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The Seventh Path #1
Midlife & Magically Marked
Life begins at 40 - but so do bad joints, wrinkles, and gray hairs.
They say that by the age of forty you should have gained the skills and experience to have a better life.
But the only thing I’ve gained is a job promotion to permanent desk jockey until retirement. I thought I escaped my mediocre destiny when I met my husband…until he died on our honeymoon and a series of unfortunate events left me with a strange mark on my body and my husband’s corpse stolen right out of the funeral home!
When I discover a mysterious invitation to a place called the Vale Estates at my door from a long-lost grandmother I had never met.
I was ready to toss it away as a scam until I read the Your husband’s death was not an accident.
Desperate for answers, I pack up and go.
But to discover the truth, I’m forced to live in a bizarre estate full of restless ghosts and a creepy goat-legged caretaker while enduring a trial of magic with death as a punishment for failure.
But I’m not a mage! Or at least, I thought.
I guess it’s not too late to learn something new.
They say that by the age of forty you should have gained the skills and experience to have a better life.
But the only thing I’ve gained is a job promotion to permanent desk jockey until retirement. I thought I escaped my mediocre destiny when I met my husband…until he died on our honeymoon and a series of unfortunate events left me with a strange mark on my body and my husband’s corpse stolen right out of the funeral home!
When I discover a mysterious invitation to a place called the Vale Estates at my door from a long-lost grandmother I had never met.
I was ready to toss it away as a scam until I read the Your husband’s death was not an accident.
Desperate for answers, I pack up and go.
But to discover the truth, I’m forced to live in a bizarre estate full of restless ghosts and a creepy goat-legged caretaker while enduring a trial of magic with death as a punishment for failure.
But I’m not a mage! Or at least, I thought.
I guess it’s not too late to learn something new.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
ebook
Published April 26, 2021
233 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 27, 2022
2.5.
Boring.
I've read this style of UFs (the '40s UF' thing), and well, this was pretty meh. There are some really good ones out there, but this one isn't it.
The character is acting like a 20-year-old, the plot doesn't make a lot of sense some of the times, and the writing is not the best.
There were some things that were annoying, and I couldn't really find anyone that I actually liked... maybe the , but that's not really enough to continue the series.
Boring.
I've read this style of UFs (the '40s UF' thing), and well, this was pretty meh. There are some really good ones out there, but this one isn't it.
The character is acting like a 20-year-old, the plot doesn't make a lot of sense some of the times, and the writing is not the best.
There were some things that were annoying, and I couldn't really find anyone that I actually liked... maybe the , but that's not really enough to continue the series.
August 8, 2025
Quick and easy paranormal mystery.
October 30, 2021
Imaginative Plot & interesting Characters
I enjoy reading good, Women’s Midlife Paranormal Fiction, a fairly recent genre. Unfortunately, a lot of inaccurate, repetitive and subtly degrading, middle-aged stereotypes emerged as new writers jumped on this popular bandwagon. This author avoids that pitfall and treats the main female character as a normal, hip, energetic 40 year old who got a bad knee in an accident, not as the result of turning 40. The Vale is a very cool..err warm place for 13 mages who are being trained to attack the Fae king and where conflicts, potential love interests and mayhem occur. The premise is quite imaginative and the story is well edited. A promising series.
I enjoy reading good, Women’s Midlife Paranormal Fiction, a fairly recent genre. Unfortunately, a lot of inaccurate, repetitive and subtly degrading, middle-aged stereotypes emerged as new writers jumped on this popular bandwagon. This author avoids that pitfall and treats the main female character as a normal, hip, energetic 40 year old who got a bad knee in an accident, not as the result of turning 40. The Vale is a very cool..err warm place for 13 mages who are being trained to attack the Fae king and where conflicts, potential love interests and mayhem occur. The premise is quite imaginative and the story is well edited. A promising series.
October 2, 2021
Midlife and Magically Marked is an exciting story with the action kicking off quickly.
Sukie is saying goodbye to her husband, having believed that she was one of those women destined to be an auntie and single for life at 39 she meets Gawain and.love happens fast, happy, pregnant and on honeymoon a tragic accident takes both her new husband and unborn baby. At the funeral home as she says her goodbyes things start happening. First an unexplained fire consumed the funeral home.And Gawain's body but Sukie was left unhurt with a strange burn on her arm that looks like a dragon eating its tail. Then a letter that no one else can see arrives on her doorstep, claiming her husband's death was no accident. That's when things really pick up!
An action packed novel with a lot going on and a lot to take in. In places it was almost way too much and I had to stop to back and re-read chapters. However as a whole I enjoyed the book and i liked Sukie's attitude. Life is too short to sit back and let it happen, rather you have to grab it by the horns and be a participant rather than a spectator.
If you've enjoyed any of the paranormal women's fiction novels this one fits in to this genre very well.
Sukie is saying goodbye to her husband, having believed that she was one of those women destined to be an auntie and single for life at 39 she meets Gawain and.love happens fast, happy, pregnant and on honeymoon a tragic accident takes both her new husband and unborn baby. At the funeral home as she says her goodbyes things start happening. First an unexplained fire consumed the funeral home.And Gawain's body but Sukie was left unhurt with a strange burn on her arm that looks like a dragon eating its tail. Then a letter that no one else can see arrives on her doorstep, claiming her husband's death was no accident. That's when things really pick up!
An action packed novel with a lot going on and a lot to take in. In places it was almost way too much and I had to stop to back and re-read chapters. However as a whole I enjoyed the book and i liked Sukie's attitude. Life is too short to sit back and let it happen, rather you have to grab it by the horns and be a participant rather than a spectator.
If you've enjoyed any of the paranormal women's fiction novels this one fits in to this genre very well.
December 11, 2022
A book that stayed with me, but there are some comments
The prologue, well, that was immediately great, very intriguing, very captivating. The start of the book was very much worthy of 5 stars for storytelling. It does need better punctuation though, especially commas in the right spots. Example: “There might as well put my money where my mouth was.” Because there’s no comma, you start reading the sentence all wrong. And past and present tense were both used, sometimes even in one sentence. The book is written in past tense but present tense continuously popped up. One example of that: “The rest of the answers would come when that happens.”
Also, the plotline could use a bit more structure, too many things deviating from it to create a coherent whole. But some of the ideas were way cool. With a nice twist. Some of that excitement at the start did carry through! Although the ending wasn’t as exciting as the start. But, it did stay with me after I was done, so I will be reading more!
The prologue, well, that was immediately great, very intriguing, very captivating. The start of the book was very much worthy of 5 stars for storytelling. It does need better punctuation though, especially commas in the right spots. Example: “There might as well put my money where my mouth was.” Because there’s no comma, you start reading the sentence all wrong. And past and present tense were both used, sometimes even in one sentence. The book is written in past tense but present tense continuously popped up. One example of that: “The rest of the answers would come when that happens.”
Also, the plotline could use a bit more structure, too many things deviating from it to create a coherent whole. But some of the ideas were way cool. With a nice twist. Some of that excitement at the start did carry through! Although the ending wasn’t as exciting as the start. But, it did stay with me after I was done, so I will be reading more!
July 13, 2022
2.5/5
I really liked the idea of this book and it felt nice to be in a fantasy that wasn't too long. HOWEVER, I found some of the author's language to be jarring (ex: referring to breasts as "Mommy Milkers") and it felt like she was trying too hard to be relatable or funny in a way that took away from the book at times. I felt like if this was edited further and some scenes/characters were expanded upon, I would have enjoyed this more. Some of the intense action scenes were rushed and I found myself having to re-read to really understand what was going on. Other things felt like info dumping and the book ended abruptly. I am still curious about what happens in the rest of the trilogy, but probably won't be continuing on.
I really liked the idea of this book and it felt nice to be in a fantasy that wasn't too long. HOWEVER, I found some of the author's language to be jarring (ex: referring to breasts as "Mommy Milkers") and it felt like she was trying too hard to be relatable or funny in a way that took away from the book at times. I felt like if this was edited further and some scenes/characters were expanded upon, I would have enjoyed this more. Some of the intense action scenes were rushed and I found myself having to re-read to really understand what was going on. Other things felt like info dumping and the book ended abruptly. I am still curious about what happens in the rest of the trilogy, but probably won't be continuing on.
April 27, 2021
Magical Discoveries . . .
Sukie seemed to have bad, or at least stagnant, luck. She found herself in a boring dead-end job; met and married her husband who died on the honeymoon; was left with an odd mark on her body; and her husband’s body was stolen from the funeral home.
Finding an invitation to Vale Estates and a note that her husband’s death was deliberate, she heads there to find answers. Instead, she finds ghosts and a strange caretaker. And if she can’t survive the trial of magic, death will be her reward.
But she hadn’t thought she was a mage! But maybe she is?
Sukie seemed to have bad, or at least stagnant, luck. She found herself in a boring dead-end job; met and married her husband who died on the honeymoon; was left with an odd mark on her body; and her husband’s body was stolen from the funeral home.
Finding an invitation to Vale Estates and a note that her husband’s death was deliberate, she heads there to find answers. Instead, she finds ghosts and a strange caretaker. And if she can’t survive the trial of magic, death will be her reward.
But she hadn’t thought she was a mage! But maybe she is?
June 21, 2021
Enjoyable start to the series
To start with I wasn’t sure where the story was going, but towards the end it comes together nicely to set things up for the next book. I don’t agree with the 1* review I read, I thought the descriptions of surroundings were just right to enable the reader to visualise the scenes and places so as to get into the story more. I like Sukies character and think I have a bit of a thing for Magnus 😄 Anyways, looking forward to the next book in the series to see how the plot and the characters develop
To start with I wasn’t sure where the story was going, but towards the end it comes together nicely to set things up for the next book. I don’t agree with the 1* review I read, I thought the descriptions of surroundings were just right to enable the reader to visualise the scenes and places so as to get into the story more. I like Sukies character and think I have a bit of a thing for Magnus 😄 Anyways, looking forward to the next book in the series to see how the plot and the characters develop
March 1, 2022
Trilogy or More
First, I very much enjoyed the book. Interesting characters and a new slant on paranormal women's fiction that I enjoyed. Loved the world building and concept of multiple houses. What I was disappointed in, this book is not a complete story. There are 2 more books out which I bought because I want to see what happens. What is going on in this plotline is more complicated than can be adequately told in one book. Just be prepared that it is a multi book series which will not get fully resolved for at least a 3 book commitment.
First, I very much enjoyed the book. Interesting characters and a new slant on paranormal women's fiction that I enjoyed. Loved the world building and concept of multiple houses. What I was disappointed in, this book is not a complete story. There are 2 more books out which I bought because I want to see what happens. What is going on in this plotline is more complicated than can be adequately told in one book. Just be prepared that it is a multi book series which will not get fully resolved for at least a 3 book commitment.
December 28, 2024
My star rating:
5 - I really enjoyed the story or particulars of the book. Writing was good to excellent, though if it wasn't the best, it wasn't a distraction from the story.
4 - The story or content was decent. Writing was decent as well. I liked the book, but not as much as a 5 star.
3 - Content/story and writing were ok, but not my favorite. I probably finished the book.
2 - Poor content/story or poor writing. Too many errors in writing for me to read.
1 - I found the content/story or writing horrible. Would not finish.
5 - I really enjoyed the story or particulars of the book. Writing was good to excellent, though if it wasn't the best, it wasn't a distraction from the story.
4 - The story or content was decent. Writing was decent as well. I liked the book, but not as much as a 5 star.
3 - Content/story and writing were ok, but not my favorite. I probably finished the book.
2 - Poor content/story or poor writing. Too many errors in writing for me to read.
1 - I found the content/story or writing horrible. Would not finish.
January 6, 2022
Excellence in Writing
This book moves. I couldn’t put “Midlife and Magically Marked: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel” down. Ms Rose has much to learn. She has a good heart, helpful, considerate, curious, and a strong woman that grows. She’s every woman. Ms Rose has many adventures that only you can know if you read this book! I did pick up the other two books in this series because Leona Knight is an author that is worth reading!
This book moves. I couldn’t put “Midlife and Magically Marked: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel” down. Ms Rose has much to learn. She has a good heart, helpful, considerate, curious, and a strong woman that grows. She’s every woman. Ms Rose has many adventures that only you can know if you read this book! I did pick up the other two books in this series because Leona Knight is an author that is worth reading!
June 11, 2022
My husband had been killed and now I find he had been sent to kill me but couldn’t.
I had a nightmare again. My husband had been killed while we were morning the lose of our unborn child. No wait no nightmare! It really happened my life is the nightmare. Now I am in some kind of mage game to save the world. It has killed so many and is after me now. At least I thought it was the game.
I had a nightmare again. My husband had been killed while we were morning the lose of our unborn child. No wait no nightmare! It really happened my life is the nightmare. Now I am in some kind of mage game to save the world. It has killed so many and is after me now. At least I thought it was the game.
November 29, 2024
Cute but a little confusing
Sukie is a 40 yr old widow who gets a mysterious letter from her unknown grandmother. With her life being in an uproar she goes to visit this long lost relative only to find herself in a magical world and in more danger than she imagined
It had an interesting premise but at time seemed like too many different situations and problems that caused problems with the other characters
It was definitely interesting I'd read the next book.
Sukie is a 40 yr old widow who gets a mysterious letter from her unknown grandmother. With her life being in an uproar she goes to visit this long lost relative only to find herself in a magical world and in more danger than she imagined
It had an interesting premise but at time seemed like too many different situations and problems that caused problems with the other characters
It was definitely interesting I'd read the next book.
October 3, 2021
Not the best
This book seems to be a bunch of ideas taken from other authors' books put together. I think the book was written in sections and put together because it feels choppy. I know authors borrow general ideas but this is specific ideas just changed a bit. I wanted to like this book but did not.
This book seems to be a bunch of ideas taken from other authors' books put together. I think the book was written in sections and put together because it feels choppy. I know authors borrow general ideas but this is specific ideas just changed a bit. I wanted to like this book but did not.
November 7, 2021
There's so much going on in this book. When a widow finds herself on a magical adventure, not even knowing she had magic before, it is unnerving to say the least. The life Sukie thought she knew is vastly different from her reality as she discovered. There's sadness and hope in this first installment of the series.
December 12, 2021
Intriguing story
Full of mystery - what happened to Suki's husband? Better yet, what happened to her? As new people come into contact all with some kind of special power. Will they be able to defeat the Fae King? With so many unanswered questions I'll have to read the next book.
I really don't like cliffhangers though!
Full of mystery - what happened to Suki's husband? Better yet, what happened to her? As new people come into contact all with some kind of special power. Will they be able to defeat the Fae King? With so many unanswered questions I'll have to read the next book.
I really don't like cliffhangers though!
August 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this fantastical book with a 40 year old woman discovering that she has magic. The story is really off the wall with the spells, characters and discoveries. I just finished reading the Urban Druid series and didn't thin I would find another with the same type of chaaracters, but here they are.
April 28, 2021
Needs serious editing!
I'm sorry but I was unable to get beyond chapter five. The author is out of control with descriptions of surroundings overtaking the page instead of laying down the foundation of the plot. So much blurb!
I'm sorry but I was unable to get beyond chapter five. The author is out of control with descriptions of surroundings overtaking the page instead of laying down the foundation of the plot. So much blurb!
July 27, 2021
Magically Marked
Sukie's husband dies and she is given a note that no one else can see with a plane ticket in it. She is to meet a grandmother she didn't know she had. Magic awaits her along with a lot of adventure and unanswered questions. Good start to the series.
Sukie's husband dies and she is given a note that no one else can see with a plane ticket in it. She is to meet a grandmother she didn't know she had. Magic awaits her along with a lot of adventure and unanswered questions. Good start to the series.
August 16, 2021
Ok
I borrowed this from kindle unlimited and am glad that I can read without purchasing. I gave it 5 stars because someone else might just love it. And I am not going to ruin an author's ranking.
I borrowed this from kindle unlimited and am glad that I can read without purchasing. I gave it 5 stars because someone else might just love it. And I am not going to ruin an author's ranking.
September 16, 2021
Interesting start to a tale.
This is the first in series and seems to be a very interesting and entertaining premise. It is definitely worth the read. I recommend it and am on my way to begin the second in series.
This is the first in series and seems to be a very interesting and entertaining premise. It is definitely worth the read. I recommend it and am on my way to begin the second in series.
November 10, 2021
Fun Adventure
I enjoyed this MA story. Lots of action. Interesting characters. Nothing slow at all here. Sometimes I had to re-read a paragraph or several due to sudden changes in scene. The author has really good ideas and seemed to want to include everyone in this first book.
I enjoyed this MA story. Lots of action. Interesting characters. Nothing slow at all here. Sometimes I had to re-read a paragraph or several due to sudden changes in scene. The author has really good ideas and seemed to want to include everyone in this first book.
November 23, 2021
Good story, poorly edited
I really like the plot. But I'm having a hard time with all of the run on sentences, sentence fragments, and misuse of verb tenses. I'll read the second book to see if editing has improved.
I really like the plot. But I'm having a hard time with all of the run on sentences, sentence fragments, and misuse of verb tenses. I'll read the second book to see if editing has improved.
February 8, 2022
Oh my words
This is an amazing experience, and every page is twisting and turning me. It is so exciting to read each page and not see the next thing coming. I can't wait to read the next!
This is an amazing experience, and every page is twisting and turning me. It is so exciting to read each page and not see the next thing coming. I can't wait to read the next!
April 27, 2021
Great start to a new series. It kept my attention the whole way through. The next book in the series can't come soon enough.
July 1, 2021
Amazing
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I could not put it down. It flowed effortlessly. A milk and cookies read... Great!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I could not put it down. It flowed effortlessly. A milk and cookies read... Great!
August 31, 2021
Midlife
Strange but Interesting tale. I did like the main character and a lot of the storyline moves along very nicely it would be nice to know how this series ends.
Strange but Interesting tale. I did like the main character and a lot of the storyline moves along very nicely it would be nice to know how this series ends.
September 14, 2021
Loved it!
It's a PWF book with a bit of interdementional travel. Definitely different than a lot of other books I've read. It's both paranormal and mundane.
It's a PWF book with a bit of interdementional travel. Definitely different than a lot of other books I've read. It's both paranormal and mundane.
October 13, 2021
Exce!!any read
Great read! Kept me interest unti! The end
Great read kept me interested until the end can't wait to read the next book.
Great read! Kept me interest unti! The end
Great read kept me interested until the end can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews