Inherent Magic

Dark Phoenix #1

by Alex Gates

As a child of abuse, Skylar Neveah knows desperation and terror from firsthand experience. But nothing in her past prepared her for a date ending with her getting sacrificed to a fallen angel. By blind luck and a touch of magic, Skylar escaped with her life. To do so, she murdered two wealthy, influential men.
On the run from the police and the supernatural world, a man approaches Skylar. He offers her refuge at a secret university for humans like her with magical powers. She hesitantly accepts his offer. But her problems aren't solved... far from it. A cosmic war has kicked off. Somehow, Skylar landed in the middle of it. And the fallen angel has fixed his attention on her. He will stop at nothing to see her killed. Will Skylar stop running, learn to control her magic, and fight back?
Inherent Magic is an urban fantasy novel set in the Hunter-verse.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2020

About the author

A product of Small Town, California, Alex Gates is a loving husband, skilled educator, true Gryffindor, dragon-slayer, wizard of the highest order, defender of the realm, Cowboys fan, and connoisseur of cheap beer. He spent four years at California State University, Sacramento studying literature, watching football, and day drinking before obtaining a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Southern California.

Reviews

[Jason Joyner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a well-written adventure. The plot is intriguing and keeps the pages turning. When a young woman trying to break away from an abusive family, she escapes an attack by tapping into a strange ability. She finds a group that can train her in using her abilities, but not if enemies targeting her succeed.

I'm not a regular urban fantasy reader, but this book is a quick and intense read. I wouldn't recommend it for readers under 16 for adult situations.

[Lost in Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a five

In this genre this book really stands out. It is original creative thinking in a very different paranormal world. Once it really gets moving introducing the world, it really shines. It isn't often I can't predict a storyline so I am really impressed with the author. This first book was really a surprise. So if you like a dark mysterious seedy and very dangerous read coupled with a strong female MC and her loyal but odd friends, you will love this book.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: decades-long child sexual abuse; child torture; child death.

The magic set-up isn’t bad but the timing of the book is so off. The entire rise from prostitute to next best Magical Maven takes less than a week. I also don’t enjoy the repeated dwelling on and retelling of her childhood and adult trauma. It doesn’t serve to do much as far as character or plot. This is the second Alex Gates series I’ve read and both have tortured, kidnapped women. Not a good track record.

[Leanne Pert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Gates best book to date

I've read a few of Alex Gates books and I use say I think this is his best work to date. I can't wait to see what else is instore for Skylar, Camilla and Miles.

[Jean Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart pounding

Can't wait to read the next book in this series. As usual, Alex Gates does not disappoint. Can't stop reading!