What do you think?
Rate this book
Applied Leverage
A little bit of power can get you into a lot of trouble.
Connor Rourke is one of the little people, supernaturally a psionic in a world of mages. He's happy being the top—okay, just about the only—supernatural locksmith in the Boston area. He doesn't aspire to adventure or heroism, but he's about to get pulled in whether he likes it or not ( he doesn't).
When he stumbles across a secret that was never meant to be known, he gets in trouble with forces far beyond him. Mixed up in a conflict between factions he can't match or understand, he'll have to find a way to survive for himself and those he loves. Along the way, Connor will learn secrets hidden for centuries, face and defeat threats to his life, and ultimately tackle an enemy who could annihilate him with a thought.
Applied Leverage is a new urban fantasy novel set in an innovative world full of action and vivid characters. For fans of the genre, this is a must-read. Recipient of a Book Excellence Award from the Chrysalis BREW Project, May 2025.
"This isn’t just magic in a trench coat. It’s magic on a job site... Like the Dresden Files, but less grim and more clever... It’s like MacGyver met Harry Potter, but they both took up plumbing." - GoodReads reviewer
"I absolutely loved this book...It's a fun ride with lots of interesting takes on a magical world." - GoodReads reviewer
Connor Rourke is one of the little people, supernaturally a psionic in a world of mages. He's happy being the top—okay, just about the only—supernatural locksmith in the Boston area. He doesn't aspire to adventure or heroism, but he's about to get pulled in whether he likes it or not ( he doesn't).
When he stumbles across a secret that was never meant to be known, he gets in trouble with forces far beyond him. Mixed up in a conflict between factions he can't match or understand, he'll have to find a way to survive for himself and those he loves. Along the way, Connor will learn secrets hidden for centuries, face and defeat threats to his life, and ultimately tackle an enemy who could annihilate him with a thought.
Applied Leverage is a new urban fantasy novel set in an innovative world full of action and vivid characters. For fans of the genre, this is a must-read. Recipient of a Book Excellence Award from the Chrysalis BREW Project, May 2025.
"This isn’t just magic in a trench coat. It’s magic on a job site... Like the Dresden Files, but less grim and more clever... It’s like MacGyver met Harry Potter, but they both took up plumbing." - GoodReads reviewer
"I absolutely loved this book...It's a fun ride with lots of interesting takes on a magical world." - GoodReads reviewer
- GenresFantasy
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
13 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 7, 2025
There are no vampires brooding on rooftops. No witches reciting Latin spells under the moon. In Applied Leverage, the supernatural world isn’t hidden—it’s just wilfully ignored. And the hero? He’s not “The Chosen One.” He’s a sarcastic locksmith with a tool bag, a telekinetic nudge, and a knack for getting in trouble.
This isn’t just magic in a trench coat. It’s magic on a job site.
A Supernatural World With Union Rules
Connor Rourke is a psi—telekinetic, underpaid, and not particularly welcome in either the mundane or magical worlds. He cracks safes by “feeling” their insides, dodges mage politics like flying bottles in a bar, and tries to make rent while avoiding incineration. The book opens in a pub that caters to the supernatural crowd—a world where spells are tossed like beer coasters and ordinary people are the real risk.
The plot kicks off when a simple safe job for a powerful mage turns into a kidnapping, a dungeon escape, and a growing realisation that someone really wants Connor out of the picture—permanently.
Like The Dresden Files, But Less Grim and More Clever
Aaron Sher delivers a world that feels like it could exist just under your nose, with characters that are real enough to insult your choice of boots. Instead of endless exposition, Sher builds the rules of his supernatural universe through natural dialogue and problem-solving.
We get glimpses of magical class hierarchies (mages vs. psis), secret councils, and old grudges—but it all feels grounded. Even magic has paperwork and weirdos. Even telekinetics get bruised.
Engineering Meets Enchantment
Perhaps the most unconventional part of this urban fantasy is how much it values craft. Connor’s abilities aren’t flashy—they’re about finesse, patience, and knowing which pin to lift in which order. His “powers” don’t save him from being hit, trapped, or betrayed. They just give him one more tool to try again.
This isn’t a book about fate or destiny. It’s about someone using what little power they’ve got—mental, emotional, magical—to stay one step ahead of people who consider him expendable.
Is It Family Friendly?
While there’s bar violence, supernatural politics, and mild swearing, there’s no sexual content, graphic horror, or anything that would preclude a mature teen from reading it. This would make a great intro to urban fantasy for fans of Rick Riordan ready for something older—but not yet veering into the R-rated realm.
It treats its characters with dignity, even the dumb ones. And it gives you a protagonist who fails, bleeds, and thinks on his feet—not because he’s a hero, but because he has rent to pay.
5 out of 5 Stars – Here’s Why
Because Applied Leverage does what most urban fantasy doesn’t bother with anymore: it puts craft over spectacle. Instead of a flood of tropes, it gives us a smart-mouthed tradesman solving problems with cunning, power, and practicality.
It’s like MacGyver met Harry Potter, but they both took up plumbing.
---------
This isn’t just magic in a trench coat. It’s magic on a job site.
A Supernatural World With Union Rules
Connor Rourke is a psi—telekinetic, underpaid, and not particularly welcome in either the mundane or magical worlds. He cracks safes by “feeling” their insides, dodges mage politics like flying bottles in a bar, and tries to make rent while avoiding incineration. The book opens in a pub that caters to the supernatural crowd—a world where spells are tossed like beer coasters and ordinary people are the real risk.
The plot kicks off when a simple safe job for a powerful mage turns into a kidnapping, a dungeon escape, and a growing realisation that someone really wants Connor out of the picture—permanently.
Like The Dresden Files, But Less Grim and More Clever
Aaron Sher delivers a world that feels like it could exist just under your nose, with characters that are real enough to insult your choice of boots. Instead of endless exposition, Sher builds the rules of his supernatural universe through natural dialogue and problem-solving.
We get glimpses of magical class hierarchies (mages vs. psis), secret councils, and old grudges—but it all feels grounded. Even magic has paperwork and weirdos. Even telekinetics get bruised.
Engineering Meets Enchantment
Perhaps the most unconventional part of this urban fantasy is how much it values craft. Connor’s abilities aren’t flashy—they’re about finesse, patience, and knowing which pin to lift in which order. His “powers” don’t save him from being hit, trapped, or betrayed. They just give him one more tool to try again.
This isn’t a book about fate or destiny. It’s about someone using what little power they’ve got—mental, emotional, magical—to stay one step ahead of people who consider him expendable.
Is It Family Friendly?
While there’s bar violence, supernatural politics, and mild swearing, there’s no sexual content, graphic horror, or anything that would preclude a mature teen from reading it. This would make a great intro to urban fantasy for fans of Rick Riordan ready for something older—but not yet veering into the R-rated realm.
It treats its characters with dignity, even the dumb ones. And it gives you a protagonist who fails, bleeds, and thinks on his feet—not because he’s a hero, but because he has rent to pay.
5 out of 5 Stars – Here’s Why
Because Applied Leverage does what most urban fantasy doesn’t bother with anymore: it puts craft over spectacle. Instead of a flood of tropes, it gives us a smart-mouthed tradesman solving problems with cunning, power, and practicality.
It’s like MacGyver met Harry Potter, but they both took up plumbing.
---------
November 5, 2025
Aaron Sher is a new author to me so I went into Applied Leverage with an open mind but already intrigued by the blurb.
The first thing I noticed was how interesting and unique the protagonists were; steeped in reality and fully aware of their 'little fish in a big pond' status. I really liked how the author had crafted them to be empathetic, highly likeable, gutsy when needed plus resourceful and resilient - a winning combination, in my opinion. I enjoyed spending time with them in this David versus Goliath adventure.
To me, Connor was one of a kind - at the bottom of the food chain, working to pay rent, and far from fitting the chosen one mold. I've never read an underpowered magical MMC so that alone made this book compelling but he readily admitted that his human friend, Nia, was physically stronger and better skilled in several areas. How refreshing and original was that??!! Nia's take-no-prisoners attitude was phenomenal. I loved her larger than life tough girl persona and ability to dish out, and take, a bit of punishment.
The storytelling was gripping and moved along nicely. There were a couple of lock picking scenes where I thought the author had perfectly balanced technical explanations with layman limitations to craft high tension moments. Add in the little bit of psy ability Connor was able to direct at this job and it was brilliantly done.
I hope this turns into a substantial series because I think the concept is strong and will hold reader interest, especially as there were a couple of developments towards the end that could be foundations for magical action/romance arcs without veering away from the underdog premise.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator to have a good variety of voices and a pleasing speaking voice. The editing was a bit hit and miss though but none of it was enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story though.
I look forward to more from this author.
The first thing I noticed was how interesting and unique the protagonists were; steeped in reality and fully aware of their 'little fish in a big pond' status. I really liked how the author had crafted them to be empathetic, highly likeable, gutsy when needed plus resourceful and resilient - a winning combination, in my opinion. I enjoyed spending time with them in this David versus Goliath adventure.
To me, Connor was one of a kind - at the bottom of the food chain, working to pay rent, and far from fitting the chosen one mold. I've never read an underpowered magical MMC so that alone made this book compelling but he readily admitted that his human friend, Nia, was physically stronger and better skilled in several areas. How refreshing and original was that??!! Nia's take-no-prisoners attitude was phenomenal. I loved her larger than life tough girl persona and ability to dish out, and take, a bit of punishment.
The storytelling was gripping and moved along nicely. There were a couple of lock picking scenes where I thought the author had perfectly balanced technical explanations with layman limitations to craft high tension moments. Add in the little bit of psy ability Connor was able to direct at this job and it was brilliantly done.
I hope this turns into a substantial series because I think the concept is strong and will hold reader interest, especially as there were a couple of developments towards the end that could be foundations for magical action/romance arcs without veering away from the underdog premise.
I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator to have a good variety of voices and a pleasing speaking voice. The editing was a bit hit and miss though but none of it was enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story though.
I look forward to more from this author.
January 23, 2026
Applied Leverage by Aaron Sher is a witty urban fantasy set in present-day Boston. Magical people live beside mundane people, carrying on with their everyday life, but largely undetected.
The story is built around Connor Rourke, a psionic locksmith, going about his life doing his routine jobs. However, he gets in trouble with the magical people when he finds a dangerous secret (of course, while doing one of his jobs).
And this sarcastic Connor was quite relatable... irritated because his peaceful life was disturbed. I’d have been surely if I were in his situation. Also, he isn’t the saviour of the world. He gets fair help from his friend Nia and other people.
The writing is rather conversational instead of flowery, elegant Victorian, making the book easy to read. Humour has been woven throughout, within dialogues as well as monologues.
Loved how minimalistic the magic is in the book initially. Mostly because it’s kept under control by higher governing powers (just like we live normally). Even Connor’s magic is really subtle, focused on precision and technical skill rather than dramatic spellcasting.
The book has no expansive worldbuilding. Except for a secret magical society, much of it has just enough scene setups to carry on the action and adventure.
It’s fast-paced with everything moving smoothly, within realistic timelines.
However, the lock-picking scenes (although suitable) felt a bit boring. They went a tad bit finer into the details. Too technical to read through for “mundane” readers.
Applied Leverage is still a recommendation. It felt fresh and unique. Urban fantasy fans will love it. Also, this book might be the right entry point to fantasy for mystery/thriller readers.
The story is built around Connor Rourke, a psionic locksmith, going about his life doing his routine jobs. However, he gets in trouble with the magical people when he finds a dangerous secret (of course, while doing one of his jobs).
And this sarcastic Connor was quite relatable... irritated because his peaceful life was disturbed. I’d have been surely if I were in his situation. Also, he isn’t the saviour of the world. He gets fair help from his friend Nia and other people.
The writing is rather conversational instead of flowery, elegant Victorian, making the book easy to read. Humour has been woven throughout, within dialogues as well as monologues.
Loved how minimalistic the magic is in the book initially. Mostly because it’s kept under control by higher governing powers (just like we live normally). Even Connor’s magic is really subtle, focused on precision and technical skill rather than dramatic spellcasting.
The book has no expansive worldbuilding. Except for a secret magical society, much of it has just enough scene setups to carry on the action and adventure.
It’s fast-paced with everything moving smoothly, within realistic timelines.
However, the lock-picking scenes (although suitable) felt a bit boring. They went a tad bit finer into the details. Too technical to read through for “mundane” readers.
Applied Leverage is still a recommendation. It felt fresh and unique. Urban fantasy fans will love it. Also, this book might be the right entry point to fantasy for mystery/thriller readers.
January 13, 2025
Received an audio copy from the narrator to review, this is and honest review. Brandon James Peterson does a great job in elevating author Aaron Sher's witty humor that's threaded throughout this urban fantasy into a glorious adventure that was excellent to listen to. It suppose was to be a quiet evening in a bar that only those with supernatural abilities know about; for Connor Rourke being entertained by some Mages playing with fire as they drink will very amusing after he finds himself roped into from what seemed like a simple job. It turns into an absolute, fucking shitshow that puts Connor's life in constant peril it leaves his head spinning... if he was doing it all alone is one thing but how other women are just on deep as he is- and Connor would be an asshole of he didn't do all he can to protect him, his allies and friends and innocent people that could be collateral damage if one powerful Mage's bat shit crazy plan is achieved.
Hopefully once the dust settles, Connor can get back to bring a simple supernatural lock smith and not getting shot at... or anything else dangerous.
A great series is just getting started.
Highly recommended.
Hopefully once the dust settles, Connor can get back to bring a simple supernatural lock smith and not getting shot at... or anything else dangerous.
A great series is just getting started.
Highly recommended.
July 16, 2024
I just finished the book "Applied Leverage" by Aaron Sher.
I absolutely loved this book.
The story is set in the modern day, but behind the ordinary world there is another, secret(ish) world of magic, with Mages and other magic users who still live in the real world.
Our hero is a self-effacing, sardonic young man who unwittingly becomes the target of multiple bad magic users for having come into contact with a powerful magic item. He's low on the totem-pole as magic users go, but he enlists the help of a friend who's former military to help him. Soon they are on the run, but also trying to figure out why the heck magical assassins are after him.
It's a fun ride with lots of interesting takes on a magical world.
This is Aaron's first novel, but it does not suffer from the errors and roughness of many new writers. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
If you have Amazon Prime, you can get the Kindle version for free.
I absolutely loved this book.
The story is set in the modern day, but behind the ordinary world there is another, secret(ish) world of magic, with Mages and other magic users who still live in the real world.
Our hero is a self-effacing, sardonic young man who unwittingly becomes the target of multiple bad magic users for having come into contact with a powerful magic item. He's low on the totem-pole as magic users go, but he enlists the help of a friend who's former military to help him. Soon they are on the run, but also trying to figure out why the heck magical assassins are after him.
It's a fun ride with lots of interesting takes on a magical world.
This is Aaron's first novel, but it does not suffer from the errors and roughness of many new writers. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
If you have Amazon Prime, you can get the Kindle version for free.
July 4, 2025
This is an urban fantasy like none I've read before - kind of take a mild HP vibe (hidden magical world alongside our own) but it's more integrated and grown up. Mages live among us, but the magical community tries to keep it on the down-low with their own hangouts. Not everyone can be a mage though, you need to have the inate ability to access magic, and not all magic users are created equal. Connor is a psi, someone with a touch of psionic magic but not enough to be a full-blown mage. He works as a locksmith, and he's damn good at his job, but when a job opening a safe goes sideways on him, he's drawn into a mage conflict way over his head. It reads sort of like The Martian, with a relatable narrator and a conversational tone, and it's a fun and wild ride from start to finish. I love the world building! I also listened to the audiobook, and the narrator has a Mike Rowe vibe that was perfect for this book.
July 17, 2025
Beginning of the story, Applied Leverage, I was struck with fascination as we noticed Conner (MMC, telekinetic, and locksmith) in his comfortable environment.
You get a sense for the book in terms of the different types of supernatural elements of the book.
The opening scenes were particularly fun. You casually get to see mages playing in a bar, a fight, and a compelling friend who despite a lack of supernatural abilities is talented & loyal.
It was full of action, loyalty, surprise, survival, heists. If you're looking for something in a modern environment with supernatural abilities and one of those on the run situations... This is one that might be for you. Especially if you're a sucker for having telepathic or telekinetic abilities in books.
Overall a wonderful read.
You get a sense for the book in terms of the different types of supernatural elements of the book.
The opening scenes were particularly fun. You casually get to see mages playing in a bar, a fight, and a compelling friend who despite a lack of supernatural abilities is talented & loyal.
It was full of action, loyalty, surprise, survival, heists. If you're looking for something in a modern environment with supernatural abilities and one of those on the run situations... This is one that might be for you. Especially if you're a sucker for having telepathic or telekinetic abilities in books.
Overall a wonderful read.
February 7, 2026
Action packed!
This book was so action packed! I found myself furious with one of the characters and feeling terrible for the ones who just couldn't catch a break. The wrap up is very short (which I honestly prefer anyway) and it was all in all quite a good book! I couldn't help but feel an almost "Harry Potter" vibe but that's likely because Harry Potter is A) a series I love and B) one of the very few (and first) magical worlds I've explored in reading. You will always compare to your first 😉
it's not a super chonky book and still somehow manages to have a LOT happen with very good descriptions. I was quite impressed with this book. Plus it's a book I would feel comfortable having my (teen) daughter read and we can chat about it!
This book was so action packed! I found myself furious with one of the characters and feeling terrible for the ones who just couldn't catch a break. The wrap up is very short (which I honestly prefer anyway) and it was all in all quite a good book! I couldn't help but feel an almost "Harry Potter" vibe but that's likely because Harry Potter is A) a series I love and B) one of the very few (and first) magical worlds I've explored in reading. You will always compare to your first 😉
it's not a super chonky book and still somehow manages to have a LOT happen with very good descriptions. I was quite impressed with this book. Plus it's a book I would feel comfortable having my (teen) daughter read and we can chat about it!
November 11, 2025
Grabs you and doesn't let go.
I was glad that this book grabbed me because I had tried quite a few books that didn't. It's a different kind of urban fantasy, Dresedenequse, but different enough to be interesting. The only bad thing was that it was so short I finished it in one setting. Looking forward to the sequel.
I was glad that this book grabbed me because I had tried quite a few books that didn't. It's a different kind of urban fantasy, Dresedenequse, but different enough to be interesting. The only bad thing was that it was so short I finished it in one setting. Looking forward to the sequel.
August 13, 2025
Not bad but bland. There was never an actual climax, just a mildly interesting MC. I can't really see where this would go.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews