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A Charade of Magic #3
Red Hawk
Mairi Wallace has faced terrible dangers since she discovered her magical abilities. But she's never experienced anything as hazardous as this. An unfamiliar peril has arisen and suddenly the Mages are no longer the biggest threat to Scotland's future. A new King, with the Afflicted hordes at his beck and call, is claiming her country for his own.
From the towering battlements at Edinburgh Castle to the sweeping streets of Glasgow, Mairi and her friends are going to have to draw on every scrap of power they have. And if she doesn't embrace the unthinkable and work with the Mages to save her people, Scotland's future might prove to be very bleak indeed.
Red Hawk is the thrilling third and final book in A Charade of Magic.
From the towering battlements at Edinburgh Castle to the sweeping streets of Glasgow, Mairi and her friends are going to have to draw on every scrap of power they have. And if she doesn't embrace the unthinkable and work with the Mages to save her people, Scotland's future might prove to be very bleak indeed.
Red Hawk is the thrilling third and final book in A Charade of Magic.
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First published March 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 6, 2023
This book didn’t grab me quite as much as the first two in the trilogy (both were enthusiastic 5 star reads for me), but it was still exceptionally written and was a fitting and fabulous end to one of the best trilogies I have read in in a long time.
August 20, 2023
A wonderful conclusion to a fantastic series. Full review to follow but for now I just want to say how much I recommend this series.
June 7, 2023
For the final book in the A Charade of Magic series, Red Hawk surely delivered! Loved how Mairi, Laoch, Angus, Andy, Belle, and the rest of the troops banded together to fight the mighty evil Cadal Righ.
There were some new additions along the way, as well, most notably, Isla, a girl (no more than thirteen years old), that Mairi found inside Edinburgh Castle. Loved the solution of how to defeat Cadal Right () and how it ended up ().
I wasn't as fond as I should with Mairi and Laoch's love (felt like it happened WAY too fast in the first book, and I still couldn't found it rooting too much for them in this final one) but Mairi was happy with her demon, so there's that.
There were some new additions along the way, as well, most notably, Isla, a girl (no more than thirteen years old), that Mairi found inside Edinburgh Castle. Loved the solution of how to defeat Cadal Right () and how it ended up ().
I wasn't as fond as I should with Mairi and Laoch's love (felt like it happened WAY too fast in the first book, and I still couldn't found it rooting too much for them in this final one) but Mairi was happy with her demon, so there's that.
August 27, 2023
I loved it!
March 8, 2023
Wow what an ending to this trilogy this was! He is no longer coming - he is here! When Cabel Righ and his hordes of the Afflicted attack Edinburgh Castle, all hell breaks loose and Mairi and her friends have no choice but to team up with the Mages to get out. The same Mages that want her deid! Only the Mages don't necessarily want to work with Mairi and Aspen in particular is still his spiteful little self.
This whole book was a complete rollercoaster ride with Mairi running back and forth trying to save people, trying to find her friends and loved ones, all the while waiting for her magic to resurface after the Ascendency challenge removed it. If only the Mages would listen to her more often, but they have this silly notion that women shouldn't have magic and therefore should have no opinion on anything! Luckily for them, Mairi does not listen to a word they say and does what she needs to do to defeat Cabel Righ even if it's the last thing she does!
If you haven't read this trilogy yet, do so, but from the beginning! It's a great fantasy series, full of power, emotion, friendships, well developed characters and lots of twists and turns along the way too.
I received am ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one!
This whole book was a complete rollercoaster ride with Mairi running back and forth trying to save people, trying to find her friends and loved ones, all the while waiting for her magic to resurface after the Ascendency challenge removed it. If only the Mages would listen to her more often, but they have this silly notion that women shouldn't have magic and therefore should have no opinion on anything! Luckily for them, Mairi does not listen to a word they say and does what she needs to do to defeat Cabel Righ even if it's the last thing she does!
If you haven't read this trilogy yet, do so, but from the beginning! It's a great fantasy series, full of power, emotion, friendships, well developed characters and lots of twists and turns along the way too.
I received am ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one!
April 23, 2023
Red Hawk
by Helen Harper
Fantasy YA Paranormal Urban
Kindle
An enemy more powerful than Mairi or the Mages of Scotland has ever imagined controls the Afflicted, and he is claiming the country for his own. Even if Mairi and the Mages work together, it looks as if their enemy has more power than them.
The third and final book in 'A Charade of Magic' picks up where the second left off, with Mairi and friends in Edinburgh Castle, looking for a way to escape the Afflicted and their master.
I can't say much 'cause of spoilers except it was good, but not as great as the first two. I feel it was rushed to finish the series, but it had action, suspense, violence, and... But because of the violence, I don't think anyone under fourteen should read this, and there is a 'romance' scene, but it's not described in detail, though parents of young readers should take caution. As to the descriptions, as with the other books, I feel that they were lacking. The MCs didn't have enough 'reminders' of who/what they were, and for me those differences bring characters more to life.
One thing that really stands out to me is that the author allowed the characters to make mistakes so proving even heroes are fallible.
As I said, it wasn't as great as the first two books, but I'll round up.
4 Stars
by Helen Harper
Fantasy YA Paranormal Urban
Kindle
An enemy more powerful than Mairi or the Mages of Scotland has ever imagined controls the Afflicted, and he is claiming the country for his own. Even if Mairi and the Mages work together, it looks as if their enemy has more power than them.
The third and final book in 'A Charade of Magic' picks up where the second left off, with Mairi and friends in Edinburgh Castle, looking for a way to escape the Afflicted and their master.
I can't say much 'cause of spoilers except it was good, but not as great as the first two. I feel it was rushed to finish the series, but it had action, suspense, violence, and... But because of the violence, I don't think anyone under fourteen should read this, and there is a 'romance' scene, but it's not described in detail, though parents of young readers should take caution. As to the descriptions, as with the other books, I feel that they were lacking. The MCs didn't have enough 'reminders' of who/what they were, and for me those differences bring characters more to life.
One thing that really stands out to me is that the author allowed the characters to make mistakes so proving even heroes are fallible.
As I said, it wasn't as great as the first two books, but I'll round up.
4 Stars
August 24, 2023
It was a nice ending to whole series. I was surprised by Noah surviving and the solution to how to stop the bad guy. Draining the land of magic seemed drastic and giving the magic back to only female a bit unfair. I was not surprised by the fact the Noah's character hadn't changed. There was quite a lot of action and one sexy scene between Mairi and Laoch, most likely to appease some readers as it didn't have any profound effect. Anyway, the book answered a lot of questions from previous books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
Good Nd not so good
Your writing and voice has brought me a lot of joy over the years. Intrigue, fun and simply warmth. You are a bard. Story telling is and has been a critical part of life, now and for centuries. People just don't recognize it's role in today's world. But it is expressed in so many different forms and different ways across society around the world. I think your gift as a writer is important. You reach many people. Put in that sense, now what I wanted to say is going to be petty. I get mad at you for letting your characters be stupid. Especially since in this book, that I am only at about 2/3rds into is a much more harsh/brutal book than normal.when the subject matter has so much more implications being stupid makes less sense. Yes we are talking fiction and an authors licence, all that. But you can stretch an authors licence with a reader a bit too much. For instance, your main character is supposed to love L, who has been brutalized. When she walks into the mages stronghold and is surprised by being attacked, has not planned for it. Is knocked out and when she wakes is of course saved from the evil, and he is evil character, good job on that, she then struggles to protect L, from being enslaved. That is too stupid. Why wouldn't she have thought of ways to protect him from such an extreme horrible experience. I hate to say it but you are being lazy with your characters. Yes this is fiction. But a good story is a good story. Bard of today or of hundreds of years ago. Your readers aren't stupid. I actually do not mean to come on as harsh as this. Let your characters plan more. Not step in shite so much. You are an excellent writer with a wonderful imagination. Which is why you make me mad when you, instead of thinking a plot out you just let your characters and the story take the fall and be stupid. That's the truth. Meant with warmth and the best intentions. I do love your books. Just give your characters more respect. Xxoo
Your writing and voice has brought me a lot of joy over the years. Intrigue, fun and simply warmth. You are a bard. Story telling is and has been a critical part of life, now and for centuries. People just don't recognize it's role in today's world. But it is expressed in so many different forms and different ways across society around the world. I think your gift as a writer is important. You reach many people. Put in that sense, now what I wanted to say is going to be petty. I get mad at you for letting your characters be stupid. Especially since in this book, that I am only at about 2/3rds into is a much more harsh/brutal book than normal.when the subject matter has so much more implications being stupid makes less sense. Yes we are talking fiction and an authors licence, all that. But you can stretch an authors licence with a reader a bit too much. For instance, your main character is supposed to love L, who has been brutalized. When she walks into the mages stronghold and is surprised by being attacked, has not planned for it. Is knocked out and when she wakes is of course saved from the evil, and he is evil character, good job on that, she then struggles to protect L, from being enslaved. That is too stupid. Why wouldn't she have thought of ways to protect him from such an extreme horrible experience. I hate to say it but you are being lazy with your characters. Yes this is fiction. But a good story is a good story. Bard of today or of hundreds of years ago. Your readers aren't stupid. I actually do not mean to come on as harsh as this. Let your characters plan more. Not step in shite so much. You are an excellent writer with a wonderful imagination. Which is why you make me mad when you, instead of thinking a plot out you just let your characters and the story take the fall and be stupid. That's the truth. Meant with warmth and the best intentions. I do love your books. Just give your characters more respect. Xxoo
April 3, 2025
"Red Hawk," the third book in Helen Harper's series, delivers a satisfying conclusion that I greatly appreciate. This installment ramps up the action with more war and fighting scenes, including some gore, which kept the tension high and the stakes even higher.
The romance is present but remains subtle. As someone who enjoys a bit more spice in my reads, I would have loved to see more of that element explored. While it wasn't a major focus, the story's strengths in other areas kept me engaged.
I appreciated how the story wrapped up the series, though the ending felt a bit abrupt. It left me wondering if it was intentionally left open for another book or if this was the planned conclusion. Either way, it was a fitting end to the journey we've been on with these characters.
The overall flow of the series has been enjoyable, and I particularly loved the diverse and engaging cast of characters. Each brought something unique to the table, making the story richer and more immersive. The humor throughout the book was delightful, providing moments of levity amid the intense action. There was some great character development too, as they grew and learned in each book, just like we do in life.
Once again, Ruth Urquhart did a fantastic job narrating. Her performance added depth and charm to the listening experience, and her skillful portrayal of the characters made the audiobook a joy to listen to.
"Red Hawk" is a strong finale to a captivating series. It balances action, humor, and a touch of romance, leaving readers with a sense of closure while also sparking curiosity about the characters' futures. A must-listen for fans of the series!
The romance is present but remains subtle. As someone who enjoys a bit more spice in my reads, I would have loved to see more of that element explored. While it wasn't a major focus, the story's strengths in other areas kept me engaged.
I appreciated how the story wrapped up the series, though the ending felt a bit abrupt. It left me wondering if it was intentionally left open for another book or if this was the planned conclusion. Either way, it was a fitting end to the journey we've been on with these characters.
The overall flow of the series has been enjoyable, and I particularly loved the diverse and engaging cast of characters. Each brought something unique to the table, making the story richer and more immersive. The humor throughout the book was delightful, providing moments of levity amid the intense action. There was some great character development too, as they grew and learned in each book, just like we do in life.
Once again, Ruth Urquhart did a fantastic job narrating. Her performance added depth and charm to the listening experience, and her skillful portrayal of the characters made the audiobook a joy to listen to.
"Red Hawk" is a strong finale to a captivating series. It balances action, humor, and a touch of romance, leaving readers with a sense of closure while also sparking curiosity about the characters' futures. A must-listen for fans of the series!
March 18, 2023
A solid finish for an amazing series
Harper has done it again!
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and everything just felt … right.
Granted, I suppose I would’ve wanted to know what became of the government system, did they elect a governing body? What about money or a bartering system since everything was all but destroyed? What happened to the villain’s body, yes he was dead but would everyone now start burning the dead? What about Belle who very much became my favorite character in book two?
Anyways, yes there were loads of minor questions I had upon reading the last page, but overall it doesn’t really matter because the over symbolism and arc was poignant and profound in the most magical of ways. We met Mairi as she was on her way to heal someone. Mairi who had no real voice or power back then. Now? She’s still the most powerful, almost revered, and we end the series with her using her apothecary skills to heal/harm. It’s borderline poetic
Harper has done it again!
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and everything just felt … right.
Granted, I suppose I would’ve wanted to know what became of the government system, did they elect a governing body? What about money or a bartering system since everything was all but destroyed? What happened to the villain’s body, yes he was dead but would everyone now start burning the dead? What about Belle who very much became my favorite character in book two?
Anyways, yes there were loads of minor questions I had upon reading the last page, but overall it doesn’t really matter because the over symbolism and arc was poignant and profound in the most magical of ways. We met Mairi as she was on her way to heal someone. Mairi who had no real voice or power back then. Now? She’s still the most powerful, almost revered, and we end the series with her using her apothecary skills to heal/harm. It’s borderline poetic
March 19, 2023
A simply stunning five-star read. This is number three in the Charade of Magic series and it brings it to a stunning conclusion. Man, that ending just made me smile so much, after shedding a tear or two earlier. It was so mice to see Mari come into her own, she may not want to be a leader, but I think that is what makes her so good at it. I will be sad to see this end, but my goodness it has ended on a high, it really feels like we have been on a journey with Mari and her bunch of rambunctious characters. This has been a thrilling ride of a read and I have loved every minute of it, I am now just excited to see where we will end up next, and will we see Scotland brough to life in wonder again, I must admit that Edinburgh has a special place in my heart, so I always love a story set there, and this series has just added to my dreams of going back again and exploring the streets again.
March 22, 2023
Red Hawk is Helen Harper's final book in the author's A Charade of Magic series - and as finales go - Success!!! Hummingbird, Nightingale, and Red Hawk abound with unforgettable characters, ones that you empathize with, feel their joy, applaud their bravery, and shudder at the injustices committed against them - characters that you despise and want crushed beneath a daemon's heel - the harsh, wily, and kind - they are each enthralling in their own way. Harper places them all in Scotland where every citizen is oppressed by cruel and power-hungry Mages. Mairi soldiers on in this dystopian world, a world where she believed the Mages were the biggest bads in need of a takedown. She was wrong. Everyone was wrong. Red Hawk unearths the rot plaguing Scotland - and it isn't the flesh-eating Afflicted. I love a series that keeps its secrets!
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
February 20, 2025
Astounding plot lines. Magic galore. Evil Mages Scotland
Many things I love about fantasy, paranormal romance Scottish settings, tartan and the orphan kid underdog rising to hero status. Some themes in common with Hunger Games or The Waling Dead. The characters are nothing superb like Bujold or Cherryh but the plotlines care mind boggling. Just when you think you know what is coming next - you are wrong. Then the characters make plans on what will happen next and they are wrong too. I enjoyed this series a lot, but there is a lot of violence and a fairly high body count so not a good choice for young readers. A pretty good romantic pair with G rated kink free affection. Recommended. I particularly booked the part where she says that for the mages this may be the end of the world apocalypse but for my people it is just Tuesday.
Many things I love about fantasy, paranormal romance Scottish settings, tartan and the orphan kid underdog rising to hero status. Some themes in common with Hunger Games or The Waling Dead. The characters are nothing superb like Bujold or Cherryh but the plotlines care mind boggling. Just when you think you know what is coming next - you are wrong. Then the characters make plans on what will happen next and they are wrong too. I enjoyed this series a lot, but there is a lot of violence and a fairly high body count so not a good choice for young readers. A pretty good romantic pair with G rated kink free affection. Recommended. I particularly booked the part where she says that for the mages this may be the end of the world apocalypse but for my people it is just Tuesday.
August 8, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars!
This trilogy has come to an end and I loved every minute of it!
Like the rest of the series, Red Hawk is beautifully written with elements of Scottish lore spread throughout and the power of coming together.
In this book, Mairi struggles to get back to Glasgow and find a way to beat Cadal Righ. However bleak the situation, she still manages to keep going, meeting a few interesting characters along the way and gaining information on this new menace. It turns out, magic isn't just the solution sometimes, but the problem.
This journey has definitely been a fun one! If you love fantasy, all things Scottish, feminism and a tiny splash of romance, I recommend you read this one!
This trilogy has come to an end and I loved every minute of it!
Like the rest of the series, Red Hawk is beautifully written with elements of Scottish lore spread throughout and the power of coming together.
In this book, Mairi struggles to get back to Glasgow and find a way to beat Cadal Righ. However bleak the situation, she still manages to keep going, meeting a few interesting characters along the way and gaining information on this new menace. It turns out, magic isn't just the solution sometimes, but the problem.
This journey has definitely been a fun one! If you love fantasy, all things Scottish, feminism and a tiny splash of romance, I recommend you read this one!
March 14, 2023
This may be the end of the series, but it's hard to be sad when the story was so amazingly written. The characters, their journeys, their triumphants and defeats, all told perfectly. I feel not an ounce of guilt at the time spent with this series and it's characters. Everything that got pushed to the side in my life was necessary to give this story the undivided attention it deserved. Well done to the author for creating such a fantastically magical series that captured my attention. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
March 21, 2023
I will read anything that Helen Harper writes. This is definitely a departure from the usual Urban Fantasy genre. There’s mages, demons, zombie-like people and gender inequality in a dystopic fantasy version of Scotland, with a main character who keeps fighting no matter what. I tend to steer clear of dystopian books as I find them dark and depressing. There were moments of that but the characters and the plot were just so good, that it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
The characters are brilliant. The plot steams along but I didn’t find it predictable. There were some good twists and the ending was very satisfying.
The characters are brilliant. The plot steams along but I didn’t find it predictable. There were some good twists and the ending was very satisfying.
April 2, 2023
I have been a huge Helen Harper fan for a while now and am always waiting anxiously for the next book. This one was well worth the wait. I really didn't know how this series was going to be wrapped up in time. The odds seemed to be very well stacked against our heroine. However, Helen Harper's imagination is far better than mine and she found a BELIEVABLE way! A wonderful ending to a very good series.
March 19, 2023
What a great series!
It's a story about good versus evil and the weak versus the strong. It's got love and sacrifice, and learning everyone counts. It's all written skillfully with flawed but loveable characters to cheer on. I loved it. Just start with book one, and you will find yourself hooked.
It's a story about good versus evil and the weak versus the strong. It's got love and sacrifice, and learning everyone counts. It's all written skillfully with flawed but loveable characters to cheer on. I loved it. Just start with book one, and you will find yourself hooked.
March 23, 2023
Helen Harper Tops Herself
I have loved each and every Harper series but she has topped herself with A Charade of Magic and its heroine Mairi Wallace. The story and the world builds beautifully through the trilogy, finishing with a fabulous climax and a surprise 2nd climax and finale. Could. Not. Recommend. Any. More. Highly!
I have loved each and every Harper series but she has topped herself with A Charade of Magic and its heroine Mairi Wallace. The story and the world builds beautifully through the trilogy, finishing with a fabulous climax and a surprise 2nd climax and finale. Could. Not. Recommend. Any. More. Highly!
May 17, 2023
5 stars for this series too Ms. Hunter has got another fan!
I love to read. I especially love to read well written, entertaining books that are engrossing and makes me want to not put my book down. Ms. Hunter you've written another series you have exceeded my expectations and keep me guessing at what is coming next. Thank you, now I'm off to go read another of your books!
I love to read. I especially love to read well written, entertaining books that are engrossing and makes me want to not put my book down. Ms. Hunter you've written another series you have exceeded my expectations and keep me guessing at what is coming next. Thank you, now I'm off to go read another of your books!
April 2, 2024
I thought this was a satisfying end to the trilogy. The romance was a bit thin, but it's a short book, and the events keep on eventing. There wasn't a lot of time for the relationship to actually develop so we're pretty with "no it's just love accept it". But that is a very minor gripe. Overall, great series
March 23, 2023
Braw
Brilliant book and series. Great story weaving, believable characters with moments of laughter and tears - and all set in Scotland, a land of magic, passion and irreverence. Just fantastic:)
Brilliant book and series. Great story weaving, believable characters with moments of laughter and tears - and all set in Scotland, a land of magic, passion and irreverence. Just fantastic:)
March 25, 2023
Red Hawk, the third book of the A Charade of Magic series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Mairi faces more intensity, danger, and excitement in this third installment of the series. Some stunning reveals kept me guessing.
April 4, 2023
Fabulous story telling
The odds are truly against Mairi, the Mages have no respect for any women but He is here! Who can survive and turn the odds around. Exciting read and fitting end to this series.
The odds are truly against Mairi, the Mages have no respect for any women but He is here! Who can survive and turn the odds around. Exciting read and fitting end to this series.
February 9, 2024
This was a really satisfying conclusion to the Charade of Magic series. Sometimes I found Mary to be a bit melodramatic and the bad guys to have no nuance. But the story moved along well and I couldn’t wait to go for a walk to listen to more of it.
May 8, 2024
Great read
The last in the series. All of Scotland is under threat from a mad mage and it's up to the long denied women with magic to save everyone. Good characters and storyline resolution, recommended.😁
The last in the series. All of Scotland is under threat from a mad mage and it's up to the long denied women with magic to save everyone. Good characters and storyline resolution, recommended.😁
August 12, 2024
Unfortunately, each book of this series was less interesting for me. While I liked them individually, the romance didn’t work for me, some of the protagonist‘s actions were pretty stupid and out of character and
[massive spoiler ahead!!!]
I didn‘t like that there was no explanation at all for the fact that only the women got back their magic at the end.
Still, the story was not bad and I had fun reading it.
[massive spoiler ahead!!!]
I didn‘t like that there was no explanation at all for the fact that only the women got back their magic at the end.
Still, the story was not bad and I had fun reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
Couldn't put the books down! Binge read.
Fabulous, gripping read, with unexpected twists and sheer grit to get the heroes through! Read all 3 books one after the other and found it hard to put them down!. Thank you
Fabulous, gripping read, with unexpected twists and sheer grit to get the heroes through! Read all 3 books one after the other and found it hard to put them down!. Thank you
July 5, 2025
Great series
I loved it and especially the ending. I had to look up the Scottish word, but that was fun. Now I know braw, means fine. 😁 I've been reading all your books and this is one of my favorites. Well done.
I loved it and especially the ending. I had to look up the Scottish word, but that was fun. Now I know braw, means fine. 😁 I've been reading all your books and this is one of my favorites. Well done.
December 2, 2025
Certainly a mystical mystery
I know this comes under the genre of cozy but that's the last thing this series is. It's quite bloodthirsty and at one point in book 2 I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. I'm very glad I did as the ending was far more optimistic and enjoyable.
I know this comes under the genre of cozy but that's the last thing this series is. It's quite bloodthirsty and at one point in book 2 I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. I'm very glad I did as the ending was far more optimistic and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews