Witchbane

Magic and Mayhem #3

by Alesha Escobar, Samantha LaFantasie (Editor)

Lethal magic just dropped on Los Angeles, and the Department of Metaphysical Affairs doesn’t like it.

The clandestine government agency that’s tasked me with helping them keep the existence of wizards and vampires secret now has to track down a supernatural serial killer before he strikes again. Between trying to explain the bizarre deaths and rooting out traitors within its own ranks, the DMA has got its hands full.

My friends and I are the only ones who can help.

I’ve fought monsters and dark wizards with Sal, Lucas, and Alanna at my side. And though I suspect there’s something more to Alanna’s enchanted sword, Witchbane, I fear the day its deadly owner returns for it. But as long as we stick together, we can unmask any threat looming over the city and decimate it.

A sinister mastermind is behind much of the magical havoc, and they’re out for my blood.

They’ll stop at nothing to get to me, even if it means taking down the people I care about most. Ghosts from the past will come back to haunt me, and a painful revelation will rock my world and test my resolve. If I don’t push forward, my friends will be destroyed—and the rest of the city right along with them. But they don’t call me the Wayward Wizard for nothing. Armed with my magic and an accidental gift from the gods, I’m going to set things right, before the world comes crashing down.


WITCHBANE is the third book of the Magic and Mayhem Series, an action-packed urban fantasy with a snarky, cynical wizard hero, wayward magic, and a tight circle of friends who’ll kick ass first and ask questions later. Fans of the Dresden Files and Nate Temple books will especially enjoy this series.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2023

About the author

Alesha Escobar writes action-packed paranormal fantasy with a dash of humor and romance mixed in. She’s the author of the bestselling Gray Tower Trilogy, a WW2 paranormal fantasy often described as “Agent Carter meets Hellboy.”

She is also the author of the Magic and Mayhem series, featuring Jack Crowley, a black sheep among wizards who’s called upon by a secret government organization to catch a supernatural thief who’s stolen three Names of God.

Her co-authored books include the Aria Knight Chronicles with USA Today bestselling author Samantha Goodno and the Immortal Brotherhood series with award-winning author H.M. Jones.

When she's not delving into fantastic worlds with her characters, Alesha enjoys coffee and chocolate, and spending time with her six children and her husband Luis, a storyboard artist for The Simpsons TV show.

To stay in touch and grab a free fantasy book to start reading, go to http://bit.ly/FMMReads

Alesha is also on Facebook @AuthorAleshaEscobar, so she would love to connect with you there as well!

Reviews

[M'lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magic and Mayhem series continues in its third installment, Witchbane. Much like the books before it, Witchbane is filled with action, complicated relationships, and a touch of humor. Interestingly, what the story isn't filled the famed sword Witchbane. Do not misunderstand, the story is still great. The many subplots regarding the Blackheart killer, Lucas's fate, and family connections which cannot be disclosed with spoilers, all make for good reading. However, not much within them goes back to Alanna and Witchbane. The part that does though, does it very well, as I am a fan of the relationship building between Alanna and Neth.


Ultimately, no matter the story arc, Ms. Escobar continues to deliver on her characters and the action packed adventures they bring with them. I look forward to the next batch of twists and turns she has in store for Jack and his friends.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of excitement from start to finish. Crazy, crafty, nuts with danger all around. Some of my favorite ones get hurt badly. I am still reeling about some of the ones who has gone bad. But of course it is a cliffhanger. Story is excellent. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the wayward wizard, Jack and his automaton companion Lucas who has become like family and who acts so much like a human because he has a beating heart inside him and now wants to live in freedom. Now the person who created him wants to get hold of him, Kenneth Cherish once best friend of Jack's father before they fell out and Jack's father passed on. Jack was damned if he would let Cherish get his hands on Lucas however there were answers Jack needed to get from Cherish such as what is the Great Endeavour and who is the reaper and why was Lucas unable to talk about the things he had been created for? Cherish was an ancient technomancer and he was hiding in the nowhere dimension which was very dangerous to access however access it is what they needed to do if they were to unravel the threats being sent their way. Murders are being carried out by the blackheart killer, on random non magical women and it seemed as though the dark coven was behind these. Ora Draper was back on the scene and pulling the strings and she was Willy's sister. Ora was very powerful and Jack comes face to face with her and discovers more than he had bargained for. Can Jack keep his friends Sal, Alanna and Lucas safe with all these threats looming at them? This book is an edge of the seat type of book, full of fast paced action, magic wielding and one which ends on a cliffhanger leaving me wishing I had book 4 in my hands to go on reading immediately.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchbane continues the adventures with our friends from the first 2 books in the series, and it really does feel like getting to know friends. The characters grow and develop over the book, as they have over the rest of the series. This book is action packed, and a strong addition to the series. It's hard to put down. If you've enjoyed the first 2 books, you'll enjoy this one. If you're new to the series, start at the beginning and give it a read- you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend Witchbane, and the entire Magic and Mayhem series for fans of urban fantasy and snarky wizards!.

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

[Austyn Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have binge read the series in about three weeks. I get strong Dresden Files feels throughout the series and that's a good thing. The magic system is not complicated enough that you need a magical dictionary to understand. The characters feel like living people that could be real if magic ever popped up. Over all, I recommend the series.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is back in Witchbane, book three of the Magic & Mayhem series. This is an action packed adventure that had me reading nonstop until the final page. I loved catching up with Jack and just like the first two books the characters go through a lot but it just made this series that much better. Well developed characters, action, danger, intrigue, magic, and unexpected twists all make this a page turning read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in this awesome series and magic and chaos ensues. An action packed, urban fantasy that pulls you in from the get go and I just couldn’t stop reading this. The characters are incredible, they kick ass and save the day as danger strikes and the twists and turns have you spinning and I am eager to read the next book!

[Neale Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

A good set of books a little upset by the sudden Finnish. However I recommend this series of books as it has a good subject




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