Magic Without Mercy

Allie Beckstrom #8

by Devon Monk

Allison Beckstrom’s talent for tracking spells has put her up against some of the darkest elements in the world of magic, but she’s never faced anything like this.

Magic itself has been poisoned, and Allie’s undead father may have left the only cure in the hands of a madman. Hunted by the Authority–the secret council that enforces magic’s laws–wanted by the police, and unable to use magic, she’s got to find the cure before the sickness spreads beyond any power to stop it.

But when a Death magic user seeks to destroy the only antidote, Allie and her fellow renegades must stand and fight to defend the innocent and save all magic…

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction, Paranormal Romance

344 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 3, 2012

About the author

Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It's one that had snuck up on me, and I'm really not sure why. The world building is genius, the characters wonderfully mysterious, the adventures top notch, but it wasn't until about book 4 that I really clued into how much I looked forward to release day. Being at book eight I am so pleased to report that this series is not stagnant, and there is nary a book to let us down! I'm talking to YOU Kim Harrison and Charlain Harris!!

In this one magic has somehow become poisoned, and not only is Allie and the crew the only ones even attempting to find a cure, but they're the only ones who even believe there's a problem! Much of this story centers around the inevitable drama that such a situation would put them all in, but we are given several really heartfelt moments. This one is between Maeve and Allie.

"Ah, Allie." She shook her head, the corners of her eyes glittering with tears. "There's a reason I never had a daughter. It's so there'd be room in my heart for you."

Of course Shame and Terric provide massive amounts of awesome to my life and this little snippet of them giving Allie shit was priceless!

"Or she could try empty threats," Terric suggested.
"What," Shame said, "like 'I'll sic my big scary pet gargoyle on you after my boyfriend and a mentally disabled ghost find the key to start his engine'?"
"It'd make me want to avoid eye contact with her," Terric said. "That's something, right?"
"Sure it is," Shame said. "Almost like being invisible. Was that your plan? Being so crazy no one would come near you?"

Shame and Terric are absolutely outstanding in this installment, and I think that perhaps they shined the brightest this time. I've long been a fan of Shame's but I became a huge fan of Terric too, and of course Allie and Zay were great, but Stotts was an asshole and Allie should have let Zay at least punch him.

When I think about this series I think of original magic(at least I haven't read anything like it), fantastic world building, perfect cast of characters, and entertainment at it's finest. I push this series on people almost, if not AS hard, as I push the Downside series, and I find Devon Monk to be a breath of fresh air in a saturated genre.

[Ferdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some spoilers

After Allie killed the corrupt leader of the Authority - Bartholomew Wray, she along with her friends are on the run. There's a lot Allie has to deal with: she's wanted by the police and the Authority, her friend Davy is dying, Portland's magic has been poisoned and the Veiled are infecting and killing people. Allie, Zay, Shame and co work together to try and find a solution to fix the magic all whilst trying to avoid the bad guys.

The Good

-The fight scenes and actions are well written and very entertaining. I just wish Allie would join in more instead of just watching. Even if she's lost her magic she could still join in the fight instead of standing on the sidelines doing nothing but watching.
-Allie's relationship and banter with her dad is interesting and I can't wait to find out who's side he's truly on. I did cringe a few times thinking about whether her dad was aware of her being in the shower and also if he could hear her and Zay getting smexy.
-I love the worldbuilding and the magic in the Allie Beckstrom series.
-The side characters are amazing - Shame, Collins, Terric, Davy and co. I adore Shame on his own and even more when he's having his charged interactions with Terric. My favourite scene was after him and Terric used magic together and reading Terric's reaction to it.

The Not So Good

-I found Allie to be quite annoying, bossy and a little judgemental. Her transition to leader and everyone's acceptance of it just came out of nowhere. Her taking charge of the Hounds is fine but why Zay, Shame, Maeve and co let her take the lead is beyond me. Up until a few months ago she was being mentored by Victor/Maeve/Hayden and she knew very little about the Authority..so it just doesn't ring true that the more experienced and knowledgable members of the Authority would defer to her.
-All Allie seemed to do was state the obvious, boss everyone around and watch whilst other people were fighting. For some bizarre reason Allie thinks that the fight with the corrupt Authority is only her fight. If anything it's less her fight than everyone else's since she's so new to the Authority.
-Nothing seems to have been revealed in this book. There's only 1 book left and we still don't know about Allie's past, her missing memories, how her father lost part of his soul, why she was closed, why she keeps losing her memories, her possible past relationship to Collins, Allie's mother - why she left and where she's been, how magic was poisoned, why Allie had extra magic in her and why she lost her magic after being attacked by the Veiled, what Allie's dad did to Allie when she was younger and what his endgame is. There's so much that needs to be addressed in the last book and I'm doubtful that it'll be done in a satisfactory way, if at all.
-I got tired of hearing about Zay's eyes, how zen and calm he is and how gorgeous Allie thinks he is. Allie also goes on and on about everyone's magic being so powerful, beautiful and unique..if everyone is so skilled and wondeful in magic - I really don't get why Allie was constantly in awe whenever someone cast magic.
-The romance between Allie and Zay..I've liked them less and less as a couple with each book. For most of this book Allie acted like a fussy, overprotective mother towards Zay. It also comes across that Allie loves Zay more than he does her (though it's clear that they both love each other) because of how much she's risked and given up for him and the amount she thinks and worries about him. At one point Allie even wonders if she'll ever fully have Zay's heart..Zay still loves Chase and as he said in the last book he always will..so it looks like Allie will always have to share Zay's heart with his dead ex-girlfriend. Personally, I can't root for a couple or like a couple that much when either the hero/heroine have already had a love of their life..it just makes the love between the hero and heroine less special.
-The storyline for the most part just seems to go round and round in circles.. though the last 1/4 was excellent. Most of the book was just similar to previous installments: Allie and co investigate something or other, they fight bad guys, someone gets hurt, they recover, rinse and repeat. I would have liked if Allie found out more about herself, her memories and start to piece together her life so it's all set up for the last book. I honestly now think that they won't be enough room in the last book for Allie to find out about her past.

Even though this installment wasn't as good for me as Magic on the Line (which I loved), I still enjoyed it overall. And I'm looking forward to the last book to see how everything plays out.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) At the end of Magic on the Line, Allie Beckstrom killed the head of Portland’s Authority — who was ignoring a magical plague in the city for his own ends — and now she is a fugitive, along with her lover Zayvion and a handful of her closest friends who have now broken with the Authority as well. In Magic Without Mercy, Allie and her small band investigate the poisoning of Portland’s four magical wells and try to find a way to cleanse magic before the problem can go worldwide. But the Authority is against them now, led by the creepy Jingo Jingo, and a confrontation is inevitable.

It’s becoming difficult to review the Allie Beckstrom books, what with Magic Without Mercy being the eighth installment in a series where the books are heavily linked rather than episodic. If you’ve been reading them all along, you’ll of course want to read this one, and it’s a solid addition to the series. No sharks were jumped in the making of this book. And if you haven’t read the previous books but think they sound intriguing, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go directly to Magic to the Bone and start there or you’ll get lost.

Allie, for reasons that are still mysterious, is affected more strongly by the taint in magic than most people are; she can’t cast spells without getting sick. This doesn’t stop her from playing a large role in events. Here, she’s the leader and the liaison between several disparate groups; one character tells her she’s the only person they all listen to, and he’s right. But to me the strongest story in Magic Without Mercy is Shame’s and Terric’s, as they learn to work together as Soul Complements and make great sacrifices to save one another.

Magic Without Mercy introduces some new developments and some more intriguing questions about Allie’s father, and culminates in a climactic battle with meaningful casualties. Overall, it’s not my favorite of the Allie Beckstrom books, but it’s a good book and adds some new twists to the series. One more book is planned: Magic for a Price, due out in November 2012. I look forward to seeing what happens but will be sad to see the series end.

Reviewed for FantasyLiterature.com

[Melliane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mon avis en Français

My English review

I’m a big fan of this series since the beginning so I’m always really happy to get into each new Allie Beckstrom’s adventure. Devon Monk had made an impressive work since her debut for the world, characters and plot. You might think that the story gets less interesting over the volumes, but this is not the case, oh no, quite the contrary. The seventh volume was beginning many great things that I knew would be detailed in this eighth volume. And as I was right about that!

Many things happen in this book and there is no risk of getting bored for a second. Allie runs everywhere, pursued by all, hunted as a vulgar criminal, but nothing can detract her from her purpose and this means to find a remedy for the evil that affects the magic of her city.

Shame is the person that I preferred in this volume, how could it be otherwise? He is sarcastic at all times, loving, boring and always there to help our heroine (some wonderful qualities). He was very present throughout the story to our delight, as each character of Volume 7. Unlike the other volumes though, the relationship between Allie and Zay is back in the background, but it is also nice to find out more about all the other players.

I was really surprised by some twists and turns. I must say that some events have completely broken my heart. In fact, I was quite afraid of some throughout the chapters. I think that everyone who has read the book will know what I mean about that. The war being there, this volume is not really happy, and we see that for every good news there is always something terrible behind. So we have a lot of sad moments, a lot of thoughts about what is going to happen, what will happen and how our heroes would be able to handle it all.

I think you’ll understand that I was totally overwhelmed by the volume (as always). I learned that the next book is the last. But how will I do that? We must have an end to everything but I really love this series and it will be really difficult to read the 9th volume while knowing that it will be the end. I still can not wait to throw myself in as the end of the 8th is just terrible. Yes, yes, it’s true, the story ends suddenly, letting us wanting for more.

I think the thing I look the most now is the confrontation between our characters and our two great villains of the story. I feel that it will be epic, something not to be missed.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Magic Without Mercy is the eight installment in Devon Monk’s Allie Beckstrom series. It really does a phenomenal job setting up the ninth and final book due out in November of this year. *takes a moment to try not to panic about the series coming to an end in just a few short months…deep breath…deep breath…*

This time around Allie and her loyal friends from the Authority are being hunted by…well pretty much by everyone. You see, there was a big misunderstanding in the last book *wink wink*. Okay, maybe it was more of a ‘misinformation leading to murder’. But it was a necessary murder. Really it was. But now Allie and friends are on the run while trying to find the proof they need to clear their names and accuse the right person/people. Oh, and they are also trying not to get killed by crazed ghosts who have escaped the other side and who are dead set (*giggle* “dead set” It’s funny because they are ghosts *giggle*) on taking over the world.

Phew. It sounds like it was an action-packed and busy book because it really was a busy and action-packed book.

I love how Allie is coming even more into her own in this book and has become the leader she is capable of being. She knows she is right and is willing to do whatever she needs to do to prove it in order to save lives and protect the innocent, as is their motto in the Authority. She really is a superb character and I am still enjoying her after eight books.

Zay is getting easier to read too. His faith in Allie and his love for her is shining through more and more and it’s nice to see. He’s usually so closed off! So when he says really sweet things to Allie, I melt and not surprisingly, so does she.

The villains in this series are great villains – I mean you easily hate them and want to smack them yourself – and the supporting characters are really well written. It’s hard not to like any member of the Authority. Even the few, such as Victor, who isn’t talked about to the extent of some of the other side characters, are well developed enough that you find yourself caring whether or not something bad happens to them. I think Devon wrote a wonderful group of people in this series and they shine extra bright in this book.

Since I’m on the topic of shining characters, let me say that I will be adding a new character to my favorite characters list and his name is Shame. In fact, he is mentioned in the very first line in this book.

I had a headache. That’s headache’s name was Shamus Flynn.

I Love This Character. We meet him very early on in this series and I have always loved him. He’s a brooding hero who doesn’t give a sh*t…but he does at the same time. He has such incredible heart and he is so smart. But my favorite part about him has to be his dialogue as he is incredibly funny and witty. I have not once thought of him as a romantic match for Allie but as a friend, there is no one better. Devon has mentioned that she would like to write a new spin-off series or at least something with Shame in the starring lead and to that I say “OMG Do It!” That would be an amazing book!

In this installment we see more and more of Shame’s friendship with Terric, another character I am very fond of. There is something about these two, when they are in a scene together just hanging out or when they use magic together, it’s hard not to be impressed by what you read.

There is a LOT of magic in this book. I know, this is a series that circles around magic but it’s not usually describes as much as it was in this book. I find it so insanely original how Devon uses magic in her Allie books. And when she writes it being cast, it’s so visual and stunning! You can really see what it would look like and it helps draw you even deeper into the book.

I did find some of the action a little repetitive at times, meaning the group would meet a close call, Zay would get hurt, they all escape, they get found, they have to escape, Zay would get hurt, and so on… And there is a big magic fight near the end (which is pretty much what happens near the end of every book) but the action was constant and the overall outcome was quite unexpected so it ended up being alright with me. I mean, very important characters die in this book! My jaw hit the floor when the first one went down! Like ZOMG! But it’s hard to focus on that when Jingo Jingo arrives and Paul is there and Cody and just…whoa. Magic Without Mercy was one of those books that sat with me for a bit after I closed it because I needed to process it all. And now I can’t wait for Magic for a Price to come out! Can’t. Wait.

Overall, even with that little bit of ‘been there, done that’ feeling that crept into the story every once in a while, I loved this book. As I said in the beginning of my review, it sets up the final book beautifully, shows how Allie is continuing to grow and is non-stop in its action. Devon does it once again, showing us that Allie and friends are a powerful force and that this series is truly kick ass.

4.5 stars

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's face it I couldn't have put this book down even if I wanted too. It was AWESOME! The whole book spanned about 2 days but in those days there was so much going on. I can't wait to talk about it with someone/anyone. I am all hyper over it and of course Devon Monk set it up to go perfectly right into the next book. This series is one of my favorites and I cannot wait for that final book. Only one part of the book had me so stressed and mad that I wanted to quit right there and then but of course I kept reading and I was so glad that I didn't stop. I am pretty sure when you get to the part I am talking about you will know right away because anyone who is a fan will feel like I did but keep going!!! Ok, So pretty much this book was Fantastic,Awesome,Top Notch,5 Star all the way! LOVED IT,LOVED IT, LOVED IT!

[Kathy Davie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eighth in the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series and revolving around the annoying Allie, a Hound. The story is based in Portland.

Don't even start this series if you don't like stupid protagonists. Allie starts out irritating and is quite consistent in remaining irritating. So why am I still reading it? I wanna know what her dad is up to, god help me. I also want to know the secret of St. John's. Supposedly, there is no magic in this neighborhood, but Monk keeps dropping hints about it.

My Take
Keep in mind that I hate Allie, the whiny bitch, and it might *eye roll* taint my review. That out of the way, I see no reason for Allie to become the "leader" of this band of rebels other than Monk wrote that Allie is the leader. Allie does take charge and tell people what to do, and it is out of character for her to be this intelligent and knowledgable about what needs to be done. It's also unusual for her to be this calm and decisive. Nothing in the past books has led me to believe that she would be a leader. Nor do I understand how people with TONS more experience aren't the ones issuing the orders and making the decisions. They were the decisive ones in past stories, so why are they wimping out now? Yeah, yeah, I know. Allie is the protagonist, and she has to lead. I'm sorry. That's not good enough. Build a character who will take charge. Who will be believable as a leader. Instead, let me count the ways in which I find Allie annoying.

She charges in without thought. She thinks of her own wants…no, it's not wants, but she doesn't want to hold back. I can appreciate that she wants to be helpful and participate. But she refuses to consider her weaknesses. Like the fact that using or being around magic makes her so sick that she can become unconscious. Yep, the ideal person you want around if using magic isn't enough and you have to beat a quick retreat, using both hands to protect yourself. *sorry, must pull tongue out of cheek…nnnngh*

Ooh, Allie can't use a gun! How awful to kill a person using a gun. Ooh, ick, ick. Swords are so much better *eye roll*. Dead is dead. How is using a sword any different from using a gun? Other than, ahem, bullets are quicker than magic and give you a better chance for survival? Christ, my eyes are rolling so hard and fast, I'm getting dizzy. At the park, she decides to go off and reconnoiter. Alone. 'Cause, yeah, she can protect herself without magic. She'll talk 'em to death.

Nothing Monk has written can convince me that Allie is a leader; if anyone can find such evidence, please comment. It's quite possible I'm prejudiced. No, really??

If Allie is so proud of her Hounds' loyalty, why does she think for one minute that the Hounds would consent to work with the police to find her?

How can so many magic users who have worked with Allie, Zay, Shame, Terric, Maeve, and Hayden go against them now and side with Jingo Jingo? How has anyone not seen how evil Jingo is? This was stupid. Even more stupid, when Jingo is slinging his "truths" at Allie, he also reveals that he knows that Daniel is inside Allie. All this time, he's been claiming there's no one inside her. Now, he's changed his mind? How does no one catch this? It's like Monk wants what she wants (hmmm, just like Allie…), and how events play out doesn't have to make sense. Ya just gotta write it that way. How stupid does she think her readers are?

I will give Daniel credit for thinking and planning ahead. That recording device was brilliant, although I do wonder what all his yelling was about when he splatted that bit of black magic on Stone's head. It's as if he knew that he could use Stone to bring magic back together. What is it about that gun Collins gave Allie that is so special?

There's that variant on the don't-give-anyone-information trope when Allie keeps refusing to take the time to tell Stotts the names of the Authority. Yeah, 'cause it would take all day and all night to give him a few names to start with. Why do that when you can keep re-using this trope to create tension and drama. Oooh.And I've never agreed with that stupid idea of preventing Stotts from knowing about the Authority and magic. It would have been useful to have a cop "on the payroll", so to speak. No, instead the Authority would rather Close his memories every time he stumbles over a magical incident. The fact that he's the head of the division that investigates magical crime is no excuse to give him any weapons to use in that battle.

Another twisted trope is the one where one simply must lurch from one battle to the next with no rest in between. The drama. The tension. Thank god Allie is surrounded by more intelligent people. Well, more intelligent sometimes at least. Another trope is how it's all Allie's fault. Yep, every single negative thing that happened. It's as if Monk had a list of tropes she had to incorporate. Maybe it was a bet.

I would think that Nola knows that Allie is wanted by the police. So, why would she call Paul and tell him where Allie was?

They are fairly confident that the wells are tainted, poisoned. This is likely to be their only chance to visit the well. Do they consider that they might want samples? That they might need a container for those samples? Why, no. It's Allie in charge — and back to her usual stupid self. Why would she think ahead? And be so practical? If Monk wanted an excuse to use Stone, why not have them bring a container that couldn't hold the taint? Make it more dramatic and then think of using Stone? No, it's so much more consistent to do the Allie-thing and be stupid.

Well, after the way Victor Uncloses Eli, I'm not sure I'll cry in the next book.

I actually do like the rest of the core characters in this series. Monk has created a complex world of magic — a definite twist on how most of us think of magic — with some nasty side effects. Now, if she'd only killed off Allie…

The Story
Magic is poisoned, and it's killing people. It's only destroying Portland, so far. It will soon spread throughout the world if our intrepid team of rebels can't discover an antidote and save the world.

The Characters
Allie Beckstrom is a Hound who can no longer use magic and is possessed by her dead father, Daniel. Daniel is a complex guy and a major jerk. Sometimes he seems like he actually loves his daughter, but all the evidence points to him being a megalomaniac. And selfish at that. Violet Beckstrom is his widow, and she had Daniel's baby, Daniel Jr., in Magic on the Hunt , 6. Kevin Cooper is Violet's bodyguard and secretly in love with her. Stone is a stone gargoyle, an Animate who loves to stack things. Anything. Nola Robbins is Allie's best friend and doesn't use magic. She's dating Stotts and cares for the non-magic, mentally challenged half of the Closed Cody Miller.

The rest of our band of rebels includes…
…Zayvion Jones, Allie's Soul Complement and a Closer — all Zen smooth and deadly — and was once the Guardian of the Gates using all magics until he rebelled against the Authority. Shamus Flynn uses Death magic, and I'm surprised this boy is still alive. Terric Conley is his Soul Complement, and Jingo Jingo appointed Terric as the Voice of Faith.

Shame's mother, Maeve Flynn, the former Voice for Blood, was Closed and Unclosed by the rebels along with Victor Forsythe, the former head of the Closers and Voice of Faith. Hugh is the husband Daniel killed. Hayden Kellerman is Maeve's boyfriend from Alaska (at least in the last few books). Roman Grimshaw, the last guardian of the gate, was one of the prisoners who escaped in Magic on the Hunt . He'd been imprisoned by "Sedra".

The Authority is…
…the secretive underground magic organization that supposedly polices all magic users. The Ward is the power over a region. Margaret Stafford, the current Overseer, is the head of all Authorities throughout the world. Jingo Jingo, an evil Death magic user, was appointed the head of the Portland Authority in spite of his many crimes.

Authority members who show up to fight against the rebels include Ethan Katz, Allie's accountant; Carl and La, the twins; the three Georgia sisters: Savannah, Atlanta, and ??; Nick Pavloski and Joshua Romero, who are Closers using Faith magic; Mike Barham, who thinks Daniel was a good man is Life magic; Paige Iwamoto is Blood magic; Dr. Fisher is the Authority's medic; Sunny is Davy's girlfriend; and, Melissa Whit, the Blood truth bitch.

The Hounds are…
…magic users who can smell magic, take it apart, and trace it back to its original caster. Some of the Hounds include the dying Davy Silvers being treated by Eli Collins, Sid Westerly, Bea Lufkin who's dating Jack Quinn, Jamar Legare, Theresa Garcia, and the new Hound, Karl.

Martin Pike was a legend as a Hound. He also cared about his fellow Hounds and started up a support group which Allie took over after he died in Magic in the Blood , 2. Lately he's been popping in as a ghost with information.

Detective Paul Stotts heads the Magical Enforcement Response Corps division of the Portland PD which is responsible for crimes involving magic.

Mama Rositto runs a restaurant in St. John's. Boy(s) is/are the name she gives every boy Mama takes in. Perry Hoskil had been her husband and Daniel's partner before Daniel forced him out and into bankruptcy. Their son, James Hoskil, had tried to kill one of her Boys and frame Daniel for it ( Magic to the Bone , 1). Cody Miller's spiritual half has attached himself to her. He's the more adult half who remembers. He is also the man, the Hand, who created Stone. His parents were Sedra and Mikhail. Both dead now. Dr. Ed Tullis will help heal the wounded. An artist friend of Mama's, Mrs. Stanley, converted a church into a house.

Grant Rhine owns and runs Get Mugged, Allie's favorite coffee shop. He's also proven himself to be a loyal friend.

Eli "Collins the Cutter" is a sadistic torturer who experimented on people and was Closed for it by Victor.

Leander and Isabelle were the Soul Complements who went rogue five hundred years ago and forced the Authority of their time to split magic. They are trying to return and take over the world.

The Veiled are fragments of magic users that are still hanging around and are attracted to magic, to eat it. There are five kinds of magic: Life, Death, Blood, Faith, and Flux. Magic was split hundreds of years ago into dark and light after a pair of Soul Complements, a couple who enhance each other's magic, went rogue. Closers are the assassins. They also Close people's minds, able to select memories, remove the ability to do magic, kill, and open gates. To Proxy a spell is to cause someone else to endure the pain of the magic you are using. A Disbursement is a spell the user casts choosing what kind of pain to suffer for using magic. A Focal is a person who must hold light and dark magic long enough to heal it.

The Cover and Title
The cover is black, grays, and white with a cocky Allie in her low-rise black jeans, black cropped tank top, and black leather jacket, one hand holds a gun pointing at the ground while the other holds a sword, pointing up. The background is a stormy sky with highway overpasses framing Allie at odd angles.

It's Magic Without Mercy as both sides battle for supremacy.

[Jenna Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things I like about this series. The magic world Devon Monk has created is so...cool. It's so twisted and cool that I just love it. It's not overly complicated for me to grasp, which I like. Some series I read and I'm all "I have no idea what's going on" and I keep reading hoping I'll grasp it.

It's the characters. How they interact. They're such a cohesive unit. Allie & Zay (who is rrrawr). Allie & Terric (again....rawr). Allie & Shame (again....rawr). Allie & her mentors. Allie & the Hounds. Even Allie & her ghostly (ew creepy) father. It entwines wonderfully.

And that's why I love this series.

In this book Allie & crew aren't doing so well but they still...work. It's fun to watch how much she's grown from the first book. She's a leader. Somewhere along the way she turned into a leader.

Now...if only someone would tell me what those tattoos do!!

[Anna Serene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy shit.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Review coming*

Magic Without Mercy (Allie Beckstrom # 8) finds our protagonist, Allison Beckstrom, hunted by the Authority (the secret council that enforces magic’s laws) after she killed Bartholomew Wray. She’s wanted by the police for supposedly embezzling money from her own company which was fabricated by the Wray in an attempt to destroy her own father’s work and to keep Allie in check.

Magic has taken a severe toll on Allie’s body from years of abuse and being closed by her own father one too many times to count. Now, she can’t use magic unless she wants to find herself unconscious and in extreme pain. Allie isn’t alone in running away from the Authority. She is joined by Shamus Flynn, Zayvion Jones, Terric Conley, Maeve Flynn, Victor and Hayden after they were given orders by Wray that went against everything they believed in.

If that weren’t enough to keep Allie and crew busy, Portland's magic has been poisoned and the Veiled are infecting and killing people at an alarming rate. Lastly, Davy, her friend and Hound, lies dying after being infected by a Veiled one and the only person capable of finding a cure is a Doctor that was once Closed (Had his memories erased) after being involved in some nefarious circumstances.

The creepiest part is that Daniel Beckstrom, said decease father of Allie’s, is still taking up part of her brain and Allie has all but stopped asking him questions about her past and her memories. There are a bunch of mysteries surrounding Daniel’s choices when it comes to Allie and why he continued to have her memories erased from her. Can you serious trust him now, or was Daniel creating a way have Allie pick up on his secretive plans which still haven’t exactly been brought into the spotlight after eight books in this series?

Now, as we wait Magic for a Price (November 2012), we have the worst of villains (Isabelle and Liander) on the loose and wanting Allie and Zayvion dead for being Soul Complements and supposedly having a way to stop the couple in their tracks toward world domination. What power they supposedly hold that can stop the nasty duo still hasn’t been revealed.

*Thoughts*

The first thing that came to mind after reading this book was that absolutely nothing has changed for Allie and crew. They are still technically outside of the Authorities jurisdiction and still trying to figure out a way to cure the magic ills that have allowed the Veiled to roam freely.

Even though there was a huge battle at the end of this book which pretty much reintroduced and included each and every character that has ever made an appearance in this series (including some supposedly dead), nothing changed. Sure there was a so called armistice of sorts put into place after Allie and crew battled the Authority to a winning proposition and came out alive after exposing yet another megalomaniac in Jingo Jingo. However, the magic is still poisoned, people are still dying, Allie is still unable to use her own magic except to see what others are doing with it, and the bad guys still want to her dead.

My positive(s) include the fact that the Hounds played a pivotal role in this book. They really came to Allie’s rescue and defense when it appeared that all the chips were sitting on the dealer’s side of the table and Allie and crew were in deep kimchee after the Authority finally caught up with them. I liked that choices were made and that Shame and Terric understood that they are Soul Complements and can work magic together like nobody’s business. I liked that no major character fell, even though some experience painful situations that they really didn’t mind as long as things work out in their favor in the end.

My negative(s) include the fact that again, nothing has been settled. Yet another megalomaniac falls by the wayside yes, but, the two characters that started all this chatter are still roaming around free and killing anyone who stands in their way. Also, why is Allie in charge of this group when she can’t even do magic, and she has her father keeping more and more secrets from her that he refuses to reveal to her? Whose side of the fight is Daniel Beckstrom really on?

Overall, even with the negative connotations that I’ve outlined, this book was enjoyable to read. I’m glad that there was a huge fight between the two sides that pretty much showed why the Authority was in the wrong when it came to the magical imbalance affecting Portland.

I’ve heard that Magic for a Price is the last book in the series? I’m hoping I can get either an acknowledgement of that fact, or a rebuttal. Then again, after 9 books in a series, it’s time to wrap things up in a bow and deliver it to the readers who have followed this series from the first book forward.

[Kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..

With Magic unusable to Allie, and everyone under the sun out hunting for her, including the magic council called the Authority, Allie's own freedom is a ticking time bomb. Of course more than just her freedom is at stake because capture would mean losing her mind, literally. Stripping minds is the Authority's standard procedure for renegades. Unfortunately, she cannot lay low until the tide changes as Magic has been poisoned. Allie and her friends are the only ones who are willing and hopefully able to fix things before more lives are lost. But more stands in her way than just the police and the Authority as a nasty death magic user has set his sights on consuming the only thing that can heal magic, and she'll have to stop him before it's too late.

It will never cease to amaze me just how much of a whirlwind Allie is. She draws people to her like a moth to a flame, but cannot be corrupted. In fact, she seems to be the only person the corrupted sections of the Authority cannot seem to put down. Of course she wouldn't have made it this far without her friends, but their utter loyalty to her only further shows her strength and fortitude. Yet despite all this, Allie still cannot quite grasp her true worth. Yes she has her own inner confidence in her skill as a magic user, but as a leader, not so much. However, I think a lot of the events in Magic Without Mercy may have started to open up her eyes, and once she fully believes in herself, she will only be that much stronger.

It completely baffles me that with such a far reaching organization as the Authority, there wouldn't be more checks and balances in place to help stem some of the corruption. Of course the saying goes that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that is what these people hold. To make matters worse, it doesn't seem like they are corrupted as a whole, but in many different factions with their own agendas are in the mix. Perhaps that could be explained arrogance, in that these people are so full of themselves that they couldn't possibly believe that they could be fooled or ruined by another. Ironically, their downfall will probably be the very thing that got them into power in the first place.

One of the most impressive things about Magic Without Mercy was Devon Monk's ability to keep a perfect balance between action and character development. In a lot of series after the first few books the focus on the characters seems to drastically drop in favor of plot or series momentum, which can be a shame as it is easy to become detached from characters when you don't see them grow. The fact that this series doesn't, pretty much guarantees me a fantastic read with each new installment. In Magic without Mercy we see lots of character development; From Allie's overwhelming need to be the protector despite a certain lack of confidence in her leadership skills as well as her acceptance of her father's haunting, to Shame and Terric's strange love hate relationship, and even to some of the older members of the group learning to hand over the reins. Each character goes through changes, be they forward or backwards in progress, keeping me fully attached to each of them, and this series overall. As for this installment, from start to finish, Magic Without Mercy was a roller coaster ride. I simply could not put it down!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILERS!!!!

I don't really know what to say about this book. The action is great, but still not much resolved. PLUS now we had poisoned magic to the problems. I think it's strange that all of the sudden Allie is the one calling all the shots. I still can't figure out how that seemed to have happened. I mean it works great for her as far as the Hounds are concerned, but with the Authority business, it just doesn't make sense. I do however, admire her take charge attitude. She seems to ask more of the right questions and has improved her 'figure shit out' skills.

Oh and STILL Zay and Allie have a mostly physical type of relationship.. At this point in the type of relationship the two of them have, I'd HAVE to have some answers. So far Allie seems content with some occasional soul exchange and good sex. Disappointing for her character.

Now for the actual plot. I love the idea that magic has been poisoned. I actually like how Allie and her father work together in this book. I love that she killed Bartholemew, I love the way all the fighting went down, I love that Zay turned rebel, I love how Shame and Terric come closer, and I love that the hounds were involved no questions asked. I love how close Maeve and Allie got. I totally expected the evil duo to take over the Overseer. That was a bit too predictable. I guessed that as soon as they realized the duo was no longer in Portland, a book ago. (can't wait to see how that turns out).. Glad Davy and Sunny are an item, good riddens to Tomi. Sucks that he got so sick.. Kinda cool what he turned into because of it. Shame is a BAD ASS!! LOVE HIM..!! Victor is way better a character than I though. I liked him before, but much more now. And WHO is this Collins guy, and why does he seem to 'know' Allie.? And WHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD IS ALLIE STILL NOT ASKING HER FATHER ABOUT HER MEMORIES!?!?!?!?!? Why don't we ever meet any of Allies ex boyfriends? Lets show Zay what a little jealousy feels like for a change. Love the usage of Rock, Paper Scissors.. Hilarious.. And the Pooh News.. hahahaha... Love the Pooh usage and references..

OH.. almost forgot.. What was the deal with Allie having to trade her 'inner magic' for Zay's soul in Magic at the Gate? STILL don't know why that happened. There was absolutely no significance to it all, other than to make things even MORE difficult for Allie (and to give her a death mark that proves useful, but still) Mikhail wanted her magic REALLY BAD, and then gave it to a woman (probably Sedra) inside death. BUT WHY?!!!

Overall, my favorite I think so far in the series. Still a huge fan and can't wait for the next release.

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kicks ass. It is action packed. It’s full of danger. And it sets the stage spectacularly for the series finale. If you have been enough of a fan of these stories to make it to book 8, there is no way it won’t get your blood pumping.

It’s a transformative book for Allie. She and her friends are on the run and for the first time, she is stepping in to a leadership position. Maybe it’s the time she has spent leading the hounds; maybe it’s her unique way of looking at things; or her dad’s knowledge… it’s probably all that and a dozen other things, but it feels like a natural progression. Suddenly, her teachers and her friends are following her as the Authority closes in and magic continues to devolve.

Poor Davy is suffering the effects of the magic infection, but I think that is what gives the threat a very human face. I’ve grown to really care about this kid and his unwavering loyalty to Allie. It’s touching to see how she works so valiantly to return the favor. One of the many cool things about this series is that even while it throws down all of these great action sequences, the characters are really what makes the stories shine.

Take Shame and Terric. Who doesn’t feel something for these two? Their relationship is so complex and emotionally volatile. But they are like fireworks. They burn so bright, it’s easy to forget that they are combustible. I have no idea where things are going for them. I just know I have to see it.

Of course, the relationship between Allie and Zay is one of the few pure and sure things in this dark world. I wish things could be so clear with her dad. The past few books have been painting him very differently. Almost like a human being. But I need some kind of way for the author to make me see the whole picture of him. I have faith that the next book will do that.

The climax here is huge. And we’re definitely on the precipice of the Big Showdown. I hate to see this series end, but I can’t wait to see how it will happen.

Rating: B+

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two steps forward, One step back. Allie and her friends are in a race to find a cure for the poisoned magic that is killing people and with magic making Allie sick, she has to depend on her friends and more conventional means to keep herself safe from those who are hunting them.

I am still completely lost when it comes to Allie's father. One minute I felt like he is truly interested in helping Allie, and the next I'm convinced he has a massive ulterior motive. I'm also still really upset about Allie not having her personal interior magic still. I don't know why but it really bugs me. I love Allie and Zayvion even more as the books pile on. Shame and Terric continue to be my favorite two allies involved in Allies life and I love reading about their love hate relationship.

There is always a ton of action involved and story development added with each Allie book. Just when you think Allie will be able to catch a break the ending throws a massive curve ball in her plans and moves her back into battle mode. By the last page you know where the story is going next and I cant wait to read how it plays out.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh from the aftermath of book #7, Allie is now unable to use magic. Magic has been making her sick. Meanwhile, Allie also has double troubles: she gets both Authority and police on her back. She killed Bartholomew Wray, the leader of the Authority, and she is being framed of embezzlement of his father's company. But Allie and her friends have a more important thing to take care of: somehow magic has been poisoned and people are badly affected. They need to find a way to find how it happens and how to cleanse the tainted magic.

The 8th book of Allie Beckstrom series, the last one before the FINAL book, which I assume will be released next year, is a perfect set-up to what I expect will be an EPIC battle. I am in love with this book for several reasons:

1) Allie has gone a long way from the Hound in book #1. She now practically leads this group of people: Zayvion (her lover), Shame, Terric, Maeve, Victor, Hayden, as well as her loyal Hounds to the war. Even without using magic, Allie has an advantage of being able to see magic without Sight, as well as seeing and talking to dead people. While the fights are mostly done by Zavyion and her friends, I think several times, Allie becomes the voice of reason, and the one that gives direction about what they have to do next. She grows spine, this girl.

2) Since Allie cannot use her magic, Zayvion shows how bad ass he can be. He is doing more magic, using Gates, Closing and Unclosing people, more than he ever done before. He stretches out his strength, and he can still function. Man, he's just awesome!!

3) Then there is Shame Flynn. Oh, gosh, there is Shame Flynn!! As much as Zayvion kicks ass, I must say that in this book, Shame plays as much as an important role in that final battle of the last few chapters. Shame has grown on me so bad -- and the way he kills Jingo Jingo just shows that he has also gone along way since his first appearance.

4) And since I'm talking about Shame, I cannot NOT talk about him and Terric. Look, it is so obvious that they are Soul Complements (just like Allie and Zay). I don't care if Shame keeps denying it -- Terric has feeling for him. The part where Terric tells Shame that he WILL miss Shame if he's gone with "every damn beat of his heart" is so intense. I know Shame says that he's not gay (unlike Terric) but I want to believe that being Soul Complements is way more intimate than just lovers. Oh, and now that Shame knows how it is to lose Terric, since Terric dies for a moment, and gives his life and soul for Shame to kill Jingo Jingo -- and by the way, my heart stops when I get to that part, I cannot believe that Devon Monk dares to torture her fans that way. EVIL!, I expect Shame to finally accept that fact. That part, is one reason enough to reread over and over again.

5) I love how several other recurring characters return: Mama and her Boys, Cody, Nola, Paul, and of course, my favorite gargoyle ever, Stone. In fact, Cody and Stone also have important roles in attempt to cleanse the tainted magic.

The final chapter of this book just BLOWS MY HEAD. With what is going on with the Overseer, I guess it's all come down to a final showdown. Unfortunately, I have to wait for that. Darn! This is a strong and brilliant series (I haven't given it less than 4 stars) and I will be sad to see it ends.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers.

A lot of the same problems I had with the past few books in the series are still there...
-Why isn't Allie doing any ass-kicking? Yeah, okay, she can see magic and talk to ghosts. Sweet. A few tatoos and a death hand as well...all mysterious and all that good shit we like in our Urban Fantasies, but...she literally has done nothing. Yeah, she's the cruise director for the whole plot, but really, as a few reviewers mentioned, how did she get put in charge? She has the least experience...
-Plot holes...what happened to the magic in St. Johns? If Allie can see magic, and see spells, why can't she see the spells Momma's got up in there? What happened to her magic? It's pretty easy with all the things Devon's got going on in her plot, not to mention memories that get all mixed up, to drop a few points here and there, and it's getting a bit frustrating when I have so many unknowns going on.
-The stupid Dad, deux ex machina, plot device. Any time they need Allie or the group to know something that wasn't in the world...Dad in her brain. Anytime she *needs* to cast magic that she can't because it's making her sick, even though she used to carry magic in her, her dad comes in and "protects her" from it.

Overall, it's a good book. I enjoyed it, though less than the first few. Maybe I'm just getting tired of all these plot holes that don't ever get answered. I like a good mystery here and there, the enigmatic characters often are key components in an UF plot, I like that, I do. But I swear, I feel like we never get any answers to these series, even 8 books in. From the very first book when Zay was being an ass and being all mysterious, we've never gotten answers.

tl;dr Great side characters, great world building, just gotta watch out for the potholes.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I was so excited to get this, the 8th book in the Allie Beckstom series from B&N this past week! I love, *love*, **LOVE** this series even though I stumbled through one or two of the books... around book 3 or 4. Before and after they were fabulous! And the ones I felt like I was slogging through.... they gave valuable insight and information to both previous and future books so I am utterly grateful I did not give up on them! :-)

Magic Without Mercy was a gripping, page-turning, thriller!!! From the moment I picked it up I was loathe to put it down for important things like... schooling, showers, and the prepping of meals! LOL! Every spare moment of time I could find I'd pick it up and read like a mad woman! I managed to read it in 2 days but could easily have finished it in an afternoon had I had a spare afternoon to do so! :-)

I think this is the best of the series and I cannot wait for the next book! There must be a next book! Write quickly Mrs. Monk! Please write quickly! :-)

We need to see our friends, to follow their triumphs! Allie, Zay, Shame, Terric, Cody, Davy, Maeve, et al need to rest, recuperate and get back to fighting the bad guys! For now they have TWO problems... not just one! Hurry!

Sincerely,
~Hope

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I like this series, but I'm finding Allie increasingly irritating. She can no longer use magic without passing out, so mostly she stands on the sidelines, giving her orders and marvelling over how beautiful magic is and how skilled all her friends are at using it. She seems a step removed from the action when she should really be in the thick of it.

It also puzzles me how she's suddenly in charge of this band of ex-Authority members. They are all so much more experienced than her yet, rather inexplicably, they are all looking to her to make the decisions and following her orders even when they think it's a monumentally bad idea. She's still incredibly dense at times. I understand that it may be difficult to remember everything in the heat of battle, but some of the things Allie forgets or fails to consider are ridiculously obvious.

The side characters are more interesting to me than Allie. I love Shame and Terric, I love Stone, and I rather like Cody, especially spirit Cody. The most interesting scenes involved these characters. There is apparently only one more book to go and there are still many, many unanswered questions. Let's see if we get all the loose ends tied up.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie's dead father features quite a bit in this one and it totally creeps me out. The worst has happened in this one. The enforcers have now been infiltrated. The secret council: "Authority" have gone wild. Possessions are a bad bad thing. What is worse is the explanation of these soul mates with the original one and why magic has been split.

Magic has gone toxic. At ever turn, Allie's efforts are being stopped. For so many smart people in this secret society, they seem to be easily misled. It is frustrating with all the sabotage. So many of them are being neutral and not willing to do anything until it is too late. The powerful ones who can be helped are all castrated/neutered. I'm becoming anxiety stricken just reading it.

This complex world gets better and better. I like how things don't go right for Allie and she continues to plow forward with different contingency plans. Nothing is easy for them. All the pieces are starting fall into place. The end game looks grim and I love it. Highly recommended for urban fantasy lovers.

[Cmkage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe there is only one book left. I will miss this series. I don't want it to end. At the same time, this book really has laid the ground work for the final battle and I'm really, really looking forward to that. There are still a lot of questions left to be answered.

Magic Without Mercy didn't only set-up the scene for the final installment though, it also did a very good job of developing the characters and relationships further. By now Allie has turned into a great leader and I really like how she and Zayvion support each other.

Another two people that are absolutely fascinating to read about are Terric and Shame. I just about had a hard attack at the end. If there is ever going to be a spin-off from this series, it should be about them.

I can't wait for the final book to arrive. So far, this has been one of the best thought-out series I've read and the conclusion promises to be mind-blowing.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Allie, Zay, Shame, and Terric face horrible odds and an evil authority, and Allie does it while magicless. What an exhausting, but exhilarating story! I laughed, I cringed, I cried, I loved (the interplay between characters especially Allie and Shame---I think I love Shame most of all!) Was there anything I didn't like about the book? Well, it ended too quickly. The ending battle, was very similar to the last big battle with the authority, and it might have been nice if Allie could have helped out in the fight a little more, but, no, truthfully one of the nicer aspects of the book is that Allie doesn't single-handedly take out every bad guy. Besides we know she's saving herself for the face-off with Leander and Isabelle. I wait for the next book with both anticipation and dread because I can't wait to see what happens, but I hate to say goodbye to these guys!

[Claire (Cem) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. I knew this would be intense. I knew it would be tough going. I knew tears were likely. But some of what happened here? Never, ever, saw it coming. I've laughed and cried and bearly breathed through several chapters. I'm both gutted that I now have to wait several months for the next book, and relieved because it means I've got time to catch my breath and prepare myself for it. Completely fantastic, completely addictive, and completely worth the late night, tears and heartache.

Love, love, love.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number eight in the nine book series. I don't know why I kept reading this series. Maybe I just want to know if Allie ever rids herself of her father's ghost and just what is it he's really up to. This book was boring until the last third of the book. It really broke loose in the end and recaptured my attention. Can't wait for the last book so I can finally finish this series and find out what good old dad has been up to. This could have been a fantastic series if the author hadn't made Allie so darn annoying.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars... Definitely have a need to catch my breath after this exciting read...The ending was incredibly tense filled with many unpredictable moments that regardless of my eye strain or fatigue I kept turning those pages to get to the ending... Allie and the gang are in a race against time as they attempt to determine ally from enemy in a bid to cleanse magic and save humanity... Action packed, intensely emotional, and magically charged this read was captivating and addictive from the first paragraph... Love this entire series:)

[Tobi Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book series that's gotten better with time, and now, with one book left, it's mind-blowing. The magic is so complex that it should be overwhelming, but Devon Monk does a great job explaining it simply and clearly. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic, especially in this book, when characters from many different points in the series are coming together. The series arc is starting to come to a head now, and I can't wait for the last book to find out what happens next.

[evilqueen21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heart Zayvion, I heart Shame, I heart Terric, I heart Allie, I heart Stone, I heart the hounds, I pretty much heart everyone in this series- hell I'm even beginning to heart Allie's dear old Dad. But most of all I wicked heart Ms. Monk who was super amazingly fantastic enough to hold my hand & send virtual hugs to ease my panic attack at 3 am while I was reading!!! LOL =)

[Rosalind M · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much going on that, for me, it read like Allie was an observer more than an active participant.

[Dangerous Romance Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allison Beckstrom’s talent for tracking spells has put her up against some of the darkest elements in the world of magic. But she’s never faced anything like this.

Magic itself has been poisoned, and Allie’s undead father may have left the only cure in the hands of a madman. Hunted by the Authority—the secret council who enforces the laws–wanted by the police, and unable to use magic, she’s got to find the cure before the sickness spreads beyond any power to stop it.

But when a death magic user seeks to destroy the only thing that can heal magic, Allie and her fellow renegades must stand and fight to defend the innocent and save all magic…

Monk built an amazing world in her magical Portland Oregon. Her protaganist, Allie Beckstrom's wealthy father Father who she despised when he was alive because she felt he'd never been there for her, must now live with him butting into things. For a guy who should be dead, he's very opinionated, but he has saved her life repeatedly. What makes these books different is magic is a resource, it is the energy that runs the city, more Technological then say...a Potteresque type of magic.

In Monk's world, magic runs the electricity and, like water...has wells. In a way, it is a bit of a China Town type of scenario, in that if you have something people want badly, you have power. And you are going to have powerful people who are going to try to take it over. Over the last 7 books, alliances have shifted, battles have been fought, lives have been lost, hearts have been broken. All because of Magic; who has it, who wants it, who can use it the best, and who can try to take it away.

Allie Beckstrom and her band of co-horts are on the run. In the last episode, Magic on the Line, Allie had to kill someone. It was someone evil, who was trying to do evil things, but still…that is a lot to live with and the consequences have put her, and all of her friends in danger, and they don't know who to trust.

Once they all fought for the Authority, now they are on the run from the Authority, the governing body in the Portland area that controls magic and magic users. It now turns out, the Authority has a much larger reach then just the Pacific Northwest.

Allie STILL can't use her magic, and that was actually kind of cool...to see her have less powers then more, even though technically she is probably the most powerful magically of all of them if she could just re- learn how to access it. They are all trying to get to the gates and find a way to clean the poison from them. The Veiled are out in mass now, killing people on the streets and Allie's little gang is trying to stop them, trying to fix the poisoned magic, trying to protect those they love and hoping to get the evil people out of power without ending up in jail in the meantime. To do that, they may be forced to do things they don’t feel good about. Fight people they respect who have chosen the wrong leadership, and ally themselves with people they dislike and don't trust…to accomplish the greater good. It is a time rife with compromise and decisions that could prove deadly at every turn.

Things I love about this series....the world building is so tight if it was a ship, it would float. Magic isn't so much supernatural as it is a gift that can be enhanced via technology. There are people who are "hounds" who can basically track who cast what spell of magic. Another cool thing is when the group is struggling with whether to believe a new comer is telling the truth, they can make him take a magical test that lets them know if he is being truthful or not. They all work as a team to make powerful things happen, yet they can all be bitchy and moody with each other when they are living like the Barrow Gang, all bloodied up and tired, and driving frantically from one destination to another, trying not to get caught.

The personalities are strongly written, and solid in their behavior from book to book. I love the characters; they are so real I feel like I know them.

Allie, with her daddy issues, her strength and courage, her natural leadership abilities and how she wants to shirk it but, she keeps rising to the occasion. Zayvion, that beautiful man, puts himself in danger time after time for others and is such a strong warrior and all around good person, and also on a side note, extremely hot. The love Zay and Allie have for eachother, hell….she went into death and brought him back. They still have their problems as a couple, their differences of opinion and worry for each other but I love how Zay respects her and her decisions and her right to fight along side him. He isn’t one of these freakishly overly protective boyfriends we’ve seen so much of in our genres lately. He worries about her but he respects her abilities. I love their pet Gargoyle stone, who sounds like he has marbles in his mouth when he tries to talk.

Shame, who I am fascinated with. His snark, his death magic, what that means, carrying that around inside him and trying to be on the side of angels when your magic is so powerful and deadly. I love Shame’s witticism’s in the face of death, his desire to do the right thing, yet still being true to the archetype he has made himself into, the bad boy outcast, a role he was born to play, I do worry about his increasing frailty.

Then there is Terric, his frustration with Shame, who is his soul complement but who won't accept it or work with it, partly because they are both men, partly because Shame is afraid he will kill Terric accidently, because it almost happened once before, and also…it is possible these two guys might be in love with each other but they won’t admit it. When these four are stuck in a car together, the tension gets so strong you could cut it with a knife, and it feels like you are in the backseat with them...on the way to face potential death with the only people you really trust anymore beside you, who you love unconditionally, yet who bug the shit out of you. But I would follow these four, fictionally speaking...anywhere. The other characters are great as well, but these four make up the foundation of the series....well five if you count Stone the Gargoyle.

I do have a few quibbles....minor ones, because I adore this series so much. It would be better in my opinion if Monk parceled out the revelations a bit more throughout the series. I'm on the second to the last book in the series and I feel I should know more by now. Only one book left and I have so many questions I could write an entire blogs worth of them. Allie's dad has so many secrets and we should know more of them by now. I missed Violet in this book, her and Allie's relationship is so unusual....as a step parent myself, I loved seeing a book where the stepparent wasn't evil, she was one of the best people in the story. She added a dimension to Allie that was...softer. Allie spends so much time hanging out with guys, getting into brawls with guys, recuperating with guys...it was nice seeing her spend time with Violet and worrying about her new sibling and in this book we didn't get a lot of that.

Throughout the books it is said that if you use magic, it will use you. There are consequences EVERY TIME you use magic and you can choose what will happen or it will decide on its own. So when you cast a spell, say for example: "SIGHT" so you can see in a dark alley, before you release the spell as part of the hand movements you make, you have to add to it what you're going to have magic hit you with...a migraine? Muscle aches? a small fever? You choose. It can also affect your memory. These symptoms can be "Offloaded" onto proxies, people who let others put the pain on them, for a price. Now...this seems to me it would open up a HUGE can of worms, and you'd have poor people, or people forced against their will by the mob.... jammed in a room getting slammed with body pains and colds, so rich women could look younger using a glamour spell. I think this is an under utilized plot point. It is also casually mentioned that magic can be offloaded on Prisoners. I can see all kinds of areas of abuse this could cause. And for all the times they cast magic, our Heroes would all be in bed for a month. You'll read Allie saying, "well I guess I'll have to take a headache" as she casts magic...but then you don't always see her GET the headache. You do alot of the time but sometimes it seems to get skipped over.

Those tiny things aside, I cannot wait for the last book which comes out in November of THIS YEAR! At the same time, I’m going to be so sad when I read the last book. I respect she is going to end the series, it is probably time. But I’m going to miss these characters so much. I'm really going to miss Shamus. I hope he makes it to a happy ending of some kind. If Shame was here, he'd make a rude comment right there. Sigh. I'm going to miss the boy.

Devon Monk is going to have a lot of loose ends to tie up, and I for one cannot wait to see how she does it. Knowing how she's written the series so far, she will end this series just the same way it has been written so far, with great characters, intense drama and exciting battles, poignant moments between individuals we have grown to care about, and a lot of Magic.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series - it gets better and better with every book. This one carries on pretty much where the previous book left off. Magic is poisoned, causing Allie to be sick every time she uses it and causing the Veiled to bite and poison people and Allie and co are the only ones who are trying to do something about it. But...Allie is a wanted woman after what she did in the last book - both the police and the Authority are after her, so they all have to stay low.

Getting a hold of the magic samples to test them and to try and find an antidote was an easier task that I thought it would be. It's wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but everyone seemed to manage it without too many problems. However the following test causes more problems and triggers events that means the gang have to go on the run, yet again. The problem is they are running out of places to run and hide to and Allie has to ask people who may or may not grant them a bit of respite. Luckily for her, she has many friends who will help, even if she is unsure about whether they will or not.

The big battle was brilliant and several times I wasn't sure how it was going to end - things happened that convinced me it was going in one direction and then something else would happen to turn it around. This scene was brilliantly written and tense throughout.

As much as I like Allie, she was definitely the weakest link in the group due to her not being able to use magic or to even use a gun to protect herself. I hope in the next boo, we find out why she has lost the ability to use magic - is it to do with her dad residing in her head? Is it because the magic is poisoned? Is there another reason? I'm still not sure why everyone seemed to let her lead the group either - I know she is the main character and this is her story, but as someone who now cannot use magic, or has very little experience in using it like some of the others, it was an odd choice that she seemed to naturally take on this role. Maybe the others have had enough of leading themselves and want someone else to take charge for a change.

I love all the characters in this series - the side characters are as great as the main characters and Terric and Shame were absolutely brilliant together in this one. They finally seemed to have worked themselves out! I loved how the Hounds came out as well to support Allie - without them I think the end battle would have been VERY different!

With only one book left in the series, there's still so much to resolve, so many unanswered questions to answer and it sounds like the final battle may be the hardest one yet!

[Michelle novelsontherun · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5 SHAMUS FLYNN NEEDS A SPINOFF SERIES STARS!!! ASAP!!

I love this urban fantasy series and I have just realised that there is only one more book to come, ‘Magic For A Price’ due for release 6th November 2012.

I have heard there may be a Shamus Flynn spinoff, I am hoping this is not a rumour as I can soooo see Shamus and a book series, he just has the most brilliant character voice with his snark and humour, yet he is a caring soul underneath all that black. I would love a wallpaper image of Shamus that I could share my desktop space .

In this instalment, Dad aka Daniel , is still rattling about in Allie’s head. I was surprised at how Allie has really come to the foreground and been quite in charge, even over Zay. I understand Zay, Shame, Terric, Hayden, Maeve, Victor and Allie have all gone rogue and mutinied from the Authority, as it is a bit corrupt and who does one really trust when they are trying to save the people from the Veiled. I am a bit perplexed how Allie has gained the respect of the people who have been in the Authority a long time and much higher ranked and appears to have superseded their rank. Does it have to do with Daniel/Dad being the ever brainiac that he is, guiding Allie, that has her trumping the others? Are they in such need of that authority figure that they can rely on, that it has come down to Allie/Daniel Beckstrom?

The Veiled are still happily wandering about doing the bitey, bitey and infecting and killing people. Jingo Jingo aka Mr Creepy/ Mr Wrong, is now in charge, the new head of the Authority, as it didn’t work out very well for Bartholomew. Every member who hasn’t gone rogue is gunning for our very small group of heroes. The Authority isn’t earning any brownie points or trust by having Jingo Jingo in charge.

Roman decides to make an entrance at the most inopportune time for Allie, me thinks he timed that one special..hehe!!

“For Christsake, Grimshaw, use the frickin’ front door. Is it some kind of requirement that all Guardians of the gates have to do the creepy stalker thing?”

It is decided that Roman will take some very valuable recorded information to the Overseer, the Highest Head of Authority, The Final Voice. The End Watch. The Last Ward. The Overseer guides the world of magic and all who use it. So, Margaret Stafford, who is the current Overseer, has a tad heavy weight on her shoulders. Roman must successfully get this recorded information that will ‘out’ the corruptness that has become the Authority , to the current Overseer as she has the equipment that can extract this information. How successful will Roman be?

Allie and Zay , who I know have a deep respect and love for each other, I just am not feeling it as much in these later instalments. What I mean is, Bones and Cat from the Night Huntress series, you really feel their connection, love, protectiveness, no matter how many books you are into the series, it comes through loud and clear. Allie and Zay are Soul Complements and have a connection and a love, but I felt that something was missing from the writing of these two characters, to continue to make me believe their relationship. Maybe it is just me.

Devon gives Allie a makeover and she now has that badass look about her. I think Zay was rather surprised, in a good way.

Devon brings the Magic action scenes in this book. Lots more magic is being used. Allie still can’t use magic without it making her sick. I do wonder where Devon is going with this with just one book left in the series. Spells are flying about all smexi like.

I thought a most brilliant/clever idea Devon had was using Winnie The Pooh in this instalment. How clever, bracelets with message beads, that use a code from Winnie The Pooh..hehe!! Brilliant!! If you can recite Winnie The Pooh , this little crew of heroes can talk in code to each other and decipher the message. If you are a tad forgetful, just take the book with you and look it up.

Good thinking 99.

There is so much I love about this series, but I must admit Shamus Flynn aka Shame, has taken over the Team T-Shirt from Zayvion aka Zay. There is just something about Shamus. Is he straight or gay? Well, we still do not know this. But, who cares.... well Terric does....*sigh*

I am feeling just a tad worried about the last book giving me the satisfaction I need from this series coming to an end. I have my fingers crossed that I find out the why and what of Dad being inside Allie’s head and what all this is about. There are still many things swaying in the breeze.

I love all the characters Devon brings to life in this series, I want me a Shamus to take home, but I hope Terric gets to eventually take him home. Stone, my most awesome Gargoyle is bounding about in protective mode, but he can also be rather useful as a container. Yes, I did say a container.

Still not sure about Collins, his reputation seems to deem him very dangerous, so much that he was ‘closed’, now he wants to strike a deal to be ‘unclosed’. Is this a wise decision or is it our crews only option?

Will everybody survive this instalment? You will have to read and find out.



FAVE QUOTES :

“Super interesting,” I interrupted. “Really, just. But I’d rather hear it clothed. Take it outside , gentlemen.”
“You’re naked?’ Shame said, trying to get a better look around Zayvion and Roman.
........ “She’s naked?’ Shame asked again as Zayvion shoved his shoulder to make him turn around. “Aw , give a man a break. What’s a little accidental nakedness between friends?”




“Are you here to betray us?” Shame asked.
“No.”
“Is that accent of yours fake?” Shame asked.
"No. Is yours?”
“I don’t have an accent,” Shame said.
“Shamus,” Maeve sighed. “Blood magic isn’t a toy.”




“Hell no,” Shame said with a grin. “Arguing like it’s buy-one-get-one-free doomsday out there. All I know is I’m not going to be the one who flies off to England to get an audience with Stafford. I’d like my internal organs, and my memories, to stay right where they are, thank you very much.”




“Shame ?” Zayvion said. “Shut the hell up.”
And wonders of wonders, Shame did just that.




“But that’s my dad’s tech- my company’s, tech. And you’re hacking into it? I didn’t think they could be accessed like that.”
Shame doused his smile and gave me wide, innocent eyes. “They can’t. I have no idea what Terric’s talking about, the delinquent. Your da’s handiwork is above the genius of all other men and will never be soiled.”
I pointed at my face. “This is me not believing you.




This ought to be fun,” Shame said, lighting a cigarette. “I call dibs on that piece of shit Jingo Jingo.”



“You’d miss me if I was dead,” Shame said. “Wouldn’t you, Ter?’ he plunked down in the empty chair, staring straight into Terric’s glare.
...... “With every damn beat of my heart,” Terric ground out. I noted he had his right hand closed, and out of the way of Shame’s sight.
Shame blinked. He hadn’t expected that answer. “Liar,” he said.
Terric just stared at him. “Think so?”
Shame frowned . Terric didn’t look away.
Finally , Shame scowled. “You used to be fun to be around, Terric,” he said, breaking eye contact, and scowling down at his coffee instead. “What happened to you?”
“You, Flynn,” Terric said. “You happened to me.”