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Magical Midlife Crisis #1
Bounty Hunter Down Under
My mother always warned me about the creatures of the Otherworld, but I never expected an ice troll to show up at my work.
Now I’m out of a job, bills are piling up, and magical monsters keep showing up in my town.
When a hotter than Hades bounty hunter crosses my path, I see an opportunity to solve all my problems. He needs an apprentice, and I need a pay check.
As usual my timing couldn’t be worse, the Fae Courts are on the brink of war and they’re bringing magic, mayhem and murder to my little town.
They say life begins at forty, but if I can’t figure out what the Fae want, my forties are going to be the death of me.
Now I’m out of a job, bills are piling up, and magical monsters keep showing up in my town.
When a hotter than Hades bounty hunter crosses my path, I see an opportunity to solve all my problems. He needs an apprentice, and I need a pay check.
As usual my timing couldn’t be worse, the Fae Courts are on the brink of war and they’re bringing magic, mayhem and murder to my little town.
They say life begins at forty, but if I can’t figure out what the Fae want, my forties are going to be the death of me.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
136 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Stokes
62 books118 followersSam is a writer of magically-charged fantasy adventures. His passion for action, magic and intrigue spawned his Arcanoverse; a delightfully deluded universe that blends magic, myth, and the modern world in a melting pot that frequently explodes.
When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.
When he isn’t hiding away in his writing cave, his favorite hobbies include cooking, indulging sugary cravings, gaming, and trying to make his children laugh. You can find more of his work at www.samuelcstokes.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 3, 2022
Honestly the story blurb does not do this book justice. A refreshingly original and quick read set in rural Queensland, Australia. Loved the familiar slang, magic and endearing characters. A darn good story that kept me riveted and eager for the sequels.
August 5, 2022
A fabulous quick read about a mature MC coming into her power (both emotionally and magically). Loved that this book was set in Beenleigh, Australia but I gotta say.... Yatala pies are not where its at. Piefection at Mt Gravatt is vastly superior!
It was nice to read a clean book about a mature MC (a 42yr old mother of two young teens) and while the story moved very quickly, it just made the ride that much better! While I do prefer more indepth world building, for such a quick read everything was well explained and understandable, with no gaping plot holes.
It was nice to read a clean book about a mature MC (a 42yr old mother of two young teens) and while the story moved very quickly, it just made the ride that much better! While I do prefer more indepth world building, for such a quick read everything was well explained and understandable, with no gaping plot holes.
July 29, 2022
So, what happens when your world has come crashing down around you, you are 40 and supporting 2 kids? That is what happened to Nora Byrne. Well, she is just going to have to pull herself together and decide what to do! Decide she did, she is going to be a Bounty Hunter! Why not apprentice to the best, at least that's the plan. This is a wonderful 1st book of a new series by the author. Fast paced action, absolutely great characters, danger, twists, magic and humor all set in Australia! (I thought that was pretty cool). The author never disappoints and I am so looking forward to the next book! (this book will be released on Sept 1st 2022. I received this book as an ARC and this is my true and honest review).
September 15, 2022
2022 bk 279. An introductory book to a new series about a middle age library assistant turned fae bounty hunter. When desperate, this Mother of two will take any job that will pay her well - and bounty hunting the fae who are not supposed to be messing in our world is it. She is good at the capture of a pixie (chocolate chip anyone?), but not so good at the beheading part. A threat to her family finds that skill much improved. This provided amusement at the end of a long, frustrating day.
February 6, 2024
So this was..... interesting. I'm rating down because the more I think of it the more nitpicky I get.
The premise is definitely intriguing and I love the idea of a middle aged, overweight female magical apprentice. Flipping a few tropes on the way.
I have a thing where I get annoyed by bad research of non-uk writers setting scenes in the UK (regardless of time period) and just... Make it 'murican. Turns out I have the same pet peeve with settings in 'straya.
So that's a bit of a downer.
Another thing I find slightly grating is the repeat of key phrases between one chapter's end and the next one's start, as if this is a Conan Doyle -esque weekly serial collected into one single volume.
Even if it was, would have appreciated better, less clunky editing efforts.
The climax was....a mess. Weapons and enemies that came out of nowhere (I mean, granted, they're magical creatures, but when they weren't in scene two lines ago and are now, it's.... just...), a frigging shoot out where everyone just randomly picks up a gun and definitely knows how to shoot them....so Hollywood. So....not Scottish and Australian (main characters).
I don't know for sure if it's not faye, but it's disappointing. Magical creatures for thousands of years and guns is how you solve problems? Okay.... Not. Very 'murica though.
Pull the whole setting to South Carolina or Tennessee or whatnot and it'll probably make more sense.
I probably will finish the three books I have eventually but seriously doubt I will read more after that.
In fact, I'm doubting I want to read book 2 right now. Need a reset.
Imma treat this series as a... Pulpy distraction.
The premise is definitely intriguing and I love the idea of a middle aged, overweight female magical apprentice. Flipping a few tropes on the way.
I have a thing where I get annoyed by bad research of non-uk writers setting scenes in the UK (regardless of time period) and just... Make it 'murican. Turns out I have the same pet peeve with settings in 'straya.
So that's a bit of a downer.
Another thing I find slightly grating is the repeat of key phrases between one chapter's end and the next one's start, as if this is a Conan Doyle -esque weekly serial collected into one single volume.
Even if it was, would have appreciated better, less clunky editing efforts.
The climax was....a mess. Weapons and enemies that came out of nowhere (I mean, granted, they're magical creatures, but when they weren't in scene two lines ago and are now, it's.... just...), a frigging shoot out where everyone just randomly picks up a gun and definitely knows how to shoot them....so Hollywood. So....not Scottish and Australian (main characters).
I don't know for sure if it's not faye, but it's disappointing. Magical creatures for thousands of years and guns is how you solve problems? Okay.... Not. Very 'murica though.
Pull the whole setting to South Carolina or Tennessee or whatnot and it'll probably make more sense.
I probably will finish the three books I have eventually but seriously doubt I will read more after that.
In fact, I'm doubting I want to read book 2 right now. Need a reset.
Imma treat this series as a... Pulpy distraction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
Sam Stokes – Magical Midlife Crisis, Bk 1 – Bounty Hunter Down Under
The beginning for Nora as a bounty hunter!
Finally, I am trying to catch up on writing reviews for all the new books released after my world fell apart late last year. First, I broke my wrist, then caught COVID, and the final assault on my weakened immune system has been the severe winter cold; now, all this crap just messed with my reading and review writing time. On this one, SC Stokes has begun a new series that ties into the other two fantastic series he gave us, “Conjuring A Coroner” and “Half-Blood.”
Of course, all of us have read those, RIGHT? But if you haven’t, you really need to get caught up. All of these books will blow your socks off. Sam is a gifted author who creates entertaining and unusual works that capture your heart and have you waiting with bated breath for the next book. This review is for the first book in the Series “Magical Midlife Crisis,” where we find Nora Byrne, a woman in her forties with two children and having just kicked out their dad, is now on her own. Right now, she is having a typical day, starting with her mother being late, as usual, so that she can get to work at the Library, and so the day begins.
Little did she know that while she was getting ready to go to work, the Library was being robbed, and shortly she would be out of a job. Or that she would meet one of the hottest men she has ever seen, and not only that but an Ice Troll too! But the best part is that she will become a bounty hunter, and hottie “Alasdair” will be her partner. Wow, what a way to go, Right?
What did I like? You can tell from above that I am a fan of Sam’s books. I have read everything he has written. Everyone has given me many hours of enjoyment, and I can’t wait for the next release. Being an older woman, I can appreciate Nora's desperate feeling when she was told the Library would be closed and she would be out of a job.
What will you like? This book shows us some of the problems with the Winter and Summer court creatures. Nora knows that her father is the King of the Winter Court, even though she has never met him. Excitement is waiting for all as we delve into this new series.
• ASIN: B0B59BN5TM
• Publication Date: 9/1/2022
• File Size: 8056 KB
• Print Length: 213 pages
• Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance, Fantasy Adventure Fiction, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
The beginning for Nora as a bounty hunter!
Finally, I am trying to catch up on writing reviews for all the new books released after my world fell apart late last year. First, I broke my wrist, then caught COVID, and the final assault on my weakened immune system has been the severe winter cold; now, all this crap just messed with my reading and review writing time. On this one, SC Stokes has begun a new series that ties into the other two fantastic series he gave us, “Conjuring A Coroner” and “Half-Blood.”
Of course, all of us have read those, RIGHT? But if you haven’t, you really need to get caught up. All of these books will blow your socks off. Sam is a gifted author who creates entertaining and unusual works that capture your heart and have you waiting with bated breath for the next book. This review is for the first book in the Series “Magical Midlife Crisis,” where we find Nora Byrne, a woman in her forties with two children and having just kicked out their dad, is now on her own. Right now, she is having a typical day, starting with her mother being late, as usual, so that she can get to work at the Library, and so the day begins.
Little did she know that while she was getting ready to go to work, the Library was being robbed, and shortly she would be out of a job. Or that she would meet one of the hottest men she has ever seen, and not only that but an Ice Troll too! But the best part is that she will become a bounty hunter, and hottie “Alasdair” will be her partner. Wow, what a way to go, Right?
What did I like? You can tell from above that I am a fan of Sam’s books. I have read everything he has written. Everyone has given me many hours of enjoyment, and I can’t wait for the next release. Being an older woman, I can appreciate Nora's desperate feeling when she was told the Library would be closed and she would be out of a job.
What will you like? This book shows us some of the problems with the Winter and Summer court creatures. Nora knows that her father is the King of the Winter Court, even though she has never met him. Excitement is waiting for all as we delve into this new series.
• ASIN: B0B59BN5TM
• Publication Date: 9/1/2022
• File Size: 8056 KB
• Print Length: 213 pages
• Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance, Fantasy Adventure Fiction, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
July 29, 2022
If you are looking for a new series that's fun and a little snarky you may want to give S. C. Stokes Bounty Hunter Down Under a try. The main character is a middle-aged mom, Nora, with an ex-husband not worth mentioning. Nora is about to lose her job and needs something fast because rent and a family to feed is a real stressor without work. Oh, and did I mention she found a book in the library where she had been working that is not catalogued in their system and appears to be a handwritten journal on Other Worldly creatures. I do hope that Sam will bring that journal into play in the upcoming books. One more thing, the start of the book is a bit slow. Sam is creating a back story for Nora and her family, that's why I gave it 4 stars and It's the first in a series. After about third of the way through it really picks up the pace. If this new series is anything like Sam's other series this is going to be fun and very entertaining.
August 6, 2022
Paranormal fantasy set in Australia with an honest to god, relateable main character, this story had me hooked. I did that thing fellow bibliophiles, you know the one, where you look at the clock and go whoops it's 3am.... but one more chapter. Spoilers below....
Nora's life is a hot mess. A broke, casual librarian going through a divorce with two teenagers, and a mother who is still giving her the mushroom treatment about who her father is 40ish years later, it's a tough time for Nora's. It only gets tougher when her workplace is attacked. Not just a robbery gone wrong. By something that should not even exist. That's not to say Nora doesn't believe in magic. She has magic. She can make your drink cold any time you'd like- yay human fridge! She mainly uses her power to keep her enormous wolfhound stray that stayed dog cool in the Queensland heat. But an ice troll in her library? It's almost too much.
The rest.... you'll have to read to find out. It's worthy.
Nora's life is a hot mess. A broke, casual librarian going through a divorce with two teenagers, and a mother who is still giving her the mushroom treatment about who her father is 40ish years later, it's a tough time for Nora's. It only gets tougher when her workplace is attacked. Not just a robbery gone wrong. By something that should not even exist. That's not to say Nora doesn't believe in magic. She has magic. She can make your drink cold any time you'd like- yay human fridge! She mainly uses her power to keep her enormous wolfhound stray that stayed dog cool in the Queensland heat. But an ice troll in her library? It's almost too much.
The rest.... you'll have to read to find out. It's worthy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
Winter and Summer fairy courts
This book is set in Australia. I wasn't quite sure what to expect by the name. I sure didn't expect the fairy courts Of summer and winter to be in it, but it's a very interesting book. A woman comes into her own as she discovers secrets that her mother kept from her all her life. The world building is excellent. The book is easy to read and entertaining. There is a lot of action and a wyvern. Things happened that I did not anticipate. I think what I like most about this book is the leading character is a middle aged woman who is slightly overweight and not in shape instead of a buff young person. The characters were interesting and interacted well with each other. It is a complete book. But it doesn't leave you with the question of " what will happen next in her life". I thought it was a wonderful read and I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book.
This book is set in Australia. I wasn't quite sure what to expect by the name. I sure didn't expect the fairy courts Of summer and winter to be in it, but it's a very interesting book. A woman comes into her own as she discovers secrets that her mother kept from her all her life. The world building is excellent. The book is easy to read and entertaining. There is a lot of action and a wyvern. Things happened that I did not anticipate. I think what I like most about this book is the leading character is a middle aged woman who is slightly overweight and not in shape instead of a buff young person. The characters were interesting and interacted well with each other. It is a complete book. But it doesn't leave you with the question of " what will happen next in her life". I thought it was a wonderful read and I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book.
August 10, 2022
Another terrific story from Sam. I have loved the Conjuring a Corner series, which is beyond 5 * if you are looking for a spectacular read. This one has some of the same flavour but it uniquingly its own. It stars a divorced mother of two that is on a journey of discovering her family tree and along the way comes a handsome grumpy coworker and the mystical fae. You will be pulled in quickly to the main characters life, there is some great humour and sarcasm with great action. Sam has begun the building of another great series and I love that he has added in some Australian colloquiumisms. So they may throw you a bit but it is fun figuring them out lol. I highly recommend jumping in to this new world. I easi,y give it 5 stars.
August 6, 2022
I was so engrossed with this book right from the first few pages. Nora finds herself aged forty, divorced with two kids and severely behind in the rent and other expenses. To make matters worse, a shockingly magical event at the library where she works part-time, temporarily puts an end to her work and therefore her income. In spite of being warned against it, she undertakes the prospect of great money by doing very dangerous work. It puts her in the middle of two warring magical kingdoms, neither one who would hesitate to kill her. I seriously can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
August 8, 2022
I really liked this first book in a new series that stars Nora, a middle aged mom, with a wacky mom and an soon to be ex. So when the book opens to her going off to work like usual, Nora is not expecting much. Then things get crazy at her job and get entertaining from there. starts out slow as get introduced to Nora and the others int eh story and then gets crazy fun and entertaining. secrets are revealed and plot set up for the next books in the series. And in the Fae and other creatures and get a good series. Entertaining and rather clean to read besides the mini battles. Easy to read and finished in one sitting.
February 27, 2023
This was a fun start to a new series set in Australia. While it took me just a minute to get into, it wasn't long before I was hooked and loving it.
Nora is exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. She's strong, protective, and has a take-charge attitude that I envy. The other characters were great too. I'm curious to learn more about the Old One and Alasdair too. And I can't forget to mention Sleet and Bran. They're awesome!
I'm excited to find out what happens next! This was the first book I've read by S.C. Stokes, but it won't be my last.
NOTE: This book does contain some strong language.
Nora is exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. She's strong, protective, and has a take-charge attitude that I envy. The other characters were great too. I'm curious to learn more about the Old One and Alasdair too. And I can't forget to mention Sleet and Bran. They're awesome!
I'm excited to find out what happens next! This was the first book I've read by S.C. Stokes, but it won't be my last.
NOTE: This book does contain some strong language.
July 28, 2022
So much fun! A middle aged divorcee trying to make ends meet by working at the local library discovers that the world of fae and elves and goblins, and more, really exists. Not only that, there are bounty hunters who hunt the bad ones, and it pays … A LOT! Enough to pay the bills for her and her two teens. Could she do it? With a book found at the library, about the various races and their strengths and weaknesses, and her mom’s tales, she is ready … isn’t she? An hilarious, rollicking adventure. Looking forward to more books in this series. I received a free copy, with no obligation.
August 1, 2022
Wow. What a fantastic story this was. There are not many books that I simply have to finish in one sitting, but this was one of them.
It’s 1 a.m. as I write. I could not stop reading.
Simply awesome read. This new series of Sam’s is now one of my favorites. Action packed till the last page.
My words don’t do it Justice.
This was one incredible book. I hope you make time to try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Not a spoiler as such, but you don’t get between a mother and her children and live to tell the tale.
It’s 1 a.m. as I write. I could not stop reading.
Simply awesome read. This new series of Sam’s is now one of my favorites. Action packed till the last page.
My words don’t do it Justice.
This was one incredible book. I hope you make time to try it. You won’t be disappointed.
Not a spoiler as such, but you don’t get between a mother and her children and live to tell the tale.
August 6, 2022
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review,
I really enjoyed this book that I struggled to put it down, what started out like every other day since her divorce suddenly takes a rather different turn, from being a library assistant to finding out who she really is. 40 really is the new 30! The story flowed really well and had some moment's that took me by surprise. It's nice to have the Australian speak glossary at the back of the book. Overall this book was a very enjoyable read and now I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this book that I struggled to put it down, what started out like every other day since her divorce suddenly takes a rather different turn, from being a library assistant to finding out who she really is. 40 really is the new 30! The story flowed really well and had some moment's that took me by surprise. It's nice to have the Australian speak glossary at the back of the book. Overall this book was a very enjoyable read and now I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
August 8, 2022
Great start to a fun new series! I found myself relating to Nora as we are of similar age and place our families front & center. I loved the setting of Australia, as it seems like most novels are set in the US or UK. I loved that Nora isn't physically fit or overly magically talented. What Nora is - she is determined, smart, analytical, and a loving mom. She already is aware of magic, but doesn't fully understand the depth of it.... It was a great, refreshing, and fun spin on a magical bounty hunter concept. I am really looking forward to the next book.
August 14, 2022
I have resisted reading any paranormal women's fiction up until right now because I have seriously enjoyed all of Sam's writing up till now so I decided I had to read it that and it's set in the same world as the Kasey Chase and Urban Arcanology world.
It was genuinely quite amusing with some laugh out loud moments and I did enjoy getting to see more of what happens when the fae interact with the mortal plane in this series.]
I look forward to seeing where this plotline takes us in future books.
It was genuinely quite amusing with some laugh out loud moments and I did enjoy getting to see more of what happens when the fae interact with the mortal plane in this series.]
I look forward to seeing where this plotline takes us in future books.
September 8, 2022
Bounty Hunter Down Under: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Magical Midlife Crisis Book 1), my ninth read from author Samuel Stokes. Breakneck pace, intricately & tightly woven storyline, a 213-page action-packed adventure. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to A Bay Of Angry Fae: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Magical Midlife Crisis Book 2) due to come out next month. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
June 21, 2024
Great start to a new series! I can’t wait to read more in this world. The characters and world building have made a great start.
Most first in a series kind of drag a bit setting up the characters and the world they live in.
This book did not; it got right to it - was fairly fast paced and still gave you background so you weren’t confused.
Nora is not who or what she always believed herself to be. And learning the truth is giving her lots of issues and could get her killed.
Most first in a series kind of drag a bit setting up the characters and the world they live in.
This book did not; it got right to it - was fairly fast paced and still gave you background so you weren’t confused.
Nora is not who or what she always believed herself to be. And learning the truth is giving her lots of issues and could get her killed.
February 9, 2025
I'll make it short and sweet. I'll stay spoiler light. I liked the characters, I liked the efforts put into the FMC to show she's not a 18yo with no responsibility. Didn't like grandma. Liked the kids, the dogs and another lil guy.
But it lost me at like 80% in
It was well written though. No complaints about that.
But it lost me at like 80% in
It was well written though. No complaints about that.
July 27, 2022
This book was insidious in its ability to suck me in to reading “just one more chapter”. I lost sleep because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The author kept adding details to the story and one could only feel sorry for the heroine for all the ‘little’ things her mother had avoided telling her about her father. Or her own status in the ‘other’ world.
August 2, 2022
I was skeptical about Paranormal Woman's Fiction written by a man. But, I'm so glad I read this book. It's a very entertaining, engaging story that sticks to the original intent behind the PWF genre. The heroine is confident, dealing with realistic issues (outside of the paranormal aspect) and is extremely likable. You see her grow in confidence and you root for her the entire way.
August 3, 2022
I really liked this book. It took me a little bit to get into this book but reading a book about a woman my age with kids was refreshing! After the first couple of pages the story picks up and it became a real page turner! I can’t wait for the next book. But there’s no cliff hanger! I’d really recommend it if you want a slow burn action packed new series!
August 7, 2022
I loved it! I've really been all over the mid life genre lately. I love that we have heroes that are over the age of 40 now!
This was a fun light read. I'm excited to see where it goes. Waiting for book 2!
I found the main character very relatable. Hoping the series continues for awhile
This was a fun light read. I'm excited to see where it goes. Waiting for book 2!
I found the main character very relatable. Hoping the series continues for awhile
August 9, 2022
This is such a fun book. The MC is likable and easy to relate to and the supporting characters have mysterious origins so there is plenty of future development to look forward too. Being set in Australia is a cool change of pace, I can hear the characters accents in my head. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
August 11, 2022
This was a really well written book!
Great characters and the story is interesting and with enough mystery to keep you guessing.
Loved all the local Australian references!
I actively look for books with older MCs. This book delivers! And the character is believable and I adore how her horrible mother is portrayed!
Can't wait for book 2!
Great characters and the story is interesting and with enough mystery to keep you guessing.
Loved all the local Australian references!
I actively look for books with older MCs. This book delivers! And the character is believable and I adore how her horrible mother is portrayed!
Can't wait for book 2!
December 25, 2022
Really 4 1/2 stars
I would give this book 5 stars. Its just not at a five star review level. It had some interesting characters and scenes but the author could have bumped them up a little more. The same thought goes for the dialogue. But, since I got it free, I'm not going to complain too much.
I would give this book 5 stars. Its just not at a five star review level. It had some interesting characters and scenes but the author could have bumped them up a little more. The same thought goes for the dialogue. But, since I got it free, I'm not going to complain too much.
April 6, 2025
great book
I love a spicy mature woman who comes into her own in a great storyline. As a mature spicy woman myself, it’s good to find a hero that understands the hazards of growing older in a world that doesn’t see us anymore, and finds us invisible to a good many people and in many situations!
I love a spicy mature woman who comes into her own in a great storyline. As a mature spicy woman myself, it’s good to find a hero that understands the hazards of growing older in a world that doesn’t see us anymore, and finds us invisible to a good many people and in many situations!
July 27, 2022
Surviving the only way you know
A good, interesting, fast paced story. That could be a little longer. Fascinating and unique characters help bring this unpredictable, enjoyable tale to life. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
A good, interesting, fast paced story. That could be a little longer. Fascinating and unique characters help bring this unpredictable, enjoyable tale to life. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews