Lethal Magic

by Amber Ella Monroe

Assassinating is easy when the prey deserves their untimely demise, but when you’ve fallen in love with the most dangerous monster of all, it's hard to pick a side.

I was forced to sell my magic and track dangerous monsters to save my soul.

But when the monsters fight back, the Institute I've been contracted to work for starts falling apart.

My life is in danger. I could quit now, but I'd never get my soul back.

You see my problem?

Now add a hot-as-sin immortal hellhound shifter with ulterior motives luring me away from my goal…and into his den of seduction.

People rely on me to take down monsters, not conspire with the most savage beast of them all.

He can't be serious when he tells me he wants to help me with my little problem. There's always a trade-off. So when I find out what treachery he's really up to, you can bet he's going down with the rest of them.

Every fight gets me closer and closer to the truth. Not even the truth will set me free.

I can't seem to help but think—will I survive long enough to free my soul?

Lethal Magic is the first book in the Blood Legacy urban fantasy series. It features witches, wizards, gargoyles, demons, a take-no-mess monster hunting heroine, and a hot-as-Hades hellhound shifter hero.

Meet Ravyn and Declan in this enemies-to-lovers, villain-gets-the-girl heart-pounding romantic adventure. It's fast-paced urban fantasy with a side of medium-burn paranormal romance with high heat scenes as the series progresses.

Does contain triggers.

Length: 60k+

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2022

Reviews

[Alyson | Books.plants.and.tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one to rate, because the paranormal aspect of this pnr was pretty strong. The plot is interesting and action packed, lots of supernaturals, good world building that doesn't overwhelm you, good characters...

But where is the R in PNR??? I had to read half of the book before they even got to meet for the first time, and granted I liked their first meeting very much. But after that? They met 3 more times I think and I just didn't feel it and it didn't make sense for them to behave the way they were. When I read a pnr, even when it's book 1 of the series, I need the characters to go through some kind of arc together, which sadly didn't happen here.

I'm mostly disappointed because this book/story had lots of potential. Also, I signed up for this expecting a completely different book. The "read if you like" the author provided was probably based on the series as a whole, but that wasn't made clear. I would categorize this one as fantasy, not pnr, based off of the first book. There's barely any romantic arc in this one sadly. The plot was good enough to keep me interested though, which is why I kept reading.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC I received from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. *

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, there is so much to this book. The author has you looking right when you should look left yet somehow you should also be looking up! I love that you don't quite yet know who is on which side. I only hope that I have enough patience to wait for the next one! Ravyn is not a straight forward character. She's not exactly the best at following direct orders but then that comes with the rebellious streak that she has. There is so much going on there and there is also the fact that she caged Declan while still very young. For his part, the hellhound only has one single-minded focus, her. He is so conflicted yet it only makes you like him all the more. I don't like to give out spoilers as I would much prefer people to give the book a chance and plus in this case I might be totally wrong!! I need to know what happens next....

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a read that had me well and truly hooked.
There’s just the right amount of action drama hit of darkness
and steam that would not let me go until the last word of the book.
The interaction between Ravyn and Declan is very interesting and well developed.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will yank you into this world and will not let you go. I was immediately invested and could not put it down. I laughed, cried and was on the edge of my seat throughout this book to find out what was going to happen next. I cannot wait to see what will happen and if Ketziah will be rescued and taken care of in the end.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravyn was just a child when the Institute took her in and started training her. she is a witch, and in order to save her soul she was trained to hunt monsters. She's now an adult and she has come to realize a couple of things; the world isn’t black and white as she was trained to believe, and the Institute she has been working for just might have its own agenda. Then there is the hell hound shifter popping into her life at unexpected times he says he wants to help her, but she knows she can’t trust a monster.
Wow, I love these characters, especially Ravyn. She’s smart, sometimes a little rebellious, but she also kicks butt. All of the characters are well written unique, and utterly fascinating, though. Magic, murder, shifters, demons, action packed, suspense, and unexpected twist made it impossible to put this book down. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book keeps you guessing from the beginning to the end. Ravyn and Declan chemistry and angst keeps you on edge. I loved Ravyn character because she was written as a real bada$$ and not some damsel in distress. Declan is jaded and seeking revenge for the events that led to his imprisonment at the hands of Ravyn's coven when she was a kid but there is something about her that gives him pause.

A no nonsense Assassin Witch and a Hellhound Shifter both with ulterior motives just maybe what the other needs to fight the corruption that is going on in the city that they are fighting to protect. All while getting what they both truly want. Who can be trusted? The people you've been around for years or the hot frenemy you can't stop thinking about.

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal in its play on my emotions

Ravyn, a supernatural monster hunter, finds herself homeless after a fire destroyed most of her possessions and having to go back to the one place she was trying to escape after not finding a new place to live. As the story progresses her past is haunting, a chance for redemption leaves her wanting, and her interactions with an enemy are taunting. Lethal Magic was lethal in its play on my emotions. These characters have to deal with the fallout of others actions as well as threats coming from multiple directions. The amount of secrets uncovered and yet to be discovered is what has me wanting to get my hands on the next book yesterday.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, plot twists, romance, magic and supernaturals… this book has it all. An independent witch with a rebellious streak, a habit of not sticking to the rules, and an infatuation with a handsome and dangerous rogue of hellhound who is out to get her… and get with her. A mystery that needs to be solved, a need for revenge to right a wrong, and a steamy connection that can’t be denied. Well written and full of action and cliffhangers to keep you on the edge of your seat.
My only disappointment with this book is that it ended! I’m ready for the next book in the series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job building this new world with magic, shifters, hunters, and everything in between. Ravens and Declan are very interesting characters with some serious chemistry. All of the side characters add to the story and made me want to see more from some of them. Once this story got going, I was all in and stayed up to see what happened at the end. Looks like more to come from Ravyn and Declan. I really enjoyed the storyline and the way events in this book unfolded. I'm still trying to figure out who can be trusted and can't wait to see how this all plays out in the next book.

[Bigred6126 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. There are so many things going on it's unreal. This book has layers of deceit and I can't wait to watch them start untangling. I have no idea who the bad guys are at this point. There have to be several. The hate love thing Ravyn and Declan have going on it's very entertaining. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
I received an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravyn Carpathia is a powerful witch that just became homeless due to a fire in her apartment building. Headmaster Torben of the Institute offers Ravyn a place to stay with conditions. Ravyn reluctantly agrees. Decline Guetta is a hellhound looking to free his packmates with the help of The Equinox Witches. When Ravyn crosses paths with Decline everything changes for her. Yet none of it good. Can Ravyn solve the mystery of the fire? Find out in Lethal Magic.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dark story about Ravyn and Declan. These two were a riot and while not exactly nice people they were fighting for what they thought was right. And what a story these two have here as we are introduced to them and get dragged into their lives and trouble. Rather entertaining and fun to read, I had to see what would happen next and what craziness would show up next.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful first story in this adventure. It was full of act and intrigue as you get to know the characters and their past. Then you see where they are know and what’s going to happen between them is a journey that was worth reading about! This was an outstanding storyline! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Roslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravyn and Declan what a couple. Ms. Monroe has written another great paranormal story. I was unable to stop reading until I could see what was going to happen next with Ravyn and Declan. I just wanted to know could they overcome the evil that was around them. You will enjoy reading this story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written PNR storyline with a rebellious and capable heroine. There is action, adventure, chemistry, and suspense in this entertaining and engaging book. I enjoyed this read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing ride into the magical world. A must read that will have you wanting more. What will happen next 😱. ❤️📚👍

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the start, this is a great beginning to what will surely be a fantastic series. There are so many twists and turns, and while that sounds overwhelming; each twist gives you a new piece of the puzzle and ensures you're engaged in the read. Ravyn is a complicated character that gives off a bit of a dark vibe, especially to her colleagues, but she really has so much heart. Declan is still a bit of a mystery, but his personal conflict with regards to keeping Ravyn alive help make him a bit endearing to the reader. There's only been a tease of what the two could be together. I definitely cannot wait to see where book 2 takes us!

[Cynthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot was interesting but at some parts, the structure was a bit confusing.

[2TNWalkers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read, zero spice, pg rated clean read…Next book is 6 months away, I will forget about this story by then.

[Ellie Scothern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I am loving this series, I am so excited to continue my journey into Ravyn's story and Devin's. It a careful balance between all aspects of the supernatural underground!

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 36%. Too boring and frustrating with all the typos and confusion.

[Iris Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written, it has everything and every character n paranormal book.Ravyn she is hell on wheels , but she under control by contact,by her headmaster Torben .Than there Declan the hellhounds leader. To many hands working in darkness of magic . Great book 📕❤️👍🏽