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Lizzie Grace #7
Magic Misled
Her husband might be dead, but her problems are far from over.
Lizzie Grace had hoped that Clayton's death would bring some normality back into her life. But not only does her father remain intent on interfering now that he knows she can manipulate wild magic, but the High Witch Council has sent in an investigator to uncover her part in Clayton's murder.
But a bigger threat has arrived on the reservation.
One that wears flesh and blood, and is intent on revenge.
And it'll kill anyone who gets in its way...
Lizzie Grace had hoped that Clayton's death would bring some normality back into her life. But not only does her father remain intent on interfering now that he knows she can manipulate wild magic, but the High Witch Council has sent in an investigator to uncover her part in Clayton's murder.
But a bigger threat has arrived on the reservation.
One that wears flesh and blood, and is intent on revenge.
And it'll kill anyone who gets in its way...
346 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2021
427 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
102 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 19, 2021
Absolutely love this series!!!
June 12, 2021
Magic Misled
by Keri Arthur is the seventh book in the Lizzie Grace series. The author does a great job of meshing urban fantasy with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s set on the fictional Faelan Reservation in Australia and features Lizzie who is a witch.
Lizzie hoped that her ex-husband’s death would allow her life to proceed normally. However, that is not what happens. The High Witch Council sends an investigator, Samuel Kang, to determine her role in his death. On top of that, her father is being manipulative and a murderer bent on revenge is loose on the reservation.
Lizzie’s character is well defined and flawed, but shows growth over the course of the novel. However, I am having trouble understanding why she is in a relationship with werewolf, Aiden O’Connor. I won’t say more about that to avoid spoilers. Her best friend is Isabelle (Belle) Kent. They co-own a café together as well as Belle being her familiar. A variety of secondary characters enhance and round out the story.
The plot is solid and the story line kept me fully engaged. There is plenty of tension and suspense in this novel. However, there is also some humor and relationship building that add another dimension to it as well as some magical skill-building. The author also did a great job of world-building, providing a strong sense of place.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well-crafted and entertaining. I would recommend it to those that enjoy urban fantasy and supernatural suspense. While I’ve read other books by this author, I haven’t read the previous six books in this series. I can’t wait to read them. While it worked as a standalone novel for me, I believe reading the series in order would certainly add to the enjoyment of the series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads Discussion Group Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Lizzie hoped that her ex-husband’s death would allow her life to proceed normally. However, that is not what happens. The High Witch Council sends an investigator, Samuel Kang, to determine her role in his death. On top of that, her father is being manipulative and a murderer bent on revenge is loose on the reservation.
Lizzie’s character is well defined and flawed, but shows growth over the course of the novel. However, I am having trouble understanding why she is in a relationship with werewolf, Aiden O’Connor. I won’t say more about that to avoid spoilers. Her best friend is Isabelle (Belle) Kent. They co-own a café together as well as Belle being her familiar. A variety of secondary characters enhance and round out the story.
The plot is solid and the story line kept me fully engaged. There is plenty of tension and suspense in this novel. However, there is also some humor and relationship building that add another dimension to it as well as some magical skill-building. The author also did a great job of world-building, providing a strong sense of place.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well-crafted and entertaining. I would recommend it to those that enjoy urban fantasy and supernatural suspense. While I’ve read other books by this author, I haven’t read the previous six books in this series. I can’t wait to read them. While it worked as a standalone novel for me, I believe reading the series in order would certainly add to the enjoyment of the series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads Discussion Group Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
July 6, 2022
I liked it, but didn't love it. It was definitely a bridge book, trying to figure out what direction the story needs to go no that Clayton is done.
That said, I still do not like her relationship with Aiden for all the reasons that I explained in my review of book 6. Lizzie deserves better than this - she's fucking amazing, and she deserves to have someone she loves see that about her. I like Aiden less every moment he spends stringing her along. Because that's what he's doing right now. He won't tell her he loves her, or even that he cares. He's jealous and possessive, and gets angry at the implication that they are temporary, even while he underscores that they are temporary with his every action and conversation about it.
I don't want this for Lizzie. And I don't see any way I would be happy with a resolution where they end up together, because reluctance pollutes the air around Aiden and she deserves more than reluctant acceptance of a relationship with her. Even if he eventually flips and says no, it's forever... I don't see how it doesn't feel overtly like he was throwing in the towel on what he really wants in a mate.
Even worse, if they split Lizzie is still stuck there because of the wild magic, and I feel like Aiden will be a douche about it. Like, wanting to have his cake and eat it too... He's going to want to keep a hook in her, snarl at anyone else who might be interested, ugh.
I like this series but the relationship feels like a toxic cloud slowly descending on it...
That said, I still do not like her relationship with Aiden for all the reasons that I explained in my review of book 6. Lizzie deserves better than this - she's fucking amazing, and she deserves to have someone she loves see that about her. I like Aiden less every moment he spends stringing her along. Because that's what he's doing right now. He won't tell her he loves her, or even that he cares. He's jealous and possessive, and gets angry at the implication that they are temporary, even while he underscores that they are temporary with his every action and conversation about it.
I don't want this for Lizzie. And I don't see any way I would be happy with a resolution where they end up together, because reluctance pollutes the air around Aiden and she deserves more than reluctant acceptance of a relationship with her. Even if he eventually flips and says no, it's forever... I don't see how it doesn't feel overtly like he was throwing in the towel on what he really wants in a mate.
Even worse, if they split Lizzie is still stuck there because of the wild magic, and I feel like Aiden will be a douche about it. Like, wanting to have his cake and eat it too... He's going to want to keep a hook in her, snarl at anyone else who might be interested, ugh.
I like this series but the relationship feels like a toxic cloud slowly descending on it...
February 24, 2021
A little bit on the short side and a lot on the woe is me. The heroine is a self fulfilling profecy and above all one who doesn’t really grow as the time passes.
With the first books, the series seemed stalled, all with the same details about the hanging danger, and now that that threat is finally over, we are starting again with the claustrophobic new threat. I understand the world isn’t all roses, but a somewhat less pessimistic reaction would be appreciated. Some growth, rather than a pessimism-to-fake-live-in-the-moment attitude.
At the same time, even the villains, the plot, the murders are all about the same even when details are different. You don’t really get anything new as a story. It’s like those murder mysteries in small towns, after the first one or two it gets boring and above all out of the realm of possibilities in any thing resembling real life. And here we have the absolute same but with magic. There is only so much you can accept before groaning “oh come on!”..
Well, I really expected something different by book 7. So maybe... expectations, keep them light.
Let’s hope this new arc won’t be as boring as the first.
A final note. The blurb really had nothing much to do with the plot.
With the first books, the series seemed stalled, all with the same details about the hanging danger, and now that that threat is finally over, we are starting again with the claustrophobic new threat. I understand the world isn’t all roses, but a somewhat less pessimistic reaction would be appreciated. Some growth, rather than a pessimism-to-fake-live-in-the-moment attitude.
At the same time, even the villains, the plot, the murders are all about the same even when details are different. You don’t really get anything new as a story. It’s like those murder mysteries in small towns, after the first one or two it gets boring and above all out of the realm of possibilities in any thing resembling real life. And here we have the absolute same but with magic. There is only so much you can accept before groaning “oh come on!”..
Well, I really expected something different by book 7. So maybe... expectations, keep them light.
Let’s hope this new arc won’t be as boring as the first.
A final note. The blurb really had nothing much to do with the plot.
March 20, 2021
Coming out February 23, 2021.
February 23, 2021
I was disappointed with this book Although it added more information about Lizzie Grace’s use of magic and her social environment, it did little to progress the overall story presented by the entire series. So many threads left hanging, so many questions from previous books in the series unanswered, so much action happening “off stage” and the reader only told results rather than how or why.
March 28, 2021
I think I might be done. I'm tired of the whining over the werewolf and their will-they, won't-they relationship. Everything seems to take a bazillion years to get to them to help, so they can't develop but in the ways they can be getting smarter about things, they don't always. Even the tiny bit of movement we do get in the overarching plot doesn't feel like movement now that we are 7 books into the series.
It is such a bummer since I started out really liking this series and I keep thinking "maybe just one more" and then I have the same issues.
It is such a bummer since I started out really liking this series and I keep thinking "maybe just one more" and then I have the same issues.
February 25, 2021
With Lizzie's initial threat is gone -- as in her husband, Clayton, who was killed in the previous book - I think this series is starting a new "arc" so to speak. There's no threat from the past, it's simply Lizzie, Belle, and the gang, dealing with another dark force that wreck havoc at the reservation. But the dark force doesn't directly a threat to them.
It may be a little stale in the relationship element (though Lizzie has that talk with Aiden's mother, and I expect that soon Mia will be coming to the reservation and we will have a confrontation showdown) or in Lizzie's own ability (there's a hint that her wild magic will have grave consequences). But I still enjoyed the book. I think maybe the next few books will be more about Lizzie's handling (and understanding) her wild magic.
And I'm definitely in to see more of Monty courting Belle. That boy got game! And it will be entertaining to see Belle finally say yes to all of Monty's charming plan.
It may be a little stale in the relationship element (though Lizzie has that talk with Aiden's mother, and I expect that soon Mia will be coming to the reservation and we will have a confrontation showdown) or in Lizzie's own ability (there's a hint that her wild magic will have grave consequences). But I still enjoyed the book. I think maybe the next few books will be more about Lizzie's handling (and understanding) her wild magic.
And I'm definitely in to see more of Monty courting Belle. That boy got game! And it will be entertaining to see Belle finally say yes to all of Monty's charming plan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
3.5/5.0
Still loving the series but a few cracks are forming. The nasties are becoming very cliché at this point. Although each look different from book to book, the storyline surrounding them is exactly the same. They kill people in some horrific way (usually eating or dismembering). Lizzie and Co. try… try again, get hurt in the process, then voilá! Against all odds they succeed! It is still page turning and edge of your seat, but I know exactly where I am in the process at any given time so it takes the real suspense out of it.
The bigger problem for me, however, is Lizzie and Aiden’s relationship. That rain cloud hanging over them is becoming a thunderstorm and Lizzie does absolutely NOTHING about it but get depressed and mope about Mia coming back and the ultimate end of their relationship (but never around Aiden, he must not see her unhappy *sarcastically said*). Good grief woman, at least tell him how you feel now and then!
I am so totally invested, however, that there is just no stopping now. Lizzie is such a fabulous character, I know I won’t stop until she has achieved her HEA… however that may look.
Still loving the series but a few cracks are forming. The nasties are becoming very cliché at this point. Although each look different from book to book, the storyline surrounding them is exactly the same. They kill people in some horrific way (usually eating or dismembering). Lizzie and Co. try… try again, get hurt in the process, then voilá! Against all odds they succeed! It is still page turning and edge of your seat, but I know exactly where I am in the process at any given time so it takes the real suspense out of it.
The bigger problem for me, however, is Lizzie and Aiden’s relationship. That rain cloud hanging over them is becoming a thunderstorm and Lizzie does absolutely NOTHING about it but get depressed and mope about Mia coming back and the ultimate end of their relationship (but never around Aiden, he must not see her unhappy *sarcastically said*). Good grief woman, at least tell him how you feel now and then!
I am so totally invested, however, that there is just no stopping now. Lizzie is such a fabulous character, I know I won’t stop until she has achieved her HEA… however that may look.
June 16, 2021
I'm still loving this series, but I am glad the ex-fiancé is finally showing up in the next book because I'm real freakin' ready to find out where this relationship is going. It's mentioned constantly in every book, so some shit better happen.
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Mystery was good. It doesn't feel like we are getting anywhere with these stories. There doesn't feel like there is any progression in the overall storyline. It does seem like Arthur is going to semi turn Lizzie into a wolf to allow a relationship with Aiden. I have mixed feelings about this because he has always seen their relationship as transient.
Mystery was good. It doesn't feel like we are getting anywhere with these stories. There doesn't feel like there is any progression in the overall storyline. It does seem like Arthur is going to semi turn Lizzie into a wolf to allow a relationship with Aiden. I have mixed feelings about this because he has always seen their relationship as transient.
March 25, 2021
I'm getting annoyed with Lizzie. She endlessly whines about how she and Aiden will never work as a couple. As much as I like them together, at this point I'd prefer that she leave him than listen to her incessant doubts. Aiden has proved himself. There are issues that complicate things between them but nothing insurmountable. It feels like the doubts are in Lizzie's head and not based on anything concrete.
The random mystery was mildly interesting. Nothing much happened to advance the overarching plot.
The random mystery was mildly interesting. Nothing much happened to advance the overarching plot.
March 1, 2021
Well written and captivating this story kept me happy and entertained, I couldn't put it down. Always love reading from a fellow Aussie being from close to Canberra my self always good to read..
But I was disappointed that nothing more came about Mia and the problems there. But the rest and storyline is all you expect Lizzie and the gang to happen.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
But I was disappointed that nothing more came about Mia and the problems there. But the rest and storyline is all you expect Lizzie and the gang to happen.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 23, 2021
CMON ARTHUR. WE WANT THE MIA CONFRONTATION. PLEASE. SPARE US THE MISERY. THE PAIN. THE TORTURE.
October 29, 2021
Round up to 4.5 stars.
October 11, 2025
3.5 stars
I'm in two minds of this one. I enjoyed the story. The rogue killing out of revenge was interesting. However, the relationship between Lizzie and Aiden isn't one I overly like at this point. Aiden refuses to say I love you and treats it like a temporary thing. But he is possessive and jealous. Wants his cake and to eat it too. I do not understand their relationship and Lizzie deserves so much better. I prefer the books when Aiden isn't on page which says everything about how I feel. It's lowering my interest in the books.
The secondary characters make these books so good. I love Belles and Monty. We still get great moments from Ashworth and Eli as well. Not as much of the gossip brigade or the wolves in this one but lots of witchy bits.
Still a good series, just wish it was a relationship I could get behind at all.
I'm in two minds of this one. I enjoyed the story. The rogue killing out of revenge was interesting. However, the relationship between Lizzie and Aiden isn't one I overly like at this point. Aiden refuses to say I love you and treats it like a temporary thing. But he is possessive and jealous. Wants his cake and to eat it too. I do not understand their relationship and Lizzie deserves so much better. I prefer the books when Aiden isn't on page which says everything about how I feel. It's lowering my interest in the books.
The secondary characters make these books so good. I love Belles and Monty. We still get great moments from Ashworth and Eli as well. Not as much of the gossip brigade or the wolves in this one but lots of witchy bits.
Still a good series, just wish it was a relationship I could get behind at all.
March 1, 2021
With this book on the surface it seems like Lizzie's life is great, but as the book goes on you see things are coming at her that aren't in her control. Her father still wants to exert some amount of control and Aiden's mother is still awful and making active moves to hurt Aiden and Lizzie. It's good that Belle's life is going great, a reunion with her mom and Monty finally going after Belle and letting everyone, including Belle know what his intensions are. The two of them are actually super cute together.
The crime in this one was crazy, more so because of what was at the root cause, people being hurtful and spiteful. Did they deserve what happened to them, pretty much, but Aiden and Lizzie couldn't let things go on because it wouldn't have stopped with those at the root of things. The wild magic that helps Lizzie seems to be growing, helping her more and taking more when it does help. You have to wonder what the end game there will be.
I liked that this one ended with Aiden and Lizzie having some quiet time together, I think it's something they will need before they face what will be coming their way.
The crime in this one was crazy, more so because of what was at the root cause, people being hurtful and spiteful. Did they deserve what happened to them, pretty much, but Aiden and Lizzie couldn't let things go on because it wouldn't have stopped with those at the root of things. The wild magic that helps Lizzie seems to be growing, helping her more and taking more when it does help. You have to wonder what the end game there will be.
I liked that this one ended with Aiden and Lizzie having some quiet time together, I think it's something they will need before they face what will be coming their way.
March 3, 2021
Another awesome Lizzie Grace story that I read too fast and now I have to wait sooo long for the next one. This time Lizzie and Aiden are looking for a murderer that is out for revenge and defies description. They don’t know if it’s paranormal, human, wolf, or a combination, but whatever it is, they need to figure out a way to stop it before more lives are lost. One bright spot in all of this is a visit from someone both Belle and Lizzie adore, which is one benefit of being rid of “husband” Clayton. If only she could be rid of her father and his machinations as well. And Monty is slowly winning over Belle, much to Lizzie’s delight. I’m enjoying this series so much, and I look forward to seeing what happens next for Lizzie and friends.
March 1, 2021
Not my favorite but still part of the journey
This wasnt my favorite for Lizzie. It read like the beginning of a goodbye letter and while I know the series cant go on forever. I like to pretend it can. And I like my MCs to have HEAs.... and now I'm not sure we'll get one. I can say that after spending this entire series falling in love with Aiden, I'll be greatly disappointed if hes not endgame.
This wasnt my favorite for Lizzie. It read like the beginning of a goodbye letter and while I know the series cant go on forever. I like to pretend it can. And I like my MCs to have HEAs.... and now I'm not sure we'll get one. I can say that after spending this entire series falling in love with Aiden, I'll be greatly disappointed if hes not endgame.
February 27, 2021
Another brilliant book. I am already desperate for the next one.
Delicate balance of Romance, Family, murder, action and secrets. Never wanted to have an open log fire to sit in front of as much as I did after reading this book. Of course, there might be other reasons too :D
Delicate balance of Romance, Family, murder, action and secrets. Never wanted to have an open log fire to sit in front of as much as I did after reading this book. Of course, there might be other reasons too :D
May 29, 2022
The world building the plots and the characters are all great. Glad the next one is due this year.
July 27, 2024
Seventh in the Lizzie Grace urban fantasy series and revolving around Lizzie Grace, a witch on the run. It's set in Castle Rock, Australia, near a werewolf reservation.
My Take
Oooh, Belle is dating Monty! Hmmm . . .
Arthur is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Lizzie's perspective, so we experience all of her thoughts, emotions, and actions, including that the wild magic may be eating Lizzie up. It certainly does create a certain tension, which Arthur could do with ratcheting up. I do wish she provided more dialogue tags as well. It can be confusing as to who is speaking sometimes.
Lizzie not being a werewolf creates all sorts of problems for Aiden, including a number of social ones. Whoa, I knew Aiden's mom was a nasty person, but she really takes it to extremes. Luckily Katie has a way to let Mum know. As for Lizzie's father, oy, that man never learns.
Whoa. Again. Lizzie's mother actually thanked Ava Sarr. A Sarr!
Not to worry, though, there's plenty of conflict besides Lizzie's with her family and the investigation into what happened to Clayton. Something is murdering random people, and someone is after Belle's stash of books.
It's a character-driven plot with plenty of action with a pace that kept me on the move.
And Lizzie gets yet another job!
The Story
Her husband might be dead, but her problems are far from over . . .
Lizzie Grace had hoped that Clayton’s death would bring some normality back into her life. But not only does her father remain intent on interfering now that he knows she can manipulate wild magic, but the High Witch Council has sent in an investigator to uncover her part in Clayton’s murder.
But a bigger threat has arrived on the reservation.
One that wears flesh and blood, and is intent on revenge.
The Characters
Lizzie Grace, a witch who's been in hiding for 13 years, has been hit by wild magic, a.k.a. earth magic, which has triggered changes in her own magic. And Lizzie has just moved into Aiden's apartment in Argyle. Belle Sarr Kent is her partner, best friend, and familiar. Belle inherited all of her grandmother, Nell's, library. Ava Sarr is Belle's very supportive mom. She and her husband, Belle's dad, are in charge of the Psychic Advisory Commission. Belle's sister, Alison, married Dylan Fitzgerald, and they have a baby, nine-month-old Beth, and three-year-old Eddie. Belle's brother, Josh, is a very strong telepath with a secondary strength in energy medicine.
The Psychic Cafe is . . .
. . . Lizzie and Belle's successful business in Castle Rock. Penny and her niece, Celia, are waitresses.
Monty Ashworth, a great dancer, is the reservation witch and her cousin. Eamon is his possessed orange menace of a cat. The grandfatherly Ashworth is also a witch and the representative for the Regional Witch Association (RWA). Eli is Ashworth's husband, a retired RWA witch.
The Faelan Reservation is . . .
. . . a werewolf reservation. Patrick Sinclair is a friend of Aiden's. John had known Patrick. Jackson Pike is/was a gold miner. Myra handled the birthday party arrangements.
Harry is the owner and manager of Castle Rock Ultimate Storage. Mrs Sanders calls about a monster. Maelle is the only vampire in Castle Rock and runs, or ran, a nightclub, Émigré. Roger is her thrall. Both are still missing. Joe works the desk at the fitness center. Jenny Brown, Derry, Morris, and Dorothy were more victims. Mrs Grantham, a magician, is another victim. Leesa Rhineheart, a human, had been bullied at school. Honor Rhineheart is Leesa's daughter.
A witch has a shop, Pot of Magic, in Woodend. Professor Janice Hopetown works for the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Sydney University. Butterworth's makes humbug candies. Ingrid Butterworth and her son still live on site.
The Rangers are . . .
. . . werewolves and the police force for the reservation and the surrounding area. Aiden O'Connor is the head ranger and has been dating Lizzie for several months. Tara Sinclair (she has five teenage brothers) is his second-in-command. Maggie is the office receptionist and a ranger-in-training. More rangers include Mac, Jaz Marin, and Duke. Ciara O'Connor, Aiden's sister, is the coroner. Luke is Ciara's assistant. Betty is the receptionist at the morgue. Jack Martin was helping to search.
Katie had been Aiden's younger sister, "killed" when her witch husband, Gabe, used a spell to bind her soul to an "unknown" wellspring. A spell that pulled him in as well. Aiden's control freak mother, Karleen, is the pack alpha, as is her husband, Joseph. Fawn is staying at the O'Connor compound.
Canberra, Australia
Samuel Kang is a full-blood witch and the High Council's chief investigator. He has a younger sister who had also been in an arranged marriage; she has a sixteen-year-old son. Belle has bad memories of Tommy Kang from school. Most of the Kang family are prominent lawyers. Lizzie's detached parents, Lawrence and Eleanor Marlowe, are members of the ruling High Council. Lizzie's siblings are Cat, whose death their parents blamed on Lizzie, and Juli.
Clayton Moore, Lizzie's husband, had been responsible for an explosion at Émigré and the kidnap and torture of Belle ( Deadly Vows , 6). Henry James is a retired dark sorcerer. Blackwing might be a witch's psych hospital.
The Black Lantern Society is . . .
. . . a group of witches, werewolves, and vampire who work behind the scenes to right wrongs and bring justice. Samuel Kang's brother is second in charge.
There are three levels of apparitions: souls, ghosts, and specters. Kash is a former boyfriend of Belle's with an abnormal interest in her grandmother's books. Roland Waverly is a friend of Kash's. Black Arts is selling e-copies. Mia Raines had tried to cheat Aiden in marriage. The Thaumaturge Society should be able to track the cheek tattoo.
The Cover and Title
The cover is primarily browns with the bottom half a deep brown and bare trees rising up to frame Lizzie who's facing us and wearing a gray knit stocking cap, her crimson hair floating around her shoulders. She's also wearing a gray sweater over a white turtleneck and black pants with black gloves, holding a book of magic with gold and white spirals swirling up from its open pages. The whiteness of the magic frames Lizzie in a soft glow. The author's name is in white at the top. The title, also in white, starts mid-thigh on Lizzie. At the very bottom is the series info in a pinkish orange.
The title is an unhappy one, for Magic Misled is what occurred. All due to bullying.
My Take
Oooh, Belle is dating Monty! Hmmm . . .
Arthur is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Lizzie's perspective, so we experience all of her thoughts, emotions, and actions, including that the wild magic may be eating Lizzie up. It certainly does create a certain tension, which Arthur could do with ratcheting up. I do wish she provided more dialogue tags as well. It can be confusing as to who is speaking sometimes.
Lizzie not being a werewolf creates all sorts of problems for Aiden, including a number of social ones. Whoa, I knew Aiden's mom was a nasty person, but she really takes it to extremes. Luckily Katie has a way to let Mum know. As for Lizzie's father, oy, that man never learns.
Whoa. Again. Lizzie's mother actually thanked Ava Sarr. A Sarr!
Not to worry, though, there's plenty of conflict besides Lizzie's with her family and the investigation into what happened to Clayton. Something is murdering random people, and someone is after Belle's stash of books.
It's a character-driven plot with plenty of action with a pace that kept me on the move.
And Lizzie gets yet another job!
The Story
Her husband might be dead, but her problems are far from over . . .
Lizzie Grace had hoped that Clayton’s death would bring some normality back into her life. But not only does her father remain intent on interfering now that he knows she can manipulate wild magic, but the High Witch Council has sent in an investigator to uncover her part in Clayton’s murder.
But a bigger threat has arrived on the reservation.
One that wears flesh and blood, and is intent on revenge.
The Characters
Lizzie Grace, a witch who's been in hiding for 13 years, has been hit by wild magic, a.k.a. earth magic, which has triggered changes in her own magic. And Lizzie has just moved into Aiden's apartment in Argyle. Belle Sarr Kent is her partner, best friend, and familiar. Belle inherited all of her grandmother, Nell's, library. Ava Sarr is Belle's very supportive mom. She and her husband, Belle's dad, are in charge of the Psychic Advisory Commission. Belle's sister, Alison, married Dylan Fitzgerald, and they have a baby, nine-month-old Beth, and three-year-old Eddie. Belle's brother, Josh, is a very strong telepath with a secondary strength in energy medicine.
The Psychic Cafe is . . .
. . . Lizzie and Belle's successful business in Castle Rock. Penny and her niece, Celia, are waitresses.
Monty Ashworth, a great dancer, is the reservation witch and her cousin. Eamon is his possessed orange menace of a cat. The grandfatherly Ashworth is also a witch and the representative for the Regional Witch Association (RWA). Eli is Ashworth's husband, a retired RWA witch.
The Faelan Reservation is . . .
. . . a werewolf reservation. Patrick Sinclair is a friend of Aiden's. John had known Patrick. Jackson Pike is/was a gold miner. Myra handled the birthday party arrangements.
Harry is the owner and manager of Castle Rock Ultimate Storage. Mrs Sanders calls about a monster. Maelle is the only vampire in Castle Rock and runs, or ran, a nightclub, Émigré. Roger is her thrall. Both are still missing. Joe works the desk at the fitness center. Jenny Brown, Derry, Morris, and Dorothy were more victims. Mrs Grantham, a magician, is another victim. Leesa Rhineheart, a human, had been bullied at school. Honor Rhineheart is Leesa's daughter.
A witch has a shop, Pot of Magic, in Woodend. Professor Janice Hopetown works for the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Sydney University. Butterworth's makes humbug candies. Ingrid Butterworth and her son still live on site.
The Rangers are . . .
. . . werewolves and the police force for the reservation and the surrounding area. Aiden O'Connor is the head ranger and has been dating Lizzie for several months. Tara Sinclair (she has five teenage brothers) is his second-in-command. Maggie is the office receptionist and a ranger-in-training. More rangers include Mac, Jaz Marin, and Duke. Ciara O'Connor, Aiden's sister, is the coroner. Luke is Ciara's assistant. Betty is the receptionist at the morgue. Jack Martin was helping to search.
Katie had been Aiden's younger sister, "killed" when her witch husband, Gabe, used a spell to bind her soul to an "unknown" wellspring. A spell that pulled him in as well. Aiden's control freak mother, Karleen, is the pack alpha, as is her husband, Joseph. Fawn is staying at the O'Connor compound.
Canberra, Australia
Samuel Kang is a full-blood witch and the High Council's chief investigator. He has a younger sister who had also been in an arranged marriage; she has a sixteen-year-old son. Belle has bad memories of Tommy Kang from school. Most of the Kang family are prominent lawyers. Lizzie's detached parents, Lawrence and Eleanor Marlowe, are members of the ruling High Council. Lizzie's siblings are Cat, whose death their parents blamed on Lizzie, and Juli.
Clayton Moore, Lizzie's husband, had been responsible for an explosion at Émigré and the kidnap and torture of Belle ( Deadly Vows , 6). Henry James is a retired dark sorcerer. Blackwing might be a witch's psych hospital.
The Black Lantern Society is . . .
. . . a group of witches, werewolves, and vampire who work behind the scenes to right wrongs and bring justice. Samuel Kang's brother is second in charge.
There are three levels of apparitions: souls, ghosts, and specters. Kash is a former boyfriend of Belle's with an abnormal interest in her grandmother's books. Roland Waverly is a friend of Kash's. Black Arts is selling e-copies. Mia Raines had tried to cheat Aiden in marriage. The Thaumaturge Society should be able to track the cheek tattoo.
The Cover and Title
The cover is primarily browns with the bottom half a deep brown and bare trees rising up to frame Lizzie who's facing us and wearing a gray knit stocking cap, her crimson hair floating around her shoulders. She's also wearing a gray sweater over a white turtleneck and black pants with black gloves, holding a book of magic with gold and white spirals swirling up from its open pages. The whiteness of the magic frames Lizzie in a soft glow. The author's name is in white at the top. The title, also in white, starts mid-thigh on Lizzie. At the very bottom is the series info in a pinkish orange.
The title is an unhappy one, for Magic Misled is what occurred. All due to bullying.
March 27, 2021
I adore this series, but the buildup to Mia coming back kind of takes away from the main storyline. That being said, I can't wait for the next one!
October 27, 2021
Update: Still 🔸4 stars🔸
Original rating : 🔸4 stars🔸
Original rating : 🔸4 stars🔸
January 31, 2022
There are a lot of things being foreshadowed that just need to go ahead and happen.
March 17, 2024
There isn't much for me to say apart from another 5-star read. This is classic urban paranormal fantasy. Witches, werewolves, and dark magic.
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The series has strong well-written characters, which truly make this series everything. The relationship between Lizzie and Bella is amazing.
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The books all follow a similar plot, with changes happening within the main characters' lives as we go.
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A series I would highly recommend.
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The series has strong well-written characters, which truly make this series everything. The relationship between Lizzie and Bella is amazing.
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The books all follow a similar plot, with changes happening within the main characters' lives as we go.
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A series I would highly recommend.
May 25, 2021
Lizzie grace
This book number 7 was fantastic. Loved it with all the suspense and thrill. Now for the long wait for book 8. So sad.
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This book number 7 was fantastic. Loved it with all the suspense and thrill. Now for the long wait for book 8. So sad.
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May 5, 2022
I‘m 3/4 through the book so far. There are some things where I am not sure if they are consistent with hownthings were described earlier. Like when they were hunting the wolfs for their pelts the hunted wolfs left their clothing folded. Was that because they were controlled by humans? I cant see the humans bother. So when Aiden shifts now... what happens to his clothes?
Also they did do the spirit talking different. now lizzy is playing both parts and can record the conversation when she‘s on her own? what ever thats minor and might just be my memory.
Also their is a new attractive mage introduced and Aidens and Lizzy‘s relationship feels to go down fast now. I dont really get why she cant tell him, that she loves him. I suppose it‘s some misconception of selfprotection. She says that she wants to fight for him, but girl... lying is not the way *eyeroll*
My interpretation is, that they gonna split up soon because they obviously are idiots. Mia the bitch is coming back. Lizzy starts something with the new sexy mage Sam. Aiden might realise in time that he‘s an idiot. Lizzy might just realise that she‘s just as stupid and by trying to protect herself completly sabotaging her happyness herself. And then they end up together again.
I also suspect Keri Arthur gives them something to realise how bad a relationship between witch and wolf is just to really make clear why they should split up.
I could do without Mia the bitch and Sam the fill in guy.
sorry for bitching, I still like the book... could have done without the drama tho
I‘d rate that book, now that I am done, between 3 and 4. I gave it 4 because thats what I‘d give the story with honor, but those things I listed before do egg me
Also they did do the spirit talking different. now lizzy is playing both parts and can record the conversation when she‘s on her own? what ever thats minor and might just be my memory.
Also their is a new attractive mage introduced and Aidens and Lizzy‘s relationship feels to go down fast now. I dont really get why she cant tell him, that she loves him. I suppose it‘s some misconception of selfprotection. She says that she wants to fight for him, but girl... lying is not the way *eyeroll*
My interpretation is, that they gonna split up soon because they obviously are idiots. Mia the bitch is coming back. Lizzy starts something with the new sexy mage Sam. Aiden might realise in time that he‘s an idiot. Lizzy might just realise that she‘s just as stupid and by trying to protect herself completly sabotaging her happyness herself. And then they end up together again.
I also suspect Keri Arthur gives them something to realise how bad a relationship between witch and wolf is just to really make clear why they should split up.
I could do without Mia the bitch and Sam the fill in guy.
sorry for bitching, I still like the book... could have done without the drama tho
I‘d rate that book, now that I am done, between 3 and 4. I gave it 4 because thats what I‘d give the story with honor, but those things I listed before do egg me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
In Magic Misled Lizzie and gang face a twisted soul hunting and killing werewolves, which forces Lizzie to learn more about the wild magic. It's becoming obvious the cost of using it could be deadly. Monty's mission to brake past Belle's barriers is adorable. I'm so happy he's slowly, but surely making progress and now has a new cheerleader in his corner. An investigator, who also turns out to be a potential suitor, shows up to question Lizzie about the events that occurred in Deadly Vows. For now though, she remains totally dedicated to Aiden, who's about to celebrate his 30th birthday.
I'm glad we'll (hopefully, finally) find out how/if their relationship will withstand the obstacles in front of them in the next installment, Broken Bonds (due in Oct 2021). As Bruce Buffer would say, "It's Time!"
Pet Peeve side note: In the 16 chapters, "dare say" or "daresay" was used 15 times and "the latter" was used 17 times. It. Got. Annoying. (✮✮✮½)
❝ We are not trivial. This relationship is not trivial. ❞Lizzie and Aiden are becoming closer by the day as his mother continues to make her dislike of the pairing clear. In fact, she's invited someone back to town she hopes will rid her and her son of the witch once and for all.
I'm glad we'll (hopefully, finally) find out how/if their relationship will withstand the obstacles in front of them in the next installment, Broken Bonds (due in Oct 2021). As Bruce Buffer would say, "It's Time!"
Pet Peeve side note: In the 16 chapters, "dare say" or "daresay" was used 15 times and "the latter" was used 17 times. It. Got. Annoying. (✮✮✮½)
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