Hexomancy

Ree Reyes #3

by Michael R. Underwood

Fan-favorite urban fantasista Ree Reyes and her crew of Geekomancers—humans that derive supernatural powers from pop culture—take on their biggest foes yet in this fourth book of the Geekomancy series.

When Ree’s long time nemesis Lucretia is finally brought to trial and found guilty for the deadly attack on Grognard’s, the Geekomancer community breathes a collective sigh of relief. But Ree and her crew soon discover that Lucretia has three very angry, very dangerous sisters who won’t rest until Eastwood—a fellow Geekomancer—is killed.

What follows is an adventure packed with epic battles, a bit of romance, and enough geeky W00t moments to fill your monthly quota of adventure and fun.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Steampunk, Magic, Humor, Fiction, Contemporary

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2015

About the author

Support Mike's writing at https://www.patreon.com/michaelrunder...

Mike's books include:

Genrenauts - a r/Fantasy Stabby Award-finalist science fiction adventure series in novellas. A group of storytellers travel between dimensions to the worlds where genres live to fix broken stories. Starts with The Shootout Solution. Collections available: Genrenauts - The Complete Season One

The Ree Reyes urban fantasy series (Geekomancy, Celebromancy, Attack the Geek, Hexomancy) about magicians who channel the power of popular culture. Starts with Geekomancy.

Born to the Blade, a political action fantasy about duelist diplomats vying for their nation's interests in a world on the brink of war. Co-written with Marie Brennan, Malka Older, and Cassandra Khaw for Serial Box Publishing. Collections available: Born to the Blade Season One.

Shield and Crocus, a superheroes-meets-epic fantasy novel where an aging revolutionary makes a deal with his most deadly foe to turn the tide of a fifty-year-long fight to free his city.

The Younger Gods, a supernatural thriller starring the white-sheep member of a family of demon-worshippers as he tries to stop his big sister from ending the world.

Mike started telling stories when he learned to talk and hasn't seen a reason to stop yet. He grew up playing video games, CCGs, RPGs, and many other delightful games with acronyms. As a teenager, the friendly local game store was his home away from home, and the site of his apprenticeship in geekdom.

Mike earned a B.A. in Creative Mythology and in East Asian Studies from Indiana University, and a M.A. in Folklore Studies from the University of Oregon. Basically, destined to be a novelist. He is also a graduate of the 2007 Clarion West Writers Workshop.

Properly equipped with lots of ways to develop story ideas, Mike has been a barista, a bear builder, a sales representative, and the North American Sales & Marketing Manager for Angry Robot Books.

Mike lives with his wife and their dog in Baltimore, MD.

Reviews

[Michael Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Ree Reyes novel, released 2015. Hexomancy follows up directly on the events from Attack the Geek.

Full of more geeky magic, pop culture references, pizza, and some romance. :)

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, I'm able to wolf down my fix of one of the most interesting Urban Fantasies to come along in a while, and do it with a smile and well before the actual publish date. Am I squeeing? Yes, yes I am. I feel like I just got a powerup on nostalgia, just like Ree, and my geek is ON.

There's nothing quite like this series. The rules are well defined, the characters are interesting, and the utter truckload of geeky nostalgia plows through me like the power of the dark side. Or is that Hexomancy? Hmm.

For those who have read the first two novels and the novella that sets the stage for this one, kudos. You've got all the props and the asshattery of a certain Eastwood under wraps. If you're just missing the novella, then you're asking yourself why the Strega (luck magic witches) are cursing him out and destroying Grognack's cool geek bar in the process, demanding that he die for crimes that haven't been committed yet. Can anyone not see this foreshadowing? No? Okay. No problem.

Now we enter in to this novel, resplendent in magic right out of WoD Mage: Ascension mage class designed to find and exploit weak spots in people, buildings, tools and generally being practically unstoppable. Pit these greek fates against the great wall of geek, and we've got a delightful action tale with excellent pacing, character development, and a truckload of geeky references. We even get the hint of a better question as to the previous novella's foreshadowing. It's very solid.

My only complaint is that the geeky nostalgia is headed too much into the huge franchise land. It's fine to use the MCU/DC, Star Wars, Star Trek, Magic: The Gathering, and wonderful Buffy, but what I really want is a bit of the deeper geek. You know, more Doctor Who than just the psychic paper. A real exploration of the badassery of the Leverage characters, or, especially, an all out geekfest of cyberpunk. Mr. Underwood has definitely played upon all of these already, to be sure, but here's my problem:

I WANT MORE. Like ravenous beast with a maw like a caldera, I want to consume an endless supply of these novels.

That being said, I loved the character developments, the new potentials for great mischief, and Drake. He's like a door to another universe just walking around and being extra polite to everyone. Fun stuff.

I totally recommend this, dude, but please, do me a favor and be sure you've read the others. It will stand up on its own, but only technically. The joys are really in the backstory and development.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fourth installment of the series featuring Geekomancer Ree Reyes and her merry band of social misfits. Returning are her mentor Eastwood, her boss Grognard, her crush Drake, and her girlfriends -- one of which (drama alert) is dating Drake. The story starts with a bang, pitting Ree in an online duel with Lucretia, the antagonist of the previous novella, Attack the Geek. While not required reading, I'd highly recommend reading the novella first, if not the entire series, to better clarify the overarching plot and its main players.

From there, the pace bogs down a bit in the second act, with relationship melodrama regarding Ree's friend and Drake, and Ree's feelings toward Drake, etc., that I could have done without, but it picks back up for the third act. The climax brings closure to the series, resolving a lot of lingering plot threads from as far back as the beginning of the first book, Geekomancy. While this series may not end as a trilogy, this book functions as an end to its first trilogy -- although technically there are currently three novels and a novella.

This series is basically urban fantasy geek candy, with brisk action and tons of nods and references -- steampunk, epic fantasy, comic book, space opera, cyberpunk, and more. While most won't get all the references, as I am sure I didn't, all geeks will get a good amount of them. And like Ernest Cline's Ready Player One, that is a good part of the fun.

Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*My Thoughts*

Hexomancy is author Michael R. Underwood's third novel in the Ree Reyes series. Hexomancy follows up directly after the events from Attack the Geek. Ree is a Geekomancer, or, one who draws powers from Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror in order to gain her powers. She's a pretty powerful Geekomancer in that she understands how to use Genre emulation to her benefit. She has pretty much named herself as protector of Pearson's which puts her on the front lines of everything that threatens her friends.

*Full Review Posting 12/10/2015*

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...

*Recvd 06/29/2015 via NetGalley* Published: September 14th 2015 by Pocket Star

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a way, the Ree Reyes books are somewhat critic-proof at this point. It's a geek's dream, an excuse to pile as much fandom into its pages as possible while still being a fun, compelling read, and what it does just works. It doesn't turn me off, it might turn off other readers, but that's fine.

Hexomancy feels like a good addition to the excellent novella from about a year ago, where it follows up what happened with the massive attack and then raises the stakes. The result is a book that's maybe a little darker, and perhaps less fun on a whole than Celebromancy, but that's more than okay - it's just evolving a bit and the meat of it still works.

Overall, if you've enjoyed the series up until now, this is not going to change your mind. It's a solid read with a light touch, and the spot-the-references fun is what keeps this series sustained in the long run.

[Tom Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ree's best story yet.

I said in my review of the first book (Geekomancy) that I'm squarely in the target audience of these books, and that hasn't changed. Geek-culture-focused magic stories couldn't be better suited to my taste. That said, these books just keep getting better. Their progression puts me in mind of the Dresden Files. Book 1 is a solid entry that sets the scene and tells a good story, but as the series goes on the characters become more developed, their relationships and personalities are explored more deeply, and the stories themselves grow stronger because of that.

This books ends the first arc of Ree's story, and I can't wait for the next arc to begin. Keep writing, Mr. Underwood, and we'll keep reading. It's a deal.

[Frankie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way to close a series arc and open another one. Underwood pulled a fast one on me, it was all fun and games in the beginning then I found myself making a very ugly, sad face! This is my favorite in the series so far, cant wait for more -mancy!

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
So, here we are with the third Ree Reyes novel, the 4th adventure for her, and the end of her first character arc (although the only way really know this now is that Underwood keeps saying it -- I doubt I'd have been confident enough to say that until the beginning of her next novel/novella), and what a ride we've been on so far. Geekomancy was just ridiculously fun -- the style, the voice, the magic system pushed just about every one of my buttons. In retrospect, it wasn't a great novel, but it was so fun that all the weaknesses can be easily overlooked. Celebromancy was a better novel -- as far as construction, character, etc. goes, but wasn't nearly as fun and entertaining. Attack the Geek was action-packed, pretty fun, but (as it was designed to be) not much else. Hexomancy combines all the pluses from the first three, and smashes them together into the best novel Underwood's given us so far.

In retaliation for the defeat of their sister in Attack, and the resulting consequences that begin this novel -- three Strega are coming to town to get their vengeance on. Their target is primarily Eastwood, who is mentor, unnecessary father-figure, and foil (depending on the day) to our new UF hero, but since Ree was integral to Lucretia's defeat, she's not exactly safe either. They'll be coming to town at regular intervals, each one more powerful and deadlier than the last. Like bosses at the end of levels on a video game. You can argue that this part is either hokey, or perfectly fitting to this world, but that's the way it's set up (the latter is the correct answer).

And, these Strega are no joke -- nasty, powerful and brutal. Eastwood, Drake and Ree (and the occasional other ally) are pushed to their limits when they take them on -- physical, creative and moral -- like their videogame counterparts (as I understand it, mostly from watching my sons).

Between these boss battles, Ree and the rest recover, level up, and whatnot (I can only pay so much attention to what my sons do, can't keep the metaphor going). Ree spends time with her friends, in the rebuilt Grognard's, and in a little romance.

Drake is one of those characters that I think deserves his own post, if I could only find the time. Better yet, he deserves his own stories -- either prequels off in his own world, or some running concurrently to this series. His humor, his bravery, his nobility, his heart -- not to mention his cool steampunk tools and weapons, -- basically he's the whole package. Really, most people would consider building a series around him, not have him as a sidekick. But he works well in the role.

We didn't get nearly enough of Ree's dad this time -- her chats with him were a highlight of the last two novels (although, to be honest, when she did talk to him I had one of those "Oh, right, she does this" moments).

Ree and her friends have to be about the most healthy and well-adjusted groups of fictional characters I've ever encountered -- people like this may exist in Real Life, but not in fiction. It's like they've spent years in group therapy before this. Which is not a bad thing -- in fact, it's pretty refreshing. But that doesn't keep it from being weird when they react in mature, reasonable manners to various and sundry challenges presented in this novel. If I wasn't afraid it'd make me seem like a cad, I'd say the magic is easier to believe than they are.*

What about Ree herself? She's grown into her roll protecting her city, scratching by, keeping her sanity intact (mostly). She's grown plenty over these four adventures and you can see the results everywhere -- thankfully, she's still as full of snark and verve now as she was when we first meet her. Just a bit wiser, packing a few more XP, and more sure of herself. She barely references her writing now, which is a shame -- but hey, her plate's pretty full.

In his Acknowledgments, Underwood states, "If you keep reading them, I'll keep writing them". Sounds like a good deal. I'm in. Keep 'em coming, Mike!

[Joe Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Underwood scores full points for a perfect hit with Hexomancy, drawing (at least the first cycle) of the Ree Reyes series (which include Geekomancy and Celebromancy along with the novella, Attack the Geek) to a full-on fun while satisfying ending. You know those episode-ending scenes around the table of Serenity from Firefly? There is a sense of camaraderie, coming home with people and life seeming to fit (even with chaos around the corner). That’s what Hexomancy is for me. Mr. Underwood seems more comfortable and confident within his writing skin. While the series started out as a fun, light, albeit cool, geeked-out, pop-culture fueled adventure novel, it continued to grow to a full-fledged adventure series driven as much by the characters who people the stories as the geek references. So while the impetus of the series was superpowers based on geekiness (and what geek doesn’t dream of that world), it grew into a series where world-building became more of the stage on which the characters act and their relationships wax and wane. That’s not to say his characters, their relationships or the storyline were subservient to world building before, it’s just that the underground world needed focus. His pacing, dialog, and descriptions have slipped over the top to spot on with an inherent sense of authenticity. In this artificial world, there is no artifice. Also, there’s the not-wanting-to-put-it-down because it’s so much fun. If I didn’t have to pretend to some responsibility and family life, I would have read it in one sitting; as it was, I read it in two days.

Full disclosure, I received an advanced review copy of this novel from Netgalley for an honest review; it's scheduled for release September 14, 2015.

For full review: http://wp.me/p2XCwQ-1c5

[Puddlyduck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hexomancy is another fantastically geek instalment in Underwood's Ree Reyes series. This book is a winning combination of witty comebacks, geeky nostalgia, swoon-worthy romantic moments and quirky characters.

The book progresses as if Ree was in a series of boss battles. Each enemy that comes after Ree's mentor Eastwood, is bigger and badder than the one before. I loved the nod to Greek mythology too - the Fates aren't a trio I'd care to go up against!

In addition to this interesting premise, Ree herself is bigger and badder than ever. She's more secure in the little niche she's carved into the magical society. Happy to rely on her allies, and for them to rely on her. As the book progresses, it gets increasingly clear how much Ree has grown over the series. Additionally with each book, every character is developed further and further. Underwood FTW!

And that's not the only thing that has progressed! Ree and Drake finally take the next step in their friendship and it's just as romantic and fun as any fan could hope for.

Fancy your UF with spatters of romance, humour and dollops of geekery? Pick up Hexomancy!


Disclaimer: I received this book from netgalley.

[Αταλάντη Ευριπίδου · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, allow me once more to say how thoroughly I enjoy these books. I am a geek through and through, my friends are geeks, even some of my favourite writers, actors and directors are geeks. Moving on to the novel itself, I didn't find it as good as Celebromancy, partly because it felt rushed. This could have easily been a trilogy of novellas; instead, we got all this plot - which could have been great if complimented with really interesting and deep antagonists - crammed into one single novel. And, frankly, the Stregas didn't really feel like actual characters most of the time. I get that they were pawns in a bigger game but, still, some flavour would have helped. That said, I admit I was expecting the revelation about Atropos but I did like the ending, as well as the idea of the Wild Wild Web and the Cowboys etc. The growing romance between Ree and Drake was great as well, the two of them have really good chemistry. And I literally squeed in joy when Abney Park were mentioned. Now, all that remains is a mention in the next novel of the cult RPG classics, The Gamers and The Gamers: Dorkness Rising and I shall die a happy geek.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got lucky and received an eARC of this title. I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous two novels and the novella in this series, and this third novel is no exception. Underwood delivers a delightful romp through all your favorite geekdoms, and additionally suggests some you might want to check out after you finish the story. Thankfully, all this referencing doesn't take away from the action of the story at hand. Ree and Co. are splendid, complex characters with their own motivations and drives, some of which you like and some you despise, but they are all real people, not caricatures.

Even if you're not a card-carrying geek (though to be honest, despite how it may seem from the outside, there's no test to certify you as a "true geek"), I think the characters are compelling enough to make you enjoy the story. Just think of them as that friend that gushes about some show or book you've never heard of, but you like them and so you're happy that they're happy.

[S.W. Sondheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Underwood's Ree Reyes novels greatly and Hexomancy is the best of the series thus far. With the characters established, Underwood has, and takes, the opportunity to play in the marvelous, varied, deliciously geeky world he has created and he does so with aplomb. Ree continues to amaze and enthrall and the supporting characters, from Eastwood to Grognard to Drake to Anya to Priya and beyond, are almost too much fun (in the sense of staying up far to late to hang out with them). If you have even the slightest bit of geek about you, and you wear that badge with pride, you should be reading this series.
Do it. Do it now.
Happy Geeking.

[Peter Tieryas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The fight against the trio of villains forms the backdrop in this delightful menage a trois of fantasy, science fiction, and gaming at their best. It’s almost as though the favorite parts of everything pop culture you love is intertwined in a thrilling brew that is as unrelenting in its pace as it is witty."

http://www.examiner.com/article/5-fan...

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ree takes several steps forward in Hexomancy when she comes to Eastwoods rescue more than once. She also gains a partner in many ways when she and drake finally start going together. But the big reveal in the last few chapters really blows her Geekomancy world open. The fight in Spirit and the ending provides a foundation for further adventures. Do read and enjoy the adventure!

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underwood's Ree Reyes urban fantasy series is a fun and fast read, perfect for airplane trips! This latest book has Ree face-off against a series of increasingly nasty Stregas, all while juggling her dislike of Eastwood (the reason for the Stregas). The geek references made me giggle throughout... I mean, it even mentions the famous Vir wave from Babylon 5.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This review was originally written for Bitten By Books****

Following the devastating attack at Grognard’s Grog and Games, Ree Reyes and her fellow Geekomancer compatriots are finally having their day in Pearson’s magical equivalent of court. Lucretia is found guilty but Ree, Eastwood, and the rest of the community soon learn that there are far worse enemies to face. An interesting twist on the Greek Fates brings around Lucretia’s three sisters- all well versed in the art of Hexomancy and all gunning for Eastwood. It is up to Ree to protect her town and her mentor-even if she does not agree with Eastwood all the time.

It will take all Ree has and then some to survive the coming battles-but she has learned much, has a dedicated crew backing her up, and all the Geek know how a girl could want.

By far Ree’s most interesting adventure-Hexomancy effectively closes this fun, playful, and unique series (while leaving more than enough room for future adventures). I highly suggest that your read the two full novels and novella prior to Hexomancy as Underwood has developed a quirky world that takes a bit of time to adjust too.

Pop culture and geek knowledge remain the language of this world and Ree is a great guide. The dialog comes at the reader a mile a minute and knowing your pop/geek culture is important to keep up with Ree. There are some pretty big ups and downs-but Ree shows growth and hutzpah- just the way a 21st century heroine should. I think Underwood evened out her character a bit which makes her more relatable and a bit more likeable if I am being honest.

The secondary characters are enjoyable and all work to make Pearson come alive. One downside of this particular novel being that Ree is very center stage and some of those side characters are not used to the fullest extent they could be. Being a romance loving sort of girl- I particularly enjoyed the movement with Drake. I think there was a balanced amount of personal stuff going on which did not take away from the main action.

The magical system is still one of the most unique I have come across in the genre and that more than anything has kept me invested in this series. The different worlds and layers to the magical system are so inventive and distinct-but I could easily imagine the world where they exist and frankly I would love to visit!

While the pacing and plotting are well handled the book felt a bit too long in the second act- but the third more than makes up for it! Action, adventure, and a twist this reviewer did not see coming close out the best installment of the Ree Reyes saga to date.

[Jacob Sindic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing the series as a whole as well as individual installments.

This is probably the strongest installment in the series to date and wraps up the first broad story arc for the series (hopefully not the last one), doing so with a more paced out, wider spanning timeline to its events than the time crunched pacing of the previous books. Doing so allows the events to breathe a bit and as events happen, the changes they bring with them are able to settle in properly. The character development has some of its stronger points here, and this installment takes the strongest stance in making its world's magic systems its own with only the most minimal reliance on real world pop culture.

The story plot itself is straightforward in premise, but the twists and developments allow for some good action and character moments to pan out, including some developmental build-up from the previous books. It all wraps nicely to close out the story arc while making it readily apparent that the author still has plans for Ree Reyes and her friends and to develop the scope and depth of the world they live in further.

I found this book long after its release and was more than pleased to find sequels to it, though only to a certain point and the author himself has stated that despite his own eagerness to continue the story and expand the world further, poor sales showing on the current books of the series have made it unfeasible to the current day. I do hope this series will continue into the future.

[Barbara Desmond · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got ARC from Net Galley.

The title got my attention and the words on the cover. I'm not sure if I realized it was third in a series before I requested it or just forgot that part. Maybe it is better if you read the series in order. I read the first two chapters and decided to put it down because I wasn't enjoying it.

I guess I felt lost because I was just thrown into this book without reading the other books in this series but I wasn't that crazy about the writing style. I'm thinking gamers would be more into this book because one thing I found annoying was the stats for each person. I could care less about that and started ignoring that.

A chick is put on trial for the deaths of other members of this community that seems to be made up of people who are able to make things from video games and movies real. I don't even care who wins the battle in the video game because nothing about this book sucked me in. The premise sounds interesting but it just fell flat for me. I'm so disappointed because I was hoping to introduce more urban fantasy into my life.

http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/hexom...

[William Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read this far in the Geekomancy series, you know what you're getting into. This one picks up right after the third story, the novella, so that is required reading as well (and who reading this isn't going to Collect Them All, really?).
Everything comes to a head in this one, and a lot of lingering questions are answered. Great to know that although this is the end of an arc, it isn't the permanent end of the series.

[Ju Transcendancing · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finally I reached the book that I set out to review in the first place! I'm not sorry though because I enjoyed the ride so very much. While the first book in this series was quite clunky, as the series and the writer developed it improved greatly - as is often the case. I'm almost always willing to forgive first-book-clunk, if the story or characters are worth it. Ree is definitely one of those characters, she's become a favourite for me and I love reading about her adventures!

Hexomancy picks up not long after the battle at Grognard's in Attack the Geek. While Lucretia is held accountable for her actions (via a rather epic duel fought by Ree), trouble soon escalates as Lucretia has sisters who keep coming to finish off Eastwood. Now, personally, I don't mind this - because I still really dislike his character. Part of how much I like Ree is that she also doesn't like him much and trusts him even less. The plot of this book is as epic as the one in Celebromancy, and that really works for the kind of magic we're talking about here - no half measures. I loved the differences in attack style between the different sisters and once again it was great to see Ree and Drake teamed together.

I'm also delighted that the romantic tension was address more directly in this book, I'm impressed at the way the breakup was handled and how Ree comes clean about her new secret life with her friends. I like their reactions too - it really came across to me as believable. Love, connection, and expectation of honesty and respect - and making amends, showing forgiveness when people mess up, recognising that inevitably, they do. It was great. Loved Drake's realisations and love the way there's still such a culture clash between Drake and Ree. This book spans much more time than the previous ones - months, almost a year as opposed to a few days or weeks and so it was nice to see the way Ree and Drake's relationship developed over this time as well as how they were working to beat the sisters.

I appreciated the way the end game became cyber, from Eastwood's old life. I am also pretty impressed with how one of the long story threads was incorporated into the is book arc and was resolved. The demon was back and was defeated, but not without a price - but it's also one that makes sense and is one I like given the rest of what has come before in the story. Eastwood redeems himself here (but I still don't like him).

Ree grows as a character, so does Drake. Grognard opens up more and the whole universe just becomes so much more like an old friend. This is not a standalone book, it benefits from being read as a series and I'm glad I decided to grab the books via Google Books to read them before reviewing book 3. The writing and voice in this book is much more confident, much smoother. I still really enjoy all the pop culture references - and I really like that Ree is developing her style of geekomancy with the media and power ups that she finds most useful - and I love that they're the in between ones for maximal effect and not about showing off for the sake of it.

This is a great urban fantasy series, especially if you enjoy geek humour - I would suggest that you don't have to get all the in-jokes or references to appreciate it, but that might be just me. If that kind of thing does bother you, this might not be for you. This book, this series was epic, awesome, fluffy, entertaining and satisfying on both story and character levels. I also really liked the covers, they look like how I'd imagine Ree to look and she's not dressed or posed in ways that make me angry - she looks like a hero, my kind of hero.

(Review from main review at my blog The Conversationalist)

[Paul Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Netgalley before final release.

Hexomancy is the fourth part to the Ree Reyes Geekomancy story which includes 3 novels and a action packed novella and it is also a concluding arc in the series.

I have enjoyed the series for what it was to me, pure joyful cheesiness on crackers make from the love of all things pop culture and geeky and in reviewing this I do so in the context of what the book is,this is what happens when you mix modern urban fantasy with Ernest Cline's sensibilities. A comic book love letter to what made so many of us who we are.

Growing up geek was once a difficult thing to do. I played high school sports and loved football and hockey but at home I loved Marvel comics, video games, books, Star Wars and old Godzilla movies but I kept that much quieter that my athletic interests. Well Geek culture is now popular culture and dominating media and living rooms around the globe. The Ree Reyes books are about the art of Geekomancy the ability to tap the love of pop culture and all things geeky for what might as well be called super powers.

Hexomancy Picks up after Ree Reyes has become a more skilled and confident Geekomancer and a prominent member of it's society. After the events of the Attack the Geek novella the culprit is on trial and facing the wrath of her peers but all is not over when the trial ends and Ree Reyes and her friends will have to survive the vengeance the next year will bring while balancing lives and relationships that are constantly in the crossfire

My favorite parts of this and all the books in the series (besides the geeky goodness) are Ree's internal dialogue, which amused me to no end and Grognard's Grog and Games which is pretty Much Spider Robinson's Bar Callahan's if it was full of gamers and cos-players, and light sabers and magic and ...you get the idea. These books are perfect for the kind of people who are willing to sit around and argue with your friends about who would win a sword fight; Luke Skywalker or the Dread Pirate Roberts. Or the people who Search you tube for, and sing along with, geeky parodies of their fandoms by team Unicorn and the like. I would recommend it for fans of Ernest Cline, Red Shirts, The Magic Ex Libris series, Comic books, or any fun light hearted romps though geek culture.

For the Parents:
Violence: PG-13. Nothing graphic or over the top, Comic Book style
Sex: PG-13. Nothing overt or graphic just hinted and winked at.
Language: Some bad language including the F word but not to any extremes.
Intensity: Nothing here that would traumatize the kids. Its not taken too dark or intense but its also not so light as to alienate adults.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hexomancy concludes the events that started in the previous entry in the Geekomancy series, 'Attack The Geek' as well as the first arc in the (hopefully!) larger series overall. For those of you who have not read the series, it's the story of Rhiannon Anna Maria Reyes, or "Ree" who discovers that she has magic powers granted by watching, reading or otherwise consuming geek media. If she watches a Spider Man movie, she can crawl on walls, for example. The first book 'Geekomancy' introduces the reader to this world and its rules while introducing the cast of supporting characters and setting up conflicts, both immediate and larger.

First and foremost, these books are FUN! Michael Underwood wears his geek cred on his sleeve, much like Ernest Cline who wrote Ready Player One and Armada. However, instead of just dropping geek references, he weaves our shared love of all these properties, characters and culture into the fabric of the engine which drives Ree's powers. Lightsabers are fueled not by crystals but by the world's collective love of Star Wars. The characters speak in geek, mixing in quotes and phrases from Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars and so on, without explaining where everything is from. Now, if you're not familiar with the references, that can be a little befuddling - I know I missed a reference or two, mostly because I don't play CCGs, but you don't need to know that Psychic Paper is from Doctor Who to enjoy these books. The action sequences are exciting, it's easy to get attached to the characters and things don't always happen the way you expect, even if he does fall into sticking too close to some classic tropes.

'Hexomancy' is structured differently than the previous novels. While the first two-and-a-half books told their stories in a very linear fashion, 'Hexomancy' jumps months at a time. To clarify, this doesn't mean time travel, but the nature of the conflict ties to the seasons, so more time elapses during this book. The challenges Ree and her friends face are ever-escalating, like boss battles that increase in difficulty. I was concerned that some plot points that have been hanging since the first book would be unresolved but Underwood resolves almost all the major conflicts while leaving himself options to take the series forward. I'm very much looking forward to the next book and the next arc!

Full disclosure- I was given the opportunity to read this book for free via Netgalley. This did not influence me to give it a positive review in any way - I genuinely enjoyed this book!

[Ido · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was actually quite disappointed about this book.
It was so... shallow?
It has the plot complexity of a standard hollywoodic movie, with all the clichés needed in order to get to the expected ending.
Sort of spoiler: when reading the first two books, there were certain plot points that I was certain will arrive at some point ("guns in the first act").
I'm OK with that.
I'm not OK when said "guns" are fired one after the other just to get them out of the way, and mostly in a way that feels very forced such as "oh gosh. she was attacked by something unnatural. now I must tell everyone about my geekomancy and can't keep it a secret from anyone because reasons, even though she doesn't remember the attack" .

Another thing I didn't like was that the book moved away from its geekiness. It feels like the author feels he established the geek-baseline for the world, and he doesn't need to introduce new stuff. Ray no longer explains her magic or encounters new interesting types of magics (which was a big part of the fun in the previous books) - so all we're left with is a super-hero with a light saber and a few other superpowers, which might be based in some (very known) geek culture, but it no longer feels like a major part of the story.

The writing itself is nice. Some of the fights are cool (but less cooler than those from the previous books). I like the characters. I enjoyed reading it.
If someone liked the series, they should read it in order to finish the story. But it just does holds up to the standards set by the first books in the series.

[MaryB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you read any of these yet? Another series you really need to check out, urban fantasy fans! While you can actually read them separately, it's more fun to start at the beginning, when Ree discovers that there's something different about her and that there's a whole magical underground. A magical underground that not only hosts the "typical" magic types but those who use geek powers (got vintage Star Wars sheets? Use them to boost your magical mojo and bind your opponents!), can hex people, and use star power to boost their abilities. Underwood certainly has a way of spinning a fast-paced, funny story filled to the brim with geek facts (I have to admit that I knew a lot of the things he referenced but definitely not everything). This third installment sees Ree nearly jobless, as her job at the underground bar where she works is still rebuilding after a massive magical attack. Too bad she doesn't get paid for using her mojo, poor girl. Secrets are revealed, trouble is brewing...it just never ends for a girl with a stack of Magic: The Gathering cards.

[Kevin Hjelden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this installment was a much stronger book than the first two (and a half). The rules of the world had been pretty firmly established, and much fewer situations were solved by ridiculous things (deus ex machina if I'm using words I heard on the internets). I like how this one had a larger structure to the narrative, with the book separated into seasons. Without saying too much, I also liked that some of the elements that are in the later part of the book are introduced in the beginning of the book, instead of just flinging them on. My biggest complaint about the previous ones was seemingly making rules up as it went, and this one doesn't have that problem. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I liked this book.

[Blaine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book since it first came out last year. I have been delaying reading it because I love Ree Reyes' universe and knowing I have a new adventure of hers to read keeps my anticipatory excitement level high. I stretched it out as long as I could, but I had to join the Geeks on this trip. I was not disappointed in the least. I have read each of Ree's stories and this the best! Full of surprises and excitement and just enough familiarity to make one feel as if one is part of the group. I love Michael Underwood's writing style and I look forward to joining Ree and the gang in the future. Meanwhile, I'm ecstatic over the Genrenauts stories by the same author.

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ree Reyes is back after being nearly killed. Ree who can watch an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and then have Buffy’s powers for a short time or watch part of one of the Spiderman movies and then crawl up a wall, stopped Lucretia from killing her friend Eastwood. At her trial with the local geekdom, Lucretia request trial-by combat, which, of course, takes place inside a video game. By Lucretia’s friends, each with the power of Hexomancy (ebook from Simon and Schuster) and named for the three fates, attack Eastwood every solstice. Michael R. Underwood sets the final fight, Tron like, inside the modern web. Lots of fun and even some romance as usual.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely for the geeks. lol I was a little lost by this book at first because I have not read the other books in this series. I think I was a bit confused but once I got into this book it was good. I enjoyed the author's take on things. The story line was good. I think for me it was a cross between Harry Potter and Revenge of the Nerds a little bit. I think Ree is a good character and has great people/characters in her crew to help her though the tough times. * I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Michael Melilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another epic installment to the Geekomancy series. I honestly can't get enough of the world/characters that Underwood has created and the only down side to this book is that there's not another one out yet. If pop culture or the love of story runs in your veins even a little bit, then this series is well worth your time. And Hexomancy is a fantastic addition.

Plus, chances are you'll read about some book, movie, TV series or game you've never experienced and find a brand new obsession!