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Academy of Necessary Magic #1

Shifter In The Swamp

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Do you want to be a Bounty Hunter? Class is now in session at the Academy of Necessary Magic.
Amanda Coulier is a young shifter and ward of one of the greatest bounty hunters of all time.
But Johnny Walker is better with hound dogs than young girls. Especially the kind who can grow fur and fangs and rip out your throat in the middle of teenage angst.
Where to send Amanda for an education that won’t leave anyone in tears… or dead?
Time to start a new school with two more legends. James Brownstone and Leira Berens.
Mix in Summer Flannerty, a young Witch who’s got a thing for breaking rules and just landed in Amanda’s room.
Trouble leads the girls to a relic hidden away for good reasons.
Can Amanda quell the angry spirit that’s on an angry rampage to destroy the campus?
This school is gonna be legendary. Enroll at your own risk…
Click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to join Amanda, Summer and their classmates in their first semester at the Academy of Necessary Magic!

276 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2021

759 people are currently reading
325 people want to read

About the author

Martha Carr

547 books762 followers
Okay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.

I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.

There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.

Thank you for checking out my stories!

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5 stars
442 (53%)
4 stars
246 (29%)
3 stars
97 (11%)
2 stars
26 (3%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
498 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2022
First in a series. I was really taken in with this book. I found it pulled me in from the beginning and was fast moving all through, complete with a cliff hanger at the end. Will definitely be looking for book two.
Profile Image for Ari (Head in a Book).
1,353 reviews116 followers
October 8, 2023
DNF.
The authors should have aged these characters up, I don't really care for them and they literally tease their friend for having OCD, and that doesn't sit right with me.
221 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2021
When's the next book coming out?

That was Awesome. I don't normally get into teenage "plights" but this offshoot of the Dwarf series is , dare I say, as good as or better than Dwarf. And I love that Dwarf.

Amanda, the lone shifter at an Academy for magical, has adventures the school would rather she didn't. Full of angst & creativity, this will be one of my new favorite series!

Brava Martha Carr! Hope you get Yoda back for trying to author-block you! (the author notes are as good as the story!)
Profile Image for Katy.
1,494 reviews10 followers
March 1, 2024
I usually enjoy YA fiction and, even though the characters in the book were a little younger than that - Johnny's Ward, Amanda, is 12 years old, here - it was still a fairly enjoyable read.

Amanda is the only shifter in this new school, created purely for a group of 100-odd homeless young Magicals who, due to this, didn't fit in with 'normal' society.

Unlike all the others, Amanda isn't homeless, being Johnny Walker's Ward as she is, but all the other children had already formed their own 'family ' style groups, depending on their ages, when she started at the school.

Fortunately, a few of them took Amanda into their group, so she wasn't entirely friendless there, either!

But, like one of the only shifters in the School of Necessary Magic, she had to put up with some bigoted behaviour from a few of her schoolmates, when they found out that she was a Shifter - ironically, the worst one being a half-Kilomena!

I quite like the edgy relationship that she develops with Summer, the only other girl to start at the school, who had some family, and I hope to find out Summer's story, maybe in the next book in this series.

The dreaded Louper game made an appearance in this book but was, fortunately for me, only briefly looked at - although I've a feeling there'll be more of it later! Lol

I did quite enjoy the plotline that continued throughout the book, both about the school, and about Amanda, so look forward to reading book two: 'Magic in the Marsh', next.

I'm still getting to know the characters, especially the Teachers at the school, so am hoping to learn more as the series progresses, but it seems that this series, plus the Dwarf Bounty Hunter series, will be mingled together quite a bit.

I just looked at my Reading List, to check what's next, and am glad I did, as it seems that the next book to read on my list goes back to Johnny's story, so it'll be book five, next: 'What the Dwarf'.

So, I'll go straight onto this and, once I'm done with this, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I thought of it!
Profile Image for Cyrene Olson.
1,412 reviews16 followers
May 11, 2022
When I first started reading this book, I almost stopped when I learned one of the main characters is 12 yrs old. This isn’t marketed as a young adult, and most of the books on the market for magical academies are at least older teens. But I kept going, and it was a decent read. Amanda is a shifter and trying to keep her secret from the rest of the school because shifters are frowned upon in this world. Wanting to be a bounty hunter to avenge her family and so other kids aren’t taken is her main desire to be in the school, although shifters don’t necessarily have any magic of their own. She ends up making friends with a small group, and with an outcast new student named Summer. Summer is a delinquent that was kicked out of her last school for blowing things up and is the first to figure out Amanda’s secret. Finding a soul crystal in a cave gives them an advantage in school, until it doesn’t…

This is a pretty fast read and it was a decent storyline with a good pace. Amanda is likeable enough and Summer is a refreshing kick butt friend. The different magic used and the world building is pretty good although we didn’t really learn what the other students are, except a couple wizards and witches and one kid who is a Crystal. If you like the academy type books, this is an easy choice.
Profile Image for John E.
689 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2021
Student shifter

In some ways this opens up another school in the same vein of the School of Necessary Magic series set in the same universe. This tale starts with Amanda (Johnny's ward) as a freshman at a newly opened Academy of misfits. It seems strange that there would already be cliques and not a whole lot of information about magical training. The story is really about Amanda being an outcast trying to hide that she is a young , orphaned werewolf. Overall, the story is interesting but predictable and follows the form of many other stories in this universe - very simplistic story line with some limited character development but leaving the reader wanting more. Readers who like character escapades set in an urban fantasy pseudo high school environment of self described misfits, this is a nice short adventure. This can be read stand alone and I will check out book 2 to see what's next.
Profile Image for Dawn Siemer.
1,298 reviews6 followers
Read
October 25, 2021
YA

This is one of those "don't judge a book by its cover" books. The main character, Amanda, is 12. The academy is sort of a high school for paranormals, like one of those magnet schools that are for kids uninterested in college. This one is to prepare you to be a bounty hunter.

I got 58% of the way through the book before deciding I was bored. A kid might like it more, because it's trying to be a little like Harry Potter.

There are problems with editing, such as the name of the school getting confused with a rival school. The conflict starts late in the book and seems weak to me. The world building also seems lazy. The school is populated by kids found in tunnels under LA, and that seems interesting, but it's really not a thing. No counseling. No life skills or ethics classes. Just kids in classes that don't match their age.

I might have read the book despite these faults if I liked Amanda a bit better. She's too ordinary.
Profile Image for Donna.
168 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2021
Read the dwarf bounty hunter books first

I’ve read four books and overall I like them. Nothing special but I got into this universe with leira and yumfuck. The dwarf bounty hunter (this is a spin off) books are better so likening those won’t necessarily mean you’ll like these. The first book was a bit boring but the second book was my favorite, I like it when a book makes me lol. I have read some books by these two I didn’t even finish but sometimes they get it ok enough to keep going with a kindle unlimited subscription. If you haven’t read the dwarf books I would definitely start there.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,845 reviews49 followers
May 22, 2021
A fairly well done story, It has your typical magic school, that turns out to be not so typical, students who break rules, and in the process, break something that shouldn't be broken, but of course, manage to fix it as well. The only thing I don't get is if it's a magic school, how did they manage it without any supervision being aware of it, but that's a question for another book I'd say. This one does quite a good job of telling a story worth reading, and for me at least, making me want to read more in the series.
Not LitRPG, but perhaps a bit of gamelit could be credited to it, we'll see where it goes in future books, I really liked it.
Profile Image for Larissa.
680 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2025
Amanda has been enrolled on a school for misfits, somewhat, they train hunters. And this shifter girl is about to become one for personal reasons, but first: she needs to go through her first year.
Hehe, and what period of time this book was (idk, was it a semester I just read? Or was it two months worth?). She will get in trouble. She will cheat with a powerful crystal, and the owner will come to retrieve it. But not before becoming friends with the new girl, getting into trouble (again and again) until she and new girl stumble on more, but that's another book's problem!

Expect the typical high-school but with magic beings. There will be bullies still.
222 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2021
Nice story

The only truly disturbing(?) Thing about this story is how similar it is with the other series School of Necessary Magic(?). Change shifter for drowning, family dead, ward of bounty hunter, bounty hunter finding way forward w a female while shepherding a ward, etc.

Somewhat reminds me of my interpretation of the romances/chocolates my wife and mother-in-law like. Stories that are comfortable for their familiarity and expectations. Will probably try one more, and the make a decision on continuing this series.
1,229 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2021
Magical read!

I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is, to readers who love reading well written YA academy series with an amazing group of characters. It great for teens and those of us who are young at heart.
I want to thank the writers who wrote these great series. You have given us an imaginative adventure to engage our minds, and I, for one, feel less confined during the virus. God bless you all, and may you continue to publish such fine entertainment.
Profile Image for Sasha.
400 reviews12 followers
March 23, 2021
Follower

The young heroine is a follower. She is easily convinced into situations that can get her in trouble. She had recently lost her parents and sister and wants to become a bounty hunter. At 12, I guess she was able to bounce back from that, her kidnapping, and killing someone easily. It was strange to me. Based on her personality, I was really surprised that she was always allowing Summer to convince her to break rules.

Summer is a troublemaker who constantly drags others down with her. Her part is played very well.

I prefer my heroines to be leaders.
969 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2024
Greatly entertaining.

Martha Carr and Michael Anderle are incredibly talented authors, I absolutely love their stories.

Having recently completed two boxed sets about the magic coming back, I was happy to begin this series.

Amanda, the young protagonist, is a brave and tenacious individual. She has been hiding the fact that she is a shifter, and unlike the rest of her peers, she chose to attend the Academy of Necessary Magic.

I'm curious to discover what is next for this intrepid young girl.
355 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2021
Can a young shifter in a school for juvenile magical delinquents find trouble?

Is there any doubt? Amanda has a lot of baggage, the emotional kind. Orphaned, kidnapped, and rescued by Johnny Walker, dwarf bounty hunter, she’s had enough excitement for a while. Finding herself in the first school for future bounty hunters, populated by the misfit magical children from the tunnels in LA. Nice recipe for exciting times. A good read.
Profile Image for Ernestine Cooper.
98 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2021
Academy of Necessary Magic BK 1

Was surprised when starting the book that it was about Amanda and the new school. Was missing the Bounty Hunter series so decided to keep reading. Book was interesting but not really fulfilling mainly because of all the troublesome antics of one person and how she arbitrarily drug another person into it. Overall, this was just the first book. The second book will probably be 5 stars.
102 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2022
The whole time I just felt like I was missing something. It’s labeled as a new series, but it felt like I should have read something before this, and I don’t know what series that is. I kept reading hoping it would be explained but no luck.

Also, the MC was 12 years old, making this a juvenile read. Which is a “duh” but I didn’t know the MC was 12 and probably wouldn’t have started reading it if I did, so a little disappointing.
227 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2022
A good book for young adults. This is the story of a young girl at an magic academy for delinquent teen witches, the characters are well a drawn and the entire fantasy world the author creates around them is full of detail and action. The reader is drawn into the story and its crafting makes it hard to put down. I highly recommend it as an easy read. I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this book.
Profile Image for Shayne.
562 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2023
Def different

Having a ya book with a 12 year old protagonist is definitely different. It was a bit to get used to esp with the frequency in which she shifts and the mentions of the shift related lack of clothing. But the main story is intriguing as we follow the new school, the mysterious, the stone and more. I will admit I felt lost about the Ocieran and had to Google to see this is tech the 147th book in that universe
Profile Image for Sandra Kirnbauer.
37 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2021
Explosive

The Academy of Necessary Magic just got off to an explosive start. Jump right in and let’s become Bounty Hunters!
Amanda Coulier is a shifter and the only one at the school. Being a Bounty Hunter is all she want to be but it’s harder than you think if you don’t have magic.
Loved this book and looking forward to the next one.
232 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2021
Great story, love the tie into Johnny Walker!

I have really enjoyed Johnny Walker and Lisa the Wood Elf books, when the shifter was added it opened a whole new dimension to the story. The books are fun and well cited. Great reads, looking forward to book 2. Thanks for another great book!
Profile Image for Heather Hammond.
157 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2021
My newest favourite

I am enjoying this series as much as I enjoy the Dwarf Bounty Hunter series, which is a huge amount!
I can’t wait to see how Amanda does over the four years at the Academy or “Quantico for juvenile delinquents” as Johnny called it. Her first semester is certainly exciting if not life altering.
204 reviews10 followers
May 3, 2021
Amanda & Summer Kick Magical Butt!

I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, lots of action & fun characters! Amanda & Summer are great contrasting characters, like careful versus rash, thoughtful versus impulsive, helpful versus dangerous. A fun & enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading book 2 in this series ASAP. Read this book, you’ll be glad you did!
30 reviews
July 2, 2021
Review

It may sound funny but when I was a kid,I did like to blow things up. I was lucky never got caught, but stop blowing things up. And I really do like these girls. So you all know that the I will be reading all of these books.Thank You Both for writing this book to get me started on a new series. Again Thank You, Thank You,Thank You.
853 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2021
Really enjoyed this book

Having read and enjoyed the dwarf series with Johnny, seeing this side helped expand the universe in a really fun way. The characters were all a lot of interactions interesting and all the crazy stuff they got into was also great. I recommend this book and the others set in this universe.
848 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2022
Shifter In The Swamp great start to an exciting series 4.8 stars

Really exciting and fun; glad I am not the only klutz when I was in school. Amanda & Summer seem to bring out the best in each other. Not that parents or teachers would agree! Lots of magical classes like alchemy give the girls reason to experiment and develops their friendship. Enjoy!
353 reviews
January 30, 2021
LMAO this is crazy fun!

It's hilarious the way things are going, it's gonna take Johnny, Leira and James just to keep those girls out of trouble!
Totally scary \funny awesome!
Howard S (The S stands for Super Fan)
Profile Image for Laura Smalt.
66 reviews
February 3, 2021
Excited

When I first saw this i was like I already read this. Then I realized wait this is about Amanda and the new school. I was excited. Excited to see book 2 to come out. Love when there is other books to go along with another series. Super excited
208 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
Fun read

Amanda going to the academy to learn to be a bounty hunter. The other students were brought in from the underground where they lived . Teachers, other magical finding a crystal that boosts there magical abilities. A good read
Profile Image for Larry.
2,980 reviews17 followers
February 23, 2021
I have liked everything Ms Carr has written, and this book was no exception. The main characters are fun, the plot is easily followed and the ending was 1quite satisfactory. I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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