What do you think?
Rate this book
The Leira Chronicles #1
Waking Magic
Solve a murder, save her mother, and stop the apocalypse?
No problem.
She has a foul-mouthed troll on her side.
For Austin homicide detective Leira Berens, happy is running down bad guys and solving crimes.
And she’s damn good at it.
Which is why when the Light Elf prince is murdered, the king breaks a centuries old treaty and crosses between worlds to seek her help.
Wait a minute. An Elf? Like from Lord of the Rings or something?
Yeah, Leira has a hard time accepting that.
But it doesn’t matter what she believes.
Magic is real, and it’s coming back with a literal bang.
The prince’s death was only the beginning. Tracking down his killer is about more than just justice.
It’s saving the world.
If you’re looking for a heroine who prefers fighting to flirting, this book is for you.
No problem.
She has a foul-mouthed troll on her side.
For Austin homicide detective Leira Berens, happy is running down bad guys and solving crimes.
And she’s damn good at it.
Which is why when the Light Elf prince is murdered, the king breaks a centuries old treaty and crosses between worlds to seek her help.
Wait a minute. An Elf? Like from Lord of the Rings or something?
Yeah, Leira has a hard time accepting that.
But it doesn’t matter what she believes.
Magic is real, and it’s coming back with a literal bang.
The prince’s death was only the beginning. Tracking down his killer is about more than just justice.
It’s saving the world.
If you’re looking for a heroine who prefers fighting to flirting, this book is for you.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2017
About the author
Martha Carr
528 books720 followersOkay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 14, 2019
Waking Magic by Martha Carr, Michael Anderle and narrated by Carly Robins is a fresh fun fantasy! It has a portal to another world, a tough female Texas cop, elves, a murdered Prince, drunk bowlers, tentacles, and a 5 inch troll that bonds with the cop! The little troll can change sizes too!
It is action packed, fun, full of zany characters, situations, and keep me very entertained!
It is action packed, fun, full of zany characters, situations, and keep me very entertained!
June 9, 2019
Talk about a disjointed read. This book was a mess. Nothing flowed, information was given out randomly, most of them having no bearing on what was happening. There were several instances where things happened that a normal person wouldn't do.
First off her mother has been in a psych ward for 15 years because she was seeing elves and the fairy folk, Leira hasn't seen her in that time either. Leira also starts to see these thing but when she realizes her mother is not crazy she doesn't go see her to at least acknowledge she's sane. She is a detective as well, I'm sure she had the standing to get her mother out expeditiously but she didn't even consider it.
Secondly, she was told that an artifact was stolen and this artifact can be used to open a portal into the elven world which apparently is not a good thing. Leira is tasked with finding this artifact before that happens in a couple of days. I was expecting her to begin her search with immediate alacrity but imagine my shock when she went bowling with friends instead, c'mon now. That's not a detective I want in charge of saving the world.
First off her mother has been in a psych ward for 15 years because she was seeing elves and the fairy folk, Leira hasn't seen her in that time either. Leira also starts to see these thing but when she realizes her mother is not crazy she doesn't go see her to at least acknowledge she's sane. She is a detective as well, I'm sure she had the standing to get her mother out expeditiously but she didn't even consider it.
Secondly, she was told that an artifact was stolen and this artifact can be used to open a portal into the elven world which apparently is not a good thing. Leira is tasked with finding this artifact before that happens in a couple of days. I was expecting her to begin her search with immediate alacrity but imagine my shock when she went bowling with friends instead, c'mon now. That's not a detective I want in charge of saving the world.
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 30, 2020DNF 5%
The writing is all over the place weaving from one persons perspective to another w/o really delineating who is talking or separating the perspectives.
At one point we're reading about the police partner liking that the h pretty much shoots first and asks questions later....yeeaaah....yikes.
Then two pages later the h was suddenly talking and asking another officers to bounce the suspects head off the back seat of the patrol car after she kicked him in the gut for saying a rude comment. (Yeah he shot your partner, but he was already in cuffs detective. )
Then oop the elves are talking now?...I...okay.
Wasn't liking the h enough already to continue with the writing style. Not for moi.
The writing is all over the place weaving from one persons perspective to another w/o really delineating who is talking or separating the perspectives.
At one point we're reading about the police partner liking that the h pretty much shoots first and asks questions later....yeeaaah....yikes.
Then two pages later the h was suddenly talking and asking another officers to bounce the suspects head off the back seat of the patrol car after she kicked him in the gut for saying a rude comment. (Yeah he shot your partner, but he was already in cuffs detective. )
Then oop the elves are talking now?...I...okay.
Wasn't liking the h enough already to continue with the writing style. Not for moi.
June 9, 2023
If I hear "dead fish look" ever again I'm going to punch someone.
This book is awful. Juvenile.
This book is awful. Juvenile.
February 26, 2018
Two authors writing a book together is certainly not a novel concept. Husband and wife writing team Ilona Andrews is a prime example of how two writers can produce an incredible read without any hint is separatism. Unfortunately, I didn't get that feeling with "Waking Magic" by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle. While the story had great potential it fell short due to too many points of views and disjointed writing.
When I first read the summary for this book I was so excited. I was looking forward to reading about a female detective, Lerica, who has a 5 inch magical troll reeking havoc in her life as she investigates the murder of an Elven Prince and attempts to recover a stolen ancient artifact. What I received was a story that did not allow the main character to truly express her voice. There was so many different viewpoints popping in all over the place that the story never fully blended together. Was it because there were two authors? I don't think so. Besides, that could have been handle better if the story was told from two characters points of view.
Another thing that bothered me was the flow of the plot. Without revealing any spoilers why didn't Lerica go see her mom for insight into the new world in which she was dealing with. Additionally there was far too little of Yumfuck, the troll. His presence was the brightest moments in this book. Needless to say, I won't be going on with this series. Sorry but the writing wasn't my cup of tea.
When I first read the summary for this book I was so excited. I was looking forward to reading about a female detective, Lerica, who has a 5 inch magical troll reeking havoc in her life as she investigates the murder of an Elven Prince and attempts to recover a stolen ancient artifact. What I received was a story that did not allow the main character to truly express her voice. There was so many different viewpoints popping in all over the place that the story never fully blended together. Was it because there were two authors? I don't think so. Besides, that could have been handle better if the story was told from two characters points of view.
Another thing that bothered me was the flow of the plot. Without revealing any spoilers why didn't Lerica go see her mom for insight into the new world in which she was dealing with. Additionally there was far too little of Yumfuck, the troll. His presence was the brightest moments in this book. Needless to say, I won't be going on with this series. Sorry but the writing wasn't my cup of tea.
December 17, 2017
I was bitterly disappointed by this. Let me start with a little bit of a rant. This is labeled as the first book in a series, book 1. But I picked it up and was completely confused, lost. The story had obviously started somewhere else. How can that be if this is book one, I asked.
Well, apparently there is a book .5. Now, I have no problem with .5 books (or however you want to labeled something that comes before book one). This is the place for a prequel. But if the story is part of book one, if it's necessary to read and understand the story, then I firmly believe this is not a prequel, it's not book .5. IT IS BOOK ONE. So, I take some serious issue in how this author has chosen to number the books. I couldn't pick up book one and find the start of a story. I couldn't easily catch up or follow it. This is a serious problem for me. Especially since it doesn't really end either. So, I didn't get a complete beginning or ending.
Outside of that (for me) one big issue, I also thought the book rushed and unfocused. Tell me, if you have a few short days to find someone and a magical object would you take the time to go bowling? As an author, would you dedicate pages to someone's trip to CVS?
There was very little in the line of plot progression, character development or world building. (Maybe it's all in that previous book, which only further supports my assertion that it should be book one.) I'll grant that the characters were likable and the troll cute. But you never get to know them.
The writing is mechanically fine and I don't remember too many editing errors. But I have no desire to continue the series.
Edit: Another reviewer, who did read the 'prequel' stated that it is the "the first 3 or so chapters of the book, despite being published separately." I'll add that it's not even a freebie. So apparently you have to pay for the first 3 chapters of this book separately. That's a big FAT "no" from me.
Well, apparently there is a book .5. Now, I have no problem with .5 books (or however you want to labeled something that comes before book one). This is the place for a prequel. But if the story is part of book one, if it's necessary to read and understand the story, then I firmly believe this is not a prequel, it's not book .5. IT IS BOOK ONE. So, I take some serious issue in how this author has chosen to number the books. I couldn't pick up book one and find the start of a story. I couldn't easily catch up or follow it. This is a serious problem for me. Especially since it doesn't really end either. So, I didn't get a complete beginning or ending.
Outside of that (for me) one big issue, I also thought the book rushed and unfocused. Tell me, if you have a few short days to find someone and a magical object would you take the time to go bowling? As an author, would you dedicate pages to someone's trip to CVS?
There was very little in the line of plot progression, character development or world building. (Maybe it's all in that previous book, which only further supports my assertion that it should be book one.) I'll grant that the characters were likable and the troll cute. But you never get to know them.
The writing is mechanically fine and I don't remember too many editing errors. But I have no desire to continue the series.
Edit: Another reviewer, who did read the 'prequel' stated that it is the "the first 3 or so chapters of the book, despite being published separately." I'll add that it's not even a freebie. So apparently you have to pay for the first 3 chapters of this book separately. That's a big FAT "no" from me.
September 5, 2018
Pretty much what you expect of self-published stuff on Amazon. It's done reasonably well for what it is, but clearly could have benefited from some aggressive editing.
December 28, 2018
Reads like a teen book with a few cuss words thrown in. I couldn't finish it.
August 5, 2017
Kindle Unlimited
There are some on our planet who believe you can't handle the truth, so the truth has been hidden for millennia. The only problem is the truth is coming back… Early.Some of the crazy history shows on cable TV might not have the answers, but at least they ask the right questions.Homicide detective, Leira Berens is in a race against a magical force with a mischievous troll by her side with a penchant for swearing.The stakes are real. And so is the magical world she just visited.An elven prince is dead, a timebomb as a necklace is loose in her world, and her mother may not be crazy. It’s a lot. But with help from unexpected places, Leira is going to accomplish more than she ever thought possible.
Quest For Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran (The Leira Chronicles Book 0)
Waking Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran (The Leira Chronicles Book 1)
book #2 due in week or so
1 writer does the Wallace Jones series among other things, the other does Kuthurian Gambit series among others.
There are some on our planet who believe you can't handle the truth, so the truth has been hidden for millennia. The only problem is the truth is coming back… Early.Some of the crazy history shows on cable TV might not have the answers, but at least they ask the right questions.Homicide detective, Leira Berens is in a race against a magical force with a mischievous troll by her side with a penchant for swearing.The stakes are real. And so is the magical world she just visited.An elven prince is dead, a timebomb as a necklace is loose in her world, and her mother may not be crazy. It’s a lot. But with help from unexpected places, Leira is going to accomplish more than she ever thought possible.
Quest For Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran (The Leira Chronicles Book 0)
Waking Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran (The Leira Chronicles Book 1)
book #2 due in week or so
1 writer does the Wallace Jones series among other things, the other does Kuthurian Gambit series among others.
August 6, 2017
Waking Magic
Very well written book. once I started reading it, it opened up into a Movie for me. Another 'over the Green Monster' hit for the Kuthurian Universe. finished in approx 4 Hours...Because it was like Watching a Movie for me. Waiting to see Y Tiberius Troll comes into his own, TOO. RJ Sends.
Very well written book. once I started reading it, it opened up into a Movie for me. Another 'over the Green Monster' hit for the Kuthurian Universe. finished in approx 4 Hours...Because it was like Watching a Movie for me. Waiting to see Y Tiberius Troll comes into his own, TOO. RJ Sends.
August 12, 2017
So much fun!!!
I love this series so far! I adore the humor and all the characters especially that adorable troll the cutest sidekick ever. I'm very much looking forward to more of this series keep it coming can't wait to see how Leria evolves into her gifts and her not cutting herself off so much emotionally. Please hurry with next story can't wait!!!
I love this series so far! I adore the humor and all the characters especially that adorable troll the cutest sidekick ever. I'm very much looking forward to more of this series keep it coming can't wait to see how Leria evolves into her gifts and her not cutting herself off so much emotionally. Please hurry with next story can't wait!!!
April 30, 2022
Wonderful
Book 1 was even more fun than book 0. I enjoyed Liera's interaction with both the troll and with 😃Bert. I am definitely curious to learn more about Liera's background and were she is heading to.
Book 1 was even more fun than book 0. I enjoyed Liera's interaction with both the troll and with 😃Bert. I am definitely curious to learn more about Liera's background and were she is heading to.
August 6, 2017
This series is going to be a blast!
I am a huge Kutherian fan and was really "trolling" around for something new and fun to start. I have found it and I so need a YFTT mug to sip out of when reading the next book!
I am a huge Kutherian fan and was really "trolling" around for something new and fun to start. I have found it and I so need a YFTT mug to sip out of when reading the next book!
August 11, 2017
Slightly better than the first
While some of the ideas are still good, the way they are presented lacks cohesion and clarity. The reader's attention is drawn this way and that without regard to flow.
I think a couple of revisions would make this better.
While some of the ideas are still good, the way they are presented lacks cohesion and clarity. The reader's attention is drawn this way and that without regard to flow.
I think a couple of revisions would make this better.
August 9, 2017
Wonderful
I can't wait for more stories in this series. You and Michael make a great story writing team I can't wait for more. Thanks
I can't wait for more stories in this series. You and Michael make a great story writing team I can't wait for more. Thanks
August 9, 2017
Loved it
I am hooked. Love this story, but wanted a different ending. Anxiously awaiting for the next story in this series.
I am hooked. Love this story, but wanted a different ending. Anxiously awaiting for the next story in this series.
August 26, 2017
I love the new world!
I refuse to write spoilers, but love the troll! The author has created a world and characters that makes sense and whom I can fall in love with!
I refuse to write spoilers, but love the troll! The author has created a world and characters that makes sense and whom I can fall in love with!
August 23, 2017
Good writing, good story, developed characters
I would suggest you read the prequel. As teasers go it will grab your attention right off the blocks. The main character is an Austin homicide detective who is young and very good at what she does, and as it turns out is tagged to find the murderer of an elven prince. Comp!ovations and twists arise as they will and there is a time limit as well. Good story and complex, developed characters with none of the typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies beginning authors are prone to. I plan on making this author a favorite and hope she writes for a long time to come.
I would suggest you read the prequel. As teasers go it will grab your attention right off the blocks. The main character is an Austin homicide detective who is young and very good at what she does, and as it turns out is tagged to find the murderer of an elven prince. Comp!ovations and twists arise as they will and there is a time limit as well. Good story and complex, developed characters with none of the typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies beginning authors are prone to. I plan on making this author a favorite and hope she writes for a long time to come.
January 31, 2020
I like it so much that I read it a couple of times! If you get the chance to read this book don't pass it up.
August 12, 2017
A new universe and new friends
Michael and Martha bring to you a new universe with a detective that is happiest when she is in the throes of her job, elves, gnomes and an troll who likes to nest in her underwear. Welcome to the Oriceran Universe.
Michael and Martha bring to you a new universe with a detective that is happiest when she is in the throes of her job, elves, gnomes and an troll who likes to nest in her underwear. Welcome to the Oriceran Universe.
January 16, 2019
This is a hot mess with stilted and herky-jerky storytelling.
The authors I feel needed some honest beta readers and readers needed some honest reviews.
I haven't struggled to review a book in a long while. I don't want to sound rude or dismiss the passion of any writer who is willing to put their ideas down on paper for the world to see. At the same time, I would be remiss if I did not say READER BEWARE! All that glitters is not gold.
Okay that was a tad melodramatic however in truth the story is awkward and just comes off more than a bit amateurish. It is told in a third-person omnipresent point of view... or at least a version of that. Within the first few pages it becomes obvious that there are some jarring transitions that feel like reader speed bumps and tend to take you out of the story. These reader speed bumps are throughout the entire story. It is hard to pull off third person omnipresent point of view and this is a good example of an author taking a chance and it just not working too well.
Besides the point of view the storytelling itself is stilted and herky jerky. It doesn't read well. It feels unnatural and jumps around more than a squirrel with ADD. in addition to this there is ample amounts of information dumping with maid and Butler dialogue that adds to the unnatural feel of it. At times it is like a bad high school play. There is not a good antagonist and every relationship is flat as the characters.
Everything in the story was made it seem to pull the reader out. Small details matter even the fact that there is space between many of the paragraphs and sentences breaking up the story even further. It reminded me at times of reports that had to be turned in double spaced. It mays say 288 pages but you’re really getting 160.
The actual plot of the story itself is rambling as if the authors we're changing directions on the fly adding new twists and turns while dumping or putting off things to later on in the series. This made a few chapters pointless because they had a character's POV once and then we never revisit them again despite the fact the authors lay down heavy hints that these characters were up to something. There is also subplots that while prominent in the beginning of the story disappear at the end. I am looking at the Troll as a big example of this. This troll did make me laugh out loud once… but the authors used it to try to for laughs with crud language that did not really add to the story as the gage got old quick. Still it basically disappeared in the end.
You hear a lot about show don't tell but I've read many stories where the author told the readers what was happening quiet a bit and they worked quite well never taking me out of the story. In this book we get a lot of telling but it is made worse by being told by the character who is speaking out loud to themselves or making observations out loud repetitively.
This is not a satisfying story in and off it self and it did not end that way. The ending is blunt and came as a surprise because it just happens and the characters are not affected by it at all. There is no emotional journey or growth. It goes back to the rambling nature of the plot and feels more like a discombobulated novella introducing a series.
I might one day look into this world and the several series that is written in it. But right now, I just can not put myself through it. With the rather repetitive and pointless use of the F-bomb this story is not for children. I did laugh out loud once in the story. I am annoyed with the story because the premise is good… the execution of it is not.
The authors I feel needed some honest beta readers and readers needed some honest reviews.
I haven't struggled to review a book in a long while. I don't want to sound rude or dismiss the passion of any writer who is willing to put their ideas down on paper for the world to see. At the same time, I would be remiss if I did not say READER BEWARE! All that glitters is not gold.
Okay that was a tad melodramatic however in truth the story is awkward and just comes off more than a bit amateurish. It is told in a third-person omnipresent point of view... or at least a version of that. Within the first few pages it becomes obvious that there are some jarring transitions that feel like reader speed bumps and tend to take you out of the story. These reader speed bumps are throughout the entire story. It is hard to pull off third person omnipresent point of view and this is a good example of an author taking a chance and it just not working too well.
Besides the point of view the storytelling itself is stilted and herky jerky. It doesn't read well. It feels unnatural and jumps around more than a squirrel with ADD. in addition to this there is ample amounts of information dumping with maid and Butler dialogue that adds to the unnatural feel of it. At times it is like a bad high school play. There is not a good antagonist and every relationship is flat as the characters.
Everything in the story was made it seem to pull the reader out. Small details matter even the fact that there is space between many of the paragraphs and sentences breaking up the story even further. It reminded me at times of reports that had to be turned in double spaced. It mays say 288 pages but you’re really getting 160.
The actual plot of the story itself is rambling as if the authors we're changing directions on the fly adding new twists and turns while dumping or putting off things to later on in the series. This made a few chapters pointless because they had a character's POV once and then we never revisit them again despite the fact the authors lay down heavy hints that these characters were up to something. There is also subplots that while prominent in the beginning of the story disappear at the end. I am looking at the Troll as a big example of this. This troll did make me laugh out loud once… but the authors used it to try to for laughs with crud language that did not really add to the story as the gage got old quick. Still it basically disappeared in the end.
You hear a lot about show don't tell but I've read many stories where the author told the readers what was happening quiet a bit and they worked quite well never taking me out of the story. In this book we get a lot of telling but it is made worse by being told by the character who is speaking out loud to themselves or making observations out loud repetitively.
This is not a satisfying story in and off it self and it did not end that way. The ending is blunt and came as a surprise because it just happens and the characters are not affected by it at all. There is no emotional journey or growth. It goes back to the rambling nature of the plot and feels more like a discombobulated novella introducing a series.
I might one day look into this world and the several series that is written in it. But right now, I just can not put myself through it. With the rather repetitive and pointless use of the F-bomb this story is not for children. I did laugh out loud once in the story. I am annoyed with the story because the premise is good… the execution of it is not.
August 10, 2017
ONG more, more, more
Just as you think you have a handle on how things are going, WHAM!! You get smacked up beside the head and nope you have no idea!! Great stories and can't wait for more!!! When is the next one coming out!!!!!
Just as you think you have a handle on how things are going, WHAM!! You get smacked up beside the head and nope you have no idea!! Great stories and can't wait for more!!! When is the next one coming out!!!!!
August 5, 2017
A good start for the series. Looking forward to the next.
December 9, 2020
I plowed through these books like a troll through Voodoo Doughnuts, like a Light Elf through a barrel of knock off Costco Cheetos. This series may well be "Fellowship of the Ring" for the digital age. ....
It's got everything! Magic, Magical Creatures, Tentacles, Texas!
Battles between the Dark and the Light.
Evil Duplicitous Beings, otherwise known as ..... Politicians.
I believe that this series is a treatise on the current debate between the NRA (the Dark mist) and children of our country. No, I don't. I don't think that at all! In fact, I just think these books are a fun read, with a multi-faceted main character, who stands up for the Light, capital "L".
Turn off the (UN)Reality TV, and pick up these books! Soon, you'll be lounging on a patio in Austin, TX, drinking a Lone Star with a Knob Creek back, and wishing that the portals to another dimension would just OPEN already, as long as Oriceran is on the other side.
It's got everything! Magic, Magical Creatures, Tentacles, Texas!
Battles between the Dark and the Light.
Evil Duplicitous Beings, otherwise known as ..... Politicians.
I believe that this series is a treatise on the current debate between the NRA (the Dark mist) and children of our country. No, I don't. I don't think that at all! In fact, I just think these books are a fun read, with a multi-faceted main character, who stands up for the Light, capital "L".
Turn off the (UN)Reality TV, and pick up these books! Soon, you'll be lounging on a patio in Austin, TX, drinking a Lone Star with a Knob Creek back, and wishing that the portals to another dimension would just OPEN already, as long as Oriceran is on the other side.
January 3, 2018
Waking Magic: The Revelations of Oriceran is my introduction to Oricera and I am captivated. I was drawn into Leira's story, a detective who suddenly discovers that her "hallucinations" are real and so is the world on the other side. She's pulled into a homicide with mere days within which to solve it or the evidence will be lost and so will the culprit.
As her investigation proceeds, Leira begins to see the scope of consequences if she should fail in her quest. As she spends time with Corren, an elf sent to assist in the race to find an ancient artifact, stop a villain, and save not just Oricera but Earth, Leira receives shocking revelations about herself and her own family.
Filled with suspense, mystery and large measures of humor from unexpected companions, Waking Magic is a great adventure with a promise of much more to come from the talented Martha Carr!
As her investigation proceeds, Leira begins to see the scope of consequences if she should fail in her quest. As she spends time with Corren, an elf sent to assist in the race to find an ancient artifact, stop a villain, and save not just Oricera but Earth, Leira receives shocking revelations about herself and her own family.
Filled with suspense, mystery and large measures of humor from unexpected companions, Waking Magic is a great adventure with a promise of much more to come from the talented Martha Carr!
May 6, 2018
A new exciting universe and main character!
After reading most of the books in the Kurtherian universe, I decided to try this one as it came up as a recommendation for me at the end of another Kindle book. I am so glad I did!
More cursing than I usually care for, but it is totally worth it, sometimes laugh / snort out loud funny (the trolls name! I may have to get a mug :), and it is not as much as in Kurtherian Gambit book 1, by a long shot. I wouldn't mention it, but I know my sister-in-law looks for things like this before she lets her 11 year-old read books, so I thought I should mention it.
I love the characters! Even Corren *cough Bert* grew on me pretty quickly. It will be interesting to see how things progress as the alignment between the worlds moves closer and Leira discovers more about herself and her family's past. On to book 2!
After reading most of the books in the Kurtherian universe, I decided to try this one as it came up as a recommendation for me at the end of another Kindle book. I am so glad I did!
More cursing than I usually care for, but it is totally worth it, sometimes laugh / snort out loud funny (the trolls name! I may have to get a mug :), and it is not as much as in Kurtherian Gambit book 1, by a long shot. I wouldn't mention it, but I know my sister-in-law looks for things like this before she lets her 11 year-old read books, so I thought I should mention it.
I love the characters! Even Corren *cough Bert* grew on me pretty quickly. It will be interesting to see how things progress as the alignment between the worlds moves closer and Leira discovers more about herself and her family's past. On to book 2!
October 15, 2017
A Detective, a Troll, and an Elf Walked Into a Bar ....
Leira Berens, an Austin homicide detective, is coming to grips with the fact that she might not be entirely human. She is tracking down the murderer of an elvin Prince for the Light Elves. I like leira's character. She is beautiful, strong, determined, and capable. Bert, Leira's name for him, has been sent to help and watch over her. By the way, he looks great without his shirt. Humor mixed with danger abound as Leira trips her awakening magic as well as the feared dark magic. Will Leira be able to get her mother out of the psych ward? Will she be able to find her Grandmother? I am ready to read the next book "Release of Magic".
Leira Berens, an Austin homicide detective, is coming to grips with the fact that she might not be entirely human. She is tracking down the murderer of an elvin Prince for the Light Elves. I like leira's character. She is beautiful, strong, determined, and capable. Bert, Leira's name for him, has been sent to help and watch over her. By the way, he looks great without his shirt. Humor mixed with danger abound as Leira trips her awakening magic as well as the feared dark magic. Will Leira be able to get her mother out of the psych ward? Will she be able to find her Grandmother? I am ready to read the next book "Release of Magic".
October 11, 2017
Oohhh, the ending!!!
Leira is awesome and her new buddy Yum#$ck, a normally 5 inch troll. The Prince of the Light Elves was killed and she is now being paired with Bert. The human that killed the Prince was brought into Oriceran by a very unexpected group. And that group has been duped. All of this leads to problems both on Earth and Oriceran. Add the Silver Griffons, an Earth based magical SWAT team, and the killer who is non-magical and now wearing the artifact he stole (the whole reason he was smuggled in) that at the Oriceran full moon is going to do something big. And bad. And Leira and Bert show up just in time.
Leira is awesome and her new buddy Yum#$ck, a normally 5 inch troll. The Prince of the Light Elves was killed and she is now being paired with Bert. The human that killed the Prince was brought into Oriceran by a very unexpected group. And that group has been duped. All of this leads to problems both on Earth and Oriceran. Add the Silver Griffons, an Earth based magical SWAT team, and the killer who is non-magical and now wearing the artifact he stole (the whole reason he was smuggled in) that at the Oriceran full moon is going to do something big. And bad. And Leira and Bert show up just in time.
December 8, 2020
Boring
I gave it 2 stars because the world building is interesting, but at 69% through, I had to throw in the towel. I'm not connecting with these characters at all. Leira has a personality like a Neanderthal that thinks beating people up, swearing non-stop and acting like she's superior to everyone is the ultimate Texas bread way of life. She has no respect for others. She saves a tiny troll by mistake and that's really the best part of the book. Honesty, I wanted to like this story but I just don't.
I gave it 2 stars because the world building is interesting, but at 69% through, I had to throw in the towel. I'm not connecting with these characters at all. Leira has a personality like a Neanderthal that thinks beating people up, swearing non-stop and acting like she's superior to everyone is the ultimate Texas bread way of life. She has no respect for others. She saves a tiny troll by mistake and that's really the best part of the book. Honesty, I wanted to like this story but I just don't.
April 19, 2021
Couldn't finish
The adult detective was really a rude child in disguise. The writing was choppy. There was flight of ideas everywhere. Absolutely no cohesion in the writing. The authors confused rude with sassy and reading any book with a sassy heroine is a recipe for disaster anyway. What do they mean when they say that? An adult who communicates needs clearly and sets boundaries when people need them is strong. This ideal of the sassy heroine is insulting to women and should have been put to rest 40 years ago. Anyway. This book is a disappointment.
The adult detective was really a rude child in disguise. The writing was choppy. There was flight of ideas everywhere. Absolutely no cohesion in the writing. The authors confused rude with sassy and reading any book with a sassy heroine is a recipe for disaster anyway. What do they mean when they say that? An adult who communicates needs clearly and sets boundaries when people need them is strong. This ideal of the sassy heroine is insulting to women and should have been put to rest 40 years ago. Anyway. This book is a disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews