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Twisted Luck #8
Balanced Luck
I'm Cori Munroe, and I'm the Herald of Magic or so everyone keep telling me.
Rips are happening across the world and I'm the only one that can close them all by myself. They have me hopping everywhere and I'm running out of energy and running down my health. But if I don't do this people are going to die.
So I'm trying to fix this. We're researching Atlantis, phoenix's, other heralds of magic, and the Undoing. Somewhere there has to be a clue that will get me the answers I need to solve this. Because if there isn't there just might be a war between Earth and the Realms.
If war happens, we all lose.
I'm trying but there isn't enough of me to go around and the problem is getting worse, debts are being called in, and the government is wasting my time. If my family, friends, and fan groups aren't enough, I'll sacrifice myself.
After all, I'm the Herald of Magic, right?
The last book in the Twisted Luck series!
Rips are happening across the world and I'm the only one that can close them all by myself. They have me hopping everywhere and I'm running out of energy and running down my health. But if I don't do this people are going to die.
So I'm trying to fix this. We're researching Atlantis, phoenix's, other heralds of magic, and the Undoing. Somewhere there has to be a clue that will get me the answers I need to solve this. Because if there isn't there just might be a war between Earth and the Realms.
If war happens, we all lose.
I'm trying but there isn't enough of me to go around and the problem is getting worse, debts are being called in, and the government is wasting my time. If my family, friends, and fan groups aren't enough, I'll sacrifice myself.
After all, I'm the Herald of Magic, right?
The last book in the Twisted Luck series!
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2023
105 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Mel Todd
71 books158 followersHey everyone! I'm Mel Todd and I live in Atlanta, Georgia at this moment. I write mostly romance free urban fantasy, urban science fiction, and soon fantasy.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
Here are 4 truths and one lie about myself.
1 - I know how to milk a goat.
2- I once propositioned Dean Cain.
3 - I had my picture taken with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner.
4 - I have driven across the US.
5 - I have a library with over 2000 RPG books.
I'm working on the next book in the Twisted Luck series and have an duology I'm planning on writing for Nanowrimo in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 17, 2023
As a whole, this series was wonderful. I loved Cori and her friends and family. It was fun experiencing her magic and abilities. There were a lot of inconsistencies especially regarding the timeline which would normally severly impact my enjoyment or cause me to DNF but I was so immersed in the plot, world and characters that it was still worth the read.
**** Spoilers ****
Unfortunately, I didn't fully enjoy the last book. It was how I felt at the end of the Hunger Games trilogy, sad and a little despondent. I could have handled how bleak things were for Cori, the MC, if there was a sense of satisfaction at the end. Instead, after everything she was put through she lost so much more. I wanted the less realistic ending but I know many readers don't like that.
Overall, I would still recommend this series. Most likely, I will reread books 1 thru 7.
**** Spoilers ****
Unfortunately, I didn't fully enjoy the last book. It was how I felt at the end of the Hunger Games trilogy, sad and a little despondent. I could have handled how bleak things were for Cori, the MC, if there was a sense of satisfaction at the end. Instead, after everything she was put through she lost so much more. I wanted the less realistic ending but I know many readers don't like that.
Overall, I would still recommend this series. Most likely, I will reread books 1 thru 7.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2023
I have greatly enjoyed this entire series. It's well worth the read.
The pressure is rising from all sides and everything is fraying. There was so much to pack into this book. It is fast and for the most part fulfilling.
The only wobble I felt was that as the pressure ratcheted up, so much was going on some got lost or watered down. Like life not everything ends clean and neat. And yet I would happily read the whole series again and recommend it to others.
The pressure is rising from all sides and everything is fraying. There was so much to pack into this book. It is fast and for the most part fulfilling.
The only wobble I felt was that as the pressure ratcheted up, so much was going on some got lost or watered down. Like life not everything ends clean and neat. And yet I would happily read the whole series again and recommend it to others.
November 3, 2023
Can’t wait to read more stories in this universe
So manny possibilities for future adventures. Not sure if I am happy with the ending but I want more. Specially to see the twins story start out and how cori will deal without magic.
So manny possibilities for future adventures. Not sure if I am happy with the ending but I want more. Specially to see the twins story start out and how cori will deal without magic.
November 4, 2023
Wow, loved it
Great ending to the series. I was really surprised at some of the things that happened but the story flowed well. It would be good to see some more books set in Cori's world.
Great ending to the series. I was really surprised at some of the things that happened but the story flowed well. It would be good to see some more books set in Cori's world.
November 4, 2023
Great conclusion
I have very mixed emotions- this was a great conclusion to a wonderful series, but I am very sad to say goodbye to Cori and all her family and friends…
I have very mixed emotions- this was a great conclusion to a wonderful series, but I am very sad to say goodbye to Cori and all her family and friends…
November 4, 2023
A definitive conclusion
I have to admit, I am not a fan of the ending. That said, this book does wrap up the series. Overall, it has been a series that I am glad to have read.
I have to admit, I am not a fan of the ending. That said, this book does wrap up the series. Overall, it has been a series that I am glad to have read.
January 4, 2025
I had so many things planned for one of my last days off. I was going to catch up on one of the many Disney/Amazon/Netflix series I'm behind on and make some progress in World of Warcraft and even bake a cheesecake.
Then I read the first chapter. Then the next. It's now 3:20 in the morning and the epilogue has released me from this novel's unbreakable grip. And I'm resisting the urge to start the series all over again.
Then I read the first chapter. Then the next. It's now 3:20 in the morning and the epilogue has released me from this novel's unbreakable grip. And I'm resisting the urge to start the series all over again.
November 7, 2023
Mostly Great
This has been one of my favorite series ever, and I loved the first 7.8 books, but I pretty much hate everything about the series end. I can't be more specific without spoilers, but I got no joy of resolution. I feel empty, and I hate it, because everything else was so good. I won't recommend against this book, but be wary.
This has been one of my favorite series ever, and I loved the first 7.8 books, but I pretty much hate everything about the series end. I can't be more specific without spoilers, but I got no joy of resolution. I feel empty, and I hate it, because everything else was so good. I won't recommend against this book, but be wary.
January 2, 2025
This final book of the Twisted Luck series had everything a reader could desire in a book of magic and mayhem.
Cori, as the Herald of Magic, was getting ever more frantic, as she, and her many friends, searched desperately for answers to the ever increasing Rips happening all around the Earth.
Nobody seemed to know how, or why, they had started, but it was becoming very obvious that, if Cori couldn't find a solution to this ever-worsening problem, and quickly, it would soon be an MP all-out war between humanity and the Realm denizens.
But, when Cori fell asleep, while holding a strange, faceted stone, that was part of the inheritance left to her by the Merlin, James Wells, she discovered something that, if she could gather up the nerve to do as she'd been shown, she might, just, manage to save the day!
This was a real tale of love, and sacrifice, and an acknowledgment that, even if you were born differently shaped, that the gift of sentence is something to be treasured, acknowledged, and shared.
I really loved how Cori naturally saw all of the sentient Denizens of the Realms, as People, and NOT the monsters, or animals, that so many others saw when confronted by them.
That she saw them as such was probably due to her survival at emergence, and the long years of being hated, by parents who really shouldn't have been allowed to keep her as they did!
But, as she had in all the previous books in this great series, Mel Todd ended it with neither a bang, not a whisper, but a quake so large, that it shook the Earth to its core!
I'm really sad to have reached the end of this series, though Mel tells us in her Author's Notes, that she has other, offshoots, of this series in the pipeline, so I'll be looking forward to reading them, as and when she writes them all.
Until then, I have thousands of other books on my Kindle to read, with some new releases over this Christmas period that I've been waiting anxiously to read, so I'll go first to Jodi Taylor's Christmas Special: 'Lights! Cameras! Mayhem!', for my yearly fix of those wonderful characters inhabiting the Chronicles of St. Marys, to see what crazy stunts Jodi has had them go through this time! Lol
Once I've finished this book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know just how much she's made me wet myself with laughter, once again! Lol
Cori, as the Herald of Magic, was getting ever more frantic, as she, and her many friends, searched desperately for answers to the ever increasing Rips happening all around the Earth.
Nobody seemed to know how, or why, they had started, but it was becoming very obvious that, if Cori couldn't find a solution to this ever-worsening problem, and quickly, it would soon be an MP all-out war between humanity and the Realm denizens.
But, when Cori fell asleep, while holding a strange, faceted stone, that was part of the inheritance left to her by the Merlin, James Wells, she discovered something that, if she could gather up the nerve to do as she'd been shown, she might, just, manage to save the day!
This was a real tale of love, and sacrifice, and an acknowledgment that, even if you were born differently shaped, that the gift of sentence is something to be treasured, acknowledged, and shared.
I really loved how Cori naturally saw all of the sentient Denizens of the Realms, as People, and NOT the monsters, or animals, that so many others saw when confronted by them.
That she saw them as such was probably due to her survival at emergence, and the long years of being hated, by parents who really shouldn't have been allowed to keep her as they did!
But, as she had in all the previous books in this great series, Mel Todd ended it with neither a bang, not a whisper, but a quake so large, that it shook the Earth to its core!
I'm really sad to have reached the end of this series, though Mel tells us in her Author's Notes, that she has other, offshoots, of this series in the pipeline, so I'll be looking forward to reading them, as and when she writes them all.
Until then, I have thousands of other books on my Kindle to read, with some new releases over this Christmas period that I've been waiting anxiously to read, so I'll go first to Jodi Taylor's Christmas Special: 'Lights! Cameras! Mayhem!', for my yearly fix of those wonderful characters inhabiting the Chronicles of St. Marys, to see what crazy stunts Jodi has had them go through this time! Lol
Once I've finished this book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know just how much she's made me wet myself with laughter, once again! Lol
January 30, 2024
A satisfying conclusion to the series.
I'm not sure if completing two series, the last book in two series, back to back, has any impact on my satisfaction/rating/whatever, but figured I'd note that odd occurrance of completing the Lily Clairet series right before completing the Twisted Luck series.
Right.
Book stars Cori Munroe, double Merlin, Herald of Magic, an asexual woman in a poly relationship/marriage with two other women, and the mother of two children. Oh, and friend/companion/'quean' of Carelian, a super intelligent cat shaped creature. This specific book finds Cori being tasked with attempting to eat and sleep. Right, sorry, there's a lot of eating & sleeping (both needed) in this book. Cori has been tasked with researching the destruction of Atlantis as it appears that learning about that will help with the world-wide crisis impacting . . . earth. Tears in the realities are ripping open between earth and the magic Realms. Sentient and unintelligent creatues, that as far as humans can see/tell, look like unintelligent monsters are falling out of said rips. The reason for the rips is known. The solution is not. At least at the start of the book.
Good book. Book was not overly long, or hard to read, so reasons for why it took three months to read it are slightly unknown. I mean, there probably were like three reading sessions that would have taken a day normally to complete the book. Nothing boring, unexciting or the like slowed my reading. I'd say I wanted to savor the book since it was the last in the series, but I'm not sure I knew that when I started the book. Or, possibly, before the afterward noting it was the last book in the series.
Rating: 4.5
January 30 2023
I'm not sure if completing two series, the last book in two series, back to back, has any impact on my satisfaction/rating/whatever, but figured I'd note that odd occurrance of completing the Lily Clairet series right before completing the Twisted Luck series.
Right.
Book stars Cori Munroe, double Merlin, Herald of Magic, an asexual woman in a poly relationship/marriage with two other women, and the mother of two children. Oh, and friend/companion/'quean' of Carelian, a super intelligent cat shaped creature. This specific book finds Cori being tasked with attempting to eat and sleep. Right, sorry, there's a lot of eating & sleeping (both needed) in this book. Cori has been tasked with researching the destruction of Atlantis as it appears that learning about that will help with the world-wide crisis impacting . . . earth. Tears in the realities are ripping open between earth and the magic Realms. Sentient and unintelligent creatues, that as far as humans can see/tell, look like unintelligent monsters are falling out of said rips. The reason for the rips is known. The solution is not. At least at the start of the book.
Good book. Book was not overly long, or hard to read, so reasons for why it took three months to read it are slightly unknown. I mean, there probably were like three reading sessions that would have taken a day normally to complete the book. Nothing boring, unexciting or the like slowed my reading. I'd say I wanted to savor the book since it was the last in the series, but I'm not sure I knew that when I started the book. Or, possibly, before the afterward noting it was the last book in the series.
Rating: 4.5
January 30 2023
November 7, 2023
This one dragged a bit in the beginning - there was a lot of fruitless searching and the constant efforts of Cori showed her severely lacking in offerings.
I think this was both good and bad for a storytelling POV - as it showed a somewhat realistic chain of events - but...it really slowed things down and caused increasing tension and just had everyone pointing out how sick, abused and awful Cori was every 5 seconds.
Overall I liked the action and coordination of efforts between characters in the book. It was a nice wrap for the series, and plenty of characters/governments to hate.
A few of the deaths seemed pointless - but whatever.
Spoiler:
I thought the ending was interesting, but I wasn't a fan of how it ended. I don't know why authors make it so that the powerful figure has to completely lose their powers in order to have a "satisfying ending". I hate it. Literally everyone else still has some magic, but no - not the Herald.
I do like her becoming an ambassador though. That was a nice touch and the possibilities for future books are there.
I think this was both good and bad for a storytelling POV - as it showed a somewhat realistic chain of events - but...it really slowed things down and caused increasing tension and just had everyone pointing out how sick, abused and awful Cori was every 5 seconds.
Overall I liked the action and coordination of efforts between characters in the book. It was a nice wrap for the series, and plenty of characters/governments to hate.
A few of the deaths seemed pointless - but whatever.
Spoiler:
I thought the ending was interesting, but I wasn't a fan of how it ended. I don't know why authors make it so that the powerful figure has to completely lose their powers in order to have a "satisfying ending". I hate it. Literally everyone else still has some magic, but no - not the Herald.
I do like her becoming an ambassador though. That was a nice touch and the possibilities for future books are there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
I have loved every single moment of this series. I discovered it when I was heartbroken and not wanting to read about love. It helped get me through those rough patches, and I fell in love with the cast of characters the author created. Cori isn't interested in love or relationships, outside of the ones she has with her friends and family. She's so normal despite being the most powerful magic user. She sacrifices and sacrifices and is such a good person. It was lovely seeing how the denizens grew and changed and the positive impact she had on not just the realms but the people and world around her.
I loved the relationship between Jo, Sable, and Cori. Three strong women filled with nothing but love. The LGBTQ references were beautifully done.
The ending was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I know this is the final book in the series, but I really hope the author returns to this world someday. I'd love to see a book about the children all grown up and hear about Cori's new adventures.
Thank you Mel Todd for this series! It has been an amazing journey. ❤️
I loved the relationship between Jo, Sable, and Cori. Three strong women filled with nothing but love. The LGBTQ references were beautifully done.
The ending was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I know this is the final book in the series, but I really hope the author returns to this world someday. I'd love to see a book about the children all grown up and hear about Cori's new adventures.
Thank you Mel Todd for this series! It has been an amazing journey. ❤️
February 1, 2025
While the demands on Corie get frustrating, they are realistic of the power struggles of the government. I love the deep love of Carelian and the relationships that have lasted the whole series. I do wish Sable and especially Jo had a bigger role in the book, but there simply isn't space in the plot. The editing on this book was really good because it could have been much longer but filled with unnecessary details. As it is, the ending did a great job tying the loose ends together in a way that was very satisfying.
November 1, 2024
This was one of my favorite books in the series. Completely heartbreaking, reminding me a lot of book 1 when we first met Cori. I still think one of this author’s strongest talents is always finding a way to make this super OP character still have vulnerabilities and struggle. There were a couple of things I wish the ending had done differently but as a whole I really enjoyed everything. I read these from the library and now I want to go buy them all so I can reread whenever I want.
November 10, 2023
So, so good!
Love this whole series! It is a testament to loving all of creation no matter what form it takes; a parable about giving and embracing differences without being preachy or religious; a warning about government and politics; an homage to those who give all to save what they love; full of magic; an adventure and a rollercoaster.
Thank you, M. Todd
Love this whole series! It is a testament to loving all of creation no matter what form it takes; a parable about giving and embracing differences without being preachy or religious; a warning about government and politics; an homage to those who give all to save what they love; full of magic; an adventure and a rollercoaster.
Thank you, M. Todd
November 22, 2023
Excellent!
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula award winner.
This is an excellent example of world building. It combines alternate History, Urban Fantasy with lots more science than you would expect.
And heros large and small. And Love.
You will want to start with the first book.
Enjoy.
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula award winner.
This is an excellent example of world building. It combines alternate History, Urban Fantasy with lots more science than you would expect.
And heros large and small. And Love.
You will want to start with the first book.
Enjoy.
September 8, 2025
A fitting ending to the series
This magical urban fantasy alternate history comes to an end where Cori is trying to close the rips permanently. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know how. This was just a wonderful series, and I literally could not put down this book. I hope the author continues to write stories for years to come.
This magical urban fantasy alternate history comes to an end where Cori is trying to close the rips permanently. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know how. This was just a wonderful series, and I literally could not put down this book. I hope the author continues to write stories for years to come.
November 5, 2023
A fitting end for a phenomenal series
I was so excited to read the final book in Twisted Luck, yet dreading coming to the final end of a series I loved. It was a fitting end, although I wish some of the heartbreak hadn’t happened. I will definitely reread these books!
I was so excited to read the final book in Twisted Luck, yet dreading coming to the final end of a series I loved. It was a fitting end, although I wish some of the heartbreak hadn’t happened. I will definitely reread these books!
January 8, 2024
Amazing series
WOW, totally did not see that ending for Cori, but what an ending it was!!! Magic in a whole new way that captivates and sucks you into the very last word. Highly recommend reading this series!!!
WOW, totally did not see that ending for Cori, but what an ending it was!!! Magic in a whole new way that captivates and sucks you into the very last word. Highly recommend reading this series!!!
April 25, 2025
Good read
I enjoyed the series, did not go the way I thought but I was along for the story not the one telling it. I would recommend this series, will have to see what else the author has written and see what I think of it.
I enjoyed the series, did not go the way I thought but I was along for the story not the one telling it. I would recommend this series, will have to see what else the author has written and see what I think of it.
June 16, 2025
A very satisfying ending to this series, if a bit sad.
This final book of the series comes full circle from the first book and provides a very satisfying conclusion. I think this is among the best stories I have read.
This final book of the series comes full circle from the first book and provides a very satisfying conclusion. I think this is among the best stories I have read.
November 5, 2023
nothing is free
I think this is the end. Closing the circle, to some extent.
I’m gonna miss this series. Long live the quean.
I think this is the end. Closing the circle, to some extent.
I’m gonna miss this series. Long live the quean.
November 6, 2023
3.5 stars
November 8, 2023
Great ending to a great series!
November 10, 2023
Very satisfying!
I loved this series, and I eagerly awaited each book. Fun, unique, thoughtful, and a rousingly good modern fantasy tale!
I loved this series, and I eagerly awaited each book. Fun, unique, thoughtful, and a rousingly good modern fantasy tale!
November 14, 2023
Superb!
What a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to Cori’s story! I want to start all over from the beginning now, just to enjoy it again!
What a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to Cori’s story! I want to start all over from the beginning now, just to enjoy it again!
November 16, 2023
outstanding
This was truly an awesome series.
Thank you for sharing, you.
The characters, places, and the stupid governments were absolutely on point. More please.
This was truly an awesome series.
Thank you for sharing, you.
The characters, places, and the stupid governments were absolutely on point. More please.
November 16, 2023
I struggled with this one.
Loved the series, struggled with this one. Felt some of it was forced, and not a big fan of the ending. . .
Loved the series, struggled with this one. Felt some of it was forced, and not a big fan of the ending. . .
November 28, 2023
Good stuff
This book was very interesting and so full of adventure with absolutely no romance but did have family and friends love. Good ending.
This book was very interesting and so full of adventure with absolutely no romance but did have family and friends love. Good ending.
December 8, 2023
Great series!
Written in a wry tone I appreciated very much. I hope we get more from Mel Todd on kindle unlimited.
Written in a wry tone I appreciated very much. I hope we get more from Mel Todd on kindle unlimited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews