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The Ironspell Chronicles #1
That Dragon Was in No Way My Fault
Bob Ironspell-Cabas, known as Ironspell, is a rookie officer on his third day in the Denver Police Department Supernatural Unit or DPDS. His partner and mentor takes him to the Denver Zoo, thinking that it'll be a good training opportunity. Instead, they discover a deranged sorcerer has let loose a dragon from the Supernatural portion of a new exhibit called, "The Magical Zoo."
With a crazied sorcerer and a pissed-off dragon on the loose, Ironspell must use his knowledge and his magic to stop both. Otherwise, Denver is in for some serious trouble. What's more, sorcerer has taken hostages and threatens to feed them to the werewolves in the Lycanthrope House.
The problem is Ironspell isn't exactly a wizard -- he learns his spells by reading magazines like Popular Wizardry. Can Denver and the Denver Zoo survive Ironspell's attempts to save the day?
With a crazied sorcerer and a pissed-off dragon on the loose, Ironspell must use his knowledge and his magic to stop both. Otherwise, Denver is in for some serious trouble. What's more, sorcerer has taken hostages and threatens to feed them to the werewolves in the Lycanthrope House.
The problem is Ironspell isn't exactly a wizard -- he learns his spells by reading magazines like Popular Wizardry. Can Denver and the Denver Zoo survive Ironspell's attempts to save the day?
41 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2019
106 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
M.H. Bonham
49 books61 followersM. H. Bonham is a six-time awarding winning author of seventeen books. She started her career as a rocket scientist and quickly switched to a software engineer and systems administrator, where she insisted that Y2K was just a figure concocted for how much a computer geek can make in one day after convincing the newspapers the world’s computer systems are going to crash.
Taking her money and running, Maggie learned through racing sled dogs, that dogs are a lot like computers (they don’t do anything you want unless you speak their language and can be just as stubborn). She holds the prestigious three-time Red Lantern Award at the American Dog Derby (the oldest sled dog race in North America) and was featured in the Ashton Daily News as the only musher whose ten-dog team chased a Pomeranian into the backyard of the local gossip columnist.
Despite such harrowing experiences, she has braved whiteouts in Wyoming and swamps in Minnesota (as well as the fearsome Idaho Pomeranian) and learned much about dog and wolf behavior. She’s a world-renown expert in canine behavior and training. The publishers of her books include Penguin Putnam, John Wiley and Sons, Barrons Educational Series, TFH, Sterling, Dragon Moon Press and Yard Dog Press. She’s lost count on how many articles she has published in various consumer and trade magazines and websites, but figures it’s over a hundred by now.
M. H. Bonham is the author of Prophecy of Swords and Runestone of Teiwas, both heroic fantasy books in the Swords of Destiny Series published by Yard Dog Press, which share the world with Lachlei. Her work has also appeared in the Four Bubbas of the Apocalypse, Small Bites, Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, A Time To..., Flush Fiction anthologies, Lorelei Signal, Kidvisions and Tales of the Talisman magazine, and Amazon Shorts.
She writes science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, having taken courses appropriate to a software engineering background such as Anglo Saxon, Latin, and Beowulf. When she’s not racing her geriatric sled dogs, she’s climbing mountains, hiking, and practicing Shotokan Karate (she’s a brown belt) and Ninjitsu. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Liberal Studies. She shares her home at 4000 ft — where most people swear there isn’t any oxygen and you can’t find that altitude on the high altitude directions for cake — with four Malamutes, six Alaskan Huskies, a tortoiseshell cat, deer, elk, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and bears. Her husband, Larry, indulges her lunacy.
Taking her money and running, Maggie learned through racing sled dogs, that dogs are a lot like computers (they don’t do anything you want unless you speak their language and can be just as stubborn). She holds the prestigious three-time Red Lantern Award at the American Dog Derby (the oldest sled dog race in North America) and was featured in the Ashton Daily News as the only musher whose ten-dog team chased a Pomeranian into the backyard of the local gossip columnist.
Despite such harrowing experiences, she has braved whiteouts in Wyoming and swamps in Minnesota (as well as the fearsome Idaho Pomeranian) and learned much about dog and wolf behavior. She’s a world-renown expert in canine behavior and training. The publishers of her books include Penguin Putnam, John Wiley and Sons, Barrons Educational Series, TFH, Sterling, Dragon Moon Press and Yard Dog Press. She’s lost count on how many articles she has published in various consumer and trade magazines and websites, but figures it’s over a hundred by now.
M. H. Bonham is the author of Prophecy of Swords and Runestone of Teiwas, both heroic fantasy books in the Swords of Destiny Series published by Yard Dog Press, which share the world with Lachlei. Her work has also appeared in the Four Bubbas of the Apocalypse, Small Bites, Houston, We’ve Got Bubbas, A Time To..., Flush Fiction anthologies, Lorelei Signal, Kidvisions and Tales of the Talisman magazine, and Amazon Shorts.
She writes science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, having taken courses appropriate to a software engineering background such as Anglo Saxon, Latin, and Beowulf. When she’s not racing her geriatric sled dogs, she’s climbing mountains, hiking, and practicing Shotokan Karate (she’s a brown belt) and Ninjitsu. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Liberal Studies. She shares her home at 4000 ft — where most people swear there isn’t any oxygen and you can’t find that altitude on the high altitude directions for cake — with four Malamutes, six Alaskan Huskies, a tortoiseshell cat, deer, elk, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and bears. Her husband, Larry, indulges her lunacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 14, 2025
4☆
A fun short read that was perfectly fun and silly. It was a nice 30 minute retreat from seriousness. I recommend this, or any of MH Bonham's Ironspell Chronicles, when you need a quick break from reality.
A fun short read that was perfectly fun and silly. It was a nice 30 minute retreat from seriousness. I recommend this, or any of MH Bonham's Ironspell Chronicles, when you need a quick break from reality.
March 8, 2021
The title sucked me in and I'm glad it did - it's a really fun [short] story. Does fine as a stand alone and offers glimpses of some characters that play parts in the later books.
I really am enjoying this series - I am reading the 10th at this time and all have both made me laugh and kept me interested. You have to love the wizard cop who gets his spells from articles like Five Party Tricks to Wow Your Friends in magazines like Wizardry Today, Better Wizardry and Magical Gardens, and Alchemy Magic Today.
I really am enjoying this series - I am reading the 10th at this time and all have both made me laugh and kept me interested. You have to love the wizard cop who gets his spells from articles like Five Party Tricks to Wow Your Friends in magazines like Wizardry Today, Better Wizardry and Magical Gardens, and Alchemy Magic Today.
Read
December 9, 2021A fun little short story with some interesting world building, just enough to make me consider looking into the series it represents.
February 13, 2022
So there I was...
Would be rated R solely for the language, everything else would be PG-13.
Okay, but like, this was a weirdly adorable story? The title pulled me in first because that is how you grab someone's attention. It was a really quick read, starts in media re, and then just goes. It stayed as interesting as the title is. Is there a lot of worldbuilding? Not as such but what you get is enough that you shouldn't be confused. Pacing was definitely favored over explaining but that's fine because there is a dragon in a zoo. And that's the selling point and definitely why you should read it.
Not a deep read, but it doesn't try to be.
Would be rated R solely for the language, everything else would be PG-13.
Okay, but like, this was a weirdly adorable story? The title pulled me in first because that is how you grab someone's attention. It was a really quick read, starts in media re, and then just goes. It stayed as interesting as the title is. Is there a lot of worldbuilding? Not as such but what you get is enough that you shouldn't be confused. Pacing was definitely favored over explaining but that's fine because there is a dragon in a zoo. And that's the selling point and definitely why you should read it.
Not a deep read, but it doesn't try to be.
April 18, 2021
Cute, funny, short story that I am really glad I read. The title drew my attention, but the storyline hooked me! It is filled to the brim with magic and mayhem, twists and turns, adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, danger, werewolves, a dragon and a host of other magical creatures. The characters are well developed and engaging. I particularly like Smog. Now I am intrigued, will have to read more adventures in this series!
June 8, 2021
Nice short story(ies)
Liked the main character, the premise he worked from, The mixture of The different types of supernatural, and a zoo which displayed them, but as contracted individuals to fulfill their supernatural displays for the normals. Thought it was a good attention to detail that subscription magazines maybe, or were many times released to.subscribers before they made it onto newstands 😉
Liked the main character, the premise he worked from, The mixture of The different types of supernatural, and a zoo which displayed them, but as contracted individuals to fulfill their supernatural displays for the normals. Thought it was a good attention to detail that subscription magazines maybe, or were many times released to.subscribers before they made it onto newstands 😉
December 30, 2021
This was such a fun read. From the idea of a rookie cop taking a magic spell out of a magazine, to the anti-vaxx "herd" immunity among the lycanthropes, to the dragon picking the cop as it's human, to the cover up of who actually solved the problem (and what the problem was). It was very applicable to real life, if real life has magic, dragons, and werewolves.
I will definitely be continuing this series. You should start it.
I will definitely be continuing this series. You should start it.
July 7, 2024
Surprisingly, I don`t think the author imagined me when thinking of her intended target readership, as I am female and well into retirement age. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this cheeky, and yes, P`ll use an "old lady" descriptive, cute, short story very much and am looking forward to following Ironspell of the DPDS on any further adventures he may undertake, whether adorable firedrakes are part of the story, or not.
September 14, 2020
Laugh Out Loud Funny
This is only a short story but I found it reminiscent of the humorous stories of L. Sprague de Camp (The Incomplete Enchanter) and a few others who so successfully spoofed the genere back in the day. And no, I’m going to tell you which day! There hasn’t been a writer capable of doing this without slipping into slapstick in a long time. Highly recommended.
This is only a short story but I found it reminiscent of the humorous stories of L. Sprague de Camp (The Incomplete Enchanter) and a few others who so successfully spoofed the genere back in the day. And no, I’m going to tell you which day! There hasn’t been a writer capable of doing this without slipping into slapstick in a long time. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2020
This is a very short story but lots of fun.
Ironspell is on duty at the local zoo when all hell breaks out. A crazy wizard is causing trouble with the werewolves and the dragon. The Dragon starts attacking the police and injures Ironspells partner. To find out what happens you will need to read it.
Ironspell is on duty at the local zoo when all hell breaks out. A crazy wizard is causing trouble with the werewolves and the dragon. The Dragon starts attacking the police and injures Ironspells partner. To find out what happens you will need to read it.
August 4, 2021
Great fun for the Denver knowledgeable
Oh my, I sure hope more of this is coming! The " I'm reading a tech magazine and getting the spells right "vibe. Learning on the fly, and being relatively successful like most of us at the computer store or in the office. Darn good fella, and please please write more of this.
Oh my, I sure hope more of this is coming! The " I'm reading a tech magazine and getting the spells right "vibe. Learning on the fly, and being relatively successful like most of us at the computer store or in the office. Darn good fella, and please please write more of this.
June 4, 2023
Interesting story, but felt very rushed. I know it's a short story, so it's not the length itself that was an issue, it just felt like it moved inorganically. Almost like someone telling you a story at a bar, but one you have to keep asking for clarification throughout. I'd love to read something similar but a little more fleshed out
February 27, 2024
The title grabbed my attention and I am so thrilled about it! Fast paced and filled with fun and adventure. It is a short read so like me you'll probably not be able to put it down til you are done with it. Loved the anti vaxers mention. A truly unique take on the fantasy genre. I am now totally intrigued and plan on delving into the series.
June 22, 2024
A short story! Gee whiz, I want more!
This is an Urban Fantasy short story where a rookie cop and student wizard teams up with his Human partner. In this world, there are werewolves, werecats, vampires, and other creatures.
The book opens with a rampaging dragon and a crazy mage creating havoc on the Denver Zoo.
I already want to read the rest of the series.
This is an Urban Fantasy short story where a rookie cop and student wizard teams up with his Human partner. In this world, there are werewolves, werecats, vampires, and other creatures.
The book opens with a rampaging dragon and a crazy mage creating havoc on the Denver Zoo.
I already want to read the rest of the series.
February 6, 2021
A simple and chucklesome short story. The title is the best bit, along with a timely swipe at anti-vaxxers. However, something this short should have been better edited. Continuity from one scene to another is somewhat muddled and the end is a bag of spanners.
March 3, 2021
A police officer/ wizard series.
Author freebie. This is an urban fantasy set in an alternate denver. Supernatural beings have just publicly outed themselves. Most of this series is short.
Author freebie. This is an urban fantasy set in an alternate denver. Supernatural beings have just publicly outed themselves. Most of this series is short.
April 19, 2021
Quick, fun romp through supernatural Denver
Looking for a short entertaining read, this is a good option. The rookie cap magic user keeps getting into situations above this head, using his wits and luck to make it through. I laughed out loud for some of this story.
Looking for a short entertaining read, this is a good option. The rookie cap magic user keeps getting into situations above this head, using his wits and luck to make it through. I laughed out loud for some of this story.
April 19, 2021
Excellent reading
This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time . It combines fantasy fiction and humor in a most enjoyable way. Short story that will keep you interested without becoming tiring.
This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time . It combines fantasy fiction and humor in a most enjoyable way. Short story that will keep you interested without becoming tiring.
July 15, 2021
An amusing short read
A short story introduction to an interesting urban fantasy alternative earth of magic and fantastic creatures.
I look forward to further material from this author.
A short story introduction to an interesting urban fantasy alternative earth of magic and fantastic creatures.
I look forward to further material from this author.
August 29, 2021
Magical fun
I enjoyed this romp thru magical creatures and a dragon who makes friends with a semi-magical policeman. This was a quick, stand alone story but the adventures continue in the series. Yeah for more fun!
I enjoyed this romp thru magical creatures and a dragon who makes friends with a semi-magical policeman. This was a quick, stand alone story but the adventures continue in the series. Yeah for more fun!
April 27, 2025
short and brutal
Short, short story!!! Definitely a quick read…
Brutal battle…monkey meat!!!! Terrible, but funny!! I like Smog…going to be fun to see what trouble he gets into with his new friend!
Short, short story!!! Definitely a quick read…
Brutal battle…monkey meat!!!! Terrible, but funny!! I like Smog…going to be fun to see what trouble he gets into with his new friend!
July 30, 2020
I haven't laughed this hard at any book that wasn't written by Terry Pratchett. Thank you for some hilarious Latin and excellent social commentary masquerading as exposition.
November 19, 2020
A good read
Good pros not mangled like a lot story is extremely good enjoyed this book from start to finish and now on to 2
Good pros not mangled like a lot story is extremely good enjoyed this book from start to finish and now on to 2
April 11, 2021
very short but a good intro to his world.
reminds me of Myth Conceptions
reminds me of Myth Conceptions
July 17, 2021
Way too much fun
Reminds me quite of bit of a somewhat happier chin butcher story . its really much better than expected .reccomended
Reminds me quite of bit of a somewhat happier chin butcher story . its really much better than expected .reccomended
July 24, 2021
A nice, if short, intro to a series. It was fast paced but I hope the author goes into more detail in the next books.
August 9, 2021
Cute but short. Nothing unique to cause it to be remembered.
August 19, 2021
Great read
This book was great, kept me laughing all the way thru. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This book was great, kept me laughing all the way thru. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
August 21, 2021
Fun
This was a fun story. I enjoyed the world the author built with the magic in a modern world. .
This was a fun story. I enjoyed the world the author built with the magic in a modern world. .
September 18, 2021
Great book, too short!
I thought it was a great start to a book but it looks like it was the entire book.. It is great!
I thought it was a great start to a book but it looks like it was the entire book.. It is great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews