A Ruse to Unchain Us

The Magi Accounts #4

by Michele Notaro

It’s time to fight back, and by the goddess, I will help free my people. The Cloaked Freeway is finally in a position to effect real change, and I want so badly to be a part of it. Since I was a little kid, it’s been my dream to free my people from under the human’s rule. And now I have the chance to make that dream a reality. But helping them means giving up so much. I have a family now—a pride—and I don’t want to put them at risk. Luckily for me, my mate wants to be a part of the revolution, too, but that still leaves everyone else. The world is turning into chaos around us and our family is being pulled in different directions, but I know one thing for sure. The Ono-Nais are fighters, and we’ll do everything in our power to keep each other safe and help those around us. A Ruse To Unchain Us is the fourth book in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts . It’s recommended to read the series in order because the romance progresses through the series and it has an ongoing storyline, but there is NO cliffhanger. *Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Romance

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2023

About the author

Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

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Reviews

[Astro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whole series can't really decide if the focus is a dark let my people go angle or the found family one. The end result is hugs make your trauma go away

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Be careful what you wish for … after some complaining that the focus of the last books of this series was too much on the pack life, on family and romantic progress spiced up with some tarragorian fights and the danger the Red Cloth was brewing while the dystopian darkness of living in the US as a non-human was pushed into the background from where it raised its ugly head only as traumatic memories, the story now does a 180.

So I got what I wished for, now that at last the Cloaked Freeway and the Ono-Nais decided to take action and not only free all the magi from the compounds but force the government into an equality act, did I? Yes, somehow. At times it created the needed emotionality and the tense atmosphere and there was one or two scenes where my cold heart allowed my eyes to get overly wet but overall it was too much to be believable. After all that was done, not only in the past but also as an answer to the rebellion, we are to believe the politicians were changing their tune and come back to some kind of pragmatism, that there is no bad blood and that the majority of the human society comes to their sense and accept the forced change? The author pushed too hard for that kind of resolution while she did everything to protect all the Ono-Nais against all odds. A bit less added atrocities and more political battle to the actual one at the wall would have gone a long way.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many lives effected by what... jealousy of magic

[Abrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing but my poor heart!

The war between non-humans and humans is the forefront of this book and boy does it go off with a bang. I cried so much during this book because so much happened and you don't get a moment of reprieve, just when you think our favorites are safe something happens that shows how much that is NOT true.

Madeo, Jude, Cosmo, Ash, Charlie, Haiden, Logan, and the rest of the pride all go through the wringer in this book. My heart hurt so much and I was yelling at the author so much as I was reading, when I wasn't glued to my kindle that was. I couldn't look away from this book and was so afraid of what could happen next. The fear is real with this book.

I'm so excited for the next book in this series, even though I'm terrified too, because the end is coming, and it all comes down to defeating the witches, hoping the humans stop being jerkhats, and watching the Ono-Nai pride live in peace the so badly deserve.

[Clemy-chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10

This was so... slow?
There was way too much time passing, without anything happening and entire conversations kept being repeated which made the book feel real slow. Plus, I know the whole "free the magi" plot might move some, but I was hoping we would find out more about the taragorians or the Red Cloth instead of following a rebellion.

I think the series in general has lost the momentum it had when it started- with high stress situations, injuries and fights left and right- and now everything seems too easily solved. The characters have also lost some of their shine, since in her effort to craft a healing arc for our magi MCs the author has made them softer but also less distinct from each other. Given that I am 4 main novels and however many companion novels deep, I will finish the series, but it does feel dragged out at this point.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**A series to be read in order and please read the trigger warnings at the start of the book**
I'm pretty sure I write this for every book of all of Michele's series, but this just keeps getting better and better! Mads, Cosmo, Jude and their pride take on a whole new venture, aiming to bring freedom to non-shifters in the US but it means huge changes for them all.
Seeing as I had tears in my eyes within the first quarter of the story, I knew a lot was coming my way, and not just for the the main guys but everyone who has been included in the story so far. People that Mads, surprisingly, has come to call friends and even family. The US government are, unsurprisingly, the biggest enemy that they face in their determination, along with those working in the Cloaked Freeway, to change things for the better. There are battles, emotional and physical turmoil, and huge strain put on the pride.
From the start, we know that the team are in for a hard ride and the Michele does not disappoint. My emotions are fully engaged with the whole pride at risk and the connections that now exist between so many of them. There are a couple of tough to read scenes, with medical trauma, that have our favourite guys at risk but Mads being Mads isn't going to let a little thing like the US Army, the Red Cloth and some taragorians stop him from protecting what has become the most important thing in his life; his family. Regardless of the new ties they have made, Mads and Jude's bond remains as strong and necessary as always but there is just now room for more people who are now just as important to them. Cos, Kulani and River slot right into their dynamic as though they were always meant to be there and it's heartwarming to read, especially the comfort and support they can provide with everything that goes on.
I can't believe that this is the penultimate book of the series! :-( I never would have thought that Ellwood and Brinnswick could have been topped but the Magi series is just fantastic. The world building, character and relationship development has all been so on point and amazing to read. I find it so easy to fall into this world that Michele Notaro has created and I both look forward to and dread the grand finale.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So.... everyone who has read my reviews on this series knows about my absolute love for Mads and Cos and their family
So this rating may be a surprise, and I think it is definitely a result of this love

This book is good, but unfortunately, the writing I was expecting was not present for at least half of the book
It feels a bit like an in-between book, where the stage has to be set for the next book.
We experience a relatively long time span, and somehow, it feels a bit like wait and see

I think it would have been better to divide the content into two books and take more time for each one.

Nevertheless, I love the clan and their interactions, and now I am curious about Haydens and Logans' book

All in all, not my favourite book in this series but nevertheless a good read

[Jonathan Hawker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ono-Nais Have Done It Again!

My HEART! I was tearing up three pages in. I don’t think I could ever tire of Mads and Cos. Ruse was ROUGH, but we knew it was coming. Michelle really knows how to balance between dishing out heart-pounding moments and the soft, tender feels to make it all better. I am so sad there’s only one more main entry, and cannot wait at the same time!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What a ride! Danger, action, and suspense… I cried more than once! But I also found warmth, affection, and love between the old and new members of the Ono-nai pride, and their allies. So much progress is made in the overall battle for freedom but there is still more to do.

[winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

A Ruse to Unchain Us is the fourth full-length novel in the Magi Accounts series and the books need to be read in order. As such, there may be mild spoilers for previous books in this review.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

intense harrowing journey, just amazing, see trigger warnings

Rating: 5🌈

A Ruse To Unchain Us brings The Magi Accounts near the end of this incredible dark saga. Two more stories to follow and we’ll see what happens to all the characters who have suffered and survived through this perilous, harrowing journey.

A Ruse To Unchain Us is emotionally draining and powerful in the wrenching scenes that Notaro delivers, one after the other, as the Ono-Nai tribe fights against government and witches alike to survive the battles against both and the tear in the universe. There are moments of such brutality and violence, common in this series, that hit you hard in the heart. As they should. Tissues should be issued along with the story.

Repeatedly, the author reminds the reader exactly what’s at stake, often graphic detail , what type of treatment the non humans have had to endure for decades. Along with the past traumatic history, there’s the current horrors they continue to endure, suffer under, as they battle to get their rights and freedoms.

As Notaro notes, read the trigger warnings because they definitely apply, as they have for the series. Torture, sexual assault and abuse (some off page) as children and adults , brutality , beatings, and horrific death is a common occurrence too. These beings have been and are continued to be subjected to the entire spectrum of the worst humankind is capable of simply because they aren’t human and are regarded as tools for the humans to use as they see fit.

To counter such agonizing moments and scenes, it’s balanced with those of pride, found family, bonds of deep affection, friendship, and abiding love. All of which have had to endure the pain and horror of the world they live in and survive to come together as the strong forces we see now.

Cosmo Ono-Nai, Mads, Jude, and the rest of the Ono-Nai pack must deal with the toughest challenges yet their pride has faced when The Red Cloth ups it’s attacks against the government and its citizens.

I won’t spoil the high stakes and action that occurs here. It’s intense, fast paced, incredibly emotional, and very suspenseful. And yes, filled with love and pain too , because this is a battlefield and people/beings are hurt and sometimes they die.

Notaro’s vision and realistic writing makes sure we don’t forget about the pain as well as the love, the loss that goes with the wins, such as they are. It’s raw, dark fiction and it rings so true.

Two more novels to go. One’s a companion story, Logan and Haiden get a book of their own. And then onto the finale. I can’t imagine how the author will tie up all the characters and storylines still moving forward but I’m sure it will be amazing. I’ll be so sorry to see this series end.

What a fantastic journey it’s been.

Until then, I highly recommend you read this series in the order it’s written if you haven’t already done so. Then read the intensely powerful A Ruse to Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts #4) by Michele Notaro. Just a great example why this author is an auto read.

The Magi Accounts:
🔹The Scars That Bind Us #1
🔹The Shackles That Hold Us #2
🔹A Date To Impress Him #2.5
🔹A Purpose That Restores Us #3
🔹A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday
🔹An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magic Accounts 3.5
🔹A Ruse To Unchain Us: The Magi Accounts # 4
🔹A Heart To Revitalize Me #4.5 - September 20, 2024 (Logan and Haiden companion story)
🔹Only Unity Will Spare Us #5 - Sept 20, 2024

[Savy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I was a bit apprehensive about this book. It's the fourth book in the Magi Account series and as I said in my last review, a lot needs to happen and we need to get some answers to keep this story interesting.

Well, the first part came true: a lot was happening! Even though some of it happened a bit too fast to my liking. It felt like the author had kind of rushed through certain parts. Like she felt she had a lot that needed to be wrapped up, but wasn't really sure how to write about it. As a result, we skipped a lot in time. I mean, A LOT. Almost every chapter was a couple of days or weeks later. I think the whole book took us through about nine or ten months of the story. Even the start of the story was like two years where we had left of in the last book. Why? Wouldn't it have been better to write a prologue where we could get used to the fact that everything the main characters had worked so hard for, was finally coming to an end.

Because of all the time skips, I felt the beginning was slow and confusing. The story felt patchy, like lots of different pieces were put together, but someone forgot to use glue to make them actually stick together. Combined with the fact we didn't get any reminders about who is who, how did people meet and what was the general setting of the story again. Sure, this is the fourth book and I have read the ones before this one, but it's been a while and there are a lot of people to keep track of. I don't need a repetition of everyone and everything, but some little bits would have been nice.

However, after about a third in the book, the story finally picked up speed and I wanted to keep on reading till the end. As always, Michele really knows how to make her characters feel alive. I can feel the emotions of Mads, Cosmo and their big family. There is a lot of emphasis on (found) family and friends, which I really like. Lots of love and happiness to go around, while they support each other through some heavy times. There is a lot of heartbreak and sad moments as well, along with anger and despair.

As for the second part of my worries before starting this book: I wanted a lot more answers about certain events. Well, that part didn't come true. It felt some of the main story line was pushed aside in this book because there were a lot of other things the characters had to deal with. Which is totally fine, but it means I still have a lot of questions about the witches, why they are doing things and what the taragorians really are. I hope we get (most) of these answers in the next book, which is supposed to be the last in this series.

There is a HFN and I totally expect the characters to finally get there HEA in the last book.
Most of this book is written from Madeo's POV, first person. There are a couple of chapters through Cosmo's POV, also first person. I'm still not sure if we really need the change in POV for the continues flow of the story. However, I really like Cosmo and I don't mind getting to know him a bit better.

Overall, this a good book to read and I can't wait for the last book, even though I'm going to miss the Ono-Nai pride a lot!

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment of the Magi Accounts takes place a few years past the previous book after we leave this world at an uneasy stalemate between multiple antagonists. I found myself a bit surprised at the direction the heroes of this series focus their efforts; however, I do understand how the decision makes sense in the greater scheme of the world Notaro has developed. The story begins on an incredibly optimistic note, featuring an important change for magi dyad Madeo and Jude. This change allows the characters, along with their extended family of other magi and werecreature pride, to finally take direct offensive action against the oppressive social order that has shaped their entire lives. That said, heightened tensions immediately follow this high note when their rebellion ramps up toward necessary world changes.

Though this series began with a significant romance subplot, and the connected novellas continue to feature stories showing the extended cast finding their true loves, the main pairing of this series has evolved beyond that initial arc. We still get plenty of sweetness and affection (and a few lovely moments of spice) between Madeo and Cosmo, but their bond is never in question as the world around them gets darker and more dangerous for their people. Instead, the conflict faced by their relationship is tied directly to the external plot and dramatically increases the danger, offering an unfolding storyline that kept me completely invested.

Notaro never loses sight of the multiple threads she balances within this series, using the bloodthirsty witches and dangerous extra-dimensional beasts to complicate the all-out rebellion fought by our heroes in this particular story. This book is also not completely dark, as some of the secrets revealed during the fight are undisputably good for Madeo and Jude. The positive note hit at the end of the story is slightly more muddled than the one at the beginning. The social progress made in theory is sure to be more fraught in practice, and I look forward to seeing what wrinkles are introduced as the final lingering threats to Mads and Cosmo’s (and the growing Ono-Nai pride’s) happily ever after are eventually defeated.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Ruse to Unchain Us” has been long awaited by Notaro’s fans, and I’m happy to say that it is definitely on par with the rest of the series. Some arcs come to completion —the Cloaked Freeway— while others don't advance much—the Red Cloth—, so we can expect at least another book in the series, though maybe not as focused on Mads and Cosmo but on other interesting couples that came together along the way. Notaro has chosen to address in “A Ruse” the political side of the treatment the US government dispenses to shifters and magi. The plot is exciting and Notaro displays her excellent writing skills, alternating tough moments with sweet ones. But given the topic, I expected a little more action here. Because the plot is so focused on Mads and Jude’s pride, and despite some references to what’s going on in other cities in the country, I couldn’t avoid the impression the uprising happens on a smaller scale than it actually does—but, again, this is a collateral effect of the narrow perspective, accentuated by the fact that part of the book happens in close quarters. I think Notaro wanted to avoid that effect by introducing Renata to the group, but it felt a bit myopic even then. On the other hand, Cos’s position in the Shifter World Council could have been exploited more strongly in the plot, in my view. At some points, it feels like what happens in the background might be more interesting than what happens before us. However, the appealing dynamic between Mads and Cos, and between other couples in and around the pride, keeps the story going strong, and succeeds in tangling the reader in the plot and leaving them wanting to see what happens in the next book.

In conclusion, there were elements in this book that deserved, in my view, some attention, and focusing the story in Mads and Cos might not have been the best way to go, but for The Magi Accounts die-hard fans, the book delivers.

I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest opinion.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much of what I felt was missing from the previous books in this series (I guess I was too impatient and really wanted to rush that advocacy, outreach, and support from other people—because surely *all* of humanity can’t be completely horrible.)

This book reads best immediately following book 3 (and with 3.4 and 3.5 if possible). Book 3’s epilogue is two years after the main action in book 3, and this book takes place that two years later, which I think threw some readers off. Having just read 3, 3.4, and 3.5, this flowed fine for me.

This is a book full of the Ono-Nais and the Cloaked Freeway being fierce and not just fighting for themselves but for everyone. There’s tons of action, tons of danger, and Mads is an absolute firecracker. Although it was horrible what it took to make it happen, it was beautiful to see actual headway and progress. I loved how supportive everyone in their circle was and how little internal drama there was in any relationships. (There was so very much external drama that we could just have loving, supportive relationships that have been going on for years now without anything going wrong. This made me very happy.)

It didn’t always feel like as much time was passing as we were told was passing, but I think it was realistic given what they were trying to accomplish. Making it all happen in days or weeks would have been impossible.

It’s pretty clear that the Red Cloth is the big bad to be dealt with in the final book. I’m very much looking forward to them going down. And I can’t wait for Logan and Haidan’s companion novel!

I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruse to Unchain Us
Author: Michele Notaro
Release date: September 28, 2023

Mads and Jude are recovering from the covert surgery to remove the trackers the government puts in all Magi. For a while now, they've been supporting the People's Liberation in getting magi the Great Divide via the Cloaked Freeway.
Both Mads and Jude are Magi - though they are a part of the Ono-Nai Pride.
Though they have some freedom, the powers that be are cracking down on all magi.
Herding them into the compound, treating them like second class citizens.
The rebellion has been slowly brewing through the last few books, but now it's come to a head.
It's time to fight, and the shifters and magi are all on board for this.
The freeway is a great metaphor for the underground railway of the American Civil War.
Bigotry is alive and well in this modern, magic-infused world and Mads plus his alpha Cos and the whole pride are ready to free the abused magi.
Finally - amidst the everyday stuff like Haiden's TRD graduation party - we have the war we've been anticipating if you've followed the series so far.
The scene near the beginning where a specific character is forced into a collar to subdue their powers is heartbreaking.
The action and story development are full on, the humour and the darkness offset each other and the sweet moments of romance are wonderful.
Plus, there's no shortage of chemistry.
I devoured this book and its a much more fulfilling read if you've read the first three books and the linked novellas.
Adding a game set in Brunswick was a nice Easter egg touch as well.
Notaro knows how to keep the reader, guessing, gasping and laughing.
Terrific stuff.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I started reading this, already invested in Mads and Cosmo’s Pride, and couldn’t put it down. The stakes are even higher in this latest installment, and their freedom doesn’t come easily or without cost. I love how this series showed that the real monsters are the humans, and how they justify their actions through the use of propaganda.

The world building is fabulous and detailed, and I love how much of a bigger role The Cloaked Freeway and their allies play in this story. Despite the gains made, their fight is far from over. I loved how it showed that it’s not easy to change the mindset of people who have been encouraged to treat others badly for several generations. Science fiction and fantasy has long been a vehicle for social commentary and the author doesn’t pull any punches.

Mads, Cosmo, and their family drive the story. I love how their relationship has deepened since they first met, and how Jude’s mates accept and support his and Mads’ dyad connection. The pride is growing as are its members. They’ve all come a long way since book one. The support they have for each other is a highlight of the story. Cos totally rocks with the way he takes charge and protects his pride.

The action scenes are tense and exciting, and there’s no doubt of the danger involved. I thought it was realistic and tragic that this war brings with it casualties that could have been avoided if humans hadn’t been so determined to cling to the status quo.

I loved the Brinnswick reference. Nicely done.

I’m looking forward to the next novella, and after that, the final book in the series. I’m going to be sad when it’s over.

[Leigh Gaskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this that I skipped over a bunch of other books in my TBR to start this! It was so worth the wait, but my heart broke for the Ono-Nai’s and crew for everything they went through and fought for, and then was made whole by the end!

We start the book almost right after the last one and thank goodness they are able to remove the rib trackers, so disgusting. There have been some significant advancements that have aided the cause in addition to this to help get refugees out of the country, and the pride has been working hard to help with this. They make some tough calls prior to the fighting getting worse that puts a strain on the family but it ultimately keeps everyone safe.

Once things heat up, it really heats up. My heart definitely broke a few times during the action points. And after the attack at the wall. But the Ono-Nai’s are strong and resilient.

I absolutely love the progress Madeo has made over the course of the series. All of them really but Madeo was so closed off and reluctant to show or receive any kind of affection from anyone but a Magi and he gives it so freely in this book, it was wonderful to see. Cosmo and Madeo are really perfect for each other, I love them so much.

I am so excited for the next book, there has been some amazing progress in this installment but they still have one heck of a fight on their hands! Also can’t wait for Haiden and Logan’s book omfg squealing!

I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I'll ever get tired of Mads and Cosmo, and this chapter of their story was just as captivating as the last. In contrast to the other books of this series that focused more on the Red Cloth attacks, this one was all about the magi's quest to liberate themselves and gain equality for all. And let me tell you, it was quite the gut-wrenching, tense, emotional path to get there. For every small step forward the Cloaked Freeway made, the NHSO seemed equally determined to squash all attempts to resist the status quo. Some of the scenes in this book broke my heart, the pain and suffering the shifters and magi endured so deeply upsetting, but little by little I saw the tides turning in their favor. Mads and his family were deeply involved in coordinating the Cloaked Freeway activities, and along the way they had to make some incredibly difficult choices to keep their family safe and execute their plans. I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest during some of the attack sequences, and Ono Nai pride proved over and over what fierce protectors they were of the ones they loved. Michele Notaro did a fantastic job weaving all the individual storylines and conflicts together and driving the main storyline forward, and I was completely hooked all the way to the ending. I won't spoil any of the ups and downs along the way, but there's so much I wish I could talk about because the emotions this book made me feel are so big. Mads and Cosmo are so close to my heart at this point, and their joy and pain and grief resonated with me all the way to my core. I can't even describe the sense of triumph I felt when these fighters achieved their goals and realized they wouldn't have to live in fear any longer, and even though the Red Cloth storyline was left open-ended, I feel completely satisfied by the way this book ended... though I am also eagerly awaiting the next stories from this universe!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[HarriReadsRoMMance · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Ruse to Unchain Us’ is the penultimate book in what has been an amazing series with so many ups and downs. From the very first page I was drawn right back into the story and it is immediately known that BIG changes have happened between the last book and the start of this one. Each book (and the companion novellas) has slowly and steadily moved us forward in the storyline and romance but from literal page 1, I felt this book had us on fast forward. The storyline propels forward at lightning speed in both timeline (we cover about a year) and a whole heck of lot happens. I was super nervous for the Ono-Nai pride the whole way through and my pulse was through the roof!

This series has always been on the lower end of the steam scale and due to the circumstances Cosmo and Mads are in, there is even less in this one but what is there is placed at the perfect times to help ground and center our couple as they face difficult times. I can’t begin to explain how excited I am for the next companion novella before the final book releases. This series has been a total action packed whirlwind and this latest offering did not disappoint for what I have come to expect.

This is NOT a standalone and requires starting from book one due to the ongoing relationship and overarching storyline. As always, be mindful of triggers as this series touches on some difficult things.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This installment of the fantastic Magi series just put me through the proverbial ringer! I mean, it has nail biting action, a butt ton of drama and suspense, massive amounts of heart tugging feelings and just enough crumbs of what's to come to get you all jived for the next couple of books! I'm not sure how I'm going to last! Of course, we have Mads and Cosmo at the front and center of the struggle to save all the enslaved Magi and force the government to recognize the rights of both Magi and shifters alike, but we also have the whole Ono-Nais pack - including a few new faces - facing terrible hardship and sacrifice. There were times when I wanted to cry for the characters heartbreak and times when I was literally fist pumping the air and yelling "Yes! That's what you get when you mess with the family!" I am so in love with this entire series and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book! If you haven't started this series yet I highly recommend that you grab the first book and catch up with the rest of us on the Ono-Nais train! Seriously, one of the best series I've read and definitely Michele Notaro at her best! If you don't fall in love with Mads, Cos, Jude, Charlie, Kulani, River, Ash, Wren, Lo and Haiden I'll ... well, I'll sick Mads on you, and you really don't want to upset a Magi, do you? 😁

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced book and a lot happens quickly. They have figured out how to remove the trackers and start breaking Magi out of the compounds to leave the country. Dare, Luce, Eva and the kids are sent out of the country for their safety. Haiden and Logan are older in this book and Haiden has begun working with Cosmo and Mads. The rest of the group go into hiding once they start breaking the other magi out of the compounds. The story focuses a lot on the relationships between the other members of the pride that remain. The magi have obtained documents and footage from the compound which shows how horribly they were treated and start airing it and sending it to other countries. The witches start causing more trouble with more of the Magi gone or in hiding . Jude and Mads end up of finding Jude's half sister and getting to know her. We also see Logan and Haiden become even closer. The government finally caves and promises fairer treatment of the Magi and the shifters. The Ono-Nat pride is finally reunited with several new members. A lot happens in this book and is supposed to be over 7-10 months. The final book is coming soon which I'm sure is dealing with the witches once and for all.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cloaked Freeway is finally in a position to make a big move on freeing nonhumans. Mads wants to be a part of that but knows that loss may come with his actions. Cosmo is more than ready to help, but first they make sure their younger pride members are safe. Once that is accomplished, the pride finds themselves drawn in so many different directions. Years of training and the desire to keep people safe make it hard to ignore all the pulling directions. They want to keep their city safe but the US government seems to have a different agenda.

A Ruse to Unchain Us is incredibly emotional. It will have your crying and have you laughing. You will be appalled at the actions of the government to maintain status quo. However, when humans start dying, they need to change their stance. Mads is still the same, outspoken and often putting his foot in his mouth. Cosmo and Jude are just as heroic but are also a bit more diplomatic. As chaos reigns with veil tears and Red Shirt making its presence known, there is one thing not in doubt - the love this pride has for each other shines off the pages. Each of these books gets better and better. Don’t miss any of them.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth in series (The Magi Accounts), must be read in order. Paranormal. Established couple and found family. Some time has passed since the last book and the start of this one, and Cosmo and Madeo are making plans to be involved in the upcoming war for magi freedom and nonhuman equality. That means trying to save as many magi as they can while keeping the members of their pride safe. Readers should brace themselves for plenty of action and a huge amount of angst as the beloved characters from this series are put in danger, trying to fight and survive together, become separated and reunited, and continue to share their deep love for their family and pride mix of magi, shifters and humans. As usual Cosmo is the strength and rock that everyone leans upon, especially Madeo, Cosmo’s consistency, love and loyalty are unwavering and just total swoon. Cosmo and Madeo love deeply and hard, and every moment on page with them seeking each other’s touch and presence makes them one of my favorite romantic couples of all time.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all knew it was coming at some point the magi was going put into motion their last stand to be free, along with their shifter brethren. Be warned, you will need Kleenex as it takes you through the wringer. Our pride gets divided with some ending up across the great divide and others left to continue the fight. The US government is not going to let things go easily. They start filling the airways with lies which make it even harder for the magi & their alliance to get people out. What they were willing to do was horrible. Also, we have seen some of the compound through the books, but when Cosmo sees it and voices what he is seeing really brings home that none of them ever had a childhood at all. Even after the magi & shifters negotiate terms, things are not all sunshine & rainbows. There is still violence going on. The reunion when the pride comes back together was filled with so many happy tears. I am saddened that this series is coming to an end, but it's been one heck of a ride.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is immense!

We're four novels (and a bunch of novellas) deep into the Magi Accounts series and a lot's happening. The Ono-Nai pride and their growing band of brothers and sisters are getting even more heavily involved in the underground movement to get oppressed magi to freedom and in the political storm that follows after a major incident. Yes, it's A LOT! That means the emotional rollercoaster this author puts us on is pretty relentless. There are trigger warnings, but as this is a series to be read in order readers should be aware of what the characters have breakthrough in their traumatic past. At the centre of everything, there are still the pivotal relationships. Primarily, Mads and Cos, but it's wonderful to see all of the existing bonds thriving in the face of such adversity.

There's a significant breakthrough at the end of the book so there's no cliffhanger, but just another novella and the fifth novel will close out the series and I'm already wondering how everything is going to play out...can't wait! 5*

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fight for freedom continues! 4,5 stars.
Jude and Mads and their Pride become increasingly active with the Cloaked Freeway and help the other Magi escape from the US. Their fight for freedom grows fiercer, with retaliation from both sides. This made for some nail-biting moments. I liked that their friendship with other Magi, Shifters and even a few people at the same time also increased,
that keeps story in balance. Overall, this is a fast-paced action story about freedom fighters with some romance and a family that continues to grow. The world-building is solid and the characters are very likable. Although there is a lot happening, the story is well balanced and enjoyable to read with enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. The ending was a real surprise and makes me very curious about the sequel. No cliffhanger. I voluntarily decided to write this review based on an ARC of this story. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every last one

Intense, heartbreaking, riveting, mind-blowing—did I mention intense?—and I need more! I would tie myself to Mads, Cos, and the whole Pride family in heartbeat.

“He was right where he belonged.
And so was I—held tight in his arms.”

Gah, there is so much emotion, so much passion, so much love, and so many twists that happen in this book. I loved it!! No lie, my emotions ran the gamut, not once, not twice, but many times. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to swoon, cry, yell, laugh, cheer, or all of the above at the same time. Take a deep breath before you dive in and don’t expect to do much else as you’ll want to savor and race through the pages to see how our favorite pride is doing. Everything is leading us to an incredible, epic finale, and I cannot wait to see just how the end culminates for our family and for our enemies. I am already ready for more time with the amazing Ono-Nais.

[joani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A united Pride

Its time for the Magi and the Shifters fight for their rights against the human monsters that have enslaved them. Forced to split up their Pride to keep everyone safe brings headache to Mads and Cos but they need to fight and focus for their freedom. Mads is the most powerful Magi along with Jude his dyad and the humans know it. I love how Mads lets his determination and love turn to anger and protects his family. I don't trust these monsters anymore than Mads. There is too much at stake though for the humans to not relent cause the Red Cloth Witches are killing everyone and costing the economy, plus they are tearing the veil and draining the tarragon monsters to fuel their powers and cause more destruction. There is at least to more books coming Maiden and Logan's story and then the last of Mads with Cos and their fight against the witches and peace, equality for all life in the the USA.