Casting Shadows

The Magicsmith #4

by L.R. Braden

Children are disappearing.

With Purity growing in political power and bigotry on the rise across the Realms, Alex’s short-term goals are to stay under the PTF's radar and as far from the fae Courts as she can. But her plans go up in smoke when May, the younger sister of her good friend Emma, goes missing.

The fae are involved.

Alex will do everything she can to find May, but to mount a rescue she'll have to avoid PTF raids, conquer old ghosts, and risk coming face to face with her fae grandfather again.

War is coming.

Lines are being drawn. No one is safe. To survive, Alex will have to choose a side.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fae, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Magic, Fantasy

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2020

About the author

L.R. Braden is a bestselling, multi-award-winning author of dark-yet-hopeful urban fantasy stories. Her published works include the Magicsmith series, the Rifter series, and several works of shorter fiction.

A bit of a recluse, she enjoys collecting skills that may (or may not) prove useful in the event that she is suddenly transported to an inhospitable alternate reality. Since that hasn't happened yet, she mostly spends her days weaving fantastic tales, playing with her family, and getting lost on purpose.

Her writing has won many awards, including the Eric Hoffer Book Award for Sci-fi/Fantasy, the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Paranormal Fiction, and the Imadjinn Award for Best Urban Fantasy.

Connect with her online at https://www.lrbraden.com

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

CASTING SHADOWS by L.R. Braden is the fourth book in The Magicsmith supernatural suspense / urban fantasy series. The female protagonist, Alex Blackwood is a half fae metalsmith creating works of art in Colorado after a fragile peace between the Fae and humans. With the human Purity movement growing in power, including the new governor of Colorado, the Paranatural Task Force (PTF) has more power and bigotry is rampant. Detention camps have a constant influx of paranaturals. When a friend’s younger sister goes missing, Alex does everything she can to rescue her. Who is involved? How will she find her? Can Alex stay under the PTF’s radar? Is another war coming?

Alex is a likeable main character who is loyal to her friends and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. She showed more growth in this novel from both a personal standpoint and her magical abilities. The main secondary characters are getting more developed as well. They enhanced the story and added to the story rather than detracting from it. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was great.

Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more books in this thrilling series. If you enjoy supernatural suspense, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did. This series is best if it is read in order.

Many thanks to Belle Books, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

Casting Shadows, by L.R. Braden, is the fourth installment in the authors The Magicsmith series. Alex Blackwood has her hands full in this installment. As this is the fourth book in the series, it's become increasing hard to keep spoilers out of my review. But, I shall try anyway. As the story opens, Alex is worried. The new governor of Colorado is a racist who hates paranormals. He's using the Paranormal Task Force (PTF) to round up those suspected of being paranormal and sending them off to detention camps. This means that everyone that Alex knows is in trouble.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Rolé - Hooked By That Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at www.hookedbythatbook.com --

Alex Blackwood is back, and in even more trouble than before, if that is even possible. The PTF is heavily breathing down her neck, and anybody that is associated with her.

At the start of the story Alex is facing a huge, but fairly vague threat from the PTF. Later on she had a specific focus to rescue May and the other missing children. This made the danger to her and her friends more immediate, and more interesting to read. Alex developed a lot in terms of relationships, how she views herself, and using her magic.

For some reason, I’m still not that into Alex and James as a couple. But James does stand by her the entire time, and gives her the space she needs to do what has to be done. He was a strong and necessary support for her when things got really tough, especially mentally.

Things do look a bit bleak at this point for Alex and her friends. But with Alex learning more about her powers and able to use them more effectively, there is also a lot of hope.

This story has lots of action, some relationship mending, and Alex and James getting even closer. I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to Bell Bridge Books and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series so far. I liked this one but it is not one of my favorites. Nothing seems to be going right for Alex and with the PTF ramping up their fight with the fae, tension in the cities is rising. Human and paranormal children have been disappearing and when Emma’s little sister, May, goes missing, Alex promises to try to find her and the other missing children. The PTF are breathing down her neck as she, and her friends try to avoid being arrested as they move about the city and fae realm to discover the location of the missing kids. Alex goes through a lot in this book. I think she starts understanding of her self and her powers which helps her to grow but she still is so uncertain of who she really is that I think she has a long way to go. She seemed to be flying by the seat of her pants in this book. I really enjoyed her metalworking art and that she makes imbued objects and am a little disappointed that she didn’t do any of that in this book. Alex was often on the run so this had a frenetic feeling to it. In the end, there were some issues resolved but for the most part there were a lot of new problems on her horizon. I liked it though and am looking forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a series of disappointing books that had me DNFing left, right and centre this was a breath of fresh air.

Set in a world where humans and the fae were at war and are now in an uneasy peace, with pure human bigotry on the rise, when werewolves and vampires are still a secret, one young woman stands at the centre of it all.

Alex Blackwood, our halfer blacksmith is back. After the events of the last book it is only a matter of time before the videos of Alex confessing she is immune to iron and Sophie transforming into a werewolf are broadcast.

Then May’s little sister goes missing and Alex discovers she’s been abducted by a fae. What follows had enough magic, battles, vampires, strange creatures and intrigue to keep me glued to my Kindle.

If you used to love PNR and/or Urban Fantasy but you’ve read all the books by your favourite authors and the others are all a bit meh, I highly recommend this series which is just getting into its stride.

I cannot wait for the next book, but I fear Alex’s love life may not be all plain sailing ...

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sees Alex stuck between two sides as the humans are getting more bold when it comes to those who are Fae and it looks like the Fae just might be gearing up for war. Alex may be considered a halfer by many but at heart she's human but have her recent actions cost more than they saved ? No matter how troubling that thought is when young May a talented violinist is kidnapped Alex is determined to rescue her but what if along the way she discovers nothing is ever an accident in the land of Faerie ?
Shifters, Vampires and Fae all play a part but it's Alex that bears the brunt of the trials here. There is no doubt that the Fae have their own agendas and we do see just how cruel and manipulative they can be. Alex learns something about herself along the way which leaves questions about her heritage. I enjoyed her travels through Faerie but for this reader her odd romance still needs to convince me. Still I did enjoy it and will definitely look for the next book.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series, and I love that it just keeps getting better and better. Tensions are getting much higher between humans and non-humans, and of course Alex is one of the ones at the center. But her friend’s sister has been kidnapped so she must put everything aside and find her. The plot just keeps getting more and more complex, and the revelations towards the end were just so surprising. I generally see those coming. LOL! I love the excellent writing, complex characters, interesting plot, and the great action, and I think those who love urban fantasy will, too. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has become more complicated for Alex Blackwood ever since the new governor was elected and the Purity movement has taken center stage. As a halfer, Alex is in the crosshairs of the PTF now more than ever, and she no longer trusts her Uncle Sol or former best friend David. This leads Alex to be spending more time with her fae and other paranatural companions, traveling into fae realms to track down missing people and return her world to a balanced equilibrium. But when a massive secret is revealed to the world, Alex and her friends must fight for their lives, entrusting others as much as they can as their circumstances become ever more dire.

This fourth in the Magicsmith series picks up shortly after book three ends, and anti-fae sentiments in Colorado are heating up significantly. Alex quickly goes from feeling safely isolated in her mountain home to being a target, which threatens not only her own life but those of her friends, as well. Thus, much of this book is centered around the paranatural characters in Alex’s universe, which provides opportunities for a deeper connection with Alex’s boyfriend James and some steamier scenes than have appeared in previous installments. And while the intensity of the human bigotry and Alex’s feelings for James heat up, the novel remains accessible to young adult readers as well as older ones.

Fans of urban fantasy adventures will appreciate being able to continue the series with Alex as she discovers more of herself with each adventure. Compelling writing, well-designed world-building, and a vibrant cast of characters keep readers engaged in discovering how Alex will get herself out of each mess in which she finds herself. Werewolves, vampires, and a huge assortment of fae are incorporated into this series, which provides readers with a feeling of interconnectedness with many global cultures. This, set against the backdrop of real-life Boulder, Colorado, makes the story feel more real than it otherwise might. Engaging and memorable, this is a strong addition to collections of tales that interweave reality and fantasy.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series manages to get better and better, which it a pretty impressive feat considering how awesome it started. Knowing how impossible it is to leave this world once I sink in, I made sure to start this on a day I had nothing else to do, and as I expected, I read it all in one day, barely looking up to eat.

In this part Alex doesn't get to relax for a second, as you might expect. Emma's sister is kidnapped and this starts off a mission to find her that gets deeper than anyone could have imagined. So much more is found along the way. I love how rich and complex the plot, the world, and the characters are.

I mean seriously that plot, the subplots, yowza, that's just awesome writing. It has so many elements all wound together neatly, in ways that still manage to surprise me as things are revealed. So much was revealed in this book as well as new questions to be addressed in future parts.

The world, it's so creative. I love the varieties in the types of characters and the realms. It's written with such skill that the details don't bog down, yet it's easy to imagine a fantasy world filled with creatures, and settings unique to this series. It's totally absorbing.

Plot and world being as wonderful a they are, to me the real gem is in the characters. Even the secondary, and seemly background characters are well drawn and as things unfold their motives and richness add layers that make them all so real. Some lovable, some easy to despise, but most falling in a gray area that adds to the realism. James continues to grow on me, I think I sort of love him. Of course being into the darker characters as I am, I'm still fascinated by Bael. And I'm hopeful we will see more of Kai. I guess, I'm fickle. ;)

Highly recommended. This is easily one of the best paranormal fantasy series I've read. I can't wait for the next part.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a joint review for books 3, 4 and 5 in this series since I had the same response to all three. I read book 1, Drop of Magic, and thought it was ok. I did not read book 2, Courting Darkness. Netgalley gave me copies of 3 (Faerie Forged), 4 (Casting Shadows) and 5 (Of Mettle and Magic) in exchange for my honest review. I read all three in the course of two days.

I'm giving these three all a like rating because I enjoyed them. However, it is not at the top of the list of UF series I'd recommend.

The stories kept me reading, perhaps helped in part that the storylines don't really stand alone, it's one long saga so when a book ends, you are left wanting to see what happens. Not a true cliffhanger, but there's no overall resolution. I also really enjoy UF because of the strong secondary character development that usual takes place since there's usually time to have lots of character development with 3 or more books. There is some, but not enough and characters just seem to disappear. Sometimes that's due to the storyline taking Alex elsewhere, but a smoother transition would be nice.

Each book had some slow spots, but Casting Shadows and Of Mettle and Magic kicked up the action.

The author's latest release, Demon Riding Shotgun, let's one of the most recent secondary characters take a front seat. I just hope this doesn't mean we won't get another book wrapping up Alex's situation.

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the excellent Magicsmith series and I really think that reading the previous books is a must to fully understand Alex's world .

Since her return from her trip to see her Fae Grandfather Bael , Alex realises that her position in the mortal world has become more precarious . The new Governor of Colorado hates paranormals and is using the PTF - Paranormal Task Force - to put all he suspects into detention camps . This places all who Alex holds dear in danger - a danger she holds herself resposible for , the video of her confession as a 'halfer' has come to light .
Meanwhile her friend Emma's talented 12 year old sister has gone missing , she is not the first talented youngster to go missing , in fact other races also have young ones missing .
Alex's race to find the missing children whilst trying to evade the PTF makes for an enjoyable read .
My only difficulty with the book was how convoluted it became in the middle - how she went from one realm to the other so often felt a little unnecessary - but this is just my opinion .
The book finishes with Alex homeless , in danger in both the Fae realm and on Earth - her allies in hiding- where wiil the next book take us ?
With these thoughts in mind I feel I cannot give my usual 5 stars to the series

I was given an arc of the book by the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Rosie Rizk · Rating 4 out of 5]

New challenges, new threats, additional dangers from the PTE and other race hating humans, complicated dealings with fae lords, new magical twists. Between all her old problems and her increasing new ones, Alex is kept on her toes, running to put out every new fire.

This series hasn't failed to constantly provide fresh content. There are new threats and problems, new magical developments, new fae realms and adversaries. Alex has a great team of friends who have her back. Her own character hasn't flattened out yet; she's still fighting her fears and understanding her motives, even finding out that there are still more secrets she's yet to learn of her own family.

I'm still upset that there's so little hope for Alex's future in the human realm. With all the anti fae and anti magic crackdowns, it seems inevitable that Alex will lose all she ever had in her human life. It's a depressing background thought while I'm reading. At least Alex recognizes all the issues of having a relationship with a vampire. It's refreshing to read a book that doesn't romanticize blood drinking and immortality and all the other issues of a human/vamp relationship.

But Alex is still up there, kicking her way past every insurmountable challenge.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of CASTING SHADOWS (Book 4 of the MagicSmith Series) by L.R. Braden in exchange for an honest review. The Purity candidate has been elected and discrimination against fae and magic users has become the accepted norm. Alex and her group are still trying to lie low and avoid conflict, but crimes against the magical are escalating, and no one is seeking justice for those harmed. When Alex learns that May, the young sister of Alex’s friend Emma, didn’t come home from school, Alex has a seeing that a fae took May. Alex can’t let the world know that the fae are kidnapping children because it would flip hostilities into war, so Alex must brave the realms of faery, defy her grandfather, overcome her ignorance of her magical abilities, and defeat new and old foes to accomplish her quest.

I enjoy this series and liked this book. It seemed to go by too quickly and left me wanting more. I recommend this book to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of urban fantasy featuring vampires, werewolves, fae, witches, wizards, and interdimensional travel.

#CastingSahdows #NetGalley

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Blackwood has enough trouble with the PTF out to get her. When she learns her friend's little sister has been kidnapped, Alex immediately suspects the PTF. Alex is shocked discover it's actually someone from the Fae world. In fact, it's her father's old general.

Alex sets off to save the missing girl and all the others being held captive. After that, she's off to confront their captor. Alex barely manages to make it out unscathed. Unfortunately, she doesn't leave with things resolved, but that will have to be a fight for another day.

CASTING SHADOWS is fast-paced and action-filled. Alex once again journeys back to the Fae world. This time, we meet shifters of all kinds and get a view of their strange and beautiful lands. Alex still has many trials ahead of her, but she is strong and resilient. Meanwhile, James and Alex's relationship grows stronger. I'm still not team James, but I think for now, he is what Alex needs. CASTING SHADOWS is going on my recommended read list.

[Paula Lydon]

These books just keep getting better and better. I am really enjoying following more deeply into the fae world, even more excited to feel that we're still on the visible part of the iceberg. Love the way tertiary characters have also been growing, expanding their roles and showing themselves as individuals in this world and timeline in their own right. Hoping to see some spin-offs of them, but still in the vibrant world the author has given us. And, I for one, appreciate the slower more thoughtful romance between Alex and James; feels much more like a true deepening love as they realistically view who each of them are and what's unfolding around them. Far more satisfying than, as one tends to encounter these days in books: sudden huge fireworks, a lusty romp in bed for a few days and then either an unbelievable love-at-first-bedding or a 'Who are you again?' With this series I have read much further into the night than I have in many years, and further than was prudent for a fresh brain the next day. Wonderful storytelling!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Casting Shadows is the fourth title in, The Magicsmith series and I would suggest reading the series in order for the best experience and enjoyment. As someone who has read the entire series, I can only say, that I have been captivated by both the world and character building throughout the series.

In this title the tension between Alex, her friends, other paranaturals and the Paranatural Task Force explodes, while simultaneously Alex’s attention is caught by the wide ranging disappearance of children - both human and paranatural. Alex is yet again torn about what she should do, but travels her own path with courage and finesse.

The ending of this title has a bittersweet, smoky flavour; leaving the reader (me) satisfied with the conclusion of the main story thread yet desperate for more of the story, desperate for more about the characters who remain in my mind long after I’ve concluded reading the stories they reside within.

Start with, A drop of magic and see if you can evade Alex Casting Shadows.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and more exciting as Alex becomes more enthralled with the supernaturals. Trouble is brewing and Purity is send out the PTF to bring in supernatural creatures or those suspected to helping them or those humans with magic. Alex will due anything to keep her friends safe and she seems to keep on getting house guests too. Alex's next adventures involve avoiding the PTF and finding out where the missing children have disappeared to. Alex will discover more things about herself and have to face truths that she has kept buried. Alex belongs to neither the fae nor the humans, yet is being forced to pick a side. War is coming and Alex is caught in the middle. Alex do anything to keep her friends and loved ones safe, even if it means making bargains.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ashley Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

To be perfectly honest, I almost didn’t finish this book. I put it down for a long time because I simply got bored with the first 12 chapters. The interesting aspects of Alex as a person have gotten lost in the aspect of Alex as a political tool. I liked hearing about her art and metalwork, but she hasn’t done anything artistic in several books. She’s still imbuing, but that took until after chapter 12 to even act like she had magic. I’m not sure if it was the pacing that was off, or just the idea that the first 40 or so percent of the book was running from the PTF and being aware that children are missing (but not actually doing anything yet). But.... the last 25% or so was really good. There were a lot of reveals, a few questions for the future, and the possibility of war. But, I’d love to see Alex being an artist as well, and not just the one to save the world or her corner of it.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was provided an electronic ARC via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Alex and crew return in the latest installment in the Magicsmith series by LR Braden. This is the fourth book in the series, which makes it increasingly difficult to discuss without spoilers.

All of the the things that made the first three appealing were carried through in this book as well. LR Braden makes characters accessible and has a way of developing even side characters so that they are relatable and have potential to be favorites.The writing is fast-paced and easy to fly through.

We got to see more of Alex's character growth in this book than the others, though I missed Kai's presence. I look forward to learning more about Haru and Chase in future works in the series.

I look forward to continuing this series and reading whatever other books LR Braden puts forward.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casting shadows is the fourth installment of the Magicsmith series and it does not disappoint! This is fast becoming one of my favorite series! I love that it just keeps getting better and better. Tensions are getting much higher between humans and non-humans, and as much as Alex does not want to be in the center of conflict or scrutiny she firmly remains right In the thick of it. The story arc is very well done and complex and just continues to become more exciting with each installment. The characters are endearing, fascinating and very well developed. I Highly recommend this series!

I received this book from NetGalley and Bell Bridge Books for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Magicsmith series and is the best yet. May has been kidnapped by the FAE and it's up to Alex and her paranormal friends to travel to the Fae empire to rescue her and lots of other missing children. Trying to avoid her enemies and her grandfather she faces trial after trial before finding the encampment of missing children. L.R. Braden is one of my favorite fantasy authors and I look forward to her next installment. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

When children are kidnapped and Alex feels compelled to assist in their rescue. Prejudice between humans and supernaturals is at an all time high and at risk of even escalating more. Alex’s grandfather features in this installment in a less dominant way. He seems behind a lot of what happens and manipulates situations that Alex must work to understand. I love the relationships Alex has with her boyfriend and housemates.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. The more I read this series and get to know more about Alex and the world that she lives in the more I enjoy it. She has a lot of drama in her life and just enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. Her only being half Fae puts her in the line of fire once again as she doing what she can to help locate the missing people. She has to travel into the Fae Realm in order to search for them.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Alex is full of surprises and never fails to keep my attention. There is such a variety of beings including a chimera that my mind was spinning keeping them straight. Such a unique world to fall in to. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Magicsmith series. Alex continues to grow into both herself and her abilities as she hunts for a friend's missing sister. Wonderfully written with engaging characters, I can't wait to read the next offering in this highly entertaining series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*

[t'irla ~The Bookslayer~ aka Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first 3 books...a bit too angsty for me. I still like the characters and am curious as to where this story arc is going to take us but this outing seemed a bit drawn out and wordy. I admit to getting a bit bored during aspects of it. Could be the pace was off. Rush rush..then it kinda stopped for angst then rush rush...Hoping the next book is back on point 3.5 stars from me.

[Charmaine Ohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Alex in the land(s) of Fae is good to read. The inevitable war is progressing and finding herself in the middle of a whole heap of trouble is nothing new or surprising. However her magic use is getting more interesting and her entourage is gaining members. Can't wait to read the final book to see how she sorts out the huge mess happening around her from all sides.

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced book with plenty of thrills. Alex will travel to fae on a rescue mission as persecution of paranormals come to a head as the new governor wages all out war on non humans. Excellent characters, great storyline. I voluntarily reviewed this book for Netgalley.

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uuu, this was fun!

There was a nice twist in this book that I enjoyed. This series is still really good and fun to read; who would have expected that, especially when starting a new author? Yay!

I'm curious if it can keep this pace and if it will actually have a good ending.

[Nickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Alex is growing and learning more about who she is what it means to be who she is.