this author, and I definitely plan to continue with this series and explore other books by L.R. Braden. I loved the worldbuilding in the first book, and I'm eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into the series.
The book is told solely by the protagonist, Alex Blackwood, who ends up being an interesting and unique character in an urban fantasy world. She's not a fighter, like usual fantasy characters are set up to be, but she's a metalsmith. When her best friend ends up dead, she's determined more than ever to find out who unalived him and why everyone thinks she has an artifact that he supposedly gave her. She finds herself immersed in the high-fae world, and not only that, but she may be a half-fae herself.
There were a lot of twists and turns in this book that left me with more questions after I finished reading it, but I'm invested and look forward to reading the next book. I loved the twist in the end with a certain cat that Alex calls 'Cat' that she adopted into her home. The only issue I had was keeping up with all the characters being introduced, and it may be because I listened to the book instead of reading it.
I'm not entirely certain, but it seems like there might be a romantic subplot involving one or more possible love interests, but I'm not sure since it was a back burner compared to what was happening to Alex. Maybe it will be touched more in the next book.
Overall, a good start to the series, and I give it 3.5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy reading Urban Fantasy, which has a mixture of Magic, Fae, shifters, etc., then check out this book.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
The book is told solely by the protagonist, Alex Blackwood, who ends up being an interesting and unique character in an urban fantasy world. She's not a fighter, like usual fantasy characters are set up to be, but she's a metalsmith. When her best friend ends up dead, she's determined more than ever to find out who unalived him and why everyone thinks she has an artifact that he supposedly gave her. She finds herself immersed in the high-fae world, and not only that, but she may be a half-fae herself.
There were a lot of twists and turns in this book that left me with more questions after I finished reading it, but I'm invested and look forward to reading the next book. I loved the twist in the end with a certain cat that Alex calls 'Cat' that she adopted into her home. The only issue I had was keeping up with all the characters being introduced, and it may be because I listened to the book instead of reading it.
I'm not entirely certain, but it seems like there might be a romantic subplot involving one or more possible love interests, but I'm not sure since it was a back burner compared to what was happening to Alex. Maybe it will be touched more in the next book.
Overall, a good start to the series, and I give it 3.5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy reading Urban Fantasy, which has a mixture of Magic, Fae, shifters, etc., then check out this book.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
August 15, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Alex Blackwood works in a bookstore and is also a metalsmith in her spare time, having some success selling her art in a local art gallery.
Following the Faerie Wars all fae have to be registered and live on a reservation unless they have a special licence to live outside but tensions remain high between the fae and the humans. A serial killer is on the loose, apparently randomly targeting unrelated people, and one of Alex's best friends has been murdered. It turns out her friend may have been half-fae and in possession of some mysterious fae artefact. Indeed, it turns out that all the victims were half-fae, entrusted with fae artifacts - is someone trying to amass power or start another war?
Soon Alex is embroiled in trying to track down the killer and avenge her friend's death, but not everyone is as they seem - who can she trust?
I thought this had some potential as the start of a new series, the world building of a contemporary world in which the fae are out in the open (although hidden by glamours) but other paranormal creatures are still considered myths was good. I liked the various factions and not knowing who to trust.
However, I can already foresee at least a love-triangle if not a love-square with some of the characters - apparently everyone finds Alex irresistible and she already possesses special talents (sigh). Also, there was so much world-building that at times concepts were just thrown into the mix and not really explored further - maybe they will be the main thrust of the second book?
I will definitely look out for the second book to see how this series develops.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Alex Blackwood works in a bookstore and is also a metalsmith in her spare time, having some success selling her art in a local art gallery.
Following the Faerie Wars all fae have to be registered and live on a reservation unless they have a special licence to live outside but tensions remain high between the fae and the humans. A serial killer is on the loose, apparently randomly targeting unrelated people, and one of Alex's best friends has been murdered. It turns out her friend may have been half-fae and in possession of some mysterious fae artefact. Indeed, it turns out that all the victims were half-fae, entrusted with fae artifacts - is someone trying to amass power or start another war?
Soon Alex is embroiled in trying to track down the killer and avenge her friend's death, but not everyone is as they seem - who can she trust?
I thought this had some potential as the start of a new series, the world building of a contemporary world in which the fae are out in the open (although hidden by glamours) but other paranormal creatures are still considered myths was good. I liked the various factions and not knowing who to trust.
However, I can already foresee at least a love-triangle if not a love-square with some of the characters - apparently everyone finds Alex irresistible and she already possesses special talents (sigh). Also, there was so much world-building that at times concepts were just thrown into the mix and not really explored further - maybe they will be the main thrust of the second book?
I will definitely look out for the second book to see how this series develops.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2019
After the Faerie Wars, the world clings to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity. Someone is trafficking in illegal magical artifacts and metalsmith, Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae after her best friend is murdered. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent.
The first book in a new urban fantasy series is an original, riveting read that takes readers on an adventurous and thrilling ride. The characters are strong and full of vibrant life with some unique characteristics and personalities that readers draw readers into their story. The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping excitement with unexpected twists, all of which combine to keep readers on their toes and holding on to the edge of their seats with mysteries to clear up, surprising revelations, secrets being revealed and a bit of romance blossoming between Alex and James who has secrets of his own.
The author has created an original alter earth world with her own unique flair and elements that makes the read engaging, fun and exhilarating with all entertaining and cool characters that ensure that readers enjoy the experience and want more.
The first book in a new urban fantasy series is an original, riveting read that takes readers on an adventurous and thrilling ride. The characters are strong and full of vibrant life with some unique characteristics and personalities that readers draw readers into their story. The plot is fast paced and full of thrilling suspense, adrenaline pumping excitement with unexpected twists, all of which combine to keep readers on their toes and holding on to the edge of their seats with mysteries to clear up, surprising revelations, secrets being revealed and a bit of romance blossoming between Alex and James who has secrets of his own.
The author has created an original alter earth world with her own unique flair and elements that makes the read engaging, fun and exhilarating with all entertaining and cool characters that ensure that readers enjoy the experience and want more.
August 28, 2019
Alex Blackwood can sense feelings and memories from places and objects. She is a gifted artist that works with iron. After her best friend’s murder, she is thrown into the world of the fae by Malakai, who has been sent by his fae lord to get to the bottom of a series of murders and recover a very important fae artifact. Alex finds out she is half-fae in the process, and she starts to doubt her own place in the world.
The murders and the efforts to solve them were intriguing, and it wasn’t clear who was responsible until it was revealed at the end.
James is Alex’s boss, and they develop a romantic relationship. It would have been more interesting if James could have played a more active role in the investigations Alex did with Malakai. There would have been more opportunities for relationship development between them. As it is, I didn’t really feel much of a connection between them and I wasn’t very invested in them as a couple.
Alex is an interesting character, and she had a lot of development as a character, but she was the only one. It is an interesting world, and I would love to read more in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The murders and the efforts to solve them were intriguing, and it wasn’t clear who was responsible until it was revealed at the end.
James is Alex’s boss, and they develop a romantic relationship. It would have been more interesting if James could have played a more active role in the investigations Alex did with Malakai. There would have been more opportunities for relationship development between them. As it is, I didn’t really feel much of a connection between them and I wasn’t very invested in them as a couple.
Alex is an interesting character, and she had a lot of development as a character, but she was the only one. It is an interesting world, and I would love to read more in the series.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 30, 2020
A metalworking artist with an unknown heritage, Alex Blackwood, finds the death of a friend leading to her life to become an extreme uproar. The paranormal world explodes from the shadows with faerie and werewolf characters bursting into Alex's life. This first book of the series builds the series reality with the creation of character backgrounds, relationships, employment, within the setting of the Boulder-Denver area of Colorado.
An additional library staff says Magic, Murder and Romance, oh my! This is an amazing fantasy in which every character is more than they appear. It had a murder mystery, a reluctant faerie, and a somewhat problematic romance. This story drew me in and kept me reading every free moment until the end, leaving me wanting more.
Find A Drop of Magic at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
An additional library staff says Magic, Murder and Romance, oh my! This is an amazing fantasy in which every character is more than they appear. It had a murder mystery, a reluctant faerie, and a somewhat problematic romance. This story drew me in and kept me reading every free moment until the end, leaving me wanting more.
Find A Drop of Magic at Westminster Public Library today!
And if you are in search of new books to read, try our services, What Do I Read Next. Our library staff are standing by to create a personalized recommendation list for you!
April 7, 2021
I was given an eARC book of this series by Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for this review
This book is about Aly Blackwood who is an aspiring metal worker who's work was recently commissioned. She is mostly a loner who has only 2 friends. David and Aiden. Aiden is murdered and Alex becomes an amateur detective in order to discover who is responsible and bring them to justice.
This book has numerous twists and turns that keeps you guessing the entire time you are reading. The author has done a great job with world building and all the magical beings that she included in the story. I loved Alex! She has had a tough life but holds her friends near to her heart. She is afraid to trust and i loved how she began to do that within the story. There are numerous characters in the plot that are introduced and I look forward to seeing where their stories go.
This is book one in the Magicsmith Series and there are 3 additional books that have been published.
This book is about Aly Blackwood who is an aspiring metal worker who's work was recently commissioned. She is mostly a loner who has only 2 friends. David and Aiden. Aiden is murdered and Alex becomes an amateur detective in order to discover who is responsible and bring them to justice.
This book has numerous twists and turns that keeps you guessing the entire time you are reading. The author has done a great job with world building and all the magical beings that she included in the story. I loved Alex! She has had a tough life but holds her friends near to her heart. She is afraid to trust and i loved how she began to do that within the story. There are numerous characters in the plot that are introduced and I look forward to seeing where their stories go.
This is book one in the Magicsmith Series and there are 3 additional books that have been published.
July 24, 2019
I was intrigued by this book, and I was excited to read it. This is the author’s debut title, but really I couldn’t tell. The characters were fascinating, the plot was rapid-paced, and I felt like I could see every scene like I was watching a movie. And, TBH, when I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it because it dragged a little. Once, though, we got to heart of the action, the book just flew by. The book was very original, and I can’t wait to read more in this universe, find out what happens to everyone including Alex’s cat, and what happens when Alex meets her family. Loved this book, and recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 10, 2020
This is the first book in the Author's Magesmith series - featuring Alex Blackwood
Brought up in foster care , metalsmith ,Alex has few friends - the murder of one such friend Aiden turns her world upside down .
Aiden had secrets , just what had the Fae to do with him ? In investigating these secrets Alex discovers she also has secrets in her past , secrets that are dangerous . Desperate to find the truth Alex dives into this new world - she must tread cautiously for even her own life is now at risk .
This is a great start to this new series and I will definitely be reading more by the Author in the future
I was given an arc of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Brought up in foster care , metalsmith ,Alex has few friends - the murder of one such friend Aiden turns her world upside down .
Aiden had secrets , just what had the Fae to do with him ? In investigating these secrets Alex discovers she also has secrets in her past , secrets that are dangerous . Desperate to find the truth Alex dives into this new world - she must tread cautiously for even her own life is now at risk .
This is a great start to this new series and I will definitely be reading more by the Author in the future
I was given an arc of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2024
Intriguing Urban Fantasy
This is the beginning of a promising series. The story starts with the female main protagonist being attacked by a couple of males. Later she is attacked by other people or beings. Let’s just say she isn’t having the best week or two. She finds out things are not what they seem. People she thought of as human aren’t or not just human. Monsters are not necessarily bad, and being human doesn’t mean you are good or right.
The author welcomes us into her world with each new character and situation. Making for a colorful world made up of a plethora of different beings who capture your interest and heart.
I recommend this book to fans of Urban Fantasy and the paranormal.
This is the beginning of a promising series. The story starts with the female main protagonist being attacked by a couple of males. Later she is attacked by other people or beings. Let’s just say she isn’t having the best week or two. She finds out things are not what they seem. People she thought of as human aren’t or not just human. Monsters are not necessarily bad, and being human doesn’t mean you are good or right.
The author welcomes us into her world with each new character and situation. Making for a colorful world made up of a plethora of different beings who capture your interest and heart.
I recommend this book to fans of Urban Fantasy and the paranormal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews