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Magical Artifacts Institute #4
Fixing Fae Problems
The Institute is in trouble, and I'm the only one free to do something about it.
For now.
With the walls closing in on all sides, it's up to me to solve the mystery of the Institute's "curse" and find out who's behind it.
I have little time, few resources, and no allies willing to help unless I give them part of my soul. No problem. Like they say, Hell hath no fury like an artifact hunter trying to keep her job.
Hah. Just kidding. Good luck to us all.
Breaking Fae Spells is the fourth book in the Magical Artifacts Institute series—a fun, fast-paced Urban Fantasy series featuring tricky magic, banter, adventure, and an opposites attract slow burn romance.
Perfect for fans of Annette Marie, Linsey Hall, Helen Harper, R.J. Blain, and K.M. Shea.
For now.
With the walls closing in on all sides, it's up to me to solve the mystery of the Institute's "curse" and find out who's behind it.
I have little time, few resources, and no allies willing to help unless I give them part of my soul. No problem. Like they say, Hell hath no fury like an artifact hunter trying to keep her job.
Hah. Just kidding. Good luck to us all.
Breaking Fae Spells is the fourth book in the Magical Artifacts Institute series—a fun, fast-paced Urban Fantasy series featuring tricky magic, banter, adventure, and an opposites attract slow burn romance.
Perfect for fans of Annette Marie, Linsey Hall, Helen Harper, R.J. Blain, and K.M. Shea.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2021
35 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Isa Medina
30 books161 followersIsa Medina loves writing and reading Urban Fantasy books, playing MMORPGs, and scouring the Internet for pet pictures and beautiful art.
As a child, she was first introduced to the world of Fantasy through Dragonlance and she has never looked back. She also has a soft spot for Gothics and treasures all her old Victorian Holt paperbacks. If it has Fae, ghosts, vampires, demons, mythical creatures, or magic in it, she's all in.
As a child, she was first introduced to the world of Fantasy through Dragonlance and she has never looked back. She also has a soft spot for Gothics and treasures all her old Victorian Holt paperbacks. If it has Fae, ghosts, vampires, demons, mythical creatures, or magic in it, she's all in.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 12, 2023
I had the honour of reading this one a little bit early as a beta reader, and I must say I just adore this series. The this book, Breaking Fae Spells, is my favourite, but this one came a close second. (Although, there can't ever be enough Aidan in my opinion.)
It's a fun and heart-warming series and has everything I like about urban fantasy: a sassy main character who is actually funny and also mature, fae, magical artefacts and loads of magic.
Add to that a dollop of humour. Good humour. Lough out loud humour. Isa Medina has an incredible voice, filled with quirky banter, and it makes this novella shine.
This is the perfect read for a rainy afternoon.
It's a fun and heart-warming series and has everything I like about urban fantasy: a sassy main character who is actually funny and also mature, fae, magical artefacts and loads of magic.
Add to that a dollop of humour. Good humour. Lough out loud humour. Isa Medina has an incredible voice, filled with quirky banter, and it makes this novella shine.
This is the perfect read for a rainy afternoon.
June 4, 2021
Aidan has been relieved from his position as director of the Institute and is under investigaton for some irregular conduct. Maddie is the only one who can find out who's behind the accusation - and clear Aidan's name.
This is the fourth and last(?) book in the Magical Artifacts Institute, and as usual it is full of magic, artifacts, fae and portals! It's adventurous, exciting and fun! I like that Maddie doesn't always seem to know what she's doing, but when push comes to shove she'll come through. With a lot of help from Greenie, her fae hound!
It's a satisfying ending to this fun, easy-to-read fantasy series, but I hope we'll get to see more of Maddie and Aidan in the future!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
This is the fourth and last(?) book in the Magical Artifacts Institute, and as usual it is full of magic, artifacts, fae and portals! It's adventurous, exciting and fun! I like that Maddie doesn't always seem to know what she's doing, but when push comes to shove she'll come through. With a lot of help from Greenie, her fae hound!
It's a satisfying ending to this fun, easy-to-read fantasy series, but I hope we'll get to see more of Maddie and Aidan in the future!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
June 3, 2021
Fixing Fae Problems is the fourth and final entry to Isa Medina’s Magical Artifacts Institute quartet, which has left me feeling quite bereft. I’ve had a fun time journeying with Isa Medina’s characters of ditzy artifact hunter Maddie Dover and her grumpy love interest, the Institute director. As I’ve stated in previous reviews of this series, what I absolutely adored about these novellas was how much they reminded of The Mummy films; of lighthearted treasure hunting and magical shenanigans that didn’t need to take themselves too seriously.
Though sadly we’re now at the end of Maddie’s journey. Having finally reached her goal of landing a job in the institute, everything has gone wrong and Maddie finds herself jobless once more. Only now the entire institute and its director are in danger, and it’s up to Maddie and her stolen collection of magical artifacts to save the day.
Maddie will have to call on all her skills, resources, and contacts to save the institute. So you just know it’s going to be nothing but mayhem!
The fourth and final book wraps up the series rather nicely as certain plot lines and characters come full circle. This story is full of the light-hearted humour and banter I’ve come to associate with Isa Medina’s writing, as well as tense action scenes and revelations. The slow burn romance also reaches a satisfying conclusion alongside the end of the series which makes perfect sense for the characters, as well as Maddie’s future goals.
Now that we’ve reached the end of the series, I’m saddened that this will mean no more adventures with the Institute, at least for a while! I’m hopeful the author will choose to revisit this world in the future, and I believe she’s thinking of a couple of spinoffs.
My only real gripe with this book is there wasn’t enough screen time with a certain troublesome Fae. I’m hoping Ren will make an appearance in future spinoffs!
In the gritty and grim world of leather jackets and brooding Fae so common to the urban fantasy genre, this quartet has been a breath of fresh air.
Though sadly we’re now at the end of Maddie’s journey. Having finally reached her goal of landing a job in the institute, everything has gone wrong and Maddie finds herself jobless once more. Only now the entire institute and its director are in danger, and it’s up to Maddie and her stolen collection of magical artifacts to save the day.
Maddie will have to call on all her skills, resources, and contacts to save the institute. So you just know it’s going to be nothing but mayhem!
The fourth and final book wraps up the series rather nicely as certain plot lines and characters come full circle. This story is full of the light-hearted humour and banter I’ve come to associate with Isa Medina’s writing, as well as tense action scenes and revelations. The slow burn romance also reaches a satisfying conclusion alongside the end of the series which makes perfect sense for the characters, as well as Maddie’s future goals.
Now that we’ve reached the end of the series, I’m saddened that this will mean no more adventures with the Institute, at least for a while! I’m hopeful the author will choose to revisit this world in the future, and I believe she’s thinking of a couple of spinoffs.
My only real gripe with this book is there wasn’t enough screen time with a certain troublesome Fae. I’m hoping Ren will make an appearance in future spinoffs!
In the gritty and grim world of leather jackets and brooding Fae so common to the urban fantasy genre, this quartet has been a breath of fresh air.
November 17, 2025
So what do you do when a guy you're attracted to -- maybe bound to by some tricky magic -- FIRES you from your dream job, after you thought the two of you were finally coming to an understanding, and moving in the right direction, relationship-wise?
You take more idiotic risks to rescue his butt, of course.
Because Aidan fired Maddie from the Institute to protect her as a nasty, multi-layered, tricky Fae magical plan starts to close its jaws on him and the Institute.
Maddie is one smart chick, and she deserves the happy ending coming to her. If she pulls all the pieces together and gets the right, powerful Fae and other tricky folks to follow her plan and ally with her.
Did I mention before how tricky the Fae are?
Another romp. Hate to see it come to an end -- oh, wait, a short story! Bonus!
You take more idiotic risks to rescue his butt, of course.
Because Aidan fired Maddie from the Institute to protect her as a nasty, multi-layered, tricky Fae magical plan starts to close its jaws on him and the Institute.
Maddie is one smart chick, and she deserves the happy ending coming to her. If she pulls all the pieces together and gets the right, powerful Fae and other tricky folks to follow her plan and ally with her.
Did I mention before how tricky the Fae are?
Another romp. Hate to see it come to an end -- oh, wait, a short story! Bonus!
June 3, 2021
“You might as well go and leave me,” I whispered. “I’m a well of bad ideas and a magnet for danger.”
Too true! Maddie’s hijinks are a breath of laughter at the end of my day. I just love that it combines intelligence and laughter. My favorite scenes involve Maddie, Aidan, and the sorceror sleeping together…or not. Or Maddie finding the box of eyeballs in a cave [yeah, not touching that right now].
It doesn’t matter that Maddie is trying to clear Aidan’s name, save the Fae artifacts, and find the culprit…at times I was a bit confused. Maddie just arrives at epiphanies and I cannot figure out how she makes those conclusions.
I love that Maddie is not the lowly half-fae who turns into superman (there are way too many novels of lovable main characters who turn into the saviour of the academy/universe.) She uses her cleverness to make her own “How Things Work.” And I can read forward to the future: my guess is that only a few Fae knew how to create magical artifacts, and now they are even more valuable now that those Fae have died. I can see why Lord Velei has found Maddie intriguing. She has the capability of understanding the structure of magic and possibly figuring out how to make one, with Lord Velei’s gift of magic, of course…it is so clever. So clever he may make her a Full Fae if she turns valuable enough…for a price. Of course.
I am glad this is not an endless story. The world deserves more viewpoints, more exploration from a different character or two. Yes, there are plot strings dangling if Isa Medina decides to continue, but this story resolves a bunch of previous questions. While not as funny for me, I found myself going “oh!’ And “Now I see…” more, and that was just as satisfying.
Too true! Maddie’s hijinks are a breath of laughter at the end of my day. I just love that it combines intelligence and laughter. My favorite scenes involve Maddie, Aidan, and the sorceror sleeping together…or not. Or Maddie finding the box of eyeballs in a cave [yeah, not touching that right now].
It doesn’t matter that Maddie is trying to clear Aidan’s name, save the Fae artifacts, and find the culprit…at times I was a bit confused. Maddie just arrives at epiphanies and I cannot figure out how she makes those conclusions.
I love that Maddie is not the lowly half-fae who turns into superman (there are way too many novels of lovable main characters who turn into the saviour of the academy/universe.) She uses her cleverness to make her own “How Things Work.” And I can read forward to the future: my guess is that only a few Fae knew how to create magical artifacts, and now they are even more valuable now that those Fae have died. I can see why Lord Velei has found Maddie intriguing. She has the capability of understanding the structure of magic and possibly figuring out how to make one, with Lord Velei’s gift of magic, of course…it is so clever. So clever he may make her a Full Fae if she turns valuable enough…for a price. Of course.
I am glad this is not an endless story. The world deserves more viewpoints, more exploration from a different character or two. Yes, there are plot strings dangling if Isa Medina decides to continue, but this story resolves a bunch of previous questions. While not as funny for me, I found myself going “oh!’ And “Now I see…” more, and that was just as satisfying.
May 18, 2021
I received an ARC of this book.
I was super excited for the last book, but I'm not gonna lie, it didn't live up to what I was expecting. I have steadily enjoyed this series and was looking forward to the ending and Maddie and Aidan getting together. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed. There were barely any Maddie and Aidan moments in the book and the previous tension that was between them in the previous books was almost nonexistent. Aidan didn't really explain why he and Maddie couldn't have a relationship while she was working at the Institute, and instead we're left with what Maddie believes what happened. Also, I wish there were more hints as to who the "bad guy" was. Once it was revealed, I didn't even remember the character and it was hard to follow. The ending didn't really do it for me either.
That being said, I did partly enjoy the book and was partly appeased by Maddie and Aidan. I look forward to future book by Isa Medina.
I was super excited for the last book, but I'm not gonna lie, it didn't live up to what I was expecting. I have steadily enjoyed this series and was looking forward to the ending and Maddie and Aidan getting together. Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed. There were barely any Maddie and Aidan moments in the book and the previous tension that was between them in the previous books was almost nonexistent. Aidan didn't really explain why he and Maddie couldn't have a relationship while she was working at the Institute, and instead we're left with what Maddie believes what happened. Also, I wish there were more hints as to who the "bad guy" was. Once it was revealed, I didn't even remember the character and it was hard to follow. The ending didn't really do it for me either.
That being said, I did partly enjoy the book and was partly appeased by Maddie and Aidan. I look forward to future book by Isa Medina.
December 21, 2024
Aidan has been arrested, the Institute is under investigation and the only one who is free to look into things is Maddie.
With Aidan’s memories (from a spell in the previous book), Maddie is able to get all of the artifacts in the locked vault. Keeping them away from the authorities as well clearing both Aidan and the institute is a job she’s not really ready for. Trying to recruit allies and get assistance is a big job.
With the help of Greenie, Lockhart and luck she manages to keep everything away until Aidan is released pending further investigation.
What follows is a fun romp through Fairie, the human world, and several different settings.
There is some action, suspense, mystery and humour – both Greenie and the green blob lighten things up.
This is another short, fun, easy read. Unfortunately, it is the last book in the series except for a short story. I’m hoping that there will be future books with Maddie and Aidan.
Great reads. Definitely recommend.
With Aidan’s memories (from a spell in the previous book), Maddie is able to get all of the artifacts in the locked vault. Keeping them away from the authorities as well clearing both Aidan and the institute is a job she’s not really ready for. Trying to recruit allies and get assistance is a big job.
With the help of Greenie, Lockhart and luck she manages to keep everything away until Aidan is released pending further investigation.
What follows is a fun romp through Fairie, the human world, and several different settings.
There is some action, suspense, mystery and humour – both Greenie and the green blob lighten things up.
This is another short, fun, easy read. Unfortunately, it is the last book in the series except for a short story. I’m hoping that there will be future books with Maddie and Aidan.
Great reads. Definitely recommend.
May 25, 2021
After the ending of the last book I could not wait to dive in. Aiden in trouble, Maddie to the rescue (again..?). And it was another good story. However, I was a bit disappointed about the whole Aiden/Maddie angle. It was rather non-existent to be honest and I had secretly hoped for (lots) more. Seems this is also the last of this series...
I do hope we will see more of these characters as I enjoyed the ride!
*** I want the author for gifting me an ARC of this story. Be sure this is my honest and voluntary review! ***
I do hope we will see more of these characters as I enjoyed the ride!
*** I want the author for gifting me an ARC of this story. Be sure this is my honest and voluntary review! ***
November 11, 2023
When Aidan is suddenly taken into custody by the Magical Ethics Commission—firing Maddie before he leaves—Maddie has to think fast on how to get him released. Of course, that requires another visit to the sorcerer, Lockhart, who will only help if she can retrieve the Fae Soul of Skulls.
Luckily, Maddie has smarts and a little help. The side characters were well-drawn. I particularly liked Maddie’s Fae hound, Greenie. And Lord Velei’s fetching ceiling goo-pet was hilarious.
The ending was excellent. I’m really enjoying this series!
Luckily, Maddie has smarts and a little help. The side characters were well-drawn. I particularly liked Maddie’s Fae hound, Greenie. And Lord Velei’s fetching ceiling goo-pet was hilarious.
The ending was excellent. I’m really enjoying this series!
June 3, 2021
So good!
This series is well worth a read. I found this series about a month ago and read the first couple of books the same day. When this last book came out today I had to read it immediately. I'll definitely keep an eye on this new author.
The h is so clever and likable. The situations are exciting and intriguing. The books just grabs you and take you on an adventure. Even though this is the last of the series I hope there will be more books with Maddie.
This series is well worth a read. I found this series about a month ago and read the first couple of books the same day. When this last book came out today I had to read it immediately. I'll definitely keep an eye on this new author.
The h is so clever and likable. The situations are exciting and intriguing. The books just grabs you and take you on an adventure. Even though this is the last of the series I hope there will be more books with Maddie.
May 20, 2021
I love these books. Maddie is a hoot, but she has developed a bit more maturity over the course of the series. I suspect her future interactions with the fae will be even more adventuresome. Seems she is earning some respect. These are much better read in order and they are quick reads. They would make a good choice for young adults you are trying to encourage to read.
June 4, 2021
Didn’t find this book quite as good as the others in the series. There again was lots of action and a tiny bit of romance, that’s probably why I didn’t think it was as good , I am a romantic at heart. The ending was good but I would like more books to be written about Maddie and Aidan.
January 14, 2022
Loved this series. Happy to have read it, sad that it's finished. Maddie is such a delightful character and the story got a worthy ending. I'm glad I still have the #4.5 ministory left to read at least.
November 21, 2022
fun
Fun, quick, clean read (true for entire series of four books). I needed a little lighter reading and this fit the bill. Enjoyable - and I would have been happy to read more of the series had continued.
Fun, quick, clean read (true for entire series of four books). I needed a little lighter reading and this fit the bill. Enjoyable - and I would have been happy to read more of the series had continued.
June 6, 2021
Love these books! I am sorry that this is the last i the series! I would love to read more about Maddies' and Aidens' adventures with Greenie, the Fae Lord and The Institute!
July 6, 2022
Such a good series! Such a great author! I only wish the books were longer, and that we could have more Maddie adventures (apart from the gift novella)!
October 7, 2022
Very good!
Once again very good read with a good ending. These were all short reads but well worth it. Will look forward to more from this author.
Once again very good read with a good ending. These were all short reads but well worth it. Will look forward to more from this author.
December 8, 2022
Series gets better with each book, more character development, neat settings, plot.
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars
January 4, 2024
Lovely gentle funny series but not enough romance for me
July 10, 2025
I enjoyed the story and I grew to like the characters. I’m glad that I kept going and read all the books.
July 14, 2022
Honestly I’m so impressed with this series. I thought it was great for a new author! The world building could’ve used some work in the beginning but overall the series was great! Her other series is even better!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews