Black Magic

Alpha Pack #1.5

by J.D. Tyler

An original Alpha Pack novella featuring the sexy sorcerer and panther shifter Kalen Black…Recruited by the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black is still very much a lone wolf. But when a paranormal creature threatens the life of Dr. Mackenzie Grant, Kalen must use all of his abilities to rescue her. This brush with death excites a passion between them, and after a night of intense pleasure, Kalen leaves Mac with a mysterious gift that just might save her life again.…“Readers will fall head over heels for the Alpha Pack!”—New York Times bestselling author Angela Knight

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Novella

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J.D. Tyler is best known for her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, and the Firefighters of Station Five and Sugarland Blue series as National Bestselling Author Jo Davis. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award in Paranormal. She's also been a multiple finalist in the National Readers' Choice Awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller's Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, has been two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense, and had one book optioned as a major motion picture.

When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. J.D. lives in Texas with her two grown kids, two cats, and a Boston terrier, all of them horribly spoiled. Visit her website at www.JDTyler.com.

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of time getting to know Kalen!

[Deea (Andreea) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of novellas, I only read them if they're a necessary piece of the story arc in longer series (such as this one). Everything seems cut short, impassive or happening too fast, given their length. Not much space to develop plots and characters. So all things considered, Black Magic was okay - it was good to finally see more of Kalen's character and his powers - he intrigued me from the first book. I love a hero who can play and kick ass with magic! I'm looking forward to his and Mac's story, I hope we can see more emotion and depth there!:P That girl definitely has her work cut out for her with this one!

[Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was posted at Under The Covers

This has been such a surprising series for me. I really like it! There's shifters, there's magic, and a whole lot of alpha males!!! I can honestly say I was eagerly anticipating this short story because it features the goth-like new recruit of the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black. Why the anticipation you may ask, if this is roughly 60 pages?

First, the description Ms. Tyler gave us in book one of Kalen is that he looks like a mix between Adam Lambert and Cris Angel, yes eyeliner and all. For some reason, I'm all in with that. Then there's the fact that this 23 year old is EXTREMELY talented. He's a sorcerer, first and foremost, but he's also a necromancer and ummm he shifts into a black panther. Did I mention before I may have a thing for black panthers? HOT!

When he first joined the team in book one I could kinda sorta see that he had a crush on Dr. Mackenzie Grant. She's one of the few humans working at the Alpha Pack compound. Of course she has a crush on him too. So on her night on the town meeting some girlfriends at a bar, Kalen gets a bad feeling that something will happen and decides to follow her to keep her safe. Aaaaaand maybe see what else happens.

Of course things do go sour and Mackenzie and Kalen have to fight another "creature" but the biggest problem will be in the future. Someone wants Kalen. And that someone won't stop at anything to get him, even if that means going after the woman he lusts after.

I can't wait to see the rest of their story!!! These two are just adorable together! Isn't it torture that we have to wait for their book? No, their book is not #2, we have to wait until # 3!!! And there's a twist in Kalen's past that I wasn't expecting thrown in there. He's definitely had a rough life for such a young man. And yes, he is alllllll man ;)

[Angela Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4stars!
Too damn short! I need more!
Mac and Kaelen get to know each other but not as much as I'd like. I have a feeling, we'll see more them later!

[Daphne Rodrigues De Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

[Carla-Everything Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carla's Review:

Kalen Black in the youngest and newest member of the Alpha Pack.
He is a Sorcerer, Necromancer and black panther shifter making him extremely powerful and dangerous. Kalen also has a horrid past, some of which we learn about in this book. He hates to be touched and he also believes himself not to be a good person. It thinks he is not capable of being loved or loving someone in return.
Dr. Mackenzie Grant works for the Alpha Pack. She's been attracted to Kalen but since she's older than him and works with him, she doesn’t think it a good idea to mix business with pleasure. Until Kalen comes to her rescue.

Kalen feels a great evil in the area and finds out that Mackenzie is at a bar in town and could be in danger. He heads out to find her and gets more than he bargained for. This powerful force of evil seems to know Kalen really well and will stop at nothing to get Kalen to join him.

The Alpha Pack has quickly become one of my favorite series. I really liked Kalen when we first met in the first book, Primal Law. Now that I know more about Kalen's past I just want to hug him and tell him everything will be alright. Poor Kalen! This is a very short novella but it was great! I can't wait for book 2, Savage Awakening to be released so I can find out what happens next.

I give Black Magic 5 out of 5 stars

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers are first introduced to Kalen Black mid-way through Primal Law. He is a mysterious loner that the Alpha Pack is sent out to investigate. The Alpha Pack finds this goth raising the dead in a cemetery, to ask the recently departed about the circumstances of his death. Kalen is a vastly interesting character.

Once again readers are given just enough of this sexy mystery man to leave us salivating for his book. He leaves the compound because he senses a malevolent danger lurking. He believes it to be lurking in the nearby town, where the object of his affection, MacKenzie is out for the evening with friends.

I am just loving Kalen. I want his and MacKenzie’s book now. They are hot together in this little novella. They have just one amazing night together. Readers get to see the first layer of his protective armor peeled away by Mac. I think she is going to be the balm that helps heal his poor abused and neglected soul. I also think she will be what triggers whatever hell is in his near future. It is however one thrill ride I am looking forward to going on.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Book 1 in this series, I must admit to being a little disappointed when I saw this novella was about Kalen.
Now don't take it the wrong way, let me finish! I was extremely intrigued by Kalen in the first book - I love a tortured bad boy with a mysterious past, throw in the ability to shape shift into a panther and I am sold! Right there and then I'm in love. But then I saw that Kalen was getting a Novella. A NOVELLA!!! Surely there must be more to his story and subsequent HEA than that...

Thank God I had faith and read this because it's a teeny little prequel to the full story! It sets everything up for Kalen's story to develop and I am hooked. Completely and utterly... now how exactly do I join Alpha Pack?

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Really

This novella picks up shortly after Primal Law and focuses on newcomer Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant and it is such a tease.
Kalen's "storm" and the return of a dreaded enemy puts Kalen & Mac in close quarters and ratchets up the danger level for this and the next installment..

I loved that Mac was a "cougar" among the wolves and thought the insecurity of Kalen in junior alpha mode was kinda cute. This short left me panting for Kalen & Mac's full length read but this is a series must be read in order (or you miss a lot). It's ab excellent read and unfortunately too doggone short. It didn't even take an entire sitting!

[Sara Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, totally intrigued by Kalen. This is going to make me want to rush through Aric's story so I can read his. Very good for a novella.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way too short.

[Alba M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historia corta introductoria sobre Kalen y Mackenzie.
Kalen tiene un mal presentimiento y por ello se dirige al bar a buscar a Mac. Y no estaba equivocado. Cuando salen del bar son atacados por una criatura desconocida pero consiguen salvarse por los pelos. O eso creen, porque entonces una voz empieza a hablar con Mac avisándole de las consecuencias de no unirse a él. Kalen sabe que debe protegerla a ella, incluso si tiene que alejarse de la persona que ama.

Me ha dado mucha pena, tanto Mac como Kalen porque son adorables. Y como historia introductoria nos ha dejado los dientes largos asi que pudo habersela ahorrado 😒 porque ahora tenemos que esperar hasta el libro 3. Aún así, solo consigue que tenga más ansias de leer para saber!!!!

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recruited by the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black is still very much a lone wolf. But when a paranormal creature threatens the life of Dr. Mackenzie Grant, Kalen must use all of his abilities to rescue her. This brush with death excites a passion between them, and after a night of intense pleasure, Kalen leaves Mac with a mysterious gift that just might save her life again..
I did not really care for this story. Probably because it was not a real story. It was the beginning of Kalen and Mac's story. It ended on a not happy note, and the next book isn't even about them so if you read in order, you have to wait for your resolution.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that takes place between the main series. I have read the books that come after so I already knew the gist of what happened in this book. But its nice to get a quick read in and it still had all the action and romance of the other books, just more condensed, which I like sometimes.

[Willi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalen - gotta love him!

I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read but Kalen was one of my favorite characters in the first book so I was excited to see him get his own. Can't wait to read the next book!

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's 23, she's 31. He feels like he isn't worthy of her, he's put her on a pedestal. He's a Sorcerer/Necromancer and she's a Dr.

[Maggie]

I haven't fully read it yet

[Melindeeloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars = pretty good for those who are already Alpha Pack fans - The sorcerer who can shift into a black panther, Kalen, senses that "something wicked this way comes" and heads out to protect Mackensie who is enjoying a Girl's Night Out. Mac is the Alpha Pack doctor and the woman he wants but doesn't feel he deserves - the woman who is just as attracted to Kalen. Kalen's magic comes in handy when the threat that has been setting off his spidey senses turns up, but with more trouble ahead, a need to bunker down in a safe spot until they can call for help puts Kalen and Mac alone and in close quarters and then the real magic occurs.

First off, this is not really not actually Kalen's complete story, he isn't going to get his 'real' turn until book three and Black Magic is a really short story (another reviewer said about 60 print pages.) The story here is sort of a preview of coming attractions for those like me who were really intrigued by Kalen in the first Alpha Pack book, he was mysterious and vulnerable and a shifter who can do magic - how cool is that - but Black Magic is so short that those new to Tyler's series are probably not going get that same sense of him here. The setup of the story is decent and there is some steamy stuff but there is no chance to savor the pay off since Kalen has some big issues. I'd have probably been okay with this Kalen quickie if there had been just a little bit of an opportunity to bask in the 'afterglow' of Mac and Kalen's hook-up, but his speedy retreat kept this from being entirely satisfying for me - hence the half a star drop to 'pretty good'.

As just a little nibble of a story which provides a bit movement in Kalen's thread without giving a good feel for him or the framework of the Alpha pack and their world, Black Magic is not going to give those not already familiar with all of the above a good feel for the series. And as much as I hate to mention it, price does matter. I didn't downgrade my rating for this but I am taking it into account in recommending it to those new to the series and since Black Magic is so short it's a better deal to give the first book a shot if you are at all interested in Tyler's Alpha Pack.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it a 3.5

Let me say first off that I had a hard time deciding on a final rating number for this one. I really struggled with it for a variety of reasons. It's not that it doesn't fit well within the Alpha Pack story line or that Kalen's personality or sorcerer/necromancer's power has suddenly changed. I think it's because the story's so short...it's definitely not novella length at just 50 written pages. There just isn't time to fully develop what's going on with either him, Mackenzie or their relationship. There's no denying that they have a strong physical attraction and the sex is steamy. The author did a nice job getting them together here. Their being a couple has the potential to grow into what they both want and need, but Kalen walked out. There's no HEA or even a HFN. The two of them is just one of the threads left dangling at the end.

There really is a lot going on in this short space, including a fight in a bar and a well done, action packed scene where Kalen and Mackenzie are attacked by a creature. This is where the story really gets interesting and it left me with all kinds of questions that I'm just dying to have answered. Ms. Tyler also has several of the pack members make brief appearances which I also enjoyed.

Dont' get me wrong. The author has used this short effectively to pull the readers back into the series. It's a good hook for the new release, Savage Awakening and book three, Black Moon coming in Dec 2012, which will feature Kalen. I can't wait to see what happens with them in a full length story. I mean how can you not like Kalen. He had a terrible upbringing and he's got the whole bad-boy thing going for him but he also has the potential to spiral into true soul blackness.

Lastly, I hate to say it but price versus length does matter to the consumer. After paying my download fee, I was very surprised at the length for what I'd paid for it. My rating isn't affected by this issue by other readers thinking of buying the ebook only release should be aware of this before purchasing.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shorter novella featuring a character who grabbed my attention from the moment he appeared in the series was a real treat. It's more of a teaser really introducing a later pair of main characters and setting things up for what is to come for them in the series.

Kalen Black- sorcerer, necromancer and panther shifter- has a bad feeling about something coming his way, but the immediate threat seems to be centered around the woman, Dr. Mackenzie Grant, who he has an interest in. Mac is way out of his league, but that doesn't stop him from wanting her and he will protector from the evil being he senses nearby.

When Kalen arrives at the bar where she and her girlfriends are having drinks, Mac has a moment when she dreams that he is there to be with her. She has been attracted to the enigmatic man since the moment she laid eyes on him. After fighting off a bunch of bar rowdies, he does indeed join her, but only to warn her that he senses danger and they need to leave.

After fighting off one of the creatures that attacked the Alpha Pack during the big betrayal, they go on the run and end up holed up together because another one or something equally bad is blocking them from the safety of the rest of the team. In this relative safety, they come together and it is a wondrous thing, but then Kalen withdraws and Mac is left wanting.

As short as this one was and as much as it is very much a table setter, it still had solid plotting, character development and pacing. And it wasn't so quick that it didn't have time for one hot love scene. It ended on an ominous note and did its job of leaving me eager for lots more Kalen and Mac which thankfully will come later in the series.

This series is a combo of romance, strong paranormal worldbuilding and action. Paranormal Romance lovers should definitely give it a try.

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 1 out of 5]

RATING: 1 Heart

J.D. Tyler’s novella, Black Magic, in the Alpha Pack series is the perfect example of something that has great potential but is sadly something unnecessary. While, the idea of magic, shifters and a good looking hero is nothing short of appealing, 50 pages is not enough to be truly effective.

This short story is an introduction to Mackenzie and Kalen’s characters, who we meet in the first book, Primal Law. Kalen is vastly intriguing, from his shapeshifting into a panther to his necromancer abilities to his mysterious past, there is enough layers to his character to keep readers engaged. That being said, in such a short length, there isn’t time to develop his character, or even his relationship with Mac. What this novella features could have easily been added to the full novel as a prologue. There is only two scenes that take place, a swift fight between a creature at a bar and then, right after, a love scene at a motel – a dispensable addition indeed. Although, the chemistry between the two characters is definitely something to look forward to, not to mention the foreboding evil “voice” both Kalen and Mac hear during the fight scene.

The ending is an abrupt stop with infinite questions left unanswered. Though, I think this was not needed to develop a bridge between Kalen’s book, some might find it a pleasing accessory to sate their curiosities about Kalen and Mac’s relationship. I, personally, could have gone without it.

This Review is also posted on my blog: Literary Love Affair

[Ac · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great installment in the Alpha Pack series that fits between the first book and second book of the series. My only wish is that this Kalen Black's was a complete book not just a novella but never fear his story is on the way.
I love Kalen what a hot, beautiful mess he is. I know that you are not supposed to want to change and/or fix a man but he just screams for you to want to try. This story involves Kalen Black -shifter,necromancer, sorcerer and all around bad boy and Dr. Mackenzie Grant is the heroine. Readers of the first book in Alpha Pack will already have background on the H/H and the world of this series so it might be a little confusing to new readers.
I do not like to give spoilers but I will say that this story does move the entire series forward and fills on some spaces on why/how Kalen came to be the man he is.
I have read the next book in the Alpha Pack book Savage Awakening, which I loved more than Primal Law. I cannot wait until the next book Black Moon to come out in December 2012.
I am not a professional reviewer just to let you know, I'm more of a professional romance book reader who loves happy endings.

[The BookChick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★

Book Description:
A terrible storm is coming, and Alpha Pack's newest man will face not only a battle within himself, but a war on the horizon that could end them all...

Sorcerer/Necromancer/black panther shifter Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant battle a lethal enemy and come together in an explosion of passion. One night will set in motion dire consequences not only for the couple, but for the entire Pack.


My Thoughts:
I am rating this as three stars because of its brevity and not the story content. This story was a teaser to Kalen and Mackenzie's story that finishes with Black Moon, coming in December 2012. Kalen is such a damaged and tortured soul and Mackenzie, with her goodness and light, just wants to heal him in some way. Definitely a good story introduction and a foreboding of things to come.

I hope Kalen survives his darkness and learns to rely on the support of his brothers and Mackenzie's care and burgeoning love.

Reading Time: 40 Minutes

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Kalen Black, the sorcerer/necromancer panther shifter, when he was introduced in Primal Law. From the moment he walked into that graveyard, raised the dead and freaked the Alpha Pack out I wanted more of him. I was so excited when I read that J.D. Tyler was not only writing a novella for Kalen but a novel as well.

I like Mackenzie and thought I would probably enjoy them as a couple but I was not expecting Black Magic to steam up their relationship so much. After getting a glimpse at just how bad ass, damaged and sad this seriously sexy guy is I don't only want more of him, I need more of him. We won't get Black Moon, Kalen and Mackenzie's story, until after Savage Awakening so it's gonna be a long wait but I'm sure that the smokin' hotness that is Aric will more than satisfy.

Thank you, J.D. Tyler for giving me a look at the mess that is Kalen Black. Now please give me more.

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My {short} Review:
Yes, I am completely reading this whole series backwards...LOL, but looking at the ratings on this novella, I think that it's working for me, because I have a real love for these characters already from what I saw in book #2, Savage Awakening. As a result, I really loved this taste of the romance between Mac & Kalen....and that's all it is....just a taste. This is a novella that covers the events of a single night between the two, but that single night is going to have long-lasting repercussions between the two of them.

There is something about Kalen that I just adore. He's so wounded....my heart just aches for him and he's so drawn to Mac. He's a pure alpha...his immediate response to her is to protect her. Add to that he's a sorcerer and a gorgeous Panther shifter....yeah, I love him!! I cannot wait to read more of their story. This one little glimpse definitely has me wanting the Dec. 4th release date of Black Moon to get here FAST!!

[Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting better! “Black Magic” is only a novella in the Alpha Pack series but it’s a very nice read that introduce us to the story of Kalen and Mac.

He is the younger member of the Alpha Pack team and a very strong Sorcerer, Necromancer and panther shifter. Also, he has a horrible past and in this novella we can see some details. She is a doctor in this team and some years older than him. But she wants him and she can see that he wants her too. This novella is about one night they spend together full of adventure and passion.

I loved Kalen since I first read about him. He is strong but there is something fragile about him also. I wanted to cry when I read about the horrible things that happened to him in the past! I also liked Mac. She is nice and caring and I am sure that she will be a great woman for Kalen.

It’s pretty clear that we have a lot to learn about both of them in their book, but this novella is a very nice start to their story. I can’t wait to read it!

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

เป็นเรื่องสั้นที่ออกขายเป็นอีบุ๊คเท่านั้น ซึ่งโดยตัวของมันเองไม่ใช่หนังสือที่อ่านจบครบถ้วนได้ความ คนอ่านต้องตามไปอ่านเรื่อง Black Moon ต่อเพื่อให้ได้เรื่องราวของความสัมพันธ์ของพระนางอย่างครบถ้วนนะคะ

เหตุการณ์ในเล่มเกิดขึ้นระหว่าง Primal Law (เล่มหนึ่ง) กับ Savage Awakening (เล่มสอง) แต่เป็นเรื่องราวของพระนางในเรื่อง Black Moon (เล่มสาม) กล่าวถึงตอนต้นของความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งคู่ และเหตุการณ์ในเล่มนี้มีความสำคัญอย่างมากต่อเหตุการณ์ในเล่มสามอันเป็นเรื่องราวเต็ม ๆ ของพวกเขา

เล่มนี้จึงเขียนรีวิวยากค่ะ เพราะเรื่องสั้น เล่าไปก็สปอยล์หมด อีกอย่างเราคงจะต้องเล่าถึงเหตุการณ์ในเล่มนี้ที่รีวิวของเรื่อง Black Moon อยู่แล้ว ดังนั้นขอยกไปที่เล่มนั้นเลยแล้วกัน เอาเป็นว่า เราไม่แนะนำเล่มนี้ให้กับคนที่คิดจะอ่านเฉพาะแค่เล่มนี้ แต่แนะนำให้กับคนที่คิดจะอ่านเรื่อง Black Moon ว่าจำเป็นต้องอ่าน เพื่อให้ได้ความครบถ้วน

คะแนนที่ 60

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I should probably write a nice pretty review, & maybe I will at some point. For now though... Let me just say that this novella was a huge tease and I absolutely loved it.

I am a 100% whipped Kalen girl (my LA ladies call me Kalen's Kitty and I'll take it!) and reading more about him was heaven. JD gave just enough to serve as a ridiculous tease and leave the reader wanting SO much more, but it was amazingly written & a wonderful treat.

As far as prequels go, it was fabulous and set up the segue to Kalen's full length book awesomely with an amazing tease and additional tibits of information into his life that we can all can piece together later.

Now, if only I didn't have to wait another full book for the rest of the story.

Wonderful, and only made me want more.

[Tofu Fairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm..what to say...not bad for a novella...I wanted more though and I didn't like that it ended on a sour note and not a happy ending...that sucked...I am hoping that the new "Black Moon" which tells Kalen and Mac's story fully will finish what this one started. I am not sure why this novella was really even published to be honest. I mean I enjoyed reading it and the sex scene was good, as were the action scenes, but it just seems unnecessary, especially since a full novel dealing with these two characters is coming later this year. I am glad I read it, as I am sure the other books will refer to it and so far they have, but it really could have been put into the other two books instead as a side story and been fine.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1.5 in the series. Placed between Jax (1) and Aric's (2) stories

This is a short story that should at least be read prior to Kalen and Mac's (number 3 in the series) book out in December 2012 entitled Black Moon!

It was short at 3 chapters and less than 50 pages, but it was good! I'm glad I read it since it clearly sets certain things up. It definitely highlights the roadblocks ahead for what will undoubtedly be an interesting pairing in this series.

(Heads up, I just read the blurb for Black Moon, Kalen and Mac's book and it's a little spoilerish... This is coming from someone who is reading the books in order, therefore I'm about to start book 2, Aric's book)