Agent of Artifice

by S. Evan Townsend

They live among us. We know they are there. No government can control them; no authority can stop them. Some are evil. Some are good. All are powerful. They inhabit our myths and fairy tales. But what if they were real, the witches, wizards, and fairy godmothers? What if they were called "adepts" and were organized into guilds for mutual protection and benefit? And what if they started mucking around with the affairs of "lessers" (that is, those humans not able to match their powers)? During the height of the Cold War, Michael Vaughan is a rogue without a guild. He survives by working for the CIA as NOC (Non-Official Cover). Shortly after the funeral of President Joe Kennedy, Jr., he is sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. There he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with adepts working for Fidel.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Ebooks

302 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2011

About the author

S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and has three grown sons at various stages of getting out of the nest. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but after reading the first 2 chapters, I was hooked. I was transported into an alternate universe where people with paranormal powers coexist with regular people. A place where the history is very similar to our own. The story takes place from 1958 to 1963 and deals with Castro's rise to power in Cuba. This is a period of history that I am not too familiar with. The use of magic in the book was worked in seamlessly and believably. I did not feel like it was over-explained or overused. The story was fast paced and the hero was likable. This book was a pleasure to read.

Love the cover art.

I received this book for free from Goodreads first reads program.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE GOLD HAMMERS

Two men are talking in a bar in Miami. The President of the United States has been assassinated and no one present seems to be upset. One ordinary man named Michael Vaughn is one of the men in the bar and second a drunk named Gomez. Talking over the state of what happened to the President they are not really careful about letting anyone overhear them. Michael is no ordinary man. He is an adept with certain powers that make him dangerous and able to deal with situations the FBI and CIA could not. Special powers that allow him to be protected from danger harm and create spells that would take down the enemy and protect him. From the author of the bestselling novel, Hammer of Thor comes another blockbuster Agent of Artifice by author S. Evan Townsend. Imagine being able to infiltrate enemy camps and not be seen. Magic is a great thing to have and the power it yields will definitely make the reader wish you were an adept too. Michael Vaughn has signed orders from the late President. Gomez, also working for the CIA as he does needs a favor. In return for getting certain documents he requires back he promises to get him into the North American Guild. Understanding that this guild might be his only choice for protection he agrees. Using several truth spells and persuasion spells he’s able to glean the information from Gomez that he wants and get the assistant that he desires. Wouldn’t it be great to use a persuasion spell to get what you want without the other person ever knowing why? The country forlorn as Joe Kennedy has been killed and his assassin taken out before he would come to trial. Michael Vaughn was sent to Cuba for only one reason: Assassinate Fidel Castro and his brother too. But, will he able to do this one last thing for the late president? Will anything or anyone try to stop him? Magic is great. Starting off with an invisibility spell in order to travel and fly without being seen.


Michael Vaughan looks like an ordinary guy who's living it up in Havana, having the time of his life. He's got money, women, practically anything he could ever ask for. Yet appearances can be deceiving, for underneath it all he's a rogue adept sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. Magic allows him to infiltrate enemy bases in hopes of gaining the needed Intel to achieve a means to his goals, but sometimes it proves to hinder his plans in more ways than one.

His current task is far from easy. There are those who are watching his every step, intent on thwarting his attempts. Dodging bullets and barely escaping with his life, at times, Michael wonders if there's someone out to get him and begins to suspect that it could be an inside job within one of the guilds. Someone wants to silence him and he refuses to give whoever it is the satisfaction of ending his life forever.

Author S. Evan Townsend takes the reader back in time to where it all began as you hear the voice of Michael Vaughn as he narrate the story in the first person allowing you to experience, along with him, how he became an adept, his father’s reaction to his decision, the problems he encountered, his escapades and how he manages to live on the edge. Dealing the mob, using his many spells to create diversions, changing the mind of others using persuasion spells and making sure he had his way with those he desired, Michael Vaughn is one powerful character determined to get what he wants at all costs.

Wanting to belong to a guild he needed to show his loyalty and allegiance to its members and leaders. As the author allows the reader to get to know this man you begin to realize his primary objective is his own life, welfare and personal survival. Needing the guild, at first for protection, welfare, money and support he pledged his loyalty. When the man who created the AMA and decentralized the guilds hoping to stop the fighting between the guilds was being attacked and challenged, Michael’s help was asked. But, as he stated before he is loyal to the guild but not really concerned with internal politics or the running of it. Kidnapped, tortured, beaten, shot at and injured he manages to prevail. It is too bad that we all don’t have healing spell. Think of all the illnesses and diseases we could eliminate.

As we come back to what the author would consider the present we find our man character has been kidnapped and placed in shackles in a Cuban prison. But, that did not stop him from his amazing escape. Its fortunate prisoners can’t pull off the feat that he did. As he convinced the guards that he was one of them and then required some help you know that Michael Vaughn was a man of many faces. Asking for help of the Cuban Guild, needing a talisman and hoping to find protection Michael Vaughn once again rises to the top convincing the man he referred to as Teacher, a sign of respect to not only help him but hope that his one mission for the late President would be carried out.

Need quick cash and having no other opportunities our Michael Vaughn forms an alliance with the mob and is now working for them. The revolution in Cuba was front and center in their conversation explaining how an adept functioned and his powers intrigued the head of the mob and definitely endeared him to Michael. Ordered by the mob to kill Castro. In order to kill someone you need to know his or her whole name. He did not. Flashing back to 1959 when he was without a guild and the American Meta Association was his only protection and the most powerful guild. Being a rogue adept was not a plus. Then, flash from the past arrives and his connections return as one woman would change everything and he would now risk it all. Returning to his hotel what he finds surprised him and would put him in danger as a fire broke out and many lives were lost. The head of the guild created this problem and now that he knows his whereabouts and he’s on the move again. What will finally happen to this rogue adept?

Imagine living off your winnings at poker, cheating and not really getting caught. I think that many owners of casinos are glad that Michael Vaughn does not visit very often. Private poker games, living on the edge and never really having one destination Michael Vaughn keeps the reader on a never ending roller coaster ride. With the help of his CIA friend Gomez he escapes Houser the new head of the guild. What is next for him?

Forced to go to a CIA training camp, given the name Jack and taking classes that sound really interesting and intriguing to this reviewer. Agent of Artifice meaning clever, deceptive, manipulative and cunning. Then the author moves to the Bay of Pigs, Castro’s regime, how that plays out you need to read for yourself. Problems in the Kennedy cabinet, controversy over putting Robert as part of his administration. CIA, mob, infiltrating governments, working alone and much more this man is totally elusive, can disappear and become invisible and definitely a heart throb for women. Covert action taken against Cuba and working with Kennedy finding out what the Russians are up to. Captured, injured, members of his team hurt and someone close to him pays the ultimate price. Betrayed, hurt, and much more. Will he carry out his mission or will something or someone stand in his way? How this all plays out you will never believe. What is the end result and who will remain alive and who will pay with much more? One lone meeting. One dangerous pterodactyl that is out for Michael and anyone that stands in its way. On ending filled with plenty of suspense, twists, wild turns and definitely tons of the unexpected and exciting. What will be the fate of the AMA? What will happen to our rogue agent, Liesel and the rest? This is classified since he is CIA and I promised never to divulge their secrets, the power of their talisman and of course just how their spells work. Very fast passed and filled with action, drama and a great read. Let’s see what our author has in store for the world next.

Fran Lewis: reviewer
















When the leader of his guild is attacked and it is assumed that he is one of his most devout supporters, Michael realizes that his safety is no longer guaranteed. He's now on the run and a target amongst those who seek to have the guild for themselves. Time is running out as he struggles to clear his name and he's determined to go down fighting in every way he can.

I absolutely loved this book. The action starts at the beginning and continued consistently throughout the book. The twists and turns and unexpected happenings kept my attention riveted to every page as I sought to find out what happened next. It's a great read. You'll like it too. I truly recommend reading it.


We meet Michael; a rouge `Adept' without a guild, in 1963 he is about to embark on a mission to assassinate Fidel and Raul Castro in Havana. Unfortunately things don't go according to plan and he is caught, his talisman is stolen; weakening his powers and he is chained to the wall in a dirty cell to prevent him from teleporting.

The plot takes us back in time to 1958 when Michael first visited Havana. It was during the time there was an internal war for power in the guild. Kader (who we met in the prequel `Hammer of Thor'); the most powerful Adept was old and becoming weak, he was looking for allies and hoped Michael would be one of them. Just as Michael decided he was going to stay neutral, Kader was attacked and the rebels believed Michael to be an ally of Kaders which instantly made him a target, guildless and on the run. We follow the trails and tribulations of Michaels struggles back to present day.

S. Evan Townsend has a talent for building tension and excitement, during some scenes I found myself holding my breath and almost tripping over the words in my eagerness to see what happened next! His fluid writing style makes for an easy read, completely pulling the reader into this world of mystery and suspense.

[Dellani Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1963, the day of Kennedy's funeral – only it's Joe, not Jack being buried. S. Evan Townsend's novel, Agent of Artifice, is set in a world not quite exactly completely different from our own. The basic timeline is the same, but with slight variations, such as which Kennedy became President and oversaw the debacle that was the Bay of Pigs.

Mike Vaughan, also known as Agent Jackson, was there for the fiasco. That he knows the sordid details doesn't make him very popular with his Commander in Chief, or his bosses at the CIA. Then again, Vaughan has made a career out of pissing people off. He's very good at it.

In this world not quite like our own, Vaughan, and people like him, can work magic. They are adepts who use meta to cast spells. There are many guilds around the world and Vaughan belongs to the most powerful, the AMA, The American Meta Association. Unfortunately, their leader, Frank Kader, has come under attack and a power play leaves Vaughan on his own. After several attempts on his life, he takes a job with the CIA for protection.

Vaughan struggles to survive long enough to complete his mission – kill Castro and the adept who is protecting him. Fortunately, he's fairly good at dodging bullets. He manages to survive, stops a major plot by a rival faction, but fails to kill Castro. Overall, it's a win for Mike Vaughan.

I love the use of magic in a modern setting. Vaughan doesn't even understand technology since his use of meta makes it unnecessary. He doesn't drive and he doesn't know how to fire a gun. Instead, he uses a flying carpet to get around and defensive spells to disable his opponents. Townsend weaves fact and fiction together masterfully, keeping this well paced novel moving.

I highly recommend Agent of Artifice as well as Townsend's other two novels, Hammer of Thor and Rock Killer.

[Lissette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Vaughan looks like an ordinary guy who's living it up in Havana, having the time of his life. He's got money, women, practically anything he could ever ask for. Yet appearances can be deceiving, for underneath it all he's a rogue adept sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. Magic allows him to infiltrate enemy bases in hopes of gaining the needed intel to achieve a means to his goals, but sometimes it proves to hinder his plans in more ways than one.

His current task is far from easy. There are those who are watching his every step, intent on thwarting his attempts. Dodging bullets and barely escaping with his life, at times, Michael wonders if there's someone out to get him and begins to suspect that it could be an inside job within one of the guilds. Someone wants to silence him and he refuses to give whoever it is the satisfaction of ending his life forever.

When the leader of his guild is attacked and it is assumed that he is one of his most devout supporters, Michael realizes that his safety is no longer guaranteed. He's now on the run and a target amongst those who seek to have the guild for themselves. Time is running out as he struggles to clear his name and he's determined to go down fighting in every way he can.

I absolutely loved this book. The action starts at the beginning and continued consistently throughout the book. The twists and turns and unexpected happenings kept my attention riveted to every page as I sought to find out what happened next. It's a great read. You'll like it too. I truly recommend reading it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

We meet Michael; a rouge ‘Adept’ without a guild, in 1963 he is about to embark on a mission to assassinate Fidel and Raul Castro in Havana. Unfortunately things don’t go according to plan and he is caught, his talisman is stolen; weakening his powers and he is chained to the wall in a dirty cell to prevent him from teleporting.

The plot takes us back in time to 1958 when Michael first visited Havana. It was during the time there was an internal war for power in the guild. Kader (who we met in the prequel ‘Hammer of Thor’); the most powerful Adept was old and becoming weak, he was looking for allies and hoped Michael would be one of them. Just as Michael decided he was going to stay neutral, Kader was attacked and the rebels believed Michael to be an ally of Kaders which instantly made him a target, guildless and on the run. We follow the trails and tribulations of Michaels struggles back to present day.

S. Evan Townsend has a talent for building tension and excitement, during some scenes I found myself holding my breath and almost tripping over the words in my eagerness to see what happened next! His fluid writing style makes for an easy read, completely pulling the reader into this world of mystery and suspense.

What an excellent read!

Copy supplied for review……Thank-you.

[M.A Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Line: Moving from city to city to protect himself, help his friend and find out what is going on Michael finds himself in an adventure so unreal he is caught off guard at times. With his senses always on high and his mind quick at everything it’s no wonder that he can keep his cool even with radioactive zombies around.

Characters: Vaughan and many more.

My Favorite Character: Michael Vaughan. He is funny and smart and quick. Strong and quick on his feet.

My Favorite Part: I like a part in Chicago where he meets with a Mobster to get his weekly pay. While they talk you learn more and more about Vaughan and his situation. You also learn that not everyone is out to get you when the rest of the world is.

Full Concept: Enjoyable. I loved reading and wondering what the next move was going to be. Who was going to be involved and where we would find our person going next. Each location brought new insight, new wonder and new challenges to figure out. Bringing us closer to the end and yet still bringing us more questions.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m not sure if the author was trying or not but I found this story very humorous. Yes it was also filled with action and wonder but so many things had me laughing it was a wonderful read.

[PaperbackGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review visit www.paperbackgoddess.blogspot.com

Agent of Artifice has an abundance of colorful Cuban imagery and historical insight. It paints a picture of life on the streets of Havana in the mid 1950s. This book is a non-stop action movie in text format. Overall, I thought that this was a great story.

[Fran]

Two men are talking in a bar in Miami. The President of the United States has been assassinated and no one present seems to be upset. One ordinary man named Michael Vaughn is one of the men in the bar and second a drunk named Gomez. Talking over the state of what happened to the President they are not really careful about letting anyone overhear them. Michael is no ordinary man. He is an adept with certain powers that make him dangerous and able to deal with situations the FBI and CIA could not. Special powers that allow him to be protected from danger harm and create spells that would take down the enemy and protect him. From the author of the bestselling novel, Hammer of Thor comes another blockbuster Agent of Artifice by author S. Evan Townsend. Imagine being able to infiltrate enemy camps and not be seen. Magic is a great thing to have and the power it yields will definitely make the reader wish you were an adept too. Michael Vaughn has signed orders from the late President. Gomez, also working for the CIA as he does needs a favor. In return for getting certain documents he requires back he promises to get him into the North American Guild. Understanding that this guild might be his only choice for protection he agrees. Using several truth spells and persuasion spells he’s able to glean the information from Gomez that he wants and get the assistant that he desires. Wouldn’t it be great to use a persuasion spell to get what you want without the other person ever knowing why? The country forlorn as Joe Kennedy has been killed and his assassin taken out before he would come to trial. Michael Vaughn was sent to Cuba for only one reason: Assassinate Fidel Castro and his brother too. But, will he able to do this one last thing for the late president? Will anything or anyone try to stop him? Magic is great. Starting off with an invisibility spell in order to travel and fly without being seen.


Michael Vaughan looks like an ordinary guy who's living it up in Havana, having the time of his life. He's got money, women, practically anything he could ever ask for. Yet appearances can be deceiving, for underneath it all he's a rogue adept sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. Magic allows him to infiltrate enemy bases in hopes of gaining the needed Intel to achieve a means to his goals, but sometimes it proves to hinder his plans in more ways than one.

His current task is far from easy. There are those who are watching his every step, intent on thwarting his attempts. Dodging bullets and barely escaping with his life, at times, Michael wonders if there's someone out to get him and begins to suspect that it could be an inside job within one of the guilds. Someone wants to silence him and he refuses to give whoever it is the satisfaction of ending his life forever.

Author S. Evan Townsend takes the reader back in time to where it all began as you hear the voice of Michael Vaughn as he narrate the story in the first person allowing you to experience, along with him, how he became an adept, his father’s reaction to his decision, the problems he encountered, his escapades and how he manages to live on the edge. Dealing the mob, using his many spells to create diversions, changing the mind of others using persuasion spells and making sure he had his way with those he desired, Michael Vaughn is one powerful character determined to get what he wants at all costs.

Wanting to belong to a guild he needed to show his loyalty and allegiance to its members and leaders. As the author allows the reader to get to know this man you begin to realize his primary objective is his own life, welfare and personal survival. Needing the guild, at first for protection, welfare, money and support he pledged his loyalty. When the man who created the AMA and decentralized the guilds hoping to stop the fighting between the guilds was being attacked and challenged, Michael’s help was asked. But, as he stated before he is loyal to the guild but not really concerned with internal politics or the running of it. Kidnapped, tortured, beaten, shot at and injured he manages to prevail. It is too bad that we all don’t have healing spell. Think of all the illnesses and diseases we could eliminate.

As we come back to what the author would consider the present we find our man character has been kidnapped and placed in shackles in a Cuban prison. But, that did not stop him from his amazing escape. Its fortunate prisoners can’t pull off the feat that he did. As he convinced the guards that he was one of them and then required some help you know that Michael Vaughn was a man of many faces. Asking for help of the Cuban Guild, needing a talisman and hoping to find protection Michael Vaughn once again rises to the top convincing the man he referred to as Teacher, a sign of respect to not only help him but hope that his one mission for the late President would be carried out.

Need quick cash and having no other opportunities our Michael Vaughn forms an alliance with the mob and is now working for them. The revolution in Cuba was front and center in their conversation explaining how an adept functioned and his powers intrigued the head of the mob and definitely endeared him to Michael. Ordered by the mob to kill Castro. In order to kill someone you need to know his or her whole name. He did not. Flashing back to 1959 when he was without a guild and the American Meta Association was his only protection and the most powerful guild. Being a rogue adept was not a plus. Then, flash from the past arrives and his connections return as one woman would change everything and he would now risk it all. Returning to his hotel what he finds surprised him and would put him in danger as a fire broke out and many lives were lost. The head of the guild created this problem and now that he knows his whereabouts and he’s on the move again. What will finally happen to this rogue adept?

Imagine living off your winnings at poker, cheating and not really getting caught. I think that many owners of casinos are glad that Michael Vaughn does not visit very often. Private poker games, living on the edge and never really having one destination Michael Vaughn keeps the reader on a never ending roller coaster ride. With the help of his CIA friend Gomez he escapes Houser the new head of the guild. What is next for him?

Forced to go to a CIA training camp, given the name Jack and taking classes that sound really interesting and intriguing to this reviewer. Agent of Artifice meaning clever, deceptive, manipulative and cunning. Then the author moves to the Bay of Pigs, Castro’s regime, how that plays out you need to read for yourself. Problems in the Kennedy cabinet, controversy over putting Robert as part of his administration. CIA, mob, infiltrating governments, working alone and much more this man is totally elusive, can disappear and become invisible and definitely a heart throb for women. Covert action taken against Cuba and working with Kennedy finding out what the Russians are up to. Captured, injured, members of his team hurt and someone close to him pays the ultimate price. Betrayed, hurt, and much more. Will he carry out his mission or will something or someone stand in his way? How this all plays out you will never believe. What is the end result and who will remain alive and who will pay with much more? One lone meeting. One dangerous pterodactyl that is out for Michael and anyone that stands in its way. On ending filled with plenty of suspense, twists, wild turns and definitely tons of the unexpected and exciting. What will be the fate of the AMA? What will happen to our rogue agent, Liesel and the rest? This is classified since he is CIA and I promised never to divulge their secrets, the power of their talisman and of course just how their spells work. Very fast passed and filled with action, drama and a great read. Let’s see what our author has in store for the world next.
This book gets: FIVE MORE GOLD HAMMERS
Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's something I need to get off my chest. This is one of those shameful secrets that I've carried around my entire life. Don't judge me too harshly when you read it. *deep breath* I'm terrible with acronyms. Terrible. Like, I used to be a hardcore Buffy fan and when other people would take about episodes and they be all "In IOHEFY, I thought that Angel and Buffy's relationship went to a whole new level..." and I'd be all "Holy crud. I... once... had... epiphanies... for... No, that's not it! NOOOOOO!" Seriously, throw a few initials in my direction and I get a full-on deer in the headlights look and start whimpering.

The reason I mention this is that there are more acronyms in this book than I'm comfortable admitting to. Which means that I kept having to go back while reading to figure out what the characters were talking about. I wish I was kidding about this. I can tell you the most stupidly trivial things but I can't figure out how to apply initials to anything. I fail at life.

Once I got over the acronym speed bump, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The twists and turns of the spying business can be downright nasty. Vaughn is resourceful and has a pocket full of tricks that he pulls out whenever the situation calls for it. The tweaks in our nation's history made for an entertaining read and the giant pterodactyl on the cover isn't just for show. I will always approve of the gratuitous use of pterodactyls.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

AGENT OF ARTIFICE S. EVAN TOWNSEND
Review by Karen Vaughan
Mike Vaughan is an adept working for the CIA trying to bring down Fidel Castro and his commie minions. Mike has special skills besides shooting a gun and seducing women along the way. He can cast spells to heal, kill and save his own hide. Set in the turbulence of The Bay of Pigs and The Cuban Missile crisis this story is full of high adventure and esponiage. Mike has to fight of mobsters, and the power hungry leader of the meta association.
This is a real page turner as we watch Mr. Vaughan get involved in one of the most turbulent times in modern American history. The cold war was never so cold as the commies take over a Caribbean paradise. The story spans from 1958-1964. I really enjoyed this nail-biter. Any history buff would enjoy this fictional account of the era. I give this five gold spells