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Twisted Luck #1
My Luck
I'm not a mage, but that won't stop me.
Cori Catastrophe. They call me that sometimes, and I hate to admit it, but it isn’t wrong. Things go weird around me. Electronics die, things break, and if something odd happens, I seem to find it. Finding another dead body just made me late to work.
Nothing will stop me from getting my degree, getting a job, and getting away from this tiny town – though leaving my best friend will hurt more than anything else. Reality seems determined to make reaching my goals impossible. The dead guy had my name in his pocket, my best friend emerges as an archmage, and my parents – well let's just say leaving them behind is one of the best parts of getting away.
So be it. Not being a mage means I'll have to struggle to succeed. No matter how weird things get, I'll make it. I lost my brother and I'll probably lose my best friend to the world of magic. All I can do is depend on myself.
Cori Catastrophe. They call me that sometimes, and I hate to admit it, but it isn’t wrong. Things go weird around me. Electronics die, things break, and if something odd happens, I seem to find it. Finding another dead body just made me late to work.
Nothing will stop me from getting my degree, getting a job, and getting away from this tiny town – though leaving my best friend will hurt more than anything else. Reality seems determined to make reaching my goals impossible. The dead guy had my name in his pocket, my best friend emerges as an archmage, and my parents – well let's just say leaving them behind is one of the best parts of getting away.
So be it. Not being a mage means I'll have to struggle to succeed. No matter how weird things get, I'll make it. I lost my brother and I'll probably lose my best friend to the world of magic. All I can do is depend on myself.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2020
601 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
82 books210 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
November 11, 2023
My Luck
By Mel Todd
This is a world of magic and mages. Cori is a gal that has bad luck but does she have magic? Her life is interesting but nothing came to a conclusion by the end of the book.
By Mel Todd
This is a world of magic and mages. Cori is a gal that has bad luck but does she have magic? Her life is interesting but nothing came to a conclusion by the end of the book.
February 3, 2021
Like another reviewer said, this book was like a very long prologue. It went nowhere. I liked the premise and I was curious to discover why she was so unlucky but that didn't even happen. There was also no plot. She was unlucky, that was it.
She had found a dead body on her way to work/school, she later discovers that this person had a paper with her name written on it. The cops, who already know her because of how unlucky she is, inform her of this. She decides to find out why her name was in his pocket. This takes about 5 minutes and she's done with it, turns out the guy was very unlucky in the way he died as well. After that there is no plot, she just goes on her day attending work/school and being unlucky in little things like having the coffee grinder explode, or water being splashed on her on a rainy day.
It was boring.
She had found a dead body on her way to work/school, she later discovers that this person had a paper with her name written on it. The cops, who already know her because of how unlucky she is, inform her of this. She decides to find out why her name was in his pocket. This takes about 5 minutes and she's done with it, turns out the guy was very unlucky in the way he died as well. After that there is no plot, she just goes on her day attending work/school and being unlucky in little things like having the coffee grinder explode, or water being splashed on her on a rainy day.
It was boring.
January 5, 2021
Oh FFS. I spent the whole book wanting to give the MC a slap around the face to wake her up.It’s obvious Cori has some serious power - all signs point toward it, multiple characters have told her to her face and at multiple points she's like 'I must have powers... but no I don't".
On the plus side I found the constant dandruff references amusing and the lgbtq rep is pretty good with a gay BFF and potential asex/demi MC (although maybe these are just given lip service to tick a box?)
I started reading book 2 just to find out when the heck Cori finally got tested, but abandoned the series soonafter as I was just too annoyed.
On the plus side I found the constant dandruff references amusing and the lgbtq rep is pretty good with a gay BFF and potential asex/demi MC (although maybe these are just given lip service to tick a box?)
I started reading book 2 just to find out when the heck Cori finally got tested, but abandoned the series soonafter as I was just too annoyed.
November 25, 2020
Dandruff
This book needs editing. There are misspelled and misused words. At multiple points the sentence structure needs revision, for example, the author describes Shay as having copper red hair, Asian features, and shoulder-length hair. I found the repeated references to the main character’s dandruff and scratching to be stomach churning. And the AU needed significantly more development than the blurbs at the start of each chapter. It would have been a better choice to have the AU included as an organic part of the story.
As a side note, the written Spanish was too formal for the casual context/intent. A Hispanic family would not name or call their daughter Jo-Jo or Jo as the pronunciation would be Ho-Ho or Ho because the letter J is pronounced like an H in Spanish.
This book needs editing. There are misspelled and misused words. At multiple points the sentence structure needs revision, for example, the author describes Shay as having copper red hair, Asian features, and shoulder-length hair. I found the repeated references to the main character’s dandruff and scratching to be stomach churning. And the AU needed significantly more development than the blurbs at the start of each chapter. It would have been a better choice to have the AU included as an organic part of the story.
As a side note, the written Spanish was too formal for the casual context/intent. A Hispanic family would not name or call their daughter Jo-Jo or Jo as the pronunciation would be Ho-Ho or Ho because the letter J is pronounced like an H in Spanish.
December 12, 2022
I seriously do not know how to rate this book. The character development is quite good but author does THIS AMAZINGLY STUPID THING OF MAKING IT CLEAR THAT THE MC IS A MAGE BUT HAS THE MC DENY IT FOR THE ENTIRE BOOK. Seriously, magic happens around the MC all the time and MC has clear indicators (like dead skin cells in this world’s version of magic) that she is a mage. MC even gets told straight out two or three times that she is a mage by other mages. Literally every character in the book tells the MC to get tested. The big mystery at the heart of a the book is why a private investigator who came to town looking for a mage was interested in the MC. I mean this part of the book is so poorly handled words are actually failing me. It was stupid in the extreme.
I listened to this book and I kept increasing playback speed trying to get past the whole “I’m not a mage even though absolutely everything around me indicates I am” crap, except for when it came to the family drama. Now I’m an uptight Midwesterner who despises family drama, yet, in this area the author did such a good job I truly enjoyed her writing. Still as I’m sitting here writing this review I am actually angry about how stupid it is to tease something FOR AN ENTIRE BOOK and then just SKIP THE BIG REVEAL.
Bottom line: The stupid aspects of this book trump its good aspects and I will not be continuing this series.
I listened to this book and I kept increasing playback speed trying to get past the whole “I’m not a mage even though absolutely everything around me indicates I am” crap, except for when it came to the family drama. Now I’m an uptight Midwesterner who despises family drama, yet, in this area the author did such a good job I truly enjoyed her writing. Still as I’m sitting here writing this review I am actually angry about how stupid it is to tease something FOR AN ENTIRE BOOK and then just SKIP THE BIG REVEAL.
Bottom line: The stupid aspects of this book trump its good aspects and I will not be continuing this series.
November 29, 2020
2020 the Year of the brief Review and...
"2020: verb. When you screw things up beyond belief.
Example: Chad’s car hit a pole and knocked out power and,
well long story short, he 2020’d and now a giant squid is destroying the city. -Unknown"
Here I am after trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to cram all 3 books in the series in, in one session:
So, my review is accordingly for the following: the first 2 books and 10 pages of the 3rd.
What a stonking good read (and to qualify for the Goodreads Review Nazis out there, this is my very own special opinion).
But wow, did Cori's story suck me in, I had tears, laughter, wrapped in action and a bit of growing up and a side order of great friendship. No romance at least so far, and I don't know what is in the future for the series, but fingers crossed. This series are highly recommended for those out there who like a bit of magic in their stories, with really interesting world building and a great journey to boot.
Mel: You go girl, I hope there are more in the future.
"2020: verb. When you screw things up beyond belief.
Example: Chad’s car hit a pole and knocked out power and,
well long story short, he 2020’d and now a giant squid is destroying the city. -Unknown"
Here I am after trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to cram all 3 books in the series in, in one session:
So, my review is accordingly for the following: the first 2 books and 10 pages of the 3rd.
What a stonking good read (and to qualify for the Goodreads Review Nazis out there, this is my very own special opinion).
But wow, did Cori's story suck me in, I had tears, laughter, wrapped in action and a bit of growing up and a side order of great friendship. No romance at least so far, and I don't know what is in the future for the series, but fingers crossed. This series are highly recommended for those out there who like a bit of magic in their stories, with really interesting world building and a great journey to boot.
Mel: You go girl, I hope there are more in the future.
November 26, 2020
Happy
I’m so delighted I found this storyverse. I am invested in these characters. This is one of those rare books that I lose myself in and am totally immersed in the world as I am reading. Highly recommended!
I’m so delighted I found this storyverse. I am invested in these characters. This is one of those rare books that I lose myself in and am totally immersed in the world as I am reading. Highly recommended!
December 26, 2020
This is such a good series. Many important aspects, the force of friendship, being yourself and facing challenges. Besides, I love magic.
January 27, 2021
Fantastic book
Absolutely brilliant book ! Really enjoyed the story and characters. You feel like you know what's going to happen to the main character - and thank the gods the second book is here or I might have gone mad! Read it - you won't be disappointed.
Absolutely brilliant book ! Really enjoyed the story and characters. You feel like you know what's going to happen to the main character - and thank the gods the second book is here or I might have gone mad! Read it - you won't be disappointed.
February 8, 2022
Both the first book in this series and the first book I've read by this author.
20 year old Cori is nearing the end of the student program she is in. Once completed, she'll have triple certificates, EMT, Paramedic, and Criminal Justice. Which is good because she's starting her adult life in a somewhat bad situation. Specifically referring to how more than 50% of the population have some magic ability, and those with magic ability tend to get the jobs, and better jobs at that. While the non-magic users can end up unemployed, and or underemployed. Cori, naturally .
She's estranged from her family, though lives in the garage of the house the family lives in. Weird, eh? From Cori's point of view, and she's the only one with a point of view in the book, the parents blame Cori for Stevie's death. Stevie being Cori's dead twin brother. Died with both were around 12 years of age. "To Young" *giggles insanely* to "emerge" because neither were post-puberty at the time, but I'm getting ahead of myself. And/or going down a road not to be traveled.
Right, so. Cori is a student, works at a coffee shop, lives in her parents garage apartment; is estranged from her parents and younger brother; is best friends with another family, the Guzman's, who treat her as part of the family; walks everywhere; and is known as Cori Catastrophe because bad stuff always happens around her (one example: one morning she heads to work: it rains on her; a bus splashes water on her completely soaking her; she gets on the bus - rain basically stops; bus drops her off at her location, rain is just a small drizzle, she gets out and it begins pouring down rain until she gets to the work entrance, whereupon the rain stops). Oh, and she has a massive dandruff issue. She is constantly, and I mean constantly, scratching her head or stopping herself from scratching her head. Massive clouds of dandruff cover her body, and the ground as she walks around (not 100% sure this last part is correct, but it sure seems that way).
For those who care about such: her best friend is a lesbian; no they are not girlfriend material; Cori, herself, has no idea if she herself is interested in sex at all, and, has had no sexual desires develop towards anyone, regardless of their gender, non gender, or sexual orientation.
The book mostly follows Cori as she deals with her horrible family; being a student and doing the on the job training stuff; dealing with random people of power; rubbing her head vigorously at every opportunity and watching waves of dandruff wash over everything; reacting to "bad luck" falling all around her; dodging everyone and their pet dragon suggesting she should be tested for magic, while everyone also notes that "of course" they've never noticed her "emerge" (she's from a small town in Georgia, everyone knows her); and - the last one is so heavy handedly beaten onto the reader that I'm not sure putting it under spoiler tag is fair, but whatever.
Where was I? Right.
Okay - this was a very readable book, one where I kept reading and reading and oh look, book over. I kept waiting for spoiler . . . spoiler . . . spoiler, but spoiler.
Excuse me while I immediately stop forcing myself to not read and move back and begin the second book in this series.
Rating: 4.25
February 8 2022
20 year old Cori is nearing the end of the student program she is in. Once completed, she'll have triple certificates, EMT, Paramedic, and Criminal Justice. Which is good because she's starting her adult life in a somewhat bad situation. Specifically referring to how more than 50% of the population have some magic ability, and those with magic ability tend to get the jobs, and better jobs at that. While the non-magic users can end up unemployed, and or underemployed. Cori, naturally .
She's estranged from her family, though lives in the garage of the house the family lives in. Weird, eh? From Cori's point of view, and she's the only one with a point of view in the book, the parents blame Cori for Stevie's death. Stevie being Cori's dead twin brother. Died with both were around 12 years of age. "To Young" *giggles insanely* to "emerge" because neither were post-puberty at the time, but I'm getting ahead of myself. And/or going down a road not to be traveled.
Right, so. Cori is a student, works at a coffee shop, lives in her parents garage apartment; is estranged from her parents and younger brother; is best friends with another family, the Guzman's, who treat her as part of the family; walks everywhere; and is known as Cori Catastrophe because bad stuff always happens around her (one example: one morning she heads to work: it rains on her; a bus splashes water on her completely soaking her; she gets on the bus - rain basically stops; bus drops her off at her location, rain is just a small drizzle, she gets out and it begins pouring down rain until she gets to the work entrance, whereupon the rain stops). Oh, and she has a massive dandruff issue. She is constantly, and I mean constantly, scratching her head or stopping herself from scratching her head. Massive clouds of dandruff cover her body, and the ground as she walks around (not 100% sure this last part is correct, but it sure seems that way).
For those who care about such: her best friend is a lesbian; no they are not girlfriend material; Cori, herself, has no idea if she herself is interested in sex at all, and, has had no sexual desires develop towards anyone, regardless of their gender, non gender, or sexual orientation.
The book mostly follows Cori as she deals with her horrible family; being a student and doing the on the job training stuff; dealing with random people of power; rubbing her head vigorously at every opportunity and watching waves of dandruff wash over everything; reacting to "bad luck" falling all around her; dodging everyone and their pet dragon suggesting she should be tested for magic, while everyone also notes that "of course" they've never noticed her "emerge" (she's from a small town in Georgia, everyone knows her); and - the last one is so heavy handedly beaten onto the reader that I'm not sure putting it under spoiler tag is fair, but whatever.
Where was I? Right.
Okay - this was a very readable book, one where I kept reading and reading and oh look, book over. I kept waiting for spoiler . . . spoiler . . . spoiler, but spoiler.
Excuse me while I immediately stop forcing myself to not read and move back and begin the second book in this series.
Rating: 4.25
February 8 2022
February 20, 2023
Yikes. I would have given more points to this if it had been *any* good. It had some good ideas. It has a world I could see myself investing a few books into but the characters are awful and the writing is repetitive to no end. I listened to the audiobook and hearing the same concept repeat itself with no more than a paragraph between was just disorienting. I kept wondering if I had somehow skipped back without realizing it. Then in the back half it just got trope heavy and delayed doing anything.
This book is the Pirates 2 of writing and it's the FIRST in a series. It's a world of magic and our main character assumes she doesn't have magic because she never got her first magic menstruation. So either it was so light she has no power or she doesn't have any power so she never gets tested. But clearly she's a super S tier magic power wielder using magic without knowing how.
This isn't unique but it's perfectly acceptible. Heck Heroes Anonymous has a lot of that and that was a very fun series for like 80% of it's runtime. This one started off like that and then half way through the book when you might expect her to realize or other people to realize. It just drags it out. The book ends with our main character still not knowing she has magic. It's WEIRD.
Almost as weird as how often the main character comments on how sexually attractive everyone. Weird because the main character keeps commenting on how much she's not sure what she's sexually attracted to. We had a haters-to-lovers character in the first half of the book that I assumed was going to be her love interest and then we had a best-friends-brother-but-cute love interest in the back half of the book but 30% of the second half of the book is just the main character constantly reiterating how much she's not into anyone or anything. At one point opining about how much she wished she could be into her lesbian "found family" sister because she likes her so much the relationship would be a breeze.
The book doesn't feel like it's done any research on anything. You watch a season or two of House and you know everything you need to know about this paramedic from a small town that suffers in quiet dignity while LITERALLY THE REST OF THE TOWN apparently knows everything about her except that she has magic and they all work and fight tooth and nail to ensure she gets a good shot at life. They must be getting off on it. I can't imagine how bad this would be to read in physical form but at least then it probably wouldn't have taken 10 hours.
This book is the Pirates 2 of writing and it's the FIRST in a series. It's a world of magic and our main character assumes she doesn't have magic because she never got her first magic menstruation. So either it was so light she has no power or she doesn't have any power so she never gets tested. But clearly she's a super S tier magic power wielder using magic without knowing how.
This isn't unique but it's perfectly acceptible. Heck Heroes Anonymous has a lot of that and that was a very fun series for like 80% of it's runtime. This one started off like that and then half way through the book when you might expect her to realize or other people to realize. It just drags it out. The book ends with our main character still not knowing she has magic. It's WEIRD.
Almost as weird as how often the main character comments on how sexually attractive everyone. Weird because the main character keeps commenting on how much she's not sure what she's sexually attracted to. We had a haters-to-lovers character in the first half of the book that I assumed was going to be her love interest and then we had a best-friends-brother-but-cute love interest in the back half of the book but 30% of the second half of the book is just the main character constantly reiterating how much she's not into anyone or anything. At one point opining about how much she wished she could be into her lesbian "found family" sister because she likes her so much the relationship would be a breeze.
The book doesn't feel like it's done any research on anything. You watch a season or two of House and you know everything you need to know about this paramedic from a small town that suffers in quiet dignity while LITERALLY THE REST OF THE TOWN apparently knows everything about her except that she has magic and they all work and fight tooth and nail to ensure she gets a good shot at life. They must be getting off on it. I can't imagine how bad this would be to read in physical form but at least then it probably wouldn't have taken 10 hours.
January 22, 2021
First, I have to mention a freaky coincidence that the morning I started reading this book happened to be one of my unluckiest days in a long while, and it made me feel very loopy. I have my own problems with Murphy, not as bad as finding dead bodies, but painful and panic-inducing enough on the personal level, so I just felt like my life and the mood of the book were echoing each other in a weird way.
Secondly, I don't really know if I'm really impressed or annoyed by the fact that this book was centered around the 'this one very obvious thing that is supposed to happen' and it doesn't even happen in this book. This book pretty much feels like a very long prologue. But I also kind of like it for it. More than the second book, as I've already found out.
But thirdly, writing... This book definitely should have had a couple more edits before being released. Because typos, mistakes, weird syntax, and weirdly repetitive lines grinded on my nerves.
Overall, this feels like a young, 'modern comfort book with too long misery stage'. You get a heroine in a very bad situation, but who worked very hard to stay afloat. She has people who want to look out for her and help her because of how she is. She of course has a super-duper secret the readers realize pretty early on, but don't even get to see it revealed in this book. There are queer characters everywhere, and the protagonist is also either asexual or demisexual, and you'll kind of get tired of being reminded of it. And it has strong 'prologue' vibes and definitely doesn't work as a stand-alone.
Secondly, I don't really know if I'm really impressed or annoyed by the fact that this book was centered around the 'this one very obvious thing that is supposed to happen' and it doesn't even happen in this book. This book pretty much feels like a very long prologue. But I also kind of like it for it. More than the second book, as I've already found out.
But thirdly, writing... This book definitely should have had a couple more edits before being released. Because typos, mistakes, weird syntax, and weirdly repetitive lines grinded on my nerves.
Overall, this feels like a young, 'modern comfort book with too long misery stage'. You get a heroine in a very bad situation, but who worked very hard to stay afloat. She has people who want to look out for her and help her because of how she is. She of course has a super-duper secret the readers realize pretty early on, but don't even get to see it revealed in this book. There are queer characters everywhere, and the protagonist is also either asexual or demisexual, and you'll kind of get tired of being reminded of it. And it has strong 'prologue' vibes and definitely doesn't work as a stand-alone.
March 24, 2021
A new series for my favorites list
I read urban fantasy like I would eat potato chips. Most of the ones I’ve read lately are super fun, but don’t have much in the way of real character development, with the main characters often edging into Mary Sue territory. This first in this series is giving me hope for something with more meat to it, like Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson novels. It’s been a while since an author has made me care about a character to the point of tearing up. I’m looking forward to more.
I read urban fantasy like I would eat potato chips. Most of the ones I’ve read lately are super fun, but don’t have much in the way of real character development, with the main characters often edging into Mary Sue territory. This first in this series is giving me hope for something with more meat to it, like Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson novels. It’s been a while since an author has made me care about a character to the point of tearing up. I’m looking forward to more.
March 16, 2024
Very interesting
This is an urban fantasy of a different flair. Definitely a foundational work for this world, you keep getting the impression that something major is going to happen, and while quite a bit does, it’s not the pivot moment you are anticipating. It was uniquely done and actually quite enjoyable.
First person with an episodic ending - no romance whatsoever.
This is an urban fantasy of a different flair. Definitely a foundational work for this world, you keep getting the impression that something major is going to happen, and while quite a bit does, it’s not the pivot moment you are anticipating. It was uniquely done and actually quite enjoyable.
First person with an episodic ending - no romance whatsoever.
June 6, 2021
We meet our main character, Cori, in a small Georgia town, where she works as at a coffee shop. She isn’t magical, though 50% of the population is, but she does have a horrible knack for finding dead bodies. Her latest one, happens to have a piece of paper is his pocket with her name on it. Ostracized from her parents after the freak death of her brother, she’s in school to become an EMT. So soon, she can help save the people that keep dying around her. Cori Catastrophe.
Working through her EMT education requires her to be internships at various hospitals but she also manages one with the local police department to help pay for school costs. Eventually, her best friend Jo emergences into an Arch Mage nd her family cuts ties for good, selling their house. Despite her family’s departure, she has been adopted by Jo’s family for the last 8 years. Her and Jo have an inseparable bond of friendship and plan to attend college together after the current semester.
Tori receives all of her certifications with the highest score in her class. This will make her journey to follow Jo to a Atlanta possible. She will be able to obtain a job that pays the bills. I really love the main system for this book and the intricate weaves of the various orders and classifications. On to book 2…
Working through her EMT education requires her to be internships at various hospitals but she also manages one with the local police department to help pay for school costs. Eventually, her best friend Jo emergences into an Arch Mage nd her family cuts ties for good, selling their house. Despite her family’s departure, she has been adopted by Jo’s family for the last 8 years. Her and Jo have an inseparable bond of friendship and plan to attend college together after the current semester.
Tori receives all of her certifications with the highest score in her class. This will make her journey to follow Jo to a Atlanta possible. She will be able to obtain a job that pays the bills. I really love the main system for this book and the intricate weaves of the various orders and classifications. On to book 2…
April 13, 2023
2023 bk 122. I love looking into the minds of authors through their settings and characters. In the Twisted Luck series, Mel Todd shows her ability to create a new alternative world complete with details and drawings. The world in which magic appeared in the 1800's and created a hierarchy of magicians has been done, but not with the twists and details provided by Todd. The facial tattoos are intriguing. That alone isn't enough to carry a story - and Todd has also created a plot that draws you in with empathy for the character and the town that that watched her struggle against tremendous odds. Well done.
November 20, 2021
Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars.
The story has promise. I liked the premise and the info on magic in this alternate world, how it fits with history and famous people, but the writing needs a bit more work. There's a lot of repetition and several errors, it needs some editing and a bit more explanation earlier in the story. Some things didn't make much sense to me. The tragedy that defines the MC's childhood and relationships is a central part of her character, but it is introduced in dribs and drabs throughout the first half of the book before we finally get a description of what actually happened, which seems strange for such a major defining moment.
The story dragged a bit, as did the MC's attitude, at least in the first half of the book. I didn't much like her as a character. Frankly reading about her life was depressing and her obtuseness became frustrating. In a world where half the people can do magic, she doesn't think about all the strange things happening around her or look into it, or question the cryptic comments of a powerful mage, because "everybody knows" something? Not even an inkling of a suspicion? The author is practically beating us with a clue bat, but the character is oblivious.
Also too much dwelling on the dandruff.
Then in the end the story doesn't really go anywhere much. It's just a long build up to... the next book? Disappointing. I guess the MC did grow a little in self-worth and confidence, but I expected a bit more.
Will see if the next book improves.
The story has promise. I liked the premise and the info on magic in this alternate world, how it fits with history and famous people, but the writing needs a bit more work. There's a lot of repetition and several errors, it needs some editing and a bit more explanation earlier in the story. Some things didn't make much sense to me. The tragedy that defines the MC's childhood and relationships is a central part of her character, but it is introduced in dribs and drabs throughout the first half of the book before we finally get a description of what actually happened, which seems strange for such a major defining moment.
The story dragged a bit, as did the MC's attitude, at least in the first half of the book. I didn't much like her as a character. Frankly reading about her life was depressing and her obtuseness became frustrating. In a world where half the people can do magic, she doesn't think about all the strange things happening around her or look into it, or question the cryptic comments of a powerful mage, because "everybody knows" something? Not even an inkling of a suspicion? The author is practically beating us with a clue bat, but the character is oblivious.
Also too much dwelling on the dandruff.
Then in the end the story doesn't really go anywhere much. It's just a long build up to... the next book? Disappointing. I guess the MC did grow a little in self-worth and confidence, but I expected a bit more.
Will see if the next book improves.
June 29, 2020
Absolutely amazing
This is one of the best books I have read recently and that says a lot because I read a lot of books. It’s more than Urban Fantasy, it’s an excellent book about families,life,death and how people react to the tragedies that occur, the good that is found in our communities and the bad. I plan on going through the authors back list and reading everything she has written because based on this book, I have been missing out. SPOILERS AHEAD small but still- (1)you may need tissues because if this doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, you might be dead inside. (2)One small criticism - you didn’t need to beat us over the head with the clues, I’m pretty sure I know the results of the test she didn’t take as well as what caused her brothers death. The emotional reasons behind her refusal to take the test should have been brought up earlier and it would have made the plot line tighter. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see is a great proverb but it gets frustrating in a storyline. Knowing why she refuses to see could have been introduced earlier and would have made it less frustrating. I didn’t understand why she just wouldn’t take the stupid test because her refusal didn’t make sense until long after I was done yelling - just go take it stupid.
This is one of the best books I have read recently and that says a lot because I read a lot of books. It’s more than Urban Fantasy, it’s an excellent book about families,life,death and how people react to the tragedies that occur, the good that is found in our communities and the bad. I plan on going through the authors back list and reading everything she has written because based on this book, I have been missing out. SPOILERS AHEAD small but still- (1)you may need tissues because if this doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, you might be dead inside. (2)One small criticism - you didn’t need to beat us over the head with the clues, I’m pretty sure I know the results of the test she didn’t take as well as what caused her brothers death. The emotional reasons behind her refusal to take the test should have been brought up earlier and it would have made the plot line tighter. There are none so blind as those who refuse to see is a great proverb but it gets frustrating in a storyline. Knowing why she refuses to see could have been introduced earlier and would have made it less frustrating. I didn’t understand why she just wouldn’t take the stupid test because her refusal didn’t make sense until long after I was done yelling - just go take it stupid.
January 13, 2021
Good book!
Thought this book sounded interesting and boy was it. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! Loved the world building! Cori was a magnificent main character only once did she do something asinine. Cori's parents were horrible but I loved her relationship with Jo-Jo and her family. Sometimes your chosen family is better than your blood relatives. Definitely recommend reading! On to the next in the series!
Thought this book sounded interesting and boy was it. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! Loved the world building! Cori was a magnificent main character only once did she do something asinine. Cori's parents were horrible but I loved her relationship with Jo-Jo and her family. Sometimes your chosen family is better than your blood relatives. Definitely recommend reading! On to the next in the series!
January 16, 2021
Good read!
I started reading this book with trepidation. Didn't know if this main character would be whining throughout. I would just remove, finish, and forget it. Keeping in mind that the whole series sucks! Well, fool me! I love Cori. I like all the characters and hate the Bundles except Kris, of course. I like the cliff hanger ending. It promises more and it didn't cut off too sudden. Off to the second book...
I started reading this book with trepidation. Didn't know if this main character would be whining throughout. I would just remove, finish, and forget it. Keeping in mind that the whole series sucks! Well, fool me! I love Cori. I like all the characters and hate the Bundles except Kris, of course. I like the cliff hanger ending. It promises more and it didn't cut off too sudden. Off to the second book...
March 25, 2021
Gut-Wrenching... And Great
World building, characterization, unique plot, pacing, and just about everything else are excellent. I'm in knots of stress reading parts, but it's only because I'm that invested in the story and main character, and her struggles are so painful to live through with her. Some minor typos and editing is needed, but not so much that it took me significantly out of the story. I can't wait to see what happens next!
World building, characterization, unique plot, pacing, and just about everything else are excellent. I'm in knots of stress reading parts, but it's only because I'm that invested in the story and main character, and her struggles are so painful to live through with her. Some minor typos and editing is needed, but not so much that it took me significantly out of the story. I can't wait to see what happens next!
April 2, 2021
Wow!
I loved this book. For some reason, i thought that it was YA but it is not. If you like magical worlds and urban fantasy with non-whiney heroines in real life situations, You will live this. Found families, wide range of real people, positive LGBTQ+ representations. Lack of romance was a plus. I really liked the characters.
I loved this book. For some reason, i thought that it was YA but it is not. If you like magical worlds and urban fantasy with non-whiney heroines in real life situations, You will live this. Found families, wide range of real people, positive LGBTQ+ representations. Lack of romance was a plus. I really liked the characters.
June 27, 2020
Interesting world building and likeable characters
I found this to be an interesting read and I liked the characters and the story. I'm looking forward to the next book. I'll be following this author.
I found this to be an interesting read and I liked the characters and the story. I'm looking forward to the next book. I'll be following this author.
July 7, 2021
This might be a little spoilery. I don’t think I say anything that you wouldn’t guess from the blurb, but be warned. Plus, I make a few assumptions. But I’m fairly confident in my assertions.
I am struggling to figure out how to describe my experience with this book. The writing is perfectly readable. I listened to an audio version, so I can’t comment on editing, but I didn’t catch any obvious mishaps. So, the book isn’t a mess. But it’s 359 pages long and literally moves the plot forward zero percent. The character is in the exact same position (in the larger plot) at the end of the book as she was in the beginning. We follow all her personal dramas and accomplishments, from class to internships to work, but not the VERY OBVIOUS magical issue that is the larger plot and mystery. Cori hasn’t really even acknowledged that there is a mystery, not really! And these are my biggest issues, lack of plot progression and the obviousness.
There is a really interesting magical world here, complete with bureaucracy and international standards. What is happening around Cori is VERY OBVIOUSLY not normal. Her own reluctance to acknowledge this is hard to believe, even when she has her emotional outburst about it. But that everyone around her, several of whom basically tell her to her face she’s magical and almost all of whom suggest she get tested for magic, also just ignore this is beyond the pale. She is surrounded by mandated reporters, people who are legally obligated to report unregistered magic (and child abuse/neglect, but that’s another issue). That not one of them called and reported her, forcing her to get tested, is 100% not believable.
So, the whole premise of the book, that she doesn’t know she has magic, is unsteady and compromises the whole thing. In fact, I’m stating here she has magic, but even by the end of the book neither she nor anyone around her has acknowledged it. It got to the point that I literally rolled my eyes every-time something obvious happened, another person said, “get tested,” and Cori responded with I’m not magic, end of story.
I’m actually interested in knowing what happens. But I’m not willing to commit to reading another book knowing that the author is willing to dragggggggg the plot out as long as she has. Will I read the next book only to find Cori and everyone around her with their head STILL in the sand? That would be too frustrating to handle. I almost can’t handle this book ending with them still sucking soil.
So, as I said, I’m struggling. I don’t think the writing is bad. I like the world. But this 359 page book functions as little more than a prequel to the series and that’s a structural decision I’m not wiling to submit myself to further.
As for the narration, it started out pretty rough, honestly. But Juliet eventually seemed to find her stride and it smoothed out.
I am struggling to figure out how to describe my experience with this book. The writing is perfectly readable. I listened to an audio version, so I can’t comment on editing, but I didn’t catch any obvious mishaps. So, the book isn’t a mess. But it’s 359 pages long and literally moves the plot forward zero percent. The character is in the exact same position (in the larger plot) at the end of the book as she was in the beginning. We follow all her personal dramas and accomplishments, from class to internships to work, but not the VERY OBVIOUS magical issue that is the larger plot and mystery. Cori hasn’t really even acknowledged that there is a mystery, not really! And these are my biggest issues, lack of plot progression and the obviousness.
There is a really interesting magical world here, complete with bureaucracy and international standards. What is happening around Cori is VERY OBVIOUSLY not normal. Her own reluctance to acknowledge this is hard to believe, even when she has her emotional outburst about it. But that everyone around her, several of whom basically tell her to her face she’s magical and almost all of whom suggest she get tested for magic, also just ignore this is beyond the pale. She is surrounded by mandated reporters, people who are legally obligated to report unregistered magic (and child abuse/neglect, but that’s another issue). That not one of them called and reported her, forcing her to get tested, is 100% not believable.
So, the whole premise of the book, that she doesn’t know she has magic, is unsteady and compromises the whole thing. In fact, I’m stating here she has magic, but even by the end of the book neither she nor anyone around her has acknowledged it. It got to the point that I literally rolled my eyes every-time something obvious happened, another person said, “get tested,” and Cori responded with I’m not magic, end of story.
I’m actually interested in knowing what happens. But I’m not willing to commit to reading another book knowing that the author is willing to dragggggggg the plot out as long as she has. Will I read the next book only to find Cori and everyone around her with their head STILL in the sand? That would be too frustrating to handle. I almost can’t handle this book ending with them still sucking soil.
So, as I said, I’m struggling. I don’t think the writing is bad. I like the world. But this 359 page book functions as little more than a prequel to the series and that’s a structural decision I’m not wiling to submit myself to further.
As for the narration, it started out pretty rough, honestly. But Juliet eventually seemed to find her stride and it smoothed out.
March 12, 2023
Young adult but great for me as well
Well written, though needing an edit for typos. Good world building, interesting characters. Her useless egg and sperm donors and her ability to rise above them and succeed make me want to hug her till she squeaks. So strong and still feet on the ground solid, kind, and considerate.HIGHLY recommended for any age reader.
Well written, though needing an edit for typos. Good world building, interesting characters. Her useless egg and sperm donors and her ability to rise above them and succeed make me want to hug her till she squeaks. So strong and still feet on the ground solid, kind, and considerate.HIGHLY recommended for any age reader.
January 22, 2021
I am 50% in, and I’m torn. On one hand, it is interesting and I want to find out what is going on. On the other hand this is yet another book that needs editing so desperately. Here is one line:
MC: "That would be appreciated. But is Carl coming back? Thought you said he broke his leg."
OC: "His leg is, but I'm pretty sure we can set a stool up for him and set him there at the counter.”
He broke his leg > his leg is? That isn’t something a person would actually say. So many of the dialogue issues would be solved if the author had said them out loud, or gone over them with another person. It jars me out of the story.
Beyond that the setup for the presumed plot twist of what the heck the MC actually is feels really heavy handed. I’ll decide fully after I finish, but from where I stand I fear the author may have made the MC TSTL.
And beyond THAT I find the MC’s reactions to be incredibly weird at times. The whole situation with her parents is beyond me.
———————————————
Completed. In essence was not resolved, but also wasn’t a cliffhanger. I’m going to read the second book and see where that goes. Overall it is an interesting magic system, though the lack of detail is frustrating, with a plot that is new-to-me rather than a rinse and repeat that seems to be plaguing the genre.
MC: "That would be appreciated. But is Carl coming back? Thought you said he broke his leg."
OC: "His leg is, but I'm pretty sure we can set a stool up for him and set him there at the counter.”
He broke his leg > his leg is? That isn’t something a person would actually say. So many of the dialogue issues would be solved if the author had said them out loud, or gone over them with another person. It jars me out of the story.
Beyond that the setup for the presumed plot twist of what the heck the MC actually is feels really heavy handed. I’ll decide fully after I finish, but from where I stand I fear the author may have made the MC TSTL.
And beyond THAT I find the MC’s reactions to be incredibly weird at times. The whole situation with her parents is beyond me.
———————————————
Completed. In essence was not resolved, but also wasn’t a cliffhanger. I’m going to read the second book and see where that goes. Overall it is an interesting magic system, though the lack of detail is frustrating, with a plot that is new-to-me rather than a rinse and repeat that seems to be plaguing the genre.
January 7, 2022
This was fun. I liked the people, and I wanted more, so on to book 2!
September 24, 2024
My Luck, Book One of The Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd is an inclusive modern day urban fantasy. The protagonist, Cori, a young woman who is not a mage in a world where magic is commonplace, has more than her own share of bad luck.
Cori’s twin brother died in her arms and her relationship with her own family has since become virtually non-existent. Fortunately, she has the support of her best friend Jo and her family.
I can’t get enough of Cori’s story—I ordered the entire series and am enjoying it immensely!
Bad Ash Publishing
Published June 26, 2020
#meltodd #twistedluck #myluck #badashpublishing
#Magic #smalltown #emergencymedicine
#LGBTQIA
#Brightbookreviews
Cori’s twin brother died in her arms and her relationship with her own family has since become virtually non-existent. Fortunately, she has the support of her best friend Jo and her family.
I can’t get enough of Cori’s story—I ordered the entire series and am enjoying it immensely!
Bad Ash Publishing
Published June 26, 2020
#meltodd #twistedluck #myluck #badashpublishing
#Magic #smalltown #emergencymedicine
#LGBTQIA
#Brightbookreviews
February 18, 2021
I almost never feel like a book and series deserve a full five stars. This is honestly one of them. Cori is extremely relatable, and her determination to succeed despite her scumbag parents is heartwarming.
This is an amazing start to a terrific series.
I'm on book 3 and there is no romance for Cori yet (no confirmed interests yet), so if you prefer your urban fantasy more action than romance, this is definitely one for you.
As an aside--I don't expect books available on Kindle Unlimited to be this good or this bulky. These books are solid reads with character and plot development galore. I'm honestly probably going to buy hard copies--I love it THAT much. And that's even rarer than a true five stars!
This is an amazing start to a terrific series.
I'm on book 3 and there is no romance for Cori yet (no confirmed interests yet), so if you prefer your urban fantasy more action than romance, this is definitely one for you.
As an aside--I don't expect books available on Kindle Unlimited to be this good or this bulky. These books are solid reads with character and plot development galore. I'm honestly probably going to buy hard copies--I love it THAT much. And that's even rarer than a true five stars!
February 1, 2021
Innovative
I liked the magic system, which is unique. The alternate history / politics / laws that are shown are parallel to many real ideas / events and make sense. LOVED the mention of CSI: Mages tv series. The main character, Cori, is relatable young adult, with concerns over finishing a degree so she can get a job, money trouble, and worries of the future. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I liked the magic system, which is unique. The alternate history / politics / laws that are shown are parallel to many real ideas / events and make sense. LOVED the mention of CSI: Mages tv series. The main character, Cori, is relatable young adult, with concerns over finishing a degree so she can get a job, money trouble, and worries of the future. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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