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Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay, Magical Tracker #1)
by
Kate Danley (Goodreads Author)
"It's Janet Evanovich meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
When monsters appear on Earth, Maggie MacKay is on the job. No one is better at hauling the creepy crawlies back where they belong. No one, that is, except her dad, who disappeared without a trace in the middle of an assignment.
Now an elf named Killian has shown up with a gig. Seems Maggie’s uncle teamed up with the for...more
When monsters appear on Earth, Maggie MacKay is on the job. No one is better at hauling the creepy crawlies back where they belong. No one, that is, except her dad, who disappeared without a trace in the middle of an assignment.
Now an elf named Killian has shown up with a gig. Seems Maggie’s uncle teamed up with the for...more
Kindle Edition, 268 pages
Published
September 13th 2011
(first published September 10th 2011)
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This was a fun, light read. I liked the story and the mythology of it was interesting. But it was a little too-light a read. I couldn't get into it as much as I normally (like to) do in a book. While not needing an info dump, it needed to be tighter and more dramatic with descriptions to hold your interest. Some people (like the Chinese man) stood off the page while others (her Dad) were so flat. (Didn't even find out what species he was... just he was from the Other Side and had magic.) I thoug...more
Review for the wife.
She said it was a quick read, light, brisk writing that reminded her a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer(always a favorite).
The one element she HATED was the flirtation between Maggie and Gillian. She felt that the flirtation was bland enough that it did not feel organic to the characters or the story. Also, she has a huge pet peeve for flirtations shoehorned in with only a superficial basis for it. I don't think I've ever known someone as finicky with their romantic subplots a...more
She said it was a quick read, light, brisk writing that reminded her a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer(always a favorite).
The one element she HATED was the flirtation between Maggie and Gillian. She felt that the flirtation was bland enough that it did not feel organic to the characters or the story. Also, she has a huge pet peeve for flirtations shoehorned in with only a superficial basis for it. I don't think I've ever known someone as finicky with their romantic subplots a...more
First, let's get out of the way what Maggie isn't - this isn't a "romance" paranormal or not. It isn't a "serious" urban fantasy work in the vein of Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson. It is, instead, a pure and total snarky laugh riot. It is total enjoyment, a few hours of pure relaxation, where the weight of the world goes away and you can immerse yourself in another world.
"I suddenly felt like I was about to learn that I had walked into a great big game show of The Multiverse's Next Top Stooge, R...more
"I suddenly felt like I was about to learn that I had walked into a great big game show of The Multiverse's Next Top Stooge, R...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked the urban fantasy twist that uses magic in one world with portals between that and this world.
The book is written in a very conversational style. There are few details - and lots of snark and conversation. My favorite kind of book! The love interest (at least that is my assumption) is an elf. I like elves. Much better than werewolves. Or vampires. So, I am tickled as punch with the use of an elf as the love interest.
Even though I strongly resist r...more
The book is written in a very conversational style. There are few details - and lots of snark and conversation. My favorite kind of book! The love interest (at least that is my assumption) is an elf. I like elves. Much better than werewolves. Or vampires. So, I am tickled as punch with the use of an elf as the love interest.
Even though I strongly resist r...more
My original review on amazon read something like this:
I just finished reading Maggie for Hire, and in short, it was a fun read! Yes on the profane language, no on the soul searching depths, but an enjoyable ride. I liked the banter and the mild flirtation. I liked the beginning cast of characters, and if there was any disappointment it would be that I would like to see more of their personalities developed. Maggie's as well. As I said, not terribly deep, but still very much worth a read.
I have a...more
I just finished reading Maggie for Hire, and in short, it was a fun read! Yes on the profane language, no on the soul searching depths, but an enjoyable ride. I liked the banter and the mild flirtation. I liked the beginning cast of characters, and if there was any disappointment it would be that I would like to see more of their personalities developed. Maggie's as well. As I said, not terribly deep, but still very much worth a read.
I have a...more
Maggie MacKay is one of those rare individuals that have the ability to open a portal and travel between the different dimensions, or “worlds,” one of which is called Other Side, filled with all sorts of creepy non-humans; many of whom are causing problems on Earth Side. Someone wants to drop the wall between the worlds so that vampires have free reign in both worlds. And to do that they need a couple of artifacts. Maggie is in a race to find the artifacts and save the world. By her side is an e...more
The problem with humour is that it may be really personal. Quite a usual nightmare: you crack a joke and nobody laughs.
The author keeps cracking jokes every paragraph and I kept not being amused. The level of "fun" is this: [we started] "travelling at a trot. A fox trot, if you will" (they are guided by a fox). It's really cheap humour, I can find nothing witty in it. After a few chapters I was ready to drive up the wall. Definitely not my idea of fun...
Unfortunately, this is not the only proble...more
The author keeps cracking jokes every paragraph and I kept not being amused. The level of "fun" is this: [we started] "travelling at a trot. A fox trot, if you will" (they are guided by a fox). It's really cheap humour, I can find nothing witty in it. After a few chapters I was ready to drive up the wall. Definitely not my idea of fun...
Unfortunately, this is not the only proble...more
I had high hopes that sort of fell flat for this one. I can't put my finger on it but it's almost like something was missing. The book felt a little rushed and sort of forced at times. It seemed to be all over the map. Almost like this was a sequel and the author was giving us reminders of what happened in the first one rather than creating a story from scratch. Quite possibly the series will continue with a prequel or "should" continue with a prequel if anyone cares about my two cents.
The 'roma...more
The 'roma...more
Four stars for originality of premise, two and a half for execution, an average of three.
The premise of this book was sincerely promising - Maggie McKay is a "magical tracker," a sort of bounty hunter between worlds, wherein supernatural or fantastical creatures are relegated to Other Side but can sometimes cross to Earth to make trouble. Maggie's father was gifted as a "world walker," who could open natural portals that allowed creatures to cross freely, instead of at tightly regulated and cont...more
The premise of this book was sincerely promising - Maggie McKay is a "magical tracker," a sort of bounty hunter between worlds, wherein supernatural or fantastical creatures are relegated to Other Side but can sometimes cross to Earth to make trouble. Maggie's father was gifted as a "world walker," who could open natural portals that allowed creatures to cross freely, instead of at tightly regulated and cont...more
Description:
Maggie MacKay is a tracker; she has the ability to cross between dimensions and track down the monsters that want to start trouble in the human world. So when Killian, a messenger from the Elf Queen, shows up with a job - stopping a group of vampires from using humans as juice boxes - Maggie can't turn down the opportunity to kick some blood-sucking butt. Unfortunately, her family is more entwined with the inter-dimensional brawl than she realizes, and the only way to stop the madne...more
Maggie MacKay is a tracker; she has the ability to cross between dimensions and track down the monsters that want to start trouble in the human world. So when Killian, a messenger from the Elf Queen, shows up with a job - stopping a group of vampires from using humans as juice boxes - Maggie can't turn down the opportunity to kick some blood-sucking butt. Unfortunately, her family is more entwined with the inter-dimensional brawl than she realizes, and the only way to stop the madne...more
Reviewed for One Upon a Time.
I liked this one way more than I thought I would. Which isn't to say that I thought I wouldn't like it, but the pop culture references and the general snark that Maggie indulged in tickled my fancy. Plus, who doesn't like it when a hot elf shows up and makes breakfast while helping battle the forces of darkness?
It wasn't hard to like Maggie. She's a scrappy fighter, she loves her cat and she helps keep the mean streets of LA clean of supernatural baddies. Her ability...more
I liked this one way more than I thought I would. Which isn't to say that I thought I wouldn't like it, but the pop culture references and the general snark that Maggie indulged in tickled my fancy. Plus, who doesn't like it when a hot elf shows up and makes breakfast while helping battle the forces of darkness?
It wasn't hard to like Maggie. She's a scrappy fighter, she loves her cat and she helps keep the mean streets of LA clean of supernatural baddies. Her ability...more
Maggie, a supernatural bounty hunter, faces hordes of vampires as she struggles to to complete an assignment for the queen of the elves.
The funny one-liners, the zany adventures, and the crazy characters of Maggie for Hire remind me of another UF series I enjoy: Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. Maggie for Hire is a fun, fast-paced read with a terrific, kick-butt heroine and a twisty plot. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end, and I definitely will continue with the series.
A couple of thi...more
The funny one-liners, the zany adventures, and the crazy characters of Maggie for Hire remind me of another UF series I enjoy: Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. Maggie for Hire is a fun, fast-paced read with a terrific, kick-butt heroine and a twisty plot. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end, and I definitely will continue with the series.
A couple of thi...more
I enjoyed this. It was a light, fun romp through a new world for me, since I've never read anything by this author before. Good read for a rainy day, lots of action and fights, but no romance. If you're looking for steamy scenes, look elsewhere. If you just want a fun little mystery to pass the time with, check this out. The magic world and the real one are separate, with only portals providing access from one side to the other. Except for our protagonist, who can break the rules. I absolutely l...more
Apr 09, 2012
Yasmeen (Yaz)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-freebies
I loved this book, it was exactly what I needed; light hearted, fun and addictive. Maggie is tough, feisty and will do anything to protect her family, even consort with elves. She goes from one crisis to another evading bad guys with her trusty sidekick Killian.
Despite loving the book I think the sexual tension between Killain and Maggie could of been developed more. Killian treated Maggie as if they were in a relationship (without the sex), even though Maggie was wary of him.
The story is well...more
Despite loving the book I think the sexual tension between Killain and Maggie could of been developed more. Killian treated Maggie as if they were in a relationship (without the sex), even though Maggie was wary of him.
The story is well...more
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read with a fun, original story.
Now I've read some of the other reviews and and definitely agree that this book may or may not grate on your nerves. Personally I liked Maggie's harsh personality, sarcasm and low brow humour. the only thing that really bugged me was her overuse of the word "yah".
I think if Maggie was toned down more then she would certainly appeal to more people. But as I said, I liked it.
Unfortunately, Maggie was the on...more
I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read with a fun, original story.
Now I've read some of the other reviews and and definitely agree that this book may or may not grate on your nerves. Personally I liked Maggie's harsh personality, sarcasm and low brow humour. the only thing that really bugged me was her overuse of the word "yah".
I think if Maggie was toned down more then she would certainly appeal to more people. But as I said, I liked it.
Unfortunately, Maggie was the on...more
I got this book as a freebie through Goodreads' Advance Reader Copy thing.
I'm of mixed minds about this book; on one hand, I enjoyed it. It's quick-paced, seems well-thought-out, and features a smart, tough woman protagonist.
On the other hand, however, it seems kinda rushed. I would have liked to see more detail in portraying the scenes and describing the... everything. There were a lot of blank spots in the background of the action.
In defense of the book, I gather from the Afterword that i...more
I'm of mixed minds about this book; on one hand, I enjoyed it. It's quick-paced, seems well-thought-out, and features a smart, tough woman protagonist.
On the other hand, however, it seems kinda rushed. I would have liked to see more detail in portraying the scenes and describing the... everything. There were a lot of blank spots in the background of the action.
In defense of the book, I gather from the Afterword that i...more
All my reviews are originally posted at: http://twistingthelens.wordpress.com
_______________________________________________
Printed on the back cover of Maggie for Hire, is an intriguing disclaimer stating: “WARNING: This book contains cussing, brawling, and unladylike behavior. Proceed with caution.” Right away, I knew this was a book for me. Combine vampires, ghouls, and one whip-smart, take-charge heroine, and you have a recipe for success. Kate Danley has served up a female lead character to...more
_______________________________________________
Printed on the back cover of Maggie for Hire, is an intriguing disclaimer stating: “WARNING: This book contains cussing, brawling, and unladylike behavior. Proceed with caution.” Right away, I knew this was a book for me. Combine vampires, ghouls, and one whip-smart, take-charge heroine, and you have a recipe for success. Kate Danley has served up a female lead character to...more
This was a quick and easy read. It was easy to understand and enjoyable. Maggie and Killian were good characters. However, there could have been some more in depth background to them. There was no romance at all in this book (more like mild flirtation). I feel like there could have been much more brought to the table in that area. I also really liked the Brownie (and really need one around my house). But again, the story doesn't go into very much detail about this character and what it really is...more
I really really liked this book.
I immediately bought the second book after reading this. One the big reason is that it didn't fall into the good looking fae, flirt, sex, angst,fight to save the world, sex and ohhh I love you routine. It was more of uhoh problem, good looking fae, is he useful?, mystery, fight, good job everyone aaaaand it's a rap.
The voice of Maggie was light, funny and likable enough that I actually wasn't annoyed with a yet another sassy heroine. THe world introduced here is...more
I immediately bought the second book after reading this. One the big reason is that it didn't fall into the good looking fae, flirt, sex, angst,fight to save the world, sex and ohhh I love you routine. It was more of uhoh problem, good looking fae, is he useful?, mystery, fight, good job everyone aaaaand it's a rap.
The voice of Maggie was light, funny and likable enough that I actually wasn't annoyed with a yet another sassy heroine. THe world introduced here is...more
This was a fun, fast paced read. Maggie was a great character, smart and funny, and I loved her partner Killian. The action takes place in Los Angeles, and the "other side", a parallel dimension that Maggie is able to move freely across. She is searching for an artifact with magical abilities, and fighting a large group of vampires that are also looking for the artifact. I felt that the two worlds interacted in a believable fashion, and it wasn't hard to follow what was going on. The characters...more
Not only was this a witty, fun bit of chick-lit-meets-urban-fantasy, but I think I've developed a bit of a girl crush on the author. I'm seriously jealous over her way with words and the ease with which her narrative flows, even when she chose quirky phrases. Something about her writing style just shouts Fabulous! to me.
Beyond my latest author crush, the story in itself is inventive and just as creative as the language the author uses. I mean there's brownies, and then there are Brownies. (Some...more
Beyond my latest author crush, the story in itself is inventive and just as creative as the language the author uses. I mean there's brownies, and then there are Brownies. (Some...more
I spent most of the book (and the flight) wondering why Seanan McGuire had written the same book twice. I mean, the heroine was practical identical to October Daye, as was the setting and plot archtype. It wasn't until I was reading the author notes at the back that I realized this was a different author. Whoops!
One the one hand, the book was good enough that I thought it was a different author who I quite enjoy. On the other hand, read one or the other. They're far too similar to be enjoyed if...more
One the one hand, the book was good enough that I thought it was a different author who I quite enjoy. On the other hand, read one or the other. They're far too similar to be enjoyed if...more
DRESDEN IN A SKIRT!
If you enjoy the magical humor series THE DRESDEN FILES, I can guarantee that this book is for you as well.
Funny, fast moving (I read this book in one day), and fleshed out with wonderfully enjoyable characters, all I can say is that if you like humor adventure books with a paranormal twist, I am willing to bet that this first book in the Maggie MacKay - Magical Tracker will leave you wanting more...
Luckily there is a second volume already available with Maggie's further adven...more
If you enjoy the magical humor series THE DRESDEN FILES, I can guarantee that this book is for you as well.
Funny, fast moving (I read this book in one day), and fleshed out with wonderfully enjoyable characters, all I can say is that if you like humor adventure books with a paranormal twist, I am willing to bet that this first book in the Maggie MacKay - Magical Tracker will leave you wanting more...
Luckily there is a second volume already available with Maggie's further adven...more
This book gave me a headache. Maggie I guess, was 'pose to be this bad kick ass chick, which she was, but she wasn't likeable. She was going off on a drop of a dime. Killian was a elf who is suppose to help her stop the portals from being opened by her evil uncle, whom she is just finding out exist. I don't even want to really review this book, it sucked. The only thing that didn't suck about this book was the Brownie and the Chinese man. Now I am going to go lay down and take an Advil, the book...more
This was simply a fun read, a somewhat light hearted bounce from vampire attack to goul invasion to vampire attack with a suitable amount of gore and high body count without the grim darkness that seems to pervade so many of the urban fantasy/vampire novels. Definitely my kind of book in this genre.
The absolutely gorgeous elf partner that Maggie acquires doesn't hurt the storyline at all either. Fast read, very entertaining and I pretty much read it through at one sitting, a great antidote to a...more
The absolutely gorgeous elf partner that Maggie acquires doesn't hurt the storyline at all either. Fast read, very entertaining and I pretty much read it through at one sitting, a great antidote to a...more
Copy received from BookRooster for review.
Premise: Maggie is a tracker, but now someone’s tracking her. Her life of tracking undead and other nonhuman bail jumpers is upset when she’s caught between a group of strangely powerful vampires, an elf who wants her services on behalf of the elven queen, and a mysterious figure who wants Maggie’s power to walk between worlds.
This was a fun read that started really strong, but there’s not much supporting the fun.
The style of the writing is the most stri...more
Premise: Maggie is a tracker, but now someone’s tracking her. Her life of tracking undead and other nonhuman bail jumpers is upset when she’s caught between a group of strangely powerful vampires, an elf who wants her services on behalf of the elven queen, and a mysterious figure who wants Maggie’s power to walk between worlds.
This was a fun read that started really strong, but there’s not much supporting the fun.
The style of the writing is the most stri...more
This book is super funny and super addicting! I love stories with the supernatural flair and this book has it all; but it also has a way to laugh at itself. Maggie is lovable and tough as nails who battles all the different magical creatures and monsters.
You know it is going to be a good book when you have vampires, witches, psychics, and elves all in the same pages.
Besides the humor, there is mystery and a little flirting here and there. This is a light read, and just lets you kick back and r...more
You know it is going to be a good book when you have vampires, witches, psychics, and elves all in the same pages.
Besides the humor, there is mystery and a little flirting here and there. This is a light read, and just lets you kick back and r...more
If urban fantasy could be bottled, then this story is a shot-glass full of awesomesauce.
Lessons Learned from Maggie for Hire:
1. My life will not be complete until I have a Brownie of my very own. (Pipistrelle, if you’re out there…I need you!)
2. “Fairy glamour. It is not just for seducing the ladies.” – Killian
3. Engraved stakes make classy gifts.
4. One should always keep Ambrosia Nectar on hand for visiting elves. Failing that…a beer will do.
5. “Life is too short to waste daytime cell minutes be...more
Lessons Learned from Maggie for Hire:
1. My life will not be complete until I have a Brownie of my very own. (Pipistrelle, if you’re out there…I need you!)
2. “Fairy glamour. It is not just for seducing the ladies.” – Killian
3. Engraved stakes make classy gifts.
4. One should always keep Ambrosia Nectar on hand for visiting elves. Failing that…a beer will do.
5. “Life is too short to waste daytime cell minutes be...more
This book had lots of potential but it failed to deliver for me. I just could not get invested in the characters and they seemed one dimensional at times. Plenty of action throughout but it never built up to a grand finale and no romantic undercurrents at all. I would have liked more world building and background on the two main characters of Maggie and Killian, it just lacked something. That being said I did persevere and read it to the end and with a bit more revision it could hold promise.
Think Ilona Andrew's "Kate Daniels" or Faith Hunter's "Jane Yellowrock". This character, Maggie McKay, has that same kind of 'sassy' feel. The book is well written and is easy to read. I've very much enjoyed finding this series and will be buying other books in the series. As a matter of fact, I'm going on vacation next week, I think I'll pick up a couple now to take with me. I'll definitely be adding Kate Danley to the list of authors whose books I look for.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q&A with Kate...: Maggie for Hire Discussion Board | 2 | 6 | Apr 21, 2013 06:59am | |
| The Sword and Laser: Maggie for Hire - Free | 7 | 104 | Apr 17, 2012 12:15pm |
Kate Danley is twenty year veteran of stage and screen with a B.S. in theatre from Towson University. She was one of four students to be named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar in the Arts in the annual competition.
Her debut novel, The Woodcutter, was honored with the Garcia Award for the Best Fiction Book of the Year, is the 1st Place Fantasy Book in the Reader Views Literary Awards, and the winne...more
More about Kate Danley...
Her debut novel, The Woodcutter, was honored with the Garcia Award for the Best Fiction Book of the Year, is the 1st Place Fantasy Book in the Reader Views Literary Awards, and the winne...more
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