32) Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep

The Blurb :

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…


My Thoughts :

Jennifer Estep has done it again!  Another amazing story!  I continue to be in constant awe of the original and exciting books that this author keeps coming up with.  There are so many Paranormal Urban Fantasy writers out there who are dredging up the same old ideas but Jennifer Estep continues to make up her own worlds with original and compelling magical aspects.

Anyone who has been following this series will be eager to read this third installment.  The cover is spectacular and the blurb doesn't give too much away but believe me this one is more action packed that both the books before it. It is also quite dark with a lot of death and destruction.  Things come to a head and you won't believe what happens.

I don't want to give anything away so I will keep this review short.  Read all of Jennifer Estep's books, including this series.  Don't let the term Young Adult put you off in anyway.  These maybe youngsters but they are living and fighting in an adult world.  If you love the paranormal then you will be blown away by the wonderful new monsters and magic that the author has dreamt up for this series.  Each book adds more depth and this third book is no exception!

A wonderful author with a great grasp on what excitement and adventure should be and how they can be made even more special with the right characters and unusual twists.  I can't wait for her next book and anymore after that, in this series or any of her others or even something new!

105) Dark Heart of Magic by Jennifer Estep

The Blurb :

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...

My Thoughts :

The second part in the Black Blaze series is already out and it's another amazing read from exceptional Paranormal Urban Fantasy author Jennifer Estep.  Cold Burn of Magic, the debut in the series, was a spectacular read and this sequel only builds on the original and well thought out world of magic that the writer has created.   This isn't her first rodeo and I hope it won't be her last.  So many unique ideas have come from this author and she is really keeping the genre alive.

While this sequel had a different feel to it was still a gripping read.  The change in pace was to be expected with Lila no longer living on the streets and stealing for a living but the change was in no way detrimental to the storyline.  In fact it made it stronger than before with so many other aspects of the world coming to light and expanding the already ingenious idea beyond the expected.  Nothing new as far as Jennifer Estep's work is concerned but I am still left in wonder of her 'talents' each time.

With everything that came to light in Dark Heart of Magic there will certainly be a third installment and it is definitely going to be an eye-opener.  Some of the information regarding Lila's family was a shocker but there are other bits and pieces that I think we are still not privy to.  There is so many directions the story could follow and I can't wait to see what happens.

If you have already had the pleasure of reading any of Jennifer Estep's books then you will know how gifted she is.  So make sure you check out this series as soon as possible.  If you haven't already tried this author then I highly suggest you do.  There is very little out there lately that really makes me swoon and go wow but this author always does.  Oh and don't be put off by this series YA status.  This is adult enough for everyone and manages to outshine some of those 'adult' books I have read recently.

47) Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

The Blurb :

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

My Thoughts :

I love Jennifer Estep's books and can't get enough of her wonderful stories.  This new Young Adult series had an ok blurb but a boring cover and I wondered if this was going to be the first bad book of the bunch.  However within a few pages I knew that this was going to be another hit!

Jennifer Estep has outdone herself again by inventing yet another amazing concept that broadens the Paranormal Urban Fantasy genre.  A new twist on the usual paranormal talents and some nice fantasy additions make this first in a new series really stand out.  Forget the Young adult label and concentrate on another set of great characters who all have a compelling story to tell.  A tale of magic and family feuds. A story that follows a strong and clever young lady who can kick-ass with the best of them.

I won't go into details as far as the plot is concerned because I don't want to spoil things for anyone who is waiting for this new release which hits the shelves next week.  However I will say that there is some romance, a lot of action and a nice new paranormal community involved in Cold Burn of Magic.  Of course there is a subtle nod to the other locations of Estep's books and maybe one day they will all get together for a story or two.

Cold Burn of Magic is just a confirmation that this author is one, if not the best, in the genre.  The new ideas and different angles jump from the story and grab you and don't let go till the end.  There is everything that you have come to expect from this author and then some in the first of the Black Blade books and I can't wait for more.

If you are a fan of Jennifer's work then you need to get a copy of Cold Burn of Magic as soon as possible.  The opening scenes are just the beginning of a wonderful and magical read that stands out and takes control.   Lila's attitude and strength is inspiring and I am really looking forward to finding out more about her and her past.

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