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Lucky Devil #1
The Finder of the Lucky Devil
Her magic Talent finds things. He's a dangerous cyber-spy looking for a wanted criminal. The problem is, she's the criminal he's looking for. How can she keep her secret safe from his charms?
In an alternate Chicago, technology and magic vie in competition. So when the charming and deadly St. Benedict, a corporate cyber-spy, shows up on the doorstep of Rune Leveau's bar, he wants only one thing: For the secretive Finder of the Lucky Devil to use her magical Talent to find Anna Masterson, the wanted criminal who has the key to something very special... a computer program rumored to do the impossible: cast magic spells.
But Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and despite the attraction between them, when she tries to refuse St. Benedict, the cyber-spy isn't going to take no for an answer. Not with his long-sought prize so close. Now, the two are tangled in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase, and neither can be sure which of them is the hunter or the prey.
In an alternate Chicago, technology and magic vie in competition. So when the charming and deadly St. Benedict, a corporate cyber-spy, shows up on the doorstep of Rune Leveau's bar, he wants only one thing: For the secretive Finder of the Lucky Devil to use her magical Talent to find Anna Masterson, the wanted criminal who has the key to something very special... a computer program rumored to do the impossible: cast magic spells.
But Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and despite the attraction between them, when she tries to refuse St. Benedict, the cyber-spy isn't going to take no for an answer. Not with his long-sought prize so close. Now, the two are tangled in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase, and neither can be sure which of them is the hunter or the prey.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2017
113 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Megan Mackie
41 books96 followersMegan Mackie is a writer, actor, and playwright. She started her writing career as an indie author and had such smashing success in her first year with her inaugural book The Finder of the Lucky Devil. She has become a personality at many cons, recognizable by her iconic leather hat and engaging smile.
She is also a contributing writer in the role-playing game Legendlore and Legendlore: Legacies by Onyx Path Publishing and Sirens: Battle of the Bards through Apotheosis Studios. Outside of writing, she likes to play games: board games, RPGs, and video games. She has a regular Pathfinder group who is working their way through Rapanthuk. She lives in Chicago with her husband and children, dog, three cats, and her mother in the apartment upstairs.
She is also a contributing writer in the role-playing game Legendlore and Legendlore: Legacies by Onyx Path Publishing and Sirens: Battle of the Bards through Apotheosis Studios. Outside of writing, she likes to play games: board games, RPGs, and video games. She has a regular Pathfinder group who is working their way through Rapanthuk. She lives in Chicago with her husband and children, dog, three cats, and her mother in the apartment upstairs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 13, 2022
Pearl Ruled at 18%
Rating: 2.5* of five, rounded down
The Publisher Says: Rune Leveau has a magical Talent for Finding things and a mountain of problems. Those problems get worse when she is approached by a charming, but dangerous cybernetically-altered corporate spy. When he says he wants her to help him find a wanted criminal called Anna Masterson, who went missing six years ago, it should be easy for a woman who's only special gift is finding things? The problem is Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and the spy isn’t taking no for an answer.
St. Benedict has searched for the last six years for the Masterson Files, a computer program that is rumored to do the impossible, cast magic spells. Such a program would reshape the world. For his own reasons, he's determined to be the first to find it and the mysterious woman connected to it, Anna Masterson. Having exhausted his other options, he is left with a new hope that this Finder of the Lucky Devil can lead him to the prize he has sought for so long. But the Finder is proving difficult and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
Set in an alternate Chicago, where technology and magic are in competition with each other, this fast paced Cat-and-Mouse chase makes The Finder of the Lucky Devil a welcome addition to your urban fantasy/cyberpunk library.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Average-to-indifferent prose, stock characters, and absurdly overblown punctuation...seriously, never use double-exclams in a book ever...conspired to make this flimsily "altered" Chicago not worth the eyeblinks. In a publishing landscape where I can read Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines or absolutely anything by Ilona Andrews, there's nothing making this a good value proposition. Very disappointing to say, since more is better in urban-fantasy publishing only when it's good.
Rating: 2.5* of five, rounded down
The Publisher Says: Rune Leveau has a magical Talent for Finding things and a mountain of problems. Those problems get worse when she is approached by a charming, but dangerous cybernetically-altered corporate spy. When he says he wants her to help him find a wanted criminal called Anna Masterson, who went missing six years ago, it should be easy for a woman who's only special gift is finding things? The problem is Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and the spy isn’t taking no for an answer.
St. Benedict has searched for the last six years for the Masterson Files, a computer program that is rumored to do the impossible, cast magic spells. Such a program would reshape the world. For his own reasons, he's determined to be the first to find it and the mysterious woman connected to it, Anna Masterson. Having exhausted his other options, he is left with a new hope that this Finder of the Lucky Devil can lead him to the prize he has sought for so long. But the Finder is proving difficult and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
Set in an alternate Chicago, where technology and magic are in competition with each other, this fast paced Cat-and-Mouse chase makes The Finder of the Lucky Devil a welcome addition to your urban fantasy/cyberpunk library.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Average-to-indifferent prose, stock characters, and absurdly overblown punctuation...seriously, never use double-exclams in a book ever...conspired to make this flimsily "altered" Chicago not worth the eyeblinks. In a publishing landscape where I can read Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines or absolutely anything by Ilona Andrews, there's nothing making this a good value proposition. Very disappointing to say, since more is better in urban-fantasy publishing only when it's good.
August 15, 2019
The Finder of the Lucky Devil
The Lucky Devil Series, Book 1
By: Megan Mackie
Narrated by: Megan Mackie, Frank Sjodin
Boy, this was so surprising! This is an alternative world of ours with trolls, fae, fairies, brownies, cat creatures, little people, mermaids, and such. It also has tech and magic but they are learning to blend them together! The author sets the stage wonderfully and makes you feel like you are there, especially at the bar. Rune inherited a bar from her aunt, The Lucky Devil's bar. This bar is also not what it seems. She also has to make the payments and deal with the Corp mob thugs.
In comes a spy/detective looking for someone and needs her help. The problem is that it is her. She too is not what she seems and neither is the detective.
It is not a love story. She thinks he is attractive. He wants to not even be friends.
There are great characters in here that stay with you! Fast paced book that is well thought out! This book is right up there with Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Stephanie Meyers, or Rachel Vincent.
The narration was terrific too. Normally when the author narrates the book it is pretty poor but this was great!
The Lucky Devil Series, Book 1
By: Megan Mackie
Narrated by: Megan Mackie, Frank Sjodin
Boy, this was so surprising! This is an alternative world of ours with trolls, fae, fairies, brownies, cat creatures, little people, mermaids, and such. It also has tech and magic but they are learning to blend them together! The author sets the stage wonderfully and makes you feel like you are there, especially at the bar. Rune inherited a bar from her aunt, The Lucky Devil's bar. This bar is also not what it seems. She also has to make the payments and deal with the Corp mob thugs.
In comes a spy/detective looking for someone and needs her help. The problem is that it is her. She too is not what she seems and neither is the detective.
It is not a love story. She thinks he is attractive. He wants to not even be friends.
There are great characters in here that stay with you! Fast paced book that is well thought out! This book is right up there with Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Stephanie Meyers, or Rachel Vincent.
The narration was terrific too. Normally when the author narrates the book it is pretty poor but this was great!
November 18, 2022
Real Rating: 2.5* of five, rounded down (Pearl-Ruled at 18%)
The Publisher Says: Rune Leveau has a magical Talent for Finding things and a mountain of problems. Those problems get worse when she is approached by a charming, but dangerous cybernetically-altered corporate spy. When he says he wants her to help him find a wanted criminal called Anna Masterson, who went missing six years ago, it should be easy for a woman who's only special gift is finding things? The problem is Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and the spy isn’t taking no for an answer.
St. Benedict has searched for the last six years for the Masterson Files, a computer program that is rumored to do the impossible, cast magic spells. Such a program would reshape the world. For his own reasons, he's determined to be the first to find it and the mysterious woman connected to it, Anna Masterson. Having exhausted his other options, he is left with a new hope that this Finder of the Lucky Devil can lead him to the prize he has sought for so long. But the Finder is proving difficult and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
Set in an alternate Chicago, where technology and magic are in competition with each other, this fast paced Cat-and-Mouse chase makes The Finder of the Lucky Devil a welcome addition to your urban fantasy/cyberpunk library.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Average-to-indifferent prose, stock characters, and absurdly overblown punctuation...seriously, never use double-exclams in a book ever...conspired to make this flimsily "altered" Chicago not worth the eyeblinks. In a publishing landscape where I can read Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines or absolutely anything by Ilona Andrews, there's nothing making this a good value proposition. Very disappointing to say, since more is better in urban-fantasy publishing only when it's good.
The Publisher Says: Rune Leveau has a magical Talent for Finding things and a mountain of problems. Those problems get worse when she is approached by a charming, but dangerous cybernetically-altered corporate spy. When he says he wants her to help him find a wanted criminal called Anna Masterson, who went missing six years ago, it should be easy for a woman who's only special gift is finding things? The problem is Rune has a dangerous secret. She IS Anna Masterson, and the spy isn’t taking no for an answer.
St. Benedict has searched for the last six years for the Masterson Files, a computer program that is rumored to do the impossible, cast magic spells. Such a program would reshape the world. For his own reasons, he's determined to be the first to find it and the mysterious woman connected to it, Anna Masterson. Having exhausted his other options, he is left with a new hope that this Finder of the Lucky Devil can lead him to the prize he has sought for so long. But the Finder is proving difficult and he isn't going to take no for an answer.
Set in an alternate Chicago, where technology and magic are in competition with each other, this fast paced Cat-and-Mouse chase makes The Finder of the Lucky Devil a welcome addition to your urban fantasy/cyberpunk library.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Average-to-indifferent prose, stock characters, and absurdly overblown punctuation...seriously, never use double-exclams in a book ever...conspired to make this flimsily "altered" Chicago not worth the eyeblinks. In a publishing landscape where I can read Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines or absolutely anything by Ilona Andrews, there's nothing making this a good value proposition. Very disappointing to say, since more is better in urban-fantasy publishing only when it's good.
November 21, 2017
The finder of the Lucky Devil was sent to me in exchange for an answer to a question. How mysterious, right?
The Lucky Devil is a bar that holds a secret. With the correct coin and a little message, your desire may be granted.
Rune is the new owner of the Lucky Devil. She has worked there for years and unfortunately, her aunt has passed. The bar was left to Rune in her aunts will. Rune needs to keep on top of the mortgage payments, but without the special services her aunt offered, Rune is struggling. It isn't that Rune can't do the job her aunt once held. It's just Rule is trying to keep a low profile. Rune has a secret and it's a big one. She has already lived a former life, one that ended in heartbreak. Now people are looking for her former self and they are willing to take drastic measures. Rune has some tough decisions and a few new friends to make in this magical journey herself discovery.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot to offer and some great ideas. It is a paranormal, dystopian story. It has action, magic and mythical creatures. 4.5 stars out of 5.
The Lucky Devil is a bar that holds a secret. With the correct coin and a little message, your desire may be granted.
Rune is the new owner of the Lucky Devil. She has worked there for years and unfortunately, her aunt has passed. The bar was left to Rune in her aunts will. Rune needs to keep on top of the mortgage payments, but without the special services her aunt offered, Rune is struggling. It isn't that Rune can't do the job her aunt once held. It's just Rule is trying to keep a low profile. Rune has a secret and it's a big one. She has already lived a former life, one that ended in heartbreak. Now people are looking for her former self and they are willing to take drastic measures. Rune has some tough decisions and a few new friends to make in this magical journey herself discovery.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot to offer and some great ideas. It is a paranormal, dystopian story. It has action, magic and mythical creatures. 4.5 stars out of 5.
November 21, 2017
The finder of the Lucky Devil was sent to me in exchange for an answer to a question. How mysterious, right?
The Lucky Devil is a bar that holds a secret. With the correct coin and a little message, your desire may be granted.
Rune is the new owner of the Lucky Devil. She has worked there for years and unfortunately, her aunt has passed. The bar was left to Rune in her aunts will. Rune needs to keep on top of the mortgage payments, but without the special services her aunt offered, Rune is struggling. It isn't that Rune can't do the job her aunt once held. It's just Rule is trying to keep a low profile. Rune has a secret and it's a big one. She has already lived a former life, one that ended in heartbreak. Now people are looking for her former self and they are willing to take drastic measures. Rune has some tough decisions and a few new friends to make in this magical journey herself discovery.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot to offer and some great ideas. It is a paranormal, dystopian story. It has action, magic and mythical creatures. 4.5 stars out of 5.
The Lucky Devil is a bar that holds a secret. With the correct coin and a little message, your desire may be granted.
Rune is the new owner of the Lucky Devil. She has worked there for years and unfortunately, her aunt has passed. The bar was left to Rune in her aunts will. Rune needs to keep on top of the mortgage payments, but without the special services her aunt offered, Rune is struggling. It isn't that Rune can't do the job her aunt once held. It's just Rule is trying to keep a low profile. Rune has a secret and it's a big one. She has already lived a former life, one that ended in heartbreak. Now people are looking for her former self and they are willing to take drastic measures. Rune has some tough decisions and a few new friends to make in this magical journey herself discovery.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot to offer and some great ideas. It is a paranormal, dystopian story. It has action, magic and mythical creatures. 4.5 stars out of 5.
August 27, 2018
The first thing that intrigued me about Finder of the Lucky Devil was its classification as science fantasy in an SPFBO group sale. I had thought it was urban fantasy, because its subtitle on Amazon is “a Paranormal Thriller.” It does indeed contain a mix of magic and mythical creatures in a setting that seems like present-day Chicago. But we soon learn that the characters actually live in a high-tech dystopia, where corporations own almost everything and are trying to gobble up whatever remains. It’s Percy Jackson meets Blade Runner alongside Lake Michigan.
At the center of the confluence of corporate greed and magical resistance stands Rune, a tavern owner hiding from her past self as well as a variety of corporate goons, super spies, and faeries who think she can find the mysterious Masterson files—a MacGuffin-like bundle of knowledge assembled by Justin Masterson, an ace computer programmer who aimed to integrate magic and technology. Rune has a magical Talent for finding lost things, and the story gets going when one of the super spies, a man who bears the title Saint (perhaps in a nod to the 1960s TV series?), tries to hire her to find Justin’s ex-wife Anna in the hopes that Anna will lead him to the missing documents. The trouble is, Rune and Anna are the same person, so she can’t take the job. The double trouble is, she needs the job, because the mortgage payment is due and the corporate villains are going to take the farm—or bar, in this case—unless she comes up with some cash, fast.
I’ll confess, I’m a sucker for a good old-fashioned melodrama. I used to perform in them when I was young (and the bright lights of Broadway still topped the ambition list), and I always found the deliberately corny plotlines and silly romance enormously entertaining. Lucky Devil, which is about an ingenue under threat from a villain and the stalwart hero who does his darnedest to rescue her, takes the structure of a classical melodrama and subverts it in a very clever and highly entertaining way. The mustache-twirler’s role is divided up between several corporate enforcers, and the hero is a spy with a dark history of murder and betrayal. The ingenue, Rune, isn’t your typical blushing virgin who gets tied to railroad tracks either, but she is innocent (a key aspect of her character) and very, very good. She even dresses in white.
The story is also very effective at tugging at the heart strings (the emotional depth is a thousand times greater than a classic melodrama played strictly for laughs). Rune is a broken young woman with no self-confidence, who has been trained from birth to play it safe and hide from her own potential. She’s also deeply empathetic and has a nearly pathological need to help other people, even those she despises. This inclination toward helping others lands her in trouble but is also her saving grace. Many of the people closest to her spend most of their time tearing her down, constantly insulting everything about her, from her appearance to her weight to her intelligence, and it takes a while for Rune to stop believing them. You cannot help but root for this character as she discovers her powers and realizes she’s capable of saving herself and those she loves.
The narrative does have its flaws. It’s an action-packed roller coaster of fights, battles, and narrow escapes, but a lot of the action wraps up a little too neatly, with too many tidy coincidences, lucky accidents, and last-minute cavalry rescues. The text also head-hops in dizzying fashion, which can be confusing and sometimes robs scenes of emotional power. In some cases, I felt like there might have been a simple formatting error, where a skipped line between scene breaks was missing, but in others the point of view switches on a sentence-by-sentence basis. Mackie writes in an engaging, energetic style loaded with concrete nouns and illustrative verbs, but there are also a lot of distracting grammatical stumbles. Finally, the nature and motivation of the primary villain are not explained or explored in a satisfactory way, although perhaps this will be revisited in the next book.
Despite these problems, I really enjoyed this book. It made me chuckle, it made me cry, and it kept me turning pages. It’s a diamond in the rough in some desperate need of a jeweler’s polish, but it is still a genuine diamond.
At the center of the confluence of corporate greed and magical resistance stands Rune, a tavern owner hiding from her past self as well as a variety of corporate goons, super spies, and faeries who think she can find the mysterious Masterson files—a MacGuffin-like bundle of knowledge assembled by Justin Masterson, an ace computer programmer who aimed to integrate magic and technology. Rune has a magical Talent for finding lost things, and the story gets going when one of the super spies, a man who bears the title Saint (perhaps in a nod to the 1960s TV series?), tries to hire her to find Justin’s ex-wife Anna in the hopes that Anna will lead him to the missing documents. The trouble is, Rune and Anna are the same person, so she can’t take the job. The double trouble is, she needs the job, because the mortgage payment is due and the corporate villains are going to take the farm—or bar, in this case—unless she comes up with some cash, fast.
I’ll confess, I’m a sucker for a good old-fashioned melodrama. I used to perform in them when I was young (and the bright lights of Broadway still topped the ambition list), and I always found the deliberately corny plotlines and silly romance enormously entertaining. Lucky Devil, which is about an ingenue under threat from a villain and the stalwart hero who does his darnedest to rescue her, takes the structure of a classical melodrama and subverts it in a very clever and highly entertaining way. The mustache-twirler’s role is divided up between several corporate enforcers, and the hero is a spy with a dark history of murder and betrayal. The ingenue, Rune, isn’t your typical blushing virgin who gets tied to railroad tracks either, but she is innocent (a key aspect of her character) and very, very good. She even dresses in white.
The story is also very effective at tugging at the heart strings (the emotional depth is a thousand times greater than a classic melodrama played strictly for laughs). Rune is a broken young woman with no self-confidence, who has been trained from birth to play it safe and hide from her own potential. She’s also deeply empathetic and has a nearly pathological need to help other people, even those she despises. This inclination toward helping others lands her in trouble but is also her saving grace. Many of the people closest to her spend most of their time tearing her down, constantly insulting everything about her, from her appearance to her weight to her intelligence, and it takes a while for Rune to stop believing them. You cannot help but root for this character as she discovers her powers and realizes she’s capable of saving herself and those she loves.
The narrative does have its flaws. It’s an action-packed roller coaster of fights, battles, and narrow escapes, but a lot of the action wraps up a little too neatly, with too many tidy coincidences, lucky accidents, and last-minute cavalry rescues. The text also head-hops in dizzying fashion, which can be confusing and sometimes robs scenes of emotional power. In some cases, I felt like there might have been a simple formatting error, where a skipped line between scene breaks was missing, but in others the point of view switches on a sentence-by-sentence basis. Mackie writes in an engaging, energetic style loaded with concrete nouns and illustrative verbs, but there are also a lot of distracting grammatical stumbles. Finally, the nature and motivation of the primary villain are not explained or explored in a satisfactory way, although perhaps this will be revisited in the next book.
Despite these problems, I really enjoyed this book. It made me chuckle, it made me cry, and it kept me turning pages. It’s a diamond in the rough in some desperate need of a jeweler’s polish, but it is still a genuine diamond.
March 7, 2019
THE FINDER OF THE LUCKY DEVIL was a hard read for me.
While the premise had me hooked, the author's narrative style made it difficult for me to get into. Part of this is on me; when I saw the sort of story that was going to be told, my brain likened it to the Shadowrun setting, and this was a way-off-base assumption. That being said, I still wanted to give this read a fair shake, but the mood of the story was simply too lighthearted for me, having an almost comic book feel to it. And I'm not knocking comics--I love them! But that wasn't what I was imagining when the book is branded as a "paranormal thriller." It had heavy paranormal elements, so I don't dispute that, but the "thriller" part infers a high level of tension. And tension is something I can't attribute to this narrative.
The author tends to "tell" rather than "show" throughout the book, which sucked an enormous amount of emotional impact from its telling. There are more than a few points where she tells you what is about to happen, before actually describing what happens--to me, that sort thing shoots the storytelling in the foot. Multiple uses of the phrase "that was when" also hurt the author's attempts to bring energy to it all. The combat narrative had similar flaws, with phrases such as "It had made another pass and scored a hit." Definitely not something that made me feel the heat and chaos of fights with guns, spells, and magical beasts.
There was also a lot of filler words and fluff language. I think the author was going for a conversational sort of narrative voice but, even with assuming that, there were a lot of times the narration would have benefitted from a little trimming. Things like being "completely gone" from sight; this would either be "gone" or not. In addition to these instances, there was also a good number of descriptive references that just seemed outright odd; "her gaze was like stone and just as eerie" comes to mind, and another that made me pause was "he shouted at Rune like a frightened little pony." And keep in mind the speaker in question said actual words, not just a wordless cry that might have sounded akin to a screaming horse.
Also, there were several times that the description of characters moving through their environments was vague and confusing to the point of me not knowing who or what was where. This does fall in line with the author's tendency to "tell" rather than "show," but yet at other times she makes it a point to describe, in great detail, things that have no bearing on either the scene or the story. You could chalk this up to adding atmosphere or flavor, but I didn't find that to be the case here. An entire paragraph spent describing Chinese food was probably not necessary, nor was knowing exactly what the pattern on a particular lounge chair was during what I'm sure the author hoped was the emotionally tense closing scene of the book.
There were also a significant number of typo/grammatical errors that pulled my attention away from the story as well.
I really feel that this story could have been great, with a hefty dose of feedback from an unbiased critique group, and a solid pass or two for both structural and line editing. While Mackie is an independent author, I'm a firm believer there's no substitute for good editing.
While the premise had me hooked, the author's narrative style made it difficult for me to get into. Part of this is on me; when I saw the sort of story that was going to be told, my brain likened it to the Shadowrun setting, and this was a way-off-base assumption. That being said, I still wanted to give this read a fair shake, but the mood of the story was simply too lighthearted for me, having an almost comic book feel to it. And I'm not knocking comics--I love them! But that wasn't what I was imagining when the book is branded as a "paranormal thriller." It had heavy paranormal elements, so I don't dispute that, but the "thriller" part infers a high level of tension. And tension is something I can't attribute to this narrative.
The author tends to "tell" rather than "show" throughout the book, which sucked an enormous amount of emotional impact from its telling. There are more than a few points where she tells you what is about to happen, before actually describing what happens--to me, that sort thing shoots the storytelling in the foot. Multiple uses of the phrase "that was when" also hurt the author's attempts to bring energy to it all. The combat narrative had similar flaws, with phrases such as "It had made another pass and scored a hit." Definitely not something that made me feel the heat and chaos of fights with guns, spells, and magical beasts.
There was also a lot of filler words and fluff language. I think the author was going for a conversational sort of narrative voice but, even with assuming that, there were a lot of times the narration would have benefitted from a little trimming. Things like being "completely gone" from sight; this would either be "gone" or not. In addition to these instances, there was also a good number of descriptive references that just seemed outright odd; "her gaze was like stone and just as eerie" comes to mind, and another that made me pause was "he shouted at Rune like a frightened little pony." And keep in mind the speaker in question said actual words, not just a wordless cry that might have sounded akin to a screaming horse.
Also, there were several times that the description of characters moving through their environments was vague and confusing to the point of me not knowing who or what was where. This does fall in line with the author's tendency to "tell" rather than "show," but yet at other times she makes it a point to describe, in great detail, things that have no bearing on either the scene or the story. You could chalk this up to adding atmosphere or flavor, but I didn't find that to be the case here. An entire paragraph spent describing Chinese food was probably not necessary, nor was knowing exactly what the pattern on a particular lounge chair was during what I'm sure the author hoped was the emotionally tense closing scene of the book.
There were also a significant number of typo/grammatical errors that pulled my attention away from the story as well.
I really feel that this story could have been great, with a hefty dose of feedback from an unbiased critique group, and a solid pass or two for both structural and line editing. While Mackie is an independent author, I'm a firm believer there's no substitute for good editing.
July 18, 2021
5/5
THE FINDER OF THE LUCKY DEVIL: A PARANORMAL THRILLER is one of my favorite finds this year. It's a self-published book by Megan Mackie that represents some of the best urban fantasy I've read since first picking up Patricia Brigg's Mercedes Thompson. I don't normally give 5/5 marks to stories but I'm going to give her this one because it really is that entertaining. There's a couple of minor flaws but I'm weighing it from a 4.75 and rounding up since the rest of it was so good.
The premise is uncomfortably young housewife Anna Masterson has been kidnapped by corporate goons, tortured, and left in solitary confinement until she signs divorce papers for her mysterious (but clearly scumbag) husband Justin. Rescued by her witch aunt, Maggie, she manages to re-invent herself as Rune Leveau. Rune works at the Lucky Devil, which has a big carnival Devil present and is an otherwise innocuous bar in the future.
Did I mention this takes place in the future? Well, it's more an alternate reality as corporations have taken over the United States and turned it into a cyberpunk future. It's just that it's one full of centaurs, fairies, wizards, demons, and witches. I can't help but be reminded of both Michael Gibson's Technomancer series as well as the popular Shadowrun tabletop games.
Rune is an incredibly likable heroine who just wants to continue her business of tending bar and occasionally finding lost items as well as people for extra cash on the side. This goes to hell in a handbasket when she's recruited by handsome cyborg Saint Benedict. Well, he tries to recruit her, since he's trying to track down Anna Masterson while she's still in hiding. Hijinks ensue as Anna tries to pay off her mortgage, restore a young woman who has been turned into a dog, and avoid a well-dressed woman who is as sadistic as she is evil.
So, do I have any complaints? Yes, and it's a very small one. The book climaxes about 2/3rds of the way in and the emotional beats thereafter are a little bit of a disappointment to the end. Really, I think this book should have ended there and the next part of the book be part of the sequel. This is nitpicking of the highest order, though.
If you are a fan of top-tier urban fantasy and can put up with the addition of corporate conspiracy as well as super-tech with your working class supernaturals then this is definitely the book for you. The action is good, the characters likable, the world building believable despite its genre-smashing craziness, and overall fun.
THE FINDER OF THE LUCKY DEVIL: A PARANORMAL THRILLER is one of my favorite finds this year. It's a self-published book by Megan Mackie that represents some of the best urban fantasy I've read since first picking up Patricia Brigg's Mercedes Thompson. I don't normally give 5/5 marks to stories but I'm going to give her this one because it really is that entertaining. There's a couple of minor flaws but I'm weighing it from a 4.75 and rounding up since the rest of it was so good.
The premise is uncomfortably young housewife Anna Masterson has been kidnapped by corporate goons, tortured, and left in solitary confinement until she signs divorce papers for her mysterious (but clearly scumbag) husband Justin. Rescued by her witch aunt, Maggie, she manages to re-invent herself as Rune Leveau. Rune works at the Lucky Devil, which has a big carnival Devil present and is an otherwise innocuous bar in the future.
Did I mention this takes place in the future? Well, it's more an alternate reality as corporations have taken over the United States and turned it into a cyberpunk future. It's just that it's one full of centaurs, fairies, wizards, demons, and witches. I can't help but be reminded of both Michael Gibson's Technomancer series as well as the popular Shadowrun tabletop games.
Rune is an incredibly likable heroine who just wants to continue her business of tending bar and occasionally finding lost items as well as people for extra cash on the side. This goes to hell in a handbasket when she's recruited by handsome cyborg Saint Benedict. Well, he tries to recruit her, since he's trying to track down Anna Masterson while she's still in hiding. Hijinks ensue as Anna tries to pay off her mortgage, restore a young woman who has been turned into a dog, and avoid a well-dressed woman who is as sadistic as she is evil.
So, do I have any complaints? Yes, and it's a very small one. The book climaxes about 2/3rds of the way in and the emotional beats thereafter are a little bit of a disappointment to the end. Really, I think this book should have ended there and the next part of the book be part of the sequel. This is nitpicking of the highest order, though.
If you are a fan of top-tier urban fantasy and can put up with the addition of corporate conspiracy as well as super-tech with your working class supernaturals then this is definitely the book for you. The action is good, the characters likable, the world building believable despite its genre-smashing craziness, and overall fun.
September 21, 2018
The Lucky Devil is a very cool bar and restaurant in a fantasy version of Chicago. Owner Rune Leveau is The Finder, a human with one simple magical Talent: she can find just about anything. People drop into The Lucky Devil to make wishes and ask favors, seeking her help.
Rune only recently inherited the bar, and she's having trouble making the mortgage payment on time, so she's pretty much open to taking any Finder job people request, until a corporate agent named St. Benedict walks in. He's mostly human, with some technological "upgrades" that help him perform his spy-like duties more effectively. He needs Rune's help finding one person, and he's offering a large payment. There's one problem, one reason Rune turns down the job: the person he's looking for is someone she's spent years hiding from the government.
St. Benedict is nothing if not resourceful, and through a crazy set of circumstances, Rune finds herself seeking his help in no time.
The adventurous next few days takes them through a maze of the mysterious and fantastical underbelly of Chicago that tests their skills, their loyalties, and their conviction.
This is a fun read with some heart stopping moments. I did not accurately predict how it would end, and Mackie so artfully dropped the bottom out of my heart then splashed me with a satisfying thrill of hope.
If you're looking for a fresh urban detective-style fantasy with wizards, fairies, corporate spies, shapeshifters, and even a mermaid dog stylist, don't pass this one up. It might be just the thing you need to find.
Rune only recently inherited the bar, and she's having trouble making the mortgage payment on time, so she's pretty much open to taking any Finder job people request, until a corporate agent named St. Benedict walks in. He's mostly human, with some technological "upgrades" that help him perform his spy-like duties more effectively. He needs Rune's help finding one person, and he's offering a large payment. There's one problem, one reason Rune turns down the job: the person he's looking for is someone she's spent years hiding from the government.
St. Benedict is nothing if not resourceful, and through a crazy set of circumstances, Rune finds herself seeking his help in no time.
The adventurous next few days takes them through a maze of the mysterious and fantastical underbelly of Chicago that tests their skills, their loyalties, and their conviction.
This is a fun read with some heart stopping moments. I did not accurately predict how it would end, and Mackie so artfully dropped the bottom out of my heart then splashed me with a satisfying thrill of hope.
If you're looking for a fresh urban detective-style fantasy with wizards, fairies, corporate spies, shapeshifters, and even a mermaid dog stylist, don't pass this one up. It might be just the thing you need to find.
June 22, 2018
It's official,I have decided that I like my stories with a bit of meat on them.. and with "The Finder of the Lucky Devil" I got that, and more.... BBQ sauce, a side of fries and that double thick shake... SIGH! my poor thighs
I just loved the two protagonists and with their interweaving stories and drives: Anna/Rune who is or isn't a Talent and is a fugitive from the Corporation her ex husband ripped off.
Saint Benedict, the corporate spy/troubleshooter who sold his soul to the highest bidder and has a past that he can't remember but is trying to atone for, and who needs Rune to achieve his mission and greatest desire. I just loved the irony of Saint as job title for a corporate fixer with no scruples (not that he is allowed any to be fair).
So what does one do when one loves a book ... you run out and buy the second one which was just as brilliant..... and went a long way in confirm my suspicions of where the story is going and I approve.
I just loved the two protagonists and with their interweaving stories and drives: Anna/Rune who is or isn't a Talent and is a fugitive from the Corporation her ex husband ripped off.
Saint Benedict, the corporate spy/troubleshooter who sold his soul to the highest bidder and has a past that he can't remember but is trying to atone for, and who needs Rune to achieve his mission and greatest desire. I just loved the irony of Saint as job title for a corporate fixer with no scruples (not that he is allowed any to be fair).
So what does one do when one loves a book ... you run out and buy the second one which was just as brilliant..... and went a long way in confirm my suspicions of where the story is going and I approve.
November 16, 2021
3.5
Well I like the bare bones of this novel, but a lot of character and story elements left a bit to be desired for me. I mean the heroine is a doormat and the H is a douchebag. (*read spoiler review for my hate rant on his ass)
So-The h, Rune is the owner of a bar called The Lucky Devil that was left to her by her aunt that recently passed. She's having money problems and collectors knocking down her door trying to take her home through shady means.
But what she does have is a small amount of magic, and a very big secret. While she's trying to hide her magic from the world at large, Rune is in fact a Finder. She can pretty much find anything she sets her mind to- and thats just what corporate spy St. Benedict asks her to do. Only this time he wants her to find a person---and what can she do when the person he so desperately wants to find is her? Or at least the girl she use to be, and spent years trying to erase.
There is also lot of world building going on mixed with a lot of magical and supernatural elements that still left me a little confused. What are the corporations exactly? They seem to want to use technology more than magic, and have systematically pushed to separate those with ability to the side like the fae, naga, mermaids, ect. But those people seem like a big part of the world so why does St. Benedict seem to surprise to see or hear about anything magical? I don't know.
But I will say the thing that I really did not enjoy was Rune's laissez-faire attitude about people treating her like shit. People are verbal and physically aggressive with her, and she's constantly instantly forgiving them....? I mean wtf-St. Benedict really was a major jerk wad.
Long ass Spoilery rant:
Well I like the bare bones of this novel, but a lot of character and story elements left a bit to be desired for me. I mean the heroine is a doormat and the H is a douchebag. (*read spoiler review for my hate rant on his ass)
So-The h, Rune is the owner of a bar called The Lucky Devil that was left to her by her aunt that recently passed. She's having money problems and collectors knocking down her door trying to take her home through shady means.
But what she does have is a small amount of magic, and a very big secret. While she's trying to hide her magic from the world at large, Rune is in fact a Finder. She can pretty much find anything she sets her mind to- and thats just what corporate spy St. Benedict asks her to do. Only this time he wants her to find a person---and what can she do when the person he so desperately wants to find is her? Or at least the girl she use to be, and spent years trying to erase.
There is also lot of world building going on mixed with a lot of magical and supernatural elements that still left me a little confused. What are the corporations exactly? They seem to want to use technology more than magic, and have systematically pushed to separate those with ability to the side like the fae, naga, mermaids, ect. But those people seem like a big part of the world so why does St. Benedict seem to surprise to see or hear about anything magical? I don't know.
But I will say the thing that I really did not enjoy was Rune's laissez-faire attitude about people treating her like shit. People are verbal and physically aggressive with her, and she's constantly instantly forgiving them....? I mean wtf-St. Benedict really was a major jerk wad.
Long ass Spoilery rant:
December 7, 2018
I have to say I don't usually read urban fantasy, but Megan Mackie's 'The Finder of the Lucky Devil' was a nice surprise.
I loved her characterisation and was really drawn to the main character, Rune Leveau. As the story develops, it becomes increasingly clear just how important Rune is to the story and to the world in which she lives. The odds are more heavily stacked against her with each new page and the pace is great, keeping the reader engaged and hoping for Rune's success. The author really amps up the pressure towards the end of the novel and there were several occasions where all hope was lost for Rune and her tiny entourage. Although I'll try not to give away any spoilers.
Saint Benedict was a fantastic addition to the story and it is unclear whether he is on Rune's side or not. It could be argued he even caused the cascade of events leading towards what might be Rune's permanent demise. I wasn't a huge fan of him at the beginning of the story, but he grew on me. I really liked the small team he leads and their side adventure that is interwoven amongst the main story arc. Overall this was a great story that kept my attention throughout.
It's clear Megan Mackie is an experienced author. I enjoyed her style of writing and will definitely be looking for more books from her. If you enjoy urban fantasy, you'll love this one! If you're like me and aren't really a massive fan of urban fantasy, consider giving it a go anyway, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I loved her characterisation and was really drawn to the main character, Rune Leveau. As the story develops, it becomes increasingly clear just how important Rune is to the story and to the world in which she lives. The odds are more heavily stacked against her with each new page and the pace is great, keeping the reader engaged and hoping for Rune's success. The author really amps up the pressure towards the end of the novel and there were several occasions where all hope was lost for Rune and her tiny entourage. Although I'll try not to give away any spoilers.
Saint Benedict was a fantastic addition to the story and it is unclear whether he is on Rune's side or not. It could be argued he even caused the cascade of events leading towards what might be Rune's permanent demise. I wasn't a huge fan of him at the beginning of the story, but he grew on me. I really liked the small team he leads and their side adventure that is interwoven amongst the main story arc. Overall this was a great story that kept my attention throughout.
It's clear Megan Mackie is an experienced author. I enjoyed her style of writing and will definitely be looking for more books from her. If you enjoy urban fantasy, you'll love this one! If you're like me and aren't really a massive fan of urban fantasy, consider giving it a go anyway, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
May 31, 2018
This book was a lot of fun. There were a couple of issues, but the good far outweighed the bad.
I loved the world building, especially the uneasy mixture of magic and technology. The book hinges on trying to find the research of Rune's (the main character) ex-husband - research that would allow computers and magic to mesh together instead of running parallel.
The world doesn't seem to have much of a government, and is instead run by giant corporations that make their own rules. There are few laws that protect the little guy or anyone who isn't affiliated with a corporation. I've always seen this in science fiction novels, so it was different and interesting to see mega-corporations in urban fantasy.
I also like Rune a lot. She's friendly, compassionate, but has some issues. One of her biggest fears is dealt with during the course of the book. And I love that she is unabashedly proud of her appearance - she is a BBW, and never once feels insecure about it.
Saint Benedict was also a refreshing change from the overbearing alpha male love interest. He doesn't push Rune around because he's the man, and he knows best. Not that he doesn't do some crappy things, like unleashing a mob of corporate spies and heavies on her. It all comes down to the mission for him, and he'll do anything to accomplish his goals. He does develop a soft spot for Rune, though.
There's more action then romance. Rune and Saint Benedict have chemistry, but it doesn't take center stage.
The biggest problem with the book was the way too many character were introduced, and then disappeared when they weren't needed. Fewer characters would have been better so they could have been developed more. Even toward the end of the book, more characters were being introduced.
I enjoyed the plot, but I sometimes felt like the author was throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the story. The book needed to be tightened up to make it flow more smoothly.
One annoying thing: Rune cried so many times! Three crying jags, at least. I don't mind when a character cries, but yeesh.
Anyway, pre-ordered the second book in the series.
I loved the world building, especially the uneasy mixture of magic and technology. The book hinges on trying to find the research of Rune's (the main character) ex-husband - research that would allow computers and magic to mesh together instead of running parallel.
The world doesn't seem to have much of a government, and is instead run by giant corporations that make their own rules. There are few laws that protect the little guy or anyone who isn't affiliated with a corporation. I've always seen this in science fiction novels, so it was different and interesting to see mega-corporations in urban fantasy.
I also like Rune a lot. She's friendly, compassionate, but has some issues. One of her biggest fears is dealt with during the course of the book. And I love that she is unabashedly proud of her appearance - she is a BBW, and never once feels insecure about it.
Saint Benedict was also a refreshing change from the overbearing alpha male love interest. He doesn't push Rune around because he's the man, and he knows best. Not that he doesn't do some crappy things, like unleashing a mob of corporate spies and heavies on her. It all comes down to the mission for him, and he'll do anything to accomplish his goals. He does develop a soft spot for Rune, though.
There's more action then romance. Rune and Saint Benedict have chemistry, but it doesn't take center stage.
The biggest problem with the book was the way too many character were introduced, and then disappeared when they weren't needed. Fewer characters would have been better so they could have been developed more. Even toward the end of the book, more characters were being introduced.
I enjoyed the plot, but I sometimes felt like the author was throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the story. The book needed to be tightened up to make it flow more smoothly.
One annoying thing: Rune cried so many times! Three crying jags, at least. I don't mind when a character cries, but yeesh.
Anyway, pre-ordered the second book in the series.
July 29, 2018
Megan Mackie's The Finder of the Lucky Devil is the first in the Lucky Devil series. This science fiction/fantasy novel has a little bit of everything mixed within in: suspense, drama, fantasy/science fiction, heartbreak, strife and more. I didn't initially plan to read this story, but once I began, I was engrossed within the book. The author has created multi-faceted characters with hypnotizing sequences, action and addictive suspense. Rune's the lead character is this story and she was so well written. Let's not forget the Lucky Devil, so imaginative, creative and ingenious. This story was done correctly and is definitely one you should take a chance on.
October 7, 2024
If you're looking for a delightful blend of urban fantasy and cyber noir, The Finder of the Lucky Devil is exactly what you need. Again, ubrna fantasy is a MAJOR comfort read for me and I'm always so, so excited to find another multi-book series. This story drops you into a world of corporate-controlled magic and has a mystery with lots of moving pieces. And it's all set against the backdrop of Chicago, the city I call home and the city that has my whole heart.
It has that refreshing charm of a well-built world, where the plot and setting take center stage instead of just playing second fiddle to the romance (though there's definitely some early chemistry in the mix).
Rune is hiding from her past behind the facade of a bar owner sans magic who is good at finding things. And she's being annoyed into helping a relentless but somewhat charming cyber-spy. The twist? She's actually the person he's looking for, and her past contacts might be the key to a mythic computer program. Rune's need to protect her secrets—and her life—keeps the tension cranked up throughout the book as she hides in plain sight.
Rune herself is a fantastic character. She’s a young woman in hiding, dealing with PTSD and a troubled past, yet she’s deeply empathetic and always looking to help others, even when they might not deserve it. I really appreciated her journey, watching her grow, and loved how her internal struggles.
The world-building here is fantastic, and I especially loved the nods to Chicago, making the city feel magical. The Lucky Devil bar and its magical spaces are some of the most fun parts of the book. It reminds me of the courts in Seanan McGuire’s October Daye series, which is one of my absolute favorites. There's also a bit of that classic urban fantasy grit, but with a cyberpunk twist that gives it a unique flavor. It’s like The Dresden Files, but way better and without problematic issues with women (sorry not sorry). The humor sprinkled throughout the story added another layer of charm, balancing out the darker cyber-noir elements.
I was left wanting to dive into the next book immediately!
Thanks so much to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
It has that refreshing charm of a well-built world, where the plot and setting take center stage instead of just playing second fiddle to the romance (though there's definitely some early chemistry in the mix).
Rune is hiding from her past behind the facade of a bar owner sans magic who is good at finding things. And she's being annoyed into helping a relentless but somewhat charming cyber-spy. The twist? She's actually the person he's looking for, and her past contacts might be the key to a mythic computer program. Rune's need to protect her secrets—and her life—keeps the tension cranked up throughout the book as she hides in plain sight.
Rune herself is a fantastic character. She’s a young woman in hiding, dealing with PTSD and a troubled past, yet she’s deeply empathetic and always looking to help others, even when they might not deserve it. I really appreciated her journey, watching her grow, and loved how her internal struggles.
The world-building here is fantastic, and I especially loved the nods to Chicago, making the city feel magical. The Lucky Devil bar and its magical spaces are some of the most fun parts of the book. It reminds me of the courts in Seanan McGuire’s October Daye series, which is one of my absolute favorites. There's also a bit of that classic urban fantasy grit, but with a cyberpunk twist that gives it a unique flavor. It’s like The Dresden Files, but way better and without problematic issues with women (sorry not sorry). The humor sprinkled throughout the story added another layer of charm, balancing out the darker cyber-noir elements.
I was left wanting to dive into the next book immediately!
Thanks so much to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2020
The Finder of The Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie is a surprise and exciting read and is a paranormal thriller, urban fantasy at its best. The story is very well written and woven with so many threads that are wonderfully entertaining. With magic and alternate worlds, magical creatures and corporate conspiracy, technology and supernaturals makes this a hard read to put down. You find yourself completely under its spell as your emotions run rife and you become part of the action and craziness and let’s not forget the fun. Megan’s characters have depth and that feel of being real people in a world where so much is going on and a lot of story that has to be told. As I said it is a paranormal thriller, urban fantasy at its best, so grab a copy and sit back and enjoy the ride.
March 2, 2020
Rune is an very interesting character. This is a magical world with all sort of creatures that you expect in a magical forset. The author had great world building. This lucky Devil ia a little bar which holds many secrets. There is much adventure waiting for you in this novel.
November 18, 2017
Megan Mackie classifies her novel The Finder of the Lucky Devil as a work of urban fiction/fantasy. If you can imagine marrying a story of a dystopian future of corporate-run government with the noir feel a 50's crime movie, and set it all in a world where magic is real, you would have an idea of what this story encompasses.
Her protagonist, Rune Leveau, is a woman who is both on the run and undercover. The story opens with her being 'sprung' from a corporate prison facility by her aunt, one of the most powerful magicians of her time. That corporation wants her back, and has no intentions of stopping their search for her. At the same time, she is a Talent, someone with magical powers of her own. Those with Talent are required to register their powers, but Rune is not registered, making her twice an outlaw.
Rune's aunt gives her a new identity, along with making her heir to the far she runs, the Lucky Devil, a hang-out for magical and normal people alike. Rune's magical power is finding. Be it lost keys of a missing person, she can find it. She worked with her aunt in order to hide her Talent, but her aunt has recently died. Now, Rune faces the task of keeping the bar out of the hands of corporate loan sharks while keeping both her real identity and power concealed.
Into this situation walks a well-dressed stranger who calls himself St. Benedict with a job offer. He needs someone found, and he's willing to pay enough that Rune's financial problems will be solved. But there's a catch, and it's a significant one: the person Benedict wants to find is the woman she used to be. Rune turns the offer down, but Benedict isn't one to take no for an answer. He leaks the fact that Rune might know the location of her former self, and soon every corporate police force and petty thug in Chicago is after her.
Rune and Benedict team up in an uneasy partnership when the people who work with Benedict are taken. Together, they embark on a journey through a Chicago both familiar and strange, one featuring the gritty alleys and dead-end openings between building familiar to any city dweller, along with magically-created passages open only to those who know of them. As the pair work together, Rune discovers that she has far more power than she ever imagined, and that her role in Chicago's magical world is far more important than just the possession of an unusual Talent.
I've never read any urban fantasy novels before, but if the genre has half the appeal of Megan Mackie's book, I may have to delve into it more. The book takes a few pages to really get going, but once she gets into motion, the story of Rune and Benedict's flight from one cliff-hanging adventure to the next keeps you reading. It also doesn't give any hint of the ending until you get there, which is something I as a reader appreciated. Megan gives you characters that have depth and nuance, even the 'supporting cast' that only appear for a few pages have the feel of being real people. It's a good story, and she gives herself the opening to write more about these characters, which I hope she does.
Her protagonist, Rune Leveau, is a woman who is both on the run and undercover. The story opens with her being 'sprung' from a corporate prison facility by her aunt, one of the most powerful magicians of her time. That corporation wants her back, and has no intentions of stopping their search for her. At the same time, she is a Talent, someone with magical powers of her own. Those with Talent are required to register their powers, but Rune is not registered, making her twice an outlaw.
Rune's aunt gives her a new identity, along with making her heir to the far she runs, the Lucky Devil, a hang-out for magical and normal people alike. Rune's magical power is finding. Be it lost keys of a missing person, she can find it. She worked with her aunt in order to hide her Talent, but her aunt has recently died. Now, Rune faces the task of keeping the bar out of the hands of corporate loan sharks while keeping both her real identity and power concealed.
Into this situation walks a well-dressed stranger who calls himself St. Benedict with a job offer. He needs someone found, and he's willing to pay enough that Rune's financial problems will be solved. But there's a catch, and it's a significant one: the person Benedict wants to find is the woman she used to be. Rune turns the offer down, but Benedict isn't one to take no for an answer. He leaks the fact that Rune might know the location of her former self, and soon every corporate police force and petty thug in Chicago is after her.
Rune and Benedict team up in an uneasy partnership when the people who work with Benedict are taken. Together, they embark on a journey through a Chicago both familiar and strange, one featuring the gritty alleys and dead-end openings between building familiar to any city dweller, along with magically-created passages open only to those who know of them. As the pair work together, Rune discovers that she has far more power than she ever imagined, and that her role in Chicago's magical world is far more important than just the possession of an unusual Talent.
I've never read any urban fantasy novels before, but if the genre has half the appeal of Megan Mackie's book, I may have to delve into it more. The book takes a few pages to really get going, but once she gets into motion, the story of Rune and Benedict's flight from one cliff-hanging adventure to the next keeps you reading. It also doesn't give any hint of the ending until you get there, which is something I as a reader appreciated. Megan gives you characters that have depth and nuance, even the 'supporting cast' that only appear for a few pages have the feel of being real people. It's a good story, and she gives herself the opening to write more about these characters, which I hope she does.
February 5, 2024
Rating: 4.25/5 Penguins (rounded down)
Quick Reasons: magic, mythologies, mystery and mayhem; entertaining, fast paced read; a self discovery journey; absolutely delightful snarkfest; cyberpunk meets Jumangi meets the doors in Nightmare Before Christmas
HUGE thanks to Megan Mackie and 4 Horsemen Publications for the title! My review is voluntarily done and in no way impacted by the gesture.
"I must obey. I have grabbed you," she said. "And now I'm gonna throw you through the door because nothing else has been said about that."
I will admit, Penguins--seeing the cover for this read, I was only slightly apprehensive about the journey I was about to embark on. Let me tell you....that apprehension? Unnecessary. HUGE liar. This book is like the amalgamation of cyberpunk meets Jumangi meets the forest doors in Nightmare Before Christmas, and I am HERE for it (and also here for needing to know what happens next because WAY TO SLOW BURN BLOCK ME, Megan Mackie! Totally rude. This Penguin is salty right now.
This is an entertaining read filled with twists, turns, enchanting magic systems, and characters you'll want to scoop up and put into your pockets (I mean...some of these characters would even FIT in said pockets)! The premise is both well-known (a journey of self discovery) and utterly unique (a discovery of MAGIC, not the self) at the same time. The dialogue is witty, often taking popular phrases and turning them on their head--and SUCH a snarkfest, I was constantly giggling. Megan Mackie has a uniquely individualized voice, and has crafted that to an exquisite advantage for this story. There's mayhem, mystery, mermaids....devils and doggos (but is it really a dog?) and demons. SO MUCH happens, it's hard to point out every minute detail--I may even have missed a few here and there, with everything else I was trying to focus on. And yet, somehow...this book doesn't feel cluttered.
"Bridesmaids are easy. Bar fights, on the other hand..." He shrugged.
"You have a real knight-in-shining-armor complex, huh?" Rune asked, flirting just a little.
"I hate seeing a damsel in distress, especially when she's the one putting herself there," he responded.
I definitely recommend this read to lovers of Cyberpunk, magic, and (disappointing because I was expecting slow burn and instead got THAT ENDING WHAT EVEN WAS THAT WHY?!) romance. If you're looking for an intriguing, entertaining, easy to fall into read, this is SURELY the one for you. And remember, Penguins...there's always help to be found at the Lucky Devil.
Quick Reasons: magic, mythologies, mystery and mayhem; entertaining, fast paced read; a self discovery journey; absolutely delightful snarkfest; cyberpunk meets Jumangi meets the doors in Nightmare Before Christmas
HUGE thanks to Megan Mackie and 4 Horsemen Publications for the title! My review is voluntarily done and in no way impacted by the gesture.
"I must obey. I have grabbed you," she said. "And now I'm gonna throw you through the door because nothing else has been said about that."
I will admit, Penguins--seeing the cover for this read, I was only slightly apprehensive about the journey I was about to embark on. Let me tell you....that apprehension? Unnecessary. HUGE liar. This book is like the amalgamation of cyberpunk meets Jumangi meets the forest doors in Nightmare Before Christmas, and I am HERE for it (and also here for needing to know what happens next because WAY TO SLOW BURN BLOCK ME, Megan Mackie! Totally rude. This Penguin is salty right now.
This is an entertaining read filled with twists, turns, enchanting magic systems, and characters you'll want to scoop up and put into your pockets (I mean...some of these characters would even FIT in said pockets)! The premise is both well-known (a journey of self discovery) and utterly unique (a discovery of MAGIC, not the self) at the same time. The dialogue is witty, often taking popular phrases and turning them on their head--and SUCH a snarkfest, I was constantly giggling. Megan Mackie has a uniquely individualized voice, and has crafted that to an exquisite advantage for this story. There's mayhem, mystery, mermaids....devils and doggos (but is it really a dog?) and demons. SO MUCH happens, it's hard to point out every minute detail--I may even have missed a few here and there, with everything else I was trying to focus on. And yet, somehow...this book doesn't feel cluttered.
"Bridesmaids are easy. Bar fights, on the other hand..." He shrugged.
"You have a real knight-in-shining-armor complex, huh?" Rune asked, flirting just a little.
"I hate seeing a damsel in distress, especially when she's the one putting herself there," he responded.
I definitely recommend this read to lovers of Cyberpunk, magic, and (disappointing because I was expecting slow burn and instead got THAT ENDING WHAT EVEN WAS THAT WHY?!) romance. If you're looking for an intriguing, entertaining, easy to fall into read, this is SURELY the one for you. And remember, Penguins...there's always help to be found at the Lucky Devil.
March 5, 2020
An unusual and highly enjoyable fantasy, skillfully combining adventure, thriller and romance .
Rune Leveau runs the Lucky Devil bar, whose varied clientele includes trolls, centaurs and other magical creatures – although it’s the human bridal parties that cause most trouble. Rowdy customers aside Rune has three big problems. One is that she is having trouble making her mortgage payments, the second is that she is hiding from the part with a fake identify that could fall apart any time. And her third problem just walked into the bar wearing a fedora and flashing an all-too-charming smile.
St. Benedict, a cyber-enhanced corporate agent, wants to make use of Rune’s magic talent for finding things. But helping St. Benedict will bring Rune’s entire past crashing down on her.
The Finder of the Lucky Devil is an unusual blend of urban fantasy and cyberpunk, with technology and magic side by side (and with considerable suspicion between the factions that use them, embodied by the two protagonists). There is a lot of backstory, an entire alternate world to deal with, but this is lightly handled without any clunking passages or “As you already know” dialog.
The magical world is the backdrop for the Rune’s story, and her tricky relationship with St. Benedict, which shifts constantly between suspicion and sympathy, flirtation and caution. Both lead characters are unusually complex, with their secrets, fears and vulnerabilities, and much of the success of the story rests on the strength of the interplay between them.
Rune is not your usual picture-perfect female lead; she is plus size, and highly body conscious. It’s no coincidence that an old enemy opens the conversation with “you’ve gained weight.” Also unsually, Rune hates violence and strives for peaceful solutions – unlike the more gung-ho St. Benedict.
While the story occasionally ventures close to twee – like a cutesy brownie called Acorn – there’s plenty of action with both human and supernatural foes to be overcome, and the serious emotional issues about identity and embracing/escaping the past give it a solid base.
A fun read, and a good opener to the series, with plenty of interesting side characters whose own stories deserve their own coverage.
Rune Leveau runs the Lucky Devil bar, whose varied clientele includes trolls, centaurs and other magical creatures – although it’s the human bridal parties that cause most trouble. Rowdy customers aside Rune has three big problems. One is that she is having trouble making her mortgage payments, the second is that she is hiding from the part with a fake identify that could fall apart any time. And her third problem just walked into the bar wearing a fedora and flashing an all-too-charming smile.
St. Benedict, a cyber-enhanced corporate agent, wants to make use of Rune’s magic talent for finding things. But helping St. Benedict will bring Rune’s entire past crashing down on her.
The Finder of the Lucky Devil is an unusual blend of urban fantasy and cyberpunk, with technology and magic side by side (and with considerable suspicion between the factions that use them, embodied by the two protagonists). There is a lot of backstory, an entire alternate world to deal with, but this is lightly handled without any clunking passages or “As you already know” dialog.
The magical world is the backdrop for the Rune’s story, and her tricky relationship with St. Benedict, which shifts constantly between suspicion and sympathy, flirtation and caution. Both lead characters are unusually complex, with their secrets, fears and vulnerabilities, and much of the success of the story rests on the strength of the interplay between them.
Rune is not your usual picture-perfect female lead; she is plus size, and highly body conscious. It’s no coincidence that an old enemy opens the conversation with “you’ve gained weight.” Also unsually, Rune hates violence and strives for peaceful solutions – unlike the more gung-ho St. Benedict.
While the story occasionally ventures close to twee – like a cutesy brownie called Acorn – there’s plenty of action with both human and supernatural foes to be overcome, and the serious emotional issues about identity and embracing/escaping the past give it a solid base.
A fun read, and a good opener to the series, with plenty of interesting side characters whose own stories deserve their own coverage.
September 30, 2018
Rune Leveau has a lot on her mind. Still mourning the death of her Aunt Maddie, she has to find a way to keep their bar running and keep the mortgage paid. So when a corporate spy offers to pay her to use her talent to locate someone it should be a relief. There's only one problem. The person he wants her to find is the woman she used to be.
The Finder of the Lucky Devil is a mash-up, containing traditional fantasy elements such as trolls, fairies and magic, set against an almost cyberpunk-ish near-future environment where people can be technologically enhanced and corporations own the majority of society. The mix actually works very well, often creating an interesting clash between the use of magic and the use of technology. Elsewhere, the world has been well thought out, the internal logic easy to grasp but still having areas ripe for exploration.
As the main character, Rune is easy to empathise with. The prologue sets the stage and makes it easy to understand why she is unwilling to draw too much attention to herself. As the book progresses, and she learns more about her talent and potential future, she grows into her own, reconciling aspects of her personality that she had hidden, even from herself.
St. Benedict, the agent looking to hire Rune, is more elusive. Little of his background is explored until late in the book and even then there are several questions left unanswered. Possibly those will come up again in the second volume.
For the most part, I enjoyed the book. There were some moments when I felt I was losing track of who was who with the minor characters and I found parts of the finale confusing but these didn't invalidate enjoyment. I will certainly pick up a copy of the second book.
The Finder of the Lucky Devil is a mash-up, containing traditional fantasy elements such as trolls, fairies and magic, set against an almost cyberpunk-ish near-future environment where people can be technologically enhanced and corporations own the majority of society. The mix actually works very well, often creating an interesting clash between the use of magic and the use of technology. Elsewhere, the world has been well thought out, the internal logic easy to grasp but still having areas ripe for exploration.
As the main character, Rune is easy to empathise with. The prologue sets the stage and makes it easy to understand why she is unwilling to draw too much attention to herself. As the book progresses, and she learns more about her talent and potential future, she grows into her own, reconciling aspects of her personality that she had hidden, even from herself.
St. Benedict, the agent looking to hire Rune, is more elusive. Little of his background is explored until late in the book and even then there are several questions left unanswered. Possibly those will come up again in the second volume.
For the most part, I enjoyed the book. There were some moments when I felt I was losing track of who was who with the minor characters and I found parts of the finale confusing but these didn't invalidate enjoyment. I will certainly pick up a copy of the second book.
March 23, 2020
The Finder of the Lucky Devil (Lucky Devil #1) by Megan Mackie was an interesting 5 star read.
This is a book that is out of the realm of what I typically read but I really enjoyed it.
We start with an interesting prologue and then we jump ahead six years later to Rune owning a bar in Chicago, The Lucky Devil’s. Rune inherited the bar from her aunt. Rune has a secret that she has to keep, but owning the bar is making it difficult for her to keep a low profile.
When Saint comes into the bar wanting to hire Rune to use her special skills to find someone, there's a little problem. The person he needs to find is actually right in front of him but doesn’t know it. Needing the money for the mortgage, will Rune take the Job?
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it is a very interesting world that pulls you right in. We meet several different characters, trolls, vampires, fairies and so much more. We get action and some twists that add a great element to the story. I wasn’t sure about Saint at first but he quickly grew on me, I loved Rune from the beginning. Megan Mackie does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
This is a book that is out of the realm of what I typically read but I really enjoyed it.
We start with an interesting prologue and then we jump ahead six years later to Rune owning a bar in Chicago, The Lucky Devil’s. Rune inherited the bar from her aunt. Rune has a secret that she has to keep, but owning the bar is making it difficult for her to keep a low profile.
When Saint comes into the bar wanting to hire Rune to use her special skills to find someone, there's a little problem. The person he needs to find is actually right in front of him but doesn’t know it. Needing the money for the mortgage, will Rune take the Job?
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it is a very interesting world that pulls you right in. We meet several different characters, trolls, vampires, fairies and so much more. We get action and some twists that add a great element to the story. I wasn’t sure about Saint at first but he quickly grew on me, I loved Rune from the beginning. Megan Mackie does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.
November 20, 2017
I was given a review copy of this book, and I wasn't told what to expect from it. No summary, no background, just asked to read it and then decide if I might like it or not, and whether or not I thought it could be defined as a Paranormal Romance. I think it could definitely fit in the category of Paranormal, Fantasy, and building up into the Romance category. I liked that it didn't immediately jump into romance, guy sees girl, girl sees guy, they fall head over heels in love. I like that there was a chase to get to that point. They have to work for it. And I can see it's building up in the series. But it's also giving us an entire other story to go with it as well, and I like that as well. I'm trying not to give everything away. Haha. I think you will really like this book. I can't wait for book 2.
March 11, 2020
The Finder of the lucky Devil (The Lucky Devil series Book 1) by Megan Mackie. This is a great Urban Fantasy story. This story has tons of magic, mystery, adventure and action. Its the story of Rune Leveau who is approached by a dangerous man and corporate spy St. Benedict. He wants her to use her magical talent to help him find a criminal named Anna Masterson. This is a very dangerous mission in a high tech dystopia that resembles Chicago. Secrets are going to be told and manipulation will be used at every turn to find Anna. Rune is a very innocent young women who even dresses in white but she is smarter than they give her credit for. She has no self confidence and no self worth but she has been trained since birth to play it safe. When Rune finally stops believing all the lies being told about and to her she is a worthy fighter. This book takes you on a journey of life and death. Read The Finder of the Lucky Devil to see who survives?
March 21, 2020
A cat and mouse chase mixing adventure, mystery, suspense and romance this book had it all and had be hooked from page one. The first in the ‘The Lucky Devil’ series by Megan Mackie, the book is set in an alternate Chicago, where technology and magic are in competition with each other. This is a urban fantasy/cyberpunk novel with a fast paced storyline and some great characters. Rune Leveau has magical talent and is approached by a “charmingly dangerous, cybernetically-altered, corporate spy, St. Benedict”, to help find a missing criminal, Anna Masterson. Rune is happy to help but there is just one problem, she is the elusive Anna. St Benedict is determined to find ‘the finder of the lucky devil’ who he believes has the Masterson Files, a computer program that can cast magic spells and would reshape the world, he just needs to find Anna.
An entertaining read, I was pulled into the alternate world that Megan Mackie creates and was fully immersed in Runes world. A great start to a new series, and I look forward to returning to Rune’s ‘Lucky Devil Bar’.
An entertaining read, I was pulled into the alternate world that Megan Mackie creates and was fully immersed in Runes world. A great start to a new series, and I look forward to returning to Rune’s ‘Lucky Devil Bar’.
March 23, 2020
The Finder of the Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie. Ok I’m trying really hard to find the words to do this book justice in my review of it. From the very first page I knew I was in for an incredible adventure and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. This story pulled me in right away and I was so deeply in the story I lost track of all time and real life which I loved! Rune is a character I won’t be forgetting anytime soon, the entire story is so unique and different from my usual reads and I loved every minute of it. This story had a fast paced storyline but not rushed, lots going on but not in a confusing was. It was all well written and well balanced. Characters are complex and relatable, they truly pull you into their story and you won’t want to leave. Can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. Five stars all the way and highly recommended!
November 20, 2017
This is a world I basically want to live in-right now. Hell, I'll trade and cut off my right arm to become a cybernetic corporate spook any day. Get me a few friends that can also use magic and I'm set...let's run this joint.
Which, is what makes this book so great to me. The storyline is a nice mystery / unraveling awesome blossom style plotline that leads people along right up to the sequel. But the escapism offered by an alternate Chicago and seeing how things unfold in Megan's mind has been great.
Either way, you won't do wrong by picking up a copy and I can't wait for the sequel to hit!
I didn't have any problems with grammar or other such things as others have mentioned. There must of been a different version of the book since mine was clearly copy edited.
Which, is what makes this book so great to me. The storyline is a nice mystery / unraveling awesome blossom style plotline that leads people along right up to the sequel. But the escapism offered by an alternate Chicago and seeing how things unfold in Megan's mind has been great.
Either way, you won't do wrong by picking up a copy and I can't wait for the sequel to hit!
I didn't have any problems with grammar or other such things as others have mentioned. There must of been a different version of the book since mine was clearly copy edited.
June 10, 2018
The Finder of the Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie a five-star read that you would be luck to read. This is the first book in the Lucky Devil series and I can’t wait for more in the series. The setting in this book is great, its filled with magic and technology on a level that we can’t even begin to comprehend. This book has twists and turns that will keep you guessing and a plot line that will keep you hooked and turning pages. Rune has a way about her that will make you feel like you are there with her, trying to figure a way to help with the many problems she faces. If you enjoy a good urban fantasy with a mystery thrown in, then this is the story for you. There is a lot going on in the story, but there is a lot of story to fill, its well-paced, with a little wobble towards the end, but overall very well written and just what you need to while away a few hours.
March 22, 2020
***3 stars***
The Finder of the Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie
I give this urban paranormal fantasy kind of dystopian story 3 stars. The story was an unexpected mix of magic and technology that also reminded me of an old detective and crime story. There was so much going on that I did find myself getting a little lost as the story added more characters, but the characters were very cool. There were wizards, fairies, snake-like spies, and even a mermaid dog groomer. The author described their world in such detail that I could totally visualize all these vivid colors like shown in the series Altered Carbon. The author can really paint a picture so I spent a lot of time wondering what was going to happen next. It didn’t end exactly how I thought it would’ve, but there are more books in the series so I’m sure anything can happen. It’s a unique and unexpected story for sure.
The Finder of the Lucky Devil by Megan Mackie
I give this urban paranormal fantasy kind of dystopian story 3 stars. The story was an unexpected mix of magic and technology that also reminded me of an old detective and crime story. There was so much going on that I did find myself getting a little lost as the story added more characters, but the characters were very cool. There were wizards, fairies, snake-like spies, and even a mermaid dog groomer. The author described their world in such detail that I could totally visualize all these vivid colors like shown in the series Altered Carbon. The author can really paint a picture so I spent a lot of time wondering what was going to happen next. It didn’t end exactly how I thought it would’ve, but there are more books in the series so I’m sure anything can happen. It’s a unique and unexpected story for sure.
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