As a human, Cal Fontaine isn’t supposed to possess magic, but the fire in her veins just landed her a cell in Lullaby Prison. Now they’re auctioning her off to the highest bidders wanting to rent her for her abilities. Her only hope of escape comes when a mysterious mage working for a supernatural agency offers her a spot on his team of deadly convicts. Both groups want to use her like a tool, but staying in Lullaby means a life of torture. While accepting the offer is the closest she’ll get to freedom, in doing so, she’ll not only be forced to work with fae and worse…she’ll also need to learn to control the power raging inside of her. There might be hope for Cal yet, but only if the assigned tasks and her illegal magic don’t kill her first. A gripping blend of gifted agencies, dangerous magic, and fast-paced action, fans of Supernatural and Suicide Squad will devour Mage Tasked from USA Today bestselling author Miranda Brock. Scroll up and one click Mage Tasked to join the mission today!
From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.
ONE KICK@SS THRILL RIDE!!! Smackdown! Miranda let's lose all the rowdy chaos, roaring shenanigans and outlandish mayhem, running amuck with so much intensity and exuberance, rocking this baby to it's core, wrapping it up sleek, shiny and tight. Crashing the lines and shattering the boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, booting this jewel into the eye of the storm, kicking it into a tizzy with far reaching impacts. Twixt, twined and tightly woven, launching the formidable trials and challenging tribulations, noting the deadly twists and wicked turns, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never envisioned. Entangled, banded and tightly coiled, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe inspiring in it's depth, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. Chicanery runs rampant and destruction is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, abduction, angst, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a boatload of danger while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Balancing the load and bearing the burden, highlighting the staggering ups and agonizing downs, setting the pace for this intricate and precise liaison, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Miranda, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Cal's life has turned into a nightmare in a split second, and she has no clue how to fix it. After the unfortunate display of elemental affinity to fire magic, she is captured and sent to Lullaby prison without a trial. Barely more than a slave, she is sold in the auctions to the highest bidder, drugged to submission and obedience. Yet her mind reminds sharp, and her powers grow, uncontrolled. When retrieved to enter the Elemental Task Force, hope to gain freedom blooms in her heart, but the way to freedom is never easy. I had warring emotions towards Calypso the whole time. My heart ached for her, for the injustice and suffering she was put through, yet I felt guilty to feel pity for her, as she did not want pity from anyone. She is a great heroine, strong, stubborn, determined, with quick temper and lots of emotions, driven by her morals and sense of what is right in every moment, even when she feels like succumbing to the temptation. Her humanity is shown in her weaknesses and mistakes, sometimes poor decisions, yet for the reminder of time the way she handles the impossible situations is admirable. I hope we get more time to get to know the other team members better, as all of them have certain charm or appeal. And the ending definitely gives a cliffhanger promising even more intense story to come next.
I've never read anything by Miranda Brock and I was a bit worried when I started this book. I shouldn't have been.
The writing style made me think it was going to be too YA/NA. I have to be in the mood for them. They move too quickly, and aren't in depth enough for me. I appreciate a quick moving story, but I want to FEEL what the characters are feeling. I want to BE a part of the book. That's how this one started. It was quick, and there was not a lot of background initially. I didn't really get to that 'I can't put this down' bit in the book until about 20% in. But then, boy did I! I was wishing for five minutes of alone time so I could read a few more pages uninterrupted.
The protagonist is a smart and strong woman. The supporting cast is an interesting mix of characters. The book is pretty fast-paced throughout but I did end up getting invested in each character. I want to know more about the past for each of them and get to know them better. Definitely enough to keep me wanting more. It is clear pretty quickly that this is going to be a series, so be warned. There's not a cliffhanger, but there is a quite large unresolved item at the end.
I definitely recommend this book. I'll be looking for the next one in this series and other books by Miranda.
A unique blend of sassy characters and the dark underbelly of a magical future! I loved the darker, twisted tones to the story and the delicate balance of a large cast, really letting each personality shine. I fell in love with Cal’s strong spirit, perseverance, and gentleness towards others despite all she goes through. As the team grew, I fell in love with each member for different reasons and can’t even decide who my favorite is. The realism of the story really pulled me in and the action scenes were exciting and well done. While the story was a little slow at times, the last chapters were a rollercoaster of action and emotion that left me dying for more! If you’re looking for a fun, quick read with darker tones and lots of action and romance, definitely give this a try!
Mage Tasked (Elemental Task Force Book 1) by Miranda Brock is a story that I started reading and it made my mind go Oh My Gosh A Definitely Must Read!!!!!!. This is book number one in this OMG!!!!! series that I can not get enough of I am so hooked on it and in love with can not wait to read the rest of this series. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars I would give it 20. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic, shifters, vampires, Fae and paranormal romance.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Cal (Calypso) had no idea of the power contained within her, and when she finds out about it, then it's too late and she is dragged off to Lullaby Prison. She has lost most of the rights, she would have expected, because she is sent there without even a trial. Can Cal learn to navigate this new world of change? Or will she end up a burnt out wreak? I loved this interesting take, on suddenly gaining powers and what effect it might have. Cal is easy to love (she has such strength to her), and I feel for her, and I loved reading her story, and the people she meets. I look forward to what happens next.
The first book of Ms. Brock’s Elemental Task Force series is intense, and right from the first page.
The cast of characters is well handled. Each with their own personality and quirks. The main character, Cal, just can’t seem to catch a break. Even when she does the right thing, she’s wrong.
I loved Carl’s interactions with her fellow team members. There is a little special something with each of them. There’s a fae, mage, dragon shifter, vampire, and werewolf. All with histories I can’t wait to learn.
There seems to be a RH element being set up, but, in this book at least, it’s subtle and feels like a natural build.
A really exciting and thrilling read! I enjoyed the original take on the supernatural, and the overall premise. The characters are interesting and likeable (except for the ones that are awful!) I also like the fact that the main focus of the story is that it’s about a group of investigators with a mix of celestials and our main girl the elemental- some great dynamics right there! Of course, the plot twist right at the end is what will make this a memorable series. Well written story, I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I fully enjoyed the start to this new series. Calypso "call me Cal" had no clue when her day began that she'd be hit by yet boyfriend then out of nowhere gain the ability of fire. Cool right? Um...not when said ability reacted to her being beaten and automatically threw itself at said boyfriend. Thus causing her to enter Lullaby Prison. Her entire world had just turned upside down and things were only going to get worse. I love that Cal is a strong, intelligent and resourceful woman. I also can't wait to see where the next book takes her.
This is a great start of series - it took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did I couldn't put it down. The world the author has created is interesting and evokes alot of emotion from the reader. It is one of those books where I found myself talking out loud while reading - "don't do that" "Ughhh why did you say that" and when that happens I know I am captivated. I am completely invested in Cal's journey and can't wait to learn more about her and this magical team
This book is great! So exciting from the beginning. Cal is a strong female character and as much as she goes through in this book, she is still kicking. I do love their group of misfits. Riku is too serious, love Zephyr, Brendan is something and love his Gecko. I am not certain what's going to happen to Cal now. Cannot wait to read what's next!!
This book brought a strong start to what I hope.will be a good series. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. The plot is smooth and transitions well. There is enough to the story to grip you and keep you entertained from start to finish, with an ending that leaves you wanting to know what's next.
I’ve read this author before, but truthfully, it was YA and while it was very good, I have a hard time with YA anymore since my kids are teens. LOL! I was excited to see where this series opener would lead me, and I went to some excellent places. Cal is a very resourceful, powerful woman who has been thrown into some terrible circumstances. We also get to meet some interesting fellow side characters with problems of their own. This felt like a setup book with some great action, letting us get to know the characters and their quirks, and I for one am really looking forward to more as the ending of this one was such a shock. Give this a try! Recommend!
It is a good story with complex characters. The story kept me guessing what was going to happen next and who was doing what behind the scenes. I will read the next book just to see what happens.
A wonderful book by Author Miranda Brock. I love the characters. Couldn't put it down and couldn't wait to see what happens next. Loved reading this book...
Strong heroine, a plot that pulls and twists, and a fascinating universe that reminds me a bit of the X-Men. An urban fantasy with personality and fun -- highly recommend.