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Mortal Magic #1
Stray
Homeless, broke, and preparing to move back in with his abusive family, Sawyer Woolridge is having one of the worst days of his life. And that’s before he gets mugged by an angel and mistaken for a terrorist.
Someone is using a supernatural weapon made with dragon’s blood to firebomb buildings in the city of Phoenix. As Sawyer becomes increasingly entangled with the men working to find the bomber, he finds himself falling into danger—and into love.
Piccione is a carnivorous angel with a beautiful face and a sharp temper. Asher Thomas is a jealous dragon who wears tailored suits and smells like gasoline. The revenant is a dead man whose name was stripped away in a dehumanizing necromantic ritual. They’re all after the bomber, but they spend more time at each others’ throats than on the hunt.
Sawyer never graduated high school and has and no experience with criminal investigation—or the supernatural. But he does have adult communication skills and a dominant streak. Can he convince these three men to look past their differences and see that they need each other?
Mortal Magic: Stray is a gay harem romance set in the spine-tingling world of a paranormal thriller. Stray is the first in the four-book Mortal Magic series, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after at the end of the series and no cliffhangers. The romance is slow-burn with some D/s elements.
Someone is using a supernatural weapon made with dragon’s blood to firebomb buildings in the city of Phoenix. As Sawyer becomes increasingly entangled with the men working to find the bomber, he finds himself falling into danger—and into love.
Piccione is a carnivorous angel with a beautiful face and a sharp temper. Asher Thomas is a jealous dragon who wears tailored suits and smells like gasoline. The revenant is a dead man whose name was stripped away in a dehumanizing necromantic ritual. They’re all after the bomber, but they spend more time at each others’ throats than on the hunt.
Sawyer never graduated high school and has and no experience with criminal investigation—or the supernatural. But he does have adult communication skills and a dominant streak. Can he convince these three men to look past their differences and see that they need each other?
Mortal Magic: Stray is a gay harem romance set in the spine-tingling world of a paranormal thriller. Stray is the first in the four-book Mortal Magic series, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after at the end of the series and no cliffhangers. The romance is slow-burn with some D/s elements.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2020
64 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jackbird Lee
3 books26 followersJackbird Lee is a queer trans man living in New England. He shares his home with a multitude of critters, including three cats, one rabbit, a leopard gecko, and his sister.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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November 8, 2020DNF at 60% - I wouldn’t say there is anything wrong with the book because there wasn’t. It just couldn’t keep my interest so I put it down. And now that it has been weeks since I last picked this up the last thing I want to do is read this. Idk this is a weird dnf for me. So anyways because I didn’t hate this book and just lost interest and have no desire to pick it up I won’t be rating it.
dnf
February 5, 2021DNF 20%
Honestly I couldn’t tell you if it was me or the book on this one.
Everything about this book ticks lot of my boxes (gay paranormal romance with angels and dragons and the promise of a harem/poly?? Yes please).
I just couldn’t seem to get into the writing and I didn’t want to force myself. I figured when I force myself to continue I end up putting myself farther into a slump.
I may continue at a later time, maybe after I see reviews for book 2.
Honestly I couldn’t tell you if it was me or the book on this one.
Everything about this book ticks lot of my boxes (gay paranormal romance with angels and dragons and the promise of a harem/poly?? Yes please).
I just couldn’t seem to get into the writing and I didn’t want to force myself. I figured when I force myself to continue I end up putting myself farther into a slump.
I may continue at a later time, maybe after I see reviews for book 2.
October 25, 2021
So, the romance felt forced and sterile. Idk but knowing someone for 2 days and occasionally talking to them to me does not a romance make. Some of the decisions made by characters also felt strange and implausible.
Also wouldn't the dead guy know his name if he knows who is wife and kid is? You can at least get a last name from the mail.
The plot was a little weak. It was pretty obvious from the start what was happening but yeah.
Here's the thing though. The take on angels/zombies/etc is really really cool. The angels in this are way more monstery and creepy. Love the ideas for the risen. So even though there's some stuff that could be better, I'm still going forward for the carnivorous angel boy lol
Also wouldn't the dead guy know his name if he knows who is wife and kid is? You can at least get a last name from the mail.
The plot was a little weak. It was pretty obvious from the start what was happening but yeah.
Here's the thing though. The take on angels/zombies/etc is really really cool. The angels in this are way more monstery and creepy. Love the ideas for the risen. So even though there's some stuff that could be better, I'm still going forward for the carnivorous angel boy lol
January 19, 2021
I found Goldilocks!!!
I've read hundreds of books on kindle in the last two years and this is ONLY book that I have ever left a review for. Lots of authors and genres have books that can be good or enjoyable. I have never written something from an author with one book on the site that is so incredibly on point in every aspect that I could not put it down. From the bottom of my cold, black heart (with me on my knees in supplication and tears rolling down my cheeks [didn't even know I could do that]), PLEASE give us (ME) more as soon as possible and as frequently thereafter as you can possibly be persuaded to provide 🙏🙈🙉🙊💓
I've read hundreds of books on kindle in the last two years and this is ONLY book that I have ever left a review for. Lots of authors and genres have books that can be good or enjoyable. I have never written something from an author with one book on the site that is so incredibly on point in every aspect that I could not put it down. From the bottom of my cold, black heart (with me on my knees in supplication and tears rolling down my cheeks [didn't even know I could do that]), PLEASE give us (ME) more as soon as possible and as frequently thereafter as you can possibly be persuaded to provide 🙏🙈🙉🙊💓
October 13, 2021
One word about this first book, weird! Everything about this story is weird. The main storyline is weirdly undeveloped, and the writing style was off for me. Nonetheless, I read the book to the end, but probably won't read other books in this series.
December 30, 2020
Good but...
I love the idea, but world building was slow.
I really hope to see more depth in the next book.
I love the idea, but world building was slow.
I really hope to see more depth in the next book.
July 26, 2021
Kind of wild
Ends in a HFN, so I'm kind of bummed that the next in the series isn't out yet after almost a year.
This is third person POV, which I haven't read in a very long time, so it took some adjusting, but the characters are weird and compelling and I liked it. It's supposed to be the first in a series, and it leaves a lot of answered questions. Who is trying to reach Sawyer on the phone? What happened to the voiceless woman? What's the necromancer going to do when they don't bring her back? Who is going to take care of the Aztec Dragon?
On the one hand, I want to warn people that it's looking pretty unfinished at this point, but also it was a kind of wild ride and maybe if we read it, he'll write the next one.
Ends in a HFN, so I'm kind of bummed that the next in the series isn't out yet after almost a year.
This is third person POV, which I haven't read in a very long time, so it took some adjusting, but the characters are weird and compelling and I liked it. It's supposed to be the first in a series, and it leaves a lot of answered questions. Who is trying to reach Sawyer on the phone? What happened to the voiceless woman? What's the necromancer going to do when they don't bring her back? Who is going to take care of the Aztec Dragon?
On the one hand, I want to warn people that it's looking pretty unfinished at this point, but also it was a kind of wild ride and maybe if we read it, he'll write the next one.
September 20, 2020
I greatly enjoyed this book!
It felt surprisingly short and I wish I could jump into the next book immediately for more!!
The blurb mentions that Sawyer has a dominant streak which I unfortunately only saw a little of at the end, but with him being thrown into the supernatural world that's understandable. Hope there will be more in the next book and I wonder how being dominant works with the dragon..
The plot could've been fleshed out a bit more but oh well it's the first book and maybe I'm being picky.
I'm suspicious how easily the villains were defeated and suspect future troubles ahead, but I'm sure these four are up for it :D
It felt surprisingly short and I wish I could jump into the next book immediately for more!!
The blurb mentions that Sawyer has a dominant streak which I unfortunately only saw a little of at the end, but with him being thrown into the supernatural world that's understandable. Hope there will be more in the next book and I wonder how being dominant works with the dragon..
The plot could've been fleshed out a bit more but oh well it's the first book and maybe I'm being picky.
I'm suspicious how easily the villains were defeated and suspect future troubles ahead, but I'm sure these four are up for it :D
September 30, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this M/M harem book! The characters are all so lovable, and relatable. I am absolutely ecstatic that Sawyer is turning out to be a dominant main character as so few are in the gay harem genre. I'm so excited to see where his character is going, especially regarding his "condition". (I'm really hoping that he has a hidden, badass supernatural side-not that he isn't badass as just a human.) Piccione and The Reverent are also fantastic! They're rough and tough guys who pack a whole lot of punch, but aren't afraid to cuddle up and be vulnerable. It kind of hurt my soul to see that book two will take until 2021.
May 19, 2022
NGL my first time attempting to read this, I dropped it due to the way it was written having come from reading a book in the first person prior, so it was hard to adjust to something in the third person. I apparently just needed a reset period cause I came back recently and finished it in a day! Loved it! Love both the characters and the concepts. MC can be a bit of a dunce but eh he grew on me. Hopefully this series hasn't been dropped cause I originally was planning to wait for the third book to be released so I had more to binge read. Whelp, I'm a book deep now and wholly invested in Sawyers life.
July 15, 2023
This is so strange. The characters are super prickly and there’s no reasoning or backstory as to why they’re acting that way. You get some backstory on our MC Sawyer, but not enough. There’s also absolutely no romance. This shouldn’t really be classified as a romance. Maybe it’ll be better in the second book? But idk, if you’re going to write a short book you have to be right and tight with what you include. Like why does Sawyer have such a simple vocabulary? You don’t really get any explanation or any hint.
I like the idea, the interesting take on paranormal creatures and such. But there’s a lot missing and it’s such a short read. It’s frustrating
I like the idea, the interesting take on paranormal creatures and such. But there’s a lot missing and it’s such a short read. It’s frustrating
October 4, 2020
Very great unique story
Loved this book, the story was unique and we'll written. I loved Sawyer, though I wish the author had not made him so dumb regarding his vocabulary. His struggles with mental health, family and finances were terribly sad. I really felt for him. I also loved the pregnant and 'Pigeon' grew on me. There is some action and mystery, a little romance, but a great beginning to a new series. Looking forward to the next book!
Loved this book, the story was unique and we'll written. I loved Sawyer, though I wish the author had not made him so dumb regarding his vocabulary. His struggles with mental health, family and finances were terribly sad. I really felt for him. I also loved the pregnant and 'Pigeon' grew on me. There is some action and mystery, a little romance, but a great beginning to a new series. Looking forward to the next book!
November 25, 2020
4.5 stars, happily rounded up.
Bit surprised, really. This was genuinely fun. I was intrigued by the world building, the action, and the dynamic between all three (four?) main characters. Not a lot of spice in this book, but it’s definitely building to something spectacular and I’m on board for the ride.
There were like... a surprising number of grammar mistakes. Probably could use some editing, but at this point I don’t care. The story was excellent. I’d highly recommend.
Bit surprised, really. This was genuinely fun. I was intrigued by the world building, the action, and the dynamic between all three (four?) main characters. Not a lot of spice in this book, but it’s definitely building to something spectacular and I’m on board for the ride.
There were like... a surprising number of grammar mistakes. Probably could use some editing, but at this point I don’t care. The story was excellent. I’d highly recommend.
December 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Per usual, I was here for the dragons and angels (carnivorous though they are) but was pleasantly surprised with how the author introduced some freshness into the usual associated tropes. Fun! I also really enjoyed the Arizona setting - I guess I was in the mood to feeeel the heat without actually having to suffer through it physically.
I'm hoping for a bit more romance in future books and looking forward to spending more time with the dragons.
Per usual, I was here for the dragons and angels (carnivorous though they are) but was pleasantly surprised with how the author introduced some freshness into the usual associated tropes. Fun! I also really enjoyed the Arizona setting - I guess I was in the mood to feeeel the heat without actually having to suffer through it physically.
I'm hoping for a bit more romance in future books and looking forward to spending more time with the dragons.
October 10, 2020
Romance? In what world would this be a romance for anybody?
I disliked that our MC was always there in the action but except the dead rev guy a teenie tiny bit nobody was romantically interested in him. For such a weak plot it was way too long. Im not interested in more of these guys depressing world.
I disliked that our MC was always there in the action but except the dead rev guy a teenie tiny bit nobody was romantically interested in him. For such a weak plot it was way too long. Im not interested in more of these guys depressing world.
November 12, 2020
Interesting beginning to this world
I feel like I can’t really give any type of review/reaction to this book because the whole thing is the beginning of an introduction to what looks to be a harem paranormal romance. What surprised me was that, in this book, we actually got a decent plot that was fully resolved.
I feel like I can’t really give any type of review/reaction to this book because the whole thing is the beginning of an introduction to what looks to be a harem paranormal romance. What surprised me was that, in this book, we actually got a decent plot that was fully resolved.
January 7, 2022
Totally fresh take
Gritty, intentionally confusing at times, action packed beginning of what is heading towards a poly relationship book. This book does not monologue about what’s going on and why much which was a nice change of pace from other paranormal books that I have been reading lately.
Gritty, intentionally confusing at times, action packed beginning of what is heading towards a poly relationship book. This book does not monologue about what’s going on and why much which was a nice change of pace from other paranormal books that I have been reading lately.
May 29, 2022
Very Good
I don’t know why I put off reading this book for so long. It’s so much better than I was expecting -the worldbuilding is great. The characters are diverse and unique (although I’m hoping corpse gets a name soon). Honestly, I’m going to dive into the next book right away.
I don’t know why I put off reading this book for so long. It’s so much better than I was expecting -the worldbuilding is great. The characters are diverse and unique (although I’m hoping corpse gets a name soon). Honestly, I’m going to dive into the next book right away.
November 9, 2020
So good!
I have no idea where this story is leading, but it is freaking great! Pigeon, Corpse, Sawyer, and Asher Tomas are great characters, and I cannot bleeping wait for the next installment!
I have no idea where this story is leading, but it is freaking great! Pigeon, Corpse, Sawyer, and Asher Tomas are great characters, and I cannot bleeping wait for the next installment!
April 14, 2021
Absolutely wonderful!
This is the first in a series by Jackbird Lee and it’s everything I truly love about reading! Superbly flawed characters, intense storyline and some great sexy times. This book was amazing! Highly recommended
This is the first in a series by Jackbird Lee and it’s everything I truly love about reading! Superbly flawed characters, intense storyline and some great sexy times. This book was amazing! Highly recommended
May 3, 2021
I read this book start to finish in one sitting because I just could not put it down. The stakes? Compelling. The characters? Iconic. The worldbuilding? VERY VERY COOL. I love everything about it 10/10 highly recommend
September 16, 2021
Unique!
Well-written and unique story. I can honestly say that this is unlike any other urban fantasy I've read, and I've read a LOT. My only compliant is that the second book isn't out at this time -- I really want to see where the story goes! :)
Well-written and unique story. I can honestly say that this is unlike any other urban fantasy I've read, and I've read a LOT. My only compliant is that the second book isn't out at this time -- I really want to see where the story goes! :)
November 8, 2021
Very very interesting. Still really not sure what the world rules are, but the characters were so different I didn't really notice.
My only complaint is that no one really seems to be magically strong in this world.
My only complaint is that no one really seems to be magically strong in this world.
January 26, 2022
GOOD QUICK READ
Interesting ideas, good world building. But must say the relationship is a bit forced, more like two people who just want to get off because it's been a long time. Plus, how long can you go if you have to never touch your partner's body except through his clothes?
Interesting ideas, good world building. But must say the relationship is a bit forced, more like two people who just want to get off because it's been a long time. Plus, how long can you go if you have to never touch your partner's body except through his clothes?
September 19, 2020
A DELIGHTFUL queer romance and also a really excellent paranormal thriller to boot! LOVE the worldbuilding and all of my wretched magic boys.
November 10, 2020
I really enjoyed it but I can't stand piccione.
January 16, 2021
Loved it
First time reading this author. Storyline was interesting and the character development was strong. Can't wait for the next in the series.
First time reading this author. Storyline was interesting and the character development was strong. Can't wait for the next in the series.
February 21, 2021
So good
Really good for a shorter read. I can't wait for the next book!! I enjoyed the character dynamics. Each character was very believable. I would fully recommend.
Really good for a shorter read. I can't wait for the next book!! I enjoyed the character dynamics. Each character was very believable. I would fully recommend.
February 21, 2021
3.75 stars
June 26, 2021
Very well put together story
Good intrigue. Good story building. Sucks you in to the end. Makes you want to know more about each of the characters. I really want punch his momma.
Good intrigue. Good story building. Sucks you in to the end. Makes you want to know more about each of the characters. I really want punch his momma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews