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Relic Hunter #1
Elementary Magic
A girl releases one demon and all of a sudden her Ph.D. is useless. As the only black listed archaeologist on the planet, Dr. Arienne Cerasola needs a job. When a family friend hires her to find a magical tree, it seems like a good idea. The problem is Arienne isn't that talented as a witch. If she were, she would have been recruited by the United Coven and Alliance, not discouraged from ever practicing the craft.
Looking for a new life, Arienne sets out on a quest to find the tree. With a Shaman and the trickster spirit, Coyote, to (maybe) help her - she hopes to prove to herself that she can do something useful with her meager talents. After all, with magic comes fantastic possibilities....and terrible consequences.
Looking for a new life, Arienne sets out on a quest to find the tree. With a Shaman and the trickster spirit, Coyote, to (maybe) help her - she hopes to prove to herself that she can do something useful with her meager talents. After all, with magic comes fantastic possibilities....and terrible consequences.
Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2012
149 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
R. Leonia Shea
15 books18 followersI'm an indie with a passion for writing fantasy that takes my readers on a fun journey where they can meet interesting characters and learn a little about legends and myths. I've been writing for years now, but only jumped into the world of self-publishing when I knew I had created a world that would be light, entertaining and fun. There's enough stress and strife in this world - I want to take my readers on a journey that will always end someplace good. I write fun fiction with smart dialogue about interesting characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 14, 2021
Elementary My Dear Ari
I picked up this ebook as a kind of "let's see where this one takes me" and boy am I glad for the journey! Having always been fascinated my stories Native Americans have woven into the European culture that settled onto these shores, finding something that I really could relate to gave me a thrill. I lived in Southern New Jersey for 3 years and while I knew the Pine Gardens was an area of the state, it wasn't until many years (a books) later that I heard of the Jersey Devil. Just the name mind you, never the legend. Having also lived in the desert SouthWest, I was familiar with Native American legends and symbols and have also read my share of Tony Hillerman novels that included those legends. Imagine my delight when I begin reading Elementary Magic to find Coyote as a character to go along with Ari and Ray. While I WILL NOT give out details of this story so not to spoil the reading of others, I will say that the author uses the characters to add a deeper meaning and understanding to the stories and legends that are prevalent in various areas of the United States. This book is thoroughly entertaining with just enough mystery and danger to make the reader wonder how many directions can one plot branch off?! It is not a romance, just plain old mystery with some romantic influences tacked on for good measure. I can't wait to read all the others in the series!
I picked up this ebook as a kind of "let's see where this one takes me" and boy am I glad for the journey! Having always been fascinated my stories Native Americans have woven into the European culture that settled onto these shores, finding something that I really could relate to gave me a thrill. I lived in Southern New Jersey for 3 years and while I knew the Pine Gardens was an area of the state, it wasn't until many years (a books) later that I heard of the Jersey Devil. Just the name mind you, never the legend. Having also lived in the desert SouthWest, I was familiar with Native American legends and symbols and have also read my share of Tony Hillerman novels that included those legends. Imagine my delight when I begin reading Elementary Magic to find Coyote as a character to go along with Ari and Ray. While I WILL NOT give out details of this story so not to spoil the reading of others, I will say that the author uses the characters to add a deeper meaning and understanding to the stories and legends that are prevalent in various areas of the United States. This book is thoroughly entertaining with just enough mystery and danger to make the reader wonder how many directions can one plot branch off?! It is not a romance, just plain old mystery with some romantic influences tacked on for good measure. I can't wait to read all the others in the series!
February 1, 2021
Elementary Magic
Cute little story. I liked the main character and the way she was developed. I have seen too many hapless heroines that did nothing except complain. Good change to see one capable of learning and believing more in herself. Good action. Good supporting characters. I will read the rest of the series.
Cute little story. I liked the main character and the way she was developed. I have seen too many hapless heroines that did nothing except complain. Good change to see one capable of learning and believing more in herself. Good action. Good supporting characters. I will read the rest of the series.
April 3, 2021
Very interesting
An archeology doctor who can't find work because of under used magic that creates havoc in the form of fire. She gets sent on a journey by her relatives with only a legend as her guide. There is a reason one should stay out of the Jersey Pinelands but go there she must. Along the way she meets people who help her figure out her magic. That is all I will say. Tensions rise, treason to, but in the end there are more twists and turns than the branches of trees. Great read!
An archeology doctor who can't find work because of under used magic that creates havoc in the form of fire. She gets sent on a journey by her relatives with only a legend as her guide. There is a reason one should stay out of the Jersey Pinelands but go there she must. Along the way she meets people who help her figure out her magic. That is all I will say. Tensions rise, treason to, but in the end there are more twists and turns than the branches of trees. Great read!
May 13, 2021
Magical mayhem
A magical author who can weave a magic spell that binds you to her books from start to finish. Be prepared to descend into a magical adventure where you will befriend the heroine and travel with her to fulfill her quest. No one is quite whom they seem, only the pure in heart will be worthy. Is she prepared for the consequences? Read and see, read and believe!
A magical author who can weave a magic spell that binds you to her books from start to finish. Be prepared to descend into a magical adventure where you will befriend the heroine and travel with her to fulfill her quest. No one is quite whom they seem, only the pure in heart will be worthy. Is she prepared for the consequences? Read and see, read and believe!
May 17, 2021
A good book
A very good read. A little confusing regarding the situation with the girl, Willow. I would recommend it to teen thru adult.
A very good read. A little confusing regarding the situation with the girl, Willow. I would recommend it to teen thru adult.
March 3, 2021
Extraordinary!
I highly recommend this richly mythical fantasy, and the series that it so spectacularly begins, to all readers who love magical characters, human and creature. Shea weaves mythology, imaginative plots, and magic to create an entertaining adventure. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this richly mythical fantasy, and the series that it so spectacularly begins, to all readers who love magical characters, human and creature. Shea weaves mythology, imaginative plots, and magic to create an entertaining adventure. Enjoy!
Read
March 3, 2021Great story!
I really enjoyed the creativity and storytelling in this book. I am looking forward to following the adventures of Arienne and Basir. Great premise!
I really enjoyed the creativity and storytelling in this book. I am looking forward to following the adventures of Arienne and Basir. Great premise!
June 29, 2018
The new Indiana Jones, please step forward.
Terrific first book. Light but with a heroine that you just can't help liking. She has lived her whole life under the impression that she isn't much of a witch. However with no job or prospects she takes on the job of finding a magical tree. Can she succeed? Will her magic be enough to overcome the barriers placed before her? Will she find friends or foes as she is taken on a magical ride to try to fulfil her promise and earn the money she desperately needs. A wonderful tale on a similar line as Jason and the Argonauts. Easy reading but with great characters and vivid descriptions. Very Indiana Jones.
Terrific first book. Light but with a heroine that you just can't help liking. She has lived her whole life under the impression that she isn't much of a witch. However with no job or prospects she takes on the job of finding a magical tree. Can she succeed? Will her magic be enough to overcome the barriers placed before her? Will she find friends or foes as she is taken on a magical ride to try to fulfil her promise and earn the money she desperately needs. A wonderful tale on a similar line as Jason and the Argonauts. Easy reading but with great characters and vivid descriptions. Very Indiana Jones.
March 5, 2021
Okay
A little too much running around with detailed explanations about magic for my taste. Well written with a decent overall plot.
A little too much running around with detailed explanations about magic for my taste. Well written with a decent overall plot.
September 22, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
January 5, 2025
The Potion Tree!
Arienne is an archaeologist out of work because she is also an ineffective witch. She toppled the ruins her team was exploring.At her interview for a museum job, she accidentally started a fire in the conference room.
She is offered a job by Dr. Huan to retrieve a branch of magical wood to replace one stolen by The Alliance. So she figures out where the tree might be and off she goes to find the tree, retrieve a branch, and get it back to Dr. Huan.
Along the way, she learns much about using her magic and a bit more about life. She meets Coyote, a magical warrior, a beaver from another dimension, a giant water serpent, and some bad guys - of course.
Fun. Well written.
Arienne is an archaeologist out of work because she is also an ineffective witch. She toppled the ruins her team was exploring.At her interview for a museum job, she accidentally started a fire in the conference room.
She is offered a job by Dr. Huan to retrieve a branch of magical wood to replace one stolen by The Alliance. So she figures out where the tree might be and off she goes to find the tree, retrieve a branch, and get it back to Dr. Huan.
Along the way, she learns much about using her magic and a bit more about life. She meets Coyote, a magical warrior, a beaver from another dimension, a giant water serpent, and some bad guys - of course.
Fun. Well written.
August 20, 2021
A little different but very entertaining 1st book
Obscure Native American legends … check
A woman that doesn’t know her own power … check
A fantastic flying companion … check
A missing magical implement … check
Coyote … wait? What??
A great recipe for a nifty new series.
Book 1 pulls you in with some interesting characters. I will admit I have a fondness for Coyote in all his glory. Sorry, got distracted. Hope the next book fills out the back story a little while leading us on a new adventure.
Obscure Native American legends … check
A woman that doesn’t know her own power … check
A fantastic flying companion … check
A missing magical implement … check
Coyote … wait? What??
A great recipe for a nifty new series.
Book 1 pulls you in with some interesting characters. I will admit I have a fondness for Coyote in all his glory. Sorry, got distracted. Hope the next book fills out the back story a little while leading us on a new adventure.
August 25, 2023
Destiny
Jumping from the get go into an adventure with very little preparations and winging it is just what most people do. For the doctor to survive and to learn several lessons worked out. This is a great story about learning your skills that you only thought were weak and minimal at best. This is what makes us stronger and better able to move forward and safer in our chosen fields. To become more confident in dealing with the future as we grow and become stronger. Life is never easy.
Jumping from the get go into an adventure with very little preparations and winging it is just what most people do. For the doctor to survive and to learn several lessons worked out. This is a great story about learning your skills that you only thought were weak and minimal at best. This is what makes us stronger and better able to move forward and safer in our chosen fields. To become more confident in dealing with the future as we grow and become stronger. Life is never easy.
November 4, 2021
R. Leonia Shea is hands-down the best indie author I’ve found this year. And, 1) I read constantly, and, 2) it is November. Sometimes I have to thank my luck when an off-hand reference somewhere else leads me to literary gold.
Elementary Magic had great characters, not all of them human, a non-stop adventure of a plot, and ended somewhere better than it began. It was exactly what I needed right now.
P.S. The Coyote alone makes this worth the read…
Elementary Magic had great characters, not all of them human, a non-stop adventure of a plot, and ended somewhere better than it began. It was exactly what I needed right now.
P.S. The Coyote alone makes this worth the read…
June 16, 2025
Low-key Magic
Not that there isn't much magic, there's plenty of it, and differing traditions, as well. But the main character is "coming into it". To me, that's a cool aspect of it. Hopefully, there will be some Celtic ties later in the series...
Oh, and having Coyote involved was, to say the least, interesting.
Not that there isn't much magic, there's plenty of it, and differing traditions, as well. But the main character is "coming into it". To me, that's a cool aspect of it. Hopefully, there will be some Celtic ties later in the series...
Oh, and having Coyote involved was, to say the least, interesting.
September 25, 2025
A rollicking good time. I bought all 5 novellas because the subject appealed to me: Archeology, Native American lore and elemental magic, and this did not disappoint.
Excellent world building, a likable heroine with a supernatural side kick or two, with potential to rock the world. book one was excellent-moving on to book two.
Excellent world building, a likable heroine with a supernatural side kick or two, with potential to rock the world. book one was excellent-moving on to book two.
May 25, 2021
Interesting tale
Great story about a witch's quest for a branch from a mythical, magical tree. Her best friend is a great horned owl. The book is a sound start to a series, and has a world that is worth exploring.
Great story about a witch's quest for a branch from a mythical, magical tree. Her best friend is a great horned owl. The book is a sound start to a series, and has a world that is worth exploring.
August 24, 2023
excellent
This was a very unique and interesting story. The characters are compelling and I can see many future adventures for the heroine. You have got to love crazy grandmas and I can’t wait to meet this one.
This was a very unique and interesting story. The characters are compelling and I can see many future adventures for the heroine. You have got to love crazy grandmas and I can’t wait to meet this one.
June 20, 2025
Magic
This book was all about a magical adventure for a young witch. This book is full of twists, with little accidents, and humor. I really enjoyed this book with it's mix of cultures. The characters and mistic creatures thrown in are great.
This book was all about a magical adventure for a young witch. This book is full of twists, with little accidents, and humor. I really enjoyed this book with it's mix of cultures. The characters and mistic creatures thrown in are great.
May 23, 2021
Excellent!!!!
This is a well written, fun and fascinating story that will keep you reading until the very end. Definitely a must read.
This is a well written, fun and fascinating story that will keep you reading until the very end. Definitely a must read.
July 10, 2021
that was fun. Very short book but enjoyable. Unfortunately the next in series isn't even 200 pages, which doesn't count as a novel imo, so i'll skip it.
October 28, 2021
Good Start
Always looking for an entertaining book. This is a great start to a new series… Looking forward to what happens next
Always looking for an entertaining book. This is a great start to a new series… Looking forward to what happens next
October 29, 2021
An enjoyable story from the first page.
February 21, 2022
Very entertaining!
I quite liked the very relatable main character and her familiar; the many typos not so much.
I will be reading the next one in the series though. :)
I quite liked the very relatable main character and her familiar; the many typos not so much.
I will be reading the next one in the series though. :)
June 23, 2022
Elementary Magic (Relic Hunter) by R. Leonia Shea was the first book by this author I have read. Fun to read.
November 1, 2022
Interesting magic.
The magic in this story is interesting and different than I've seen before. I liked the main character and am interested to see what happens next!
The magic in this story is interesting and different than I've seen before. I liked the main character and am interested to see what happens next!
August 7, 2023
Good story!
This was an interesting read! Definitely not the same old story you run into often, it's got a good story and is written well. I'll be reading more from this author.
This was an interesting read! Definitely not the same old story you run into often, it's got a good story and is written well. I'll be reading more from this author.
August 8, 2023
An entertaining read
The author has developed an amazing and innovative plot to go with an unusual group of characters making this hard to put down
The author has developed an amazing and innovative plot to go with an unusual group of characters making this hard to put down
October 24, 2023
Good concept
Good character development/stage setting for the rest of the series. Love the earth magic, animal companions, and magical politics of this parallel world...
Good character development/stage setting for the rest of the series. Love the earth magic, animal companions, and magical politics of this parallel world...
March 27, 2025
Wish
Magic sucks bit stilled trying to do her best
Can't trust him!
Life lessons sill continue
Start a new life?
Well, maybe!
Magic sucks bit stilled trying to do her best
Can't trust him!
Life lessons sill continue
Start a new life?
Well, maybe!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews