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Ordinary Magic #6

Hell's Spells

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In a town like Ordinary, anything can happen. Unfortunately for Delaney Reed, it usually does...

Sheriff Delaney Reed’s little beach town where gods vacation and monsters reside is finally back to normal. No possessed souls, no vortexes to hell, and absolutely no one’s turned into a frog lately. Then the queen of demons appears in her backseat begging to hide out in Ordinary, and Delaney knows her peace and quiet is over and out.

Dealing with a demon fugitive isn’t the only thing on Delaney’s plate. She’s also trying to figure out why her boyfriend, Ryder Bailey, has been sneaking out of town every night and why her sisters are keeping secrets. But when the gods in town begin to act funny, Delaney knows something strange is going on.

It might have something to do with two powerful magical items that suddenly go missing. Or it might have something to do with those little gaps of time Delaney’s been losing, and the memories she can’t quite recall…

372 pages, ebook

First published October 9, 2020

229 people are currently reading
409 people want to read

About the author

Devon Monk

88 books2,061 followers
Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.

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5 stars
607 (42%)
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531 (37%)
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250 (17%)
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21 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,214 reviews2,340 followers
December 21, 2021
Hell's Spells
(Ordinary Magic #6)
by Devon Monk
Another exception book! Complex and emotional! Fun and suspenseful! Supernatural creatures, demons, dragons, ghosts, and more! I really love this series! I bought books 1-6 on chirp when they were on sale. Now I have to wait to get more!
Profile Image for Robin (Bridge Four).
1,944 reviews1,656 followers
April 2, 2022
Delaney Reed the sheriff and conduit in the town of Ordinary, where the gods go to vacation, is not at her best. I mean how can she be after having her soul possessed by a Demon (albeit a very nice one) for a year. She is losing time and there are some strange things happening. Not to mention Ryder is acting very weird. She spend time trying to figure all of that stuff out but there are other things to worry about in our God Vacation hot spot and she has things to do.

This series is a lot of fun. I'm having a great time with Delaney and all of her family. She is really the heart of this little town and so many people and mystical creatures want to help her out and take care of the keeper of Ordinary.

We get some great new characters. It seems one god might be coming to town to hang out with Death. I ship it, I love Thane and his funny views on human experiences including sleep overs. Xtell is back in her miniature pony form ready to try and figure out why her son insists on staying in this sleepy little town. And of course like any other book there is a strange and wonderful town festival happening with Teas and Treats and some admiralty costumes.

It is always a strange and good time in Ordinary and there was a totally cute gesture at the end of the book I loved. Lets also just say the Mithra is a jerk and I hope Delaney helps Ryder find a way to get out of that awful contract.

Profile Image for Scratch.
1,433 reviews51 followers
April 8, 2022
More demonic intrigue from Bathin's family. To sum up, the Reed sisters are now dealing with middle-sister Myra's boyfriend, the demon prince Bathin, his mother, and now his uncle. All these demons and vaguely magical sisters are still in the town of Ordinary, and everybody is still spending a lot of time talking about contracts.

Delaney is back to being the viewpoint protagonist. We are getting some more details about Delaney that were glossed over previously. We always knew that she was the local police chief, and we knew that she was shockingly bad at her job. However, now we're learning about how she only owns two dresses and is terrified to dress effeminately. As is usual for an Ordinary Magic novel, the possibility of a demonic threat to the town is overshadowed by a female protagonist's love life.

*sighs* This series serves as a decent distraction during my daily commute. I've been listening to the audiobooks. It's better if you don't take this series too seriously.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,330 reviews55 followers
October 23, 2020
In this latest Ordinary Magic story, Sheriff Delaney Reed is dealing with more demons, a boyfriend that seems more distant every day, and some magic items that have gone missing, along with the every day vacationing gods and other supernaturals in Ordinary, Oregon. It seems like Delaney just can’t catch a break with demons, after Bathin gave her soul back and became her sister’s boyfriend, along comes his totally annoying mother who takes the form of a pink unicorn asking to live in her town, and then his uncle shows up and causes trouble too. The Reed sisters are on it though, and will make sure Ordinary is safe for everyone, including their family and loved ones.
Profile Image for Desi.
666 reviews106 followers
January 17, 2025
It irritates me when bad relationships which breed anxiety in the female partner are Justified by "taking things to the next level" as if that magically solved the issues, which will crop up again and are insidious.

There is nothing romantic about digging deeper into a dung heap. And I don't know what reaction this was supposed to get from a sensible reader who would rather they break up.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,241 reviews489 followers
August 26, 2021
Hell's Spells is the start of a new multibook arc in the world of Ordinary Magic by Devon Monk. However, the book doesn't end with cliffhanger (THANK GOD!) although it does feel like a huge trouble is looming ahead for the Reed sisters and the citizens (gods, supernatural beings, and demons) of Ordinary. A huge trouble in form of .

But yes, let's keep that for the next book. In this one though... Delaney has another problem, her boyfriend Ryder is keep staying away () and she seems to keep having this sort of blackout memories.

That blackout has to do with that future arc ()

IN terms of Ryder, I feel rather annoyed with him keeping the secrets from Delaney. He should've known that he can't deal with everything himself. Hmph, MEN. But that was a good apology.

It also has a LOT of highlights for me...Most of them related to Than though, because I LOVE DEATH SO MUCH!!


* Than has a cold. Yep, Death Warmed Over. For real 😂

* Than and Delaney have a sleepover, and Than lets Delaney paints his nail

* Than's possible ex-girlfriend is in town.

* Delaney gets a new tattoo

* There's a barnyard animal love triangle, in form of a pony, a goat, and a miniature bull 🤣. Well, in their other form, it's actually Xtelle, Pan, and Bathin's uncle, Avnas.


This is another FUN book for me. There's a couple of shorter stories coming next year in an anthology... and now I'm waiting for the next novel too.
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,268 reviews158 followers
August 28, 2023
--second read in Graphic Audio 2 stars = okay -- I was looking for something light and fun and decided to revisit this series in Graphic audio. It's been long enough that I didn't remember much more than the premise of the series and some of the main characters. I liked the story less this time around - not because of the doing this in audio - mainly due to the fact that the things that apparently bothered me the first time around bothered me even more this time. I really dislike mind control or ensorcellment. And I really disliked the hurtful way that Ryder was treating Delaney through out the story - bailling on her without letting her know why. It is also kind of weird the way this has become so demon heavy instead of taking advantage of the 'vacation destination for the gods' framework. Interactions with Crow and Thanos are still my favorite parts of the books.

---original review 3 stars= "I liked it but..." --Back to Ordinary and apparently kicking off a new series arc. I was happy to stumble on this, as I thought the series had wrapped up. Not all of the story is 'feel good' though, some of the characters are having a rough time. Delaney is back in the lead and she feels her relationship with Riley breaking and she is also suffering from memory blackouts - I am reading on the light side right now, so I found some of this to be stressful. But there are some great moments with Crow and a flash mob and with Than - who is a favorite character- and a nice (if interrupted) moment near the end. So overall this was still a win for me, I look forward to more.
Profile Image for Julia.
414 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2022
So I usually enjoy this series and this isn’t a bad installment overall, but I cannot get over the ending where the complete lack of communication was just glossed over for a sappy engagement. I mean you spent the whole book saying Delaney is blunt, and to the point and yet somehow she is neither of those things when it matters most. Maybe I’m just bitter but I’m not about to commit to a marriage to someone who is actively avoiding all communication with me for no good reason. Her sister knows more about what he’s been dealing with and it feels like it’s a long term issue so that’s concerning. Two whole years according to the epilogue. Also, if they had the epilogue conversation first with a whole lot more discussion than ‘oops you chose not to tell me anything even though I tell you all my secrets’ well...I’d have turned even a proposal like that down. It’s the same slap in the face I felt from the book where she warned him not to deal with Mithra because she knew better and he ignored her. And why didn’t he confide in someone who is an expert at dealing with finicky gods?? It just reiterated his lack of trust in her even after all this time and that doesn’t work for me.

Also why did the dragon pig ever sense the demon? He’s a demon hunting dragon pig. Never got the full explanation there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,850 reviews77 followers
November 30, 2020
5 Stars... Delaney is losing time, Ryder is MIA, new demons are making appearances and demands, one diva of a unicorn wants to take center stage, Ordinary is on the brink of war, and Death has a cold and maybe a girlfriend???... Anything else on Delaney's "To Do List" and she may literally explode... Oh, and we cannot forget the absolutely, beautiful, and most perfect ending one could ask for, LOVED IT... Nope, I am not telling!! Come to Ordinary and find out what all the chaos and talk is about!

One aspect of these books that I tend to forget is how incredibly funny they are... The one liners had me laughing out loud and the interplay between characters is comical and pure entertainment... In addition, the supernatural elements are unique and captivating enticing readers to want to dive into Ordinary and stay for a long while:)
Profile Image for Alison.
3,688 reviews145 followers
November 19, 2020
Welcome to Ordinary, the small town where gods and goddesses come to vacation.

Delaney Reed is the police chief of Ordinary, she removes the gods’ powers from them when they come to the town to live like normal people.

In this book, Delaney is dealing with a demon queen, who likes to masquerade as a pink unicorn, a demon trying to force her to break a contract, and a series of mysterious thefts. Oh, and Death (aka Than) has a common cold. Also Ryder, her boyfriend, is avoiding her. Did I mention the Dragon pig?

This series is quirky and funny and just gets better. Apparently this is the start of a new series arc - I can’t wait.
Profile Image for Aly.
1,898 reviews69 followers
March 25, 2022
This book was just as great as all the rest of the series so far. I really enjoy the chaos the author adds in these books with new characters and some we know and love. I can't wait to see who the next god or goddess into Ordinary is. I love to catch up with the continued story line and the author does a great job of adding comedy in these books which makes me smile. I love a little humor to make the books even better. I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what happens in Ordinary next. I hope this author loves this series as much as I do and keeps writing them. So many times I find a great series and the books stop coming.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,821 reviews182 followers
February 3, 2021
I've enjoyed everything in this series, and this book holds up, even though it seemed like the series might have been wrapping up a couple books ago. (I guess the author got a contract for more.) There's enough humor and unexpected paranormal elements to pleasantly surprise me and keep me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,339 reviews67 followers
September 30, 2022
5 Planted And Grown In So Many Hearts Stars

Hell's Spells is the sixth book in the Ordinary Magic series by Devon Monk.

It was so painful to watch as both Delaney and Ryder struggle with their burdens, alone. They each were trying not to hurt the other, trying so hard to hold on to what they had, and not falter. It was rejuvenating to experience the way in which all of the inhabitants of Ordinary stood with them, their friends helping them to be patient and stronger.

Mithra is such an a**munch. Honestly, I'm fed up with his holier than thou attitude. I don't understand why this God feels so entitled to rule over Ordinary? Did they leave him out of the process of constructing it? Is he too proud to take a vacation? Or he is he simply just too power hungry to care for the consequences of inhinging on the other God's freedoms?

This mysterious war is on the horizon. Bathin's uncle, Amy, coming to town has sealed this fate into approaching. Xtelle, Bathin's mother, is equally distancing herself from the King of Hell, Vychoro. Bathin's brother, Goad, even wrote to warn him of his father's incoming attack.. What form will it take? Will it only affect those within Ordinary's borders? Or can we expect harm to befall the outside world as well? What alliances will he carry with him? Other gods? Other creatures? Spies within Ordinary? I believe Goad mentioned a traitor?

Mainly, I enjoyed that Bertie was so understanding about her feather. I was stricken with Delaney when Granny Wolfe and their entire pack claimed her. And Death, or rather Than, has become even more my absolute favorite character. His and Tala/Talli's flirtation is an additional enjoyment. I will never tire of pig dragon scaring near indestructible Demons into squealing in fear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
October 27, 2020
There was a lot going on in this one, but it sort of seemed like the book was split into 2. The first part was Delaney being a bit off and odd things happening to her. Once she realized what was going on she did what she could to stop things and ask for forgiveness. I think it was the last step that Delaney took that made everyone's reaction to not blame her for what happened and how they all took steps to protect her.

The last part of the book got to be a bit crazy. More demons in town and it's interesting how they don't take Delaney at her word of just sign the contract and all is good, they have to be sneaky which works against them. The back and forth of that drove me nuts! I was glad when it was all resolved and we could move onto normal town crazy.

The surprise that Ryder had for Delaney was easy to see and I loved how the whole town wanted to be in on it. I hope that they can come up with a way to do what Ryder wants and that Bathin's letter doesn't come true.
Profile Image for Polly.
1,550 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2020
Great addition to the series, very cute!
Profile Image for jammaster_mom.
1,057 reviews8 followers
December 16, 2020
This is a great Urban Fantasy series that is unique and fun!

This series revolves around the town of Ordinary, Oregon. It is a sleepy, seaside town that has fun festivals to attract tourists throughout the year. It is also a vacation destination for gods and goddesses who want to live a mortal life for a time. They can set aside their powers, sign a contract and abide by the laws of the town. No all are able to follow the rules and not all fit in the town but everyone is able to try. Given events in previous books they now even have a contract for demons to be able to stay in town.

This book is centered on Delany, the oldest Reed sister, and her boyfriend Ryder. The Reed family are the generational protectors and keepers of order for all the towns inhabitants, human and supernatural. Delany is the bridge who helps the gods to set aside their powers as well as being the Sheriff. Ryder is her boyfriend and an architect as well as the Warden appointed by the god Mithras. Mithras wants nothing more than to take over Ordinary so he can enforce the contracts and laws to his hearts content. The Reed family is not going anywhere or turning anything over to anyone. Delany is confused and worried about her relationship with Ryder. He has been gone working a job out of town for weeks. Leaving early in the morning and coming home late. She is worried that they are drifting apart and doesn't know what to do. She is also having weird memory lapses and loss of periods of time. Then significant items start disappearing around town. What is really going on? Is someone trying to take over Delany again or Ordinary? Will Ryder and Delany's relationship survive another major trauma?

This is a great series! It has an interesting mystery with lots of humor added to the mix. I love the take on what gods would be like when they try to act human and the funny scenarios that ensue. I enjoy learning more about the different residents of the town with each book. I am very interested in seeing where this arc goes and hope for many more books to come!
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
October 14, 2020
It’s so fun being back in the town of Ordinary. In “Hell’s Spells” the oldest Reed sister, Delaney has been having short memory black outs. To make matters worse someone has been stealing important artifacts from the most important people in town and if that is not enough, Delaney’s boyfriend has been acting weird.

Nothing is ever quite as it seems in Ordinary. Bathin’s demon mother, Xtelle wants to be allowed into town. No one really trusts her but she willingly signs the contract so Delaney allows her in. Before the ink on the contract dries, Xtelle steals candy and is being forced to make restitution by being a part of the petting zoo.

Ryder comes home late and leaves early and Delaney is worried that their relationship is in trouble. Little does she know but someone is manipulating him and he is trying to break free.

As three stolen objects are gathered Delaney finally discovers who is behind the thefts and it is not what she expected. Now she has another demon incited mess to clean up. This read felt a little darker than the other books. There is still the funny moments and crazy antics of the characters in the town but the situation with Delaney and Ryder tears at your heart a little.

Death aka Thanos really shows us a different side of himself and it is quite fun. I will enjoyed the story but wish there had been a little more action. Nevertheless, it really was a good read.

Profile Image for Amanda.
553 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2025
Loved it!

Another book in the series that is extremely well written! I love the mixture of humor and romance in these stories. The stories are fun, easy to read, engaging, and not as heavy as some of the other books that I've read lately. I'm enjoying reading / listening to this series so far. One of the sentences that I love in this book, "Sam and Dean were twins...," this is an awesome sentence because if the author is a fan of the TV show Supernatural it's a cool nod to that show, which I'm a huge fan of, and if it's a coincidence then that's pretty crazy! Anyways, I just love that little part because it gave me a smile and a happy feeling. I've been listening to the graphic audio version and I'm really enjoying all of the characters coming to life, the voice actors are doing an amazing job. I can't wait to listen to the next book in the series. I wasn't sure if I was going to end up enjoying the series enough to buy all of the books on my Kindle and graphic audio however, I'm glad that I did because I'm really enjoying it!
Profile Image for Mimi.
571 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2021
Delaney and Ryder

I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. We got to see a lot more demons and Estelle. Delaney is much more patient than I ever could be. I would have made the sarcastic comments much before she got to them. Nothing in Ryder’s behaviour really explains what the end product was. His behaviour clearly said I can’t be bothered to be here and not even sending texts.

I also can’t get behind Delaney’s Commons that she hadn’t even thought of Ryder after everything that happened when she completely stood him up. If this person is so important to you you think about how you’re affecting their day in their life. This situation/scenario is really hard to believe it.

Overall this book was really interesting and it was a step up over book one and book 2
Profile Image for Chetana.
985 reviews27 followers
April 14, 2024
3.5⭐️

Yayyy! We have Delaney's POV back. Along with her bruised soul. I quite liked this installment and the stakes. Both the plot and emotional stakes. We are starting to see the consequences of past decisions when it comes to both Ryder and Delaney. With Ryder it is about his becoming warden and Mithra's "lackey" and with Delaney it is about the damage to her soul after it being in the possession of a demon. We also see the town come together for Delaney and new people joining Ordinary.

Also how morbid am I that I like the character of Death almost in all of his avatars in all of the fictional worlds? Because Than is quickly becoming my favourite in this whole series. Along eith Crow of course.
Profile Image for Beth.
624 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2021
Good

Once again a good story. The demons are multiplying but as long as they abide by the Ordinary contract, they can stay. Ryder and Delaney are having some problems and if they’d just talk it’d do them both some good. Delaney is missing time and memories and again, needs to communicate more with those around her. One thing that is a little annoying is that the Reed sisters have a lot of gifts that they use quite successfully but they all seem to be very insecure in their personal lives. It doesn’t make sense. In this book we find out how much the town of Ordinary sticks together to overcome obstacles and are really like one big family.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,440 followers
August 12, 2021
If you haven't read the latest book 6, Hell's Spells, you are missing out. I tried to wait until the next book comes out because I love this series and want to read the books one right after another. I couldn't wait and ended up devouring this book. Now I am all caught up with the series and eagerly anticipating the next book.

I love Delaney. She's my favourite character in this book. She's the big sister and as the bridge for the gods and demigods, a lot rests on her shoulder. With this latest book, I'm even more vested in the series and cannot wait to see how the ominous upcoming war will resolve.


To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

Welcome to My Hoard

Profile Image for William Howe.
1,801 reviews88 followers
October 19, 2020
Delightfully strange

Dragon-pig, Demon Queen / miniature Unicorn, Death (who also sells kites), a Valkyrie, werewolves, vampires, and a small town they all call home. So long as they follow the rules.

This was a bit mushier than I usually like, and the MC was almost painfully obtuse. But it is still a very entertaining world.

You can easily read this book without having read the previous 5, but you would be missing out on all of the fun stuff. Like Zombie Garden Gnomes.

I will buy the next novel. Best recommendation I can give.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
44 reviews
February 17, 2021
Not the best installment in the series

In the interest of steering clear of spoilers, I’ll just say that one of the characters spent the majority of the book acting like a jerk, and I don’t feel that the actions were adequately explained or answered for in the end. The ending of this story didn’t feel earned to me, and I was left still annoyed with this character, and irritated by their actions. I’ve loved all the other installments in this series, but this one really falls short for me.
63 reviews
April 4, 2021
Brilliant as usual

Ordinary not an ordinary town. God's May have put their powers aside to live there. But. They have an extraness! Delaney is the linch pin. I enjoy her growing friendship with Than. His integrity but fun life as he continues to dip into human customs. The sleep over was brilliant. His spider slippers something else😀. Now we have met the Demons too. The future is set and Delaney and Ryder have lived through so much but come to their engagement with all that Ordinary .
732 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2020
Too many demons

Gods on vacation are tricky enough to deal with throw in a demon and look out. Not to be trusted any way, shape or form, not as a unicorn, pony, bull or human. Watch what you say it could come back to bite you in the butt. Thank to the Reed daughters Ordinary will live to see another day. Gotta read this story you will love the snark and humor and the surprise ending. Great job. Looking forward to more of Ordinary. Thank you.
Profile Image for Teri B.
993 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2021
This book just had it all for me, the entertainment, the fast pacedness of an urban fantasy, a lot of paranormal beings coming into play, the dragon pig a mystery that needs solving and a romance that seems to further and further derail.

And then there are the dialogues that are just that funny and make me laugh out loud. Well done, Devon Monk.

And now, obviously, I am looking forward to the next instalment. It will be gooood :0)))
Profile Image for Angela.
337 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2020
Finally! Some good stuff!

I just finished some other series today and I was thinking about how I didn’t like the conclusion. Things get so rough in the novels people forget about enjoying the Ordinary. But the ending of this set of novels is fantastic. Love how these characters and this premise.
Profile Image for Miriam.
435 reviews4 followers
Read
August 2, 2021
Ryder is a jerk. If someone had jerked me, or someone for whom I care, around as hard as he was jerking Delaney then I'd've told the jerky jerk to jerk off.

Surprise, public proposals are not romantic they are manipulative and high-handed.

Ryder had up until this book exhibited relatively few chauvinistic traits, but he went and wrecked that record well and truly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shelley.
325 reviews
April 24, 2024
Would have given it a higher rating but the problems between Delaney and Ryder were too contrived. If they communicated more, like normal people in a relationship, I wouldn’t have had to listen to her whine about it. Than as always was fun. The werewolves were fun. I wish there was more of Myra and Bathin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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