Review--Magic in the Shadows

"Using magic wasn't as easy as the actors made it look in the movies. Every time you use magic, it uses you back. Sure, you could magic yourself a photographic memory for the big test, for that big interview, for that big stock market job. And all it cost you was a nice case of liver failure. Or the memory of your lover's name."

Magic is Allison Beckstrom's blessing and curse. As a Hound, she uses her gifts to track down practitioners who abuse their power, and then stops them from inflicting harm on unsuspecting innocents. Unfortunately her spells have taken a toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories--including those of the man she supposedly loves.

But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts. Her late father, the prominent businessman--and sorcerer--Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her mind. With the help of the Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain control over her own abilities--and find a way to deal with her father...

I actually surprised myself by finishing Devon Monk's latest Magic in the Shadows, in the Magic series, at least that's what I think the series' title is. Of course my reading will be slow going from here on out, for I have to work tomorrow and I have a busy weekend ahead of me and then I'm back to working more hours at my pt job. But I will still be reading when I can and veging out for the next 3 weeks of my break, watching movies, hanging with family and friends...

Okay onto the review. This was a stunning novel! I read Magic in the Blood awhile back this year, so my memory is a little fuzzy on the details, but some of the events were recapped in this book. Much like Allie's problems. As we found out in Magic in the Blood Allie was suffering some memory loss which is still a bit of a problem in Magic in the Shadows, but she is getting better at it. She may never regain some of the memories she lost, but she can definitely make new ones with Zayvion Jones, the man she supposedly loves. Even with her memory fuzziness she cannot deny that their is definite heat between them. But Zay is taking things slow with her, much to her disappointment.

Allie's love problems are not the only thing that trouble her. Her dead father has taken some sort of residence inside her head and it seems when moments are really tense and Allie's fear begins to override her, her father can take over and even speak through her. That definitely presents problems when she speaks to his late wife, Violet.

There is still the problem of having monster-like creatures somehow getting into her city and it's up to Allie and the rest of the magic users to try to put an end to them before humans begin to notice things they should not.

Throw in several surprises, such as an ex, a young man who dresses like a Goth, something else and Allie is beginning to wish she could take a vacation--at least that is my guess, she never says anything of the kind. But if I were here, I would definitely need a vacation, one with Zayvion too!

Monk writes extremely well. You don't get lost at all when reading about this world that is in fact our own, just a hidden part where magic occurs and exists. There is no complication in the language even when it comes to the magic bit, which can be difficult to write so the reader can understand.

I love this series, it's very enjoyable. Allie is sassy and says whatever she is thinking, like most characters I tend to like, even if what she is thinking isn't meant to be said in public.

With a stream of well-rounded characters and an incredible setting and a fan-tab-u-lous action filled, gripping plot, this book has everything! This is a must read for the urban fantasy fan, for it fits the bill wonderfully. An urban setting in the city in the northwest and deals with magic users, what more could you want??

Look for Magic on the Storm coming May 4 2010!