Sinister Magic is an urban fantasy novel that follows Val, a half-elf government bounty hunter assassin tasked with eliminating magical creatures that pose a threat to humanity. The book introduces a world filled with modern-day elements intertwined with magical creatures like dragons, wyverns, and elves. Val's character is portrayed as snarky, entertaining, and dangerous, with a backstory that adds depth to her experiences and motivations. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a fast-paced journey filled with action, intrigue, and strong character dynamics, particularly between Val and the dragon shifter Zavyrd.
The plot of Sinister Magic is described as rich in details, with a smartly moving storyline that keeps readers engaged. The book is praised for its well-written narrative, interesting plot, and witty dialogue. Lindsay Buroker's writing style is noted for its ability to blend elements of fantasy with a modern setting, creating a unique urban fantasy world that captures the readers' attention. The book is commended for its character development, particularly Val's portrayal as a seasoned bounty hunter facing challenges both in her personal life and in her dangerous profession.
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Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance with a focus on slow development throughout the series.
From The Publisher:
I'm Val Thorvald, and I'm an assassin.When magical bad guys hurt people, I take care of them. Permanently.This doesn't make me popular with the rest of the magical community-as you can tell from the numerous break-ins and assassination attempts I've endured over the years. But thanks to my half-elven blood, a powerful sword named Chopper, and a telepathic tiger with an attitude, I've always been able to handle my problems with aplomb. Maybe some cursing and swearing, too, but definitely aplomb.That changes when my boss is afflicted with a mysterious disease, a government agent starts investigating me, and a godforsaken dragon shows up in the middle of my latest job.I've taken down vampires, zombies, and ogres, but dragons are way, way more powerful. And it doesn't look like this one is going to like me.Worse than that, he wants to use his magic to compel me to do his bidding, as if I'm some weak-minded minion.That's not going to happen. I'd die before being some dragon's slave.But if I can't figure out a way to avoid him, save my boss, and get rid of the government spook, I'm screwed. Or dead. Or screwed and dead. And that's never comfortable.Pick up Sinister Magic today to see if I make it. Even if you don't care about me, I promise the tiger is cool.
Ratings (28)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (64):
Read It (29) | |
Want To Read (25) | |
Not Interested (10) |
3 comment(s)
(3.5 stars)
This was surprisingly meh to me. I generally really enjoy this author, but this story just couldn't keep my attention. I kept wandering away, having to re-read sections because I'd not been paying attention, etc.
I just ... I think I just didn't like any of the characters. I have a really hard time engaging in a story if I don't like the characters. I thought Val was a weird cross between whiny (this chick really needs therapy) and weak-willed (she just lets everyone walk all over her), and it's weird that while she did get married and have a kid, she then decided to throw them out the window because she wants to do this job but can't do it with them. She felt like kind of a self-absorbed asshole.
And the dragon was such an enormous douche that I just can't imagine myself ever actually wanting to read about him.
And all of the other characters are just ridiculous judgey assholes. I mean ... they treat her like some serial killer, but the only magical being we've seen her go hunting was a wyvern who is on camera attacking a playground and
literally eating children. The only other people she killed were people who attacked her - the werewolves in this book, for example. This judgey bullshit behavior comes from everyone - the dragon, her own goddamn mother, and every other magical creature in, apparently, the entire world. Frankly, any magical creature who has a problem with her killing something that - again - literally was eating children ... should just be beheaded immediately because they are clearly also evil.
It made it really hard for me to get into this book, because frankly, fuck all these people. I hope they get eaten.
And Val - this supposed badass - doesn't defend herself against it. She accepts all this judgement, without, say, pulling out the video of children being eaten and saying "really? really? you think that I'm going too far with getting kill orders on THIS??" So fuck her too, honestly.
Which all means I think I'm bowing out of this series.
Just shy of 4
What can you read after
Sinister Magic?
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