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Magic of Nasci #1
Chasing Lightning
Will summoning lightning defeat a dangerous mythical creature? Or will the storm destroy Ina first?
Like all followers of the goddess Nasci, Ina commands fire, air, earth, and water via sacred sigils. When a cryptid monster with a Medusa gaze preys upon the Oregon coast, Ina can’t stop the horrific massacre of animals she’s vowed to protect. Her unstable elemental magic only makes things worse when police officer Vincent Garcia believes Ina to be the poacher responsible for the endangered corpses left behind.
Caught between a secret society that shuns human civilization and law enforcement gunning for her arrest, Ina must choose. Does she toe the line of tradition or draw upon her forbidden power?
Chasing Lightning is the first in the action-packed Magic of Nasci urban fantasy series that explores the hidden dangers lurking in Pacific Northwest forests.
Like all followers of the goddess Nasci, Ina commands fire, air, earth, and water via sacred sigils. When a cryptid monster with a Medusa gaze preys upon the Oregon coast, Ina can’t stop the horrific massacre of animals she’s vowed to protect. Her unstable elemental magic only makes things worse when police officer Vincent Garcia believes Ina to be the poacher responsible for the endangered corpses left behind.
Caught between a secret society that shuns human civilization and law enforcement gunning for her arrest, Ina must choose. Does she toe the line of tradition or draw upon her forbidden power?
Chasing Lightning is the first in the action-packed Magic of Nasci urban fantasy series that explores the hidden dangers lurking in Pacific Northwest forests.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2020
138 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Fike
24 books44 followersDM Fike worked in the video game industry for over a decade, starting out as a project manager and eventually becoming a story writer for characters, plots, and missions. Born in Idaho's Magic Valley (you can't make this stuff up), DM Fike lived in Japan teaching English before calling Oregon home. She loves family, fantasy, and food (mostly in that order) and is on the constant look out for new co-op board games to play.
Check out my website dmfike.com for free stories you can't find anywhere else.
Check out my website dmfike.com for free stories you can't find anywhere else.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 25, 2020
Awesome first book in a new series!
The author did an excellent job building characters and the story. I love the mixing of the fantasy world with real, actual places. (*bonus points because I’ve been to most places referenced!) I’m really looking forward to continue this series!
The author did an excellent job building characters and the story. I love the mixing of the fantasy world with real, actual places. (*bonus points because I’ve been to most places referenced!) I’m really looking forward to continue this series!
did-not-finish
September 25, 2025DNF at 3%.
So much annoying world building getting in the way of the story.
So much annoying world building getting in the way of the story.
May 4, 2022
I really liked this one. I can't even remember how I got tuned into this, but I'm glad I did.
It took me a minute to get into it, not gonna lie. It wasn't boring or anything like that. It's good, I think I was just a little confused at the beginning. (It's a new universe of magic, so to speak, and at first I kind of felt like we were jumping into a world that I was already, at least in part, supposed to understand. That's not the case, and it was probably just me that thinks that, but that's really part of why it took me a minute to get into this.) Like twenty percent or somewhere around there, I was still a bit on the fence. But after that? Oh, I was hooked.
It just made me laugh. There was action and suspense, but amidst all that, Ina, our main character, made me laugh. And any book that can do that is a good one in my mind. It's not a comedy book, it's not overly hilarious or ridiculous in the amount of jokes it tries to throw in. It just... it made me laugh at random moments. Like moments that happen in the every day life of a Nasci shepherd. (You know, if they were real.)
As always, I do need to point out that there were a few grammatical mistakes. This did not in anyway take away from my enjoyment. We're human, even authors, and some mistakes are to be expected. The amount in here were mostly nearer the end of the book, and completely understandable and honestly could be overlooked by probably everyone else. (Just not, because for some reason my eyes zone in on this and I have a three second window of 'huh?' whether that's actually merited or not.)
The romance in this (which I do think this series will contain a lovely little romance eventually) is light and very much just in it's beginning stage. Like, we see attraction. But not insta-love and not even insta-attraction (like, Ina's not drooling over anybody right from the get-go people). No, we just see attraction, much like a real person might look up at another person and go, "Oh, they're nice to look at." Not anything ridiculous, which I really appreciate. I feel like, just based on this book, that the romance will be a slow-burn that's gonna take us at least a couple more books to really see come to a head. But it's there! Enough to make you smile and enough to make you definitely want to pick up the next book so you can see it start to grow.
I love Ina. I mean, yeah, she's a bit headstrong. There are some instances where she should probably think things through a bit more before she takes action. But we all have those moments. And hers aren't constant. She's not always doing something foolhardy. Sometimes she is. And sometimes she's literally just doing what she's supposed to. Granted, sometimes that still gets her into trouble. (She's basically in trouble from start to finish in this book.) But she felt real to me, like she's a person who could exist in real life, and I enjoyed that as well.
And her fascination with lightning! And this fox! (If it really is a fox. I mean, I get that it looks like a fox, but is it really a fox? I don't know! I want to know!) This book does a really good job, in my opinion, of giving you enough information so you're not confused, but keeping enough things secret so that you, again, really want to pick up the next book so you can keep figuring out what's going on and what's gonna happen next.
I was worried that this short little story wouldn't work out for me, but it came through. I'm heading to the series list so I can add the rest to my TBR. They're all on KU, so I will definitely be picking up the next ones soon.
I'm rambling, I know. But I just want to point out a few other things. Vincent, who is our love-interest I believe, I like a lot. Again, this was not insta-attraction or anything like that. These two first meet and then keep meeting and I couldn't really pinpoint whether or not Vincent admired her and was just doing what he felt was his duty, or if he really thought she was full-blown crazy and was desperate to get her off the street and into cuffs. But by the end, I really liked where he stood in terms of Ina.
Guntram... I don't know. I think I like him. Maybe. He's a hard instructor. And I think he should definitely be more on Ina's side than he appears to be. Maybe he'll grow on me. I'm undecided at this time. But I do love how much Ina cares about him, even when he's a pain.
Tabitha and Darby, the "Sassy Squad" as Ina calls them. And not sassy in a good way. They are a major pain. Tabitha, in particular at least in this book, is a pain in the ass. She's hateful, and I don't like her. Like, I don't get how she can be a 'good guy' with how disdainful and dismissive she is to Ina. So yeah, I really don't like her. (But I'm not supposed to, so I guess that means D.M. Fike did a bang up job.)
Okay, I'm done. I really enjoyed it, and the concept. I really like how there's definitely still a lot of room for growth and storyline and... I just really liked it. Adding the rest to my TBR now. :)
It took me a minute to get into it, not gonna lie. It wasn't boring or anything like that. It's good, I think I was just a little confused at the beginning. (It's a new universe of magic, so to speak, and at first I kind of felt like we were jumping into a world that I was already, at least in part, supposed to understand. That's not the case, and it was probably just me that thinks that, but that's really part of why it took me a minute to get into this.) Like twenty percent or somewhere around there, I was still a bit on the fence. But after that? Oh, I was hooked.
It just made me laugh. There was action and suspense, but amidst all that, Ina, our main character, made me laugh. And any book that can do that is a good one in my mind. It's not a comedy book, it's not overly hilarious or ridiculous in the amount of jokes it tries to throw in. It just... it made me laugh at random moments. Like moments that happen in the every day life of a Nasci shepherd. (You know, if they were real.)
As always, I do need to point out that there were a few grammatical mistakes. This did not in anyway take away from my enjoyment. We're human, even authors, and some mistakes are to be expected. The amount in here were mostly nearer the end of the book, and completely understandable and honestly could be overlooked by probably everyone else. (Just not, because for some reason my eyes zone in on this and I have a three second window of 'huh?' whether that's actually merited or not.)
The romance in this (which I do think this series will contain a lovely little romance eventually) is light and very much just in it's beginning stage. Like, we see attraction. But not insta-love and not even insta-attraction (like, Ina's not drooling over anybody right from the get-go people). No, we just see attraction, much like a real person might look up at another person and go, "Oh, they're nice to look at." Not anything ridiculous, which I really appreciate. I feel like, just based on this book, that the romance will be a slow-burn that's gonna take us at least a couple more books to really see come to a head. But it's there! Enough to make you smile and enough to make you definitely want to pick up the next book so you can see it start to grow.
I love Ina. I mean, yeah, she's a bit headstrong. There are some instances where she should probably think things through a bit more before she takes action. But we all have those moments. And hers aren't constant. She's not always doing something foolhardy. Sometimes she is. And sometimes she's literally just doing what she's supposed to. Granted, sometimes that still gets her into trouble. (She's basically in trouble from start to finish in this book.) But she felt real to me, like she's a person who could exist in real life, and I enjoyed that as well.
And her fascination with lightning! And this fox! (If it really is a fox. I mean, I get that it looks like a fox, but is it really a fox? I don't know! I want to know!) This book does a really good job, in my opinion, of giving you enough information so you're not confused, but keeping enough things secret so that you, again, really want to pick up the next book so you can keep figuring out what's going on and what's gonna happen next.
I was worried that this short little story wouldn't work out for me, but it came through. I'm heading to the series list so I can add the rest to my TBR. They're all on KU, so I will definitely be picking up the next ones soon.
I'm rambling, I know. But I just want to point out a few other things. Vincent, who is our love-interest I believe, I like a lot. Again, this was not insta-attraction or anything like that. These two first meet and then keep meeting and I couldn't really pinpoint whether or not Vincent admired her and was just doing what he felt was his duty, or if he really thought she was full-blown crazy and was desperate to get her off the street and into cuffs. But by the end, I really liked where he stood in terms of Ina.
Guntram... I don't know. I think I like him. Maybe. He's a hard instructor. And I think he should definitely be more on Ina's side than he appears to be. Maybe he'll grow on me. I'm undecided at this time. But I do love how much Ina cares about him, even when he's a pain.
Tabitha and Darby, the "Sassy Squad" as Ina calls them. And not sassy in a good way. They are a major pain. Tabitha, in particular at least in this book, is a pain in the ass. She's hateful, and I don't like her. Like, I don't get how she can be a 'good guy' with how disdainful and dismissive she is to Ina. So yeah, I really don't like her. (But I'm not supposed to, so I guess that means D.M. Fike did a bang up job.)
Okay, I'm done. I really enjoyed it, and the concept. I really like how there's definitely still a lot of room for growth and storyline and... I just really liked it. Adding the rest to my TBR now. :)
June 26, 2022
2.5. This was a really cool idea with interesting magic, a nice story and a bit of mystery, but every single character annoyed the absolute stuffing out of me. Ina (the mc) acts really stupid, even outside her self professed impulse control issues and bad decision making skills. She just didn’t act like a real person a good chunk of the time and the story progression wasn’t particularly logical either. I’m not sure if the author was trying to paint Ina (mc) as unreliable, but she even though she isn’t the most responsible person, the way others treat her and the names they call her don’t fit what we were shown. It seems like her mentor and others just call her names whenever they’re upset with something regardless of what actually happened and that annoyed me immensely. So did the “evil/mean” side characters who seem to verbally abuse Ina for no reason and everyone is just fine with that. It wasn’t even “good” verbal sparring, it was boring name calling with the bare minimum of explanation.
I am annoyed and don’t really want to read the next books because I doubt I’ll have the patience for it.
I am annoyed and don’t really want to read the next books because I doubt I’ll have the patience for it.
Read
October 28, 2020I was lured into reading this book by a sample first chapter -- and oh my was I hooked! Ina's first adventure was the most fun I've had since the early Harry Potter books. Set in actual locations in Oregon, and referencing at least one actual event (watch the YouTube video on the exploding whale), the characters are a delight, the conflicts are realistic, and the action and tension are riveting. Making my enjoyment even greater, this is a rare occasion in which I found no editing mistakes whatsoever, and (at least from my POV) the author's writing style is exceptional. There are four more books in the series, which I've purchased (a rarity for me), a fifth book in the works that I've pre-ordered, and (if you sign up for the author's newsletter) a short prequel. If the stars align for this author, I think a movie deal would be well-deserved.
January 5, 2023
Good
A different take on magic and magic wielding people, this is the story of Ina, an apprentice shepherd, whose job it is to protect the nature spirits from being drained by evil spirits.
Although she is told that no-one can harness lightning, Ina feels drawn to storms, and compelled to try.
When she and her mentor come across a possessed whale, it sends her on a dangerous journey as she tries to keep everyone safe, all while trying to harness the lightning.
As I said above, this is a different take on the magical world, but an interesting one. While Ina has some dangerous adventures, we don’t really learn much about her abilities, mostly because she doesn’t know much about the lightning either!
Because it is a unique premise, it makes for a fascinating read and an enjoyable and fast paced urban fantasy for UF fans.
A different take on magic and magic wielding people, this is the story of Ina, an apprentice shepherd, whose job it is to protect the nature spirits from being drained by evil spirits.
Although she is told that no-one can harness lightning, Ina feels drawn to storms, and compelled to try.
When she and her mentor come across a possessed whale, it sends her on a dangerous journey as she tries to keep everyone safe, all while trying to harness the lightning.
As I said above, this is a different take on the magical world, but an interesting one. While Ina has some dangerous adventures, we don’t really learn much about her abilities, mostly because she doesn’t know much about the lightning either!
Because it is a unique premise, it makes for a fascinating read and an enjoyable and fast paced urban fantasy for UF fans.
October 2, 2023
A unique take …
So interesting and refreshing to read a book that concerns the supernatural with a unique take on the situation. No vampires or ghosts, simply ‘shepherds’ that look after the flock (all animals on earth) and protect them from supernatural attacks. Ina is a trainee shepherd but a little different as she cannot only harness the usual elemental powers but also has an affinity with lightning too! She’s also struggling to leave normal life behind. A lovely book that kept me enthralled until the end.
So interesting and refreshing to read a book that concerns the supernatural with a unique take on the situation. No vampires or ghosts, simply ‘shepherds’ that look after the flock (all animals on earth) and protect them from supernatural attacks. Ina is a trainee shepherd but a little different as she cannot only harness the usual elemental powers but also has an affinity with lightning too! She’s also struggling to leave normal life behind. A lovely book that kept me enthralled until the end.
July 31, 2020
Not for me
I did not like it. The protagonist had no redeeming qualities to me. The author clearly states she is a spoiled brat, but for someone in her 20’s (since she is older than the ranger), she acts like pre-teen. She is too self indulgent. I can support dressing your own way and wanting to help, but I can not stand putting yourself and wants before doing a simple(to her)but important job of protection.
I did not like it. The protagonist had no redeeming qualities to me. The author clearly states she is a spoiled brat, but for someone in her 20’s (since she is older than the ranger), she acts like pre-teen. She is too self indulgent. I can support dressing your own way and wanting to help, but I can not stand putting yourself and wants before doing a simple(to her)but important job of protection.
July 23, 2021
Usually it takes me a chapter or two to get drawn into a book. This one had me at the start. I love the magic system. It makes sense, with clear rules and limitations, and just enough uncertainty to keep you in awe. I love Ina and her voice, and the relationship she has with the other characters. The mystery and plot draw you through the story. I highly recommend this one!
September 11, 2025
The book had a fascinating secret society - the shepherds. Their work to protect nature used an interesting and unique magic system. The action kept me hooked and I loved the main character, Ina. I was drawn into her struggles to find her place in the shepherds' world and to understand her unique magic.
May 29, 2020
Delightful. Unique. Funny. Great world building. Quirky MC who could become one of my favorites. This is the author's first book and I wish her well! I could read many, many more adventures set in this fascinating world!
April 26, 2021
Probably one of the best first lines in history
There's some excellent worldbuilding, a fish out of water heroine, and a super cool magic system at play here. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was a great start.
There's some excellent worldbuilding, a fish out of water heroine, and a super cool magic system at play here. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was a great start.
November 23, 2021
This story was so heartwarming to me and though she gets in trouble for her stubbornness I love the MC. Her teacher is a good character too. I highly recommend this book and I am on the the next book in this Series
November 3, 2022
Chasing lightning
Once I got into this, I found it hard to put down. Ina is pretty cool, but as an older found shepherd, she has a different take on things and dresses different. Causes others to be hateful to her. She certainly proves her worth and more. Good book.
Once I got into this, I found it hard to put down. Ina is pretty cool, but as an older found shepherd, she has a different take on things and dresses different. Causes others to be hateful to her. She certainly proves her worth and more. Good book.
July 2, 2023
A very short but fun start to what I hope is an interesting series. I quite liked Ina - and feel for her difficulty in not fitting in… finding a new life for herself… and still not fitting in. Looking forward to reading on in the series.
July 26, 2020
Loved it!
Refreshing new series quite out of the Ordinary! Very enjoyable to read and I’m glad there’s new ones coming out. Love the nature aspect.
Refreshing new series quite out of the Ordinary! Very enjoyable to read and I’m glad there’s new ones coming out. Love the nature aspect.
August 4, 2021
Outstanding YA Fantasy
Well written, interesting world building, engaging if stubborn heroine. I enjoyed the book even though I rarely read YA any more
Well written, interesting world building, engaging if stubborn heroine. I enjoyed the book even though I rarely read YA any more
August 24, 2021
Wow!
I recommend this intriguingly thrilling book, and the series it begins, to readers who love reading about magical creatures and their guardians. Enjoy!
I recommend this intriguingly thrilling book, and the series it begins, to readers who love reading about magical creatures and their guardians. Enjoy!
February 13, 2022
goog ya adventure magical story. Perhaps a bit to straightforward as it had no twists or turns. Received free from Amazon.
September 22, 2023
a nice story
The beginning wasn’t the best but once I powered through it became quite good. I just never got the hang of the different terms and those things
The beginning wasn’t the best but once I powered through it became quite good. I just never got the hang of the different terms and those things
October 20, 2023
It was okay.
January 2, 2024
Short, easy to get into.
February 28, 2024
chasing lightning
This is the first book from this author that I have read , but it won’t be the last. Definitely worth the read. Already got the next book in the series
This is the first book from this author that I have read , but it won’t be the last. Definitely worth the read. Already got the next book in the series
April 27, 2024
A great start for the series.
The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
November 24, 2020
It's a fresh concept, we have this Nasci followers, Nasci being like a Mother Earth kind of figure, and her followers being her protectors, but they are protecting her from outside forces while trying to keep a balance in nature.
It was something different and cool, and I personally like the main character, she is kind of a chosen one, but not exactly. She has an ability no one else has, and she is singled out because of that, but not treated as someone especial, more like an anomaly, they even try to deny her power and stop her from using it.
I like her because she is a rebel, stubborn and resourceful. I definitely want to read more about her.
It was something different and cool, and I personally like the main character, she is kind of a chosen one, but not exactly. She has an ability no one else has, and she is singled out because of that, but not treated as someone especial, more like an anomaly, they even try to deny her power and stop her from using it.
I like her because she is a rebel, stubborn and resourceful. I definitely want to read more about her.
November 17, 2020
Great first book. The introduction was really funny. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews