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The Omnichron Chronicles #1
Modern Magick: Book One of the Omnichron Chronicles
Witches, warlocks, and magic spells. They were only stories. Until now.
Everything people think they know about magic is wrong.
Reporter John Jupiter is no stranger to strange news. But when news about the murder of reclusive billionaire Alan Knickerbocker falls in his lap, the story of a lifetime drastically changes his life.
After a mysterious amulet gives John the ability to cast magic spells, it’s up to him and a handful of brilliant misfits to stop a team of mercenaries known as the Triumvirate, who are determined to release an ancient threat and use it to bend humanity to their will.
No one else will believe them. No one else knows. Magic is real…
Everything people think they know about magic is wrong.
Reporter John Jupiter is no stranger to strange news. But when news about the murder of reclusive billionaire Alan Knickerbocker falls in his lap, the story of a lifetime drastically changes his life.
After a mysterious amulet gives John the ability to cast magic spells, it’s up to him and a handful of brilliant misfits to stop a team of mercenaries known as the Triumvirate, who are determined to release an ancient threat and use it to bend humanity to their will.
No one else will believe them. No one else knows. Magic is real…
- GenresFantasy
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 3, 2022
I enjoyed reading the book very much. The idea has great potential for future books. I would love to see a little more back story of the MCs in future books. Also it seems that the professor knows more about the whole magic business than he is willing to share in the first book so that would be great to read about more.
In conclusion I would recommend this. It was a fun, easy read that kept me captivated and did not want to put it down until I finished it( I was too curious to know how it would end) . It did not dissapoint.
In conclusion I would recommend this. It was a fun, easy read that kept me captivated and did not want to put it down until I finished it( I was too curious to know how it would end) . It did not dissapoint.
November 21, 2022
Magic is back, and it is not a good thing. There are some very bad people who want to use it to rule the world. I thought the book started off quite exciting ... but after the first quarter it started to fall off for me. Too much information in parts that bogged the book down and some glaring editing errors that brought me out of the story. There were some really good characters but they could have been defined a bit better. All in all, not a bad story but not a great one either.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
August 18, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
Modern Magick is a mix of urban fantasy and murder mystery with the core focus on a group of characters who race against time to stop the bad guys (the Triumvirate) from using ancient magic for their own nefarious purposes. The story is set in L.A., which give the book a strong urban fantasy feel, as in, not only is the magic happening in our real world and characters must uncover its secrets and figure out how to use it - or prevent others from using it - but the urban feel was most certainly strong. This was the highlight of the book in my eyes. There is a strong feel of “academia” in this book with characters like the professor, and a group of main characters working together to learn about magic while also battling larger stakes. The main “main” character is John, who for the most part I quite liked. I liked how he was supportive of the rest of the group, like when he vouched for Apsara’s skills when the professor was skeptical. Everyone in the group takes on a different role, so it makes them all feel different enough. That being said, I wished for even more insight into their backgrounds. We knew bits and pieces but the story is heavily focused on battling the Triumvirate, and at times the focus didn’t zoom out from that to give a deeper picture into John and the others. However, I do need to note that the dialogue was tremendous and arguably, alongside the setting, the biggest strength of the book. I love it when I feel like I’m reading really people speak to each other, when it feels natural. This compensated for some of the depth I was craving for with the characters, including the Triumvirate who occasionally felt like villains and nothing more than that, where I was seeking a more human glimpse into them beyond the bad guys they were.
One thing I did like about the main cast was their varying ages. I enjoy seeing characters of all different backgrounds and ages coming together, which was very much the case in Modern Magick. From the professor to John to Ellie and more, everyone was different enough to be distinguishable even if I yearned for more about them, but that could also be a compliment to the characters because I did enjoy them!
Another interesting thing is the magic system, as I have found in more academic settings there is more emphasis on actual spells rather than the kinds of magic systems I read in classic high fantasy. It is an interesting change. This one felt clear, so I always knew what was happening.
From time to time, the pacing felt a little disjointed, in some moments breakneck and in others slow, enough to where it didn’t always feel entirely natural. But there were few parts where I was bored, because something was always happening and mysteries were being uncovered. Also, the balance with the larger stakes was enough to keep the plot moving. I especially liked the commentary by the professor at the end of the book, as it solidifies key themes of power and magic and whether or not humans are evolved enough to possess it to such an extent. I always enjoy books that address these themes because even though it is through the theme of magic, it is really very realistic.
While I would more realistically give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounded up to a 4 rather than down to a 3. Sometimes I could be confused about who the target audience was in terms of age, as it read like a YA tale in terms of simplicity and explanation, but John is no teen or young adult (or, in the words of the professor, John is no “spring chicken”!). I suppose it can be read by a variety of audiences depending on their preference especially if they like urban fantasy. For a book with a cast of eclectic characters, a straightforward plot with defined stakes, and the potential for future books, I did enjoy this read and would be excited to pick up the next book in the Omnichron Chronicles, and what a cool name for a series that is!
Modern Magick is a mix of urban fantasy and murder mystery with the core focus on a group of characters who race against time to stop the bad guys (the Triumvirate) from using ancient magic for their own nefarious purposes. The story is set in L.A., which give the book a strong urban fantasy feel, as in, not only is the magic happening in our real world and characters must uncover its secrets and figure out how to use it - or prevent others from using it - but the urban feel was most certainly strong. This was the highlight of the book in my eyes. There is a strong feel of “academia” in this book with characters like the professor, and a group of main characters working together to learn about magic while also battling larger stakes. The main “main” character is John, who for the most part I quite liked. I liked how he was supportive of the rest of the group, like when he vouched for Apsara’s skills when the professor was skeptical. Everyone in the group takes on a different role, so it makes them all feel different enough. That being said, I wished for even more insight into their backgrounds. We knew bits and pieces but the story is heavily focused on battling the Triumvirate, and at times the focus didn’t zoom out from that to give a deeper picture into John and the others. However, I do need to note that the dialogue was tremendous and arguably, alongside the setting, the biggest strength of the book. I love it when I feel like I’m reading really people speak to each other, when it feels natural. This compensated for some of the depth I was craving for with the characters, including the Triumvirate who occasionally felt like villains and nothing more than that, where I was seeking a more human glimpse into them beyond the bad guys they were.
One thing I did like about the main cast was their varying ages. I enjoy seeing characters of all different backgrounds and ages coming together, which was very much the case in Modern Magick. From the professor to John to Ellie and more, everyone was different enough to be distinguishable even if I yearned for more about them, but that could also be a compliment to the characters because I did enjoy them!
Another interesting thing is the magic system, as I have found in more academic settings there is more emphasis on actual spells rather than the kinds of magic systems I read in classic high fantasy. It is an interesting change. This one felt clear, so I always knew what was happening.
From time to time, the pacing felt a little disjointed, in some moments breakneck and in others slow, enough to where it didn’t always feel entirely natural. But there were few parts where I was bored, because something was always happening and mysteries were being uncovered. Also, the balance with the larger stakes was enough to keep the plot moving. I especially liked the commentary by the professor at the end of the book, as it solidifies key themes of power and magic and whether or not humans are evolved enough to possess it to such an extent. I always enjoy books that address these themes because even though it is through the theme of magic, it is really very realistic.
While I would more realistically give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounded up to a 4 rather than down to a 3. Sometimes I could be confused about who the target audience was in terms of age, as it read like a YA tale in terms of simplicity and explanation, but John is no teen or young adult (or, in the words of the professor, John is no “spring chicken”!). I suppose it can be read by a variety of audiences depending on their preference especially if they like urban fantasy. For a book with a cast of eclectic characters, a straightforward plot with defined stakes, and the potential for future books, I did enjoy this read and would be excited to pick up the next book in the Omnichron Chronicles, and what a cool name for a series that is!
July 2, 2022
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
This is the first book in a new series by this author, called 'The Omnichron Chronicles'. The plot description was enough to get my attention, and being a series, I decided to try it. The basic storyline is of a honest news reporter gets a lead on the death of a very rich man, discovers an amulet with an odd saying inscribed on it that once read, gives out 'magical power' to the people around the amulet. As this discovery is going on, and he surrounds himself with a rag-tag team of misfits, they discover there are some baddies that have some magic as well. Needless to say, good guys want to stop the bad guys, who just want to control the world, and unleash a power into our realm that could destroy it.
Okay, sounds great. Except it wasn't. It was just ... okay. There is no major background story on any of the characters. All you learn about them is the very basics. MC is a news reporter that considers himself with integrity and honesty - but we don't know why. Don't know anything about how he got to where he is, etc. And each character is like that. Even the baddies we know not why they are bad. Just that they have done "jobs" and it has always been the three of them. Though, I guess you could say we know they are baddies because they tend to hurt people.
Of course, there are group dynamics going on. In our group of good people, there is some romantic interests between four of them (two and two, not four on four) that doesn't really seem to go much of anywhere. It is written defintely with YA crowd in mind as it is so basic. There was not much said in regards to the magic. It seemed anyone with it had similar powers, but each had a somewhat individual strength in some area. Practicing the magic seemed to make you stronger in its use, but potions had to be taken to quickly "re-up" the mana. It was never really said where the magic came from (this world, that world, etc) only that it had been taken out of our world to stop a major event several hundred years prior.
Overall I was let-down about how this story turned out. I felt at minimum it is a YA read (which I usually do not care for). I think the character backgrounds could be a bit more detailed, otherwise I felt like I was reading a comic strip, knowing the characters only as how they look. World building was okay. Off the top of my head I don't remember what city this was taking place in, could have been NYC, but it also could have been any larger city. Nothing in particular stood out in my memory as to distinguish major landmarks. I think most of it didn't matter unless it was partial to the story. Well, practice makes perfect, and I would consider reading the next book in the series to see if the author's writing style has gotten better in fleshing out details and maybe more background.
This is the first book in a new series by this author, called 'The Omnichron Chronicles'. The plot description was enough to get my attention, and being a series, I decided to try it. The basic storyline is of a honest news reporter gets a lead on the death of a very rich man, discovers an amulet with an odd saying inscribed on it that once read, gives out 'magical power' to the people around the amulet. As this discovery is going on, and he surrounds himself with a rag-tag team of misfits, they discover there are some baddies that have some magic as well. Needless to say, good guys want to stop the bad guys, who just want to control the world, and unleash a power into our realm that could destroy it.
Okay, sounds great. Except it wasn't. It was just ... okay. There is no major background story on any of the characters. All you learn about them is the very basics. MC is a news reporter that considers himself with integrity and honesty - but we don't know why. Don't know anything about how he got to where he is, etc. And each character is like that. Even the baddies we know not why they are bad. Just that they have done "jobs" and it has always been the three of them. Though, I guess you could say we know they are baddies because they tend to hurt people.
Of course, there are group dynamics going on. In our group of good people, there is some romantic interests between four of them (two and two, not four on four) that doesn't really seem to go much of anywhere. It is written defintely with YA crowd in mind as it is so basic. There was not much said in regards to the magic. It seemed anyone with it had similar powers, but each had a somewhat individual strength in some area. Practicing the magic seemed to make you stronger in its use, but potions had to be taken to quickly "re-up" the mana. It was never really said where the magic came from (this world, that world, etc) only that it had been taken out of our world to stop a major event several hundred years prior.
Overall I was let-down about how this story turned out. I felt at minimum it is a YA read (which I usually do not care for). I think the character backgrounds could be a bit more detailed, otherwise I felt like I was reading a comic strip, knowing the characters only as how they look. World building was okay. Off the top of my head I don't remember what city this was taking place in, could have been NYC, but it also could have been any larger city. Nothing in particular stood out in my memory as to distinguish major landmarks. I think most of it didn't matter unless it was partial to the story. Well, practice makes perfect, and I would consider reading the next book in the series to see if the author's writing style has gotten better in fleshing out details and maybe more background.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
My thanks to Booksirens for sending me a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book had such great potential. The first 20% of the book was excellent and I honestly thought that this book would be an easy 5 star review. But things started to go down hill shortly after that. All in all I found the story too simplistic. The bad guys were stereo-typically bad. The good guys were stereo-typically good. The end. Having finished the book I wish that the author would have focused on three MCs instead of five. I honestly don't see what Mike and the archer brought to book. They felt like a waste of pages that could have been used to better expand on the the overall story. I feel like the story would have flowed better if it had focused on the professor, the journalist and the doctor. Having the book written from a single POV (Johns) might have helped as well. I really wish the magic system would have been explored more because honestly that was one of the weakest parts of this book. Things just worked. No real explanation, no real understanding of the mechanics involved. And this led to the author somehow making the bad guys far too powerful without any real explanation. They went from being thieves to super powerful maniacs bent on overthrowing the world order, all without any seeming training in their abilities. And without having the Onichron. This made the super (seemingly important) magic book itself feel superfluous and unnecessary
In conclusion, I wish this book had focused on a smaller main cast that delved deeper into the mechanics of magic and set clear and understandable parameters about what was possible and how. Something that I feel a doctor and a professor should have been insistent on. Instead of just waving heir arms around and making things happen. just because. But all my criticisms aside, this book and by extension the series, has a great deal of potential, and the ending of Book 1 was good and opens up some interesting possibilities for future books t explore. I just really hope the author can up their game for book 2.
This book had such great potential. The first 20% of the book was excellent and I honestly thought that this book would be an easy 5 star review. But things started to go down hill shortly after that. All in all I found the story too simplistic. The bad guys were stereo-typically bad. The good guys were stereo-typically good. The end. Having finished the book I wish that the author would have focused on three MCs instead of five. I honestly don't see what Mike and the archer brought to book. They felt like a waste of pages that could have been used to better expand on the the overall story. I feel like the story would have flowed better if it had focused on the professor, the journalist and the doctor. Having the book written from a single POV (Johns) might have helped as well. I really wish the magic system would have been explored more because honestly that was one of the weakest parts of this book. Things just worked. No real explanation, no real understanding of the mechanics involved. And this led to the author somehow making the bad guys far too powerful without any real explanation. They went from being thieves to super powerful maniacs bent on overthrowing the world order, all without any seeming training in their abilities. And without having the Onichron. This made the super (seemingly important) magic book itself feel superfluous and unnecessary
In conclusion, I wish this book had focused on a smaller main cast that delved deeper into the mechanics of magic and set clear and understandable parameters about what was possible and how. Something that I feel a doctor and a professor should have been insistent on. Instead of just waving heir arms around and making things happen. just because. But all my criticisms aside, this book and by extension the series, has a great deal of potential, and the ending of Book 1 was good and opens up some interesting possibilities for future books t explore. I just really hope the author can up their game for book 2.
May 18, 2022
RJ Johnson has taken us to Mars and beyond is his fascinating Science Fiction series, "Jim Meade, Martian P.I." But this time he weaves his fantastic story on modern day Earth.
Modern Magick is the first in what I believe will be a significant series dealing with the impact of an ancient grimoire called the Omnichron. A grimoire is basically a textbook of magic which includes instructions on how to create and use magical objects like talismans, potions, and amulets, how to perform magical spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In this first episode, a random collection of five strangers come across a talisman which unlocks magical potential, then must find, translate, and educate themselves from the Omnichron. These strangers quickly find themselves in competition with a group of less savory individuals who want to use the gifts they've received from the talisman to dominate rather than aid the people of Earth.
By chance, or fate, the strangers have exactly the combination of abilities essential to form an effective team to challenge the devastation invoked by their opponents, known as the Triumvirate. But they must overcome their own fears and insecurities to use their gifts effectively.
In the end this is a story about people, regular people, who must unite and become more than they ever thought possible. R.J. Johnson brings these people to life against a background of impossible events and allows them to grow over 400+ pages, filled with excitement, peril, and fascinating manifestations of Modern Magick.
I found every page fascinating and look forward to the next installment of this series.
Modern Magick is the first in what I believe will be a significant series dealing with the impact of an ancient grimoire called the Omnichron. A grimoire is basically a textbook of magic which includes instructions on how to create and use magical objects like talismans, potions, and amulets, how to perform magical spells, and how to invoke supernatural entities. In this first episode, a random collection of five strangers come across a talisman which unlocks magical potential, then must find, translate, and educate themselves from the Omnichron. These strangers quickly find themselves in competition with a group of less savory individuals who want to use the gifts they've received from the talisman to dominate rather than aid the people of Earth.
By chance, or fate, the strangers have exactly the combination of abilities essential to form an effective team to challenge the devastation invoked by their opponents, known as the Triumvirate. But they must overcome their own fears and insecurities to use their gifts effectively.
In the end this is a story about people, regular people, who must unite and become more than they ever thought possible. R.J. Johnson brings these people to life against a background of impossible events and allows them to grow over 400+ pages, filled with excitement, peril, and fascinating manifestations of Modern Magick.
I found every page fascinating and look forward to the next installment of this series.
June 15, 2022
Three mercenaries were hired to steal a valuable artifact from a well-known billionaire, they would have been caught if it hadn't been for a phone call. Unfortunately, while the voice gives them the means to escape, they murder the man, injure his grandson and they suddenly have the ability to use magic. John Jupiter is a reporter determined to be the first to break the story about the murder, he finds an amulet which gives him the ability to use magic. John and four others of will have learn to wield the magic they now have to save the world from three people who want to unleash a monster so they can rule the world.
Wow, I loved these characters. They are all well written, unique, and utterly fascinating. Whether they were "good" guys or "bad", I thought the author did a wonderful job of explaining their motivations, and scripting their interactions. Murder, mayhem, magic, monsters (human and otherworldly), exciting action, ancient mysteries, and unexpected twists in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I think this is a fantastic beginning to an exciting new series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wow, I loved these characters. They are all well written, unique, and utterly fascinating. Whether they were "good" guys or "bad", I thought the author did a wonderful job of explaining their motivations, and scripting their interactions. Murder, mayhem, magic, monsters (human and otherworldly), exciting action, ancient mysteries, and unexpected twists in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I think this is a fantastic beginning to an exciting new series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 28, 2022
All I can say this is a must read book for those who love a take of fantasy, & magic in a more modern setting. I would definitely recommend this book.
Right of the bat after reading the first chapter I knew if I did not limit myself to reading only five chapters in the morning & five chapters before going to sleep that I would binge read this book just like I binged read the Harry Potter series. I knew that if I did not limit myself I would not be coming out of my room until I finished reading the whole book & that is how addicting this book was to me & I hope it will be as interesting to other readers as well. Keep in mind the this is the first book in this particular series... I just finished reading this book & now I want to read the next one in the series.
For me this book has it all at an amulet, & a magical book called The Omnichron. A group of thieves (3 people) & their mysterious backer, our unlikely group of heroes (5 people), & the fate of the world resting on the balance. All set in the modern day world.
Read this book to find out.
Right of the bat after reading the first chapter I knew if I did not limit myself to reading only five chapters in the morning & five chapters before going to sleep that I would binge read this book just like I binged read the Harry Potter series. I knew that if I did not limit myself I would not be coming out of my room until I finished reading the whole book & that is how addicting this book was to me & I hope it will be as interesting to other readers as well. Keep in mind the this is the first book in this particular series... I just finished reading this book & now I want to read the next one in the series.
For me this book has it all at an amulet, & a magical book called The Omnichron. A group of thieves (3 people) & their mysterious backer, our unlikely group of heroes (5 people), & the fate of the world resting on the balance. All set in the modern day world.
Read this book to find out.
January 29, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book follows a group of thieves who are hired to steal an amulet and then, later, a spell book called the Omnichron. The twist comes when they accidentally cast a spell giving them superpowers. They soon find themselves in a race to power against a group of strangers who have also been given powers. The strangers, made up of a business owner, journalist, doctor, professor and student, must work together to stop the Triumvirate and save the world from a greater threat, the Agamoth.
The book has a fast-paced action filled with magic, with plenty of cliffhangers to keep the reader engaged. The idea of normal people acquiring superpowers is not new, but the way it is executed in this book sets it apart. The interaction between the two groups is well-done, and the neck-to-neck race for the Omnichron is thrilling. The book's tempo is just right and keeps the reader engaged until the end. Overall, it is a good magical story set in the modern day world and is worth a read for fans of the genre.
This book follows a group of thieves who are hired to steal an amulet and then, later, a spell book called the Omnichron. The twist comes when they accidentally cast a spell giving them superpowers. They soon find themselves in a race to power against a group of strangers who have also been given powers. The strangers, made up of a business owner, journalist, doctor, professor and student, must work together to stop the Triumvirate and save the world from a greater threat, the Agamoth.
The book has a fast-paced action filled with magic, with plenty of cliffhangers to keep the reader engaged. The idea of normal people acquiring superpowers is not new, but the way it is executed in this book sets it apart. The interaction between the two groups is well-done, and the neck-to-neck race for the Omnichron is thrilling. The book's tempo is just right and keeps the reader engaged until the end. Overall, it is a good magical story set in the modern day world and is worth a read for fans of the genre.
September 23, 2022
Modern Magick is true to its name. It follows five strangers from varied backgrounds that fate has thrown together to save the world.
Overall I really enjoyed the premise of the book and would definitely read any sequel. It plays to those yearning for a little magic in their live. It also shows the dangers coming with that.
There are a few areas that could improve though. At times the story felt a bit too rushed and not always very logical. Where one of the opposing groups may need training to do a certain thing, the other group just miraculously did it. It also didn’t elaborate enough on every MCs motivations to explain some actions in my opinion.
Currently, I’d give it 3.5 stars - with another detailed proof reading and those points addressed it would get a higher rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, RJ Johnson, for allowing me to review this book.
Overall I really enjoyed the premise of the book and would definitely read any sequel. It plays to those yearning for a little magic in their live. It also shows the dangers coming with that.
There are a few areas that could improve though. At times the story felt a bit too rushed and not always very logical. Where one of the opposing groups may need training to do a certain thing, the other group just miraculously did it. It also didn’t elaborate enough on every MCs motivations to explain some actions in my opinion.
Currently, I’d give it 3.5 stars - with another detailed proof reading and those points addressed it would get a higher rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, RJ Johnson, for allowing me to review this book.
October 16, 2022
See original/full review here:
Modern Magick RJ Johnson book review
.
Modern Magick is the first book I have read by RJ Johnson. It is a fantasy book full of magic and mystery. We get to follow along as strange news reporter John gets news of something mysterious going on related to a murder that he wants to cover. During his background checks, he find an ancient amulet that gives him the power to control magic. Alas, all is not well and we quickly learn that evil abounds.
An group of bad guys is absolutely hellbent on bringing an ancient evil back into the world. They wont let anything get in their way and are ruthless in their quest.
Follow along as John hooks up with a group of random strangers who are willing to help try to stop the evil from taking over the world.
Read the rest of the view by clicking link to my site above...
Modern Magick is the first book I have read by RJ Johnson. It is a fantasy book full of magic and mystery. We get to follow along as strange news reporter John gets news of something mysterious going on related to a murder that he wants to cover. During his background checks, he find an ancient amulet that gives him the power to control magic. Alas, all is not well and we quickly learn that evil abounds.
An group of bad guys is absolutely hellbent on bringing an ancient evil back into the world. They wont let anything get in their way and are ruthless in their quest.
Follow along as John hooks up with a group of random strangers who are willing to help try to stop the evil from taking over the world.
Read the rest of the view by clicking link to my site above...
June 21, 2022
The idea of modern-day magic intrigued me. Three criminals plan a heist where the payday is too good to be true. The robbery goes awry, and magick is released into the world. A motley crew of everyday heroes: a doctor, an Olympian, a professor, a reporter, and a single dad, all step up to fight against a catastrophic evil. The heroes are you and me, trying to do the right thing. The criminals are consumed with greed and world dominance. The story is fast-paced, and RJ Johnson ups the ante at every turn engaging the reader to dive in completely until the story is finished. It was an enjoyable read.
I could have done without knowing the age of the victim that went to the hospital. The book stood a chance of getting one more star if it was more polished.
I received this as an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2022
Thanks to #booksirens for the advance copy of this book - comments are my own.
Written for a young YA audience which I wasn't expecting. Writing style is simplistic and plot developments are expected and common. Not much new here. The bad guys had zero depth. The mixed bag of good guys were an interesting mix, but again, not much depth to the characters - a doctor, a professor, a college student & former Olympic gold archer, a reporter, and an ex-Marine. Pretty much covers the bases of what you'd need to defeat a magical demon, right? The demon got short play, the magic action scenes were ..... okay. This book would have benefited from a bit stronger editing in terms of sentence structure and repetitiveness, but it was readable and good for teens looking for a magical tale.
Written for a young YA audience which I wasn't expecting. Writing style is simplistic and plot developments are expected and common. Not much new here. The bad guys had zero depth. The mixed bag of good guys were an interesting mix, but again, not much depth to the characters - a doctor, a professor, a college student & former Olympic gold archer, a reporter, and an ex-Marine. Pretty much covers the bases of what you'd need to defeat a magical demon, right? The demon got short play, the magic action scenes were ..... okay. This book would have benefited from a bit stronger editing in terms of sentence structure and repetitiveness, but it was readable and good for teens looking for a magical tale.
May 30, 2022
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! The unlikely heroes of an elderly professor, a street smart journalist, a former Olympic archer, a topnotch doctor and a former military man turned snack salesman were perfect to save the world against 3 bumbling idiots who had no clue what they were doing! I actually look forward to reading more of Mr Johnson's books. This was fast paced, with likeable and hateable characters, lots of magic and scary monsters. What is not to like! I look forward to more adventures with this team of heroes and the newfound magic that has been released into the world.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Modern Magick. I wouldn't usually read urban fantasy, but I found the synopsis for this story sufficiently intriguing to dip a toe in the water. I wasn't disappointed.
It is a classic tale of good versus evil, but the characters in the story are a mixed bunch from very different backgrounds and different abilities.
This story is a definite page-turner. I couldn't put the book down and read it in two sessions. The finale is brilliant, and an intriguing twist at the end. I am looking forward to reading what happens in the next story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is a classic tale of good versus evil, but the characters in the story are a mixed bunch from very different backgrounds and different abilities.
This story is a definite page-turner. I couldn't put the book down and read it in two sessions. The finale is brilliant, and an intriguing twist at the end. I am looking forward to reading what happens in the next story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2022
Book Sirens gave me the opportunity to read R.J. Johnson’s new novel “Modern Magick”, which is the first novel in a series called “The Omnichron Chronicles”, in return for an honest review.
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and I must say I like his writing style; it is captivating, the storytelling draws you in so that you can hardly put the book down. If you like fantasy in today’s world, this is a book for you.
The premise is quite simple; an honest reporter hears about a billionaire’s death and receives an amulet. As a result, he can cast magic spells. He, and some genius misfits, are on the heels of a group of mercenaries who are up to no good and want to bend the world to their will.
The characters are well-written; the story is full of danger, unexpected twists and turns, and of course Modern Magick.
I gave this book a well-deserved 4 stars and am looking forward to the next installment.
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and I must say I like his writing style; it is captivating, the storytelling draws you in so that you can hardly put the book down. If you like fantasy in today’s world, this is a book for you.
The premise is quite simple; an honest reporter hears about a billionaire’s death and receives an amulet. As a result, he can cast magic spells. He, and some genius misfits, are on the heels of a group of mercenaries who are up to no good and want to bend the world to their will.
The characters are well-written; the story is full of danger, unexpected twists and turns, and of course Modern Magick.
I gave this book a well-deserved 4 stars and am looking forward to the next installment.
August 12, 2025
Modern Magick delivers some imaginative set pieces and a few genuinely fun twists, especially in its latter chapters, but the storytelling can feel rushed and disjointed. The magical world-building has promise, yet key elements are left underexplained, and some character motivations shift so quickly they’re hard to buy into. The pacing swings between high-stakes action and long stretches of exposition, which made it tricky to stay fully immersed. While it’s not without its charms, especially for readers who enjoy pulpy, fast-moving urban fantasy, it’s a mixed bag that left me wanting a little more polish and depth. I will most likely read the second one
August 17, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Intriguing plot. Story set in modern times. It's a gritty fantasy story and a mystery too. The book started of fast paced lagged a bit then picked back up with a bang. From the very first chapter you get the idea that these are very bad bad guys who have to be stopped. The central characters are personable, smart and heroic but most still have some mystery surrounding them. Maybe some of the characters goals will become clearer in book two.
Intriguing plot. Story set in modern times. It's a gritty fantasy story and a mystery too. The book started of fast paced lagged a bit then picked back up with a bang. From the very first chapter you get the idea that these are very bad bad guys who have to be stopped. The central characters are personable, smart and heroic but most still have some mystery surrounding them. Maybe some of the characters goals will become clearer in book two.
April 21, 2023
An entertaining YA paranormal adventure. Three baddies unwittingly unleash magic into the world and decide to use this new power for nefarious purposes. Through a confluence of events, a group of strangers band together to stop the bad guys.
The plot is basic and a bit predictable. The characters, especially the bad guys, lack depth. However, the author still creates an entertaining read.
This seems to be the first volume in a series. Interested to see what happens in book two.
I received a free ARC. This is my honest review .
The plot is basic and a bit predictable. The characters, especially the bad guys, lack depth. However, the author still creates an entertaining read.
This seems to be the first volume in a series. Interested to see what happens in book two.
I received a free ARC. This is my honest review .
June 13, 2022
A great combination of mystery, action, and magic, this book held my attention all the way through! This group of the most unlikely companions who form an unbreakable friendship is entertaining, and the packed plot will have you rushing to the next page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2025
I. found the first few chapters pretty good, but after that the story just kind of went flat. I felt there was a lot of useless information in places which bogged the story down. Too many MC's and not enough background stories to them. Thus, making it difficult to engage with them. The magic system, though being "modern" was wonky. The world building was different and intriguing.
June 7, 2022
This book is an intricate weaving of fantasy and magic that would delight any reader. It is a must read book that leave you saying just one more page.
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