Chasing Magic

A Collection of Familiars #1

by Toby Wise

After receiving a magical compass that’s supposed to lead him to his spark, Willow embarks on the road trip of a lifetime. He just didn’t realize it would take over five years of chasing to finally meet his spark, Nash and he certainly wasn’t expecting his spark’s brother to be his true mate.

Callan, a hawk shifter, is used to his life on the road. He’s always found joy in helping his brother, Nash, travel from place to place, helping sparks learn more about their magic. On one magical stop, Callan and Nash run into Willow and realize he’s exactly what they didn’t know they were missing.

Chasing Magic is book one in A Collection of Familiars series. Inside you’ll find true mates, found family, an alpha hawk, a bluejay familiar, mpreg, magic, and of course, a happily ever after!

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Omegaverse, Magic, Romance, Shapeshifters, Novella

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2024

About the author

Toby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.

In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.

Reviews

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. I will say I'm not to familiar with this universe of familiars, sparks and other paranormal species, so I was pleasantly surprised and delighted in this case, that familiars didn't have to be also true mates and/or intimately involved with their sparks...I'm not a big throuple fan soooooooo...When Willow found his spark Nash and his true mate Callan...I was wondering how that was gonna work out since Nash and Callan were brothers. Well there's no taboo factor ...everything just clicked in place as it should be and I enjoyed the romance of Willow and Callan. No angst...some HOT moments a lot of sweet moments...a few hilarious moments...Willow's cousins were a hoot and Nash was a strong supporting character that was a teacher and a big brother to Callan as well to Willow. It's possible that Nash will find his true mate in later books in this series and I'll be all for it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5)

There are a few things you can come to expect with Toby's stories; they are always going to be full of cuteness and fluff, they are going to have plenty found family goodness, wonderful characters, and of course the beauty of fated mate.

I love Toby's writing, whenever I read one of his books they always make me happy, and leave me finishing the book with a smile. This one did that too. The concept of the magical compass is still something I find really intriguing, I can't wait to see where else it takes the rest of the cousins.

I found the relationship that developed between Callan and Willow to be really cute. It did move fast, but they are fated mates, so that's to be expected. I liked how they didn't mate right away. I adored the scene where they shifted into their animal counterparts and went to the beach, it was just so cute and I love the descriptions of them flying together.

I was so happy to see the characters from the previous series mentioned in this book. And they weren't just mentioned but they also were a feature in this story, which was so cool!! The side characters were great! I was really curious about Nash's character, I still am curious about his character. He's quite mysterious, and the way he is so passionate about learning a bit of everything so he can help multiple people is really amazing.

This was a really great way to start off a new series and I'm really excited to see where else this goes!!

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of A Collection of Familiars series. I really enjoyed it. This is the story of Willow, Nash and Callan. Willow is a blue jay familiar. He has been looking for his spark for the past 5 years using a magical compass. He is thinking that the compass may be broken as each time they head in the direction indicated, it would change and go in the opposite direction. He finally meets Nash and the connection is instantaneous. Nash is his spark. The extra special added bonus is Nash's brother Callan. Callan is a hawk shifter. He is also Willow's true mate! That is a lot of changes in a very short time. Callan has been travelling all over the country with his brother Nash. Nash goes around and helps new sparks handle and control their magic. Willow is happy to continue Nash with his quest. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. It is a sweet story that will put a smile on your face. A low angst and fun read. I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary advance review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so good to be back in this world of shifters, magic and mates from Toby Wise. This is set in the same world as the previous series but focused on a different group, this time it's Willow getting their turn to meet their mate first.
Callan and Willow have that immediate moment of recognition, after willow focuses on Callan's brother, Nash, who is his spark, the person that Willow's familiar is meant for. Callan and Willow's connection is immediate and, though there are plans to go slow, there's only so much they can go against their needs. They make for an equally sweet and hot couple. I also enjoyed the relationship that grows between Nash and Willow, given the platonic nature of their friendship and the three men having to travel together.
It's also great to see several old faces from previous series and the cousins that Willow has been travelling with, who will in books to come, have their own HEA.
A wonderful low angst, fated mates romance with mpreg and a fabulous found family that grows bigger by the book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing Magic is the latest installment in the Collection of Families series. We have broken away from the main character group we were originally introduced to and are now having the
Extended Family find their perfect someone’s. Willow has been traveling the country with his cousins in search of his Spark, directed by a magic compass showing him the way. After 5 yrs of hunting he finally meets Nash with an added bonus. Nash’s brother Callum is his true mate.
This was a nice quick sweet read. The characters are all happy with their lives and there is absolutely no drama or angst to be found in this love story. I’m not a huge fan of major angst. I do wish this story maybe had a little more drama or some type of conflict in it though. I found it to be a bit pat. Other than the fact that Willow had been traveling for such a long time, he found both his spark and true love and basically lived happily ever after. If you are looking for just an all around happy story, this is definitely for you, but If you want some bite I would try other books in the series.

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby has done what he does best, written a low-angst, fluffy, feel good story that's impossible to put down once you start it.  Willow is a familiar who has been searching for his spark for 5 years with the help of a magic compass. When he finally finds Nash, it turns out this is a two-for-one, as he also meets his true mate Callan (who is Nash's brother and a hawk shifter). With Willow's help, Nash can more easily teach baby sparks how to use their magic. Meanwhile, Willow's and Callan's relationship is exceptionally sweet, and together with Nash they make up a lovely little family. Some of Toby Wise's characters from previous books have made a reappearance here, as found family, but this book can be read as a standalone very easily. I enjoyed Willow's group of cousins, who are also familiars looking for their sparks, passing that magic compass from one person to the next. It's a fun story that leaves you in a good mood at the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HarriReadsRoMMance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love an offering from Toby Wise. I adore paranormal romance and I enjoy some light angst free fun and Wise always delivers.

This was the perfect spinoff beginning for a new series after “A Collection of Hunters” ended with the introduction of a group of cousins, their magical compass and them on the hunt for their sparks! Poor Jude had to spend 5 years travelling up and down the country for his spark when the compass constantly changed direction on him but wonderfully finding his spark led him to finding his fated mate, Callan who is his spark’s brother. While being fated mates I still liked how they took some time to get to know each other and things developed quickly but on what felt natural for them. I enjoyed the cameos from the hunters and Willow’s cousins are hilarious and I know I will be thoroughly entertained when they find their mates as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow, a bluejay familiar, has been traveling with his cousins for five years, looking for his spark. When he finds Nash, he realizes that Nash's brother, Callum, is his soul mate.
Fated mates is a familiar trope. Toby Wise makes it original with a compass which directs a familiar to find their spark. Another unexpected twist is that Nash is a travelling teacher. His specialty is helping young sparks connect and control their magic. Without these original touches, this would simply be a sweet, unexciting fated mates story.
Callum is pure alpha, but Willow is a strong minded, snarky omega. They had a nice chemistry. So did Nash and Willow, spark to familiar. There's little references to Wise's other collection series, but it's not necessary to have read A Collection of Hunters or A Collection of Strays to enjoy this book.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. What a sweet book. Willow was given a magical compass to find his spark from his cousin Jude. When his youngest cousin reached 18, they bought an RV and started following the directions the compass was giving them. Fast forward 5 years and they are in a town sitting at a diner talking about sparks and familiars. When joined by a couple of shifters, they were told to go to the hotel to meet a couple of shifters. Nash helps out people finding their magic and helping them out. On the road with his brother Callan. When Willow meets Nash and Callan for the first time, Willow realizes that he is Nash’s familiar and Callan’s mate. This started their relationship with Nash helping Willow with being a familiar and the loving relationship with Callan. Love the world building and cannot wait to read the next book.

[Susi June · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I liked it just fine. It was a short, no Angst novella, about a familiar that finally found his spark and his mate.

I never really read a book about familiars, so that was interesting.

Both mcs were sweet and super in love with each other. Callan was such a sap, I loved it. Also he has some greying hair, which is kinda catnip for me, in books. Grey hair is so rare that I'm always excited if someone has it.

The age gap though? I disliked it. Callan was 33 and Willow 23. I'm 33 and can't imagine dating someone that's 23. The only reason I don't hate it is, because they are fated mates.

I personally didn't enjoy the writing style. It wasn't bad or anything, just not my favorite.
It was kinda boring, like nothing really happened. I don't know if I'm glad it was so short or if I wished for a longer book with more plot.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Toby Wise’s books. They are low angst, sweet stories that are just fun to read. They are also some of my favorite comfort rereads when I need a break or a reset. Fated mate happily ever afters for the win! Willow and Callan and Nash make a perfect little family traveling the country and helping sparks learn to control their magic. Willow searched for his spark for five years and when he finally catches up with Nash, he finds his fated mate as well! Their dynamic is different and I love it. I need to go back and read the hunters series. The fact that I haven’t read those didn’t affect my ability to enjoy this book. (I have read the Collection of Strays though. Comfort rereads, remember?)

[Dee H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

As always Toby Wise has provided to his readers a intriguing and unusual story of Willow, who with his cousins and a magical compass, takes a 5 year journey to find his spark. Willow is a familar and his Spark Nash and Nash's brother Callan finally come together. All are overjoyed when is becomes apparent that Callan is Willow's mate. A wonderful low angst book of imagination and love which Toby Wise specialises in. He certainly didn't disappoint me with this book either.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I will ever not like a Toby Wise book. He has such a way with words and relationships that makes you feel hopeful. I really loved the relationship between Callen and Willow. Callen was content with his life but in the brief moments, Toby was able to provide me with a deep knowing of Callen feeling for his missing piece. As with other books from Toby, the found family aspect is profound through the book but also has blood family ties. It was a truly great read and start to the new series.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Magic is the first book in the new A Collection of Familiars series. This book is about Willow a familiar who is looking for his spark, Nash his spark, and Callanhis true mate. This book is a quick, fun, and entertaining read. I love how the characters come together because of a magic compass. I love these low angst sweet stories from Toby Wise. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with the rest of the cousins. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Liz Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ecstatic! This author is once again writing in the universe of my favorite of their series. This one is all about sparks and finding their mages as well as mates. Being directed by a magical compass given to them by their grandmother. Wonderful sweet new characters and small cameos of beloved characters from previous series! I can’t wait for more! These will definitely be added to my growing book hoard!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this

Callan's and Willow's book is so great. I love their meeting and watching their relationship grow. I love the cameos from other series. I can't wait for the next book.
(FYI, you don't need to read the other books in this world, but if you want to start with A Collection Of Strays, then read A Collection Of Hunters)
TLDR: This book is awesome, and so is the world it takes place in

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

So right

I'm so happy to get to visit past couples with this new series from Toby!! Love Love the dynamics of Willow & Callen along with Nash, who makes this the perfect team. Willow and Callen may be mates, but with Nash (callens brother and Willows spark), they just fit so perfectly. What another great feel-good read from the ever amazing Toby@

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start to a wonderful new series by the marvelous Toby Wise! This is going to be an amazing series with so many friends. I love the threads of this connected series! I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I highly recommend, let's be honest any book by Toby! :) You will not be disappointed! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Shelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparks and Familiars

Fun new series. This is a fun concept that brings humor, found family, real family and HEA's. I like the compass bringing a spark and familiar together. There is also the added benefit for Jude and Willow that found their true mate at the same time. I can't wait to read the next book and see where Casper ends up.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

This was a super sweet story. I loved the idea of a magical compass leading familiars to their sparks, and bonus if they find their fated mate too. Willow and Callan are perfect together. I enjoyed the magic and the found family aspects of the story. I'm looking forward to the rest of the cousins finding their mates.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜💜💜

This is a paranormal queer romance, the first in a series that should be read in order. It feels like there might be another series before this so I’m gonna go seek that out. I liked this book, I was eager to read it from the description and it did not disappoint!
💜💜💜💜💜

[T.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Interesting new series. I loved the dynamic between the characters, and how they interacted with each other. Willow is a familiar, Callum is Willow’s mate, and Nash is Willow’s Spark. They meet because of a compass.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Story

This is another fun story to read. I was hooked on the story early and didn't want to put it down. I'm looking forward to more from this series.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I got this book free during one of the events that's offered up a variety.
This book is so well written that I can't wait to read everything else by Toby Wise.
I laughed, I happy sighed. Two thumbs up

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story and it was absolutely delightful to catch up with some familiar characters. Willows family are simply adorable and I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Vintage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

Cute bite of a story that is familiar but so comforting. This author does a great job making you feel connected to the characters as they search for their spark.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute short story about a familiar meeting his spark and mate! We got to see them meet and see what happens next. It’s a cute palate cleanser in between heavy books.

[Anne Marie Crookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Willow, Callan and Nash were wonderful together! Callan and his brother Nash find willow who is Nash’s spark and Callan’s mate. A great easy read.

[Sabrina Morissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow (Bluejay familiar) + Callan (alpha hawk shifter)
and Nash (the spark)
3.5 rounded up for the intriguing magic system of familiar-spark combination.