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Twisted Luck #3
Educated Luck
Being a double merlin sucks.
You’d think having power, having people treat you with respect, an insanely awesome inheritance waiting for me, and knowing you could do really awesome(awful) things would be cool. It isn’t.
I’ve got strings you wouldn’t believe attached to the inheritance. Then it turns out other people want it, so instead of suing me, I mean that would be logical, right? No, they are trying to kill me. And I don’t mean a single person, a freaking country! How insane is that?
Well screw them. I’m getting my degree, and getting the inheritance. Okay the house. I really want the house.
But when Jo gets hurt and my familiar decides to start calling in favors, then things get even more twisted. With my luck we might all end up insane, or dead before this is over. But I refuse to give in. This is my life, and who knows, maybe I’ll survive.
But with my luck, you never know what might happen.
You’d think having power, having people treat you with respect, an insanely awesome inheritance waiting for me, and knowing you could do really awesome(awful) things would be cool. It isn’t.
I’ve got strings you wouldn’t believe attached to the inheritance. Then it turns out other people want it, so instead of suing me, I mean that would be logical, right? No, they are trying to kill me. And I don’t mean a single person, a freaking country! How insane is that?
Well screw them. I’m getting my degree, and getting the inheritance. Okay the house. I really want the house.
But when Jo gets hurt and my familiar decides to start calling in favors, then things get even more twisted. With my luck we might all end up insane, or dead before this is over. But I refuse to give in. This is my life, and who knows, maybe I’ll survive.
But with my luck, you never know what might happen.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2020
295 people are currently reading
77 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 135 reviews
January 14, 2021
2.5 stars rounded up.
After finishing this book I debated whether or not it's worth reading the next book in the series. Whilst I'm curious, there were many things that just bugged me.
1. When Cori and Jo were still living in their hometown, I liked their relationship. I liked that Cori was independent and making it mostly by herself. When they moved to Atlanta and became roommates, it was fine until Sable moved in with them - after a very short time being in a relationship with Jo. It's just weird how often them being in a three-way relationship is brought up, even by the main characters themselves, when that's not the kind of relationship they have with eachother. Why do they keep bringing it up? Especially when I'm going by the assumption that Cori may be asexual (at this point it's time to stop questioning if she's interested in Jo or Sable). I actually hope Cori moves out because I think they need space from eachother.
2. Jo. Why can Cori not do a single thing without involving Jo? She can't even have a thought without bringing Jo into it somehow. It honestly makes me cringe. I thought she was independent?! I'm starting to be under the impression this series is secretly about Jo and not Cori.
Someone wants to teach Cori better magic? Wait! Only if she can bring her friends! Someone wants to tell Cori important secrets that can't be told to anyone? Only if she can tell her friends! Because God forbid she have an independent thought. Goodness grief, she even now shares a familiar with the three of them too! She can't even have a familiar to herself! It was the only thing that would give her a special bond of her own outside of anything to do with Jo, since she lost her twin and family and isn't in a relationship. Jo has Sable and her family, so she always has someone.
3. Oh, all the women around Cori are crazily gorgeous. Cori, of course, is just average.
4. ENOUGH WITH THE MEXICAN FOOD! We don't need the jokes about Cori cooking every 5 minutes or about the Guzman gang making Mexican food as if they never make any other dish. 🙄
5. A lot of repetition. Some plot holes too.
After finishing this book I debated whether or not it's worth reading the next book in the series. Whilst I'm curious, there were many things that just bugged me.
1. When Cori and Jo were still living in their hometown, I liked their relationship. I liked that Cori was independent and making it mostly by herself. When they moved to Atlanta and became roommates, it was fine until Sable moved in with them - after a very short time being in a relationship with Jo. It's just weird how often them being in a three-way relationship is brought up, even by the main characters themselves, when that's not the kind of relationship they have with eachother. Why do they keep bringing it up? Especially when I'm going by the assumption that Cori may be asexual (at this point it's time to stop questioning if she's interested in Jo or Sable). I actually hope Cori moves out because I think they need space from eachother.
2. Jo. Why can Cori not do a single thing without involving Jo? She can't even have a thought without bringing Jo into it somehow. It honestly makes me cringe. I thought she was independent?! I'm starting to be under the impression this series is secretly about Jo and not Cori.
Someone wants to teach Cori better magic? Wait! Only if she can bring her friends! Someone wants to tell Cori important secrets that can't be told to anyone? Only if she can tell her friends! Because God forbid she have an independent thought. Goodness grief, she even now shares a familiar with the three of them too! She can't even have a familiar to herself! It was the only thing that would give her a special bond of her own outside of anything to do with Jo, since she lost her twin and family and isn't in a relationship. Jo has Sable and her family, so she always has someone.
3. Oh, all the women around Cori are crazily gorgeous. Cori, of course, is just average.
4. ENOUGH WITH THE MEXICAN FOOD! We don't need the jokes about Cori cooking every 5 minutes or about the Guzman gang making Mexican food as if they never make any other dish. 🙄
5. A lot of repetition. Some plot holes too.
February 7, 2021
Ready for book 4!
Now that Cori is at the university, starting classes (on the very first page), the change from Cori's old life to the next phase is complete. She should be here until she graduates. Sable is now a permanent part of Cori's little world, too. Things should be stable, just go to class, return to their apartment, study, practice magic, get good grades, until graduation. The blurb gives away why there are some serious distractions. Cori, being Cori, finds her own way of dealing with this. Cori also learns some magic uses which are not in the textbooks. She is often annoying, mainly to the powers that be in this fictional world, but occasionally to the reader. Considering what is thrown at her, it's understandable.
In some ways, this series has followed the way of many fantasy series. However, Cori insists that she is not the Chosen One. Also, in spite of the number of series I've read in which the MC finds true love along the way, Cori doesn't seem to be interested in romantic love or even sex with anyone, of either sex. I'm not sure whether this is refreshing, but it sets the series apart. Certainly Cori doesn't have time for romance, between her studies and the attempts on her life.
Cori and her friends learn some things about magic that perhaps no other human knows. Her education is just beginning. What will she know and be able to do when she completes her studies? Inquiring minds want to know.
I like the Cori in this book better than the Cori in the first book. Then she was constantly hurting, suffering from her parents' rejection and the bad luck spell she'd spun around herself; she was desperate, just trying to cover the costs of her education so she could get her AA degree(s) so she could make a living and be independent. I really want to see what happens next to her and her friends. Each of the first two books not only mentioned the next book in the series, they included a link to the book on Amazon.com. This book is disquietingly silent on a book 4, although the author does say she has "so much more planned that I can't wait to show you." Will begging help? Please, please continue the story.
Now that Cori is at the university, starting classes (on the very first page), the change from Cori's old life to the next phase is complete. She should be here until she graduates. Sable is now a permanent part of Cori's little world, too. Things should be stable, just go to class, return to their apartment, study, practice magic, get good grades, until graduation. The blurb gives away why there are some serious distractions. Cori, being Cori, finds her own way of dealing with this. Cori also learns some magic uses which are not in the textbooks. She is often annoying, mainly to the powers that be in this fictional world, but occasionally to the reader. Considering what is thrown at her, it's understandable.
In some ways, this series has followed the way of many fantasy series. However, Cori insists that she is not the Chosen One. Also, in spite of the number of series I've read in which the MC finds true love along the way, Cori doesn't seem to be interested in romantic love or even sex with anyone, of either sex. I'm not sure whether this is refreshing, but it sets the series apart. Certainly Cori doesn't have time for romance, between her studies and the attempts on her life.
Cori and her friends learn some things about magic that perhaps no other human knows. Her education is just beginning. What will she know and be able to do when she completes her studies? Inquiring minds want to know.
I like the Cori in this book better than the Cori in the first book. Then she was constantly hurting, suffering from her parents' rejection and the bad luck spell she'd spun around herself; she was desperate, just trying to cover the costs of her education so she could get her AA degree(s) so she could make a living and be independent. I really want to see what happens next to her and her friends. Each of the first two books not only mentioned the next book in the series, they included a link to the book on Amazon.com. This book is disquietingly silent on a book 4, although the author does say she has "so much more planned that I can't wait to show you." Will begging help? Please, please continue the story.
April 15, 2023
2023 bk 124. College is rough for the ordinary student, but when you are a merlin, well, things get tougher. Our heroine has the double challenge of classes, the government and OM wanting to control her life AND it appears there is a murder contract out for her. It's tough getting to classes on time when you are being attacked. But she perseveres through the troubles. The plotting becomes a little tighter starting with #3 and essential people to the entire story line begin appearing so pay attention to this one!
Read
January 17, 2022This series really has me binging the books. Fun
January 16, 2021
Deep wordy yet thrilling
I need book 4
This series has proven to be pretty deep and worthy of slogging through the muck when Todd gets too verbose and depressing. Heavy. But, if you get through book 1 & first half of book 2 , then you will fly through this installment.
Character development is once again done very well and with each tome in this series I have found the layers upon layers of each of the characters peel back to get more of their fruit. Amazing I am hooked. I started not slim the chapter intros that were quotes from various Magic or Anti Magic Society books. They gave hints, but not necessary and with the over descriptive work I needed that break.
Worth the read. Beware of depression triggering themes, especially in book 1. Heavy heavy
I need book 4
This series has proven to be pretty deep and worthy of slogging through the muck when Todd gets too verbose and depressing. Heavy. But, if you get through book 1 & first half of book 2 , then you will fly through this installment.
Character development is once again done very well and with each tome in this series I have found the layers upon layers of each of the characters peel back to get more of their fruit. Amazing I am hooked. I started not slim the chapter intros that were quotes from various Magic or Anti Magic Society books. They gave hints, but not necessary and with the over descriptive work I needed that break.
Worth the read. Beware of depression triggering themes, especially in book 1. Heavy heavy
December 17, 2020
Not an ending
I enjoyed book 1 and 2. This was touted as book 3 of 3. Yet the ending left all the character development unresolved. I felt that Cori didn’t grow or learn in this book. It felt nothing but politics and retelling. Very disappointing.
I enjoyed book 1 and 2. This was touted as book 3 of 3. Yet the ending left all the character development unresolved. I felt that Cori didn’t grow or learn in this book. It felt nothing but politics and retelling. Very disappointing.
February 18, 2021
I honestly think I'm going to die waiting for the new book. Mel. Oh my god.
Just like the second book, this one is a chonky read, and I loved every second of it. Not sure if it's a long book or not since I read it on my kindle app, but the amount of info Mel puts into these is really awesome. I love the worldbuilding.
If I had to come up with a bit of criticism, I'd say it's that Cori is getting a little OP. I love that there is still something in the balance though. Mel's done a great job in keeping the stakes pretty danged high throughout the whole series. Bad guys have trouble getting Cori?
I think Mel is nearing the end of writing the next book (or so the blog post I found said...). And I honestly just CAN NOT WAIT.
Just like the second book, this one is a chonky read, and I loved every second of it. Not sure if it's a long book or not since I read it on my kindle app, but the amount of info Mel puts into these is really awesome. I love the worldbuilding.
If I had to come up with a bit of criticism, I'd say it's that Cori is getting a little OP. I love that there is still something in the balance though. Mel's done a great job in keeping the stakes pretty danged high throughout the whole series. Bad guys have trouble getting Cori?
I think Mel is nearing the end of writing the next book (or so the blog post I found said...). And I honestly just CAN NOT WAIT.
August 12, 2023
I'm 50 50. Its not horrible, and has a lot of potential. Some of it is predictable. My biggest problem so far are the spelling errors 😕. There were only a couple but its jarring mentally when I am in the reading Grove because it trips up my brain 🧠 if that makes any sense.
The story building isn't bad either and the concepts are pretty good. It needs tuning overall but that could happen in the next books of the series. I think this author has a great potential with this story and the world she’s creating. It’s refreshing to see a new concept for a world of magic, which isn’t easy in a genre that is currently flooding the market.
To some there may be a feel of a bit of repeat in the overall theme of the characters life but it doesn’t detract from the story overall. I also liked some of the side characters from book one that they replaced in the last book with other side characters so that was a bit sad but I have faith we could see them again in future books. It feels like the characters are still ideas overall and have the potential to be better but haven't quite hit the mark yet (some of them).
Overall, if your into magic give it a shot. This author feels like they have a story to tell and I myself will stick around a bit to see if they do. Maybe you should too.
The story building isn't bad either and the concepts are pretty good. It needs tuning overall but that could happen in the next books of the series. I think this author has a great potential with this story and the world she’s creating. It’s refreshing to see a new concept for a world of magic, which isn’t easy in a genre that is currently flooding the market.
To some there may be a feel of a bit of repeat in the overall theme of the characters life but it doesn’t detract from the story overall. I also liked some of the side characters from book one that they replaced in the last book with other side characters so that was a bit sad but I have faith we could see them again in future books. It feels like the characters are still ideas overall and have the potential to be better but haven't quite hit the mark yet (some of them).
Overall, if your into magic give it a shot. This author feels like they have a story to tell and I myself will stick around a bit to see if they do. Maybe you should too.
January 22, 2021
Twisted Luck Amazing!
A stunning trilogy and more to come! Mel Todd, please hurry - not knowing what will happen next will probably leave me bald with offerings! Outstanding world-building, incredible, believable character development, tremendous plotlines, thrilling suspense and momentum, this is award-worthy writing and imagination. I have been a fantasy/sci-fi reader for over 50 years, beginning with Dr. Doolittle, The Borrowers, and Mary Poppins in grade school (all thanks to my teacher, Mrs. Charlotte Cates), on to Tolkien in high school, through Mercedes Lackey and everything by Anne McCafferty, dozens of quest series, Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time series, and more. When I couldn't get my fantasy kick, I went to mysteries with Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, and others whose names I can no longer remember, but they all fed my imagination, curiosity, a need to know and learn. I read voraciously, but rarely leave reviews. Thank you, Mel Todd, for filling that insatiable void, providing the stimulus to remember and savor the joy in life and in books.
I recommend these books to anybody 18 and up who enjoys intricate and indelible fiction.
A stunning trilogy and more to come! Mel Todd, please hurry - not knowing what will happen next will probably leave me bald with offerings! Outstanding world-building, incredible, believable character development, tremendous plotlines, thrilling suspense and momentum, this is award-worthy writing and imagination. I have been a fantasy/sci-fi reader for over 50 years, beginning with Dr. Doolittle, The Borrowers, and Mary Poppins in grade school (all thanks to my teacher, Mrs. Charlotte Cates), on to Tolkien in high school, through Mercedes Lackey and everything by Anne McCafferty, dozens of quest series, Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time series, and more. When I couldn't get my fantasy kick, I went to mysteries with Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, and others whose names I can no longer remember, but they all fed my imagination, curiosity, a need to know and learn. I read voraciously, but rarely leave reviews. Thank you, Mel Todd, for filling that insatiable void, providing the stimulus to remember and savor the joy in life and in books.
I recommend these books to anybody 18 and up who enjoys intricate and indelible fiction.
January 23, 2021
Book Three
Book three in the series has Cori at university learning, and discovering she is the heir to an inheritance... with a few requirements.
That leaves her the target of multiple assassins, and having to finish her degree in eighteen months!
This epic urban fantasy series is a continuation- you need to read the books in order. They are not romance, but traditional urban fantasy, with an engrossing plot line, fascinating universe, and characters that are well thought out and not shallow.
Magical creatures abound, and magic doesn’t always play by the rules, fortunately neither does Cori.
This makes for an enthralling series, as we follow along with Cori as she learns and grows into her abilities.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy and epic fantasy.
Book three in the series has Cori at university learning, and discovering she is the heir to an inheritance... with a few requirements.
That leaves her the target of multiple assassins, and having to finish her degree in eighteen months!
This epic urban fantasy series is a continuation- you need to read the books in order. They are not romance, but traditional urban fantasy, with an engrossing plot line, fascinating universe, and characters that are well thought out and not shallow.
Magical creatures abound, and magic doesn’t always play by the rules, fortunately neither does Cori.
This makes for an enthralling series, as we follow along with Cori as she learns and grows into her abilities.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy and epic fantasy.
December 23, 2020
Really Great Series
I’m kind of really picky about my reading material, and I’m going to be waiting on pins and needles for the next book. There are some editing flubs, which irritate me, but I’m beginning to wonder if that has to do with the translation to an electronic format, as I notice them even from the really big name publishers as well. That being said, this story grabs you and pulls you along, it’s that good. Well written with great depth and tempo. I highly recommend all three books.
I’m kind of really picky about my reading material, and I’m going to be waiting on pins and needles for the next book. There are some editing flubs, which irritate me, but I’m beginning to wonder if that has to do with the translation to an electronic format, as I notice them even from the really big name publishers as well. That being said, this story grabs you and pulls you along, it’s that good. Well written with great depth and tempo. I highly recommend all three books.
February 14, 2021
Need more please
This book and the previous in the series, have left me wanting more.
Cleared there will be more adventures for Cori and Carnelian in the future and I'm sure that a gorgon will be involved . I liked the story telling and style. But it did need better proof reading. There are quite a few errors.
When will the next be out?
This book and the previous in the series, have left me wanting more.
Cleared there will be more adventures for Cori and Carnelian in the future and I'm sure that a gorgon will be involved . I liked the story telling and style. But it did need better proof reading. There are quite a few errors.
When will the next be out?
December 3, 2020
This series is so addictive!
Love this series! I hadn't heard of the author before I discovered these books but I'm so glad I did! It can be a needle in a haystack sometimes finding something so well written and gripping! The world building is amazing and the characters so easy to relate to. I can tell this is only the beginning and I'm so glad of that because it means so many more great books ahead!
Love this series! I hadn't heard of the author before I discovered these books but I'm so glad I did! It can be a needle in a haystack sometimes finding something so well written and gripping! The world building is amazing and the characters so easy to relate to. I can tell this is only the beginning and I'm so glad of that because it means so many more great books ahead!
December 14, 2020
Excellent series
I have been in a reading funk, nothing really keeping my attention, until this series. I want to find out what Lady Luck and Murphy’s cloak has in store for Cori next. In this novel she faces new challenges with school and a time crunch, racing to the goal. Of note, either the spelling/grammar mistakes of the first novel have considerably lessened, or I am getting used to them. Either way I was not distracted as I was in the first novel.
I have been in a reading funk, nothing really keeping my attention, until this series. I want to find out what Lady Luck and Murphy’s cloak has in store for Cori next. In this novel she faces new challenges with school and a time crunch, racing to the goal. Of note, either the spelling/grammar mistakes of the first novel have considerably lessened, or I am getting used to them. Either way I was not distracted as I was in the first novel.
November 18, 2020
Amazing New World and Characters
You have to start this series! The most unique worlds created in years and the division of elements and abilities is genius. This world and characters till me with joy. I've gladly jumped into this universe with every new book! I can't wait to read Cori's new adventures to come! Thank you so much for this series.
You have to start this series! The most unique worlds created in years and the division of elements and abilities is genius. This world and characters till me with joy. I've gladly jumped into this universe with every new book! I can't wait to read Cori's new adventures to come! Thank you so much for this series.
November 20, 2021
I loved the first one, enjoyed the second one but this one was just bad.
There is no structure to the story, it's incredibly repetitive, and the whole climax is a horrible mess.
In regards to structure, this is actually something I enjoyed about the first two books. I couldn't predict the classic story beats which usually happen like clockwork in most books. But the pacing worked really well regardless. There always was some sense of progress and some kind of immediate conflict. In this one, we are basically stuck throughout the entire book.
It almost seems like, now that the author is done with the worldbuilding foundations, she doesn't know what to do. It kind of feels like bad second book syndrome. (But it is the third one, I know.)
The biggest problem is the classic issue of how do you create tense situations if your MC is too powerful already. Sadly the author has no answer. So we ended up with a mix of tstl, tstl, tstl, and a few outright contradictions of common sense and science.
The TSTL is really bad. And it came out of nowhere. The MC was a bit obtuse at times in earlier books but I can accept that especially considering how stressful her situation always is. In this one, her IQ suddenly drops to room temperature on the authors' whim.
If you mix your magic with regular science you can do literally anything with your magic. But you can NOT adjust physics the same way. If it is a planned change that intertwines with the magic it can sometimes work if done carefully. But that is not what happens in this book. The author constantly just makes shit up on the spot as an excuse for whatever she wants to happen. She does this with all aspects of the story but it hurts particularly badly around scientific stuff.
A few questionable things about common sense already popped up mostly in the second book but those were all minor and easy to ignore. Not so in this one.
I very much feel like this book has been written top to bottom in one go. No revisiting of earlier writing or reworking scenes that didn't quite work at all. Maybe there was some extremely tight deadline involved?
But it doesn't seem like the editing suffered in a similar manner. It is still spotty just as in the first two books but it didn't get worse.
While I am somewhat mad at a lot of messed-up details I frankly am not interested in how the story will progress either.
Considering how strong the main cast is it is quite sad how little the author did with it all. I can see what she is trying to do and I would enjoy that, I am sure, but the execution is just really bad.
There is no structure to the story, it's incredibly repetitive, and the whole climax is a horrible mess.
In regards to structure, this is actually something I enjoyed about the first two books. I couldn't predict the classic story beats which usually happen like clockwork in most books. But the pacing worked really well regardless. There always was some sense of progress and some kind of immediate conflict. In this one, we are basically stuck throughout the entire book.
It almost seems like, now that the author is done with the worldbuilding foundations, she doesn't know what to do. It kind of feels like bad second book syndrome. (But it is the third one, I know.)
The biggest problem is the classic issue of how do you create tense situations if your MC is too powerful already. Sadly the author has no answer. So we ended up with a mix of tstl, tstl, tstl, and a few outright contradictions of common sense and science.
The TSTL is really bad. And it came out of nowhere. The MC was a bit obtuse at times in earlier books but I can accept that especially considering how stressful her situation always is. In this one, her IQ suddenly drops to room temperature on the authors' whim.
If you mix your magic with regular science you can do literally anything with your magic. But you can NOT adjust physics the same way. If it is a planned change that intertwines with the magic it can sometimes work if done carefully. But that is not what happens in this book. The author constantly just makes shit up on the spot as an excuse for whatever she wants to happen. She does this with all aspects of the story but it hurts particularly badly around scientific stuff.
A few questionable things about common sense already popped up mostly in the second book but those were all minor and easy to ignore. Not so in this one.
I very much feel like this book has been written top to bottom in one go. No revisiting of earlier writing or reworking scenes that didn't quite work at all. Maybe there was some extremely tight deadline involved?
But it doesn't seem like the editing suffered in a similar manner. It is still spotty just as in the first two books but it didn't get worse.
While I am somewhat mad at a lot of messed-up details I frankly am not interested in how the story will progress either.
Considering how strong the main cast is it is quite sad how little the author did with it all. I can see what she is trying to do and I would enjoy that, I am sure, but the execution is just really bad.
April 22, 2023
“Educated Luck” is another great installment in the Twisted Luck Series. This time Cori is coming to grips with being a double mage and trying to find a way to maneuver through the chaos of her new life. It seems everyone wants a piece of her. The government, various associations, other plane creatures and another country.
After being contacted by an estate lawyer Cori learns that she can inherit many incredible things such as various properties, wealth, scientific/magical studies and other things. However, in order to gain access to these things she must complete three tasks. After seeing photographs of a particularly spectacular house she realizes that she really wants it. In order to get it she must master the first task which is earn her BA degree within 18 months. Since she is just starting her junior year completion of this task will prove challenging. If she doesn’t achieve the other two tasks the scientific knowledge will go to Japan.
Indira and Alixant have been sent by the government to get Cori to tow the line in an effort to gain the knowledge and block Japan from getting their hands on it. In short order Cori let’s them know that while she will pursue the degree in the needed timeframe it will be on no one’s terms but her own. The government is not happy with this and begin applying pressure by attacking and threatening those she loves. Add to the mixture that Japan is sending assassins after her in droves.
Yet, as much as these look dismal, Cori is pulled in an alternate realm where she falls under the protection and tutelage of a mystical creature. Soon Jo and Sable are along for the ride as well.
There is no doubt that there is a lot of subterfuge, personal struggles and dangers at every turn. The question is whether or not Cori will have the fortitude and courage to handle it all without totally breaking down.
I enjoyed this read but grew a bit frustrated with the author’s exuberance in expounding too much details at time that really did nothing much to enhance the storyline and thus the read. Ms. Todd could definitely use a little lesson in “less is more.” I will say, that the overstatements did not measurably destroy my enjoyment and enthusiasm for the read. However, I did give the book 4 stars rather than 5 because of it. With that being said I still highly recommend this series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
After being contacted by an estate lawyer Cori learns that she can inherit many incredible things such as various properties, wealth, scientific/magical studies and other things. However, in order to gain access to these things she must complete three tasks. After seeing photographs of a particularly spectacular house she realizes that she really wants it. In order to get it she must master the first task which is earn her BA degree within 18 months. Since she is just starting her junior year completion of this task will prove challenging. If she doesn’t achieve the other two tasks the scientific knowledge will go to Japan.
Indira and Alixant have been sent by the government to get Cori to tow the line in an effort to gain the knowledge and block Japan from getting their hands on it. In short order Cori let’s them know that while she will pursue the degree in the needed timeframe it will be on no one’s terms but her own. The government is not happy with this and begin applying pressure by attacking and threatening those she loves. Add to the mixture that Japan is sending assassins after her in droves.
Yet, as much as these look dismal, Cori is pulled in an alternate realm where she falls under the protection and tutelage of a mystical creature. Soon Jo and Sable are along for the ride as well.
There is no doubt that there is a lot of subterfuge, personal struggles and dangers at every turn. The question is whether or not Cori will have the fortitude and courage to handle it all without totally breaking down.
I enjoyed this read but grew a bit frustrated with the author’s exuberance in expounding too much details at time that really did nothing much to enhance the storyline and thus the read. Ms. Todd could definitely use a little lesson in “less is more.” I will say, that the overstatements did not measurably destroy my enjoyment and enthusiasm for the read. However, I did give the book 4 stars rather than 5 because of it. With that being said I still highly recommend this series and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 27, 2022
5 Distraction Acceptable Stars
Educated Luck is the third book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
Delving into the secrets of what is socially understood to be the spirit realm, but seems infinitely more complicated, has added such spice to the story. The more depth surrounding the familiars, their world, and their understanding of Magic and Truth has allowed the magical system in this series to feel renewed and more encompassing. Carelian is such a cutey, and so mischievous. I can't wait for him to grow up more, alongside Cori's evolving magic.
That final smackdown when Cori finally decided to fight back against the multitude of assassination attempts, and harm to those in her chosen family, was impressive. I like that we learn not only is there the hidden truth behind magic that the governments keep hidden from the common people, but that there is even more beyond what they think they know. That Magic is alive in more of a sense than could understand or accept with their limited views.
The Japanese Emperor has ensured him and his people will have absolutely no access to whatever lies within James' inheritance. Kind of seems like they shot themselves in the foot. While I can understand that they thought to simplify everything by removing her from the equation, that they didn't consider the real implications behind her impressive double emergence and power level is ridiculous.
I wonder how much of a factor health plays on magic in this literary world. Carelian has mentioned that both Jo's dyslexia and Sable's diabetes make them less powerful than they should be. I wonder how heavy the toll is when considering the entire population, and how much more powerful people would be individually, especially when considering such debilitating diseases like cancer?
I do wish the magic was explained a little better. My brain feels like it's pretzeling most of the time trying to wrap around the foreign concepts. It's almost as if the author skipped the true basics of the magic system. But it's indelibly intriguing nonetheless.
Educated Luck is the third book in the Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd.
Delving into the secrets of what is socially understood to be the spirit realm, but seems infinitely more complicated, has added such spice to the story. The more depth surrounding the familiars, their world, and their understanding of Magic and Truth has allowed the magical system in this series to feel renewed and more encompassing. Carelian is such a cutey, and so mischievous. I can't wait for him to grow up more, alongside Cori's evolving magic.
That final smackdown when Cori finally decided to fight back against the multitude of assassination attempts, and harm to those in her chosen family, was impressive. I like that we learn not only is there the hidden truth behind magic that the governments keep hidden from the common people, but that there is even more beyond what they think they know. That Magic is alive in more of a sense than could understand or accept with their limited views.
The Japanese Emperor has ensured him and his people will have absolutely no access to whatever lies within James' inheritance. Kind of seems like they shot themselves in the foot. While I can understand that they thought to simplify everything by removing her from the equation, that they didn't consider the real implications behind her impressive double emergence and power level is ridiculous.
I wonder how much of a factor health plays on magic in this literary world. Carelian has mentioned that both Jo's dyslexia and Sable's diabetes make them less powerful than they should be. I wonder how heavy the toll is when considering the entire population, and how much more powerful people would be individually, especially when considering such debilitating diseases like cancer?
I do wish the magic was explained a little better. My brain feels like it's pretzeling most of the time trying to wrap around the foreign concepts. It's almost as if the author skipped the true basics of the magic system. But it's indelibly intriguing nonetheless.
December 22, 2024
NoOnce again, I was captivated by Cori's story, & found it exceedingly hard to put it down, when needing to do other things than read.
I absolutely love this Ternion Universe's system of magic, and have fallen in love with its magical Familiars - even if Arachena, Charles' Familiar, is more spider-like than I'm comfortable with! Lol
As had become usual, Cori is at the center of even more problems than ever before, and it is suspected that Japan is at the center of it, being considered as one of the two, including Cori, who might be the recipient of the inheritance left by the late, great, Spirit Mage, James Wells!
With Cori, and then her friends Jo, and Sable, getting into the firing line with the multiple attempts on her life, she knew that she had to decide whether to go ahead with the terms of Wells' Will but, when even Jo's family are dragged into the fight, Cori knew that she had to start taking the offensive!
With the help of her friends, and her Familiar, Carelian, Cori does what she has had to do her entire life, and goes after those determined to kill her!
I'm now moving straight on to Book 3.5: 'No Luck, as a novelette: Set between books 3 & 4, and then I'll go straight on to Book Four 'Inherited Luck', of this great series, to see exactly what it is that got the Emperor of Japan, determined to fight Cori for!
Once I've read them both, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of this next part of Cori's story!
I absolutely love this Ternion Universe's system of magic, and have fallen in love with its magical Familiars - even if Arachena, Charles' Familiar, is more spider-like than I'm comfortable with! Lol
As had become usual, Cori is at the center of even more problems than ever before, and it is suspected that Japan is at the center of it, being considered as one of the two, including Cori, who might be the recipient of the inheritance left by the late, great, Spirit Mage, James Wells!
With Cori, and then her friends Jo, and Sable, getting into the firing line with the multiple attempts on her life, she knew that she had to decide whether to go ahead with the terms of Wells' Will but, when even Jo's family are dragged into the fight, Cori knew that she had to start taking the offensive!
With the help of her friends, and her Familiar, Carelian, Cori does what she has had to do her entire life, and goes after those determined to kill her!
I'm now moving straight on to Book 3.5: 'No Luck, as a novelette: Set between books 3 & 4, and then I'll go straight on to Book Four 'Inherited Luck', of this great series, to see exactly what it is that got the Emperor of Japan, determined to fight Cori for!
Once I've read them both, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of this next part of Cori's story!
December 6, 2020
Fun females fighting to exist
Fun but angsty protagonist with lovely relationships, badass familiar and action sequences. Cons include overly descriptive daily events and thoughts beyond understanding plot and character and some small plot holes. I E the stories have so much build up the actual climaxes arent as climactic as they could be. I miss the EMT saves from books 1and 2, they provided lots of interesting knowledge. I also wish she could have some libido and/or explain why she doesnt. We have some loose ends and I really want to know what happens next! I want to be scared again like at the end of book 2.
More Pros: i like how she's a healer who avoids hurting people as much as possible, even when defending herself but she doesn't act like a stupid hero with related pitfalls of self-sacrifice. I also enjoy the gritty nuances of being too dangerous and uncontrollable in such a society.
Fun but angsty protagonist with lovely relationships, badass familiar and action sequences. Cons include overly descriptive daily events and thoughts beyond understanding plot and character and some small plot holes. I E the stories have so much build up the actual climaxes arent as climactic as they could be. I miss the EMT saves from books 1and 2, they provided lots of interesting knowledge. I also wish she could have some libido and/or explain why she doesnt. We have some loose ends and I really want to know what happens next! I want to be scared again like at the end of book 2.
More Pros: i like how she's a healer who avoids hurting people as much as possible, even when defending herself but she doesn't act like a stupid hero with related pitfalls of self-sacrifice. I also enjoy the gritty nuances of being too dangerous and uncontrollable in such a society.
April 12, 2021
KU read
Now considering I stayed up until 1am to finish this book, why is it just a 3 star? Well, it kind of got bogged down by the magic system here. The peril seemed a bit forced and whilst I enjoyed the rather intricate magic system that's kind of like saying I preferred the icing over the cake - a sign that something is wrong. I kept waiting for the set up to end and the action to kick in and it just... didn't.
I think this book lost the agency battle: stuff just happens to Cori and she randomly decides not to do stuff she really should do just because. Which is a pet hate of mine. It's like the misunderstanding trope in romance - it's rare that works for me as I just want to scream at the characters to just get on with it and stop being stupid.
It's been over a week since I read it now and it just hasn't stuck with me like book 2 did. I'm glad I read it and I enjoyed it, but not as much as the previous.
Now considering I stayed up until 1am to finish this book, why is it just a 3 star? Well, it kind of got bogged down by the magic system here. The peril seemed a bit forced and whilst I enjoyed the rather intricate magic system that's kind of like saying I preferred the icing over the cake - a sign that something is wrong. I kept waiting for the set up to end and the action to kick in and it just... didn't.
I think this book lost the agency battle: stuff just happens to Cori and she randomly decides not to do stuff she really should do just because. Which is a pet hate of mine. It's like the misunderstanding trope in romance - it's rare that works for me as I just want to scream at the characters to just get on with it and stop being stupid.
It's been over a week since I read it now and it just hasn't stuck with me like book 2 did. I'm glad I read it and I enjoyed it, but not as much as the previous.
March 25, 2021
I slammed through the first 3 books in this series back-to-back. They are really good. I especially like that there is no romance in them. (It's refreshing to find a character-driven contemporary fantasy series that does not focus on romance.) Love all the characters and the interesting world building around mages and familiars becoming commonplace around the 1800s.
This book is about enrolling at Georgia Tech for her bachelor's degree, then discovering she has only 18 months to finish it, because she's been left an inheritance from a stranger that has a deadline. And then she's targeted for assassination by Japan, because the top mage in Japan is next in line for the inheritance, which includes research that is very valuable to either government. The heroine is pulled in all directions by competing interests, but finds extra support through her familiar.
This book is about enrolling at Georgia Tech for her bachelor's degree, then discovering she has only 18 months to finish it, because she's been left an inheritance from a stranger that has a deadline. And then she's targeted for assassination by Japan, because the top mage in Japan is next in line for the inheritance, which includes research that is very valuable to either government. The heroine is pulled in all directions by competing interests, but finds extra support through her familiar.
April 6, 2021
World building and character development phenomenal
I have really been enjoying this series. The Ternian world is unique and its development reminds me of the writing of Anne Bishop. Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres but often it is all too easy to find similarities between the worlds depicted. I look forward to reading more about Cori.
The reason I only gave four stars is because this book(and the others in the series) have more typographical issues than most. I started highlighting every time I found one and ended up with over 10 highlights. If the world building and character development was not superb I would not continue reading because those issues jar me out of the story.
I have really been enjoying this series. The Ternian world is unique and its development reminds me of the writing of Anne Bishop. Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres but often it is all too easy to find similarities between the worlds depicted. I look forward to reading more about Cori.
The reason I only gave four stars is because this book(and the others in the series) have more typographical issues than most. I started highlighting every time I found one and ended up with over 10 highlights. If the world building and character development was not superb I would not continue reading because those issues jar me out of the story.
January 30, 2023
3.5 stars, rounding up
High intensity, the danger a lot more personal this time.
Although if you boil it down the main plot for the most part was very simplistic and felt quite dragged out at some point, like it was going nowhere fast and suddenly we're at the final showdown. and before you know its's the end... Pretty abrupt again. I swear it felt like parts of the book were caught in their own time bubble with burst in between to get caught up to a normal/ different pace again...
and it felt like we lost people along the way, not loose them, loose them, but like they sorta dropped out of the story or just werent heard from again...
I also missed any cameos from people we met in the first book
High intensity, the danger a lot more personal this time.
Although if you boil it down the main plot for the most part was very simplistic and felt quite dragged out at some point, like it was going nowhere fast and suddenly we're at the final showdown. and before you know its's the end... Pretty abrupt again. I swear it felt like parts of the book were caught in their own time bubble with burst in between to get caught up to a normal/ different pace again...
and it felt like we lost people along the way, not loose them, loose them, but like they sorta dropped out of the story or just werent heard from again...
I also missed any cameos from people we met in the first book
August 18, 2021
Joy to read
One thing I really enjoy are the paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter as if it were taken out of a research book.
Personally I like the idea that sex is not the focus of the book. The story and the relationship with friends and how she grows as a person is what I find interesting.
Maybe because I find sex is fun but not the center of my life, when she is ready, if she makes the decision , she closes the door with whoever, and the reader can say "enjoy your life".
The character development is interesting I like them and look forward to seeing where they go. Going to check out other stories by Mel Todd.
One thing I really enjoy are the paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter as if it were taken out of a research book.
Personally I like the idea that sex is not the focus of the book. The story and the relationship with friends and how she grows as a person is what I find interesting.
Maybe because I find sex is fun but not the center of my life, when she is ready, if she makes the decision , she closes the door with whoever, and the reader can say "enjoy your life".
The character development is interesting I like them and look forward to seeing where they go. Going to check out other stories by Mel Todd.
March 31, 2022
This mostly applies from book 3-5 (and I don't think the author intended this) but the racism and ableism is *a lot.* I try to give indie authors some slack as they don't have the same resources as traditionally published authors do but how has no one mentioned that a vast number of the antagonists are part of marginalised groups (PoC and neurodivergent). I was so happy to see ace representation and the importance of found family and unique bonds but all of the calling Japan xenophobic, and saying that an autistic antagonist doesn't see their victims as people but rather art supplies, does an incredible amount of harm and doesn't add anything to the story.
December 30, 2021
Wow this one is exciting
The powers that be, probably Japan, ramp up their attempts to kill Cori. Cori, Jo and Sable are all showing signs that their magic is much stringer than thought. After too many attempts to kill Jo and hurt the Guzmans, Cori loses her mind and does something that shocks everyone. I won't spoil the story by putting too many down tails in this review. I can't wait to read the novella about Charles then the next book in the series. I kind of hope Cori finds someone for herself like Jo has Sable.
The powers that be, probably Japan, ramp up their attempts to kill Cori. Cori, Jo and Sable are all showing signs that their magic is much stringer than thought. After too many attempts to kill Jo and hurt the Guzmans, Cori loses her mind and does something that shocks everyone. I won't spoil the story by putting too many down tails in this review. I can't wait to read the novella about Charles then the next book in the series. I kind of hope Cori finds someone for herself like Jo has Sable.
Read
July 31, 2023If a more exciting series exists it has evaded my efforts to read it!
What a great sequel, I am constantly in awe of the writing style of Mel Todd! I Have no idea if all of her stories are this intense but I am loving this series!
I have often heard the quote, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." I feel the same way when late at night, I just want to finish this chapter !
An excellent story and, since it has already been published and bought by me, I will be starting the next book momentarily!
What a great sequel, I am constantly in awe of the writing style of Mel Todd! I Have no idea if all of her stories are this intense but I am loving this series!
I have often heard the quote, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." I feel the same way when late at night, I just want to finish this chapter !
An excellent story and, since it has already been published and bought by me, I will be starting the next book momentarily!
August 29, 2024
Are you ready to dive into a world of thrilling fantasy and captivating adventure? Join us at www.BookNookCorner.com, where I share my thoughts on Mel Todd's riveting novel, ** Educated Luck **. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, my blog review will explore the depths of its enchanting twists and turns. Don't miss out—click over to BookNookCorner.com , and let's unravel the magic of ** Educated Luck ** together!
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February 20, 2021
Slow burn of a series but very worth waiting for
I've just finished the last of the series so far and I've really enjoyed this book. You do have to read all of them for it to make sense and the first book I found very hard going at first. I stuck with it and I slowly started to warm to Cori, although she was so dense about what was obviously happening around her it was annoying. The second and third books are much better and she is nicely getting in her stride. More please!
I've just finished the last of the series so far and I've really enjoyed this book. You do have to read all of them for it to make sense and the first book I found very hard going at first. I stuck with it and I slowly started to warm to Cori, although she was so dense about what was obviously happening around her it was annoying. The second and third books are much better and she is nicely getting in her stride. More please!
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